Henderson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1882 (part 17 of 23)

'No further comment is necessary concerning the bravery and fidelity with which he served his country. In 1866 Mr. Sedwick was elected to the legislature, where he represented his district for a term of two years. In 1870 he sold out his* store, })urchased a farm south of Bridger's Corners, and since that time has devoted his entire attention to tilling the soil. lie is a member of the Mercer Country Agricultural Board, and during the year 1879 acted as president of that body. He is also president of the Soldiers and Sailors' Association, of Mercer countv.

LoRiivrER Johnston, a portrait of whom appears in this book, son of Andrew and Mary Johnston, was born in Richland county, Ohio, November 20, 1820. He resided in that county until 1850, in which year he went to California, crossing the plains with a wagon and a mule team. He located on the Middle Fork of the American river and there engaged in mining in company with his brother, William, Alter having accumulated a considerable amount of wealtli his brother started back to their native state, but died on the way of ' ' Panama fever," and theii- hard earnings stolen from his person after death. In the spring of 1852, Lorimer returned to Ohio and remained until l.s5T, when he came to Mercer county. In 1861:, he bought land in section 13, Suez township. He now owns a farm of -115 acres, the results of economy and industry. Mr. Johnston was married July 3, 1849, to Miss Hannah Hayes, a native of Guernsey county, Ohio. The fruit of this union are live children, William S., Park P., Michael H., Flora M. (deceased), and Laura A.

Thomas Likely, whose portrait appears in this book, son of Williani and Agnes (Taylor) Likely, was born January 29, 1823, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. The family on both the father and mother's side are of Irish origin. His father came from Ireland in 1791 and located in the Tuscarora valley. He had six sons and five daughters. Of these Thomas is the youngest but one. He was raised a farmer, assisting his father perform his labors. He was married September 26, 1844, to Miss Diana A. Doyle, also a native of Huntingdon county. The fruits of this union are ten children, whose names in the order of their ages, are as follows : Ann E. (deceased), Agnes J. (now the wife of E. L. Simpson, of Ringgold county, Iowa), Martha B. (wife of J. C. Foster, of the same county), William D. (deceased in infancy), Henry T. (deceased), Thomas D. (now residing in Bueua Vista county, Iowa), Lyman L. , Samuel R. (also of Buena Vista county, Iowa), William M., and Mary J. For about three years he was engaged in landing general merchandise in Trough creek valley, Huntingdon county. In the spring of 1850 he came to Pike county, Illinois, and remained until fall, after which he went to La Salle by boat ; after arriving here he set out on foot to find a suitable place to locate. He traveled in this manner over Lee, Henry, Whiteside, Ogle, Bureau and La Salle counties, and failing to find a place to suit his taste, he came to old Mercer and bought land in the N. E. J Sec. 32, in Suez townshij:). In 1858 he was elected justice of the peace. At the beginning of the war he received authority from Adjutant-General Fuller to organize a company, which he did in seven days, and was chosen captain. The company was afterward attached to the 102d 111. Inf., and known as company E. He remained witli that regiment until April, 1863, when he resigned on account of disabilities, and was succeeded bv D. W. Sedwick. In the winter of 1863 he was elected

Harisox Brown, whose portrait appears in this book, son of Samuel and Henrietta Brown, was born in Nelson county, Kentuckv, March 17, 1808. When eight years of age his father removed to Breckenridge cc)unty, Kentuckv, and remained until the fall of 1834, when he emigrated to Illinois and located in North Henderson township, Mercer county. In the spring of 1836 he'bought land in section 1, Suez township, where he has since resided. Being one of the pioneers he has encountered all of the hardshi[)S and trials incident to })ioneer life. By hard labor and economy he has accumulated a large property and in his declining years he is enjoying the fruits of his toil. He was married in the fall of 1830 to Miss Martha Greenwood, a native of Virginia. Nine children are the fruits of this union, whose names are as follows : Mary A., Samuel (deceased), Thomas, Floj-d (deceased), Sally, Benjamin, Peter, and Isabel. His second son, Thomas, was a member of Capt. Sedwick's company in the 10:2d Ills. Inf.

Asa AV. IvANSoir, another of the pioneers, son of James and Phoeba Ransom, was born in the town of Camillus, Onondaga county. New York, May 6, 1818. When seventeen years of age he turned his face toward the setting sun and started to Illinois by way of Buffalo and Ashtabula, thence by stage across the state of Ohio to Wellsville. From here he went by steamboat to Cairo, then up the Mississippi, landing at New Boston, June 10, 1837. On the following day he, in company his brother, started on foot toward the eastern part of the county and located on N. W. ^ of Sec. 3, in Suez township. In the fall he returned to Ohio, remaining until the spring of ]S38. On his return he came as far as Michigan with his uncle and walked from there to Mercer county, a distance of about 300 miles. He states that at that time settlements were as high as sixty miles apart. He stopped for a short time in Chicago, and while there was offered a lot on Washington street in payment for a month's work. ]\Ir. Ransom was married in February, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth S. Edwards, a native of Kentucky. The names of their children, in the order of their ages are as follows: Altliea F., Charlora (1, Chester L., Adraenna, Marcilla C, Vesta, Asa S., and Olive. In 1866 Mr. Ransom removed to Chicago and engaged in the commission business. He remained in the city four and a half years, during which time his children availed themselves of the excellent educational advantages the city affords. In the spring of 1870 he returned to his farm in Suez township, and, excepting a few months, has resided there since that time. Mr, Ransom arrived in Illinois with nothing in the way of worldly wealth, but by hard labor and judicious management he has become one of the largest land owners in the county. He furnishes an example of pluck and perseverance, which the rising generation would do well to follow.

William, son of Jefferson and Tabitlia Fuller, was born in Millersburg to^\Tiship, Merger county, October 27, 1843. He remained at home until July 26, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. H, 84th 111. Inf.. and was with that regiment until June 9, 1865. He received a wound at the battle of Stone river, from the effects of which he was confined in the hospital eleven months. He was married February 20, 1867, to Miss Joanna Brown, a native of Ohio. The names of his children are Elmer and Edgar C.

James W. Page, son of James and Susan S. Page, was born in Sussex, England, December 15, 1840. In 1841, the family emigrated to America, and located at Hudson, Summit county, Ohio. In August, 1856, he came to Mercer county. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 30tli reg. 111. Inf., and remained in the service of his country until August, 1864, when he was discharged. On the bottom of his discharge we find the following :

" Private James W. Page has sustained an unblemished character in the army; has been a faithful soldier, and is entitled to the gratitude of his adopted countrjand the confidence of all.

December 20, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie E. Bridger, daughter of Henry Bridger, one of Mercer county's pioneers. Five children are the fruit of this union, four of whom death has claimed as his victims ; Xina G. alone remains to brighten the home. Mr. Page is now located at Suez, engaged in the grocery business. Fie has many friends, and is highly respected by all.

Andrew Trask was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1813. AVhen thirteen years of age he experienced a desire to go to sea. and accordingly obtained a position on the Trident, of New Bedford, and was on the ocean three years, being most of that time on the Pacific. He was married in 1845, to Miss Ellen AVeld, who died in eighteen months after their marriage. He was again married in 1848, to Miss Lucinda Ramsey. The names of his children are as follows : Edward, Harriet, Lucina, and George. His second wife died in 1862. Mr. Trask came to Mercer county in 1850, and located on section Ki, Suez township, where he still resides.

Thomas, son of Thomas and Martha (Wilson) Spicor, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 2, 1823. Tlie Spicer family are of English, and the Wilson of Irish, origin. Mr. Spicer was married in

Suez Townsiiii'

1840, to Miss Ivebbecca D. Wilson, a luitive of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Spicer was born December 15, 1.S28. The names of the children born to the coui)le are as follows: Oliver W., born October 26, 1848, in Ohio; Mary C, born August 80, 1851, in Ohio; James C, born December 9, 1854, in Ohio, and Thonuis II., born June 9, 1858, in Illinois. In 1856, Mr. Spicer came to AVarren county, Illinois, where he remained until 1859, when he removed to Mercer county, and* located on section 8, in Suez township.

Wii.iJA^i A., son of John and Grizelle (Stewart) Lafferty, was born in Suez townshii), December 13, 1850. The log cabin in which he was born, still stands, and is situated near his present residence. He was married in ISTO, to Miss Mattie Edie, a native of Kentucky. The names of their children are as follows: John II., George G., Minnie, William L., Charles, Harry A., and Maggie. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Latferty are members of the United Presbyterian church.

John B., son of William and Louisa Latferty. was born in Suez township, Mercer county, Illinois, October 19, 1847. He was married August 30, 1870, to Miss Ada A. Brownlee, daughter of D. S. Brownlee, Esq., of Suez township. The fruits of this union are live children, whose names are as follows: Harry S., Maggie L., Annie M.,AVilliam E., and Olive 0. Mr. Lafferty owns a tine farm of 320 acres, situated on sections 15 and 27. He and Mrs. Lafferty are b(jth members of the United Presbyterian church, with wliich they united in 1867.

Matthkw S., son of John and ]\[ary Campbell, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1848. The fiimily are of Scotch-Ii-ish decent, the early ancestors having fled to Ireland during the covenanters' rebellion. In 1863 Mr. Campbell came to Illinois, and located in Warren county, near the ]VIercer and Warren county line. A few years after he removed to Suez townshij) and located on section 26. He was married in 1866 to Miss Annie AVatt, a native of ^lifHin county, Pennsylvania. The names of their children are as follows : AYillii3 R. (deceased), Clyde Pt., and Clarence W.

AViLi.iAM P., son of Arthur and Hannah (Postlewaite) Graham, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Alarch 13, 1S33. In 1839 the family came to AVarren county, and located near Little York. Mr. Graham's early days were spent in the wilderness, and roaming through the trackless forest constituted the amusements of his boyhood. He was married in 1858 to Miss Margaret Hutchison, also a native of Pennsylvania. The names of their children are as follows: ^Mildred L., Mary II., Arthur H., Daniel II., :Maggie E., and Mattie E.

L'isli origin, and came to tliis countrv at a very early date ; his grandfather, John Latta, serv^ed as major in the revolutionary war. He was married in January, 1850, to Miss Jane Lossell, a native of Ti-umbuU county, Ohio ; she died May 15, 1862. In 1S<U he married Miss Louisa Sedwick, a sister of Cajjtain Sedwick, of Suez townshij). The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Oscar, Eliza J., Ella, Amanda, Charlie, Maggie, Alice, Lewis, Dora, and Roy. The live latter are by the second wife. In ISo-l Mr. McLaughlin came to Illinois and bought land in section 2, in Suez township. He now owns about a section of land in Mercer county, and 160 acres in Iowa, situated about twenty miles north of the city of Davenport. Mrs. McLaughlin is a memljer of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. McLaughlin started out in life witliout anything to aid him, but by perseverance and an untiring energy, he has made his life a success. He has many friends and is highly respected wherever known.

William H., son of James A., and Anna Simpson, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1835. He was reared a farmer, and followed that pursuit until April 19, 1861, ten days after Fort Sumter was fired on, when he responded to the call of the government and enlisted in Co. H. 15th Pa. Inf., acting as second lieutenant. x\t the expiration of three months, the time for which the regiment was enlisted, he returned home and remained until August, 1862, when he raised a company, which was attached to the 125th Pa., and designated as Company F. In the battle of Antietam he was struck by a fragment of a shell which made a severe ilesh wound in the side of his face. He was discharged in June, 1862, and returned home. He was married in December, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth Smith also a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. The names of the children in the order of their ages are as follows : Carrie, Charles E., Archie E., Mary E., Earl and Pearl, who are twins. In the spring of 1865 he emigrated to Mercer county and located on the S. E. J of sec. 28, Suez township. Mr. Simpson and his family are kind and hospitable. Their home is a happy one, and we hope the future through whose misty veil none can see may smile as brightly upon him and his loved ones as the past has done.

John A., son of William and Martha Marrow, was boi-n in Guernsey county, Ohio, December 8, 1828. He was reared a farmer. When twenty-three years old he left his native county and went to Eldorado county, California, where he remained about five years, during which time he was engaged in mining and various occupations. In the spring of 1856 he returned to Ohio, and in the spring of the following year came to Mercer county, Illinois, and located on section 32 in Greene township. In January, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G. 30th 111. Inf., and was with that reii:;inient at Fort Donelson, Siege of Corinth, Brittain's Lane, llaymond, (Champion Hill, Siege of Vicksbnrg, and Kenesaw Mountain. He was taken prisoner at Peach Tree Creek, and was in the hands of the enemy about two months, when lie was exchanged. He was discharged January 22, 1865. In 1869 he opened a coal mine on his farm in Greene township. The producing caj^acity of which is forty thousand bushels a year. In 1870 he removed to his farm in section 5, in Suez township. Mr. IMarnjw was married in 1865 to Miss Mary Ogden, a native of Fountain county, Indiana. The names of his chiUlren in the order of their ages are as follows: Samuel O., John W., Mary J. (deceased), and Estella. lie and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church.

Henry Bridger. A portion of the early ancestors of the Bridger family were driven from France during the religious j^ersecution. The other branch of the family came from Xormandy with William the Conqueror, and cast their lot in England. One of the descendants of this family was Henry Bridger (deceased), who was born in Sussex county, England, near the town of Hastings, October 25, 1798. In October, 1820, he came to America and located in Albany; after remaining a year he went to Troy. He was married in that city to Elizabeth Terrey, October 7, 1822. Miss Terrey was a native of Suffolk county. Long Island. In the spring of 1836^ Mr. Bridger emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois. In Xovember of that year he entered a claim on the N. E. \ of Sec. 35, Greene township. In June, 1841, he removed to Suez township and bought land in section 2, where two of his sons now reside. The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: William H., Mary E., Julia M., Barbara A. (deceased), Henry T., Frances A. (wife of Hon. D. W. Sedwick, of Suez), James C, Philip T. (now residing in Chariton county, Missouri), and Annie E. (wife of James Page, of Suez). The death of the father occurred December 17, 1873, and he was buried in the family burying ground, situated on the N. E. \ of Sec. 2.

George M. Evans, son of George D. and Mary (McCague) Evans, was born in Ripley, Ohio, March 9, 1830. Left an orphan at an early age, he was reared by relatives in Adams county. At the age of seventeen he began attending school at South Salem, where he remained about two and a half years. Between the ages of seventeen and twenty he taught school about six months. He was married June 22, 1853, to Miss Ruhanui Mclntire, a native of Adams county. Shortly after his marriage he embarked in the mercantile business in Ripley, which he continued until the spring of 1855, when he came to Mercer county, Illinois. In the fall of that year he engaged in business at Norwood; since that time he opened a store in Aledo. In 1880 he removed to his farm northwest of Norwood, his business being conducted by his partner. His first wife died December 1, 1854. He was again married February 19, 1863, to Miss Barbara J. Allison, a native of Pennsylvania, who died December 23, 1873. His third mari-iage occurred June 6, 1876, Miss Mary W. Carson, a native of Ireland, being the next connubial partner. Mr. Evans has two chikh'eu livinw both of whom were born to him bv his second wife. Their names, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Mary E., aged eighteen, and Robert A., aged sixteen years. He is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1853 at Ripley, Ohio. Mr. Evans is a man of kindly manner, and the stranger being thrown upon his hospitality is treated with great courtesy.

John Lu-^ferty, whose portrait appears in this book, son of John and Ann Lafferty, was born July 28, 1816, in Trumbull county, Ohio. In the spring 'of 1840, he, in company with his brother, William, emigrated to Illinois and bought land in the N. E. J Sec. 21, Suez township. Mr. Lafferty was married June, 1843, to Miss Grizell Stewart, a native of Indiana. The fruits of the union are eio-ht children, w^hose names are as follows : James IL, Harriet A., Nancy A., AYilliam A., John S., Susan E-, and Mary E. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1850. Mr. Lafferty is spoken of by his neighbors as an excellent citizen, and possesses the love and esteem of all. A spirit of liberality has ever chacterized his actions, and to all charitable, educational, and religious purposes he has given with a willing hand.

John Mauk, son of Peter and Catharine Mauk, was born in 1814, in the picturesque valley of the Shenandoah, Virginia. His father, Peter Mauk, was born January 4, 1775. His family are of German origin. For many years Mr. Mauk was employed as an engineer on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. In 1836 he emigrated to Warren county, Illinois. In 1840 he was united in marriage to Miss Amerett Tinkham, a native of Windom county, Vermont. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Martha A., Benjamin (deceased in his fourteenth year), Mary E., Anna L., Alice, Peter, George P>. In 1838 he came to Mercer county, and settled in Suez township. In 1841 he removed to Davenport, Iowa, and was employed as an engineer on the ferry boat plying between the cities of Davenport and Rock Island. In 1841 he returned to his farm in Suez township. He was for several years engaged in the dry goods business at Bridger'S Comers. Mr. Mauk died at his residence June 19, 1879, and liis departure was mourned by many friends, some of M'liom liad often received favors at the hands of the deceased.

William P. Morgan, son of Sankey and Ann (Brown) ^forgan, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, Marcli 18, 1839. lie received his early education in a log school-house in Pennsylvania. In 1858 the familv emio;rated to Mercer countv, Illinois, and located on section 19, in Suez township. Mr. Morgan was married in 1868 to Miss Martha J. Atchison, a native of Ohio. The fruits of this union are seven children, six sons and one daughter. He enlisted August 9,

1863, at Laveme, Tennessee. Mr. Morgan is a member of the United Presb}i:erian church with which he united in 1868. lie is also justice of the peace.

BicHARD C. McClellan, SOU of Richard and Susana McClellan, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 25. 1838. Mr. McClellan received his education at what is now known as the Jeiferson College, in Washington county. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the 8Tth Penn. Inf, and was with the regiment until mustered out. He was married October 26, 1866, to Miss Martha McCutcheon, a native of Ohio. The fruits of the union are live children, whose names, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Nathaniel P., Evart S., Clarence P.. Minnie G., and Armadilla S. Mr. ^McClellaii is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1866.

Gus Bruixgtox, son of Alfi-ed and Adeline Bruington. was born in Suez township, Mercer county, Illinois, September 22, 1846. He was married in 1871 to Miss Annie Lafferty, a daughter of William Lafferty, Sr., one of the earliest settlers of Suez township. Mr. Bruington, although quite young, has surrounded himself by all the luxuries and comforts the country affords, and has before him a bright and prosperous future.

Joshua II. Browx, son of Benjamin and Lucinda Brown, was bom in the town of Xorth Henderson, July 6, 1841. His father was one of the pioneer settlers of Mercer county. Mr. Brown received his education in the public school of Xorth Henderson. July 22, 1862. he entered the service of his country in Co. II, 84th 111. Inf. and remained in that regiment until June 16, 1865. On January 1, 1867, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary (Dilley) Podgers, a native of Mercer county, and daughter of William Dilley, of Ohio Grove township. The names of his childi-en. in the order of their ages, are as follows : Vinnie P., Cyrus D., Gus B., and Lucinda M. (deceased in infancy}. In August, 1878, Mr. Brown was nominated for slierifi: at the republican convention, at Aledo. In the following November he was elected, receiving as man}- votes as both his greenback and democratic opponents. Mr. Brown is a member of the Universalist church, of Suez.

Henry T. Bridger, son of Henry and Elizabeth Bridger, was born April 28, 1832, in Kenssalaer county, Xew York. In 18o(i, the family moved to Mercer county. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Bridger enlisted in Co. E, 102d 111. Inf. He remained in the service of his country about one year, being discharged on account of disabilities. In December, 1867, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah J. McLaughlin, a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. The fruits of this union are three children : Amy M., William J., and Edna E. The family are attendants at the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thomas G. Brown, son of Harison and Martha Brown, was born in jS^orth Henderson township, Mercer county, March 25, 1836. Mr. Brown received his early education in a log school-house that stood on section 6, JSTorth Henderson townshi}). In December, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 102d 111. Inf., and was with that regiment in every engagement until mustered out of service. He was discharged June 7, 1865, at Chicago. In February, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Coleman, a native of Ohio. The fruits of this union are two children, Kellie and Peter F. It will be seen that Mr. Brown was one of the first white children born in the county. His father, Harison, spoken of elsewhere in the work, is one of the few surviving pioneers of Mercer.

William L., son of James and Jane Stewart, was born in LTnion county, Indiana, in 1827. In 1835 the family emigrated to Illinois, and his fatlier bought the claim owned by George Blake, in section 21. In 1858 he was married to Miss Harriet Dryden, a native of Ohio, who died in 1859. March 7, 1861, he was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Caldwell, a native of Shelby county, Ohio. The names of his children in the order of their ages are: Nanc}' J., Mattie E., Mira L., AYilliam J., Mary J., Ettie F., and Earl O. In August, 1862, Mr. Stewart enlisted in Co. E, 102d 111. Vol. Inf., and remained with that regiment until the close of the war. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1858. In politics he is a republican. His father, James Stewart, now residing in Alexis, was one of the earliest settlers in Suez township, and assisted in preparing some notes for the historical association.

Thomas Likely

In 1866 lie left the quiet life of the farm and went to Galesburg and attended school at the Lombard imiversitv. He remained here one year. In 1881 he was elected justice of the peace for a term of four years. In 1878 he was elected assessor for one term, and in this office, as in all others which he has filled, he gave excellent satisfaction. September 22, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Goddard, a native of Warren county, Illinois. Mr. (Treenwood owns a fine farm of 120 acres, on sections 10 and 15, and we predict for him a bright and prosperous future. He is a prominent republican, and takes an active part in political affairs. Mr. Greenwood is a member of I.O.O.F. lodge, 526, at Alexis, with which he united in August, 1880. He has many friends throughout the country, and is highly respected by all.

JoHX DiNGWELL was bom in county Donegal, Ireland, in March, 1814. At an early age he came to xVmerica, and followed the star of empire westward to Illinois, locating in North Henderson township, Mercer county. . In 1S40 he bought a farm near Norwood, in Suez townsliip. In 1849 he went to Galesburg and began a course of study in the academy at that place. At the end of two years he returned to Mercer county, and in 1852 was married to Mrs. Mercy Crabtree, a native of England. In the same year he bought land in section 3, in Suez township. The names of his children are: Jennie E., (deceased in her twenty-fourth year), AVilliam G. (now residing in Suez township), and John (deceased in infancy). Mr. Dingwell died Nov. 4, 1873. The timeral services were perf'ormed in the United Presbyterian church, at Viola. In his early life Mr. Dingwell had been a Covenanter, but later united with the United Presbyterian denomination.

Hexry W., son of David and Elizabeth (Snyder) Mauk, was born in Harrison countv, Indiana, June 14, 1830. When ts\'entv-four vears of age he came to Mercer county, and in 1856 purchased land in section 11, in Suez township. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E. 102d 111. Inf., and was with that gallant regiment until June, 1865. He was married January 4. 1871, to Miss Annie Smith, a native of Warren county, Illinois. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are : David R. (deceased), Freddie G. (deceased), Ora B., and Alta M., who are twins.

Robert Campbell, son of IMatthew and Hannah Campbell, was born November 26, 1822, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. In 1848 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, and in 1850 he bought land in section 30, in Suez township. His father's family are of Scotch and Ii-ish descent, and his mother was born in the land of freedom. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Morgan, a native of

Pennsylvania, who died in 1874. In 1875 he was married to Mrs. Amanda M. Cantrall. The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Hannah R., Matthew F., Ann E., Franklin P., Helen C, Robert I., Martha J., Mary N., Lydia M., Sarah L. (deceased), and Eugene R. ; the last-named is by the second wife. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Baptist church, and his wife is a member of the old school Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 120 acres of excellent land in Suez township.

George, son of George and Maiy Bruington, was born in Breckenridge county, Kentucky, in 1821. In 1852 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and bought land in section 24, Suez township. Mr. Bruington was married in 18^2 to Miss Dowel, also a native of Kentucky. The names of their children, in the orderof their ages, are as follows : Benjamin, James, and Amanda. He is a member of no church, but tries to do his duty toward God and his fellow men.

James H. Brownlee, son of William and Catharine (Hutchison) Brownlee, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 1, 1828. His family are of Scotch origin. He received his education in the public schools of his native county. In 1853 the family came to Illinois, and locating in Mercer county, purchased land in section 31, in Suez township. His father now resides in Labette county, Kansas. Mr. Brownlee was married September 20, 1855, to Miss Martha J. Barclay, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. Their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Etlia L., Blanch M. (deceased), Elmer F., Ulysses G., Albin B., Ennis R., jN^ora K., and Roy. In the winter of 1855 he bought land on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 31, and he is now the possessor of a one-half section of fine land. Mrs. Brownlee is a member of the United Presbyterian church, having united early in life. The family are highly respected by all, and many and true are their friends.

Martin Pease, son of Pelatiah and Nancy Pease, was born in 1824, in Waldo county, Maine. In 1837 the family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and located on section 20, in Suez township, the nearest postofiice being Spring Grove. He saw the men building the first school-house in the township, which was of logs, and stood on section 21. In 1847 he was married to Miss Martha A. Pollok, daughter of Robert Pollok, one of Mercer county's pioneers. The fruits of this marriage are seven children: Alonzo U., Nelson S. (deceased), Edwin (deceased), Charles R. (deceased), Mary I., Martin A., and May. Mr. and Mrs. Pease are both members of the United Presbyterian church, with which they united in 1850. In 1850 he bought land in section 20, and now owns a fine farm of 150 acres. On

October 24, 1880, his liouse took fire from a defective flue, and burned to tlie ground. Loss $200, and no insurance. In 1881 Mr. Pease erected a handsome residence on the same foundation. He has many friends and is respected wherever lie is known.

JosKi'H Pkask, son of Pelatialu and Nancy Pease, was born in Knox county, Maine, February, 5, 1822. Tlie family on his father's side are of English origin. In 1837, the family emigrated to Mercer county, and bought a claim in Suez township. October 14, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Libby, who died March 15, 1852. January 24, 1853, he married Miss Sarah Stewart, who died September 27, 1864. March 15, 1866, he was again married to Miss Christiana Sprowl. The names of his children are: Zorah E. (deceased), Laura G., Nancy F. (deceased), Joseph S., Campbell B., John A., Pelatiah, Ausley, Elizabeth J., Sarah L. (deceased), Mary L., and George W. Mr. Pease is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he was united in 1876. He is one of Mercer countyjs pioneers, and did his part toward paving the way for civilization.

John A., son of Joseph and Sarah Pease, was born in Suez township, June 23, 1858. He was married Febiniary 14, 1878, to Miss Susan Lalferty, daughter of John Laiferty, of Suez township. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, with which they united in 1879.

A. Pease, son of Joseph and Sarah Pease, was born in Suez township, Mercer county, May 8, 1859. He was married January 23, 1879, to Miss Maggie A. Wallace, a native of Warren county, Illinois. They have one child, whose name is Guy C. Mr. Pease owns land in section lt>, where he, with his pleasant family, resides.

James H. Lafferty, son of John and Grizelle Lafferty, was born in Suez township, Mercer county. May 24, 1844. He remained at home until August 8, 1862, when he entered the service of his country, in Co. E, 102d 111. Inf., and remained with the regiment until June 9, 1865, when he received his discharge. On February 28, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Porter, a native of Pennsylvania. The fruits of this union are: Frank S., Mattie G., John (deceased), and Guy C In 1874, Mr. Lafferty engaged in the stock business and keeps on hand from fifty to one hundred head of short horn cattle. While at his farm the writer had the ])leasure of being shown s(mie veiy handsome animals, a few of which were recently imported from England. His farm is admirably adaj)ted to the business, and this fact, together with the enterprise of the proprietor, will, doubtless, render his labors highly successful.

John L., son of Henry and Jane McLaughlin, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1817. His father and mother were both of Irish descent. His mother was a niece of Gen. Potter, of Revolutionary fame. In 1856, he emigrated to Illinois, and in 1857, bought land in section 2, Suez township. His father died in September, 1881, a^ed eighty-six, and w^as buried in the Norwood cemeterv. Mr. McLaughlin was nian-ied in 18-14 to Miss Martha J. Angelo, also a native of Mercer county. The names of the children born to them are : Sarah J., James H. (deceased), Cassius C, Willis J., Marv M., and Josephine. Both are members of the United Brethren church, at Suez.

George W. Sedwick was boru in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, His father's given name was AYashington, and his mother's Elizabeth. When thirteen years of age he went to Williamsport, Ohio, and entered a machine shop, for the purpose of learning the trade. After working liere two years he went to Mount Jackson and worked two j^ears more under instruction. At the end of that time he went to New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1861. In that year he was married to Miss Caroline Peeble, a native of Bayaria. Their children's names are as follows : Willis D., Harry L., and an adopted child, Lillie R. In the spring of 1861, Mr. Sedwick came to Mercer county, Illinois. In 1864 he bought land in section 16, in Suez township. In 1870 he sold his farm and engaged in the mercantile business at Suez, which he continued until 1874, when he closed out his stock and bought a farm in section 9, where he now resides. He and Mrs. Sedwick are both members of the Ignited Brethren church.

The Brownlee family are of Scotch origin. David S., the subject of this sketch, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, January 1, 1820. His father's name was David, and his mother's Betsey. In 1839 his father and family emigrated to Warren county, Illinois, and located near Little York. In 1842 the subject of this sketch came to Mercer county, and for about a year was engaged in breaking prairie and threshing. In 1843 he bought land in section 16, Suez township. In 1873 Mr. Brownlee was elected supervisor of Suez township, in which capacity he served for several terms. He was married in 1845 to Miss Margaret Pollok, daughter of Robert Pollok, one of the earliest settlers in Mercer county. His lirstwife died November 23, 1872, and he was again married January 11, 1877, to Miss Maria Montgomery. May 27, 1881, his second wife died. The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Robert B., Addie A., and Ida M. Mr. Brownlee is a member of the Ignited Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1848.

Dk. James F. McCutchan was born in Adams county, Ohio, in 1833. His early life was spent on the farm. When twenty-two years of age he entered college at Washington, Iowa, and graduated from that institution in May, 1861, Immediately after completing his studies he enlisted in Co. II, 2d reg. Iowa Vol. Inf During his connection with that regiment he became personally acquainted with Gen. James B. AYeaver. In the fall of 1863 he was nuide captain of Co. D, Dth reg. Iowa Vol. Cav., and acted in that ca})acity until the close of the war. Pre\nous to his promotion, however, he participated in several engagements with the 2d Iowa, among which was the battle of Fort Donelson, wliei-e that regiment won for itself a name that will go down into the pages of history. The doctor was discharged in May, and was married in August, 1865, to Miss M. J. S. Graham, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Mary Edna and Sarah Edith (twins), were born November 13, 1866; A. Joseanna, born December 14, 1870; Alma O., born June 12, 1876; and Clara G., born April 2, 1881. In the fall of 1865 he entered the office of Dr. Webster at Monmouth, and was under that gentlenum's instructions one vear. In the fall of 1866 he became a student at Keokuk, Iowa, and received his diploma in the spring of 1868. In that year he located at Norwood, and since that time has practiced in that vicinity. In conversing with the doctor the writer found him to be a gentlemen of more than ordinary intelligence, Huent in conversation, and progressive in all things.

James M, Lee, son of John and Eliza Lee, was born in Centre county, Pennsylvania, in May, 1836. In the spring of 1857 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, where he worked at carpentering until the spring of 1861. August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., and was with that regiment until the close of the war. lie was married November 22, 1866, to Miss Harriet A. Lalferty, daughter of John Lafterty, of Suez township. Their children's names are: John A., Miriam E., Marietta, Lela I., and Ethel A. They are both members of the United Presbyterian church.

Geology Contributed 15V Dk. J. V. Fraziek, Of Viola

Greene township is traversed throughout its length from east to west by an irregular, broad and elevated phiteau or water-shed, the drainings from which on the north bear a north and westerly direction to the Edwards river, while on the south the water courses bear south and westerly to join Pope creek.

The Edwards river, coming from the east, flows just north of and along the northeastern portion of the township, for two and a half miles, when it enters the township about midway of the north line of section 3, running thence nearly west until it passes beyond our township's line on section 8. Pope creek enters the township at near the the southeast corner and passes in a westerly direction entirely through it on its southern border. The Donohue and Skunk runs, as also two or three unnamed deep-cut water-ways, fed here and there by springs, carry the surface waters from the north half of the township into the Edwards river, while North Pope, Collins, or "Nigger" run, with two or three deep ravines, serve to drain the south half into Pope creek.

These streams and water-courses, while furnishing an abundant supply of water, at the same time shape the surface of the country' and determine the quality of the soil. Not more than three-fifths of the township is prairie. Along the immediate valleys of the larger streams there is a deep black soil, rich in humus, and in some places covered by heavy growths of timber, while upon the ridges bordering the water-courses are the so called ' ' barrens. " The soil of the prairies is mostly deep and of a blackish or chocolate colored loam, with a yellow or light brown cla}- subsoil. The soil of the "barrens" is similai- to that of the ])rairies, only lighter colored and less in de]>tli, becoming of a light brown or yellowish color along the sides and over the tops of the ridges, on account of the character of the subsoil which comes near the surt'ace.

The surface deposits of the townshij) comprise the ordinary subdivisions of the quarternary period, alluivium, loess, and drift. The alluiviuin deposits are mostly confined to narrow belts along the lai-ger streams. Some of this land is so low as to be too much subject to ovei-fiow for growing cereals, but affording excellent meadow and grazing grounds.

Grkene Towxshii'

The loess deposit is found sparingly, ca])ping some of the high points along Pope creek, but not sufficient in cpiantityto require special notice.

Drift. - The deposits of this subdivision consist of a series of brown and blue clays, mixed here and there with sand, gravel and small pebbles, which are S])read over the entire surface of the townshi]). Quite a number of boulders of igneous or metamorphic rocks lie scattered along the borders of the streams and in the valleys of most of the temporary water courses.

Coal Measures. - The stratified rocks exposed in this township all belong to the coal measures and include the lower groups, from cf)al No. 3 of the Illinois section down to near the base of this formation. They consist of various strata of limestone, sandstone, clay, shale, and coal, and are supposed to reach a thickness of from 100 to 150 feet. A boring on section 1-1, near Viola, reaches 130 feet without passing entirely through this formation.

There luive been three seams of coal found and more or less worked in the township, although No, 3 and No. 1 have been the most extensively mined. Coal No. 3 has been found only on sections 31 and 32. The mines of Mr. Martin and Mr. Morrow are on this seam, while about twenty-five feet lower down coal No. 2 was formerly woi-ked by Mr. Martin by a drift into the hill. The discovery of the thicker and more profitable vein No. 3 above caused its abandonment several years ago. Coal No. 3 at Martin's bank varies from three to five feet in thickness, is safely and profitably worked, and affcjrds one of our very best fuel coals.

Coal No. 2 of the Illinois group, in all the exposures thus far made in the township, has shown too thin a vein for profitable mining at preseht, varying from one and a half to two feet in thickness. This seam has been found at several points, notably on the Gilmore farm. S. W. \ of Sec. 23, on the Morey farm, N. E. \ of Sec. 27, and at Martin's bank in the S. W. \ of Sec. 31. Besides the mining formerly done on this vein on Martin's bank, the openings on the Gilmore farm and on B. F. Morey's old farm attbrded a fair quantity of fuel coal, but were never operated except for the use of the owners' families and some of their neighbors. At the two last named farms the coal was mined by strip|)ing the soil, clay and slate overh'ing it, but the increasing depth of the overlying clay and shale as they neared the higher ground rendered its mining unprofitable by this process, and the promise of a poor " roof" over the coal discouraged the owners from running a drift into the hills.

From the shales overlying coals No. 3 and No. 2 our amateur geologists have gathered many of the fossils peculiar to tlie coal measures of this part of the state. Besides several species of bryozora, these sections furnish conularia. haniproartes creuistro, lima retifero, spirifer lunitus, attryrus subtitito, productus nebrascensis, pleurophorus solenifornius, etc. The greater portion of the coal produced, for which our township is somewhat famous, comes from coal No. 1 of the Illinois section. This seam varies in thickness from three and a half to four and a half feet, the general average reaching about four feet. The deposit of this coal seam stretches across the township fi'om east to west, being a part only of the great Edwards river seam. It has been found and extensively mined on sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and the N.W. ^ of 11. The principal shafts now in operation are N. B. Frazier's, on the S. E. of section 2, Russell Park's and H. Boone's on section 3, Wm. Blaine's, W. P. Collins' and Gutlirie's shafts on section 4 ; Bell Brothers' on section 5 ; Geo. Pinkerton's and Hegg's works on section 6. This vein of coal probably underlies a very considerable portion of the township, particularly along the northern half, but will be found at a considerable depth, if found at all, under the higher water shed of the township, all the openings heretofore made being located in the valleys of the streams, fully 150 feet below the plateau upon which Yiola stands. This vein shows, in some localities, a peculiarity worthy of mention. Starting from the east side of the township, where we find but little admixture of slate, there is a gradual development of this material westward until we reach section 4, where it constitutes a parting strip of about four inches, about midway of the seam, and from thence west thickens out so rapidly that on section 6 it forms a parting varying in thickness from eighteen to twenty inches. While this layer of shale between the upper and lower coal does not impair its quality seriously, still it renders mining tedious and expensive on account of the necesssity of taking care of so much refuse matter.

Potteri Clay. - A test of some of the whitish or ]3ale blue clay found above coal No. 1, proves it to possess excellent qualities for the manufacture of stoneware. Several barrels of it were shipped, a few years ago, to a firm in Iowa who pronounced it, after a thorough trial, worthy of the attempt to erect a factory near by it. Some negotiations were entered into with the manufacturer alluded to and parties here, but the enterprise was finally abandoned.

A superioi- deposit of clay, suitable for the manufacture of sewer tile and fire-bi'ick has been developed within the ])ast few years. This deposit is just below coal No. 2. and the heaviest body of it is found on the S.W. ^ of Sec. 35. The Momnoutli Mamifacturing Company, of Monmouth Illinois, purchased forty acres of this land and have shipj)ed, ior several years past, as high as 150 tons per year of their clay, the greater portion of which they use in making fire-brick and in heavy sewer tile. They claim it to be the best clay in the west for their purposes.

Lime. - Some of the blue limestone found above coal Xo. 1 has been burned for and yielded a fair quality of lime, but on account of impurities needs to be sorted and screened before using, and the amount so obtained is comparatively small, rendering its manufacture scarcely profitable.

Building Stone. - The sandstone lying just above Coal No. 2, Illinois section, is of a light color, varying from a dull white to yellow, and soft when first quarried, but hardens on exposure. There are several quarries of this rock in the towTiship, some of which are yielding a fine quality of building stone. In some of the quarries it can be taken out in blocks of almost any desired size. This stone is found on section 33, near F. McGaughey's house ; on the N. W. \ of Sec. 26 ; on the K. E. J of Sec. 34 ; and inferior (pialities at other places. The best and most extensive quarry is that of H. Gilbert on section ;i4, from which has been taken a large portion of all the sandstone for cutting and use in heav}- masonry about Viola and the surrounding country.

The limestone which overlies Coal Xo. 1, of the Illinois section, is a drab-colored, impure limestone, varying from eight to fifteen feet in depth, with about two feet of a very solid blue limestone just below. In some localities we find a flinty limestone interi)Osed between the blue and gray. The blue limestone is of small value for building material, as it soon falls to pieces on exposure to the atmosphere. This drabcolored rock is extensively quarried on sections 3, 4, and 5, and is held in high esteem for building purposes, many hundreds of tons having been hauled out into other portions of the county for economic uses. The rock is found mostly in layers from two to eight inches in thickness, the layers growing thicker gradually from above downward. Some of the lower layers can be broken into almost any desired sizes, up to ten or twelve feet square. The large slabs that form the floors and roofs of the cells in the county jail were quarried on section 4, as also the large slabs lining and covering tlu' vaults of the Aledo bank.

From the shale above the coals of Greene township and the overlaying limestones are gathered nearly every species of our ^Mercer ceunty coal measures fossils ; in fact, the fossils found in this township are the typical fossils of the coal measures in the county. It would be tedious and uninteresting for many of your readers were we to name a tenth part of these interesting relics of a by-gone period of our earth's growth, which have only in recent years possessed anything of interest or signiticance to human understandings ; but we will say, in general terms, that in addition to those already noted above, we find some species of the nautilus, the goniatite, the straparolus, murchisonia, pleurotomaria. bellerophon, productus. and several varities of crenoidise. more or less broken and fragmentary.

Of fossil ferns, some of them very well preserved, we have several species, while fragments of the rhododenden and sigillaria. with the roots of the latter (stigmaria), are common trophies of our amateur collectors.

That inany of the monster mammals of the quarternary period once had a home in our neighborhood and roamed over the then marshy and fern-clad plains, which now constitute the high rolling prairie and grass-covered valleys of Greene township, there can be but small doubt. Their bones, which were buried here in that distant age, are now and then recovered from their unmarked burial grounds, and stand as witnesses of their former occupancy of the soil. In my cabinet are a part of a tooth of the mastodon, and a large and well-preserved tooth of the elephas primogeneous (0 found on section 3 in this township. The locality where found bore evidence of having been in former times a marsh or swamp, and the evidences from the place and its surroundings are strongly suggestive that the monsters whose teeth now grace my cabinet died where the teeth were found.

^ Tlie first actual settler in what is now known as T. 14, R. 2, west of the 4th P.M., was David Williams, who came in 1836 and entered a claim on the S. W. J of Sec. 14. In the following year came Xathan McChesney, who located in the eastern part of the township, and Thomas Weir, who located in section In the spring of 1839 John Collins, formerly a resident of Columbiana count v, Ohio, came from the eastern part of the county, where he had located in 1837 near the present site of Joy. !Mr. Collins located on the W. ^ of ^. E. ^ of Sec. 15. He erected a log cabin about twenty rods east and on the opposite side of the road from the present residence of his son, William P. Tlie last vestige of this rude habitation has disappeared, and immediately over the spot daily passes the "iron steed, switler tlian eagles fly."

of Sec. IT ; William Brownleo, who located on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 17; John Linn, who located on S. E. J of Sec. 14; and Elijah Stewart, who bought the claim of David Williams. John Caniahan, Sr., formerly of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, came and located on section 18. His sons, AVilliam and David, and his son-in-law. Frank Anderson, took claims in the same section.

William Pinkerton, Sr., came in 1S40, and also settled on section 18. John Walker also came at a very early day. The Park family came in 1889. George McFerren, Matthew Doak, and Henry Griffin were also among the early settlers of the townshij). Charles Durston was the first white child born in the township.

Although the strong armed pioneer experienced many hardships, privations and difficulties, his life was not destitute of sunshine. His rude log cabin, with its inmates, was as dear to him as though it had been a palace. After a hard day's work in the ''clearing,'' he would retire to rest with his loved ones about him. and was rewarded for his toil by a night of sound sleep

Being neighbors and companions in a wilderness cut off from civilization, a genial spirit of friendship generally existed among the settlers, and a neighbor was as welcome to share the rude comforts of the pioneer's cabin as a brother. Xor did the settlers lack for amusement. "Corn huskings," "spelling schools," "taffy pullings," and "shooting matches," were frequent, young and old pai'ticipating, and on the "puncheon floor" the young men and blushing maidens trip|)ed the "light fantastic toe" as merrily, if not as gracefully, as the more accomplished dancers of the present day. AVhile the traditional "back woods' tiddler" patted the fioor with his number ten "cowhides," and made the log cabin ring with such melodies as the "tisher's horn-pipe," and the "devil's dream."

If a "new-comer" desired to build a house, he had the services of all the settlers in the surrounding neighborhood at his disposal. Carpentering was then in its sim])licity, a broad-ax, an auger, and a cross-cut saw constituted a set of cai*penter"s tools, ami out of a }>ile of logs of various sizes a cabin was soon constmcted, the cracks "chunk and dobbed," with a kind of mortar made of clay and prairie grass. A chimney and fire-[>lace made of the same material, and the house was ready for its occupants.

One of the worst enemies the settlers had to c(mtend with was the prairie tire. Hunters would frecpiently set tire to the tall grass, which.

in the fall, would readily ignite ; the prairie would soon be a sea of Hame, and woe unto the unlucky farmer who had not taken the proper precautions to protect his property. These ftres were sometimes arrested in their flight by the settlers, who would turn out and ''flght them. " Mr. AV. P. Collins states that be, in company with his father, brother, and several neighbors once fought a fire from Saturday until Sunday night, without food, water or sleej). The manner in which this was done was to plow a furrow in front of the fire, and then burn the grass between, being careful in the beginning to prevent the grass on the opposite side from igniting.

The people also experienced great difficulty in getting breadstufi". Mills being scarce, they were frequently, in case of bad weather, compelled to manufacture their own meal, which was done by grating the corn while on the ear. Corn bread and pork constituted the bill of fare.

William Terry was also one of the earliest settlers in Greene township, having came in 1836, from New York state. lie entered in all about 440 acres of land, 160 of which was entered in his son's name. Mr. Terry is now nearly eighty-four, and is apparently as rugged as when the writer first saw him a score of years ago. His mind is as clear and his memory as retentive as in his boyhood. He is familiarly spoken of as "Uncle Billy.'"' During an interview with this venerable gentleman, the writer listened to many amusing incidents illustrative of pioneer life. When Mr. Terry came to Mercer county, there was but one other settler in Ureene township. Game of all kinds abounded He states that he has seen as many as fifty deer in a drove, browsing on Pope creek bottom. Lynx and wolves were also very plentiftil. One evening, while driving his cows down to the creek bottom, he heard a rustling in the .bushes near at hand, and on walking up nearer to ascertain the cause, a huge black wolf sprang at him, with glaring eyes and open jaws. Uncle Billy sprang across a little stream that ran near by, and started homeward at a rate which he thinks was the fastest on record at that time. He ari'ived safely at home, minus his hat. On the following morning he went back to the scene of the fright and found from its tracks, that the wolf had pursued him as far as the water and stopped. He was returning home one evening from Bridger's corners, where he had been transacting some business which had not gone to suit him. This rendered his feelings very unamiable, and as he was passing through Pope creek timber, his mind was very suddenly diverted from his financial aftairs by the appearance of a large gray wolf, immediately in front of him and i-ight in his i)ath. He stopped for a moment, and the wolf raised himself on his haunches, and sat glaring at him in a very threatening manner. But Uncle Billy's eombativeness would not allow him to Hee, nor to turn from the path. He seized a club, started toward the animal, and it politely stepped aside, allowing him to pass, but he states that he kept one eye on his wolfshi]) until he disappeared in the distance. Mr. Terry states that the settlers in that })art of the county did their trading at Hendersonville, Knox county, where they paid as iiigh as twenty dollars per barrel for Hour, and other commodities in proportion. His family once subsisted for several weeks on bread made from wheat ground in a coffee mill. The first religious services Mr. Terry attended in Illinois were held in the cabin of Mr. James Mann, in North Henderson township. People then drove to church with ox teams.

Hopkins Boone, now a resident of Viola, was the second settler in Preemption township, having located on Edwards river in the fall of 1835. Mr. Boone first made a trip to Illinois in 1830 and had decided to make his home in the southern part of the state. But on returning after the close of the Black Hawk war he found that locality tf)0 thickly settled to suit his ideas of a new country, and he accordingly came farther north. .Vt that time and for several years subsequent the county was divided into three voting precincts, his being called the Pichland Grove precinct. The polling place was then at the residence of a Mr. Parker in what is now Richland Gi'ove township. On election day in 1836 Mr. Boone, in company with a neighbor, walked to Mr. Parker's to cast their votes. On their arrival they fV)und fifteen or twenty settlers from other parts of the precinct who had congregated there for the same purpose. They had no printed tickets, and as not a soul of them knew the names of the electors, it was impossible for them to vote, and after laughing and joking considerably over their predicament they returned to their respective homes.

Mr. Boone states that at that time there was no road leading north and south except an Indian trail, which could be traveled only oji horseback, and which lay between Monmouth and Rock Island. He states that there had been a state road laid out from Beardstown to Rock Island, but as there had been no work done on it through Mercer county it could not be traveled by wagon.

Until after they had raised a crop the settlers were obliged to get their provisions from Knox and AVarren counties. In order to reach Monmouth by wagon they were obliged to go west to the Mississippi and there take a road running from New Boston to that place, which made a roundabout journey.

county. As tliere was but little wheat raised the settlers were obliged to subsist principally on corn bread, and occasionally on ''- hog and hominy." As game was plentiful a piece of venison or a wild turkey frequently broke the monotony. Mr. Boone states that a drove of wild hogs was seen along the river in 1836 and some of them were shot by the settlers.

He is one of the four remaining pioneei-s of Mercer county. He is a distant relative of the famous Daniel Boone, and like him, in his younger days, excessively fond of life in a wild country. He says the happiest days of his life were spent in a log cabin. In early times he could stand in the door of his rude habitation and look far up and down the river and across the country for miles, seeing nothing but prairie, mth here and there a belt of timber ; hills adorned with flowers of every hue, between which glided the silvery waters of the i-iver, and here and there herds of deer feeding on the plain.

But what a change time has wrought. Civilization in its onward march has blotted out all traces of the cabin, and where the bounding deer dwelt and the wild flowers bloomed, are school-houses, dwellings and fields of gi-ain.

The canoe of the swarthy savage is seen no more darting up and down the stream, while in the distance can be heard the shriek of the locomotive and the clanging of the church bells.

He like many others has stepped out of the busy whirlpool of life, aud is living in quiet retirement. He has the satisfaction of knowing that he assisted in paving the way for civilization and for progress, and in his later years his memory loves to dwell on the past, which for him has been marked by many hardships and dangers, yet has not been without its pleasures

Greene township assumed organization in 1854. The name of Greene was suggested by John Collins, with whom General Greene of revolutionary fame was a great favorite. The first town meeting was held in a school-house that stood on a hill in what is now the eastern part of the village of Viola. John Collins was chosen chairman Ijy acclamation, after which Uri Smith was chosen moderator, and Henry Hoagland, clerk pro tern. The polls being opened the following ofiicers were chosen by ballott : Elisha Miles, supervisor ; Henry Hoagland, town clerk ; William P. Collins, assessor ; Alexander McGauhey, collector ; John Frazier, overseer of the poor ; Samual E. Russell, John

H. Park and David Somerville, Jr., commissioners of highways; John Griffin and Henry Iloaghxnd, justices of the peace ; William T. McGauhey and W. P. Collins, constables ; Jeremiah Boyer, and David Somerville, Jr., pound masters ; Alexander M. Stewart, Van R. Harriott, and C. Doty, overseers of highways.

Viola

The village of Viola was laid out by Ford, Shepard and Perkins in 1856. As that time the old Air Line railroad was being surveyed through the country, and Viola was one of the points selected for a station. The name was conferred upon the infant village by Judge Perkins, and is said to have been suggested to him by one of his daughters. In 1856-7 the judge erected the large brick hotel, supposing that a prosperous town would soon surround it. But owing to the collapse of the railroad scheme the great building stood almost alone in its glory for several years aftei', and proved to have been a very unprotitabte investment to the builder.

The first business house erected after the laying out of the village was that of Dyer Ford, father of M. M. Ford, one of the proprietors of the town. Soon after, the Crosby brothers erected a building and opened up a stock of general merchandise. The tirst drug store was opened by Mr. Balkam. The postoffice was established in the village in 1856 at the residence of Samuel Perry, Mr. Perry officiating as postmaster for a short time, resigned, and was succeeded by Dyer Ford. The names of the successive postmasters down to the present time in the order of their appointment are as follows : B. F. Warner, resigned, E. S. Fugate, resigned, X. H. Pond, resigned, E. T. Crosby, resigned, E. L. McKinnie, removed, and V. R. Harriott. The latter named gentleman was appointed in 1880, and has discharged his duties faithfully and satisfactorily.

For a period of nearly twelve years after the laying out of the village, but little growth or progress was made, but after the completion of the branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad in 1869, it began to show some signs of life, and entered upon an era of prosperity and growth which surprised the most sanguine. In 1869 Park & McKinnie erected a handsome drug store. In 1870 Crosby & Phares erected a building in the same block. In 1871 H. B. Frazier built a handsome two-story store building 22x60 feet, and has since added twenty feet in length. In the winter of 1869-70 John G. Gilbert erected a store buildinii; and masonic hall on the corner of Shepard and Eighth streets. Since that time he has added two other handsome store-rooms, nuiking the entire building 6*^X64 feet. The first stock of hardware was put in by Y. R. Harriott, in the old hotel building. In 1869 an elevator was built bj Mack, Reynolds tfe Co., of Galesburg, which was operated by the Manning brothers. In 1880 E. J. Morgan also erected a large grain elevator west of the former one, which is now owned by Pinkterton Brothers. The capacity of this building is 20,000 bushels.

During the winter of 1880-81, 400,000 bushels of corn were shipped from Yiola, which we presume was not exceeded at any point in the county. The village was incorporated Marcli 19, 1870, Dr. J. Y. Frazier, E. J. Morgan, Henry Allen, P. L. McKinnie, and W. K. Garwood being the first trustees. During the twelve years of her incoi-porated existence Yiola has had a licensed saloon within its limits but two years. During that time king alcohol held undisjjuted sway, and with his polluting breath sent misery and wretchedness, want and despair into many households. With his subtle power he tore the dimpled arms of the laughing child from about its father's neck, and changed him from a loving father to a demon. Thanks to the unceasing labors of the temperance people, he was checked in his devilish career. They declared, through the ballot, that the saloonkeeper must go, and he has gone, let us hope, forever.

Nigger Ridge

For several years previous to and during the war, the people in the western part of the township are said to have been large stockholders in the underground railway. A depot or station was established in the neighborhood, and many a dusky slave, fleeing from the cruelty of the master's lash, was by those kind-hearted people assisted on his way toward the star in the north, and owing to such humane acts, together with the fact that the people in the vicinity were almost unanimous in the most radical abolition principles, the neighborhood won the name of Nigger Ridge. Rather an uncouth nickname it is, yet one of which they may justly be proud. With it are mingled the recollections of the child being torn from the arms of its dark-skinned mother and sold at the auction block, of the cruel lash, of the savage bloodhound, of the four long years of war that struck the shackles from the arms of millions of slaves.

John Lafferty

In 1878 the residence of B. N. Peck took lire, and, with almost its entire contents, totally destroyed. The dwelling was insured, and Mr. Peck received the entire amount.

In February, 1881, the postoffice was entered, and stamps and registered letters, amounting to $100, taken. The perpetrator was never captured.

July 3, 1875, a large crowd assembled at Viola for the puqDOse of celebrating the Fourth, that day coming on Sunday. During the afternoon a crowd of miners got into a melee with the police, and a general row ensued, in which some bravery and a great deal of cowardice was manifested. Titus Snj^der, Samuel Park, and one or two others having been authorized to act as policemen, contended for a time with a howling mob of infuriated drunkards, and, although severely handled, they succeeded in leveling half a dozen of the ruffians to the earth, after which quiet was restored.

On the night of November 17, 1878, a burglar named Loth ringer tried to elfect an entrance into the dry goods store of H. B. Frazier & Co. George Goding, a brother of one of the firm, was sleeping in the store at the time, and was suddenly awakened by the cracking of glass in the rear end of the building. He seized his revolver and crept quietly back until he felt the cold air coming through the hole that had been made in the glass in the panel door. The head and shoulders of the burglar soon appeared, and he was in the act of crawling in, when Goding fired, the ball taking eftect in his breast. He turned and ran. across the street, where he fell and was captured. He was afterward sent to the state prison.

77ie United Predjyterian Church - Was organized in 1855 by the Rev. Matthew^ Bigger, and was at that time known as the Twin Grove congregation. The names of the first trustees elected are as follows : John Mitchell, chairman ; W. P. Collins, sec:retary ; trustees, S. E. Kussell, J. B. Mitchell, and W. P. Collins. The membership then numbered twenty-eight, and was organized under the care of the Associate Reform Presbyter}^ at Monmouth. John Collins, John Mitchell, Sr., and Samuel Ross were members of the session. The :)8 first regular pastor was the Rev, D. C. Cochran, who was installed in the spring of 1857. There has been since the organization of the society about 325 members united with them. The present membership is 110. The largest number of members attending services at any one time was 130. The present pastor is the Rev. W. S. McClannahan. The present session is composed of the following-named members : Richard Gardner, J. C. Pinkerton, Leonard Hogg. Richard Aitkin, James Stewart, and S. E. Russell. The present trustees are : W. C. Breckenridge, John Ashenhurst and S. E. Russell. The Sabbath school in connection is in a very flourishing condition and numbers about 100 members. This congregation is one of the largest and most prosperous in the county. The church building was erected in 1857; in 1876 additional improvements were made. The entire cost of the building was about $4,500.

Methodist J^jyiscojxil. - This society was organized in 1867. The iirst trustees being Delos Crosby, Jonah Flora, James M. Walker, E. J. Morgan, Elias Beachlor, George Griffin, and O. R. Morey. The church building was completed in 1870. The first pastor was the Rev. Theodore Hoagland. Owing to very imperfect records the data in regard to this organization are very meagre. The society was first organized by the Rev. J. Fleharty, who held meetings in the old brick school-house, and through whose earnest efibrts many converts were brought into communion with Christ.

Congregational ChwcJi. - This society was organized in 1857, by the Rev. C. H. Eaton, who acted as the first regular pastor. The church building was erected the same year. The first trustees were : B. C. Perkins, Joseph Schofield, George Bolton, Thomas Merriman, John A. Hoft'man. This organization was in a very flourishing condition until about 1865-6, but having been originally composed of members who had previously belonged to other denominations, it began to decrease in number and soon became practically extinct.

Preshyterian.-=-Th\B, society was organized April 22, 1872, in the old Congregational church building, and was made up principally of persons who had formerly been members of the Edwards river congregation, and the old Congregationalist church at Yiola. The first pastor was the Rev. E. Robb, licentiate of Auburn, New York, seminary. The first elders were Russell Park and Hopkins Boom. In 1878 the society erected a church building at a cost of about $2,700. This building is pleasantly located, surrounded by a natural grove, and is an ornament to the village. The interior of the building is handsomely finished, and furnished to correspond. The congregation is in a prosperous condition, and is at present under the supervision of the Rev. R. H. Fulton.

Bethel Church. - About four miles west of Viola a society was organized in 1854, and was called the Bethel Free Presbyterian Cliurch. At the time of organization the membership numbered twenty. .1. R. Whittim was the first pastor, and the tirst trustees were James McClure, William M. (/arnahan, and John Carnuhan, The church was known by the above name until 1866, when slavery had ceased to Vje an issue and the name was changed to Wesleyan Methodist, and since has gone by that name.

Lodge No. 577., A. F. and A. M., was organized July 16, 1867, with the following officers : Master, J. B. Longley ; Senior "Warden, B. F. Morey ; Junior Warden, S. B. Atwater ; Treasurer, Russel Park ; Secretary, V. R. Harriott ; Senior Deacon, Warren L. Smith ; Junior Deacon, Robert Park ; Tyler, M. K. Flory. F(jllowing are the names of the charter members : Allen Robinson, W. L. Smitli, ]\[. K. Flory, Edward Lynes, John J^)axter, Levi McLaughlin, Russell Park, B. F. Morey, J, M. Erne, Robert Park,V. R. Harriott, S. B. Atwater, S. R. Moore, W. D. Morford, J. B. Longley, Allen McLaughlin, Richard Cooper. The Lodge was conducted under dispensation until 1868, when they received their charter. The names of the present officers are as follows : Worshipful Master, H. B. Frazier ; Senior Warden, P. F. Mauk ; Junior Warden, B. C. Bowers ; Treasurer, Russell Park ; Secretary, V. R. Harriott ; Senior Deacon, W. L. Smith ; Junior Deacon, J. E. Greenwood ; Stewards, Reuben Perry, M. K. Flory ; Tyler, J. B. Smith. The present membership of the lodge number

The first school in the towmship was taught by Elizabeth Collins, in the rear part of her father's (John Collins), residence, in 1840, which, during its existence, was kept up by subscription. The first public school building in the townshij) was erected in 1842, and stood on a hill in the eastern part of the village of Yiola, north of the ])resent site of the steam mill, and was used until 1856, when a two story brick building was erected, about forty rods southwest of it, which was occupied until 1871, when the large increase in attendance made it necessary to erect a new and larger building. Accordingly, the people of the district held a meeting, for the purpose of ascei'taining the sentiment in regard to it, and it was decided to jvroceed at once with the work. Dr. J. V. Trazier drew up and submitted to the meeting a plan for the proposed building, which was ado})ted, and Delos Crosby employed to superintend the construction of the same. The grounds selected upon which to erect the building are in block 114, where two lots were purchased, at a cost of about $500. The building, one of the best in the county, WHS completed in IS 71, and school opened in the fall of that year, Miss Sarah Hayes being the first principal. For reasons which might be mysterious to some and transparent to others, the accounts of the expenditures on the building were very imperfectly kept ; in fact they were not kept at all, and the people of the district are to-day ignorant of the cost of their school edifice. An investigating committee was once appointed to look into the matter, but their labors were rewarded by the same success that usually attends such eft'orts. They were obliged to guess at both the cost of the building, and the disposal that was made of the public funds. We will state that their opinion in regard to the former, but will withhold it in reference to the latter. According to their estimate, the building, including grounds, cost about $7,000. The building is two stories in height, the main building, .")4x32 teet in size, and the wing 17x20. It is divided into four departments, which are designated in alphabetical order, beginning at A. Mr. S. P. Wiley, of Aledo, is the present })rincipal, and is convducting the school to the entire satisfaction of the j)eople of the district.

The cemetery is located about a half a mile north and west of the village. The around was donated to the United Presbvterian church by -lohn Collins. The first burial that took place here was the remains of John Kennedy. It is now used as a public cemetery and has recently been enlarged.

It is admirably located on gently rolling ground, and is surrounded by a grove of forest trees. In visiting this burial place one is struck by the surrounding beauty, by the hallowed stillness, broken only by the twittering of wild birds, and cannot but realize how well the location was chosen. John Collins, the donor, is buried here.

The cemetery in connection with Bethel church was established in 185(5 on land donated by William and Porter Carnahan. It is k)cated in section 18, and is used is a public burial place.

The Viola Vineyard

Prominent among the places of interest in Mercer county is the vineyard owned by J. M. Erne, contiguous to the village of Viola. In 1875 Mr. Erne purchased twenty-two acres of timber land, joining the village on the north and east, and by ceaseless labor and excellent management he has removed the timber and is now the proprietor of the largest vineyard in the county. Pie carries on the business in a scientific and skillful manner. The hillsides facing the southeast are ornamented by rows of vines, numbering in all about (>,000, and consisting

In addition to these lie has about r)00 apple trees, among which about twenty varieties of apples are represented. He also has about fifteen different varieties of strawberries, six of raspberries and three of cherries. He is experimenting with German prunes and several other kinds of fruit which have heretofore been unknown in the American vineyards.

Among the novelties to be found in his vineyard is the '' Viola Crab," which is indebted to Mr. Erne for its name, and which is destined to figure prominently among the tine fruits of the country. The tree from which the grafts were taken was discovered by ]\Ir. Erne in the timber south of Viola, and seemed to be a cross between the tame apple and wild crab apple. The fruit resembles the Roman stem in shape and color, and Mr. Erne thinks it superior to any fruit of the crab genus in existence. This fruit is supposed to be transcendent. Mr. Erne is carefully cultivating this novelty and thinks his labor will be rewarded by his being known as the disco verei* of a fine species of fruit.

He is also experimenting with seedling grapes and the result of his experiments are several new varieties of that delicious fruit, upon which he has not yet conferred names. He has developed an extra fine white, and a fine copper colored fruit, and also a kind that grows in very compact- clusters. He has also developed a seedling peach that ripens early in July, called the Early Mercer.

Mr. Erne deserves great credit for his perseverance and untiringdiligence in developing this fruit enterprise. He also manufactures large quantities of wine of an excellent quality.

Green Bower Nursery

This enterprise, managed by James Ferry, is situated about fjur miles southeast of Viola. For manv vears Mr. Ferry and his father have devoted a great deal of their attention to fruit growing, and in 1889 James opened his nursery. It is handsomely situated and the trees and shrubs so tastefully arranged as to present a pretty view. The land on which it is located, consisting of about twenty-two acres, is rolling, the hills sloping to the south and east. Mr. Ferry keeps on hand about sixty varieties of apple trees, and a dozen of rasi)berries ; in blackberries he makes a si)ecialtv of the ''snvder" and "killina;'" in grapes of the '-'concord.'"' Of strawben-ies he keeps about ten varieties. Aside from these are fouiul all kinds of ornamental trees. The nursery is well protected on all sides by a natural grove of («ik trees. It is also drained, and Matli these natural advantages, together with the enterprise and excellent judgment of the proprietor, we see no reason why it should not be a long-lived success.

The Steam Mill

Early in the spring of 1869, an elderly gentleman, of suave manner, appeared on the streets of Yiola, introducing himself to some of the citizens as "William Cannon. His business in the village was to ascertain the feeling of the people in regard to having a steam mill added to their list of enterprises. After finding the sentiment favorable to his project, he very modestly stated that he would need a little pecuniary aid in constructing the building, and proposed that in case the citizens raised him $2,500, to proceed at once with the work. Enough kind-hearted gentlemen were soon found to make up the desired amount, and as security they were given a lien on the property. At the expiration of two years, the time when the money was to have been refunded, the double-barreled firm of Cannon & Cannon collapsed, and the wily creditors pounced down on the property. After gaining possession of the same they were informed that other parties held claims on the mill amounting to nearly $5,000. After liquidating these liens the property was sold to L. S. Hunter, the present proprietor, for $1,800. Just how much these philanthropic gentlemen realized from the speculation, except that the}^ had been swindled, is not known.

War Record

In sending out troops to aid in the suppression of the rebellion, (Treene was not behind her sister townships. She furnished troo]:)s for the 8th Kansas, ITth Illinois, 30th Illinois, 45th Illinois, 65th Illinois, 83d Illinois, 8Ith Illinois, 2Tth Illinois, 102d Illinois, ISith Illinois, 140th Illinois and 53d Illinois, and 12th 111. Cavalry. Upon the alter of her country she laid her sacrifice. Some of her brave sons who had gone out full of life and health, had returned, sick and emaciated from the effects of hardships and exposure, to their old homes to die with their loved ones about them, while the graves of others are scattered over the soil of Tennessee, of the Carolinas, of Georgia, on the banks of the Mississippi, and on the shore of the moaning sea. The tales of their deeds of heroism have been "enshrined in song f' a stately shaft of marble has been erected to their memory, and tlieii- e]>ita])hs are written on the hearts of the American people.

Among the many prominent men of wliicli Mercer county can boast, none are more deserving of the respect of her citizens than Dr. Jesse V. Frazier. Dr. Frazier is a son of John and Nancy (Veach) Frazier, and was born in Hubbard, Trumbull county, Ohio, February 15, 1824. Jesse remained on the farm with his father until eighteen years of age, when he went to Youngstown, Ohio, and began a course of study in the academy, and with the exception of two winters, during which he taught school, continued his studies three years. In the spring of 1845 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. B. F. Richardson, who has since been made a professor in one of the medical colleges in Cincinnati. He studied in the office of that gentleman until the s})ring of 1847. when he and his father started for Illinois. Taking passage on a boat at Pittsburgh they went down the Ohio to Cairo, thence up the Mississippi as far as Keokuk, where they found the river clogged with ice to such an extent as to stop further progress of the boat. Walking across on the ice to the Iowa side, they walked to Burlington, where they hired a man to row them across the channel to where the ice was sufficiently solid to permit them to walk ashore. This, although a very perilous operation, was accomplished without accident. Having made their way to the Illinois side, they started toward their destination on foot, and arrived at Yiola on the second of March. They bought a farm one and a half miles from that village, and while the father returned to Ohio for the family, Jesse attended to putting in their crops. Shortly after the arrival of the family he went to Rock Island and resumed his medical studies in the office of Dr. AVinslow S. Peirce, now of Indianapolis. In the fall of 1847 he attended lectures at McDowel's medical college in St. Louis. In the latter part of 1848 he began practising in ^lillersburg, and in February, 1849, received a diploma from the Rock Island medical college. During his studies in these two cities he distinguished himself as a student of more than ordinary talent, and in his final examination acquitted himself with the highest honors, and received the most Mattering encomiums from his fellow students and professors. In September he was stricken with a fever which detied the contents of an apothecary store as well as the skill of any human physician, and for which there was no antidote nearer than the (jold mineHof California. He accordingly prescribed for himself a trip to that country. In company with his friend Dr. Peirce he took a boat to New Orleans, and there took passage in a steamer bound for Panama. Shortly after landing in Gorgonia, he in company with several others stepped into a restaurant for dinner. Having partaken of the bountiful repast, he

])ut his hand in his pocket and made the startling discovery that his money was gone. Jlis pochet had heen picked. His feelings may easily be imagined on finding himself penniless in a strange land whose inhabitants spoke a language unknown to him. He went to the American consul, located in that city, and stated his ease and jDrodueed his diploma. Having convinced that official of the truthfulness < >f his story, he received the promise of a commission as surgeon on the first vessel that would depart for San Francisco. The first vessel to come in was the ''Sea Queen," a British vessel from Dundee, Scotland, laden with coal. After being unloaded this vessel was cleaned up, bunks and berths put in and made ready for can-ying j^assengers. This completed she soon hove anchor and departed for San Francisco, in which port she landed on the evening of January 9, 1850. On his ari'ival here he was prostrated by a fever contracted during his stay in Panama. After remaining a short time he managed, with the assistance of a friend, to get to Marysville, where they lived in a tent until his recovery, when they went to a mining camp known as Rough and Ready, in iS^evada county, and began work in the mines. The Doctor remained here until September when he sold his claims and bought two ox teams with which he engaged in hauling supplies from Sacramento to the mines. In the spring of 1851 he again entered the mines, and remained until January, 1852, when he received an appointment as hrst clerk in the state comptroller's office, by his old friend Dr. Peirce, who Jiad been elected to that position. Ill health soon compelled him to abandon that pursuit, however, and he resolved to try his fortune in Los Angelos, where he embarked in the live stock business, which proved to have been a very lucrative one, and in which he exhibited great financial shrewdness. He continued dealing in stock until January, 1853, by which time he had accumulated about $10,000, and had resolved to return to Illinois. A treacherous partner, however, vetoed that decision by absconding with all but about $500 of the doctor's money, and that was consumed in paying detectives and vainly searching for the miscreant. Undaunted by this terrible misfortune, he went to Sonora and again entered the mines. In 1856 the doctor was chosen by the republican element of the county as a candidate for the legislature, and although that party was in its infancy, and so decidedly in the minority as to render his election hopeless, he entered the contest with the same vim and enthusiasm that has ever characterized his actions. He "stumped" the eiitii-e district and came within eighty votes of being elected. May 1, 1857, he sailed for New York and arrived in that city about the last of the month. After spending several months visiting the princi])al cities of the east, he returned to tlie sucker state, wliich lias since been his liome. The doctor is a prominent member of the scientific and liistorical association of Mercer county, of which or<i;anization lie was the first president, also a member of the state medical association. Tie was married in 185!) to Miss Salina P. Cowden, whose father was one of the ])ioneer settlers of the county. He is the father of tiye children, four of whom are liyinu;: Kate M., born August 10, 18(38; Charles Edward, born August 12, 1866; Pearl, born September 3, 1870 (died October 12, 1870); and Lena, born September 30, 1873. The Doctor located in Yiola in March, 1861, and since that time has devoted his entire attention to his professional duties. Although a politician of great foresight and sagacity, he has never been an office seeker, and contrary to the wishes of his many friends, he has furthered tlie ])()litical interests ot others rather than those of his own.

Hugh B. Frazier, son of John and Xancv (Veach) Frazier, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1835. In 1847 the family removed to j\[ercer county, where Hugh assisted his lather on the farm in the summer and attended a district school in the winter, until 1854, when he went to Rock Island and attended school during the years of 1854-5. Li the fall of 1826 he went to Detroit, ]\[ichigan, and attended school four months at Gregorie's commercial college, from which institutitm he graduated. In 1858 he went to Kansas and bought land near Olathee, intending to devote his attention to farming, but becoming dissatisfied with the monotony of farm life he returned to Illinois, where he remained until August, 1862, when he enlisted as a ])riyate in Co. D, 83 111. Inf., and was with that regiment during all its weary marches, all its hardships in camp and on the battle-field. He was soon promoted to the position of sergeant, then to 1st sergeant, finally to 2d lieutenant, and acted in tliat ca])acity until the close of the war. He relates an incident that occurred near Bowling Green, Kentucky, which, like many other occurrences of a like nature, is not found in general histories. He in company with his father-in-law, Lieut. Robb, and five other soldiers, were detailed to guard a train on the Louisville & Memphis railroad en route for Bowling Green. The train was thundering along at the rate of twenty miles an hour, when it suddenly left the track and plunged into a steep embankment, and almost simultaneously witli the crash came a volley of musketry from the hill above, accompanied by oaths and a demand for all ''on board to surrender." Two of the union soldiers were shot dead the first volley, but the remaining five seizing their arms returned the fire, killing four rebels, one of whom was the ca]>tain, after which the guerillas, for such they were, beat a hasty retreat. A telegraph wire was cut and an engine telegraphed for which nrnved ^Yithin an hour and the train proceeded on its way. Lieut. Robb afterward received a very complimentary letter from Gen. Rosseau, congratulating him and his brave little band that saved the train. In June, 1865, the regiment was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, and returned to Chicago, where after receiving their pay they disbanded. In October of the same year Mr. Frazier, in company with his br()ther-in-law% V. R. Harriott, embarked in the dry goods and grocery business in Viola. Since that time Mr. Frazier has been one of the most active business men in the county and has exhibited excellent business qualifications and great financial skill in all his undertakings. Mr. Frazier was married on July 4, 1864, to Miss Mary Robb, a daughter of Lieut. Robb, and is father of six children : John, Fred, Ada II., Xannie A., Edwin R., and Sadie R. Mr. Frazier is a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 577, with which he united August 24, 1871, and is worshipful master of that lodge, also a member of Horeb Chapter, No. 4, at Rio, and Everts Commandery, No. 18, at Rock Island. Mr. Frazier started out in the world with nothing in the way of wealth, but possessing an ambitious disposition, he has accumulated a large competence, besides winning for himself the reputation of being a successful business man.