Jersey County, Illinois - Rosed Ale, 1885 (part 1 of 3)

Rosed Ale

This township embraces all of congressional township 7 north, range 13 west, except the west row of sections. Of the latter row, parts of sections 6, 7 and IS are also embraced in the territory of Rosedale township. It is bounded on the north by Richwoods, on the east by Otter Creek, on the south by Quarry, and on the west by the Illinois river. The township is well watered, having the Illinois river on the west, besides Otter creek. Coon creek, Fowler's lake, Long lake, Deep lake, Coon lake, and Horse Shoe lake. Otter creek comes in from the east on the line between sections 1 and 12, and with many turns, flows in a generally westward direction, until its waters unite with those of an arm of the Illinois, on section 6. Coon creek comes in from Quarry township at the south line of section 85, and runs northw:est, emptying into the Illinois on section 21). Coon lake is situated on sections 7, 8, 17 and 18. It is the largest lake in the township. Fowler's lake is long and narrow, and lies in sections 20 and 29. It is connected with Long lake, at at the north end of the latter, which extends through the remainder of section 21), through all of 32, and projects slightly into Quarry township, and from there is connected with the Illinois river }>y a narrow channel. Deep lake lies right alongside the river, on sections 29 and o2, its foot being in Quarry. Horse

Shoe lake is almost entirely on sections 3 and 4. It is not, strictly speaking, a lake, being merely a projecting arm of Otter creek, which lies in the shape of a coil, whence its name - Horse Shoe - is derived.

In the western portion of the township, at an average distance of about a mile and a quarter from the river, are the bluffs of the Illinois, which present quite a picturesque appearance.

Rosedale township has considerable rough land, and certainly has no dearth of water-courses. There is also a large amount of timber, more or less heavily wooded. Notwithstanding these things, by far the larger portion of its soil has been compelled to succumb to the power of thrift aud energetic labor, judiciously applied on its surface, so that there are a large number of as fine farms as can be found any place in the county. The inhabitants do not lack energy, and good use has generally been made of all the advantages afforded by nature. Jones' Ferry affords facilities to the inhabitants for crossing the Illinois river. The Jersey county side is on the west line of section 20. Taken all in all, while the surface of the country is rather broken in this township, there are many compensating advantages, which all aid in producing the general prosperity of its people.

ship. After the work had proceeded to the depth of 825 feet, the rope broke, causing them to lose all their tools, making it necessary to abandon the work. A good mineral spring was developed by the boring.

Early Settlers

William Larue was most probably the pioneer settler of this township, locating here as early as 1818. He made a clearing and erected a cabin on section 8, where he lived for many years. In L837 or '38, he sold out and removed to Greene county, where he subsequently died.

In 1819, Walter Cresswell located in this township, and the following year received the appointment of justice of the peace, the first in the county.

Among the earliest settlers of Rosedale township was John Gillworth, who, in 1820, built a cabin on the banks of Otter Creek, where it passes through the bluffs of the Illinois river. In 1830 he removed to what is now Ruyle township, and subsequently to the county of Greene. During the days of the war he purchased property in Jerseyville, and returning to this county, resided in the county seat until 1871, when he died.

Elisha Fowler was one of the first settlers in Rosedale township. He located on section 21, and was one of the first to make a clearing, in the township. He settled here in 1820 or 1821.

Thomas, Samuel and William Cresswell made settlements here during the year 1820. Thomas settled upon the southeast quarter of section !), which land he entered at the land office, in May, 1829. Samuel settled on section 4.

Silas ('rain came to what is now Rosedale township in about 1825. He was a Methodist minister, and held meetings around at different houses. He settled on section 4, where he lived for some 12 or 1-1 years, when he removed to Richwoods township, where he subsequently died.

Lewis and Amos Lynn and Enoch Spaulding made settlements in this township during the year 1828. The Lynns were first-class chairmakers, and often with the rudest machinery would turn out such substantial evidences of their handwork, that it is said of them that they never made a chair that would wear out.

Early in the year 1829, several parties by the name, of Funis, made a settlement upon section l(i, near a spring of watei . The father and mother both died in 1833. They were Tennesseans.

John Dabbs made a settlement in 1831, on section 21, which he purchased of the government the year following. He was a resident here tor years.

James Naron, probably one of the strongest men in this region of country, settled on section 17, in ls:i2. He afterward removed to Calhoun county, where he died.'

The first school in Rosedale township was in 1833, in a little log cabin which stood on the northeast corner of section 21. It was taught by Moses E. Morrill, who had been a sea captain and was a very well-informed man. Among the first scholars were Lloyd T., John H. ami Elizabeth A. licit; two or three children of Levi Larrison, W'm. Ennis' children, and children of Amos and Lewis Lynn. Morrill taught school six months there.

The second school was taught by One Edsall, in a shanty made of posts set in the ground and boarded up, on section 32. This was during the summer of 1835.

The first school house in district No. 1 was built in 1856, by Richard Whiten, contractor. The last teacher in that building was Florence Houghtlin. A new school edifice was erected in this district in 1884, by N. F. Smith, Jr. John Gavin taught the first term of school in this house, being the winter term, 1884-5.

District No. 1 has a neat and substantial frame school house, built in 1883, by William Willis, contractor. Emma Leggate taught the first term in this house, in 1884. The building before used had burned down. It was constructed of logs, and was located in what is known as Good Hollow.

The first school house in No. 5, or Pleasanl ( love district, was built in 1866. The people of the neighborhood turned out ami raised the logs themselves, so that the expense was light. The name ofthe first teacher was Miller. Lowery I'attison, taught the the last term in in that building. In 1888, the present started a grist mill on tin' north side of Otter creek, on section 1. It stood a little over a mile down the creek from McDaniels' mill, on land which now belongs to Henry Schaff. It was a stone mill when built, but had not been long constructed ere it was washed away by a rise in the creek. He then put up a frame mill. The mill had two run of buhrs, and did considerable grinding being a very good mill for that day. The mill has gone to decay, and no trace of it now remains. The millstones were afterwards used at Demphey's distillery at Grafton.

The saw mill that is now known as Preble's mill, was constructed by W. H. H. West. He afterwards sold it to Squires it Payran, who ran the mill awhile then sold to James F. Seago and two others. The mill was burned down while in these hands, but was rebuilt. The property was afterward sold to Preble & Grandstaff. the firm consisting of James F. Seago and H. D. Preble. They continued the business about four years, when Preble purchased Grandstaff's interests, and has since conducted the business himself. The mill has a capacity for sawing 6,000 feet of white oak lumber, daily, with one saw. Three hands are employed in the work. A newboiler has been lately added, and the mill is capable of doing good work.

parents to Boone county, Mo. In the spring of 1862, lie removed to Madison county, 111., and seven years later, to Macoupin county j where he resided until 1*7*. He then removed to Greene county, and in 1879 came to Jersey county, and purchased a saw-mill, which he has operated since that time. He is a member of the odd Fellows' fraternity.

A saw-mill was constructed on the hanks of Otter creek, on section 11, on land now belonging to Henry Belt. James Bryce was the proprietor, and his mill was erected in 1833. The mill is now gone, as well as all trace of its having been there. Bryce sold out, and went to Missouri, where he erected another mill.

Pleasant Cove grist mill was built in 18S3, by T. K. Phipps. This mill is equipped with one coin buhr, and has a capacity for grinding 150 bushels of meal per day. It is run by a steam engine, which is used, during the season. for running a threshing machine. Mr. Phipps threshes from 32,000 to 40,000 bushels of grain per year.

In the Union cemetery, the first burials occurred about the year 1835, being those of an aged couple named Funis. James II. Wedding was buried there in Aug., 1837, and Nancy Wedding, in Aug., 1*41.

Teneriffe

Silas ('rain opened the first store, in the same year that the town was laid out. His stock consisted of an assortment of what is generally kept in a general merchandise store.

Since Smith's failure to make a store pay here, there has been no further attempt made to establish any business at Teiinerifl'e. and at present there is not even a landmark to designate the spot where the town was laid out, and where these early mercantile attempts were made. The buildings have rotted away, and the town site is now used for farming purposes.

Eosedale Postoffice

Xo town has ever been laid out here, hut some trading is done at this point, while many of the inhabitants of this township receive their mail here.

Sinclair, at the time of the location of the postoffice here. He ran the business about two years, and then sold to J. (i. Reed. The latter remained but a short time, selling the business to W. ('. Gleason, the preseni proprietor.

About the year 1875, Jesse Shoop started a small general store, which he operated a little over a year, when the stock was purchased by W . C. Gleason, who consolidated it with his own.

William Cleveland Gleason was born in Gallia county, 0., May 17, 1825. His early life was spent with his parents in his native county, where he received a good education. When 17 years old he went to Lawrence county, 0., and there engaged in teaching school. He resided in that state until he was 25 years of age, then went to Virginia, where he followed teaching. He afterwards returned to Ohio, and taught two years, after which he came to Galena, 111., where he engaged in the same occupation. From there he again returned to Ohio and taught school and ran a store and postoffice at Hamden, Vinton county. He next went to Iowa, and engaged in merchandising, and also kept postoffice one year, thence he went to Illinois, where he taught school, thence to Ohio again. He "was married in that state in 1860, to Cassandra Thornton. His next move was to Clay county, 111., where he followed farming, and from there he removed to Rosedale township, Jersey county, which is now his home. Since that time he has spent two years in Kansas. On his return from that state he engaged in general merchandising at

Rosedale, which he still continues, also keeps the postoffice. Jan. 29, 1880, Mrs. Gleason died at the age of 38 years. Mr. Gleason is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken the Royal

Shortly after the Rosedale postoffice was established, a blacksmith shop was opened, which is still in operation. William H. Newell is the present proprietor.

James Donald Sinclair was born in the Highlands of Scotland, May 27, 1829. When 11 years of age, he went to sea, shipping at London as midshipman on board a barque called the "Derwent." which was engaged in the Australian trade, that being the time when gold had been recently discovered in Australia. In 1847, while on a homeward voyage, the vessel encountered a terrific storm, and was driven to the far south, where their progress was obstructed by ice, and the days were so short that the sun was visible for only 25 minutes. After a tedious voyage of 135 days, they arrived in London. Here he again shipped as chief officer on board a ship called the "Minerva," bound for Riga,, in Russia,. On the passage home the vessel encountered severe storms, and was detained on the coast of Norway, for three months. After his return to London, he went to Edinburgh, Scotland, and attended school a short time, then went to Liverpool, and there shipped as seaman on board a Scotch ship called "St. Andrews," bound for Canada. On the passage, the ship ran into the ice on the banks of

Newfoundland, and was detained 21 days, during which, supplies running low, his allowance was reduced to one spoonful of boiled rice, and one of molasses, per day. When they finally reached Montreal, all hands deserted the ship, one-half the crew going to Quebec, and the other half to the lakes. He shipped on board a lake schooner called the "Henry Claj'," and went to Cleveland, O. Here he shipped as chief mate on board the same boat, of which two years later, he became captain, and sailed as such three years. He then went to Michigan, thence again to Cleveland, where be superintended the building of a barque called the Ocean Wave. This was in 1852-3. He was captain of that boat one year, after which he commanded different vessels until 1868, when he abandoned a sailor's life, and for one year followed the business of ship chandler, then went into the shipping and commission business. In 1862 he enlisted in the navy and was ordered for duty on board the Clara Dolson, as executive officer. He was executive officer and captain of different gunboats, and run all the blockades on the Mississippi river, and did gallant service until the close of the war. He then did business for a time in the south, engaged in the cotton trade, and was captured by Jesse James, losing $25,000; then went to Chicago and followed the manufacture of tobacco, after which he commanded a steamboat on the Illinois river two years. He then purchased a steamboat and engaged in the southern trade. This boat was burned, in consequence of which he lost considerable money. He then came to Coon creek, Jersey county, purchased an acre of woodland, upon which, after clearing it, he built a storehouse and a blacksmith shop. He kept the first postoffice in Rosedale. He was for a number of years in the stone business, which he sold out to Gilbert Reed. He then returned to his native country, sailing from New York the 5th day of June, 187~>. He spent about nine months in visiting the principal cities of Great Britain and points of interest in northern Europe. He returned to Rosedale, where he lias since followed farming. Mr. Sinclair is the founder of the town of Rosedale, and lias always been prominently identified with its interests. He taught writing school in Buffalo, N. Y., during the winter of 1849-50, having among his pupils two sons of President Fillmore. He has circumnavigated the globe three times, and has sailed as far south as the ice would permit, once being chased by a pirate ship off Cape Horn. Three tdasses of water per day was his allowance for 135 days during one of these trips. He has saved 17 lives by swimming. He is a man of good education, and possessed of a great amount of general information. As a citizen he is esteemed by all.

Deserving Of Mention

John L. Reed was born in Adams county, Ohio, Jan. 18, 1832. His parents, George and Lourana Reed, emigrated from Virginia, in 1825. They had born to them six boys and three girls, of which only three are now living. Energy, perseverance and integ- rity are leading traits of the Reed family, who are ever on the side of good order and morality. Generous and hospitable, their latch-string has ever been out from the days of the log cabin, to those of the present noble residences, and they have been ready to feed the hungry, uphold the down-trodden and unfortunate. John L. was raised on a farm until 16 years old, when he was sent to Greenfield, 0., to a seminary, and after, to Hanover College, Ind.; remained one year, then attended the Weslyan University, at Delaware, 0., one year. His father then bought for him one-half interest in a general merchandise store in Cynthiana, Pike county, 0., in partnership with his brother. They run this two years, when he sold out to his brother, and bought a store in partnership with his brother J. G., in Jasper, on the Ohio canal. He remained one year and sold out on account of sickness, and bought 400 acres of land on the Ohio river, below Portsmouth, which he greatly improved, and after holding it two years sold. He now bought a store in Berlin, 0. He continued this 18 months, and up to this time had been very successful, and although very young had made considerable money. He bought an iron furnace, run it one year individually, but he was unfortunate as to lose every dollar he had, and returned to Portsmouth. It was owing to the unprecedented depression of the iron market that the loss came. Older and more experienced men fared likewise. He attended a commercial college in Portsmouth, and after taking a thorough course, he went to Jasper to keep books for an establishment there, and remained in this position until July, 1S63, when the Morgan raid suddenly stopped the business. He says, he very suddenly came to the conclusion that he could advance the interests of the firm, and more especially his own safety, by taking to the woods, and with all the money of the store, over $2,000, (which he hid under a rock in the woods,) he retired in as good order as he thought his safety would warrant. The store was completely carried off, consequently his services were no longer necessary. He was then appointed clerk on a commission to take account of the loss for Pike county. Again he went into the mercantile and lumber trade in Jasper, but soon sold out and came west, thinking a change would be beneficial. While in Iowa he put every dollar he could raise into land. After spending the summer he returned and accepted a situation as commercial agent. March 21, 1870, he was married to Ursulie Sharp. Dec. 16, 1872, was born to them a child - Louie. In Feb., 1874, after eight years service as traveler, he resigned, and with his wife and child, came to his present place of residence and embarked in farming. The farm is situated one and one-half miles south of Rosedale, and contains 536 acres. 250 of which is in cultivation, about 60 in pasture, and has a fine house, barn, granary, out-buildings, fruit, etc. On the last of Sept., 1874, their bright intelligent child died. June 21, 1875, Gussie was born. On March 29, 1885, death's relentless, cruel hand cast a gloom over parent and child and left them homeless, in a dreary world, without the influence and companionship of a mother and wife. She, with her little Louie, is on the peaceful side of the dark river, while he and Gussie are left to meet life's cares, and heart-aches alone. After the death of his wife he sold his farm to parties in St. Louis, for ?17,(HK) dollars. and now expects to take Gussie to Jerseyville, where she will have the advantages of good schools and society. When the county adopted township organization, he was elected the two first years, to represent his township in the county court, as supervisor, and again he was elected this present year to the same office, although this township is largely democratic.

David 1). Gleason was born in Gallia county, 0., Nov. 8, 1820. He resided there until '20 years of age, receiving a good education. He began teaching, which he continued a number of terms in Ohio, then went to what is known as Kanawha Salt Works, W. Ya., where he taught school two years, after which he returned to Ohio and remained a year, during which he followed teaching. In 1S44 he went to the state of Mississippi, and a year later to West Virginia, where he again taught school, remaining there during the cholera epidemic of 1849. Nov. 9, 1S50, he was married to Emma Downward, a native of Philadelphia. Aft it marriage he resided in Virginia one year, then removed to Ohio, and spent three years in Scioto and Jackson counties, engaged in teaching. In the spring of 1857 he immigrated to Iowa, locating near Ottumwa, where he lived eight years, teaching school during the time. In 1865 he moved to Clay county, 111., thence in 1866, to St. Louis. He was engaged in that city, as principal of the Lowell school, 10 years, then on account of failing health, resigned his position, and came to Jersey county, 111., which has since been his residence. Since coming here he has followed teaching during the winter season only. Mr. and Mis. Gleason have four children living - Alice, horn in Virginia. Sept. 19, 1851, now married and living in St. Louis; Mary Ellen; born in Ohio, Sept. 23, IS.").',, now married and living in Texas; Ada Elizabeth, born in Iowa, April 19, 1861, and died March 31, 1862; Etta Florence, born in Iowa, Oct. 21, 1864, married and living in Texas, and Birdie Emma, born in St. Louis. Dec. 6, 1870. Mr. Gleason keeps an apiary and now has 7d stands of bees. He is a democrat politically, and has held the office of collector. He is at present school treasurer.

John I'. Stafford, a son of Brook and Nancy (Parker) Stafford, a native of Grafton, Jersey county, 111., horn in the year 1862. He was reared in his native town, enjoying the excellent privileges and obtaining his education at the peerless public schools of that romantic little burg. His father, being a man of means, spared no pains to tit him for life's struggle. In the fall of the year, 1881, feeling the truth of the injunction that "it is not well for man to dwell alone'' he was united in marriage with Abigail Robinson, also a native of Jersey county. By this union there have been two interesting children Mabel May and Lottie Amelia. Although a young man, Mr. Stafford manifests a considerable ability, and is bound to succeed in the affairs of this life, and to achieve prominence in the affairs of the county. Being industrious and economical, and blessed with a good wife, each year sees him further advanced on the road to wealth and honor. Thomas K. Phipps came to this county in 184S, and purchased then forty acres of land in the western portion of the county. Three years later he sold this land and bought another 40, to which, in 1855, he added 120 acres. In 1857 bought 200 acres more, and divided his estate among his children, reserving 200 acres for himself. Mr. Phipps cleared nearly all of his land, which was covered with bushes and small timber. He has been an enterprising and successful farmer. In 1878 he rented his farm to one of his sons and moved to Rosedale, where he built a dwelling house and also a store building, and engaged in merchandising, purchasing a general stock of goods, to the value of about one thousand dollars. He continued in business there four years, then on account of the death of his son, who was accidentally killed, he returned to his farm where he now lives. He built a store room near his residence, and now sells general merchandise. Thomas K. Phipps was born in Virginia, Dec. 17, 1819. He remained in that state until 17 years old, then came west, and visited Kansas, Missouri and Iowa, after which he went south to Lousiana and Mississippi. He was married in the latter state to Maitha Ruy, who was born May 9, 1829. In 1847 he removed to Illinois, and three years later, to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Phipps have had four children - Lewis, born June 1, 1855, died Feb. 2, 1S82; John, born May 23, 1857; Mary J., horn in 1859, and died in infancy, and Isabel, born Feb. 10, 1S61, now married to Leonard Ratcliff.

Mr. Phipps is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a republican politically, lie lias held all of the township offices, including justice of the peace, and is one of the leading citizens of Rosedale township.

T. S. Highfill, a prosperous farmer of Rosedale township, was born in Harrison county, Ind., Sept. 8, 1828. When 18 years old he left his native county and went to Alton, 111., and remained 12 years. He was married there in February, 1855, to Fanny Kipps. In 1858 he removed to Jersey county and purchased 120 acres of land in Rosedale township. To this he has since added 80 acres, making 200 acres, upon which he now lives. His wife died in 1864. He was again married July 21, 1867, to Mrs. Amanda C. Sweet. By his first marriage Mr. Highfill had six children - Alfred B., born Dec. 21, 1855, died March 16, 1878; Thomas B., born June, 1857; Kate Bell, born Dec. 26, 1858; Lyman H., born Nov. 28, 1860, and died March 9, 1861; Edward M., horn Feb. 2, 1862, and Fannie, born March 22, 1864. By the second marriage there were seven children - James M., born Sept. 12, 1868; Mary Ann, born March 3, 1870; Charles B., born Oct. 8, 1872; Harry C, born June 12, 1874; John W., born July 12, 1876; Hattie A., born May 22, 1878, and died August 5 of the same year; and Clara B., born Oct. 25, 1882. Mr. Highfill has been justice of the peace eight years. He is a member of the Methodist church and, also, of the Masonic fraternity. He is, politically, a democrat.

Sallie (Brazee) Davis. They settled in Otter Creek township in 1853, where William remained until 1862. He then enlisted in the 97th 111. Inf., and served three years. He was a gallant soldier, participating in many hattles, among which wire those of Vieksburg, Champpion Hills, Black River Bridge, second battle of Vieksburg, Jackson, Fort Blakeley and others. He was under General Grant in all the campaigns of the western Mississippi department, and under General Banks in those of the last 12 months. He was mustered out of the service July 29, 1865. Mr. Davis was married in 1867, to Mary E. Myers, a native of Missouri. Nine children have been born to them - William, Perry B. (deceased), Charles, Franklin, Laura Nevada, Luther F. (deceased), Viola Eliza, Mary A., and Olivia Florence.

William Larabee, of Rosedale township, was born in Ulster county, N. Y., March 13, 1836. When he was six years old, his father removed with his family to Ohio, and, two years later, to Pilot Knob, Mo. He lived there also two years, after which he went to Monroe county, 111., and in 1855 came to Jersey county, and settled at Newbern. William remained here until 1861, when he enlisted and served three years in the army, returning home in 1865. He was married in Newbern in 1867, to Mary E. Lamb. After marriage he remained here four years, then moved to Kansas, where he resided two and a half years. At the expiration of that time he returned to Jersey county, and lived at Newbern two years, then moved to Rosedale, where he has since lived, purchasing at that time 40 acres of land, on section 23. Mr. and Mrs. Larabee have two children - a son, born Dec. 19, 1867, and a daughter, born Sept; 2, 1869. Mr. Larabee has been school director three years.

William Johnson is a son of Thomas Johnson, and was born in Madison county, 111., in 1821. When he was fourteen years of age, his father settled in Jersey, then known as Greene county, where he entered eighty acres, on Coon creek. William afterward entered eighty acres, forty at one time and forty at another, making, with the tract entered by his father, one hundred and sixty acres. He has about twenty-five acres under cultivation and the remainder in pasture and timber land. Mr. Johnson was married in Aug., 1846, to Nancy Elizabeth Mise, who was born April 13, 1830. They have seven children living and two dead. Those living are, Thomas, born May 18, 1848; Luvina, born Nov. 14, 1851; Martha Ann, born April 27, 1856; Larkin M., born July 17, 1859; William Allen; born Oct. 30, 1866; Luther Melvin, born Sept. 16, 1868, and Mary Elizabeth, born June 16, 1870. Mr. Johnson is politically, a republican.

D. M. Highfill, son of Thomas Highfill, was born in Harrison county, Ind., Feb. 18, 1822. When he was 12 years old his father died, and three years later, his mother, Mrs. Nancy Highfill, also died. He remained in Harrison county until 1846. March 21, of that year, he was married to Mary Jane Chappell, who was born Oct. 18, 1826. After his marriage, he removed to Alton, 111., where he worked at the cooper's trade. He came from Alton to Rosedale township, Jersey county, and bought 40 acres of land, to which he lias since added, until he owns at the present time, Kid acres. His farm is a good one and well improved. He has made all of the improvements, clearing the land, building, etc. He carries on general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Highfill have had three children - George Thomas, horn Aug. 13, 1848; Francis, born Nov. 12, 1850, died Jan. 17, 1875, and Sarah Cornelia, born Nov. 5, 1853. George T. is now married to Parmela Walden, and lives on a farm of 240 acres, which he owns, near his father. Sarah Cornelia is the wife of James Adkinson,of Jerseyville. Mr. Highfill has been justice of the peace 16 years, and for several years past, has held the office of township assessor. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

James E. Suddeth, son of Henry and Pamelia Suddeth, was born in Henry county, Ky., June 26, 1824. When .lames was two years of age his father died, leaving a wife and three sons - Henry, William and James. The subject of this sketch resided with his mother until his marriage to Amanda Dawkins, who was born in February, 1832. After his marriage he removed to Lincoln county, Mo., and there followed the trade of wagon-making ten years. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican war, in a cavalry regiment commanded by Colonel Marshall. He took part in the battle of Buena Vista, after which Marshall's men were discharged, lie then volunteered under Gen. John S. Williams, and participated in engagements at Cerro Gordo and the City of Mexico. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in the 2d Missouri Reg., and served four years. He took luka, in Mississippi; Drywood, Wilson's Creek, Elkhorn and Lexington, in Missouri, battles of the Wilderness, Petersburg and Richmond, where he witnessed the surrender of Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Suddeth have eight children. He owns 30 acres of land, which is mostly tillable. He is, in politics, a democrat.

William Harrison Willis is a native of Arkansas, born May 25, 1841. His parents removed to Union county, 111., when he was an infant, and there lived until he had reached the age of about 10 years. They removed to Madison county, Mo., in 1851, and in 1853 to Stoddard county, in the same state. In 1855 they removed to Reynolds county, Mo., and in 1861 came to Monroe county, 111., locating near Harrisonville, in the American Bottom. There, in 1862, our subject's mother died. From there, with his father, he removed to Jersey county in 1863, and first located in Camden Hollow, near the mouth of the Illinois river, and wintered there. In the spring of 1864 he rented the place known as the "Tucker Knob" and in the same year enlisted in Co. H, 144th 111. Inf., and was stationed at St. Louis, where he did guard duty. When discharged, he returned to this county, and in 1865 rented the farm of George Simmons, on which he lived two years. He then bought 40 acres of land from J. L. Beirn, and lived on the same one year, when he purchased the farm where he now lives, which contains 99 acres. One acre was deeded to the M. E. church. He was married, in 1867, to Nancy Legate, who was born Feb. 27, 1851. Five children, three sons and two daughters, have been horn to them - Mary Eleanor, born Jan. 6, 1S72; Charles Leander, born Sept. 3, 1874; Frederic Harrison, born April 7, 1877; Emma Jane, born March 29, 1S80; John Edmund, born June 15, 1884. He has been connected with the M. E. church at Meadow Branch since 1NH7. He is one of the trustees of the church, has been class-leader since 1869, and has been superintendent of the Sunday school several terms. He has held the office of township assessor, and is a republican politically. Mr. Willis commenced with a capital of $200, and now values his property at about $3,000. The land had no house or improvements of any kind on it, but now he has a comfortable two-story dwelling, and good out-buildings. He has 55 acres under cultivation, and is prosperous.

William J. Carroll was born in Gallatin county, 111., on the 29th day of July in the year 1846. His parents were George and Hester Ann (Lane) Carroll, natives of Virginia. His father died in the year 1848, his mother following shortly afterward, thus leaving William an orphan when only two years old. He was then taken by his grandmother, to raise, and he remained with her until he was "21 years of age. They lived in the village of Fieldon then, and most of his time was spent in going to school. On the 29th day of Jan., in the year 1869, he was married to Emily J. Orm, widow of John M. Orm. Six children were horn to this union, four of whom are now living. They are William C, Hester Rebecca, Alvira J., and Mary Ann Lucy.

William Grandstaff, one of the prominent agriculturists of Rosedale township, is a native of the state of Missouri, having been born there on the 20th day of Oct., 1835. He is a son of Alexander Grandstaff, with whom he lived up to the time of his death, which occurred June 15, 1851. In the year I860, William was united in marriage, in St. Louis, with Clemency J. Preble. He removed to Alton, 111., in 1860, where he remained until after the close of the war. While there, he served as a guard for one year. In 1867, he removed to Macoupin county, and in 1878, to Greene county. He remained in the latter place until 1880, when he came to his present quarters, in Jersey county, and bought 200 acres of timber land on section 13, which was mostly white oak. At one time he owned a half interest in a saw-mill, which he afterwards sold to his partner, Mr. Preble, who still continues to run the same. After disposing of his interest in the mill, Mr. Grandstaff turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he still continues. He is a member in good standing of the I. O. 0. F.

Andrew Jackson Thompson was born in Lawrence county, Ind., Feb. 3, 1S42. At the age of two years he went with his parents to Madison county, 111., where his early life was spent. On attaining his majority, he went to work as a farm laborer in Madison county. In 1867 he was married to Elizabeth Smith, and by this union has hail seven children, six of whom are living - Prior Brooker, born Dec. 28, 1868; William Henry, born Oct. 30, 1871; Joseph Park, born March 17, 1>74; Grant, born Sept. 12, lc.77; Daisy, horn Feb. 26, 1881, and Delia, born June 22, 1885. Their eldest child, Marietta, was born

Nov. 10, 1867, and died Feb. 7, 1868. Mr. Thompson owns a farm comprising 180 acres, the greater portion of which is bottom land. He raises principally corn and wheat, and is a successful fanner. For the past two years he has held the oiHce of town supervisor. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M.

John Arbogast is a native of Alsace, Germany, born April 22, 1828. When he was 12 years of age, his father immigrated with his family to America, and settled in Tuscarawas county, O. John remained there until Feb., 1858, when he went to northern Illinois. Seven month later he came to Jersey county and bought 120 acres on Sec. 24, Rosedale township, where he has since lived. His farm now comprises 200 acres of valuable and well improved land. Mr. Arbogast was married June 15, 1853, to Elizabeth Baumgartner, who was born Oct. 8, 1836; 16 children have been born to them, of whom 13 are now living - Christian, born Oct. 10, 1856, now living in Dakota; Sueza, born Sept. 15, 1857; Rosa, born March 17, 1858; Jacob, born May 27, 1859, and died Oct. 10, 1864; John F., born Aug. 19, 1862; Lena, born April 2, 1864; Margaret, born May 22, 1866; Louise, born Aug. 2:;, 1867; Caroline, born Sept. 7, 1869; Lizzie, born June 14, 1871; Henry, born Oct. 4, 1873; Fritz, born Oct. 4, 1875; Lucinda, born Feb. 23, 1877; Charlie, born July 5, 1879; Ella, born Feb. 13, 1882, and Eddie, born March '.», 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Arbogast are members of the Lutheran church. He belongs to the I. O. 0. F. lodge, No. 449, of Grafton, and is a democrat.

27, ISIS. When he was quite small his parents moved to Stoddard county, Mo., thence to Cape Girardeau county, from whence they moved to Jackson county, 111. Henry lived in that county till 1844, when the floods washed away the farm and house where he lived. He was married in that year to Mary Ann Skidmore, who was born Aug. 7, 1828. He then removed to Reynolds county, Mo., where he remained a resident till 1863. In that year he moved to .Madison county, 111., and was there employed as manager of a coal yard, loading boats and selling coal, employing a number of men. He continued in that business three years, then came to Jersey county and purchased a farm of 400 acres, which is now known as the "Legate farm." He resided here, engaged in farming, until the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 14, 1881. He left a widow and nine children to mourn his loss. In 1845 both he and his wife made a public profession of religion, since which time they lived devoted christian lives. He endeavored to bring up his family in the fear of Cod, teaching them to make the Golden Rule their guide through life. His loss was deeply felt, not only by his family, but throughout the community where he lived. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Legate are - Edmund Kirby, born Sept. 12, 1846; Marshall Boles, born March 10, 1849; Nancy, born Feb. 27, 1851; James Franklin, deceased, born Feb. 15, 1853; Samuel, born April 11, 1855; Elijah Burchard, born July 13, 1858; Mary Evaline, deceased, boru Jan. 14, 1860; Emily Ann, born Oct. 30, 1862; William Henry, born Nov. 18, 1865; George, born July 3, 1868; and Joseph Benjamin, born June 18, 1870. James Franklin was killed by a runaway team, May 20, 1870; Mary Evaline died June 26, 1866. Tlie oldest son, Edmund Kirby, resides in Nebraska; the remainder of the family in Jersey county, 111. The widow of Henry L. Legate survives him, and is now residing in Jerseyville.

Marshall Boles Legate was born in Reynolds county, Mo., and was eight years of age when his parents moved to Madison county, 111. He came with the family to Jersey county in 18(35. He was married in October, 1873, to Lizzie 1). Holmes, of Woodford county. 111. He owns a farm containing 120 acres, located on section 36, of this township. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F., Winchester lodge No. 70, andisa republican in politics.

E. B. Legate, son of Henry Legate, was born in Reynolds county, Mo. He came with his father's family to Illinois, and settled in Madison county in lSt;3, he being then four years of age. He came to Jersey county three years later and was here reared upon a farm. He taught school three terms in Meadow Branch district. He held the oilice of assessor during the year 1883, and is now engaged in fanning with his brother, M. B. Legate, in Rosedale township. He is a republican politically. The Legate brothers are highly esteemed in their township and throughout the county, and are justly deserving of the reputation which they enjoy, of being upright, honest christian gentlemen.

Nicholas and Mary A. Nevlin, who were also natives of Germany. Landing at New Orleans, they proceeded thence to St. Louis, where in 1848, the parents both died with cholera. William remained in that city until the fall of 1851, when he came to Jersey county and located on Macoupin Island. In 1865 he purchased 30U acres of land on the Illinois river bottom, and lived upon the same three years, after which he engaged in a general merchandise business, which he continued about eight years'. He then purchased 40 acres of land on section 8, Rosedale township, where he has since resided. He now owns 340 acres of land, also a ferry across the Illinois river, known as Nevlin's terry, also a. warehouse for the reception of freight. In October, 18(>(), Mr. Nevlin was married to Millia Bacon, daughter of John and Elizabeth Bacon. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nevlin, four of whom are living - John, Sarah, Hattie and Charlie. Mr. Nevlin has been running the ferry about five years. He is a gentleman of intelligence and enterprise, and a successful business man.

William Sherman Brown was born in the town of Marion, Wayne county, 111., March 16, 1822. He lived in his native county until Hi years of age, then, removed with his father, John Brown, to Coles county. In 1843 they moved to Hancock county, and one' year later to DuPage county. He was married in Kane county, in 1847, to Amanda Durand. In 1854 he removed to Jersey county, and settled in Grafton, from whence he moved to his present location in Rosedale township. He is engaged in raising grain and stock and carries on general fanning. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have four children living - Spalding E., Laura F., William M. and Mary H. He is a member of the Baptist church, and has held the office of road commissioner, but is no seeker of office.

George W. Ratcliff, the owner of a large farm in Rosedale township, is a son of James L. and Mary A. (Howard) Ratcliff. He was horn in Virginia in 1832, and brought up on a farm, where he remained until 22 years of age. He then went to Alton, 111., and there learned the trade of cigar making. He resided in that city until 1871, at which time he came to Jersey county and purchased a farm of 181 acres, located in Rosedale township. Mr. Ratcliff was married June 16, 1858, to Serena A. Smith, who was born in Ohio. They are the parents of seven children - Leonard R., living at Rosedale; George W., Susan, Lewis J., Elvira, Edward and Charles, living with their father. Mrs. Ratcliff died" March 21, 1882, and is buried in Meadow Branch cemetery. Mr. Ratcliff s farm comprises 230 acres of land in a good state of cultivation. During the war of the Rebellion he served 1" months in the 144th 111. Inf., as a drummer. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge of Grafton. James L. Ratcliff died in Alton in 1883, and his wife, Mrs. Mary A., in St. Louis, in 1881.

William G. Thompson, one of the leading farmers of Rosedale township, is a native of Tennessee, horn May 14, 1819. He remained with his parents in Tennessee until 1836, then removed with them to Indiana, where he lived seven years, then in 1842, came to Rosedale township and worked out as a farm hand until 1847. In that year lie bought 37 acres of land and went to work for himself. In 1*41), he purchased 200 acres more, and has continued to add to his farm until he now owns 1,300 acres, most of which is bottom land. He has 700 acres under good cultivation, and raises large quantities of grain and stock. He was united in marriage in 1849, with Nancy Ann Smith, who died in 1851. He was married again Aug. 24, 1854, to Mary Ann McCauley. She died Jan. 14, 1874. April 9, 1875, Mr. Thompson was married to Lela Ann Duncan. He has 10 children, four sons and six daughters. He has held the offices of school trustee and director for several years, although he has never sought office. He is a Free Mason, and with his wife, a member of the M. E. church.

Isom Matthews was born in Boone county, Mo., July 28, 1825. When he was five years of age his father removed to Calhoun county, 111., where the subject of this sketch resided until 1837. Since that time he has been, a portion of the time, a resident of Rosedale township, Jersey county. He owned 3G5 acres of land in Calhoun county, which hi' sold in 1861, at which date he owned 80 acres here. He has since added to his farm, which now contains 520 acres. In early life he ran upon the river nine years, first as cabin boy, on board a steamboat, and afterwards as cook. In 1851, about a year after he left the river, he was married to Mary Ann Smith, who was born Nov. 1, 1822. Mr. Matthews' farm is in a high state of cultivation. He is the owner of the oldest ferry on the Illinois river, known as

Jones' ferry, which is in the best running condition of any ferry on that river. He owns, also, a large warehouse, 22x42 feet in dimensions, and two stories high, the upper story being used for a granary, and having a capacity for 7,000 bushels of wheat. Mr. Matthews was for a number of years, a member of the board of supervisors, and lias been school director one year. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are the parents of 10 children - Luther, William Henry, George, Thomas Levi, Mary, Ann, Laura, Nancy, Alice and Katie.

Ghapter Xxiv Fidelity

The civil sub-division of Jersey county known as Fidelity township embraces all of congressional township 8 north, range 10 west, and sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35 and 36, and the south half of sections 13, 14 and 15, in town 9 north, range 11 west. This township lias the reputation of being among the very best farming country in Jersey county, the timber land being confined almost entirely to the southeast corner. The Piasa creek runs through this portion, coming in from the east line of section 25, and flowing southwesterly through sections 25. 36 and 35, into Piasa township. A branch of the Piasa has its source in the southern portion of Fidelity township, passing into Piasa from the south line of section 32. Phill's creek also has its origin in this township, in the central part, and after receiving additional volume by the help of several tributaries, it passes, with a northwest course, into Ruyle township, from the north line of section 6. These streams supply the water necessary for their stock and agricultural purposes, while very little, if any, land is rendered unfit for farming purposes by their proximity. The land is generally level, but occasionally diversified with rolling prairie. Besides the timber land mentioned as being in the southeastern corner, there is scarcely a farm which has not its artificial groves and orchard, rendering the landscape pleasant to the eye of the observer. The class of citizens residing here will rank with those of any community, and as a class they have been successful in their agricultural labors. Considerable stock is also raised here, some even making this their principal business.

The Jerseyville branch of the W., St. L. & P. railroad runs through this township, and in its course takes in the village of Fidelity, which lies on sections 1 1 and 12. Thus it will be seen that the township enjoys many advantages, not only in the richness of the soil, but also in transportation facilities and convenience to market.

were a number who located in tin' vicinity at an early clay, but not within the borders of the present township. A tradition is extant however, which cannot be tracked to an authentic source, to the effect that three brothers, Lewis, Barney and William Sherman, settled in what is now Fidelity township and built a house on the southeast corner of section 25, where (hey lived for several years. The exact date of their settlement is not given but it is usually placed about 1818 or 1819. They did not live here very Long.

James Simmons was the first permanent settler of the township. He came in the spring of 1830, from Knoxville, Tenn. His son Samuel had come out the year before to choose a location.

Samuel C. Simmons was born in Montgomery county, Md., March 16, 1807. He is the oldest son of James and Ann Simmons, natives of Maryland. His father was born in Montgomery county, of that state, April 23, 1773, and was married in Jan., 180(3, to Ann, daughter of Charles Hodges (who is the grandfather of Judge Hodges, of Carrollton, 111.). They had seven children, named as follows - Samuel C, (the subject of this sketch); Thomas H., deceased, who was a printer and worked in the Spectator office, at Alton; Surah E., deceased, former wife of James Cummings, also deceased; John H. H., residing three miles south of Fidelity; Ann M., wife of the late Rev. L. Eddings; Margaret 1!., the last two residing in Indiana; and Richard J. deceased. Mr. James Simmons moved to

Knoxville, Tenn., in the fall of 1816, where he resided until the spring of 1830, when he came to the present limits of Jersey county, and settled on Sec. 2(1, T. 8, and R. 10, where he made the first permanent settlement in the township. He resided on the same farm till his death, which occurred July 13, 1861. His wife died in May, 1827, near Knoxville, Tenn. The life of Mr. Simmons began under the reign of George III. He was personally acquainted with George Washington, and his first vote for president was cast for Washington and his last for Lincoln. He lived to see great improvements in Illinois and Jersey county, and to have the satisfaction of seeing his family comfortably settled in life, and among the useful citizens of a community in which he was one of the pioneers. He was esteemed by a large circle of friends, and the memory of his worth is still cherished in the community where over 30 years of his life were spent. Samuel C. Simmons came to Illinois in the fall of 1829, and selected for his father's family the location which after a short time became their home. He was elected justice of the peace in Aug., 1831, the first in the township. He was married May 10, 1832, to Martha R., daughter of Rev. Jacob .Miles, one of the early settlers of Macoupin county. They had by this union six children, in the following order of their births - James M., now a citizen of Colorado; Thomas H., now residing near Brighton, 111., who took an active part in the late rebellion; was over four years in the service, and severely wounded, in the battle of Shiloh, by a ball passing through his lungs, while acting as first lieutenanl of tlic 1 lth 111., ami was also, while on Gen. Palmer's stall', again wounded by a shell at the battle of Stone River; John I!., residing at Miles, 111.; Amelia A., wife of John W. Stanton, residing at Pierce City, Mo.; Martha, E., wife of John II. Barber, residing at Pierce City, Mo.; Sarah ('., wife of I). 0. Trotter, residing on the old homestead of James Simmons. Mrs. Simmons died in Feh., 1848. Mr. Simmons was again married to Loranda C. Miles, Sept. 10, 1848. They had five children - Araminta, wife of George Barber, residing near Brighton; Helen 0., wife of Rev. S. H. Iluher, died Aug. 13, 1883; Charles W., residing on the old homestead; Albert N., married to Etta fioyt, of Lebanon, April 1884, ami living at Elkhart, Logan county, 111., where he is stationed as minister of the M. E. church. He graduated at McKendree College, Lebanon, in June, 1882. He was valedictorian of the class. jn pss."> the degree of master of arts was conferred on him; E. R., who is farming near the old homestead, and residing with his brother. Mrs. Simmons died Aug. 10, 1864. Mr. Simmons has followed farming thus far through life. He participated in the Black Hawk war in 1831. Although he has not sought official position, he has been acting justice of the peace for 12 years. Mr. Simmons for over forty years has been an active member of the M. E. church. Both of his wives and most of his children were members of the. same church. He took an active interest in the gnat struggle for the life of the nation. As a christian man and a good citizen he has the esteem of all who know him.

C. \V. Simmons was born in Fidelity township, Jersey county, 111., July 20, 1856. He is a son of Samuel C. Simmons, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. May 4, 1881, he was married to Annie, daughter of II. J. Hoffman, of Jersey county. Mrs. Simmons died Oct. 13, 1881. Jan. 23, 1S84, he was again married to Nettie A., daughter of the late Robert Stone, also of Jersey county. They have one child - Samuel Morris, born Dec. s, 1884. Since his father's retirement from farming he has taken charge of the farm of 240 acres, 160 acres of which is in cultivation.

John II. Simmons, one of the pioneers of Jersey county, was born in Montgomery county, Md., June 20, 1814. He worked for his father until he attained his majority. Nov. 1l', 1835, hi' was married to Mary A. F. Margrave, daughter of Robert Hargrave, who settled lure in 1830. Seven children wire born to them, only one of whom is now living - James F., born Sept. 13, 1836. .Mrs. Simmons died Jan. 11, 1N77, in the both year of her age. She, as will as her husband, united with the M. E. church in 1834. Mr. Simmons was formerly a whig, and is now a staunch republican. He has been a member of the Patrons of Hus bandry for the pa-t 11 years, and has, part of the time, acted as chaplain of the grange.

Richard J. Simmons, the subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery county. Md., March .",o, 1808, being the second child nt' James and Ann Simmons. 1 1 is mother's maiden name was Ann Hodges, of Prince George's county, Md. His lather emigrated in the tall of 1816, stopping in the vicinity of Knoxville, Tenn., where he remained for 13 years, and in the spring of 1830 removed to what was then Greene, now Jersey county, 111., and settled at the head of the Piasa, 10 miles east of where the city of Jerseyville now stands, there being but one double log cabin there at that time. The place was then called Hickory Grove. In the spring of 1832 he was married to Mariah Cummings, and settled on Sec. 34, T. 8, R. 10, where he resided for over half a century, his wife dying without children. He married again, his second wife being Margaret Davis ; she, dying, left two suns, both of whom have since died. His third wife was Mrs. Lucy M. Wemple, his present widow. She bore him nine children. One died in infancy the others - six sons and two daughters - are all grown, and most of them married. Three sons live in Kansas and all the other children live in Illinois. Mr. Simmons was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for half a century, and held the position of recording steward, in the charge where he lived, for a number of years. His house was at all times, open to the itinerancy, the latch-string always hanging out. The deeds of his life will speak louder than all the eulogies that can he written. He departed this life on the 18th day of Jan., 1SS5, in the 77th year of his age. His son, R. S. Simmons, now manages the farm.

William Phillips was among the few settlers of this township, to locate in 1831. He entered a portion of section 25, and proceeded to open a farm.

Thomas H. Chapman came in the fall of 1830, settling on section 33, where he lived until his death, in April, 1870, at which time he met with a serious and tragic one. Meat was being smoked, and during the evening the smoke house caught on fire. Mr. Chapman entered the burning building and threw some water on the flames. His clothes immediately ignited, and before assistance could be rendered him, he was burned and suffocated, dying almost immediately. He was a native of Tennessee and was an idd and much respected resident of the township.

John Trible located on section 25 in 1834. He was born in Devonshire, England, and when he came to this county, was accompanied by his parents, a brother and three sisters. He lived on the place he first entered, until his death, which occurred in 1850'. He was married in 1842, to Mary Hohson. They had two children - Jane M. and Sophia E.

Jeremiah Bell was born in Hancock county, Ga., May 16, 1808. He is the fourth child of Jesse and Frances Bell. Jesse Bell was a native of North Carolina. He, with his father, Nathaniel Bell, who was a veteran of the revolutionary war, emigrated shortly after the war, and settled in Hancock county, Ga., where Nathaniel Bell remained until 1811, when he followed his son Jesse, who, with his family of four children, had settled in 1811, near the present site of Edwardsville, 111. Jesse Bell took an active part in the last war with Great Britain. He was also one of the frontier guards known as -'rangers." He had a family of 16 children by his two marriages - eight by each wife. His second wife, Susan Mea'cham, wasa native of Vermont. The subjectof this sketch is the only child by the first wife now living, and three by his second wife are also living. Mr. Bell resided on the same farm where he first settled till his death, which occurred April 1, 1835, aged 57 years. His birth was Nov. 16, 1779. His first marriage. Nov. 16, 1800, tlie day he was 21 years old. Jeremiah Bell, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in the common schools of Madison county, where hi' resided till his marriage to Mary Million, which took place J ice 9, 1830. She was the daughter of Daniel and Barbara Million, who were natives of Virginia. They early settled in Kentucky, and in 1811 located in St. Clair county, near Belleville, 111., where they educated their family of nine children. Mr. Bell first settled where he now resides, in March, 1832. He has had a family of 11 children, five sons and six daughters. They are in the following order of birth: - Robert M., Jesse W., Susan Frances, Emma Ellen. Mattie L., William J. and Mary Adeline. Mr. Bell is among the prominent farmers and stock-growers of this county. He has taken an active part in introducing blooded cattle, hogs and horses, hut in sheep he has introduced the fine Spanish Merino perhaps more extensively than any of his compeers. Mr. Bell had devoted nearly all of his active life to the physical and moral developement of the community in which he lived. Few men are now living who have had a larger experience in pioneer life. He has lived to see Jersey county contain a larger population than the entire state did when he first became a citizen of the territory. Mr. Bell and family are active members of the M. E. church, as were his parents. Soon after his father, in company with others, had crossed the Ohio river, in the fall of 1811, he met a man on horseback, who asked Mr. Bell where lie was going, and he replied that he was going to Goshen Settlement, 111. The gentleman then told him that he had better turn back, for there were nearly 100 graves, that have never been wet by rain, and that there was nobody living hut a few shouting Methodists. "Drive on," said Mrs. Bell, "let me die with them." She died in Aug., 1813. Nathaniel Bell, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was horn in what is now the state of North Carolina, in Bates county, March 15, 1755. At the age of 1'.) years he enlisted as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, in which he served 14 months. Sometime near the close of that war, he made a profession of religion, under the preaching of Beverly Allen, the first Methodisl preacher that visited the section of country in which he then lived, and became a member of the Methodist society. In 1783 he removed to the state of Georgia, where being separated from religious society, and particularly from the Methodist, the Society of his choice, he gri w lukewarm in religion and became shorn of his spiritual strength. About the year 1 7'. ts or 1799, he was again found by a Methodist pioneer named Samuel Cowles, who received him the second time into the society. In this society he remained a worthy and acceptable member until the year 1801 - 2, when he left the Methodist communion, and became a member of the Baptist church, under the pastoral care of Rev. Jesse Mercer. In 1818 he removed to the state of Illinois, and settled in St. Clair county, where he again united with the Baptist church, in which church he remained until he was called from suffering and toil to happiness ami rest. He died near Edwardsville, in Madison county, III., Jan. 17, 1835, in his 80th year. For the last 40 years of his Hie Father Bell was the subject of much suffering. Jesse Bell, the father of Jeremiah, died at his residence in Madison county, on Lord's day morning, Manh 29, 1835. He was a pious and exemplary member of the Methodist society, and was much esteemed by all who knew him.

Othef. Prominent People

Besides these mentioned as early settlers, there are a number of others who have long been respected citizens iif the township and county, and others still who have been prominent in the affairs of the township and done their share towards bringing it into its present well developed condition. Their sketches follow:

Peter R. Parsell, who is anions; the representative men of this community, was born in Somerset county, N. J., on Christmas day, 1825. He lived with his father until after he became of age, when he bought a farm fur himself in New Jersey. He was there married, on the

17th of February, 1*47, to Eliza M. Smalley, who was born in the same county, July 30, 1828. From that state he emigrated to Illinois in 1864, locating at, Jerseyville, where he remained for twn years. While there he lived on a small farm, which he rented of C. B. Fisher, as it was impossible to purchase any land, there being none for sale during war times. Later on, lie bought a half section of land on section 30, and and half of this he sold to a friend from New Jersey. But after a few years this man broke up, and his farm went into the hands of the sheriff, and was sold to Isaac Snedeker, from whom it was again purchased by Mr. Parsell in 1 s 7 7 , and he located his son Isaac on it. During this time he bought the southeast quarter of the section, and then, in 1879, the southwest quarter, this giving him the whole section. A short time ago he bought SO acres on section 23, and he now owns 72(i acres of the best land in the state. It is now, by his skillful management and industry, one of the most beautiful farms in the country, although when he first settled on it, it was nothing but wild prairie, and as discouraging a place as was to be seen iu the country. He devotes his time to the raising. of stock, of which he makes a great success, they consisting principally of short-horn cattle, fine roadster horses, and sheep, lb' has never found it necessary to have a sale of stock, as the demand is greater than the supply, all the dealers knowing that here they will find only the best. He lias frequi ntly sold a span of horses for from $500 to $800. The farm is now stocked with 80 head of fine cattle, and 87 head of horses, mules and colts. He understands taking care of the ground, and by the judicious changing around of the different grains, does not destroy the fertile qualities of t lie soil, so that within five years after he settled there, he had it in good condition. He lias a family of nine children, six hoys and three girls, all living. He has given them all a good common school education, and has done all in his power to instill into their minds the principles of honesty and uprightness, so as to make true men and women of themselves. They are all very much devoted to music, and hence have spent many pleasant hours together in that way, being joined by their father, who is also musically inclined. They have been .taught to be independent, and to earn their own fortunes as he himself has done, and they are succeeding in so doing, some of them by adopting the ideas of their father in regard to stock-raising, thinking it the most profitable way to success. The dates of their births are as follows: Margaret, widow of the late Thomas M. Herdman, born May 3. 1848, and now living in Kansas, where she controls the estate of her deceased husband; .Sarah, wife of T. H. Spencer, also living in Kansas, bom Jan. 17, 1850; Isaac, who is married and living in Jersey county, born Jan. 27, 1852; Jeremiah, unmarried, and living in Kansas, where he has become wealthy, born Aug. li, 1854; James, married, and living at home, born April 30, 1856; Sophia, born Sept. 13, 1859; Peter R., born March 17, 1861; John R,, born Sept. 15, 1864, and Oliver P., born July 17. L866. The last four are unmarried, and still remain with their parents. Our subject lias been the architect of his own fortune, beginning at a salary of $10 per month, with no education save what could be gleaned from the perusal of newspapers. He learned to write by attending night school. He and his wife are members of the Second Presbyterian church at Jerseyville. In politics he is a democrat.

John W. Trotter was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, Sept. 15, 1812. He moved from that state to Butler county, Ohio, when about six years old, where he lived until the fall of 1834, when he went to Mississippi. He remained there three years, working at his trade, blacksmithing, when he moved to the state of Michigan, where he was married June _-">. 1837, to Sarah Crane. She was born in Butler county, Ohio, Jan. 4, 1818. He now moved to Ohio, remaining there until 1844, when he moved back to Cass county, Mich., and engaged in farming. In 1856 he moved to Jersey county, 111., and bought a farm on section 26, in Fidelity township. He lived there until 1883, when he moved to Piasa, Macoupin county, 111., where he now resides. Himself and wife are hale and hearty, though both are quite old, he being 73 years of age and his wife G7. They have had three children, two boys and one girl. They are - Squire B., living on a farm near Piasa, Macoupin county; Mary Jane, who married Charles Brown, of Godfrey, 111., and now are living in Barton county, .Mo.; and 1). (J., whose sketch follows this.

I). Q. Trotter was born in Middletown, Butler county, Ohio, Sept. II, 1842. His parents moved to Michigan, when he was only two years old, where he lived until he was 13, when thev came to this place. The only education he has received was in the common schools. He remained on the farm which his father bought, and they have added to it land enough to make a farm of 360 acres, which is well improved. Pari of his land is taken up with wheat and corn, but he also pays strict attention to stock-raising, principally of short-horn cattle and Poland China, hogs. He was married Oct. 27, 1868, to Caroline Simmons, a native of Jersey county, 111., March 20, 1844. They have four children, two hoys and two girls. They are - Charles YVoolsey, born Jan. 1'.), 1869, Martha A., horn March 4, 1873, Mary B., born April 9, 1879, and Thomas Quinn, born Sept. 5, 1881. He is a member of Fidelity lodge No. 152, A. F. and A. M., and a member of the local grange, and is assistant steward in the state grange, now serving his second term. He is also president of Patron's Aid Society, a life insurance association connected with the grange. He is now township treasurer, having been elected to fill the office for a second term. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since 1859. He belongs to various temperance societies, and does all in his power to promote temperance, casting his vote in that direction, whenever an opportunity offers, although he is a democrat. Edward Trabue was born in Logan county, Ky., on March 1, 1825. His mother died when he was quite small. His father, Aaron Trabue, moved to this state in 1837, locating at Upper Alton for six years. He then moved to Montgomery county, 111., living there three years, and then came to Jersey county, where he bought land. He died Dec. 29, 1877, at the age of 84 years, 11 months and 16 days. He was a Baptist minister, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Edward was married to Elizabeth Nile, July 10, 1849, and to them a family of six children were horn, four of whom are now living - Emma, born Aug. 5, 1850, married Jan. 10, 1877, to John E. Andrews; Murray B., born June 16, 1853, married Oct. 18, 1883, to Rosa Owens, of Madison county; Lawrence, horn Feb. -">, 1855, died April 23, 1866; Phebe X., horn Feb. 12, 1857, died Feb. 8, 1858; Phebe, horn July 14, 1860, married Nov. 14, 1883, to A. 0. Barnett; and Elizabeth, horn July 30, 1862. His wife died Dec. 4, 1867, and on Dec. 15, 1868, he was again married to Mary A. Cummings, born in Jersey county, 111., Sept. in, 1828. He bought 160 acres of land previous to his first marriage, on which there is a good frame house and outbuildings, allot" which have been placed there by him. He turned the first sod that was thrown up on that land, and now has it all in good condition. He belongs to the Masonic lodge, No. 394, of Jerseyville. He has been president and vice-president of the Agricultural Association of Jersey county. His political views are with the republicans.

Murray B. Trabue was born in Fidelity township, Jersey county, June 16, 1853. He is a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Nile") Trabue. He lived at home with his parents until the date of his marriage, Oct. 1, 1883, with Rosette Owens, daughter of Josiah P. and Sarah L. (Jones) Owens, of Madison county. He received a good education, attending the district school of his native township. He subsequently spent two years at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, 111. He is engaged in farming and dealing in stock. Ee has SO acres of land in Jersey county, and 80 acres in Madison county, all of which is well improved, and under cultivation. Mr. Trabue was a member of the Alpha Grange, of which he acted as treasurer one year. He is a stockholder, ami one of the directors of the Fair Association, of Jersey county, and is a shrewd, energetic business man, and an enterprising and popular citizen.

Isaac McCollister was born in Lewis county, X. Y.. on the 24th of April,1817. He was theyoungest ofa family of seven children, having five brothers and one sister. His parents moved to Buffalo, and in the spring of 1819, started for the west by the way of Pittsburg, coming down the Ohio, and up the Mississippi river on a keel-boat. The boat was carried up the river by sail, when the wind was right, and when not. by poling, and by men walking along the shore pulling it with ropes attached to it. There was at that time but one steamboat on the river. It passed them, hut then they passed it and finally saw it no more. They landed at the mouth of Wood river, in Madison county, at a small town called Milton, in the latter part of July, 1819. There the family were all taken sick with fever, and his father and three brothers died, all between the lnth of Sept. and the 20th of Oct. His mother moved from there to Upper Alton, and in the fall of 1820 she moved to Apple (.'reek Prairie, Greene county, west of where White Hall now is, where she died in Sept., 1840, leaving three sons - W. E., L. S. and Isaac, and one daughter, Mary, now Mrs. Floyd.

William died in Sept.. 1853, near White Hall; L. S. lives in Kansas, as does also Mrs. Floyd. At that time they had to go to Upper Alton to have their grain ground. The first mills used were horse or ox mills, and they put in a bolting reel, which had to he turned by hand. Some had a round hollow, burnt in a stump, with a spring-pole, to grind the corn, similar to the working ofa mortar and pestle. Wheat was cut with a hand sickle, threshed by tramping out on the ground with horses oroxen. and cleaned by letting it fall so that the wind would ldow the chaff out. Hence they did not have very white flour in those days. W. E. McCollister bought the first fanning mill that was brought into that settlement, and it went all around the whole neighborhood to clean the wheat after it was stamped out. They used wooden mould hoard plows, wooden pitchforks and strap shovels. Corn was plowed with oxen, and the ox carts had no iron tires. Isaac was married to Sylvia North, March 10, 1846, and wont on his farm in the northeast quarter of See. 1"), T. 0, R. 10, in the the northeast corner of Jersey county. Heresided there until the spring of 1857, when he moved to the farm on which he now resides, in the northeast quarter of Si c. 1.;. T. 8, R. hi, where he owns 280 acres of land, and has 160 acres in T. 8, R. 11. He has five children living, two boys and three girls, one being now Mrs. J. D. Wilson. He has buried eight children, all small. His wife died on the 6th of March, 1880. She was born on AppleCreek Prairie, Dec. 6, 1826.

His ancestral descent is Welsh. In 1886 he went to Andrew county, Mo., where fur several years he engaged in merchandising. In the fall of 1876 he sold out, and came to Jersey county, 111. On Dec. 18, 187.3, he was married to Sophia E. Trible. daughter of John and Mary Trible, natives of Devonshire, Eng. She was born July 30, 1847, on the farm upon which they now reside.

James Walsh has been a resident of Jersey county since 1859, having come here in May of that year. He is a native of county Kilkenny, Ireland, where he was born in March, 1842. About the year 1849 his parents came to America and located in New York city, where he finished his education, and learned the plumber's trade with Alexander W. Hunt & Co., of 23d street and Third avenue. In 1856 Mr. Walsh, Sr., removed to Jersey county, 111., and settled in what is now Mississippi township, where he died in Sept., 1872. He was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Jersey ville. James Walsh followed his trade in New York city in six years, then in May, 1859, came to Jersey county, to join his father. Since that time he has followed farming. He now owns 95 acres of land on section 33, Fidelity township, where he resides. He has all of his land in cultivation ami is engaged in raising grain and stock. Mr. Walsh was married Feb. 28, 1868, to Bridget Farrell, daughter of James and Ellen (Gowman) Farrell, and a sister of Father Edward Farrell, of Jones county, la. Mr. and Mrs. Walsh are the parents of eight children, three of whom are living - John, born Feb. 1, 1869; Catherine, born June 16, 1874, and Mary, born July 31, 1875.

Those deceased are, James, Catherine, and three who died in infancy. Mr. Walsh holds the office of school director, and is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Society. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walsh are zealous and active members of the Jerseyville Catholic church.

Charles W. Johnson, a prosperous farmer of Fidelity township, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in the year 1828. He resided with his parents until he attained his majority, then came to Illinois, locating in Jersey county, on section 32, of Fidelity township, where he has since resided. He now owns 200 acres of land, and devotes his time to grain and stock-raising. Mr. Johnson was married Dec. 4, 1851, to Emma Hansel, daughter of William and Ann Hansel. They have had eight children, four of whom are living - Margaretta, Albert, Jane and Emma. Those deceased are - Margaretta Morris, born Aug. 22, 1853, and died May 19, 1856; Susan Fallon, born April 20, 1856, and died June 1, 1878; and Jennie, born Oct. 2, 1858, and died Sept. 7, 1880.

James Moore of Fidelity township, came with his parents to Jersey county, 111., in 1828. He is a native of Knox county, Tenn., and was born Dec. 11, 1826. He was married to Jane N., a daughter of John and Jane N. (Luckey) Davis. They are the parents of five living children. He is now a prosperous farmer, although he started out a poor boy.

Edward 0. Dash wood was born in Colchester, county Essex, Eng., Jan. 10, 1831, being a son of Edward and Maria (Knights) Dash wood. He remaihed with his parents until 14 years old. He then went to sea on a two years voyage, bound for Bombay and China, on board a government vessel used for tbe transportation of troops from Bombay to Aden. He continued to follow a sea-faring life for 25 years, and during one voyage was in a storm oiF Cape Horn for 18 days. He came to tbe United States in 1870, stopping first at Altmi. from whence he came, soon after, to Jersey county. Here he worked one year for different parties, then purchased land on section 21, Fidelity township, where he now resides. He owns 80 acres of land, and is engaged in general farming. Mr. Dashwood was married, May 29, 1S72, to Annie Pike, a native of Devonshire, Eng., and daughter of John and Johanna Pike. Mr. Dashwood is a member of the Episcopal church.

James Sayer is a native of Devonshire, Eng., born in the year 1855. He came to America in Aug., 1870, stopping first in St. Louis, where he remained nine months. He then came to this county and for five years worked out at farming. At the end of that time he purchased 40 acres of land on section 21, Fidelity township, which has since been his home. He follows general farming, raising grain and stock. Dec. 14, 1875, Mr. Sayer was united in marriage with Mary Louisa Stone, daughter of A. F. and Sarah Stone. By this union there are four children - Nettie, Franklin, Emma and James. Mr. Sayer is now serving as director of the Fremont school, and is a respected and useful citizen.

William Quirk, son of John and Henrietta ( Kelly ) Quirk, was born in Jersey county, 111., April :!, 1859. He grew to manhood in this county, obtaining his education in the district schools.

He resided with his parents until Feb. 15, 1882, when he was united in marriage with Alice Elizabeth Ph elan, daughter of Dennis and Mary (Grace) Phelan. He then removed to a farm owned by his father, containing 120 acres, located on section 10, of Fidelity township, where he now lives. He follows general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Quirk have two children - Henrietta and John Dennis. Mr. Quirk is a member of the Roman Catholic church.

A little less than half a century ago, the subject of this sketch, William Bowker, first settled in Jersey county. He was born in Wales, England, Sept. 21, 1826, and at the age of two years came with his parents to America. They bought a farm in Mercer county, N. J., and lived there until 1838, when they came to Jersey county, 111., buying a farm one mile south of Fidelity. His father died there Aug. 8, 1*44. He lived with his mother and run the farm for her until she sold it in 1864, and went to Franklin county, Kan., where she died in Sept., 1882. His brother Henry now owns a farm there. His brother Franklin is in Oregon, and his brother Edwin is in California. William entered 160 acres of land east of Virden, and lived on it two years, when he bought a farm of mi acres when' he now lives, and his wife having GO acres besides that, he now has a farm of 240 acres, all of which lie has so improved that it is in good condition. It is divided into 40 and 20-acre fields by hedge fences. The residence is a large twostory frame building, pleasantly located and surrounded with various outbuildings. He raises a great deal of stock - cattle, hogs and sheep - and thus uses all the grain raised on the farm. lie was married in May, 1856, to Elizabeth McKernan, who was born April 7,1827. They have one son - Charles, born May 10, 1861, who is now living in Sumner county, Kan. When lie first settled in tins county there was one house between the place he now lives and Jersey ville. He does not occupy any "Hire, being no craver of such. He and his wife have both been members of the Methodist church. He was a democrat until the war broke out, but since that time has been a republican - out and out a union man to the core.

John Casey, deceased, settled in what is now Fidelity township about 1848, purchasing land on section 19. He was born in county Meath, Ireland, and immigrated to America in 1848, coming directly to Jersey county. He was married, in 1855, to Bridget Welsh, a daughter of Martin and Bridget Welsh. They had six children born to them - George, Martin, Mary, John, Elizabeth, and Margaret. Mrs. Casey died Jan. 16, 1868, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Jerseyville. Mr. Casey's death occurred June 15, 1885. His remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife. Both were devoted members of the Catholic church. Their son George has charge of the farm, and all of the children live at the homestead, with the exception of Martin. They own ISO acres of land, and carry on general farming, raising grain and stock. All of the family are members of the ( latholic church.

James S. Loux is of German descent, and was horn in Bucks county, Penn., Nov. 13, 1884. He resided with his parents till he reached his 19th year, then left home to learn the harness-maker's trade, at which occupation he worked four years. In 1857, he came to Illinois and purchased land, about 10 miles east of Carlinville, in Macoupin county, and lived upon the same about five years. He then sole! out and came to Jersey county, buying land upon section 7, Fidelity township, where he now owns a valuable farm containing 121 acres. He was married Dec. 8, 1861, to Susan Wooden, daughter of Richard and Sarah (Clausen) Wooden. They have one child - Mary Ellen. Mr. Loux has held the office of school director, and in politics is a staunch republican.

Richard R. Ely (deceased) came to this county in 1838, being then ten years of age. He accompanied his parents, Richard and Amy Ely, who settled southeast of Jerseyville, on the place now owned by Charles Adams. Richard R. Ely was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, on Dec. 26, 1828. He was reared in this county, from his tenth year, and resided here till the time of his death, Jan. 22, 1870. He was married Jan. 13, 1853, to Mary Ann Fitzgerald, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of William Fitzgerald. In Dec. 1854, Mr. Ely removed to the farm, on section 11, near Fidelity village, where his family now reside. It contains 160 acres. They have also 10 acres in Ruvle township. Mr. Ely was a well known and highly respected citizen of Jersey county, and held, among other important offices, that of justice of the piace of this township. He was a member of Fidelity lodge, of the A. F. & A. M. Mr. and Mrs. Ely had eight children, seven of whom are living -

Isaac R., now living in Panama; William F., in Denver, Col.; Archibald F., Rebecca Jane, Elizabeth Ann, wife of Douglas Stanley, of Jerseyville township; Cora May and Fannie Amy. One daughter, Jeannette, died Jan. 14, 1850. Silas Bates, one of the most prosperous men in this neighborhood, was born Aug. 13, 1817, in Butler county, Ohio. He spent his youth in that place, serving as an apprentice with his father, who was a tanner and shoemaker, until he was 17 years of age. In 1834, his lather moved to Delaware county, Ind., where he staid until the spring of 1843. Silas staid with bis father until he was 23 years old, when he was married to Selina Hamilton, born in 1813. After his marriage he built a cabin on his father-in-law's place, where he lived some three years. He then moved to what is now known as the D'Arcy farm, where he lived for 16 years, paying bis attention during that time to farming. He tben came to the place now occupied by him. The two eldest children were born in Indiana; the first, George W, died when only six weeks old; Samuel, who married Mary Patterson, and lives in California, burn 1841; Stephen, who died in his sixth year; William, who married Emma Cheatam, and lives in Nebraska; David, born October, 1847; Eliza Jane, married to John Chatman, and living in Jerseyville, born in 1850; Nancy Ann, married to E. Tellus, and living near home, born in 1851 ; Mary, married to Zadoc Coreths, and living in Kansas, born 1854; Selina and Silas, named after father and mother, born in 1857; Silas is married to Rosa Smith, and Selina is home with her parents; Arch., married to Emily Hutchison, born 1862, died Nov. 27, 1879; Jessie, born 1866, single and at home. Mr. Bates has been a member of the Baptist church 18 years, his wife also being a member. Her home was in West Virginia, where she was born in 1820. He is 68 and Mrs. Bates 65 years of age. As he has been a prudent, saving and industrious man, he has contrived to save considerable of this world's goods, and has 960 acres, all in one body, wellfenced and in good condition,

FrankKomarek is a native of Bohemia, Austria, born tbe 24th day of June, 1835. His parents, Joseph andKatherine (Starskahl) Komarek, wen' natives of Bohemia, and lived and died in that country. The subject of this sketch was brought up in his native country, where he received a liberal education, and also acquired a very thorough knowledge of music, enabling him to play upon any instrument. He was married in Bohemia, Jan. 28, 1857,to Katherine Matjaka, a native of that country, and a daughter of Frank and M ary ( Kautzlik) Matjaka . In 1860 he, with his wife, bade farewell to friends and fatherland, and taking passage on board a vessel ;it Hamburg, came to New York. He went from thence to St. Louis, and soon after came to Jersey county, settling in Richwoods township, where he resided 14 years. He then came to his present location on section 16, Fidelity township. He owns 120 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation. lie also has rented land, raising a considerable amount of grain, and also stock. Mr. and Mrs. Komarek have eight children - Antoinette, living in Saline county, Kan.; Albert, Katherine, Edward, John, Lena, Vincent and Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Komarek are

Mrs. Mary J!. Christopher is the widow of the late John Christopher and a daughter of John and Jane (Wilcox ) Ryan, the latter a native of Canada. Mrs. Christopher was horn in Cpper Alton, March 22, 1822, and resided with her parents until her marriage, March 20, 1850, to Dr. James Bringhurst. By this union there were four children - James, the oldest, was born April 28, 1851, and married March 9, 1876, to Carrie Lemmons, who died Dec. 26, 1880, and was buried in Independence, Kan. lie was again married Oct. 7, L884, to Edna Hudson, and is now living at Fidelity. John was horn May 7, 1873, and married Margaret Thompson; Robert was horn March 22, 1855, and married Oct. 22, 1877, to Mary Frances (milage; Harry, the youngest, was born Sept. 16, 1857, and married Feb. 11), 1879, to Anna Bacon. Dr. Bringhurst resided in Jerseyville, and had an extensive practice in this county. He died June 23, 1870, and was buried in Oakland cemetery. His widow was married April 26, 1S74, to John Christopher, a resilient of Fidelity township, where his death occurred Oct. 25, 1878. He was the owner of a fine farm on section 13, where Mrs. Christopher now lives. She has 240 acres, all in cultivation. She is a member of the Baptist church at Fidelity.

Edward B. Simmons, an enterprising young farmer of Fidelity township, was born on the place where he now resides, Oct. 1, 1860. His childhood and youth were spent in working upon his father's farm and attending the district school.

On arriving at his 20th year he went to Greenfield, where for two years he attended the high school, after which he was a student one term at the Jacksonville Business College. He then returned home and has since followed agricultural pursuits. He was married Oct. 18, 188.'!, to Clara Powel, daughter of Dr. Henry and Margaret D. Powel. Mr. Simmons is the owner of 160 acres of land in southwestern Kansas; also 16i» acres in Iowa. He now resides upon land belonging to his father's estate in section 26.

John C. Marshall was born in Preble county. (>., Sept. 11, 1826, where he lived until he was 19 years of age, when he moved to Jersey county with his parents. They lived on the Beaty farm one year, and then took the Duncan farm in 1846. From there he moved into this township, and now has a farm of 160 acres. He was united in marriage with Grace Hooper, July 9, 1857. Out of a family of 10 children, eight are now living. He is a member of the Free Mason's lodge, No. 152, of Fidelity, and has held the office of school director. In politics he is a staunch republican. His father at one time owned the farm he now possesses, and he assisted in the improvement of the farm before it came into his possession, so that now it is well fenced and tilled. Some of the rails were made by him 35 years ago, he knowing them by the knots he finds on them.