Henderson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1882 (part 13 of 23)

John McGee was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. When five years old he accompanied his parents to Muskingum county, Ohio. He was there raised and educated. He married Miss Margaret Irwin. In 1852 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, settling for a time in Suez township. In 1869 he went to Iowa, then to Oregon, in the 3'ears 1874 and 1875. He returned to Iowa, and in the spring of 1881 he made his home in Kansas, with his son, David C. His wife died August 20, 1858, and is buried in the Candor graveyard. She was a member of the United Presbyterian church. In the family are seven children: Richard H., D. C, B. W., Martha J. (died in Ohio), Harriet, Mary Ann, and Sarah E. Richard H. was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, July 12, 1834. He enlisted August 13, 1862, in company E, 102d 111. Yol. He was sergeant for ten months. He was mostly detailed at headquarters. He was at the battle of Nashville. His time was largely occupied in looking after the trains in the rear. He was discharged June 15, 1865, when he returned to Mercer county. His brother, D. C. McGee, was a member of company C, 50th 111. Yol., and was wounded severel}' at Altoona Pass. Also B. W. McGee spent a year in the service. Richard II. was married February 14, 1860, to Jessie C Spence, of Howard county, Missouri. They have four children : ' Frank, Lizzie, John, and Clara.

Robert C. Parkinson, farmer, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, November 16, 1837, and is the son of Edward and Margaret (Clements) Parkinson, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio.

Mr. Parkinson''s parents moved to Warren county, Illinois, in 1856, and in 1859 settled in Mercer county. Edward Parkinson died February 13, 1860. He was born April 1, 1791. His wife was born March 5, 1796, and died September 9, 1866. Tie was in the war of 1812. His father was an Englishman and his mother of Germany. Her father was a native of Ireland and her mother of America. Both are buried at the Porter graveyard in AA'^arren county, Illinois. Robert C. remained with his parents till they died. He received but little education except that afforded by the farm. He was married June 25, 1868, to Mariah Webster, daughter of Hammond and Louisa Webster. She was born in New York state February 28, 1840. After marriage Mr. Parkinson secured 100 acres of section 28, which he now owns, together with the N. E. j^ of Sec. 28. He was for three years road commissioner. They have had seven children, six of whom are living. Mrs. AVebster's parents are noticed in connection with the sketch of Hammond AVebster. Her mother, Mrs. Louisa AA^ebster, after the death of her husband, was married (Jctober 12, 1845, to Joseph Robinson. Mr. Robinson was born in Alleghany county, New York, April 7, 1812. He left home when twenty-two years old, going to Weaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1834, and the same year to Quincy, Illinois. In 1842 he came to Mercer county. He has improved a good farm, and is now one of the county's oldest citizens. He has been school trustee and road commissioner.

Lemuel Gitstin, farmer, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Diltz) Gustin, was born July 29, 1823. His parents settled in Madison couhty, Indiana, about 1845, and there died. Lemuel was raised on the farm and inured to all the toils and pleasures incident thereto. He is the oldest of eight children. In 1847 he was married to Catharine Noland, daughter of Stephen Noland. Her father, Stephen Noland, was born in 1801, and raised in Kentucky near Cumberland mountain. He moved in a very early day to AA^ayne county, Indiana, where he lived on the twelve mile purchase when the Indians were bad. He was on the frontier in the war of 1812, and lived partly in a fort or blockhouse, traded with the Indians, etc. There is a stream in Indiana called Noland's fork, the name deriving from the Nolands. Mr. Noland and wife, Nancy E. (Adams), a native of Ohio, lived in Madison county, Indiana, from 1823 to 1856, wdien they settled in Mercer county, Illinois. Mrs. Noland died July 20, 1877. In 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Gustin came with the Nolands to Mercer county, Illinois, settling for a time in Eliza township. In 1868 they purchased sixty acres in section 2, Ohio (rrove township, and have lived on it since. Mr. Gustin

James Feather, farmer and stock raiser, is a son of Jacob and Mary (Siggens) Feather. Jacob Feather spoke the German tongue, his father beine; a native of Germanv, who emii^jrated earlv and foiio-ht in the revolution ; his wife receiving a pension for his services. Jacob died about 1851 in West Virginia. His wife is living at an advanced age. The family are : Susan, Mary (dead), Ezekiel (dead), Jane, James, Sarah E., Sophia (dead). James, the subject of these notes, was born in West Virginia, October 17, 1839. There he was reared in the country and educated in the schools of his day. In 1856, he made his home in Iowa ; remaining there three years. He worked around by the month in Warren county, Illinois ; was in the mercantile business in Monmouth four years. In 1868 he went to Missouri. In the meantime he owned the store at Sunbeam for two years. In 1869 he located permanently in Mercer county. Mr. Feather was first married, December 7, 1865, to Miss Martha C. Hayes, daughter of the late Judge Wm. M. Hayes. She died in 187-1. Mr. Feather was next married December 26, 1878, to Katy M. Gourley, daughter of Robert Gourley. She is a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Feather has one child by his first wife, Aurie L.

Elijah Forsyth, son of William and Eleanor Forsj'th, was born August 6, 1810, in Indiana coimty, Pennsylvania. When he was four years of age his parents settled in Ohio. There Elijah was educated in the common schools and became a schoolmaster at the age of nineteen years, teaching twenty-two years in Ohio. He was married in Muskingum county, to Ann Dawson, daughter of Thomas and Catharine Dawson, and a native of Ohio. In 1855, Mr. Forsyth emigi-ated overland to Mercer county, bringing his family of seven children : John, William, Elijah Jr., David, Mary, Eleanor, and Nancy J. He settled on the S. 4^ of S. E. ^ Sec. 7, Ohio Grove township, which he purchased. He has since added some timber. For eighteen years he has taught, part of each year, in Mercer county. Reference to the official table will show his interest in public affairs and the trust placed in him by the people. He has been an elder in the United Presbyterian church for over twenty years. His father was a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia; was in the war of 1812 ; died in Ohio in 1827. His mother died in 1835. Mr. Forsyth's son, John, was a member of the 102d reg. 111. Vol. in the civil war, and was promoted captain of a colored company. He served two years when he was discharged on account of sickness.

Contributed 15Y L. B. Doughty

Among the public institutions of the county, tlie Poor Farm and Intirmarv are specially worthy of mention, for they are a standing monument, evincing the practical generosity of our citizens. But in our search for material for this chapter, we have found the records so vague, incomplete and unsatisfactory, that we almost despaired of finding suthcient data to make our history of this institution complete or interesting.

From William Wilmerton, Esq., of Preemption township, and Tyler McA\^iorter, of Mercer, we have obtained some interesting facts, which will help us to, in some measure, fill the gaps we find in the public records.

For years after the organization of our county, those unable to support themselves, and whose families or friends were unable to support them, were cared for by the overseers of the poor of the several townships, who were appointed by the county commissioners. Sometimes they were kept hj contract ; sometimes they did what they could for themselves, and were partially provided for by the overseers. In many cases merchants provided them with the necessaries of life, taking their chances of having the bills allowed by the board. In all cases the county was expected to pay the bills for their maintenance, whether kept on contract, furnished by order of the overseer, or through pity (or cupidity) of the merchant.

At each recurring session of the commissioners' court, pauper bills inci'eased in number and grew in magnitude, and more and more care was necessary, and was exercised, to sift out and pay only those which were for the necessaries of life, cutting ofi" and rejecting any and all which bear the least taint of suspicion. For instance, some bills presented would, perlia})S, show that sugar enough had been furnished to a pauper in three months' time, to have lasted him or his family, for a year, and this would raise a suspicion in the minds of the commissioners, that perhaps something else than sugar had been furnished - an article for wliich it was known payment would be refused. Investigation would follow, which would generally result in the rejection of a part of the bill.

We do not wish to make any invidious references, but esquire Wilmerton related a story to us, the other day, which comes to our mind in recording the above. Some years ago he received a large number of bills from a house in Rock Island, for collection, upon parties living in Pre-emption and adjoining townships. One of these particularly attracted his attention, owing to the frequent charges for ''headache medicine" by the quart, half gallon and gallon ; this item occurring with alarming regularity, showing each and every visit to the city of the good old farmer against whom it was made. The 'squire was well acquainted with him, and had never known of his being subject to severe attacks of this disease, and his curiosity was aroused to know what this remedy was, and on his first visit to Rock Island he asked the maker of the bill to enlighten him. The dealer laughed, and for answer beckoned him into a back room and silently pointed to a barrel labeled "whisky." "Headache medicine " looked better on the bills ; but like the " sugar" on the pauj)er bills, it looked suspicious.

Again, most of the adjoining counties had provided poor-houses, and refused longer to support indigent persons unless they would become inmates thereof; and while there were many who were not too proud to receive their entire subsistence from the county, there were few who would willingly "go to the poor-house," as they had a false idea that this course was degrading. Rather than go where they could not only be better cared for, but would have an opportunity to do what they could for their own maintenance, they prepared to emigrate to some county not possessed of this bugbear, and not a few crossed the borders into our county and soon became a county charge.

Under these circumstances, the commissioners in 1853 (E. Gilmore, Jr., county judge, and William Wilmerton and John Glancey, associate county justices of the peace), after much deliberation, decided to purchase a farm for the county, upon which might be erected suitable buildings for an infirmary. Mr. Wilmerton soon found what he thought would be a suitable farm, and a special meeting of the commissioners was held at the court-house in Keithsburg, September 20, 1853, which is the first record we can find relating to the subject of a poor-house. At this meeting they ratified a provisional contract made by Mr. AVilmerton with John I. Clark and Gersham Yannatta, whereby the latter sold to the county 110 acres of land lying in the S. ^ of Sec. 33, T. 15, and in the N. i of Sec. 4, T. 14, both in Range 3, W. of the 4tli P.M., the latter being timber land. The consideration w^as $1,400, and two orders were drawn at this meeting, for $700 each, in favor of Clark and Vannatta. The deed was made September 23, 1853, and acknowledged before W. A. Bridgford,*J.P,, of Millersburg, and was recorded January 12, 1854, by T. B. Cabeen, Recorder, in Book M of Deeds, pages 307 and 308.

lor one year, but the terms of the lease are not given in tlie record. A part of the contract, liowever, was that lie should keej) a paujjcr and his wife, named Golden ; and we*lind that at the March session (1855) o+' the board of supervisors he was allowed $8.50 as balance due him on the contract.

From the minutes of the June session of the board of supervisors (1854), the first session after the ado})tion of township organization, we cop3' the following order :

"It is ordered by the board, that Graham Lee, Elisha ]\Iiles, and Tyler McWhoiter be and are appointed a ccnnmittee to examine the condition of the county farm and its requirements, with ]-espect to accommodating all the paupers of the county."

In March, 1856, Mr. Gilmore was ])aid $58.50 as balance due him on contract or lease. At the same term the board unanimously })ass a resolution recommending to their successors the urgent necessity of improving the farm, so that it would "accommodate all the paujjers in the county," this action being suggested by the large number of pauper claims presented at that session.

At a special tenn in June, 1856, Graham Lee, Thomas Likely, and Tyler McAVhorter were apjjointed a committee to i)repare and report a ])lan for a poor-house, and as nearly as possible the cost of the same. They made their report at the same session, which was accepted, and McAVhorter, Lee, and N. P. Partridge were ap])ointed to make a design, advertise for and receive bids, and contract for the erection of the house.

Said commissioners reported at the September meeting that they had received, oii the 28th of August, live bids : two for brick and three for stone buildings; that four of the bids had ranged from $4,200, to $4,600; that the lifth was for $3,400 for a stone building; that this latter figure was deemed reasonable, but the bidder, Mr. Ralph Growe, required ])artial payment in advance, and it was necessary to provide funds before closing the contract. Accordingly an arrangement was made with the drainage commissioner to borrow money from the swamp land fund. That the lirst payment had been made, and the work of excavating the cellar commenced ; that owing to the failure of the drainage commissioner to iruike collections, they were unable to get money for the second i)ayment, whereby the work had been greatly hindered and delaye<l. They request the board to sanction their action, and to decide upon some definite system of managing the farm in future ; both of which requests we presume were granted, but we can find no record of any action beyond receiving and recording their report. This, liowever, was the last year the farm was leased, as a whole, a steward or superintendent liaving since been employed.

In March, 1857, Mr. J. G. Gilmore's lease terminated, and this time he owed the county S124.50. The county bought of him fourteen acres of land adjoining the poor-farm for S324.50, getting one year's time on the $200 balance, at ten per cent. They also appropriated $11,300 for prosecuting the work on the infirmary ; authorized the commissioners to borrow $800 of the swamj) land fund, and made provisions for the repayment of all sums heretofore borrowed from the fund.

In September, 1858, a committee was appointed to visit the poorfarm and report. They suggested that the "steward" system be abolished, and that a competent man be employed to superintend the farm, under the direction of a standing committee in regard to improvements, purchase of stock, etc. This report was adopted, and a committee appointed who made a contract with Humphrey Riddell, at S350 per year, his term commencing March 8, 1859. Mr. Riddell was re-employed from, year to year for nine successive years, which fact attests his eminent fitness for the position, which was recognized by the board in an increase of his salary from time to time until instead of $350 they paid him $500 per year. This was, of course, in addition to the board and keeping of himself and family.

While upon the subject we will give the list of stewards and superintendents in their order, so far as can be ascertained: Joseph G. Gilmore leased and manao;ed the farm the first three vears. It was then placed under the charge of committees, as before mentioned, who employed stewards to care for the inmates, etc. AYhile the building was in progress, Tyler McWliorter, as chairman of the building committee, had the oversight of the farm, and Justus Southwell and AYm. Clark held the stewardship under his administration. Then came Mr. Riddell for nine years; Samuel H. Darby shire from 1868 to 1875; John W. Dihel from 1875 to 1880 ; and from February, 1880, to the present time, Mr. J. McAVillis, who is now holding the position for the third term. His salary is $600, which is at least $400 less than should be paid.

Tlie building is well arranged and will accommodate comfortably about thirty inmates. A commodious wing accommodates the superintendent's family, and a frame kitchen was added to the building some years ago. What is known as the "old house*'' was put in tolerably decent repair, and is used for sleeping apartments when the main building is overcrowded, but it cannot be so used in extreme cold weather.

The farm is provided with ample barns, granaries and tool houses ; is well stocked with horses, cattle and hogs; has a large orchard and an abundance of small fruits.

The inmates are all required to perform such labor as they are able or litted for; the women doing their own cooking, washing, ironing and chamber work, and a part of their own sewing ; while the men work in the fields or about the barns. Discipline is necessarily very strict, but is seldom severe. Among them are the weak-minded, idiotic and insane ; and for the latter special provisions in the way of cages or barred windows and doors are a necessity.

The position of superintendent is one of great responsibility and of constant trials, vexations and watchfulness, and it is to the honor of each and all who have held the position that they have served year after year in that capacity. That any one of them has sei-ved one or more years to the entire satisfaction of everybody could not be expected ; that each has left the farm in better condition than he found it is most highly commendable.

Since the completion of the building the number of inmates has averaged about thirty ])er year. The largest number ever upon the books at one time was fifty-four, during the administration of S. H. Darbyshire ; and every available resource of tlie farm and infirmary were then taxed to the utmost.

Among the present inmates are the following, who have been there for eight years or more, with date of entry : Dedimus Black, April 5, 1859; Mrs. King, December 19, 1861; Logan Smithers, June 7, 1864 John Hall, December .30, 1865; 'Norman Powers, May 12, 1866 Sarah Albee, August 17, 1869 ; Elizabeth Krouse, October 2, 1871 Eieliard Bell, May 24, 1874.

Whenever children are admitted it is the rule to advertise at once for homes for them, and where possible secure their adoption by good families. Where this is not possible they are allowed to go and work for their board, or board and clothing, owing to their ca])abilities.

Febniary 1, 1865, forty acres adjoining the farm were jjurchased of John Dellett, and on March 1, 1882, 200 acres were purchased of Peter Blue, being the N. E. i, and the S. E. J of the N. W. i of Sec. 33, T. 15 N., K. 3 W. of the 4tli P. M., for which they paid the sum of $10,000 cash. Small timber lots in Sec. 4, T. 14, R. 3, have been purchased at different times, and the fiirm now comprises 395 acres. One man is hired by the county, in addition to the superintendent, and what he cannot work advantaa-eouslv with the resources at his command, is leased on good terms to resi)onsible tenants.

The farm is becoming nearer sulf-supjjoi-ting year hy year, and has proven from the first a paying investment, to leave out all other considerations. It is true that it has not put an end to a deluge of pauper bills from the several townships at each recurring session of the board, but it has largely reduced them in number and amounts asked for, and the bills receive a close scriitin}^ and thorough investigation before being allowed. But so long as supervisors are allowed to assist i)aupers in their respective townships, at public expense, these bills must be paid ; and some of our supervisors seem to think their townships will be disgraced if they are represented by an inmate in the infirmary, and to prevent this will issue orders and indorse bills that aggregate much more than it would cost to keep the pauper where he or she most properly belong, at the county farm.

The visitor to our county farm and infirmary will see no grand pile of masonry, erected with a view mainly for architectural effect, but a large and substantial building, well adapted for the purpose erected. That improvements might now be added, or that a dift'erent plan might embody them if a building was now to be built, which would better the accommodations and lessen the labor, is readily conceded ; but it has and will for some years to come furnish ample accommodation for all who have been or may be consigned to its friendly shelter.

It is situated three and one-half miles due north of Aledo. A beautiful di-ive leads to the house, the site for which was selected by an artistic eye. Inviting shade trees, the lawn, the orchard, the fruit, the waving grain on eitliei* side in summer, the well-filled granai'ies in winter, all present an inviting appearance ; nothing repulsive meets the eye. It is a home for the unfortunate and the imbecile : an institution that is a credit to the generosity and liberality of the citizens of Mercer county.

In addition to the gentlemen mentioned as furnishing data for the foregoing, we are indebted to county clerk C. C. Wordin for kind assistance in examining the records in his office, and a long, though fruitless, search for some reports which would have proven valuable could tliey have been found ; to superintendent J. McWillis for like assistance, and to numerous others for the pains taken in answering our numerous inquiries. In the name of the readers of this history we earnestly thaiik each and all.

In starting out for datu for this sketch we were confronted witli the to us startling fact tluit the tirst record book of tlie society, embracing the records from its tirst organization up to 1873, was missing. Secretary and ex-secretaries were appealed to, but no trace of the missing record has as yet been discovered. Here was a dilemma for which we were not prepared, and one that necessitates a mere sketch, which, while generally correct, is so incomplete and barren in detail as to be, to us, at least, very unsatisfactory. An ap})eal to those who were prominent in the organization and during the tirst years of the society was made, and while all were willing to render assistance, not.one was willing to trust his memory as to details of the beginning. Three men were mentioned as the first secretary ; two of them we have seen, and each thinks the other was the man, but neither is sure. Under these circumstances the re^ider will pardon us for any inaccuracies or omissions he may discover.

The society was organized in 1853, by prominent farmers in the county, for the encouragement and promotion of agricultural and mechanical pursuits. Among the organizers were Tyler ]\[cWhorter, Graham Lee, Joseph Trego, Dudley AVillits, J. E. Bay, AValter Pryne, Elbridge U. Howe, William Green, Cruser Gray, James and William P. Strong, Washington Wolf, the Drurys, Xobles, and many others. We shall not attempt to give the ofKcers ; we cannot learn with certainty who they were.

Millersburg was chosen as the place for holding the exhibitions, and tlie citizens of that village purchased three acres of land of Elbridge G. Howe ; cleared it of the timber and undergrowth, and built a fence around it (three sides being fenced with the brush taken from the land, the fi-ont only being a substantial board fence), and the whole was donated to the society. The consideration was §50, and the deed was made, September 30, 1854, to "the treasurer of the Mercer County Agricultural Society and his successor in office."

The exhibitions were held during the last of September or the first of October of each year, and have been a success from the start,, the society always paying its premiums in full, and with but few excei> tions has had something left after so doing and meeting current expenses.

Two features of our early fairs will bear mention, although both have long since lost a place on the programme. An agricultural address, often delivered by a professional politician, who perhaps knew no more about raising corn and potatoes than he did of Greek, was for awhile considered the main attraction; and the equestrienne exhibition was also relied upon as a drawing feature. It is needless to say that the latter was of the two the most popular, and drew by far the largest and most enthusiastic crowd.

Owing to the excitement consequent to the breaking out of the war of the rebellion in 1861, no fair was held that year, but they were resumed in 186::^, and have been held regularly ever since.

When the railroad was completed to Aledo, in 1869, the society decided to remove to that point, owing to the increased facilities for getting to and from the fair, and twenty-seven acres of ground were purchased of D. V. Reed, situated about one mile southwest of the business center of town, and the fair of 1869 was held on the new grounds.

During the first years of the society, membership tickets were sold at $1 each, and the purchaser was presented with a badge which not only entitled him to admission during the fair, but also admitted all members of his family, except children, who were "of age." Under this plan gate receipts were always small in proportion to the number in attendance, and it was finally displaced by the regular ticket system, tlie purchaser of four twenty-five cent tickets being entitled to a certificate of membership, which latter gives him a vote in society, but will not admit him to the grounds.

When the law was passed creating the state board of agriculture, our society reorganized under its provisions, under the name of the "Mercer County Agricultural Board," a name it still bears. Substantial buildings, stalls, pens, etc., have been erected as the finances would warrant. The board during the past year paid the last of its indebtedness for land, and has kept other bills paid up. A fine exhibition hall is now in course of erection, in the sha})e of a Greek cross, which will cost about $2,000. On the grounds is a splendid one-third mile track, and fronting it a commodious amphitheater, built, however, more for use than ornament. A sufficient number of wells supply all the water required, and more hay is raised on the ground enclosing the track than is required to feed the stock brought for exhibition.

There was a time when this feature threatened to overshadow all else, and our fair became what so many others in the state had merged into - a three-days' horse-race, with a few implements and farm products as a kind of side-show. Taking warning, however, by the bankruptcy of neigliboring societies, resulting largely from this course, our board adopted a happy medium, which has so far resulted to the best interests of the board, financially, while satisfying all but the ultra advocates of either side. Trials of speed are reduced in number and almost entirely confined to horses owned within the county, and the premiums are liberal without being excessive. Premiums on stock and farm products, together with manufactured articles of all kinds of home production have been advanced ; while machinery, farm implements, etc., from foreign manufactories, are simply awarded a diploma.

The ladies' department, including needle work, embroideries, samples of culinary skill and dairy work, have ever been an interesting, attractive and important feature of the exhibitions, and too much praise cannot be accorded to the ladies for their interest and unremitting efforts to make these de})artments attractive, and we can say of them what can be said of no other department : the display has always been full and large.

In the exhibition of fine horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep, our fairs have never been surpassed in quality by the state fair, and some years scarcely equaled in quantity ; while in fruits, farm })roducts, and vegetables, our average disi)lav would be creditable at any stjite exhibition, and in exceptional years is never surpassed anywhere.

The board offer from §12,00() to $2,500 annually as premiums. All articles and animals are admitted free, except horses, entries for speed, and sweepstakes on all other stock. These pay an entrance fee of ten per cent on first premium, except entries for speed, which pay ten per cent on purses offered. Sheep, however, pay no entrance fee on sweei> stakes, as only a diploma is awarded in that class.

We cannot give a list of the ofticers of the societ}' from its organization, and must content ourselves with a mention of a few whom we know to have been prominently connected with it, while others who have perhaps been more prominent are necessarily omitted. In addition to those first mentioned are J. E. Ilarroun, A. J. Streeter, Henry Lee, David Calhoun, D. W. Sedwick, E. B. David, Joseph B. Lair, Samuel Wharton, C. F. Durston, J. V. David, A. P. Petrie, A. B. Swisher, James Feather, AVilliam I. Nevius, Robert Candor,

John Brady, O. A. Bridgford, Walter Lloyd, L. B. Lloyd, J. M. Maniion, AVilliam Doak, G. D. Miller, John Whitsett, John A. Gilmore, D. T. Hindman, ^Y. K. Fulton, D. H. Hayes, J. M. Warwick, M. L. Marsh, J. Taylor Gilmore, L. V. Willits, j'. H. Purdnm, R. J. Cabeen, L. B. Ho^ye, J. J. Huston ; and right here we will stop, for their name is legion,

Robert Holloway has added much interest to the liorse show for the past few years, by an exhibition of his fine imported horses, while William Drury is entitled to the same credit for a much longer period.

As a fact worthy of record the fail's of the Mercer county agricultural boards have been more uniformly successful in every way than any other fair in the state, and our exhibitions deservedly stand at the head, taking them as a whole, and have so stood for a number of years. For this proud position credit is due to the citizens of the county generally, who have ever shown their interest in its success by attending its exhibitions and contributing in every possible way toward its advancement. Wise selection of officers and careful management on their part has insured a sound financial basis upon which future improvements may be safely inaugurated.

The twenty-ninth annual fair of the board will be held on September 19, 20, 21 and 22, 1882, at their grounds near Aledo. The following are the ofiicers for the current year : president, A. B. Swisher, Eliza ; vice-president, R. J. Cabeen, Keithsburg ; treasurer, E. B. David, Aledo ; secretary, J. F. Henderson, Aledo ; executive committee. David Calhovm, Keithsburg; J. B. Lair, Aledo; G. D. Miller, Aledo ; D. W. Sedwick, Suez ; J. IT. David, Xew Windsor ; J. B. Chandler, Sunbeam ; Mrs. AV. D. Fleharty, New Windsor ; Mrs. H. B. Frazier, Yiola ; Mrs. W. A. Lorimer, Aledo ; Mrs. J. M. Mannon, New Boston ; general superintendent, Robert Candor, Aledo ; marshal, Samuel Wharton, Aledo ; marshal of the ring, John F. Harvey, Aledo. Capt. E. B. David, present treasurer, was for five years secretary of the board, and is now vice-president of the state board of agriculture for this district.

Duncan Toaynship

This township was named by the first settlers in honor of Buford Duncan, who was himself the first of all. The soil in this township is susceptible of a high grade of cultivation, being composed of rich, black loam. Camp creek, the i3rinciple stream, runs through the southeast portion, and Eliza creek forms in the northwest part of the township.

and runs in a soutliwest course through Duncan and Eliza to\vn.shij)s, emptying into Bald Eagle lake, five miles from New Boston. In places Camp creek is skirted with heavy timber along its banks, to which the various wild climbers cling for suj)port. All along the banks of Camp, from Bald Eagle lake to its source, wherever shaded bv timber, was once the fjivorite camping ground of the red man, and hence the creek derives its name ; but they have long since disapj)eared w4th the advent of the few first white settlers. They have gone, but have not forgotten the place they once controlled, and those of them who still survive in lamentable tones j^ortray their recollections of the home of their childhood ; that once delightful hunting ground. But time has wTOught numy changes since then ; where once was the site of tlie wigwam are now fields of waving corn. The old mill once in active operation upon its banks just west of Millersburg, has also disappeared, giving way to more powerful modern improvements, and not a vestige of it remains except the recollections of its former usefulness in grinding out its allowance to hungry settlers. Around it was a pleasant spot in summer time, when the woods were green around and the pond like a shield of polished silver, with the water flying in showers of spray over the huge, slowly turning wheel. But in winter, when the trees were bare and the snow lay piled in drifts upon the ground, a weary, desolate place was the mill of Camp creek.

Where once could be seen one vast sea of unbroken prairie, well cultivated farms and handsome farm houses now meet the eye ; and dotted here and there with churches and school-houses on every hand, which note the progress that intellect and industry have made.

This townsjiip is comprised of No. 15, R. 4 west of the -ith P. M., and is well supplied with coal ranging from two and a half to five feet in thickness.

First Settlers

The first settler in what is now Duncan townshij) was Buford Duncan, as early as 1834 or 183(). The township took its name from this man. The next family to come was Duncan's son-in-law, James Vernon. AVilliam Epperly came also about the same time. These settled in the same neighborhood, on secticm 16, school land. The first school-house was built on some of this land, of which Duncan donated one acre. It was called the Duncan school-house then. Joseph King was another of the early comers. He settled farther south toward the line between Duncan and JMiilersburg, on section 23, now owned by J. C. Staley. From about 1837 arrivals were numerous. Among these later settlers were Ebenezer Bunting, Joseph N.,

Elbridge G., and Lucian B. Howe (brothers), Tyler McAVliorter, and his brother-in-law, William S. Roe. They settled together. McWhorter started a nursery, made a handsome place, and finally removed his nursery to his present location south of Aledo.

The first settler of this township was Buford Duncan, who located on section 16 in the year 1838. Buford Duncan came fi-om Indiana. He was a man characterized for plainness of manners and the strictest honesty. He was already somewluxt advanced in life and was the father of a considerable family of children, most of whom settled in the same neighborhood. Soon after Buford Duncan had located in the townsliip, his brother, Braxton Duncan, located on section 17. Braxton Duncan was of a slender constitution and only survived a few years. Subsequently several persons connnected with the Duncan family located in the same neighborhood and formed a nucleus of what became known as ' ' Duncan settlement. " Among the early settlers of that neighborhood should be mentioned William Epperly and James Vernon. Buford Duncan has been dead many years. Among the early settlers of the township of Duncan was also Luman Castle, who located on the south boundary of the township (section 36) near the town of Millersburg.

It was also at an early date that Joseph King located on the south side of section 33. It was near the same time that Robert Morris located on section 25. Robert Morris was from Scotland. He was a man of some mathematical education. In 1 844 he was elected county surveyor. He also served as the first township treasurer of Duncan township, and held that position till the spring of 1846, when, being attracted to an overland adventure to California, he resigned his charge as townsliip treasurer, and the writer of this sketch became his successor. Mr. Morris died in California. About the spring of 1844 Elbridge G. Howe and Lucian B. Howe made a location on the north part of section 33. It was in the summer of 1845 that the writer of this sketch, accompanied by a brother-in-law (William S. Rowe), located on section 31. It was then the sole purpose of the writer, with the limited means at his command, to start a large experimental orchard in connection witli the nursery business. The name chosen for the nursery was ^'Pome-Roy (Royal Fruit) Nursery"; and by that name the neighborhood is still known. It is scarcely necessary to add that "Pome-Roy Nursery" subsequently produced the trees for most of the oldest bearing orchards of this county, and for some of the adjoining counties. At this early date very few public roads were yet laid out in the townshijD.

The small number of domestic animals had very little effect in sujv pressing the free growth of the wild })rairie grass which on all sides grew up and waved to the summer winds. For many years the early settlers could mow a full su])ply of hay on the open prairies, and when the frosts of autumn had killed the prairie grass it was with watchful care that the early settlers felt the necessity of protecting their pro]> erty ft'om the sweeping destruction of ])rairie fires. These fires were often started ten or fifteen miles distant; how or by whom started could seldom be ascertained. On many occasions both men and women were rallied out through the hours of night to defend fields and fences against the approaching prairie fires. Some very serious losses occurred in the early settlement of the country. It Was the practice to plow ^''fire guards" around exposed sides of farms.

At the time the writer of this sketch first settled no school-house was built in the township, and the only religious services that had yet been held were conducted by a branch of the Mormons. It was under a preacher by the name of Hinckle that these exercises were mainly conducted, but a more noted revivalist, by the name of Ringer, came to his assistance. Considerable zeal and earnestness were awakened. But subsequently this movement met with some unfortunate disasters.

The first school-house was built in the Duncan settlement, the whole township being taxed as one district. Subsequently another district was set off on the south side of the townshi]), called the Pome-Roy district. Several other divisions of school districts have since taken ]3lace. It now has nine school-houses and three churches. It has become a prosperous agricultural township, and sustains an able and industrious population. But this township is so peculiarly situated that it is not crossed by any of the leading lines of travel.

There are four churches in the town. The "Wesleyan Methodist was the first to organize, December 7, 1855. In the spring of 1833, E. R. Powers and George Keneday moved with their families from Ohio to Illinois. Being members of that church in the former state, they brought their letters of recommendation with them. They jnirchased land in Perryton township. There was no religious organization near where they settled, and they were anxious to promote the cause of Christianity, and had a ])reference for a church that did not recognize slave-holders and which did exert its influence against intemperance, war, and secret oath-bound societies. They had been in Illinois nearly a year before they found a member of that order. Finally learning that there were Wesleyans at Millersburg, they went there to obtain a preacher, and after a short time the Rev. Mr. Mekpam came to their place and preached the first sermon listened to in Perryton, and preached by a Wesleyan. About two weeks after this, a young man named B. F. Haskins preached at the same place. These sermons were delivered some time in April, 1854. In the month of July following, the Rev. J. M. Snyder visited the neighborhood, and preached by appointment. His field of labor included Perryton, and here he made appointments to preach once in four weeks on Sabbath. These exercises were held, alternately, at the houses of Mr. Powers and Keneday. At the beginning of the next conference year the citizens of Perryton erected a school house near the Hamlet postofiice, where the services were then held. Tlie Rev. Mr. Snyder having dispensed with his former field of labor, he was now able to preach to them once in two weeks, on Sundav. Durino- this time a revival was held and twenty-seven members were added to the church. Mr. Powers and Keneday, with their families had, a year previously, joined the church at Millersbusg, but by request changed and joined the church in their own neighborhood. The first ofiicers of the church were : J. M. Snyder, ofticiating elder ; Levi Cooper, clerk. The first members were : Ebenezer R. Powers, Cornelia Powers, George Keneday and his wife, Celestia Keneday, Levi Cooper and his wife, Lucy Cooper, Jonas Fender, John Cooper, M. Welch. On the 16th of December of that year, were added to the church : Daniel Bopes, Henry Freeman, Joseph F. Cooper, D. H. Cooper, Sarah Cooper, Sarah Mclntyre, Ann Asquith. Up to 1856 they had thirty-one regular members and twentyone probationers. This church was prosperous from the first; but having no place in the township large enough to accommodate all who thronged to the place of worship, they accordingly built a church of their own on the center of section 24.

Antioch Baptist church was organized July 22, 1866. This church owes its existence to George Miller, who, living at Sugar Grove, was a prominent member of that denomination, and church services were held at his house at an early period. When Mr. Miller left this county for Oregon, the place of holding meetings was changed to Lunn's school-house. This was called the Sugar Grove church. It increased in membership until finally they were joined by a few from Edgington, and a new church formed at the above place. The members most prominent in the movement were : John Young, James Young, L. II. Castor, B. F. Miller, and Frederick Yolkel, At the school- house preaching was held until 1870, at which time a new church was erected on section 1. This edifice was built bj subscription at a cost of S2,300. Among the first early preachers were: Henry D. Kline, John Young and Alexander Sutton. A revival took place in 1807, under the preaching of one Pickert, an e\'angelist, which was the first revival after occupying the new church. The next was under the supervision of James Young, in 1803. The next, conducted by J. E. R. Young, added fifty-three new members to the strength of the church. Among the early membership of the church were : Lewis Landreth and wife, John Downing and wife, IVEilton Elliott and wife, James Elliott and wife, L. C. Elliott and family, E. W, Miller and wife, B. F. Miller and wife, John McLaughlin and wife, T, C. Lewis and wife.

Among the first organizers of the Buftalo Prairie church, of Duncan, Jesse L. Adams took an active interest. He was born in Bucks count}', Ohio, March 23, 1808. He subsequently moved from that state to Madison county, Indiana, and settled in the wilderness. In 1822 he went to visit his older brother, who was then living on the Wabash river. Wliile sojourning he united with the Church of Jesus Christ, and was called to the oflice of elder in 1835. In 1835 he moved to Mercer county, settling near Glancey's lake, in Eliza township. He being enthusiastic in the faith, immediately began the agitation of establishing a church, and accordingly in 1802, the church was organized with eleven members. AVinthrop Holmes was called to the eldership. The first meetings were held at the houses of the different members. The services were conducted by Elder J. W. Gillon, J. H. Gurley, and AY. Holmes. The* latter named dying in 1865, his place was filled by J. F. Adams. Up to 1805 the church had a membership of twenty-seven. In 1808 a revival took place, at which time 103 were added«to the church, making in all 130 members, and they immediately set about building a church by subscription. This was dedicated September 5, 1808. In the fall of 1873 J. F. Adams resigned the eldersliij) of the church, and David S. Holmes was called ; he resigned in 1875, and E. F. Bryant was called. Lender his administration the church reached 250 members.

Organization

Pursuant to notice given for townshij) organization, an election was held on April 4, 1854, at the school-house in district Xo. 1. The meeting was called to order by choosing George W. Bennett clerk, AYilliam E]>perly, moderator, and Tyler McAVhorter, clerk, pro tern. At this meeting it was decided to elect four poundmasters, and the ones chosen were : W. S. Roe, Michael Miller, Biiford Duncan and Samuel Herson. Tyler McWhorter was chosen supervisor, receiving thirty-two votes ; Alvah Sutton, town clerk ; Caleb Yernon, collector ; William S. Roe, assessor ; Samuel Ilerson, G. W. Bennett, John Page, Buford Duncan, and James Vernon, overseers of poor ; AVilliam Summers and James Lloyd, commissioners of highways ; William Ducan, constable ; James Vernon, justice of the peace. At this election thirty votes were cast. A resolution restraining swine, sheep, and cattle from running at large was adopted.

One mile north of Millersburg, on a high ridge of ground covered with oaks, is located the Millersburg cemetery. This ridge of ground extends toward the north and slopes gently to the east and west. The lettering on many of the old head-stones still standing has been obliterated by the elements, showing that the place has been in use for that purpose for many years. It is perhaps the first burial place in the county. Over two hundred are reposing beneath the shades of the surrounding oaks.

Until 1881 Duncan township was without a postolRce. At that time Mr. Leonard Gorber built a store-house on section 2, and John Ball was appointed postmaster. He was also the first merchant in the township. In the spring of 1882 he sold his stock to John Boltinghouse, who was appointed in his stead. April 17, 1882, a second postoffice was established in Duncan township, and Edward Cornell was appointed postmaster. This is situated in the extreme southwestern corner of the township.

A mill was built on Camp creek in 1835, on the line between Duncan and Millersburg townships. Tliis was a grist and saw-mill. It has long since been numbered with the things of the past, and only a few of the old timbers remain to mark the spot where the early pioneer patiently awaited his turn to be accommodated.

Luman Castle was the first discoverer of coal in Duncan township. This was about 1845 or 1846. One McDonald was the first to mine coal. Until he commenced, people who wished dug what they wanted out of the side of the ravine. There being plenty of timber then there was not much demand for coal, but as the population of the township increased they began using coal in order to save the timber for making rails and other purposes.

Henry Dunn, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1831, where he received the advantages of a common school education, and began to assist about the farm at the age of sixteen.

On coming to this county lie first stopped at New Boston, and after a six months' stay he removed to Eliza township, where he remained ten years. He afterward resided a year each in Mercer an^ Millersburg, and in 1863 bought land of James Yernon in section 21, near Dunn's school-house, .which took its name from him. He was married to Miss A. "Waters, formerly of Ohio. Her parents came out soon after, and being dissatisfied with the country he took them back and returned with his own parents. Mr. Dunn possesses a rare combination of good qualities, which fit him for the business in which he is engaged. He is a man of independent ideas, indomitable energy and fine business tact, all of which has been the secret of his success in life.

David H. Livingston was born in 1827 in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he received a common school education, and after learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until 1851. At that time he came to Rock Island, where for the first year he followed the business. He then moved to Mercer county, settling first at Millersburg, still continuing the business there. Here he lived for ten years. In 1861 he bouglit his first land, on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 6, in Duncan township, and in 1863 bought on the S. W. ^ of Sec. T, and other lands adjoining, until at the present time he owns 225 acres of choice land, which is the result of hard labor and careful management. He returned to Ohio in the spring of 1852, and was married to Miss Nancy McDevitt, of his native county. Four children were the result of this union, as follows : Jo. W., Minnie A., J. G., and Lizzie.

William Epperly, Sr., (deceased) was born in Montgomery county, Virginia, August 12, 1796, and was married in 1819 to Miss Alley Wade, of the same county. Somewhere between the years 1831 and 1833 they removed from Virginia to the State of Indiana, at which time the family consisted of seven children. After a residence of thirteen years in Indiana, they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, where he spent the remainder of his life. Soon after his arrival here he purchased 320 acres of choice farming land, and by industry, economy, and the assistance of his faithful wife, succeeded in obtaining a title to the same, besides saving considerable money. While residing in Indiana three children were added to the family, and six in Illinois. Mr. Eppeily was one of the early settlers of Duncan township, and was widely and favorably 'known. After having spent a long and useful life, he passed away, August 10, 1879, at the good old age of eighty-three. He was a member of the reorganized chui'ch of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints, having been identified therewith for ten years prior. He died in full faith of the doctrine of the church. Afler his decease his property was divided among his children, he having made the arrangements before his death concerning the same. Amj^le provisions were made for his wife, who still survives him, and for his daughter, who will receive a dividend of the remaining portion of the estate.

Samuel Sheese, though not an early settler of Duncan township, is nevertheless a good illustration of a limited class of citizens who came early to this township and learned to adapt themselves to the anomalous and changing circumstances of early settler life, and who wrung success from hardship and privations of an age when financial derangements were common. He was born in the State of Ohio in 1834. At the age of twelve he went with his parents from his native state to Indiana, where he spent his youth in working on a farm. His financial condition of life at that time was a barrier against an education, there being no fi'ee schools. From Indiana, at the age of twenty, he came to Clay county, Illinois, whither he was followed a short time after by his mother and two sisters. In 1857 he came to Mercer county, planted a crop and built a house. He was married to Miss Mary Fender about twenty -eight yeai's ago. By this marriage they have twelve children born to them. Barehanded and without even the advantages of an education, Mr. Sheese began life for himself ; but his 550 acres of well-improved land and fine buildings are a proof of his ability to gain wealth.

Charles Elsworth Lunx, son of John and Mildred Lunn, was born in Mercer county in 1861. His father was among the oldest settlers of the county. He died while our subject was quite young, and his mother married a second time and moved to Port Roval, where he received a part of his education. On their return he was married, in September, 1881, to Miss Eva, daughter of Charles York, after which he moved up5n his father's farm which he had made in 1853.

Jonas Fender, son of Lewis and Jane Fender, was born in North Carolina, May 16, 1834. His parents and grandparents were also born in that state. His grandfather, Andrew Fender, is now living with him at the golden age of 100, and up to the winter of 1882 was active and worked about the farm. He has been four times married. His last wife is still living at an advanced age. Mr. Fender is the parent of three generations of children, sixteen in numbei". He was twice enrolled for the draft of 1812 but was not chosen. He first moved from North Carolina to Indiana, and to Illinois in 1856. Jonas Fender, the subject of this sketch, moved with his parents from their native state to Indiana, and thence to Illinois in 1853, in which year his father's death occurred. Soon after his arrival in the county he purchased a farm containing 302 acres in section 24, which he has improved, and erected upon the same a handsome dwelHng-house with all the modern imi)royements. Ever since he began the improvement of his farm he has been engaged in the coal business, of which his farm contains a fine supply. Mr. Fender is a member of the Wesleyan church, and was one of the founders. It stands just a few rods from his house. He is also an enthusiastic temj)erance worker. The esteem here placed upon his character is the willing testimony of many who have knowni him for years.

Among the men of progress in Duncan township there will be found no name more distinctly representative than that of George Vater (deceased). From early childliood his life had been an active one. To him many owe the advantages of improvement in their stock. This was his study and delight ajid the principal part of his business. He came to America in company with his brother in an earh^ day, and for the first few years rented land, until 180.5, when he bought John MitchePs interest in 260 acres of land, and subsequently added to it 150 acres in section 13. To this he added substantial improvements, notwithstanding the fact that when he arrived here he had nothing but his hands to assure this success in life. At the time of his death, in 1879, he left his widowed wife with this estate unincumbered. Mr. Vater was born in Germany in 1836. His father having died while he was young left our subject to his own resources. He was married in 1863 to Miss Winegard, of Rock Island county. The result of the marriage was seven children, five girls and two boys.

The subject of this sketch, John Braucht, who is now passing his declining years on his farm in Duncan township, with all the comforts of life around him, was one among the enterprising first settlers of that township, at a time when industry and energy were requisites to success in life. Mr. Bi-aught was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1821, his parents ha\^ng also been born in Lancaster county in that state. From there they moved to Dauphin county, and thence to Ohio. In the fall of 1852 Mr. Braucht came with his parents to Mercer county, first settling a few miles south of Aledo, where our subject resided one year, or until 1853, when they bought in Duncan township of James Hartman. On this place he still resides. He has devoted all his energies to improvement, until he has now one of the best improved farms in the township. He was married in Ohio. His wife died in 1881.

Mercer county in 1834. His father hired a man and team to bring them to Mercer county, but on arriving at the river jSTile he became discouraged and woukl go no farther. Here they took passage on board of a schooner for Chicago, where they happened to meet with some farmers who had brought wlieat from Putnam county. With some of these teams they were bi'ought as far as Monmouth, where, after a few days' stay, they engaged a man and team to bring them to Millersburg. Tliis was an eventful trip for the whole family. Sliortly after leaving Monmouth their younger brother fell from the wagon in which they were riding and was instantly killed. On arriving at Millersburg they found an Indian camp all along Camp creek, which sight did not add much pleasure to their mother's anticipations of the new country. The Indians would come to their house in sauads of twenty or more in quest of potatoes and such other pro\isions as they had to spare, never taking anything, however, without paying for it. They were treated kindly by the Lloyds, whom they duly appreciated. Mr. Lloyd's mother had been in Mercer county for nearly a year before she saw the face of a white woman. In 1860 Mr. Lloyd made a trip to Pike's Peak, and on this trip he met an old Indian who had many times been at his father's house while they were encamped at Millersburg. They both recognized each other at once. He was quite aged, but still remembered all that had transpired during their encampment at Camp creek, at which time Mr. Lloyd was but a small boy. Mr. Lloyd bought his lirst land on S. AV. Sec. 32, in 1849, of Dr. Samuel West, who had bought the tax title. He did not settle until 1857. He remembers Capt. Kinkade and a party of twelve stoppirg at his father's house while on their way to Rock Island to make a treaty with Black Hawk. James Lloyd's ancestors on his mother's side were German. His mother died in 1879, at the age of eighty-one years. She will always be remembered by those who knew her on account of her generous hospitality.

Edward M. Castle was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, July T, 1838. His grandparents were born in America. Luman Castle, his lather, was born in Ontario county, Kew York, and his mother in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. His father came to Illinois in 1832, where he was married to Miss Catharine Murry, in Tazewell county, about 1837, and moved to Mercer county in 1842. He first settled one mile east of Millersburg, which place he sold to James Wluirton, and moved to Nebraska, where his wife died in 1861. The subject of this sketch entered the service of the war of the rebellion as a private in company G., 27th 111. Inf., and during the time which he served participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged, Belmont being the iirst. He returned home after the war and bought hind in section 5, which liad been owned by one Hatch, of Ohio, and who had traded a hotel property for it. He also bought in section 8, which was formerly owned by Kendall, Specker, and Almcndinger, who had bought it of I. N. Bassett. Mr. Castle is well and favorably known throughout the section of country in which he lives, having taken an active part .in the affairs of the townshij). He was several times chosen supervisor, assessor and collector. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church and a deacon of the same.

Caleb Yp:rxon was born thirty miles from Cincinnati, Warren county, Ohio, in 1817, and when fourteen years of age moved with the family to Indiana, where he received a common school education and learned to farm. Plis father was born in England, and, while young, was left at home with his motlier, while his father came to America, but after a few years took shi}) to return home. The vessel was wrecked - and he was never after heard from. For the first few years after Mr. Yernon's arrival in Illinois he followed mining in the lead mines of Galena. He was married in St. Louis, July 6, 1847, to Miss ]S[ancy AValston, whose motlier was a native of Kentucky. Vernon's parents came to Illinois w^hen he was but a small child, but he distinctly remembers the wilderness-like appearance of the country at that time. There were but a few houses then in the county. He once left Rock Island for Millersburg, at which time Daniel Montgomery's house w^as the only one between the two places. There he took dinner and started on his journey. Darkness overtook him, and when near Millersburg he lost himself on the hills of Camp creek. He became bewildered, and made several trips back and forth from Camp creek to Eliza. Wolves were plentiful at that time, and he remembers of them following him while plowing in the fields. He is engaged in farming a small fruit culture. His handsome residence is shaded by large trees of his own planting, consisting of chestnut, maple, elm, ash and beech.

Joseph Anderson was born September 13, 1845, his parents being William and Achsah Anderson. His grandparents, on his father's side, were Americans, and on his mother's side, German. The subject of the sketch is the youngest child of a family of four children, and the only son of the family. His oldest sister, Louvenia, married Walter Balfour, and resides in Pocahontas county, Iowa. Annie married Samuel Powell, a resident of Rock Island county. Emmaranda resides in that county, also. Joseph Anderson came with his parents to this county in 1857. Here he received the benefits of a common school education, and was raised to farming, at which he was engaged until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted as a private in the Otli Iowa cavalry. He served only a few months with his regiment and was detached for special duty as a scout and dispatch carrier, at wliich duty he served three years, and was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, after which he immediately returned home to resume farming and stock raising. He has never sought office, but has been several times elected to fill the various offices in his town, and in 1882 was choSen supervisor. When he tirst settled in the township he bought his tirst land of Jacob Almendinger, on the X. ^ of Sec. 9. He resides, however, on section 4, land owned by his father-in-law, Mr. Isaac Robbins, whose daughter, Carrie, he married. Mr. Anderson is a repubcan, and a member of the iVledo masonic lodge.

Milton B( )RrFr, son of Yalentine and Louvina Boruff, was born in Eliza township in 1843. His father was born in Clay county, Tennessee, and moved from there to Monroe county, Indiana, and to Mercer <;'Ounty, Illinois, in 1846, settling first on Pope creek, and later moved to Eliza township, where he was married to Miss Louvina Epperl}'. Milton Boruff was educated at a common school in the townshi]) in wliich he was born, where he was also married in 1865 to Miss Emaline, daughter of Martin Bear. By this marriage, Mr. Boruff and wife have had six children born to them, all of whom are now living at home. Mr. Boruff bought his first land in section 31, in 1865, which he has largely improved by commodious residences and other fine buildings.

Michael MjVeuock was born in Tennessee in 1813, and at the age of eight years moved with his parents to the state of Ohio, and from that state to Indiana. Here he received a liberal education and learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until his removal to this state. His first settlement was in Eliza township where he improved a farm and resided until his removal to section 6, Duncan township. He was joined in marriage in 1839 to Miss Xancy Miller, which happy union was blessed by the birth of five children. From humble beginnings, by industry and good management, Mr. Mardock has acquired a handsome estate which he lives to enjoy, as well as the respect of his friends about him. He is a democrat in politics, and an honored member of the masonic order.

Michael Mader, son of Adam, and Barbara Mader, was born in Cermany in 1832. In his father's family were four boys, among whom Michael was the youngest. He came to America in 1859, in company with Michael Vater's family and sister. At this time our subject had barely enough money to pay his passage to New York and Chicago, where he borrowed six dollars of his friend Vater, to bring him to

Rock Island. Irnmedijitely cal'ter his arrival lie soui^dit and obtained employment as a farm hand, at which he worked taithfnlly for eight years, at' which time he invested the money that he had saved in 160 acres of land in the northeast of section 11. He snbsequently bought eighty acres more just across tlie road in section 2. lie has made some handsome buihlings upon his place, all of which he has done by hard labor and good cultivation. Mr. Mader is a social gentleman, free in his Iiabits and opinions, and liberally su[)ports the cause of education, good morals and })ublic progress.

Leoxaki) Garber was born in Baden, Germany, in 1832, a country which has furnished many of our most prosperous emigrants, as may be seen by viewing their handsome improved farms throughout the township and elsewhere within the borders of Mercer county. Mr. Garber came with his ])arents to this country at the age of fourteen. The family landed in Xew York, from wliich place they immediately proceeded to St. Louis, where for two years our subject worked by days' wages in a brick-yard. He managed to lay up some money in the hands of the conn)any, but the fii*m failing he lost all. Tliey then moved westward, locating in Rock Island count}', near Illinois city, where his father bought a farm and where Mr. Garber spent his youth at work. He here received a liberal education. In 1856 he was married in Rock Island county to Miss Mai'garet Bower, of tlie same county. Soon after his marriage he began business for himself. He first bought land in Rock Island county, M-hich in 1862 he sold to George Wise and moved to Mercer county, where he bought 120 acres of partly improved land in section 1. He next bought eighty acres adjoining, of Nicholas Leuze. He next bought eighty acres adjoining, of Owens Tolbert. This he afterward sold. He then bought eightv acres of Mr. Cline, and next 160 acres of William Xeff, in section 14, and besides another thirty acres, making in all 470 acres. His farm is well improved and contains more barns and outbuildings than any other farm in the township. His farm is also well adapted to stock-raising, which business occupies his attention. His pleasant home is shaded by large trees of his own planting, and he lives in ease and ])leasure among his family of five children : Barbara, ]\Iaggie, Emma, Sadie, and John.

G?:oRGE Leuze was born in Baden, Germany, December 26, 1813. His parents were Peter and ]\Iargaret Leuze. His father was born on the river Rhine in the year the Russians crossed the river during the Napoleon war. In his father's family there were nine children, live boys and four girls. His father lived to the age of eighty-two and his mother eighty-iive. Our subject was married in Germany, in 1841, to Miss Mary Ghist, by which marriage they had four cliildren born to til em, two of whom are dead. John is superintending his father's farm and Nicholas resides in Rock Island county. In Germany our subject followed weaving in the winter and farming in the summer. He came to this country May 10, 1857, on board the Palestina, which took tire twice while on the way. During the voyage the provisions ran short, and they were three days without a morsel to eat. They landed in New York, and went direct from there to Rock Island, where he obtained work at fifty cents per day. He soon after bought 150 acres of land, where he now resides at an advanced age. Mr, Leuze stands high among the people of the neighborhood in which he lives as an honest, upright and free-spirited gentleman.

D. S. Mayhew was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1834. He devoted the first years of his life after obtaining his majority to working on a farm. After leaving his father's house he moved to Washington county, where his parents had formerly resided. There he worked ten months on a farm. In 1856 he came to Mercer county, where he worked by the month, and afterward rented land for two years, after which he was married to Miss Betsie E. Cooper, daughter of Levi Cooper. They have had ten children born to them : Emma (who is now married to George Close, a farmer, residing near his father-in-law's place), Levi, Lester, George, Effie, Tunis, John, Alexander, Bertie, Ira, and Eddie. Mr. Mayhew began life empty handed, but by industry and good management had accumulated a capital of $300, with which he made the first payment on 160 acres of choice land in section 15, which he bought in 1866. This he has improved with good fences and a commodious house and barn. His door-yard is shaded by large trees planted by his own hands. Mr. Mayhew's beginning in life, contrasted with the condition of liis affairs twenty years later, when living in affluence and comfort, with a well stocked farm, is a striking illustration of the results of well directed energy.

Fred Yolkel emigrated from Germany with his parents to America at the age of seven. The family first landed in New York, and after a short stay, they went to Ohio, and thence to Springfield, Illinois, in 18-12, where he remained with his j^arents until 1845, when he moved to Mercer county. His father died at Johnstown, Ohio, in 1879, and his mother in 1842. Life had been a struggle with him from the first, and his only hoi^es of a more successful ending lay in his energy, and with this sole assurance he started out in life, after receiving his education in Ohio. Soon after his arrival in the county he purchased land in section 10 of James Hains, and in 1855 was married to Miss Nancy Jane Davis, of Rock Island county, by which union they had five children born to them. His wife died in 1864, and Mr. Yolkel was again married in 1867 to Mrs. Bett}- McDowell, and by this marriage tliey had five children. Mr. Volkel now owns an improved farm in Dimcan townshijD, and is in such circumstances as to enjoy life. He is a member of the Baptist church, and was among the first to organize that church at Antioch.

Among the many old settlers and prominent gentlemen of Mercer county, who have taken an active part in its development, we mention the name of William Eetherford (deceased), who was born in the Monongahela river valley, in Pennsylvania. Ilis estimable wife, a native of Botetourt county, Virginia, was born in 1813. Her parents moved to Indiana when she was fifteen years old. Here they were married in 1836 and came to Mercer county in 1838. They first rented land of William Drury for five yeat-s, when, by industry and economy, they managed to lay up some money with which they purchased land in section Itt, M'hich they improved and added to until the time of Mr. Eetherford's death in 1881. He owned 960 acres, all well improved and under the highest state of cultivation. When he first arrived in the county his whole stock in trade consisted of a wagon, a team of horses and harness. Some of the land which he first bought at fifty cents per acre is now worth $50. Mr. Retheribrd's family consisted of six children: Madison, Patrick, Sarah E., Delilah, Jane, and James Franklin, with John C, whom Mr. Retherford adopted. At the time of his death it was his request that John C. be an equal heir with his own children. Mr. Retherford was never a politician, but always held decided views upon the leading questions of the day. He was not a republican ; but when the question of supporting the government came up as against the other issues of the rebellion, Mr. Retherford was on the side of the union with his money and influence to assist in filling up the quota of his town. His personal integrity and worth were always recognized by those who lived near and dealt with him. James Retherford, son of the subject, was married to Miss Sarah Collins, soon after which he bought land of his father's estate, upon which he now resides.

Lewis Landreth was born in the State of Indiana in 1844. His father, Zachariah Landreth, was a native of Virginia, and his mother was born in North Carolina. They moved from that state to Indiana in an early day, where they were married and where our subject was born. Lewis came with his parents to Mercer county, Illinois, about 1832 and with his father first settled in Perrj'ton township. His father and mother died there and were buried side by side at Millersburg. For many years previous to their death they had been devoted members of the Baptist church, and succeeded in raising their children to lives of honest}^ industry, and service for the Creator. Soon after our subject was first married lie began farming on section 9, which was partly given to him by his father. This he sold, and bought the Martin Boyd place on section 16, which is finely improved, and where he now resides in peace and comfort.

Nicholas Addig, was born in Germany, in 1848, and is the youngest child of a family of five children. In 185-1 he came to America with his parents, he being then five years old. The family landed in New York, and proceeded thence to Rock Island county, settling in the southwestern part of the county, in what is known as the German settlement. There his father bought and improved a farm, and our subject worked for his father until 1869, when he was joined in marriage to Miss Margaret Leonard. Soon ^ter the union he moved on section 1 in Duncan township, where he remained for two years. Being ambitious to obtain more land he moved to Iowa, but not liking the country where he had settled, he returned after an absence of two years to Mercer county. Immediatelv after his arrival he purchased 160 acres of land of Mr. Conrad Leonard, in section 1, where has since resided. In 1874 he bought eighty acres of James A. Harris, and in 1881 bought an addtional eighty acres of John Boltinghouse. All this he has highly im]:ft-oved, and at present writing is engaged in building one of the largest barns in the county. This barn is designed to contain all the modern improvements, and will be supplied with water by a hydraulic ram. From early childhood his life has been an active one, given almost wholly to the advancement of his business. One would scarcely believe, after admiring his fine farm, that he began empty-handed, yet such is his history. His happy home has been blessed with five girls, all of whom are living. His father was born in Germany in 1811, and his mother in 1812. Her maiden name was Mary Elizabeth Spangler. They are both living and quite active at the time we write.

J. H. Collins, farmer and fine stock raiser, was born in 1819, in Washington county, Oliio. There he received his education at Monroe academy after which he read law and was admitted to the bar, and for a short time practiced in that county. In 1849 he went to Texas, with a power of attorney by a decree of court, to sell some property which a party there was occupying and falsely owning. He had some ditficulty in applying the law, and fell back upon his physical ability, and thus succeeded in accomplishing his object. After this he returned home, and in 1856 came to Illinois, where he staid one year. Coming again next year he began to improve his farm of onehalf section of land. In 1858 he was married to Miss Emily Robin- son, of Edgington, Eock Island county. When he first came to tliis county there were but few houses in the neigliborliood, and until the ftill of 1858, at the time the Antioch church was built, there had not been a school within five miles, and the country was all unimproyed. In 1875 he built one of the finest houses in Duncan township. His father, a native of Pennsylvania, was of English descent, and his mother was born in Ireland. Mr. Collins possesses great determination of character, and indomitable energy and acute ideas. lie is of ready and pleasing address, making the humblest feel at home in his house. He is a man who has never sought office, but served his town for twelve consecutive years as justice of the peace, the only office which he would accept.

Joseph C. Gilmore came to Mercer county in 18-17, and with the exception of a few years spent in the lumber districts of the north, has resided in the county ever since. On his first arrival he made liis residence in Perryton township, where he became acquainted with Miss Pebecca Blue, formerly of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and they were married in 1855. His ancestors originated in Wales. ]\Ir. Gilmore is the son of Ephraim and Catharine Gilmore. His greatgrandparents, on coming to this country in a very early day, settled on a farm in Chester county, Pennsylvania, where our subject was born and educated. In 1851 he bought his first land in section 35, Duncan township, principally for pasture, and did not improve it until 1857, since which he has built a large, commodious house and barn, and has turned his attention to the fine stock and cattle business. His home has been blessed by four cliildren, of whom one is deceased. He has lived to see the country improved from its wild condition to its present high state of civilization. He has led a quiet and peaceful life of irreproachable honesty, and has never sought office, though often importuned. Politically he is a democrat, with which party he has always acted. Of Mr. Gilmore's father's family eleven children constituted the family circle, of whom nine are living. From the time of his removal to Duncan township, he has bought several tracts of land bordering on his original farm, until he now has 455 acres. Himself and family are members of the Presbyterian church of Millersburg.

It would be difficult, indeed, to find a spot of earth where human feet have trod for nearly a half century, that has not been the scene of events worthy a place in history ; but it is often a difficult matter to glean such facts as are necessary to a correct record, from the filth and rubbish of tradition. The lack of correct data, owing to the treachery of human memory and a failure to make a correct record of the events as they transpired, make the accurate compilation of them a perplexing task. A few well substantiated facts are of more value in history than many pages of matter where a large draw on the imagination is indulged in and a mountain of fiction built on a mole-hill of fact. Desiring to be accurate we shall refrain from all superfluities and be brief, for this " soul of wit" is a jewel even in a historian.

Abington township is devoted almost wholly to grain production, though a number of persons residing in tlie township are extensive stock raisers. The soil is usually very fertile, and the industrious tillers of the soil reap where they sow ; and the vast fields are filled with an abundance that makes glad the heart of the husbandman.

The first settlement in the township was made in about 1S32 or 1833, and among the first settlers were Joseph Glancey, William T. Jackson, John W. Ditto, Frederick Frick, and Thomas Greer. All these lived to' a ripe age, and Mr. Ditto still survives. Joseph Glancey settled in Abington township in July, 1831:. He broke the first land in the township on the place now known as the Gates farm.

The first school-house was built in the township about 1839, near the farm of William T. Jackson, and the first teacher was Miss Harriet Wilson, who afterward married Mr. Brooks Beeson. The schoolhouse was a small structure, built of round logs and covered with clapboards, and contained a puncheon floor. Among the ffi'st school teachers who taught in the township were, Warren Shedd (afterward county treasurer of Mercer count}', and but recently deceased) ; John Kevins, and Miss Lucy Wilson, now Mrs. T. B. Cabeen ; but the exact date when these different pedagogues wielded the birch and taught the y(ning frontiersmen the art of orthography and penmanship, and the science of mathematics, is a matter involved in a little doubt ; but the ])eriod when each of these educators plied their vocation in Abington township, was remote enough for them to enjoy the musical voice of the prowling wolf as he figured and schemed for a raid on the pigs and sheep of the farmers, on which to satiate his keen ap])etite. As "relentless time" has moved on, the fierce beasts of prey have fled before the vast tide of emigration, and the painted savage has given up liis cherished liunting grounds to the pale fuces who have caused the wild prairies to bloom as an Eden; and we stop long enough in the rapid whirl of events to ask where those earlv school teachers and the children thej taught are, as we make a record of those early events ; and the answer is the only one we could expect. Some are resting in the quiet embrace of the tomb, while others are yet alive with the marks of time visibly and indelibly carved in every feature and movement.

Mr. John W. Ditto informs us that the first marriage of white people in Abington township was that of a couple on their way from Indiana to Iowa. The bride was a widowed daughter of a man who was moving with his family to the young hawkeye state; and the groom was a teamster of the father of the bride. The i)arty halted for a few days in the timber that fringes Pope creek, and the lovers stood on the ice, while a justice of the peace, whose name is forgotten, legalized the contract, and for once, at least, there was love "on ice." The second marriage was probably that of Robert Pence and Eliza Glancey. In every state of society there seems to be a commingling of joy and sorrow ; of pleasure and pain ; of hoi)es realized and anticipations blasted. Wliile singing and dancing speak the happiness of one, mourning tells of the sorrow of another.

Mrs. Mahala Willits and Mrs. Evaline C. Swafford, relate the following sad story : In 1835 Mr. William Jack and his wife and a son and daughter were moving from Fayette county, Indiana, to Mercer county, Illinois, by boat. When between Oquawka and iSTew Boston, Mrs. Jack died of cholera. The stricken husband and children landed at New Boston, and the remains of Mrs. Jack were taken to the residence of John Denison (the only family living there at that time, we believe), and were buried where the Xew Boston cemetery now is; Mrs. Erastus Denison being the only person buried at the place previous to the interment of Mrs. Jack. The bereaved husband and two children went to the residence of Joseph Glancey, who then resided on what is known as the Davis farm, in New Boston township. At ten o'clock on the day following the burial of Mrs. Jack, the son (Samuel), took the cholera and died at four o'clock in the afternoon of the same day, and was buried on the blutf where the Davis gi-aveyard now is ; he was the tirst person buried there. There were none to assist in the interment but Joseph Glancey, Achillis and Miles Drury. There was no coffin to be had nearer than from Monmouth, and ]\Ir. (ilancey and the Messrs. Drury nuule a rough box out of the wagon box in which Mr. Glancey and his family came to Illinois, and in that they put the remains and buried them. At this time, Mr. Glancey and the few other persons in the neighborhood had to get their mail at Monmouth, and tliere were but one or two houses between Mr. Glancey's residence and Monmouth. It was one unbroken stretcli of prairie for twentyone miles on a "bee line."

The lirst bridge built across Pope creek was in 1837, a few rods below where Pope mill now stands. Mr. John Pumley had the contract, and Hon. Thomas B. Cabeen was the boss carpenter and builder. The hands at work on the bridge boarded at Mr. Kumley's, and Mrs. E. C. Swatford, then a girl of fifteen years, was one of the cooks.

The first saw mill in Abhigton township was built in 1838 or 1839, by Mr. Isaiah Brown, one mile and a half east of the Pope mill. William AVillit, now of Keitlisburg, ran the mill for a time and then purchased it.

Mrs. E valine C. Swafford owned the first sewing machine that was in Mercer county. It was a Wheeler & Wilson, and was bought in Chicago in 1858, by Theodore Glancey, when he was on his way east to attend school in Jamestown, New York. The machine was a great curiosity in the community, and persons came for miles to see the wonder. Mrs. Swafford says the many questions asked about the machine were really amusing. The first postofhce was at the residence of Frederick Frick.

The following is a list of the citizens of Abington township elected to the office of justice of the peace, according to the record in the office of the county clerk at Aledo and the advice of old and well-informed residents: Frederick Frick, elected August 5, 1839, August 7, 18-I3, August 2, 1847 ; Orla C. Richardson, November 6, 1849 ; George Jay, November 6, 1849; S. G. Wright, April 6, 1858; Frederick Frick, April 6, 1858, April 1, 1862, April 3, 1S6H ; William P. Strong, April 2, 1867; M. R. Gushee, April 5, 1870; William Willitt, April 7, 1874; Ernest J. Glancey, April 4, 1876; Lewis Sponsler, April 3, 1877; E. J. Glancey, April 3, 1877, April 5, 1881 ; John W. Landers, April 5, 1881.

Palestine church in Abington township was built in 1866 by the United Brethren denomination. Its original cost was about $2,000. It was dedicated August 12, 1866, Rev. L. S. Chittenden preaching the dedicatory sermon. The building will seat about 300 persons. It is a substantial frame. The society lias no great strength in the way of membership, but they maintain a Sunday-school, are out of debt, and have preaching every alternate Sunday. The clergymen who have served the society as pastors are : Revs. Elisha Godfrey, Benjamin Wagoner, O. F. Smith, John Wagoner, A. G. Smith, (). O. Smith, A. Worman, Adam Wolff, and the Revs. Davis, Pease, and Chelser, the given names of the latter three gentlemen being forgotten. Some of the gentlemen named served the society only one year, while others remained on the charge two years in succession.

Joseph Glaxoey was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, May 27, 1794. He learned the trade of carding machine building, and followed the trade for many years. He removed to "Wayne county, Indiana, in 1820, and i)urchased a quai-ter section of heavy timber land an<l improved a large farm. He was married in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, March 18, 1818, to Rachel Snevly, by whom he had five children, two of whom are now living. The eldest is Mrs. Mahala "Willits, widow of Brady Willits, Esq., who died in 1873. Mrs. Willits never married again. She was born December 29, 1818. The second child, Eliza, was born September 28, 1820, and married Robert Pence in 1840. The tliii'd child is Mrs. Evaline C. Swafford, who was born April 20, 1822, and was married to Mr. Joseph Swafford, March 19, 1844. Mrs. Swafford had the misfortune to lose her husband by death in seven months after their marriage, and being so soon called from the marriage feast to the house of mourning she has ever since her great misfortune remained a widow. Mr. Joseph Glancey, the principal subject of our sketch, was married four times. By the third wife he had seven children, three now living: Mrs. I. J. Mitchell, Mrs. Thomas J. Mofiitt, and Ernest J. An account of the cruel murder of Theodore Glancey, together with his biographical sketch, will be found in the history of Keithsburg township in this volume. Mr. Jose})h Glancey's fourth wife was Mrs. Martha Whitaker, widow of Mr. Marshall Whitaker, to whom he was married Jul}^ 18, 1861. She is still living ; and she, Mrs. Mahala Willits, Mrs. Evaline C. Swofford, and Ernest J. Glancey and his wife, all live on the old homestead in a fine, large residence, which shows how strong and bright is the golden chord of affection which binds some families together. Ernest J., the youngest child of Mr. Joseph Glancey, was born May 17, 1848, in Abington township, and has always resided within its borders. He received a common school education, and follows farming. He also owns a half interest in Pope mill, built by his father, on Pope creek. He is now holding his third term as justice of the peace. He was married October 31, 1878, to Miss Lillian C, daughter of Anderson and Mary J. (Willits) Kirlin. The Glanceys are all freethinkers, most of them of the spiritualistic type. They were among . the first abolitionists of the country. The younger Glancey, Ernest J., states his creed to be as follows : The immediate i)ayment of the national

Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary Knisley, was born in Highland county, Ohio, February 9, 1827. Plis father's family removed fi'om Ohio to Fountain county, Indiana, when Samuel was nine years old. He was married in 1852 to Minerva, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Seeders. They came to Mercer county, Illinois, soon after their marriage and settled in Abington township. They have had bom to them nine children, live of whom are living: Hemy, Emma M., Lee Roy, Elmer E., and Charles AY. Mr. Knisley was one of the most successful farmers in his neighborhood, and was a good and well-esteemed citizen ; but for several years he has been aftiicted with hallucinations, which unfit him for business. AVhile this misfortune is a sore affliction to the family, Mrs. Knisley and her two sons, Lee Roy and Elmer E., are keeping their beautiful home of 194 acres in excellent shape. Lee Roy received a common school education and attended the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Davenport, Iowa, one term. He had thought of engaging in mercantile business, but circumstances have led him to adopt agriculture as his chief work.

Among the early settlers of Abington township was the family of Frederick Frick. They came from Columbia county, Pennsylvania, in 1838. Mr. Frick was elected a justice of the peace the year following his settlement in Abington township, and he was elected five times to the same position, being on his fifth term when he died. Mr. Frick was the first postmaster in Abington township, the office being located at the farm-house of Mr. Frick at the Blufi', five miles east of where Keithsburg is now situated. Mr. and Mrs. Frick had eight children : Sarah E. (Mrs. W. A. Willits), George A., Mary C. (Mrs. John E. Willits), Harriet W. (Mrs. James Noble), Rebecca X. (Mrs. Joshua Cabeen), Lucy J. (Mrs. Harvey N. Smith), William W., and Charles P. Mr. Frick died in 1866. George A., the second child, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, May 12, 1826. He came with his father's family to Mercer county, Illinois, and assisted his father in the work of farming, and has made agriculture his chief business. He was married, March 29, 1848, to Frances, daughter of William and Anna Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Frick have five children livino;, and one (Harry Norvell) deceased. The living are: Frederick W., Albert A., Warren T., Alice, and Homer W. Mr. Frick is a member of the I.O.O.F. He is a democrat politically, and an independent on questions of religion. Mr. Frick has served his township as supervisor three terms, held the office of township collector ten years, and that of town clerk two years. The handsome home of Mr. Frick is near