Livingston County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 25 of those read), 1909 (part 14 of 17)

The marriage of Dr, Scouller and Louise Dethering occurred in St. Louis, Mo., January 1, 1871, Mrs. Scouller being a daughter of one of the pioneer preachers of Alton, this state. Of the children born to Dr. and Mrs. Scouller, Barbara is the wife of James M. Lyon, the present Mayor of Pontiac; John D. is in business with his father; Louise is the wife of Max Westermann of Lincoln, Neb.; James is an educator in the Isle of Panay, Philippines; and Helen Mar is living at home. Dr. Scouller is held in high esteem by all who are privileged to know him, and his contribution to the best tenets of medical and surgical science is a large and yaluable one. As a man he is genial and approachable, and among his friends and well-wishers are many of the foremost people in the town and county.

SHAW, William B., is a practical plumber and tinner, and installer of steam-heating plants of Fairbury, Livingston County, Ill., whose success, which has been won in a comparatively short time, is indicative of the character and traits of the man. In every accepted sense of the word he is self-made. If his beginning was small and humble, it was at the same time safe and sure, and full of a promise that is being fulfilled. In this day great skill and ability are required in the lines of work to which he devotes himself, and it is only doing him simple justice to state that he is fully meeting all demands upon him both as a mechanic and as a man of affairs.

William B. Shaw was born at Kilsyth. Scotland, October 1, 1885, a son of William B. and Jennie (Miller) Shaw, both natives of the town of his birth. His father was by trade a weaver. He had come to America some years before the birth of the subject of this sketch, and had prospered at his chosen work. From time to time he went back to Scotland to visit his wife and children, and in 1887 brought them to this country, locating at Streator, Ill., where he and his wife are still living. Practically all his life has been devoted to weaving carpets, rugs, and similar varieties of goods.

William B. and Jennie (Miller) Shaw have had five children. Their daughter Nellie married George Murdock and remained at Kilsyth, Scotland. Their daughter Maggie is the wife of W. C. Newton, a foreman on the line of the Illinois Central Railroad. Two other daughters, Lizzie and Jennie, live with their parents. William B. Shaw, the only son, is the immediate subject of this sketch, The parents of these chil- dren are in every respect most worthy. Mr. Shaw has for many years been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics. is a Republican.

William B. Shaw, of Fuirbury, was about two years old in 1887, when his father brought his family, except one daughter, from Kilsyth, Scotland, to Streator, TM. He was reared and educated in the public schools at Streator, meanwhile assisting his father in business as a weaver, and after leaving school practicaily equipped educationally to begin the battle of life, worked with his father one year. At fifteen years of age he then began an apprenticeship with Robert T. Shaw, a practical plumber at Streator, which continued until 1906, Even after he was able to earn wages his pay was only two dollars and fifty cents a week, besides his board, but the amount of his earnings was of no consideration to him at that time, his sole desire being to learn. In due time he won honors as a skillful mechanic and was sent by his employer to oversee the latter's largest and most particular jobs. In the shop, where he worked with seven or eight other men, he was known as "the first man," a fact which shows the esteem in which he was held by the fine mechanic who was initiating him into the mysteries of his craft. When he decided to resign his position at Streator, he was given a letter of recommendation by his employer, of which the following is a copy:

STREATOR, Ill., Oct. 19, 1906. To whom it may concern: I take great pleasure in certifying to the worthy character of the bearer, William B. Shaw, of this city. Mr. Shaw is a young man of good family and steady habits, and honest and conscientious in the performance of every duty. He has been in my employment for six years and I regret his loss. He leaves

Having a desire to gain a different experience in his trade, he went to Chicago in 1907 to work for a plumber named McNeil, on Twelfth Street. After about four months, a plumbers' strike caused a cessation of work and Mr. Shaw returned home and was again employed for a short time by his instructor. He then went to Gridley, and was there employed by the firm of Neargast & Donnelly. This concern had 2 large contract on hand and, knowing Mr. Shaw's ability, sent for him to assist in its completion. Waving finished that work, he came to Fairbury, where for about a year he was employed by Walter A. Kessler. This position he resigned to establish himself in the plumbing business in association with J. G. Swing, putting in modern machinery, first class fixtures and a complete stock of plumbing materials. The concern guarantees all its plumbing, heating, tin work and roofing, are active members of the Presbyterian church of Streator, and fraternally is associated with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Shaw is identified with the Order of the Royal Neighbors,

SHIELDS, Robert L., for forty years an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Livingston County, Ill., now living in leisure and retirement in Pontiac, a man of abundant means and strong character, and a gallant soldier in the Civil War, was born in Kentucky, September 27, 1840, His father, William Shields, was a Scotchman by birth, and his mother, Isabel (Johnson) Shields, was a native of Ireland. In Scotland, William Shields was a mason, having learned that trade when a boy, but in Illinois he followed farming. His marriage with Isabel Johnson took place in Ireland, and about the year 1838 he came to the United States, sojourning for a while in Pittsburg, Baltimore, at different places near Cincinnati and in Kentucky. Finally, in 1849, he located in McLean County, Il., settling in Old Town Township, where he and his wife spent their last years, the father dying in 1903, and the mother in 1905. Both were members of the Presbyterian church. They were the parents of nine children, three of whom are living, Politically, William Shields was a strong Republican. He took a prominent part in the local contests of his party, and held a number of township offices in succession.

In boyhood, Robert Shields utilized the advantages of the district schools to the extent of receiving a good common-school education and grew to maturity on the paternal farm. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K., Third Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, Capt. Nichols commanding, in which he served three years, participating in all the notable engagements in which his regiment took part, including the Siege of Vicksburg. the battles of Pea Ridge, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Stone River, Chickamauga, and Chattanooga.

After being mustered out and honorably discharged in 1864, he returned home but in December of the same year enlisted in Company One Hundred and Fiftieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry under command of Capt. Lawrence of Bloomington, in which he served one year, being finally mustered out at Atlanta, Ga., January 16, 1866. In 1867 he located in Livingston County, Ill, buying a farm of 160 acres in Saunemin Township. To his first purchase he added at intervals, until he is now the owner of 400 acres of land. For many years he was a successful breeder of Percheron horses, and later, of English Shires and Shorthorn cattle, also raising a good grade of hogs. In 1892 he moved to Kankakee, Ill., in order to secure advantages for the education of his children, and, after remaining there three years, returned to his farm. In 1904, he relinquished active business pursuits, establishing his residence in Pontiac, where he bought a home at No. 622 North Main Street, He has an interest in a farm of 320 acrs in McLean County, IIL,

On November 14, 1873, Mr. Shields was married to Eliza Bennett Lilly, who was born April 25, 1845, in Madison County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Mary (Smith) Lilly, natives of that State. They came to Illinois in 1856, locating in Rook's Creek Township, Livingston County, where the father followed farming. Both are deceased, Their family consisted of twelve children, seyen of whom are living. John Lilly was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was quite prominent in church work. Politically, he was identified with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Shields became the parents of five children, as follows: Truman William, Clarence S., Lilly Belle, Chester Weldon and James H. The eldest son, Truman W., is a graduate of the law school of the University of Michigan, and is now engaged in the practice of law in Kankakee, Ill.; he married Agnes Valeria Froehlke, Clarence S., who received his education in the Kankakee High School, and is now a barber of Lincoln, Ill., married Viola Boggs. Lilly B. was educated in the Kankakee and Pontiac High schools, and Chester W., who pursued a course of study in the Bloomington Business College, is at present in the employ of the International Harvester Company. James H. is engaged in the grocery business in Pontiac. The amiable and faithful mother of this interesting family departed this life, deeply lamented, June 4, 1903. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is her husband. Politically, Mr. Shields is a Republican, and fraternally, he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

SHOOK, James K., contractor and builder, Fairbury, Livingston County, Ill. Maryland has contributed to Central Ilinois many men who, through ability and endeavor, have taken their places among its leading citizens. A score of family names could be mentioned in this connection, but the name at the head of this article will sufficiently illustrate the thought. James K. Shook was born at Utica Mills, Frederick County, Md., September 6, 1860, a son of John William and Mary E. (Morningstar) Shook. John William Shook was a son of Jacob Shook, who was of German ancestry. the former and his wife both being natives of Maryland, where he died in 1901, aged fifty-eight years, and his wife in 1864, when their son, James K., was about four years old. Mr. Shook was a farmer and in politics a Democrat. In all things pertaining to the prosperity of the general public he was notably public spirited. He and his wife were ardent members of the Reformed church, and he was the Superintendent of the Sunday school. They had three children, two sons and a daughter, of whom the latter died in infancy. Their son John died at Liberty, Md., in February. 1908, aged fifty-two years, four months and eight days, after a very short illness. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Shook married Elizabeth

Morningstar, also of Maryland nativity, who bore him four children, one of whom ís deceased. Those now living are: George W., a contractor and builder, of Harrisburg. Pa.; Charles, a prosperous farmer, of Frederick, Md.; and Mrs. Albert Long, of Daysville, Md., also interested in farming.

James K. Shook spent his boyhood days in school and on the farm. He remained with his father until 1883, when he was about twenty years old, and then turned his face westward, stopping for a short time at Springfield, UL, and at St. Louis, Mo. In December of that year he went to Pontiac, Livingston County, and found employment in the local office of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. In January 1884, he established at Fairbury an office for that company of which he was in charge until the fall of 1885, proving himself one of the most successful sewing machine salesmen in all the country round about. In 1885 he arranged to learn the carpenter's trade with Bronson & Lawrence, with a view to becoming a contractor and builder. The Churchill elevator was the first building on which he worked. In 1892 he began contracting on his own account. He erected the Odd Fellows' Temple in 1895, the Baptist church and the Central Opera House, all at Fairbury, and these buildings and many others are monuments to his skill and integrity.

April 2, 1885, Mr. Shook married Miss Sarah E. Deitz, who was born and reared at Fairbury, a daughter of Christopher Deitz, and she bore him two daughters: Gertrude E., a graduate of the Fairbury schools, has gained success as a teacher in Livingston County, while Mabel Genevieve is a member of the Junior class of the Fairbury schools. Mrs. Shook died April 10, 1895, and April 30, 1899, Mr. Shook married Miss Ida Stuckey, who was born near Fairbury. The second Mrs. Shook is a member of the Rebecca Lodge at Fairbury, and has acted as representative of that lodge and of the local lodge of Yeoman, with which he is also identified. Mrs. Sarah E. (Deitz) Shook was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is remembered as having always been friendly and sympathetic, eager to help any one in time of trouble and sickness, Mr. Shook is an Odd Fellow, a member of both Lodge and Encampment, a Yeoman of America and a member of the Order of the Modern Woodmen. He has high rank as a Mason and a wide acquaintance in the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is independent. His

For a quarter of a century he has been identified with the development and growth of Fairbury, and many of the leading citizens of Livingston County, occupy residences that he has built. He is a stockholder in the company owning the Fairbury Opera House.

Early in 1908, Mr. Shook returned to Maryland to visit the scenes of his boyhood, and while there, his step-mother was buried. After visiting Baltimore, Md.. and Washington, D. C., he returned to Frederick, expecting to meet his brother John and the latter's wife before re turning to Fairbury. He was met there by a message which inforemd him that his brother was dying, and he did not reach his brother's bedside until an hour after his death. John Shook, who was his only brother, was a wealthy retired farmer and one of the most prominent citizens of Liberty, Md.

SHULTZ, Turley C., a farmer of Livingston County, Ill, is of German lineage. Too much cannot be said as to the value of German blood as an element in our population. A people more industrious, economical, thrifty, progressive and enlightened than the German-Americans is to be found nowhere in the world. Their history also demonstrates their patriotism. In every national crisis they have been found loyal and willing to do their part, even to the extent of risking their lives for the general good. However great their success as business men, their success as farmers has equaled it.

Turley C. Shultz was born in Peoria County, Ill., in 1870, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Y. Shultz, of Germany. His father, who had learned farming in the Fatherland, settled in America first in Peoria County, then in Livingston County, where he owns 285 acres of valuable land. There he lived until a few years ago when, retiring from active life, he took up his residence in Chenoa, McLean County, Il. His son, Turley C., was reared on a farm and educated in public schools. He has always been a general farmer and stock-raiser and owns a farm of 160 acres in Henry County, Ohio. In 1895 he married Miss Alice La Duc, a daughter of Louis and Eva B. La Duc, natives of France, and they have a daughter named Viola. Mr. Shultz is a Republican and he has demonstrated the possession of a public spirit that makes him a valuable citizen and a useful man in the community.

SLAGEL, Joseph, proprietor of the Fairbury Motor Car Works, Fairbury, Livingston County, Il. We have just passed over the threshold of the "horseless age." Of course the horse will have his place in the world's economy, but the average horse is destined in the future to have an easier life than the average horse has had in any highly civilized country for several centuries. The motor vehicle even now renders his service unnecessary for many of the tasks that he has long been accustomed to perform. The invention of light or buggy automobiles would now be recognized as a long step in that direction, were it not for the fact that it has been practically impossible to fit them with sufficient motor power and still keep them in the class of light vehicles.

Joseph Slagel, son of Samuel and Mary (Demler) Slagel, was born in Fairbury, Ill., February 12, 1883. His father, who was of German ancestry, was born in Iowa. His mother was of German birth and first saw the light of day at Baden, Germany. Samuel Slagel was a farmer and blacksmith. Besides being a good business man, he is exceptionally gifted as a mechanic and the products of his little "smithy" never failed to satisfy his most exacting customers. In 1871 he disposed of his interests in Iowa, and, removing to Livingston County, bought a farm in Indian Grove Township on which he and his good wife are living at the present time.

Their son Joseph passed his boyhood on his father's farm, and before he was done with the district school began to develop a mechanical and inventive talent which was doubtless to some extent inherited. When he was about eighteen years old he was supplied with tools and permitted to build a shop close by his home, in which he did the mechanical work for his father's farm and for the farms round about. In 1903, when he was twenty years old he invented an oil pump for steam engines, which has found much favor. In September, 1903, he removed to Fairbury and bought his present machine shop at the corner of Main and Sixth Streets. Here he has built up a manufacturing plant which, for its purpose, is not surpassed by any in Central Illinois. It is equipped with lathes, drilling machines, planers, milling machines, and all necessary appliances, and is truly a novelty shop in which it is possible to make repairs of any kinds of machines of any description. Mr. Slagel employs none but workmen of the highest class, and work that can not be done in his establishment certainly cannot be done anywhere else.

Mr. Slagel married Miss Emma Wagler, May 23, 1906. She is a native of Pulaski, Davis County, Iowa, a daughter of Joseph Wagler, who died in 1902. Her mother is living at Pulaski. Mr. Slagel adheres to the policies and principles of the Republican party. As a citizen he is eminently public-spirited and helpful, and among the many to whom he is favorably known there is not one who does not admire his ability and enterprise and wish him abundant success.

SLAUGHTER, Bert C., manager of the Illinois Card & Novelty Company, Fairbury, Livingston County. Tll., is a young man of varied and valuable business experience who is making a notable success in a field which he marked out for himself. In these days the man who has a knowledge of advertising and the ability to sell goods through the mails, is able, even from a small town, to so extend his operations as to make them include a very large territory, and specialties handled by such a man are pretty sure to find a wide sale. At the same time, such a business is one that should not be incautiously entered by any but the very elect. The knowledge upon which it must be based should be exact and comprehensive, and to win success in it the manager must have his finger constantly on the public pulse and know perfectly well that what each pulse-beat portends.

Bert C. Slaughter was born near Rossville, Vermilion County, Ill., October 5, 1876, a son of S. E. Slaughter, now of Fairbury, a biographical sketch of whom appears in these pages. In 1882 he began to attend the distriet school near the place of his birth and, after he came to Fairbury, entered the local public school from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. Having acquired a knowledge of photography, in which he became expert, he took a financial interest in a photographic business. Disposing ot this, he was at Forrest a year and then, in 1898, bought a gallery at Odell, Ill., which he was able to sell at a considerable advantage in 1900. Later, he accepted a position with Sweet, Wallach & Co., manufacturers and dealers in photo stock and supplies, Chicago, with which concern he made such a sucess as an inside salesman that he was sent out as a commercial traveler, in which capacity he labored successfully six years, covering Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio. Late in 1906 he resigned that position and, with Ro Bartlett, he organized in 1907 the Illinois, Card « Novelty Co., of Fairbury. They began business with machinery propelled entirely by foot power. and now all their presses are operated by electricity and their job printing office is supplied with all kinds of up-to-date machinery necessary in their business, which includes fancy job printing and the manufacture of cards, calendars and photo supplies. To this business Mr. Slaughter is peculiarly well adapted, both by experience and by artistic temperament, and under this management it is growing rapidly.

Mr. Slaughter married Miss Gertrude E. Rockwood, March 28, 1906. Miss Rockwood is a native of Illinois, and Ralph W. Rockwood, her father, is manager of the Walton Brothers' Grocery department. She bore her husband a son - Ralph Edward - December 12,,1907. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Slaughter is a member of the Baptist church. A thoroughgoing Republican, he is active in party work and always solicitous for the growth and prosperity of Fairbury.

SLAUGHTER, Stephen E., a retired farmer, living in Fairbury, Ill., where he has been favorably known for many years, and a man who faithfully served the cause of the Union as a soldier in the Civil War, was born at Tremont, Tazewell County, Ill., June 29, 1846. His parents were Richard and Phoebe (Britnell) Slaughter, natives of England who came to the United States in 1844, locating in Chicago, where they remained until 1846 when they moved to Tazewell County. There Richard Slaughter went to work at his trade of a cabinet-maker, which he had learned in England. having been bound out as an apprentice for seven years. He died

the village of Tremont in 1849. Of the children born to him and his wife but one besides the subject of this sketch is now living, namely: Sarah, wife of William Wampler, of Ellsworth, McLean County, Ill.; Phoebe (Britnell) Slaughter, now deceased, was married in 1853, to Hiram Warner, a leading citizen of Tazewell County, by whom she had one son, Fred W. Warner, a resident of Philip, S. Dak.

Stephen E. Slaughter received his education in the common schools, remaining on the home farm until 1864, and, in September of that year, enlisting in Company A, One Hundred and Eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was under fire for thirteen days at Spanish Fort, La., where his regiment captured a number of prisoners and Mr. Slaughter was detailed among others to take charge of them, although then but eighteen years of age and of small stature. At Vicksburg in August, 1865, his regiment was mustered out anl received an honorable discharge at Chicago, Il.

Returning to Tazewell County he applied himself to farm work for a time, and then, after attending school a year, obtained work as clerk in a store in Tremont. In 1867 he resumed farm work, continuing thus until the time of his marriage, November 19, 1870. On that date he was wedded to Elva M. Amsbury, who was born in the vicinity of Tremont, April 5, 1853, a daughter of Andrew J. Amsbury. She was an old schoolmate of her husband. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Slaughter bought a farm in Vermillion County, Ill., and there followed farming until 1883. On that farm their three children were born, namely: Ethel K., born December 1, 1871, who married Arthur Farr, a farmer, of Golden City, Mo.; Herbert C., born October 5. 1876, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume; and Emma E., born January 11, 1883; who is the wife of Albert L. Perry, of Kansas City, Mo., bookkeeper in the Western Electric Company.

In 1884 Mr. Slaughter sold his farm, taking up his residence in Fairbury, Hl., where he was engaged in the butchering business for eight years, in partnership with Mrs. L. J. Pfau. In 1892 he sold his interest in this concern and went into the grocery business in connection with a Mr. Albert Sutton who later sold out to Albert Swapp. In the latter part of 1893 Mr. Slaughter sold out, when he engaged in the real estate business, buying and selling farms. He now owns thirty-three acres of land in Livingston County anl 120 in Shelby County, all desirable property. For twenty-five years, Mr. Slaughter has been a resident of Fairbury. taking an earnest interest in the growth and welfare of the city. He owns a comfortable home, and, after a busy life, has withdrawn from active pursuits and is living in contented retirement. He gave his children a good education and has been mindful of all his duties as a husband, father and citizen. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Aaron Weider Post No. 75, and in politics, has always supported the Republican party.

SLONE, William L. - Among the thrifty young farmers of Avoca Township is William L. Slone, residing on Section 22, where he has a good home and excellent farm, well cultivated and yielding good crops through his energy and foresight. He was born on this farm October 11, 1877, a son of Silas and Martha J. (Burns) Slone, natives of Clermont and Adams Counties, Ohio, respectively, and both were of Scotch-Irish ancestry grafted on colonial stock. The grandfather, George Slone, was a soldier in the Civil War, and, sad to say, was on his way home after the expiration of three years of service when he was taken sick and died. His remains were sent home and interred in Clermont County. Three of his sons lost their lives on the battlefield defending their country's honor. Silas Slone and his brother Samuel were the only ones of this large family to come to Livingston County. Samuel died in Livingston County, and none of his descendants now live in the county.

The Burns family came from Adams County, Ohio, to Livingston County, Ill, in 1872, taking a month to make the trip by land in wagons. The year following Mr. Sione came to the county and met his future wife. Their courtship was brief, for February 19, of the same year, they were married. He then went to work for J. Y. McDowell by the month, and for a quarter of a century was a faithful employe of the same man. Finally he rented land from Mr. McDowell, and was still a renter at the time of his death, June 21, 1900.

Mr. Slone was one of the most faithful of men in every way. As a member of the Republican party he gave his vote and influence to elect its candidates and defend its principles. As a member of the Methodist Church he never was known to fail in any duty. His deep knowledge of the Scriptures and true piety made him a much desired class-leader, and from the organization of the church he took upon himself the duties of sexton, cheerfully performing his selfappointed tasks in all kinds of weather, feeling that he was as truly working for his Lord in preparing His place of worship as the minister himself. His touching humility gained him the deep affection of his fellow members and he was sincerely mourned. For all of his services he never could be prevailed upon to accept a cent of remuneration. His widow survives and resides at Fairbury. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Silas Slone, of whom four died in infancy. The others are: William L.; Grace L., who married Le Roy De Moss, a farmer of Blairsburg, Iowa; George A., who married Miss Flossie Bay, and is a resident of Bloomington, Ill.; and Grant, who is a farmer of Avoca Township and married a Mrs. Armstrong.

William L. Slone was brought up on the farm, and worked on it while attending the district school. When his father died, William L. rented the home farm and is now operating 300 acres and, in 1908, had seventy-five acres in wheat, eighty-five in corn and eighty-five in oats. He makes a specialty of Foltz seed-wheat, in the growing of which he is a leader. In 1907 he sola 600 bushels of this wheat for seeding purposes. Mr. Slone endeavors to raise only highgrade cattle, horses and hogs, specializing on the last named, and he has' been very successful in his farming operations. :

On December 19, 1900, he married Miss Carrie K. Ulfers, born near Washington, Ill, and she is a daughter of John Ulfers. Mr. and Mrs. Slone have three children, as follows: Harold Cecil, born October 10, 1901; Marie L., born February 23, 1903, and Josephine M., born September 4, 1907. Since attaining his majority,

Mr. Slone has held Township offices, and been connected with school matters, and for seven years has been Township Clerk. An ardent Republican, he has attended to the duties of a citizen, not contenting himself with only casting his vote, but attending all of the preliminary meetings and seeing that good men are placed on the ticket. Mrs. Slone is a member of the Methodist Church, while Mr. Slone is a Christian Scientist and orders his life according to the teachings of Mrs. Eddy. Both he and his wife are deservedly popular in their community, while as a business man, he is recognized as the soul of honor and good faith.

SLYDER, Luther B., a leading merchant of Graymont, Livingston County, Ill., a man of high character and business capacity, and one of the most popular and useful members of the community, was born in Fairview, Fulton County, 111., February 26, 1861, a son of Simon F. and Mary E. (Beam) Slyder, who located in the above named county in 1855, on a farm of 110 acres. Selling this in 1869, the father moved to Livingston County, Ill., where he became the owner of 400 acres of land in Owego Township. On finally withdrawing from active labors, he took up his residence in Pontiac, Ill., living there in retirement for the rest of bis days. His death occurred, in October, 1900, his wife having passed away March 5, 1899. Their family consisted of eleven children, of whom all but one are living at the present writing. Simon Slyder was a prominent factor in the public affairs of his township. In politics, he was a Democrat and held the office of Supervisor at the time of the destruction of the Pontiac court house by fire, being also a member of the board which supervised the building of the new court house. He was quite active in political affairs? serving as Assessor and in minor township offices, and discharging the functions of Justice of the Peace for many years. He joined the A. F. A. M. in Fairview, Ill., and in later life became a member of Pontiac Lodge, No. 262, of that order. While residents of Fulton County, he and his wife were connected with the Lutheran Church, but on changing their location to Owego Township, they became identified with the Congregational denomination. Soon after this removal to Livingston County, they organized a Sunday School, which met at their home until the schoolhouse was built. Simon Slyder donated the land on which this schoolhouse was erected, and was an earnest promoter of educational interests.

The early youth of Luther B. Slyder was passed on his father's farm, and he attended the common schools and the Illinois State Normal University. After finishing his studies, he went West, and was engaged in farming for three years. On returning to Illinois he entered the grain trade at Rugby, in which he continued between two and three years, going thence to Eyler, and being engaged two years in the same line there. He then took charge of a line of elevators for T. C. Bartlett & Co., of Peoria, Ill., remaining with that firm one year. At the end of this period he began traveling for the Clark Coal Co., of Peoria, and maintained this connection four years. On July 1, 1897, he located at Graymont, Ill, where he has since been engaged in the grain, coal and chain-tile business, in which he has met with marked success. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Telephone Company, of Graymont, of which he was the principal promoter, and he has been active in all public enterprises involving the best interests of the village.

On July 8, 1885, Mr. Slyder was married to Nellie E. Mattison, of Odell, Ill., a daughter of Cyrus and Henrietta (Matteson) Mattison of that place. Politically, Mr. Slyder is a Republican, and although active in behalf of his party's success, has never been an aspirant for public office. He has served, however, as School Treasurer about six years, and was Town Clerk in Rook's Creek Township. In fraternal circles, he is affiliated with the A. F. A. M., being a member of Pontiac Lodge, No. 262. He is also identified with Streator Lodge, No. 591, B. P. O. E.; and with the M. W. A.

SMITH, F. N., a prominent and extremely popular citizen of Pontiac, Ill., who is successfully engaged in the lumber trade, was born in Orange County, N. Y., January 13, 1863, a son of Ezra and Dertha J. (Corwin) Smith, natives of New York State and residents of Orange County during their entire lives. Two uncles on the maternal side, Hiram and Harvey Corwin, were killed in the Civil War. The mother of the subject of this sketch is a relative of the famous Senator and brilliant orator of Ohio, "Tom" Corwin. The paternal grandfather, Matthew Smith, was also a native of that county, and there his whole life was spent. The grandfather on the maternal side, Hiram Corwin, and his wife, Esther (Young) Corwin, were Orange County people likewise. Ezra Smith, the father, was a farmer by occupation, and a Democrat in politics. F. N. Smith was reared on the home farm, and received his education in the common schools. He came from New York to Pontiac, Ill., in 1882, and occupied the position of manager of the Chicago Coal & Lumber Company, a flourishing concern in the city, until 1896. In that year he started out for himself as a dealer in lumber, coal and building material, and also as a manufacturer of cement blocks. He owns his place of business, as well as other property in Pontiac, and is one of its most enterprising and substantial merchants.

On May 7, 1884, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Clara A. (Moreland) Lambert, born in LaSalle County, Ill., and a daughter of Hugh and Prudence (Jennings) Moreland, pioneer residents of LaSalle County, where both spent their last days. Mr. and Mrs. F. N. Smith became the parents of four children, as follows: Ida C. and Gladys M., both educated in the Pontiac High School; and Francis L. and Donald E., ` pupils in the public schools. Ida C. is a teacher, and Gladys M. assists his father in his office.

the high estimation in which he is held by bis fellow townsmen is manifest in the majority of 180 yotes received by him when elected Superintendent of Pontiac Township, in spite of a normal Republican majority of 600. He has also served as Alderman of the city.- Fraternally, Mr. Smith is affiliated with Pontiac Lodge No. 262, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, and with Indian Aerie, No. 1483, F. O. E. He and his amiable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a man who has worked his way up through his inherent good qualities, and his success in business and polities is well deserved.

SMITH, Frank L. - To the man of average success the varied and substantial results achieved by Frank L. Smith seem out of all proportion to his comparatively brief tenure of his life and in no wise remarkable advantages or opportunities. Richly endowed with the qualities of initiative and resource, concentration and enthusiasm, and with his native town of Dwight as the setting of his ambitions, his varied responsibilities at the present time include his position as President of the First National Bank, head of a real estate business established in 1898, Revenue Collector of eight districts of Illinois, Ex-City Clerk, and City and Township Treasurer,

Born in Dwight, Livingston County, Ill., November 24, 1867, Mr, Smith is a son of John Jacob and Jane E. (Ketcham) Smith, the former of whom was born in Germany, and the latter in Dutchess County, N. Y. The maternal grandparents were Henry and Mary Ketcham. John Jacob Smith came to America with his parents in 1845, soon after locating in Livingston, Ill., where he continued his trade as a blacksmith. Frank L. was educated in the public and high school of Dwight, and at the age of nineteen years began clerking in the Chicago & Alton Railroad office, where he remained a year and a half. He then taught school for a year, and for the following two years clerked for the Rock Island Railroad Company in Chicago. Returning to Dwight in 1893, he engaged in the insurance, real estate and local business with W. H. Ketcham, and upon the dissolution of this partnership in November, 1895, took as his partner C. L. Romberger, to whose interest he succeeded in 1902, since which time he has conducted the business alone. It is one of the large and influential concerns of its kind in the county, and its present owner and manager is possessed of an invaluable fund of information concerning local and county land values,

Having amassed a moderate fortune in real estate, loans and insurance business, Mr. Smith, on February 1, 1906, started the First National Bank of Dwight, which had been incorporated in 1905, and of which he is President, Curtis J. Judd Vice-President, John R. Crighton Second Vice-President, and John J. Doherty Cashier. The bank has a capital stock of $50,000, and a surplus of $10,000. It is one of the safe and dependable monetary jinstitutions of Livingston County, notwithstanding its comparatively brief existence, and reflects the high character and integrity of the men directing its affairs. In keeping with his reputation as a conservative and far-sighted business man, Mr, Smith expresses also the highest political service in the community. He is stanchly devoted to the Republican party, and has been City and Township Treasurer and City Clerk since 1900. At the last convention he was a candidate for the office of Lieutenant Governor, and December 29, 1904, was appointed United States Revenue Collector for the Eighth District of Illinois, and was a member of the Executive Committee of the Republican Convention. To all of these responsibilities he brings unquestioned honesty of purpose and thorough grasp of public utilities and needs, and, irrespective of political differences or prejudice, bis administrative efforts haye been well and favorably received.

He was especially instrumental in securing the election of Shelby M. Cullom to the United States Senate in 1906. February 8, 1893, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Erminie M. Ahern, a native daughter of Dwight. Mr. Smith fills a large place in the social life of the town, and profits by an ingratiating manner, invariable tact and ready memory of names, faces and personal characteristics. He has many friends and well wishers among the prominent men of the State; is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, of Pontiac, and the Hebron Lodge No. 75, Knights of Pythias, of Dwight. Rugged health, indomitable courage and large general capacity bespeak for him continued identification with public affairs and progressive interests of his native community.

SMITH, James A. - The history of Livingston County is very closely interwoven with the records of some of its citizens, for it has been their deeds that have developed this part of the State, and made the present prosperity possible. Among the families whose names are household words in this county is the Smith family, one of its most prominent representatives being the Hon. James A. Smith of Chatsworth.

Mr. Smith was born in Vermilion, Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie, August 6, 1845, a son of Aaron Burr and Eliza Lucinda (Erwin) Smith. Aaron B. Smith was born at Morristown, N. J., but moved to Ohio after his marriage, and thence to Ottawa, Ill., in 1846, with his family, and there he died in 1887. Aaron B. Smith was one of the noted attorneys of his day, and was concerned in much of the litigation brought before the courts of this State. He was father of the bill presented to the State Legislature, providing for free public schools in Illinois, and especially for one in Ottawa.

After having passed through the graded schools of his adopted town, Ottawa, Mr. James A. Smith took the full high school course, and then studied law under his father, but when he was seventeen, he became bookkeeper and cashier for Alschular & Co., of Ottawa, and held that position until he located in Chatsworth, Ill., in 1867. He then came to that city to engage in a grain business, there having been a favorable opening for it, and he carried it on successfully until 1880. He invested his money in gilt-edged realty loans, and amassed a comfortable fortune. In 1880 he bought the "Chatsworth Plaindealer," and developed it into one of the most reliable and popular organs of his part of the State. He still continues in charge of it, although his personal affairs are so heavy that he is forced to give them considerable attention.

Mr. Smith has been one of the leading Democrats of the State, serving as Representative from Livingston County, in the General Assembly for three terms (the 36th, 37th and 3Sth Assemblies), and was most active in all. During the session of the Thirty-sixth General Assembly, he was a member of the Committee on Education, and rendered good service on it. As Chairman of the Committee on Municipal Affairs of the Thirty-seventh Assembly, his work was most important, as it was during the Thirty-eighth, when he was Chairman of the Committee on Congressional Apportionment. He was on the steering committee during all three terms, and during the last two was disciplinarian of the steering committee. Mr. Smith had the honor of being one of the memorable 101 who cast their votes for General Palmer and was of the steering committee who managed so skillfully as finally to elect General Palmer to the United States Senate, as a Democrat, being the only Democratic Senator from Illinois since the War.

Not only in State affairs has Mr. Smith been popular, but has served as President of the Village Board of Chatsworth, during his incumbency effecting some notable reforms. Many much needed improvements were inaugurated, including the establishment of a good system of water-works, an electric-light plant and four miles of brick side walks laid. His thirteen years of service - nine years in succession - ended in 1895. For a quarter of a century Mr. Smith has been a member of the Chatsworth School Board, and for a number of terms has been its secretary. His interest in public schools has never wavered, and he is always in close touch with the schools, and understands their needs perhaps better than any other man in Livingston County.

Mr. Smith has served his party as delegate to all of the important county, State and Congressional Conventions for the past twenty-five years, and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at St. Louis in 1888. He was not in sympathy with the platform promulgated by the Chicago Democratic Convention of 1896. He is a most thorough believer in the fundamental principles of Democracy, and both personally and through the medium of his paper, he has always supported measures he believed to be for the best interests of his party. Not only does he own one of the finest residences in Chatsworth, besides other property, but has large interests in the South, owning two cotton plantations, in Mississippi. While he has been devoted to his business interests, Mr. Smith has ever found time and opportunity to take a public-spirited share in the welfare of his town, and county, and has supported every measure which, in his opinion, would operate to the advancement of the community, or would. benefit the citizens of Chatsworth.

SNETHEN, William G., for the last ten years a farmer on 240 acres of land in Pike Township, Livingston County, Ill, and also an active and influential participant in the civic affairs of the township, was born in Marshall County, Ill.. September 11, 1857, a son of M. C. and Paulina (Gordon) Snethen, natives of Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, his father born in January, 1824, and his mother in October 1837. Abram Snethen, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Kentucky, and moved from that State to the vicinity of Logansport, Ind., at an early period. He was an evangelist of the "New Light" Christian church, and his traveling circuit included parts of Indiana and Illinois. Grandfather Snethen died at the age of ninetyseven years. The grandfather on the maternal side was William Gordon, a Baptist preacher, who came from the South to Paris, Ill., about the year 1842, moving thence to Peoria County, and still later to Marshall County, where his closing years were spent. He died, however, while on a visit to his son, at the front, during the Civil War. M. C. Snethen, father of William G., is a minister of the United Brethren church, and was an early settler in Indiana. About the year 1864 he located in Marshall County, Ill, whence, in 1873, he moved to Livingston County, where he and his wife now live. They became the parents of seven children, two of whom are deceased. In politics, the father is a supporter of the Republican party.

William G. Snethen was reared on a farm, and He has always carried on farming since reaching maturity, and owns considerable land in South Dakota. He was married August 10, 1882, to Florence Crabb, born in Tazewell County, Ill., November 10, 1862, a daughter of Archibald and Mary Ann (Dorward) Crabb, natives of Seotland, where her father was born in 1834, and her mother in 1839. They came to the United States before their marriage, the former in 1851, and the latter, in 1852, their marriage taking place in Tazewell County, Ill., December 25, 1860. Six children resulted from their union, one of whom is deceased. Mr. Crabb settled in Livingston County in 1865. buying 160 acres of land, and at present owns 240 acres in Pike Township, and 160 acres in South Dakota. In politics, he is a Democrat and has served twenty years as School Trustee, and about fourteen years as School Treasurer. He has been the incumbent in the office of Supervisor for twenty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Snethen have had five chil- dren, as follows: Garnet E., born March 20, 1884; Raymond E., born November 9, 1885; Ear] L., born October 11, 1887; Roy, deceased in infancy; and Ora E., born March 17, 1897, Garnet, Earl and Ora are at home, and Raymond is a bookkeeper in Chicago.

Politically, Mr. Snethen is a Democrat. He was elected Assessor of Pike Township in 1906, and reelected in 1907 and 1908. In fraternal circles, he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Snethen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

SNYDER, Ray F. - Among the native sons who are maintaining the pioneer records of their fathers, and establishing a precedent for others with their greater energy and greater wealth of opportunity, mention is due Ray F. Snyder, whose entire life has been spent in Livingston County, and the most of it in Amity Township, where he was born September 22, 1877. Mr. Snyder is a son of William and Margaret (Mc- Kee) Snyder, the former of Bureau County, and the latter of Ohio, and grandson of Daniel H. and Elizabeth (Crawford) Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania. The maternal grandfather was James McKee. William Snyder is one of the early settlers of Livingston County, and after his marriage, January 1, 1873, he bought eighty acres of land in Amity Township, which he still owns and occupies, and to which he has added until he owns 200 acres in one body. His oldest child, Jessie, is the wife of G. L. Potter, of Rooks Creek Township, Livingston County; Otis is at home; Ray F. owns his own farm in Amity Township; Grace is the wife of Burt Munson, of Cornell, Ill.; Ralph and Robert are at home with their parents.

Ray T. Snyder was educated in the public schools, also spent some time in college, and ever since old enough to appreciate culture and education, has been an earnest student of men and events. At the age of twenty-five years he left the home place and started out for himself as a renter of farms, and, after his marriage, June 10, 1904, to Alice Corrigan, a native of Chatsworth,. Livingston County, and daughter of John and Jemima Corrigan, he rented the Chester Morris farm for three years. Thereafter he moved to the old McKee farm of 188 acres, in Section 22, Amity Township, to the ownership of which he has since succeeded. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of high grade cattle. hogs and horses. Among other improvements instituted by him is a modern dwelling of ten rooms, recently completed, and which is furnished with furnace, hot and cold water, gas and bath. Mr. Snyder hopes much from his productive farm, and its improvement is being carried forward with the zest and practical ability which has stood him in good stead as a renter. His home is brightened by the presence of two children, of whom Raymond was born March 25, 1906, and John William was born in November, 1906. Mr. Snyder is independent in politics, and in religion is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church.

SONDERGAARD, Simon H., very favorably known in the town of Dwight, Ill, and its environs, as the joint proprietor of a fiourishing dry-goods and men's furnishing store, was born in Denmark, February 25, 1866, a son of Adser H. and Christina (Nelson) Sondergaard, the father born in Denmark, January 11, 1840, and the mother in the same country, August 20, 1839. The part of Denmark where the birth of all occurred is now included in the German Empire. The paternal grandparents were Adser H. and Hannah Sondergaard, the former having been killed in the war between Denmark and Germany. Simon Nelson, a farmer by occupation, and Maria, his wife, were the grandparents on the maternal side. Adser H. Sondergaard, the father, is still a prosperous farmer in Germany. He and his wife had twelve children, of whom five sons and three daughters are living. Besides Simon, those coming to this country were: George, a clerk in Columbus, Neb.; and Johanna (Mrs. Rider) of Chicago

Simon H. Sondergaard attended public school in his native land, and at the age of eighteen years, came to the United States alone, proceeding to Illinois and working by the month about five years, as a farm hand in the vicinity of Dwight. Next, he farmed a year on rented land, and following this, clerked in MeWilliams & Smith's general store for three years, and for seven years, in Miller Brothers' dry-goods store. On March 1, 1902, he went into partnership with J. L. VanEman, and opened a dry-goods and men's furnishing store, in which they have met with deserved success and enjoy a steadily increasing trade. Mr. Sondergaard is a man of good business qualifications, close application to the affairs of his store and equitable dealing with all.

The marriage of Mr. Sondergaard took place May 27, 1897, in Dwight, Ill., Maria N. Petersen becoming his wife on that date. Mrs. Sondergaard was born in Dwight, Ill.. March 30, 1877, and is the only child of Soren and Annie Christina (Miller) Petersen, natives of Denmark. Her father was a teamster by ocupation. One child has resulted from this union, - Esther Christina Sondergaard, born May 7, 1904,

In politics, Mr. Sondergaard is a Repbulican, and has served four years as Alderman of Dwight. He and his wife are members of the Danish Lutheran church. He is a man of progressive and enterprising spirit, a useful citizen and popular throughout the community.

no one can fill. and a void in the heart that yearns constantly for the presence of the beloved, yet it is true that, when a man has left behind him a record of a well-spent, blameless, selfsacrificing life, some of the terrible sorrow is assuaged. There are men who are always thoughtful of the rights of others, who are devoted husbands and public-spirited citizens, and their loss is always mourned by the community at large. The late John C. Spafford, whose untimely de- mise occurred August 30, 1906, was a man whom the community in which he resided could ill afford to lose and after his death not only Saunemin but all of Livingston County was plunged in mourning, and thousands of messages of sympathy poured in to the bereaved widow. The "Saunemin Weekly Gazette' and other papers gave extended notices of this most excellent man, and all honor was done his memory.

Mr. Spafford was born December 8, 1864, in Fountain County, Ind., his parents being natives of England. The father was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1823, and emigrated to America in 1849, settling first in Fountain County, Ind., where he married in 1852. Later he moved to Ford County, Ill., and still later to Livingston County, and became the owner of several hundred acres of valuable land in that county and Kankakee County. Eight years prior to his death he went to Arkansas, hoping to obtain relief from the asthma from which he suffered. Six children were born to himself and wife, two boys and four girls, o£ whom two children now survive.

John C. Spafford alternated attending school with work upon the farm, and grew to manhood, receiving a good education in the schools of Pontiac. At the time of his demise he was the owner of 540 acres of excellent farming land in Livingston County as well as other valuable property. With the exception of a brief period in Arkansas and Southern California, where he went in search of health, Mr. Spafford spent his life in Livingston County, and was one of its most reliable and substantial men. He was a sufferer from a malady no amount of care and devotion could cure, and this caused his death. While in ill health for years, Mr. Spafford never allowed his disease to interfere with his thoughtfulness for others, or to mar the kindly disposition that was such a pleasing characteristic.

On October 26, 1904, Mr. Spafford was married to Miss Elizabeth Lannon of Saunemin, and one boy was born to them, but he died in infancy. The father of Mrs. Spafford is a prominent banker of Saunemin, and one of the leading men of this locality. She is one of a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters, of whom she was the second in order of birth.

Mr. Spafford leaned towards the Methodist Church, while his wife is a Catholic. In politics he was a Democrat. Fraternally he was a Mason, and after his death his fellow Masons met and passed the following touching resolutions:

"Whereas, Through the will and purpose of Divine Wisdom and summons of the Grand Warden of Heaven, our friend and brother, J. C. Spafford, has been removed from our circle and association to eternal rest, Be it

"Resolved, That, in the death of Brother Spafford, Saunemin Lodge, No. 738 A. F. & A. M, has lost a worthy member, a man of generous and noble impulses and high ideals of manhood, whom to know was to love and esteem.

part of the records of the Lodge, and that a copy be presented to the family, and that they be published in the Saunemin and Fairbury papers.

"Committee." The funeral services were held in the Methodist Church, the Rev. W. E. Shaw and Rev. J. W. Reynolds officiating, while the Masonic fraternity was in charge, the service being especially impressive. The floral offerings were beautiful tributes to the man who had won so many friends. Rev. Shaw preached from the appropriate text, "I go the way of all the earth," and when he concluded, everyone in the vast concourse was Visibly moved.

SPAFFORD, Thomas L. - Among the old and representative families of Livingston County is that to which Thomas L. Spafford belongs, having been founded in this country by his father, Robert Spafford, a native of Lincolnshire, England, who was born in 1828, and emigrated to America early in life. He first settled in Indiana, where he lived two years and then moved to Fairbury. where two years later he settled on Section 24, entering land from the government, which has remained in the family without a transfer ever since. Although a baker by profession, after coming to the United States he followed farming, and was thus engaged at the time of his death in 1899. The maiden name of his wife was Lucy Hill, also a native of England. Their marriage took place in Indiana, and they had four children, two of whom still survive - Thomas L, and Mrs. J. A. Rich of Section 23.

Thomas L. Spafford was born on his present farm December 29, 1860. On March 6, 1895, he married Adabell Rich of the same township, and the following children have been born to them: Gertrude, ten years of age; Charles Robert, eight years of age; John Merrill, five years of age, and the baby. In their religious affiliations Mr. and Mrs. Spafford are Methodists and are active in church work, as well as liberal contributors. Politically, Mr. Spafford is a very prominent Democrat, and his popularity as a man is indicated by the fact that he has just been reelected for a third term as Supervisor of the Township in a strictly Republican community. He is also School Trustee and School Director, and takes a deep interest in educational matters. Mr. Spafford as a Mason is a member of Saunemin Lodge, No. 788, Fairbury; Fairbury Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M.; a Knight Templar, belonging to St. Paul Commandery No. 738 of Fairbury.

The farm owned and operated by Mr. Spafford is a large one, consisting of 540 acres of as good land as is to be found in the county. All the fences and buildings upon it are in excellent condition, while his stock is well kept up and his fields are rendered productive in the latest and most scientific manner. He has established a reputation as a thoroughly up-to-date farmer, and successful business man.

SPRINGER, .Nathan. - An honorable position among the successful farmers of Amity Township is accorded Nathan Springer, who owns eighty acres of land, in the cultivation of which he finds a congenial as well as profitable occupation. Mr, Springer was born in Vermillion County, Ill., June 9, 1845, and is the third oldest of the five sons and nine daughters of his parents, Nathan and Lydia (Lucas) Springer, natives of Brown County, Ohio. Nathan Springer brought his wife with an ox-team to Vermillion County when few evidences of civilization abounded there, and eventually his own and his wife's parents came to the State, the grandfather Lucas dying in Vermillion County in 1852. Grandfather Springer came early to Livingston County, settled in Amity Township, where his daughter was the first white person to be married in the township. In Vermillion County Nathan Springer farmed for several years, and in June, 1833, sold his farm and came to Long Point Township, Livingston County, where he bought 120 acres in Section 25. This was raw prairie land, and in 1854 he erected a substantial log house which still stands a reminder of the predominating style of architecture of that time. Mr. Springer engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and achieved fair success before his death on January 29, 1872, at the age of seventy years. The died at the home of her son, Nathan, in March, 1891. Of her eleven children, two besides Nathan are living, and of these Mahala is the widow of Wilson Fenton, and lives in Cornell, this state, and Lorette lives in Bartonville, Ill.

Far more than the public schools, observation and experience have contributed to the knowledge of Nathan Springer, and he is generally considered a well informed and public spirited farmer. He was still on the home farm when the strife between the North and South culminated in the Civil War, and, on August 7, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until his honorable discharge in Washington, June 8, 1865. He participated in many of the memoriable battles of the War, and received three gun shot wounds, besides contracting fever which incapacitated him for some time. Returning to his father's home, he remained there until his marriage, September 12, 1866, to Catherine Carpenter, a native of Monroe County, Ohio, born January 29, 1848. Mrs. Springer is a daughter of Robert and Catherine (Miller) Carpenter, and grand-daughter of Joseph and Mary Carpenter and John Miller, Amity Township, pioneers of 1855, The parents of Mrs. Springer, engaged in farming for the balance of their lives, the father dying January 29, 1873, and the mother August 4, 1864,

After his marriage Mr. Springer settled on a rented farm in Amity Township for a year, and then bought forty acres in Long Point Township, where he remained fourteen years. He then sold his land and shifted his fortunes to the State of Kansas, but not meeting with the anticipated success, returned at the end of a year and, in 1584, rented a farm in Amity Township. The following year he bought eighty acres in Section 19, the same township, a part of which was improved, and he since has labored earnestly to make of his place a modern and valuable home, repairing many old buildings and in 1896 erecting his present frame dwelling of two stories. Mr. Springer raises, besides general produce, horses, cattle and hogs, and he has excellent barns, corn cribs, and stock sheds for the care of his products. To Mr. and Mrs. Springer have been born the following children: Sarah E., born November 16, 1867, died December 3, 1871; Robert M., born July 10, 1869, a resident of Cornell, Ill.; Charles Walter, born November 4, 1870, a farmer of Amity Township; Nathan, born September 19, 1872, living with his father; Alonzo, born November 6, 1875, now of Perry, Iowa; Otto Clark, born July 19, 1879, died March 22, 1898; Martha, born July 4, 1885, and Francis Dorwin, born November 26, 1887, both living at home.

SPRINGER, Uriah, a well known and prosperous merchant of Graymont, Ill, and for many years one of the leading citizens of the western portion of Livingston County, was born in Amity Township. that county, May 7, 1838. He is a son of William and Sarah (Pennell) Springer, natives of Ohio. The paternal grandparents, Uriah and Nancy (Davis) Springer were Virginians by nativity, who settled in Livingston County in 1830, and spent the remainder of their lives on a farm. John Pennell, the grandfather on the maternal side, moved from Ohio to McLean County, in the year above mentioned, and followed farming on land which he owned in the vicinity of Towanda, until the time of his death. William Springer, the father, who was a farmer by occupation, accompanied his parents to Livingston County in 1880, and died in 1841, his wife surviving him until 1848. They had five children, two of whom are living. Politically, William Springer was a Democrat.

Uriah Springer was reared by his aunt, Rachael Springer, and received his education in the common schools. His first experience in mercantile affairs was gained by selling goods on the road, in which occupation he continued for a considerable period. During the last eighteen years he has conducted a store in Graymont, carrying a stock of notions, drugs and patent medicines, oils, etc., and has been very successful in this business. He has a pleasant and comfortable residence, and his sister, Mrs. Nancy Hopper, who is seventy-three years of age, keeps house for him.

eight years he held the office of Justice of the Peace, and discharged the duties of Postmaster at Amity, IL, two years, and at Graymont, twelve years and a half. He and his worthy sister are greatly respected by all who know them.

STANFORD, David J., a prominent citizen of Chatsworth, Ill., and at present County Surveyor of Livingston County, was first elected to his present office in the fall of 1878, and has been continuously re-elected since that period, so that he has served in this same capacity for thirty years. Fully halt of his work has been in connection with Livingston County drainage matters, and plans for public and private drainage elsewhere. He has also had charge of extensive drainage enterprises in Iroquois County, Il., and in the State of Iowa.

Mr. Stanford was born in Oneida County, N. Y., October 15, 1836, and grew to manhood on a farm. After receiving a common school education he taught school for a time, and then pursued a scientific course in Whitestown Seminary. Ten years of his time were spent in farming and teaching, and at the end of this period, in 1861, he came to Illinois. In the summer of 1862 he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry at Ottawa, LaSalle County, and served in the Army of the Cumberland, taking part in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. On December 7, 1862, the brigade to which his regiment was attached was captured, and, after being paroled, was sent to Parole Camp at Columbus, Ohio. It was exchanged and subsequently stationed at Camp Douglas, Chicago, on guard duty. Next, it was ordered back to Tennessee, Mr. Stanford was discharged from service in the winter of 1862-63 at Chattanooga, Tenn., on account of physical disability. Mr. Stanford was a Corporal, and during his period of service was detailed for duty at brigade headquarters, and at times, in the quartermaster's department. On returning to LaSalle County, Ill., he taught school for a while, and in 1866 bought land in Charlotte Township, Livingston County, two miles northwest of Chatsworth, following farming until 1878, although he taught his home district school and the Chatsworth school in 1868-69. The latter school then had four teachers and occupied two buildings. His associates in teaching were Misses Henderson and Hall, the latter a niece of M. H. Hall, and Miss Jennie Lucas.

Up to that period Mr. Stanford had only practiced surveying locally, but in 1878 he was elected County Surveyor and his services were in great demand. About that time three railroads were built across the country and a number of new towns were laid out. greatly increasing the duties deyolving upon the surveyor's office. The Legislature had also passed a drainage law, establishing drainage districts, and as a result tile-draining was beginning to be in vogue. His work has also involved the laying out of city

The marriage of Mr. Stanford took place in LaSaile County on January 1, 1866, to Lydia F. Robinson, who was born near Portland, Maine, and was brought to LaSalle County by her parents when twelve years of age, The children resulting from this union are as follows: Alice L, (Mrs. James Heald), who lives in Monroe County, Mo., where Mr. Stanford owns a stock farm; Albert D., who is connected with the elevator at Bardolph, Ill.; Fred C., formerly manager of the electric light plant at Chatsworth, and now General Manager of the Idaho Consolidated Power Company, at Pocatello, Idaho; and M. Myrtle, wife of Charles B. Curtis, Manager of the Chatsworth Telephone Exchange.

Mr. Stanford is a charter member of the Illinois State Society of Engineers and Surveyors, and for many years has been an expert in his profession. Politically, he is an old time Republican, and has always been prominent and active in the affairs of his party. He is President of the Chatsworth School Board, and holds other local offices.

STEICHEN, Clement, now retired from active pursuits and residing at Dwight, Ill., where he lives in the enjoyment of a handsome competency, was, for twenty years, one of the most energetic farmers in Livingston County. He was born in Luxemburg (now a part of) Germany, December 18, 1841, and is a son of Clement and Anna (Clement) Steichen, also Luxemburgers. born, respectively, in 1793 and 1803. The maternal grandparents were Philip and Katrina Krier, the former a farmer in the same country. Clement Steichen, Sr., was a farmer on a small scale in Luxemburg five years, and served as a cannoneer in the army of Napoleon, participating in the great emperor's march over the Alps to Russia and surviving its terrible hardships, but receiving two wounds. He and his wife were the parents of six sons and one daughter, only one of whom is living. Clement Steichen was the youngest of the family, and the only one to come to the United States. He attended public schools in Luxemburg, and after working four years on his father's farm, was employed on farms in France. In 1867, he landed on these shores, proceeding directly to Illinois, and buying 80 acres of land in Goodfarm Township, Grundy County, for $1,000. After living there ten years he moved to Livingston County, and purchased 160 acres in Dwight Township. On this farm he spent twenty years, increasing its extent to 480 acres. In 1897, he withdrew from active business life, and established his residence in Dwight, where he built a comfortable home in the northern part of the town. He has been one of the most successful farmers of the county, and richly deserves this prosperity and comfort of his later years. Including his first passage to this country, he has crossed the ocean seven times, his health being so vigorous

On April 16, 1866, My. Steichen was married in his native country, to Angelic Thiry, born in Luxemburg, August 16, 1836. Mrs. Steichen is a daughter of Joseph and Kathrine (Timer) Thiry, who passed their entire lives in the land of their birth, the father dying in 1843. His wife was born in 1800. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Steichen resulted in six children, namely : Katie. the wife of Nicholas Mamer, of Campus, Ill.; William, deceased; Clement, who follows farming just east of Dwight; Mary, at home; George J., who was with the Dwight Hospital Corps in the Spanish-American War, and now lives on the homestead farm; anl Lizzie, who married John Niesen, a farmer near Odell, Livingston County.

Mr. Steichen is a Democrat in politics, but never sought public office. He has, however, served as School Director, acting in the capacity of Clerk of the Board, for seventeen years. He and his family are members of the Catholic church.

STEICHEN, Clement, Jr., an enterprising and successful farmer located just east of Dwight, Ill, is a son of Clement and Angelic (Thiry) Steichen, a complete record of whose lives appear elsewhere in this connection. The subject of this biographical narrative was born in Grundy County, Ill., November 13, 1870, and after receiving his education in the district schools of Livingston County, Il., at twenty-one years of age began farming on 240 acres of land a little east of Dwight. which he rented from his father. At first, his brother William was associated with him in this undertaking, later his brother George being his partner for some time. Clement Steichen, Jr., has rented the farm continuously for sixteen years, his labors being attended by pofitable results. He is a very energetic and thorough farmer, and besides his general farming operations, be runs a threshing machine which is

Mr. Steichen was married in Bureau County, nI., December 28, 1898, to Helen Dwyer, born in LaSalle County, Il., October 5, 1876. Mrs. Steichen is a daughter of Richard and Mary (Dee) Dwyer, natives of Ireland. Her father died when she was two and one-half years old, her mother having passed away a year previously, and Helen Dwyer was reared in Bureau County by her grandmother, Bridget Dwyer, living in the village of Arlington, Mr. and Mrs. Steichen have been blessed with four children. as follows: Mary Angeline, born October 11, 1899; Catherine frene, born July 1, 1902; Marjorie Elizabeth, born April 18, 1904; and Clement Joseph, born Fehruary 21, 1906.

Politically, Clement Steichen, Jr., is an active supporter of the Democratic party, and has served as School Director, acting in the capaeity of clerk of the board for six years. In religion

STEICHEN, George J., an intelligent and progressive young farmer in the southern part of Dwight Township, Livingston County, Il., and, - withal, a man of most genial temper and popular with all classes. was born in Grundy County, Ill., October 20, 1875. He is a son of Clement Steichen, a record of whose personal and family history appears in a separate section. George J. Steichen was the fifth of six children born to his parents, and in boyhood attended the district schools of his neighborhood, afterwards being a student for three years in the Dwight High School. He was eighteen months old when brought to Livingston County and grew up on the paternal farm. After finishing his studies, he worked for his father until he reached the age of twenty-two years. At tne time of the Spanish-American War he enlisted in Company H, Fifth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he got as far as Newport News, but was finally transferred to the Dwight Hospital Corps. Later. he became a member of the "Crack Drill Team" which went from Dwight, to exhibit at the Pan-American Exposition. From 1897 to 1901, with the exeption of the period thus spent, together with his elder brother, Clement, he was engaged in operating his father's farm of 240 acres, situated a mile and a half east of Dwight. Since 1901 he has rented the latter's old place, of equal extent, in South Dwight Township. In 1904 he bought 240 acres in Round Grove Township, Livingston County, which he rents out. Besides general farming, he devotes considerable atention to raising Duroc- Jersey hogs, and has met with deserved success in all undertakings.

On September 17, 1901, My. Steichen was vnited in marriage at Dwight, Ill., with Maude Beatrice Stephens, born in Grundy County, IIL, October 11, 1882. Mrs. Steichen is a daughter of Charles and Hattie (Gleason) Stephens, natives of Goodfarm Township, Grundy County, where her father is a farmer. Her grandparents came from New York State at an early period, and settled in that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Steichen have three children: William Reed, born January 2, 1904; Clifford Clement, born January 23. 1905. and George Richard, born August 25, 1907.

In politics, George J. Steichen is a supporter of the Democratic party, but not an oflice-seeker. In religion he is an adherent of the Catholic faith. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Dwight Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

STERRENBERG, Peter, for many years a prosperous and highly respected merchant of Charlotte, Livingston County. Ill., where he is the senior member of the firm of Sterrenberg & Sons, was born in Germany, September 24, 1838, and was reared and schooled in his native coun- try, remaining there until 1867, In that year he came to the United States, locating in Minonk, Ill., where he followed the trade of a carpenter, which he had learned in the fatherland. After living in Minonk about eighteen months he moved to Danforth, Ill., and continued in the same occupation there for fourteen years. During the period of his residence in Danforth he visited Germany with his wife, spending several months amid the scenes of his youth. In 1883 he took up his residence in Charlotte, Ill., working at his trade for the next three years, and then engaging in merchandizing in connection with F., R. Manssen, This partnership lasted twenty years, the firm being known as Sterrenberg & Manssen. In 1906 Mr. Manssen sold his interests in the concern, which has since been conducted under the firm style of Sterrenberg & Sons.

The marriage of Peter Sterrenberg took place in Danforth, N1., March 19, 1877, on which date he was wedded to Helene Smedt, who was born in Germany, March 13, 1850, and came to the United States just before she became the wife of the subject of this sketch. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Sterrenberg resulted in six children, as follows: John P., Henry L., William G., Louis J., Fred H. and Dena M. Louis J. Sterrenberg holds the office of Postmaster of Charlotte, and acts as agent for the American Express Company.

On political questions Mr. Sterrenberg has always been a supporter of the Republican party. He and his helpful wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.

STERRY, Christopher Williamson. - The story of a life of arduous and intelligent application, such as might be told of many pioneers of Livingston County, finds another illustration in the biography of Mr. Sterry, who came to Illinois in an early day, took up a quarter section of raw prairie land in Livingston County, broke the first furrows in the virgin soil, made all the improvements constituting a model farm, invested his earnings in property and eventually became one of the moneyed men of his county, as well as one of its most honored and upright citizens. From the time of his arrival in the county in 1857 until his death, which occurred in Pontiac January 8, 1901, he was more or less intimately associated with all the movements for the upbuilding of his community, and was particularly stanch in his belief in the future prosperity of Pontiac, evidencing this belief by large and important investments.

Born in Franklin County, Maine, August 12, 1826, Christopher Sterry was a son of Samuel and Hannah (Harding) Sterry, also natives of Franklin County, Maine. His education was such as the schools of his day and locality afforded, but was enlarged by subsequent habits of reading and close observation. Coming to Mlinois in 1852, he settled in Chicago and opened a coal business, which he conducted for five years. In 1857 he came to Livingston County and bought 160 acres of raw prairie land in

Esmen Township. Under his painstaking care the land was brought to a high state of cultivation. After having followed farming pursuits with exceptional success for many years, about 1886 he moved to Pontiac and afterwards devoted his attention to the supervision of bis interests, which included the erection and management of the Sterry block, the largest business building in Pontiac. For many years he served as a trustee in the Methodist Episcopal Church and always was a generous contributor to denominational enterprises. The principles of the Republican party were supported by him for some time, but eventually he transferred his allegiance to the cause of prohibition. Frequently he was chosen to occupy positions of trust in his township.

The first marriage of Mr. Sterry took place September 21, 1847, when he was united with Elizabeth Day, a native of Maine, who died March 25, 1855. The three children born of their union died in infancy. November 28, 1858, he was united with Amanda Hadley, who died the following year, the only child of that union also dying in infancy. October 8, 1861, he was united with Mary C. Ross, who was born in Clark County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Catherine (Kiser) Ross, natives respectively of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Her maternal grandfather was Samuel Kiser. The paternal grandparents, William and Winifred (Rector) Ross, were born in Pennsylvania. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Sterry has continued to make her home in Pontiac, where she has a host of warm personal friends among the people in whose midst for years she has lived and to whom, in sickness, sorrow and bereavement, she ever has shown a ministering sympathy. The wise industry of Mr. Sterry left her comfortably provided for, her possessions including the Sterry block, other property in Pontiac and 420 acres of improved land in Esmen Township. Six children were born of their union, namely: Eliza, wife of Dr. C. H. Long, of Pontiac, and they have two children, Christopher Sterry, and Mary Katherine; John L., who died October 20, 1884, at the age of twenty years; Hattie, who died in infancy; Mary E., who married E. M. Kirkpatrick, and lives in Parma, Idaho; Josephine, who died in infancy; and Jessie, who is the wife of Clarence B. Hurtt, resides in Boise City, Idaho, and has three children - John Nelson, Christopher Sterry, and Jessie Margarette.

STEVENS, Eber B. - Far distant and sterile Vermont has contributed many native and ambitious sons to the upbuilding of Livingston County, and it would seem that all bring with them westward something of the resource and thrift always necessary for even a fair amount of success in the Green Mountain State. No exception to this rule exists in Bber B. Stevens, whose forefathers were among the early tillers of its valley lands, and who was born in Caledonia County, Vt, August 11, 1826. When very young, Mr. Stevens accompanied his parents, Levi and Nancy (Stevens) Stevens, to

Erie County, N. Y., his father purchasing a farm there in 1831, and remaining thereon until disposing of the same in 1841. The next home of the family was in Erie County, Pa., whence they removed to Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1846, the father surviving this change but two years. The mother thereafter lived with her son, Eber B., until her death in 1868. She was a native of New Hampshire, while her husband was born in Vermont.

Eber B. Stevens followed the changing fortunes of his father until 1849, when he came to Grundy County, Ill., and there bought a farm of 160 acres. In February, 1850, he was united in marriage with Betsey Cullen, 'a native of Canada, and daughter of Matthew and Charlotte (Jeffrey) Cullen, and with his young wife settled on the new farm, being just in time to plan the work for the oncoming spring. The farm had on it a log cabin and about ten acres had been cleared, and the task of fitting it for tillage was an enormous one. However, the ambitious owner knew no such word as fail, and he eventually added to his land until he owned four hundred acres, Hereon he conducted general farming and stock-raising on a large scale, rais; ing registered Poland-China hogs, and thoroughbred horses, cattle and sheep. Eventually, however, he gave to his children all but his present farm of 190 acres. In the summer of 1892 he bought three lots in Dwight, erected thereon a large frame house, and in November of the same year, moved into the new abode.

The first wife of Mr. Stevens died December 26, 1866, leaving four children, two having died in infancy: Charles, a farmer of Buena Vista County, Iowa; Darwin, living in the same state and county; Lottie, who died at the age of fourteen years, in 1872; and Eddie, a farmer of Rock County, Minn. In September, 1867, Mr. Stevens married Mrs. Fannie (Lewis) Trowe, who was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., a daughter of Elnathan and Polly (Densmore) Lewis, natives of Vermont, and who came to Mc- Henry County, Nl., in 1845. Four years later, Mr. Lewis, who was a Baptist clergyman, moved to Grundy County, this State, and at Good Farm established the first Baptist Church in the county. He also was instrumental in securing the erection of the first school house in " Good Farm Township, and each of his four daughters taught in this or succeeding log school houses in the county. He was regarded as among the most useful and influential citizens of the community, and after the hardships, privations and self-sacrifice required of the early ministry, he died December 25, 1853, at the age of forty-nine years. His wife, who was born on December 25, 1800, died in August, 1886. Before her marriage to Mr. Stevens, Mrs. Stevens was the wife of Dr. John F. Trowe, a native of Sunapee, N. H., and a physician of McHenry County, who died there January 12, 1860. Of their union there was a son, John Franklin, who lives with his mother. By this marriage, Mrs. Stevens is the mother of Fannie L., wife of Mr.

Formerly a member of a Baptist church in Grundy County, five miles north, for the last thirty years, Mr. Stevens has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Dwight, and has contributed liberally of his means to its various channels of activity. He has been more than an incidental factor in local politics, as a Republican holding many offices, among them Treasurer for more than thirty years, Supervisor four terms and Highway Commissioner two terms. He is a broad minded and well posted farmer, and for more than half a century has been a keen observer of the trend of civilization in Livingston County. While living on his farm, three miles north and one and a half miles west of Dwight, he watched the rising fortunes of the village of Dwight, which in 1853 was marked by a pole, from the top of which a shiny tin pail gleamed in the bright sunshine. Near this pole has been built one, and later more houses, making it the nucleus of the present thriving and progressive community. In common with his neighbors Mr. Stevens has contributed to the changes which have swept over the hitherto unbroken prairies, and through them all his name has stood for the character and strength and morality of the best of the people here assembled.

STRATTON, Ellis L. (deceased). - The passing away of Ellis L. Stratton in 1896 was the removing of another of the all too few links of the early past of Livingston County with the present. His was not a character to be easily forgotten, and is held in affectionate remembrance for its real worth to mankind, and of him it may well be said that, although gone, his life and example remain as a heritage to his descendants. Mr. Stratton was born in Mansfield, Tioga County, Pa., January 12, 1826, a son of Seymour and Susan (Lownsberry) Stratton, natives of Connecticut and New York, respectively. Seymour Stratton was born in 1794, and died at his home in Pennsylvania, in 1873, after haying passed his seventy-ninth birthday. The mother was born in 1803, and died in 1865 several years before her husband. They had these children: Lydia, Lafayette, Ellis L., Harriet, Dithton, Martin, Julia, Ruth, Josephine, Amelia and William. 'The family, separating, settled in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado and California.

Ellis L. Stratton was educated in the common. schools of his native county, and at the Wellsboro (Pa.) Academy. After finishing his school days, he entered the employ of a man who operated a saw-mill, and when he was only twentythree, he went into the lumber business. Later he went to LaSalle County, 11., and from there came to Livingston County, where he bought land in 1849, on Section 8, Long Point Township, and began establishing a home in the wilderness. He had only fifty cents in his pocket when he: came to the county. He later bought 120 acres of land, for which he paid $2.50 per acre and

On January 17, 1856, Mr. Stratton was married to Sarah A, Miller, who was born in Smithfield. Bradford County, Pa., August 1, 1836, a daughter of John Wesley and Eliza (Kingsley) Miller. Mrs. Miller died wbile in young womanhood in Pennsylvania. The father subsequentiy married Jane Clark, and they came to Illinois in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Stratton became the parents of the following children: Luretta, born October 7, 1858, died October 5, 1860; Hattie, born April 1, 1862; John, born April 29, 1864, died November 15, 1877; Bert, born May 31, 1868, resides with his mother and sister Hattie in California; Carl, born June 10, 1872, is operating a portion of the old homestead on Sections 5 and S Long Point Township, and Ray L.. born June 24, 1874.

Mr. Stratton was a practical farmer and stockraiser and was a man of education and took pleasure in reading. He was a Mason, belonging to Chapter No. 112, and Lodge No. 552 at Rutland. In political matters he never espoused any particular party, preferring to vote for the man he believed best suited to the office. During his long and useful life Mr. Stratton did his duty in every way. He helped to advance the well being of the County. worked hard to gain a competence, always giving to his children tender care, excellent discipline and good advice, and when he died, not only they, but the whole community, suffered a real loss.

STRATTON, Ray L. - To cultivate successfully land that has been in the family for years, and to make upon it further improvements, is worthy of more than passing mention, and it is this loyalty to the family home that tends towards the centralizing of family ties and the upbuilding of higher civilization. Ray L. Stratton, of Section 8, Long Point Township, was born on the homestead which he now occupies, June 24, 1874, a son of Ellis L. Stratton, one of the leading farmers of this locality, whose sketch is to be found elsewhere in this work. After receiving a good common school education, young Stratton went to Eureka College, Ill. Finishing there, he came home and, as long as his father lived, the young man worked under his instruction.

On May 24, 1896, Ellis L. Stratton passed away when he stood at the head of the agriculturists of his neighborhood, leaving three sons, Bert, Carol and Ray. The farm then consisted of 320 acres. For several years the family all lived together, then Bert and his mother and sister Hattie went to California in 1900, and Carol and Ray took sole charge of the home. Prior to the departure of the one brother, the three had added 120 acres to the homestead, making it 440 acres of as good land as can be found in Livingston County. In 1903 the two began breeding double Standard Poland-Durham

On February 17, 1900, Mr. Ray Stratton was married to Miss Margaret E. Lampe, born March 30, 1874, near LaRose, Marshall County, IL, a daughter of Marcus and Olive (Bennington) Lampe, pioneers of the county, their father being now a retired resident of Long Point, Ill. He was a native of Germany. She was a native of Marshall County, Ill. They were married at La- Rose, Ill. In 1875 moved to Livingston County, in Section 16, Long Point Township. Heisa Republican; member of the Christian church. Mr. and Mrs. Stratton have had these children: Ruth Florene, born November 8, 1901; Ross Alonzo, born June 25, 1903; Florence Lucille, born July 25, 1906. Mr, Stratton is devoted to farming and stock-raising making it his life business. In politics he is a Prohibitionist and casts his vote for the candidates of that party. He took a great interest in the great crusade of 1908, In religious matters, he and his wife are members of the Church of Christ at Long Point, and both are very active in its good work. They are good Christian people, whose rearing has been along high-minded paths, and they are bringing up their little ones in the same way.

STRAWN, Christopher Columbus, lawyer of Pontiac, Ill. The earliest known record in America of the Strawn family is in Pennsylvania. In an old Quaker church in Quakertown, Bucks County, that State, there is a church record under date of 1671, which says in substance, that Mary Cooper was "testified against for marrying Launcelot Strawn, one not known amongst us," that is, one not a Quaker. The geneaology from Launcelot and Mary Cooper to date is, first, Jacob; second, Jacob; third, Isaiah, born October .28, 1758, near Quakertown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania; fourth, Jeremiah, born August 7, 1795, in Turkeyfoot, Somerset County, Pennsylvania; fifth. Eli, born March 27, 1817. in Perry County, Ohio; sixth, Christopher Columbus. the subject of this sketch, born August 22, 1840; seventh, Louis Francis, born in Omaha, Neb., November 2, 1866; eighth, Christopher Columbus, born between 4 and 5 o'clock, p. m., July 14, 1896. son of Louis Francis, and grandson and namesake of the subject of this sketch, and of the eighth generation from Launcelot.