Iroquois County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1880 (part 19 of 20)

Connecticut. Having labored successfully in these fields for twentyfive years, he organized a large company with the view of founding a colony in the then wilds of New Jersey. This colony, in its form, was an organized church, of which Rev. Pierson was pastor. They purchased the land now occupied by Newark, and in 1667 laid the foundations of that now beautiful city. Rev. Abraham Pierson, Jr., acted as co-pastor with and successor to his father for twenty years, when he resigned and went to Connecticut, where he became pastor of the church at Killingworth. In 1701 he was elected first president of Yale College. He died in 1707, and a statue has recently been erected to his memory in New Haven. Mr. Pierson, of Onarga, is one of the numerous descendants of the seventh generation from the original emigrants, Buell and Pierson. Mr. Pierson's ancestors shared largely in the dangers and trials incident to the early Indian wars in New England, to the revolutionary war, and to the war of 1812. Mr. Pierson left his native town in 1831 ; graduated at the University of Vermont in 1839; studied and practiced law several years in Kentucky, and then, in consequence of failing health, in 1849 purchased and located on a considerable tract of land in Jefferson county, Iowa. Finding that waiting for land to rise in value, with corn at six cents per bushel and pork at $1.50 per 100 pounds constituted a rather slow business for a native New Yorker, he closed out his interests in Iowa in 1853. In the same year he married Miss Mary T. Condit, daughter of Rev. R. W. Condit, D.D., of Oswego, New York, and went to Chicago to engage in business. The Illinois Central railroad was then in process of construction, and high expectations were justly entertained of its ultimate effects upon the destiny of Chicago, and indeed of the whole state of Illinois. Among the numerous stations soon to spring up along the line of this great road, Champaign was regarded as the most promising. In the spring of 1854 the terminus of the Chicago branch was at Spring creek, and freight could not reach Champaign by rail until fall. Hearing favorable reports from the employes of the road in regard to Onarga, and the high character of the old settlers in that region, Mr. Pierson concluded to locate there until fall, and then move on to Champaign. One short train a day, made up of freight and passenger cars, was sufficient to do all the business of the road at that time. Mr. Pierson chartered three cars, and loading them with such goods as he deemed suitable for a new station, he, with his good wife, June 22, 1854, started for what was to him and his a new world. He found the town of Onarga to consist of three or four shanties. Mechanics were just putting the finishing touches to the depot buildings. The postoffice had just been opened in a little cigar and candy shop on the east side of the railroad, by D. B. Peck. Moore and Miles were then erecting the building on the corner on the east side, and now occupied as a meat market, for a dry-goods store. The first sale made by Mr. Pierson in the town was for material to complete this building. When the railroad finally reached Champaign, Mr. Pierson found that many business men had their eyes already on that point, and he moreover thought he saw clear indications that Onarga would prove one of the most inviting fields for business enterprise on the line of the road. He therefore, though doing but little at that time, concluded to remain. By way of showing how well founded these expectations were, Mr. Pierson states that while his sales during his first year at Onarga were less than $3,000, they exceeded $40,000 the third year. At this time all the business was done on the east side of the railroad. In the fall of 1854 Mr. Pierson built an office in the tall prairie grass on the west side, on the corner now occupied by the Pierson Block ; hence the point in the following story that he tells of his wife : He one day observed her scattering ashes in the prairie grass around the office, and on his inquiring what was up, she replied - " I am trying to kill the grass to make the surroundings look more like business." In the summer of 1857 Mr. Pierson built and occupied the house on the corner north of the Pierson Block, and now occupied by Isaac Amermand. In the fall of 1858 he erected the store building now constituting "No. 1" in the aforesaid block. In the meantime, the great financial crash of 1857 came and laid the whole country prostrate. During the three following years the value of property constantly declined, so that no trade could be carried on with profit or even with safety. Every dealer in building material on the Chicago branch of the Illinois Central railroad, with one or two exceptions, and nearly all dealers in this department of trade in Chicago, failed. The main source of weakness in Mr. Pierson's case at this critical time was in the fact of his having an unusually large stock on hand when the panic came. All that he needed was time to reduce stock, and to collect outstanding claims, which were not large. These objects were successfully accomplished by three years of hard work without profit. He could not, however, have done this had he not had first-class credit at a few solid houses in Chicago, who told him to go ahead. This credit arose from the reputation Mr. Pierson had of keeping his business well in hand, and of living within his means. On this subject Mr. Pierson says : " I have had creditors, who were themselves daily expecting to be pushed to the wall, come on with the intention of securing what they could. As they looked at my little house, noting how I lived, they said : ' Well, Pierson, you can make more out of this stock than we can ; we shall have to let vou alone ; you will come out all right.' That little house and the careful management of my good wife were what saved me from bankruptcy. Without the confidence inspired by these means I should certainly have failed, although I was at the time worth very much more than I owed. A blessing on the shanties that are paid for, and on the good wives who know how to make in them cheerful and happy homes, until something better can be honestly provided for." When business finally revived, in 1860, Mr. Pierson found himself in good shape, both as regards credit and capital, to largely extend his trade. His business, almost unsought, branched out in so many directions that it was impossible for one person to look after it all, especially during the war. He consequently divided his business, and became a silent partner in two or three firms in his own town. He also, at different times, had branch houses at Watseka, Ludlow and Chatsworth. These different branches were in the main successful in the accomplishment of their object, i.e. in working oft' surplus and unavailable stock, and were generally paying institutions, contrary to ordinary experience in such cases. In 1868 and 1869 Mr. Pierson shared his business lots on the west side with other parties, and the building known as the Pierson Block was erected. His health rapidly failing, Mr. Pierson, during the fall and winter of 1870-71, traveled in Europe, visiting England, Scotland, Gibraltar, Italy, the beautiful cities of Sicily, encountered without serious detriment the terrors of old Scylla and Charybdis, and returned to Onarga the following spring. Soon after his return he retired from all business connections. Considering that the most suitable place to pass a contented old age is among the people where the active and vigorous years of his life have been spent, Mr. Pierson proceeded to erect for himself and wife a home in a forest of evergreens that he had planted many years before, and christened it " Evergreen Home." Here Mr. and Mrs. Pierson are passing the later years of their active and useful lives. It is to be presumed that Mr. Pierson had an eye to the interior as well as the exterior home when he christened it " Evergreen Home." Regarded in either light, the name is exceedingly appropriate.

John C. Ramsey, farmer and breeder of thoroughbred short-horns, Onarga, is a native of Preble county, Ohio, and was born September 23, 1824. At the early age of twelve years he was left an orphan, and at the age of seventeen began to learn the blacksmith trade, and followed that business till 1853, at which date he came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and bought a farm in Sec. 15, T. 26, R. 14, in Onarga township. August 7, 1862, he enlisted as first sergeant in Co. D, 113th 111. Vol. Inf. He was captured by the rebels on board the Blue Wing, on the Mississippi river, near the mouth of the Arkansas, but was soon after paroled and exchanged. He immediately rejoined his regiment, but was again taken prisoner near Ripley, Mississippi, in May, 1864, and suffered for three months the horrors of prison life in Andersonville, from which he made his escape ; but was recaptured by rebel hounds, placed in jail for some time, and finally taken to Lawton Prison, Georgia, where he remained till paroled and mustered out of the United States service as a prisoner of war. He then returned to his home, which, during his three years' absence, had been managed and carried on by his wife and hired hand, - the latter receiving more money per month on his farm than he received from Uncle Sam for soldiering. In 1866 he turned his attention to breeding graded shorthorns, but in 1869 he engaged in breeding thoroughbred short-horns, and is now the owner of a very fine herd, comprising forty-one head of thoroughbreds, and is also buying and feeding yearly a number of grades and common stock. December 9, 1847, he married Miss Keturah Majors, who died August 5. 1854. He again married, this time, Miss Eliza A. Ramsey, August 13, 1856. She was "born February 3, 1828, in Preble county, Ohio. He has two children living: Lucy A. and Gracie M. He now owns, besides his stock, 400 acres of land, a large part of which is the result of his own industry and close attention to business. He is truly one of our self-made men.

Milton Doolittle, hardware and furniture dealer, Onarga, was the second son of Elkanah and Triphenia (Pangborn) Doolittle, and was born December 26, 1855, in Onarga township. He received his education at the Episcopal Academy of Cheshire, Connecticut, and at Grand Prairie Seminary, Onarga. On October 18, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet F. Marston, the accomplished daughter of Sanford K. Marston. Their child (Mary Triphenia) was born July 27, 1878. Mr. Doolittle is an independent voter.

Edward L. Marquis, lumber dealer, Onarga, was born in Mount Yernon, Knox county, Ohio, August 20, 1826. His father's Christian name was Edward, and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Newell. He finished his schooling at the Mount Yernon Academy, and on attaining his majority commenced for himself by traveling for a marble establishment. He has led an active business life; and his employments have been various, and generally profitable. Railroading, photographing, real-estate and patent-right transactions have been some of his occupations. He has traveled extensively in the United States, especially in the west, and has made his home at different times in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. He has been twice married, and has two sons and two daughters. His maternal progenitors were

John B. Clark, fruit-grower, Onarga, was born in Newport, Rhode Island, July 8, 1806, and is the oldest son of George and Desire (Blevin) Clark. In 1817 his father settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, and two years later John went to Lawrenceburg, Dearborn county, Indiana, where he worked as a shop-boy three years. At the end of this time he apprenticed himself for four years to learn the tobacco manufacturer's trade. Leaving Lawrenceburg he went to Cincinnati and lived there three years; he then moved to Manchester and engaged in merchandising, and was in business in that place most of the time for twenty-five years. He was justice of the peace five years, and postmaster altogether twenty years. In 1840, and again in 1850, he was chosen by the whigs to represent Dearborn county in the legislature. In the summi'i1 of 1855 his family removed to a farm in Ash Grove, in this county, and some months afterward Mr. Clark, having closed up his business in Manchester, brought a stock of goods to " Pitch-in," the first that were ever sold there. This was before that place was dignified with the euphonious name which it bears. He continued in trade eight years. He was postmaster, town clerk and also justice of the peace several years. In 1864 he left Ash Grove and settled in Onarga, and since that time has given his attention to raising fruit. His first marriage took place with Sophia Albright, April 24, 1827. Four sons and eight daughters were the product of this union. These grew to manhood and womanhood, and all but three are still living. Two of the sons were in the army in the late war. James M. was a member of Co. F, 25th 111. Vol?, and died at Corinth, Mississippi, of typhoid pneumonia, June 23, 1862. Calvin R. served the term of three years in the 76th 111. Vol. He was engaged at Jackson, Mississippi, May 13, 1863; he bore a part in the sieges of Vicksburg and Mobile, terminating his active service in the last battle of the war - the brilliant charge on Fort Blakeley. He was promoted for gallant conduct in the last engagement. Mr. Clark's wife having died, December 11, 1866, he was married again, October 6, 1870, to Mrs. Frances M. Torrey, widow of Levi F. Torrey. He has been a member of the M. E. church fifty-seven years, and has held official connection therein much of the time. He was an ardent whig, and is now a firm supporter of the republican party.

David Bullington, farmer and stock-raiser, Onarga, came to this county in 1855, from Warren county, Indiana, where he was born, September 8, 1833. January 31, 1858, he married Miss Margaret A., daughter of Henry Skeels. She was born in this county, in Onarga township, April 9, 1840, and is one of those who know what pioneer life is, being one of the early pupils taught in log cabins. Mr. Bullington, after his marriage, engaged in fanning in this county till 1867, when he went to Green county, Missouri, and settled near Springfield, where he lived about ten years, engaged in farming, but, longing for the society of old friends and surroundings, he returned to Onarga, where he now lives, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has eight children : Sarah A., Ida L., Mary E., Emma J., Margaret A.. Elmyra, Susanah E. and Minnie E. He, his wife and the three oldest children are members of the M. E. church, and politically he is a republican. His parents, Mr. James and Sarah M. (Garrish) Bullington, were married May 5,, 1829; the former was born in Virginia, February 26, 1808, and the latter in New Jersey, December 22, 1808, and came to Iroquois county in 1856. The old gentleman is still living and has been a member of the M. E. church for the last fifty-four years. During his youth he learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed many years. His wife, with whom he lived many years, died, June 13, 1875, from a cancer in her face. He is now spending his declining years with one of his sons on his old home.

James Owen, fruit-grower, Onarga, was born in Birmingham, England, November 13, 1815. His father, George Owen, was a blacksmith, and he learned the trade under him. In 1849 he emigrated to America, and stopping first in Brooklyn, New York, he worked there nine months at his trade. He then removed to Mason county, Illinois, and engaged in farming five years. In 1855 he settled in this county on a farm of 120 acres east of Onarga. At the same time, in company with his brother John, he put up a blacksmith shop in Onarga, the first in the place. A little later the younger brothers, Abram and William, came and took an interest in the business, which embraced, in addition, the sale of hardware and the manufacture of the celebrated Owen stove. At the end of two years he withdrew from the firm, since which time he has been employed either in farming or in horticulture. In 1867 he removed to Onarga, where he now resides. He was married, July 28, 1839, to Ann Elliman. They have reared four sons and two daughters. Two of the former, William F. and James, were soldiers in the late war. The first of these was in the 9th 111. Cav., and died February 18, 1866, from injuries received by being crowded with his horse from a high bridge.

George H. Owen, grocer, Onarga, was born in Birmingham, England, April 26, 1-846. His parents, James and Ann (Elliman) Owen, emigrated to this country in 1849. After a residence in Mason county, Illinois, they moved to this county and settled on a farm near Onarga. Here the subject of this sketch remained till 1866. He has been em- ployed in farming, brick-making, butchering, and is at present, and has been the past three years, keeping a grocery store in Onarga, in company with his brother James. Owen Brothers is the style of the firm. April 23, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Peter, who was born January 5, 1845, in Tippecanoe county, Indiana. They have one child, Flora Annie, born October 2, 1876. Mr. Owen is an Odd- Fellow and republican, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Horatio Talbert, farmer, Onarga, was born in Onarga township, February 29, 1856, on the same farm where he now lives. January 7, 1879, he married Miss Anna, daughter of William B. Lyman, an old settler of this county, and she was born in Beaver township, in this county, September 17, 1857. They have one child, Lyman Leo. The father of the subject of this sketch, Mr. George W. Talbert, was born at Fort Littleton, Bedford county, Pennsylvania. He was married, February 25, 1852, to Miss Catharine Deyo, of Pickaway county, Ohio, and came to this county in 1853. She died June 18, 1860, and Mr. Talbert died in the service of his country in March, 1862, on Black river. He left to his two children, the subject of this sketch and Albert, his farm, which contains 280 acres in Onarga, all earned by his own hard labor, industry and good management.

Enoch C. Hall, police magistrate and insurance and collection agent, Onarga, was born September 19, 1815, at Middletown, Connecticut. He was the youngest son of Jonathan and Catherine (Savage) Hall. His father was a farmer, and his youth was passed in the honorable pursuits of husbandry. He first attended the common schools, and then ended his studies in a private high school. From sixteen to eighteen he was learning the silversmith's trade, but his employer failed before his apprenticeship expired and he returned to the farm, working on that summers, and teaching school winters, till he was twenty-five. In 1836 he was appointed school examining committee, and held that responsible position twelve years. In 1840 he was appointed justice of the peace ; at the same time he set up in the grocery and provision trade. In 1851 he removed his business to Springfield, Massachusetts; in 1856 he came west and settled near Onarga on an eighty-acre farm of wild land. In 1863 he began merchandising in the village in company with G. G. Webb. He continued in trade thirteen years, changing, in the meantime, his connections and the character of his business more than once. The past three years he has done a general real-estate, loaning, insurance and collection business, and until recently in company with Hon. A. S. Palmer. He has held numerous township, corporation, school and other offices; has been justice of the peace sixteen years ; in 1866 was supervisor, and a member of the building committee who superintended the erection of the court-house at Watseka ; was secretary of the sanitary society for the relief of soldiers and their families during the war, and has been an officer of the Iroquois Agricultural Society since its formation fourteen years ago. He was married, October 20, 1839, to Louisa Plum. Four sons were the fruit of this marriage: Wallace, Edward, Dwight and Robert. All these were in the military service in the late rebellion. Wallace died in the blockading squadron off Mobile; Edward was in Co. D, 113th 111. Vols., and died in front of Yicksbnrg; Dwight was in the same company three years, and Robert served in the 150th 111. the last year of the war. Mr. Hall's wife died October 5, 1859. His second matrimonial alliance was consummated with Kate Flagg, September 19, 1860. They have two sons and a daughter.

Orrin S. Haight, farmer ' and stock-raiser, Onarga, was born in Albany county, New York, January 31, 1829. At the age of sixteen years he left the parental roof, and began for himself by boating on the Hudson river, which occupation he followed two years. He then followed farming three years, and then went to Gloversville, Fulton county, New York, and engaged in the manufacture of gloves, a business for which that place was noted. December 31, 1850, he married Miss Jane Anderson, who was born in Fulton county, New York, May 11, 1835. Soon after he came west and engaged in Perrysville, Indiana, in a grain warehouse and grist mill about four years. He then removed to Vermilion county, Illinois, and farmed a short time, and finally came to Iroquois county, Illinois, where he rented a farm *and engaged in farming and stock-raising, but soon bought a farm in Sec. 4, T. 25, R. 14, Onarga, where he permanently located and is following the business he began in this county. He has seven children living: Charles, Isabel, Elena, Edna, Martha A., Ida M. and Orie. He is using all his means for the education of his family, three of whom are now teaching, having been prepared for that business at the Grand Prairie Seminar}7 and Commercial College.

If there is one man more than another possessed of a fine practical brain and a clear mechanical head, that man is George H. Van Neste, who was born May 10, 1826, in the historical Mohawk valley, Montgomery county, New York, on a farm. He is now just in the prime of life, and morally a most exemplary character. Young George worked with his parents until his twenty-first year, then following the natural bent of his mind, a love of tools prompted him to accept a position in a manufacturing establishment at Amsterdam, where his principal work was building fanning mills until September 1, 1850, when thinking to educate that faculty which was destined to assist him so much in the future on a broader scope, commenced work as a common hand, carpentering and joining; but by dint of an earnest application and an indomitable will Mr. Van Neste rose to the position of a contractor in the spring of 1853, which position was retained until in the fall of 1854, when thinking to better himself came west to Ogle county, Illinois, near Oregon, in September of that year; and after a year and a half's labor there at his trade, moved to Iroquois county, building on Sec. 3, T. 25, R. 10 E., where he was one of the first settlers on the prairie. He has now a splendid farm of two hundred and forty acres, three miles southeast of Del Rey and seven from Onarga. A large saw-mill was then in operation at Del Rey, and no sooner did they learn of Van's ability than they called for help in repairing, who, always ready and agreeable, soon would get things in working order again ; and when thoroughly aroused to the fact that a mechanical genius was among them, Yan was given complete charge of the mill, made boss and manager in the fall of 1858, and continued in that capacity for two years. Mr. Van Neste then engaged himself in cultivating his farm until the spring of 1872 (moving his family to Onarga the year previous owing to his wife's sickness). When G. H. Van Neste & Co. erected a large flouring mill in the eastern part of Onarga, which, to all appearance was destined to be synonymous with prosperity, - lo ! in August, 1873, the boiler burst, and with it blew away a thousand bright hopes and many hard earned dollars. He next purchased the old stand of McElroy's grocery, in October, 1873, and until August, 1878, selling to F. Felker, prosecuted a splendid trade, making many friends and a host of acquaintances. His place of business was and still is known as " Van's corner." He is now engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married, October 2, 1851, to Miss Emily J. Shottinkirk, in Perth, Fulton county, New York, and prior to her death, which occurred June 8, 1871, six children were born. He was married the second time, April 6, 1873, to Mary E., the widow of Capt. William M. Raymond, a brave and gallant soldier of Co. D, 52d Ind. Vol., who sacrified his life for his country's liberty at the battle of Nashville. Mr. Van Neste joined the M. E. church in April, 1851, was elected a member of the quarterly conference, July 31, 1861, and recording steward, September, 1872. His wife is also a member. Mr. Van Neste has held the offices of assessor, commissioner, school trustee, school director, and justice of the peace, and is a stalwart member of the republican party.

twenty-five he left his native state, where he had been raised at farming and attending school. April 22, 1856, he married Miss Betsey Brown, a native of Vermont, and the same year came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and engaged in farming; but not liking the country on account of his health failing, he returned to his native state. While making his return trip the saddest event of his life took place. After crossing the river from Detroit to Windsor, he with his wife walked from the boat to the wharf, where he left her a few minutes, with a request to remain there till he returned from the boat, where he was going to look after some baggage. On his return to the dock he was unable to find her, and immediately began an anxious search, which was prosecuted with almost unendurable anxiety of mind till next morning, when her body was found floating in the river a short distance below the place of landing. It is supposed that she became uneasy while waiting his return and started in search of him, missed the gangplank and fell into the river. In 1859 he again returned to this county and engaged as a hired hand and began to buy a few cattle, and in that way soon got a start which has proved to him very successful, which is evidenced by the fact that he now owns 370 acres of good land where he now lives, actively engaged in farming and stock-raising. February 14, 1864, he married Mrs. Caroline (Merrill) Sanders, of Cincinnati, Ohio, born May 18, 1834. She died May 12, 1879. On March 3, 1880, he married his last wife, Mrs. Eveline Libhart, a native of New York, born near Bainbridge. She came to this county in 1853. He has five children : James A., Edward M., William H., Perry and Robert. His present wife has five children, two boys and three girls.

John W., son of John Grubbs, farmer and stock-raiser, Onarga, is a native of Montgomery, Ohio, and was born on October 18, 1827. His parents' means being very limited, living as they were in the backwoods of a new countr}7, he at a very early age began to work out, beginning at six cents per day. His wages were soon after raised to eight cents per day, which he received all through the next season. After growing up to near manhood he received by the month from $7 to $11. At the age of eighteen years he became an apprentice as wagon and carriage-maker, and completed his trade at the age of twenty-one years. He then followed journey work, till on August 15, 1851, he married Miss Lorinda Allen. She was born in Butler county, Ohio, on November 9, 1834. At that time he borrowed $100 with which to begin housekeeping, and through the kindness of an old friend he began the business of his trade in a full furnished shop, making everything from a wheelbarrow to a wagon, or any thing needed on a farm. He followed the business eight or nine years, but by working constantly and till late hours at night his health became broken down, and he sold out his stock in trade, bought a farm, and engaged in farming; but having previously visited Illinois, felt an irresistible desire to own a home on the prairie, and in 1857 removed to Peoria county, Illinois, where he lost $1,000 in renting a large farm that wet season (by loss of crops and sickness), and the fall of the same year came to Iroquois county, Illinois, bought a farm, permanently located, and actively engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is the first man who introduced the hedge-fence raising in this county, raising an immense lot of plants for wholesale over this and adjoining counties. He now owns 414 acres of land, three miles east of Onarga village, well ditched with tile, and on which are very fine buildings. He has five children : Keziah, Phineas W., Lervy, Harvey J. and Melissa J.

Judge Charles H. Wood, attorney-at-law, Chicago, is one of the many old settlers of Iroquois who, though having removed from the county, are yet kindly remembered by many and warm friends. It will no doubt be a pleasant surprise to many of his friends, not only of Onarga and Iroquois county, but of central eastern Illinois, to find his portrait gracing the pages of this work. Judge Wood was born in Lyrne, Connecticut, October 7, 1832, and is the son of John Wood, also a native of that state, born August 17, 1786. The subject of this brief sketch was educated at Brown University, Rhode Island. In 1857 he graduated from the Albany Law School, and was that same year a member of the Connecticut legislature. In 1857 he came west and commenced the practice of law in Onarga. While a resident here he was elected, in 1860, prosecuting attorney of the twentieth judicial district, which embraced the counties of Iroquois, Kankakee and Livingston, holding the office until 1864. In 1865 he was elected by his district to the general assembly of the state. In March, 1867, he was appointed by the governor of the state to fill an unexpired term of circuit judge of the district in which he had formerly served as prosecuting attorney, and so well and acceptably did he discharge his duties that, upon the expiration of this partial term, he was elected for a term of six years. In all of the many and important trusts which Judge Wood has been called upon to execute he has had the satisfaction of the unanimous approval of his constituents and fellow-citizens. In 1874 he removed to Chicago, where he entered into partnership in the practice of law with Judge Loomis, of that city, and now ranks as one of the leading lawyers of Chicago. Perhaps there are few busier men than Judge Wood. His thorough preparation for his profession, and his quick appreciation of his special work, together with a sound judgment, enables him to arrive at

William B. Crider, dealer in grain, lumber and coal, Del Rey, is a son of Samuel T. Crider, and was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, April 10, 1829. He lived with his parents, engaged in farming and going to school till the age of seventeen, when he began teaching music. When eighteen years of age he began to learn the trade of a carpenter under Ferdinand Woodard, at Williamsport, Indiana, having removed with his parents to that state in 1840. After learning the trade he followed the business about twelve years. October 22, 1856, he married Miss Rachel, daughter of Mr. Zebulon Foster, who was born in Warren county, Indiana, May 20, 1837. In the autumn of 1858 he came to Iroquois county, Illinois, where he bought and improved three farms, and finally settled permanently on Sec. 6, T. 25, R. 14, in Onarga township, and actively engaged in farming and stockraising, and that business he successfully followed till the spring of 1878, when he rented his farm, removed to Del Rey, and engaged in the grain, lumber and coal trade. He now owns, besides his residence in town with four acres of land, a farm of 210 acres of land, on which is built the finest buildings in that part of the township, and all earned by his own hard labor, industry and close application to "business, coining to this county with but $25. He has six children, all living: Zebulon F., Mary L, Samuel P., Charlie P., Minnie B. and Dora E. He is a gentleman of strictly temperate habits.

John B. Lowe, publisher of the Onarga "Review," Onarga, was the youngest son of Samuel J. Lowe, third sheriff of Cook county, and was born in Chicago, October 10, 1843. He removed to St. Charles, Illinois, in 1853, and to Onarga in 1857. He became an apprentice to the printing business in 1858. He entered the army in 1862 as a private in Co. M, 9th 111. Cav., and was captured by Hood's army near Florence, Alabama, November 19, 1864. He was mustered out at the close of the war without being exchanged. He engaged in printing in Onarga in 1866, and from 1867 to 1869 was in partnership with Ed. Rumley, and from 1879 to 1861 with F. R. Gilson. He removed the "Review " office to Moline, Illinois, in 1870 ; he reestablished the paper in 1872, and is still publishing it. He was commissioned captain of Co. E, 9th battalion, I. N. G., September 12, 1877.

James B. Baldwin, druggist, Onarga, was the son of Gordon and Harriet (Fitch) Baldwin, and was born in Monroe county, New York, May 6, 1830. He attended the common schools and finished his studies in an academy in his native town of Riga. His father was a farmer, and he was reared to that occupation. In 1854 he went to Ulster county, New York, and was employed by his uncle in shipping stone. In 1857 he migrated to Illinois, and settled on the present site of La Hogue, in this county, on a farm of 160 acres. He was one of the first to locate in that section. At that tifne there was but one house between his residence and Onarga - Mr. Bennett's. In 1863 he moved to Onarga, and was employed two years by the railroad company. In 1866 he commenced selling drugs; three years later he took M. D. Firman into partnership, under the style of Baldwin & Firman. In 1876 the latter retired. Mr. Baldwin's drug store is one of the most complete and extensive in the county. He was married, May 5, 1855, to Miss Eliza J. Thompson. They have one son and one daughter. Mr. Baldwin has never interested himself in politics beyond a quiet and an intelligent discharge of the duties of citizenship, and he votes independent of party control.

H. F. Lockwood, farmer, Onarga, son of Walter and Dolly Lockwood, was born in Canada, August 14, 1824. The family first came to this county in 1857, having previously lived in the states of New York and Ohio, during a period of about twenty years. Mr. Lockwood married his first wife in Ohio, November 22, 1848. Her name was Emily Avery. She died March 23, 1863. They had seven children, three of whom are living: Eugene, Willie L. and Mary E. Mr. Lockwood afterward married Miss Mahala Evans, April 28, 1870. She is a native of Iroquois county. They had three children, only one of whom is living. Mr. Lockwood has a fine farm in Sec. 30, T. 26, R. 11 E. Early on the morning of May 6, 1868, during a severe thunder-storm, Mr. Lock wood's oldest son was instantly killed by lightning, a few rods south of the house. This was a severe affliction to the bereaved parents. Mr. Lockwood's aged parents still reside in Onarga. Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood are members of the Presbyterian churoh.

The founder of the Babcock family in the United States was James Badcock, who changed his name when he emigrated to the New World. He was born in Essex, England, about 1580. In the year 1620 he removed with his family to Leyden, Holland, to join the pilgrims who were about to sail for America. He embarked in the ship Anne early in 1623, and arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in July. He lived a number of years, and died there. At the time of his arrival in this country he had four children : James, John, Job and Mary, all of whom were born in England between the years 1612 and 1620. He was married again in Plymouth about 1650, and had one son, named Joseph. James, Job and Mary remained at Plymouth. John moved to Rhode Island about 1648. Members of this family have been prominent in New England history. Henry Babcock was a colonel in the king's service, and commanded a regiment of provincials in the French war, and was wounded at Ticonderoga. During the revolutionary war he was " General of the State Troops of Rhode Island," and distin-. guished himself on several occasions. Oliver Babcock was a captain. He was at the siege of Fort Washington, on the Hudson, and was so indignant at the surrender that he broke his sword across a cannon, declaring that it should never be yielded to the British. Horace Babcock, the subject of this sketch, second son of Charles and Martha (Gardner) Babcock, was born in Madison county, New York, September 13, 1821, at a place called Babcock's Mills. He was reared a farmer and brickmaker, and educated in the common schools. September 16, 1845, he was united in marriage by the Rev. M. Bixby with Miss Sarah Deshon. They have two living daughters : Martha and Hattie E. ; the former is the wife of Lee C. Brown, of Onarga. Their son Charles died at this place, early in 1857. In the spring of this year Mr. Babcock removed from New York with his family, and settled in Onarga. He and his brother purchased Sec. 28, T. 26, R. 10 E, now known as the Knoche Farm. He was one of the founders of the Iroquois County Agricultural Society, and was among the earliest importers of Norman horses in this section. From 1860 to 1870 he was engaged in buying, shipping and butchering hogs and cattle. He owns 200 acres of land close to Onarga, valued at $12,000.

Thomas Wand, merchant, Onarga, was born in Dollar, Perthshire, Scotland, on May 17, 1832. He was the son of Thomas and Jane (Malcolm) Wand. His parents moved to Glasgow when he was four years old, and he received his education in a seminary of that city, and also learned the tailor's trade. In 1854 he took passage from Liverpool for New Orleans, and coming north stopped eighteen months in St. Louis and worked at his trade. In the spring of 1856 he proceeded to Chicago where he remained a year. He passed the summer of 1857 in Kankakee, and in the fall settled permanently in Onarga. He began by working at his trade the first year, after which he opened a merchant tailoring establishment, but his business increased so that in the course of a year or two it had gradually embraced general merchandising. His success in responding to the demands of the trading public for the best goods at the lowest price, has steadily enlarged his circle of customers, and made his store inferior to no other in this part of the country. Mr. Wand was married to Mary Fickle, September 27, 1867. They have three children : Andrew, Mary and Thomas. Through Mr. Wand's exertions Onarga became an incorporated village. He has held the office of trustee. He is an Odd-Fellow and a member of the M. E. church.

Alrnon S. Palmer, attorne}' and real-estate agent, Onarga, was born in Columbus, Chenango county, New York, February 22, 1824. He was the son of Grant B. and Annis (Smith) Palmer. About 1856 he entered the law office of Henry Bennet, member of congress, and studied nearly three years. Three or four years before this he began operating in lands in the military tract of Illinois. In 1860 he removed to this state, and settled the first year in Onarga, then moved into Douglas township and went to farming. During his seven years' residence there he represented the town on the board of supervisors four or five terms. In 1868 he moved back into the village of Onarga and resumed the practice of the law. He was supervisor of this town many years, and chairman of the board several terms. In 1866 he was a member of the building committee who superintended the construction of the present court-house and jail at "Watseka. In 1872 he was elected on the republican ticket to the state senate for four years. He was on the following committees: Judicial department and apportionment, chairman ; expenses of general assembly, appropriations, county and township organization, miscellany, governor's message and revision of the statutes, until the appointment of the special committee. He was prominent in securing the passage of the present railroad law ; he supported the temperance legislation ; voted for the repeal of the lake front act, and against the resolution to revive the southern penitentiary. He was married to Laura L. Briggs, of Madison county, New York, August 11, 1844. Two daughters were the issue of this marriage. One died very young, and the other (Annis E.) is the relict of Walter S. Clark. His wife died March 11, 1877. He married again July 81, 1878, to Miss Emma E. Cushman. His grandfather (Elijah Palmer) was a revolutionary soldier, and a prisoner in the hands of the British six or eight months. His father was a member of the New York general assembly in 1859, and his brother (Smith M.) was in the Illinois house of representatives from Morgan county, about 1868.

It is a tradition in the Marston family that their ancestors landed on these shores from the Mayflower. The great-great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch kept public-house in Falmouth (now Portland), Maine, in the time of the revolution, and when that place was bombarded, his was the only house left standing. Mr. Marston's father was a mechanic of some note, who built the first Portland Exchange. Sanford K. was born in Augusta, Maine, February 24, 1831. His father's name was Ebenezer, and his mother's maiden name, Sarah S. Hideout. He was educated in the public schools of Mystic, Connecticut. He worked two years in a ship-smithy, and then served a regular apprenticeship at ship-building. He partially built several vessels at New

London and Bridgeport, Connecticut. After this he took charge of his father's business in ~New London - which was stone-cutting and marble-working. He was married, January 16, 1851, to Sarah M. Field. They have two living daughters: Mary A., wife of Robt. F. Cummings, of Clifton ; and Harriet F., wife of Milton Doolittle, of Onarga. In the spring of 1856 he was the chairman of a committee of three who came west to find a location for a colony of about thirty-five Connecticut families. After making a selection he went back, and returned again in August and entered about 8,000 acres for the colonists. He then settled there and engaged in farming. He traveled two years for the land department of the Illinois Central railroad, collecting land payments in produce. In 1864 he moved to Onarga and opened a real-estate office. Afterward, in company with F. P. Beach, he embarked in the brick manufacture, and furnished the brick for the public school edifice, and for all the business houses in the village that are built of that material. In 1869 he joined William P. Pierson, - under the firm name of Marston & Pierson, - in the lumber, coal, implement and furniture trade. He was one of the commissioners to divide Ford county into precincts, and was elected supervisor of Brenton township. He was trustee of Onarga six years, and was either president or secretary of the board during the time. In the period of his service saloons were abolished, and none have since been allowed in the place. He has been a member of the M. E. church above thirty years. He is independent in politics.

John Campbell, butcher, Onarga, was born September 12, 1840, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He" was the second son of James and Catherine (Campbell) Campbell. In 1841 his parents moved to Indianapolis, and in 1843 to La Fayette, Indiana. In 1861 he came to Illinois, and enlisted at Onarga, June 1, in Co. F, 25th 111. Inf. He fought at Booneville, Pea Ridge, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge ; marched to Knoxville ; served on the Atlanta campaign, and was engaged at Rocky Face Ridge, Big Shanty, Kenesaw and Peach Tree Creek. He was wounded in the right hip at Stone River. He was mustered out September 19, 1864. He returned to Onarga township and farmed till 1869, when he opened a grocery in the town in company with C. H. .Baker - firm name, Campbell & Baker. After several changes, in 1878 he went into his present business of butchering. He was married December 24, 1868, to Marilla L. Baker. They have one daughter, Mary, born August 28, 1869. He has once been constable of Onarga township. He is an Odd-Fellow, and from 1853 to 1858 was a member of the M. E. church. Politically .he is a very zealous republican.

Samuel E. Weeden, farmer and stock-raiser, Onarga, is a son of John Weeden, and was born June 28, 1832, in Jamestown, Rhode Island, on the same farm that his father, grandfather and great-grandfather were born, and in the same house, it having been built in 1687, and is now in good repair. His early youth was spent engaged in farming and attending school. At the age of twenty-two he was elected to the legislature of his native state, where he served two terms, having been twice elected to that position by his constituents. His grandfather served as captain in the regular army under Gen. Washington, during the revolutionary war. His uncle (John H. Weeden) was one of the most prominent lawyers in Rhode Island, and a member of the legislature of that state for many years, being a graduate of Brown University, of Providence, Rhode Island. In 1858 the subject of this sketch went to California, and remained there till he visited Idaho in 1861. From there he went to Nevada, and there took part in the change of that territory to a state. In December, 1865, he returned to his old home in Rhode Island, where he remained a few months and then came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and bought a farm in Onarga township, and engaged in farming and stock-raising. April 1, 1874, he married Miss Lucy, daughter of Mr. John Hughs, of Medina county, Ohio, and one of the early settlers of that part of the state. He now owns 240 acres of valuable land. He has two children : Amy C. and Mary H. He is one of the live, go-ahead, thrifty men who are needed to build up a new country, and whose influence is always felt.

Horace Barnes, farmer and stock-raiser, Onarga, is a native of Rutland, Vermont, and was born January 14, 1822, and there lived with his parents, engaged in farming, attending and teaching school till the age of twenty-four years. He then emigrated to Bloomingdale, Du Page county, Illinois, where he followed farming and teaching school. He also made the breeding and growing of Spanish merino sheep a specialty,' taking many premiums on that stock at state fairs. While living in Du Page county he was elected county superintendent of schools, and also represented his township before the board of supervisors, and was for many years township school treasurer. In 1867 he came to this county, bought a farm of 210 acres, one and one-half miles east of Onarga, where he permanently located and engaged in farming and stock-raising. Since he has lived here he has been principal of the Onarga Graded School two years, and is now one of the trustees of Grand Prairie Seminary and Commercial College; also a member of the executive committee, and is now acting commissioner of highways. July 1, 1846, he married Miss Louisa Seeley, of Middlebury, Vermont; she died March 8, 1851. January 22, 1852, he married his second wife, Miss T. Lorette Taylor, who is also a native of Vermont, and was born April 26, 1832. He has three children living, as follows : William S., by his first wife, who is now married and engaged in farming; Linnie L., wife of Elmer H. Wood, of Chicago, clerk in the office of the Union Pacific railroad department at a salary of $1,200 per year ; and Frank H., passenger ticket agent for the Chicago and Pacific railroad.

Daniel Martin, farmer and stock-raiser, Onarga, was born in the Highlands of Scotland, October 15, 1840. He attended school in the old Scottish Highlands, where he gained a perfect knowledge of the Gaelic language, which was (as he then thought) all he required. His father, being in this country during the revolutionary war, became pleased with the country, and determined in the future to make it his home, and in 1852 came to America and located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Soon after the subject of this sketch went to Buffalo and engaged in sailing on the lakes, which he followed till about 1860. He then came to Illinois and settled in La Salle county, where he bought a farm and engaged in farming. February 12, 1863, he married Miss Sarah Aikins, a native of England. In October, 1868, he came to Iroquois county, Illinois, where he permanently located on his present home farm, on Sec. 28, T. 26, R. 14, in Onarga township, and engaged in farming and stock-raising, and in that business he is now engaged. He owns 240 acres of land in Onarga township, all earned by his own industry, hard labor and careful management. He has eight children : Daniel, John, Jane, Anna M., Emma, Clara, Hattie and Cora.

Benjamin F. Duncan, farmer and stock-raiser, Onarga, is a son of Asa Duncan, and was born in Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, August 9, 1835, and there lived with his parents, engaged in farming and attending school till about twenty years of age. The love of adventure then led him west, where he visited Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. He engaged in mining one summer at Pike's Peak, in 1859, and went back on the plains and engaged with Majors Russell and Waddell as assistant wagon-master, carrying government supplies to western forts in 1860, and in the spring of 1861, when the war of the rebellion broke out, he returned home and enlisted in Co. B, 25th 111. Vol. Inf. At the battle of Chickamauga he received a severe wound in the arm, and was sent to hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, and was finally discharged with his regiment. During his service he was advanced to the office of third sergeant. On returning home he at once came to Iroquois county to look after the family of his brother, who was still in the service. January 25, 1866, he married

Miss Martha E. Drake, who was born April 26, 1848, in Yermilion county, Indiana, and is the eldest daughter of Jesse Drake, Esq., one of this county's early settlers. Mr. Duncan now has three children : Edward E., Jesse Elmer and George M., and is engaged in farming and stock raising in Onarga township.

F. P. Beach, brick and tile manufacturer, Del Rey, came to McLean county, Illinois, from Franklin county, Ohio, where he was born October 15, 1827. At the age of twenty-one he was married. His wife, Mrs. Nancy Beach, is also a native of Franklin county, Ohio, and was born November 6, 1828. Mr. Beach entered land in Yates township, McLean Bounty, Illinois, in 1852, at the Danville land office; broke the first prairie and built the first house, and in fact made the best and first improvements in the township, and still owns the old farm. In 1865 he removed to Onarga, mainly for the purpose of educating his growing family. Soon after coming to this county he opened up the first brickyard in the western part of the county, and engaged in the manufacture of brick. He has furnished about all the brick used in the brick buildings of Gilman, Onarga and Buckley, and many of them he built by contract. In 1871 he built for himself the fine residence now owned by H. Babcock, in Onarga village. In 1877 he removed to Del Rey, -and added to his brick business a tile factory, which was the first in the western part of the county that was in successful operation. He has also opened up a country store, where he trades goods for all kinds of country produce. He is one of the reliable, enterprising, go-ahead men, whose influence is felt wherever he is found. He has a family of six -children, nearly all grown, as follows: Martha J., Libbie B., Carrie D., Levaun L. and Clifford Earl.

Edwin J. Barber, farmer, Onarga, son of Woodbridge and Sarah Barber, was born in Cornwall, Vermont, February 21, 1830. When he was six years of age his parents moved to western New York. His father was a farmer. His parents died at Yates, Orleans county. When twenty-four years of age Mr. Barber married his first wife and came to Chicago. He afterward returned to his father's home, where he remained until the opening of the war. He enlisted in 1862 in the 17th New York Battery. He served in the army of the Potomac and army of the James, and was in most of the hard battles in Virginia. He has served under Gens. Butler, Baldy Smith, Ord, and participated in all the battles under Gen. Grant while in command in Virginia. Mr Barber was married to Arabella Stevenson, in Fairfax, Virginia, June 27, 1877. He has four children living. Their names -are: Minerva S., born December 16, 1854; Mary F., born October 7, 1856; Jennie M,, born May 7, 1859; Charlie K., born June 2, 1867.

The oldest son (James) died November 27, 1867. At the close of thewar Mr. Barber removed to Iroquois county, Onarga township, and located on Sec. 12, T. 26, R. 10 E. He has served as deputy sheriff,, and is a Mason.

George B. Winter, merchant, Onarga, was descended from French and English ancestry, and was born in Belchertown, Massachusetts,. May 26, 1828. He was the tenth child of Alpheus and Prudence (Kenfield) Winter, who reared a family of eighteen children. He received his education at New Salem Academy, Massachusetts, and was bred to the pursuits of the farm. At the age of eighteen he went to the carriage-maker's trade. In 1854 he came west selling vehicles. In the fall he located at Princeton, Illinois, and after living there twoyears, farming and speculating, moved to Ford county and settled on a farm. During his residence there he represented the " pan-handle "" on the board of supervisors. In 1866 he moved to Onarga and opened a boot and shoe, harness and saddle store. His house is now one of the largest and best of the kind in Iroquois county. He was united in marriage to Miss Kate M. Hawks, August 10, 185.2. They haveone son and one daughter. George B. Winter, Jr., has been in partnership with his father since he was eighteen years of age - style of firm, Winter & Son. Their daughter is married to George W. Stokes,, a grocer and druggist of Belleflower, Illinois. In 1856 Mr. and Mrs.. Winter joined the Congregational church, but when they came here they brought no letter, and have not since affiliated with any denomination ; but they support the society where they live. The latter is a life member of the bible society, and the former is independent in politics.

William A. Bos well, farmer, Del Rey, is one of the enterprising farmers of this county. He was born in Mason county, West Virginia^ July 29, 1830. About 1835 the family removed to Yermilion county,. Indiana, and engaged in farming. When about fourteen years old,. William, in company with his father, drove a number of cattle to Chicago, which they tried in vain to sell either in Chicago or Racine.. They finally killed the cattle, and in the shape of mess beef were able to make a trade for goods, which were hauled back to Vermilion and finally disposed of - a transaction quite in contrast to the operations of the present time. Mr. Boswell married, October 14, 1852, Miss Elizabeth Micx, who was born in Virginia, December 24, 1835. She is a daughter of McKendree and Maria Micx, but early in life came to Tippecanoe county, Indiana. Here Mr. and Mrs. Boswell were married and lived until 1867, when they came to Iroquois county, and settled on the N.W. \ of Sec. 1, T. 25, R. 10 E. Mr. Micx and wife- had previously come to the county, and located on the same land where the family now lives. Of seven children, three are living : Eva, born September 15, 1853; Willie, March 14, 1856; George F., born April 28, 1866. Those not living were named : Charles P., Perry C., Annie P. and Tenria. Mr. Bos well has a very fine farm of 460 acres, upon which stands an imposing and beautiful residence.

William H. Ramsey, farmer arid stock-raiser, Onarga, is a son of George Ramsey, and was born in Preble county, Ohio, October 11,. 1842. His father being a farmer he was reared in that business, and attended school at the old home in Ohio. In 1867 he came to Iroquoia county, Illinois, bought a farm on Sec. 22, T. 26. R. 14, in Onarga township, on which he permanently located and engaged in farming and stock-raising. Although he is not one of the early settlers he i& one of the thrifty, energetic, go-ahead men. He has built up a very beautiful and substantial home on the prairie, having now one of the finest residences in this part of the township. December 31, 1868, he married Miss Emma, daughter of William Harper, who was born in Clinton county, Indiana, January 5, 1847. He has two children r Martha E. and Cosie. He is now turning his attention to hay and stock, as he thinks that a more intelligent branch of husbandry than raising corn for an already depreciated market. His farm comprises 160 acres of highly improved land, on which he is raising a fine lot of stock.

Hiram Salisbury, farmer and stock-raiser, Onarga, was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, December 18, 1827. When he wasabout four years old his parents moved to York state. His early youth was spent engaged in farming and attending school till about the age of seventeen years. He then learned the blacksmith trade and followed the same in York state till 1856. He then removed to Wisconsin, and there followed the business of his trade about ten years. Afterward he turned his attention to farming, but after two years farming in Wisconsin he concluded he would prefer the climate and advantages of fruit-raising in Illinois, and finally suited himself in Onarga township, Iroquois county, where he bought his present home, in Sec. 31 and 32, T. 26, R. 14, where he now lives, following the business of farming and stock-raising. This farm of 120 acres he bought in 1876, and it is a very desirable location, adjoining the Spring creek timber. February 2, 1854, he was married. His wife, Mrs. Lydia R. Salisbury,, is a native of Rensselaer county, New York, and was born June 23, 1828. They have three children : Florence A., Philip E. and Joseph R. Politically Mr. Salisbury is a republican, and a member of the M. E. church, and is strictly a temperance man.

James "W. Fryer, shoemaker, Onarga, was the oldest son of James W. and Sarah (Allen) Fryer, and M'as born in Gosport, Hampshire, England, August 1, 1840. He was educated in a grammar school in his native town. His father was a shoemaker, and he partly learned the same trade at home, and finished it under a German in London. At the age of twenty-four he began clerking in the post-office in Gosport, where he remained three or four years. In 1868 he emigrated to America, and located in Onarga, where he set up at once at his trade. October 25, 1876, he was joined in matrimony with Emma R. Skeels. They have one child, James W., born November 12, 1877. Mr. Fryer is a Royal Arch Mason and a republican.

David Dean, farmer and stock-raiser, Onarga, was born in Sullivan c6unty, New York, June 11, 1829. He is one of a family of fourteen children, - all but one now living. Having to go two and a half miles to a school, kept on the old subscription principle, his opportunities for education were limited. He was brought up to the business of farming, and at the age of nineteen he began for himself by working out as a farm hand. April 20, 1851, he married Miss Hannah A. Davis, a native of New York. She was born June 7, 1825. He then engaged in farming by renting land, but later bought a farm and continued in that business till 1869. He then sold his farm and came to Iroquois county and bought a farm in Sec. 33, T. 26, R. 14, in Onarga township, on which he permanently located and engaged in farming and stockraising, which business he now follows, making Norman horses a specialty. His farm of 120 acres is well improved and. has been all earned by his own hard labor and industry. He has three children : Charles A. and Irvin M., both of whom are artists and engaged in the photograph business at Sycamore, Illinois ; and Cora May, who is istill at home.

Walter Brinkerhoff, farmer, Onarga, was the oldest son of Isaac and Jemima (Cromwell) Brinkerhoff. His paternal ancestors were among the earliest emigrants from Holland, who settled in New Amsterdam. Those on his mother's side came early from England, and are said to have been lineal descendants of the Protector. Mr. Brinkerhoffs birth occurred May 23, 1826, in Dutchess county, New York. He was reared a farmer, and sailor on the Hudson. He supplemented a common-school education with a year's tuition in the Theological Seminary at Newburgh. Up to 1851 he had been engaged in farming, river-sailing and civil engineering - in the latter capacity on the Hudson River railroad - but in this year he emigrated to La Salle county, this state, where he gave his whole attention to tilling the soil. In 1860 he removed to Galesbnrg and engaged in butchering. He held the office of alderman of that city one term. In 1860 he went to Chicago and embarked in the ham, lard, and sausage trade, and was the first who successfully ran a steam meat-chopper. In 1864 he bought beef cattle for Camp Douglas, and the next year took charge -of a government picket-boat used for transmitting orders and conveying troops, with headquarters at Cincinnati and Memphis. Late in the same year he returned to Chicago and engaged in the live-stock commission business about three years. In 1869 he came to Onarga township, where he bought a farm of 400 acres. On January 20, 1848, he was married to Adeline Wash burn. They have one son, named Leslie, grown to manhood and married. Mr. JBrinkerhoff and his wife are members of the Congregational church.

Ira Q. Sanborn, Onarga, belongs to a family whose continued and faithful military service in behalf of their country forms a highly honorable part of their history. His great grandfather Sanborn was a soldier in the seven-years war, and was at the taking of Quebec. His grandfather, James Sanborn, served during the revolution ; he aided in the capture of Ticonderoga, retreated under Washington through New Jersey, fought at Trenton, wintered at Valley Forge, and was subsequently engaged in the battles of Monmouth, Eutaw Springs, Camden, and the siege of Yorktown. In the war of 1812 his father, Levi, bore a part in the engagement upon lake Charnplain. Mr. Sanborn was born in Wyoming county, New York, December 16, 1837. His mother's maiden name was Hannah Fullerton. In 1845 his parents removed and settled in La Salle county, Illinois. He was brought up to the employments of the farm, and educated at Farm Kidge Seminary. On August 13, 1862, he was enrolled in Co. C, 7th 111. Cav., Col. William Pitt Kellogg. This regiment was a part of the Army of the Tennessee, and during its whole term of service he was on duty, participating in the usually arduous expeditions and endless skirmishing incident to this branch. At Memphis he was severely wounded in his left shoulder. He was mustered out of service at Decatnr, Alabama, July 27, 1865. He was married, November 28, 1865, to Miss Martha Abbott, of Utica, Illinois. In 1869 he settled in Iroquois county, where he bought a farm of 320 acres in Artesia township ; in 1875 he sold it and moved to Onarga, and engaged in the grain trade. In the fall of 1879 he sold his warehouse to S. K. Marston. He was commissioned first lieutenant of Co. E, 9th battalion I. N. G., September 12, 1877.

clerk, where he remained till 1849, when he entered Franklin, graduating in the classical course in 1853. He then engaged in teaching at New Athens, Harrison county, Ohio, but at the end of one year decided to take a theological course at Lane Seminary, in Cincinnati, and there graduated in 1856. He then returned to Brown county, Ohio, and became pastor of the Free Presbyterian church at Strait Creek, where he remained ten years. He then removed to La Salle county, Illinois, where he remained five years as pastor of the Congregational church at Tonica. He then came to Iroquois county, bought a farm of 200 acres in Sec. 35, T. 26, R. 14, in Onarga township, permanently located and engaged in stock-raising and farming at his new prairie home. He is now pastor of the Second Onarga Congregational church and of Crescent Congregational church. October 23, 1856, he married Miss Pheba M. L. Williamson. She is a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and was born August 6. 1832. They have three children living: Lucy M., Henry M. and Anna "W. His straightforward friendly way has made for him many warm friends.

Elias W. Swaiford, farmer, Onarga, was born in Preble county, Ohio. April 5, 1835, and is a son of Nathan Swaiford. He was engaged in farming, and attended school at home till about the age of twenty-one. He then went to Mercer county, Illinois, and after a short stay went to Iowa, where he remained four years engaged in farming. He came back to Illinois, and on September 27, 1860, married Miss Malinda A. Riner. She was born in Ohio on January 12, 1837. In the spring of 1861 he located near Yates City, Knox county, Illinois, and there engaged in farming, which he followed eight years. He then sold his farm and removed to Peoria, but only remained there one year, when he went to Stark county, Illinois, and bought a farm on which he lived two years. He then came to Iroquois county, Illinois, bought a farm in Sec. 27, T. 26, R. 14, in Onarga township, and on that farm permanently located and engaged in farming and stockraising. His farm of 80 acres is well improved, and reflects credit on its owner. He has two children : Eva B. and Nathan P. Politically Mr. Swafford is entirely independent.

Ira F. Palmer, physician and surgeon, son of Gordon and Betsy (Kelley) Palmer, Onarga, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, May 23, 1845. In 1852 his father emigrated to Illinois and settled at Newark, Kendall county. In addition to a common-school education he received one year's tuition at the Fowler Institute, Newark. He entered the arm}- January 30, 1864, in Co. C, 147th 111. Vol. ; was on detached service in the field hospital of the seventeenth army corps about one year. Afterward he was mail carrier three months. He was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, January 22, and disbanded at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois, February 9, 1866. Beginning in 1866, he attended the University of Chicago two years; in 1869 he entered the Bennett Medical College and studied one year ; in 1871 he went to the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, and graduated in May, 1872. He located in Milwaukee for a few months, and then removed to Onarga, where he has gained a lucrative practice. He was married, November 27, 1872, to Emma A. Wood ; they have one son, Paul J., born December 27, 1875. He is serving his third term as supervisor, and is chairman ot the county board. His zeal for the principles of the republican party is unbounded.

George S. Ramsey, farmer and stock-raiser, Onarga, came to Iroquois county. Illinois, in 1874, from Preble county, Ohio, where he was born November 10, 1844. Up to the time he came to this county he lived at the old home in Ohio with his mother (his father having died when he was young). His business was looking after the interests of the farm, up to the time of his mother's death, which sad event in his life took place just previous to his removal to this county. Having bought land before coming, he began at once to improve his farm, and for the short time he has been on his new farm has gone far ahead of many who have been much longer in the county. His farm contains 160 acres in Sec. 22, T. 26, R. 14. He is turning his attention to hay and grass, as he considers it better for both his farm and pocket to raise stock than grain. January 25, 1877, he 'married Miss Keziah, daughter of John W. Grubbs, one of the early settlers of the township of Onarga. She was born in Ohio, May 10, 1851.

Edmund F. Burson, dentist, Onarga, was born in New Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio, February 15, 1838. In 1848 he removed with his parents, Nathan C. and Margaret (Lyon) Burson, to Kankakee county, Illinois. In 1850 he went to Will county, and attended the high school at Joliet, and in 1855 he began studying medicine at Mount Blanchard, Hancock county, Ohio. He took an office course and practice of three years, and in 1858 located at Minooka, Grundy county, Illinois. In 1859 he went to Colorado. He entered the army in 1862, and was in action at Perrysville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro and Lovejoy Station. He was mustered out in June, 1865, and immediately on his return he located in the practice of medicine at Frankfort, Will county, Illinois. In 1867 he took up dentistry and formed a partnership with Dr. E. H. Stewart, of Joliet. In 1876 he removed to Onarga, and has since practiced his profession

The history of Ash Grove township, and more especially thesketch of its early settlers and settlements, is of interest no less important than that of those which have now, through the progress of events, assumed a greater importance. Its first settlers, and parties connected with its opening and in bringing about that grand condition of affairs which has raised it to a place exceeded in influence, condition and success by none other in the county, were men whose reputation was in no measure confined to a single state, and were of that stamp to whose touch every movement turned to a complete success. To Robert R. Roberts, one of the honored bishops of the Methodist church, belongs the honor of purchasing the first land in Ash Grove, while through his influence, and we may safely say through his charity, the first settlement was effected. The town originally comprised the territory within its present boundaries, all of Fountain Creek and the east two tiers of sections in Pigeon Grove. Its eastern, northern and western boundaries have always remained as the original plat, while its present southern boundary was fixed at the annual session of the board of supervisors, September 15, 1868, at which time Fountain Creek was taken off, leaving to the town all of the congressional town 25 north, range 13, and the two eastern tiers of sections in town 25 north, range 14, giving the town, on account of its long sections in the northern part, an area of about sixty square miles.

The soil is a dark, rich loam, and as deep as the average throughout southern Iroquois. Upon the whole, it is excellent for farming and grazing purposes, save some portions which are a little "swampy," which those who are unfortunate enough to possess have rendered famous during the past few wet seasons by their trying to purchase "web-footed seed corn," that might stand straight as the "house founded upon a rock," dare all storms, and bring forth an abundance. Yet at certain seasons of the year, it is said, these are the happiest spots in the town, for all summer long the merry grasshopper waltzes to the grand chorus of the cheerful frogs. But fortunately nearly all can be well drained, which is being done, both in the form of open and tile draining, having a splendid outlet in Mud creek, which runs through the town, cutting the west line near the southern part, and running in an easterly direction, and passing into Milford on the east, about the center of section 25. This stream in all probability received its name, "Mud creek," from its miry banks. The southern portion of the town is also watered by Pigeon, Burson and Whisky creeks ; the first receiving its name from the grove in which it rises, the second from a hospitable old gentleman by the name of Burson, who first settled upon its banks. The third was named by a man who probably would not now be taken as a model by the temperance portion of the town. Aretus P. Jinks had been to Milford and purchased a jug of whisky, thinking to have a fine time on the morrow, Sunday. He reached this stream, which was then without a bridge, but frozen over. Here he got off his horse, thinking to lead him across, fearing lest he should slip down on the ice. A few steps only had been taken toward the opposite shore when, as Jinks says, "he saw as many stars as there are in the milky way and heard a noise." As soon as he had finished calling upon higher authority and feeling his bruises, he saw his whisky running all over the ice, his jug in pieces at his side. This, he said, was too extravagant, so intending to save all he possibly could, laid upon his breast and drank what he could hold, and getting up, christened it with the name it has since retained. The northeastern corner of the town is watered by Rush creek, receiving its name, in all probability, from that venerable old settler, Samuel Rush, who first settled upon its banks, just across the line in Milford. Many different statements are made as to how the town received its name ; some claiming that an Indian chief occupied the timber (lining Mud creek, varying from a quarter to a half mile in width, and extending entirely through the town) in an early day, by the name of Ash Grove, who gave the place his own name. Others claim it was on account of the abundance of ash in the timber; but this is certainly a mistake, as but very little of this kind of timber remains, while the early settlers testify almost to a person the scarcity of this wood. Mr. Harvey, a most trustworthy gentleman, to whom the writer is under obligations for numerous facts concerning early history, is authority for the statement that in the early history of eastern Illinois, when many were settling farther west on the banks of the "Father <>f Waters," a large ash tree had been blown down by the place where all emigrants always stopped over night in the timber on the bank of the creek. This tree lay here for many years, until the fires which had been built against it had burned it in two, when it became known as Ash grove, a name given it by persons who had stopped on one of its beautiful spots, in

As we have incidentally mentioned before, Bishop Roberts is entitled to whatever of honor there is attached in being the first purchaser of Ash Grove land. This was in 1833, and the land was a large tract -on both sides of the creek, and mostly in the timber. It appears that the bishop, who owned a large farm of 900 acres in Lawrence county, Indiana, became interested in the condition of a number of his relatives in whom the organ of acquisitiveness seemed to be sadly deficient. This fact started many plans in his practical mind as to how to better their condition, the plan finally settled upon being to start a colony -of the bishop's relatives in eastern Illinois. Accordingly Mr. Roberts was constantly on the look-out for a good country in which to give them all a good home, and while on his way from Lawrence county, Indiana, on horse-hack, to the Rock River conference, the charitable bishop, traveling along the old Lafayette and Ottawa road, settled upon this spot as capable of being -developed into a valuable country. Hence the purchase, and the arrival of his brother and his nephew, by marriage, in the spring of 1834, Lewis Roberts and John Nunamaker, his son-in-law. These two gentlemen were the first pioneers of the township, settling on Sec. 28, T. 25 1ST., R. 13, where immediately after their arrival they built a rough log cabin, 18x20, being the first dwelling erected in the town, and on the land given to Lewis by the bishop. This was situated just southeast of where Mr. Keath now lives on the place known as the Wilson farm, and northeast between eight and ten rods of Mr. Keath' s barn, on the bank of the creek and in the edge of the timber. These two sturdy pioneers came from Lawrence county, Indiana, and lived in the house mentioned. After arranging things around their new home, Mr. Nunamaker moved his family into Mr. Roberts' house, while he boarded with them about a year before bringing his own family hither. They arrived in Ash Grove April 3, 1835, bringing with them a young man by the name of John Willoughby, who, when a little boy, was bound out to Bishop Roberts by the overseer of the poor for Lawrence county, Indiana. After assisting in putting in the crop that season, young Willoughby returned to Indiana, and came again in 1838, at which time he settled permanently. Mr. Lewis Roberts, who may be said to be the first actual settler, was a man of extraordinary ability, which Mr. Harvey thinks was not inferior to that of his distinguished brother, but unlike his brother was nothing of an orator, cared little for a sermon or anything of an intellectual character, save political discussion, of which he was passionately fond, and which at different' times made him a representative in the general assembly of Indiana and also of Illinois, in 1838. Upon his return from the legislature Mr. Roberts was full of Lincoln's stories, and lost no time in extolling his virtues and his abilities. Mr. Roberts, being a man who was also a great story-teller and a most excellent conversationalist, was capable of appreciating Mr. Lincoln's ability as a politician and genial associate. The following anecdote he was always pleased to relate whenever he had an audience : After a tedious morning session of the legislature spent in the discussion of some political measure they adjourned for dinner, Lincoln dining with his friend Roberts. No sooner had they seated themselves at the table than the discussion was resumed, in which the honorable member from Iroquois so far forgot himself as to reach and help himself to meat three or four times in succession. Upon noticing this Mr. Lincoln reached and took a piece from Mr. Roberts' plate. This attracted his attention and he immediately demanded an explanation, asking if he intended to insult him. Lincoln immediately and very courteously begged pardon, saying, " Excuse me ; I took yours for the meat plate." Great laughter ensued at Mr. Roberts' expense, who soon saw what was the matter. He took a final leave of Lincoln, whom he was used to call his "large-hearted friend," at the adjournment of the session, never dreaming that he would ever be the martyred president of this mighty nation. Mr. Roberts never lived to see the fruition of his noble plans in regard to the development of a town of which he was the father. He passed peacefully away February 2, 1848, leaving one son, Lewis, who is a Methodist minister, now located at Peru, Indiana.

The first wedding in the township was at Mr. Roberts' house, being the marriage of his daughter Sarah to Henry Skeels, who was then living near Spring Creek, and near the farm now owned by Mrs. Pierce. This occurred April 18, 1838. The ceremony was performed by Ira Lindsey, who it is said was much more "scared" than either the bride or the groom, causing a good deal of merriment among those who were present at the pioneer wedding, much to the chagrin of the officiating gentleman. They were married, owing to the smallness of the house, under a few trees just in front of the entrance, after which all sat down to a most remarkable dinner, both in its quality and historical interest. No wedding before or since in Iroquois county called together all the citizens of so large a body of contiguous territory, comprising all the citizens in Ash Grove, some from Milford and from Spring Creek, about fifty in all. The following families were represented from Ash Grove : John Martin's, James Chess', John Nunamaker's, Thomas Hockins', John Henry's and his son Alexander's, Lewis Brock's, Allen Brock's, Hiram Sturdevant's and Wesley Jenkin's ; Spring Creek was represented by Ira Lindsey's family, Mr. Kirk's, Mr. Lehigh's, and Mr. James Smith's, the deputy county surveyor; and Milford by John Strean and his son David.

Mr. John Nunamaker, who had lived with Mr. Roberts, moved in the fall of 1835 to a farm given him by the bishop, on Sec. 19, upon which he had built a house, which stood near where the farmhouse of Mr. Harvey now stands. In this house Joseph Nunamaker was born, he being the first white person born in the town ; he is now living in Iowa. A few years after the settlement here Mr. Nunamaker and his boys, of whom he had quite a number, engaged themselves in the manufactory of crocks, jugs, churns and dishes of clay. The building in which these things were manufactured and burned was about one rod southeast of the place now occupied by Mr. Harvey's farm-house. Their first kiln was burned in 1838. This was carried on with apparent success for four or five years, when Mr. Nunamaker, thinking sawing and grinding was a more profitable business, commenced operating a mill situated on S.E. J of S.E. J of Sec. 19. The house of Mrs. Hamilton now stands on a portion of the ground occupied by the mill. It was run by a six horse power, but when horses were scarce oxen were forced into the work, and with the addition of a good deal of noise with about as good success. The farm, after many years, was sold to Luther Clark, and from him it passed into the hands of Wesley Harvey, its present owner, who says it is almost an impossibility to dig a post hole near the house on account of the broken pieces of crockery.

This settlement was followed by that of John Hunnel, who came, in the fall of 1834, a short time after the arrival of Mr. Roberts and Nunamaker. He improved the N.E. £ of N.E. \ of Sec. 29, T. 25, R. 13, the place now owned by Peter Hickman. Mr. Hunnel had three sons : William, Jacob and David. The former improved the farm now occupied by William Young. The house is still standing, being the north part of the present dwelling, since weather-boarded and painted. In the fall of 1836 came John Henry, from Lawrence county, Indiana, a man possessed of a fine person and a clear brain. Instead of building castles in the air he looked at the stern realities of life, studied the present instead of dreaming of the future or wandering in the past, and consequently was a sturdy. practical man, prepared for any emergency. I If settled on 80 acres one and a half miles northwest of what is now the village of Glenwood, purchasing of the government at $1.25 per acre. In the tall of 1837 Mr. Henry erected a saw-mill twenty feet square upon his place, which was also used for grinding corn. This was the first mill in the town, and was situated about a hundred yards southeast of where the house stood ; but in about two years it was moved about two and a half miles northwest of Loda. The farm is now occupied by Samuel Ladd, but owned by Mr. Blessing, of Indiana. The house built by Mr. Henry was moved some years ago on Sec. !-'>. T. 25, R. 13, by James Belt and Hamilton Spain.

James Chess, a brother-in-law of the bishop, came next, settling south of Lewis Roberts' place, across the creek, on forty acres given to Mrs. Chess by her brother. The farm is now owned by Charles Hickman, who is still using the cabin built by Mr. Chess as a kitchen attached to his house. Mr. Chess had one son, Robert, who fell heir to the property, and lived on it until his death, in 1871.

Lewis Brock and his son Allen joined the settlement in the summer of 1837, accompanied by Wesley Harvey, a young man of nineteen years. Mr. Allen Brock immediately commenced building, and in less than ten days, by the energy and activity of these three early heroes, the two families were keeping house in a cabin 18x20 on Sec. 14, T. 25, R. 14. Mr. Lewis Brock settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Isaac Whitted, building his house north of the place now occupied by his barn in the spring of 1838, and which is still standing, in a tolerably good state of preservation.

John Cady came from Lawrence county, Indiana, with a yoke of oxen and a team of horses hitched to the same wagon, about two weeks after the arrival of the Brocks, in 1837, and settled on the S. E. i of Sec. 14, T. 25, R. 14, without either purchasing it or entering it according to law, thinking to farm forever off the government. This he improved witli one of the best houses in the neighborhood. a good orchard and considerable breaking. Here he lived a number of years. His orchard was bearing nicely and the farm yielding, by the sweat of an earnest brow, an abundance. But when t-> the Illinois Central railroad was granted every alternate su-tion. it included Mr. Cady's. Then came a great trial in his eventful life. f..r. without enough money to purchase the place, he WM fowed to sell his improvements at a great sacrifice to I. W. Tibbits. who. in about a year, sold to Mr. Trosper. Mr. Tady then move.l JUM Knrthettt, on the corner of section 13, so he would not be out of sight of what he once deemed a fine little home. On the place last settled he built a house, which stands to-day as the old gentleman left it, without a tree near it, and nothing but a few rods of fence, which reminded the writer, as he passed it, of a disappointed and heart-broken life. Mr. Oady was a man of innumerable good qualities, but of rather an unpractical turn of mind.

John Martin and Thomas Hockins, sons-in-law of Lewis Roberts, came together in the fall of 1837. The former settled on the farm now owned by the present road commissioner, James Davis, on section 28, building a log cabin 16x18, in which he lived until his sale to Mr. Davis in 1853. The old house is still held and looked upon by the family as a sacred relic of early struggles. It is used at present as a tool-house. Mr. Hockins settled on the N.~W. j of Sec. 19, building a dwelling 16x18. at which place meetings were held many years prior to the building of the old log school-house, to which they were afterward moved. The house is still in existence, having been moved to the place now owned by Amos Bishop, and used as a place in which to keep all kinds of farming implements.

The next person to make a settlement was Nathaniel Jenkins, coming in the spring of 1839 and settling on what is now known as the Watkins farm. Here, in 1840, he erected a saw-mill 24x40, which, after running about five years, during which time he sawed timber for every family in the Grove, he sold to Aretus P. Jinks, who operated it until it was completely worn out. The mill was situated near the place where Mr. Watkins' house now stands. Mr. Jenkins then moved to section 19, where he built the second frame house erected in Ash Grove, the first being built by S. W. Jenkins, the pioneer carpenter of Ash Grove. The old house is still standing, and owned by his son. Mr. Jenkins was a splendid Christian, an example worthy of the following of any man. He was thoroughly known as the pioneer local preacher, and through his zealous labors in favor of the denomination of his choice, in doing genuine good and assisting largely in church duties, the Methodists owe a large portion of their success.

The fall of 1838 fixes the date of the arrival of two stalwart religious characters, Hiram Sturdevant and Samuel W. Jenkins, the former settling northeast of what was then Round Grove, but better known now as Roses Grove, in whose family the first death occurred in Ash Grove, being one of his little girls. She was buried on the bank of the creek, where, since, a few others have been laid. The latter settled still farther northeast of the Grove, and followed farming with splendid success for a number of years. This same fall came one of the pioneer carpenters, in the person of John Vaughn, settling in the forks of Mud and Pigeon creeks, north of -where Mr. Jenkins had his saw-mill, on the S. -| of Sec. 29. Then came Joseph Hockins, who settled on the place now owned by Royal Smith, of Milford. The house is still standing, but not in its original position, and is used as an out-house for various purposes. Amos Jenkins, Perkins Farnum (who made the first brick in the township), Abel Sturdevant and Samuel Sturdevant, the pioneer blacksmith, came in 1840. James Spain came in 1841.