Livingston County, Illinois - Chapter 25: Township History, 1909 (part 3 of 5)

Emsley Pope is accredited with being the first settler in the township. He was born in Guildford County, North Carolina, in the year 1797, and removed with his father to Champaign County, Ohio, in 1810. His father enlisted in the war of 1812, but was prevented from serving by sickness. Young Pope, then but 15 years of age, begged permission to go as his father's substitute, which was given and he shouldered his musket and served during the war. When peace was restored, he resided with his father until 1886, when he came to this state and located upon the identical spot where he lived and died. The old double log cabin, erected soon after his arrival, served as a shelter for himself and family until after the '80s. Pope was intimately acquainted with Shabbona, the Pottawatomie chief, for he frequently pitched his tent near Pope's cabin, on his hunting trips along the banks of the Vermilion river. On one of these occasions, Shabbona and the twelve Indians who accompanied him, killed fifty deer within a circuit of three miles, taking Pope's cabin as a center. Edwin Houchin arrived in the fall of the same year, as did also Charles Paget. Houchin came from Logan County, this state, where he had lived for five years. Paget was a native of Kentucky, but spent his boyhood days in Brown County. He was a pronounced Abolitionist, and made assaults on the institution of slavery in every place and under all circumstances. Samuel Broomfield arrived the following year from Ottawa. He was peculiar in some respects, especially in his notions on the subject of religion. Moses Rummery arrived about the same time. He was a strong Abolitionist before the war. He voted for Lincoln for the second term, but did not vote for him for the first term because he did not think his Abolition sentiments were strong enough. Before the war, he aided many a slave to freedom. It is said that on one occasion three slaves came to his home very early in the morning, having been brought from Pontiac to make their way to Canada as fast as possible. He hitched up his team and took them to Ottawa by daylight that day. Money was raised there and they went on to Chicago, where they were decoyed by officers into a store, arrested and taken to St. Louis and returned again to slavery. He was president of the Anti-Slavery society in this county during 1858-59. Edward Phillips and son Jacob arrived in the spring of 1837, and located on the creek but a few feet from where his son now resides. The elder Phillips was a native of Maryland, and after his marriage removed from there to Ohio with a two-wheeled cart, taking bis family with him, which consisted of his wife and four children. His wife died later. When he landed in this state he had $50 in silver half-dollars. The first piece of land that he entered was on section 7, and consisted of 80 acres. The land office was then located at Danville, and a man named Templin went there on foot, wearing a handkerchief on his head and earrying his provisions with him, performed the errand. Mr. Phillips died in 1847. His son Jacob still lives in the township and is the oldest continuous resident, having lived here for seventy-one years. In his younger days he was quite prominent in township affairs, officiating as supervisor four years. He was a Whig, but in recent years has given his support to the Republican party. He is the largest land owner in. the township. A cemetery is located near the old Phillips' homestead and many of the early settlers are buried there. Robert Copse and Amos, Henry and Samuel Lundy located here in 1838. The latter was blind, caused by sickness when eight years of age, and for many years hemade baskets and brooms. Robert Copse died December 10, 1853, at the age of 100 years, 6 months and 10 days. Those who settled here during the 40's were George Dixon, Charles Dixon, Joseph Pope, Levi Clay, Orin Goddard, Edmond Leonard, John Snyder, Zephaniah Schwartz, William Bowman, Robert Jefferson, James and Mally Brown, Charles Harvey, Samuel Thompson, Russell Nelson, George Sardinia, Xenophon Richards, M. A. Smith and John Smith, The village of Smithdale was named after the latter. Richards settled in the vicinity of thesite of New Michigan, which he named after his native state. Among those who came here in the- 50's were Thomas Holland, William Zeigler, Jacob Zeigler, John Mortland, Stephen Hinds, . Cyrus Cusick, Otis Whaley, Flavius Manly, Chester R. Manly, H. H. Hinman, James Calder, M. H..

Gilman, Rev. John Hoobler and sons, Andrew and William, Johu D. Hoobler, David Hoobler, Charles Decker, Eben Norton, Otho Pearre, Otho F. Pearre, Alexander Savage, James Gibson, Thomas Gibson, James, George and William Applegate, Joshua and David McIntosh, M. A. Newman, Walter C. Allen, W. B. Fyfe, Jacob Kuhns, Walker Dice, E. B. Neville. Fyfe was a staunch Abolitionist. In the early days of the anti-slavery movement, he was associated with Owen Lovejoy, Ichabod Codding, James H, Collins, Otis Richardson, Chauncey Cook, John Hossack and Rev. H. H. Hinman, and while in Ottawa he kept one of the depots of the underground railroad. He engaged in merchandising here in 1856, continued for two years and then went to farming. He moved to Pontiac in 1862 and studied law. After the war he was appointed deputy county treasurer and in 1867 was elected county treasurer. He was also swamp land commissloner. Hinman was elected county school commissioner in 1853 and re-elected in 1855. David McIntosh was elected a member of the legislature in 1874. Rev. John Hoobler was elected a representative to the Legislature on the Whig ticket

United Brethren circuit riders and rode over the entire state in an early day. He established the church of that denomination in this township and spent most of his means in founding churches throughout Illinois, being practically the father of them all. His sons later engaged in business at Manville. James Gibson was a candidate for county treasurer in 1857, but was defeated by J. R. Woolverton of Reading Township. The town of New Michigan was laid out November 7, 1850, by Martin A. Newman. He conducted a store there for three years, then removed to Ottawa, returning in 1859 when he moved onto his farm. He made a tour of this county in 1847, when there was not a store of any kind within its borders. He returned to his home in Ottawa and fitted up a peddling wagon, and visited every family in the county about five times a year. In exchange for goods, he took deer or mink skins. He purchased of John and Theodore Popejoy of Avoca Township the skins of fifty-four deer, killed during the winter of 1846. He was the first route agent, traveling on horseback from Ottawa and Bloomington, by way of Pontiac and Lexington, and made the trip in two weeks. In 1854, a survey was made through the village for the Air-line railroad, and other soon engaged in business. Some grading was done, and that was the end of the railroad. However, the little village continued to flourish for a few years afterward, David Hoobler and David Gouty were among the merchants, In 1856 the New Michigan Academy was erected and a corps of teachers selected, with E. B. Neville as principal. The books used were McGuffey's reader, Ray's geography and algebra, Mitchell's grammar, Parker's composition, Goodrich's United States history, Cutter's physiology, Anthon's Latin grammar, Cornelius Nepos and Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic Wars. The tultion was from $4 to $7.50 per term, payable half yearly in advance. Boarding, including room rent and fuel, was $2 per week. The academy was kept open for one year, and then two years the building was idle. In the fall of 1859, O. F. Pearre was employed, and he was principal for three years. He then moved to Dwight, where he accepted the principalship of the schools, and later the academy was abandoned. The first county teachers' institute was organized at the academy on January 8, 1858. When coal was discovered at Streator, then known only as "Hardscrabble," the village ceased to exist.

The first church building erected in the county was the one known as "Old Bethel". It was built in 1848 through the efforts of Amos Lundy, Ewin Houchin and Henry Lundy. It was 30x40, with an eight-foot ceiling, built mostly of hardwood lumber, cut from the timber. It was purchased and used afterward by the United Brethren. For nine years it was the only church in the county. The United Brethren now have a new edifice. A paper was published here in 1853 by Rev. Thomas Cotton, called the Vermilion Herald. It lasted but one issue. The first school was built by Xenophon Richards and Russell Nelson. In 1855 there were four schools, with an enrollment of 171 pupils, The teachers were paid $33.33 1-3 per month. There are two cemeteries in the township - Hoobler and Phillips,

A sad accident occurred here on September 13, 1877, in which three young men - Isaac Runmery, Clark Cusick and James Scovelle - met their death. These men were employed to clean out an old well on the farm of Cyrus Cusick. The well was about thirty-five feet deep. Rummery was the first to descend by means of a rope, when within ten feet of the bottom he let go and fell. Cusick hastened to his relief and he also fell to the bottom. Scovelle fell before he had proceeded ten feet. Their death was due to foul

Village Of Manville

This village has had a hard time of it in the selection of a name. After the Chicago & Paducah road, now the Wabash, was completed in 1871, M. E. Collins on August 7th laid out from the southeast quarter of section 21 the townsite, and named it Collins, and built the first store building. On October 18 of the same year, David Hoobler and Jacob Kuhns platted eleven acres from the same section and named it Newtown. Chester R. Manley built the first dwelling in the village, and was the first station agent. The name of the village is now Manville. M. A. Newman moved his dwelling from the farm and David Hoobler and David Gouty moved a store room from New Michigan the same fall. An elevator was built by Hossack Brothers, of Odell. At the present time there is a general store, postoffice, blacksmith shop, and a few residences in the village. The Methodist church is located here.

Village Of Smithdale

This village is on the branch of the Chicago and Alton road. It was laid out in 1870 by William Shepherd and consists of thirty-two acres from section 8. Rev. Zenas R. Jones is postmaster, station agent and grain dealer. The town was named after John Smith, who settled in the township in an early day.

Village Of Vermilion City

This village is on the Santa Fe road, about a mile southwest of Streator. The town consists of miners who are employed in the various coal mines near by. Most of them are of foreign birth. The place consists of fifty-one acres, the right of mining all coal beneath the land being reserved. The Streator Clay Manufacturing Company's plant and the Streator Aqueduct plant are located here.

Village Of Missal

which flows through the southwestern portion, it has no streams. As soon as it became known that the Chicago and Alton railroad was to pass through the township, speculators entered nearly all of the land, not with a view to improvement, but for a rise in the market which was sure to follow the completion of the railroad. February 2, 1864, Union Township, adjoining Odell on the east, was separated from this township. The farming community is thickly settled with Irish and Germans, all of whom are prosperous, The township is placed in the Republican column, although in local elections, Democrats are elected to office.

It was not until after July 4, 1854, the date upon which the Chicago and Alton railroad was finished through this county, that there were any settlers in this township - in fact, we might say there were none until the village of Odell sprang into existence. Just who were the first permanent settlers outside of the village, we are unable to determine, but Thomas Hamlin and sons, Hial and Thomas, arrived in 1855 followed soon thereafter by.E. O. Chapman, C. U. Udell, W. J. Murphy, George Skinner, Patrick McAllister, Augustus Coleman, Edward G. Putnam, Charles McCloud, Joseph French, Hiram Vanderlip, Samuel and Charles Packwood, Eli Pearson, Hanford Kerr, Moses Pearson, J. H. Coe, F. J. Church. All of the above located on the oper prairie, some near Odell, others in the vicinity of Cayuga, coming here prior to 1860. Among those who settled in the '60s were Michael Cleary, William Strawn, C. W. Barber, T. S, Pound, George C. Nettleton, L. Morse, John W. Marsh, Joseph H. Moore, George Ferguson, L. L. Green, Jeremiah Clay, Philetus A. Leonard, Theodore McCormick, Abraham Imrie, J. K. Howard, John Halliday, William Allen, B. F. Leonard. Mr, Cleary was elected supervisor in 1874 and has been re-elected to the office ever since, He is the oldest continuous member of that body. William Strawn served two terms in the State Legislature, being elected in 1866 and 1868.

Village Of Odell

The land upon which the town of Odell now stands was entered from the Government May 4, 1853, by James C. Spencer and Henry A. Gardner, although not surveyed and platted until August 10, 1856. Spencer afterward sold his share to William H. Odell, who was honored with the name of the town. Mr, Odell, in turn, sold his interest to S. S. Morgan. The latter after- ward purchased 2,100 acres of land which he began improving. He directed his energies to building publie roads centering in Odell, and the village owes much of its prosperity to his public spirit and enterprise. In due course of time he was elected supervisor, road commissioner and school director. The first station agent was Daniel Smith, and when the post-office was established was appointed postmaster. J. H. Link was the second agent and S. S, Morgan the second postmaster, The first store in the village was established by S. W. Curtiss, in the warehouse that had been erected by the railroad company. Curtiss lived in Kendall County, and the store was in charge of Peter Lundgren. J. P. Des Voignes was the third settler in the village. Curtiss took into partnership Oscar Dewey, and they erected a building. The firm continued in business until 1858, when Lundgren opened a store of his own, The first dwelling was erected by S. S. Morgan for Thomas Lyon, who was in charge of the railroad pumping station, and who had been making his home in a box-car. Joseph Baldwin opened the first boarding house and A. A. Streeter the first hotel. J. McMeans was the first blacksmith, but remained but a short time and was succeeded by Charles Finefield. The first carload of grain was shipped by James Henry in 1855. It was loaded from the wagons directly into the cars. The first elevator was erected by L. E. Kent of Pontiac in 1861, and Albert Aerl was placed in charge. J. B. Curtiss built another elevator about the same time. In 1866, J. & W. Hossack erected an elevator, 60x90 feet, at a cost of $23,000. The first school was taught in the home of Joseph French in the winter of 1857 by Mrs. M. H. Robinson. But seven pupils were in attendance. Seymour & Nichols were the first resident carpenters. In their shop were held the first religious services, the people all worshipping together. Rev. I. T. Whittemore was the pastor. The first school house was built in 1858, and services were then held in this building. Rev. Whittemore continued as minister until 1862, when the Congregational society was organized and a church, 38x60 feet, built by them in 1866 at a cost of $8,000. The Methodist church was organized in 1860 by Rev. Thomas Cotton. In 1867 they erected a church, 36x56 feet, at a cost of $6,000. The Catholic church was erected in 1857 at a cost of $5,300. In 1883, a two-story brick school building, containing six rooms, was erected at a cost of $10,000. Owing to faulty construction. this building was torn down, and a modern building was built several years ago. The Methodist and Catholic denominations have in recent years erected fine edifices. The St. Paul's school is a large and handsome structure, built in 1895 at a cost of $7,500. The building is of brick, contains three rooms, each 20x25 feet, a large drill room, in addition to the dining room, kitchen and dormitories. The church is in charge of the Sisters of Notre Dame. In addition to the ordinary studies are taught music, church history and catechism.

Among those who were engaged in business during the 60s we recall John McWilliams, lumber and general dry goods; Morell Southwick, lumber; P. W. Kenyon, lumber; F. Balenseifer, general merchandise ; Alfred Des Voignes, harness maker; S. Hunt, books and stationery; Charles Hungerford, cigar manufacturer; Kenyon & Gallaher, grocers; J. D. Pound, real estate; S. H. Penny, general merchandise, afterward establishing the Odell Exchange Bank; Raymond Premersdorfer, boots and shoes; E. M, Vaughan, druggist; N. E. Wright, hardware business; Thomas A. Daniels, wagon maker. Among the attorneys were James H. Funk and A. P. Wright.

The first election under township organization was held in 1858, being held at the store of Curtiss & Dewey. Twenty-five votes were cast. At this time Union Township was a part of this Odell Township. S. S. Morgan was elected supervisor. At this meeting $600 was appropriated for the purpose of building roads, and during that year petitions were granted for the laying out of thirty-eight miles of new road.

The village was organized February 8, 1867, by the election of the following board of trustees: President, John McWilliams; clerk, B. F. Washburn; treasurer, S. H. Putnam; members, John Hossack, T. O. Bannister, S. S. Morgan and Jason Curtiss; A. S. Putnam was appointed constable. In 1869 the village came under the Princeton charter, which prohibited the town board from granting license to sell intoxicants, and which continued in force until 1872, when it was reorganized under the general law.

Odell has more cement sidewalks than any town of its size in the county. A supply of excellent water comes from the town well, 1,274 feet deep, with the water rising within 120 feet of the surface. It has a good system of waterworks, with a pumping station and tower, with tank 120 feet to the top. The village has firstclass business houses, reliable bank, hotel, public library and a weekly newspaper. It is essentially an agricultural town, as is indicated from the fact that more grain is shipped from this station than from any other in the county, nearly 2,000,000 bushels of grain being handled yearly. The secret and benevolent organizations are represented by the Masons, Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen, Independent Order of Mutual Aid, Court of Honor, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Foresters. The electric road from Pontiac to Dwight passes through the village. A destructive cyclone passed through the village on May 14, 1886, an extended notice of which is given elsewhere.

Odell Township has been honored by having five of its citizens to represent this district in the State Legislature: Michael Cleary (Democrat), four terms; A. G. Goodspeed (Republican), three terms; Bailey A. Gower (Republican), two terms; Leander L. Green (Democrat), one term; William Strawn (Republican), one term. James H. Funk was elected state's attorney in 1873, B. F. Hotchkiss surveyor in 1875, M. Tombaugh county superintendent of schools in 1877, James A. Hunter sheriff in 1878.

The village was surveyed and platted from section 31, on April 10, 1855. Although this was over half a century ago, it has not grown in population to any great extent since then. C. N. Coe was the first station agent, being appointed in 1856. He also bought grain during the same year. David J. Evans opened the first store in 1857, and a year later was succeeded by John Pickering. David Hunt erected an elevator in 1862 and L. E. Kent another one in 1868, John W. Marsh engaged in the boot and shoe business in 1866, and in 1867 Dr. Peter Eggler opened a drug store and practiced medicine. E. O. Chapman was appointed station agent in 1872, and from that year until 1886 he was postmaster. He was a carpenter by trade, and during the early '50s built nearly all the houses in and around Cayuga. One of the early ministers was Dr. B. J. Bettleheim, who came here in 1856. The village today has a general store, three elevators, public school, and two churches - Presbyterian and Lutheran. .

6. The Vermilion river flows through the southwest corner of section 31. The township is destitute of natural timber. The Felkey slough runs through the eastern part. In an early day this creek, although not wide, was a treacherous one to cross by wagon. The first settlers made their homes near the river.

Daniel Rockwood was the first person to locate permanently. He arrived in 1833 from Tioga County, New York. He was one of the first three county commissioners elected in 1837, the same year the county seat was located at Pontiac. Two years later, he offered a fifty-acre tract provided the seat of justice would be located on his land, A vote was taken on August 30, and the scheme was defeated by a vote of 80 to 56. He held the office of supervisor during 1858-60.

James L. Stinson and brothers, Alexander and Thomas, arrived in 1839. James died in 1847. His brothers remained here but a few years, Alexander removing to McLean County and James going to Kansas. The DeMoss family came in 1840,

In 1842 Henry Jones came to Owego from Indiana, and after a short stop in the DeMoss settlement and in Pontiac Township, continued his journey to Iowa, then a territory. After living there five years, he returned to Livingston County in 1847 and located on section 31, in the southwest corner of Owego Township. In 1848 Jones built the first bridge that was erected over the Vermilion river (in Pontiac), where the Mill street bridge now stands. In 1849, in company with James Blake and George B. Foster, he went to California, returning to Pontiac in 1851. In 1852 Jones again went to California, conducting a party of gold-seekers across the plains. In 1855 he returned to Pontiac and built the first brick building erected in Pontiac, now occupied by John Bradford, shipping the brick from Bloomington. In 1856 he was elected county judge and in 1858 resigned to pilot a company of sixteen men to Pike's Peak, and on through to California, where he remained until his death in 1893.

Among those who settled here in 1851 were William Rollins, Rudolph Patty, William Wilson, Elijah Justus, Samuel Wentz and Louis Mixer. Rollins was murdered on April 1, 1872, as noted elsewhere. Lewis Bright, John Whitman and Jacob Bragoo settled the following year. Richard Evans and Orlin Converse made their appearance in 1855. Evans was the first assessor. Converse came here from Vermont. He was supervisor two terms and school director of District 9 for thirty consecutive years. He died in Pontiac in 1896. The following year several families moved into the township, among them being N. S. Grandy, John M. Wince, Amos C. Handley, William Harris, Thomas Holman, Ansel Hayes, Robert Smith, George Barr, John W. Benham, William Algoe,' Samuel Algoe. James Algoe. Mr. Grandy held the office of supervisor during the years 1861 and 1862, and served as assessor and justice of the peace. He was a candidate for county judge in 1861, but was defeated by Jonathan Duff. In 1868 he was appointed county commissioner by the board of supervisors to go over the county and re-appraise the swamp lands. He moved to Pontiac Township in 1872. He died June 20, 1890, being blind the last two years of his life. Benham, the year before he arrived, went with a party to Kansas to survey the boundary line between that state and Nebraska. He served two terms as a member of the board of supervisors and twelve years as commissioner of highways. Smith was supervisor from 1864 to 1866. Edwin V. Jones, Henry Hill, John Scott and George Van Saun arrived in 1857. George Berry and Nicholas Zeph came the following year, the former settling on section 13. He afterward conducted a grain elevator at Rugby. He died in March, 1883. Zeph located on section 18. He died September 22, 1871. Alexander Algoe and George W. Ferris located in 1859. Algoe settled on section 15, Ferris engaged in teaching the first two years and in 1861 settled on a farm. In 1882 he was elected county superintendent of schools and re-elected in 1886. He died in California.

The first school house was erected in 1840 near the Rockwood farm. The attendance was limited to about a dozen pupils, and was maintained by private subscriptions. No public school buildings were erected until 1857, in which year three were built. Two of these were union school houses, on the line between Owego and Avoca Townships, and the other was located near the Foster farm.

There are two churches in the township - Baptist and Methodist. The former is located in the village of Swygert, the latter near the center of the township. The Methodist church was dedicated September 1, 1881. Previous to that time the members held services at the Mortimore school house.

Village Of Rugby Village Of Swygert

Swygert ís located on the Illinois Central road, in Owego Township, five miles east of Pontiac. Besides a general store, it has a grain elevator. The Owego Baptist church is located here.

December 10, 1857, the county commissioners appointed Jonathan Darnall, Robert Thompson and Absalom Hallam as commissioners to lay out this county into townships, according to township organization. The commissioners first lald out twenty townships, but in the spring of 1858 they divided the township of Rooks Creek and named the latter half Pike. That is the reason Pike appears on the map, and is known as Town 28, Range 3. The township is in the original grant of land given to the Illinois Central railroad, and is known as railroad land, Prior to settlement, there were many large swamps or sloughs on nearly every section, but these have long since been drained, and the township now ranks among one of the best in the county from an agricultural standpoint. There are two small streams in the township, Pike's creek and Crooked creek, The township was slow in settling, and it was not until after the Chieago and Alton road passed through the southeast corner that any one settled here. While Pike has elected a Democratic supervisor in recent years, the township is Republican.

Among the first persons to locate here were the family of Louis LeDuc, who came in 1853 and located on section 33. LeDuc was born in France, and at the age of 18 years he entered the French army, two weeks later was promoted a non-commissioned officer, and a year later the Duke of Orleans appointed him private secretary to his wife, the crown princess. Before he was twenty years of age he was first lieutenant of artillery and secretary of the minister of war. In 1849, when the war in Italy broke out, he was called to important positions, decorated with the cross of the Legion of Honor for brayery, and was eventually sent with a flag of truce to the trlumvirate of Rome. Five years later he served as secretary and aide-de-camp to Marshal Bugeand in Algiers, He returned to France in 1851, owipg to ill health, and sailed that year for America, remaining in New York state one year and then coming to this township. In 1856 he planted five acres of forest trees on his farm, which, in after years, became a beautiful grove. During bis residence here he did much for the improvement of the township. He was of a literary turn of mind, and during the '80s wrote a series of sketches entitled "Incidents During the Siege and Occupation of Rome by the French Army in 1849." Leonard Baker settled here the same year, erecting the first house in the township.

Alonzo Huntoon and Hilton Woodbury came from Woodford County in 1855 and settled on section 34 in the timber on the creek. The same year Albert Parker located on section 20, Bedinger on section 32, Seright on section 30, and Richmond on section 16. In 1857 George and Daniel Okeson located on section 9, James and George Anderson on section 7, Hugh McMullen on sectlon 6, Edward Daugherty on section 30. Silas H. Sutton, a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., arrived in May, 1857, and purchased the farm of Leonard Baker. Sutton was supervisor for many years and township treasurer for nine years. S. Ricketson, also from Dutchess County, came in 1858. He remained until 1861, when he removed to Pontiac, opened a feed yard, while his wife conducted a restaurant. John Hancock came here from McLean County in 1859, and is still living on the old homestead.

Michael Herr came out from Baltimore, Md., in 1853, and purchased four sections. His nephew, Henry R. Herr, did not arrive until 1862, He purchased 160 acres in section 26 and 160 acres in section 35. The latter tract is within eighty rods of the corporate limits of the eity of Chenoa.

Among those who located in the '60s we find the names of Stephen Wooding, William Wooding, Leonard Weber, Paul G. Balbach, Joseph Suydam, Thomas Shaffer, Peter Vercler, George Womeldroff, John Nichol, Henry Lommatsch, Willoughby Capes, John Klein, William Ballinger, John Guthrie, James H. Beeks, Archibald Crabbe. The latter has been supervisor for many years, and is still officiating in that capacity.

In 1856 two school houses were built, one on section 27 and the other on section 31. In 1859 a school house was built on section 8. This constituted the schools in the township up to 1864. A United Presbyterian church was organized in 1863 with nine members, services being held in one of the school houses. In 1871 the congregation had increased to forty-five members, but a few years later the congregation was disbanded. There is but one church - Methodist - in the township. It is called Bethel, and is located on the northwest quarter of section 4. Pike cemetery is

This township is located on next to the eastern tier of townships in the county. At the time of the formation of the county in 1837, Pleasant Ridge, Saunemin, Charlotte and Sullivan townships, were comprised in one election precinct, and was called Saunemin. The following year, Pleasant Ridge and Charlotte were taken away, and the two townships were then called Pleasant Ridge. They were separated in 1864, The township is drained by the north branch of the Vermilion river.

The first person to locate here permanently was Nathan Townsend. He came from Cape May county, New Jersey, and settled on section 31 in June, 1843. Charles Brooks, who had some ten yeárs before located in Avoca township, had built a cabin in the timber on the river, which he had sold to a man named Wilson, and Townsend secured the claim from him. When Townsend first settled here, there were but few families within a radius of a dozen miles, and but one cabin between his home and the Kankakee river. The family at times had "hard scratching" to make a living.

Hiram Popejoy and Henry DeMoss came here in 1850, They had previously located in Avoca Township. Popejoy finally removed to Fairbury and DeMoss, after some years, returned to Avoca. Isaac Wilson came here in 1853 from Avoca Township, where he had lived for sixteen years. He was the first supervisor and the first justice of the peace. M. T. Veiley and William Clark settled here in 1855 and John Masters arrived the following year. John W. Fellows settled on section 11 in the fall of 1859. This comprises a list of some of the earlier settlers in the township.

The first death in the township was Levi Ide, who died at the home of Nathan Popejoy in 1848. His remains were buried in the Popejoy cemetery in Avoca Township. His family afterward came from Ohio, had his remains taken up and returned and interred then in the family burying ground in his native state. The first marriage occurred in 1841, the contracting parties being St. Clair Jones and Miss Mary Brooks. The first bridge over the Vermilion river was a wooden structure, a kind of temporary affair, water. Several substantial iron bridges now span the river. The first schools were taught by Clement Hinman and Perry Abbey in 1858, the former in school house No. 2 and the latter in the Beal school house. These houses had been erected during that year. The first school trustees were James Sackett, William R. "Tucker and William Beach. H. C. Hefner was clerk of the board.

The township was slow in acquiring settlers, Among those who settled in the '50s were William Cottrell, John Masters and John W. Fellows, The first Germans to locate here were Michael Meenen, Henry Kuhlman and Henry Borchers, who arrived in the early '60 from Woodford County. Since then, many German families have located here. The census of the township in 1870 was 851.

Village Of Wing

Wing is located on the Wabash road, midway between Forrest and Saunemin. It was laid out in May, 1880, in the southwest quarter of section 10, on the land owned by Elijah Filley and Jacob Keller. The depot was erected on Filley's land. The sum of $1,000 was raised by subscription among the farmers and land owners of the township, which upon completion of the station house and 1,500 feet of sidetrack, was paid by the railroad company. The village has a population of about 200. It has three general stores, two blacksmith shops, lumber yard, and three grain elevators. It is one of the best grain points in the county. A two-room brick school house was erected several years ago. Two churches are located here: Methodist and United Brethren. Both edifices are frame structures. James Gibb is the present postmaster,

The city and township of Pontiac were named after the celebrated Indian chief of the same name. There has been much dispute from whence the name originated, and prior to 1875, it was generally supposed and believed that the township and city were named in honor of Pontiac, Mich., from which place, it was claimed, the proprietors of the town came. But this was not the case, as none of the proprietors of the town came from Michigan, but most of them were residents of New York state.

In 1875, the old settlers of Livingston county met for the first time in Pontiac, the occasion being the dedication of the new court house. Among those who were invited to take part in the ceremonies was Jesse W. Fell of Normal, IN., who was interested in the townsite of Pontiac with Messrs, Henry Weed and the Young brothers. Mr. Fell was given the honor of naming the city, as will be seen by the following letter, which was written in response to the invitation from the committee representing the old settlers, and will forever put at rest any doubts existing in the minds of our people whence came the name:

"Yours inviting me to participate in the proceedings of an old settlers' meeting to be held in Pontiac on the 30th inst., is received, and under ordinary circumstances it would afford me great pleasure to comply therewith; to meet and mingle with those who have laid the basis of substantial wealth and prosperity for which Livingston County has become so justly distinguished. It is possible that I shall have the pleasure of meeting with you, but the probabilities are I shall at that time be called off in an opposite direction. In that event, please tender to your committee my grateful acknowledgments for the invitation referred to, and my regrets at not being able to be with you.

"Being associated somewhat with the early bistory of your city and county, it will, I trust, not be deemed intrusive to state very briefly, why Pontiac came to be the name of your county seat.

"T have always commiserated the lot of the original inhabitants of our common country, and in view of their certain and rapid extinction, have favored the perpetuation of some of their favorite names. When, therefore, in olden times, my friend, Henry Weed, the first settler and proprietor of what is now your county seat, applied to me to draft a petition for the postoffice, I inserted the name of Pontiac, that being the name of a distinguished Indian Chief.

On the 27th day of July, 1837, seventy-one years prior to the present writing, the town of Pontiac was surveyed and platted by Isaac Whicher, county surveyor of Livingston county, for Henry W. Weed, Lucius W. Young and Seth M. Young, from the southeast quarter of section 22 and a part of the northeast quarter of the same,

Henry Weed and the Young brothers were from Binghamton, N. Y., Weed being a brotherin-law of, the Youngs, having married their sister. They built the first cabin in the township, in which all, including an unmarried sister of the Youngs, lived. A few years after their settlement, Mrs. Weed died and in about a year's time, Mr. Weed married his sister-in-law. This proved to be the first death and marriage in the township, on which is now located the City of Pontiac. The Weed cabin was located near where the Illinois Hotel now stands. The remains of Mrs. Weed were buried at a point just north of the present site of the Pontiac Shoe Manufacturing Company's plant, but as no stone marked the spot, and as the family moved away a few years later, the grave, and those of a few others, have been entirely lost sight of.

The Young brothers died in about one month's time after the plat of the town of Pontiac was made, Lucius having passed away on July 24th, 1837, while Seth M. died on September 1, just one week later. Their remains were buried on a knoll in the northeastern part of the town, a block south of where the Mission church now stands, The knoll was used as a burying ground from that time on until 1857, when the present city cemetery was opened for this purpose.

About the time the town of Pontiac was laid out, there were several other people interested here, James McKee, who came from Joliet and C. H. Perry from Jacksonville, and Jesse W. Fell from Bloomington. McKee and Perry built the dam across the river and erected a saw mill on the present site of Williams' mill. The mill was finished in 1838.

fort was made to dispose of the lots in order to encourage a settlement in the town, but the financial crash of 1837 came at a very inopportune moment, and much to the discomfort of the promoters of Pontiac, These lots were put upon the market and sold at auction, or exchanged for other lots or lands. Many were sent east and sold at good prices, the purchaser in many instances never inquiring after his purchase, as the bursting of the bubble soon informed him how badly he was sold. It is related that an auctioneer in Chicago was crying a lot in Pontiac and said that this particular one was well watered. A bystander who had evidently been here, replied, "You are right, for 1 was over it in a canoe, and I could not reach it with a ten foot pole."

When the crash came, emigration to the town almost entirely ceased. Wheat went down from two dollars to fifty cents, and no cash at that; pork from twenty-five dollars a barrel to one dollar per hundred; corn to ten cents, with store pay at one hundred per cent profit. Hides, tallow, deer skins, and furs, were the only articles that would bring cash.

In 1889, however, Weed entered the land and the title to the townsite was wholly in his name. Soon after this, Isaac Fellows, a brother-in-law of the Youngs, came out from Oswego, N. Y., for the purpose of administering on their estate, and of securing to himself, as heir, their interest. Amicable settlement was made by Weed transferring an undivided one-half interest in the tract to Fellows. Thus Fellows and Weed became joint owners of the town. Isaac Fellows soon thereafter conveyed to his brother, Augustus Fellows, all of his interest, and some other parties, who laid claim to the estate of the Youngs, quit-claimed to him. The title then vested in Henry Weed and Augustus Fellows.

When Weed died, he left as his heirs, Henry Weed, Jr., John P. Lewis and Henry Stephens, the last two sons-in-law of Weed. In 1849, Augustus Fellows, who had previously moved to Pontiae with his family, died on August 24, 1849, leaving the undivided half interest to his wife, Maria Fellows, now Mrs. Maria Owens, at present the oldest living survivor of the early days of Pontiac. Mrs. Owens subsequently married Nelson Buck. A few years later, a suit was in- stituted for the purpose of dividing the property. A commission was appointed and an equitable portion was set off to the heirs of Weed, Lewis, Stephens and Weed, Jr., and the remainder to Mrs. Buck.

As an evidence of the speculative craze of 1837, as to the real value of lots in Pontiac, an extract of the final report of Isaac Fellows, as administrator of the estate of Lucius and Seth Young, is given. The report was filed December 19, 1860: "That the appraisement of lands enumerated in bill filed was based wholly and entirely on fictitious grounds; that the appraisement was made during the land speculation of that early day and were of value as the claims only on such lands; that the claims were not preemption claims, but squatter claims only."

The next year following the panic was noted as being one of the most unhealthy years in the history of the township, and probably there were more deaths in proportion to population in 1838 than in any year since it was laid out. An excessive spring flood that covered the bottoms till the middle of summer, and then dried off with extreme hot weather in August, sufficiently accounts for that exceptional season. The winter was very cold and the food supply of the settlers soon gave out. Many of the new comers returned to their homes in the east and the town of Pontiac was practically deserted.

From a communication published in 1869 in the Pontiac Sentinel by Nelson Buck, that gentleman states "that in 1842 there were but two families residing within the limits of the first survey of Pontiac, viz; John Foster and Daniel Ebersol." The latter was clerk of the county court for several years and lived just east of the court house square on what is now known as the Mossholder property. His son, Joseph W. Ebersol, was born here in June 28, 1842, and was the second child born in Pontiac. Joseph is still living and resides in Chicago, and is the oldest member of the Sons of Pontiac.

John Foster came to Pontiac in 1836. He was a millwright by trade and helped construct the dam across the Vermilion river at this point. He also built the saw mill and assisted in the construction of the first court house. Mr. Foster came here alone and for about a year lived just west of the town site. The next year following, he returned to his home in Cayuga county, N. Y., returning here in 1838 with his family and that of his father-in-law, numbering in all, seventeen people. They settled on a farm just east of the town. During the year, Mr. Foster's wife and two children and his father-in-law died of milk sickness. He was for many years the keeper of a hotel here and entertained many people who, in after years, became noted in the history of our county. He organized the first Sunday School ever held in the town and was its superintendent, was vice president of the first Bible society ever organized in the county, and was a power for good in the early days of the town for all that went for the betterment of the community. It was through his efforts, principally, that Pontiac is still the county seat of the county of Livingston, and the history of the county could not be written with his name left out. Mr. Foster was married four times and leaves many descendants. He left here ín 1878 and died at the home of his son, Robert, in Wellington, Kansas, in 1886. The following lines written in his memory by O. F. Pearre will convey a more succinct account of his habit of thought :

Very little attention was being attracted to Pontiac so long ago as 1842, and its history from that time until 1853-54 was dull enough. So many other places were springing up, like Aladdin's Palace, simply by apparent magic, whose immediate prospects were so much more glorious than those of this village, that but little immigration was attracted hitherward.

Dr. John Davis, of whom but little is known at this date, arrived here in 1833, He was the first physician to locate in the county and settled on some land just east of the city limits.

Soon after the arrival of Henry Weed and the Young brothers to this township, came Isaac Whicher in 1834. He was a surveyor and was employed by Weed, and afterwards in 1837 was elected the first surveyor of Livingston County, resigning shortly afterwards to join his former employer in the construction of railroads.

Nathan Popejoy came from Ohio in the same year and settled on what is known as the Rollins farm, two miles east of Pontiac. He did not enter the land on which he settled and in a few years removed into Avoca Township.

Truman Rutherford and son, Alonzo, together with their families, came from Vermont in 1835, The elder Rutherford settled just west of the city, while his son built his home on the lot now occupied by the Lutheran church. Rutherford resided here until 1845, when he died, his wife following him three years later.

The Rev. John Holman, a Methodist minister with his family, came into the township in 1836 and remained here about three years. He held meetings at the different houses throughout the county, and was the first minister to locate here.

Dr. Cornelius W. Reynolds was the first postmaster of Pontiac and the first physician to locate in the village. He first settled in Amity Township but moved to Pontiac in 1837. During Dr. Reynolds' term the postoffice was located in the court house for some time, and there was but one mail each week. A person could mail a letter in any part of the United States then without first putting on the stamp, and letters from eastern friends would lie for weeks in his office, for the reason that money could not be procured to pay the postage, then 25 cents on each letter.

Garret M. Blue settled in Pontiac Township in 1836, coming from Rooks Creek Township, where he had located in 1831. He lived just west of the townsite, and died here in 1849 of cholera. In 1840, he was elected sheriff of the county, defeating John Foster by a vote of 66 to 29.

Joseph and Sylvester Perry were among the very early settlers of the township, coming here from Ohio in 1833. They were interested with C. H. Perry and James McKee in the saw mill property, and assisted materially in getting the town started. They settled a few miles northwest of town and purchased their land from the government in 1889. Sylvester died in 1840, while his brother, Joseph, resided here fifteen years later, and passed away October 7, 1865.

in the town, coming in 1836,' He was appointed clerk of the commissioner's court in 1837 to fill the vacancy caused by the non-residence at the county seat of M. I. Rose, who had been elected to fill that office.

There were a few more early settlers in the township prior to 1840, among whom were Joseph Hefner, brother of the first sheriff of the county; Andrew S. McMillan, who later removed to Rooks Creek Township; Daniel Blue, Leonard Franklin, William H. Wells, James and Thomas Campbell. For the most part, these settled on farms near the townsite of Pontiac, then occupied by a very few inhabitants.

During the period intervening between 1840 and 1850, there were but few arrivals in Pontiac, but those who came during this time proved in after years that they were indeed valuable acquisitions. Among those who arrived were Samuel C. Ladd, Philip Rollins, Augustus Fellows, John R. Wolgamott, William Gray, John A. Fellows, Drs. C. B. Ostrander and John Hulsey.

Samuel C. Ladd arrived here in 1842, coming from Connecticut and remained until his death, which occurred June 22, 1878. Mr. Ladd was a man of education and a thorough business man. He taught the first school in Pontiac, which held its sessions in the court house, in 1843, was the first real merchant of the village, and for a time was part owner of the saw mill. He held various offices of trust, among which were those of postmaster, circuit clerk, county clerk and assessor of internal revenue, and when the village of Pontiac was organized in 1856, was one of the prime movers in that direction, being elected a member of the first board of trustees. He was one of the organizers of the Livingston County Agricultural Society and was the first secretary of the association. For many years he resided on a farm just west of the city limits, and became largely interested in real estate in Pontiac. Mr. Ladd was 'a member of the Presbyterian church and was one of its organizers. He married Miss Mary E. McDowell, who came to the county in 1850. Mrs. Ladd still survives and at present resides In Pontiac.

Willet Gray, John R. Wolgamott and John A. Fellows arrived in Pontiac during this period. They were clerks in the different stores, Mr. Gray being manager for the firm of Brown Brothers of Bloomington, while Mr. Wolgamott became manager for B. T. Phelps of Ottawa, who purchased the stock of goods from Ladd & Gray.

Mr. Wolgamott was a man of quiet habits and was well liked by all. He taught school in Pontiac for several years and held various offices of trust, being township school treasurer, justice of the peace, deputy circult clerk and special master in chancery. He also practiced law for a number of years, being a member of the firm of Strawn, Wolgamott & McDowell. He moved with his family to Newton, Kan., in 1880, and later to Kansas City, Mo., where he died in 1898.

John A. Fellows was from New York and until the breaking out of the Civil War followed the occupation of clerk. In 1862, he enlisted and went to the front and served until the close of the war. He was deputy clerk for one term, and at the end of his term was elected clerk, retiring to enter the abstract firm of R. Olney & Co. He was appointed postmaster of Pontiac during the administration of President Harrison, and died during his term in 1892.

Philip Rollins and family came from Obio in 1846 and settled two miles east of the townsite of Pontiac. Mr. Rollins by trade was a carpenter and millwright, but during his residence here was engaged for the most part in the cultivation of the soil. In 1847 Mr. Rollins, together with Henry Jones and James H. DeMoss, built the first bridge over the Vermilion river at Pontiac, the contract price being $450. Shortly after the bridge was completed in March, 1849, it was carried away by the high water and Rollins and DeMoss were given a new contract by the county court to restore the bridge to its former place. In 1849 he was one of the county justices. He always took a lively interest in the affairs of this community, served several terms as supervisor from this township and for eight years was justice of the peace. The Rollins home was always noted for its genuine hospitality during their many years of residence 'here, and since the death of the venerable couple, their many descendants hereabouts have carefully followed this precept. >

Augustus Fellows and wife came in 1846 from Oswego, N. Y. Mr. Fellows was the owner of half the townsite and on his arrival here proceeded to erect the first hotel in Pontiac, which was completed and ready for occupancy in 1848. The hotel was rented for the first year, while Mr. and Mrs. Fellows returned to their old home in New York for a visit. On their return, they

John Fleischhauer And Family

At this time, people can hardly appreciate the trying scenes through which the early pioneers of Pontiac passed. The summer and fall of 1838 were quite sickly, but in 1849 it was much more so. The population had increased now to about eighty inhabitants and the little hamlet was moying along slowly but surely. All at once during this year business of all kinds stopped and intercourse with the outside world was cut off entirely. The cholera broke out and before its ravages could be checked several of the most prominent citizens had succumbed to the dreadful scourge. It also proved disastrous in more ways than one. Exaggerated and fearful stories were sent over the country that season in relation to the sickness, and quite a few of the settlers either moved to other points or returned from whence they came. New arrivals were few and far between during the next five years, when the Chicago & Alton railroad reached the townsite.

Altogether thirteen died in Pontiac township, among the number being Augustus Fellows and two little daughters, Garret Blue, his wife, son, daughter and grandchild, John Blue, wife and one child. Dr. Holland of Rooks Creek was called to attend Mr. Fellows and was also stricken with the scourge and died in a few days, as was also Miss Ann Oliver, sister of Franklin Oliver of Oliver's Grove, who was teaching school in a settlement east of town, and came to the hotel to nurse those afflicted.

Drs. John Hulsey and C. B. Ostrander arrived shortly afterwards, attracted here no doubt by the prevalence of cholera, Dr. Hulsey came from Kentucky while Dr. Ostrander was a native of New York. Dr. Ostrander only remained a short time, moving to Avoca, where he resided for nearly half a century. He moved to Fairbury about fifteen years ago and lived in retirement up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1901. Dr. Hulsey practiced here for several years, then moved to Fairbury in 1859, finally to Oregon,

About this time there arrived in Pontiac, Nelson Buck, who came from near Bloomington. Mr. Buck was a widower with three children, and shortly after his coming, was married to the widow of Augustus Fellows. Mr. Buck was a man of many interesting peculiarities and was always first and foremost in everything that went for the upbuilding of the town. He was a sur veyor and was elected to that position for several terms. Mr. Buck was one of the first trustees of the village of Pontiac, organized in 1856, and was the leading force which brought about the incorporation. He was a ready writer for the press in the early days of Pontiac, and many of the older residents now living remember the caustic articles printed over his signature. In 1869, while engaged in writing the first history of the county, he received an appointment as surveyor from the United States government, with orders to proceed at once to the territory of Nebraska. The history was about one-fifth completed when he left for the west. Before leaving for the west, Mr. Buck inserted an advertisement in one of the local papers for eight young men to accompany him on the trip, assuring them of plenty of sport, with an excellent chance to see the country. The opportunity afforded by the expedition for exploring the wilds of western Nebraska attracted the attention of several of the more adventurous young men of this place, who made application to Mr. Buck for employment, and were enrolled as members of the party, and on the 29th day of June, 1869, Mr. Buck, Frank McFarland, Buxton McGregor, John Nettleton, Will McCulloch and James Sager started from Pontiac for the field of their labors. Frank McFarland was the son of a merchant tailor who resided here at that time, while Buxton McGregor still resides here, and is the only living member of the party. Will McCulloch was the son of the late Mrs. D. J. Taylor and a brother of Mrs. Emma Voight, who taught in the public schools of Pontiac for several years, John Nettleton was the son of the late Mrs. J. W. Strevell of Miles City, Mont., and well known among the old settlers of Pontiac. James Sager was a farmer boy and resided with his folks in Owego Township. None of these young men were over seventeen years of age. They left Pontiac and proceeded to Council Bluffs, Iowa, by rail, and from that point proceeded to a point opposite Plattsmouth, Neb., where they crossed the Missouri river. At Plattsmouth, they were joined by six others and proceeded without interruption to Fort Kearney, Neb., where they were to receive a military escort. While at Fort Kearney, Mr. Buck was cautioned not to proceed further by the commandant, Colonel Pollock, who stated that the country was full of Indians on the warpath and that they had been engaged but a few days previous by a troop of cavalry from the fort. After waiting for several days for the escort and not procuring one, Mr. Buck decided to push forward, and accordingly left the fort with his party. After journeying two days westward and encountering many of the Sioux tribe, Mr. Buck became alarmed and sent young Mc- Gregor and Nettleton back to Fort Kearney with a request to the Colonel that he send an escort at once. The boys returned to the fort and de livered the message, and as no troops were forthcoming decided to remain until one was provided, No troops being available the escort was not Provided and McGregor and Nettleton left the fort with their faces turned toward the east and worked their way back to Pontiac, having seen all the Indians they desired. The surveying party, ten in number, left Fort Kearney about the middle of July, and as nothing had been heard of them an expedition from North Platte headed by Lieutenant Haskins, U. S. A., with William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) as a scout, ieft that place the first of October in search of them. On the 10th of October, Lieutenant Haskins reported to his superior of having found about thirty miles southeast of McPherson, where Mr. Buck's party Was supposed to be, two tripods, a camp and camp equipage, and some canned fruits. The camp had the appearance of being deserted. He also saw some parts of a wagon. Not long after this, a band of Indians were captured, and it was admitted by them that they had a fight with a party at the point above mentioned; that it was a desperate one and that the last to fall was a tall man, who was in charge of the party. The Indians denied that they burned the bodies of the men, but careful search by expeditions sent out in search of the missing party failed to find them, and as not one of them ever returned or has since been heard of, it was generally supposed at the time that after killing every member of the gallant little band, their bodies were disposed of by the Indians in a manner peculiar to their own.

William Wise and family settled on a farm just east of the townsite of Pontiac in 1849, making their home in an abandoned log cabin. They were on their way to California, having contracted the gold fever, left their home in the east and with an ox team arrived here. They had encountered so many hardships on the road that Mr. Wise concluded to abandon the California trip. In a few years the family moved to Pontiac, where Mr. Wise and his good wife passed away many years ago.

John and Daniel Mossholder, two brothers, arrived in Pontiac Township in 1847 from the State of Ohio. They engaged in farming northwest of Pontiac. John was killed in the civil war, and in the early '60s Daniel moved to Wisconsin, where he died over thirty years ago. Samuel Mossholder, a son of Daniel, died in Pontiac in April, 1908, having resided in Pontiac sixty-one years.

On the 8th day of May, 1852, Jacob Streamer arrived in Pontiac from Reading where he had been clerking in a store for two years previous. Mr. Streamer was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Illinois in 1844, locating at Magnolia. He came here with the intention of locating and going into business, but found the outlook discouraging to say the least. But Mr. Streamer was a man of energy and was made of the stuff that never turned back. There was hardly a dozen families in Pontiac then, and only six houses were located about the square. He had built on the east side of the square a small "shack," and being a tailor by trade, opened up for business. He carried a stock of notions and made deer skin mittens which met with ready sale. Success crowned his every effort from the start, and his business was enlarged accordingly by adding a stock of drugs, wines, brandies and cigars and all the leading patent medicines. His store was a veritable curiosity shop, and from the day he entered the little village up to the time of his death in 1890, he kept a daily diary of happenings about town and the state of the weather. His library was well stocked with the best books, showing him to be a man of culture. His fund of information about Pontiac and the early inhabitants was large, and his store was always the headquarters of the early arrivals here. He accumulated considerable property to serve him in his declining years. He was postmaster for two years and justice of the peace for twelve years. In 1853, he was married to Miss Salina Sturman, who died in 1895, They had three children, Frank now deceased, Mrs. Mary Cobbe, residing in Chicago, and Mrs. Hattie Mossholder, who resides in Pontiac.

John H. McGregor was the first lawyer to locate in Pontiac. He arrived here from Ottawa with his family in 1853 and built the house which still stands at the corner of North Oak and West Madison streets. Shortly after his arrival another attorney, Joel H. Dart, arrived. A partnership was formed under the style of

Henry Fox

McGregor & Dart. Mr. McGregor only lived a short time after his coming here, passing away in 1856, while his partner, Mr. Dart, died one year later at his old home in New York.

Samuel Garner and three sons arrived here in 1851. One of his sons, Jerome, was appointed postmaster at Pontiac, but turned the office over to Jacob Streamer, who conducted the same in his store on the east side of the square.

The Loveless brothers, Henry and Ira, came here in 1852 from the State of Ohio. Henry was a peddler and located at Richmond, two miles east of Pontiac. and engaged in business. But the town failed when the railroad came through Pontiac, and with the balance of the population he moved to Pontiac. Henry was soon afterwards elected sheriff of the county, while his brother at one time held the office of justice of the peace. Both are dead.

Dr. James M. Perry from Ohio. came in 1852 and practiced medicine for twenty-two years, until his death, which occurred in 1874. He was a first class physician and met with success.

The next year (1853) came Dr. Darius Johnson from New York. He first located near Ottawa. The doctor practiced here until his death, which occurred in 1877. He was always prominent in the political affairs of the county in the early days and was acquainted with most all of the inhabitants. He served as surgeon of the 129th Ill. regiment throughout the civil war and at the time of his death was coroner of the county. His widow still resides here, as does also his son, Ford B. A daughter, Mrs. Geraldine Turner lives near Independence, Mo. Mrs. Johnson still resides in the family home which was completed in 1857, located two blocks west from the court house square.

About this time, Charles M. Lee came to Pontiac to reside. He engaged in the mercantile business and with A. B. Cowan conducted a general store on the west side of the square. Mr. Lee was inclined towards politics and was afterward elected county judge. He did much towards beautifying the town, being instrumental in setting out the beautiful trees now to be seen in the court house yard. Mr. Cowan was a very popular merchant.

In 1850 James W. Remick came to the township, two miles northwest of the city, where he conducted a grist mill. He was elected sheriff of the county in 1856, and held the office of circuit clerk for eight years. Mr. Remick studied law, was admitted to the bar, but never practiced the profession. He did much to improve the town and erected a hotel on North Mill street near where the Odd Fellows' hall now stands. The hotel was destroyed by fire in 1870. His wife still resides in this city. Mrs. Remick was always a leader in the church and social affairs of Pontiac in the early days, and for many years was engaged in the millinery business, where the National Bank of Pontiac now stands. Mrs. Remick built the bank building, which was sold a few years ago to the banking house. Her two daughters, Mrs. D. M. Lyon and Mrs. Edgar Cook, are also among the early settlers of Pontiac, and have always been prominent in church and social affairs in this community.

Thomas Cleland arrived in Pontiac in 1852 and opened a blacksmith shop. He and his wife have passed away, being survived by two sons, Walter, residing in this city, and William H. residing in Kansas City.

Isaac P. McDowell arrived in Pontiac in 1853, moving in from Avoca, to which settlement he came in 1850. He formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Samuel C. Ladd, and Attorney John H. McGregor. The firm invested $20,000 in a general stock and conducted the largest store in the county at that time, their place of business being located on the south side of the square. This firm received the first shipment of goods to arrive oyer the Chicago Alton after the road was completed. Mr. McDowell remained here but two years, moving back to his farm in Avoca, and the firm name was soon changed to that of Cassidy, Ladd & Co.

John Balmer came to the township in 1852, loeating a mile southeast of the town of Pontiac, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres. He has added much to his original purchase and is now the owner of about 1,600 acres in this township.

Samuel McCormick, a native of Virginia, settled on section 25, Pontiac Township in 1854, and engaged in farming and the live stock business. The McCormick homestead 'is still oc cupied by his children. Like all of the early pioneers, Mr. McCormick was a hard worker and endured many hardships. He died in 1881.

In 1853, Benjamin W. Gray arrived in Pontiac, opening up a harness shop, but soon afterwards engaged in merchandising. He was appointed postmaster in 1856, and afterwards was elected circuit clerk of the county, serving four years. His wife opened the first millinery store

John M, Finley, Robert Aerl, Samuel Schlosser, Thomas Virgin, Richard Evans and Dudley Laycock came to the township about this time, locating on farms. All became prominent in this avocation, but with the exception of Mr, Finley, all haye passed away.

For seventeen years, the townsite of Pontiac had been in existence, and during tbat time the settlement was of slow growth, and from all accounts, the morals of the people were not of the highest standard. There were many good people in the township who came from the east and were people of high moral character, but the majority were of the drinking, gambling class, and horse racing and fighting were frequently indulged in and the Sabbath day was almost lost sight of. But a new era was dawning. The Chicago, Alton St. Louis railroad was approaching from the great metropolis of Chicago to connect with the great city of St. Louis to the south. The railroad reached within about two miles of the townsite on the Fourth day of July, 1854, and all the people in Pontiac and for miles around gathered at that point, and one of the grandest celebrations of Independence day ever held in Pontiac was had. What the crowd lacked in numbers it made up in exclamations of genuine feelings of joy. Previous to this time. every article of merchandise, provisions, etc., were hauled into Pontiac, principally with ox teams, from Bloomington, Peoria, Ottawa, Joliet and Chicago. All of the buildings were built of lumber cut from the banks of the Vermilion river. These were few in number, however, but the lumber used in constructing them is today the most expensive on the market. The sills and beams were made of oak while the siding was of the finest black walnut. The shingles were made of oak and ash. They presented a dingy appearance, as no paint was used.

All of the buildings, including the dwelling houses, in Pontiac at that time were located around the court house square, these not being over two or three within two blocks of that point. But with the advent of the railroad, the town commenced to grow toward the west side. The American house, the Stevens house and the Washington hotel were soon under construction, as were numerous places of business and dwelling houses. It was thought at one time that what is now known as the west side of Pontiac would be the business section, and for a number of years it looked that way, but about 1870 things took a change and the business commenced to go back up town. In a few years' time the west end as a business section was abandoned.

Before the railroad came, the settlers in and around Pontiac were natives of the eastern states, the majority of them being from the states of New York, Ohio and Indiana, but with the railroad came a new class of citizens, most of whom were Irish, who were arriving in this country then in large numbers from their native land,

Among those who arrived about this time and a little later were William Cleary, who worked on the railroad, but afterwards became interested in the first coal mine sunk in Pontiac, Luke Jordan and family, who lived in town for three years, removing to a farm just west of the city where he now resides; William Googerty, Sr., and his son, William, Jr., who were for many years contractors for supplying the new railroad with wood and water. William Googerty, Sr., first came to Pontiac about 1850. About the time the railroad came through he returned to Elgin and induced his son and wife to accompany him to Pontiac, which they did. William Googerty and son are long since dead, the latter being killed by the cars near where the widow and her two sons, Thomas and Andrew, now reside. Patrick O'Connell and family, Michael O'Brien and family, the Burke brothers (William, James, Redmond and John); Martin Holland and family, William Berry and family, Patrick Troy and family, Dennis Byrnes and family, Patrick Dolan and family, Michael Rotheram and family, Michael McCabe and family, Frank Roach, Edward Sweeney, John Cleary, William O'Hair, Michael Sullivan, Frank Lilly, Mathew O'Brien, Patrick McDonald, Patrick Flanagan, Patrick Smith, John Rotheram and James Haffey.

Many of those above mentioned arrived in Pontiac in very poor circumstances. All were laboring men and they went to work with a will. In after years, Some became prominent and influential citizens while a number of those mentioned responded to their country's call a few years later and marched to the front and served with distinction throughout the conflict.

Soon after the railroad reached Pontiac, people from every direction came here to make a home. In 1854, H. H. Norton arrived from the state of Maine. He was a carpenter by trade and proceeded at once to erect a planing mill where he was engaged for some time. He superintended the erection of the first brick school house in Pontiac in 1866 and one year later the Odd Fellows hall. Shortly afterwards Mr. Norton engaged in the manufacture of furniture with Edward Bertram and later with George W. Rice, He now resides in Colorado.

Soon after Mr. Norton arrived came other carpenters, among whom were Douglas J. Lyon, Joseph R. Virgin, Edwin R. Maples, Harvey B. Gunsul, Wallace Lord, Fred and James Sincell, B. Fisher, Richard D. Folks, Malcolm Maples, George W. Bay, W. H. Roberts, Martin & Sellman, George Wolgamott and George Fowler. These men have all contributed to the up-building of Pontiac in more ways than with the square, hammer, plane and saw. Douglas J. Lyon still resides in Pontiac and is living in retirement. He served throughout the Civil War as a soldier, and after the rebellion was crushed, he came home and at once resumed his old trade, which he followed until advancing years forced his retirement.

Joseph R. Virgin removed to California in the early '70s where he died a few years ago. Edwin R. Maples soon went into politics, Im 1858 he became deputy sheriff under James W. Remick, serving four years. Was afterwards elected sheriff and in time held various positions of trust in Pontiac, among which was justice of the peace and city treasurer. He died in 1877.

Harvey B. Gunsul is still a resident of Pontiac, living in retirement. He was a pioneer livery man and has accumulated a small fortune. Wallace Lord and Richard Folks are also living in Pontiac, both having retired from the trade. Both were soldiers in the Civil War. Mr. Lord built and owned the first opera house ever erected in Pontiac, only to retire when the building was destroyed by fire twenty-five years ago. Mr. Folks succeeded Mr. Lord in the amusement business and is now the proprietor and manager of the only opera house in Pontiac. The Sincell brothers and Mr. Fisher moved from Pontiac many years ago. Mrs. Folks died January 8, 1909.

George W. Hemstreet was a pioneer brick mason and worked at the first brick building erected in Pontiac. He became prominent in political af- fairs in the county but never aspired to public office. He enlisted at the outbreak of the Civil War with the 58rd Ill. regiment, and was: killed in battle near Jackson, Miss., in 1863.

Robert Foster, son 'of the pioneer "Uncle" . Johnny Foster; Charles Knight and brother were also pioneer brick masons and helped construct most all of the foundations and buildings in Pontiac prior to their departure for the west about thirty years ago. Samuel Herbert and John C. Wickery were the first plasterers in the village. Foster went west in the early '80s and died in Denver, Colo., in 1907. Samuel Herbert followed the trade until 1874, when he went into the ice business, and now lives in retirement at the ripe age of 85 years. Wickery died in Pontiac about twenty years ago.

David Biteman was also one of the pioneer brick masons of Pontiac and worked on the first brick building erected in Pontiac by Judge Henry Jones.

H. G. Challis, Edward Wilson, Thomas Cleland, William T. Miller, John S. Lee and Isaac Umphenour were the village blacksmiths who arrived during the fifties. John S. Lee and Edward Wilson are the only living of these pioneer smiths, both retiring on account of their advancing years. They served throughout the Civil War and have always been prominent citizens of Pontiac. Challis, Cleland, Miller and Umphenour have been dead for many years.

Augustus W. Cowan came to Pontiac in 1854 from New York State. He secured a position as clerk in a store, gradually working himself up until he branched out for himself. Mr. Cowan and his partner, Jonathan Duff, organized the first bank in Pontiac in 1866, and since that time he has always been connected with everything that went toward the advancing the interests of Pontiac.

Rufus W. Babcock is another old settler who figured largely in the history of Pontiac. With his family he arrived here from his native state of Massachusetts in 1854. They settled on land near the Rockwood farm, but two years later Mr. Babcock came to Pontiac and engaged in the dry goods and grocery business with his brother, Henry J. Babcock, the firm retiring in the early 70's. Mr. Babcock was the first Mayor of Pontiac when it was organized as a city, and now lives in retirement in Chicago with his only son, Benjamin.

this time were John Dehner and son, Joseph; F. C. Brown and brother, Dr. Thomas Croswell, William T. Russell, George Olmstead, J. Lucian Young, Strevell Kinsell, George W. Boyer, Me- Nichol brothers, James and John; Johnson and Easton, Greenebaum brothers, Henry and Joseph; Francis Brucker and sons, Simon and Adolph; John W. Damon, Z. N. Nettleton, R. B. McIntyre, C. N. Olmstead & Co., Murray & Hinsey, John Geiger, Skinner & Son, Morris Johnson, Cassidy, Ladd & Co., Mrs. B. W. Gray, Mrs, Sarah Remick and Miss Ann Smith, Park Loomis and L. E. Kent, Charles A. McGregor and Job E. Dye.

John Dehner built the first brick building around the square, it being completed in 1857. The building was tbree stories high, the top floor being used for a hall for dancing parties and other entertainments. The building still stands, although the front has been greatly changed and does not much resemble the building of fifty years ago. Mr. Dehner and son conducted a general store. Both are dead.

F. C. Brown and brother came from Joliet and built a large two-story frame building near the Alton depot. They ran a general store and were extensive merchants.

Dr. Thomas Croswell was a pioneeer druggist and also practiced medicine, He moved to Streator about thirty-five years ago, where he died October 6, 1908, at the advanced age of 94 years.

William T, Russell was connected with the firm of Babcock & Brother. He was also sheriff of the county and a leader among the early organizers of the republican party.

George Olmstead was the pioneer lumber dealer of Pontiac, remaining but a few years, disposing of his business to the firm of Elllis & Fischer. He moved to Kansas City, Mo., in the early '60s where he still resides, conducting the largest wholesale and retail jewelry store in that city.

Strevell & Kinsell were in the hardware business, George W. Boyer was a manufacturer and dealer in furniture and coffins, Cassidy, Ladd & Co., conducted a general store, the McNichol Brothers, James and John, were manufacturers of boots and shoes, Johnson & Easton ran a drug and notion store, John W. Damon and Z, H. Nettleton were the pioneer jewelers, C. N. Olmstead & Co. ran a grocery, Murray & Hinsey were the pioneer ambrotype takers and soon commenced taking photographs, Morris Johnson conducted a general store, John Geiger and John Zimmerman were the keepers of a harness shop, while Mrs. Benjamin W. Gray, Mrs. Sarah Remick and Miss Ann Smith were the pioneers in the millinery and dressmaking art.

Henry Greenebaum was the pioneer clothing merchant and the first member of the Jewish faith to settle in Livingston County. He made regular visits here from Lexington, McLean County, where he conducted a clothing store in partnership with his brother, Joseph, Mr. Greenebaum settled in Pontiac in 1856 and at once opened a clothing store, with Dr. J. W. Youmans as a partner, and one year later with his brother, Joseph. Together the brothers organized the Liyingston County National bank, the first national bank in the county, and were connected with that institution until they were called away by death. They were always prominent in the affairs of the city and county and were what is termed sound business men,

Shortly after the Greenebaums arrived came another Jewish family, the firm of Francis Brucker & Sons, the sons being Adolph and Simon. They remained in business in Pontiac until about fifteen years ago, when they moved to Chicago. Simon Brucker was the leading musician of Pontiac for many years and a leader of the first band to be organized. He served throughout the war with the 39th Illinois Volunteer regiment, and for many years traveled for the New York firm of A. T. Stewart & Co.

Park Loomis and L. E. Kent were pioneer grain merchants, the latter remaining here until his death a few years ago, Mr. Kent erected the first and only distillery ever run in Livingston County. The business proved a failure and Mr. Kent then engaged in his old line, that of grain merchant.

Job E. Dye was engaged with John Dehner in his general store, remaining with the firm until they retired from business, when he engaged in buying grain, at which business he continued until his death about twenty years ago.

Charles A. McGregor has been engaged in business in Pontiac longer than any other resident of the city. He came here with his father, the pioneer attorney, two years before the railroad arrived. He clerked in various stores and finally branched out for himself in the drug, book and notion line, a business which he still continues to this day, being the head of the house of C. A,

Charles J. Froebe And Family

Mention in particular is made here of these firms from the fact that most of them were wellknown at the time all over the county, Pontiac then being the leading trading point of the early settlers. Dwight, Odell, Forrest, Chatsworth and Fairbury were not platted when some of these firms mentioned above were engaged in trade. Most of those named are long since dead, some moved away, but in minds of most of the people living in Pontiac today they exist only in memory.

Soon after John McGregor and Joel H. Dart opened their law office in Pontiac, others of that profession soon followed. During the '50s Jerome P. Garner entered the profession, although the family settled here previous. Simon DeWitt, Judge B. P. Babcock, Jason W. Strevell, A. E. Harding, Jonathan Duff, Charles J. Beattie, Joshua Whitmore and Jesse Ware, Jr., were those who practiced the profession of law in Pontiac over fifty years ago. All are now deceased, with the one exception of A. E. Harding.

Jerome Garner died in 1860, while De Witt followed a few years later. Judge Babcock was a prominent man and more will be learned of him in the history of Esmen Township, of which he was one of the pioneers. Jason W. Strevell, Jonathan Duff, Charles J. Beattie, Joshua Whitmore and Jesse Ware, Jr., have passed away years ago, but they will be heard of at length in the political history of the county, where all took prominent parts in shaping the destiny of Livingston County prior to the Civil War.

Martin Dolde and family arrived in. Pontiac from Ottawa in the fall of 1856. Mr. Dolde had just arrived in this country from Germany and was a wagon and carriage maker by trade. He formed a partnership with Samuel Garner and opened a shop, but the firm soon dissolved, Mr. Dolde forming a partnership with H. G. Challis, a blacksmith by trade. The firm continued for several years, when Mr. Challis retired and moved to Topeka, Kas. Mr. Dolde continued in the business for fifty-one years, retiring in 1907. He still resides here, and has held many positions of trust in this city. In 1875 he ran for county treasurer on the Republican ticket, but was defeated by Joseph H. Stitt by the small margin of 34 votes.

vided with money inyested the same in land, meanwhile clerking in the store of Cassidy, Ladd & Co. Mr. r. Green died ied in 1857. His wife taught select school for many years thereafter and in 1878 was married to Albert Lawrence, familiarly known as "Deacon" Lawrence. She now resides in Chicago.

Among the other young men who arrived in Pontiac during the 50's was James E. Morrow, who came from Ohio in 1858, Mr. Morrow's father had preceded him here and lived on a farm northeast of Pontiac. The young man entered the clothing firm of Greenebaum & Brothers and was afterwards with Cassidy, Ladd & Co. He went overland to California in 1859 with several others from Pontiac, returning in time to enlist with the 129th Illinois Volunteer. regiment and served throughout the war. In 1868 he was elected circuit clerk, served as supervisor from Pontiac Township for twenty-one years, was mayor of the city, and in 1874 organized the National Bank of Pontiac, being elected president, holding that position until his death, which occurred in 1898, In 1866 Mr, Morrow married Miss Elizabeth Maxwell, who died in 1872, They are survived by one daughter, Elsie, who now resides in this city.

Peter Hannaman, who came here with his stepfather, Philip Rollins, in 1846, and settled on a farm just east of town, moved into the village in 1856 and started the first bakery, continuing the business with success until the early '80s, when he moved to California, where he still resides.

Mr. Hannaman had no sooner opened up than he had strong competition in the person of Samuel K. Barr, who engaged in the bakery. business, Mr. Barr was a genial, whole-souled young man, and besides conducting his bakery was the leading promoter of all the amusement features of the village. He arranged for a great many dances, most of which took place in the court house. He has been dead for many years.

As soon as the Alton was ready for business, Seymour Bennett was appointed station agent, while the company sent a young man by the name of John Chappel from the east to look after the telegraphing and the sale of tickets. He afterwards conducted the Stevens hotel, being in partnership with a gentleman by the name of Kelly. He has been dead long since.

New York state. He married a daughter of John Kingore soon after arriving here. Mrs, Chappel later on married R. B. Phillips and is still a resident of Pontiac.

Morris Johnson and family came to Pontiac Township in 1857 and settled on what is now the Babcock farm, northwest of the city. 'The year following the family moved to town, Mr. Johnson building a store on a lot just south of the American house on North Oak street. He conducted a general store for about four years and then engaged in general trading until he passed away in 1886, He was a prominent and influential citizen and universally respected. Mr. Johnson's widow still survives at the age of 84, while his son, E. M., has always taken a prominent part in the affairs of Pontiac.

Thomas Willliams came to Pontiac in 1857 and purchased the mill property from L. Archer, He was aman of push and energy and soon enlarged the plant by building a large mill and replacing the old log dam with one of stone. The splendid mill property was destroyed by fire about twentyfive years ago, but Mr. Williams rebuilt at once, although on somewhat smaller scale.

Ferdinand H. Bond and son, Samuel, arrived here in 1857, coming from the state of Pennsylyania. Mr. Bond was a boot and shoe maker by trade and continued in that line until within a few years of his death, which occurred in 1878. Stephen C. Crane came from the state of Ohio in 1855, although his family did not arrive here until about 1860. He was a man of means and engaged in farming and buying and selling real estate. He was one of the organizers of the Baptist church in the village and before his death, in 1877, accumulated a vast fortune. ` Jobn Kingore and family arrived from Indiana in the fall of 1854 and rented the hotel then known as "Buck's tavern." Mr. Kingore's family consisted of his two daughters, Minerva, after whom a hospital in this city was named; Miss Maggie, now Mrs. R. B. Phillips, a son-in-law by the name of Smith, and his wife, and Miss Eliza Houser, who soon afterwards married Edwin R. Maples. They were a valuable addition to the town and kept a good hotel.

The same year came Samuel L. Manker and family from the east, who located on a farm in the township just west of the city. Mr. Manker was a good farmer and in a few years had one of the finest farms in the county, well stocked with one of the best herds of cattle to be seen any- where at that time. He was one of the leading men in organizing the Livingston County Agricultural Society and at one time was its president. Later on the family moved to Missouri, where Mr. Manker died.

Joseph and George Woolyerton and their families came in 1857 from Reading Township, where they had located a few years previous. Joseph was elected treasurer that year and came over to take charge of the office, while his brother George went into the dry goods business, the style of the firm being Woolverton Brothers. George Woolverton died here in 1872 and shortly afterwards his brother Joseph moved to Colorado, where he now resides.

George A. Murphy and family came to Pontiac in 1858 from New York, having arrived in this country from County Antrim. Ireland, in 1837. Mr. Murphy was a laborer and when the family arrived here all the children were grown. Miss Margaret married Leander Uttley and Miss Mary married Joseph F. Culver. William J. Murphy, a son, worked as a laborer for some time after coming here, and when the war broke out went to the front. Returning home he became a clerk and soon entered the hardware business with J. W. Strevell, and became a prominent and influential man in Pontiac. He now resides in Arizona. The family were all prominent workers in the Presbyterian church society. The elder Murphy has been dead for over thirty-five years, while his wife was killed while attempting to cross the Alton railroad track by crawling under the cars in 1864,

William Manlove and family came from Ohio in 1856 and settled on a farm adjoining the townsite. Mr. Manlove always took a prominent part in the upbuilding of the community and was a very progressive farmer and stock raiser. He was always interested in the agricultural society and at one time was its president. The family moved from Pontiac to Texas over thirty years ago, where Mr. Manlove died a few years later.

Augustus F. Fisher, a native of Germany, arrived in Pontiac in 1858, and secured work in thelumber yard of William Ellis. He was without means and continued as a laborer until the war broke out, when he enlisted and went to the front in 1862 with the 129th regiment. Returning from the war he resumed his labors in the lumber yard, soon purchasing an interest in the same. Afterwards engaged in the hardware business: with H. ©. Hobbs and continuing in the lumber yard. Mr. Fisher was elected mayor of Pontiac ín 1877 and served his ward seyeral years as alderman. in 1878, having amassed a fortune, he moved to Chicago, where he now lives in retirement.

Joseph S. Babcock came to Pontiac in 1857 from the state of New York and engaged in the grocery and dry goods trade with E. M. Johnson. He was a man of means and loaned considerable money, but being in poor health retired to a farm northwest of the city, where he died in 1870. His widow, formerly Mary Norton, died at the Babcock homestead about six years ago.

John W. Eagle came to Pontiac Township in 1856 and engaged in farming near the village. He caught the gold fever in 1859 and left at once for Pike's Peak, returning in 1861 with his finances badly shattered. He went to work in Pontiac on bis return as a laborer and in after years became deputy sheriff of the county and city marshal of Pontiac. He died in 1908,

George C. Taylor settled on a farm in section 36 in Pontiac Township in 1858. He was reared to manhood in Saratoga Springs, N. Y. Mr. Taylor was a progressive farmer, as the fine farm southeast of this city will attest. During the war, while farm labor was at a premium, he went to Paducah, Ky., and secured about twenty colored people with their families and brought them to Pontiac to till the farms. The colored families thus secured were the first to locate in the county. They arrived in a cattle car over the Alton and while passing through the streets of the village loaded on hay racks with Mr, Taylor at their head the caravan was halted at the southwest corner of the court house square by a number of citizens who threatened him with all sorts of dire trouble if the negroes were not at once returned south. An exciting time was had, but Mr. Taylor won out and landed the colored people safely at his farm, near which they remained until the close of the war. He was always prominent in the township and filled many official positions. Mr. Taylor and his wife are long since dead. His son, John C., came into possession of the farm at his death, and in 1902 disposed of the same and invested the proceeds in Zion City, Ill., where he now resides,

Alfred A, Eylar and family moved to Pontiac Township from the state of Ohio in 1855 and located on a farm south of Pontiac, where 'he resided until his death, about twenty-five years ago. His son, D. C. Eylar, came to Pontiac in the early