Henderson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1882 (part 6 of 23)

While Millersburg lost to a great degree her former \-ivacity in business, she retained her good morals, out of which has grown one of the finest temperance societies in the county, if not in the state, considering her population. Previous t(» 1868 a temperance society was organized which was of short duration. It seemed to be an aid to the dram-shop, as they located here almost simultaneously. The more moral and lovers of good society, becoming tired of the increasing vices, products of the dram-shop, met in deliberate assembly for the purpose of driving out from their midst the licensed traffic of intoxicating liquors. The result is, the voice of the people has, since 1868, ruled supreme, and not a saloon has been kept here since that time. The fire that drove the demon from the village has been kept burning brightly since its embers were first fanned into a flame, and out of this, in 1879, grew the Millersburg Christian Tempemnce Union, organized by T. J. Adams, who, prior to effecting the organization, delivered a series of lectures on the subject of temperance. The society was organized with 160 members, and now numbers 400. It uses the blue ribbon badge and the Murphy pledge, and is auxiliary t(» the state and National Temperance Union. Unlike most societies of its kind, it has no assessments, the funds necessary to defray its ex})enses being su})plied by public collection. Its meetings are held alternately at the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal churches on Sunday evening of each week. It is now a pros])erous society. Its meetings are C(»nducted in the form of entertainments, and the society ])ei'forms the double office of cultivating the morals of the rising generati(m and at the same time gives its members an opportunity to cultivate, exj^and and air their literary powers. Its first officers were : President, J. W. Madox, who still occupies the chair, with Thomas Herman, Mrs. J. M. Gilmore and Mrs. Eddy as vice-presidents ; Recording Secretary, J. M. Grady ; Corresponding Secretary, J. D. Strattan ; Board of Managers, Nelson Taylor, Miss A. Shafer, William Dunn, Rev. G. M. Morey and William Long; Treasurer, Geneva Farran. Present officers are : president, same as the first, with James Pepin, Alexander Greene, and James W. Terry, vice-}>residcnts ; Recording Secretary, James Grady ; Corresjionding Secretary, ,Jane (Tihnore ; Treasurer, Miss Mattie Bay; Board of INIanagers, ]\lrs. Maggie Egbert, Ephraim (Gilmore and Annie Williams. The charter was given the society by John P. St. John, president, and J. E. Letton, 8ecretar\', of the national societv.

There is yet another society now in (i]»eration at Milk'rsl)urg, for the moral cultivation of its chihhvn. This is the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. It was organized in 1S80, at the Methodist church. The first mcndjers of the society deserve to be remembered by those who come after, as they embrace the ladies of most of the leading families in and about Millersljurg. They are as follows : Mrs. Eddy, Mrs. M. Bay, Miss S. E. Thornton, Miss A. Shafer, Mrs. Burgess*, Mrs. B. C. Greene, Mrs. M. Boyd. Mrs. M. E. Boyd, Mrs. T. Comell, Mrs. Boyles, Mrs. Vernon, Mrs. L. Thornton, Mrs. L. Landreth, Mrs. M. A. Lee, ]\Irs. M. E. Sivens, Mrs. Norbury, Mrs. T. Gilmore, Mrs. J. M. Gilmore, Mrs. Dr. Chowning, Mrs. Ellen Everett, Mrs. J. Morey, Miss J. Farran. The funds accumulating from initiation fees and term dues are used to procure reading matter that will interest the children, and direct them in a right direction as to 'other literature. The present number of members is eighteen. The tirst otiicers of the societv were: President, Mrs. E. Eddv : Vicepresidents, Mrs. E. Bay, Mrs. Burges and Mrs. E. Dunn ; Corresi)onding Secretary, Mrs. R. Green; Recording Secretary, Miss S. E. Thornton ; Treasurer, Miss A. Shafer. The present officers are : Mrs. M. Merriman, president, with Mrs. Burges and M. Egbert, vicepresidents ; corresponding and recording secretaries same as the first.

The Children's Temperance Society was organized in 1882, with twenty-two members. Its officers are : President, Mrs. Dr. Chowning; Vice-Presidents, Miss A. Shafer and Mrs. W. Egbert. This society is kept in the interest of the Woman's Christian Tem})erance Union. Credit must be given the ladies of Millersburg and the surrounding countrv for the active and energetic ijart thev have ever taken to build u}> a good class of society around them, and banish from their midst those evils and temptations which tend to destroy the harmonious progression of well regulated society.

Church History

This part of the history of Millersburg is no less interesting than her tem}»erance history. As we have before stated, in the cabin of the first settler in the town in 1836 begins this department of Millersburg's history. Until the court-lunise was c<>mpleted in 1839 the several denominations represented here held their meetings at the houses of their members and in the groves, when, in 18rl4, the first schoolhouse was built, and meetings were held in it and at the court-house till churches were erected. The first orijanization of the Presbvterian faith in Mercer county was at what is now known as Pope's Civek, in 1837, with John Montgomery as pastor. TIk- adxocates o Presby- terianism living at Millersbnrg and tlie sniTonnding conntrv attended cliurcli at that place and made up a }»art of the society. In 1839 they began to have regular services at ]\Iillersburg, which were held in the court-house till 1814. but had no organization of their o^vn till about the close of 1813 or the beginning of 1841. John Montgomerv was their first regular preacher in the court-house. In 1844, the time of tlie buililing of the tirst school-house in Millersburg, the house was made larger than was needed for school that it might serve for both school-house and church. At this time the following-named persons were dismissed fi-om the Pope Ci*eek church to organize a society at Millersburg : Messrs. E. Gilmore, J. M. Gilmore, Henry Lee, Edward and John Brady, J. T. McGinnis, J. G. Gilmore, A. A. Sherer, Samuel Guffy, John Kiddoo, Graham Lee, David Morrow and H. W. Thornton. The ladies were: Betsy King. Margaret S. Gilmore. Ann J. Taylor, Martha Lee, Mary Marsh, Mary E. Murphy, Sarah E. Lloyd, Sarah Clark. Elizabeth A. Edgar. Elizabeth Davis, Mary M. Steele. Mary Sherer, Eliza Brady, Catherine Gilmore, Tabitha W. Bay, Mary A. McGinnis, Mary Gutty, Eliza Kiddoo, Elizabeth Morrow, E. F. Thornton, Bachel T. AVillitts and Hannah Reed, making in all fortyfour members to organize and establish the first church in ]\Iillersburg. The society held services in the above-mentioned school-house till 1854, when was erected the present church edifice, a frame building, at a cost of $1,600. Its size is 40x50, with a seating capacity for 300 persons. It has several times been refitted, and even now, as to outward appearances, is comparatively a new building. The ministers who have served this congregation since it began to have preaching are : Rev. John Montgomery, from 1839 to 1843 ; Thomas Tail, till 1848 or 1849 ; L. Y. CVittenden, 1854; A. Loomis, till 1858 ; J. N". Jamison, till 1861 ; William Dool, from 1865 to 1869 ; J. McBride, till 1872 ; Joel Kennedy, three years, and till 1879. The present pastor is W. B. Phelps. The first officers of the church were : Elders, Ephraim Gilmore, J. W. Ne\aus. Shortly after the organization J. T. McGinnis. J. M. Gilmore and Henry Lee were added to the eldership.

The largest membership the society ever numbered at any one time was 140 members. It now numbers little more than one-fourth that number. This reduction has been owing to circumstances. The greatest drain upon the society has been the number that have been dismissed to organize other societies. At one time there were dismissed forty-five members to organize a society s<^uth of the Edwards, at Avhat is now Peniel ch\u-ch ; at another, eighteen were dismissed to organize a society at Hamlet in Perryton townshi}) ; and several were dismissed to unite with the Perryton society in Pcn-yton township. This church society has ahvavs had SuiKhiy-school at its church-hoiist.', but nut ct>nnectc'd with the churcli. Tlie SuiKUiv-school whieli it has always supported was (tri;anized at Millersburg, in the c<»urt-h()use in 1842, by the American Sundav-school Union. Anionii:: the members of this society since its organization are the names of many promirtent families, both of the past and present.

The next church organization in age and extent is the Methodist Episco})al church. The people of this faith who located here at an early day, like the Presbyterians, held their meetings at }»rivate houses and in groves till the coui1:-h< »use was erected, when they used that till the school-house was built in 184-I-, when they held services there till they erected their first church building.

The early pioneers of the Methodist Episcopal church worshiped at Camden Mills (now Milan, Rcjck Island county), and for several years only had preaching at Millersburg now and then. It remained a part of the Camden Mills circuit till 1865, when it became the Millersburg circuit, then including Aledo, which was afterward detached fi'om the circuit. They began to have regular preaching about 1850, but no organization distinct from the Camden MiDs church till 1857, when the organization was eftected and included in the Peoria conference. P. X. More was the elder who presided here at the (organization. J. ^y. Long was secretary of the meeting. D. M. Falkinbury was first pastor in charge. James Sheritf. Jacob A\1iarton and John Ashbaugh were the first class-leaders. The first stewards were: J. W. Lane, Ambrose Eddy, Jacob Colier, Peter Blue, E. C. Paitlet, William T. Shafer, and Joseph Richmond. Samuel Wliarton was appointed Sunday-school superintendent, and Samuel Ai*tz assistant superintendent. The Methodist Episco}tal society erected their first and |)resent church building, 40 X 60, seating room 40 X 50 feet, in 1857, at a cost of $4,(»00. Previous to erecting this present church a building was begun on the same foundation, and when partly com})leted, w^as blown down by a storm. This was a sad thing for the churcli; it needed a place for worship, and tlie generosity of many had received considerable tension, and it seemed like raising mountains of granite from their foundations to arouse the people again to a necessity of beginning a second building, and to renew their subscriptions for that l>urpose. Citizens with money to loan were less common than now. But in the face of all this o})])Osition the Methodist Episcopal people Went to work with a will which meant to carry the point, and did so. The building is well furnished, and the best in the town. The chin-ch has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity since its organization. Like the Presbyterian church, it has come up from the jnoneer days, and among its members since the clmrcli was established here, and before,, are many of the prominent families, not only of Millersburg township,, but of the county.

The ministers who haye labored here since 1857, are : F. A. Falkinbury, from 1857 to 1858, during which time Josepli Richmond was exhorter in the church ; L. D. Crouch, till 18«i( i ; Z. E. Kaufman,, till 1861; J. D. Taylor, till 1863; L. S. Ashbaugh, till 1864; J. D. Taylor again, till 1865 ; James Cowden, till 1866 ; M. P. Armstrong,, till 1868, who came here from Indiana, and as the conference year of the two conferences did not end at the same time, his place was tilled, till his time expired in Indiana, by J. H. Pay ton ; A. ^lorey, till 1870; A. Peeler, till 1871; Thomas Head, tilf 1874; J. J. Walter, till 1875; G. M. .Morey, till 1878. Present pastor in charge is G. W. Frizell. The present officers are : Ambrose Eddy, J. D. Strattan, J. H. Purdum and Dr. J. P. Chowning, church stewards; Jac<:>b Wliarton, William Dunn, Ambrose Eddy, J. D. Strattan and S. H. Eiddell, trustees ; Charles York, J. H. Purdum and William Robinson,, parsonage trustees.

The Methodist Episcopal church has had connected with its organization, since 1857, a liye and profitable Sunday-school. Previous to 1857 they labored in the capacity of a Sunday-school in the interest and under the auspices of the American Sunday School I'nion. The school is now kept in operation throughout the year, and is in a prosperous condition.

Latter-Day Saints' Church

Tlie third and last of the cliurches n<3w represented in Millersburg is the Latter-Day Saints' church, not unfrequently called Mormons, but the people of this faith here detest the yery idea of polygamy. This doctrine of the church was first preached in the county about 1840, by Elder G. M. Ilinkle. The first society in the county was. organized in 1861 in Duncan township. The members of this faith then at Millersburg worshiped with the congregation in Duncan township till 1872, when they ^yere organized into a distinct societ}-, which met at priyate residences for worship for a short time after its organization, and other buildings suitable, till 1876, when they built their present church-house .at a cost of 860<.>. The first members were as. follows : W. S. Morrison, Joseph Harris, James Vernon, Eliza Vernon, Viola Vernon, J. M. Terry, Mary Terry, Elizabeth, Emma, Stephen* Theresa, James and ]S^ancy Miller, Jasper, Mary, Mary E., Clara, Juliet, Adelaide and Edward Duncan. Hannah Terry, Margaret Brown, William Cardman, Sarah Cardinaii, Elizabeth Webb. The present members number forty-six.

Millersbitrg Towjs'Ship

A partial list (^f the ministers, as furnished us, is as follows: J. ]\r. Terry, J. AV. Terry, E. Bryant, J. L. Terry and J. B. Harris, present pastoi- in cluirge. The iirst officers were J. B. Harris and J. M. Terry. The i)resent officers are J. L. Terry, E. Bryant and J. W. Terry. The tirst death that occurred in the society was that of W. S. Morrison in 1873. The society is in a prosperous condition. It receives much uncalled-for censure because of the infamous docti-ine preached by the Utah church.

While these three church societies compose those who have erected church buildings in Millersburg, they do not embrace all the creeds re})resented by her people. The earliest preaching at ^lillersburg was of the predestinarian Baptist faith, which at that time was rapidly losing its favor with the ])eople from whence came the greater part of the early settlers of Millersburg. In addition to these Ba;)tists were the Missionary Ba})tist, who have had at no time in the history of the settlement of the township a church building and a ivgular organized society, but have had, at irregular intervals, })reaching almost from the beginning of the settlement. The people a part of the time held their meetings in the Presbyterian church building, and the remainder in the school-house and at other places. In 1870 G. M. Zook preached here regularly for one year ; he was followed by A. F. Sharpner. Among others who have from time to time labored here in the ministerial capacity are M. I). Murdock and J. W. Washdale. Owing to the fact that no record of the early settlers who held to the Missionary Ba])tist faith has been kept of those who resided at and around Millersburg, we are not able to give a list of their names, and give only the names of this faith at tliis time residing here : A. P. Sharpner and fa)nily, Thomas Landreth and family, James Burges and wife, Herschel Felton and wife, and James Cash. These hold tlieir membership at Antioch. in Duncan township, or at Aledo. Such is the history of the religious sects of the town of Millersburg from its Iirst settlement.

This society ranks high in this vicinity in morals, business ability and intelligence. The history of its organization and progress, as follows, has been pre]>ared by a committee a]>pointed for the purpose.

Iris Lodge, No. 267, I.O.O.F., was organized December 13, 1858, by AVilliam L. Green, James McJenkins, -I. \V. Close, John S. Moore and (). C. Allen, over the old store of (). A. Ih-idgford. J. W. Close is the onlv livinsj; charter member, as known bv the lodge at the present time. The first oftieers of the lodge were as follows: X.G., AV. L. Green; V.G., J. W. Close; Sec, James Mclenkins; Treas., J. S. Moore. The first niemhers of Iris Lodge had a pretty hard struggle to keep life in the organization ; for, when the lodge was yet young, a number of the members were called away to the army, which left only about a quorum, and it was a hard matter to get all out at once. But by hard work they pulled through. The brethren never forgot those who were called awa}- to help in the su}> pression of rebellion, and showed their interest in the absent ones by paying all back dnes, and in gaining help. The first death in the lodge was that of Lewds Trimble, and the whole number of deaths since the lodge was organized is five. The progress of the lodge, since the close of the war, has been very rapid, increasing from the five charter members to an average of forty members in good standing, and from a state of bankruptcy to a suq^lus of $1,500. The society now owns their own hall, which is very neat and attractive, and claims as a membership the best men that society aftbrds. The present ofiicers of the lodge are as follows : N.G., C. C. Brown; V.G., W. W. Wakeland ; Sec, J. U. Eoberts; Treas., J. jS^. Close. The number of members at present is forty-five. The society has occupied one building almost all the time, and it cost $500. The lodge is now in a prosperous condition, and is one of the ablest lodges in the county.

Millersburg public schools is one of the institutions in which her people take great pride, and it is well that they should feel proud of an institution that can prepare her sons and daughters to become men and women among men and women. About the first, if not the very first, school taught in Millersburg, was kept in H. W. Thornton's law oflice by a man named Bell, in 1838. Aftei- this, school was held in the court-house till 1844, when the first house for school purposes was erected. Harry Scenter, David Felton, Hiram Hardie, Mrs. H. W. Thornton, Da^id Lloyd, Charles AVinchip and Joseph McChesney were pioneer teachers of Millersburg, some of whom taught both in the rural districts and in town. The first school building was used for school purposes till 1862, when the present spacious brick school-house was erected, with four de])artments. The present jn-incipal is Prof Daniel Farmer, of Normal, Illinois. A word complimenting the systematic course of instruction is not out of place. Students are fitted here for teachers without further drill.

The other xdllage in the township is Joy, located on the Keithsburg division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railnvad. It was laid out in 1860 by L. W. Thompson and William Lngles, on section 19. The first business house in the j)lace was a store of general mer- tliandise, kej^t bv ('. S. Kiclioy. and the first drug store by John Moss. The tirst bhicksmith to locate here was Joseph Hughes. The first religious ineetiugs in tlie town were held by the Presbyterians, Methodists, and Later Day !>aints, in the school-house. The population of the town is about 150. It has two stores : one kept by J. H. Crane ; the other by J. T. C-ralloway ; both have a good trade. One wagon shop is run by Jose])h Hughes, and one bhiokstnith shop by G. W. Cook. The hotel is kept by J. W. Wood. The first hotel ever k5i)t in the village was by (). F. Green.

The village is quite a shi})ping point. The railroad established a station here the same year the village was laid out. For some time the business of" the station was almost nothing; the people had become so accustomed to take their produce to the river that it seemed hard to get out of the old ruts. The first station agent was H. N. McNeil. The }>resent agent is Hiram Standish ; he came here in 1870, and took hold of the business for both the company and the farm^-s ; hi^ object was to bring to this point the ship])ing both of ;grain and live stock that properly belonged here. In 1881 there were loaded at this ])lace 196 cars of stock and 74 of grain ; the number of cattle ship])ed was 1,338; of hogs, 7,678. To bring the business of the surrounding country here the agent received the produce from the producer and shipped it. .Vt that time there were no buyers here. J. H. Crane is the present grain merchant.

The post-office now at Joy was first established in 1847, and named High Point. George Scott was the first postmaster, and kept the * office at his home, where Edward Griffith now resides. Tlie next appointed postmaster was Samuel Eayle, who kej^t the office one year, when it was given again to George Scott. In 1865 Peter Si)angler was appointed jjostmaster and held the office till 1870, when it was moved to Joy, and the name changed from High Point to that of Joy, and the office given to O. F. Green. In 1871 J. T. McGinnis was made postmaster. The present postmaster is J. II. Crane, apjjointed in 1878, but has kept the office since 1873.

Joy has one church, the Methodist Episcopal. It was organized in 1874 by liev. Head. Previous tc* this time they had irregular preaching at the scIkjoI-Iiousc at Joy and at the brick church two miles southeast of the village. The s'ociety was organized with the folhjwing named members : J. W. Wood and wife, W. P. Zentmire and wife, AVilliam Kiddoo and wife, Richard Edgar and wife, Eli/a Kiddoo, K. H. Day and wife, Frank ]\Iore and wife, and Augusta Mays. The society now numbers foity members. In ls77 it built its first and present church edifice, a frame, at an outlay of §1,8(>0, The trustees at present are : William Kiddoo, P. P. Zentniire and J. M. Shingledecker. The stewards are : J. M. Shingledecker and Mrs. Mays, The class-leader is W. P. Zentmire. The ministers who havelabored here' are : J. J. Walters, instrumental in bringing about the bnilding of the church ; M. Morej, and W. B. Frizell, present pastor in charge. The society has lost by removals several of- its valuable members.

* A Sunday-school was organized shortly after the church organization was effected, whicli has since been in operation, and now numbers forty scholars. W. P. Zentmire is the present superintendent. Both the church and Sunday-school are in a prosperous condition.

In addition to those church societies in the town of Millersburgand 'the village of Joy,, there are the Seventh Day Adventists church at the Marsh school-house in the southeast part of the township ; the Peniel church, four miles south of Millersburg, and the free Presbyterian church, familiarly known as the old brick church a half mile south of the Peniel church. -

The Seventh Day Adventists are of recent date in Millersburg township, being as late as 1871 ; though there was a society of this belief much earlier in Aledo, with Elder Andrews as pastor, who came to the Marsh school-house previous to 1871, and preached for the benefit of the members of the church living in that community, at irregular intervals. The society^ was organized with about thirty communicants, and at this time numbers twenty members. The society has been very much affected by the unsettled condition of the population. The first officers were : J. R. Witham, elder ; C. Dreyden, deacon ; J. C. Middaugh, clerk. The present officers are : elder, same as the first ; clerk, Mary Miller. The society is flourishing, and proposes to erect a church-house for worship at the earliest possible period.

The Presbyterian congregation, known as the Peniel class, was organized into a distinct society in 1871. From the early settlement of the township there were several of this faith in this comnninity, but not sufficient for sometime to support an independent society ;. hence they held their membership at Millersburg. For several years they had preaching at the Pleasant Hill school-house, two miles east of Joy, and occasionally held meetings in the brick church one mile south. In 1871 the organization was effected by forty-five members, who were dismissed from the Millersburg society for that purpose. They met at the brick church and proceeded to form themselves into a society, and forthwith adopted measures for the erection of a church edifice, which was completed in 1872, at an outlay of $4,500. This is by far tlie finest clmroh in the tcjwnship. It is a frame, "structure 40 X 60, witli a seating capac-ity for 3()() persons. J. Downing donated the ground for the cluirch and cemetery. Tn addition to tliis a parsonage was built at an outlay of $1,600, Edwin Gilmore donating the ground on which it stands, one-fourth mile north of the church. This society and the one at Millersburg employ the same pastor ; hence it is not necessary to repeat the names of the ministers who have lab<^)red here since the organization was effected ; nor before, as they will be found in the list of ministers in connection with the society at Millersburg. The first elders of the society were : J. Downing, William Miller, J. T. McGinnis and John Love. A few years after there were two more added to this number : Eichard Kiddoo (deceased) and Henry Dool. The present eldership is the same. Tlie largest membership the society has had at any one time was 125 membei's, which has been reduced to S4 by removals. The society dedicated its building out of debt Many of the friends of the church came on dedication day with their pocketbooks, and went away surprised to think that no collection was taken. The Presbyterian element is largely predominant in the section surrounding this church. The society has kept, in connection with the church work, an interesting Sabbath-school. Until quite recently it was discontinued during the winter 'months, but now continues throughout the year. The i^resent superintendent is William Jewel. The average attendance is 100.

Tlie brick church one and a half miles north of the south line of the township, and directly south of Millersburg, was the first church building erected in the towniship. It was built in 1847. It is in size 40 X 60, and is still standing. It was built not so much by subscription as by contributions in work. The society was that of the Free Presbyterian faith. The leading members, and those who were instrumental in building the church, were the Kiddoo brothers, James, Eichard, William and John, and others of the neighbors whose names we failed to get, as the records are either lost or have been carried away. The brick were bui'ned by Richard Kiddoo. The men who did the work were kept by the people who were interested in its erection. Pev. James Pogue was the first minister in charge. The first elder was James Kiddoo, who moved west a tW years since. This society was an advocate of freedom, not at that time inherent with the (jther branches of Presbyterianism. The organizati<^n was ke]jt up till sometime during the war, when the principles of the denomination, whose mission it was to demonstrate, became impressed upon the connnunity ; and the society having become reduced in its membership by frequent removals of its members, it united with the

Methodist Episcopal church society now located at Joy. as the principles of freedom advocated by the two societies were one and the same. The society was reincorjtorated under the name of the Methodist Episco})al church, which held its meeting here regularly till the present church building wjis erected in Joy.

Connected with the church is the first established cemetery in the township, south of the Edwards. Here reposes the dust of several of the early settlers of the surrounding country.

The first Sunday-school in this part of the township was organized at this church, about the time of its dedication, under the auspices of the American Sunday School Union, which was kept u}) till the Methodist Episcopal society ceased to hold meetings here. The only use now made of the church building, is for funeral services at the cemetery. The erection of this church, at the time it was effected, if we consider the financial circumstances of the community, and the durability of the building itself, clearly illustrates the character of the people of the surrounding community.

Among the societies of the township, held at Millersburg, which clearly illustrates the progress of agriculture and stock raising is the county fair. It was the first association of the kind in the county. The fair grounds were located southwest of Millersburg, adjoining the town, and originally consisted of three acres, and enlarged to nine, at the time of its removal to Aledo. The expenses were kept within the annual income. The labor necessary to make the needed improvements was donated by the members of the association. Any one could become a member of the society by })aying the fee of one dollar at eacli annual meeting. The sole interest of the society was manifested in behalf of the products of the county, and was conducted on strictly moral principles. Yery little racing was permitted, and no gambling witliin the enclosure. Those who attended its amiual show of stock, agricultural j^roducts and woman's wares, say that a marked ]H-ogress in each department was perceptible, and it is not unfre(piently the remark is made of the good social times eni(jyed at the Millersburg fair. The ladies of the county are equally entitled to their share of the praise for the success of the institution while at Millersburg. The officers of the association gave free of charge their services, without even charging up their expenses while conducting the business of the association. When the place of its annual meeting was moved to Aledo, the society was out of debt and had a surplus of twelve or fifteen hundred dollars in the bank. We now leave the history of the society to be continued in the history of Mercer township.

In 1854 the peo[)le of Millersburg township mot at tlie school-liouse near Edward Brady's corner, with Ephraini Gilmore, chairman, appointed by L. B. Howe, and L. B. Howe, secretary. These temporary ofRcei-s became the permanent officers for the year. The townshijj was divided into three road districts : No. 1, north of the Edwards ; No. 2, embraced the east lialf of the township, south of the Edwards; No. 3, the west half of township, south of the Edwards.

The following list of township officers, taken from the records, will prove of great interest as being a list of gentlemen, who at various times, were considered worthy of the votes of their constituents and well litted for the offices to which they elected them :

In 1S55 the vote as to whether or not the to'vniship organization should be ado])ted, the result was 21 votes for and 19 against the organization.

The free schools of MiUersburg have kept pace with the progress 'i>t' the township. In 1841 the money paid out for teaching was ^124.86. that being the available school fund. At that time there were C)nly three distiicts, one north of the Edwards and two south.

The treasurers report in 1863 shows seven distiicts ; 503 persons of school age in the township, with an attendance of 320. The amount paid out for teaching, $1,134.42 ; highest wages paid per month was $30 ; lowest, $14. School fund, $1,600. The report of 1881 shows the same number of districts ; 580 children of school age, with an enrollment of 360 pupils ; total days' attendance, 33, 340 ; the school fund, $2,322.38 ; teachers' wages for the year, $2,259.80 ; incidental exj^enses of the schools, $382.82. Highest wages paid, $60 per month.

The improvements in roads have been no less rapid since 1835. The amount of road in the township is sixty miles, with an average width of three rods. In 1854 the road tax was ten cents on the one hundred dollars of taxable property; in 1856, twenty cents ; from 1856 t(» 1865, ten cents ; from 1865 to 1877, the levy was twenty cents on the one hundred dollars, when the roads passed under the commis sioners' law. In ls81 the levy was twentv cents on the one hundred <lollars ; in 1882, twenty cents.

The towaisliip electi<>ns were first held at the school-house near Edward Brady's corner, but continued to be chanii:ed from here to Millersburg, and then from Millersburg back to Brady's corner, as it is called, till 1879, then by vote the place of holding elections was settled permanently at Brady's corner, and a town-hall built over the school-house for town and public purposes, excei)t for dances, shows and such things that are considered to be detrimental to morality. The cost of the hall - was $387, a part of which was made up by private subscription to secure the use of the building from entertainments of the character mentioned.

The census report of 1880 gives the population as 1,071. The taxable property in the township in 1881 was valued at ^401,618. The real estate was valued at $328,410, town lots at $16,060, personal property at $117,148. The equalized value was $425,127.

The tax money collected on the above assessment, for general state purposes and schools, $2,255.45 ; county pm^poses, $1,065.25 ; road tax $6«;i.35 ; district school tax, $2,391 ; dog tax, $166.

The township has one railroad, the Keithsburg & Galva division of the Chicago Burlington & Quincy. For voting a tax of $13,400 to the American Railroad Company, which built the road, a meeting was called in 1868, which carried by 114 votes for, to 27 against such donations. The bonds were issued in 1869, on ten years time. They have all been paid, the last in 1881, and the townshij) feels wise enough not to vote any more such taxes, as the following call-meetings show.

In 1870 a meeting was called with the expectations that the township would vote an appropriation to the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad Company, and for the donation there were 107 votes against 126. A second attempt was made to get the township to vote the tax, but with no better result this time; the votes when counted showed 106 for taxation and 117 against.

In conclusion let us add, the present population of the township are a thrifty, energetic, well-to-do, and hosjiitable people. In agriculture and stock raising they are up with the times, and few laggards exist among them. For a more extensive history of the prominent business men, farmers and stock raisers of the township, reference may be had to the biographical department of Millersburg township, where the i)ersonal and tamily history of almost all of them may be found.

Among the pioneer settlers yet living is William H. RiuciS, a farmer and stock raiser, a native of Kentucky, born in l'^28, son of Thonuis M. and Rebecca B. (Jenkins) Riggs, both of Kentucky. The

Riggs family came from Virginia to Kentuckv, but are of Scotcli descent, as also is the Jenkins family. Both families emigrated to America at an early period in the history of the colonies. William II. Riggs' grandfather, Richard Jenkins, came to Mercer county in lS3f!, and was cr)nstable before the township organization. He died in Aledo, After his death his wife returned to Kentucky. William H. located in Mercer county, where he now resides, in 1836, where he has been engaged in farming and stock dealing. His early education was limited, as the advantages at that early period for education were few. When a young man he went one year to an academy at Galesburg. In 1851, he was married to Elizabeth Dungan, native of Indiana, born 1830, daughter of Benjamin and DeLabor Dungan, by occupation farmers. The former was a carpenter by trade. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and came to Mercer county with the early settlers. By this marriage AVilliam H. Riggs has one chihl, Thomas B., educated at Abingdon. He was married in 1872 to Loretta D. McClanahan, native of Mercer county, born in 1851, and daughter of James McClanahan, who came in 1837 and located in Mercer county, and now resides in Henderson. Thomas R. Riggs has, by this marriage, four children : Guy H., Robert A.^ Lillian (deceased), and James H. Thomas B. lives on the farm of his father, and helps to carry on the business. Among the tine stock men of Millersburg township William H. Riggs has been known for many years. He imports the best of cattle from the noted fine stock localities. While he makes cattle a specialty, both as to fine stock and feed cattle, he by no means keeps a poor grade of hogs and horses. His farm of 330 acres of plow land and seventy acres of timber is second to none, as a stock farm, in the township. Mr. Riggs is a genius, doing almost all his own work whether it be smithing, carpenter work or otherwise. While he has raised but one child of his own, several orphans have found under his roof a pleasant home, where they were the recipients of motherly and tatherly kindness.

Tlic subject of this sketch, J. F. Harvey, is a native of Indiana, born in 1833, son of Beauehamp and Margaret Harvey, both of Maryland. They emigi-ated to Indiana and settled on White river about 1825. They were both members of the Christian church. The former died in 1874^ aged sixty-three years, the latter now makes her home with her childi-en. Mr. Harvey was married in 1866 to E. J. McClure, of Indiana, daughter of John and Sarah McClure. They came to Mercer county about 18-17, and now live in Abingdon township. J. F, Harvey has, by this marriage, two children : Charley B. and George F. Mr. Harvey came to Illinois in 1838 and located in

Richard Kiddoo

Clianipaig'ii county. Jk- thoii cininTatcMl to Misi^ouri, and at'ter\vtir(.l came to Mercer county and located where lie now resides. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 125 acres, fairly im})roved and stocked with good grades. lie served in the army, during the late war, from 1861 to 1865, a period of three years and ten months, in the 18th 111. \'ol. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Pritton's Lane; went down the Mississippi with Grant to Watervalley and back to Memphis ; was iu the siege of Yicksburg; was wnth Sherman on his march to the sea, then on the ocean, through the Carolinas, tlien to ItichnKjnd, Washington and Louisville, where he was mustered out. During his term oi' sei'vice in the army he passed through ten of the southern states.

Among the several old settlers and prominent gentlemen of Mercer county who have taken an active part in its development, we mention the name of Edward Griffith, who M-as bom November 13, 1834. in Hancock county, Indiana, and is the oldest child of Charles and Martha (Scott) Grithth. He came with his parents to Mercer county in 1839. As he was the oldest child he was so much needed at home that his education was limited to a common school. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age, when he started out in life 'for himself as a tiller of the soil. He purchased the S. -J of the X. "W. ^, Sec. 14, in Millersburg township. He remained on this place for seven years, when he sold out and bouglit the N. E. ^j of Sec. 12, where he remained for eight years, when he sold out and bought the S. AV. ^ of Sec. 18, Millersburg township, where he resides at present. He has been very successful in accumulating considerable property. March 24, 1859, he was married-to Miss Elizabeth Church, daughter of Thomas and Rachel Church. She was born March 25, 1838. Mr. Griffith has been a member of the order of Masons since 1869.

William Kiddoo, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Pennsylvania. His parents are Richard and Eliza Kiddoo. Lie came to Mercer county with his parents when a child, and was reared on the farm, receiving only such educational training as the pioneer school of his neighborhood could furnish. He has always pursued the occupation of his father. Lie takes great pride in keei»ing a good grade of stock of all kinds. He is introducing on his farm shorthorn cattle. He was mamed in 1864 to Mary Edgar, daughter of R. S. and Elizabeth Edgar. She is a native of Pennsylvania and came with her parents to Mercer countv when a ccirl. Pv this union William Kiddoo has eie:ht children : Henry G., Harry (de), Francis (de), Maggie M., Alvin A., Nettie P., Kora P., Mary V. He and wife are members of the Metho-

Jefferson Fuller, farmer, now resident of Millersburg township, near Joy, is a native of Maine, born in 1839, and came with his parents in 1842 to Mercer county, where he has since resided ; here he was reared on the farm. He enlisted in company I, 17th 111. Vol., in 1861, in which regiment he served three years, and then veteranized and was transferred to the 8th 111. Vol., and continued in the service till June, 1866. He was in the battles of Frederickton, Sliiloh, Fort Donelson ; in the siege of Vicksburg, Mobile, and numerous skirmishes in Texas. At Fort Donelson he received a slio;lit wound, the only one received during his term of service. He was married in 1866 to Josephine Awbery, native of Kentucky, and daughter of Gabriel "W. Awbery, of Kentucky, wdio served during the war in the federal arm}' as a volunteer from his native state. In 1865 the southern sentiment becoming too warm for a federal soldier in his own state he came north. Mr. Fuller has by this marriage two children: Mary O., and Dora E. His parents Jeiferson and Tabitha (Libby) Fuller, located in Xew Boston township, where the former still lives, his wife having died when their son Jefferson was a child. Jefferson Fuller, Jr., raised four sons, three of whom were in the army. He and wife were members of the Baptist church. Jefferson Fuller, the subject of this sketch, began life for himself with such capital as nature supplied him, energy and muscle. He now owns a good farm of 100 acres, which he has well .stocked.

Da^dd and Lucinda (Baldwin) Felton, the parents of our subject, Herchel Felton, came to Scott county, Illinois, in the latter part of 1840, where they remained till the following spring, when they came to Millersburg, Mercer county, where the former died in 1849, at the age of thirtv-six years. They were both natives of Vermont : he of Tunbi'idge, Orange county ; she of Sharon, Windsor county. The parents of David Felton were Amos and Sarah Felton, both of Massachusetts. The parents of Lucinda BaldM-in Felton were John and Lucinda (Clark) Baldwin. Tlie former was born in 1783, the latter 1785. David Felton was by profession a school teacher, which business he followed till his death, clerking during the intervals between his schools. He was a member of tlie Coni^reo-ational church. Mrs. Felton after the death of her husband returned to Vermont with her family, where she remained ten years. She now lives witli her son Herchel, one mile east of Millersburg. Flerchel was married in 1864 to Elizabeth Sliafer, born in 1842, daughter of Aaron P. Shafer, whose history will appear on another page. By this marriage he has five

: Milo P.. deceased, Anna E., Benjamin R., Lucinda B., and Hiram E. He and wife hold to the Missionary Baptist fjiith.. He was born in 18-H. in Millersburg township, where he now resides. His early education was that of the common school. He enlisted August, 1861, in company H, 3Tth 111. A'ol. He was wounded at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, December 8, 1862, and M'as discharo-ed the followinsi; February. Previous to his being wounded, he was in the battle of Pea Ridge. He held the office of sergeant in his comjjany. His brother, Aaron D.. enlisted in company C, 45th PJ. Vol., and died shortly after he was mustered into the service. His brother Hiram died in 1875, at the age of thirty-five, at home with his mother.

One of the old settlers of Millersburg township that remains is Asa Knox, who came to Mercer county in 1842, and located where he now lives. In 1841 he took a claim in what is now Xew Boston township. Mr. Knox is a native of Maine, born in 1814, and reared in the town of Jay, New Hampshire. His parents were Moses and Susana Knox, natives of Dover, Kew Hampshire. They emigrated to Maine shortly after their marriage. He was by trade a shoemaker. About 1841 he and wife joined the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1841 he located in Millersburg township, where he died in 1858, at the age of seventylive years ; his vnfe died in 1848, aged sixty-four years. Asa received no literarv training beyond the common school. Dislikino; the trade of his father he chose farming for a livelihood, which he has always followed. He was married in 1836 to Elmira Perkins, native of Fairfield, Maine, born in 1815, daughter of Daniel and Polly Perkins, both of whom resided in Maine till tlieir death. By this marriage Mr. Knox has eight children: David P., Sumner B., James T., Asa D., Margarette, Elzina, Ellen M. (deceased). Elmira (deceased). Sumner B. and James T. served in the army during the late war. The former en- ' listed March 14, 1865, in the 83d III. Vol., and was transferred to company E, 61st 111. Vol., and served eight months. The latter enlisted in company I, 17th 111. Vol.. and was in the battles of Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort, and Jackson, Mississij^pi, and served three years. They both now live in Millersburg township. Asa Knox and wife are members of the United Brethren church, at the Palestine congregation in Abington township. He has a farm of sixty acres, on which he keeps a good grade of farm stock.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; was born October 16, 1812, and is the son of Eli and Rachel Thornton, both of whom were of English descent and natives of Pennsylvania. H. W. Thornton's early e<lucation was limited to the common schools of the country at that time. In his eii»:hteenth year.

William G. Hiu'ley, Esq., a prominent lawyer in the county, gave him the privilege of his othce for study (and with whom he read law), and in 1S37 was admitted to practice in the courts of Columbia county. He came to Illinois and located in Millersburg in 1838, where for several years he followed his profession. In 1839 he was elected clerk of the county court, which office he resigned the following spring, being nominated and, in 1840, elected, with Hon. Thomas Drummond, now judge of the United States court in Chicago, to represent the ten northwest counties in the state legislature. In 1842 he was elected recorder of tlie county to fill a vacancy, and in 1844 re-elected for four years. At the end of the term the county seat was located at Keithsburg. For six or eight years he engaged in selling goods and in impro^'ing his farm adjoining the town of ]Millersbm*g. In 1858 he was elected president of the Warsaw, Rock Island & Galena Railroad Company, which position he held for ten years, and during his term of presidency secured the building of the line from Port Byron junction (six miles above Rock Island) to Savanna, a distance of forty-eight miles. After the completion of the road from Port B}Ton to Savanna, thirty-eight miles, Richard Irvin, senior member of the firm of Irvin & Brother, bankers, of New York, and financial agents of the Bank of Glasgow, Scotland, who furnished funds for the work, gave him the following letter as a testimonial :

"New York, April 25, 1866. "Dear Sir, - I have jileasure in stating it as my opinion that to your exertions in presenting plans and surveys for extending the Northern Illinois railroad from Savanna to Fort Byron, and in setting forth the feasibility and probable advantages of such extension, has it been owing that the work was undertaken and completed at a period of very high prices both of material and labor. Whatever benefit to your district of country has accrued, or may in future accrue, from the work referred to, you are fairly entitled, I should say, to great credit for the active and intelligent part you took in forwarding it.

Mr. Thornton was 'married February 25, 1839, to Elizabeth F. Norbury, of Philadelphia, born December 19, 1816, daughter of Joseph B. and Rebecca M. Xorbury, both natives of Pennsylvania. By this marriage they had seven children ; two died in infancy, one (Susan) at the age of twenty-one ; four are now living : Martha X. , Sarah E. , oS'orbury AV., and George E. Since 1868 he has lived quietly on his farm, and in the same house he built forty-three years ago.

Richard Kiddoo, deceased, was a native of Beaver (now Lawrence) county, Pennsylvania ; born April 25, 1816. His parents, James and Mary Kiddoo, were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Millers- burg- township, Illinois, some twc) or three years after their son Richai'd. . They located where Mrs. Brvant, formerly ]\frs. John Kiddw>, now resides. Here they lived out theu' days in the faith of the Presbyterian church. Richard Kiddoo was married October 12, 1S37, to Eliza Yannatta, native of Pennsylvania, born in 1821, and daughter of James and Betsv Vannatta, both of Pennsvlvania, The former died in 1837, aged sixty-one years; the latter came in 1844 to Mercer county, where she remained four years ; went to Jasper county, this state, and there died at the ripe old age of seventytwo years. They were of good family, well-to-do farmers, and honored members of the Presbyterian church. By this marriage Richard Kiddoo raised a family of thirteen children : Mary (deceased), William, James. John (deceased), Xancy, Eliza, Martha (deceased), Thomas, Hannah, Amos F., Cjtus C, Adda, Caroline S. In 1845 with his family he came to Mercer county and located in Millersburg township, where he resided till his death, which occurred February 3, 1882. He came here with small means, which, combined judiciously with his good business judgment and industry, crowned his life with success. He never engaged in speculation but made his money by raising grain and feeding stock. He left his family a property valued at $.50,000. To use the words of his neighbors, he accumulated wealth rapidly and practiced strict economy. But his economy was not of a close and penurious kind ; his family lived comfortably and he gave generously to every public benefit. He was a man of warm impulses and strong convictions, and never inconsiderate of the convictions of others, a helper of the needy and a friend to all. His great simplicity of character and moral integrity won the esteem of many and coinmanded the respect of all. If many who are disposed to complain of their surroundings would adopt his rules of life they would move more smoothly over life's impediments. Xo man manifested greater interest in the upbuilding of Christianity and morality in the community than did Richard Kiddoo. "It will not be regarded a disparagement to others whr» were helpful in the same direction, to say the high morality and marked religious character of this comnnmity are largely due to the influence and efi:V)rts of Richard Kiddoo." The expression of all who knew him is that a good man has gone out from among us. He and his ancesters so far back as we are able to ascertain have been strict members of the Presbyterian church. His widow, who was a coworker in all his undertakings to build uj) society, the church, and to make home happy and pleasant for all, still resides on the farm where they have lived since they came to Illinois.

Among the tirst settlers of Millersburg township was M. IL Riggs^ and family. Thev located on section 30 as early as 1834. The surrounding country was then only a wilderness. He planted his first crop and fenced it afterward. Mr. Riggs is a natiye of Kentucky. lie married in 1S37 Julette Froman, daughter of Thomas and Dice, (Ilichison) Froman, both of Vii-ginia, but emigrated to Kentucky as ])ioneers, where their daughter Julette was born and reared. They both died in Kentucky, members of the Baptist church. The olfspring of tliis marriage is : Thomas, Isaac, AVilliam, James. Filman, Washington, Marion, Jasper, Clay. Mrs. Riggs liyes on the old farm of 400 acres where they first located, and is the oldest settler liying in the township at this time. Her son Marion resides with her. He was born and reared where he now liyes. In 1862 he enlisted in the 124th reg. 111. A^ol. Inf., company G, and seiwed three years and a few days. He was in the siege of Yicksburg, with Smith at Mobile, the taking of the Sj^anish fort. He returned home and was married in 1865 to Sarah A. Hubbard, natiye of Illinois and daugliter of "Willard and Xancy Hubbard, the former of Massachusetts, the latter, Kentucky. By this union Marion Riggs has three children: Julette, Xancy and Adda. He is a farmer, and keeps a good grade of farm stock, grade cattle and hogs and Cotswold sheep. In politics he is a republican straight.

AV, A. Bridgford, farmer, is by birth a Kentuckian, born in 1810, and the son of AY. J. and Elizabeth Bridgford, both of whom were natiyes of Virginia and emigrated to Scott county, Kentucky, where our subject was born. In 1813 they moyed to Ohio, where they bcttli died, the former aged eighty-four, the latter thirty-six years. Mr. Bridgford was reared and educated in Ohio, where he resided till 1832, when he emigrated to Indiana, near Indianapolis, where he remained, eight years, and then came to Illinois and located in Richland Groye township, where he remained till 1856, when he moyed to Millersburg, where he has since liyed. He was married in 1839 to Nancy AVorkland, natiye of Kentucky and daughter of Charles and Permelia "Workland. They have ten children, fiye of whom are liying : ( )liyer A., Malinda, ^Mai-y E., Martha and Laura, two of whom live in this county and three in Kansas. He has held the office of justice of the peace for about forty years and is now acting in that capacity. He also holds the office of notary |>ublic. AVhen his ])resent term expires he will have served in that office sixteen years. He held the office of c< >llector eleven years. He belongs to both the secret orders, I.O.O.F and Masons. He sold goods in .Millersburg from 1850 to 1860. The last few years he has been engaged in farming. Previous to leaving Ohio- he studied law and was admitted to tlie bar at Oxford in 1832. but never en<j:a*;ed in active practice. "When he arrived in Mercer conntv his wealth in this world's goods for most part consisted of a team, and cow and six sliee[). lie now owns a farm of eighty acres in Mercer countv, eighty acres in Kansas, and considerable town property.

Among the early settlers of Millersburg is Mr. James Vekxon.- He made his advent into this county when it was yet almost a wilderness. His parents, Joseph and Sarah Vernon, settled in Warren county, Ohio, in 1812, where their son James was born ; then moved to Preble countv, Ohio, then to Shelbv countv, Indiana, where thev lived out their natural lives. Mr. Jose|)h Vernon was a native of New Jersey, his wife of South Carolina. James Vernon, disliking the vocation of his father, which was that of mechanic, in early life engaged in farming, which he has pursued successfully till within the past lew years, when he sold his land, resei'ving seventy -three acres for a home, and has virtually retired. ' In 1836 he married Eliza Duncan, native ot Virginia, and daughter of Buford and Fanny Duncan, both of Virginia and among the first settlers of Duncan township. This marriage was blessed with three children: Thomas A., Sarah F., and Viola I. He and tamily are members of the Latter Day Saints church, but very different to the church at Utah. They disapprove of the doctrine ot plurality of wives.

Edward Brady, native of the "Buckeye"" State, born in 1825, is the son of John, Sr., and Eliza Brady. The former is a native ot Ireland, born about 1792, and came to America in 1813. He located in Green countv, Ohio, where he remained about twenty-five vears, when he came, about 1842, to Mercer countv and settled on the farai where his son John now resides, where he lived during the rest of his life. His wife, a native of New Jersey, is yet living, and is seventyseven years old, hale and heait}^ for a person of her age. They raised a family of twelve children, five of whom now live in Mercer county. Edward's early literary training was that of the common school. In 1848 he was married to Jane Gingles, native of Pennsylvania, born in 1827, and a daughter of James and Elizabeth Gingles, both of Pennsylvania. They came to Mercer county in ls39 and settled in Perrj'- ton township, where he died in 1S72. His wife, Elizabeth, is yet living. Edward Brady has by this union five children: James N., Clara E., Ella M., Nellie J. (deceased), and Eddie G. He and wife are Presbyterians and belong to the society at Peniel church. He has lield the olfice of school treasurer in MillersVjui'g township for the past twenty years, and has been severel times elected commissioner of highways. In politics he is a straight out re}>ublican. He has a

LuciEX B. Howe is one of the early settlers of the township and county. He came here when the deer were yet plenty on the prairies of Mercer county. He was born in Vermont, shortly after which his parents. Ezekiel and Louisa, moved to Troy, Kew York, where he was reared and educated. His parents were natives of Massachusetts, and descendants of the pioneer families. The Howe family at first, in America, consisted of three brothers who came from England to Massachusetts. Among their descendants is the great inventor of the Howe sewing machine. Lucien's father was a carpenter and joiner. He died in 1837, aged sixty-two vears. His 2:randfather Howe fouo-ht at the battle of Bunker Hill. The subject of this sketch graduated at Union colleo-e, Schenectady, Xew York, in 1840, at the ao-e of twentysix, in the classical course. Then read law 'udtli J. P. Abertson, at his home in New York; was admitted to the bar in 1841, and practiced in Troy two years, then he came to Mercer county and located at Millersburg, where he has since resided. He has held the office of justice of the peace two tenns. He is a charter member of the masonic lodge, at Aledo. and formerly a member at New Boston. He was married in 1846, to Martha King, a native of Massachusetts, and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth King. They have six children, four .of whom are now living: Charlotte A., Otis M., Cahin K., and David T. He has a farm of seventy acres and pursues his ])rofession. In politics he is an old line democrat.

Charles York emigrated with his lather to Illinois, in the tail of 1843, and located in Keithsburg township, where they remained a short time when they bought a farm in Abington to^^mship, which they sold and then went to Henderson county, where his mother died. His fiither died in October, 1874, aged eighty-two years. Charles York was born in Kentucky, in 1825, and is the eldest of a family of six children. His early educational training was limited. Fen- eighteen years after he came to Illinois he broke prairie. He was nuirried in 1855 to Mary J. Landreth, native of Mercer county, and dauo-hter of Zacharia and Elenor Landreth, both natives of Virginia and among the early settlers of Mercer county. By this union hv has seven children living: Nancy E., Nettie, Alice, Olive, Eva, AVilliam L., and Linie Mr. York and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Millersburg. He has given his entire attention to farming and stock raising, both of which Ik- has made successful. He now owns three farms in Mercer county, containing 432 acres. He brought with him and still ivtains the a}»]n'eciati()n of a good horse, for which

Capt. Oliver A. Bkidgford is a native of Ohio, born in 1830, and is tlie son of AV. A. and Nancy ("Wakland) J>rido:f()rd. whose sketch will appear in the bioo:rai)hical department of this townshi]). Capt. Bridgford was educated in the ccanmon school, and ciime to Mercer county in 1843, one year after his father. Tlis early life, till he-was nineteen years old, was spent on the farm. At that age he went to California on a gold hunt; he went across the ]»lains with a team, remained in California two vears, when he returned bv wav of Cuba and New York, satisiled that gold was chea})er in Illinois than in the gold regions. In 1851 he settled in ^Sfillersburg, bought a half interest in his father's store, in which business he remained till istil. when he raised Company I. 45th 111. Vol., and entered the army, haWng been commissioned ca}>tain by Gov. Yates. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Fort Henry and Shiloh ; was wounded in the last named engagement. Having remained some time in the hospital at Savannah, he was furloughed home, and returned after forty days. At the end of twelve months after he entered the service, he resigned his commission because of disabilitv to discharo-e the duties of his office, caused by the wound received at Shiloh, and was discharged from the service and returned to his home in ^lillersburff. In the fall of 18(32 he was elected sheriif of Mercer county, and served the full term, and then he returned to his store in Millei'sburg. where he continued till ]\Iarch, 1878. The following year he moved ujjon his farm near Joy, where he now resides, since which time he has given his farm his entire attention. Ca])t. Bridgford was married in February, 1852. to ]\Iiss Eliza A. McLain. native of Kentucky, born in 1833, and -daughter of Joseph and Susan McLain, now residents of Millersburg. They have ten children, five living: Medora E., Clayton AV., ]\rinnie L., Archie G., Miles E. He owns a farm of 1.720 acres of land, all of which except eighty acres is hi ]\Iercer county. He raises thoroughhred cattle. Poland china hogs and Leicester sheep. He keeps on his farm 100 head of stock cattle, 200 hogs. 150 sheep, and horses to carry on his farm work. He is among, if not the largest, tax payers in Millersburg tcnvnship. He is a charter member of the I.O.O.F. lodge at ]\rillersburg, only two of whom are now living. Notwithstanding his disal)ility from the wound received at Shiloh, he receives no pension, neither has he made application for one. Politically he is a republican.

townshi}) and located near tlie Peniel clmrcli. He was the countj surveyor at the time the country was being settled, and held the office of judge. He raised his family in Millersburg township, and is now a resident of Aledo. Edwin Gilmore was reared and educated on the farm. Tlie advantages for obtaining an education at that early period in the settlement of this part of the ' county were few. He was born in 1844, on the farm where he now lives, on section 21. In 18<')2 he enlisted in the service in Company C. 102d 111. Yol., and served till the war closed. He was on the skirmish line till he left Chattanooga with Sherman's division on his march to the sea. He was married in 1870 to Miss Mary A. Morrow, native of Pennsylvania, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Kiddoo) Morrow. They have three children : Nellie, Burton, and Xewton R. Mr. Gilmore and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Peniel. He has a fine stock farm of 320 acres, and raises a good grade of cattle, sheep and hogs.

John T. McGinnis, came to Alercer county in 1846, and located in Millersburg township. At that time the country was sparsely settled. Like most of the pioneers, he came \\dth small pecuniary means, to seek a home. He is a native of Pemisylvania, born 1821. His parents are William and Elizabeth McGinnis, both natives of Pennsylvania, his father of Irish, and his mother of Scotch descent. They followed agriculture for a livelihood, and belonged to the United Presbyterian church. John T. received little literary training in his early life, but was well bred in the characteristics of the people of the Quaker state, namely, energetic industry and honesty. Two years, before his coming to Mercer county he was married to Margaret Kiddoo, of Pemisylvania, born in 1824, and daughter of James and Mary Kiddoo, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis's children are Mary E., Sarah, Emily, William, Alice. Maggie, Charlie E., and C«:)ra S. He was justice of the peace before the township organization, and has held the (»ffice of supervisor fourteen years. He represented Mercer and Knox counties in the legislature during the sessions of 1874 and 1875. Apart fi'<»m the offices mentioned he has been chosen to till most of the offices of the township. Mr. McGinnis has a beautiful home of 100 acres, located on section 21. Here he lives a quiet farmer'^ life, while his accumulated capital is employed in other directions. He has never engaged in speculation, but kept his means em})loyed where reasonable returns were certain. He was at one time stock holder in a bank at Keithsburg, and at this time owns an interest in the Farmer's Bank in Aledo, and also in one in Kansas. He and wife are members, of the Peniel Presbvterian church. Politicallv he is a republican.

will be fouiul in connection with the sketch written of E<lward Brady. John Brady, Jr., was born in Green connty, Ohio, in ls;-5.s. He came with his parents to Mercer county in 1S42. lie received no educational training beyond the district school. lie was reared to the business of fanning, which i)ursuit he has followed for a livelihood. In 1S02, he enlisted in company D, 83d 111. Vol., and served till July, 18f>5, nuiking his term of service two years and eleven months. lie was with the army of the Cumberland, in the second battle fought at FortDonelson, and at Franklin, and Lawrenceburg. The remainder of tlie time he was kept chasing gnerrillas. At Fort Donelson he was wounded. He was married in 1861 to Martha C. Gibson, daughter of George and Isreal Gibson, the former a native of Tennessee, the latter of Ohio. They were among the first to locate in AVarren county, Illinois, in 1832. The indians had not quit the country. Among the slain by the Indians of Warren countv was a brother to Georij;e Gibson. Thev were members of the Associate Presbyterian church. John Brady has four children: William, George P., Harry (deceased), and Mary. They hold letters of membership in the Presbyterian church. He has a well improved farm of 160 acres, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. He held the ottice of township clerk for several years, and is now commissioner of public highways. In politics he is a republican.

The subject of this sketch, William Kiddoo, is a native of Lawrence county (now Beaver county), Pennsylvania, where lie was bom in 1830 ; came to Mercer county in 1847, and located w^ith his parents, James and Margaret Kidchxj, where his widow, now Mrs. Bryant, resides. He and wife and jjarents were members of the Presbyterian .church. He married in 1853 Catharine Yance, native of Pennsylvania, b(jrn in 1834, and who came with her parents, AYilliam and Rachel (Vannatta) Vance, to Mercer county, and located in Keithsburg in 1836. They were members of the Presbyterian church. The former died in 1867, the latter now resides with her daughter Caroline, and is seventy-eight years old. William Kiddoo had by this marriage seven children: E. Vila, Xancv, Olive, Forbes M., Marv, William M., and Rachel E. He left his family in good circumstances. Like the rest of the Kiddoo family he was a man of exemplary habits, a gcxjd citizen, kind husl)and and lather. His widow married in 1871 Fi-ank I>. Bryant of Ohio, by whom she has three children: Laura B., Frank (deceased), and Archie H.

John S. Ivil)I)<:»o, deceased, emigrated from his native state, Pennsylvania, to Illinois, in 1847, and l()cated in Millersburg towiisliip, where he resided till his deatli in 1866, in the thirty-seventh year of" his age. His parents were James ami Maiy Kiddoo, who emigrated to Mercer coimtj at the sam^ time as tlieir son Jolm S. Their remains repose in the cemetery of the old brick church. John S. Kiddoo, was married in 1S50 to Eliza Day, of Pennsylvaina. born in 1821, and emigrated with her parents, John and Mary Day, to Iowa, in 1S36, and then to Mercer county in 1S46, where they still reside. Her father, John Day, in early life was a boatman on the Mississippi riyer. He is n member of the United Brethren church, his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church. John S. Kiddoo had by this marriage six children: John, Kobert (deceased), Mary (deceased), Alonzo, William (deceased), and Lizzie. John S. Kiddoo and wife were members of the Free Presbyterian church, but both united with the Methodist Episcopal church a few years before his death. His wife still remains a member of the church. He began in this county with small means ; when he died left his family a property worth $8,000. Alonzo, son of John S. and Ehza Kiddoo, was born in 1860, near where he now resides, in Millersburg township. His early educational training was that of the common school of the neighborhood. He is by occupation a farmer. He was married in 1881, to Florence Shingledecker, born in 1858, and daughter of James and Caroline Shingledecker, both of Pennsylyania. They came to Mercer county in 1858, and located near Joy, where they haye since resided. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Jo}'. Alonzo Kiddoo and wife are members of the same church. They haye a farm of 140 acres well stocked. In politics he yotes the republican ticket.

Mr. J. II. Cr/Vne located in Millersburg township in 1849. His -early education was that of the commoi^ school. He began business for himself as a farmer, which he followed ten years, when he opened a store in Joy and engaged in shipping grain, both of which he still carries on. He is the son of Dr. John W. and Ruth Crane, of Ohio, early settlers of Fc)untain county, Indiana. J. H. Crane was born in 1837. His parents came to Mercer county in 1847, and located on the old Bassett farm, where they died, his father in 1850, aged forty years, his mother in 1841. His parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His father by profession was a doctor, and practiced in Illinois till his death. Mr. Crane was married in 1861 to Sarah A. Griffith, a natiye of Indiana, and daughter of Charles and Martha Griffith. In 1861 he enlisted in the army of the late war, in company K, 10'2d 111. Vol. He was out twelye months, when he was discharged, because of ill health. He owns a line farm of 24< » acres, and is present postmaster at Joy.

and kept liotel for two and a half years, then moved upon his farm east of the village, where he remained till seven years ago when he returned to take up his residence in Millersburg, where he now resides. He came to Mercer county ^vith small means which, combined with unabating energy, has made him a successful former. He owns a fine farm of 354 acres of plow land and 100 acres of timber. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Is 14: liis lather of Pennsylvania and his mother of i!^ew Jersey. In 1S47 they came and settled in Perryton township, Mercer county, where the former died in 1S57, aged seventy-tsvo. His wife, who is still living, is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. They raised a family of nine children, all of whom grew up to adult age. Three yet remain in Mercer county. J. M.'s early educational trahiing was such as the common schools of his neighborhood could furnish. He served an apprenticeship to a tanner, and began immediately to raise the material for making leather instead of dressing it. He held the office of county assessor for six years, and also the office of county treasurer for the same time. He was married in 1838 to Margaret Taylor, of Pemisylvania. born in 1815, daughter of Jacob and E. (Hoover) Taylor, both of Pennsylvania. By this union Mr. Gilmore had eight children, five of whom are now living: George M. (deceased), Eva C, Catharine (deceased), Taylor, Mary, Richard (deceased), Jannett, and Fanny A. George M. served three years in company E, 9th 111. Inf.; was veteranized and promoted to steward. He was wounded at Fort Donelson, having his index finger on the left hand carried awav bv a ball. He was with Shennan on his' march to the sea, and died of disease in the ser^^ce two months before the war closed. Taylor served three years in the 14th 111. cavalry, and was commissioned hospital steward. He and wife are ardent supporters of Christianity and good morals, and belong to the Presbyterian church at Millersburg. In politics he has always been a democrat.

J. D. Thornt<jn is 'a native of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and born in 1828, and is a son of Eli and Abagail (Ilittle) Thornton, b(^th natives of Pennsylvania. J. D.'s early education was limited to the subscription school of his home. He learned the trade of blacksmithing in his fathers shop. This he followed ten yeai's, when he left the fori>;e to enlist in the service of his country. He seiwed in the army through the Mexican war. His soldierly qualities were soon recognized, and he was appointed to fill the first vacancy in Capt. Pemberton's company, to which he belonged, which was the office of sergeant. He was with Scott when he made his campaign to the city of Mexico. Then he joined the U. S. marines and went to West Africa to suppress the slave trade. In 1862 he again enlisted in the 124th 111. Yol. Inf., company G, and served three years as sergeant. He was with Grant «nd in all the rear battles at Yicksburg, the siege of the Spanish Fort, and the taking of Mobile, making in all seven years he has served his country as a soldier. In 1S40 he came to Illinois and settled at Millersburg where he has since resided. J. D. Thornton was married in 1855 to Lucy AVharton, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Jacob and Martha Wharton. She died in 1871. He was married a second time to Letticia L. Carver, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Jesse Carver, a descendant of Gov. Carver, first governor of Massachusetts. Mr. Thornton has been a republican since the organization of the party.

J. AV. Wood is a native of Tennessee, born in 1810, and is the son of Isaac and Elenor Wood, both of whom were natives of Virginia. They located in Indiana in 1822, where they died, the former in 1839, aged sixty years ; the latter in 1852, aged eighty-two years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and respected members of society. Isaac Wood by trade was a wheelwright, by profession a local preacher. J. W. Wood emigrated to Indiana with his parents where he remained till 1842, when he came to Mercer countv where he has since lived. He is a caii3enter by trade, which he folk)wed till within the few j'ears past. He was lii'st married in 1832 to Frances Reed, native of Indiana, daughter of Jacob and Mary Reed, -of South Carolina. She died in 1869, aged fifty-eight years, leaving nine children, of whom the living are James R.., Enos A., and Samuel S. He was married a second time to Mrs. M. C. Robinson, native of England, born in 1830, and daughter of George and Catharine Staftbrd, natives of England. J. W. Wood has held the office of justice of the peace most of the time during his residence in Illinois, is now notary public, and served one term as constable. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Joy. In politics he votes the republican ticket. He keeps the only hotel in Joy.

The subject of this sketch, David A. Steele, came to Mercer countv with his parents, James and Mary Steele, in 1860. They located on section 29 in Millersburg township, where they both died, the former in 1856. at the age of sixty-five years ; the latter in 1868, seventy-six years. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and successful farmers, and members of the Presbyterian church. David was born in 1832, and reared and educated on the farm of his father in the Quaker state. In 1859 he was nuirried to Matilda Denison, native of Illinois, and daughter of Joseph and Sarah Denison, both of whom were from Ohio. Bv this union he lias ten children, seven of whom are living: Elizabeth, William, Walter, Cora, Maud, Fred., and Asliel. He lias a farm of 130 acres, weir improved and faii-ly stocked with a good grade of farm stock. In ]>olitics he votes with the republican party. He is a man who takes great interest in sup})lying his children with literature to feed their minds. He has always lived a c^uiet life without seeking the notoriety of office.

The subject of this sketch, James E. Bay, is the son of James and Hannah E. Bay, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Oliio at an early period of its settlement. They were farmers. The former was a soldier in the war of 1812, and emigrated to Cedar Eai)ids, Iowa, where he died in 1843, aged fifty-tAvo years ; the latter died in 1856, aged fiftv-six years. J. E. Bav was born in 1829, in Guernsey county, and in 1851 came to Millersburg where he has since lived. He was married in 1860 to Mary Marsh, a native of -Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and daughter of John B. and Lydia (Porter) Marsh, the former of New Jersey, the latter of Pennsylvania. The f(^rmer was a soldier in the war of 1812. He and family move<l in 1848 to Illinois, where he died in 1864, aged seventy-three years; his wife in 1834, aged thirty-six years. He was by trade a carriage trimmer. He first emigrated to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, ti-om Xew Jersey. The Marsh family were formerly from Scotland. J. E. Bay has by this union four children : H. M., John M., Fanny S., and Catharine M. Mr. Bay is a farmer and stock trader. He has several times been chosen by the voters of his townshi]i to fill various offices. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church at Millersburg. Mr. Bay and family are quiet and respectable citizens.

Among the early settlers of this township is Richard S. Edgar. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1818, and came to Mercer county in 1851 and located in Millersburg township where he has since been a citizen. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, members of the Associate Presbyterian church, and died there, his father, Richard, in 1861 at the age of sixty-five years ; his mother, Margaret, in 1862, aged sixty years. R. S. Edgar was married in 1841 to Elizabeth A. Steele, daughter of James and Mary Steele, of Pennsylvania. They have three children: Margaret, James S., and Mary A. He served three years in the late war as a soldier, in Company A, otith 111. Vol. Inf., during which ser^ace he lost his health and now receives a pension. He owns a well improved farm of thirty acres, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. , He and wife are membei'S of the Methodist Episcopal church at Joy. In politics he is a rei>ublican.

to Ohio when their son Jacob was a mere child, where they resided the remainder of their lives. They were pioneer settlers of Ohio. Jacob remained in Ohio until he arrived at the age of twenty-three and then came to Mercer county and located on section 19, Millersburg townshi]), where he has since resided. He has pursued the occupation of farming, the vocation of his father. He married, in 1S51, Christina Eiter, a native of Germany and daughter of John F. and Machdalana Riter, who came to America in 1831 and located in Ohio, and afterward to Mercer county, locating in Millersburg to'waiship. Th'e latter died in 1871, aged seventy years. The former, John F. Riter, resides with his daughter, Christina. He served as a soldier in his native country, Germany. Jacob Braucht has by this marriage six children : Jemima, David AV. , Lucinda, Sarah (deceased), George, and Catharine. He has a fine farm of 227 acres, well improved and well stocked with the best of farm stock. Xo better stock farm is to be found in this section. In politics he is a democrat. His parents and also his wife's parents were of the Lutheran faith. His wife's father, John F. Riter, still holds his membership in that church.

Among the citizens and soldiers now resident of Millersburg township is George Boone, native of Ohio, born in Medina county in 1837. His parents were Hezekiah and Sarah A. (Greene) Boone, the former of Pennsylvania, a great-nephew of Daniel Boone, the Kentucky hunter, the latter also of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Medina county with its early settlers with their parents, and were married there. Thej came to Mercer county in 1851. The latter, George's mother, died in 1857, aged thirty-eight years. Her remains repose in the Millersburg cemetery. Tlie former is a tailor by trade and now lives at Fort Dodge, j^ebraska, and is a member of the Lutheran church. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. George Boone came to Mercer county with his parents and located in this township, then went to Perryton township, where he resided for a time, and also for a while in Aledo. His early education was that of the common school. He first enlisted in Company I, 17tli 111. Vol., served two years and was discharged because of ill health. Li 1864 he, in company with R. S. Osborne, raised a company for the llOth 111. Vol. Osborne was captain of the company, and George held the office of first lieutenant. The company was out seven months. He was in the battle of Fort Donelson and a part of the two days' fight at Shiloh. During his second term of service the company was detailed to fight the guerrillas. He was married in 1865 to Mrs. Xancy J. Fullerton, daughter of Robert and Eliza Shearer. By this marriage George Boone has one child, Ella F. His wife bv her former husband has one

James Ve Rnon

James K. Morrow was born in 1852, on the farm wliere he now resides. His parents, David and Elizabeth (Kiddoo) Morrow, were both natives of Pennsylvania. The latter was the daugjiter of James Kiddoo. David Morrow came to Mercer county with his family in 1847 and located in Millersburg township, where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1854, in his thirty-seventh year. His wife, mother of James K., died in 1872. They were married in 1846 and raised a family of four children, two sons and two daughters. They were quiet farmers and good citizens and members of the Presbyterian church. They left their children in good circumstances. Their son, James K., occupies the old homestead of 120 acres. He pursues the vocation of his father. He keeps a good grade of farm stock. He has imbibed the republican spirit of his neighborhood. His early educational training was that of the common school.

Dr. Joseph P. Boyd, deceased, was born inWa^oie county, Indiana, in 1826. His parents were James and Hester Boyd, both members of the Christian church. Dr. Boyd earlv exhibited a fondness for books, and at the age of sixteen entered the profession of school teaching, which he followed till he began reading medicine with Dr. James Ruby at Abington, Indiana. He began tlie practice of his chosen profession at Benton ville, Indiana, then went to Randolph county, wliere he remained two years, and then came to Millersburg in 1852, where he had a large practice. He began life for himself with limited means, but died in 1878, leaving his family in easy circumstances. He was man-ied to Ellen Commons, daughter of William and Sarah Commons, who emigrated ti'om England to America. The Commons family in England were members of the aristocracy. The offspring of this marriage were three children: William C, Sarah H., and Omer. He was a member of the masonic order at Aledo, and the Mercer County Medical Society. The community mourned his death as a great loss. He was a man respected for his ability and thorough going business ability.

Thomas Landreth is a native of Owen county, Indiana, where he was born in 1842. His jjarents, Zacharia and Elonder (Fender), both natives of A'^irginia, settled in Owen county, Indiana, about 1825, where the subject of our sketch was reared and educated on the farm. In 1852 they came to Mercer county and located in Perryton township, where the former died in 1872, aged sixty years ; the latter in 1875,' aged sixty years. They were quiet, good farmers and earnest suj> porters of good societv, and were members of the Missionary Baptist 15 ^ i I church. Our subject came to Mercer county when a small boy with his parents. He had two brothers, Crisby and Andrew, in the army in tlie late war. The former belonged to the 126tli 111. Vol., and died at La Grange, Temiessee, but a few montlis after his enlistment ; the latter died two days later at the same place. Mr. Landreth is a member of the I.O.O.F. at Millersburg. lie was married in 1865, to Rachael Reed, a native of Mercer county, born in 1843, and a daughter of Harper and Louisa (Drury) Reed, early settlers in Mercer county. They have three children: Lillie M., William R., and Nola L. He has a farm of ninety acres well suited to stock raising. He keeps a good article of farm stock. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church. In politics he is a Greenbacker.

Caey Dryden is a native of Ohio, born in 1840, and is a son of J. M. and Elizabeth (Ellis) Dryden, the former of Ohio, the latter of Virginia. She came to Ohio with her j^arents when eleven years old. J. M. and Elizabeth Dryden came to Illinois in 1851, and located in Peoria county, where thej^ remained till 1853, when they came to Mercer county. In 1855 they went to Iowa, but returned to Mercer county in 1864, where the former died in 1872, aged sixty-eight years; the latter is living in Keithsburg, this county, and is seventy-four years old. Gary Dryden accompanied his parents, first to Peoria county, then t(^ Mercer county and to Iowa, and returned in 1858 to Mercer county, where he has since lived. He has pursued the occupation of farming aU his life, except three years and one month he served in the army. He enlisted in 1861 in company G. 27tli 111. Vol. He was a non-commissioned officer all the time of his service, and was in the battle of Belmont, siege of Island No. 10, the numerous skirmishes around Corinth, battle of Stone River, Chickamauga, siege of Knoxville, Resaca, Georgia, and Kenesaw Mountain, where he Was wounded and taken to the hospital, where he remained till after his term of enlistment expired. In 1867 he was married to Catharine Wolfe, native of Illinois and daughter of Solomon and Evaline (Marlatt) Wolfe, both of Indiana, and came to Mercer county with its early settlers. Mr. Dryden by this marriage has four children: Eva (deceased), Mary, Frederick, Xellie L. He and his wife are members of the Seventh Day Advent church, at the Marsh school-house. He has a farm of KiO acres of fine land, well improved, located near the south line of the township, upon which he keo]~»s a good grade of all kinds of farm stock.

John Bell is a son of John and Mary (Cliftbrd) Bell, both of Irehmd. He was born in Ohio in 1848, and came with his parents to Illinois in 1862. He was reared on the farm. His early education was such as he couhl ijet in the district schooL He was married in 18S1 to Fh)rence S. Adams, native of Illinois, born in 1858, and daughter of Samuel and Mary Adams, of Kentucky. They came to Rock Island county, Illinois, with its early settlers, and now reside in Eliza township, Mercer county. The former is a member of the Latter Day Saints church. Mr. Bell has by this marriage one child, Harry Earl. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Aledo ; his wife is a member of the Latter Day Saints church. He has a farm of 160 acres of tine land fairly stocked. Politically he is a democrat.

The subject of this sketch, William A. Marsh, is by birth a native -of New York, bom in 1833, son of M. L. and Eliza Marsh, both of New York. They came to Mercer county in 1853, and are now residents of Aledo, where the former is justice of the peace. M. L, INIarsh is by vocation a farmer. He first settled in Illinois, in Millersburg township, where he now owns a farm of 150 acres. He and wife first moved to New York city, where their son, William A., was born ; then to Buft'alo, New York ; from there to Licking county, Ohio ; then to Illinois, where they have since resided. William A.'s early education was that of the common school and two years as a student in a graded school. He accompanied his parents in all their removals till they located in Mercer county, and then he located on the farm where he has since resided. While he has pursued the vocation of farming for a livelihood, he has by no means given all his time and thought to making the farm pay, but is one of the most active members of the Mercer County Historical and Scientific Society, the truth of which his lai'ge collection of well-arranged specimens of shells, woods, grasses and Indian implements demonstrate without further question. No one, we have good reason to believe, has added more to the conchology and botany of Mercer county than Mr. Marsh. So large is his collection in ^ these two sciences, and that of Indian implements, that one who has any taste in either of these directions could spend months in his cabinet with both pleasure and profit. The proficiency Mr. Marsh has .acquired in these branches of science clearly shows that success de}»ends U])on the amount of labor we give to one thing, and not to the number of branches we take up. Mr. Marsh was married in 1855 to Mary J. Patterson, of Licking county, Ohio, born in 1837, daughter of AVilson and Isa Patterson, both of Pennsylvania. They emigrated in 1835 to Mercer county, where they are both living. They are members of the predestinarian Baptist church, and farmei'S by occupation. Mr. Marsh has nine children: Philip, Eliza, Francis L. (deceased), Mary J., Isa E., William A., Frederick A.. AVilson, and Estella E. Mr. Marsh has a good farm of 24o acres, well im})roved

A. A. Sherer, the subject of this history, is a native of Pennsylvania, Lawi-ence coimty, born in 1839. His parents were Robert and Eliza Sherer, both of Pennsylvania. The latter died in 1841 ; the former was married a second time in 1843, and came to Mercer coimty in 1853, where he died in 1861, aged lifty-six years. His business was that of stock dealing. At the time of his death he owned 600 acres of land. He was a devoted Cliristian and member of the Presbyterian church, as was also both his wives. His second wife now lives in Joy. Robert Sherer did much to improve the stock of horses in the county. No one carried off more first premiums from the county fairs than he. A. A. Sherer came to Mercer county with his father. His early education was limited to the district school. He was reared to the business of the farm, which he has alwavs followed. He was married in 1861 to Hannah Church, native of Illinois, born in 1841, daughter of Thomas and Racliel Church, both of Indiana, and early settlers of Xew Boston township. They were prominent farmers and respected citizens, of the community where they resided. The former died, 1859, aged forty-eight years ; the latter in 1871, aged seventy-three years. Mr. Sherer has by this marriage seven children: Ella M., Willie T. (deceased), Robert C, Jane E., Adda P. (deceased), Rachel C, and Frank E. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian faith and hold their membership with the congregation at the Peniel church ; and also his two eldest children have embraced Christianity in the same church. Mr. Sherer has a tine stock farm three miles south of Millersburg, which consists of 420 acres. He deals in both stock and fat cattle. His herd of sheep is of the Leicester stock ; hogs, Poland China. He follows in the footsteps of his father as to class of stock he keeps.