Iroquois County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1880 (part 3 of 20)

The Meara Teagedy

Martin Meara, an Irishman and a farmer, who resided between Onarga and Gilman, in this county, was charged with having, about June 15, 1871, whipped his son, a lad of about eleven years of age, to death. The body of the boy was found and Meara arrested, about the first of July, and upon an examination he was committed to jail to await the action of the grand jury upon the matter. For a more particular account of these occurrences the reader is referred to the history of the town of Onarga. On Sunday morning, July 2, 1871, Meara was brought to jail, and at his request Roff & Doyle visited him as counsel. On the next day his wife came to see him. On Tuesday, the 4th, there was a celebration at Milford, which many of the citizens of Watseka attended. In the evening the writer, who had attended with others, returned, and was informed by the sheriff that Luther T. Clark, of Onarga, had arrived and had intimated that a mob might be expected that night to hang Meara. The writer advised him to summon a guard, which he did, of a few determined persons. The mob came, as it was afterward learned, but being notified by Clark that they would meet with resistance, they left. For greater safety, however, the prisoner was taken to the woods by the sheriff, in the latter part of the night, and returned to jail in the morning. It was presumed that this would be the end of the matter, and early ill the morning the writer went to Chicago on important business, and did not return until the next day. Circuit court was then in session, Judge Charles H. "Wood presiding, but had adjourned from the Saturday before until the afternoon of the 5th. During that day rumors, were rife in Watseka that another mob was gathering about Onarga and would be over in the afternoon. At half past two Judge Wood arrived from Onarga on the train, and with him many persons from the west side of the county, supposed to be implicated in the mob. When Judge Wood came through Gilman Dr. Elias Wenger presented him a petition, signed by twenty-three of the best citizens of that place, requesting him to call a grand jury to act upon the Meara case and put him upon trial. This Judge Wood refused to do, which had the tendency to further excite the mob spirit. Soon after court opened.' Sheriff South, with W. S. Kay, Esq., consulted the judge as to the propriety of removing Meara for safety, and he advised them that the jail was the proper place for him, but gave no further specific advice or directions in the matter. The mob gathered about two o'clock in the timber at the mouth of Sugar creek, just west of the " Old Town." They came on horseback and in wagons, with arms and bludgeons, sledges and crowbars. They organized by electing E. J. Barber, of Onarga, leader, who declined, and nominated Athiel Simms who was then elected. He remained quiet and said nothing. Dr. B. J. Daniels, a disreputable practitioner of Gilman, itching for notoriety, thereupon announced that he would act as leader, and got upon his horse and went to Watseka. Here he distributed a large number of printed accounts of the murder, for the purpose of exciting the sympathies of the citizens in favor of the mob. In the evening, after borrowing an old hat and clothes in which to do his murderous work, he returned, but in the meantime the mob had been formed and was marching for Watseka, and was met half-way by Daniels, who harangued them. They then made a dash upon the court-house, about six o'clock, and just after court had adjourned, and were met at the gate by Sheriff South, who commanded them to " halt ! " The mob disregarded his command and wrested the arms from the hands of the guard.

They then battered down the outside door which had been barred, demanded the keys of the jail of the sheriff, who refused to give them up, and then with sledges battered down the door of the jail and also the cell containing Meara. Meara was both handcuffed and shackled and utterly defenseless, and in this condition he was dragged out of the jail and court-house, and thus to a wagon, over one hundred yards distant, into which he was thrown. Daniels then mounted the wagon and again harangued the mob, in which he said that : " We are aware that he (Meara) could only be indicted for manslaughter, which would simply send him to the penitentiary for a few years." Meara was then driven to the timber west of Sugar creek, and under a leaning mulberry tree. It was then announced to him that he could have but a short time in which to prepare for death. He then called for a Catholic priest, and the response was that there was none present. He then asked if there were any Catholics present, and the answer being " Yes," he asked them to pray for him. Rev. C. H. Palmer, of the Presbyterian church, then made a lengthy prayer, after which Meara spent a few moments in giving directions as to his property and accounts. He then said that when he joined the Masons he had made many enemies, and he then made the grand hailing sign of distress in Masonry, and this eliciting no response, he renounced Masonry and said he wanted to die a Catholic. In the meantime a rope had been prepared with a hangman's knot upon it. Meara had been a very short time in an attitude of prayer when he was told to stand up, which he did, and the rope was passed down to Daniels, who placed the noose around Meara's neck and tied a handkerchief over his face, and the wagon was then driven out and Meara launched into eternity. After he had been hanging but a short time Daniels shot two balls through his body, out of a revolver. The crowd then dispersed and the body was left hanging over night.

Most everything has its ludicrous side, and this case was not an exception. A short time after the crowd had dispersed, which was after dark, a family of emigrants with a wagon came along and camped near the place. They had heard nothing of the affair, and the first they knew of it was in the morning when they discovered Meara hanging upon a tree ! They then supposed that the whole thing had occurred after their arrival and during the night. Fearing that they might be charged with the crime, or perhaps be the next victims, they incontinently fled without preparing breakfast.

" In the matter of the inquisition on the body of Martin Meara, -deceased, held at Watseka, on the 6th day of July, A.D. 1871, we, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire of the death of Martin Meara, on oath do find that he came to his death by being hanged by the neck, and shot with a pistol, by the hands of B. J. Daniels, Alvin L. Bates, Samuel Higginson, Samuel Hannah, John Lowe, Otto Myers, H. C. Mosher, and others whose names are at present unknown to the jurors ; that the body of Martin Meara was shown to this jury, hanging to a tree, and with two wounds in his body, in Middleport township, Iroquois county, and state of Illinois, about one mile west of Watseka, near the bridge crossing of Sugar creek ; that the said Martin Meara was killed on the 5th day of July, 1871."

A warrant was issued on this verdict and some of the parties arrested, and some fled the country. Mosher, Myers and Lowe were taken before Judge Wood, after arrest, on a writ of habeas corpus, and by him discharged. Daniels was taken before Judge S. D. Puterbaugh, of Peoria, and by him held to bail in the sum of $5,000, which was given. The grand jury at the following November term of the court* failed to find indictments against the parties.

The first Masonic lodge organized in the county was at Middleport, in 1850, and William E. Russell, of Danville, was the first master ; Dr. Nathaniel Wilson, senior warden ; and Isaac Courtright, junior warden. This lodge was chartered as " Iroquois Lodge, No. 83, A.F. and A.M." We find a record of the election of its officers, December 23, 1853, as follows: William E. Russell, W.M. ; M. Hogle, S.W. ; Isaac Courtright, J.W. ; A. O. Whiteman, T. ; John Harwood, Sec.; J. A. Graham, S.D. ; George P. Wolf, J.D. ; Daniel Parker, tiler; and William Pearce and Hamilton Jefferson, stewards. This lodge existed until September 15, 1857, at which time the following were its officers: C. F. McNeill, W.M. ; James Fletcher, S.W. ; H. O. Henry, J.W. ; C. R. Brown, T. ; John Harwood, Sec. ; M. V. B. Harwood, S.D. ; John Fagan, J.D. ; and R. Talliaferro, tiler; and the following Masons were within its jurisdiction : S. A. Washington, Michael Hogle, John Paul, John L. Donovan, John A. Strickler, Chester Nobles, A. O. Whiteman, William Roberts, William S. Torbet, M.

Stanley, John Hedge, J. A, Whiteman, James Lawrence, Samuel Hueston, Hamilton Jefferson, Kay W. Andrews, Thomas A. Norvell, William C. Moore, William Pearce and Daniel Parker; and who, with said officers, were the only Masons then in the county, so far as known. The charter of this lodge was surrendered for the purpose of forming a new organization, and a dispensation was granted, October 7, 1857, to C. F. McNeill, James Fletcher, H. O. Henry, Cyrus R. Brown, John Harwood, M. V. B. Harwood, John Fagan and Richard Talliaferro, to form a new lodge, and the following members were named as officers : C. F. McNeil], master; James Fletcher, senior warden; and H. O. Henry, junior warden. This lodge was afterward chartered as " Iroquois Lodge, No. 289." The last mentioned lodge existed until about 1863 or 1864, when its charter was surrendered. Both lodges were at Middleport, and meetings were first held in an upper room in the old court-house, until the fall of 1854, after which they were held in the upper story of the three-story building formerly known as the " King and Hogle Building."

F. Blades, J.W. ; Daniel Parker, treasurer; A. B. Roff, secretary ; W. M. Coney, S.D. ; William Munson, J.D. ; and E. Kice, tiler. This lodge is still existing, and has a large membership, and meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Watseka Chapter, No. 114; dispensation issued April 22, 1867, and charter granted October 4, 1867, with the following members: L. N. Pittwood, D. L. Jewett, C. F. McNeill, G. A. Woodford, John L. Donovan, W. M. Coney, J. H. Bishop, James Wasson, James Cauvins, Daniel Weston, H. O. Henry, W. H. Sommers, J. L. Horton, S. B. Norton, D. Reinhard, E. Dalton, A. B. Roff, Robert Doyle, L. D. Brown, A. M. Gillfillan, George Good, Joseph Good and H. A. Tillinghast. On December 11, 1867, the following officers were installed:

Iroquois Lodge, No. 74, I.O.O.F., was instituted in Middleport, on Monday, July 15, 1850, under a dispensation granted by the grand master, G. W. Woodward, countersigned by S. A. Corneau, grand secretary, dated June 15, 1850. The following were the petitioners : Jarnes D. Wilson, John Fagan, Asa B. Roff, John F. Wagner and Winthrop Patterson. The lodge was instituted by district deputy grand master J. F. McDougal, assisted by William E. Little, acting grand warden ; F. L. Cagwin, acting grand marshal ; C. C. Smith, acting grand guardian ; and Franklin Mitchell, acting grand secretary. Henry W. Hogle, Joseph Myers, Ezekiel Bowman, R. Y. Chesley, E. W. Arehart and William Gray were the first initiates. The first officers were: A. B. Roff, N.G. ; John Fagan, Y.G.; John F.Wagner, secretary ; and James D. Wilson, treasurer. The lodge continued to meet in Middleport until September, 1866, when it was removed to Watseka, and in October, 1868, the name was changed from Middleport to Iroquois Lodge. This lodge has in its time done much good, and exerted a healthful influence among the people, by whom the order appears to be much esteemed in Watseka. During its thirty years of existence, Iroquois Lodge, No. 74, has embraced in its ranks many of the most respectable and enterprising citizens of the vicinity. At present it holds, in the name of its trustees, its own lodge-room, which is the pride of its members. The exterior of the building, being in modern style, presents a very attractive appearance, the three symbolic links, in gilt, adorning a shield in front, being a conspicuous object for all eyes. The lodge is in a prosperous condition, and one of the stanchest benevolent institutions in Watseka. The officers the present year are: M. H. Peters, N.G.; John M. Burton, V.G. ; H. A. Butzow, secretary ; John H. Bishop, treasurer ; and C. Secrest, deputy and representative to the Grand Lodge.

Iroquois Encampment, No. 81, I.O.O.F. - This advanced branch of the order was instituted in Watseka November 25, 1867, with the following charter members: Thomas Yennum, N. P. Petts, Conrad Secrest, A. W. Hogle, Ransom Munson, John H. Bishop, John G. Wagner, Polite Laroche, J. Baldwin, A. B. Roft', George C. Harrington and M. H. Peters. The ceremonies of institution were conducted by N. C. Nason, of Peoria, deputy grand patriarch, assisted by R. J. Bliss, of Fairbur}', high priest; S. S. Buckner, Fairbury, senior warden ; J. L. Starley, Peoria, junior warden ; John Highlands, Eureka, scribe ; and patriarchs J. A. Sellman, M. B. Gately and - Frankhouser, of Fairbury, and patriarch J. L. West, of Eureka. The first officers were : Thomas Yennum, chief patriarch ; N. B. Petts, H.P. ; C. Secrest, S.W. ; A. W. Hogle, J.W. ; G. C. Harrington, scribe ; and

The Order of Knights of Honor, although of very recent origin, has taken a very strong foothold in Watseka. Watseka Lodge, No. 1086, Knights of Honor, was organized May 24, 1878, by Deputy Gr. Diet. L. G. Roberts, of Mattoon, with the following charter members: Alex. L. Whitehall, L. W. Watson, F. E. Foster, M. H. Peters, Richard Carroll, H. M. Towne, D. W. Arnold, L. W. Roberts, Henry Upsall, B. W. Nelson, Carl Drumrn and L. C. Marsh. M. H. Peters was its first representative to the Grand Lodge of the state, and for 1880 the representative of the Grand Lodge to the Supreme Lodge of the United States. The following is a list of its present officers: Dictator, Fred E. Foster; vice-dictator, D.W.Arnold; assistant dictator, Richard Carroll ; reporter, C. C. Arehart ; financial reporter, M. H. Peters ; treasurer, George C. Harrington ; chaplain, Josiah Williams; past dictators, M. H. Peters, A. L. Whitehall, L. F. Watson and Henry Upsall. The order embraces in its ranks many of the leading men of Watseka.

The temperance movement in the county, and which finally thoroughly revolutionized the county, originated in Middleport, away back in the " forties," by public lectures and speeches, and Don Alonzo Falkenbury, a local Methodist preacher, who came there in 1842 and remained about ten years, was the prime mover in the reform.

Division 88, Sons of Temperance, was organized at least as early as 1850. The first election of its officers which the writer has been able to obtain was April 2, 1851, at which time the following officers were elected : L. Phillips, W.P. ; A. P. Davis, W.A. ; James M. Smith, R.S. ; J. A. Graham, A.R.S. ; C. Turner, F.S. ; S. A. Washington, T. ; J. J. Scofield, C. ; J. B. Dille, A.C. ; M. Scofield, I.S. ; and J. E. Harris, O.S.

Union No. 19, Daughters of Temperance, Avas organized about the same time, and April 9, 1851, elected for the quarter : Julia Bennett, P.S. ; Elizabeth Scofield, A.S. ; Sarah Hanvood, R.S. ; Ellen Brown, A.R.S. ; Mariah Frazier, F.S. ; Elizabeth Haviland, T. ; Ann E. Haviland, C. ; Mary Haviland, A.C. ; Lavina Little, I.G. ; and Ann Roif, O.G.

The Cadets of Temperance were organized June 24, 1852, by Dr. M. V. B. Hanvood. We have no record of their officers, but the membership consisted of most of the young of Middleport. These organizations existed until about 1856, with a large membership, when Banner Lodge, No. 62, Independent Order of Good Templars, was organized. We are not able to give the first officers of this lodge, but can state that it existed at Middleport for several years, and exerted a powerful influence, not only in the village but throughout the country, in conjunction with the press of the place, which, to its honor be it said, was always on the side of temperance.

As early as 1850 there was also a Washingtonian Society organized at Middleport, of which James Fletcher was president, and M. Y. B. Harwood, secretary. And we find that on February 15, 1854, a temperance meeting was held in favor of the " Maine law," at which J. L. Samington was president ; A. O. Whiteman, secretary ; and addressed by Dr. Jesse Bennett, S. A. Washington and S. G. Bovie. A vigilance committee was appointed at this meeting, consisting of W. F. Patterson, S. G. Bovie, Daniel Fry, A. O. Whiteman, Benjamin Scott, Dr. Bennett and William F. Keady.

At Watseka there have been an organization of the Sons of Temperance and two Lodges of the Independent Order of Good Templars, and for two or three years past a Temperance Reform Club, which has held weekly meetings, and in which much interest has been taken. All these efforts have culminated in making Watseka a thorough temperance city, in which a saloon does not exist.

" Know Nothings." - As early as 1854 " Sam " might have been found in Middleport without much inquiry, although when you ask the old citizens as to this, they " know nothing " about it. But the American party nominated James C. Steely for sheriff in 1856, and he received 71 votes in Middleport and 172 in the county. A Union League was organized in Middleport in 1861, and had a large membership. At the same time there existed an organization of either the " Knights of the Golden Circle," or " Sons of Liberty," which it is well known occasionally met in the brush.

We have an advertisement, dated June 11, 1851, for a meeting of the Independent Order of Turgeorareans, at their grand council room, in Middleport, on the first Saturday after the second Monday after the next Gibbous Moon. What this all meant we will leave the reader to guess.

The first cemetery at Middleport was donated by Henry Troup, in E. £ of N.W. £ of Sec. 32, and adjoining the plat of the village. This is 100 feet square, and was fenced by James Egbert in 1845. The first person buried here was the wife of David Cantner, who was a carpenter engaged on the court-house. She died in 1846, and her grave was dug by Henry Kelner and James Egbert. Many of the old citizens are here buried, and among them Henry Troup. Another cemetery of one acre was conveyed by Samuel M. Ayres, in N.E.-^S.W. £of Sec. 32, in August, 1855, as heretofore stated. To this an addition was after-

The Oak Hill Cemetery was laid off in October, 1873, and comprises 27TV acres in S.E. £ N.E. I of Sec. 34, T. 27 K, R. 12 W., about two miles east of the city ; Capt. George E. King, proprietor. It is on a high knoll, covered with oak timber, and a beautiful place. This is now used by the city and surrounding country for burial purposes. Much taste has been manifested in beautifying this cemetery, and it also contains several monuments.

Aktesian Wells

There are about 140 artesian wells within the corporate limits of Watseka, and about 120 of these are flowing wells. The first well was sunk by Hon. M. Stanley, in 1857, at his residence, on elevated ground, but this did not flow. He sank another on lower ground, at his hotel, in 1860, and this also failed to flow. It was then supposed that flowing artesian water could not be procured in the city, and nothing further in that direction was done until 1865, when Drs. Fowler and Secrest tried the experiment at the southeast corner of the depot grounds, which also failed. The city council and several enterprising citizens, in order to have the thing more thoroughly tested, in the spring of 1870 pledged to George Platt and Adrian Egbert $500 if they would procure a flowing well within the city, and a point near the northwest corner of block 28 was selected. After boring down 120 feet a very small flow was procured. They then sank a well for the Chicago, Danville & Yincennes Railroad Company, near their road, and just west of block 30, and at 140 feet in depth they procured a very large flow. The former well was then sunk by them eighteen feet deeper, and from which depth a very good flow was procured. This is known as the Town well, and is still flowing. From that time forward the number has steadily increased to the present time, and these wells are pretty evenly distributed, so that nearly every family can procure the water, which is but slightly mineral, cool, pure and healthful, and good for all culinary and domestic purposes, and also for running steam machinery. Having this large number pf artesian wells makes Watseka the best watered country place in the state and remarkably healthful, and will also, in time, make it a manufacturing city, which, with the fact that it is the county-seat of one of the largest counties in the state, a good distributing point, free from near competition, and where cheap fuel can be had, will eventually make it a large and prosperous city.

Under this head we propose to give extended biographies or personal sketches of a large number of the leading citizens of Watseka and vicinity, - not only of early settlers, but also of the more modern. Many of them have already been mentioned in the preceding pages, but we think it will add vastly to the value of the work as a book of reference, and as a basis for the future historian, to give this department the most minute detail. As far as practicable they have been arranged in chronological order, or rather in the order of corning to the township or county.

George Courtright, merchant, Watseka, is one of the first settlers of Iroqnois county, who was born October 11, 1811, in New Jersey, near the Delaware river, and is the son of Jacob Courtright, who was engaged in farming and milling. Mr. Courtright remained in New Jersey until he was about four years of age, when with his parents he moved to Ohio, and located on a farm in Coshocton county, they being among the early settlers of that locality. Here Mr. Courtright's father died when he was about nine years of age, leaving a wife and four children in poor circumstances. Mr. Courtright was then placed in the hands of his brother, and there remained in Coshocton county until about 1827 or 1828, when he removed to Fountain county, Indiana, and there remained until 1830, when he started, in company with two brothers and John H. Miller, who are all dead, to Illinois, and on April 2, 1830, located at Bunkum, Iroquois county. Here Mr. Courtright began to break the prairie with five yoke of oxen. In 1830 he made a trip to Chicago for Gurdon S. Hubbard. He took one wagon with three yoke of oxen, and one cart with two yoke of oxen, loaded with furs, in company with a Frenchman and five or six Indians for an escort. The trip was long and tedious, they being without anything to eat for two days. At the Calumet river they had to put the furs on their heads and thus carry them across, as the river was too high. In making the trip it took them about eight days. This wras, perhaps, the first trip ever made by a white man to Chicago from Iroquois county. Mr. Courtright in being with the Indians so much was able to speak their language. He was recognized in his boyhood days as the stoutest lad in the neighborhood. When coming from Indiana to Illinois the wagon often mired ; Mr. Courtright would take a barrel of flour out of the wagon, and carry it to terra-firma. He was known to be a fine ox-driver. Mr. Courtright has been married three times : first, October, 1833, to Agnes JSTewcomb, of Ohio, who came to the county in 1830. They were married near Bunkum,

Iroquois county, and this was the first marriage in Iroquois county. He had to go to Danville to get a license, which took three days. She died about 1846, and is buried near Bunkum. Mr. Courtright's second wife was Huldy McGee, and his present wife is Katherine McCruhen, who was born in Ireland. By these three marriages he is the father of four children, three by his first wife and one by the third. He had one son in the late civil war, Joseph, who enlisted in Co. I, 113th 111. Yol. Inf.

Jesse Moore, farmer, Woodland, was Jborn in Adams county, Ohio, August 21, 1804, and is the son of John S. and Nancy (Edwards) Moore. His father was a farmer, having moved to Adams county, Ohio, about 1800, where he married and raised a family of eleven children. Mr. Moore, the subject of this sketch, was married in Adams county, in 1827, to Miss Latishia Downing. In 1831 Mr. Moore, with his wife, two children, father and two sons started from Adams county in a wagon drawn by four yoke of oxen. They came as far as the Wabash, and there remained but a short time, and in April, 1831, arrived in Iroquois county. They located on 200 acres of land in Belmont township, and here Mr. Moore has been a resident ever since. At that time the country was very wild, and plenty of Indians and wild game abounded. Here, about 1842, the Methodists erected the first church on Mr. Moore's place, he being a strong Methodist. Mr. Moore donated the land for the church, and for this act the people permitted Mr. Moore to name the church, which he called Bellemont. He had been reading a book and found this word, and he so named the church. The church was built of hewn logs, and was in size 26x36 -feet, lap shingles, chimney in the middle, and two windows on each side. The entrance was on the south side. Mr. Moore has been a member of the M. E. church for the last fifty-two years. He had one son in the late war, Esera R., who enlisted in Co. A, 76th 111. Vol. Inf. He was a brave soldier, and participated in the marches and battles of his regiment.

William S. Moore, retired, Watseka, was born in Adams county, Ohio, December 20, 1809. He remained in Adams county until 1831, when with his parents he came to Illinois, and located in Belmont township, Iroquois county, where he has been a resident ever since. Mr. Moore was married in Indiana, in 1834, to Miss Eliza J. Flemming, of Ohio. She died in 1845, and he was then married to Miss Asenath Lambert, of Ohio. Mr. Moore followed farming until ]868, when he moved to Watseka, where he has been engaged in the stock and grain business. He had one son, two sons-in-law and seven nephews in the late civil war. His son, Jasper N., enlisted in Co. C, 51st 111. Vol. Inf., when he was not quite eighteen years of age. He was a brave soldier and did good duty, participating in a number of prominent battles. He was taken prisoner at Chickamauga, and was sent to Libby prison, thence to the Danville prison near Richmond, Virginia. He remained a prisoner seven months and twelve days, and was almost starved to death. He was exchanged, and soon after died, May 8, 1864.

James H. Axtell, lumber merchant, Woodland, is one of the old settlers and highly respected business men. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 27, 1823, and is the son of John and Polly (Vennum) Axtell, who, in 1833, with a family of live children, emigrated west to Illinois, and located two and a half miles north of Milford, Iroquois county. Here the subject of this sketch grew into manhood, farming in the summer time, and in the winter attending the district school. He was also engaged in herding cattle, and driving them from this county to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He states that he has herded cattle on the grounds on which the Chicago Exposition now stands. Mr. Axtell's first purchase in land was 80 acres, for which he paid one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. From that he managed well, and to-day he is one of the successful farmers of the vicinity. Mr. Axtell was married, in Milford township, to Miss Eliza Gilbert, and by this union they have one child, a daughter. In November, 1877, Mr. Axtell commenced the lumber business in Woodland, and to-day he owns and conducts a first-class lumber yard. Both his father and mother died in Iroquois county.

Alexander Wilson, farmer, Watseka, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1806, and is the son of Francis and Priscilla Wilson, natives of Ireland and Scotland respectively. Mr. Wilson remained in his native county until h<e was about seven years of age, when with his parents he moved to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he remained some two years. He then went to Champaign county, Ohio, where he remained until 1833. While a resident of Champaign county he was married, in 1827, to Miss Phoebe Gary, of Ohio. In 1833, with wife and three children, he moved to Illinois and located in Belmont township. He has held the office of justice of the peace eight years. He united the first parties married in Belmont township in 1835. They were John Hudson and Sallie Ann Longshore, and James Longshore and Deborah Hudson. Both couples were married at the same time. Mr. Wilson also operated the first tannery in Iroquois county. He was a resident of Texas some four years. In 1850 he started for California seeking gold, but returned in 1851. He had in the late war one son, William, who enlisted in Co. A, 76th 111. Yol. Inf. He was a brave soldier and did good duty. He died in service at Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1863.

Mrs. Rebbeca Gray, Watseka, is the widow of the late John Gray, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, October 31, 1816. From there Mr. Gray moved to Iroquois county, between the years 1832 and 1835, and located in Milford township. Here he was married to Miss Rebecca Stanley, June 28, 1838, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, November 11, 1817, and came west with her parents in 1830, and located in Milford township. After their marriage they located on a farm in Milford township, where he engaged in farming until 1876, when he moved his family to the present homestead. Here he died, April 4, 1876, leaving a wife and seven children ; and thus passed away one of Iroquois county's honored and respected old citizens.

John Hudson, farmer, Watseka, was born in Sussex county, Delaware, November 6, 1814, and is the son of John and Mary (Williams) Hudson. In 1834 they, with six children, started west with a team and wagon, and finally reached Rob Roy, Indiana, where they remained a short time, and then pushed on to Iroquois county, Illinois, and located in Belmont township, where the Longshore graveyard is. Here Mr. Hudson died in 1834, and was buried in the Longshore graveyard, being the first one interred in that cemetery. John Hudson has been engaged principally in farming since he has been a resident here. He made a trip to California seeking gold. He was married in December, 1835, in Belmont township, to Miss Sallie Ann Longshore, at the same time his sister Deborah was married to James Longshore. These were the first marriages in Belmont township. They were married by Alexander Wilson. Mr. Hudson states that he helped to build Mr. Stanley's residence, which was the first built in Watseka. Mr. Hudson's first wife died m 1836. He subsequently married Eliza Wagoner, and she also died. The third time he was married to Mrs. Ann Briley, who is now deceased. His present wife was Rebecca Horner. They have one child, a son, William H., who was born on the farm December 16, 1855. Mr. Hudson has held several offices of public trust in Belmont township: school treasurer some ten or twelve years, supervisor one term, and constable. He was also postmaster at Milford. He moved to his present home in 1855.

Mary A. Troup, Watseka, is the widow of the late Henry Troup, who was born in Pennsylvania about 1800. From his native state, with his family, he came west to Ohio, and located in Canton, Stark county, where they were engaged in keeping a hotel. From there they went to Manchester, Ohio, and here, in 1834, he married Mary Ann Little, who was born in Columbus county, Ohio, in 1814. After this they remained in Manchester some four or five years, and while a resident there Mr. Tronp was engaged in the mercantile business. In about 1838, with his family, he started for Illinois, and located in Middleport, Iroquois county, being the first settler in this vicinity. Then the country was very wild, and they camped the first night on the banks of the Iroquois River, in front of what is now Middleport. He erected a building, and after getting his goods, - which came from Pittsburgh by boat down the Ohio to the Wabash, and up the Wabash where they discharged the goods, - they were then teamed to Middleport. He had the first store here. Mr. Troup was an industrious man and won a host of friends, and had customers for miles and miles around him. Many are the old settlers who speak of buying their goods from Henry Troup. He was successful in life and had accumulated considerable property before his death. He died, April 8, 1859, respected and honored by his fellow-men, leaving a wife and five children. One son, Edward, in the late war enlisted in the 76th 111. Yol. Inf., and was a brave soldier. He participated in the siege of Yicksburg, and afterward died in service at Jackson, Tennessee.

W. S. Kay, attorney-at-law, Watseka, is perhaps one of the best known and most highly respected attorneys of the Iroquois county bar. Mr. Kay was born near Greencastle, Indiana, October 31, 1831, and is the son of William R. and Ruth (Wright) Kay. William R. Kay was engaged in farming. He was born in Maryland. He moved from his native state to Pennsylvania, where he was engaged at his trade of glass-blowing and fur-dressing, in Pittsburgh. He went to Ohio and located on a farm near Cincinnati. In 1831 he and his wife were visiting in the state of Indiana, and it was during that time that Mr. Kay (W. S.) was born, and they returned to Ohio. In 1835 or 1836, they started from the farm in Ohio for Iroquois county, Illinois, where Mrs. Kay's father was. They came by steamboat down the Ohio, and then came up the Wabash river and stopped at Perrysville, Indiana. Mr. William Kay made a trip to Iroquois county, and not liking the situation of the country returned to Perrysville and built a steam saw-mill below that place. Here he died with milk sickness in 1837, leaving the family in very poor circumstances. The family then came to Iroquois county and lived with Grandfather Wright, who at that time was living five miles south of Onarga. Mr. W. S. Kay was placed in a home with Thomas Yennum, where he remained until he was about fourteen years of age. At sixteen years of age he began to teach school, and taught three or four years in Iroquois and Ogle counties. Mr. Kay received a common school education at Milford, and was a student for one term at the Asbury University, of Greencastle, Indiana. In 1853 or 1854 he moved to Middleport, where he taught school for some three years. He also held the office of constable for several years. He was appointed deputy sheriff of Iroquois county, under James H. Karr, and was afterward made sheriff by Mr. Karr, who retired from office. Mr. Kay was admitted to practice law in about 1856, and was a partner in the law firm of Fletcher & Kay for some three years. In 1864 the law firm of Blades & Kay was formed ; from that the law firm of Blades, Kay & Evans emanated. This firm, perhaps, was the strongest law firm of the Iroquois county bar. Mr. Kay was married July, 1852, to Susanna Critchfieid, of Ohio, by whom they had one child, deceased. Mrs. Kay died in 1855. He married the second time to Lavonia Burlingame, of New York. They have two children. Mr. Kay is a democrat in politics. His mother married twice, her second husband being the Hon. Isaac Courtright. She died with the cholera in 1854.

James W. Kay, real estate agent, Watseka, was born at Smith's Point, Onarga township, Iroquois county, Illinois, February 26, 1838, and is the son of William R. and Ruth (Wright) Kay. When Mr. Kay was very young his father died, and he was placed in a home with his sister until his mother was married to the Hon. Isaac Courtright. He then went to live with them in Texas, Iroquois county, where he remained until he was about sixteen years of age. He then went to live with his grandfather Wright, where he remained some eighteen months, and from there he went to Middleport, where he was engaged in attending school about one year. He then returned to the farm. In 1856 we find him hauling cord-wood for the Illinois Central railroad. Soon after he had the ague, which he had some fifteen months. In 1857 and 1858 he was in Iowa. He returned to Middleport. In 1858 he was appointed deputy sheriff under James H. Karr. In 1859 he made a trip to Missouri to see his relatives ; then made a trip across the Rocky mountains prospecting for gold. In 1860 he was engaged in writing in the court house for Thomas Yennum. In 1861, during the late civil war, when Missouri was having a great deal of trouble, and during the battle of Lexington, Missouri, near his grandfather Wright's, Mr. Kay made the trip there and brought the old people back to Iroquois county. In July, 1862, Mr. Kay enlisted in Co. A, 76th 111. Yol. Inf. He did good duty and made a brave soldier. He participated in some very hard-fought battles : the siege of Yicksburg, capture of Mobile, etc. He was mustered out July, 1865, when he returned to Iroquois county, when he was nominated and elected to the office of count}' clerk by the republican party. He served faithfully for one term. From that time Mr. Kay has been engaged in speculating in real estate, and to-day ranks as one of the successful men of Iroquois county - owning 1,200 acres of land. Mr. Kay is a republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. church. He married twice. His first wife was Mrs. Emily 0. Campbell, now deceased. His present wife was Adeline Ellingwood. They have three children.

Judge Samuel "Williams, president of the First National bank of Watseka, Woodland, is a fair example of what may be attained by perseverance, industry and energy. He was born July 11, 1820, in Adams county, Ohio, and is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Swim) Williams. His mother was born in Ohio and his father in Maryland. Thomas Williams moved from Maryland with his parents and located on a farm in Adams county, Ohio, when he was four years of age. Here he remained until 1835, when, with his family, he moved to Illinois and located in Winnebago county. At that time there were but two houses in Rockford. Here they remained until 184-2, when they moved to Iroquois county and located in Belmont township. The subject of this sketch, then quite poor, commenced working at the carpenter trade, in which he was engaged for some twenty years. About 1842 he purchased 120 acres of land, part of which is where Woodland stands. This land he promised to pay for in cattle. It was his first purchase of land. From the 120 acres, by his industry and energy he owns over 1,000 acres of land, which consists of one of the best improved stockfarms in Iroquois county. Besides Judge Williams being engaged in the stock business, he in 1878 erected a first-class creamery at Woodland, size 30 x 55, two stories high. He invested in the building and cows some $7,000. This creamery is conducted by Judge Williams and two sons: George M. and John S., who are meeting with good success. In 1870, at the organization of the First National bank of Watseka, Mr. Williams was made president, which position he has held ever since. The First National bank is one of the most prominent institutions in eastern Illinois, and the people of Iroquois county are proud of such an institution. It is one of the safest banks in Illinois. Judge Williams has held several offices of public trust. In 1861 he was elected judge of Iroquois county, which office he filled for one term, proving himself a gentleman of acknowledged ability. He was elected first supervisor of Belmont township, and this office he held for some six or seven years. He also held the office of justice of the peace for a numof years. Judge Williams' political views were formerly democratic, but since the passage of the Nebraska bill he has been a republican. For some time he has not taken any active part in politics. He is a member of the M. E. church, of which he has been a member since

1840. Judge Williams was married in 1846 to Miss Catharine Body of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Iroquois about 1838. By this union they have four children. Judge Williams' father was born January 15, 1797, and died August 7, 1857.

J. B. Moore, farmer, Watseka, was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, on section 10, in Belmont township, August 5, 1842, and is the son of John B. Moore, who was born in Adams county, Ohio. John Moore was married in Warren county, Indiana, to Sarah Ann Fleming, and in 1831 they came to Iroquois county and located south of the present homestead ; from there they moved to the present farm, where he made the principal improvements - having planted the evergreen trees in front of the residence some nineteen years ago. By hard work and good management he became the owner of 400 acres of land at his death, which occurred November 20, 1870, he being iifty-four years of age. Mr. J. B. Moore, the subject of this sketch, was married in Warren county, Indiana, to Miss Sarah M. Frame, of Indiana, and they have six children. Mr. Moore has held several offices of public trust : school director and township clerk. He is a republican in politics. He had two brothers in the late war : Macajah and Fleming R. ; both did good service. Macajah died at Mobile in 1865.

Charles Sherman, retired, Watseka, was born in Windsor, Vermont, February 24, 1816, and is the son of Samuel and Abigail (Squire) Sherman. His mother was a native of Connecticut, and his father of Massachusetts; they were married in Vermont. Mr. Sherman was born on his father's farm. In 1836 they came west to Milwaukee, Wis., where they remained but four weeks, and in 1838 came to Chicago, 111., then a very small place. Here Mr. Sherman remained until 1842, clerking in a store where the Tremont House now stands. In 1842 he came to Iroquois county and located at Bunkum, arid entered the mercantile business. In 1849 he went to Middleport, and was engaged in the mercantile business about four years, when he returned to Bunkum ; he remained at the latter place until 1861, when he moved to Watseka. When Mr. Sherman first came to Illinois, he located 300 acres of land where the town of Evanston now stands. He held it a short time and sold it with but little gain. Mr. Sherman was married December, 1844, to Miss Nancy White, of Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of A. White, an old settler of Bunkum, who kept one of the first hotels 'at that place. They have three children.

University Of Illinois

ex-county officers of Iroquois county. He was born December 8, 1827, in Coshocton county, Ohio, and is the son of Abraham and Catharine (Deamude) Fry. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of the state of Maryland. His father in an early day moved to Ohio, where he was engaged in farming; and in 1843 he removed to Illinois and located in Iroquois, Iroquois county. Here young Daniel grew to man's estate, the earlier part of his life being spent with his father. In 1853 he was elected to the office of county clerk of Iroquois county, and on assuming the duties of the office he became a resident of Middleport, then the county seat; in 1857 he was releected to a second term. These public favors were conferred upon him by the democratic party. In the discharge of his duties as a public officer, he acquitted himself in a very creditable manner. Mr. Fry is now one of the oldest merchants of Watseka, where he entered the mercantile trade in 1864, though he had also for two years been engaged in the business in Middleport. Since his residence in "Watseka he has been honored with different offices, among others that of alderman, and in 1879 he was elected supervisor of Middleport township, which office he is still holding. In 1860 Mr. Fry was married to Miss Priscilla, daughter of Amos White ; by this union they have three children.

Isaac W. Cast, superintendent of the County Poor Farm, Watseka, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, August 9, 1843, and is the son of Hiram and Ruth (Smith) Cast. Both parents were natives of Ohio. His grandfather was among the first settlers of Clinton county, Ohio. When but a babe, the subject of this sketch came to Illinois with his parents and located in Vermilion county, where he remained until he was about seven years of age. With his parents he then came to Iroquois county and located on Spring Creek, two and a half miles north of Jefferson Point, where he was brought up on the farm. His stepfather was a soldier in the late civil war, and enlisted in an Illinois cavalry company in 1862. He died when at home on a furlough in 1863. Mr. Cast, in 1875, was appointed superintendent of the Poor Farm, which office he is still filling, doing his work faithfully and giving entire satisfaction.

A. C. Johnson, farmer, Watseka, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, January 12, 1822, and is the son of Isaac and Nancy (Tucker) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Virginia. Isaac Johnson wras a soldier of the war of 1812, and came to Ohio at an early day. The subject of this sketch was raised on the farm, and learned the trade of a carpenter. In 1843 he came to Illinois, and located in Belmont township. In the winter of 1843-4 he taught his first school in Illi- nois in a log hut near Mr. Oarlock's farm, this being one of the first schools in this neighborhood. He had an attendance of some twentysix scholars, who came from a radius of some three miles. Mr. Johnson engaged in teaching school in the winter time, and in the summer months worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1849 he was married to Miss Mary A. Body. Mr. Johnson's last school was the Dixon school, in Milford township, which he taught in 1870. He has held several offices of public trust: justice of the peace, twelve years; assessor and school director, for twenty-five years. These offices he has filled with honor, and acquitted himself in a very creditable manner. 'Squire Johnson's political opinions are republican. He is a member of the United Brethren church, of which he has been a member some thirty years. He has lived on the present farm since 1850. He is the father of ten children.

John Reader, farmer, Watseka, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, May 27, 1819, and is the son of Samuel Reader, who was a brickmason and contractor. At fifteen years of age the subject of this sketch embarked at London on board of a ship bound for America, to seek his fortune in a strange land. On the voyage he made himself useful by ministering to the wants of sick passengers, from one of whom he received three shillings, this making five shillings that he had on landing in America. He first stopped in Albany, New York, where he remained a short time working at odd jobs to earn an honest penny ; from there he went to Green Bush, thence to Cheatham, thence to Rochester, New York, where he began to learn the trade of a shoemaker. He served an apprenticeship of three years, and then worked at his trade there until 1843, when he came west to Illinois and located in Chicago. Here he remained until 1844, when he came to Iroquois county and located in Milford, and commenced to work at his trade. He commenced life in Iroquois county with only five dollars in cash. In 1847 he went on a farm on Pike creek ; there he remained until 1849, when he moved to Middleport, where he worked at his trade about a year. From there he moved on the farm now owned by Mrs. Gray. In 1857 he went to Texas, where he engaged in the cattle business until 1860, when he returned to Iroquois county and located on his present homestead. Mr. Reader was for about four years a resident of Watseka. He built a great many buildings in that city, and erected the present opera building for a woolen mill. He owrns 700 acres of land, and ranks as one of the leading successful farmers of Iroquois county. He was married in Rochester, in 1843, to Miss Ann Lavell, of Ireland, and they have four children.

Vermont, October 9, 1815, and is the son of Solomon and Mary (Moore) Joiner. In 1838 Mr. Joiner came west from his native state to Indiana, And located in Warren county. In 1845 he was admitted to practice law in Indiana. In the same year he came to Middleport, Iroquois county, and began the practice of law, and to-day is the oldest practicing attorney at the Iroquois county bar.

Joseph W. Kay, justice of the peace, Watseka, was born in Ohio, February 26, 1836, and is the son of William R. and Ruth (Wright) Kay. After the death of his father he came to Iroquois county, and was placed in the hands of his grandfather, Jonathan Wright, where he remained for a number of years. He was engaged in farming, and after receiving a common-school education, he began to teach, in which profession he was engaged for about two years. In February, 1855, he went to California seeking gold, and there remained within two months of ten years. While there he was engaged with a company in a claim on the American river. He was flooded out, and all lost their investments and labor. Mr. Kay, in 1861, enlisted in Co. A, 2d Cal. Vol.. Inf., and served three years fighting the Indians. He traveled over Washington territory, Oregon and California; and was engaged in fighting the Modoc Indians. In 1864 Mr. Kay returned to Iroquois county, and commenced the study of law. In 1876 he was admitted to the bar, and in 1873 was elected police magistrate. He has also held the office of coroner of Iroquois county for twenty-seven years and constable eight years. In these offices Mr. Kay has given entire satisfaction. He is a republican in politics. He was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah Burlingame, of New York.

Thomas L. West, farmer, Watseka, was born in Sussex county, Delaware, May 30, 1824, and is the son of David and Elizabeth (Hudson) West. In 1834 they moved west to In'diana and located in Fountain county, where Thomas remained until 1847, when he moved to Illinois and located in Belmont township, Iroquois county. He first entered 80 acres of land south of his present farm. In 1849 he went to California, gold seeking, and remained two years, when he returned to Iroquois count}7 and settled on his present homestead. Mr. West was married, in 1852, to Miss Sarah Turrell, who died shortly after their marriage. He afterward was married to Miss Mary Ellen Longshore. He is the father of ten children : one by his first wife and nine by his present wife. Mr. West is a republican in politics.

John L. Donovan, banker, Watseka, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Mason county, Kentucky, August 27, 1824, and is the son of Joseph A. and Elizabeth (Hannah) Donovan, both of whom were born in Lewis county, Kentucky. His father was a farmer, at which business John L. was engaged during early manhood. In 1834, when yet a child, he was brought to Vermilion county, Illinois, whither his parents moved. They remained there until 1841, and then removed to Clark county, Illinois, where they remained until 1846, and again removed, this time to Rock Creek, Will county, Illinois, where they resided about two years, and then moved to Iroquois county in 1848, this proving to be the final move of his parents. His father bought what was known then and since as the Buckhorn tavern, where the village of Donovan, in Beaver township, now stands. Here they set out in farming, which his father continued until his death, which occurred in 1860, at the age of sixty-one years. His mother is still living on the old homestead, and is in her eighty-fifth year. At the date of their moving to Iroquois county, John L. had grown to manhood, and in looking for a favorable opportunity to engage in business on his own account, he secured the contract for carrying the United States mail between Joliet, Will county, and Danville, Vermilion county, Illinois. This he continued about two years, at which he saved about $500, with which, in 1850, he engaged in the mercantile business in Bunkum (now Iroquois), Iroquois county, continuing about one year. While there he was married to Miss Anna H. Bradford, of York state. Closing out his business in Bunkum, they engaged in farming near the old Buckhorn farm; but in 1855 they again returned to Bunkum, where Mr. Donovan resumed the mercantile business, in which he remained engaged until 1858, and then again returned to farming. In 1859 he was elected, by the.republican party, treasurer of Iroquois county, which office he held one term. In 1859 he moved to Middleport, and in 1860 to Watseka, and the same year became interested in the mercantile business in Sheldon. In 1862 he removed his stock of goods to Watseka, and resumed trade in company with Decatur Morgan and William M. Coney. This firm continued business about seven months, when Mr. Donovan reopened a store at Sheldon and one at Bunkum, both of which he managed until 1865. He was then engaged very extensively jn the cattle trade. In March, 1868, he began the banking business in Watseka, in company with George A. Woodford and Hon. Thomas Vennum, under the firm name of Donovan, Woodford & Co. They continued to do a general banking business until 1874, when they quit business. In 1876, in company with Hon. Thomas Vennum, he again began a general banking business at Miltbrd, Iroquois county, where they still continue to do a business that is an honor to themselves and a credit to the county. Though doing business in Milford, Mr. Donovan still continues to reside in Watseka. In 1877 the people of Belmont township elected him supervisor, in wrhich capacity he has served to the satisfaction of all interested. Besides the business enterprises above mentioned, in which Mr. Donovan has been interested, he has been engaged in many others, important both to himself and the public, as many of the thrifty and growing villages of Iroquois county owe their origin and growth to his enterprise. In all movements resulting in the general welfare of the public he has taken an active part; and though he began business at carrying the United States mail, poor and dependent upon his own energies and resources, he is now one of the wealthy class of citizens of Iroquois county, and the possessor of an honorable name and reputation, which are not always retained in the accumulation of wealth.

George West, farmer, Watseka, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, May 29, 1819, and is the son of John and Azuga (Wilson) West. His mother was a native of Ohio, and his father of Georgia. Azuga West was a soldier of the war of 1812, under Gen. Harrison. George West's grandfather, Basil West, was one of the party that threw the tea into the Boston harbor. The subject of this sketch remained in Champaign county until 1833, when, with his parents, he moved to Warren county, Indiana, where he remained a resident until 1840. Here he learned the wheelwright trade, under Z. & J. Parker, of Parker's patent water wheel. He came to Iroquois county and was engaged in helping on a mill at Milford. From that on he has built and helped to build some sixteen mills, - one at Milford, one at Bulvounia's Grove, one at Hickory Creek, one on the Dupage river, six on the Kishawaukee river, one near Beloit, Wis., one near Newburg, 111., one at Pine Creek, Ind., and others. In May, 1848, he located at Texas, Iroquois county, and purchased the old Courtright mill, in partnership with J. Thomas. In 1855 and 1856 he built a new mill, and from that on he, in company with his brothers, did a large milling business at Texas, employing, on an average, twentyseven men to operate the mill. The mill had four run of burrs and three run of saws. Here they were thriving, but the Indiana drainage law so stopped the flow of water that they»had to quit business. In 1863 they sold the mill for $2,000, the original cost being $9,000. Mr. West helped to raise a company of soldiers for the late civil war - Co. I, 113th reg. 111. Vol. ; he was elected captain. The company was composed principally of men who worked for Mr. West in the mill. He did duty at Camp Hancock, guarding prisoners of war. In May, 1863, he resigned on account of ill health, and returned to Iroquois county, and has been a resident ever since. He moved on the present farm in 1865, where he has remained ever since. He is a republican in politics, and has held several offices of public trust: road commissioner two and a half years, and supervisor one term.

He was married in Iroquois county, in 1848, to Miss Rachel Earl, of Indiana. She died about October 5, 1 849, and was the first interment in the Texas graveyard. Mr. West's second marriage was to Phoebe Ann Earl, and they have one child, a son, Thomas "W.

John F. Vennum, Watseka, was born in Milford township, Iroquois county, Illinois, December 5, 1848, and is the son of Christopher C. Vennum, who made his home in Iroquois county, in an early day. Mr. Vennum was raised on the farm, where he remained until 1865. He enlisted in the army, and participated in the late civil war. He enlisted in Co. D, 150th reg. 111. Vol. Inf., as sergeant. This regiment did duty in the Southern states, and was mustered out at Griffin, Ga., in 1866, and finally discharged at Springfield, 111. At the close of the war Mr. Vennum returned to the old homestead, where he was engaged in farming. From there he went to Milford and worked for Gilbert Vennum, in the lumber business, about two years. In 1875 he came to Watseka, and was engaged by Mr. I. C. Wade, as clerk, in the hardware and lumber business, and here he has remained ever since. In 1877 Mr. Vennum enlisted in the Watseka Rifles, Co. A, 9th battalion I. N. G., as sergeant. June 21, 1879, he was elected captain of this company, which position he now holds. In 1875 he wao married to Miss Sarah Garner, of Iroquois county, by whom they have had two children, one living, Vene.

Richard Roberts, farmer, Watseka, was born in Bedford county, Virginia, April 1, 1827, and is the son of Alexander and Annie (Anderson) Roberts, both natives of Virginia. His father was a soldier of the war of 1812. Mr. Roberts was raised on the farm. When he was about two years of age, he moved with his parents to Montgomery county, Kentucky, where he remained until he was about seven years of age, when they moved to Ross county, Ohio. June 6, 1846, Mr. Roberts enlisted for one year in Co. C, 2d Ohio Vol. Inf., and participated in the Mexican war. The regiment was ordered first to Cincinnati, then to New Orleans, then to Brazos Island into Mexico, and then to Buena Vista. While Mr. Roberts was in the service he had the small-pox, from the effects of which he lost part of his eyesight. In 1847 he returned to Ohio. In 1848 he came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and located in Middleport township, where he has been a resident ever since, with the exception of two years when he was in California, gold seeking. He married Miss Mary Jane Eastburn, daughter of Carr and Ann Eastburn, both old settlers. They have five children. Mrs. Ann Eastburn is now living at Mr. Roberts', at the good old age of seventy-eight.

her 23, 1848, and is the son of Micajah Stanley, the old pioneer settler of Iroquois county. He engaged in the livery business in 1874, and since then he has continued in the same business. He is now running the best livery stable in Watseka, and here may be found fine turnouts, and they can be had at reasonable prices. The stable is located in the rear of the Williams House. Mr. Stanley was married to Miss Jennie Edinger, by whom they have one child.

Samuel H. Porter, farmer, Watseka, was born in Middlesex county, Massachusets, February 4, 1818 ; where he remained until he was sixteen years of age, engaged in farming. He then went to Connecticut, and thence to New York. In 1849 he came west to Illinois and located in Iroquois county, on Spring creek, where he remained some five or six years, when he moved his family to Middleport. Mr. Porter was made superintendent of the Poor Farm, and was the first manager of that institution. The building was formerly a log cabin, and from that it has steadily improved, until to-day it is one of the best county poor farms in eastern Illinois. - Mr. Porter remained in office some nine years. He says the first two paupers sent to the farm were Ann Sapp and Margaret Scritchfield. Mr. Porter was married to Miss Lavina Barden, of New York, by whom he has had four children. Since Mr. Porter's connection with the Poor Farm, he has lived on his present homestead.

Rev. William Pentzer, minister and farmer, Woodland, was born November 25, 1819, in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Philip C. Pentzer, a farmer and a shoemaker by trade. When Mr. Pentzer was about seven years of age, he with his parents moved to Ohio and located in Columbiana county, where he remained until he was sixteen years of age. From there he moved to Wyandotte county in the same state, and there remained until he moved to Indiana. Here he first entered the field as a Methodist minister, and traveled in different parts of Indiana for four years. He preached in Parke, Tipton, Clinton and Howard two years, and in Jasper and Jay counties one year each ; these, at that time, were comparatively new counties, and Mr. Pentzer made his trips on horseback, there being but few railroads in that part of the country. He came to Iroquois county and preached here some four years in the Belmont church, the first M. E. church in Iroquois county. He also preached at Middleport, and returned to Indiana and remained there two years ; when he received a call and returned to Iroquois county, where he remained four years. He then went to Clark county, and there remained eight years at Westfield, when he returned to Iroquois county, and here is now engaged with the American Tract Society.

He is living on his farm in Belmont township. Mr. Pentzer was married to Miss Sarah Ann Sexton, of Ohio ; they have had two children, a son and a daughter. The daughter died in 1860 with diphtheria, aged four years and five months. The son, Orrin Wesley, is now engaged in teaching school, and is a graduate of the Westfield College.

Amos White, deceased, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, February 27, 1811, and was the son of Amos White, an Ohio farmer. The subject of this sketch was born on his father's farm, where he remained but a short time, when, with his parents, he moved to Butler county. Here he was married in 1832 to Rebecca Cannedy, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 19, 1812. About 1835 they moved to Benton county, Indiana, where he became a very prominent man and was elected county judge. Here Mr. White, who was one of the early settlers, was engaged in farming. They remained in Benton county until 1849, when they moved to Iroquois county, Illinois, and located near Milford, on 400 acres of land. He was engaged in farming and stock-raising up to the time of his death, which occurred April 28, 1862. Thus passed away one of the old settlers of the county, a man that was beloved for his kindness by every one. He left a wife and five children. In 1864 Mrs. White moved to Watseka, where she has been a resident ever since.

G. W. Parker, merchant and farmer, Watseka, was born in Clinton county, Indiana, in 1842, and is the son of Daniel Parker, who was born in Bordentown, New Jersey, in 1809, and who, with his parents, moved to Ohio when he was about six years of age. In Ohio he was married to Lucy Parker, of Cincinnati. In about 1830 he moved to Indiana, and while a resident there was sheriff of Clinton county. In 1849 he, with his wife and three children, came to Illinois and located in Middleport, where he was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1859 D. Parker & Son commenced the erection of the building now occupied by the " Iroquois County Times." This they finished at a cost of about $2,300, and commenced business in 1860 in dry goods and general merchandise. This being the first store of the kind opened in Watseka, these gentlemen did an extensive business in the dry goods, grain and stock business until the death of Daniel Parker, which occurred September 11, 1877. Thus passed away one of the most prominent and highly respected business men of Iroquois county. He had held several offices of public trust ; was associate judge of Iroquois county, and was a member of the board of supervisors for about ten years. He was a man that began life poor, but with industry and good management he had accumulated in 1849 a fortune amounting to some $20,000. This amount he invested in a stock of goods and loaded them on a steamboat bound for Iowa. The steamboat sank at Vincennes, and he lost his entire stock, with no insurance. He then came to Iroquois county, a poor man. He entered business on a very small capital, but with his good management he had accumulated at his death property valued at $40,000. Mr. G. W. Parker received his principal education at the Albany University, from which he graduated in 1860. He practiced law for a short period, but most of his time has been engaged in the mercantile business as a partner of his father. He is largely engaged in farming. In 1878 he commenced the mercantile business in Ohebanse, where he is now carrying on business, but in the meantime making Watseka his home. Mr. Parker has held several offices of public trust. He has been supervisor of Middleport for one term, and in 1864 was a member of the state legislature. Mr. Parker married Miss Nellie Hamilton, of Green county, New York. They have two children.

Judge Franklin Blades, circuit judge, Watseka, is one of the best known and most highly respected men of Iroquois county. He was born in Rush count}7, of the Hoosier state, November 29, 1830, and is the son of James and Mary (Harcourt) Blades. His father was a native of Soutli Carolina, and was a practicing physician. At an early day he came to Indiana, where he died, near Indianapolis, in 1846. Judge Blades, the subject of this sketch, was raised on the farm, where he received a common-school education at the district school. In 1852 he graduated from the Rush Medical College, of Chicago. In 1854 he was a student of the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia. In 1851 he came to Iroquois county, where he practiced medicine until 1858. In 1856 he was connected with the publishing of the "Iroquois County Republican," and the same year was elected a member of the Illinois legislature. In 1857 he was admitted to practice law at the Illinois state bar. In 1862 he was commissioned surgeon of the 111. Yol. Inf., and served until 1864. In 1877 Mr. Blades was elected circuit judge, and reflected in 1879. Judge Blades was married, in 1854, to Miss Jennie King, of Ohio. They have three children.

J. A. Graham, real estate, Watseka, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, November 23, 18.23, and is the son of James C. and Isabella (Henderson) Graham. His father was a farmer, and here Mr. Graham remained, in his native county, until he was about ten years of age, at which time, with his parents, he moved to Montgomery county, Indiana, on a farm. From the farm, our subject entered a printing office in Crawfordsville, where he learned his trade as a printer. In 1847 and 1848 he was engaged in publishing the "Danville Weekly News," at Danville, Indiana, and from there he went to Crawfordsville, where he was engaged in publishing the " Indiana Christian Herald," since merged into the " Christian Herald," no\v published in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was also foreman of one of the leading newspapers published in Danville, Illinois. In January, 1851, Mr. Graham came to Middleport, and commenced the publication of the " Iroquois County Journal," the first newspaper published in the county. This paper was whig in politics, and started with a circulation of about three hundred subscribers. Mr. Graham was engaged in the publication of the " Journal " about three years, when he sold out to Scott & Keady, who immediately made it a democratic paper. Mr. Graham then moved to Janesville, Wisconsin, and was engaged on the " Janesville "Weekly Gazette." He was also publishing the " Wisconsin Educational Journal," a leading monthly paper. Here he remained until 1856, when he returned to Middleport, and commenced the publication of the " Iroquois County Republican." The first issue was made in May, 1856. Mr. Graham continued the publication of this paper until after the November election, when he sold to Robertson & She ward. In 1857 Mr. Graham was placed on the republican ticket for county clerk, but was defeated by Daniel Fry. At this time the whole of the republican ticket was defeated, but Mr. Graham ran ahead of his ticket. In 1858 and 1859 he was deputy sheriff and constable. In 1861 he volunteered in Co. F, 25th reg. 111. Yol. Inf., for three years. In January, 1862, he was discharged for disability, caused by typhoid fever. He returned to Middleport, where he has remained since, engaged in the real estate business. Mr. Graham has been assessor of Middleport township for ten years, and in this position has given entire satisfaction. He was married, in 1848, to Elizabeth Wilhite, of Hardin county, Kentucky.

Williams Brothers, proprietors of the Woodland Creamery, Woodland, commenced business in June, 1878, and to-day are manufacturing an article of butter that ranks with the leading creameries of Illinois. The building is a fine two-story brick, 36x40 feet, furnished .with all the modern improvements for the manufacture of butter. It is run by steam power, and the whole building is heated by steam in the winter, and in the summer months the first story is kept cool by a pipe running the extent of the building, through which runs water obtained from an artesian well 108 feet deep. On the first floor is the engine room, and the next room is the one used for churning. Each churn holds sixty gallons, and is run by a steam engine of two-horse power. The firm of Williams Brothers has invested about 87,000 in this business, and they own about 175 cows. They employ in the different departments about seventeen hands. In connection with their steam power, they have erected an addition to the main building 36x15 feet, which is used in grinding feed for the stock. The firm is composed of George M. and John S. Williams. George M. was born in Belmont township, Iroquois county, in 1852, and has been a resident in this vicinity all his life. He received a common-school education in the district school, and went to the Onarga College, where he received a commercial education. He was for several years previous to entering the present business, engaged in the stock business. John S. was also born in Belmont township, Iroquois county, in 1855, and received a full commercial education in the Onarga College, and was for a time engaged in the grain and lumber business. Neither of these gentlemen has ever been married.

Daniel W. Ayres, attorney-at-law, Watseka, was born in Hamilton count}r, Ohio, August 24, 1837, and is the son of Jessie B. and Sabra W. (Stathem) Ayres, both natives of New Jersey. They were married in New Jersey, and came over the Alleghany mountains in wagon to Pittsburgh, and then came down the Ohio river on a flat-boat to Cincinnati, and located on a farm in Hamilton county, where they remained until 1852, when they started for Illinois by wagon, and came to Iroquois county and located at Bunkum. It is supposed they brought the first sofa to Iroquois county, and also brought one of the first Durham bulls. In Ohio Mr. Kay, our subject, received his principal education. His brothers commenced the mercantile business in Bunkum. Mr. Ayres clerked for them for several years. He also operated a store for them at Morocco, Indiana. From the store he returned to the farm, and then commenced school teaching, which he followed for a number of years. His first school teaching was in Martin township, where he received some $20 per month. He taught the first school in the district, three miles east of Watseka. He also taught school in Bunkum and Sheldon. In 1863 he went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in prospecting for oil, where he remained until 1865, when he returned to the farm and laid off an addition to Sheldon. Mr. Ayres was admitted to practice law at the Illinois bar in 1870. He was justice of the peace for several years at Sheldon. In 1874 he moved to Watseka and began the practice of law. In 1874 the firm of Ayres & Holland was formed, which is among the leading law firms of the Iroquois county bar. Mr. Ayres has held several offices of public trust. In April, 1877, he was appointed master-in-chancery by Judge Blades. He is a liberal in politics, but at one time was a strong republican. Mr. Ayres was married, in 1863, to Miss Maria Symson, who was born near Rochester, New York. She was for a while engaged in teaching school at Mid.

C. Secrest, Watseka, was born in Davidson county, North Carolina, May 3, 1829, and is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Fouts) Secrest. They came to Indiana and located in Morgan county about 1832. In 1852 Dr. Secrest came to Iroquois county and stopped at Bunkum until 1853, when he came to Middleport. He then went to Chicago and entered the Rush Medical College, from which he graduated in 1854:. He returned to Middleport and began the practice of medicine. He continued there until 1859, when'he moved to Watseka, where he has remained ever since. While a resident in Middleport he was engaged with the drug firm of Secrest, Tillinghast & Co. Since his residence here, Dr. Secrest has held the offices of justice of the peace, town clerk, supervisor and representative. He was elected to the office of representative in 1876. This office he now fills. He was married to Martha Cleaver, daughter of A. Cleaver. They have one child.

B. F. Shankland, deputy county clerk, Watseka, was born in Warren county, Indiana, February 20, 1849, and is the son of Kendall and Amanda (Harris) Shankland, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. In 1853 his parents came to Illinois and located in what is now Prairie Green township, Iroquois county, where the}7 still reside. There the early life of Mr. Shankland wras spent. After fitting himself to enter college he became a student in the law department of the Michigan University of Ann Arbor, from which he graduated in 1874. Returning to Iroquois county, he continued the study of law under Judge M. B. Wright, and in the fall of 1874 was granted a diploma to practice at the Illinois bar. In 1875 he was the temperance candidate for city attorney of Watseka, to which office he was elected for a year term. In 1875 he also accepted the position of deputy county clerk, under Mr. Henry A. Butzow, where he is still engaged. Though Mr. Shankland is still a young man, he has already become well and favorably known among the best citizens of Iroquois county, among whom are to be found many gentlemen of both wealth and culture. His associates are of this class, which fact of itself establishes his standing and ability.

George W. James, farmer and liveryman, Watseka, was born in Warren county, Ohio, January 9, 1844, and is the son of Aaron H. James, who was born November 17, 1801. Aaron James came to Ohio at an early day, where he was engaged in farming. He was married in Ohio to Miss Phoebe Dunham, who was born October 10, 1807. They, with a family of seven children, in 1853, came to Illinois and located in Iroquois county. There were about 80 acres of land improved and a log cabin standing on it, and they moved into the cabin and commenced farming. The present willow trees standing in front of the residence were planted by G. ~W. and W. D. James in 1862. Aaron H. James died April 2, 1878. Phoebe Dunham James died July 11, 1874. Thus passed away two of the old and highly respected citizens of Iroquois county, leaving five children. They had two sons in the late war. James enlisted in the 51st 111. Yol. Inf., and served four years, participating in some of the most severe battles. He was a brave soldier and did good duty. He died March 6,1870. Geo. W. enlisted in Co. A, 76th 111. Vol. Inf., in 1862, and remained until the close of the war, doing good duty. He was married to Miss Hattie McNeir, of Indiana, and they have one child.

Stephen G. Bovie, attorney-at-law, Watseka, is one of the old and leading attorneys of the Iroquois county bar. He was born November 21, 1827, in Livingston county, New York, and is the son of John E. and Amy (Gardner) Bovie. His father was born in New York, where he was engaged in farming. Mr. Bovie's grandmother and grandfather lived to be nearly a hundred years of age. The subject of this sketch was born and raised on his father's farm, where he was engaged in farming, and in the winter months attended the district schools, where he received a common-school education. He began school-teaching, and taught school in Livingston and Monroe counties. New York. He was also reading law, and in the winter of 1851-2 he was admitted to practice law at the bar in Monroe county, New York. In 1853 he came west to Illinois and located at Middleport, Iroquois county, where he was engaged about one year in teaching school. He then commenced the practice of law. His circuit then embraced the counties of Kankakee, Grundy, La Salle, Will, Iroquois, Champaign and Ford. He traveled with the judges in the days of Abraham Lincoln and David Davis. Mr. Bovie became well acquainted 'with these gentlemen. Mr. Bovie is to-day one of the oldest attorneys of the Iroquois county bar. He was master-in-chancery for some five or six years. In this office he gave entire satisfaction. He is a republican in politics, and was a delegate to the Bloomington convention in 1856, when the republican party was organized, and he took an active part in the convention. Mr. Bovie was married in Monroe county, New York, in 1852, to Miss Julia A. Symson, of Monroe county, New York, daughter of Benjamin Symson, one of the old settlers of Monroe county.

L. Steely, merchant in the old town of Middleport, Watseka, was a business man of the once busy town of Middleport when it was the county seat of Iroquois. All its merchants have moved away or passed beyond the shores of the unknown river with this one exception. L. Steely was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, December 4, 1819. His parents were David and M. (Carothers) Steely. When Mr. Steely was only six years old he moved to Pickaway county, and from there they moved to Tippecanoe county, Indiana. In La Fayette Mr. Steely was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1853 he came to Middleport and entered the mercantile business. He first hauled his goods by wagon from La Fayette. He carried on the mercantile business about four years, when he entered the saw-mill business, where he remained some sixteen years. From that he entered his present business. Mr. Steely is a strong greenbacker in politics. He was married, in Tippecanoe county, to Miss Mariah Ermy, by whom he had four children. He had one son in the late war, James M., who enlisted in the one hundred days' service. He was honorably mustered out. Mr. Steely's mother and father both died in Warren county, Indiana.

Samuel West, farmer, Watseka, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, June 6, 1821, and is the son of John and Azuga (Wilson) West. He was raised on the farm, and helped his father at the carpenter's trade. When young he moved with his parents to Warren county, Indiana. Mr. West learned the wheelwright trade under Z. and J. Parker. From Indiana he came to Illinois, and worked with his brother in erecting a mill at Bulvonia's Grove, in Kankakee county. He remained with his brother until 1852, erecting mills at different points. In 1852 Mr. West went to California, gold-seeking, and there he remained until 1854. He returned to Iroquois county, and has remained a resident here ever since. He was married in Iroquois county, November 25, 1845, to Miss Susanna Rush, daughter of Samuel Rush. She was born in Pennsylvania, January 9, 1823, and came to Iroquois county about 1830. They have four children.

William Warren, merchant, Woodland, was born August 4, 1835, in Crawford county, Illinois, and is the son of Samuel S. Warren, who was one of the early settlers of Crawford county. When Mr. Warren was very young, he moved with his parents to Perrysville, Vermilion county, Indiana, where his father died. His mother married the second time. They came to Illinois, and located on a farm in Belmont township, and here our subject was engaged in farming until 1877, when he entered his present business in Woodland. He occupies a building 20x50 feet, two stories high, and is doing a general merchandise and grain business. Mr. Warren has held several offices of public trust in Belmont township: collector, commissioner of highways, and town clerk. In these offices he has given entire satisfaction. He had three brothers in the late war, two died in service. In December, 1878, Mr.

E. M. Amos, attorney-at-law, Watseka, was born May 1, 1851, in Warren county, Indiana. He removed with his parents from his native state in the winter of 1855, and settled in Iroquois county. He received the rudiments of his education seated on a rough oak board, in a still rougher school-house, erected by the joint eiforts of some of the pioneers. At the age of twenty, resolving upon a more liberal education, he left the farm, where he had spent fifteen years of his life, and started to school. He spent some time at the Grand Prairie Seminary at Onarga, and afterward removed to the North western University at Evanston, where he received his principal education. Returning home in 1874, he promptly commenced the study of law with A. J. Clark, of Sheldon, Illinois. He afterward removed to Watseka, and finished his law studies with T. B. Harris, state's attorney for Iroquois county, and was admitted to the bar January 4, 1878, by the supreme court at Springfield. In February, 1878, he formed a law partnership with H. C. Stearns, under the firm name of Stearns & Amos, which still exists. He is a genial gentleman, qiflet and unobtrusive, a close student, loves books and literary pursuits, and is fond of military display, being a member of the I. N". Gr., and one of the finest rifle shots in the company. His father, Stephen S. Amos, is a native of West Virginia, and first visited this county before its organization. His uncle, Jesse Amos, was one of the first settlers of Iroquois county.

P. Johns, photograph artist, Watseka, was born in Clinton county, -Ohio, July 9, 1839. With his parents he moved to Missouri, thence to Ohio, and thence to Indiana. From there, in 1855, he moved to Iroquois county, and located at Martinton. Here, in Iroquois county, he was engaged in teaching school, but learned the trade of a photograph artist under the superintendency of Mr. Weaver. In 1865 he went to Gilman, and commenced the photograph business, and from there to Bunkum, thence to Sheldon. In 1871 he returned to Watseka and built his present place of business.

Moses West, farmer, Watseka, is one of the prominent farmers of Iroquois county. He was born in Warren county, Indiana, May 4, 1834, and is the son of John and Azuga (Wilson) West. He remained a resident of Warren county until he was about twenty-two years of age, when, in 1856, he came to Iroquois county, and was engaged in the milling business with his brothers at Texas. Here he remained some five years, when he went west to Pike's Peak, seeking gold. He met with very poor success, and returned to Iroquois county, and has remained here ever since, engaged in farming. . He moved to his present farm in 1871, and is engaged in farming 300 acres of land. He was married, in Middleport township, to Miss Elizabeth J. Pinnes, of Iroquois county. She died, and he was married to his present wife, Miss Louisa Lannaker, of Iroquois county. He is the father of five children ; three by his first wife, and two by his present wife. Mr. West enlisted at the first call in. the late civil war in Co. I, 20th reg. 111. Vol. Inf., but on account of being crippled in the left arm, was exempted.

"William Brown, farmer, Watseka, is one of the leading and successful farmers of Iroquois county. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, December 27, 1827, and is the son of Joseph and Lucy (Johnson) Brown. His father was a native of Virginia, and was engaged in farming. William Brown was raised on the farm, and remained a resident of Butler county until he was three years of age, when, with his parents, he moved to Indiana. Here they remained a short time, when they returned to Ohio, where his mother died. His father remarried, and returned with his family to Indiana. Here our subject remained until 1856, when he moved to Iroquois county and rented a farm just opposite his present place. Here he remained until he built a log cabin west of his present residence, where he remained until he built the the present place, which is perhaps one of the finest homes in Iroquois county. When he came here the country was wild, with but little improvements. On his farm he has made all the improvements. He married, in Laporte county, Indiana, Miss Adaline Morrison, daughter of John P. Morrison. They have five children. Mr. Brown is a member of the Prairie Dell M. E. church.

The firm of Bishop & Laroch, pioneer furniture dealers of Iroquois county, Watseka, has been established since the year 1862. It is one of the largest, most reputable, and successful in Iroquois county, and holds a position for integrity in business above an average character. John H. Bishop was born in Windom county, Vermont, March 5, 1818. In his native county Mr. Bishop learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. From Vermont he moved to Massachusetts, where he remained until 1856, when he started west with his wife (formerly Elizabeth McColby, whom he married at Grafton, Vermont) and one child. They came to Illinois, and located in Iroquois county. They remained a short time at Onarga, and in the fall of 1856 moved to Middleport, where Jflr. Bishop was engaged in contracting and building. He built a great many buildings in Middleport, among which may be mentioned the Presbyterian church, which was one of the first churches built in this vicinity. He also built the school-house at Middleport. Mr. Bishop has held several offices of public trust : alderman and city treasurer, in which offices he has given entire satisfaction. Hypolite Laroch was born in Montreal, Canada, December 12, 1838. In Canada, with his father, he learned the trade of a cabinet and wagon-maker. In 1855 he came to Illinois, and located in Kankakee city, where he remained about nine months, and then came to Iroquois county in 1856, and located in Middleport. He commenced to work in a wagon-shop, and became owner of one of the leading shops in Middleport. He is now an alderman of Watseka. In 1862 the firm of Bishop & Laroch was formed. They remained in Middleport until 1863, and then moved their business to Watseka, into a building near Maj. Peter's book-store, where they remained until they erected their present shops, which are located on Main street, east of the First National Bank building, size 20x90 feet, two stories high. These gentlemen came to Iroquois county very poor, but with good health, knowing their trade, they went to work and succeeded. These gentlemen have had many years' experience in the furniture business, and by close application to the same in its various details, have been enabled to manufacture and buy at such figures as have enabled them to sell a fine quality of furniture at the most reasonable prices. They keep on hand a large stock of the different qualities and styles of all kinds of goods, from which a person in any station of life may select just what he wants. Besides furniture, these gentlemen are engaged in the undertaking business.

Peter C. Hoyt, justice of the peace, Watseka, was born in Greene county, New York, June 7, 1840, and is the son of Henry and Sallie (Conine) Hoyt, both natives of 'New York. His father was a blacksmith by trade, and was engaged also in farming. Mr. Hoyt was brought up on the farm. In about 1848, with his parents, he moved to Wayne county, New York, where they remained until 1856. His mother died in New York, September, 1855. In 1856, with his father and five children, he came west to Illinois and located in Texas, Iroquois county. In 1858 Mr. Hoyt commenced farming, working by the month in the summer time, and in the winter months attending school. In 1861 he enlisted in the late civil war, in Co. C, 51st 111. Vol. Inf., as fifer. He did duty fourteen months, and on account of sickness was honorably discharged. He returned to Iroquois county and engaged in farming until 1875, when he came to Watseka and commenced the lumber business, in which he is still engaged. In 1877 Mr. Hoyt was elected to the office of justice of the peace. This office he now fills, and is giving entire satisfaction.