Jersey County, Illinois - The Part of Biography in General History - Citizens of Jersey, 1919 (part 5 of 6)

The paternal grandfather, Benjamin Sanders, born January 24, 1802, in Vermont, died January 22, 1882, while his wife who bore the maiden name of Deborah Woodman, was born February 21, 1806, in Greene County, Ill. In 1820, Benjamin Sanders came west, stopping in Ohio for two and one-lialf years, where he worked for eight dollars per month on a farm. After leaving Ohio, he came to what is now Ruyle Township, and entered a tract of government land, adding to it by purchase until he had 680 acres of upland, and 920 acres of bottom land. After settling on his farm, he conducted a steamboat on the Mississippi River. At one time he owned a fine running horse that would outclass almost any other animal. At one time he was giving his horse a workout, when two men came along in a buggy and asked where they could find Benjamin Sanders as they wished to see his celebrated horse. Seeing that neither he nor his horse were rec¬ ognized, Mr. Sanders offered to put up $300 that he could beat them with his horse, and his offer being accepted, easily outdistanced them and won the money. As they were leaving he disclosed his identity. In later life he moved to Virden, Ill., where he had previously bought about 500 acres of land, and there he died. After their marriage, Charles Sanders and Laura Brown settled on the Sanders home¬ stead of 1,600 acres, and there he continued to farm the remainder of his life with the exception of the winters during his later life, when he and his wife lived at Greenfield, Ill. Becoming ill, he went to St. Louis, Mo., for treatment, and died there in a hospital. His children were as follows : Platt and Stanley, who with Clarence F. all live in Ruyle Township ; and Pearl.

Clarence F. Sanders attended the district schools, and after the second marriage of his mother, he remained with her and his step¬ father at Greenfield where they took up their residence. After two years, however, he came to his 400 acre farm his father left him. This property had no improvements, and only 125 acres were under culti¬ vation, the balance being in timber. He went to work immediately and during the years that followed erected a fine residence and other buildings, and has everything including the latest improved machinery. He has been a heavy raiser of cattle, buying, feeding and selling them, and raises and feeds hogs. The products of his farm have a wide and deserved popularity.

On October 27, 1898, Mr. Sanders was married to Nellie Bates, born in Macoupin County, Ill., a daughter of Frank and Rocetta (Brown) Bates, he born in Greene County, and she in Macoupin County,

Ill. The grandparents William and Martha (Maze) Bates were born in Tennessee, while John Henry and Martha (Husky) Brown were born in Macoupin County. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders have had the fol¬ lowing children born to them: George E., Jene V., and Mellnotte and Francis who died when four and one-half months old. Mrs. Sanders attended the schools of her district and one term at the Carlinville High school. Mr. Sanders is a Baptist and is a deacon in his church. He served as a school director and trustee, and is a Republican in politics. Fraternally he belongs to Kemper Camp, M. W. A.

SAUVAGE, Conrad, a retired farmer of Grafton who formerly was extensively engaged in farming in Jersey County, comes of an old and honored family in this country. His parents, Conrad and Ann Sauvage, were of French birth, who came to the United States in 1854, locating in Meigs County, Ohio, where he died in 1866. They had eleven children, all of whom are deceased except Conrad Sauvage. He was a child when his parents immigrated, and he was reared at Chester, Ohio, where he attended school.

When he was eighteen years old, Conrad Sauvage went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and spent a year, being engaged in farming in that vicinity. The next seven years were spent by him at Alton, Ill., where he was employed in railroad work, and he then came to Jersey County and for a time was employed in the quarries, becoming head drill man. He then bought a farm in Jersey County, and conducted it successfully until his retirement. During the Civil War, although only thirteen years old, he was made a mail carrier for the government, and probably was the youngest carrier ever employed by the United States government. Being captured on one occasion by General Mor¬ gan, of the Confederacy, he was forced to act as a guide for the enemy over the territory with which he was well acquainted.

After coming to Jersey County, Mr. Sauvage was married to Mary Simpson, of Irish-Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Sauvage have had the following children born to them : Anna Amberg, who lives at Wood River, Ill. ; and Mary, who died in infancy. Mr. Sauvage be¬ longs to the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. A man widely and favorably known, he deserves the confidence he inspires.

SCHWARZ, John G., manager of the Jersey ville Telephone Com¬ pany, and ex-alderman of the city, is one of the thoroughly representa¬ tive men of Jersey County. He was born at Jersevville, in September, 1869, a son of John G. and Catherine (Fritz) Schwarz, natives of Ger¬ many, who came as young people to Jerseyville, where they were mar¬ ried. He was a stage driver on the route between Jerseyville, Alton and Jacksonville, and also had a large vineyard, and made wine and distilled liquors, including apple and peach brandy, his plant being an extensive one for that day. In addition he operated a livery busi¬ ness for many years. Later on in life he was one of the organizers of the Electric Light Company, and held offices in it, and he was one of the four men who organized the Jerseyville Telephone Company, and was one of its directors as long as he lived. For several years prior* to his death he lived retired from active participation in public life, but never lost his interest in civic affairs. Jerseyville owes much to him and his name is held in high regard to this day. His death occurred in November, 1895. The mother of John G. Schwarz died in January, 1910. Their children were as follows: Mary, who is the widow of George C.. Vosburgh of St. Louis, Mo.; Rosa C., who is the widow of Bert Hyatt ; and John G.

John G. Sehwarz has spent his life at Jerseyville. He attended its grammar and high schools, and the dental department of Washington University of St. Louis, being graduated from the latter in 1904. For the subsequent six years he was engaged in the practice of his pro¬ fession at Jerseyville, but then assumed the duties of general manager of the Jerseyville Telephone Company, which operates both the Bell and Kinlock systems. The officers of the company are as follows : J. M. Page, president; II. A. Shephard, vice president; and John G. Schwarz, secretary and treasurer. In 1916 the company took possession of the handsome modern building it now occupies, which is as well equipped as any similar one in the country. He is also vice president of the Jerseyville Building, Loan & Homestead Association.

On June 2, 1897, Air. Schwarz was married to Sarah A. White, born in Knox County, Mo., a daughter of John H. and Susan C. (Towson) White, born in Simpson County, Kv., and Harrisburg, Pa., respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz have two children: Ruth Virginia and George Russell, both of whom are at home. Mr. Schwarz is a Presbyterian, is a member of the choir, a trustee of the church, and has served as super¬ intendent of the Sunday school. A Democrat, he served as a member of the city council from the Second Ward, and while he was in office the first paving was put in, as well as the system of sewers. A prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, he has represented his lodge at the Grand Lodge upon three separate occasions. A man of public-spirit and wide experience, Mr. Schwarz is giving his company and com¬ munity a fine service, and his efforts are appreciated.

SEAGO, James L., one of the most influential men of Jersey County, owns a magnificent farm in English Township, as well as land in Greene County, and is numbered amon,? the leading agriculturalists of this part of the state. He was born in Greene County, Ill., in that portion now included in Jersey County, January 7, 1837, a son of John and Mary Ann (Campbell) Seago, natives of North Carolina who were reared in Tennessee. The paternal grandparents were born in North Carolina. In 1823 they journeyed overland with wagons and horses to Greene County, where they entered government land. The maternal grandparents, James and Elizabeth (Pace) Campbell, were among the very earliest settlers of English Township, where they entered and cleared land. The grandfather rafted lumber down the Mississippi River to St. Louis, Mo.

After their marriage, John Seago and wife settled in what is now Richwoods Township, leaving it for English Township in 1844, where they bought eighty acres of land, to which they kept on adding until they owned 185 acres. He was a Democrat and held many local offices. While on a visit to Tennessee, he died in 1869. His widow survived him, passing away in English Township in 1879. Of their ten children, of whom James L. was the eldest, three survive, namely: James L. ; George, who lives at St. Louis, Mo.; and Douglas, who lives in Richwoods Township.

On September 17, 1863, James L. Seago was married to Achsali Carrico, born in English Township, a daughter of John and Winnie Ann (Van Meter) Carrico, natives of St. Louis County, Mo., and southern Illinois. After their marriage they lived on two acres of land in English Township for two years, and then sold and Mr. Seago leased a tract of land which he conducted for three years, when lie bought forty acres in English Township. Two years later he traded this farm for eighty acres, and within a couple of years sold it and secured sixty acres of timber land that he cleared, adding to it twenty more acres. He kept on buying timber land, and clearing it, and i)ow has 360 acres of fine stock land, 200 acres of which he cultivates. He also owns 500 acres of land in Greene County, Ill., that he rents. While clearing off his land, Mr. Seago sawed lumber used to build the Chi¬ cago & Alton Railroad bridges, and for many buildings connected with the road.

Mr. and Mrs. Seago have had the following children born to them: Oscar A., a physician, who lives at Springfield, Ill. ; Winnie Ann, who is Mrs. J. T. Berry, of Morgan County, Ill. ; George M., who lives at Jerseyville, Ill.; and Charles T.,* who lives at Springfield, Ill. Mr. Seago attended the primitive subscription school, but only to a lim¬ ited extent. Mrs. Seago went to the Hickory Log district school. A Baptist, Mr. Seago has been a deacon of his church for many years. He is a Democrat and has held a number of township offices.

SEARLS, Thomas, now deceased, was for many years a substantial agriculturalist of Jersey County. He was born in County Cork, Ire¬ land, and came to the United States in young manhood, making the trip in a sailing vessel which was on the Atlantic Ocean for six weeks. He landed in New York City, and for a time was in the employ of a large wholesale house there. It was during the period of his residence in New York City, that he was married to Mary Beatty, a daughter of Mrs. Sarah Beatty, born in Dublin, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Searls had the following children: Sarah, who owns the home farm, lives at Jer¬ seyville ; William, who died May 29, 1912 ; Mary, who is Mrs. William Kennedy of Jersey Township; and Thomas W., who died in Oregon, leaving four children: Chester, who is deceased, Mras serving in the United States Navy; Etta, who is a trained nurse, at St. Luke's Hos¬ pital, St. Louis; Gladys, who lives with her Aunt Sarah; and Ray, who is married and lives on the old homestead owned by Miss Sarah Searls.

In 1857, six years after his marriage, Mr. Searls came to Jersey County, and bought eighty acres of land in Jersey Township, forty acres of which was covered with timber. Later, he added two eightyacre- farms, and at the time of his death had 240 acres of land. He con¬ tinued farming until his death, which occurred November 25, 1906. Mrs. Searls died February 2, 1899. In politics Mr. Searls was a Re¬ publican. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. A man of high principles, he lived up to his convictions, and was held in universal respect.

Miss Sarah Searls attended the district schools of Jersey Township. She belongs to the Ladies Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Woman's Relief Corps.

SEIK, George J., agent of the Standard Oil Company, with head¬ quarters at Grafton, is one of the progressive men of Jersey County. He has held his present position for three years, and is in charge of all the company's business in this locality. He was born at Grafton J anuary 5, 1868, a son of Herman Seik, a native of Germany, who came in young manhood to the United States, and was working as a laborer when the Civil War broke out, and he enlisted in defense of the Union, serying for four years. He had the misfortune to lose the sight of an eye through exposure while in the service. Following the close of the war he came to Grafton. Here he was married to Mrs. Syntha 0. (Wheeler) Gibson, a widow with two children, namely: Leona and Morton Gibson. Mr. and Mrs. Herman Seik had the following chil¬ dren: George J. ; Anna Owen, who lives in Oklahoma; Rosa Marshall and Martha Meier, who live at Grafton; Willie; Syntha; Charles; Herman; Harry; and Mabel. Both parents and the five children last named are now deceased.

Until he was seventeen years old, George J. Seik attended the Grafton schools, and then began farming. Later he operated a steam drill in a quarry, and also engaged in fishing, and conducted a motor boat. Going with the Mid-Continent Oil Company of East St. Louis, 111., he was their agent for three years, and then was an independent agent for a time, finally entering the employ of the Standard Oil Com¬ pany as agent for the Decatur division, and is regarded as one of the most competent and faithful men in the service.

Mr. Seik was married to Irene Slaten, who is a native of Grafton, and their children are as follows : Mabel, who taught school at Graf¬ ton for several years, is now the wife of Roscoe Baxter ; Edgar, who is now serving his country in France as a marine ; and Harold and Her¬ man, who are both at home. Mr. Seik is a Republican, and is presi¬ dent of the school board of trustees and has been a member of the town board. The Methodist Episcopal Church holds his membership. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and Mrs. Seik are members of the Royal Neighbors. They are active in the work of the Red Cross, and Mrs. Seik belongs to the Protec¬ tive League, and both are ardent supporters of all patriotic measures,

SHEA, John S., known as "the apple king of Jersey County," and a man who has taken a very prominent part in the public life of the county, is an honored resident of Jerseyville. He was born at Grafton, Ill., December 24, 4871, a son of Dennis and Abbie (Van Antrep) Shea, he born in Ireland and she in Jersey County, Ill. The mother died when John S. Shea was an infant. The grandfather, Michael Shea, came to the United States from Ireland by way of New Orleans. Dennis lived m that city until the outbreak of the Civil War, when his two brothers entered the Confederate Army, and he came up the Mississippi River to Alton, Ill., where he enlisted in Company D, Second Illinois Cav¬ alry, as his sympathies were with the North. After his ninety-day period of enlistment expired, he re-enlisted for three years or until the close of hostilities, and served in all four years and seven months. Following his discharge, he came to Grafton, Ill., and worked in the stone quarry at this point for seventeen years. He then bought 200 acres of land in Quarry Township, and was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1908. Their children were as follows : Michael E., who lives at Alton, Ill. ; Anna, who is Mrs. Michael Bow¬ man of Chesterfield, Ill.; Katie, who is deceased; Margaret, who is the wife of Martin Dunn of Jerseyville; Rebecca, who lives at St. Louis, Mo.; Hannah, who is the wife of Benjamin Matthews of St. Louis; and Agnes, who also lives at St. Louis; and John S.

John S. Shea left school when he was sixteen years old, and worked at farming until he was twenty years old. At that time he went to Grafton, and served for twelve years with the Ripley Hardware Company as a sheet metal worker. He then moved to Batchtown, Cal¬ houn County, Ill., and there conducted a sheet metal, hardware and agricultural implement business for six years, later selling to go to Hardin, Ill., where he embarked in a fruit evaporator business and continued it for three years. A fire destroying his plant, in which he lost all 1m owned, Mr. Shea moved to Jerseyville and leased the 123-acre apple orchard owned by Dr. A. II. Van Horne, and the 40-acre orchard of Stephen Bowman. Later he bought the 123-acre orchard of the Carlin estate in Jersey Township, and three years later the 63-acre orchard of the Ware estate, and has developed into the largest apple grower in Jersey County, so that the name "apple king" is his by right of conquest.

On October 18, 1893, Mr. Shea wras married to Anna Watson, born in Quarry Township, a daughter of John and Keziah (Hughes) 4\ atson, natives of Jersey County and Ohio, respectively, who came at an early day to Rosedale Township. Mr. and Mrs. Sliea became the parents of the following children : Dennis, Naomi, Ruth, James, who died in infancy, Mark, Myrtle, Catherine and Mary. Mr. Shea is a Catholic. He is a Republican, served on the Grafton town board for four years, and for the same period on the Batchtown town board, and was treasurer of the latter place for two years. Fraternally lie be¬ longs to the Knights of Columbus, and the Elks. Few men of this section are better known than Mr. Shea, and certainly none are more popular, he measuring up to the best standards as a man and publicspirited citizen.

SHEPHARD, Henry A., now retired but for many years a sub¬ stantial banker of Jersey ville, is recognized as one of the city's lead¬ ing citizens. He was born at Jersey ville, May 17, 1858, a son of Wil¬ liam and Ann Maria (Gross) Shephard, a sketch of whom appears else¬ where in this work. After attending the common school in Jerseyville, and the Jerseyville High school, Henry A. Shephard took a course in the University of Notre Dame, Ind., and then began his business career as a clerk in the bank of Bowman and Ware. In 1890 this bank con¬ solidated with J. A. Shephard & Co., to form the State Bank of Jer¬ seyville, of which S. H. Bowman is president; John A. Shephard was vice president; and Henry A. Shephard cashier, and William F. Shep¬ hard was assistant cashier until 1912, when the last named retired. Since 1912, Henry A. Shephard has lived retired.

A stalwart Democrat, Mr. Shephard served for four continuous terms, from 1894 to 1902, as mayor of 'Jerseyville, and in 1907 was honored by election to the State Assembly, and was re-elected several terms, serving in the Forty-sixth, Forty-eighth, Forty-ninth and Fif¬ tieth General Assemblies from the Thirty-eighth District, following in his father's footsteps, as the latter served in the upper house from the Sixth District from 1871 to 1875. During his long service in the legisla¬ ture, Henry A. Shephard secured the passage of some very important bills and was always to be found supporting those measures which had the support of the best class of people.

On June 10, 1885, Henry A. Shephard was married to Matilda R. Revere, born at Council Bluffs, Iowa, a daughter of Godfre}r and Medina E. Revere. One son, William F., of Jerseyville, was born April 16, 1896. Mrs. Shephard died February 10, 1902. Mr. Shephard be¬ longs to the Modern Woodmen of America; the Elks, which he served as exalted ruler for two terms, and as district deputy grand E. R., and president of the Illinois Elks Association ; and also belongs to the Knights of Columbus.

SHEPHARD, William, now deceased, was for a number of jrnars one of the highly respected residents of Jerseyville, and a man who was held in high esteem during life, and was regretted by a wide circle when death claimed him. He was born in Yorkshire, England, but came to the United States in young manhood, and for some years was bookkeeper for a railroad construction compapy in an eastern state. Desiring to branch out for himself, he came west to Jerseyville, and after establishing himself in that city, in a shoemaking business, re¬ turned to Pennsylvania, and was there married to Ann Maria Gross, born at Elizabethtown, Pa.

Returning to Jerseyville, William Shephard entered railroad work as a contractor, and executed some very important contracts, rising to be president of the St. Louis, Alton & Jacksonville Railroad, now part of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He built the branch road of the Chicago & Alton from Dwight to Streator, and the Farmers Rail¬ road which is now a branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, from Jacksonville to Waverly; and also a branch of the Chicago & and built part of the International and Great Northern Railroad, now included in the Gould System. Before this contract he founded the firm of William Shephard & Co., which later became William Shephard & Son, and conducted it as a banking business until he sold his interests to Bowman & Ware. The banking house that he founded, thus be¬ came in time the State Bank of Jerseyville. William Shephard passed away, August 16, 1875, and in his death Jerseyville lost one of its most representative men.

The children born to William Shephard and wife were as follows: William V., who died in February, 1875; Francis B., who died in 1876; John A. who died July 3, 1912; Henry A. who is still living; Mary E., Louisa C., Annie M., Flora L., and Lelia T., who is Mrs. G. R. Smith, all reside at Jerseyville. The work accomplished by William Shephard lives after him, and his name will always be associated with the railroad systems of Illinois. To him and men of his kind, is due the credit of the expansion of this section, for until the railroads were made positive facts, there was no great influx of population. With the completion of these roads came many settlers and capital, and from then on Illinois has grown until it is now one of the most important states in the Union.

SHEPHARD, William Francis. There was a time that is very easily lecalled, when the ownership of an automobile was such a luxury because of attendant expense, largely in the line of storage, repair and supplies, that only the people of wealth could enjoy one) This condi¬ tion has entirely changed and the automobile is no longer a special indication of affluence. This change has been brought about by various t lings, mainly perhaps, because of the general establishing of public garages and the handling of all kinds of automobile accessories, together with maintaining repair departments with expert mecha¬ nicians in charge. This is a business that is interesting manv enterpris¬ ing young men and in William Francis Shephard, Jerseyville has a com¬ petent, courteous, energetic and prosperous example.

William Francis Shephard is a native of Jersev County Ill and was born at Jerseyville, April 16, 1886. Ills parents are Henry A. and Matilda (Revere) Shephard. The mother was born at Council Bluffs Iowa, but the father is a native of Jerseyville, an honorable repre¬ sentative of an old county family.

student in Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. He was twenty-six years of age when he embarked in business, erecting a commodious garage at Jerseyville and fitting up a first class repair shop. He handles all automobile accessories and maintains storage departments with floor space sufficient to accommodate many machines. He is selling agent for the Studebaker, the Oldsmobile and the Chevrolet cars.

Although his business demands a large part of his time, Mr. Shep¬ hard is public spirited enough to give much attention to public matters in a civic sense, and after four years of satisfactory service as aiderman of his ward, on April 17, 1917, he was elected mayor of Jersey¬ ville, under the new commission form of government. He has had additional business experience, as in 1906-7-8-9-10-11 and 1912, he was assistant cashier of the State Bank of Jerseyville. In both business and public life he has shown excellent judgment and has favored progress along every line. Mr. Shephard is identified with numerous social organizations and belongs to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, No. 954, at Jerseyville. He is a member of the Catholic Church.

SHORTAL, John M., who is widely known over Jersey County in agricultural circles, for some years lias been one of the representative business men of Jerseyville, where he is manager of the Farmers Ele¬ vator Company, of which he was one of the organizers. Mr. Shortal was born in Jersey County, Ill., June 23, 1867, and is a son of Patrick and Margaret (Sheedv) Shortal, both of whom were born in Ireland, the latter in County Clare and the former in County Kilkenny.

Patrick Shortal came when grown to the United States and here, after marriage, he became a farmer in New Jersey. In 1865 he brought his family to Jersey County, Ill., locating first in Otter Creek Town¬ ship. In 1872 he sold that farm and bought another which was sit¬ uated in Jersey Township and there he continued to reside until 1905, when he and wife retired to Jerseyville, where she died in Octo¬ ber, 1909, and he in October, 1913. They had seven children, four of whom were born in New Jersey: Mary who lives in St. Louis, Mo.; Robert B., who is a resident of Jerseyville ; Nellie, who is the wife of Michael Cummings, of De Soto, Mo. ; Catherine, who is the wife of Peter Infelt, of Stockton, Cal.; John M. ; James, who is deceased; and Joseph M., who resides in St. Louis.

John M. Shortal secured a public school education, attending the Shiloh, the Possum Trot, the Washington and the White Rose district schools and the Jerseyville High school. He assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-seven years old and after his mar¬ riage had entire charge of the same for five years, affer which he operated different farms in the county, including the J. T. Gramas farm in West Jerseyville, for four years, the A. 0. Outen farm in Jersey Township for seven years, and then moved on the farm of Judge Thomas F. Ferns in Jersey Township, on which he continued for nine years. Mr. Shortal then came to Jersey ville and in association with P. J. Flemming and Joseph Schmieder, organized the Farmers Elevator Company, of which he is one of the stockholders and is also manager. It is a very prosperous business enterprise of this section and has the entire confidence of the public most closel\ concerned. Mi. Shortal owns 160 acres of fine farm land in Jersey Township.

On April 30, 1890, Mr. Shortal was married to Miss Anna Dunphy, who was born in Jersey ville and is a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Dwyer) Dunphy, the father being a native of County Tipperary and the mother of County Kilkenny, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Shortal have eight children as follows : Leo Raymond, who operates his father s farm in Jersey Township, married Mae Dabbs and they have one son. John E.; Irene M., who resides with her parents; John Leslie, who is concerned in agricultural operations in Jersey Township; and Grace A.. Paul E., Hazel A.. Margaret M. and Florence C., all of whom reside at home. Mr. Shortal and his family are members of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Shortal is a sound Democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Western Catholic Union and belongs also to the Modern Woodmen of America and the order of Elks.

SHORTAL, Robert Bernard, district manager of the Commercial Health and Accident Company of Springfield, Ill., with headquarters at Jersey ville, is one of the live and progressive men of Jersey County. He was born at Bordentown, N. J., March 8, 1859, a son of Patrick and Margaret (Sheedy) Shortal, he born in County Kilkenny and she in County Clare, Ireland. They settled in New Jersey where the father worked as a farm laborer, and in 1865 they came to Alton, Ill., and six weeks later reached Jersey County, settling on a farm near Grafton. In 1873 they moved near Kane, Ill., where the father bought a farm and conducted it for some years. He then located at Jersey ville and lived retired until his death which occurred October 13, 1913. The mother died October 28, 1909.

Robert Bernard Shortal attended the grammar and high schools of Jersey ville, being graduated from the latter when he was over age, and he began teaching school at the age of twenty-one years, alter¬ nating teaching with further study. From 1883 he taught school during the winter terms and worked on farms in the summers until 1906, during that period teaching for three terms at Fidelity. As early as 1882 Mr. Shortal was deputy township assessor, and in 1906 he was appointed deputy sheriff and so served until 1910, during that period also serving as jailor. In 1910 he began working for Frank Hardacre, of Vincennes, Ind., representing him upon the road until 1912, when he was elected circuit clerk to fill the unexpired term of Ludovic Laurent. After serving nineteen months he became associated with his present concern, and eight months later was made district manager of northern Illinois.

On July 20, 1893, Mr. Shortal was married to Anna West, born in Jersey County, a daughter of George W., and Mary J. (Farmer) West, natives of Jersey Township and Indiana, respectively. Mr. West survives and resides at Welston, Okla., but Mrs. AVest died in Septem¬ ber, 1905. Mrs. Shortal 's grandparents, George and Emily (AVood) West, were born in Jersey County, while Eli and Eliza (Brough) Farm¬ er were born in Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Shortal became the parents of four children, one daughter and three patriotic sons: Harold I., who lives at St. Louis, Mo., is now in the United States navy; Joseph A., who is serving his country in the United States Ambulance Corps; Dorothy A., who is at home; and George Robert, who is a Radio operator in the United States navy. His home is at Detroit, Mich. Air. Shortal is a Catholic and Airs. Shortal is a member of the Baptist Church. He belongs to A. Steelman Camp No. 3410, Al. AY. A., of which he is a charter member, and he has been counsel, clerk, advisor and manager of the camp. He also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, and served the Alodern Woodmen as a dele¬ gate to the national convention at Kansas City, Alo., in 1897.

SIMPSON, Levi, a farmer of Quarry Township, who is actively en¬ gaged in agricultural pursuits, was born in Effingham County, Ill., February 3, 1852, a son of John and Alary Simpson, natives of Illinois and Tennessee, respectively. Their children were as follows : Alary Elizabeth ; Abel, who is deceased ; Levi ; John, who is deceased ; Tabitha, who is deceased; Isaac, who is deceased; Nancy; Martha; Alvin; and Edwin.

Levi Simpson attended school in Effingham County until he was fifteen years old, at which time the family moved to Jersey County, locating north of Grafton. He remained with his parents, assisting them with the farm, until he was twenty-four years old, and then he began farming for himself. He has conducted his farm of 204 acres by himself, and it is located on section 6, Quarry Township, and has been very successful as a general farmer.

On November 26, 1876, Air. Simpson was married to Aliss Lydia Rollings, born in Jersey County, September 21, 1858, whose parents were farming people. Air. and Airs. Simpson have had the following children : Lela, who is Mrs. Robert Conrad ; Bertie, who is Airs. Wil¬ liams, has three children, Bernice, who is Airs. AValter Wadlow has a son, Reginald, and Harold and Eva; Fred, wTho resides in Quarry Township, married Lulu Wedding, and they have a daughter, Ruth ; and Raymond, who resides at Alton, Ill., married Elsie Ilaunee, and they have a daughter, Alargaret Dale. Air. Simpson belongs to Silu¬ rian Lodge No. 449, I. 0. O. F. He has always taken an intelligent interest in the progress of his township, and is proud of the advance¬ ment it has made. He is a Democrat.

SISSON, Cyrus A., who is one of Jerseyville's most highly respected citizens, is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of western

Illinois, and can trace his honorable ancestry beyond the Revolutionary War, in which his great-grandfather bore a noble part. Mr. Sisson was born in Otter Creek Township, Jersey County, Ill., February 25, 1864. and his great-grandfather, Henry Eaton, was born in Wales. Henry Eaton served in the Revolutionary army under Gen. Nathaniel Greene, as an ensign, and in that capacity was with General Greene in the cam¬ paign in South Carolina. He died of yellow fever when on his way home. The family lost his military record through the burning of the archives in Washington in 1812.

John Wesley Sisson, father of Cyrus A., was born in Botetourt County, Va., March 7, 1813, and was a son of Abner and Susanna (Hardy) Sisson, the former of whom was born in Rockbridge County, Va., a son of Caleb Sisson, born in England, but of Scotch descent. Susanna Hardy was born in Maryland. John W. Sisson was married to Martha Jane Eaton, February 16, 1843. She was born in Jefferson County, Ivy., April 16, 1827, and was a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (King) Eaton, the former of whom was born in Cumberland County, Pa., March 12, 1780, and the latter in Kingston, Miss., October 2, 1787.

In 1837 John Wesley Sisson moved from Jefferson County, Ivy., to Macoupin County, Illinois, and continued to live there until the spring of 1850, when he bought land in Jersey County, near the site of the first free school in Illinois. He maintained his home in Otter Creek Township, but acquired much other land, enough in fact to give each of his eight children a farm in Illinois and Nebraska. His death oc¬ curred December 27, 1896, and that of his wife December 20, 1894. Their children were: Susan S., who was born March 16, 1844, is the widow of Charles P. Stephenson; Henry Hardy, who was born January 12, 1846, died December 25, 1915, at that time being a resident of Matagorda County, Tex., and a veteran of the Civil War; John Frank¬ lin, who was born October 30, 1847, died at Lincoln, Ill., July 28, 1906; Louisa Maria, who was born November 3, 1849, is the wife of Shephard S. Bell, and lives at Lincoln, Neb.; Emma Cordelia, who was born April 3, 1852, is the wife of Israel C. Noble, of Alton, Ill.; Jessie M., who was born October 18, 1860, resides with her brother Cyrus, born in 1864 ; and Olive Augusta, who was born February 23, 1867, is Mrs. Albert L. Lamb of Jerseyville; Newton W., who was born January 18, 1854, died June 1, 1855; and Martha V., who was born May 19, 1857, died October 28, 1858.

Cyrus A. Sisson attended the public schools of Otterville and con¬ tinued to reside on the home farm and look after agricultural interests until 1900, in which year he found a satisfactory tenant and moved to Jerseyville, where he purchased a comfortable modern residence. Mr. Sisson has never married, but his sister makes a pleasant domestic atmosphere and carefully looks after his health and comfort. In politics Mr. Sisson is a Republican. All his life having been a man of temperate views, it is gratifying to him to see the present legislation going forward that promises temperance all over the land. Mr. Sisson is a member of the Christian Science organization at Jerseyville.

SLATEN, Abraham Lincoln, a prosperous farmer and reliable cit¬ izen of Jersey County, is held in high esteem by the people of Grafton. He was born at Grafton, January 5, 1861, a son of Benjamin F. and Maria (Askew) Slaten, of English and French descent, respectively. The family came from Georgia to Jersey ville at an early day, and Benjamin F. Slaten became an attorney of more than local celebrity, serving several terms as prosecuting attorney of Jersey County. He and his wife had eight children, evenly divided as to sex, and of them two of the daughters and one of the sons are deceased.

Abraham Lincoln Slaten attended the local school until he was eighteen years old when he began farming on a farm his father owned, and when he was twenty-four years old, he became the owner. He was married to Florence Julia Spaulding, who was born in Jersey County, and comes of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Slaten have the following children: William, who lives on the homestead; Pluma and Tressa, both of whom are engaged in teaching at Grafton ; Harold, who lives at home ; and Leola, who is attending school. Mr. Slaten is a Republican, and has been township assessor and supervisor. The Methodist Episcopal Church holds his membership. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons and Odd Fellows. A capable and very popular man, he has served honorably in the offices to which he has been elected, and has proven himself in every way worthy of public con¬ fidence.

SLATEN, George W., one of the enterprising and reliable mer¬ chants of Grafton, and a man whose success is well merited, was born near Grafton, January 26, 1847, a son of George W. and Lemontine Slaten. The father of George W. Slaten, Jr., was born in Georgia and came to Illinois in young manhood. A carpenter by trade, he later became a farmer. The mother was born in North Carolina but was reared in Tennessee, and while on a visit to the home of a sister in Illinois she met and was married to George W. Slaten. They had a large family of children, of whom the following survive : George W. ; Clara Spangle ; Louise Hughes ; Margaret L. ; Henry L., who lives in Jersey County; Robert, who lives at Alton, Ill.; and Thomas L., who lives at Mena, Ark. Another son, John P., was killed in a rail¬ road wreck in North Dakota. A daughter, Alzada, died early in life.

Until he was nineteen years old, George W. Slaten, Jr., attended country schools, and then went to Keokuk, Iowa, and attended its high school, and after returning to Jersey County, he was engaged in teaching school for twenty years, his first school being at Pleasant Cove. Entering the mercantile field, he conducted a general store for a time, then was connected with the wholesale house of George T. Webb & Co. of Kansas City, Mo., for eight years. Mr. Slaten then went upon the road as a traveling salesman. Still later he embarked in a general merchandise business at Grafton, subsequently trans¬ ferring his business to Upper Grafton. Politically he is a Republican,

On May 20, 1879, Mr. Slaten was married at St. Louis, Mo., to Emma M. Johnston, and they have a daughter, Mrs. Byrd Crull, of Grafton. By a former marriage, Mrs. Crull had three children : George Pierce, Emma and Alice Heffington. Emma and Pierce were twins. The little girls are now deceased, but the son is living.

SMITH, Ralph R., cashier of the Bank of Fidelity and one of the sound financiers of Jersey County, is a man of stability and integrity, lie was born at Franklin, Morgan County, Ill., July 3, 1879, a son of AVilliam A. and Lydia (Roberts) Smith, he born at Scottville, Macoupin County, Ill., and she at Franklin, Ill. After their marriage they lo¬ cated on a farm in the neighborhood of Franklin, and from there moved to various points until 1891, when they bought a farm near Scottville. Two years later they moved to the vicinity of Palmyra, Ill., where the father died August 5, 1917. The mother survives and makes her home at Palmyra.

Ralph R. Smith attended the grade and high schools and Jackson¬ ville Business College, and also took a course in Walton's School of Commerce, Chicago, as a public accountant. After completing his high school course, he secured a first class certificate and taught school for two years. After taking his business course he became an operator for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and was stationed at various points, including Virden, Sorento and Girard, continuing in this line until 1908, when he bought a farm near Palmyra, Ill., and con¬ ducted it for two years. For the subsequent two years he was in the employ of Duncan Bros., at Modesto, and later was clerk and book¬ keeper for a bank at that point. In November, 1913, Mr. Smith was appointed cashier of the Bank of Fidelity, and has been discharging the duties of this important position ever since.

On October 30, 1904, Mr. Smith was married to Leatha Bishop of Sorento, Ill., a daughter of Alfred F. and Florence A. (Chapman) Bishop, natives of Sorento. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had the follow¬ ing children : Edith Maurine, who was born in February, 1906 ; Florence Pauline, who was born in June, 1910; and Helen Elizabeth, who was born in February, 1913. Mr. Smith belongs to the Presbyte¬ rian Church of Palmyra which he served as treasurer and he was also teacher of the Young Woman's Bible class in the Sunday school at Fidelity. He is a Democrat in politics and served on the school board , and was a member of the village board at Modesto, and holds both offices at Fidelity. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias at Palmyra. A capable, sound and reliable man he deserves the success he has achieved, and merits the confidence he inspires.

March 15, 1854, a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Randolph) Snyder, natives of Germany who died in New Jersey. Christopher R. Snyder attended the common schools until he was sixteen years old, and then began working in a furniture factory where he remained for two years and on leaving the factory he began learning the carpenter trade. In 1878 he came to Jersey ville, and was engaged in farming for two years, but then resumed work at his trade, prospering to such an extent that in 1892 he branched out as a general contractor, and has so continued ever since. He has erected the principal buildings at Jersey ville, and his contracts are faithfully executed.

On February 20, 1879, Mr. Snyder was married to Mattie E. llarvel, born in Jersey County, Ill., September 15, 1868, a daughter of Perry and Ann (Grimes) llarvel, natives of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have had the following children: "Walter and Herbert, who are of Jerseyville; Clara, who is Mrs. Ruford Johnson, lives at Jerseyville; and Dorothy, who is Mrs. John Howe, of Ashland, 111. Mr. Snyder is a Republican and served two terms as alderman of the First Ward. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows, which he joined in 1875 ; the Modern AVoodmen of America and the Elks, and Airs. Snyder be¬ longs to the Rebekahs.

SPRINGMAN, Leo, now living retired, for many years was one of the leading agriculturalists of Piasa Township, where he is still re¬ siding. He was born in Baden, Germany, November 2, 1819, a son of George and Helen C. (Baker) Springman. In the fall of 1855 George Springman started on a sailing vessel for the United States, and after being on the ocean for fifty-six days, landed at New Orleans, from whence he came up the Mississippi River to Alton, Ill., and lived in Madison County for some time. At first he worked at coal mining, and later engaged in farming, coming finally to Piasa Township, where he bought eighty acres of land, half of which was cleared and the balance was in timber. He cleared off the timber and added another eighty acres to the farm, improving all of the land, and here he died January 7, 1897. His wife died October 18, 1895. Their children were as fol¬ lows : Leo ; George, who lives at Alton, Ill. ; AVilhelmina, who is Mrs. Sigmon Whitman, of Alton, Ill.: Sophia, who is Mrs. James Kerns, of Alton, Ill.; Edward, who lives in Texas; and Lawrence, who lives at St. Louis, Mo.

When he was twenty-two years old Leo Springman began working for neighboring farmers, and spent three months in this way which represents the only time he was away from the homestead on which his father had built a large brick house that is still standing. On June 9, 1872, Mr. Springman was married to Francesco Whitman, born in Baden, Germany, whose parents died in that country. She came to Jersey County when she was nineteen years old. After his marriage Air. Springman lived with his parents for three months, and then rented land in the vicinity. AVhen his father died he took possession of the homestead of 160 acres which he has since conducted, although since 1907, lie has played but a passive part, his son taking the active labor off his hands. Mr. and Mrs. Springman have had the following children born to them: Emma, who is Mrs. John Burns, of Piasa Township; Louisa, who is Mrs. Alvin Oertle, of Fidelity; Edward, who lives in Piasa Township ; Anna, who is Mrs. Thomas Garmley, of Alton, Ill.; Minnie, who is Mrs. Thomas Maloney, of Piasa Township; Theodore, who lives in Madison County, Ill. ; Leo, who lives in Alton, Ill.; Frank, who is operating the homestead; and Philomina, who lives at St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Springman belongs to the Catholic Church of Brighton, Ill. lie is a Democrat and has served on the school board.

SQUIRE, Ludlow P., now deceased, was formerly one of the enter¬ prising citizens of Jersey ville, whose death removed a man of worth. He was born at Plainfield, N. J., October 5, 1839, a son of Israel and Martha (Kirkpatrick) Squire, the latter being the daughter of a Presbyterian minister. About 1846 Israel Squire and his wife came to Illinois, driving overland, and on the trip he was unfortunate enough to acci¬ dentally break his leg. Mrs. Squire must have been a courageous and capable woman, for she successfully set the broken member, and as far as possible took his place. They encountered many other difficulties before they finally reached Jersevville. After their arrival, they located on a farm south of Jersey ville, and there Ludlow P. Squire was reared.

After attending the district schools, Ludlow P. Squire entered Shurtleff College, at Alton, Ill. In 1878 he located at Kane, Ill., later going to Carrollton, Ill., and at the latter place he conducted a feed business. He moved his feed business to Jerseyville, and conducted it until 1880, in the meanwhile buying a farm of 152 acres, two and onehalf miles east of Jerseyville, which he rented. In 1880 he bought a tract of land on the edge of Jerseyville, and subdivided it into town lots, giving the addition his name. Always interested in the advance¬ ment of Jerse3'ville, he advocated public improvements, and demon¬ strated strong civic pride. TIis death occurred August 6, 1914, and since then his widow and her brother live in the old home on West Pearl Street.

On March 8, 1878, Mr. Squire was married to Elizabeth Mershon. born at Trenton, N. J., a daughter of Theodore and Adelia (Sunder¬ land) Mershon, natives of Trenton, N. J., who, in the spring of 1863, came to Jersey County, and bought a farm two and one-half miles east of Jerseyville. Mr. Mershon died in 1887, and Mrs. Mershon passed away in 1899. Mrs. Squire attended a private school and a woman's college at Trenton, N. J. Mr. Squire was a member of the Baptist Church. A Democrat, at times he served as a member of the Jerseyville city council. He was a Mason.

STANLEY, Edward Buchanan, a prominent and representative fanner of Jersey township, was born on section 25 of this township November 22. 1856, a son of Matthew Cook and Elizabeth - (Arm- strong) Stanley, he born in Cheshire, England, and she in Pennsyl¬ vania. In 1840 Matthew C. Stanley came to Jersey County, and the following year he was married and bought a farm on section 25, Jer¬ sey Township. The maternal grandparents, Thomas and Mary Arm¬ strong, were natives of England and New Jersey, respectively. In 1839 they drove overland to Jersey County, and rented land in Jer¬ sey Township. Matthew C. Stanley died in July, 1912, his wife having passed away in 1901. Their children were as follows : Carrie, who was married to Charles D. Warren of Jerseyville; Robert and Mary E., who are deceased ; Edward B. and his twin brother Charles B., of Jerseyville; and Stephen Douglas, Isabel, Nettie, all of whom live at Jerseyville, and George V., who is deceased.

Edward B. Stanley attended the White district school and assisted his father during his boyhood. In 1884 he went to Blue Springs, Gage County, Neb., and was engaged there in farming for one year with his brother Robert Stanley and also conducted a livery stable, remain¬ ing there until in February, 1887, when he returned to Jersey County. For some time he resided with his parents and brother Stephen D. and then he bought 120 acres of land on section 36, Jersey Township, in partnership with this brother. In February, 1898, he bought his brother's interest, and moved on the farm, which he has since oper¬ ated, devoting considerable attention to raising stock.

On February 14, 1893, Edward B. Stanley was married to Sarah M. Kirby, born in Jersey Township, November 4, 1854, a daughter of William and Experience (Perring) Kirby, natives of New Jersey and Lawrence, Vt., respectively, who were married in 1844, in Jersey County, Ill., and located on a farm. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kirby were as follows: Huldah A., who is deceased; Nathaniel; Elizabeth; James, who is deceased; Sarah M. ; William H. ; Robert IT.; Mary E., and Johanna. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Stan¬ ley, Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Gaston) Kirby were horn in Pennsyl¬ vania and New Jersey, respectively. He died in New Jersey and fol¬ lowing his demise, the grandmother came all the way in a covered wagon to Jersey County, Ill., in 1838, which was quite an undertaking. The maternal grandparents were James and Huldah (Landon) Per¬ ring, he horn in England and she in Vermont, and they drove over¬ land to Jersey County, Ill., in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley have had two children, both of whom are at home, namely: Florence Lucile, who was born November 13, 1895; and Loran E., who was born May 12, 1897. Mrs. Stanley attended school held in the little red brick schoolhouse of the Clayton district, Mr. Stanley is a Presbyterian. In politics he is a Democrat, and served for fifteen years as a school trustee.

STEINMAN, Robert Olean, D. D. S., one of the reliable dental sur¬ geons of Jerseyville, is a native son of the county, having been born at Grafton, June 17, 1882, a son of Frederick Steinman, who was horn in Switzerland in 1845. With his parents Frederick Steinman came to the United States in 1857, at which time the family located on the present site of Forest Park, St. Louis, Mo., where the grand¬ parents of Dr. Steinman operated a dairy until their death, which occurred not very long after their arrival in their new home. Thrown upon his own resources by the death of his parents, Frederick Steinman began learning the trade of a wheelwright, and later became a coffinmaker. His children were as follows: William, who is deceased; Louise, who was born September 11, 1877, was married to Frank Sancamper, and they reside in Jersey County ; Agnes, who was born October 10, 1879, is Mrs. August Patterson, and resides at Godfrey, Ill., where Mr. Patterson is engaged in a creamery business; John, who is deceased ; Robert 0. ; and Frederick, who is deceased.

Robert Olean Steinman attended the Grafton schools and the Jerseyville High school, being graduated from the latter in 1902. He then attended the College of Dentistry, Washington University, at St. Louis, Mo., from which he was graduated with the degree of D. D. S., in 1905. Immediately' thereafter he began the practice of his profes¬ sion at Morton, Ill., but after remaining there for about two and onehalf years, he came back to Grafton, where he remained until Septem¬ ber 15, 1917, when he removed to Jerseyville, where he has already built up a very large practice. He specializes in bridge and crown work, and is recognized as an expert in these lines. As a relaxation from professional cares, Dr. Steinman is cultivating a fine forty-acre orchard of apple trees of the following well known varieties : Grimes Golden, Jonathan, Wine Sap, Ben Davis, Favorite, Gentleman, Rome Beauty, Black Twig, King David, Champion, Senator, Delicious, York Imperial, Ark Black, Dutchess and Maiden Blush. lie has 113 trees which produced 650 pounds of fruit during 1917.

On September 16, 1911, Dr. Steinman was married to Miss Gladys M. Fuller, born near Grafton, Ill., December 1, 1889. Her parents were also natives of Jersey County. Mrs. Fuller is deceased, and Mr. Fuller makes his home with Dr. and Mrs. Steinman. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Steinman; Gladys Roberta, who was born October 20, 1912; and John Olean, who was born March 22, 1917. Dr. Steinman is a Republican.

ST. PETERS, John Benjamin, now deceased, was for many years successfully engaged in farming in Jersey County. He was born in Elsah Township, March 17, 1854, a son of Oliver and Mary St. Peters of Canada. The parents came to Jersey County in 1852, and settled on a farm near Elsah where John Benjamin was born, reared and sent to school.

On October 26, 1876, John Benjamin St. Peters was married to Sarah A. Tonkinson, born in Elsah Township, a daughter of David T. and Susan M. (Davis) Tonkinson, natives of Iowa and Greene County, Ill., respectively. After his marriage with his schoolmate, Mr. St. Peters bought a farm of ninety-five acres near his father's home¬ stead, and on it he lived for eleven years. He bought other land, and also rented some. TIis death occurred July 16, 1913. In the fol¬ lowing September, Mrs. St. Peters rented the farm to her son-in-law, and moved to Jerseyville, where she bought a very comfortable home, and has since resided.

Mr. and Mrs. St. Peters had the following children: Walter, who lives in Jersey County, Ill.; Ethel, who is Mrs. Joseph Bunting, of St. Louis, Mo. ; Grace, who is Mrs. Henry Rhodes, lives on the home¬ stead; Oliver II., who is a leading contractor of Jerseyville; Mamie, who is Mrs. Thomas Jenkins of Elsah Township; Louis, who lives in Jerseyville; Ruth, who is Mrs. Nathaniel McColla of Alton, Ill.; and Cora A., who is Mrs. Arthur Greeling of Alton, Ill. In politics Mr. St. Peters was a Democrat and he served for twenty years as a school director. He belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America. The family is a very highly respected one of Jersey County, and the chil¬ dren have easily formed very desirable social and business acquaint¬ ances in their new homes.

TERRY, Charles H., who owns and operates 210 acres of his old family homestead in Otter Creek Township, is one of the practical agriculturalists of Jersey County, and is supervisor of his township. He was born in Otter Creek Township, October 28, 1873, a son of Henry C. and Mary A. (Cadwalader) Terry, he born in Otter Creek Town¬ ship, and she born in Fulton County, Ill. The paternal grandparents were Jasper M. and Mary (Waggoner) Terry, who were born in Kentucky, and they became early settlers in Otter Creek Township, wThere they entered land from the government. The maternal grand¬ parents, John and Mary (Branson) Cadwalader, were born in Jersey County and Ohio, respectively.

After his marriage, Henry C. Terry carried on a milling business at Otterville for two years, and then traded it for a farm in Christian County, Ill. Later he sold that property and bought eighty acres in Otter Creek Township, which he conducted until his death, which occurred February 12, 1907. His widow survives and makes her home at Jerseyville. Their children were as follows: Ada M., who lives at Jerseyville ; Charles H. ; Lora F., who is Mrs. F. M. Edwards, of Jer¬ seyville ; and Jesse, who lives in Fidelity Township.

Charles II. Terry attended the grade and high schools, and one term at Brown's Business College, Jacksonville, Ill. Until he was twenty-five years old he was associated with his father in the con¬ duct of the homestead, then with his brother-in-law, F. M. Edwards, bought the business of M. V. Hamilton, general merchant. They conducted this store for three years, and then Mr. Terry sold his inter¬ est and returned home. Later he bought out the other heirs to the homestead, and now owns 210 acres of the land which were originally entered by his grandfather from the government. Mr. Terry is proud of the fact that his father served during the last eighteen months of the Civil War, as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Twentyfourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Terry have no chil- dren of their own, but have an adopted son, J. Donald, born Sep¬ tember 6, 1915, to whom they will give parental care and affection. Mr. Terry is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A strong Republican, he has served as assessor of his township for three years, and as collector for the same period. In 1912 he was elected supervisor of the township, and still holds the office. A Mason in good stand¬ ing, he belongs to Grafton Lodge No. 341, A. F. & A. M. ; Jerseyville Chapter, and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Delhi Camp.

THRELKELD, Hayden F., M. D., one of the successful young phy¬ sicians of Jerseyville, is an example of the best class of medical men of Jersey County. He was born at Salem, Ky., November 24, 1882, a son of Dr. John D. and Ella (La Rue) Threlkeld. Dr. John D. Threlkeld was a practicing physician at Salem, Kv., for thirty-five years, but has now retired and lives at Marion, Ky.

Hayden F. Threlkeld attended the grammar schools of Salem, and the high school of Marion, Ky., and was graduated from the latter in¬ stitution in 1901. He then entered the Normal school at Bowling Green, Ky., but left within two months of his graduation, to enter the medical department of the Louisville (Ky.) University, from which he was graduated. For the subsequent three years he was in partner¬ ship with his father, and for one year he practiced at Daniel Boone, Ky. Dr. Threlkeld then spent fifteen months in the Chicago hospitals, for experience and research, following which he went to Arkansas for two years. He then returned to Chicago and did post-graduate work for eight months in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. On Feb¬ ruary 22, 1915, he came to Jerseyville, where he has since remained.

Dr. Threlkeld married Miss Mabel Banters, of Peoria, Ill. He belongs to the Masonic order and the Elks. The Christian Church holds his membership. In politics he is a Democrat. A close student and skilled physician and surgeon, Dr. Threlkeld stands deservedly high in his profession, and is numbered among the best citizens of the county.

TROTTER, David Quinn, now living retired at Jerseyville, was at one time a heavy landowner and successful agriculturalist, and is a man of high principles and right living. He was born at Middletown, Butler County, Ohio, September 14, 1842, a son of John AVoolsey and Sarah (Crane) Trotter, natives of Somerset County, N. J., and Butler County, Ohio, respectively. The paternal grandfather was William R. Trotter, of New Jersey, where his wife, Martha (Simpson) Trotter, was also born. During the War of 1812 they migrated to Butler County, Ohio, and in 1831 went further west to Cass County, Mich. In 1856 they came to Jersey County, Ill. The maternal grandparents, Richard V. V. and Mary (Stuart) Crane, were also of New Jersey, being of Holland descent. In 1856 they located in Jersey County.

a hei ot Darnel Q. Trotter bought 360 acres of land on section 26, b iclelity 1 ownship, which was partly improved, but he further de¬ veloped it lie died July 3, 1900, aged eighty-eight years. The mother died on March 31, 1895, aged seventy-seven years. Their children were as follows : Squire B., who died April 21, 1900 ; David Q. ; and Mary J., who is Mrs. Charles Brown, of Barton County Mo

David Quinn Trotter attended the schools of his district and learned farming on the family homestead, residing at home until his marriage which occurred October 27, 1868, when he was united with Caroline Simmons, born in Fidelity Township, a daughter of Samuel C. and Martha (Miles) Simmons, he bom in Maryland and she in Kentucky, who, in 1830 came to Fidelity Township. After his marriage Mr. Trotter took charge of the home farm, which he conducted until 1903, and then retired, renting his land. In 1910 he sold 200 acres of farm land and turned the balance over to his sons. Subsequently he bought 240 acres of land in Otter Creek Township, which he rents. Mr. and Mrs. Trotter became the parents of the following children: Charles AV., who lives in Fidelity Township; Martha, who is a trained nurse; Mary B., who is Mrs. Otis Adams, of Jerseyville; and Thomas Quinn, who lives in Fidelity Township. Mrs. Trotter died January 23, 1905. On August 20, 1907, Mr. Trotter was married second, to Lucy Miles, born at Upper Alton, Ill., July 10, 1855, a daughter of Jacob and Martha (Rice) Miles, he born in North Carolina and she in Kentucky. When he was seventeen years old Mr. Trotter joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been assistant steward and active in its good works. Since 1874 he has been a member of the Illinois State Grange and is now serving his twenty-second year as treasurer, and has attended forty consecutive sessions of the Grange. For twenty years he was township treasurer of Fidelity Township, and he has served as a school director for many years. The Prohibition party has long had his enthusiastic support. A Mason, he belongs to Fidelity Lodge No. 152, A. F. & A. M., and he has served it for six terms as master.

UPDIKE, Clarence D., who is engaged in a general merchandising business at Dow, is one of the reliable men of Jersey County. lie was born in Jersey County, Ill., August 14, 1882, a son of Charles II. and Addie A. (Darlington) Updike, the former of whom was born in New Jersey, and the latter in Jersey County. Charles H. Updike was brought to Jersey County from New Jersey by his parents when he was three years old, and has lived here ever since.

Clarence D. Updike attended the schools of his district until he was lif teen years old, and then took the high school course at Jerseyville, following it with a commercial course in bookkeeping in the Inter¬ national School of Correspondence. In order to prepare himself for intelligent cultivation of the soil, he took a three months' course in agriculture at Columbia, Mo. Returning then to Jersey County, he began making practical use of this knowledge. Still later, he went to Delhi, Ill., and embarked in a general merchandise business, but had the misfortune to lose his stock by fire on February 17, 1910. Once more he began farming, and was so engaged for two years, when lie went to Dow and established his present business, which he has built up to gratifying proportions.

On June il, 1906, Mr. Updike was married to Miss Edith IT. White, born in Jersey County, November 4, 1884, her parents also being natives of Jersey County. Mr. and Mrs. Updike have the following children: Verna L., who was born March 26, 1907; Alice Leah, who was born November 15, 1910; and Clarence Eugene, who was born October 13, 1917. Air. Updike belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and Mrs. Updike belongs to the East¬ ern Star.

VALLENTINE, John P., owner of one of the most beautiful farmiug properties of Jersey County, owns and operates 169V2 acres of land in Jersey and English townships. Tie was born at Rockbridge, Greene County, Ill., August 1, 1870, a son of Edward Simon and Malinda (Witt) Vallentine, of Greene County, Ill. The paternal grandparents, James and Martha (Brown) Vallentine, were natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively; while the maternal grandparents were 'Wil¬ liam and Rebecca (Perry) Witt. All became very early settlers of Greene County, Ill. After their marriage, Edward Simon Vallentine and his wife resided on a farm in Greene County until 1874, when they sold their property and moved to Christian County, Ill., and buying a farm lived on it for eight years. Once more they sold, and moved to Pana, Ill., where he went into a foundry business, and there he died in 1883. The widow and two children moved to Kane, Ill., where she still resides. In 1885 she was married (second) to Freeman J. Mains, who died in 1908. By her first marriage she had two children, namely: James W. Roy, of Kane, Ill.; and John P.

For two years John P. Vallentine attended the public schools of Pana, and when he was thirteen years old he began working in the flour mill at Kane, Ill., for $4 per week. After sixteen weeks, he left the mill to work in a grocery, where he received $15 per month. After his mother's second marriage he moved on the farm of his step-father and remained at home until his own marriage, which took place August 3, 1892, when he was united with Maude L. Dowdall, born near Rock¬ bridge, Greene County, Ill., a daughter of James and Mary (Stevens) Dowdall, natives of Indiana and Greene County. Following his mar¬ riage, Mr. Vallentine lived on the farm of J. R. M. Wvlder until May, 1893, working by the month, and then he moved to Kane, Ill., where he clerked in Felter's grocery until September, 1893, and then spent a year in the rural regions. Once more he returned to Kane, and farmed a 10-acre tract for seven years and also worked in various ways. He then bought a residence in Kane and lived in it for nine years, although he was engaged in farming during all that period. In the spring of 1910 he bought his present farm, on which he erected a modern resi¬ dence and barns, and has so improved his property that it is now one of the show places of the county. Here he carries on general farming. iMr. and Mrs. Vallentine became the parents of the following children: Roy E., who lives in Thomas County, Neb., was married to Beulah Spencer, and they have two children, Spencer and Courtney; Rupert J., who lives at Kirksville, Mo., was married to Versa Smith of Mis¬ souri ; Ernest J., who died at the age of nine years ; and Christy E., who is at home. Mr. Vallentine is a Baptist. In politics he is a Demo¬ crat, while fraternally he belongs to the Modern AVoodmen of America.

VANAUSDALL, Allen McCrary, one of the substantial business men, engaged in the grocery trade at Jerseyville, is recognized as a representative citizen of this county. He was born in Monroe County, Ill., August 4, 1839, a son of John and Mary (Peagen) Vanausdall, natives of Pennsylvania and Marietta, Ohio, respectively, and of Irish descent. They were married in Ohio, from whence they moved to Indi¬ ana, and later to Monroe County, Ill. By trade John Vanausdall was a cooper, but when he located near Otterville, in Jersey County, he became interested in farming, having sold his property in Monroe County.

Allen McCrary Vanausdall attended the common schools until he was twelve years old, at which time he began earning his own living, first by piling brush for the wood choppers, and later as farm helper. Still later he worked for his father, assisting him in_clearing eighty acres of timber which work was completed in 1858. He was then engaged in coopering for a time when he went to Grafton, and was there interested in a flour mill for two years. For several years thereafter, he was engaged in running an engine in a stone quarry, and one in a sawmill, and he also operated a threshing machine. AVhen he was thirty years old he began doing carpenter work at Grafton, and continued there for three years. Mr. Vanausdall then located in Otterville and followed his trade for thirty years, working all over the county, and while living there rented a house, but later bought a residence at Dow. A year later he sold that and in April, 1908, moved to Jerseyville, and commenced working at his trade in this city. He bought property on the east side, and established himself in a grocery business as he decided to engage in something which would not take him away from home, his wife being in ill health at that time. From time to time he has invested in city property, and owns some very desirable residences and the building in which his business is located.

On May 6, 1860, Mr. Vanausdall was married to Agnes Ann Hill¬ man, born in Iowa, January 28, 1844, died July 28, 1915. She was a daughter of James and Anna Hillman. Mr. and Airs. Vanausdall be¬ came the parents of the following children : Rachel R., who is Airs. V. A. Dodson, of Jerseyville, has two children ; Ethel, who married Clyde Sutherland, and Io'la, who married Charles Dillings and has three children, Nordica, Charles and Robert; James, John, Sarah and Mamie, all of whom are deceased; Millie AY. and Lillie AY., twfins, of whom the latter is deceased, and the former is Mrs. Richards Edsall. of Detroit, Mich., and has three children, Frelove, Allen and Clyde; Egbert, who lives at Alton, Ill., married Maggie Lessner; and Martha, Frederick and Edward, all of whom are deceased. In politics Mr. Yanausdall is a Democrat, and he served one term as constable of Otterville. In 1872, while living at Otterville, he joined the Odd Fellows, and still maintains his connection with that lodge.

VAN DIKE, Charles Henry, one of the substantial men of Jerseyville, who is highly respected wherever known, was born at Rocky Hill, N. J., December 12, 1835, a son of Reoloff H. and Maria (Com¬ fort) Van Dike, natives of New Jersey. The maternal grandparents were Rev. David and Sarah (Trimble) Comfort, the latter being a daughter of Alexander Trimble, who was born in Ireland in 1726, and came to the American Colonies in 1749. The paternal grandparents were Reoloff and Charity (Bergen) Van Dike, the former of whom was a son of Reoloff Van Dike, born in 1767, and difcd in 1805. Reoloff H. Yan Dike was a physician who, in 1836, at the solicitation of Dr. Edward A. D'Arcy, came to Jerseyville, and being satisfied with the outlook, returned to New Jersey for his family, driving back with them overland, and arriving the second time in Jerseyville June 30, 1837. On July 14, 1837, a little daughter was added to the family, and she was named Sarah Eliza. She was born on the present site of Jerseyville, being the first white child born in the neighborhood. She is now deceased. Dr. Aran Dike continued in practice until his death, which occurred September 6, 1845. He and his wife had the follow¬ ing children: Charles Henry; Sarah Eliza, who became Mrs. Marshall S. Parker; Edward Livingston, who died in 1907 ; and Margaret Jane, who died in 1913, was first the wife of Isaac V. Brown, and after his death she was married (second) to LeRoy H. Anderson, who is also deceased ; and two children died in infancy.

Charles Henry Aran Dike lived in Jerseyville until he was ten years old, when he was taken to Alton, Ill., by Dr. D'Arcy. They wrent by wagon to Alton, thence down the Mississippi River to the Ohio River, and thence to Pittsburgh, Pa. From that city the travelers went by canal and railroad to Johnstown, Pa., where they took a trip over the mountains on a railroad operated by a stationary engine, and after a stop at Philadelphia, Pa., went on to Kingston, N. J., where the lad was left with his maternal grandfather, David Comfort. There he attended a preparatory school, and later Princeton University. In August, 1848, he was joined by his mother and the other children, and after a visit with relatives they returned, by way to Chicago and Alton, to Jerseyville, where the family conducted a hotel known as the Jersey House. Mr. Aran Dike assisted in this until 1860, when he bought a livery stable and conducted it a year. He then moved to Christian County, Ill., where he was engaged in farming until 1882, with the exception of two and one-half years when he was engaged in conducting a 5,000-acre farm thirty miles from San Antonio, Tex., and in raising cattle and horses. In 1882 Mr. Van Dike went to St. Louis, Mo., where he was in a coal and ice business until 1915, at which time he sold his interests and returned to Jersey County and retired and has since made Jerseyville his home.

On February 15, 1857, Mr. Van Dike was married to Martha E. Smith, who was born in southern Illinois, May 26, 1837, a daughter of John F. and Sarah (McGuire) Smith, the former of whom was born April 17, 1811, in South Carolina, and died February 25, 1877 ; and the latter was born October 12, 1814, in Tennessee, and died May 20, 1890. They were married December 15, 1833.' Mr. and Mrs. Van Dike became the parents of the following children : Frank, who lives at St. Louis, Mo. ; Maria Louise, who lives at Salt Lake City, Utah ; Hattie, who died at St. Louis July 29, 1918; Walter Knox, who lives with his father ; Gussie, who is deceased ; Mary C., who lives with her father ; Charles D., who is deceased ; and Margaret, who lives at St. Louis. Mrs. Van Dike died November 22, 1913. Mr. Van Dike is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and served for five years as supervisor while living in Christian County. His fraternal connection is with the Odd Fellows. While living at St. Louis he was a member of the choir of the Central Pres¬ byterian Church, and has a handsome gold-headed cane which was presented to him by the Sunday school of that church for twenty-six continuous years service as chorister.

VAN HORNE, Augustus Knapp, M. D., now retired at Jerseyville, was for years one of the eminent physicians of Jersey County, and is remembered with gratitude and affection by the older generation. He was born at Glenham, N. Y., April 2, 1831, a son of Elijah and Polly (Wychoff) Van Home, natives of New York state. At an early day the family migrated by the way of the Erie Canal to Cleve¬ land, Ohio, and thence over the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to St. Louis, Mo. There they took a boat to Alton, Ill., from whence they journeyed by team to the home of the Skerritt family. Remaining over night, they resumed their trip as far as the site of the John William's residence, and remained there a month, while Elijah Van Horne built a log house, one and one-half stories in height. When it was completed it was regarded as one of the best residences in that community. He later put siding boards on the house, and added other improvements. His original entry from the government was 360 acres of prairie land and eighty acres of timber land, about six miles south of Jerseyville. He improved the prairie land, and later en¬ gaged in the manufacture of brick, and built a residence from his own product, and this house is still standing. In it he died March 23, 1868, having been born February 19. 1786. His wife was born No¬ vember 3, 1792, and died June 14, 1871.

attended the local schools, until he was twenty years old. During that period he did much hard work, including the breaking of prai¬ rie land. Coming to Jerseyville, he read medicine with Dr. Charles Knapp, and his father, Dr. Augustus Knapp, for eighteen months, and later attended the Missouri Medical School, where he was under Dr. Joseph McDowell, during the winter of 1853-4. He then went to Greene County, Ill., and practiced medicine, continuing his studies as well, for eighteen months, and then entered Jefferson Medical Col¬ lege, Philadelphia, Pa., from which he was graduated in 1856. Fol¬ lowing that Dr. Van Horne came to Jerseyville, and embarked in a practice that was gradually extended until it covered a wide terri¬ tory. For five years he was almost totally blind, but fortunately recovered his eyesight through an operation. Since 1902, however, he has lived practically retired.

In 1859 Dr. Van Horne was married to Elizabeth Bacon, and their children were as follows : Ellen, who is the widow of Charles Casey, of AVilmette, Ill.; Walter, who died at the age of two and one-half years; Hugh, who lives at Pawnee City, Neb.; Mary A7., who is Mrs. Leonard Cutting, of Jerseyville; Lucy, who is Mrs. Perry Schrock, of Santa Anna, Cal. ; and Elizabeth, who is Mrs. AV. K. Graham, of East Auburn, Cal. Mrs. Van Horne died October 18, 1881. On De¬ cember 23, 1881, Dr. Van Horne was married (second) to Sarah M. Steele, born at Cincinnati, Ohio, June 27, 1845, a daughter of Rea R. and Matilda (Gould) Steele natives of New York state and New York City, respectively. They were married at Cincinnati, Ohio, where lie was engaged in a contracting and building business. In the early fifties the Steele family came to Illinois, and after a time spent at Quincy, moved to Jerseyville, and still later to Upper Alton, Ill. Dr. and Airs. Van Horne have one daughter, Stella A., who is at home. Airs. Van Horne attended the schools of Cincinnati, Ohio. Airs. Van Horne is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and while not a member of any religious organization, Dr. Van Horne has assisted in building every church at Jerseyville. In politics he is a Democrat, while fraternally he belongs to the Chapter and Com¬ manded of the Masonic order, and is an Odd Fellow and has held all of the offices in the latter organization. He is a charter member of the Jersey County Aledical Society, which he served as president for many years; and he also belongs to the American Aledical Associa¬ tion. Dr. A an Horne and his family live on the income derived from land he bought while engaged in the practice of his profession.

VAN HORNE, George H., one of the substantial residents of Jer¬ seyville, has been connected with important business interests of the county, and is now interested in agricultural matters. He was born in Mississippi Township, Jersey County, Ill., November 20, 1848, a son of James E. and Nancy (Wilson) Van Home, natives of New A ork state. They were married April 4, 1837. The grandparents were Elijah and Polly (AVychoff) Van Horne, natives of New York state, who came to Jersey County at an early day, entering land in Mississippi Township in 1833. James E. Van Horne returned to New York state in the middle of December, 1836, and on the way spent Christmas and New Year Day at New Orleans, La. On January 8, 1837, he took a sailing vessel for New York City, and the ship was stranded on a sand bar for ten days, and after it was released it took sixteen days to complete the journey. After being married, James E. Van Horne brought his bride back to Jersey County, and in 1839 he bought eighty acres from his father in Mississippi Township, and on it he built a house. On August 15, 1853, he added eighty acres more, and after his father's death he heired from the estate 193 acres, and engaged in farming until 1864, when he returned home to take care of his mother. She was born in 1813 and died August 30, 1898. He died September 25, 1875. He was a schoolteacher and was a school director for many years.

Until 1886 George II. Van Horne remained on the family home¬ stead, and attended the local schools. In that year he came to Jer¬ seyville and was a post office clerk for a year, and then went to Blue Springs, Gage County, Neb., where he was employed in the bank of J. C. Williams as cashier, from February 15, 1887, until May 1, 1890, when he went to Tecumseh, Neb., and helped to build an ele¬ vator. In the fall of 1890 he returned to Jerseyville, and bought an interest in the English-Eaton Hardware Company, which he re¬ tained until 1892, when he moved to his farm, and conducted it until the fall of 1898. In that year he came back to Jerseyville, and later on engaged with his son in conducting the Van Horne homestead, although he still resides at Jerseyville.

On October 6, 1875, Mr. Van Horne was married to Mary A. Jones, born at Batavia, N. Y., a daughter of Alvah and Amelia Jones, and they had one daughter, Fannie A., who died in infancy. Mrs. Van Horne died in January, 1877. On November 15, 1880, Mr. Van Horne was married to Mary Isabella Cummings, born in Jersey County, 111., a daughter of Christopher C. and Phebe (Hamilton) Cummings, natives of Jersey County and New Jersey. Her grand¬ parents were Thomas and Mary Ann (Carroll) Cummings, natives of Monroe County, Ill., and Bergen County, N. J. Mr. Cummings came to Jersey County in 1818, and was one of the three commissioners who had Jersey County set off from Greene County, and later was made one of the first county commissioners of the newly formed county of Jersey. The second* Mrs. Van Horne died in November, 1885, bav¬ in0, borne her husband two children: Sarah Ann, who died in in¬ fancy; and Columbus C., who lives at Ft. Worth, Tex On Apri is 18QU Mr Van Horne was married (third) to Sarah Charlotte ness College, in Chicago, from which he was graduated March 18, 1867. Mrs. Van Horne attended the district schools of her native township. Mr. Van Horne is a Presbyterian and has served as an elder since 1903. A Democrat, he served as a school director for many years, was town clerk for four years, and supervisor for one term, of Mississippi Township, and served six years on the Jersey ville school board. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. Mrs. Van Horne's grandfather served in the Black Hawk War. In 1846 he was elected to the Illinois State Assembly, and he was a prominent man in many ways. An amusing incident is the follow¬ ing: Prior to his removal to Illinois, Mr. Van Horne's grandfather was given a piece of leather, in lieu of money, and this he took to Buffalo and received cash for it, but some years later, after his set¬ tlement in Illinois, the mails were so slow and insecure for business transactions, that having some further business dealings with the man who gave him the leather, he took the precaution of sending one half of a ten dollar bill in a letter, and when he received word that it had reached its destination, he mailed the other half.

VAN PELT, Winfield Scott, who has served continuously since 1909 as a justice of the peace in Jersey Township, Jersey County, is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of this section. He belongs to old families of Holland and England, very early settlers in New Jersey and among the pioneers of 1830 in Jer¬ sey County, Ill. He was born in this county, May 2, 1848, and his parents were Ralph Hagaman and Penelope (Stout) Van Pelt, both natives of New Jersey.

There is an exceedingly interesting, although harrowing story, that appears in the records of the Van Pelt family concerning a ma¬ ternal grandmother, whose maiden name was Penelope Van Princess. She was born in Holland and evidently was a young girl when she accompanied a party of Dutch colonists who took passage on a sail¬ ing vessel for America. The vessel was wrecked during a violent storm when near the New Jersey coast. The majority of the voyag¬ ers managed to get to shore by means of the ship's boats and the captain set off with a number of them for New Amsterdam, appar¬ ently the original proposed destination. The others landed in a grove of heavy timber, the girl Penelope among them, and there they were attacked by a band of savage Indians, who scalped them and left them for dead. In addition to her other injuries, Penelope suffered from such severe wounds in her abdomen as to cause her bowels to protrude. Nevertheless she finally revived and with her apron bound up her terrible wounds and managed to crawl into a hollow log. After suffering agony for several hours she saw a deer speed by with an arrow in its side and thus she knew that Indians were near by. In the hope that they would mercifully complete their savage work and thus relieve her sufferings, she crawled out in the path and soon two Indians found her. The young brave started to again use his toma- hawk, but the old Indian intervened and together they made a litter of saplings, on which they carried the almost unconscious girl to their camp. There she was nursed back to health by the Indian women and it would be pleasant to think it was because of human sympathy even in the savage breast. However it probably was for business reasons for as soon as she was well again the old Indian took her to New Amsterdam and there bargained for her with her friends, finally selling her for 125 pounds of tobacco. Later she was happily married to Richard Stout, who was born in England and came early to New Jersey, and subsequently she became the mother of seven children, one of whom was the founder of Hopewell, N. J.

The parents of Judge Van Pelt were married in New Jersey. Early in 1830 they drove the long distance across the country to Illinois, settling in Jersey County, which was then a wilderness. The father was a farmer all his subsequent life and died in 1857. He was twice married and was the father of nineteen children.

Winfield Scott Van Pelt was reared on his father's pioneer farm and knows something about early times in the county. When oppor¬ tunity offered, he attended the district school near home, but in his boyhood there were no such advantages as are afforded the youth of the present day. After marriage he followed farming for some years and then moved to Jerseyville and was employed in a pork packing house until 1887. He had always been apt with tools and then learned the carpenter trade and in the course of time became a first class builder, branching out into contracting. For a number of years prior to 1909, when he retired, his method of business was to pur¬ chase desirable city lots and build attractive residences on them, easily disposing of the same.

Judge Van Pelt was married November 16, 1869, to Miss Sarah J. Morris, who died in the fall of 1875. She was a native of Preble County, Ohio. One son survives her, Charles E., who is a resident of Chicago, Ill. Judge Van Pelt was married again, on July 6, 1876 to Miss Alice Burch, who was born at Jerseyville a daughter of David and Mary (Fields) Burch, of Kentucky, and they have three daugh¬ ters : Sarah Virginia, who is the wife of George Wood, of Jerseyville; Penelope Alice, who perpetuates the name of her noted ancestress, is the wife of Thomas Krause, who is county clerk of Jersey County; and Abbie Lenore, who is the wife of Leonard Grassbrenner. In poli¬ tics Judge Van Pelt is a Democrat. He attends the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church, and he is identified fraternally with the Modern Wood¬ men of America.

VINSON, John W., who was one of the substantial retired business men of Jerseyville, for some years, was well and favorably known throughout a wide section. He was born in Jersey County, Ill., April 22, 1839, and died at Jerseyville, January 11, 1918, and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Jerseyville. He was a son of John L. and Cath¬ erine (Spangle) Vinson, natives of Scioto County, Ohio, where he was born April 18, 1810, and she March 29, 1814. They were married in Ohio, September 11, 1832. In 1838 they came on boats by way of the Ohio River to Cairo, Ill., and from thence up the Mississippi River to Alton, Ill. There they took teams for the overland trip to Jersey County, and settled on a farm they bought four miles south of J erseyville, which he operated, although by trade he was a plow and wagon maker.

The boyhood of John AV. Vinson was spent on his father's farm. His mother died in 1854. He began teaching school, when only six¬ teen years old, and for the subsequent nine winters he was thus en¬ gaged, in the meanwhile studying to improve himself for his educa¬ tional opportunities had been meagre. During his vacations he at¬ tended Shurtleff College, at Upper Alton, Ill. He became a firm friend of the public school organization, and later for fourteen years served continuously on the school board of Jerseyville, and served as its sec¬ retary for six years. In 1865 he became manager of the Jerseyville Milling Company, and held that responsible position for twelve years, and at the same time was local agent for several insurance companies, so continuing until 1884, when he became an adjuster for the Lan¬ cashire Insurance Company of England. In 1892 this concern with¬ drew, and Mr. Vinson went with the Traders Insurance Company of Chicago, his field being Missouri and Southern Illinois. In 1906 he was made an independent adjuster, and traveled in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Arkansas and other states, but in 1907 he retired; and since then made Jerseyville his home.

On September 12, 1861, Mr. Vinson was married to Mary L. Stark¬ weather, born in Jersey County, Ill., May 9, 1841, a daughter of Asa and Louisa (Ilervey) Starkweather, natives of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Vinson became the parents of the following children: Lula, who is Mrs. James R. Frasier, of California; Anna, who is deceased; Maude, who is Mrs. AYilliam Alderson, of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Mattie, who died in infancy; Leona, who is Mrs. G. D. Pogue of St. Louis, Mo.; and Ruth, who is Mrs. B. F. Slaton, of Ashland, Kv. Mr. Vin¬ son was a Presbyterian, and served as an elder of his church for many years. For thirteen consecutive years he was superintendent of the Sunday school, and had charge of the choir for twenty years. A Republican, he served as a member of the city council, and in num¬ erous ways rendered very valuable service to his community. A Mason in good standing, he belongs to Jerseyville Lodge No. 394, A. F. & A. M., having been raised in 1865. Mr. Vinson was one of the organ¬ izers, and the secretary of the Jersey County Historical Society, from its organization until January 4, 1918, when he voluntarily resigned.