Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 44 of 56)

Albert Leng was educated in the common schools of England, where he resided until he had attained the age of twenty-nine years. Being an enterprising and ambitious young man, America had always appeared very attractive to him, as he felt convinced from the reports he had received, that better opportunities must be afforded f<ir advancement here than in his native country, so in 1870 he took passage for the United States. When he arrived in this country he came directly to Illinois, first settling in Scott county, where he remained from June to October, when he went to Peoria county. He worked out as a farm hand for a time, thus ac(|uiring sufficient capital to purchase eighty acres of land, that he operated with excellent success until 1883. In the latter year he again changed his location, this time becoming a resident of Knox county, purchasing a place in the vicinity of Rochester. He owned this and also the farm in Peoria county until 1802, when he disposed of both places and bought the jiroperty where he now lives. During the period of his ownership he has placed many imi)rovements on his farm, including a commodious country residence, suitable barns and substantial outbuildings. He is a man of progressive ideas and ])ractical methods and as his circumstances have permitted has added to the comfort and convenience of his homestead bv the introduction of various modern ajipHance-^ and inventions. His fields are devoted to the raising of such cereals as are best adapted to the soil, all of the work on the fields now being done by Mr. Leng's sons. In addition to general farming he has made a specialty of stock-raising, both branches of the business having brought him very satisfactory returns. Furthermore, Mr. Leng is the owner of one hundred and forty acres near Milbank, South Dakota. His son, Luther E., recently bought two hundred and sixteen acres in Truro township, having sold his holdings in Peoria county to his brother E. G. Leng.

In Peoria county, on the 5th of February, 1874, Mr. Leng was united in ' marriage to Miss Mary Frances Aby, who was born on the 2d of September, 1851, and is a daughter of Elder and Mary Ann (Murphy) Aby. Nine children have been born of this marriage, as follows : Luther E., who was born on the 25th of February, 1875; James E., born November 23, 1876, now deceased; Mary S., born on the 23d of December, 1877, the wife of H. Spencer, of this county, and the mother of five children, three daughters and two sons ; Lyman W., born on December 23, 1880, who married Jessie Keneer and has one child, that is now deceased; Lulu O., who was born October 17, 1882, and died January 15, 1908, the wife of W. F. Porter of Victoria, by whom she had two sons and one daughter; Robert N., born September 17, 1884; Ewart Gladstone, bom on the 28th of December, 1887, who married Anna Rich, of Peoria county, and has two children; Edna E., born on October 6, 1889, the wife of George Keneer and the mother of one child ; and Carl E., whose birth occurred on February 24, 1892.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Leng hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, among the congregation of which they number many friends, and his political support he accords to the populist party. He has always taken an active interest in township affairs and has served as road commissioner and school director and at the present time is justice of the peace. Much credit is due Mr. Leng for the prosperity he has achieved, as he came to this country with no capital save the strength and optimism that accompanies youth and tireless energy. He has directed his undertakings in an intelligent manner, manifesting rare business sagacity and foresight in the development of his interests and as a result has realized good dividends on the investment of his labor..

Although thirty-seven years have elapsed since John Hamilton Patterson passed away, he is still well remembered by many of the older citizens of Knoxville, as one of the promising agriculturists of his township. He was born in Adams county, Ohio, on the I4th of April, 1840, the only child of Alexander and Hannah (Smith) Patterson, who were natives of Dayton, Ohio. The father, who was an agriculturist, was engaged in farming in his native state for many years, but he and his wife later removed to Decatur, Indiana, where they both passed away.

John Hamilton Patterson was educated in the district schools, and while pursuing his studies also assisted his father with the work about the farm. At

, the age of sixteen, self-confidence asserted itself and he left the paternal home and came to Illinois, at that time considered a western border state. He located in Knox county in 1856 and engaged in farming, ultimately acquiring property of his own. Enterprising and ambitious, he applied himself energetically to whatever he undertook, directing his endeavors with foresight and intelligence. Just when his efforts began reaping financial returns and the future gave every assurance of promise his endeavors were terminated by death. He was accidentally killed by the falling wall of a burning building on the i8th of December, 1874, being at the time but thirty- four years of age. I -- .- On the I5th of February, i86i, Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to . Miss Mary M. Brashear, whose birth occurred in Ohio, on the 6th of August, 1839. Her parents were Bazil and Eleanor (Shaw) Brashear, natives of Fay-

'- ette county, Pennsylvania, where they were also married. During the early ; years of their domestic life they removed to Ohio and there the father engaged in farming for a time but he subsequently came to Knoxville, and here both \ parents passed away. Their family consisted of the following children : Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Engle and has passed away; John and Plaford, both

> of whom are also deceased; Bazil, who is a resident of Bond county, this state; Ruth, the widow of Robert Patterson, who served for four years in the Union army; and Mary M., the widow of John H. Patterson. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson. Ira E., the eldest, who resides in Orange township, this county, married Miss Flora Thomas, of Springfield, Illinois, and they have two daughters, Edna and Frances. Harvey D., who is a resident of Missouri, married Mae Thomas of Springfield, this state, and they have three sons, Roy A., Fred L. and Harvey E. Frank A., who lives in Fulton county, Illinois, married Bessie Church of Cambridge and they have one child, Glendora, Emma M. has passed away.

In matters of citizenship Mr. Patterson was public-spirited and progressive, but he never sought political preferment, although he discharged his civic duties

X by appearing at the polls on election day, casting his ballot in support of the candidates of the republican party. During the period of his residence in Knox county, which covered eighteen years, he won and retained the friendship of many of its citizens, who held him in high esteem by reason of his many fine

Dr. George F. Hilton, engaged in the practice of medicine at St. Augustine, Knox county, Illinois, his recognized ability winning him a liberal patronage, was born in Fulton county, this state, December 8, 1855, his parents being David and Sarah A. (Bishop) Hilton. The ancestry can be traced back to several generations in this country and it is well knovVn that the first of the name came from England. The great-great-grandfather was a native of Maine and William Hilton, the great-grandfather, was born in Wiscasset, Maine, August 15, 1759, and died July 14, 1846. His wife, Catherine B. Hilton, was born May 24, 1764, and died July 8, i8i6. Their children were: David, who was born September

Of this family Joshua Hilton was the grandfather of Dr. Hilton. He was bom, as previously stated, March 15, 1790, and died December 27, 1876. His wife. Sally Hilton, was bom June i, 1794, and died March 21, i88i. Their children were: McKenney, who was born September 22, 1814; Catherine, who was born August 27, i8i6, and died December i6, 1878; Asa, who was bom December 22, 1819, and died February 3, 1820; Sarah, who was born March 10, 1821 ; Amos, who was bom April 26, 1823, and died January 5, 1885 ; David, the father of our subject ; Caroline, who was bom August 27, 1832, and died May 5, 1836; and Joshua, who was born August 27, 1835.

David Hilton, the father of our subject, was born in Maine, June 24, 1827, and in early life removed to Ohio. In the late '505 he became a resident of Fulton county, Illinois, and spent his remaining days there upon a farm, his death occurring July 9, 1896, when he had reached the age of sixty-nine years. In early life he engaged in the butchering business in California, having made the trip to that state with ox teams, spending three years upon the Pacific coast. He married Sarah A. Bishop, who was bom February 26, 1831, and died February 26, 1903. In their family were the following children. Jasper, who was bom October 14, 1851, passed away on the 5th of October, 1852. Cyrus, the next of the family, was bom on the 24th of February, 1853. George F., of this review, is the next younger. Henry W., born September 15, 1857, married Mary A. Maranville, who was born in i86i, and they became the parents of eleven children: Lola, who was born October 30, 1876, and died November 19, 1876; Orpha Bell, who was bom May 24, 1879, and died March 20, 1910; Fannie, bom April 21, i88i ; David, who was born September 13, 1883, and died February 5, 1904; Dayton, bom August 22, 1885; Ethel V., bom December 29, 1887; Harley, born in March, 1889; Jesse, bom May 7, 1890; Elra Ray, bom July 6, 1892; Skeet, bom September 19, 1895; and Ina, born October 28, 1897. Mary, the daughter of David and Sarah A. Hilton, was born August 19, 1859, and married Lewis K. Hoar, a resident of Vandalia, Illinois, who is known throughout the state as a very successful contractor and business man. Six children were born to them, namely: Effie May, who was born November 4, 1879, and died February 26, i88i ; Bertha Estella, who was born October 27, i88i, and died August 9, 1889; Sarah Ellen, who was bom August 12, 1884; Edna Fem, who was bom June 15, 1887, and died July 12, 1910; Martha Lutta, who was bom November 23, 1890, and died January 29, 1891 ; and Jesse Daniel, who was bom November 21, 1891, and died October 21, 1892. John W., born March 13, 1862, passed away on the I3th of February, 1898. Stephen Leonard, born

December 21, 1863, married Serilda Ann Moon, who was born January i8, 1868, and they became the parents of six children, namely: Ina May, born February 7, 1888; Charles David, who was born May 9, 1889, and died September 29, 1910; William Wesley, who was born November 2, 1890, and died November 8, 1895; Sarah Pearl, bom February 28, 1896; Mabel Frances, born November 22, 1902 ; and Velva Dora, born September 4, 1904. Of this family Charles David was married, his wife being Alice Holman, who was born May 12, 1886, and they had one daughter, Helen J., born March 24, 1910. Jessie was born May 21, 1865. Martin L. was born September 12, 1867. Sarah E. was born January 12, 1870, and died on the 9th of February, 1871.

Dr. Hilton acquired his education in Cuba, Illinois, being graduated from the high school with the class of 1875. During his high-school days he also took up the study of medicine and in 1875 entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk. Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1879. Immediately afterward he began the practice of medicine in St. Augustine, Illinois, where he has since continued. He has practiced with phenomenal success here, his labor.s being attended with results that indicate his comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine and his correct application of its principles. He has vvritten many valuable articles on medical science pertaining to pathology and the treatment of disease and he always maintains that there are two important principles in medicine - first, the diagnosis of the case and second, the application of the remedy. He is now the owner of a fine office building and an attractive residence in St. Augustine and has also invested in railroad stock.

In i88i Dr. Hilton was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Louise Supple, who was born in St. Augustine, June 15, 1858, and died November 28, 1890. They became the parents of three children : Leo, who was born May 22, 1882, and died April 20, 1884; Irene Frances, who was born May .22, 1885; and Charles Demott, who was born April i, 1887, and is now in the employ of a railroad company, living in Kansas City, Missouri.

- Dr. Hilton holds membership in the Catholic church and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp. No. 4234, and to the Royal Neighbors, No. 395. In politics he has been a lifelong democrat and, while he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, he has labored effectively in behalf of the cause of education during his nine years' service as school director. His professional relations are with the Knox County and Illinois State Medical Societies and at all times he keeps in touch with the advanced work, thought and purposes of the profession.

.Professor George Howard Bridge, supervisor of manual training, in the high school of Galesburg, was born in De Kalb county, Illinois, May 27, 1857. He is descended from English ancestry but comparatively little is known back of the last generation. His father, George Bridge, was a native of Dorchester, England, and was reared in Dorchester, where he afterward learned and followed the butcher's trade, continuing in that pursuit until he came to America about 1855. After establishing his home in DeKalb county, he there opened a butchering business which he continued until 1864, when he came to Gales- '. burg and for a number of years was proprietor of a meat market here. He married Hannah (Read) Leggett, also a native of Suffolk and a daughter of Stephen and Mary (Howard) Read, who were likewise natives of England. .. ' Her father who was a farmer died in middle life and her mother reached an . '_ advanced age. In their family were twelve childrerT including Mrs. Bridge. George Bridge spent the last years of his life in Nebraska and his widow is now living with her son George H. She was twice married, her first husband being Isaac Leggett, by whom she had one child, Walter, who is now deceased.^ . The seven children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Bridge are : George H. ; Everetta, the wife of William Putnam, of Kansas; Clara L., the wife of S. C. Greaves, of .^ Harrison, Arkansas; Emma J., the wife of W. C. Whitmore, of Surprise, Ne- -y , braska; John R., of Galesburg; Mae, the wife of William Warren, of Mon- ... mouth, Illinois; and one who died in infancy. . ' -

Professor Bridge spent the first seven years of his life in the county of his , nativity but has been a resident of Galesburg for forty-seven years, largely r acquiring his education in the public schools of this city and in the Western --:' - Business College of Galesburg, from which he was graduated in 1879. For a; time he was one of the proprietors of a commercial college at Lawrence, Kan- :- , sas. in partnership with M. H. Barringer under the firm name of Bridge &- ..'-'--. Barringer, the connection being maintained for two years. He then returned to the Galesburg public schools as supervisor of penmanship in all of the schools, continuing to occupy that position for ten or fifteen years, during which time - ; - he had charge of the commercial work. In 1887, however, he organized the - manual training department of which he is still the supervisor and under his r ^; direction there are now about four hundred and thirty boys pursuing the course. . .% - The Galesburg schools were among the first in the state to introduce manual .'^ training as well as to establish an elective course and were also among the first ' to introduce the practical phase of manual training. The boys are g^ven instruc- ;, -^.! tion in all kinds of wood work and recently iron work has also been introduced. -. - -- This is of marked assistance to the public-school pupils, preparing many of them ; for the practical and responsible duties which come later in life. Professor -; ^ - - Bridge holds to high ideals and attempts to establish a standard that will produce ' : .. thoroughness, efficiency and reliability. More than one man now successful in - ' :; a chosen field of labor received the impetus for his progress in the instruction v .-^ of Professor Bridge.

The 5th of April, i88i, was the wedding day of Professor Bridge and Miss '. Minerva I. Olin, who was born in Aurora, Kane county, Illinois, April 4, 1857. . .-. ; Her parents, Edwin C. and Cyntha Olin, however, were natives of New York, - who became early residents of Aurora, coming to Illinois in 1853. In 1855 ^^- '---'""- Olin entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Com- '. . pany, with whom he continued for nearly forty-five years, during most of the . ''.;, time in the capacity of bridge superintendent. The family removed to Gales- ' - burg in 1873. In 1902 Mr. Olin went to Conway, Iowa, to look after his farm- ; :'.- ing interests, but about a year later passed away there on May 3, 1903. Mrs. ' - Olin died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bridge, in Galesburg in 1908. In \ the family were two children, Minerva and Ida, the latter the wife of C. U. i .

Goldsmith, of Lincoln, Nebraska. Unto Professor and Mrs. Bridge have been born seven children. Glenn F., who was a graduate of the Galesburg high school and also attended the State University at Champaign, Illinois, for two years, died of mountain fever when twenty-two years of age, at Salida, Colorado. Earle R., who is a graduate of the high school and of Knox College, has taught for six years in the Galesburg high school and is now assistant supervisor of manual training. Arthur H., who, following his graduation from high school, spent two years in Knox College, is now managing a large farm in Cass county. North Dakota. Irene O. is a graduate of the high school and of Knox College, and Gordon H., Ruth J. and Edna are all pupils of the high school.

Mr. and Mrs. Bridge are members of the Baptist church, in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested, contributing in many ways to various branches of the church work. For several years Professor Bridge was chairman of the board of deacons, is now chairman of the board of trustees and for two years was superintendent of the Sunday school. He votes with the republican party, but has never sought nor desired office, preferring that his public service should be of another character. A resident of Galesburg for forty-seven years, he has been connected with its public schools for thirty-one years of that time and his work in behalf of public instruction has been of a practical character and of far-reaching benefit. He is now the president of the Sixth Ward Improvement Society and vice president of the Galesburg Improvement Association. In other ways he has taken an active and helpful interest in the general welfare of this city and his cooperation can be counted upon to further any movement for the public good. His residence is at No. 1590 West Main street, where in 1900 he erected an elegant home, one of the finest in the city. -, .-. '- -- .'-;---:'-'; --'^''-"'^'^-r".":: ---;---;:---''

Mrs. Lydia M. Hall, who is now living in Yates City, has been a resident of Knox county since she was a child of nine years. She was born in Erie county. New York, and is a daughter of James and Sarah J. (Candee) Jobes, natives of Onondaga county. New York, where they were also reared and educated. After their marriage they located in Erie county, twenty miles south of Buffalo, whence they removed to Illinois. They first located in Kendall county and after residing there for seven years came to Knox county, settling in Salem township, in 1854, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father passing away at the age of eighty-five and the mother at ninety-one. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery at Uniontown. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jobes there were bom ten children. Wallace, a veteran of the Civil war, now residing in Tecumseh, Nebraska, married. Amanda Buffin, who was reared in Knox county. Newton married Margaret Russell, who was bom and reared in Salem township, this county, a daughter of Nicholas and Sarah Russell. Irvin, also a Civil war veteran, married Lucinda Lewis, now deceased, and is living in Seattle, Washington. Candee is married and resides in Abingdon, Illinois. Julia became the wife of Peter Cassler and now resides in New Jersey. Mary married Walter Faxom.

Goldsmith, of Lincoln, Nebraska. Unto Professor and Mrs. Bridge have been born seven children. Glenn F., who was a graduate of the Galesburg high school and also attended the State University at Champaign, Illinois, for two years, died of mountain fever when twenty-two years of age, at Salida, Colorado. . Earle R., who is a graduate of the high school and of Knox College, has taught for six years in the Galesburg high school and is now assistant supervisor of manual training. Arthur H., who, following his graduation from high school, spent two years in Knox College, is now managing a large farm in Cass county. North Dakota. Irene O. is a graduate of the high school and of Kno.x College, and Gordon H., Ruth J. and Edna are all pupils of the Iiigh sch(x>l.

Mr. and Mrs. Bridge are members of the P.ajJtist church, in the work of which they are actively and liel])fully interested, contriljuting in many ways to various branches of the church work. For several years Professor Bridge wa.; chairman of the board of deacons, is now chairman of the board of trustees and for two years was superintendent of the Sunday school. lie votes with the republican party, but has never sought nor desired office, preferring that his public sen'ice should be of another character. A resident of Galesburg for forty-seven years, he has been connected with its public schools for thirty-one years of that time and his work in behalf of public instruction has been of a practical character and of far-reaching benefit. lie i.s now the president of tlie Sixth \\'ard lm|)nn-ement Society and vice president of tlie Galesburg Ini])r()vement Association. In other ways he has taken an active and helpful interest in the general welfare of this city and his cooperation can be counted upon to further any movement for the public good. His residence is at No. I5<jo \\'est Main street, where in 1900 he erected an elegant home, one of the finest in the

Mrs. Lydia ]M. TIall, who is now living in Yates City, has been a resident of Kno.x county since she was a child of nine years. She was born in Erie county, New York, and is a daughter of James and Sarah J. (Candee) Jobes, natives of Onondaga county. New York, where they were also reared and educated. After their marriage they located in Erie county, twenty miles south of Buffalo, whence they removed to Illinois. They first located in Kendall county and after residing there for seven years came to Knox county, settling in Salem townshi]), in 1854, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father passing away at the age of eighty-five and the mother at ninety-one. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery at Uniontown. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jobes there were born ten children. Wallace, a veteran of the Civil war, now residing in Tecumseh, Nebraska, married. Amanda Buffin, who was reared in Kno.x county. Newton married Margaret Russell, who was born and reared in Salem township, this county, a daughter of Nicholas and Sarah Russell. Trvin, also a Civil war veteran, married Lucinda Lewis, now deceased, and is living in Seattle, Washington. Candee is married and resides in Abingdon, Illinois. Julia became the wife of Peter Cassler and now resides in New Jersey. Mary married Walter Faxom.

She is living in Salem township and Mr. Faxom, who died in 1897, was both a farmer and mason by profession. The next in order of birth are Casper, who is a retired farmer, residing at Yates City, and Mrs. Hall. Sarah died at the age of six years. Emma, the youngest in this family, died in infancy. Mrs. Jobes was a member of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. Jobes was a republican, but never filled or sought public office. They were most estimable people and had a wide circle of acquaintances, who held them in the highest regard.

Mrs. Lydia M. Hall, the youngest now living, was but two years of age, when she accompanied her parents on their removal from New York to Illinois. She began her education in the district schools of Kendall county, supplementing the knowledge therein gained by further study in the schools of Salem township, where she was reared to womanhood.

In 1864, while yet in her early girlhood, Mrs. Hall, who has been married twice, became the wife of Matthew Buflfum, who- was bom and reared in Ohio, a son of Stephen and Esther Buffum. They began their domestic life on a farm

.. of three hundred acres in Salem township, where they made their home until Mr. Buffum's death. After his demise the greater part of the property was sold,

' but Mrs. Hall still owns one hundred and twenty acres located on sections 19 and 20 in Salem township. Mr. BuflFum passed away in 1891 and was laid to rest in the Uniontown cemetery. He was a democrat in politics and always took an active interest in township aflfairs, having served both as road commissioner and school director. - ;.-

Following the death of her first husband, Mrs. Hall removed to Yates City, where she has ever since resided, her farm being operated by tenants. Her second marriage was with Cyrus Hall, who was a native of Ohio and a son of Chauncey Hall. Mr. Hall died in 1906, and was at that time a retired farmer.

Mrs. Hall is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which she takes an active and earnest interest. She is also a member of the Ladies' Aid Society and holds the office of treasurer in that organization. For a period of eighteen years Mrs. Hall has been a resident of Yates City, and numbers among its citizens many warm friends, to whom she has endeared herself through the kindly, helpful spirit and gracious manner that enable her to win and retain the high regard of those with whom she comes in contact.

Mrs. Catherine U. Creep, who is the widow of Hans Creep, formerly a well known agriculturist -of Lynn township, is still residing upon the homestead. She was born February 14, 1851. in Calesburg, and is the daughter of Joel and Julia (Annis) Starboard. Joel Starboard was the son of John Starboard, an efficient carpenter and cabinet worker who passed away when his son was ten years of age, the mother having died six years previous. The orphaned son 'was reared by an aunt and came to Calesburg in 1842. where he followed the plow-makers' - and shingle-makers' trade. Eleven years later, in March 1853, he removed to the present homestead in Lynn township, where he lived out an active and successful career. Mr. and Mrs. Starboard were the parents of four children: ToL n - n

Martha A., who is the wife of H. Lyke, of Iowa; Mary, who is married to Thomas Williams of Missouri ; Ella N. ; and Mrs. Catherine U. Creep, the subject of this review. .. . . -.'--,'-'-'

Until her marriage Mrs. Creep remained at home and assisted with the duties which come to hand on every farm. In 1873 she was married to Hans Creep, who was born in May, 1844, and who was a native of Sweden. When three years of age he came to America with his parents and settled with the Bishop Hill colony. His father, John Eric Creep, was a tailor by trade and was married to Catherine Johnson. His death occurred April i8, 1899, when he was eighty-two years of age, and his widow passed away in February, 1908, at the age of eighty-eight years. During his active career Mr. Creep was engaged in agricultural pursuits, first assisting his father and later farming independently in Lynn township. After his marriage he purchased the present Creep homestead in 1882, and twelve years later removed to Calva, Illinois, where he died in 1905. After the death of her husband Mrs. Creep returned to the farm, where she is now residing. They were the parents of three children : Orpha E., who is a home missionary in North Dakota ; Theodore W., who has assumed the management of the home farm ; and Olive S., who is residing with her mother.

Mrs. Creep traces her ancestry on the maternal line back to Samuel and Johanna (Thorndyke) Annis, the former a native of Maine who died in Victoria in 1854 at the age of ninety years and the latter, of Scotch-Irish descent, passed away in the same town. Their son, Ellison Annis, was born in 1792 in Waldo county, Maine. In early life he left his native state and crossed the country to the Illinois river on July 4, 1837, settling in Victoria on the 28th of July of that year. He was married to Catherine Maro, whose birth occurred, in 1796, in Boston and who passed away in 1871, while her husband died at the age of about eighty-nine years in July, 1880. He began life as a sailor and was in the war of 1812 drawing a land warrant for his service. During this service he first became acquainted with the western country.

Mrs. Creep's life has been devoted to her home duties and to the interests of her church. She holds membership in the Second Adventist church, and aims to live in accordance with the high principles of its teachings. Both she and her husband have been useful citizens in their community, because of their substantial moral worth and because of their constant devotion to duty.

Ceorge W. Witherell is the owner of the Spring Brook Stock Farm, in the operation of which he is meeting with a gratifying degree of success. He is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Washington county, on the 8th of September, 1845, ^"d a son of Ephraim H. and Rebecca (Donaldson) Witherell. Mr. Witherell traces his ancestry back to the colonial days, his greatgrandfathers in both lines having participated in the Revolution, while his grandfather, Witherell, was a captain of artillery in the war of 1812, and his grandfather, Donaldson, a captain of infantry. The paternal ancestors came from

Practically the entire life of George W. Witherell has been spent in Knox county, as he was only a child of six years when he came here with his parents. He obtained his education in the common schools and when old enough to become self-supporting decided to take up agriculture for his life vocation. He - located on his present farm just after his marriage in 1866, and has devoted -. his entire attention to its cultivation and the raising of stock for forty-five years. It contains one hundred acres of fertile land, that is devoted to such cereals as are best adapted to the soil and climate, and pasturage for the stock. As his . means have permitted Mr. Witherell has improved his place by the addition of : many modern conveniences, characteristic of the spirit of progress he has ever manifested in his undertakings. He has a fine grade of cattle, mostly Shorthorns and Jerseys, of which he makes a specialty, and is constantly improving the line by careful breeding. In the administration of his affairs he evidences the clear judgment, discretion and intelligence that ultimately bring prosperity, particularly when united with enterprise and diligence.

Mr. Witherell was united in marriage on the I7th of May, 1866, at Knoxville, to Miss Martha A. Stolloper, who was bom in Washington county, Maryland, on February 28, 1847. The parents of Mrs. Witherell were Henry and Harriet Stolloper, also natives of Maryland, whence they removed to Knox county fifty years ago. The mother is still living but the father passed away .when Mrs. Witherell was a child. Eight children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Witherell, as follows: Flora, who is the wife of George Breedlaugh, of Knox county ; Minnie, who married John Dredge, also of Knoxville ; Etta, the wife of Harry Woolsey, likewise of Knoxville ; Daisy, who became the wife of James Ferrell, of Galesburg; Clara, who married Ray Howser, of Galesburg; Harmon, who married Lola Myers, now residing in Kingston, Kansas; Arthur, whose wife was Miss Mamie Peterson of Knoxville, a resident of this county; and Clyde, who married Miss Mae Dawson, of Dahinda. now a resident of Knoxville. :;-~: ^;-y ---

Mr. Witherell is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in Company A, Seventy-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and gone to the front on the nth of February, 1863, where he remained until the close of hostilities. He saw much active service, having participated in fourteen battles, the most important being those of Vicksburg and Cross Roads, and he was also present at the siege of Mobile. On the I5th of August, 1865, he was mustered out at New Orleans, receiving his discharge at Springfield, this state, on the 2d of September, 1865. He is a charter member of Post No. 239, of the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he has held all of the chairs. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, being a charter member of the Knoxville camp, with which he has been identified for twenty-four years and has held all of the chairs, and he also belongs to the Fraternal Reserve Association. In matter? of faith both he and Mrs. Witherell are Methodists, and take an active interest in the work of their church, among the membership of which they number many - friends. , . , . , . .

James W. Cox, a prominent and respected resident of Abingdon, has for more than two decades served as president of the Globe Shirt & Overall Company, one of the leading manufacturing enterprises of Knox county. His birth occurred in Indian Point township, this county, on the I2th of May, 1855, his parents being John and Rebecca (Bellwood) Cox, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father came to Knox county, Illinois, in early manhood, about the year 1850, while the mother was brought here by her parents when a little maid of about six. Following his marriage John Cox located on a farm in Indian Point township, residing thereon until called to his final rest in 1893, when about sixty-five years of age. His widow still survives and makes her home with our subject. She has spent practically her entire life in Knox county and is well known and highly esteemed within its borders.

James W. Cox was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the district schools, by a course of study at Hedding College. Subsequently he followed the profession of teaching for five years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In 1880 he turned his attention to merchandising, first conducting an establishment at Albert Lea, Minnesota. A short time afterward he came to Abingdon, Illinois, and opened a store here, being one of the leading general merchants of the town for about five years. After abandoning mercantile pursuits he was not connected with business interests for about a year. In 1889, however, in association with S. T. Mosser, he established the Globe Shirt & Overall Company. Business was begun on a modest scale on the site now occu- . pied by the Mercantile, but these quarters were soon found inadequate and a removal was made to the present location. The rapid growth of the business required frequent enlargements of the plant, which today is a modern structure of two stories and covers a quarter of a block. Employment is furnished to from one hundred and seventy-five to two hundred operatives. Mr. Cox is a man of excellent executive ability and sound judgment, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. In addition to his manufacturing interests he is also a factor in financial circles as a director of the First State & Savings Bank of Abingdon.

In politics Mr. Cox is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. A stanch friend of the cause of education, he has served as a member of the board of education for the past ten or twelve years and is now acting as its president. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Abingdon Lodge, No. 184. He has spent almost his entire life within the borders of Knox county and is widely recognized as one of its representative and esteemed citizens. - ., , ...

.- Andrew Jackson Ross is one of the well known retired farmers of Lynn township who has taken an active part in the agricultural development of this section and who is now enjoying the fruits of his former labor. He was bom on the I4th of April, 1835, in Camden county. New Jersey, and is a son of Benjamin and Nancy (Norcross) Ross. He is a grandson of Andrew Ross, who was a native of Scotland and came to New Jersey when but a young man. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1839. Benjamin Ross was also a native of Camden county. New Jersey, and was an agriculturist throughout his entire active career. His death occurred in 1856, when he was fifty years of age. In politics he gave his support to the democratic party and held various township offices. The mother's birth occurred in 1806 and she passed away in her native state. New Jersey, in 1895. She was a daughter of Joseph and Martha (Sloan) Norcross, the former of whom was an agriculturist and of English descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Ross eleven children were born, five of whom survive : Joseph, who is residing in Camden, New Jersey ; Hannah, the wife of Thomas McCann, of New Jersey ; Andrew J., of this review ; Edward, who is also living in New Jersey ; and Patience, who is the widow of J. T. Howard, of New Jersey.

After finishing his education in the district schools near his home, Andrew J. Ross worked out by the month until 1859, when he removed to Knox county and located upon the farm which is now known as the Gibbs farm. Subsequently he came to Victoria township and from 1870 until 1894 resided there. After he left that township he removed to the property upon which he is now living retired. In addition to general farming he also engaged in stock-raising and in both of these undertakings his labor and efforts were amply rewarded by the increasing returns which were annually yielded to him. He instituted many reforms as fast as they were advanced by leading agriculturists in the country and in this way raised the standard of the science of farming in this township. Because of his long experience in agricultural pursuits his advice is frequently asked and always heeded, his judgment being based upon the results which he received by careful and untiring eflforts. i . - - .?

On the 5th of September, 1858, Mr. Ross was married to Miss Mary Ann Downs, whose birth occurred in 1824 and who passed away in 1901. She was a daughter of Charles and Patience (Chew) Downs, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father was engaged in farming and in the sawmill business. Their deaths occurred in 1867 and 1871 respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Ross were the parents of two children. Ella, the eldest, was born June 26, 1859, and i^ at home. Elizabeth, born May 3, 1867, is the wife of John R. Gofi and the mother of two children : Ford, who is married to Ora Todd and has one daughter, Lillian; and Grace Mildred, whose birth occurred October 31, 1886, and who became the wife of David Craig, a son of David and Mary (Cowell) Craig, of Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. David Craig, Jr., three children were born, Howard, Mildred and Lucille. The death of Mrs. Ross occurred on the i7th of May, 1901. ' d/ ;'^'

- Politically Mr. Ross is affiliated with the republican party, by whom he was elected to the office of roadmaster of the township. In religious faith he is affiliated with the Christian church of La Fayette. For more than fifty years Mr. Ross has been a resident of Knox county and during this period he has made his influence felt in the circles with which he has been connected and has performed a citizen's duty in the development of the township. He is a man of noble qualities of character, of strong and resolute purpose, industrious and, enterprising, and, well known throughout the community for his uprightness and honesty, he merits and enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors and many friends. , ^. .-;-, . .v >',;..;' -^v .^^ ..-.-

Prominent in financial as well as agricultural circles in Knox county, Charles D. North, president of the Bank, of Yates City and owner of one of the finest farms in Elba township, resides four miles north of Yates City. Born in Pendleton county, Virginia, October 8, 1844, he was a son of Thomas J. North, whose birth occurred in i8oi, in Loudoun county, Virginia, whither Caleb North, the great-grandfather of our subject, had come from Ireland, leaving there May i, 1729, and landing here July 20. George North, the grandfather, was bom in 1751 and was an officer in the Revolutionary war. Thomas J. North was a miller by trade and followed this occupation in Virginia until 1875, when he removed to Yates City, Illinois, and lived retired, dying here several years later. He married Eliza Hinkle, who was a daughter of Jesse Hinkle, a Methodist Episcopal preacher. The Hinkle family are of Dutch origin and the first ancestor to come to this country was Anthony Jacob Hinkle, who settled in Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. North fourteen children were born, of whom three are now living, Sarah K., Thomas G. and Charles D.

Charles D. North obtained his education in Virginia and on leaving school enlisted in the army with the Sixty-second Virginia Cavalry, under the command of Fitzhugh Lee, and served during the last three years of the war. He took part in some of the important engagements and was wounded three times. When the war was over, he settled in Knox county in 1866 and engaged in the

Charles D. North

On the 5th of September. 1858. Mr. Ross was married to Mi«s Mary Ann Downs, whose birth occurred in 1824 and who passed away in 1901. She was a daughter of Charles and Patience (Chew) Downs, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father was engaged in farming and in the sawmill business. Their deaths occurred in 1867 and 1871 respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Ross were the parents of two children. Ella, the eldest, was born June 26, 1859, and is at home. Elizabeth, born May 3, 1867, is the wife of John R. Gofi and the mother of two children : Eord, who is married to Ora Todd and has one daughter, Lillian; and Grace Mildred, whose birth occurred October 31, 1886, and who became the wife of David Craig, a son of David and Mary (Cowell) Craig, of Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. David Craig, Jr., three children were bom, Howard, Mildred and Lucille. The death of Mrs. Ross occurred on the I7th of May, 1901. ' 1

Politically Mr. Ross is affiliated with the rejjublican part)', by whom he was elected to the office of roadmaster of the township. In religious faith he is affiliated with the Christian church of La Fayette. For more than fifty years ]\Ir. Ross has been a resident of Knox county and during this period he has made his influence felt in the circles with which he has been connected and has performed a citizen's duty in the development of the township. He is a man of noble (jualities of character, of strong and resolute purpose, industrious and enterprising, and, well known throughout the community for his uprightness and honesty, he merits and enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors and many friends. -- . -

Prominent in financial as well as agricultural circles in Knox county, Charles D. North, president of the Rank, of Yates City and owner of one of the finest farms in Elba townshi]), resides four miles north of Yates City. Born in Pendleton county, Virginia, October 8, 1844, he was a son of Thomas J. Xorth, whose birth occurred in i8oi, in Loudoun county, X'irginia, whither Caleb Xorth, the great-grandfather of our subject, had come from Ireland, leaving there May i, 1729, and landing here Jul>' 20. George Xorth, the grandfather, was bom in 1751 and was an officer in the Revolutionary war. Thomas J. Xorth was a miller by trade and followed this occupation in X'irginia until 1875, when he removed to Yates City, Illinois, and lived retired, dying here several years later. He married Eliza Hinkle, who was a daughter of Jesse Hinkle, a Methodist Episcopal preacher. The Hinkle family are of Dutch origin and the first ancestor to come to this country was Anthony Jacob Hinkle, who settled in \'irginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Xorth fourteen children were born, uf whom three are now living, Sarah K., Thomas G. and Charles D. ; ' -: |

Charles D. Xorth obtained his education in \'irginia and on leaving school enlisted in the army with the Sixty-second \'irginia Cavalry, under the command of Fitzhugh Lee, and served during the last three years of the war. He took part in some of the im]X)rtant engagements and was wounded three times. \\'hen the war was over, he settletl in fxnox county in 1866 and engaged in the cultivation of the soil, first renting land and, later on, purchasing a tract of his own. He made a number of purchases at various times and now he and his wife own three hundred and twenty acres, upon which their home is situated, and another tract of three hundred and twenty acres six miles north of Yates City, besides thirty acres located six miles north of Yates City and thirty-six acres three miles from the home place. Mr. North is the president of the Bank of Yates City, of which L. A. Lawrence is the vice president and Jack Mason the cashier, and he is likewise the owner of a one-fourth interest in the National Coal Company of Middle Grove, which is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars. Charles D. North came to Yates City on the 2Oth of March, 1866, and there was married, on the 22d of December, 1875, to Mary Sophia Nicholson, the only child of James H. and Catharine (King) Nicholson. They have resided on their present farm near Yates City since 1877. In their family were the following children: Adah Katharine, bom September 15, 1877; Ralph Nicholson, born August 20, 1879 ; Earl James Hasbrouck, bom January 25, i88i ; Carl Qinton, born May 25, 1882, who was married to Edith Victoria Slayton, January 26, 1910; Harold Edward, born July 25, 1884; and Elsie Louise, born June 9, 1889. All of the sons are engaged in agricultural pursuits with the exception of Harold, who is bookkeeper in the Bank of Yates City. -

Since exercising the right of franchise Mr. North has been affiliated with the democratic party and has served as road commissioner and for twenty-five years as school director. He is a member of the Universalist church and in the conduct of his life exemplifies its principles of open-mindedness and truth as well as the lofty ideals of the Masonic order to which he belongs, being a member of the blue lodge and the chapter of Yates City and of the commandery at Galesburg. Mr. North possesses singular force of will and the power to execute whatever enterprises he chooses to undertake, and it is his determination and his fearlessness in meeting obstacles that have won for him his remarkable success in life. , :- ^^ n ,-..,.-. .

Heman P. Smith, who is living retired upon his farm in Lynn township, Knox county, has devoted almost his entire life to agricultural pursuits. He was bom in Cortland county. New York, on the I4th of November, 1833. His paternal grandfather, Robert Smith, was a native of England, having come to America in 1775, when George Washington was organizing his army at White Plains. Robert Smith immediately enlisted and served through the entire war, being a subordinate officer under Washington. After the war he was given a patent to land in Cortland, New York. During the political organization of New York state he was the first town clerk elected in Schenectady, and during his services the township offices were at his home and all the meetings were held there. Thereafter he moved onto the land granted him which he farmed for some time. Shortly after his election to the office of clerk his son, the father of the subject of this review, was sent to a neighbor's for a. supply of dishes. Being delayed on his errand, he was severely punished by his father upon his retum.

The reprimand seemed uncalled for to the boy and he replied to his father, that just because he had been elected town clerk he need not feel so big. This anecdote was subsequently repeated to Washington, who enjoyed it greatly. The grandmother was in her maidenhood Miss Grace Braithwait. Both the grandparents passed away before Heman P. was born. The parents, William and Lorinda (Badger) Smith, were natives of New York state and Ohio, respectively. William Smith came to Knox county in 1844 and located upon the property which is now known as the Smith farm. In New York state he engaged in milling but took up agricultural pursuits after his removal to Knox county. His death occurred in 1880, when he was ninety-two years of age. Mrs. Smith was a daughter of Edmond and Margaret Badger, who came to reside with their daughter after they left Ohio. Mrs. Smith passed away in 1890, when she was one hundred years of age. She had become the mother of eight children, three of whom survive : Heman P., who is the subject of this review ; Austin, who is living in La Fayette ; and Erastus, of Lynn township. The boyhood and youth of Heman P. Smith were spent at home, his time and attention being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work on the home farm. When he was twenty-one years of age he taught school for a short time in Altona and attended Beloit College, of Beloit, Wisconsin, for some time, before locating permanently upon the family homestead. Agricultural pursuits formed his chief occupation during the remainder of his life excepting while he was in service in the Civil war. He enlisted on the Qth of August, 1862, at Altona, with Company G, Eightyninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Thomas Whiting. For three years he served in the Army of the Cumberland, which was commanded by General Sherman, and during this time he saw active service, at Nashville, Louisville, Chattanooga and Atlanta. He . was taken ill and was in a hospital for nine months before being mustered out because of disability for further service. He immediately returned home and took up the cultivation of his farm, which he had left in charge of his brother. His hard labor, persistency and untiring energy won him a sufficient competence that now permits him to live retired and enjoy the comforts of life. His farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance and is one of the most highly productive in Lynn township. Because of his long identification with agricultural interests his advice is frequently sought and is always heeded in matters pertaining to farm development.

V In 1865 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Harriet E. Thompson, whose birth occurred on the 4th of August, 1838. in Goshen, Connecticut, and is a daughter of John F. and Harriet E. (Reed) Thompson. Mrs. Thompson was a daughter of William and Amy (Crandall) Reed, who came to Knox county before the Smith family located here. Throughout his active career Mr. Thompson followed the blacksmith's trade. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith seven children have been born : Lemont, who is married to Minnie Short, by whom he has four children ; Lethay, who is engaged as a hospital nurse ; Fred, an engineer of Galesburg, who is married to Emma Blene and has seven children ; Abbie and Addie, twins, the former being engaged in teaching school and the latter at home ; Urban, of Lynn township, who is married to Myrtle Jones, and has two children ; and Bertha, of Kansas City, Missouri.

^ In politics Mr. Smith has always given his support to the democratic party and has served as assessor of the township and for many years as member of the school board. He holds membership in the Grand Army post of Victoria and both he and Mrs. Smith are members of the Baptist church of Galva. Because of his long residence in this county he has been a witness of much of its development, in which he has taken more than a citizen's interest and share, and is a well known figure in social and agricultural circles. ._ ....... .... ,

Abram Myers Eiker

. interests of Knox county and now living retired on his farm of one hundred V . and seventy acres in Orange township, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, ' n June i8, 1840. His father, Abram Eiker, a native of Pennsylvania, was a farmer ,

- : and blacksmith by occupation and also for many years operated a gristmill. He - . '" was married to Josephine Myers, who was born in Maryland, and in i86i re- ;

. Abram M. Eiker, his brother Isaac and Elizabeth Anderson survive - to Knox ': county, Illinois, settling on a farm that he purchased in Orange township. >' There he lived until the death of his wife when he made his home with his two '.' . ; children, living a peaceful existence which was terminated eight years ago. >

- twenty-one he entered the employment of his uncle on his farm in Knox county. V,; Before long he was prepared to engage in farming for hinsself and forty-six - ; - years ago, in 1865, he bought the farm of one hundred and seventy acres on ;.

- tangled underbrush, but this he cleared and developed, improving it until it is v; now one of the flourishing farms in this section. He built the present substantial -- '

. _ house and the bams, and devoted himself to the various departments of general - ; farming, making a specialty of raising cattle and horses. Some years ago he ; withdrew from active work on the place and now his son operates it continuing '^:- ; his father's wise administration and thorough-going methods of cultivation. '.-'.. ' -' . - In i86i Mr. Eiker was united in marriage, in Adams county, Pennsylvania, ' to Miss Martha Krise, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of George ^-

- ; Krise, a farmer in Adams county. Mrs. Eiker passed away in 1905, leaving her \.: \ husband and five children to mourn her loss. Their names are: George L., a ! ' farmer in Orange township; Elora B., the wife of Curt Qark of Orange town- .. ship; Bert K., living on a farm in Chestnut township; Ross, who operates his ; father's farm ; and Henrietta, the wife of Oren Smith, living in Kansas. ; L

On January 15, 1906, Mr. Eiker was again married, the second union being ;, with Miss Letitia Prushafer, bom near Monmouth, Illinois, March 9, 1867. ; ' She was a daughter of Fred and Hannah Prushafer, natives of Germany who !. : became pioneer settlers of Illinois, locating near Monmouth, where they lived for twenty-eight years when they removed to the county line and resided there ".''] until their death. The children of this marriage are: Mary, the wife of Wil- ?.

Ham B. Briggs, living near Victoria; Lucy, the wife of Alfred Myrick, living in Knox county northeast of Knoxville; Grant and Charles, living in Butte, Montana; and John, a farmer in the state of Washington.

Mr. Eiker votes with the republicans and has been county commissioner for a period of nine years and school director in Orange township for sixteen years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church while Mrs. Eiker belongs to the Christian church. Their home is pleasant and hospitable, being always open to the many friends who often come to seek their generous arid cordial welcome, and who pronounce Mr. and Mrs. Eiker a charming host and hostess.

; Jacob M. Oberholtzer is a retired farmer, living in Knoxville. He was for many years identified with general agricultural pursuits and is still owner of four hundred and sixty-eight acres in Elba and Truro townships. His birth occurred in the former township, March 14, 1845, his parents being Henry and Martha (Tucker) Oberholtzer, both of whom were natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Knox county between the years of 1838 and 1840. The family, as the name indicates, comes of German ancestry and was founded in America by Samuel Oberholtzer, the grandfather of J. M. Oberholtzer, who, upon crossing the Atlantic, settled in Ohio, where he followed the occupation of farming. He was married three times and had a family of twenty-one children. His death occurred near Findlay, Hancock county, Ohio. His son, Henry Oberholtzer, was born in the Buckeye state and came to Knox county with Samuel Tucker, settling in Elba township. The Tuckers were also early settlers in this part of the state, and on their removal from Ohio settled near Williamsfield. They were farming people, and Henry Oberholtzer was employed by Mr. Tucker, who afterward became his father-in-law. He wedded Martha Tucker in the early '40$, and their son, Jacob M. Oberholtzer, was the eldest of four children. Following his marriage Henry Oberholtzer began farming on his own account in Elba township, where he resided until the spring of 1865, when his life's labors were ended in death.

J. M. Oberholtzer, spending his youth on the home farm in Elba township, attended the common school throughout the winter months and worked in the fields during the summer seasons. The occupation to which he was reared he determined to make his life work, and continuously carried on farming until 1904, when he retired to private life, establishing his home in the village of Knoxville, where he is now resting from further labor. Throughout his well conducted business interests he acquired a substantial competence that now supplies him with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is the owner of four hundred and sixty-eight acres of land in Elba and Truro townships, and the rental therefrom is the source of a gratifying income.

On the 28th of October, 1869, Mr. Oberholtzer was united in marriage to Miss Laura A. Wheeler, a daughter of Moses and Cynthia (Walker) Wheeler.- The Wheeler family is of Swiss origin, and the great grandfather of Mrs. Oberholtzer. a native of Switzerland, was the first of the name to come to America.

Ham B. Briggs, living near \'ictoria ; Lucy, the wife of Alfred Myrick, living in Knox county northeast of Knoxville : Grant and Charles, living in Butte, Montana ; and John, a farmer in the state of Washington.

Mr. Eiker votes with the republicans and has been county commissioner for a period of nine years and school director in Orange township for sixteen years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church while Mrs. Eiker belongs to the Christian church. Their home is pleasant and hospitable, being always open to the many friends who often come to seek their generous and cordial welcome, and who pronounce Mr. and Mrs. Eiker a charming host and hostess.

Jacob M. Obcrholtzer is a retired farmer, living in Knoxville. He was for many years identified with general agricultural pursuits and is still owner of four hundred and sixty-eight acres in Elba and Truro townships. His birth occurred in the former township. March 14. 1845. his parents being Henry and Martha (Tucker) Oberholtztr. both of whom were natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Knox county between the years of 1838 and 1840. The family, as the name indicates, comes of German ancestry and was founded in America by Samuel Oberholtzer. the grandfather of J. M. Oberholtzer. who, upon crossing the Atlantic, settled in Ohio, where he followed the occupation of farming. He was married three times and had a family of twenty-one children. His death occurred near Findlay. Hancock county, Ohio. His son. Henry Oberholtzer, was born in the Buckeye state and came to Knox county witli Samuel Tucker, settling in Elba township. The Tuckers were also early settlers in this part of the state, and on their removal from Ohio settled near Williamsfield. They were farming people, and Henry Oberholtzer was employed I)y Mr. Tucker, who afterward became his father-in-law. He wedded Martha Tucker in the early '40$, and their son, Jacob M. Oberlioltzer. was the eldest of four children. Following his marriage Henry Oberholtzer began farming on his own account in Elba township, where he resided until the spring of 1865. when his life's labors were ended in death.

J. M. Oberholtzer. spending his youth on the home farm in Elba township, attended the common sch(jol throughout the winter months and worked in the fields during the summer seasons. The occupation to which he was reared he determined to make his life work, and continuously carried on farming until 1904, when he retired to private life, establishing his home in the village of Knoxville. where he is now resting from further labor. Throughout his well conducted business interests he ac(|uired a substantial competence that now supplies him with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is the owner of four hundred and sixty-eight acres of land in Elba and Truro townships, and the rental therefrom is the source of a gratifying income.

On the 28th of October. 1869. Mr. Oberholtzer was united in marriage to Miss I^ura .\. Wheeler, a daughter of Moses and Cynthia (Walker) Wheeler. The Wheeler family is of Swiss origin, and the great grandfather of Mrs. Oberholtzer. a native of Switzerland, was the first of the name to come to America.

Moses Wheeler, was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, September 27, i8io, and was a resident of that district until 1820, when he removed to Tioga ^ county, Pennsylvania. There he made his home until 1845 when he removed to ; Bradford county, where he lived for eleven years. In 1856 he became a resident of Peoria, Illinois, and in 1857 removed to Knox county, where he took up the occupation of farming, owning and cultivating a tract of land of two hundred ' and sixty-seven acres in Elba township. He was a man of considerable local . '-' prominence and held a number of offices in the county. He was a member of the Baptist church and he gave his political support to the republican party. - While living in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, he was married May i, 1834, to _-' Cynthia O. Walker, whose parents had removed from New Hampshire to Tioga v county, following the birth of their daughter, who first opened her eyes to the - ' ; light of day in the Old Granite state May 22, 1812, her life record covering the : intervening years to the 4th of May, 1880, when she passed away in this county. ' .-

Mrs. Oberholtzer was the youngest of the children born unto Mr. and Mrs. '- Wheeler, and by her marriage she has become the mother of six children. Elza, the eldest, is now living near Beardsley, Minnesota. Lloyd H., also residing near v : Beardsley, where he is engaged in farming, is married and has five children : Wilma; Vera; Lynn; Harley ; and Lela. Oliver T., who carries on general agri- ; cultural pursuits nejir Beardsley, is married and has two children, Ora and Alto. ^ Bertha Blanche is the wife of Frank C. Sherman of Beardsley, Minnesota, and unto them were born six children, Hubert, Laverne, Robert (deceased), Lyle, ' : Chester and Carter. Forrest Earl, bom in August, i88i, died in October, 1883. Hubert W. is living in Knoxville, but is employed as a bookkeeper by the Brere- ^ : ton Coal Company of Galesburg. He is married and has a daughter, Evelyn.

Mr. Oberholtzer has always exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party, and has held the office of supervisor in both Elba and Knox townships. His religious faith is that of the Meth- >- odist Episcopal church to the teachings of which he has always been loyal. He :' is interested in the welfare of his community and has cooperated in many meas- -'! ures for the public good, but his time is given mostly to his business efforts which, capably conducted, have brought to him substantial success Year after year he : carefully tilled the fields and cultivated his crops in such a manner that substantial harvests were gathered and his annual income was augmented. His life indicated what may be accomplished when energy and determination lead the way. .^:./ ; .-,,::: _---^:'\.:::^::-::-r\ '-'. A/o; V ';--'''-^^;';

George K. Slough, one of Abingdon's foremost citizens, is the cashier and secretary of the First State & Savings Bank of that town. His birth occurred near Peoria, Illinois, on the 3Oth of October, i86i, his parents being George W. and Anna M. (Kellar) Slough, who were also bom near that city and came of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. The paternal grandparents were Jacob W. and Anna Slough, natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who crossed the Atlantic to the United States some time in the '2os, locating in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

In 1834 they came west to Illinois, locating in Peoria, which was then a town of only sixteen cabins. They conducted the first tavern at that place and both he and his wife remained residents of Peoria until called to their final rest. Following his marriage George W. Slough, the father of our subject, located on a farm near Peoria, where his demise occurred about 1883. His widow subsequently took up her abode in Peoria, where she died about 1905, passing away in the faith of the Congregational church. George K. Slough now owns the old homestead which has been in possession of the family for about seventy years.

George K. Slough was reared under the paternal roof and obtained his early education in the public schools, later pursuing a business course in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. After putting aside his text-books he was employed for a short time as clerk and bookkeeper in Peoria. Subsequently he went to Burrton, Kansas, where he remained for six years, spending three years with a grain firm and three years as assistant cashier in the Bank of Burrton. In 1890 he returned to Peoria and entered the service of the Wilson Grocery Company, a wholesale grocery concern, having charge of their books for twelve years. In 1902 he came to Abingdon to accept the proffered position of cashier in the First State & Savings Bank, in which capacity he has since served in a most satisfactory and commendable manner. In 1908 he was one of the orgfanizers of the Abingdon Sanitary Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of vitreous china plumbers' supplies, and was chosen treasurer of the concern, in which connection he has since contributed to its growth and success.

On the 2d of September, 1884, Mr. Slough was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Gordon, of Peoria county, by whom he has seven children, as follows: Charles G., who is engaged in the automobile business at Abingdon ; Georgia K., a teacher by profession ; Howard Austin, who is a senior in Knox College ; and Ethel, Andrew, Theodore and Marjorie, all at home.

In politics Mr. Slough is a stanch republican but his aspirations are not in the line of public office. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M., of which he is at present worshipful master. He is likewise identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Mystic Workers, while his wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Fpiscopal church. Upright character and sterling worth have gained him a favorable place in the regard of many friends, and Knox county numbers him among her valued citizens.

Agricultural interests in Lynn township, Knox county, are ably represented by Richard F. Gibbs, whose birth occurred on the Gibbs homestead August 14, 1850. His paternal great-grandfather was born in Fngland and came to America about the time of the Revolutionary war. The grandparents, Martin and Hannah (Beck) Gibbs, were early residents of this county, where the former, whose death occurred in 1870 when he was eighty years of age, erected a sawmill on the only timber land in the northern part of Knox county. The parents of our subject were Jonathan and Tamer (Norcross) Gibbs, both of whom were born in New Jersey, where their marriage also occurred. In his native state the father had learned the glass-blowers' trade in Waterford, but after his removal to Lynn township, Knox county, he engaged in agricultural pursuits and made that his life's work. Mrs. Gibbs was a daughter of Joseph Norcross. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs six children were born, four of whom survive, namely: William H., a resident of Galva, Illinois ; Phoebe, who is married to D. Bradley, of La Fayette, Illinois; Qayton A., who is living in Galva; and Richard F., the subject of this review.

Acquiring his education in a near-by district school and attending to many of the lighter duties on the farm occupied the youth and boyhood of Richard Gibbs. He remained with his father until the latter's death, and since that time has been the owner and manager of the home farm. His life has been marked by constant labor and conscientious attention to duty and the results of these are clearly shown in the improved condition of his property and the abundance of his harvest. In addition to general farming he is also engaged in stock-raising.

On the 3Oth of November, 1875, Mr. Gibbs was married to Miss Mary J. Reed, whose birth occurred on the 24th of September, 1852, near Newcastle, Fngland, and who came to Galva, Illinois,, with her parents, George and Jane (Cockburn) Reed, when she was but five years of age. Mr. Reed, who has now passed the ninety-first milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Augpjst, 1820, is one of the most venerable citizens of the county. His wife, who was a daughter of George and Ann (Foster) Cockbum, passed away in 1857. George Reed is a son of Gabriel and Dorothy (Scipry) Reed, agriculturists, who died in 1857 ^"d 1859, aged seventy-four and seventy-six, respectively. The mother's three brothers were soldiers in the English army and fought in the battle of Waterloo. When but fourteen years of age George Reed began earning his own livelihood. He learned the mining trade in Pennsylvania and began work at sixteen cents a day, furnishing his own clothes and working twelve hours. After he had saved thirty-five dollars he was married and took up his home with his wife's parents, but realizing, that if he were to win the success he desired, he must engage in a more lucrative work he came west, making the trip on a fishing vessel. The journey took seven weeks. He settled in Galva and again followed mining until 1863, his wife and three children following two years later. Subsequently he became overseer in a coal mine at Galva. After giving up mining he followed agricultural pursuits on a farm located at Centerville near Victoria.

To Mr. and Mrs. George Reed six children were bom: Anna, of Copley township ; Mary Jane, who is married to Richard F. Gibbs of this review ; John Reed, who is living in Galesburg; George W., of Victoria; Joseph G., an agriculturist of this county ; and Emma, also of Victoria. Mr. Reed is at present a member of the Christian church although he formerly held membership in the Methodist church. To Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Gibbs four children have been born: Grace, who died when but eight years of age; Aris, who is married to Joseph Leslie Haxton, of Lynn township ; Laura E., who is the wife of Charles H. Baker, of La Fayette, and who has three children, J. Herbert, Harold F. and Dorothy; and Harry A., who is married to Myrtle Haxton and is residing at home.

. In politics Mr. Gibbs gives his allegiance to the republican party but he has never sought nor desired office. In religious faith he holds membership in the Christian church of La Fayette. The greater part of his time and attention has been given to his various undertakings, and he has had little chance to affiliate with lodge or fraternal circles. By thus devoting himself constantly to his farm, he has proven his worth as a substantial, progressive agriculturist.

George A. Shipplett

George A. Shipplett, one of the leading and most progressive citizens of Abingdon, is a prominent factor in financial circles as the cashier of the First National Bank of Abingdon and as a member of the board of directors and cashier of the Bank of St. Augustine and an organizer and director of the Farmers State Bank of Ellisville. Of the last two named institutions he wa:> one of the promoters, being one of four men who established the Bank of St. Augustine. His birth occurred in Mount Crawford, Virginia, on the 2d - of October, 1871, his parents being John M. and Sarah E. (May) Shipplett, also natives of Mount Crawford, where they were reared and married. The mother there passed away on the 3d of August, 1911, when sixty-eight years of age. The father, who survives, yet makes his home at Mount Crawford, where he is now living retired. Throughout his active business career he was successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits, the old homestead being near the town of Mount Crawford. For many years past he has done all in his power to advance the cause of prohibition, being a leading worker in the local ranks of the party. He has lived a clean, upright and honorable life and has always been among the first to support any movement or measure instituted to promote the general welfare. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shipplett took an active part in the work of the Methodist Episcopal church and gave liberally of their time and means in the interests of religion and charity. In December, 1911, John M. Shipplett celebrated his seventieth birthday.

George A. Shipplett was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in the Mount Crawford high school and the Mossy Creek Academy. After putting aside his text-books he was associated with his father in the operation of the Buena Vista Mills in Rockingham county for two years. In 1891 he made his way to Illinois, locating in St. Augustine, where he secured employment in the mercantile establishment of Mills & Shipplett. At the end of a year, however, he came to Abingdon to accept the proffered position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank. After about two years, having demonstrated his faithfulness and ability in the discharge of the duties entrusted to him, he was made assistant cashier of the institution and sometime later was promoted to the position of cashier, in which capacity he has since ably served. He is a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank and is likewise a director and cashier of the Bank of St. Augustine. He assisted in the organization of the Farmers State Bank of Ellisville and has since been a director of that institution. Mr. Shipplett has been identified with the promotion and organization of practically all of Abingr. -.--':':': HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY >^ 751 don's industries. He is vice president of the Abingdon Sanitary Manufacturing Company, director and treasurer of the Abingdon Shirt & Overall Company and director and treasurer of the Abingdon Trap Company. In these various connections he has displayed excellent business ability and keen discrimination, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

Mr. Shipplett gives his political allegiance to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. He has served as a member of the town council, as township treasurer and also as mayor of Abingdon and at present is treasurer of both the town and township school board. He was one of the chief factors in . establishing the public library in Abingdon, which was maintained by private subscription during the first two years of its existence but has since been maintained by taxation. At the time of its organization he was made treasurer and director, in which capacity he has served continuously since or for a period of fifteen years. Fraternally he is identified with the following organizations: Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M. ; Achilles Lodge, No. 373, K. P. ; the Supreme Court of Honor ; Mystic Workers of the World ; the Order of the Eastern Star ; and Galesburg Lodge, No. 894, B. P. O. E. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church. His unbending integrity of character, his fearlessness in the discharge of duty, in every relation in which he has been found, and his appreciation of the responsibilities that have rested upon him, have made him a citizen whose worth is widely acknowledged.

Mandivill John, now living retired in Hermon, was for many years actively ' : engaged in general farming in Knox county. He was bom in Clinton county, .; Ohio, his natal day being the ad of January, 1854, and his parents Elisha and Rachel (Lewis) John. The family removed to Illinois in 1856, locating in Knox county, where Elisha John later bought some land that he cultivated and improved until his death. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in Company D, Seventh Illinois Volunteer Cavalry and went to the front, where he remained three years. He was wounded during the period of his service, having participated in twenty-seven engagements among them being some of the notable battles of the war. He always kept in touch with his comrades of the field, through the medium of his membership in Abingdon Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, to the interests of which he was ever loyal. Mr. John passed away in 1900, but the mother still survives at the advanced age of eighty years, and now

- the necessity of thrift and industry in recognition of the responsibilities of life, when ytill little more than a child he was assigned regular duties about the farm.

These increased with the passing years and when not engaged with his studies in the district school the greater part of his time was given to assisting his father in tilling the fields and caring for the stock. After leaving school he worked with his father until old enough to begin for himself. He then left the parental roof and began his independent career as an agriculturist, continuing to follow this vocation until 1908. when he retired and removed to Hermon. Mr. John was successful in his undertakings, and now owns eighty acres of land, which furnish him a competence that enables him to live in retirement, enjoying in the evening of life the ease and comfort that is the just reward of a well ordered and usefully spent period of activity.

Mr. John has been married twice. His first union was with Miss Mary Berry, their marriage occurring on the 24th of December, 1878. She was a daughter of Joseph and Martha Ann Berry and a native of Virginia, her birth there occurring on the 2d of October, 1858. In 1862 she accompanied her parents on their removal to Knox county, where the father engaged in farming. Later he went to Hermon and engaged in the manufacture of wagons, continuing to make his home there until his death. Mrs. John passed away in 1901, leaving one son, Everett Le Roy, the only child born of this union. On the Qth of February, 1908, Mr. John married Miss Hila Martin, who was born in Missouri on the nth of August, i88i. Her mother is now deceased, but her father, William Martin, is still living in Missouri, where he located during the pioneer days, and engages in farming.

Both Mr. and Mrs. John are members of the Christian church and he votes the republican ticket, but has never taken an active part in local politics, as his own interests demanded all of his time and energies for their development. ' -

-, .. Dewitt Smith, is one of the oldest residents of Maquon township, having ; -; spent seventy-five years in the immediate vicinity of his present homestead,

'^ which is located five miles from the town of Maquon. He was born in Pennsylvania, in 1833, and is a son of E. R. and Angeline (Catlin) Smith. The father,

- : . who was a native of Vermont, removed with his wife and family to Illinois in , 1836, locating in Knox county. He purchased one hundred and thirty acres of

- ' '; .. and forests abounded in fish and g^me. The life of the settlers was very primi- ' . tive, rude log cabins serving for homes, as well as schoolhouses and churches,

. . ; while little time was left from the work of the fields and the care of the homes ; .:/v for social life. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of eleven children, five of whom are still living. The father lived to a ripe old age, being ninety-three ; . years at the time of his demise.

;.- - ^^^ on their removal from Pennsylvania, Dewitt Smith spent the greater part of '. -:.' ''.,-' his boyhood and youth amid the environment of frontier life. When old enough

Mr. Axd Mrs. Dewitt Smith

These increased \vitli the jiassing years and when not engaged with his studies in the (hstrict school tlie greater part of his time was given to assisting his father in tilling the fields and caring for the stock. After leaving school he worked with his father until old enough to begin for himself. He then left the parental roof and hegan his independent career as an agriculturist, continuing to follow this vocation until i</)S. when he retired and removed to llermon. Mr. John was successful in his undertakings, and now owns eighty acres of land, which furnish him a competence that enahles him to live in retirement, enjoying in the evening of life the ease and comfort that is the just reward of a well ordered and usefully si)ent period of activity.

Mr. John has been married twice. His first union was with Miss Mary I'.erry. their marriage occurring on the 24th of December. 1878. She was a daughter of Joseph and Martha Ann Berry and a native of X'irginia, her birth there occurring on the 2d of October. 1858. In 1862 she accompanied her ])arents on their removal to Knox county, where the father engaged in farming. Later he went to llermon and engaged in the manufacture of wagons, continuing to make his home there until his death. Mrs. John passed away in 1901, leaving one son, Everett Le Roy, the only child bom of this union. On the Qth of February. 1908. Mr. John married Miss Ilila Martin, who was born in Missouri on the nth of August, i88i. Her mother is now deceased, but her father. \\'illiam Martin, is still living in Missouri, where he located during the pioneer days, and engages in farming. -

Both Mr. and Mrs. John are members of tbe Giristian church and he votes the republican ticket, but has never taken an active part in local politics, as his own interests demanded all of his time and energies for their development.

Dewitt Smith, is one of the oldest residents of Maquon township, having spent seventy-five years in the immediate vicinity of his present homestead, which is located five miles from the town of .Ma(|uon. He was l)orn in Pennsylvania, in 1833. and is a son of F. R. and Angeline (Catlin) Smith. The father, who w'as a native of X'ermont. removed with his wife and family to Illinois in 1836. locating in Knox county. He purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land in Macjuon townshiji and began the life of a pioneer farmer. The countrv was largely in a wild state at that period, the government still owning vast stretches of uncultivated ])rairie and acres of native timber, while the streams and forests abounded in fisli and game. The life of the settlers was very primitive, rude log cabins serving for hfnnes. as well as schoolhouses and churches, while little time was left from the work of the fields and the care of the homes for social life. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of eleven children, five of whom are still living. The father lived to a ripe old age. being ninety-three years at the time of his demise.

As he was only a little l.'id of three years when he accompanied iiis parents on their removal from Pennsylvania. Dewitt Smith spent the greater part of his boyhood and youth amid tbe environment of frontier life. When old enough

^:/f.'':' and stock-raising, both proving to be very lucrative, but the active operation of the fields is now left to his son, although Mr. Smith still gives the work his

Lewis Edward Gibbs, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising in Lynn township, Knox county, was born upon the farm upon which he is now residing on the 29th of June, 1863, his parents being Joseph and Elizabeth Ann (Goetzinger) Gibbs, the former of whom was a native of New Jersey. The father came to Knox county with his parents in 1837 and they located at once on the property, where the Gibbs family still reside. They made the trip from New Jersey by team, there being eight in their family. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Gibbs, the grandparents of our subject, were among the oldest settlers and were one of the Quaker families who settled in this county. They remained actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until Joseph Gibbs purchased the farm. He arrived in this county when he was twenty-one years of age but returned to Peoria shortly after, going down the Illinois river and up the Ohio river to the old home, where he was married and was engaged as a glass blower. He lived in Philadelphia for ten years and during that time operated a woodyard. In 1858 he came to the present homestead and resided there until two years be- fore his death, when he removed to Galva, where he died when well advanced in years. His wife passed away on the ist of March, 1911, when she was eightynine years of age. She was a daughter of Christopher and Jeannette (Altman) Goetzinger. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs ten children were bom, of whom five are now living: Lewis E., who is the subject of this review; William H., who is in the insurance business at Galva ; Joseph E., who is residing in Victoria township ; Hannah V., a widow living in La Fayette ; and Elizabeth A., who is married to Charles Howell, also of La Fayette. Mr. Gibbs was one of the leading republicans in his district and held many offices, among them being that of supervisor when the county seat was changed from Knoxville to Galesburg. He held membership in the Masonic lodge at Philadelphia.

Lewis E. Gibbs acquired his education in the district schools and assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, after which he farmed on shares until he was twenty-five years of age, when he removed to Galva and engaged in the hardware business, which he conducted for three years before returning to Lynn township and operating a farm for five years, which his father gave to him. He then rented a farm from his mother for five years and it is still his home. He has engaged in stock-raising in addition to carrying on general farming. Almost his entire active career has been spent in agricultural pursuits and because of the thorough training which his father gave him, he has become one of the most successful agriculturists in Lynn township. The Gibbs family have contributed much to the development of the land of this region and have been among the most successful farmers who have ever resided here. . - I

Mr. Gibbs was married on the lath of December, 1888, to Miss Eva May Dudley, whose birth occurred on the ist of January, 1867, and who is a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth C. (Bevier) Dudley, who are living in La Fayette at the ages of seventy-seven and sixty-six years respectively. They are both natives of Knox county and have spent their entire lives in this region. Mr. Dudley was born in Massachusetts on the ist of October, 1834, and is a son of Stephen and Salome (Collins) Dudley. The father was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, in 1809, and passed away at the age of seventy-two years. Throughout his life he was an active farmer and blacksmith and removed to Knox county in 1854, when he settled in Lynn township upon the farm upon which he resided until he removed to Galva, where his death occurred. Charles Dudley, retiring from the farm, removed to Altona, where he remained five years, and then went to La Fayette. He was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in i86i for three years' seryice with Company D. Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After he had completed his term of enlistment he joined Company G, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at La Fayette, under General White of Chicago. He served in the Western army and at one time was under Grant. He was mustered out at Springfield and immediately returned to his agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Dudley, whose birth occurred on the i6th of December, 1842, in Ulster county. New York, is a daughter of Abram and Adeline (Meisner) Bevier, whose deaths occurred on December 8, 1910, and in 1876, at the age of ninety and fifty-four, respectively. The grandparents, Moses and Elizabeth Bevier, were also agriculturists and Adeline Meisner, who became the wife of Abram Bevier, was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Meisner. Of the

Carl Luther Youngdahl, prominently identified, with the agricultural and stock-raising interests of Walnut Grove township, this county, where for a number of years he has kept an extensive farm under a high state of cultivation, was born February i8, 1869, in Wyanet, Illinois, a son of Nels S. and Bertha (Goerenson) Youngdahl. The paternal grandfather, Nels Swanson, was a soldier in Sweden, his native country. The father was a native of Crefanstad, Sweden, having been born September 17, 1832, and came to the United States in 1856, locating in Minnesota until 1863, when he removed to Princeton, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. In i88i he removed to the present Youngdahl homestead and was engaged in its cultivation until his retirement in 1891, when he located in Altona, where his death occurred April 14, 1909, and where his widow is now living at the age of seventy-four years. He was a member of the Lutheran church of Altona and gave his political support to the republican party although he never sought office as a reward for party fealty. They were the parents of six children: Christina, the widow of P. A. Amenoff; George E. and Nels T., both deceased; Sophia, who is the wife of John Johnson, of Altona ; Anthony C. who is a college professor in Michigan ; and Carl Luther, who is the subject of this review. ... .

In the common schools of Illinois Carl L. Youngdahl acquired his education and remained at home engaging in farm duties until he was twenty-one years of age, when he removed to his present home. He has cultivated and improved this property and today it is provided with all the conveniences necessary to the farming occupation and he has given his time to raising crops together with stock breeding. As a farmer he has been quite successful and, taking pride in the appearance of his property, he has added every improvement that might contribute to its neatness and utility. - ;,'; . ..;/-. . :--:':;,. -:^-:-.: