Henderson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1882 (part 15 of 23)

The ' ' Press " was duly issued. The campaign was a spirited one, but lost to the democracy, and their earnest colleagues. After this collapse the spirit and enthusiasm of the Press company were rapidly cooled. The fatal clause in the compact giving "a reasonable" but indefinite time for payment of stock now began to show its turpitude ; not more than two-thirds of the stock was ever collected. T. B. Cabeen lost about $250 in money advanced to the ' ' Press " ; and T. S. Robb and I. C. Gilmore, and other liberal men who made advances from time to time to keej) down expenses, had more or less of final loss. The stock subscribers were nearly all amply able to pay ; but from some defect in the organization or energy in the conduct of afiairs, no forcible means were ever employed to make collections.

The subscriptions to the paper were taken up in the same hasty, loose manner that characterized the stock subscriptions. But few were pressed to pay on sight, and all were freely trusted; besides, many wei'e scored down on the list without having been consulted or seen ; and as a natural and inevitable result, the establishment was soon carrying an immense delin(]uent list, and suftering a large accumulation of unpaid bills for labor, materials, rent, and contingent expenses.

Added to these untoward circumstances was the damai>;ini>: knowledge that the Johnsonian policy was not to succeed. The reconstruction measures went on without interru])tion. Tlie acting president was hemmed in on all sides by what was known as the "radicals."" The tenure-of-office act virtually took away from him the a})pointing i)Ower by denying him the right to make arbitrary removals. When the president's patronage was thus shorn otf, his influence and prestige fell with it, and he was shortly after put on the defensive by articles of impeachment.

It was only natural that many of the liberals should quietly slide back to a more solid base ; and that the democracy, hopelessly defeated^ w^ould experience more or less demoralization in their ranks. Mr. Birdsall, tinding the pecuniary results of his labors unsatisfactory, after the first year, gave way to a young man named Wilson, of whom little seems to be known, and who occupied the editorial chair but a short time, and with not very satisfactory results. Some time later in the year 186T David R. Waters, a former citizen of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, but then a resident of Aledo, and a law partner of Hon. Charles M. Harris, of Oquawka, took the management of the "Press."' He was a man of fine abilities in many directions. In temperament he was nervous, and possibly a little too sanguine for a safe business man ; and a little too radical for the political success of a minority party. He was, however, a fully reliable democrat, an able political writer and speaker, and a faithful worker for the cause he had espoused. His zeal for his own cause, and Jiis abhorence of the supposed eiTors of his opponents, seemed to lead him sometimes into business and even social discriminations among those he came in contact with. The business up to about the beginning of the year 1868 had been done in a low, but roomy building that had been occu])ied during and before the war by Mr. Edwards as a dry goods merchant. It stood n(jrth of the Aledo house and on nearlj^ the site now occupied by I. N. Edwards' ice-house ; it was afterward removed to Fifth street, on the south side, between Walnut street and College avenue, on the second floor of a frame building owned and then occupied by A. M. Byers with the first bank in Aledo. Here Mr. Waters completed his labors not long after April 1, 1869, when it was sold by the company to John Geiger, of Aledo, for $800 ; who immediately added to the materials, which were barely sufficient to issue the newspaper, a careiiilly-selected little job office, at a cost of about $500. This outlay, timely made, would have avoided one great source of financial Weak-

The new projirietor, recognizing the fact that the "Press," notwithstanding its able editorial management, had closed out a financial faihire, and was virtually a pauper, believed that public conlidence could sooner be secured by starting a new paper, with a title more expressive of its character and objects ; and with this view he made no attempt to resurrect the shattered fortunes of the "Press,*' but April 13, 1869, issued the first number of "The Democratic Banner." The few years that had now passed since the war, had begun to temper its ascerbities, and with the better feelings and better facilities the new venture received a fair share of remunerative business. It was conducted a while longer in Byers building, and afterward a small frame building on College avenue, 18x36 feet in size, was purchased of Jacob Cool, the same that, -vvitli its open, red-trimmed front, is now used for a piimary school ; to this place the office was removed, where it remained until some time in the autumn of 1872.

The "Banner"' during this time held the leading principles and sentiments of the old school democracy ; and frequently found occasion to dissent from the new methods and policies propounded by platforms and leaders of the times. The editor had, in 1872, voted alone in the state convention, against a resolution favoring the nomination of Horace Greeley. And when afterward the nomination was made by the national convention, he denounced both the nomination and the nominee, without reserve, as being unfit, whether viewed in the light of principle or of policy.

The nomination was, however, accepted all over the Union. Here in Mercer count}', besides the remnant of liberal republicans that had not returned to their old home, there was an informal, unorganized, intangible, but omnipresent little party, then sometimes known as grangers. This fugitive gypsy body, as well as the liberals, were enthusiastic adherents to Horace Greeley. [Mistake : grangers didn't spring up till spring of 1873. - Ricker]. And by their ardent proffers of material, as well as moral support, O. P. Arthur was induced to make purchase of the "Banner" office, and he took possession early in July 1872. He was a young man but lately from the Monmouth College, and at this time was a law student in the office of Bassett & Connell. He had energy and learning, and a good order of talent ; and withal could give to the "great commoner" a consciencious support. The "Banner" was still conducted as a democratic organ, and supported democratic men and measures. The business was for awhile conducted at the little red front building, but was shortly after removed

Mercer Towxship

Some time after the defeat of Greelev at the approach of the depression of 1873, the greenback party began to materialize ; and besides the political gypsies of the country, many from each of the established parties, from one cause and another, arising mostly out of the pressure of the times, gave adherence and active sup])ort to the new party. The "Banner" supported the movement with such N-igor that the party promised at one time to become at least second in the county in ]»oint of numbers. Arthur was a leader of acknowledged influence. About this time he changed slightly the name of the paper. Dropping the word "Democratic,"' the title thereafter was "The Aledo Banner.'' By trenchant articles on the linancial abuses of both parties, by public speeches and ingenuous enterprises for increasing his circulation, he brought its reading patronage at one time nearly, if not quite, 'up to that of the old established "Aledo Record."

But reverses came, or rather culminated. Arthur was young and without experience or capital. His dash and talent brought him admirers and even friends ; but only feeble and dilatory material suppoi-t. Had he known the hollowness of proffered patronage he would never have been tempted into the uncertain field of party politics. He had not then read, with ])roper interpretation, the history and achievements of Col. Mulberry Sellers, or he would not have leaned on the broken reeds that failed him when the hour of need came.

The net earnings of the "Banner" office were, however, considerable, and from his surplus Arthur added largely to the material of the establishment. But in his coniidence he had married a wife ; and amono; the unseen calamities of all lives, it happened that his young wife shortly after took sick of a lingering and incurable disease. Personal distraction from business, and large continued expenses, deprived him of the means of a thorough prosecution of his work ; and on his invitation, about June 1, 1877, John Geiger was associated with him, and as an ecjual partner and editor-in-chief changed the paper once more to a straight democratic organ. Arthur's wife died in the ensuing winter; and about May 1, 1878, he sold his remaining half of the office to John Geiger, who again became sole owner of the paper he had established nine years before. Arthur, after settling up his accounts and arranging his iinancial affairs, went to Colorado, where he has since held several important trusts and established himself in a very respectable and fairly lucrative law practice.

During the heated campaign of 1878 for some cause, never fiilly declared, but generally understood here. Rev. P. F. Warner, who had formerly made some favorable acquaintances here as a preacher of the Congregational church, came on several occasions and olfered to buy out the " Banner " office and run it as an independent paper. Geiger having bought the office only with a %dew of closing up its affairs honorably, now sold to Mr. Warner, reserving one column for the use of the democratic cainpaign not yet closed ; and on September 20, 1878, the new proprietor took the chair. He was a graduate of Yale College. He had considerable literary ability; wrote fine essays on theological and moral subjects for the pulpit, and wrote with some force and elegance on political topics so far as he had made acquaintance with them. But he was unacquainted with the details of newspaper making, and was obliged to trust much to employes. He was a good collector and financial manager, and while he held the democratic support turned over to him, the business was prosperous.

But some time in the next year, either with a view of supplanting the " Record " office as an organ, or from some abnormal working of a political conscience, he gave up the independent position, and came out a full fledged republican.

While this movement gave pleasure to some republicans that were not wholly satisfied with the "Record," it gave displeasure to a great number of democratic supporters, who did not think themselves dealt with in entirely good faith. Slowly many of these dropped out, while no material strength was drawn from the other political party.

After the presidential campaign of 1880 had so far developed as to give the democrats hopes of carrying the national election, John Geiger was again solicited to give the party a campaign newspaper. To this he assented, but the season was already advanced, and the enterprise would not admit of delay, nor of an expensive outfit. R. Russell had a neat little job office over W. H. Holmes' hardware store on the avenue. To this was added the old press of the Woodhull enter])rise, and a snudl collection of good material bought of one Remington, who had some time before conducted a little "snide*" paper in the professed interest of the local republicans, but really for his bread ; and a few more were obtained from L. F. Jobusch, Jr., who, then only a lad, after experimenting a while with a toy press, started a sheet called the "Democratic Press," which, however, deserves only to be mentioned as the visionary scheme of a boy, abandoned for want of means to sustain, or ability to conduct it. He has, liowever, since occu])ied an advantageous jjosition of society editor on Carl Pretzel's paper in Chicago. He is a plausible and genial young man. "With these fi-agments added to Ilussell's job materials, the paper was started about the second week in July ; a seven-column folio, to run six months, for $1 per copy. A circulation of about 500 was gathered up, and the enterprise about ])aid the expenses, as expected. As the first of January drew near, a strong wish from different parts of the county was expressed that the pajier now so nearly established and the party so finely organized should not be separated ; but that with the ])resent basis we should go on and establish a permanent organ for the party in Mercer county. Other new materials were promptly purchased, and the paper which was called '' The Aledo Democrat,'' was enlarged to an eight-column, and the first number issued in January, at the close of the campaign edition.

About or near June 1, 1881, the proprietor of the "Democrat" associated with himself R. Russell and George M. Eames, two sober, industrious young men of Aledo, well skilled in newspaper and jt)b printing ; and tlie new firm of Geiger, Russell & Eames bought out the old "Banner" materials from Mr. Warner, and adding them to the other materials of the "Democrat,"' moved all into the "Banner'"' building, and the '' Banner" then ended its singular career and disa]> peared, Mr. Warner, its last owner, nuiking another venture in Havanna, Illinois.

Few newspapers in the world have had so singlar a history as the "Banner." It is doubtful whether ever before any political paper has gone the rounds, and alternately advocated the tenets of all parties and factions, and rej^eated its original position, and made the entire cycle in twelve years, and yet received liberal support in nearh' all its tortuous course. It proves that our people's minds are flexible ; and further, that a newspaper .is valued more for its news and intelligence and advertising facilities than for its political platform.

In the month of August, 1881, Mr. Russell, of the "Democrat,'' being oflered an advantageous ])osition at Kansas City, sold his interest to the senior partner ; and on the first of October so much was transferred to Mr. Eames as to make him an equal partner, and the firm name became Geiger & Eames. The paper is in a fairly prosperous condition ; is still democratic, but, as heretofore, liberal, and not trammeled by platforms or the opinions of leaders, and generally finds sufiicient scope and liberty within the expansive and elastic folds of its alma mater.

Aledo Public Schools

The first school taught in Aledo was by J. E. Ilarroun, but in what building: we cannot learn. This was during the winter of 1856-7. In the following winter Rev. Bigger opened a school in his residence, at the then south end of College avenue, and known as the Dr. Woods house. It is now the property of E. L. Wolff, and has been thoroughly overhauled and refitted, and is occupied as a parsonage by Eev. Thomas Stephenson of the first Presbyterian church. In the spring of 1857, the new school-building, now the court-house, was occupied, and Frank Herdman was employed in the capacity of assistant. Mr. H. had no de})artment under his charge, as in the graded system of the present day, but occupied a recitation room, the classes leaving Mr. Bigger''s room at stated hours for recitation. We remember Frank as a fine elocutionist, and that his meth<jds of teaching were then far in advance of the age. Mr. Bigger was a man of finished education, and proved himself a good and thorough teacher. .

During the two following winters the schools were taught by Mr. Baird and wife of New York. They were earnest Methodists, and made many friends here, especially among the membership of that church. The next term was taught by Mr. Pinkerton, and IMisses Morgan, Harris and Shutledge, all of Pennsylvania. Joseph McCoy, Mrs. A. M. Young, and Miss Madden, the latter of Monmouth, taught in the winter of 1861-2. The two former still reside in Aledo.

During the next year we cannot learn who taught the school, except that Mr. McCoy was principal. About this time a new school building was contracted for and erected ; the one until then used having been refused by the school board, from the contractors or builders, on account of some alleged fault in its erection. It was taken by the proprietors of the town, and by them sold to the county at a nominal figure, and has ever since been used as a court-house. School opened in the new building, in block 55, and a part of the one now used, in the fell of 1863, with Mr. McKay Young, Wm. N. Graham, and Miss Eva Marquis as teachers. Mr. Young is the ])resent police magistrate of Aledo, and Mr. Graliam is cashier of the Farmers' Bank. The following year Sennit Kirk was principal and Miss Libbie Perkins was one of his assistants. James McMillen presided in 1865-6, assisted by Mr. Pardee, Mrs. Lizzie Porter, wife of John Porter, of the "Eecord," and Miss Nettie Smith. The latter resigned during the term and Anna McMillen filled the vacancy. During the latter year an addition was erected to the school-house, giving six large class rooms and one recitation room. The entire building is of frame, two low stories in height; arranged with some view to convenience but no attention paid to securing a proper ventilation. In 1866-7, ]\Ir. Pardee was prineij>al, assisted by Mrs. Porter, Miss M. M. Bnrbank, now Mrs. AVilson, of Keene, New Hampshire, and Miss Emma Stevens, now Mrs. J. H. Aberorombie, ofAledo. J. E. Ilarroun was principal the following year. Mr. H. was one of the leading educators of our county, and as such, we give elsewhere a brief sketch of his life, so far as it pertains to this history. Mrs. Mary Walker, Mra. Porter, Mrs. A. M. Young, Misses M. M. Burbank, Emma Stevens, and Anna IMaury, were teachers in 1868-!). The hitter is now Mrs. Wm. Bunting, of David City, Nebraska. In 1860-70, Sylvanus B. Atwater, now of Greene township, presided, assisted by Miss A. E. Frazier, now county superintendent of schools, Mrs. Porter, ]\Irs. Young, Misses Eva and Jennie Marquis, and Ella Gailey. C. W. Sherman was princi})al in 1870, 1871-2, two terms, assisted by Mrs. "i'oung, and Misses Amanda and Tilla Frazier, Miss Burbank, and Miss Belle McCoy, now Mrs. W. L. Duncan, both terms, and Miss Thornton the tirst term, or a j^art of it. Mr. Sherman was at that time a local preacher in the Methodist church, but after his work as a teacher ended here, he entered the itineracy, but has since severed his connecticfn with the church and is now a traveling evangelist.

A. U. Barler (now deceased), w^as principal for three terms, beginning in the fall of 1872 and ending in the spring of 1875. Assistants same as the last year except that Miss Barcroft succeeded Miss Burbank. Second term Misses Mollie Walker, Ella Gailey, Edith Pruyn, N. A. Campbell, Louisa Merryman and Mrs. Comfort were employed as assistants. Mrs. Comfort and Miss Pruvn resio-ned earlv in the term, Miss Marie Ilebbard and Miss Olivia Pattison being em])loyed to till the vacancies.

Alex. Stephens, of Washington, Iowa, was elected princii)al in 1875, and still holds that position. A full account of his school work will be found in a brief sketch of his life, hereto appended. His assistants the iirst year were : Misses Ella Gailey, N. A. Campbell, Marie Hebbard, Blanche Rutledge, Tilla Frazier and Millie E. Reed, latter of Monmouth. A new department was added to the school this year, and the school-building not being large enough, a small building about one block distant, on the east side of College avenue, was leased and fitted up for a school-room. A year or two prior to this a tax was authorized, levied and collected, for the pur})ose of building additional room, but until 1881, the citizens could never agree upon a location, although the (juestion was submitted to them nearly every year. The increase of the enrollment from year to year rendered more departments and more room necessary, and the upper lioor of a brick building south of the railroad was leased and fitted up so that it could be used, but the rooms were poorly arranged, and were at the best but a poor excuse and make-shift for a village whose greatest pride is in her churches and her public school§.

1S78-9. - Misses Campbell, Rutledge, Gailey, Crawford, Hebbard and Reed, and Mrs. M. J. Waterman, and Mrs. T. H. Ennis. The latter only taught three months and was succeeded by Miss N. A. Wilson.

At the term of 1880-81, K. M. Whitham was employed as teacher of the grammar department, a position he has since well filled, and which he will doubtless fill during the next term. He is a young man of more than average ability, and should he devote his life to the profession, would make a place for himself among the best educators of the land. He is utilizing his 'vacations by reading law in the oflice of L. D. Holmes, and this profession may prove more attractive than that of teaching.

In the fall of 1881 the course of study was advanced to include Latin, German, geometry, trigonometry and book-keeping, and Miss Mary E. Turnbull, of Monmouth, was employed as teacher of these branches and assistant })rincipal, a position which she was well qualified to fill and the duties of which she discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner.

The teachers for the ]>ast term were : Alex. Stephens, principal ; Miss Mary E. Turnbull, assistant ; K. M. Whitham, grammar department ; Miss Campbell, fourth intermediate ; Miss Rutledge, third intermediate; Miss Zerie Miller, second intermediate; Mrs. A. M. Hall, first intermediate ; and the Misses Mary I. Allen and Tillie Matthews, primary de})artments.

Enrollment for school year 1881-2, 460. The school is fitted up with ma])s, globes and other aj^paratus ; a human skeleton and anatomical cliarts have been added recently, and also a collection of insects and other zoological s])ecimens.

The first students (jnuluated were in the class of 1878, and were tlie foHowing : Sadie Eanies, Oarence Fiirgo, Una Evans, Plihna Lundbhid, Leota Hause, Norma Pe])per, ^famie Ciinningliam.

Miss Zerie Miller, one of the teachers above mentioned, is worthy of special mention, as she is a gi-aduate of the school in which she has so long held her present position. The circumstances of her widowed mother were such that an academic or collegiate course was entirely out of tlie question, but she early set to work to fit herself for teaching, and by untiring labor and a hai)py tact in making the most of the advantages within her reach, she has attained a success beyond her brightest antici])ations.

Miss May I. Allen, who has taught one of the primary departments for the past three years, resides in Warren county, adjoining the Mercer line. Ller education has been liberal, and she is peculiarly fitted in nature and disposition tor the i)Osition. She is the friend, playmate and companion (#f the little ones under her charge, and has not only won their hearts, but the esteem of their parents, and her pupils have ever shown a marked and rapid degree of advancement.

Misses Ttutledge and Campbell have long held positions and have proven excellent teachers. Mrs. Hall has just closed her second term in a most satisfactory manner, while Miss Matthews, in her single term, has well eai-ned the esteem of the school patrons.

In 1881, by vote of the i)eo])le, the directors were authorized to borrow money to build additional school-buildings, to levy a tax to repay the same, and block 101, south of the railroad, was selected and purchased for a school site. Dissatisfied i)arties procured an injunction against building there, which, though not sustained in the courts, delayed the work until too late to build last year. In the spring of this year (1882), a })etition signed by over 200 of the voters of the district, was presented to the directors asking them to call an election to vote upon the question of rescinding the vote selecting block 101 as a school site, and authorizing the erection of a building large enough to accommodate the entire district, upon block 55, the present school site. The election was held, and both propositions carried by decisive majorities. Another election was held upon the question of purchasing the east half of the block, but this was defeated. The directors are now receiving bids for the erection of a building of which the following, compiled from the plans and specifications, is a description, and is an extract from an article prepared by the writer and published in tlie Aledo '^Record" of July 5, 1882: The building is to be of brick, with stone foundation, 73 feet 10 inches by 65 feet 6 inches on the ground, with vestibule on east and west sides each 33 feet by 10 feet 5 inches, and on the south 19 feet by 5 feet 9 inches, the two former running to top of building, the latter only to top of basement. In the basement will be two class-rooms, each 31x23 feet, with ceiling 10 feet 2 inches high ; two fuel and storage rooms, two large furnaces for heating, closets, halls, stairways, etc. The first and second floors will each contain four class-rooms, two 32x23 feet each and two 31 X23 feet each. The second floor will contain in addition a recitation room over north hall 15x17 feet, and principal's reception room and apparatus room over east hall. The ceilings on both floors will be 13 feet high. Separate doors, halls, stairways and closets are provided for boys and girls, two closets for the pupils and one for the teacher connected with each room. Ample ventilation of the most approved kind is provided for, in the shape of cold and foul air ducts. Doors and windows are to be stone capped. The halls are provided with huge folding or double doors, opening either out or in. A large belfry and cupola, witli iron coping on the roof, completes the description. The speciflcations require the best of work and the use of the very best material. The floors are to be of southern yellow pine, of boards not more than 4 inches in width. Those of the two u]>per floors are to be made double, the inner one being covered with 1-| inches of mortar, for the purpose of deadening the sound. The floors do not lie directly upon the joists, as in ordinary buildings ; the latter are crossed with furring two inches square, and the floors laid on these, lengthwise with the joists. The furnace rooms are to be floored and covered with brick. All rooms are to be provided with blackboards on two walls, to be made of slate from a Pennsylvania quarry, to be in slabs 7x4 feet in size and J inch in thickness, to be bedded in flush with plastering and just above the wainscoting. The speciflcations certainly call for one of the best arranged school-buildings in western Illinois, one of which any community may well feel proud; just what the schools of Aledo deserve and what the district needs.

Prof. Alex. Stephens

The subject of this sketch was born December Ifi, 1840, in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and was the second child of "William L. and Margaret (Elliott) Stephens, and was reared on his father's farai until the a";e of fifteen years, when he commenced a course at the Marketville academy in tlie summers and teaching during the winters. He graduated in 1856, and for the next two years had charge of the mathematical department of that institution.

In 1859 he entered Bloomlield college, in the same county, and completed the classical course in 1862. He then commenced the study of medicine, but, for what he deemed good reasons, abandoned it at the end of six months, and in the fall of 1863 entered the State N^ormal school, where he spent a 3'ear in special training for a teacher. He taught at various points in his native state until 1872, when he emigrated to Washington, Iowa, and accepted the principalship of the South AYard school, which he held until 1875, assisting also in the conduct of the county Xormal school. In the latter year he moved to Aledo and took charge of the public schools as principal, a position he has held until tlie present time, and which he has been offered for the coming term. During his administration the standard improvement in the school has been greatly advanced, and it now ranks among the best in the state ; has risen high in the favor of the people, and of his colaborers in the profession, and has secured a substantial and enduring reputation as an educator. He is of a genial, kindly disposition, earnest and thorough in any work he undertakes, and a man calculated not only to make friends, but also to keep them.

In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Leonard. They have but one child, Logan, now in his sixteenth year. They have here a commodious and well furnished residence where they are ever pleased to meet any and all of their hosts of friends, and are never happier tlian in dispensing their hospitality.

The graduates of the school give to Prof. Ste})liens the utmost credit and veneration for his kindly direction and assistance during their school days, and ai'e ever warm in their expressions of gratitude and appreciation.

The work accomplished by him in and for the Aledo public schools is outlined in the following extract from a report of the last commencement by the writer of this sketch, and published in the Aledo '-'Record" of May 24. 1882. It speaks for itself: "For the school year of 1875 and 1876 the enrollment was 360; last year it was 470. During the first there were 5,679 days of absence, last year but 1,832; cases of tardiness first year 1,708, last year only 45; neither absent or tardy first year 12, last year 123 ; over forty per cent failed to pass for advancement the 'first year, less than twenty per cent failed last year; per cent of punctuality first year eighty, last year ninety-nine and ninety-nine one-lmndredths. We do not believe that there is another school in the state that can show such a record as this last item. And punctuality means nine o'clock in the morinng and one o'clock in the afternoon, not one or two minutes after these hours. There have now been fiftytwo certificates of graduation issued within the past five years. Of those holding them sixteen are now or have been teaching, and six hold first grade certificates from the county superintendent. The certificates are for the scientific course, which includes orthography, reading, penmanship, arithmetic, English grammar, geograpliy, United States history, zoology, botany, natural philosophy, algebra, composition, civil government, and word analysis. We have good reasons to be proud of our schools, proud of our principal, proud of his assistants, and proud of the graduates. We believe that the Aledo public schools equal, if they do not surpass any in the state."

Joseph Elliott Harroun was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. He removed when a young man to Galesburg, Illinois, and entered Lombard University, from whence he came to Mercer county, in 1853, teaching school at the Pryne school-house, two miles east of New Boston, the winter of that year. In March, 1855, he married Miss Margaret A., daughter of William Willits, of New Boston township, and removed to Wapello, Iowa, where he edited the "Wapello Intelligencer," for some months. In the spring of 1856 he came back to Mercer county, locating in Aledo, where he erected the first building, in which he opened and kept the first boarding-house. He was the first postmaster of Aledo, and it is said that he carried the mail around in his hat. He taught the first school in the village, in the winter of that year, and held for some years the office of town clerk. In 1858 he was elected county superintendent of schools, and proved one of the best and most efiicient ofticers that have ever filled that position. During his term of two years he visited every school district in the county, ninety in all, giving all the schools a personal supervision ; helping and advising the teachers ; making a suggestion here and there, but always in a kindly spirit, and with no air of dictation. He was the warm friend and sup])orter of the earnest teacher, but had little patience with those who taught merely to "fill in the time." He also held institutes and gave lectures, and was prominently connected wit)i the county normals and institutes. lie introduced the first orrery and telurian ever in the county, and carried them with him in his school visits, explaining their workings to each school. He spoke in an easy, happy manner, that won and held the attenti(m of pupils. His methods and ideas were all new, and by some deemed peculiar ; but if so, it was only that they were in advance of the times, as they have since been adopted and made an integral part of our school system as relates to methods of teaching. He was one of the first teachers in the county to attempt to impart instruction orally, and insisted that his pupils should study the meaning of their lesson, rather than the words.

His term of service as superintendent was of great benefit to the schools of the county, and he is entitled to all the more credit for his labors wlien we remember that at that time there was no salary to the office.

In 1858 Mr. Harroun removed to a new farm he was opening three and one-half miles southeast of Aledo, where he resided until about two years ago. During that time he taught school a part of the time, at Gingle's corners, Perryton township ; Freer's school-house, and in his home district, Mercer township ; and at Smnbeam ; in all, nine terms. In 1876 he taught in jS^ew Boston.

While farming he paid considerable attention to the improvement of stock, making short-horn cattle a specialty, and his herd was frequently exhibited at our county fairs, where it always attracted attention. He was for years prominently connected with the agricultural board, serving as vice-president and secretary for six years. He took an active part in the removal of the fairs from Millersburg to Aledo, and in purchasing and fitting up the new grounds.

In 1880 he received the. appointment of clerk of the district court of Cassia county, Idaho Territory, and selling his farm he removed to Albion, in that country, where he still resides. He is now probate judge and deputy clerk of the district court of that county.

He was a member of the 102d 111. Vol. Inf , in the late war, enlisting as a ])rivate but soon rising to the rank of orderly sergeant, and being commissioned lieutenant of his company prior to the close of his term of service. He })artici]iated in the marches, engagements, and manifold trials incident to army life in connection with his regiment.

He is the father of six children, viz. : Adella T., born February 12, 1856 ; married February 22, 1876, to Sanford M. Huston ; now resides at Geneva, Nebraska. Dora C, born July 30, 1858 ; married

March 10, 1880, to Govert H. Stephens, of Sunbeam, Mercer conntj, where the}^ still reside. Lulu M., born June 0, 1861 ; died July 14, 1878, in Aledo. William Corwin, born May 21, 1866 ; resides with his parents at Albion. Ada, born October 12, 1868 ; died December 22, 1868. Jessie A., born October 31, 1870 ; resides with her parents. Mr. Harroun and his family have many w^arm friends yet in this county. Mrs. H. was raised here, and they still feel a deep interest in all pertaining to their old home, and we doubt not will be among the most eager readers of this history.

The Seat Of Justice

By the act of the legislature, of January 31, 1835, creating the county of Mercer, New Boston was designated as the "temporary county seat"; and in 1837 an act was passed appointing "William McMurtry, of Knox county ; Thomas Spragins, of Jo Daviess ; and John S. Stephenson, of Ogle, commissioners to select a permanent location. They selected Millersburg as the site, making their report September 15, 1837, which was signed by the last two named. John and Sarah Miller donated the amount of land required by the act, making their deed therefor December 18, 1837.

This decision was not satisfactory to the citizens of the west side of the county, and in 1839 they secured an act authorizing an election in April of that year, to vote for or against removing the county seat to New Boston, which, however, resulted in favor of retaining the "seat" at Millersburg.

Here a two-story frame court-house was built, and a stone jail ; but the latter was of little use in holding such prisoners as desired to gain their freedom, for they could, and frequently did, dig out the soft mortar and remove "stones enough to gain a safe and easy egress. We remember when a boy of being shown a hole in the gable of the building through which a prisoner had recently made escape from "durance vile." To render the building more secure the county commissioners had it lined throughout with three-inch oak plank, held in place by three-cornered studs in the angles, these being driven full of nails to prevent their being cut into.

Agitation was still kept up, and another board of commissioners was secured, who again decided in favor of Millersburg. In 1847, however, another election was held, and resulted in 3!)6 votes for Keithsburg, 340 for New Boston, and 210 for Millersburg, Iveithsburg caiTving off the prize. Land was again donated, a substantial brick court-house erected, and the county archives removed to the new location. After the removal of the county seat from Millersburg, the court-liouse, jail, ])ublic square, and considerable adjoining land was purchased by Mr. II. "\V. Thornton, who still resides on the outskirts of the village, and to whom we are indebted for a portion of this history. The jail was torn down and the material ]nit to other uses. The court-house was removed to a lot near the then center of the village, and has for jnany years been used as a wagonmaker s shop. 1 Keithsburg wore the laurels for nearly ten years, when another election was held, August 3, 1857, and by a vote of 1,47!> to 549 the j>eople decided to remove the county seat to Aledo, which was situated almost in the center of the rapidly growing county. Land and money were donated, a building was ready for the reception of the officers and the records, and the work of removal was quickly accom|)lished.

For some time court was held in a building erected for a schoolhouse, but being unlit for that purpose, was sold to the county for a nominal sum for a court-house, and is still so used. It is not well adapted to the |)urpose, being illy-ventilated, and ])ositively wnhealthv, and the feeling is growing in the county that a new building is a necessity, and it will doubtless be erected at no distant day upon the block donated for that purpose. A commodious and substantial jail was erected in 1869, and a fire-proof building for the county offices in 1873. The latter, while perhaps a safe place to keep the records, is a very uncomfortable ])lace to work in, either winter or summer, owing to poor ventilation. It stands upon Court-House square, and the jail is in tl e block immediately west of it.

1 he old court-house at Keithsburg has become the property of the to^vn and is known as the Opera-house, it being fitted up with stage and J 'enery.

P, sbyterian Church. - The first organ i^^ation of this church was effects 1 JSTovember 10, 1856, in a school-house west of Aledo, which was at that time known as " the mile school-house."

The officers who were then elected were : elders, Messrs. "Wm. W. McCandless and Edgar Allen ; deacon, Mr. Yanbuskirk ; trustees, Messrs. Simon Macy, John McKee, and John S. Thompson.

This congregation for some time after its organization, worshi})ed in the same old school-house, and after leaving it, occupied a room in Dr. Macy's drug store building, which was used for a private school, and which stood upon the lot now occupied by the residence of Mrs. Jane Strother. Some time about the year 1857, they worshiped in another scliool-room, where Dr. Town ley taught a select or private school. The same house is now occupied as a dwelling by F. A. Holleubeck, in the west part of Aledo. Services were held in the above room until 1865, when the congregation iitted up the chapel room of a college that was under the care of the Presbytery, and which was situated in the south part of the town. This room was occupied by them as a place of worship until ISTl, from which time, until the building they now occupy was finished, they worshiped in the house of the Methodist brethren. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Samuel Linn, who continued in charge until the spring of 1861, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Williams, formerly of Ohio. It was during the pastorate of Mr. Williams the chapel room spoken of before was fitted up for worship, and the prosperity of the congregation at that time, and the means of advancement and growth, were largely due to the energy of Thos. Candor, familiarly known as "Fatlier Candor," a man of untiring zeal and christian devotion ; he died in 1871. Mr. Williams remained in charge of the congregation till the fall of 1866, when he was succeeded by Rev. John S. Loots, who remained nearly three years, when he resigned, was released by the Presbytery, and was succeeded by Rev. F. A. Shearer in the winter of 1868 and 1869. Dr. Shearer was succeeded by Rev. Samuel T. Davis, in 1875, who remained about two years and was succeeded by Rev. Robt. Edgar, who remained with the congregation about three years, when, by his own request, he was released by the Presbytery. The congregation is large and in a prosperous condition. They have a large and handsome place of worship, which cost about $6,000. There are only two surviving members of the original organization, Mrs. Amanda M, Macy and Mrs. Martha Detwiler.

United Presbyterian Cliurch. - In the year 1853 or 1851, Rev. Matthew Bigger preached occasionally to a few members of the Associate Reformed Presbytei'ian church, living in Millersburg township, Mercer county, Illinois. Services were generally held at the house of Samuel Carnahan, and sometimes in a school-house near his place. An organization was effected in the year 1855 by the election of Samuel Carnahan, Sr., and AVilliam Haverhill, as ruling elders.

The first pastor was the Rev. D. C. Cochran, who was installed Nov. 9, 1856, and continued with the congregation as pastor for about two years. The records show that five persons were received into membership by certificate during the first pastorate. In the year 1856 the village of Aledo was laid out, and the name of the congregation was soon changed from "Millersburg" to that of "Aledo." Near the time that the first pastor was released, the Rev, Matthew Bigger, pastor of Pope creek congrecjation, now Sunbeam, removed to Aledo with liis family, and jDreached "statedly" as supply to the Aledo congregation. During his labors the Sabbath school was organized and AV. D. Henderson was the first superintendent.

John S. Paxton and W. 1). Henderson were installed as ruling elders February 12, 1859. 'Mrs. Warwick, wife of J. M. Warwick, was the first person received into the Aledo congregation, upon })rofession of faith, and her chihlren the first baptised.

Rev. Matthew Bigger entered the army during the war of the rebellion as clia])lain of the 50th reg. 111. Vol. Inf. After the close of the war he entered the active work of the ministry, in which he continued till his death at Bushnell, Illinois, in December, 1873. The second pastor was Rev. J. R. McCallister, who was installed in Decembei', 1862.

Shortly after the above date a new church building was erected at a cost of about §2,400. This bulling was afterward sold to, and is now in use by, the Swedish Lutheran church, of Aledo. December 10, 1867, Mr. McCallister was released from his pastorate by Presbytery,

The third pastor was Rev. A. W. Clokey, who was installed December 22, 1868, and released by Presbytery June 11, 1872. The fourth and present pastor is Rev. T. B. Turnbull, who was installed April 16, 1873. A new church building was erected in 1876 ; it was completed for occupancy in the basement, the auditorium being unfinished, at a cost of $8,689.12, when, on June 25, 1877, a tornado passed over the village of Aledo, blowing the tower of the new church building over ujion the roof of the church, carrying -svnth it to the ground about one-third of the main structure. The work of re])airing was immediately begun, and was finished at a cost of about $2,200. The church building is the finest in the county, being of frame work after the gothic style, and when com])leted and finally furnished will cost tlie congregation about $15,000.

The actual membership of the congregation is about 140. The Sabbath school is large, under the superintendency of Dr. D. R. Johnston, formerly medical missionary to Egypt. The officers of the church at present are : eldei's, Stewart J. Frew, Alexander Rankin, Paul Black, Joseph AVallace, W. K. Fulton ; trustees, Thomas Love, William B. Frew, J. F. Pyles. This church is in a flourishing condition, and out of debt.

Methodid EpUco])al Church - Was organized in the sj^ring of 1857 by Rev. J. Shelton, then traveling Camden (now ]Milan) circuit. In the fall of 1857 Aledo was connected with Millersburg circuit, and D. A. Faulkenburg appointed as pastor. The subsequent appointments

In 1862, under the administration of J. D. Taylor, the society purchased a half interest in the Free Presbyterian church, and in 1865 the Free Presbyterians sold their remaining interest in the building to the Methodists. The society owns a good parsonage. The membership now numbers 220, and the Aledo Methodist Episcopal church is, and has been for years the most prosperous Methodist church in the county. It is regarded as one of the most pleasant stations in tlie conference. When the society was organized in 1857, J. P. McEwen was appointed leader. The additional members were : Mary McEwen,

Aledo J^ajjt/'st Cliurch. - The first organization of this church in Aledo took place January 5, 1867, with twelve members constituting the congregation. The meeting was presided over by Eev. J. C. Post, who remained in charge of the congregation until October, 1867, when his term expired. The officers of the original organization were as follows: clerk, Clias. M. Kay; trustees, AYm. B. Crapnel, C. M. Kay, J. B. Taliafero, Moses White, Aaron P. Sliafer, Pobert H. Day, Aaron Patterson. Mr. Post was succeeded by Rev. Win. Whitehead, who was called by the congregation January 1, 1868, and remained in charge until January 19, 1869. On September 11, 1870, a call was extended to Rev. D. G. Zook, who took charge of the congregation and remained until August 2, 1873, when he resigned. Mr. Zook was succeeded by Rev. O. W. Yan Osdel, who was called December 4,

1875, and remained till ()ctober 30, 1878, when he resigned and was released March 31, 1880. A call was extended to Rev. M. D. Murdock, who accepted and remained with the congregation till January 5, 1881, when the present pastor. Rev. J. T. Hoye, was called. For some years prior to 1874 the congregation worshiped in private houses, holding covenant and prayer meetings. About this year steps were taken leading to the erection of the handsome place of worship they now occupy (which was dedicated December 5, 1875), at a cost of about $3,500. Mucli credit is due to a few members of this churcli, who ftimished a gi'eat part of the means for tlie building. As the ehurcli was comi)aratively po(^r, the burden fell upon the few. In 1877 the congregation also built a tine parsonage, at a cost of a))out $1,500. The congregation now numbers about eighty-five members. The sabbath school is large and interesting, and is superintended by the pastor. Of the original members of the congregation only four remain.

t'o?i(/re(/ati'onaI C/iurc/i - "Was organized Februar}- 15, 1869. The otticers of the original organization were: trustees, John S. Thompson, Horace E. Wright, and P. Koberts ; clerk and treasurer, M. S. Boice. They built a house of worship, which was dedicated July 3, 1870, and cost about $4,500. Rev. P. F. Warner was the first pastor, who continued in charge till the fall of 1872. The congi-egation was then without a pastor till the year 1874, when Rev. Robert Nurse was called and presided over the church till September, 1877. The congregation was again without a pastor, having only occasional supplies, till A])ril, 1880, when the Rev. W. E. Smith was called, and who continued in charge until January 1, 1882, when he accepted a call from the First Congregational church of Canton, Illinois. The present officers of the church are : trustees, Joseph McCoy, Joseph Abercrombie and James H. Council ; deacons, Robert Woods and Wm. Pinkerton ; treasurer, Wm. A. Lorimer ; secretary and superintendent of sabbath school. Miss Laura McCoy ; chorister, A. M. Woods ; organist. Miss Aggie McCoy.

Swedish Lutheran Church - ^Was organized May 19, 1873, the Rev. A. Andreen presiding. There were about forty members who signed the church roll. The following officers were elected : trustees, J. O. Lundblad, P. Ringdall, Clias. Neiberg, and Samuel Andersen; deacons, C. Bjorkman, C. Runborn, John E. Swomsen, and (). G. Olsen. They were without a house of worship until March, 1877, when the old building of the United Presbyterian church was purchased for $400, which they removed to the lot owned by them in the east part of town, and repaired and fitted up at a cost of about $2,000. The first pastor was the Rev. A.. Andreen, who was succeeded in July, 1873, by Rev. Nils Fersander, who was succeeded by Rev. Andreen again, who had charge of the congregation for about a year. September 8, 1878, a call was issued to the Rev. T. H. Winguist, who took charge of the congregation in March, 1879, and is the present pastor. The congregation has at present about eighty membei-s, is out of debt and pros])ering. Sabbath school exercises are held in English every Sabbath, under the direction of Mr. A. G. Johnson, superintendent.

- Ejjiscopal Church.- - This church was first organized by a few members in 1870, and in the year 1878 was received nnder the care of the fijeneral church as a mission. The church since has so prospered that in February of the present year (1882) it was organized as an independent congregation. The church is entirely out of debt, and have a fine place of worship erected by the members at a cost of about $4,000. The rectors in charge since 1870 have been: Revs. Chamberlain, Brown, Gates, Allen, and the present rector, Rev. Farrar, in the order named.

Seventh Day Adventists. - Early in the year of 1869, a Rev. R. F. Andrews, a minister of this denomination, delivered a series of lectures in Aledo upon the doctrines of his church, continuing his services until some time in March of that year. He made a number of converts to his doctrine, though no organization was eftected at that time. A number of the followers of his faith, however, banded together, appointed a leader, and for nearly a year met for regular service in the court-house. '

Mr. Andrews came back after being absent about a year, and commenced operations six miles south of Aledo, and sent for Rev. Mr. Whitham, who had embraced adventism, to help him in the work. The two brethren labored in this locality for some time, when an organization was eftected, the brethren meeting in what is known as the "Marsh school-house." They held meetings regularly, with quite a large Sabbath-school as auxiliary, until within a few years past. Many members of the organization have moved away, weakening its strength ; but the interest is still kept alive among the few, and the organization is still intact.

Free Preshyterian church. - There is now no such church. The necessity for such an organization ceased when slavery died. It was the outgrowth of that love of principle which burned in the hearts of those noble men who loved liberty and morality, and its cardinal doctrines as a church were founded upon the sternest ideas and principles of morality. As early as 1852 there were three organizations of this church in Mercer county ; one in the '' Carnahan neighborhood.'' The place was commonly known as "Nigger ridge," on account of the number of abolitionists living in the neighborhood. Another organization was in the " Kiddoo neighborhood," and the third at the McClure school-house. Messrs. Carnahan, McClure, and Kiddoo were the leaders in the movement in Mercer county, and are all now dead. There was a church built in the Carnahan district, and it is still standing, as is another church built at the same time in the Kiddoo district.

about tlie year 1857, previous to wliicli time Rev. Joseph R. AVliitliam, at i)resent livini^; east of Aledo, a zealous cliristian man, had preached to the three organizations in turn. After the union Rev. James S. Pogue was the pastor of the congregation until the close of the war, when the organization was dissolved and the church building sold to the Methodist Episcopal church, the members uniting with various churches in Aledo.

Aledo Lodge No. ^5^, A.F.A.M. - The charter was granted under the signature of James Hibbard, Grand Master of the State of Illinois, and bears date of October 7, 1857. The charter members were William M. Brown, Lucien B. Howe, Pleasant B. Mathews, Elislia Miller, and Simeon Macy. The first officers of the lodge were as follows: Simeon Macy, W.M. ; William M. Brown, S. W. ; R B. Mathews, J. W. ; O. C. Allen, Sec. The lodge at that time met in the third story of the building now owned by J. C. Richey, on the south side of Fifth street. The lodge was constituted, under the charter, by Deputy Gi'and Master Rice, of Monmouth Lodge, October 10, 1857, when the above-named officers were installed. The first election of officers was held December 14, 1858, which resulted in the following being chosen : Simeon Macy, W.M.; Thomas Maddox, S.W.; G. A. Luvin, J.W.; Isaac K Bassett, Treas. ; Elias Willets, Sec. Elias AVillets was the secretary till 1860. He received his demit from the lodge about 1862, when he moved to Warren county, where he practiced his profession, that of the law, till about the year 1870, when he was appointed county judge, to fill an unexpired term, at the close of which he was elected to the same office, which he held till his death in December, ISSl. M. L. Marsh was the next secretary elected, who held the office for several terms, when he was appointed tyler, which office he has continuously held under the successive administrations of the lodge until the })resent time. At the election in December, 1862, William M. Brown was elected W.M., and Thomas Maddox, Sec. January, 1864, Simeon Macy was again elected W.M., and I. N. Bassett, Sec. The next change was in 1865, when Dr. W. D. Craig was elected W.M., and James M. Macy, Sec. The successive annual elections resulted as fohows: December 18, 1866, J. M. Willson, W.M., J. M. Macy, Sec.-, December 10, 1867, J. M. Willson, W.M., John C. Wellion, Sec; December 22, 1868, L. L. Troy, W.M., Geo. P. Graham, Sec; December 19, 1869, W. D. Craig, W.M., C. H. Smith, Sec; December 6,

Geo. P. Graham, W.M., James L. Bentle3% Sec; December 30, 1873, Geo. P. Graham, W.M., M. L. Marsh, Sec; December 15, 1874, D. F. Brock, "VY.M., A. B. McCanclless, Sec; December 7, 1875, Geo. P. Graham, AV.M., Luke Strong, Sec; December 26, 1876, J. M. Willson, W.M., Joseph Boyd, Sec; December 18, 1877, J. M. Willson, W.M., Alex. McArthur, Sec; since which election James M. AVillson has held the office of W.M., and the same officer was secretary till the election of September 14, 1880, when Fred Clark was elected. The present officers of the lodge are as follows : J. M. Willson, W.M.; K. E. Patrick, S.W.; Philip Killey, J.W.; J. F. McBride, Treas. ; I'. Clark, Sec; Alex. McArthur, Senior Deacon ; K. M. Whitham, Junior Deacon ; A. E. Mead and Joseph Boyd, Stewards ; M. L. Marsh, Tyler. The lodge now occupies a commodious and neat hall in the Aledo bank building. They are comfortably situated and in a very flourishing condition. In talking over the history of this organization some very pleasant memories are revived, not the least of which was the presentation in 1880 to Worshipful Master J. M. Willson, who had served the lodge for many years as its principal officer, of a magnificent cane to support the declining years of him who, " as a Master Mason, enjoys the happy reflection of a well-spent life."

J. S. Pinkerton, of Aledo, a member of this lodge, was the first member of the order initiated in Mercer county ; his initiation took place in New Boston Lodge, No. 188, in November, 1855. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, has forty-four members, and net assets of $626.31 in the hands of the treasurer. They meet in Abercrombie hall.

A. O. U. W. - A lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workingmen was instituted in Aledo, December 20, 1878, with twenty -five charter members. The officers of the original organization were as follows : P.M.W., A. R Morgan; M.W., Wm. N. Graham; F., James M. Macy ; Overseer, Jas. A. Cummins ; Receiver, J. I. Edwards ; Recorder, W. A. Lorimer ; Financier, W. C. Galloway ; Guide, D. T. Hindman ; I. Watch, A. R. McDonald ; O. Watch, Ben. Warlow. There has been only one death in the order since its organization, that of James M. Macy in January, 1882. There is a present membership of sixty-four, and the order is on a sound financijd basis and is otherwise prosperous. The order meets every Thursday evening in Abercrombie's halL The present otticer's are: P.M.AV., S. M. Evans; M.W., W. A. Lorimer; F., James Bickets; Overseer, J. H. McPherren ; Recorder, A. R. McDonald ; Receiver, W. C. Galloway ; Financier, R. J. McDonald ; Guide, Jas. A. Cummins ; I. ^Yatch, J. H. Abercrombie ; O. Watch, Wm. Winders.

Townley'S Tile And Brick Manufactory

This enterprise was started by Mr. Townley in 1874, by his buying a block and a half of ground just east of town, from which he procures a good article of brick clay. The clay for his tile he procures from soil about a mile north of Aledo. Since starting his works, Mr. Townley has been making about 700,000 brick, and about 400,000 feet of tile per year. He finds a good market for his entire product from local trade, and is running his works to their full capacity.

This new enterprise was projected in November, 1881, by Messrs. Stratton & Lunn, of Millersburg, who began making butter on a large scale, and readily finding a good market for their product, increased their facilities to what they are at present. They run a churn of the capacity of 250 gallons by a four-horse power engine.' They use the common Settle cans of which thev have in use 400. and have 500 more on the way from the manufacturer. Since starting the enterprise they have made on an average 100 pounds of butter per day, employing four men to gather cream. The proprietors now expect to run twelve or thirteen diiferent routes in gathering their cream, covering a scope of over twenty miles square. About the first of March they will put up two more vats for cream, which will make their capacity 1,000 gallons, at which time they expect to make 500 pounds of butter per day. They find a good market for their butter in Chicago, and have recently had an ofier from Pueblo, Colorado, for their entire product for the coming year. Messrs. Stratton <Sz Lunn are thorough business men, and will doubtless make this enterprise a successful one.

Le\t AYillits (deceased), is one of Mercer county's noblest dead. His life was full of good works which in his death stand out in bold relief in honor to the doer. Mr. Willits was bom May 31, 1808, in Pickaway county, Ohio, on a farm. His parents, William and Mary

AVillits, moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio and in after years to Indiana. Levi spent his youth on the farm, enjoying but few school advantages, vet he early manifested peculiar mathematical ability. When about of age he began the trades of carpentry and cabinet making, which he followed some years. He was married December 1, 1832, to Miss Clariuda Drury, daughter of Edward and Jane Drury, born in Wayne county, Indiana, July 20, 1811. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Willits resided in Raysville, Indiana, for four years, when it was decided to move to Illinois. Accordingly, in the fall of 1836, with ox-team, the journey was begun. Mrs. Willits became sick with the measles, having to keep her bed in the wagon. Ari-ived near Mud creek, not far from Blue river, the day being w^arm, the oxen seeing the water were uncontrollable by the driver and rushed toward the muddy element. In their race the wagon was upset, precipitating Mrs. Willits, sick as she' was, into mud and water, completely drenching her and piling the heavy goods on her. In extricating her she was further bruised. She was then taken on horseback by a passing woman to a poor hovel and there treated as well as the circumstances would allow. The dirt and squalor of the hut could not be mentioned. As soon as able the party pushed on with their ox-team to Indianapolis, where they remained some time. Wliile there Mrs. Willits' sister was taken ill of the measles and died. They buried her there in the bloom of her youth. It was then dicided to return to Wayne county for the winter, at least, which they did. In the following spring the journey was again undertaken. Mr. Willits purchased three cows and considerable voimo; stock, one horse and the ox-team. Mr. Willits was to ride the horse and drive the cattle, while Mrs. Willits should drive the ox-team, the man hired for the purpose being sick. Mrs. W. rode the horse for a time which, becoming scared at the cattle whip the driver carried, jumped, throwing the rider, but causing no dangerous injury. Slowly and interruptedly was the jou]:ney made. The three cows and much of the young stock were lost on the way. Arrived at Xew Boston, they found three or four log cabins and more Indians than white men. An old log cabin was occupied by them, necessitating, so dilapidated was it, the hanging of bed clothes, etc., over cracks and holes in the walls. With the ox-team Mr. Willits hauled all the lumber he could get ar IVIillersburg and with it built one small room for a dwelling, with a sort of loft above for sleeping apartment for men employed. Below a bed and a trundle bed occupied one corner. Across one corner was hung a sheet, partitioning off a little room for flour and smoke room. Hired men slei)t u]) stairs and on the floor down stairs, while the "guid" couple occupied the bed. In that house was born the first child to the Willits. In that house court was lield when Xew Boston was the county seat and there the court and jury were boarded and lodged. The beds, etc., served as seats and the tioors were their beds. Mrs. W. did her cooking in a cabin near by. The young cattle brought with them were slaughtered for food, a scarce article that year. A small stock of goods had been brought with them, such as groceries, paints, medicines, liquors, etc. With tliese merchandising was begun, whicli grew into a very lucrative business. Wm. Drury was for years Mr. Willits"' ])artner. Soon Mr. Willits added to his home and with different additions the house became large. The frame is now owned by Henry Denison. During these early days ]\trs. Willits, to aid in fortune, did washing and ironing for the young men of that day ; also made pants, vests, etc. A man and a woman had been hired to do the baking for the trade, but they quitting, Mrs. AVillits undertook it. She had an oven made, constructed of straw, shavings, mud, etc., and plastered with mud, then burned, as there were no brick. She paid for this from her own earnings. She also paid for her first cook stove by her own efforts. Mr. Willits, two years after opening his store, declared he would sell no more liquors to his neighbors, making them drunk, but would put in a supply of dry goods instead. He continued in trade many years. He also became engaged in merchandising in Millersburg a short time. He was extensively and many years engaged in the lumber business, trading in land, buying grain, packing pork, contract building, erecting a number of buildings in New Boston. It is unnecessary to speak here of his laying out the town of Aledo ; of his founding, in connection with Judge John S. Thompson, a college for the Presbyterians and one for the Methodists, the foundation of the latter being laid and material ready, at his death ; of his building the Barton hotel, and various other buildings. All this will be found in the history of Aledo. No doubt his exposures to water in laying out the town at the time he did, caused, in scnne degree, the rlieumatism that brought on his sickness. He spent much of his time in Aledo the last year or two of his life. He returned to his home in New Boston to entertain friends, and while there was taken ill. He recovered somewhat, but moving about too much, he took a relapse, had a chill on Thursday, and on the following Tuesday died of inflanuitory rheumatism, March 2, 185S. On the following Friday evening a large concourse of people gathered at the court-house in Aledo and passed resolutions of respect for him and admiration of his character. He was not a church member, yet was considered a good man. His house was always open to ministers and christians generally. The e^'ening before his death he called for a glass of water and holding it up, beantifully remarked : "Before to-raorrow morning I shall be drinking purer water than that." He died before morning. Pie was always interested in the educational and general good of the people. In politics he had been a whig, but was a republican before he died. Five children had preceded him to the grave, all he had. One child of James Thompson, at its motliei-'s death, had been taken to raise. It had died. Four children of Harriet Willits had also found a father and mother in the persons of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Willits. One died in her fourteenth year. The others were well educated and provided for in his will. Mr. Willits' good works live after him, but not as they would had he been spared to further prosecute his designs. Disease deprived the people of a noble mind, warm heart and willing hands. His works cannot be individualized in the space allotted here.

John Geiger. The frosts of sixty-eight winters have whitened the hair of Mr. Geiger, but in mind and body he is still vigorous and capable. His maternal grandparents were German. His father's people were of South Carolina, but of German extraction. His father, John Geiger, was born and raised in Martin sburg, Virginia, but became a resident of Maryland. He became a soldier in the war of 1812. Shortly after the war closed he removed to the southern part of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Exposure and hardships incident to army life brought on pleurisy, progressing with consumption, and terminating in death about 1825 or 1826. He was not a strong man at any time. His wife, Elizabeth Kable, sons and daughters, after remaining in Hancock, Maryland, a few years, settled in Marion county, Ohio, where she, her sons (but John) and one daughter, have since died. John Geiger was born in Williamsport, Maryland, January 15, 1814, while his father was yet fighting the British. He was quite young when his parents moved to Bedford county. There, on the Little Licking river, under the shadow of one of the high eastern ridges of the Allegheny mountains, he passed his youth till seventeen years of age. He says, in speaking of his school days : ' ' ISTaturally studious and of a somewhat retentive memory, I led my friends and teachers to think me precocious. So I was unmercifully pushed deep into the intricate parts of arithmetic before twelve years old. But by the imperfect methods of teaching that prevailed at that time, I understood nothing of consequence beyond the operations of the ground rules." He further says: "Aided by some adverse circumstances, I escaped further attendance at school until nineteen years of age." In 1881, young Geiger, in company with his oldest sister and her husband, Daniel Linn, crossed the Alleglieny mountains via the national turnirERCER TOWNSHIP. 587 pike road to Ohio, assisting at times in caring for the teafti or driving. At that time the northwest and much of the interior of the state was wild and thinly settled. A new country presented dreary prospects to a lad seventeen years old, with naught of wealth to assist. But the love and good counsel of his mother were free. lie began to plan and do for himself. He worked at whatever might offer, farming principally, although alternated with work in the stone quany. Means of transportation were meager, oxen furnishing the larger part of the motive power. Wages were low, so that money making was tedious. His love for study continued unabated. He attended school part of two or three terms, near Caledonia, Ohio, finishing arithmetic and gaining a fair knowledge of grammar and geography. His study of school-books was interspersed with perusal of such works as natural philosophy, chemistry, astronomy. Goldsmith's Greece and Rome, Walson's Institutes, Pla}'fair"'s Euclid, Locke's Essay on the Human Understanding, Good's Book of Nature, Butler's Analogue, AVatts on the Mind, and other solid reading. In 1836, after five years' labor and economy, he had saved $200 in silver. This he expended in a quarter section of heavily timbered congress land, in AVhitley county, Indiana. During the ensuing winter he taught school in Huntington, remaining in the county one year, making improvements on his purchase. Land speculation at the date of his buying was at its height, but the crash of 1837 depreciated values leaving much land nearly worthless. After keeping his farm thirteen years and expending much labor on it, he sold just before the rise in prices caused by the railroad excitement. Mr. Geiger still made his home in Ohio, where he was much employed as an accountant in auditors' offices for a series of years, and in some four difierent counties. Feeling the necessity, from experience, of some tables for computing taxes, he, in 1847, compiled and printed a small book of tables. This was sold almost exclusively in Ohio. In 1854 he prepared a much fuller work. This being too expensive for his limited means he memorialized the Ohio legislature, obtaining an appropriation of $3,500, to enable him to publish his work with dispatch, the state taking 300 copies in consideration of the appropriation. The edition of 800 copies was sold mostly in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri. Michigan and Minnesota. Mr. Geiger's other literary work has embraced a few lectures, essays, poems, etc., some of which have appeared in the columns of the press. In ])olitics he has been an unfaltering democrat through life. His first political activity was corresponding for Sam. Medary's "Ohio Statesman," in 1840, when he had the opportunity of seeing and hearing some of the greatest platform orators known to the public. In 1850 he became editi)r-in-cliafge of tlie "Mount Gilead Messenger,'" continuing a short time during the compromise session of congress of 1849 and 1850, and the canvass for the Ohio constitution of 1850. Prosperity crowned the efforts of the industrious, so that in 1852 Mr. Geiger was able to purchase 1,000 acres of land in Alercer county, Elinois, buying in a body in Greene and Preemption townships, to which several hundred acres were added in 1853. In 1854 he planted live or six miles of osage orange fence, built plank fences, tenant houses, and made other improvements looking to its occu|)ation as a grain and stock farm. May 27, 1858, he was married at Wabash, Indiana, to Mrs. Martha P. Arthur, widowed daughter of the late Judge Parish, of Columbus, Ohio, a union that has ever been happy. With his wife and her two children, (). P. Arthur and the present Mrs. James H. Connell, he moved to his Illinois farm in October of the same year. He carried on the grain and stock business till 1858, when he settled in Aledo. He still owns part of his farm. Since his residence in Aledo he has been successfully conducting the Aledo "Banner" and the Aledo "Democrat," some account of which appears in the history of Aledo. He also superintends his farm. Officially he has occupied a few local positions, but has more frequently declined than acce^^ted opportunities as candidate for such honors. Without intending any special laudation it is but pro])er to say that Mr. Geiger's life has been one of success, and may teach to poor boys the lesson so often repeated, that even though poverty may be their lot in j^outli, they may, if willing to try, rise and become useful citizens.

The Gilmore Family. - Among the few white families who constituted the iirst permanent settlers of Mercer county, and who have taken prominent and active parts in its history and development, is that of which Judge Ephraim Gilmore is a member. He and his father. Col. Robert Gilmore, arrived in Warren county as early as 1833, and the following year the judge moved into that part afterward set off as Mercer county. Mr, Gilmore was born February 7, 1810, hence was in full manhood when his career became blended with that of Mercer county. After a residence of two years in New Boston he settled at a point about half way between Aledo and New Boston, on a farm subsequently owned by the Hon. John McGinnis. Hei"e he lived and labored from 1837 to 1871, when he changed his residence to Aledo and embarked in the banking business. November 4, 1834, he married Miss Julia Ann Denison, daughter of William and Rachel Denison, who were the first white settlers of the county. Miss Denison was the only single white lady of the county at the time of this marriage. Seven sons and two daughters have been born to them :

"William, Tiobcrt !N^., John A., James E., Edwin, Erastus E., Lvman C, Annie E,, and Marv. William and ^larv are dead. Robert is a resident of Johnson county, Missouri, and Annie E. (now Mrs. James Kiddoo) is of Rice county, Kansas. John A. enlisted August H, 1861, in com[)any E, Dth reg. 111. Vol., and served three years and one month. His regiment was mostly recruited from St. Clair county, and was commanded by Col. Paine. John A. as a soldier was engaged at the lirst battle of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth. lie then became a mounted infantryman, and accompanied Sherman to Atlanta, l)Ut in the meantime aided in guarding the Memphis and Charleston railroad. He was mustered ou: at Springfield. March 22, 1865, he was man-ied to Miss AUie Pryme. She died June 28, 1866, leaving one child (Charlie). He was next married February 17, 1870, to Miss Sarah McGinnis, whose parents (John T. and Margaret McGinnis) are i)rominent in Mercer county history. John A. has s])ent many years on the farm, but is now in the bank. Robert N., James E. and Edwin were in company K, 102d reg. 111. Vol., which regiment is so fully noticed in the history. Robert was discharged on account of ill-health incurred in Buell's famous forced march, flames and Edwin served through the war. Judge Gilmore's history is so intimate with that of the county, that a review of the one includes that of the other. He was the first postmaster of New Boston, first circuit clerk and first survej'Or of Mercer county, once probate judge, once county treasurer, and twice a member of the state legislature. During his ofticial career his conduct was marked by a coui'tesy of manner, an honesty of action and a purity and ])atriotism of motive to such a degree that there is not now in the county a single man to be found who does not honor and feel proud of his record and relations with his people. The Gilmore family are of Scotch-Irish descent. The ancestry came to the United States when they were dependent colonies, and were during the revolutionary war active patriots, Mr. Gilmore's grandfather, Ephraim Gilmore, being a continental soldier, who, after the close of the war, continued to reside in Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he raised four sons : Robert, Ejjhraim, John and Thomas. Robert afterward served as captain in the war of 1812. He was twice married, first to Miss Elizabeth Collins antl then to Miss Maria Pilgrim. By his first wife he raised Ephraim (the subject of this sketch), John, Arabella, Ann, and Joseph; and by his second w^fe, James, Thomas, Elizabeth Rachel, Lawrence H., Benjamin F., and Robert C. The first marriage took place in Jcft'erson county, Ohio, and the second in the city of Columbus, he being at that time a member of the legislature of Ohio from the same county. Immediately after coming to

Warren county, Illinois, lie was elected one of the commissioners for this county, which position he held two or theee terms. He died about 1856, and was buried at Monmouth. He was To years old and was a man of strong force of character. He died in the fellowship of the Presbyterian church.

Nicholas Edwards, farmer and lumber merchant, Aledo, is a natiye of Crawford county, Indiana-, M^liere he was born October 23, 1816. His father, Isaac Edwards, died of small-pox before he can remember, and his mother, whose maiden name was Rachel Rice, married again. Mr. Edwards liyed on the old homestead till 1834, when he engaged in flat-boating to New Orleans, working at flrst for $15 per month. In 1838 he quit the riyer, came to Illinois, and in the spring of 1839 settled at Henderson, Knox county, and merchandised there until 1843. In September, 1839, he attended the land sales at Galena, but being obliged by preyious engagement to return before he made his purchase, he left his money with friends who bid ott' for him the tracts he had selected, the same being the S. W. ^ Sec. 18 and the N. W. i Sec. 19, T. 14, R. 3, which land he still owns. Arriying home he celebrated his marriage with Miss Lydia Ann Edwards, of Hamilton county, Ohio, on the 6th of October. In 1843 he settled at the mouth of the Edwards riyer, below New B(»ston, where he ran a saw-mill in connection with William Willit, now of Keithsburg, and Isaiah Brown, who died in California. He was elected the same year to the ofiice of justice of the peace. At that time there was no yoting precinct at Keithsburg, and elections were held at what is at present known as Glancey's mills. The death of his wife in 1850 broke up his family ; and the next to the oldest child, Sydnie Elizabeth, and the next to the youngest, Isaac Edward, were taken and raised by their uncle, William Edwards, of Hamilton county, Ohio. They still liye in that state. The other children were Emily Frances, Rachel Elvira, John W., Mary Eliza, and Nancy Jane, both of which died in infancy. Immediately following this change in his domestic affairs, he went to trading on the riyer between Cincinnati and New Orleans, and was thus engaged for fiye years. In 1856 he returned to Mercer county, and from 1857 to 1860 liyed in Aledo. Between the last date and 1869 his home was in Keithsburg and Oquawka, and the rest of the time until now in Aledo, where he has been carrying on trade in lumber. In politics Mr. Edwards is a republican. He was formerly a whig, and relates as an incident of the early political history of Keithsburg township that his party once held a primary meeting to elect delegates to the county conyention, and that himself, William Willctt and John McH. Wilson composed the attendants. Willett presided, Edwards acted as secretary, and Wilson made the motions. The meeting was decidedly harmonious. Mr. Edwards has for many years been a warm advocate of the tem])erance cause, and is at present directing his efforts and influence to assist in bi-inging about an entire prohibition of the manufacture and sale of spirituous, vinous and malt liquors.

Alexander McArthur, circuit clerk, Aledo, only child of Alexander and Ann (McGregor) McArthur, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, February 4, 1850. lie came with his widowed mother to this country, landing at New York July 4, 1856. The following si)ring they came to Aledo, where he has since resided. Mrs. Mcxirthur, to whom our subject acknowledges with true filial gratitude that he owes all he is or may ever be, supported herself and her son until J 860, wdien he began to work out. From this date till ISTO he worked as a tVirm hand, im])roving the winters by attending district school. In 1871, he obtained employment in the store of McKinney & Lorimer, as bookkeeper and salesman. In the autunm of 1874, his old employer, Mr. Lorimer, being circuit clerk, he was taken into his office as deputy. In January, 1876, the clerk resigned, and Mr. McArthur was appointed by the judge of the circuit court to fill the unexpired term of eleven months. In the fall of 1876, he was elected by the republicans to occupy the office, and in 1880, was re-elected. He is a member of Aledo Lodge, No. 252, A.F.A.M., of Keithsburg Chapter, No. 17, and Everts Commandery, No. 18, of Tiock Island.

Isaac N. Dunlap, of the firm of Richey & Dunlap, Aledo, was born in Pennsylvania, May 12, 1836. His parents were Andrew and Jemima (Poby) Duidap. In 1857, he came to Illinois, and after living one year in Knox county he made permanent settlement in Mercer. In June, 1861, he volunteered in Co. I, 17th 111. Inf., and fought his only battle at Fort Donelson where he lost his left leg by a six jDound shell. The missile took off two men's heads before it lodged in his thigh. He was left six days in an old house on the battle-field afler his leg was amputated, without care, in expectation that he would die. He recovered and was discharged in April, 1862. The shell is preserved in the museum of relics of the war in Washington, and this case is cited in the medical history of the rebellion. Mr. Dunlap was elected county treasurer in 1865, by the republican party, of which he is a staunch and zealous member, and discharged the duties of that position with credit and satisfaction six years. On January 23, 1866, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Tirza A. Pinkerton. They are both communicants in the Methodist church. In 1874, Mr. Dunlap engaged in selling groceries with John W. Dilley. Afterward he was alone in the same trade ; and next was out of business two vears. In

1877 lie began dealing in boots and shoes in company with TVilliam Day ; the latter died the next year, and he closed out soon after. In September, 1879, he formed his present partnership with C. S. Richey, Esq., in general merchandising.

Benjamin F. Toavnsley, brick and tile manufacturer, Aledo, was born in England in 1850, and in 1852 was brought by his parents, John and Anna (Stockdale) Townsley, to Toronto, Canada. In 1867 he came to Mercer county, and during the first fiye or six years worked at blacksmithing, afterward he engaged in the brick and tile business. He was manufacturing brick in Xew Boston in company with his brother James ; in 1876 they sold out and started again at Aledo. His brother died the next year, and he has since managed the work without a paitner. In 1874 they began making drain tile on a small scale, and now Mr. Townsley has extended the business to include a brick yard at Joy. In the manufacture of tile Mr. Townsley uses Tiffany's centennial brick and tile machine for molding, and the square, downdraft kilns invented by the same patentee for burning. This business represents an industry of increasing importance that is destined to exert an incalcuable influence on the productive wealth of the country. The advantages of tile draining are thoroughly proven and becoming well understood, and the amount of land tiled each year is immensely large. Mr Townsley is an Odd-Fellow, and a member of Aledo Lodge No. 136, I.O.G.T.

William A. Lorimer, merchant, Aledo, born in Perth, Scotland, in 1840, emigrated with his parents in 181:8 and lived first in Pennsylvania, then a short time in Ohio, and in 1853 came to Keithsburg. He was taken from school when twelve years of age and put to work in the Hudson (Ohio) "Observer" printing office. On arriving at Keithsburg he went to clerking, and continued to be so employed until the breaking out of the war. He promptly enlisted in April, 1861, in Co. I, 17th III. Inf., and was fighting the battles of his country a little over three years. The most prominent actions in which he was engaged were Fredericktown, Missouri, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Yicksburg. To this list of great battles should be added the usual amount of small fighting. He went out as sergeant of his company and was first promoted to second lieutenant, and next to captain, which latter rank he held when mustered out at Springfield in June, 1864. After returning to civil life he spent the first year in Chicago ; then coming back to Keithsburg he clerked for C. S. Orth, after which, in 1868, he was selected circuit clerk by the republicans of the county. This ofiice he filled two terms of four years each. He was trading in dry goods in company with John Mcffinney Jr., a part of the time during his incumbency as an officeholder, and since his retirement from public business has occupied his present stand on the southwest comer of Seventh street and College avenue. !Mr. Lorimer was married in 1868 to ^liss Orj)ha J. Calhoun. Tlu'v have had live children, three of which are dead.

MoRDECAi L. Marsh, justice of the peace, Aledo, was born in Rahwav, New Jersev, in IS 18. His i)arents were Solomon and Fannv (Brown) Marsh, whose Quaker ancestors came to America in the latter part of the seventeenth century, to escape the English |)rosecution of their sect. In New York Mr. Marsh learned the cabinet and piano trade. In 1834 he settled in Ijuffalo and embarked in land speculations. When the crash of 1837 came he was caught, like the rest of men, at a disadvantage, and lost about all his property. In the same year he emigrated to Ohio, and lived there till 1852, when he came to Illinois and located his family in ^lillersburg township, this county, and made farming his occupation until Christmas, 1857. He then moved to Aledo, having since resided here, and continuously held the office of justice of the peace, his first election having been in the spring of 1861. He has been treasurer of Mercer township several years. In 1832 he was united in marriage ^\^th Miss Eliza Gregory. She has been an unfortunate invalid forty-eight years. Both were at first members of the Baptist church, Mr. Marsh joining in 1835 ; but about 1855 they became enrolled in the Presbyterian church, to which they now belong, and in which our subject has been a deacon nearly twentyfive years. These jDarents have one son, AVilliam. ]\[r. Marsh was a whig until that party disappeared as a jjolitical organization ; since then he has been a republican.

JoHX G. McGl'fp^ix, grocer, Aledo, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1829. He taught school seven years in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. In 1855 he arrived in the latter state and settled in Warren county ; in 1857 he came to Aledo and began clerking for Dr. Isaac Edwards, and remained in his service until he went into the army. He volunteered in August, 1862, in coin])any K, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf , and on the organization of the company was elected orderly sergeant. He remained with his regiment through all its earlier and disciplinary service, and finally when it lefl Lavergne, Tennessee, for the front, in February, 1864, he was sent back to Nashville, unfit for duty, and in October following was honoraWy discharged on account of disability. On his return home he took charge of Luvin's store, in tiiat gentleman's absence on a visit to the old country ; then he clerked for Poage tt Senter four years. He was ne.xt a member of the dry goods fii*m of Richey Bros. <fe McGuffin for four years, and after that was in the grocery trade in the iirm of Atchison & McGiiffin. The last sold out, and he soon started in business alone. Afterward M. E. McDonald purchased a half interest, and in May, 1881, was succeeded in the partnership by H. D. Marks, Mr. McGuffin's present partner. The subject of this notice was maiTied, February 25, 1857, to Miss Maggie S. Harris. They have one son, William Rice, now preparing himself .for the profession of medicine. Mr. and Mrs. McGuffin are Presbyterians ; and he is a republican.

James C. AYrigiit, retired farmer, Aledo, is a descendant of revolutionary stock, both his grandfathers having been soldiers in the war for independence. Mr. AVright's parents, Arunah and Polly (Wentworth) Wright, lived in Oneida county, New York, where there were born to them six sons, two of whom died young ; those who grew up to manhood were Alpheus W., Horace E., George W., and the subject of this sketch, who was born in the year 1817. The mother died in 1829, and the father in 1838. In the latter year Alpheus came to Mercer county from Ohio, to which state he had previously emigrated. The following year the three remaining brothers left their native state and came here, and the four settled at Warr's Corners, in Richland township. In the autumn of 1842 these brothers made the lirst settlement at Preemption Corners, four miles west of their original location, though some others had made homes in the neighborhood a few years earlier. In 1846 Mr. Wright rode back to New York on horseback, in company with Andrew Conant and wife, and led six horses. He had come here without means. He remained in New Y'ork till 1851, and directly on his return was married, March 17, to Miss Julia A. Stone. She was a native of jSIanstield, Connecticut, but was raised in Mr. Wright's own county, where they became acquainted. Her fathers family removed to Lee county in the fall of 1850, and then the next vear he followed to Illinois, and this couple were married. They have two living children : Newell N. and Louie A. Mr. Wright was supervisor of Preemption townshi]) two terms. He was originally a democrat, but in 1856 joined the new republican party.

William Winders, produce dealer, Aledo, son of John and Elizabeth (Paden) Winders, was born in Fairtield county, Ohio, September 25, 1836. In 1856 he came to Mercer county and settled in the country near Aledo, and worked at his trade of plastering and two years at farming. The war of the rebellion being in progress, on August 13, 1862, he volunteered as a private in company K, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf. On the organization of the company he was aj^pointed third cor- [)oral, but always did duty as sergeant, and was mustered out as lirst sergeant. He was with his regiment during its whole term of service, except one week, when it was operating and fighting at Resacca. This embraced the Atlanta campaign, which Gen. Ilalleck pronounced the greatest of the war, the march to the sea, and the campaign of the Carolinas, to which may be added the marcli to Washington and the grand review, lie helped to bnild the three hundred miles of breastworks and the same amount of corduroy road which Sherman's army made, fought in several battles, including Feachtree creek and Averysboro, and scores of skirmishes and small fights. His musterout was at Washington, D. C, June 6, 1865. He was married June 12, 1862, to Miss Catharine E. Detwiler. In the spring of 1866 he removed with his family to Finley, Hancock countly, Ohio, where he clerked in a dry goods store. In 1867 he came back and remained a month or two, after which he again went to Ohio and stayed another year, then returned to Aledo, where he has since lived. He was butchering three years, the rest of the time he has been in his present business. Mr. Winder's children are: Julia E., George S., Thornton D., Willie M., Charles Henry, and Araminta Pearl. He has been town trustee one year, and is a mason, a workman and a republican.