Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 25 of 31)

He is one of the many citizens of Henry County who are wholly self-made and who give unmistakable proof of the material which has developed the present splendid agricultural condition of the county.

Mr. Arnett was married Jan. 30, 1859, to Maria Brittain, of Henry Count/, she being the daughter of Jerome Brittain. The children are Elsie, who married William Cliambers, now living in Ida Co., Iowa Emma, Nettie, Eva and Leonard. Mrs. Arnett died Dec. 20, 1876.

|»mil F. Speigel, who follows the occupation, of a farmer and resides on section 10, Wethersfield Township, was born in Germany, May 20, 1852. He emigrated to the United States with his parents, Frederick and Minnie Speigel, when he was nine years of age. The mother of Mr. Speigel of this sketch is deceased, and his father is yet living in Kewanee.

Emil Speigel was the nth child in order of birlh of a family of 14 children. He lived at home until he was r4 years of age, after which he worked out for about four years, and then removed to Io\?a. On arriving in that State he purchased a farm, and was occupied two years in its cultivation and improvement, when he returned to this . tounty and purchased. 155 acres of land in We'thersfield Township, and on which he has resided until the present time. The major portion of his land is under an advanced state of cultivation, and he is meeting with success in his chosen vocation - agriculture.

Mr. Speigel was married in Kewanee, Nov. r7, 1875, to Miss Mary, daughter of Frederick and Fredericka Gunther. (See sketch of F- Gunther). Mrs.. Speigel was bora in Wethersfield Township, Jan. 6, 1857, and they are the parents of two children: William, Edward and George. Politically, Mr. S. affiliates with the Democratic party.

ohn P. Clarke, residing on section 10 Lynn 'it Township, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising, was born in what was ihen Berlin (now Swedona), Mercer Co. 111., July 14, 1844. For history of his parents, see sketch of Wm. Clarke in another part of this work.

John P. Clarke remained on the paternal homestead, receiving an education in the schools at Milan, Rock Island County, his parents having removed to that city when he was^a small child. He also attended school at Andover, after his parents had settled in Lynn Township, this county, and. completed his education in a graded school at Orion. He continued to reside with his parents, working on the farm, and prior to his majgrity spent some six years iii clerking at Milan and Rock Island city. He was united in marriage March 20, 1879, with Miss Emma A. Wilkinson, daughter of John A. and Martha (Fuller) Wilkinson, natives of New York. The parents, prior to their marriage, had riemoved from the latter State to Hebron, Jefferson Co., Wis., where they were married, and where Mrs. Clarke, wife of John P. of this notice, was born Sept. 14, 1856. Her father died at that place about five years after her marriage. Her mother was afterward married again, to Melvin W. Davis, and in 1869 came with him to Rock Island County, where they now reside, and where Mrs. Clarke's step-father is acting as express messenger for the American Express Company. Mrs. Clarke was educated in the district schools of Wisconsin, and the High School at Rock Island city-, and resided with her mother till her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke are the parents of one child, Harry W., born April 22, j88i. She is a member of the Baptist Church of Rock Island city, where she was organist for four years. John P. Clarke was the eldest of a family of five children. He has for some time had control of the entire homestead, consisting of 325 acres, most of which is in an advanced state of cultivation. In his chosen vocation, agriculture, he has met with signal success. Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party.

Frederick E. Gresser, merchant at Atkinson, is a native of Germany, as were his. parents. He is the son of John and Barbara H. (Kachel) Gresser, and the family emigrated to the United States in r8si. They remained in the State of New York, where they landed, six years. In 1857 they came to Henry County. The elder Gresser bought a farm, on which he operated some years, and is now living in comfortable retirement. The parents of Mr. Gresser of this sketch were married in T842, and he is the firstborn of the family. His birth occurrred in the country whence he came, and he was but eight when the transfer of the household to a new country took place. He completed the term of his minority under the parental roof, and his first important step was his marriagj. He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Christina Dannenfelser. She was born

Oct. 28, 1868, in this State. She has been the mother of five children : Edwin S., Albert G., Clarence E. and John C, born, in the summer of 1885, are living. Maude G, the third child in order of birth, died in 1881.

Mr. Gresser was interested in farming for some years, and owned a tract of land on section 10 in the township of Atkinson. But he sold the place and invested the proceeds in the business in which he has since been operating. He is doing a general mercantile business, and trades in dry goods, groceries and clothing. He is offii iating as Commissior.er of the Highway, and is serving his fourth year in that capacity. He is a Republican in political preference.

ohn H. Taylor, residing on section 7, (^ Wethersfield Township, is one of the prosperous and energetic farmers of Henry County, and was born in Philadelphia, Pa., April 8, 1829. He is a son of Thomas and Ellen (Wright) Taylor, also natives of Pennsylvania, where the father died. The mother's demise occurred in Wethersfield Township.

John H. was the eldest in his father's family which consisted of eight children, and remained under the influence of his parents until he reached early manhood, in the meantime having attended the district schools where he received a fair education. Upon reaching his 21st year he engaged to work by the month, continuing to do so for two years, when, in the spring of 1852, he came to Henry County and purchased a farm in Wethersfield Township, where he has since resided. Upon his farm, which is valuable and tillable land, he has erected a good substantial residence, good buildings, etc., and has now in his possession 477 acres of land, 100 of which is located in Iowa.

Mr. Taylor was married in Stark Co., 111., in Nov. 1853, to Miss Deborah Barrett, who was born in Putnam Co., N. Y., April 28, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have become the parents of four children: Mary E., Albert C, Frank and James G. Mary E. is the wife of Benj. Glyde and they reside in Iowa ; Albert C. was united in marriage with Miss May Glyde Feb. 18, 1879, and they reside in Wethersfield Township ; Frank was married to Miss Addie Glyde Sept

21, 1881, who died Sept. 10, 1883 ; and he formed a second matrimonial alliance, with Miss Edna Morton, the'date of their marriage being July, 1884 and they reside in Nebraska ; James G. resides at home with his parents.

Mr. Taylor has held the office of Highway Commissioner for r8 years, School Director the same length of time, and other minor offices of his township. Religiously, they are members of the Congregational Church, of which Mr. T. is a Trustee, and politically he affiliates with the Republican party.

illiam H. Blish, engaged as a farmer in Wethersfield Township, where he is residing, was bom in Hartford Co., Conn., May 25, 1812. He lived in Connecticut until 1837, when he emigrated West, thinking to better his condition financially, where he located in Wethersfield Township, making his home here ever since.

Mr. Blish was united in marriage in Connecticut, Jan. 25, 1836, with Eliza Hollister, and of their union have been born seven children the following being the record: Charles, Helen, John, Adelaide, Prudence, Rhoda and Addie. Mrs. Blish died in .Wethersfield, Nov. 18, 1858, and Mr. Blish was again married, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., April 17, i860, to Hannah Gage. Of the latter union there has been born four children, - Maggie, William H., Jr., Hannah E. and Belle G.

Mr. B. has held the office of County Treasurer twice, Justice of the Peace for many years, Supervisor and most of the offices in the gift of the people of his township. Politically, Mr. B. is identified with illiam Lilley, who has been for more than four decades a factor in the development of Henry County, has resided in Kewanee Township since 1843 - the year in which he became a citizen of the State of Illinois. He was born in the parish of Oldham near Manchester, England, Jan. 22, 1817. William Lilley, his father, was a woolen manufacturer in his native land, and married there, about the year 1810. Betsey Lilley, his wife, was connected with several well-known families of wealth and standing in Eng, land.

William Lilley, Sr., sailed for the American Continent with his wife and three children, July 11, 1818, in the " Susannah," of Londonvfrom Liverpool. A landing at St. John, N. B., was effected, and the family removed thence to Boston, where they arrived September 8, following. After a short residence hi Massachusetts, Mr. Lillie became one of a stock company who built the first cotton mill in that State,- at Andover. He was one of the managers of the establishment until his removal to Sherbrooke, L. C, where he and his wife died. He was -born Feb. 7, 1786, and his demise occurred Oct. 1, 1829. His wife was born Feb. 13, 1784, and died Nov. 18, 1832. Their children were: Mary, Ralph, Sarah, William, Charles, John and George ; William and Charles are the only survivors. The latter is a resident of Lowell, Mass., and is a mechanic and manufacturer of repute and prominence.

William Lilley, the subject of this Harration, was reared in Massachusetts, and went to Canada about 1822 with his parents. After the death of his mother, which occurred three ye^ars after that of his father, he returned to the Bay Sta*te and located at Lowell. He passed ten years as an employee in the ( cotton mills in that place. The crowded condition of all avenues of business in the East seemed to preclude all possibility of his getting on in the world according to his ambitions, and he investigated the rumors of the possibilities afforded by the opening West.

In 1843 ne came to Henry County, and after prospecting until she was satisfied of the comparative feasibility of various sections, he decided to locate in Kewanee Township. He selected a quarter of section 26, on which he located and began life inearnest. He engaged ia the improvement of his property, and as his circumstances improved accordingly, he rapidly took position among the prosperous and prominent agriculturists of the country. His present possessions tell the story of his methods and habits. He is the owner of nearly 400 acres of excellent land in Henry County, and his children hold among them about four times that acreage. He has about 100 head of horses and colts, and 20 head of cattle. He sends to market annually about 150 hogs. The rearing of horses has been made a specialty by Mr. Lilley, and his stables exhibit a fine and valuable collection of thoroughbred English Draft animals. In this business he has acquired an extended reputation, and his name is inseparably connected with the development and progress of the county.

Mr. Lilley was united in marriage, Nov. 1, 1843, to Harriet Huntly. They had six children : Helen, Mrs. Gilbert Morton, of Shenandoah, Iowa, was born Jan. 6, 1845 ; George, born Feb. 7, r85o, is a resident of Brookings, D. T., v. here he is the President of the Dakota Agricultural College ; John, born Feb. 8, 1852, is a resident of Iowa; Charles, born Aug. 4,

1855, died Feb. 28, 1868. Mrs. Lilley was born Feb. 28, 1821, in Statistead, Canada. Her ancestors came to America in the Mayflower, and the most noted child of New England birth, Peregrine White, was her great-grandfather in the maternal line. '"She died at her home in Kewanee Township, Sept. 24, 188 1, after a brief illness.

Mr. Lilley adds another name to the long and honorable list in Henry County who give substantial evidence of the value of industry, perseverance, thrift and good sense when applied to the resources of a section of country which require onl,r intelligent, persistent effort and judgment to yield returns that amply fill the measure of a man's desires and prove the quality of his abilities.

on. William Lorenzo Wiley, residing at Galva, Illinois, was born in Saxton's River, Vermont, Nov. 10, r82o. The genealogy (\j of the Wiley family is as follows : The greatgrandfather of William L. Wiley, the subject of this notice, was born in Londonderry, N. H., in 1739, and died in 1777. He married Nancy Miller, and they had seven children : Samuel, Nancy, John, Polly, Robert, Susannah and Jonathan. The grandfather of William L., Robert Wiley, was born in Londonderry, N. H., Dec. 13, 1767. He married Abigail Campbell in 1793, and they had eight children, as follows : John, William Campbell (father of William Lorenzo Wiley), Asenath, Ira, Rodney, Oren, Robert and Achsah. Robert Wiley died June 26,

The father of William L., William Campbell Wiley, was born in Rockingham, Vt., July n, 1797, and died at the same place, May 18, 1878. He married Mary Perry, daughter of Gates and Mary Perry, of Rockingham, Vt., in 1818. She died at the same place, May 13, 1878. The mother of William L. Wiley was in direct line from Robert Fletcher, who came to this country from Yorkshire, England, in 1630, she being the eighth generation of the Fletcher family in this country, Mr. Wiley being the ninth generation. The Fletcher family have had their annual gatherings at Lowell, Mass., for many years. Daniel Webster married into the Fletcher family: hence the name of Fietcher Webster. The Harpers, of New York, also married into the Fletcher family. The descendants of the Fietcher family are numerous and widely scattered through the Union.

For several generations the ancestors of Mr. Wiley, of this sketch, have been prominent farmers of their native State. His own father was one of that number. William L. attended a common district school until he was T4 years old, then for six years taught school during winter seasons. He attended academy in the fall of each year and worked on his father's farm during the remaining portion of the time. At * the age of 2 r he engaged in the wholesale of general merchandise at Saxton's River, Vt., under the firm name of Osgood & Wiley. He was married April 14, r842, to Louise, daughter-of Samuel and Crissana Bailey, of Saxton's River, Vt. The father of Mrs. Wiley, Samuel Bailey, died Sept., 1880. The mother of Mrs. Wiley was born Oct. 24, 1790, and died April

Walter Lorenzo Wiley, was born at Saxton's River, Vt., Jan. 6, 1844, and died at Galva, 111., May 22, 1862. For several years previous to his death, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Galva. Mrs. Wiley, wife of William L., was born at Saxton's River, Vt., May 31, 1821, and died at Galva, July n, 1862. She was one of the constituent members of the First Baptist Church of Galva, 111.

Mr. Wiley married for his second wife Eunice B., daughter of Edson and Corintha Williams, of Galva, 111. The issue of this marriage was two children, - Jessie Louise, born at Galva, Feb. 18, 1868, and Walter Spencer, born at same place, March 29, 1872, and died April 3, 1879. Mrs. Wiley was bom Jan., 15, 1844, in Westmoreland, N. Y., and died at Galva, 111., April 25, 1883. Mr. Wiley, after remaining in business at Saxton's River four years, his partner, Mr. Osgood, withdrew. Then, in company with his brothers, George R. and Henry C, continued the same business for six years. Part of this time he was Postmaster at Saxton's River. In 1850 Mr. Wiley removed to Waterville, Maine, and conducted the same business as the junior member of the firm of Locke & Wiley. In the fall of 1851, he emigrated to Illinois and settled in Brimfield, where he engaged in the purchase of real estate. He purchased land in Henry County, and in 1854, in connection with his brothers and cousin, J. M. Wiley, came to Henry County and laid out the town of Galva, where he has since been engaged in real- estate business and banking. For about four years from the organization of the First National Bank of Galva, in 1865, he was its President, but owing to excess of other business and ill health he resigned.

For many years Mr. Wiley engaged largely in the purchase and improvement of lands in Western Iowa, some 1 ,000 acres of which he still owns, but now more especially engaged as the cashier of the well known banking house of L. M. Yocum & Co., of Galva, 111. He has always been a strong advocate of temperance, never having used ardent spirits or tobacco. He has been a member of the Baptist Church for over fifty years.-

In politics Mr. Wiley was formerly a Whig, but afterwards gave his influence and energies to the organization of the Republican party. He was one of the two delegates from the Fifth Illinois District in the convention, at Chicago, that nominated General U. S. Grant for his first term as President. For four years he was member of the State Board of Equalization, representing the same District. For several years he was Director and Vice- President of the Peoria & Rock Island Railroad Company. He is a gentleman of sound judgment and good business qualifications. As a public man nothing can be said against him. He has ever been abreast of all public improvements and donated liberally of his means towards every laudable enterprise in the community. His straightforward, manly dealings with his fellow man have earned for him the respect of the citizens of the town, as well as the district, who have honored him with their-suffrages.

The father and mother of Mr. Wiley, says the Christian Watchman, of Boston, Mass., " were worthy members of the Baptist Church, Saxton's River; Vt., for 54 years. They were baptized Nov. 14, 1824, and were two of the oldest members of the Church at the time of their deaths. They led consistent Christian lives, donating liberally to^buildings for public wor-> ship and taking great pleasure in attending upon the ordinances of God's house. Their labors have ceased, and they have many friends as witnesses of their fidelity to the cause they so much loved. " harles C. Blisb, a distinguished farmer la and breeder of thoroughbred cattle, and pjilp"^ President of the First National Bank at. ifc Kewanee, Henry Co. ,.111., was born at Glas- M tonbury, Conn., May 26, 1820, and accom- panied his parents, Sylvester and Rhoda (Cheney) Blish, to Illinois when he was r; years of age. (See biography of Col. S. Blish.) At the common schools of New England he acquired a pretty thorough English education, and mastered the science of surveying. He was the first male teacher employed at Wethersfield, and probably taught- the first winter school in this part of the county, - in the winter of 1840-1. From 1840 to 1844, he filled the office of Deputy County Surveyor, and from 1850 to 1854 was County Surveyor in chief. Farming and stock-breeding constitute the business in which he finds the greatest pleasure^ and though President of a National Bank with $100,000 capital stock, as compared with his rural pursuits he finds the position irksome. (See history of the First National Bank of Kewanee, this volume.)

Mr. Blish owns three fine farms in Henry County, and, in company with his son, Mathew B. Blish, cultivates two of them, including the old homestead of his father, aggregating over 600 acres. As a stockgrower, Short-horn cattle, registered, is his specialty, though among his horses and hogs are many of the finest bloods to be found in the State; and his annual sales of thoroughbred stock are attended by distinguished breeders' from all parts of the United States. In 1865, in company with his brother, Tie laid out what has since been known as Blish's AddU tion to Kewanee, and in the year 1884 removed from his farm into the city where he has since resided.

Like his father, Mr. B. is a Democrat in politics. He is no partisan or office-seeker, but a firm and unqualified adherent to the principles of that party. Aside from the prestige of wealth, Mr. B. is a man of more than ordinary influence in the community, where the years of his manhood have been spent. As a farmer and fine stock-breeder in this county he ranks A 1 ; as a banker, the confidence of the people is reposed in him; and as a neighbor and citizen he enjoys a full share of the love and esteem of the populace.

He was married Dec. 23, 1840, in the town of Goshen, Stark Co., 111., to Miss Elizabeth P. Bonar, who was born in Bethlehem, Ohio, Dec. 14, 1820; and of their children we make the following brief memoranda : James J., a talented young attorney of Kewanee; and Mathew B., farmer and stockgrower of Wethersfield Township ; William H., Sylvester, Carie L. and Catherine E., all died in infancy.

lames Wiley, carriage and wagon manufacturer, of Wethersfield, was born in Ireland, September, 1823. He came with his father, 'M William Wiley, to America when but 17 years |t of age, and his mother, Mary (McMurdy) Wiley, followed the next year. In Philadelphia the death of the father occurred, and that of the mother in Wethersfield Township.

James was the fifth in order of birtli of a family of six children, and while in Philadelphia learned the trade of wagon-maker from his brother. In 1849 'ie came from the latter place into Stark County and engaged to work at his trade in Toulon, which he continued for about a year, and in 1850 came into Henry County. He located in Wethersfield, where he built a carriage shop, in which he has since carried on his business, and in 1883 built a fine residence, in which he and his family reside.

Mr. Wiley was married in Philadelphia, Pa., July 31, 1844, to Nancy, daughter of George and Rose (Percy) Holmes, and she was born in Ireland, Oct. 20, 182 r. Mrs. Holmes died in Philadelphia, Pa., and her husband in Stark Co., 111. Mary, Rosanna, James, Tillie, William J., Tillie (second), George and

Mr. Wiley has served his township as Highway Commissioner, School Trustee and School Director. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley are members of the Congregational Church.

Ijgenjamin H. Wright, dealer in stoves and -r hardware, at Kewanee, 111., son of John and Phcebe (Halstead) Wright, natives of " York State " and of Scotch-Irish and German extraction respectively, was born in Orange Co., N. Y., Jan. 4, 1823. His parents reared a family of six sons and four daughters, and he was sixth in the order of birth. The common schools afforded him a fair English education, and at the age of 17 years, at Florida, in his native county, he began the wagon-maker's trade. At the end of one year he went to Dutchess County and joined his brother in wagon-making, and remained there perhaps a dozen years in that business, and afterwards three or four years as dealer in lumber and coal. In 1865 he came to Kewanee and embarked in the business he has since followed, recreating in the meantime probably two years.

He was married at Dover, N. Y., in 1852, to Miss Charlotte McKoy, a native of Connecticut, though brought up in Dover. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. W. we have the following brief record: Silas a farmer in Kansas ; Ella, wife of W. A. Bowen, jeweler, Kewanee; and Anna, an accomplished young lady at home with her parents.

"acob Boos, a farmer on section 17, town- )^ ship of Loraine, is a native of Prussia. He accompanied his parents to America when he was still in his minority. Philip Roos, the father of Mr. Roos of this sketch, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in November, 1806. He was educated according to the laws of his country by attending school until he was about 14, when he commenced operations as a coal miner. He was occupied in that avenue of employ until 1853. In that year he came to the United States and located in Henry County. He bought a farm on section 8, in the township in which he passed the remainder of his life. The man of whom the place was purchased had made some improvements, consisting of the building of a log cabin and a small amount of plowing - about seven acres. The new proprietor at once entered into the work of improvement and put the whole acreage under the plow, and erected a good frame house, which was the family residence as long as the parents survived. The death of the wife occurred in 1855. The father married again, and the second wife died in 1875. His demise transpired in 1878. The issue of the first marriage was two sons. George, the oldest, lives in Buffalo Co , Neb.

Jacob Roos was born in Prussia, Aug. 30, 1837. He Was 16 when the family were brought to America by the father, as has been stated. The son was an attendant at the schools of his native country until a few months before the removal to the New World, and during that time he was occupied in mining. After coming to the township of Loraine with his parents, he remained a member of the household of his father until 1859. In that year he set out for the latest gold fields that had attracted the notice of the adventurers who would grow rich by some speedy and novel method, - Pike's Peak. A considerable party set forth for the land of promise with" ox teams, and made the journey thither in the slow but sure and not altogether disagreeable manner, which has been so many times related as the inevitable experience of the travelers overland to a distant point on the great unsettled interior of this continent. On arrival there Mr. Roos engaged in teaming, and until 1861 was occupied in hauling goods from Denver to the mountains. The breaking out of the Civil War brought his attention to another duty, and he enlisted in the First Colorado Cavalry. He remained in the military service and continued in the discharge of the duties of a soldier until the close of the war. He remained on the frontier during the entire period. After receiving his discharge he returned to Henry County. He rented a farm in Loraine Township, and after operating as a farmer in that method five years he bought 80 acres of land in the township of Atkinson, and at a date a little later he bought 40 acres additional. He retained the ownership of that place but two years, and at the end of that time lie sold out and purchased a farm in the township of Yorktown. After a year he again sold out and bought the farm hd now owns. It is situated on sections 17 and 18, and contains 260 acres. He has made later purchases and is at present the owner of 340 acres. He is engaged in mixed husbandry and raises grain and stock. He keeps a considerable dairy and sells the. cream, as is the custom in this locality.

Mr. Roos was married in January, 18 66, to Rosina Ott. She is the daughter of Casper and Elizabeth Ott, and was born in Cook Co., 111. The family includes six children, - Charles P., Joseph C, Louisa, Katie May, William H. and Carrie M. The members of the family belong to the Evangelical Church.

ewis F. Matteson, proprietor of a meat market, Galva, was born June 13, 1844, in Sweden, and is a son of Hans and Brita Matteson, both natives of that country. The parents emigrated to the United States, landing in Altpna, this State, Oct. 8, 1855. They remained there for a time, and then went to Victoria, Knox County, where they resided for a few years on a farm. From the latter place they moved to Galva Township, this county, where they settled on a farm, two and one-half miles east of the present village of Galva, and where the father died, at the age of 55 years. The mother yet survives. She bore her husband eight children, five of whom are -yet living, namely : Mrs. Anna Bostrom, Mrs. Carrie Olson, Mrs. Lizzie Eiickson, Lewis F., subject of (his notice, and Hans A., a resident of Nebraska.

Lewis F., whose biography we write, received but little education prior to attaining his majority, and that in the district schools of this county, the principal part of his education being acquired by self-instruction and reading at home. In early life he assisted in the labors of the farm, and was engaged in farm work until May, 1877, when he moved to Galva, and there, for a time, clerked and worked at various occupations. In Oct., 1879, he worked for F. M. Rigen, and continued in that gentleman's employment for a year and a half. He then worked for a Mr. Billington, and was with hi in one year, when he formed a partnership with P. T. Bergman in the business. He bought his partner out in March, 1885, and since that lime has conducted the business himself, meeting with financial success.

The marriage of Mr. Matteson to Miss Lizzie M. Sanberoy occurred June 10, 1875. She was born in Sweden, Dec. 9, 1856, and has become tfie mother of four children: Louis Franklin, born July 1, 1876; Dulie Lila, born March 8, 1878; Jefferson, bom June 28, 1880; and May, born May 26, 1884. Mrs. Matteson is a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically, Mr. Matteson is a believer in and a supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party.

rove N. Palmer was born at Painesville, Ohio, May 16, 1828, and was the oldest son of Noyes and Lucy (Emmerson) Palmer, natives of Ohio and Connecticut respectively and of Saxon English descent. The Palmers now found in every State in the American Union, and numbering among them many distinguished men and women, came to the Colonies first in the person of Walter Palmer, a native of Nottingham, England, in the year 1629, landing at Charleston, S. C. Walter was born in 1585, and his descendants in the male line, and through whom we trace the subject of this sketch, are : 1, Gershom Palmer, born 1645; 2, Walter Palmer, 1685; 3, Walter Palmer, 1717 ; 4, Walter Palmer, 1739 ; 5, Isaac Palmer, M. D., 1779; 6, Noyes Palmer, father of the gentleman whose name heads this article, was born in 1804.

At a re-union of the family, held in 1881, an association was formed called the " Palmer Re-union Association, " issuing to its members each a certificate of the following purport, showing a ship at sea and in full sail: " Dec. 30, 1883. From Nottingham, England, No. 312. 1629, America, 1882. To Charleston, 1629; Seakonk, 1643; Stonington, 1653. Organized 188 1. Palmer Re-union Association. Coat-of-arms, bearing motto, Palma virtuti.

Certificate Of Membership

This is to certify that Mr. Grove Noyes Palmer, of Kewanee, Henry Co., 111., is a member of the Palmer Re-union Association; and as such is entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits vouchsafed by the Constitution and By-Laws.

Noyes Palmer, of the sixth generation, died July 13, 1840, aged about 35 years, and his widow in 1856, at the age of about 46 years. By occupation Mr. Palmer was a farmer, and his three sons were thoroughly trained thereat. Grove N. was the eldest, and as such, after the death of his father, had largely the care of the family. His education was limited to such as could be acquired at the common schools of his neighborhood, and when about 19 years of age, began the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he worked several years. In 1850 Mr. Palmer removed to Wethersfield, Henry County, bought a farm and soon afterward became one of the largest growers and shippers of Osage orange plants for hedge fence in the country. He followed the business about ten years, handling as high as 50,000,000 plants annually and making thereat quite a sum of money. In 185 [-3 he was also engaged in mercantile business at Wethersfield, but his hedgefence enterprise soon required his entire attention, and he abandoned or sold out his store business. In 1879 he removed his family into the town oi Kewar.ee, where he has since resided ; his elegant farm, however, in Galva Township, receives constantly his personal supervision.

July 3, 1850, at Painesville, Ohio, Mr. Palmer was married to Miss Hannah Elizabeth Livingston, a native of Otsego Co , N. Y., and a daughter of an old soldier of the War of 181 2, Alexander Livingston, deceased; and of the nine children born to them, seven are living: Hortense E. (Mrs. Dr. D. B. Colby, of Chicago); Esther M. (Mrs. Dr. Geo. B. Little, of Burlington, Iowa) ; Nellie A , an accomplished stenographer, of Chicago; Ida Blanche, teacher in the public schools; Charrie R., shorthand reporter, with Haxtun Steam Heater Works, Kewanee; Hattie M. and Carrie L., students; Wilbur C, born March 5, 1856, died April 25, 1857; Frank W., born May 14, 1858, died Sept. 20, 1862.

The only public offices Mr. Palmer has held were such as enabled him to be of service to his neighbors, and at the same time of not enough importance to require the neglect on his part of any of his var- ious business interests. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and, like the rest of his immediate family, belongs to the Congregational Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

Co., Maine, in which State he was born May 20> 1849. He was brought to this State when three years of age, in 1852, and located in Annawan township. He was united in marriage to Miss Melissa A. Sweet, Oct. 19, 1876, Rev. Chester Covell, of the Union Church, performing the ceremony. She was born Aug. 19, 1849, at Buda, Bureau Co., 111., and has borne her husband two children, - Clara B , born Oct., 29,. 1877 ; and Esther L., Aug. 13, 1881. Mr. Webb has 80 acres of good land, all in an advanced state of cultivation, together with a good dwelling-house, two stories high and 22 x 26 feet in dimensions. His barn is small but comfortable, and his horses are Normans and Clydesdales. His cattle are high grade Durhams. He is meeting with success in his chosen vocation, agriculture, and is one of the progressive fanners and respected citizens of his township. Politically, he is a Republican.

1 ohn Weidlein, a retired farmer of Ed ford Township, resident at Geneseo, came to Henry County in 1851. He was born Jan. 17, 1812, in Bavaria, Germany. While a resident of his native land he was subject to the legal regulations of the country, through which the government takes the control of all the sons born to the subjects of the emperor except that of their support, which remains the burden of the parents. Mr. Weidlein attended school until he was 14 years of age, and then woiked on the farm until he was 16. He was then apprenticed to learn the trade of a blacksmith and he served two years. After working three years as a journeyman blacksmith, he was old enough to enter the army, in which he served three years. He then obtained a substitute to fill his place, and with his father's family he sailed for the United States. The voyage consumed seven weeks, and the vessel discharged her passengers at Baltimore. Immediately after landing the family all went to Bedford Co., Pa. There the father bought a farm, and there the son made his home between two and a half years.

He then, in 1839, established his own household. He was married March n ofthatyear toEleonoraC. Emmert. She was also a native of Bavaria. The newly married pair took possession of a rented farm in Bedford County, which they occupied seven years. At the end of that time Mr. Weidlein bought a farm in the same county. He retained its ownership until 1850, when he sold it, and in the next year came to Illinois. The journey was made over land by team to Wheeling, Va., where they took passage on a steamer and traveled on the rivers, which constitutes the river route between the East and the West. The water was low, and three weeks were passed on the trip. They landed at Rock Island, where the father bought a team, and came thence to Henry County. He entered land on section 9 of township 16, range 2 east, which is now the township of Osco. The proprietor built on the place a small frame structure, -which served as a shelter for the family until he could press the work of improvement along to a point of profit; and after he had placed 150 acres under the plow, he proceeded to erect a house, to which the first building foTmed the kitchen. He drew the lumber and other materials used in the new houses from Moline. He also set out a considerable number of shade-trees. He was in fair circumstances on his arrival in Henry County, as lie was the possessor of $[,000, all of which was the fruits of his industry and frugality - on the farm he rented in Pennsylvania. When he was married he was noL the owner of an unincumbered dollar. In 1856 he sold his farm in Osco Township and he then bought 320 acres in Ed ford Township, for which he paid $650. There had beeii 40 acres broken and fenced and a small frame house had been begun. He at once proceeded to put the property in first-class condition for the accommodation of his family, as he had abundant means and facilities for doing, erecting excellent frame buildings, planting shade and fruit trees, and making all the improvements common to the best type of farms in the county.

H&Nry County

Eight of the children born to him and wife are still living. Andrew is a resident of Geneseo, and is the owner of a farm in Osco Township. Philip lives in Topeka, Kan. Lewis is a resident in Marion Co., Kan. Jacob lives in the county last named. Ths homestead in Edford Township is under the management of George J. Edward lives in Butler Co., Kan. Caroline is the wife of George Drehmer. Valentine is also a resident in Marion Co., Kan. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church.

ohn B. Moffitt, a full history of whose life would alone fill a volume half as large as this Album, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, of Scotch patronage, Feb. n, 1833, and was the son of John and Matilda (Blair) Moffitt, who were visiting friends in Ireland at the time of the birth of our subject. From Scotland the family came to America in 1842, bringing two children, and had seven born in Philadelphia. The senior Mr. Moffitt died in Philadelphia, and his widow still lives at Kensington.

John B. was intended by his father for a carpet manufacturer, and he taught him therein when not at school. At the age of 14 John ran away from school and made his way to New Bedford, whence he shipped in a sperm whaler and was gone four and a half years, cruising the Australian coasts, Japan, New Zealand, the Southern Ocean, Peru and Pacific Islands. Returning home, he was induced to learn the carpenter's trade ; but before the end of three years he went again to sea on a whaler, as " boat-steerer " or harpooner, and was out about ten months, when he and three seamen, including the Captain, all that were saved, were cast away on Ascension Island (one of the Caroline group in the South Pacific), and lived with natives about six months, when they were rescued by a Cunard steamer that happened to touch the island. While there, he learned to speak the native language and became very much infatuated with their mode of life. The " Britannia " carried them to Hong Kong, where they shipped in an opium clipper for Shanghai. It was now the winter season and the sailors were compelled to work night and day in the worst weather imaginable. At the mouth of the Yang Tse Kiang, the vessel grounded, the t:de drove them from the vessel and they lay a month at Shanghai, repairing. Finally, carrying a lot of Chinese refugees, they set sail, to be wrecked again upon a small island, from which they pulled 60 miles away to another, larger island. Here they found a Chinese junk, with whose Captain they were unable to make terms; so, dropping that unruly gentleman overboard, they took his junk and made back to Shanghai. From there Mr. Moffitt shipped on a man-of-war, or private armed vessel, and for two years was employed as convoy against pirates. After an interesting experience with pirates at the mouth of the river Min, and after being again cast away upon a Chinese island, he found himself at Hong Kong, from where he shipped in a Dutch bark, " Emily," for Java via Foo Chow, laden with tea. At Java the vessel took on a cargo of coffee, and the next we hear of Mr. Moffitt he is digging gold in Australia, where he alternated between poverty and opulence for about seven years.

Via Peru, the Chinchi Islands and Queenstown, he landed again in Philadelphia, April r, 1862, after an absence of n years. In March, 1863, he came to Kewanee, where he worked a while at carpentering, then farmed a few years, again in mercantile business of various kinds and in various capacities, and in 1875 pulled out for Texas, where, at the town of Terrell, he bought and shipped grain for about two years. Returning to Illinois, he lived a year or two in Ogle County, and came back to Kewanee, where he finally' settled down to business, and, as he says, " for life." He carries on the extensive furniture establishment in the village. Belongs to no Church, but is a Knight Templar in Masonry, and always votes the Democratic ticket.

James P. Dodge died at an early day. His widow married a Mr. Burton. She again became a widow and married Thomas Stagg. He died recently, and the widow removed to Whiteside County.

Reuben Cone came with the Geneseo Colony in 1836, bringing his wife and three children. One child was born here. Mrs. Cone was Miss Harriet Thomas, of Canada. Mr. Cope removed to Kansas in 1862, and in 1871 went to Colorado, where he died in 1883. Three of the sons live in Colorado.

Joseph Goodrich was born in Wethersfield, Ct., July 31, 1794. He came to Henry County in 1836. Died Feb. 19, 1852. He had been a missionary to the Sandwich Islands.

Dr. S. T. Hume, second physician to locate in Geneseo. Some of his early experiences, when every new man was suspected of being a horse-thief, are given elsewhere, and are not only illustrative of the times but also amusing.

Charles Atkinson, one of the organizers of Henry County and one of its first officials, came to this county in 1835 and located in Cleveland. He came from Massachusetts and took an important part in the early history of the county. He moved to Moline and is now one of its wealthy and prominent citizens.

Henry S. Aldrich, the county's first "Baby Mine," was born in Phenix Township in December, 1835. See biography of. Earl P. Aldrich, page 3051.

Jerome Brittaiii was a pioneer carpenter. He built for C. W. Davenport the .first log house, a large double one, and the first " out on the prairie," in Morristown, in 1836, five miles south of Brandenburg. He died in 1839.

John Boyd, Sr., was born in Philadelphia, April 9, 1802 ; came to the county in 1848; died in Cambridge, Feb. 2, 1877. He served three years in the army. Died Feb. 2, 1-877.

George Brandenburg was, born in Maryland July 28, 1799; came to this county Sept. 9, 183^. His wife, Plicebe, was a native of Vermont, and was born Jan. 22, 1795; came to the county 1836. George Brandenburg was always known as " Judge." When questioned as to what court he had presided over by a Boston " tender-foot," he replied that he was " Judge " of one of the earliest elections in the county ! A son and daughter, Frank and Elizabeth, reside in Dayton, in this county.

George A. Colbert was one of the first preachers in the co.uity, he and P. K. Hanna and Ithamar Pillsbury being the first that are now remembered as preaching to the settlers. There are grandsons of Colbert living here.

Charles W. Davenport was born in Stratford, Conn.; came to this county in June, 1837. Mary E., his wife, was a native of Norwalk, Conn. ; came in 1837.

Anthony Hunt came with the Glenns'to the county. A full account of Mr. Hunt and family may be found in the sketch of James Glenn. His wife, Caroline, born in Germany, May ir, 1812, and came with, her husband to the county in 1835, was the second woman in the county.

Rufus Hubbard was one of the first of the Geneseo Colony. He was known as the first and great music teacher in the county. He died in Moline,in r883, leaving one son.

John P. Hanna, a brother of P. K. Hanna, and at one time known all over the county as " Uncle Prior,'- was one of the earliest and most respected of our pioneers.

Henry G. Little, born in Goffstown, N. H., July 29, 1806, came in 1836; delayed coming a year in order that he might bring a wife with him. He is now living in Grinnell, Iowa. He was at one time Sheriff of the county (1854). He was an active, prominent and an excellent citizen.

Daniel B. McHenry was born in White County, 111., Nov. r6, r827- Came to this county in January, 1836. Rachel A. McHenry, daughter of Benjamin FriUs and wife of D. B. McHenry, was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 8, 1831, and came to the county in 1837.

Stephen Marshall lived in Colona and died about the year 1840, while on a visit East. He left a large family of children, who are in California. When Marshall came to the county he lived with the two Glenns and Anthony Hunt, all in one cabin and all old bachelors.

Anthony unt died on the homestead he first improved, Oct. 16, 1875. He was a German and married a German lady of St. Louis. Members of his family are still in the county. He was an industri-

Edward A. Mix was in his earlier life a sea Captain and came from New York city. He was one of the founders of the Andover Colony. He returned to New York and look an active part in the late war.

Eben Townsend was an old man when he came to the county. He was one of the Andover Colony. Lived to extreme old age, and was buried in the Andover Cemetery.

George Tyler kept the first ferry on Rock River in this county. He died in 1838. His widow kept tavern in Cleveland, where many of the newly-arrived pioneers boarded and lodged on their arrival.

Joseph Tillson, the first actual settler in Cambridge Township, was born in Wrentham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, March ri, 1801. He left Boston in September, 1836, and came West, arriving in Henry Countyin 1837. In 1838 he built the cabin in which Mr. Stackhouse found him when he came here in 1840.

Aunt Polly Vincent came in 1845. Died in Cambridge in 1881, aged, 70 years. An elegant pioneer woman, widely known and beloved. She was a native of Canada.

William J. Vannice was Sheriff of the county at one time. He was born in Montgomery Co., Ind., ' Feb. 17, 1838, and came to the county in 1852.

David Wiley is a fine specimen of a jolly Irish laborer. He was the chief sod-fence maker in the county. He lived in Morristown, and died there without issue in 1840.

Lester C. Welton, a native of Litchfield, Conn., was born in April, 1817, and came in 1849. His wife was a native of Hartford,- Conn , and was born in May, 1819.

Jesse Woolsey was the first landlord at Andover - then the favorite stopping place with all the travelers on the old Knoxville and Galena road from 1840 to about 1850 - and was widely known. He died some years ago.

Abisha Washburn was a native of Massachusetts. He settled in Colona. He died in 1872, oh the last day of August. He came in 1837. His widow is living in the county.

John P- Potter, born in Coshocton, Ohio, Sept. 14, 1823. Came in 1838. His wife, Charity A., was born at Young's Mills, Ohio, Feb. 25, 1829. Her family settled in Whiteside County, 1837.

David Potter, born Oct. 1. 1799. From Knox Co., Ohio. Came in October, 1838.1" Born in Crawford Co., Pa.C Died in Wethersfield, Oct. 8, i860, aged 61 years.

Thomas Miller was a noted hunter. He looked a good deal like an Indian and was still more so in his acts and manners. ~He died in Hanna Township years ago.

Ithamar PilLbury was the chief founder of the Andover Colony. He was the first Presbyterian preacher in the county. He was buried in the Andover Cemetery.

Solomon Penny, widely known as '" old Sol Penny," the happy story-teller of the county. Many think he was nearly Lincoln's match in this respect. He was also a great wit. Penny's Slough was a great resort for the disciples of Izaak Walton. Penny's house was a welcome and favorite resort, and " Old Sol " was a great attraction.

Halman A. Sleight was born in Jamaica, N. Y., Aug. 7, 1828. Came to County in 1844. Was Treasurer of Henry County five terms. Died in the county,

Isaac N. Stewart was born in New York, Oct. 12, 1814. Came to Henry County in August, 1847. His wife was born Oct. 2, 1828. Came to county in

Roderick R. Stewart, one of the founders of Genesee His three daughters were the first schoolteachers in the county. He held many offices in the county and his family was the prominent leading family in the county.

Samuel Sullivan and brother and two sisters carre here together. They were from Ohio. They left the county and went further West many years ago.

ohn Melloy, dealer in wood and coal and drayman at Cambridge, was born Sept. 2, 1832, in Bedford Co., Pa. In the paternal line of descent he is of Irish extraction, his grandfather, Hugh Melloy, having been a native of the Green Isle. The latter came when a young man to the continent of America and located in Huntingdon Co., Pa. He passed the remainder of his life in the vocation of a farmer there. His son, William Melloy, was born in Bedford, Bedford County, and is yet living, at the age of 73. He was a blacksmith by occupation, and -married Catherine Hoop. She is still living. The ten children born of lliis marriage are named Elizabeth, John, Catherine, Ellen, George (deceased), Biven, William (deceased), Susie, David and a daughter, who is deceased.

Mr. Melloy was educated in the county where he was born, and on arriving at a suitable age he engaged in the business of a farmer, and was there married. He remained in the State of his nativity until his removal in November, 1869, to Henry County. He made a location in ,the township of Atkinson, but only remained there until the spring ensuing, when he came to Cambridge and embarked in the business which has been mentioned at the beginning of this personal account.

He formed a matrimonial contract with Catherine Kertz, a native of Bedford Co., Pa., and the daughter of Robert and Rachel (Clark) Kertz. Mr. and Mrs. Melloy are the parents of five children, viz. : Emma, who is the wife of Mr. McFarland, of Iowa; Robert W., Nellie., John and Annie. The latter is the wife of John Kookes. The parents are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Melloy is a Democrat.

S. Ellingsworth, of Hanna Township, became a resident of Henry County in r87o. l"'t""3" He was born Oct. 15, 1834, in Worcester Co., Md.,and is the son of William and Zipton A. Evans Ellingsworth, both of whom were natives of Maryland. The family removed to Illinois in 1845. They embarked on a steamer for the city of Philadelphia, and went thence by rail to Pittsburg, whence they came on the river route to -Rock Island. The father bought land in the township of Moline, and there pursued farming three jears. At the end of that time he made a change of location, going to Pleasant Valley, in Hampton Township. The homestead was there maintained until 1862, when another removal was made to Hanna Township. Some years later the senior Ellingsworth went to Geneseo to pass the closing years of his life and is still resident there.

Mr. Ellingsworth of this sketch was reared on the farm and has, been familiar with the details of the business which he has made the vocation of his life since he was old enough to have an understanding of his obligation to the work of the world. He was an attendant at the common school, and obtained such education as the time and place afforded.

At the age of 22 he entered the employ of P. K. Hanna, of Hanna Township, and he operated in his interests three years. In 1870 he bought the farm which he has since owhed and to which he has given his personal supervision. He is engaged in mixed husbandry. The farm is on section 34.

The marriage of Mr. Ellingsworth and Mary Stokes Hanna took place Feb. 13, 1870. She is the daughter of Young and Lucy (Niver) Stokes, and was the widow of R. N. Hanna. Her parents were pioneers of Henry County. The children who are now members of the household are three in number, and are named Young S., Joseph H. and- James Garfield.

illiam H. Kemmis, a farmer on section 10, Loraine Township, has been a resident of Henry County from his childhood. He was born in Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., March 25, 1835, and was less than three years of age when his parents, in 1837, removed to Illinois, and located in this county. " Samuel D. Kemmis, his father, was botn in Washington Co., N. Y., March 23, 1802. The latter grew to manhood on the farm of his father, where he was born, and was sent to the public schools to obtain such education as was possible at that period. He made good use of his time, and was still young when he engaged in teaching. He was a hatter by trade in later life, and was married in his native county to Mary Rood. She was born in the same county, - In. the- summer of 1835 they removed with their family to Ohio, and located in the vicinity of Cleveland. After a brief stay there they went thence to Detroit, Mich., where they continued to remain until the year that has been mentioned as that in which they came to Illinois. The removal from Michigan to Illinois was accomplished in the manner common in those days, with teams. On the road the mother was seized with sudden illness, and died of heart disease. She was buried at a place 25 miles east of Chicago. She left three children, the oldest of whom was but seven years old.

They came to Henry County in the fall, and the father made a claim on the southwest quarter of section 21, in township 18. (In that way the township of Loraine was designated on the' charts of the surveyors before the Government of the United States placed the land in market.) That tract was not long in the possession of the senior Kemmis, and he bought another on section 10 of the same township. Of the latter he was the resident owner and occupant until his demise, which occurred in 1858. His wife died in 1837. In 1850 he was again married to Susanna Robinson. She is his survivor, and occupies a portion of the homestead estate. Of the first marriage three children were born : Thompson A. lives in Montana ; Lydia R. is not living.

Mr. Kemmis, of this narration, is the youngest. He was a child of three months when his parents removed to Ohio, and of course accompanied them on their several removals. He followed in the steps of his father in the matter of bringing up and education. He was married Dec. 9, 1858, to Nancy Blair. She is a native of Detroit, Mich. They settled on the homestead property, and have always been residents thereon ever since. He has erected the buildings he occupies and utilizes in his farming.

ohn S. Long, residing on the southeast quarter of section 16, Lynn Township, where he is engaged in the occupation of farming and stock-raising, is one of the energetic, progressive farmers of Henry County. He was born in Saltsburg, Indiana Co., Pa., March the same State as his son. He was a mechanic and was the sixth child and second son of Jacob Long, Sr., who was born in Germany, and of German parentage. Jacob, Sr., emigiated to this country with his parents when he was a small boy, settling with them in western Pennsylvania, where he was married to a Miss Crousier, who was born in Pennsylvania. Her father was a farmer. The grandfather, Jacob, Sr., died there and some 25 years later the grandmother followed him to the land of the hereafter. Jacob Long, Jr., father of our subject, had learned the trade of grain cradle-making, which he followed with no small degree of success the major portion of his life. He was united in marriage at Clarksburg, Indiana Co., Pa., in 1830, with Barbara Shirley, a native of that county. Her father Thomas, and her mother Polly (Miller) Shirley, were of Irish and German extraction, and her father was a farmer by occupation. The grandfather of Thomas Shirley, whose name was also Thomas, was a soldier during the entire period of the Revolutionary War. The grandparents of Mrs. Long died at Clarksburg, Indiana Co., Pa. ; the grandfather in May, 1776, and the grandmother the same hear. The mother of Mrs. Long, wife of the subject of this notice, was the second child of a family of eight children, three daughters and five sons.

After the marriage of the parents of this notice, they resided in Westmoreland and Indiana Counties, Pa., until the death of the father in 187 2, who at that date was in his 66th year. The mother is yet living and resides with her younger son, Matthias A., in Liberty, Gage Co., Neb., aged 74 years. She is the mother of ten children, eight sons and two daughters, all of whom are living except one, who died in Andersonville prison. Another son was in the army and has from some cause or other not been heard from since he entered the service. The family still live in hope that he does not lie beneath the ground in one of the unnumbered and unknown graves of Union soldiers at the South.

John S. Long, subject of this notice, resided at home, attending the common schools and assisting on the farm until he was 19 years of age In March, 1854, he came to this State and located in Rock Island County, where for a time he worked as a general laborer. He afterward came to this county and one year later, in 1859, in company with 27 others, he made an overland trip to Pike's Peak, Col., where after a tedious journey he arrived in Placerville, or Hangtown. After spending three years in the mining region, and meeting with success in his labors, he returned by water via the Isthmus to this county, arriving here in April, 1862. Immediately on his arrival he purchased 160 acres of land, located on section 16, the same being the southeast quarter of that section. The land was partly improved, and he upon the task of its cultivation, determined to establish a home, which determination has been fulfilled ; and his farm to-day presents the appearance of thrift and good agricultural judgment, and is one of the best farms in the township. By energetic effort, good judgment and economy, he has added, to his landed interests 120 acres, which lies adjoining his original purchase, and also 80 acres of timber land in Mercer County.

Mr. Long formed a matrimonial alliance May 21, 1862, at Geneseo, this county, with Miss Nancy J. Fleming. She was born at New Paris, Ohio, June 13, 1837, and is the daughter of Alexander and Nancy M. (Adams) Fleming, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee respectively, who were married in New Paris. Her father was a merchant, and both died in Pendleton, Wayne Co., Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Long are the parents of eight children, - Alice M., Wilson YV\, Julia, Burtie E., Jessie L., Fleming T., Roy (deceased) and Nannie P. Mr. Long has held the office of Supervisor of his township for ten years, eight of which were consecutive. Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party, and socially he is one of the respected and honored citizens of his township.

{.ons Shult, a general farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 3, Lynn Township, is a native of Sweden, where, in Smolan, that country, he was born, Oct. 16, 7834. The parents of Mr. Shult were extensive farmers in their native country. They emigrated to the United States in 1857, and soon thereafter located in Lynn Township, this county, where the son had preceded them three years previous, in r854. The father 'died in Lynn Township, in February, 187 1, and his mother is at present residing with her son, Hons, and is in her 77th year. Hons Shult, subject of this notice, on emigrating to the United States, came almost immediately to this county, where he was engaged for a time in labor on the railrqad, alternating the same by working on the farm for three years. He then rented land, which he cultivated for his own individual benefit for some seven years. At the expiration of that time he purchased 70 acres of unimproved land. This was in the year 1863, and Mr. Shult entered at once upon the cultivation and improvement of his land, where he. determined to establish a home for himself and family.

He was united in the bonds of marriage July 19, 1862, at Andover, this county, with Miss Mary Johnson, a native of Sweden. She was born March 9, 7841, and emigrated to the land of possibilities with her parents when she was 19 years of age, they settling in Lynn Township. Her father died at her residence, March 18, 1883, aged 72 years. Her mother still survives and resides in Orion. Mr. Shult at present is the proprietor of 435 acres of well improved land, located on sections 3, 4, 9 and 10. in addition to the time he devotes to agriculture, he is also to a considerable extent engaged in stockraising, and as an agriculturist and stock-raiser has met with considerable success. His family are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church at Orion. Mr. Shult has held the office of School' Director some time, and politically is identified with the Republican party.

'jEiram Bigelow, the oldest practicing attorney in Henry County and one of the leading members of the Bar in this section of the State, resides at Galva. He was born at Le Roy, Genesee Co., N. Y., Feb. 23, 1829, and was the fourth in a family of eight children. His father, John A. Bigelow, was born in the State of Connecticut, in the year 1795, being a lineal descendant of John Bigelow, who emigrated from Wrentham, county of Suffolk, England, and settled at Watertown, Mass., where he died, July 14, 1703;

John A. Bigelow served as a volunteer in the War of 1 812, and was at the battle of Buffalo. In 1820 he married Miss Mary McCollum, daughter of Jacob McCollum, whose father was an Elder in the Church of Scotland. Jacob McCollum was born in the State' of New Jersey during the Revolution and on the day of the battle of Monmouth, which history tells us was one of the hottest ever known. He married Miss Susan Harris and both lived to a ripe old age.

Hiram Bigelow was reared and educated at LeRoy, his native place, and when only 18 years of age began life as a school-teacher, which business he followed two years, and afterwards engaged as a clerk in a mercantile establishment in his native town.

The latter business he abandoned and took up the study of law, purchasing his own books for that purpose with money which he earned himself.

In 1854 he came West, and in the spring of 1855 he was admitted to the Bar at Elkhorn, Wisconsin. In 1856 he settled at Galva, then a village scarcely more than a year old, and began the practice of law. His business rapidly increased and he soon became an active and successful lawyer, principally for the reason that he never neglected business entrusted to his care, but was always industrious and attentive to the interests of his clients. In i860 he was elected to the office of State's Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, then composed of the counties of Henry and Rock Island, which office he held for four years.

At the time he settled at Galva, and for years afterwards, titles to real estate in the "Central Military Tract " were very uncertain, and to what is known to the profession as " real-estate law " he applied himself with great diligence; and, having been engaged in the trial of many cases in the State and United States Courts involving the title to lands, and being uniformly successful, he is acknowledged to stand in the fronk rank of the profession in that department of the law.

ndrew M. Peterson is one of the extensive and successful farmers of Henry W^iT County. His home farm, on section 23, of Western Township, consists of 240 acres, all under splendid improvements. Mr. Peterson's remarkable success in life is a fine illustration of what may be accomplished in this country -by one with energy, foresight and determination, pushing forward. He was born in Sweden, July 7, 1828, and lived with his parents upon the farm until about 23 years of age, when he determined to 1 ome to the New World. He soon found himself in Henry

County, where he began to work as a laborer on the railroad. He struggled along, working honestly and fairly, using economy in all things, and after his marriage settled down as a farmer. At that time he located on section 23, Western Township, where he owned 240 acres. Besides this, he has 160 acres under good improvements on section 24 of the same township, and also 160 acres under the plow on section 1, and 80 acres on section 2. This vast accumulation of property is the result of his own efforts, assisted by his wife. When he started in the township he was very poor. When he landed at New York city he was without a penny in his pocket, but he found a friend of whom he borrowed $ro, with which he secured his passage to this county. He first entered 60 acres of land, and by degrees has secured one of the largest farming interests in the county. Besides all this property, he is a stockholder in the bank at Orion and also in the mercantile company.

Mr. Peterson was married March 29, 1855, in Western Township, to Catherine L. Swanson. Like himself, she was bom in Sweden and came to America with her parents, in 1853. They are yet living, on the first 80 acres of land they purchased in Osco Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have been born seven children, two of whom are deceased. The family record is written as follows : Loasie is married and lives in Nebraska; Sophia is also married and resides in Osco Township; Emma M.,Letta, Ida (deceased), Victor S. and Matilda.

fl^dward C. Clow, engaged in the general mercantile business at Morristown, is a native of Hudson, Summit Co., Ohio, j§&- where he was born April 18,1843. His ])ar- I ents, E. S. and Margaret J. (Fleming) Clow, nfaved to New Castle, Pa., Sept. 8, 1843, where they resided for three years, and then moved to Rock Island and resided there for two years, after which they moved on a farm three miles south of Milan, at which place he assisted his father in agricultural pursuits for a time.

Arriving home he again engaged in farming, which occupation he followed for about a year, when he abandoned 'the farm and opened a grocery and restaurant at Milan. Continuing the latter business for about four years, he disposed of his stock and removed to Filmore Co., Neb., and there once more engaged in the occupation of farming, and occupied his time in that manner for 13 years.

In the fall of 1883 Mr. Clow came from Nebraska to this county, and purchased the property where he is at present residing and carrying on his business, at Morristown.

The marriage of Mr. Clow took place at Milan, Rock Island Co., this State, April 28, 1870, and Miss Carrie Gale, the daughter of Monroe and Elizabeth (Cossum) Gale, became his wife. Her father died in Rock Island, where her mother still resides.

^enry Rumler, of the township of Atkinsom is is a citizen of the United States by adoption. He was born in Belgium, April i4> 1854. His parents, Francis and Amelia (Bonne) Rumler, came from their native land with their family when their son who is the subject of this account was a child of three. They came to Atkinson Township in 1858. Mr. Rumler has been brought up almost wholly in the township where he now resides. He was married Nov. 15, 1878, in Henry County, to Wilhelmina Bouwhuis. Mrs. Rumler is the daughter of Anthony andTerisa (Vanlandschoot) Bouwhuis, and is descended from

Holland-Dutch parents. Mr. and Mrs. Rumler have five children now living. Their names are Willie H., Annie T., Edward, Lizzie and Albert. Francis died at the age of two^years. The family are Catholics. Mr. Rumler endorses, the principles of the National Greenback party.

and Christiana (Meyers) Buell, of Geneseo, of whom a sketch is presented on other pages of this volume. The date of the birth of Mr. Buell was July 27, T856. He was a pupil in the public schools at Geneseo during his boyhood and early youth, and later was a student at the Northwestern College at Naperville.

Mr; Buell was from earliest youth possessed of artistic propensities, and as opportunity served devoted considerable time to the gratification of his tastes, and when he was r8 he became interested in the acquisition of a knowledge of the profession which he is now pursuing. He entered the photo- j graphic establishment of N. D. Davis at Geneseo, . S and passed two years under the instructions of that gentleman, and at the end of the time mentioned was fitted to enter upon the responsibilities of the business independently. He went in 1876 to the city of Jackson, Mich., where he passed four years in the first-class photographic establishment of that place, and while there was in the constant acqusition of all the progressive ideas pertaining to the business. In 1880 he returned to the State of his nativity, and passed three months at Ottawa, after which he returned to Geneseo. He bought the establishment of Mr. Davis, of whom he at first learned his profession, and has since been engaged in the transaction of a profitable and popular business. Mr. Buell is a young man of unexceptionable character, and is considered a valuable accession to the interests of the place he resides in.

He was united in marriage to Sarah E., daughter of Sanford Swank, of Hampton, Rock Island Go., 111., Oct. rr, 1883. Mrs. Buell was born Sept. 24, 1859, in Rock Island Co., 111.

|f ev. Erland Carlsson, Pastor of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Andover, is one of the most widely known gentlenien of his nationality in America. Few men have exerted greater influence for good over their fellow men than has Rev. Mr. Carlsson. He has a splendid record, and one which we shall not attempt to elaborate in this sketch, but merely give the more prominent features of his great works among his people in behalf of religion and education. He was born in Sweden, Aug. 24, 1822, and graduated at the University of Lund, in 1844, and was ordained to the holy ministry by the Bishop of Wexio, in June, 1849.

After five years of faithful service in the Established Church (the Lutheran) of Sweden, with royal permission he left his native country, in June, 1853, coming to America. He at once proceeded to Chicago, arriving there in August of the same year. He took charge of the Immanuel Swedish Lutheran Congregation, which had been organized in that city in the same year, and consisted of a few poor Swedish emigrants. His remarkable career in that city is best told by the simple record of his pastorate of 22 years for his congregation. Commencing, as above stated, with a handful of poor Swedish emigrants, and without influence, during Mr. Carlsson's services, his congregation became one of the largest Protestant Churches in Chicago. In the spring of 1875, he accepted a call to Andover, where he is at present located.

Rev. Erl. Carlsson has not only labored most efficiently as Pastor, but has taken a prominent part in the general affairs of the Swedish Lutheran Church of this country. For many years he has been the President of the Swedish Lutheran Illinois Conference, and at present is the President of the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North America. When the Rev. Carlsson arrived in Chicago there were only two Swedish Lutheran pastors and six Swedish Lutheran congregations in this country, but now the Synod of which he is President numbers 214 ministers, and 460 congregations, with a membership of 102,413, and now extends in territory from the Atlantic to the Pacific slope. Mr. Carlsson is also the Chairman of the Board of Missions of this Synod, and also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Augustana College and Theological Seminary at Rock Island. He is also connected with many other boards and important committees. He is a thoroughly competent man, eminently capable of taking charge of the extensive religious and educational affairs with which he has been connected. He has always taken the deepest interest and a most prominent part in the education of the Swedes, and in making them true Christians and good American citizens.

It is with pleasure that we present in this Album the portrait of a man so widely as well as so intimately connected with that large and respectable elem-ent, the Swedes, which we find in this county. His influence, however, is by no means confined by the boundaries of Henry County, nor by the. borders of Illinois even, but is largely exerted, and always for good, in every Swedish colony or settlement in the country.

£ enry Sand, of the township of Loraine, is a citizen of the United States by adoption, as he was born in Hesse Darmstadt, in Germany. His birth is dated Jan. 30, 1823, and from the age of six to that of 14 he was a pupil in the schools of his native land according to He then entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the trade of a shoemaker, and after acquiring a complete knowledge of the business he worked as a journeyman indifferent cities in Germany until 1848, when he took a final leave of the land of his birth. He crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel, and after a passage of five weeks landed at the port of New York. He remained in that city and was employed at his trade there one year. In 1849 he went to the city of Pittsburg and operated thei£ as a shoemaker two months. He went thence to Cincinnati, where he remained a short time, and went next to St. Louis. He was a resident there until 1852, and in that year he came to Henry County. The town of Loraine was not then named, but was designated by the numeral " 18." Mr. Sand bought a claim on section 22 and built a log house on it. It should have been previously mentioned that he removed with his family from St. Louis on the river route to Rock

Island, and he and his wife and child walked to Henry County. They were in possession of 25 cents in money. The wife spaded a place for a garden spot, and the husband found employ at his trade and as a farm assistant until they were able to make a little start, arid they kept their claim until the spring of 18153, when it was sold for $50. Mr. Sand then entered another of 40 acres on section n in the same township. He built a log house 18x20 feet square and broke ten acres of land. He continued to operate as a farmer and shoemaker there seven years, and then sold out and returned to the city of St. Louis. He continued a resident of that place four years, and returned to Henry County. He settled on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 10 in Loraine Township, and his family were the occupants of that place until 1872, when Mr. Sand again sold out and bought the farm on section 14, where they have since resided without intermission. The farm of 120 acres is a fine one, and is all under excellent improvements, with fences and buildings of good type. Mr. Sand also owns r6o acres on section 13 in Loraine Township.

He was united in marriage to Margaretta Todt, in St. Louis, in 185 1. She is a native of Prussia, and came to America in 1848. The children now included in the family are: Eveline, Herman, Barney, Minnie, Margaret, Henry, Albert, Fred and Willie. f oseph. Watson, engaged as a general farm- [plijg- er on section 13 of Western Township, was SP^ born in Bucks Co., Pa., Sept. 26, 1830, his parents being Miles and Nancy (Kelly) Watson, and natives of the same State' as their son. The parents died in their native State some years ago, and were prominent and respectable people in the community in which they resided.

Joseph Watson was about 23 years of age when his father died, and previous to this period he had learned the trade and occupation of his father, - that of a wheelwright. He was married in his native county to Miss Nancy McAwish, a native of Ireland, who came to America when a young girl and settled in Bucks Co., Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have had their home brightened and blessed with the birth of three children, one of whom is deceased. Henry,

Mr. Watson worked at his occupation and the carpenter's trade in his life-time, and after marriage followed the latter a short time. In 1882 they came to Illinois, and here Mr. W. purchased 80 acres, of land, located in Western Township. Mr. Watson has entered vigorously and energetically in its cultivation and improvement, and, besides this land, rents a large farm, which he operates. Politically, he is a Republican.

illiam Haxby, a resident of Annawan Township, who is located on section 22, came to Henry County in 1855. He is considered one of the representative agriculturists of the township in which he . has been a useful and honored citizen since he connected his fortunes with those of its inhabitants.

He was born in Scott Co., 111., April, 1835. He was the assistant of his father on the farm during his minority, and he obtained the advantages of the district school in the vicinity of the home of his boyhood. After reaching his majority he remained at home until he was 30 years of age, and acted in the same capacity on the family homestead as in his youth. He has made farming the pursuit of his life.

' Mr. Haxby is the son of George Haxby, who was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1795. The latter came from his native land to America and settled in Henry County. His wife was, before her marriage, Miss Rachel Hodson. The names of their children were as follows : Mary, Ann, Elizabeth, Jane, Margaret, Rachel and John. The mother of Mrs. Haxby, Mrs. McGee, was born in Champaign Co.,' Ohio, Jan. 14, 1826. John McGee, the husband and father was born July 25, 1824. Before her marriage the former was Miss Mary A. Hargadine. Their marriage took place June 4, 1-845, ln Ohio. Their children were named Maria L., Sarah C, Chloe E. and Charles C.

The farm of Mr. Haxby contains 240 acres, all of it being under culture. The buildings on the place are of good type, and in every way well calculated for the purpose for which they are designed. The stock of which he is the owner is of good grades and the horses on the farm are half-blooded English Draft breed. Mr. Haxby is the owner of one thoroughbred English horse whose weight is 1 ,800 pounds. He is a beautiful bay in color, and is nine years old. Mr. Haxby is a Republican in political opinion.

;.udson Richard Taylor, a citizen of Hanna Township, was born May 12, 1832, in White Co., 111., the son of Ephraim M. and Sarah (nee Hatsell) Taylor. His father was a native of Virginia, and entered the military service of the United States during the Civil War, acting at first as an independent ranger, and afterwards enlisting as a soldier in the regular service. The mother was born in North Carolina. The parents lived a number of years in White County, and there their lives terminated.

Mr. Taylor was but a child when he became an orphan by the deaths of his father and mother, and in 1844 he came to Henry County. Soon after he embraced an opportunity to enter upon an apprenticeship to acquire a knowledge of the trade of a carpenter and builder in Rock Island County, and he went there for that purpose. He pursued that business until 1855 'n Rock Island County, and in that year he embarked in mercantile relations at Colona. He operated there one year in the first enterprise of the kind that was established in that place. With a single exception, he erected the first four frame houses at Colona, and while he was in business there, associated with his brother, J. W. Taylor, and J. J. Baum, he built a saw-mill at that place. In 1857 he sold his interests in Colona and removed to Hampton. He there engaged in the business of supplying the river boats with coal for a few months, after which he assumed the charge of the farm of his father-inlaw in the same township. He was interested in farming until 1865. In January of that year he enlisted in the Ninth 111. Vol. Cav. and accompanied the regiment to Eastport, Tenn., and thence to Corinth, Selma, Montgomery and Gainesville, and to different portions of the South. He remained with the command until November of the same year in which he enlisted, when the regiment was mustered out, and he returned to Hampton Township. He continued to reside there until 1867, when he bought the farm he now owns and on which he has since devoted himself to the vigorous prosecution of his agricultural interests. It was situated in township 17, now called Hanna Township. He has since purchased land adjoining which belongs to the township of Edford, lying on section 8, the whole tract including 280 acres, all of which is under advanced cultivation. Mr. Taylor is interested in raising stock, and is the owner of a dairy.

Mr. Taylor was joined in marriage in August, 1855, to Mary A. Porter. She was born in Washington Co., Ind., and is the daughter of William and Martha (Giles) Porter. The parents were born respectively in Virginia and North Carolina, and they settled in the county of Rock Island in 1833, a period which was included in the days of first things in that county. The six children of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are named William H., George H., Frederick L., Mary Ida, John J. and Daniel A.

on. Matthew B. Potter, farmer of Henry T County, and the son of David and Elizabeth (Cosner) Potter, was born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, Dec. 16, 182 1. His parents were natives of the Keystone State and Virginia respectively, were married and settled in Coshocton Co., Ohio, and afterward removed to Knox Co., Ohio. In the fall of 1838 Mr. David Potter, the father of Matthew, again removed, this time coming to Henry County, this State, settling in what is now Wethersfield Township, where they remained until their death, the mother's occurring in February, 1850, and the father's, Oct. 8, i860.

Henry County. He attended the common schools during the winter seasons until he attained the age of 1 6 years, and also attended about three months while in Henry County, and then engaged in agricultural pursuits, remaining under the influence of his parents most of the time until he was 25 years old. . Soon afterward, in company with his brother, J. P., they bought a tract of land in Kewanee Township, which is a part of the site now occupied by the village of Kewanee. They afterward traded this valuable tract of land for 200 acres of prairie and 20 acres of timber land. They next purchased 80 acres and divided, Mr. Potter having 125 acres, with the buildings which were on the place, for his share. He still retains the original 125 acres, all of which are tillable.

Mr. Potter was married in Union Grove, near Morrison, Whiteside County, this State, Oct. 20, 1847, to Abigail Young, daughter of Daniel B. and Betsey (Jackson) Young, natives of New Jersey. They emigrated to Whiteside County in 1837, and settled in Union Grove Township, where Mrs. Young died. He survives, and of their union 12 children were born : Emily, Abigail (our subject's wife), Charity A., Harriet, Jacob C, Lucy, Triphena, Nelson, Jackson, John, Sylvia, and one deceased. All but the youngest child lived to man's estate. Mrs. Potter was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 14, 1827, and she has become the mother of five children, namely: James W., Lucy C, Matthew H, Carrie E. and David L. James W. is engaged as bank clerk in Kansas City, Mo.; Lucy C. died when 2% years old ; Matthew H. resides in Morrison, 111. ; Carrie E. is the wife of Charles Otis and resides in Kansas, and David L. resides with his father on the farm. During the life-time of Mrs. Abigail Potter, she and her husband brought up an orphan girl, Mary Summers, who married William H. Stockton, and is now living in Colorado.

Mr. Potter was elected Sheriff for the first time in August, 1848, when he served two years, and was then re-elected in 1852, and served again for one term. He was elected Judge of Henry County in November, 1857, and served until the fall of i860, when he resigned. He held the office of Justice of the Peace two years, and was one of the first Supervisors of Wethersfield Township. He has served his time in that capacity for many years, now occupying that position, having served continuously since 1880.

He was one of the Commissioners appointed to organize the county into townships, and has been Chairman of the Board of- Supervisors one year - 1883. In politics Mr. Potter is identified with the Democratic party. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Mr. Potter was instrumental in raising a company for the army. It was Co. F, 124th 111. Vol. Inf., and he was commissioned Captain of the company, and served with it until August, 1862, being mustered into the service the following September, and resigned on account Of ill-health, after the surrender of Vicksburg, in August, 1863. He had returned to his home but two weeks when his wife died, her death occurring Aug. 28, 1863. His second marriage took place in Galva, this State, on the 8th of June, 1864, the lady being Mrs, Elizabeth, daughter of Solomon and Margaret (Hume) Shoup, natives of Pennsylvania. Of this second union, five children were born, viz., Ann, John, Helen, Harry and Eliza- ( ), beth. Mrs. Potter was born in Cuba, Fulton Co., 111., % Sept. 14, 1839. fe illiam M. Repine, publisher of the Woodhull Gazette, was born in Indiana Co., Pa., in the year 1865. He removed with his parents to Rock Island, 111., in 1877, where he officiated as news-boy for about 18 ' months ; then he went to Reynolds, 111., where he worked on a farm and went to school for about a year and a half. He removed to Millersburg, 111., where he worked again on the farm _and for some time in a job printing office.

Wm. M. Repine reached Woodhull, 111., in 1883, where he acted in the role of "devil," foreman, and sometimes editor-in-chief of the Dispatch, until he started a paper of his own. He was-selected, during the Presidential campaign of 1884, by the Prohibitionists of the Twenty-first Senatorial District, as their candidate for the Legislature, and received about 700 votes.

Mr. Repine is a young man of considerable ability, praise-deserving firmness, and a general favorite of the young people in the town where he resides. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and occasionally delivers temperance lectures within a radius of 30 miles. He has staying qualities about him which plainly indicate that he has come to Woodhull to stay. He is quite an expert printer, and the Gazette is one of the tastiest, neatest and newsiest papers in the county.

ames M. Wiley, the subject of this sketch, one of the founders of Galva and a resident of that village, was born Jan. 23, 1816, near Saxton's River, Vt. Having been left an orphan at the age of eight years, with little means for his support, he was compelled to earn his living by manual labor. He worked industriously upon a farm, attending school during the winter months, until he arrived at the age of 16. During these years, he developed a faculty for trading, and the pay for farm labor being small, he commencedtraveling through that and adjoining States, selling various lines of goods, both at retail and at auction, and met with more than ordinary success.

April 25, 1838, he left his native State and started for the then far West, full of high hopes and ambitions, chief of which was to assume the dignity of land-holder. He, with other young companions, crossed the Green Mountains to Schenectady, thence up the New York & Erie Canal to Buffalo, from there by lake to Cleveland, Ohio ; and then, attempting to go down the Ohio Canal to Portsmouth, after 50 miles' travel, encountered a break, and were compelled to go by wagon to Steubenville, and from there down the Ohio River, thence up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to what was then the village of Peoria, reaching that point on May 15, one month from starting. The following morning Mr. Wiley started for Brimfield by the first stage coach that had ever left Peoria for the Mississippi River, arriving at his destination, where he joined three brothers and two sisters who had preceded him one year. Brimfield at that time was a village of six log houses and one log store, where everything could be procured to satisfy the simple wants of the hardy pioneer. The town was situated in the midst of a most beautiful and fertile prairie, ready cleared by nature's hand to receive the plow. Mr. Wiley was charmed with the location and the country surrounding, and here saw a large field open for his enter- js^t: - e^^n n® n n^^ - :s^ftprise and energy. He purchased an interest in land bought of the Government the year previous by his brother, John F. Wiley, and at once commenced to make permanent improvements upon this farm ; and this first purchase of land was his home for more than 30 years, and which, on moving to Galva, he sold at $100 per acre. He not only followed the occupation of farming but was also engaged in buying and selling lands, and has at times owned thousands of acres, upon which he put improvements, and disposed*bf it to settlers on liberal terms, thus encouraging those looking for homes to remain. He also dealt largely in wool, which he shipped to Vermont, receiving in return woolen goods, which he disposed of to the merchants of Peoria and surrounding towns.