Lee County, Illinois - The whole text, 1881 (part 10 of 24)

John B. Wyman, oldest of ten children, of Scotch ancestry, was born July 12, 1817 ; and was educated at a select school at Bolton, and at the public schools of Shrewsburv, Massachusetts. At the age of fourteen he ceased study altogether under the direction of tutors; and in view of his liberally practical actpiirements in later life, may be said in truth to have been a thoroughh' self-made man. Having quit school, he became employed in a clothing store in Shrewsbury ; and in 1838, as a partner in a mercantile tirni, opened the first ready-made clothing store in Cincinnati, Ohio. He remained in that city two years, and then returned to liis native state to become a member of a firm engaged in the dry-goods business. At that time he was married to Miss Maria Bradley. In 1846 he was general clerk in the Springfield car and engine shops, and afterward superintended the construction of cars. He was a conductor on the New York and New Haven railroad in 1850, and subsequently superintendent of the Connecticut River railroad. In 1852 he entered the service of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and assisted in the survey and construction under Col. R. B. Mason, general superintendent and engineer. He was first employed on the branch, but in 1853 was transferred to the main line, and accepted the superintendence' of the north division. At the earliest moment he acquired an interest in Ambo}' and laid out Wyman's addition, and we may almost call him the father of the city. He settled permanently in the place on the completion of the passenger house, of which he was proprietor some time. He was twice mayor of Amboy, and the first incumbent of the office. His second term was in 1860. Col. Wyman was fond of military life, and when a very young man trained in a rifle company in Shrewsbury. He was a member of the City Guards of Worcester, and later still in life captain of the Chicago Light Guards. On the breaking out of the war he was appointed assistant adjutant-general of Illinois, and rendered valuable aid in mustering into the service the first six regiments. He recruited at Amboy, Co. C, 13th reg. 111. Vols., and on the organization of the regiment was elected colonel. He served in the southwest and was mortally wounded at Chichasaw Bayou, December 28, 1862, while directing the movements of his command. When Lieut-Col. Goroas and others rushed to his assistance he said : " For God's sake, colonel, leave me and attend to those men."

His remains were brought to his home in Amboy, and a vast concourse witnessed the imposing funeral ceremonies. He was buried in Prairie Repose Cemetery, Amboy, but was afterward reinterred in Kosehill Cemetery, Chicago, where the privates and non-commissioned officers of his regiment, by whom he was much loved, erected a handsome monument to his memor}', at a cost of $1,300.

Col. Wyman was of medium statue, faultless physique, and dashing, captivating manners. He was a gallant, chivalrous gentleman in civil as well as military life. His looks and bearing elicited admiration, his noble qualities insured love and respect. He responded instantly to his country's call, and hoped to leave a deathless name inscribed high on the roll of its most glorious defenders. He met death in the morning of his career, too soon for his own and his country's good, but he met it face to face while leading his brave soldiers in a desperate assault.

He planted the seeds of glory, but died ere the full harvest ; but while he was not permitted to give his name to the world, yet it will ever be cherished by all who knew his worth. It has been said of him that "he was as unselfish patriot and gallant soldier as ever drew blade or mounted horse." It may also be said that in all the relations of civil life, as citizen, husband, father, friend, he leaves without

Joseph B. Appleton (deceased). Among the many well-known and influential families of New England the Appletons occupy a high place. Their genealogical record extends back to John Appleton, of Waldingtield, England, who was living in the year 1396 ; and from the same source we learn tliat " Samuel Appleton, the common ancestor, so far as known, of all the name in l^ew England, emigrated from Waldingtield, in the county of Sutfolk, England, in the year 1635." From him have sprung many distinguished names in the business, professional and literary walks of life. The subject of this notice was born in Dublin, New Hampshire, March 10, 1819, and was put to the mercantile business, in which his father was engaged. His health gave way under confinement, and he was advised to turn his attention to farming. The Great West then oflered inviting fields, and about 1842 he came to Illinois, stopping on his way at Batavia, New York, and teaching school awhile. His cousin, Cyrus Davis, was living at Dixon then, as he is at the present time. Mr. Appleton bought the E. i of N.W. i of Sec. 22, Amboy township, from the Sawyers, who had squatted on it, and this is now a part of Gilson's addition to the city of Amboy. He tarried here thirteen months, and then returned east; in his absence the land in this township came into market, and to save it for Mr. Appleton, Cyrus Davis bought it from the government and conveyed it to him on his arrival in 1844. He afterward became the owner of five other "forties." When Amboy was started he entered into an arrangement with Gilsun 6z Ransom, of La Salle, by which they were to lay out the tract above described into lots, and sell them, reserving only block eleven, where Mr. Sleeper lives, and which is known as "the Appleton place." Mr. Appleton was married on September 17, 1844, to Miss Abbie H. Hunt, of New Ipswich, New Hampshire. She was born in Dublin, in that state, December 11, 1820. Her father was clothier and did business in Dublin, and afterward in Jefl'rey, where he died in 1866. Four children were the fruits of this union: Samuel E., Abbie R., Maria N., Isaac J. and Julia A. The latter died August 17, 1855, and Mr. Appleton on September 28 following. Mr. Appleton was one of the foremost citizens of the township, and held office at different times. His widow was married to Dr. True P. Sleeper, February 5, 1856, and by this marriage twins have been born : Anna A. and Emma A. Dr. Sleeper is a native of St. Albans, Maine, where he was born March 31, 1821. He prepared for the practice of medicine in Harvard University, and followed his profession six years in Maine. He was married in 1852, to Miss Emma Mitchell, who died of cholera in Bureau county, Illinois, only ten days after his arrival in the state. He has practiced medicine and dentistry most of the time since he has lived here.

SAaiUEL E. Appletox, dry -goods salesman, Amboy, was born on the site of Amboy September 7, 1845, and was the son of Joseph B. and Abbie H. Appleton. In May, 1864, he volunteered for one year in

Co. I, 134th 111. Vols., and served nine months, doing garrison duty in Missouri and Kentucky. On July 1, 1865, he began as clerk in the store of L. Bourne, and has held that position continuously until the present time. He has been twice married : first on June 27, 1867, to Miss Mary E. Mikesell, who died December 31, 1870 ; and again April 12, 1874, to Miss Henrietta M. Christopher. By the first union he has one child, Elmer E. ; and by the second two, Isaac E. and Guy W. Mrs. Appleton is a member of the Congregational church. He is an Odd-Fellow and a republican.

Elisha Manning, homeopathic physician and surgeon, Amboy, was born in Rush county, Indiana, September 7, 1845. His paternal grandfather's family removed in an early time from Pennsylvania to Ohio ; and when his father was a young lad they came to Indiana. In 1850 liis parents, Hiram and Elizabeth (Moore) Manning, settled in Jasper county, Illinois, where they have since lived. From there the doctor enlisted in Co. F, 46th 111. Vols., in the autumn of 1861. He fought at Shiloh, was in the siege of Corinth, the battle of the Hatchie, and the siege of Vicksburg; and after the capitulation of the latter place campaigned in Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana, and as was usual saw a good deal of hard service and small fighting. Afterward he was at the taking of Fort Blakely and the city of Mobile. He "veteraned" January 4, 1864. His regiment held its organization four and one-half years, and 1,700 altogether were enrolled in it. He was mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, January 20, 1866, and paid oil" and disbanded at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois, February 1. From this time till the spring of 1873 he devoted himself to study. He attended the Freeport high school, and graduated there in June 1870. During part of his army service he was general assistant in hospital, and this drew his attention to the medical profession and excited a desire to become a physician. He now began reading medicine with Dr. K F. Prentice, of Freeport ; and in the years 1871-2-3 attended lectures at Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, and graduated from that institution March 21, 1873. He located in Freeport in the office of his old preceptor who had just died, but in June, 1874, removed to Amboy, where he has secured a good practice. He is a member of the Illinois State Homceopathic Association and of the Rock River Valley Medical Association, and belongs to the United "Workmen and the Legion of Honor. In politics he is a republican. In 1881 he received the appointment of examining surgeon for pensions for Lee county. The doctor is a Presbyterian and Mrs. Manning is a Congregationalist. He was married October 3, 1878, to Miss Clara E. Prentice, of Rockford. They have one son.

was born in Kendall county, Illinois, September 27, 1846. His parents were H. G. and Jemima (Nickerson) Wilcox. The Wilcoxes are a numerous family, and their ancestors came to America in the first settlement of the country. Dr. Wilcox was reared a farmer, and educated at Beloit College, Wisconsin. In 1867 and 1868 he was deputy postmaster at Ottawa, and in the latter year began the study of medicine with Dr. Chester Hard, of that city. He attended lectures at Hush Medical College, Chicago, and was graduated in February 1870, and immediately located atUtica, La Salle county, Illinois. At the end of six years he removed to Wilmington, Delaware, and resided there three years; and in 1879 returned west and settled in Amboy, where he has established a successful practice. His first marriage was with Mrs. Carrie M. (Sewell), widow of H. M. Higby. She died in 1878, leaving two children, Blanche E. and Bessie K. In 1879 he married Miss Isabella J. Gardner. The doctor is a Mason, and a member of the American Legion of Honor.

Ai.FKEi) H. Egan, lumber, grain and coal dealer, Aml)oy, son of Michael and Ellen (Morris) Egan, was born in Amboy, January 27, 1855. He served five years at the machinist's trade and worked one year at the same after completing his apprenticeship. Then in 1879 he began selling lumber in company with his father ; the latter withdrew from the partnership October 8, 1880, and Mr. Egan is now carrying on the business by himself. He is a democrat, a member of the Catholic church, and served as alderman from 1879 to 1881. His marriage with Miss Mary E. Madden, daughter of John Madden, founder and machinist, of the firm of Donohue & Madden, Mendota, took place October 1, 1879. Their child, John M., was born September 1, 18S1.

John B. Felker, physician and surgeon, Amboy, son of Abraham and Catherine (Wingert) Felker, was born in Washington count}-, Maryland, November 1 !-, 1839. He is of German ancestry. His great grandfather Felker was a cavalry soldier in the German army, and emigrated to America before tiie independence of the colonies. His grandfather John Felker was a soldier of the revolution, and his grandfather Jacob Wingert was a United Brethren preacher. In 1855 Dr. Felker's father emigrated to Ogle county, Illinois, and settled at Mount Morris. Our subject was educated at Hock River Seminary at that place ; and while young began the study of medicine under Dr. G. W. Hewitt, of Franklin Grove. He attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago ; graduated in 1860, and located in practice at Ogle Station, now Ashton. In the summer of 1862 he received the appointment of assistant surgeon of the 34th 111. Vols., but a few days after was thrown from his buggy, and his right leg was broken at the ankle joint, which was the second injury this limb had received. From this cause lie did not enter the service. In the spring of 1863 he settled in Amboy where he has since resided and practiced his profession with success. He belongs to the North Central Medical Association, which meets annually at Wenona, and to the Illinois State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. Dr. and Mrs. Felker are members of the [Congregational church, but the latter formerly belonged to the German Reformed. He has held the otKce of trustee a number of years, and is now president of the board. He has been a Mason twenty years. In 1880 the democrats of Lee and Ogle counties honored him with the nomination for state senator. He has served as alderman several years, and is filling his fourth consecutive term as mayor of tlie city of Amboy. Dr. Felker celebrated his marriage with Miss E. Jennie Miller on November 19, 1867. They have had four children : Hartley Trusdell (dead). May Gertrude, John Boggs, and Abraham Henry.

Lyman C. Wheat, merchant, Amboy, was born in Pntnej^ Vermont, in 1821. In 1828 his parents, Josiah and Mary (Black) Wheat, moved to New York and settled in Steuben county, where our subject was reared and received an academic education. Until he came west in 184:3, his time was principall3' spent in teaching select and public schools. In midsummer he arrived with his little family in Lee county, and for a short time lived on the Dixon and Chicago road, but in the autumn removed to the former place and took up his residence for two years in the land office. He continued to teach when his health would permit, and in 18i5 went to Lee Center to live, and for a number of years was a trustee of tiie academy and active in promoting the interests of the institution. About 1854 he bought out Charles Hitchcock and went to merchandising; in 1865 he transferred his business to Amboy ; and about 1872 brought his family here. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church, and he is a republican. His first marriage was on August 20, 1840, to Miss Mary Warnick, who bore him six children, as follows: Josephine, born December 13, 1841 ; George W., November 8, 1843 ; Addie N., June 12, 1849, married E. C. Gridley, and died October 3, 1874; Alice May, December 2, 1854; Fred Augustus, July 18, 1857 ; and Lizzie Jane, December 9, 1858, died March 12, 1861. His wife died July 31, 1862; and on August 23, 1863, he married Harriet Lucretia (Eaton), widow of Henry C. Nash. B}^ this second marriage he has four children : Willie Henry, born October 16, 1864, died September 12, 1865 ; Charles Lyman, December 8, 1865 ; Nellie L., June 4, 1868: and Edwin Densmore, March 18, 1871. George enlisted in Co. E, 75th 111. Vols., in 1862 ; he fought at the battle of Perryville and was woimded in the hip, and he was last seen sitting against a

Calvin D. Vaugh.vx, furniture dealer and undertaker, Amboy, eldest son of Nathan A. and Sally S. (Baker) Vaughan, was born in Plattsburg, New York, July 28, 1828. His uncle, Colonel Vaughan, and his grandfather Baker, a captain of militia, both fought at the battle of Plattsburg in 1814, each having command according to his rank. Mr. Vaughan received an academic education in his native town, and in 18.51 he became an assistant in the ofKce of the county clerk, David H. Parsons, at Plattsburg. He remained in that einploNinent three years, and in October, 1854, emigrated to this state and located at Amboy. He began earl}' in the furniture and undertaking business, and has followed it since without interruption, except from the disastrous lires which have visited the city, and b}' wiiich he has sustained heavy losses. He was married on February 22, 1855, to Miss Louise M. Balch. They have had six children, all of whom are living : Lottie L., Hattie D., Frank C, Fred N., Wallie B., and Louie S. Mr. Vaughan is an Odd-Fellow of twelve years' standing, and has borne Masonic honors somewhat longer ; in polities he has been a democrat from his youth up. He was a trustee of Amboy when it was under villiage organization, has been alderman of the city, ma^'or twice, township clerk, and is at present school treasurer. He was also clerk of the court of common pleas of Amboy from its organization till it was discontinued. For thirty-five years he has been in communion in the Baptist chui'ch, and has held official relation as clerk, trustee and treasurer. Mrs. Yaughan was formerly a Presbyterian, but during many years has been a member of the same denomination.

Hexry E. Baihjek, miller, farmer and tradesman, Amboy, was born in Broome county, New York, in 1816. He was raised a millwright, educated at the academy at Elmira, and followed school teaching as a vocation live years. In 1841 he removed to Corning, Steuben county, and engaged in the manufacture of furniture until 1849, when he came west and settled at Binghamton. In 1851 he entered into the manufacture of plows in partnership with Frederick Bainter, but alter two years bought his partners interest, and continued the business alone until 1858, when he discontinued it altogether. In company with his brother Chester he purchased the-inill at Binghamton from his brothers Warren and Simon, and they immediately rebuilt it into a steam mill. In 1872 it was burnt, and Mr. Badger bought his brother's interest and built another the same year on the old site. In 1878 he united his son Warren with himself under the style of H. E. Badger S: Son, and this tirm owned and operated tiie mill until it was struck by lightning and consumed, the present year, inflicting a loss of $10,000. They also merchandise in Ainboy, and carry on farming. Mr. Badger has been twice married ; first in May, 1841, to Miss Catherine Gay, who died a little more than a year afterward, leaving a daughter. In 1845 he married Miss Catherine Clark, by whom he has had four children. As will be seen, the subject of this sketch has been a live business man ; he has also been no less energetic and stirring in religious and political matters. He has belonged to the Methodist church over forty-five years, and his great usefulness in his church relations is gratefully recognized. His official connection in the offices of steward, trustee, class leader and Sabbath-school superintendent has been constant and faithful, and in the temperance cause also he has done much good service. Mrs. Badger has been an exemplary member of the same church thirty-five years. Mr. Badger was at first a democrat, but renounced his party when it attempted to make Kansas a slave state, and at once gave his influential assistance in organizing the republican partj', of which he has since been a prominent member in the county, having always rendered efficient aid in maintaining its supremac}'. He has held the township offices of school trustee, road commissioner, and supervisor, the latter eight years.

Chester Badgek, farmer, Amboy, son of Chester S. and Lois (Bird) Badger, was born in Colesville, Broome county, New York, in 1823. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. Badger was reared a hotel boj-, and as such worked for his uncle between the ages of twelve and eighteen. He went to school more or less during that time. In 1840 he emigrated to Lee county, and engaged in farming with his parents until 1848, when he enlisted as a private in the 11th 111. Vols., and served eighteen months in New Mexico under Gen. Sterling Price. He had four comrades, the only soldiers in the Mexican war from his part of the county : David AVhitney and - Jeffrey Cook, from Sublette, and James and Beeler, from Amboy. He came home in 1849, and the next year went overland to California, where he remained one year. After his return he engaged for tw(? years in the manufacture of plows at Binghamton, and then went to milling in company with H. E. Badger and W. H. Badger. This firm rebuilt the old water-power mill into a steam-mill. Mr. Badger retired from the business when the property was burned in 1872, and since that has been farming. In politics he is a democrat. He has been elected to the office of supervisor five times, and has been a leading man in Amboy township many years. On March 16, 1853, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Mary A. Cushman, who was born March 11, 1834. Their three children are Cornelia E., Duer Chester, and Robert. Miss Cornelia is a member of the Methodist church.

Frederick R. Ditcher, fanner, Aiuljoy, was born in Canaan, Litchfield county, Connecticut, in 180i. His paternal ancestors emigrated from Amsterdam in 1720 and settled in New York. At our first call we found Mr. Dutclier sitting in a well-preserved rockingchair which his grandfather, IJuluft' Dutclier, brought from Holland. At thirteen our subject began tending a store, and from that time till very recent years he has been closely identified with mercantile pursuits. He was married at Lockport, New York, in 1830, to Miss Harriet Phillips, daughter of John Phillips, the first anti-masonic sherifl:' elected when the Morgan excitement raged. She died in 183y, leaving two children. In 1845 he was married to the widow of George W. Hawley, formerly Emily Pratt. In 1838 Mr. Dutcher came west and located in Dixon, where he sold goods several years. In 1839 he was elected justice of the peace and held that oflice until he removed to Rocky Ford in 1848. He took an interesting part in the division of Ogle county and circulated a petition to advance that end. Smith Gilbraith and himself, both Dixon men, were deputed by the citizens to attend the legislature and lobby the division. They spent the most of the winter of 1838-9 at Vandalia, and secured the appointment of a committee favorable to their interests, which embraced also the location of the count}' seat at Dixon. Mr. Dutcher has been a lifelong democrat, and has alwa\'S taken a leading part in local politics. He has had a considerable acquaintance with prominent men in his party, and enjoyed their confidence. When he came west he brought letters of introduction from William L. Marc}' and Washington Hunt. He issued the call for the first democratic injecting ever held in Lee county. In the Douglas-Stewart race for congress in 1S38, when Mr. Douglas contemplated contesting Stewart's election, he entrusted Mr. Dutcher with the investigations in this part of the district, and the latter rode to Galena on horseback on that business. He has two relics in the form of letters from the " Little Giant," written at this time. Mr. Dutcher laid out the village of Sholburn at Rocky Ford, but has lived to see it dissipated by time and circumstances. He was president of the Shelburn Manufacturing Company which built and controlled the large mill and distillery at that place.

John C. Church, farmer, Amboy, second child of Sylvester and Lucinda (Miles) Church, was born March 15, 1817, in Clienango county, New York. He learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, and worked at it till the sunmier of 1838, when he came to Palestine Grove (now Amboy township), where he has since had his home. Mr. Church was married December 7, 1842, to Cyrene, daughter of Joseph Farwell. Their children have been George Henry (dead), Charles Augustus, Lucy Maria i^dead), Lucy Anna (^dead), Ella, Joseph Fre- mont, Eva (dead), Cyrus and Cyrene, twins (dead), and John Albert. Mr. and Mrs. Clnircli have been members of the Congregational church fortj'-one j'ears ; and they assisted to organize the Palestine Grove church, the first of tiiat denomination in Lee county. His official connection as deacon and trustee extends over a period of many years of useful christian labor. He has been elected to the offices of assessor, collector, supervisor, coroner, and road commissioner ; the office of supervisor he filled three successive terms, and he is now coroner for tlie second time. In 1840 he cast his first presidential ballot for General Harrison, voting at j!^auvoo. During his stay in that city he boarded a short time with the prophet Joe Smith. In the autunm of 1840 he traveled in the south, working in diiferent places. His farm of 109 acres, adjacent to the city of Amboy, is valued at $5,500. He is a firm republican.

The Little family' traces its history down a long line of distinguished ancestors. George Little, the founder of the Newbury family of that name, came from England to Newbury, Massachusetts, in 1640. His descendants in New England have been eminent in business and the professions, and noted in public life, both civil and military. Mr. Josiah Little of Amboy, a lineal descendant, was born in Auburn, Maine, September 10, 1832. He obtained his education at the Edward Little Institute, at Auburn, and at the age of sixteen went to work in a store in his native town. Three 3'ears after he went to southwest Missouri,'and remaining there two years, in February, 1854, came to Illinois, and in April arrived in Amboy, when preparations were just beginning for a town. As soon as it was possible for him to do so he made himself the owner of lot 8, block 3, original plat, and erected the first permanent store in the place, and from that time sold drugs, medicines and hardware until he was burnt out in 1868. He then changed his business, and in January, 1869, opened a banking house, which he has conducted to this date. In tlie meantime he has besides had a considerable interest in farming, and is now the owner of 445 acres of well improved land, valued at $13,000. Mr. Little has been town clerk and supervisor, and has held various minor offices. In 1861 he elected treasurer of Lee county, and in 1863 reelected. Again in 1879 he was recalled to the same position. In November, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Hussey, of Franklin Grove. They are the parents of five children, all living, as follows : Josiah, Nancy J., Mary Elizabeth, Edward Hussey, and Maria Warren. Mr. and Mrs. Little are members of the Congregational church, and he has been a Mason over twenty years.

vers, was born in the county of Cork, Ireland, Marcli 7, 1832. His father was a shipowner, and carried on a business in coal, grain and live stock ; besides this he kej)t a farm of 200 acres, which he had cultivated. In 1842 he emigrated to London, Canada, where he bought 200 acres of land and prepared a home for his family, who came the next year. His death occurring shortly after, the mother was left with the care and education of a large family, and notwithstanding she iiad some property it was not sufficient for the demands which she foresaw would accumulate, so she engaged in giving private lessons in English, French and music, until all her children that had not previously done 80 had completed their studies. Two of the older sons were physicians. John T. was a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of London, England, and Eichard W. of the Edinburgh Medical College, Scotland, and also a graduate of TioU's Medical School of Toronto, Canada ; both these are now dead. The subject of this sketch began the study of medicine under the tutelage of his brothers when but si.\- teen vears of age, and attended iiis first course of lectures at Rolfs Medical School. Having become delicate in health, in 1856 be sought improvement in a change of climate and travel and went south ; but lie did not rela.x his studies, and while in New Orleans attended a course of medical lectures by Dr. Stone. In 1858 he matriculated in the medical department of the L'niversity of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1861. He then attended the General Hospital at Toronto, Canada, for one year, after which he immediately began practice with his brother John T., who was located at Port Huron, Michigan, opening an office in Port Sarnia, just opposite, in Canada. About this time his brother Charles H., who was a druggist in Port Huron, raised a company for the war, but the enrolled men not being accepted, he, along with other officers, were sent to Detroit, where thej' were regularly drilled and instructed. Returning again to Port Huron he enlisted in Co. E, 5tli Mich. Inf, was elected captain, and with his command joined the army of the Potomac. He was mortally wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks. Dr. Travers was on the point of entering the Union service as a surgeon when a sudden and severe illness prostrated him and defeated his oliject. His sister, Mrs. Harriet Merrigold, a pious and very estimable lady, was living in Amboy, where she had resided almost from the beginning of the town ; through her influence the doctor was induced to settle here, which he did in September 1863. Since that time he has made Amboy his home, and has practiced his profession with eminent success. He is surgeon for the north division of the Illinois Central railroad, and in a like cajiacity has charge of the Lee county farm and poor-house. He holds membership in both the Illinois Stale Medical Association and the American Medical Associa- tion. On May 17, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Estlier Scott, daughter of Thomas Scott, of Mendota. They liave had four children: Martha, Edmund, George and Mary. The last only is living. In politics Dr. Travers is a democrat. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and holds the office of junior warden. Mrs. Travers, who was formerly a Presbyterian, is now a communicant in the Congregational church. The doctor belongs to the fraternities of Masons, Odd-Fellows and United Workmen.

Wareen H. Badger, junior member of the firm of H. E. Badger & Son, Amboy, was born in Corning, New York, in 1847, and is the oldest child of Henry E. and Catherine (Clark) Badger. He received a good English education at Mount Morris and Evanston, and was bred to a mercantile life. He has been in partnership with his fatlier since 1872, in milling and farming, and also in one of the leading grocery houses in 'Amboy. In 1874 he w-as married to Miss Emeline Green, of Elizabeth, Jo Daviess county, Illinois. She was born in 1851. Their three children are Henry H., Frances E. and Arthur. Mr. Badger is a Mason and a republican.

Isaac Edwards, liveryman and ice dealer, Amboy, is a native of England, having been born there in 1828. In 1850 he arrived in America, and at once went to railroad building at Elgin, Illinois. This he followed five years. In 1853 he settled at Amboy, and graded seven miles of the Central railroad, under three contracts. Since 1855 he has been in the livery and ice business. In 1869 he again began taking contracts for railroad grading, and has also been engaged at that more or less ever}' year till the present. His real estate comprises 580 acres of farming land, valued at $1-1,500 ; and twenty city lots, sixteen buildings, worth §10,000. Mr. Edwards is a republican, and has run three times for the office of county treasurer, - first in 1877, and twice in 1879. In the last year he ran as an independent and was elected over W. H. Bryant, the republican nominee. The board of supervisors questioned the sufficiency of Mr. Edwards' bond, though his bondsmen were several of the most wealthy farmers in Lee county ; an on reference of the case to the state's attorney, he held that they could not accept a new bond after the first of December ; and as they had assembled at the latest moment, no time remained for him to make a new one. A second election was ordered ; Mr. Edwards and Josiah Little were the candidates, and the latter was elected. Mr. Edwards has been mayor of the city si.x years, township collector four terms, and is serving his sixth term as supervisor. He was married in 1853, to Miss Elizabeth Saul. Their living children are William John, John Henry, Isaac Frank, and Arthur. They have buried an infant, Albert, Elizabeth, and Sarah Jane.

Rrrcs H. Mellen, postmaster, Amboy, was born in Massaclmsetts, February 5, 181S. His Scotch ancestors came to New England in the early days of the Massachusetts colony, and were a people noted for their great physical strength. Mr. Mellen obtained his education at the Wilbraham Acadeni}', in his own town of Greenwich. He taught music and district schools, and traveled in New Jersey, when a young mail, in the same einj)loyinents. In lS-i2 he was married to Miss Laura E. Patten, and four children are the fruits of this union, viz : Ella Frances, Walter Clayton, Florence Virginia, and May Georgiana. In October, 1854, Mr. Mellen came to Amboy and selected it for his future home; and the next spring brought his family, and went to manufacturing lumber. In 1861 he was commissioned postmaster of Amboy, and has occupied the office until the present time. He began concurrently selling books and papers, and in 1864 took his son Walter into partnership. They have since added to their trade musical instruments and sewing machines. Mr. Mellen has been a member of the Congregational church since he was fifteen years old. He has been cit}' clerk and alderman, and is a republican. Originally a whig, he cast his first vote for Harrison in 1840.

Among the leading business men of Amboy is Lemuel Bourne, who was born in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in 1830, and was the son of Benjamin and Lucinda Bourne. His remotest ancestor in this country was Richard Boui'ue, who landed at Sandwich, from England, in 1620, and was a prominent man in the early history of the Massachusetts colony. Our subject was educated in the academies at Westbrook and Norway, Maine, and has been keejiing books and merchandising from that time to the present. In the spring of 1854 he emigrated to the west, and the following winter came to Amboy as freight and station agent, and filled this position eight years; he then embarked in the drug and grocery trade in partnership with J. S. Briggs; at the end of three years he retired and bought out Mr. Somes, and until 1872 was in company with B. R. Hawks in a general store. Since that date he has been without a partner. Mr. Bourne keeps a complete assortment of goods on East avenue, aiid is very favorably known throughout the country. In 1860 he celebrated his marriage with Miss Anna M. Smith, and by her has had five children : Anna L., Frank S., Frederick C, Alice A. and Helen A. His family are communicants in the Protestant Episcopal church, and he worships there, but is not a member. He has held the office of Alderman, and is a republican.

Everett E. Chase, magistrate, Amboy, was born in Pawtucket (then Massachusetts, now Rhode Island), September 27, 1840, and is descended in a direct line from the Puritans. It was the intention of his parents to breed him to the law, but he objected with such persist- ence that the design was abandoned. He left home at sixteen, and in the spring of 1857 came to Amboy, where his brother, Newton S. Ciiase, was in business. He was deputy postmaster a short time under Sidney Reed ; then he clerked for his brother, and next about a year for Alonzo Kinyon. In the spring of 1861 he was appointed deputy postmaster by R. H. Mellen, and filled this place till the spring of 1864, when he became a partner with Mr. Mellen in the book and stationery business. In the autumn of the same year he sold out to his partner, and enlisted in Co. H, lltli 111. Vols., and joined his regiment at Memphis. He served his time on detail doing clerical work, but aided in the taking of Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely, and Mobile city. He went with his command from there to Baton Rouge, and thence up Red River, when Gen. Canby received the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith and liis forces. Mr. Chase was mustered out at New Orleans in November 1865. In 1867 he married Miss Mary Jacobs, daughter of John C. Jacobs; and next year went to work for the Central Railroad Company in the superintendent's office, and remained there till 1875. He has been city clerk twelve years, and in 1877 was elected justice of the peace, and reelected in 1881. He was a delegate to the state republican convention at Springfield in 1880. His first wife died in 1868, and in 1875 he married Mrs. Grace Wells, widow of Capt. M. W. Wells.

JosEpn B. Graves, dealer in agricultural implements, carriages and wagons, Amboy, son of William and Sarah M. (Foster) Graves, was born in Broome county, New York, in 1838. His father having died two years before, in September 1852 his mother moved with her family to Illinois, and lived one year in Kendall county ; then they came to Lee and settled in China township. Mr. Graves was married in 1862 to Miss Mary E. Eastwood, and two children have been born to them, William F. and Cora May. In the fall of 1868 he quit farming and located in Amboy in his present business, in company witli Joseph Himes. In 1876 he bought out his partner's interest. His wareroom, a pleasant and commodious one, stands on the corner of Main street and Adams avenue. He owns a farm of 80 acres in Nachusa township, worth $3,000. He is a Mason, an Odd-Fellow, a workman, a democrat, an alderman, and a member of the board of education of Amboj'.

DwiruiT W. Slautee, lumber and coal dealer, Ambo}', only son of Ambrose E. and Louisa (Bristol) Slauter, was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, October 28, 18il. In the spring of 1855 his father emigrated with his family to Amboy, and here our subject got his schooling, and learned the cabinet trade with J. D. Weddell. After the death of the latter he worked for C. D. Yauglian two or three years, and then for the railroad company in the wood department of the machine shop seven years. In 1870 he quit this employment and united with J. H. Ives, under tlie linn name of Ives & Slanter, and purchased the business of Merigold ife Arnold, lumber merchants. They rented the old stand from their predecessors five years, and then bought the Marston property adjoining, and added grain and coal to their business. They have since leased the grain department. Mr. Slanter was married in 1864 to Miss Ella F., daughter of R. H. Mellen, wiio was born May 6, 18i5. Both are members of the Congregational chiircii. Mr. Slanter is a republican. He has traveled some for pleasure and improvement, and has applied himself to his business witli industry, and liis start in life is due to his own exertions.

CcETis M. I3i TLEK, lumber merchant, Amboy, was born October 14, 1817, in Brockville, Canada, while his parents had gone there temporarily from their home in Jefferson county, New York. He was reared a farmer, and in 1836 he emigrated to St. Clair county, Micliigan, where he bought a piece of government land in the dense woods and cleared and im])roved a small farm. In 1838 his father, Abijah Butler, who was born February 25, 17'.t3, joined him with his family, and on the 2d of April, 1842, was stricken down and died. His mother, Clarissa Dowd before marriage, whose birth was on the 8th of November, 1792, lived until July 5, 1845. In 1843 Mr. Butler removed to Oswego, Kendall county, Illinois, and continued to live by farming. In 1855 he set up in the lumber trade in that town, and the next year changed his place of business and residence to Amboy, coming here without means. He has followed this with success ever since, and now owns two farms of eighty acres each, valued at §6,000. Mr. Butler was married in 1853 to Miss Sarah M. Atwater, daughter of David and Mary (McKenzie) Atwater, who was born July 6, 1825, and reared in Broome county, New York. They have had three children ; Frederick H., Delia (dead), and Blanche. Mrs. Butler's ancestry were Englisli and Scotch ; the latter was on the maternal side. Her grandfather Atwater went from Hebron, Washington county. New York, as a volunteer, and fought at the battle of Bennington. Her grandtafher McKenzie was an officer in the French and Indian war. He was sent out on a scout and never returned. Mr. Butler is a republican in politics, and he and his wife have been members of the First Congregational church of Amboy about fifteen years. He has been mayor of the city three terms.

William B. Stuakt, attorney, Amboy, was born in Ireland in 1806, and emigrated with his parents to America in 1812, and settled in Canandaigua, Ontario county. New York. His father volunteered at once in the 15th New York regiment, served through the war, and was engaged in several actions. Wlieii Mr. Stuart had grown to manhood his father gave him a saw-mill and 200 acres of land in

Canada, and in 1833 he went there to live, and was married to Miss Mary Johnson. In the patriot war, 1836-8, Mr. Stuart participated with all the enthusiasm of his Irish nature. He commanded a company of lancers at the battle ot Short Hills, December 19, 1836, had his horse killed under him, and was wounded in the ankle. Two weeks afterward he was captured at Gravelly Bay and confined with John Van Norman, who had been taken prisoner at Checkered Sheds. On the 17th of March they managed to escape, but the latter was retaken, to undergo the toils and anxieties of a second escape, when he rejoined Mr. Stuart at Buffalo. Tiiey then came together to Illinois, Van Norman direct to Dixon, while his partner remained in Chicago until autumn, when he came to Lee county also, and made a claim at Franklin Grove. Mr. Stuart lived at this place and at Dixon nine years, engaged in all kinds of business, and practicing law somewhat. He opened at the county seat the first meat market in Lee county. He furnislied $1,000 capital, and a man named Gaylord attended to the business. He was soon in the condition of the Dutchman who supplied money in partnership with a Yankee who furnished experience - at the end of a year Gaylord had gone with the mone}', and Stuart had the experience. In 1847 he moved to Rocky Ford and improved four farms in May township. The next year lie built tiie first frame house, and about twenty-five years ago the first brick house, in the township. At one time he carried on a large speculation in land. He was the first supervisor in May township, and held that office several years. He was commissioned justice of the peace first by Governor Ford, and has been an incumbent of the position continuously to this date. He commenced doing business in real estate and practicing law in Amboy as soon as the place was started. In 1854: his famil}^ came to town to live, but after some time they resided quite as much on the farm in May township as here. Mr. Stuart has suftered heavy losses six times from tire. His first wife died in 1875, and was the mother of fourteen children, as follows : Hamilton W., Francelia A., Marietta, Eliza Jane, a young lady of education and rare beauty, who was thrown from a horse and received mortal injuries; William H., James H., John B., Francis M., Charles F., Melissa (dead), Ida E., Emma J., and two which died in infancy. William and James were soldiers in the 75th 111. reg. and fought at Perryvilie and Crab Orchard, and elsewhere. In 1879 Mr. Stuart was married to Lydia A., widow of Jesse G. Baker. In 1829 his parents, James and Ann (Markey) Stuart, emigrated to Almont, Lapeer county, Michigati, where they lived many years and died, the former at the age of eighty-four.

York, June 23, 1827. His parents were Thomas L. and Almira (Baldwin) Spafard. In 1838 the family removed to Washtenaw county, Michigan, where his father is still living. Until 1855 Mr. Spafard was most of the time engaged in 'farming; at that time he moved to Chicago, and in March following to Amboy, where he was book-keeper in the master mechanic's office. In May, 1858, he returned to Chicago, and was emploj'ed in an agricultural warehouse, and in February, 1860, he moved back to Amboy and has since resided in this place, and occupied his present position in the office of the superintendent of the north division of the Central railroad. He was married in 1850, to Miss Lucinda Z. Chipman, of Lima, Washtenaw county, Michigan. She was born December 28, 1828. They have one son, Frank S., ticket agent and operator at Warren, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Spafard are members of the Congregational church at Amboy. He has been a Mason about a year, and belongs to the American Legion of Honor. He is a stalwart republican.

Epiieaim a. Wilcox, deceased, was born in Fredonia, Chautauqua county, New York, in 1811. He removed to Lucas county, Ohio, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, and during his residence there was married, in 1836, to Miss Sabra E. Arnold. In 1838 he settled at the place known as Freedom, in La Salle county, this state. Here he became converted, and was baptized into the fellowship of the Baptist church of Harding. In 1854 he removed to Amboy, and formed a partnership with A. H. Wooster, and was numbered with the earliest business men of the place. He at once took rank as an upright, highminded and public-spirited citizen, and when the town was incorporated he became president of the first board of trustees. Mrs. Wilco.x, who had been a communicant in the Baptist church since she was fourteen years of age, united with her husband and assisted with much zeal in the organization of the Baptist church of Amboy, and were enrolled among its constituent members. Mr. Wilco.x was elected deacon, and he adorned this responsible office to the close of his life. He was always a liberal contributor to the support of the gospel ; a man of quiet manners, meek though social disposition, and his home was the abode of peace and hospitality, and a pleasant retreat for his christian brethren. He died Kovember 2, 1878, greatly respected, and was buried in Prairie Repose cemetery. The Rev. Thomas Powell, of Ottawa, a close personal friend, preached his funeral discourse from Thessalonians iv, 13, 14. !Mrs. Wilcox was an exemplary christian lady, honored and beloved by an extended circle of friends. She went to rest on March 19, 1878, aged sixty-one years. The Rev. Powell preached her sermon from Job xiv, 14.

His father died before his recollection, and he found his way to Massachusetts, where he worked in a cotton factory, and when older on shoes. In the spring of 1853 he came west, and got employment from the Central Railroad Company as a painter, and has been in their service all the time since except one year, when he was in the Orient House with his father-in-law. In 1860 he began and has since continued to work in the Company's shops in Amboy. On May 15, 1854, he was married in Chicago to Miss Amanda Skinner, daughter of John L. Skinner, who was born September 1, 1835, at North Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Mr. Skinner arrived here in the autumn of 1852, being employed at the time on the railroad. He was one of the first men to make a beginning in the new town, and bought two lots - the first sold - on the corner of Main street and East avenue, where he erected the Orient House, the only hotel, except the Passenger House, ever built in the city. At the outbreak of the war he opened the first enrolling office in Amboy. He was one of the foremost men for several years, and died of paralysis May 9, 1875, at the age of sixty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Gunning have been the parents of four children : Louisa A., Elrena L. (deceased), Carrie E. and George M. Mrs. Gunning belongs to the Episcopal chiirch, and Mr. Gunning is a vestryman. He has been alderman five years, and is a democrat.

William Henet McGkaw, locomotive engineer, Amboy, settled in this city in the fall of 1856, and has been in the employ of the Central Railroad Company continuously since. He began by firing two years, then worked in the shop and switched in the yard until July 5, 1859, when he took an engine and ran a freight train five years; from that time till now he has had a passenger. Mr. McGraw was married to Miss Jane Mooney, February 15, 1863. Mrs. McGraw was born in the county of Wexford, Ireland, October 28, 1842, and emigrated to this country in 1859. The first year she lived in McLean county, Illinois, and then came to Amboy. Mr. McGraw was born in Schoharie county, New York, of John W. and Jane (Chilson) McGraw, April 19, 1831. He served an apprenticeship to the miller's trade, but did not work at it afterward. In 1850 he came west to view the country, and the next spring returned to Albany and worked till fall on the Hudson river, when he came again to Illinois and commenced as brakeman on the Chicago and Galena Union railroad, the first built west from Chicago. His run was from that city to Rockford, to which the road had only been extended. In June, 1852, he changed to the Illinois & Michigan canal and remained until some time the following year as captain of a boat. From this time to the autumn of 1856, when he came to Amboy, he was a mate ou an Illinois river steamer.

of Clement ami Lucy (^Farnhain) Smith, and was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, in 1829. He had four brothers and six sisters, all born, like himself, at Enfield. His parents were natives of the same state. Clement Smith was born at Bridgewater, March 23, 1704, and Lucy Farnham at Enfield, April 20, the same year. The parents of the latter were Jonathan Farnham and Hannah Choate, who were born respectively at Xewburyport in 175S, and in East Enfield about the same time. The celebrated advocate, Rufus Choate, belonged to this family. Mr. Smith's grandparents on both sides lived to be over ninety years old. His father emigrated from near Portsmouth, when a young man, to Enfield. The country in northern New Hampshire was at this time very wild. He served on the northern frontier in the war of 1812. Our subject at the age of eighteen left home for Boston, Avhere he was clerk in a store four vears. In 1S51 he made a trip to California, remaining only one year, and then returning to Boston. In November, 1852, he came to Springfield, Illinois, and on April 19, 1853, was married to Miss Lizzie Pearl. She was born February 8, 1831, and was the youngest child in a family of four sons and three daughters, all born at Porter, O.xford county, Maine. Mrs. Smith's parents were Benjamin and Susan (Otis) Pearl. The former was born at Porter, and served in the war of 1812, and the latter was born at Gilmanton, New Hampshire, March 1, 1793. When Mr. Smith settled in Springfield he began railroading on the Great Western. On December 21, 185-4, the engine " New England,'' which he was firing, exploded, killing the engineer and throwing him 200 feet, breaking his shoulder and several ribs, and scalding and dangerouslv injuring him. He was sevei'al months recovering, and it was two years before he regained the full use of his body. In 1857 he removed to Lee county, Iowa, and bought land and farmed. When the county adopted township organization "he was the first supervisor in his township of Lee, which had formerlj', as a precinct, been called Badger. In 18ij3 he moved to Bureau county, Illinois, and the next year to Amboy. Here he worked ten years for the Central company on engine repairs, and in 1874 started in the butchering business. He has been collector, alderman and school director, and is a Mason and republican. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two sons, Winslow and Edgar O., born respectively August 31, 1855, and August 31, 1861.

Hexry T. Fokd, employe, Amboy, son of Lebbeus and Bathsheba (Thorp) Ford, was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, June 14, 1821. His grandfather, John Ford, did veteran service in the revolution, and died about 1845 at the age of ninety-two. Mr. Ford arrived in Ambo}' April 2, 1806, and the next March he began work for the Central compan}- as clerk in charge of the oil department, and is still in that position. He was married January 12, 1842, to Miss Sylvia M. Crampton, of West Stockbridge, Massaclnisetts. Her birth was on the 12th of January 1822. Tiiey have had five children, as follows : Marian P., born June 3, 18i3, married to John E. Pettiboue, of Ciiicago, January 1, 1863; Mary E., born April 12, 1845, married to John Trainer June 4, 18(17; Myron H., born March 21, 1847; Charles L., born May 28, 1849, died October 29, 1879 ; John Wallace, born December 15, 1859, died in infancy. In Massachusetts Mr. Ford was selectman six terms; in Ainboy he has been a member of the board of education two years, and is a trustee of Prairie Repose Cemetery. Politically he is a republican. Both he and Mrs. Ford are members of the Congregational church, and he is a trustee.

Charles Tait, machinist, and foreman of engine house, Amboy, was born July 7, 1830, in the county of Northumberland, England. He was a son of John and Mary (Gibson) Tait. About 1850 he commenced to learn the machinist's trade, and the next year came to America and went to work at Paterson, New Jersey. In 1852 he came to Cleveland and finished his trade, remaining till 1857. On the application of tlie Central company he came to Amboy in the fall of tliat year. In 18(56 he was promoted to foreman of the engine house. He was married May 5, 1858, to Mrs. Mary (Hatton), widow of Joseph Garner. The following are their six children : Hannah, now Mrs. William McKinzie ; Charle" W., James H., Alice M., Joseph W. and Ida G. Mrs. Tait belongs to the Congregational church, and he is a republican, a Mason, and a workman. He owns 120 acres of land at Clear Lake, Iowa.

Chaeles H. Maeston, locomotive engineer, Amboy, was born in Portsmoutli, New Hampsliire, June 27, 1820. In 1825 his mother, Lydia (^Staples), died, and his father married again, and in 1830 himself died. Four years later young Marston went to sea : during two seasons he was steamboating on the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and at otiier times making voyages to the West Indies, to Europe and to the Mediterranean. His seafaring life lasted five years, and at the age of nineteen he set himself to learn the machinist's trade. Beginning at Portsmouth he worked two years with Jefterson Mclntyre, who gave up business at the end of that time. In 1844 he went to Boston and finished with Hinckly & Drury, engine builders, for whom he worked a year and a lialf. Next he was employed by Jabez Coney, of south Boston, and helped build two engines. He left there in the early summer of 1847 and went to Springfield, remaining till the latter part of 1848 as gang-boss in the engine works at that place, where he superintended the putting up of seven or eight more locomotives. He now went to Cleveland, Ohio, with an engine and six car- loads of niacliineiy for the same parties, from the Springfield Car and Engine Works, to start car shops there, and took employment from Harbaek, Stone & Witt. In April, 185-i, he changed his location to Chicago, and began work for the Central Railroad Company, and continued with them until 1857, first on the branch as engineer and then on the main line, making Ainboy his home after November 185-t. He subsequently ran on the Racine & Mississippi railroad, the Mississippi Central, the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis, and the Great Western. On May 17, 186i, he started overland to California, but reacliiiig Salt Lake sold his outfit, and after remaining three months departed January 7, 1865, for Arizona, where he arrived in March after a hard journey of fifty-four days on horseback, in the dead of winter, not having taken a meal nor slept but once in a human liabitation. In a few months he started home, and at Jacob's well was plundered by the Indians, and lost both his horses. He arrived in the fall, and from tiien until 1869 was again working for the Central company in the machine shop. He then went to Bryant, on the Union Pacific, as division master mechanic, and early in 1871 came home and ran the first construction train on the Chicago & Rock River road, and after tliat a passenger. He was on this road little more than a year. In 1876 he removed a grist-mill which he had bought at Compton and set it up in Amboy, and ran it till 1879. In the fall of that year he returned to the Union Pacific and worked anotiier j-ear. About 1858 he erected two business houses in the city, and at other times two residences. He was married February 2, 1852, to Miss Jane Van Noate, of Bricksville, Ohio. They have three sons : Lannes, Frank, and Alpha. Mr. Marston is a Royal Arch Mason.

Henbv S. Wyjian, locomotive engineer, Amboy, third son of Col. John B. Wyman, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, June 12, 1852. Soon after his birth his parents removed to Chicago, where they resided about a year before settling in Amboy, in which place Mr. Wyman lived until he was eleven years old. From that time until he was sixteen he was at Shewsbury and Worcester, Massacliusetts, attending school. He returned to Illinois and was in Bloomington three years learning the miller's trade; but as this business did not agree with his health, in 1871 he obtained employment from the Central Railroad Company, and has been in their service since as brakeman, fireman, baggageman, and engineer. He was married Feliruary 3, 1876, to Miss Lilian Daniels. Tiiey have one child, Henry Westcott. Mrs. Wyman was born at Sliippingsport, La Salle county, July 26, 1854. She is a memlier of the Episcopal church, and Mr. Wyman is a vestryman. He is also a republican and a workman.

works at Ambo}', was born in Medina county, Ohio, June 19, 1843. His parents were Levi H. and Laurana E. (Parsons) Stone. He was bereft of his father when he was seven years old, and he suffered from feeble health during his early life. In 18oi his widowed mother removed with her family to Findlay, Ohio, and here Mr. Stone obtained his education in the graded schools. In the winter of 1861-2 he began the study of telegraphy, but made no use of it after acquiring it; the ne.xt autumn he went to clerkingfor his uncle in a retail dry-goods store ; and in the fall of 1864 he started as commercial traveler for a New York wholesale dry-goods house, and was in this business four years. In November, 1868, he settled in Clinton, Illinois, in the printing business, in company with his brother-in-law, W. L. Glessner. They purchased the "Clinton Register" and published it together tive j^ears. In 1873 Mr. Stone sold to his partner and accepted the position of station agent at Clinton, on the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad. He iield this till March 1, 1881, and then resigned to give his personal attention to the manufacture of tile and brick at Amboy, and the erection of the necessary works preparatory to undertaking the business. The year before he had formed a partnership with Mr. John Wightwick, of Clinton, who is the senior member of the tirm. Mr. Stone was married February 8, 1876, to Miss Emily J. Smith, who was born in London, England, December 6, 1853. They have two children, Winnie and Nellie. Mrs. Stone belongs to the Methodist church.

William B. Andrttss, merchant, Amboy, was born in the township of Jerusalem, county of Yates and State of New York, Februar^^ 23, 1824, and is a son of Henry G. and Pamela (Weed) Andruss. As the genealogical history of the family shows, he is the eighth generation from John Andrews (termed the settler) who with a brother settled in Farmington, Connecticut, in 1640, from England. Mr. Andruss, the subject of this sketch, was raised a farmer, received an academic education at Franklin Academy, Prattsburgh, Steuben county, New York, taught school a number of terms while a young man. He married Miss Dolly Bell, of Gorham, Ontario county, New York, daughter of Thomas and Sophia Bell, October 6, 1846, and resided for one year in Pittsford, Monroe county, New York, where their only child, Virgil B. Andruss, was born, July 21, 1847. He then returned to his native town, where lie remained until 1855, when he came west, finally settling in Amboy, Illinois, in February 1856, where he has since resided. He found a somewhat divided village, considerable strife existing as to whether the main town should be on the east or west side of the railroad. His lirst location was in what was called Exchange block on the west side. His health had failed him, and Mrs. Andruss opened daguerreotype and photographic rooms. They remained in that locality about two years, when they came to the east side, and occupied rooms near the corner of Main street and Adams avenue. Mr. Andruss' liealth gradually improved, and he was elected township collector fur four successive years, and town clerk for two years. In 1862 he was elected justice of the peace, and with the exception of about two years has held the office since to May 1, 1881. He was alderman for the second ward eight years. He was county surveyor for the years 1863-4. He was appointed notary public by Gov. Bissell in 1858 or 1859, and has been continued such since, his last commission received in 1880. In 1806 he engaged in the hardware and farming implement trade as partner with C. J. Blackstone. This continued to 1868, wiien he purchased his partner's interest, and he, in connection with his son Virgil B. Andruss, has continued the business to the present time, for some years in the tirni name of W. B. Andruss & Son. Virgil B. Andruss enlisted in Co. D, ISith 111. Vols., at its organization in Ciiicago, and remained with the company until the regiment was mustered out of the service. Mr. Andruss has been a member of the Presbyterian or Congregational church since 1842; he and Mrs. Andruss have been members of the Congregational church of Amboy since January 1857, and he a deacon thereof since February 1857; their son, a member since May 1863. Mr. Andruss has always advocated the temperance reform, having been identified with almost all societies organized to carry forward the work, but more prominently with the Sons of Temperance, having first united with that order in 1845, and now being a representative in the National Division of North America. In politics he has been a republican since the organization of that party. SmoN Badger, deceased, brother to H. E. and Chester Badger, was born in Broome county. New York, June 11, 1820. In 1838 he came west with his fatlier, who was a millwright, and worked with him at that trade until 1841. He then turned his attention to fanning, and in 1848, in company with his brother Warren, erected the Badger gristmill at Binghamton, the first of consequence in the county. His interest in this property continued until 1860. In 1850 he went overland to California, accompanied by his brother Chester, and remained there nearly a year. His wife, whose maiden name was Emily McKune, and to whom he had been married about two years, died in his absence, on July 5, 1850. Tidings of his loss decided him to return at once, and hd arrived home late in the autumn. By this marriage was one child, now Mrs. Joanna Morgan. Mr. Badger married again, taking for his second wife Miss Roxy M. Wasson, daughter of Lorenzo Wasson, sr., with whom he lived in great happiness until her death. May 26, 1863. Mr. Badger was a man actively engaged in business during his lite, and enjoyed a high degree of confidence and respect from a large circle of friends. He filled various township offices, and for sixteen years was justice of the peace, and was discharging the functions of that office at the date of his death. He was a sufferer several years from diabetes, from which disease he died July 28, 1876. In his death the community sustained the loss of an upright, public-spirited citizen. By his last marriage three children were born : Rush, September 7, 1855; Stella, September i, 1857; and Claribel, April 25, 1859. Paish received a common school education, and supplemented it with a commercial course at Bryant & Stratton's college at Davenport, Iowa, in the winter of 1875-6. In the summer of 1879 he traveled four months in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany and Switzerland.

Oscar A. Comstock, locomotive engineer, Araboy, eldest son of Alfred and Harriet (Westbrook) Comstock, was born August 15, 1837, in St. Clair county, Michigan, to which his parents had removed from Oneida county, New York, at its first settlement about 1830. Here his father farmed on a small scale, but owning a saw-mil! and timber, he made lumber manufacturing his principal business. In 1849 Mr. Comstock went on the lakes as a cook on board a vessel, and after that as a common sailor, returning home winters to work in the pineries. He kept this up till the fall of 1860, and then located in Amboy in the employ of the Central company as locomotive fireman. In August, 1862, he volunteered in Co. I, 89th 111. Inf. (railroad regiment), Capt. Samuel Comstock, a cousin, being his commanding officer. He fought at Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Strawberry Plains, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, and Peach Tree Creek, and followed Hood back to Tennessee and fought at Franklin and Nashville. He was promoted to sergeant, and at Mission Ridge was wounded by a bullet which broke his arm. In May, 1865, he was mustered out at Chicago, and immediately returned to Amboy and went to work again for the railroad company. In 1867 he was promoted to locomotive engineer. His marriage with Miss Anna Hill was on March 31, 1866. Her parents were English, and emigrated to New Orleans, where she was born March 17, 1848. The next year they came north, her mother dying on the passage, and her father settled at Galena, and followed lead mining. She is a member of the Baptist church, and Mr. Comstock is a republican, and belongs to division No. 72, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

Andrew J. Poland, train master Illinois Central railroad, Amboy, son of Benjamin F. and Lucy S. (Sanborn) Poland, was born August 12, 1832, in Standish, Maine, and was reared at Gloucester. His father was a captain in the last war with Great Britain. Mr. Poland M'ent to Boston in 1850, and to Chicago in 1854. He ran on the Central branch from May till September, and from this date till January,

1855, was running between Chicago and Galena, still in the employ of the Central company. He then was located at Amboy until 1859, when he removed to Chicago and ran between that city and St. Louis over the Chicago & Alton railroad sixteen months. In 1861 he returned to Amboy and remained here till January 1866, being train master at this time, and his family residing at Centralia. He was next stationed at Decatur until 1873, when he came back to Amboy, where he now resides. He was married in 1857, to Miss Caroline Potter, of Chicago, who died February 8, 1879, and by whom he had five children, as follows: Edward W., Lucy (dead), Lizzie J., Carrie S., and Helen.

Philip Fi.ack, barber, Amboy, is a native of Oberhoechstadt, near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, where he was boi-n May 14, 1837. He emigrated to America, arriving at Castle Garden, Xew York, October 1, 1853. After eight months he went to Virginia, in September, 1855, he came to Mendota, and in January, 1856, permanently located in Amboy, and was the fir.st white barber who followed his vocation in the town. He lost his business property, in which his fainil}' was living at the time, by fire, on December 10, 1863. This conflagration destroyed all of East avenue except Edwards' livery stable, at the north end of the row, and Carson & Pirie's brick building, where Bourne's now stands. He was married February 15, 1858, to Miss Margaret Hauck, by whom he has had the following children : Franc-is Albert, Marion, Philip Andrew (deceased), Josephine Barbara, and Clara Amelia. Mr. Flack and his family are Catholics.

Geokge H. McFatrich, car-builder and assistant foreman of the car-shop, Ambo}-, is a native of Mercer county, Penns^-lvania, where he was born March 31, 1819. He was the second son and fourth child of Hugh and Margaret (Bennett) McFatrich. He spent his early boyhood on a farm, received a good English education, and learned the cabinet trade. In 1842 he settled at Hazel Green, Grant county, AVisconsin, where he lived by his trade, and was married to Miss Fannie Lindsay. In 1854 he moved to Kockford, Illinois, and sold drugs with his brother James a year, and in April, 1855, came to Amboy and has since had his home in this place. He built on the site of Wheat & Gridley's store one of the first business houses in Amboj'. In the fall he began work for the Centi-al Railroad Company, in the car-shop, and has continued ever since in their employ, a period of twenty-six years. During the last sixteen 3'cars he has been assistant foreman. The only office he ever held was that of collector, the last year he lived in Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. McFatrich were formerly Presbyterians, but on ciiming here they found no church of their denomination, and so joined the Methodist, of which they had been members until two years ago. The latter is now a Consreijationalist. Mr. McFatrich was an elder in the Presbyterian church. In politics he was originally a whig, but became a republican on the formation of that party. They have had five children: Sarah Melissa, wife of David I. Finch, of Peoria; Fannie, now Mrs. Louis Santee, of Des Moines, Iowa, but formerly of Brooklyn, iSTew York; Hadcssa (deceased), and Ella and Emma, twins (deceased).

Chaeles W. Bell, constable, Amboy, was born in New York in 1826. Iq 1840 he emigrated with his parents, Royal and Amanda (Judd) Bell, from Chautauqua county to Kendall county, Illinois. In 1852 he came here with his brother-in-law, Levi Chapman, of the firm of Chapman tfe Roberts, contractors, and worked for them at grading on the railroad till August 1853. He then brought his family to the present site of the city, and engaged in boarding railroad men, and at the same time doing a teaming business for the company in hauling stone from Grand Detour, and other building material from Mendota. For several 3'ears after he did contract work about the town. In 1858 or 1859 he was elected city marshal, and held the office seventeen or eighteen years, and was also most of the same time constable and deputy sheriff. In 1850 he was married to Miss Adeline Butler. They liave had four children, as follows: Clara, now Mrs. John Shear; Medora, died Fuliruary 5, 1869, aged fourteen years, si.x months and nine days; Jessie, died February 15, 1869, aged ten years, ten months and seven days; and Lillie, died February 3, 1869, aged seven years, eleven months and twenty-four days. These were carried off b}' scarlet fever. Mr. Bell is an Odd-Fellow. Mrs. Bell is a member of the Baptist church, and both belong to the Sons of Temperance.

George W. Freeman, train master Illinois Central railroad, Amboy, son of Chauncey and Harriet (Johnson) Freeman, was born in Clarkson, New York, in 1834, and reared on his father's farm and educated in his native town. In 1852, when but eighteen years of age, he came west and went to work on the Wabash railroad between Decatur and Springfield, and in the autumn of 1853 he went to Knox county, Illinois, where he was employed until the following March. At this time he entered the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Qiiincy Railroad Company as brakeman, and after six months was advanced to a regular train, and so continued in the employment of the company until April 1861. Immediately on the call of the president for troops he volunteered for three months in Co. E, 17th 111. Inf., and was appointed sergeant. After serving his time he returned home and recruited Co. C, 11th 111. Cav., Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, principally about Galesburg. He was commissioned captain of this company and went into the service, but was stricken with rheumatism and obliged to resign, which he did in March 1862. He recovered sufficiently to go to work again in the summer following, and engaged with the Illinois Central company, in whose service he has been until the present date. He was freight conductor nine years, and passenger conductor the remainder of the time, until he was transferred in the spring of 1881 to the train master's office in Amboy. Mr. Freeman was married January 13, 1858, to Miss Caroline Dailey, daughter of Edward Dailcy, of Galesburg. Edward and Frederick are their two sons. Mrs. Freeman is a Congregationalist, and he is a Knight Temphir and a re]iul)- lican.

Joseph E. Lewis, attorney-at-law, Amboy, the youngest child of Joseph Lewis, was born in Amboy township, December 21, 1847. His father was born in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, in 1807, and his mother, whose maiden name was Rachel Cargill, in Cheshire county, New Hampshire, in 1806, and both are now living in Binghamton. In 1845 they emigrated from Pennsylvania to this township with five children, all of whom are now dead, as follows: Gaylord J., who left here March 29, 1852, at the age of nineteen, for California, and was never heard from after he had been there three years ; James C, who volunteered in Co. I, 89th 111. Vols., was wounded in the knee at Buzzard Roost, Georgia, May 9, 1864, died at Chattanooga July 23 ; John, who enlisted in Co. G, 39th 111. Vols. (Yates' Phalanx), August 20, 1861, served on the Peninsula under McClellan, and in the Shenandoah under Shields, discharged in January 1803, came home to Amboy and died of disease contracted in the service, November 29, 1864; Andrew J., who enlisted in Co. G, (Yates' Phalanx\ August 2, 1861, died at Foley Island, Charleston harbor, of typiioid tever, July 4, 1803; and Electa Jane, who died in infancy the first year of their residence here. These parents have given much to their country. Both have been members of the Methodist church since 1824, and Mr. Lewis has always held official connection as steward, trustee, or class leader, and sometimes has filled all three of these positions at once. The subject of this sketch did not walk on pavements of gold, nor lie upon beds of roses. He obtained a good education by putting two years of schooling at Mount Morris Seminary, with much hard private study at irregular intervals, making his way as best he could by teaching school. He used to keep up with his classes and go to school but one-third of the time. In 1870 he began the study of law in the office of Norman Ryan, but it was necessarily desultory, and several years elapsed before he was admitted. In 1871 he was married to Miss Melissa Hayes; and from 1872 to 1875 he had charge of the Rockton public schools of Winnebago county as priticipal. He is a republican and takes an active part in politics. His children have been as follows: Stella (dead), Ada, Benjamin B., Paul, and Ethel.

Charles W. Deming, grocer, Amboy, is a native of Steuben county, New York, where he was born May 1, 1817. His parents were Charles S. and Elizabeth (Corbett) Detning, by whom he was reared a farmer until the age of fifteen, when he was put to mercantile employment. He was married September 24, 1810, to Miss Sabrina Chamberlain, who was born September 1, 1823. Their family of seven children are all living: Louisa S., now Mrs. Jacob L. Holmes; Charles Gaylord ; Ann E., wife of Isaac E. Holmes; Jason L.; Helen A., now Mrs. Nathaniel Burnham ; Carrie, and Olin E. Mr. Deming came west in April 1855, and settled at Linden, Whiteside county, where he farmed until he came to Amboy in 1864:. Since that time, except one year, he has been in business. He is an intiuential member of the Methodist church, to wliich he has belonged since 1838. Mrs. Deining has been a communicant in the same church since 1840. He has filled the ofiices of steward, trustee, class leader, and Sabbath-seliool superintendent. His connection with the Sons of Temperance dates from 1844, and he is now the oldest member in the state, and is invested with the dignity of grand worthy associate of the Grand Division of Illinois. Mr. Deming is a republican. His brothers, Asaph C. and George A., died of disease in the army ; the former at Nashville, Tennessee, and the latter at Grand Gulf, Mississippi.

Jaked Slautee, railroad yardmaster, Amboy, son of Sylvanus F. and Lurena (French) Slauter, was born in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in 1824. His grandfather Slauter was a veteran of the revolution who fought in several battles. Mr. Slauter was bred to farming, and followed that occupation until he removed to Amboy, arriving here April 15, 1856. He was married March 30, 1847, to Miss Adeline Lord, who died in 1849, leaving one child, Maria Adelaide, who also died, aged nineteen. His second marriage was on November 28, 1849, to Miss Caroline Bradlej^, whose death occurred May 10, 1861. She was the mother of two children, Lurena and Frank F. On April 6, 1862, he celebrated his third marriage with Catiierine (Smith), widow of Addison Smith, and by this union has one child, George W. Mr. Slauter has worked for the Central Compan\' since his settlement here, and during the period of over twenty -five years has not lost more than two months' time. He was employed on the track for a few months at first, next was switchman three j-ears, and in 1859 became yardmaster, and has held this position since. He is a republican in politics, and has been an Odd-Fellow twentj'-seven years, and filled the chairs of the vice grand and noble grand. He was a Baptist when in New England. Mrs. Slauter belongs to the Congregational church.

ancestors were earl\- settlers in the colonies. His great-grandfather, Isaac Norton, was a merchant by occupation and a native of Vingard, Maine. He moved from there to Industry, and at a later period to Starks, in the same state, where his life closed after over twenty years of painful suffering from cancer in the face. He had one brother, Benjamin. Mr. Merrow's grandfathers, William Norton and Stephen Morrow, were revolutionary soldiers; the former was a captain, and was wounded in action; the latter a farmer by occupation, and lived at Chapliain, New Hampshire, where his son Asa J., father of our subject, was born ; after several years he removed to Dover, in the same state, and died there. Mr. Merrow began his trade of working in marble when seventeen 3'ears old, and served an apprenticeship of three years in Oldtown, Maine. Early in 1869 his parents came west, settled in Amboy two years, and then moved to Clear Lake, Minnesota, where liis father died June 26, ISSO, aged seventy-one years and nine months. In January, 1870, he arrived in Amboy, where he resided a short time, and then located at Ashton in the marble business. In the fall of 1877 he removed to tiiis city, where he deals in headstones and monuments, and executes a fine class of work.

John H. Long, farmer, Amboy, son of Michael and Margaret (Long) Long, was born in Canada in 1829. His maternal grandfather, Joi^eph Long, was a soldier of the revolution. His grandfather on his father's side moved to Canada after the war, and there Mr. Long's father was born. In 18iS he immigrated with his parents to Sublette township, where his father entered land. Mr. Long worked during that year for Col. Dement, who was at the time receiver of the land office, and in 1850 he began farming on his own account. About that time he hauled potatoes to Chicago and peddled them out by the peck and half bushel at twenty-five cents per bushel. In 1850 he married Miss Sarah Jane Fessenden, daugiiter of William and Sally (Spafford) Fessenden, who were early settlers in Sublette township, having arrived there from New England in 1837. Mrs. Long was born on Mount St. Pisgah or St. Helen, New Hampsiiire, in 1830. When the Central railroad was building Mr. Long worked with his teams at grading for §1.50 per day at first, and afterward for the reduced sum of $1.37^. He hauled the most of the material for the railroad buildings at Amboy ; the door and window caps and sills from Mendota, and the brick from Brad3''s brick-yard in Palestine Grove, four miles from the town, where Dutcher & Wyman carried on the manufacture. Mr. Long owns 300 acres of land, 200 of which his father-in-law entered, and on which the old settler's house, built from lumber hauled from Chicago, is still standing. Mr. Long's farm is worth $15,000. He is a republican, and belongs to the American

Legion of Honor. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. They have had nine cliildren : Ellen J., now Mrs. Walter Scott ; Sarah M., now Mrs. Geo. W. Scott; Charles F., who married Miss Stella Wooster; Amanda E., wife of Frank M. Laraoile; John H. (dead), Samuel A., Dora E., Nettie M. and Emerson H.

Benjamin Sxirrn, freight conductor, Ambo}', youngest son of Urial and Ruth Harriet (Ring) Smith, was born in New Gloucester, Cumbei-land couiitj', Maine, December 8, 1834. He was reared a farmer, and in 1847 went to Boston. After eighteen months he returned and lived in his native state until 1856, when he again went to Boston and worked a year for an ice company. Two years' residence in Maine succeeded, and in 1859 lie removed west and settled with his family in Amboy. He had been married on June 22, 1855, to Miss Rebecca R. Farr, of Poland, in Mr. Smith's native county. She was the daughter of William and Anna (Ridlon) Farr, and was born October 6, 1S33. From December 1859 until 1863 Mr. Smith was a brakeman on the Central, but at the last date he was advanced to conductor. In 1868 he removed to Livingston county, this state, where he had purchased a farm in Sullivan township, and gave his hand for a few years to the plow. But he could not subdue the enchantment of railroading, and so returned to the old employment, leaving his fatnily to live upon the farm. In 1875 they removed to Chatswortli and lived a year, and the next spring came to Amboy, where they have since resided. Mrs. Smith belongs to the United Brethren church, and Mr. Smith is a republican, and a member of the American Legion of Honor. They have two daughters, Mary Ella, born in Maine, June 12, 1859; and Harriet, born July 27, 1861. Both graduated at the Amboy High Scliool in the class of 1879.

George F. Morgan, railroad conductor, Amboy, was born in Carbondale, Luzerne count)', Pennsylvania, September 24, 1843, and was the youngest child of William J. and Barbara (Lewis) Morgan. Plis pai-ents came from Wales when young. In 1858 Mr. Morgan left his home and reached Dubuque, and two years later went to braking on the Central. In the fall of 1864 he enlisted for one j'ear as a recruit in Co. A, 11th 111. Inf., and joined it at Memphis. When it was mustered out he was transferred to Co. H, 46th 111. Inf., and was with this at Baton Rouge, Shreveport and New Orleans, and was mustered out at the latter place in October 1865. During most of the time he was on detached service at division headquarters, as clerk. After this he followed railroading on the Central, and selling groceries in Amboy, and in 1869 became a conductor. In 1868 he was married to Miss Joanna Badger, daughter of Simon Badger, by whom he has three children : Mabel R., born March 10, 1869; Simon C, September 11, 1872, and

Maud E., January 9, 1873. Both parents are members of tlie Methodist church. Mr. Morgan is a republican, and belongs to Illinois Central Lodge No. 178, A.F. and A.M.; Nachusa Chapter No. 52, Dixon ; and Dixon Commandery No. 21.

Albert E. MeHwine, freight and ticket agent on the Rock Falls branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Qiiincy railroad, Amboy, is the son of Harris D. and Thurza (Morris) Merwine, and a native of Paw Paw in this county, where he was born in 1853. His parents emigrated from Pennsylvania about 1845. Mr. Merwine worked at farming and tending store for some years, and in 1872 accepted the position of station agent at Hinsdale, on the main line of the Chicago, Burlington ife Quincy railroad. In 1873 he was transferred to Amboy. His marriage with Miss Irene M. Cole, of this city, was in September 1875. Carrie is their only child. Mr. Merwine is a republican, an Odd-Fellow, and a workman. His grandfather, Isaac Morris, was a drummer boy of 1812, and draws a pension.

Russell W. Rosier, deceased, youngest son of Sylvester and Electa C. (Reppley) Rosier, was born in Bennington, Vermont, December 17, 1829. His parents settled in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, about 1845, and two or tliree years afterward he went to work as a braketnan, and followed railroading the rest of his life. He was brakeman two years, fireman two more, and then was given an engine, and remained at that post until his death. On April 2, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Hinchcliff, daughter of Titus and Amelia (Davis) Hinchcliif, of De Soto, Jackson county, Illinois. She was boi'n January 17, 1840. In October Mr. Rosier settled in Amboy. In 1859 he went to Tennessee and was engineer on the Nashville 6c Chattanooga railroad; in a few months he was followed by Mrs. Rosier, and they established their home at Cowan Station, at the foot of the Cumberland mountains, on the west side. They remained there until the cloud of civil war obliged them to take refuge in the north, and then returned to this city. Mr. Rosier reentered the service of the Central company, and never more tried a change. His death came Februar}' 7, 1881. His affiliations were with tiie Masons and the Engineers' Brotherhood, and he was chief of division No. 72 of the last organization at the date of his death. Himself and his wife were members of tJie Methodist church, and he had filled tiie offices of steward and trustee. In politics he was a rejniblican. Their only child was an adopted daughter, Emma May. Mr. Rosier was an industrious, reliable man, of few words but decisive action. He had strong domestic habits and attachments, and was known and respected for liis christian kindness and benevolent disposition. His remains were interred in Prairie Repose cemetery.

Michael Egan, builder, Araboy, was born in Kiirush, county of Clare, Ireland, September 26, 1821. He received a fair education. His father, John Egan, was a mason, and from him he learned the same trade, beginning when fifteen years old, and serving an apprenticeship of seven years. He was employed largely on government works. In the spring of 1S46 he arrived in New York city and went to work for Matthias and Freeman Bloodgood, contractors, on a bonded warehouse. At the end of twenty months he removed to Springfield, Massachusetts, and worked at his trade seven j'ears for Capt. Charles McClellan. In the last place he became a naturalized citizen. In the winter of 1852-3 he was employed by J. B. Wyman to come west to work on the Illinois Central. He arrived in February, and commenced on bridges and culverts south of La Salle, and in June following came to Amboy and began the erection of the railroad buildings, whose construction he superintended until the last was finished. From that time till the present he has been in the employ of this company, except during the four years between 1876 and 1880. He is now their inspector and purchasing and disbursing agent for cord-wood and crossties. Mr. Egan has been alderman several terms and mayor twice, director of the i^ublic schools and secretary of the board of education, and a foremost actor in the public business of the community. His family are Catholics, and the first services of this church, in Amboy, were in liis house. His first marriage was in 1844, with Miss Ellen Morrissy, daughter of John and Bridget Morrissy. Her death was on January 27, 1869, when about forty-five years of age. She was the mother of eleven children, as follows: Bridget (dead), Susan (dead), John, Ellen (dead), Peter, Michael Francis, Alfred, Joseph, Mary, Benjamin and Teressa (dead). He was married a second time in 1872, to Mrs. Helen (Stewart), widow of James Barrie. Her children were Lizzie, Robert, and Jemima. By the last marriage there are two living children, Ellen and "William A. S.

Betant B. Howard, general foreman of the Illinois Central railroad shops at Amboy, was born in Chicago September 13, 1836, and was the third child of Leonard and Caroline Esther (Smith) Howard. His father was a contractor, and came to Chicago from Buftalo, New York, in 1836, and built the first brick building ever erected in that city. In 1853 Mr. Howard went to learn the machinist's trade, and soon after completing it came to Amboy, arriving August 3, 1856. He was at once employed in the Central shops, and in 1858 he took charge of the Roundhouse as foreman ; in 1866 he was promoted to general foreman of all the shops, and has since filled that position. He was married January 3, 1860, to Miss Mary Kaley, who was born in 1838, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to which place her parents had emigrated from Switzerland about 1836. Four children have been born to them, viz : George, Josephine, Fannie and Maud. Mr. Howard has been alderman one term ; lie is a member of Illinois Central Lodge No. ITS, A.F. and A.M., Friendship Council No. 567, A.L.H., Reform division No. 555, Sons of Temperance, and is a prohibitionist in politics.

Edwaki) S. Reynolds, carpenter and joiner. Amboy, son of Hatfield and Lydia (Salsbery) Reynolds, is a native of Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and was born there August 18, 1827. He was reared on a farm, but learned his trade before he became of age. In September, 1853, he was married to Miss Mary E. Dean, and the next December removed to Illinois and located for the time being at Binghamton. Mr. Reynolds erected one of the two first houses in Amboy, and in August, 1854, occupied it with his family, and claims to have been the first to move into the place after it was laid out, tliougli this point is disputed by Dr. Bainter, who makes the same claim for himself. He was one of the first board of aldermen after Ambo}' became a city, and was a charter member of Illinois Central Lodge No. 178, A.F. and A.M. His first wife died in 1867, and in 1871 he took Miss Mary A. Fairman in marriage. He has two sons by his first wife, Edgar W. and Charles L., and by the second, William G. Mrs. Reynolds is a communicant in the ^letliodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Reynolds, who was formerly a whig, is now a republican.