Iroquois County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1880 (part 9 of 20)

D. Kerr, county school superintendent, is one of the prominent men of Gilman. He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1821, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Mercer) Kerr. His mother was a native of Virginia and his father of Pennsylvania. William Kerr was a carpenter by trade, and followed fanning the latter part of his life. When Mr. Kerr, the subject of this sketch, was very young, with his parents he moved to Ohio, and finally located in Rich- land county, where he was one of the early settlers. Here Mr. Kerr received his principal education at the Ashland Academy. He taught school in the winter time and attended school in the summer. About 1851 he began to read law, and in 1853 was admitted to the bar, at Columbus, Ohio. He then began the practice of law in Crawford county, and practiced about one year. He was made superintendent of the Bucyrus schools, where he remained about two years. He went thence to Galion, where he accepted a similar position, and remained there some six years. Subsequently he embarked in the mercantile business in Galion. In 1868 he came west to Illinois and located at Gilman, where he began the practice of law. In 1873 he was nominated on the farmers' independent ticket for the office of school superintendent of Iroquois county, and was elected, and reflected to the same office by a large majority in 1877. This office he still holds, and is considered to be one of the best county school superintendents Iroquois county has ever had. Mr. Kerr is also engaged in the practice of law. He is liberal in his politics, voting the republican ticket for president, and for the best man at county elections. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. He was married to Miss Jennie M. Munerly, of New York, and they have four children.

James H. Allen, banker, Gilman, is one of the most enterprising business men of the city. He was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1832, and is the son of Andrew and Sophia (Bennett) Allen, both natives of Ohio. When Mr. Allen was very young, with his parents he moved to Indiana, and located on a farm in Clinton county. About 1855 he made a trip to Middleport, Iroquois county, with the intention of entering the mercantile business, but he returned to Indiana and commenced the dry-goods business at Williamsport, where he remained until about 1862, when he came to Iroquois county and commenced the dry-goods business in Middleport, and remained there until 1868, when he came to Gilman and engaged in the mercantile business until 1873, when he entered the general banking business, and to-day is recognized as one of the successful men of Iroquois county. He is a republican in politics.

August A. Hauback, farmer, La Hogue, is a native of Germany, where he was born August 3, 1833. In 1853 he emigrated to the United States and settled in Norwich, Connecticut, where he followed the business of house-painting, and remained there eleven years. In November, 1858, he married Mary Berger, who is also a native of Germany, born November 26, 1838. In 1869 Mr. Hauback came to Iroquois county and settled on the land he still occupies, the W. -£ of S.E. £ of Sec. 5, T. 26, E,. 10 E. He had previously, however, lived in New Albany, Indiana, and Fulton county, Illinois. The family consists of four sons and one daughter, besides the parents. Mr. Hauback has witnessed many of the rapid changes that have taken place in this county. He has an excellent farm and is in prosperous circumstances. He has been clerk of this school district for several years. The names of their children are: George, August F., John B., Eliza Jane and William A.

Charles C. Stone, merchant, commenced business in Gil man in the year 1869, and since that time has succeeded in establishing a firstclass trade, and become recognized as one of the leading merchants of Gilman. He was born in Fayette county, Indiana, in 1848. His parents both died there, leaving a family of six children. Mr. Stone remained in Fayette county until 1856, when he moved to Wabash, Wabash county, Indiana, and at sixteen years of age be began to learn the trade of a harness-maker. Mr. Stone remained at Wabash until 1869, when he and his brother, William D., came to Gilman and embarked in the mercantile business by opening a general stock on Crescent street. The firm was known as Stone Brothers. It continued until 1877, when Mr. Charles C. Stone became entire owner. From Crescent street Mr. Stone moved to his present place of business, located near the post-office. He occupies a large double-room. The main room, 22 X 24 feet, is used for his general stock of dry-goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, etc. The other portion, 22 x 20 feet, is used for his ready-made clothing, of which he carries a full and complete stock. In 1879 Mr. Stone established a branch store at Thawville, where he keeps a general stock of goods. This store is conducted b}' Mr. G. C. Lindsey. Mr. Stone is probably the largest dealer in dry-goods and general goods in Gilman.

S. S. Cone, attorney-at-law, Gilman, was born in Fulton county, Illinois, June 25, 184-3, and is the son of Spencer Cone, who came to Illinois and located in Fulton county at an early day, being among the first settlers of that county. Mr. Cone was brought up on the farm. He received his principal education at the district schools, where he prepared himself for college, and was a student of Knox College, of Knox county, Illinois. He graduated from the Albany Law School, of Albany, New Tork, in 1868. He commenced the practice of law in Farmington, where he remained but a short time. In 1869 he came to Gilman and commenced the practice of law. Here he has remained ever since. He was for two years city attorney of Gilman, where he is the oldest practicing lawyer.

the frame building opposite their present place of business, where they remained in business until 1878, at which time they built their present building, which is a substantial brick, size 25 X 85 feet, one story high, with basement. These gentlemen keep on hand a general stock of dry-goods and groceries, and everything that can be found in a first-class general store. Mr. A. Crook, the senior member of the firm, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1840. He was a soldier of the late war, having enlisted in Co. D, 149th Pa. Yol. Inf., in 1862, for three years. He served with the army of the Potomac. He was a brave soldier and did good duty, participating in a number of severe battles: Belle Plaine, Gettysburg and others. At the latter place at noon, July 1, 1863, he was shot in the right leg, and was then sent to the hospital, and July 2 his leg was amputated. He lay in the hospital (a church) in Gettysburg, and from there was sent to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he remained for a number of months. Mr. Crook is a graduate of the Iron City Commercial College of Pittsburgh. Thomas A. is the junior member of the firm. These gentlemen are doing a good business, and are recognized by the public as leading liberal business men of Gilman.

Robert B. Johnston, farmer, Gilman, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, May 7, 1840, and is a son of Thomas and Hannah Johnston. When ten years of age, his parents removed to Rock Island, Illinois. At the age of sixteen Mr. Johnston crossed the plains with oxen to California. Here he remained eight years. Two years were spent in the mines, and for six years he was superintendent of a line of stages between San Diego and Yuma. Returning to Missouri he enlisted in the 4th Mo. Inf., B Gratz Brown, colonel ; also served in Gen. Fremont's body-guard. He then became forage-master under Seigel, and saw service at Pea Ridge. His next service was as master of transportation, and he was stationed at Alton, Illinois. At the close of the war Mr. Johnston returned to California, where he remained until 1869. He then commenced farming near Rock Island, where he remained until the great Chicago fire, when he removed to Iroquois county, Douglas township, and opened a farm on section 2, where he at present resides. Mr. Johnston was married in 1860 to Miss Elizabeth Dutcher. They have four children.

West & McKinney, liverymen, Gilman, have had a very extensive experience in the livery business. Mr. West was engaged in the livery business for eight years at Onarga, where he kept a good livery stable and received a first-class patronage. In 1879 he came to Gilman, and the firm of West & McKinney was organized. These gentlemen occupy a good, first-class stable, and keep on hand seven horses and five good buggies.

Almet Powell, merchant, Gilman, is a member of the lirm of Dent & Powell. He was born in Greene county, New York, where he remained until he was nine years of age, then came west to Illinois and located in Marshall county, where he was engaged in farming until 1862, when he embarked in the mercantile business in Lawn Ridge, Marshall county, by opening out a general stock of merchandise. Here he was engaged in business until 1871, when he came to Gilman, and has been in the mercantile business ever since. The firm of Dent & Powell is located at the corner of Main and Central streets. They occupy a large store, size 20 x 80 feet. The first floor is used for drygoods, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps and groceries, and the second floor for carpets. This firm does one of the largest trades in Gilman. The firm of Dent & Powell was formed some three years ago. Mr. J. O. Dent is a very prominent business man. He was elected to the state legislature from La Salle county, and was also a member of the constitutional convention.

John W. Zea, grain and hay dealer, La Hogue, was born in Cazenovia, New York, and is the son of William and Laura Zea. His family moved to La Salle county, Illinois, in 1846, where his father engaged in farming, entering the land he occupied. John W. was married, March 17, 1855, to Miss Mary E. Arris, who was born in Lincoln county, Maine. They have nine children, all living. In 1868 Mr. Zea opened a farm in Ford county, three miles west of La Hogue, and in 1872 removed to the village and commenced dealing in grain, hay and coal. Mr. Zea has also been engaged in a general merchandise business ; has been agent for the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad at La Hogue, and has held the position of postmaster for four years. Through Mr. Zea's energy and business talent a large trade has been drawn to this point, until La Hogue has become one of the important shipping points on the line of this road. Large quantities of hay are pressed and shipped. Mr. Zea is a Mason and an Odd-Fellow.

John W. Snyder, physician, Gilman, is one of the leading physicians of Iroquois county. He was born in Macon county, Illinois, in 1834, and is the son of Albert G. Snyder, who was among the first settlers of Macon county, Illinois, having moved there in 1831 or 1832, when there were Indians yet in that locality. He is now living in Kansas. At the age of twenty-one Dr. Snyder began the study of medicine. In 1859 he graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine, of Louisville, Kentucky. He first began the practice of medicine in Sullivan, Moultrie county, Illinois, where he remained some five years. He then went to De Witt county, where he practiced about eight years. In 1872 he came to Gilman, where he has continued in the practice of medicine. His office is located in the City Drug Store, which building was the first school-house built in Oilman. Dr. Snyder is a member of the Illinois Central Medical Society.

William M. Jones, hardware merchant, Gilman, was born on a farm in Wabash county, Indiana, where he remained, engaged in farming, until he was about seventeen years of age, when he came to Illinois and located in Edgar county. Here, at the breaking out of the late war, he enlisted, on the first call, in Co. E, 12th 111. Yol. Inf., as private for three months. He served full time, and immediately reenlisted for three years. He participated in some of the most severe battles of the war : Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, siege of Corinth and the battle of Corinth. At the latter place, on October 3, 1863. he was shot through the body with a musket-ball from the enemy, the ball piercing the right lung. He was then placed in the hospital, where he remained some thirty days, and from there home, where'he lay on his bed, not able to get up for six months. He afterward joined his regiment again, but was not fit for active duty, and was honorably mustered out August, 1864. He returned to his home in Edgar county and. worked at his trade, harness-maker, in Mattoon, Coles county, where he remained about one year. From there he went to Neoga, Cumberland county, where he carried on the harness business, and from that he embarked in the grocery and hardware business. He remained there until 1873, and in November of the same year came to Oilman and commenced the hardware business in his present stand. The building is a large two-story brick, size 22 X 90 feet, with a basement. The whole building is used by Mr. Jones, the first floor for hardware and stoves, and the second floor as a tin-shop. This store is the largest and oldest hardware establishment in Gilman. The firm was first composed of Jones Brothers, which continued some two years, when Mr. Jones' brother (Hamlin) retired. Hamlin Jones was also a soldier of the late war, serving three years in an Indiana battery. He is now engaged in the hardware business in Neoga, Cumberland county, Illinois.

Logan Edmunds, farmer, Oilman, son of Daniel and Eliza J. Edmunds, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, December 13, 1850. He was educated at Monmoilth College, "Warren county, Illinois. After graduating, Mr. Edmunds came to this township, in the summer of 1873, and settled on section 3, where he continues to reside. He has an excellent farm, and has been engaged in farming since leaving school. Mr. Edmunds is unmarried, is an Odd-Fellow, and in politics is a republican. His parents still reside in Henderson county.

September 28, 1811, and is the son of Harvey Moore, a native of New Hampshire. He remained a resident of York county until about 1826, when he moved to Cumberland county, of the same state, and subsequently to Massachusetts. Mr. Moore had learned the trade of a saddle-maker. This business he carried on for a number of years. He returned to Maine, and from there he went to Canada ; thence back to Maine, and in 1855 came west to Illinois. He located in La Salle county, and in 1869 came to Gilman. He remained but a short time, however, when he moved to Arkansas, and in 1874 returned to Gilman. Here Mr. Moore has remained ever since. He first commenced the manufacture of ,brick. He made the brick that built the two storerooms in the north end of Wenger's Block. Mr. Moore occupies one room for his drug store. In 1876 Mr. Moore was elected to the office of police magistrate, which office he now fills. He is a republican in politics. He had one son, Justin Moore, in the late war. He enlisted at the beginning of the war, and served in the 33d 111. Yol. Inf. until the close of the war, participating in the last battle of the war, - the battle of Mobile, - and the capture of the Blakeley batteries. He was a brave soldier, and did good service. He was mustered out in December, 1865, but on account of sickness he had contracted in the army, died eight days after his discharge. Mr. Moore married twice. His first wife, Selestia Lilies, is deceased. His present wife was Sarah S. Larnerd. They have one child.

Larnoreanx Bros., Gilman, are among the leading grain merchants of Iroquois county. They commenced business in Gilman in August, 1875, and to-day are one of the oldest grain firms of this place. The firm is composed of L. and A. Lamoreaux, both natives of Albany county, New York. They came west, and have since been engaged at their present business. Their warehouse is a large first-class elevator, with a capacity of 12,000 bushels. They have also crib capacity of 35,000 bushels. They have done a business amounting to 100,000 bushels in one year. They find sales for their grain in Chicago and the eastern markets.

Dr. S. F. Heath, physician, Gilman, was born in Merrimack county, New Hampshire, September 23, 1842, and is the son of D. G. and Sarah (Moore) Heath. The subject of this sketch is a graduate of Harvard University, in the medical department, having graduated in 1866. He practiced medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, a short time, and then came west to Illinois and commenced the practice of medicine at Dwight, Livingston county, where he remained some three years. From there he went to Nebraska, and thence to Streator, Illinois, where he was engaged in the drug business. In the spring

Rev. Moses Noerr, pastor of the Presbyterian church, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1833, and is the son of John and Wilhelmina (Brant) Noerr, both natives of Germany, who moved to America when very young. The Rev. Noerr is a graduate of Amherst College, of Amherst, Massachusetts, from which he graduated in 1855. He graduated from the Princeton Theological Seminary, of Princeton, New Jersey, in 1859. His first charge was with the Presbyterian church of Maquoketa, Iowa, where he remained until 1865. While in Maquoketa, in 1860, he was regularly ordained as a minister. Since leaving that place he has been engaged in preaching at 'the following places: Belleview, Iowa; Arlington and Milan, Illinois. He came to Gil man, and December 1, 1877, took charge of the Presbyterian church here.

Koerner & Keller, blacksmiths and wagon-makers, Gilman, commenced business in Gilman in 1877. Henry Koerner was born in Will county, Illinois, April 7, 1857, where he remained until he was eighteen years of age, engaged in working on the farm. He then went to Peotone, where he commenced to learn his trade, and remained there some three years. From there he went to Frankfort, and from there he came to Gilman, where he has remained in business. George Keller was born in Cook county, Illinois, July 1, 1853, and at about seventeen years of age commenced to learn the trade of a blacksmith at Peotone, where he owned a shop. In 1877 he came to Gilman, and to-day is a member of the firm of Koerner & Keller. Since these gentlemen have been at work in Gilman, they have made and sold some twenty-five or thirty wagons of their own make.

Father Patrick Aloysius McGair, Catholic priest, Gilman, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, February 8, 1854, and is the son of Patrick McGair, a native of Ireland, who was employed by the Rhode Island Beach and Dyke Works, at one time being manager of the works. He was killed by the machinery in 1878. The subject of this sketch received his principal education at the public schools of Providence, and is a graduate of the St. Charles College of Baltimore, from which he graduated in 1875. Father McGair commenced study for the priesthood in 1870. He was ordained a priest in Peoria, Illinois, on June 29, 1878. His first appointment was at Wataga, Knox county, Illinois, wheje he remained until 1879, when he came to Gilman and took charge of this church.

Artesia township is the second from the southern line of the county, in the western tier of townships, and embraces all of town 25 north, range 10 east of the 3d principal meridian ; and the fractional tier of sections, known as range 11 east ; and the western four tiers of sections in range 14 west of the 2d principal meridian. It is ten and a half miles long east and west, by six in breath. Spring creek runs nearly through the center of the township, having upon it originally a beautiful strip of timber, averaging about one mile in width, and the Illinois Central railroad runs across its center, having on it Buckley Station, a village of several hundred inhabitants. The farm lands lying off to the west of the railroad are beautifully rolling, and present a fine appearance, as most of the farm houses are of a good order and well built.

The only early settlements in this township were along the belt of timber which skirts the creek. Jacob Hull settled early on section 25, and for many years was largely interested in cattle, keeping <a large herd, and a portion of the time a thoroughbred herd. He died in 1876. His widow, two sons and two daughters reside here still. J. S. McClave came here in 1853. There were no families living west of the railroad to the county line. The section house was all that was- to be seen from the creek west as far as the eye could reach. Grand Prairie was grand then. He entered the south half of section 15 at the government price, $2.50 per acre, and retains the land yet. He has been a successful farmer, and for several years has been largely engaged in the grain trade. J. A. Drake bought 520 acres in section 29, 1855. With the large range then, he engaged largely in the cattle business, both grazing and stall feeding, feeding some years as many as two hundred 'head. At first he bought in this vicinity, but latterly was obliged to bring them from the west. As late as 1872 and 1873, the prairies of Iroquois county were the feeding grounds of herds which came in here from La Salle county. For several years thousands of cattle were driven in from the more populous counties northwest of here in the spring and returned in the fall. In 1871 Mr. Drake built one of the finest farm houses in the county at a cost of $5,000, which was burned to the ground with much of its contents, Sunday, October 5, 1879. He kept sheep for eight years, having as many as 900 at a time. He is still feeding cattle, though not so largely as formerly. Like most of the cattle men in this and the counties west of here, he only handles a car-load or two at a time, where hundreds were fed formerly. There are several reasons for this : First and foremost is the unpleasant fact that nearly all of them lost heavily on cattle during the few years past, and are not in condition to risk as much now ; and secondly, the multiplication of railroads and the reduced freight have made corn-selling more popular than formerly, and reducing the large prairies here to farms has driven the accumulation of large herds of cattle to the western frontier, and flax -raising has taken a portion of the land which was devoted to cattle, requiring less capital and making its return in from eight to twelve months earlier. Mr. Drake has this year raised 300 acres of flax.

P. M. Cannedy, who lived across the line on section 24, in Ford county, owned considerable land in sections 19 and 30 of this township. He was largely engaged in cattle and sheep, but traded his large farm at $65 per acre for business property in Cincinnati. F. A. Harris, on section 18, formerly kept about 1,500 sheep. After the war the sheep speculation took a reversion, and diseases set in which carried off many of them.

George Webster was here farming the Campbell land in 1856. Jonas Pusey came here about the same time, and still lives on the northeast quarter of section 22. He has interested himself in whatever will advance the general welfare. He was one of the first to suggest the benefits to be derived from a mill to work up the flax straw, thus adding about two dollars per acre annual profit to all land planted to flax (enough to pay the interest on the cash value of the land), and was one of the first to put his view to practical use.

Captain Woodleton and Elijah Woodletoii came here about the same time, but did not remain long. They liked hunting as well as Judge Pierson, but somehow they did not like the other inducements. J. P. Bibler had a farm here about the same date, and Parker Dresser, who was making a small fortune in what was called the "land office business" at Danville, had an improvement on the southwest quarter of section 19, about 1854 or 1855. Dresser bought corn here in 1860, and soon after put up a large elevator at Fairbury, which was burned in the first great fire in that town, about 1867.

George Needham was early on section 17", and sold and went to Kansas. Thomas "Williams, now a prosperous and respected citizen of Hoopeston, was an early resident on section 21, where Mr. Trusein now lives, and Mr. Day was eagly where his family now lives. Wesley Harvey had improved the farm where Isaac Whitehead lives, east of the creek, early, and sold it to Wilson Devore. Devore sold it to Thonuis Pagget, who remained there about five years, and sold and went to Indiana. Mr. Whitehead lias about 400 acres of land, with fair improvements. He has one of the finest barns in the township.

John Montgomery also had a farm early in that part of the township. Reuben Durbin lived south of Hnlts. He was noted for raising the first and the finest pair of twins in this part of the country. He died here, and his widow lives in Onarga. Mr. Griffin commenced an improvement near there, and George Underwood, from Georgetown, Vermilion county, moved in about the same time.

Lewis and Michael Burlein commenced a farm on the prairie, where Michael now resides, as early as 1856 or 1857. James Carter, from Belmont county, Ohio, who now resides in Buckley, came to the western side of Ash Grove in 1856. His sons, William S. and Andrew L., went to the army. The former died soon "after his return. Andrew resides on the farm. Eli Strawn, from La Salle county, who had been a pioneer in that part of the state, and who belonged to a family which had a national reputation for energy, enterprise and vast business undertakings, came here in 1869 and purchased a half section which lay east of the creek.

Very little of the farming land of this township is owned by nonresidents. Messrs. Koplin, Strawn, Hartshorn, McClave, Lincoln, and other business men in Buckley, own considerable land. The former has sixteen farms in this and adjoining townships. They consider them good investments, and expect to see them still more valuable.

One of the most shocking crimes, and in its circumstances one of the saddest that was ever committed in the county, was the murder, by Fred Keoster, alias Fritz Rafter, of his wife, Mary, on the night of August 26, 1879. Only a year previously Keoster had married Mary Burmeister, a pleasant and agreeable girl, the daughter of parents living near by, and lived on a small place of 11 acres which he owned, near the railroad, three miles northeast of Buckley. So far as the public is informed, no unpleasantness existed between them until shortly before the crime was committed, when her condition of approaching maternity rendered her unable to work in the field, and she declined to help him. Naturally avaricious, he seems to have become incensed at this, and complained that her family were encouraging her in her course. On August 26 he drew some money on his flax-seed, saying that he wanted it to pay a note, and this was the last seen of him here until his arrest, a month later, in Iowa, where he had taken refuge. The next morning Mrs. Koester's sister went to the house and found it vacant, but with stains of blood and other indications of the terrible deed. Search was made by those who assembled, and the body was found with a gun-wound and horribly chopped with an ax, lying in a ditch in the orchard. There could be only one theory, and that was that Koester was the author of this terrible crime. The horrible story of Mera was retold, and his tragic death. Vengeance was pledged from mouth to mouth, and had the criminal been then found, there can be little doubt what the result would have been. Fortunately, before he was found the feeling had considerably toned down. Ten years ago hanging for murder had well-nigh, as one criminal actually said, " played out " in Illinois, but the recent execution of several who had been proved guilty has very much changed the sentiment of her citizens in regard to lynching. The story of Keoster's escape and capture is short. He rode his horse to Ashkum, where he abandoned it, and walked to Clifton, the next station north, where he took the train to Chicago and went directly to Iowa, from which place he wrote a letter to some relatives in Nebraska, by which tell-tale letter he was traced and arrested. Artesia was set oiffrom the townships of Loda and Onarga, March 17, 1864, and organized by the election of J. S. Pusey as supervisor; W. G. Riggs, clerk, and E. L. Gibson as assessor. The principal officers of the township are at present: J. G. McClave, supervisor ; M. M. Meacham, clerk ; J. C. Harlan, assessor, and J. M. Lindenmeyer, collector. The justices of the peace during the political life of the township have been : Ira A. Manley, Japheth Hull, J. K. Smith, L. Grove, Calvin Newlin, Samuel Kerns, J. M. Riggs, M. M. Meacham and John Newlin. At the first election, in 1864, there were seventy-six votes cast. At the last election the number had increased to 271, which indicates an increase in population of about 100 per cent every ten years.

Ira A. Manley, who, during nearly all of the life of this village has been a prominent business man here, came to reside here in 1856. He had entered into a contract with the railroad company for the land upon which the village stands, arid rightly judged that this would be the place for a shipping point. He proposed to lay out a town plat and make this the central place for business between the two, Loda and Onarga, on either side. He secured a station, and named it from a relative in Philadelphia, Bulkley. The following year Franklin Pierson came to visit him. This was a queer place to come.on a visit. There was nothing here but a station, not even a switch, and the scattering farmers back a few miles had hardly heard either of Bulkley or Manley. But Pierson was captivated with the situation. It was good hunting, and that was enough. He concluded to remain. They two did the grading and furnished the ties for a switch, and then Pierson

W. J. Riggs, from Chester county, Pennsylvania, had been in the northern part of this state for a short time, and came here in 1859 and built and occupied the first store here. This was the building now occupied for a paint shop. Pierson wjys a public-spirited man, and hence was obliged to make a hotel of his house, and for several years it was the only one in town. This same year Manley assigned his contract for the land to John A. Koplin, of Philadelphia, and he secured a postoffice here, and named it Buckley, dropping out the I from the first syllable for euphony's sake, but retaining the name as nearly as it was for Manley's sake. The station is still called Bulkley. In 1862 Mr. Koplin came here and laid out the town in July of that year, on the N".W. \ of the N". -§- of Sec. 26, six blocks, four of which, between Railroad avenue and Oak street, were laid out in lots. Several additions have since been made by various parties. Mr. Koplin went into business with Mr. Riggs, and continued with him for some time. They built the store now occupied as a public hall, and Mr. Koplin built the house now occupied by Mr. Hartshorn. Mr. Manley continued to deal in grain, and for some years in lumber, and put up a small grain warehouse and corn-mill.

During the war the supply of sugar was so restricted, and the price so advanced, that it became an object for the western farmers to raise their own, and the raising of sorghum became very general. Messrs. Manley & Koplin put up a mill, 30 x 50, well supplied with the necessary machinery to reduce the cane to syrup. They paid farmers an average of about $15 per acre for their cane, and ran the mill three falls, usually for about two months each, making about one thousand barrels each season, which was sold to Belcher, in Chicago, for refining. The barrels were brought from Chicago. Mr. Koplin then sold his interest in it to Manley, who soon abandoned the business and converted the building into a tow-mill, but did not carry out the plan. Riggs & McClave then bought the building and put in a planing-mill. After running it a year they sold the building and the property to the district, and the building underwent another change, so that now, instead of tow and lumber, the rising generation of Buckley is properly " flaxed " and " dressed down " within its walls.

Mr. Manley continued the grain trade until 1872, when he sold to J. S. McClave, who commenced the building of the elevator, but sold it before completion to Chase & Hurlbutt. J. B. Meserve built the north elevator in 1870. The following year W. L. R. Johnson joined him in business, and remained with him a year. Mr. Meserve was carrying on the grain business at Roberts, and removed there. The elevator he built here is 60x60, with a capacity of 20,000 bushels. Mr. Johnson has continued the grain business, building the small flaxhouse in 1872, and conducts a like business at Thomasboro. The flaxseed trade is a growing one, and one that to the farmer is fairly remunerative. About 1863, E. W. Blatchford, a man largely interested in the manufacture and trade in oils, and a business acquaintance of Mr. Koplin's, called his attention to the advantages which the farmers of this part of the state would reap from engaging in flax culture, and proposed to loan seed for planting to those who would undertake to engage in the business. Mr. Koplin became at once interested in the matter of a new industry for farmers, and urged its introduction. It soon spread over this and the adjoining counties, and is believed to have proved a decided advantage to the producers, especially where they have, as at Buckley, a market for the straw. The average crop is eight bushels, and by experiments in chemical quantitative analysis, it is found to exhaust the soil about the same that wheat does. The first trials were made in 1864, and in fifteen years there has been but one crop failure. The seed now raised here goes direct to Amsterdam, New York, and the practice of loaning seed is still continued to a considerable extent. It has become a large business, second here only to the corn crop. The manufacture of tow for bagging was first commenced here by Pusey & Crane, in 1870, but lacking the experience they sold to Jerome & Dement, of Dixon. who were engaged largely in that business. They sokl to the Decatur Bagging Company, who have similar mills at Onarga, Paxton, Rantoul and Decatur, and a factory at the latter place for making bagging for cotton bales. The building which Pusey & Crane put up was on Pierson's land, west of the village ; but in order to get more room for spreading the straw to deglutinate it, it was removed to the farm southwest of town. The building is 36x112, having in it three tow-making machines, press, etc. The danger from fire is so great that the engine is in a separate building. The company pay $3 per ton for the straw. The buildings and machinery cost about $5,000. The engine is run entirely by the refuse woody matter from the straw. One ton of straw makes about 500 pounds of tow. The mill employs fifteen hands and three teams. The mill is in charge of Mr. John Heaney, superintendent, who has had experience in the business in the north of Ireland, and in St. Lawrence county, New York. Horace Lincoln came here in 1866, from Waukegan, where he had been county treasurer of Lake county, and engaged in trade, occupying the old store which Mr. Riggs had first built. In 1871 he built his present fine brick store, 22x60. two stories and cellar, at a cost of about $5,000. He afterward took his son in as partner, and the firm of H. Lincoln & Son is one of the substantial business firms of this portion of the county.

Dr. Nice was the first physician here. He was an excellent doctor and a good citizen. He soon returned to Philadelphia, however, where he has amassed a fortune. Mr. Riggs, after continuing in business here ten years, returned to Chester county, Pennsylvania. His life here, both as a leader in business affairs and as a pioneer in the educational and religious work of this place, will be long remembered by those who knew him here. Always active in every good work; full of zeal, tempered with a just sense of the proprieties and duties of his position ; a credit to himself and society ; respected by all. Mr. Koplin commenced the banking business in 1872, and has conducted it successfully since, managing that and his large real estate business in a safe and careful manner. In 1876 he was elected to the legislature, and served very acceptably in that capacity.

M. M. Meacham came here in 1864, and engaged as superintendent first, and afterward as partner, in the sorghum mill. He improved the farm just south of town, and built the house where Mr. Koplin now resides. He then engaged in farming east of the creek, and for six years past has been in the drug and book trade in Buckley.

Thomas McClave came here from Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1864. He went on a farm on the S.E. ^ of Sec. 22, just northwest of Buckley, where his son still resides. His widow lives in Buckley with h.er mother, Mrs. Greely, who is believed to be the oldest person residing in the township. She was born in Maine in 1788, from whence she moved to "Warren county, Ohio, at the age of thirty, coming here with her children in 1864. She is still strong in mental vigor, and in good physical strength. Her son Joel died here in 1869, leaving a family of four children. It reminds one of " old times" to see and converse with one who was" born before the United States became a nation, and who spent the average years of a generation in the plantation of Maine before it became a state.

Thomas Quirk, who is track master for this section of the railroad, is one of the veterans in the company's employ. He commenced work on this part of the road in the fall of 1853, and has been in the employ of the company continually except one year. A portion of the time he was in charge of the wood-yard at Spring Creek. He has resided at Buckley thirteen years. He was here during those terrible winters which are remembered only by few here now. The road was new, and no farms, buildings or fences kept off the severe winds. In January, 1855, a snow fell, which was followed by terrible cold and high winds. For two weeks the men employed by the railroad tried to keep the track clear ; every cut was filled, and when shoveled out was quickly filled again by the driving snow; men enough could not be obtained along the line of the road to keep it in condition for moving trains. Every locomotive on the road was snowbound, and most of them frozen up. He undertook to walk one day from Spring Creek to Onarga, and he was supposed by his friends, for a time, to have been lost.

The first school was held in the house just northeast of town, on section 24 ; then for a time school was held in the house now owned by Dr. Balch. In 1866 the district bought the tow factory and four acres of land, and fitted up a good and substantial two-story school-house, containing room for three schools. Mr. J. M. R. Spinning has charge of the schools, with two assistants.

The " Buckley Inquirer " was started in 1873 by J. T. Riggs and J. B. Lowe. It is independent in politics; is published each Saturday, and is now under the management of Gen. E. W. Warren and J. B. Lowe.

The postmasters of Buckley have been the following : "W. G. Riggs, W. S. Carter, W. S. Bonnell, John Newlin. The latter left North Carolina when he was a lad, because he did not like to live in a slave state, and came to Vermilion county, where he spent the greater part of his life among the Quakers, who had, like himself, run away from slavery and settled around Elwood, Vermilion and Pilot Grove. He was postmaster of Georgetown for sixteen years, serving under " Tippecanoe and Tyler too," and was a justice of the peace there for many years. Soon after coming here to live the people forced both offices on him here, and rather than prove an unworthy citizen, he "gave bonds " and entered on the discharge of his trusts.

Franklin Pierson has served as constable here nineteen years and deputy sheriff for twelve years. He received two votes for judge of the supreme court, and would have got more had it been generally known he was running. As it was, it gave him the title of "judge," by which he has since been known far and wide. Many another man has acquired title with less real ground to base it on.

Louis Yolverding & Co. built the corn-mill in 1877, and in 1878 built the cheese-factory portion of the building, which is 20x34, two stories high. They use the Elgin vats, and take the product of from 100 to 150 cows. They have made 6,000 pounds of cheese in a month. They run it winter as well as summer, their room being heated by steam to prevent freezing. The business bids fair to increase. They find a market at home for all their product.

It is remarkable that in the course of business there has never been a business failure in Buckley. As a rule, it is stated, taken throughout the country, about ninety per centum of all who engage in trade or business enterprises fail ; but here, with the exception of some small enterprises which were commenced without capital, no failure has occurred ; and only one fire has occurred that was of a serious nature. Henry Crosby had a furniture factory which was destroyed by fire about 1870.

A meeting was held January 2, 1871, at the school-house, to vote for or against incorporating as a town. It was decided that those should be entitled to vote who resided on lots in the original town, or in any of the additions which had been platted. The vote resulted in favor of incorporating, by thirty-four to six. January 10, an election was held in the freight house of the Central railroad for five trustees. The voting was by yeas and nays, and the following were elected : Eli Strawn, E. D. Hartshorn, J. B. Meserve, J. G. McClave and E. Luther. At the first meeting of the trustees Eli Strawn was chosen president; J. D. Riggs, clerk ; E. D. Hartshorn, treasurer ; Franklin Pierson, constable ; and J. Haney, street commissioner. About the first business done was to provide by ordinance against allowing stock to run at large, and against allowing boys to jump on passing trains. To say that either of these ordinances have ever been strictly observed would hardly be historically true. The officers of the corporation at present writing are : John Stager, F. Pierson, C. Hurlbutt, G. Greely, H. Strawn, and L. L. Marsh, trustees; E. W. Warren, clerk; W. H. Hartshorn, treasurer.

The Methodist church was organized by Rev. Thomas Cotton, largely through the exertions of W. G. Riggs, about 1860. Mr. Riggs had long been a member of that church in his eastern home, and on coming here the destitution in religious matters moved him to action in behalf of church and Sabbath school. He was thoroughly imbued with religious zeal, and did much to mold the sentiment of the new settlement by the earnestness with which he advocated, both by precept and ^xample, and by a godly life, the cause of religion and morality. Mr. Thomas Cotton, who was sent by conference to this field to work up the interests of the church, was a man of earnest Christian life, who made his work a labor of love. Making no pretensions to eloquence, the lack was doubly made up by devotion to the cause, and earnestness in the Master's work. Soon after he closed his labors here, and while stationed at Pontiac, he and every male member of the church, save three, enlisted in the army of the Union, and carried what Secretary Stanton called the " sword of the Lord and of Gideon " to the front, and from there to the sea. Every one of them returned well and hearty. Mr. Cotton is now engaged in the missionary work at Purdy, Tennessee, near Pittsburg Landing. Robert Hamlin, a man of exemplary Christian character, was appointed first class-leader and steward. He continued to serve as leader until he removed to Nebraska in 1879. J. G. Mc- Clave was appointed steward in 1864. The church numbers about 100 members. The Sabbath school was organized about the same time with W. G. Riggs as superintendent. He continued to act until 1874, since which time J. G. McClave has been the superintendent until this year. Mrs. John Newlin is the present superintendent. The school numbers about 100, and has a good library. The church edifice was erected in 1861 and 1862, 30x50, and cost $2,000.

The Presbyterian church was organized November 19, 1870. A committee appointed by the Bloornington presbytery, consisting of Rev. P. D. Young, Rev. Mr. Noerr and Elder P. Risser, met in the Methodist church. Mr. Noerr preached the sermon, when the committee acting for presbytery proceeded to constitute the church with the following members : Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Meserve, Mr. and Mrs. E. Darwin Hartshorn, Miss May Hartshorn, Mrs. L. C. Luther, Mrs. Louisa Huston, Mrs. Julia Levering, Mrs. L. Hurlbutt, Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Keehn, Miss Annie Keehn. Mrs. C. A. Pierson and Miss E. J. Ducker. Messrs. Meserve, Keehn and Hartshorn were elected elders. Rev. Mr. McNair, of Paxton, supplied the pulpit two years ; Rev. S. V. McKee's pastorate commenced May, 1876, and continued two years ; and the Rev. C. P. Spinning is the present supply. The church decided to build, and in 1871 Messrs. Hartshorn, Ira A. Manley, and E. Luther were appointed a building committee, who pushed the work forward as fast as possible, and in August, 1872, the church was dedicated. It cost $3,184. The church numbers now about thirty, exclusive of those who have removed without being regularly dismissed. When the Sabbath school was established, Henry Crosley was chosen superintendent, and has been succeeded in office in turn by B. F. Levering, Rev. M. McKee and W. H. Hartshorn. The school has an average attendance of about sixty.

As early as 1866 a number of German families had moved here from Downer's Grove, Cook county, who were members of the Lutheran church. Rev. Mr. Meir and others occasionally preached here in the school-house, and in private houses. In 1869 the church was organized, and William Alden, Henry Wolf and Fred Luhsen were elected trustees. They proceeded to build the church edifice, which is 24x40, and cost about $1,600, and the school-house 20x34, which accommodates about sixty pupils. The school is maintained by the members of the church, in the same manner as the church is supported. It is sustained eight months in the year. The teaching is in German. Rev. Mr. Swess and Rev. George Blenken have, in turn, served this church. The membership is about fifty. A Sabbath school is maintained.

" The Farmers Pioneer Fire and Lightning Insurance Company of Buckley" was organized and received its charter November 19, 1874. The call for a meeting for organizing was addressed to the farmers of Loda, Fountain Creek, Artesia, Ash Grove, Onarga and Crescent. As there were none present from Fountain Creek, Douglas was substituted for that township. In December, 1874, the organization was perfected by the election of nine directors, of which D. H. Metzger was elected president and C. "W. Sprague, secretary. Mr. Colebank was one of the chief movers in this enterprise, and to him, more probably than to any other one man, the existence of the company is due. He also made the first application for insurance, but died before a policy was issued. His death was a serious loss to the company and to the community in which he lived. The annual report for 1879 shows 103 policies, the amount of risks being $97,587. At first risks were limited to $2,000, but afterward the maximum was increased to $3,000. The present officers are : J. Outtrim, president ; W. R. Yeatch, treasurer ; C. W. Sprague, secretary. The company has been remarkably successful from the first.

Samuel M. Major, farmer and stock-raiser, Del Rey, took up his residence on his present place in 1853. He came from Tippecanoe county, Indiana, where he was born April 4, 1830, and was married there in May, 1853, to Miss Annie F. Lee, also a native of Tippecanoe. She died October 19, 1856. They had one child, Flora A. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the 9th 111. Cav., and remained in service until March, 1865. He entered as a private, and was raised to the rank of second lieutenant on his discharge. He took part in the battles of Guntown, Tupelo, Nashville, Salem and the other engagements of the regiment. After the war he returned home and followed farming. October 14, 1876, he married Miss Katie Stephens, who was born in Licking county, Ohio. He owns 172 acres in this county. His father, James H. Major, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, July 19, 1802. February 9, 1824, he married Miss Mary Hartpence, of New Jersey. She died January 7, 1875. They had ten children, five of whom are living : Robert D., Mary, Samuel, Susan and Olive. He moved to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in 1829, and from there to Iroquois county, Illinois, in 1853, and has lived here since. He was among the earliest settlers of Artesia township, of which he has served as

Robert D. Major, farmer and stock-raiser, Del Rey, moved to Will (now Kankakee) county, Illinois, in 1852, and in 1853 came to his present place and has lived here since, with the exception of four years in Chatsworth, Illinois, where he was engaged with a hardware and lumber tirm. He was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, December 10, 1824, and January 7, 1847, he married Miss Hannah M. Richards, of Onondaga county, New York. She died April 19, 1848. January 11, 1860, he was married to Miss Ellen A. Hitchcock. She was born in Niagara county, New York. They have three children : Willie J., Hattie D. and Nellie D. Mr. Major has taken no part in the political affairs of the county, excepting the offices connected with the school and road. He owns 124 acres in this county, located about five miles northeast of Buckley.

Elmer Hull, farmer and stock-raiser, Buckley, came to Iroquois county, Illinois, with his parents in 1853. He was born in Delaware county, Ohio, September 15, 1844. October 28, 1866, he married Miss Lizzie White, of Clinton county, Ohio. His father, Japheth Hull, now deceased, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, March 3, 1821. He married Miss Betsy Lusk, March 3, 1842. She was born in Genesee county, New York. Mr. Hull lived in Delaware county until 1850, when he went to California, via the overland route, and remained there three years and three months. In 1853 he returned to Delaware county, Ohio, and in the same year came to Iroquois county, Illinois. He settled near Onarga, and in 1855 came to Artesia and resided there until his death, October 25, 1876. He served as assessor and supervisor a number of years in the township, and held the offices connected with the school and road.

Elwin Hull, farmer and stock-raiser, Buckley, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, March 27, 1843, and lived there until 1853, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois and settled near Onarga, and in 1855 came to his present place and has lived here since. He has held the office of constable, school treasurer and director. November 12, 1873, he married Miss Sadie R. Kerns, who was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania. They had three children, two living : George and Frank. Mr. Hull owns 200 acres in this county, one and a half miles northeast of Buckley. In 1873 he and his father went into partnership in the business of stock-raising, and continued until the death of his father, in 1876. Mr. Elwin settled up the affairs of the partnership, and he and his mother became the administrators of the estate.

Pennsylvania, December 28, 1826. The family moved to Montgomery county, Ohio, when he was but six years of age, and lived there five years, when they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1846 he began reading medicine with his father, Dr. Elias Horner. After reading three years with his father he read one year with Prof. Bobbs, of Indianapolis, and in the winter of 1849-50 graduated from the Indiana Central Medical College of Indianapolis. He then practiced with his father, in Indianapolis, for five years. In 1853 he came to Illinois, and settled in Ash Grove, this county, and lived there nineteen years. In 1872 he came to Buckley, and has practiced here since. February 15, 1860, he married Miss Eliza J. Smith, who was born in "Wabash, Indiana. Of their six children two are living : Alice A. and William F. With the exception of serving as assessor of Ash Grove, in 1855 and 1856, the doctor has taken no part in public affairs.

J. M. Carter, grocer and hardware merchant, Buckley, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, September 2, 1852, and lived there two years, when, with his parents, he moved to Benton county, Indiana, and lived there one and a half years, then came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and settled on a farm about five miles east of Buckley, and lived there until 1872, and the following year he became interested in his present business, the firm being Bonnell & Carter, which continued until the death of Mr. Bonnell in 1878, since which time Mr. Carter has conducted the business, and has added hardware to the same, it formerly being groceries only. His father, James Carter, was born in Pennsylvania, April 18, 1811, and was raised in Ohio. He married Miss Nancy Heskett, who was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Ohio. Of their four children two are living : James M. and Andrew L. Mr. Carter settled in Iroquois county, near Ash Grove, in 1855. He learned the blacksmith's trade when young, and has always followed it and farming. He came to Buckley in 1874, and has since assisted his sons, who have been engaged in business in Buckley.

Joseph Shaw, farmer and stock-raiser, Thawville, hails from the old Keystone State. He was born on his father's farm, in Cumberland county, October 6, 1818, and made his home there until 1853. At the age of eighteen he began working for himself, and later farmed the home farm in partnership with his brother. In 1853 he moved to Illinois, and engaged in farming near Peru, and in 1857 came to his present place and has lived here since. He was one of the early settlers of this prairie, and has witnessed it being transformed from comparatively a wild wilderness, in 1857, to its present state. He owns 320 acres located three miles southeast of Thawville. It is well supplied with living water, which adapts it to stock-raising, in which he is largely interested.

William McClave, farmer and stock-raiser, Buckley, was raised on the farm in Clermont county, Ohio, where he was born July 24, 1834. In 1858 he came west, and settled on his present place in Iroquois county, Illinois, which his father had bought in the fall of 1854 from the government, through the land-office at Danville, for $2.50 per acre. October 6, 1856, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Muchmore, of Hamilton county, Ohio. They had seven children, six of whom are living: Ida May, Amer T., Martha, Robert, Sybil and Zoe. Mr. McClave was one of the first to settle on the prairie in this section. He owns a farm of 162 acres about one and a half miles northwest of Buckley. His parents, Stevenson and Sarah (Banghart) McClave, were natives of New Hampshire and Ohio. They were married in Ohio, where she died. He is living on the old homestead in Clermont county, where he settled in 1830.

Charles W. Sprague, farmer, Thawville, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, July 12, 1833, and lived there about twenty years, spending five years of the time in a drug and book store as clerk. He then came west to Illinois and engaged in farming in Stark county, where he lived four years. He then visited Kansas and Nebraska, and in 1858 came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and engaged in farming near Loda. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the 8th 111. Cav., and was in the service three years and ten months. He entered the army as a private and retired as second lieutenant. He was in the battles of Antietam, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, and all the battles of the regiment. After the war he came to Iroquois county and settled on his present place. October 24, 1865, he was married in Boston, Massachusetts, to Miss Caroline Burrill of that city. They had three children, two living: Arthur and Emily. In addition to the offices connected with the school and road he has served one year as supervisor of this township, and is secretary of the Farmers Pioneer Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Buckley, Illinois.

John A. Koplin, banker and dealer in real estate, Buckley, was born on his father's farm in Chester county, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1828. After the death of his father, in 1835, he was bound out to work on the farm until he was sixteen, receiving in all about one and a half years' schooling at the district school. He then learned the carpenter's trade, and after serving three years, he worked four years as journeyman, arid taught school a few terms, after which he went to Philadelphia and engaged as a salesman in the wholesale drygoods house of James Kent, Santee & Co., with whom he remained for four years. He then engaged in the grain commission business in the firm of Koplin, Hemsinger & Co., the firm continuing for five years, when Mr. Koplin moved west to Illinois. In July, 1862, he had the town of Buckley surveyed on some land that he had previously purchased, and in partnership with Win. G. Riggs, he opened the first store at the new town. At the end of two years he sold his interest in the store. He engaged in the lumber business and loaned flax seed. In 1869 he sold out and engaged in the banking business, and has continued in the same since, in connection with superintending his farming interests, which have grown to about 3,000 acres of improved land. He has served as supervisor of Artesia township for seven years, and in 1876 was elected on the republican ticket a member of the thirtieth general assembly, representing the sixteenth senatorial district, and though in ill health the greater part of the term, he served on several committees, and was chairman on that of banks and banking. He married Miss Fannie E. Riggs, who was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania. They have one child, Mark R.

Nelson Soper, dealer in confectionery and notions, Buckley, is a Canadian by birth, and was born near Niagara Falls, March 22, 1831, and lived there about twenty-four years, during which time he was apprenticed to a last-maker, and subsequently worked at his trade at Cleveland, Rochester, Detroit and Buffalo. At Wattsburg, Pennsylvania, he conducted a last machine, and in 1862 came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and settled at Loda, working at carpenter work. In 1864 he came to Buckley, and engaged in the grocery business. In this he remained two years, when he sold out and went to Detroit, and after two years' residence there returned to Buckley, and has lived here since. August 3, 1857, he was married to Miss Margaret E. Haley, who was born in Ireland, and came to the United States when about five years of age, and lived in Rochester until her marriage.

Joel G. McClave., of the firm of McClave & Riggs, dealers in general merchandise, Buckley, was born in Warren county, Ohio, January 18, 1835. He was born on the farm and lived there until the spring of 1864, when he came to Illinois and settled in Artesia township, and engaged in farming. In 1865 he formed a partnership with W. G. Riggs, the firm being Riggs & McClave. They conducted the general merchandise business until 1870, when Mr. Riggs withdrew. In 1871 J. W. and J. D. Riggs became partners with Mr. McClave, the firm being McClave and Riggs, and continued until 1874-, when the business was sold, and Mr. McClave turned his attention to his farm until 1877, when, with J. D. Riggs, the firm of McClave & Riggs began again in the general merchandise business. Mr. McClave has held the office of school trustee for nine years, and is now serving his second term as supervisor. May 16, I860, he married Miss Caroline Tribbey, who was born in Morrow, Warren county, Ohio. They have five children : Edwin, L., Mary L., Charlie C., Arthur W. and Annie E.

M. M. Meacham, druggist and justice of the peace, Buckley, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, February 11, 1827, and lived there until 1864. He was born on the farm and lived there twenty-one years. When he was seventeen years old he began teaching at home, and later in an adjoining county. He also worked part of the time until 1864, when he came to Illinois and settled in Buckley, where he superintended a sorghum mill and taught school. In 1865 he bought some land and improved the same. He then moved to a farm in Ash Grove and farmed it for three years, when he again came to Buckley and engaged in his present business, and has continued here since. September 6, 1853, he married Miss Emma A. Benton, of Massachusetts. Of their four children three are living : Frank B., Angeline A. and Edwin M. He has served as assessor of this township for two years, as justice of the peace for seven years, and is at present town clerk.

Henry Ruehe, shoemaker, Buckley, was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, May 21, 1835. At the age of eighteen he learned the trade of a shoemaker. He afterward worked "jour" work for about four years. In 1860 he came to the United States and settled in Chicago, where he worked one year. He then went to Wisconsin, and after remaining there two years he moved to Kankakee, Illinois, and in 1864 came to Buckley and engaged in business as a shoemaker on his own account, and has continued here since. September 21, 1865, he married Miss Nettie Cornehl, who was born in Holstein, Germany. They have four children : William, Henry, Minnie and Annie. Mr. Ruehe has served as village trustee for one year, and has been prominently identified with the Odd-Fellow and Masonic societies to which he belongs.

Horace Lincoln, dealer in general merchandise, Buckley, is a native of Madison county, New York. He was born on his father's farm, February 28, 1820, and lived there twenty-five years. He then moved to Lake county, Illinois, and engaged in farming until 1855. He then went to Antioch, and engaged in the general merchandise for two years, the firm being Ring & Lincoln, the first year. Mr. Lincoln then sold out, and one year later moved to Waukegan and loaned money for two years. He was then elected county treasurer, and served two years. In 1865 he came to Buckley and engaged in his present business, and in 1869 his son became a partner in the same. December 24, 1842, he married Miss Lavantia Campbell, who was born in New York, and died in December, 1855. They had three children, two living. September 2, 1857, he married Miss Ange A. Blakeslee, of New York. They were married in Lake county, Illinois. They have one child, Julia E. His son and partner, Melvin D., was born in Lake county, Illinois, June 24, 1848. He lived with his parents until 1875. June 10, of that year, he married Miss Clara, daughter of David Strawn, of Ottawa, Illinois. They have one child, Lela.

James Outtrim, farmer and stock-raiser, Buckley, was born in Surrey, England, June 18, 1830, and lived there nine years. With his parents he came to the United States and settled in New York, near Rome, where they lived for fourteen years. January 26, 1853, he was married to Miss Jane Carroll, of Otsego county, New York, and the following fall came west and settled in La Salle count}7, Illinois, and farmed there until 1866, when he came to Iroquois county. He settled on his present place, which he bought of the railroad company for $10 per acre. By his marriage there were two children, one of whom is living, George E. They have an adopted daughter, Katie. Mr. Outtrim has held the office of township trustee and school director. He is also president of the Farmers Pioneer Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Buckley. He owns IbO acres in this county, the result of his labor.

E. D. Hartshorn, undertaker and dealer in hardware, Buckley, is a native of Madison county, New York, where he was born June 4, 1821, and lived there about sixteen years, when with his parents he came to Illinois and settled in La Salle county, engaging in farming. At the age of eighteen years he began working by the month on a farm on his own account. At the age of nineteen he went into the saw and grist-mill business with Cornelius Harris. They continued one year. He then worked by the month for two years, and later bought an "eighty" and farmed it until 1868, when he came to Buckley and engaged in his present business. He also purchased a farm of 160 acres, which he has since increased to 1,340 acres. In 1870 he formed a partnership with W. H. Meserve. They continued until 1875, when Mr. Hartshorn sold his interest to his son, William H. In 1877 Mr. Meserve withdrew, and Mr. E. D. Hartshorn again became a member of the firm, which has since continued as E. D. Hartshorn & Son. March 31, 1852, he married Miss Marietta Meserve, of New Hampshire. They have five children : William H., Mary, Horace H., Charles D. and Alice B. Beyond the school and village Mr. Hartshorn has taken no part in the public affairs of the township. While in La Salle county he served as school treasurer for fourteen years, two terms as

Calvert Hortshorn, farmer and stock-raiser, Buckley, was born in Madison county, New York, July 29, 1827, and lived there nine years, when with his family he came west to La Salle county, Illinois, where his father had gone the year previous. They lived in La Salle county until 1868. He then came to Iroquois county and settled on his present place, and has lived here since. At the age of twenty-three he began for himself, working by the month for five years, when he farmed on his own account, renting at first. He now owns 390 acres, located four miles northeast of Buckley, all the result of his own labor. January 17, 1860, he married Miss Emma Miles, who was born in Madison county, New York. They were married in Madison, Iowa. Of their five children two are living: Carrie and Bessie.

J. H. Martin, dealer in drugs, books and stationery, Buckley, was born in Fayette county, Indiana, October 15, 1844, and lived there twenty years, when in company with his parents he moved to Paxton, Illinois, and clerked in his father's drug store until 1868, when he came to Buckley, Illinois, and engaged in his present business, and has continued here since. November 2, 1869, he married Miss Sarah E. Pierson, of Pennsylvania. They have one child, John F. During the war Mr. Martin enlisted in the 139th Ind. Inf., and was in the service about six months, serving as corporal of Co. D. The present business of Mr. Martin was bought of Mr. Fletcher, who established it in this town at the early settlement of the same.

S. O. Roberts, farmer and stock-raiser, Thawville, came from the old Green Mountain State. He was born in Rutland county, April 20, 1842, and lived there until he was ten years of age. He then came to Illinois with his parents and settled in Will county, where they lived until 1868. In 1861 he enlisted in the 9th 111. reg. Cav.. and was in the service until the close of the war, entering as a private and retiring as first lieutenant. He was in the battles of Tupelo, Franklin, Nashville and the other engagements of the regiment. After the war he remained south buying and shipping cotton for two years. He then came to Illinois and settled on his present place. In June, 1872, he was married, at Paxton, Illinois, to Miss Martha J. Ramsey, of Illinois, then residing at Piper city. They have two children, Jay and Kay. Mr. Roberts has a farm of 320 acres in this county, located about two miles south of Thawville, and has earned the same by his own labor and management.

remained in England twenty-two years, and then moved to the United States and settled in Will county, Illinois, where he worked at carpentering, having learned the trade in England. In 1857 he began farming, and continued the same until 1868, when he came to Iroquois county and settled on his present place, and has lived here since. July 3, 1862, he married Miss Susan S. Roberts, who was born in Yermont. They have six children : Fannie, Gilbert, Charles, Julius, Sidney and Robert. The last three were born in Iroquois county, and the first three in Will county, Illinois. Mr. Mitchell owns 329 acres in this county. His wife's parents, who have lived with him, Calvin G. and Elizabeth M. (Dyer) Roberts, were natives of Yermont. They were married May 6, 1830, and had eight children, six of whom are living. Mrs. Roberts died September 8, 18T3.

Gen. E. W. Warren, editor "Buckley Inquirer," Buckley, hails from the old Keystone State. He was born in Delaware county March 8, 1841, and lived there until 1850, when with his parents he moved to Philadelphia, where he lived until 1861. He then enlisted in the 3d Perm. Cav. and served during the war. He was appointed lieutenant, and was several times promoted, retiring from the service as brevet brigadier-general. He was in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, except the first at Fredericksburg. He was taken prisoner at Hartwood Church by Hampton's brigade, and was .held six months in Libby prison. After the war he returned to Philadelphia and engaged in photographing at 1628 Market street, and lived there until 1867, when he came west to Illinois and settled in Warren county, and in 1868 came to Buckley and engaged in farming. In 1877 he took charge of the "Inquirer" and has conducted the same * since. January 3, 1863, he married Miss S. S. Stewart, who was born in New York. They have had five children, four living : May, Nellie, Alice and Frederick.

W. H. Stover, blacksmith, Buckley, was born in Augusta county, Yirginia, May 4, 1843, and lived there on the farm for thirteen years. He then learned blacksmithing with Mr. Page, of Staunton, Yirginia, and served until 1859, when he came to Illinois and settled in LaSalle county, with his uncle, at Conyea's Mills, where with the assistance of his uncle he opened a small shop and followed his trade for four years. April 20, 1863, he married Miss Mary N. Bennett, who was born in England, and came to the United States when a child. After his marriage he moved to the town of Freedom, where he opened a more extensive shop, and later formed a partnership with Mr. George Wolverton ; after six years he sold out his business and came to Buckley, where he purchased the business of Donaldson & Sleigh, which he conducted until 1874, when owing to ill health he took a trip to Europe, visiting England and France, returning home the latter part of the same year. He bought a farm and moved on the same. He also worked at his trade in Roberts for two years, during which time his shop here in Buckley was rented. He then came to Buckley, and has occupied his shop here since. By his marriage there are three children : Luther J., Nellie Y. and Cecil M. Mr. Stover's early experience was very discouraging, his youth making it difficult for him to get work when he first came west. But by energy and perseverence he has succeeded in gaining a reputation second to none, and his skill and ability in his chosen specialty of shoeing and plow "work are known far and near. He also received a diploma from the LaSalle County Agricultural Society for the best top buggy. In addition to his business he is interested in farming, having about 200 acres of land near this village. His success throughout only goes to show that no disadvantages are so great but what energy and perseverance may overcome.

Elisha Luther, lumber dealer, Buckley, was born on his father's farm in Yates county, New York, May 28, 1824, and lived on the same twenty-six years. In September, 1849, he married Miss Lucretia C. Alvord, who was born in New York. In 1855 he came to Freeport, Illinois, and engaged in the butchering and stock business, and in 1863 he moved to Chicago and engaged as foreman of the lumberyard of Loomis & Davis. He remained there until 1869, when he came to Buckley, Illinois, and engaged in his present business, buying the business of M. M. Hamlin, and has conducted the same since. Of his three children two are living: Carrie L. and Mary E. In addition to his lumber business he is interested in farming, having a farm near the village which he rents out. He has served as village trustee, school trustee and highway commissioner.

Eli Strawn, farmer and grain buyer, Buckley, is a native of Perry county, Ohio. He was born March 27, 1817, and lived there thirteen years, when, with his parents, he moved to Illinois, and settled in Tazewell (now Putnam) county, where he lived until 1838. January 1 of that year he was married to Miss Eleanor Broaddus, who was born in Virginia, and came to Illinois with her parents in 1835 and settled near Lacon. After his marriage he removed to La Salle county? and lived there for thirty-one years, during which time (January 24, 1861) his wife died. They had seven children, six living. March 10, 1864, he married Mrs. Mary H. Dean, formerly Miss Hartshorn, who was born in Madison county, New York. They have one child, Myra. In 1869 he came to Buckley and built his present place, moving to the same in February following. While in La Salle county he served as supervisor of Ottawa township from 1859 till 1864, and though a democrat he belonged to the Douglas school, and used his influence to prosecute vigorously all war measures. He has served here as village trustee for three terms, during each of which he was president of the same.

C. M. Chase, of the firm of Chase & Hurlbutt, grain buyers and shippers, Buckley, was born in Lyme, 'New Hampshire, September 1, 1845, and lived there twenty-two years. He then came to Illinois and settled in Iroquois county, and in 1869 came to Buckley, and in 1874 the present firm was formed, and has continued since. His father, Caleb C. Chase, now deceased, was a native of Lyme, New Hampshire. He married Miss Lora G. Goodell, also a native of Lyme. He died in 1853, and in 1856 Mrs. Chase married Mr. David Hurlbutt, a native of Hanover, New Hampshire. He died in 1867. In January, 1869, Mrs. Hurlbutt came to Buckley, Illinois, and has lived here since. Clinton Hurlbutt, junior partner of the firm, was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, January 9, 1851, and lived there until 1870, when he came to Illinois, and settled in Iroquois county, and later engaged in his present business. October 14, 1879, he married Miss Ellen Luther, of Buckley.

W. L. R. Johnson, dealer in grain, seeds and coal, Buckley, was born in Whitefield, Coos county, New Hampshire, February 7, 1841, and lived there nine years, during which time his father died, and his mother married again. They came west to Illinois in 1850, and settled in La Salle county, engaging in farming. He lived there until 1861, when he attended school in Aurora until August. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. C, 7th 111. Cav., and served three years, retiring from the service as orderly. Eight months of his time he served in the quartermaster's department at Gen. Grierson's headquarters, at Memphis. After the war he returned to La Salle county, Illinois, and the same year he went to the Sandwich Islands, and remained there eight months as assistant in charge of a sugar plantation. He then went to the Guano Islands and engaged in shipping guano for the American Guano Company, remaining there four years, the last two at an annual salary of $5,000 in gold. He then came to the United States, and settled in Buckley, Illinois, engaging in partnership with J. B. Meserve in the grain business, the firm being Johnson & Meserve. They continued about two years, when Mr. Johnson became the sole proprietor of the business, and has continued in the same since. He has held the office of town trustee about four years, and has served one year as supervisor. September 6, 1871, he married Miss Tamson E. Butters, of Maine. His parents, David B. and Mrs. Sallie D. Lane (Downing)

Johnson, were natives of New Hampshire and Maine. He died in 1841. In 1845 Mrs. Johnson married Mr. John H. Meserve. He died in 1858, 'and she is living here with her son.

Jesse T. McClave, farmer and stock-raiser, Buckley, is a native of Clermont county, Ohio. He was born June 30, 1842, and lived there for twenty years, with the exception of two years which he spent at school at Oxford, Ohio. He then enlisted in Co. G, 89th reg. Ohio Inf., acting as sergeant, and served during the war. He was wounded at Chickamauga, and confined to the hospital for seven months, when he rejoined the regiment and took part in the Atlanta campaign and the march to the sea. After the war he returned home and lived there until the spring of 1872, when he came to Illinois and settled the present place, belonging to himself and father. It contains 680 acres, and is located two miles north of Buckley. His parents, Robert and Susan (Taylor) McClave, were natives of New Hampshire and Ohio. They were married in Ohio, and now live on the old homestead farm, where he settled in 1830.

Loda township is in the southwestern corner of the county, being bounded on the north by Artesia, on the east by Pigeon Grove, and on the south and west by Ford county. By its original proportions it embraced one-third of what is now included "in Artesia, and twothirds of what is now embraced in Pigeon Grove. Now it embraces all of Congressional township 24 north, range 10 east of the 3d principal meridian ; and the fractional sections of 11 east. Spring creek, here a narrow and small stream, runs across it from its southwestern corner to its northern side, having a fair breadth of excellent timber. The farming country is as fine as any in the county, the land being without exception good and gently rolling, making it susceptible of easy tillage. The farms throughout the township present the appearance of thrift and prosperity; the buildings generally pleasant and convenient, and the tillage showing care and good management. Few of its farms were brought into cultivation until the building of the Central railroad gave a market for the products of its soil.

So far as can be ascertained, Alexander Henry made the first permanent settlement in the township, where his widow still resides. This was in the year 1843. Everything pertaining to the first settlers in any locality is of interest, as the opinions, reminiscences and predictions ot the ' ' oldest inhabitant ' ' are always listened to with wondrous ears, and like the story of the earliest settler on this fair earth, his goings in and out in the garden, his matrimonial venture, his "raising Cain" so to speak, and his various trials and tribulalations, are worthy of being noted down as records of times which will never return. Mr. Henry came from Indiana in 1837, and lived at the western side of Ash Grove six years. He then, with his two brothers, William and Jacob, bought 80 acres each of Mr. Kirk, and came here to make their homes. The .following year was the famous rainy season, the first one which was known after the settlement of thfs county, but which returned with remarkable regularity each seventh year ; the years 1851 and 1858 being each so rainy as to render it nearly impossible to raise any crops. During the entire summer of 1844 the rains poured in torrents, so that there was no opportunity to plant, or cultivate what little was planted. In the frequency and duration of its rains there has been nothing equal to it since, the year 1869 coming the nearest to it. The high-water mark at St. Louis in the former year is still held as the point of record. There were few bridges at that day, and those few were, with hardly an exception, swept away. The pioneers were obliged to go some distance to mill, and the dangers they encountered have been among the standing tales for two generations. The singular recurrence of wet seasons each seventh year gave rise to discussions - as indeed it could hardly have failed to do - of the law laid down more than three thousand years ago, and found recorded in the 23d chapter of Exodus, 10th, llth and 12th verses : " And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof: But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still ; that the poor of thy people may eat : and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard and with thy oliveyard. Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest." It was often said, that there could be no reason offered why this law of the seventh-year rest for the land was not as applicable now as in Mosaic times ; that the Lord intended that the earth should have an occasional rest, and if man was too greedy to give it such rest, the Lord had a method of enforcing his orders. Of course, as long as these seasons returned every seventh year, there was no answer to the Bibilical argument.

The nearest neighbors the Henrys had on the one side were George Conn, five miles in one direction, and some residents of Ten Mile Grove in the other. A brother-in-law, Wesley Harvey, lived at Ash Grove, where he still resides at what is known as Pitchin. The first rainy season made William and Jacob dissatisfied, and they returned, but Alexander remained. The nearest mills were at Covington, Indiana, and at Myersville, Vermilion county, and the nearest market for their eggs and chickens was Chicago. Mr. Henry brought with him a few hogs, five head of cattle, and some sheep, the main care of which was to keep them from the wolves. One evening when he was away from home, Mrs. Henry, as was her custom, went to drive the cattle home. There was one unruly yearling which broke away from the herd, and, being unable to secure him, she was obliged to leave him. That night the w,olves killed him, and when Mr. Henry went in search of him early the next morning, he had the satisfaction of killing three of the fellows which were feasting on his carcass. They had four children when they came here, and three more subsequently, all of whom are dead and gone. The main traveled route, known as Butterfield trace, passed by here, and their house was the stopping place of travelers ; this, with the weaving which she found to do, made plenty of work for Mrs. Henry, taken together with the care of her house and of her seven children ; so that she was never in danger of getting into mischief from idleness. Now, at seventy years of age, the wheel is kept going, and she confidently believes that she can "flax out" any of the women of the present day living hereabouts. She wove 300 yards of carpet last year.

The first school was about 1849. It was held in one of the rooms of Mr. Henry's house, by Ruth Felton. About ten scholars attended. After this a school was kept in the little cabin standing near by. There was no church or religious meetings. Mr. James Smith and Robert Frost came in soon after and staid here. E. O. Bryden came -in and settled where Mr. Coltax lives, and Mr. Gill also lived awhile on the same place. David Leatherman settled and lived awhile on the next place. Mr. McVeeter bought of Bryden. Francis Le Ball had a farm of 80 acres on the north side of the creek for awhile. He now lives farther southwest. There was a great deal of sickness at times, and the cholera was very fatal here.

Mr. Henry died in 1867, and Mrs. Henry still resides with some of her grandchildren on the farm which they first reclaimed from the wilderness thirty-four years ago. The railroad building made things lively in this neighborhood, and neighbors began coming in soon after that. The house she lives in was built in 1859, and is finished off inside with black walnut, giving it a decidedly ancient appearance. Henry Weaver came from Albany, New York. He lived twenty years in "Waj'ne county, and then moved to Aurora, and, in 1856, took up the farm he still owns, on the fractional section 24:, four miles northeast of the village. He was one of the first to interest himself in the cause of religious meetings, and has consistently maintained the interest of the Methodist church, of which he is an honored member. In 1877, feeling the need of rest which age requires, he left his farm to his son, and took up his residence in the village, where now, at eighty-four years, and his good wife past eighty, he enjoys the love and esteem which faithful lives bring even in this present life, and the firm hope of that to come. They were the parents of ten children. A beloved son, Abram, was killed at Stone River. Henry and Volney are in business at Loda, and some of the other children reside near their honored parents. John Welch came at. about the same date to a farm two miles east of Loda. He is now dead. James Welch took up the farm next east, and commenced to improve it. He sold and went to near Bloomington. Amos Ford soon after came on to the Mix farm and improved it. But very little of the lands of this township are held by non-residents. There are a number of good farms.

The following figures, taken from the last annual report of Ira Curtis, township treasurer of schools, show the present condition of schools : Whole number of children of school age, 462 ; number of districts, 7; average months taught, 7^; whole number of pupils enrolled, 341 ; amount of school fund, $5,498.51 ; amount paid teachers last year, $2,297.87 ; amount paid for incidentals and furniture, $469 ; average wages paid male teachers per month, $35.93 ; average wages paid female teachers, $29.

The Patrons of Husbandry had a strong following in this portion of the county. The Advance Grange, No. 335, was located in this township, and for a time held a thriving membership. Among those who then resided in Loda township who were prominently connected with the institution were Mr. George W. Harwcfod, David A. Brown, now residing in Kansas, E. S. Ricker, of Onarga, Le Roy Robinson, J. B. Taylor and sons, H. Hollister and David Leonett.

The township was organized in 1856, the first officers being: J. H. Major, supervisor; R. A. Denton, clerk; S. Hatfield, assessor; and J. W. Tibbets, collector. The people of Loda township seem disposed to make but little change in officers, as some have held not only a " third term," but in the case of B. F. Price, twelve terms as collector only seems to have qualified him for a further tenure. A. D. Southworth was for six terms supervisor, and three gentlemen. E. G. Harrington, W. H. Bradley and A. S. Austin, held the office of clerk from 1858 till 1876. The present officers are : Hugo Yogel, superintendent ; T. J. Healey, clerk; R. McFarland, assessor; B. F. Price, collector;

This whole country, from here south to Big Grove, where Urbana now is, and west to the line of McLean county, and east to the Indiana state line, was a vast uncultivated prairie, inhabited only by wild beasts and reptiles, when Stephen A. Douglas pushed through congress the bill for giving to the state of Illinois certain lands in trust for building a line of railroad from Cairo to the northwestern corner of the state, and a branch to Chicago. It was doubted whether this prairie would ever be inhabited. Many of those who had settled along the streams which run in all directions from the high ridge near Paxton, did not believe this vast prairie could ever become fruitful farms ; and without the railroad, and the government aid given to it, it would have remained for many more years uninhabited.

When Addison Goodell came here, in 1855, from Lake county, Ohio, he found room enough for the sole of his foot, certainly, but no place to board. He was obliged to get his meals in Chicago, coming down in' the morning, bringing his dinner in his pocket, and going back there at night. The town had been laid out by the Associated Land Company, composed of those who had interests in the railroad. The charter of the company forbade the corporation to become interested in the town plats along its line, but it did not prevent the members of the company from forming a " ring " like that which afterward became so famous as the " Credit Mobilier of America," and thus running all the town plats along the line. D. A. Neal was the agent of the land company here. It is not known who was responsible for naming the place Loda. The name at once caused confusion. There was then in Kane county a Lodi, and the confusion of names still makes trouble. A gentleman by the name of Norton, who was traveling extensively, learned of this confusion of names. He soon after met Senator Douglas, who had recently suffered from a severe sickness while in Indiana, and had, while thus suffering, been cared for by a lady to whom he felt under great obligations. As a tribute to her, and because of the beauty and propriety of the name, when he returned to Washington he secured a change of the name of the postoffice here to Oakalla, supposing that the name of the town itself would follow suit. It is a strong commentary on the force of habit, - and that a bad habit too, - that, young as the place was, those who resided here never got over calling it Loda.

a building erected in which to transact his business, and has continued it until now, about twenty-live years. Josiah Huestis opened the first store here the same year, and is still engaged in the same business without intermission. H. E. and C. O. Barstow came here from Massachusetts and commenced a mercantile trade, which they carried on for eight or ten years.