Henderson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1882 (part 12 of 23)

McBride and his sister Almeda (Jolin isn't married yet), Thomas B. Cabeen, George and Sarah McPherren, and perliaps a few others. Rev. John Porter, of the United Presbyterian church, was present. The bride was dressed in white. No orange blossoms decked her hair ; slie needed none. The groom was chad in brown. Eev. Porter pronounced the service that made these two hearts beat in unison, and the chords of whose lives vibrated harmony for so many years. The service over, some of the guests retired to their homes, while others remained to partake of the wedding dinner prepared by the bride's own labor. The patron had prepared a long, narrow table made of slabs. The table was spread with the best the country would afford. White bread and butter, pork, pickles from New York, fumislied by a neighbor, fish caught in Pope creek, dried apples and peaches brought from Ohio, dried apple pie and dried peach pie, home-made maple syrup and coffee ; no cakes and custards were indulged in. The style was simple, the couple were happy, and the guests retired to their homes to reflect and talk of the wedding, the "match" and the prospects. The paternal roof ga\'e shelter till the following fall, when housekeeping was begun at Bridgers corner. The log cabin stood in the brush, was very small, meagerly furnished with home-made furniture. The nearest neighbors were Indians, who numbered from three to five hundred. For two years this brave couple lived in such a wilderness, when they erected a log cabin of their own. In four years more they removed to their parent's home to keep house for him. Mr. Decker became an independent farmer. Death ended his career March 20, 1875. His faithful bride and wife survives him. She is the mother of ten children. James lived to manhood, then died ; Mary, Ester, Lucinda, Silas, Sarah A., Eva M., William L., George (dead).

Spring seems to have been a favorable time for beginning a new life ; appropriately so, too. It was an April evening of 1840, when William C. Brownlee dropped into esquire Nevius' house and inquired for the squire. The squire was away, but would be back at dusk ; so, also, would this young man. A short journey was made by the young man. When he returned the squire was at su])per. The young man was accompanied by a young lady. Miss Mary A. Brownlee, a very distant relative. Conversation of a liv^ely style was indulged in. As the squire finished his meal, young Brownlee i)roduced a suspicious looking document, whicli soon explained itself. Ceremony was actually called for. The comi)any was then gathered in the squire's sraoke-houite. The squire, with all the dignity of his office, administered the service. It was dark. The squire suggested the couple remain till the mormng. The good wife of the squire then performed her part of the ceremony, and the twain were safely couched for the night. Thus occurred the smoke-house services, which have ever been a reminiscence of merriment to old and young.

Religious

Says William I. Ne^'ius in his notes: "The first public worship in Ohio Grove was enjoyed in the cabin of the elder George McPherren, and conducted by Rev. John Wallace, an Associate Reformed Presbyterian. The McPherrens were Methodists, but his door was open to all religious teachers. In 1837 Rev. John Montgomery, a missionary of the Old School Presbyterian denomination, visited the settlement, and held public worship at Mr. McPherren's for some time, then at the house of William I. Nevius, and little later at Thomas Candor's. The congregation in 1837 numbered about twenty persons. There were the McPherrens, George Smith and family, Ashford Hardy and family, Richard Rice and family, in 1836 ; William Moore and family, the Candors, Cabeens, McBrides, and Neviuses, in 1837. Rev. Wallace preached till as late as 1841.""

According to the researches of Elijah Forsyth, an Associate Reformed (now U. P.) congregation was organized in 1842, consisting of Jane Rice, Elenor Moorehead, Phebe Smith, Sophia Hardy, William Moore, William McMichael, Ella McMichael, Josiah Moor, Samuel Moor, of Ohio Grove ; George Jay and Agnes Jay, of Keithsburg ; John, Elizabeth, Ann, Jane and Elenor Collins, of Twin grove. Services were held in the groves, at school-houses or in the barn of Wm. I. Nevius. For some time immediately previous to 1852, J. C. Porter ministered to this congregation one-fourth of the time. D. C. Cochran and Revs. Fulton, Morrow and Finley also labored here. May 5, 1852, the congregation was reorganized. Robert Miller and William M. Hayes were elected ruling elders ; Rev. J. C. Porter officiating. William M. Hayes, Robert M. Miller and George Smith, trustees. At a meeting of the session, William M. Hayes was elected clerk, which office he held till 1869. At that time the membership was fortyfive. In 1853 sixteen joined by certificate and two on examination. From 1853 to 1859, Rev. M. Bigger labored as stated supply. In 1854 twenty-two joined on certificate and fourteen on examination ; in 1855, thirty-seven by certificate and eight on examination. In 1853 to 1855 a house of worship was erected at Sunbeam, 40x60 and twenty feet from floor to ceiling. This was largely the result of the liberality, untiring energy and perseverance of William M. Hayes, an honored member. In 1860 Rev. J. H. Nash became pastor. In 1877 Rev.

D. F. Mustard began his labors. The church numbered at one time 163 persons. Its present membership is about 100. The ruling elders have been, besides those named, J. II. McCreight, Elijah Forsyth, Samuel Wright, John Torbit, M. M. Cross, Alex Pollock, David Milligan, N. Reasoner, J. P. Finley, and K. 11. Giiilinger. David Milligan, Elijah Forsyth and J. P. Finley are now in the congregation of Sunbeam. In 1848-9, Thomas Candor built the Candor Presbyterian church. Rev. Montgomery remained its minister till his death. This church is further noticed in the history of Abingtcm township.

The iirst Methodist serv^ices were held at McBride's by Rev. Burr. The school-house was next used as a church. In 1844 a great revival was conducted in George McPherren's barn. People came thirty miles, camping out. The McPherrens, McBrides, Browns, Mo(jreheads and others were members of the church. Horace Williams was class-leader, and able in his duty. George Williams also occupied the position early. An effort was made to build a church, but failed. Finally George McPherren proposed to advance the money and build the church. His offer was accepted and the church, 35x45, built about 18G0, at a cost of $1,400, without much of the labor reckoned. The house was dedicated by Elder Frank Smith, for years a laborer in the neighborhood. Other early preachers were William Ilanly, Elder Cullis and others. Other early class-leaders were Peter Stephens and Abraham Crabtree. Just after the dedication the church enjoyed a great revival, receiving about sixty additions. The present board of stewards consists of George McPherren, Peter Stephens, George Williams, Solomon Guthrie, William Frankleberry. Rev. Ayers is in charge.

Three spots are especially dear to the early settlers of Ohio Grove. When the toils and hardships were over the pioneer was at rest. There was no "Cavendish Duke <->f Devonshire" with his five thousand tenants to follow a son to the grave. But family and neighbors equally royal followed their loved and respected to burial. The plat known as McClure's Cemetery, formerly McPherren's, was donated for the purpose by the elder George McPherren. How sad and tearful were they who followed the remains of John ^loorehead, deceased August 8, 1836, to the dedication of that sacred spot. This was the first funeral service in Ohio Grove. The first death of a pioneer; the beginning of that funeral march that has so oft been resumed in subsequent years. The yard is dotted with graves. Here lie Ashford Hardy, George McPherren, George W. Ste})hens, John M. Walker,

Tliomas Moorehead, Dorcas Mooreliead, Barnet Unangst and wife, AYm. Smith, Mrs. Win. Dillev ; the Browns, Calhoims, Benjamin Decker, Bentleys, McKees, Guthries and others. The Candor graveyard was dedicated by the burial of Mrs. Thomas Candor. The ground was set apart for a cemetery by Thomas Candor. He now rests near his loved companion. Here too lie Samuel, and Joshua TV., and Samuel P. Cabeen, and others of the families of tliat name. Judge TYm. G. Hayes, so long an honor to himself and his people, 'found a resting place here. Wm. I. Nevius, Henry Kimel, Capt. James Burnet, John Seaton and wife, Wm. R. McCreight, James H. McCi'eight, James McBride, Dennis Conner and wife Mary, Dr. A. B. Campbell, John Cameron ; the W^bsters, Williamses, Dittos, Joneses and others. The United Presbyterian cemetery was so called fi'om the donor of the ground, William Miller, a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church. Its sod covers the bodies of Eobert and Samuel Miller, Nancy Miller, T. E. Home and Wm. G. Paxton. Thomas B. More of company A, 30th 111. Vols., to whose memory is inscribed:

Here too rest J. P. Paxton, James L. Paxton, Catharine Paxton, Wm, H. Pyan, Dorcas, wife of M. M. Cross, James G. Walker and others. Many a grave is unmarked by marble, therefore ye visitors

Bidding good-bye to the honored dead, we introduce the reader to the living, whose brief sketches following will grow of more importance as the years shall hnish their probation.

Sa^iuel p. Caijeen (deceased), was among the old settlers of Mercer county, and among those men who have developed its -resources and })ropagated within its boundaries pn^gressive institutions. He came when the country was new ; when patience, industry and energy were required as (pialities of the man whose life should eventually be marked a "success." That Mr. Cabeen was successful iiuiiiy yet live to testify. Mr. Cabeen was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, January 18, 1820. lie came to Mercer county, Illinois, with his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Wright) Cabeen. He was a young man fitted for his future by former training. He j)urchased land from time to time till he owned about 600 acres, the most of which he im})roved. In politics Mr. Cabeen was always strongly democratic, yet lie never craved office. His religion was of the Universalist doctrine. He was a good citizen, a kind father and a faithful husband. Mr. Cabeen died February 10, 1880, and is buried at the Candor graveyard. Mr. Cabeen was first married to Catherine Spencer, who died, leaving one child, Sarah E. He was next married August 17, 1854, to Catharine J. Thomas, daughter of Solomon and Matilda (Gabrel) Thomas. Mrs. Cabeen was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, February 13, 1827. Three children have been bora to tliem : Emma J., now Mrs. Jerred Irwin; Arthur, and Samuel G.

Joshua W, Cabeen (deceased), son of Samuel and Elizabeth Cabeen, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, January 4, 1818, and emigrated west with his people. He was married February 8, 1872, to liebecca N. Frick, daughter of Frederick and Xancy (Wilson) Frick, who have figured prominently in Abington townshi}) and in county affairs. Both were natives of Danville, Columbia (now Montour) county, Pennsylvania. They are fully noticed elsewhere. Mrs. Cabeen was born in Pennsylvania January 2, 1833, and came west with her parents. Mr. Cabeen settled where Mrs. Cabeen now lives. He secured a fine farm, and in 1873 erected a good, substantial dwelling. He died June 1, 1878, leaving wife and two children (Fred E. and Joshua D.) to mourn his loss. He is buried at Candor graveyard.

Samuel Cabeen (deceased), another of Mercer county's very early settlers. He was born in county Antrim, Ireland, 1788. He emigrated to Philadelphia in 1808. His people were farmers and weavers. He was a general workman. He clerked in Bristol, Pennsylvania, for liis brother. He was married to Elizabeth P. Wright, a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. In that year (1815) Mr. and Mrs. Cabeen moved to Muskingum county, Ohio. In 1836 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, His subsequent history is in the general history of Ohio Grove township. He died May 1, 1856, leaving liis wife to survive him till December 6, 1874. He was a democrat, and loved to argue politics. He was county school commissioner several years ; was justice of the peace in Ohio. He served in the war of 1812, in Gen. Izzard's division. Si.x children were born in Ohio : Thomas B., J. AV., S. P., R. J., 11. B., and Sarah C. Sarah C. died, aged fourteen years. Ricliard B. Cabeen was born May 31, 1826, in Muskingum county, Ohio. His educational advantages were limited. His life lias been one of farm toil. When twenty-four years of age he visited California two years and four months. He returned to the farm. He was married December 29, 1853, to Miss Jane G. Pinkerton, daughter of Joseph and Yiolet Pinkerton, jof Green township. Mrs. Cabeen was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, October 22, 1835. They settled on their present farm. In 1878 he built the present handsome dwelling. Childi'en number nine : Joshua, Ella V., Alice J., Margaret P., Scott, Sarah E., and Richard F. Mr. Cabeen is democratic in politics. He is a successful farmer.

Thomas Candor (deceased) was a type of the men who braved so much that this western wild might grow to usefulness. He was plain, honest, and progressive, looking not only to the rescue of the soil from its wild state, but also the upbuilding of the minds and souls of the rising generation, wlio now follow his teachings, both precept and example. He was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, February 29, 1796. His father was a Scotchman, and his mother Irish. Farming was their occupation. Thomas was meagerly educated. In his youth he learned the tanning trade, which he afterward followed for some time. He was married to Margaret Montgomery, daughter of John Montgomery, whose brother was proprietor of Danville, Pennsylvania. Her brother. Rev. John Montgomery, was the first preacher in Mercer county, and Hopkins Boone, an old settler here, was a brother-in-law. Tlie fall of 1836 Thomas and Robert Candor (brothers) made the trip from Pennsylvania to Mercer county on horseback. Having secured a land claim for the K. W. J Sec. 6, also S. W. J Sec. 7, he, in company with his brother Robert, sold their horses and returned to Pennsylvania by river. He sold his tannery, and in the fall of 1837 moved westward overland, bringing family of wife and five children : John M., Robert, Josiali, Mary H., and Daniel M., and leaving one (Elizabeth) buried in Pennsylvania. Having arrived in Mercer county, after a short stay in Keithsburg the family moved into the little log house on their farm formerly entered. " The house was partly built by William Sheriff, by order of Mr. Candor. Ere few years had passed Mrs. Candor died (September 30, 1841), leaving a family and friends to mourn their loss. Her burial was a dedication of the Candor graveyard. Mr. Candor was next married to Mary L. Boardman, who died May 27, 1874. Mr. Candor died March 13, 1871, and was buried near his partner. From the laying out of Aledo he lived in town. He was a man foremost in good works, yet a quiet, careful, non-speculative man. He never liad a lawsuit with any man. He was an elder in the Presby- terian churcli, and foremost in biiildini:: the Candor church. His politics were whig and republican. Of his family, John N. graduated at Princeton College, and, in the third 3'ear of his theological course at Princeton Theological Seminary, died in the twenty-fourth year of his age. He is buried at Danville, Pennsylvania. Josiali, Mary (the first wife of Graham Lee), Daniel M., and Robert. Robert Candor was born May 4, 1828, in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. He married Rebecca J., daughter of John and Anna (McGaughey) Linn. Her father was a native of Ohio, and her mother of Pennsylvania. Both came to Mercer county in 1839 and settled near Yiola. He died August 27, 1851. He was in the war of 1812. Mrs. Candor was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, April 2, 1829. After marriage Mr. Candor farmed in Rock Island county fourteen years, and was there justice of the peace. He sold and moved to Mercer county. In 1872 he built a fine residence, 32x56, two-story. Both belong to the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder. They have six children : John M. , Thomas H., Ward L.*, Sarah (now Mrs. A. AV. Hill), Maggie (now Mrs. W. S. Ross), and Mary L.

George McPherren (deceased) was born in County Down, Ireland, Pebruary 1, 1781. He emigrated when eighteen years of age on account of the military commotion of those times. He settled in New Jersey, near the western line. There he learned the cooper trade, wliich he followed most of his life. He was married to Susannah AValker, by whom he became the father of ten children : Mary, James, Susannah, Easter, Daniel, ISTancy, Fannie, Sarah, George, Jr., and Andrew. He enlisted in the war of 1812, and while in the campaign viewed different parts of the country. He determined to locate in Ohio, and moved to Muskingum county about 1814. There he followed his trade for about twenty-one years, also overseeing his farming interest, but is believed never to have plowed a furrow himself. In Ohio, June 8, 1824, he buried his wife : a severe stroke to him. She lies in the cemetery at Rich Hill church. Mr. McPherren moved his family westward in 1835, starting September 21st, and settled in Mercer county, Illinois, in that part that afterward became Ohio Grove township. He died June 23, 1848, and was buried in the McClure graveyard. He forms a })rominent figure in the history of the township ; hence we dismiss him here by saying that in ])olitic8 he was a strong whig, in religion a Methodist, at his trade a good workman, and at heart a true man. His namesake and ninth child, George McPherren, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, August 22, 1820, hence was a pioneer youth of Mercer county, and still lives to aid in chronicling the events that go to nuike the history of Mercer county. 2(>

His life since his fifteenth year has been synchronous with the pulse of the country. His hand has done its share toward making the county what it is, but will soon leaye his children to carry on the work he has so well impelled thus far. Mr. McPherren has 460 acres of land, well improved, and has given farms to his sons. He was first mamed October 1, 1844. to Harriet O. Williams, who died February 11, 1870, leaving seven children : Oliver, Xancy J., Hem-y, Sophia, Emma, Hannah, and Anna. He was next married April 5, 1871, to Mary J. Williams, a sister to his former wife. She was the first postmistress of Sunbeam, and held the position many years, thus supporting her invalid parents. She died March 31, 1882. Both she and her sister, together with ]VIi'. McPherren, have been for many years members of the Methodist climx-h, uniting with that church about 1844. George H., son of George and Harriet McPheiTen, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, June 19. 18.53. His life has been spent in Mercer county, mostly on the farm. He received a common school education. In 1877 he became a resident of Aledo. In 1882 he engaged in the meat

* business. May 1st of same year he associated himself with Samuel Brown, but has since sold to his partner. Mr. McPherren also has a fai*m of 160 acres of land, which he oversees. He was married December 24, 1871. to Miss Eliza A., daughter of Samuel Price. She was born in Pennsylvania, September 9, 1851. Her mother is now Mrs. E. J. Moore, but whose maiden name was Emily Klinefelter. Mr. McPheiTen has four children livino- : Emily O., William H.,

James McBride (deceased) was one of the earliest and most honored of Mercer county's pioneers. His ancestry was Scotch, Irish, AVelch and German. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was there raised. The war of 1812 found him a member of the light horse company. He was engaged at Fort Meigs. There was a ditch before the fort, and into this bombs were rolled for the puqDOse of blowing up the fort. Mr. McBride accidently fell into the ditch, and a bomb was precipitated on him. Fortunately the captain rescued him just previous to the explosion, but he suffered afterward from the accident. He returned to Pennsylvania and married Mary Houseman, then sixteen years of age, also a native of Pennsylvania and of Dutch descent. In 1816 they settled in Muskingum county, Ohio, ten miles east of Zanesville. His chief business was flat-boating, and he made six trips to New Orleans. He was captain for some time. In 1836 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, coming from Wlieeling, Yu-ginia, to Bock Island, via Ohio and Mississippi rivers, on flat-boats. He arrived in Mercer countv May 10th, and camped on the X. "W. ^ of Sec. 4, T. 13 X., R. 3. He bought two claims. $175 being the price paid for lialf a section with a little log house on it. His family consisted of wife and live children : John H., Almeda, James C, Elvira J., and Sarah E. He died November 14, 1847. leaving his wife to survive him till March 17. 1879. Both were members of the Methodist church. In Illinois he confined himself to milling and fanning. His life was quiet and unostentatious, loved by those who knew him. little education, but with a wonderftil memory, careftil and successful in business, democratic in politics. Of his children, James C. is in Colorado, but has his home in Aledo. John H., bom April 8, 1821, has spent his life on the farm, mostlv in Mercer countv. He owns the old homestead of 486 acres, on which he erected a handsome residence, and is a thrifty farmer. He is democratic and a single man. Ehira J. was born September 20, 1828. She was married June 27, 1850, to Dr. A. B. Campbell, a native of Ohio and a graduate of Columbia Medical College, where his brother was" professor of surgery. He settled in Keithsburg, being the second doctor of that place. He practiced fifteen years, and died June 4, 1860, leaving wife and two children : Maud, and Jake H., who live with her brother, John H.

JoHX H. Bro\\'x (deceased) was one of the most sturdy pioneers of Mercer countv. He was born in Seneca countv, Xew York. Januarv 3, 1797. He is said to have aided in tlie battle of Xiagara in the war of 1812, assisting in guarding the bridge over Xiagara river. He received a recompense for these services. His father was a revolutionary soldier, receiving a land warrant for liis services. The Browns were early settlers of Oliio. John H. was raised on the farm, but for some time was a brick moulder with his brothers. In 1815 he was married to Mary McPherren. In 1836 he moved to Mercer county, Illinois, where he became well known before his death, which occurred August 11, 1871. He was warm in the advocacy of his p>litical doctrine, always ready to talk whig and, later, republican principles. He came to Mercer county a poor man, but before liis death he owned at one time a thousand acres of land. His wife Mary (McPherren) was bom in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and lives with her daughter, Mrs. McCaw. Mr. and ^Ii'S. Brown were long members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Brown is now connected with the Christain church. In their family are thirteen children : Alexander, George, John, Sarah J., James M., "William, Daniel, all born in Muskingum county, Ohio ; and, born in Mercer ci^»unty, Illin<^is, viz : Huijh, Benjamin L., Josoas P., Prancis ^I., Mtu-v, Johannah. "William Brown was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, May 6, 1832. He has spent liis life on the farm, having risen from poverty in a log cabin to a farmer and owner of 265 acres of land. He was married June 29, 1854, to Drusilla Libbv, daughter of Rev. Thomas Libby, of Maine. She was born in Maine, June 3, 1832,- and came to Mercer countv, Illinois, about 18-43. Her parents died here, and are buried in Suez township. Her fatlier was a Baptist minister. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brown settled on forty acres in section 1, Ohio Grove townshi]). This Mr. Brown sold, then bought 200 acres in Suez township, which he also sold, and bought his ]3resent farm. They have had ten children, nine of whom are living : Warren, George, Hiram L. (dead), Alva C, AVilliam F., Joseph F. S., Marion W., Josiah F., Freddie M., and Thomas J. Alexander Brown, one of the wealthiest farmers of Ohio Grove township and the oldest son of John H. and Mary Brown, was born in Muskingum countv, Ohio, June 23, 1821. AYhen a youth of lifteen he came to Mercer countv. His labor was such as general farm work, but especially in driving ox-team, hauling saw logs in an early dav, etc. That hard toil has proven a success is evident from the fact that he now owns 591 acres of Mercer countv land, well improved. In 181:7 he visited his native place, and later Indiana, returning in 181:9. For many years he kept bachelor's hall, not marrying till 1855, when Lucinda Saunders became his wife. She is a daughter of George Saunders, of Knox county, Illinois, and a native of Ohio. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brown lived in a hewn log cabin on the eighty acres on which his present house stands. They have ten children, living.

AVilliam I. Nevius (deceased) was so identitied with the history of Mercer county and is so often mentioned in connection with its history that.it is necessary to give but few facts in a special sketch. His father, John AV., and his mother, Mary (Roland) Xevius, were natives of Xew Brunswick, I^ew Jersey, and were there married. They made their homes in Mercer county, Illinois, in 1837, living with their son AVilliam I. till the following year. In 1838 Mr. Xevius bought property in Millersburg, where he buried his wife, her death occurring April 14, 1847. He then made his home with his son til! his death, October 12, 1854. Both rest in Millersburg cemetery. Mr. ISTevius was for several years probate judge. His daughter, Mrs. Eliza Brady, resides in Millersburg. His son A/Villiam I. was born August 9, 1801, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. AA'licn young his i)arents moved to Greene county, Ohio, 1818. December 12, 1822, he was married to Miss Mary A. Currie, who died, leaving four daughters and one son. He was next married March 1, 1830, to Mary A. Pierce. She was born i!i (rreene county, Ohio, April 25, 1807. AA^illiam I. Nevius was but meagerly educated in books, but his hands were tauglit to do what mind might dictate. With tools he was lumdy. lie learned the car- ])enter's trade, and this furnished him em])lovment when not otherwise engaged. In 1832 he moved to Warren county, Illinois. In 1S35 he settled in New Boston township, Mercer county, Illinois. In 1S37 he changed his location to Ohio Grove township, where he improved land and lived till his death, June 10, 1877. "Peace hath her victories no less than war." In the conflict of life, as a man, as a pioneer, Mr. Nevius closed his life in victory. He was active in the welfara of his county. During the war he was deputy provost marshal. In politics he was whig and repul)lican. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church at his death, but in earlier years was connected with the old school Presbyterian church. His sons Henry, John, and David M. served their country in the civil war, and William D. gave his life at Shiloh that his country might live, while David was drowned while crossing the Cumberland river at Clarksville, Tennessee. ]\lr. Xevius was the father of five children in his first family and nine children in his second famil}'. Mrs. ]S^e^'ius lives, an active, strong-minded woman, and interesting to all around her.

William T. Patterson, fiirmer, was born April 13, 1808, in parish of Pay, county Donegal, Ireland, nine miles from Londonderry. His father, Joseph Patterson, was owner of some of the Glebe land. He died there, aged eighty-seven years. Mr. Patterson's mother, Eleanor (Teas), was a native of parish of Teboyne, county Donegal, and her father, William Teas, was a tenant of ]\Iarquis of Ebercorn. William Teas Patterson left Ireland March 8, 1840, via London and Liverpool to New York, in the Robert Fulton steamboat and vessel Sheridan. He was four weeks on the journey. He came to Chicago, there hired a teamster for Henry county, Illinois, and then went to Nauvoo, where he staid over Sunday. He visited Joseph Smith, the Mormon, at his home, and heard Sydney Rigdon ])reach, and saw the sacrament administered. He peddled some time through this section. After remaining about two years in this section, he bought eighty acres of land, which he paid for largely in building sod fences. He subsequently sold and bought and improved a number of forms. July 19, 1846, he was married to Mrs. Sarah M. PrOwnlee, widow of Samuel L. Brownlee. Mrs. Brownlee had a family of four children by her first husband : Lemon, dead ; Oliver F., in Iowa ; Samantha, now !Mrs. J. L. Henderson, of Kansas ; and Agnes M., now Mrs. John Lawton, of Pennsylvania. Since her last marriage three children have been born : Jose])h IL, dead ; David B., in Iowa ; Mary M., now Mrs. William Maxwell, of Kansas; Letitia E., now Mrs. James

C. Spicer, of Mercer county. Mr. Patterson lias given each cliild of age, eighty acres of land, or its equivalent, and owns 150 acres well improved himself. He is a republican, and was first a freesoiler. He and wife are connected with the United Presbyterian church.

Jonathan Duncan (deceased) was born near Baltimore, Maryland, November 19, 1791, and was a son of Andrew and Ann (Smith) Duncan. He received a liberal education for his time, supplemented by healthy toil of the farm. He thus became vigorous in both mind and body. He became a carpenter by trade, and was the builder of the large hotel of fifty rooms at Mineral Springs, Pennsylvania. He also became extensively engaged in the wool business. He was at one time a large stockholder in a number of stage lines in Pennsylvania, owning a large farm where he fed his horses for the line. It was in 1815 when he moved to "Washington county, Pennsylvania. He is familiarly known as Col. Duncan, ha\"ing enlisted in the war of 1812, as lieutenant, and later, being promoted colonel. Very many of the colonel's best years were actively spent in Pennsylvania. There he lived till the year 1854. He had made a trip to Illinois in 1853, purchasing 260 acres in sections 26 and 27, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois. In 1854 he moved his family via the river to Keithsburg and thence to his farm. Here he lived till 1874. He improved his farm and became a factor in the county\s progress. He was on intimate terms watli the lamented Judge William M. Hayes, and made many friends by his good nature and industry. In politics he w^as always democratic, but sought no political emolument. In religion he was of the United Presbyterian faith. He aided in building Sunbeam church. Mr. Duncan moved to Monmouth in 1874, to live in retirement. On September 10, 1876, while visiting his son, Dr. J. K. Duncan, at Des Moines, Iowa, death claimed him. He w^as buried at Monmouth, Illinois. Mr. Duncan was first married to Miss Letha Swearengen. She died, leaving four children. He was next married June 29, 1835, to Miss Agnes Leeper, daughter of Robert and Xancy Leeper, both of whom were born in York county, and died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Duncan was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1815. She now resides with her son in Mercer county. Mr. Duncan's first family are : William Duncan, of Mercer county ; Thomas, of Des Moines, Iowa ; Sarah, now Mrs. William McCanless, of Crescent, Iowa. Mr. McCanless was a prominent man of Mercer county, having owned the land on which Aledo is built ; also, laid out the town. He was lieutenant in company A, 84th 111. Vol., and was killed at the battle of Chattanooga. Dr. Bazil Duncan was army surgeon one year. He is now dead. In the second family are : Robert, who served in the civil war in company F, 17th 111. Vol., and was promoted second lieutenant ; Dr. J. K. Duncan, who was in the naval service ; he was captain of a gun on the gunboat ' ' Fort Ilyman ;" seizing an enemy's hot shell, thrown on board and endangering the lives of his men, he threw it into the river, suffering his hands and arms to be severely burned by the operation. For this feat he was promoted captain of the gun-boat. He took sick and was sent to Pensacola hospital, Florida. Being there at the time of the yellow fever scourge, and having studied medicine, he was retained as surgeon and physician three years, on a salary of $2,000. He is now of IS^ebraska. The other children are : Isophena, James, Andrew (dead), Nettie, Arnett, Charles, Frank and Ida. Arnett was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 28, 1850. He was married to Carrie, daughter of J. B. Gilmore. She was born near Oxford, Ohio. Arnett now owns 100 acres of the old homestead ; also, 160 acres besides, well improved.

Thomas S. Robb, farmer, is a son of William and Mary (Livingston) Robb, the former of whom was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, 1775, and emigrated to America when a young man ; and the latter a native of Pennsylvania, and whose parents were Scotch. Both died in Pennsylvania in 1845. In their family were nine children, who are now widely scattered. James and Thomas became identified with Mercer county, Illinois, interests in 1851 and 1852 respectively, and are to-day among the well to do. Thomas S. was born in Pennsylvania, August 16, 1825, and there married Martha A. Campbell, daughter of James Campbell. She is also a native of Pennsylvania, the date of her birth being May 10, 1830. In 1851 Mr. Robb was appointed by Gov. Johnson, of Pennsylvania, as commissioner to the World's Fair, held in London, England, in the year 1851. Besides performing his duties in London, Mr. Robb visited the principal cities of England, Scotland and France, before returning to his own country. Mr. Robb has served Ohio Grove township, as supervisor, for four different terms.

John McClellan was born December 20, 1826, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. His father was Francis McClellan, also a native of Washington county, but whose father came from Donegal county, L-eland, about 1813, and died in Pennsylvania at the age of ninetyeight years. Margaret Brownlee, the mother of John, was also a native of Pennsylvania, but her parents were from Scotland. In the family of Francis and Margaret McClellan were eight children, all Pennsylvanians, of whom but three are living in Mercer county, viz. : Thomas, Francis and John. John emigrated to Illinois in 1850, bnving 100 acres of the land on which he now Kves, being in sections 33 and 34, Ohio Grove township, Mercer connty, Illinois. Mr. McClellan has improved the farm mostly himself, and owns 150 acres of land. He was married Januarv 12, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Brownlee, daughter of AYilliam and Catharine (Hntchison) Brownlee, both Pennsylvanians, but of Scotch descent. The BrowTilees came to Mercer connty in 1852. Mrs. McClellan was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1831. They have had five children : Francis, died August 22, 1866 ; Margaret, Renorick, Clara and Lawrence.

' WiLLiAii McCreight (deceased) was born IN^ovember 27, 1818, in Adams county, Ohio, and was a son of Ephraim and Sarah (Cummins) McCreight, both from South Carolina. Mr. McCreight was raised on the farm. He acquired a very good education for his time and taught to some extent. He was somewhat a genius, able to use many tools and execute. In Ohio he was captain of a company of state militia. He drilled for the JVIexican war, but was not called out. In the spring of 1851 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, landing at Keithsburg, April 1. Ho first rented from his brother-in4aw, Judge William M. Hayes. About 1856 he purchased sixty acres of land which he improved. He afterward added another eighty acres. Mr. McCreight died July 11, 1869, and is buried in Candor graveyard. He had taught school here. He was a leading member of the United Presbyterian church from youth. In politics he was whig, abolitionist, and republican. He cast the only abolition vote cast in Ohio Grove township at one election. He was honest, straightforward and of strong convictions. This made him perhaps second to none in influence among men. Mr. McCreight was married in 1843 to Polly Hayes, daughter of John and Martha Hayes, both natives of South Carolina. Mrs. McCreight was born in Adams county, Ohio, March 2, 1822. Three children were born in Ohio : Ira S., Leslie D., and Seldon J. The family own the old homestead. Mr. McCreight's brothers, E. P. and Samuel, served in the civil war in company A, 30th 111. Vol. John S. in company G, 30th 111. Yol., and A. O. in company D, 83d 111. Vol.

WiLLi^vjvi Pepper is a son of Charles and Susan Pepper ; was born in Cambridgeshire, England, IVIay 2, 1822. His grandfather was butler to Pembrook College, Cambridge, and his father was also engaged in the same institution, and William Pepper spent many days with his father at the college. In 1832 the family set sail from St. Catharine docks, London, in the ship Thames, and after five weeks and three days, arrived in New York. They spent six weeks in New

York city and six weeks in Utica, New York, then settled in Oswego county, New York, where they resided eighteen or nineteen years and cleared a farm of fortv acres from the bier timber. In IS-il) William Pepper came West to Mercer county, Illinois, but sj^ent the following year in AVisconsin. He then retui-ned to«Mercer county and worked for Samuel Cabeen. March 3, 1852, he was married to Jane Martin, daughter of William and Susan (McClellan) Martin. The ]\rartins were very early settlers and are noticed elsewhere. Mrs. Pepper was born in Ohio, near Goshen, Indiana. After marriage Mr. Pepper lived one year in Keithsburg, then settled his present home farm of eighty-nine acres, March 1, 1853. He has improved his place, ])uilding and re-building till he owns a pleasant i)lace. ^Ir. and Mrs. Pepper are members of the Presbyterian church, lie is a free voter, voting for Lincoln's second term.

William Henderson (deceased) was born in Greene count}'', Pennsylvania, April IS, 1811. His parents, John and Margaret (^[oore) Henderson, were natives of Pennsylvania. They moved to Guernsey county, Ohio, in the fall of 1811. John Henderson died about 18-45, and his wife in 1859. They are buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery. Mr. H. was justice of the peace for twenty-one years, witli the excej)- tion of two odd years. He was in the war of 1812. William Henderson, the subject of tliese memoirs, was the third child in a family of seven. He was but a few months old when his parents settled in Ohio. He was educated in the common schools of his time, but the farm occupied largely his life. As* an additional means for gaining an honest and competent livelihood, he learned the shoemakers trade, which busied him when other labor was wanting. In 183-1 he was married to Amelia M. Henderson. His wife died in 1810, leaving two children : Susannah C. and Margaret A. He was next married December 29, 1842, to Rose A. Dool, daughter of Robert and Margaret Dool. Her parents were natives of county Antrim, Ireland. Mrs. Henderson's birth occurred on board vessel in Belfast Bay May 3, 1819, before the vessel set sail that was to bring the family to America. Robert Dool died in Ilari-ison county, Ohio. His wife lives at the age of ninety years. ^Ir. Plenderson emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1860, renting a farm between ISTew Boston and Aledo. In ]\Iarch, 1862, he ])urchased the farm in Ohio Grove township of 160 acres, being the S. W. I of Sec. 10. This he improved somewhat. He died March 20, 1877. He was buried in the United Presbyterian graveyard. Mr. Henderson was a man of life and good will to men. In politics he was whig, in whig times, then became a northern democrat. In Ohio he was several vears deacon in the

United Presbyterian churcli. In his second family are nine children : Robert enlisted in company A., 30tli reg. 111. Yol. Inf., and was transferred to the engineer corps. He served the last sixteen months of the war. He was not nineteen years old when he enlisted. John and Jane received their educations at Monmonth Academy, and hold first grade ceitificates and command highest wages in teaching. William R. owns forty acres of the home farm. The other children are : Mattie, Bell (dead), Elizabeth, Henry and Mary.

William Dilley, farmer, is one of the very few pioneers left to tell the story of the county's young days. Mr. Dilley was born October 4, 1801, in Sussex county. New Jersey. He is the third in a family of nine children. His father and mother, Aaron and Jane (Storey) Dilley, were natives of New Jersey, and resided there till about 1818, when they removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, where they died. William Dilley worked on the farm till grown. He then worked in a woolen factory, carding, spinning, fulling, etc. May, of 1836, a desire for the west attracted him hither, and in that vear he arrived in Mercer county, Illinois. He had shipped a carding machine to Oquawka via the river for his future use. He lived in Green township till 1848, when he removed to his present home in Ohio Grove. Mr. Dilley was married in 1837 to Eliza Moorehead, daughter of John and Elenor Moorehead, early settlers of Mercer county. She was born November 24, 1816. Mr. Dilley owned 120 acres in Green township, which he sold. He bought 320 acres in Ohio Grove. He now owns 165 acres. Mrs. Dilley died April 18, 1877. She was the mother of nine children: Aaron S., John W. (dead), Celesia, Mary, Samtha, Cyrus, Setli, Nellie, (infant dead). Cyrus left home several years ago and has not been heard of since. Aaron S. enlisted in the 9th 111. Vol., and John W. enlisted in the 84th 111. Yol. Each served about three years in the civil war. Mr. Dilley has been whig, abolitionist, and republican in politics.

Hamisiont) Webster (deceased) was born, raised and married in Massachusetts. Both he and his wife, Louisa Richardson, also a native of Massachusetts, were engaged in the famous Girard factories of Massachusetts. They moved to New York state. In 1843 they emigrated to Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, and purchased the S. E. ^ Sec. 28, and afterward added N. E. I Sec. 28. Mr. Webster died in 1845 and is buried in the Candor graveyard. His wife, at present writing (1882), survives him. He was justice of the peace several years. He was an old line whig. The children were : Albert, Theodore L., William, and Mariah (now Mrs. Robert Parkison). William Webster was born in New York, Alleghany county, June 1,

1831, and came west with his people. His father dying, left William to work and do for himself at fourteen years of age. lie spent till twenty-five years of age working round and renting a farm. lie was married in 1858 to Julia A. Wing, daughter of Oliver and Julina (Harrington) Wing, both natives of Massachusetts but who died in Ohio. Mrs. Webster was born in Springfield, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1821. When twelve years old moved to Ohio, then came west to Mercer county. After marriage Mr. Webster ])urchased his present farm, S. E. j^ Sec. 80, which he has earned with toil and so well improved. He has two children : Edith and Harriet L. In })<)litics he is democratic. He has been ten years a school director.

James Graham (deceased), was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1809, and was a son of John and Martha (Hutchison) Oraham, both natives of Chester county, Pennsylvania. The Grahams were Pennsylvania fi-ontier pioneers. James Graham was married Merch 4, 1835, to Mary Stewart, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Welsh) Stewart. She was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 10, 1814. Her father was born in county Armagh, Ireland, and emigrated when nine years old. He died in Virginia and is buried in Elizabethtown. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church. His wife died in Mercer county, and lies in Norwood cemetery, James Graham moved to Illinois in 1842, spending two years in Warren county. In 1845 he settled in Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, where he bought the N. W. ^ of Sec. 35. This he improved. He died November 25, 1879. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian church. In politics he had been free-soiler, whig and republican. He at one time cast the only free-soil vote cast in Ohio Grove township. He was foremost in temperance work. His education was good, having taught in Pennsylvania and in Mercer county. He left a wife and six children to mourn his loss. Mrs. Graham resides at Alexis. Her children are: Calvin W., of Kansas; Lenora J., now Mrs. A. L. Brownlee, of Iowa; Mary M. E., now Mrs. J. C. Graham, of Monmouth ; R. M., of Nebraska ; Emmet S., at home ; and Eva A., with her mother. Emmet S. was married October 19, 1876, to Miss Ella C. Boggs ; she was born in Warren county, Illinois, April 25, 1856.

John Seaton (deceased) was born in Perthshire, Scotland, March 15, 1795, and was a son of Duncan and Margaret (Cameron) Seaton. His birthplace is the country village of Killiekrankie, famous as a field of battle in times gone by, and made immortal by the lines of Walter Scott. Mr. Seaton's grandfather and his wife's grandfather fought in the battle of Culloden. IVIr. Seaton spent about forty-five years in

Scotland. He was educated in tlie common schools of his conntry. He learned the trade of carpentry and masonry, which he followed somewhat, as well as farming. He became anxious to try a new country; hence in 1843 he left the land of Scott and Burns for America. He sailed from Livei-pool May 21 and landed in New York July 14. He settled first in Mifllin countv, Pennsylvania, where he farmed two years. In 1845 he determined to emigrate still westward; accordingly he started for Galena, Illinois, via the river, but being taken sick he concluded to hind at Oquawka, which he did in November of - 1845. He spent the first winter in Mercer county ; then two years he farmed in Warren county. In 1848 he " squatted " on the N. W. J of Sec. 19, T. 13 N., E. 3 W., Mercer county, which he bought when it came into market. This he improved, and here he lived till his death, July 21, 1881. Mr. Seaton was a quiet, honest, plodding farmer, friendly to all and esteemed by all. He was a Presbyterian in religious faith. In politics he cast his first vote for Henry Clay, and later was a strong republican. The country needs more such men. Mr. Seaton was first married in 1821 to Isabell McDonald, who died in 1824, leaving two children : Margaret, born June 22, 1822 ; and Duncan, born October 27i 1823. Mr. Seaton next married (1826) Miss Christian Seaton, probably a very distant relative. She was born January 10, 1800. She shared the toils of emigration and life in the new country, dying in Mercer county, Illinois, December 20, 1878. She was a consistent Christian, and a queen in her own house. She was the mother of six children : Eliza, born October 4, 1828, died July, 1847; John, born February 6, 1831; Robert, born March 25, 1834, enlisted in company G, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf , was second lieutenant, and died at Nashville, October 10, 1864, from a wound received July 22, 1864, at Atlanta ; he was a brave boy ; Daniel, born February 3, 1836, died May 14, 1866 ;' George ; Susan, died in infancy. George Seaton, son of John Seaton, was born February 14, 1839, on the same farm as his father. He grew to be his father's constant help, as he took charge of his father's business for about twenty years. Pie was married February 26, 1874, to Miss Mary J. Brown, daughter of James Brown, of Warren county. She was born in Ireland, county Antrim, July 26, 1851, and is lineally descended from the Campbells, of Argyleshire, Scotland. They have four children. ^Ir. Seaton owns the old homestead and other land to the amount of about 500 acres. The new town of Seaton is laid out on his land, and he has built the first store.

17i)7, ill Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While yet a boy he was a teamster in the revolution, and was drilled for a soldier. He was present at the battle of the Brandvwine. lie died in 1849, having buried his wife (Samuers mother) in 1830. Both are buried at the church at the Forks of Wheeling. She was born about 1780. In the family were eleven children, of whom Samuel is the youngest. He, in company with his sister Elizabeth, emigrated to Brown county, Ohio ; then to Warren county, Illinois ; and in the fall of 1853 settled on section 35, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, on the James Graham place, one year; then in 1854 he bought the ^N". W. ^ of Sec. 33. This he has iini)roved. In 1875 he built his present house at an expense of $2,100. Mr. Creighton is a radical republican; he cast his first vote for John P. Hale. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church.

William C. Brownlee, farmer, is the namesake of his father, the Eev. W. C. Brownlee, D.D., of New York city. Dr. W. C. Brownlee was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland. He was educated at the universitv of Glasgow, and was licensed to preach in Scotland in the faith of the covenanters. He was married in Scotland to Mariah McDougall, a native of Glasgow. He emigrated to America about 1804, and became a minister to a Seceder congregation in Washington county, Pennsylvania. He soon received a call to a Philadelphia Scotch-Presbyterian congregation, which he accepted about 1812. He afterward became Professor of Languages and Mathematics in Rutgers College, Xew Brunswick, jSTew Jersey. Later he became collegiate pastor of the Dutch Reformed church, at the corner of Kassau and Liberty streets, JSTew York city. He died in 1860, in his eighty-second year, having suffered many years from a stroke of the palsy. His wife died about 1850. In the fsimily were nine children: Dr. J. J. Brownlee (dead) was surgeon in the late war; John A. (dead) was of the firm of Brownlee, Homer tt Co., St. Louis; David, a merchant of St. Louis; the girls, Mariah, Margaret, Jane, and Catharine, married jM'ominent merchants in the east. William (\ was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1815, and is the third child in the family. He was educated in the common schools of Pennsvlvania and hie-li school of jS^ew York city. In the spring of 1838 he left home and stayed with his relatives in Ohio a time, emigrating with them still westwanl. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled near Viola, taking a claim of 160 acres. In 1840 he bought 240 acres in Ohio Grove townshij), which he has improved. In that year he was married to Mary A. Brownlee. She was born in Richland county, Ohio. She died A]ii-il 3, 1876. and is buried at Norwood. She was the mother of six chil- dren : William C, Jr., Francis, Mariali, Samuel, Alexander, and Harriet N. Mr. Brownlee was a whig, voted awhile for the democracy, but the war made him a republican.

James Calhoun (deceased) was a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He made a trip to Muskingum county about 1814, purchasing, and in part clearing, a farm. About 1816 he settled with his wife, Elizabeth (Carnahan) on his Ohio farm. His father haWng been in the revolutionary war, he was not afraid of the frontier. There nine chidren were born to them : David, William, John K., James H., Joseph C, Samuel C, Elizabeth, Franklin, and Alexander T. Mr. Calhoun, besides farming in Ohio, was proprietor of a store and a steam mill. In 1843 the family emigrated via the Muskingum, Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Oquawka and thence to Mercer county, where he farmed a short time in Suez township, then removed to Xew Boston, where he kept hotel for a number of years. He died July 15, 1847. His wife lived till Xovember 22, 1878. Both were members of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Calhoun is a distant relative of the great John C. Calhoun. The children are scattered. David and William moved to Kansas ; the latter is dead. Josej^h and Alexander live in Taylor county, Iowa ; James K. , is of Aledo ; Samuel and James H., in Ohio Grove township. Samuel and Alexander served three years in company H., 84tli 111. Vol.. in the civil war. James H. was born August 5, 1826 ; has spent a life on the farm, owning 80 acres in Ohio Grove township. The family are, and have been, warm republicans. John K. was born February 24, 1824 ; was raised on the farm and educated in the common schools of his day. He came to Mercer county in 1843, with the family. In 1846 he returned to Ohio, where he lived till the fall of 1854, when he was married to Miss McClelland, native of Ohio ; and on the following day started for his home in Mercer county, Illinois. He settled in section 5, Suez township, where he lived, raised his family and buried his wife, her death occurring in 1872. In spring of 1882 he retired from active labor and moved to Aledo, Illinois. He is owner of 500 acres of good land. His children are: Elizabeth J., Martha A. (now Mrs. Robert Hudleston), Mary B., William (deceased).

Barnet Un ANGST (dcccascd) was born in Warren county, Xew Jersey, March 28, 1810. His father, Jacob Fnangst, was a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and his mother, Elizabeth (Wilson), was born in New Jersey. The family is of German descent. June 15, 1833, Barnet Unganst was married to Charity Smith, daughter of Isaac and Jemima (Wheaton) Smith. She was born in Huntington county, New Jersey, August 30, 1815. An extract from a

New Jersey paper is as follows: "The annual re-union of the great Smith family of Kew Jersey, held on Wednesday, in a beautiful grove of appletrees on the site of the old homestead of Zachariah Smith, of Peapack, was, perliaps, the biggest family gathering that has ever yet taken place. There were fully 3,000 persons present, all supposed to be lineally descended from, or connected with, the original flohn Schmidt, of Holland, who settled in Stanton, Huntington county, New Jersey, over 125 years ago, and changed his name to Smith, after he understood the ways of the country. He was a genial Dutchman ; slow plodding, industrious, honest ; and the impress of his character is left on a good portion of his vast progeny to this day." After marriage Barnet and Charity Unangst lived in New Jersey till 1851, having eight children born to them : Pheby, born May 12, 1834, died April 19, 1836 ; John S., born September 12, 1836, died August 20, 1838 ; Godfrey H., born January 12, 1839 ; Ann E., born November 21, 1840 ; Mary J., born November 30, 1842 ; Margaret, born July 13, 1845; Christiana, born September 3, 1847; Sarah C, born March 26, 1850. Two were bom in Illinois : Jacob, born February 16, 1852, died December 14, 1854; and William H., born July 27, 1854. In 1851 the family sought a home in Illinois, and bought land in Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, coming overland 1,200 or 1,300 miles, occupying about seven weeks in the journey. Here the Unangsts made their farm. Mr. Unangst was a quiet, congenial citizen. He died November 23, 1876, leaving his wife to survive him till August 12, 1881. Both were members of the Presbyterian church, and are buried at Norwood. Godfrey H., the third child, enlisted in company E, 102d 111., Yol., August 18, 1862. He was detached at Gallatin, Tennessee, for pioneer ser\ace, December 1, 1862, and transferred to company Iv, 1st Reg. U. S. Vet. Eng, Vol., about Sej)tember 1, 1864. He was through the campaign from Nashville to Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Pidge, and in front of Nashville. He was discharged June 30, 1865, and returned to his home, where he resumed farm labor. He became manager of the farm on his father's disability, and now owns the old homestead in section 13.

Ebp:^'kzer Graham, farmer, was born May 12, 1816, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. His parents, John and ]\Iartha (Hutchison) Graham, were natives of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but died in Washington count}'. John Graham emigrated from Ireland when a young man. He lived on the frontier of Pennsylvania, at night resting in a fort. He was in the Indian wars. Ebenezer, the tenth and youngest child, lived in Pennsylvania till 1857. He was raised on a farm. His schooling is limited, yet such as was common to his da}-. He was married to Sarah A. McDowell, wlio was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1837. In 1857 Mr. Graham sold his farm and moved west, settling in Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, where he has improved a good farm. He and wife have been members of the United Presbyterian church over forty-five years. He is a strong republican. In the family are two children: J. L., born in Pennsylvania; and Martha J. S., now Mrs. Dr. J. T. JVlcCutchan, of Norwood.

M. M. Cross, farmer, was born in Adams county, Ohio, November 16, 1820, and is a son of AVilliam and Ann (Morrow) Cross. William Morrow was a native of Pennsylvania. He became a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1811 he moved to Adams county, Ohio. He was a farmer and miller and had learned the tanning business in his yoimg days. He died in Ohio in 1848. His wife was a native of county Do^YH, Ireland, and came when young to America; she died in Ohio in 1856. In the family were three girls and three boys. M. M. Cross was reared on the farm. He was married to Dorcas Finley, daughter of William Finley, in 1856. In that same year Mr. Cross came to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled in Ohio Grove township. He bought eighty acres of land ; to this he added more, then sold, but now owns 160 acres of fine land, with good improvements. Mr. Cross was raised a democrat but has long been a good republican. He was assessor some time and was road commissioner about fifteen years. His wife died March 2, 1856, leaving a family of five children : Lewis A., McDill L, Emma A., Craton P., and Stewart E. Mr. Cross was next married to Paulina J. Walker, a native of Adams county, Ohio, and who came with her parents to Peoria county, Illinois, in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Cross are connected with the United Presbyterian church. McDill P., son of M. M. Cross, was born in Adams county, Ohio, February 25, 1856. He lived with his parents till marriage ; he was married March 8, 1882, to Miss Abbie M. Kimel, daughter of J. W. and Mary (Burnet) Kimel. She was born in Mercer county, Ohio Grove township, March 12, 1863.

Horace Nye Chandler is a son of Zachariah and Fannie (Bingham) Chandler. The Chandlers have been prominent figures in America for several generations. Benjamin C-handler was killed in the battle of Bennington in the revolution, as a "Green Mountain boy," and his sons, John, Joseph, Jesse, Benjamin, and Setli were in the same battte. Joseph was in the regular army under Gates, and afterward settled in Morgan county, Ohio. Dr. Jesse Chandler settled in Putnam county, Ohio, and his son, Dr. Ero Chandlei', is now of Hancock county, Illinois. Benjamin died in PhiladeliJiia. John raised six sons; he died and is buried at Cluindlersville, Oliio. His sons were: Zacliariah, Martin, John, Samuel, Guv, and Steplien. Zachariali was born in Rutland county, A^ermont ; lie died in INfuskingum county, Ohio, and is buried by his father. His wife, Fannie Bingham, was a native of New Hampshire ; she rests near her husband in Ohio. She was related to congressman Bingham, so long an Ohio statesman. She was a descendant of Miles Standish of the May Flower fame. She was a very intelligent woman, not only understanding, but able to teach. Her children received the larger part of their education from her wonderful fund of knowledge. Her children are : Seth, who died in California ; Horace N., of Mercer county; Mary (dead), Harriott (dead), Abigail (dead), Abigail (living), Fannie (dead), Eliza, and Nira. Horace N. Chandler was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, November 8, 1817. He was was raised to the toil of the farm. He attended the common schools, but received the larger part of his knowledge of government and public men from his mother. Being the only son at home, the duties of the house fell somewhat upon him, so that he lived with his parents and they with him till they died. He became the proprietor of the Ohio homestead. Mr. Chandler was married June 1, 1843, to Miss Anne E. Bevan, daughter of John and Mary (Blackburn) Bevan. ,Her father was a native of Monroe county, Ohio, and her mother ot Mai-yland. Mrs. Chandler was born in Monroe county, Ohio, October 8, 1822. After marriage Mr. Chandler resided in Ohio till 1865, when he came west, arriving at Monmouth on the day on which the news ot Lincoln's assassination stung the heart of every true American. He bought, June 12, 1865, the James Kellogg farm, the S. W. ^ of Sec. 27 and W. ^ of S. E. ^ Sec. 27, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, Avhere he has since lived. He has improved the farm very materially. He has been supervisor for many terms. In politics he has been whig and republican, being a charter member of the latter party. The children of this union are: Darwin, Mary, Seth, John B., Harriott, and Homer. Darwin enlisted in the naval service under Com. Leroy Fisk, serving one year, till the war closed. Mary is now Mrs. J. K. Porter.

Dr. C. C. Smith, son of Andrew and Jane (Craig) Smith, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, April 1, 1825. Jane Craig was born in county Monohon, Ireland, in 1790, and emigrated with her parents in 1704 to Pennsylvania. She died in Ohio, July 12, 1864. Andrew Smith was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and died in Ohio, August 31, 1875. His grandfather Smith was from Germany. Andrew Smith and wife were many years in the Associate Presbyterian church. In their family were six children: Anne, Lydia, C. C, Sarah J. (dead),

John, and "Walter. The life of Dr. C. C. Smith has been one of unusual activitT, from the fact that he has been obliged to light his own battles in life. His education, liberal as it is, he acquired bj his own eiforts. His early years were spent in country air and his hands were inured to farm labor. He desired a professional life, and to fit him for this he was resolved fii'st to be well read in general knowledge. He accordingly attended the common schools. He began teaching, which he followed at different times for a number of years. He attended Madison College at Antrim, Ohio, where he completed the course in mathematics, except sm'veying. He also pursued the Latin language to some extent. In 1848 he began to read medicine with a Dr. Davis. His preceptor dying he then read with Dr. R. G. Stephenson. After reading more or less for four years he attended medical lectures at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1852. He began the practice of medicine in Antrim, his home, first in partnership with his preceptor, but Dr. Stephenson dying Dr. Smith continued his profession alone. In 1856 he located at Viola, Mercer county, Illinois, remaining two years or little more. He then practiced as long in Preemption. In the fall of 1861 he bought out Dr. Gilmore, of Sunbeam, and has since practiced here. That he has been a successful practitioner is evident from the fact that he now owns seventy-two acres, with good house, etc., a§ his home place, eighty acres in section 10, and 160 acres in Iowa, aU the reward of his practice. During the war the doctor was busy, doing much for the families of soldiers. The wounds he dressed without charge, and thus he did his duty at home. Late years he has circumscribed his practice, on account of overwork. He has been an active worker in temperance work, also a member and an oflicer in the L^nited Presbyterian church. He is a very strong republican. His first vote was for John P. Hale. Dr. Smith was married Februarv 22, 1855, to Cordelia, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Work) Downerd. She was born in Guernsey county, Ohio. Her fether was a German, her mother from county Donegal, Ireland. Dr. Smith has a family of six children li\'ing and two dead.

Cheistiax Siiaree (deceased) was born on ]^ew Year day about 1800, in Herkimer county, Xew York. His people were of Dutch descent. His father was killed in the revolutionary war. Mr. Sharer was raised on a farm, but became interested in dairying, merchandising, distilling and banking business, becoming quite wealthy. The panic of 183Y crippled him financially. He was married in Xew York to Catharine Rasbach, by whom he had three children : John, George, and Edward M. In 1844 they moved to Licking county, Ohio. In 1854 they located in Moultrie county, Illinois, and a year afterward in

Stark county. In 1858 tliev moved to Mercer county, Illinois, where Mr. Sharer bought land in Suez township, and lived till his death, in June, 18(51. His wife lives on the homestead. Edward M., the third child, was born May 3, 1841, remained with his parents, and moved with them. He enlisted August 26, 1862, in company E, 102d El. Vol., and served in service of his country nearly three years, enduring all the hardships and enjoying the few pleasures incident to the career of his regiment. In the fall of 1868 he purchased 100 acres of land in the northeast part of section 24, Ohio Grove township. In 1876 or 1877 he built his present commodious house. He now has 180 acres in his farm, well improved. He was married February 23, 1869, to Martha Simpson, daughter of James and Anna (Goodman) Simpson, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsvlvania. Mrs. Shai-er was born in Pennsylvania. Three of her brothers were in the civil war, David K. being in company E, 102d Illinois, the others in Pennsylvania regiments. Mr. and Mrs. Sharer have live children : Alva, Willie, Edward, Charlie, and the babe.

George W. Werts, blacksmith, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, April 4, 1841, and is a son of George and Margaret (Maple) Werts. His father was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and his mother of Ohio. Mr. Werts was raised on a farm, and when sixteen years old learned the blacksmith's trade, so that when Sumpter's cry of distress belched from mouths of cannon and called for America's yeomanry to relieve her he was used to toil and prepared to do his country's service. He enlisted August 22, 1862, in company I, 122d Ohio Vol., under Capt. Gary. He was mustered in at Zanesville, Ohio, as a private. For two years, more or less constantly, he bugled for his company. He became engaged in battle at Winchester ; Millroy, where his company became surrounded by the enemy ; Harper's Ferry; went into line at Williamsport, near Gettysburg, where he assisted in taking 1,500 prisoners. He was then in the effort to cut through Manassas gap to intercept Lee ; was then sent to New York to aid in quelling the riot. He fought at Locust Grove, then started with Grant for Pichmond. May 4, 1864, he went into the battle of the Wilderness, where his company lost heavily ; took part at Spottsylvania Court-house, Cold Harbor, where his division received a complimentary order for taking the works of the enemy. He was then sent to the south side of Richmond to Butler's department, and was drawn in line to make a charge, but word came countermanding the order. He then united with the main army at Petersburg, and fought on the south side of the river. He accompanied Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley to protect Washington ; went through that campaign, and was with Sheridan in his famous ride, and aided in "licking them out of their boots"' at Cedar creek, where victory depended hirgely on the corps of which he was a member, the army liaving been generally routed by Early's forces when Sheridan arrived from Winchester. This corps was called by the rebels the Catholic cross corps. Mr. Werts assisted in the charge and taking of the works at Kichmond ; followed the enemy to Sailors' run, taking 1,100 wagons and many jjrisoners ; then on to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court-house. Mr. Werts' army career was one of unusual activity. He was mustered out at Washington. But twelve of his company remained able for duty. In 1865 he located at Sunbeam, Mercer county, Illinois, where he has since been the " village blacksmith."" He was married October »^, 1865, to Miss Mary Decker, daughter of Benjamin Decker, and a native of Mercer county. He has six children: Alpha M., Susie E., Clarence B., George W., Jr.; xilonzo E., and Everet L.

Pktek Peterson, farmer, was born in Sweden June 27, 1826. In June, 1865, Mr. Peterson sailed for America, landing at Kew York city. He soon arrived at Kock Island. He spent eighteen months with the Bishop Hill colony in Henry county, Illinois, working at his trade of carpentering. He continued his trade in Fulton county, then one vear at Galva. Beina; out of work, he overheard some persons talking of moving to Mercer county, Illinois, and he proposed to accompany them, which he did in 1859. Here he lived vdth the Sharers for four years, working at his trade. August 18, 1862, he enlisted in company E., 102d reg. 111. A^oL, under Capt. Likely and Col. McMurtrie. He served sixteen months. He was on detached duty mostly. At Chattanooga he stood in the river up to his ears in cold water for thirty-six hours continuously, which disabled him for duty and has crippled him for life. He returned to Mercer county, not being able to walk for some time. He managed to buy a small farm, and now has 140 acres and a good liouse. He was married first to Betsy Johnson, who died in Henry county, Illinois, leaving one child, Cathrina, now Mrs. Henry Crosby, of Viola. He was next married to Catharine Johnson, January 26, 1869, and by her he has five children : Eddie, Maggie, John, Julia A., and Charlie. Mr. Peterson is a thrifty farmer.

Robert Hamilton, farmer, was born in Kentucky, October 8, 1811. His parents, Samuel and Jane (Smith) Hamilton, were natives of South Carolina. They moved to Kentucky early, and thence to Preble county, Ohio, where Samuel Hamilton died. His wife died in Indiana. Robert was raised in the stern schools of toil. When twenty years of age he learned the carpenter trade, which he has followed more or less since. He also worked as a millwriglit for some years. In the fall of 1830 he located in Clinton county, Indiana, near Madison. He was tliere married to Miss Deborah Talbort. In 1855 he moved to Mercer county, Illinois. Here he bought 150 acres? of land, his present farm. This he has improved. In politics Mr. Hamilton was whig, in the days of that party. He is a strong republican. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church. He has a family of four children living and one dead: William H., when under age, went to the war, and was out about two months ; Perry S., Mary E., and Rose E.

Moses PArrERSox, farmer, was born in Knox county, Illinois, June 13, 181-1. His father, John M. Patterson, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, November 22, 1799, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His mother, Sarah A. (Bell), was born in Delaware, Kent county, January 15, 1818. The grandfather of Moses was Col. Patterson of Pennsylvania militia, and the father was in both the Pennsylvania and Ohio militia. John M. Patterson became a resident of Ohio about 1815, and there married Margaret Stephens, who died leaving three children. He next married Sarah A. Bell, In 1836 he settled in Knox county, Illinois. He lived two years near Viola, Mercer county, then went to Rock Island county, thence to Henry county, where he buried his wife. She died March 25, 1865. He died in "Warren county, June IS, 1873. He was a strictly moral man ; swearing was extremely odious to him. His religion was as he called it, "homespun." His wife was a Methodist. Moses Patterson left home at the age of seventeen years, going to Pike's Peak, Colorado, in 1857. He returned to Illinois and joined some of his schoolmates for the civil war. He enlisted at Rock Island March 12, 1862, in company B. 65th 111. Vol; Capt. R. S. Montgomery and Col. Daniel Cameron, knt)wn as the "Montgomery guards." In March, 1864, he was transferred to engineer bat. 23d army corps, army of Ohio, in which he served till A])ril 5, 1865. He took part in the battles on the Potomac the iirst summer and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry together with the whole command of 1,100 men; was paroled and sent to Chicago. In March, 1863, he was sent to Lexington, Kentucky, and over to West Virginia. There he took part in the battles of that campaign, and assisted in taking Ben. Coddle, the famous guei*illa, and in breaking u]> his band, capturing 400 of his men. He tlien crossed the Cumberland mountains with Burnside, and experienced the twenty -two daj's' siege of Knoxville ; was twice at Zollicoffer, then with Sherman at Chattanoogo and through to Atlanta. He returned with Thomas in pursuit of Hood; was at Nashville and from there followed Hood to Corinth. He was engaged at Fort Fisher, Fort Anderson, and Wilmington, Xorth

Carolina, and was there relieved and sent home. He returned to Knox county, Illinois. September 7, 1869, he located where he lives, in Mercer county. lie owns 240 acres of land well improved. Mr. Patterson was married December 26, 1869, to Alice Hawkins, daughter of Augustus Hawkins, of Cameron, Warren county, Illinois. She was born April 19, 1851. They have three children: Edwin A., Mary, and a babe.

Nicholas Shearer, farmer, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, March 29, 1881. His parents, John and Mary Ann (Walters) Shearer were natives of Ohio. They moved to Indiana, and about 1855 came to Mercer county, Illinois. They subsequently moved to Madison county, Iowa, where they died. Their family numbered thirteen children: James (dead), Mcholas, Jeremiah, Francis M., William D., JIugh P., Lucinda, Mary E., Martha, Melissa, John, Noah. Francis M. served in the late war in the 102d 111. Vol., and died of measles at Fort Donelson. Hugh P. and William D. enlisted in the 36th 111. Vol., and died of measles at Raleigh, Missouri. Nicholas was raised on the farm; in 1851 he came to Illinois ; here he worked for Wm. Stephens and esquire Nevius. In 1852 he returned to Indiana, and September 7, 1852, was married to Elizabeth McPherren, daughter of James and Jane (Shaw) McPherren. She was born in Muskingum county, Ohio. Her father and five brothers served in the civil war. One, George, was killed at Stone river. After marriage Mr. Shearer returned to Mercer county. For three or four years he rented a farm ; he then bought forty acres and began farming his own land. He now has 160 acres free from debt, and has made it all himself. He paid for the first forty acres by woi;king by the month. He has four children living : Sarah J., Margaret A., Mary C, and Fannie. John is dead.

Beard Church, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, December 20, 1812. His father, Thomas Church, was a native of Virginia. He moved to Wayne county, Indiana, in an early day. He married Rachel A. Beard, a relative of the Hon. John Beard, of Indiana. About 1835, or a little later, Mr. Church moved to Mercer county, Illinois, and lived a short time in Duncan township. He then moved to Eliza township, and finally to New Boston, where he died about 1857. He was well known and highly regarded. He owned, at his death, about 400 acres of land, indicative of his success as a farmer. His wife survived till 1881, when she joined the departed. Six children were born to them : John L., born in Indiana, and died in Mercer county. Those born here are : Elizabeth, Hannah, Heard, Thomas, William AV., and Rachel A. Beard is one of Mercer couiity's own chiklren raised together" with his home. A farmer, yet he spent one year in Aledo as a grocery merchant. After this Ije bought a farm west of Aledo, but soon sold this and in 1877 bought in Ohio Grove to-svnship, where he owns 200 acres well im])roved ; his farm being the S. E. 1 and N. E. } of S. W. i Sec. 11. He was married October 20, 1864, to Miss Mary E. McGinnis, daughter of the Hon. John T. McGinnis, of Mercer county. She was born October 25, 1846. They have two children: Everett W., born September 24, 1865; and Frank M., born May 10, 1868. Mr. Church is republican in politics.

Moses McIntire was born in county Donegal, parish of Kay, seven miles southwest of Londondei-ry, Ireland, in 1830. His lather, Jeremiah McIntire, was born in Ireland, and died about 1839 ; and his mother, Sarah (Ross), also a native of Ireland, died (1841) in Ireland. They were of the Protestant faith, belonging to the Seceder church. Jeremiah was a millwright by trade, but followed farming mostly. They were parents of nine children : James sailed for (Quebec and probably died there from ship fever ; Mathew died in Ireland ; John B. died in Warren coiinty, Illinois ; William is in Iowa ; Jeremiah died in Abington township, Mercer county ; Sarah (now Mrs. James Friell), and Moses. William was here about 1835, while the Indians were bad. Moses McIntire emigrated from Ireland in 1848. He came to New York, where he became porter in Brooks' dry goods establishment ; then was engaged in a white-lead factory. In 1852 he came to AVarren county, Illinois. Here he followed carpentering several years in part, ai^d ran a threshing machine in thresliing season. He bought 160 acres of land in Warren county. This he sold, and purchased in 1862 eighty acres, the S. ^ of N. E. ^ of Sec. 32, Ohio Grove townsnip. This farm he has well improved. He also has some timber. Mr. McIntire was married, September 3, 1863, to Miss Matilda Watt, daughter of John and Jane Watt, of Pennsylvania. She was born in ^litHin county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1842. They have eight children living and two dead. Mr. and Mrs. McIntire are connected with the United Presbyterian church. Mr. McIntire is a republican. He has been postmaster of Duck Creek othce since 1862. He takes an interest in school affairs and all ijrosrressive movements for the countv's good.

Jonx B. McIntire was born in county Donegal, Ireland, Mannor- Cunningham parish, twelve miles from Londonderry, in 1816. He is one of the progressive Protestants of Irish blood. He was married to Eleanor McElheney, also a native of the same place. They sailed for America in 1847, settling on a farm near Brighton, Canada. In 1851 they moved to Warren county, Illinois, Sumner to\vnship, where they became land owners and are thrifty farmers. Both are members of the

United Presbyterian cliurdi. In the family are six children living and live dead: Sarah and Bessie, born in Ireland; Bessie died on the ocean, and Sarah died in Canada ; Moses died in Warren county, Illinois ; Margaret, also ; Ellen, Minnie, and William J. William J. Mclntire was born July 30, 1848, near Brighton, Canada. He lived at home till about twenty-five years of age. When twenty-iive years old, his father gave him eighty acres of land in Ohio Grove township. He sold his eighty and bought 110 acres of the S. W. ^ of Sec. 28, paying $4,500. He has improved his place very much. He is naturally handy with tools, doing his own carpenter work, blacksmithing, etc. Mr. Mclntire was married, February 26, 1874, to Miss Bellzora Bullock, daughter of William Bullock. She was born in Mercer county, October 28, 1853. The children are : Guy, and Glenn. Yida is dead.

Jacob Guthrie (deceased) was a native of Greene county, Penns^'lvania. He came to Warren county, Illinois, in 1863, and the following year bought a farm of eighty acres in section 10, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county. He died October 7, 1871. He was justice of the peace and held other offices in Pennsylvania. Plis politics were democratic. His wife died April 17, 1875, In the family were eleven children. jSToah H. Guthrie, the fifth child of the above, was born in Pennsylvania, March 6, 1842. His life was spent on the farm till the war. September, 1861, he enlisted in his country's service, in company F, 7th reg. West Yirginia Vol. Inf , under Lieut. -Col. Kelley and Capjt. Ben. Morris. Mr. Guthrie fought in eleven battles, the chief of which were Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bull Kun, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court-House. At the lastnamed battle he was shot in the right leg, necessitating the removal of eight inches of the tibia. He was six months at Chester (Pa.) hospital. He was discharged December 17, 1864. Leaving the hospital, he came direct to Sunbeam, Mercer county, Blinois, to his parents. He subsequently spent three years at the Soldiers' College, at Fulton, Illinois. In 1870 he took the census of eight townships of Mercer county. In the fall of 1870 he was elected sheriff of Mercer county, which office he filled two terms. In 1880 he took the census of Ohio Grove township. He is a re})ublican. Mr. Guthrie was married July 4, 1870, to Miss Delila Hardy, daughter of Ashford and Sophia Hardy. She was born in Mercer county, February 11, 1848. They have three children : Freddie, Edmund, and Grace. Mr. Guthrie owns a beautiful farm of 240 acres, well improved.

born in New Boston township, Mercer county, Illinois, September 20, 1847. He has spent all his time in Mercer county, except a short time in Iowa. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he bought a farm in Abington township. In 1876 he moved to Ohio Grove townshij), where he bought 160 acres of the N. W. ^ of section 27. He was married January 7, 1875, to Jennie Brown, daughter of John Brown, of Mercer county, Illinois. She is a native of this county. They have one child, Olive B.

Samuel Sprowl, farmer, was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, June 29, 1822, and is a son of William and Rebecca (Baker) Sprowl, both natives of Virginia, and of Scotch descent. Rebecca Baker's grandfather was a wealthy Londoner. William and Rebecca Sprowl moved to Fayette county, Ohio, about 1842, where she died about 1845. She was born March 17, 1782. William was born January 8, 1775, and died November 17, 1872. He spent his aged years with his son Samuel. He was for many years a member of the United Presbyterian church. In the fomily were: William, born June 11, 1801 ; Elizabeth, born March 14, 1803 ; Polly, born March 7, 1805, died January 27, 1869 ; Rebecca, born October 21, 1807 ; John, born May 15, isio ; Martha, born May 27, 1812, died November 17, 1873 ; Anna P., born January 11, 1817 ; Sarah, born December 2,. 1819, died January 4, 1874 ; Samuel ; Christiana, born February 8, 1825. Samuel Sprowl was raised on the farm in Ohio, in the log fcabin, the forest and the tield. ]\Iany a day has he worked with ax to clear the land for crops. The school was three miles away, so that his advantages were very limited. In 1855 he emigrated to Illinois. He farmed a rented place one year. In 1856 he bought the S. E. J of section 22, at $12.50 per acre. This he has improved into a good farm. He now has 172 acres and house, and three lots in Aledo, where he lived for three years. He was married September 14, 1869, to Maggie Dixon, daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Shaw) Dixon, both natives of Virginia. Her father died May 29, 1879.* Mrs. Sprowl was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, September 9, 1848. She was in Virginia during the late war, and witnessed both northern and southern armies frequently, and heard the roar of battle. Two brothers were in the battle of Gettysburg, and her youngest brother was a guard at Libby i)rison. Mr. Sprowl has three children : John W., Samuel B. and Olive L.

John Parks (deceased) was born in county Armagh, Ireland. He owned a small piece of land there, which he farmed. He was an Orangeman, and was engaged in the war of the Protestants against the Catholics. He was then married to Jane Brown, also a native of that green isle. About 1848 they sailed for America, and made their home in Adams county, Ohio. In 1855 thev moved to Warren county, Illinois, and fiye years later to Mercer county, and settled the place now owned by Alexander Parks. He was a republican, casting his lirst vote for John C. Fremont. lie died December 11, 1873, leaving a wife who survives him. His children are six : John, James, Saniudl (dead), Alexander, Lizzie and Sarah. Samuel was a member of company G., J02d 111. Vol., under Capt. Wycoff; contracted consumption in the army, and died after his discharge. Alexander was born in Ireland, March 17, 1842. He has spent his life on the farm, and owns the old homestead, which he has improved. He was married to Miss Jane Murphy, also a native of Ireland. Their farm is the S. \ of S. W. \ of Sec. 32, T. 13 K, E. 3. He and. all his brothers are republicans.

David Milligan was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1806. His father, John Milligan, was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1754, and his mother, Jane (Kincaid), in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1764. John Milligan left Ireland August 6, 1790, and after thirteen weeks' voyage landed at Newcastle. So nearly did the provisions give out that each man's allowance was but one pint of water and two 'tablespoonfuls of oat meal every twenty-four hours. When they landed all were like skeletons and some ate till they died. John died August 2, 1839. His wife died in 1850. One son (Kobert) served in the war of 1812. David Milligan was raised on the farm in Pennsylvania. He was married December 1, 1836, to Miss Rebecca Rollstin. She was born in Washington county, Pennsylyania, IN'ovember 18, 1818. Her father, James Rollstin, was from Ireland. Mr. Milligan remained in Pennsylvania till 1866, when he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, arriving October 19th. He had learned to farm among the rocks, so found land here easy to cultivate. He became the owner of 479 acres of land in sections 28, 13, and 3, Ohio Grove township. He built three diflterent hT)uses. Thus he has aided in adding wealth to Mercer county. His wife died .October 19, 1880, leaving him to mourn the loss of a dear companion. She was a member of the United Presbyterian church for forty-four years. She was the mother of eight children : Nancy, Jane (dead), John F., James P., Warren (dead), Rebecca M., Rachel M. (dead), tmd Elizabeth E. Mr. Milligan is a republican. He used to be democrat, whig and antimason. He has been connected with the United Presbyterian church since 1836. He sent one son to the civil war when the boy was nineteen years old, viz., John F., who enlisted August 18, 1862, in company i\ 22d Penn. Cav., under Oapt. G. T. Work and Col. Higgins.

He fought at Moorefield, Virginia, Fredericksburg-, second battle of "Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Laurel Hill, Cedar Creek, and many skirmishes. He was discliarged June 1, 1865.

Alexander McBriue. farmer, was born near Belfast, Ireland, May 28, 1831. His parents, AVilliam and Margery (McXeil), were natives of county Down, Ireland. They owned a piece of the land known as the "land forever.'' Failure on account of beinff surety for his brother caused William McBride to emigrate to America, which he did about 1850, sailing from Belfast May 1st, and landing in New York June 1st ; soon settled in Muskingum county, Ohio. He died there June 11, 1861. In Ireland he was grand master of the Orange society many years. He was a quiet, inoifensive man, minding his own business, and respected by the community. He is buried at Bloomlield, Ohio. There were eight children : Jane, born in Ireland, Sarah (dead), Mary, Eliza A.. Margery, Rachel, Xancy, and Alexander. They were of the United Presbyterian faith. Alexander (the fourth child) was general manager of home affairs. He was married December 25, 1857, to Sarah J. "VYilson, daughter of Hugh Wilson. She was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, September 10, 1830. Alexander McBride was a hundred-day man in the late war ; was in sevei"al skirmishes and at the battle of Harper's Ferry, in com})any B, 160th Ohio home guards. February 4, 1867, he left Ohio for Mercer county, Illinois. He lived a while in Suez township. In 1871 he bought 160 acres, the N, AV, ^ of Sec. 36, in. Ohio Grove township, on which he lives. He was pathmaster five years. He has a family of five children : Hugh W., Mary L., William T., Samuel H., and David L. He always votes for republican ])rinci})les. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church.

James A. Kelloog was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, November 23, 1848, He emigrated with his people to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1852, and in the following year his father purchased 160 acres of land now owned by H. X. Chandler. Here James was raised. His people moved to Abington township, where they now i-eside. James is fairly educated, having lived handy to the school and enjoyed its advantasces. He was married in 1873 to Miss Mary A. Vance, daughter of James and Sarah Vance, now of Abington township. Mrs. Kellogg is a native of Mercer county. Mr. Kellogg farmed some time in Abington township. In 1874 he occupied his present farm of eighty acres, being the E. ^ of N. W. J, Sec. 28, Ohio Grove township. Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg are members of the Presbyterian church. They have three children: Arthur L., Frank P., and Inis L.

history of Ohio Grove township, was bom July 2, 1840, in Muskingum county, Oliio. He came with his people to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1847. His father dying William went to live with his cousin, George A. Smith, till ten years of age. He was then bound out to W. M. Miller, with whom he staid till the war broke out. He enlisted August 9, 1861, in company E, 9th 111. Yol. Inf , and took part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Sliiloh, Corinth, Atlanta ; was taken sick and sent to Marietta, Georgia, and thence to Nashville, where he remained till the spring of 1865. He tlien rejoined his command at Pocataligo, iS^orth Carolina. He then followed Johnston till the latter surrendered. Mr. Smith then went to "Washington, and thence to Louisville, Kentucky, and was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, July 25, 1865. He has since spent five years in the west. In 1870 he made his home in Mercer county. In 1881 he bought forty -eight acres of land, and is now settled on it. Mr. Smith was considerably injured in health in the war service. He was married November 30, 1878, to Nancy E., daughter of Stephen Noland. They have two children: Stephen A., and Lura M. Mr. Smith is entirely republican.