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

The year 1842 is remarkable to the younger inhabitants on account of a very interesting affair occurring in which the then boys of the town took an active part. It was in June that Mr. Harvey, with an ox-team and thirteen bushels of wheat, Mr. Willoughby with thirty bushels of corn, and Lewis Brock, Jr., with a few hundred pounds of bacon and two yoke of oxen, started for Chicago to market. This trip occupied about ten days. Upon their arrival in the then small city their produce was disposed of at the following prices : wheat 85c per bushel, corn 30c, bacon $2. 50 per hundred. The boys then, after a settlement, and some shopping, started to leave the city on their way home. They camped for the night near where the Illinois Central depot now is. It was about dusk and fully dark when the boys had their teams unyoked. The day had been a very calm one, but in the evening the wind arose and drove quite a good sized dark object near the shore of the lake, and together with the white waves which came dashing in had a hideous appearance in the dim starlight. The boys knew nothing of the action of the lake and were inclined to think a ghost was about to attend to their case, but Willoughby suggested the boys be brave, inarch up to the object and capture it. This was agreed upon and all charged together, but no sooner were they near the water's edge than the wind rolled up a large wave on the beach, and not knowing but that this was their destroyer, from the rushing noise it made, their courage failed them and in single file, double quick, Willoughby ahead, screaming at the top of his shrill voice " Boys, it's a shark ! it's a shark ! " the boys made a hasty retreat to their wagons, while poor Brock's heart was fluttering so badly he could scarcely speak. Being unable to keep up, he was left in the rear, and of course thought he would be the first one taken in by the mad, excited shark. This was repeated several times, but to no avail, for each time they neared the shore they thought the unruly monster made a lunge for a boy. During the latter trials a pine stick was lighted and used as a torch, but it was blown so by the wind it revealed nothing. Frightened, discouraged and whipped, the boys all retired for the night in one wagon, fearing to sleep alone as they had done heretofore. Imagine their surprise the next morning when a large pork barrel was lying upon the sand near the wagons. This Mr. Brock put in his wagon and hauled home so the citizens of Ash Grove might have an opportunity of viewing John's lake Michigan shark.

About this time occurred an item of interest in the town's history in the form of a little fun. It was customary in those early days for quite a number of the settlement to congregate on Sundays at some of the neighbors' houses, and among other things discuss religious topics, so on the day to which the writer wishes to call attention they met at John Willoughby's, and among them chanced to be Aretus P. Jinks, a Universalist, at whom every one in turn aimed his strongest point in opposition to his theory while he fought the crowd, giving them as he thought, as good as they gave. Every one was excited about the discussion and each side thought a complete victory won. They adjourned in the evening, the best of feeling pervading the entire company. On the following Thursday Jinks, the Universalist, Gabriel Keath and another party, both of whom were Methodists, and participants in the argument the Sunday previous, started for Woodland. They had got out on the prairie some distance when an awful hail-storm came up, the hail being as large as walnuts and coming in such terrible force as to make the horses ungovernable, while to unhitch was impossible. They started to run, being pelted by the hail at every jump, when to save their wagons from being broken to pieces the horses were kept running in a circle. The storm continued with increasing fury, when Jinks, fearing lest they should be killed, and thinking his soul unprepared, shouted with all the earnestness he possessed: " Pray Gabe ! pray! pray!" This was too good a joke on the Universalist, who had heretofore sneered at the idea of prayer, to go untold, so everywhere he went the story was told, much to his discomfort and disgust, while the laugh went around at his expense ; but it cured him, for he never mentioned universal salvation again.

Alonzo Taylor came in 1848, and was known as a thorough religious character and the first settlement doctor practicing the Thompsonian system. James Coalman came next, in 1849, and was the first minister to settle permanently in the town. He is now living near Onarga, practicing that same Christian forbearance that characterized his workings during his stay in Ash Grove. In the building of Wesley he was the leading character, being one of four men to haul the lumber from Boone county, Indiana, a distance of one hundred miles. Amos and Henry Bishop also came about this time.

Z. F. Jenkins was the first man to build a house entirely away from the timber, being north of the grove, on Sec. 13, T. 25, R. 14, in 1853. This date marks the advent of the railroad, when it was suddenly discovered that the vast prairies were destined for other purposes than public pastures, and they began to be occupied rapidly. John Montgomery, Samuel Clark and son (John A.), David Swank, David Dixon, John Jones, T. J. Mets and Wm. and David Hunnel were some of the earliest who dared to brave the wolves, rattlesnakes and green-head flies that swarmed in the tall grass of the open prairie. From this time forth, through the inducements offered by the Illinois Central railroad, so many new settlers appeared that it is impossible, in our limited space, to chronicle them.

In 1861 came Solomon Dillon, one of the pillars and pioneers of the Friends' church. Samuel Speer was the second, settling on what is now known as the Mendenhall property. Then came many others in rapid succession until the Quakers had the largest congregation in the town.

First Elections

The earliest settlers were compelled to go to the farm then owned by a Mr. Joseph Ross, about two miles southwest of the village of Milford, in what was then known as the Burlington precinct, to vote, the election being held in that gentleman's house. This continued for some time, when, in 1840, a precinct was opened at John Martin's house (the building now used as a tool-house by Mr. Davis). At this election, being the first general one ever held in the town, the following persons announced, in sonorous tones, Gen. Harrison to be their choice for president, who received every vote : Hon. Lewis Roberts, John Nunamaker, Wesley Harvey, John Willoughby, John Martin, Robert Roberts, John Hunnel, Thomas Hockins, John Henry, Alexander Henry, Lewis Brock, Allen Brock, Nathaniel Jenkins, Samuel Jenkins and Hiram Sturdevant. Of this solid band of whigs but two remain, Mr. Harvey and Mr. Willoughby.

Gen. Harrison

The first election under the township organization was held Tuesday, April 1, 1856, at the school-house near the place then owned by James Wilson ; John H. Stidham, a justice of the peace, acting as judge, while Daniel South and Robert R. Chess were appointed and duly sworn as clerks. It is a fact worthy of note that from its very birth Ash Grove has in political principles been whig and republican. From the first settlement by Hon. Lewis Roberts all were radical whigs of the most pronounced type, and for many years all were staunch members of that organization, and from that day to this have never failed to cast a large majority of votes for the whig and then the republican candidate running for a national office. At the first township election in 1856 John Wilson was chosen supervisor, Daniel South, clerk, Joseph Ross, assessor, Luther T. Clark, collector, and James Davis, Jacob Hunnel and Monroe Gilbert highway commissioners. The present officers are : James Crangle, supervisor ; John Swank, clerk ; August Lucke, assessor ; Silas Brock, collector, and E. Stimpson, James Davis and Elbert G. Hickman, commissioners of highways. Lewis Roberts, Sr., was the first justice of the peace in the town, and as such was very peculiar and eccentric. It was an old saying of his that as long as he was justice of the peace that portion of Iroquois county should never be disgraced with a lawsuit ; so, true to his word, as soon as any person would come to him entertaining the idea of commencing suit, the argument would begin, not, as in these days, after the testimony was in, but immediately, Roberts trying to effect a compromise. Sometimes two whole days would be occupied in obtaining a settlement. But it is said he never failed in making both parties satisfied ; for at the expiration of his term there had not been a single suit in the town. In marrying parties he always collected the legal fee, but directly handed it over to the bride, be it a large or a small amount, as a wedding present. Mr. Harvey's first wife was the recipient of the fee, as was Rachel Brock, when she married Orvis Skeels, it being the second wedding in the township.

The pioneer highway of the township was known as the Lafayette and Ottawa road, which came into the town at the northeast corner of Sec. 24, T. 25, R. 13, running diagonally across it, reaching section 26 at its northeast corner. Here it ran along the edge of the timber, through sections 27, 28, 29, just north of Glenwood, through 19, continuing in a northwesterly direction through Sees. 24, 13 and 14, T. 25, R. 14 W.; thence into Artesia. To-day Ash Grove, through the enterprise and industry of her citizens, has the honor of carrying the banner as being the best graded township in the state of Illinois outside of a corporation, and well does she sustain the glory. The graded roads, of which seventy-five miles are completed, are sixteen feet wide, with an average height of eighteen inches clear across, averaging something over two feet high in the center, and rounding toward the edges of either side. In the lower places the grades are sometimes raised by the use of machines to the height of four feet, making a road which soon dries after our heavy spring rains, and always passable in the muddiest seasons, while heretofore it was impossible to travel. Besides making an excellent road the ditches njade on both sides are of inestimable value, both in draining the road and the farms by their side. The honor of introducing the graders into this town belongs in a large measure, by general agreement, to Samuel Washburne, being the first to advocate the buying of these machines. Having failed to convince any one of the commissioners of its advantages, he bought one himself, and during the fall of 1875 graded some four miles, for the purpose of educating the citizens, and especially the commissioners, that they were not a luxury, but a real necessity. This was not accomplished to the extent of influencing the commissioners to purchase a grader until the expiration of Mr. Washburne' s term. In July, 1877, Edward Stimpson, Charles Hickman and George Sinderson, as commissioners, purchased their first grader at a cost of $675, and in that year graded twenty miles of road, at an average cost to the township of $68 per mile. This so far proved its worth above the expectations of the most sanguine supporters of this system of working that a second was purchased in June, 1878. This year thirty miles were graded, at an average cost to the town of $63 per mile, and in 1879 twenty-five miles were finished, at an average cost per mile to Ash Grove of only $57.50. In 1877 and 1878 a premium was offered by the state board of agriculture of $100 each year to the township grading the largest number of miles at the lowest average cost to the town. This, after a careful examination of all the reports made throughout the state, fell to Ash Grove. In 1879, with the average cost per mile still lower, and thinking the premium offered belongs to them, it has again entered the contest ; but as yet no report has been received. These facts, we think, fully substantiate our assertion.

Educational

The pioneer school-house was raised March 4, 1841, about a quarter of a mile northwest of the village of Glenwood, on a portion of the lot on which Amos Bishop's house now stands, being a log building about 18x26 feet, and was built by each one in the community (of which this was thought to be about the center) contributing so many hewed logs and clapboards, and so many days' work. This was run after it was finished upon a private plan, each one paying the teacher, Lewis Roberts, Jr. (now a Methodist minister, located at Peru, Indiana, and a son of Hon. Lewis Roberts, and teacher of the first term), in proportion to the number of scholars coming from the family, which was &1. 50. The following children were registered as attendants at the three months' summer session in 1841 : Anna Hunnel ; Matilda, Margaret J., Joseph and Michael Nunamaker; Lewis Hockins, and Caroline his sister; Mary and Marquis Brock ; Mary, Nancy, Sarah, Cynthia and John T. Cady. The second term was taught by Robert Chess in the fall. The same scholars attended as above with the addition of Stephen and Wesley Sturdevant. At this house Silas Brock, the present town collector, Joel Belt, Z. F. Jenkins, Charles Brock, and M. L. Brock, who is now a professor in the Jacksonville Deaf and Dumb Asylum, attended their first term and commenced their education. Here the first singing-school was also held by John Martin, between 1848 and 1850, in which nearly every person in the neighborhood participated. The second schoolhouse was erected on the KE. J of S.E. £ of Sec. 28, T. 25, R. 13 W. in the spring of 1853, Miss Dixon being the first teacher. The third in the township and the first in T. 25, R. 14 W. was taught in Mr. Harvey's kitchen by Miss Nancy Tibbits. A building was soon finished, however, by Z. F. Jenkins, and was known as the Belt School-house, situated about a quarter of a mile north of the center of the south line of Sec. 14, in which school was held. It has since been moved on Sec. 23, E. £, where it is used by the United Brethren minister as a stable.

Elihu K. Farmer was, as far as we can ascertain, the first practicing physician that visited Ash Grove. This was in 1839. In 1840 Nathan Wilson, who was then located at Milford, practiced to some extent through the settlement. But the honor of being the first practicing physician to locate permanently here belongs to William F. Horner, M.D., a very excellent gentleman, who is now practicing at Buckley, Illinois. Dr. Horner came in the fall of 1856, when a single man, and boarded with John IT. Stidham, continuing his practice here nearly fifteen years.

John Nunamaker was the first postmaster in the township, receiving his commission in the spring of 1849. The office was in his dwelling-house, while the mail was carried from Milford on horseback, by I. W. Tibbits, once a week, for $24 a year. John B. Clark was the second, but did not receive his commission for nearly three years after the leaving of Mr. Nunamaker, the mail being carried out from Onarga by the boys of the settlement in turn.

The principal "silent city" of the town is about a quarter of a mile south of Peter Hickman's house, on the shady and grassy bank of the creek, containing about three acres. Here, in 1839, was buried Daniel Ferris, being one of the first deaths occurring in the town. He was soon followed by Sarah Reed, John Shryer, Thomas Hockins, and Hon. Lewis Roberts. Like nearly all early settlers in a new country, a good many buried their dead on or near their own farms. The Chess graveyard marks the spot where the relatives of that pioneer family lay, receiving its name from James Chess, who was first to be laid here in 1837. There are now about a dozen. It is on the farm formerly owned by Mr. Chess, but now owned by Charles Hickman. The Friends' cemetery is a neat little restingplace for the dead, situated as it is on a beautiful knoll a short distance northeast of their church, and on the bank of the creek. The first party buried here was a Mrs. Morris, in the fall of 1864. Joshua Endle soon followed ; then came Thomas Hayworth, Thomas Anderson, Solomon Dillon and others, until now the bodies of near a hundred honored friends lie mouldering here. The Lutherans also have a suitable bury ing-ground just south of their church, in which are buried a number of the members.

According to an act of the legislature of March 7, 1869, permitting certain townships lying within certain limits to appropriate money to aid in the construction of the Chicago, Danville, & Yincennes railroad, an appropriation was voted August 12, 1868, donating $3,000 to the above road. The bonds were issued July 1, 1871, and were due July 1, 1876, and payable at the American National Exchange Bank, in New York. A vote was carried to renew them in the fall of 1876, and new bonds were issued. By an agreement, when Fountain Creek was taken off Ash Grove received three-fifths of all town property, assuming three-fifths of all indebtedness, making the principal of her bonds $1,892. In the fall of 1877, there was extended on the tax books a sufficient amount to pay the bonds, and about two-thirds of this was collected when, May 8, 1878, the treasurer was enjoined from paying over any money belonging to said town to any holders of the bonds. In September,

1879, a compromise was effected by paying the holders of the bonds 50 per cent of the indebtedness, thus relieving the town of railroad debt.

In the history of a township the religious sentiment of its settlers is one of the best criterions of its true worth, for without a wholesome Christian feeling pervading all interests, we are but a few paces ahead of barbarism. In this direction the town can claim a place in the front ranks of the county's history. As in most new countries the Methodists were the first and for many years the only denomination holding meetings in the town. In its infancy Ash Grove was a part of the district running from the south line of the county to the Kankakee river. The pioneer minister was a gentleman by the name of Springer, who preached at the house of Hon. Lewis Roberts, in the summer of 1834, where a congregation of about twenty persons greeted him once every four weeks. He was followed by Joseph Rymond, and he in turn by John Parsons. During the time Mr. Burr was on this charge, the meetings were removed to the house of Thomas Hockins, a place nearer the center of the neighborhood, in which place they were held until the spring of 1841, when they were moved to the school-house just completed on section 19. At this place Nathaniel Jenkins, a local minister of more than average ability, preached the first sermon to a congregation of about twenty persons. The school-house was used until the building of Wesley and Flowers chapels, in the spring of 1855. These are credited as being the first frame churches erected in the county. The cause of building these two places of worship was not on account of any "split" among the members, but on account of the creek. Those on the south side claimed they could not attend church all the time on account of the distance and high water, while those on the north side, through priority of settlement, claimed the right to build north of the stream. Accordingly in the spring of 1855 each faction commenced a church. That on the south side, under the name of Wesley chapel, was first to be commenced, but the one on the north side the first to be completed ; this was built on the S.E. £ of KE. £ of Sec. 24, T. 25, R. 14, on an acre of land donated by Alonzo Taylor; the building was 24x44, and cost near $1,000, and named Flowers chapel, in honor of J. W. Flowers, who preached the dedication sermon February 2, 1856, at which time the church was entirely paid for. At the dedication nearly all the citizens of Ash Grove were present, and many from Milford and Onarga. The first quarterly meeting was held here before it was finished, July 22, 1855, Elder Walker officiating. The first presiding elder visiting Ash Grove was Hooper Crews, a most extraordinary man, well fitted to inspire hope among the pioneer Methodists. Under Rymond there were but eight active members of the M. E. church in the town, but under the earnest toil of the sturdy Christian men who guided the organization, a continually increasing interest was developed, until in the summer of 1868, when the building was moved to Glenwood (where it is still used), there was a membership of sixty-five. W. II. M. Brown is the present pastor. In this township Bishop Roberts preached three times while on visits to his relatives. The first of these eloquent sermons, which drew everybody from far and near, was delivered in his brother Lewis' house on the Keath farm, in April, 1838. His second was preached at the head of the grove, in the house of Lewis Brock, being the next Sunday, at which time he preached from the text in the ninth chapter of Jeremiah, a part of the twenty-third and twenty-fourth verses: " Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might ; let not the rich man glory in his riches, but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth." His last was in 1845, being delivered in the grove about one hundred yards southeast of Thomas Hockins' house. About two hundred persons were present, while eight joined the church, and as many were baptized.

The Society of Friends at one time had the largest membership of any denomination in the town, numbering about 300 members in 1869; but owing to so many removals there remain but eight or nine families. In the fall of 1864 the society built a church in the southern part of the town, 24x24, but in less than one year the membership grew so rapidly and became so large as to demand a larger building ; hence, in the fall of 1865, an addition was built, making the structure 24x60, costing near $1,100, which still stands on the original spot. The first monthly meeting of the Friends was held in the church before it was completed, October 21, 1865, at which meeting Henry W. White was appointed its first clerk, and at the next meeting for the transaction of business, Enoch Lindley was appointed the first treasurer. The following persons were then appointed overseers, whose duty it was to look after the business of the church generally, and to report any members who had willfully violated any of the rules of the organization: John Haworth, Jehu Ballard, William Hormada and Joseph Mote. The committee on education was composed of W. O. Mendenhall, Samuel Spear, Henry W. White, J. T. Cox, Rebecca Newlin, Anna J. Dixon, Mary A. Mendenhall and Caroline Hormada. A committee was also appointed to procure and distribute tracts upon various religious subjects. The society, at the close of the war, appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions from the members of the church to assist the freedmen, and through its liberality and sympathy much money and valuable necessities were sent south for the benefit of the suffering negro. Many tracts, containing excellent advice, were also sent at various times. Mary Rogers was the first permanent minister of the Friends. Coming in November, 1867, she continued her work with unceasing energy and success until the fall of 1870.

The Missionary Baptist church, situated on the S.W. J of Sec. 35, T. 25, R. 14, is one of the best finished churches in the county, being a building thirty feet wide by forty feet long, with sixteenfoot posts, and arched overhead, making it about twenty-three feet high in the center. It is beautifully finished, both inside and out. It is furnished with a baptistery under the pulpit. The auditorium will comfortably seat 250 persons. The steeple, in which swings a large, clear-toned bell, is built on a firm foundation separate from the church, forming a vestibule of the church, and is eighty feet high. Edmund King and John Depuy were the first Baptists in this portion of the town - the latter coming in 1870. Until the building known as the Heath school-house was erected, the meetings were held at Mr. Depuy 's house, which soon became so largely attended, owing to the eloquent sermons of C. B. Seals, that they were compelled to move to Mr. Depuy 's barn, in which they continued to be held until the finishing of the school-house. In a short time, by the zealous efforts and skillful management of the pioneer Baptists, the congregation outgrew the dimensions of the school-house. In the winter and spring of 1877, quite an interest was taken in regard to building a church, but owing to the lateness of the season when they had thoroughly made up their minds, it was postponed until the following August. In the latter part of July the failure of the crops prompted many members to object to building. But when "Uncle John " stepped forward and offered to build a church such as was desired, letting the society bear such a portion of the debt as they saw fit, they unanimously consented ; consequently the building was commenced August 1, 1877, and was finished the latter part of October, at a cost of near $2,500. Of this amount $1,000 was repaid to Mr. Depuy by citizens generally about the neighborhood who were in sympathy with religious work. It was dedicated by J. M. Hobart,

Evangelist Lutheran St. Paul church. Prior to 1870 there was scarcely a German family in the township ; but ten years from this date it may be safely said the people of this nationality were in the majority. Soon after the arrival of a few of those men who seem to be born with the spirit and ability to lead, the building of a church was made the central idea, and as soon as the subscription showed a sufficient guaranty for all monies that might be expended, a place of worship was commenced on eight acres of land in the N.E. J of Sec. 5, T. 25, R. 13, donated by Mr. Hartman and Mr. Scheiee, and to-day a building well finished, 30 feet wide by 46 feet long, built at a cost of $2,400, stands as an honor to the energies of these people, and a nucleus around which a large majority of the German population gather every Sunday to be taught, that noblest of all lessons, the Christian religion, by their excellent and conscientious pastor, C. F. Hartman. Prior to the finishing of the church the meetings were held in Mr. Lucke's house, which is now used by that gentleman as a granary. Their first minister was Gotlieb Traub, who came once every four weeks from Crete, Illinois, from the spring of 1872 up to the time of the dedication of the church and the in-tallment of Mr. Hartman, and delivered a splendid sermon. The intervening Sundays they would assemble, and after Sabbath school would listen to a sermon read by August Lucke. At the beginning of the church in the fall of 1873, there were but nine families connected with the organization, but now it has an active membership of seventy-two families. The first stewards of the church, who are elected every year, were : William Schmer, Philip Rediker and August Pfingsten. The first trustees, who are elected for a term of five years, were : August Lucke, Henry Munstermann and Dedrick Langelette. The present stewards are : August Lucke, Henry Reborg and Henry Bultmann. The present trustees are : August Pfingsten, Henry Munstermann and Philip Rediker. There is also a German school connected with the church. C. F. Hartman was the first teacher, and as such taught nothing but German four days in the week, using the remainder of the week to prepare his sermon for the following Sabbath. This continued until the fall of 1878, when the services of Herman Richert, a graduate of Edison College, Illinois, an institution under the direction of the Lutheran denomination, were obtained, who teaches German in the morning and English in the afternoon. There are seventy scholars in attendance. They have just completed a frame school-house, two stories high, twenty feet wide by twentyeight feet long, situated east of the church, at a cost of near $1,000. It is well finished and furnished.

GLENWOOD, alias Pitchiri, is the principal village of the township, and the political headquarters of all parties. It is situated about the center of the S. E. J of Sec. 19, T. 25, R. 13, and is a village of about 150 inhabitants. Various stories are told as to how it received the name of Pitchin. The one having the most general circulation is that a suit was being tried wherein Stockwell was plaintiif and Bratton defendant, before Stephen Gipson, a justice of the peace, in 1864, the former suing for $5 due him as wages. After the trial the jury were out but a few minutes, when they brought in a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $7, at which time a man by the name of Haun, a brother-in-law of Stockwell, began quarreling with Bratton and talking fight, when Bratton, who was all but coward, threw off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, squared himself and said, ' ' Pitch in, if you are ready." John Peed was standing near, and said the place had been wanting a name long enough, and henceforth it must be called "Pitchin," which name it has since retained. Mr. Luther T. Clark, the ex-sheriff, whose former home was at this place, says that Stephen Gipson, an early blacksmith, and a fellow who, like many others, talked more than he thought, was first to call it "Pitchin." Every effort was put forth by the citizens to change this "horrid name," but to no effect, when, at the suggestion of John "W. Riggs, the present circuit clerk, a meeting was held in his store one evening for the purpose of naming the "critter." Mr. Riggs was unanimously voted chairman, and after calling the meeting to order, stated the object and requested them to suggest a few names from which to select, whereupon the following names were proposed : Sherman, by Mr. Carlton ; Eagle Tillage, by William Smith ; Grant, by one of his admirers, and Sheridan, by a soldier. But when J. W. Riggs proposed the name of Glenwood, it was carried amid a perfect storm of applause.

The first building was the house erected by Mr. Nunarnaker, who occupied it with his family for many years. It has since been destroyed. But soon after another was finished on the original spot by Luther T. Clark, which is now owned by "Wesley Harvey. The Methodist parsonage, a dwelling 20 X 24, one and a half stories, was next, and was built in 1851 or 1852. It is still standing, and occupied. Mr. Nunamaker about this time commenced keeping a few goods for sale, and continued selling until almost the time when the farm was sold to Mr. Clark. ' Mr. Clark brought some goods from Dearborn county, Indiana, and after erecting a building 18x32, east of the house, on the Nunamaker farm, was engaged in the mercantile business some years. About this time Mr. Alonzo Taylor also kept a few goods for sale. Mr. Boggs was the next to build, his being a box house 16x18. About this time he also built near his house the first steam saw and grist mill in the township, near the present site of Mrs. Hamilton's house. Dr. Horner moved a house here in 1856, which was situated between five and six rods west of Boggs' mill. Stephen Gipson soon followed, building a house and blacksmith shop about eight rods south of the mill. Here he worked a few years, when he sold to Joseph Davis in 1860. William T. Duke was the pioneer wagon maker, having his shop in a portion of the blacksmith shop. William B. Crider built a two-story house, now occupied by Mr. Buckley, south of Mr. Harvey's store about ten rods. In 1864 Joel R. Smith built a house and grocery store combined. In 1866 Mr. Smith sold to Mr. Harvey, who moved the goods into the store building used by J. B. Clark after it was moved on the school-house lot, south of the place now occupied by his present store. In 1867 Mr. Harvey sold a half interest to Mr. E. S. Hamilton, who continued a partner until 1870, when the whole passed into Mr. Hamilton's hands. But at his death, in 1876, Mr. Harvey became the owner. The building now used was built in 1873, 24x50, with an addition 24x16, being the largest business house in Glenwood. In the spring of 1865 John W. Riggs built a store and dwelling combined, two stories high, east of Mr. Harvey's store, where he lived and sold goods about three years. He sold to James Hocket, who sold, after two years' experience, to Charles Newel. He soon disposed of the stock of goods, and converted the building into a hotel, thus gaining the honor of being the first landlord of the "Grand Pacific" of Glenwood.

The Ash Grove Lodge, No. 376, A.F. and A.M., was instituted in 1864, holding its first meetings in the upper story of the house now owned by David Montgomery, and afterward in a room fitted up in the second story of Mr. Hamilton's house, with the following officers and charter members: George F. Keath, W.M.; George W. Redkey, S.W.; Clement Thomas, J.W.; E. S. Hamilton, treasurer; Joel R. Smith, secretary; George Nunamaker, William F. Horner and Wesley Harvey. At the height of its prosperity the lodge numbered 25 members, but owing to so many moving to vari-

WOODWORTH, located on the northwest corner of Mr. Lucke's farm, in Sec. 4, T. 25, R. 13 W., began its history with the blacksmith shop of Fred Krueger in the year 1874. On the 1st of May, 1875, Fred Meyer opened a store with a stock of goods. In the summer of 1875 came Fred Hartman, a wagonmaker, who was followed, in the course of a year, by Hardekolp, the shoemaker, with his family. William Becker opened a harness-shop in the fall of 1879. The town was named after Mr. Woodwortb, of Milford, to repay him for his services in assisting them to secure their postoffice, which is held in Mr. Meyer's store, with himself as postmaster.

QUEEN CITY* is situated on the S.E. \ of Sec. 2, T. 25, R. 13, and received its name from John Schmer, an enterprising business man, who for the past six years has been engaged in a prosperous mercantile business, building the first store in the place. His was also the first dwelling erected in the village. There is now in this little place a blacksmith, a wagon and carriage maker, and a shoemaker, each doing a fair business. A Lutheran church is in course of erection.

Clement Thomas, farmer, Ash Grove, is one of the grandest characters in our history. The lights and shadows of sixty long years have come and gone, but left a venerable old pioneer hale, buoyant and genial, possessed of a memory retaining the characteristics of men and course of events with a tenacity truly astonishing and wonderful in the extreme, who has seen and is able to correctly narrate more of the early history of the first settlements than any one of the old settlers now living with whom he was connected by the ties of early recollections. He was born June 22, 1820, in Adams county, Ohio, near the Marvel furnace. Living here about eight years, he with his parents came to Indiana, settling about ten miles south of Lafayette. In March, 1831, the family came to Iroquois county, settling on the prairie about a mile east of the present village of Milford, preempting a quarter-section, which after three years was sold to David Cleaver. They then moved one mile south of Milford, purchasing the improvements of James Osborn, on the K \ of S. W. i Sec. 22, T. 25, R. 12, which to this day is known as the Thomas farm. When Mr. Thomas had arrived at the age of twenty-two years he purchased a farm of 80 acres for himself, about a mile east of his father's place, in the spring of 1843. This he worked until he purchased the water-mill property in Milfor.l, in the spring of 1852. Here he was engaged in sawing and grinding six years, at the expiration of which time he moved south of Milford, but in the fall of the same year again returned, running a blacksmith shop during the winter. He again moved south o'f Milford, and in the spring of 1860 came to that portion of Ash Grove township now set off as a portion of Fountain Creek, and from here, in 1874, to his present home, on Sees. 20 and 29, T. 25, R. 13. Mr. Thomas was first married, April 21, 1842, to Miss Mary Lewis, near Milford, and is now living with his fourth wife, to whom he was married at Covington, Indiana, June 5, 1875. Her former name was Nancy Payton. He is the father of twelve children, four of whom are living : Samuel, Lavina, Marcus and Emma. He is a Mason, having joined that order at Middleport in 1848, since which time he has been a charter member of both the Milford and Ash Grove lodges. He is a republican, formerly a whig, as was also his father, who died in April, 1870, and his mother in the fall of 1832. Mr. Thomas has, we dare say, the first bond ever given for a deed in the county. It was made by James Osborn to Asa Thomas for land in Sec. 22, T. 25, K. 12, dated March 12, 1834, and written by Hugh Newel, the first clerk at Bunkum.

Wesley Harvey, the successful merchant of Glenwood, is the only one of the old pioneers of this section of country left. All save him have passed the line of human woe. He is an honest, earnest, practical Christian gentleman. He came to Ash Grove in the summer of 1837, and has had a large and varied experience in frontier life. He was born near Salem, the county seat of Washington county, Indiana, on a farm, January 1, 1821. His mother dying when he was but three years of age, young Wesley went to live with his uncle, William Harvey, where he stayed until his father married again. Returning home, he lived with his parents until eight years old, when he again went to live with an uncle, this time Lewis Brock, Sr., and here he lived until he was twelve, when through adverse circumstances Mr. Harvey was thrown out upon the cold world to care for himself. He immediately hired for $3.50 per month to Isaac Ferris, in Lawrence county, Indiana, early in the spring of 1833. Here he stayed but three months ; his father, learning his whereabouts and condition, came and took him to his home in Monroe county, Indiana, where he stayed about two years, in the summer working for from $4 to $6 per month, and in the winter attending Jhe public school. In June, 1835, he arrived at his uncle's in Washington county, but sickness prevented him from working until in the fall, when he started for

White county, Indiana, to live with his brother-in-law, Allen Brock. This was made his home until the summer of 1837", when he, a boy of but sixteen years, accompanied Mr. Brock to Iroquois county, and made the home of this genial gentleman his until he was married in 1841. Mr. Harvey then built a cabin and improved a farm on government land in Sec. 30, T. 25, R. 13, now owned by E. Hickman. This place was tilled nearly three years, when he purchased the old Lewis Brock, Sr., farm, improving a couple of others, and finally purchasing the old Nunamaker farm on section 19 of a quartersection, which he still owns. Here Mr. Harvey worked until his health failed him, and being no longer able to perform the hard work on a farm, purchased a small stock of goods of Joel R. Smith of about $800. To this he has been continually adding, till he has a fine stock of general merchandise, varying from $4,000 to $5,000, in which business he has since remained in various capacities. His was the sixth wedding that occurred in the township, March 26, 1841, to Miss Mary Henry. They had but one child : George Allen, who died when but two years old. His wife also died August 27, 1859. Mr. Harvey was married the second time, February 10, 1861, to Mary A. Brock. By this union they have had two children : G-eorge William, who died in his third year, and William Henry, now in his sixteenth year. Mr. Harvey is a Mason, joining that order in 1865 ; is a republican in politics, formerly a whig, and joined the M. E. church in 1845, and has held the offices of steward and class leader for many years. He has also held the office of supervisor, being the township's second officer. He has been justice of the peace, assessor, and has held various other positions.

B. F. Hillis, farmer, Ash Grove, is a young man of more than ordinary ability, and one whose reputation as a literary character is by no means confined to his township. Every reader of the " Watseka Republican " has perused that portion written weekly by this correspondent and essayist with satisfaction and delight, and this alone has won for him a most enviable reputation throughout the county. He was born on a farm near Lebanon, Indiana, July 6, 1842. Here his parents died while he was quite young, at which time he went to live with his brother-in-law, G. F. Keath, and came to this county with him in the spring of 1852, settling on a farm in Fountain Creek township. Mr. Hillis attended school in Lebanon, Indiana, in 1857, and at Sugar Grove academy, Indiana, during the academic year of 1858-59. ^Starting to Greencastle, Indiana, in the fall of 1859, he pursued an excellent course of instruction until the fall of 1861. While here that patriotic sentiment which at this time filled so many hearts, throbbed in his, and through a sense of duty to his country, he enlisted to protect her freedom October 20, 1861, at Ash Grove, in Co. C, 10th 111. Cav., under Col. James Barrett, and was mustered out February 5, 1864. His principal engagements were Brownsville, Arkansas, Marmaduke's raid, Bayou Matarie, and Little Rock. His regiment was also sent to reinforce Gen. Banks, at Shreveport (but never reached that point, owing to so strong an opposition, being under heavy fire for many days), and Saline river. Since his return from the army he has been engaged in sinking artesian wells, and by frugal habits and dint of a grim determination, has a beautiful little home of 40 acres on Sec. 18, T. 25, R. 13. He joined the M. E. church at Wesley chapel, in the winter of 1868. He is a stalwart republican.

Ephraim S. Hamilton (deceased) was in all probability the greatest trader, the most energetic and successful business man ever in Ash Grove township. He was born on the Atlantic ocean, January 12, 1827. In their voyage to America the family were shipwrecked, and after many days of worry, fright and fear, reached New York some time before the 1st of February. His father's name was Edward L., his mother's Rose Ann, and they were both born in Ireland. Mr. Hamilton's father was engaged a few years at farming in Pennsylvania, also near Springfield, Ohio. From this place they moved to Lebanon, Indiana, where both lived to an honored old age, and died. Mr. Hamilton learned the cooper trade when but eighteen years of age, and as soon as he was master of all matters connected with this employment erected a shop in Lebanon, operating it about five years. From here he moved to Vermilion county, Indiana, near what is now Rossville, in Jordan township, purchasing 160 acres. This he improved and had under a fine state of cultivation, when, thinking advantages superior in Illinois, he came to Iroquois county in the fall of 1855, and preempted a quarter-section about seven and a half miles northeast of the village of Loda. To this he continually added, until a half-section belonged to him. Mr. Hamilton in the course of five years became disgusted with prairie life, and June 26, 1860, traded his farm of 160 acres for Mr. Boggs' sawmill in Glenwood. Here he labored for some time with unrelenting energy, until he engaged in the business to which he was naturally adapted, general trading, buying and shipping stock. At this he was eminently successful, arid gradually accumulated a handsome property, among which was a fine homestead of 500 acres, upon which the family now live, in Sec. 19. In 1867 Mr. II. purchased a half interest in Mr. Harvey's store, and in 1870 the whole of it passed into his hands, and remained so until his death, June 13, 1876. He was formerly a whig, but a republican from the birth of the party until his death. He was also a truly Christian gentleman and a Mason, joining that order at Williamsport, in 1852. Mr. Hamilton was married October 27, 1850, to Celia B. Miller, at Lebanon, Indiana, by which union he became the father of six children, three of whom are still living, Mary Anna, Walter L., Francis E., Rosa S., Isaac M. and Edna.

Robert Clifton, farmer and stock-raiser, Woodland, although not a very early settler, is a fine representative of the northeast corner of Ash Grove. He was born in Warren county, Indiana, near Attica, February 26, 1838, and lived with his parents until he developed fully into manhood, obtaining quite a liberal education. He moved to Iroquois county in the fall of 1865, settling on Sec. 1, T. 25, R. 13, where he now has a large farm, 273 acres in all, finely improved, and preparations far advanced toward building a stately addition to his house. He was married to Miss Nancy C. John, November 17, 1867, who is the daughter of the venerable Lemuel John, an old pioneer who settled in Iroquois county south of Watseka, while the Indians still inhabited the timber along the creek in what is now Belmont township, and who died November 30, 1851, his wife living until May 11, 1867. Mrs. Clifton is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Clifton is the father of two children : Sarah F. and Mary C., aged respectively ten and seven years. In politics he is a democrat, casting his first vote for the "Little Giant" Stephen A. Douglas. He is also a member of the Watseka Masonic fraternity, having joined that lodge in December, 1873, and has held the unthankful office of school director for four years.

Emmet Clements, farmer, Onarga, is a man who has spent a large portion of the best years of his life in the service of his country, and to say it was not spent nobly would be casting a reproach upon her fair and honored name. He was born July 12, 1841, in Sullivan county, New York, where his early years were spent upon a farm and in school. At the age of eighteen, with his parents, he moved to Liberty Village, where he spent his time preparing for a higher course of study, intending to enter Lafayette College in the fall of 1861 ; but on the call for protectors of his country, a sense of duty and love of patriotism prompted him to sacrifice his love for a college education, home and friends and start for the tented field ; enlisting at Liberty, Sullivan county, New York, October 1, 1861, in Co. F, 56th N. Y. Vol. He was mustered out October 11, 1864. His principal engagements were the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks,

Wade's Farm, Savage's Station, Bottoms Bridge and Malvern Hill. Mr. Clements, being a civil engineer by profession, served the last year of the war, and up to the winter of 1867, in that capacity, surveying the lands purchased by the government for taxes. He also took the topography of the country around Port Koyal, North Carolina, and assisted in laying out the fort at this place ; and while here engaged in looking through a telescope, was seriously wounded, which was pronounced at the time by an eminent surgeon to be fatal, but through good care he gradually recovered. In the winter of 1867, while on his way to some western territory to engage in a survey he was taken sick at Sycamore, Illinois, where he had stopped to visit friends, and, as soon as he was able to move about, resigned his position to accept a situation as cashier in the bank of Pierce, Dean & Co., of Sycamore, which was then doing a thriving business, having an average yearly deposit of $150,000. In a year's time his health again failed him, and he was compelled to give up all work of a sedentary character. Farming was chosen, and in February, 1868, he purchased a farm on Sec. 1, T. 25, R. 14, where he now has a home of 500 acres. Mr. Clements, in political belief, is an independent republican ; was appointed school treasurer for T. 25, R, 14, November 1, 1874, which position he now holds, and was elected supervisor in the spring of 1876, honorably serving his town one term. He is a man who has seen much of 'the world, and is wide awake to all matters of public concern, and an excellent citizen.

Samuel Washburne, farmer and stock-raiser, Milford, is an uncompromising enemy to all kinds of hypocrisy, show and deceit, and a thorough business , man. He was born August 9, 1838, in Granby, Oswego county, New York, on a farm, where he lived with his parents until twenty-one years of age. The summer of 1860 was spent in Saginaw, Michigan, lumbering, where he held the position of sawyer in the mill of John Taylor. In the fall he returned to New York, and was engaged as superintendent in his brother's mill at Battle Island until the fall of 1861, and from this on till the fall of 1862 was engaged in threshing and various other occupations, when he was employed at New Haven, New York, until June, 1863, at which time he returned to Granby and assisted in building and running a steam saw-mill. This fall he was again threshing, while the following winter and a portion of the summer were spent in the mill (as superintendent) which he assisted in building. July 12, 1864, he arrived at Bristol, Kendal county, Illinois, prospecting, his family reaching him August 16 following. His stay in this neat little village was short, for in November of the same year he settled in Piano, Illinois, and in the winter was engaged in lumbering and milling. Near this place he commenced farming, and followed that occupation with splendid success four years. March 4, 1869, Mr. "Washburne arrived in Iroquois county, settling on Sec. 14, T. 25, R. 13, where he still lives, owning the S. £ of the section. December 30, 1860, he was married to Miss Jane A. Lee, at Hannibal, New York. They have four children living: Flora E., born October 9, 1862; Jesse L., January 14, 1865; Netta May, February 3, 1867; Charlotte E., September 20, 1868. He has also living with him his brother's child, George T., who was left an orphan at four years of age. He has been school director ever since he has been in the county, save six months ; was elected commissioner in the spring of 1874. - He is a firm republican, casting his first presidential vote for Lincoln in 1860.

James Crangle, farmer, Wood worth, is a man of stern will and untiring energy. He was born March 17, 1832, in Down county, Ireland, and left with his parents for America when but nine years of age and settled near Morris, in Grundy county, Illinois, where he resided until he came to Iroquois county, March 4, 1869. On August 10, 1862, Mr. Crangle enlisted in the 72d 111. Yol., under Col. Fred. Staring, being the first regiment fitted out by the board of trade in Chicago. His first engagement was Champion Hill, and on the 19th of May at the charge of Yicksburg, also on the 22d. He was also in the battle of Franklin and several skirmishes. He was married, November 29, 1855, to Miss Bridgett Farrell, at Brookfield, La Salle county, Illinois, to whom eleven children have been born, five boys and six girls. Mr. Crangle has held several important public offices. He was first elected a justice of the peace in 1860, in Grundy county, and held the office for eight years ; and after his settling in Ash Grove township, where he has a good home of a quarter of a section, he was elected supervisor in the spring of 1878, and again in 1879, still representing his town honorably on the county board. To Mr. Crangle is due the honor of settling the railroad bonds so satisfactorily to a majority of the citizens of his town. His first majority was 102, being the largest ever received by any candidate for that office in his town, the issue being the enjoining of the payment of the bonds. He is a democrat, casting his first vote for James Buchanan. His father died in 1850, and his mother, in Ireland, in 1863, having gone back to that country to live the remainder of her days.

the Friends' church in Ash Grove, is a most exemplary character, and a kind-hearted, social Christian gentleman. He was born in Orange county, Indiana, near Paoli, on a farm, September 16, 1828, where he lived with his parents on one of the finest farms of 400 acres in that section of country, until the spring of 1857, when, with his family, he moved to Hendricks county, Indiana, eighteen miles west of Indianapolis, and near Belleville. Here Mr. Lindley engaged in farming and with splendid success until the spring of 1865, when he came to Iroquois county, and settled on 80 acres in the 'X. £ of Sees. 14 and 40 in the S. £ of Sec. 11, T. 25, R. 14, and has since built him a very convenient dwelling. Near Paoli this excellent gentleman received his early education in the country school, attending about three months each year, in the winter, until he arrived at the age of twenty-one years. In the fall of 1851 he commenced at the high school, now known as Earlham College, at which place he pursued a splendid, practical course of study for fourteen months in succession. From this time forward previous to his moving to Hendricks county, in the summer, he was engaged at farming, and averaged a four-months school each winter teaching. Mr. Lindley was married, September 19, 1855, to Miss Malinda Bales. By this union they have been blessed with four children, all living: Charles E., Flora E., Ida B. and Clara May. In political faith he is a staunch republican, formerly a whig, casting his first presidential vote for General Scott. He is a member of the Society of Friends, as is also his hospitable wife, and has held at different times various important offices in the church.

George Sinderson, farmer, Onarga, can well claim the honor of having one of the neatest homes and farms in the township, which has all been made through the economic saving of a once poor boy. He was born January 12, 1830, in the pleasant little village of Alk Borough, England. Living here with his parents until his fourteenth year he began work for himself, at the paltry sum of one dollar per month. This was continued with constantly increasing wages until he had arrived at the age of twenty-four. In October, 1853, thinking free America was the proper home for poor industrious young men, he started for the great republic, but owing to a wreck about 1,200 miles out from shore, they returned to their native land after many severe trials and weary days. Upon his arrival Mr. Sinderson was employed as foreman of a large tenant farm, which position he held until his successful attempt to reach America. Landing in Philadelphia June 20, 1856, after a few days' sickness, he pushed on to Logan county, Illinois, near Lincoln, at which place he was engaged in farming fourteen years, coming to Iroquois county February 8, 1870, where he had purchased the N.W. J of Sec. 12, T. 25, E. 14. Mr. Sinderson's education in school was such as could be obtained a few winters prior to fourteen years of age. He was married in Crossby, England, May 17, 1853, to Miss Ann Wright, and is now the father of eight children. Evelina is dead, while Charles E., William H., George W., Jane E., Thomas N., Mary A. and Kate are all living. He is a member of the M. E. church, and for many years held the offices of steward and class-leader, and has been school director and road commissioner. Mr. Sinderson was thoroughly imbued with the principles of the republican party before coming to this country, and since his naturalization has been an earnest supporter of that organization.

If there is one man more than another in Ash Grove township possessed of an iron will and a terrible energy, capable of surmounting every difficulty that arises before road commissioners, that man is Edward Stimpson, farmer. He was born January 30, 1836, in Button, upon the river Trent, in Nottinghamshire county, England. His father was a day laborer, who, thinking his advantages would be improved, brought his family to America, landing in New York October 1, 1850. From here they went to Albany, where Mr. Stimpson was hired to a weaver, where he was engaged in weaving coach lace at one dollar per week, but by application and a sturdy energy in less than a year his wages were raised to one dollar per day. In the fall of 1851 he went to Geneseo, New York, where he was engaged in blacksmithing and various other occupations. In the fall of 1854 he came to Aurora, Illinois, where he was engaged as a farm hand. At this place his father was seriously injured by the cars and was disabled for many weeks. The task of supporting a large family now devolved upon young Edward, but it was performed faithfully and willingly. In the spring of 1860 he moved to Lockport, Will county, Illinois, and renting a farm of Ichabod Codding, the great antislavery agitator, followed that occupation four years. He next farmed in DeKalb county, and afterward moved to Piano, Kendall county, where he was engaged in raising small fruits, coming to Iroquois county in the spring of 1870, renting for a while, and now owns the N.W. i of Sec. 11, T. 25, K. 13. He was married, December 24, 1858, to Miss Mary Cox, at Aurora, Illinois. They now have nine children: Jesse B., Anna E., Thomas R., Fannie R. , Hallie L., Sallie P., Susie E., Celia C. and Edna E. He and his wife are members of the M. E. church. He is a republican, casting his first presidential vote for A. Lincoln in 1860. He was elected conimis-

August Lucke, fanner and stock-raiser, Woodworth, is a man possessed of a high moral character, a finely organized brain, and a man whose influence in Ash Grove political aifairs is felt on every side. He was born October 4, 1828, in Hesse, Germany, at which place he lived until he arrived at the age of eighteen years. Coming to America with his parents he landed in Chicago, July 6, 1847. Mr. Lucke' s father was acquainted with a Hessian who fought in the American revolution, and was constantly telling of the advantages in America. He was also acquainted with a gentleman of considerable means, who had several times shipped sheep to this country, always bringing back glowing accounts of free America, which Mr. Lucke thinks influenced his parents, to a certain extent, to emigrate. Upon his arrival in Chicago young August hired to a milkman for $6 per month. Here he remained one year, when, thinking a couple of years as clerk would be of lasting benefit to him, he hired to A. T. Stewart. At the expiration of his time here he was engaged for one year at carpentering in Cook county, that being his trade he learned in Germany, and after farming another year moved to Crete, Will county, Illinois, where he busied himself at farming until the spring of 1872. From this place he came to Iroquois county, where he purchased land on the W. % of Sec. 4, T. 25, K. 13, a fine farm of 360 acres. Mr. Lucke finished school at the age of fourteen, having attended every year from the time he was six, save a short time in harvest of each year. He was married, July 23, 1853, in Crete, to Miss Sophia Hue. They have seven children living. In Crete Mr. Lucke held the offices of assessor and collector each one year. In Iroquois he was elected assessor in the springs of 1878 and 1879, and was elected school trustee in 1875. He is a strong member of the Lutheran church and one of its officers. He was formerly an independent, but is now a republican, casting his first presidential vote for J. C. Fremont.

Frederick Breymeyer, farmer, Woodworth, was born in Germany, in the village of Merbeck, May 18, 1847. In compliance with the laws of that country in regard to education, Mr. Breymeyer attended the public school from the age of six years to fourteen, for nine months each year. The remainder of the time a private tutor was employed to instruct young Fred until he came to America with his parents, August 15, 1862. Arriving at Crete, Will county, Illinois, at the time stated above, his father purchased a partially improved farm of 160 acres, upon which he worked for his father until his twenty- fourth year, attending the evening school in Crete during the winter session after their arrival. His parents then moving to Kansas gave him, for his work at home and good behavior, 80 acres of the farm, which, after working one year longer, Mr. Breymeyer traded for the place upon which he now lives, of 111 acres, on Sec. 6, T. 25, R. 13, soon after purchasing 40 more. He was married to Miss Sophia Lucke, the daughter of one of the most influential men in Ash Grove township, February 9, 1873, at the handsome and commodious residence of her father. By this union they have two children : Sophia and August. He is now a staunch republican, although casting his first vote for Horatio Seymour. He has been for six years director of his district, -and one of the stewards of the Lutheran Evangelist church, of which he is a member, for the year 1876-7.

John F. "W. Meier, farmer and stock-raiser, Woodworth, is one of the most genial, social and kind-hearted men in Ash Grove township. He was born in Will county, Illinois, near Crete, on a farm, June 22, 1849. He lived here with his parents until he was twentyfive years of age, working in the summer and attending the district school in the winter until he reached nineteen. From this place he came to Ash Grove township in 1874, where he purchased the S.£ of Sec. 3, T. 25, R. 13, upon which he soon built a house surpassed by none in the town, and has just completed a commodious barn 48 feet wide, 60 long and 20 high. July 9, 1874, he married Miss Sophia Scheiwe, in Will county, near where he was raised. By this union they have three charming little ones living : John H. , William and Caroline. Mr. Meier's mother died in 1869, while his father is still living on his farm near Crete, Illinois. Mr. Meier is an independent republican, casting his first presidential vote for Gen. Grant in 1872. He is also a member of the Lutheran church, having joined that organization in the fall of 1874, and was elected treasurer of the board of stewards January 1, 1876, holding that office four years.

John Schwer, merchant, Woodland, the subject of this sketch, is a natural merchant, having started in life as a clerk when but fourteen years of age, and continuing in that line for twelve years, he has reached that high degree of perfection which comes only through application and a sturdy perseverance. He was born August 20, 1853, in the pleasant little village of Crete, Will county, Illinois, and left home and parents to engage in his chosen pursuit in the year 1867. His first experience was with G. Brauns, in Crete, in a store containing a stock of goods of every description. He then went to Chicago, engaging himself in the grocery store of Mr. Hurxtall, on South Halsted street. From here he went to the grocery store of

William Balterrnann, on the same street, in which place he was employed a year and a half. Mr. Schwer, thinking his business education incomplete without a knowledge of the dry-goods business, next engaged himself to the well known dry-goods house of Charlie Hourstel, on the same street, in which place he was employed for five successive years. A short time was then spent in the dry-goods store of M. Burlitzheimer, on the same street. His next experience was with his old employer, Mr. Hourstel, in whose store he stayed about a year longer, and after three years' further experience with "Wollf Brothers, on Sojith Halsted street, he left the city, intending to commence business for himself, which he soon 'did at Queen City, Illinois, situated on section 2, Ash Grove township, May 25, 1876. He was married, September 15, 1878, to Miss Auguste Jaeger, at Mequon River, Wisconsin. Mr. Schwer has one child, a boy, born December 28, 1879, Walter R. W. L. He is independent in politics.