Henderson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1882 (part 18 of 23)

William P., son of John and Eleanor Collins, was born in the town of East Liverpool, Columbiana county, Ohio, in 18!^8. John Collins was a merchant in that village, and continued business until the spring of 1837, when he came west to Illinois. With his family and personal effects loaded on a flat boat, without sail or rudder, he floated down the Ohio river as far as Cincinnati. A buggy box, which was fastened on the roof of the craft, and the wheels, suspended from the sides by ropes, attracted attention on the voyage, and in passing steamboats was the subject of frequent jests. They were often asked if they intended, in case the river went dry, to proceed on wheels. At Cincinnati the clumsy vessel was exchanged for two bari'els of flour, and the family took passage on a steamboat, and arrived at New Boston, without having encountered any mishaps worthy of note, in May, 1837. On landing, a gang of red men, loaded with fish and trinkets, came on board the boat for the purpose of trading with the whites. This circumstance reminded them that they were in a wild country. As the trials and liardships of the early settlers during the pioneer period will be portrayed in the general history, we will pass over tluit part of Mr. Collins"' life, and speak of his career since he arrived at the years of manhood. Mr. Collins was married in 1857 to Miss Mary R. Bradford, and is the father of ten children, nine of whom are living: Ella M., Clara A. (deceased), Lottie E., William R.. John B., Eftie J.,

Samuel E., Charles H., Mary E., Mattie Bell, lie is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, witli which he united several years previous to the oi'ganization of the Yiola congregation. By hard labor and skillful financiering, Mr. Collins has acquired a large ])ropertv. Me has excellent advantages for stock raising, and turns his attention mostly to that business. Having come west wheti Illinois was almost a wilderness, he has lived to see cities and villages take the place of the log cal)in and the Indian wigwam. Where he once saw the bounding deer, and listened to the wolf's long are heard the shriek of the locomotive and the chiming of church bells. His father and mother now lie in the cemetery, north of Viola, and their quiet resting ])lace is marked by a granite shaft. Hand in hand they walked down the journey of life, shaiing its sorrows find its joys, and after a long career of usefulness Mr. Collins grew weary and laid down his burden by the wayside. Mrs. (^ollins remained on earth but a few years after, and they now lie side by side in death, leaving as a legacy to their descendants a noble exam])le, which, if followed, will win for them the respect of the entire community in which they live.

Moses Iv. Flokv, wagon manufacturer, son of Jonas and Catharine Flory, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, March 1, 1832. In 1889, the family removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and located in what is now North Plenderson township. For a few years after locating here his father ran a saw-mill, located on Pope creek. While operating this mill, he did work for the settlers for many miles around, his being the only mill from the eastern part of the county to the Mississijjpi. Moses received his education in an old log school-house that stood about a mile south of the residence of James Bridger. This building was one of those traditional structures, with a puncheon floor, clapboard roof, and hewn seats. In 1844 Moses, then a mere lad, went to Galena, Illinois, and worked a season in the lead mines. In 1848 he went to Ohio, and worked two years at carpentering, near Toledo. Returning in 1850, he began working his sister's farm, which he continued three years. In 18.)4 he again resumed car))enter work in company with John Longley, of Rivoli townshij). In August, 1861, Mr. Flory enlisted in Co. A, 30th 111. Inf., and was with that regiment in the battles of Belmont, Fort Henry, Donelson, Raymond, dackson (Mississijipi), Fort Gibson and Cham])ion Hill. He was taken prisoner at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862, and was taken to Memphis, where he was kept twenty-eight days, thence to Tuscaloosa, where he remained three- months, after which he was removed to ^lacon, (ieorgia, where he was kept four months, and was then taken to Richmond, where he was paroled October 19, 1862, and sent to AVashing- ton. tlience to Springlield, Illinois, and from there to Benton barracks, St. Louis, whence he was sent to rejoin his regiment, at Memphis. During a part of his imprisonment, he was under the care of the notorious Captain Wirtz, whose name will go down as the archfiend of American history. After doing duty at Eock Island eight months, he was discharged, and again i-eturned to his old home, having faithfully and bravely discharged the duty to which his country called him. In 1866 Mr. Flory located in Viola, where he built a wagon shop. Being naturally endowed with an inventive genius, lit- invented a revolving hay rake, upon which he received a patent in 1872. He began manufacturing for the wholesale trade in that year, and has no trouble in selling all he has the capacity to make. Mr. Flory is a prominent member of the A.F.A.M. lodge, I^o. 577, at Viola.

Joseph A. Goding, son of Amos and Lucinda Goding, was born near Farmington, Franklin county, Maine, February 2, 1848. He received his education in tlie public and state normal school at Farmington, graduating from the latter institution June 4. 1868. In October, 1869, he came to Chicago, and taught school six months near Dunton, in Cook county. In the summer of 1870 he came to Mercer county, and began teaching in the "Brickyard""' school-house in Xew Boston township. He was married May 14, 1872, to Miss Sarah E. Xoble, daughter of E. J. Noble, one of the pioneer settlers of New Boston township. After his marriage he retui-ned to his native state, and farmed two seasons on the old homestead, teaching in the winter. In 1874 he again returned to Mercer county, and was employed as princij)al of the Millersburg public schools. He taught two years and three months in that village and then came to Viola, having been made principal of the scliools in that village. After teaching two years he bought an interest in the dry goods tirm of II. B. Frazier & Co.. and has been engaged in that business until the present time. The names of Mr. Goding's children in the order of their ages are as follows : Lena, Clara, Bertha, Delia, and Maurice R. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in the fall of 1876.

Van R. Harriott was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1831. When he was ten years of age the family removed to Laporte county, Indiana, where they remained until 1846. In that year they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and located near Norwood. Van worked on a farm in Greene township two seasons and then went to breaking prairie with an ox team, which he continued for several seasons. Tn the spring of 1859 Mr. Harriott, in com])any with a number of acquaintances, started across the ])lains with an ox team.

and arrived at I*ike's Peak in July, after a long, tedious journey. Soon after arriving there a company was formed, of wliich Mr. Harriott was a member, and tlie party began work in the mines. Xot being fortunate in h)C-ating their daiiiis. a part of the company returned to Illinois in September. In iSCidt Mr. Harriott enlisted in the 140th reg. 111. Vol. Inf., which regiment enlisted for a hundred days. From Dixon they were sent to Springfield; thence to Mem])his, where they did guard duty on the Memphis cV: Charleston railroad for about three months. At the expiration of that time the regiment came to Chicago, and from there were sent to ^Nfissouri, where they remained two weeks, after which they returned to Chicago and were mustered out. Mr. Harriott was married in 1852 to Miss ]\rary R. Frazier, a native of Trumbull county. Ohio. The fruits of the union are four children: Jesse C. (now of Sherman county, Xebraska). Lillian A. (wife of Frank E. Kitzmiller). Salina M., and Arthur V. ]\Ir. Harriott united with the Congregationalist church in 1.S77, and is also a Mason, having been initiated into its mysteries in 1865, and has twice been master of the Yiola lodge. In 18fi5 Mr. Harriott embarked in the dry goods and grocery business in Yiola, in comj^any with his brother-in-law, H. B. Frazier. In 1869 the firm dissolved, and Mr. Harriott entered the liardware and grocery business in the brick hotel building. In 1871 Mr. Harriott closed out liis business and engaged in farming on land half a mile south of the village, which he had bought in 18(38. During the years that followed he was engaged in various pursuits imtil the fall of 1880, when he again embarked in the dry goods and grocery business in company with M. K. Florv. He is now in the grocery business in company with John Ashenhurst, and the firm is doing a lucrative business. Mr. Harriott is the present postmaster at Viola, and discharges lus duties in that capacity to the entire satisfaction of the people.

Fraxcis A., son of Henry and Sarah Hoagland, was born in Xew Bedford, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1838. In 1 846 the family emigrated to Mercer county and located in Greene township. His father was the first justice of the peace in the township, and, with the exception of a few months, held the position until the time of his death, which occurred in 1880. Frank remained at home with his ])arents until September, 1801, when he enlisted in Co. G, 30th 111. Inf. He was with that regiment during the battles of Belmont, Brittian's Lane, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Corinth, Grand Gulf, Champion Hill, Raymond, siege of Vicksburg, and in the Atlanta campaign. He states that during the siege of that city the ])ic-ket lines were only about forty yards ajnut. and the boys in blue and those in gray exchanged remarks as familiarly as though they had been neighbors and friends instead of foes. He also |)articipated in the battle of Jonesboro and many other severe skirmishes. He was discharged at S})ringtield, Illinois, in August, 1685, after which he returned home and resumed his labors on the farm. For many years after he was engaged in breaking prairie. He was married September 21, 1881, to Miss Jane A. Storey, and now resides on a farm he recently purchased in section 28 in Greene township.

John W. McCreigiit, son of Matthew and Elizabeth McCreight, was born in Adams county, Ohio, December 29, 3 828. In 1851 Mr. McCi'eight came to Mercer county and located at Sunbeam. In 1854 he purchased land in Section 31, Greene townshi]). In February of that year he was married to Miss Rebecca E. Nevius, daughter of William I. Nevius, one of the pioneers of Mercer county. It is supposed by the early settlers that Mrs. McCreight was the first white female child born in the county. The names of the children born to the couple are: Joel S., Walter E., William S., Henry A., Effie L. (deceased in her infancy), Lora N., and Louisa B. Mr. and Mrs. McCreight are members of the I'nited Presbyterian church, having united with that organization early in life.

Robert Guthrie, son of Andrew and Susan Guthrie, was born in Dumbartonshire, Scotland, August 10, 1844. In 1849 the family emigrated to Canada, where they remained until the fall of 1864, when they removed to Mercer coimty, Illinois, and settled in the southern part of Preemption township. He was married March 1, 1870, to Miss Isabella Stewart, a native of Scotland. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Jennie S. (deceased), Susie A., Minnie B'. (deceased), Andrew W., and Charles S. Mr. Guthrie is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1869 at Viola. He owns a tine farm of 850 acres in sections 4 and 5 in Greene township.

Robert M. Pinkerton, son of Joseph and Violet (Scott) Pinkerton, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1841. In 1850 the family removed to Mercer county, and located on section 6 in Greene township. In 1859 Robert was afflicted with a severe attack of the gold fever, and consequently started for Colorado territory, with an ox team ; the party, consisting of several wagons and men, arrived at the foot of the Rocky mountains after a long, tedious journey of sixty-three days. Mr. Pinkerton iirst entered the Gregory mines, forty-four miles west of Denver, and joined in the great struggle for wealth. He remained in the mountains until the fall of 18()2. During his stay there he traveled over the ground where Leadville now stands, little dreaming of the fabulous wealth hidden under his feet. On returning home he turned his attention to farming and coal mining on his father's farm, which he continued until 1868, when he bought a farm in section 5 and began business for himself. Mr. Pinkerton was married in 1863 to Miss Caroline el. Breckinridge, and is now father of six chiklren : Archie M., Cecil, Guy, Robert C, Allie V., and Maggie Z. In 1877 he removed to Viola, and embarked in the grain and lumber business. Since that time his brother William joined him in business, and the firm purchased the elevator formerly owned by E. J. Morgan. Mr. Pinkerton is a member of the I.O.O.F., lodge No. 336, at Aledo, with which he recently united, and also a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he has belonged since 1866. April 4, 1882, he was elected supervisor of the township, and being a man of excellent judgment will make an efficient officer.

Matthew B. Kennedy, butcher, son of John and Margaret Kennedy, was born in Beaver county, Penns^'lvania, March 1-t, 1889. When ten years of age, the family emigrated to Moi-gan county, Ohio, where they resided until the spring of 1856, when they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and bought land in sections 19 and 20 in Greene township. In 1857 the father died, leaving a family of four children, Brice being the eldest. The old gentleman was the first to be buried in the Viola cemetery. Brice remained at home with the family until May 3, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. F, 17th reg. 111. Vol. Inf , and was with that regiment at Fort Donelson. Shortly after this battle he was taken sick, and was sent to Cairo, Illinois, where he was detailed at the soldiers' home for a time, and then made provost-guard. He remained here about five months, when he again joined his regiment, then at Lake Providence, Louisiana. He went with the regiment to Vicksburg, and was again taken ill and sent to Memphis, where he remained about two weeks, when he and a friend stole away, got aboard of a boat and again joined the regiment. He was discharged November 3, 1863, and returned home and resumed his labors on the farm. He contracted heait-disease while in the service of his country, from which he has not yet recovered. Mr. Kennedy was married in 1866 to Miss Bell J. Carnahan, a native of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and is the father of six children, whose names, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Nannie A., Maggie L., David C, George M., John C, and Ralph W. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1859.

Frank E. KrrzMirxER was born in Mansfield, Ohio, July 19. 1848. AV^hen he was five years of age the family emigrated to Williams county, Ohio. Frank remained home with his parents until February

2:^. 1<S63, wlien he enlisted in Co. B, 38tli Ohio VoL Inf., and was with that regiment in the battles of Mission Ridge, Jonesboro, and Raleigh, also the Atlanta and Carolina campaigns, and the siege of Savannah. Mr. Kitzmiller came to Illinois in 18i)T. and located in Morris, where he remained until the spring of 1869, when he came to Yiola and opened a paint shop. He remained in the painting business until 1879, when he was employed as clerk for the firm of II. B. Frazier cV: Co., in Yiola. He was married June 7, 1870, to Miss Lillian Harriott, daughter of Y. R. Harriott, of Yiola. The names of his children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : LelaiidY. (deceased), Ray, Bert, and Harry. He is a member of the Congregational church with which he united in 1870. Also a member of I.O.O.F., lodge :No. 236, at Aledo.

Edwin T. Crosby, son of Carlos and Emily Crosby, was born in Peoria, Illinois, October 21, 1847. When Edwin was two years of age the family removed to Pekin, Illinois, where his father was engaged in the drug and jewelry business until 1856, when he removed to Yiola, and, in company with his brother, Delos, embarked in the dry goods and ijrocery business. The iirm of Crosby Brothers was one of the tirst in the villao;e. When Edwin was seventeen years of ae^e his fatlier died, and he was throvni upon his own resources to make his way in the world. He began clerking, and worked for different jmrties in that capacity until 1870, when he, in company with Martin Phares, now of Galesburg, embarked in the grocery business. He was made postmaster in that year and held the office until 1875. His business career has been one of success and prosperity. Although compelled to contend with many disadvantages, he has gradually worked to the top, and through his financial shrewdness and energy has placed himself among the foremost business men of the county.

Tno^rAs Leary, farmer, son of Dennis and Mary (Downey) Leary, was born in county Cork, Ireland, in 1822. When twenty years of age Thomas emigrated to Canada West, where he remained two years, after which he went to IS^ew York. After remaining one year in that state, during which time he worked in a brick-yard in Buffalo, he removed to Ohio, where he assisted in laying the track on the Sandusky & Manstield railroad, which was the first road built in the state. In August, 1845, he turned his face westward and arrived in Chicago in the latter part of that month. At that time the city was but a struggling village, and little did he dream that he would live to see a great city of 600,000 inhabitants rise as if by magic on the ground that was then covered by water, rushes, and prairie grass. Mr. Leary worked three years on the Illinois canal, after which he went to Indiana, and remained about ten years. In the fall of 185(1 he came to Mercer county, and bought land in section 12, Greene township. Mr. Leary was married in 1848 to Miss Mary Dwyer, a native of Ireland, who died in 1864. The names of the children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Mary A., Joseph P., Daniel (deceased), Catharine, Cornelius (deceased), John, Bridget, and Ellen. He and his family - are members of the Eoman Catholic church, witli which he united \ery early in life. Mr. Leary is one of the leading farmers in the township, and is highly respected by the entire comnnmity. He furnishes an example of energy, resolution, and hard labor ; of how a young man with nothing but a pair of strong hands and a iirm will may carve himself a heritage arid a good name.

AViLLiAit M. Pixkp:rtox, dealer in lumber and grain, son of Joseph and Violet (Scott) Pinkerton, was born near Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1828. Wlien twenty years of age William came to Mercer county. In the winter of 1848-9 he made his home with Judge Gilmore and taught school in that district. In the spring of 1849 he bought land in section 16, in Greene township, and began farming. He was present at the organization of the township in 1854, and remained in the township until 187T, when he removed to Mercer township and located on land he had bought in 1856. Mr. Pinkerton was married October 30, 1850, to Miss Eliza (Jarnahan. The Carnahan family have been in the United States since 1770, when the grandfather of Mrs. Pinkerton emigrated to the "new world" and located in Adams county, Pennsylvania. He was a soldier in the war of the revolution. Mrs. Pinkerton's father was bom February 2, 1792, in Allegheney county, Pennsylvania. The names of Mr. Pinkerton's children, in the order of their ages, are : AVillard S., John Ward (deceased), James and Julian (both deceased), Mary L. (deceased), Maria M., Alice M., Abraham L., and Jennie V. Willard married a daughter of Jeremiah Boyer, and the eldest living daughter, Maria, married John Netf, now a resident of Bayard, Iowa. Mr. Pinkerton is a member of the Congregational church, with which he united in 1 875 in Aledo. In 1862 Mr. Pinkerton enlisted in the 83d 111. Inf. and was with the regiment when it made the gallant fight in defense of Fort Donelson. The last eighteen months of his service was spent in detached service in a corps of topographical engineers connected with the headquarters of Gen. Thomas, at Nashville. During his absence Mrs. Pinkerton took charge of financial afi'airs at home and conducted them skillfully and successfully. On his return he entered more largely into stock raising, and success has ever attended his efibrts. He has one of the finest farms in Mercer county and is now enjoying 3{> the fruits of liis toil. In ISTovember, 1881, Mr. Pinkerton removed to Viola, where, in company with his brother Robert, he entered the grain and lumber business, having purchased the elevator owned by other parties, and the firm of Pinkerton Brothers are doing an extensive grain and lumber business.

Dr. Ebenezer L. McKinnie, physician, was the son of Ebenezer and Ruhamah McKinnie, and was bom in the village of Cadiz, Harrison county, Ohio, February 24, 1848. The family resided in that county until 1856, when they emigrated to Ogle county, Illinois, where they remained about nine months, and then removed to Millersburg, Mercer county, where they resided a year and removed to Crawfordsville, Iowa. Ebenezer received his education in the high school at that place and immediately after completing his studies he began teaching in the adjacent country, which he continued until 1869, when he came to Yiola and began a course of medical study in the office of his brother. Dr. P. L. McKinnie, now of Moline. In 1871 he purchased the stock of drugs owned by Park & McKinnie and embarked in that business. In 1880 he received his diploma from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa, and began the practice of medicine at Viola, where he has since had a very lucrative practice. The doctor was married in October, 1870, to Miss Mary E. Moore, a native of Mahoning county, Ohio. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, having united with that society at Crawfordsville, Iowa, in 1865.

Oliver Ellis, farmer, son of Manoali and Deidema Ellis was boiTi in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, in 1808. The family on the father's side are of English origin, his great grandfather having emigrated from that country at an early day and located on Cape Cod. Pie had five sons, one of whom was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch who spent his younger days on the sea. When Oliver was six years of age his father emigrated to Crawford county, Pennsylvania. Here Oliver resumed his education in a log school house two miles distant from his father''s cabin. Mr. Ellis was married in 1830 to Miss Mary Hill, a native of Pennsylvania. The pair had four children born to them, namely : James, Olive (now Mrs. Wilson), Calkins, Ph(jebe (wife of Jerry Mathews), and Amelia (wife of George Griffin), who recently died from injuries sustained from being kicked by a horse. In 1850 Mr. Ellis emigrated to Illinois and bought land in section 12 in Greene townshi}). For many years he performed his labors with oxen. By hard labor and economy he has accumulated a respectable portion of the world's goods to maintain him in his declining years.

23, ISHl. His tather was born in Pennsylvania August 19, 1803. lie and his wife were both members of the old school Presbyterian church and their remains now lie in the cemetery at Farlow's Grove. The old gentleman was at one time a merchant in Milton, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, but in 1839 decided to try his fate on the broad prairies of the west. He accordingly loaded his earthly possessions into a country wagon and set out on his journey toward the setting sun, arriving in Mercer county in August of that year, and bought a claim near Edwards river for $150, erected a cabin thereon and began the laborious task of improving his farm. By the aid of his sons he had accumulated and was, at the time of his death, the owner of 520 acres of land. The first coal known in the countv was discovered on his farm, in 1840, and in 1845 he began to develop a mine. The Farlow's Grove postoffice was removed to his residence in an early day, and he was the first postmaster in Greene township, which position he held until the othce was established at Viola. Russell Park when twenty-one years of age purchased eighty acres of land from his father in the S. W. + of Sec. 3, built a house, and was married November 17, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander and Margaret Ilenry. They are parents of the following named children : James, Russell, Mary, Elizabeth, Maggie, William A., Joseph D., Mary, Emma, Rachel, William Henry, John Alexander, and Julia E. ; of the these William A., John A., Mary E., and Joseph D., are dead. James is married to Miss Agatha Budlier, and Maggie to Stephen Farwell of Preemption township. In 1865 Mr. Park sunk a coal shaft near his house, and in 1873 a second shaft, opening up a four-foot vein of very fine coal, from which lie has taken as high as 50,000 bushels per year. Mr. Park has increased the original size of his farm to 300 acres, which he and his son carry on in connection with his coal business. He is a member of the masonic order, and with his wife united with the old school Presbyterian church. Miss Elizabeth Collins was his first school teacher. Without any educational advantages more than was afforded by the district school, he has made himself an intelligent and successful business man. Pie has been four times elected to the office of supervisor, and was recently ap])ointed to fill the place of the incumbent, who is about to remove. ^Ir. Park is a man of worth in the community; kind, sociable and fair in his dealings, he is respected by all.

William Stuart (deceased), the subject oi' this sketch, was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1814. In 1844, he came to America, making the voyage from Liverpool to New Orleans in a sailing vessel. From New Orleans he came u}) the river to New I'oston, tlience eastward across the country. Being attracted by the fertile prairies of what is now Suez township, he purchased a claim and located on section 19. Mr. Stuart was married in 1S46, to Miss Jane Patterson, also a native of county Donegal, Ireland. Three ^ons were born to the couple, all of whom are living, and whose names, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Joseph, A. C, and Amzi. The subject of this sketch died August 6, 1881, of dropsy of the heart. The funeral ceremonies were performed at his residence, and the remains interred in the Xorwood cemetery. The large tract of land accumulated by the deceased, during his industrious life, is now under the supervision of his worthy sons.

Georoe L. F. Robinsdx, attorney and teaclier, son of William C. and Fanny (Bouene) liobinson, was born in Siockb ridge, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, September 27th, 1832. His father had, in his younger days, been a teacher by profession, having been a precepter in the Attleboro academy, ^Massachusetts. He removed from there to Eutland county, Vermont, in about the year 1810, and engaged in the manufacturing business and continued about four years, and subsequently removed to, and remained in, the birth place of the subject of this sketch, who, having received the advantage of a Xew England academical education, commenced teaching among the Berkshire hills, when a mere youth, and ha\ing had the advantages of parents highly accomplished in b(jtli nnisic aud literature, and also inheriting a gift of nature in that direction, early sought, with precocious intention, the fav.ored ^'ocations, for which he seems to have been so admirably adapted. Coming to Illinois when the school system of the west was in its infancy, he has for long years been prominently identified with those interests, and having enjoyed first grades from every superintendent in the county, also having acquitted himself with great credit in adjoining counties, and although a pioneer teacher, is live, progressive, and awake to the advancement that has, and is being made, in our present admirable school system. When the war broke out, Prof Ivobinson, although denied the privilege of becoming a soldier, was none the less active in furthering, by every means in his power, the triumph of right over wi'ong, as his record fully shows. It is no wonder, when we see his standing on the superintendent's record, that his services are being sought in this and adjoining counties, where he is teaching for the third term with the same success that has ever attended his eftbrt.

Joseph Pinkertox, farmer, was boiTi in Chester county, Pennsylvania, Jimuarv 9, 1798. His father, William Pinkerton, was also a native of that state. His mother's maiden nanu- was Hannah Kennedv. also of

Peinisylvania. His grandfather. "William, was a native of I>on(lon- (lerrv. Ireland ; his grandmother on his fathers side was Elizabeth Criswell. also of Pennsylvania. The maiden name of his grandmotlier Kennedy, was Agnes McMahon. a native of Scotland, and his grandfather Kennedy was from Tyrone. Ireland. AVlien the subject ot this sketch was twenty -eight years old his parents removed to Trumbull countv, Ohio, and there his fatlier died, at the age of eijrhtv-two, and his mother, in her eightieth year. He purchased a fann in the town of Berzetta, in Trumbull county, and was married in Howland, in March '2Z, 1827, to Miss Violet Scott, a native of Chester county. Here he had twelve children born to him. Their names, in the <.)rder of their ages, are: William M.. James S., Hannah L. (wife of Joseph Carnahan), John C, Jane G. (wife of Richard Cabeen). Mary E. (wife of Robert Cabeen), George W., Robert ^I.. Alice L. (wife of Hiram Dunlap\ Thirza A. (wife of Xe%vton Dunlap). !Margaret R. (deceased in her fourteenth year), and Amanda T. (wife of Otis Morey). All of this number came to Illinois bv teams, in 1850. and onlv the eldest dauirhter has removed from fiercer countv. she being in Kansas. In Ohio. Mr. and ^Irs. Pinkerton were connected with the Presbyterian church, and subsequently in Illinr»is. but that organization becoming extinct, they united with the Methodist church, at Viola. This venerable couple are widely known in Mercer county, and possess the respect of all. With them, the shadows of life are lengthening toward the east, and when the hour comes for them to lie down by the wayside, there will be many other mourners besides the sons and daughters they have reared, and to whom they leave a noble example.

John C. Pixkkrtox. farmer, son of Joseph and Violet (Scott ) Pinkerton. was born in Trumbull county. Ohio. September 27, 1883. In 1850 the family emigrated to Illinois, and located in Greene township, Mercer county. ^Ir. Pinkerton received his educati<in in a district school. He remained at home, assisting his tather on the farm, until tsventy-one years )f age. when he began breaking prairie with an ox team, which oc tpation he followed for about live years. In 1>>56 he bought eighty aores of land in sections 5 and 8, and began farming for himself. He remained here until 1875, when he purchased the farm formerly owned by D. Y. Cowden in section 1 7. By hai-d labor and good management he has accumulated 200 acres of excellent land and a beautiful home. Mr. Pinkerton was married in the spring of 1859 to Miss ^[ary J. Jackson, a native of Peimsylvania. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are: Herbert AV.. Robert G., William J., John S.. and Riiymond. He is a prominent member of

John C. Gardner, fanner, son of Richard and Sarah Gardner, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in March, 1846. AVhen John was seven years of age the family emigrated to Illinois, and located near Oxford, Henry county. He remained at home and assisted his father on the farm until March 23, 1864, when he enlisted in Co. C, 112th reg. 111. Yol. Inf , and was sent to join that regiment at Kenesaw mountain. He was with the regiment during the Georgia campaign. The regiment moved from Atlanta to Decatur, where they remained ten days, when Hood drove the union forces back to Columbus, where they held the rebels in check for a time. He also participated in the terrible conflict at Franklin and also the battle of j^ashville. after which they marched to the Tennessee river, driving Hood before them. Here they took transports and went to Cincinnati, thence to Columbus, and thence to Alexandria, Virginia, by way of Washington. They remained eleven days, and were then sent to Fort Fisher, JSTorth Cai-olina. After this Mr. Gardner was with liis regiment during the battles of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Fort Anderson, After a series of skirmishes the army arrived at Raleigh, and was there during the review. He was discharged in July, 1865, at Raleigh, with the 65th reg. 111. Vol. Inf., having been transferred to that regiment a short time previous. After his discharge he returned home, and began farming in Mercer. Mr. Gardner was married December 24, 1869, to Miss Rebecca H. Carroll, a native of Milbrook, Mercer county, Pennsylvania. The names of Mr. Gardner's children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: William W., Edith B., and Harry C. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in 1869.

John G. Gilbert, son of Henry and Sally A. Gilbert, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, June 12, 1845. In 1856 the family came to Illinois, and bought land in section 35 in Greene township. John remained at home, working on the farm, until seventeen years of age, when he enlisted in Co. F, 140th reg. 111. Vol. Inf, and was discharged October 27, 1864. In 1866 he began working at the carpenter trade with E. J. Morgan, with whom he learned the trade. In 1869 he embarked in business for himself, the first contract being the residence now owned by A. Park. Since that time he has erected buildings in Mercer, Warren, Knox, Henry, and Rock Island counties. His su})erior workmanship is testified to by all who have secured his services. In the winter of 1869-70 he erected a business house on the corner of Shei)ard and Eighth streets in Viola. Since that time he has con- stnicted extensive additions to tlie original corner building, and is now the owner of three handsome store-rooms, forming a building 04x04 feet. In 1878 he erected a handsome residence in the eastern part of the village, where he now resides. Among the silent testimonials of his mechanical skill, are the residences of Robert Park (two miles north of Viola), Mrs. Mauk (at Suez), also those of S. E. Russell, Mrs. Bissell, and the Presbyterian church at Viola; also the school building and two churches at Cable, the former being the finest of its kind in the county. Mr. Gilbert was married in December, 1872, to Miss Lizzie Ramsey, a native of Tennessee, and is the father of two children, Vinnie R. and Harvey. B., aged eight and six years. He is a member of the masonic lodge. No. 577, at Viola, with which he united in 1869, also a member of Horeb Chapter, No. 4, at Rio.

Jacob, son of John P. and Christine E. Krause, was born in Baden, Germany, near Munheim, June 3, 1842. In 1844 the 'family emigrated to America, and located in Bennington, Wyoming county, New York. Jacob remained at home assisting his father on the farm until the fall of 1861, when he turned his face toward the setting sun and landed in Richland Grove townshij), where he farmed until August 8, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. C, 102d 111. Inf., and was with that gallant regiment at Resacca, Cassville, Newhope church, Kenesaw Mountain, ('hattahoochee Heights, Peachtree creek, and in the Atlanta cam])aign in all its marches and hardshi})S while defending the integi"ity of the country's flag. He was discharged June 14, 1865, 'at Chicago. July 4, 1866, Mr. Krause was married to Sarah L. Tenney, a native of Mercer county, by whom he is the father of six children: Millie M., William S. (deceased), Ora L., Jennie L., Maud M., and Clara A. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in 1869, at Oxford.

Samuel E., son of William and Ann (Stuart) Russell, w^as born in Trumbull county, Ohio, April 11, 1819. At the age of twenty-three he came to Illinois, and entered land in section 23, Greene townshi]). For fifteen years after locating in Greene township, Mr. Russell worked at wagon making, having erected a shoj) near the site of his present residence. In 1857 he abandoned that business and commenced improving his farm, and since that time has devoted his entire attention to farming and stock raising. Mr. Russell was married in 1844 to Miss Ann Collins, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of John Collins, one of the pioneer settlers of the county. In 1852 his first wife died, and in September, 1854, he was again married to Miss Eftie Cabeen, of Ohio Grove township. The fruits of the latter union are seven children: Annie ('., Maggie J., Mary (deceased in her ninth year),

Eunice, James E., Eicliard, and William C. Mr. Russell is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which lie united in 1846, at what is now known as Sunbeam. Wlien the Viola cono-reeration was organized, he united with them and has since been prominently identiHed with that society, and has been one of the pillars of the church. During the rebellion Mr. Russell used all his iniiuence toward promoting the union cause, and lias always been a staunch republican. Through economy and industry he has accumulated a respectable portion of the world's goods, and is a citizen of worth in all respects. He is not an office seeker, but on the contrary has refused being a candidate when his numerous friends have urged him so to do. His deeds of good are done in a quiet, unassuming way, as he does not care to win the approval of the public, but derives his satisfaction from the consciousness of having done his duty.

William' C, son of James and Hannah Gillespie, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1829. In January, 1853, he came to Illinois and located in Mercer county. In 1854 his father came and bought land in section 12, Mercer township. In the spring of 1860 William went to Colorado where he engaged in the mining business, in Russeirs gulch, near Central City. He remained there until December, 1861, wdien he returned to Moline, Illinois. He desired to enlist but the quota of Illinois being full at that time he went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and enlisted in Co. H, 8tli Kan. Inf. He remainecl with that regiment about sixteen months, when he was discharged on account of liaving very sore eyes. He returned to Illinois, and his eyes becoming better under medical treatment, he again enlisted in the 140th 111. Inf , and was with that regiment until they were mustered out. Mr. Gillespie was married February 22, 1871, to Miss Sarah M. Decker, a native of Mercer county. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are: Hannah M., John C, and Ida E. He in a member of lodge No. 252, A.F.A.M., with which he united in 1865, at Aledo.

Ammi Bissell (deceased) was the son of Porter and Margaret Bissell, and was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1833. In 1854 the family, consisting of the fathei*, mother and six childi'en, came to Mercer county. Ammi tirst bought land of John Geiger in section 1, in Greene township, and began farming for himself During the war he availed himself of the excellent op])f)rtunities the prices then afforded to either make or break, and began dealing in stock. During the remaining years of his life he dealt largely in live stock, and added every year to his large tracts of land. Mr. Bissell was married in May, 1857, to Miss Mary McKennan, and the couple had five children born to them, whose names in the order of their ages are: William H., Cleon (deceased), John L. (deceased), Ethelbert, and Frank. Mr. Bissell was an excellent financier, and by shrewd manai>;ement he accumulated a large amount of property, having at the time of his death nearly 1,100 acres of land, besides a great deal of stock. He was a man who would trade for anything, and, altliough a close dealer, was never accused of dishonesty, or of taking advantage of the poor. He died from the effects of injuries sustained by being thrown from a horse, and was buried November 26, 1873. His death was deeply mourned by the entire community. Mrs. Bissell now resides in Viola, where she recently erected a handsome residence, and where she has a large circle of friends.

William C. Breokeneidge, merchant, Viola, was born in Mahoning countv, Ohio, February 18, 181:3. Here the family resided until William was fifteen years of age. In 1851: his father died, leaving a family of six children, William being the second oldest. In 1858 the family came to Illinois, and bought land of John Geiger in sections 1 and 12, Greene township. In January, 1862, William went to Kansas, and soon after enlisted in a brigade that was being made up to send to New Mexico ; but that expedition being abandoned, they were consolidated with the 8tli Kansas at Fort Leavenworth. They first went to Fort Riley and then returned to the city of Leavenworth ; thence down the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to Columbus, Kentucky, where they landed and marched to Corinth and joined the main army. This regiment participated in the battles of Murfreesborough, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Franklin, and Nashville. Mr. Breckenridge did excellent service for his country, and was twice wounded. He was discharged in January, 1866, after which he returned to Mercer county and resumed his labors on the farm. He was married in 1868 to Miss Ella Gardner, and is now the father of five children, whose names in the order of their ages are : Frank O. , Ina (deceased), Almy, Edna, and Sue. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1866. In 1877, he began business in Viola, first putting in a stock of groceries, but is now a member of the dry goods firm of H. B. Frazier & Co.

Benjamin F., son of Charles F. and Polly Morey, was born in the town of McKean, Erie county, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1822. At tho age of nineteen he came to Warren county, Illinois, where he landed with $4 in money in his pockets, and an old suit of clothes, which constituted his entire stock of worldly possessions. He began working in a brick-yard in Monmouth. While in that city he was present at the trial of the notorious Jo. Smith, who had been arrested for being accessory in the murder of Gov. Boggs, of Missouri. He remained in the vicinity of Monmouth about tliree years, working at various pursuits in the summer and teaching in the winter. He was a member of the first board of supervisors in Warren county in 1854. Mr. More}' was married March 12, IS-tl:, to Miss Philetta Higgins, a native of Vermont. He was a resident of Warren county until the spring of 1861, when he removed to Mercer county and bought land in sections 26 and 27, Greene township. In the spring of 1864 he was elected supervisor of the township, and since that time has acted in that capacity for twelve years, the last two terms being chairman of the board. In the winter of 1864 Mr. Morey was appointed by the township to attend to filling the quota of troops, in order to prevent a draft. He went to Quincv vested with the proper authority and arranged matters so that no draft was made. The names of Mr. Morey's children in the order of their ages are as follows : Otis R. (now a resident of Audubon county, Iowa), Orinda O. (wife of W. L. Smith, deceased in her thirty -fifth year), Ella (wife of Charles Park, now residing in Cloud county, Kansas), Orlin, Oscar, Cornelius, Eunice, Lettie, and Dollie. Mr. Morey is a member of lodge ]^o. 577, A.F.A.M., at Viola, of wliich institution he was one of the first membei's. He is a member of no church ; but his wife and five of his children belong to the Methodist denomination. During his residence in Mercer county Mr. Morey has taken a prominent part in public affairs, and honesty and integrity have ever characterized his actions.

William S., son of John and Martha (Wright) McClannahan, was born in Adams county, Ohio, January 26, 1836. His parents resided in that state until 1855, when they removed to Monmouth, Illinois, where tliey located a farm part of which was within the corporate limits of the city. William assisted his father on the farm until 1856 when he began a course of study in the Monmouth College, from wliich institution he graduated in 1860, and in the fall of that year entered the theological seminary at that place. After having attended a term in that institution he was employed as principal of the West ward school. About this time he became convinced that duty called him to another field of action where muskets instead of ferrules were in vogue, and consequently after teaching a week he enlisted in the 17th 111. Inf., and set out for the theatre of war. He acted as orderly in in that regiment until August, 186-3, when he was promoted to second lieutenant. Shortly after his ])romotion he returned to Monmouth, and resumed his studies in the seminary, which he continued until the spring of 1864, when a company was organized, composed principally of students, and of which Mr. McClannahan was made captain. This company entered the 138tli Til. Inf., and were mustered out in September of 186i. In the winter of lvS64 he again resumed his studies and C'onipk^ted them in the spring of 1865. He was then sent as stated supply to Dayton, Ohio, where he had charge of a congregation one year, when he returned to (xrandv' iew, Iowa, where he took charge of two congregations, and for two years was princijjal of the Grand view Academy. After remaining in Iowa four years, his services were engaged by the United Presbyterian congregation at Viola. lie has been pastor of that church since 1870, and during that time has won the love and respect of his entire congregation. Mr. McC'annahan was married Api-il 23, 1868, to Miss Mary J. Potter, whose fatheiresides near Wapelh), Iowa, and the fruits of the union are six children, whose names in the orde4' of their ages are : Victor A., Zenis H., May M. (deceased), Enoch Potter (deceased). Amy, and Paul II. It is well to add that four members of the McClannahan family enlisted in the service of their country. The father, Capt. Mc( lannahan, and three sons, the youngest of which was the junior member of a family of seventeen children. The father fell at Fort Donelson, where previous to his death he had conducted himself with heroic bravery, and among all the dead who fell in that terrible conflict under the shadow of the banner they made free, none were more deeply mourned than the gray-haired captain.

John B., son of Edward and Rebecca (Reasoner) Smith, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1818. In 1848 the family removed to Delvalb county, Indiana, where they resided eight years. In 1856 his parents removed to Mercer county and bought land in Mercer towTishi]). Mr. Smith was married December 26, 1839, to Miss Margaret Boyle, a native of Knox county, Ohio. The names of his children are : Edward, Kancy Harriet (wife of Henry. Nesbitt), Randolph D., Jane (wife of Mark Cannum), JoliuE., E[)hriam ]>., Louisa (wife of David Robb), Perry A., Henry, William (deceased), Mary Elizabeth (deceased). Two of Mr. Smith's sons enlisted in the service of their country, Edward in the early i)art of 1862 in the 88th lud. Inf., Randolph D. in 1864 in the 4r)th 111. Inf. Mr. Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in 1842, and is also a member of the A.F.A.M. lodge, No. 577, at Viola. Mr, Smith has been constable in the different localities wdiere he has resided for the past twenty-five years. He is a citizen of worth, respected by all who know him.

Wallace W., son of William and Rachel Pinkerton, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, ^laj 6, 1842. When an infant his father came to Illinois and entered aclaim on section 18, In Greene township.

The subject of this sketch remained at home until the fall of 1S56. In 1859 he went to Colorado and engaged in mining in Russell Gulch, near Central City, and remained there until the fall of 1861, when he returned to Illinois, where he farmed until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. D, 83 111. Int^ Was with the regiment but one year, after which he did detached duty, until tlie close of the war. In September, 1863, he and his three companions rode up to a house in which were hidden seven guerrillas. A skirmish followed in which Mr. Pinkerton was shot in the hand, tearing one finger from the socket. They succeded in dispatching six of them and the company that was coming up behind captured the seventh. Mr. Pinkerton was discharged June 15, 1865, after which he returned to Illinois. During his residence in Illinois he has been engaged in farming and coal mining. He was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Carroll, who died in 1875. He was again married in 1878 to Miss Nancy Dilley. He is father of two children, whose names in the order of their ages are : Kate and Myrtle. Mr. Pinkerton is, at the present writing, still a resident of Illinois, but is making preparations to start on a long journey toward the setting sun, and intends to cast his lot among the mountains of the west.

lioswELL C, son of Roswell and Elizabeth Sexton, was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1803. His parents resided there until he was nine years of age, when they removed to Meadville, Crawford county, Pennsylvania. His father and mother were both natives of Connecticut. During their residence in Meadville his father was the proprietor of a hotel at that place, and it was here that the subject of this sketch received his education. In 1832 he went to Centerville, in the same county, and was married there in 1833 to Miss Mary Peek, a native of New York. He remained in Pennsylvania over twenty years after his marriage. In 1857 he came west and located near Oxford, Henry county, where he remained until 1860, when lie came to Viola and began keeping hotel in the Perkins building. The names of Mr. Sexton's children, in the order of their ages, are: William H., now county clerk in Warren county; Prior B., who resides on a farm near Viola ; Amelia, deceased in her eighteenth year ; Dora, wife of H. Southwell, present superintendent of schools in Rock Island county; Theodore F., who resides in Viola; and Dora, wife of L. Menold, also of Viola. Two of Mr. Sexton's sons enlisted in the service of their country, in defense of the princi})les they ever held dear. William enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. D, 83d 111. Inf , and Theodore in March, 1865, in the same regiment and coni})any. William was quartermaster of his regiment, and acted in that capacity until the close of the war. The family are all prominent members of the Presbj'terian church, with which the father united in 1828. Mr. Sexton and sons are all citizens of great worth, and are univ^ersally respected. The old people are well advanced in years, and can look back over the pathway of life with })leasure, and console themselyes with the thought that for their sons and daughters they leave as a legacy a noble example, a spotless name.

George W., son of Joseph and Violet (Scott) Pinkerton, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, January 3, 1889. When eleven years of age his father's family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois. George remained at home on the farm until August, 1861, when he enlisted in a company at Rock Island which was attached to the 14th Mo. Inf., and was sent to Lexington. In the battle of that place the company was taken prisoners, and shortly afterward were paroled and sent to St. Louis where they were discharged. Mr. Pinkerton returned home and remained until July, 1862, when he again enlisted in Co. D, 83d 111. Inf., and w^as with that regiment until it was mustered out in July, 1865.

L^RBAN D., son of Merritt A. and Betsy G. Lathrop, was born in Chenango county, New York, December 5, 1848. When two years of age his parents emigrated to Waukegan, Illinois. Aftei- remaining here about three months they removed to Bureau county. Soon after his father began work in the ministry, as a local preacher, in the United Brethren chui'ch, and since that time has devoted about twentyfive years of his life to ministerial labor. L^rban remained at home on the farm until February 6, 1865, when, although a mere lad, he left school and enlisted in Co. A, 151st 111. Inf , and was discharged in February of the follo\\'ing year at Springfield, Illinois, after which he returned home and resumed his labors on the farm. The following winter he went to Linn coimty, Iowa, where he began a course of study in the college at that place. In February, 1872, having received his license from the Wesleyan Methodist church, he took charge of a circuit in Bureau county. In 1878 he received a call from the Hopewell and Hamlet circuit in Mercer county, and he accordingly located in the parsonage at Bethel three miles west of Viola. Mr. Lathrop was married October 15, 1871, to Miss Sarah C. Cartwriglit, a native of Indiana. The fruits of the union are five children, whose names, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Arme P., Elmer P., Urban C, John M., and Ora E. Mr. Lathrop is ])resident of the Illinois conference, to which he was elected the third term, in the fall of 1881.

John, son of Samuel and Xehusta Griffin, was born in the town of Lee, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, March 29, 1795. He remained at home with his parents until seventeen years of age, when he went to Athens, New York, where he was apprenticed to learn the weaving trade. He followed that business until nineteen years old, when he was drafted, and, with a New York regiment, sent to Brooklyn Heights, where he took part in the war of 1812. He was married in 1816 to Miss Mary Hoag, a native Columbia county. The family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, in the spring of 1841, and bought land in section 13 in Greene township. He lived on his farm until June, 1865, when he "was called away, leaving a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his departure. His widow, Mary Griffin, still resides on the old homestead. She was born in Pittstown, New York, June 17, 1798. She united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1821, and has ever adhered to the faith. She states that the family fi'equently walked to Farlow's Grove, a distance of four miles, to attend religious services. The names of the children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : William H. (deceased), Henry G. (now a resident of Henry county, Illinois), James M. (deceased), Sarah (deceased), Huldah G. (now the wife of Anson Calkins, of Henry county), Mary E. (deceased), Septimus, and George (deceased). The grim harvester has robbed her of many of her loved ones, and she will probably soon follow, leaving a noble example for those who survive her.

Charles AV^., son of John and Elizabeth Southern, was born in Giles county, Virginia, in 1829. AVhen thirteen years of age his father's family emigrated to Cedar county, Iowa, where he remained until 1850, when he came to Mercer county, Illinois, and bought land in section 21, Greene township. Mr. Southern was married in 1851 to Miss Ruth Hoover, a native of Ohio. The names of their children in the order of their ages, are as follows : Catharine E. (now the wife of George Martin), Sarah E. (now the wife of Taylor Ashenhurst, I'esiding in Adair county, Iowa), William L., and Levi M. Mr. Southern devoted his entire attention to farming until March, 1865, when he enlisted in Co. A, 83d Ills. Inf. He was discharged September 11 in the same year. Mr. Southern has served as commissioner of highways six years and is an efficient officer.

William, son of Thomas and Hannah Terrey. was born in Smithtown, Long Island, May 17, 1799. In 1808 his father s family removed to New York city. In 1811 William went to Ti-ov and remained one year, after which he went to Vermont, where he remained until the latter part of 1814, when he returned to Troy, and while there witnessed the peace celebration that took place in January, 1815. While in that city he was engaged as a clerk in a hardware store, which lie continued until the fall of 1836, wlien, owing to the state of his health he resolved to try a change of climate. Although his physician told him he coukl not live two years he still survives, and for one of his age is hale and hearty. He came to Buffalo bv canal and there took a schooner bound for Cliicago. When off North Point on Lake Erie a severe storm struck them and all the heavy articles, including a stock of hardware belonging to Mr. Terrey, was thrown overboard. This mishap left him without anything to speak of, and after reaching Chicago he came out to Mercer ccjunty and bought a claim in what is now section 36, Greene township, borrowing money at twenty-five per cent with which to make the purcluise. Mr. Terrey was married December J 2, 1824, to Miss Barbara Vanalstyne, a native of New York, born December 16, 1806. The fruits of the union was four children, all of whom are dead, and whose names are as follows : Mary E. (deceased February 22, 1826), Isaac B. H. (deceased September 17, 1833), Catharine A. (deceased May 11, 1837), and Emily, (deceased July 24, 1840). James AVilliam, adopted shortly after the death of Mary E., was born February 17, 1826. His wife, Barbara, died in August, 1866. He was again married in October, 1868, to Mrs. Chloe H. Burrill, a native of New York. In 1843 Mr. Terrey was elected county assessor, which office he held six terms. In 1849 he was elected county treasurer and served four years in that capacity. AVhen he first assessed Keithsburg there were but three houses in the village.

Warren L., son of Uriah and Rhoda Smith, was born in Medina county, Ohio, April 27, 1842. The family, consisting of his father, mother and five children, emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1851, and located on section 27, Greene township. His father, in early times, took an active part in public affairs, and was deputy sheriff during the years of 1856, 1857-8. Warren remained at home, assisting his father on the farm imtil February 15, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. B, 65th 111. Inf. In 1864, he re-enlisted at Louisville, Kentucky, and was with that regiment during all the terrible battles in which it took part. He was mustered out July 15, 1865, at Greensborough, North Carolina. He was married August 30, 1866, to Miss Orinda Morey, daughter of B. F. Morey, Esq., of Greene township. The fruits of this union are three children, namely : Arthur W., Charles L., and Nellie L. Mrs. Smith died January 25, 1882, in her thirty-fifth year, leaving a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn her loss, Mr. Smith is a member of the A.F.A.M. lodge. No, 577, of which he is a charter member, and was the first Senior Deacon. He is also a member of the Methodist Episco])al church, with which he united in 1867.

George W., son of John* and Emeline Morris, was born September 25, 1853, near Keithsburg, Mei'cer county, Illinois. In 1879, he purchased the farm commonly known as the Cohran farm, in section 16, consisting- of eighty acres. Previous to that time, he had made his home with his father. He was married March 13, IS 79, to Miss Anna Jolmston, daughter of William H. Johnston, of Preemption township. The names of their children are George L., and Frank. Mr. Morris is a farmer of enterprise and industry, and we predict for him a bright and pi"osperous future.

Edwin, son of John and Emeline Morris, was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1849. He came west with his father in 1851, and has always devoted his attention to farming and stock raising. He was married December 12, 1877, to Miss Emma J. McFate, daughter of Samuel McFate, of Greene township. Mr, Morris, although quite young, has accumulated 160 acres of excellent land in sections 10 and 15.

Lucius E., son of Israel A. and Emma Jane Smith, was born in Medina county, Ohio, December 24, 1844. In the year 1850 the family, consisting of the father, mother, and four children, emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and located on section 27, Greene township. Israel, the father, and the mother, Emma J., were members of the United Presbyterian church, with which they united after coming to Illinois. The subject of this sketch remained at home until March, 1864, when he enhsted in Co. I, 83d 111. Inf., serving with that regiment until mustered out, after which he served two months in the 61st, being discharged in September of the same year. Married in April, 1872, to Miss Harriet F. Thompson, a native of Iowa. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows : Edith, Lyman, and Leonard. Mr. Smith now resides on section 28, in Greene township.

John Morris was born in Somersetshire, England, May 27, 1816. His father and family came to America in 1840, arri\dng at New York on July 3. They came to Ohio, where the subject of this sketch bought a farm near Cleveland. On March 1, 1847, he was married to Miss Emeline C. Hicks, at Zanesville. In 1851 Mr. Morris and family came to Illinois, by wa}' of the lakes to Chicago, and thence by teams to Mercer county, locating near Keith sburg. His father died here in 1856, in his sixty-eighth year. After residing in Mercer county five years, Mr. Morris moved to Warren county, but again returned to Mercer in 1865, and bought a farm in section 9 in Greene township, to which he has added, by purchase, other land in the vicinity of Viola. Their children, named in the order of their ages, are : Yietoria M., Edwin and Edmond (who are twins), George W., Clara, Eugene (deceased), Elwood J., Ida S., and Cora M. ; besides the above named, three sons and one daughter have been buried in infancy.

The Nintli Illinois Regiment was one of the six regiments organized at S|)ringtield for the three montlis' service. The regiment was mustered into service April 28, 1801, and ordered to Cairo, where it remained during the three months'' service in the brigade commanded bj Bridadier C. M. Prentiss.

July 26 the regiment was mustered into the three years" service by Capt. Pitcher, P.S.A. About 500 of the three months' men re-enlisted for three years, and on September 1, iNOl, the regiment nund)ered 104:0. Se})tember o, 1861, the regiment was ordered to Paducah, where it passed the winter. During the winter exj^editions were made to Milburn, Maylield, A'iola, Calloway Landing, and elsewhere in Kentucky. Three hundred men of the ninth, under command of Maj. Jesse .1. Phillips, sin-prised and attacked a force of 200 rebel cavalry at Saratoga, Lyon county, Kentucky, killing eight, wounding several, and taking thirty-six prisioners, besides many horses and equipments.

On February 5, 1862, the regiment moved up the Tennessee river to Fort Henry, and was in the 1st Brig., 2(1 Div., Army of the Tennessee, Col. John McArthur commanding the brigade and Oen. (\ F. Smith commanding the division. The brigade moved U|» the left bank of the Tennessee river, driving the rebels from Fort Ileiman and capturing all camp equipages and stores there. February 12 they moved to Fort Donelson, and were engaged in that battle with eight companies, sustaining a loss of 35 killed, 1(56 wounded and 6 prisoners. The part taken in this action by Col. McArthur's brigade, of which this regiment formed a })art, has no place in any official report of that action. His brigade, which formed a part of Gen. Smith's division, was detached to the support of the first division, commanded by Brig. Gen. McClernand, and was engaged on the right of our army during the lighting of Saturday, February 15, where most of the severe lighting took place.

February 22 they moved up the Cumberland river and occupied Clarksville. February 27 they moved to Nashville, and returned March 1. March 6 they embarked for Paducah and up the Tennessee to Pittsburg Landing, where they disembarked March 1!». The regiment was engaged at the battle of Shiloh, April (> and 7, and sustained a loss on the 6th of 61 killed, 287 wounded and two prisoners. Out of the twenty-six officers of field, stafit' and line, twenty-one were killed or wounded. The second brigade was commanded by I>rig.-(ien. Jolni McArthur and the division by l>rig.-Gen. AV. II. L. Wallace. 4(J

During tlie advance upon Corinth the brigade was commanded by Brig. -Gen. J. R. Oglesby and the division bj Brig. -Gen. Thomas A. Davies. On the evacuation of Corinth the division, attached to the third armv corps (Maj.-Gen. John Pope commanding), pursued the retreating enemy to Booneville, twenty-five miles south. They remained in camp at Corinth from Jure 13 to August 16, and at Rienzi, iifteen miles south of Corinth, until October 1. The brigade was engaged at the battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, and sustained a loss of nineteen killed, eighty-two wounded and fifty-two prisoners. After the engagement the regiment was ordered, one battalion to Danville and one to Rienzi, ft'om whence they were ordered to Corinth November 27. December 13 the regiment was ordered out on a reconnoissance to Gemtown, Saltillo, Tupelo, and Marietta, Mississippi. The brigade (9th reg. 111. Vol Inf., 81st Ohio Inf., 1st batt. Stewart/ s 111. Cav., and two guns of Tanrath's battery), commanded by Col. Aug. Mersey, captured seventy-eight prisoners and a large number of horses and mules.

As originally organized, Alexander G. Hawes, of Belleville, was captain of Co. E, whicli was largely raised in Mercer county. William D. Craig, of Aledo, was first lieutenant, and Roswell B. Patterson, of Belleville, was second lieutenant. The first and last named served in their respective oftices until the experiation of their terms in 1S64. Wm. D. Craig was promoted June 8, 1862, to the ofiice of first assistant surgeon, and retained that position until the expiration of his term, August 20, 1864.

T^ear the expiration of their term, the regiment was reorganized and consolidated, and Thomas C. Kidd, of Springfield, was chosen captain of Co. E, Thomas F. McClintock, of Aledo, first lieutenant, and Wm. P. Reese, second lieutenant. David D. Bigger, of Henderson, was surgeon ; Charles B. Fleming, of Keithsburg, was second lieutenant of Co. A, and was afterward promoted to first lieutenant. For some time before and after the consolidation, the regiment followed the fortunes of Sherman's bummers, as they were styled, through to Savannah, and north through the Carolinas. In all the 9th is credited with being in 110 battles and skirmishes. Thirteen of Mercer county's best citizens, members of Co. E, gave their lives as a sacrifice for their country's salvation.

This coinpanv was made u]) largt-ly of men from Millersburg and vicinity. The rest of the company was from Bond county. It was organized August 23, 1861, and mustered into service the same day. George W. Keener, of Bond county, was elected caj)tain, Thomas L. Vest, of the same county, iirst lieutenant, and James A. Dugger, of Millersburg, second lieutenant. Dugger was, upon the resignation of the captain, and again of the first lieutenant, promoted to each jjosition, and in the otfice of captain he was serving when he was killed, July 16, 1863. James H. Comer, of Millersburg, served awhile as second lieutenant, and James Manies and John McAllister, of the same place, each served as first lieutenant. This company was, however, considered a Bond county company, and in the main was officered by men from tliat county. Seventeen members, formerly residents of Mercer county, were either killed or met their death from disease contracted in the army.

The !2Bth regiment was partially organized at Camp Butler, August 31, 1861, and were ordered to Quincy for the protection of that place. Their first arms were as primitive as could be desired, being simply hickory clubs. During the latter part of the year they changed their munitions of war to something but little better, the old English musket. These did quite well, however, as they were not called u])on to put them into active use until three other companies (the original number being seven) were added. The marches, engagements, skirmishes and privations, from that time forth, were all that the most lieoric could desire. At New Madrid the regiment was first engaged, after which Fort Pillow, siege of Corinth (Co. G of this regiment being the .first to enter after evacuation ), luka, siege of Jackson (where Captain Dugger was killed). Mission Ridge, were scenes of conflict in which the regiment was engaged. At the last named place the regiment suftered greatly, losing in killed and wounded one-tenth of the regiment. On June 1, 1864, there were only 515 men present ready for duty, of whom -163 re-enlisted as veterans. After a home furlough the regiment went on the Atlanta campaign, thence to Savannah, and finally through the Carolinas, and participated in the grand review at Washington. The general features of the marches and engagements are so fully given in this book, in the course of other regiments, that details and repetition are not considered advisable at this time.

Preemptiox Toavnship

Than tlie township of Preemption, as the traveler now beliolds it, it would be hard indeed to conceive a place which attbrds scenes of greater beauty, homes indicative of more thrift, or resources more available and giving stronger assurance of wealth and luxury ; so diversitied is its surface, so various its products. In the north are broad, fertile prairies, occupied by prosperous farmers, who have expended no little money in beautifying their homes. Indeed, the gently undulating j)rairies invite irresistably to expend time and taste in ornamentation, so fully do they revealand enhance every touch of beauty given them. They have accordingly been studded with tine residences, set amidst ornamental trees and shrubs and full-blooming orchards ; their rich acres enclosed with neatly trimmed hedges, whose dark-green contrasts harmoniously with the broad fields of waving grain.

In the south the surface is sharply broken and covered in ]:)laces with a heavy growth of jack-oak and hazel, but well adapted to purposes of grazing. Here also are found large quantities of excellent coal and Imilding stone. The Edwards i-iver affords perfect drainage to the entire township, besides adding to its varied beauty of scenery by the deep gorges and precipitous ravines cut l)v its numerous tributaries.

Very different, but scarcely less beautiful, nnist have been this favored section when, in 1835, John Farlow^ and Hopkins Boone, inshort succession, with their families, entered and set about prepaiing homes. Then the ]>rairie stretched away to the north, brightened with the gorgeous hues of native flowers ; about him was the deep silence of a large white oak forest and all the rudeness and lonliness of the untrodden wilderness. At their doors flowed the beautiful but treacherous Edwards river, its banks now rising rough and precipitous, now spreading out into broad, fertile bottoms. Instead of the busy sounds of labor, the cheerful voices of friendly neighbors, were heard the howl of the wolf, the cry of the wild-cat, the hateful rattle of the rattlesnake. Instead of herds of cattle, deer roamed the ])rairies and started from the thickets ; instead of the cries of domestic fowd were heard the wdiir of the grouse's wing, the whistle of the quail, and the call of the wdld turkey, while multitudes of geese and ducks covered the ponds in the bottoms of the Edwards river. Yet with all its rudeness, its beauty and promise must have foreshadowed to the mind of the pioneer the j resent prosperity and wealth of Preemption township. For nearly a year Jolin Farlow and rioj)kins Boone had no neighbors, there being

Tn tlic followinii; s])nng there came into tlie sctth-nient, with thriifamilies, liev. John Montfj^omerv, a Presbyterian minister, and James Boone, from Pennsylvania, and from Indiana, (Tabriel Barklev, diristopher ^filler and Rev. Joseph Jones, a J>a})tist j)reaeher. Ihit they wei'e still isolated from any considerable settU'nient. for thert; was no road, the only line of communication being an LnUan trail leading from Monmouth to Pock Island, which could be tra\'eled only on foot or on horseback; there was no postotHce, no convenient market, no mill. Ihit this state of atlairs did not long continue; the natural advantages of the location attracted settlers ;nid the increasing population and production demanded increased facilities for the transfer of emigrants and the transportation of crops to market.

In 1832 a road had been laid out from Beard stown to Cralena, following the main route to the lead mines located at the latter place. This road, however, was impassable by wagons on account of the river banks being so cut out by the swift currents of the streams, until in ls;',7 the county built across the Edwards river, on section 34, a trestle bridge, covered with oak |)lank. The only other regularly laid out road previous to lS-1-0 w^as the state road, leading from New Boston, Mercer county, to a town in Henry county, now defunct, named Richmond.

In 1838 there came into the noi-thern ])ai1; of the township Benjamin Clarke, David Little, John Beirbeau, and Charles Minick, settling on section 1 and 2, and E. J. Farwell, on section 14. Only those who went tlirough the trials of these early times can appreciate their severity. Xow" railroads intersect the county in various directions ; hard roads and good bridges make stations easily accessible ; mercantile enterprise brings the products of the best mills and factories to one's very doors. Not so at the earlv davs of which we write. Then the settler must go long distances to mill with his grist, and there wait his turn to have it ground. The particular settlers of whom we write, were obliged to go to Monmouth to mill, forc4ing on their way both the Pope creek and the Edwards river. To market their produce they must go miles away over the prairies to New Boston, or to the town of Stevenson, now Rock Island. Had the prices of their croj)S brought been proportionate to the labor of getting them to market, or had the cost of the necessaries of life been correspondingly low, their hardships, though still great, would have been much relieved, rnfortunately, neither condition existed ; witness the following schedule of prices: AVheat, twenty -five cents per busliel, to be paid for in goods

(at wluit prices we sliall presently see) ; corn, if one could sell ut all, ten cents per bushel ; dressed hogs weighing 200 pounds and upward, $1.50 per hundred ; hogs of lighter weight at a less price. Mr. Boone relates, as a fair illustration, this incident : learning that a certain merchant at Andalusia, Iowa, w^as paying $2 pei- hundred for good dressed pork, and needing some salt, he 'and his hand sjjent a day at killing and dressing such hogs as he had ready for market. Proceeding by a laborious route to Andalusia, he sold his pork, 450 pounds, foi" $9. liecrossing the river at Davenport, to Rock Island, he bought his salt, paying therefor $9, or -150 pounds of dressed pork. In 1837 these settlers obtained a postottice, located at the residence of Hopkins Boone, the second in the county, called the Farlow's Grove postoffice. The postage was twenty-five cents a letter, just the price of a bushel of wheat. The mail came at long intervals and irregularly, carried on horseback along the old Indian trail. As the county grew, the postal facilities increased, till now tlie office, removed since to the village of Preemption, receives and sends daily mails. With the growth of the farming interests, the development of the mineral resources has kept equal pace. The demand for stone has steadily increased with the population. The quarries have furnished the stone for most of the cellars and wells of the township. Shortly after the settlement of the township, coal was found cropping out in various places. It has proved to be of good quality, abundant in (iuantitv. easily accessible. One vein is live feet in thickness. The depth of the veins "below the surface varies from twenty-five to seventy-five feet. This industry has far outgrown the demands of the township and surrounding country, and the railroad, built by Mr. Cable, finds lucrative employment in conveying to other points the surplus production of this and Richland Grove township mines. This brief sketcff but very insufficiently indicates the great resources of the township. Perhaps the best indication of what is in store for its citizens in the future will be a statement of its present wealth, accumulated in less than a half century since the first settler pitched his tent within its limits. The population has increased to 1,410 in 1880. In ^1881 the assessed value of lands was $362,743 ; of town lots, $1,170 ; of personal property, $125,104. But this can be hardly more than an earnest of what is yet to be attained here in point of wealtli. Besides all this there has grown up a busy village with excellent buildings and enterprising merchants. The first hotel, opened by PI. E. Wright in 1 854, has given place to the excellent house of Mrs. Robt. Hammond. The business of blacksmith shop of Xorton Griffith, established in 1853, the wagon ^hop, opened by W. C. Gray in 1855, has been augmented by the beautiful drug store of Dr. Jas. H. Seyler, the extensive general store of AVm. Hammond, Mr. Brigg"s grocery, the large mill o])eratecl by Mr. Carver, the lumber yard, and the creamery, controlled respectively by J. E. Otto, and D. W. Little. From this list must not be omitted the name of the veteran merchant, Mr. Pliilli]) E. Stevens, successor with Mr. Wright to Messrs. Wharton & Crawford, the Urst general merchants of the township.

The titles to the lands occupied by the early settlers upon the tract lying between the Illinois and Mississii)pi rivers, upon the security of which depended so largely the pros})ority and peace of the settlement, were not established without difficulty and the exercise of much decision and courage on the part of the ])ioneers. At the time the settlers came the land had not been offered for sale, and there were no ])reemption or other laws to protect the settlers in their claims and improvements. Two classes of persons sought to take advantage of this to reap profits of the frontiersman's sacrifices and labors, - the claim-jumper and the moneyed speculatcn-. The former sought to obtain a claim upon land already occupied and im[)roved by settling upon it ; the latter b}' bidding against the settlers at the ])ublic land sales. This conflict of claims had been the fruitful source of serious difficulties and the occasion of some murders. To prevent any such trouble, the settlers of Preemption and some other townships formed an association for mutual protection. One of their number, Mr. Hopkins Boone, was chosen recorder, and the claim of each settler duly recorded, according to its location on the prairie; each settler, moreover, being limited in the size of his claim to a reasonable amount of land. Previous to the sale of the lands of this township, two claims were "jumped.'' In b(^th cases the settlers at once sent a committee and ordered the parties to "leave the diggins."" They left. The land of Preemption township came into market October 30, 1844, the last of Mercer county to be sold. The fact that ])rior to this sale the settlers of this township held their homes under the preemption law, gave it its name - Preemption.

For voting purposes, this section belonged to the Richland drove precinet. It is rehxted that at the presidential election of 1830, the people of this precinct gathered to vote ; but vainly had they come, for no one knew who were the electors. Converting their disai)pointment into a resolve that some one in the settlement must take a newspaper thereafter, they had a neighborly chat and went home. That they were so far neglected by the solicitous politician is most con- proof (jf their complete isolation. The first election in the township was held the following year, at Hopkins Boone's residence. The township organization was effected in IS.">4. The officers elected at this and the successive elections are given in the following list, furnished by the courtesy of Mr. Thomas L. Johnson, appointed, at the last town meeting, clerk, in place of Mr. 11. J. Stewart, during the latter's illness :

The life of the pioneer was not undarkened by domestic sorrow, nor unbrightened by domestic joys. The minister of the little settlement early found occasion to share the sorrows and the joys of his neighbors, to offer the consolations of religion to the bereaved, to extend his congratulations and god-speed to those who in marriage had united heart and hand to subdue the wilderness, and make it blossom as the rose.

Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins Boone first claimed the pastor's tender seivices in the burial in this hmely place of their infant son. They, too, were the first to hail the birth of a child, a daughter, who lived to grow up in the old homestead, to assist her parents in their hardships. and, with Mr, Geddes, to make another home.

With all their hard labors, these pioneers still found time to woo and win the fair daughters of their neighbors. Scarcely the second winter passed since John Farlow built his cabin cm the banks of the Edwards river, when (in a figure) the first wedding bells called to the marriage of Susan, daughter of -lames and Hannah Boone, to Dr. Joseph S. Mans, of Pekin, Illinois. In 1838 another daughter became the helpmeet of Mr. Alfred Perry.

Rapid and absorbing as has been the material development of this township, the claims of religion have not been neglected. Among the tirst settlers was a Presbvterian minister, Rev. John ISIontgomer}', who became pastor of the tirst chnrch in the commnnity, organized at Farlow's Grove in 1889. with the following constituent members : Elder John Linn and wife, Elder Robert Stewart, wife and two daughters, Elder Barrows and daughter, Samuel AVhan and wife, Mrs. H. Boone, Mr. Black and wife, and others. In 1848, John Montgomery, now deceased, was followed in tlu' pastorate of the church by Thomas S. Vale, a very talented man from Princeton college. He remained until alxjut 1840, when he was succeeded by Rev. L. B. Crittenden, who continued as pastor till about 1850. About this time, Mr. John Whitsitt, who had been ordained as elder in 1845, removed his membership to Rock Island, where his children were at school. In ISHT, ]\Ir. Whitsitt's energy procured a church-building on his farm adjoining the village of Preem])tion. Here in 1868 a church was organized with Jolm Whitsitt, Hugh Livingstone, and James Henry as elders, of wdiom the latter two were elected and ordained at this time, the tirst named having been ordained vears before at Farlow's Grove. For manv years this church flourished, having in its membei'shi}) a number of the very best citizens of Preemption townshij). In 1881 an unfortunate controversy arose, which has severely injured the oro;anization. The society now hold sei'vices in Hammond's Hall. The church at Farlow's Grove still exists, though less vigorous tlian informer years. They have no settled pastor but have occasional preaching.

The lirst Methodist society in the townshi]j of Preemption was organized in the year 1841, at the house of Mr. Benjamin Clarke, with six members, viz : Benjamin Clarke (leader) and wife, David Little and wife, Andrew Gilmore, and Margaret Gilmore. They held their meetings at this place until 1846, when a house of worship was built, under the following circumstances : Judge Savage, who had been in this section looking after his real estate interests, observing the lack of means for the develo})nient of either or both educational and religious interests, and believing, as do all intelligent men, that tlirough these mediums only come true prosperity and the successful building up of a new country, he deposited in Rock Island $50 to be used in building a house for church and school purposes. This fact Mr. Savage communicated to flohn Whitsitt, who soon after conferred with Mr. C. A. S])ring, an agent of the American Sunday School Union of

ISTew York, who was tlien here in the interest of that society. Througli Mr. Spring's inliuence Mr. Lemuel Brewster, a benevolent gentleman in New York, was induced to build three houses here, one at Farlow's Grove in section 34, one at Preem])tion Corners in section 11, and one in Rock Island countv ; the $50 donated bv Judge Savage was tinally used in improving and fencing the Union cemeterv at Farlow's (irrove. In this house at Preemption the Methodists worsliiped until they erected their present commodious church edifice on the southwest corner of David Little's farm in section 2, adjoining the village of Preemption, in 1867. The old building is still (and may it for many years to come) standing as a memorial to the memory of its benevolent builder.

The perusal of the following pages will be the evidence of how the All-wise Ruler of all things crowned these early, yet feeble, eftbrts with success. Reverting in the history of the Methodist Episcopal church to 1865, we tind it in charge of Rev. Amos Morey as i)astor, with 101 members and fourteen probationers. Rev. Mr. Morey filled this j)()sition up to 1868, when he reported three preaching places, 123 members and nineteen probationers, a church worth $3,000, and a comfortable parsonage. The pastors succeeding him were : M. P. Armstrong, W. M. Sedore, and J. E. Rutledge (each one year), J. Q. Adams (three years), Thomas Watson (two years), Charles Atherton (two years), who was assisted in his last year by Frank Doran. At the close of the conference year of 1878, the charge was divided, Reynolds taking all the other appointments, leaving Preemption alone, tacitly a station without any outside appointments, ninety-six members and three church buildings going to the Reynolds circuit, while fiftynine members, one church and the ])arsonage were left with Preemption.

In 187!) Rev. Thomas Watson was for the second time appointed to this charge. He died the May following, and his time was filled out by W. C. Knapp and the Rev. B. C. Dennis. In 1880 brother B. C. Dennis became pastor in charge, retaining the same three years, which is the full extent of time allowed by the conference on one charge. During the broken year above referred to no change numeriically was made, but during the last three years of Brother Dennis' labors the membership has grown from fifty-nine to eighty-six.

The Sunday school is in a specially flourishing condition, and at the j)resent time (1882) larger than any ever before held in the township. Tiie charge is one of the best patrons, per member, of the missionary and other benevolent societies of any church in the bounds of the conference, if not of the state. Their missionary collections for the year 1881 were $3,000, and during the last two years the benevo- lent collections of tlio charge have averaged considerably over §11 per niemher, while home ex]»enses are all ])aid up promptly in advance, all of which grows out of the fact that a few of the leading liberal and wealthy men in the community apj)reciate the value of the church and the benefits of its benign inliuence.

Of the church history from 1845 to 1865 nothing authentic could be obtained, as there are no records earlier than the latter date, and the only party now living wlio could give any reliable information stubboi-nly I'efused to do so.

Quite early in the history of Preemption township, the Conways, Odays, Brenens, and a few others of the Catholic faith, settled in and aroun(i the southeast part of the township, and to them occasionally priests from Rock Island would come and minister, holding meetings at the cabins of the early settlers. This was continued up to 1875, when steps were taken to build a church, which was soon accom])lislied. On January 23, 1875, a subscription was drawn up by Daniel ]\fack. who subscribed slQO. This was followed by several other SlOO subscrij> tions. The Macks, the Conways, the Mc^fanises, the Dooleys, and the Lucuses, leading. Many of what might be termed outsiders and members of other churches also lent a helping hand to the enter})rise ; foremost among whom was William W. Johnston, who donated twentyfive dollars. On January 30, 1875, the contract to build a church, in size 30x42, of good material, with stone foundation, was let to Mathias Schnell, who completed the work the following July.

On September 9, 1875, the church was dedicated by Kev. Father I. P. Powles. The editice cost $1,600, which was j^romptly paid. In 1878 a vestry, 12x14 feet was added, at a cost of §166. The building now presents a neat and substantial appearance, and the interior outfit and finish would do credit to an older and wealthier congregation. They now have a membei-shi]? of about thirty families, and have services every alternate Sabbath. Their ])astor is a resident of Keithsburg, and as both this and the Iveithsburg church are one charge, reference maybe had to the history of that church for the names of the past and present officiating priests. This, like all other Catholic church property, is vested in their bishop.

The Episcopal Church

The first clergyman of the Protestant Episco])al church who performed missicm labor in Preemption townshi]», was Rev. Jacob S. Chamberlain, who was called in the month of December to minister to the spiritual wants of Mrs. Rachel Johnston, the wife of Joseph Johnston, Jr., who was at the time on her death bed. This was his introduction as missionary in this field. Early in tlie spring of 1868, Rev. Chamberlain commenced active missionary work, which resulted in 1869 in the erection of the present church building on land deeded by Robert Foster and wife to James Johnston, AVilliam Johnston, Thomas Armstrong, and Thomas Doonan, trustees, and described as a part of Sec. -1, T. 15, R. 2 AV., bearing date of June 1, 1869; consideration |llOO. Rev. (liamberlain closed his labors in this iield, as missionary, in August, 1871.

In October, 1872. Rev. Wm. Thomas Currie was appointed missionary in the same held, and continued his labors until October 1, 1875. On September 6, 1874, permission was obtained from the standing committee of the diocese of Illinois to organize a parish, and on October 19, 187-1, a meeting was held in tlie chui-ch, a parish organized, and othcers duly elected, consisting of wardens and vestrymen, as follows : AVilliam 11. Johnston, John Manes, and Thomas Doonan, wardens ; Thomas L. Johnston, George Clark, and Robert Hix, vestrymen. The organization to be known as St. John's Parish, of Preemj)tion, Illinois. Shortly after the termination of the labors of Rev. Mr. Currie, as missionary, the Rev. T. M. Thorp was called to the rectorship of the parish, but resigned in the spring of 1877. Rev. N. P. Chariot was elected as the rector by the wardens and vestrymen in May, 1877, and entered upon his duties as such July 1. 1877, and resigned, after a labor of hve years, on July 1, 1882. The present membership is small, and but little interest seems to be manifested by them in matters pertaining to religion.

Masonic

Preemption Lodge, No. 755, A.F.A.M., was organized June 27, 1877, under dispensation, and so held meetings till October 21 of the same year, when they received, their charter from the grand lodge. The charter members were W. C. Gray, Henry II. Ilayford, James II. Seyler, H. H. Hammond, Win. Steirdiauer, Geo. Bartlett, B. W. Thom])son, J.' B. Harris, jr., Wm. H. Hickock, Samuel Bailey, S. F. Everett, Geo. C. Gray, Leander Stiles, John Weiler.