Henderson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1882 (part 21 of 23)

January 1, 1864, the regiment mustered in as a veteran organization and on the 10th moved with an expedition up the Mississippi river against guerillas, and returned on the 15th. February 3, left Vicksburg, on Meridian campaign, under Gen. Sherman, and participated in the several skirmishes with the enemy, and arrived at Meridian February 15th. It returned March 3d. March 5, the regiment left Vicksburg on a veteran furlough to the state, arriving at Camp Butler March 12th.

April 18, the regiment left Camp Butler, and on the 28th left Cairo with the "Tennessee river expedition," under Gen. W. Q. Gresham, and arrived at Clifton, Tennessee, the 30th. May 5, it marched, via Pulaski, Tennessee, and Athens, Alabama, to Huntsville, Alabama, and on May 25th moved to Decatur, crossing Mississippi river the 27th. Thence it went, via Warrentown, Alabama, to Rome, Georgia ; thence, via Kingston, joining Gen. Sherman's "grand army" at Ackworth, June 8tli. On the 10th it moved to Big Shanty, and commenced skir-

On the night of July 2, the regiment moved, with the Seventeenth Army Corps, to the right of Gen. Sherman's army, and on the 5th moved to Kickajack creek. On the !)tli the regiment was sent to guard de])artment headquarters, and on the 12th moved to Sweet AVater creek, fluly IT, it moved toward Decatur, via Marietta, crossing the Chattahoochie at Roswell's and arriving at Decatur on the 20th. It was in the battle of July 21st, near Atlanta, and also in the battle of July 22d, near Atlanta ; lost heavily. It was actively engaged until the fall of Atlanta and Jonesboro, and camped at East Point, September 6th.

October 4, 1864, the regiment moved northward, in the pursuit of Gen. Hood, via Kenesaw mountain, to Resacca, and returaed to SmyiTia camp ground via Gales ville, Alabama, arriving November 5th. November 13. it moved to Atlanta and on the loth moved with Gen. Sherman's army in the " march to the sea," participating in the capture of Savannah, Georg-ia, December 21st. Left Savannah Januarv 4, 1865, and moved by water to Beaufort, South (\\rolina. Left Beaufort Januarv 13th and participated in the capture of Pocotaligo on the 15th; remained at Pocotaligo until the 30th ; marched with Sherman's army to Goldsboro, North Carolina, where the regiment arrived March 25, 1865. The regiment was engaged, during the march, in the capture of Orangeburg, Columbia and Cheraw, South Carolina, and Fayetteville, North Carolina, besides destroying railroad track, etc.

April 1(1, the regiment moved to Raleigh, arriving there on the 14th, and remained in camp until the surrender of the rebel army under Gen. Johnson. April 29, it inarched northward, via Richmond, to Alexandria, Virginia, arriving May 19th. The regiment took part in the grand review May 24, 1865, at Washington, D. C, and cam])ed near Washington the same day. It left Washington June 7th, via Baltimore *k: Ohio railroad, arriving at Parkersburg, Virginia, the iHli, and proceeded by steamboat to Louisville, Kentucky, remaining in camp at Louisville.

It was mustered out of Ignited States service July 17, 1865, by First Lieutenant Aug. P. Noyes, A. C. M. third division, Seventeenth Army (^orps, and airived at Camp Butler, Illinois, July 20tli, where the men received final payment and discharge July 27, 1865.

Compart D, Eighty-Third Regiment

Company D was raised largely in the eastern part of Mercer and the western part of Henry county. It was organized August 21, 1862, by the election of Joshua M. Snyder, of Yiola, Mercer county, as captain ; Hugh M. Robb, of the same coimty, as lirst lieutenant ; and Francis M. Sykes, of Oxford, Henry county, as second lieutenant.

There were but few changes in the officials of this company, and consequently but few promotions. Snyder and Robb went in for the whole war and wei"e mustered out with the boys three years, lacking a couple of months, after their enlistment. Sykes resigned, after having been second liteunantj list two years, and Hugh B. Frazier succeeded him, and was mustered out at the close of the war. The 83d was raised largely in Warren county, and was organized at Monmouth, August :21, 1862, by A. C. Harding, who was promoted a year later to the of brigadier-general, upon which Arthur A. Smith succeeded him. The regiment did heavy guard duty the most of first year and :a half The C(nintry along the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers was infested with guerillas, and this regiment had almost daily skirmishes with them, some of them being quite severe. On February 3, 1863, the regiment was brought in contact with 8,000 men of Forest's command, and successfully resisted them, compelling them to retire with a loss of 800 killed and wounded ; and with a loss of thirteen killed and j5fty-one wounded in the 83d regiment. It was in consequence of this brilliant achievement that Col. Harding was promoted to brigadiergeneral and Smith to colonel. During the year 1854, the regiment had about 200 miles of communications to guard. The i-egiment was mustered out at Nashville, and from thence proceeded to Chicago for final pay and discharge.

Company G, One Hundred And Tweny-Fourth Regiment

The 124tli i-egiment with few exceptions was raised from men residents in the vicinity of the Chicago, Burlington & Quicy railroad between the west end of Mercer county to Chicago, and almost every town and county along the line contributing a share. New Boston and vicinity furnised nearly one whole com])any, the one above named.

The conipaiij was organized September 10, 1862. Lyman II. Scudder was elected cai)tain, Ezra C. Benedict first lieutenant, and Benton Pratt, second lieutenant. The first two named afterward resigned, and Pratt succeeded each in course and was mustered out captain. John W. Mosby and William- B. Day each succeeded to higher offices in consequence, and the former was mustered out as tii-st, and the latter as second, lieutenant. The organization of the regiment took place at Camp Butler the same month, and one mouth later was in the enemy's country at Jackson, Tennessee, and on the 2sth of November was assisting in driving the rebels across the Tallahatchie river. During the year 1863 the regiment fought in the battles of liaymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, and was in the whole of the siege of Yicksburg, including the charge on the fortifications, and the assault on Fort Hill. The 121:th received from Maj.-Gen. McPherson the prize banner offered b}' Brig. -Gen. Leggett for excellency in discipline and drill and soldierly appearance. Upon the banner was inscribed "Excelsior Regiment, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps." After this the regiment was engaged in the raid to Meriden, the campaign under General Slocum to Jackson. The balance of the term of service was spent mostly in the extreme south around New Orleans and Mobile.

Regiment

This company was raised near the line between Rock Island and Mercer counties, Duncan and Perryton townships furnishing quite a number of the men. The company was organized September 4, 1S62, and the regiment the same day at Alton, Illinois, whither the members of the company and the companies and parts of companies had gone.

About two months later we find the regiment at Bolivar, Tennessee, and November 28, at La Grange. December 19 the regiment went to Jackson, Tennessee, to re-enforce that place. September 10, 1863, the regiment participated in the capture of Little Rock, Arkansas. The regiment was also engaged in the siege of Yicksburg and Clarendon, Arkansas. It was mustered out Juno 26, 1864.

Y96 History Of Mercer And Henderson Counties Company F, One Hundred And Foetietii Regiment

One company of this regiment was raised in Mercer county. This was a three months', or 100 days', regiment The comi^any and the regiment were organized June 18, 1864. Russell S. Osborn, of Aledo, was captain of company F, George Boone, of Aledo, was first lieutenant, and Yan R. Harriott was second lieutenant. There were no resignations or deaths in the ranks of these officers, and consequently no promotions, and all were mustered out October 29, 1864, 130 days after date of enlistment.

North Henderson Toaynship

This township, which is T. 13 N., R. 1 W. of the 4th P. M., is one of the best agricultural townships in the county. Pope creek skirting along its northern boundary, sometimes in this and sometimes in Rivoli township, made a strip of rough, broken land, averaging about one-half mile in width the entire length of the township. A portion of this was originally covered by excellent timber. The north half of section 1 was especially noted for the very heavy body of timber on it, and great effort was made by some of the first settlers to find the owner or owners of it, so much did they covet its possession. It was held under what was known as a patent title, and no clue to the ownership being obtainable it became what was known in those days as a "hooking quarter,"'' and many a mile of worm fence was made with the rails cut and split u]>on this land.

The north fork of the Henderson river, from which the township takes its name, has its source in Rio township, Knox county, crossing the line into this township near the northeast corner of section 13, and running nearly due west across it, leaves it near the half section line of section 18. There are but two small groves of native timber on this stream, within the bounds of this township; Hickory grove in sections 15 and 16, and Scott's grove in section 18. There is but a small percentage of broken land bordering this stream in this township.

The St. Louis branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, which was built as the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis railroad, in 1871, passes through this township; entering on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 24, it runs in a southwesterly direction, leaving near the southwest corner of section 31. The village of North Henderson, which is the only village ill the township, is located on this railroad and was laid out in 1871, on the W. i of the N. W. of Sec. 26, by Wm. 11. and John T. Brown, sons of Allen S. Brown, one of the pioneers of tliis township. This is now quite a nourishing village, having two stores doing a general mercantile business, two drug stores, two hardware stores, two agricultural iin})lenient dealers, two grain merchants, one lumber yard, one restaurant, one harness shop, one shoe shop, one furniture store, one millinery store, one blacksmith and repair shop, one livery stable, one hotel, one barber shop, and four doctors. There is a good two-storv school-house in the village and one church, the Methodist Episcopal. The I.O.O.F. also have a fine two-story building here, 28x48 feet, twenty feet posts, built two years ago at a cost of $1,600. The lower stor}' is fitted up for a public hall and the second floor for the exclusive use of the order, which is very strong here.

The Methodist Episcopal class of North Henderson is the oldest church organization in the township, having been organized at the house of David Bruner, in the spring of 1840, by Asa McMurtry, who was at that time on the Mercer circuit, which included all of this county with part of Rock Island, Knox and AVarren counties, requiring a month for the minister to make the round of his charge. The original members of this class were : David Bruner and wife, Margaret Bruner (now the wife of W. R. Mathers), John Vestal and wife, Susannah Wood (who was a daughter of David Bruner), and Andrew J. Holmes and wife.

In this township live several members, including the present pastor. Elder John M. Brown, of the oldest church organization in this part of the state, though organized and having its church building in Knox county. It is the Henderson Predestinarian Baptist church, and was constituted August 14, 1830, at the house of D. Roundtree, by Elders Stephen Stricklin and John Logan, the original members being Jacob and Rhoda (jum ; James and Martha Goft"; Reuben and Ruth Nance; John D., Dariah and Mary Roundtree; Martha, Daniel and Obadiah Fuqua; Nicholas and Deborah Vailes. This church has had a continuous and uninterrupted existence from the time of its constitution until the present, and its records show the proceedings of every monthly meeting, which now lack but one of completing the full period of fifty-two years. This church belongs to the Spoon river association of the Predestinarian Baptist church, formed in 1830, in which connection it has been evei" since its constitution. Elder Joseph Jones, who was well known to the pioneers of this county, joined this church in November, 1847, and died January 29, 1848. He had previously been connected with a branch of this church, in this county, called the Regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, of Edwards river.

The first record of this churcli is the minutes of a meeting of the members, held at the liouse of George Miller, on Edwards river, July 21, 1838, of which meeting Jeremiah Swaiford was chosen mederator, and Abraham Miller, Jr., clerk. This meeting was held within the present limits of Perryton township. Meetings were held in the private houses of members until at a meeting held in the house of Gabriel M. Barkle}', in Farlow's grove (now in Preemption township), December 22, 1838, the next regular meeting was appointed at the school-house in Sugar Grove (now Perryton township). March 23, 1839, they voted to appeal to Henderson church for letters of dismission and help to constitute them into a separate church. Their prayer was granted, and the Edwards river church was constituted June 29, 1839, by Elders Joseph Jones, Charles Yandever, and Hiram Bowman. The members at the constitution were : Joseph and Rebecca Jones ; George, Mary Ann, and Julia Ann Miller; Abraham Miller. Jr.; John and Sarah Farlow; lioswell and Mehitable Stanard ; Youngs Green ; Michael Donahoo ; Gabriel M. and Hannah R. Barkley; Mary Miller; and Susannah Shelley. Gabriel M. Barkley was chosen first deacon of the church, and Abraham Miller, Jr., first clerk; Gabriel M. Barkley, treasurer ; Elder Joseph Jones, moderator and pastor.

The first delegation from this cliui'ch was Joseph Jones, Gabriel M. Barkley, George Miller, John Farlow, and Abraham Miller, Jr., to sit in council with and constitute a church at William Denison's; It was voted at this time to hold meetings one-half the time at Sugar Grove and one-half the time at Farlow's Grove. The last regular meeting of this church was held October 9, 184T, when, "after consultation and due deliberation being had the church and council thought it expedient to letter each other out and so become dissolved, inasmuch as the members are moving away out of the bounds of this churcli."

There are but two church buildings in this township. Besides the Methodist Episcopal church mentioned above is the Maple Grove United Brethren church, located on the K. E. ^ of Sec. 36, in a beautiful grove of soft maple trees. This society was organized in 1869, and built its church the same year, a very neat structure 30x40xlt> feet. Its present pastor is Rev. Mr. Dilley, resident at Alexis, where is another church of this denomination.

A class of the Methodist Episcopal church was formed at the Mann school-house at an early day, probably soon after the class was formed at David Bruner's, but its early record is not now o])tainable. This class was ministered to by David Bruner and other local preachers of the Methodist Episcopal church, transient ministers, with an occasional visit from the minister in charge of the Mercer circuit.

The Methodist Episcopal church in Xorth Henderson was the first church built in the township. It was built at what is known as Mount Vernon, south of the village, and was moved into the village after that had become a fact.

The Odd FelhnrK liave a very strong lodge, with a tine hall in the village. Korth Henderson Lodge, No. (128, I.O.O.J"., was chartered October 11, 1876, by J. H. Oberly, grand master for the state. Its charter members were Israel T. Jones, Lewis Schwartz, C. W. Cummins, Laland Salts, Michael Karl, L. E. Dredge, and James Smith. The first officers of this lodge were J. M. Hall, N.G. ; Lewis Schwartz, y.G. ; I. T. Jones, Sec; C. W, Cummins, Treas.

North Henderson Encampment, No. 99, I.O.O.F., was chartered December 28, 1880. Its charter members were H. C. Dodge, A. F. Howard, Fred Rich, John Flory, Jesse Jackson, J. H. Humes, Michael Karl, Dr. C. G. Stewart, John T. Morford, I. N. Frederick, Lewis Schwartz, C. W. Cummins, L. E. Dredge, and C. A. Pinne, chartered by John P. Foss, Grand Patriarch. The first officers of this Encampment were C. G.* Stewart, C. P. ; John T, Morford, H.P. ; Henry Simms, S.W. : I. N. Fredericks, J.W. ; J. H. Humes, scribe; A. F. Howard, Treas. The Past Grands of the lodge are J. M. Hall, I. P. Jones, A. H. Jones, Michael Karl, L. Schwartz, John T. Morford, and Fred Rich, In 1880 the lodge built a two story hall 28X48X20 feet, at a cost of $1,600 ; the ground floor being fitted for a public hall and the second floor exclusively for the use of the order.

The township has built a neat and commodious town hall in the village for the public uses of the town. The first postoffice established in this township was called Ethel, and was located on section 21, John Goff, postmaster. After the village of North Henderson was established, the Etliel postoffice was removed to the village and the name changed, though Mr. Goff continued to be postmaster. George A. Blue, druggist, is the present postmaster.

February 18, 1838, the first marriage ceremony was solemnized in this township by the Rev. Mr. Gardiner, of (Talesburg, a CTniversalist minister, uniting Benjamin F. Brown and Miss Lucinda Mann. The first birth in the township was that of William D. Fleharty, October 4, 1834, son of Govert and Margaret Fleharty, who lived on section 1 at that time. The first death to occur in this township was a child of John Pollock, which was the second interment in the Mann cemetery, the wife of James Bridger having been tlie first, in 1836. Thither ^Ir. James Mann, who gave the site for this cemetery, soon followed, dying March 10, 1837, at the age of sixty-four. In 1840 scarlet fever broke out as an epidemic in this neighborhood and the mortality was very great for such a sparsely settled country, there having been ten interments in this cemetery in one month.

The first settler within the limits of this township, was Mr. Govert rieharty, who located on the southeast quarter of section 1, in the spring of 1833. In the fall of 183-4 James Mann and his son. Young C, and Timothy Meekei', arrived from Indiana, wintering in Knox county, just east of Mr. Fleharty's ; they made claims in this township, upon which they located the following spring of 1835, Mr. Mann's claim being on section 6, where Young C. still resides, and Mr. Meeker's on section 5, his widow now residing on the old homestead with one of lier sons, other sons and daughters living in the vicinity. The same spring of 1835 Benjamin F. and Harison Brown made claims on sections 18 and 19. The Scott family came into tliis township in 1837, Notley Scott buying the claim of Harison Brown on sections 18 and 19, alluded to above, Benjamin F. having previously sold his claim to Harrison. The latter then made a claim on section 1, Suez township, where he still resides. March, 1838, Benjamin F. made a claim on sections 6 and 7, where he resides yet. In the spring of 1839 Allen S. and Benjamin Brown made claims in the southeast part of this township, the former on section 25, and the latter on section 35. They were followed that fall by David Bruner and Andrew J. Holmes, who also located in the southeastei'n part of the township.

The first schools taught in this township were by John Wilshier, the first term in the house of William McGreenwood, and the second in the cabin of Young C. Mann, both on section 6. Afterward Robert Shaw taught a term of school in this same neighborhood, for which he was to receive $8 per month, and take his pay in wheat. The early records of the schools of this township after organization are not attainable. As early as 1839 there was preaching in the cabin of Benjamin F. Brown, on section 7, by the Rev. Mr. Fuller, of Galesburg, a Universalist minister. Mr. F. is still living in Galesburg.

The township was called Liberty when first organized in 1854, but was changed to its present name on or before the annual town meeting in 1855. The first ofticers elected in this township in 1854 were Notley Scott, supervisor ; Joshua Bruner, town clerk ; John W. Miles, assessor ; James M. Holmes, collector ; R. R. Mathers, Eli Tangham and Nathan Bailey, commissioners of highways ; Timothy Meeker, overseer of poor ; Andrew J. Holmes and William F. Garret, justices of the peace ; and James M. Holmes, constable. Total number of votes cast at that time, twenty-four.

The principal offices of this town have been filled since its organization by the following persons, and for the number of terms mentioned :

Supervisor - Notlej Scott, two years; Lewis L. Heflin ; Joshua Bruner, four years ; Allen S. Brown, two years ; Thomas J. Jones, three years ; H. M. Buchanan ; G. W. Higgins, two years ; L. F. Oentry ; AYilliam H. Brown, four years ; P. W. Johnston, two years ; Richard Garrett, three years ; M. D. Scott ; A. W. Xelson, four years.

On the farm of G. W, Higgins in section 14 is the only artesian well in this county. Mr. Higgins began this well in 1874, but it was not completed until 1.S7H. The tirst company failed with its drill fast in a strata of magnetic rock, so the second company em])loyed had to begin at the surface. The well attained a dei)th of 1,209 feet. The last surface water was ])assed at a de})th of 127 feet. At 915 feet water was struck that rises to within eighty feet of the surface, and im inexhaustible supply. A ten-horse-power engine, running to its full capacity four hours, throwing a four-inch stream, failed to perceptibly lower the water line in the well. The water is soft and contains a small percentage of iron ; temperature, sixtv-two degrees F. In boring this well the first coal was struck at seventy-five feet, without roof; coal was struck again detween 440 and 485 feet. Magnetic rock was found at 405 feet.

Besides the Mann cemetery mentioned above, there was a cemetery laid out in 1860 in the IN^. E. ^ of Sec. 35, called Mount Vernon cemetery, which has been quite extensively patronized since that time by the people of the southeast corner of the county.

In introducing the history of some of the pioneers of this township it is fitting that Grovert S. Fleharty should be the first one mentioned, as he was its first white inhabitant. This cannot be better done than by quoting from the pen of one who knew the family well, and wrote of its history as follows :

The Fleharty Family

Among others who came to Mercer county in those far off and romantic days, ere the Indian war-whoop had died away from the prairies of northern Illinois, were, the four brothers, Stephen W., GovertS., Bennett E., and Henry Fleharty, and their respective families. They were accompanied by their aged father and mother, William and

Margaret (Withgot) Fleharty, who were natives of Maryland, and during the early years of their married life had a delighti'ul home on the far-femed Eastern Shore, near Coptauk river. Grandfather Fleharty, as he was called in later years, was, in his yf>unger days, a slaveholder, and although not imbued with anti-slavery sentiments to any great extent, he removed with his familv to Ohio in 1810, mainly for the purpose of escaping from the demoralizing influences of slavery. The four brothers above-named were typical western pioneers ; athletic, courageous, and possessed of great physical endurance. They located in Mercer county, atdiiferent periods between the years 1833 and 1835. This portion of the state was then a j^rimitive paradise. Many hardships were to be endured by the early settlers, but there was grand inspiration in their surroundings. Xot far away was the great father of waters, with shores bordered with dark, dense forests. Here and there were lovely groves, which in the summer season appeared like islands in an emerald sea. Nimble footed deer frequented the woods and streams or bounded over the prairies in herds, scarcely realizing the presence of the few and scattered pioneers. The prairies were nature's own llower gardens. There the wild bees gathered their winter stores and thence they were followed bj' the wary bee hunters to the knarled oaks which contained their hoarded wealth. Looking across the years that have intervened since those days, and realizing the value of the work that was accomplished by all of the pioneer settlers of Illinois, it seems fitting that for those who have gone to their long home, pioneers now in the land beyond the river, there should be a memorial decoration day, and that their graves should be annually strewn with fairest flowers. Illinois had a grand army of these pioneer settlers, grand in character if not in numbers. In this army the brothers above-named held an honorable rank. It is related of Henry, the younger of the four, that in the sports of muster day, as the militia meetings for drill were styled, he was only equaled in feats of strength and agility by one person, Mr. Notley Scott, who was one of the most athletic men in that part of the state. Henry Fleharty died before he had reached the ]irime of manhood.

Stephen W. Fleharty, the elder of the four brothers, was born in the state of Maryland on the 28th day of December, 1799. He removed with the family to Ohio in 1810, and to Springfield, Illinois, in 1825. He was married three times during his life of eighty-two years. A daughter, Margaret, by his first wife, married Mr. James T. Jones and now resides at Mount Hecla, Texas. Her mother died while yet very young. Mr. Fleharty's second wife, Amelia W., was the daughter of Rev. John Kirkpatrick, one of the pioneer Methodist ministers of

Illinois. The union prov^ed to be a liappj one and tliey raised a large family of children. The family settled in Mercer county in 1834, on a handsome tract of land, composed of timber and prairie, one and a half miles east of what was then known as " Bridger's Corners," now Suez. Mr. Flehartj- was a cabinet-maker by trade and was a thorough workman. Articles of furniture made by him are still in use among some of the older families of Mercer county. When not employed on the farm he worked industriously at his trade, and in this way finally secured a comfortable home. He was a strong man intellectually, a great reader; a whig in politics, then a republican, and always a patriot. The partner of his joys and sorrows during those early years, Mrs. Amelia W. Fleharty, was a true christian woman, and her life, so gentle and affectionate in the midst of many trials, illustrated the most winning graces of Christianity. She was the mother of ten children, including two pairs of twins. Only four of the ten are now living. George Washington and Marquis Lafayette (twins), Amelia, Sarah E., and Fletcher A. all died young. Mrs. Fleharty passed away to the land of the blessed in the year 1865. Mr. Fleharty married a third time, and a son was born to him when he was nearly seventy years old. He died on April 10, 1882, in his eighty-third year. The following is an extract from a notice of his death that was published in the Galesburg "Republican Register": "A good man, whose life reaches back into the last century and forward so late in the present century ; a man whom every one calls honest and honorable ; having a record of eighty-three years unstained and unchallenged, is one of the choicest treasures of a commonwealth. Such was Stephen W. Fleharty, as every one who knew and respected him will allow." His widow, Mrs. Julia B. Fleharty, and her son Eddie are living near Galesburg.

William L. Fleharty, the oldest of the family excepting the halfsister above mentioned, possessed all of the sterling qualities of his father and the gentleness of his mother. He married young, worked industriously and provided for himself and family a pleasant home near Galesburg. His wife's maiden name was Elizabeth Tennll. He died in the prime of life, aged forty-six, and Mrs. Fleharty survived him only a few years. They left a family of six children, two of whom are married.

J. Q. A. Fleharty (twin brother of H. C), is a traveling minister in the North Nebraska Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been very successful in his vocation.

H. C. Fleharty is engaged in farming near Fullerton, Nebraska. He was married when young to Miss Margery E. Cullison, of Knox county, Illinois. They have an interesting family of bright, promising children.

Rev. J. J. Fleliartv, the next in order of birth, entered the ministerial profession when very young, and was for many years a member of the Central Illinois (Conference. He has been eminently successful as a minister. Was married, when young, to Miss Anna B. Brace, of Stark county, Illinois. They have had oidy one child, Clara, now a charming young lady. Rev. Fleharty is now president of the Nebraska Wesleyan University, located at Fullerton, an institution that is young in years but full of promise. He also continues in the work of the ministry.

S. F. Fleharty, the youngest of the four brothers who are living, was born September f!, 1836, and was either the first or second child born within the limits of Suez township. He was a member of the 102d 111. A^ol. Inf. during the late war, and was sergeant-major of the regiment. Was a member of the Illinois legislature in 1870-72, representing Mercer county. Removed to Nebraska in 1875, where he engaged successfully in the newspaper business, and is now private secretary of the governor of Nebraska.

GovERT S. Fleharty. - Returning to the ''old stock,'' it is a pleasure to sketch the career of another of jyiercer county's honored pioneers. Govert S. Fleharty was born on the eastern sh<jre of Maryland, February 22, 1804, a patriotic beginning of a life that was marked by the strongest impulses of patriotism, and of devotion to the inalienable rights of man. He removed with the family to Ross county, Ohio, in 1810, and to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1825, where he was married in 1828 to Margaret L. Harmon. They remained in that county some five years, during which time Martha C, Stephen W., and Mary A. Fleharty wei*e born. In 1833 the family removed to Mercer county, selecting a home on the S. E. J of Sec. 1, North Henderson township, and there William D. and Margaret were })orn, the latter being the youngest and last of the family. In 1838 the family removed to Henry county, where they lived for man}^ years, in a ])leasant home near the village of Oxford. Govert S. Fleharty was physically and mentally a strong man, earnest in his convictions, and adhering to them with unswerving fidelity in the face of the most bitter persecutions. He was an old-time abolitionist, and, to his honor be it said, that he aided more than one fuijitive slave that was fleeing from the bloodhounds and the lash of the southern slaveholder. He died October 20, 1876, and it is written of him that he was born on Washington's birthday, and died during tlie centennial year of American independence. His wife, Margaret L. Fleharty, was a faithful, devoted, and aftectiouate christian woman, whose good example and kindly nature has left an enduring impression upon the surviving members of tlie family. She died December 10, 1880. The chihh-en are all living. Martha C. married Mr. W. T. Bridger. Tliev have a family of four children, and a pleasant home, one mile north of Oxford and just across the line from Mercer county.

S. W. Fleharty, the elder of the two sons, was born October Si, 1830, and was married in 1856 to Miss Elizabeth Watson, of Mercer county. They reside on their beautitiil farm, a short distance east of New Windsor, and by their industry liave made a happy home for themselves and their children. Wesley, as he is commonly called, is a man of the strictest integrity, an original and independent thinker, bold and direct in expressing his views on all subjects, uncompromising, yet kind at heart, and worthy of the respect which he universally receives.

The second son, William D. Fleharty, was born October 1834, and was the first white child that was born in North Henderson township. He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary C. Petrie, daughter of W^illiam F. Petrie, and sister of Hon. A. P. Petrie. Mr. and Mrs. F. haye only one child, Annie, now twelve years old, and very natarally, as well as deservedly, their only darling is the sunlight of their happy home. Mr. Fleharty has been engaged in business as a grain buyer at jSTew Windsor for many years, and has been remarkably successful. During all of that period he has maintained a character that is above reproach, and all classess have implicit confidence in his business integrity. He has been twice elected to the ofiice of supervisor for Rivoli township, and has discharged the duties of the ofiice with credit to himself and to his constituents. Mr. and Mrs. Fleharty have an elegant home in New Windsor.

Mary A. Fleharty, the second daughter, married Mr. Peter Stevens a substantial and well-to-do farmer, who resides in Ohio Grove township. They have seven children. The youngest daughter, Margaret, married Mr. David McLaughlin, and their home near Oxford is the old home of Govert S. and Margaret Fleharty, the father and mother of five children, who have all been successful in life and an honor to their parents.

Another brother, William Fleharty, next in age to Stephen, was a minister, and at the time the family settled here he went into the lead region of southwestern Wisconsin, where he married and settled and died. He has one son residing in Wisconsin and one in Kansas. A sister Ann married Joseph Holiday, in Sangamon county, before the family came to this county, afterward removing to Knox county, and settling near Bennett. When William Flehartv settled in what is now Suez township, it became known that he had served as justice of the peace in Ohio for some j'ears, so he was elected to the same office here. At that time the state was too poor to furnish more than tliree or four copies of the statutes for tlie use of the letrislature, and Mcjrcer county was not the possessor of a singk^ copy. Mr. F. had a copv of the Ohio statutes so he administered justice according to the statutes of Ohio, and no one could question his decisions as they could produce no Illinois law in his court.

Bennett E. Fleharty. - The early history of Mercer county would be incomplete without a sketch of Bennett E. Fleharty, one of the four brothers named at the beginning of this article. Old settlers remember him as one of the most conscientious men that ever lived. He was a mikl mannered man, very quiet, and ever faithful to his duties as a christian. It is related of him that after working hard during the week, he often walked from seven to ten miles for the ]nirp(^se of attending the Methodist class meeting of those days. His home was on the south side of Pope creek, near the eastern line of the county. His wife's maiden name was Charlotte Cook. They raised a family of four children : William, John, Sarah, and Jane. The family removed to Kansas, some years ago, and soon afterward Uncle Bennett, as he was familiarly called, passed away to that land from which no traveler returns. The news of his death was heard with great sorrow by old neighbors and relatives here, and his exemplary life will not soon be forgotten. The surviving members of the family are living in the state of Kansas.

Among the earliest settlers of this townshi}) was Benjamin F. Brown, who was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, April 7, 1810, the son of Samuel and Henrietta (Hobbs) Brown. His father died in Kentucky, but his mother came to Knox county, Illinois, with the family, in 1831, The family consisted of nine children, seven of whom lived to have families. Alfred, now deceased, left several children : Harmon lives in Knox county ; Sallie (wife of Peter Frantz), lives in Knox county ; Harrison and Benjamin F. live in this county ; Joshua H. in Knox county ; Samuel W. in Washington Territory, has had a position in a United States land ottice there for a number of years ; Margaret (deceased), was the wife of Mr. Freeman, of Knox county ; and John (deceased), lived in this county at the time of his death. Benjamin F. came to Knox county, Illinois, in the spring of 1831. In the spring of 1832 he joined Capt. William McMurtry's company of rangers, which formed part of Maj. Bogard's regiment, enlisted in the counties of Schuyler, McDonough, Warren and Knox, for the defense of the fi'ontier against the bands of Black Hawk, wlio liad taken the war-path again that spring. In one of the scouts made that season by a detachment of his company he proceeded to the pi'esent site of the city of Kock Island, which was marked at that time by the presence of one log cabin. The years 1838 and 1834 he spent in the lead mines about Galena. The spring of 1835 he began to improve a claim with his brother Harison, on sections 18 and 19. Selling out his claim to his brother Harison in 1836, he returned to Knox county. February 18, 1838, he married Miss Lucinda Mann, daughter of James Mann, whose early settlement is spoken of elsewhere. She was a native of Ohio, born near Cincinnatti. That spring he began to improve a claim on sections 6 and 7, which now forms part of liis farm, which consists at present of 321- acres on the southwest section 6, northwest section 7, and E. |- N. E. Sec. 12, in Suez township. lie has a Une residence on the southwest section 6, built in 1861, where the latch-string is always out, in true pioneer style, and no more hospitable welcome is to be found than beneath his roof Mr. B. was fond of the chase and in the days when game was plenty his trusty rifle brought many a deer to tiie dust. He was also fond of luring the finn}^ denizens of the rivers from their native element, and acquired so great a reputation in this line that he is commonly spoken of now by the old pioneers as ''Fislier Ben."" He and his wife are active members of the Universalist church, to which they have been attached for many years. They iiave a parish organized now in Suez township and a half interest in a church with the United Brethren on section 10 in that township. Mr. B. was formerly a whig, but upon the demise of that party and the organization of the republican party, he has been a zealous and active adherent of that party. Their chiklren were : Susan E., born November 17, 1838, married Ira G. Bridger July 21, 1864, and died, without any children. May 15, 1877 ; Joshua H., born July 6, 1841, enlisted in Capt. Pepper's company, 84th reg. 111. Vol. Inf , in 1862, and served his country faithfully until tlie close of the war ; January 1, 1867, he married Mrs. Mary (Dilley) Rodgers and now resides on the southeast of section 10, in Suez township; Samuel M., born in March 10, 1844, married February 6, 1868, Miss Almira Allen, daughter of Henry II. and Amanda (Abbott) Allen, she being a daughter of Johnson Abbott ; (Mrs. A, was a native of Kentucky, and Mr. A. of this state ; they have three children: Benjamin A., born Sej)tember 19, 1870 ; Ida Olive, March 20, 1873, and Cora May, January 12, 1881. They reside in this township, having a farm of 140 acres on the southwest of section 9) ; Vachel H. (born October 7, 1846, died November 24, 1850) ; Henrietta H. (born November 10, 1851, married John Allen, brother of

Samuel M.'s wife, October 8, 1874, now reside in AVyoming Territory); Olive (born April 24, 1857, died Ma.v 81. 1875); Marijaret (born XoveiTiber 2, 18^)0), is the only one now at home witli her parents.

Another [)ioneer was Al[j:x S. Browx, who traces his *;enealoii-\' from John Brown and his wife (Elizabeth Orossly), who emigrated from New Jersey to Kentucky in the days of Daniel Boone; emigrating thence to Ohio in 1786. Mrs. B. finally died in Indiana when 101 years old. These were his grandparents.' His father, Samuel Brown, was born in Kentucky in 1782, and married, in Butler county, Ohio, March 12, 1807, Miss Jane P>ell, who was of Irish descent. Tie received a bounty and pension from the government for his services in the war of 1812. He moved from Ohio to Indiana, and thence to Knox county, Illinois, with liis family in 1884. He died in Warren county, Illinois, September 10, 1856, and Mrs. Brown survived him until May 12, 1869. There were nine children in the family: Kli/.abeth, Hester, Mary, Benjamin, Allen S., Xancy, Jane, Sanuiel. and John. Hester w^as the wife of Timothy Meeker, and survives him. living upon the old homestead. Allen S. was born near Qmnelsville, Wayne county, Indiana, November 7, 1818. December 31, 1837, he married Miss Polly McMurtry, of Knox county, wdio was in her eighteenth year at that time. She was the oldest daughter of John and Mary (Williamson) McMurtry. Mr. McMurtry was born in IVfercer county, Kentucky, in 1797, his ancestors coming from Ireland before revolutionary times ; his grandfather falling a victim to the Indians in the early settlement of Kentucky. He removed to Indiana in 1813, and was mari-ied in Crawford county, that state, September, 1819. His wife was a native of South Carolina. Their family consisted of six girls: Polly, Lovicy, Martha, Harriet, Sarah, and Eliza, all born near Leavenworth, Indiana. In 1830 he hired a team to bring his family through to Illinois, he following with a few head of cattle. He located on section 33, Rio township, Knox county, building a rail ])en and covering it with canvas, in which they sheltered themselves for three weeks while erecting a log cabin. In 1831 all the settlers north of Henderson Grove were warned away on account of threatened de]»redations by the Indians. Some who left their claims did not stop until they reached the friendly shelter of Indiana's wooded plains. Mr. McMurtry removed his family to a block-house on the south side of the grove near James Gumm's, known as the Gumm fort. After remaining there two or three months, they returned to their claim. In the spring of 1832 they were driven into a fort near Paul Halm's, on the north side of the grove, that had been built by the settlers during the previous winter for their better protection. Here tlieA- remained four weeks and then returned to their home. This fort was not far from their claim ; so when danger threatened, they would go to the fort at niirht and return to the claim to work durino; the dav. On some occa- .sions, after a period of fancied security, when remaining in their cabin nights, they would be warned by a courier of the a})proach of Indians, and, thinking they had not time to reach the fort, they would conceal themselves in the shadows of the neighboring woods, or in the tall grass that bordered all the sloughs on the prairies, remaining in their hiding places until daylight revealed to them that the alarm had been a groundless one. But to return to the subject of this sketch. Mr. Bj'own, after his marriage, rented a farm one year, l)ut in April, 1889, he settled on the W. ^ of S. E. of Sec. 25, which he afterward entered. Here they began life, with a log cabin having one room in it, one yoke of oxen, and a two-year-old iilly. From this small beginning they accumulated a handsome property, owning some 800 acres of land l).efore Mr. Brown's death, which occurred June 19, 1871. Their children are : Sarah J. (wife of A. IST. Tate, deceased), Eliza A. (wife of L. F. Gentry, deceased), Mary E. (wife of William Brown), William H., Martha E. (wife of Isaac Stevens, deceased), James N. (died in infancy), John T. (now married and living on the old homestead), Amanda M. (died in her sixth year). C'liarles W., Annette (^vife of L. J. Smith), Allen Douglas, Levi F., and Fred A. Mr. Brown was a man of more than the average native ability. Though never united witli any society, Mr. Brown was a Universalist in his religious belief. Aunt Polly Brown, as she is familiarly called by a wide circle of friends, has tjndeared herself to all with whom she has come in contact by her many acts of kindness to the old, and her rare motherly interest in and solicitude for the welfare of the young. She now resides in the village, keeping house for her son, Allen Douglas, who recently lost his wife after a brief season of wedded happiness. William H., the oldest son, was born February 29, 18-11:. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. A, 102d reg. 111. Yol. Inf., and was made a sergeant on the organization of the company, bnt was mustered out with the rank of iirst lieutenant. He was wounded in the battle of Resacca, May 15, 1861, but continued in the service until the close of the war. October 8, 1866, he nuirried Miss Maria Iltiflin, youngest daughter of Reuben lletlin, one of the pioneers of Knox county. She died March 15, 1875, leaving two children : Claud I. and Maud. In May, 1880, he was married to Miss Belle Watson, a native of Canada. He was four years supervisor of this town, and has always taken an active interest in political matters, being a dciiiocrat. Since the death of his first wife he has studied

One of North Henderson's prominent citizens at present, tlioiigh not a pioneer, is Joseimi H. Himks, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1844; his fatlier, whose name was Joseph, was also a native of that state. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his greatgrandfather a soldier in the war of the revolution. The farailv is of Scotch-Irish descent. His mother, whose family name was Ernst, was descended from a Hessian soldier taken prisoner during the revolutionary war and afterward settled in Pennsylvania. Her fathei-, Andrew Ernst, died in Knox county, Illinois, and is buried in the Fuller cemetery. His father came to Illinois in 1853 and settled in McDonough county, removing to this county in 1859. In 1804 Mr. H. enlisted in Co. D, 18i)th 111. Vol, Inf , which was a regiment of hundred day men. He was honorably discharged November, 18()4. Married Eliza Dunn September 7, 1865, and engaged in farming. In 1871 he had the first house built in the village of North Henderson, the present hotel building. Mr. J. L. Goff had previously moved a building into the village. He kept the hotel two years and was then engaged in the grain business eight years. Has been in the lumber, hai-dware, and agricultural implement business, since 1880. He has two children, Ilattie, born November 1866, and Leo, born February 20, 1877. He is at ])resent clerk of the town, having held the office four years. He is a member of both North Henderson Lodge and Encampment of Odd Fellow;*. He is also a member of Iloreb Chapter, No. 4, E.A.M., of Rio, and (xalesburg Commandery, No. 8, K.T. In politics he is a democrat.

Georok a. Blue, druggist, is the son of an old pioneer, William Blue, whf) was born in Indiana in 1826. - He settled on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 27, in this township, in 1837. During the year 1851 he lived in Knox county, and December 21, that year, he married Miss Ellenor Rice, of that county. She was born in Indiana Januai-y ll», 1825, and came to Knox county, Illinois, with her parents in 1831. After his marnage he returned to this county, where he died in March, 1864, having had a fainily of five children, three of whom are living: George A., born January 1, 1853; Thomas J., born April 4, 1S55, owns the old Rice homestead, in Knox county ; Frank W., born December 1J>, 1863, lives in North Henderson. George A., who was raised on the farm, owns the old homestead, the southwest of secti(m 27. IK' has been engaged in the drug business in the village since 1871», and postmaster since 1880. He married Sei»tember 8, ls74. Miss Lura Glass, daughter of Seymour and Isabelle (Black) (41ass. Her grandfather, Samuel Black, was one of the <>ld j>ioneers of Warren county. Tliey have one child, Archie AV., born September 19, 1876. George A. is a member of Horeb Chapter, Xo. 4, E.A.M., of liio, also of Galesburg Oominander^^, Xo. 8, K.T.

M. PI. Johnston, druggist, is a son of Larimer and Hannah (Hayes) Johnston, of Suez township in this county, whose history will be found in connection with the history of that township. He was born in Grundy county, Ohio, November 26, 1855, and came to Illinois with his parents in 185T, settling in Suez township, where he was raised on the farm with such advantages as the common school of his district afforded, which he supplemented with a commercial course in Allen's Business College in Aledo. April 20, 1881, he married Miss Anna Galloway, daughter of James Galloway, grocer of Aledo. Miss Anna was a native of Fennsjdvania ; born April 16, 1858. He went into the drug business in Xorth Henderson in March, 1881, and is doing a large business for a country drug store. He is a member of North Henderson Lodge, Xo. 585, I.O.O.F. In politics he is a republican.

The history of Xorth Henderson township could not well be written without a notice of Edwin Evans Ivendall, M.D., who was born in Worcester county, Massachusetts, October 12, 1826. His father, Paul R., and his mother Jane (Xickerson) Kendall, were also natives of that state ; his father was engaged in mercantile pursuits ; died when Edwin was quite young. An extract from an obituary notice from the pen of J. P. McCIanahan, M.D., of Alexis, Illinois, published in the "Peoria Medical Monthly,'' will be appropriate here. The doctor says : ''During his early life, by industry and self-sacritice, he worked his way through an academical course of study, teaching during a part of the time, and in like manner through his professional studies, graduating from the medical department of the University of Buffalo, Xew York, April 27, 1853, the institution being at that time under the presidency of Millard Filmore ; the medical faculty being as follows : Charles A. Lee, M.D., Jacob H. Hamilton, M.D., Austin FKnt, M.D., Edward M. Moore, M.D., George Hadley, M.D., John C. Dalton, Jr., M.D. Dr. Kendall at first decided to practice his profession in the east, near his original home, but soon changed his mind on account of failing health, or an attack of h?emoptisis, and resolved to try the west, to which he removed in the fall of the same year, 1853, wisely selecting for himself a rural location in Mercer county, Illinois, where his health seemed raj>idly to improve and his business to increase as the new settlers flowed in to what was then a conijjaratively new and sparsely settled, rich, prairie country. Among these settlers the doctor made many warm friends and ccmfldent patrons, and for years fair health continued with him, notwithstanding his unrelentive promptness to attend calls regardless of heat or cold, inclement weather, or any dis- ]»araging circumstances." lie died at his residence in X(^»rth llen<lerson January 25, 1882, of typhoid pneumonia. The \vinter of 1853-4 the doctor taught in the Illinois Liberal Institute in Galesburg, which afterward became Lombard University. He commenced the practice of his profession in the spring of 185-i, boarding at Reuben Ileliin's, in Knox county. In 1857, while boarding at Lewis Hellin's, in this township, tlie doctor met with an accident, which, in a measure, crippled him for life. His team ran away in the night and threw him out of the buggy, injuring one leg so that he never entirely recovered. In 1858 he located permanently in this township. July 10, 18H2, he married Mary E., widow of William Button. Mrs. Button's maiden name was Bruner, she being a daughter of Adam Bruner, and niece of David Bruner, mentitmed heretofore in this work. She was bom in Lawrence county, Indiana. August 8, 1836, and came to this township in May, 1855, and married William Button September 5, 1857, who died November 6, following, from the shock of having an arm torn otf in a threshing machine. The doctor and wife have had eight children, live of whom survive him: Eugene E. (born February 12, 1867, has entered E. Crosby's store as clerk), Xancy Jane (born June 11, 1871), Mary Edna (March 27, 1873), Minnie Belle (April 0, 1875), Abbey Ellen (July 12, 1877). They moved from their farm into the village in July, 1872.

Though not as old a resident of this township as some others previously mentioned, Mr. Alfred W, jN^klsox occupies a very prominent position. His father, Benham Xelson, was a native of Virginia ; his mother, whose maiden name was Amanda Brewer, was a native of Wayne county, Indiana. Benham Xelson dealt largely in horses, in Indiana. He was sheriff of his countv for two vears. Having a construction contract on a canal, he ex]>osed himself so much while laboring to fultill it that he became a cripple for life. He moved to Knox county, Blinois, in June 1855. A. W., and his twin brother A. II., were born in Indiana, February 3, 1840, and came to this state with their fatlier, living near Saluda in Knox county. A. W. was married December 29, 1862, to Miss Eliza Imel, who was born in Indiana, June 24, 1840, and came to this state with her father, Thomas Imel, in 1850. In 1877 A. W. came to this township, locating on the southwest of section 27, where he owns forty acres, and forty-one acres adjoining in section 34. He has always been engaged in farming. They have three children: Benham, born October 31, 1866; Katie, January 1, 1869; Bertha B., March 31, 1878. He is a member of lloreb Chapter, No. 4, R.A.M.. of Rio. Also of North Henderson Lodge of

Odd-Fellows. He is now supervisor of this town, for the fourth consecutive year. In politics he is a democrat. He is a man of more than average native ability, a close observer, doing his own thinking, examining his ground carefully before taking a new step. A. H., the twin brother mentioned above, is known by his friends as Harvey iS^elson. He was married September 19, 1867, to Miss Adelia A. Kays, daughter of William Kays, of Saluda, Knox county, Illinois. They came into this township in 1873, and settled on the E. -^ of S. W. Sec. 34, where they reside now. The farm comprises eighty-eight acres. He built his present residence in 1875. They have three children: Hampton, born May 22, 1869; Ida, October 18, 1873; William, July 15, 1881. Mr. Nelson a member of both the North Henderson Lodge and Encampment of the I.O.O.F., as well as the Alexis Lodge of A.F.A.M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of North Henderson. He is one of the commissioners of highw9.ys of this town. William Kays, Mrs. Nelson's father, is one of the old pioneers of Knox county, having settled in that county as early as 1832 or 1833.

Peter W. Johnston, though comparatively a recent settler, has been a positive quantity during the period of his residence in this township. He is an excellent repi'esentative of the old Virginia and Kentucky country gentleman. He was a native of Virginia as were also both his parents and grandparents. His grandfathers, on both his father and mother's side, were in the revolutionary army. His father and seven uncles from both branches of the family were in the military service of the country during the war of 1812. His father, whose given name was John, died in 1826, when the subject of this sketch was ten years old. His family consisted of four boys and two girls, of whom P. W. was the eldest. Three of these survive, one brother and one sister living in Virginia. After his father's death his mother received from the government a land warrant for his father's service in the war of 1812. His mother's maiden name was Nancy Wyatt. She was a woman of very marked ability, and a sterling patriot, being very energetic in aiding the national cause to the full extent of her opportunities during the struggle from 1812 to 1815. She was about eightysix years old at the time of her death which occurred in 1880. P. W. was bom in Gloucester county, Virginia, August 19, 1816 ; he removed thence to Kentucky in 1835, residing in Breckenridge county, in that state, until 1862; lie moved to this state, settling in Hancock county, where lie lived one year, settling in this township in 1863, on the southeast of section 19, which farm he still owns, though he has lived on the southwest of section 31, near the village of Alexis since the spring of 1875, where lie owns forty-two acres. With the exce])ti()n of three years that lie was in the mercantile business in Kentucky Mr. Johnston has always been engaged in farming. He was married Se|> tember 23, 1837, to Martha A. Hayes, a native of Virginia, born in that state in March, 1816, and emigrated to Kentucky in 1835. Her father's name was William, and her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Forster. They have had eight children, only three of whom are living: Benjamin F., born February 26. 1839 (deceased); Nancy, May 21, 1841 (deceased); Mary E., October 12, 1845, wife of Joel Hays living in Missouri; John W., January 27, 1843 (deceased); Matilda E., February 8, 1848 (deceased) ; Littleton T., May 11, 1850, in the cattle business in Texas at present, though he makes his home with his father; Ann M., born March 30, 1853, wife of Xewton Bruington, resides in the villiage of Alexis; Martha A., March 3, 1856 (deceased). Mrs. Johnston is a member of the Methodist P^piscopal church, south. Mr. Johnston is a member of the masonic order, and politically a democrat.

Probably one of the best known and most highly respected pioneers of this township, and the one having the widest circle of friends and acquaintances, is Notley Scott. It would be a long radius drawn from his house that would describe the circle excluding those who do not know "Uncle Notley," as he is familiarly called. In the days when game was plenty it was a good huntsman that killed more deer than he, and a strong man that could march home under the weight of a heavier buck. He excelled in all the games in vogue in those days requiring agility, strength and prowess, Henry Fleharty being the only competitor for the honors that had any chance with him in those days. He also enjoys a reputation that he has built for himself during the passage of the years for the strictest honesty and probity, his word being as good as a bond. To his house still clings the pioneer quality of hospitality that makes "Uncle Notley's such a good place to- visit.'" Uncle Notley, though seventy-two years of age, enjoys his trips to the bay, to shoot wild duck or iish in their season, as much as any of the young men, no sport pleasing him so well, unless it be playing croquet, at which game he is an expert. Uncle Notley was born in Ohio July 8, 1810. His father, Joseph Scott, was born in Virginia in 1773, and was consequently two years old when the war of the revolution began. He removed with his jjarents to Kentucky when only four years old, and thence to Ohio iu 1706. He married Miss IMarv Oain, of Kentucky, who was born March 15, 1777. They moved to Indiana in 1823, and thence to Illinois in 1835. He died in November, 1872, his life having almost reached a century. His wife died'

March 2, 1857. Notley was married November 3, 1832, to Miss Sallie Betts, wlio was born in Kentucky December 20, 1809, and died April 23, 1871. Their family consisted of twelve children, ten boys and two girls: Preston (deceased). Fielding, Joseph, William, M. D., Reiley, Nancy, Notley (deceased), Samuel (deceased), Sarah (deceased), Lewis, and Xathaniel Greene. Uncle Notley is one of the very few men, if not the only man, of whom it can be said that he can open and run a masonic lodge within his own family, himself and seven of his sons being members of the order. They are all members of Horeb Chapter, No. 4, E.A.M., of Rio, and two (Preston and Greene) K.T. He came to this township in 1837, and bought the claim of Harison Brown in sections 18 and 19, where he still resides, his daughter Nancy having been his housekeeper since the death of her mother. The grove near which he resides, and part of which he owns, has always been known as Scott's Grove since he settled there. He owns at present 485 acres of land. He was the lirst supeiwisor of this town.

In 1851, at the time that immigration was flowing into this county so rapidly, there came a man from Mercer county, Pennsylvania, who began the race of life evenly with the state of Illinois, and thus far the two have kept even pace year for year, but how much longer the score will remain a tie time alone can determine. Money staked on the state, though, will most probably some time win. John T. Morford was born in Mercer connty, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1818. His father, James Morford, was born in New Jersey, July 17, 1793, and his mother, whose maiden name was Martha Titus, was a native of the same state, born June 8, 1797. They were married September 28, 1815. His lather died July 12, 1870, and his mother, at the age of eighty-flve, makes her home with him. John T. was married February 27, 1840, to Miss Esther Hazen. a native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, born November 16, 1819. They settled on the northeast of section 22, in the spring of 1855, when, to use the language of Mrs. Morford, "there was not a switch on the place with which to whip the children."' Now their house is almost lost to view by the dense grove of trees that surrounds it. Their farm at present com|)rises 200 acres of rich North Henderson soil. Mr. Morford is a car]>enter by trade, and has worked at the business most of the time until since the close of the war. The j)atriotism of this family is unquestionable. Mr. Morford and his two oldest sons, at that time in their nineteenth and sixteenth years, respectively, enlisted in Co. C, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., in 1862, and seryed faithfully until the close of the war; the oldest son, Hiram T., being wounded during the siege of AtUmtii, luid .lolni '[\ ranking us third sergeant when mustered out. Mrs. Moiford is also entitled to great credit for Ikt part in the conflict. Left to manage the farm and take care of the children, the oldest boy left at home being l)ut thirteen years old, her success is ample proof of her ability. They have seven children: Diana (born in IS-tl, wife of H. Herbert, lives in Iowa), Hiram T. (born Decemljer 10, 1843, married Miss Sophie Crosby, and lives in Iowa), William Henry (born June 3, 1847, married Miss Frances Shipman, and lives in Wisconsin), Isaac ('. (born January 2, 1849, is married and lives in Iowa), James Eyron (born Xovmeber 26, 1850, married Miss Christhie Olson, and lives in Iowa), -John Jasper (born August 18, 1853, married Miss Adella Allen, and resides on the old |)lace, carrying on the farm), and Martha M. (born March 13, 1859, wife of William Steele, lives in Iowa). John T. is a member of both North Henderson Lodge aiul Encampment of I.O.O.F, and in politics he is republican. He and his wife are members of the Alexis Baptist church.

Another prominent citizen of this township, also a native of Pennsylvania, Joskjmi Deets, was born in Venango county of that srate, February 25, 183 L Came to Illinois in 1855, settling in W^arren county, where he resided four years ; j-emoving to this county in March, 1859, he settled on the northeast of section 28 where he still resides, though he has been steadily enlarging his borders, by the purchase of additional farms, until his landed possessions in this township now aggregate 800 acres. He was nuirried August 23, 1857, to Miss Augusta Chatiield, of Warren county, a native of Ohio. They have seven children living at present: Ethselda (wife of Gilbert Iliggins), Ada, Alvah. -lohn, -loseph, Sarah, and Eliza. Mr. Deets was raised on a farm and has always followed that occupation, and his success is an excellent examjjle of what can be accom])lished by the agriculturalist who has energy, ])erseverance, and uses a reasonable economy. His educational advantages were limited to the common school. In i)olitics he acts with the rei)ublican party, though is not what wo\dd be termed a partisan. His ])arents were both natives of Pennsylvania, his mother of Scotch and his father of German descent, his grandfather coming from Germany to this country. His father, whose name was Joseph, was a member of the ^lethodist Episcopal church, but after the organizati^m of the Wesleyan Methodist church he identified himself with that church, being led thereto by the slavery issue which was agitating the churches at that time.

The "Old Dominion'' furnished another successful farmer for this township, in the person of liuuAui) Garrett, who was born in Virginia, March 13, 1830, and moved to Kentucky with his parents in 1834, living in Breckenridg'e connty nntil two years prior to leaving that state, when he lived in Mead county, moving thence to Texas in 1855, where he remained one year only, coming to Illinois in 1856. He settled on the northeast of section 30, in the spring of 1857, where he still resides, having added to his farm until at present he owns 550 acres. December 21t, 1849, he was married to Miss Juliet Douglas, a native of Kentucky, born October 5, 1832, daughter of Gilson B. Douglas. They have twelve children : Adaline (wife of O. G. Cliapman, postmaster at Alexis), David, William, Martha A., Peyton J., Douglas, Alice, Robert L., Lucy A., Edna, Mary E., and Richard. Mr. Garrett is a Master Mason, but not in active connection with any lodge now.

The matter that follows, much of it of a very important character, was recieved too late for insertion in the portion of the book originally designed for it. Some of the sketches were held for revision by friends until the sheets containing the matter most appropriate for them had gone to press.

Early Courts

The holding of court was the signal generally for the gathering together of the larger part of the able bodied male inhabitants of the county, and as the accommodations at the county seat were rather primitive and scanty, they were at times brought into close proximity. Good nature was the ruling element, and what is termed fun was largely indulged in by old and young. Court generally despatched all of the business in one and a half or two days. The members of the bar, and a goodly number they were, the names of many of whom the old settler recalls with emotions not unmingled with pleasure, followed the court through its peregrinations of an extended circuit embracing nearly a dozen counties.

After Judges Ralston and Lott, Judge Brown became the presiding genius. A large bodied, large headed and good natured man of the old school, whose early days were probably spent south of the great dividing line. His make up did not enable him to master all the Jifiesse of law, and as a consequence those lawyers whe believed in law as a science, and as such were disposed to use it before his court, were ^'erv liable to be snubbed. C'urtis K. Ilarvev, of Knt)xville, a man who worshiped law because it was Jaw, was always very unfortunate, while such men as Jo. Knox, John Mitchell, Bill Kellogg, and one or two others whose law, perhaps, may have been rather loose, as advocates always appeared to have the ear of the court, jury and populace. Joseph Knox, of Rock Island, commonly known as Jo. Knox, of the firm of Knox & Drury, probably had the inside track of all practising here at an early period, though among the members of the bar were Brown, of Quincy ; Manning, of Knoxville ; A. C. Harding, of Monmouth, and others who have since become eminent in their profession. Knox was an able advocate, not at all choice of his words or of his epithets when a witness was so unfortunate as to stand in his way. No doubt but there was jealousy existing in the hearts of other members of the bar at his success. AVhisperings first went around that Drury made up his cases for him, finall}- that Drury furnished the brains, and as Drury was always invisible the tendency was, as is usually the case with the uncomatable, to magnify the powers of Drury. Curiosity became excited ; all were desirous of seeing the great incognito ; the members of the bar most of any. Finally on a frosty day late in the fall word was conveyed into the filled court room that a " ship was in the offing."" It had been previously announced tliat Drury was expected on that day. Court adjourned without the usual formality, wdiether to do honor to the expected arrival oi" to take his measure, the historian sayeth not, but as the eager crowd got into .the street they descried in the distance a large bay horse approaching, well caparisoned with an immense bear skin housing to the saddle, in which sat a small figure of what it was difficult at the distance to tell, but upon near approach it proved to be the ardently expected Drury, ensconsed in an immense buffalo overcoat, whiskers of mammoth proportion for the man (for be it known Mr. Drury is of a very small pattern, physically), and something on his head, witness can't say whether hairy or not. Eyes were staring, mouths were agape. Bill Kellogg, afterward judge and member of congress, was first to break the spell when he exclaimed, mtto voce^ ''by G - d, a pocket edition of humanity, bound in liar!" He was a Kentuckian. The quaintness and aptness of the illustration excited a smile of approval. The new comer was heartily welcomed.

The following list of graduates (1882) from the Aledo high school was inadvertently omitted : Scientific course, Birt Fargo, Ned Abercrombie, Cora Pullen, Ina Pinkerton, Zelda Bell, Maggie Thomson, Lou Richmond, Jennie Fulton ; classical course, Robert McKinney. Amos Cole, Lew L. Walker, Logan Stejjliens, Alma Bickett.

Jajvies M. Emerson (deceased), for many years a respected and successful business man of New Boston, was born January 22, 1815, in Wayne county, Indiana. His father, Edward Emerson, was a natiye of Massachusetts, but became an early settler in the Hoosier state, where he became owner of a large tract of land and died. The early life of James was such as a new country aftbrded in his day. His school-room was chiefly in the free air without enclosure, and his teacher was nature. Altliough of so limited an education he became quite efticient in business arithmetic, excelling many scholars. In 1839 he located at New Boston, Mercer county, Illinois. Here lie labored at whateyer head and hand found to do, the two always employed to assist each other. He contracted cutting cord wood, made several trips to Indiana, bringing the first traveling threshing machine to Mercer county. He was on a ferry awhile, also piloted on the Mississippi riyer for a time. In 1848 he established the first lumber yard in New Boston, although some lumber had been sold here prior to this. He carried on the lumber business till his death. He also purchased considerable land. In 1876, lea^'ing a foreman in his lumber yard, he moved to liis farm, about two miles northeast of New Boston. Here he spent his remaining years improving his farm, while suttering from a stroke of paralysis. His career ended in death April 20, 1881. He left a family and large circle of friends to mourn their loss. Mr. Emerson was a plain, unassuming man, attentive to his business and regardful of his family. Politically he was a whig, and later a republican, but never became politically excited. Mr. Emerson was married September 30, 1847, to Miss Han-iet Bridger, daughter of Thomas and Mary ('\Yoodham''s) Bridger. She was born October 10, 1824, in Northiam Parish, Sussex county, England. She came with her parents about 1827 to New York state, wlio settled on a farm near Troy. In 1838 they emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled on Pope creek, in Suez township, where Mr. Bridger died about a year afterward, followed in nine days by his wife. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Emerson began housekeeping in a new house erected in New Boston by Mr. Emerson. There they lived till 1876, and there eight children were born to them, viz : Myra Y., born August 5, 1848 ; Dora A., born June 7, 1850 ; Iva, born July 8, 1855 ; Charles O., born September 11, 1858, and died July 12, 1865 ; Alma T., born January 18, 1861 ; Effie, born January 11, 1863, and died January 27, 1863 ; Warren D., born July 13, 1865 ; PuiljJi Waldo, born January 20, 1869, and died February 5, 1880. The father and husband is fondly remembered. His j^ortrait is in its special place.

Additioxal Ala.Tter

Augustus Y>. Ciiir.Ds, subject of these memoirs, is a son of Horace and Lucy M. (Barker) C'hilds. He was born in Oneida county, New York, October 31, ISKi. He is a descendant of one of three brothers who came from Wales to Amei-ica before the revolution. Mr. Childs' life has been largely one of farm-labor ; not. however, altogether. His youth till fifteen was spent on a farm in Connecticut. In 1838 Mr. Childs emigrated to Mercer county, settling in Eliza township. He rode a borrowed horse to Mercer county when he came, not being able to buy. On his return eastward he left the horse with its owner, and walked a long distance to Indiana]>olis, where he stopped to work sufficient to pay for a horse. He then rode to Sandusky, Ohio. Like many poor boys he came to be in good circumstances. He at one time owned 1,300 acres of land. Not only industry, but also temperance and good habits have aided him in his financial success. Mr. Childs was a grand juryman of Mercer county at the first settling of the court at Aledo. He has been married twice. His first wife, Catharine Reynolds, he married in Morgan county, Indiana, June 28, 1840 ; she died June 5, 1878. Mr. Childs' present wife, Lucy E. (Willits), is a daughter of Isaiah Willits, of Keithsburg. Mr. Childs has traveled considerably, in his career visiting California. Late years he visited Florida, where he purchased a large estate, intending to plant an orange grove, but soon sold.

George S. Wolf, farmer, Keithsburg, was boi-n in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, Kovember 7, 1818, and is the son of Chiistian and Sarah (Sterner) Wolf, and a grandson of Henry Wolf, who emigrated, when a mere boy, to America near the middle of the seventeenth century. He was the only one of his father's family sufficiently actuated by a spirit of adventure to leave childhood's home and visit a foreign land. During our subject's early youth his time was constjintly employed in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm. During the meantime he received about twenty months' schooling, in the veritable log-cabin school-house, taught by an eccentric old school-master, whose ])roficiencv in teaching equaled only his salary. September 6, 1838. Mr. Wolf was united in marriage with Miss ^Mary C. Amweg, daughter of William and Hannah (Spirow) Amweg, also a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Wolf has devoted his life to fai-ming, up till 1869, in his native state and since that time on his neat, little farm immediately adjoining the village of Keithsburg. Besides this farm he owns another of 168 acres in Henderson county. Lie had born to him seven children, five of whom are living: William B., John H., Adam A., Jacob L., Isaiah S. ; and Edward and Hannah E. (deceased), aged respectively sixteen and twenty-seven years. His son

TVilliara B. served four rears clurins: the war of 1861-5 : was mustered into service as an orderly, and honorably discharged with a captain's commission, and was wounded in one of the battles of the Wilderness. His son Adam A. is a minister in the United Brethren church, Mr. Wolf and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Though his school advantages were very meager, he is now one of our best posted men.

William B. Larue, hotel-keeper, Keith sburg, was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, August 13, 1824. His father, who was of French birth, came to America in liis early youth. He died in Kentucky August 27, 1824. Mr. Larue, with his mother, step-father and brothers, emigrated to Illinois in 1832, landing at Oquawka April 15 and at Monmouth April 24 of the same year. September 4, 1851, he was married to Miss Catharine M. Roberts. She was born February 21, 1835, and died April 14, 1882. Mr. Larue has no children of his own, but has creditably raised seven orphans.

John McKinney, Sr., was born JSTovember 2, 1801, in Lincoln county, Kentucky; son of George and Ann (Kiley) McKinney; father of Scotch, and mother of L*ish, descent. In 1803 his father removed to Casey county, Kentucky, where he continued his business, farming. John's educational advantages were very limited, being only those aiforded by the common schools, which he attended less than eighteen months, all told. In December 1821 he went to Hamilton, Butler countv, Ohio, and for the next live vears made his home with an uncle, John Kiley. Mr. Kiley was clerk of the court of common pleas of Baiter county, clerk of the supreme court of Ohio, and postmaster at Hamilton, and Mr. McKinney wi*ote for him in his office, and had charge of the postoffice. While thus employed he made good use of every opportunity to increase his store of knowledge, and secm'ed a fair practical, if not theoretical, business education. On the death of his father, in 1825, he was recalled to Kentucky, to settle the estate, and while thus engaged he entered the office of Hon. John Pope, at Springfield, Kentucky, as a law student. (Mr. Pope had represented his state in the L^nited States senate, and was afterward appointed governor of Arkansas by General Jackson.) Finding the bar already overcrowded with young and briefless attorneys, and having no })atrimony to sustain him, Mr. McKinney abandoned the bar, and returned to active labor. In November, 1827, he married Miss Elizabeth Goode. While in Ohio, Mr. McKinney had imbibed the political ideas of the abolitionists, and on his return to Kentucky he found himself in a hopeless minority, politically and socially. This, coupled with the fact that he was pool', and there seemed no chance to better his condition there, made it incumbent upon him to seek a new home, where better opportunities might present themselves. During his absence many of his associates had removed to Missouri, and his first impulse was to follow them thither, but as Missouri was a slave state, and as he expected by removal to better his condition, he feared that the profits of slave holding might overcome his abolition scruples, and rather than place himself in the way of temptation he decided to settle in the young and promising State of Illinois, and in the spring of 1832 he left Kentucky with his wife and two young children, and opened a farm in what was then a part of AVarren county, but when that county was divided he found himself within the limits of the new county of Henderson. Here he conducted farming operations for twelve years, and with such success that he was at the end of that time the owner of 800 acres of land, and a fair competency in addition. In 1S44 he removed to Oquawka, and went into business with Edward E. Adams, under the firm name of McKinney 6z Adams. They conducted a large diy goods and general store, and bought and sold grain, pork and produce of all kinds. The latter were shipped for the most part to St. Louis, the Mississippi river being the only available public highway, although some sales were made in New Orleans. The dry goods were purchased in New York, Boston and St. Louis. The firm also engaged largely in pork packing, in company with Mr. Alfred Knowles, running what was at that time a very large establishment for this country, em])loying during the packing season from fifty to sixty hands, and handling daily from 500 to 1,000 hogs. In 1854, after ten years of prosperity and success, the firm of McKinney & Adams dissolved partnership, tlie latter retiring, his share amounting to not less than $25,000, which had all, and more, legitimately been made during the decade, thanks largely to the business tact of Mr. McKinney. Mr. McKinney continued the business, associating with himself his oldest son, Hiram, under the firm name of McKinney & Son, until about the beginning of the war, when he turned the entire merchandising business over to his three oldest sons, Hiram, John and George, and devoted his time to loaning money. The new firm, however, did not long continue in trade. Hiram died in December, 1861 ; John raised a company and went with it, as captain, in the 91st HI. Inf. ; and George, whose health rendered necessary a change of climate, sold the stock back to his father, and went to California. Mr. McKinney did not restock the store long, but gradually sold out as opportunity ofiercd. At the time of the great Chicago fire he boxed up and shipped a large quantity of clothing and remnants to the sufierers, and again did the same for the sufferers from the drouth and grasshoppers in Kansas.

His wife died in 1846, leaving him with a family of six children, and in the following year he married Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Rev. Wm. K. Stewart, of Macomb, Illinois, who is yet living. His children by his first wife were: Hiram, died in 1861 ; Ann, wife of Luke Strong, of Aledo ; Elizabeth, widow of James Moir, now resides in Paris, France ; John, present postmaster of Aledo ; George, doing business in Chicago, and resides in one of the suburbs ; Collin, resides near Hot Springs, Arkansas ; and William, died in infancy. The two first named were born in Kentucky, the others on the farm in Henderson county, Illinois. Collin volunteered in 1861 in the 10th 111. Inf, Co. E. ; was commissioned second lieutenant, and rose to the rank of captain. With his regiment he re-entered as veteran, and served throughout the war. Children by his second wife were : Adelaide, still at home ; Lucretia, died in infancy ; James, married, cashier of Aledo bank ; Archie, loan clerk for his father ; Mary Isabel, at home y Maggie, died in infancy; and Robert Riley, still at home. These were all born in Oquawka. Mr. McKinney united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church in 1833, but on coming to Aledo he connected himself with the First Presbyterian church (known as the Old School), of this place. He is an earnest christian, rigid in the observance of all the rules and religious customs of the church, a regular attendant upon all her ordinances, and a liberal supporter of church and Sabbath school. He has for many years served his church as deacon or elder, and as trustee. He removed to Aledo in May, 1873, and in April, 1874, purchased an interest in the Aledo bank, where he is still the senior member of the lirm. He was an old line whig, until the organization of the republican party, since which time he has acted with the latter. During the war he was, a strong union man, and was appointed by President Lincoln commissioner of enrollment for the then sixth congressional district, comprising the counties of Adams, Hancock, Henderson, Mercer, Rock Island, and AVarren.

Cornelius Springer Richey, son of John and Mary (Douglass) Richey, was born September 9, 1 828, in Salt Creek township, Muskingum county, Ohio ; father born in Pennsylvania ; mother in New Jersey. His parents had emigrated from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1814. His youth was spent on the home farm until the age of twenty. His education he received in the common schools and in Muskingum college. New Concord. He taught school in the vicinity of his home until 1854, when he came to this county, settling in Ohio Grove township. He was elected county surveyor in 1855, and followed surveying, teaching during the winter months, until 1862, when he went into the mercantile business, first at Bridger's Corners, Suez township, for about a }'ear, and at Sunbeam, Oliio Grove townsliip, until 1868, wlien he removed to Aledo, and lias ever since continued the business here, first as a member of the firm of C. S. & J. C. Kichey, with his brother, J. C; next with Richey Bros. & McGufhn, J. (t. McGuffin having jmrchased an interest ; then alone ; again with Jesse Markee and I. jST. Dunlap, as Richey, Markee & Co. ; with Dunlap, as Richey & Dunlap, and now as senior member of the firm of Richey, Frew & Dunlap, S. J. Frew having recently purchased an interest in the business. The firm deal in dry-goods, clothing, millinery, and groceries, and have a good custom. January 17, 1865, he married Miss Susan IL, daughter of Joel Lee, Esq., of Galesburg, Illinois. They have two children living, Arthur, aged thirteen, and Olive, aged five years. He was reelected county surveyor in the fall of 1879 and still holds the office. He has always voted the republican ticket.

J.oiES MrCoRMicK WiLsox. About the close of the last century David B. AYilson, then only about sixteen years of age, emigrated from his native place in the Shenandoah Yallcy, Virginia, and settled on a partially opened farm near Fayette City, in the Rehobath valley, Pennsvlvania. The location was about thirtv miles above Pittsburtfh, and ten miles below Brownsville, the point where the old national road crossed the Monongahela river. Here he married Mary McCormick, raised a family, and remained until his death in 1863. Among his children was James M., the subject of this sketch, who was born December 1, 1822. James remained upon his fathers farm until twenty-four years of age, receiving only the educational facilities of the public schools of that day, which would illy compare with those of the present. Upon leaving the farm he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it for five years, and could frame a barn or finish a parlor in good style, as occasion might require. November 23, 1853, he was married to Miss Mary Smith, of Flat Woods, Pennsylvaipa, and in the folhjwing May he came to Galesburg, remaining during the summer and returned to Fayette City in the fall. In the spring of 1855 he removed with his family to Galesburg, where, with W. B. Patterson, he went into the furniture business, under the firm name of Patterson & Wilson, continuing until July, 1857, when ^Ir. Wilson removed to Aledo, erected, with Mr. D. V. Reed, the building on the corner of College avenue and Eighth street, now occupied by L. F. Jt)busch, and opened a furniture store in one-half of the building, in connection with undertaking, continuing until 1862. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster by President Lincoln. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf , and in the s]>ring of 1863 was honorably dis- charged at Gallatin, Tennessee, on account of disabilit^s and returned to Aledo. He was elected supervisor of Mercer township in 1860, 1863 and 1864. In the fall of the latter year he was elected circuit clerk, and resigned the offices of postmaster and supervisor to enter on his duties, being succeeded as postmaster by Horace Bigelow, of the "Record." Pie served as circuit clerk until December, 1868. Notwithstanding his limited educational advantages in youth Mr. W. early resolved to become a lawyer, and with this end in view he availed himself of all means of improvement within his reach by general reading and persistent study. During his last 3'ear as circuit clerk, upon application, he was admitted to the bar and licensed to practice in the several courts of the state. During the same year he was appointed master in chancery by Hon. A. A. Smith, then circuit judge, and reappointed in 1870 for the succeeding two years. In May, 1869, he formed a partnership with John C. Pepper, one of the oldest as well as ablest attorneys of the county, under the firm name of Pepper & Wilson, which continued until April, 1882, when it was dissolved by mutual consent, both continuing to practice, however, in their own names. During the residence of himself and wife in Aledo, nearly a quarter of a century, they have reared a family of five children : Sarah C. (wife of James II. Pamsey, dealer in jewelry and silverware, Aledo), Mary R. (wife of Joseph Boyd, firm of Boyd Bros., dealers in groceries and hardware, Aledo), Nannie M. (wife of Joseph M. Wallace, M.D., of Coal Valley, Rock Island county, Illinois), Cora C, and Fannie L., both at home and attending the public schools of Aledo, in which their sister Nannie once held a position as teacher. While Mr. W. has not attained great wealth, he has a commodious and comfortable residence, occupying an entire block of ground between Fourth and Fifth streets, west of College avenue, so highly cultivated and improved as to make it among the most desirable homes in the village, and in addition to the complete furnishing pro]>er, in his house may be found one oflhe best and perhaps one of the largest private libraries in the county. Politically he is a re23ublican. He has for years been connected with the Presbyterian church. He is a Mason of high degree.

Benjamin Coleman Taliaferro was born October 9, 1821, in King William county, Yirginia, and is the son of Robert B. and Cecelia H. (Ellett) Taliaferro. His youth was spent on a farm in Virginia until 1836, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois and settled in what was then a part of Warren, but now Henderson county. Here his father died in 1847, and his mother died in 1859, at Young America (now Kirkw(^od\ Warren county. His father was a native of King