Jersey County, Illinois - Chapter 14: National, State and County Representation, 1885 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 14: National, State and County Representation

While unworthy man may at any and all times thrust themselves into office, in this free land, still it cannot but be acknowledged that the great body of the office-holders of the country, especially the elective ones, are truly representative men - men of positive force and character. They are of the number of those that do much to build up and strengthen a town, a county or a state. In this chapter it has been the endeavor, so far as possible, to give slight sketches of all who have served the county of Jersey in the nation, state or county. That some of these are imperfect is known, but it should not be laid to the historian. Some that are mentioned have passed away from this mundane sphere, leaving no record from which a sketch could be written, while others have removed from this to other localities, and their present whereabouts is generally unknown.

United States Senate

The county of Jersey has been among the few counties of the state that have had the honor of furnishing a senator to represent the great state of Illinois in the senate chamber of the United States. Samuel McRoberts, the United States senator from Illinois, dying on the 22d of March, 1843, Governor Ford appointed James Semple to fill the vacancy. This gentleman assumed the duties of the office, and discharged them to the uttermost satisfaction of everybody, serving from 1843 to 1847. A man, in every sense of the word, he made his mark upon the period of his existence and only gave way before the rising genius of one ofthe greatest statesmen of the age, Stephen A. Douglas, who succeeded him.

Gen. James Semple

General James Semple, deceased, a native of Greene county, Ky., was born January 5, 1798. He was the oldest son of Dr. John W. and Lucy (Robertson) Semple. Dr. Semple was a lineal descendant of the ancient Scottish family of that name, which was connected with leading events in the history of that kingdom for many generations. The subject of this sketch received his early education in the schools of Greenboro, Ky. After leaving school and when about 22 years old, he went to Chariton, Mo. Residing there only ahout one year, he returned to Louisville, Ky., commenced the study of law, and, in due time, was admitted to the bar. In 1828 Gen. Semple settled at Edwardsville, 111., where he began the practice of his profession, and soon became a leading member ofthe Madison county bar. Gen. Semple took a prominent part in the Black Hawk war, first as colonel of an Illinois regiment, and afterwards as a general officer. On his return he was elected to the legislature, from Madison county, on the democratic ticket. Being twice re-elected, he was, for four years, speaker of the house of representatives. On the 5th of June, 1833, he was married to Mrs. Mary S. Mizner, daughter of Dr. Cairns, of Monroe county. 111. Mrs. Semple's father was a member of the first constitutional convention of Illinois, and held other prominent positions. The issue of this marriage was three daughters and one son. Two daughters, Mrs. L. V. S.Ames and Mrs. Ashley D. Seott, of St. Louis, Mo., and one son, Eugene Semple, of Vancouver, Washington territory, still (1885) survive. In 1837 Gen. Semple, who had previously been attorney-general of the state, was appointed by President Van Buren charge d'affairs of the U. S. at Bogota, which position he filled with credit until 1842, when he resigned and returned to his adopted state. In the fall of 1842 he was elected one of the justices of the supreme court of Illinois, and soon afterwards was appointed to the C S. Senate by Gov. Ford, to fill a vacancy in that body caused by the death of Senator McRoberts. Being afterward elected by the legislature to fill the unexpired term, Gen. Semple took a prominent part in national affairs, being the first to introduce a resolution in favor of the abrogation of our treaty with Great Britain, in regard to the joint occupancy of Oregon. This question was then one of paramount importance, and Gen. Semple always maintained that our claim to 54° 40' north latitude, was clear, and that we ought to insist upon it, even at the cost of war. At the close of his senatorial term, Gen. Semple retired from politics entirely, and devoted himself to his private affairs. Sonic years afterward he became, by a combination of circumstances, the most available candidate for governor of the state, and the democratic nomination was tendered him, but, tn the regret of his friends, he refused to emerge from his retirement. The leading characteristic of Gen. Semple, and the secret of his continuous popularity, was his conscientious devotion to the duties of every position in life in which he found himself. He demeaned himself in office with Jeffersonian simplicity, and had faith in the continued existence- of the Republic. He died at his country residence, Trevue, near Elsah, Illinois, on the 20th day of Dec, 1866, and was buried in Bellfontaine cemetery, near St. Louis, Mo. Lucy V. Semple, second daughter of Gen. Semple, who inherited much of the talent and energy of her distinguished father, remains in Jersey county, as the representative of the Semple family. She was married in 1861) to Edgar Ames, Esq., one of the most prominent and wealthy merchants lit' St. Louis. By the death of her husband, in 1867, she was left with the care of four children and a vast estate. By providence and foresight she has acquitted herself with credit in both these responsible positions. In pursuance of the plans of her husband and in the fulfillment of the wishes of her father, she has built an imposing residence on the bluff's overlooking the village of Elsah and the Mississippi river, on the old estate of Trevue. Here sh*e resides during most of each year, and while dispensing the hospitalities of "Notch Cliff," contributes largely to the material prosperity of the village and surrounding country.

Congressional

When the county of Jersey was cut off from that of Greene and organized as a separate county, the State of Illinois constituted butthree congressional districts, and Jersey county, a part of the third district, was represented in the 26th congress, from 1839 to 1841, by John T. Stuart, a resident of Springfield. He was re-elected to the 27th congress, and served until March 4, 1843. This gentleman was born in Fayette county, Ky., Nov. 10, 1807. He was educated at Danville college, Kentucky, graduating in 1826, and studied law under Judge Breck. In 1828 he came to Springfield and entered upon the practice of law. It was in his office that Abraham Lincoln studied for the bar. In 1838 he ran against Stephen A. Douglas for congress, and beat him, and in 1841 was re-elected, as above stated. During his congressional career, he, during the session of 1841-3, secured an appropriation for the harbor at Chicago.

By the apportionment act of March 1, 1843, the state of Illinois was divided into seven districts, and, in re-districting, the county of Jersey was placed in the fifth congressional district. The first election held under this act was in August, 1843, and Stephen A. Douglas, of Quincy, was elected. The district was composed of the counties of Greene, Jersey, Calhoun, Pike, Adams, Marquette, Brown, Schuyler, Fulton, Peoria and Macoupin. Douglas represented this district in the 28th congress, from

Stephen A. Douglas, one of the greatest statesmen of his time, and, in fact, of all time, was born in the town of Brandon, Vermont, on the 23d of April, 1813. His father was a physician, and died early in life, leaving his widow and son in almost indigent circumstances. Stephen had but few opportunities for schooling, much of the living of his mother and himself depending upon the labor of his hands. He devoted this time of his life to learning the cabinet maker's trade, and spent some years at the business. His mother finally married again, and young Stephen, in 1831, accompanied her and his step - father to Canandaigua, N. Y. There he attended an academy and remained until the year 1833, when he came to Illinois, and taught school at Winchester, near the county seat of Scott county. This was a subscription school. Mr. Douglas employed his time evenings and holidays in the study of law, and, in 1834, he removed to Jacksonville, where he was admitted to the bar, and during the same year was elected attorney general of the state, though only 22 years of age. He soon resigned that office to accept a seat in the legislature. On the expiration of his term in that body, he settled down to the practice of law in Jacksonville, where he remained until 1837, when he removed to Springfield, having been appointed register of the land office by President Van Buren. In 1839, he resigned this office, and the year follow rag was made secretary of the state. In 1841, he was appointed by the legisla- lure judge of the supreme court, and he reorganized the circuit court, serving as circuit judge. The circumstances under which he entered upon the duties of this office were sufficient to thoroughly try the force and scope of his abilities. The circuit was large - the previous incumbent of the office had left the docket loaded with unfinished cases; but he was more than equal to the task. He cleaned out the docket with that dispatch and ability which distinguished his subsequent course; and so profound was the impression which he made upon the people, that, in the first congressional ebction, which occurred after he was established in his character as a judge, he received the nomination for member of congress, and was elected thereto. Through the distinguished abilities wnieh he displayed as a statesman, he received the appellation of "Little Giant," and became the recognized leader of a great political party. In I860, he received the nomination for the presidency, but owing to a division in the party, he was beaten by Abraham Lincoln, his competitor for the United States senate two years previous. On the inauguration of President Lincoln, and the subsequent withdrawal of the southern states from the Union, and the war following, Mr. Douglas took strong Union grounds, and declared henceforth there could be but two parties in the country, patriots and traitors. In a few days thereafter, he was taken sick and died on the 3d of June, 1861, sincerely mourned by the whole nation. On the resignation of Mr. Douglas, William A. Richardson, of Rushville, succeeded him in the 29th congress, and was re-elected from this district to the

30th, 31st and 32d congress. Mr. Richardson was a native of Fayette county, Kentucky, born Jan. Hi, 1811. His parents were James L. and Mary (Edmondson) Richardson. His father dying when William was but five years of age, his mother, in obedience with the dying request of the father, gave her son the advantages of a most excellent education. He entered Center College, at Danville, Kv., but afterwards was transferred to Transylvania University, at Lexington, that state. He entered the law office of Allan & Simpson, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1831. He then came to Illinois, locating at Sbelbyville. In 1832, he was a volunteer in the Black Hawk war, and on returning from the front, removed to Rushville, Schuyler county, where he resided until May, 1849, when he removed to Quincy. In 1836, he was elected to the general assembly from Schuyler county, and from that time acted a prominent part in the state and nation. He was elected to the state senate in 1838; wasone of the electors on the Polk and Dallas presidential ticket of 1844; was a captain in the 1st 111. Reg., under Colonel J. J. Hardin, during tjie Mexican war; was a member of congress, as above stated; in 1856, ran for the office of governor, but wras defeated by a small majority; was appointed governor of Nebraska, in 1858, and served in that capacity, leaving a splendid record; was elected United States senator, in 1863, and served two years. He died at Quincy, Dec. 27, 1875, from paralysis.

gan, Scott, Sangamon, Macoupin, Greene, Montgomery, Christian, Shelby, Cass, Menard and Jersey were united in the 6th district. Richard Yates, was elected at the first election under this act in Nov. 1852, to the 33d congress. Richard Yates, the well known "war governor" was a native of Kentucky, Lorn in Warsaw, in that state, in the year 1818. He came to Illinois in 1831, and read law in the office of Col. J. J. Hardin. He served two terms in congress, was governor of the state during the civil war, and United States senator, being elected to the latter office in 1865. He died in St. Louis.

In the 34th congress from 1855 to 1857, the district was represented by Thomas L. Harris, of Petersburg, Menard county, who was re-elected to the 35th congress, and died while in office, Nov. 24, 1859, and was succeeded by Charles I). Hodges, of Carrollton, Greene county. A sketch of this gentleman appears in the history of that county, in this volume.

In the 36th congress the district was represented by John A. McClernand, of Springfield, who was re-elected to the 37th congress, but resigned his seat Dec. 12, 1861, to take a commission in the army, where he made a record that is the pride of the state.

On the resignation of John A. McClernand, he was succeeded by A. L. Knapp, of Jerscyville, who occupied a place in the 37th congress up to March 4, 1863.

Anthony L. Knapp was horn in Middletown, Delaware county, N. Y., June 14, 1828. When 11 years of age he removed with his father to Illinois, and studying law was admitted to practice at the bar in 1849, locating in Jerseyville. In 1858, Mr. Knapp became a candidate for state senator, accompanying Stephen A. Douglas in that ever memorable campaign with Abraham Lincoln. In the fall of 1861 he was elected to the 37th congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John A. McClernand. He served through the 37th and 38th congresses with distinguished ability, Some of his speeches while a member of the house were so favorably received that they were used as campaign documents in 1864. A single sentence from his speech on the policy and objects of the wav, delivered on June 5, 1862, is herewith given: "For long years the constitution has served as a bright light to guide and direct the efforts of men, everywhere striving for the blessings of a free, popular government, while to each of us it has proved a shield and protection. Formed in our weakness, its blessings have encompassed us in our strength. We have seen it expand by its own force over nearly twice as many states as at first received its care, and with not more solicitude does the parental heart entwine itself in loving folds around each new pledge of their affections, than has this instrument sought the welfare of its youngest born." On retiring from congress, Mr. Knapp commenced the practice of law at Chicago in 1865, where he remained two years and then removed to Springfield, this state, where he formed a law partnership with James C. Robinson, which lasted until dissolved by the death of Mr. Knapp, Monday, May 23, 1881. Mi-, Knapp was married in Chicago to Henrietta Smith, by whom he had one child - Toney W.

By the census of 1860, it was found that the population of Illinois had so increased as to be entitled to 14 congressmen, and under the apportionment act of April 24, 1861, the state was divided into thirteen districts. The first election held under this act was in November, 18(i2. By an error in the apportionment the number of representatives was fixed at 13, though the state was entitled to 14, so the error was corrected by electing one member from the state at large. Jersey by that apportionment became a part of the 10th district, and bad associated with it the counties of Bond, Morgan, Scott, Calhoun, Greene, Macoupin, Montgomery, Christian and Shelby. This district was represented in the national house of representatives of the 38th congress by Anthony L. Knapp, of Jerseyville, who was duly elected to fill that position at the election mentioned above.

In the 39th congress, which convened for the first time March 4, 1865, the 10th district was represented by Anthony Thornton, of Shelbyville, one of the most prominent members of the legal fraternity in the state.

The 40th congress, during the two years succeeding March 4, 1867, contained, as the representative of the people of this district, Albert G. Burr, a citizen of Carrollton, Greene county. He was re-elected to the 41st congress, and served until March 4, 1871. A sketch of this gentleman is given in the history of Greene county.

In the 41st congress, which convened at Washington, March 4, 1871, this, the 10th district, was represented by E. Y. Rice, of Hillsborough, Montgomery county.

E. Y. Rice was a native of Logan county, Ky., son of Francis and Mary (Gooch) Rice, born Feb. 8, 1820. His father, a North Carolinian, was a pioneer Methodist preacher in Macoupin county, where he settled in 1835, and where he died in 1837. Edward remained upon a farm until 20 years of age, but receiving the foundation of a good education. In 1*40 he entered Shurtleff College, where he remained until 1842, but did not graduate. The next year he entered the office of John M. Palmer, then in Carlinville, with whom he studied law, and in 1844 was admitted to the bar. In 1845, he settled in Hillsborough, where he entered upon the practice of his profession, where he has remained ever since. He occupied several offices previous to his election to congress, holding, among others, the office of circuit judge of the 18th judicial district, for 14 years. Since his retirement from the congressional halls, he has pursued the practice of his profession. He was married to Mrs. Susan R. Coudy, nee Allen, by whom he had three children.

Under the apportionment act of July 2, 1872, made on the basis of the census of 1870, the state of Illinois was divided into 19 districts, and the counties of Adams, Brown, Pike, Calhoun, Greene and Jersey were combined into the 11th district. The first election was held in November, 1872, when Robert M. Knapp, of Jerseyville, was elected representative from the district, and took his place March 4, 1873, in the 43d congress. He served one term, at this time.

was an eminent physician of Jersey county, 111. While Robert was a child, his father removed to Savannah, Ga., and from thence to New Jersey, and finally, in 1839, to Illinois, and the following year to this county. In Illinois he was prominent in his profession and in local politics. In 1847 he was a member of the constitutional convention. Robert, after securing such instruction as was given in the common schools of Illinois at that time, became a student in the Kentucky State Military Institute, near Frankfort, in 1849 ; but becoming affected by the then prevailing gold fever, went overland to California, and remained two years successfully operating in the gold mines. He subsequently studied law, and in 1855 commenced practice in Jerseyville. On Dec. 26, 1855, he married Fannie A. Green, who was born in Haverstraw, Rockland county, N. Y., March 15, 1837. She is a daughter of Capt. Stephen S. and Letitia (Quick) Green, deceased, who were natives of Westchester county, N. Y. Captain Green ran a line of boats from New York to Sing Sing several years. In 1839 he came to Macoupin county and bought a large tract of land, upon which he placed numerous tenants. An incident which may be mentioned in his farm life is that he purchased the first McCormiek reaper ever sold. As a result of the marriage there are three children - Katie L., burn Sept, 26, 1856; Susie Green, born Aug. 16, 1858; Hattie Bagley, born Nov. 17, 1864. Mr. Knapp was a democrat in politics, in 1867 he was elected to the Illinois general assembly, but declined to be a candidate for a second term. In 1871 he was elected mayor of Jerseyville, and re-elected in 1872. In 1876, he was again elected to fill that (.Hire. He was elected to the 43d congress in 1872, and was re-nominated for the same position by the Roodhouse convention in 1874, but, for the sake of harmony, declined. In 1876 he was again re-nominated and elected. He departed this life June 24, 1879, a few minutes before six o'clock, A. M. Mr. Knapp was a Knight Templar, and was buried with Masonic honors The bar of the county passed resolutions of respect and condolence with the widow and relatives of the deceased.

In the 44th congress, which was first convened in March 1875, this district was duly represented by Scott Wike, of Pittsfield, Pike county, who served one term of two years.

Mr. Wike was succeeded in the 45th national assembly by Robert M. Knapp whom he had followed. This gentleman served one term of two years at this time.

James W. Singleton, a resident of Quincy, was the accredited representative of this district in the 46th congress, which was organized in March, 1879, and served two years, and was elected to the 47th congress, where he distinguished himself greatly to the credit of himself and his friends.

By the apportionment act based upon the census of 1880, the state of Illinois was divided into twenty districts, and the counties of Cass, Brown, Adams, Pike, Scott, Greene, Jersey and Calhoun were grouped together into the 12th district. In the fall of 1882, James Milton Riggs, a highly respected and talented citizen of Winchester, Scott county, was elected to fill the position of member of congress from this district, and occupied a prominent place in the house of the 4Sth congress. He was re-elected in 1884, and is the present representative iu the 49th congress.

General Assembly

When the county of Jersey was organized in 1S39, it was a part of a legislative district, then without a number, composed of this county and Greene, and was represented in the senate of the 12th general assembly by John Allen, and in the house by Revell W. English. This general assembly convened in Springfield on the 28d of Nov., 1840, and adjourned Dec. 5, 1840. A second session met Dec. 7, 1840, and continued until .March 1, 1841.

The 13tb general assembly convened at Springfield, Dec. 5, 1842, and adjourned March 4, 184.'!. In the senate this district was represented by Alfred W. Caverly, and Samuel T. Kendall was the delegate to the house of representatives.

The Nth general assembly convened at the city of Springfield, Dec. 2, 1844, and adjourned March 3, 184S. The district composed of Macoupin and Jersey counties was represented in the senate by John Harris, while James Harriott was the representative of Jersey county in the lower house.

The loth general assembly met at Springfield, Dec. 7, 1846, and adjourned March 1, 1847. John Harris continued to serve this district in the senate. In the house Thomas Cummings, an early settler in this county, served the people of this district to their satisfaction.

and under it a new apportionment of the state was made, and Jersey county, together with those of Macoupin, Greene and Calhoun, were made the 13th senatorial district and the counties of Jersey and Greene, the 22d representative district.

The 16th general assembly convened at Springfield, Jan. 1, 1849, and adjourned Feb. 12, 1849; a second session met Oct. 22, 1849, and continued until Nov. 7, 1849. This district was represented in the senate by Franklin Witt, a resident of Greene county, ami in the house, first by Isaac Darneille and John D. Fry, but the former of these dying and the latter resigning, they were succeeded by Joel Cory and Thomas Carlin. The latter gentleman was a resident of Greene county, ami is noticed in that connection.

Isaac Darneille came to this county during 1828 or 29, entering land in what is now English township. He is said to have been one of the most social men ever in the county. He is reported to have been much more interested in riding around the country chatting with his neighbors, than attending to the duties of husbandry. He was a relative of Isaac Darneille, of Kaskaskia, the mtond lawyer in the state of Illinois, and like him had a penchant for legal matters, although no lawyer. He was often on hand to manage for his friends causes before a justice of the peace, and would, if necessary, follow the cases to a higher court, and stand as chief adviser to the attorney. In fact he never missed an opportunity of attending court, and was frequently found outside the court house, expounding the law to groups of listeners. He removed to Jerseyville,

Hon. Joel Cory, one of the pioneers of Jersey county, was born in New Jersey, August 26, 1805. He followed farming in his native state, and was there married to Sarah Cross, a sister of Hugh N. Cross. In 1834 he left New Jersey with his family, consisting of a wife and four children, and moved in wagons to Illinois. He at once entered land, two and a half miles south of the site of the present city of Jerseyville, where he improved a farm of 400 acres, upon which he resided until his death which occurred Feb. 26, 1872. Mrs. Cory died in 1884. Six of their children survived them in life. They are - Mary, now the wife of D. R. Stelle; Levi D., John, Joel, Sarah, wife of Robert Newton, and Walter, all of whom reside in Jersey county. Mr. Cory represented his district in the state legislature one term, and often served the people in minor offices. He was a democrat politically. He gave close attention to his farm and was successful financially. He was for many years, a prominent and consistent member of the Baptist church.

The 17th general assembly met at Springfield, Jan. 6, 1851, and adjourned Feb. 17, 1851; a second session convened June 7, 1852, and adjourned June 23, 1852, The 13th senatorial district was represented by John M. Palmer, then a resident of Macoupin county, afterwards governor of the state. Jersey and Greene counties, then constituting the 22d district, were served in the house of representatives by Charles D. Hodges, of Greene, and J. C. Winters, of Jersey.

John M. Palmer was afterward a general in the Union army, during the civil war, and governor of the state of Illinois, and is now engaged in the practice of law at Springfield.

The 18th general assembly convened for its first session, Jan. 3, 1853, and continued until Feb. 14, of the same year; a second session met Feb. 9, 1854, and adjourned March 4, 1854. John M. Palmer still represented the 13th district in the senate, and Charles D. Hodges and Giles H. Turner, in the house. The latter gentleman was a resident of Jersey county.

The 19th general assembly convened at the state capital, Jan. 1, 1855, and remained in session until Feb. 15th following. The act of apportionment of Feb. 27, 1854, having placed the counties of Greene, Macoupin and Jersey in the 14th senatorial district, it was still represented in the senate by that distinguished jurist, John M. Palmer. By the same act, Jersey and Calhoun counties were erected into the 22d representative district, and was served by Lafayette McCrillis, of Jersey.

On the 5th of January, 1857, the 20th general assembly of the state of Illinois, met at Springfield, and continued in session until Feb. 19, 1857. Linus E. Worcester, of Greene, was the senator, and Wright Casey, of Jersey, the representative.

The 21st general assembly convened at Springfield, Jan. 3, 1859, and adjourned Feb. 24, 1859. Anthony L. Knapp, of Jersey, was in the senate from this, the 14th district, and F. P. Rush, of Calhoun, was the representative in the lower house from the 22d district.

The first session of the 22d general assembly met at Springfield, Jan. 7, 1861, and adjourned the 22d of February; a second session was held from April 23, 1861, until the 3d of the month of May. In the senate Anthony L. Knapp still represented this district. In the house John N. English was the delegate from this district and filled the place with credit and honor to himself and to his constituents.

Hon. John Nelson English stands conspicuous in the history of Jersey county, not only as an early pioneer, but also as a citizen who for half a century has taken an active part in the public welfare of his fellowmen. Mr. English is a native of Henry Co., Ky., born on the 31st day of March, 1810. He is the eldest son of Thomas and Alia (Cooper) English, of French and German ancestry, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Jonathan Cooper, who served in the war of 1812. They were married in Kentucky, whence they removed in 1820 to Washington county, 111., where they resided till 1825, when they settled in Jersey county and here continued to carry on farming till the death of Mr. English, which occurred Oct. 14, 1836; Mrs. English having died July 13, 1833. John N. received his education in the common schools of Washington and Jersey counties, dividing his time between study and farmwork. At the opening of the Black Hawk war, in 1831, he enlisted in a company of mounted volunteers, commanded by Captain Carlin, afterward governor of Illinois, and started on a march to Rock Island, where a treaty with the Indians was soon made. Returning home in

1832, he enlisted in Capt. Patterson's company, and participated in the battles of Wisconsin and Bad Axe, receiving an honorable discharge from the service when peace was declared. The soldiers who were thus engaged received about $1 per day, and congress afterward ceded to each, 80 acres of land. After his return home, Mr. English was employed by D. A. Spauldingin surveying the lands around Lake Michigan, and in 1834, entering land in Jersey county, engaged in farming. Upon the organization of the county he was elected sheriff, and was re-elected at the expiration of his first term. At the close of his service in this capacity, in company with Messrs. Magee and Terry, he erected a steam saw and grist mill, five miles out of Jerseyville, the location now being in English township, which he conducted about two years, and then engaged in steamboating with the rank of mate; after following this vocation two seasons he purchased a farm in what is known as "Rich Woods," now English township, where he settled in the fall of 1847 and continued to reside until the fall of 1867, when he removed to Jerseyville, his present home. His attention has been almost unremittingly given to agriculture and stock-raising, and by an industrious and upright course, he has accumulated a liberal competence. Politically, Mr. English is a staunch democrat, and he has been a delegate to nearly all the conventions of that party since he began to mingle in political affairs. He has taken a high stand, and has exerted a wide influence and his fellowcitizens have shown their appreciation of his worth by honoring him with many positions of trust. In the fall of 1860 he was elected to the state legislature from Jersey and Calhoun counties, and there rendered efficient service, being of that class of legislators who were in favor of coercing the Southern states. At the expiration of his first term he was re-elected with a larger majority, and filled the position with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Mr. English then lived a private life till the fall of 1875, when -he was again nominated as a candidate for the legislature, and was elected by a good majority and served three consecutive terms. Mr. English has been twice married. On the 17th day of Dec, 1840, to Elizabeth Belt, daughter of H. N. Belt, of Jersey county. She died, after a lingering illness, on the 5th of January, 1872. Of four children, three survive her in life - Lloyd, present supervisor of English township; John N., Jr., present township clerk, both farmers in English township, and R. B., a lawyer at Hardin, Calhoun county. In Oct., 1873, Mr. English married Catherine C. Selby, nee DeLong, she being the widow of John Selby, of Jersey county. Mr. English, or Col. English, as he is familiarly known, resides in the west part of Jerseyville city, where he has a pleasant home, supplied with all the accessories' of the best social life. He owns 80 acres of land, for which he gave $16,000, 40 acres of the land lying within the city limits of Jerseyville. At the present writing he is 75 years of age, but enjoys good health and life. Every day he is seen up-town, and is always surrounded with friends who enjoy his conversation. He is always ready to appreciate a good story or joke, and rejoices in the prosperity of his fellow-men. Mr. English is a man remarkably well preserved for one of his age. He stands just six feet, and is straight, well built, and from all appearances bids fair to enjoy yet many years of life. He weighs 195 pounds, is not a fleshy person but, is built from the "ground up," and presents a very commanding appearance.

The twenty-third general assembly of Illinois convened at Springfield, Jan. 5, 1863, and adjourned Feb. 14, 1863, until June 2, 1863. On the latter date it again met, in pursuance to the adjournment, and was, on the 10th of June, prorogued by the governor until Dec. 31, 1864", on which day it convened and adjourned. By the act of apportionment of Jan. 31, 1861, the county of Jersey was, together with Calhoun, Greene, Scott and Pike, made into the 6th senatorial district, and the counties of Jersey and Calhoun still kept together under their old number, as the 22d representative district. Linus *E. Worcester, of Greene, represented this district in the senate, and John N. English in the house.

On Jan. 2, 1865, the 24th general assembly met in regular session, at Springfield, and adjourned the 16th of February following. The 6th district was still represented by Linus E. Worcester, and in the house of representatives by John McDonald, a resident of Hardin, Calhoun county.

The 25th general assembly held three sessions, the first commencing Jan. 7, 1867, which adjourned Feb. 28; the second convened June 11, and adjourned June 13; and the third commenced June 14," and adjourned June 28, 1867. In the senate William Shephard, of Jerseyville, represented the district, and in the house Robert M. Knapp, afterwards the member of congress from this district, was the representative. Mr. Shephard was largely identified with the growth and development of the city of Jerseyville, and is mentioned, at length, in that connection.

The 26th general assembly, which convened at Springfield, the 4th of Jan., 1869, contained as the representatives of this district William Shephard, of Jerseyville, in the senate, and Thomas B. Fuller, of Hardin, Calhoun county, in the house. This assembly adjourned April 20, 1869.

The first regular session of the 27th general assembly began on the 4th of Jan., 1871, and on the 17th of April following it was adjourned until Nov. 15, 1871. A special session commenced May 4, 1871, and lasted until June 22, and a second special session met Oct. 13, and adjourned Oct. 24. It again met in regular adjourned session Nov. 15, 1871, and on the 9th of April, 1872, adjourned sine die. This was the first assembly under the constitution of 1870. This instrument made the senate to consist of 50 senators, and the house of 175 representatives. Jersey county, associated with those of Calhoun, Greene, Scott and Pike, made up the 6th senatorial district, and was at first represented by William Shephard and J. M. Bush, but the former gentleman having resigned, was succeeded b}' William H. Allen. In the house, the minority representation system having been adopted in the constitution, by which three members from each district were entitled to seats, the county of Jersey, under the title of the 38th district, was represented by George W.

Herdman and Robert A. King, both citizens of the city of Jerseyville. G. W. Herdman is the present circuit judge of this judicial circuit, and is spoken of, at length, in connection with the history of that court.

Robert A. King was born in St. Louis county, Mo., July 5, 1830. He was the eldest of a family of six children of George Y. and Mary (Dougherty; King. The parents resided upon a farm until 1835, when they removed to Washington, Franklin Co., Mo,, where they lived until overtaken by death. Robert A. worked on the farm until his 17th year, attending school during the winter. In 1846 he went to Cape Girardeau county, Mo., and studied privately with Rev. A. Munson for two years. He afterwards studied law with his uncle, Judge Andrew King. He served two years as deputy in the county and circuit clerk's office, at St. Charles, and two years as deputy sheriff. He obtained his license to practice law in 1853, and the year following returned to Washington and opened an office. Here he entered the political field and filled several positions. He was married May 24, 1859, to Jennie L. Bibb, and by this union they had one child - James B. King. His wife died Jan. 11. 1861, and one month later the child died. On the 22d of May, 1864, he was again married to Miriam Munson, by whom he had three children - Louis M., Robert A. and Arthur S. Robert A., Jr., died Feb. 26, 1875. In 1865 Mr. King came to Jerseyville, and entered into a law partnership with E. A. Pinero, to which firm George W. Herdman was admitted later. In the summer of 1*67 Mr. King retired from the firm on ac- count of ill-health. In 1869 he was elected a member of the constitutional (-'invention. In 1870, he became a member of the general assembly, and in 1872 was appointed probate judge, and the year following was elected to the same office. After the expiration of his term of office in 1883, he went to Lus Angelos, Cal., where he is now living.

The 28th general assembly convened at Springfield Jan. 8, 1873; adjourned May 6, 1873, until Jan. 4, 1874; and met in adjourned session on the latter date and continued until March 31, 1874, when it adjourned, sine die. The senatorial districts had been changed according to the act of March 1, 1872, previous to the meeting of this assembly, and Macoupin and Jersey counties were associated together as the 40th senatorial district, and was represented by Beatty T. Burke, of Carlinville, Macoupin county. In the house the district was ably represented by William McAdams, of Jersey, and Jonathan Plowman and Archibald Virden, of Macoupin county.

Hon. William McAdams, Jr., was born in Butler county, Ohio, Dec. the 28th, 1839, and is the eldest of a family of seven children of William and Eliza McAdams. The subject of this sketch received his early education principally under the tuition of Professor Nathaniel P. Firman, an eminent educator of Ohio, by which he attained a thorough knowledge of the English branches. He was passionately fond of the study, and practiced investigation of the science of geology, and in the state geological reports of Illinois frequent mention is made of his name, in connection with the many important discoveries that he has made in that profound science. Previous to becoming a resident of Illinois, he was engaged in teaching for three or four winters in Ohio, but his principal occupation has been that of farming. In the spring of 1865 he was married to Anna Curtis, of Jersey county. They have had six children. In early life he became a member of the democratic party, to which he has since strictly adhered. He was elected a member of the Historical Society of Illinois, several years ago, and his attainments in the scientific field have won him many golden opinions. He is now president of the State Natural History Society of Illinois. In 1878 he became a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and has since read many scientific papers before this body. At the Ann Arbor meeting of this association he was elected to be a Fellow and placed on the committee for the nomination of officers. He employs much of his time in scientific work for the government. In the fall of 1872 he was elected a member of the legislature of Illinois and was a prominent member of that body two sessions.

In Springfield, on the 6th of January, 1875, the 29th general assembly of the state assembled, and remained in session until the 15th of April following, when it adjourned, sine die. Beatty T. Burke, of Carlinville, was the senator from this district. In the house, the interest of this and the adjoining county of Macoupin, constituting the 40th district, was in the hands of Samuel G. Gilbert, of Carlinville, Oliver P. Powel, of Jerseyville, and Henry F. Martin, of Brighton.

March 17, 1819, and came to this county during the year 1848. He was twice county judge, his first term being from 1857 to 1861, his second from 1865 to 1869. He was married in his native state; Oct. 27, 1846, to Sarah E. Russell, a daughter of Joseph Russell. He is a democrat in politics and a Presbytarian in religion. He is still a resident and large land owner in the county.

The 30th general assembly met in regular session at Springfield, Jan. 3, 1877, and adjourned the 24th of May, the same year. George W. Herdman, of Jerseyville, was in the senate, and the district was represented in the house by Richard Rowett, of Carlinville, Hampton W. Wall, of Staunton, and John N. English, of Jerseyville.

The 31st general assembly convened at the state capital, Jan. 8, 1879, and continued in session until May 31. Geo. W. Herdman was again in the senate, and in the house were the three following gentlemen as representatives of the 40th district : Hampton W. Wall, of Staunton, and John N. English and George E. Warren, of Jerseyville.

Hon. George E. Warren was born at Worthington, Franklin county, Ohio, on the 16th day of August, 1817. His father, Thomas Warren, by profession a physician, a native of New Hampshire, was lineally descended from the Puritans. In about 181U he removed to Bristol, Rhode Island, and there united in marriage with Martha, daughter of Charles DeWolf, a prosperous merchant and ship-owner of that port; in fact, he was part owner of the noted privateer "Yankee," that figured in the war of 1812. In 1814 Dr. Warren moved to Ohio, and there resided until the spring of 1818, when they returned to Bristol and there remained till 1835. His wife having died in 1829, in 1835, the family , then consisting of a daughter and two sons, of whom Judge Warren is the only survivor, again moved west and settled at Alton, 111. Dr. Warren entered considerable land within the limits of Jersey county and resided here at the time of his death, which occurred in 1853, at the residence of his son, Judge Warren. He was a gentleman of rather extensive literary culture. Geo. E. Warren received an education, partly collegiate, having entered Brown University, at Providence, R. I., at 14 years of age, and remaining till the middle of bis senior year. After his removal to Illinois he commenced reading law in the office of Woodson & Hodges, of Carrollton, 111., and also assisted M. O. Bledsoe, clerk of both the circuit and county commissioners' courts. His health having become seriously impaired by close application, in the spring of 1837 he made a visit to bis former home and friends in Rhode Island, for the purpose of recuperating, and there, the following August, he was married to Harriet S., daughter of S. S. Allen, Esq., collector of the port of Bristol. He soon thereafter returned to the West, and in the spring of 1838 settled at Alton, 111., where he completed his law studies and was admitted to practice in the Illinois courts, in 1839. Owing to the financial depression then prevalent in Alton, and other causes, that place offered but little inducement to the aspiring young lawyer, and his father having purchased for him a large farm near Jerseyville, with money bequeathed by his grandfather, Charles

DeWolf, he removed thither in the spring of 1840, and engaged in farming. If he did not acquire wealth at his new pursuit, he gained a vigorous constitution and a practical knowledge of hard work. In politics Judge Warren was a whig till the declension of that party. He then east his fortunes with the republicans, and is still ardently attached to their principles. In 1841 he was elected justice of the peace, without solicitation on his part, and he thereafter continued in that capacity till 1849, when, under the state constitution of 1848, he was elected the first county judge of Jersey county. He performed the duties of that office to the satisfaction of the people for eight years. In Jan., 18(12, he resumed the practice of law in connection with his son-in-law, William H. Pogue, which business relation existed until the election of Mr. Pogue to the office of county judge in the fall of 1883. In 1875 Judge Warren was elected mayor of the city of Jerseyville, as the anti-license candidate, and thus became the first republican mayor of the city. In the fall of 1878 he was elected to represent his district in the legislature. The district was then composed of Jersey and Macoupin counties, both democratic. Judge Warren served one term in the legislature He has frequently been a delegate to state conventions. Thus it can be seen that the life of Judge Warren has been one of moderate success. He never aimed at the acquirement of immense wealth or political notoriety, but sought and found satisfaction in a quiet home life, finding his chief happiness in his home circle, the society of genial friends, and the pursuit of knowledge. He has always been a firm believer in the christian religion, owing in the first place to the early training of a pious mother, and in maturer years, to an intelligent apprehension of the truth of. that religion taught in the bible. At the age of 16 he united with the Protestant Episcopal church, of which his mother was a member. He retained his predeliction for that society for some years, but there being no congregation of that denomination in Jerseyville, in company with his wife he united, in March, 1852, with the First Presbyterian church, of which he has been an elder since Jan. 4, 1866. Judge Warren is blessed with a devoted and intelligent wife, and their union has been blessed with nine children. The eldest, a son, died at the age of four years. Mattie D. became the wife of Dr. George S. Miles. Mary A. became the wife of Judge W. H. Pogue. Charles D. is a farmer. Harriet S. became the wife of Henry C. Lovel, who is a clerk in the United States treasury department at Washington. Mark A. is a merchant. George is a clerk in the store of his brother. Anna became the wife of Robert S. Powel, a farmer, and Frank is at home. Judge Warren is the oldest Odd Fellow in Jerseyville, as he became a member of Jerseyville Lodge No. 53, I. 0. 0. F., in 1849.

The 32d general assembly convened at Springfield, in Jan., 1881, and the district was represented in the senate by C. A. Walker, of Carlinville, Macoupin county, and in the house by John N. English, of Jersey, and Archelaus X. Yancey and Balfour Co wen, of Macoupin county.

Scott, Greene and Jersey were placed together in the 37th senatorial district. The 33d general assembly, which met in Springfield, in Jan., 1883, contained as the representative of this new district Frank M. Bridges, of Carrollton, in the senate, and W. E. Carlin, of Jersey, and George W. Murray and John H. Coats, of Scott county, in the house. This assembly adjourned June 18, 1883. Major Walter E. Carlin, one of the prominent representative men of Jersey county, was born at Carrollton, Greene county, 111., April 11, 1844. His father was William Carlin, a farmer and prominent man of Greene county, being county clerk at one period, and holding the office of circuit clerk at the time of his death in 1850. He was a brother of Hon. Thomas Carlin, once governor of Illinois. William Carlin married Mary Goode, a native of Virginia, who is still living. Walter E. was educated in the common schools of Carrollton, at the school of the Christian Brothers, in St. Louis, and the University of Wisconsin. Aug. the 17th, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, of the 38th Illinois Infantry. He was promo ted tn second lieutenant, then to first lieutenant, and finally to captain, but on account of his age, being under 19, he declined to accept the last commission. He served for awhile on the staff of Genera] Jefferson C. DaviB, and later on the staff of his brother, General William P. Carlin, a graduate of West Point. He was highly commended by General Davis tor his gallantry in the battles preceding that of Chickamauga, and in that bloody contest he had two horses shot under him. He served three years, and at the close of the war was appointed second lieutenant in the regular army, but declined. In the spring of 1S7S he assisted in organizing the loth battalion Illinois National Guards, and was elected major, which position he held five years, being coinmissioned by Gov. Cullom. On his return from the army he served two years as deputy circuit clerk of Greene county, under his brother, Thomas J. Carlin. In August, 1866, he engaged in banking with his brother-in-law, John Long, at Carrollton, the firm being Long it Co., and continued till LS70. He then went to Mount Vernon and there established a bank, becoming a. member of Carlin, Cross & Co. In 1S72 he came to Jerseyville and engaged in the same business. In 1876 he organized the First National Bank of Jerseyville, of which he acted as cashier till 1880, when he resigned that position, but continued vice-president of the bank till the fall of 1881. In 1880 he engaged in grain buying, having charge of the Jerseyville elevator, of which lie was a three-fourths owner. He disposed of that interest in 1881, to E. 0. Stannard, of St. Louis. In September, of tin' same year, he became associated with M. E. Bagley in the banking business, the firm being Carlin & Bagley. This partnership continued till March, 1885, when he sold his interest to Mr. Bagley. Major Carlin is, politically, a democrat. He represented his district in the state legislature one term, and in 1884 was re-nominated, without opposition, but later, at the state convention, he received the nomination for state auditor, and thus declined the nomination for representative. He is at present chairman of the board of super- visors of Jersey county, a position which he has occupied for seven consecutive years, and has usually been elected without opposition. He is now serving his third term as representative from the Grand Encampment of Illinois to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows. In April, 1868, he was married to Mary Cross, daughter of Hugh N. Cross. She died in March, 1880, leaving two daughters, Mary Eugenia and Alma W. In June 1883, he was married to Lina Darneille, daughter of James M. Darneille, of Chatham, Sangamon county, 111. Major Carlin is connected with the Presbyterian church of Jerseyville.

The 34th general assembly met at Springfield, the state capital, Jan. 7, 1885, and adjourned after a long and stormy session. F. M. Bridges, the senator from this district, dying in the latter part of March, Robert H. Davis, a grain dealer of Carrollton, was elected April 11, 1885, to fill the vacancy, and took his seat. In the house the 37th district was represented by Henry C. Massey and Theo. S. Chapman, both of Jersey, and Byron McEvers, of Scott.

Theodore S. Chapman, present representative from this district in the state legislature, is a citizen of this county, and a prominently rising character in the political field of the future. He is a native of Berkshire county, Mass., born March 31, 1849. His parents, Theodore and Julia E. (Wadsworth) Chapman, were formerly from the same county and state. When the subject of this sketch was seven years old his father died, and two years later his mother was married to a missionary and went to India. Theodore had two sisters, Anna and Julia; the former accompanied her mother to India, and there died; the latter was married to Prof. J. A. Edgar, who was the founder of the Swedish department of Morgan Park Theological Seminary, of Chicago. When Theodore was nine years old he went to Rockford, 111., and lived with a farmer named M. H. Johnson for three years. Then, his mother having returned to this country and located in Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y., he went there and attended the city schools for two years. This course of instruction was subsequently supplemented by three years attendance at Madison University. The same thoroughness which characterized his actions of later years, there prevailed, and by studious application he obtained a very fair education. He then went to La Porte county, Ind., and engaged in teaching two years; thence to Rockford, 111., and remained four months; thence to St. Louis. Not being satisfied or contented in Missouri, he returned to Illinois, and soon afterward located at Jerseyville. Here he engaged in teaching one winter, and afterwards had charge of the Otterville school two years. Meanwhile, as he had opportunity, he studied law, and in 1874 was admitted to the bar, since which time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession. Politically he adheres to the republican party. In 1876 he was a candidate for state's attorney, and although defeated, received a vote much beyond the strength of his party, a deserved compliment to a worthy man. In 1884 he was elected to the state legislature, where he faithfully worked for the best interests of his constituents, and was instrumental in effecting various legislation of much interest and importance to the people. His ability was early recognized in that body, and he was a member, not only of the temporary steering committee, but of the permamt'iit. Among the acts traceable to his influence and effort, was an amendment to the bill concerning "guardian and ward," a law of much importance and of great benefit, as follows: "On any accounting and final settlement of guardian, he shall exhibit and file his account as such guardian setting forth specifically, in separate items, on what account expenditures were made by him, and all sums received and paid out since his last accounting, and all money on hand, and an itemized account of all notes, bonds, accounts, and evidences of indebtedness, composing the personal estate of his ward, and said guardian shall produce and exhibit to the court the notes, bonds, accounts, and evidences of indebtedness so itemized, and held by him, and it is hereby made the duty of the court to inspect the assets so exhibited. Which accounts shall be accompanied by proper vouchers and signed by him, and verified by his affidavit." The very loose and unsatisfactory manner heretofore pursued by persons thus in charge of important interests will, by this law, meet a wholesome check, and be the means of saving hundreds of dollars to those to whom it properly belongs. Mr. Chapman is what might be called a self-made man. His position has been secured solely by his own endeavor. He commenced the practice of law here under what would ordinarily be considered unfavorable circumstances, renting an office without the partnership or influence of any, he has steadily and with commendable energy, built up a practice and made a reputation. He has a good business in both probate and chancery courts, and is a lawyer of acknowledged honesty and ability. He was married Dec. 31, 1S75, to Sarah A. Landon, daughter of William D. and Alvira Landon. They have four children - Harry, Theodore, Paul and Truman.

Henry C. Massey is a native of St. Charles county, Mo., born Nov. 19, 1828, and is the son of Woodberry and Wana (Coonts) Massey. His father resided in St. Charles county for a short time after his marriage, and about 1830 crossed the river into this county, at Grafton, where he entered some land. Not long after, he removed to the forks of Otter creek, where he carried on a store. He afterwards went to the Dubuque lead mines, where he was subsequently murdered. His murder was amply avenged by his brother and sister, Henry L., and Louise. After this tragic event, Mrs. Massey, with her young family, returned to St. Charles, Mo., but in 1837, came again to this county. Henry C. was reared principally in Jersey county, and in early life was thrown on his own resources. Nov. 25, 1854, he was united in marriage with Catherine Fitzgerald.

Constitutional Conventions

Since the organization of Jersey county there have been three conventions to draft state constitutions, and in each of them Jersey county was represented.

various parts of the state. They labored on the matter for which they were called together until the 81st of Aug., 1847, when they adjourned. William Bosbyshell and A. R. Knapp were the delegates from the counties of Jersey and Calhoun. This constitution was submitted to the people, and at the election held March 6, 1848, they ratified it; and it went into force April 1 of that year, hence is called the constitution of 1848.

Dr. A. R. Knapp was a native of Connecticut, and at an early age moved to Delaware county, N. Y. He was a man of fine scholarly attainments. He was married to Catherine Wyckoff, and they had a family of live children. He removed to Illinois in 1839, first locating at Kane, where he engaged in the practice of his profession of medicine. In 1844 he removed to Jerseyville. Few physicians of this portion of the state had a more extensive practice. In 1849, having contracted the gold fever; he went to California, and came back with a fair share of money. He was always prominently identified with the democratic party, and was an intimate friend ami admirer of Stephen A. Douglas. His death occurred July 13, 1862. Two of his sons, prominent attorneys of this county, represented this district in congress.

The second constitutional convention came together at the city of Springfield, on the 7th of January, 1862, at which there were 75 delegates present, and among them William H. Allen, the representative of Jersey county. This convention remained in session until March 24, 1862. This constitution was submitted to the people at an election held

William Henry Allen, a native of New Bedford, Bristol county, Mass., was born on the 12th of October, 1814, and is the son of William H. and Ruth (Parker) Allen. His father was of Quaker descent, and held to the faith of that sect until his marriage. His mother was a direct descendant of Miles Standish, and both were of Saxon origin and Puritan stock. During his early life William enjoyed superior educational advantages, attending the schools of his native place until 17 years of age, when he entered Harvard University. His habits were of a social character. Being of a practical turn of mind, he bad little sympathy with abstruse questions, but had a great fondness for literary work, and a desire and natural taste for the study of medicine and surgery. After graduating from college, however, in 1835, following the advice of a relative, he decided to devote himself to business rather than to professional life, as a more speedy way to success, a choice, the wisdom of which is seen in the reward that has crowned his work. He removed to Illinois in 1840, and in the following year, settled at Grafton, Jersey county, his present home. He at first engaged in the real estate business, and such other employment as might prove lucrative, and after a few years, having accumulated sufficient capital, engaged in merchandising, and at the same time dealt in grain and produce. In 1854 he erected a flouring mill at Grafton, which he conducted until 1868, when he was succeeded in the business by his son. In 1869 he began the banking business, and has continued in it up to the present time, 1885. In all his business career he manifested an integrity and a spirit of generous and fair dealing that have won for him the highest respect of all who have been brought under his influence. In his religious views he is identified with no church, although he has the greatest respect for all. His early training was shaped by the teachings of Dr. Channing, Dr. Dewey, and other eminent Unitarians, and he was naturally led to sympathize with that faith, but he is now wholly independent in his opinions, and gives to all that enjoyment of personal views which he asks for himself. In politics he was formerly a whig, but upon the dissolution of that party became a democrat, casting his first vote for James Buchanan. Although he has never aspired to political honors he has had several important public trusts imposed upon him. In 1860 he was elected to the constitutional convention; served as county associate judge from 1865 to 1869 inclusive and in 1871 was chosen state senator from the 6th district, comprising Pike, Calhoun, Greene and Jersey counties. In 1873 he was elected a member of the county board. In all these various offices he acquitted himself with credit, but at the termination of each was happy to return to the peace and quiet of his home. Mr. Allen was married, in 1840, to Martha Maria Mason a native of Illinois, and only child of James Mason, well known in the early history of the state. They have six children - Rosalie, wife of Dr. E. L. Harriott, of Jacksonville; Irene A., wife of Edward A. Pinero, an attorney of Tecumseh, Neb.; James M., Harry C , William H., Jr., and Ruth M., wife of E. C. Stelle, near Jerseyville, 111. James is engaged in the flouring business. Mr. Allen is one of the leading men of the state; as a man of the strictest integrity and impartial judgment; he is looked to as the arbiter of all controversies in his community, lb' has given special attention to self-culture, and is a man of high social attainments, and does not fail to impress all whom he meets with the genuineness of his true manhood. Liberal and charitable, his hand is ever open to the needy, while his sympathies are broad enough to gather in their embrace all men. He now looks back upon a life well spent, crowded with happy recollections and cheered with warm friendships, and sees in all only the preparation for that existence beyond, whose hopes cheer and strengthen his declining years.

December 13, 1869, the third constitutional convention convened in the city of Springfield, at which there were 85 delegates. It remained in session until May 13, 1870. They labored long and faithfully, and the production of their conjoint efforts was submitted to the people July 2, 1870, and was by them ratified, going into effect Aug. 8, 1870. The 22d legislative district of the state, embracing the counties of Jersey and Calhoun, was represented by Robert A. King. This gentleman has been already mentioned as a member of the general assembly.

Tkobate Justices

ized, in 1839, all matters of probate were entrusted to an officer of the above title. Joseph G. Scott was the first to occupy the office, having entered upon the duties thereof at the time of the organization of the county, in the fall of 1839, and remained in the same until 1847, being re-elected continuously, thus being the only one in the county to fill the position.

Joseph G. Scott, a native of Somerset county, N. J., born Aug. 12, 1809, was the son of Col. Joseph W. Scott, an eminent and brilliant lawyer of that state. Joseph G. received his education, first in the grammar school of Queen's College, and lastly at Rutger's College, entering the sophomore class, and graduating three years later, being the valedictorian of his class. After leaving college he studied law with his father three years, and one year with Elias Van Arsdale, of Newark, N. J., after which he was admitted to the bar. He practiced at New Brunswick three years. In the spring of 1835, he started west, landing in Jerseyville on the 5th of July, of that year. He soon afterward entered a farm about three miles south of the town. He was married in 1839 to Eliza Duryee.

County Judges

On the adoption of the constitution of 184S, all matters of probate, as well as the government of the county, were vested in the county court, presided over by the county judge. The first to fill the position was Hon. GeoTge E. Warren, who was elected in 1849, and opened the court, for the first time, on the 3d day of December, of that year. The court consisted of three justices - the county judge, G. E. Warren, and Jacob Lurton and James McKinney, associate justices. Judge Warren was re-elected to this honorable office in 1853, holding the same for eight years, consecutively. During this time, besides the above named associate justices, the following filled the same offices: Jasper M. Terry, Charles H. Bowman and J. Murray Bacon.

Jacob Lurton is among the first settlers of this section of country, having come here in 1817, with his father, from Kentucky. He is now living on Sec. 32, T. 7, R. 11, or the township called Mississippi. He is a native of Kentucky, and was born near Louisville, Sept. 16, lso.'i. In the spring of 1817 the family, consisting of seven children, four boys and three girls, bid farewell to their old home, and started from Louisville on a keel boat, landing subsequently at the city of St. Louis. Jacob Lurton, Sr., the father of the subject of this sketch, was a physician, and a minister of the M. E. church, and realizing the importance of an education, determined that Jacob should have a good opportunity, and to this end kept him engaged in study until he graduated from the high school at Louisville. The profession of medicine was chosen as his future avocation, and to become familiar with the many details, he was kept in an "apothecary shop" for four winters, attending school during summers. The effort to make a doctor out of the young man only partially succeeded, and he never became a "full-Hedged" physician. Almost constant application to the books of his father and his father's partner, and making collections for them, gave him an insight to that particular branch of the business, and he became disgusted with the whole matter, and made a farmer of himself. Upon their arrival here they settled on Piasa creek, on a farm through which subsequently ran the division line separating the counties of Jersey and Madison. In addition to the family they brought five negroes, a mother and four children, who were indentured and set free at the age of 25 and 27. Thus, in 1817, commenced the life here of Jacob Lurton. He has witnessed the development of this county, and has had no small share in its transformation from a scene of natural wildness to its present condition. He was for eight years a judge of the county court of this county, and for 12 years a justice of the peace in Mississippi township, and was the first postmaster in this township, which office he held 14 years. He was a captain of the militia at the time of the Black Hawk war, the place of rendezvous being Carrollton. They were held as a reserve for 35 days, when the adjutant-general called on them and told them to disband, and to be ready, at a moment's warning, with five days' provisions for self and horse. He went home and has never been called upon, and has never been discharged nor received any compensation. His sword and outfit cost §25, and the sword is in good preservation to this day, and isin possession of his son, N. M. Lurton. He still has hie commission, and for many years was known as Capt. Lurton. He is a man of integrity and ability, and performed the duties pertaining to these and other offices conscientiously and well. He was deservedly popular, and was the leading man in the community where he lived. His advice was sought and asked on all matters of every description. At every marriage he officiated, and by him were tied the nuptial knots, uniting the hearts and destinies of many a happy couple. For all these and kindred services he never made a charge, and after so many years, there being no absolute necessity longer, and wishing to be free, he resigned all offices and announced his intention, having done his part, of remaining out of office, and notwithstanding the wishes of the people he has since steadfastly pursued that course. He was married March 20, 1829, to Margaret McDow, a daughter of John and Margaret (Gillham) McDow. There were born by this union eight children - N. M., born Jan. 9, 1830; John C, born April 6, 1831; Julia A., born Nov. 17, 1832; Mary J., born Feb. 26, 1834, and who died February 27, 1876; Sarah M., born March 4, 1836; Jacob P., born July 17, 1838, and died Nov. 8, 1868; Elizabeth C, born Nov. 28, 1842; Olivia M., born Jan. 6, 1850. Jacob P. was a lieutenant in Co. H, 97th 111. Inf., and died of disease contracted in the army. Mr. L.urton is a remarkable man. He is now 80 years of age and has never been intoxicated, never played a game of cards, never took a part in a dance, never sued but one man, never was sued, never bet higher than a gill of butter-milk, and has always led an upright, honest life. Mrs. Lurton is now (1885) 76 years old, and in good health, and together they are passing down the decline of life, with a feeling of peace and happiness known only to those whose lives have been well spent. They must soon go to their reward. May the Lord grant an abundant entrance to his heavenly kingdom.

James McKinney was a native of Virginia, born May 24, 1806. He was the eldest son of Abirara and Mary McKinney, who emigrated to Illinois and settled in Madison county, in ISIS, where they remained two years, when they removed to this county, locating on the Illinois bottom, but afterwards moved to section 24, English township. Here young McKinney was reared. James McKinney and Mary Ann Grain, a native of Tennessee, were united in marriage June 8, 182(i. They had a family of 13 children. Mr. McKinney died Sept. 17, 1867.

Jasper M. Terry, deceased, was born in Hardin county, Ky., Jan. 5, 1811. He is the fifth child of Jasper and Sarah Terry, the former a native of Botetourt county, Ya., and the latter of l'eekskill, N. Y. Jasper Terry, Sr., was married in 1797, and in the fall of 1800, emigrated to Kentucky, where he resided until the fall of 1828. At that date he came to Illinois anil settled in the present limits of Jersey county, on the northeast quarter of Sec. 24, T. 7, R. 12. In 1849, he. sold his farm here and after a visit to Texas, returned to Greene county, where he died, in Nov., 18o0, at the residence of his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Rev. John Stephens. His wife died at the same place about one year later. They had a family of nine sons and three daughters. Jasper M. Terry obtained his early education in the common schools of Hardin county. He came to Illinois with his father's family, and was married Sept. 20, 1833, to Mary Ann Wagner, daughter of John and Mary Wagner, of Greene county, 111. By this union there were born nine sons and two daughters, three of whom died in infancy. Those who reached maturity are Rev. John W., of Carlinville, 111.; William H. and Anslam, in Montgomery county, 111.; Albert 0., living near Janesville, 111.; Henry Clay, near Pana, 111.; Mary E., wife of E. D. Howard, of Montgomery county, 111.; Thomas J., Theodore F. and Annie Frances, residing with their parents. Mr. Terry settled, soon after his marriage, on the northwest quarter of Sec. 24, T. 7, R. 12, where he resided until his death, Oct. 21, 1876. He made farming the business of his life, and was successful. He began life without financial capital, hut he was possessed of those elements of mind which are more valuable, and the proper use of which insure success to their possessor. These qualities are good common sense, unerring judgment to plan, and energy to execute, with order and method. He gave to his children the advantage of a liberal education, as well as financial aid to facilitate their life labors. He settled four of his sons on 1,000 acres of land in Montgomery county, 111. Politically, Mr. Terry was an 'old line whig." He was a great admirer of Henry Clay, after whom one of his sons was christened. Although he never sought official position, he served several years as acting justice of the peace. He was elected associate judge of the county court of Jersey county, which position he filled seven years with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituency. Judge Warren was succeeded as county judge by Hon. <>. P. Powel, in Dec, 1857, and opened court with R. R. Eley and William Williams as associate justices These gentlemen held these

Richard I. Lowe, was the next occupant of the office of county judge, having been elected to that exalted position in Nov., 1861, and opened the the county court in the following December, with Jacob Lurton and Larkin Richardson as associate justices. These gentlemen served a term of four years, until 1865. Jacob Lurton has been noted at length elsewhere. Larkin Richardson came to this county in 1834, from the American Bottom. He remained here some time, holding several unimportant offices and went to Texas, but in a few years returned to this county where he lived several years, but finally removed to Texas where he settled. A sketch of Judge Lowe is given in connection with the history of the township of Jersey, of which he is still a resident.

0. P. Powel again filled this position commencing in the fall of 1865, and filled it for four years. W. H. Allen and Phineas Eldredge were associate justices at the same time, and assisted in the government of the county.

Phineas Eldredge was the son of Anthony and Susanna (Vance) Eldredge, and was born in Philadelphia, Penn., March 14, 1822. He served an apprenticeship of three years at ship building, and three more at sail making in his native city. His father was a sea captain, at this time, in the merchant service, and Phineas sometimes accompanied him on his voyages. The man with whom Phineas was learning his trade, having a contract to get out live oak timber, he sent Phineas, who had studied naval architecture, to superintend the operations in Florida, and he did so well that when he returned, although his apprenticeship was not out, he was "given his time," as the saying is - or, made a full journeyman. He now entered upon a sea-faring life, having accepted the position of second mate on a trading vessel. He made a trip to South America, and then, for three years was first officer. He then went to New Orleans, and in 1843 was made senior warden of the city prison, and, with the prisoners, built the house of refuge in that city. He remained there until 1846, when the Mexican war broke out, when, having a steamship, largely owned by his father, he entered the transport service, but being caught in the Gulf by a norther, after battling with the storm for five days, the vessel was lost, and they lost their all. He then returned to New Orleans, and was deputy superintendent of the city gas works, where he remained two years, when his father made him an offer of a tract of land (his present farm) if he would come and live on it, which he accepted. The Eldredges were sea-faring men for five generations, and Phineas Eldredge's ancestors had settled on Cape Cod, coming from Wales at an early day. On his mother's side his ancestors were German, and her grandfather served on the staff of General Washington. In 1848 Phineas came to Illinois and settled on the farm where he now lives, on section 11, Piasa township. At one time he and his father owned some 1,600 acres of land, 800 acres of it in a body. He was elected associate justice of the county court in 1865, and a study of the official actions of the court in this volume will show that he did efficient work. He was the projector of the poorhouse, also. This was his last official act. He was married in Sept., 1843, in Philadelphia, to Elizabeth Wharf. Their children have been - Susanna, wife of James Burke; Anthony, clerk in the Anchor line; Elizabeth, wife of Colonel John Breenholt; Harry, pilot on the City of Natchez ; and five deceased. Mr. Eldredge is a member of Hibbard Lodge, No. 249, A. F. and A. M., at Brighton. On his farm he has two and one-half acres of fish pond, and, sailor-like, he has a sail -boat thereon.

J. M. Hurd was duly elected to the office of county judge in the fall of 1S69, and entering upon the duties of the office with Caleb Noble and G. W. Gorin as associate justices carried on the business of the county for the ensuing three years, when he resigned.

J. M. Hurd was the second son of Ezra and Polly (Hamilton) Hurd, and was born in Georgetown, Madison county, N.Y., March 1, 1809. He was educated in the common schools of Georgetown, becoming proficient in several branches, especially surveying. At the age of 14 he commenced helping his father in the saw-mill, of which he was placed in charge. At the age of 17 he spent the fall and winter learning the cloth-dressing trade. He continued in the old home until 1830, when, being 21 years of age, he turned his steps westward and came to Illinois, and met his uncle, Dr. Silas Hamilton, in Monroe county, and with whom he came to Jersey county on the 3d of July , of the same year, and located in what is now Otter Creek township. In September he returned to his New York home, where he spent the winter. In the spring of 1831 he, together with his father's family, came to Illinois by the water route, landing at Eminence, from whence they proceeded by a hired team and wagon. His father died that fall. J. M. built a log cabin on the site of the present village of Otterville, but spent the most of his time in surveying until 1837. In 1833 he was elected constable, and two years later justice of the peace. He was married January 26, 1836, to Lydia Noble, by whom he had eight children. From 1839 to 1847 he was the postmaster of Otterville. In the fall of the latter year was made probate judge of the county. After serving his term he personally managed his farm until 1852, when he was elected sheriff, when he removed to Jersey ville, where he resided until 1873, when he removed to Nebraska, where he died. He was from 1844 to 1859 in the mercantile business with C. M. Hamilton and Marcus E. Bagley, selling out in the latter year. In November, 1869, he was elected county judge, as above.

Caleb Noble was born in Adams county, Miss., July 28, 1817, and is the son of Henry and Mary (Swayze) Noble. The father, wishing to move to a more northern climate, started for Illinois, and landed at Grafton on the 3d of April, 1833. He settled on a farm which he purchased on section 10, in Otter Creek township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and where he died in July, 1852. His son Caleb, when ahoy, attended the schools of his native state. Robert A. King was the last county judge at the head of the administrative department of the county government.

In the fall of 1872, he was appointed by the governor to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Hurd, and assumed his official functions at the December term of court, with Caleb Noble and W'iliiam A. Scott as associate justices. Under the new constitution of 1870 the powers of the county judge were much curtailed, most of his business being restricted by that instrument "to all matters of probate; settlement of estates of deceased persons; appointment of guardians and conservators, and settlement of their accounts; in all matters relating to apprentices: and in proceedings for the collection of taxes and assessments, etc." Under this document, in November, 1873, Judge King was duly elected to fill the office of county judge, and filled it most ably until 1882, when his term expired, be having been re-elected in 1877.

Hon. W. H. Pogue, the present incumbent of the office of county judge, was elected at the November election of 1882, and has made one of the best officials of this character that the county has had for many years.

Hon. William H. Pogue, is a native of Philadelphia, Penn., born on the 23d of Dec, 1835, and a son of Joseph and Jane Knox (nee Cooper) Pogue, the former, a native of Ireland, who immigrated to America about 1812; and the latter a native of Philadelphia, and daughter of Hugh Cooper, an old merchant of that city. His father was for 33 years, an active business man of Philadelphia, while his mother was a noted Sunday school worker; she and her sister, over 50 years ago, having established a Sunday school- where there is now an old and flourishing church. It was owing largely to her influence that the subject of this sketch became interested in Sunday school work, he having held the positions of secretary of the Illinois State Sabbath school convention, president of the Jersey county Sabbath school convention, and superintendent of a mission school in his own town. William received his early education in a private school in Philadelphia, under the instruction of Samuel Crawford, a noted teacher of his day, but, later, removed with his father's family to Camden, N. J., and there attended school until the death of his father, which occurred in 1848. He completed his studies at the Pennington Male Seminary, receiving an ordinary English education with a limited knowledge of Latin and German. After closing his studies, being still young, he was placed in the store of James R. Webb, of Philadelphia, but after a short time took a position in the store of Horatio Litzenberg, of Lower Merion. He afterwards went to live with Perry Litzenberg, of West Philadelphia. In Feb., 1854, he removed to Illinois, where his father had invested large sums of money, in landed property. He first settled at Alton, and in January of the following year, began the study of law in the office of Hon. Edward Keating, of that place. He soon became private secretary of Mr. Keating, who was attorney-general of what is now the Chicago and Alton railroad, and acquired a knowledge of business that has proved invaluable to him in bis life-work. After the death of his employer, which occurred in 1857, Mr. Pogue began practicing his profession, being then about 20 years of age. In

Sept., 1858, he was elected city attorney of Alton, and on the organization of Alton city court he became ex-officio the states attorney, thereof, and in the following spring, by appointment of Judge Henry W. Billings, he became master in chancery of the Alton city court, a position to which he was re-appointed in April, 1861. In Jan., 1862, he removed to Jerseyville and formed a partnership with Hon. George E. Warren, his father-in-law, and began practice under the firm name of Warren & Pogue. The business of this firm rapidly increased and soon became one of the largest in the county. In 1872, he was appointed by Governor Palmer, state's attorney, for the first judicial district of Illinois, in place of Hon. Wm. Brown, who had resigned, and was also appointed state's attorney of Jersey county, by Judge J. M. Hurd, county judge, under the new law conferring criminal jurisdiction upon county courts in Illinois. In the fall of 1882 he was elected county judge, which office he has since held. In Dec, 1860, he was married to Mary A. Warren, of Jersey county. They are the parents of four children - Harry W., Edmund D. W., Hattie and George Dudley. Judge Pogue is a member of the board of education, and was its president for two years. In politics he is a democrat.

County Clebk

This office is one of the most important in the government of the county. In early days it was officially known as the clerk of the county commissioners' court. The first regular incumbent of this office was Richard Graham, who was duly elected at the first election after the separation of the county from that of Greene, Mr. Graham not qualifying at the first meeting of the county commissioners' court, R. L. Hill was appointed to fill the office, pro tem., but two weeks thereafter, on the 28th of Oct. 1839, Mr. Graham filed his bond, and assumed the duties of the office. He held this place for four years.

Geoge W. Lowder was the successor of Mr. Graham in the office, serving the people from 1843 to 1857, or 14 years, being re-elected at every successive election by an appreciative constituency.

At the regular election in Nov., 1869, Thomas J. Selby was duly elected to the office of county clerk, and entering upon the functions devolving on that officer, soon won for himself a place in the regards of the people, and was re-elected his own successor in 1873, and served the people, in this capacity, for eight years.

Thomas J. Selby was born in Delaware county, 0., Dec. 4, 1840, and is the son of G. H. Selby, a native of Virginia, of English descent. His mother was of Dutch origin, but a native of New Jersey. Both his parents have been called to their last account. The father was a stone cutter by trade and removed to Illinois in June, 1849, and settled in Crawford county, and in 1860 the family came to Jersey county. There were four children in the family - I. N. a member of the 97th 111. Inft., died while in the service, in Jan., 1862; Mrs. Frances Dixon, who died in 1883; Mrs. Allan, a teacher in Jerseyville; and Thomas J. The latter gentleman was united in marriage with Amanda Richardson, March 30, 1862, and they have been blessed with five children, one daughter and four sons, all living. Mr. Selby followed teaching from the age of 16 until 1864, when he was elected to the office of sheriff of Jersey county, and served as such one term of two years. In 1866, he purchased the Jersey county Democrat and run it until 1870, when he sold out to Wheelock & Burr. He was elected county clerk as above stated. He also served three terms as mayor of Jerseyville. Mr. Selby was admitted to the bar in 1869, but did not commence the practice of law in Jerseyville until 1876, in connection with E. A. Pinero. In 1879, he removed to Nebraska, where he engaged in the practice of law. He made some unfortunate investments in sheepraising, which financially embarrassed him for the time. He is now a practicing attorney at Hardin, Calhoun county. He has always been prominently identified with the democratic party.

James Eads, the present county clerk of Jersey county, was first elected to this office, in Nov., 1877, and has served continuously ever since.

James Eads, who is now serving his second term as county clerk, was born in St. Louis, Mo., April 25, 1846, he being the older of the two sons of James A. and Caltha (Burke) Eads. When he was three years of age, the family removed to Jersey county. 111, and since that time, the subject of. our sketch has been a resident of the same. He was educated in the common schools, and at an early age assisted his father, who was a merchant at Fieldon. When he was only 16 years of age, he quit the schoolroom on account of bis father's poor health, and took charge of the store and continued in business with his father until 1873. From 1868 to 1873, he dealt in grain. In 1873 he removed to Jerseyville, and served as chief deputy in the office of county clerk, T. J. Selby, and in Dec, 1877, succeeded Mr. Selby, and was re-elected in 1882. Mr. Eads is a democrat in politics, as was his father before him. He is a Mason, belonging to blue lodge, chapter and commandery; a member of the subordinate lodge and encampment of the I. 0. 0. F.; a member of the K. P. society, and the K. of H. He was married on the 2d day of April, 1874, to Virginia E. Crosby, daughter of George W. Crosby, and two children have been born to them - James B. and Emma F. Mr. Eads, besides attending to the duties of his offices, also, in connection with his brother, deals in real estate, and loans money. He is a gentleman who is easily approached, always attending to the duties of his office, and ever ready to be of service to his fellowman.

William Eads, younger son of James A., and Caltha A. (Burke) Eads, was born in Richwood township, Jersey county, 111., Dec. 14, 1850. In early life, he attended school during the winter seasons, and the remainder of the year, assisted his father in the store. The winter of 1869 he spent in attending school in Jacksonville. In the fall of 1871, he went to Calhoun county, and, in partnership with E. P. Lowe, engaged in general mercantile business at Batch-town, the firm being, Eads, Lowe & Co. In the fall of the following year he returned to Fieldon, and assisted his father in business, until the death of the latter, which occurred in Jan., 1874. He then continued the business with his brother, for two years, under the firm styled "Eads & Bro." William then, in Jan., 1S7G, having sold out his former business, came to Jerseyville, and clerked in the office of county clerk T. J. Selby, until Feb., 1877. At that date he went to Kane, Greene county, where, with his brother, he established a dry goods business. Five months later, they sold out, and William returned to Jerseyville, again entering the employ of T. J. Selby, whom he served till Dec, 1877. Since that time he has served as deputy county clerk, under his brother. Mr. Eads was married in Montgomery county, 111., to Elizabeth J. Thomas, second daughter "f Samuel and Mary E. Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Eads have three children - < laltha T., Mary D. and Lenna B. Mr. Eads is a democrat in politics, and a member of Fieldon lodge, No. 592, of A. F. & A. M., also of the Jerseyville chapter, No. 140, of R. A. M.

Clerk Of The Circuit Court

The first to occupy this onerous office was Robert L. Hill, who was duly appointed by Judge Thomas, at the organization of the county, in 1839, and being successively elected his own successor, served until 1849, a service of 10 years. Robert L. Hill was a native of Todd county. Ky., and was born during the year 1797. He was reared and educated in the plaje of his nativity, where he was also married to Maria Tonstall. They were the parents of six children - Martin L., Mary A. C, M. Ellen, Juliet A., Robert T., and Oscar. But three of these are now living - Mary, in Nebraska; Ellen, in Kentucky; and Oscar, in Jerseyville. Mr. Hill removed to what was then Jersey county from Kentucky, and on the organization of the county was made circuit clerk, as above stated. His death occurred in 1863, while a resident of Jerseyville.

In the latter part of 1849 Mr. Hill was succeeded by Thomas L. McGill, who also remained in this official capacity for a number of years, serving for 11 years, or until the fall of 1860. Mr. Mc- Gill came to Jersey county about the year 1840, from St. Louis, Mo., and settled in what is now Piasa township. He has, since the expiration of his term of office, died.

Marcus E. Bagley was the next incumbent of the office of clerk of the circuit court, being elected thereto in 1860, and served for twenty years. Marcus Bagley was born August 18, 1828, in Greene county, N. Y., and is the son of Thomas and Mary Bagley. In the fall of 1850 he came to Jerseyville, and soon engaged in mercantile pursuits in company with A. W. Howe, in which he remained several years. February 16, 1860, he was married to Mrs. Hattie M. Harriman, nee Page. In the fall of 1860 he was elected, as above. He was the first mayor of Jerseyville and master in chancery many years. He is now engaged in the banking business.

At the regular election of November, 1880, Jesse I. McGready, the present clerk of the circuit court of Jersey county, was duly elected to that office, by a majority of 390, and the following 1st of January he entered upon the duties of the office, and still serves the county in that capacity.