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

VOORHEES, George R. one of the substantial farmers of Jersey Township, owns and operates a farm in the eastern part of Jerseyville. He was born in Mississippi Township, July 1, 1848, a son of Peter P. and Maria (Kirby) Aroorliees, he born in New Jersey in 1816. They crossed the country with teams in 1839, to Jersey County, Ill., and located in what is now Mississippi Township, where at one time Peter P. Voorhees owned 500 acres of land, the greater part of which was in timber. During his lifetime he cleared off the greater part of his farm, retiring to Jerseyville about 1865, after which he served as a justice of the peace. His death occurred June 15, 1872. His wife died in March, 1883. The maternal grandparents, Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Gaston) Kirby, died many years ago, he before the family came to Jersey County in 1839, she surviving him and dyin,g in Jersey County. Peter P. Voorhees and his wife had the following children : Charles, who died in 1917, aged seventy-eight years; John B., who is deceased; Abbie, who was Mrs. Guy A. Snell of Litchfield, Ill., is deceased; Elizabeth, who was Mrs. T. F. Remer, died November, 12, 1912, having been born in 1846 ; George R. ; and Margaret, who was Mrs. Dr. McAdams, died July 7, 1907.

George R. Voorhees attended the public schools of his native township. On October 17, 1871, he was married to Jennie Clapp, born in Washington County, N. Y., November 9, 1849, a daughter of Leonidas and Jane (Chamberlin) Clapp, who came to Mississippi Township in 1861, and there carried on farming. After his marriage, George R. Voorhees lived on a farm in Jersey Township two and onehalf miles east of Jerseyville, for six years, but later he sold his farm and bought 260 acres of land which belonged to the old homestead in Mississippi Township. On this farm the original family residence is still standing. It was built of as fine, large timbers as could then be obtained, and it is very different from many of the shell-like structures of the present day. After thirteen years Mr. Voorhees sold this farm and bought forty acres of land in the eastern part of Jerseyville, where he is now carrying on general farming.

Mr. and Mrs. Voorhees became the parents of the following chil¬ dren : Perry L., who lives at St. Louis, Mo. ; Otis C., who lives at Jerseyville; Gertrude M., who is Mrs.' Irvin Crowell of St. Louis, Mo.; George R., who died December 24, 1912, aged thirty-three years; Theodore, who lives at Palisades, Colo. ; Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Harold Brainard of Grafton, Ill. ; and Abbie L. and Stattira, who are at home. The Voorhees family are Presbyterians. In politics he is a Demo¬ crat, and fraternally he belongs to Jerseyville Camp No. 442, M. W. A. A man of more than ordinary ability, he had made his life work amount to something worth while, and he stands well as a citizen.

WALLACE, Clarence, city marshal of Grafton, Ill., and a man of great determination of character and personal integrity, was bom at Grafton, March 23, 1873, a son of Elijah Wallace. Elijah Wallace, who was born in Jersey County, was married to Kate Hills, born in Illinois, and they had the following children: Orie, who lives in Texas ; Clarence, Alva and Henry, all of whom live at Grafton ; Daisy, who is Mrs. John Myers, lives at St. Louis, Mo.; and two who died in infancy. Elijah Wallace is a Republican.

Clarence Wallace attended the Grafton village schools until he was sixteen years old, and then began doing general laboring jobs. Later he became a fisherman, continuing in that line of business until he was appointed marshal under Mayor Newland, and in that office he has given Grafton a very effective administration ever since, and was elected constable in 1918.

On June 24, 1904, Clarence Wallace was married to Ethel Green, who was born at Grafton, July 16, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have the following children: Opal, who was born March 22, 1905 ; Eugene, who was born September 9, 1907 ; Robert, who was born September 23, 1909 ; Lynn, who was born October 9, 1911 ; Grace, who was born February 26, 1914; and Clara, who was born March 7, 1915. In politics Clarence Wallace is a Republican, and he has been active in the councils of his party. A conscientious man, he endeav¬ ors to enforce the laws impartially and yet effectively, and keeps Grafton and its vicinity remarkably free from undesirables. Frater¬ nally Mr. Wallace belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and Mrs. Wallace is a member of the Royal Neighbors.

WARE, George W., one of Jersey ville's best known citizens, and a resident of Jersey County since 1856, was born at Westminster, Worcester County, Mass., June 30, 1836. His parents were Wonder and Abigail Parker (Hazen) Ware. Prof. Tracy Elliott Hazen, iden¬ tified with Barnard College, Columbia University, one of the Hazen family, in tracing back the history and genealogy of that family, shows that it reaches far back in English history. Wonder Ware was a man of much prominence in Worcester County, Mass., and for years held offices of public trust. He died there in 1838.

George W. Ware was reared by his widowed mother and remained with her until he was twenty years of age, obtaining his education injffie public schools and a training school at Leicester, Mass. In 1856 he came to Jersey County, Ill., and began business life as a clerk in a general mercantile store owned by A. B. Morean and re¬ mained at Jerseyville until the fall of the year, when he returned to Massachusetts in order to secure some funds he had on deposit with his guardian. With this money, he returned to Jerseyville, and in partnership with Dr. John L. White, bought the Morean drug store, which was one of the oldest business houses of the place, having been established in 1846. Two years later Mr. Ware bought Dr. White's interest, continuing the business alone until 1876, when he sold to G. R. Smith, and with Stephen H. Bow¬ man, bought the private banking business of Shephard & Sons, the new banking firm of Bowman & Ware continuing in operation until 1890. At that time the bank was organized as a state insti¬ tution, and Mr. Ware sold his interest, and returned to the drug trade, conducting a prosperous business for several years, associating bis son Frank Munson Ware, with him. He then retired, turning his half interest over to his son, who continues the business. Although no longer in active business life, Mr. Ware has many interests to look after as he is a large owner of real estate and has other investments. He owns one of the finest residences at Jersey ville.

On May 30, 1859, George W. Ware was married to Miss Theo¬ dosia M. Beardslee, who was born in Sussex County, N. J., October 19, 1838, and died September 24, 1875. She was a daughter of Edward and Susan Beardslee, natives of New Jersey, who came to Jersey County, Ill., in 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Ware had two daughters and one son, namely : Adella P., who is the wife of Charles W. Keith, of Denver, Col. ; and Lulu H., who is the wife of Edward Cross of Jerseyville; and Frank Munson, who was married to Nellie Osborne. Mr. Ware's second marriage was solemnized October 3, 1877, to Miss Julia Fry, a daughter of Jacob Fry, a well known military man, and active in the early history of Illinois. He served in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, and the Civil War. Mrs. Ware died August 6, 1905, leaving one daughter, Emily Fry, who was born June 20, 1880, and is now the wife of Dr. Mathew W. Pickard, of Kansas City, Mo.

In politics Mr. Ware has always been a Republican and in earlier days was very active in party councils, frequently serving as a dele¬ gate to county and state conventions, and in 1876 he was a delegate to the national convention of his party at Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has held numer¬ ous offices, and he has been superintendent of the Sunday school. He is one of the valued members of the Jerseyville Order of Elks.

WARNER, F. G., M. D., one of the substantial and representative physicians and surgeons of Grafton, was born at Buffalo, N. Y., March 4, 1876, a son of Charles M. and Elizabeth (Gaines) Warner. Charles M. Warner was born at Little Valley, N. Y., February 6, 1850, and his wife was born in Orangeport, N. J., of English parentage. The War¬ ner family attained military fame during the American Revolution. The paternal grandfather who was a cabinetmaker, came from Ver¬ mont to Buffalo, N. Y., at an early day. For fifteen years Charles M. Warner was special agent of the L. & N. Railroad, and also for five years was special agent for the T. R. R. Association, with head¬ quarters at St. Louis, Mo. Later in life he went back to Little Val¬ ley, N. Y., where he died, and there his wife also passed away, in 1916, dying of hepatic abscess. Politically Charles M. Warner was a Democrat and for many years he was a member of the Masonic order.

When he was nine years old, Dr. F. G. Warner was taken by his parents to Louisville, Ky., where he attended the public schools until he was eighteen years old. The family then moved to St. Louis, Mo., and in 1901 he matriculated at the University of St. Louis, and was graduated from its medical department in 1906 with the degree of M. D. Immediately thereafter, he came to Grafton, where he has since continued in active practice.

was born in Kentucky. Both her parents, natives of Kentucky, were of Scotch parentage, and they are now deceased.' Mrs. Warner was one in a family of ten children, three deceased, those living being : S. M., who lives in Kentucky ; Mattie J., who lives at St. Louis, Mo. ; Frank W., who lives in Oklahoma; Susan E. who lives at Peoria, Ill.; Irwin S., who lives at Pittsburgh, Pa. ; Charles II., who lives at Louis¬ ville, Ky. ; and Mrs. Warner. Dr. and Mrs. Warner have the follow¬ ing children : Edwin M., who was born August 7, 1898 ; Robert G., who was born September 6, 1899 ; II. Lee, who was born February 8, 1903 ; and Charles M. who was born November 19, 1910. The elder sons are attending the St. Louis University at St. Louis, Mo. In politics Dr. Warner is a Democrat, and is serving as deputy coroner. Fraternally he is a Mason and Odd Fellow, and Mrs. Warner belongs to the East¬ ern Star, and she is a consistent member of the Baptist Church and interested in all religious work. Both Dr. Warner and his wife are very popular socially, and their pleasant home is the scene of many delightful gatherings, while they are welcomed everywhere.

WARREN, Charles E., superintendent of highways at Jerseyville, owner of some very valuable Jersey County farm land and a citizen of more than ordinary importance, has had a wide and varied ex¬ perience along several lines. He was born at Jerseyville, January 24. 1881, a son of Charles D. W. and Caroline (Stanley) Warren, the former of whom, born in Jersey County, in April, 1848, died June 11, 1898, and the latter, also born in Jersey County, January 7, 1848, survives and makes her home at Jerseyville. The paternal grand¬ father came to Jersey County from Providence, R. I., in 1837. Charles

Charles E. Warren attended the local schools and was graduated from the Jerseyville High school when eighteen years old. He then entered the State University, and was graduated from its engineering department in 1904, and for three years was in the employ of the Frisco Railroad as resident engineer on construction. Following that he was engaged in the construction of the New Orleans and Great Northern Railroad through Louisiana and Mississippi, completing his connection with it in 1910. Mr. Warren was then engaged by Baxter L. Brown of St. Louis, Mo., in locating hundreds of miles of railroad through the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Tennessee and Ala¬ bama, his services in this connection being very valuable. In spite of the fact that he attained more than ordinary success in his profession, Mr. Warren decided to return to the soil, and now farms 120 acres of land northeast of Jerseyville which he is operating with profit. His interest in local improvements led to his appointment as superin¬ tendent of highways, in December, 1913, and he still holds the office. In politics he is a Republican and is secretary of the County Re¬ publican Central Committee, and he has served on the school board.

In 1913 Mr. Warren was married to Elizabeth Cockrell, who was born in Jersey County, Ill., December 24, 1880, a daughter of Elias Cockrell. In early days Mr. Cockrell was engaged in freighting with teams from Utah to Colorado and on to California. His experiences were many and exciting, and among them was the loss of a wagon containing a large amount of gold dust which was carried away by the current of a stream he was fording. After some years of this kind of work, he returned to Jerseyville and engaged in a grain business which he still carries on.

Mr. Warren's professional training and experiences admirably tit him for almost any line of endeavor, while his natural ability makes it possible for him to readily grasp the salient facts pertaining to a calling, and thus it is that he has been able to wrest success in more than one avenue of labor.

WATSON, Thomas Cook, now living retired at Jerseyville, was at one time a very prominent agriculturist of Jersey County, and he has always held the confidence of his neighbors. He was born at Pittston, Luzerne County, Pa., November 6, 1828, a son of Francis and Ann (Price) AVatson, natives of England. Francis Watson was nine weeks in crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and after landing in the United States located on a farm in Pennsylvania. In 1851 he sold his farm in that state and went to Ontario County, N. Y., where he bought another farm, and on it he and his wife passed away, and were there buried. He was a man of unusual parts, being a fine Latin and Greek scholar, acquiring his educational training in his native land.

Thomas Cook Watson attended the primitive schools of his day, which were furnished with slab seats, few desks, and none of the modern equipment of a schoolroom. When he was seventeen years old he began working as a coal driver in mines, and later became an engineer for the Penn Coal Mines, continuing as such for seven years. He worked in the same capacity for other coal companies, and also in a flour mill as engineer. After coming west, he built a sawmill in Missouri, and conducted it for a year, then bought eighty acres of land in Fidelity Township, Jersey County, Ill., which he improved, and added to its dimensions until he had 400 acres of land, 160 acres being in Fidelity Township, Jersey County, Illi¬ nois; 160 acres in Jersey Township, and the remainder in Christian County, Ill. Until January, 1889, he was extensively engaged in farming, but then rented his land and moved to Jerseyville, where he bought his present comfortable residence, and he has since lived in retirement.

On December 2, 1852, Thomas Cook AVatson was married to Cath¬ erine Cordelia Case, at Pittston, Pa. She was a daughter of Philetus Case, who was born in Connecticut. Mr. Case was a soldier in the

War of 1812, and his father served in the Colonial army during the American Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Watson became the parents of Ihe following children: Francis, who lives at Granite City, Ill., is married to Emma Haycraft, and they have two children: Elsie, who lives at Chicago, is married, and Harry A., who is a chemist in a Cin¬ cinnati dyeing establishment ; Addie Cordelia, who married Preston Randolph in October, 1890, and died leaving two children ; and George, who died in 1900. The two children of Addie Cordelia, are tenderly cherished by Mr. Watson, Watson Randolph, who is on one of his grandfather's farms, and Mary Cordelia Randolph, who lives with her grandfather. George Watson left two children, namely: Verne, who is now serving in the National army during the World War; and Cordelia, who lives at Ellsworth, Wis. Mr. Watson is a Republican, and fraternallv he belongs to Jersey ville Lodge, No. 394, A. F. & A. M.

WEDDING, Clarence, not only is a farmer, but a barber and owns both his shop and farm, being one of the prosperous men of Rosedale Township. He was born in Rosedale Township, August 28, 1880, a son of James Wedding, also a farmer, who has lived on his present farm for forty years. James Wedding was married to Miss Ellen Queen, of Jersey County, and they had the following children: Ben¬ jamin, who resides at Alton, Ill. ; Clarence ; Lula Simpson, who lives at Grafton, Ill.; Bessie (Mrs. Kaslick) who lives in Oregon; and Richard S., who is in the United States army. James Wedding belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically he is a Repub¬ lican, and held the office of supervisor for two terms, as well as other public positions in the township. The Wedding homestead com¬ prises 120 acres of fine land.

Clarence Wedding attended the district school until he was six¬ teen years old, when he left school to assist his parents. He was married to Alma Nugent, a sketch of whose family appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Wedding have one son, Clarence Nugent, who was born February 4, 1912. Mr. Wedding has built a beautiful residence at Grafton, in which city he conducts his barber shop on Main Street, in the Grafton Hotel building, having bought it in 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Wedding belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican and is proud of the fact that he cast his first presi¬ dential vote for Theodore Roosevelt. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

WHITE, Charles S., County judge of Jersey County from 1902 to 1904, president of the Jersey State Bank, secretary and treasurer of the George Washington Educational Fund, and secretary of the Farm- .ers Mutual Insurance Company, of Jerseyville, is admittedly one of the distinguished men of this part of the state, and one whose contin¬ ued activities in the county, have resulted beneficially to his locality. He was born on a farm northeast of Jerseyville, December 10, 1868, eldest son of John I. and Sarah J. (Smith) White, both natives of Illinois. John I. White was early in life a schoolteacher, later becom¬ ing a farmer of Illinois and Iowa, and owning land in both states. He is now living retired at the home of his son, Judge White, his wife having passed away.

Judge White attended the schools of Jerseyville, and was grad¬ uated from its high school in 1886, under Prof. Pike. He then began farming for his father, but in 1893 entered upon the study of law in the office of T. S. Chapman and Edward J. Vaughn, with whom he re¬ mained for three years. He was admitted to the bar May 23, 1895, but continued in the same office until February 1, 1896, when he opened an office in the Chapman building on West Pearl Street, Jerseyville, and has continued actively in practice ever since, with the exception of the four years when he was on the bench, from 1902 to 1906. He was one of the organizers of the Jersey State Bank, serving it as vice president from then until April 1, 1916, when he was elected its president. For six years he served as a member of the Jerseyville board of educa¬ tion. He has always been very active as a Republican and has served as a committeeman of his party many times.

On April 27, 1904, Judge White was married at Jerseyville to Sarah B. Fulkerson, a -daughter of William H. and Cornelia T. (Rus¬ sell) Fulkerson, prominent people of Jersey County. Judge and Mrs. White had one daughter, Sarah Cornelia, who died in infancy. Judge White is a Mason and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and Mrs. White are members of the Presbyterian Church. He owns his residence at Jerseyville, and other city prop¬ erty, and his interests are centered here and in the county, where he has spent his useful life, as did his parents before him.

WHITLOW, Hugh L., one of the leading men of English Township, not only owns and operates farm land in Jersey County, but is inter¬ ested in rural property elsewhere. lie was born in Greene County, Ill., in June, 1863, a son of Willis and Emeline (Moran) Whitlow, born in Greene County, Ill., who lived there until 1872 when they bought a 160-acre farm in English Township, on section 36. This land was only partially improved, and on it the father erected new buildings, and made other changes which greatly enhanced its value. Here he died in 1915, aged seventy-eight years, the mother having died at the age of thirty-six years. Their children were as follows: Hugh L. ; Elizabeth, who lives at Alton, Ill. ; Mrs. Luella Cloan, who is a widow, of Jerseyville ; and Ida Alice, who is the widow of W. Morgan. Daniel Whitlow, the paternal grandfather of Hugh L. Whitlow, came from Kentucky to Greene County, Ill. He was in the earthquake in that state in 1812, which he remembered distinctly until the day of his death. He homesteaded 160 acres of land in Greene County, and also did rafting down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, walking back home on these trips. Although he had nothing when he reached

Hugh L. Whitlow grew up in English Township and attended its schools. After working for his father, in 1889 he moved to Pasadena, Cal., and was employed in surveying for a year. Returning to Jersey County, he worked on Judge Powell's farm, a large portion of which lies in Jersey County, for twelve years. He then went into a grain business with Carl Schneider, but eighteen months later he sold it and bought and sold wheat along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers for two seasons, when he began farming on his father-in-law's farm in English Township and wras so engaged for seven years. Moving then to Manitoba, Canada, he owned and operated land, but after several deals, obtained 120 acres of land in Pinal County, Ariz., which he still owns. This is improved prairie land and very valuable. Once more Mr. Whitlow returned to Jersey County, and conducted a coal and ice business at Jerseyville for two years, trading it for a farm. This he soon sold and bought another farm one mile south of Delhi, Ill. After improving the place, he sold it and moved on the homestead of his father, consisting of sixty acres, and on it he carries on general farming and stockraising.

On August 18, 1886, Mr. Whitlow was married to Miss Zella Cope, born in English Township, a daughter of Nathan and Elinor (Camp¬ bell) Cope, natives of Jersey County, Ill. Nathan Cope spent his sev¬ enty-five years in Jersey County, where he was very highly re¬ spected, his word being as good as another man's bond. A very conscientious man, he lived up to his ideals, and exerted an influ¬ ence for good on his community. A mighty hunter in the early days, be kept hounds and killed many deer and other wild animals, whose flesh and skins were utilized by the thrifty pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Whitlow became the parents of three children : Edwin, who lives in English Township ; Earl, who is at home, and Leslie, who lives at Los Angeles, Cal. In politics Mr. Whitlow is a Republican, while fraternally he belongs to Hickory Grove Camp, M. AY. A., of Jerseyville. A man of more than average ability, and wide experience, he has known how to profit by his changes in occupation and location, and is held in great respect by all who know him.

WIEGHARD, William, president and one of the organizers of the Fieldon Bank, and owner of 817 acres of fine Jersey County farm land, is one of the wealthy men of this locality. He was born at Fieldon, Ill., May 3, 1867, a son of Henry and Alargaret (Fiesler) AVieghard, natives of Hanover and Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, who came to Jersey County when very young. They later were married and settled in Fieldon, where the father worked for others for a few years until he had accumulated sufficient money to buy an eighty-acre farm. The maternal grandparents were among the very early settlers of Jersey County, and entered forty acres of land from the government, which are now owned by their son, William AYieghard. In time the father of William Wieghard added to his original farm until he had 360 acres of land, all of which he cleared and improved before his death which occurred in 1910, when he was eighty-eight years old. The mother died in 1905, aged eighty years.

Growing up on the farm, William Wieghard attended the schools of his district, and made himself useful under the practical direction of his father. In 1884 he rented land from his father, and in 1901 bought the interest of the other heirs to the homestead of 360 acres, on which he later built modern structures for farm purposes, and he has made other improvements. Since buying the original farm, he has added to his acreage until he now owns 817 acres, of which he operates 400 acres, and rents the balance. When the bank at Fieldon was estab¬ lished, he was one of the organizers, and he is still serving it as pres¬ ident.

On April 17, 1884, Mr. Wieghard was married to Emma Meyers, born in Madison County, Ill., February 14, 1861, a daughter of Fred and Wilhelmina (Baum) Meyers, early settlers of Madison County, where they were married and later died. Mr. and Mrs. AVieghard have one daughter, Wilhelmina, and she was born February 2, 1901, and is still at home ; and had another, who died in infancy. In politics Mr. AVieghard is a Republican, and he served as supervisor for four years, and for six years he was a school trustee. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and Mrs. AATieghard is a member of the Royal Neighbors. She belongs to the Lutheran Church. A man of unusual ability, Mr. AVieghard has been able to turn it in a legiti¬ mate channel and make his life work count for much. At the same time he has not neglected his civic duties, but discharged them capably and honorably, and no man stands any higher in public esteem than he. Although he has had to work hard, and practice, during his earlier days, frugalitj", Mr. AVieghard has taken two trips abroad, going to Europe in 1905 and again in 1910, and while there traveled extensively.

WILES, Albert Marion, one of the reliable practitioners of osteop¬ athy of Jersey County, is located at Jerseyville where he has built up a large and valuable practice. He was born at Kirksville, Mo., Sep¬ tember 5, 1879, a son of Jacob and Sarah M. (Parsell) AViles, born in Adair County, Mo., farming people who now reside at Ponca City, Okla.

Albert Marion Wiles attended the grammar and high schools of Kirksville. following which he took a course in the Missouri State Normal school, from which he was graduated at the age of eighteen years. ITe then took up the study of his profession at Kirksville, and was graduated when twenty years old. Coming to Jerseyville, he entered upon an active practice, in which he has since continued.

On December 3. 1903, he was married to Cora M. Whitehead born at Jerseyville, a daughter of Robert and Flora (Pritchett) AVhit.ehead of Jerseyville. Dr. and Mrs. Wiles have three children, namely: Gordon, Margaret and Virginia. ITe is a Presbyterian and served as secretary of the board of trustees of the church at Jerseyville for sev¬ eral years. In politics a Democrat, he was on the Jersey Township High School board for the first two years of its existence, and did much to bring about a satisfactory adjustment of affairs. In Masonry, he belongs to the Blue Lodge and Chapter.

WILEY, John, now deceased, but formerly one of the most pros¬ perous men of Jerseyville and the owner of considerable property, was born at Quebec, Canada, April 6, 1837, a son of Samuel and Susan (McCarthy) Wiley, natives of Canada who moved to New York state where the father died. In the early fifties John Wiley came to Jer¬ seyville and was employed in a meat market, and worked at what¬ ever honest employment he could secure until he had saved sufficient money to buy a general store, in 1861. 'From then on he prospered, investing his profits in Jerseyville property, and in time he erected a handsome brick business block, and a number of residences. As soon as he was able to do so, he sent for his widowed mother and took care of her the remainder of her life.

On February 14, 1878, Mr. Wiley was married to Caroline H. Hayes, born December 25, 1852, at Ithaca, N. Y., a daughter of James and Mary Hayes, born in New York. Mrs. Wiley was reared by an aunt who lived at Jerseyville, whom she joined soon after the close of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley had no children. Mr. Wiley was a Republican and served Jerseyville one term as a member of the city council. He was a charter member of the Jerseyville lodge of the Knights of Pythias. His death occurred December 23, 1907, since which time Mrs. Wiley has lived in her beautiful home on North Lafayette Street. She belongs to the Woman's Relief Corps, the South Side Day Nursery, of South St. Louis, Mo., in which she is serving as a member of the finance committee, and she also belongs to the Jersey County Historical Society. She is an Episcopalian. A lady of culture, she employs her ample means in forwarding those measures which she believes will be of the greatest benefit to her locality, and is admittedly one of the most efficient charitable workers in her church.

WILLMAN, Jacob F., a prosperous farmer, residing three miles west of Grafton, is one of the representative men of Jersey County. He was born in New York City, N. Y., August 14, 1870, a son of Jacob and Margueritte (Blueh) Willman. Jacob Willman was born in Bavaria, Germany, and after serving in the German army, he came to the United States in 1869, and spent some time in New York City where he worked at his trades of carpentering and painting, but later on in life he was engaged in farming. He and his wife had, in addition to Jacob F. AVillman, the following children: Mrs. Chase, whose husband is an express messenger ; Mrs. Elizabeth Rubel ; Mrs. Dora Hamilton, who resides in New Mexico, and two who are de¬ ceased. When Jacob F. Willman was eight years old, his parents came to Grafton, and here the father died in 1916, the mother having passed away in 1900. They were Catholics. While the father in¬ clined towards the principles of the Republican party, he oftentimes voted for the man rather than for the party.

Jacob F. Willman attended the Grafton schools until he was six¬ teen years old, and then he began farming. He has a fine property of sixty acres, and is specializing in raising fruit, Duroc- Jersey hogs, Plymouth Rock chickens and Indian Runner ducks, and during 1917 sold over $500 worth of fruit. His poultry is famous in the neighborhood, and he does a big business in supplying fine fowls and settings of eggs. His experience in this line enables him to ren¬ der a very valuable service to his customers, and his territory is a wide one.

Mr. Willman was married December 29, 1897, to Miss Catherine Pivoda, born in Jersey County, October 9, 1879, although her parents were natives of Austria. Mr. and Mrs. Willman have had the follow¬ ing children born to them: Jacob C., who is at home; Stephen E., who is deceased; Agnes; and Leonard F. In politics Mr. Willman is a Democrat, and has held school offices for years, being now clerk of school district No. 59. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of Amer¬ ica, and Mrs. AVillman belongs to the Royal Neighbors. They are Catholics. Few people of this section are held in higher esteem than Mr. and Mrs. Willman, and they deserve the confidence they enjoy.

WILSON, Henry A., a skilled carpenter and general mechanic of Grafton, is one of the substantial men of this city. He was born in Missouri, April 18, 1857, a son of Robert and Caroline (Bridger) Wilson. The father was born in Lancashire, England, in 1824, and the mother was also a native of England. He was twenty-five years old when they were married, the ceremony being performed in Eng¬ land by a clergyman of the established church. Their children were as follows: Robert, who resides at Mitts, Mo.; James K., who resides at Fort Worth, Tex.; Henry A.; Ambrose, who lives at St. Louis, Mo.; Frederick, \yho lives at AYashington, Mo.; Luella, who is de¬ ceased ; Lizzie and Dora, who live in Missouri. A machinist, the father met with an accident while working at his trade, a piece of steel strik¬ ing him in the eye and eventually he lost the sight of that organ. In 1855 he came to the United States, first stopping at Chicago, and later going to New Haven, Mo., where he followed farming.

Henry A. Wilson attended the schools of New Haven. Mo., until he was nineteen years old, then learned the machinist trade, and then worked as a carpenter at St. Louis, Mo. Finally he entered the gov¬ ernment service and was employed in Louisiana, being sent to Grafton in 1880, as a member of the government engineering corps. He was then made a pilot in the service of the government on the Mississippi River until he lost his boat in a storm, and barely* escaped with his life. He then located at Grafton and is engaged in working as a carpenter and general mechanic, having received his papers from the government as a machinist twenty-seven years ago.

Mr. Wilson was married to Ellen Barker, in 1880, and he and his bride went to Columbus, Ky., for their honeymoon on the government boat "Cecil," of which he was pilot. They became the parents of the following children: Walter D., and Mrs. Ada Cope, both of whom live at Grafton ; Harry Arthur, who lives at Granite City, Ill. ; Mrs. Birdie Wallace, who lives at Grafton; and Lola, who lives at home. Mr. Wilson belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. While he is a Democrat in national matters, locally he votes for the man he deems best fitted for the office. In 1886 he was elected constable of Grafton, and in 1916 was elected a justice of the peace, and he has also been an alderman for a number of years. A man of sterling character, Mr. Wilson stands very well in his community.

WOLF, George H., now living retired at Jersey ville, has been con¬ nected with some important interests in Jersey County. He was born at Booneville N. Y., January 25, 1835, a son of Henry and Mary (Jilson) Wolf, the former of whom was born in Strassburg, Germany, in August, 1808, and the latter August 11, 1802, at Booneville N. Y.

On February 21, 1866, George H. Wolf was married to Sarah Ames, born at Steuben, Oneida County, N. Y., a daughter of David TI. and Betsy (Norton) Ames, he born at Watervliet, N. Y., May 1, 1792, and she at Herkimer, N. Y., October 7, 1800. The grandparents were Nathaniel and Sarah (Hall) Ames, he born at Killingly, Conn., April 25, 1761, and she in 1768. He enlisted in 1779 in the Continen¬ tal Army. David Ames was a soldier in the War of 1812, and in 1883 he and his family came to join Mr. and Mrs. Wolf at Jerseyville, where David Ames died November 27, 1893, Mrs. Ames having passed away July 16, 1887, and they were buried at Steuben, N. Y.

After marriage Mr. Wolf settled at Booneville and lived there until the fall of 1869 when he came to Jerseyville, Ill., his wife join¬ ing him the following spring. He conducted a hardware business at Jerseyville for about four years, and then branched out into handling agricultural implements, so continuing until 1890 when he closed his business and embarked in a dairy business, having a farm of fortyfive acres at the edge of town, although he maintained his residence in Jerseyville. In 1904 he sold his dairy interests at public sale, and since then has lived in retirement. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf have no chil¬ dren, but have an adopted daughter, Frances Sarah, who is now Mrs. Benjamin Tweedy. While Mr. Wolf's educational advantages were confined to those offered by the common schools of New York, Mrs. Wolf went to the Whitestown Academy, N. Y., and later taught school for four terms prior to her marriage. Both are very active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which Mr. Wolf has served as steward. In politics he is a Republican.

WOODRUFF, George H., one of the expert market gardeners of Jersey County, owns and operates thirty acres of very valuable land in the eastern part of Jerseyville. He was born near Bardstown, Ky.,

August 23, 1835, a son of Ezra and Catherine (Hagen) Woodruff. The family history is as follows: John Woodruff, born in England in 1604, died at South Hampton, L. I., in 1670, having left England in 1640, and located at Lynn, Mass. The first name of his wife was Anna. The son of these American founders of the family, also John, was born in England in 1637, and he died in 1691, having been one of the founders of Elizabeth, N. J. He held several offices under the colonial gov¬ ernment, and was a prominent man. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Ogden. The third in descent, John (III), was born at Elizabeth, N. J., in 1662. His son, Timothy, was born in 1682, and he died Novem¬ ber 15, 1766. Timothy (II), was born in 1715 and died in 1798, and his son, Enos, was born in 1750 and died in 1821. Ezra the next in line, was born in 1787 and died in 1842, he being the father of George H. Woodruff, whose name heads this review.

Until he was thirteen years old, George II. Woodruff attended school at Louisville, Ky. In 1848 he came to Jerseyville, Ill., buying twenty acres of his present place, to which he later added ten acres. Here he has always carried on market gardening. All of the buildings on the place have been erected by him, and he has also made other improvements.

On January 2, 1861, Mr. Woodruff was married to Elizabeth A. Squirer, born at Newark, N. J., a daughter of Israel and Martha (Kirkpatrick) Squirer, natives of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff became the parents of the following children : Almira, who is deceased ; Ezra, who lives in Jersey County; Charles, who lives at Cairo, Ill.; Catherine, who is deceased; George, who lives in Jersey County; and Martha, who is at home. Mrs. Woodruff died July 25, 1892. Mr. Woodruff is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Re¬ publican, while fraternally he belongs to the subordinate lodge and Encampment of the Odd Fellows and to the Rebekahs. He is a sound reliable man and stands well in his community.

WOOLSEY, George H., a veteran of the Civil War, and a man widely known and universally respected, is one of the substantial citizens of Jersey Township. He was born in Jersey Township, Jersey County, Ill., October 27, 1841, a son of Joseph B. and Ann (Barber) Woolsey, natives of New York state, who came to Jersey County at an early day, and entered government land in Jersey Township, the greater portion of which was in the timber. This land Joseph B. Woolsey cleared off and improved, becoming a farmer on an extensive scale, and he also worked at the carpenter trade for a number of years. His children were as follows: Edward, who is deceased; Joel P., who lives at Coffeyville, Kas.; James, who is deceased; Simeon, who lives at Auburn, Ill.; Amos, who lives in Oklahoma: and George H.

George H. Woolsey attended the district schools and learned to be a farmer. When his country had need of him, during the Civil War, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-second

Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years. He was wounded by a canister shot, in the left breast, which broke two ribs, the wounding taking place during the battle of Coffeyville, Tenn. After being in the hospital for some time, he was granted a furlough of thirty days, but it was four months before he was able to rejoin his regiment.

On October 31, 1867, Mr. Woolsey was married to Barbara Ann Whorton, born in Jersey County, Ill., February 15, 1848, a daughter of Charles and Mary Ann (Bolter) Whorton. Mr. and Mrs. Woolsey became the parents of the following children; Della M., who is deceased; William H., who is also deceased; Joel, .who lives at Carrollton, Ill., was married first to Viola Highfield and has a son, Kenneth, and wras married (second) to Lizzie Dugger, and they have had two children, Venette and Vienna, the former deceased; George, who lives at Steele, N. D., was married to Kate Graves, and their children are, Everett, Earl, Edith, Blanche and Fay; Nellie, who is Mrs. Charles Bell, of Jerseyville, has the following children, Russell, Maurice, Clifford, Geraldine, Zelda and Florence; Fred, who lives at Jerseyville, was married first to Ella Linker, now deceased, who bore him four children, Earl, Mildred, Wayne and Charles, and after her death was married (second) to Mollie Waters, who is still living; Austin, who married Shatta Monies, has four children, Alberta, Paul, Ruford and Ralph, and one de¬ ceased; Pearl, who is Mrs. Ernest Pruitt, of Ruyle Township, has had the following children, Virgil, Barbara, Georgia, Thelma, de¬ ceased, and Chester; Leola, who is Mrs. George Watts, of Jersey Township, has one living child, and two are deceased; and Alvin, who lives at home, was married to Daisy Davenport, and they have had two children, a daughter, Velma, who is living, and a son, Georgie, who is deceased.

After his marriage Mr. Woolsey bought eighty acres of land in Jersey Township from his father, and. at that time the land was covered with brush and timber. He cleared off the undergrowth, erected suitable buildings, and made of his farm a valuable prop¬ erty. In addition to this farm, he owns eighty acres more that is located in the same township, which he bought and inherited from his father's estate. In politics he is a Democrat and he has served as a school director and road commissioner. He is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Woolsey is one of the valued members of the local G. A. R. A man of sound principles, he has never been afraid to live up to them, and he stands very high in his community.

WRIGHT, Alfred G., one of the substantial business men of Grafton, is engaged in manufacturing and handling harness. He was born at Newville, Ind., near Fort Wayne, April 11, 1843, a son of John Wright, who was born in Ohio. John Wright was a Baptist minister, and during the Civil WTar, he was chaplain of a Michigan cavalry regiment, and served until the close of hostilities. He was married to Nancy

Bartlett, who was born in Canada, and she died in Michigan. Of their seven sons and two daughters, Alfred G. Wright is the only one who survives. The Wright family is a historic one, the American founder coming to this country from France with General Lafayette, and becom¬ ing one of General Washington's personal body guards during the American Revolution.

Alfred G. Wright attended the schools of his district until he was eighteen years old, and he was then apprenticed to the harnessmaking trade. Many years later he returned to his old home, and visited the shop, in which he had learned his trade. Like his father, he gave his country a loyal service during the Civil War. After the close of the Civil War, Alfred G. Wright conducted a harnessmaking business in Missouri for three years, and then returned to Indiana. Some years later he located at Manchester, Ill., continuing in the same line of business, and in 1895, he settled at Grafton, opening his present estab¬ lishment at that time.

The first wife of Mr. Wright bore the maiden name of Mary Page, and she was a native of Indiana. When their first and only child, George Alfred Wright, was born, she died, but the son survives and now lives in Indiana. While living at Manchester, Ill., Mr. Wright was married (second) to Miss Lucy Field, of Pike County, Ill., and they had two children, namely: Mattie Howard, who lives at Manchester, Ill. ; and Abbie Ebber, who lives at Hamburg, Ill. After the death of his second wife, Mr. Wright was married (third) at Grafton, to Mildred Miller. Mr. Wright belongs to Hildred Post No. 585, G. A. R., and is its present commander. Fraternally he is a Mason, and belongs also to the Modern Woodmen of America. Ilis political views make him a Republican. - A man of standing in his community, he is a valuable addition to it.

ZOEPHEL, Max, a prosperous dairyman of Otter Creek Town¬ ship, and a man widely and favorably known, was born in Saxony, Germany, December 17, 1877, a son of Charles A. P. Zoephel, also born in Germany, who is deceased, the Only survivors of the family being Max Zoephel and his brother Albert, who is a baker, of East Troy, Wis.

In 1881 the parents of Max Zoephel brought their children to the United States, stopping first in St. Louis, Mo., where the father worked at his trade of stone cutting. After the death of the mother, the father was married again, and the step-mother who survives, makes her home with her step-son, Max Zoephel. In 1892 the family came to Grafton, and the sons, who had learned the father's trade, began working in the stone quarry. Later Max Zoephel was em¬ ployed on the cut stone work of the courthouse at Jersey ville. In 1900, when his father died, he bought his present dairy, and has built up a very fine trade.

peace. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias. The Luth¬ eran Church holds his membership. Progressive and alert, Mr. Zoephel not only is an excellent business man, but he is also a good citi¬ zen and one who can be depended upon to support any measure look¬ ing toward the upbuilding and development of the county.