Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 46 of 56)

Reared on the home farm M. S. Lemon obtained his education in the public schools near by and began to assist his father when barely old enough to handle a plow, remaining in Ohio luitil some time during the war when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio \'olunteer Infantry, serving not cjuite a full year. In 1865 he arrived in Galesburg, Illinois, and purchased eighty acres of land in the county. This he improved and operated, increasing his holdings by additional purchases until he now owns a tract of four hundred and thirty acres. Through industry and thrift he transformed the raw prairie land into a flourishing farm yielding abundant crops. He is ])rogressive in his methods and believes in utilizing the soil to its fullest extent, conforming to scientific principles of intensive farming instead of the old-fashioned manner

. .; ..r:.> -;;::>:.; -,i .. . -.^:;^ ^vof operating land with much wastefulness and without regard for the future possibility of exhausting the soil. Four years ago he retired from active work upon his place, giving the management of it to his son.

On March i, 1871, at Galesburg, Illinois, Mr. Lemon was united in the bonds of wedlock to Miss Mary E. Whitfield, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Thurwell) Whitfield, both natives of England. They came to America and settled in Pennsylvania where the father, who was a boiler maker, died before he reached middle life. His widow left alone with the task of bringing tip two children came to Knox county and settled on a farm.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Lemon are seven children : Nancy, who married Arthur Coolidge, a farmer in Iowa and has two children, Horace and Phillip ; Ruth ; Fannie, a graduate of business college, who lives at home ; Louis ; Grace and Alice, both high-school graduates ; and Stella. Being a veteran of the Civil war Mr. Lemon is an enthusiastic member of the Galesburg Post of the G. A. R. He is a mild-mannered man of genial temperament making friends easily and keeping them because he is big-hearted and loyal, always ready to lend his aid to those who may need it. c;'' Jr^-: 'vy . V'.v;:^->;--

The late J. W. Briggs, who was one of Maquon's successful business men as well as extensive land owners, his holdings aggregating over fifteen hundred acres at the time of his demise, was a native of the state of New York.

He was essentially a self-made man, having arrived in Illinois at the age of thirty years with a capital of fifty cents. He was a tinner by trade, hard-working and enterprising as well as ambitious, and subsequently had the means to engage in the livery business, being one of the pioneer livery men of the town. Success in the life of the average man is largely a question of being able to recognize opportunities and to dominate conditions as the advantages afforded are the same in many instances. The essential factors in the success of J. W. Briggs was his ability to anticipate contingencies and so apply his energies as to realize the greatest possible benefit that might accrue therefrom. He dealt extensively in live stock, this proving to be a very profitable source of revenue, and as he was able, from time to time invested his capital in farms, until he had acquired fifteen hundred acres of land. Since his death this has been divided among his widow and children, Mrs. Briggs' portion being three hundred acres, which she is now renting.

Mr. Briggs married Miss Priscilla Jones, a daughter of Peter and Sallie Jones, who came to Illinois from Pennsylvania when Mrs. Briggs was a girl of thirteen years. Here she grew to womanhood, becoming the wife of J. W. Briggs in 1860, when she was seventeen years of age. Mr. Jones, who always engaged in farming in Pennsylvania, was injured in a railroad strike soon after locating here and subsequently died from the effects. Eight children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones, four of whom are deceased. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Briggs numbered three. Ida, who is living in Galesburg, married William Cauflfman, a farmer, and has six children, Nina, Harry, Kate, Maud, Briggs and

Samuel. Charles, who is conducting the livery formerly owned by his father in addition to which he has a fine farm, is soon going west. He married Lizzie Combs and has one son, Judson. Frank, who engages in farming in Maquon township married Clara Ouderkirk of this county, and has two children. Faith and Paul.

Mr. Briggs was an out-and-out republican and a stanch adherent to his f>arty and its policies, a faithful supporter of its candidates, devoting such of his time to political matters as the development of his personal interests, in which he met with such notable success, permitted of. His demise occurred in Maquon on the 22d of February, 1906.

Some men achieve success by a chance turn of fortune, some by an auspicious combination of circumstances which makes their rise f)ossible, and some win their laurels by dint of hard toil and intensive application. The success of William A. Spies, president of the Abingdon Wagon Company, may be said to be due in a measure to all of these. He was fortunate in his parentage, his father, Adam B. Spies, founder of the wagon works, having been a man of rare organizing genius and administrative capacity along industrial lines. He was also fortunate in having his father blaze the trail before him. But William A. Spies* success is due to something more than ancestral heritage and the fact that the wagon industry was bound to flourish in a rapidly growing agricultural state like Illinois. In the wisdom of the ages he found the solution o.f his life's problem and following the old adage to learn one thing and learn that thoroughly, mastering every detail of the work, he followed in his father's footsteps and chose for this purpose the science of making wagons. No department of the trade was too mean or too unimportant for his attention, but giving himself wholly and enthusiastically to the work, he mounted in his calling with such exceptional celerity that, in 1895 when the present factory was erected and the company was reorganized, at the age of twenty-two years he won his wellmerited reward in being chosen for the presidency of the company, a position which he has occupied ever since.

William A. Spies was born in Sterling, Illinois, on April 14, 1873. His father Adam B. Spies, Sr., a native of Germany, came to this country in 1852, when a boy of fourteen, his parents locating in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his father, also named Adam, followed his trade as a stone mason. After living there four or five years the family came westward and settled on a farm in Whiteside county, Illinois, where William Spies' grandfather engaged in agriculture. His father, then a young man in his twentieth year, had, during their residence in Philadelphia, served an apprenticeship at the wagon-maker's trade and now, after the family's removal to Illinois, served as a journeyman wagon maker in Sterling for about two years. He then opened a general repair shop in Sterling and in 1865 he began making farm wagons for the trade. The demand for these was so great that he was called upon to enlarge and improve his facilities until from small beginnings there g^ew a large and prosperous manufacturing plant. In 1891 the factory burned, and in place of rebuilding on the old site which had become insufficient for their purposes, the works were transferred to Abingdon, where a new and modemly equipped plant was built and put into operation in 1895. Upon the reorganization of the company, A. B. Spies, wishing to lay aside the too exacting cares and responsibilities as the chief director, passed the reins of management to his son William. How creditably the new trust was assumed by the young man may be seen in the rapid development and expansion of the firm's output. The capacity of the plant is about fifteen thousand vehicles annually and, equipped with excellent shipping facilities on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and the Iowa Central Railways, it constitutes one of the most important factors in the industrial life of this section of the country. After the company's incorporation under a new name, A. B. Spies, Sr., did not sever his connections with the establishment of which he was the founder, but continued to take an active part in its affairs until his death in 1907. His wife had departed this life in 1895, twelve years earlier.

William A. Spies was educated in the public schools of Sterling. Even when a boy he evinced great love for the work carried on in his father's shop, where he spent most of his spare moments, thus absorbing many of the intricacies of the wag^n-maker's trade with which he had practically grown up. For this reason, when the time came for him to assume responsibilities, he was ready to discharge his duties with the forethought and assurance that results from a thorough knowledge of the details of his business. ;

Mrs. William A. Spies was formerly Miss Blanche Johnston of Abingdon, the daughter of Merrick Johnston now residing in Chicago. Her marriage to Mr. Spies occurred in 1896. One son was born of this union, William A. Spies, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Spies are active workers and influential members of the Universalist church and had no small share in bringing about the fulfillment of the project long desired by the congregation, the erection of a new church upon which work is to be commenced this fall. In his political allegiance Mr. Spies is a republican. Fraternal circles know him as an active worker in Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M. and the Galesburg Lodge of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In the industrial and commercial affairs of his community he occupies a leading position and no one is regarded with more esteem for his straightforward, unequivocal method of conducting his business.

L. W. Benson, who passed away September 23, 1907, was for many years actively identified with the agricultural interests of Maquon township. He was a native of Green Briar county, Virginia, one of the eight children born of the marriage of Thomas P. and Maria (Sneidger) Benson, also natives of Green Briar county, where they were reared and married. In 1836 they came to Illinois, locating on a farm in Haw Creek township, to the cultivation of which Mr. Benson devoted his energies for many years, but he was living in Maquon when he passed away, his demise occurring at the venerable age of eighty-four years.

The greater part of the life of L. W. Benson was spent in Knox county, in whose common schools he was educated. While pursuing his studies he also assisted his father in the operation of the home farm, his duties and responsibilities increasing from time to time in accordance with his development. With the discovery of gold in California and the marvelous stories of the wealth to be found there, the youth decided to abandon farming and go to the new Eldorado. He spent eight years prospecting in the mines of California, with but little reward, so returned home and resumed agricultural pursuits. Upon his return he purchased the farm of his father-in-law, Nelson Selby, but after six years residence there removed to Maquon. At the time of his death he owned fifty acres of productive land, twelve of which is still in the possession of his widow. ^. ... --] ;;'--.:; ;,^ '-

For his wife Mr. Benson chose Miss Mahala Selby, a daughter of Nelson Selby, who was a cloth manufacturer in Ohio, who came to Knox county in 1834, engaging in agricultural pursuits. Of this union there were born four children. Thomas P., the eldest, is deceased. Kathleen M., the deceased wife of Charles Hoxworth was the mother of two children, Raymond and Lura E. Leven W.. who is a roadmaster on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Galesburg, married Elevan Stoke. Wade H., the youngest member of the family, is a resident of the state of Washington. ^ ;- , 1-:':^

Mr. Benson affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church of which his widow is a member, and fraternally he was a Mason. His political support he gave to the democratic party and for eight years most efficiently served his township in the capacity of supervisor. ' '- - -

David Cation, president of the First State Bank of Williamsfield and one of the most prominent and influential business men of this part of the county, is a native of Illinois, bom in Peoria county in June, 1856, and is a son of James and Catherine (Gray) Cation, both of whom were born in Scotland.

Having been reared in the country, David Cation obtained his preliminary education in the district schools of Peoria county and Elba township, Knox county. This was later supplemented by study at Hedding College and he also pursued a commercial course in Brown's Business College, thus better qualifying himself for the practical duties of life. While attending school he also assisted his father with the operation of the farm, and after laying aside his textbooks he devoted his summers to agricultural pursuits and his winters to teaching. In i88i he went to Oregon, where he remained for nine years, being identified with wheat- raising and the lumber industry. In 1890 he returned to Knox county, locating in Williamsfield, where he at once became associated with L. J. Baird in the operation of a private bank, known as Bank of Williamsfield, with L. J. Baird as president and himself as cashier. This institution was reorganized in April, 1908, as a state bank with a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars. David Cation first becoming vice president and later president of the new institution. Its officials have always been conservative business men of recognized stand-

David Catiox

The greater part of the hfe of L. \V. Benson was spent in Knox county, in whose common scliools he was ethicated. While pursuing his studies he also as>isted his father in the operation of the home farm, his duties and responsibilities increasing from time to time in accordance with his development. \\'ith the discovery of gold in California and the marvelous stories of the wealth to be found there, the youth decided to abandon farming and go to the new Eldorado. He spent eight years prospecting in the mines of California, with but little reward, so returned home and resumed agricultural pursuits. Upon his return he purchased the farm of his father-in-law, Xelson Selby. but after six years residence there removed to Maquon. At the time of his death he owned fifty acres of productive land, twelve of which is still in the possession of his widow. - . I

For his wife Mr. Benson chose Miss Mahala Selby, a dattghter of Xelson Selby, who was a cloth manufacturer in Ohio, who came to Knox county in 1834, engaging in agricultural pursuits. Of this union there were born four children. Thomas P., the eldest, is deceased. Kathleen M.. the deceased wife of Charles Hoxworth was the mother of two children, Raymond and Lura F. Leven \V.. who is a roadmaster on the Chicago. Burlington & Ouincy Railroad at Galesburg, married I-^levan Stoke. \\'ade 11.. the youngest member of thy family, is a resident of the state of Washington. - . '.' !

Mr, Benson affiliated with the Afethodist Fpiscopal church of which his widow is a member, and fraternally he was a Mason. His political sujiport he gave to the democratic party and for eight years most efficiently served his in the capacity of supervisor.

David Cation, president of the First State Bank of Williamsfield and one of the most prominent and influential business men of this part of the county, is a native of Illinois, born in Peoria county in June, 1856, and is a son of James and Catherine (Gray) Cation, both of whom were born in Scotland. , Having been reared in the country, David Cation obtained his preliminary education in the district sch(X>ls of Peoria county and Flba township, Knox county. This was later su])plemented by study at Hedding College and he also pursued a commercial course in Pirown's Business College, thus better qualifying himself for the practical duties of life. While attending school he als<i assisted his father with the oy:)eration of the farm, and after laying aside his textl)ooks he devoted his summers to agricultural pursuits and his winters to teaching. In i88i he went to Oregon, where he remained for nine years, being identified with wheat-raising and the lumber industry. In 1890 he returned to Knox county, locating in Williamsfield. where he at once became associated with L. J. Baird in the operation of a private bank, known as P.ank of Williamsfield, with T., J. Baird as president and himself as cashier. This institution was reorganized in April, 1908, as a state bank with a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars. David Cation first becoming vice president and later president of the new institution. Its officials have always been conservative business men of recognized stand- ing and naturally the bank has flourished, being now one of the well established financial institutions of the county. The present officers are : David Cation, president; A. L. Harris, cashier; and J. D. Doubet, vice president, all widely known and highly esteemed citizens of the community.

Mr. Cation has been twice married, his first union having been with Miss Ella Barber, who passed away in 1905. Four children were bom to them, as follows: Russell and Mary, now deceased; James L., a fanner, who married Miss Myrtle Tucker, a daughter of J. A. Tucker; and Catherine, who graduated from : the Abingdon high school and is now attending' the State Normal.

In 1908 Mr. Cation married Miss Emhia Parker, of Williamsfield, who for nine years was bookkeeper and assistant cashier in the bank and is a daughter of George and Sallie Parker. Her parents take especial interest in advanced farming and were the first in Truro township to make use of phosphates as recommended by the State Agricultural College at Urbana. They also built the first silo in the township and conduct their fanning on the cooperative plan, furnishing the stock and tools, and sharing the profits with those who do the actual work.

Mr. Cation manifests his religious faith through his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political support he gives to the republican party. He takes an active interest in local affairs and served for two years as supervisor and for six as township treasurer, which office he still retains. He is one of the progressive and public-spirited business men of his town, the development of which he forwards on every possible occasion by giving his support to every movement that he feels will promote the welfare of the community.

J. A. Hensley, for many years justice of the peace in Yates City and a representative of the mercantile interests, was born near Mount Sterling, Montgomery county, Kentucky, October 15, 1844. His parents Evan S. and Amis (Ander-r son) Hensley were both natives of Kentucky. The grandfather, Elijah Hensley, - came from Virginia to Kentucky at an early date and died when J. A. Hensley was but a small boy; the grandmother survived her husband for many years and passed away during our subject's early manhood. When the convulsions of the great war were rending the usual peace and quiet of Kentucky, his father, Evan S. Hensley, removed his family to Illinois settling in Elba township, Knox county, in 1864. There he lived, engaged in the pursuits of farming, until his death, caused by typhoid fever, at the age of sixty-one years. His mother, who was a daughter of James Anderson, died at the age of eighty-four years, both parents being buried in the cemetery at Yates City. Ten children grew to years of maturity, of whom four are now living. They are : Julia A., the widow of Nathan Williams, residing in Spokane, Washington; J. A. Hensley; Isabelle, the wife of R. H. Taber, residing in Portland, Oregon; and Charlotte, the widow of L. A. Thomas, residing in Kansas City, Missouri. The deceased are: Emily,;; who was the wife of Elijah Shubert, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Dr. J. W. Hensley, who died in Peoria, Illinois, where he was practicing medicine; Dr. Joseph ing and naturally the bank has flourished, being now one of the well established financial institutions of the county. The present officers are : David Cation, president; A. L. Harris, cashier; and J. D. Doubet, vice president, all widely known and highly esteemed citizens of the community.

Mr. Cation has been twice married, his first union having been with Miss Ella Barber, who passed away in 1905. Four children were bom to them, as follows : Russell and Mary, now deceased ; James L., a farmer, who married Miss Myrtle Tucker, a daughter of J. A. Tucker ; and Catherine, who graduated from the Abingdon high school and is now attending' the State Normal.

In 1908 Mr. Cation married Miss Emhia Parker, of Williamsfield, who for nine years was bookkeeper and assistant cashier in the bank and is a daughter of George and Sallie Parker. Her parents take especial interest in advanced farming and were the first in Truro township to make use of phosphates as recommended by the State Agricultural College at Urbana. They also built the first silo in the township and conduct their farming on the cooperative plan, furnishing the stock and tools, and stharing the profits with those who do the actual work.

Mr. Cation manifests his religious faith through his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political support he gives to the republican party. He takes an active interest in local affairs and served for two years as supervisor and for six as township treasurer, which office he still retains. He is one of the progressive and public-spirited business men of his town, the development of which he forwards on every possible occasion by giving his support to every movement that he feels will promote the welfare of the community.

J. A. Hensley, for many years justice of the peace in Yates City and a representative of the mercantile interests, was born near Mount Sterling, Montgomery county, Kentucky, October 15, 1844. His parents Evan S. and Amis (Anderson) Hensley were both natives of Kentucky. The grandfather, Elijah Hensley, came from Virginia to Kentucky at an early date and died when J. A. Hensley was but a small boy ; the grandmother survived her husband for many years and passed away during our subject's early manhood. When the convulsions of the great war were rending the usual peace and quiet of Kentucky, his father, Evan S. Hensley, removed his family to Illinois settling in Elba township. Knox county, in 1864. There he lived, engaged in the pursuits of farming, until his death, caused by typhoid fever, at the age of sixty-one years. His mother, who was a daughter of James Anderson, died at the age of eighty-four years, both parents being buried in the cemetery at Yates City. Ten children grew to years of maturity, of whom four are now living. They are : Julia A., the widow of Nathan Williams, residing in Spokane, Washington ; J. A. Hensley ; Isabelle, the wife of R. H. Taber, residing in Portland, Oregon ; and Charlotte, the widow of L. A. Thomas, residing in Kansas City, Missouri. The deceased are: Emily, who was the wife of Elijah Shubert, of Council Bluffs, Iowa ; Dr. J. W. Hensley, who died in Peoria, Illinois, where he was practicing medicine ; Dr. Joseph

Hensley, who died in Oklahoma City, where he was a physician ; W. D. Hensley, a member of the Twenty-fourth Kentucky Regiment, who died in the army of measles ; Sarah C., who remained unmarried ; and Ella, .who was the wife of J. M. Ewalt, of Yates City. \ v^ . : :' ^ -- : I "J^. /.

During his boyhood J. A. Hensley lived in Kentucky, where he obtained most of his education completing his schooling in Elmwood, Peoria county, Illinois. He was engaged in farming in Kentucky, when he resolved to enter the army and accordingly enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served with honor for one year.

Not only in times of war did J. 'A. Hensley render valuable service to his country, however, but in times of peace he has performed his duties in the administration of public office, since in his long continued position as justice of the peace in Yates City, he has contributed to the maintenance of order and propriety in his community. He has served in this capacity ever since 1884 with the exception of four years, from 1889 to 1893 under Harrison's administration, when he was postmaster of Yates City. In 1897 he engaged in the grocery business and opened a store of his own which he managed with much success until the year 1908, when he sold out to D. M. Enochs. He has, furthermore, represented for the past twenty-eight years the Fire Association of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, insuring for fire and lightning. In his appointment to the position ot notary public he is empowered to use the official seal in many legal transactions. A man of force and executive ability, he has been able to follow many interests and perform with credit the duties that have devolved upon him in his public and private capacity.

Mr. Hensley was united in the bonds of matrimony, on August 19, 1869, to Miss Sarah A. Enochs a native of Shellsburg, Jo Daviess county, Illinois, who has been to him an able helpmate and a true wife, all of these years. Her father, Samuel D. Enochs, was born in Belleville St. Qaire county, Illinois, and was a carpenter by trade, pursuing agricultural interests during the later years of his life. He served in the Black Hawk war, in which he distinguished himself for bravery, and throughout his life gave himself loyally to the principles of democracy. He was for a time a school director in the earlier days of Yates City, being a resident of that place. His death occurred at the age of sixty-eight years and nine months, and he was buried in the cemetery at Yates City. His wife, Mrs. Sarah (White) Enochs was a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Denton) White of Virginia. She makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. J. A. Hensley, and is one of the oldest women living in this part of Knox county, being in her ninety-fifth year. Throughout her life when not hampered by illhealth, Mrs. Enochs was an active worker for the cause of temperance and in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she is a member. Since 1903, however, her activities have been interrupted and she is now an invalid, her infirmities resulting from a fracture of the hip caused by a fall. She is the mother of eight children, of whom Mrs. Hensley is the only girl, beside one sister, who died in infancy. Of the six sons none is residing in Knox county. Mrs. Enochs receives a pension from the government for her husband's service in the Black Hawk war and has the distinction of being the only one in Yates City accorded this privilege of all those surviving, who were dependent on men that risked their lives in that war. . ... .'

- ' In national affairs Mr. Hensley is a democrat while in local politics he is independent, voting for the candidate whom he considers best qualified to fill the respective office. In his fraternal relations he is connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows, his membership in the former being with Yates City Lodge, - No. 444, and in the latter with Yates City Lodge, No. 370, in which he holds the office of treasurer. He is a Presbyterian in faith and is a trustee of the Yates City Presbyterian church. As a veteran of the Civil war he is an enthusiastic member of Morgan L. Smith Post, No. 666, G. A. R., in which he has held the office of adjutant and quartermaster for a number of years. He is likewise one of the directprs of the Harvest Home Association of Yates City. In their pleasant home on West Main and Marietta streets Mr. and [Mrs. Hensley often gather about them an interesting group of friends and relatives who are sincerely devoted to them for their hospitality and good-will towards all. -..;-,./;

W. w. Harler is one of Knox county's agriculturists, who, by reason of his energy and industry, has acquired the means to enable him to spend his latter years in the ease and comfort that justly belong to every well spent life. He laid aside the active work of the fields more than a year ago and is now living retired in Maquon. He is a native of Huntington county. New Jersey, his birth there occurring in 1844, while his parents were J. W. and Anna M. (Slack) Harler, the father a native of Massachusetts and the mother of New Jersey. J. W. Harler, who was a molder, removed with his wife and family to Illinois in 1853, locating here on November 8. He was for many years employed in the Peterson foundry, but was forced to withdraw from this employment during the latter years of his life. He removed to Chippewa county, Minnesota, about seven years prior to his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-two years. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Harler numbered eight, six of whom are living. :

W. W. Harler was a lad of nine years when brought to Illinois with his parents and has ever since been a resident of the state. He attended the common schools until he had acquired sufficient knowledge of the common branches to enable him to begin his real life work, when he laid aside his text-books and entered Peterson's foundry with his father. There he applied himself to the mastery of the molder's trade but never followed it, subsequently turning his attention to agricultural pursuits. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-four years of age, at which time his father went to Minnesota to make his home. Having gained a good practical knowledge of the principles of general farming, he took a position as a farm hand, diligently applying himself to this work for the succeeding four years. During that period by reason of his unremitting energy and thrift he acquired enough capital to establish a home of his own and after his marriage began farming as a renter. He continued in this way until 1889. when he invested the capital he had acquired in one hundred and forty acres of land in Maquon township. The cultivation and improvement of this land engaged his attention imtil 1910, when he turned the operation of his homestead over to his son and removed to Maquon, where he owns a comfortable residence. Mt. Harler diligently applied himself to the tilling of his fields and the raising of cattle with growing success for many years, during that time bringing his land into a high state of cultivation and making his farm one of the valuable properties of the district. When he bought his place it was unimproved, but as the years passed he made such annual expenditures as he was able from time to time until it now contains good, substantially constructed barns and outbuildings, serviceable fences and a comfortable residence. He also effected many minor changes during the period of his occupancy that added greatly both to the appearance and value of the property.

For his wife Mr. Harler chose Miss Lizzie White of Fairview.and they became the parents of three children : Idella, who married Arthur Addis of this county and has four children. Pearl, Cecil, Fred and Irene; A. C., living on his father's homestead, who married Minnie Agers and has three children, Mildred, Wilson and John ; and Myrtle, who married Floyd Selby and has three children, Fred, Helen and Grace.

Mr. Harler has always voted with the republican party, and has held the offices of commissioner, justice of the peace and constable, serving with efficiency in each capacity. In matters fraternal he has never been identified with any organization save the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the principles of which body have been very influential in directing his life. Mr. Harler is one of those to whom success came as the result of unremitting and persistent endeavor, and such ease and comfort as is now permitted himself and wife by reason of the competence they have acquired is the well merited reward of years of toil and self-denial. -.''.-..

George L. Hagan

George L. Hagan, cashier of the State Bank of St. Augxtstine, began his career as a farmer, following the pursuit in which his father had met with much success before him. Born in Knox county, Illinois, on the 2ist of May, 1858, he was one of a large family of children. His grandparents lived in Maryland and were of Irish extraction. His parents were natives of Kentucky, the father George Henderson Hagan, having come to Indian Point township. Knox county. Illinois, in 1841, where he continued to live until his death April i, 1898. During this time he saw the raw prairie of the surrounding country converted into fine farms and rich pastures, and with his own industry and thrift contributed in no slight degree to the agricultural prosperity. He married Miss Teresa Onan, whose parents came from Kentucky and located in Indian Point township in 1841, the same year in which his parents had come to this place. Mr. and Mrs. Hagan were the parents of eleven children. The order of their birth was as follows : Frances, Wallace, Robert, two Carolines and William, all of whom are deceased ; George L., the subject of this sketch ; H. Albert, who is living on his homestead northeast of St. Augustine ; Henson, a twin brother of H. Albert and Charles, both deceased ; and Blanche, who has also passed away. Mrs. Hagan died in 1907, nine years after her husband, and was buried by his side in the

George L. Hagan, the seventh child, was educated at the district school of Pleasant Valley and for one year attended Notre Dame University of Indiana. He then came home and engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until 1905, when he removed to St. Augustine, where he became cashier of the State Bank, of which Oron Latimer is the president. He also conducts business in real estate and life insurance, and, in partnership with his brother, owns the home farm of two hundred acres.

In 1889 he was married to Miss Linnie Jennings. In politics he is a stanch democrat, thus following the political inclinations of his father. He is an asses- .- sor of Indian Point township, a position which he has held for ten years. Devotion to work and adherence to the principles of integrity, the characteristics which won for Mr. Hagan success in his agricultural career now distinguish him as an able business man in financial circles in his community. * - -.

H. A. Hagan, the brother of George L. Hagan, and eighth child of Mr. and Mrs. George Henderson Hagan, lives a short distance northeast of St. Augustine, where he is successfully engaged in agriculture. He was born in Indian Point township, July i8, 1859, and was educated in the local district school. At the age of thirty-two he left home and began farming on the place which he now owns, two hundred acres on section 27, a valuable tract of land yielding abundant annual crops. He was married in 1893 to Miss Kate O'Pray, born in Fulton county, a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Daugerty). Their union was blessed with eleven children namely: Mary, Teresa, Patrick, Frances, Katie, Lorina, Maude, Jennie, Henderson, and the last two, who were twins, Ellen and Estelle, all living at home.

In politics Mr. Hagan, like his father and brother gives his allegiance to the democratic party, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Hagan are numbered among the substantial citi- . zens of their community, where they have many friends.

William L. McGirr, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Maquon township, where he owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, is a native of Knox county. He is one of the six children born of the marriage of Mahlon and Sarah L. (Barbero) McGirr, his natal day having been the 3ist of July, 1863. His father was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1828, and there he learned and followed the blacksmith's trade until he was twenty-two. Feeling a desire to create a place for himself in one of the newer western sections, then being opened up, he came to Illinois, locating on a farm in Maquon township, one-fifth interest in which is now held by our subject. There Mr. McGirr spent the remainder of his life, devoting his energies to the cultivation of his homestead until his death at about the age of sixty-seven.

:- Reared amid the environment of what at that time was largely a pioneer district in the acquirement of his education W. L. McGirr attended the district schools. After mastering the common branches, he laid aside his text-books, to assume the heavier responsibilities of life. He began his career as carpenter and after following this occupation for four years went to work for the railroad. He gave this occupation up at the end of a year and went to Florida, where he worked on a plantation for three years. At the expiration of that time he returned to Illinois, where he has ever since been engaged in general agricultural pursuits, and in 1903 he purchased his present farm located four miles southeast of Maquon. He has wrought extensive improvements on this property during the period of his occupancy, having erected a beautiful new residence, thoroughly modern in all of its appointments, thus adding greatly to the attractiveness as well as value of the place.

; Mr. McGirr's arrangements for a home of his own had their culmination in his marriage to Miss Julia Murphy, a daughter of John and Catherine Murphy, of Haw Creek township. Two children have been born of this union, John Mahlon and Helen Kathleen. By means of his diligence and intelligence in the direction of his affairs Mr. McGirr is meeting with constantly growing success in the pursuit of his vocation, and now owns one of the finest farms in his township. Although he meets the requirements of good citizenship at election times, his time is nearly all taken up by the development of his personal interests, leaving him no opportunity to actively engage in politics. He casts an independent vote, giving his support to the men and measures he deems best adapted to subserve the interests of the agriculturist, irrespective of party affiliation.

, In the death of Samuel Shives, in 1900, the ranks of the prosperous farmers of Knox county suffered the loss of one, who for fifty years devoted himself faithfully to the growth and development of the agricultural interests for which this section of the country is known. A native of Fulton county, Pennsylvania, his birth occurred January i, 1825. His parents were John and Susan (Miller) Shives, both born in Pennsylvania, who lived in that state their entire lives.

Until he was twenty-five years of age Samuel Shives lived in the state in which he was born, where he was educated and where he served his years of apprenticeship in his calling, laying the foundation for that thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits which later enabled him to win for himself and his family a generous competence. He settled in Knox county m 1850, making his home one and one-half miles northeast of Yates City, where he began by working in the employ of others on a monthly wage. Being interested in machinery he devoted himself for a time to the work of operating a threshing machine and com sheller. After his marriage in 1866 he rented a farm in Elba township from his father-in-law. Thirty-eight years ago this March, that is in 1874, he bought the farm of eighty acres which is still owned by his widow, and in addition to this his wife came into the possession of a farm comprising eighty acres given to her by her father. The latter place Mrs. Shives sold last winter. During the twenty-six years of his management of the farms Mr, Shives carried on general fanning and stock-raising. He improved the land greatly, built large, substantial buildings, and equipped the farm modernly throughout. He was prosperous, winning his success by his untiring labors and by strict adherence to honest business principles.

For his helpmate Samuel Shives chose Miss Martha Kightlinger, who was born in Elba township. May i8, 1844, a daughter of Jacob and Maria (Burfield) Kightlinger, both natives of Pennsylvania. They settled in Knox county, Illinois, at an early date. Land being held at low prices Mr. Kightlinger bought large tracts of it, becoming an extensive landowner. He was a wealthy farmer and before his death gave a farm to each of the children surviving of a family of eleven. He died at the age of eighty-six and his wife has also passed away.

P'our children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shives. Flora Estella, born August 19, 1871, died October 23, 1880. Marion, bom January 23, 1873, is married to Maud Thurman and lives north of Yates City. John, bom November 6, 1879, is married to Minnie German and lives in Elba township. He has one child, Herman H. Mabel, born September 19, i88i, is the wife of Milo Taggart, who operates the home farm. They are the parents of one child, Lois Leola. ;,: ;; .-^. ' : -

In his political persuasion Mr. Shives was a democrat, standing "for the true democracy that means equal opportunities for everybody. He served as collector and assessor and was on the school board of his district for a period of twentythree years, working unselfishly for the advancement of the educational interests of his community. He was a kind man and generous, beloved by all who knew him.

- Varied interests have engaged the attention of Jesse Eldridge Barlow, whose comprehensive knowledge of the world of finance, sagacity and intelligent direction of his energies has enabled him to become recognized as one of the most capable and influential business men of Abingdon.

Mr. Barlow was born on a farm in Warren county, this state, on May 31, 1862, his parents being Samuel and Margaret (Kinton) Barlow. They were born and reared in Kentucky and there they were married in 1844, this union being blessed by ten children. The father, who always engaged in farming, in the early 'SGS brought his family to Warren county, locating in the vicinity of Greenbush, where he resided until about 1886. He then withdrew from the active work of the fields and removed to Abingdon, where he lived retired until his death in 1899. The mother is still living at the venerable age of eightysix and now makes her home with her son Jesse. She is a woman possessed of unusual mental and physical powers and accompanies the family on long auto- mobile trips, seemingly having the endurance of one twenty years her junior. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was also the father. : Fraternally Mr. Barlow was a Mason, being a member of the chapter, while politically he was a democrat. He was a man of high principles and unquestionable integrity, whose loyalty and reliability won him the esteem of all with whom he came in contact. -

Jesse Fldridge Barlow was reared on the farm, where he was born, in the operation of which he assisted while acquiring his preliminary education in the district schools of the vicinity. He subsequently attended the Prairie City high school and Hedding College, laying aside his text-books at the age of eighteen years. During the following three years he followed the profession of teaching, but being a most ambitious youth, this vocation did not afford him the opportunity to develop the latent business powers he had early given evidence of possessing, nor did he deem its financial returns commensurate with his ability. So upon attaining his majority he went to Fairfield, Nebraska, where he invested his small capital and for three years thereafter was successfully identified with the mercantile interests of that town. At the end of that time he became associated with Charles E. Faith in the hardware business in Goodland, Kansas, for four years, at the same time being interested with his brothers, Samuel Thomas and Charles Henry Barlow, in the operation of the Kansas Banking Company, of that town. From there he went to Burlington. Colorado, and having met with most excellent returns from his various business enterprises, he became one of the large stockholders of the State Bank of Burlington. For four years thereafter he was the cashier and business manager of that flourishing institution, which under his capable supervision soon became known as one of the substantial and reliable banks of the state. In 1892 he disposed of his stock and came to Abingdon, where he organized the Abingdon Safety Bank, of which he was cashier for four years. At the expiration of that period he severed his connection with this enterprise and devoted his entire attention to the buying and selling of real estate and agricultural interests. Mr. Barlow is the possessor of the most essential quality of success in any field of action, the ability to recognize opportunities. This united with his confidence in his powers has always given him the courage to act upon his convictions and so intelligently direct his interests that invariably they have proven the wisdom of his foresight. He now owns practically one thousand acres of as fertile and productive farming land as is to be found in the state, his holdings being located in Knox, McDonough and Fulton counties. ; :' '

Mr. Barlow was married in 1893 to Miss Winnie Lucille Jolidon, of Elvaston, Illinois. Two children were born of this union, Jesse Eldridge, Jr., who died in infancy ; and Esther, who was a most interesting child of the age of four and a half years when death overtook her. -.{..'-." l':.v.-

Despite his extensive personal and business interests, Mr. Barlow has always found the time to assist in the direction and management of those organizations maintained for the public and general welfare. At the present time he is acting as one of the stewards of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which both he and his wife are earnest members, and he is a trustee and treasurer of Hedding College, as well as a member of the board of directors of the public library of Abingdon. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, being a mem- her of a lodge in Colorado, and he belongs to Abingdon Lodge, No. 184, I. O. O. F. ; the Modem Woodmen of America, Camp No. 446 ; and Achilles Lodge, No. 373, K. of P., of Abingdon. In matters politic he is a democrat, but is not strictly partisan and often times in local elections votes for other candidates, believing in municipal affairs it is a question of the man best qualified to subserve the interests of the community. Mr. Barlow is one of those whose success can be attributed to inherent ability united with untiring energy, perseverance and determination of purpose, qualities that ultimately win recognition when intelligently and capably directed.

Orlando Payton has met with such excellent success in his agricultural pur- -v suits that he has not only acquired a fine property of two hundred and forty acres in Maquon and Salem townships, Knox county, but has extensive holdings in North Dakota. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, in March, 1853, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Alsberry) Payton, the father a native of Arkansas and the mother of Indiana. James Payton was brought to Illinois , from his native state when an infant and spent the remainder of his life in Fulton and Peoria counties. He became a successful farmer and was an extensive landowner of the state at the time of his death, which occurred when he was seventy-two. Of the five children born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Payton three are living: Orlando, the second in order of birth and our subject; Matilda; and Malvina. Those deceased are John, the eldest; and Artemus, the fourth in the order of birth. ' ';-'.--'.

Pioneer conditions still prevailed in this section of the state at the time of the birth of Orlando Payton, whose boyhood and youth were spent on his father's farm. He pursued his education in the district schools of Fulton county, while mastering the practical methods of agriculture under the direction of his father. He came to Knox county in his early manhood and worked , as a farm hand, having been engaged in that capacity on his present homestead. Persistent application and determination enabled him to acquire the means to buy the place ultimately, and here he has ever since resided. He has owned the property for twenty-eight years, during which period he has wrought many and extensive improvements, having erected the majority of the buildings now standing, while he has brought the land into a high state of cultivation. Here he engages in general farming in connection with which he raises stock, meeting with excellent success in both lines of the business.

For his wife Mr. Payton chose Miss Martha J. Young, a daughter of Wil- ^.. Ham and Elizabeth (Gilmore) Young, also residents of Maquon township. Five .: children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Payton : Ada E.. the wife of Lewis Tasker, who is living on the old Young homestead ; Jessie, who is deceased ; Mabel, who is at home ; Herman, who is assisting his father in the operation of the farm ; and Mary, who is also living at home. There are three grandchildren in the familv: Verne. Glenn and Ray, the children of Mrs. Tasker, who lost a little daughter. Olive, and a babv.

His political allegiance Mr. Payton gives to the democratic party, but has never been an aspirant to official honors, although he has acted in the capacity of school director. The success with which he has met in the conduct of his affairs must be largely attributed to his inherent ability and unremitting energy. The appearance of his homestead, located five miles southeast of Maquon, evidences his skill as an agriculturist, as well as his business sagacity, which has enabled him to increase his realty holdings by the addition of three hundred and twenty acres of land in North Dakota. ,. v ' ;;. :

William E. Warner, a veteran of the Civil war and for many years a successful carpenter in Knox county, was born in Clinton county, Indiana, June 8, 1841. He was the son of Asa H. and Hanna J. (Greene) Warner, both natives of New York. His father, a cooper by trade, died in Indiana in 1844 when William E. Warner was three years old. His mother remarried and . came to Knox county, Illinois, in 1845, settling in Rio township, where shTs lived for four or five years. The family then removed to Iowa and from there to Missouri and, in 1859, came back to Illinois, making their home in Henderson township, Knox county. This remained the family home till a few years before the parents' death. His mother died in Nebraska and his stepfather in Oregon.

In the district schools of the various localities where the family resided, William E. Warner was given an education. When seventeen years of age he went to Butler county, Iowa, and there enlisted in Company I, Third Iowa Infantry and, in April, i86i, was mustered into the service. He served until the close of the war, being discharged at Louisville, July 12, 1865. The story of his participation in the war and his accounts of important engagements in which he took part, forms an interesting chapter in his history. In i86i his company spent most of the time in Missouri chasing guerrilla parties and bushwhackers. Erom Missouri they went to Illinois, to Cairo, and then up to Shiloh, where they took part in the memorable battle of Peach Tree Creek. His company was also present at the siege of Vicksburg which lasted forty-one days and took part in the battle at Jackson where General Grant won a victory over the rebels under General Johnston. After the war the young soldier came to his home in Henderson township, Knox county, Illinois. He was twenty-five years old and wishing to establish himself in a career, his choice fell on the carpenter's trade. This he mastered and followed, working steadily until a few years ago when he retired, making his home on the outskirts of Henderson village.

On June 13, 1866, William E. Warner was united in the bonds of matrimony to Mary Shepherd, a daughter of David and Martha (Eaton) Shepherd, living near Brookville, Canada. Her mother came from England to America at the age of thirteen years, lived for a time in Canada and there married David Shepherd. They did not remain in Canada but came to Hancock county, Illinois, where their daughter Mary was born June l6, 1844. The following year in March, 1845, her family removed to Knox county, Illinois, where Mr. Shepherd,

William E. Warnkr

His political allegiance Mr. Payton gives to the democratic party, but has never been an aspirant to official honors, although he has acted in the capacity of scliool director. The success with which he has met in the conduct of his affairs must be largely attributed to his inherent ability and unremitting energy. The appearance of his homestead, located five miles southeast of Maquon, evidences his skill as an agriculturist, as well as his business sagacity, which has enabled him to increase his realty holdings by the addition of three hundred and twenty acres of land in North Dakota.

V William E. Warner

William E. Warner, a veteran of the Civil war and for many years a successful carpenter in Knox county, was born in Clinton county, Indiana, June 8, 1841. He was the son of Asa H. and Hanna J. (Greene) Warner, both natives of New York. His fatlier. a coojier by trade, died in Indiana in 1844 when William E. Warner was three years old. His mother remarried and .came to Knox county. Illinois, in 1845, settling in Rio township, where sh'e lived for four or five years. The family then removed to Iowa and from there to Missouri and, in 1859, came back to Illinois, making their home in Henderson township, Knox county. This remained the family home till a few years before the parents' death. His mother died in Nebraska and his stepfather in Oregon.

In the district schools of the various localities where the family resided, William E. Warner was given an education. When seventeen years of age he went to Rutler county. Iowa, and there enlisted in Company I. Third Iowa Infantry and, in Ai)ril, i86i, was mustered into the service. He served until the close of the war, l>eing discharged at Louisville, July 12, 1865. The story of his participation in the war and his accounts of important engagements in which he took part, forms an interesting chapter in his history. In i86i his company spent most of tlie time in Missouri chasing guerrilla parties and bushwhackers. From Missouri they went to Illinois, to Cairo, and then up to Shiloh, where they took part in the memorable battle of Peach Tree Creek. His company was also present at the siege of X'icksburg wliich lasted forty-one days and took part in the battle at Jackson where (ieneral (irant won a victory over the rebels under General Johnston. After the war the young soldier came to his home in Henderson township, Kno.x county, Illinois, lie was twenty-five years old and wishing to establish himself in a career, his choice fell on the carpenter's trade. This he mastered and followed, working^ steadily until a few years ago when he retired, making his lioine on the outskirts of Henderson village.

On June 13, i8<'>r), \\'illiam E. Warner was united in the bonds of matrimony to Mary Shepherd, a daughter of David ami Martha (Eaton) Shepherd, living near r.nM^kville, Canada. Her mother came from England to .America at the age of thirteen years, lived for a time in Canada and there married David Shejjherd. They did not remain in Canada but came to I lancock county, Illinois, where their daughter Mary was born June 16, 1844. Tlie following year in March, 1845, her family removed to Knox county, Illinois, where Mr. Shepherd, who was an agriculturist, had bought a farm of sixty acres which he cultivated during the remainder of his years. He died on May 8, 1898, at the age of eighty. Mrs. Shepherd passed away on August 17, 1896, in her seventy-ninth year.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Warner were the following children, all daughters: Alora E., the wife of Frank Murray, a carpenter, living in Albia, Iowa, who is the mother of two daughters: Mabel, the wife of Ora Folger, a painter, living in Galesburg, who is the mother of three children ; and Blanche, the wife of E. C. Searcy, a grocer, living in Albia, Iowa. Maude is the wife of Hilmer Harpman, who conducts a hotel in Waterman, Illinois, and the mother of five children named, Helen, Hazel, John Warner, Richard A., and George Washington. Mattie, the wife of John Weedman, a hardware dealer, is living in Victoria, Illinois. She has two children, Mary and Maud. : Mr. Warner is a democrat in his political allegiance and has been called to public office a number of times. He has served as school director, as constable and as police magistrate. He is a member of the Henderson lodge, A. F. & A. M., and of Post No. 26, G. A. R., of North Henderson. Throughout his life Mr. Warner has been a man of singular devotion to his aims discharging his duties with honor both during the Civil war and in the pursuit of his occupation.

The life record of James Richey is 'the story of efficient public service extending over a period of more than four decades, the worth of which is attested by all who know aught of his career. A native of Ireland, he was bom in County Tyrone, June 22, 1842, a son of William and Jane (Scott) Richey, the father's birth also occurring on the Emerald isle. The family came to the United States in 1842 or 1843, locating first in Columbiana county, Ohio, where they remained until 1853. In that year the home was established in Abingdon, Knox county, Illinois, and there the parents spent their remaining days, the father's death occurring in 1876 and the mother's in 1893. Both were laid to rest in Abingdon cemetery. The father was a butcher by trade and also engaged to some extent in fanning. He and his wife were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the teachings of which formed the guiding influences in their lives. In their family were six sons and three daughters, as follows : E. A., the widow of W. H. McDonold, of Abingdon, who enlisted in the First Illinois Cavalry for service in the Civil war and was killed in the battle of Lexington, Missouri; Samuel, deceased ; James, of this review ; Maria, the widow of J. W. McGintis, who also fought in the Civil war; Scott and Henderson, twins, the former a farmer of Milton, Oregon, and the latter conducting an undertaking establishment at Denver, Colorado, one who died in infancy; Robert, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Stockdale, Nebraska; and Archie, who has also passed away. , The educational advantages of James Richey were those afforded by the public schools of Abingdon and he remained at home until thirty-five years of age, being engaged at various occupations. For more than forty years he has been continuously identified with public service, his association therewith being in connection with the police department of Abingdon and elsewhere. In i86i he was appointed to the office of marshal at Abingdon, which he filled for thirteen years, after which he served for twenty-five years as deputy sheriff of Galesburg. The succeeding four years were spent as marshal of Abingdon, while at the present time he is serving as deputy marshal of this town, and his long continuation in connection with the department of public safety is indicative of the efficiency and faithfulness which has ever marked the performance of his duties. Official service, however, has not absorbed his entire attention, for he has devoted a portion of his time to agricultural pursuits, being the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and ninety acres located in Cedar township. He has also assisted in the establishment of several of Abingdon's industrial institutions and hasthus taken a prominent and active part in the material development of the community.

Mr. Richey was married, in 1871, to Miss Serelda Haney, a niece of the Rev. Richard Haney, and unto them have been born two children, Kai and Haney. The daughter is now the wife of George S. Butler and resides near Avon, Illinois. They have two children, Marie and James Dale. The son, Haney Richey, who resides on his father's farm, married Mabel Wiles and they are the parents of three children, James, Teddy and Serelda. Mrs. Richey was called to her final rest August 5, 1884, her remains being interred in Abingdon cemetery. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also her husband, who is now serving as chairman of the board of trustees of that institution. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Abingdon and is at present filling the office of chaplain of that order. He has ever been a stanch supporter of republican principles since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and for two years served as street commissioner of Abingdon. Higher honors were also bestowed upon him, for his fellow citizens, recognizing his ability and worth, elected him to the office of mayor of the city, in which he was the incumbent for three years. It was during his service as chief executive that the waterworks were installed and many other improvements were indorsed and introduced by him. Few residents in this section of the county have been longer in the public service than has Mr. Richey and the honorable purposes and high ideals, which have ever actuated him in this connection, have won the confidence, respect and good-will of all law-abiding citizens, who appreciate faithfulness and upright methods in official service. '. '. v^

Frank Hopkins is the owner of three hundred and forty acres of highly cultivated land in Chestnut township, where he successfully engages in stockraising and general farming. His birth occurred on the farm where he now resides on the 4th of May, 1873, his parents being Thomas and Sarah A. (Booton) Hopkins. His father, who was born in Wales, on January 4, 1831, was brought to the United States by his parents when a babe of six months. They located in Clinton county, Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives and where the son was reared to manhood. When he was twenty-seven, Thomas Hopkins came to Illinois, locating in 1858 in Peoria, where he engaged in coal mining until after the breaking out of the Civil war. During the early days of the Rebellion he responded to the nation's call and enlisted as a private in the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry. He remained at the front for three year? and three months, being discharged with the rank of second lieutenant. Although he saw much active service, participating in thirty-two engagements, during one of which he had his horse shot from under him, Mr. Hopkins was never wounded. After being mustered out he returned to Peoria, where he was married in 1866 to Miss Booton, who was a native of Ohio, her birth having occurred at Oakmound, Jackson county, on the I7th of February, 1831. The first year of their domestic life they spent in Peoria, and then removed to Knox county, settling on a farm on section 4, Chestnut township. This was new land, and Mr. Hopkins immediately erected upon it such buildings as were necessary and then devoted his energies to clearing and placing his farm under cultivation. He was an energetic man of sound judgment and practical in his ideas, who intelligently applied his efforts and reaped corresponding returns. As his means accumulated he from time to time increased his holdings, at the same time bringing his original tract into a higher state of cultivation and adding to its value by the erection of better buildings and making other improvements. Agricultural pursuits continued to engage his energies until his death, which occurred on his homestead on the 23d of August, 1895, his burial taking place at Hermon, Illinois. He was survived by his widow, who is still living and now makes her home at Knoxville. Mr. Hopkins was one of the public-spirited men of the community, always taking an active and helpful interest in all political affairs, and capably discharging the responsibilities of the various township offices he held, giving his support on all occasions to the republican party. He was not affiliated with any church but was an earnest member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins numbered three : Rosa D., the wife of J. E. Davis, of Orange township ; Mary A., who became the wife of Nathaniel F. Johnson, also a resident of Orange township; and Frank, who is our subject.

The entire life of Frank Hopkins has been spent amid the scenes of his birth, his education having been acquired in the schools now attended by his children. After completing the course therein he took Brown's Business course, thus obtaining a more comprehensive idea of practical commercial methods. Having been trained from his earliest boyhood for the life of an agriculturist after laying aside his text-books, he engaged as such on the home farm, which he has operated ever since the death of his father. He now owns three hundred and forty acres of land, all in one piece, that he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. Progressive in his methods and practical in his ideas, Mr. Hopkins has so intelligently concentrated his energies, that now his is one of the most attractive and valuable farms in the township. During the period of his occupancy he has improved it by the erection of fine barns and outbuildings and a modern residence, the beauty of his place being greatly enhanced by the tasteful arra'ngement of the well kept grounds that surround it. He is meeting

On the nth of March, 1900, Mr. Hopkins was united in marriage to Miss Anna Davis, who is a native of Chestnut township, and they have become the parents of two children : Ruth, whose birth occurred on the gth of June, 1902 ; and Rex, who was born on September ii, 1904.

Mr. Hopkins is a member of the Knights of Pythias, being affiliated with the lodge at London Mills, and he belongs to the Odd Fellows, his connection being with the organization at Hermon. His political views coincide with the principles of the republican party, for whose candidates he always casts his ballot. He takes an earnest interest in all township activities and has served with efficiency in several of the township offices. Mr. Hopkins is one of Knox county's sons who in every way is a credit to the community where he has so long resided, and is held in high esteem, well merited by reliability and trustworthiness in all of his relations of life, both public and private.

U. s. Garren, postmaster of Douglas, was born in Fulton county, Illinois, December 3, 1842, his parents being Dempson and Rachel (Ulmer) Garren, natives of Indiana. His father, who was an ardent democrat in his political convictions, died of a fever at the age of forty and was buried in Ross cemetery in Fulton county, Illinois. The mother survived her husband by more than half a century, dying at the age of ninety years. She is laid at rest in a cemetery in Peoria county, Illinois. There were five children in the family, of whom U. S. Garren is the only one living. The others are George, Sarah, Nancy and Dempson.

Reared in his native locality U. S. Garren attended the common schools in the vicinity of his home. When the war broke out he joined the army, enlisting with Company H, Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and early in his military experience received a severe wound in the right groin refusing, however, any hospital service or the opportunity of being granted a discharge. Remaining with his company in which he had enlisted as a private he was promoted to the rank of second sergeant and saw much active service until the time they were mustered out at Richmond, Virginia. On his return from the war he settled in Peoria county and there was married on June 28, 1866, to Miss Amelia Krisher. She was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of John and Katherine CCliffman) Krisher, who were pioneer settlers in Illinois, living for a time in Stephenson county and later in Peoria county, where the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a republican in politics and with his wife held membership in the Lutheran church. Stalwart of physique he lived to attain the ripe old age of seventy-eight years, while his wife died at the age of forty-five years. They are both buried in Pennsylvania Ridge, Peoria county.

After his marriage Mr. Garren lived for a number of years in Peoria county when he removed to Fulton county and engaged in the blacksmith trade, re-

- maining there one year. He then returned to Peoria county and continued to Iv.. work at his trade there for ten years. His next place of residence was Middle ; - -V Grove, Fulton county, where he followed blacksmithing for a time but later sold and removed to Douglas, Illinois, and here operated a stationary engine - '? and sawmill one and a half miles north of Douglas in Elba township and also

- - V engaged in draying for a period of five years. He then retired and is now . V.' serving his fourth year as postmaster of Douglas and also represents the Wil-

-. D., residing in Oklahoma, is married to Lillian Mitchell, a native of Texas, and they have three children, Damon, Earl G. and Glenn; Alice, residing in ' Douglas, Illinois, is the wife of C. B. Painter and has one child, Florence; . Franklin, residing in Salem township is married to Estella Diefdorf and they . have three children, Freda May, Leonard Oaks, and Willis ; Henry, who resides in Peorfa county ; Grace, deceased, who was killed when twenty-four years of age, by a train at the railroad station in Douglas ; Edith, living at home, who is . assistant postmaster of Douglas; and Nellie, who lives at home. The members . of the Garren family are loyal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church to which they belong. Widely and favorably known throughout the county they have a host of warm friends, who are always sure of a hospitable welcome at the Garren home. -'-L/-

For more than a half century Mrs. Hattie Porter has been a witness of the growth and development of Knox county and has beheld this section of the country transformed from crude prairie land to well cultivated farms. A native of Ohio, she was bom in Ashtabula county, March 13, 1852, her parents being Aaron and Mary (Buckman) Brockhurst. Her father was a native of England and came to the United States when he was a young man, settling in Ohio. There he met Miss Mary Buckman, a native of New York state, who later became his wife. They were the parents of the following children, all of whom were born in Ohio: Henry, who resides in Oil City, Pennsylvania; John, also a resident of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Anna Brazington, of Cleveland, Ohio; George, a resident of Ashtabula county, Ohio; Charles, who makes his home in Clinton, Illinois; Mrs. Mary McNutt, of Ohio; Frank and Edward, both of whom are deceased; Hattie, the subject of this biography; and two boys who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Brockhurst removed with their family to Knox county, Illinois, when their daughter Hattie was seven years of age, and settled in Salem township on a farm consisting of one hundred and fifty acres of land now owned by Levi McGirr. This land the father continued to cultivate until his death, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife died at the age of fifty-three years and both are buried in Yates City cemetery. In his political convictions Mr. Brockhurst was a republican and always was heartily in sympathy with the measures and movements that tended toward the advancement of the welfare of the community in which he resided.

Reared under the parental roof, Hattie Brockhurst obtained her education in the common schools of Salem township. She remained at home until her marriage, January i, 1870, to Stephen P. Porter, a native of Columbus, Ohio. He was a son of Lorenzo and Mahala (Postal) Porter, both natives of Columbus, Ohio, and the parents of two children. Stephen Porter's father died when he was a boy and his mother married a Mr. Phillips, by whom she had three children. They left Ohio for Illinois and made their home on the farm now owned by Mrs. Hattie Porter, which her husband had received from his mother at the time of his marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Porter were the parents of ten children : Cora ; Nellie, who married Frank Tasker ; Maude, who is the wife of Fdward Hollaway and resides in Haw Creek township, being the mother of one child, Marie ; Sylvia, now Mrs. Kay Harper of Douglas, Illinois ; Earl, of Salem township, who married Nora Johnston, by whom he has one child, Rowland ; Clyde ; Alta ; and three, who died in infancy.

Ever since her marriage Mrs. Porter has lived on the farm where she now resides, with the exception of one year during which she was a resident of Yates City. Mr. Porter's death occurred in December, 1905, and he is buried in the Yates City cemetery. Although never a politician he was an ardent believer in the principles of democracy and at the polls gave his vote to the candidates of that party. The home place, to the cultivation of which Mr. Porter gave his best efforts, is now operated by the sons who are of valuable assistance to their mother. Mrs. Porter oversees all the details of the management and performs those duties which lie within the range of her activities, manifesting both good judgment and executive ability in the administration of her affairs. In spite of the many demands made upon her she never fails to have sufficient time to devote to her friends of whom she has a large number, for she is affable in manner and always kind.

Mrs. Sarah Sloan owns a fine farm in Salem township, which her son James operates with great efficiency. She was born near Antrim, in County Antrim, Ireland, November 22, 1832. Her parents were both natives of County Antrim and lived there during their entire lives. Her father, Hugh Allen, was a very fine musician and was a leader of the church choir for thirty years, also giving instruction in music throughout the county, where he was well known. He was united in marriage to Sarah Caulfield, by whom he had eight children. All grew to maturity, Sarah Ellen, the subject of this review, being now the only member of the family who survives. The others were : William, who passed away in Ireland when a young man ; Martha, who was married and had six children, the family residing in Ireland ; Hugh, who was a soldier in the Civil war and passed away in Douglas, Illinois ; John, who met his death

; Walter Bailey, deceased, for many years one of the best-known residents of Knox county, was a native of New York state, born January 9, 1827, in St. Lawrence county and a son of James and Eve (Kitts) Bailey, the former of whom was born in Westmoreland, Cheshire county. New Hampshire. His father followed agricultural pursuits as his chief occupation, in addition to which he was a surveyor and mechanic. He was married in New York and lived there until his son Walter was ten years of age when he removed the family to Delaware county, Ohio. After residing there for a number of years he came farther west and settled in Galva, Henry county. Illinois, where Mrs. Bailey died September 17, 1873. The father then returned to Delaware county, Ohio, living there until his death in June, 1875.

Walter Bailey was reared and educated in New York and Ohio, coming to Knox county in October, 1849, when twenty-two years of age. A few years later he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on the site where the present family home is situated, increasing his holdings by additional purchases

- The marriage of Mr. Bailey and Miss Harriet Parsell occurred February 14, 1855. She was born, July 30, 1835, in Sycamore township, Hamilton county, Ohio, where her parents, Joseph and Hetty A. (Ralston) Parsell, lived for a year, moving thereafter to Illinois, locating in Fulton county for a short time. In 1840 they removed to Elmwood township, Peoria county, and there the mother passed away April 17, 1850. In 1875 the father took up his residence in Elba township, Knox county, making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Bailey, until his death, January 3, 1880.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were five children. Edith A., the eldest, living south of Yates City, was married to William D. Ware, who died April 17, 1905, and in their family were six children. The others are: Lura D., who married George F. Hughes, who operates the home farm, and has one child, Walter; Bertha B., married to George S. Mathews, living two and a half miles west of Yates City, who has two children; Addie G., who lives at home; and Nena H., who is also at home.

Mr. Bailey farmed throughout his life, finding pleasure and profit in the exercise of his multifold duties. He died December 14, 1895, leaving behind him a host of friends who sincerely mourned his loss. In his political views he was a republican and filled the position of justice of the peace with great credit. He and his family were members of the Universalist church. A man of big ideas, Mr. Bailey was big and noble in his dealings with his fellowmen, being always straightforward and unafraid to express his honest convictions and most charitable in his judgment of others. .;-.,:--..

Menzo Morse is one of the agriculturists of Knox county, who, by reason , : of his intelligently directed energies during his early manhood, is permitted to -'^ ':'* spend his latter days in the ease and comfort justly merited by an active career. '-'-.- He is a native of the state of New York, his birth occurring in Oswego county, and a son of Stephen R. and Hannah (Dikeman) Morse, also natives of the Empire state, as was the maternal grandfather, Cornelius Dikeman. Stephen R. Morse removed from his native state to Wisconsin in 1854, becoming a r "; resident of Knox county the following year. He was a carpenter by trade, but always engaged in farming. He spent his last years in this county and - passed away in an old log house on the farm now owned by our subject, at - the age of seventy-five years. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Morse numbered v fifteen, as follows: Gilson, who is a resident of Nebraska; William, who is deceased ; Ansel, who is living in Elmwood ; Wordie, Helen and Henry, all of whom are deceased; two, who died in infancy; Melvin and Daniel, both of whom are deecased ; Menzo, our subject ; one, who died in infancy ; Harvey, : while his political support is given to the republican party. He has the distincn tion of having been a school director for thirty-three years and he served as

Mr. Chase, born April 2, 1863, was a son of John H. and Mary Ann (Reed) Chase, residents of Farmington and of Galesburg, the mother being now deceased. He was reared and educated in Elba township, and after his marriage engaged in agriculture in Haw Creek township. He passed away November 22, 1902, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Maquon. On political issues he voted with the republicans and in his religious faith he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. .',''-;; 1-'' ',' ' -

Mr. and Mrs. Chase had six children bom to them: Florence Geneva, born :.^ : - October 22, 1887, who died April lo, 1888 ; Edna Merle, born December 14, --p 1889, who died February 12, 1890; Nina Bishop, born December 27, 1891; '- Doris Edith, born November 14, 1893; Wayne Harris, born April 22, 1897; .\;:V and Paul David, born February ii, 1900. Mrs. Chase is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in which she is actively and helpfully interested. She is the owner of about two hundred acres of valuable farm land on section''-. . ^ 13, Haw Creek township, from which she makes a comfortable income by renting it to a tenant. Mrs. Chase possesses many of her father's characteristics - a progressive spirit, a forceful will and the ability to manage wisely and with an eye to the future. She is a very kind mother in the home and is de- - . voted to the interests of her children. , 0 '/'V ^-' -";"'.':' reared in Knox county and is a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers. Her 7. birth occurred on a farm in Sparta township, on October 5, 1864, her parents -'.';'- a native of Sweden, born May 26, 1839, and a daughter of Andrew Peterson, v is still living at the venerable age of seventy-two years and continues to make viously married, his first wife having died on shipboard on the way from the -,;-' east to this state, between Chicago and Ottawa, and the remains were interred now the wife of H. Mitchell, of Galesburg, Illinois. Unto Mr. Anderson and '.-\ his second wife there were born eleven children, six sons and five daughters, as follows: Harriet, the wife of George Werteen, of Galesburg; Andrew, who is a resident of Sparta township ; Albert, who lives in Oklahoma ; Anna, now ^"' ^-V

: ; .: : - in the cemetery at Oneida, while the daughter, Mary, is now married and ;, V t lives in Galesburg. Mrs. Frank Joseph Volk was a sister of Seaford and Anthony Gehring and Mrs. Cummer, of Galesburg. Herman Volk spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native land, and after completing his education : -;-: he learned the miller's trade. Desirous of opportunities, such as the father- .;.' land at those times did not afford, ambition-fired and seeking more liberal con- - - ' ditions of life, he decided to come to America, believing that here he would >: ; - find a more advantageous field for earnest endeavors and a shorter route to V-.' - independent position. He arrived in the United States June I, 1874, making his way inland to Wataga, Illinois, where for a time he worked as a laborer. r . Later he went to the home of his uncle, Anthony Gehring, who was a farmer ;'-" . and assisted him in the cultivation of his land and the care of the stock. He . V ' - was an energetic, thrifty young man, and ultimately acquired the means to V ; buy a farm, continuing to devote his energies to its further development until his death. In matters of faith, Mr. Volk was a Presbyterian and always took an active interest in the work of the church, having for many years taught a : class in the Sunday school. Fraternally he was identified with the Mystic

', . - Workers, being a member of Lodge No. 90, of Galesburg. His political support he gave to the republican party and served for some years as a member of the school board. He was a good business man and capable agriculturist ; and was meeting with deserved success in the cultivation of his farm and the

:'.-! raising of stock until death claimed him. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. .: Volk there were born the following children: Grace Etta, who was born on the 29th of April, 1887; Maud, whose birth occurred on October 20, 1890; Anna Betsy, who was born on January 12, 1893, now deceased; Ida Viola, born ;;- on February 25, 1895, a graduate of the Oneida high school ; Pearl Sybil, born - .; on the 3d of November, 1896, now attending school; and Ella, who was born .: on the 20th of January, 1902, and died in infancy. The eldest daughter. Miss .. ; Grace, graduated from the Oneida high school with the class of 1906, after -V which she pursued a commercial course in Brown's Business College at Gales- ;.; burg, and is now a bookkeeper. The second daughter. Miss Maud, also graduated from the Oneida high school, subsequently attending the Central State Normal, and is now teaching her third term of school.

Enoch Dalton, deceased, was for many years prominently associated with the agricultural interests of Elba township, Knox county, where he owned a valuable farm. The youngest of six children, he was born June 6, 1845, two and a half miles east of Douglas. His father, Reuben Dalton, one of the early settlers of this county and an extensive landowner in his day, died when Enoch Dalton was a babe nine days old, leaving the mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Maise, to rear the six children. ;:-^-..'\ V- ;-. ;

Enoch Dalton obtained his education in the rural schools near his boyhood home arid when old enough to support himself left for Iowa, where he found employment as a stage driver. Continuing in this occupation for some time he gave it up at length and came to Knox county to follow agricultural pursuits, and for four years tilled the fields owned by the church and later land belonging to Ziba Adams, whose daughter Elizabeth he married. Mr. Adams was one of the substantial citizens of Knox county, coming west when a young man from Pennsylvania, where he was born September 20, 1820. He carried on farming in addition to the carpenter trade in which he was proficient. On the 8th of April, 1847, he was united in marriage to Delilah Gullett who was born December 17, 1828, and departed this life December 21, 1904. There were seven children in the Adams family, of whom all but one are living.

Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Dalton : Theodora, who lives near Yates City: Nancy, the wife of George King, who lives north of her mother's homestead and has two children, Maud E. and Genevieve ; Mollie, the wife of Robert Robison, who has one child, Helen ; Albert who lives at home ; Edith, the wife of Floyd Heller, who lives south of the home farm and has one child, Harold ; Earl, at home ; Fred, at home ; Newton, living south of the home farm, who married Irene Coleman and has two children. Bertha and Frances ; and Florence, the wife of Ernest Metcalf, who has one child. Opal.

Mr. Dalton continued to follow farming throughout his life and met with well deserved success in his labors. He died February 12, 1904, at the age of fifty-eight years, seven months, and six days. In his political views he was a democrat and with his family worshiped in the Methodist Episcopal church. Generous and kind almost to a fault he was devoted to the interests of his family and left them not only in comfortable circumstances but bequeathed them likewise an honored name. ; . ; . -;.- .. . -.

Thomas B. ShaflFer, a well known druggist of Oneida, has been identified with the commercial activities of Knox county for the past nine years. His birth occurred in the vicinity of Williamsfield on the 3ist of December, 1876, his parents being Benjamin and Sarah L. (Foster) ShaflFer. His father was born and reared in Pennsylvania, whence he came to Illinois during the pioneer days, and engaged in agricultural pursuits.

After completing the course of the common schools, Thomas B. Shaffer entered Knox College, where he studied for three years. Having decided to go into the drug business, at the expiration of that period he matriculated in the Chicago College of Pharmacy, and he also studied for a time at Drake University, Highland Park, Des Moines, Iowa. After receiving his degree he was employed for a year in the drug store of Dr. T. E. Alyea at Princeville, Illinois, and resigning his position at the end of that time to take a similar place in a drug store at that place, where he likewise remained a year. Feeling that he was fully qualified both theoretically and practically to undertake the management of a place of his own, in 1902 he came to Oneida and purchased the store of E. L. Jimison. Mr. Shaffer has a very good location, and carries - '-- a full and complete line of drugs, patent medicines and such toilet articles and ; J ;' sundries as are usually to be found in establishments of this kind. His business is conducted in a thoroughly up-to-date manner, and, owing to the gracious . -' ;; treatment accorded all patrons as well as the quality of the goods offered for . '. sale, his has become one of the thriving enterprises of the town. : . :

At Grande Ridge, Illinois, by Rev. O. P. Graves, on the 23d of June, 1910, v Mr. Shaffer was united in marriage to Miss Stella A. Peterson, a daughter - of Charles A. Peterson. Mr. Shaffer is affiliated with Oneida Lodge, No. 337, V.

F. & A. M. ; Oneida Chapter, No. 173. R. A. M. ; Order of the Eastern Star; ; - and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Galesburg. He maintains '- . relations with the other members of his profession through the medium of his -^ - - connection with the Association of Retail Druggists; Illinois Pharmaceutical ^^ Association ; and the Knox County Druggists Association, of which he is the ; vice president. He is registered in both Illinois and Iowa and is, there fore,:\Vi; entitled to follow his profession in either state. In his political views Mr. Shaffer , - has always been independent, and he gives his support to the men and meas- - - .' ures he deems best qualified to meet the exigencies of the situation, regardless of party affiliation. He is one of the public-spirited and progressive men of ; ' the town, who is conducting his business in accordance with the highest prin-. - ' :- ciples governing commercial activities and as a result wins and retains the respect - of all with whom he has transations. . : °

One of the best known citizens of Abingdon is Thomas Austin, who for over a half century has been actively identified with the business interests of: the town. He was born in Norfolk county, England, on the 2ist of March, 1834, and is a son of Thomas and Mary A. (Wells) Austin, natives of the same ; county, where they spent their entire lives. Thomas Austin, Sr., was a black- ; smith by trade, as was his father, James Austin, and two of his brothers, while .^ - he in turn also reared three of his sons to the same vocation.

Thomas Austin, after finishing his education in the common schools, entered his father's shop, where he learned his trade. He had long been strongly at- : tracted toward America, with its many advantages and innumerable opportunities, and on the 2ist of January, 1855, he took passage on a sailing vessel for the '' United States. He landed at New York early in March, having spent forty .f^ days on the Atlantic. His destination was Lockport, Illinois, where he had several relatives living, among them a brother of his mother's, who was a distiller and a prominent business man of the town. He took up his residence with his ' uncle on the 8th of March, 1855, and soon thereafter became his business partner, but owing to a disagreement on June 20, 1856, he severed his connection with his relative and went to Morgan county. After remaining there for a short time he started on a trip through Iowa and Nebraska seeking a location V for a shop. Not finding anything to suit him, he was on his way back to Lock- ;^ port, when Jonathan Latimer, whom he met on the train, prevailed upon him to come to Abingdon. He did so, finding employment as a blacksmith with Latimer & Shaffer, who were wagonmakers. On the 2Oth of July, 1857, Mr. Austin opened a blacksmith shop in Abingdon, which he has ever since operated.

On the 3Oth of October, 1862, Mr. Austin was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. McElrea, who at that time was residing in Indian Point township. Mrs. Austin was born in Warren county, Illinois, but is of Irish extraction, her father having been a native of the Emerald isle. Three children were born of this marriage, but one of whom is now living, Anna M., the wife qf Charles Harshberger, of Abingdon. ; ':--l