Lee County, Illinois - The whole text, 1881 (part 11 of 24)

Henky Chapin, farmer, Amboy, was born in New York in 1824. He was the fifth child of Aretus and Anna (Rice) Chapin, who emigrated from A^ermont to New York. He was reared a blacksmith, went to his trade at fifteen, and worked at it forty years. In the spring of 1845 he came by the lakes to Illinois, and settled in Oswego, Kendall county. Here he was married on the 1st of May 1850, to Miss Adelia L. Butler, sister to C. M. Butler and Mrs. C. W. Bell, of Ambo3'. She came from Michigan to Illinois in 1844. In 1852 he settled in Lockport, Will county, and in the fall of 1855 in Amboy. He erected the first blacksmith shop on the east side of the railroad, and the second in the town, and in the course of time combined with custom work the manufacture of wagons and carriages. After forty years of intensely earnest, driving work at the forge, he called forth the farewell echoes of his anvil in September 1879. He owns three farms aggregating 400 acres, and valued at $13,000. These tell the story of his toil. Both Mr. and Mrs. Chapin are members of the Methodist church, and the former was one of the building committee who had the erection of the new edifice in charge. In politics he is a republican. Their children are Frank H., Addie G. and Ella May.

of Steuben comity, New York, wliere he was born May 4, 18-i-i. His parents, Francis H. and Minerva (Stewart) Nortliway, removed west in tlie autumn of lS-t4, and settled on the S.E. ^ Sec. 3, T. 20, R. 10, two miles north of Amboy. He enlisted in October, 1864, in Co. C, 7th 111. Cav., Col. Graham. He served his time in Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama, scouting and doing guard and garrison duty, and was mustered out in October, 1865, at Huntsville, Alabama. He was married in 1873, to Miss Olive S. Tracy. Two children have been born to them : Daisy M. (dead), and Guy. Mr. Northway owns the old homestead on which he was reared, which is valued at $8,000. This was swept by the great tornado of 1860. The buildings were Ijlown to atoms. The family, seven in number, escaped with their lives, but were more or less injured. This storm killed one-seventh of all who were in its track. Mr. Northway is a democrat.

Tiiere are two Tedde tamiiies in this country, one of French and the other of English extraction. The former is the one to which we refer in tiie present sketch. John Trude, the founder of the name in America, was impressed into the French navy at the age of eleven and was held until he had performed eleven years' service. On liis return home he could learn nothing of his family, and as the Marquis Lafayette was preparing to depart for America, he joined him as an adventui'er, enlisting in the cause of the colonies. After his arrival upon our shores he fought at Brandywine and other places, and at the close of the war settled at Horseneck, Rhode Island, where he married an American woman named Baker. Here tiiey had a son, William B., born June 21, 1790. He married Betsy Eldridge, who was born the same year in Washington county, New York, and whose father bore arms at Crown Point, Bennington, Stony Point, and Saratoga. This couple are buried at St. Charles, Kane county. Mr. Trude was aged seventyseven at his death, ajid his companion sixt3'-three. William E. Trude, their son, is a locomotive engineer, and resides at Amboy. He was born December 29, 1831, in Lisbon, St. Lawrence county, New York, and reared on his father's farm. In 1852 he came west, and in March, 1855, settled in this place in the employ of the Central company. On July 6, 1858, lie was married to Miss Candace Rolf, of his native town, who was born December 25, 1835. Her mother died June 9, 1839, at about thirty-five years of age, and her father in 1879, aged eighty-six. Two sons have blessed their union : Fred W., born July 19, 1859, who graduated at the Amboy High School in the class of 1877, and married March 2-t, 1881, to Miss Josephine McCormack ; and Frank, born April 3, 1868. Mrs. Trude is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Trude is a Mason, a workman, and a member of the Engineers' Brotherhood.

Herbert A. Millard, painter, Amboy, is the sou of Ira and Lorinda (Car<;ill) Millard, wiio moved to this place from La Salle county, Illinois, in January 185(1. His father was born September 5, 1S17, and his mother in Windham, Greene county, New York, September 3, 1829. The maternal graiidfatlier of the latter was Amos Parker, a revolutionary soldier, who served seven years, and had the distinguished honor of saving the life of Gen. Lafayette at Yorktown. The latter, in giving orders for an assault, had directed that not a gun should be tired, but this soldier discovered a British sharpshooter drawing aim on Lafayette, and he hastened to bring him down in spite of orders. When the general visited this country in 1824 he sent to Mr. Parker, who was living in Augusta, Oneida county, New York, to meet him at Utica, in the same county, and lie did so. During the revolution Mr. Parker lived at Wallingford, Connecticut, but in 1793 moved to New Yoi-k, and here Mrs. Millard's mother, Elizabeth Parker, was born on August 9 of that year. She was thi-ee times married : first to Abram Cargill, next to Riverius Wilcox, and last to Calvin Chipman, a veteran of the war of 1812. Li 1S38 she removed with her second iiusband to La Salle county. She died in Amboy April 14, 1881, in her eightyeighth year. Mr. and Mrs. Millard were married in 1849. After their settlement here the former was some time engaged in trade in a feed and flour store. They had the following children : Ida E., born September 10, 1850, married April 13, 1870, to Wm. C. Miner, of Muskegon, Michigan ; Noble J. B., born September 17, 1852 ; Herbert A., born January 23, 1859, married Miss Jennie Spencer July 25, 1880 ; Clarence A., born August 20, 1863 ; Ira Adelbert, born March IS, 1868, and an infant born and died March 17, 1856. Besides these children of their own they reared Stephen Z. Hartley, a nephew of Mr. Millard, from the age of four till he was eighteen vears old. He learned the shoemaker's trade, and the printer's trade in tlie Ainbo}' " Jom-nal" office, and was a promising young man. In November. 1862, he enlisted in the I7th U. S. Inf, and in the following March was sent to Fort Preble, Portland, Maine, where he died on the I7th of the next April from small-pox.

Alexander H. Woostek, farmer, Amboy, born in Owego, Tioga county, New York, April 6, 1829, was the son of Calvin and Hannah (Matson) Wooster. His ancestors were early settlers in Connecticut. Mr. Wooster was graduated at the high school at Cleveland, Ohio, about 1846, and bred to mercantile life. On December 9, 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Harding, of Freedom, La Salle county, Illinois, and by her has had four children: Charles IL, Stella A., wife of Charles F. Long; Anna, now Mrs. D. C. Badger, and Wm. L. lu the spring of 1855 Mr. Wooster came to Amboy, and on his arffn]AAy fj .1^ U-PV<J[^^^-- rival set up in a general merchandise business with A. E. "Wilcox, and continued it subsequently with his brother David G. Wooster and others. After a few years he moved to a farm adjacent to the city limits on the northwest, where he now resides ; this comprises 204 acres. Mr. Wooster is a member of Illinois Central Lodge, No 178, A.F. and' A.M., and has occupied the master's chair in that lodge nine terms. He was first installed in December 1869, and served five years in succession, and after an interim of two years came to that position again four years more. Both himself and wife are members of the Baptist church of Amboy.

AsA B. Searles, farmer, Amboy, born at Cincinnatns(now Pitcher), Chenango county, New York, January 27, 1810, was the next to the last in a family of six children by Elihu and Ruth Ann (Hawley) Searles. The children were named Harry, Abram, Lemuel, Asa, David and Pamelia. The mother had three children, Polly, Phebe, and Fanny, by a former marriage. Three of Mr. Searles' uncles, Gideon, Abram, and Isaac Hawley, were soldiers of the revolution; and Lemuel Hawley was a sea captain in the service of Stephen Girard, and died of yellow fever at Philadelphia. His fether was in the military service in the last war with Great Britain, and died at Sackett's Harbor; and William Morgan, of anti-Masonic celebrity, brought young Searles the first tidings of his father's death. At the age of twelve he was bound to Edmund Meigs, of Tinkertown (now Hobart), to learn the cabinet trade, but being the youngest apprentice in the shop was made to do all the drudgery, and was so ill-treated that after staying a year and a half he ran away, and at length found a home with his brother Harry, at Marathon, and lived with him until he was sixteen, getting in the meantime but half a term's schooling. Going now to South Bainbridge, he lived there four or five years, and attended school where his brother Lemuel taught. Joe Smith, the coming prophet, was a fellowpupil, with whom, uncle Asa says, he had many a wrestle ; but young Smith was a large, strong fellow and could handle any of the boys. He was lazy, but kind-hearted, had a large brain and a good deal of ability. The whole family of Smiths, including the mother, were bony, stout-built persons, and in a little while they had all settled in that neighborhood. At nineteen Mr. Searles began teaching school and piloting on the Susquehanna river. This last business he followed six years; he contracted heavy jobs of rafting and floating logs and lumber; employed as many as 200 men; and cleared $3,000 in spite of some large losses. On September 19, 1832, he was married to Patience Stockwell, of Bainbridge. He left that place August 19, 1837, with a two-hoi'se team, accompanied by thirteen persons, and arrived at Palestine Grove October 11, and entered the land and settled where he lives. Altogether Mr. Searles entered sixteen "eighties," and bought, besides, 200 acres in May township. At this time tiie land office was at Galena, and Col. Dement the receiver. The land about Palestine Grove did not come into market until the fall of 18i4r, but in the vicinity of Dixon it was placed on sale a few j'ears earlier, on petition of Father Dixon. Mr. Searles took no little personal interest in the settling up of the country, and entertained land-huiiters in large numbers, and drove about the wild prairies with them days upon days in the unwearvine: labor of showinji; claims. In 1848 he laid out the village of Binghamton. He erected a hotel bearing the name of the place ; and a store in which he traded nearly two years. We have not the space to recount the numerous activities with which his name has been associated, but in short he has been a live man, from whose gettings manj' have profited more than he, a result which may be charged with equal justice to his generosity and his convivial habits. He was appointed postmaster about 1840, by Amos Kendall, and kept the office at his house ; again he was commissioned under Polk, and the office was kept in his store at Binghamton. He resigned, and Warren Badger succeeded only a short time before the removal to Amboy. Mrs. Searles died December 19, 1846; and in 1852 Mr. Searles married Miss Amanda Headlee, by whom he has five sons: Lemuel B., Frederick D., Jolin Henry, Frank Leslie, and Levi Headlee. Lemuel went with Gen. Custer to Dakota in the 7th United States cavalry, and served sixteen months. Mr. Searles has been coroner; and he assessed Amboy the first time that service was ever performed.

Mrs. C.\ROLixE A. Bartlett, widow of William C. Bartlett, Amboy, was the daughter of Hosea and Clementine Vinton, of Xorth Woodstock, Connecticut, where her English and Scotch ancestors settled in the earliest days of the colony, when the people of the neighborhood had to work in gangs of twenty or thirty to be prepared to resist the Indians, and at night went four miles together to the fort on Muddy Brook. In 1847 Mrs. Bartlett was united in marriage with Danford Bartlett, who was killed at Hartford, Connecticut, October 6, 1852. He was assisting to load a boiler on a car, when it accidentally rolled over him, crushing him to death. On October 18, 1854, she celebrated her second marriage, with William C. Bartlett, who was a native of Edinburgh, New York, where he was born November 23. 1824. His father died wheti he was a lad, and at the age of thirteen his motiier started with her family for Racine, Wisconsin, but died on tiie way. Orphaned at this early age, he now lived with his brotiier James and with his sister, working on a farm until he was cigliteen, when he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, and followed this the rest of bis life. He came to Amboy in the fall of 1853. Immediately on his marriage, the first in the village of Amboy, he settled in Racine, Wisconsin, where he at once became iinder-sherifl" of the county, and was in this position three years. Returning to this city in May, 1858, he was employed in the car shops from that time until his death, which occurred suddenly December 10, 187-1. Mr. Bartlett was received into the fellowship of the Adventist church in 1859, became a leading member of the society, and was respected by all the community. He was a nephew of Olney, the geographer. Mrs. Bartlett was the mother of one child by her first marriage. This died in infancy. By the second two sons were born to her: William E., died in infancy, and Frank Eugene.

Rkv. Daxiel S. Clark, Amboy, was born of Puritan stock in Ellington, Connecticut, January 25, 1822. While yet young his parents, David and Sarah (Bartlett) Clark, moved to West Woodstock, where be learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1816 was married to Miss Nancy M. Vinton, of North Woodstock. With his young wife he went to Southbridge and lived four years, and then moved to Racine, Wisconsin, for three years. While working at his trade in Chicago he was employed by the Illinois Central Railroad Compan}' to put up buildings on their line of road, and in the autumn of 1853 he reached Amboy, where he superintended the wood-work on the railroad buildings at this place. He afterward built a planing-mill and dealt in lumber here ; but in 1859 he took leave of this business and of his trade and began as a regular e.xliorter in the Second Advent Christian church, and in 1860 was ordained at Binghamton to preach. Prior to this time Mr. Clark had been a Baptist and a Methodist, and had displayed great zeal and activity in labors to suppress the sale and use of intoxicating stimulants. He preached for the Adventist society at Amboy several years ; he was located at Sparland, Illinois, fifteen months ; at Sparta, Wisconsin, two years; at Putnam and Dennisonville, Connecticut, a year and a half; at Scituate, Rhode Island, one year; at Boston and Pl^'mouth, Massachusetts, one year; and in July, 1880, he returned to his old home in this city, and is now ministering to a church at Brodhead, Wisconsin. Mrs. Clark's great-grandfather Leach was a veteran of the war of the revolution. She was formerly a communicant in the Baptist church, but has since united with the church to which her husband belongs.

William N. Fasoldt, deceased, was a native of Germany, wliere he was born April 5, 1825. He was a jeweler, and emigrated to America about 1850. He lived in Albany, New York, three years, and then at South Bend, Indiana, where he married Miss Pauline Bower. In 186i he came to Amboy, and set up in the jewehy business. He was once burnt out, besides havinir a fire in his new brick hall erected in

1871. In this last year Mr. Fasoldt retired from the jewelry business, and died June 6, 1880, at the age of fifty-five years, two months and one day. His remains lie in Prairie Repose cemetery. He had three children l)y his first marriage : Mary, now Mrs. Ciirist. Vogel, living at Storm Lake, Iowa ; Edward, whose whereabouts have been unknown for nine years, and Anna M. Mr. Fasoldt's wife died in March, 1865, and he married Miss Kena Teal January 17, 1868. She was born November 12, 1844, and was the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Scholbar) Teal. Her parents came to America from Germany in 1847, arriving at Lee Center in May, having come all the way to Chicago by water, and the remainder of the journey by country teams which had been to market. The family settled a mile north of Lee Center. The father died September 22, 1860, aged fifty-four, and the mother June 11, 1880, at the age of sixty-seven years. They are buried in the Lee Center cemeter}'. Mrs. Fasoldt is a member of the First Congregational cliurch of Amboy.

M.\KTiN Macs emigrated from Germany in 1850, when twentyfour years old. He lived in Chicago till 1854, when he came to Amboy, where he married Miss Christina Teal, who has borne him four children: Charles, Rena, Sophia, and Henr}-. He has been in the harness business twenty-seven years altogether, and in the trade for himself eighteen years.

WiLLiAii H. Hale, passenger conductor, Amboy, was born in Harmony township, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1838. In 1845 his parents, Alva and Clara (Root) Hale, removed to Lee county, and settled at Temperance Hill, in China township. About 1855 they changed their home to Sublette township, where Mrs. Hale died, in January 1870, aged sevent^'-six years, and Mr. Hale in May 1881, at the age of eighty-five. The subject of this sketch went to railroading on the Central in 1857, and in May, 1861, enlisted in Co. C, 13th 111. reg. He was severely wounded in the right knee by a fragment of shell at Ciiickasaw Bayou, December 29, 1S62. After the fall of Vieksburg he was detailed for service in the quartermaster's department, where he passed the remainder of his term, except two months at the close, and was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, June 18, 1864. On his return he resumed the position of baggageman, which he vacated at tiie outbreak of the war, and in two years was promoted to conductor. He was married June 5, 1867, to Miss Letitia W. Wicks, of Davenport, Iowa. She was born February 22, 1849. Their son, Henry V., is ten years of age, and their adopted datigiiter, Louie, nine. Mr. and Mrs. Hale are members of the Episcopal church. He is an Odd-Fellow, a Mason, a Knight of Pythias, belongs to the American Legion of Honor, and Bethany Commandery,

No. 28, Mendota, of which he has been eminent commander two years. This coramandery presented Mr. Hale an elegant sword in 1880. Mr. Hale's father was remarkable for his good health. He was never so sick as to need an attendant, and his last illness was only of a few hours' duration. He died of heart disease, greatly respected by a numerous acquaintance.

John M. Blocher, retired, Amboy, was born January 8, 1804, in the kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany. He learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1824 went to France and followed that business seven years, at 18 cents per day in summer and 10 cents per day in winter. Keturning to Germany in 1831, he emigrated to America and lived in Connecticut nine j'ears, working as a tarm laborer most of the time. On April 9, 1838, he was married to Miss Hannah S. Schafer, who was born October 20, 1813. In 1841 he moved to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and settled in the woods, where he cleared a farm and lived until 1849. He then came to Illinois and made a home a mile and a half north of Amboy, on the farm now owned by Henry C. Shaw's heirs. In 1868 he sold this property and moved to Amboy. Mr. Blocher united with the Congregational church in Connecticut in 1837, and Mrs. Bolcher in 1839. Three of their children are now members of the same church. Mr. Blocher and his wife assisted to organize the Congregational church of Amboy, and they and Mr. and Mrs. John C. Church are the only surviving original members of this society. Mr. Blocher has given his active support to the temperance cause in every practicable way. He belonged to the first division of the Sons of Temperance ever in existence here; this was organized at Binghamton, but moved to Amboy as soon as Farwell Hall was ready for occupancy. He has been a republican since the party was formed, and during the war was connected with the Union League. Mr. and Mrs. Blocher are the parents of nine children, as follows: John G. (dead), Mary E., wife of Newton Campbell, living in Dakota; William L. (dead), Hannah S., now Mrs. Thomas Coster, living in Dakota; John G., William L. (dead), Henry S., Eebecca B., wife of Curtis Bridgfnan ; and Agnes B., born December 16, 1851, wife of Joseph Blackman, to whom she was married December 22, 1873. Mr. Blackman is a native of England, where he was born June 21, 1845 ; his parents, John and Mary Blackman, who reside three miles above Dixon, emigrated to this country in 1850, and about 1856 settled in Lee county. He has been on the railroad sixteen years; seven years as fireman, and the remainder as engineer, and all the time in the employ of the Central company. Mr. and Mrs. Blackman have one son, Henry J., born October G, 1874. She has belonged

Oscar Spanglek, confectioner, Amboy, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1842. In 1857 lie moved with liis parents, Benjamin and Lydia (Bell) Spangler, to Lee county, and made a home in Marion township, where his fatlier died November 12, 1880. Mr. Spangler volunteered in June, 1862, in Co. K, 69th 111. reg., for six months, and served his time. In the fall of 1863 he began on the Central railroad and followed it as fireman two years, and then was given a locomotive to run. He continued as engineer until June 29, 1876, when he met with a disaster which nearly cost him his life. Two cars, one empty, the other loaded, were let out of the switch, in some manner, at Baileyville, and ran down the track in the direction of Freeport, crossed the Yellow Creek bridge, and ascended the grade on the other side as far as their momentum would propel them, and had reversed their motion and were coming back toward the creek, and were within fifty j-ards of the bridge, when Mr. Spangler's train of thirt3'-two cars struck them. The time was midnight, and the weather warm, rainy, and a little foggy. The engine and twenty-si.\ cars were totally wrecked. A tramp sleeping in one of the wild cars was killed. Mr. Spangler's tirenian was seriously injured, and he himself still worse ; so that he was two years recovering, and was on crutches that length of time; in fact he has not recovered, and never will, entire soundness. In December, 1876, he opened a cigar and confectionery store and restaurant in Ambo}', and is at present engaged in that business. He is an Odd-Fellow and a republican. He was tirst married July 2, 1866, to Miss S. A. Shew, who bore two children, Harriet and Joseph, and died January 29, 1878. His second marriage was November 27, 1879, with Miss E. M. Foskey. She is a Congregationalist.

Jasies H. Pkeston, county superintendent of schools, Amboj', was born at Rochester, Xew York, June 3, 1820, and was the son of James and Mary (Gorham) Preston. He was reared a fiirmer, trained to hard work, and educated in the common schools, in which he received thorough practical English mental training. In the East his principal occupation was farming, but he taught fourteen winters in succession in district schools. On May 16, 1845, he was married to Miss Nancy Ann Maydole, who was born in 1824. Their five children were named as follows: Albert W. (dead), Frances (dead\ Addio, Charles F., and Bertie. On June 22, 1854, Mr. Preston arrived with his family from New York, and located in Marion township, on railroad land at $2.50 per acre. Leaving his family on the farm, the fallowing season he wont to Biughamton and took control of the L'nion store, as agent, and con- ducted the business until its affairs were wound up in the spring of 1857. He fanned from that time till 1865. In that year he was elected county superintendent of schools, and served two terms of four years each ; in 1873 he ran as an independent candidate against a republican and a "granger" nominee, but was distanced in the race by the former. But in 1877 he recovered the position, and at the present time is discliarg-ino^ its duties. Since 1865 his residence has been in Ambo}', and he is serving his second year as alderman. In Marion township he was justice of the peace and assessor. He is a republican, and lias taken a lively interest in political and other matters of public concern, and since 1858 has attended every political convention of importance held in the county. Near the close of the war his son Albert (now deceased) enlisted in the 140th 111. Vols, for 100 days, and did military service for five months in Missouri and Tennessee. Mr. Preston's ancestors came to Massachusetts in colonial times (from Ireland, it is supposed). His grandfather Preston was a soldier of the revolution, and his father was called into service in the last war witli Great Britain, and was marching on Plattsburg when that battle was fought. His maternal ancestors were sea-faring people, engaged in the whale fishery, and lived at Nantucket.

Col. George Ryon, physician and surgeon, Amboy, was born in Pennsylvania, June 5, 1827. His great-grandfather, John Ryon, was an Irishman, and emigrated to New England ; his grandfather, who bore the same name, was a revolutionary soldier, who fought through the whole war. Col. Ryon passed his early life on his father's farm, and when he began on his own account entered the medical profession. He studied first with Dr. Isaac Ives, and next with Wheeler & Holden, of Kendall county ; and after two courses of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, graduated in 1851. He located in practice at Paw Paw, in this county, in 1850 ; in 1856 he commenced the study of law and was admitted to the bar two years after ; but he did not quit liis medical practice, as he found it impossible to shake oti his old patrons. In 1860 he was elected by the republican party to the general assembly as representative fi'om Lee and Whitesides counties, and was a member when the war broke out. He served one term at that time; and in August, 1862, he raised Co. K, 75th 111. Vols., and on the organization of the regiment was elected colonel. Within eight days after leaving Dixon his command participated in the battle of Perryville. Owing to failing health he was obliged to resign, which he did about the beginning of 1863. In 1866 he was again elected to the legislature from this county. In 1869 he removed to Amboy, and started a private bank; in 1873 he discontinued this business and settled in Streator, where he incorporated the Streator Coal Company with a capital of $200,000. On his removal to Chicago in 1876 he resumed the practice of" medicine, and has since continued it. He returned to Amboy in 1879 to reside. In 1852 lie took Miss Ruth Ann Ives in marriage, and by her has an only daughter, Carrie S., who graduated at the Chicago University, at the age of nineteen, in a four-years course, and did not lose a day from lier classes in tiie whole time.

Hard labor is the most productive when united witii thoughtful calculation. A good example of what a perfect union of thouglit, industry and energy can do when concentrated upon a single object is to be seen in the life of Lewis Clapp. He came from Northampton, Massachusetts, as a member of the Northampton colony, and located at Princeton, Bureau county. They arrived on June 1, 1836, having been just a month on their journey. Some time in the summer Mr. Clapp was powerfully converted to religion, and though he never chose to become a member of an}- church, he was during the remainder of his life an exact, consistent christian, who never omitted to invoke the heavenly blessing at his table, or to bring his daily offering of prayer to the family altar. From his settlement here till 1846 lie was a hard laborer at the plow and in the stock business, but at the same time was employing his reflections in a way to make his industry bring the most gain. From the last date during a period of twenty years he gradually withdrew his hand from rigid toil, until he became e.vclusively a money-lender, and this business engaged his whole attention for tiie last ten years of his life. About 1852 he began operating in land, which was a lucrative business, and good fortune, made possible by good judgment, followed all his transactions. His land speculations lasted some five years. People to whom he lent money usualh' prospered ; not because they paid interest, but because he always calculated their ability to pay back the funds borrowed without impairment of tiie security, and noted the circumstances favorable or unfavorable to tiioir doing so; and if sucii consideration left him any question concerning the ajtplicant he would fail to get money. Tiiis speaks not only a good deal for his judgment but very much also for his integrity. For twentyfive years he was a leading farmer and citizen of Lee county, and took a prominent part in all measures for the common welfare. As a matter of personal interest lie was a member of the Grove Association, but in that he was recognized as a man of wise counsel. It was as a member of the Vigilance Committee, however, during the troubled times that the country was harrassed bj' the bandits, that he conspicuously displayed iiis earnestness and enthusiasm in pursuit of evil-doers, and the maintenance of public order and security. It is interesting to know that he espoused the doctrines of the abolitionists with so much fervor that he threw open his house to those apostles of emancipation, Owen

Lovejoy and Deacon Hannan, for them to preach in, when denominational places of worship were closed in their faces. He went so much further as to put his principles into effect by operating on the underground railroad and delivering fugitive slaves in Canada, a place toward which they toiled with eager longing while their hearts burned with the ardent fires of liberty. His first marriage was in 1836, but his wife dying in 1839 he married again in ISiO. His only son, Ozro W., was born in 1836. Mr. Clapp bought his first claim, N.W. J Sec. 8, in Lee Center township. In 1837 he sold his corn crop for $1,000. In 1839 he built the first frame house in the eastern part of the county, and hauled his lumber from Chicago with ox-teams. Perfect system and aggressive enterprise characterized all lie did, and he startled easygoing people by building at an early day a frame barn in the new settlement. He gave largely toward the construction of the Lee Center Academy, and had a lively appreciation of the benefits of popular education, and at last gave very striking proof of his faith.

"William E. Ives, attorney, Amboy, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, May 24, 1821. His father was a farmer and surveyor, and in 1834 emigrated with his family to Kendall county, Illinois. He was the first recorder of deeds in that county, and subsequently was probate judge two successive terms. In 1854 he removed to Amboy, and died here March 18, 1864, aged seventj'-five years. The subject of this sketch received an academic education, and in 1854 was admitted to the bar in Kendall county; he came to Amboy the same year, and is now the only lawyer in the county who has practiced here since that date. Mr. Ives was mayor of Ainboy from 1861 to 1865, and prosecuting attorney of Lee county between 1872 and 1876. Politically he is a republican, and he has belonged to the Baptist church since 1841. Mrs. Ives is a member of long standing in the same church. On December 8, 1841, he was married to Miss Susan Ryan. They have three living children : Charles E., Esther M. and James R. Charles is junior member of the law firm of W. E. Ives & Son. He served three months in 1862 in Co. K, 69th lU.Yols., and reenlisted in October 1864, in Co. G, 146th reg., and was mustered out the next Jul}'. James is a graduate from the Rochester University, of New York, and is a practicing attorney in Denver, Colorado.

Charles K. Dixon, train dispatcher Illinois Central railroad, Amboy, youngest child of John and Matilda (Savage) Dixon, was born in 1846, in Grandy, Sheftord county, Province of Quebec, Canada. He received a good English education in his native town. On May 24, 1861, he was mustered into the United States service, Co. H, 15th III. Inf., Capt. (afterward Gen.) John Pope. This regiment was brigaded with the 21st 111., Col. U. S. Grant, the 6th and the 7th Missouri, one battalion of Col. Marshall's 1st 111. Cav., and Capt. Mann's Missouri battery, the whole under command of Col. Grant. This was the first brigade of the first corps formed in the west. The corps was numbered 1st and transferred to Fremont's department, and went through his whole campaign. Mr. Dixon was at Springfield, Missouri, when Gen. Fremont was superseded by Gen. Hunter. He was moved from that state to Fort Donelson in time to participate in the brilliant and successful operations against that stronghold. He was next engaged at Shiloh, and was wounded in the hip earl^' in the first day's action. This disability placed him on the non-effective force ninety days. He fought, subsequently, at Metamora, sometimes called " Hell on the Hatcliie"; this engagement was followed b}' his service in the siege of Vicksburg, and then the second battle of Champion Hills, in which the l.jth reg. was on the skirmish line. This service of Mr. Dixon's was interlarded with the usual complement of small fights. He was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, in August 1864. He at once secured employment on the Illinois Central railroad, and has continued without interruption to the present time. The last eleven years he has acted as train dispatcher; prior to that he was ojjcrator. He is a member of Illinois Central Lodge, No. 178, A.F. and A.M.; Nathan Whitney Chapter, Franklin Grove ; Dixon Commandery, No. 21 ; and in politics a republican.

John Hook, farmer, Amboy, was born in Oriuo, seven miles above Bangor, Maine, October 16, ISl-i. He was the son of Aaron and Rhoda (Gibson) Hook, the former of whom was a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of Vermont. John and Humphrey Hook came from England early in the last century. The former was the great-grandfather of our subject, and settled in Massachusetts ; the other, it is coni'ectured, went to the middle states. His maternal ancestors emigrated from Scotland. His father and his uncle, John Hook, were drummers in the last war with Great Britain. His grandfather, John Hook, workeil at ship-carpentry, and went upon the seas as captain of a schooner. His father was a carpenter and joiner, and he worked with him at this trade as long as he lived in his native state. On July 20, 1836, he was married to Miss Matilda Berry, who was born in Livingston, York county, Maine, June 20,1820. In 1830 they emigrated to Illinois, driving all the way with horse teams, except between Bufi'alo and Detroit, where they were transported b}' the steamer Milwaukee, which came near swamping by having her side stove in against the wharf at Ashtabula. The journey was begun August 26, and ended when they arrived at La Moille, Bureau county, October 28. In February, 1S40, they settled at Rocky Ford, where their home has been to the present date, though they twice moved away temporarily.

When the removal from Maine was made, Mr. Hook's parents and his brother William came also; his brother Aaron had performed the journey two years before and located in Bureau county. Where Mr. Hook built his house, on the ridge, was an old Iildian camping-ground, on the trail which crossed at the Ford. The Indians came frequently and in large numbers, but when they found the paleface had taken their camp they occupied the knoll south of Mr. George Freeman's. After the stage route was established by Eocky Ford the station was at Mr. Hook's several years. The subject of this sketch began the practice of the botanic system of medicine before he left Maine, and continued it ten years after coming west. He lived in Peru from 1845 to 1847, laboring in this profession with success. The family was away from Rocky Ford from 1851 to 1853, living in Rock county, Wisconsin. They have been identified with the church of Latter Day Saints, of which Mrs. Hook is a member. Mr. Hook is an old-time democrat. They have had seven children, as follows: Hester Ann, wife of Walter Brown, of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Abigal Frances, now Mrs. S. J. Stone; Sarah Eliza!)eth (dead), Charles Moroni, John Franklin, Hannah Josephine, and Emma Eldina.

Chauncey M. Bobbins, farmei', Amboy, was born in Steuben county, New York, November 18, 1828. He was the fifth son in a family of eight children by Hosea and Laura P. (Merchant) Bobbins. His great-grandfather Sackett, an Englishman, settled in Madison county, New York, anterior to the revolution. From George III he received a grant of land on the Mohawk river, one mile wide by twenty long. This was absorbed by Stephen Van Bensselaer in his immense possessions, and has been in litigation for the last sixty years. Truman Merchant, Mr. Bobbins' maternal grandfather, served the cause of the colonies as a soldier in the war for independence. Mr. Bobbins' father was a carpenter, and he worked with him at that trade until he became of age. In 1846 the senior Bobbins visited Lee county and purchased the S.E. i Sec. 17, and 40 acres of timber, in Amboy township ; and in 1849 he brought his family here to make their future home. Both parents died in this township ; the father April 20, 1852, and the mother December 26, 1859. Our subject returned east in 1850, remained three years, and then came back to Illinois; the winter of 1854-5 he spent again in New York; but the next spring found him in this state to remain. He has been engaged most of the time since in farming. In 1862 he bought his present farm of 80 acres, which is worth about $4,000. He was married February 22, 1871, to Miss Angeline Perkins, by whom he has four children : William, Katie, Nelson (dead), and Stanley.

of Israel Luce. He was born in Florida, Montgomery county, New York, September 18, 1805, and was reared a farmer, which occupation he lias followed all his life. His great-grandparents emigrated from Holland, and his grandparei>ts from New Jersey to New York. Israel Luce was a soldier in the war of 1812 ; he was wounded, lost his health, and died in consequence of his service in the arm}', and his sons were bound out. The subject of this notice was married January 9, 1828, to Miss Sarah Covenhoven, who was born November 12, 1805. She was the mother of four children : James C, John IL, Emma L. and Josephine. The latter married John Y. Henry, and is now dead. In 1845 Deacon Luce settled at Crete, in Will county, Illinois, and in 1855 moved to Ambov township, and bought a farm opposite where he now lives. He was bereft of his wife February 16, 1857, and on January 23, 1859, lie celebrated his marriage with Mrs. Celia Maria Forbes, daughter of Jacob Gilde. Her first union was productive of two sons, John C. and Arthur S. Their father was David C. Forbes. The elder of these enlisted in 1861 in Co. D, 3-lrth III. reg. ; he served through the entire war, fought in several hard-contested engagements, and was finally killed at tiie battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, as the last echoes of the war were sounding. Arthur volunteered in either the 51st or the 53d 111. Inf., when but sixteen years old, and after a brief service died, as was supposed, while on his way to the hospital at St. Louis. Deacon Luce and his first wife united with the Baptist churcli in 1832, and he has held the office of deacon forty-five years. He assisted with liberality to erect the First Baptist church of Amboy, and he has been for many years a man of recognized influence, not only in the worshiping society to which he belongs, but also in the community at large. He was assessor in "Will county, and since he came here was for a long time overseer of the poor. In politics he is a republican.

Jason Chamherlain, deceased, was the youngest son of Joshua and Nancy Cliamberlain, and was born in the town of Petersham, Worcester county, Massachusetts, September 6, ISll. When he was eleven years old his father moved his family to Steuben county, New York, and being wealthy, bought a tract of several hundred acres of land. Mr. Chamberlain celebrated his first marriage witli Miss Mary Ann Goodrich, about 1836. She became the mother of six children: George W., Cyrus (died in infancy), Sylvester, Mary 0., Lucy G. and Harry R. (died in infancy). Her death occurred in May 1846, and Mr. Chamberlain married Sally, relict of Freeman Whited, September 12, 1847. She was born at Penn Yan, Yates county, New York, December 23, 1818. Her parents were David J. and Dorothea (Morse) Bennett, and in her father's famil}' were but three children, two brothers and herself. By her first husband Mrs. Chamberlain had three children: David J., Lester B. and William M. David enlisted in the 13th III. Vols, at the outbreak of the war and was in the service until October 6, 1861, when he died in hospital at St. Louis. In 18ofi, when seventeen years old, Lester died of fever in New York. Cornelia A. and Elvira F. were the children of the second marriage. The first is the wife of Henry Putnam, of Taylor county, Iowa, and the second is Mrs. C. C. Morgan, of Sterling. In 1856 Mr. Chamberlain moved to Illinois and settled in Whitesides county, where he bought a farm of 160 acres, to which, in time, he made additions. In 1867, owing to the death of his brother-in-law, Deacon Cyrus Bryant, who had left an aged and lonely widow, and to his own failing health, Mr. Chamberlain came to Aniboy to reside. After his settlement here, under the ministry of the Rev. M. T. Lamb, he was brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and was baptized into the fellowship of the Amboy Baptist church. After his conversion Mr. Chamberlain lived a prayerful life, and by his deep, earnest solicitude for the interest of the church and the extension of Clirist's kingdom, he gave precious evidence of the witnessing of the spirit and of God's grace in his heart. So, in the practice of the lowly virtues of hospitality, a genial and sunny temper, tender sympathy and warm atfection, held to the true course by depth of principle and firmness of conviction, he grew in strength and power, and proportion to the excellent stature of christian nobility. When the hour of dissolution came he remarked to his pastor that "it was all settled ; to go or to stay would be all right ; God's will be done;" and in great peace he fell asleep in Jesus. Death came to him on December 21, 1880, at the age of sixty-nine, when he had "Grown ripe in years and old in piety." Deacon Br3'ant, another soldier of the cross, whose godly life and veteran service had stamped upon his brow the seal of divine peace and usefulness, was one of the organizers of the Amboy Baptist church, and a deacon of more than forty years' standing. He was a very liberal supporter of the gospel at all times. At Monteray, Schuyler county, Few York, he nearly built a Baptist church, and on his death he gave by will ^100 to the Baptist Publication Society of Chicago; $100 to the Home Mission Society; $100 to the Foreign Missions; and $100 to the Bible Union Society. Mr. Biyant and Mr. Chamberlain were life members of the Bible Union. Mrs. Bryant still lives, in her eighty-third year, in a most pitiable and helpless physical condition by reason of fracture of the hip joint.

CuETis F. BRroGMAN, farmer, Amboy, was born in Bainbridge, Alleghany county, New York, in 1836. He had the following brothers and sisters: Lewis, Sally, Emily, Edgar, Otis, and Emily. The latter died in 1868 ; Otis in 1864. The parents were Eeuben and

Cynthia (Dort) Bridgman. In 1S40 this family settled in Amboy townsliip, and during the first three years of tiieir residence lived on a claim which is now part of the farm belonging to the Shaw heirs. They tiien took up their home where Mr. Bridgman is living. He has eighty acres, wortli $3,500. Tiie father died in 18G6, and tlie mother in 1S71. Mr. Bridgman was married Xovember 7, 1866, to Miss Rebecca Blocher, daughter of John M. Blocher. She was born May 28, 1849. Tiieir two sons John and Adna, were born respectively on November 29, 1809, and January 11, 1871. Both parents belong to tlie Episcopal church of Amboy. Mr. Bridgman is a republican.

Setii W. Holmes, farmer, Amboy, eldest son of James W. and Elizabeth (Curtis) Holmes, was born in Ciiarleston, Montgomery county, New York, July 17, 1805. He was reared a farmer, and was married to Miss Mary Hill January 21, 1830. In 1846 he removed to tiiis township and entered and settled on his present homestead, the E. i of S.W. ^ Sec. 9. Mr. Holmes is a republican, and a member of the Free Will cliurch at Inlet Grove. Mrs. Holmes was a communicant in the same denomination while in the east, and brought her letter west, bnt by reason of bodil}- afflictions and infirmities has not united with any society here. They have reared seven children, as follows: Mary Jane, wife of Cyrus Bridgman; Dimmis H., Isaac A., James W., Warren II. (^dead), Alimira, deceased wife of Lee Cronkrite, and Jacob C. James volunteered September 26, 1861, in Co. I, 46th 111. reg., and fought at Fort Donelson and Shiloh ; was in the siege of Corinth, battle of Ilatchie, and siege of Vicksburg, where he was wounded in tlie foot and taken prisoner May 25, 1868, and paroled Jun« 1. He was discharged on account of his wound December 29, 1863, at Jefferson bari'acks, St. Louis. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth Banker was on July 8, 1874. In politics he is a republican.

George D. Baihd, farmer, Amboy, youngest son of James and Louisa (Chamberlain) Baird, was born June 24, 1844. In 1858 Mr. Baird came west with his parents and settled one mile north of Amboy ; in 1874 he sold the little farm which he owned there and moved to his present home, three miles north of the city, where he has 120 acres valued at $6,000. This farm was in the track of the great tornado of 1860. The one occupied by Mr. Baird at that time was taken in an arm of the hurricane, and was on the outskirt even of that, but no damage of any consequence was done, and tlie only evidence of force was the moving of his granary three feet. Mr. Baird was married February 4, 1872, to Miss Jennie Smith, who was born in England March 1, 1853, and emigrated to this country in 1856. Their little boy, Henry, was born February 12, 1881. Mr. and

Mrs. Baird are members of the Baptist church, and he is a republican. His parents died in this township at the following dates: liis father, April 27, 1S65; and his mother, March 24, 1877.

Nathaniel Buenham, farmer, Amboy, was born in Greenfield, New Hampshire, April 16, 1836. His parents were Nathaniel and Mary (Wilder) Biirnham. He was on his father's farm till he was fourteen ; the next three years he worked in a cotton factory, except an annual term of three months that he attended school. In February lS5i his father moved with his tamily to Lee county, and settled in Amboy township, where he died September 19, 1871. His mother died May li of the previous year. Mr. Burnham has made farming his principal business, though at different times he lias turned his attention to other affairs. He owns 310 acres of choice land three miles north of Amboy, worth $15,500. He bought 120 acres of this from C. C. Cochran in 1852, and the remainder since. He was married June 6, 1872, to Miss Helen A. Doming, daughter of C. W. Deming. Mrs. Burnham was born in Watkins, New York, in 1849. Their two children were born as follows: Clara E., September 18, 1873, and Alice, March 6, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Burnham are members of the Methodist church, and he is a republican.

Otiixiel M. Clark, farmer and dairyman, Lee Center, eldest son and third child of Sherman and Samantha (Bates) Clark, was born in West Hampton, Massachusetts, February 4, 1831. His father was a farmer, but he served from 1848 to 1850 at the drug business, and having completed his time abandoned it, as it was not suited to his health. In 1852 he made a voyage to California, and in 1856 returned and bought a farm in East Hampton. On April 2S, 1858, he was married to Miss Mary Wright, daughter of Martin Wright, of West Hampton, and who was born August 17, 1838. They have three children : Wilbur G., Carrie A. and Sarah S. In the autumn of 1860 Mr. Clark came to Lee county, and taught school the following winter ; the next spring his family arrived, and he bought a farm not far from Lee Center, in China township. In 1872 he traded this for the one he now occupies, on the Ciiicago road, in this township, one mile west of Lee Center. His homestead is one of the oldest places in the neighborhood, contains 145 acres, was first improved by Deacon Barnes, and is valued at $9,000. Mr. Clark is road commissioner, and treasurer of the board, and school director in the Lee Center district, and clerk also of that board. This is a union district lying in four townships. Its affairs are not administered under the general law, but according to the terms of a charter procured from the state years ago. In addition to these public offices he is the executive agent for the Lee Center Butter and Cheese Manufacturing Company, does the buying and selling, and has charge of all the business. Perhaps the most responsible position of all which lie holds is that of president of the Lee Center Sundayschool Association, which is composed of parts of Amboy, China, Bradford, and the whole of Lee Center, and includes the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal and Congregational denominations. Mrs. Clark has belonged to the Congregational church since she was sixteen years old, and Mr. Clark about eight years. The latter is a Conkling republican.

Frank H. Chapix, farmer, Amboy, son of Henry Chapin, was born in Lockport, Will county, Illinois, July 23, 1S54, and grew up in Amboy from the time he was two years old. He obtained a fair education, and spent two years in Illinois College, at Jacksonville, where he took Bryant & Stratton's business course. He learned his trade and worked in his father's carriage-shop five or six years. In 1876 he laid aside his trade and began farming. Mr. Chapin was married Tuesday, August 5, 1879, to Miss Stella Van Eiper, who was born August 1.3, 1857. Dr. H. F. Walker and his wife, Athelia, were her foster-parents. Mr. Chapin is a republican. He owns 120 acres of land three miles northeast of Amboy, valued at §4,500. In 1860 this was occupied by a Mr. Bixby, and was swept by the terrific hurricane of that year. The house was destroyed, but no persons were killed.

Hknry C. Shaw, deceased, was born in Victor, New York, July 7, 1820. His parents were John and Polly (Fox) Shaw. In 1841 Mr. Shaw left his native state and came to Illinois, and established his home at La Harpe, Hancock county, where he started a trade in groceries. In 1844 he married Miss Jane Waldron, daughter of Joseph and Martha (Perry) Waldron, born in Albany, New York, October 31, 1822, and came to this state with her parents in 1841. In 1845 he moved to Princeton, Bureau county, and being in poor health boarded himself and wife there one year. In 1846 he came to Binghamton and embarked in the manufacture of plows in company with his brother, Zebediah Shaw, and William and John C. Cliurch. The tirm changed once or twice, but Mr. Shaw continued a partner as long as it carried on the business. In 1852 he bought a farm in Araboy township, and from this date was occupied with the cares of farming until his death, which occurred October 7, 1874. He was the father of ten children, as follows: Olive A., born September 14, 1845, widow of Charles Evitts; William M., September 24, 1847; Willfred, July 14, 1840, married Miss Martha Ilammitt, and lives in Peoria; De Forist. December 17, 1851, married Miss Marietta Wasson ; Arthur H., February 12, 1854; Chauncey R., June 21, 18.56; Everesto L., May 9,1858; Charles D., September 9, 1861; Don Carlos, January 25, 1864; and Madeline M., February 3, 1868. These heirs own 160 acres of choice farming land just north of the city limits of Amboy, which has a running stream of living water through the body, giving it one of the greatest essentials of a stock farm.

Benjamin Teeadwell, baggage-master, Illinois Central railroad, Amboy, second son of Allen and Deborah Treadvvell, was born in Pennsylvania, July 31, 1S33. His mother died when he was about eight years of age, and as soon as he was old enough to work he began to earn his own living, and thereafter made his way independently in the world. His education comprised such acquirements as could be obtained in the district schools during winter terms. He followed stage-driving fifteen years, and owned a line from Belvidere, "Warren county, New Jersej% to Easton, Pennsylvania. In 1854 he sold out, and on November 18 was married to Miss Caroline Aton. Immediately upon this event he emigrated to Polk county, Wisconsin, where he remained only one winter, but long enough, however, to lose his property. In the spring of 1855 he removed to Amboy and engaged the first year in farming; the second year he was butchering; and in 1858 he went on the Central railroad as baggageman, and has held that position to this date. He owns and resides upon the Andrew Painter farm, consisting of 78 acres two and a half miles southeast of Amboy. Mr. and Mrs. Treadvvell are communicants in the Methodist church, and he is a democrat. They have one t:- , Harmon, given them by his father, and born July 31, 1866.

Washington I. Fish, plow manufacturer, Amboy, is the son of Henry and Mary (Colony) Fish, and was born in New York in 1833. His father was a prominent man in his own section of the state, a doctor by profession, and represented his district in the general assembly, and held various other offices of honor and profit. Our subject received a good English education. In 1851 he began learning dentistry, and was located in its practice at Mecklenburg, Schuyler county, thirteen years. In 1864 he moved to Illinois and settled at Binghamton, where his brother, Erasmus D. Fish, was manufacturing plows. He went to work at once with the latter in the shop. In November, 1865, his brother died and left the property to him by will, and he has since kept the factory in operation. He employs hands, makes scouring plows, and does general repairing. Mr. Fish was married in 1858 to Miss Cornelia A. Ink, of Enfield, New Yorl^ who was born in 1834. Three children have blessed their union : Minnie I., William G. and Ira M. Mr. Fish is a democrat in politics.

montlis' study in that institution. He lias traveled with profit within the United States, having been in nearly every state and territory, and made two visits to the Pacific coast. Mr. Badger celebrated his marriage with Miss Ann L. Wooster, daughter of A. H. "Wooster, March 7, 1878. Mrs. Badger belongs to the Baptist church, and he is a Mason and a democrat. Their homestead, a valuable tract well improved, a mile northeast of Amboy, is the N.E. ^ Sec. 14, T. 20, R. 10, and is estimated to be worth $18,000. Mr. Badger keeps about $6,000 worth of stock.

David Petticrew, farmer, Amboy, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, February 22, 1820. He was the eldest son by James and Elizabeth (Haines) Petticrew. Both his grandfathers did veteran service in the war of the revolution, being enrolled during the entire period and engaged in a number of battles. In 1826 Mr. Petticrew's father settled near where Niles, Michigan, now stands, and in 1837 removed with his family to Livingston county, Missouri. At a subsequent period his father made another removal to the vicinity of Fort Scott, Kansas, where he died about the beginning of the war. In 1847 the subject of this sketch returned to Michigan and resided until 1854, when in November he came to Amboy, and bought the farm where be now lives south of the city. Next spring his family came. He was married, in 1845, to Mrs. Margaret Miller (Roof). By her first marriage she had a daughter, Matilda, now Mrs. Henry Somes, of Iowa. By the last union there are seven children : Jasper, Sylvester, married Miss Maggie May ; Frank, married Miss Ida Clark ; Olive, Alice, wife of James Purseley; Emma, and Ella. Jasper volunteered for three months at the beginning of the war, and served at Camp Douglas; he afterward reenlisted in Co. I, 89th 111. reg., and served to the end of the war. He was wounded in the right leg in the battle in front of Atlanta, July 22, 1864. Sylvester enlisted in Co. G, 7th U. S. Cav., Col. Custer, April 8, 1874, and was in the service nearly a year in Dakota. Frank performed military service in the regular army altout the same length of time in 1875 and 187(5. Mrs. Petticrew is a member of the Baptist church, and Mr. Petticrew is a prominent republican.

William H. Dkesseu. farmer, Amboy, oldest son of William and Amy (Heath) Dresser, was born in Genesee county. New York, November 7, 1830. The father was a native of Massachusetts, and the mother of Connecticut, and both were taken to new homes in Genesee county when young children. Mr. Dresser has always been a tiller of the soil. In 1852 he went to Minnesota and stayed two years. In 1854 he settled in St. Croix county, Wisconsin, and lived there until 1866; at that date he removed to Amboy, and bought his present home of eightytwo acres from Joseph Doan, an early settler of Amboy township. He was married in 1861 to Miss Nancy Lewis, daughter of Hiel Lewis ; she died in November 1865, and he was married a second time, to Miss Sallie Eaton, in 1872. They have an adopted son, George, eigiit j'ears old. Mr. and Mrs. Dresser belong to the Methodist church. He has always been a voter of the republican ticket.

Carl Hegert, miller, Amboy, eldest son of Carl Hegert, was born in Germany, January 10, 1835. He emigrated to America in 1857, was forty-two daj's in passage from Hamburg to New York, and arrived at Amboy January 1, 1858. He reached this country poor, his only capital being the miller's trade, and some knowledge of the use of tools, acquired mainly from his father. He could not at first get employment at his trade, so he took the first job of carpentering he could find, and did not lay down his tools for a year and a half. Then he was engaged at farming three years, and in the meantime, March 4, 1861, was married to Miss Hannah Grothe, daughter of John H. Grothe, of Ashton, who settled there from Penns3'lvania in 1851. As soon as Mr. Hegert had been able to earn money enough he sent for his brothers, Louis and Theodore; and after they had been in this country five years the three jointly sent funds to bring over the rest of the family - the father, one brother, four sisters and their husbands. These are still all living. Mr. Hegert worked on the Dutcher mill while it was building, and afterward was employed as miller eight months. On June 17, 1862, he entered the emploj' of the Badger Brothers, as miller, at Binghamton, and continued with them until the second destruction of the mill b}' fire Juh' 21, 1881. He is a republican, an Odd-Fellow, and a workman, and both he and his wife belong to the Evangelical Lutlieran church. They have si.x children : Harriet Jane, born June 22, 1863 ; Sarah Ann, February 4, 1S65 ; Carl, February 28, 1867 ; Freddie, May 31, 1869, died February 10, 1870 ; Ida, September 4, 1871 ; Rudolph, January 15, 1874, and Willie, November 26, 1878.

This township is described in the original survey as T. 20 N., R. 11 E. of the 4th P.M. The topography is somewhat diversified. The general lay of the land is rolling, there being very little flat land except along the creek and river bottoms.

Green river rises in Inlet Swamp, in the northeastern part of the township, and winds through it in a southwesterly direction. After leaving the swamp it flows for some distance through an open space, and then glides into the shady depths of a forest. For two miles it is hidden from the distant observer among the heavy foliage of oaks, whose giant forms have stood for centuries like silent sentinels npon its mossv banks, and now leaping again into the sunshine and reflecting from its bosom beautiful pictures of blue sky and fleecy cloud.

The township is dotted over by numerous groves and tine farm houses. The Chicago & Rock River railroad enters at about the center of Sec. 25, and leaves at the center of Sec. 19.

Inlet Swamp extends over an area of about four square miles, in the northeastern part of the township. With this exception the land is generally good, and for agricultural purposes is inferior to none in the county.

The first settlement in the township was made by Adolphus Bliss, who came in 1834, and entered a claim on W. ^ of S.W. J Sec. 4, and N. ^ of N.E. i Sec. 9. The next settler was Corrydon R. Dewey, who came the following spring, and entered a claim on E. i of N. W. ^ Sec. 9. A little later in the same spring came Cyrenus and Cyreno Sawyer, who jointly took a claim on N.E. J See. 1. In the spring of 1836 Louis Clapp settled on X.AY. i Sec. 8.

The first school-house in the township was erected in 1838, about eighty rods west of the present residence of Volnc}' Bliss. Otis Timothy, of Franklin Grove, was the first schoolmaster to wield the hickory within the walls of this antiquated structure, and for his services received the princely salary of $10 per month, and " boarded around" among the pupils.

As the settlers became more numerous it was found that many of them, in fact a greater part of them, were connected with a band of desperadoes, who at tiiat time spread terror over all of northern Illinois by their deeds of thievery and murder. One of the settlers, who resided near Inlet Grove, allowed his dwelling to be used as a place of secretion for stolen goods, and for fugitives from justice. It was believed by the early settlers that this man's dwelling was the headquarters of the gang, as those who passed his house after night frequently saw groups of horses hitched in a grove near the house, and inside the cabin could be heard boisterous laughter and "sounds of revelry by night," and ere the morning dawn the horses and riders would mysteriously disappear. At one time, dver^' township officer was supposed to have been a member of the banditti; being in the nuijority they could, of course, elect their own men to office. This being tiie case, one can well imagine the chaotic condition of society, - each man suspicious of his neighbor. Acts of thievery were carried on with impunity, and the authorities defied. If some law-abiding citizen attempted to gain redress for his wrongs an anonymous letter was left at his door threatening his life in case he persisted in his eflforts. Lawabiding citizens were entirely at the mercy of an enemy as cruel as the blood-thirsty savage who long years before, on the western frontier, sent terror to the hearts of the pioneers. Houses were plundered, cattle and horses stolen, and driven off, stages were robbed, and for years robbery, rapine and red-handed murder held undisputed sway. Finally, honest men driven to desperation at the alarming and unceasing frequency of these occurrences, saw that speedy measures must be taken to protect their homes against the midnight marauders. A vigilance committee was organized, composed of resolute men in all parts of the county. Among the residents of Lee Center township who took an active part in the suppression of this band of outlaws were C. F. Ingalls, Rev. Luke Hitchcock, Dr. Adams, Moses Crombie, Sherman Shaw, Lewis Clapp, Benjamin "Wiiittaker ; also a Mr. Starks and sons, whose full names we are unable to ascertain. By their shrewd manipulations and persistent efforts this organization succeeded in either capturing or driving from the country most of the prominent members of the gang, so that after ISiS the citizens of Lee Center, as well as elsewhere, experienced a feeling of security.

The descendants of some of these outlaws still reside in the county, and are men of good standing in the community in which they live. This fact renders it a delicate and unpleasant task for the writer to give to the world even this brief sketch of the wrong-doings of their ancestors. But there are also men residing in this vicinity who, at the peril of their lives, aided in restoring law and order to the community, and it is but justice to them to place their names in their county's history with the credit they justly deserve. Were it not for this tact the writer would gladly leave this dark chapter unwritten, and consign these unpleasant truths to the darkness of oblivion.

Village Of Lee Center

"Was laid out in 1846; is situated in the northwestern corner of the township ; present population 240 ; is the polling-place of the township.

The first object liable to attract the attention of the visitor is the old seminary. This building was erected in 1847, at a cost of $2,000. This school was for some years the principal educational point in this part of the state, and attracted to Lee Center many students from adjoining counties who wished to avail themselves of the excellent educational advantages the school then afforded. The branches taught were the same as are taught in our preparatory academies of the present day. A. J. Streetor, who has since that time attained a considerable prominence as a politician, and who was the greenback candidate for governor in the campaign of 1880, was at one time a student in this seminary. The school first opened in 1847. The first principal was

Hiram McChesney, a graduate of Eensselaer Institute, of Troy, New York. Tlie average attendance at that time is estimated at 150 pupils, a large percentage of whom were from abroad. Mr. McCiiesne}' served one year and was tlien succeeded by H. E. Leonard, of Napierville, Illinois. Mr. Leonard after having taught two years was succeeded by the Rev. James Brewer, a native of Massachusetts and a graduate of the Jamestown college in that state. Mr. Brewer presided over the school for one year. Mr. Simeon Wright, formerly of Battle Creek, Michigan, comes next on the list of instructors. Mr. Wright took an active interest in the welfare of the school, and during the three years that he was principal the seminary passed through an era of prosperity never exceeded before or since. The attendance was very large and the school was in a flourishing condition. Mr. Wright was succeeded by Prof. Nash, a native of Massachusetts, who conducted the school until 1859, in which year he died. In the meantime other institutions of a similar character had sprung up in different points that were accessible by railroads: at Amboy a high-school building was erected in 1857; academies had also been established in Dixon and Paw Paw ; 60 that in 1859, the attendance being very small, an act was passed authorizing its incorporation as a graded district school.

The Methodist Episcopal congregation was first organized in 1837, at the residence of Corrydon R. Dewey, at Inlet Grove. Their first church building was erected in 18-12, in which services were held until 1858, when a larger and more commodious one was erected, which building i\iej still occupy. The congregation now numbers thirty-four members. Trustees are John Lane, B. F. Lane and S. Trowbridge. The present stewards are S. Trowbridge, John Lane, J. H. B. Thornton, S. Thayer and Mrs. M. A. Fox. Present pastor, J. G. B. Shadford.

The Congregational Church. - This society was organized in 1843 at the residence of Moses Crombie, near Binghamton, in Amboy township ; the congregation then consisted of eleven members. First pastor was Rev. Joseph Gardner. The building now occupied by them was erected in 1856, at a cost of $1,500. The congregation now numbers fifty members, and is in a flourishing condition. Present pastor is the Rev. F. C. Cochran.

The Episcopal Chvrch. - Congregation organized in 1855, and the church building erected in 1857, costing $2,500. The windows of the church were presented to the congregation by Bisho]) Whitehouse. The present rector is Rev. N. W. Ilerrmans, who has presided since 1879.

Tlie only secret organization now in existence in Lee Center is the Masonic Lodge, No. 146. Tiiis lodge was organized on July 28, 1854; charter granted on October 2 of the same year. The first officers were A. P. Stinson, worsliipful master; John Gilmore, senior warden ; Daniel Frost, junior warden ; Simeon Wright, secretary ; Lot Chadwick, treasurer. This was the second Masonic lodge organized in the county; and from the time of its organization to the present date 142 members have reached the degree of master mason. James A. Hawlej', who was for two years grand master of the Grand Lodge, was here initiated into the mysteries of Masonry. The present membership of the organization is thirt3'-one members. Present officers are Wm. S. Frost, worshipful master; Wallace Hicks, senior warden; W. W. Depew, junior warden ; B. F. Lane, secretary ; Willard Salsbury, treasurer.

Shaw station, situated on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, near the center of the township, promises to be one of the prominent trading points of this part of the county. Mr. F. D. Clapp, an enterprising young merchant, is here engaged in the dry-goods and grocery business and also owns a half interest in a large and commodious elevator on the north side of the railroad track. Surrounded by an excellent farming country, this station promises to become one of the thriving villages of Lee county. Prominent among the celebrities of which this village can boast is Mrs. Eva Katharine Mink, a young authoress of growing popularity, who has recently embarked upon the sea of literature, and whose productions have created quite a sensation in the literary world.

Among the many daring robberies perpetrated by the banditti in different parts of the country is the case of Mr. Haskell at Inlet Grove. On a stormy night in June, 1844, Mr. Haskell's residence was entered by masked men, one of whom afterward proved to have been the notorious Fox. Creeping silently into the bed-room occupied by Mr. Haskell and wife they succeeded in dragging a trunk containing money from under the bed. The noise caused by sliding of the trunk on the floor was drowned by the rumbling thunder, and so cunningly was the deed planned and executed that the sleepers were none the wiser until the next morning.

On the evening of June 3, 1860, a terrible tornado passed through the northern poi-tion of the township, spreading death and desolation in its path. Isaac Gage, now a resident of Lee Center village, lost two sons in this terrible storm. The loss of life and property was not so

In the spring of 1861, when the news came over tlie wires that b'ort Sumter iiad fallen and the banner of the stars had been trampled under rebel feet, the citizens of Lee Center were among the first to send up the shout;" down with the rebellion," her hills and forests echoed to the stirring strains of the " red, white and blue" and "star spangled banner;" and when the long roll sounded scores of her patriotic sons stepped to the front and helped to swell the vast throng of troops hurrying forward in response to their country's call ; many of them took their places by the side of the flag-staft' and followed it to the sea. In the great battles of Stone river, Pittsburg landing, Lookout mountain, and Chickamauga, her sons bore a noble part, and many of them fell, mangled and bleeding, under the shadow of the banner they had so bravely defended. Lee Center township furnished troops for the 13th, 75th and 34th 111. Inf., and for the 7th 111. Cav.

BIOGRAPHICAL. Chaeles F. Ingai.ls, farmer, Sublette, Lee county, Iliitiois, born in Windham county, Connecticut, in 1817. At the age of twelve went to Windsor county, Vermont, attending school for ^ome time and afterward teaching. In the summer of 1834 came to Morgan county, Illinois, where he also taught school two years. In 1836 he in company with his brother George A. Ingalls removed to Lee county and entered claims in the southern part of Lee Center township. Mr. Ingalls was married September 6, 1838, to Miss Sarah Hawkins. At that time an Indian village stood on a part of his farm, the inhabitants of this village were Pottawatomies. Mr. Ingalls frecpiently found buffalo horns and carcasses in the vicinity of his farm, which, from their fresh appearance, convinced liini that among the 'former inhabitants of the country the king of the prairie had been a con6j)icuous member. Mr. Ingalls is father of five children : Charles II., Ephriam F., Sarah D., Ara M. and Mary S. With the exception of the latter named daughter they are all grown and married. He has been a member of the Baptist church since 1841. In 1850 he had an attack of the gold fever and consequently took a berth in a wagon-train bound for California, and was there four years, during which time he was engaged in mining and stock raising. He returned in 1854 by way of New York city. Mr. Ingalls was left an orphan at an early age, and was cast adrift to fight life's battles single-handed and alone. By industry and enterprise he has acquired a respectable portion of the world's goods. He has a beautiful residence, surrounded by all the luxuries necessary to make a bright and happy home. His parlorwalls are adorned by beautifiil oil paintings, the handiwork of his accomplished daughters. And here in this sequestered spot, surrounded by the fruits of his toil, under tlie sliadow of the tall oaks who have been liis silent companions in his adversities and triumphs, he will spend his remaining years. Mr. Ingalls furnishes an instance of how, in this great broad land of ours, an orphan boy with nothing to rely upon but a strong will and an energetic brain may, by industry, economy and honesty acquire both wealth and honor.

Lewis B. Rex, teacher, Lee Center, born in Summit county, Ohio, in 1831, received his early education in tliat county, and attended one term at the Mount Vernon Seminary, after which he was three years a student in the Otterbise University, at Westerville, Ohio. He afterward taugiit school in different parts of the state until 1859. In that year he came west to Mcndota, Illinois, and taught one year in that place ; afterward taught one term in Sublette. Devoted his time entirely to teaching until 1862, when he enlisted in the 75th 111. Inf., and served three years in the army. Was married in 1866, to Miss Electa Jane Minnerly, a native of Ohio, and is father of two children.

Edwin Moeey, farmer, Shaw Station, born in Cortland county, New York, in 1820, came with his father in 1836, to Calhoun county, Michigan, where he resided nine years. In 1845 he removed to Cook county, Illinois. Worked three years on a canal in that county. At the end of that time he came to Lee conntj', and located in Lee Center township. Mr. Morey brought the second grain separator ever used in the county. Was married in April 1849, to Miss Harriet Mayo, a native of New York state. Is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 146, at Lee Center.

John Deer, farmer. West Brooklyn, born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, in 1820. In 1863 removed to Lee county, where by industry and careful calculation he has become possessor of a large tract of excellent land. Mr. Derr is a member of the Reformed church, with which he united in 1840. Was married in 1849, to Miss Rebecca Gersinger; is father of ten children, nine of whom are living.

MosES Ckombie, grain dealer, Lee Center, was born in Cheshire count)'. New Hampshire, in 1804. He was married in 1828, to Miss Louisa Morse, a native of tlie same state. In the same year he removed to Rocliester, New York, where he resided nine years. In 1837 he removed to Lee county, residing near Rock river, opposite Grand Detour, where he resided three years. During that time lie was engaged in millwrighting and other work of a like nature. He done the wood-work on the first plows made in Lee county. He re- moved to tlie village of Lee Center in 1840. In 1841 he took the contract for building the seminary at that place. Was on the grand jury in the first court lield in Lee county. Is now dealing in grain at Shaw Station, in Lee Center township.

Thomas Nicholson, fanner, Lee Center, was l)orn in England in 1826; resided there until twenty-three years of age. Came to Lee county in 18-48. Bought land in China township, where he I'esided four years. In 1852 went to California, and was there engaged in the mining business for three years. In 1855 sailed to Australia, where he also spent three years in the mining district near Victoria. From there he sailed to England and spent several months in the home of his boyhood; while there he was married to Miss Ann Burrows. He then returned to Lee county. Located in Lee Center township in 1859. Is a member of the Episcopal church, and is also a Freemason.

Oeein M. Lewis, farmer, Amboy. Mr. Lewis' father, Hiel Lewis, settled in Lee county in 1842. Orrin M. was born in China township in 1847 ; received most of his earh' education in a district school in that township. Removed with his father to St. Croix county, Wisconsin, in the spring of 1855, where he resided until 1860, when they returned to Lee county, and resided in Amboy one year; then bought land al)out three miles northeast of Amboy, where he now resides. Mr. Lewis united with the United Brethren church at the age of twentyfive. Was married in 1871, to Miss Luella ^latteson, a native of Wisconsin, who died in March 1881.

Sabin Trowbridge, merchant, Lee Center, was born in Broome county. New York. He received his earl}' education in the town of Windsor. In 1821 came to Illinois. Located in Lee Center in 1858, where until the year 1868 he earned a livelihood by tilling the soil. In that year he embarked in the dry-goods and grocery business. Was made postmaster under Grant's administration ; is doing a thriving business and is a very popular merchant.

Lewis Complon, stone dealer, Lee Center, was born in the southern part of France in 1823; married to Miss Julia Henry in 1860; came to Lee Center in 186L Has four children: the elder, Emil Altonso, born 1861 ; Alfred, born 1863 ; Theodule, born 1866 ; and Leona Alice, born 1876.

Christopher Wellman, farmer, Lee Center, was born in New Milford, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, in 1821 ; here he received his early education ; married in 1850 to Miss Amanda E. Brown, also a native of Pennsylvania; came to Lee county in 1851; resided in the village of Lee Center seven years; in 1858 removed to Knox's grove, in Sublette township, where he resided five years; then bought land in W. i of Sec. 7 in Lee Center township, where he has since resided.

Is the father of four children : Annie D., tlie elder child, aow the wife of James Johnston, and resides in Brooklin township, born in December 1851 ; Levi William, born in 1853, died in 1877; Mary Ann, born April 1856; Henry H., born in 1859.

L. Cyeenus Sawyek, fanner, Lee Center, Illinois, was born in Clarke county, Ohio, in 1818; came west in 1835; entered a claim in N.E. i of Sec. 1 in Lee Center township ; married in 1842. His father, Joseph Sawyer, was the first postmaster in Lee Center township, appointed during the administration of James K. Polk. Mr. Sawyer has three children. Was a democrat up to the time of the formation of the republican party ; since that time has been a staunch republican ; owns 240 acres of good farm land, and is surrounded by all the modern improvements and conveniences of the model Illinois farmer.

WiLLARD Salsbuey, Carpenter, Lee Center, was born in 1820, in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania; resided where he received his early education ; came west in 1847 and bought land near Temperance Hill, in China township, where he resided two years; then removed to Lee Center. Mr. Salsbury was married in 1849, to Lydia Jane Frost, a resident of Lee Center. Is father of three children : Florence, born in 1850, died in 1854; Frederic Augustus, born in 1853; and Willard Aurthur, born 1859. Mr. Salsbury is a prominent member of the Episcopal church, with which he united at an early age.

VoLNEY Bliss, farmer and stock raiser, Lee Center, was born in Milan, Huron county, Ohio, in 1827; in 1829 removed with his father, Adolphus Bliss, to Michigan. The family remained in that state iintil 1834; in that year they removed to what is now Lee count}', then a part of Jo Daviess. His father entered a claim on W. ^ of S.W. J Sec. 4, and N. ^ of N.E. J Sec. 9. Volney received his early education in a log school-house that stood eighty rods west of his present residence. When at home his only playmates were Indian boys who lived in a village that stood near his father's dwelling. Mr. Bliss was married in 1853, to Miss Paulina Tredwell. Deals largely in stock, and by industry' and economy has become owner of a half-section of excellent land. His residence is beautifully situated in the center of a beautiful and spacious lawn, and possesses all the beauties and attractions of a model country residence. Mr. Bliss was a lieutenant in Co. D, 15th 111. Inf.

Ebenezer Woodbkige, farmer, Lee Center, was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, in 1814; removed from there to Tioga county, New York, where he received liis early education ; resided there eighteen years, then removed to Jay county, Indiana, in 1838; was married in 1840, to Eliza Ripley, a native of New York state ; remained in Indiana until 1855 ; in that year he removed to Illinois; desiring to locate in a place possessing good educational advantages he selected Lee Center ; bought N.E. ^ of Sec. 1, where be erected a residence and lias since resided. Mr. "Woodbrige is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which be united in 1840. Has four children, the elder being Sarah B., now the wife of B. I. Hitchcock, of Cliicago, born in 1841 ; Joseph Egbert, born July 1844; Ann Eliza, born March 1848; and John Eiple}-, born 1851.

John Wedlock, farmer, West Brooklyn, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1825. At twenty-three years of age he came to Lee county, and bought land in China township near Temperance Hill, where he resided eight years. He then removed to Lee Center township, where he has since resided. Was married in 1858, to Miss Mary Jane Phillips, a native of New York, who died in 1876 ; was again married in 1880, to Mrs. A. L. Miller. In politics he is a republican.

Warrek D. Clink, farmer, West Brooklyn, was born in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, in 1835; came with his father in 1841 to Bradford township, their postoffice being at Bliss's Grove, now known as Inlet Grove, in Lee Center township; was married in 1862, to Miss Amelia Perkins. Mr. Clink has been -a successful farmer and stock raiser, and has accumulated considerable property. Was a witTiess to the great storm that passed through the county in 1860, and after the storm had passed he assisted in giving relief to many of the sufferers.

Jaiies W. Winbolt, farmer. West Brooklyn, was born in Port Round, Canada east, in 1835 ; removed with his father in that year to Cuyahoga count}-, Ohio; received his early education in Cleveland. In 1850 he again removed with his lather to Chicago, Illinois, and was there for seven years, engaged in the upholstering business on Randolph street; was married in 1864, to Miss Sarah A. Hart; united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1877; has been a staunch republican since the organization of the part}'.

Ephraim Whitney, farmer, Amboy, was born in Somerset county, Maine, in 1801 ; removed to West Virginia in 1816 ; resided for a number of years in that state and then removed to Ohio; in 1845 he moved from that state to Lee county ; was married in that year to Miss Mary Livingstone, a native of Ohio. Mr. Whitney is now eighty years of age, and in so feeble a state as to render his memory very poor; consequently the information the writer receives from him in regard to his past life was very meager.

JosEi'u A. IIoDGEs, farmer, Sublette, was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, in 1825, where he remained until twenty years of age. Came to Lee county in 1845, and settled in Sublette township, where he resided until 1850. In that year he bought land in the southern part of Lee Center township, where he located and still resides. Mr.

Hodges was married in 1850, to Miss Olive Tourtillott. Is a prominent member of the Baptist chiircli, witli which he united in 1876 ; is also a Freemason. Mr. Hodges is quite an extensive farmer and stock raiser, and owns one of the model farms of the county.

Sherman Shaw, stock raiser, Lee Center, was born in Ontario county. New York, in 1811 ; received his early education in Erie county in the same state. In 1837 Mr. Shaw packed his earthly possessions into a wagon and started toward the setting sun. He drove from New York to Lee county in this rude conveyance, bringing two hogs, which followed after the wagon the entire distance. Mr. Shaw is a member of the Baptist church, with which he united in 1841. Was married in 1835, to Miss Malinda Dcwolf. Is father of seven children, three of whom are living. Owns quite a large amount of land in different j^arts of the township. He is one of the landmarks of Lee county, and one of its most respected citizens. He came to the county when the great State of Illinois was almost a wilderness, and has lived to see towns, villages, churches, school-houses and beautiful dwellings rise, as if by magic, where but a few years ago nothing greeted the eye of the observer but a vast expanse of prairie, over which bounded the wild deer and the prairie wolf.

John W. D. Blake, merchant, Lee Center, born on Staton Island in 1833, resided there until eighteen years of age, then removed to New York city, where he was for two years employed in a wholesale dry-goods house. Came to Logan county, Illinois, in 1853; remained there until June 1854, at which time he i-emoved to Lee Center and embarked in the dry-goods and grocery business. Remained in Lee Center until 1857 ; in that year he removed to Niles, Michigan, remaining until 1877; then removed to Kansas and bought land, and was there engaged in farming until 1879. In that year lie returned to Lee Center, where he has since been engaged in tlie dry-goods and grocery business.

Dr. Clark E. Looms, Lee Center, was born in November 1839, at Pulaski, Oswego county, New York ; and in 1845 he removed to Auburn, Cayuga county, where he lived until 1856. Ho came west and stopped at Chicago one year, and in October, 1857, settled at Franklin Grove in this county. The next spring he began tiie study of medicine with Dr. G. W. Hewitt ; and on the 15th of February, 1862, graduated from Rush Medical College at Chicago. He located at once in Grand Detour, Ogle county, to practice his profession. At this place, on the 15th of July 1863, he married the only daughter of John Parkhurst, by whom he has become the father of four children, all daughters, the youngest of whom died in 1879. From Grand Detour Dr. Loomis went to the army in 1864, and served until the close of the war as first assistant surgeon of tlie 115tli reg. 111. Vols. Shortly after his return home he settled with his family in Lee Center, where he has since had his residence. On February 1, 1881, he purchased from E. W. Fa.xon & Co. the " Amboy Journal " newspaper and job office, and has done the editorial work of the paper in connection with his practice at Lee Center.

Brooklyn township is described in the original survey as T. 31, R. 1 E., 3d P.M., bounded on the east by Wyoming, on the north by Viola, on the west by Lee Center and Sublette townships, and on the south b}- La Salle county. The present population of this township is largely German.

Standing on an eminence in the southeastern part of the township, and looking north and west, a scene of remarkable rural beauty meets the eye of the observer. Stretching away as far as the e^'e can reach is a vast expanse of gently rolling land, dotted here and there by handsome dwellings, waving orchards and fields of grain. Had you stood there fifty years ago, dear reader, a dift'erent scene would have met your view. Half a century ago the red man chased the deer and biiflfalo where now villages and churches rise as a mausoleum over the graves of his forgotten dead. Fifty years ago 'the long howl of tlie wolf and the scream of the panther echoed among the hills that now resound with the click of the reaper, the shriek of the locomotive, and the chiming of church bells. Civilization in its onward march has blotted out all traces of the red man's abode. His villages have disappeared, his light canoe is seen no more darting down the crystal streams of Illinois, and he has been driven onward toward the setting sun. His name is heard no more, unless perhaps to a village or wood-girt stream he has left as a legacy an Indian name.

The earliest settler in Brooklyn township was Zacariah Mallngin, who came in the spring of 1834 and located on what is now the N.E. ^ of Sec. 4. Mr. Mallngin built a hotel on the old Chicago stage road, and was one of the first landlords in Lee county. In the spring of 1836 John Gilmore came and located on the X.E. ^ of Sec. 3. In 1836 William Guthrie came and located near Mallugin's Grove.

The first school-house in the township was erected in 1838 on the farm of A. V. Christiance, about a mile northeast of his present residence. The first teacher who presided was Zacariaii Mallngin. The first white child born in the township was Cornelius, son of A. V. Christiance, in 1835. The first justice of the peace was J<jhn K. Robinson, now residing in Mendota ; first constable, A. V. Christiance.