Livingston County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 22 of 25)

1861, for three months; during the three months, the 11th was stationed at Villa Ridge, 111., and Bird's Point, Mo., doing garrison duty ; on the 30th of July, he reenlisted for three years as First Lieutenant in Co. K, 11th I. V. I.; the regiment remaining at Bird's Point, making frequent expeditions into various parts of the State till Feb. 2, 1862, then to Fort Henry, in the capture of which they participated, then to Fort Donelson, where they arrived Feb. 12, and the 13th began the attack; during the 13th and l-lth, they were under ! fire continually, and on the 15th the enemy I endeavored to cut their way through the llth's line and escape; here they held them in check for three hours, with great slaughter on both sides ; the loss to the regiment was one Captain, one First Lieutenant, seventy-two men killed, and two hundred and sixty-six wounded and missing, of whom some sixty were made prisoners by the enem}' ; here Col. Kenyon was taken prisoner, and remained as prisoner of war for eight months, then paroled ; he returned and joined his regiment, and participated in the memorable march of

Gen. Grant to the rear of Vicksburg, where the regiment entered on the 4th of July ; at this battle he received a very severe scalp wound, which detained him from duty for thirty days ; participated in the battles of Liverpool Heights, Yazoo City, Jackson, Mobile, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakesly ; 11th day of July, 1865, the regiment was mustered out at Baton Rouge, La., thence to Springfield, where it wag paid off and finally discharged ; Col. Kenyon was promoted Captain of Co. K, 1862; in 1864, promoted Lieutenant Colonel, which oflBce he held at the close of the war ; the 11th I. V. I. lost 425 men, the highest death total of any organization which went from Illinois ; Col. Kenyon at the close of the war returned to Illinois and settled in Chatsworth ; in 1868, was appointed Postmaster of Chatsworth, which olfice he has in a very creditable and efficient manner filled ever since. Married, in 1863, to Miss A. R. Sprague, of Illinois ; one child - Minnie, born Dec. 7, 1867.

JESSE LANTRY, hardware merchant. Chatsworth, of the firm of Roberts & Lantry, hardware and groceries ; was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Aug. 21, 1846, and is the son of Jesse J. and Helen (Lyons) Lantry, of Ireland ; his father emigrated to America in 1829 ; was engaged in the dairy and farming businesa here ; Mr. Lantry was brought up on his father's farm until he was 22 years old; he then emigrated West to Illinois and settled in Chatsworth, in 1868, and engaged in farming, then in the butcher business ; engaged for two and a half years on railroad in Texas, on the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio R. R. ; his first experience in the grocery business was as store keeper for the Wis. Valley R. R. ; Mr. Lantry commenced the hardware and grocery business, in company with A. M. Roberts, in 1877.

JOB H. MEGQUIER, real estate agent and Justice of the Peace, Chatsworth ; the subject of this sketch was born in Cumberland Co., Me., Feb. 10, 1827, and is the son of Samuel and Lois Megquier, of Maine ; his father was a shoemaker by trade ; when Mr. Megquier was 18 years old, he enlisted in the 8th U. S. L, at Lowell, Mass., under Gen. W. T. Sherman, and participated in the Mexican war; was enaasred at Palo Alto and other battles; from here tlie ariuy advanced to the City of Monterey, capturing on the march tlie villages Reinosa, Caniargo. Mier and Revilla; after a very severe battle, captured the City of Monterey, then in the capture of Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo ; here he met Gen. Shields dangerously wounded; thence on the City of Mexico through a beautiful country, on the 15th of Aug., 1847; arrived in siglit of the city on the IHtli; the army took up a position near San Antonio; on the 20th, the battles of Contreras, Cliurubusco, Antonio and San Augustine were fought, on the 8th of September, on the capture of Molino del Rey, was the bloodiest battle of the war, one-fourth of the entire army was killed and wounded; Mr. Megquier received a severe wound, and remained in the City of Mexico from the 25th of September, 1847, u;itil the 17th of December, 1847 ; was discharged Dec. 7, 1848, and left forborne Dec. 17 ; arrived in Washington, D. C, Jan. 5, 1848, where he received his pension certificate, signed by J. L. Edwards and W. L. Marcy, Secretary of War. He then returned home to his parents and, in 1857, emigrated West to Illinois, and settled in Livingston Co., near Oliver's Grove ; here he remained about two years engaged in farming, then to the village of Chatsworth, being the second family who settled in Chatsworth, Mr. T. Brockway and family being the first ; here Mr. Megquire has remained ever since, being engaged very extensively in the real estate business. Married, in 1857, to Miss Sarah H. Young, of Maine^jorn April 7, 1838 ; seven children - Charles F., born July 4, 1857 ; William N., born Dec. 17, 1858; Job H., born Nov. 14, 1860; Samuel F., born April 18, 1864; George F., born April 9, 1866; Henry Y., born Sept. 18, 1870; Edward E., born March 11, 1874. Mr. Megquier is a National Greeubaeker in politics, and a Universalist in religion. . MILO M. MILLER, farmer and broom manufacturer; P. 0. Chatsworth; was born in Adams, Berkshire Co., Mass., Nov. 15, 1830; son of Caleb and Nancy (Mitchell) Miller ; his father was a farmer here; Mr. Miller remained until he was 17 years old ; he then set out as a farm hand, working by the month for four years ; he then shipped on a whalin'.; vessel as a Bailor, which cruised on the Allan lic Ocean,

Gulf of Mexico and the west coast of Africa ; he remained in this business for two years, then on a merchant vessel for two yeai-s. He then enlisted in the United States Navy at New Orleans, La., on a United States man-of-war; was engaged in cruising on the Mediterranean Sea ; here he served about three years, then returned home, and in 1855, he came West to Chicago ; engaged a short time in tying brooms ; thence East ; returned West in 1856 to Marengo, McHenry Co., 111. ; here eighteen months, then to Chicago one year ; from there he went to Detroit, Mich. ; here two and half years, then to Livingston Co., 111.; in 1863, to Fairbury and Belle Prairie; engaged in farming ; he then came to Chatsworth Tp. and settled on the place he now lives on ; here he has settled down ; is engaged in the manufiicturing of brooms, and finds sale for them in the neighboring towns. Married June 4, 1857, to Miss Kate L. Rathbun, of New York ; three children. Republican in politics. Owns eighty acres of fine, improved land.

ARCHIBALD McMULLEN, farmer; P. 0. Strawn ; was born in Canada Jan. 21, 1836, and is the son of Archibald and Jane (Boyd) McMullen ; father was a farmer ; was killed by the falling of a tree ; when Mr. McMuUeu was very young, he set out in life, farming; in October, 1857, he left Canada and came to Illinois, and settled in La Salle Co. ; here he remained until 1868, engaged in farming; he then came to Livingston Co., and worked on C. R. Miller's farm for two years ; purchased eighty acres of land for S15.50 per acre; owns a farm of 160 acres. Is School Director. Married, March, 1866, to Miss Louisa Harman, of France ; five children. Is a Republican in politics; Presbyterian.

JOHN H. MARSHALL, farmer; P. 0. Chatsworth ; was born in Beaver Co., Penn., about 1840; his parents are Robert and Mariah (Chambers) Marshall ; his father was a st(me mason by trade ; in 1851, his parents emigrated to La Salle Co., 111.; here Mr. Marshall remained until 1869, engaged in farming ; he then came to Livingston Co., 111., and settled on the place he now lives on, which consists of eighty acres of land. Married, in 1869, to Miss Clara A. Howard, of Illi- nois, daughter of Clark Howard, who was among the first settlers of Farmington, 111. ; have three children. Mr. Marshall came to Livingston Co. with his brother, Wm. J. Is liberal in politics.

SAMUEL PATTON, machinis,t, Chatsworth ; was born in Brooke Co., Va., Sept. 3, 1833, and is the son of William and Snsana (Ramsey j Patton, of Virginia ; his father was a cooper by trade ; here Mr. Patton was engaged in helping his father, until he was 18 years old ; he then started to learn his trade, at blacksmithing, which he has followed throughout life, excepting at the breaking-out of the late war ; he enlisted in 1862 in Battery M, Artillery, and remained until the close of the war. Mr. Patton is one of the first settlers of Chatsworth, having made his home here in 1859, and erected the first blacksmith shop. He has taken out a patent on a corn-husker. Married, in 1861, to Miss Nellie Desmond, of New York.

DANIEL B. PUFFER, farmer ; P. 0. Chatsworth ; was born in Franklin Co., Mass., Sept. 2U, 1839, and is the son of Samuel S. and S. B. Pufier ; his father, Samuel S., was born in Franklin Co., Mass., Dec. 20, 1811 ; remained with his parents until he was 35 years of age ; at one time engaged in the manufacture of friction matches, one of the first in this business ; came West and settled in Putnam Co., 111., in 1846 ; then to Livingston Co., in April, 1865. Mr. Puffer remained with his parents, engaged in farming. In 1866, he married Miss Ellen Lamboarn, of England, by whom he had three children. Is a Republican in politics. Owns 160 acres of fine, improved land.

AMOS M. ROBERTS, merchant (of the firm of Roberts & Lantry. hardware and grocery), Chatswoith ; was born in Orange Co., N. Y., June 20, 1826, and is the son of Elijah and Jemima (Munn) Roberts ; his father, of Massachusetts, and a shoemaker by trade ; Mr. Roberts remained with his parents until he was 16 years of age ; he then commenced to learn the carpenter and joiner trade at Seneca Co., Ohio, having come to Ohio with his parents when about 8 years old ; he engaged in forming, at his trade and the saw-mill business in Ohio until 1860 ; he then came to Illinois and settled in Pleasant Ridge, and commenced farming here four years, then to Oliver's Grove ; here ten years, thence to Chatsworth and commenced the hardware business in company with D. J. Brigham ; in partnership with Mr. Brigham until 1877, when Mr. J. J. Lantry purchased one-half interest ; now Messrs. Roberts & Lantry, one of the leading hardware and grocery houses in Livingston Co.

FRANCIS M. ROBERTS, farmer; P. 0. Chatsworth; was born in Pike Co., 111., July 18, 1841, and is son of Ancel C. and Mary A (Green ) Roberts, who were among the early settlers of Pike Co., 111. ; his father, Ancel C, died May 6, 1870, age 60 years 5 months and 26 days ; mother, Mary A., died Oct. 27, 1870, age 51 years 7 months and 19 days; Mr. Roberts remained with his parents engaged in farming ; he went to Ohio and farmed in diff"erent parts of the State, in Pike, Huron, and Seneca Counties, Ohio; he then returned to Illinois and settled in Livingston Co. since then he has been engaged in planting hedge, grading roads and farm iug ; Mr. Roberts and his father planted the hedge fence and made improvements on the fine farm known now as the Buckingham farm. He is a Green backer in politics and a Universalist in belief Married in 1864, to IMiss Emma A. Titus ; six children.

ROBERT RUM BOLD, insurance and real estate agent, Chatsworth ; was born in Hampshire Co., England, July 23, 1831, and is the son of Joseph and Martha (Sherman) Rumbold, of England ; his father was a former ; Mr. 'Rumbold, in 1852, emigrated to America ; came West and settled in Kendall Co., 111. ; heie he remained about four years, engaged in farming ; he then came to Livingston Co., in 1856, and settled near Fairbury on a farm, and remained there until 1869, then to the place he now lives on (Chatsworth Tp.) and engaged in farming until 1871 ; he then engaged in the insurance and real estate business ; has held the office of Justice of the Peace, four years. Mr. Rumbold is a National Greenbacker in politics. He married in 1859, to Miss Sarah Osmond, of England ; having made the visit to England in 1859 for the purpose of marrying; have had five children, two deceased ; he owns eighty acres of fine improved land. In his insurance business he represents all of the old reliable insurance companies, ^Etna, of

Hartford ; Home, of New York ; Hartford, of Connecticut ; Continental, of New York ; German, of Peoria; Washington Life, of New York ; American Sentinel, of St. Louis, with cash assets of $21,637,893.

L. C. SPIECHER, wagon manufacturer, Chatsworth ; the subject of this sketch was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, Dec. 16, 1846, and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Gindlesperger ) S})iechor ; when very young, with his parents, moved to Peun.sylvania ; Mr. Spiecher's first business in life was to learn the blacksmith trade, in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio ; here he worked for §10 per month ; remained in Ohio about six years, then returned to Pennsylvania and engaged at his trade in diflerent parts of the State about ten years ; then to Virginia, in the United States service as a blacksmith ; here during the war ; thence to Michigan one year ; from there he came to Illinois, to Wilmington, then to Chatsworth in 1865 ; here Mr. Spiecher commenced the erection of his shops, which rank among the largest and best shops of Livingston Co ; the main building is 30x80, two stories high ; side shop 1 6x 40, and one building used for the storing of wagons and buggies ; with hard labor and good management, Mr. Spiecher ranks as one of the leading manufacturers of Livingston Co. ; his factory turns out wagons, carriages and buggies that for beauty of de-

1 sign and finish, are not excelled either East or West. Mr. Spiecher married, in 1861, to Miss Rebecca Sivits, of Pennsylvania, daughter of James Sivits ; six children -

ORANGE SANFORD, livery stable, Chatsworth ; was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., May 4, 1828, and is theson of Israel and Apliia (Lockwood) Sanford ; his father was a farmer, and emigrated West when Mr. Sanford was young, and settled in Hancock Co., 111. ; from here, they moved to McHenry Co., then to Grundy ; Mr. Sanford then came to Livingston Co. and settled in Five-Mile Grove, Pleasant Ridge Tp. ; here until 1859, then south of Chatsworth, in Ford Co. ; here about four years, then to Chatsworth, and in 1873, commenced the livery business ; keeps the best livery in Chatsworth, and has from twelve to fifteen head of stock, and top and open buggies and barouches on hand. Married, in 1850, to Miss Amanda L. Smith ; have two children.

JOSIAH H. SHAWL, former ; P. O. Chatsworth ; was born in Sandusky Co., Ohio, April 5, 1838 ; his parents are Michael and Ellen ( Bollass) Shawl ; his father was a farmer ; he remained on his father's farm until he was 23 years of age, engaged in farming ; then to Illinois, and settled in Bureau Co. ; owned a farm of 120 acres ; here he farmed for seven years ; he then came to Livingston Co. and settled in Chatsworth Tp., on the farm that he now lives on. Mr. Shawl married, in 1859, to Miss Mary R. Green, of Ohio, daughter of Chas. G. Green ; have three children. Is a member of the M. E. Church ; Republican in politics. Owns 211 acres of fine improved land.

HENRY B. SHEPHERD, farmer; P. 0. Chatsworth ; was born in Adams Co., Ohio, March 21, 1841 ; parents are Johnston and Mary (Henry) Shepherd ; his flither was a tanner by trade-, and worked in the tannery owned by Jesse Grant, father of Gen. U. S. Grant; in 1833, he came W^est and settled in Putnam Co., 111. ; died 1874 ; Mr. Shepherd's mother is now living with him ; in 1861, he came to Illinois and settled in Putnam Co. ; here he remained until 1869, engaged in farming; he then came to Livingston Co. and settled on the farm that he now owns, which consists of 160 acres. Married Hannah N. Husted, of Indiana ; four children. Is a Republican in politics and Presbyterian in reliiiion.

RICHARD M. SPURGIN, proprietor and editor Chutswurth Plaiiidealer, Chatsworth ; the subject of this sketch was born in Fleming Co., Ky., March 20, 1848, and is the son of Jeremiah and Miranda Spurgin ; Mr. Spurgin has been engaged in the printing business the last fifteen years ; he came to Chatsworth and entered partnership with John Colviii in the publication of the Chatsworth Flaindealer, which paper was first published by C. B. Holmes Nov. 1, 1873; January, 1877, Mr. Spurgin purchased the entire control of the paper, and commenced the publication of the paper alone ; with a firm and powerful will and the good business (jualifications that characterize its present publisher, the paper has been gradually brought to a firm, substantial basis, and may now be deemed as one of the leading papers of Livingston Co.; in connection with the newspape^ department, will attend to all kinds of job printing.

PETER SHROYER, coal merchant, Chatsworth ; was born in Greene Co., Penn., Oct. 2, 1821 ; is the son of David and Catherine Shroyer ; his father was a stock dealer ; when Mr. Shroyer was but 12 years of age, he left his home and started for Indiana, and settled in Wayne County ; here he hired out as a farm hand ; the first two years he worked for his board and clothing, with the understanding that he was to have three months out of each year to attend the district schools ; the third year he received $4 per month ; here he remained for five years; in 1838, he went to Newcastle, Ind., and worked in a steam saw-mill at $8 per month ; here for three years ; he then commenced to learn a trade - saddle and harness making ; here he served his apprenticeship for four years ; he then set out in traveling in different parts of the country ; in 1843, he visited Peoria, when there were but few houses there; in 1845, he returned to Newcastle and bought out the man he learned his trade with, and commenced business in Newcastle ; this business he continued until 1855 ; he then moved on a farm. In 1856, he was elected Sheriff of Henry County for two years; in 1858, was re-elected to same oflSce, and held office until 1860, in which office he acquitted himself in a very creditable and efficient manner. At the breaking-out of the late war, he enlisted in Co. F, 57th Ind. V. I., for three years ; was commissioned under Gov. Oliver P. Morton as First Lieutenant, and he participated in some of the hard-fought battles - Pittsburg Landing, where a victory was snatched from the jaws of death; Shiloh, etc. He returned home and commenced ihe mercantile business at Sulphur Springs, Ind., two years ; in 1865, he moved to Chatsworth; commenced the mercantile business ; in 1870, he commenced the coal business. Mr. Shroyer has held many offices of public trust ; at present, he is Justice of the Peace and School Director. Married in 1845 to Miss Mary Benbo, of Wayne Co., Ind., daughter of Edward Benbo ; eight children. Is a member of

WM. W. SEARS, real estate. Chatsworth ; was born in Livingston Co., N. Y. April 21, 1828, and is the son of Franklin and Elizabeth (Shadders) Sears ; his father was a shoemaker by trade ; here Mr. Seara set out to learn his trade as a shoemaker with his father; in October, 1857, he moved to Illinois and settled in El Paso Woodford Co. ; here he remained until 1865, engaged at his trade of shoemaking, then in the foundry business, then farming in McLean Co.; in 1865, he came to Chatsworth, where he has resided ever since. Has held various offices, both in El Paso and Chatsworth ; Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, etc. Democrat in politics. Married Sept. 27, 1855, to Miss Margaret Poorman, of New York, daughter of Jacob Poorman, by whom he has five children.

GEORGE TORRANCE, attorney at law, Chatsworth ; this gentleman is one of the best known attorneys of Livingston Co.; was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, May 15, 1847, and is the son of David and Mary (Kerns) Torrance; his father was a carpenter by trade ; Mr. Torrance remained with his parents until he was about 16 years of age ; here he received a common school education ; he first commenced the study of law in the office of Messrs. Fosdick & Wallace, and then with Mr. Wyman ; Jan. 3, 1875, he was admitted to practice law by the Supreme Court of Illinois, and ever since then Mr. Torrance has devoted his entire attention to his practice, which is extensive and lucrative and constantly growing. Some men pursue the law merely as a means of livelihood, just as they might engage in trade ; with Mr. Torrance, the law is part of his life ; his ambition is to distinguish himself in his chosen profession, and particularly as an advocate ; to this object he bends all his energies with the zest that marked his early studies ; he understands well the importance of thoroughness of preparation, and he never enters a court-room with a case without being thoroughly equipped for its presentation ; he studies it from both standpoints, and is as ready to meet and repel the arguments of opposing counsel as to press his own. It is this thoroughness that makes him ready for the most unexpected emergency that may arise in tho course of a trial ; and to his unwearied industry he owes much of his success, which is seldom equaled in the early career of lawyers. In politics Mr. ToiTance is a strong Republican ; is President of the temperance movement in Chatsworth, and a hard worker in the cause. Enlisted in the late war, Co. E, 149th I. V. I. Married, in 1869, to Miss Eliza Fenn, of Connecticut, by whom he has two children.

JAMES TURN BULL, farmer; P. 0. Chatsworth ; was born in the north part of Scotland Aug. 22, 1816, and is the son of William and Ellen (Robinson) Turnbull ; his father was a shepherd in the Highlands of Scotland ; here Mr. T. was engaged with his father until he was 1 6 years of age ; he then worked out as shepherd, and in 1850, with his wife and two children, emigrated to America ; landed in New York July 8, 1850 ; they first settled in Erie Co., N. Y., farming for four years ; then came West to Illinois, and settled in Bureau Co. ; here he remained until about 1864, then to Livingston Co., and settled in Chatsworth Tp.; he remained on the farm until 1877, when he moved on his present place, where he has retired from farming. When Mr. Turnbull first came to America he was worth about S300 ; he remained East four years ; not successful; he came West, and ever since has been successful in life ; owns 240 acres of fine, improved land. Republican in politics. Married Miss Agnes Quary, of Scotland, by whom he has sis children.

JOHN TIMM, lumber merchant, Chatsworth ; was born in Holstein, Germany, Aug. 14, 1838 ; sonof Jochim and Annie ( Stahl ) Timm, of Germany ; his father was a butcher ; here Mr. Timm worked with his father in this business until about 1850, when he emigrated to America and landed in New York City ; then West to Chicago, 111. ; here but a short time ; thence to Blue Island, 111. ; here his father and sister died with the cholera ; then to Will Co., 111. ; engaged in farming for four years; in 1861, he went to Mexico; here for- six months ; thence to California and Nevada ; engaged in butcher business ; returned to Illinois in 1864, and settled in Joliet ; here for three years in the butcher business; thence to Fairbury two years; thence to Chatsworth in 1869; in 1877,

JOHN A. TODD, farmer; P. 0. Chatsworth ; was born in RoWe, Mass., Aug. 29, 1840, and is the son of Wm. G. and Cynthia (^Gates ) Todd ; father was a cabinet maker by trade ; died when Mr. Todd was but six months old ; he remained on a farm with his mother until he was 14 years old ; came West to Illinois to Kane Co. ; here he remained but a short time, then East to Vermont ; engaged in a hospital in Brattleboro for eighteen months, then home in Massachusetts ; he then returned West and settled in Peoria, 111. ; engaged in farming, restaurant, etc., here until 1862, thence to Memphis, Tenn., clerking in a wholesale grocery house until 1865, then to Livingston Co., 111. ; from here he made a visit home, then to Peoria and Memphis ; in 1866, he returned to Livingston Co., and settled on the farm that he now lives on, which he had purchased - eighty acres - while in Peoria 1860. Mr. Todd married* Miss Sarah Ann Green ; six children, three living ; he owns to-day 150 acres of land. Is a Republican in politics.

CHAS. TRUE, M. D. ; Chatsworth ; was born in South Bend, Ind., Aug. 28, 1843 ; son of Glidden and Eliza (Lowery) True ; his father was a shoemaker by trade. Dr. True, at the begining of the late war, enlisted in the First Illinois Cavalry for three years as bugler of Co. K ; he served fourteen montks ; returned home to Prairie du Chion, where he entered a drug store as clerk ; here he commenced to study medicine ; thence to Rush Medical College of Chicago, where he graduated in the class of 1865 and 1866; he then went to Lansing, Iowa, where he commenced his first practice in medicine ; then to Chicago, where he remained until 1871 ; he th^n moved to Chatsworth and has been engaged in his profession ever since, and to-d;iy is one of the prominent M. D.'s of Livingston Co. Dr. True married, in 1865, to Miss Emlie Brisboys, of Wisconsin, daughter of B. W. Brisboys; three children.

bank was organized September, 1874, and owned by C. E. Anthony, C. M. Anthony, H. Denhart, R. B. M. Wilson and Chas. A. Wilson ; this bank continued business until 1877, when it dissolved and then organized as general banking house of C. A. Wilson & Co., whii!h ranks as one of the most solid and reliable banking houses of Livingston Co. Dr. R. B. M. Wilson, the senior member of C. A. Wilson & Co, now of Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., is a native of Ireland, having received all the honors at the medical school at Glasgow ; he emigrated to America ; today he is considered as one of the finest physicians of Illinois ; he is also a very extensive land owner ; at one time owned 20,000 acres of fine land ; he was one of the first land owners in Germantown Tp., Livingston Co. Mr. Wilson has placed his son, C. A. Wilson, at the head of the banking house, whose financial qualifications and cautious business character have caused him to rank as one of the most solid and reliable bankers of Livingston Co. Mr. J. E. Brown, the bookkeeper, is the son of Thos. Y. Brown, one of the first settlers of Livingston Co.

WILLIAM H. WAKELIN, merchant, Chatsworth ; was born in Warwickshire, England, June 29, 1847, and is the son of Thomas and Sarah (Whorral) Wakelin, of P]ngland ; his father was a baker by trade ; in 1859, he emigrated to America with his family, and landed in New York City ; came West to Illinois and settled in El Paso ; here engaged in speculating. M^. Wakelin remained in El Paso until 18G2 ; he then went to Chicago and remained until 18C6, engaged in the steam bakery business ; thence to Fairbury, Livingston Co., 111., and entered the bakery and grocery business, and in the Fall of 1869 sold out and moved to Chatsworth, where he commenced the flour and grocery business ; to-day Mr. Wakelin ranks as one of the most prominent business men of Chatsworth ; is a very prominent member of the Odd-Fellows and Mason societies. A member of the M. E. Church. Married, in 1872, to Miss Emma H. Mahannah, of Dixon, 111., daughter of J. A. Mahannah, by whom he has one child.

of the leading merchants of Chatsworth , was born in Boston, Mass., July 5, 1836, and is the son of Justin M. and Martha (Hannaford) VVyman ; his father was engaged in the cabinet making business; here Mr. Wyman remained until he was 20 years old ; he then came West to Illinois and settled in Chicago; here engaged in the hardware business for three years ; then to Onarga ; engaged in the general merchandising business for three years, thence in same business in Iroquois Co. for three years ; then to Chatsworth in 1875, and commenced the dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, clothing, gents' furnishing goods and carpets, etc. business; carries a stock valued about at $8,000.

JOHN WALTER, merchant, Chatsworth ; was born in Baden, Germany, Dec. 17, 1823, and is the sou of George and Barbara (Eungert) Walter, of Germany ; his father was a farmer by trade ; here Mr. Walter remained until he was 14 years of age ; he then set out and commenced to learn his trade at shoemaking ; after serving as an apprentice for three years , he traveled through Germany and Switzerland, working at his trade ; sailed for America on the ship Seina ; landed in New York March 14, 1851, taking fifty-six days to make the trip ; was in a very severe storm, the ship losing part of her rigging and leaking very badly ; had to work all pumps night and day to keep the vessel afloat ; be remained in New York about three years. While here he married, March 14, 1852, Miss Elizabeth Ruble, of Germany ; emigrated West to Illinois, and first settled in Kankakee, then to New Lisbon, Henry Co., Ind.; here nine years ; thence to Kankakee two years ; here he commenced to keep a general store, boots, shoes and dry goods ; in 1866, he came to Chatsworth and commenced business on a small capital; to-day he is one of the successful merchants of Chatsworth. When he first came to America he was very poor ; hard labor and good management have made him successful in life; thiee children - George (engaged in the bakery business at Chatsworth), Louis and Albert. Mr. Walter has one of the oldest Bibles in America, and very valuable ; was published in Zurich, Switzerland, by Christ olfel Kroschouer, March 16, 1536.

SAMUEL D. WEBSTER, retired, Chatsworth. The subject of this sketch is one of the best known and highly respected men of Livingston Co.; was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Sept. 8, 1811 ; his parents are Daniel and Jerushia (Goodrich) Webster; his father was a farmer; his father and mother died when he was very young ; he remained on the farm until he was 30 years old ; then set out in life, and was extensively engaged in contracting for the New York & Erie R. R.; here he was very unfortunate, and lost $15,000 ; he then returned home and sold his farm, and commenced the milling business ; this business he remained in for twelve years, and was very successful ; in 1861, he came west to Illinois and settled in Anriawan and commenced in the stock and grain business here for seven years ; he then came to Chatsworth in 1868, where he has been engaged in the stock and grain business, and also been very extensively engaged in loaning money and buying up delinquent taxes. Mr. Webster married, in 1848, to Elizabeth L. Lewis, of New York ; had but one child, who died when young.

HENRY WREDE, boots and shoes, Chatsworth ; is one of the oldest shoemakers of Chatsworth ; was born in Hanover, Germany, March 18, 1838 ; his parents are John H. and Louisa (Pape) Wrede, of Germany ; in 1858, with his parents, emigrated to America ; came West and settled in Cook Co., 111.; Mr. Wrede's first business in life was shoemaking ; this he has followed ever since ; he has been

I then to Kankakee, 111.; from there he came to Chatsworth in 1867, where he has been engaged in the boot and shoe business ever since ; he commenced life a poor boy, but with hard labor, industry and economy he ranks to-day as one of the .successful merchants of Chatsworth. He married, in Oct., 1866, to Miss M. Pfifer, of Germany ; have five children - August, Louisa, Matilda, Edward, Charles! Mr. Wrede is a member of the Evangelical Church.

JOHN YOUNG, merchant, Chatsworth. The subject of this sketch was born in Indiana Co., Penn., March 8, 1831 ; son of John and Margret (Hoffman) Young ; his father was a tailor by trade ; here Mr. Young, with his father, commenced to learn the tailoring bu-siness ; when he was very young, with his parents, moved to Ohio ; his first tailoring was in Woodstock, Ohio ; while here he married, in 1853, to Miss Malvina Smith, daughter of Dexter Smith ; he remained at Woodstock about twelve years, then to El Paso, 111.; here he carried on, besides his tailoring business, dry goods, and remained about six years ; then to Kansas ; not liking the country, he returned to Illinois, and settled in Chatsworth in 1 870 ; here he has been ever since, engaged in the general merchant business. Mr. Young started in life a poor boy, but with hard work he managed to save $75 cash ; he and his brother then started in business ; with good management, to-day is one of the successful merchants of Chatsworth.

Allan A. Burton, Ll. D.

(deceased), lawyer and farmer, Forrest. \ Judge Burton, whose portrait appears in , this work, was born in Garrard Co., Ky., I Feb. U, 1820 ; his father, Robert A. I Burton, was born in Garrard Co., Aug. I 25, 1798 ; his mother's maiden name was I Sallie. Williams, a native of North Carolina, and of a very noted fiimily; his father was a prominent man of his time. Judge Burton remained at home until he was U years of age, when he entered the County Academy, located at Lancaster,

Garrard Co.; here he remained three years ; his preceptor at Lancaster was John A. Rousseau, elder brother of Gen. Rousseau, who figured largely in the civil war ; at the age of 17, he entered the High School at Richmond, Ky., kept by the late Judge B. B. Meeker, of Minnesota, who was Judge of the United States Court, under the administration of Gen. Taylor ; at 19 years of age, he matriculated in Transylvania University, at Lexington, Ky., at that time under the presidency of Rev. H. B. Bascom, the finest pulpit orator of his day ; here he pursued a special course, looking to the preparation for the practice of law, at the same time reading law under the supervision of Gen. Leslie Combs; in

1842, he entered upon the practice of his chosen profession ; for twenty years he did a leading business at the bar in his own and adjoining counties, and in the Court of Appeals in Kentucky. The bar at Lancaster was an exceptionally strong bar, comprising in its list such legal advocates as Hon. Geo. E,. McKee, Hon. Geo. W. Dunlap, Hon. Joshua F. Bell, 'Squire Turner and others ; for many years, Mc- Kee, Dunlap, Bell, Turner and Judge Burton did the leading business throughout the entire section of country. In politics he was a Henry Clay Whig, of the anti-slavery type, although of a decided pro-slavery family, and co-operated with the Republican party from its earliest formation and long before the party had any regular organization in Kentucky ; he was hostile to the Mexican war, for the reason that it was causeless and wicked ; and the only time he was ever a candidate for office before the people, was in opposition to a returned Mexican Captain, who defeated him for a seat in the Legislature by a few votes; in 1849, in the election of delegates to frame the new Constitution of Kentucky, he made an active canvass, favoring the insertion of a clause of prospective emancipation ; in 1860, he was a delegate for the State of Kentucky to the Convention at Chicago, which nominated Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency, and was favorable to his nomination, and in the same year was an Elector lor the State at large, and made a very active canvass in support of Mr. Lincoln ; in April, following the inauguration of Lincoln, he was appointed a United States Judge in the Territory of Dakotah, and after accepting the appointment he signed it to aid in the loyal troops of Kentucky, in which work he was engaged until August, 1861. In the mean time, having been appointed United States Minister Resident to Bogota, in the United States of Colombia, he left precipitately for his post of duty ; his urgent duties for the time consisting in defeating the plans of a body of rebels from the United States who had assembled in the city of Panama for the purpose of seizing upon the treasure steamers sailing ' from San Francisco, and going out as Confederate cruisers ; in connection with Consul McKee and Commodore Shufeldt. then at Panama, he succeeded in capturing most of them, and sent them on board a Spanish ship of war to Fort Albatross, in San Francisco Bay ; he served six yearn as American Minister at Bogota ; on his return he resumed his practice at the bar, at Lancaster, also keeping up a law practice at Washington, D. C, until July 29, 1876, when he was stricken with paralysis in the left side ; this affliction completely cut him off from the active pursuits of life. The year after he came to the bar, he was appointed Criminal Judge by Gov. Letcher, of Kentucky, which office he held for a number of years. In January, 1871, under a resolution of Congress, President Grant sent a Commission consisting of the late Benjamin F. Wade, the late Samuel G. Howe, and Pres^ident Andrew D. White, and Judge Burton as Secretary and Interpreter, to the island of San Domingo, to make certain inquiries of the Dominican Government ; he discharged the duties of his office, and furnished a report of the Commission to the United States authorities. His library, of which a sketch may , be found in the body of this work, is the most complete and varied of any throughout this entire section ; he has also a largo collection of rare animals and birds and interesting relics, collected while in South America, and on the eastern continent. He was married Aug. 22, 1853, to Hattie Higgins,who died in France Dec. 8, 1872; his second marriage, to Lydia E. Francis, was celebrated Oct. 13, 1875. He owned 820 acres of land in Livingston Co. and 1,320 acres in Minnesota, all under a high state of cultivation ; his farm in Minnesota yielding 30,000 bushels of wheat in 1877. He received a second stroke of paralysis on the 9th of July, 1878, from the effects of which he died on the morning of the 13th. Starting in life a poor boy, he, by dint of industry and good management, left at his demise an estate variously estimated at from eighty to one hundred thousand dollars ; and now, at the close ot an active public life, his body rests in the beautiful cemetery near Lancaster, Ky.,

EDWARD BKOADHEAD. farmer, P. 0. Fornst; the subject of this sketch was born in Mancliester, Enjiland, July 2, 1827 ; in 1838, his fither came to America, and settled in Cincinnati ; soon after cominji;, he was lost sight of, and no word from him for many years reaching his family, he wus supposed to have died ; about the year 1855, word came back that he was still living, and in the same year, Edward, then a married man, accompanied by his eldest son, embarked for America, to find his father and prospect the country ; the favorable impression received in the New World, and thepmspect of one day gaining for himself and family a good home, induced him to remain, and the following year his father's family and his own, consisting of a wife and three children, joined them ; he first settled in Tazewell Co., and engaged in farm labor; in 1859, moved to McLean Co., near Danvers ; in the Spring of 1807, came to Livingston Co., and settled on the farm where he now livcs. Was married March 6, 1847, lo Nancy McDonald, a native of England ; has seven children - William, John, Mary J., Joseph, George, Cornelia and Lavina ; owns 160 acres. He is a Methodist, and in politics a Republican. The years of his early manhood were spent in the machine shops of Manchester, in which wa.s manufactured machinery for the production of cotton and silk fabrics ; 2,000 hands were often employed in these shops. He is to-day ranked among the successful farmers of Living-stou Co.

LUCIAN BULLARD, Postmaster and Notary Public, Forrest; born in St. Lawrence, N. Y., Oct. 31, '1831; in the Fall of 184-4, he came with the family to Bureau Co., 111. ; after the death of his father, in 1847, he and the family purchased eighty acres of land from the Government, at $1.25 per acfe ; this he improved, remaining at home until 1853, when he entered the Academy at Granville; in 1854, he entered the Preparatory Department of Knox College, at that time under the presidency of Rev. Dr. Blanchard, now of Wheaton College ; here he remained but a short time, and then engaged in teaching; in 1854 or 1855, he began the study of medicine, at Victoria, Knox

Co., prosecuting it for a term of nine months, when, on account of ill-health, he abandoned it and returned to the farm ; at a later period, he again entered upon the study of his chosen profession, but finally abandoned it for want of health ; he next engaged at the cabinet-making business for three years, and again returned to the farm ; in 18G4, lie disposed of his land in Bureau Co., and, in 1865, moved to Living.ston Co., purcha.sing the S. W. ', , Sec. 34, T. 27; in 1866, moved to the village of Forrest; in April, 1875, was appointed Postmaster under Gen. Grant's administration, and has been continued in oflSce ever since ; in connection with the ofiice, he keeps a full line of books, periodicals and stationery; in 1870, he was commissioned Notary Public by Gov. John M. Palmer, and was re- commissioned Sept. 28, 1874, by Gov. John L. Beveridge. He was married Dec. 31, 1861, to Lizzie Clement, of Bureau Co. ; has two children - Nettie and Nerva. He is a Republican, and was elected to the Legislature in 1872, to represent the 18th District; has held the ofiice of Justice of the Peace three or four years ; has been Supervisor and Township Assessor for the past seven or eight year? ; has been Township Treasurer for the past three years ; in all these offices of responsibility and trust, he has faithfully discharged his duties, and no breath of su.spicion has ever been raised against his uprightness and moral integrity. . ALBERT CORDING, tnerchant, P. 0. Norman; was born in Somersetshire, England, June 24, 1843; he emigrated to America in Sept., 1872, and located in Chicago, as bookkeeper for Geo. Ross & Co., wholesale grocers; he remained in Chicago about two years, not, hoAvever, in the employ of the same firm during the whole period ; in January, 1875, he located at Norman, Livingston Co., and engaged in the dry goods and grocery business for himself. He was married in May, 1875, to Ida J. Seaton, a native of Illinois ; has one child - George E. Is a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics a Republican. Mr. Cording does a thriving business in his line, and has gained an enviable reputation for honesty and fair dealing ; in addition to his labors as proprietor and salesman in his store, he has charge of the post ofiice of the village.

WILLIAM P. COOK, farmer; P. 0. ! Forrest ; was born near Tetford, Lincoln- i shire, England, Feb. 14, 1819; in the j Spring of 1852, in company with an elder brother, he emigrated to America and settled near Attica, Fountain Co., Ind.; in the Fall of 1860, he removed to Illinois and settled in McLean Co., west of Bloomington ; in the Spring of 1866, he came to Livingston Co. and purchased the farm en which he now resides. Was married March, 1857, to Mary Ships, a native of ; Hardy Co.,W.Va.; has had four children - Albert E. and Carvosso W., living; Moses and Aaron (twins), dead. Owns 80 acres of land. Republican; M. E. Church. Has held the office of School Director for six years. His chances for acquiring an education have been quite limited, but by industry and perseverance since he came to America, he has procured tlii-ough his own exertions a fair knowledge of the fundamental rules of arithmetic, and is an average scholar in reading and writing ; he is a successful farmer, and is a man highly esteemed by his neighbors for his many noble qualities.

DANIEL DUCKETT, physician ; Forrest; born near Wedmore, Somersetshire, England, Jan. 16, 1834; left home at the age of 12 years, and worked at the dairy business ; for a few succeeding years, he engaged in farming and carpentering; in 1853 he emigrated to America, and first settled in Marcellus, N. Y.; here he remained one and a half years, working at his trade ; in the Fall of 1855, he came to Illinois and stopped in Whitefield Tp., Marshall Co., and attended school during the Winter; the following Summer he located in Henry, and again worked at his trade; in the Spring of 1857, he went to Chicago and attended the common schools one year; in January, 1858, he entered the High school, which he attended three or four years; in 1862, entered upon the study of medicine ; his tutor was Prof J. H. Hollister, of Chicago Medical College (then known as the Medical Department of Linn University^ ; during the time he was attending school he also acted in the capacity of carrier for the Chicago Journal^ at first receiving $2.50 per week ; by an arrangement afterward made he was enabled to make from five to ten dollars per week; he graduated in March, 1865; immediately after graduating he went to Louisville, Ky., where he was examined by the Board of Surgeons, and having passed a satisfactory examination, was sent to the Purveyor at Knoxville, Tenn., and by him was sent into the field as Assistant Surgeon in the U. S. Army ; he remained with the forces actively engaged until Sept., 1865, at which date he was mustered out of the service. In the Winter of 1865, he returned on a visit to England; he returned to America in the Spring of 1867, and located in Forrest in September following, and entered upon the practice of his profession ; in the disastrous fire which occurred in Dec, 1872, Dr. Duckett was among the unfortunate ; his drug store was wholly destroyed, entailing upon him a loss of $4,000, with only an insurance for $1,000. He was married to Emma Norman, a native of Somersetshire, England ; has had three children, two living, one dead - Norman A., Franklin W., and Edith May. Republican ; attends the Congregational Church. Is proprietor of the only drug store in town ; owns 240 acres of land. Dr. Duckett is the oldest established practitioner in the village, and is recognized by the medical fraternity as ' a man of fine ability, thoroughly fitted and well adapted to his profession ; his experience has been large and varied in the practice of his profession ; in the treatment of disease and in the performance of surgical operations he stands at the head of his profession ; his practice is large and ' remunerative.

FRED DUCKETT, druggist, Forrest ; was born in Wedmore, Somersetshire, England, Nov. 10, 1840 ; at the age of 14 he emigrated to America and settled at Marcellus, Onondaga Co., N. Y.; here he engaged in farm work, receiving $4 per month; he next located in Oswego Co., N. Y.; after a short sojourn he came West to Marshall Co., 111., thence to Peoria Co., with the intention of studying surveying under the supervision of County Surveyor D. B. Allen ; unforeseen events, however, prohibited him from prosecuting the desired work ; here he remained until the I breaking out of the civil war; June 6, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, 11th I. V. C, Col. Robt. G. Ingersoll, commanding ; was in the service three years and four months ; participated in the battles of Lexington,

Tenn., Parker ^ Cross Roads, Jackson, Tonn., Bolivar, and manj others of less note ; he was discharged for promotion Dec. 31, 1865, and promoted to Second Lieu- , tenantcy ; at the close of the war he returned to Peoria Co. and engaged in the nursery business ; this he still runs in connection with his clerkship in the store; in 1867, came to Forrest. Was married Feb. 19, 18GC), to Mary E. Munhall, a

Jennie S., Arthur F., Jesse S., Willie and May ; the eldest child died in infancy. Republican. Methodist. Owns 80 acres in Kansas, near Emporia. Has held the office of Township Collector two terms ; has been a member of the village council two or three different times.

ALBERT DAVIS, farmer; P. 0. Strawn ; was born in Delaware Co., Ohio, Ajiril 14, 1836; in 1840, became with his i fatlier's family to Illinois and settled in Mar- j shallCounty ; in 1860, he moved to Livingston County and settled on the southeast quarter of Sec. 34, where he now resides. He was married March 18, 1858, to Emily Malone, a native of Ohio ; has seven children - Elma. Laura A., Katie M., William S., Minnie, Charles D. and Elmer. Owns 160 acres, valued at $3,000. Democrat. Has held the office of School Director, No man in his community outranks Mr. Davis in successful farming ; his neatly dressed farm, his desirable residence, with its pleasant surroundings, impress one with the fact that he is a thoroughgoing man ; he enters upon every undertaking with a purpose to succeed, and failure has no place assigned to it in his dictionary.

SPRINGER DIXON, farmer; P.O. Norman ; was born in Fayette Co., Penn., March 1, 1833; in the Winter of 1854, he removed to Davenport, Iowa, and in the Spring of 1857, came to Putnam Co., 111., and settled near Magnolia; in 1861, he moved to La Salle County ; in 1860, came to Livingston County; in 1870, settled on the northeast quarter of Section 34, where he now lives. He was married in 1 855 to Mary A. Sampey, a native of Pennsylvania ; has. seven children - Charlie, Lincoln, George, James, Sullen, Elizabeth and Rose. He owns 160 acres, worth $5(1 per acre. RepuV)lican ; member of the M. E. Church. Has held the office of Road Commissioner and School Director.

ROBERT V. DOWNING, farmer; P. 0. Str iwn ; the subject of this sketch was born in Chester Co., Penn., Jan. 22, 1832 ; he remained with his parents until his majority ; the years of his early manhood were spent in teaching and clerking ; in addition to his common school education, he was a student for about one year at the University of l,e\visburg ; in 1854, he came West and settled in La Salle ; here moved to Livingston County and purchased the southeast quarter of Sec. 25, Forrest Township ; in 1867, moved to bis present home. He was married Sept. 25, 1857, to Lydia Hartshorn, a native of New York State ; has eight children - Wm. F., Sarah, Charles H., Robert V., Jr., Mary, Albert C, Ella and an infant son. Owns 160 acres. Republican ; Methodist. Mr. Downing is a man possessed of fine social qualities, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends. Has held the office of

JOHN _ L. DELATOUR, merc])ant, Forrest ; born in Platteville, Wis., Sept. 18, 1852 ; is the son of J. J. and S. J. Delatour ; in 1857, removed with his parents to Granville, Putnam Co., 111. ; in 1865, his father moved to Aurora, Kane Co., 111. ; here John attended the schools until 1869, when he entered the employ of C. H. Reeves, dealer in ready-made clothing, as clerk; in 1870, he clerked for S. Felsenheld, also a clothing merchant ; in March, 1871, he came to Forrest and engaged in the capacity of clerk for J. H. Earl ; with him he continued until Dec. 23, 1872, at which time a disastrous fire occurred, which destroyed the store of his employer, and, indeed, the whole business poi'tion of the village; March 5, 1873, he bought T. J. Kerr's interest in the firm of Kerr & Hinman, and thus became a member of the present firm of Hinnuin & Delatour. He was married Nov. 28, 1874, to Maggie J. Wallace, of Forrest ; has one child - Albert AV., born April 29, 1876. Republican. Is a member of the City Council, and is a very popular business man ; has a pleasing address, and is dcservedlv popular as a salesman.

STEPHEN A. DUNHAM, M. D., Forrest; was born in AVashburn, Marshall Co., Ill, July 12, 1851 ; is the son of Kbenezer and Catharine (Sweet) Dunham ; he re- mained at home until 19 years of age, attending school in Winter and assisting on the farm during Summer ; on leaving home, he entered the High School at Chenoa, McLean Co. ; here he remained one year ; he next engaged in teaching at La Rose, Marshall Co., continuing one year and a half, and at the same time prosecuting the study of law ; at the close of a year's study, feeling that he lacked some of the elements that go to make up a successful pleader at the bar, he abandoned the further study of the law for that of medicine ; in the Fall of 1869, he began the study of medicine with Dr. Banta, of Chenoa, preparatory to entering upon a full course in College ; in the Fall of 1872, he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College. New York, completing a full course and graduating with honor March 1, 1875 ; during the last year of his college course he practiced largely in what is termed the out-door practice ; soon after leaving college he located at Forrest, his present home, and by industry and close attention to business has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice ; having thoroughly prepared himself for his chosen life-work, he has met with gratifying success, both in the practice of medicine and in the operations of surgery. He is a gentleman of pleasing address and of fine social qualities, and bids fair to make his mark in the front ranks of his profession.

STEPHEN A. HOYT, grain, lumber and stock merchant, Forrest ; the subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in another part of the work, was born in Saugerties, N. Y., July 27, 1834; he is the eldest son of E. C. and Amelia (Myerj Hoyt ; he remained at home, attending school most of the time, till the age of 17, when he went to Kingston and engaged in learning the carjjenter's trade ; here he remained three years ; he then returned to Saugerties and worked at his trade ; in the year 1855, he was deprived of his mother by death, and the following year, of his father ; the cares of the family devolved upon him ; in August, 1857, he came West, seeking a better field for plying his trade ; a kit of tools and S49 in money comprised his earthly wealth ; he stopped a short time in Prairie du Chien, Wis, then came to Bloomington, McLean Co., and remained until April, 1858 ; he next located at Eureka, Woodford Co. ; here he remained till the breaking-out of the civil war. In April, 1 861, he enlisted in Capt. 0. A. Burgess' Co. Gr, 17th I. V. L, under command of Col. Leonard F. Ross ; he remained in the service three years ; was actively engaged in the important battles of Fort Donelson and Pittsbura: Landing - having received a wound in his left arm in the last-mentioned battle, he was detailed for duty in the Signal Corps ; in this service he remained but a few months, when he was assigned to duty as clerk in the Provost Marshal Greneral's office. Department of Tennessee, Gen. Grant commanding ; at the formation of the Military Division of the Mississippi, composed of the Departments of Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio, he was assigned to duty at Nashville, Gen. Grant's headquarters ; here he remained in the performance of his duties until Grant was made Lieutenant General of the U. S. firces and was transferred to the Potomac, when, his term of enlistment having expired, he was discharged from the service in June, 1864 ; he returned to Eureka and remained about one and a half years. He was married Oct. 3, 1865, to Rutilia Gillum, a native of La Fayette, Christian Co., Ky. ; soon after marriage he settled at Forrest, Livingston Co., and engaged in the lumber trade; Forrest at that time was almost without a beginning, and thousands of the broad, fertile acres by which it is surrounded were wild, unbroken prairie ; soon permanent settlements began to be made, and his trade in lumber became almost limitless, always yielding him a handsome profit ; in 1869, he formed a partnership with E. P. Beebe in the handling of grain ; to-day they have the reputation of handling a better grade of corn than any firm along the line of the T. P. & W. Railroad ; they obtain the highest market price for all shipments ; their elevator is perfect in all its appointments, enabling them to handle 300,000 bushels during the season, with the aid of three men. He has held the ofiice of J. P., School Director, School Trustee ; at present holds the office of Supervisor. Republican ; Christian. Owns 320 acres of land in Livingston Co., and 1 60 acres oear ^Vichita, Kansas ; also owns considerable town property in Forrest; to no one man, perhaps, is Forrest more indebted for her prosperity and success in her varied enterprises than to Mr. Hoyt, and to no one do her citizens and those of the surrounding country point with a juster pride as a model business man, one wlio is strictly honest and upiiirht in all his dealings, than to him.

JAxMES B. HINMAN, merchant, Forrest ; born in Chenango Co., N. Y., Nov. U5, 1846 ; is the son of James and Martha E. Hinnian ; at the age of 3 years,, he went to live with a cousin of his father's; remained with him eight years, farming during the Summer, and attending school during the Winter ; in 1858, he went to live with a Mr. Bennett ; remained for a period of four years. January, 18()4, enlisted in Co. L, 22d N. Y. Cavalry, under command of Col. Sam. J. Crook ; remained in the United States service about nineteen months; participated in the battle of Cedar Creek, in the Shenandoah Valley, in which battle he was taken prisoner ; was confined in Libby Prison one month, and afterward in Salisbury, N. C., three months ; immediately after the capture of Wilmington, N. C, he was paroled, and just before the assassination of President Lincoln, was exchanged ; he returned home and was stricken down with disease, the seeds of which, no doubt, were sown by exposure and hardships (if prison life; after eight weeks' confinement, he started for Annapolis, Md., to be mustered out, but was detained by spet'ial order at Elmira, N. Y., until July 31, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge. In Oct., 1865, he came to Lawn Ridge, Marshall Co., 111., and entered the employ of S. & W. H. Cornell, as clerk ; here he remained until the Fall of 1869, when became to Forrest, Livingston Co., and entered the store of John H. Earl, as clerk ; at the expiration of two years, he formed a partnership with T. J. Kerr, under the firm name of Kerr & Hinman ; Mr. Kerr retired the following Spring, and the firm of Hinman & Delatour was formed. Was married Dec. 16, 1868, to Ella Blood, of Stark Co., 111. ; one child - Guy Bertrand, born Jan. 9, 1872. Republican ; Congregationalist. Has held the office of Town Clerk, and at present is Town Trustee. The firm of Hinman & Delatour is the leading firm of the village ; a full and complete stock of dry goods and groceries can be found in their rooms at all times.

AMIEL HARMON, farmer, P. O. Strawn ; was born in Alsace, France, Feb. 2, 1842; in 1851, he emigrated to America, and settled in La Salle Co., 111., near Ottawa. Sept. 9, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 4th 1. V. C. Feb. 18, 1866, he was discharged, having been in the service over four years ; he participated in the battles of Columbus, Fort Henry, sieore of Vicksburg, and many others of less importance ; in 1865, his regiment was consolidated with the 12th Illinois, and he was assigned to Co. M ; he was wounded in the thigh, and carries a minie ball in his hip to-day. Was married Sept. 27, 1866, to Mary E. Cashion, a native of Ireland ; has six children - Addie, Albert J., Joseph H., Louie H., Charles B. and Harry. Democrat; is a member of the Catholic Church. Owns 160 acres ; Mr. Harmon is a thrifty, industrious, go-ahead farmer.

BEN. MAJOR, farmer, P. 0. Strawn ; the subject of this sketch was born near Eureka, Woodford Co., 111., June 4, 1854; he is the son of William and Elizabeth (Dickinson) Major, and grandson of Ben. Major who figures prominently in the early history of Woodfurd Co. ; he remained with his parents until 22 years of age ; besides his attendance upon the public schools, he was a student in Eureka College, about j two years ; in April, 1876, he moved to Livingston Co., and settled on the southwest quarter of Sec. 36; he owns 160 aores, and has a large part of it in a good state of cultivation. He is unmarried, but it is thought by many of his intimate friends that he will not be able much longer to ! withstand Cupid's shafts. He is a stanch Republican, and was raised under the influence of the Christian Church ; his prospects for becoming one of the leading men of his counnunity at no distant day are flattering.

land owner, he farms extensively, his present average of corn being near 125 acres ; being energetic and prudent in the management of his affairs, he bids fair to rival his neighbors at no distant day in the possession of the rich, broad acres of fertile prairie surrounding him.

ROBERT MONTGOMERY, farmer; P. 0. Forrest; was born near Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland, May 21, 1832 ; at the age of 24 years he immigrated to America and, on arrival, stopped for a short time in Chicago ; he first located in Oneida, Knox Co., 111. ; Jan., 1858, he removed to Paterson, N. J.; in the Fall of 18G1, returned to Oneida, and in the Fall of 1868, went again to Paterson ; Fall of 1864, located for the third time in Oneida ; during these years he worked at his trade, that of tinner and coppersmith ; while residing at Paterson, N. J., he was employed in the shops of the Erie Railroad ; in the Fall of 1868, he located near the present town of Forrest, on the farm which he now owns. He was married April 2, 1868, to Maggie Norwood, a native of Patterson, N. J. ; has two children - Thomas J. and William J. Republican ; Presbyterian. Owns eighty acres in Sec. 22, worth $50 per acre.

RICHARD E. NORMAN, farmer and stock dealer ; P. 0. Forrest ; the subject of this sketch was born near Taunton, Somersetshu-e, Eng., May 7, 1836 ; he immigrated with his father's family to Canada in 1858, and settled near Hamilton, Wentworth Co. ; in 1864, he settled in Livingston Co., 111., on the farm where he now resides. He was married March 26, 1861, to Mary C. Graham, a native of Canada ; no children. Methodist. Takes no part in politics. To no one man is Forrest Township as much indebted for the introduction of a high grade of first-class horses, sheep and hogs, as to Mr. Norman ; his thoroughbred Clydesdale horses stand unrivalled throughout this entire region ; in the quality of hogs and sheep, he stands first in the front rank. In the formation of the Fairbury Agricultural Board, which was organized Jan. 26, 1876, he took a very active part, and for two years was a Director. Owns 140 acres, worth $50 per acre. His fine social qualities and those of his most excellent wife make his house a most desijiable resort for social entertainment.

WILLIAM NORMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Norman ; the subject of this sketch was born near Taunton, Somersetshire, Eng., Dec. 2, 1838 ; in 1858, he immigrated to Canada and settled near Hamilton, Wentworth Co.; in 1864, came to Livingston Co., 111., and settled on the farm where he now resides. He was married in 1872, to Lucy Cording, a native of England; has two children - Melony B. and William V. Owns 180 acres, valued at S9,000. Mr. Norman, so far, has not participated in the politics of the country, preferring to let the native-born citizens shape the policy and direction of the Government. He is a very successful farmer, and is held in high esteem throughout the section of country in which he resides. His residence, with its pleasing surroundings, occupying a high rise of ground, can be seen for miles in almost any and every direction ; not a more eligible location can be found in the county.

JOHN R. V. NORMAN, farmer; P. 0. Norman ; the subject of this sketch was bora near Stolford, Somersetshire, Eng., July 2, 1832 ; he emigrated to America n the Fall of 1856, and settled in Macoupin Co., 111., near Brighton ; in 1858, went to Canada and settled there ; remained six years, and in 1864, returned to Illinois and settled in Livingston Co. ; in 1870, he located on the farm on which he now resides. He was married in March, 1874, to Mary O'Loane, a native of Canada ; has four children - Elizabeth, Annie, Richard W. and John J. O'L. Owns 160 acres, worth $8,000. Methodist. Like his younger brothers, he has as yet taken no part in American politics, but holds hi* allegiance to the British Crown. He owns the only store building in Norman, and is largely engaged in buying and shipping grain from that point. He stands in the front rank as one of the leading and successful farmers of his vicinity.

RISDON M. ODELL, Agent T., P. & W. R. R., Forrest ; was burn in Hendricks Co., Ind., May 11, 1844; in 1849, his father moved to Illinois, and settled in Adams Co. ; he worked on farm Summers and attended school Winters ; in 1854, having lost his mother, his father broke up houskeeping, and Risdon M., to use his own expressive language, " lived around " for several years ; in August, 1862, enlisted in Co. G. 78th Regiment 111. Vol.

Inf., and served till the close of the war; was in the important battles of Chickainaiiga, Lookout Mountain, with Sherman in the Ciunpaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and in his march to the sea ; was in the grand review at Richmond the day he was 21 years of age ; was also present in the grand review at Washington. On his return from the army, he entered college at Fulton, Whiteside Co., an institution for the education of soldiers ; attended one year and engaged in teaching school ; in 1870. lie entered Quincy College and took a commercial course; afterward taught penmanship in Bryant & Stratton's Business College, located at Quincy ; in the Fall of 1871, engaged in the mercantile business at Camp Point, Adams Co.; in 1873, learned the art of telegraphy on the C, B. <fe Q. R. R., and in 1874, was appointed Agent and Operator at Basco Station, on the same road ; remained one year, and then taught a select school at Bushnell ; in 1875, was appointed Operator on the T., F. & W. R. R. at Sheldon, and in the Winter of 1876, was sent to Forrest, as Agent and Operator on the same road, which position he now holds. He was married Sept. 28, 1871, to Matilda Crum, a native of Haverstraw, N. Y. Republican.

James And John C. Porch

JAMES AND JOHN C. PORCH, hardware and machinery, Forrest ; John C, junior partner, was born in Somersetshire, Eng., March 17, 1839 ; his jiarents emigrated to America in 1848, and settled in Kenosha Co., Wis.; here he assisted in farming, attending district school during the Winter, until 1851, when his parents removed to Mesapotamia, Trumbull Co., Ohio; in 1852, they removed to Andover, Ashtabula Co., Ind.; in 185G, he left home and went to Youngstown, Mahoning Co., to learn the tinner's trade ; having served his apprenticeship three years, in 1859 he started out for himself in life; he worked a short time at Columbus, Penn.; Youngstown, Ohio; Warren, Ohio; West Greenville, Penn.; at Franklin, Penn., he remained three years ; in 1865, he went to Jamestown, Penn., and in connection with his brother, carried on shop two years ; after leaving Jamestown, he located again at Franklin, Penn., and remained one year ; in 1868, came to Indiana, and opened a tin shop at Tippe-

1 canoe Battle Ground ; here he remained about one year and a half; in 1870, came to Chebanse, 111., and remained five years ; in 1875, he worked in Robertson, Ford Co., 111., and during 1876 and 1877, in Donovan, Iroquois Co., 111.; in September, 1877, located at Forrest, Livingston Co., his present home. He was mamed, Dec. 1, 1865, to Anna Evans, a native of Franklin, Penn. ; ha.s four children - William F., Frank R., Maud A. and John S. Republican ; is inclined to the Episcopal Church. Ill connection with his

I THOMAS B. RILEY, farmer ; P. 0. Forrest; was born in New Albany, Ind., Jan. 26,1836; theyears of his early manhood he devoted to the work of carpentering, passing the Winters in the Southern States of Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee; the Summers, in the States of Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. In December. 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, 59th Regt. Ind. Inf ; was commissioned First Lieutenant of the Company ; participated in the siege of Vicksburg, battle of Missionary Ridge and others of less note; in October, 1864, he was discharged from the service, his resignation, on the Surgeon's certificate, having been accepted ; in May, 1865, he settled in Livingston Co., on his present farm. In February, 1864, he was mar ried to Elizabeth Hildenger, a native of Pittsburgh, Penn. ; has three children - Carrie E., John F. and Thomas E. Owns 120 acres, worth $6,000; Mr. Riley is a successful and enterprising farmer. In politics, he is a Republican ; he is also a faithtiil and liberal member of the Congre-

I J. W. SHEDD, farmer ; P. 0. Forrest ; was born in Sullivan Co., New Hampshire, Aug. 4, 1817; at 14 years of age he attended a select school at Hopkington, N. Y. , kept by Prof. Ballard ; remained here two years; in 1834, he entered the Scientific Military School at Unity, N. H.; at the age of 19, matriculated in Norwich University, Vt. ; at the age of 21, the celebrated Lorenzo Dow ; for several years he was engaged in teaching in various localities, East, South and West ; in August, 1847, he came to La Salle Co., 111., and engaged as a farm hand to N. M. Letts, at $12 per month; with him he remained five years ; when he set in to work he had but fifty cents capital to go on ; in the five years he saved enough to purchase eighty acres of land and pay nearly all the purchase money down ; in 1852, he went upon his own farm; in 1865, came to Livingston Co., and purchased 160 acres in Pleasant Ridge Tp., which he still owns. He was married, in 1849, to Sarah S. Jenks, a native of Bradford Co., Penn. ; has one child - Emily. Republican ; Restorationist. Mr. Shedd is a ripe scholar, and is possessed of fine social qualities.

PETER SOMERS, farmer; P. 0. Norman ; was born in Westmaid Co., Ireland, June 23, 1815; at an early age he made his home with his grandparents ; he emigrated to America in 1835; on reaching the American shores he found himself in a strange land with only half a dollar in his pocket ; some of his little means on hand when starting he loaned to fellow passengers, and never received back again ; immediately on landing, he set about laboring to h^upply his daily wants; in 1836 he settled in Cambray Co., Penn., and engaged in farming ; here he remained from 1836 till March, 1867, when he came to Livingston Co., 111., and located on Sec. 20, Forrest Tp., renting one and one-half acres ; in the mean time he made improvements on Sec. 32, on which he now resides, and which he had purchased at the time of coming West, and in the latter part of 1868 moved to his own farm. He was married first in July, 1842, to Mary A. McAteer, of Pennsylvania, who died in 1859 ; he was married a second time, Sept. 18, 1860, to Elizabeth Kearns, also a native of Pennsylvania ; has seven children from first wedlock, and two from second ; five living and two dead ; owns 480 acres. Democrat ; Roman Catholic, but is very liberal, and is highly esteemed in the vicinity in which he resides and throughout the township.

age of 16, he attended school at Washington two or three Winters ; at 20 years of age attended the High school in Winsted one year and a half; he worked in the woolen factory both in Winsted and Woodbury ; in the Spring of 1848 came to Augusta, Va., and engaged in teaching school three years. June 9, 1852, was married to Mary E. Coyner, of Virginia ; in 1855, with his family, a wife and two children, came West and settled in McLean Co., 111., near Danvers ; in 1865 came to Livingston Co., and settled on the farm on which he now resides ; owns a fine farm of 178 acres, valued at $50 per acre ; has had twelve children - Julia B. (now Mrs. Charles Sherrill), Mary PI (deceased), William A., Lucy M., Fannie B., Howard P., Ethel B., Coyner C, Frank E. B., Gertrude L., Mabel L. and an infant son. Republican; Congregationalist. Has held the office of Supervisor seven years ; Township Treasurer, seven years ; School Trustee and School Director. During residence in McLean Co., was Assessor six years and Supervisor one year. The antecedents of Mr. Smith were noted for their longevity ; his great grandfather settled in New Haven Colony as early as 1771 or '72 ; in 1773 he moved to Washington, Litchfield Co., and reared a family of ten children, the aggregate sum of whose ages at the decease of the last member was over 900 years ; the average age at date of decease was 82 years, 3 months and 20 days ; his father lived to the age of 76 years ; his mother still lives, hale and hearty, having attained to the ripe age of 77 years ; in September, 1873, Mr. Smith attended the Centennial gathering of his family at the old homestead in Connecticut ; about one hundred and fifty of the immediate descendants were present; of his greatgrandfather's descendants, about two hundred and twenty five were known to be living.

JAMES SNYDER, farmer ; P. 0. Forrest ; was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1849 ; at the age of 16, he came West and settled in La Salle Co. ; in 1869, came to Livingston Co., and engaged in laboring on the farm where he now resides. Was married Jan. 22, 1873, to Bridget Cooley, a native of Ireland ; has two children - Freddie and Mary. Democrat; Catholic. Though not a real estate owner at present, he is a thrifty, enterprising, money-making husbandman ; he has the im- I mediate supervision of a section of land, i and is largely engaged in raising hogs, cattle and horses ; in tlio quality of his cattle, he is not behind his neighbors, having thoroughbreds of the best grade ; doubt- ' less, ere long he will be one of the solid real estate owners of the county, as he is now ; one of the safe traders. He is genial and social in his manners, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends for his many good (lualities.

REV. DANA SHERRILL, A. M., Pastor Congregational Church, Forrest ; was born in Lisbon, Kendall Co., 111., June 5, 1842 ; is the son of Lewis and Emeline Sherrill ; in the Summer of 185'J, he entered the Preparatory Department of Beloit College, Wis., and remained about eighteen months; in April, 18()1, he enlisted in the three-months, service, but the company was not accepted ; July 2, 18G1, enlisted in Co. D, 36th regiment 111. Vol. Inf ; was mustered out of the service Oct. 21, 1804 ; participated in the important battles of Pea Ridge, Ark., siege of Corinth, Miss., Perryville, Stone River, Cbickamauga and others ; held the position of Forage Master during most of the Atlanta campaign, first of a division and finally of a corps ; re-entered Beloit College Jan., 1865, and completed a full classical course in 1870 ; in the Fall of 1870, entered upon a course of study in the Chicago Theological Seminary ; graduated in April, 1873; in May, 1871, was licensed by the Association at Aurora, and in November following began preaching for the church at Forrest each alternate Sabbath ; during 1874 he ministered to the church at Forrest and Chebanse ; was ordained to the ministry June 24, 1873, and received the degree of A. M., July, 1873 ; was regularly installed Pastor of the church in Forrest Feb. 10, 1S74. Was married Dec. 23, 1874, to Louricea Ayers,a native of Connecticut; no children. Republican. Owns 160 acres in Kendall Co., and a very desirable residence in Forrest. No citizen in the village is more highly esteemed than Rev. Mr. Sherrill and his must estimable lady ; his ministration is most acceptable to the church ; indeed, through his labor, seconded by that of his noble, generous and kind-hearted helpmeet, the church in Forrest has been built up ; when he came here they met for services in the district school building ; now they have a good house for worship and a flourishing oganization of about ninety members ; both he and his wife are noted for their kindly attention and aid to the sick and afflicted, not only of his own charge, but of other denominations, and even of the world.

JOEL R. STRAWN, farmer; P. 0. Chatsworth ; wa.>s born in La Salle Co., 111., Jan. 8, 1842 ; his parents dying while he was in his infkncy, he was raised by his grandparents and an uncle, with whom he remained until his majority ; in 1865, in connection with his uncle, he purchased a half section of land in Livingston Co., lying in Sections 13 and 24 ; for two years he and his uncle engaged extensively in raising and shipping cattle, handling from 500 to 800 head during the season ; since that time he has engaged in farming on a large scale, and at the same time he handles a great many hogs and cattle. Sept. 12, 1871, he was married to Mary F. Brown, a native of Watertown. N. Y., has four children - Clarence B., Arthur A., George M., William H. Owns 428 acres, valued at $20,000. In politics he is Independent. Holds the ofiice of School Director. Mr. Strawn stands well to the front among the farmers of his community ; he is a gentleman of very agreeable address.

LUTHER B. STANFORD, farmer; P. 0. Forrest; the subject of this sketch was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Dec. 2, 1838 ; in 1866, he came West and settled in La Salle Co.; here he remained one year, and in 1867 removed to Charlotte Tp., Livingston Co.; in 1871, purchased land in Forrest Tp., and settled on same in 1872. Was married Jan. 1, 1865, to Sarah Dyer, a native of the State of New York ; has three children - Franklin B., Clara E. and George L. Owns eighty acres of laud in Sec. 13. Was drafted in 1862, but commuted by paying $300. Republican ; is a member of the M. E. Church. Has held the ofiice of School Director.

JAMES SAMPEY, farmer; P. 0. Norman ; was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Jan. 13, 1837 ; his f ither owned the farm on which Gen. Washington, in 1754, erected Fort Necessity, and in which he took refuge during the French and Indian war of that period ; in 1856, he went to

Iowa and located in the city of Davenport ; in 1858, removed to Putnam Co., 111.; in 1874, came to Livingston Co., and settled on the farm where he now resides. He was married April 28, 1859, to Charlotte Mathews, a native of Ohio ; has seven i children - James W., Henry I., Harrison E., Essie L., Minnie. Gracie and an infant daughter. Owns 160 acres, valued at $7,000. In politics he is a Republican ; his religious views accord with the doctrine of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Sampey, like his neighbor, is a thrifty well-to-do farmer.

THAYER & NICKERSON, blacksmithing and wagon making, Forrest ; the above named fiVm carry on the leading business of the village in their line; being skilled mechanics they use nothing but the best of material and suffer none but the best of work to leave their shops ; Mr. Thayer runs the wood work department, and Mr. Nickerson the smithing department ; they commenced business in Foi"- rest in March, 1877, and have constantly increased in favor until now they do the "lion's share"' of the village work, and that of the surrounding country. Erastus Thayer, the senior partner of the firm, was born in Warren, Washington Co., Vt., Jan. 29, 1834; in 1854, went to Lowell, Mass., and worked in the cotton mills ; about 1856, purchased a farm from his father in Vermont ; sold and came West on a visit, Fall of 1859 ; visited Missouri and Kansas, but finally bought ninety acres near Gilman, Iroquois Co., 111.; went East again and purchased 100 acres ; farmed two years, then engaged in the tanning business at Warren, Vt.; came West again in 1866 ; here in connection with his mother, bought a (juarter section near Chenoa, McLean Co.; in 1872, moved to Chenoa and lost $3,000 in the manufkcture of Porter's Patent Window Shades ; in March, 1877, moved to Forrest and set up in present employment. Was married in the Fall of 1861, to Mary Blair, a native of Vermont ; has five children - George 0., Elma, Martha, Eugene and Willie. Republican ; Baptist.

WILLIAM W. NICKERSON, junior partner, was born in La Porte, Ind., Feb. 19, 1849 ; left home at the age of 13, to learn his trade ; at the age of 5 or 6 years, came with father's family to Illinois ; after two years, returned to Indiana, and the fallowing year went to Missouri and settled in Gentry (now Worth) Co. ; the next year removed to Eureka, Woodford Co., 111., thence to Chenoa, McLean Co.; in March, 1877, came to Forrest, his present home. Was married Aug. 14, 1874, to Mary T. Witherow, a native of Pennsylvania ; has one child - Ina L., born Aug. 11, 1876. Republican. Is not a church member but inclines to the Methodist.

H. C. TWITCHELL, insurance and collecting agent, Forrest; was born in Tazewell Co., 111., March 6, 1838 ; in 1840, his father moved to La Salle Co.; in 1867, the subject of this sketch located in Lodi, Iroquois Co., and engaged in the mercantile trade ; in the Spring of 1873, he came to Forrest, his present home, and was Deputy Postmaster for two years ; at the expiration of that time, he entered bis present occupation. Was married Aug. 20, 1860, to Emma E. Philbrook, a native of Brookfield Center, Wis.; has five children - Charles H., Carrie A., Oren G., Lucy E., Myrtie M. Republican ; inclined to the M. E. Church. Has held the ofiice of Justice of the Peace two years, also that of Township Collector. Is agent for the Continental Ins. Co., and the German Ins. Co., of Peoria ; he also deals some in grain, and handles the best grade of agricultural implements. Having 'ost his father at the early age of 6 years, and his mother two years later, he has been left to rely wholly on his own efforts for a livelihood ; by fair and honorable dealing with all men, he has secured a good degree of success in most of his undertakings.

HENRY J. THORNE, farmer ; P. 0. Norman; the subject of this sketch was born in Somersetshire, Eng., April 24, 1849 ; he emigrated to America in 1872, and settled on the farm where he now resides. Was married Nov. 8, 1874, to Elizabeth Farley, a native of Livingston Co., 111.; has two children - Richard and Sarah C. Owns 160 acres of land lying in the southwest quarter of section 34, Forrest Tp.; still holds his allegiance to the British Crown. Member of the M. E. Church. Though young in years, he has the keen, shrewd judgment that comes to many only through years of experience ; he is one among the leading farmers of his vicinity.

JOHN WALLACE, farmer; P. 0. Forrest; was born in Cavan Co., Ireland, Nov. 20,1826; in 1840, he emigrated to America and settled in New Jersey, near Redbank ; here he remained two years, engaged in farming ; in the Spring of 18-48, he moved to Canada, and purchased a farm of 100 acres, but not liking the country or climate, in the Fall of 1848, he left and came to Indiana, settling near Shawnee Mound, Tippecanoe Co. ; here he engaged in farming for fifteen years ; in Oct., 1863, he came to Illinois and .settled near where Forrest now is, on the farm which he at present owns. He was married in 1846, to Margaret Dancy, a native of Ireland. Mr. Wallace had but little resources when he landed in America ; soon after landing, he engaged to work for ten dollars per month ; his education is quite limited, and his success in business is altogether owing to his correct habits of life and his good judgment ; he is a sharp, shrewd trader, yet strictly honest and fair-dealing ; he has never engaged in any scheming speculations, but has accumulated little by little, through industry and perseverance, until now he is the possessor of 841 acres of fine land, and much good stock ; his residence is one of the most eligible in the village. In politics he is a stanch Republican ; is a member of the M. E. Church, though his views are largely Presbyterian. Has liad eleven children - Mary E. (now Mrs. Krack), John R., Henrietta (wife of A. McCullough ), Maggie J. (wife of J. L. Delatour), Ella and Emma (twin daughters;, Minnie L. and Lena M., living ; Martha A., Jessie and an infant son, deceased. Mr. Wallace is highly esteemed for his many good qualities, and regarded as a highly successful farmer, by his neighbors and friends.

MRS. NANCY WILSON, farming ; P. 0. Forrest ; the subject of this sketch was bom in Franklin Co., Ohio, Sept. 20, 1826; she is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Thompson ; her father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in 1849 ; Mrs. Wilson has seen much of pioneer life, having come to Illinois with her . father's family in 1837 ; they settled near the present site of Forrest, and she now owns the original homestead, 120 acres of which was purchased by her mother, after death of her father, at the land sale at Danville, and eighty acres adjoining, on which was laid the land-warrant granted him for services rendered in the war of 1812. She has been twice married ; to her first husband, Wm. C. Popejoy, Nov. 15, 1850 ; ho died Oct. 26, 1852 ; he owned a section of land near the present site of Fairbury, and was a shrewd, .successful trader; his prospects for becoming very wealthy were deeidedly flattering ; but in the prime of life, with all it.s hopes and promises yet before him, and in the midst of its busy activities, the Master called him; her second marriage, contracted with Nicholas Wilson, was celebrated Dec. 14, 1854, under thi-same rnof and around the same hearth-stone at which the first occurred ; Mr. Wilson died Sept. 27, 1876. Mrs. Wilson remembers the country when it presented a wild and uninviting appearance ; settlements in those da3's in what is now Forrest Tp., or indeed in Livingston Co., were like ''angel's visits," few and far between ; the nearest mill wa.s distant seventy-five miles ; her father was obliged to travel twenty-five miles to the nearest grocery store, and often brought home his purchases upon his back ; though her father was a man of large means for those days, when he came to the Prairie State, yet he died poor ; the land on which he located did notcome into market until after hisdeath consequently he could nof purchase ; for two years after coming he did not raise a crop ; in addition to this, he lost most of his cattle and horses with milk-sicknesa ; at one time he had but two cows and one horse left out of a number he brought out from Ohio ; every ox succumbed to the fell destroyer. From first wedlock she had one son - Wm. H. Popejoy ; he died at the age of 1 year 9 months and 17 days ; from second marriage, four children - Celia May, Cordelia, Millie and Oscar. Owns 385 acres and a block in the town of Forrest. She is a member of the M. E. Church ; her husbands were Republican in politics.