Lee County, Illinois - The whole text, 1881 (part 22 of 24)

David Sximi, farmer and stock raiser, Paw Paw Grove, son of John and brother to Robert Smith, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, July 16, 1S31. His father w.is thoroughly educated for the ministry in the Presbyterian church, but abandoned his purpose to become a farmer. In 1S37 he came to America and located with the rest of the family at Smith's Grove, which received its name from his father, as the original settler at that point. In December after arrival the cabin which they had erected was burned down, and nearly all their effects, including a large and valuable library, were lost. His father in trying to remove a trunk containing all the coin they had and other articles of value was burned in the face by ignited tallow streaming down from overhead, and was obliged to drop the trunk and leave it to bo destroyed with its contents. This misfortune made him destitute, and be had to b»iy corn on credit at ^1 per bushel. It was seven years before he could p.ay for it, and the same time elapsed before he was able to save ^50 to buy forty acres of land. He gave for his claim in the first place $150. While struggling in the midst of straits and difficulties a cousin in Scotland sent him $100, which seemed at that time like a special providence in the form of a small fortune. To raise the $50 mentioned he sold cows at $7 apiece and a very fine young mare at $35. At that time three-year-old steers would bring but $11. People hauled pork to Chicago and sold it for $1.50 to $i?.50 per hundred. Potatoes delivered there brought thirty cents, and wheat frequently no more than forty cents }>er bushel. At the Farmers" Hotel, in that city, a man could get supper, lodging and breakfast, and hay for his team, all for fifty cents. When Mr. Smith's father died, in 1S60, he had three hundred acres of land as the reward of his industry, privations and self-denyings. The mother did not survive long after their arrival in Illinois, but died in 1S40. Deer abounded here in sreat numbers, and wolves were so numerous that the repeated attempts at slieep liiisbandrj' were aggravating faihires. Young Smitli embraced sucli opportunities as tliere were for schooling, and obtained a fair education by attending winters until he was of age. His earliest teacher was Robert Walker, who tauglit first on tlie town place, and to whom lie went six terms. Another of his instructors was a man named Smith. His school was on the west side of Peru street north of the depot in West Paw Paw. Mr. Smith is the owner of several choice tracts of farming land. In his homestead on Sec. 35 are 110 acres and across the road in Wyoming in Sees. 1 and 2 and 330 acres more. In Sec. 3 of Wyoming and Sec. 34 of Willow creek are 112 acres, and in the latter township in Sec. 26 are 120, and Sec. 33 still another piece of 80 acres. On the death of their mother, about 1864, Mr. Smith received into his family nine nephews and nieces over whom he has exerted a truly benevolent and fatherly care. Three have died, three are doing for themselves, and the others are still at home. None of his nieces have married. To each of the boys he gave $1,000 when twenty-one. Since reaching manhood Mr. Smith has been most of the time in ofBce. He was assessor several terms, and school trustee and treasurer fourteen j'cars.

Nathaniel A. NKrrLETON, deceased, was born in Ireland, September 30, 1829. About 1843 his parents, Benjamin and Maria (English) Nettleton, with their family came to Sterling, Illinois, and in 1845 removed from thence to Smith's Grove, in this county, where they bought a farm in Sec. 35, Willow Creek township. This is now owned by Philip Pierce. After Nathaniel became of age he worked out, rented farms on shares, and traveled according as circumstances favored his so doing. On December 28, 1858, he was married to Miss Jane Smith, daughter of John and Jane (Colvill) Smith. Shortly' after this event he bought the Bishop farm, adjoining the home-place on the west. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Co. I, 15tli 111. Inf., and was taken sick while in camp in Chicago. He was furloughcd to come home and recruit his health, and three weeks later died at his residence, of inflammation of the lungs, contracted by exposure in the barracks. A sudden change in the weather found the soldiers without an adequate supply of blankets. Mr. Nettleton was interred in the Ellsworth burying-ground. His widow, thus bereft, had the sole care and training of thiee small children fall to her lot, but by judicious management she has been able to keep her family together and to save her home. All tlie children are still with their mother. These are Cora, Harley, and Arthur. The eldest is twenty-one and the ^-oungest nearly eighteen. Mr. Nettleton's father was a carpenter, and not in very easy circumstances when be came to this state.

Lewi8 M. Faikciiild, farmer and stock raiser, Paw Paw Grove, was born in New York, June 22, 1831. When he was five years old his parents, Samuel P. and "Wilimot (Ogden) Fairchiid, moved to Canada, where they resided eighteen years. Earlv in 1850 our subject apprenticed himself to the blacksmith trade at Mount Pleasant, learning it in three years, together with carriage ironing and all kinds of work appertaining to this business. In the spring of 1853 he came to Lee Center, this county, and worked one year; after that he was employed at West Paw Paw by James S3'monds and made the first stirring and breaking plows and corn cultivators ever manufactured in the place. He was married here December ?>, 1854, to Elizabeth, daughter of Oliver Edmonds, of Shabbona, De Kalb county. Her father was an early settler near Washington Grove, in Ogle county, to which place he came in 1838 and made a claim of 100 acres, which he sold to John Edwards. In 1855 Mr. Fairchiid removed to Amboy and the following spring went by ox-train overland to California, making the journey in three months. He was on the Pacific coast less than four months and returned via Nicaraugua and Graytown. Early ne.xt year he located at Shabbona Grove and worked at his trade two years. In 1859 he bought 120 acres in Sec. 33, Willow Creek township, where he now resides, and to this subsequently added a tract of eighty acres. In 18G2 Mr. Fairchiid enlisted in the 75th 111. Inf. He fought at Perryville, where he was three times struck with bullets; one was stopped by the brass on his belt and anotiier lodged in his pocket-book. At Stone River he was captured by the enemy and escaped, but was retaken the next day. He had been in their hands but two hours the second time when Col. Brownlow led a cavalry charge on the Murfrecsboro pike and rescued the prisoners, including Mr. Fairchiid. During Mr. Fairchild's absence liis wife, quite as heroic as any soldier in the field, remained on the farm plying her loneh' cares and waiting with fortitude for her husband's return. From December, 1864:, till the next September James Pike, of the 1st Tenn. reg. (rebel), was the hand in charge of the place. He was a prisoner and enlisted in our navy, but by reason of a wound was rejected and Mr. Fairchiid got permission to send him to work on his farm. The subject of this sketch had three brothers in the 13th 111. Iiif He is a republican and a Mason, and belongs to the Methodist church, of which Mrs. Fairchild is also a member.

Lewis E. Drmx, farmer and stock raiser. Steward, was born in Newfane, Windham county, Vermont, March 8, 1820. His parents, Ethan and Mary (Gates) Durin, were of English descent. When our subject was fifteen liis father moved to Franklin county, Vermont, where he owned a farm. Lewis stayed at home till he was twenty-one.

and his health having become impaired lie spent liis twenty-second year at Saratoga Springs. The next seven years he worked most of tlie time as a laborer. In 1840 he came to Rockton, Winnebago county, Illinois. In the autumn of 1850 his brother Gilbert arrived from the east, and the two together entered, in Sees. 5, 6, 7 and 8, pieces of land aggregating half a section. In 18.53 the parents also came west, and from that time until their death, in 1865, they had their home with Lewis. The mother died February 23 and the father April 11. On February S, ISoi, Mr. Durin was married to Miss Margaret Rees, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Rees, of Virginia. They have had four children : Martha died in 1861, at the age of six and a half years : Ida M. lives at home; Ada E. is the wife of W. W. Brittain, and William G. is at home. Mr. Durin has made a number of changes in his farm, by selling off and buying again, to bring it to that standard which his fancy approves, and now it is one mile square and contains many jileasing and valuable improvements. The grove is a feature that cannot fail at once to attract notice. It covers four acres, one half is white ash, the other European larch and a few soft maples, the whole regularly arranged in rows. The value of his land is much enhanced by tlie tine buildings which it contains. There are seven principal ones. His beautiful residence stands near the site of his old house. Two barns are each 30x50, one is 30x08, tiie haj' barn is 30x40, the corn barn 24x50, the carriage-house 20x30, and the granary 16x24. Mr. Durin is a republican in politics. He has been four times elected assessor. His brother, Ira S. Durin, for some ten years justice of the peace of Willow Creek township, will be remembered as prominent in the early history.

E. W. HoLTON, farmer. Paw Paw Grove, son of Wesson and Hcpsibetli (Durin) Holton, was born in Vergennes, Vermont, May 21, 1839. His father was a millwright. In 1853 he moved west and settled at Twin Grove, where he still resides. Edmund lived with liis grandfather Holton at Dummerston, in his native state, until the next year I after his father's departure, when he ran away, and by the aid of a little money given him bj' an uncle reached Chicago. Arriving on Sunday he asked for entertainment at the first house he saw, and was kept till Monday. The man being a workman in a machine shop he accompanied him to his work in the hope of getting something to do for money to continue his journey, but his entertainer was generous enough to raise $5 for him and he went on his way with gratitude in his heart. He came directly to Twin Grove, knowing that here he should find his father and the Durins. He worked the first year for his uncle, Ira Durin, and after that was at home with his father till his majorit}'. Beginning in the autumn of 1860 he worked by the month for nine montiis at Proplietstown, Wliitesides county. In August, 1861, he volunteered in Co. E, 34tli 111. Inf., and the tirst engagement in which tills command ]>articipatcd was at Corintli. Mi\ Iloltoii was taken seriously ill at Nashville and was discharged on surgeon's certificate. This sickness disqualified him for labor during the first year at home. On December 25, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss Cordelia Mittan, daughter of Jeptha Mittan. In the fall of 1863 he took his father's farm and worked it twelve years, and in October, 1875, bought his present home, an improved farm of eighty-six acres, on Sec. 20. Mr. Holton is a republican. His four children are Elmer D., Arthur R., Wesson, and Larilla. His grandfather, Wranslow Holton, is living, at the advanced age of ninetv-two.

DwiGHT Davenport, farmer and stock raiser. Paw Paw Grove, son of Erastus and Pamelia (Dayton) Davenport, was born in Delaware count}', New York, June 15, 1829. His father was a farmer in good circumstances, who had eleven children. At the age often our subject went to live with his uncle, Charles Davenport, a merchant at Angelica, Alleghany county. New York. Here he attended school at the Alleghany Academj- four years, and was graduated in the class of 1850. The remainder of the time he was clerking in his uncle's store, until 1859, when he came west and settled in Willow Creek township, buying 120 acres of wild land in Sec. 27, on which he is still residing. On January 31, 1854, he was married to Miss Margaret Hickman, daughter of Abram and Esther (Searles) Hickman, of Lansing, Tompkins county, New York. They have reared one son, Charles T., who married Miss Mary, daughter of Andrew Stubbs, an adjoining neighbor. In 1881 Mr. Davenport erected a fine new house on his premises, which is 18x34r in the main part, with a wing 18x22, two stories and a basement. Politically he is a republican.

Albert Glassi'oole, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was born in the county of Norfolk, England, October 14, 1834. His father, who died when Albert was but ten years old, was commander in the Honorable East India Company service. Albert was educated first at the Yarmouth Grammar School, and then at a naval school, in the city of Yarmouth. At sixteen years^of age, as midshipman, he made his first voyage to Melbourne, Australia, in the government service, taking out one hundred and fifty distressed needle-women from the port of London. From Melbourne, with a cargo of smoked mutton-hams, he sailed to Hong- Kong, China, and thence, with teas and silks, returned to London. His second voyage was from the port of Yarmouth to Constantinople, with a general cargo, in his uncle's schooner, a pleasure trip described by the sailor phrase, " In everybody's mess and nobody's watch." In 1853 he was appointed to the Royal Mail Steam Packet service, as fifth ofiicer, and for nineteen months was stationed out at the Island of St. Thomas. Diirintf this stay the ship encountered one of tlio most fearful hurricanes on record. It was about this time that Gen. Santa Anna made his final escape from Mexico, and young Glasspoole thus describes his connection with that affair: "Having run into Havana on our return voyage word came to us through the Spanish pilot that we would tind Gen. Santa Anna in the Bahama channel on board the Spanish man-ofwar, and he would like to have us stop and take him to St. Thomas. Accordingly I was sent off in charge of a boat to get him. On going aboard the Spanish steamer I was introduced to the general's wife and told her I was ready to take them aboard. After taking the general and his wife aboard I returned with two boats for his money and his suites. The money was in silver bars; there were two good boat loads of that." While "lying to" at Greytovvn, on the isthmus, Glasspoole saw that whole town burned to ashes by American men-of-war. Failing in an attempt to bombard it down the men went asliore and fired it with tar and kerosene. Glasspoole assisted in taking the refugees off to an island. It may be of interest to mention that the last ship to which he was appointed in this service was the Trent, afterward so noted in the Mason and Slidell case. Mr. Glasspoole received a very complimentary letter from the court of directors, dated May 10, 1856. We quote just enough to indicate its character : " Conveying expression of their satisfaction at the praiseworthy conduct displayed by you on the night of the 30th ult., and also at the high character given you by Capt. Abbott." Shortly after receiving this letter, as a further mark of esteem, he was honored with a very gratifying promotion. In 1857 Mr. Glasspoole emigrated to America. At Batavia, Illinois, he was married to Miss Laura Carr, daughter of Capt. Carr, of the IT. S. Merchant service. His first years of western farming were spent on rented land in Kane county. Here his change from sailor life was attended with some curious and somewhat expensive experience. He was wont to say, "Yes, I am naturalized, at a cost of $2,000." About 1866 he came to Willow Creek township and bought 160 acres. He has a good farm all paid for. He has one son, who has crossed the Atlantic twice and is now a student at East Paw Paw ; also a brother is colonel in the Queen's service.

CiiEisropHER Vandeventer, farmer, Lee, son of John and Mary (Boyer) Vandeventer, was born in Erie county, New York, in 1815. His grandfather Vandeventer was captain of a company of rangers in the revolution, which did duty as scouts for Gen. Washington. His grandfather Boyer was a soldier in the same war. Both these fought at the Cowpens and in several other battles. His father served on the frontier in the war of 1812, invaded Canada under Gen. Van Rensselaer, and helped storm and capture the British fort at Queenstown, October 18, tliat year. The subject of this sketcli was raised a farmer, but took up tlie carpenter and joiner trade, and followed it most of the time during his early life. On September 6, 1838, he was married, in Michigan, to Miss Miranda Salisbury, who was the mother of four children : Irwin (dead) and Edwin (twins), William and Christopher, and died in 1845. His second marriage was with Mrs. Rozillow Low, June 6, 1846. The children by this union were Mary E. (dead), Martha (dead), Ellen J., Eber E.. (dead), IsabcU, James and John (dead). This wife died September 27, 1858, and he married again, December 1, same year, Mrs. Ann Baker. By her first marriage she had ten children; by the last, one, Marj' Alice. Her death occurred January 24, 1874. Mr. Vandeventcr's fourth marriage was to Mrs. Elizabeth Bi-aithwaite, on February 11, 1875. By the first husbiind she was the mother of the following children : Maria Elizabeth, Sarah Ella, Caroline (dead), Laura, Emily, Ida, Ada, and Louis P. Mr. Vandeventer has been commissioner of highways of Willow Creek township, and school director in his district eleven years. As an Odd-Fellow he belongs to Spartan Lodge, No. 272, at East Paw Paw, and to Paw Paw Encampment, No. 52. He has passed all the chairs in the lodge, and in politics is a democrat. His farm of 182 acres, valued at §11,000, contains never-failing wells and springs, and is the best watered farm in the country. He has an orchard of choice frnit unequaled in this region. Hissons, AVilliam and Christopher, volunteered and served for three months at the beginning of the war, and fought at the battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. The latter reenlisted for three years, and served his full time. Irwin entered the service in the fall of 18G1, for three years, and was color-bearer of his regiment; he fought at Forts Henry and Donelson, and at Shiloh, where he was taken prisoner by the rebels and confined until the following June, when he was released and died the same month of typhoid fever, at Iluntsvilie, Alabama. Eber enlisted in the regular arm}- just after the war, and went to Fort Scott, and from thence to Fort Stanton, New Mexico, where he died.

James C. Howi.eit, farmer and stock raiser, Paw Paw Grove, son of Horatio G. and Amanda M. (Canfield) Howlett, was born in Onondaga county, New York, March 22, 1837. When six months old he came with his father to Chicago, then to Dixon, and finally, in 1839, to his present home at Allen's Grove. He was well prepared with a practical education for the business of life. His earlier instruction was obtained in the log cabin schools of the neighborhood. His first term was in one part of the Shoudy treble log house, and his teacher was a Miss Nettleton. His next preceptress was Laura Brace. At a later date he was a pupil of Bobby Walker, who had a school near the old Robinson place. This knight of the ferule was excellent both as a scholar and teacher, and was fond of quoting Bobby Burns, which he had at his tongue's command. Mr. Howlett finished his studies at the Lee Center and South Side academies. In 1860 he went to the Rocky Mountains. He taught three terms of school in Missouri, and was in that state at the breaking out of the war. In June, 1861, he enlisted in a company which was recruiting there, and was appointed orderly sergeant ; but not being mustered into the service, and suspense and inactivity ensuing, he came home, driving through with a herd of cattle, and barely escaped being taken by guerrillas. This company was afterward accepted and cut to pieces at Wilson's creek, where two-thirds of tlie men were killed. Before his departure from Missouri he spent an evening with Gen. Price, and on his arrival at Quinc}' saw the first rebel flag captured in that state. On August 6, 1862, Mr. Howlett volunteered in Co. K, 75th 111. Inf., and served till the close of the war. He fought at Perrysville, and his regiment was engaged at Stone River, Chickamauga, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, and elsewhere on the Atlanta campaign, and the subsequent service in Tennessee against Hood, ending in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. The last half of his term was served in the assistant adjutant-general's office, where he had charge of the clerical force. He was one of thirty who competed for the position ; all liaving sent specimens of penmanship, he was selected for the detail. One of his duties was to go through the brigade every evening and obtain a list of the casualties, in which duty he was often very mnch exposed. On his return home he went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was with his brother several months in the post-office. His marriage to Sarah Jane, daughter of James Fowler, of Shabbona, occurred April 13, 1867. To these parents five children have been born, namely, Mary, George G., Amanda B., Wilbur and Florence C. Mr. Howlett is a republican, and takes a lively interest in the success of his part}', and contributes his personal influence, which is by no means limited, to keep it in power.' For manj' years he has been a member of the republican central committee for Willow Creek township. He has filled the office of supervisor five terms, town clerk four, collector one, and is present incumbent of the office first named. He is well known as an experienced and efficient school teacher.

HoKATio G. Howlett, retired. Paw Paw Grove, is the son of Parley and Pliebe (Robbins) Howlett. He was born in Onondaga, Onondaga county. New York, August 31, 1809. Plis father was a native of Vermont, and one of the earliest settlers in Onondaga county. His mother was born in Connecticut. Mr. Howlett enjoyed good oppor- tunities for securing an education, and did not let them pass unimproved. He took a course of studies at the Onondaga and Homer academies, and is now one of tlie iive on!}' living ones who were fellow students at the latter institution when he was there. In his twentyfirst year he and a brother engaged in salt manufacture at Geddes; at the end of a year they sold out and went to merchandising for another year. On his twenty-first birthday Mr. Howlett was united in marriage with Amanda Malvina Canfield, of Syracuse, with whom he lived in great happiness until August 3, 1850, when she was taken from him by death. Not long after his marriage he settled on a farm, which he sold when he came west in 1832. In January of that vear he emigrated ; he started for Chicago, and had his goods shipped there by way of the lakes, but on reaching Niies, Michigan, was taken sick and compelled to remain at that place till his resources were exhausted by exorbitant charges. His parents were wealtiiy and he could have obtained assistance from them by making known his condition, but he disdained to do this, and had his effects sent back to Niles. Here he was appointed deputy sheriff' on his recover}', and tilled this office and remained in the town three 3'ears. In 1835 he came to Chicago and opened a meat market, near the spot where the Tremont House now stands. At that time tiiere was but one white woman in the place. He got control of all the butchering business and secured a driving trade, Indian and emigrant patronage being verj' large. George Smith, since one of the heaviest bankers in the city, and Alexander Mitciiell, the railroad magnate, of Wisconsin, had a little brokers' office, and Mr. Howlett deposited with Mitchell every night his wildcat funds, in business was then mainly transacted. The first day his receipts were §60, the second day §400, and at the end of thirty days §3,000. All that he ever got back into his hands was the small sum of §60. In the autumn of 1837 he left Chicago and came to Dixon, where he resided two years. A few log cabins and two frame buildings stood at that date in the town. In 1839 he settled at Allen's Grove, where he has had his home until the present time. He purchased a claim of 160 acres on Sec. 36, for §1,000. The land was not surveyed into sections till two or three years afterward. Mr. Howlett boarded the surveying party when the work was done in this neighborhood. Aside from his interests in farming since he came here, he has been an active and influential business man. At one time in the early history of the county he kept hotel in Dixon ; about 1854 he went to merchandising in Paw Paw, in company with A. B. Sears, who decamped, leaving him to pay the heavy debts of the firm ; he was justice of the peace ten years and constable four. While trading in Paw Paw his children were living in the east, attending school ; from the time his eldest daughter returned to keep house for him he has since had at least one of them with him. He was the parent of nine children, four of whom died in infanc}'. George Marvin, agent for the J^tna Life Insurance Compan}', lives at Fort Dodge, Iowa; James C. resides on the homestead ; Harriet Amanda is the wife of O.J. LeMoin and lives in Michigan ; Cornelia Caroline married Cornelius Vosburg, of Pennsylvania, and Frances Maria, relict of Samuel Foresman, is now Mrs. George Piatt, of Kansas. The first two years that Mr. Howlett lived here he cast the only whig vote in the precinct, and for his devotion to his principles, the democrats, when speaking of his politics, designated him by an inodorous adjective. The polls were held alternately at Malugin's Grove and Paw Paw Grove.

S. W. Weeks, hardware merchant, Lee, was born in Kendall county, Illinois, in 1852. His parents, Wier and Susan (Sunde) Weeks, emigrated from Norway in ISi*!, and settled at Big Grove, Kendall county, where both are still living. He was engaged in general farm work until seventeen years of age, and then was attending school the next three years at Lather College, in Decorah, Iowa. From twenty to twenty-eight he taught in the common schools. In the spring of 1880 he became a partner with Christopher & Jorgens, of Lee, in the grain trade, and in December disposed of his interest and formed a partnership with O. J. Heng, under the firm name of Weeks & Heng. They purchased the hardware store of Stephens «& Prestegard, and began trading just at the close of the year. Mr. Weeks was married October 29, 1878, to Miss Trudy J. Eogde, of Willow Creek township. She was the daughter of Jacob and Elsa Rogde. They have one child, Elsa Sophia, born in 1879. Mr. Weeks is a republican, and he and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

William H. Bkyant, postmaster and implement dealer, Lee, was born in Wyoming township in 1817. His parents were Obed W. and Sarah (Lindsey) Bryant, with whom he lived at home on the farm until he was sixteen, when he went to Hillsdale College, Michigan, and devoted himself to study four years. The following year he spent in Sedalia, Missouri ; returning to Illinois, he was engaged in 1869 in farming, and in 1870 went to Idaho and Oregon. In these places he passed a year sight-seeing and prospecting in the mines. In 1871 he returned home and farmed until the autumn of 1872, when he went into a general store at Meriden, La Salle county, and on March 30, 1874, associated himself in partnersliip with R. A. White, of Lee, buying out the interest of Henry Moore. They did a general merchandising business, and extended it to include agricultural implements. After three months Mr. White retired, and was succeeded as postmaster by Mr. Bryant, who also continued the trade three years alone. At the end of that time lie sold his stock of goods, and has since confined his business to the post-office and the sale of farming implements and machinery. Mr. Bryant was united in marriage with Miss Ada M. Haish September 15, 1881. She is a communicant in the Methodist church. He was collector of Willow Creek township in 1877, and in 1879 he was the republican nominee for county treasurer against Isaac Edwards, of Ambo}', but failed of election by sixty-four votes. He is an Odd-Fellow, and was a charter member of Fidelia Lodge, No. r>35, I.O.O.F., which was organized in Lee, and in 1880 removed to Steward. Mr. Bryant is a whole-souled man, of pleasing manners, gentlemanly and accommodating.

Ole G. Jelle, farmer, Lee, fifth in a family of seven children by GoTider and Aver (Jorgendatter) Jelle, was born in Norway, Sej)tember 13, 1850. He attended the common schools of his country and worked as a laborer until his emigration in 1871. Two of his brothers arrived later, Atlaak and Ole, the youngest in the family. He settled in this township, and has made his home here until now. April 24:, 1881, he was married to Mrs. Amelia Prestegard, widow of George Prestegard, and daughter of Lars Oleson. She was married the first time February 2, 1876, and her husband died May 30, leaving two children : Georgiana, born November 14, 1876, and Isabella Lida, November 21, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Jelle both belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Edwin Edwards, farmer, Lee, son of Einnerand Christina (Einnerson) Edwards, was born in Norway in 1828. He was in the military service of Norway seven years ; he was drafted when twenty-one, and drilled and did garrison duty. A part of the time he was permitted to be at home. When in camp he at first received si.^ cents per day, but toward the close of his service got ten cents, ^nd the last year his were increased to twelve cents. When Amund Hilleson emigrated to this country, in 1851, Mr. Edwards took his place with the employer, Thurstan Hoagland, and worked for him two years as slO per year. After that, until he came over himself, he worked independently as a laborer. In 1858 he embarked for America in a sailing vessel in command of captain Bunaway, and was two months in crossing the ocean. He settled in Bradford township, where he was married in the autumn, soon after his arrival, to Miss Johanna Ritter, who was born in 1832. She took passage with him from Norway. Mr. Edwards, like most of his countrymen, is a good example of what industry, steady habits and careful management will do in this free land of equal privileges. When he came here he had but $14 to begin with, but he had learned not to shirk hard work, and he laid hold at once of the tools of labor with a fixed resolution to make a respectable home, and whoever visits his place cannot fail to mark how completely he has succeeded.

He has an intelligent family growing up around him to receive from his indulgent care the comforts and benefits which he has marshaled around him. In the spring of 1862 he came to this township and bought eighty acres of land, the N. J of N.E. ^ Sec. 11. He has since added 120 more, and values the whole at $10,000. Both himself and wife are members of the iSTorwegian Lutheran church, and he is one of the trustees. Their children are Gabried Hanson, Nellie Henrietta (now Mrs. Barney Jacobson"), Julia, Edwin, John Michael, Lena, Anne, Ed wardena, and Swan Arnoldos. Mr. Edwards is a republican in polities.

William Geove, farmer, Lee, son of William and Cornelia (Clay) Grove, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 18.3-1. His father was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain. In 1837 his father settled in Knox county, Ohio, and there his mother died when he was twelve years old. Shortly afterward tlie famiU' removed to Seneca county, and some years subsequently to Fulton county, where they lived ten years. In 1863 they left Ohio and came to Willow Creek township, and bought from 'Squire Ira Durin the farm on which Mr. Grove is now living. It is the N.W. J Sec. 21, and is valued at $8,000. Here the senior Grove died May 3, 1872. The subject of this sketch was married February 17, 1861, to Miss Amanda Gee, daughter of Henry and Eliza (Williams) Gee. She was born May 20, 1814. Mr. Grove enlisted in December 1863, in company H, 100th Ohio Vols., and was attached to tlie first brigade, third division, 23d army corps. He served on the Atlanta campaign and was engaged in a good deal of small fighting; he returned to Tennessee under Tiiomas to resist Hood's invasion, and fought at the battles of Franklin and Nashville. Before this, late in the autumn of 1863, he marched to Knoxville, to the relief of Burnside. After the destruction of Hood's army in Tennessee he went with his corps to North Carolina and helped to finish up the rebellion. He was discharged at Toledo, Ohio, in July 1865. Mr. Grove is a republican. His nine children are all living, and are named as follows : Emma C, Mary C, Nora L., Ada I., Ella C, George P., John H., Nellie Frances, and Clyde Arthur.

Lewis P. Boyd, farmer, Lee, third son of Peter and Sarah (Olson) Boyd, was l)orn in Norway, December 7, 1838. He emigrated to America in 1857, and stayed the first summer in Kendall and Bureau counties. Next year he went to Iowa, where he remained till the autumn of 1859, and then went to Mississippi for some months. Coming back to Iowa the following spring, he left there in June for Kendall county, Illinois, and there enlisted in July in Co. D, 36 111. Inf. He campaigned in Missouri, fought at Pea Ridge, marclied from there to Cape Girardeau and Pittsburgh Landing, and reached Corinth just as tile rebels had evacuated the town. The following summer he was in

Mississippi, canipaigiiiiiir; he was taiceii Iroiu llvaii by boat and rail to Cincinnati wlien Bragg mareiiud to tiieOiiio; from tliere l)e fell down to Louisville by boat, joined in Bnell's pursuit, and fought at Perryville. Subsequently he was in the engagements at Stone River, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge; marched to Knoxville; campaigned some the following winter in the Cumberland mountains; went on the Atlanta campaign ; fought at Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, and Lost Mountain, and was wounded June 18, being shot through both thighs. He lay in the general field hospital several days, then was sent back to Chattanooga, then to Nashville, next to Jefiersonville, and from thuuce to Camp Butler, Springfield. At Jefiersonville, through the carelessness of surgeons and nurses, gangrene got into his wound and he was nearly sacrificed to bad and harsh treatment. His time expired four months before he was discharged from the hospital, in January ISC'). He could not abandon his crutches for a long while ; still has to use a cane sometimes, and draws a pension from the government. In 1867 he began farming on his own land ; in 1870 he went to his present home of eighty acres, which is worth $-i,8l>0. Li 1871 he was married to Miss Sophia Johnson. Their children are Sarah Louisa, Isabel Melinda, Anna Maria, Olena Martinda, Peter Oly and Engerborg. Both parents are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and Mr. Boyd is a republican. He has been constable four years, collector three years, and is now road commissioner and school trustee.

John YirrrER, steward, is one of the most prominent citizens of Willow Creek, and a leading farmer and stock raiser. He is the only living son of John G. and Ivatrina (Meyer) Tetter, and was born in Germany in 1835, where he was reared to farming, and received a good common school education. In the spring of 185i Mr. Yetter emigrated to this country, and stopped nine months in New York, where he was joined by the rest of the family, - two parents, four brothers, and seven sisters. They all came to Putnam county, Illinois, and engaged in farming there on rented land. In the fall of 1859 Mr. Yetter came to this township and purchased 160 acres where his house stands, being the S. i of N.E. ^ and the N. f of S.E. J Sec. 5. His relations soon followed him here, except a sister, who resided in the West but one sunnner and now lives in New York, and his motiier, who died in 1857. His father has since lived with him. He was married in the autumn of 1857, to Miss Lena Schoenholz, by whom he has a large and interesting family of nine children : John P., Carl T., Lena E., Mary M., George, Jacob, Fred, Franklin B. and Julia Ma}\ Mr. Yetter and his wife and the two eldest daughters are members of the German Evangelical or Zion church, and he is a republican. Of pul)lic oftices, he has held that of supervisor eight years, and of road commis- sioner three. He owns 312 acres of land, 192 where he lives, and 120 just over the line in Alto township, which is improved with valuable buildings; large, perfect and imposing willow hedges, and is stocked completely with the best patterns of farm implements and machinery; but it is as a stock farm that it is most important, for Mr. Yetter, during some years, has made the breeding of thoroughbred cattle a special feature of his business. His horses- are of high grade, and all his animals give evidence of his care and skill in this favorite branch of industry which he has chosen. His farm is valued at $20,000. No man in this section of country is more widely and favorably known than Mr. Yetter, and the portrait which is given of him in this work, we feel sure, will give great satisfaction to his numerous friends.

George L. Ekbes, farmer, Lee, oldest child of George and Elizabeth (Grossardt) Erbes, was born at Knox Grove, in this county, April 28, 1855. He has always worked at farming and attended the English schools. He was married May 23, 1876, to Miss Mar\' E. Hackmann, who was born May 2, 1855, in Peru, Illinois. Her father, William Hackmann, came to America in 1849 a single man ; in ISoO he returned to the old country and was married to Henrietta Klute. The couple then came and settled in Peru. Mr. and Mrs. Erbes have had two children, George William, born October 9, 1877, died November 7, 1879 ; and Elizabeth Sophia, born April 9, 1880. They both belong to the German Lutheran societ\', which worships at the Byrd school-house. Mr. Erbes is a republican.

George Erbes, farmer, Lee, eldest son of George and Philopena (Schwabenland) Erbes, was born in Germany in 1824. He was a fai"m laborer in the old country. In 1853 he emigated to America and settled at once in Peoria count}', Illinois, where he lived four years, the first three working as a hand, and the next year renting land. His marriage Miss Elizabeth Grossardt, who was born also in Germany in 1826, and came to this country in 1853, was in 1855. In 1857 Mr. Erbes moved to Lee county, and lived three j'ears at Knox Grove. In 1860 he brought his family to Willow Creek, and bought the E. -J- of S.E. J Sec. 11. He began here with very small means, as he himself says, "a poor man, almost without property," but with true German pluck and industry' he struggled along, aided by his equally persevering wife, until they now have a home of 240 acres, valued at $12,000. He subsequently bought the W. | of N.E. J Sec. 14, and the N. ^ of S.W. J Sec. 12. They have raised four children and have one dead : George L., who married Miss Mary Hackmann, Fred W., William D., Kate E., wife of John Greene, and John P. (dead ). The whole family belongs to the German Lutheran church. Mr. Erbes is a republican and an esteemed citizen.

Ole W. Oleson, farmer, Lee. In 1847 bis fatlier, Lars Oleson, emigrated from Norway to Bradford township in this county. He was a carpenter in his native conntr}', and soon after his arrival obtained employment as a workman in the Grand Detour plow-works, and was there with Col. L. Andrews four years. "While working in that place he saved enough money to buy forty acres of land in Bradford township in partnership with Lars Hilleson. On quitting the plow factory he bought more land, and finally had 120 acres, which he improved. He was married in that township in 1818, to Isabel Hilleson, and the first child born to them was the subject of this notice, in the same year. Besides Ole they had three others, Holden, Amelia, now Mrs. Ole G. Jelle, and Betsy, wife of Ole Rogde. In the spring of 1863 the father moved with his family to Willow Creek and settled on Sec. 10, where he still lives. He owned here at one time 480 acres, but sold 160 and divided the remainder among his four children, all of whom reside in this township. Ole was married in February 1868, to Miss Augusta Oleson, who was born in Norway October -i, 1849. Her mother died when she was eleven years old, and two years later she emigrated with her father, who died five years afterward. The three children of these parents are a son and two daughters, Isabel Florence, Lewis, and Gure. Mr. Oleson and his wife belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church. He owns the S.E. f Sec. 10, valued at $8,000.

Amund Hilleson, farmer, Lee. The first Norwegian settler in Willow Creek township was Amund Hilleson, second son of Hilla and Emaline (Emmonson) Helge, born in South Bergen stift (state), Norway, June 20, 1821. His father died when he was six j'ears old, and his mother being left in destitute circumstances with six children, the latter were bound out according to the custom of that countrv in regard to the poor, that is, each farmer takes one in his turn for a length of time corresponding to the amount of propertj' he owns; while sometimes the poor are bid off at auction, the keepers being paid for their care and trouble. Mr. Hilleson was provided for according to the former method. When sixteen years old he was able to take care of himself, and hired out the first year for §5 and his clothing, the second year for $7 and clotliing, and so on, gradually but very slowly increasing until he had worked thirteen years, the last two or three years receiving as high as §10 and a little clothing per year. Four years before he had enough money saved to emigrate he began to turn his thoughts wistfully toward America, and from that time worked with the sole object of coining at the earliest time he could be ready. That time arrived in 1851, and he came directly to Sublette township, where his brotherin-law, Lars L. Risetter, was living, and worked the first year in the employ of Thomas Fessenden tiirough haying and harvest for $11 per month. In 1852 he bought the JST.E. ^ Sec. 15 in Willow Creek for $1.25 per acre, and continued to hire out as a laborer until he had been here tive years. In 1S55 he began to improve his land, keeping house for himself two 3'ears, when, in 1857, he was married to Miss Emaline Larsen, who was born May 8, 1822, and emigrated to Sublette in 1855. They have had two children : Helge A., born in 1859, and Evaline, born September 6, 1863, and died December 16, 1866. The whole family belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Hilleson contributed liberally toward the erection of their house of worship, having given to that object some §600. In 1875 he bought the JST.W. ^ Sec. 15 for §8,150. He has one of the best improved and most desirable farms in the country, which is valued at $19,000. He is a republican and one of the solid men in means and character in Willow Creek township.

Henry Baenhakd, farmer, Lee, son of Henry and Eva (Rineliart) Barnhard, was born in Fairtield county, Ohio, in 1808. In 1850 he came to Twin Groves, and after renting land one or two years from James Thompson, bought his farm, which he still owns and occupies, on Sec. 9. He entered the southwest quarter, and afterward sold the south half His farm of eighty acres he values at $5,200. He was married in Ohio about 1839, to Miss Harriet Kearns. They have had the following children: Matilda, wife of George Davenport, living in Kansas ; Joseph (dead), Bigelow (dead), Emma, married Ebenezer Pettenger (dead); Hemy, living at home; Melville (dead), and Mar}', at home. Joseph enlisted in 1863, fought in two battles, and died at Vicksburg from disease. Bigelow enlisted first for one hundred days ; he served his time and then enlisted for three years, and died in New York before reaching the seat of war. Mr. Barnhard is a republican.

Robert J. Thompsox, farmer, Steward, was born in Hampshire county. West Yirginia, March 2, 1847. He was the son of Robert and Zulemma (Taylor) Thompson, was reared a tiller of the soil, and received a common school education. His grandfather Thompson ran away from his home in Ireland and came to America before the revolution. He fought in the cause of the colonies, and after the war settled in Hampshire county, where the subject of this notice was born. His grandfather Taylor was an Englishman and fifer in the revolutionary war, and Mr. Thompson's mother has liis fife in her possession. In March, 1865, Mr. Thompson emigrated to this county and settled in Willow Creek, and in 1868 he was followed bj' his parents. His father had owned land in this township a good many years before he came here to live. Mr. Thompson owns 150 acres, left him by his father, valued at $10,000. He is a democrat in politics, and is filling his fourth term as town clerk of Willow Creek. He was married

March 15, 1870, to Miss Eva L. Flagg, daughter of Lucius H. aud Almira Flagg. She was born April 16, 1847. They liave had four children to bless their home : Guj, George, Nora, and Eddie (dead).

Jacob B. Fisher, deceased, son of Thomas and Mary M. (Bookes) Fisher, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 6, 1810. He lived at home on his tather's farm until of age. In that dav the custom among shoemakers was to go around the country and make the boots and shoes for families at their houses, the leather being furnished by those having the work done. The subject of this sketch took up the trade without serving an apprenticeship, and did the work for his father's family, the arrangement being that the other boys should do the out-door work. When he became twenty-one he went on a farm of eighty acres, mostly woodland, and was married January 28, 1833, to Miss Ruth Carleton, who was a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Reese), and was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, May 2, 1812. About 1836 they removed and settled near Columbus, on a farm of 120 acres of their own ; and in 1853 they emigrated to Willow Creek township, where Mr. Fisher bought 400 acres of land. These parents had fourteen children : Martha E. (dead), Mary J., now Mrs. Patrick Daugherty; Thomas C, married Miss Avals Moore; Sarah Ann, wife of John Hickey ; William (dead) ; Adeline, now Mrs. William H. Dow ; Margaret, wife of Benjamin W. Noe; Hannah (dead); Lydia (dead); Adolphus, married Dolly Siglin ; Phebe, wife of John C. Grove; Eleanor; Jacob, married Miss Elma J. White, and James, married Miss Estella Conkliu. Mr. Fisher was a democrat in politics, held the office of supervisor and road commissioner, and was a member of the Presbyterian church from early life. Mrs. Fisher belonged to the same denomination, but as there was no Presbyterian church here she first joined the United Brethren and afterward the Methodist church, of which she is at present a member. She and Jacob and James live upon the old homestead, which contains 240 acres, valued at §12,000. Mr. Fisher died January 9, 1857, much regretted. Mrs. Fisher was left with a very large faniily, but she proved equal to her heavj' responsibilities in successfully rearing her children and managing the affairs of the farm.

William Dunkelbeeger, farmer, Steward, was born in Pennsylvania in 1820. His parents, Solomon and Christiann (Harmon') Dunkelberger, had six sons and four daughters. His great-grandfather emigrated from Germany before the revolution, and two uncles named Dunkelberger served the country in the war of 1812. When the subject of this notice was eight years old his father removed with his famil}' to New York, and he lived there, working as a fanner, until 1867. In that year he came to Willow Creek and bought the N.E. \ and a part of lot 1, KE. i of S.W. i, and lot 2, KW. i of S.E. J Sec. 17. He has recently purchased thirty-two acres adjoining on the west, and now owns a pleasantly situated farm of 215 acres, which he values at $15,000. In 184:5 Mr. Dunkelberger was married to Miss Sarah Knedler, who was born in 1819. They have had seven children, as follows: Mary Sophia, wife of Henry J. Evers, Sarah Jane (dead), Caroline Elizabeth (dead), Phebe Adelia, Hannah Amelia (dead), Christiann Esther (dead), and Maria Catherine, now Mrs. August Mertons. Both parents are members of the German Evangelical church of Willow Creek, and Mr. Dunkelberger was the first class-leader in that society. He is a republican.

Louis P. Smith, farmer, Lee, son of Charles and Maiy (Clayton) Smith, was born in Pennsylvania in 1815. His father served in the last war with England, and was in some engagements. Mr. Smith left home when a j'oung boy and went to live with a man named Isaac Smith, who was a miller, aud from him he learned the same trade. He was employed at this twenty years. In 1834 he settled in Ohio, where in 1840 he married Miss Mary Spring, who died in 184-4, leaving one child, Byard. He was married again Januaiy 24, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Armstrong. By the second marriage six children have been born, as follows: William, Hannah Jane, Jacob, Daniel B. (in Colorado), George, and Louis Milton. In 1854 Mr. Smitli removed to this township and selected a home at Twin Groves, and the following year came to live on his present farm, the S. i of S.W. ^ Sec. 9, which he now values at $5,200. He has been road commissioner several terms, and is a democrat in politics. His son Byard enlisted in the 27th 111. Vols. in 1862, but was shortly after transferred to another regiment and served his term of three years. He fought at Stone River and Lookout Mountain, served on the Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea, and the campaign of the Carolinas.

HiLLA L. HiLLESON, farmer, Lee, eldest son of Lars and Augusta (Swanson) Hilleson, was born in Sublette township, this county. May 15, 1857. His father, a brother to Ommon Hilleson, the first Norwegian settler in Lee county, emigrated from Norway in the same party with Lars L. Risetter, in 1847. A brother and sister accompanied him all the way to Lee Center. These were taken sick with cholera, and as everybody was afraid to go near, the care of them fell on him, and his whole time was divided between the work he had to do and his attentions to them. He had $100 when he arrived, but this was soon spent for the sick, and at last both died. By proper precautions he was prevented from taking the disease. But the saddest ofKce was the last, a painful one, when he had to give his own brother and sister sepulture without assistance. The next year, in partnership with his brother Ominon, he rented ground and sowed seventy acres of oats and planted t\vent\' acres of corn. Tlie oats these two cradled, and the wliole crop they hauled to Chicago after it was harvested. From this crop lie got a little start, and after working with his lirother a few years got a piece of land in Sublette. Finally he married, and lived in that township until about ISfiC, when he came to Willow Creek, where he now lives. Hilla, his son, was married March 15, 1877, to Miss Bertha E. Winterton, who was born in Bergen stift (state), Norway, in 1857. She emigrated with her parents Allen O. and Bertha P. (Espy) Winterton, in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Hilleson belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church, and are the parents of two children : Augusta Louisa and Betsy Margaretta.

Jacob E. Miller, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was born in the town of Greenfield, Saratoga county, New York, in 1827. His father fought in the battle of Plattsburg, New York, in the last war with England, and married for his wife Maria De Grauph. Mr. Miller was raised on his father's farm, and at the ]>roper age was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, but he never worked at it after he finished his time. In 1848 he left his native state and settled at Bristol on Fox river, in Illinois, and lived there eight years, working by the mouth at farming. In August, 1854, he was married to Miss Jane S. Brown, of Bristol, who was born in 1827. In September, 1856, Mr. Miller moved with his family to his present home on the S.E J Sec. 28, in which he owns eighty acres. In addition to this he has forty acres in Sec. 27, and both pieces are worth $6,000. His building location is one of the most sightly in Willow Creek, and admits of an extended view of the country which is beautiful and picturesque in this region. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have reared four children : Charles L., Florence D., Frank G. and Thaddeus E. Charles was married in 1879, to Miss Celestia Griswold ; Florence lives in Colorado, and Frank is a soldier in the 21st V. S. Inf., is orderly sergeant of his company, and superintendent of the post school on Vancouver's Island. The subject of this notice is indepLMideut in politics.

Andrew Sriiius, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was born in Hartford, Oxford county,JMaine, March 11, 1820. His parents were Nathan and Sophia (Allen) Stubbs. Mr. Stubbs worked at farming till lie wiis twenty years of age, and then went to New Bedford and shipped on board a whaling ship and was awa\' during a four years' cruise. Ho sailed around Cape Good Hope, visited New Zealand, Australia, the Societ}' Islands, and the Navigator Islands. His second voyage lasted nearly four years. He went around Cape Horn, visited the Chilian part of St. Carlos and Talcahuano, the Peruvian port of Callao, went to Lima, nine miles back of Callao in the interior, called at the

Sandwich Islands several times, and cruised in the Japan and the Okhotsk seas. The third and last voyage he made consumed over three 3'ears, and on this he shipped as second mate. He landed first at the Azores, next at the Cape Verde Islands, then at the Sandwich Islands, stopped at Sitka, spent one season along the coast of Kamtchatka and in the Arctic ocean as far north as the 72° of latitude and the ice barrier. Here he came near being devoured, at one time, by Esquimaux dogs. He sailed now to the Sandwich Islands and Hong Kong, then back again to those islands on his passage home around Cape Horn. His vessel touched at Pernambuco, and loaded with oranges. Between the second and third voyages he was at his home in Maine one year farming. He was on the water twelve 3'ears, and from the time he began following the sea until he quit was fourteen years. Mr. Stubbs was married in Massachusetts in 1850, to Miss Lucinda Green, from near Cleveland, Ohio. She was born in East Cleveland in May 1832. Her grandmother Gunn was one of the earliest, probably the second white woman, to settle on the western reserve. These parents have nine living children : Elizabeth H., now Mrs. George Hinckley ; Charles A.; Benjamin, married to Miss Ella Shoudy : Almond L. ; Mary, wife of Charles Davenport ; Albert, Lillie May, Ida, and Wealthy. Shortly after the close of his last voyage, and in July 1853, Mr. Stubbs came to Lee county, and settled in Willow Creek township, where he has since lived. He was first on the Nettleton farm a short time, and then came to his own 120 acres on Sec. 27. He has been road commissioner, and is a republican. Mrs. Stubbs belongs to the United Brethren church.

Xathaxiel C. Allen, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, boi'ii in Hartford, Oxford county, Maine, in 1822, was the son of Nathaniel and Polly (Tinkham) Allen. His mother was descended from Ephraim Tinkham, who came over in the Ma3'flower. The descendants had in their possession until recent years a kettle which their ancestor brought with hini, and which was used until the bottom wore through. Mr. Allen pursued farming and lumbering as his occupation while in Maine, and in 1845 his father's family came to this township, and he followed the next year. He still occupies the land which he then entered - a quarter of a section, worth now $8,000. In the winter of 18-48-9 he went to Minnesota, and worked at lumbering. In the spring he went down to St. Louis with a raft of logs. This was the cholera year, and one of the raftsmen died on the float. The following winter he went to Mississippi to cut cord-wood, but having cut his leg badly, and being taken with chills and fever, he returned in February. In 1861 he was married to Miss Emaline Johnson, of Viola township, who came with her parents from Vermont, and settled there about 1849 or 1850. Tlie}' have four sons and three daughters: Cora, Nettie, Rufus, Aranda, Clarendon, Adalbert, and Blanche. These are all living, and Cora is the wife of Terry Stevens, of Shabbona. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the United Brethren church, and he is a republican. In February, 1865, Mr. Allen enlisted in Co. I, 15th 111. Inf. He rendezvoused at Camp Fry, Chicago ; went thence to New York, and from there to North Carolina, joining his command at Raleigh. He marched to Washington City, participated in the Grand Review on May 24, then was transferred to Louisville and St. Louis, and was furloughed at the latter place. He rejoined his command at Fort Leavenworth, where he was mustered out on September 17, 1865. Mr. Allen has been twice almost fatall^^ injured. The first time he was run over by a runaway team, and had his facial bones broken. The next time he was knocked down and terribl}' gored by an infuriated bull. Mr. Allen held to the rope by which he was leading him, while the animal rolled him about on the ground, and when in reach of a tree wound it around and tied it, and then rolled away. It was supposed each time that he could not live.

Noah W. DAVENrour, farmer. Paw Paw Grove, was born in Harpersfield, Delaware county. New York, in 1823, and was the eldest child in the tamil}'. His mother, whose maiden name was Panielia Dayton, was a native of Weatherstield, Connecticut. His father, Erastus Davenport, was born in Columbia county, New York. His grandfather Davenport was a revolutionary soldier. The subject of this notice traces his lineage in this country from the Rev. John Davenport, a co-founder of New Haven. In his " History of the United States " McCabe thus refers to him : " In the year of the Pequod war (1637) John Davenport, a celebrated clergyman of London, and Theophilus Eaton, a merchant of wealth, and a number of their associates, who had been exiled from England for their religious opinions, reached Boston. They were warmly welcomed, and were urged to stay in the Bay colon}- ; but the theological disputes were so high there that the}' preferred to go into the wilderness and found a settlement where they could be at peace. Eaton, with a few men, was sent to explore the region west of the Connecticut, which had been discovered by the pursuers of the Pequods. He examined the coast of Long Island Sound, and spent the winter at a place which he selected as a settlement. In April, 1S38, Davenport and the rest of the company sailed from Boston, and established a settlement on the spot chosen by Eaton." In the campaign against the Indians, which resulted in the total destruction of the Pequod nation, Capt. Davenport acted a conspicuous part. When their fort on the Thames was assaulted and taken he commanded one-half of the assailing party, and Capt. John Mason, who was in command of the whole expedition, directed personally the movements of the other half. Mr. Davenport received a good English edncation, and in 1846 commenced reading to prepare himself for the practice of medicine. In 1848 and 1849 he attended lectures at the Albany Medical College, of New York, and in 1850 located in Lorraine county, Ohio. Subsequently he settled in Van "Wert county, where his health failed, and then he came to Lee county, Illinois, remaining one year. In January, 1874, he went to Washington Territory, living there two years. In 187G he returned to the east, and finally settled down on a farm in Willow Creek township. In the summer of the present year (1881) he took a foreign tour. Dr. Davenport has had an eventful, as it is an interesting, history, but his native modesty will not permit us to detail it in full. He was descended from old-line whig stock, and is naturally a republican.

George A. BEixTAm, farmer. Paw Paw Grove, was the second son of William and Elizabeth (Oman) Brittain, and was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, in 1848. His paternal ancestors were residents of New Jersey, and those on his mother's side belonged to Pennsylvania. His parents reared a large family ; their twelve children were named as follows: Margaret, Susannah, Sarah, Effie (dead), Hester Miranda, Amelia, Mary, Rebecca, John, George, William Wesley, Oman Peter (dead). John was a soldier in the 156th 111. Vols., and served nearly a year. In 1855 Mr. Brittain's parents came to Lee county and rented laud ten years. In 1865 his father bought the farm where our subject now resides, the S. ^ of N.W. J Sec. 28. On this place the former died in 1878, at the age of seventy-nine years. Mr. Brittain has increased the homestead which he received from his father, by the addition of the S.W. J of N.E. J Sec. 28, making 120 acres valued at $6,000. He was married in 1876, to Miss Marietta Hall, who is the daughter of Reuben Hall, and was born December 22, 1859. Their children are Oman P., born August 15, 1878 ; and Martha, September 'J, 1880. Mr. Brittain has been constable and collector, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a republican. Mrs. Brittain is a member of the United Brethren church.

Sardis VosBURGH, farmer, Lee, son of Charles and Millicent (Vanluvanee) Vosburgh, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1836. His life-long occupation has been that of a farmer. In 1856 he came to De Kalb county, and settled at Shabbona, living there till 1867. The year before he had purchased of his present farm the S.E. J Sec. 23. He has since bought eighty acres adjoining in Sec. 26, making a total of 240 acres of very desirable land, valued at §12,000. On March 27, 1867, he removed from Shabbona to this homestead. His marriage with Miss Ellen Atherton, who was born in 1835, took place on Marcli 24, 186'!:. They have three intelligent children : William, born July 10, 1867; Fannie, December 22, 1S68; and Nellie, October 31, 1870. Mrs. VosbUrgh is a communicant in the Baptist chnrch. Mr. Vosburgh has been road commissioner si.x years, and is a republican in politics. The present year (1881) he put up a handsome store building in Lee, the lirst brick structure ever erected in that village. Mr. Vosburgh is one of the most respected men in Willow Creek.

Thomas Nelson, farmer and teacher, Lee, son of Nels and Guro Samson, was born in Hardanger, Norway, September 26, 1843. His 3'outh from six to fourteen was spent in the district schools of the country ; afterward he attended A^oss higher school for teachers at Vossvangen, two years. He taught one year, beginning in the spring of 1861, and the following spring emigrated to America, and was engaged as a teacher in the Norwegian select school in Chicago. He taught till the autumn of 1864, and on November 1 enlisted for two years in the navy. His whole service was on the Mississippi transport Volunteer. He was retained but half his time, and was mustered out November 3, 1865. On his return to civil life he took one term of instruction at the Paxton University, in Ford county, Illinois, and then taught again in Chicago until the autumn of 1866. Having been previously engaged to teach in the Norwegian Lutheran congregation in Willow Creek, he came here that fall. Until 1870 he was teaching and clerking; in that year he bought his present farm of forty acres; since that date he has taught both English and Norwegian schools, and clerked and farmed. His homestead is valued at $2,000. In the autumn of 1868 he returned to Norway, and on April 2, 1869, took in marriage Miss Bertha Swassand. They embarked the same season for America. The fruits of this union have been three children : Nels William, Carrie Louise, and Andrew. These parents are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and Mr. Nelson is a republican. In 1880 he was commissioned notary public, and appointed census enumerator for Willow Creek township. In the spring of 1881 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace.

Caleb M. Bacon, farmer, Lee, eldest son of Daniel H. and Mary (Zuber) Bacon, was born in Pennsylvania in 1826. From his father's farm he went at the age of nineteen to New Bedford, Massachusetts, and engaged to go on shipboard. His first voyage was through the Indian ocean, by way of Australia and New Zealand, to Kamtchatka, thence to the Sandwich Islands, and from there home via Cape Horn. This occupied twent\'-two and a half months. From 1847 to 1849 he was on a voyage in the Indian ocean, visiting Australia, island of Java, strait of Sunda, thence home by way of Cape of Good Hope, touching, on the passage back, at St. Helena. In October, 1849, he sailed for the Pacific ocean and Polar sea, making ports on the west coast of South America and at the Sandwich and other islands. This vo3'age lasted tliirty-one months. On his subsequent ones he went out and returned by the way of Cape Horn. He shipped again for the Pacific and Arctic oceans in October 1852, and visited tiie Sandwich and other islands and Hong Kong, and was absent twenty-nine months. In the autumn of 1855 he sailed over neai-lj' the same route on his fifth and last voyage, which he brought to an end in the spring of 1858, when bis health broke down and he took a discharge from the ship at the Sandwich Islands, and came home from there as a passenger. The vv^hole of his sea-faring life was spent in the whale-fishery. In the fall of 1858 he came to Willow Creek township and made permanent settlement on tiie S.W. J of Sec. 14, wiiere he has lived until the present time. He had been twice to Illinois before, having come on visits between his voyages. His first marriage was with Miss Sarah Pettibone, of New- York city, wiio survived her nuptials only five months. In 1862 he was married again, to Miss Sarah Brittain, who was born in 1833, and was the daughter of William Brittain. Five children have been born to them : Rhoda, Uaniel, Elizabeth (dead), Mary, and Homer. When Mr. Bacon first came to the township he purchased 240 acres of land, afterward he added 80 more, but now has 300, handsomely cultivated, improved with substantial buildings, and valued at $15,000. He is a Congregational ist, but the societ}' to which he belonged, and which assisted in building the Twin Groves Methodist church, has ceased, by reason of removals, to exist. He has been road commissioner, town clerk twice by appointment, assessor two years, and constable and collector. He is an independent republican, and a public spirited and prominent citizen.

Laus Laksex Risetter, retired farmer, Lee, was born in Hardanger, Bergens stiff (state), Norway, March 30, 1826. He was the youngest son of Lars Larsen and Anna (Peterson) Risetter, and was reared to farming, and received a common school education. In the middle of March, 1847, he left his home in Norway to take passage for America; he was delayed a month in the city of Bergen, was a month crossing the ocean, and still another month in reacliing Chicago. He proceeded from New York l)y the Hudson river to Albany, from thence by rail to Buflalo, and the remainder of the way by the lakes. Ommon Hillesoti, the first Norwegian settler in Lee county, had brothers and sisters in the party with which Mr. Risetter came, and he was to meet them in Chicago and transport them to Lee Center, but failed to reacii tliere before they got away, although they were detained awiiile in the place. "Big Nels," the most prominent Norwegian in the Fox river colony, convej'ed them as far as his home, and there they hired a man and his team to bring tliem to Lee Center, where they arrived on June 20. Mr. Risetter was taken with fever and ague and was ill all summer, and not able to work before December. He arrived at Lee Center sick, penniless, and unable to make himself understood and liis wants known to tlic strangers among whom he was cast, for Ommon Hilleson was still in Chicago, or between tlie two places. To say tiie least, this was a painful situation, and Mr. Risetter will never forget it. But the cloud lifted somewiiat and the sun shone with a brigliter effulgence when Hilleson returned, for tiien was the meeting of old-time friends and near relations after long years of tedious separation and waiting. In the autumn he was married to Miss Gertrude Hilleson, who had taken passage with him from Norway, and immediately they hired out in Sublette, to Thomas Fessenden, for $15 per month for the labor of both. They continued so employed one year, and until they had saved enough to buy 80 acres of land from the government, when they began farming on their own account. Tiiey reared a little log cabin, in which they dwelt with much comfort until 1856, when they sold out and in February moved to Willow Creek. It should be recognized in this place that they were the first family of Norwegian settlers in Sublette township and the second in this. Mr. Risetter bought the S.W. J of Sec. 15 at the price at which the government sold public land, $1.25 per acre, but was not forehanded enough to pay for it ; so Col. Dement advanced the money at ten per cent interest, and lield it in his name three years, when Mr. Risetter became the virtual owner. He and his wife labored with severe industry, and from this time dates a period of signal financial success in their history. At one time they owned 920 acres of valuable land in a body, besides tracts in various other places, but they have sold off 280 acres, and the rest is occupied by their children. Both belong to the Lutheran church, and Mr. Risetter is a republican. They have had seven children : Anna, Lewis, Holden, Thomas (dead), and three infants (dead). Anna is the wife of A. C. Olson, minister and farmer, and lives in Kankakee county, this state; Lewis married Miss Melinda Johnson, and lives on tlie old homestead, and Holden, who was married November 11, 1875, to Miss Julia Christopher, lives on the N.E. \ Sec. 21. Ilolden's three children are Louisa, Betsy, and Lewis. The Risettere are among the most substantial, influential and best respected people in this part of the county. IIe.nky Stevens, fiirmer, Compton, was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, in 1826. He was the eldest son of Nicholas and Ann (Ketterson) Stevens, and was reared a farmer by his parents. In the autumn of 1851 he came to Willow Creek and bought tifty-nine acres; returning to Pennsylvania he remained there that winter, and in the following spring came back, and at once set about improving his land. He has added to his oiMginal purchase until he now owns 136 acres of choice farming land, estimated to be worth $G,000. In politics he adheres to the principles of the republican party. He has been twice married, and celebrated his first nuptials with Miss Sarah Ann Sisco January 1, 1860, and by her he had two children, John and Sarah Annie. She died in February 1863, and on December 13 following he was married to Miss Mary Jane Sivey, who was born June 4, 1840. By this second marriage there ha%'e been born to him three children. The names of all his children and the dates of their birth are as follows : John, October 15, 1860 ; Sarah Annie, January 31, 1862 ; Rosetta, September 19, 1864; Clarence, January 21, 1866, and Levi, October 24, 1869.

Jacob Edwaeds, farmer, Lee, the fifth of eight children by Od and Dora (Odson\ was born in Norway, May 25, 1842. In June, 1866, he emigrated to America and settled in La Salle county, where he lived till 1872, working first as a hand and afterward renting land. In that year he came to this township, and was married February' 10, to Miss^ Inger Odeson, daughter of John and Ann Odeson, who emigrated from Norway in 1858. Mrs. Edwards was born in the old country June 27, 1854. Their five children were born as follows: Oscar John, November 8, 1873 ; John Epliraim, May i, 1875 ; Dora, September 18, 1876 ; Andrew Oly, November 3, 1878, and Marshal Lewis, December 2,. 1880. In 1873 Mr. Edwards purchased the farm he now occupies from his father-in-law, and his parents-in-law reside with him. His homestead consists of eighty acres on Sec. 22, is five miles north of Paw Paw, and is worth §3,600. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are members of the Norwegian church. The former left his parents in Norway, and hismother died after his departure, at the age of seventy, but his father is still living. In 1874 Mr. Edwards filed his declaration of intention to become a citizen, in 1878 obtained his naturalization papers, and in. 1880 voted for Gen. Garfield for president.

Samuel B. Miller, farmer and stock raiser. Paw Paw Grove, wag; born February 15, 1843. His father's given name is William, and hismother's maiden name was Eliza Vosburg. In the autumn of 1856^ his father brought his family to Illinois, settling in Viola township,, where the subject of this notice lived until the spring of 1867, and then came to his present farm on Sec. 30. He owned 120 acres until' the spring of this year (1881); at that time he purchased 100 acresmore, and the whole, in a good state of cultivation, well stocked with implements, and containing first-class buildings, is valued at §11,000. Mr. Miller never learned a trade, but was descended from ancestors who were all natural craftsmen, and his own practical ability in this.

liue of industry has enabled him to use tools all his life with no little skill and real benefit. He does his own wood- work, and has put up all his buildings except one barn. His marriage with Miss Sarah Miller, daughter of Adam Miller, was celebrated July 22, 1866. Mrs. Miller was born January 1, 18-17. They have had seven children : Joseph, Llewellyn and Lewis (twins), the latter dead, Nettie, Clement, Delia, and Mary. Mr. Miller is a republican.

R.4LFH KicrrLKY, farmer, Compton, son of John and Ann (Paul) Kettley, was born in Wales in May 1828. He learned the shoemaker's trade, and in 1849 emigrated to America with only enough money to his way, and settled in Chicago in the boot and shoe trade in partnership with John Blow. At the end of three years he moved to Peoria, followed his trade there three years, then came to Ottawa a few months, after which he moved to Bloomington, and was in that place nearly a year. Xe.vt he settled in Wyoming township, this county, working at farming summers and at his trade winters for several years. In December, 1864, he came into this township, where he had previously bought 160 acres of land on Sec. 18, which is now well improved and valued at §11,000. Mr. Kettley was married in 1852, to Miss Eliza Beddow, who was born March 6, 1827. They have had eight children : William, John, Lizzie (now Mrs. James Anglemycr, of Compton), Julia, Thomas, Harriet, Lillie (dead), and Mary. All these children except William were born in Wyoming township. John lives in Nebraska, and was married this year (1881) to Miss Nettie Knapp. Mr. Kettley is a republican. Mrs. Kettley's mother died when the former was onl}' ten years old, and for the ne.\t fifteen years she worked as a domestic. She borrowed mone^' on her own promise to pa^-, and emigrated to America, in 1852, and after her arrival repaid it from wages she earned. Her grandmother Beddow lived to the great age of one hundred and three 3'ears, and when a hundred years old walked six miles to Mrs. Kettley's mother's funeral and back. This couple have climbed a rugged path together, but the}' have reached the summit of life, and the descending sun looks down upon a happy famil}' and a comfortable home.

James Tnioii'sox, deceased, was born in Virginia in 1803, and was the. son of John and Martha (Beard) Thompson. His parents remained and died in Virginia, while he, when a young man, came to Ohio, and living there two years, removed to Indiana. He was in that state some twelve years, and in 1834 was married to Miss Amanda Dunten, who lived near Fort Wayne. She was the daughter of Ephraim H. and Abigal Dunten, and was born in Watertown, New York, in 1S15, and united with the Methodist church when eighteen years old. In 1841 Mr. Thompson moved to this county and settled at Malugin's Grove, rcmMiiiiiiir there two rears. In 1842 he boujrlit a claim of William

Moore at Twin Groves, in compan}' with Levi Lathrop, and the following year settled there. His health having become impaired, in 1851 he drove to California with an o.\-teani, remained there a little less than two years, and returned by steamship. Not long after his marriage he became a member of the Methodist church, and was always an active and exemplary christian. He took the principal interest in the building of the Methodist church at the Groves, and contributed very liberally toward that object. He was constable once in Indiana, and was once elected justice of the peace here, but did not qualify, and would never afterward hold public office. He was modest in manner, retiring in disposition, and loved a good name more than worldly goods, but secured both, and left behind many warm personal friends to revere his memory. His overflowing kindness to everybody, particularly to people moving into the country and needing-assistance, was proverbial. He was a large-hearted man, benevolent always, and very active in his charities, and man}- a poor heart has warmed in gratitude to him for such practical remembrances as drive the wolf from the door. In all his good works he was cordially supported by his estimable wife, wha is still living on the homestead which their joint labors secured tomake comfortable their declining years. Mrs. Gilbert Durin, formerly Catherine Norris, was reared in their home, as was also their niece, Lucy Jane Blair, daughter of Robert Blair, who is now Mrs. Ebenezer Pettenger, and lives in the Thompson home. "Aunt Amanda" has, no less than Mr. Thompson had, a warm place in the hearts of a wide circle of acquaintances. The latter died July 5, 1868.

Patrick H. DAroHEKXT, farmer. Paw Paw Grove, was born in Hancock county, Mar^'land, March 17, 1833. His parents, John and Mary Daughertj-, both died when he was young. He has been a farmer most of his life, but during the four years immediately preceding his immigration to Illinois he was on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, the first six months as brakeman and after that as freight conductor. Excejit the first three months that he ran from Baltimore to Washington, he was on the road from Baltimore to Martinsburg. In January, 1855, he came to this state, and though he never learned a trade, has worked as a mason since, about ten years altogether. He settled first in Lee county. In 1858 he married Miss Mary Jane Fisher, who was born July 28, 1835, and in 1861 he moved to Knox county, living there nearly three 3'ears. Returning, he lived at Jefferson Grove, Ogle county, one year. In 1865 he moved into Rochelle and was there two years, and for two years after occupied a farm adjoining the town. In the fall of 1869 lie came into Lee county, and has since been in Viola and Willow Creek, four years in the former and the remainder of the time in the latter. In politics he is a democrat.

Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty have had ten children : Thomas F., Alice J., Lydia Ann, James A., Ella P., John H., Etta R., Julia F., Jennie (dead), and Minnie.

Adam Miller, farmer and blooded stock raiser, Paw Paw Grove, was born in Xorth Hampton, now Monroe county, Penns^-lvania, August 19, 1816. He was the eighth child of Frederick and Catherine (Brong) Miller, and was descended from Teutonic ancestry, one of his great-grandfathers being a German. He attended the common schools of his day, 'was raised to forming and lumbering, and at the age of eighteen began at the milling business. This he followed until the spring of 1857, when he emigrated to Illinois, a poor man with nine children and 8600, and located his family on the "W. i of N.W. ^ Sec. 29. Afterward he bought the E. i of E. | of X.E. ^ Sec. 30, and the S. W. i of S.W. i Sec. 20, nmking 160 acres altogether, valued at $12,- 000. This is beautifully situated, highly improved, and bears the nameof "Rosedale Stock Farm," on which Mr. Miller raises thoroughbred short-horn cattle, grade horses, and blooded Poland China hogs. He was born in "Wilkesbari-e, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, January 20, 1839, to Miss Mary Neyhart, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Neyhart. She was born October 10, 1817. They have had ten children : Cornelia (dead), Merritt, Clement (dead), Jenette (dead), Sarah, William, Seldon, Holden, Ciiarles, and Leonora. Merritt enlisted in Co. K, 75th 111. Vols., in August 1862, and fought at Perry ville; after that battle he was detailed as clerk, and in that position served the remainder of his term of three years. Clement volunteered in Februar\' 1865, went to Chicago, where he was taken sick, and did not recover till after the close of the war. Mr. Miller has been a professing christian since 1852. He united with the Methodist Episcopal church in that year, brought his church letter west, and when the Protestant Episcopal church was organized here, united with that and remained a member as long as it existed. He has no connection with any religious society at the present time, but helps to support preaching at the Twin Groves Methodist church. Mrs. Miller was for many years a Presbyterian, but has not united with any church since coming to Illinois, and is now a Methodist in belief, having rejected the doctrine of election. Mr. Miller was raised a Master Mason in Brooklyn Lodge, No. 282, January 28, 1863; he was dimitted January 20, 1875, and affiliated with Corinthian Lodge, No. 205, November 4, 1875. He is a member of Rochelle Chapter A.F. and A.M., and belongs also to the Masonic Benevolent Society of Princeton, Illinois. He was a democrat up to 1856, but in that year cast his vote for Gen. John C. Fremont, and has adhered to the same line of political faith since.

Asher (Lenning) Heng, was born in Norway', April 19, 1854. In 1864 the family emigrated to America and settled in Alto township. Mr. Heng attended the common schools at first, and was at the graded school at Marshall, Wisconsin, two winters. In 1877 he began to learn the tinner's trade in Leland, and was in that place up to the time he came to Lee, in March 1879. He is junior member of the firm of Weeks & Heng, and has been in trade in this town since December 1880. These gentlemen have a full assortment of goods in their line and are doing a large business. They are young men full of enterprise, honorable in their dealings, and agreeable in their intercourse. Mr. Heng was married September 14, 1878, to Miss Belle Thompson, of Lee, daughter of Thomas Tl)ompson, who still lives in Norway. They have one son, Jacob Otto, born August 7, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Hi.'ns; are members of the Norwosian Lutheran church, and he is a republican. When an infant, Mr. Heng was overtaken b}' a serious acoitlent in the loss of his right leg, in the fall of 1854, in a horse power. In the spring of 1878 his parents removed to Iowa, and on July 4, the next year, while attending a celebration at Callanan, Hamilton county, his father was fatally shot by a drunken ruffian, and died in about two weeks.

George Mullins, ftirmer, Lee, son of Robert and Sarah (Hullet) Mullins, was born in Sheffield, England, in 1842. His father had formerly worked in the cutlery business, but when Mr. Mullins was a very small infant he quit that craft and went to farming, and followed it as long as he was engaged in any regular employment. In 1852 the family emigrated and made a home in Shabbona township, De Kalb county. His father's house stood within forty rods of the ti-ack of the tornado which swept through these parts in ISGO, and the doors and windows were shattered. His mother liad been in feeble health for a long time ; the shock to her nerves was more than she could bear, and she died in about two weeks. His father is now living retired in Shabbona. Mr. Mullins was married November 14, 1866, to Miss Mary Ann Bostock, who was adopted by William and Ann Bostock, when she was three months old. Her own mother, Catherine Gray, died of consumption nearlj' four years afterward. Mr. Bostock came to America in 1865 to view the country, and was followed by the family the next year. They located themselves first at Shabbona Grove, but now live on the county line in De Kalb county. They never had children of their own, but have reared seven adopted ones. Mr. and Mrs. Mullins have seven children : Sarah Minnie, Emma Louisa, William, Eobert, George F. and Maud Mary (twins), and Mary Ann. Mr. Mullins owns 220 acres, valued at $11,000. His farm comprises the S. -^ of S.E. ^ Sec. 12, ninety acres on the N.W. ^ Sec. 18, in this township, and fifty acres on the S.W. i Sec. 7, T. 38, R. 3. He is a republican. Chakles Guilds, farmer and stock raiser, Lee, was born in Sharon, Vermont, January 28, 1830, and was the eldest child of Harvey and Clarissa fLittle) Childs. His father was a noted millwright and bridgebuilder. In 1838 he moved to Illinois, and settled in Mendota, La Salle county. Both parents are yet living in that place, well advanced in years, and enjoying a comfortable fortune. The origin of the Childs family in the United States was the settlement of Ephraim Childs at Watertown, in the Massachusetts colony, 1630. The ancestor of the larger number of this name was Benjamin Childs, presumably a nephew of Ephraim, who, it is thought, crossed the ocean from England at the same time. He settled at Koxbury, where he lived a busy and useful life. The subject of this sketch assisted his father in the opening of several prairie farms in his younger daj-s, when the country was in a comparatively wild state. After having served out his minority on a farm, having a strong inclination to be a worker in wood, in his twenty-second year he took up the use of tools without ever serving an apprenticeship. He was handy with these by nature, so when he engaged in carpentering it was without inconvenience, and he followed the business successfullj' fourteen years as architect, builder and contractor. In 1851 he went to Lamoille, and though he was not there all the time, yet it was the place he called home, and it was there that he began his career as a craftsman. On September 28, 18.58, he was married to Miss Eliza A. Smith, daughter of Alonzo and Rebecca (Sheldon) Smith. She was born March 26, 1834. They have reared four children, as follows : Viola Alvaretta, Frank Leslie, Lyman Wlieelock, and Nellie Eliza. Mr. Childs is a republican. On July 10, 1861, he came from Lamoille to his present location in Willow Creek, and bought eighty acres. He made his start in life unaided, and without outside aid he has kept adding on to his first purchase until he now owns a very desirable homestead of 285 acres, three-fourths of a mile south of Lee, and valued at $20,000. It is situated on the county line, and lies in both Lee and De Kalb. When Mr. Childs came, twenty years ago, not a slirub grew in sight of his place, and not a panel of fence obstructed travel between here and Rochelle. Now he is in the midst of beautiful improvements that have no limit on any hand. The iron horse that careers past the door of his pleasant and tasteful home sets him down in Chicago in little more than two hours. All the advantages of a brisk and flourishing town are at command at the end of a few moments' pleasurable ride in fine carriages and behind spirited animals, such as Mr. Childs keeps and drives. Should we wonder if social joy abounds in a home where stately rows of willows line the

Additional Matter

William H. Emmett, book-keeper, Lee, was born near Niagara Falls, Canada, in 1S49, and lived there with his parents, James and Elizabeth (Dalsou) Eramett, till he was seventeen 3'ears old, farming at home summers, and attending tlie common schools winters. He then pursued a three years' course of study at St. Catherine's, and at twenty commenced teaching, following this two j'ears. In 1871 he celebrated his marriage with Miss Susannah Castleman, and in the autumn of that year he came to Willow Creek and engaged in teaching, keeping three terms in this township and one in Alto. In the spring of 1873 he moved to Lee, and was employed by J. Cheasbro & Co., and after a few months took charge of their books as book-keeper. He continued in the office of McLane, West & Co. after they bought out Cheasbro & Co., and until December 1874. In the winter following he taught the first school in the village of Lee, and in April accepted the position of book-keeper in the grain office of Christopher ct Jorgens, and has filled it to the present time. He has the agency, also, for eight of the leading insurance companies now doing business. Two years he was village trustee, and at the annual meeting in 1881 he was elected justice of the peace for this township. He is affiliated politically with the republican party, and both himself and Mrs. Emmett have their membership in the Baptist church. They have three children : Burton Ellis, Clara, and Arthur D. Mr. Emmett has been active in promoting the Sunday-school interests and temperance work of Lee, and has been superintendent of the Union Sabbath-school two and a half years. AVe acknowledge with pleasure liis valuable assistance in furnishing material facts for the history of the village.

The matter that follows, much of it of a veiw important character, was received too late for insertion in the portion of the book originally designed for it. Some of the slcetches were held for revision by friends until the sheets containing the matter most appropriate for them had gone to press.