Henderson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1882 (part 20 of 23)

It is evident from the record that some parties having school funds were not prompt in the payment of interest, as the record of A})ril 1 7, 1852, says: "We, the trustees of schools, do hereby make it the treasurer's duty to go according to law if interest is not i)aid within one month after due, hereafter." The teachers whose schedules were ap])roved at this meeting, were Lewis Cawkins, Theodore Iloagland, E. T. Scott, and E. A. Shaw. At the October meeting, 1852, scliedules were audited for Mary Stewart, Jane Littlefield, and Lydia Ann Wilber, teachers.

The names of Thomas I. M cXair, Joseph T. Lafferty, Peter Eckley, and G. W. Freson, teachers, appear on the record of the April meeting, 1853. The census of children under twenty-one years of age, filed October 1, 1853, shows 176 in the town; 37 in district Xo. 1, 92 in district Xo. 2, and 47 in district Xo. 3. Jane E. Lockwood and Martha Cole appear on the roll of teachers.

January 7, 1854, an election held at the school-house in district Xo. 2, resulted in the choice of Christian ITarshbarger, K. II. Spicer, and Lafayette Chidester for trustees of schools.

April 1, 1854, teachers"' roll shows the names of X. P. Smith in district Xo. 1, C. E. Cox in district Xo. 2, and Peter Eckley in district Xo. 3.

June 3, 1854, a meeting was held at the house of A. E. Doty, in district Xo. 1, to organize the district, which was done by electing A. E. Doty, James E. Fenton, and R. R. Cox, school directors.

October, 1854, the trustees' census showed two hundred and fifty-one children in the town. In the part attached to Oxford district there were twenty children. District No. 1 had 50 ; No. 2 had 134 ; No. 3 had 47.

April 23, 1855, the first tax for general school jjurposes was levied by the trustees at the rate of forty cents on the one hundred dollars on all taxable property and real estate.

October, 1855, the number of children in the town two hundred and sixty, divided by district as follows: 1st, 29 ; 2d, 75 ; 3d, 39 ; 4th, 46 ; 5th, 56 ; and fifteen in the part attached to Oxford.

March, 1856, James Bridger was reappointed treasurer and directed to procure five well bound books for the use of the board of school tmstees. The record book of this set not being attainable there is no more official history of the schools until we come down to more modern times, or until 1866.

In 1856 the people in district No. 3 wanted a school, but had no school-house. Mr. Wilshire Calkins being very anxious to have a school, vacated the bedroom in the southwest corner of their house, nine feet square, and in this room schools were taught during the summer, of 1856, 1857-8 ; the attendance ranging as high as fifteen and sixteen pupils. The furniture consisted of slab benches ])laced against the four walls of the room, the teacher having standing room in the center where she could reach any schclar in the room without leaving her place. Here Miss Olive Atwater, sister of our whilom county superintendent, S. B. Atwater, taught in 1856. One Fridaj' afternoon there were to be some rhetorical exercises in the school, and Miss Atwater invited Mrs. Calkins to be present. Mrs. Calkins had provided an outside door to the room so that the school need not pass through the house. To this door Mrs. Calkins went at the appointed time, and thinking there was so little room inside concluded to remain on the outside and look in. After standing some time with one foot on the ground and one resting on the thresliold she removed the foot from tlie threshold to the ground to change position. Feeling something yield under the pressure of her foot she continued to bear her weight on the other foot, and being very much interested at the time in the exercises progressing within stood some seconds untlioughtfully rolling the object back and forth under lier foot. When at last she thought about what she was doing she concluded to see upon what she was standing. Looking down, judge of her surprise at seeing a very large rattlesnake stretched at full length beneath her feet, and apparently enjoying the novel petting of which it was tlie recipient. Mrs. Calkins did not continue the amusement, however, and without even awaiting an invitiition she very expeditiously took the lioor. No reporter being present, however, her speech cannot be given the readers of this history.

From the small beginning reported above, the schools of this township have grown until the number of school children in the township, as shown by the directors' census of 1881, is oOi, and $3,722.51 is the amount of money expended for school puqioses during the past year.

Tlie hrst preaching in this township was at the cabin of James Bridger, early in the forties, by Rev. Samuel T. Burr, of the Methodist Episcopal church, at that time on what was known as the Mercer circuit, which included all of this county and part of Bock Island. Knox and Warren counties. It took the minister a month to make the circuit. Elder Joseph Jones, of the Predestinarian Ba])tist church, also used to preach occasionally at the cabins of the early settlers, and his "Boys - ah! come in off the fence - ah, and hear Father Jones - ah, preach the gospel - ah, to the heathen - ah,*' is still fresh in the memory of many of the old settlers.

But the first church organi;cation made in the township was the Wesleyan Methodist class formed at Hopewell in the spring of 1848.. The church was organized first at Oxford in August, 1847, by Rev. C. H. Drake as tlie First Wesleyan Methodist Church of Oxford, but the membership was mostly resident of this township, and the class was formed at Hopewell as part of the Oxford church. When first organized this church formed part of the Farmington circuit, afterward divided, and the new circuit of Abingdon was formed, which included the Oxford church. Some years later Abingdon circuit was divided, and the new circuit of Oxford was formed. Since then both the Farm- 4:^

Prior to 1S61 this church was served by tlie following pastors : C. H. Drake, B. F. Haskins, K. F. Markham, and J. M. Snyder. March 25, 1865, Hopewell and Hamlet churches were united in one circuit called Hopewell circuit, which arrangement continues to the present time. This circuit also includes Bethel church in Greene township. The ministers in charge following Rev. Snvder have been L. K Stratton, J. A. McGillora, H. T. Bessie, Mikon Smith, A. R. Brooks, and U. D. Lathrop, with Rev. Hugh Breckenridge as associate pastor with Mr. Lathrop at present.

The original membership of this church, including those who united with the church prior to 1860, before which time jio record was kept of the dates of union with the church, were Govert S. Flehaitv, Margaret Fleharty, James Durston, Philadelphia Durston, Nelson and Rebecca Chidester, Anna Smith. Martha K. Bridger, William D. Flehartv. Nancv Goodman, Marv T. Underwood, Harriet AVoodhams, Martha Shaw, Maria Smith, Laird and Melinda Bean, Walter Goodrich, John Greenman, Catherine Braught, Erastus and Louisa Smith, Margaret J. Fleharty, and Margaret E. Roberts.

In 1870 this church erected a neat building at Hopewell about 32x48x18 feet dimensions at a cost of about §2,500, upon which they have since expended about $500 more. It was dedicated September, 1871.

In January. 1856, a church was organized at Oak Ridge by the United Brethren. The oro-anization was eifected bv Rev. George Weaver, the fh'st class-leader being James Meadows, and steward, Henry Birdwell. Besides the above-named officers the original membership included John and Jane Meadows, John and Mary Shroyer, Asa and Atlanta Streeter, Samuel Young. Julia Stevens, Adison Buckly, Cynthia Birdwell, and Rebecca Meadows. This church has no building, having used the Oak Ridge school-house for their meetings.

Zio?i Jlet/iodist Episcopal Church. - This class was organized in 1858, with Christian Harshbarger as class-leader, which office he held continuously until 1879, when he was succeeded by J. Arthur Garrett, who is the present leader. Thus has this class been led during its twenty-four years' existence by two leaders. There is no record obtainable of the original members of this class, but its present membershij) is twenty-two. In 1870 the class built a small, ])lain church in the S. E. \ of Sec. 29, which they use for their public exercises, though it has never been entirely tinished.

The Church of Christy of Oak liidgc, was organized ]V[ay 21. 1865, by Rev. E. Fisher. The original membership comprised James and Martha Marford, Rebecca Shoyer, Thomas and Matilda Hill, Louisa Braught, P^dna Watson, Mary J. Bunyan, Martha J. Thompson, James and Mary A. Meadows, ]\rary A. Miller, Levi and Margaret J. Spencer, and Mary Roosa. James ]\[arford and James Meadows were the first elders, and Thomas Hill the first deacon. Tn 1873 the society was removed to New Windsor and reorganized there by Rev. T. J. Burton. The society here purchased a church building of the Presbytery of United Presbyterian church. This building was the first church edifice erected in the township, having been built in 1867. This removal proved disastrous to the society; the members living south and west of Oak Ridge, being too far away from the church, the society lost membership and became too weak to pay for the church they bought, so it reverted to the T^^nited Presbyterian Presbytery, and the Church of Christ ceased to exist.

The First Congregational Chvrch^ of New Windsor, was organized October 11, 1870, by W. W. Allen, Sarah A. Allen, William D. Fleharty, Mary C. Fleharty, Alice Barnes, Mary Ann Mayo, Florence

C. Byrnes, Delia A. Hammond, and Charlotte Goold, as members, assisted by the Rev. L. F. Waldo, W. J. Beecher, R. B. Guild, B. F. Haskins, and A. R. Mitchell, pastors respectively of the First Congregational churches of Oneida, Galesburg, Galva, Victoria and Viola, with deacons M. C. Metcalf, and R. C. Sexton, as delegates. Rev. L. F. Waldo, moderator, and Rev. W. J. Beecher, scribe. W. W. Allen was elected clerk. Since the organization there have been eighty-four members admitted to the church, making a total membership of ninetythree during the little more than eleven vears since the first organization. October 22, 1870, W. W. Allen was elected deacon, and William

D. Fleharty, treasurer. Rev. Cyrus H. Eaton, the first ]»astor, began his labors April 30, 1871. The society built a small but very nice church during the year 1872, which was completed in the spring of 1873, at a cost of $2,381.64, and dedicated May 25, 1873. T. B. Mayo, A. J. Streeter, and William D. Flehartv were the buildiuir committee. The pastorate of Rev. C. H. Eaton ceased November 1, 1874. Rev, B. F. Haskins acted as supjily until the Rev. J. A. Waterworth began his labors, May 30, 1875, He continued to serve as pastor until June 1, 1878, and was succeeded by the present incumbent. Rev. R. L. McCord, who began his labors in January, 1879,

The United Prei<hijterian Churchy of New Windsor, was organized in Oxford, Henry county, August 10, 18()6, by Joseph i\I. and Nancy H. Christy, Thomas R., Catharine and Elizabeth McMiller, Margaret

A. Hogut', Elizabeth McLaughlin, Thomas li. and Sarah Brown, William II. and Margaret Kerr, Sarah Surpluss, Nancy Epperson, Thomas and Eliza M. Ramsey, .Fohn M. and Sarah A. Christy, and Stephen and Isabella Woodburn. The first elders were Joseph M. Christy and William H. Kerr. In 1867 this society built the first church edifice erected in the township of New Windsor. After a four years' struggle this society was dissolved by the Presbytery, some of its members think unjustly.

The JYew Windsor MethodiM Ej>hcopal CJiurch was organized in 1868, under the charge of Rev. Peter S. Garretson, this being his first appointment, he having traveled one year previously on the Oricjn circuit as supply. Rev. W. B. Carithers received his appointment to this circuit in 1869, during which year the class procured a lot and purchased a building 26x40 feet that had been built for a school-house and converted it into a house of worship. This building the class still uses as its church. Rev. Theodore Tloagland was placed in charge of this class in 1870 and was continued two years. The preachers in charge since Rev. T. Hoagland have been Revs. William Lieber, U. Z. (lilmer, A. Myers, J. E. Taylor, two years; Geo. Miller, John McCord, and J. D. Calhoun, two years. The class organized in 1868, with a membership of eight, John Coleman, Elizabeth Colemen, Lovina Coleman, Samuel Coleman, Rev. John Abbott, Alice Abbott, W. A. Buckley, and Mary Buckley.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Churchy of New Windsor, was organized May 24, 1869, with Carl A. Johnson, Tetes Falk, and John M. Blad, as trustees, and Carl A. Johnson, C. Bjorkengren, Carl Adolf Falk, and Carl Falk, as deacons. G. A. Falk, secretary. August 23, 1869, the society decided to build a church edifice, which it did that fall, erecting a building 28 X 60 X 20 ft. dimensions, which rests on a stone foundation three and a half feet above the surface of the ground. This building cost $6,726.70. The society has a good commodious parsonage also, which cost about $1,500, and a cemetery where it buries its dead exclusively.

It has had three pastors since its organization : S. T. A. Lindahl, T. N. Sannquist and the present pastor, N. T. Winquist, who has been in charge since Api-il, 1879. The latter gentleman being a fine scholar and a verv intelliiJ:;ent man. Pie was born in Stockholm, Sweden, November 9, 1840, and received his education there, coming to America in 1867. He took a course at the Swedish Theological Seminary at Paxton, Illinois, since removed to Rock Island, Illinois.

The village of New Windsor was originally laid out in 1857 by W. T. Hammond, on the S. E. ^ of See. 13, and was expected to be a station on the (xreat Western Air Line railway, which was to be a trans-continental line spanning the country from l*hiladelphia to San Francisco. But the financial collapse of that year served a perpetual writ of mandamus upon the construction of many great lines of railway. The railroad was not built, and the seed that was to produce New Windsor failed to germinate. In 1868 the Chicago, Burlington c^ Quincy Railroad Company, by a series of manipulations known to railroad magnates, came into })Ossession of the franchises, right of way, etc., of the American ( \*nti-al railroad, which was the successor of the Great Western Air Line, and proceeded to build and equip the road from Galva to New Boston, having it ready to ()])erate in the spring of 1809 as a branch to its main line. With the buildinji; of the railroad, New Windsor sprang into being as if by magic, so rapid was its growth.

On August 2, 1869, the people decided by a vote of thirty-four to seven to incorporate their town. On August 14, A. J. Moore, J, TI. Epperson, P. Casler, E. L. Larkin and (t. W. Gregg were elected the tirst board of trustees, and Joseph M. Christy the tirst police justice.

At an election held August 1, 1870, the people of the town of New Windsor voted to issue $10,000 in the bonds of the town to the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis railroad, when said railroad was completed and a depot built in the incorporation. This measure was carried by a vote of forty-three to fourteen. As the conditions were never complied with the bonds were not issued. The road was built three miles east of New AV^indsor, and Alpha came into being at the crossing of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy branch.

This village enjoys the distinction of having the only telesc()j)e for astronomical i>urj)oses in this part of the country. Mr. Edgar L. Larkin having erected 'an observatory here mounting a six inch ecpiatorial, made by Alivin Clark & Sons.

tion granting twentv-five years life to the '-Rivoli Farmers' Mutual Insui-ance Company."' with its business office in Xew Windsor, and authorized to transact business in its line in the townships of Rivoli. Richland Grove. Xorth Henderson, Greene, and Suez, in this county, and Oxford township, in Henry comity.

The last annual report of the secretary, January, 1882, shows the total number of policies in full. 164. covering 8178.468. The present officers of the company are : S. B. Shumway, president ; Orson Jones, secretary, and T. D. Merryman, treasurer.

Crford Lodfje^ Xo. 367, A.F.A.M. was granted a dispensation October 18, 1860, by the grand master of the state, to open a new lodge U. D., in Oxford, in Henry county. Tlie lodge worked U. D., until October 16, 1861, it received its charter and number from Grand Master Ira A. W. Buck. Its first officers were: Paul Halm, W.M. ; Robert Detheridge, S.W. ; Wm. Fleharty, J.W. ; Samuel Wilson, Treasurer; M. S. Shephard, Secretary; Thomas Robertson, S.D. ; George Gale, J.D. ; Samuel Epperson, Tyler.

TLie charter members were P. W. Epperson, Thomas Robertson, Samuel Wilson, S. C. Moberly, J. D. Kennedy, J. M. Herbert, M. S. Shephard, Joshua Bruner, and X. McCombers. The lodge removed to atid held its first meeting in Xew Windsor July 12, 1870. It owned its liall in Oxford, which it sold to S. B. Shumway, and in September, 1870, bought its present hall and undivided half interest in the lot on which it stands of J. A. Maxwell. It is in good financial condition and numbers among its members some of the foremost and best men in the conmiunity, ranking as one of the best working lodges in the countrv. It has had on its roll the names of over V6() members, its present active membership being forty-six. During its twenty-one years' existence the following eight members have filled the office of Worshipful Master : Paul Halm, two years ; R. Detheridge, four years ; S. B. Shumway, six years ; M. CoUey, J. M. Timberlake, A. D. Underwood, two years ; A. P. Petrie, two years ; and R. S. Petrie, three years, The present officers of the lodge are : H. H. Roberts, W.M.- B. F. Brooks, S.W.; J. F. Cox, J.W.; W. W. Parsons, Treasurer; A. P. Shroyer, Secretary; A. Olson, S.D. ; A. G. McMullen, J.D,; R. Blair, Tyler.

A chapter of the Eastern Star was recently organized in connection with this lodge, having eighteen charter members, seven of whom are women. Its officers are: Mrs. Jennie Petrie, W.M. ; Mrs. Lizzie Mc- Mullen, AV.A.; A. P. Forgie, W.T.; Mrs. Martha Veeder, Treasurer; C. F. Peterson, Secretary.

jSfeic Windsor Lodge No. 518., I.O.O.F.. was organized June 3, 1873, by Dept. G. M. James Kelly. Charter members were : J. B. Armstrong, A. A. Willett, W. W. Jobes, AV. H. Gladman. and Samuel Adams. Its first ofticers were : J. B. Armstrong, N.G. ; AY. H. Gladman, Y.G. ; Samuel Adams, Secretary; A. A. Willett, Treasurer. Its roll shows a total membership of ninety-five since its organization, with a present active membersliip of twenty -six. It owns a hall over the drug store of A. J. Eosenbaum and the undivided half of the lot on which it stands. The hall was built in the fall of 1879. The lodge occupied its hall the first time jS^ovember 20, 1879. Its present officers are: Dr. F. D. Rathburn, X.G.; H. Higley, Y.G.; B. F. Brooks, Secretary ; D. Harkness, Treasurer ; W. H. Kerr, "Warden : John Olson, Cond. ; James Ulam, Chap.; J. E. Gould, D.D.G.M.

The Woodhams Cemetery on the E. \ of the X. W. of Sec. 21. covers two acres, which was set apart for that purpose by Mr. "William Woodhams during his life and afterward deeded to the township by the family. Mrs. AV. was the first one buried in this cemetery, which contains the remains of several of the township's pioneers.

Ttie Cooper Cemetery on the S. AV. \ of the S. E. \ of Sec. 30, the property of Richard Cooper, was started as a private cemetery by the Cooper family, and is occupied mostly by members of that family and connections.

The Ne\r Wnids(n' Cemetery, on the S. E. \ of Sec. 12, was donated by the late'AYilliam F. Petrie, one of the proprietors of the village, and is on a beautiful rolling site, and is being rapidly improved by trees and flowers, which must soon render it very attractive.

The Sivedlsh Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery., in the village of Xew AA'indsor, near the southeast corner of section 12, and separated from the church by a street, is the property of that church and designed exclusively for the use of members of that church.

In twenty-nine years nine persons have filled both of these offices. One of J. G. Sexton's terms is fractional, having been appointed to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of A. P. Petrie.

Justice of the Peace. - Term of office is four years : C. Ilarsberger, two terms ; Peter Eckley ; R. R. Cox ; John B. Longley, three terms ; J. W. Peterson, two terms ; M. F, Wliipp ; J. Lyman Smith ; James Meadows ; John Christy ; C. F. Durston, two terms ; M. F. Postlewait ; Joseph M. Christy ; W. C. Cole ; W. W. Parsons, three terms ; J. G. Sexton, two terms.

In 1865 the town auditors levied a tax of $2.60 on the $100 valuation for a bounty tax. The total amount expended for fifteen volunteers to fill the quota of this township was $7,940.75, of which $3,620 was raised by subscription.

In 1854 the first assessment under township organization showed that there were in the township 163 horses, 405 cattle, 5 mules, 226 sheep, 649 hogs, 45 wagons and carriages, 39 clocks and watches ; moneys and credits $779. The total personal property assessed was $19,821; the total real estate assessed was $35,238.29; total assessment, $55,059.29.

owned by Edgar L. Larkin, is an object of much interest. It was erected for astronomical purjioses, and is provided witli a telescope made especially for celestial observation. Tlie diameter of the objective is six inches in the clear, and its focal length is eight feet ten inches. The observatory is in free telegrai)hic communication with the? Smithsonian Institute at Washington, D.C., and with the Howard College observatory at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Tlie telescope is called an equatorial ; that is, it rests on two strong, cast-iron axes, that have motions so adjusted that when the telescope is set on a star it will remain so, since it is revolving on axes that move as the earth does. The telescope and all its belongings are first-class, and it would be a pleasure to note all of its peculiarities and ai)plianc('s, but space forbids more than the above mention.

Reuben H. Spicek, Sr., was born in the town of Kent, county of Litchlield, state of Connecticut, June 24, 1810. In 1819 his father removed to western New York, then a new country. The schools there at that day were of the frontier type, but such as they wei'e Mr. Spicer had the privilege of attending from two to three months during the year. Such was the advantage he took of the limited opportunities that at the age of fourteen he was spoken of for a teacher. DaboU's arithmetic, Webster's sjielling book, with writing, comprised the entire curiiculum of the common school then, but through the ])artiality of one or two teachers and a Baptist minister, Mr. Spicer was enabled to go a little beyond the standard course and obtain an introduction to mathematics, geography and grammar. At the age of eighteen he left the home farm at his father's suggestion, and spent some time in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania, which being an older settled portion of the country, brought him in contact with a higher grade of society, and better opportunities to gratify his ardent desire for knowledge and self-ini])rovement. One of the first ste])S taken by him was to form a temperance society of one, for at that time the use of liquor was almost universal, standing upon the sideboaixl of every wellto-do gentleman, and in tlie closets of poorer people; greeting the guest upon arrival and following liis departure as a stirruj) cup. Seeing the degradation and misery which too frequently resulted, especially among young men, from the use of intoxicating liquors, he resolved to deny himself the use, and faithfully did he adhere to that resolution, and now as he reviews his past life he does not hesitate to award to that resolve the credit for his being a better man and more \iseful citizen than he could have been with the associations of those who had a greater fondness for liquor and smoke tlian for mental culture. After traveling considerably through the middle, some of the southern and eastern states, in the fall of 1831 he went to Michigan, the only new country then thought to be habitable, with the expectation of making it his home. lie spent the winter in Ann Arbor, then a flourishing town with good society. Early next spring with a pony he started out and during the season traversed the territory in various directions, Indian trails being the substitute for roads. Indians were numerous and he often found them useful in mapping the geography of the country for him ; with their ramrods tracing in the sand the course of trails, rivers, ravines and sloughs, and marking the crossings, all with an unerring accuracy that would have done honor to a learned professor. While stopping, for the night at Bronson, now Kalamazoo, in the early summer, the people were aroused to great excitement by the arrival of a messenger announcing the breaking out of the Black Hawk war, and claiming to have been sent for aid to arrest the advance of the hostiles, which was represented to be rapid and not far distant. The people were panic stricken; old men and women traversed the streets wringing their hands, not knowing which way to turn for safety. Mr. Spicer's destination, Prairie Ronde. now Schoolcraft, led him directly toward the advancing foe, and he resumed his journey next morning against the earnest protests of the people of the village. He made the journey in safety, transacted his business, and, returning on the second day met the volunteers en route for the seat of war. Among them was every man from the Gull Prairie settlement, where lie had been stopping, even Deacon Mills, the old man of the settlement, with whom Mr. Spicer had been boarding. By taking his place in the ranks Mr. Spicer induced the deacon to return to his home, and thus he was led into making a campaign in the Black Hawk war. With the desire for a higher education as strong as ever, he returned east in the fall of 1832, and at the age of twenty-two began that course of education that most young men now finish before that age. For two years he applied himself with untiring assiduity to his studies. In the spring of 1835 he again started west, this time with Texas as his objective point, that state being engaged at that time in the struggle to free itself from Mexican rule. Arrived at Cincinnati he found the funds too low to proceed farther, so crossed over to Kentucky and procured a situation in a school and began to teach. He applied himself with such diligence in his new profession that he soon found himself at the head of one of the most flourishing local schools of the state. Two years of such intense application told upon his health, and he was forced to give up his school. In the spring of 1837 he married Miss

Sopliiii AVliiteliead, of Covingcton, Ivy., who was a native of London, England, and they started at once for Illinois. Arrived at Peoria he found speculation a numia, corner lots selling far up in the thousands. xVfter inspecting the country about Peoria, he ])roceeded up the river to Peru, thence to Aux Plaines and Chicago. AVhile sto])])ing with a brother at Aux Plaines he incidentally heard of a wondeiiiilly fertile country bordering on the Mississipj)i south of Rock river. A place where a man of small means had a chance to become the peer of his neighbor with no greater means. Chancing to meet a former acquaintance from the east, he started for the new Eldorado on foot, there being few inducements then for even stage lines to traverse the trackless prairies. After viewing the country he purchased a claim that is now embraced within the limits of his farm. He returned to his claim with his wife in July. The improvements.on the claim consisted of two acres broken and a log cabin erected, 14x16 feet dimension, with a place cut for a door and a tire-place, and a }jlace 6XS feet in one corner covered by a puncheon floor. Mr. Spicer, writing of this cabin, says: ''This domicile had its conveniences. First, it was well ventilated, then the open door and lire-place made ample provision for the easy ingress and egress of itinerant dogs and prowling wolves, the latter being much the more numerous." S])eaking of these times Mr. Spicer remarked that ''Political organizations at this time had not disturbed the unity of the settlements. In 1838 the first breeze, faint, but yet perceptible, swept over tliese prairies. In 1840 the invader arrived and the two parties, democrat and whig, for the first time measured their strength.'" Mr. S[)icer was a democrat, and though he foresaw that the probabilities were against that party acquiring a permanent ascendency, he j)referred to be right in his own estimation rather than yield his opinion to expediency. In 1841 he was sent as delegate to the state convention ; the first delegate of either party from the countv to a state convention. He found some difficultv in nuddng the geographical location of the county known. In answer to questions as to its whereabouts, he replied that "Time would nuike it known as one of the first counties of the state."* This was received with very incredulous smiles. He there formed the acquaintance of many of the prominent men of the state, which became a source of much pleasure to him in after years. In 1843 he was elected to the legislature from the district comyjosed of the counties of Mercer and Knox. In 1848 he was put in nomination for the state senate for the district composed of Mercer, Rock Island, Henry, Knt)x, Warren and Henderson counties. The canvass of that year was the most spirited in this section up to that time ; Gov. Joseph B. Wells and Col. E. D. Baker, candidate for congress, participated. By the defection of a small portion of his party in Knox county he was defeated. This vh-tually closed his political career, as impediments beyond his control prevented his taking any further part in that direction. Yet in 1851, without his consent or knowledge even, he was again put in nomination for the same ofhee, to till a vacancy. His business arrangements were such then that he could not accept it and took no part in the canvass, lie has always been an earnest advocate of the public schools, laboring olhcially and individually for their improvement, having served over twenty years as a school othcer in his district and township. At the breaking out of the rebellion he was among the lirst to advocate its suppression, believing that the union must and should be preserved. Loss of hearing has for many years been a serious obstacle to the transaction of business, and still greater to the enjoyment, of social intercourse, for which he is so eminently qualified, and from which he would derive such great pleasure. Katnrally of a studious disposition, this deprivation has caused him to turn more of his attention to books, and especially in that greatest of all books, the book of nature, where he finds his greatest solace. His father was a man of more than ordinary energy, and had executive faculties of a high order. Starting with a very imperfect education, he made his way through life a success. Frequently having large business operations under his supervision, he won the confidence of^an extended circle of friends. He held manv of the local offices of his county, and when over sixty years of age removed from Xew York to the vicinity of Lawrence, Kansas, for the benefit of his younger children. The climate and change seemed to afi'ect his health, but he lived to reach nearly four score years. His grandfather gave his services to his country during the entire period of the revolutionary war. His grandmother resided at Xew London, Connecticut, at the time Arnold invaded that place, but was one of those who escaped to the hills in the rear of the place. Mr. Spicer's first claim and residence was on the S. E. of the S. E. of section 25, in Greene township; his present residence was not built until IS-tl, and is on the X. AY. of the S. W. of section 30, in Rivoli township. Of the ten children, nine are living: Sarah A. (wife of C. Y. Shove, Yiola, Illinois); S. Augusta (wife of AYm.C. Garrett, farmer, Rivoli township); E. Levis (member of Co. H, 84th 111. Yol. Inf., was mortally wounded at the battle of Stone river, Tennessee, and was buried in the cemetery at Nashville) ; Talbut T. (farmer, married daughter of Elihu Rathbun, lives near Chariton, Iowa); Charles F. ^senior partner of firm of Spicer it Gilmore, dealers in agricultural impk^ments, Aledo, Illinois); Lucy A.; Reuben IL, Jr. (nuirried to Laura C., youngest daughter of L. W. Conger, now of Putnam

Uivoli Townsiiii'

Hon. Alexander P. Petrie was born at "Rosendale on the Hudson, in rister county, New York, Aujj^ust 8], 1887. He came to Illinois with his father's family in 1844, via the lakes to Chicago, and thence by wagon to Kichland Grove township, arriving at the house of Samuel Clark, one of the pioneers of that township, Jime 6, 1844, the next day after the great tornado that had blown from their foundations the INfcMullen and AVilcox houses, the only two houses then on the prairie south of Edwards creek. His youth was spent on the farm with only the very limited advantages for education atforded by the common schools of that day. He atterward took a course in a commercial school at Chicago.- On August 9, ISO'-}, he enlisted in Co. C, 112th reg. 111. Vol. Inf, and at the com]>any organization was elected orderly sergeant, was mustered into the United States service as second lieutenant, at J?*eoria, September 22, 1862, went with his regiment to Covington, and thence to Lexington, Kentucky, where he wintered; \vent with a detachment from his regiment in the summer of 1864, on Saunder's raid into east Tennessee, destroying railroads and confederate supplies. Some of his command were captured near Cumberland Gap, but he escaped. Reaching Lancaster, Kentucky, they celebrated July 4, 1863, there, and afterward rejoined his regiment at Danville, Kentucky; was at the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee,, and at Kelly's Ford, east Tennessee. January 27, 1864, he was wounded by a shot in both legs during a cavalry engagement. For his wound he received a furlough for two months and visited his home. He rejoined his command, then a part of Gen. Sherman's grand army, rendezvoused near Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the spring of 1864, taking part in that wonderful hundred days' campaign wdiicli resulted in the fall of Atlanta, his command being in the Twenty-third Army Corps under Gen. Schofield. He commanded his company after the battle of liesacca, in the spring of 1864, until after the battle of Franklin. Tennessee, November 30, 1864, in which his brother, Edward E., a member of his company, was killed and borne from the tield by Lieut. Peti'ie in person. He was also with his command in the right wing of the army under Gen. George H. Thomas, when Gen. Plood received his final defeat at Nashville. His command having been sent to Fort Fisher after the battle of Nashville, to take part with Gen. Sherman in the (\nrolina campaign, he joined it at Kingston, North Carolina, in March, 1865. He was mustered out at Greensboro, North Carolina, June 20, 1865, as first lieutenant, reaching home on July 9, following. August 28, 1862, Mr. Petrie united in marriage with Miss Alice, daughter of Dr.

T. S. Fetrie. probably a distant relative, as botli parties trace their linease back four or iive tjenerations to one James Petrie, trardener and florist. Forest. Elginslm'e. Scotland. Miss Alice was born in Liverpool, England. April 1. 1S39, and came to America with her parents in 1840, via Xew Orleans and the river, to Peoria, Illinois, settling first at Trivoli, in Peoria county, thence moving to Brimtield. and thence to Rivoli, Mercer county. Mr. and Mrs. F. have four children, two sons and two daughters. The oldest, Maggie, being now in attendance at St. Mary's school, I\jioxville, Illinois. In the spring of 1867 Mr. Fetrie was elected supervisor for Rivoli township, to which office his neiichbors continued to call him until he had served them ten vears. He has been an active member of the republican party ever since his majority, but not in the roll of an office seeker, the offices having sought him. In 1880 his party called on him to represent the twentysecond senatorial district in the house of representatives of the Illinois legislature, which position he fills with as much honor to himself and his constituents as any of the new members of that body. Mr. T. is a member of the Congregational church, of Xew Windsor, and of Oxford Lodge, Xo. 367, A.F.A.M., of Xew Windsor, of which lodge he was W.M. for two years. His farm, consisting of 560 acres, lies near the village of Xew Windsor ; his residence, where he has lived since February, 1866, is on the southwest quarter section 12. The farm is in a high state of cultivation and has 1,600 rods of drain tile laid at present. His business has been farming and stock raising, and for a few years, he was engaged quite extensively in raising hedge plants. His father, William F. Fetrie, was bom at Forest, Elginshire, Scotland, April 19, 1803, and came to America in 1828, and was overseer se\'eral years for Commodore Stockton, of the United States navy, at his place, near Princeton, Xew Jersey. Here he married Miss Ann Regan, who was born in L'eland in 1809, and was at the time a nurse in the family of Commodore Stockton. Went from Princeton, Xew Jersey, to Posendale, Xew Yoi'k, and engaged in mercantile pursuits; then on to a farm in Oneida county, Xew York; thence to Illinois in isi-l, settling on the southwest quarter section twenty-five, in Richland Grove township, Mercer county. In 1849 he crossed the plains of California, where he remained two years, most of the time plying his vocation as gardener, near San Francisco. While there he took the contract to grade Stockton street in the above named city. Having sold his farm in Richland Grove township, he bought land on sections 12 and 13, in Rivoli township, and moved on to the northeast quarter section thirteen, in 1857. He was one of the original proprietors of the ^-illage of Xew Windsor, ])art of the town plat being on the northeast of section 13. Mr. P.

had nine children, one daughter and eight sons, four dving in infancy and one. Edward R.. killed in battle as mentioned before. The four survivors reside in and near New Windsor, viz : Mary C, (wife of W. D. Flehartyi. Alexander P.. Richard S.. and Cornelius L. Mr. P. was an energetic, thorough going man in all that he undertook, being awarded the premium three successive years by the Merc-er County Affricultural Societv. for the best cultivated farm in the countv. He died August 19. lJ>66. his worthy wife surviving him until September 10. l'^74. Their remains are deposited with those of their heroic son, Edward R.. in the ^Hllage cemetery north of Xew Windsor, the site for which was donated by Mr. Petrie.

Hon. Ai;S4»x J. Streetee, one of Mercer c-ounty's most prominent citizens, was born in Rensselaer countv. Xew York, Januarv 18, 1823. His father. Roswell Streeter. was bom in Massachusetts in 1799, and his mother. Eleanor Kenyon. was bom in Westerly. Rhode Island. August 20. 1798. There were six sons and two daughters the offspring of this union, of whom the subject of tliis sketch is the oldest, and the only one living in this c-ounty now. His sister. Mrs. Shumwav. livinor in Oxford. Henrv countv. is the onlv member of the family living near him. Mr. Streeter came to Illinois in 1836. when only thirteen years old. with his tather. who settled at that earlv dav in what is now Lee Centre. Lee coimtv. Illinois. J3is father died April 11. 1850. in Iowa, en route for Calitbmia. His mother survived until June 8, 1871, when she died, in the seventythird year of her age, at her son's residence near Xew Windsor. His youth was spent on the fai*m and in trapping, hunting and fishing, which were his favorite employments at that time and at which he was very successtiil. The fiirs and pelts of the wolf mink, otter, muski-at, etc.. being about the only medium of exchange obtainable at that time. He has treasured up many interesting incidents connected with his early pioneer life, when the settlers who had endured the hardships to which they were subjected at that early day were obliged to form societies for mutual protection, to prevent by the force of might the greedy speculator from entering their homes, which the settlers could not iHii-chase, there beins: no monev in the c-ountr\- with which to buy. He also relates how they used to bum charc-oal and haul it fourteen miles to Grand Du Tour, on Rock river, where one John Deere (now of Moline plow i'iune) had a blacksmith shop with two forges in it. He would sometimes get titty cents and sometimes a -dollar in cash on his load, the balance would be taken in blacksmithinff as it was needed. It was when making one of these trips that he tii-st saw a steel plow that would sc<^ur, Mr. Deere having just begim the manufacture of a diamond-sliaped steel plow, the only plow then in use having a wooden mold-board, with a piece of iron fastened on the lower edge for a share. Returning liome he reported to his father what he had seen, and they concluded they must have one of the new plows. So, taking a load of charcoal, he went to the shop and traded for a plow. Repairing to a neighboring sand-bank he hitched his oxen to the plow and drove, while Mr. Deere held the plow, to scour it, not having any implement to grind with at that time. While living in Lee county he attended two terms of school in an old log school-house. At the age of twenty-three, with an ardent desire to improve his education and $12 of hard-earned savings in his pocket, he went to Galesburg to attend Knox college. By the industrious use of the frower and knife riving and shaving hard-wood shingles, he maintained himself two and one-half years at school. In 1849 he went oyerland to California and spent two years in the mines, returning in 1851. In 1853 he went across the plains with a drove of cattle, and repeated the trip again in 1854. On Ins return from this last trip he bought 240 acres of land in section 11, Rivoli township, to which he has continued to add until his farm at present spreads over 3,100 acres, about onehalf of which is in pasture at present and on which he raises large numbers of hogs and cattle, having one of the finest herds of thoroughbre4 short horns in the county. Farming and stock raising has been his business, and although his private affairs have grown to such large dimensions of late years, he has always kept himself posted on the course of current politics, taking deep interest in everytliing affecting agriculture and education. Though having business interests that would seem to require all his time, he has always held himself in readiness to serve his neighbors in any position they have called upon him to fill. He has represented his town several years on the board of supervisors. In 1872 he was elected by the cumulative system the minority representative to the state legislature from the twenty-second senatorial district, composed of Knox and Mercer counties, serving two years as a member of the twenty-eighth general assembly to the satisfaction of his constituents and honor to himself. Serving on the committee on agriculture and education, he helped to shape all the legislation upon those two subjects, in which he takes so great interest. A democrat until about 1874, he deemed that neither of the two leading parties was serving tlie people's interests as it should, and since that time he has identified himself with the national greenback labor union party. Standing for that party as candidate for congress from the tenth congressional district in 1878, he received over 3,600 votes. Again in 1880, the candidate-.of the same party for governor of the state, lie received 28,808 votes. lie is alwavs found on the side of the masses, battling against the encroachments of the great moneyed corporations, and believes most firmly in enforcing our railroad and warehouse laws. He is a member of the Congregational chui-cli of New Windsor, and is also a Royal Arch Mason. On his jjhice is one of the curiosities of this section of country : a crows' roost. Near his house is a patch of brusli land densely covered with a young growth of black oaks. In this the crows assemble every evening to roost, departing early in the morning on their daily foraging expeditions. When they are all congregated in the evening they cover about five acres, sitting so closely together that they completely cover the trees, making each a veritable quermis niger. Mr. Streeter says they were there when he came, and he does not see that they have either increased or diminished in number during the now nearly thirty years of his acquaintance with them. He does not allow them to be disturbed, and they have never done any damage on his place. He has never heard of but one other roost in the state, and that is in the southern part. He thinks his crows range over a circle whose radius is more than one hundred miles. During the brooding season they do not return to the roost, but as soon as the young can fly they take them there. His children, in the order of their ages, are: George A., Frank W., Mary, Nellie May, Fannie Rose, Minnie Grace, and Charles Dallas. The four last-named are children of his second wife (Susan JVIenold), to whom he was married in August, 1861. George A. married a daught^ of Joshua Goddard, of Yiola. Frank W. married a daughter of Samuel Park, near Viola, and now lives on the place, having charge of the farm and stock. Mary is the wife of Thomas Burling, and lives in Nebraska. Minnie Grace died January 23, 1882, from the eifects of diphtheria, deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. She was a girl of more than ordinary promise, for whom a very brilliant future seemed just opening. February 22, 1882, Nellie May was married to Mr. Frank Crane, of Osco, Henry county, Illinois. Fannie Rose and Charles Dallas are all that remain at home. By energy and perseverance he has wrested from the soil his present ample means, and has earned a justly merited reputation for honor and probity that is worth more than money or lands. Mr. Streeter resides on his original purchase in section 11, two and one-half miles northwest of the vilhiij-e of New Windsor.

he married Sylvina B. Coleman, daughter of John Coleman, of this township, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1850. He then settled on his present ])lace in the southeast of section 12, and has been engaged in farming. His farm comprises 215 acres in excellent cultivation. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church of New Windsor, near which village they live.

John G. Sexton, the subject of this sketch, tliough not one of the pioneers, has been prominently identified with the township during the comparatively short period of his residence here, which dates from the spring of 1S68, when he came here from Ohio and settled on the W. ^ of S. E. of Sec. 7, this township, where he now resides in a good, commodious frame house, built in 1879, his farm comprising eighty acres. He has held numerous local offices in the township. Eive years ago he was elected justice of the peace, and although he has been called upon to adjudicate several suits, brought before him on change of venue, he has not»yet issued an original summons, having succeeded thus far in getting the [)arties to compromise or agree to an arbitration in all cases that have been brought to him to commence suit. In November, 1880, he was appointed supervisor vice A. P. Petrie, resigned. In 1881 he was elected to the same office, and reelected the spring of 1882. He was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, December 2, 1833. His father, Stephen Sexton, was born in AVashington county, Tennessee, in 1801. His grandfather, Stephen Sexton, was an only son and was born in Xew Jersey in 1762, and went to Ohio in 1800 and bought a farm in Mahoning county, to which he removed his family in 1802. From the purchase of this farm in 1800 the deed to his son Stephen M^as the only transfer of the property until sold by the heirs in 1879. He dit'd in 1856 when ninety-four years old. His grandfather's family consisted of four sons and three daughters, of whom one son only survives. His father married Miss Sarah Gibson, who was a native of Ohio. They had nine children, eight sons and one daughter, all of whom survive, one residing in Connecticut, one in Pennsylvania, one in Iowa, and the other five in Ohio. Mr. S. married Miss Eliza

C. Hogg, in Ohio, April 29, 1856, born in that state March 25, 1837, her father, James Hogg, being a well known resident of Viola, Illinois, having been collector of his town for several years. They have had three children: James G., born iai Pennsylvania December 20, 1857 (married Miss Nettie Jobes April 13, 1881), lives in Preemption township ; Lizzie E., born March 10, 1860, died October 21, 1863; and

James and Pliiladelpliia (Bridges) Durst on, pioneers in this townsliij), and was born here September 14, 1841. His oldest brother, Charles F,, was born Augnst 14, 1837, on section 86, in Greene, being the first birth in that township. In 18<)2 he enlisted in Co. D, 83d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., and served with his command until it was mustered out after the close of the war. September IS, 1806, he married ]\Iiss Mary L. Edgerton, daughter of S. C. Edgerton, born in Galesburg, Illinois, May 2, 1843. In the spring of 1867 he settled on his farm in the northwest of section 10, which coniprises 160 acres. Having no children, in March, 1880, they adopted two boys, Harry and Bert, twin sons of Henry J. Piper, who were born March 11, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. I), are members of the Hopewell AVesleyan Methodist church. hi politics ^Mr. Durston is republican,

Samuel L. Dukst<»n, son of James Durston, was boi-n in this township June 10, 1847, was brought up on his father's farm M'itli such common school advantages as the countrv afforded, to which he added a course in a commercial school in Monmouth. A[U'il 23, 1874, he married Miss Emma Morton, who was born in Peoria county, Illinois, August 22, 1855. Her parents were natives of the Isle of Man. Her mother and one sister reside in Galva, Illinois, another sister in Aledo, Illinois, and a brother resides in Joliet, this state. They have two children, Lora, born March 19, 1875 ; and Jeanie, born A])ril 19, 1880. They are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church of Hopewell, his father being one of the original members of the church when it was organized at Oxford in ^847. Ilis farm consists of 100 acres and embraces the old homestead that his father improved forty years ago. In politics he is rei)ublican.

William C. Gakrett was born in Kn^x county, Illinois, Oct(*ber 18, 1845, and came with his parents to this townshi[) in 185(>. His father, James M., was born in Indiana in 1815, and came to Illinois with his father, George Garrett, as early as 1835, and settled near Abingt<^n, in Knox county; his older brothers, AVilliain F. and John S., having come to the state still earlier, being here to jiarticipate in the l)lack Hawk war in 1832. His mother (Mary M. CuUison) was born in Knox county, Ohio, August 4, 1824, and came to Knox county, Illinois, with her parents in the spring of 1842, settling first on Haw creek, near the present town of Gilson ; moving to the vicinity of Victoria, in the same county, in 1845. She was married to James M. Garrett, in Knox county, in December, 1844. The subject of this sketch was married November 25, 1869, to i\Iiss S. Augusta Spicer, daughter of Hon. 11. II. Spicer, of this township. She was born in Greene town- sbi}) April 11, 18-10. Until March, 1872, they lived in the old homestead with Mrs. M. M. Garrett, at which tiine they removed to a farm which they owned in section 16, this township. By partition and exchange in 1876 they came into possession of the old homestead aicain, where thev now reside. His farm consists of 220 acres. Thev have three childi-en : Georgia (born February 24, 1873), Mortimer S. (July 6, 1877), and E. Roy (January 8, 1880). They are members of Zion Methodist Episcopal church. William C. is the oldest of the family. His next brother, George, died when a youth ; the next, J. Arthur, married Miss Lizzie Harbour, and lives on E. |- S. E. Sec. 17, in this towaiship. His only sister, M, Ella, who is a graduate of Hedding College, lives with her mother in Abingtou.

Clinton Shaw. Among the pioneers to this county were Levi and Martha (Metzlar) Shaw, wdio settled in what w^as then called Berlin (now Swedona), May 31, 1836. The former was a native of Trenton, !New Jersey, and the latter of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They were married in Coshocton county, Ohio, February 22, 1831, and <?ame thence to Illinois. Mr. Shaw w\is married twice. Almond, the only child by his first wife, is now a resident of Kansas, but was form- -erly a merchant at Swedona, in this county. He enlisted in Co. C, 102d reg. 111. A^oL Inf., in 1862, and was made first lieutenant of his -company, and afterward, u]ion the resignation of Capt. Sliedd, he became captain of the company. By his second marriage Mr. Shawhad eleven children, six sons and five dauo:hters, all of whom are living except the youngest daughter. Clinton was reared on the farm, with the common school advantages of that early day, taking his start in life September 8, 1843, at Berlin. When in his sixteenth year he was ci-ipjjled by the accidental discharge of a shot-gun, the charge passing through his right arm, nearl}^ severing it. Five years later he had the misfortune to lose the use of his left eve. He left the farm at the as:e of eighteen and clerked in a store. In 1865 he took a course in a commercial school in Chicago, after which he clerked three years for his brother Almond at Swedona, and then, with George W. Gregg as partner, became jiroprietor of the store. In 1870, having sold out his business, he began clerking for Stephens S: Gibson, of New Windsor, becoming a ])artner in 1872 under the style of Gibson ct" Shaw, afterward becoming Gibson, Shaw & Ilalberg, from which latter firm he has just withdrawn, the spring of 1882. July 4, 1866, he married at Swedona Miss Ellen L. Bell, sister of J. D. Bell, since a prominent merchant of Woodhull. She was born near New Albany, Indiana, October 17. 1846, and came to Illinois in 1865. Thev have had four

John A. Maxwp:i,i, was born in Irehmd May 22, 1835. Came to America in the fall of 1852. Lived one year in St. Louis and one year in Rock Island. "Was travelino; most of the time until his marriage with Mary J. Baker, boi-n February 11, 1845, daughter of William Baker, of Swedona, in this county, who was a native of Pennsylvania, which event occurred January 1, 1807. He then established himself in mercantile business in Swedona. Two years later, wlien the railroad was completed to New Windsor, he removed to the latter jilace and continued the business until November, 1875, when he sold his store to C. Cole, who conducts it at the present time. jVfr. Maxwell was raised on a farm until eighteen years of age, and ow^ns a farm of 160 acres, the S. E. i of Sec. 8, in Rivoli township. They have three children : James B. (born July 1, 1870), Flora J. (born December 1, 1873), and Grace G. (born October 16, 1876). Politically republican.

Andrew J. Rosexbim was born in Wythe county, Virginia, September 4, 1828. His lather, Anthony Rosenbum, was also a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky about the year 1829, settling in Barren county. He moved thence to Monmouth, Illinois, in 1835, opening the Urst blacksmith shop in the place where he continued to work at his trade for fifteen years. He died ta Monmouth in 1S51. His mother, whose maiden name was Hoffman, had two brothers in Monmouth, who were wagon makers, and Mr. Rosenbum did their iron work. His mother died in Henry county in 1874. Mr. Rosenbum attended school ten years in the first school-house built in Monmouth, which stood on the present site of the Methodist church. The old school-house was lighted by two windows, one in the east and one in west ; the bottoms of the windows being nearly as high as the top of the door. He remembers going to school there when he had to part the tall, blue stem grass that waved away above his head to make a path to reach the school-house. In 1852 ]\Ir. Rosenbum crossed the plains to California, where he remained five years, returning to Illinois in 1857. After his return from California he located in Henrv countv, where he resided until September, 18fi2, when lie enlisted in Co. G. 112th 111. Vol. Inf He was engaged in all the battles and skirmishes in which that regiment took pai-t, and they were many. While o]»erating as mounted infantry he had a horse shot under him at Philadelphia, Tennessee. After three years and three months' service he was mustered out at (ioldsboro. North Carolina. After his return home from the army he resided in Oxford, in Henry county, until 186!), when he removed to New Windsor and engaged hi the drug business which he has continued to the present time. He had one brother, James, who died in 1876. At Oxford he married Sarah Criffhir, who was born in Ohio in January, 18-1:3. They have no children, but an adopted son. Is a member of Oxford Lodge, No. 367, A.F.A.M.; also of Horeb Chapter, No. 7, R.A. Masons; also of New Windsor Lodge, No. 578, I.O.O.F. In politics he is a democrat.

WiLLi.^i B. CuLLisoN was born in Knox county, Ohio, March 1 7, 1831. His father, Jeramiah Cullison, was a native of Maryland, and a farmer. He emigrated to Ohio in 1810, and there married Rebecca Coulter, who was a native of Pennsylvania. He moved to Illinois in 1842, settling on Haw creek, near Gilson, Knox county. In 1815 he removed to the vicinity of Victoria, in the same county. The subject of this sketch was engaged in farming until 1852, when he crossed the plains to California where he was engaged in mining and packing until 1856, when he returned to Illinois, arriving home in December of that year. In the spring of 1860 he again went to California where he remained until 1862, arriving in Illinois, on his return, in February. The following summer he enlisted in company E. 102d 111. Vol. Inf.; was with the regiment through all its varied ex])eriences until the 1 Tth of July, 1864, at the Chattahoochie river in Georgia ; he was sent to the hospital at Nashville, thence to Evansville, Indiana, thence to Quincy, Illinois, where he was discharged at the close of the war. September 16, 1868, he mari-ied Ellen Bradford, daughter of A. B. Bradford, of Greene township, this county, who was a native of Pennsylvania, but lived some time in Ohio before coming to Illinois. Her mother, Margaret Hall, was a native of Ohio, where Ellen was born January 11, 1810. After his marriage Mr. Cullison settled on a farm, the E. ^ S.W. Sec. 21, in Rivoli township, to which he has added from time to time until his farm now comprises three hundred and twenty acres. In 1879 he built a new house, which is very finely finished, on the N.AV. ^ of Sec. 27 where he 'now resides. The children are Sadie, born June 1, 1872, and Arthur, born May 9, 1876, Mr. and Mrs. Cullison are both members of Zion Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. C/ullison is a member of Oxford Lodge, No. 377, A.F.A.M. Mr. Cullison engages quite largely in stock raising, feeding, and in buying and shipping stock.

J. Warren Reynolds was born in Canada, June 30, 1810, and came to the Ignited States with his parents in June, 1811, and settled near Lafayette, in Stark county, Illinois. Removed to Mercer county April, 1855, settling on the southwest of section 26, in Rivoli township, where he now resides, his fjirm comprising eighty acres. May 31, ISns. married Harriet E. Armstrong, of Bei-wick, Warren county, Illi- iiois, wlio died April 4, 1873. They liad two children : a boy, Orvie E., born April 29, 18^)9, and a e:irl, who died in February, 1873. May 14, 1874, married Miss Alice Summers, daughter of Joseph Summers, of Viola, Illinois. She is a native of this state, born August 17, 1849. They have two children : Esther, born June 4, 1875, and Jessie B., born November 24, 1879. His father, Alanson Reynolds, was a native of Canada, and died here August 17, 1879, at the age of eighty-seven. His mother died September 10, 1879, at the age of seventy-seven. One brother, Peter Reynolds, lives in Kansas, and served in a Kansas regiment during the w^ar, and carries in his person two bullets received from Price's men at Osawatomie, Kansas. In 1881 Mr. R. built a neat and commodious residence on his farm, wdiere he can enjoy the fruits of his industry. Mr. R. can relate many anuising incidents connected with his early life in this state, having driven a team to Chicago in company with his father on several occasions, when it was common to haul wheat from this part of the country to that city. In politics Mr. R. is a democrat. lie is also a member of Oxford Lodge, No. 367, A.F.A.M.

Matthew F. Postlewait was born in Huntingdon county. Pennsylvania, August 22, 1817. His father, John Postlewait, was also a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1776; came to Illinois in 1855, and died in February, 1861. Mr. P. spent his boyhood on the farm, but learned the trade of carj^enter, at which he worked until he came west, and for a short time after his arrival in this state. August 24, 1841, he married Miss Mary J. Yocum, born in Pennsylvania, January 1, 1823, daughter of Jesse Yocum, of that state, who died in the sj)ring of 1877. Mr. P. came to Illinois i i 1845, by the way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, landing at Oquawka. It took four weeks to make the tri]). His first settlement w^as on the northwest of section 28, in Suez townshi]), wdiere he continued to reside until 1857, when he sold his ftirm and removed to his present ])lace, the southwest of section 26, in Rivoli township, where he has 134 acres. He also owns eighty acres in North Henderson township. For some time after he came here he did all his trading at Oquawka, but after Keithsburg was established, he transferred his trade to that place. Their children are : Hannah G., born August 15, 1842 (deceased); Calvin AV., born October 8, 1843, now in mercantile business at Alexis; Martha E., born August 12, 1845 (deceased); John M., born April 21, 1848, on a farm in North Henderson townshij); AVilliam G., born December 20, 1850, farmer, lives in Missoin-i ; Amy K.. born April 8, 1853 (deceased); Jessie Y., born October 22, 1855, in hardware and grocery business in Cable, Illinois ; Olivia B., born November 4, 1857 ; Blanche A., born

June 8, 1860, is one of Mercer county's successful teachers; and Ralph J., born April 13, 1864. The three last named reside at home. Mrs. P. is a member of the Congregational church, of ISTew Windsor. Mr. P. is an old Jeffersonian democrat.

John Coleman was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1824. His father, Samuel Coleman, was also a native of Pennsylvania, born in the year 1800, and died in the fall of 1875. His mother, Sarah Alvin, was of Irish descent, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1803, and still lives, six miles east of Victoria, in Knox county. His father came to Illinois in 1854, by wagon, from Pennsylvania. He raised a family of fourteen children, eight boys and six girls, of whom the subject of this sketch is the oldest. Twelve of these still live, seven boys and five girls. Two of the brothers live in Iowa ; the rest all live in this State. In 1847 Mr. Coleman married Elizabeth Ghost, born m Venango county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, and died in 1875, in the fifty-fifth year of her age. They had four children: Vinie (wife of C. L. Petrie, of Xew Windsor), Samuel, Susan, and John G. In January, 1877, Mr. Coleman was again married to the widow of David Ramsey, nee Josie M. Gasney. Mrs. Coleman has three children: Maud Ramsey (twelve years old), Emma R. (ten years old), and Edith P. Coleman (born January 14, 1878. Mr. Coleman was brought uj) on a farm, and has always followed that avocation. Ilis present farm contains 210 acres of the very best land in the township, and lies adjoining the plat of the village of New Windsor. In 1881 Mr. Coleman erected a fine large residence on his farm, whicli he did not get entirely finished, but expects to complete during the present season. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of New Windsor, he being one of its most active members and leader of the class for a number of years.

Dr. Edward L. Emerson was born in Keithsburg township, Mercer county, Illinois, August 18, 1846. His father, William S., and mother, Delilah Hurt Emerson, were both natives of Wayne county, Indiana, and settled in Keithsburg township, in this county, about the year 1842, on the place where they now reside. The family is composed of: Edward L., William A. (married and farming in Nebraska), Albert L. (married and farming near his father's), Thomas H., and Ida May. Edward L. was reared on his fathers farm until the summer of 1862. When sixteen years old he enlisted in Co. C, 102d 111. Vol. Inf., and shared in all the trials and helped to win all the glory won by that regiment. In 1863, while the regiment was stationed at Gallatin, Tennessee, he was sent with a s(|uad as guard to a forage train. While on this duty, the squad was attacked by a large partisan force of the confederates, and lie and AVilliam ]\Ierritt, of company I of the same reghnent, were captured at Epperson Springs, Tennessee, and sent to Lihby prison, Riclimond, Virginia. Tliey were both exchanged tlie latter i)art of the summer, and Edward L. rej(iined his regiment at La Vergne, Tennessee, in September, 1863. Fi-om that time until the linal mustering out and discharge of the regiment at the close of the war, he was with the command, sharing in its weary marches and hard fought battles ; and the latter were by no means few, as the old flag at Springfield will attest. After his return from the army he attended school one year at Keithsburg, and then took a special course of nine months at a select school taught in Ohio Grove township, giving three months to grammar, the same time to rhetoric and elocution, and the same to mathematics. Iij September, 1868, he married Laura Markee, daughter of Jesse Markee, of Ohio Grove township, by whom he has two children : Jesse AV. (now thirteen years old), and May F. (nine years old). After his marriage, in 1868, he located on a farm near Millersburg. August 10, 1877, his wife died, and was buried in the cemetery at Aledo. .Vfter her death he resolved to fit himself for the practice of medicine. While carrying on his farm, he began a course of reading under Dr. W. B. Artz, of Joy, which he continued for two years, reciting twice each week. During the fall and winter terms of 1879-80, and the spring term of 1880, he attended Rush Medical College, Chicago. The summer of 1880 he spent in the ofiice with Dr. Craig, of Aledo, finishing his course at Rush Medical College during the fall and winter terms of 1880-81, graduating February 22, 1881. He also took a special course under Prof E. Fletcher Ligalls, on diseases of the throat and chest, and another under Prof. E. L. Holmes, on diseases of the eye and ear. March 23, 1881, he married Miss Ella M. Gailey, daughter of S. W. Gailey, of Aledo, and on March 26 located and began the ])ractice of his profession in New Windsor. Is a member of the order of A.F.A.M., and also of the I.O.O.F.

Dr. John B. Rathbun was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, October 12, 1820, and is son of Elihu Rathbun, who was born in the state of New York, September 8, 1794, and Eleanor Beatty, who was a native of Pennsylvania and related to the Darlingtons, of east Pennsylvania. Mr. Rathbun moved from New York to Pennsylvania in 1816, and there married Miss Beatty. After the death of his first wife he married Miss Sarah Towell, who is a native of Pennsylvania. During his residence in Pennsylvania he was engaged in farming and the ministry. In 1835 he came to Illinois, settling in what is now Bowling township, in Rock Island county, but for several years past has resided in Yiola, in this county. Mr. liatlibun's children by his first wife were: Adaline (deceased), John B., Margaret E., Bulina A., and Finlaw Darlington (deceased); bj liis second wife: Fitz W., Homer H. (who enMsted in the 9th ID. YoL Car. and died in Missouri while in the servdce), EHhii, Phoebe and Isaac (who are twins), and Sarah (wife of T. T. Spicer, now living near Chariton, Iowa). Dr. Eathbun's youth was spent on his father's farm and in attending the common school of that day. He attended Alleghany college two years and then foHowed Prof. Griffith from that institution to Mercer academy, where he attended two years, working at intervals to pay his way. He then went south with Prof. Griffith and taught two years, i-eading medicine during the time under Dr. Terrell, of Black Hawk, Mississippi. lie after ward completed his medical course at the Eclectic Medical college, Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in 1847; began the practice of his profession in West Greenville, Pennsylvania, where, on September IT, 1848, he married Emeline J. Waugh, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1822, and a sister of the well known proprietor of Waugh's mill, at Pichland Grove, in this county. June 1852 he moved to Rock Island, in this state, and practiced there until the spring of 1857, when he removed to Richland Grove, in this county. June 21, 1859, his wife died, leaving two sons, William W., and Frank Darlington. William W. w\is born in June 1850, and Frank D., in September, 1854. William W. studied law, and graduated at Union College of Law, Chicago. After practicing three years in Rock Island, his health became so impaired that he removed to New Windsor, in this county, and is now engaged in the drug business. He married Miss Ella Bai'ge, daughter of William Barge, a leading lawyer of Dixon, her mother being a daughter of John Dixon, the well known pioneer of Lee county and founder of the city of Dixon. Frank D. graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1877, and from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniii, in 1878, and served one year, after leaving the last named institution, in the Philadelphia hospital. He is now practicing in New Windsor, whither Dr. John B. Rathbun removed from Richland Grove, April 1878, and where he still resides to assist his son in his now large practice.

Isaac Brooks was born near Manchester, England, July 4, 1829. Came to the United States in May, 1849, and settled in Carbon county, Pennsvlvania. Lived there five years, workiuii; in various coal mines. After traveling about the country for two years, he finally settled in this county in 1856. In the spring of 1857 he moved on to the N. E. ^ of Sec. 2, Rivoli township, since which time he has added to his farm until he now owns 880 acres in this county and eighty acres in

Henry county. April !», 1841>, just before leaving England, he nuirried Maria Ann Jul. mIk* came to America with him and made him a faithful wife and helpmeet until her death, which occurred February ^1, 1880, leaving no children. His father died in England when he was an infant, and his mother, who came to this country, died in Ohio. He has one brothei-, Thomas, living at AVest Brooktield, Stark county, Ohio, and another, George, who lives in Trego county, Kansas, the latter having a family of nine or ten children. December 21, 1880, lie married Emma J. Peterson, who was born in Sweden, December 22, 1862, and came to America in 1874, with her father, Andrew Peterson, of Cable, this county. Mr. Brooks is a Master Mason, a membei- of Oxford Lodge. Xo. 3f)7, A.F.A.M. Their only child Mary L.. was born April 2'2, fssl.

Victoria C. M. Tra(^v was born near Cleveland, Ohio, January 28, 1847, daughter of John and Emeline C. (Hicks) Morris. Her fatheiwas born in Somersetshire, England, May 27, 181G, and came to America with his father in 1840, and settled near Cleveland, Ohio. March 1, 1846, he married Emeline C. Hicks, of Zanesville, Ohio, who was born in that state August 20, 1827. Her father was killed by robbers in Zanesville, leaving a brother (Thomas Hicks) in Kentucky, and a son (John) in Louisville, Kentucky. Her mother was Esther Black, of French descent, her family living near Philadel])hia. Mrs. Tracy came to Blinois with her parents in 1851, by the lakes to Chicago, and thence bv team to Mercer countv, settling near Keithsburo-. Five years later they moved to Warren county, and in 1865 returned to Mercer count3% Mr. ^forris buying a farm in section 9, in Greene township, where he resides now. His father died near Keitlisburg in 1856, aged sixty-eight ; and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Brewer, died in 1864, aged eighty-one years. April 22, 1869, ]\Iiss A'ictoria married Jonathan Tracy, of Rivoli township, their residence being on S. E. ^ of Sec. 1. Mi-s. Tracy has three children: Ida (born February 28, 1870), Buz. (May 1, 1872), and Fred. (August 13, 1874). May 26, 1878, Mr. Tracy died, since which time Mrs. Tracy has managed the affairs of the farm, consisting of 372 acres, with marked ability, taking high rank among the large and successful farmers of the count}'. Her business tact caused her neighbors to elect her school director of her district, which office she still holds. In 1871 Mr. Tracy built a large and elegant residence on his farm, where the family now reside, one and one-half miles north of the village of New Windsor. Jonathan Tracy was born in Mason countv, Kentucky, November 25, 1830. His father (Vesey Tracy) and mother (Rachel Ilayden) were* natives of that state, and were married in 1828. In 1839 Ids mother died, and liis father afterward married Miss JSTancy Grenard, by whom he had two sons, George W. and Francis M., who live near Winterset, Iowa. In 1850 he married Miss Mary Dancer, who died a year later. In 1853 he came to Illinois, and purchased land in Heniy county. May 21, 1856, he married Miss Elizabeth Love, a native of Mercer county. Plaving sold his farm in Henry county that year, he bought land in the S. E. ^ of Sec. 1, Rivoli townshiji, which forms a part of the present homestead. Here were born : George (December 31, 1857, who died in his sixth year), Rachel (September 22, 1859), Jane (March 3, 1861), Emma (November 8, 1862), Mary (December 7, 1861:); and in August, 1868, his second wife died, leaving him with four motherless children. Mr. Tracy was always engaged in farming, and by industry and energy raised himself from humble beginnings to the position of a well-to-do farmer. He was not a member of any church or society, and in politics adhered to the democratic faith.

Nathan P. Smith was born in Ohio in 1830, and came to Illinoiswith his parents in 1810, when ten years old. His father (Stephen Smith) was a native of Massachusetts, and emigrated to Ohio when a young man, and there married Anna Belt, who survived him, living with her son Frank on the old homestead in section 1 in this township. He hrst came to Illinois in 1838, and entered forty acres of prairie in section 1 and 120 acres of timber land in Richland Grove, also a tract of timber land on Pope creek. Returning to Ohio he brought his family to Illinois in 1810, and settled on the forty acres of prairie he had previously entered in section 4. He died in 1845, leaving eight children, four boys and four girls. Two of these have died since, Lyman and Mattie (formerly wife of T. G. Woodham). Four of the survivors reside in this township : Nathan P. , Chauncey, Frank, and Mary (wife of James Durston). Two daughters (married) live, one in Iowa and one at Moline, Illinois. Mr. Smith was a blacksmith, and opened on his place the first blacksmith shop in the townshij^. Nathan P. spent his youth upon the farm, and in the winter of 1847, when seventeen years old, taught his first school in Richland Grove township, agreeing to teach for $12 per month, and was to have $15 if the patrons were suited. AVhen his school closed he made out his bill at $15 per month, and it was paid without question. He afterward tau2:ht four winters in Oxford, Henry county, and four winters at the Hopewell district in this township, also taught at Henderson Grove. In 1860 he married Mary Ann Woodham, and built his jiresent residence, and settled in the N. ^ of the N. E. of Sec. 9, which he had ^been improving for some years previously. The farm consists of 100 acres of prairie, besides which he has twenty acres of timber. He has two children, Minnie (the ekler) and Charles. He was supervisor of this township three successive years during war times. In politics he is a republican, but is not very partisan.

Timothy D. Merrvmax was born in Kennebec county, Maine, January 14, 1827, town of Chesterville, now in Monroe county. His father, Timothy Merryman, was born in Brunswick, Maine, November* 16, 1787, and married Elizabeth Dunning January 23, 1813, wlio was also a native of Maine. He was a ship carjjenter by trade, also a farmer, clearing for himself a farm among the pines of his native state. In 1835, with his three oldest sons and eldest daughter he came to Illinois, and. locating in Richland Grove township, sent for the remainder of the familv to come, which thev did the next vear, 1836, coming; all the way with teams. Mrs. Merryman being sick on their arrival at AVheeling, Virginia, took ])assage on a boat with one of her daughters and came bv river to Rock Island. Thev had nine children, six sons and three daughters, seven of whom survive. The six sons in the order of their ages are : Albert D., Thomas, David D., Joseph M., Timothy D., and Ira. The only surviving daughter, Thirza Ann, is the wife of Robinson Nye and resides in Moline, Illinois. Mrs. Merryman died in October, 1852, aged sixty-four, and Mr. M. died in April, 1873, at the age of eighty-six, their remains resting in the cemetery at Moline. Timothy D. was brought u]> on the farm, and at the age of twenty-one began his fortune with a capital of $50. He bought an interest in a saw mill that his father and one of his brothers had built ip Richland Grove in 1845. While engaged in this mill he made a claim on 160 acres of land in section 9, Rivola township, to which he afterward added eighty acres in the same section and entered it with land warrants in 1850. He had forty acres under improvement when, in 1853, he crossed the plains to California with an ox team. Thus can he boast of having crossed the continent trom Maine to California with a team. He was engaged there in mining, farming and teaming until 1863, when he returned to Illinois and settled where he now lives, on the northeast of section 9. December 1, 1864, he nuirried Miss Mary Maiming, who was born in Richland Grove township, in this county, July 23, 1840. She was daughter of James Manning, one of Mercer county's pioneers, who settled in that township in 1835. Of six s(ms and three daughters but two survive, Mrs. Merryman and one brother in Indiana. March 24, 1873, his house was burned, but he replaced it with a line, sjiacious residence, surrounded by quite a grove <)f maples, that have grown from seed ])lanted by himself, and from which he can now nuike a barrel of syrup annually. He has added to his original farm until he now owns 640 acres, including twenty acres of timber. In 1878 he built on his place the iirst dairy in the county, which has made large quantities of cheese and butter since that time, but is run exclusively now as a creamery. Mr. and Mrs. Merryman are both active members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

A. P. Shroyer was born in this township in 1851. His father, .Henry Shroyer, was born in Indiana in 1815, and in 1842 married Miss Eebecca Hughes, who was boi'ii in that state in 1820 ; and there their oldest son (William) was born in 184(>. In 1847 Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer came from Indiana to this state, settling on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 15, in this township, where he lived until his death a few years ago, and where his widow, who survives him, still lives. Besides the abovenanled children there are : M. L. (born in 1856), Sarah J. (born 1859), and Martha I. (born 1863). January 1, 1869, William married Miss Johanna Powell, daughter of Horatio Powell, an old settler in North Henderson township. A. P. married Miss Donna Meadows November 11, 1875. She was born in Warren county, Illhiois, June 12, 1855; daughter of James Meadows. They have three children, all boys. A. P. is a member of Oxford Lodge, No. 1367, A.F. A.M., and is its secretary at present. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, and were connected with the church in New Windsor as long as it was in existence. He was formerly in the drug business in New Windsor, but is now engaged in farming. Two years ago he built a very commodious residence on part of the old homestead, where he now resides, and, with his brother (M. L.), carries on the farm, which comprises 280 acres. The family is of German origin, the name having been spelled Schroyer, but with the lapse of time tlie c has become elided.

T. G. Woodhams was born in Albany, New York, October 19, 1837. His father and mother, William and Harriet (Gorham) Woodhams, were both natives of England. Mr. Woodhams came to America tirst in 1820, but returned again after a short stay. In 1828 he came to America, to make this his permanent home. He married Harriet Gorham in Albany,. New York. In 1838 he came to Illinois and settled on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 21, this township, where the subject of this sketch was raised and still lives. Mr. W^oodhams died October 20, 1844, and was the tirst person buried in the Woodhams cemetery, the site for which was donated by him for that purpose. Mrs. Woodhams resides on the place with her oldest son (William), who is a bachelor and a wheelwright. A younger son (John 0.) enlisted in Co. D, 83tl reg. 111. Vol. Inf., and died at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, November 30, 1862. His remains are interred in the AVoodhams cemetery. Their daughter (Harriet) is the wife of E. B. David, dentist, and resides in Aledo. The subject of tins sketch married February 10, 1867, Miss Martha A. Smith, daughter of Stephen Smith, one of the pioneers of this township, mentioned in the history of this townsliip. She died July ."), 1S73, leaving three children: Mary A, (born December 1, 1867), Adelbei-t L. (born March 21, 1870), and John L. (born October 8, 1873). September 16, 1874, he married Mrs. Maria Smith, widow of J. Lyman Smith, and daughter of James Durston, the pioneer. She was born in Rensselaer county, New York, August 19, 1833, and came to Illinois with her parents in 1837. jNfr. and i\[rs. Woodhams are active members of the Wesleyan Methodist church, of Hopewell. By industry and economy Mr. Woodhams has added to the old homestead until his home farm now comprises 480 acres. He raises and feeds cattle and hogs quite largely, and does an extensive business in buying and shipping stock to the Chicago market. At one time he represented this town on the board of supervisors of the county, and for several years he has served on the board of commissioners of highways of this town. In ])olitics Mr. Woodhams is a republican.

Company G, Twenty-Seventh Regiment

This company was composed of men from different parts of Mercer county and other counties, but perhaps the largest number was from the vicinity of New Boston. The comjiany was organized August 23, 1861, with Henry R. Southward as captain, Simeon Sheldon, of New Boston, as first lieutenant, and Robert P. Lytle, of New Boston, as second lieutenant. Southward served to the end of his term of enlistment, Sheldon was promoted to adjutant, and held the office a few months, and Lytle was promoted to captain of company B. George R. Beardsley succeeded Lytle, but soon resigned, and was succeeded by Hugh M. Love, of Swedonia, who afterward became first lieutenant and was killed in battle November 25, 18r)3.

The regiment was organized at Camp Butler, with seven companies, August 10, 1861, and at once ordered to Jacksonville as a part of John A. JVIcClernand's brigade. About a month later the regiment went to Cairo, where it was joined by three other companies, making the regiment complete. Two months later (November 7) the regiment was engaged, under Gen. McClernand, at Belmont, and bore a prominent part and lost heavily.

was at the famous sieo;e of Island No. 10, and was the first to land. After this the regiment was engaged at the siege of Corinth and battle of Farmington, guarding railroads, and finally, after many and long marches, arrived at Nashville September 12, 1862. It was in the battle of Stone Eiver, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, and numerous other engagements.

April, 1864, the regiment was ordered to join the Atlanta campaign, in which it was engaged at Rocky Face Ridge, Resacca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree creek, and in the skirmishes around Atlanta. After this (August 25) the regiment was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois.

The veterans of the regiment generally went into the ninth regiment. During the term of service the regiment lost in killed, or died of wounds or disease, 182, of whom twenty-four were from Mercer county.

Companies A And G, Thirtieth Regbient

These two companies were raised almost entirely in Mercer county, and mainly from the eastern portion, from sons and members of some of the oldest and finest families. The names of manv adorning the monument at Aledo will be recognized as the same as those mentioned frequently in the pages of this work as pioneers of Oliio Grove, Mercer, Richland Grove, Millersburg, Abington] and Keithsburg. Company A was organized August 28, 1861, by the election of Warren Shedd, of Aledo, as captain ; N. R. Kirkpatriek, Ohio Grove, as first lieutenant ; and F. G. Burnett, of Ohio Grove, as second lieutenant. April 22, 1862, Warren Shedd was promoted to the office of major, and Francis G. Burnett, who had already been promoted to first lieutenant became captain. [Burnett resigned September 3, 1862, and was succeeded as captain by Elijah B. David, then of Richland Grove. Capt. David was mustered out October 27, 1864, his term having expired, and Daniel M. Candor was promoted to the captaincy.

N. R. Kirkpatriek, elected first lieutenant on the organization, was killed at Fort Donelson. David W. Park, of Millersberg, and Robert S. Finley, of Ohio Grove, served for a time as first lieutenants, and Samuel McCreiglit, of Ohio Grove, and Lorenzo D. Hanson, of Millersburg, were second lieutenants.

Company G was organized September 30, 1861, by the election of James Burnett, of Ohio Grove, as captain ; Henry G. Calhoun, of Keithsburg as fii-st lieutenant ; and Orla Richardson, of Keithsburg, as second lieutenant. ^lay 16, 1863, Calhoun having resigned, and Capt. Burnett having been killed, Richardson was promoted to the office of captain, and held the same until his resigination, August 12, 1864. David H. ^V'olf was then promoted to the captaincy, and served until mustered out, July 17, 1865. II. II. Ilurst served a short time as second lieutenant, and John McClure was second and then lirst lieutenant. James A. Logan was chosen first lieutenant, September 15, 1864, and retained the office until his muster out, July 17, 1865.

Thirtieth Regiment

The Thirtieth Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, August 28, 1861, Col. P. B. Fouke, commanding. Se])tember 1, 1861, it moved to Cairo, Illinois, and was assigned to Brig. -Gen. John A. McClernand's brigade. Brig. -Gen. Ulysses S. Grant commanding district of Cairo, and Maj.-Gen. John C. Fremont commanding department of Missouri. October 22, it went on scout into Kentucky, near Columbus. November 7, it was engaged in the battle of Belmont. The regiment did gallant service during this action, and captured the celebrated " Watson's New Orleans battery."

January 10, 1862, the regiment moved from Cairo on a reconnoissance into Kentucky, and returned on the 22d. February 4, it moved up Tennessee river, and on the 6tli was in the attack and taking of Fort Henry, in Col. Oglesby's brigade. It was engaged in the siege and taking of Fort Donelson, 13tli, 14th and 15th of February, 1862.

It arrived at Pittsburg Landing April 25tli and took part in the siege of Corinth, in Col. Logan's brigade. June 4th and 5th it marched from Corinth to Bethel, and on the 8th occupied Jackson, Tennessee. On the IStli and 14th of August the regiment marched to Estenaula, and on the 31st to Denmark.

September 1, 1862, the regiment marched toward Medan Station, on the Mississippi Central railroad, and about four miles from that place met the enemy's cavalry, 6,000 strong, under Gen. Armstrong, and after four hours' hard fighting drove the enemy from the field, gaining a brilliant victory. The Thirtieth was commanded by Maj. AVarren Shedd, Col. Dennis, commanding brigade of 20th and 30th Illinois infantry, one section Schwartz's Illinois battery, Capt. Forster's company of independent Ohio cavalry, and thirty-four men of the Fourth Illinois cavalry.

marched toward Water Valley, Mississippi, arriving December 19tli. On the 21st it marched for Memphis, Tennessee, arriving Jannarv 19, 1863. It was stationed at Memphis, Tennessee, in Col. Leggett's brigade, Maj.-Gen. Logan's division, Maj.-Gen. McPherson's corps.

February 22, 1863, the regiment moved to Lake Providence, Louisiana, and moved soon after to Yista's plantation. April 17, it moved to Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, and joined Grant's army, and moved to Bruinburg, Mississippi, crossing Mississippi river. May 1, it moved to Thompson's Hill ; after that it moved to PLmkinson's Feny, on Black river, skirmishing with the enemy en route,, and tlien moved to Raymond, Mississippi. The regiment was engaged in the battle of Raymond, May 12, and then moved via Clinton to Jackson, and pursued the retreating enemy after their defeat, l-ltli of May. May 16 it engaged in the battle of Champion Hills, losing heavily, and crossed Black river with the army, and arrived in the rear of Yicksburg May 19, 1863.

May 25, the regiment moved with the expedition to Mechanicsburg, under Gen. Blair. Returning, it actively participated in the siege of Vicksburg until June 23, and then moved to Black river, under Gen. Sherman, to watch the rebel Gen. Johnson. The regiment then moved with Gen. Sherman's army to Jackson, and assisted in the investment of that ])lace, after which it went to Vicksburg, arriving July 25, and remained in camp until August 20, when it moved to Monroe, Louisiana, returning the 28th. October 14, it moved, under Gen. McPherson, toward Canton, Mississippi, and was in engagement at Bogachitta creek, and returned the same month.