Iroquois County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1880 (part 14 of 20)

John Greer, farmer, Hoopeston, was born in Pennsylvania in 1812, and is of German descent. His early life was spent in Pennsylvania. In 1833 he began flat-boating on the Ohio and Mississippi, which he followed until 1839, when he located on a farm of 320 acres near Napoleon, at the mouth of the Arkansas river. He remained here farming until 1846, when he went to Madison parish, Louisiana, and engaged in furnishing cordwood for steamboats. In 1850 he was employed in the construction of the New Orleans and Ohio telegraph line. About 1852 he began farming in Madison parish, Louisiana, opposite Vicksburg, where he owned 520 acres. He sold this farm in 1859. During the time that he owned it he was engaged during the winter in building levees on the banks of the river. February 26, 1841, he was married, at Napoleon, Arkansas, to Miss Eliza Adams, of Danville, Illinois, who was at that time visiting friends and relatives at that place. Mr. Greer has been very unfortunate with his children, all of whom died in infancy or when quite young, except Nelson B., who was born March 31, 1844. Two of his children, John and Eleanor, lie buried in the cemetery at Vicksburg, Mississippi. In November, 1853, Mrs. Greer went from her home in Vicksburg, with her son, to Danville, Illinois, partly on account of her health, but mainly to educate her son Nelson, then a promising boy of ten years. Mr. Greer remained in the south and had a large contract for building levees, when he received news of his wife's death, which happened February 26, 1854. He arranged his business as speedily as possible and came to Danville, which from that time on until 1861 he made his home. He owned considerable town property in Danville, and began buying land in Prairie Green and Lovejoy townships in 1857, where he now has a farm of about 1,000 acres, with several tenement houses on different parts of it. August ] 9, 1867, his son Nelson was killed by descending into a well on the farm in Prairie Green township, in which a tenant of Mr. Greer's had just expired from the effects of carbonic acid gas. This was a sad stroke to Mr. Greer. He had intended to make a stock-farm of his lands here, but the death of his son changed his plans, and now he has many tenants on his farm. Mr. Greer has passed through a long, busy and eventful life, has seen his wife and children go down into the grave before him ; yet he possesses a cheerful mind, an active body, and perhaps has many years yet to travel in the journey of life. His residence is in Lovejoy township, but the most of his farm lies in Prairie Green. He has always taken a great interest in tree-planting, and exhibits a commendable pride as he shows to his friends the groves and orchards which were planted by himself and his son when they first began to improve their prairie farm.

Charles Dawson, farmer and stock-dealer, Wellington, was born December 14, 1839, and is the son of Charles W. and Mary J. (Hooker) Dawson, who were the first settlers of Warren county, Indiana, near Pine Village, and who are now living in Iroquois county, near Milford. When about fifteen years of age he came with his parents to this county, and at about the age of twenty he began to buy live-stock, which business he has followed ever since. He was married in Watseka, November 21, 1861, to Julia Cadore, of French descent, and a native of Canada. Her parents were living in Kankakee at the time of her marriage, and now live in Kansas. Mr. Dawson has two children : Mary A. and Priscilla R. He owns 400 acres, beautifully situated on the banks of Gay creek, just south of the Red Pump Farm. His residence and barn, which are the finest in the township, are on the east bank of the creek, near the " Big Spring " and the " Lone Tree," a famous " watering place " for the red-skins more than half a century ago. Since coming to his present home in 1872, he has fed considerable stock, besides being constantly engaged in buying and shipping. He is a strong republican.

Joshua Galloway, farmer, Wellington, was born July 16, 1819, in Union county, Ohio, and was raised near Lebanon in that state. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. His father died when he was three years old. He received a very limited education, and at the age of thirteen went to work at tanning and dressing leather, where he remained until he was eighteen. For the next three years he worked on a farm in Warren county, Ohio, and then learned the blacksmith's trade, became a good workman, and followed the business steadily for some years. He has also engaged in other mechanical pursuits, and farming, previous to corning to this county in 1859. He first settled in Prairie Green township, on section 4, where he remained eight years. In 1865 he bought the farm of 160 acres which he now owns, and moved on it in 1868, where he has since remained. He was married in Ohio, August 5, 1850, to Sarah J. Martin. The first nine years of their married life they spent in Indiana, and then came to Iroquois county as before stated. They have four children : Mary A., born May 28, 1854; J. J. Haynes, born January 26, 1856; H. Xenophon, born May 15, 1858, and Lorinda P. A., born December 12, 1860. As a public officer Mr. Galloway has always been honest, and has faith- fully discharged the duties of his offices. He was commissioner of highways in Prairie Green for three years. In Lovejoy ne has served as school trustee, has been collector two years, and when his present term expires will have served as justice of the peace nine years. His fine home and farm, about midway between Wellington and Hoopeston, is the result of a long life of unceasing industry and practical economy. Here he expects to spend the declining years of his life.

Abram C. Bowlby, cordwainer, Wellington, was born January 17, 1844, in Washington, Warren county, New Jersey. His father followed boating on the Morris canal, and died when Abram was ten years old. His mother, whose maiden name was Euphema Smith, still lives with an only daughter in New Jersey. His youth was spent mainly in New Jersey. In 1862 he went south and worked for the government at Fortress Monroe, and afterward he drove team for Uncle Sam at Washington, District of Columbia. His mother opposed his desire to enlist in the army. He left home and enlisted at Scranton, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1863, in Capt. J. C. Paine's detachment of United States Signal Corps for three years. After his enlistment his mother wrote him to be a good soldier and do his duty. August 15, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Georgetown, District of Columbia. He came to Ohio in 1865. He was married, August 16, 1866, to Mary, daughter of W. K. and Caroline Williamson. They have had five children : Euphema, Edna and William Bartley, who are living ; and two who are dead, Augustus and Jennie Maud. Mr. Bowlby came to Yermilion county in 1873, where he lived two years, and then settled in Wellington. In the fall of 1875 he lost nearly all of his household goods in the fire that destroyed Weston's drug store. This was a great misfortune to him, coming as it did in the midst of hard times. He at once went to work to repair his losses, and by unceasing industry he has secured a home for his family in the thriving town of Wellington, where he is now having a prosperous trade.

Joseph Williams, farmer and stock-raiser, Wellington, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, May 27, 1839. His parents were Nathan and Sarah (Hoopes) Williams, the latter still living at Hoopeston. When two years old his father died. He started out in the world to " do for himself" at the age of fourteen. He hired out to a farmer for eight months, at $6 per month, and placed the money at interest. He was engaged in working on a farm near his old home until the spring of 1858, when he came to Prairie Green township, where he farmed in partnership with his brother. He was principally engaged in breaking prairie here for two or three seasons. He remained in partnership with his brother until about 1863. He then bought 160 acres near

Kendal Shankland, but sold out and came to Lovejoy, where he has lived since 1866, except one winter spent on the farm of Mr. William Adsit, during which time he fed 230 head of cattle for Mr. Adsit. He was married April 6, 1864, to Mary J. Adsit, daughter of William Adsit, the largest land-owner in the township. He has four boys : William A., born February 12, 1865 ; Thomas N., born January 14, 1867 ; John B., born April 26, 1869 ; and Frank O., born December 1, 1875. Mr. Williams' farm lies in sections 21 and 22, and embraces 640 acres, of which his wife owns a quarter-section. He has built about twelve miles of post-and-board fence, besides improving by setting hedges and trees. His farm is well adapted to stock-raising, which is his principal business.

John S. Bradford, farmer, Wellington, was the first justice of the peace of Lovejoy township. He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, August 23, 1830. His parents came from Virginia. His mother's father was a second cousin to General Winfield Scott. Mr. Bradford's father still lives in Grant county, Indiana, in his eighty-first year. At the age of twenty-three Mr. Bradford came with his parents to Indiana, where he followed the blacksmith's trade until he had to quit on account of his poor health. He came to Lovejoy township in 1865, and in the spring of 1866, settled on the farm he now owns and occupies near the town of Wellington. He has brought his land into a high state of cultivation. Mr. Bradford early began to plant trees to protect his home from the sweeping winds of winter, and now he is almost surrounded by orchard and groves. He has been married twice. By his first marriage, in 1855, he has two children : J. L. and Mollie C. J. L. has been in the Wisconsin pineries, hewing his own way in the world, but was recently called home on account of his father's failing health. Mollie C., an intelligent young lady, has had good success as a teacher. Mr. Bradford was married to his present wife, Huldah Baldwin, February 6, 1863. Her parents came from North Carolina. They have one child, named Lucy E. by this last marriage. Mr. Bradford had two brothers in the 57th Ind. reg., one a captain ; both died of disease contracted in the service. He has held the office of town collector for two terms. His political faith is that of stalwart republicanism.

William Scott, farmer, Wellington, was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, November 22, 1827. His parents, John and Martha (Templeton) Scott, moved to Shelby county, Indiana, about 1834, and were among the first settlers of the county. Mr. John Scott was in the war of 1812. In 1853 the subject of this sketch came to Illinois with A. J. Endsley, and together they bought of Joseph Heffner the " Red Pump " farm, containing 400 acres. Mr. Scott was married, in 1856, to Martha A.

Rothgeb, daughter of George Rothgeb, an old settler of Milford township. They have four children : Carlile, Olive, Winfield and Anna, all living. After his marriage Mr. Scott settled a short distance south of his present home. In 1873 he bought Endsley's interest in the farm, moved his house up to the Red Pump, where he still lives. Mr. Scott is a member of the A. F. and A. M., Milford Lodge, No. 168, and also of Gay Creek Grange. He now owns 456 acres, valued at $35 per acre.

Joseph Galloway, farmer and stock-raiser, Wellington, is a native of Fountain county, Indiana, and was born October 19, 1840. His parents, Samuel and Prudence Galloway, had eight children, seven of whom are yet living. They moved to Springfield, Ohio, when Joseph was quite young ; after two years came back to Fountain county, and removed from there to Warren county, Indiana, where they still live, near the close of a happy life. Joseph received a common-school education in Warren county, Indiana. He enlisted in September, 1861, in the 33d Ind. Vol., where he served three years, then reenlisted in the same regiment as a veteran. He was at the battle of Wild Cat, Kentucky. He was captured by the rebels, March 5, 1863, at Spring Hill, Tennessee, and sent to Libby prison. He was in prison one month, then let out on parole, and in July, 1863, he was exchanged. When his regiment was reorganized he was in the 20th Army Corps, under the command of Gen. Hooker. He was in the charge at Resaca, also participated in the battles of Dallas Woods, Kenesaw Mountain, New Hope Church and Peach Tree creek. He was in the march to the sea, and took part in the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, and other skirmishes on their victorious march through Richmond into Washington, where he was at the general review. He was discharged June 23, 1865, and has been for many years a resident of this township. Mr. Galloway was married to Louisa Haines, March 28, 1867. Ella M., Wilbert U., Hettie S., Maggie E. and David A., are the names of his children by his first wife. He was married again to Rebecca Doan, February 28, 18T7, and has one child by this union, named Johnny. Mr. Galloway now owns a well improved farm in the northeast part of the township, which he has obtained mostly by his own labor. He has been elected to the offices of town clerk, assessor, collector and school trustee. He is an uncompromising republican.

J. D. Calhoun, minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, Wellington, was born in Elaine, Perry county, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1850. He was the son of John M. and Catharine (Kiner) Calhoun. His father was a carpenter, who died when the subject of our sketch was eight years old. He then moved with his mother to Geneseo, Henry county, Illinois, where she still resides with her second husband

J. B. Terpenning. Mr. Calhoun attended school at Farm Ridge, La Salle county, Illinois. He taught school two years and in September, 1873, he entered the Methodist Episcopal conference. He labored for the first year at Eldridgeville, in Ford county ; he was three years at Iroquois in this county, and will complete his third year at Wellington in September, 1880. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd- Fellow lodges at Iroquois, and is a republican in politics. He was married, March 25, 1873, to Yina J. Robinson, of Geneseo, Illinois. They are the parents of three children : William S., Kate E. and Florence G., all living. Mrs. Calhoun's parents were William L. and Catharine Robinson. Mr. Calhoun. is respected by all who know him. Of him it may be said, " He has no enemy." He is an earnest worker in his Master's vineyard. He aided in building the church at Iroquois, one of the finest in the county, and since he has had charge of Wellington circuit the church edifice here has grown up, and the societies at the different appointments have prospered under his care.

Matthias Meeker (deceased), was born in Essex county, New York. His parents were natives of New York, of English descent. When about twelve years of age he came with his parents to New Jersey, and finally removed with them to Hamilton county, Ohio. Young Meeker went to Cincinnati, and was engaged in the yards there building steamboats. He followed the trade also in the yards at Louisville, and New Albany, Indiana. It was during his stay at New Albany that he became acquainted with Elizabeth Allstott, of German descent, who was born in Washington county, Indiana. Miss Allstott became Mr. Meeker's wife in October, 1833. They lived in New Albany, Indiana, twenty-two years. All this time $Lr. Meeker was busy at his trade in the yards, or on boats that ran on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. For seven years he was with one captain. In 1855 he traded his property in New Albany for a farm of 200 acres near Corydon, Indiana, and began farming, but still clung to the river in the winter. In the financial crisis of 1857 he lost all his property. He removed, first to Jasper county and then to Clark county, Illinois, in 1860, where he staid four years, then he came to Indiana and lived mainly in Yermilion county, in that state, until the spring of 1867. He came to Iroquois county in 1867, and settled, first in Fountain Creek township, then came to their present home in the spring of 1873. Here Mr. Meeker died April 27, 1876. He was the father of ten children, named as follows: Margaret J., William, Julia, Laura, Halsey, Thomas, Charley, Amos, Joshua and Mollie. Mr. and Mrs. Meeker had three sons and three sons-in-law in the Union army. Their son, William, was in the battle of Belmont, and died of sickness soon after.

Halseyand Thomas were in the llth Missouri. They were mere boys when they enlisted, - were at the siege of Vicksburg and in the march to the sea. Both reenlisted as veterans. One of the sons-in-law was killed in battle. Mrs. Meeker willingly let her boys go from home to defend their country, and certainly no one more richly deserves a pension than she, for her devotion to the Union.

William M. Miskimmen (deceased), and Emma Miskimmen, his wife, were born and raised in Ohio. Mr. Miskimmen was born in Wheeling township, Guernsey county, December 21, 1827, and Mrs. Miskimmen was born May 3, 1828, in Coshocton county. They were married in Ohio, March 11, 1850. Mr. Miskimmen was a merchant in Ohio. He came to Henry county, Illinois, and was for some time engaged in buying and selling stock. In 1868 he removed to Lovejoy township, and settled on his farm adjoining John Greer's on the west. Mr. Miskimmen's health was very poor, and on February 17, 1872, he died of consumption. They have two children living: Richard T., who was born December 6, 1851, and who married Celia Anderson, January 1, 1878 ; also Nannie R., born September 17, 1855, wife of B. F. Shankland, of Watseka.

J. W. Clements, farmer, Wellington, was born October 29, 1841, in Athens county, Ohio. His parents were John and Sarah A. (Thompson) Clements, natives of Ohio and Connecticut. His youth was spent on his father's farm in Ohio until August 23, 1862, when he enlisted in the 92d Ohio Yol. for three years. He followed the fortunes of his regiment through the war, marched with the boys to the sea, was in the battle of Bentonville, and at Washington when the grand review took place, although unable to march with his regiment on that occasion. He was discharged in June, 1865, and returned to Ohio, where he remained awhile, then spent one winter in Indiana, and came to this township in May, 1867. He began farming on the large farm of William Adsit, and remained here until 1873, in the spring, when he removed to his fine farm of 320 acres, in sections 23 arid 26, in this township, where he has since resided. He was married, October 15, 1868, to Julia A., daughter of William Adsit, of Delaware county, Indiana, who at one time owned 1,760 acres in this township; but he is now dividing his land among his children, having recently deeded 320 acres to Mr. Clements' wife. Mr. Clements is the father of four children : Lucy E., Leroy, Thomas T., and Elizabeth M. There is a step-son named Daniel. Mr. Clements is one of the solid men of Lovejoy, and expects to make this his permanent home.

after marriage they came to Warren county, Indiana. Attica was then only a small village. Mr. Wilson built a house in the woods on the 80 acres he had bought, and by industry acquired 80 acres more. The family lived here for about seven years, and then sold out and bought a prairie farm of 200 acres, nine miles northwest of Williamsport. Mr. Wilson lived on this farm up to the time of his death, which occurred November 1, 1871. By his good management he had become the owner of 320 acres, near Sheldon, in this county. Mrs. Wilson, after her husband's death, bought 80 acres in section 35, in this township, and removed here with her two sons, James and Asa, in March, 1875. She will be seventy-three years old March 15, 1880. Both she and her husband were members of the New Light church, in Warren county, Indiana, thirty-five years ago. She is the mother of eleven children, whose names follow : Margaret, Cynthia, Emily, Nancy, Mary, Sarah C., James, Asa, John, Amanda and William. John enlisted in the 86th Ind. reg., in the fall of 1864. He was out only three months, when he sickened and died. James, who lives with his mother, is an energetic, wide-awake farmer, and was born in Warren county, Indiana, July 6, 1849. He devotes his attention mainly to the raising of corn, for which purpose he rents considerable land, besides managing his mother's farm.

A. J. Hall, farmer and stock-dealer, Wellington, is a son of D. A. and Mary M. (Lemon) Hall, and was born August 24, 1852, while his parents were visiting at Amboy, Douglas county, Illinois. Their residence was at Newport, Indiana. In March, 1862, the family removed to Fairmount, Vermilion county, Illinois, where Mr.|Hall engaged in the grain' trade. While here the subject of this sketch aided his father by driving the horses to the " power," when shelling corn. Two years after this his parents moved to Chicago. His father at once entered the live-stock commission business, which he has followed ever since, and in which he has been eminently successful. Young Mr. Hall attended the public schools in Chicago, and was one year at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College in that city. In 1867 he was employed by the live-stock commission firm of Conover & Hall, of which his father is a member, as book-keeper, in which position he served three years, and was for four years more employed by the same firm in the yards. In the spring of 1874 he carne to Lovejoy township to manage his father's farm in section 5, containing 655 acres, where he has since resided. He is now engaged in feeding cattle and buying and shipping stock. His previous seven-years experience in the Union Stock-yards has admirably fitted him for this business. January 22, 1876, he was married to Sarah A., daughter of

J. B. Wilson, of this township. The young couple have a pleasant, happy home, and start prosperously out on life's journey in the rosy morn of wedded life. Mr. Hall is a republican. He belongs to the Blue Lodge of Masons, and of the chapter in Hoopeston.

This township occupies the southeastern corner of Iroquois county, and embraces all of T. 24, R. 11 W. ; also a narrow strip in R. 10 on the east, containing six fractional sections. The township is all prairie ; its surface gently undulating, except in the southeast, where it is high and rolling. The soil is very rich, and every foot within its boundaries is capable of being tilled with but very little artificial draining. Indian corn is king of products here, not much attention having been given to the production of wheat. The little republic of Prairie Green took its legal birth from the division of Crab Apple township in the winter of 1858. Kendall Shankland, Robert Finch, H. C. Smith and a few others were the leading spirits in obtaining its independence of Crab Apple. The first election was held in April following, at the house of Robert Finch on section 10, the ballot-box on this occasion being an old teapot, the lid of which was raised to deposit the votes. Nineteen votes were cast, all in favor of separation. Kendall Shankland was elected supervisor ; H. C. Smith and Washington M. Pugh were elected justices of the peace ; Robert Finch, assessor ; A. B. Handy, town clerk, and William Sawyer, collector. K. Shankland served the people so well in the position given him that he has been repeatedly elected to the same office, so many times, in fact, that he forgets how many terms he has served. H. C. Smith also served three terms, and later F. Williamson has held that office. Besides those first elected, J. C. Pugh, J. H. Hobart, J. C. Shankland, H. J. Calkins, George Besse and John W. Hudson have served as justices. H. C. Smith, William I. Hobart, C. M. Harris and A. S. Shankland have held the office of town clerk. Robert Finch has been the principal collector, serving in that capacity for ten years. Lately J. W. Dixon has held that office. Politically, Prairie Green has always been republican, and in its early years was nearly unanimous. For a long time there were but one or two democrats in the township. In the dark days of the war for the Union the draft was avoided in this township by hiring substitutes to fill its small quota. This was done by K. Shankland and Robert Finch, who obtained the money on

A quarter of a century ago the people who lived along the belts of timber, and the few pioneers who were brave enough to squat out on the prairie, thought that these prairie townships would never be completely settled. Deer were then numerous. The early settlers need never be out of venison. Wolves were numerous, and the few settlers who lived here then, would often mount a horse bareback, and indulge in the invigorating sport of chasing a wolf or running down a deer.

Robert Finch settled on a fine tract in the southeast part of the township in 1853. In this corner, also, settled Abner Mitchell, K. Shankland, R. Adsit and Pixley, about the same time, or soon after. Of the early settlers in this part of the township, three (Finch, Shankland and Mitchell) yet remain, still owning large tracts of land where they first settled. In the northwest corner we find, in 1853, on section 5 : Dale Pierce, in the spring ; and late in that year H. C. Smith, who still lives where he first pitched his tent. A few years afterward James A. Smith started a farm in the northeast corner.

Here also David Smalley, in 1858, began to help his father improve what is now the Crowther farm. His part of the improving was " driving " fence-posts ; and young David was very glad to return to his home, near Attica, Indiana, after a short experience. He returned subsequently, and now owns the best and largest farm in that part of the township.

In 1857 John Greer began to break the sod in the southwest corner, but did not reside here until some years after. Breaking sod in those days was a good business for the favored few who owned breaking-teams and a "breaker." The breaker was a large plow, cutting a furrow from twenty inches to two feet, designed for five or six yoke of oxen. The beam was mounted on trucks ; the depth was regulated by a lever, and as the wheels in front held the plow in position it required no holding ; but considerable skill in driving was necessary when starting the first furrow, often a half mile or more in length. The season for breaking began as soon as the grass had got a good start in the spring, and did not end until near the first of July. Such large farmers as Finch and Shankland commonly had one or more breaking teams running, and after doing their own work would break for their neighbors, charging from $3 to $4 per acre. The teams were allowed to feed on the natural grasses they were plowing under at morning, noon and night, commonly being ' ' corralled ' ' after dark to prevent straying. ~No one at this time had any idea that prairie sod could be plowed with horses. This was one reason why the prairies did not settle more rapidly at first. As soon as it was discovered that two or three horses, with a ten or twelve-inch plow, could turn nearly as much sod as an ox team, the prairie was soon dotted with little shanties or neat cottages, and the era of real improvement set in.

From the organization of the township there has been -a law restraining stock from running at large. This was quite an inducement to the poor settler to start a home in this township. He could take care of his own stock with but little expense ; to fence against his neighbors' was very expensive.

The first road through the township was the old Attica road, which ran in a northwest direction toward Milford. Road-making in Prairie Green for twenty years was a miserable farce. The overseer would warn his men out with their teams and tools. On the day specified they would assemble, and with plow and scraper would raise the semblance of a grade here and there, which the judicious teamster would always avoid. The greater part of the day, however, would be spent in talking about the crops, discussing politics or telling stories, - the overseer often taking a prominent part in furnishing entertainment of this nature to his willing listeners. Mr. Pixley, who has before been mentioned, once when overseer turned his roadworking force into his hay-field. They soon put Mr. Pixley 's hay up, he promising to give them credit for road-work, and to do the work himself. At his leisure Mr. Pixley hauled a quantity of flax tow out to the line of road to be repaired, making, at least for the time, quite a formidable grade. But it all ended in smoke, for the annual prairie fire swept that way soon after, and left not a trace of Pixley' s road behind. In the last few years, however, under the contract system, the roads all over the township have been graded and drained, and substantial culverts and bridges have been put in wherever needed.

No creek nor river traverses this township. The north fork of the Vermilion cuts off a little of the southeast corner. Good water for stock and household purposes is easily obtained by digging and boring from twenty to sixty feet. It was while digging a well on the farm of Mr. Greer, August 19, 1867, in section 30, that a very tragical event took place. The well had been dug to a depth of about twenty-seven feet, and partly walled up. ~No water having been found, the workman, Mr. Moore, a tenant of Mr. Greer's, was down in the well boring. He had just withdrawn the auger to clean it. Mr. Greer and Mrs. Moore were at the brink of the well looking down, when suddenly Mr. Greer heard a noise similar to that of escaping steam from a locomotive. He knew at once that it was caused by gas escaping through the hole just bored, and called to Mr. Moore to ascend as quickly as possible. Mr. Moore had been standing erect ; he now stooped over and reached for a cup that was on the bottom of the well, and instantly fell back dead. Mrs. Moore seeing her husband fall, and supposing that if he were extricated at once he might be saved, entreated Mr. Greer to go down and try to get him out. Mr. Greer began to descend ; but before he got very far he saw the foolishness of risking his life where he could do no good, and ascended, mounted a horse, and galloped off to the nearest house to secure assistance. Arriving at his residence, he met his son Nelson, who had just got off a fleet horse. After hearing from his father what had happened, the young man mounted his horse, and almost flew to the rescue of Moore. Before Mr. Greer and two or three others could reach the spot young Greer had begun to descend into the fatal well. He had only gone down a few feet when his hold loosened, and he fell across the wall a few feet below a lifeless corpse. It seems that a fountain of carbonic acid gas had been tapped by the auger, which rapidly filled the well, even to overflowing. Shortly after the death of Mr. Greer' s son, the news of the fatal accident spread, and the neighbors soon assembled to help extricate the bodies. It was difficult to do this. No one could approach the well and look into it without feeling the baneful influence of the deadly gas. The bodies were finally drawn out by means of an iron hook that was caught into their boots or shoes. This sad accident deprived Mrs. Moore of a husband, and took from Mr. Greer an only and beloved son.

Mill going in the early times was attended with much inconvenience. One of the early settlers, J. Crawford Pugh, a blacksmith, had a mill for grinding corn run by horse-power in the east part of the township, not far from Mr. Finch's. He conceived the idea of making a wheel for the wind to turn, so as to dispense with his horse-power. He erected his wheel, which was an immense affair, thirty or forty feet in diameter, on a framework of massive posts, the raising of which required all the men for miles around. The projector found the wind a very unsteady and uncertain power. It did the farmers some good, but financially it was a failure, and the mill has long since disappeared. This same J. C. Pugh kept a small stock of groceries, and in some manner his place acquired the curious name of "Goose Nibble."

nor town within the limits of Prairie Green : nor does any railroad cross its territory, yet the shadow of a railroad debt falls over the land. Prairie Green is mostly tributary to Wellington, a small town on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railway about one mile and a half west, yet this township has some institutions that would do credit to much older and more favored communities. These institutions are due to the genius and enterprise of several unmarried young men in the northeast part of the town.

First, there is the Prairie Green Glee Club, under the leadership of R. G. Cowan, an institution of great merit and long standing, comprising nearly a dozen voices, all above mediocrity.

The Prairie Green Dramatic Troupe was organized in October, 1876, and contains twelve members who all rank high in histrionic talent. This company has played for various charitable and public purposes, and each time has received the highest encomiums of both public and press. The officers are : Stage manager, R. M. Denholm ; treasurer, H. W. Cowan ; secretary, E. J. Cody.

The Prairie Green Quadrille Band, an association organized in 1879, now numbers twelve instruments : Three first violins, two second violins, three German flutes, two flageolets, and two violoncellos. This orchestra has met with an enthusiastic reception at all performances where it has taken a part. Its leader is R. G. Cowan ; vice, H. Crowther ; treasurer, John Cowan ; secretary, R. M. Denholm.

The Round Top Silver Fife Band, as an organization, dates from October, 1879, and numbers twelve fifes, two drums and a triangle. The boys have made rapid progress under their able leader, and promise to be an interesting feature at future public and political gatherings. Leader, R. G. Cowan ; vice, H. W. Cowan ; treasurer, E. J. Cody ; secretary, R. M. Denholm.

The Trego Blue Ribbon Society was organized in the winter of 1878, under the lecturing of Mrs. Trego, and numbers over 200 members. It meets once every week. It maintains its interest unabated.

The schools of Prairie Green are in the front rank among the educational interests of the county. The township was organized into four school districts about the year 1858. Lamont and Prairie Green school-houses were built soon after. Round Top was not built for some years after these two, but has become more famous than all the others. It was so named on account of the roof which covered the building, having the appearance of being round at a distance, although the house was really an octagon in shape, and the roof eight-sided. The foregoing institutions that have been named, all had their birth in and about old Hound Top. There are now seven schools in the township, all well attended and under the charge of competent teachers.

While speaking of the institutions of Prairie Green we must not omit the broorn factory of Robert Finch, of which his son Fremont is superintendent and working force. The low price of broom-corn for the last few years induced Mr. Finch to try manufacturing. Out of his crop of 18Y9 he will make about 350 dozen- brooms. The use of tools coming nearly as handy to Fremont Finch as the use of his hands, he made his own broom machine, learned the trade in a few days, and is now an expert broom-maker.

The religious history of Prairie Green is perhaps similar to that of all other newly settled communities. A Methodist class was formed at Abner Mitchell's early in 1858. There was preaching around at houses, and after the school-houses were built meetings were held in them. Nearly every winter revivals of great interest would take place in these school-houses. Some of these first Methodist preachers did not turn out very well, however. The class at Mitchell's died out in a few years.

There is a small society of the United Brethren at Willow Brook school-house, and a prosperous Methodist class at Maple Grove (formerly Round Top) school-house. This is under the ministration of Rev. J. D. Calhoun, of Wellington circuit. There is a splendid Sunday school connected with this society. J. W. Dixon has been superintendent since its permanent organization in April, 1878, and M. Garrison, secretary. The greatest interest is kept up at all seasons of the year, and the school is well supported by regular weekly contributions. The average attendance is about seventy-five.

Christian chapel is the only church edifice in the township. It stands on section 12, and was built a few years ago at a cost of about $1,000. J. J. Robb, D. Smalley, B. P. Cowan and J. B. Ferrand gave liberally to aid in its construction. Its size is 30x40, and it is a neat and substantial structure, and is owned by the Christian society of the neighborhood, some of the members living in Indiana.

F. Williamson, farmer, Wellington, was born in this county, in what is now Stockland township, September 6, 1843. He is the son of Bethel P. and Margaret (Williams) Williamson. His father was a native of Ohio, and his mother of Indiana. His grandfather was the first settler of Stockland township. Mr. Williamson spent his early life on his father's farm in Stockland township. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 76th 111. reg. for three years. He took part in the siege of Yicksburg, and participated in the battles of Jackson, Mississippi, Blakeley and Mobile. One of the hottest engagements he was ever in was at Canton and Jackson cross-roads, where the 76th lost 117 men in one hour. In this engagement he was slighly wounded in the right breast. During his three-years experience in the army he was in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, Missouri and Texas. He was married, March 21, 1869, to Dinah Slaughter. She was raised in Jefferson county, Indiana. Her parents are both living in Stockland township. After marriage Mr. Williamson rented awhile. He owns the farm of 80 acres where he now lives, having come here in the spring of 1872. He has four children living: Glennie E., William B., Leni Leoti and Harlan L. ; there was one that died in infancy. Mr. Williamson has been collector of this township for two terms, and is now serving out his third term as supervisor. He is a republican.

James K. Williamson, farmer, Wellington, is the son of Bethel P. and Margaret (Williams) Williamson. His parents were the first settlers at Crab Apple Grove, in Stockland township. He was born in Stockland township, February 21, 184:5. His youth was spent on his father's farm, until December, 1863, when he enlisted in the 76th 111. Yol. He was with this regiment until July, 1865, and was then transferred at Galveston, Texas, to the 37th 111. Yet. He was in several skirmishes through Mississippi, and was mustered out at Houston, Texas, May 18, 1866. After coming home in the fall of 1866, he entered the school at Onarga, where he remained four terms. He then began farming in Stockland township. He came to Prairie Green in 1872 ; here he rented a farm, then bought 80 acres, but did not keep it long, and in 1876 went to Iowa. While in Iowa he was married to Tinnie Walton, daughter of A. L. Walton, an old settler and respected citizen of Iowa. The marriage was consummated October 17, 1877. Since his marriage he has lived in Prairie Green, and has been engaged in farming. He now owns 80 acres. He has one child named J. Harley, who was born April 2, 1879. Mrs. Williamson is a member of the Christian church at Eden, Iowa. Mr. Williamson has served four terms as assessor of this township. In politics he is a republican.

A. J. Decker, farmer, Wellington, was born about 1844, in Page county, Yirginia, and is the son of Chrysley and Mary Decker, both of whom are now living near. They were natives of Yirginia, and came to Milford township about 1849. Old Mr. Decker rented land in the vicinity of Milford until about the year 1865. He then removed to this township. In August, 1862, the subject of this sketch enlisted in the 113th 111. Vol. He was in the battles on the Yazoo, at Memphis, and Island No. 10. He was then laid up with the measles, and sent to the hospital at Memphis. He rejoined his command before he was really well, and taking cold was sick for nine months. All this time he staid with his command, but at last, being unable to walk, he was discharged and sent home, in August, 1863. At home Mr. Decker soon regained his strength, but as he had enlisted with a view to seeing the end of the contest, he now reenlisted at Springfield, Illinois, in the same regiment, and finally joined his old comrades at Memphis in February, 1864. He took part in the battle of Holly Springs, and in June, 1864, was captured by the rebels at Ripley, Mississippi. He was sent to Andersonville, and for ten months suffered all of the tortures that the wretch Wirz knew so well how to inflict. When he entered the prison-pen he weighed 150 pounds, and in ten months after only sixty-three. While here he saw Jeft Davis, and says he heard him threaten to hang Wirz if the prisoners were not treated better. Mr. Decker was so reduced that he could not walk for three months after he had been released. He was mustered out at Quincy, in July, 1865. He returned to his parents, where he remained until he was married. This occurred September 6, 1868, his bride being Adiline Stanton. She was the daughter of James and Martha Stanton, natives of Virginia, who settled near Crawfordsville, Indiana, where she was born. Her mother is still living in this township with her children. The children of Mr. Decker are named as follows: Eva, born June 10, 1869 ; Alice, born February 21, 1872 ; and William, born August 19, 1878. Mr. Decker is an experienced thresher, and owns a steam threshing machine. He is a republican. His farm consists of 120 acres in section 7, worth about $4,000.

Robert Finch, Arnbia, Indiana, was born at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, September 25, 1819. His parents were Jubal and Filena (Earl) Finch, of English descent. His father was a practicing physician, and died when the subject of this sketch was quite young. His mother married again ; lived awhile at Yevay, and came to Fountain county, Indiana, in 1832. He staid with his step-father until he was about sixteen years of age, and then, with his mother's consent, he ran away to his grandfather's, near Noblesville, Hamilton county, Indiana. He remained here about one year and then returned home. At the age of nineteen he went to Cincinnati, intending to go into business with a cousin there, but did not do so, and went to his uncle's, Judge Finch, at Franklin, Indiana, where he attended a Baptist school for six months. He then taught school one term in the woods near here, in an oldfashioned log school-house, and acquired considerable reputation as a school teacher. While at Franklin he and William S. Holman, who has since had a seat in congress, started the first debating society in Franklin. From Franklin he went to Crawfordsville, where he attended two terms at Wabash College, and then went home, teaching school in the vicinity until 1845. At this time he came from Fountain to Warren county, and bought a farm on the Grand Prairie, three miles from West Lebanon. In 1847 he married Sarah A. Crawford, daughter of Dr. Crawford, who lived near Attica. He taught school awhile, and then moved into his own cabin on his farm, where he lived until 1853. He sold this farm of 120 acres for $1,800. He invested a larger part of this money in government land, entering all of section 26 and half of section 25 in Prairie Green township, in this county. He built a shanty on the new farm and moved into it. This was in the spring of 1853. The shanty was afterward used for a stable. His present residence is an old-style family mansion, pleasantly situated in the midst of his fertile acres. Mr. Finch is the father of eleven children, and has six grandchildren. His children are named as follows : Edwin, John, Robert, Cyrus, Theodore, Fremont, Geneva, Lizzie, Frederic, Leon and Leonora, all of whom are living. Such has been the confidence of the people in Mr. Finch's ability and honesty that he has always held office since the organization of the township. He is a republican in politics.

H. C. Smith, farmer, Wellington, was born June 13, 1829. His parents were Eli and Mary Smith, of the Society of Friends. His father was an industrious shoemaker. The subject of this sketch was the youngest of a family of seven. At the age of three his parents died. An aunt took care of him until he was fourteen years old. He lived with his sister awhile and then went to his brother and staid four years. While living here he learned the shoemaker's trade of his brother. He had but little opportunity to obtain an education from the time that he was old enough to work. In 1846 he went to Louisiana, and spent the winter in chopping cordwood. He returned to Ohio and worked awhile on a farm, and in 1848 he worked at digging iron ore at Ironton, Ohio. He was also engaged for awhile on a flatboat that carried iron ore from Ironton to Cincinnati. While on the river he became an expert swimmer, and by reason of this, has saved three men from drowning. He was married, December 25, 1849, to Harriet Moreland. He came with his young wife to Portland, Fountain county, Indiana, in April, 1851. After many discouragements he at last managed to save fourteen dollars, and made the first payment on the 40 acres of land where he now resides. He moved here in December, 1853. He went to work wherever work could be had, and his children grew up about him to help, and at last the home was paid for. He was elected town clerk of Crab Apple township one term, and served as justice of the peace from the organization of this township, for fourteen years. He was also supervisor for three terms, and assessor three terms. Mr. Smith has six children : Arabella, Mary E., Martha E., Lorena E., Morean and Eli Tad. Three of the oldest are married, and all live in this county. He is a member of the Milford Lodge of Masons. No. 168, also a member of Prairie Green Grange, No. 1166. He is a republican.

Kendall Shankland, farmer, Hoopeston, was born July 1, 1825, at Eaton, Ohio. His parents were Kentuckians, and were among the first settlers of Ohio, and also of Warren county, Indiana, where they came when Kendall was about four years of age. The town of "West Lebanon sprang up near where his parents settled, and here the subject of this sketch grew up to manhood. His education was rather limited. He was married in Boone county, Indiana, to Amanda Harris, a native of Marion county, Indiana, on February 14, 1848. They lived on a farm in Warren county, Indiana, near West Lebanon, until they moved to this township in Ib54. Mr. Shankland was among the first residents of Prairie Green. He now owns 840 acres of land in this township, besides the old farm in Warren county. He is the father of five children : Ben. F., now at Watseka, in the office of the county clerk as deputy ; George, Florence, David and Laura. Mr. Shankland took an active part in organizing the township of Prairie Green, and has since been prominently connected with public affairs in the township and county. He has been supervisor in all for eighteen years, and was the first one to hold that office in the township. He has been a republican from the formation of that party. Mr. Shankland has also held the office of school trustee. His grove and orchard, crowning the brow of one of the highest knolls in the township, can be seen for miles in any direction.

L. E. Barritt, farmer, Wellington, was born March 28, 1836, in Westville, Champaign county, Ohio. His parents were Lemuel and Matilda (Pearce) Barritt. They left Ohio and settled in Madison county, Indiana, about 1839, and remained in that county until 1844, when they came to Warren county, Indiana, and from there to Iroquois county, Illinois, in 1854, and settled in Stockland township. They both died in this county. He remained with his parents up to the age of twenty-two. On March 18, 1858, he was married to Mary

J. Dawson, daughter of C. W. and Mary J. Dawson, of Milford township. Mrs. Barritt died in the same year, December 2, and Mr. Barritt returned to his mother's home in Stockland township, his father having died the year before. He was married again, September 4, 1859, to Lavina J. Decker, who was born June 28, 1841. Her parents were old residents of Milford township, having come from Virginia more than thirty years ago. By this last marriage Mr. Barritt has three children living: Cornelia, born November 17, 1860; Andrew L., born September 7, 1864 ; and Lillie M., born August 14, 1866. Jasper S. was born July 28, 1862, and died December 17, 1877. Mr. Barritt and his first wife were members of the United Brethren church. He and his present wife now belong to the Methodists. He has 100 acres, which he values at $4,000. He is a republican, but no office seeker.

Jasper N. Barritt is one of the wide-awake, progressive farmers of Prairie Green. His comfortable home nestles in the midst of the grove and orchard which his own hands have planted. His farm is in section 8, and consists of 180 acres, valued at $35 per acre. He was born February 4, 1841, in Madison county, Indiana. He is the son of Lemuel and Matilda (Pearce) Barritt, who came from Ohio and settled first in Madison county, Indiana, and afterward in Warren county, Indiana, near Pine village. In 1854 the family moved to Stockland township and settled four miles east of Milford. They owned a farm at that place and also the land where Jasper now lives. He staid with his parents, working on the farm, until August 9, 1862, when he enlisted in the 76th 111. Yol. He was at the siege of Vicksburg, and after the fall of that city was in the battle at Jackson and in a skirmish at Benton, Mississippi. He was mustered out at Galveston, and discharged at Chicago, August 4, 1865. He was married, September 17, 1865, to Matilda Stephenson. Her parents, Aaron and Elizabeth Stephenson, are both living in Warren county, Indiana, having been married fifty-eight years. They came from Ohio, and were the first settlers of Warren county, Indiana. Mr. Barritt has a family of four lovely daughters and one boy. Their names and dates of birth are as follows : Estel la, August 14, 1866: Mary A., June 22, 1868; Lura L., February 21, 1871; Loda, January 9, 1873, and Ira J., November 6, 1878. He rented a farm near Milford for two years after marriage, but in 1868 he moved to the place where he now resides. Mrs. Barritt is a Methodist. His political views are republican.

James B. Handy (deceased), farmer, Hoopeston, was born on Union Prairie, in Illinois, west of Terre Haute, July 11, 1822, and died in March, 1863. His parents were natives of New York. When he was about twelve years old he went with his parents to Newtown, Fountain county, Indiana. They bought a farm there. Young Handy lived with his parents until 1842. He was married to Keziah Poyner. September 23, 1842. He bought a farm and resided in Fountain county until April, 1858, when he came to the neighborhood where his family now live. He bought land here in 1859 and moved to the farm in the spring of 1861. In 1862 his oldest son, Thomas P., enlisted in the 76th 111.- Vol., arid died the same year of measles, at Columbus, Kentucky. Mr. Handy brought the body home for burial. The other children are James A., who married Cornelia Koontz; Mary A., wife of J. M. Houston ; Loretta J., wife of Theodore Finch; Emma T., wife of Charles Beebee; and John, unmarried, who lives at home with his mother. Mr. Handy enjoyed the confidence of his fellow citizens. He was the first town clerk of the township, and also school treasurer. He was a member of the M. E. church, as also was Mrs. Handy. She now belongs to the United Brethren church.

N. H. Endsley, farmer, Arabia. Indiana, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, February 15, 1842. His parents were Hugh and Maria (Osborne) Endsley. His mother died when he was quite young, and after her death he lived with an aunt in Harrison county, Missouri, up to the age of sixteen. He started for Pike's Peak in the year 1858, but met so many returning that he came back, and in November, 1858, came to Vermilion county, Illinois. He next came to Iroquois county and worked awhile for Endsley & Scott, at the "Red Pump," in Lovejoy township. In August, 1861, he [enlisted from Fountain county, Indiana, in Harris' Light Cavalry, afterward known as the 2d N. Y. "With this famous regiment he was in all the hardfought battles in which the army of the Potomac'took a part, and was with Gen. Sheridan in the Shenandoah Yalley. He wras wounded at Gettysburg, White's Ford, and at Hanover Court-house. Mr. Endsley served through the war, then returned to Vermilion county, and was shortly after married to Amanda Daniel, daughter of Eli Daniel, who settled on the round bottom above Danville, Illinois, when that village contained but three houses. Mr. and Mrs. Endsley are both members of the Maple Grove M. E. church. He is also a member of Prairie Green Grange No. 1166. He is the father of five children : May, David U., William A., Frank M. and John W.

Murray McGrew, farmer, Hoopeston, was born March 10, 1826, near Steubenville, Ohio. His parents, James and Mary (Pentecost) McGrew, both died when he was quite young. Being a poor orphan boy his education was neglected. His youth was spent in Harrison county, Ohio. He was married to Ann Williams, a niece of Thomas Hoopes, of Hoopeston, March 27, 1851. He followed farming in Harrison county, Ohio, until 1864, then removed to Morgan county, Ohio, where he bought a small farm. He soon sold this and came to Vermilion county, Illinois. In the fall of 1865 he bought 80 acres in this township, where he built a shanty and commenced farming in the spring of 1866. He now values his land at $35 per acre. He has four children living : William, Sarah W., John T. (in Nebraska) and Joseph. Elizabeth died, in 1865, of spotted fever. He is a republican. Mrs. McGrew belongs to the United Brethren church.

William Stanton owns 120 acres in section 7, where he lives. He has it well improved. His father, Edwin, was a native of Ohio, and his mother, Martha Peebles, of Virginia. They both came to Indiana at an early day and were married there. They were Quakers. Mr. Stanton was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, October 3, 1837. When he was quite small his father died, and as he grew up he had his mother and two sisters to provide for. He remained with his mother, following farming, until he was about twenty-seven years old. He came to Prairie Green to live about the year 1865. He was married, February 28, 1869, to Margaret Owens, a native of Warren county, Indiana. Her parents, George and Sarah Owens, were natives of Virginia and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Stanton met with a severe affliction in the death of their daughter, Lottie, which occurred October 26, 1879. She was born December 23, 1869. Their only living child now is Addie, who was born December 27, 1873.

William M. Moore, farmer, Wellington, was born September 10, 1826, in Washington county, Indiana. His parents settled in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, when William was quite young. He lived there up to 1848. He then bought land in Benton county, Indiana, and lived there until the spring of 1866. In 1866 he moved to his farm in this township, where he now owns half of section 20, one of the finest and best improved farms in the county. He was married, February 2 1862, to Mahala Brown; they have four children, all living: Mary E., born November 26, 1862 ; Martha V., born December 25, 1864, Ella M., born November 3, 1867; and Ida, born January 1, 1867. Mr. Moore is a good citizen and desires neither office nor notoriety.

John W. Hudson, farmer, Wellington, was born near the Yadkin river, in North Carolina, December 24, 1831. His parents were Peter and Elizabeth (Adinger) Hudson ; the former was a native of South Carolina, and the latter of North Carolina. Mr. Hudson and his family are of a very mixed descent. His paternal grandfather was an Englishman, born in London. He came to America and settled near

Charleston, South Carolina. He was in the revolutionary war, and reached the age of one hundred and thirteen years. His paternal grandmother was Welsh, his maternal grandmother Scotch, and his maternal grandfather, who came to America to fight the English, was a Frenchman, born in Paris. This Frenchman settled in North Carolina, and was one of " Marion's men." Once during the revolution he was hung up by the tories, head downward, and was almost dead before he was discovered and released by his comrades. He took part in the war of 1812, and was killed in battle. When Mr. Hudson was about six years old he came with his parents to Montgomery county, Indiana, and from there to Tippecanoe county, where in a few years his parents died. He staid with a blacksmith for some time, learned the trade and the use of tools generally. In 1852 he went to California overland, and while there followed mining, teaming, farming and milling, mostly in Trinity county. He returned in 1856 by way of the Isthmus of Darien. He moved from Tippecanoe to Benton county, and then to Warren county, Indiana. In 1866, after a trip to Kansas, he came to the farm he now lives on, in this township. Mr. Hudson was in the 150th Ind. Yet., Hancock's corps, from February, 1865, until August, 1865. He was married while living in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, to Priscilla P. Chizum, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 13, 1823. Her parents settled on the Shawnee prairie, in Fountain county, about 1826. They were of Irish and Dutch descent. Mr. Hudson has one son living named Junior F., and also one daughter, whose full name is Rosa Arctta Civilla Florence. There is one dead, named Edward M. Mr. Hudson is a member of the Blue Lodge of Masons, and of the chapter at Hoopeston. He has given considerable time to the invention of corn-planting and corn-cultivating machinery. He obtained the second patent for a double cornplanter, being next to Brown, and also claims the third application in the patent office for a straddle row, riding corn-cultivator. He and his son have both obtained patents on check-row corn-planters, which will doubtless one day become valuable. Mr. Hudson has also applied for a patent on a " lock nut," an invention of great interest to all who use machinery. Mr. Hudson's farm of 160 acres lies in sections 17 and 20. He values it at $35 per acre. Mr. Hudson is a justice of the peace. In politics he is a greenback republican.

Isaac N. Bishop, physician and farmer, Ambia, Indiana, was born in Richland county, Ohio, where he lived until twenty years of age. He then went to Chicago, where he entered the Chicago Medical School. Here, under the direction of Prof. Byford, he made rapid and permanent progress in his favorite study. While an undergraduate he was ^ appointed assistant surgeon of the 57th 111. Yet. He was in the Atlanta campaign, and with Sherman's boys in the march to the sea. He was in the battles at Rome cross roads, Georgia, Black river, South Carolina, and Bentonville, North Carolina. lie was mustered out at Chicago in July, 1865. He then finished his studies and graduated with honor, receiving his diploma in the spring of 1866. He began the practice of medicine at Salem, Ohio, where he remained about one year, then came to this township. He was married January 4, 1871, to Annie Mitchell, daughter of Abner Mitchell, one of the first settlers and best citizens of this township. They have two boys; Ernest, born February 27, 1874; and Dorino, born August 27, 1877. Dr. Bishop's practice extended over a wide territory, embracing adjoining townships. He is now engaged in improving his farm of 160 acres, in section 35. When he has gained a competency here he expects to resume his practice. Dr. Bishop is a republican.

Samuel Hazel, farmer, Hoopeston, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, July 5, 1825. He is the son of Hugh and Ruth (Kearns) Hazel, who were early settlers of Wayne county. They came from Delaware. He lived with his parents up to the time of his marriage, which occurred November 9, 1847, his bride being Elizabeth Bishop, sister of Dr. Bishop, of this township. He lived in Ohio on several different farms for twenty years. In 1867 he came to the place he now occupies, "squatted " on the raw sod, soon after bought 200 acres, and now owns 440 acres, all of which is well cultivated and improved. In the year 1870 Mr. Hazel raised 1,000 bushels of flax-seed, which he delivered in Danville at $2 per bushel. Helms three children living. The first is John, who is married and living at Claypool, Indiana. He was a graduate of the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, and has an extensive and successful practice where he resides. The second son, Samuel E., is married and lives in Vermilion county, Illinois, and a daughter named Talitha, wife of Henry Seamann, lives on an adjoining farm. The names of his children who have died are Alice, Edward and Cornelius. Mr. Hazel is a member of Plato Lodge, I.O.O.F., in Lorraine county, Ohio. In politics he is a democrat. His wife is a member of the United Brethren church.

Philip Swartz, farmer. Ambia, Benton county, Indiana, was born in Baden, Germany, May 1, 1825. His parents were Thomas and Salmah (Koos) Swartz, who lived and died in Germany. He came to this country in 1853, and for three years worked at the cabinet-maker's trade in Williamsburgh, New York. He then went to Chicago, and also visited several other cities in the northwest, working occasionally at his trade, and finally settled in Bloomington, where he lived several years. He lived on a farm near that city a few years, and came from there to his present home in this township in 1868. He now owns 240 acres well improved. He was married, in 1855, to Mary A. Koable, a native of Germany. They have six living children : Charley, George, Frank, Caroline, Albert and William. Four are dead : John, Anna, Henry and John. Mrs. Swartz's parents are still living in Germany. Her father was in the last wars against the great Napoleon. Mr. Swartz received a common-school education. He and all his family belong to the German Catholic church. His political views are democratic.

A. W. Kirkwood, farmer, Wellington, was born in Grant county, Indiana, May 15, 1838. His parents were Thomas and Jane (McCormick) Kirkwood, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, who came to Indiana at a very early day. They were of Irish descent. Mr. Kirkwood's life was spent in his father's family up to the age of twenty-one. For two years after he worked on farms in the vicinity of his home. He enlisted in the 84th Ind. Yols. for three years, in August, 1862. He was in the Atlanta campaign, and then fought at the battles of Franklin and Nashville. He took part in many skirmishes in Tennessee and Alabama, and was mustered out at Nashville, in June, 1865. He came back to Delaware county, Indiana, and worked by the month, and also in the year 1867 farmed on his own account. In 1868 he came to Lovejoy township and began working for William Adsit, where he remained eighteen months. He was married, September 5, 1869, to Mary Slaughter, daughter of William and Isabel (McLain) Slaughter, both of whom are still living in Stockland township, in this county. In the spring of 1870 he settled on his present farm of 80 acres, in section 17, which he now valuer at $2,500. Mr. Kirkwood had only a common-school education. He has been twice elected commissioner of highways, and is now treasurer of the board. He has four children : Charles ft., born July 20, 1872; Laura J., born February 27, 1875; William M., born August 28, 1876, and Robert L., born May 28, 1878, also an infant, dead. Mr. Kirkwood is a member of Star Lodge, Hoopeston, No. 709, and of the chapter.

George H. Hedger, farmer, Wellington, was born October 9, 1852, in Oswego county, New York. His parents were also natives of New York. They came to DuPage county, Illinois, in 1854, where Mr. Hedger received a common-school education. His parents then removed to Iroquois county, Middleport township, in 1869, where his father owns a small farm. His mother died there January 3, 1879. He has one brother living in Wisconsin, named Hiram, and another named Thomas, in this county. Mr. Hedger is an industrious young farmer,

Samuel Ebbert, farmer, Hoopeston, Vermilion county, son of Andrew E. and Mary Ebbert. was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, October 26, 1839. He moved with his parents to Grant county, Indiana, when he was nine years of age. He was early thrown on his own resources. By habits of industry and economy he soon obtained a start in the world. He bought his present farm of 80 acres in 1869, and began improving it. He has lived here ever since. He married Emily E. Bradford, of Grant county, Indiana, January 30, 1862. Her father was one of the oldest settlers of that county, and is still living. They have one child living: Edwin L., born March 10, 1863, and one dead. Mr. Ebbert enlisted in the 54th Ind. Yols., in October, 1862, for one year. He was with Sherman in the first attack on Yicksburg, and at the battle of Arkansas Post; he also aided in the memorable siege of Yicksburg, and took part in the battle at Jackson, Mississippi. From there he went to New Orleans. He was out with Gen. Banks' command to Opelousas, Louisiana, and returned to New Orleans, where he was discharged. Pie reached home December 25, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Ebbert both belong to the M. E. church, at Wellington. He is a republican.

"W. H. Elstob, farmer, Wellington, was born on the island of St. Helena, October 20, 1849. He is the son of George and Eliza (Coster) Elstob, natives of England. His father was a soldier in the British army ; he held the office of sergeant. He was stationed at St. Helena for seven years, and died there. After the death of his father, which occurred about 1850, he went with his mother to London, England. He attended school there, but when about fifteen years of age he went to sea in a merchant vessel. He visited the West Indies, South America, and various ports on the Atlantic and Mediterranean. His mother still lives in London, In 1870 he went to Canada, then visited Chicago, and drifted into Prairie Green, where he has remained ever since. He owns 40 acres in section 21, where he lias kept bachelor's hall for the last five years.

Orlando B. Rollins, farmer, Hoopeston, was born November 16, 1838, at Pembroke, New Hampshire. His parents were Ivory M. and Sarah M., natives of New Hampshire, of English descent. He was married, November 20, 1858, to Phebe C. Hansom, a New Hampshire girl. They came to Bureau county. Illinois, in 1862, remained there on a farm for about seven years, then removed to Rantoul, in Champaign county, and came from there to their present home in this township. They have three children living: Hattie M., Lettie

H. and George W. There is one dead, named Phelena. Their daughter Lettie has made, by herself, a patchwork quilt, containing about 12,000 pieces. It is very neatly put together, and is a wonderful piece of work for a little girl of twelve years. Mr. Rollins enlisted September 10, 1864, in the 146th 111. Vol. for one year. Being a Yankee, Mr. Rollins has devoted considerable thought to the contrivance of new machines. He has invented a self-adjustable, check-row corn-planter, which works without wire or rope. He is also at work on a corn-husking machine, which he thinks will be a success. His check-row corn-planter has been patented.

Joseph Cowan, "Wellington, farmer, was born in Salford, Lancashire county, England, June 31, 1836. He is the son of John and Hannah Cowan, of Scotch and English descent. When thirteen years of age he went to Tinwald, in Scotland, and served an apprenticeship of five years with a shoemaker. He then returned to Salford, and worked in a large dyeing establishment one year. He then came to America and settled in Kendall county, Illinois. He was married, November 20, 1856, to Isabella Allen, of Livingston county, Illinois. He followed farming in Kendall county until the winter of 1859-60, when he removed to Livingston county, and continued to farm up to the fall of 1864. Although a native of England, Mr. Cowan was an ardent republican, and believed in the vigorous prosecution of the war to put down the rebellion. He had told his political opponents that in case he were drafted, he would willingly leave home and faithfully perform his duty as a soldier. Following the draft, it was discovered that a John Cowan had been drafted, and as there was no John Cowan to answer to the call, his political enemies believed that the man drafted was Joseph Cowan, and supposed he would avail himself of the mistake in entering his name, and evade the service. Mr. Cowan, himself believing that he had been chosen, without a moment's hesitation reported for duty, and was placed in the 44th 111. reg. He was in the battles of Spring Hill, Columbia, Franklin and Nashville. It was afterward discovered that one John Cowan, who had left the country, had been really drafted instead of Joseph. He was discharged in June, 1865, and resumed farming in Livingston county, until 1871, when he came to his present home in Prairie Green. He owns a well improved farm here of 80 acres, in section 2, valued at $2,400, all of which he has gained by his own exertions. Mr. Cowan is a Freemason. He and his wife and two of their children are members of the Christian church. He is the father of eight children, named as follows : Jean B., John H., Andrew G., Mary E., Minnie G., Joseph H., Isabella and Benjamin. The last two are dead. Mr. Cowan has a par-

David Smalley. farmer, Wellington, was born June 13, 1839. His parents were William and Sarah (Sargent) Smalley, who were married August 29, 1833, in Fountain county, Indiana, where they were living when the subject of this sketch was born. His youth was spent in Fountain and Warren counties, Indiana. He was married, October 3, 1860, to Martha Hickman. Her parents were Peter and Mary Hickman, from Delaware. They are still living in Warren county, Indiana. Mr. Smalley has seven children living: W. Clark, P. Clay, C. Burt ; R. Ora and A. Dora, twins ; M. Baxley and D. Arthur. Mr. Smalley came to the farm he now lives on, in section 1, in' the spring of 1873. He has now 360 acres. When he came here there was nothing on the place, while now he has fine groves and a young orchard coming on. When he was a young man his father advised him to keep out of lawsuits and bad company. He has followed this advice, and to this may be attributed much of his success in life.

Robert M. Denholm was born in Portobello, near Edinburgh, Scotland, in the year 1851. He was educated at Dr. Bell's seminary, in Edinburgh, leaving school at the age of twelve years. He then served an apprenticeship of five years to the bookselling and stationer's business, in Edinburgh, and was also employed in book-keeping. In 1874: he came to America and settled in Prairie Green township, where he has been principally engaged in farming. For the last four years he has kept " bach," and has taken the lead in all the amusements of the young people of Prairie Green, being the life and center of the social and literary enterprises that have made the " Round Top " neighborhood famous throughout the county.

This township occupies the western part of what was originally known as Onarga. At the annual meeting of the county board of supervisors, held September, 1878, a petition was presented, asking that a certain portion of the township of Onarga - described therem - be organized into a new township under the name of "Ridge." The committee to whom the subject was referred, recommended that the petition be granted ; and at a subsequent meeting [held in January, 1879, the report was adopted and the division made, the vote being twenty-two yeas and one nay. The official act is as follows : " All that territory of the township of Onarga lying west of a line commencing at the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 11, town 26, range 10 east of the 3d principal meridian ; running thence south to the southeast corner of section 26 of said town and range ; thence west to the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 35 of said town and range ; thence south to the southeast corner of lot one in the northwest quarter of section 2, town 25, range 10, shall be and constitute the town of "Ridge." At the annual meeting held in September, 1879, it was officially determined that " all territory east of the following line, commencing at the center of Sec. 35, T. 26, R. 10 E.; thence running due north on the half-section line to south line of Douglas township, which territory now forms a part of the town of Ridgeland, be and the same is hereby attached to the town of Onarga." The first township election was held in the Ridgeville school-house, on the first Tuesday of April, 1879. I. N. Wilson, A. H. Whiteside and J. C. Shear acted as judges of election. The following were elected the first officers of the township : Supervisor, A. R. Butler ; town clerk, F\, R. Jameson ; assessor, D. B. Moffat ; collector, William H. H. Dinning; commissioner of highways, H. B. Booth; constables, Robert Couch, J. B. Miller; justice of the peaces, B. H. Skeels, J. M. Mears. At this meeting the name of the township was changed from "Ridge" to "Ridgeland," as there is already a town of same name in Jackson county. This township was originally all prairie, there being but one tree standing in it. At present, however, the aspect of the country is greatly changed in consequence of the numerous orchards and groves of willow and other trees that have been planted on nearly every farm. The newcomer can hardly realize the great change that has taken place in the appearance of this vast prairie under the transforming hand of civilization. The surface of the township is generally level, in some portions it would seem too much so. This level, however, is considerably relieved by ridges, generally extending in an easterly and westerly direction, and while nowhere is the surface abruptly broken, yet there are sufficient inclinations to admit of easy and permanent drainage. Spring creek rising in Ford county on the west, enters this township near its southwest corner, and flowing irregularly in a northeasterly course nearly to the center, bends its course southeasterly, leaving the town near the corner of section 35. This is the only flowing stream in the township. But little do the people care for that. Nature has provided an inexhaustible supply of the most wholesome water. The artesian wells that are found wherever needed, bring unfailing streams of health and happiness to every household. That fearful scourge of the west, as well as of the east, - chills and fever, - is unknown in this town. The artesian water, charged with strong medicinal qualities of nature's own compounding, stands like a "'flaming sword" to protect the citizen from his worst foe, sickness. No more healthful region can be found. One gentleman declared that he had been entirely cured of a troublesome rheumatic affection solely through its use. Numerous artesian springs are found in the western part of the town, and are truly remarkable, - a feature that in many localities would certainly be turned to profitable account. This extreme healthfulness of the country, together with the unsurpassed fertility of the soil, adapted as it is to the growth of every vegetable product, is the principal reason assigned why so many intelligent people have been content to make this section of the county their home. For several years past, crops have failed in consequence of excessive moisture, the surface being too level to permit of a ready natural disposal of the surplus water. But the gradual extension of a general system of ditches, and increased attention to drainage by means of drain-tile, are perceptibly removing this great obstacle to successful farming.

Early Settlements

Although this township so recently formed a part of Onarga, yet we propose to trace back its history to those who first settled its fertile' lands. Among the first (if not the first to locate within its present limits), was John Northrup, on Sec. 35, T. 26, K. 10 E. He built the first mill and made the first brick in the township. He was also one of the builders of the old court-house at Middleport.

The first mill is thus described : Some " hand-power" mills had been previously erected lower down on Spring creek ; but " this was the first departure from hand power, and was run by an inclined tread wheel some eighteen feet in diameter, - horses and oxen being used indifferently. He (Northrup) never got it covered, and consequently never did much grinding. He took one-fourth for toll, when he tended the mill himself; but when his patrons ground their own corn he charged one-eighth. Reuben Skeels bought the stones, and put up what was termed a ' stump-mill.' The general features of this were the same as those of a pug-mill, or ordinary cane-mill. Posts were set in the ground and the burrs were placed on these. A sweep was attached, and the horses went round in a circle."

Benjamin J. Norville came in 1854, and located on section 27, although he had previously lived in Ash Grove, since 1841. He, with other early settlers, was obliged to go to Wilmington, on the Kankakee river, a distance of fifty miles, to mill.

In 1855 and 1856 the township began to fill rapidly with enterprising settlers. Among others were Garner Oliver, who erected the first blacksmith's shop. His customers carne from a distance of fifteen miles. Previous to this date came Samuel F. Everett, in 1853, who located on section 22. William A. Hall, Sr., came the same year. Robert Looker came in 1855. In 1856 we find such enterprising settlers as A. N". Gabel, Sr., who settled on Sec. 22, T. 26, R. 10 E. I. W. Wilson on same section, and H. B. Booth on section 32.

In 1855 there was not a house between the timber on Spring creek and Oliver's Grove. The building of the Illinois Central railroad was undoubtedly the principal inciting cause for the sudden accession of numbers that occurred about this time ; but we also find many who resorted to farming in consequence of the high prices that prevailed during the Crimean war.

The following account of a terrible prairie fire that swept over the township on the morning of September 23, 1860, is furnished by Mr. Booth : On Sunday morning a very destructive prairie fire came up from the southwest. The wind was blowing a gale, and everything was very dry. The fire had been set by men who were hunting deer. Mr. Booth saw the smoke, but felt no concern for his buildings, as he had taken all ordinary precautions against fire. The house stood on plowed ground ; and about 200 feet away were stable and stacks of hay and grain. In the stable were a valuable span of horses, wagon, harnesses, saddles, etc. Near the stable stood a double corn-crib, and posts and lumber sufficient to fence 80 acres were near. A lot of hogs were included in the "assets." The fire, driven by the gale, came down on all this property ; and before the family could realize it, everything except the house (a small one) was consumed. Twenty cords of wood, piled near the house, was also burned. The only thing left was his corn crop, which was not yet gathered. This, to a man just starting in business, was a severe blow. The house was saved only through the assistance of some men who fortunately reached the scene in time. Mr. Booth's loss was over §1,000. Others suffered to some extent. A Mrs. Lapham was severely burned in endeavoring to fight the fire. A trunk containing considerable money had been removed from the house to a supposed place of safety, but it was consumed.

Stanley. These two men came to Onarga in the spring of the same year, and bought land in the S.W. £ of Sec. 14, T. 26, R.10 east of the Illinois Central Railroad Company. Their land being together, and being without families, they boarded together for a few weeks, and finally rented a shanty of M. H. Messer, situated just west of their land, where they kept "ubach." Stanley finally disappeared, 'and Talcott stated that he had gone to Chicago. It was known^ that Stanley was expecting money, and some suspicions had been awakened in the -minds of a few persons, but nothing was saidjor done at the time. Some time after, however, some clothing and a watch known to belong to Stanley were found in Talcott' s possession. M. H. Messer and others then caused a thorough search to be instituted very quietly, and the result was, that the place where Stanley had been buried was discovered by James A. Hall. The grave was examined, and Stanley's body found. Talcott was at once arrested. He was indicted iii January, 1859, and took a change of venue to Kankakee county, where he was put on trial, January, 1860, and plead guilty to manslaughter. He undoubtedly was guilty of willful murder ; but was sentenced to state prison for six years. Neither the home of Stanley nor any of his friends was ever ascertained. A very full account of the above was furnished the writer by M. H. Messer, Esq., of Onarga.

Ridgeville Station

On^the Gilman & Springfield railroad, is five and one-tenth miles southwest of Gilman, and three miles west of Onarga. This village was laid out by Garner Oliver and others, and is a place of considerable shipping importance. Mr. Oliver himself is largely engaged in buying corn and other grain. The first shipment of freight was made October 9, 1871, E. C. Hall was the first postmaster in this town, and the first post-office was at Ridge ville. The* village also contains a school-house.

The Village Of Thawville

So named in honor of William Thaw, a prominent railroad man of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is also situated on the Gilman & Springfield railroad, about four miles southwest of Ridgeville. It is situated on the northeast corner of lot 5, in N.W. \ of Sec. 6, T. 25, R. 10 E. Taylor John is proprietor. It was platted about November 1, 1871. It contains a large grain elevator, owned by G. P. Coinstock & Co., and managed by B. H. Skeels for P. Risser & Sons, Onarga. The population numbers about 100.

ing and parsonage, built in 1875. The Rev. Mr. Sergeant was the first pastor. There is also a fine two-story school-house, built in 1876, designed for a graded school. C. C. Stone, of Oilman, has a branch store here. There are also one drug store, a furniture store, and a blacksmith's shop and hardware store by Gr. E. Butler. Thawville has a library of over 200 volumes; also a temperance union and a debating club. Mrs. A. M. Caswell is postmistress. B. H. Skeels deals in lumber as well as grain. The shipments from this point during 1879 were very large, consisting of corn, flax-seed, live-stock, oats, rye, timothy seed, aggregating nearly 200,000 bushels, and over 120,000 pounds of butter, poultry, etc. %]

In this part]of Ridgeland is found an enterprise called the Thawville Dairy Association, a joint-stock company organized in February, 1878, under the general state law. It has paid out over $1,100 in the erection and fitting up of a creamery, and is out of debt. The business of 1879 paid dividends of five per cent. The plan of operating is to receive in and weigh the milk and make monthly settlements, the patrons receiving four-fifths and the company one-fifth of the net proceeds. It is interesting tb note the details of this important enterprise, showing what can be done in this direction to develop the manufacturing interests of the country where excellent water and fine Jand abundant pasturage are found. The product during the season for 1879 amounted to 19,814 pounds of butter, which sold at an average of 21£ cents per pound, realizing to the patrons an average profit of 60£ cents per 100 pounds of milk. The smallest amount of butter made [in any one month being 1,723 pounds in October; and the largest, 3,669 pounds in June. The smallest price was 15^ cents per pound in June, and the largest, 30f cents in October.

There are two other "institutions" found in the town of Ridgeland, which must be noticed. The Farmers Pioneer Fire and Lightning Insurance Company, organized and went into operation January 1, 1875, with David Metzgar as president ; Charles W. Sprague, secretary ; and W. R. Yeatch, treasurer. It is run on the mutual plan, and is controlled entirely by farmers, and nothing but farm property is insured. Since it organization no loss has been incurred. The original premium of two mills on the dollar has therefore covered all expenses. When a loss does occur, a pro-rata assessment will be made. The amount of property at present covered by the risks of this company is about $125,000.

There is but one cemetery in the township, situated on the northwest corner of Sec. 5, T. 25, R. 10 E. It contains as yet but few graves. Mention has been made of the only tree that, about 1860, stood in the township. This tree was known as the "Lone Tree," and was at that time a conspicuous object. It stands on Mr. Kenoche's farm, near the bank of a branch of Spring creek, and is now surrounded by quite a large grove of native trees. It is said that " Onarga," the daughter of an Indian chief, was buried beneath its shade, having been killed by a jealous lover.

Bellias H. Skeels, dealer in grain, coal and lumber, Thawville, came to Iroquois county in 1853, from Columbus, Ohio. His father had previously sent a large number of cattle to this section for herding, but died before accomplishing his purpose, viz : to embark largely in the raising of cattle. Mr. Skeels came to see the country and has since remained, with one or two brief exceptions. His first regular occupation was teaching. He was afterward engaged in farming. Mr. Skeels was born in Columbus, March 12, 1835. His parents, Truman and Betsey B. Skeels, both died in that city. Mr. Skeels is essentially a selftaught man, his educational advantages being such as was afforded in a log school-house. July 5, 1857, he was married to Miss Elvina Wiswell, daughter of E. M. Wiswell, a distinguished Odd-Fellow in the state of Illinois. Miss Wiswell was born in Morgan county, Illinois, December 10, 1841. They have two children : Luella and Jeraldine. The eldest is married to W. J. Thrasher, of Thawville. Mr. Skeels was in Onarga before a house was built there. After the firing on Fort Sumter, Mr. Skeels assisted to raise a company, and served for two and a-half years as first lieutenant in the 25th 111. Yol. Inf. He has been engaged extensively in business and is widely known. He was deputy United States assessor during President Johnson's administration, and has also served one term as deputy sheriff in this county. He was the first agent of the Gilman, Clinton & Springfield railroad at Thawville station, and held this position several years. He is a Mason and an Odd-Fellow, and a member of the Grand Lodge of this state.

Samuel F. Everett, farmer, Ridgeville, son of Jacob and Mary Everett, was born in Halifax, Vermont, December 18, 1823. He lived with his parents until twenty-one years of age, and learned the trade of machinist, at Worcester, Massachusetts. He then went to Lawrence and remained about seven years working at his trade. While here he married Miss Harriet Sweet. He is next found at Rochester, New York, where he lived two years, still following his trade. Mr. Everett then came to Chicago, and after some consideration, concluded to settle in Iroquois county, and engage in farming. In furtherance of this plan he located on the land he now resides, about 1853. Mr. Everett has four children living : Carrie P., Edward S., Charles W. and Hattie C. Mr. Everett's brother, Joel S., was educated at Amherst, and went as a missionary to Smyrna, where he died. Mr. Everett has a fine farm about two miles west of Onarga, and is emphatically a self-made man. He is a member of the Iroquois County Agricultural Society.

Robert Looker, farmer, Del Rey, came to Iroquois county in 1855. He first preempted 80 acres in Sec. 27, T. 26, R. 10 E. At that time there were but two or three houses on the prairie. Here he remained about two years, and then lost his claim and improvements through some chicanery. Mr. Looker suffered greatly through the sickness of his wife. After losing his claim he bought of the Illinois Central railroad the land on which he now lives, lot 2 in N.W. \ of Sec. 4, T. 25, R. 10 E., at $14 per acre, and after paying the interest on his purchase had $3 left with which to begin again. Here he has remained, and has now a fine farm of 80 acres. Mr. Looker has done a great deal of wellboring, having bored over 300 wells, most of them in this county. He was born in Cambridgeshire, England, July 26, 1829. "When nineteen years old he married his first wife, Miss Eliza Gee, and they raised a family of two children : John and Mary. About 1850 he emigrated to Canada and farmed about four years. Hearing of the rich lands of Illinois, he came, and selecting a claim, built a house, and then returned for his family. His wife died after a sickness of two years. He then married his second wife, who also died and left two children. April 3, 1866, he was married to Mrs. Sarah Conn, whose father was one of the oldest settlers in this county. They have two children : Cora M. and Edwin O. Mr. Looker has experienced some severe losses, especially of horses; yet these have been retrieved through great energy and determination. Mr. Looker's father lived and died on the farm in England that had been continuously occupied by his ancestors during a period of 128 years. He and wife are members of the M. E. church.