Lee County, Illinois - The whole text, 1881 (part 23 of 24)

John W. Wodsworth, agricultural merchant, Dixon, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, November 1, 1844. He is a son of Christopher and Matilda (Feaster) Wodsworth, pioneer settlers of this section, wiio endured the manj' hardships and inconveniences alone known to pioneer life. John W., the subject of this sketch, came to Illinois with his parents in 1847, when three years old, and re- iniiined with liis parents on the liome farm, located in Ogle county, until 1S66, when he secured and creditably tilled the position of freight clerk and telegraph operator at the Illinois Central depot at Dixon for five years. He then went to Amboy, in Lee county, and acted as superintendent's private secretary in railroad otKce at that place, which position he tilled for a year and a half; thence removing to Bloomington, Illinois, miing the important position of station agent in that city for six years. During his association with railroad matters he gained the esteem and contidencc of his employers, and his efficiency in the work made his resignation in 1873 a matter of regret. By economy during this ])eriod he saved from his earnings a sufficient amount to jnirchase 120 acres of tine farming land in Harmon township, to which he soon added 40 acres more, onto which he moved after severing his relation with the railroads. In the two j'cars following he was very successful, and his income enabled him to purchase 120 acres more, giving him 280 acres of well-improved land. From this land in 1880 and 1881 he sold as follows: corn, 9,000 bushels; oats, 2, .500 bushels; car-load of fat hogs, besides other stock, the whole aggregating over $4,525. He has now rented his farm, cash rent, and moved to Dixon to reside, having purchased the beautiful residence in North Dixon knowh as the Manny property, and is associated with Maj. Downing in the agricultural ini- })lement business. In 1868, while residing in Dixon, he was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Gohle, daughter of James Goble, Esq., an old citizen of Dixon, and for many years sherifi' of Lee county. The issue of this union was six children, four boys and two gii'ls. Mr. Wodsworth has live brothers and five sisters, all living. His mother is also liviuij, hut his father ]>assed awa}' in 1875.

Jamks Santke, fanner, Dixon, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, on April 9, 1803, son of James M. and Kachel (McNeal) Santee, of Pennsylvania. He was married February 21, 1837, to Miss Margaret Clinetop, daughter of Christopher and Margaret (Varner) Clinetop, of Pennsylvania. In the month of April, 1837, thej' left their native state, and reached Illinois in June following, and settled in Lee count}' during the summer. They were among the first settlers of Lee county, and are associated with its early history in this work. The issue of their marriage was four children, two of whom are living: James who resides on the home farm, and Lyidia, who lives with her aged mother on the same place. James Santee, the subject of this sketch, was an enterprising citizen and good farmer, and his death, on December 16, 1871, was generally lamented. His family that survive him are higiily esteemed and respected.

Bowles. His parents removed from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Franklin count}-, Pennsylvania, in 1822, and resided there until their death. Mr. Bowles acquired his early education at an old log school, house in the vicinity of his home, and when twenty years old entered the office of a large ironworks in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, as a clerk. He remained there for nearly four years, and then removed to Cambria county, Pennsylvania, where he occupied a similar position. In 1860 he removed to Reynoldstown, Lee county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm upon which he remained until 1875, when he rented liis farm and removed into Dixon, and soon after engaged in the grocery business, which he still cai'ries on. Mr. Bowles was married in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, October 31, 1855, to Miss Kebecca D. Scott, daughter of Thomas Scott, Esq., and a sister of the Hon. Thomas A. Scott, lately deceased, who was assistant secretarj' of war during the administration of Abraham Lincoln, and widely known in later years as the president of the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Cornpan}', and as one of the most energetic and capable railroad men in the United States. Mr. Bowles has six children : Thomas S., George K., Harriet, David R., Minnie J. and DeCharms B., all of whom reside with their parents. In political sentiment Mr. Bowles is a republican, but votes and uses his influence for what he deems the best interests of the countr}', independent of party ties.

B. B. HiGGiNS, merchant and stock raiser, Dixon, was born at Perry, Wyoming count}'. New York, in February 1829. His parents were Seldeii and Polly (Taylor) Higgins. His father was a furniture manufacturer, and died while Mr. Higgins was quite young. He received his education at Perry and at the Homer Academy, located at Homer, Cortland county. New York. When he was seventeen years of age he started into the drug business at Perry and carried on that branch of business for some five or six years. He removed to Dixon in the spring of 1858 aud opened a drug store, which he still conducts. He also owns a stock farm in the vicinity of Dixon and has achieved great reputation as a successful breeder of blooded stock. An account of this farm appears elsewhere. Mr. Higgins was married in Perry, New York, to Miss N. A. Huntington, of Shaftsbury, Vermont, in 1856, who died at Dixon in 1865. He has but one surviving child, Arthur S. Higgins, who was born at Dixon, August 2, 1863. Mr. Higgins is a republican in politics and an elder in a Presbyterian church.

John A. Wernick, farmer, Dixon, was born in Saxony, June 14, 1789, and is now in his ninety-third year. Notwithstanding his advanced age he is active and in the enjoyment of all his mental faculties. In his youth he served under the great Napoleon, and was present at tlie battles of Berlin, Reiseiibacli, and Katzbaoli, and was a participant in the disastrous Russian campaign. He was also present at the battle of Leipsie, during which the Saxon troops deserted the waning fortunes of Bonaparte and went over to the enemy. From that time until the final overthrow of Napoleon at Waterloo Mr. Wernick fought against his former commander, and carries with iiim two certificates of honorable service in the shape of a saber-cut upon his head and a terrible scar upon his wrist caused by the thrust of a lance. Mr. Wernick migrated to America in 1848, settling first in Ogle county; but in 1851 removed to Lee county and purchased the farm now occupied by him. Flis son, Ernest Wernick, was born in Haringen, Prussia, in 1832, and was brought up in his native country. He came to America in 1848 with his father. He has been engaged in farming ever since and is now the owner of some 4.50 acres of fine land in Dixon township. In September, 18G2, he enlisted in T.5th 111. Inf and served in that regiment for three j'ears with great credit to liimself. He was married at Dixon in 18.55, to Miss Mary Page, who died in 18G2, and in 18(i5 he was again married, to Miss Catherine Rupert. He haseigiit children living: Henry, Annie, Mary, George, Minnie, Wesley, Oscar, and Carrie. Mr. Wernick is an earnest republican and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Elias B. Stiles, capitalist, Dixon, was born in Huntingdon, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, on March 9, 1820, and was the son of Lewis and Sarah (Dodson) Stiles. He was brought up and educated in his native county, but when twenty years of age came to Dixon, wliere he became a clerk, which occupation he followed for two years, after which he formed a copartnership with Otis A. Eddy, under the firm name of Eddy vV Stiles, which continued until 1S4C, when Mr. Stiles moved to St. Louis. In 1848 he returned to Dixon and engaged largely in the land agency and real estate business. He o])ened a private bank in 1853, and enjoyed a large and prosperous business until 1S04, owing to unfortunate speculations, he was obliged to suspend. Since 18G4 he has been largely engaged in farming and agricultural pursuits, and is also one of the largest and most daring operators on the Chicago board of trade, having experienced many favorable and unfavorable vicissitudes, but meeting good or evil fortune with equal nerve and fortitude. He has long been a prominent member of the democratic party in his district, and was for ten years county treasurer. In 1862 he was the democratic candidate for congress in his district against Hon. E. B. Washburne, and made a shftrp and close contest for the position. Mr. Stiles was married at Dixon on August 8, 1847, to Miss Sybil Van Arnam, and they have tiiree sons : Ciiarles, born September 18, 1848; Alexander, born July IS, 1854; and Eugene B., born No- veniber 8, 1861. On the morning of August 26, 1881 (and after the foregoing sketch was written), the sad and sudden announcement of the death of Mr. Stiles, in Chicago, from paralysis of the heart, came to the citizens of Dixon, taking them by surprise, as very few knew of his illness. He had experienced one severe stroke of paralysis some three years since, and one comparatively slight attack since, but had gone from Dixon to Chicago but a few days before his death in his usual good health and spirits, and no one anticipated such a sudden termination of liis active and energetic career. His remains were brought to Dixon, and the funeral services took place at the Methodist Episcopal church on Sunday, August 28, a large concourse of his fullowcitizcns attending and showing by their presence the esteem and respect in which he was universally held.

Richard B. Loveland, deceased, Dixon, was born in Bainbridge, New York, May 1, 1819, and was the son of Otis and Mehitabel (Parker) Loveland. He was reared and educated at Bainbridge, and at an early age entered the employ of Smith Gilbraith, who afterward moved to Dixon and became one of the leading business men of that section. When Mr. Loveland was twent3'-two j'ears of age Mr. Gilbraith sent for him to coine to Dixon, which he immediately did, arriving at his destination almost penniless. His first employment consisted in overseeing the workmen employed in removing obstructions from Rock river with a view to making it navigable. In 1842, in company with Elijah Dixon, a son of Father Dixon, he procured, tlirough the influence of Mr. Gilbraith, the contract for carrying the mails between Milwaukee and Janesville, "Wisconsin. Mr. Dixon dying a year later, his interest was purchased by Mr. Loveland, who continued to hold the contract for some years longer, making considerable money ; but when the passenger coaches of Frink & Walker were put on the route he I'eturned to Dixon and engaged in the general mercantile business, which he continued up to his death, which occurred in August 1851. He was married in May 1843, to Miss Susan Clute, of Dixon, and left three children surviving: Willett O., born in 1844, and now a merchant at Byron, Illinois; George, born in 1847, and now engaged in business at Mount Carroll, Illinois; Kittie, born in 1850, and married in October 1871, to Dr. H. E. Paine, of Dixon. Mrs. Loveland was married a second time in October 1854, to Maj. James A. Watson, of Dixon, who served for three years in the 75tli III. Vols., and since the close of the war has been actively engaged in railroad contracting and bridge building. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have three children : Fred M., born in 1854, and Samuel, born in 1858, both of whom are in the employ of prominent wholesale houses in Chicago, arnd Nellie, born in 1864, who resides with her parents.

James M. Santee, iaiiiier and stock raiser, Dixon. Prominent among the pioneers of Lee county may be mentioned James M. Santee and his wife Margaret (Klintob) Santee. Tiiey came here from Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, with a team, and settled in Dixon township. Mr. Santee died December 16, 1873, after a life of usefulness and honest toil, loved and respected by all who were favored with an acquaintance with him. Mrs. Santee is still (1881) living on the old home, at the advanced age of eighty years. Their son James M. was born in Lee county, Dixon township, September 11, 1845, and was reared and educated on the farm, finishing his education at the Mount Morris (Ogle county, Illinois) and Mount Vernon (Iowa) acadamies. Alter this he engaged in farming on his father's farm. On June 22, 1871, he married Miss Susanah, daughter of John and Martha (Cooper) Blackman, a native of England, who came with her parents to America in 1851 and to Illinois in 1859. They are the parent-s of three children : Charles, Martha, and Wilber. Mr. Santee is now living on the old home in Sec. 10, T. 22, R. 9, of which he owns half, there lieing in the farm 240 acres. Stock raising and farming are his permanent employment.

Hett-ers, farmers, Dixon. Many men there are who, though <juiet and unassuming, "leave footprints on the sands of time." The deep stream moves silently on with scarce a ripple, yet far greater are its burdens and more lasting its wearings on rocky bank and bed. So it is with silent men. The}' bear the burdens of society. They are lighthouses to the generations on the billow}- ocean of time, which men seeing, take heed and steer their frail life-boats into calmer waters, away from noisy dashings of surf-beaten rocks and reefs. It is well that such men live. Such a man was Kathan Detlei-, a name positively German. Mr. Hetler was born in Columbia count}-, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1800. He early learned the cai-pcnter's trade, which he followed till coming west. He was married to Katharine Kul]>, who was born in the same county in l!^l)<i. Mr. and Mrs. Iletler, with their three children, Anna M., now Mrs. James A. Heaton, Mary A., wife of Aquilla Spencei-, and Hiram, moved across the country with a two-horse wagon, bringing their all and landing about June 6, 1837. Their first residence was on Sec. 35. T. 22, P. 9, W., in what is now Nachusa township. At the end of two years a change of location found them on Sec.'2, T. 21, R. 9, on an eighty-acre farm. This he improved, and on this farm J[r. Iletler built the first barn erected on the prairie. In this barn the Lutherans held services prior to the erection of their church. In a few years this farm was sold and what is now the homestead was purchased. Here Mr. Hetler died. May 22, 1877, and here Mrs. Iletler still survives. Tiie names of both tiiese pioneers are on the records of the Lutheran church as among its organizers. After tlicir arrival in Lee county five "children were horn to them : Jesse, Jeremiah, Amanda, John, Henry C. (dead). Hiram, the third child, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1836. His early years were such as were common to pioneer children, the farm and the subscription school: In 1859 he made a trip to California, whence he returned in 1860. August 11, 1862, he was united in marriage to Nancy, daughter of Seth and Elizabeth (Smith) Crippen, both natives of New York, and who moved in 1856 to Dixon, where they resided many years, but subsequentl}' made their home in Michigan. Mrs. Hetler was born near Rochester, New York, May 17, 184-3. August 22, 1862, Mr. Hetler enlisted in his country's service in Co. F, 1st 111. Light Art. He was actively engaged at Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi, Missionary Ridge, in the series of battles and skirmishes from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and thence with Thomas to Nashville. When mustered out he was transferred to Co. A, with which he was finally discharged July 12, 1805. Mr. Hetler then returned to the quiet pursuits of the farm. He has now a farm of 240 acres, well improved. He has been much engaged in the affairs of his vicinity, having been school director continually since the war with the exception of three years, also assistant supervisor since 1878 and highway commissioner since 1873. In the family are three children : Ida G., Lulu M. and Minnie E. John Hetler, the seventh child of Nathan and Katharine Hetler, has charge of the homestead. The farm, buildings, and all, speak order and system, doing honor to the owner.

Jeremiah Hetler, farmer and stock raiser, Dixon, son of Nathan and Katharine (Kulp) Hetler, was born in Lee county, Illinois, October 4, 1842, and, like his father, was reared a farmer, and strictly trained in the ways of industry and economy, receiving such an education as could be obtained in the pioneer schools of this county's early history. He remained at home with his father till the farm was cleared of debt, at which time he was about twenty-six years of age. December 25, 1867, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of "William and Selinda (Morehead) McCleary. She was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1843, and came to Lee county in 1864. They have three children : Grace M., Katie M. and Nettie S. In 1877 Mr. Hetler moved on his farm in Sec. 10, T. 22, R. 9, and engaged in farming and stock raising.

Thomas J. Buckaloo, farmer and stock raiser, Dixon, was born in Dixon, March 17, 1842. His early youth was spent in farming and attending school, the latter to a very limited extent, as his father died leaving him to care for himself at the age of twelve years. The next five years of his life was spent in working out by the month, after whicli lie engaged in farming for himself Januarj* 23, 1867, he married Miss Maggie A., daugliter of Mr. John and Margaret (Mong) Craddock, who was born in Maryland, May 11, 1843, and came to Lee county when a child nine years old. They are the parents of five ciiildren : Clinton C, Mabel E., Grace, Elizabeth L. and Allen T. Mr. Biickaloo is now the owner of the old homestead, where he now lives engaged in farming and stock raising. Ilis father, Joseph Biickaloo, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, January 22, 1811; was united in marriage, in 1835, with Miss Eliza Kerr, who was born January 24, 1815, in Northampton county, Pennsvlvania. In 1839 they came to Dixon, where, after renting around two years, they, in 1841, bought a claim in Sec. 15 and 16, T. 22, R. 9, permanently settled, and lived till the death of Mr. Buckaloo in 1852. He is buried in the Dixon cemeter}'. Mrs. Buckaloo is still living, ami resides at her pleasant iiome in the city of Dixon. Of their six children three are living : Thomas J., Amanda, and George W. ; the latter in 1881 removed to Wisconsin.

Stephen Fii.lek, farmer, Dixon, is a son of Joshua and Sybel (Cliappen) Fuller, and was born March 17, 1797. His business through life has been farming. He came from Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, to Dixon in au early day. At the time he first saw Dixon there were but a few houses or cabins there besides the old fort. His first winter was spent near Dixon, but in the spring he moved out on his claim in Sec. 37, T. 22, R. 9, and bought the same (320 acres) when it came into market, and has ever since made this place his home, preferring a home in the beautiful State of Illinois to one in the old rocky state of his nativity. He left Pennsvlvania with a team and wagon and drove through to Dixon. The country was then so sparsely settled that from twenty to thirty miles could be traveled and without seeing a house. He was married December 12, 1822, to Miss Anna IL Pratt. She died in 1851, leaving him with three children living: Champion, Caroline, wife of James Poorman, now living at Lyons, Iowa, and Abraham, who was born in Lee county, February 9, 1837, and is probably the oldest native born citizen now living in the county.

William Deity, farmer and lime dealer, Dixon, is a son of Harmon and Catharine Dcpuy ; was born in Tioga county, New York, October 16, 1833, and in 183S came with his parents in a wagon to Lee county. For six weeks after their arrival in Dixon they lived tented in their wagon, after which they moved into a house on rented ground. Mr. Dupuy soon after bought a claim, but continued to rent land about five years before moving on his new home. This delay was caused by his loss of money (|il,500) lent to a man in the mercantile trade in Dixon. After moving on his farm about two miles northeast of Dixon he remained there till the time of his death, which occurred September 15, 1856, aged sixty years. Mrs. Depuy died August 20, 1869, aged sixty-two years. They are buried, and are now resting side by side in the beautiful cemetery in Dixon. January 25, 1870, William, the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Mary J. Mc- Evitt, a native of Ireland but of Scotch parents. They are the parents of six children, as follows : Oscar, Lillian, William H., Edner, Jacob C. and Frances. About 1851 Mr. Depuy, with his brother, began burning lime near their home a short distance up the river from Dixon, but some 3-ears later they purchased a large and valuable body of limestone adi'oining the city of Dixon, where Mr. Depuy is now constantly burning large quantities for both home and outside demand.

Hon. Joseph Crawford, survej'or and banker, Dixon, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1811, and is the son of John and Catharine (Cassedy) Crawford. In 1822 he removed with his parents to Huntington, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and at the age of twent}' he engaged in school teaching, in which profession he continued for four 3'ears. On April 4, 1835, he started for Illinois. Passing Chicago and Dixon's Ferry, he stopped at Galena, where he remained but a short time, returning to Dixon's Ferry, and located on a farm south of Grand Detour, in May of the same spring. He also engaged in business as surveyor, which he followed extensively uutil recent years, and made the original survey of most of the villages on Pock river from Rockford to Rock Island. In 1836 he was appointed deputy county surveyor for northwest Illinois, and was elected county surveyor of Ogle county, which then included Whitsides and Lee, and was elected surveyor of Lee county at the time of its organization in 1840, in which office he served for eighteen years. He served in 1841 as member of the first board of county commissioners for the county of Lee, and was elected to represent Lee and Whitesides in the Illinois state legislature in 1849, and reelected to the same in 1853. In 1852 he settled in Dixon, where he still resides. He has dealt extensively in farming lands, and owns about twelve hundred acres of fine farming land in Lee county ; one farm of 1,000 acres in one body three miles east of the city of Dixon, and one four miles southwest of the city, embracing 200 acres. Both farms are devoted to grain and stock-wrowing. He was one of the chartered members of Lee county national bank, which was organized in 1865, since which time lie has sustained the relation of president. He was elected mayor of the city of Dixon in 1873, and reelected the two following terms. On September 16, 1852, Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Mrs. Huld (Bowman) Culver. Resulting from this union is a son, Joseph Willber Crawford, born

August 20, 1859, and still making his father's house his home. Mr. Crawford had two brothers and three sisters. His brotiier. Dr.' John S. Crawford, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was killed by a train of cars while crossing the track in his buggy. His brotiier, Samuel Crawford, resides at Sterling, this state; his two surviving sisters are Sarah and Catharine ; the former, Mrs. L. W. Hale, resides in Lee county, and the latter married Mr. John Litle, of Pennsylvania. They now reside in Hardin county, Iowa. His parents were born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and his forefathers were of Scotch blood. Mrs. Joseph Crawford was the daughter of John and Mary (Bretten) Bowman ; the father was born on the banks of the Delaware river in Pennsylvania, and the mother on Staten Island. Her grandfather, Christopher Bowman, was of German}'.

Nathan A. Coktrigiit, farmer, Dixon, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, on September 27, 1852, and is the son of Isaac and Mollie (Pollock) Cortright. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and resided in that state until 1862, when they removed to Illinois, and located in Dixon township. His father died in the spring of 18S0, but his mother is still living. Mr. Cortright received the principal part of his education after his removal to Illinois, and after leaving school engaged in farming, in which occupation he still "contiiines. He was married in 1873 to Miss Katie Burket, daughter of John M. Burket, deceased, an old resident of the township.- They have three children : John W., aged six, Charles N., aged four, and Shelby M., aged two years. Politically Mr. Cortright is a republican, and his wife is a member of the Lutheran church.

William P. Coktrigiit, an elder brother of Nathan, was born in Pennsylvania in 1835, and when a young man was engaged in mercantile business, but at the breaking out of the civil war he enlisted in Co. A., 28th Penn. Vols. From exposure in the service he became disabled, and being discharged, he returned home, and was employed in the office of a mining and railroad engineer company, at Hazleton, Pennsylvania. He remained with them several years, though in extremely bad health, the result of his army career, and in the spring of ISGS his body from the waist down was completely paralyzed. He was then brought to the home of his parents at Dixon, and remained in a perfectly helpless condition until July 4, 1880, when death released him from his suffering, which he had borne with heroic fortitude and resignation for over twelve years.

Pkof. Jesse B. Dillk, principal of the Northern Illinois Normal School and Dixon business college, was born in Huntington county, Indiana, on December 10, 1856, and is the son of Ichabod and Rebecca (^Havens) Dille. His father is a farmer, and still resides in Huntington countj'.

Prof. Dille received his primary education in tlie schools of his native count}', and tlien entered tlie normal sciiool at Valparaiso, Indiana, from which he graduated in 1S7S, and then took charge of the school at Lagro, Indiana, remaining there a year. He then returned to Valparaiso and became a teacher in the normal school, where he remained until his removal to Dixon in 1881, when he, in connection with Mr. John C. Flint, established the school of which he is the head. Prof. Dille was married in 1879, to Miss Florence Flint, a resident of Valparaiso. He is a republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The flourishing: institution which is under the manaujement of Prof. Dille is yet in its infancy, its first term having but just been completed, but owing to the pluck and energy of its founder its success was assured from the beginning, and it already vies in the number of its pupils and in the variety and extent of its branches of study with similar schools of years standing and of established reputation. Prof» Dille has ten assistant instructors, and the course of study includes everything from the common branches to music and fine art. Phonography and type-writing are also taught by a competent and skilled instructor, Prof. J. D. Derr. So large has the attendance alread}' become, and such popularity has the school attained, that it has become a necessity to erect a new college building, and a campus ground of twelve acres has been purchased on which a large college building will be erected in the spring. The estimation in which the school is held by the citizens of Lee county is shown in the fact that the}' have donated to the institution the sum of $27,000, which will, witbont doubt, beincreased to .§40,000.

" Whereas, Robert Hunt, son of Robert and Abigail Hunt, of Evesham Township, in Burlington County, in the Province of West New Jersey, Deceased, and Abigail Pancoast, Daughter of Samuel Pancoast, of Salisl)ury, in the Connty of Bucks and Province of Pennsylvania, Deceased, and Abigail his wife, now Abigail Duer, have declared their Intentions of Marriage with each other before Several Monthly Meetings of the people called Quakers, at the Falls, in the County of Bucks and Province aforesaid, according to the good Order Used amongst them, and having Consent of Parents and Relations concerned, their said Proposals of Marriage was allowed of by the said Meeting. Now, these are to certify all whom it may concern, that for the full accomplishing their said Intentions, this Nineteenth Day of theTwelvth Month, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Four, they the said Robert Hunt and Abigail Pancoast, appeared in a Publick Meeting of the said ])eople at Makefield, in the Count}' and Province aforesaid, and the said Robert Hunt taking the said Abigail Pancoast by the Hand, did in a Solenni manner openly declare he took her the said Abigail Pancoast to be bis Wife, promising thro' the Lord's assistance to be unto her a loving and faithfull Husband untill Death should seperate them : and then and there in the said Assembly, the said Abigail Pancoast did in like manner declare that she took the said Robert Hunt to be her Husband, promising tiiro' the Lord's assistance to be unto him a loving and faithfull Wife untill Death should seperate them. And moreover, they the said Robert Hunt and Abigail Pancoast (she according to the custom of Marriage assuraeing the Name of her Husband), as a further Confirmation thereof, did then and there to these presents set their Hands. And we whose Names are hereunder also Subscribed, being present at the Solemnization of the said Marriage and Subscription has as Witnesses thereunto set our Hands the Day and Year above Written.

The marriage of Robert Hunt and Abigail Pancoast took place on December 19, 1764, in Bucks county, Peunsylvauia, as shown by the foregoing copy of tlie marriage certificate, and resulted in the birth of the following children : Joshua, William, Samuel, John, Joseph, Seth, Mary, and Abigail. Joshua died at the age of si.\ty-two, and his only surviving son, Samuel, is and has been a prominent physician, but has now retired from practice and resides at Richmond, Indiana. The descendants of William and Samuel both reside in the State of Ohio, the former in Columbiana county, consisting of Elizabeth Coy, Martha 'Mall, and John Hunt; the latter resides in the southern portion of the state. John died at the age of twenty, and Joseph, who served in the army during the war of 1812, died at the age of tliirt^'-one, soon after leaving the service in 1815. Abigail was the wife of Judge Henry, of Wooster, Ohio, and was the grandmother of the Henry family, of

Waterloo, Iowa, and of the Cummins family, of the same town, and of Dos Moines, Iowa. The Painter family, living near Salem, Ohio, are descended from Mary. Seth Hunt, the youngest son of Robert and Abigail Hunt, was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, whither his parents had removed on February 2, 1788. Wiien he was four years of age his parents removed to Winchester, Virginia, and some time after went to Brownsville, Pennsylvania. In 180-i they again changed their habitation, this time going to Ohio, where his father died the following year. Seth was left in an almost unbroken wilderness, surrounded by wild beasts and savages, to earn a subsistence for his mother and himself from a tract of land which was still unpaid for, but by the time he had attained his majority he had cleared off the debt and made a comfortable home. After residing here six years he sold this place and bought a quarter-section near Massillon, Ohio. His brother John, who had entered 140 acres in the vicinity, died in 1813, leaving Seth a part of his land, and he was now on the high road to prosperity, but by indorsing for one of his brothers he lost all he had accumulated. He then engaged in the manufactureof carding and spinning machines for several years at Millersburg, Ohio, of which town he was one of the founders. He also invented a machine for carding flax and engaged in their manufacture, investing all he had, some $1,600 in the business ; but this venture proved unfortunate, and he again lost everything and. was in debt some hundreds of dollars. He then commenced selling dry-goods on commission, and made money. He remained in the drygoods business for about ten years. His mother died early in 1827, and on September 20 of that year he was married to Miss Rebecca Hull, of Coshocton county, Ohio, who was descended from an old Virginia family. Her parents removed to Ohio in 1808, and her father dying soon after, her mother took charge of the farm, and after many trials and hardships became wealthy, leaving at her death seven well improved farms. After his marriage Seth Hunt read law, was admitted to the bar, and eventually became one of the associate judges of the circuit court of his district, which position he held for fourteen j'ears. He died in July 1864, at the age of eighty-four, and was buried in the Methodist cemetery at Nashville, Oliio. He left three surviving children : Mary A., now the wife of Col. E. J. Pocock, a merchant of Coshocton, Ohio; Robert B., a resident of Columbus, Ohio, and Charles Cummins Hunt, of Dixon, Illinois. The latter was born in Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, on November 25, 1840. He was reared on a farm and attended the neijjhborins: schools. At the age of fourteen he entered Spring Mountain College, Coshocton county, Ohio, where he remained for two years. He then became a teacher at Holmesville, Holmes county, and taugiit for twenty-six days a month.

and from eight in tlie morning until five in the afternoon. He was also a hard student at this time, remaining at tlie seliool-house during the evening and pursuing his studies by the light of the lire, feeling he could not afford the luxury of candles. It was at this time he first began his medical studies, going to Millersburg, Ohio, five miles distant, each week, to recite to his preceptor, Dr. Thomas McEbright, one of the most prominent physicians in that part of Ohio. After remaining at Holmesviilc for two years he was appointed principal of the high school at Jefferson, Wayne county, Ohio, which position he occupied two years. He then entered the office of Dr. McEbright, at Millersburg, for the purpose of continuing his medical studies, and remained there, with the exception of one term, during which he taught at Jefferson, until the spring of 1803, when he entered the Long Island Hospital, at tBrooklyn, Xew York. Here he attended a course of lectures, and was then made assistant-surgeon of the 1.37th Ohio Vols. He had charge of the post hospital for several months, and was then detailed to Fort Ethan Allen, on Arlington Heights, where he was soon after placed in charge of the right wing of the brigade by the brigade surgeon. His regiment was mustered out in the fall of 1861:, and he immediately entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, where he remained during the ensuing term, and received the .degree of M.D. in March 1865. Dr. Hunt then settled at Wooster, Ohio, and engaged in the ])ractice of his profession, and after remaining there for two years he went to Philadelphia and New York, and received private instructions in the colleges and hospitals of those On November 1, 1807, he came to Dixon and engaged in practice, which he has continued since, with the exception of three months in the winterof 1873-4, during which he was receiving special instruction in the hospitals of New York city. Dr. Hunt was first married on March 1, 1871, to Miss H. Jennie Pinckney, of Dixon. She died on December 17 of the same year, leaving an infant son, who died some months later. He was again married on September 16, 1874:, to Miss Lucy I. Webster, of Polo, Ogle county. They have two childre:'. : Eelura P., born July 18, 1875, and Nannie T., born October 9, 1876. Dr. Hunt has been a typical successful practitioner. Coming to Dixon young and unknown, he has built up an extensive and prosperous practice, and has made a host of friends. At the urgent solicitation of prominent and infiuential friends in New York city he has taken the question of his removal to that metropolis into consideration, expecting to find there a wider field for the exercise of his talents; and in the event of his removal, those who know him best are the most positive in the belief that a successful and honorable career will reward his efforts.

Daniel W. McKennet, liveryman, Dixon, is a native of Canada, where be was born May 17, 1830, and is tlie son of Jacob and Mary (McCall) McKeiiney. His parents removed to Illinois and located near Dixon in 18J:8, where his father engaged in farming, which occupation he still follows. Daniel remained on the farm until 1852, when he went to California. He returned in the fail of 1853 and again engaged in farniing until 1862, when he removed into Dixon and engaged in the livery business and has carried it on up to the present time. In 1878 he took in as a partner Mr. Vinal Hackett, under the firm name of D. W. McKenney & Co. Two of the uncles of Mr. McKenney were among the earliest settlers of Dixon, where one of tiiem, Fred. C. McKenney, still resides. Mr. McKenney was married about twenty-five years ago to Miss G. A. La Porte, a resident of Wyoming township, Lee county, Illinois. Botii Mr. McKenne^^ and his partner, Mr. Hackett, are stalwart republicans.

Palmee Atkins, merchant, Dixon, was born in Rome, Oneida county, New York, August 28, ISil. His parents were Seth and Jane (Palmer) Atkins, who were among the earliest settlers of Oneida county. His father is still living at Monmouth, Illinois, but his mother died in April 1857. Mr. Atkins was chiefly educated in his native town, and when about fifteen years old his parents I'emoved to Chicago, but in 1857 Mr. Atkins went to Mendota, Illinois, where he began to learn the j^rinting trade. In December, 1858, he came to Dixon and entered the oflice of the " Republican and Telegraph," where lie remained until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the 13th reg. 111. Inf. May 24, 1861. He served for over three years, during most of the time being detailed as staff printer at the headquarters of Gens. Grant, Thomas and Curtis, his position giving him an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with the peculiarities and characteristics of these famous leaders. When mustered out of service he returned to Dixon and resumed his connection with the "Telegraph," where he continued until August 1876, when he engaged in the grocery business. He was elected collector of taxes in 1870, and is now serving his third terra as town clerk. Mr. Atkins was married April 8, 1865, to Miss Cynthia Tillman, and they have one child living, Louis B. Atkins, fourteen years of age. In his political views Mr. Atkins is an out-and-out republican of the straightest sect.

John Hess, real estate dealer, Dixon, is the son of Jacob and Salome (Fenstermaker) Hess, and was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1831. His father was a farmer, and both parents died in Pennsylvania. Mr. Hess was reared and educated in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, whither his parents removed during his infancy, and when seventeen years of age became a clerk. In 1852 he went to California via Cape Horn, and remained there about a year and a half, most of the time in the miningj districts. After returnino' to the east he again engaged as a clerk, but about a yeav later removed to a farm which he had purchased. He sold his farm in 1858 and about a year later came to Lee county, where he decided to locate, and in 1860 brought out his family, and the next four years were about equally divided between farming and clerking. He then engaged in the real estate business, which he has since carried on. For the last three years he has done an extensive business selling railroad and speculators' lands west of the Mississippi, having taken out several excursions, which resulted in the sale of large tracts of land. Mr. Hess was married in 1855, to Miss Eliza M. Hogenbaugh, whose family are residents of Columbia county, Pennsylvania. They have three children living: Leander, born May 17, 1850, Albert, born March 8, 1SG4-, and Royce, born April 17, 1873. They have also lost four children, all of whom died before reaching five years of age except Adele M., who was born October 13, 1857, and died June 27, 1879. In his political sentiments Mr. Hess is a republican.

Gkoege M. Berkley, firmer, Dixon, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, May 15, 1834, and was the son of Gideon and Mary (Bowring) Berkley. His father followed the trade of a millwright, and moved into Bureau county, Illinois, in 1836, and died there a year after. His mother died in Loe county in Ma}' 1881. His father was a lineal de scendant of Sir. William Berkley, one of the governors of the province of Virginia, and both parents were natives of that state, but after their marriage removed to Ohio. The family removed to Lee county in 1844 and located in Sublette township, where Mr. Berkley was reared and educated. He also attended the normal school at Bloomington for a year. After growing to manhood he engaged in farming, but rushed to arms at the outbreak of the civil war, enlisting in April 1861, in Co. C, 13th 111. A^ols., and after serving faithfully for more than three years was mustered out of service in June 1864. He then returned home and resumed his agricultural pursuits, but in 1866 was offered the position of deputy sheriff, which he accepted and took up his residence in Dixon. In 1868 he was elected sheriff and reelected in 1870, 1872 and 1874, holding the office for eight years. He then purchased the farm in Dixon township on which he now resides. He was first married July 4, 1860, to Miss Minnie M. Douglass, a daughter of John L. Douglass, of Sublette, who was born in Genesee eountj', New York, in 1837. She died April 10, 1865, leaving one child, Minnie D., who was born November 4, 1864. He was again married September 20, 1868, to Miss Jane Adams, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, but then residing at Sublette. They have three children:

Additional Maiter

Daisy A., born September 30, 1871 ; Imo, February 23, 1873, and Maud, May 4, 1877. Mr. Berkley is a supporter of the republican party, and his repeated elections to a responsible position attest the esteem and contidence in which he is held by his fellow-citizens.

Henry C. Higgins, Dixon, joint proprietor with his brother, Thomas Higgins, in the Dixon Gas Works, was born in Ireland, December 18, 1848, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Gannon) Higgins. His parents came to the United States when he was five years of age, and settled at Freehold, New Jersey, where he was reared and educated. In 1SG4 he came to Illinois and engaged in farming in Whitesides county, and remained there until about 1870 when he became interested in contracts upon the Baltimore & Ohio and Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago railroads, and continued in this line of business until 1876, when he commenced the erection of gas works in different towns, which business he still carries on. He has made his headquarters at Dixon since 1876, the works there being the first built by him. Mr. Higgins is a democrat, but broad and liberal in his views, and is a young man of much enterprise and energ}'.

James W. Reaedon, Dixon, was born in Matichester, England, September 5, 1829, and is the son of Hobbs and Margaret (Cunningham) Reardon. His father entered the British army in 1800 as a volunteer, and was shortly after made an ensign. He participated in the campaign on the Spanish peninsula which resulted in the complete defeat of Marshal Soult, of the French army, b}' the Duke of Wellington. He was in almost every battle fought in that campaign, among others those of Vittoria and Corunna. After the overthrow of Bonaparte he was on duty at St. Helena for some time during the confinement of tiiat great chieftain. He was still in the service at the time of his death, which occurred in 1847 in the north of Ireland. James W. Reardon, when a little over two years of age, was sent to live with an uncle in Tipperary, Ireland, and remained there until twenty-one years old. when he came to America. He soon after came to Lee county, and becoming acquainted with Gov. Charters, he, at his suggestion, decided to make his home here, and with the exception of several trips to Europe he has since been a continuous resident. In 1863 he recruited a company for the 69th 111. Vols., of which he became captain. After serving some three montlis he was mustered out, their term of service having expired. He was married in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1860, to Miss Alicia J. Stokes, and lias two children: CliflFord C, aged twenty, and Annie S., aged fourteen years.

Harriet E. Garrison, physician, Dixon, was born in Dixon township, and is the daughter of William and Amelia (Omen) Garrison. Her lather is a farmer, and resides in Nachusa township. Dr. Garrison was parti}' educated at the Dixon public school, and parti}- at Rock River Seminary, at Mount Morris, Ogle county, Illinois. After leaving school she entered the Women's Medical College, at Chicago, from which she graduated in 1876, and at once entered upon the practice of her profession at Dixon. She is a member of the regular school of medicine, and has met with gratifying success in her career as a physician.

Alexander Charters, deceased, was a native of Belfast, Ireland, where he was born July 7, 1800. He was the son of Alexander and Eleanor (Mackey) Charters. He was reared and educated in his native city, and when sixteen years of age came to America and located in New York city, where he had two brothers established in business as linen importers. He entered their store, and in the course of time was made a partner, the firm name being J. A. Charters & Co. In 1838 he retired from business and removed to Dixon, where he purchased a section of land unsurpassed by any in the state for natural beauty and fertility. He erected a house on a bluff of Rock river, from which views can be obtained of the surrounding country for many miles, and abounding in scenery of the most lovely and picturesque description. Here he exercised an unbounded hospitality, and his genial yet dignified address, and imposing personal appearance, well entitled him to the appellation of "Governor" Charters, by which he was 60 long and so widely known. Many of the political and literary celebrities of our own and other lands have met a warm welcome beneath his hospitable roof, among whom ma}' be mentioned William Cullcn Bryant and Margaret Fuller Ossoli. His death occurred September IS, 1878, and he was laid to rest an)ong the scenes he loved so well, amid the sincere regrets of the multitude of friends by whom he was so loved and honored. He was married in 1827, to Miss Ellen Boomer, of Belfast, wlio died in New York in 1832. His only son, James B. Charters, is now the able and popular county judge for Lee county.

Henry C. Brookner, farmer. South Dixon, is a native of Hanover, where he was born in 1S27. He is the son of George H. and Mary (Engel) Brookner. He came to America when eighteen years of age, and located at Dixon. After attending school for some time he learned the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked until 1849, when he removed to St. Louis, but soon returned to Dixon, and continued working at his trade until the spring of 1859, when he was employed by the Illinois Central railroad to superintend the building of bridges upon their line. He remained with this company for about ten years, and then entered t!ie employ of tlie Indianapolis & St. Louis railroad in the same capacity, remaining with them some eight years. During this time he purchased the farm he now occupies, aiid some two years ago moved upon it and engaged in farming. Mr. Brookner was married in April, 1875, at Litchfield, Illinois, to Miss Emma R. Keithley, a daughter of Seth M. Keithley, an old resident of Litchfield. They have one child, May D., born February 21, 1876. Mr. Brookner is a republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

E. H. AND D. B. Rayiiond, farmers, South Dixon, are the sons of Daniel and Lucy A. (Woodrutf) Raymond. Tiieir father was for many years a resident of Greene county. New York, where he carried on a farm, but removed to Michigan in 1833, and followed the same occupation there until his death, whicli occurred in 184:5. The eldest of the brothers, E. H. Raymond, was born in Steuben county. New York, in 1821, and removed to Michigan with his father. Upon the death of the latter he carried on farming operations in Michigan until 1865, in connection with his brother, but in that jeav he removed to Illinois and settled in South Dixon, Lee county, where he has since resided. He has no family. D. B. Raymond was born in Lenawee county, Michigan, in 1833, where he was reared and educated, but came to Lee county with his brother in 1865. He was married in Michigan in the 3'ear 1860, to Miss Maria S. Clark, a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and tlieir union has resulted in three children: Daniel E., aged twenty, Agnus C, aged eighteen, and Florence M.,aged thirteen. He is a thorongli-going republican, and a member of the Presbyterian church.

Harvey E. Williams, farmer, was born in Onondaga county. New York, in 1817. His parents were Abijah and Lucy (Edwards) Williams, and his father followed farming and died in Onondaga county in 1871. Mr. Williams was reared and educated in his native county, and when grown to manhood commenced taking contracts upon public works in the State of New York. In 1852 he came to Illinois, having a contract on the Northwestern railroad, and the following year took a similar contract upon the Illinois Central railroad, and remained upon this road until its completion. He purcliased his present farm in South Dixon in 1857, and has ever since been engaged in farming. He was married in 1843, to Miss Wealthy E. Cropse}', in Madison county. New York. Three children were the result of this marriage, of whom two survive: Comelia A., who is the wife of John A. Greene, of Morrison, Whitesides county, Illinois, and Ella C.,who resides with her parents. A third daughter, Emma, was the wife of A. C. McAllister, of Morrison, lUiinois, but died in April 1875, leaving one child, a daughter. Politically Mr. Williams is a member of the democratic party.

Ben.tamix W. Harnish, farmer, Palmj^ra, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1830, and is the son of Michael G. and Elizabeth (Warfel) Harnish. His father is a farmer, and both are still living and reside in Lancaster county. Mr. Harnish received liis education in his native county and was a farmer there tor many years. In January, 1875, he came west and settled iu Carroll county, Illinois. After residing there for three years he removed to Nebraska, where he remained until 1880, when he came back to Illinois and located on a farm in Palmyra township. He was first married in 1856, to Miss Mary B. Hess, of Pennsj'lvaiiia, who died previous to his removal from that state. There arc four children by this marriage, all of whom reside with their father, the eldest being Henry, aged twentythree years; Michael is sixteen, Samuel fourteen, and Elizabeth eleven years of age. He was married a second time in 1875, to Mrs. Catharine (Klein) Leonard. Mr. Harnish is strongly republican in his political views.

Robert J. Dkyxax, farmer, Palmyra, is a native of Canada, where he was born June 12, 1845, and is the son of William and Elizabeth J. (McMurtry) Drynan. His father was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a ship-carpenter by trade, though farming was his occupation during the latter part of his life. He died in Canada in 1851, and his widow was married in 1853, to Mr. Johnstone, a clergyman, and removed the same year to Lyndon, Whitesides county, where Mr. Johnstone preached for some three j'ears and where he died in 1857. Mrs. Johnstone is still living and is a resident of Palmyra. Mr. Drynan came with his mother and step-father at the time of their removal to Illinois, and in 1855 settled in the town of Palmyra, where he has ever since resided. His principal occupation has been running threshing and corn-shelling machines. He was married September 6, 1867, to Miss Rachel A. Delp, a native of Pennsylvania, but at that time residing in "Whitesides county. They have seven children living: "Willie A., born May 14, 1868; Otis E., born September 1, 1869; Emma E., born May 15,1871; Gertie M., born January 20, 1873 ; Fremont R., born January 23, 1876 ; Grace E., born December 15, 1878; Leone E., born January 20, 1881. Politically Mr. Drynan is a thorough republican.

Fletchkr Seavev, farmer. Palmyra, is a native of Sandwich, New Hampshire, where he was born September 2, 1839, and is the son of Asa and Ruth (Ricker) Seavey. His father was also born in New Hampshire, and for many years was a farmer in that state, but in 1853 he came west and settled in Lee county, bringing his family from the east in the spring of 185-1. He was carrying on a farm in Palmj'ra until 1877, when he purchased a farm in Ogle county, to which he re- moved and wliere he still resides. Fletcher Scavey has been fanning on his own account for the past thirteen years, and has recently purchased and removed to the farm of the late David A. Holly. He enlisted in the summer of lS6-t, in Co. D, 140th 111. Vols., and was honorably discharged after si.\ months' service. Mr. Seavey was married November 9, 1862, to Miss Eveline C. Eastwood, a native of Palmyra, and they have si.x children : Harry C, born January 17, 1864 ; Fred A., born February 19, 1866; Eda B., born December 30, 1867; Allen E., born March 24, 1870; Clyde L., born August 10, 1874, and Euth M., born June 6, 1877. In his political sentiments Mr. Seavey is strongly republican.

William W. Tilton, farmer. Palmyra, was born in New Hampshire on July 15, 1817, and is the son of Jesse and Mary (Fitield) Tilton. His father was of English descent, but was a native of New Hampshire, and in his youth was engaged in tanning and siioemaking, but afterward became a farmer and died about 1845. W. W. Tilton acquired his education in his native state, and when grown up engaged in farming, but came west in 1838, arriving in Dixon July 13, just two days prior to his twenty-first birthday. He located in Palmyra township, and having learned the trade of shoemaking in the east, he engaged in that business. At the election in the fall for state oflBcials he acted as clerk, and his recollection is that fourteen votes were polled. After working at his trade for about four years he turned his attention to farming, which he has followed since. He was also for a number of years engaged in buying and selling stock, and was connected for some time with the late E. B. Stiles, in this business. He was married on November 3, 1843, to Mrs. Eliza (Martin) Hubbard, a native of Sandwich, New Hampshire, who came to Lee county with her brother, Jacob Martin (lately deceased), in 1836. They came all the way in a bugg}', the trip taking a period of five weeks. She was married in 1833, to Oliver A. Hubbard, also a resident of New Hampshire, who had come to Lee county in the spring of 1836, where she rejoined him a few months later. Mr. Hubbard died September 16, 1840. M. D. Hubbard, still residing in Palmyra, is the only living issue of this marriage. Two children resulted from lier union to Mr. Tilton : Francis J., born August 15, 1846, wlio resides with his parents ; and Hortense L., born on January 30, 1851, and married to Horace M. Gilbert, a resident of Palmyra. Mr. Tilton is a life-long democrat, and though contending against odds in the political struggles in which he has taken part, he has never faltered in his devotion to what he considers the true principles of government.

gence can achieve wealth and inHuence by his own efforts, unaided by any accidents of birth or position. Lincoln, Garfield, and many other brilliant and able men in various walks of life, have afforded notable examples of what can be done by untiring industry, sterling honesty and well-directed ability to overcome all adverse circumstances, and every county and every town all over our broad land will show instances of a similar character, differing only in kind and degree, and one of these is found in the career of the IIox. Abijah Powers, of Palmyra townshij). He was born in Hanij)shire county, Massachusetts, December 10, 1814, and is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Powers) Powers. His father was a laiiiier, and was descended from a long line of New England ancestry. He had four children, of whom three are still living, one son, Joseph Warren Powers, being still a resident of Massachusetts ; Abijah Powers and a daughter, Mrs. Allen, have lived for many years in Palmyra township; the other child, a daugiiter, died in infancy. In 1S3S Mr. Joseph Powers and his son Abijah determined to leave the old Bay State and seek for more abundant returns for their labor on the western prairies. After the usual privations and trials of such a journey in those days they arrived at Ui.xon's ferry, where they remained several months, but in the fall of 1838 they located in Palmyra township and engaged in farming, and here Mr. Joseph Powers died, April 2S, 1853. His son has been a continuous resident of the township since his first settlement, in 1838, and for many years has been one of the largest and most successful farmers in the Rock river valley. He has also been extensively engaged in the breeding and sale of thoroughbred cattle, with gratifying results. He now owns about 900 acres of land, a portion of which lies in Whitesidcs county. Mr. Powers has always been a popular man and was elected justice of the peace at an early day ; was also commissioner of public highways for a number of years ; has served four terms as supervisor for his town ; was elected a member of the state legislature in the fall of 1S7G, and has been president of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Palmyra, for the past fifteen years. In 1839 he returned to Massachusetts, , where he was married, September 8 of that year, to Miss Amanda Sprout, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, who is still living. They have had six children, five of whom survive : Elvira A., born November 30, 1842, was married to Charles Eckles in 1868, and is a resident of Marsiialltown, Iowa; Helen C, born August 21, 1845, married to Anson E. Tiuimmel in 1868, and lives in Palmyra; Mary A., born October 30, 1848, married to James Nickerson in 1870, and resides in Cliicano; Franklin W.,- born September 13, 1851, was married to Miss Mary Miller in 1872, and lives in Whitesides county; Austin A., born October 18, 1857, was married to Miss Adela Tallman January 6, ISSl. He resides with his

Charles H. Hughes, farmer, Palmyra, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1846, and is the son of Ellwood and Elizabeth (Hill) Hughes. He was brought up and educated in his native county principally, but also attended for a time the Missionary Institute at Selin's Grove, Pennsylvania. He removed to Lee county in ISfiS and engaged in ferming, which he still carries on ; he has also dealt considerably in cattle and horses, and his especial pride at present is a tine bay stallion, a cousin of the celebrated queen of the turf, Maud S, and Mr. Hughes feels certain that at some not distant day his horse, or at least some descendant of his, will win a name not entirely' unworthy of their distinguished relative. In July 1S81, in company with O. T. Melick, he embarked in the coal and salt trade at Dixon, under the firm name of Hughes & Melick, and is making preparations at present to engage in the real-estate, loan and banking business at Peterson, Kansas, in company with his brother, Ellwood C. Hughes. He was married November 17, 1868, to Miss Hannah E. Williams, daughter of Mark Williams, Esq., of Palmyra township, and thej' have but one child living, Adessa, aged twelve years. In his political views Mr. Hughes is a republican.

Having organized and drilled the Chicago Light Guards, the first company in Chicago that acquired any reputation, his services were sought by the authorities at Springfield at the breaking out of the war. There was a great lack of knowledge of military matters at this time, but what Col. Wymax possessed, combined with a mind of wonderful activity and bnsiness experience, made his services of great value, and caused the 13th 111. Inf. to select hiin as their colonel, and Gov. Yates commission him on April 20, ISfil. The 13th was a magnificent regiment, filled to the maximum, and composed almost wholh' of young men wlio knew and appreciated the issues of the struggle before them_ Wyman realized the great charge that was intrusted to him in the command of this regiment, and stated to a member of the same as he looked over the body of 1,000 on drill, " I never felt before so much the need of being a christian as I do now. I am responsible for the lives and welfare of -these men, and I do not believe that any man in his own strength is equal to so great a responsibility." His experience as a railway superintendent fitted him for the very important duty of forwarding supplies to an army campaigning a long way from its base of supplies, which he did from Rolla for the armies doing service in southwest Missouri under the command of Gens. L^'on, Fremont and Hunter respectively. This duty he did so well that his reputation spread through the western army, and when some months after Gen. Steele desired to embark his division on steamboats at Helena, Arkansas, to join Gen. Sherman's campaign against Vieksburg, lie sent for Col. Wjman to assist him. The general and the colonel disagreed as to the number of steamboats required, but the latter in his positive, decided way said he could have all the transportation, artillery and horses loaded on his number of boats by five o'clock that day, and he did, to the surprise of the general and his regular array staff.

It was during the campaign referred to above that Col. Wyman lost his life. It was the campaign under Gen. Sherman against the outside defenses of Vieksburg at Chickasaw Bayou. He here had the first opportunit}' to show his capacity for active service. It was here that he and his regiment were under fire for the first time. He had shown marked abilities in the marching and care of men ; had no superior as a drill-master, and no man had more perfect control of a regiment than he had of his. The 13th was the old regiment placed in Gen. F. P. Blair's brigade, composed of new recruits, to act as a safety-valve. The 13th always had the post of honor, which is the advance, which gave Col. Wyman the lead that he never relinquished, and really commanded and maneuvered the brigade in the engagements referred to above until he was killed.

In the preliminary' skirmishing Wyman's bravery was put to the test, but it was pure gold, like that of an old veteran. He placed the battery, told the men how and where to shoot, and encouraged the men by his own fearlessness and utter disregard of danger. The clear, belllike tones of their coloners voice to the regiment, now under tire for the first time, had the efl^ect of magic upon their spirits, somewhat disconcerted by the shriek of rebel shells bursting in close proximity to their position. His commands were obeyed with alacrity, and his smiling face as he was quietly seated on old Jerry's back imparted courage to his men, and they would have charged upon any rebel position if he but commanded.

The second day found Blair's brigade in position to fire upon a confederate fort, while Morgan L. Smith charged it from anotiier direction. Col. Wyman walked up to the edge of the fallen timber lying between the two positions, took out his field-glass and coolly surveyed the enemy's position ; during all of which time the rebel sharpshooters were popping away at him, and often shooting very near his person, as we could see by the falling of leaves and cutting of vines. Not until he had finished his survey did he lower his glass, and as he walked back to his regiment he said, " The bullet is not moulded that will kill me," and ordered the company commander nearest to him to send six of the best shots in his company and kill a certain sharpshooter, with a globe-sighted rifle, that had been firing at him.

Lieut. -Col. Gorgas was ordered down to the center of the regiment to give tlie order to rise and lire, and tiien to order that they lie down while another regiment immediately in the rear should do the same tiling. Col. Gorgas was slow about executing the order for some reason, and Wyman becoming impatient of the delay stepped a few paces down the line and in front, and gave the order himself, i-etiring as he did so, so that he should not be in front of the men when they tired. Immediately after he passed the right of the regiment he was shot. He was stooping down that the regiment in the rear might fire over our heads, when he was hit under the right arm, the bullet passing entirely through his body and lodging in his clothing on his left side. Sergt. Pinkham, of Co. A, was the first to reach his side and unbutton his coat, and the writer was the next. The bullet hole through his shirt was in front of his shoulder, and led me to believe that that was the wounded part and not necessarily fatal, and I was on the point of saying, "Colonel, this will make a brigadier of you;" but he looked sopale and death-like it was not uttered, bnt instead, "Colonel, I do not think this wound is dangerous, it is through your shoulder.'' " You are mistaken, Harry," he replied. "This whole side is paralyzed alread}' ; it is all over." We laid him down behind a stump, to protect liim from the bullets that were now coming in thick and fast, and in a few seconds he was in a stupor. He was taken from the field and revived by stimulants for a few minutes, during which time he conversed about his family and private aflairs. He uttered no word of complaint nor gave expression to any signs of regret at his lot, bnt on the contrary, met his fate with a smile. The only question of CoL Wyman's making a brilliant record as a soldier was the one whetherhe would live through an engagement. His tault was rashness. What he did, he did it with all his might. Every soldier in his regiment admired and loved him. From him they could borrow a dollar when: all other resources tailed. His name had been sent to the senate forconfirmation as a brigadier by the president, and in a few weeks more,, but for his untimely end, he would have been in command of abrigade..

P. H. S(no( K, farmer. Palmyra, was born on February 4, 1814, in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Henry and Magdalena (Beck) Schock. His father was a miller, and also carried on a; farm, and died in Pennsylvania about 1835. Mr. Schock was educated in his native county, and when old enough assisted his father in themill. In 18-10 he engaged in mercantile business, which he followed for about six years, after wliich he became a fanner, and continued ia that occupation until 1850, when he removed to Illinois, and settledat

Como,Wliitesides county. The following year lie came toPrairicville, Lee county, and purchased a farm, on which he has since resided. He was married in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on November 27, 184:1, to Miss Louisa Eyer. She died December 30, 1872, leavingfour -children surviving: Josephine, born November 11, 1843, who is the wife of Charles W. Marston, and resides at Lawrence, Kansas ; William, bora January 21, 1846, and a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah ; Howard E., born March 31, 1859, and married in 1879, to Miss Lia Kelsey, of Sterling, Whitesides county. They reside on the old homestead. Florence L., born October 19, 1862, also resides at home. Mr. Schock has been twice elected supervisor of his town on the republican ticket, and has tilled almost every other town office.

Daniel Reiciiaet, farmer, Palmyra, was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on April 9, 1829, and is the son of Samuel and Catharine (Weidman) Reichart. His father died in Pennsylvania in 1852, but his mother is still living in that state. After leaving school Mr. Reichart learned the carpenter's trade, and also farmed considerablv, and in 1853 came to the west, buf returned home during the following winter. In 185-1: he came to Palmyra township and settled permanently, and still owns the original eighty acres of land on which he commenced to farm, but which has since increased to over two hundred acres. He was married January 1, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth J. Kressler, also a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and they have eight children living: Susan F., born May 13, 185-1, married to Albertus Miller, and resides in Cherokee, Iowa; Job, born June l'1, 1855, also a resident of Cherokee; Elizabeth, born May 28, 1857, and married to William F. Seavey, who resides in Palmyra ; Samuel, born January 25, 1859; Sara, born May 8, 1860; Minnie, born October 30, 1865 ; Edith J., born November 3, 1866, and Carrie C, born September 10, 1868, all reside with their parents. In his political affiliations Mr. Reichart is a member of the democratic party.

II IK AM P. Parks, farmer. Palmyra, is one of the earliest settlers of the town. He was born in Franklin county. New York, on August 29, 1808, and is the son of Aaron and Rebecca (Prcscott) Parks. His father was a farmer, and died some twenty years ago. Mr. Parks was reared as a farmer in his native county, and removed to Illinois in 1836, locating in Dixon, where he remained two years, after which he bought a farm in Palmyra township, where he has ever since resided. He and his sons own some six hundred acres of the linest land in the county, and he has seen his tt>wnshi]i progress from an almost unbroken prairie, inhabited b}' some half dozen families, to its present state of development as one of the best cultivated and most fertile sections in the west, and settled by as enterprising and intelligent a class of citizens as can be found within the borders of our own or an}' other country. Mr. Parks was married in tlie State of New York, in December 1829, to Miss Martha Moon, a native of Otsego count}', New York, whose parents were natives of Vermont. They have been married more than half a century, and are still in the enjoyment of good health, and active and vigorous both mentally and physically. They have eight children, the eldest of whom is Mar}', born July 24, 1833, and the wife of John Lawrence, of Palmyra; Eunice PL, born February 25, 1836, is married to William Ayres, and resides in Iowa; Rebecca D., born April 13, 1838, is the wife of Thomas Ayres, a resident of Palmyra ; Wayne H., born August 24, 1840, is a farmer and resides in Palmyra; Robert B., born December 13, 1843, is a resident of Pennsylvania; Henry A., born January 15, 1846, resides in Ogle county, Illinois ; Frederick N., born September 22, 1849, is a farmer and resides in Palmyra; Abner H. was born in Palmyra township on February 19, 1853, and has always resided in his native town. He was married May 5, 1875, to Miss Mary Drew, of Ogle county, Illinois, who died February 21, 1881. He resides at the old homestead. Mr. Parks has always been an earnest republican, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church of Dixon, the latter being the only survivor of the original founders of that church.

James L. McGinnis, farmer. Palmyra, was .born in New York city on August 23, 1831, and is the son of Stewart and Mary (Law) Mc- Ginnis. His father was a very skillful machinist, and died, while James was a lad, in Louisiana, whither he had gone to superintend the erection of machinery upon a large sugar plantation. His widow being left in reduced circumstances, and with four young children to support, decided to accompany her father, David Law, and his family, to Illinois, and they arrived in Dixon in September 1839. During the following winter they suffered greatly from sickness and privation. In connection with Capt. Hugh Graham they purchased the claim to some 700 acres of land lying along Rock river, their portion of which is still owned by the family. James L. McGinnis was educated in the primitive schools of the neighborhood and at Di.xon, and when grown engaged in farming. Soon after the discovery of gold in California he went to that state, and after remaining there several years he returned to Palmyra township, and resumed his agricultural pursuits, which he has since followed. He was married on March 12, 1861, to Miss Mary B. Becker, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, but whose parents were old settlers of Palmyra. They have nine children living: William C, born June 22, 1862; Ella, born March 12, 1864; Mabel, born August 15, 1865; James F., born May 3, 1867, Keziah, born March 11, 1869; Mark E., born November 12, 1870; Harry, born June 20, 1872; Oliver, born August 17, 1874, and Paul, born June 15, 1878, all of whom reside witii tlieir parents. Mr. McGinuis is a republican in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian church. WiLLi.vM G. McGiNxis, the brother of James L., is also a native of the city of New York, where he was born on September 19, 1833. The history of iiis earlier days is like that of his brotlier, and with the exception of three years' service in Co. A, 13th 111. Vols., into which he enlisted on the outbreak of the rebellion, his entire life since he was si.v years of age has been passed in Palmyra township, where he is engaged in farming. He has never married, but his mother and grandmother reside with him. The latter, Mrs. Keziah (Ilillis) Law, will be just one hundred years of age in July 1882, and is undoubtedly the oldest person living in Lee county.

Among the successful farmers of Ashton township may be mentioned Peter L. Brecunier, born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Februar}^ 14, 1834. lie was reared to the sturdy occupation of a tiller of the soil, receiving but a limited education in the subscription schools of his native state. In tlie spring of 184!) he with his father's family started for Illinois, and reached Franklin Grove, Lee county. Ma^' 12, that year they rented the farm now owned by J. C. Lahman. During the same year they purchased the land on which a part of the village of Franklin Grove now stands. This, however, they soon sold, and purchased land in the southwest corner of Ashton township. Peter L., the subject of this sketch, purchased for himself a fi\rm of 205 acres in Sec. 31, T. 22, R. 11. This is one of the model farms of Ashton township, and indicates that its owner is a man of thrift, industry and enterprise. In 1874 he added to the beauty of his home by erecting a fine brick residence at the cost of §4,000. Besides farming he is now engaged in stock raising, giving some attention to grades. February 22, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan M., daughter of Jacob and Ilaiiiiali (Foreman) Riddlesbarger, Esq. She was born in Franklin count}-, Pens^'lvania. The}' are the parents of one child, Quinby A., born August 29, 1867. Mr. Brecunier's parents both died here and were buried in the cemetery at the German Baptist church near Nachusa.

Thomas Paddock, retired farmer, is a native of Ohio, and was born August 14, 1814. He, with his parents, Ebenezer and Nancy (Furguson) Paddock, left Ohio at an early day, and removed to Vigo county, Indiana, where our subject was united in marriage, in 1835, to Miss Nancy Payne, a native of Vigo county. In 1837 Mr. Paddock left Indiana, and removed to Ogle county, where he made a claim, and thns became one of the pioneers of that county, whose nearest market was Chicago, or Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he hauled his produce many years with teams and wagon. He sold his produce for a price that now would not be considered sufficient to pay the expense of such a trip. But Mr. Paddock made the best use of his time and means, and has by industry and saving made a good property', now owning 340 acres of land in Lee and Ogle counties. April 28, 1879, his home was broken up for the first since it was established, by the death of his noble wife. Since then he has made two or three moves, but is now permanently settled on his farm in Ashton township, and is enjoying the rest needed after a life of hard labor. His children are William H., now in Ogle county, and Jefferson, who died in the south during the war; Eliza J., wife of Joseph Cummins; Rebecca A., wife of George Brown ; Leathy, wife of Capt. J. L. Frost, of Ashton township ; Koselhv, at home with her father, and Lorilla, wife of Enoch Self.

John C. Bowers, deceased, came from Germany with his wife, Margaret (Fogle) Bowers, and settled in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and there had born to them three children, one of whom is Lawrence Bowers, born August 19, 1829. He was reared on a farm, without the benefit of free schools, and but ver}' little subscription school privileges. In 1853 he came to Lee county in search of a place to make his future home. After looking over the remaining government land he decided it was too low and wet, and returned to Pennsylvania, but the next spring came back, and purchased eighty acres in Sec. 19, T. 22, R. 11, paying $8 per acre for the same land he could have had the year before for $1.50. Land rose rapidly in value after the advent of the railroad through this section. Some years later he bought an additional 120 acres. In the fall of 1865 he married Miss Dianna Fogle, a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania. They have six children : William C, Malinda, Hettie, George W., Harry G. and Nina May. Mr. Bowers' parents came to Lee county, where they died, and are buried in the Ashton cemetery. His brother and sister are now making their home with him.

KiNCAiD, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Swisher) Runyan, farmer and stock raiser, Ashton, was born in Lycoming county, Penns^'lvania, January 19, 18-38. He was brought up on a farm, and with but a limited means of education, though by much reading and careful observation he has gained what might be called a good business education. In the spring of 1801 he came to Lee county, and hired out to work on a farm. This he followed till the winter of 1865, when he enlisted in Co. K, 3d 111. Cav. After the close of the war, and a tour among the Indians through northern Dakota to the British possessions, he was honorably discharged, and returned to Lee county. January 19, 1869, lie married Miss Charity, daughter of Daniel and Cliristena (King) Brecunier, and in the spring of the same year began as a renter on the farm he now owns. In the fail of 1874 he bought the farm and became permanently located, and is now engaged in farming and stock raising on Sec. 31, T. 22, R. 11. His parents were born, lived and died in the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Runyan is of the opinion that his ancestors are of French origin, the name far back in its history being De Runyan. Since the above writing Mrs. Kincaid Runyan departed this life, November 17, 1881, after an illness of about live weeks. She bore her long suffering with great patience, and leaves, besides her almost broken-hearted husband, a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn their loss. She was a citizen of Franklin from childhood, and a member of one of the best families in the county. Her early death is severely felt by her grief-stricken friends.

Harlow E. Chadwick, son of Ambrose and Sarah Chadwick, merchant, Ashton, was born near Rochester, New York, June 11, 1840. When still an infant his parents moved to Oneida county. In 1856 the family removed to Iowa, and remained one year, after whicii tliey removed to Bradford township, in Lee county. Mr. Ciiadwick is one of the firm of BI3' & Chadwick, engaged in business in Ashton in 1879, and is quite a prominent citizen. He conducted the county farm several years. August 14, 1862, he enlisted in the 75th 111. Inf., was with the regiment one year, and was tiien transferred to the veteran reserves. Was discharged May 20, 1865. Is a member of Odd-Fellows' Lodge, No. 422, and also a member of the Presbyterian church, with which ho united in 1879. Was married in 1866, to Miss Esther P. Starks, a native of Lee county.

David Sanfoud, postmaster, Ashton, son of Salmon and Elizabeth Sanford, was born near Dayton, Ohio, December 25, 1820, where he resided until eighteen years of age, when he went to Noble county, Indiana, and resided nine years. Then he came to Ogle county, Illinois. In the spring of 1850 he went to California, and remained until 1857 in the gold rejjions, then returned to Oirle countv, where ho remained until 1862. In that year ho enlisted in the 75th 111. Inf. and served until the fall of 1863. In that year he came to Lee county. In 1867 he was appointed postmaster at Ashton, and since that time has officiated in that capacity. Married, in 1863, Mrs. Mehetabel Oneil, a native of Ohio. Before his return from the army he was promoted to a captaincy of Co. G, and is now familiarly called " Cap."

Henry Bly, merchant, Ashton, son of Thomas R. and Nancy Bly, was born in Clienango county. New York, June 9, 1827, where he resided until eighteen 3'ears of age; at that time he came to Light

Abditional Matter

House Point, Ogle county, where he was engaged in farming until 1850. In that year he went with a party of wealth-hunters to California, crossing the plains in a wagon drawn by oxen. While there he traveled through a large portion of the mining district, and encountered a great many difficulties and dangers that beset the paths of thosehardy, daring men who cast their lot in the wilds of California. Was. in that state fifteen months; returned by way of New York. In 185T was elected supervisor of Ashton township, and held the office eleven years. In 1853 was elected justice of the peace, and with the exception of a few years has held the office ever since. Is a member of Odd- Fellows and Masonic orders. Was married in July 1818, to Miss Anna J. Wood, a native of Canada.

Melvin IIaedesty, hotel-keeper, Ashton, son of Richard and Sarali Hardesty, was born in Ogle county, Illinois, in 1814. His father came to Ogle county in 1835, and was one of the pioneers of that county. In 1862 Mr. Hardesty removed to Ashton, and for ten years has beea engaged in carriage and house painting. In 1879 he bought a hotel, now known as the Clifton house, and since that time has been conducting it in addition to his other business. He was married in 1872 to Miss Mary Beard, a native of Brooklyn, New York. In 1865 he enlisted in Co. H, of the llOth 111. luf , and served si.x months.

Edwin M. Bla.ir, farnaer and stock raiser, Ainboy, was born in Oneida county, New York, November 23, 1826. His parents, James and Fanny (Hamilton) Blair, were born and reared in Massachusetts. His fatlier was hotel-keeping in Jamestown, Chautauqua county, New York, when in 1838 (the date is erroneously given in the township histoi'y a year earlier) he quit the state, and coming here made a claim on the N.W. i and half of the S.W. ^ Sec. 29, T. 20, R. 10, besides somewhat more land than this which we cannot describe. This subject now owns 200 acres of the original claim. In 1839 the rest of the family, including the mother, the two daughters, Elmina and Caroline, and four sons, Winthrop H., Edwin M., William W. and Charles L. joined liim. The latter was drowned in Inlet creek in the autumn of 1850. Winthrop resides in Marion township, and William at Sandwich, De Kalb county. The eldest son, James K., stayed behind in the east until about 1816; he then also came and lived here, where he died in 1857. Mr. Bhiir was married December 24, 1854, ta Miss Juliet, daughter of Jacob J. Conderman, of Marion township, who removed there from Steuben count}'. New York, in 1851. Her death occurred in 1873. Siie was the mother of four children : Ida (dead), Frank, William J. and Ruth C. Mr. Blair was married again on September 2-t, 1877, to Mrs. Ruth M. Marsh (^Crowder), widow of Edmund Marsh. She had by her first marriage the following children: Nettie, Dessa, William (dead), and Albert W. Mr. Blair has held office most of the time since the township was organized. He has been deputy sheriff one term, school trustee three terms, road commissioner many years, and also assessor. He is a republican, and was a member of the Amboy lodge of Odd-Fellows before it lapsed, in the time of the war. Mrs. Blair belongs to the United Brethren church, but was formerly a Methodist.

Adoniram J. Tompkins, tanner, Ambo}', son of Nathaniel S. and Sally (Reynolds) Tompkins, was born in New York in 1831. As early as Mr. Tompkins can remember, his father, who was a blacksmith, moved to Ohio and settled on a farm, where he followed his new calling, and worked also at his trade. Mr. Tompkins learned the carpenter's trade, and early in 185G came to Dunlcith, Illinois, and the following spring, obtaining employment from the Illinois Central railroad company, worked six months as foreman. After that be had charge of the carpenter work on station buildings between Dunleith and Wapella until about 1873, when his superintendence was extended to Oentralia. In the spring of 1879 he quit the service of the company, and moved to his present farm, about two miles west of Amboy. Mr. Tompkins was married in 1858, to Miss Mary A. Smith, of New York, by whom he has three children : Walter, Elma, and Stella. Both parents are communicants in the Baptist church. He has been road commissioner of the township, and was alderman of Amboy five years. In politics he is a republican.

J. Haevey Ives, senior member of the firm of Ives & Slauter, lumber and coal dealers, Amboy, was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, December 29, 1827. He was the youngest sou of John and Hannah (Ford) Ives, whose ancestors settled in New Haven, Connecticut, in the earl}' da^'s of the colony. Mr. Ives obtained a common school education, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. At the age of seventeen he engaged in carpenter work, and for twenty-five years that was his only business. On May 12, 1852, he was married, in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to Miss Antoinette I. Tobey, of that place, who was born March 2, 1833. They have reared one daughter, Clara, now Mrs. Willis Bristol, of Denver, Colorado. In December, 1850), Mr. Ives and his family removed from the east and settled in Amboy, where he continued working at his trade until Jul}' 1, 1870, when he embarked in liis present business in partnership with D. W. Slauter, under the firm name of Ives ct Slauter. He has been elected alderman of the city three times, and is a republican politically. Himself, wife and daughter are members of the Congregational church.

Arthur P. Wasson, farmer, Ainboy, son of Lorenzo D. and Aurelia (Gaylord) Wasson, was born in Ainboy townsliip, May 3, 18-1:9. In his father's family tliere were six children: Henrietta, Benjamin (dead), Arthur P., Andentia E., Marietta, and Joiin C- (dead). Mr. Wasson was married February 22, 1872, to Miss Lizzie M. Sprague, daughter of James Sprague, an early settler of Putnam county. They have the following children : Oddy, Lorenzo D., Arthur Guy, and Winn. We append the following interesting sketch of the grandfather of onr subject, his removal to the west in an early day, and settlement in Aniboy township. It was furnished by Mrs. E. DeWolf: