Henderson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1882 (part 16 of 23)

Martix Boyd, farmer, Aledo, oldest living child of JNIiles and Catherine (Fisher) Boyd, was born in Madison county, Indiana, February 12, 1831:. In 1839 his father emigrated to Mercer county and settled in what is now Eliza township, and four years afterward died in Indiana, while there on business. His mother married again to James Turner, and is living on the old homestead. April 6, 1856, Mr. Boyd was married to Miss Lydia, daughter of Martin Bear, one of the original settlers of Eliza township, and the same spring settled on the K. W. ^ Sec. 16, Duncan townshi}), and lived there twenty years. In 1876 he moved to Aledo. He was generally and quite extensively engaged while on his farm in feeding cattle. For a number of years he was supervisor and assessor of Eliza, and held, besides, other otfices in his township. In 1880 he was elected by the democrats to the legislature, where he attended the regular session of 1880-81, and the recent special session convened the |)resent year (1882) by Gov. Cullom. He has served on the committees on county and township organization, library, and miscellanies. Mr. Boyd has never been identified with any other than the democratic ])arty. He was actively associated with his friends in the farmers'' movement from 1873 to 1875, was master of a grange, and delegate therefrom to the state grange. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have three children : Catharine, Lenore and Bertha. Catharine is the wife of Minor Miller.

August 14, 1837. His parents emigrated from 'New York to this county in 1836 and settled in Rivoli township, where they lived till their death. The mother departed this life in 1866, and the father, an Englishman by birth, in 1878. This subject attended school one year at AVheaton College. Combining his studies there with other instruction which he received, he secured a very good English education. He was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah Gould, of tliis county, and by her has had three children : Lizzie, Alice and Adelphia. Both jjarents are members of the CongreiJ-ational church. Mr. Durston Jived bv farming until 1873. In that year he was elected coimty clerk, and filled that office with acceptance to the people till his successor was elected in 1877. He has been deputy circuit clerk the last three years. Politically he is a republican.

Joseph B. Moore, cabinet maker and furniture dealer, Aledo, was born March 14, 1827, and is the youngest living son of Foreman and Anna (Worley) Moore. He followed carpentering, farming, undertaking and boating in Ohio, and was several years justice of the peace. In 1865 he emigrated to Mercer county and for ten years worked an eighty-acre farm adjoining Aledo. In 1875 he gave up farming and engaged in his present business. In 1850 he celebrated his nuptuals with Miss Margaret McCall. Their family has comprised three children : Robert K., music teacher ; John W., died in infancy ; and Mary Ellen, who married O. P. Arthur, and is now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are communicants in the Methodist church. lie is church trustee and has been steward and class leader. He has filled the ofiice of trustee of the town of Aledo five years and was president of the board part of the time. In politics he is a democrat, as a rule, though he has voted for republican candidates for president, and does not adhere strictly to party lines. Mr. Moore's father was the son of Joseph Moore, and was born in Mason county, Kentucky, June 20, 1792. He came with his parents to Scioto county, Ohio, when six 3'ears old and lived in that county, except a year or two he was in Adams county when first married, until he came west with his son Joseph in 1865. He lives in Aledo, and at the advanced age of ninety years retains goodly health and activity. He was married in 1814 to Miss Anna Worley. They had nine children : Patience, Rebecca, Leroy, Charles, Scienda (dead), Joseph, John (dead), Jedediah (dead), and Asbury (dead). The mother of these cliildren died about 184!>, and a year afterward the fatlier married Mrs. Rebecca Iloobler, who is still living. Mr. Moore united with the Methodist church at the age of twelve and has always been a steadfast, zealous laborer in the Master's vineyard. He has been a licensed exhorter over forty years, and has held official connection with the church at different times as trustee, steward and class leader. He is pensioned b}' the government for service in the war of 1812. He was mustered as a soldier in his own countv and sd\ev marching to Sandusky was discharged.

Thomas Maddux, farmer and stock raiser, Aledo, is a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, where he was born July 19, 1820. His father, George B. Maddux, was three times married, and the subject of this was the third child among four sons and five daughters by the second wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Green. Mr. ]\Iaddux's father was born and reared in Fauquier county, Virginia. He married for his last wife Elizabeth Hill and by this union became the father of two sons, making twenty-one children of his own. He died in Kentuckv, and his wife in Aberdeen, Ohio, in 1875. Mr. ]\ra(ldux learned the tinner's trade in Maysville, Kentucky, with Josepli Frank ; in 1843 he removed to Laurel, Franklin county, Indiana, and lived there, engaged at his trade and carrying on the hardware business, till June, 1857, when he located his family in Aledo. He continued the same business here till 18P)8 and then sold out to W. H. Holmes. On his settlement in the place he erected the first building ever put u[) on the business lot now occupied by Mr. Holmes on College avenue. In 1873 Mr. Maddux resumed his old business on the corner of Seventh and Maple streets under the name of Maddux cfe Son. In March, 1876, he sold to Detwiler ife Son and retired from trade. He had previously become interested in farming and is now the owner of two good farms near the county seat. He started a poor boy and has made a success of his undertakings. After serving his apprenticeship he had SI14 with which he began business. He has been twice married ; first in 1846 to Miss Mary E. Williams, of Laurel, Indiana. The issue of this marriage were three children : Elizabeth (died in infancy), Lewis S., and Frank L. Mrs. ]\Iaddux died July 25, 1855, and on January 5, 1862, Mr. Maddux was married to Mrs. Pliebe Whitelaw, of Franklin county, Indiana. They have had a little daughter, Kate A., who died when three years old. Mr. ]\Iaddux is a Mason, an Odd-Fellow and a republican.

Charles C. Wordix, county clerk, Aledo, oldest son of Joseph J. and Sophia (Brown) Wordin, was born in Keithsburg township, September 25, 1840. He enlisted August 5, 1861, in Co. E, 9tli 111. Inf., and served with credit in that command until the expiration of his term, in August, 1864, when he was sent back from before Atlanta and mustered out at Springfield, Illinois. He fought at Fort Donelson, Shiloh. battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862, and after his regiment was mounted, in March, 18<)3, was continually on scouting service, and participated in numerous small fights. He was also engaged in the arduous senice of the Atlanta campaign. He enlisted a second time March, 1865, in Co. F, 4tli reg. U. S. Yet. Vol., an organization formed by Gen. Hancock, to which none were admitted who had not seen at least two years service. One year was spent in garrison at Columbus, Ohio, Washington city, and Louisville, Kentucky. In March, 1866, he was mustered out at the latter city. After the war he kept books in Keithsburg five and a half years ; then he was running a hotel two and one-half years ; and in November, 1877, he was elected county clerk, and is still an incumbent of the office. Mr. Wordin has been an Odd-Fellow since 1868. December 18, 1872, he celebi-ated his marriage with Miss Jennie McPhee. In 1876, they lost their only child, a son, who was three years old. Mr. Wordings father was born in Rensselaer county, New York, in 1815. He came to this county from Ohio, in 1837, and settled in Keithsburg in March, 1838, living at the landing till 1810. Moving out two miles, he lived on a farm three years ; then he returned and has since had his home in the town. He followed his trade of wagon-making till 1862 ; since that he has been a house painter. He is one of the few venerable pioneers left as monuments whose shadows link the present with the aboriginal period in Mercer county.

WiLLiAAi Henry Holmes, hardware and stove dealer, Aledo. oldest son of AVilliam and Hannah (Lantey) Holmes, was born in Hull, England, February 15, 1847. His father emigrated with his family to Brantford, Canada West, in 1850; and in 1857 he removed to Wisconsin. The next year they came to Aledo, where they have all since lived. After coming here, Mr. Holmes attended school and worked at form labor until the spring of 1864, when he commenced to learn the tinner's trade. At the end of two months he volunteered in the one hundred days' service in Co. F, 140tli 111. Inf He was mustered into the service at Dixon, Illinois, and after five and one-half months spent in doing guard and garrison duty in Missouri and Tennessee, he was mustered out at Camp Fry, Chicago. He returned to Aledo and finished his trade, with Thomas Maddux, Esq., and in 1868 bought out his employer, and has been in business on the same ground since. He was married in 1874 to Miss Mary C. Hause. The fruits of this union have been two children, Clyde W. and Fannie May. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are both members of the Methodist church. He has been steward in the church, trustee of the town, is a member of Aledo Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and a republican in politics.

Margaret (Trembly) Ilindman. The former died in Union county, Indiana, in 1852 ; and the next year the mother came with lier five sons to Rock Island county, Illinois, aifd in 185-1 settled with her family in New Boston. The subject of this sketch received an academic education; in 1857 he went to Richmond, Indiana, and attended school one year ; afterward he studied medicine a year and a half; and in 1860 returned to Mercer county. In April, 1S61, he enlisted as a private in Co. I, 17th 111. Inf , and was in the military service over tive years. He fought at Frederickstown, Missouri, October 21, 1861, at Fort Donelson, Shiloli, Corinth, luka. the Ilatchie, and Yicksburg. In November, 186;}, he came north to Springiield, and then to Mercer county, as recruiting sergeant, and during the winter obtained twenty-one recruits for his regiment. He returned with them to Yicksburg, and by order of tlie commanding general, Slocum, organized these recruits and the veterans of the 17tli into a battalion of two companies. These were allowed to elect their officers, and Mr. Hindman was chosen captain by the " veteran'' comi)any. By order of Gen. McPherson, commanding the Army of the Tennessee, this detachment was consolidated with the 8th 111. Inf, in June, 1864, and owing to the resultant change in the line officers, Mr. Ilindman accepted a second lieutenant's commission in Co. E, to which the "veterans'' from the 17th were assigned. He was in command of this company during the remainder of his service, and drew pay as commanding officer. After the consolidation he fought at Jackson, Mississippi, in Juh% 1864, and at Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, Mobile. After that he was stationed a year at Shreveport, Louisiana, and in Texas, and was mustered out at Baton Rouge, May 4, 1866. He soon after went into business in New Boston, which he continued till the fall of 1875, wdien he was elected on the republican ticket to the office of county treasurer, to which he has been successively elected and is now serving his third term. He is a member of the A.O.U. W., and has been a Mason since 1866. In the latter year he was married to Miss Viola J. Willits. They have a son and a daughter.

Henry Kimel, (deceased), was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, August 6, 1800, and was a son of Isaac and Mary J. (Musser) Kimel, both natives of Germany. In 1808, the family emigrated to Trumbull, since Mahoning county, Ohio, where the old people lived till death. Henry Kimel was there married to Miss Anna M. Hirst, whose father was from England and whose mother was from Ireland. Nine children w^ere born in Ohio. In 1840, Mr. and Mrs. Kimel, witli five of the children, James "W., Thomas K., Jonathan T., Chauncey L. and William P., emigrated via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to

Illinois, landing at Oqiiawka, June 10. They immediately took teams for what is now Ohio Grove township, Mercer county. Latter the other four children, Isaac, Eliza A., Mary J. and Julia, arrived after a journey overland of thirty days. Mr. Kimel entered 160 acres of congress land near the center of Ohio GroVe township, also secured a quarter section of military land. There were but few settlers in the township at that time. Xo roads were laid out for travel but all was wild and unbroken from Oquawka to where they settled. The usual improvements were begun and carried out. Small crops were raised ; corn was at one time six and a quarter cents a bushel, and the postage on a letter twenty -tive cents, thus four bushels of corn being required to pay postage on one letter. But Uncle Sam allowed an envelope to be tilled without any extra due stamps for a long letter. One child, John Harvey, was born in 1842. A sad bereavement befell the family when, August IS, 1816, death claimed the wife and mother. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Kimel subsequently married Mrs. Catharine Case, of Kock Island county, who became the mother of four children : Anna, John PL, Eddie, and Aseneath. She died July 5, 187L Mr. Kimel, in 1818, sold the tirst purchase and bought what is known as the Lamar farm, which he improved. In 1863 he moved to Rock Island county, where he lived till 1878. He then passed his remaining years about two miles southwest of Viola, Mercer county, where he died October 10, 1880. Religiously he was a Presbyterian ; politically an old line whig, and later a republican. When twelve years old he volunteered in the war of 1812, but was rejected on account of youthfulness. Shortly before his death he purchased the McBride and Stephens saw-mill, which he sold to his son, James W. James W. Kimel, the fourth child of the first family of Henry Kimel, was born February 27, 1831, in Trumbull county, Ohio, near Youngstown. His youth was spent on the farm, with but meager educational advantages. Several seasons he broke prairie with five and six yoke of oxen. In 1818, he spent a few months at school in Ohio, and in the following year returned to the farm in Illinois. In 1850, he was seized with the California fever. With a company froTin Moline, Illinois, April 1, he started overland for the far west, where he arrived in Sacramento August 17, following, after the experiences incident to such a journey. After remaining, with considerable success, financially, till 1853, he returned in January to Illinois. He purchased the McBride and Stephens saw-mill of his father, which he conducted for four years. In 1858, he displaced the saw-mill by a grist-mill, on the same site. The grist-mill he run till 1876, when he erected his present large structure, 36x16, three story and basement.

His attention having been called to the "wire transmission power," he visited several mills for examination and information. Satisfied as to its efficacy he determined to adopt it. He built his miU 300 feet from the stream and i)repared for his new and lately invented " power," which the aged and knowing ones predicted would fail. Time and nse have proven the success of this departure. The mill is generally in action. A small stock of groceries is kept to accommodate farmers. In 1^54, Mr. Kimel purchased the quarter section of land on which he lives. In 1874 he added a quarter, and in 1S76 an eighty. He was married May 4, 1^54. to Mary B. Burnet, who was born in Salem, Xew York, August 7, 1832. Her parents, Andrew and Mahettable Burnet, were of Scotch descent. The}- emigrated from Xew York to Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, in 1838. They were emphatically pioneers who dared the new and wild west for homes. He died here May 31, 1861. She died at Mr. Kimel's home January 30, 1881. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kimel lived near the old mill for nine years. In 1863, a house was built on the farm and occupied. In 1868 an addition was made, bringing the dwelling into considerable notice as a large and handsome building. Other improvements have added much to its beauty. It is enjoyed by a family of six children, comprising Lara, Lucy J., Abbie M., Jim B., Gussie C. and Bessie M. Mr. Kimel, politically, is republican, but meddles but little with politics. His business consumes his time entirely.

Mark Caxxitm's father emigrated to tliis country from England in 1852. and while on his wav to Illinois died near Xew Orleans where the family landed. The subject of this sketch was born near Peterborough, England in 1813, and settled in Mercer county, near where he now lives, in 1853. He entered the army during the late war, enlisting for three years in August, 1861, and participated in the engagements of Fort Donelson, Belmont, Yicksburg. Corinth, Brittain's Lane, ]\[eriden, and the Atlanta campaign. He was mustered out at Chattanooga Tennessee, August 4, 1864. He was slightly wounded at Fort Donelson. After his return fi-om tlie army he settled down to farming, in which occupation he is still engaged. He built his present handsome dwelling-house in 1876. 'Mr. Cannum was married in Se}»tember, 1866, to Miss C. J. Smith of Mercer county, and they have four children living; one child is dead. The names of the living are : Addie May, aged fourteen ; Carrie E., aged tliirteen ; Lewis D., aged eleven ; and Ephriam, aged six years. Mr. C. and wife are members of the Christian church of Ohio Grove township. Mr. C. is politically a republican.

the oldest settlers now living in ^Mercer township. They having lived in the township since ISil. The father of the McKee brothers bought the southeast quarter of section 28. from William J. Turner, the deed bearinor date of Mav 20. 1840. VTm. McKee was born in Lawrence county. Ohio. March 9, 1829. He left Ohio with his parents at the age of six vears. coming with them to AYarren counts*. Illinois, where thev staved till 1841. when thev moved to Mercer countv. Mr. Mclvee has been a tarmer all his life, and is unmarried. For several vears he has been director of school district Xo. 9. and politically is a <lemocrat.

Joseph McKjee was bom in Lawi-ence county. Ohio. July 31. 1831. His parents were John and Xancy McKee. His parents settled in Mercer county in 1S41. since which time Mr. McKee has lived upon a farm, and has been a constant citizen of Mercer county. He enjoys, with his brother William, the distinction of being the only living pioneers of Mercer township. He was married July 8, 1858, to Miss Isabel A. Waddle, formerly of Marshall count\-. West Virginia. They have six children living : Ella J., aged twenty : Samuel Elsie, aged tifteen ; Orvill S.. aged eleven; Koland H. : Elsey Clyde, aged live : and Ralph Waldo, aged one year and a half. Mr. M. is a member of the Presbyterian church of Aledo. and politically is a republican.

Charles Fremont Careen was bom in Mercer county in 1851, being the second son of Thomas and Mary Cabeen. He spent the early poition of his life upon his fathers farm and going to school. About the year 1879 he went to Aledo and for a time kept the Aledo House, and in connection with his brother. W. A., was engaged in an agricultural implement store. At the death of his father in ISSO he took charge of the farm, which he still manages and controls. Politically Mr. Cabeen is an independent democrat.

James L. Bentley was born in Trumbull county. Oliio. February 27. 1832, and was the eldest son of Elim and Rachel (Dilley) Bentley. His father being a fanner, he was raised upon a farm, where liis life was passed until his twenty-first year. He then emigrated to Mercer county and engaged in teaching school, at which occupation he continued till eleven years had passed, mostly in Ohio Grove township, district Xo. 3. At the expiration of this time he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in 1862 buving the place where he now resides, some three miles southeast of Aledo. This he has greatly improved and added to, and now, retired from active life to some extent, enjoys his well earned plenty. He was man-ied September 23, 1853, to Miss Xancy Smith, whose parents were among the earliest settlers of

Merceb Towxship

Mercer county. He has three children : the eldest, Charles E.. twentrfour years of age, is engaged in teaching and farming, making his home at his father's ; a daughter, Minnie E., aged nineteen, and a son, George S., aged fourteen. Mr. Bentley is a member of the masonic order, and by political faith is a republican.

Maktln" L. Cofflaxd was bom in Jetferson countv. Ohio, Februarv 11. 1S51. being the youngest son of Launcelot and Eliza CotHand. Mr. ColHand spent his early life farming in Jefferson and Belmont counties, Ohio. In the year 186S he came west and worked upon a farm most of the time for ten vears in TTarren counts-, when he settled in Mercer county, where he now resides, live miles east of Aledo. He was married February 21, 1S72, to Miss Phcebe J. Finley, of Warren county, and has three children : Mary Grace, aged seven years. Rose Anna, aged two, and Orion Finley. bom April 10, 1882. Mr. Cotfland and wife are members of the United Presb\-terian churc-h of Aledo. !Mr. ColHand is a republican.

Jacob Wils< "X Unaxgst was bom in TTarren county, Xew Jersey, May 13, 1819. Mr. I nangst passed his early life working on his father's farm. He left the farm and worked upon the Morris canal until 1815. when he was appointed as inspector of its west division. In this capacity he served till 1850. when he came to Mercer county and settled in Oliio Grove towhship. where he remained farming till April, 1882. He then bought the Bauer hotel in Aledo. over which he now presides, having changed its name to the Commercial House. Mr. Unangst was married in March, 1841, to Miss C. Gaston, of Warren county. Xew Jersey, and has three children, who are all grown and settled : Mrs. Margaret A. Pollock lives in Ringgold county. Iowa, and Daniel M.. who is a carpenter by trade, resides in Aledo, making his home with his father.

SxowDEx K. White was bom August 2. 1855, in Greene county, Pennsylvania. His parents' names were Isaac and Lydia (^Tustin) White. His father was a millwright. Snowden K. came to Mercer county ti-om Pennsylvania in 1877. where he soon started quite extensively in the ditchint; and house moving business. Starting with his brother, he at this time ran his business alone, and during the year 1881 cut over 50.CK)0 rods of ditch in Mercer and Warren counties, and moved upward of tifty houses. Mr. White is altogether a self-made man. and thousrh vounsr is a man of weiirht and standing, which his eneror^" and business talent deserve. He is a member of the Baptist church of Aledo. and a worker in the choir and Sabbath school. Politicjilly he is a democrat fatlier was a river man, taking liis first trip up tlie Mississippi bj steam from New Orleans, The subject of this sketch lived upon the farm of his father during boyhood, and spent his life upon the farm. He settled upon the farm on which he still lives in Mercer county, on March 1, 1856. The land was raw prairie at that time, but is now one of the fine farms of the many in the county. Mr. Lair was married August 26., 1847, to Miss Sarah E. Rose, of Fayette county, Indiana, and has had four children : Mrs. Emily Alice, wife of Richard Lemon, Millersburg township, now deceased ; a son, William W. , who lives on the next farm to his father; a daughter, Martha A., born in 1854, now deceased ; and a daughter, Flora Luellen, married to Mr. Roe Vincent, of Mercer township. Mr. Lair has for many years held the offices of road commissioner and school director. He is a member of the masonic order and a republican.

Henry Np:sBiTr. Mr. Nesbitt was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, October 5, 1834. His parents were Jonathan and Mary (McClure) ISTesbitt. His father was a blacksmith by trade, and onr subject passed most of his life upon a ferm ; emigrating to Illinois in 1855, and settling in Mercer county in 1857. He bought the farm upon which he lives in 1871, and by hard work and energy made it what it now is, one of the best improved farms in the county. His dwelling is second to none in the county for comfort, style, and choice of location, standing as it does upon an eminence which commands a view of the country for miles around. Mr. Xesbitt was married in 1861 to Harriet Smith, of Mercer townshi]), and has five children: Mary J. , aged seventeen ; Lula, aged thirteen ; Minnie, aged nine ; Myrtle, aged seven ; and Harry, aged one year. Mr. Nesbitt is director of school district No. 6, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Aledo, and politically is a republican.

Joseph Oscar Lundblad was born in Sweden, December 4, 1823, and landed in New York September 2(», 1852. He came west to Princeton, Illinois, and soon after moved to Rock Island, and finally settled in Aledo in 1869. He learned the shoemaker's trade in the old country, and has been engaged in the boot and shoe business ever since coming to America. He was married April 27, 1848, to Miss Sophia Gustaver, of Sweden, and they have three children living: George Oscar, aged twenty-three, who is in business with his father, and two daughters, Hilma Maria, aged twenty-one, and Hulda Christina, aged eighteen. Mr. Lundbland is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church of Aledo, and for many years was an officer of that church, and is also a member of the masonic and odd-fellows' orders. Politicallv he is a democrat.

Mercer Townshu'

Washington Boone, grocer, was born in Medina coimtv, Ohio, February 22, 1837. His parents' names were Hezekiali and Sarah A. Boone. He left Ohio with his parents in 1848, they settling in Illinois, in the southern portion of which they lived for some two years, when in 1850 they moved to Mercer county. At that time there were not more than a dozen families in the township. The subject of this sketch was raised upon a farm, but learned the shoemaking trade, at which he worked for many years, when he embarked in trade, being now engaged in the grocery business. He was married February, 1867, to Miss Belinda Baxtev, and they have had two children : Wm., aged fourteen, and Lois, aged twelve years. Mr, B, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and politically a republican ; he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont.

George A. Wright, the only son of Horace E. and Harriet (Jewel) Wright, was born August 10, 1849, in Rock Island, Illinois, being the first male child born in that city. He has lived in Mercer county nearly all his life, attended common school, and spent most of his life upon a farm. The last five years he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits. In February, 1882, he embarked in the flower and seed trade in Aledo. Politically he is a rejjublican.

Hon. John C. Pepper was born in Cambridgeshire, England, September 21, 1829. His parents were Charles A. and Susan Pepper, He left England when seven years of age with his parents in a sailing vessel, and after being seven weeks and three days out of sight of land landed in New York. His parents settled in Amboy, Oswego county, Xew York ; his father was a silversmith by trade. Mr. Pepper's boyhood was passed at home with his parents until his sixteenth year, when he entered Vernon academy, at Vernon, New York, where he attended two years. He then went to the Wayne county institute, where he attended three summers, teaching school in the winter, until 1848, when his health failed to such a degree that he came west with no expectation of ever regaining it. He staid one year in Peoria, and then came to Mercer county, first settling in Keithsburg, where he was admitted to the bar. He then came to Aledo, where he has since remained in the practice of his profession. Mr. P. was married in January, 1851, to Miss Mary A. Martin of Mercer county, and they have four children living : Helen, married to Frank Martin, an attorney of Falls City, Nebraska, three other daughters. Bertha, Norma and Mabel being at home ; three children died when young. Islr. Pepper is the president of the Illinois state temperance union, and an active worker in the cause. By political faith he is a democrat.

vania. His father's name was David Frew, and his mother's maiden name was Mary Jordan. His father was a mechanic. Mr. F. spent his youth imtil his seventeenth year chiefly in attending the public schools and St. Clair academy. At the age of seventeen he began to teach the public school at Noblestown, Allegheny county, which occupation he alternated with attending college, first at Duquesne at Pittsburgh, and afterward at Jefl^'erson at Cannonsburg, till 1854, when he became principal of the South Pittsburgh public schools, where he remained one year. For four years, from 1S55 to 1858, he was principal of the Birmingham public school. In tliQ summer of 1855 he made a trip west and bought the land which he subsequently improved, which is situated in Greene township, Mercer county, five miles east of Aledo, and which he still owns. At the close of 1858, on account of ill health, he was obliged to resign his school and spent the summer of 1859 at the seashore trying to regain his health. In the spring of 1860 he came to Mercer county, and, after spending a year as tutor in a family, was elected to the oftice of county surveyor, which ofiice he held for fourteen years. In 1879 he was appointed deputy county surveyor, which office he still holds. From 1862 to the present time he has been engaged in engineering, surveying and attending to his farm, which he uses chiefly for stock raising. He was married in 1870 to Miss Lydia J. Taylor of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, at that time locating in the home he now occupies adjoining the town of Aledo. Mr. Frew is a member and a trustee of the United Presbyterian church of Aledo, and politically is a republican.

Alexander M. Woods was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in December, IS-iO. He came to Mercer county with his parents at the age of seven years. His parents settled on a farm about ten miles south of Aledo, where they remained about two years and then moved to Aledo. Mr. Woods attended the public schools, and learned the painter's trade, which occu})ation he still follows. With the exception of one year passed in the west, Mr. Woods has lived in Mercer county. He is a prominent man in musical circles. He has been leader of the Congregational church for nearly ten years. He was a member of the Aledo cornet band for several years, and was a member of the Woods Bros', male quartette during the existence of that organization, and has been the recognized leader of vocal music of Aledo for many years. Politically he is a democrat.

C. F. TuEDE, carriagemaker and blacksmith, was born in Hamburg, Germany, in April, 1832. He landed in New ^'ork in 1852, and shortly afterward settled in JNIichigan, where he had relatives. In 1856die moved to Rock Island and went into business. He lived tliere till ISTO, when he came to Aledo, where he still remains, carrying on the carriage-making business with his son Christian. Mr. Tliede was married in 1854 to Miss Laura Ilerhst, a native of Berlin, Prussia. They have had twelve children, ten of whom are living and two dead. Mr. Thede and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church of Aledo, and politically Mr. Thede is a democrat.

Jkssk Maekee was born in Allegany county, Maryland, in 1820; his father was a farmer. When Mr. Markee was a small child his parents moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, where they lived a few years. The elder Markee then moved to Belmont county, Ohio, and a few years after the subject of this sketch moved back to ^Muskingum county, upon the fai-m his father had occupied. Here he stayed till 1842, when he came west and stayed about a year and a half in Iowa, when he returned to Ohio. He remained in Ohio till 1853, when he came to Mercer county, Illinois, which was then very thinly settled. When in Iowa, about 1843, Mr. Markee witnessed, at an old trading house near Eddyville, the last treaty with the Indians, there being 2,700 red men present. Mr. Markee, though raised upon a farm, worked for about ten years at the carpenter trade. W^hen he came to Illinois he bought 240 acres of land in Ohio (rrove townshij), which he farmed till 1872, when he came to Aledo and engaged in buying and shipping stock. About 1875 Mr. Markee, together with Mr. Pichey and Mr. Spicer, built the Aledo machine shops, and started to manufacture farm implements. He was afterward for several years engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Markee and Mr. Dunlap, while in the grocery business, bought the lot and put up the building known as Union Hall, together with its store rooms. Mr. Markee then went out of trade, and has since been engaged in looking after the interests of his farm. He was married in 1849 to Miss Sarah Bevin, of Muskingum county, Ohio, and they have had five children, the eldest of whom are dead. Of the living, Mary E. is married to Pev. M. C Bolon, of ( 'arthage, Illinois ; Nira L. is married to Prof Silas Montz, of Dixon, Illinois ; and the youngest, a son, J. N. Markee, is employed in the drug store of Dr. Johnston, of Aledo. Mr. Markee is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Aledo ; is a member of the masonic fraternity, and politically is a republican.

Dk. George Irvin was born December 25, 1825, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was the son of John and Mary (Young) Iiwin. E[e spent his early life on his father's tarm, and received an academic education. In 1852, he commenced reading medicine with Dr. Thomas Maybon, at Jacksonville, Pennsylvania, and attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from 1853 to 1855 ; 3.") taking his degree as M.D. in March of the latter year. After gi-aduating lie practiced at Prospect, Butler county, Pennsylvania, for a year and a half; at Plumville, Indiana county, for over a year; and at Jacksonville, where he had studied medicine, for about a year and a half In May, 1S59, he removed to Aledo, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice, enjoying the confidence and esteem of all. He owns and occupies one of the best and most commodious residences in town, and has surrounded himself and family with all the modern conveniences and luxuries. He also owns a large farm near town, besides other town property. He has been twice married, and has, by his first wife, four children : Anna, Frank, Jessie and George. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has been for many years a deacon or elder therein. As a physician and surgeon he holds a deservedly high reputation throughout the country tributary to Aledo and among the brothers of his profession. He is the oldest resident physician in practice in Aledo.

Among the many citizens of other states who formerly resided in this county there are a few who desire to live over their early life by perusing the pages of this history, and of the number is Jesse W. McPhereen, of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born in Jefterson county, Indiana, February 1, 1847, and is the son of James McPherren, who still resides in this county. His father was born June 7, 1808, in Pennsylvania ; his mother, April 1, 1805, in Rockbridge county, Virginia. The family removed to Ohio Grove township, this county, in 1855. His mother died August 18, 1858, and was buried in the Candor cemetery, in that township, leaving a husband, four daughters and six sons. Jesse was educated in the public schools, principally at winter terms. His youth was spent in Grant county, Indiana, Mercer county, Illinois, and Muskingum county, Ohio, mostly on a farm, until the age of fifteen, when he enlisted in Co. K, 87th Ohio Vol. Inf., for three months ; was captured at the surrender of Harper's Ferry, Virginia, September 17, 1862 ; was paroled and returned to Ohio ; was discharged October 3, 1862. He returned to Mercer county, and spent the next summer on a farm near Aledo, and on November 4, 1863, enlisted in Co. C, 11th 111. Cav., at Quincy, Illinois, for three years ; joined his regiment in the rear of Vicksburg in the following December, and remained with it in Tennessee and Mississippi until the close of the war, when it was mustered out of the service at Springfield, Illinois, October 13, 1865. He is one of six of one family who served in the late war ; His father, James McPherren, enlisted in Co. A., 30th 111. Inf., in 1861, and was discharged for disability in 1862. His four brothers served as follows : James C, in Co.

C, 35th 111. Inf.; (Te(.r<i:e uiul John S., in Co. II., 84th 111. Inf.; and Andrew M. in !>th 111. Cav. Of the six all returned home but (xeorge, who fell at Murfreesborough, Tennessee, January 1, 1863. After leaving the service Jesse returned to Mercer county, in October, 1865, but did not remain long. During the next few years he resided in a number of places : Newago county, Mich.; Boone county, Iowa; Cheyenne, and Bridger's Station, AVyoming Territory ; Faii*field, Iowa ; and St. Charles, Mo., returning to this county fre([uently. In 1870, he went south, and on December 31 of tliat year landed at Wessen, Mississippi, where he remained until 1873, when he spent a few months in Kentucky, returning to Wessen in November. January 7, 1874, he met with an accident in the machine shops of that place, causing the loss of his left eye. Was married October 15, 1871, in Wesson ; lost his eldest child in July, 1881, and his wife in August, 1881. He has one child, a boy, aged four, and is again married. In 1881, he removed to Little Bock, Ai-kansas, where he is now engaged in the drug business, and has secured a large and lucrative custom. He was elected mayor of Wesson, Mississippi, in 1875, and re-elected in 1877 ; belongs to the Presbyterian church, the Masons, Odd-Fellows and Knights of Pythias. His life has been one of constant labor ; he has been a farmer, merchant, engineer ; has engaged in saw-milling and railroading, and is now settled as a druggist. While in some of these he has lost, he has, as a whole, been successful, and is now in comfortable circumstances. He still cherislies a warm feeling for his old home and friends in Mercer county.

LuciEN B. Doughty, son of Rev. Thomas L. and Mary J. Doughty, was born March 28, 1841, in Knightstown, Henry county, Indiana. The life of Mr. Doughty has been one of activity and large experience. He lacked six years of having attained his manhood when with his father's consent he started out into the world, to battle with its hardshi|)S singlehanded, not only to make a living for himself but to assist his father, which he did by turning over to him his small wages. The family had moved to Xew Boston in 1843, wdien Lucian was two years old, and here he received such education as the schools and his limited time afforded. He improved his time then and since, as is evidenced by some very acceptable articles contributed to this work. In the fall of 1851 the family moved to the northwest corner of Warren county, and in 1856 Lucien beiJ:an active life as intimated above on a farm. A year later he entered the "Record" otHce at Aledo to learn the printer's trade, in which business he has been constantly engaged with the exce])tion of a few imjiortant years, as hereafter noted. In 1859 he was working on the Geneseo ''Republic," and ne.xt year went to Des

Moines, Iowa (1S60), and worked on the Iowa State "Eegister," part of the time on local work. The alarm of war had scarcely been sounded Avhen Mr. Doughty entered the ranks as a soldier for the purpose of assisting in rebuking rebellion, and enlisted in Co. E, 4th Iowa Inf., Capt. H. il. Griffith, Col. G. M. Dodge. He had nearly served out his tenn of three years when he re-enlisted as a veteran in January,

1865, having served his country and braved the dangers and hardships incident to war over four years. His experience as a soldier can be gathered from a brief mention of the marches and engagements of the regiment to which he belonged. From St. Louis, their starting point, they went "to EoUa, Missouri ; then to Pea Ridge and Helena, Arkansas ; thence with Sherman at Walnut Hills, Arkansas Post, and back to Yicksburg ; with (xrant to Jackson, Mississippi ; in the siege of Yicksburg ; back to Jackson ; with Sherman, under John A. Logan, from luka to Chattanooga; with Hooker in the ''tight above the clouds "" ; at Lookout ^fountain. Mission Ridge and Ringgold ; thirty days at home in the spring of 1864 on veteran's furlough ; again with Sherman from Chattanooga, Atlanta, and the march to the sea; thence through the Carolinas and tinally to AYashington to participate in the grand review. May 23, 1865. To look at the little man it seems a wonder that he could go through so much. In all he was in fortythree engagements and escaped without a wound. After the war he was for a time in Richmond, Indiana, and in Dayton, Ohio. From May, 1S66, to May, 186", he published the ''Democrat" at Eaton, Ohio, and in the fall of the last mentioned year removed to Des Moines, Iowa, and the next year to Rolla, Missouri, where he edited the Rolla "Herald.'' In 1869 he got back to his old stamping ground, Aledo, and worked nearly four years in a carriage shop. At the end of this time he again entered the "Record " office, where he has since been engaged. August 16, 1866, he was married to Miss Fannie E. Hayes, of Eaton. To them was born one son, James Henry. June 10, 1867, and on August 12, 1869, his -jyife died and on the next day his S(m. July 16, 1871, Mr. Doughty was again married, this time to Clara D. Pennell, of Rock Island. To them three children have been born : Josie Amelia, born January 8, 1873 ; Charles Eli, February 2, 1875. and Clara Emma, March 18, 1878 (died April 19, 1878).

Francis Lemon, jeweler, is the fourth son of William and Ellen (Lockhart) Lemon, of Mercer county. He was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, in December, 1849, came west with his parents in 1852, and settled in Perryton township, ]\Iercer county. He received a common school education, and remained on liis father's farm till

1874, when he came to Aledo and embarked in the grocery business, which he followed about one year. Mr. Lemon being a natural mechanical genius, had spent his leisure time while on the farm in learning the watchmaking trade, and in the fall of 1876 he opened up business in the jeweh-y line in Aledo, where, by care and attention to business, he has built u]) a good trade in his line.

Louis D. IIoLMKs, attorney, was born July 24, 1S47, in Adams county, Ohio. He was the eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Traber) Holmes, both of whom were natives of Adams county, Ohio. He spent his early life upon a farm, and working in a saw mill until his nineteenth year. He received a common school education, and in addition graduated at Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, where he took his degree in 1868. He came west in April, 1869, and entered the law office of Bassett ife Connell ; was admitted to the bar in August, 1871, and has practiced his profession in Aledo ever since. He was married in May, 1872, to Miss C. AV. Campbell, of Ripley, Ohio, and has two children. Mr. Holmes is a prominent member of the Ba])tist church, also a member of the board of trustees of the town of Aledo, and politically is a republican.

Dr. D. R. Johnstox was born August 21, 1842, in Logan county, Ohio, he being the third son of Rev. Dr. J. B. Johnston, of the United Presbyterian church. He received his education at Geneva (College, Ohio, and attended both the medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati and Rush Medical College of Chicago, taking his degree as M.D. from the latter institution, in 1S65. At the breaking out of the war he entered the army with the 17th reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and in 1864 was appointed by Gov. Morton assistant surgeon of the 1st Indiana heavy artillery. He practiced medicine in Indianapolis from 1865 to 1868, when he was appointed by the board of foreign missions of the Ignited Presbyterian cliurch as medical missionary to Egypt, where he spent eight years, part of which time he was president of the training college at Osiout, upper Egypt. The doctor returned to the United States in the spring of 1876, and in the fall of that year located in Mansfield, Ohio, where he remained till April 1, 1881. In the summer of 1881 he came to Aledo and bought the drug store of Dr. J. M. Wallace, and entered upon tlie practice of his profession. He was married December 25, 1868, to Miss Maggie J. Stewart, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, and has had four children, of whom two died in Egypt and two are living. Dr. Johnston is a member of the United Presbyterian church of Aledo, and superintendent of its Sabbath school, and by political ftiith is a republican.

county. He is the oldest son of Rev. Jos. K. and Elizabeth (McCoy) AVhithani. He is a graduate of the Aledo academy, and attended college at Battle Creek, Michigan, for two years, and since returning fi'oin that institution has been engaged in teaching in Mercer county. He is at present principal of the grammar department of the public schools of Aledo, and is president of the Mercer County Teachers' Association.

Luke Strong, photographer, was born in Clarendon, Rutland county, Vermont, in 1825. His parents were Luke and Esther (Call) Strong. AYhen he was two years of age his parents moved to Indiana and settled near Indianapolis ; and in 1839 they again moved westward and settled in Galesburg, Illinois. Mr. Strong graduated from Knox College, Galesburg, in 1850, when he went to Pottsdam, Xew York, and read law for a year ; thence going to Oquawka, where he taught school for two years. He then embarked in the photograph business at the latter place, where he remained for twenty-one years. In April, 1874, he came to Aledo and engaged in business, building the large gallery which he now occupies. He was married in 1855 to Miss Ann McKinney, eldest daughter of John McKinney, of Aledo ; has two children (boys) living, Fred H. and Geo. McK., who are both graduates of the Aledo high school. Mr. Strong is a member of the masonic fraternity, and politically a republican.

Dr. James A. Campbell, dentist, was born in 1855, in Brown county, Ohio, the only son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Williams) Campbell. He spent his boyhood upon the farm of his father, until the year 1873, wlien for two years he attended the Aledo academy. He began the study of dentistry with Dr. E. B. David in 1875, with whom he remained one year, and then went to Philadelphia, where he attended the Philadelphia Dental College three terms. In the spring of 1877 he returned to Aledo and opened a dental office. In September, 18T8, he removed to Creston, Iowa, where he ])racticed his profession two years, and again returned to Aledo and opened the office which he occupies at ]:)resent in his practice. Dr. Cam])bell was married, Xovember 15, 1880, to Miss Laura E. Mentzor, of Aledo.

. George M. Cool, druggist, was born in Aledo, September 28, 1858, and is the second son of Jacob and Margaret (McEowen) Cool. He received his education in the public schools of Aledo, and in his seventeenth year commenced learning the drug business with James M. Macy, lately deceased. He has remained ever since in the same situation, Mrs. James M. Macy (sister of Mr. Cool) owning the store, and Mr. Cool doing the business.

ISJrT ; he is the sec<md son ofJohii and Nancy Ramsey. He attended school at Cadiz till his fourteenth year, when he was apprenticed to G. B. Barrett, jeweler, of Cadiz, and served six years, when he went into business for himself. He remained in Cadiz for two years, when he sold out his business and went to Freeport, Pennsylvania, where he remained one year, and then went to Greencastle, Indiana, and was there about one year when he came to Aledo, where he commenced business in May, 1871, and where he now remains. Mr. Ramsey was married February 29, 1870, to Miss Sallie AV^illson, eldest daughter of J. M. Willson, Esq., of Aledo, and has two small children.

J(»iix F. McBridk, dealer in dry goods, was born November 23, 1853, in Ohio Grove townshii), Mercer county; he is the eldest son of J. C. and H. E. (Williams) McBride. He came to Aledo in 1870, and began his business career as clerk in the dry goods house of Poage & Senters, in January, 1871, in which capacity he remained till the year 1877, when he embarked in trade for himself in the dry goods business in partnership with Geo. P. Graham. In the fall of 1880 he bought out his partner's interest and has been since in business for himself. Mr. McBride was married May 13, 1879, to Miss Edna D. Kirlin, of New Boston. He is a member of the masonic fraternity, and by political faith a rejniblican.

Rkv. Thomas B. Ti-rnuull was born April 27, 1847, in Warren county, Illinois ; his parents were David and Nancy (]\Iitchell) Turnbull. His boyhood was passed upon the farm of his father, the management of which devolved upon him at the age of sixteen by reason of the enlistment of his three older brothers in the army at the beginning of the war of the rebellion. In 1863 he entered Monmouth College and gi-aduated from that institution in June, 1870. He spent the next three years in studying theology, attending the United Presbyterian Theological Seminary at Monmouth two years, and the Allegheny City Seminary one year, and was licensed to ])reacli August, 1872. Receiving a call the same year from the United Presbyterian congregation of Aledo, which was accepted, he was ordained and installed ])astor thereof in April, 1873 ; of this church he is the present pastor. ]\Ir. Turnbull was married April 24, 1873, to Miss Jean M. Home, of Monmouth, Illinois, and has three children living : Willie, David and Susie, aged six years, four years, and eight months, respectively. His eldest child, a daughter, died at the age of seven years.

M. F. Felix, dealer in dry goods, was born in March, 1828, in eastern Pennsylvania, and is the youngest son of Francis and Rose A. Felix. His boyhood, till his seventeenth year, was passed upon the farm of his father, at which period he was a})prenticed to the cabinet maker's trade, at which lie served his time, and for which services he never received a dolhir of pay. Mr. Felix came west about the year 1847, and settled for a time in Iowa City, Iowa, from where he went to Qunicy, Illinois, and worked at his trade a short time, and went to Indiana. He came back to Illinois, and about the year 1850 or 1851, went into the dry goods business in Rock Island county, where he remained till 1876, when he came to Aledo and established himself in his present location and business. Mr. Felix was married in 185-1, to Miss Eliza Yanatta, of Illinois City, Rock Island county, Illinois, and has four children : Rose, Benjamin (who is married to Miss Clara Woods, and is in business with his father), Emma, and Lizzie. Mr. Felix belongs to the masonic fraternity, is president of the board of trustees of Aledo, and politically is a republican.

Tyler McWhorter was born in Steuben county, New York, August 29, 1815. His parent's names were James and Anna (Parker) McWhorter. His ancestry on his lather's side was Scotch. The name of Tyler was given him by reason of the fact that his grandmother, whose maiden name was Tyler, was iirst cousin of president John Tyler, of Yirginia. Mr. McWhorter never had the advantage of a regular college course of education, but his leisure hours, both in his early and later life, were devoted to a studious and searching course of reading. At the age of twenty-one he went to Branch county Michigan, where he followed school teaching, and during two years had charge of the public school of Coldwater, the county seat of Branch county, Michigan. While engaged in teaching he applied his leisure time to a close study of higher mathematics, and was subsequently elected county surveyor of Branch county. He married his first wife in Michigan, in May, 1842. She was a woman of culture, though of a delicate physical organization. In the spring of 1 845 he mo'V'ed from Michigan to Illinois, and located in Duncan township, Mercer county, three miles west of Millersburg, and engaged in horticulture. His nurseiy, under the name of "Pome Roy Nursery," became extensively known and patronized. At his Pome Roy place, he raised an extensive market orchard, which is the largest in the county. His horticultural business alibrded an ample field of investigation for the inquiring proclivities of his mind. During the early years of his residence in Mercer county, Mr. McWhorter was elected school commissioner of the count}^ an office which he held for two successive terms. Also, while a resident of Duncan township, he held for twenty years the office of township treasurer. Mr. McWhorter, by his first wife, had three children, all of whom are living in Iowa. He married his present wife August, 185*J, her maiden name was Clara M. Luce. Of this union tliere is one child, a boy, Laon A. McWIiorter, now twenty years of age, who lives with his parents. In the spring of 1869, Mr. McWhorter moved from his Pome Roy place to his present location, one mile south of Aledo. Mr. McW. has been connected with the horticultural societies of the State for nearly thirty years. In 1869, he presided over the State Horticultural Society of Illinois, and in 1873 presided over the northern state society. Mr. JMcAVhorter is continually a student of nature. What time he could spare from secular business has been devoted to scientific investigation; allowing himself also some time to travel, he made a trip to Yicksburg during the war, and has since made an extensive tour of the southern states. He has been for eleven years a member of the "American Association for the Advancement of Science," in attending the annual meetings of which he has had occasion to visit various parts of the United States and Canada. He is also a member of the State Natural History Society, of Illinois. Mr. McWIiorter, though now in his sixty-eighth year, is in complete possession of all his natural strong faculties of both mind and body, is hale and hearty and thoroughly enjoys life.

Milton S. Boise was born in Burgettstown, Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1827 ; came west in 1854, and settled in Geneseo, Henry county, Illinois, and went into the grocery business, which he carried on for some three or four years, when, after spending a year or so looking up a favorable place for business, he came to Aledo, and went into the book and news business, the first house of. that character started in the place. This business he cariied on for over two years, when he started a soap factory, and also a wholesale grocery, queensware and notion store, which business he is now engaged in, running two store rooms in different parts of the town. Mr. Boise was married in 1846 to Miss Rebecca Mitchell, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. They have two children living, Joseph, aged twenty-two, and Horace, fourteen. Mr. Boise is a trustee of the congregational church of Aledo, is a member of the masonic fraternit}', and in politics is a member of the democratic party.

Dr. E. B. David, dentist, was born in Ontario county, New I'ork, June 8, 1835 ; his parents were Uri and Catharine David, and they moved to Michigan w^hen he was three years old and settled in Jackson county. The doctor remained in Michigan till the spring of 1858, when he came to Mercer countv. In 1853 he began the studv of dentistry wnth Dr. M. S. Dean, of Marshall, INfichigan, now of Chicago. Dr. David entered the union army during the war of the rebellion. He enlisted August 12, 1861, in the 3()th 111. Inf , and served three years and three months. His army experience embraced the engage- ments of Belmont, Fort Donelson, siege of Corinth, Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson (Mississippi), Champion Hill, Yicksbnrg, and siege of Atlanta. He was mnstered out at Chattanooga, Tennessee, October 17, 1804, with the rank of captain, in command of com])any A, 30th 111. Inf He then came back to Mercer county and settled in Kew Windsor, where he owned a farm, working at dentistry part of the time. Here he remained till November, 1873, when he came to Aledo and commenced his practice, and where he now remains, the senior partner of the iirm of David & Coulson. Dr. David was a member of the Aledo town board of trustees for four terms, from 1876 to 1880, during the last two years serving as president of the body. He has been a member of the county agricultural board for nine years, and is a member of the state board of agriculture. Dr. D. was married September 1, 1862, to Miss Lizzie Woodham, of New Windsor, and has live children. He is a membei- of the Baptist church, and by political faith is a republican,

William Anderson Cole was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1847, and is the son of Aaron and Mary Ellen Cole. He lived in Brown county, Ohio, till he was twenty-two years of age, working on a farm during his boyhood (going to school during the winter), up to the period of his removal. He settled in Yiola, Mercer county, in 1871. He was the iirst colored man who drove the United States mail in the State of Illinois, he being so engaged during the years 1872 and 1873. He came to Aledo and commenced working at the barber trade in 1874, still carrying on the business under the firm name of Cole tt Wade. He was married in 1872, to Miss Catharine Glasscock, and they have three children living. Mr. Cole puts himself on record as a member of the republican party.

John Webster Dilley was born in Mercer county in January, 1840. His parents, William and Eliza (Moorehead) Dilley, were among the early settlers of Mercer county. The subject of this sketch spent most of his life upon a farm, and was so engaged upon the breaking out of the war, when, on July 24, 1862, he enlisted in the army in Co. H, 84tli 111. Inf. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout mountain, Mission Ridge, siege of Chattanooga, Ringgold, Georgia, campaign of Atlanta, Franklin, and jSTashville, and was mustered out June 8, 1865, at Nashville, Tennessee. In 1869 he was elected county clerk, and held that office four years ; for a short time after this he was engaged in the grocery business, and again went upon the farm and spent several years, when he finally removed to Aledo. He filled the office of deputy sherili' of the county for two years, after which he was elected justice of the peace, which office he still retains, and is also clerk of tlie town of Aledo. He w-as married in October, 1805, to Miss Mary J. Hose, and has tliree children. Ho is a member of the rcpublicaji party.

Bex.iamix F. Thompson was born in Clinton countv, Ohio, March 28, 1829, he being the youngest son of Dr. A. W. and Elizabeth (Scai^ff) Thompson. When a child his parents moved to Lawi*enceburgh, Indiana, where they lived several years, and then moved back to Xenia, Ohio, where his father practiced his profession till his death. When about sixteen years old Mr. Thompson went to Washington C. H., Ohio, and clerked in a dry goods store for six years, when he came west and settled in Xew Boston, Mercer county, Blinois, where he formed a partnership wntli his brother-in-law, J. C. Bell, in the dry goods and pork packing business. In this business he continued until 1859, when he sold his interest to his partner. Under the first administration of President Lincoln Mr. Thompson was appointed postmaster of Kew Boston and held the office for about eight years, when he resigned, and in 1871 came to Aledo and went into his present business of real estate dealer and collector. He has been in Aledo since the above date wath the exception of a year's absence in 1875 which he spent in Los Angelos, California. Mr. Thompson was married in 1858 to Miss Josie C. Denison, of New Boston. They have had four children, only one of whom is living, a son eleven years of age. Politically Mr. Thompson is a democrat.

lx¥.v. John T. Hote was born in Trigg county, Kentucky. April fi. 1852, he being the second son of Henry and Elizabeth Hoye. He lett Kentucky with his parents when about seven years of age, they settling in northern Missouri, and living there till the close of the war, when they removed to Kansas City. Mr. Hoye had the advantage of the common schools in boyhood and in his twenty-third year entered the AVilliam Jewell College, of Liberty, Missouri, with a view of preparing himself for the ministry. He attended here for five years, when he entered the Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville, Kentucky, after attending wdiich for two years he began missionary work in Missouri, wdiere he labored a short time, and after preaching a short time in Reynolds, this state, he was called to preach for his present charge, the Baptist church of Aledo. Mr. Hoye was married June 29, 1881, to j^iss Lucy W. DeHoney, of Louisville, Kentucky.

J. M. AViLLis was born in 18-1:9 in Guernsey county, Ohio, and is the son of Robert and Prudence (Speai-) Willis. He left Guernsey county when nineteen years of age and went to Cass county, Missouri, where he fanned for six years. He tlu'n came to Mercer countv and went to farming, at which he continued for five years, when he was appointed superintendent of the Mercer county infirmary, wliicli position he now holds. Mr. Willis was married in 1872 to Miss Mary J. Ashmhurst, of Aledo. He is a member of the masonic order and politically is a republican.

Charles W. Detwiler was born and raised in Mercer county. He went to school in Aledo, and began learning the trade of a tinsmith with H. Holmes in 1872, with wliom lie worked four years, since which time he has been in business with his father and brother. The lirm of Detwiler Brothers was formed in 1881. Mr. Detwiler is a member of the Presbyterian church and a member of the citizens' cornet band of Aledo, and is a republican in politics.

Lewis Cass Detwiler was born June 1, 1860, and is the youngest son of Eli and Martha Detwiler of Aledo. He was born in Mercer county and went to the public schools of Aledo, learned his trade of tinsmith with his brother (Jharles, and entered tlie lirm of Detwiler Brothers as partner in 1881. The lirm do a general hardware, stove and tinware trade.

Samuel Brown, retired farmer, was born May To, 1823, in Breckinridge county, Kentucky. His parents, Alfred and Mary (Mordock) Brown, were born, raised and married in Kentucky. About 1830 they emigrated, making their homes in Knox county, Illinois, bringing their tive children: James K., Samuel, Harmon, Taylor, and William. In Knox county were born : Alfred T., Mary, Sally A., and Abigail. The elder Brown died in 1866. Mr. Brown was for a time in the Black Hawk war, receiving land as a reward. Samuel was reared on the farm, and in the rude log cabin. He was educated with his fellows in the log hall of learnhig. He was married June 1, 1854, to Caroline Grreenwood, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Legg) Greenwood. Her parents were early settlers of Suez township, Mercer.county. Mr. Brown settled in Suez township, purchasing a farm there. After selling and buying, etc., lie located in North Henderson, where he became owner of a half-section of good land. He sold and moved into Aledo in the spring of 1882. He is one of the many who have made farming a success, and has aided in reclaiming the soil from its wild state. His children are : Harmon G. (dead), Maxy (now Mrs. George G. Cheney), George E. (an Aledo liveryman). Grant, Mary E., Samuel T., and Katy G. Mr. Brown has property, in Aledo.

LoAMMi Brown, liveryman, is a son of Richard G. and Rebecca (Moore) Brown. Richard Brown was born in ( )hio, and his wife in Virginia. He became an early settler of Iowa. Loammi, the eldest of four children, was born in Iowa Territory, February 22, IS-tO. He enlisted in the civil war August 11, 1862, in company G, 121:th reg.

111. Vol. Inf., Ciipt. Sciuldcr and Vol. Sloan. He took ])art in many skirmishes and in the engagements of Port Gibson, Cham])i()n Hill, Black River, Fort Jackson, et al. lie served till July 17, 1865, when he was mnstered out at Hock Island. He resumed farming in Mercer county. He has also dealt heavily in stock-raising and trading. In November, 1875, he purchased the John S. Moore livery stables, and has since lived in Aledo, where he has a good i)roperty. In politics he is decidedly democratic. Mr. Brown was married November 12, 1865, to Amanda J. Melton, daughter of R. (1. and Susan Melton, of Mercer county. She is a native of Bock Island county, Illinois. They have had five children : Susie, Loammi, Jennie, Minnie, and Richard.

The broad domain of Illinois did not afford a more inviting spot to the eye of the early pioneer than the territory embraced within the lines of what is now known as Suez township ; consequently that ])ai't of Mercer county has kept pace with any part of the state in settlement, in thrift, and in religious and educational progress. Along the crystal streams that flow through the township an abundance of timber grew, and, underlying portions of the township, inexhaustible beds of coal are found. Back from the streams a beautiful expanse of fertile prairie greeted the eye of the observer ; and, shortly after the close of the Black Hawk war, the snug log cabin began to take the place of the Indian wigwam ; the white-topped wagon, the lowing of cattle, and the sound of the axe announced the fact that the day of civilization was dawning. Among the first to cast their lot in Suez township we find the following names: David Williams and George Blake came together from the State of Indiana in 1835, the former locating on the S. W. i of Sec. 22, and the latter on the S. E. i of Sec. 21. In the same year James Stewart and family, Robert Pollock and family, and William Moore and family came from the State of Ohio. Mr. Moore located on the N. E. J of Sec. 5, James Stewart on K. E. ^ of Sec. 21, Robert Pollock on the W. ^ of Sec. 27.

In 1835 Hanson Brown, formerly a resident of Kentucky, came and located on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 1. William Martin came in the same year, and located on the N. W. ^ of Sec. 5. In 183-1 James Baine entered a claim on the N. W. ^ of Sec. 29.

The first birtli in the township was the daughter of George Blake, who was born in 1835. Tlie first marriage occurred in the same year, the contracting parties being Robert Caldwell and Miss Mar}^ Pollock, The first death was that of Mrs. Preston, daughter of Robert Pollock, which occurred in 1841.

In 1837 Asa Ransom, a native of j^ew York, located on the S. W. J of Sec. 3. In 1838 John Mauk located half a mile north of Suez postofhce. In 1837 the Pease familj came and located on section 20. In 1840 John and William Lafferty came from Trumbull county, Ohio, the former locating on section 21 and the latter on section 22. In 1841 John Greenwood bought the claim owned by Henry B. Fleharty and located thereon. The Bridger family were also among the earliest settlers. William Moore was the first blacksmith in the township, and William Martin the first carpenter.

The only road laid out through the township, at the time of the earliest settlement, was one running from Macomb to Galena, which extended diagonally across it from the southeast to the northwest corner. The first bridge was constructed on North Henderson creek, where the Macomb and Galena road crossed it, in 1838 or 1839. The structure was built of oak logs, which were split and the fiat sides turned downward, the hollows on the top being filled with earth.

The first school-house in the township was erected by Robert Pollock, James Stewart, Samuel Shaw, and Mr. Pease in 1837, on the S. W. J of Sec, 21. This rude structure was built of logs, with a clapboard roof, doors of the same material, and puncheon floor. In this building the first religious services were held, the sermon being preached by a traveling minister of the Baptist persuasion. The first teacher to wield his hickory within the walls of this antiquated building was R. Caldwell.

The first postofiice was established at the residence of Moses Decker, on the ]Sr. E. J of Sec. 3, in 1840. The next one was established on the S. W. J of Sec. 22, and was called North Henderson, Robert Pollock officiating as postmaster. Later the name was changed to Norwood. In 1839 a saw mill was built by Pelatiah Pease on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 21 on the banks of North Henderson creek, being propelled by the waters of that stream. In 1873 a steam grist mill was built by C. S. Hart at Norwood.

Suez Toaatcsiiip

An abundance of timber grows along the banks of North Henderson creek, oak, hickory, walnut, linn, hard maple and elm being the predominant kinds. An occasional honey locust and cofiee tree may be seen. Wild crab apples, gooseberries, plums, grapes, strawberries and- blackberries, abounded in early times.

The settlers used farming implements that would bring a smile to the countenance of our modern farmers. Theii* plows had wooden mold-boards, and their harrows were all of wood. William Lafferty states that the tirst plow he used in the west was one with a wooden mold-board. He started in with the clumsy aflair, whei'e the weeds and prairie grass were higher than his head. He rooted along without regard to sectional lines, furrows, angles, or corners, and by night found lie had rooted over about twelve acres. The land appeared as if a drove of long-nosed hogs had been turned loose on it. IMr. Lafferty states that he planted his corn in it, but for reasons best known to himself did not return to look at it until after harvest.

The early settlers along Xorth Henderson creek did the principal part of their trading in Oquawka and Peoria. Grain was frequently hauled to Chicago, and sold at a very low price. Asa Ransom states that he once worked a week with a yoke of oxen to thresh out and haul to the house of his creditor a hundred bushels of oats, which went to liquidate a debt of five dollars. Dressed pork brought $1 to $1.50 per hundred. Mr. Ransom once gave 1,100 pounds of pork for a pair of pantaloons, after having hauled it to Rock Island.

This st)-ingencv in monetary afiairs existed from 1840 to 1848. During that period it was almost impossible for the fanners to get money with which to pay for their claims when the land came into market. Money was sometimes borrowed at fifty per cent, for this purpose.

Wolf hunts in early times were of frequent occurrence. Large numbers of the settlers would turn out on these occasions. They were carried on in the following manner: a meeting was called, captains elected, and a day chosen for the hunt. Every settler for miles around would generally be on hand, and every musket, shot-gun, rifle, and pistol was brought into requisition. The lines would form at a uniform distance from the appointed place, and at a given signal from their respective captains would advance, from all points of the compass, keeping time to the melodious nmsic of the hound and the hunts- man's bugle. The wolf, with his usual cunning, would usually make Ms escape, however, before the point was reached, and the hunt would prove fruitless so far as wolf-scalps were concerned.

On the niglit of August 10, 1851, a terrible wind and rain storm visited the southern part of the county, which, owing to its disastrous results, will long be remembered by those who witnessed it. For about four hours the rain fell in slieets ; every brook and rivulet was swelled into a mad, roaring torrent. The waters of IS^orth Henderson ci*eek rose about fifteen feet above their normal height. Every bridge, from its source to the Mississippi, was carried away before the rushing flood. This was the most severe tempest in the recollection of the oldest settlers. It is said that barrels standing in dooryards, away fi'om buildings, were actually filled with water.

The coldest winter in the recollection of the old residents was that of 18-12-43. On November 12 Jack Frost "came down from the north" and held high carnival until the following April. During the month of March the sun shone brightly every day, but so firm was the grasp of the winter king on the shrouded earth that its rays were without eftect.

Previous to April -1, 1854, this township was known by the name of Palmyra. It was ascertained however that the name of Palmyra had })reviously been conferred on another township and postoffice in the state, and consequently the name was abandoned and a new one substituted at the time of organization.

On the date above mentioned a meeting was held at the residence of Henry Bridger, at which the township was organized and officers elected. The names of the first ofiicers chosen are as follows : supervisor, Thomas Likely ; town clerk, John B. Hoag ; assessor, William Lafierty ; collector, F. M. Postlewaite ; overseei* of the poor, James E. Ray ; commissioners of highways, Harisoii Brown, John Lafierty, William McGreenwood ; justices of the peace, Robert Pollock, J. O. Edwards ; constables, David Molar, A. Trask.

Suez Postoffice

What is now known as Suez postoftice was established in 1842, Henry Bridger being the first postmaster. The ofiice was then known as Pope Creek, and still more generally known as Bridger's Corners.

In 1851 Asa Ransom erected a hotel building at the Corners, where for many years he did a thriving business. Towns being few and far between, emigrants on their way westward would always aim for Bridger's Corners, for a stopping place.

Samuel Shove opened the lirst store. He was succeeded by Mr. Turner, who was followed by Mr. Xourse. JVlessrs. Shaw, Mauk and Sedwick also did business successively at the Corners. James Page is now running a grocery, and is the ])resent ])ostmaster.

The school-house at Suez, commonly known as the "White Lilly'' school, was erected in 1851, a Miss Stuart, of Greene township, being the iirst teacher.

In August, 18S1, a band was organized at Suez, consisting ctf a few of the music-loving gentlemen of that locality. The names of the ])erformers are as follows: C. L. Ivans* )m, E flat cornet; John C. Bowers, B flat cornet; Charles Furr, B flat cornet; Ezra Ilartzell, flrst alto ; II. AVoltham, second alto ; P. F. Mauk, tenor ; J. Hughes, B Bass ; James Page, E flat tuba.

The above-named congregation was the outgrowth of a union of tlie "Associate " and "Associate Reform '' churches. In 1842, by order of the Associate Presbytery, of Iowa, the Bev. James G. Bruce preached in a small wooden house at the crossing of the roads one mile west of Norwood, which was then the residence of S. L. Brownh^e, and organized the Associate congregation, of Korth Henderson. The membership then numbered fifteen, whose names are as follows : James, Elizabeth, and Nancy Imbrie ; Robert and Mary Caldwell; John Humi)lireys and wife ; S. L. and Sarah Brownlee ; AVilliam and Mary Jane Caldwell; John W. and Sarah A. Caldwell, and Samuel and Maro-aret Graham. James Imbrie and Robert Caldwell were chosen elders.

For some time services were held in the little dwelling, excejit in pleasant weather, when the people would assemble under the trees to listen to the divine teachings. Lumber wagons drawn by oxen were the only conveyances. The men in checkered shirts and the women in plain calicoes came from far and near to listen to the teachings of the scripture. These were the men and women who paved the way for civilization, and made smooth the paths for those who were to follow. Should one of those humble worshipers enter a church in one of our towns or cities to-day, cold indeed would be the reception with which he would meet. The domed and frescoed ceiling, the rich carpets, the upholstered seats, the people in gaudy attire, and the great pipe-organ would present a strange scene to him, and we fear he would feel that he was not welcome there.

accepted. October 26, in that same little dwelling- in whicli the infant congregation was organized, lie was ordained, the brothers James and William Bruce, being the officiating ministers. The young pastor entered upon his (hities cheerfully, although the salary was -very small. The house in which he was obliged to live afforded a very poor shelter for his wife and little ones against the summer rains and winter blast. In the followina; year James Graham gave a lot from his farm recently purchased, and a number of able-bodied men turned out and erected a plain but comfortable dwelling thereon, and the pastor was soon occuppng more pleasant quarters.

An amusing anecdote is related of the reverend gentleman that is worth repeating. It was Saturday morning, as they supposed, wlien Mrs. French, having an errand to perform, went to a neighbor's house, and meanwhile her husband began some work on his lot. Imagine her sui-prise on being told on her arrival at the neighbor's that it was Sunday, and people were by that time seen wending tlieir way toward the church. She went home and informed her husband of the fact. He dropped his tools, donned his Sunday garments, and hastened to the church, where he found most of his congregatton waiting for services to begin.

In 1810 the first church building was erected, being two miles west and a mile south from Korwood. The place is still marked by the cemetery. At the end of four years Mr. French was at his own request released from the charge of the congregation. After a brief period of vacancy the congregations of South creek and Bethel were united with that of Xorth Henderson in one charge, and they united in a call for the pastoral services of the Rev. Nathaniel McDowel, which was accepted. His installation took place in the Smith creek church. In 1854 the pastoral relations were dissolved.

During the second period of vacancy, extending over almost two years and a half, a very decided current of emigration carried i)rosperity to the rising congregation. Eighty-seven names were added to its membership. In the month of September, 1866, a call was extended to the Rev. J. A. Edie, which was by him accepted, and on the following March he took charge of the congregation. At his ordination and installation, Revs. A. A. Rogers and John Scott, D.D., officiated.

The Associate Reformed Branch

In the early days of North Henderson 'there ap})eared many warm adherents of the Associate Reformed church. On May 12, 1856, the Rev. M, M. Bigger, by direction of the Associate Reformed Presbytery, of Monmouth, preached in the Associate Reformed church at Spring

Grove, where he organized the Associate Reformed churcli of Xorth Henderson, and twenty -one names were enrolled. ( )n the same day the Spring (xrove and Xorth Henderson congregations each extended a call for the half-time services of the Kev. J. (1 McKniijht, which was by him accepted, and in the following June he was installed in the united charge and entered upon his labors. This i)astorate was brief, ending in the release of Mr. McKnight from his charge in the month of March, 185S.

On June 14, 1858, a joint meeting of the Associate and Associate Reformed congregations of Xorth Henderson was held in the Associate church, at which it was agreed that the two congregations would unite in one organization, whicli has since been known as the United Presbvterian cl>urch.

After the union of the two branches it became necessary to erect a larger and more commodious church building. Accordingly during the summer of 1859 the neat. comfortal)le l)uilding, in which the congregation still worshi])S, was erected. The building is situated one mile west of Xorwood, is 45x72 feet in size, and cost about ^^5,000.

During the dark hours of the rebellion, that began soon after, the congregation gave their undivided support to the union cause. Many of its members bade farewell to friends and relatives, to the happy associations that made the old homes dear, and went forth to defend the principles they loved. Tlie gray-haired father and mother knelt under the roof of their cottage home and i)rayed for the success of the tlag, while their sons marched forth to tlie wild music of war, and gave U|» their lives in its defense.

Mr, Edie, the pastor, spent some time in the anny, administering to the spiritual wants of the soldiers in camp, and to the heroes as they laid mane:led and blackened on the field of battle.

Alter the close of the Avar Mr. Edie continued his labors for several years, but finally desiring to change the field of his labors, he offered liis resignation. Being strongly urged by his congregation to remain for a time, he decided to do so. In 1869 he again offered his resignation, which was reluctantly accepted. During the period of eleven years, through which Mr. Edie's pastorate extended, 388 persons were added to the roll of membership.

In April, 1872. a call was made to the Kev. J. M. French, which was accepted. He entered immediately upon his labors and had charge of the congregation three and a half years, during which time seventysix were added to the roll of membership. In June, 1876. the Kev. J, T. McCrory took charge of the congregation and was officially instiille(l in April, 1877, and was released in 1880.

In 18S1 the Rev. AY. A. Spalding began his hibors and was installed by the Eock Island Presbytery August 23 of the same year. In the past few years this congregation has greatly decreased in number, owing to the fact that many of the members have sought homes in the western states, but it is still one of the largest and most prosperous in the county.

The Sunday school in connection with the church is in a very prosperous condition, the average attendance being about one hundred. The land on which the church stands w^as donated bv David Molar. The parsonage stands one mile south of the church on land donated for the purpose by Thomas Likely.

The Cemetery

tJontiguous to the grounds owned by the Presbytei'ian church is located the Norwood cemetery. The first person buried here was a child of Alexander McKenstry in 1854.

The association which has this cemetery in charge was organized undei- the state law in 1877, and receiv-ed its charter in 1881. The present officers are : president, Thomas Likely ; secretary, George M. Evans ; treasurer, John Hutchison ; trustees, John Lafferty, J. D. Porter, William P. Morgan. The neatly kept grounds indicate the feeling of reverence and love entertained by the surrounding community for their departed dead.

The initiatory movement of organizing this society was made by the members of the Monmouth Presbyterian church, who resided in the vicinity of North Henderson. A meeting was called and held in a school-house on Section 29, on March 17, 1853. R. V. Mathews was chosen chairman, and J. D. Porter secretary.

It was unanimously agreed to petition Schuyler Presbytery to organize a church at Norwood, and J. D. Porter was selected to present the said petition. For some reason not shown by the records the church was not organized at that time.

In the spring of 1851, F. Postlewaite, S. R. Boggs and Thomas Likely were appointed a building committee, and a church building, for which purpose funds had already been raised, was begun. The committte contracted with Russell ct McFarland, of 0(piawka, Illinois, to erect a frame building, 36x10, which was to cost about $2,100. The building was begun in tlie fall of 1S51 aiul completed in the spring of 1855. In that year, a petition, signed by tliirty-six membei's of the Presbyterian cluircli, and eleven ])ersons who were members of no denomination, was presented to the Presbytery of Schuyler, which met in Knoxville, in April of 1855, being in accordance with the sentiment of the members who held the tirst meeting, viz.: that a church should be organized at North Henderson. The prayer of the petition Avas granted, and Rev. R. C. Mathews and the Rev. T. S. Vaile, with elders John Eiken, of Knoxville, and A. C. Gregg, of Monmouth, were appointed to organize the church. The committee met in the new building at North Henderson, July 7, and proceeded to organize the society. Forty names were enrolled, twenty -four of whom had formerly been members of the Monmouth congregation. Messrs. J. R. Boggs, R. W. Porter, and S. R. Boggs, were chosen elders, and Thomas Likely, M. T. Postlewaite and T. S. Robb, were chosen trustees. No regular pastor was employed by the congregation until June, 1856, when J. II. Nevius began his labor, as stated supply, and was installed as pastor, November 11, of the same year. Mr. Nevius officiated as pastor until April, 1863, when he was succeeded by Rev. George Norcross, who acted as stated supply until June 6, 1865, when he was officially installed as pastor, in which capacity he served about a year.

The Rev. J. II. Moore was the next pastor called npon to take charge of the congregation. Mr. Moore began his labors on June '2, 1867, but was not installed until November 2 of the same year. This gentlemcin served as pastor until March, 1876, when he removed to a new field of labor.

The church was without a pastor until January, 1877, when Rev. E. B. Miner began his ministerial labors with them. Mr. Miner was installed in the summer of the same year. His relation as pastor was continued until 1881 when he relinquished his charge.

On April 1, 1881, the Rev. I. T. Whitmore responded to a call from the congregation and entered u])on his duties as pastor. This gentleman still has charge of the congregation.

On December 3, 1880, the name of the church was changed from Nortli Henderson to Norwood. The present memberseip is 206. Since the organization of the congregation, four hundred and fifty-four names have been added to the list of membershii». The names of the elders who have been successfully chosen by the congregation are as follows : James Boggs, R. AV. Porter, and S. R. Boggs were elected on July 7, 1855 ; James 0. Stewart, elected November 19, 1855 ; James C. Postlewaite, elected November It). 1855; Robert Woods was elected January 18, 1860; Jose])h B. Stewart, elected January 18, 1860;

Tlie society of the above name was organized December 20, 1873, by the Rey. P. R. Adams. The first trustees were : H. R. Peters, George AY. Sedwick, and John McLaughlin. Their church building was erected in the summer of 1875. The building and grounds costing fourteen hundred and tiftj dollars. The building was dedicated August 6 of the same year by the presiding elder, N. A. Walker. The membership at the time of organization numbered thirty-six, but now numbers only ten.

Methodist Episcopal Church

In 1875 a number of citizens of the aboye persuasion, with the liberal assistance of the enterprising people of other denominations, erected a neat church building two miles west of Suez postoffice. The building is 36x40 in size, and stands on the N. E. J of Sec. 8.

George A., son of Christian and Catharine Shearer, was born in Herkimer county, Xew York, April 17, 1828. When sixteen years of age the family came to Licking county, Ohio, where they resided nine years. In 1853 they removed to Moultrie county, Illinois, and remained one year, after which they went to Stark county, remaining until 1859, when they came to Mercer county, where they bought land in section 18, Suez township. The father died in June, 1861. The subject of this sketch was first married, August 24, 1852, to Miss Sarah A. AYhitten, who died in the winter of 1861. He was again married. May 27, 1862, to Miss Sarah J. Morgan. The names of his children are as follows: Mary C, Margaret LL, Anna B., Fannie R., Cora B., Sadie (deceased), Nellie R., Blanche E., Fred. M., and George O. Of these the two former are by his first wife. Mr. Shearer now resides on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 17, which he purchased in 1865.

Dax. W., son of Washington and Elizabeth Sedwick, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1834, When twelve years of age he went to Lawrence county, where he was engaged two years as clerk in a dry goods and grocery store. At the end of that time he went to Columbiana connty, Ohio, where he remained one year and a-half, where he was engaii;ed in farming and sheep-(h-iving. From here he returned to the town of Mercer, in Pennsylvania, where he was employed as turnkey in the county jail under Sheriff McKean, in which capacity he acted about six months, after which he went to Crawford county and located at Steuben, on Oil creek, where he remained a few months and then went to Centerville, where he remained about five years, doing general work around a store and sawmill. In 1855 he emigrated to Mercer connty, Illinois, and located at Bridger's Corners. During the two following years his time was occupied alternately in teaching and clerking. On September 3, 1857, Mr. Sedwick was married tft Miss Frances A. Bridger, a native of Troy, New York, and daughter of Henry Bridger, one of the pioneer settlers of the county. The fruits of the union are six children, whose names in the order of their ages are as follows: Ida E., Cora A., Henry D. (deceased), Edwin E., Bertram B., and Fannie M. In the spring of 1857 he was *})pointed postmaster at Pope Creek, which position he held until 1870. In the same year he purchased the stock of goods owned by his employers and embarked in business for himself. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf "When the company was organized he was elected first lieutenant, and on April 28, 1863, to the position of captain. In 1865 he received the following letter from the secretary of war:

^VA^^^IX(iT()N, D. C, Juue 19. 18()."l. SiK, - You are hereby informed that the Pre>;ideut of the United States has appointed you, for gaUant and meritorious conduct during the war, a major of vohmteers b\' brevet in the service of the United States, to rank as such from the 13th day of March, 1805. Should the senate at tlieir next session advise and consent thereto, you will be commissioned accordingly.