Hancock County, Illinois - The whole text, 1874 (part 2 of 2)

Ever since his settlement here, Deacon Maynard has been active in the cause of religion, and his life in all respects been consistent with his profession. He was one of the originators, and has been a liberal supporter, of the Congregational church of La Harpe, of which he is a member and deacon.

JOHN G. BRATZ, a prominent merchant o! Nauvoo, in this county, was born on the 29th day of March, 1844, near Wurtemburg, Germany, and was the oldest of six children. His parents were George Bratz and Anna

M. Schelzin. His father has devoted a life-time to agricultural and mercantile pursuits, and is now living as one of tne influential men of the city of Nauvoo. He is a man distinguished for intelligence and piety, and has always been a devout member of the Lutheran Church. In 1846, he left his native land and came to America, and arrived first in New Orleans, where he remained for a space of ten months, engaged in laborious pursuits of an honorable nature. He then, with his family, moved to St. Louis, where he remained for a few months, and then came to Nauvoo, in this county, at a time when the Mormon trouble had reached nearly a culmination, and was immediately pressed into the service of law-abiding preservers of order, to keep the peace and insure the safe departure of the retreating remnants of the prophet, Smith. As soon as order had taken the place of chaos, he resumed his industrious habits of a laborious nature ; and, with labor and mercantile pursuits, has employed his energies up to the date of our writing this sketch, His constitution at present is robust, in spite of the excessive demands of a life-time of vigorous action, and plainly indicates a sound mind in a sound body. The education of the subject of this sketch was very liberal, and his character was moulded by the instruction of a pious mother. In 1850, he embraced mercantile pursuits in the capacity of a clerk, which, with a short time devoted to journalism, engaged his attention for about three years. At this time, he undertook pursuits connected with our river navigation, which employed his time and energies till the fall of 1862. Returning home at this time with a hody debilitated by disease contracted on the river, after a brief relaxation, and recovery from his ailment, he resumed mercantile avocation with his usual energy, till 1864. At this time the war of the Rebellion was at its acme of fury, and popular excitement ran high. Mr. Gratz could no longer resist the temptation, and with inherited ardor and enthusiasm, enlisted in the service of his country. Pie enlisted in the Fifty-Seventh Illinois Infantry, Company " A," and served with the regiment as a faithful and valiant soldier till he received an honorable discharge, on the loth day of July, 1S65. He then returned to Nauvoo, and resumed mercantile pursuits, which have confined his whole energies up to the date of writing this sketch. He is now the leading merchant of Nauvoo, and it will be in taste to state that his whole business is so carried on that no firm in the place can sell the best merchandise at the exceedingly low price that he accomodates his customers with. It was a remark of one of the first philosophers of the age, that a man to make a success of any avocation in America, must give to it his whole energies, and make it a direct specialty. This is well exemplified in the case of Mr. Bratz, who has devoted his life-time and energies to mercantile pursuits, and who is enabled by his extensive acquaintance with the wealthy merchants of our large cities, to so buy goods that they are of a better quality, and are sold much cheaper than they can be purchased at other contiguous places. On the Sih day of April, 1866, he was united in marriage, to Amelia Knaust, a daughter of Conrad Knaust, a prominent lumber merchant of the city of Nauvoo. He is the father of four children, three of whom are living. Politically, he is a Democrat ; religiously, a Lutheran. We find him, too, acting as Mayor of the city of Nauvoo.

LEONARD A. BRATZ. - Leonard A. Bratz, of Nauvoo, in this county, was bom on the 5th day of April, 1848. He is the second of four children, whose parents are George Bratz, one of the first settlers of Nauvoo, and now, at an advanced age, one of the most respectable and influential citizens of that place, and Ann M. Schultzin, a native of Germany, near Wurtemburg, and a lady of piety and intelligence. His early education was liberal. His first occupation in life was honorable pursuits of a laborious nature. At the age of fourteen he began life in the earnest and active pursuits pertaining to a mercantile career. He has been steadily and actively interested in the calling of a merchant ever since, His brother, the Hon. John G. Bratz, at present, Mayor of Nauvoo, is associated with him in carrying on the largest business house in Nauvoo. Politically Mr. Brats is a strong Democrat, and' supports with ardor and enthusiasm the enforcement of correct Democratic principles. He is enthusiastic in his admiration of that Democracy which embrace in its principles, in their correct rendition and full scope, the interests of the whole country. Religiously he is a Lutheran by birth and education, Socially Mr. Bratz is very pleasant and affable. He is a man very much respected for hi* business worth and exemplary hahits. We find him to-day with a handsome face and vigorous bo -y.

MARTIN HOPKINS was born in Harwinton, Litchfield county, Conn., October 10, 1806. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, and his ancestors were among the early settlers of Connecticut. His early life, till the age of eighteen, was spent on a farm, when he began to travel and sell goods in the southern States and in Illinois. He first came to Illinois in December, 1832, and sold clocks in the State about four years, his headquarters being Jacksonville.

In the fall of 1836 he came to Fountain Green and opened a store of goods, which was the first in the place. He continued in mercantile business about three years, in company with Stephen H. Tyler, Jr., when they dissolved and closed out the firm accounts. Mr. Hopkins then went to farming on the place where he now resides.

On the 3d of January, 1843, he married Miss Fidelia W. Beebe, of Fountain Green, daughter of Jabez A. Beebe, the first settler and original proprietor of Fountain Green, who laid out that town in 1834, in company with Stephen G. Ferris. They have no children of their own, but have an adopted daughter, wh_om they adopted in infancy.

In March, 1850, Mr. Hopkins went to California by the overland route. and remained about two years. He returned by the way of Panama and New York. In 1856 he was elected a member ol the Board of Supervisors, and held the office three years.

He has been a man of energy and enterprise in business, and has accumulated enough to live comfortably on the rest of his days. Mr. Hopkins and his family are among the intelligent and highly respected people of Hancock county, and rank among the early settlers.

SAMUEL COGSWELL was born in Sandgate, Bennington county, Vt., August 9th, 1794. He was brought up on a farm, and spent his early life in his native place, where he was married to Miss Joanna Smith, March 6th, 1817. He had a family of six children, who were mostly grown up before he left the old homestead. In 1821, he became a member of the Masonic fraternity, joining a lodge in Arlington, Vt., and remaining an active Mason till (he day of his death, and being buried according to the beautiful and solemn rites of the order. He was for two successive terms (1838 and 1839) a member of the Vermont House of Representatives, and served his constituents faithfully and well, being in politics, in those days, a Whig. He also held all the town offices at different times,

In 1832, he left with his family for the west, journeying from Troy to Buffalo on the Erie canal, thence by steamboat to Cleveland, Ohio, from thence by,the Ohio canal to Portsmouth, thence by steamboat to Cincinnati and St. Louis, and up the Mississippi to Nauvoo, from which point he came to La Harpe, arriving on the 2d of September, 1842, after a journey of twentyeight days. This presents a striking contrast with the present mode of traveling by railroad, when the same journey can now be performed in about forty-eight hours, Mr. Cogswell lived to see that change take place.

On his arrival in La Harpe he immediately took possession of the quarter section where his son, L. S. Cogswell, now resides, having procured the land of Col. Clark Rice, of Cambridge, N. Y., before leaving Vermont. There were no improvements on the place, and he set to work vigorously to make a home for himself and family, which he did, living there about twenty years, up to i86(, when he erected and moved into the large brick dwelling now occupied by his son.

After coming here, Mr. Cogswell almost wholly abandoned politics, making a specialty of staying at home and minding his own business, though he served several years on the Board of County Supervisors, and was a public spirited' man, taking an interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the community. For the last fifteen years of his life he was quite an invalid, though his industrious habits and active temperament made it difficult for him to give up all active employment.

He was a great reader and student, especially of the sciences, in which he was well versed, his reading and studies embracing a wide range of subjects. In his religious opinions he was entirely independent of the prevailing orthodox theology, believing in one God, infinitely wise and good, revealed in nature, and in the beneficent destiny of the whole human race.

The homestead of Mr. Cogswell fell into the possession of his two sons, by purchase, in 1857, a portion of which is now_pwned by his son L. S. Cogswell, the present Mayor of I. a Harpe, the other having sold his portion and removed to Kansas.

JAMES GITTINGS. - The subject of this biography is the oldest son of Ason and Elizabeth Gittings, who had a family of eleven children. He was born in Jefferson county, Va., February 21st, 1S01. In 1805, when he was four years old, his parents moved to Belmont county, Ohio, and after remaining there till 1820, again removed to Muskingum county, near Zanesville, in that State. Here James remained till 1836, durir.g which time, as a young man engaged in business for himself, he showed an example of energy, economy and perseverance well worthy the imitation of men in these days.

When he began for himself, in 1821, every branch of business in the county was at a low ebb, in consequence of the decline which followed the war of 1812- 14. At that time his father was in humble circumstances. He started out with that energy and determination which have marked his course through life, and which have enabled him to achieve success in almost everything he has undertaken. He first worked on a farm about two years for six and seven dollars per month, the wages which farm hands then received. Then he tried carpenter business, but not finding work enough at that, soon gave it up for something better. He next engaged in the tobacco business, raising and packing fine yellow tobacco, and sending it to Baltimore. He realized good profit out of this, getting for much of it, on account of its superior quality, the highest market price. His next business was that of shipping flour from Zanesville to New Orleans. He began in a small way, but prospered so well that on the fourth trip he went on his own boat, which he had purchased out of the proceeds of his business. He next turned his attention to farming, which he followed about three years in Ohio before coming to Illinois.

Mr. Gittings thinks it would have been better for him had he come here in 1832. At that time he visited Chicago, and found the number of souls in that now great city only sixty-five. Old men then told him that the prairies of Illinois could never be settled, for the people would freeze to death on them, and besides there was no timber for fuel or fences. This rather prejudiced him against a prairie farm for the time being, and he returned to Ohio ; but on purchasing the place where he now lives in 1836, he was obliged to accept of it contrary to his intention, or go to some other portion of the country, for all the land in or near the timber had been taken up. He has, however, lived to change his views very much about a prairie farm, regarding it now as much preferable to a timber farm - a little more difficult to manage at first, but more productive, beautiful, and equally comfortable when properly planted to shade trees and provided with suitable buildings and hedges.

On first settling where he now resides, he built a frame house. Pie fenced a half section with sod and ditch fence. His first crops were a fine yield, both corn and wheat turning out forty bushels to the acre. He commenced with half a section, and has added to it from time to time, till he has at present two thousand acres, nearly all lying in a solid body. We have traveled over much of Illinois, and we have seen no such body of land included in one estate. For beauty of location it surpasses anything we have ever seen in the State. All except the limber land, added since the original purchase, is well improved, and tinder a high state of cultivation. This land is all worth, at the lowest figure, fifty dollars an acre.

For about twenty years, Mr. Gittings raised wheat almost exclusively, having some years as high as six hundred acres in that crop. For about twelve years he raised cattle and stock chiefly, but for three or four years

In politics, Mr. Gittings was originally a Whig, but on of his anti-slavery proclivities, joined the Republican party at the time of its formation, although his father, and nearly all his connections at the time of his marriage, were slave-holders. He has led too busy a life to have much to do practically with politics, except to cast his ballot at elections.

Mr. Gittings has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Jane Van Horn, of Ohio, whom he married September 17th. 1832, and by whom be had six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom three are now living. He married his second wife, Mrs. Susan Dague, widow of the late Frederick Dague, of Wheeling, Va., May 17. 1844. Three children are the fruit of this marriage, two sons and one daughter; one son and the daughter are living. He has sent three of bis children from home to be educated, and has made ample primary provision for them all. On the 13th of October, 1873, he bought a farm at a cost of $8,500, for his youngest daughter, wife of Prof. Casset, now of Lincoln, Neb.

THOMAS HAMMOND, - Thomas Hammond was born Sept. u, 1808, in Staffordshire. England. He was the fifth of seven children, whose parents were Isaac Hammond and Hannah Mosely, who were both natives of Kingsley, in Staffordshire. They were people of intelligence, and much respected for those qualities that give respect to the human character. They lived and died in Kingsley, having reached a good old age. The early education of the subject of this sketch was merely moderate, but it may be remarked with truth that Mr. Hammond has always in life been a close observer, and possesses a memory very retentive. In the year 1842. he left England and came to America, settling immediately in Hancock county, Illinois. He was one of the first settlers of Appanoose township, and remembers well the hardships and vicissitudes of the early settlers. When he came to Hancock county he had the small sum of five dollars in his pocket, but through energy, industry and economy, has accumulated a handsome farm and most comfortable home. On the 7th May, 1831, he was united in marriage to Mary Sergent. She was a native of Wesley Rocks, in Staffordshire, England, and the third of four children. Her parents were William Sergent and Mary Turner, who were both natives of Staffordshire, and people distinguished for intelligence and piety. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond have had ten childrej}, seven of whom are living. In the battle of life be has never permitted himself to be daunted by obstacles, no mailer of what magnitude. He has ever been successful in dashing to pieces the machinations of evil and designing personsT Although he has done a great deal of hard work, his constitution is yet quite robust for a gentfeman of his age, and will most likely, with proper care, insure him yet years of useful and dignified old age. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond have taken great pains that their children might be raised with moral and manly views of life and its many relations, and have now the proud satisfaction of seeing them all doing well in their respective spheres of action. Religiously, Mr. Hammond has never embraced any particular branch of the ecclesiastical organism ; he has always preferred to not join any church, but is a great respecter of all religious seels, and especially of people who try to lead peaceable and upright lives. In politics he is a strong Democrat; voted first for Pierce. He is a great admirer of that Democracy whose principles were so ably shown forth by such men as Jackson and Stephen A. Douglas. Socially, Mr. Hammond is pleasant and affable. He is a man free from all guile, and is very much respected by his neighbors and friends. He has always led a life of industry. His countenance indicates determination and self-reliance, with respect for the feelings and emotions of his fellow -beings. When Mr. Hammond came to this country he came as a Mormon, having been seduced into joining this body of " humbugs " in England. They were called there "latter-day saints." Mr. Hammond soon found out that instead of being "latter-day saints," that they were, to use his own phrase, "latter-day devils." He soon left them, and became conspicuous for his opposition to i of this bad people ; and when they were forced out of the in active worker against Ihem. We find Mr. Hammond to-day

CHRISTOPHER E. YATES, ESQ., of Nauvoo, was bom on the 19th day of December, 1794. i" Montgomery county. N. Y. He was the second of seven children whose parents were Evert Yates and Catharine Fonda. They were natives of New York, and people distinguished for piety and intelligence. Their ancestry were among the first settlers of this country. His father was an active participant in Ihe Revolutionary war. from its initiation till its termination. At an early day in the settlement of New York, his ancestry came over from Holland, and entered large esta.es of land in New York, along the Hudson, by title from king George II. His father died on the family es.ale in New York, in 1846, having passed a lifetime of integrity, industry and high morality. The early education of the subject of Ibis sketch was ve.7 limited, but he has always been remarkable through life for industry and close observing powers. He has now in his possession valuable deeds and papers that were given h,s ancestry ,n the earliest days of the settlement of New York, by the crowned head of Great Britain king George II. It is certainly a high honor to be descended from a family on both sides so illustrious for the virtues and character that was so justly a component and dislinguishing characteristic of the eariy Dutch settlers of the State of New York. The following » "he genealogy of Mr. Yates' family, on ihe family record, at present :

In 1829, Mr. Yates came to this State, and settled in Augusta in this county, where he remained as a successful and enterprising farmer till 1846, when, after the Mormon expulsion, he moved to Nauvoo. In fact, he was the first comer, after the expulsion. He has lived in Nauvoo ever since, and will here, in all probability, pass the balance of bis days. He started in life poor, but by dint of economy, energy and the strictest morality, has made himself wealthy, and now lives a dignified life of retired ease. His occupation since coming to Nauvoo has in the main been farming ; but it will be in taste to remark that his wealth has been acquired more by general speculation than by the plodding prosess of tilling the soil. The following is the family record of himself, wife, and family;

Christopher Yates, born December 19, 1794; Catharine Van Horn, born January 29, 1799; married January 6, 1819. The following was the fruit of the marriage: Evert, born January 14, 1820, died September 4, 1821, aged 1 year, 7 months and 21 days ; Ellen C, born August 27, 1821, who is yet living, being the wife of J. C. Decker, a prominent farmer near Plymouth, in this county ; Angelica, bom January I, 1823, who is yet living, and the wife of Robart Holt, of Nauvoo ; John Putnam, bom February 12, 1825, who is yet living in this county ; Lydia, born October 13, 1826, who is yet living in Augusta, and the widow of John Wynecoop ; Evert Lansing, born February 29, 1828, died August 12, 1865, aged 37 years, 5 months and 12 days ; Gilty Jane, born October 5, 1S30, is yet living, and the wife of Isaac Sanders, of Appanoose ; Elizabeth, born August 2, 1833, died January 30, 1842, aged 8 years, 5 months and 28 days ; Catharine, born May 7, 1836, who is yet living, and the wife of P. F. Harry, of Nauvoo ; Abraham Van Horn, born March 31, 1839, died July 24, 1861, aged 22 years, 3 months and 24 days ; and Win. Henry Harrison, born January 9, 1841, who is yet living with his father, in Nauvoo. Mrs. Yates, the mother of the above family, and ihe wife of the subject of this sketch, died November 15, 1872. in Nauvoo, at ihe advanced age of 73 years, 9 months and 17 days.

Mrs. Yates was a lady remarkable for intelligence and piety, and when she departed this life, left behind her hosts of grief-stricken friends. She was a woman distinguished lor all those sensibilities that adorn the female character, and was especially remarkable for the love and-interest she accorded her husband and family. She was a daughter of Abraham Van Horn, a distinguished Dutch-Reformed clergyman of New York, and a descendant of one of the most illustrious and worthy settlers of that State. He occupied one pulpit in New York for forty years.

Mr. Yates is a man who has through life been remarkable for a keen mind and discriminating powers of judgment, associated with a memory that is very retentive. He has been a great student of Nature, and has now in his possession some of the finest specimens of petrifactions and aboriginal curiosities in the country. It would well pay the scientific gentleman to visit him, and endeavor to purchase remains that would be prized at a high value by the learned institutions of the world. He would be received with ; that whole-souled cordiality and hospitality that has always been a distinguishing characteristic of Christopher Yates.

In 1346, when Mr. Yates first came to Nauvoo, the Mormons were leaving for ihcir homes in Utah. During the trouble with these deluded people, he was an idle spectator. He believed tliem an iniquitous people whose practices and teachings were dangerous to the best interests of the commonwealth ; but, while he took (his view, he nevertheless believed that their case should . be explained by the civility of a powerful government. He is a man who I has always been an enemy of mob violence. This view of these affairs at a time when popular excitement was high, subjected him to the odium of the mob, and he lost considerable property by ihe hands of wicked incendiaries. He continued, however, to remain neutral to a considerable extent. He was appointed by Gov. Ford to arrest Joseph Smith, and he did so, taking him to Carthage, where, in a short time, he was murdered by the mob. Mr. Yates at one time acted as Aid-de-Camp for Gov. Ford, and was inslrumcntalin pursuading the Governor to not issue his proclamation of extermination. He is one of the first men of this county, to-day, in point of wealth and influence, and is a man much respected for bis sterling worth. His lifetime has been passed in the interest of his fellow beings. He has always led a life of integrity, industry and high morality, and has now the satisfaction of enjoying as a result a happy home and ihe respect of all who know him.

Politically, he is a strong Democrat ; voted for Gen. Jackson and Stephen A. Douglas. He is enthusiastic in his admiration for old-fashioned democracy. To-day he takes an active interest in the popular uprising against monopolies.

Religiously, his views are by no means circumscribed by the doctrines of churches. He has always led a life of high morality ; is distinguished for quick and generous sensibilities, and (hose in distress will receive from him kindness and loving consideration. His name is intimately identified wilh Ihe early history and career of ihe country, and will forever be a part of that history. We find him to-day enjoying good health and spirits. Socially, he is very affable and courteous ; loves to have the society of intelligent persons. We anticipate for him years yet of useful and honorable existence. As bis ancestry lived to a good old age, it is highly probable lhat ihe family longevity will preserve the writer's subject as long, if not longer.

HUGH JACKSON. - Hugh Jackson was born on the 23d day of September, 1837, in Fulton county, N. Y. He was the second of nine children, whose parents were James Jackson and Mary Ferguson, who were farmers by occupation, and people distinguished for piety and intelligence. They were in comfortable circumstances in life, and gave their children the ads'antages of the common schools of thai day. They were natives of Scotland, and came to America in 1832. At the age of eighteen, Hugh left the parentage in Albany county, N. Y., where they had moved from Fulton counly, and came to Illinois and settled in Hancock county. He was in rather poor circumstances pecuniarily, having nothing but the small sum of five dollars and twenty-five cents ; but his morals were pure, and his resolution powerful. Having worked industriously for three years, and having gotten a liltlc money, he accompanied a party of friends to Pike's Peak. From Pike's Peak he went to New Mexico, where he remained but a few months. From there be went to New Orleans, where he stayed during the winter. In the spring he returned to Illinois, but remained here but a short lime. He then devoted some montlis to travel in Missouri and the southern part of this Slate. He then went to New Orleans and wintered. He was present in New Orleans when the secession ordinance was passed in the winter of i860. In the spring of 1861 he returned to Illinois, where he has since remained, with the exception of a few months devoted to travel in ihe east. Mr. Jackson started in life poor, and well understands ihe value of self-acquired experience and property. His comfortable home is the result of years of industry and frugality. It may be remarked that he is a man of great determination, and has never permitted himself to be discouraged or daunted by obstacles. In the year 1865 he was united in marriage 10 Mary H. Hammond, a native of England. Her patents came from England when she was quite young, and settled in this county. They were people of intelligence and piety. Her father is now living, and a prominent farmer of this counly. In religion Mr. Jackson is a Presbyterian. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and has always been enthusiastic in his admiration of that Democracy of which Jackson and Douglas were ihe true and patriotic exponents. He takes an active and earnest interest in the efforts of bis parly to redeem the country from the corruption and misrule it has for years been subjected to. He considers the great farmers' movement now becoming so prominent, as destined, if rightly understood and practiced, to improve the condition of ihe agricultural classes, and, in fact, ihe prosperity of the whole country. He has always led a life of sobriety and industry. Temperance in action, language and social intercourse is rather wilh him a rule of conduct. He is, at the date of our writing this sketch. Supervisor of Appanoose township, where he has resided for some years. We find him to-day on his farm, enjoying good health and spirits.

BENJAMIN JASPER MANIFOLD was bom in Kome counly, Tennessee, March 26th, 1826. He is the son of George and Mary Manifold, the former a native of Pennsylvania, ihe latter of Tennessee. His father was a farmer and builder of bridges and fiat-boats. He came to La Harpe with his family in 1836, being one of the pioneer settlers, and died in October, 1838. Mrs. Manifold died in April 186S.

The subject of this biography came to Illinois with his parents at ihe age of ten years, and grew up amidst the hardships and privations of frontier life, with only the meagre advantages for education which ihe country at lhat time afforded. The death of his father when he was about the age of twelve not only imposed upon him and the rest of the family a heavy responsibility to keep ihem supplied with the necessaries of life, but having located land on tax lilies purchased in Tennessee, they lost all they had paid on it, and were obliged to purchase it on again of parties who held it under a soldier's patent. He and his three brothers stayed there till they paid for that tract of land and made it by improvements one of the finest farms in the county, embracing three quarters of a section, when Jasper and Addison, selling out to the other two brothers, came and located where they now reside.

Mr. Manifold's farm is on the south half of section 8, is well timbered, and is a beautiful farm, well situated and sightly. He began here in 1850, and the present condition of the place shows thai Mr. Manifold has not only been a bard worker, but a good and economical manager. He began life under very unfavorable circumstances, but wilh firm energy and a determination to succeed, he conquered his difficulties and is now among the substantial and forehanded farmers of ihe counly. In all his efforts and achievements he has been actuated by a spirit of honor and integrity, and has a reputation among his fellow-citizens that any one may justly be proud of.

In his political principles .Mr. Manifold is a Republican, ihough he takes little part in politics, except to keep himself informed on the questions of ihe day and to deposit bis ballot according to his conviction of right and duty. When the draft came on during the war of the Rebellion, he hired a man to go ihrce years as his representative in the army.

Mr. Manifold was married on the 5th of February, 1852, to Miss Cornelia Hulton, of La Harpe, formerly of New York. By this marriage they have had four daughters, all of whom are living. Mr. Manifold and his family are highly esteemed by a large circle of friends.

J. S. ROSS was born in Monongahela county, West Virginia, on the 15th ' of November, 1824. His father, Ezekicl Ross, a farmer, came to Fulton I county, Illinois, in 1836, and purchased a farm, on which he lived till 1854. I He then sold out and lived with his son, the subject of [his sketch, till his 1 death, which occurred in November, 1870. His widow is still living in Canj ton, Fulton county, at the advanced age of sevcnly-ihree.

J. S. Ross emigrated to ibis county in 184G, and located land on which J he settled in 1858, having in the meantime got married in Canton to Mary I B. Cowpenhwaite, ihe marriage occurring on the 271b of February, 1848.

He commenced life poor, without a single dollar, but by his business I talents, energy and good management has made his way to a comfortable I competence. His farm of Ihree hundred acres of land is well improved and j clear of all incumbrances.

Mr. Ross is one of ihe self-made and substantial business men of the I counly, and justly stands high in the eslimation of his fellow-cilizens.

The »Bt seWenimt wa. »»de in this township by Abraham Brewer, about the year lEjo. Mr. Brewer erected a cabin and made improvements on the eaat half of section ay. About the same lime, or a little later, Jacob Compton located and built a cabin o« the east half of section .6. These were both men of families. Mrs. Compton, on going out bare-footed one day to drive the cows, encountered two huge rattlesnakes, which she heard rattling in the grass, and succeeded in killing them both. In 1831, Major William Smith arrived from New Hampshire, and bought out the improvements of Jacob Compton. converting his cabin into a store for the accommodation of a stock of goods which he bronght with him This was the first store in the township, and Major Smith was the first merchant. Jesse Styloid erected the first mill on section 27. in 183S or 1836, which was a horse-mill, and the only one in the to«rslnpldli85a when Messrs/TJouchenour at Coulson erected a steam-mill in La Harpc. The first Justice of the Peace and Postmaster was L. R. Cbaffih. He joined the Mormons afterwards, and the last that was known of hhn he was a missionary in Australia. La Harpe is situated on section 21 of this township. Major Smith was the original proprietor and founder of the town. He and Marvin Tryan bought the land and laid out the towr. in 1835. The first school house was erected in school a short time in Dr. Coulson's blacksmith shop. It is quite a notable fact that the first blacksmith shop was converted into a school-house and the first school-house into a blacksmith shop ; for of late the school-house in which Mr. Warren taught has been used by Mr. Norris for the latter purpose. La Harpe is an excellent township of land, and is settled by a thrifty and intelligent class of people.

Hon. JOHN D. STEVENS. - John D. Stevens was born in Carrollton, Greene county, Illinois, on tlie 8th day of February, 1S26. He was the oldest of eight children, whose parents were Joseph Stevens and Eimira Dee. His father followed through life mercantile and agricultural pursuits, and died in the winter of '45-46, in Chili, in this county. The education of John was merely in the elementary branches. At the age of seventeen he quit school and went to work on the farm. When he was twenty years of age he went to 'Jackson county, Iowa, where he remained during the winter, engaged in laborious pursuits of an honorable nature. He then returned to Hancock county, and worked on the farm during the summer. In the fall of 1S47 he went to New Orleans with a drove of horses, by way of Helena, Ark., at which place he remained for a few weeks. The following spring he returned to Illinois. In the spring of 1850, he went overland to California, where he remained for five years engaged in mining and general pursuits. In February, 1S55, he left California and went to Texas, arriving there in July, and leaving in December lie arrived in Illinois, having come to New Orleans by way of the Gulf. This was the latter part of December, '55. He remained at home now till spring, and then went to Fort Reily, Kansas, from which point he returned in the summer of 1856. He then settled on the farm, where with agricultural pursuits he has mainly employed his time ever since, with the exception of a trip to the mines in the neighborhood of I'ike's Peak in i860, for a space of about six months. On the 3th day of February, 1S57. he was united in marriage to Julia A. Towler, a native of Indiana. He is the father of three children, all of whom are living. Mr. Stevens has held various offices of a public responsibility. In 1S4S he was elected constable of Chili. He was Justice of the Peace in Chili in 1864. In 1870 he was elected Sheriff of Hancock county, and was re-elected to the same office in 1S72. When the Mormon troubles were going on, Mr. Stevens was in the ranks of those who were denominated Anti-Mormons. Politically lie has always been a strong Democrat. Keligiously his belief is by no means circumscribed by the doctrines of churches. Socially he is very pleasant and affable, lie is a man who has had a great deal of experience in life. He is well acquainted with human nature in its various phases, and is eminently adapted for the office of Sheriff of Hancock county.

WILLIAM J. DALE. - The subject of this brief biographical sketch. William J. Dale, Esq., of Carthage, in this county, was bom on the l8lh day of May, 1830. in Woodford county, Kentucky. He was the third of eight children. His parents were George W. Dale and Martha Ann Booz. They were both natives of Kentucky, and farmers by occupation. His father died in this county in 1862, from the effects of wounds received from a runaway team. The early education of William was very limited, but he has through life been a close reader, and possesses a memory very retentive. He remained on the farm till he was twenty-one years of age. when he began life as a teacher. He remained, however, in this vocation but one year, arid then engaged in mercantile pursuits, at which he has engaged his time and energy ever since. When he first began the battle of life he had only ten dollars in his pocket ; but by dint of perseverence, energy and economy, has been able to overcome all obstacles, and is now one of the' prominent merchants of Carthage. Mr. Dak is one of ihe early settlers of this county. He came with his father in 1835 to this Stale, and settled in Morgan county, where they remained two years, and then came to this county in 1S37. His father, when the Mormon troubles were going on, was prominently interested against them. On the 10th day of November, 1853, Mr. Dale was united in marriage to Maretta J. Walking, a native of Kentucky. He is the father of three children, two of whom are living. Politically he is a Democrat ; he was identified with the Whig party while that party had a distinct political organization. During the Civil War he was a Democrat of the Jacksonian school. It is very seldom that we meet with a man who formerly was a Whig that was not a Republican during the War of the Rebellion : but Mr. Dale, while he favored a vigorous prosecution of the war to restore the (!nion, favored its being carried on in a manner that was consistent with ihc Constitution of the United Slates. He also believed that, with a Democratic administration of the old Jacksonian party, the Union would have been restored much sooner and belter; certainly, in his opinion, millions of money would have been saved, and millions of a national debt avoided. Religiously be is an earnest member of the Bapti-t church. He joined this great religious organization when he was but eighteen years of age. and has ever since taken great interest in its progress and welfare. Naturally he has a warm religious temperament. I le is one of those fortunate men who, to use the expression of a great divine, "are bom with religion in them." Heis a man. perfectly devoid of all sinister motives; being pure himself, he with generosity accords purity to all. Socially Mr. Dale is pleasant and affable. He is a man of modest and unassuming manners, and is very much respected by all who know him. lie takes great interest in the progress of the age. and lends a helping hand to all public enterprise. Although his constitution has been subjected to the cares and labors of an unusually active life, it is yet firm and elastic. It will be in taste to observe that he has always been remarkable for temperance; temperance in action, language and social intercourse, is rather with him a rule of conduct, lie is by natural temperament well adapted for a profession requiring penetration and diligent application. He would have been eminently successful ,1- a minister of Christ or as an educator.

JAMES A. 01. 1- IS was horn on the 8th day of September, 182S. in Montgomery county, Indiana. His parents were Matthew Ollis and Catherine Armstrong. His father was a native of England, and his mother a native of Ohio. They were people of piety, and gave great attention to the moral and spiritual interests of their family. In 1838. they moved to Hancock couniy, Illinois, and settled on section 13, Appanoose township, where they resided' till the death of the father of James, in the year 1840. Mr. Ollis was early accustomed to hard work, and has been a farmer in Appanoose township for a number of years. In 1S54. he was united in marriage to Martha Brown, who was a native of Ohio. She was the youngest of twelve children. Her parents were John Brown and Nancy A. Emmonds. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother a native of Ohio. They were agriculturists, and people distinguished for intelligence and piety. Mr. Ollis is the father of live children, all of whom are living, lie started in life poor and well understands the value of self-acquired experience and property. He has always been a man remarkable for industry and morality. In politics he is a strong Democrat, voted first for Zachariah Taylor. In religion he is an earnest Presbyterian. He joined the Methodist church when quite young. He is a man very much respected tor his public spirit. Socially he is pleasant and unobtrusive. He is very reserved and careful in all his plans and measures. We find htm to-day one of the leading agriculturists of the township, surrounded by an interesting family and apparently in very good health

JOHN M. AGNEW. - J. M. Agnew was bom on the 28th day of May, 1813, in Butler couniy, Ohio. His parents were Brant Agnew and Ann C. Myers. His father was a native of New Jersey, and his mother a native of Pennsylvania. His father was a miller, and during the latter days of his life a farmer. He was a man remarkable for intelligence and industry. He gave his children a moderate education. At the age of 18 John lelt the parentage in Butler county, Ohio, and went to Dayton, Ohio, where he remained aboul one year, engaged in honorable pursuits of a laborious nature. He then went to Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, where he remained till the spring of 1832, when he werti to the Ohio river as flat-boatman. Abraham Lincoln was at the same time engaged in the same pursuit on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and both met at the same lime in Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Agnew made one trip to New Orleans and back, and then went lo Hamilton county, Ohio, where his parents had removed to. and remained there as a carpenler till 1836. In the fall of 1836, he came to Illinois with his aged parens, and settled on section 8, Pontoosuc township, in this county. He has resided in this township the most of the time since, with the exception of about four years as carpenter on the Mississippi. He has followed his trade of carpenter the greater part of the time since coming here, but has now and then engaged a little at farming. When the trouble with the Mormons broke out Mr. Agnew took a prominent part against them, but while he considered them an iniquitous people, he to-day thinks that the difficulties with them might have been settled in a manner far more consistent with the dictates of civilization than, unhappily, it was. It is a matter of remark amongst some in this county that Joseph Agnew, the brother of the subject of this sketch, who took an active part in driving out the Mormons, set fire to the Nauvoo temple. The report originated from correspondence in the " Peoria Transcript," some time after the death of Mr. Joseph Agnew. The subject of this brief biographical disquisition affirms the charge to be false in every particular, and has intended to deny the allegation in the paper that originated it, and probably will when an occasion offers. In politics Mr. Agnew has always been a Democrat. He voted lirsi for Andrew Jackson, and has always been enthusiastic in his admiration of that democracy of which Jackson and Douglas were the true and. patriotic exponents, lie voted for Stephen A, Douglas, and when the war broke out favored ils vigorous prosecution lo restore the Union under the Constitution. He differed with ihc hot-headed of the democratic party on various issues. Hehas favored our national bank -vstem originated >mc< ihe war. His democracy is of that Simon Pure kind that is not adulterated with bigotry, but brings in its scope the intcresis of our whole country. II- believes that the reconstructed Southern Stales should be their own legislators under the Constitution of the United Siaies. He declined to vole for Horace Greeley, because of his belief that Mr. Greeley did not represent the true democracy ; and as he had opposed for a lifetime ihe principle of the democratic parly, Mi. Agnew thought that he prostituted himself in running on Ihe ticket, and that the true democracy sold their political honor in supporting him. Religiously Mr. Agnew has never permitted himself 10 be circumscribed by the doctrines of churches or priestcraft. He has always favored a rationalistic view of the religious question, lie is a man who has always been remarkable for honorable action and high morality, has never in his life used profane language, He is .1 great respecler of all who try to live under ihc teachings of the "meek and lowly Jesus." Socially Mr. Agnew is pleasant and affable. He delights to converse with intelligent persons aboul the early days of our eon 11 1 ry, and ihc trials and hardships of the early pioneers. I lis conversation is rich with the early history of the county. Although he lias a great deal of hard work his constitution is yet robust, and indicates, with proper care, years yet of honorable and useful life. Although Mr. Agnew started in life without education, it will be in taste to remark ihat he has always been a close reader and keen observer, and possesses a memory very retentive. He is particularly well read in ancient history, and it will be hard for the student to catch him on any of its main principles. Astronomy has been with him a favorite study, and his knowledge of this, to most a difficult science, is extensive and exact. He is a great favorite with the young. The old gentleman loves children, and loves to have them around him. We find him to-day in good spirits, and hope that he may have years yet of happy and beautiful existence.

child of Enock Rand and Mary Hill. habils, a carpenter by trade, and folio vessels. In 1806, he sailed from Rye, bound for Congo, Africa, and was 1 fourteen, Ebene/er was apprenticed t remained at the .trade lill 1830. In 18

His father was a man of industrious red the sea as a mechanic on board of New Hampshire, 011 the ship Africa, ever heard of again. At the age of ' learn the hoot and shoe trade, and iO, he came to Illinois, by water from

Boston to Baltimore, by stage from Baltimore lo Pitisburg, and by waier from Pittsburg to St. I>ouis. At St. Louis he crossed the Mississippi, and. in companv with Samuel Ilackellon, who afterwards became identified eminently with the State as a public man. they both went on foot to Oquaka, and thence south to Vandalia. He then returned home to Ma.ssachu setts ; from Vandalia to Vincennes, and thence to Louisville by stage, thence to Pittsburg by boat, thence to Erie by stage, thence to Buffalo on boat, thence by canal to Albany, where he found himself entirely out of funds, and had to foot it from there through New York to Marblehead, Mass. He immediately settled up his business, and, on the 17th day of September. 1830, started on his journey. The route of his travel was from Boston to Albany, thence to Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, Sandusky, Fort Wayne, Logansport, Lafayette. He arrived in Fulton county Dec. 12, 1830, and wintered there. In the spring of 1831, he moved to Adams county, and settled one mile north of Camp Point. He purchased a quarter of land here, on which he resided till September, 1837, when he moved 16 Carthage, Hancock county, where he resided till 1854, when he moved on to Sec. 26, where he has since resided as an agriculturist. In 1840, he was elected County Judge. On the 251I1 day of December, 1S26, he was married to Hannah Calley, by whom he had two children. On the 6th day of December, 1832, he was married to his second wife, Elizabeth P. Calley, by whom he has had two children. On the 2OO1 day of April, 1846, he was married lo his present wife, Johanna C. Lawton, by whom he has had six children, four of whom are living. His first wife died on the 17th day of August, 1831, in Adams county ; his second wife died at Carthage, Aug. 23, 1841. He is an earnest member of the Presbyterian church. Although he has experienced all the vicissitudes of an unusually active life, his constitution is yet firm, his step light and his eye bright. We anticipate for him years yet of happy and dignified old age.

FREDERIC BAUM. a wealthy and influential citizen of Nauvoo, in this county, was born on the iqth day of March, 1807, at Mahlburg, in Baden. He was the youngest of six children, whose parents were John Baum Catharine Hertenstein. They were natives of Baden, and people distinguished for intelligence and piety. Mis father was a man of great influence in the church and society, and through life was employed in mercantile and agricultural pursuits. He lost considerable property in the wars with the French. The education ol Mr. Baum was very liberal. He became an accomplished scholar in the ancient and modern languages. At the age of seventeen, he became interested in mercantile pursuits, which occupied his entire attention and energies to the year 1827, when his ambition led him to seek the shores of the New World. In Ihe latter part of this year, he embarked in a sailing vessel at Antwerp, and soon landed in Charleston, S. C. He immediately went into honorable employment in the service of the Consul of his government at Charleston. He remained in this highly honorable avocation till, in ihe summer, the epidemic of yellow fever appeared and debilitated sadly the business interests of the place. He then, with a recommendation of the Prussian Consul, went to New York, where he remained for some months, and, having a great desire to travel, went lo Bristol, Eng., with the intention of going to ihe East Indies ; but, having renounced this intention, after remaining in England for a short time, he returned 10 America in the year 1S29. He again landed at Charleston, S. C. He remained in Charleston but one month, and then went to Cuba, where he remained for a space of three years, engaged in mercantile pursuits. He then came

I lo New Orleans, where he remained for two year- in business occupations. He then went to Mexico, but remained there only six months. Spain, at this time, was making an attempt lo conquer that country. He then returned to New Orleans, where he remained for three years in the busy pursuits of commerce. He then came to Vicksburg, where he localed till April, 1S64. During his stay in Vicksburg, he was engaged in mercantile and agricultural pursuits. It was the lasl few years of his stay in that cily that Ihe civil war was al ils acme of fury, and during the celebrated bombardment of the place, lie lost considerable properly. In 1S64, he left Missi.- sippi, and came in Nauvoo, in this county, where he has since resided, engaged in aclivc pursuits of a most honorable nature. In ihc year 1839, he was uniied in marriage to Salomina Baum, a native of Baden, and a ladydistinguished for intelligence, piety and refinement. Mr. Baum is the father of four children, three of whom are living. Although Mr. Baum has led a

life of intense activity, yet his constitution is quite robnsl, and plainly indicates a sound mind in a sound body. He is a man of greni liierary culture,

Politically, he was a Whig while that party had a distinct organization, He now is a Democrat, although he was in aclivc sympathy with the Republican party during the war of ihe Rebellion. Religiously, he is a Lutheran. Socially, he is very pleasant and affable, and his conversation plainly indicates the gentleman whose mind has been cultivated by ihe amenities of literature and extensive travel. He is very much respected by all whoknow him. The residence of Mr. Baum, in Nauvoo, is ihe resort of the intelligent and refined of the community. We anticipate for him years yet of useful and honorable life.

CHARLES M. TUCKER was bom March 28th, 1838, in Piuslield, New Hampshire. He was the fifth of twelve children, whose parents were lohn Tucker and Sarah Coffin. His father was a man of intelligence and influence, and held for some time the office of Justice of the Peace, and was Deputy Sheriff of Merrimac county for sixteen years. The education of the subject of this sketch was liberal, and obtained by his own exertions, at the celebrated Academies ol Pittslield and Pembroke, in Merrimac county, New Hampshire. In 1853 he completed his education, after a hard struggle of teaching school, and other honorable pursuits, through vacation. In this yeai he initiated Ins professional career as an insiructor of youth, at Bamsted, 1.1 Bcliinp county. New Hampshire. He taught in New Hampshire successfully for six years. In 1859 he came to this State, and lurgau leaching ai Pilol Grove, now Burnside, in this county. In l8£o he taught in Monlebcllo. In 18(11 he went to Minnesota and enlisted in Company H, of the First Minnesota Regiment. December loih, 1862, he received an honorable discharge from the service at Bellevue Hospital, New York, 01 wound received during the seven day's fight before Richmond. This wound confined him to his bed for eighteen months In 1864 he resumed the occupation of teacher in Pimfield. New Hampshire. In 1865 he taught in Ilingham, Massachusetts. In 1866 he returned to this county, -and taught in Dallas City. In 1867 be taught in Nauvoo. In 1S6S he taught in Vatesvillc, Morgan county. In 1869 and 1870, at Concord and Jacksonville, in Morgan county. In 1871 at Chapin and Jacksonville, in Morgan county. In 1872 he returned to Hancock county, and taught in Sonora. At the dale of our writing this sketch, Mr. Tucker is principal of a school in Nauvoo. On the 23d day of August, 1S68, he was united in marriage to Sarah E. Hudson, of Nauvoo. She departed this life July 19th, 1869. On the 24th day of October, 1873. Mr. Tucker was united in marriage to Mary E. Lightner, of Sonora township, who is a lady of refinement and education, and a successful teacher. Mr. Tucker's employment in life, with the exception of his service in the cause of his country during the rebellion, has been in the honorable avocation of an educator. It is highly probable that were it not for a degree of physical incapacity, caused by the wound he received upon the field of battle, that other employments than teaching would have claimed some of his energies. It will be in taste to here observe that he has been eminently successful as an educator. His mind has a decided mathematical turn, but unlike the majority of those whose bent of mind is mathematical, his linguistic faculties are of rare force. He is a man whose natural qualifications for the responsible and arduous duties of an educator are of a high order. He is modest and affable, cool and determined, lie certainly has a control over his own impulses, and is eminently adapted for controlling the discipline of the school-room. Politically, he is a strong Democrat. Religiously, he is an earnest member of the Congregational ist Church.

BENJAMIN RITER was born July 27, 1801, in Chester county, Penn. He was the second of seven children, whose parents were Michael Riter and Elizabeth Neidie. They were natives of this country, and, with their ancestry, took an active part in the Revolutionary struggle. They- were agriculturists by occupation, and people distinguished for intelligence and piety. The education of Benjamin was merely in the elementary branches, but sufficient to fit him for the honorable and responsible duties of a teacher. His father died in 1820, and Benjamin continued to farm and take care of the family till 1826. In this year he began teaching school, which he earnestly and successfully followed for a space of two years. He then, with his brother, went into the tanning business, which he pursued with attention and profit for five years. At this time he sold out his share of the tannery to his brother, and purchased a farm in Chester county, Penn. He farmed now for nine years. He then sold out, and in the spring of 1842, spent three months traveling in the Western States. He then returned toChester county, Penn., and resumed the arduous duties of a teacher. With teaching and auctioneering he employed his 'time till the ist of April, 1846. He then ^ld out his possession in Chester county, Penn., and made preparations to migrate to Illinois. The latter part of May, 1846, he arrived in this State, and settled in the city or Nauvoo, in this county. He here pursued his old employment of auctioneering with farming, rented land near the city till the year 1855. He then purchased a farm on Sec. 36, in the township of Appanoose, where he has since resided, and where, in all probability, he will pass the balance of his days. Mr. Riter has been successful in the various occupations of tanner, teacher, farmer and auctioneer, and now enjoys a good home and a handsome farm as the result of a lifetime of energy, morality and industry. On the 27th day of December, 1827, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Downing, a native of Chester county, Penn. She became the mother of five children. She was a woman remarkable for piety, intelligence, and love for her family, and departed this life on the 15th day of February, 1868. Mr. ^iter was one of the early pioneers of the county. He resided for some years in Nauvoo, at a time when the Mormons were the ruling and owning element of that place, and had a splendid opportunity to get acquainted with that people and their peculiar institution. Mr. Riter, religiously, is a Quaker, and believes that the difficulties with the Mormons might have been settled in a manner far more consistent with humane and civilized principles than unhappily it was. The occasion in the difficulties with these people, when, on one side of the river, were the famished and sick women ;ind children, while on the other was a furious and howjing mob, clamoring to be permitted to cross, made a deep impression on his generous sympathies, and never will be effaced from his memory, It will be in taste to remark that during these troubles, Mr. Riter was an idle spectator, till it became necessary to overcome his Quaker sensibilities, and endeavor, with the government troops and good citizens, to keep back the howling mob from their homes, and the departing families of the persecuted Mqrmons. Politically, Mr. Riter is a Democrat. Religiously, a Quaker ; and as a rule of social conduct absorbs the injunction of St. Paul : " He temperate in all things." He is one of the solid men of the township, is distinguished for intelligence, affability, and generous impulses, and is very much respected by all who know him. His constitution is yet powerful, and plainly indicates a sound mind in a sound body, and with proper care, will insure him years more of dignified and happy existence.

JOHN R- TULL. - J. R. Tull was born on the 36th day of March, 1807 in Sussex county, Delaware, and was the fourth of nine children. His parents were Whcatley Tull and Margaret Rose. His mother was a native of Somerset county, Maryland, and his father a native of Sussex county, Delaware. They were people of intelligence, and were earnest members of the Methodist church while they lived. They paid great attention to the mental and moral interests of their children, and they were all given such education as the country schools of the day afforded. In 1824, they sold out the farm in Delaware and moved to Hamilton county, Ohio. John came with them, and after remaining there one year he returned to Delaware and was married on the 4th day of May, 1826, to Nancy Langford, who was a nnttve of

Delaware and the second of six children, whose parents were Littleton Langford and Hannah Whealley. who were people of intelligence and piety. Soon after his marriage Mr. Tull returned to Hamilton county, Ohio, and settled in Cincinnati, where he remained one year. He then moved into the country near Cincinnati and began farming, which he followed for seven years in that county. He then moved to Illinois and setlled on section 7, Pontoosuc township, in Hancock county. This was in the spring of 1836. Mr. Tull at this time was in very poor circumstances, but it will be in taste to observe that his morals were good and his determination and energy of a high order. He has resided on this farm ever since, and his comfortable home and pleasant surroundings arc evidences of a lifetime of industry and frugality. He is the father of nine children, three of whom are living. During the trouble with the Mormons Mr. Tull took an active part, and was conspicuous for his opposition to the iniquities of the people, who at one time took him prisoner. In religion Mr. Tull is a Methodist, has been an earnest member of this great church for about forty years, He was licensed as an exhorter July 22. 1S48, and in 1850 was licensed to preach. He was ordained in 1854. He has preached more or less ever since. In politics he was a strong Whig while that party had a distinct organization, but on its death he identified himself with the Republican party. He has ever since been an earnest advocate of the principles of this party. Socially Mr. Tull is pleasant and affable. His mind is of the mathematical order. He has been a successful farmer, and has made the nursery business rather a specially. He is a man of naturally high religious emotions, and has done a great deal of hard work in the cause of Christianity. We find him to-day enjoying good health and spirits, and possessing a constitution that has stood well the conflicts of his busy and useful life.

Hon. JOHN BAUER, one of the most respectable and influential citizens of Nauvoo, in this county, was born on the 14th day of February, 1807, in the Rhinish province of Bavaria. His parents were Jacob Bauer and Catherine Deidcsheimer. They were the parents of three sons. The subject of this sketch is the youngest. His father followed through life the various pursuits that belong to mercantile, mechanical, and agricultural pursuits. He attained eminent proficiency as a business man, an able cooper, and a successful raiser of the vine, and the transformation of its fruit into the best wine of the time. He died in 1847, mourned by a host of friends and relatives. Mr. Bauer was early inured to labor, and his first book education was merely of the elementary branches. It will be in taste, however, to here remark that his parents were people remarkable for intelligence and piety, and gave great attention to the mental as well as the moral training and culture of their children. Mr. Bauer has, through life, been a close reader. His memory is very retentive, and his power of observation very discriminating. At the age of twenty he began life in agricultural pursuits, making the cultivation of the grape - its proper grafting, training, and general bent - a speciality. In 1833 he left his native land and came to America, and settled in Stark county, Ohio, where he remained for a space of seventeen years, engaged in various pursuits of an honorable nature. For five of these years his occupation was mainly agricultural ; the last three years of his stay in that county being in the main occupied with the arduous and responsible duties of a public servant, in the capacity of County Recorder. In 1850 he left Ohio and came to Frecport, in Stevenson county, Illinois, where he remained for one year as a successful merchant in the pursuit of a vendor of boots and shoes. He then came to Nauvoo, in this county, where he has since resided, engaged for the greater part in mercantile and agricultural pursuits. "While Mr. Bauer is naturally adapted for domestic life ; and while the comforts of home and the family relations arc more pleasant to his tastes, yet it will be in taste to here remark that yielding to the solicitations of friends and public needs, he has held various offices of a public responsibility. He held the office of Notary Public for about sixteen years. He held the office of Postmaster of Nauvoo during the administrations of Pierce and Buchanan. The office of Justice of the Peace he has filled with satisfaction to all good citizens for the last twenty years. Such situationsof public honor, with their emoluments, like Alderman and Supervisor, has been his responsibility more or less since his advent in the city of Nauvoo. In the spring of 1833 he was united in marriage to Margaret Ever, a native of Bavaria, and a lady distinguished for intelligence and piety. She became the mother of thirteen children, and departed this life in 1858, in Nauvoo. In 1862, Mr. Bauer was united in marriage to Elizabeth Fleck, a native of Prussia, and a lady distinguished for intelligence, piety, and love for her family of three children, two of whom are living. Politically, Mi. Bauer is an enthusiastic Democrat of the Jacksonian and Stephen A. Douglass school. Religiously, his belief is by no means circumscribed by the doctrines of any church. Socially, he is very pleasant and affable. Although he started in life poor, his situation is now very prosperous. His appearance, in spite of the active exertions of an unusually busy lif;, is very robust. His constitution plainly indicates a man of resolution, courage, and energy, and with proper care, years yet of useful and honorable life. It will not be out of taste to finally rematk that Mr. Bauer introduced the making of wine. in Nauvoo before any others.

PHINEAS KIMBALL. - Phineas Kimball, Esq., of Nauvoo, was one of the early settlers of this county. He was bom in West Fairlee. Orange county, Vermont, on May 1, 1622. He was the eighth often children, whose parents were Phineas Kimball and Abigail Colton. They were both natives of Vermont, and people distinguished for piety and intelligence. They were both earnest members of the Congregational church. His father, known as Captain Phineas Kimball, was a man vciy much respected, and during the war with England in 1812 held the rank of captain in the army. In 1842, when the subject of this sketch was nineteen years of age, he left the parentage in Vermont and came to Nauvoo, in this county. When he first came here he went into the mercantile business as clerk for his brother Hiram, who had preceded him some years and was one of the earliest settlers in the place. Mr. Kimball followed clerking most of the time up to 1849. when he went to California, and remained there two years as a miner and trader. In 1851, he returned to Vermont, having bettered his fortune materially. He stayed in Vermont sick with fever for six months, and then returned to Nauvoo, where he has since resided, and where in all probability he will pass the balance of his days. Of late years his time has been engaged as a stock farmer. He started out in life poor and well understands the value of self-acquired experience and property. He is now one of the solid men of the place, and is.very much respected by all who know him. About the year 1855 he was united in marriage to Louisa Bartholomew, a native of Vermont and a daughter of Erastus Bartholomew, a prominent manufacturer and business man of that state. Mr. Kimball's property is large, but the paying portion of it is in the main located in the East. His first wife departing this life, he was united in marriage on the 25th day of July, r866, to Dina Icking, a native of this State. She was the youngest of six children. Her father, J. B. Icking, was a prominent merchant of this place, and has been deceased some twenty years. Mr. Kimball is the father of eight children, six of whom are living. Politically he is a strong Democrat. Religiously his sympathies are with the Congregational church. He is a man who has always led a temperate life. Temperance in language, action and social intercourse is rather with him a rule of conduct. Although he has been actively engaged in business in life his constitution is yet robust and indicates, with proper care, years yet of honorable existence. His name is intimately identified with the interests and early career of Nauvoo. Mr. Kimball was well acquainted with the leading men of the Mormons. He had the respect and esteem of them all, and refers with pleasure to his visits to Brigham Young in Utah. He believes that the difficulties with that people might have been settled amicably, without a resort to the shameful disorder and violence that unhappily occurred. Socially he is pleasant and affable and is fond of company and conversation. He is a man who loves his family, and he is very hospitable and friendly. He naturally has a business turn of mind ; bis habits by nature adapt him for a stirring pursuit. He divides his time between his home in Nauvoo and his business interests in New England.

ISAAC N. WAGGONNER, of Montebello township, was one of the first settlers of this county. He came here in 1824. He was born on the 15th day of September, 1809, in Cincinnati. He was the second of five children. He began life at the age of fourteen, in pursuits connected with our river navigation. He has followed mainly through life the occupation of a pilot on the river, and has acquired eminence in that avocation. For some time past, he has resided on one of the handsomest farms in the county, overlooking a beautiful expanse of the waters of (he Mississippi. His residence is handsome and commodious. An intelligent and loving family make easy and cheerful his declining days. The old gentleman has seen a great deal of life, and now has the recompense of a life-time of integrity and industry. He is a devout member of the Christian church, an organization expansive enough to embrace all the world.

Mr. Waggonncr was married on the 15th day of December, 1835, to Mary White, a daughter of Capt. James White, one of the first settlers of the county, by whom he has had eight children, six of whom are living. In appearance he is above the medium height. It is plainly apparent that, although his constitution has been exposed to the labors of life in great activity, yet, nevertheless, it still evidences unusual natural force, and plainly indicates a sound mind in a sound body.

JOHN GRIFFITHS. - John Griffiths, one of the most prominent agriculturists of Appanoose township, was born in the parish of Whitlington, England, on the 27th of April, 1812. He was the youngest but one of five children, whose parents were William Griffiths and Elisabeth Parry. They were natives of the parish of Whitlington. They gave their children a good common school education. John was early inured to labor. September 27, 1832, he left England and came to America, and setlled in Hancock county, Illinois, after remaining in Quincy, Illinois, for about eleven months. He has resided in Hancock county ever since. When he arrived here he was in very poor circumstances, and had only six dollars in his pocket. He has now to show as an evidence of his diligence one of the finest farms iu the county. In 1842, he was united in marriage to Margaret Marsh, a native of the parish of Whitlington, England. She was the youngest but one of five children, whose father was John Marsh. She died on the 23d of September, 1851. Mr. Griffiths is the father of five children by his first wife. In 1854, he was united in marriage to Drusilla Griffin, a native of Ohio. She died on the 3d of September, 1870. Mr. Griffiths is the father of six children by his second wife, four of whom are living. When the (roubles with the Mormons broke out he remained an idle spectator. He was of the belief that both parties were to blame, and being a man divested of all bigotry and fanaticism would have nothing to do with the raids against them. In politics he is a republican. Religiously his views are by no means circumscribed by the doctrines of priestcraft or theologians. He is a lover of law and order, and has alwnys led a peaccahle and upright life. We find him to-day in good health and spirits.

NATHAN K. HALL was born on September 8th, 1814, in the town of Royalton, Niagara county, New York. He was the oldest of seven children, whose parents were Wm. Hall and Elizabeth Bellinger. They were farmers by occupation, in moderate circumstances- in life, and people distinguished for piety and intelligence, both being earnest members of the Baptist Church, and later in life strong Methodists, The education of Nathan was very limited, and he was early inured to labor. In 1835, when he arrived at age, he left the parentage in New York, and went to Michigan, entering eighty acres of land in Van Buren county. He remained in Michigan one year and then returned to New York, where he remained on the family farm till 1845. He then migrated to Iowa and settled in Van Buren township, Lee county, where he remained as a farmer for two years. He then moved to Sonora township, in this county, and farmed for one summer. He then relumed io the old farm in New York, where he stayed through the winter. The following spring, in the year 1849, he returned to Illinois, and i it company with O. J. Hall and Phineas Kimball, made a trip to California, and remained there on the American and Yuba rivers, engaged in mining for two years. He was successful as a miner, although most of the time having very poor health. In 1851 he returned to Nauvoo, Illinois, and settled on section 31, Appanoose town, where he has since resided, engaged as a successful fanner, and where, in all probability, he will pass the balance of his days. On the 22d day of October, 1844, he was united in marriage to Clarissa Anderson, a native of New York, and the third of eleven children, \shose father was James 1. Anderson, a prosperous farmer of Erie county, New York. She became the motlier of two children, one of whom is living. She was a woman of piety and intelligence, and departed this life on the loth day of May, 1847.

On the 22d day of October, 1851, Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Ruth Briggs, a native of New York, and the second of six children whose parents were Lolen Briggs and Turen Pope. Her father was a prosperous farmer of l.cc county, Iowa. Mr. Hall is the father of two children by his second wife. Politically he is a Republican ; voted first for Harrison. He has always been an enemy of slavery, and other iniquities hostile to freedom. His admiration for the- lamented Lincoln is intense. To-day he lakes great interest in the opposition 10 monopolies. Religiously his belief is not circumscribed by the doctrines of priestcraft or theologians. He has always led a life of morality, and is very much respected for his public spirit. Socially he is very pleasant, hospitable and affable ; is frank and winning in his manners. It is evident thai he is a man of kindness and high morality. In appearance he is somewhat above [he medium height. Although he lias done a great deal of hard work, his constitution is ycl robust, and indicates a sound mind in a sound body. Mr. Hall started in life poor, and now enjoys the result of his industry, perseverance and morality in a home and farm that is one of the best in the township. He is one of the solid men of the township ; is distinguished for hospitality, liberality and public spirit. His constitution indicates, with proper care, years yet of honorable and happy existence. He has always led a life of peace ; but when the nation was in danger of war with England, in 1837, on account of the outrages of the Canadians opposite New York, he shouldered his gun and rushed to the border. He was in the service about one month, and received a land warrant from the Government for his patriotic duties.

Majok LOUIS C. BIDAMON. - Major Louis C. Bidamon, a prominent and influential citizen of Nauvoo, in this county, was born on the l6th day of January, 1806, in Smillifield, Jefferson county, Va. His parents were John D. Bidamon, a native of Pennsylvania, and Polly (.'rum, also a native of Pennsylvania. They were of German extraction. His father was a saddler and harness maker in Virginia. The Major was one of the early settlers of the county, and resided in Nauvoo during the Mormon troubles. He tinally married the widow of Joseph Smith. He now carries on the Riverside Mansion. It is one of the best kept hotels in the Mississippi valley. The Major has a hearty look and a most pleasant and affable manner. He is one of the most popular men in the county. We predict for him years yet of happy existence.

Third

Chili Township is situated in the last tier of townships from the north and second from the east. It is bounded on : F. Parker, in 1827 ; D. G. Todd, in 1837 ; B. C, Owen, in 1830 : and Levi P. Slater in 1834. The population of this .the north by Harmony, on the east by Augusta, on the south by Adams County, and on the west by St. Albans. Among I township, according to the census of 1870, was j,6oi, of which J, 502 were natives, and go foreign ; and all white but two Jhe early settlers in this township may be mentioned Elisha Worrell, who came in 1835 ; Levi G. Patchen, in 1845 ; D. ' who are in the census denominated colored.

Washington Chi Rod

Harmony Township is situated in the second tier from the cast and second f.om the south. It i, bounded on the I in ,836 ; S. R. Fleming, in ,83, ; E. S. Cannon, in t834 ; S. F. Ramsey, in ,836 : Simeon B. Walton, in .S40 ; George north by Carthage, on the east by St. Marys on the south by Chili, and on the west by Hear Creek. Among the early Langfore, in 1S37 ; 11. F. Tucker, in ,837 ; Isaae S. Burner, in 183, ; and Samuel Diekenson, in 1836. Aeeording to the settlers of thts township may be ment.oned Geo. M. Browntng, who came in .S34 ; Truman Hecox, in .838 ; E. Ramsey, I census of .870, the population of litis township was 1,457, of which 1,366 were native, and ,. foreigners.

I1 Carthage is situated in the third tier of townships from the north, ahd second from the cast, and third from the south. I nest, in 1838 ; T. E. B. Rice, in 1834 ; John M. Ferris, in 1832 ; Wm, Dehart, in 1838 ; C. T. Cannon, in 1835 ; H. P,

It is mainly of an undulating prairie. Carthage the county seat is located in this township. Among the early settlers Harper, in 1838 ; John Metcalf, in 1836 ; Austin Ward well, in 1837 ; Robert G. Bernethy, in 1835 I Norman Hobart.

may be mentioned John D. Stevens, who came in 1833 ; Thomas J. Kimbrough, in 1834 ; B. F. Peterson, in 1837 ; H. G. in 1833. Wesley Williams was the first child born in the township. According to the U. S. Census of 1870, the popula-

Ferris in 1832 David Greenleaf, in 1835 ; W. A. Patterson, in 1836; James M. Browning, in 1835 ; W. Baker, in 1842; tion of Carthage Township and city was 3,896, of which 3,611 were natives, and 285 Foreign ; of these all were white but

Mill

This township derived its name from a hi^ory grove which stood on the " old Indian trail " leading across the country, and was a prominent land-mark to the early settlers. The first settlement was made on section 27, by a man by the name of Franklin, as early as 1829 or 1830. Another settlement was made about the same lime, on section 22. Ephraim Perkins, from Tennessee, who settled in the State in 1824, moved into the township in 1835, and bought the improvements of Mr. Franklin. The first school house was built on section 27, in 1837, and the first school was taught by a man by the name of Peckham. The first post-office was at the grove, and was called Pilot Grove post-office. The postmaster was Nelson Andrews. The first mills (saw and grist combined), were built by Joseph Limberger, on Crooked Creek (section 12), as early as 1838. The first Justice of the Peace was John Huckbgs, living on section 4, where he still resides. This is an excellent township of land, settled by an intelligent and enterprising class of inhabitants. Burnside on the T. P. & W. R. R., is the principal village, and is a thriving little town.

This is a fine township of land, mostly prairie. There is considerable timber along Crooked Creek, and also Camp Creek, which runs across the northwest comer of the township. The land is well adapted to wheat, com and fruit. Fine apples and grapes are abundant in good season. The Dixons, Mendenhalls and Logans were the first settlers, So far as we are able to ascertain, William Logan made the first improvement on section 7. Thomas Dixon first settled on section 4, and afterwards made improvements on section 3. The precise date of these settlements is not known to anybody now living in the township. The first post-office was at Durham Comers, and was kept by J. Hugh McGuirc, who was also teacher in what was supposed to have been the first school-house, namely, the log building in the neighborhood of San Babcock's. Mr. Babcock and the Git tings brothers were early settlers. William H. Gittings lived in Henderson Count, and owned land in Durham as early as 1840. R. B. Gittings lived in the township as early as 1845. '1 he ol h came in a little later. 1 his township is well improved. It has as thrifty and intelligent a class of fa, mcrs, and BS «,< i farm buddings, as any township in Hancock County. There is hardly a sufficient supply of water, but thai difficult is now being pretty gecerally obviated by pumping it up with wind-mills.

The first settlement was made by Win. Pike on section I ; he built a log house, and made a few more improvements, j built of logs on the southeast corner of section 3. The first school was taught by Sarah Wells, wife of Geo. Crowley, in

:and then moved away. The next in order were Abel Harden, Arthur Morgan, Jno. Slater, Elisha Morrell, Jas. Knott, l837- The first church was built in 1856, at Stillwell, by the Campbellites. The first sermon was preached in Jas. Knott's

Jas. E. Moore, and others who came later. The first house was built of logs in 1832 by Mr. Pike, on section 1. The first housei m l83®' b? Peter Akers" The first dealh occurred in 1838, July 23d, - Mary, wife of Jas. Knott. The first martfnme house was erected by Eldridge Renshaw, and the first brick house by Mr. Roswell. The first school-house w»< 'T T^T^r^l *"* ^"^ ^t ^ *" *' ^ ^^ °* *' ^^ ^ ^^

T.,. M. Thos. Smith, Jno. Van Winkle, /as. Tweed, Robt. Meetings were held before this, however, at private houses. Warner Oliver probably preached the first jermon in the The first settlers ,n this township were ^ J?,, of ,ogs ,6, in .830. Mrs. Robt. Graham township. The fir« child born (of which we have any record) w« Mary Frost, in ,835. The first death was a child of

Thos. Smith. The township is well timbered and well watered. The timber lies principally in the west and south. Bear Creek and its branches are the principal creeks.

Prairie Township is situated in the third tier from the north, and third from the east, and third -from the south ; so that its location is about the center of the county. Il is bounded on the north by Rock Creek, on the east by Carthage, on the south by Bear Creek, on the west by Montebello. Amongst its first settlers may be mentioned William R. Hamilton,

Rock Creek Township is situated in the second tier from the north and third from the east. It is bounded on the [ who came in 1838. It contains some fine rolling prairie, but a certain portion of it has been settled somewhat later than north by Pontoosue, on the east by Pilot Grove, on the south by Prairie, and on the west by Sonora. Its first settlers were the balance, and is now mainly in the hands of renters. Its population, according to the census of 1870, was i,2tw, of

Warren Yaple, who came in 1830; A. Salisbury, who came 101836; Charles Abbott, who came in 1840; James M.Bailey, I which 1,085 were natives and 116 foreign.

History

Pontoosuc Township is situated in the northern part of the county. It is bounded on the east by Durham Township, the south by Rock Creek ownship, on the west by Appanoose Township, and on the north by Henderson County.

McCauley. Reuben and John R. Tull came in 1836. Amongst those who particularly distinguished themselves in the war with the Mormons, and who reside in this township at present, may be mentioned Major John McCauley, John- R. Tull and John M. Agnew, who were all old settlers. Its population, according to the census of 1870, was 1,946, of which

The firit to locate in this town.hip were Colonel Williams, Dnchman Shook, George Walker and Enoch H.nkeu.. The fir,, .chool-house was built of logs in .838, on section 8. Jno. N. Hopkins was the fir.t teacher. The first church was built of log, on section . 8, by the Baptists. Meeting, were held prev.ou, to th,s ,n school house, and gro,.,. George Walker wa. the first regular minuter in the town.hip. The fir.1 couple roamed were Joseph Peft and Nancy Morton.

The first setttement'was made in 1S1S, by Samuel Crawford, followed closely by Andrew McMahon. Bcnj. F. Mar*h, Samuel Knox, Mark Phelps, and Rodoiphus Chandler ; the first improvement by Mr. Crawford, who built a house in I835 I McMahon and Marsh built soon after he did. The first church was bnilt on section l9. frame, by the Congregationalist society. Meetings were held, before this was built, in school -houses. The first minister who located in the township was a Mr. Raid ; h; preached in the Congregational church. The first schojl-house was not built until 1846 ; it was located on section 19 ; Isaac Bliss taught the first school in the township. Mrs. Marsh died in 1837 - the first death. Capt. Marsh, son of B. F. Marsh, born in 1836, the first while child born in the township. The first election was held at the house of Samuel Knox. The township was named in honor of George Wythe, of Virginia. The town* ship is generally level, and contains no timber of any size. It is one of the best improved townships in the county.

tfa-voo township is situated in the eastern tie.' of townships, and lies on the Mississippi. It is surrounded by Appanoose, Sonor. and Montebello. 7. is rather a small township if the city of Nauvoo is not included. Its first settlers «er, the Mormons. After them may be mentioned Phincas Kimball, who came in I34>. and Geo. Brail, John Dornreif. Hot. Milton W. Morrill. Tohn Bauer, Adre Burtin, Major L. C. Bidanion, Adam Swarla, and others. R. W. McKinnry. one of the most intellectual men in the county, and at present postmaster of Nauvoo, came in 1846. It is a township that contains some of llie he-' r:-.miiies in lite county. Its history, as pertains to ihe Mormons and others, will be mentioned in Hie county lus.ory. Its p imitation, according, to the census of 1870, was 1,578, of which 1,031 were natives and 5 17

Jet Feb

MoMebello Township is situated in the eastern portion of the county. It is in the third tier from the north, and | 1831 ; A. B. Wajgonner, in 184a ; T. Gridlitr, in 1818 <! r- r I "«« *« «W. hi, bounded on Ihe north 1 ' 'h' '"wmllip. Amonrrst its first settlers may be mentioned J. N. Wagoner, who came in I8a4 ; Samuel Gordon, in ! census 0^870, was I,IH, of which 974 were n.ti,es,J33 foreign, wWUrwo'i '84S' '" p0pul,,io"' "cording tofc

Or Domestic Sewing Machine

. a licr of townships from the north, and fourth from the east. It is bounded on the I C. Wilson, in 1827 ; James Moffit, in 1830. The father of the last named gentleman came some few years earlier at the

Sonora Townshrp is in the secon r Montebcllo and on the west by Nauvoo. There is a head of a colony from Ireland. According to the census of 1870, it contained a population of 1,485, of wh.ch 1,178 were

^MZ.1 tinX' lid 7n this Hip. ..s J settlers were John F. Weld, who came ,83, ; James I native, 3=, foreign ; al, being white persons but one.

Appanoose Township is situated in the northwestern corner of Hancock County. It is bounded on the west by the and Zacbanali Hawkins. Amizi Dooli.lle and James White came in .826. The first mill was built by Ami*! Dooliltle Mississippi River, on the east by Ponloosuc Township, on the south by Stnora 1 own.hip. It is a very wealthy township, in 1837. Amongst the leading persons in this township who took an active part against the Mormons, may lie mentioned and contains some of the best farms in the county. The first settlers of His township were Amizi Doolmle, James « bite ' I'cler WilLcy. Its population, according to the census of tS7o, was 1,018, of which 83s were natives and 183 foreign were made by Luther Whitney, Henry Nichols, Davis Hill, Daniel Crenshaw, , was taught lii 1829 ; it was held in a log cabin belonging to Luther Whitnev n,iw,i ,, L ., , , first death was .hat of Lucy Crenshaw : she d.ed ,,. 1S28. 1 he firs, couple mamed were Hen,, Nichols and Sophoni. was filled by Oscar Snuthson. Hie first sermon in the township was preached by George Walker of Walker Townlir, Whitney. The first white child tarn was either Sophonia Nichols or Wm. Crenshaw. The first school in the township | B. K Zumwall was the first circuit preacher that held services io the township. ' ownsnip.

Wilcox Township was named in honor of John R. Wilcox, of Warsaw. The first settlement, and the first improve- I their families. The first school-honse was built

Uwi, Peyton and famil, came in ,630, followed by John Mr. Ifaskins. Samuel Hauls, Newman Hoisford. and flu giving the above sketch, Warsaw, a, included in present limit,, i. excluded.)

m 24, of brick, about 1840. School wat held as early as 1835 in hurches in the township. The first adult that died mi Colonel Marston ; his death