Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 18 of 31)

Mr. D. visited his native country in 1873, traveling through it, visiting his relatives in Bavaria, thence by the River Rhine to Prussia, his wife's native country. During this visit he received from his brother a rare present in the way of a cane, it being over 350 years old.

The children that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Durmann are five in number, viz. : Frank, who is married and is one of the farmers of Colona Township, as is also John, the third child ; Joseph, the second, lives at home, as also do William and Mary.

Sanford Eldridge, a resident of Galva, this county, was born March 22, 1827, in West Springfield, Hampton Co., Mass. The Eldridge family are of Scotch extraction. The grandfather, Mulferd Eldridge, was a wheelwright by profession. His father died while he was young, and young Mulferd and his mother removed from Maine to Connecticut, drawing a small hand-cart, which contained all their earthly possessions,' to the latter State. Capt. Mulferd Eldridge was married in Connecticut to Miss Coggswell. She was the mother of four children, namely. Elisha, Mrs. Sarah Sackett, Benjamin, and Mrs. Lora Fowler. The parents removed to West Springfield, where the wife and mother died. He was a second time married, to a Mrs. White. Elisha Eldridge was born in Berlin, Conn., and died in 1877, in Ann Arbor, Mich., aged 87 years. During his early life he was a teacher, and taught 14 sue- cessive winters. Afterwards, he was engaged in farming, and in his old age came and lived with his youngest daughter. He was a very religious man and had been Deacon in the Congregational Church from the time he attained the age of 22 years, when he was converted, until his death. His father, Mulferd, was an Episcopalian, and his grand-daughter, Mrs. Hannah (Sackett) Hume, was a missionary to India, and her two sons and one daughter are at the present time missionaries in Bombay, that country. The children are Robert, Edward and Sarah, all of whom are well educated. Edward is located in Ahmednaggar, India. Their mother is yet living, in New Haven, Conn., aged 92 years. Elisha Eldridge was married in West Springfield, Mass., to Tryphena Bagg, a native of that State, where she died. She was a daughter of Oliver Bagg, and was the mother of seven children : Oliver B., James D., both deceased; James D. (second); Mrs. Sarah C. Hive and Samuel Mulferd ; Benjamin Sanford, subject of this notice, and Mrs. Lora A. Page.

Benjamin S. Eldridge, subject of this sketch, received a limited education in his native villiage. He also attended school at East Hampton, - Williston Seminary. After leaving the seminary he went to Hartford, Conn., where he engaged to learn the carpenter's trade, and worked at it for two years. He then engaged as a clerk in the store of Dennison, Morgan & Son, where he remained for three and a half years. At the expiration of this time he left his position, which was a lucrative and important one, and came to this State, arriving here in September, 1847, and settling in Farmington, Fulton County. From the latter connty he went to Henry, 111., where he and his brother Samuel M. were engaged in merchandising for one year. Abandoning the mercantile business, the engaged in farming, which occupation he followed for 19 years. In partnership with his brother, he purchased at first 220 acres of land, located four miles northwest of Henry, for which he paid $[2.50 per acre, the same being improved. After three years he sold out to his brother and invested the proceeds in stock, and was engaged in raising stock for two years. He then purchased another interest in the same farm, which his brother cultivated, his brother owning half the stock.

1874, leaving two children, Charles E., born April 8, 1 86 1 ; and Delia, born Sept. 24, 1865. Mr. Eldridge sold his real estate and went to Chicago, where he intended to engage in the real-estate business, but having passed a life of activity on the farm, he could not endure city life, and was compelled to go back to the more active labors of the farm. After a residence of one year in Chicago, he located in Galva, where he invested in real-estate, purchasing 15 acres of land adjoining the north part of town, which he laid out in lots. He erected a residence that year, and at one time was the owner of 1,000 acres of land. He is at present principally interested in land near Galva, Ida Co., Iowa, where his son resides, and where Mr. Eldridge owns 1,600 acres. He is also engaged in raising Short-horn cattle and Clydesdale horses, which he keeps on his farm near Galva.

Mr. Eldridge was united a second time in marriage, June 13, 1876, with Ellen Cornelia Merriam, born April 18, 1844, in Poultney, Vt. She has borne him two children, William Franklin and Ernest Garfield, the former having been born Aug. 29, 1878, and the latter Sept. 19, 1881. The parents of Mrs. Eldridge were William P. and Armenia (Giddings) Merriam, natives of New York and Connecticut respectively. Her mother's parents were Solomon and Martha (Paine) Giddings and her father followed the occupation of a farmer. The genealogy of the Giddings family existing in the Eastern States is traced back to England. Mrs. Eldridge was educated at the female seminary at Granville, N. Y., where she graduated with the highest honors. She then engaged in teaching, which profession she followed in Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin for ten years, after which she entered the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, where she finished her education. At the latter institution she was a kind of privileged character, and interested herself in religious work. She was looked upon as a mother by the young girls of that institution, and was greatly respected for her influence upon their morals and her kindness at that time is remembered even to the present. She is now the Superintendent of the infant department of that institution, into which she has gathered many little wanderers.

Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge are active members Of the Congregational Church and Mrs. Eldridge is noted for the activity she displays in the Sabbath-school.

Both have done a noble work among the neglected and poor as well as illiterate classes, during the last decade. During the sunset of their lives they look back upon the past and contemplate with pleasure the good they have done for others.

ames Andrews, a farmer on section 7, in the township of Geneseo, has been a resident of Henry County since 1854. He was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, April 23, 1829. Wells and Nancy (Harper) Andrews, his parents, were born respectively in the States of Connecticut and Virginia. His mother was the daughter of John Harper, a Virginian of the old school, and who was the parent of 29 children. She was number 28 in order of birth. The paternal grandfather was born in Connecticut and was one of the pioneers of the Western Reserve, in Ohio.

The senior Andrews was in his childhood when his parents removed to Ohio. They were not poor nor obscure, and they took to the Buckeye State the training and ideas of which the value had been proved in the East. Accordingly, they gave their children the best advantages of education they could command, and the father of Mr. Andrews, after obtaining a fair-preliminary education, was sent to the college at Cannonsburg, in Pennsylvania. There he completed a full course of study and was graduated. Afterward he went to North Carolina and taught school for a time, going thence to Virginia, where he entered the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. He was married while officiating in the capacity of a clergyman in the South, and after a time returned to Ohio. He was engaged in the discharge of ministerial duties in Hartford, Trumbull County, and in 1 836 was called to the Professorship of the University of Ohio, at Athens. He filled the chair to which he was appointed seven years. In 1843 he came to Illinois. The journey was made via the river route, over the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. A location was made at Washington, Tazewell County, where the senior Andrews bought large tracts of land. His family occupied the farm and the father resumed preaching. After a residence of a few years at Washington, a farm near Tremont was purchased, on which they resided until 1856, when it was sold

Mr. Andrews of this sketch was the fourth son. When he was 14 he came to Illinois with the family of his father. He attained to the age and growth of manhood in Tazewell County, and was reared and educated on the farm. He was under the care and authority of his parents until the expiration of the period required by law, and when he was 21 he took the direction of his affairs into his own hands. His father gave him a quarter-section 'of land in Tazewell County and he began the work of improvement on it. He plowed and fenced a portion of the estate and continued to hold possession of it until 1854, when he came to Henry County. He at once bought land in the townships of Edford and Colona, all of which was in a wild and uncultivated condition. After breaking and fencing a portion'of the property, he bought section 7 in the township of Geneseo, on which no improvements had been made. Two years later he erected a house on the place. A little later he sold one-half of the section and the remainder has since been retained by him. It is all in an excellent condition of improvement.

The marriage of Mr. Andrews and [Mary Etta Campbell took place March 28, 1862. She was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Hiram and Elvira (Lowell) Campbell. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews are named Charles C, John, William L., James H., Robert L., George H., Mary B., Jessie C, Maud V. and Hiram W.

.ohn A. Larson, a resident of the village of Andover, is a Justice of the Peace and farmer. He was born in Ryda, Uppeby Parish, Sweden, in 1826. His parents were Lewis Johnson, a farmer, and Ingrad Peterson, natives also of that country. The father died in the parish of his nativity, and the mother afterward emigrated to America and lived with her son Jonas in Andover Township until her death.

John A., our subject, the third in the above family, was a member of the parental household until he was about 2 2 years old, was educated by his mother's spinning-wheel, learned practical mechanics in his father's " cobbler shop," and on leaving home he found it necessary to sell his birthright to an older brother, to secure the means wherewith to cross the seas to the land of golden opportunities. He arrived at the village of Andover on the 4th of August, 1848. He commenced work at the wagon-maker.'s trade in Galesburg, 111., for which he at first received $6 a month and board, which was equal to about a year's wages in Sweden at that time. Thus he continued from 1848 to 1853; but during this time, in February, 1850, he started on a trip to California, in company with William Skinner and Sebastian Adams, Americans. They made their journey over the plains by wagon, finally arriving at Weaverville in August of that year. For the first year he followed mining, with 'fair success, averaging about $5 a day; but at the end of this year Mr. Larson left California and returned to the " States " by way of the Isthmus of Panama, arriving at Galesburg, Knox County, in October. During that fall he purchased from Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury no acres of timber and prairie land, which included two village lots in Andover. After his marriage, in 1853, he settled upon this purchase, where he has since resided and made a comfortable home.

Mr. Larson entered the bonds of matrimony in Galesburg, 111., with Miss Martha Headstrum, daughter of a Swedish farmer. She was born in the parish of Alfta, Sweden, in 1830, and came to America with her parents, locating in Weller Township, in 1847 ; but her parents, who joined the colony at Bishop Hill, died soon after the colony arrived, and she and two brothers moved to Galesburg, where she resided until her marriage. Mrs. Larson died in the village of Andover, Sept. 20, 1878, aged 49 years. Her eight children are all living.

'acob Cosner, farmer, section n, Burns |r- Township, was born in Coshocton Co., l^>v Ohio, Sept. n, 1809. There he lived until 1838, when he came to Henry County and loyC cated in Wethersfield Township, being among the very earliest pioneers to locate in Henry County. He remained there but three years, for in 184 1 we find him tilling the soil in Burns Township. Here he owns T62 acres of land.

Mr. Cosner was married in Wethersfield Township, Feb. 5, 1 84 1, to Sarah Leonard, daughter of Samuel and Phebe Leonard. She was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 6, 1820. Ten children were born to them, four of whom survived. These are well known in the community where they reside. The living are William H., whose sketch is given in this volume ; Abraham S., Amanda B. and Francis M. Amanda is the wife of Lewis E. Wilhelm, of Burns Township. The deceased members of the family are Sylvester R., Benton B., Sarah S., Mathew P., Ruea R. and Cyntha M.

Mr. Cosner was Postmaster at Burns postoffice for seven years, and Road Commissioner six years, and has served as School Director. Since he voted for General Jackson he has ever been a Democrat.

rank M. McDonald, engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 2r, "^ Western Township, was born in Rural Township, Rock Island County, Sept. 5, 1852. His parents, James B. and Jane (Spivey) Mc- Donald, were natives of Kentucky, of Scotch descent, and were married in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., and at once came to Rock Island Co., 111., settling in Rural Township, before improvements had commenced in that locality. They set to work with characteristic energy, and have increased their acreage and improved their farm until they now have one of the best in that township. They also own a quarter-section in Western Township, this county, also well improved.

Frank M., the second in the family of five children, was a member of the parental household, and attended school in his native township, until he was 18 years of age. At the age of 20 he was married, and lived in Rock Island County one year, then removing into Pre-emption Township, Mercer County, where he purchased 80 acres of good farming land; after occupying this for four years, he bought 153 acres of section 21, Western Township, this county, which he has brought from an inferior to a very superior state of cultivation.

The date of Mr. McDonald's marriage was April 3, 1872, in Rural Township, Rock Island County, when he wedded Miss Frances E. Goodlow. Shewas born in Pre-emption Township, Mercer County,

Feb. 2, 1853. Her parents, Thomas and Margaret Goodlow, were born respectively in Ontario, Province of Canada, and Ireland. Her mother came to Ontario when quite small, and afterward both her parents came to the United States, where, in the city of Philadelphia, they were married. After their marriage they came to Rock Island County, where the father died July 12, 1868. Her mother is at present residing with her daughter, Sarah Goodlow, who resides in Mercer County. Mrs. McDonald was reared and educated in Pre-emption, Mercer County, and there resided until her marriage. She is the mother of two children by Mr. McDonald, - Bertha Maud, born March 28, 1873; and Jessie J., born Dec. 22, 1877.

His brothers and sisters are as follows : Jasper M. is a successful attomey-at-law in the city of Chicago; Lawrence is a resident of Western Township; Etta R. is living at home, and James Sherman is also yet a member of the parental household.

rites of Mr. Brown and Miss Drusilla A. Smith were observed. Miss Smith was a daughter of John and Hannah M. Smith, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. They came to Henry County in 1856, and were well known early pioneers here. Her father died at Cairo, 111., while a member ol the 124th 111. Vol. Inf. His widow resides in Dakota. They had a family of ten children, of whom Drusilla was the fifth. She was born in Morrow County, Ohio, April 13, 1846. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Brown bear the following names : Edward F., George H., Mary E., Laura I., Lydia J., Benjamin C. and Maggie A. Mary died when 22 months old.

enjamin J. Brown. Burns Township is settled with an intelligent, well-to-do class of farmers, prominent among whom is Benjamin J. Brown. His farm is on section 8, where he has 200 acress of land. In Westchester Co., N. Y., on the 14th of October, 1836, there was born to Coles J. and Sally M. (Cole) Brown, a son, to whom they gave the name of Benjamin J., and of whom this biography is written. His parents were also natives of the Empire State, but in 1855 came West and found a home in Burns Township, Henry County, where they reside at the present writing. Benjamin was the eldest of their three children. They sent him to the common schools and required his assistance at home. Early in life, however, he began to teach school, and about five years were spent in New York and Illinois in this profession. He came here a young man, and has since taken an active interest in the affairs of j* the community where he has resided. For fifteen . f years he has served as Justice of the Peace, and has ^ a's0 been Town Treasurer. In politics he adheres *' to Republican principles. ^» At Kewanee, on the 3d of May, 1866, the wedding osea r. Bliss is a retired farmer on section 36 of the township of Geneseo. He was born in Lewis Co., N. Y., Oct. 13, 1809. He is the eldest son of Isaac and Hannah (Brown) Bliss. His father was a native of Hebron, Conn., and his mother was born in Massachusetts. The senior Bliss went to the State of New York when a young man, where he met and married his wife in the city of Utica. After their union they located in Lewis County, and were early settlers in that part of the State.

Mr.. Bliss, Sr., bought a tract of the land of the county, which was in the heavy timber that was characteristic of the Empire State, made a small clearing and erected on it a little log house for the shelter of himself and wife, and proceeded with vigor in the work of improvement. He was the occupant of the place until 1 844, when he made a removal to Ohio. The son who is the subject of this sketch was then a resident of that State, and the father remained in the land of the Buckeye two years. He had a younger son in the city of Memphis, and at the end of the time mentioned he went there to remain for a time. While there he died with the cholera. His wife had died several years previously.

Mr. Bliss grew to manhood in the county of Lewis and was brought up on the farm. He was educated in the subscription school. The first important event of his life was his marriage to Amy Briggs. Their union was consummated Nov. 18, 1830. She was born in Rome, N. Y., March 5, 1810, and is the daughter of Michael and Olivia (Waterhouse)

Biiggs. Her father was a native of the State of Vermont, and her mother was born in the State of Connecticut. They were early settlers in the county of Oneida. At the date of his marriage Mr. Bliss bought a farm near Martinsburg, where he was a resident four years. They then went to Ohio, and settled in the part of the State which was then included in Concord Township, Lake County.

The family settled on a tract of timber land on which a log house had been erected. The residence there was maintained until 1853. In that year they came to Illinois. They made their first location in the township of Loraine, where Mr. Bliss bought 640 acres of land, of which 120 acres were under cultivation. Mr. Bliss retained the ownership of the place three years, when he sold out and bought improved land in the township of Atkinson, which was situated on section 30. He improved a good farm, and was its resident owner four years, when he bought a place on section 3, in Geneseo Township, on which a small frame house had been erected. There had also been improvements made on 40 acres, which had been placed under a slight degree of cultivation. In 1862 he bought a farm on section 36, Geneseo Township, and has since occupied this farm continuously. It contains 120 acres, and lies partly in the township of Atkinson.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bliss, viz. : George, who lives in Evansville, Ind.; Henry, who is a citizen of Alameda Co., Cal. ; Rosaltha, who is the wife of Samuel Taylor, of Greene Co., Iowa; and Fred, who is a resident of the city of Des Moines, in that State.

A. Maokey, Postmaster at Woodhull, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, April 22, 1056, and is a son of William A. and Emily (Hammond) Mackey, natives also of the same ; his father was a merchant and also engaged in the tanning business. Mr. Mackey received a fine education, and at the age of 17 years, being in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, became agent for the collection of funds in that section of the State for a manufacturer of musical instruments. At the age of 18 years he came to Illinois and engaged as a clerk in a dry-goods 2^^ @-A<Nflfr store in Woodhull, and continued in that position from 1875 to 1882, when he was appointed Postmaster, which office he now holds. In 1883 he accepted a position in the Farmers' Bank as head book-keeper and assistant cashier, which position he still occupies. He is also a School Trustee, and a member of the Village Board of Trustees. He is a rising young man of Woodhull. He also owns 160 rcres of land in Kansas, and a residence in Woodhull.

5 ric Gabrielson, banker, at Orion, and one of the leading and prominent business men of Northwestern Illinois, was born in Sweden, Feb. 18, 1849. His father, Charles Gabrielson, was a farmer in Sweden, where he » married Mary Bengson, also a native of that country. The family consisted of four children, besides the parents, when they came to America. They soon made their way to Andover, this county, where, in 1854, they located. The mother died at her home in that township, that same year, being taken away with many others by that terrible epidemic, the cholera, which raged so here at that time. The father subsequently married Catherina Johnson, and now resides in retirement from the scenes of active life in Andover.

Erick was the youngest but oneof a family of six children. He was reared and educated in the public schools of this county, living under the parental roof until he was 24 years of age. During the latter years of this period he was engaged in farming and stock shipping, and dealing in real estate in Andover. His business qualifications, which are of the highest order, are largely the gift of nature, but his early training had the tendency to develop and cultivate them. After his marrjage, he moved to Orion, where he had established a grocery store in May, 1874. In the same month of the year r882, he sold his business to the Orion Mercantile Co., which was organized with a capital stock of $20,000. He took in exchange for his business one-half interest of the entire ftock of the concern, which he still retains. On the 5th of December, 1879, he established the

Bank of Orion, with a limited stock. This has since been increased with a large amount of capital, which, together with the skillful management of Mr. G., the bank is now on a safe financial footing. It is a strictly commercial bank, and does all legitimate banking business, and also takes real-estate loans from Eastern capitalists. The amount deposited with the bank is usually $50,000. Mr. G. has also 80 acres of land on section 2 1 of Western Township, and 10,000 acres in Nebraska and Colorado; and he also deals largely in real estate. Besides, he is agent for the various foreign steamship lines. He is also Village Treasurer and has served as Trustee. Politically, he is thoroughly independent, taking a liberal view in all matters relating to politics as well as religion.

The subject of this personal sketch was -married on the 5th of August, 1874, at the residence of his wife's parents in Western Township, to Josephine, daughter of Gust, and Anna (Carlson) Huflund. Mrs. G.'s parents were farmers in Sweden, their native country, where they were married. After this event, they came to America and located in Rock Island, where, on the first of January, 1850, Mrs. G. was born. Her parents now reside in Western Township, where they settled on a farm her father had purchased from the Government, when she was but a mere child. The record of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. G. is given as follows : Estella, born Dec. 31, 1875; Almeda, Nov. 2, 1877; Charles E., Dec. 17, 1879; Esther, Nov. 10, 1882; and Mamie, Feb. 10, 1884.

hristena Gochenouer, resident on section 10, Annawan Township, is the widow of John Gochenouer, who died on his homestead in the same township, July 10, 1873. He was born in Rockingham Co., Va., in June, 1803. His marriage to Christena Harmon occurred Oct. 15, 1835.

7, 1849; Clarissa M., May 1, 1852; Nancy E., March 10, 1854; Barbara A., Nov. 1, 1835. All of the above who are living are well married and regard their aged mother with the filial devotion which is due to her advanced years and the manner in which she has discharged her duties to her household. Joseph entered the army during the Civil War and was accidentally shot at Cairo, 111., Oct. 20, 1861.

Mr. Gochenouer accumulated a considerable property and was, at the date of his death, the owner of 405 acres of land on which his widow has continued to carry out his plans since he left her to go to a better country. The illness of the father was long and at the last peculiarly distressing. He was for a long term of years a devoted Christian, and was for 38 years a Class-leader in the United Brethren Church. His closing hours were full of peace and trust in the promises in which he had put his faith all his life. He came to Henry County in 1858. Mrs. Gochenouer has been a member of the same Church to which her husband belonged since the age of 15. She has nine children' living, 47 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

of well improved land, located on section 14, jt Osco Township, where he resides, is a son of Lester C. and Ora (Mathews) Welton, natives Connecticut. The parents were married and settled in Connecticut, subsequently coming to Peoria County, this State, where they resided until 1855. During that year they came to this county and located in Osco Township, and there resided until 1877, when they removed to Cambridge, and thence, in the fall of 1883, went to Kansas, where they are at present living. Their children were James M., Ellen E., Merritt H. and Margaret A.

The gentleman whose name heads this article was born in Tivoli Township, Peoria County, this State, Nov. 2, 1846, and was about nine years old when his parents came to this county. His education was acquired in the common schools and in a select school in Geneseo. The vocation of his life has been that of an agriculturist, and he has been a resident of Henry County since 1855. His landed interest at the present time consists of 280 acres, located on section 14, Osco Township, all of which is under an advanced state of cultivation.

Mr. Welton was married in the township in which he at present resides Nov. 20, 1872, to Sarah A. Sherrard, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Baldwin) Sherrard, natives of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of 12 children - Joseph R., Samuel T., David S., Sarah A., John C, Louisa, George W., La Fayette and Frank; three died in infancy; Sarah A. (Mrs. Welton) was born in Lawrence Co., Pa., Dec. 11, 1847. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Welton are six in number - Luella J., Ora E., Lester C, James A. and Frank E. ; Rollin S. died when about three years old.

Mr. Welton has held several of the minor offices within the gift of the citizens of his township. He and his wife are believers in the tenets of the Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. W. casts his vote with the Republican party.

arriet E. Haxby, widow of the late John H. Haxby, of Annawan Township. Mr. Haxby had secured and brought to a high state of cultivation a farm of 320 acres on section 28 of that township. Here he lived, took a deep interest in the welfare of the community and was a highly esteemed citizen. He was born Jan. 11, 1840, in Scott Co., 111., of English parents. He was reared and educated in this State, and quite early in the history of this county became a resident nere. Sept. 6, 1865, he was married to Miss Harriet E. Dewitt, by the Rev. W. J. Beck, of the Kewanee Baptist Church. Mrs. Haxby was born in Kewanee Township, this county, Feb. 22,1851. They lived happily together until the death of Mr. Haxby, and became the parents of four children, born in the following order: George H, born Sept. 25, 1867 ; Luella A., Oct. 18, 1869 ; William, Oct. 2, 187 1 ; and Myrtle J., March 23, 1876.

struggle of seven days, conquered its victim. During the last days of his illness his mind wandered some. He had lived a true man, and died at peace with all the world, and with a firm hope of receiving the future reward. He was a kind and affectionate husband, and a tender, watchful father. Politically,-he was a Republican, and had served in some of the local official positions with satisfaction to the public. With good business judgment and ability, Mrs. Haxby is managing the 320-acre farm he left her. Upon this she has a good two-story dwelling, and fair outbuildings.

nomas Bolen, a pioneer of the township Of Loraine, in which he has been a resident since 1857, without intermission, was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Dec. 13, 1813. He is the son of Thomas Bolen. His parents were natives of Virginia, and early settlers in the State of Ohio. His mother died when he was but three years old, and he was soon provided with a step-mother by the second marriage of his father.

Mr. Bolen remained in the county in which he was born until he was 13, when his father died. He then went to Guernsey County, in that State, and was a member of the family of his uncle two years. He was then 1 5 , and took the control of his own fortunes into his own hands. When he was a year older he apprenticed himself to a gunsmith at Centerville, Carroll Co., Ohio, when he had acquired a complete knowledge of the business he operated as a journeyman, and worked in various cities in the United States, until 1840, when he came to Henry County for the first time. He entered land on section 7, in the township of Loraine, which was then designated by the figures which marked its position on the charts of the Government officials. He cut logs, built a cabin, which he covered with clapboards, and obtained lumber from Whiteside County to finish it. After four or five years he built a blacksmith shop, and opened a business in that line for the accommodation of his neighbors, and it proved a benefit to the commuunity as well as a material means of good to himself. In the spring of 1850 he set out at the head of a party who desired to cross the plains to California. They left Henry County on the first of

April of the year named, and went to Council Bluffs. They left there May ist, and arrived at Georgetown Aug. 2d following. Mr. Bolen found no difficulty in obtaining work at his trade, which he followed there two years. He operated as a gunsmith and as a blacksmith. He returned in 1852 to Henry County, coming back by the way of the Isthmus. In 1854 he went back to California, and, remembering the comforts of his route of return to the East, he went there by the same. He opened a shop at Georgetown and transacted a thriving business, furnishing the interior establishments with materials. In 1855 he was made Deputy Sheriff of the place where he resided, and he served in that position nearly three years. He resigned in order to return to Henry County, which he did in the year named, and he has since been a permanent resident of his farm. He has worked at the business of a blacksmith 20 years, and gunsmith 40 years, in all abovit 60 years, and has hired the work of his farm done by others who made farming their calling. He is the present owner of 120 acres. At one time he was the proprietor of 200 acres, but he sold a portion as he had more than he could manage to good advantage. He is the owner of a tract of land containing 160 acres, in York Co., Neb. He has held the office of Constable several years, and has also officiated as School Director.

Mr. Bolen has been married twice. He was united in matrimony with Mary A. Davis in r832. She was a native of Virginia, and died after giving birth to three children. Only one survives : Julia A. lives in Nebraska. In 1844 Mr. Bolen was married to Lydia Potts. They have had three children : Lydia is the wife of Fayette Martin, of Whiteside County. Nancy married Edward Somers, and they reside in Whiteside County. Washington R., the oldest, lives on the homestead.

illiam H. Cosner, farmer on section 14, Burns Township, was born in Kewanee Township, Jan. 5, 1842, where he was reared and received a good common-school education. He is one of the few active business men of to-day that one meets in Henry County who are natives of the county. It will be noticed in reading the sketches in this book that a vast majority of the men were born in the Eastern States or across the ocean. The parents of Mr. Cosner are Jacob and Sarah (Leonard) Cosner, both of whom are natives of the Buckeye State. Mr. C. was married in .Burns Township, on New Year's Day, 1864, to Adelaide, daughter of C. O. and Philena Wedge. She was born in Wethersfield Township, May 14, 1844, and has borne to heV husband two children, - William O. and Ceria C. Mr. Cosner is the owner of 172% acres of fine land.

Mr. Cosner has held some of the minor offices of his township, to the satisfaction of the public, and politically is a Democrat. Mrs. C. is a member of the Methodist Church.

..udson B. Engle, residing at Orion, and engaged in general farming and the raising of stock, is a native of Burlington Co., N. J., where he was born Nov. 4, 1820. The father, Joseph Engle, was a native of the same county, where he was married to Hannah H. Burr, a native also of the same State, and a second cousin to Aaron Burr. They became the parents of seven children, of whom our subject was the eldest son and third child.

His father died when he was about ten years of age. He continued to reside with his mother, helping her along in her trouble to provide for her family until he was 17 years of age, when he became an apprentice to learn the wagon-maker's trade, under David Heaton, of Moorestown, N. J. After working for four years for Mr. Heaton, he came West with his mother and two sisters and three other brothers, the family locating at Richland Grove, Mercer County. They endured many hardships on their journey westward, which was made all the way overland in three wagons and with six horses. They were on the road two months, and during the time never slept in a house, and, as one might naturally expect, experienced many hardships. In the spring of 1848, three years after their arrival, the family moved into Western Township and purchased 40 acres of land on section 22.

Mr. Engle, however, had come to Orion the year before, and was married Nov. n, T847, to Miss Sarah Elwell, daughter of Perly and Sarah (Stanley)

Elwell. Her father died in Massachusetts, and her mother married again, came to Illinois, and settled in Western Township, in 1843, where they were very early and well-known settlers. The wedding of Mr. Engle was the first to be celebrated in Western Township. At that time there were but five houses within its borders. They have since made this a place of their permanent residence, where Mr. Engle owns 115 acres of land, all under the plow, and adjoining the village corporation line on the north. Mr. Engle deals in high grades of swine and cattle.

Mr. and Mrs. E. are active members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. E. is a Trustee. Mr. Engle is a believer in, and a supporter of, the principles advocated by the Republican party.

yman Lyon, of the township of Geneseo, was the first settler in the part of Henry County in which he is now a resident. He was born Sept. 15, 1814, in Woodstock, Conn., and is the son of Uriah and Jerusha (Nooning) Lyon. His parents were both of English descent and were born respectively in Connecticut and Vermont. The father of his mother was a soldier of the War of the Revolution. Mr. Lyon is the fourth in order of birth of a family of 1 1 children. The family being large and the parents not in affluent circumstances, it became necessary for the children to aid in their own maintenance at as early an age as possible, and Mr. Lyon obtained employment in the neighborhood where his family were residents at the age of nine. He continued to assist in this manner in the cares of his parents until he was his own man. At 21 he entered upon the acquirement of the trade of a shoemaker. After obtaining an understanding of the details of that profession he passed the winter seasons in its pursuit and in the summers worked as a farm assistant.

April 6, 1841, he was united in marriage to Olive H. W. Buck. Mrs. Lyon was born in Pomfret, Conn., July 8, 1823, and is the daughter of Aaron and Mercy (Sprague) Buck. The former was a native of Connecticut and the latter of M assachusetts. A t the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lyon settled in Union, in their native State, where the former bought a farm. He retained his ownership therein until

1850. In that year he located in Henry County. He first bought a residence in Geneseo, where the family resided until 1853- Mr. Lyon then made a purchase of land on section 17, which was entirely uncultivated. He paid for it the Government price of $1.25 per acre. The farm contains 60 acres and is all under cultivation of a most creditable type. It is enclosed and supplied with all necessary and suitable farm buildings.

At the time Mr. and Mrs. Lyon took possession of their place they were without neighbors and they kept open house in true pioneer style for all comers. They acquired a well-deserved reputation for hospitality, and their efforts for the comfort of the strangers who called at their door is remembered most heartily by those who were the recipients of their consideration while engaged in the work of prospecting for a location or in preparing their own homes.

The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Lyon is as follows : Alvin M. lives in the township of Edford. Mary is the wife of Hiram P. Roundtree, a teacher of elocution in the city of Chicago. Sarah is also a teacher of elocution at Bloomington. Frank is a citizen of Grand Forks, Dak. The son first named was born in Union, Conn., July 4, 1843, and married Achsah Adams. They have six children.

l^enry Goembel, a retired farmer, resident at Geneseo, is a native of the State of Hesse, in Germany, and was born June 14, 1822, on the river Fulda, a tributary of the Rhine, in the village of Nederaula. He is the oldest son of Sebastian and Anna Goembel, both of Hessian birth. His grandfather was one of the Hessian soldiers who were hired to the English by his Government to aid the British in the War of the Revolution, or, as is claimed, was sold by the German ruler, as that nation holds the ownership of its subjects to a certain age, or until a certain amount of military duty is performed. The ancestor who came to America under such circumstances was taken prisoner at New York, and after his release became a loyal adherent of the government of the Colonies. He was engaged some time as a clerk, and after the declaration of peace he returned to the land of his nativity. There he reared a family, and in 1834 his son, Sebastian, accompanied by his wife and eight children, sailed from Bremen for the United States. They were on. the sea 69 days, and landed at the port of New Orleans. They came -to America on a German sailing-vessel, named the Ernest Gustav. After a stay of two weeks at the Crescent Cily, they set out for St. Louis. However, they debarked at Havana, 111., and continued their stay there a month. At the end of that time they went to Peoria, which was then celled Fort Clark.

The elder Goembel bought a claim on Farm Creek, in Tazewell County, or rather took possession and held it until the land sales came on, when he secured his title. At the time he bought the claim of the first who had settled on it, a log house had been built, and that was the sole improvement on the entire track. Mr. Goembel placed the entire estate under the best character of improvements, and erected an excellent class of buildings thereon. After a residence on the property of several years, he removed to Washington, in the same county. There the family remained, and there the father and mother both died. Six of their eight children are yet living. Mr. Goembel, of this sketch, grew to the estate of manhood in the county of Tazewell. He was an inmate of the family of his father until 1849. In that year he bought timber land, situated about one and a half miles from the place of his father, and there he settled. He built a frame house ; and as he had a natural faculty for the use of tools he did the main part of the work on it himself. He was the owner and occupant of the place until 1864. He then sold the farm, which contained 200 acres, and of which the half part was improved. In October of the year named he came to Henry County. He located in the township of Alba, where he purchased 200 acres of land. It had at the time a reasonably good set of frame buildings on it, and he proceeded with the work of its improvement. He was prospered in all his plans, and made additional purchases until he became the proprietor of 700 acres. He is still the owner of the farm, which he rented in 187 1, and removed to the vicinity of the city of Geneseo. He bought 40 acres lying adjoining the townplat, and has since purchased several acres in addition. He is also the owner of two farms in the township of Phenix.

German province from whence her husband came. Their children are Zachariah T., who lives in the township of Phenix ; Charles C, of Alba Township ; Anna, wife of Joseph Greenwood ; Elizabeth (Mrs. Lawrence Seyler) lives in Audubon Co., Iowa; John H., of Phenix Township; Millie, Henry L. and Kittie at home.

ames Gaster, Postmaster at Galva, this county, was born Dec. 29, 1834, in Fulton Co., Pa., and is the son of Jacob and Nancy (Miller) Gaster, born in the same county and State, the county then being called Bedford. The grandfather of Mr. Gaster of this sketch was a native of Germany, a son of Jacob Gaster and a farmer by occupation. He lived and died on the old homestead in Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in 1800. He was married to Nancy Miller, daughter oT John Miller. She died in the fall of 1 86 1, after having borne her husband 11 children, namely, John, Sarah A., Philip M., Jacob, James, Elizabeth, Rebecca. Peter, Daniel, William, and a child who died in infancy.

James Gaster was educated in the district schools of his native county, and followed the vocation of farming on the parental homestead until he attained the age of 19 years. He was then apprenticed to learn the house-carpenter's trade, which he followed until he had attained his 22d year. On arriving at that age, he came to Galva, this county, where he was engaged in milling for many years in the Galva Mills.

Mr. Gaster enlisted in the war for the Union, Aug. 12, 1862, and served until June 20, 1865, when he received his discharge. He enlisted in Co. G, 1 1 »th 111. Vol. Inf., Capt. James McCarthy, and was with Major-General A. E. Burnside in the campaigns of Kentucky and Tennessee, in 1862-3, Major-General Sherman in the Georgia campaign, in 1864, Major- General G. H. Thomas, in the Tennessee campaign, in 1864, Major-General Schofield in the campaign of North Carolina, in 1865, and was with the company when the last shot was fired at Goldsboro, N. C, April 5, 1865. He has participated in 22 general engagements and 75 skirmishes, principal among which were Monticello, Ky., Campbell's Station, Knoxville, Bean Station, Dandridge, Kelly's Ford, Muddy Creek, Tenn., Resaca, New Hope Church, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Utaw Creek, Atlanta, Rough and Ready, and Jonesboro, Ga.. Columbia, Frankville, Nashville, Tenn., Fort Anderson, Town Creek, Wilmington and Goldsboro, N. C. He was a brave soldier, and was never known to shirk when duty called him.

After the war was over Mr. Gaster returned to Galva, and once more entered upon the peaceful pursuits of life. He again engaged in milling, which he followed for some time, and in the winter of 1872 went into the grocery business, which he followed for about a year. In 1883, Feb. 27, he was appointed Postmaster at Galva by President Chester A. Arthur, which position he has held until the present time.

Mr. Gaster formed a matrimonial alliance Aug. 10, 1865, in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., 111., with Miss Amy A. Greeley, daughter of Moses P. Greeley, an old settler of Peoria County and also of Bureau County. Her father came to Bureau County in 1853, and died at Tiskilwa, Dec. 27, 1862.

The progenitors of the Greeley family were three brothers, who came from England. Horace Greeley claimed to be a descendant from one of the brothers, and the family to which the parents of Mrs. Gaster belonged descended from another of the three brothers. Mrs. Gaster was born May 25, 1841, in Buda, Bureau County, this State. Of her union with Mr. Gaster four children have been born, - Chloe M., Cora J., William and Nellie O.

Mr. and Mrs. Gaster are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Reuublican, and socially a member of the G. A. R., of which organization he is Senior Vice Commander.

Here he remained for six years, when we again find him in Stark County. For two years he made that place his home, when he was again attracted to Cornwall, where he passed another two years. He then came to Burns Township, where he has since lived, . and where he is the owner of 360 acres of land, all tillable. He has held several of the minor offices of the township, and is regarded as one of the solid, well-to-do men of Burns.

Mr. Fell was married while living in Cornwall Township, to Miss Hattie Campbell, a lady of Scotch ancestry, and who was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Jan. 22, 1841. Their marriage occurred on the 19th of October, 1858. James W., Walter A. and John C. are the names of their three children. Mrs. Fell is a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church, and politically Mr. Fell is a Republican.

oseph Morton. This gentleman is devoting his attention to general farming and the raising of stock upon section 2, Western Township. He is the son of Zalmuna and Clarissa (Moshall) Morton, who were natives respectively of Massachusetts and New Jersey. Both had, however, gone to Cincinnati, Ohio, previous to their marriage, which event was celebrated about the year 1823. His father was a merchant and contractor, and after their marriage they lived at the Queen City for some years, when they moved to Butler Co., Ohio, and located at Middleton. In the autumn of 1848 the family came to Adams Co., 111., and settled upon a farm near Quincy, where they spent the remainder of their lives, both parents dying in 1854. They were interred at the cemetery at Columbus, Adams County. Three of the older brothers continued to reside in that county, two sisters in Henry County, and one near Greenfield, Iowa.

Joseph Morion lived at home with his parents, attending school at the Methodist Seminary and Presbyterian High School, then located at Quincy. At the age of 2 1 he began teaching school in Adams County, and followed the profession for nine years, when he turned his attention to farming, having during the meantime married, as he desired to '' settle down " in life. Miss Margaret J. Cate, daughter of Joseph and Sarah J. (Wilson) Cate, was the lady of his choice. The ceremony took place at the residence of Mr. Cate, near Hamilton, Hancock Co., 111., on the 13th of October,]i868. Mr. Cate and his wife were both natives of New Hampshire, and were early pioneers to Illinois, coming in 1837, and were married a year later. The former is deceased, and Mrs. Cate is living near Hamilton. Mrs. Morton was born near Quincy, Dec. 10, 1841. She resided at home, attending the school at Quincy and at Hamilton, and began to teach when a young lady, which profession she followed until her marriage. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Morton has been blessed by eight children, one only of whom is deceased. Clarissa "Jennie " is the name of the eldest, and the others were born in the following order: George M., Clarence E., Lewella A., Margaret " Josie," Horatio H., Joseph R., and Henry A., deceased.

In 1872, four years after his marriage, Mr. Morton came from Geneseo Township, this county, where he had lived for three years, to Western Township, having puschased 160 acres of land in the year 1856 on section 2, where he has since lived and been a successful farmer. He also has another quartersection of land, which is pretty well improved, in Republic Co., Kan. Both Mr. and Mrs. Morton are members of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. M. is Clerk and Treasurer of the congregation, and Clerk of the Board of his district.

Samuel Pettit, a well known agriculturist of Annawan Township and an old pioneer of this section of the county, who resides on seetion 32, was born in Cambridgeshire, Eng., Jan. 7, 1821. He spent 11 years of service in the English army, and for six years was stationed in Canada. However, quite early in the settlement of the fertile prairies of Henry County, he found his way here in 1855, and secured a quarter of section 32, of Annawan Township. At that time this was but partially improved. Here he has made his home ever since and developed his farm to a good state of cultivation.

While living in Canada, Mr. Pettit met and was married to Mrs. Sophronia Rohrer, a native of the Dominion. She was born July 15, 1820, and was married April 8, 1855. They became the parents of eight children, a record of whom is given as follows : Priscilla Rohrer was born Feb. 17, 1841 ; Alveretta Rohrer, Jan. 8, 1853 ; Alfred W. Pettit, Aug. 8, 1853; David N., Sept. 25, 1854; Sarah E., July 29, 1856; Alvin A., March 1, 1858; John M., Jan. 6, i860; Giles M., May 6, 1863. Alvin married Miss Elizabeth Carter, June 1, 1881, and they have one child, Eslie A., born June 27, 1883. Mrs. Alvin Pettit was born Feb. 25, 1861. The family are members of the Baptist Church, and all, of them are strongly imbued with the political sentiments of the Republican party.

nomas Reese, a farmer on section 29, Colona Township, has been a citizen of Henry County since 1856. He is a native of Caermarthen, Wales, and was born Sept. 26, 1835. His parents were natives of the same country, and their names'were'Rollin and Lucy (Bowen) Reese.

Mr. Reese was reared to manhood on the farm o his father in the county of his nativity, and at the age of 14 he entered the mines in the vicinity and was employed in the Welsh collieries until 1854. In that year he came to the United States. He went to Ohio, where he obtained work in the coal mines, and remained there until 1856, the year in which he came to Henry County. He first engaged in coalmining in the Aldrich mine in the township of Geneseo, where he operated three years, and at the end of that time he went to Coal Valley, and was similarly employed there until 1865. He had saved his earnings with the purpose of some time engaging in some other avenue of employ or in some other mode of life, and in the last year he bought a farm lying on sections 29 and 32. The place had a house on it and his family were its occupants until 1876. Mr. Reese had prospered in his agricultural operations, and had meanwhile purchased the southeast quarter of section 29, on which a portion of his farm was already situated, and in the year named the household took possession of the house on the new farm. Mr. Reese is the proprietor of 320 acres of land, all in excellent condition, well fenced and with pasture for the supply of the stock on the place. He has never married. His parents and several sisters came to America with him and the former were members of his household as long as their lives continued. His mother died in the fall of [865, and the demise of his father took place in 1881. Four sisters are still living: Mary is the wife of David Hughes, and they live in Wales; Hannah married Win. Phillips, of Carroll Co., Iowa; Jemima married Daniel Christmas, of the same county in Iowa ; and Ann is the wife of Jacob Morgan, and they live near her sisters.

^ most a life-time in the publishing business, was born in Howden, Yorkshire, Eng., Jan. 13, 1825. He was the youngest of Joseph and Elizabeth Seaton 's 13 children, of whom eight, four girls and four boys, emigrated to this country in 1830, settling in Utica, N. Y., in June of that year.

At the age of 14 years Benjamin was apprenticed to Bennett, Backus & Hawley, publishers of the Baptist Register, and also booksellers, in Utica. Mr. Seaton served seven years' apprenticeship at the printing business, and, after serving out his time, he spent four years in the law office of Crafts & Beardsley. In those days it took seven years to "make"' a lawyer, unless the applicant had a diploma from some college. On the 30th of December, 1849, Mr. Seaton was united in marriage with Miss Julia E. Bond, and the next year they came West, and settled in the then "wonderful" city of Chicago, which contained 28,000 inhabitants.

On arriving in Chicago, Mr. Seaton for a few months worked as "jour" in.the offices of the Chicago Democrat and New Covenant. He then became one of the editors of the Chicago ^Daily Argus, the first paper to place the name of Stephen A. Douglas at the head of its columns in 1851 as a candidate for the Presidency. In 1852, the Argus was sold to John L. Scripps and William Bross, who changed the name to the Democratic Press. Mr. Seaton then devoted his time to job printing, and followed that business until he was induced to go to Prairie City, McDonough Co., this State, to take charge of the Chronicle, which he did, and at the end of the first year discontinued the same. In June, 1858, he moved to Kewanee, and there became "boss" printer in the Dial office. During the year he managed that paper the office paid all expenses, and left quite a large balance in the treasury. So well pleased were the owners of the paper with his "industry and perseverance" that they offered to give him the office if he would publish a Republican paper, but he did not know how; and so declined the offer that possibly contained a fortune. Soon after, the Dial was sold to Mr. Wheeler, a former editor of the Chicago Tribune. In the spring of i860 Mr. Seaton went to Chicago and opened a job department for Jones, Perdue & Small, stationers. This was the foundation of the now celebrated " J. M. W. Jones Printing-House."

In December, 1862, Mr. Seaton started the Galva Union, which paper he continued to publish until 1864, when the Republicans thought they must have a party organ, and made some tempting offers to induce the editor to become a Republican ; but he was not for sale, and so the establishment was sold to Capt. Johnson, and he retired to a farm on section 16, Wethersfield Township, where he remained until 1868, when he started the Prairie Chief at Galva, but afterwards removed it to Toulon, and conducted the paper at that place until December, 187 1, when he made another removal, taking his paper to Cambridge, where it took the patronage of the Cambridge Democrat, that paper becoming defunct. The Prairie Chief, at present, is one of the solid papers of the county, and there are only two papers in the county - the Geneseo Republic and the Cambridge Chronicle - ihat are older than it is. The Chief has never known any other editor or manager. It is his favorite child, though he has three sons and three daughters living. His eldest son, Frank, died in 1879, at the age of 27 years.

JPiM B. Cole. The subject of the following pS££ brief personal sketch, Mr. A. B. Cole, is a jjfe* well-to-do farmer upon section 28, Oxford ^}j» Township. He was born in .Chenango Co., ft N. Y., April 13, 1806. His parents, Amos and I Dinah (Crowfoot) Cole, were natives of Rhode Island. Mr. Cole remained under the paternal roof until he was 2 1 years of age ; during the meantime

After leaving home he worked out by the month for four years, when he bought 40 acres of land in Madison Co., N. Y. There he remained engaged for six years, when he sold his New York property and left for the West. He soon found himself in Oxford Township, this county, arriving as early as June' 1839. He was therefore one of the pioneers of the county. For 12 years he labored at blacksmithing. He then entered from the Government 80 acres of land on section 28. To this he subsequently added 160 acres. Though coming to the county without a great deal of means, and having to spend so many years at his trade, he has become one of the prominent and representative citizens of Henry County. Though not a politician, he has been called upon by his neighbors and fellow citizens to serve as Justice of the Peace and Supervisor, and also to fill the responsible offices of County Treasurer, County Commissioner and County Assessor. Politically, he is an independent Democrat.

While living in the East, Mr. Cole and Miss Augusta Briggs, a native of Massachusetts, were united in marriage. This event was celebrated Nov. 24, 1830. To them have been born five children, four of whom are living, - Martha, Festus C, Amos and Lucy. The first is the wife of A. C. Lockwood, of Mercer County; Feslus married Elizabeth Taze ; Amos was married to Miss Kate Emerick ; Lucy is the wife of W. W. Shakles.

David H., our subject, was the fourth in order of birth of a family of six children, and the eldest son, and was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, Jan. 7, 1834. There he resided until about 21 years of age, attending the common schools, and also the Ohio University at Athens, Ohio, about two years, when he went to La Fayette Co., Wis., where he resided seven years, being engaged in farming and mercantile business, and then at times he was employed in teaching. In 1861 he came to Henry County, and for five years he rented land and worked the same, at the expiration of which time he purchased 80 acres on section 12, Osco Township, his present location, has erected splendid buildings, and is now the owner of 160 acres, having made subsequent purchases ; and his land is all tillable. He has taught school in Henry County four winters.

Mr. Smith was married in La Fayette Co., Wis., Oct. 25, 1855, to Esther Sornborger, daughter of George and Hannah (Olmstead) Sornborger, natives of New York State. Mrs. S. was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., March 31, 1834. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Smith are six in number, - Howard H , Charles M., Will C, Myra E., Ella, who died when two years old, and Kittie, who died when five months old.

For five years he has been a member of the Board of Road Commissioners, and has held other minor offices of his township. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is identified with the Republican party.

'ohn S. Parsons. In 1856 Mr. Parsons came ^ from Rock Island County into Henry, and shortly afterward purchased 80 acres of land on section 21, Osco Township, where he settled. Here he has since lived, and is looked upon as one of the most highly respected and well-to-do farmers of Osco. He is a son of George H. and Henrietta (Carey) Parsons, who were natives and residents of Maryland all their lives. The eldest of their family of seven children was John S., who was born in Worcester Co., Md., March 27, 1824. . Here the earlier years of his life were spent growing up to manhood and receiving a good practical education. The last years of his residence in' Maryland he was engaged in farming. In the spring of 1852 he came West, and soon found a location in Rock Island County, where for four years he remained working out by the month. The opportu- nities for accumulating anything by such means is meagre at all times, but especially so in pioneer times, when people had but very little money ; and the early settlers themselves were sturdy, vigorous and hard-working men. Mr. Parsons, however, must have saved a little, for we soon find him in this county, and the owner of 8o acres of land. He erected good buildings on his farm, which now comprises 70 acres of good tillable land.

Shortly after he removed to Henry County, Mr. Parsons felt that the wisest course for him to pursue was to secure the advice, assistance and help of a good wife. This he found in the person of Miss Mary D. Carroll, the date of the wedding being Oct. 21, T857, in Henry County. Mrs. Parsons is the daughter of Anthony W. and Belinda (Root) Carroll. The former was a native of Pennsylvania, while her mother was a Massachusetts lady. Her parents settled in Licking Co., Ohio, where her mother died May 27, T865. Her father went West, and died at Olathe, Kan., April 27, 1822. Mrs. Parsons was the eldest of a large family, consisting of eight children, and was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, April 2, r827. She has been an active, enterprising lady in the community as well as an excellent wife. She has served her district in the capacity of School Director for two years. Both herself and husband are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

eonard H. Richards made his first purchase of land in Henry County in 1870. He was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., April 11, 1836. He is the fourth son of John /*, M. and Mary (Morfit) Richards. His father was ;_ born in the State of Vermont and his mother in Connecticut. They were among the earliest settlers in the State of New York and of the county where their son was born. The senior bought land in the dense timber, where he cleared a farm, and was its owner and occupant until he removed his family to Erie County, in the same State, in 1848. They continued to live there until 1856, when they came to Illinois and located in Whiteside County. They settled in the vicinity of Leon, where the parents passed the remaining years of their lives. They died in 1866 and 1868 respectively.

Mr. Richards came to Illinois on his own account when 18. He rented a farm in Cook County in the township of Lyons. He operated there two years, and in 1856 came to Whiteside County. He was a farmer there until the second year of the Civil War. August T4 he enlisted in Co. D, 75th 111. Vol. Inf., and continued in the military service of the United States until the war was ended. He was a participant in the battles of Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain, Lookout Mountain and Nashville. He received an honorable discharge June 12, 1865. On being mustered out he returned to Whiteside County, and continued to operate there until the year that has been mentioned as that in which he came to the township of Yorktown. He made a purchase of land on section 3, where he has since prosecuted his farming projects. He is engaged in what is known as mixed husbandry and is also occupied in rearing horses and cattle.

Mr. Richards was married Sept. 26, 1861, to Hortensia Sabin. She was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1843. Otis W. and Stella M. are the names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Richards.

Catharine (Lafler) Williamson, were born in the same State, and were residents of the same township until he was 14, when they removed to Amwell Township, in that part of Hunterdon County which has since been set off to Mercer County. That was his home through the remaining years of his minority, and he was reared on the homestead estate. He became his own master at the age of 19, and he readily obtained employment in the neighborhood, where he had lived long enough to become well known.

Sept. 13, 1845, he was married to Amanda P. Quick. She was born in the township of Hopewen, in (then) Hunterdon County, and is the daughter of Joseph and Phebe (Primmer) Quick. The day of her birth was Jan. 29, 1825. The young couple rented a farm in Mercer County, and were farmers there until their removal to Illinois, in the year which has been mentioned. Mr. Williamson bought 122 acres of land in Munson Township, for which he paid $15 per acre. It was located on the section on which he has since lived, and was in an uncultivated condition. He erected a farm house, and entered with the greatest vigor into the work of improvement. All of the estate is now under cultivation, and is all fenced. Many trees have been set out of several kinds, and the place is a fair manifestation of the good judgment and industrious perseverance of the proprietor.

The family of Mr. Williamson comprises two children. Calvin J. was born in Hopewell Township, in Mercer Co., N. J., Oct. 26, 1847. He married Sarah McCarthy, and they have two children, - Lillie and Laura C. Sallie was born in the same township, Oct. 7, 1856, and she is the wife of Jacob Winans, who is also a native of the same State. They live in the township of Cambridge, in Henry County.

1 illiain Roberts, farmer, section 16, Burns Township. In the year 1833 there journeyed westward from New York in the the old mode of conveyance a family headed by Michael Roberts. He and his wife, who was formerly Miss Minerva Atchison, had six children at that time, the youngest of whom, or the next to the youngest rather, was William. This infant grew up to be William Roberts, the gentleman whose name heads this biography. He was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov 5, 1831. His parents stopped for a time in Peoria Co., 111., but soon moved into Fulton County, where they lived and were well known for a number of years. In 1854 they came into Henry County and settled upon a piece of land in Burns Township, where the family have since made their home. Mr. Roberts has a nice farm here of 121 acres, all of which is tillable. He has erected fine farm buildings, and is looked upon as an enterprising farmer. His parents, Michael and Minerva (Atchison) Roberts, were also natives of Monroe Co., N. Y., and William was the sixth of a family of 12 children born to them, and at the time they moved West he was but two years old.

While living in Fulton County, Mr. Roberts and Miss Esther Green were united in marriage. This important event in their lives occurred Dec. 30, 1852. The lady was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., on Christmas Day of 1837, and is a daughter of William and Esther (Atchinon) Green, also natives of the Empire State, and the second of their four children. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have had six children, namely : Ida I., Emma L., Frank E., Elmer E., Laura V. and Roscoe. Ida and Frank are deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and in political sentiment Mr. Roberts is inclined toward the Republican party.

ohn L. Jennings. In 1850 Mr. Levi Jennings, who was a native of Virginia, came with his family to Henry County. Among his children was a lad ten years of" age, who has since become a prominent and active citizen of the county. The name of this lad was John L. Jennings, who to-day resides upon section 7 of Burns Township, and owns a magnificent farm of 320 acres. The wife of Levi Jennings was Susan H., nee Shepherd, a native of Ohio.

John L., as might be expected, during the early years of his life enjoyed only meager advantages for an education. He was, however, permitted to attend the Lombard University at Galesburg, and at the the age of 20 started out to, earn his own livelihood. He engaged in agricultural pursuits principally, and has been a resident here since 1850, when he came to Henry County, as above stated. He is the owner and proprietor of 320 acres of good tillable land, having built upon the same fine buildings, and he is regarded as one of the leading and enterprising farmers of Burns Township.

Mr. Jennings was first married at Toulon, Stark Co., 111., in September of i860, to Mary J. Collins. His second marriage occurred at Princeton, 111., in August, 1867, to Mary J. Beck. Jan. 28, 1875, he was married to his present wife, Sarah E. Oliver. He is the father of two children, John L., Jr., and Roy F. Aug. 15, 1862, when President Lincoln called for more troops, Mr. Jennings enlisted in Co. H, 1 1 2th 111. Vol. Inf., and served his country bravely for three years. He served as Color Sergeant of the regiment, and at the battle of Knoxville, Tenn.,

Nov., 1863, he was wounded in the thigh, and at the battle of Eutaw Creek, Ga., received a wound in the right leg, and at the battle of Franklin. Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864, he was again a victim of a rebel missile, receiving a wound in the stomach. Mr. Jennings is a member of the G. A. R., and is identified with A. Dunn Post, of Cambridge. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and politically, has been identified with the Republican party, but is now a Free-Trader.

: oyal G. Crouch, came to the township of Atkinson, where he is an agriculturist, in in 1878. He has a farm of 160 acres on V<y\ section 16, where he is pursuing his plans with the success his industry and good management deserve. He was born March 2, 1831, in the State of Vermont, and his property gives evidence that he has inherited the practical judgment and thrifty habits which characterize the stock in which he had his origin. When he reached the age of 20 he learned the trade of a brick and plaster mason. He served his apprenticeship in Rutland, Vt., and after passing three years in that place he went to Troy, N. Y., and was occupied there one year in the same vocation. He came thence to Henry County and worked at the same business in Gene- [( ) seo, where he operated as a contractor and took jobs. In the year 1878 he bought a farm of 160 acres in Atkinson Township and has been a resident theVe since. He is a Republican in his political views.

The marriage of Mr. Crouch and Mary E. Hunt was celebrated Jan. 1, 1855. They have had five children. Mary Edna was born June t, 1856; George H., Sept. ro, 1857; Herbert R., July 25, 1862 ; David W., April 9, 1859; Merritt G., Nov. 17, 1874. Mrs. Crouch was born in Vermont Oct. 15, 1835. She is aCongregationalist in religious views.

i illiam Sherrard, proprietor of 1 68 acres of good farm land, located on section 36, Osco Township, where he follows the vocation of an agriculturist, is one of the successful farmers as well as the respected citizens of Henry County. The parents of Mr. Sherrard, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, were David and Elizabeth (Gilbert) Sherrard, "-v, natives of Pennsylvania and Scotland respectively.

They were married and settled in Pennsylvania, and subsequently emigrated to Mercer County, this State, in 1853, where they resided until their deaths^

The gentleman of whom we write was the second child in order of birth in a family of seven children, and was born in Franklin Co., Pa., Dec. 12, 181 2. At the age of 18, he was apprenticed for three years to learn the blacksmith's trade, and followed the same for three years, after which he engaged in farming. He first purchased a farm in Lawrence Co., Pa., on which he resided and cultivated until 1865. In the spring of that year he came to this county and bought 168 acres of land in Osco Township. On this land he located with his family and entered vigorously and energetically upon its improvement and cultivation, and has continued to reside thereon until the present time, meeting with success in his chosen vocation, agriculture. His farm presents the appearance of energy, and is indicative of what may be accomplished by one possessed of the push and energy of its proprietor. , The marriage of Mr. Sherrard took place in Lawrence Co., Pa., and the lady selected to accompany him through the trials of the future was Miss Elizabeth, the accomplished daughter of Samuel and Mary (Hazen) Baldwin, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Sherrard was born in Lawrence Co., Pa., July 18, 1817, and has borne her husband 12 children, namely: Joseph R., S. Theo, David S., Sarah, John C, Lou, George W., Gilbert L. and James F. are the living, and William, James and an infant are deceased. Joseph R. resides in Pennsylvania; S. Theo is a resident of Iowa ; and David S. lives in Kansas; Sarah became the wife of James M. Welton, who resides in Osco Township; John C. is living in Cambridge Township; Lou is the wife of Merritt Welton, a resident of Iowa; George W. resides at home with his father; and Gilbert L. is living in Kansas, while James F. resides in Ohio.

Mrs. Sherrard died in Osco Township, April 14, 1865, and Mr. Sherrard was again married, in Pennsylvania, in October, 1869, to Angeline Cunningham, a native of Pennsylvania. She died in Osco Township, July 2, 1881, and Mr. Sherwood formed a third matrimonial alliance, in Munson Township, this county, Nov. 24, 1883, with Mrs. Barbara Walker, widow of David Walker, who was killed July 24, 1 88 1, by a team running away with a reaper. He was in the act of unhitching the horses, when they

Mr. Sherrard and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, as likewise was Mr. S.'s second wife, his first wife having been a member of the Baptist Church. Politically, Mr. Sherrard is a believer in and a supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party.

obert W. Wolever. As early as 1837, John E. Wolever, the father of our subject, came from New York to Illinois, and eventually became one of the prominent pioneers of Henry County. John E. was born in Warren Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, 1809, and on coming to Illinois located at Rochester, Peoria County, at the place now known as Elmore. He lived here for a nnmber of years, and in 1852 came north, and found a location at Geneseo, where, however, he only remained for about six months, when he removed to Galva. The railroad was just being built through this place, and considerable inducements were held out to him to start a hotel. This he did, and opened the Galva House, which he conducted with some success for three years, when he sold out his hotel interests, and made some other improvements in ihe village. He remained in Galva until the spring of i860, when he sold his property there, and bought 166 acres on sections 4 and 5 of Cornwall Township. It was at the time slightly improved, but he made large additions in the way of improvements, and brought it to a high state of cultivation. In 1834 he married Miss Margaret Hulsizer, who was born March 4, 1819. Her death occurred on the 8th of May, 1880, his demise being on the 4th of October, 1844, leaving a splendid record as a pioneer and worthy citizen.

Robert W. Wolever, who is farming on section 4, of Cornwall Township, was born while his parents were living in Peoria County, the date of his birth being Nov. 23, 1844. He remained with his parents until he gained his majority, with the exception of the time spent in the army. The President kept calling for troops, and although Robert was but 1 6 years of age, yet he was determined to shoulder the musket. He joined Co. H, 57th 111. Vol. Inf., under Capt.

Robbins, of Bureau County, and was mustered in at Camp Douglas, Chicago, Dec. 26, 1861. During the following winter, Feb. 10, 1862, his regiment started for Fort Donelson, and he participated in that fight. He then proceeded to Pittsburg Landing, and took part in the battle of Shiloh, where the 57th lost very heavily. He also took part in the siege of Corinth, and remained in that place until Nov. 12, 1863, when he was ordered to Middle Tennessee, and assigned to garrison duty, while Sherman was preparing his campaign to Atlanta. He served in the Atlanta campaign, and engaged in all its eventful battles. He then did garrison duty at Rome, Ga., and in June, 1864, was in the battle of Altoona. On Dec. 26, of that year, he was discharged at Savannah, Ga., and was mustered out at Chicago, June 10, 1865.

Shortly after his return home, Mr. Wolever was married to Miss Mahala Fry, daughter of Abraham and Margaret Fry, pioneers of Henry County. Their wedding occurred Oct. 21, 1865. Mrs. Wolever became the mother of one child, Cora, who was born Aug. 9, 1866. In less than a year, May 23, 1867, the mother died. Mr. Wolever subsequently married Miss Rosena Foster. Their wedding occurred on the 23d of September, 1868. Four children have been born to them, as follows : Eletha, May 9, 1869; Lotta, Aug. 5, 187 1 ; Calvin F., June 16, 1875 > and Lucy, May 26, 1881.

ffcjflenjamin Records, residing on section 36, Osco Township, where he follows the vocation of a farmer, is the owner of 240 W* acres of land, located on sections 25 and 36 of that township. The parents of Mr. Records were natives of the State of Pennsylvania and were by name Philip and Sarah (Hill) Records. The father died in his native State and the mother still survives. Benjamin was the oldest in order of birth of a family of five children. He was born in Crawford Co., Pa., June 10, 1829. His education was acquired in the common schools and he resided on the parental homestead, assisting in the labors on the farm, until he attained the age of 23 years. On attaining the age above mentioned, Mr. Rec ords was employed for about two years in the lumber woods, after which he purchased a farm in Crawford County, on which he located and cultivated until the fall of 1863. At that time he came to Mercer County, this State, and there he resided for one and a half years, when he removed to Knox County, and in the spring of 1866 came to this county. On arriving here, he purchased 80 acres of land in Burns Township, on which he resided until the spring of 1875, when he made another move, locating in Osco Township, where he purchased 280 acres of land on sections 25 and 36. He settled with his family on section 36 and has continued to reside thereon up to the present writing, 1885. He subsequently disposed of 40 acres of his original purchase, and at present is the owner of 240 acres in the county, all of which is tillable and in a firstclass farming condition.

The marriage of Mr. Records took place in Venango Co., Pa., Oct. 15, 1855, and the lady selected to become his wife was Miss Sarah A. Deets, a native of the county in which they were married, where she was born April 7, 1834. Her patents were Joseph and Sarah (Cousins) Deets.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Records are as follows: Andrew J., Ella J., Benjamin S., Frank S., Emery and Florence (deceased). Mr. Records has held the position of School Director and Overseer of Highways in his township, and, politically, casts his vote with the Republican party. He and his wife are devoted adherents to the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

l,ndrew G. Anderson, owning 250 acres of land, located on section 17, Osco Township, was born in Sweden, April 3, 1839. Mr. Anderson lived in his native country until he attained the age of 12 years, when he was brought by his parents to the United States. He continued to reside with his parents until two years after obtaining his majority, when he left the parental homestead, and set forth to do for himself in life. Soon thereafter, he purchased a farm in company with C. J. Hoflund. Not long afterward they divided their land, and Mr. Anderson traded his portion for the farm on which he at present resides. His farm comprises, as stated, 250 acres of good tillable land, and he has erected thereon a fine frame residence, together with good substantial outbuildings, and improved his place until it presents an appearance second to none in the township.

Mr. Anderson was married in Andover Township, March 12, 1869, to Mary Ellen Johnson, who was born in that township, Nov. 1,1850. Her parents were natives of Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have become the parents of seven children, whose names are : Vernie E., Frank H., Mabel E., Andrew H, Hannah C, George L. and Nora C. The latter died June 20, 1885, while in her 5th year. Mr. and Mrs. A. are faithful adherents to the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Anderson affiliates with the Republican party. He has held the position of School Director in his township, and is noted for the push and energy he displays in the management of his farm.

ohn H. Smith, a substantial citizen of Geneseo Township, is one of the foremost of the self-made men of Henry County. He is a pioneer of the township of Edford of 185 1, and was a resident of that section of the county until 1864, when he came to the place where he has since resided.

He was born in Prussia Nov. 15, 1820. From the age of seven until he was 14 he was in the schools of his native town, according to the laws of that country, which controls the minority period of all male children. From the age of nine he was in the habit of rising at four o'clock in the morning for the purpose of herding cattle until the hour of school. At noon he resumed the care of the herds and took charge of them until dark, receiving for the service 72 cents a month. When he was 14 he hired out on a farm for the stipulated sum of $16 per year, and a year later he was paid $18 for the same amount of labor. Meanwhile one of his brothers had come to the United States, and when he reached the age of 20 years John received $5° fr°m nlm t0 Pav ms ^are to this country. He sailed from one of the German ports and landed in the city of Baltimore after a sea voyage of seven weeks. On his arrival he found he had $7.50 remaining of the amount with which he set out. He went at first to Cumberland, Md., and from there to Somerset Co., Pa., where he was employed as a farm assistant at $5 per month. He worked eight months at that rate and then obtained a situation where he received a remuneration of $84 a year. The first money he earned he used to reimburse his brother in order to start fair in the New World. After that he lived frugally and saved his earnings to lay the foundations of the competency which he now enjoys. It may be remarked in passing that they who come to America in hope and courage, and manfully place their shoulders to the wheel of work and progress, such as the customs of the land afford opportunity for doing, rarely fail to reap the reward of industry and honorable effort. Mr. Smith remained on a farm three years and then passed two years in Cumberland in the capacity of a hostler connected with a hotel. He then purchased a team of six horses and engaged in the transportation business, carrying goods from Cumberland to the towns of the interior. Four years later his business was brought to a termination by the advent of the railroad.

In company with his brother William he then came to Illinois. They traveled to Alton by the river route, which was then the medium of the travel to the West. From Alton they came on foot to Henry County. They bought 320 acres in the township which is now called Edford, but which then was unorganized. The tract referred to was all prairie and and they purchased 80 acres additional, which was covered with trees. After completing their purchase they returned to Cumberland for their families. In the spring of the next year they took possession of their land in Henry County. They made their second trip to Illinois by the same route as at first, with the exception of landing at Rock Island. There they bought a wagon and a pair of horses and came to their location in township 18. The brothers worked their estate in company until 1853, when they divided, each taking 160 acres of prairie and 40 acres of timber. Mr. Smith built a house for his family on the prairie portion of his properly on section 32, and proceeded to put the entire place in good agricultural condition. He also planted trees and was the owner and occupant of the place until 1864, when he came to section 16, in the township of Geneseo. His first purchase included 165 acres of land in the immediate vicinity of the city of Geneseo, and he has prospered until he is at present the proprietary owner of 700 acres of land situated on sections 9 and 16, located in a solid body. The property on section 16 has a good outfit of frame buildings and the second farm, on section 9, is supplied with a brick house and frame barn. The business of Mr. Smith is a stock and grain farmer.

He was married in November, 1849, to Ann Meese, in Somerset Co., Pa. They have four children. Elizabeth is the wife of Aaron Ott, and they live in Kansas. Nancy married Peter Drum, a resident of Geneseo. Mary E. and John H. are the two younger. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Evangelical Church.

H. Swain. The current year - 1885 - completes three decades in which the gentleman whose name appears at the P beginning of this sketch has been a resident of Henry County. He has devoted his time ' and attention to the development of his agricultural interests and is the proprietor of a good farm on section 23, in the township of Munson. No improvements had been made on the place previous to its becoming his property, and as soon as he became the owner he erected a small frame house for a residence. The frame house which now adds to the value and appearance of the place is a commodious structure, well adapted to the purpose for which it is designed, and the remainder of the buildings on the farm are of a corresponding character. The place is also supplied with trees of different varieties.

Mr. Swain was born at Brentwood, Rockingham Co., N. H., Oct 18, T821, and is the son of Stephen and Hannah (Davis) Swain. The son was reared on the home farm and trained in a knowledge of the business of a farmer. He received his education in the public schools. At the age of 22 he went to Boston, Mass., to learn the trade of a carpenter, and he operated there five years. He went thence to Lawrence and continued to reside there until his removal to Illinois in the year stated as that in which he came to Henry County.

Mr. Swain was joined in marriage with Susan M. Simonton, Oct. 18, 1846. She is a native of the province of New Brunswick and was brought up in Portland, Me. They have eight surviving children :

George lives in Cass Co., Iowa. Annie M. is the wife of Eliphalet Chichester, of Shelby Co., Iowa. Benjamin R. is a citizen of Hamilton Co., Iowa. Edith married Roderick Ayres, and they live in Marion Co., Iowa. Alfred and Lizzie live at home. The latter is a prominent and popular teacher. Cora is the wife of Willard Petty e, and they are residents of Harlan Co., Neb. Lester is the youngest and lives at home. The mother was born Oct. 22, 1823. The family are members of the Baptist Church.