Grundy County, Illinois - Thk Part of Biography Ix General History, 1914 (part 1 of 11)

Thk Part of Biography Ix General History

The verdict of mankind lias awarded to the Muse of History the highest place among the Classic Nine. The extent of her office, however, appears to be, by many minds, but imperfectly understood. The task of the historian is comprehensive ami exacting. True history reaches beyond the doings of court or ramp, beyond the issue of battles or the effects of treaties, and records the trials ami the triumphs, the failures and the successes of the men who make history. It is but an imperfect conception of the philosophy of events that fails to accord i<> portraiture and biography its rightful position as a part - and no unimportant part -of historic narrative. Behind ami beneath the activities of outward life the motive power lies out of siirht. just as the furnace tires that work the piston and keep the ponderous screw revolving down in the darkness of the hold. So. the impulsive power which shapes the course of communities may be found in the moulding influences which form its citizens.

It is no mere idle curiosity that prompts men to wish to learn the private, as well as the public, lives of their fellows. Rather is it true that such desire tends to prove universal brotherhood; and the interest in personality and biography is not confined to men of any particular caste or vocation.

The list of those, to whose lot it falls to play a conspicuous part in the great drama of life, is comparatively short; yet communities are made up of individuals, and the aggregate of achievements - no less than the sum total of human happiness - is made up of the deeds of those men and women whose primary aim. through life, is faithfully to perform the duty that comes nearest to hand. Individual influences upon human affairs will he considered potent or insignificant, according to the standpoint from which it is viewed. To him who, standing upon the seashore, notes the ebb and flow of the tides and listens to the sullen roar of the waves, as they break upon the beach in seething foam. seemingly chafing at their limitations, the ocean appears so vast as to need no tributaries, Yet, without the smallest rill that helps to swell the

"Father of Waters," the mighty torrent of the Mississippi would he lessened, ami the beneficent influence of the Gulf Stream diminished. Countless streams, currents and counter currents - sometimes mingling, sometimes counteracting each other -collectively combine to give motion to the accumulated mass of waters. So is it - and so must it ever he - in the ocean of human action, which is formed by the blending and repulsion of currents of thought, of influence and of life, yet mi. re numerous and more tortuous than those which form the "fountains of the deep." 'Phe acts ami characters of men, like the several faces that compose a composite picture, are wrought together into a compact or heterogeneous whole History is condensed biography; "Biography is History teaching by example."

It is both interesting and instructive to rise above the generalization of history and trace, in the personality and careers of the men from whom it sprang, the principles and influences, the impulses and ambitions, the labors, struggles and triumphs that engross their lives.

Here are recorded the careers and achievements of pioneers who. "when the fullness of time had come," came from widely separated sources, some from beyond the sea. impelled by divers motives, little conscious of the import; of their acts, and hut dimly anticipating the harvest which would spring from the sowing. They built their primitive homes, toiling for a present subsistence while laying the foundations of private fortunes and future advancement.

Most of these have passed away, but not before they beheld a development of business and population surpassing the wildest dreams of fancy or expectation. A few yet remain whose year's have passed the allotted three-score and ten. and who love to recount, amons the cherished memories of their lives, their reminiscences of early days.

AARRESTAD, Rev. Torleif. - To those who come to this land from Norway, it is a gratifying fact that it is possible for them to listen to religious teachings in their own tongue. However strange the new home may be, if on Sunday they can gather in a church and he ministered to by one of their faith and nationality. they are content with their lot in life. Cue of tbc men whose life has been spent in providing .Morris, 111., later settlim: on a farm of eighty religious instruction for those of his own people acres in Vienna Township, which the father is the Rev. Torleif Aarrestad of Morris, lie developed from raw prairie into valuable hind. was born at Thime, Jederen, Norway, April 12, His death occurred January "1. 1SG0, hut the 1SG0, a son of forger and Serina (Undein) mother survived him until December 2f>, 1900. Aarrested. From the time he was seven years .lames Aker attended the schools of Vienna old, until lie was fourteen. Mr. Aarrestad at- Township, ami lived with his mother until bis tended the public schools of his country dis- marriage, following which he located on his trict. In October, 1S74, he was continued in present farm. This was partly improved, hut the Lutheran faith, and in 1^~1 entered the he made many changes, including the ereehigh school at Sandnes. where he spent the tion of a comfortable residence and other modwinter of 1S77-S. In August of the latter year em buildings. On July G. 1SS2, Mr. Aker was he was admitted to the teachers' seminary at married by the Rev. W. A. dimming, of Zion Christ iansand. and was graduated therefrom in Methodist Church, to Cora A. Passage, horn July, 1SS0. From January. 1SS1, until July, in Columbia County, Wis.. April 30, 1SG3, a 1SS4, he taught school at Eide and then came daughter of Joseph L. and Sarah L. (Seward) to America, where he entered Augsburg Sem- Passage. Mr. and Mrs. Aker have children as inaiy at Minneapolis, Minn., and was graduated follows: Julia Alice, who is Mrs. Clarence E. therefrom in May, 1SSS. Following this, he Dewey, of Fort Morgan, Colo.; George B.. who took a theological course, and passed his final is -Mrs. ( '. R. Winsor, of Norman Township, examination, receiving his degree in May, 1S91. who has two children, Gordon A. and Alice In June of that year he was ordained a min- II.; Mabel II.. who is Mrs. O. T. Winsor of ister during the convention of the United Nor- Norman Township, has one daughter, Dorothy; wegian Lutheran Church of America at Kenyon, Edna May. who is the wife of Will J. Trotter Minn. In July of that same year he went to of Coal City: Alta II., who is a trained nurse. Chicago, where he spent two years, and then of Morris. 111.; Ruby E., who is at home, and came to Morris, lie serves two congregations, Pearl who died in infancy. Mr. Aker lie- Bethlehem and Hange's. Since coming to Mor- longs to the Zion Methodist Church of Norman ris, Mr. Aarrestad attended the Lutheran The- Township, of which he has been a trustee sineeological Seminary at Lake View for two years. 1904, He has held several public offices, hav- For the last two years he has also served the ing been road overseer and school director for church at Seneca and Marseilles, the former a quarter of a century, and town clerk I'm two being known as the Enmians Church, and the terms. Logan Cam]) No. 1212. M. W. A., of latter, as the Emanuel Church. Mr. Aarrestad Seneca. III., holds his fraternal membership, is recognized as one of the leading men of his and lie is popular with his fellow lodge memdenomination, and lias been president of the tiers as he is with all with whom he is brought Chicago Circuit since 190G. and president of the in contact. On October 2:;. 1913, Mr. Aker Board of Trustees of the Pleasant View Luther moved to Mazon, III., where he is living re- College of Ottawa since 190G.- From 1900 to tired. 1900 he served this body as secretary. He has also held the offices of visitator and president of ALLAN, William Robert, St., one of the subfile. Chicago Circuit of the United Norwegian stantial men of Grundy County who is now re- Lutheran Church since 1000. siding at Morris, hut still looking after his agri- On June 24, 1S9G, Mr. Aarrestad was mar- cultural interests in various localities, was born ried at Morris to Barbara Olsen, horn in Nor- in New Battle Parish, Edinburg, Scotland, June way. Their children are: Thorvald, Olga and 16, 1S4S. a son of David and Elizabeth (Tel- Karl Jorhan, living, and Vilhelm. horn in 1903, ford) Allan. These parents came to Morris, who died in 190.". A scholarly man. Mi'. Aar- from Scotland, in 1SS0, and here both died. restad combines with his learning, executive William Roberi Allan received but a limited ability that has enabled him to build up his educational training for he began working in churches, and put them in a prosperous con- a brickyard at seven years of age, and in the dition. His people love him. and his influence eoal mines of his native land when only eight for good is very powerful in Grundy County. years old. In 1S70 he came to the United States.

and to Morris, and worked in the coal mines AKER, James. - That prosperity has come to until 1ST.'!, when he. with Noble Robinson, went many of the Grundy County agriculturalists is into a liquor business in this same city, connot due to luck but to a fortunate selection of tinuing in it until 18SG, when he sold to his location and insistent and intelligent working partner. In the meanwhile the partners built of the land. One of the retired farmers of a tine brick block, in 1S77. and became pros this locality who developed his property into porous. In 1SSG Mr. Allan began farming in a very valuable place is James Aker of Vienna Iroquois County, 111., but sold his farm in 1SS8, Township. He was born in Schoharie County. and conducted a restaurant at Ottawa, 111. for N. V., February !). 1S44. a son of Jeremiah eighteen months. Once more he disposed of and Julia Ann (Granny) Aker, natives of Cairo, his interests at a good figure, and bought the Greene Coui.ty. N. Y., where they were mar- Carson House,' at Morris, from his father-inried. hut later went to Schoharie County that law, who proposed retiring. Until 1903 Mr. Alsame state. Iii 1S50 these parents came to Ian conducted this popular hostelry with credit to himself ami lus city, but then sold il to confine his attention to his farming interests in Saratoga Township and in Emmet County. Iowa, having these properties rented to tenants.

On September '-'. 1S75. Mr. Allan was married to Janet Banks Patrick, born at Frostburg, Maryland, a daughter of Andrew and Jean (Sharp) Patrick, horn in Scotland. Mr. Patrick died in 1SG2, and later his widow married Thomas Carson, a hotel man of Morris, and she died September 4, 1010. Mr. and Mrs. Allan had the following children: Thomas Andrew Noble, of Joliet. ill., married Minnie Emerson, and they have two sons. William J-:, and Kenneth T. ; David Alexander, of Independence. Iowa, married Helen Hupper. and they have two children, Verne ('. and Russell II.; William Raymond, a grocer of Morris, married Anna Ik Hall, and they have two sons. Francis II. and Thomas C. ; Lillian .lane, now Mrs. William DeLane Sapp of Richmond. Va.. has one son. William DeLane; ami Roy Carson, of Morris, 111., who married Clara M. Kertz.

Mr. Allan attends the Presbyterian Church of Morris. He was elected supervisor from Morris Township in l'JOS and has served continuously for lour years. He belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery in the Masonic fraternity, is also a thirty-second degree Mason, and belongs to the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, Xo. 75, of Morris. lie has many personal friends in these organizations, all recognizing his sterling qualities. He is stockholder in the Grundy County Bank.

ALLISON, Charles David, M. D. - There is no doubt but that the medical profession is keeping pace with the wonderful twentieth century advancement, for there has been more progress in it during the past halt a century than in all the ages of the world's history prior to this period. The modern physician and surgeon is a skilled man of science, who not only ministers to the diseased, but labors to prevent sickness and aids in bringing about sanitary conditions. One of the leading member;' .\f the medical fraternity of Grundy County is Dr. Charles David Allison of South Wilmington, who has been in this community since 15)00. He was born at St. Paul, Ind., August 10. 1S71, a son of Frank and Mary (Garrett) Allison, both natives of the same place as their son. The father, who spent his active life as a farmer, is now living retired at St. Paul, Ind.. but the mother died in December, 190S.

Dr. Allison grew up in Decatur County, upon his father's farm, and went to the district schools of his neighborhood. For five years following the completion of bis courses there, he taught school in Decatur County, thereby earning sullicient money to justify his entering a medical college at Indianapolis. Ind.. from whence he was graduated in 1S9G. Following that event he located at Clark City. 111., where he remained until 1900, at which time be came to South Wilmington, where he has built up a large and nourishing practice, and received municipal recognition in being appointed health official of the place, which office he still holds.

In 1900 Or. Allison was married to Mina Apple, who was also horn in Decatur County, Ind., December '.», 1S7-4. Six children have been born of this union, namely: twins, who died in infancy: Nina; Mary: Charles ami Caroline, all of whom are at home. Or. Allison is a member of the Methodist Church. Fraternally he is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias. In politics be is a Demo rat. and takes great interest in the success of his party. A man of learning, public-spirited and enterprising, Dr. Allison is a strong factor in the life of the community where he has spent the past fourteen years.

ANDERSON, Andrew J.- -It is remarkable how readily Grundy County land responds to care bestowed upon it, and as nearly all of the agriculturalists here are men of progressive ideas who are eager to improve their property according to the latest scientific methods, there are few farms within the confines of the county which do not c-ome up to standard. One of these prosperous, modern farmers is Andrew .1. Anderson of Garfield Township. He was bom in Denmark in 1S53, a son of Jens and Anna (Hanson) Anderson. Jens Anderson was a laborer who died in 18s7 in his native land of Denmark'.

Andrew .1. Anderson attended the public schools of his native place, and until he left it he was a laborer. In 1S73 he came to the United States and first located in the vicinity of Dwight, Ilk. where he obtained employment on a farm. In 1902 he came to Grundy County, buying 152 acres in Garfield Township, and ever since has been improving the property, until he now has one of the best farms in this locality. On it he carries on general farming, ami his crops indicate that he thoroughly understands his business and knows how to make it pay him well for hi--- labor.

In 1SS4 Andrew J. Anderson married Carrie M. Hansen, also a native of Denmark, who in young womanhood came alone to the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of the following children : one who died in infancy; John, who died at the aue of fourteen years; one who died at the age of two years; Hans, who is at home: Carl, and Anna. Mr. Anderson is a Lutheran in religious faith, and in his political views is a Republican. Hardworking and thrifty, lie has steadily forged ahead and is now deservedly numbered among the leading fanners of his township.

ANDERSON, Axel, junior member of the firm of brothers operating under the name of The Anderson Lumber Company, has been an important factor in the business of Coal City for some years. He was born at Braceville. Ilk. February 5. 1ST!), a son of Frederick and Johanna Anderson, who came from their native land of Sweden, to Braceville. Ilk. in 1SGG. The father was a mine contractor,, and met his ANDERSON, Christ, Supervisor of Garfield death March 7, 1SST in an accident which <><-- Township, has hold his present responsible posicurred in the mines. His widow survives him tion tor the past dorado, during which period and lives at Garden City, Kan. Axel Ander- he has exerted himself to bring about a -'orison was the youngest of their three children, oral betterment of existing conditions withtlie others being: Charles G., his partner, and out entailing too heavy an advance in taxes. an older In-other. John. His home is in Gardner, and he is highly re- After attending school in Rraceville Town- spected in that city as he is throughout Grundy ship, Axel Anderson was engaged in a house County. Mr. Anderson was born in Denmark moving business, until lie joined bis brother, in 1S53, a sun of Andrew and .Alary (Christian- Oharles G.. in their present undertaking, which son) Anderson, both of whom died in Denmark, is succeeding admirably, both men bringing to The father was a bricklayer and cooper, it valuable experience and sound knowledge. In 1^s;'> Christ Anderson came to the Tinted On June 30, 1004. Mr. Anderson married .les- States, and first located in Wisconsin, where sie Trotter, who was bom October 25. 1S70, of a number of his countrymen were to be found. Coal City, and they have two children: Audrey but later traveled about to find a place betand Ramona. Mr. Anderson is a Methodist. tor suited to his requirements. In 1SSH he lo- Like his brother he is faithful in his support cated at Gardner, which has continued to be

Charles Gordon Anderson attended the aero farm in Monroe County. Mo. schools of Braceville, and worked as a driver In 1SS4 Mr. Anderson married Mary Larson, in the mines at that point. Later he was also a native of Denmark, and they had five placed in control of a butchering business at children: Adolph, who is deceased, and Louis. Central City, 111. He then became a general Mary. Adolph (III and .lames. Mrs. Andercontractor being engaged along these lines until son died in 1012. bavin- been a true and faithhe founded his present business in partership ful wife, and is buried in the cemetery at with his brother. Axel, the firm being dealers Braceville. 111. A Republican. Mr. Anderson in lumber and builders' supplies, and doing an has not only boon elected on his party's ticket extensive business all over the county. to the office of supervisor for ten years, but 'On October 22. 1002. Charles (i. Anderson for three years has been on the school board. married Sarah Willis, born October 21. 1S72. was constable for four years, and on the town in England, and thev have had four children: board for two years. A Mason, he belongs to Fred, born August 31. 1003; Sarah, born August Gardner Lodge, A. F. & A. M.. and has been 14, 1001. died May 27. 1007; Gordon, born Oc- one of its officials for three years. A man toher 10. 1000; anil Charlie, born April 20 1010. who has never spared himself in working ahead. The Methodist Church holds bis membership. keen to embrace every opportunity, and able Fraternallv he is a Mason and belongs also to to plan good business combinations, ho stands the Modern Woodmen of America, and his wife as one of the foremost men of his locality and is a member of the Fraternal Reserves and the enjoys the full confidence of his associates. The Eastern Star. Mr. Anderson is a staunch Demo- Presbyterian Church has h, him a consistent

Township for two years, and supervisor of the ANDERSON, Jensen.-The progressive agrieulsame township for one term. An energetic man, turalist of today is recognizing the profits to able attention to producing chickens and eggs for the market, and one who has attained more than ordinary success as a poultryman is Jensen Anderson, manager of the Evergreen Farm of Greenfield Township. II** is operating eight acres of land, and specializing with Barred Plymouth Rock chickens.

Mr. Anderson was born in Good Farm Township in 1SSS, a son of Andrew and Anna (Brandruf) Anderson, both natives of Denmark. In 1874 the father came !<> the United stales. and worked for a time as a laborer in different sections of Grundy County, in 1880 lie bought the farm his son is now operating, and spent the remainder of his lite upon it. dying in 1004. His widow survives, making her home upon this same farm. There were live children in the Anderson family: Mint ; Martin, who is deceased; Anna Sorsen : Jensen: and Andrew.

Growing up in the rural regions of Grundy County, Jensen Anderson had the advantages offered by the district schools, ami those by his home, for lie* never left it. Having good parents, lie was brought up properly, taughi to work and respect the laws, and has developed into a very desirable citizen. Believing in modern methods. Mr. Anderson does his marketing by automobile, and has introduced other improvements in his farm work. While he is a Republican, lie reserves the right to act liberally when he believes the occasion demands a departure from party lines. Possessed of mote than ordinary intelligence, with a broad outlook upon life and a clear comprehension of public issues. Mr. Anderson is very popular among his neighbors, and a leader in ids township. The Lutheran Church holds his membership and profits from his generosity.

ANDERSON, Martin. - The farmer of today faces many problems. While the price paid for farm products lias increased, the cost of labor litis risen, and the difficulty of marketing multiplied. The agriculturalist is not now content to trust to luck in his operations, for they cost too much, and upon them depend not only his own welfare, but the prosperity of the country, for as are the crops, mi is national advancement. One of the men who have spent the hotter portion of their lives in making Grundy County one of the leading agricultural sections of the State is Martin Anderson, owner of ' eighty acres of rich farming land in Maine Township. On it he carries on general farming with well merited success. Mr. Anderson is a native of Denmark, born in thai country in 1857, a son of Simon and Johanna M. (Grader) Anderson. The father spent his life in Henmark, dying after a useful life as farmer and butcher, in 1007. The mother survives him. making her homo in her native place. There were fifteen children born these parents, and eight of them survive.

Mr. Anderson attended school in Denmark when he had an opportunity. In the summer months, as soon as he was old enough, he herded cattle. In 1881 he came to the United

States, locating first at Racine, Wis., where he worked as a laborer. In 18S7 he returned to Denmark, married, and coming back went to Gardner, 11).. where hi? worked as a farm hand until 1S99, when he bought his present property.

In 1887 Mr. Anderson married Mary Peterson, and they have become the parents of six children: Emma Holm. Clara Sorensen, Anna, Julia. Martha and Bertha, the latter being deceased. His religious affiliations are with the Danish Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Republican, having served as School Director three years and Justice of the Peace four years. A hard-working man, lie is proud of his county and township, and can he depended upon to do all he can to advance their interests.

ANTIS, John, M. D. (deceased), one of the pioneer physicians of Grundy County, was horn in Montgomery County, X. V.. March 17. 1S17, and came to Morris in lS4o, continuing in practice for many years. He also became interested in farm lands in Mazon Township, and after the close of the Civil War moved upon his farm. He was one of the courageous men who traveled across the plains to California in 1S49, and for two years mined for gold at Trinity. Politically lie was a Democrat. While residing at Morris, he served the city upon two occasions as Mayor, and was a man of great probity and uprightness. Dr. Antis married Xancy A. Sweet, and they bad two children : Eudora A. and Mary.

ARMSTRONG, Perry A. (deceased). - No history of Grundy County would be complete without a skebh of Perry A. Armstrong, statesman, lawyer, author, historian and dependable citizen, who loved his county and never ceased in his efforts to advance its interests, or those of .Morris, lie was born on the family homestead, in McCain Township. Licking County. Ohio, April -1, 1823, a son of Joseph and Elsie Armstrong, who came to Illinois in 1831, locating first at Sand Prairie, near I. aeon. They were driven out by the (roubles of (lie Black Hawk War to the fort in Putnam County. HI., but returned to their home when hostilities were over. Perry A. Armstrong began his business career in 1830, but later resumed his studies, and in 1S42 arrived at Morris, on foot, his object being to assume the duties of bookkeeper for William Armstrong and to study law. Still later he returned to the farm, but in October. 1S44, came back to Morris, which place continued to be his home the remainder of his life. Here he opened a store, and in fsp; built a structure designed for mercantile purposes, and in it carried a stock of goods and kept the tiost office, he being appointed postmaster by President Polk. When the Mexican War was declared, Mr. Armstrong raised a company, of which lie was made captain, but its services were not needed, peace having been declared. He held many offices, among them being justice of the peace ami supervisor, and as one of the State Auditor's staff in ls.~,2, he selected the lands of the Illinois Central Railroad; with others drew the charter of that road, and also that of the Chicago, Hock Island & Paeilic Kailroad; and as assistant engineer ran (Ik- transit road from Juliet to Ottawa, and also the level from Tiskihva to Geneseo. Following this he was engaged in surveying for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Mr. Armstrong then was general manager -for Judge Hopkins until he was appointed to survey and select the swamp lands of Grundy County according to Act of Congress of September 2S, lSf>0, but made no money at the work. Having completed the survey, Mr. Armstrong procured the passage through the Legislature of an act he prepared authorizing the sale of the swamp lands, and sold them in IStiu for $23,724.02. Mr. Armstrong also served as County Clerk of Grundy County, and in lSCil was elected a member of the State Constitutional Convention. The following year he was elected to the Legislature, and in 1S72 was re-elected to the same office, during that session serving en the Judiciary. Railroad and Judicial Department committees. In the meanwhile, in 1SG5, he had been admitted to the har, and had become the author of some important laws, including the jury law, county court law and escheat law. and had materially revised the criminal code and road and bridge laws. In ISO'S he formed a five-year partnership with Judge R. Olin, and in 1S7G was appointed Master-in-Chanccry. In IS77 he was made a trustee' of the Illinois Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary, and at the same time was a school director, remaining on the board for seven years. While on the board he served it as clerk, and assisted in negotiating the school bonds. Mr. Armstrong was a man of varied lastes ami talents, and did much to develop the geology of Grundy County, and was a recognized authority on the history of his part of the State. Twice married, his first wife was Mary J. Borbidge of Pittsburg, Pa., whom he married December 22, lS-Ri. She died in 1802 leaving three sons: Charles D.. Elwood and William F. In 1SG3 he married Malina J. Eldredge of Piano. 111., and they had two sons, Frank and Perry.

ARMSTRONG, William Elder, third son of Joseph and Elsie (Strawn) Armstrong, was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 25-, 1S14, and died while visiting bis mother at Deer Park, La Salle County, 111., November 2, 1SF>0. In ISol he came to Illinois, and to Grundy County in 1837, being attracted here by the letting of contracts for tin1 erection of the canal, securing contracts for two sections near the present site of Morris, as well as others outside Orundy County. Mr., or as he was familiarly known. Captain, Armstrong served Grundy County as its first Sheriff, and also collected the taxes of the county. When the county was created, Captain Armstrong was made one of the commissioners to select the county seat, and while this question was being settled, court was held in his cabin. Captain Armstrong also owned and operated a ferry across the rive]-. He erected at his own expense a wooden building to serve as a court house, and a hotel which he named the Grundy Hotel. In it he entertained such men as Lincoln, Douglas, Ford, Reynolds, Wentworth and Judges Young, Smith. Henderson, Cuton and David Davis. In spite of all he did for Morris and Grundy County, he lost nil that he- had on account of (he depreciation in value of canal script, which he was compelled to lake in payment for the work he did on the canal. He hail paid his men in real money for their work, and the State not meeting its obligation to him. as it had no funds tor that purpose, he died a poor man. On February ('. 1S3G, he married .Miss Sarah Ann Strawn, and they had two daughters, namely: Jemima K.. and Emma D.

ASHTON, Jacob (deceased), was for many years a resident of Grundy County, and was horn in Delaware County, Pa., in 1^2'J, but he came to Grundy County in l.S'ol, and for three years thereafter carried on farming in Nettle Creek Township. He then went to Wauponsce Township and there rounded out his life, dying February -7. fs'aT. lie married Rachel Ilager, and they had three children, namelv : William Ashton, John A. Ashton, and Sarah Levina, the latter heing deceased.

ASHTON, James, Jr. - Grundy County is largely agricultural, but its prosperous towns, its many manufactories, its schools and its churches prove that a vigorous life underlies every activity, although here, as in every section of the earth, dependence is naturally placed on the products of the laud and the labor of those who develop it. It makes no difference in what way men toil, or how much they achieve in any direction, they must all he fed. and it is the farmer, in the background, who furnishes the food products. In Grundy County there are found numerous contented owners of land, who intelligently and willingly carry on the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, and although they may not seek such a term of approbation, are, nevertheless, benefactors (.if mankind. They are usually men of strong intellect and sturdy body, qualified lor public service, for the proper cultivation of the soil and a realization of its utmost, yield, require knowledge on many subjects. One of the younger generation of agriculturists in Grundy County, who is meeting with success as a grain grower is James Ashton, Jr., of Saratoga Township. He was born at Morris, 111.. May 10. 1879, and is a sou of James and Harriett (McKenzie) Ashton.

Mr. Ashton received ordinary educational advantages in the schools of Grundy County, and was brought up a farmer, residing with his parents until 1-S00, when be embarked upon a career of his own on his father's farm. He and his wife specialize on raising White Leghorn chickens, having more than S00 all the time. He boarded at the home of his brother until his marriage, March 5, 1907, to Miss

Luella Hurt, who was bora at Morris, 111., Oeto- the fact that exceptional educational advanber 12, 1SS6, a daughter of Daniel and Mary tages, tiuaucial assistance or influential friends been born two sons, namely: Raymond Irving, is seeking fortune and position, but that inou March S, 1908, and Dorothy M., on May 21, dustry and energy, properly directed and com- in the advancement of his county, and through having been born in the city of Logansport, Dehouorable dealing has gained a reputation for eember 10", 180*1, a son of Christopher and present quotations, have been able to acquire 1872, the mother passing away the year prea desirable competency. One of the success- viously.

ful agriculturalists of Grundy County, now Theodore R. Banner received but slight eduliving retired at Morris, is James Ashton. He cational advantages, as be was but eleven years was born in Delaware County. Pa., in Septeni- of age when his father died, and he at once ber. 1S31, a son of John and Elizabeth (Shaw) went to work in the baking business of his Ashton. John Ashton was bom in England guardian, lie continued therein for nine years and in 1S27 came to Pennsylvania where he in Logansport, and then went to Kenton. Ind., worked in a factory until 1851. In the lat- for two years, and in 1883 came to Morris, III., ter year he moved to Lisbon, Kendall County. where he worked for one year for Mr. South- Ill., and there bought a farm. He died on comb in the livery business. Succeeding this he that place in 1S72, being at that time the old- was employed by II. II. Hamilton in his meat est member of the Odd Fellows" lodge in Mor- market, and in l^s7 went to work for Wagner ris. vV Loraman. On July 1. 1890, with Mr. Dor- James Ashton was brought up on a farm and aman he bought the business, but in the folreceived a common school education. T'ntil his lowing March disposed of his interest to his marriage, he lived with his parents, but fol- partner and went to Omaha, Neb., where he lowing that event went to Nettle Creek Town- worked in a meat market until November, 1892, ship and rented a farm for a few years. He when he returned to Morris and again engaged then bought two farms comprising 320 acres. in business with Mr. Loraman, this partnership in Wauponsee Township, and, moving upon one, continuing until Mr. Loraman's death. Since operated it. and rented the other. In 1SS9 he that time Mi'. Hahner has continued the businioved to Morris, building his handsome resi- ness alone, and in the haudling of meats and deuce which has all modern improvements, and provisions has met with a decided success, is one of the best in the city. Later, he sold His industry has been constant, Ills integrity his two farms, and in 1 S! »T bought 3-JH acres unquestioned and his good management has in Saratoga Township, renting a portion of the served to make the business one of the leading farm to a son and the balance to an outside enterprises of Morris. lie has not failed in party, as be has lived retired since coming to his duties as a citizen and since 18*9 has Morris. been a member of the Mcrris Fire Department. On March 25. IsdO. Mr. Ashton was married In May. 1*91, Mr. Rahner was married to to Harri<d McKiuzie. horn in Shelby County, Miss Agnes Robinson, daughter of Noble and Ind.. daughter of William and Sophia (Speel- Isabelle (Lindsey) Robinson, of Morris, and man) McKiuzie of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Ash- to this union there have come two children: ton have hail the following children: Wil- Arthur Raymond and Isabelle Robinson. Mr. linm J., residing on N. Liberty street. Morris: and Mrs. Banner are consistent members and Bert, residing on X. Wauponsee street. Morris. liberal supporters of the German Lutheran has one son. Harold: James, living on a farm. Church. In political matters he is a Repnbbas two children Raymond and Dorothy; and lican. and his fraternal affiliation is with the Fred, of Morris. Mr. Ashton is a Methodist in Knights of the Maccabees. Lodge No. 20.") ; Modchurch connection, ami politically is a Repuh- ern Woodmen of America. Lodge No. 281, and lican. Ever since moving to Morris. Mr. Ash- star Lodge No. 75, Independent Order of Odd ton has been interested in the development of Fellows. the city, and is justly regarded as one of its

One of the large lam] owners of the township, toga Township. His birtli took place Julv 11. he has also advanced the general welfare by 1S5S, a son of Henrv and Sarah (Ilalkyard) his connection with pulilie interests, and his Baker, natives of England. The maternal life furnishes a striking example of the wise grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Ilalkyard, settled application of sound principles and safe con- on land in the vicinity of Morris* at an early servatism. Mr. Baker is a native of La Salle day. being farming people. Henry Baker came County, 111., and was horn October 14, 1N(>4. a to New York stale about 1S40. a few years son of Henry T. and Lena (Gebeke) Baker, of afterward coming to rilinois. was married in Hanover. Germany. In 1S50 Henry T. Baker Aux Sable Township, Grundy County, to Sarah took a sailing vessel to New Orleans. La., and Ilalkyard. They located on' the farm in Saraafter a few mouths in that city came up the toga Township 'now owned by William Baker, Mississippi river, and located in Illinois, start- their son. The father farmed this property until ing to work by the month. In LSG3. having 1NS7, when he moved to Aurora. 111., and' there accumulated enough money, lie sent for his died in ISOo, his wife having passed away in sweetheart, who was awaiting his summons, in 1S90.

Ottawa for one year and the Vienna Township and has been a trustee of it since ism). Bolitipublic schools. He resided with his parents cally he is a Republican and has been pathuntil his marriage. March 17. 1SS9. to Adella master and held other offices, lie is a man the end of which time his parents removed to BALMA, Joseph. - In seeking the reason for Streator and he took- up his residence on the personal success, one invariably finds thai the home farm. At his father's death he inherited men who rise to positions above their fellows 160. acres of this land, and to it he has since are those who have kept at what they started added eighty acres, he and his sons working out to accomplish, and through sheer perseall of this land, in addition to eighty acres verance have finally reached their goal, and which he rents. He is a skilled, progressive one whose name may be mentioned in this confarmer, modern in his ideas and methods, and nection is Joseph Balma, miner and pit boss at is an excellent judge of stock. Mr. Baker's Eileen, who was born in Northern Italy in high position in the esteem of his fellows evi- 1SS1, a son of James and Mary (Cenitto) deuces the fact that he has led a life of integ- Balma. His father, a farmer by occupation, rity and honorable dealing. He is a faithful came to America in 3S92. settling in Coal City, member of the Lutheran Church, and has shown Ilk. where he entered the mines, there conindependent tendencies in politics. He has not tinning until his retirement. He is the father cared for public office, but for twelve years of eleven children: John. Joseph, Louis. Mike, discharged the duties of citizenship by serving Peter. Pattista, Angeleno, Laura, Anna, and as a member of the board of school directors. two who died in infancy.

the Odd Fellows and the Knights <>f Pythias. His political convictions are Republican, and since his election in 1009 he h;is been Mayor of Eileen, and is considered one of the leading young men of the village.

BARGO, Elmer. - The fundamental industry of farming is becoming generally recognized as being so important as to loom up large among other callings of the world. Xot only are all the leading colleges and universities including agricultural departments in their courses of study, but there are a number of educational institutions which are devoted to the science of agriculture. The government ol each state, following the example of the national government, is giving attention to the encouragement of farmers, and the men who till the soil are feeling the effect of this universal impetus, and working accordingly. One of the substantial agriculturalists ol Grundy County whose fertile farm shows the effect of his adoption of modern methods is Elmer Bargo of Goose Lake Township. Mr. Bargo was horn in Wauponsee Township, in January. ]s?0, a son of Joseph and Sarah (Carpenter) Bargo, natives of Canada and Indiana, respectively. The father came to Morris. 11!., with an aunt after the death of his mother. The maternal grandparents, Reese and Emily (Smith) Carpenter of Ohio, came to Goose Lake Township during the Civil War. and lived on forty acres of land there. Joseph Bargo and Sarah Carpenter met in Goose Lake Township, where they married, ami then settled in Wauponsee Township, living there until Isv.i, when they moved to Goose Lake Township, which continues to be their hoaie.

Elmer Bargo grew up in Wauponsee Township, where he attended the district schools, and learned to farm. On August 29, 1S99, he was married to Maggie I'erry, born in Goose Lake Township, daughter of George and Mary (Watson) I'erry. the former of whom was born in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bargo are the parents of three children: Kollin, Mildred and Alice. Prior to his marriage. Mr. Largo had lived with his parents, but immediately thereafter bought a farm of lit') acres in Goose Lake Township, where lie- has since resided, carrying on general farming in a very successful manner. In polities he is a Republican, and served three years as road commissioner, and lias been township collector since 1007. A man of enterprise, he has forged ahead, and now stands high among his fellow agriculturalists of Grundy County.

BARROWS, Lewis S. (deceased). - Xo man can live out his life without having a strong influence over his associates, and fortunate indeed for the community is it when this power over the destinies of others is a good one. The late Lewis S. Barrows was a man who sought to better his associates, although he never tried to force his opinions upon them. Fie was born at Newark, Kendall County, 111.. April

21, 1S4S, son of Hiram and Maria (Sears) Barrows. Until he was eighteen years old he remained in his native place, and was educated in the local schools. At that time he came to Morris and followed the trade of a tinner until 1$7G. A year later, -on March 1, isTT, he passed away, firm in the faith of the Presbyterian Church.

On December 25, IST2. Mr. Barrows was married to Anna Hamilton, daughter of Samuel and Ami (McXown) Hamilton. Mrs. Barrows was born in Orustown, Canada, April I'M, 1850, and came to Grundy County when fifteen years Old. The parents died in Canada, but of their fifteen children, tour died in Canada, and eleven (ante to Grundy County, and eight are still living. One sister, Mrs. Thomas Hischliffe, lives near the Centre School, on Sahin street, Morris. Mrs. Barrows has one son, Lewis S., horn at Morris, July 29, LSTO. He is bookkeeper for the Morris Grain Company. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Pattison, died August Is, 1005, aged twenty-nine years. She was a daughter of Joseph Pattison. Her remains are laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery. Mrs. Barrows is survived by her husband and their one child. Josephine, horn June Uo, 1905, now a student in the public schools. She and her father live with his mother. At the time of his death Mr. Barrows was a member of the Morris Volunteer Lire Company, and at that period they still bad the old hand pump engine. He belonged to the odd Fellows, and had passed all the chairs. An earnest, hardworking man, he made and retained his friends, and his loss was deeply felt in the community that had been his home.

BARSCHD0RF, Charles. - Maine Township is fortunate in numbering so many native-born Germans among its population, for there are no better citizens to be found anywhere than those who come from the Fatherland. C'has. Barschdorf, native of Schlesien, Germany, born July 11, 1S44, is representative of this type, and is a son of Charles and Anistina (Th'tel) Barschdorf, natives of Germany, who lived and died there, the former about 1SS7, and the latter in 1S93. The father followed the trade of plasterer contractor. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, namely: August, who is deceased; Bertha, who is a resident of Maine Township: Charles; Ernest, who is deceased: Herman; William; and Henry, Fred, Anna and Agnes, who are deceased.

Charles Barschdorf worked on the farm and attended school in bis native country, later being employed in the mines there. In 1S(!S he married Anistina Eraser, native of Schlesien. and to this union were born fifteen children, tive of whom survive: Bertha, who married Henry Facnicla, has ten children: Charley; Anna, who is a resident of Coal City, married William Lohmar, and has four children : Ida. who is living in Iowa, married Henry Maash. and has ten children : and lien rich, who is a farmer of Maine Township, married Laura

Boles and lias two children. Mr. Barsehdorf has not connected himself with any organizac-aine to this country in 1S70, settling in Coal tion of a religious nature. In addition to organ- City, where ho worked in the mines until 1901, izing the first telephone exchange of Grundy at which time he purchased eighty acres of County, he also organized one of the host land in Maine Township, where he resides and hands Morris ever possessed, and kept it tocarries on general farming. The Lutheran gether lor three years. He also organized the Church holds Mr. Barsehdorf's membership. Grundy County Club of Chicago, and from it Politically he is a Republican. Live and ener- organized a Home Coming day at Morris, when getie, understanding thoroughly the work he many residents of Chicago, formerly of Grundy, has so well in hand. Mr. Barsehdorf is one of returned to the County Seat. the best examples of a modern Illinois farmer In September, 1SS1, he married Fannie Zimas can be found in the entire Slate. merman, horn in Grundy County. 111., where county. He has a list of fifteen hundred people BARTLETT, Herman S. - Grundy County is adnow residing at Chicago who once lived in mirably suited for farming and' slock 'raisin-, Morris, or other parts of Grundy County, and not only on account of climatic conditions and among them are school teachers, dentists, the fertility of the soil, but also because of its physicians, lawyers, a judge and members of location with regard to the second largest city the police force, and it is his contention that all in the country. Farmers can find a readv marare still interested in the growth and develop- ]<et for their produce, and this is a very iminent of the place from which tlie,\ came. portant raptor in determining the selection of George W. Bartlett was born at Morris, 111., agriculture as a lit.- work. One of the 'sub- December 20, 1S50, a son of Nathaniel and stantial men of Grundy County who has Emily Bartlett, both of whom are deceased. achieved desirable results from his farm is Nathaniel Bartlett was a member of the lire Herman s. Bartlett of Wauponsee Township, department when hand power was used and ]\v was born at Ox Bow, this same township, was the lirsl man to turn on steam to the engine December 15. 1*72, a son of Jonas and Luna "Shabbona." One of his sons is an expert (Wilkins) Bartlett.

watchmaker at Chicago, and another is a Growing up on the homestead of his father. farmer of Will County. Tin- Bartlett family Herman S. Bartlett attended the schools of his was one of the first to locate in Grundy County, neighborhood, and learned farming from the its representatives settling first on a farm north bottom up. Having a natural inclination for of Morris. the work it was natural that he should de- George W. Bartlett attended (he public vore himself to it, and he now owns a line schools of Morris, and was a newsboy. During farm in Wauponsee Township, just west of the the time of the Chicago tire in 1S71 he sold old homestead, on which he lives at present, papers when they had to come from St. Louis, ami carries on general farming and stock raisfor twenty-five cents each, lie also worked in inu on all the land. His property is a desirable the first factory at Morris to manufacture one and he takes a pride in keeping everything soda water. Later he learned telegraphy, but up to standard. On December 28, ISOo Mr. Bartdid not work at his calling. Mr. Bartlett was left was married to Flora Ayrsman, horn in superintendent of the gas plant, and was the McLean County. 111.. September LI. 1^77. a organizer of the telephone system in Grundy daughter of Christian and Barbara Ayrsman.' County; be not only bad the first telephone, Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have three children: but was manager of the exchange at Morris. Clarence, born June 14, 1S97 ; Myron, born March On November 2o. 1SS9, he left Morris for Joliet, in, 1M»M; and Gladys, horn July 15, 1004. He 111., and from there came to Chicago, Novem- is a Baptist in religious faith, and contributes her 15. 1S02, where be still resides, his home generously towards the support of his church. being at No. 221 W. Seventy-second street, and A Republican in polities, he has served capably his ollices at 1010-17-1S Marquette Buildiug, ami conscientiously as highway commissioner Chicago, where be is carrying on a real estate for two terms, and as township collector for and insurance brokerage business. Mr. Bartlett the same period. -V man of energy, he is rechas centered bis interests on business affairs, ognized as one of the leading factors in the not taking any part in politics, for he would development of his community, not accept an office of any kind. Formerly a

Republican, he is now a Progressive. Frater- BARTLETT, Jonas (deceased). - With the passnally he is a Mason and KnLht of Pythias. ing of some of the representative men of jority bavins been gathered lo their fathers in the land which needs no pioneers. The late Jonas Bartlett, who passed away in Wauponsee Township on October 9. J'.ili', was a man who for years commanded universal respect, and in earlier days was associated with many of the leading men <>t' Grundy County. lie was born at Chesterfield, X. II.', September 4. 1S32, so was eighty years old at the time of his demise. Until the early titties lie was content with life as he found it in his native place, bul then sought his fortune in Illinois. In 1S37 he came to Morris, ill., but soon thereafter went to Saratoga Township and ten years later settled on the farm which was to continue to be his home the remainder of his life, located in Wauponsee Township. Not alone, however, was .Mr. Bartlett connected with agricultural matters for he was possessed of more than average ability, and was carefully educated, so that if "'as but natural that he should spend the winter months instructing the young people of his neighborhood, ami is affectionately remembered by many who went out into the world and achieved distinction, as their beloved teacher. He was an efficient assessor of the township ami census enumerator of the government. Before the Civil War. he had charge of the Gen. James A. Wadsworth estate, at Rochester. X. Y.. who was an officer in the Civil War.

On Apill 0. 1S54, Mr. Bartletl married Amanda Crydeiy who died the following year. leaving a sun. Rufus, win developed into a physician of note, hut, died some five years ago in Chicago. On March ti. ISoT. Mr. Bartlett was married to Miss I. una YVilkins at Rloomington. 111. She survived him three months. Their four sons were: William, who lives in Wauponsee Township; Walter 1'., who is the editor of a paper in Fond du Lac, Wis. ; Burton .1.. who resides at Rockford ; and Herman, who is also of Wauponsee Township. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1007. which enjoyable event is remembered with pleasure by those who attended. Mr. Bartlett was the uncle of the late .Jessie Bartlett Davis, the world-famous singer, to whom he was tenderly attached. Living during tue epoch-making tiiaes of the Civil War and the days preceding it, he was personally acquainted with Mr. Lincoln and never tired of relating events relative to him. The funeral services of Mr. Bartlett wore conducted on October 10. 1912, and interment was made in the Sample cemetery.

BARTLETT, William F. --A number of Grundy county men, after engaging in various lines of endeavor, come to the conclusion that there is more profit in tilling the soil in this vicinity, and so devote their attention to -several kinds of agricultural activity. One of the men now engaged in farming and also in growing fruit and raising chickens is William F. Bartlett. of Wauponsee Township. Mr. Bartlett was born in Saratoga Township, .Inly 10. 1S5S, a son of Jonas and Luna (Wilkins) Bartlett. early settlers of Grundv County, who resided in Wauponsee Township for many years. There the father died October 0. 1912.

After completing his course in the public schools of his district. Mr. Bartlett attended tlte Morris Norma] school, and then studied dentistry, and afterward practiced his profession at Sheridan. HI., for a year, and for two years at South Bend. Ind. He then went to Coal City, Grundy County and while practicing there, embarked in a job printing business. This grew so rapidly that he felt encouraged to found the Coal City Xrics, the first newspaper in that locality. In 1S9S lie sold his paper and printing office, and went to Chicago, where he was a conductor on one of the electric street railroads for seven and one-half years. While living in Chicago, he was appointed deputy assessor of Cook County, and faithfully discharged the duties of that important office. In the meantime, however, he felt a desire to uret bach to the soil, and moved to a farm of twenty acres in Wauponsee Township, where he is now raising fruit and Plymouth Rock chickens, and is meeting with a well-merited success.

Mr. Bartlett was married March 1. 1SSG. to Sarah Marshall, born in Goose Lake Township, daughter of William Marshall. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett became the parents of the foil. .wing children: Eva, who is .Mrs. Melvin T. Canfield of Antigo, Wis.; Alice, who is Mrs. E. E. Fro ley of Carbon Hill, Ilk: William, who died in lour,, aged fifteen years; and Ethel, at home. Mr. Bartlett belongs to the Knights of Pythias of Coal City. A man broadened by experiences along different business lines. Mr. Bartlett is well fitted to bring out of any work in which he is engaged, all that there is in it, and he is forging ahead very rapidly.

BARTON, Hon. George. - An alert, progressive and enterprising citizen, alive to the wants and needs of his community. Mayor George Barton, of Braceville, is but vindicating the confidence placed in him when he was elected to the highest municipal office by his fellow townsmen. For the past decade he has been a resident of this city, and has become widely and favorably known in financial circles of Grundy County as cashier of the People's Bank. Like many of the successful men of the county. Mr. Barton is a product of the farm, having been born on his father's homestead in the vicinity of Keithsburg. Mercer County. Ilk. in 1S73.

George Barton commenced his educational training in the country schools of Grundy County, and was nine years of age when taken to Gardner, Grundy County, and after this he attended the Gardner schools and was graduated in LSfH from the Gardner High school. Succeeding this he adopted the vocal ion of educator, but after live months of teaching in the" country schools gave up that calling, and. in LSDU became bookkeeper for the Gardner Wilmington Coal Company, at Clark City. Ilk. a firm with which he was connected for the succeeding twelve years. Mr.

Barton came to Braceville in 1904, and at once became cashier for the People's Bank, an office which he hold t<» the presenl time. This is one of the old and substantial institutions of Grundy County, its proprietors being .1. C. Lutz and F. L. Loot, well-known business men of Gardner, 111. Mr. Barton lias done much to popularize the coffers of this institution and to Inspire confidence in its depositors, thus adding to its prestige in the financial world. Always a stalwart Republican, he served some time as villa.ee clerk, and in May. 1013. was selected by his fellow citizens to represent them in the mayoralty chair, lie is giving them a clean, sane and business-like administration, in which there have occurred a number of greatly needed municipal improvements. During his residence in the city he has made numerous friend-, in business, financial, public and social circles, and it is doubtful if Braceville has had a inure popular ollicial. lie has been a stanch friend of the schools, and fur some time has been a member of the Board of Education, -lust before coining to Braceville, in 1904, .Air. Barton was married in Gardner, 111., to Miss Elizabeth Blake, who was bom in Wales and reared and educated in Gardner. Mr. and Mrs. Barton arc consistent members of the Methodist Church.

BARTON, John, now a justice of the peace at. Gardner, 111., and one of the most able men holding this office in Grundy County, has discharged its duties continuously for the past nineteen years. Iml otherwise is living retired after years of earnest and steadfast endeavor. Mr. Barton was horn November 2G, 1844. in England, as were his parents Samuel and Ann (Bagley) Barton, both of whom passed away in their native land, the lather dying in the early seventies, at Newcastle, where he was buried. The mother removed to Lincolnshire where she died and is buried. These parents had the following children: Sarah: Francis, who married Elizabeth Briggs, resides at Wheaton, 111.; John; Elizabeth, who died at the age of seventeen years in England; Mary Ann, who died in England; Henry, who died when sixty years old, in England ; Susan, who is married and resides in England; Lizzie, who is Mrs. T. Buchanan, lives in England, and Thomas, who died in military service in England.

In 1ST1 John Barton came to the United States, first living at Koithsburg, Mercer County. 111., where for five years he rented a farm, but in 1S7S he moved to Grundy County and' continued to rent land in the vicinity of Gardner. Later he disposed of his agricultural interests and moving to Gardner was employed to operate the machinery in the elevator at that place. At the expiration of some six years Mr. Barton found himself impoverished in health and pocket, so decided to rest until he recovered his strength. In 1S01 he was elected assessor of Greenfield Township, and in is'.).'! he was elected a justice *of the peace which office he lias since held,.

June IS. 1S72. to Emma Ball, a native of England, horn in 1842, and was brought to America by her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Barton have had live children : George, who is living at Braceville. is cashier of the People's Bank there; Mary Ann is the wife of Adam Xntt. and they are living on a farm near Braceville; Lizzie and Lottie, both of whom are living at home: and Lulu, who married Don II. Rogers and live in Webster County, Iowa. These children were all graduated from the Gardner High school, and all. except Mrs. Rogers have taught in the county schools. Mr. Barton owns his comfortable home al Gardner. Politically he is a Republican, bul has always given a strong support to the temperance cause, being a total abstainer himself. Lor many years he was clerk of the old township, being its last in fact, and the first the new township was given. Lis religious affiliations are with the Methodist church. He and his wife are highly regarded throughout the neighborhood.

BAUM, George (deceased).-- -A pioneer of Morris whose business career was a long and honored one. George Baum was a son of George Bamn, and was born in Germany, January 20, 1S2S. He came to Morris in 1850, and worked for others until he established himself in business in IS03 or 1804. In 1S77 he founded the clothing house which bore his name and developed it into one of the leading establishments of the village. For a number of years he served as an Alderman, being elected on the Democratic ticket, and for some years was a director of the Cemetery Association. In June, 1853, he- married Elizabeth Keiser, and their children to grow to maturity were: Henry, Mrs. John Schobert, and Annie. He belonged to the Lutheran Church, and in fraternal matters was a member of the Odd Fellows.

BAUM, Henry (deceased). - Grundy County never had a more public-spirited man than the late Henry Baum of Morris, lie was born in Saxony. Germany, October 20, 1S34, a son of John Baum, who married a Miss Kirclmer. After serving in the German army, Henry Baum came to America, being at that time twentyfive years old. He made the trip in a sailing vessel to Xew Orleans, from whence he came direct to Grundy County. A musician, he enlisted as such in a Grundy County company, when the Civil War broke out. having just returned from a short trip to the South and realizing therefrom how great was the need of the North triumphing in. the struggle. After serving and being mustered out, he returned to Grundy County and for years conducted a first class buffet in Morris, but retired later. During his long and busy life he accumulated considerable realty and other property, and when he died. January 12, 189G, he was a well to do man. He was a member of the G. A. R. post, and was also prominent as an Oddfellow. Mr. Baum was also a director of the Cemetery association of Morris.

On January 14, 1SG4, Mr. Baum was married at .Morris to Elizabeth /.orniinun. daughter of Jacob and Saloma (Eatel) Zorrinann, who was born in Bavaria, <>n the Rhine River. May LC, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Baum became the parents of four children: Henry ami Louise, both deceased; William I... who is a leading physician of Chicago; and Bertha, who is Mis. A. IF. Hilliker of .Morris. In 1S74 Mr. Baum built his beautiful residence at Xo. -".11 E. Washington street, Morris, where Mrs. Baum now resides. A man of sympathetic impulses, Mr. Baum was exceedingly generous, anil many benefited from his charity. Mho joined with his family and other friends in mourning his loss.

BAUM, Henry, one of the leading merchants of Morris, and a man whose public spirit has made him an important factor in bringing to the city some of its leading industries, was born in New Jersey, April 4, 1SV>. a son of George Baum. His educational advantages were supplied by the schools of Morris, and Bryant ..V: Stratton's Business College of Chicago. His business career had its beginning when he became a clerk for L. F. Beach & Co. of Morris, but within two years, in 1S74, he, in partnership with Mr. Schobert, established a similar store under the name of Baum & Schobert. In 1S-S1 the partners separated, each continuing to do business alone. Mr. Baum belongs to the Masonic order, and is an important factor in Blaney Commandery.

BEALLIS, Charles. - Within recent years a new feature in the business world has been the pntviding of wholesome amusement at reasonable prices, and some of the most progressive men in the country have engaged in it. developing it to mammoth proportions. One of these is Charles Beallis, owner of the picture show of South Wilmington, this county, the only one in the place. It has been in operation for five years and the steady patronage given it demonstrates that the people appreciate the opportunities offered them. Mr. Beallis was horn at Mokena. 111., in 1SG9, a son of Charles and Helen (Easel) Beallis. natives of Germany. The father was a sailor who came to the United States in 1SGG, where he joined his brother and afterward followed carpenter work, lb' died at Joliet. 111., in 1900, the mother surviving him until 1911. and both are buried at Joliet. They had six children: Bertha, who is deceased; Mrs. Anna Huffman : Mrs. Gertrude Rearly; Joe, who is of Joliet; August and Charles.

Charles Beallis was only three years old when the family moved to Joliet from bis birthplace and he was brought up in the former city, and there attended the public schools. When he was sixteen years old he began working as a fireman on the Chicago & Alton Railroad and at twenty was an engineer on the same road. He served as such for eleven years, and then, coming to South Wilmington, was a stationary engineer and electrician. In 1!X)T he opened

In 1S9T Mr. Beallis married Helen Cult/., born in Germany, August 24, 1N77. but was brought to this country when seven years old. Mr. -Beallis belongs to the German Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Republican, but has not sought ofliee, his time being taken up fully with business affairs.

BEATTY, I. N. R., one of the leading business men and lumber leaders of .Morris owns a concern that was established in 1SS5 by Thomas Ross, who conducted it until 1S9S, when Mr. Beatty became his partner, the association continuing until 1902, when Mr. Ross died. For a short period, Geoi'ge Cotthurst was a partner with Mi-. Beatty. but in 1907, Mr. Beatty became the sole owner. The following year. Mr. Beatty took Harvey R. Realty, a cousin, into partnership, which connection still exists. That same year, the partners bought the lumber yard owned by the Alexander Lumber Company, at Mazon, 111., and added that business to what they already possessed. Their premises are on Liberty Street, the business being conducted under the name of 1. X. R. Beatty Lumber Co. The yards adjoin the railroad and are most conveniently located for transportation. Employment is given to from three to live men, and three teams are kept busy making deliveries. .

I. X. R. Beatty was born at Waynesburg, Ohio. April 10, 1*72. where he was reared and educated, attending the public schools until he entered the Iron City Commercial college of Pittsburgh. After completing his business course in- the latter institution, he came to Morris and secured employment as bookkeeper with the man whose business he later purchased. All of his business experience has therefore been secured in connection with the lumber trade, and he has thoroughly mastered it. The parents of Mr. Beatty. George and Margaret (Ross) Realty are still residents of Ohio, where the father is engaged in agricultural occupations. Mi-. Beatty was the only child of his parents, and attributes much of his success in life to the careful, healthy 1 raining they gave him on their farm. The father was a soldier during the Civil War, and Mr. Beatty is proud of the fact that he is a son of a veteran.

On June 2~>. 1002. Mr. Realty married at Morris. Cordelia Widney, daughter of George Widney. They, have one child. Ross Widney, born October S. 1001, now attending the public schools. Mr. Beatty is secretary of the Morris Industrial Association. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has passed through all the subordinate lodges, now being a thirty-second degree Mason and a Mystic Sbriner. his membership in the latter having been given to Medinah Temple. Chicago. He attends the Congregational Church and has served the congregation as trustee. Having been kept very busy with his private affairs, he has never dabbled in politics. He is justly recognized as one of N. Y., and was a son of Billdad Benson, who was the solid young business men of Morris, and a son of Joseph Benson, who served in the Revoenjoys universal esteem. lutionary War in 1775. being a private in Captain Ronswell's company, under the command of BENNETT, Hugh. - Fifteen years of consecutive Geu- Nathaniel Green. Seneca Benson was service in the capacity of postmaster is the rec- geared in his native State and there married ord of Hugh Bennett', of Coal City, 111., a citi- |aral> M'lks. who was a native of Cattaraugus zen who has gained the confidence and esteem County. In 1S30 they came to Illinois ami setof his fellow-townsmen no less through his con- tled U1 Grundy County, Seneca Benson buying scientious devotion to the duties of his official a tannin the Oxbow bottoms, m^ Wauponsee po svlvania, where he was given the advantages wh" ,,'("1 Jim''.,-'- ^SS , was the wife of Lawof a common school education, lie came to rence James >Mnte ; Rial who died August 19,

In 1873 Mr.' Bennett was married to Miss lownship. Grundy County, 111. August i 1SG3, Margaret I'aden, who was born at Morris. III., and is a daughter of Samuel Elijah and Maraud to this union there have been born six- chil- 8*"* OAise) Shatter, who came to Wauponsee dren: Janet. Clarence A.. George J., Blanche Township m early days lie was a native of E., William P. and Lorena R. In his political Maryland and she of Licking County. Ohio, faith, Mr. Bennett is a Republican, and has Later "' llU' tho-v moved to *Ior'1S' " , served as a member of the board of trustees ^ served many years as constable and also was of Coal City for three terms. He is a popular street sprinkler. To Mr and Mrs Benson the member of the Masons, the Scottish Clans, the following children were born . John R. ein Knights of Pythias, in which he has passed January 4,_1SS3; Grace May, bom December o0 through the chairs, and the Modern Woodmen 1885, married Charles ETIihly of Chicago, II of America, in which he is serving as treasurer. Hoy E born March 22 11 MyrUe Olivia, With his family, he attends the Presbyterian born February 2< 1894; Evelyn Elsie lorn ri , October 2. 1S9G; Clarence Eugene, born January substantial and representative men,* is owner Following bis marriage Mr. Benson settled and proprietor of a somewhat famous tract of m 0 oldf,ome farm tl,.lt he had inherited, in land in Wauponsee Township, known as the Wauponsee Township, and operated it for two Fossil Bed farm, this name being applied on t ;)]|(1 thon moved to Antelope County, account of a fossil bed found here that has { M r.irin of 3o0 acres and nterested scientists for years. He was born for two vears and then returned to here .Tulv 13, 1849, and is a son ot Seneca and "' ' - w, u., Sarah (Milks) Benson the ol(1 Gl'«"dy County farm on which he has The ancestors of this branch of the Benson resided ever since. He obtained his education familv came to America from Southampton, in the public schools and bus always bee,, niter- England, in the good ship Confidence, in the ested in the cause of education and has served year li',;js, and their descendants have been continuously since 1SS7 as a school director. In people of worth. Seneca Benson, father of John politics he lias always been identified with the Milks Benson, was born in Onondago County, Republican party.

BENSON, William H. (deceased). - Life at most is but a brief span between birth and death. Some men are able to till their years with deeds that redound to their credit and live alter them. Their efforts along any direction seem to bring about results that cannot fail to be gratifying to their family and useful to their community. Such a man was the late William II. Benson, formerly of Norman Township. Mr. Benson, during life, was one of the successful agriculturalists of Grundy County who specialized in the raising of grain. Me was born at Athens. Maine. February 2."i, 1S41. a son of Samuel and Almira (Smith) Benson, of Maine, both of whom died in that State.

In 1SGT, William II. Benson came with a sister to Grundy County, and worked for various farmers in this section until his marriage in 1809. In that year he rented land in Norman Township, but after two years bought eighty acres in that same township to which he added until he owned, at the time of his death, 22.j acres, all in Norman and Wauponsee Townships. All of his agricultural efforts were directed towards the raising of grain. Mr. Benson had an excellent war record, having enlisted in the Seventh Maine Volunteer Infantry and served in the Civil War for one year, when he was discharged on account of disability. For years Mr. Benson belonged to the local G. A. K. post, The death of this good man occurred July 29, 1901, and all who knew him sorrowed to learn of his demise.

In January. 18G0. Mr. Benson was married to Emma E.. James, born in Norman Township. June G, 1850, daughter of Elisha B. and Margaret (Pyatt) James, natives of Indiana and. Ohio, respectively. Mr. .lames came with his mother and two brothers to Kendall County, 111., later moving to Norman Township, Grundy County. The maternal grandparents moved to Kendall County in its pioneer days. The parents of Mrs. Benson married and settled on a farm Mr. .lames owned in Norman Township, where both died. Mrs. James about 18G2, and Mr. James on January 12. 190G.

Mr. and Mrs. Benson became the parents of the following children: Anna E.. who was born October 11). 1SG9. now Mrs. Frank Do Lamartre of Joliet. 111.; George W.. who was born November 4, 1871, of Richmond. has one son. Chester, who married Pear] McMahon of Indiana ; Charles It., who was born January 2.". 1874. died March. 190?.. having two sons. Donald and Russell; E. B., who was born December 31. 1S79. of Vienna Township, has one daughter. Margery, who married Jesse Mulvanie; Nellie who was born May 14, 1SS2. now Mis. John Davis of Norman Township, has two sons. Robert J. and Parker P..; Lottie E.. who was born November 12, 1SS4, lives with her mother; and Frank II.. who was born February 1(J. 1S92. resides at home. Since the death of Mr. Penson, Mrs. Benson has continued the farm industries ably assisted by her children. Mr. Benson served as school director of his district, and was interested in educational matters although his own educational training was limited to attendance upon the local public schools of his native place. lie attended the Methodist Church. A man of high principles, conscientious in his dealings with his fellowinen, and possessed of thrifty habits, Mr. Benson not only accumulated a good competency, but earned and retained the confidence of all who knew him.

BENTSON, Lewis. - It can never be justly said that the sons of Norway who have come to the Cnited States have not made excellent use of the opportunities here afforded them, for they have to a remarkable degree, and this is especially true in Grundy County, where there are a number of Norsemen, attracted here by the farm lands and mines. One of those proud to acknowledge Norway as his place of birth is Lewis Beutson of Saratoga Township, born at Bergen, Norway. May ,*)0. ls-Js, ;, son of Pernio and Tena (Larson) Bentsou. The father died in Norway in 1S6G, but his widow with four children came to the United Stares locating in La Salle County, 111., where she later married Seward Anderson of that place.

Lewis Bentson began working on a farm soon after his arrival in this country, ami eventually was able to buy a farm in Kendall County, but after operating it for a period, came to Grundy County, settling in Saratoga Township. In 1S9G he bought 1G0 acres of land, eighty acres of which although just across the road from the remainder, are in Kendall County. A few years later he added eighty acres more to the Kendall County portion. On February 22, 1S77, Mr. Bentson married Helen Grunsfad, born hi Saratoga Township, March S, 1S54, a daughter of Oliver and chelly (Enger) Grunstad, natives of Norway, who came to Saratoga Township in 1.S4G. Mr. ami Mrs. Bentson became the parents of the following children: Tena, who was horn December 5, 1S7S, is the widow of Olio Hagen, and has two children, Tilyar. born November 2G, 1S9S, and Olie. born February 10, 1900; Dennis, who was born April 80, 1SSS, is at home; Henry, who was born August 11, 1SS5, died in 1891; Henry (II), who was born May IS, 1S92, is, also at home. .Mrs. Bentson died February 7, 1912, having been a most excellent wife and mother and good Christian woman. Mr. Bentson belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran Church of Lisbon. In politics he is a Republican, and has held the office of school director. A steady, hard-working, earnest man. he has faithfully carried out his ideas relative to good citizenship, and his friends, who are many, hold him in high esteem.

BERGESON, Arthur L., a furniture dealer and undertaker of Morris, is one of the men who has won confidence and respect by his reliable and conscientious methods and sympathetic personality. Mr. Bergeson was bom in Brookfield Township. La Salle. County, 111., May 22, ISSu, a son of Berge and Ellen (Govig) Bergeson, natives of Norway. These excellent people came to La Salle County when young, later marrying and settling on a farm. In 1899 they moved to Ransom, 111., where he died about 1907, she surviving him until February 11, 1910. There were twelve children in the family, eight of whom are living: Benjamin Oscar, who is of South Dakota; Ida. who is .Mrs. Anson Minisou of Armstrong, la. ; George W., who is of Armstrong, la.; Samuel 'J'., who is of Fletcher, S. D. ; Maggie, who is Mrs. O. O. Johnson of Seneca, III.; Edward S., who is of Ringstadt, la.; Arthur L. ; and Eliza, who is of Seneca, 111.

Arthur L. Bergeson resided with his parents, giving them a loving service until lie was twentythree years old, when he married and for the next year conducted a cattle ranch in North Dakota. In the spring of 1910 he returned to Morris and established himself in a furniture and undertaking business in partnership with Thomas .7. Slattery, this association continuing until the spring of 1912, when Mr. Bergeson bought out his partner, hi July, 1912, he took Hugh li. Thelan into partnership with him, and the two are still together.

On May 5, 1909, Mr. Bergeson married Minnie Eva Anderson, horn at Devil's Lake, N. D., a daughter of Andrew Anderson, born in Grundy County, 111. Mr. Bergeson not only had local educational advantages, but attended the Ottawa Business College and is a young man of more than average ability. Bethlehem Lutheran Norwegian Church of Morris holds his membership, and enjoys his liberal contributions. Politically he is a Republican, while fraternally he is a Mason. Professionally Mr. Bergeson is often called upon in the hour of saddest bereavement, and he thus meets people at a time when it is necessary for him to display kindly sympathy and helpful tact, and his experiences and the frequent calls made upon him prove that he is equal to any emergency, and friendships thus formed are continued, for they are sincere aud heartfelt.

BERTA, Peter. - The business of supplying South Wilmington with bakery goods is one that engages the attention of several of the most progressive meu of this locality. Very few people now feel that they can afford to make bread when it is furnished them at a price within the reach of the majority. The same is true of other bakery products, and one of the men who is meeting the demand for pure goods in this line is Peter Berta. He was born in Northern Italy in 1854, a son of Vincent and Lena (Boffo) Berta. natives of Italy, who died in that country in 1S71 and 1S69, respectively. They had eight children, six of whom are living, as follows: Peter, Frank, Mike, Joe, Dominic, who are in America, and one who is still in Italy.

Feter Berta assisted Ins father on the homestead and attended school until he left home to learn the trade of a baker, lie also gave his country a three year military service, and in 187!) came to the United . States, settling first at Braldwood. 111., where he was engaged in mining. In 1901 he came to South Wilmington, where he continued mining until 1903, when he established his present bakery, and now enjoys a fine trade, especially among the Italians. Mr. Berta delivers his goods all over the village, aud his products meet with instant approval, because of their excellence.

In 1SS1 Mr. Berta married Mary Perona of Braidwood, 1)1., and they have had seven children, as follows:" Vincent, who is deceased; Edmond; Fred; Rudolph; Julia; Pete and Bena, the latter being married to C. Muzzarti. .Mr. Berta is a Republican, and for the past six years has been a trustee of the village. He belongs to the Order of Foresters. Few men stand any higher in the community than he, and he deserves his popularity, for he has earned it by the practice of honorable methods.

BLACK, Charles H. - The realization of the many uses to which cement can be put, has worked a revolution in building operations, and the contractors who are forging to the foremost places, are those who have engaged in this line of construction work. One of the leading cement contractors of Grundy County is Charles II. Black of Morris. Mr, Black was born at Oskaloosa. Iowa. May 30, 1S70, sou of Rev. James K. and Kate W. (Wright) Black, natives of Ohio. They were married in Iowa to which state they went in childhood. James K. Black was a Presb.vterian clergyman, who was stationed at different points throughout Ohio. Indiana, Iowa and Michigan, and died at IIoopston. III., in July. 1902, where his widow still resides.

Charles II. Black attended school at (he different towns to which his father's ministerial duties look him, and while at Bloorningdale, Ind., he had the advantage of an academic course. When he was twenty-one years old, he learned the trade of a printer in Chicago, and remained in that city until 1902, when lie went to Aurora. His arrival in the latter city was coincident with his association with the cement firm of R. F. Safford & Son. with whom Mr. Black remained until October. 1007, when he located at Morris, and embarked in a general cement business of his own. Since then, his efforts have been rewarded with a number of important contracts, and his affairs are in a very prosperous condition. In 1913 he completed four bridges in Grundy County, and many other contracts equally as large and important. On May 23. 1007. Mr. Black was married at St. Joseph, Mich., to Addie O. Hampton, born at Batavia. 111. They have one daughter. Addie Louise, born July ."'A 11)12. Mr. Black is an independent voter. lie belongs to Lodire No. 49S, Odd Fellows of Hoopstown, 111. A man of progress. Mr. Black has never neglected an opportunity or failed to advance his interests whenever ho could do so honestly. His standing in the community is a hiurh one, and has been won by good work and honorable methods.

maintained by those who come to the United daughter of William and Agnes (Telfer) Gray States. 1 1 is very seldom indeed that a Scot The grandfather oi* Airs. Blair, James Telfer is found in nerd or asks help of others, lie is came to the United States in 1SS3, and was the much more likely to give it than to require first man to operate a coal mine in Grundv such assistance, for he knows how to earn and County, and also conducted boats on the canal then save his money, and does not waste it fool- for many years, lie took an overland trip to ishly. One of the honored residents of Sara- California in 1S49. .Mrs. Blair came to America toga Township, who was horn in Scotland, is with her mother, the late Mrs. William Gray George It. Blair, now living retired from active and grandmother, Margaret Telfer, when five labor. He was horn in Fifeshire, February IT, years old. Previous to her marriage,' Mrs. Blair lS3b\ and losing his parents in lSGtl, on Feb- who had been graduated from the 'high' school ruary H of that year came to the United and attended the Normal school at Morris, en- States, landing at Morris. For some years he gaged in teaching school for eight years, mined, and then in February, 1S75, he bought After his marriage, Mr. Blair rented a farm twenty acres of land in Saratoga Township, in Saratoga Township, which he conducted unto which he later added ten acres more. He til 1S91, and at that time purchased a tract sunk a shaft and kept on opening up shafts ol forty-two acres of improved land, on which until he had lour of them in operation, and was lie has since made many more improvements actively engaged in this manner until 1S99, which have greatly enhanced the property's when he retired. value. He operated a coal mine of his own for Mr. Blair was married in Scotland in 1S5S to three years, but in April, 190G, received the ap- Euphemia Spowart of Fifeshire, Scotland, and pointment as Rural Free Delivery carrier, a they had four children born to them there, and position which he has continued to elliciently'till six after they arrived in the United States: to the present time. His fraternal connections Robert G., who is of Saratoga Township; Ellen, include membership in the Masonic Lodge, Cliapwho is Mrs. George Barton of Chicago; Mary. ter and Cominandery, while his wife is a valued who died in 1S90; Euphemie, who is Mrs. Segal member of the Eastern Star, filling the office of Gregg of Saratoga Township; William, who Worthy Matron in 1910. Mrs. Blair has gone is of Morris; Catherine, who is Mrs. M. X. through all of the chairs of the O. E. S. Chapter, Hull of Morris; Annie, who is Mrs. 11. A. Tay- and is also a member of the Bethany White lor of Morris; Elizabeth, who is Mis. William Shrine of Jerusalem of Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson of Saratoga Township; Margaret, who Blair, with their children belong to the Presbvis Mrs. Ed Hickhock of De Kalb. 111.: and terian Church. The children of Mr. and Mrs. George G., who is of Saratoga Township. Mr. Blair are as follows: Agnes T., who resided at Blair is a Presbyterian and devoted to his home filling the office of chief operator of the church. A Republican, be has given his town- Morris Telephone Company for ten years. She ship valued service as road commissioner. A took up the work, beginning at the bottom, and man of many excellent characteristics, he has was successively promoted until she stood at the set an example that all may well follow for head of her department, and her former emupright, honorable living, and at the same time plovers feel that no one has ever excelled her in accumulated a fair amount of this world's this capacity. She is a member of the Presbygoods. terian Church. Fraternally she belongs to the

Eastern Star and the White Shrine of .Terns- BLAIR, Robert George, who since 1906 has been alem of Joliet. On October 7, 1!)14, she was the mail carrier on Rural Free Delivery Route married to Ronald Newton Martin of Ottawa, No. 3, from Morris, is the type of reliable, con- HI., where they now reside. Mr. Martin was scientious and painstaking men that the Gov- reared and educated at Ottawa, and is now in eminent generally endeavors to choose for the employ of the Chicago. Ottawa & Peoria this responsible position. Of Scotch birth, Railway Company, being regarded as a young he inherits the qualities of thrift, steadiness man of sterling qualities. At present he is and honesty which have made that race known among the senior employes of this road. He is the world 'over, and the faithful and efficient a member of the Ottawa Lodge, A. F. & A. M. manner in which he has performed the duties The second child of Mr. and Mrs. Blair is of his position has gained for him the con- George Wilson, formerly assisting his father, fidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens in married Maude Inez Diblee on February 25, Grundv County. Mr. Blair was born at Oak- 1914, and is engaged in farming, he being a ley, Fifeshire," Scotland. September 21, 1S59, prosperous and intelligent young man, while his and is the eldest son of George and Euphemia wife is a graduate of the Morris high school and (Spowart) Blair. taught school for four years prior to her mar- Robert G. Bin ir was seven years of age when "age, and cultivated her musical talent: and he accompanied bis parents to' the United States. Euphemia MacKinzie Spowart, who is now Mrs. the father securing employment in the coal Frank Carr of White Willow, Ilk. was graduated mines of Grundv County, and here the lad so- froni tne Morris high school with high honors cured his schooling. lie remained at home and taught school for years. Mr. and Mrs. Blair with his parents until his marriage, April 2, and their family take a deep interest in all edu- 18S5, to Miss Margaret T. W. Gray, who was cational matters and always are awake to the born September 2G, 1861, in Edinboro, Scotland, advancement and progression in matters pertain-

BLAKE, William Lawrence. - The world has awakened to the necessity of sanitary regulations regarding the handling ami sale of food stuffs, and the people are showing a decided preference for those establishments which have a proper regard to these rules. One of the men who has built up a large trade and attained to considerable prosperity along modern lines is William Lawrence Blake, owner of a meat market at Gardner. 111., and dealer in canned goods. His establishment is one of the best in Grundy County, and be takes a pride in keeping it up to tlie highest standards. That his customers appreciate his care for them, his sales show conclusively.

William L. Blake was born in Gardner in 1S90, a son of John and Elizabeth (Sandwick) Blake. The father was a native of "Wales and came to this country from there, locating first at Braceville, 111., where be became a miner and digger of coal. Later he came to Gardner where he continued this kind of work until his death in 1903. His widow survives him and is making her home at Gardner. These parents had seven children: Tonis John, who is deceased; William Lawrence; twins, who died in infancy; William, who is a schoolteacher; and Eva aud Joe.

Growing up at Gardner, Mr. Blake attended its public schools, and worked at different kinds of employment until 1009 when he opened bis present business, which he has developed to satisfactory proportions. in 1909 he married Stella Sininis of South Wilmington. 111., and they have two children: Lois Janetta. and William Lawrence. Mr. Blake is very liberal in his political views, not caring to attach himself definitely to any one party. Although one of the youngest business men of Gardner, he is one of the best, and his live, progressive methods have been productive of many improvements in the town, his example leading others to change their mode of operation. It is such men as Mr. Blake who develop a community and lead capitalists to invest their money in it.

BOGGIO, Charles. - Owing to the former mining industries centered at Coal City, this community carries on considerable business and its merchants have to be prepared to meet the demands of representatives from numerous nationalities attracted to this point by the mines. One of the leading business men and merchants who has proven himself able to cope with all the conditions here is Charles Boggio, dealer in general merchandise. Mr. Boggio was horn in Italy, and is one of the best examples of the live, progressive men of his country. His birth occurred October '21, iss.~. and be is a son of Charles and Angeline Boggio. In 1SSS the family came to the United States, settling at Braidwood where the father found employment in the coal mines, working there for some years. although he is now living retired at Coal City. He and his excellent wife had sight children.

four of whom died in Italy, the others being: Mary China, Charles, John and Joseph. The members of the family are all Catholics. Mr. Boggio belongs to the Foresters. Politically he is a Republican but has never sought otfice, his time being fully occupied with the cares of bis business. It was in TOUT that Mr. Boggio, recognizing the opening at Coal City for a good mercantile store, resolved to establish himself there. This he did in a small way at first, aclding to hi.s stock as trade increased, and now he has one of the leading stores of his kind at Coal City. Mr. Boggio handles a full and varied line of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes and other commodities to be found in a first class establishment, and his success is fully justified for he is honorable in bis methods and accommodating in his service. He owns his store building.