Livingston County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 25 of those read), 1909 (part 16 of 17)

John D. Vail was always prominent in township and county affairs, and was a man who is remembered with deepest affection. He and his first wife had children as follows: Hannah M., born April 23, 1840, died December 12, 1940; Hubbard F., born January 13, 1842, married Addie Jones, who died leaving one daughter, Nellie, who resides in Lincoln, Neb.; Cornelius T., born May 26, 1844, died October 12, 1856. Akin D} born February 8, 1846, died November 19, 1868; Darius M., born December 3, 1849, married Mary Bradshaw, they reside in Kansas City, Mo., and have two children, - Harry and Maud; John D., Jr., born April 15, 1852, married April 24, 1879, Josie Pilgrem, and they reside in Chicago, haying one daughter, - Grace; Charles, born March 15, 1856, died August 31, 1856; Frank M. and Nettie A., twins, born March 29, 1858 and Nettie A., died March 29, 1858.

By the second marriage there were children as follows: Charles W., born March 14, 1861, is Clerk of the Supreme Court in Chicago, married Clara Barton, and they have three children, - Winfield, Edna and Marjory; Hattie, born July 15, 1862, and died October 3, 1863; Ulysses G., born April 13, 1864, married Margaret Evans, and they now reside in Waveland, Ind.; Edwin E., born November 22, 1866, married December 24, 1901, Ella E. Anderson, and they reside in Crystal Lake, Ill, having one son, - Glenn ; Cora L., born March 6, 1868, and died January 8, 1898.

Beginning in the public schools of Indian Grove Township, Frank M. Vail finished his education at Bryant & Stratton's Business College in Chicago, and in 1882 entered the Fair Store in Chicago, and there clerked for two years, when he returned to the farm and took charge of it. Afterwards he bought this property and now owns 403 acres, all in one body. He has one of the best improved and most valuable farms in the township, and for the past five years has been occupied in raising sheep, having a flock of 53, all registered stock. The sheep were imported by Bain Towne direct from England.

Frank M, Vail was married December 31, 1881, in Chicago, to Miss Louisa H. Sievert, who was born in Chicago. February 16, 1865. a daughter of Frederick and Sophia (Dahl) Sievert. Her ather died twenty-two years ago, but the mother still survives, residing in Chicago. The follow- ing children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vail: Antoinette Harriet, born January 26, 1883, is wife of Ray Haymond, a farmer of Arrowsmith, 111., to whom she was married February 16, 1905; Oscar R., born July 3, 1885, now operates part of the old homestead; Frank M., Jr., born September 15, 1888, is at home; Stella May, born October 7, 1889; Lilly M., born March 14, 1892; Mabel Hazel, born March 30, 1894; Charles Mc- Kinley, born October 31, 1896; Vera and Vesta, twins, born November 10, 1899; Elmer E., born March 5, 1902,

Mr. Vail is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Weston, Ill.. and the Fairbury Percheron Horse Company. He is a prominent Republican and for sixteen years has been Justice of the Peace and Clerk of the District School Board for twenty years, and Township Commissioner for three years. He is very enthusiastic in his belief in the principles of the Republican party and strong in his support of its candidates. Mr. and Mrs. Vail are not members of any particular denomination, but contribute to all. Socially be is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Court of Honor, Modern Woodmen of America, and Yeomen of Fairbury. He has given his children an excellent education, and.Frank M., Jr., attended Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Ill. Public-spirited in character, Mr. Vail can always be depended upon to give his full support to all measures calculated to be beneficial to the community at large.

VANCE, Joseph Smith, a well known and much respected farmer of Avoca Township, Livingston County, UL, and a man who has taken an active and useful part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his locality, was born in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County, Pa., on the forks of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers, November 2, 1885. His parents were Robert and Sarah (Cunningham) Vance, natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Westmoreland County, and the mother, whose ancestors were from Germany, in Fayette County. The great-grandfather on the paternal side was one of the first settlers west of the Allegheny Mountains. The Vance family is of Irish extraction. Robert Vance and Sarah Cunningham were married in Fayette County, Pa., whence, in 1859, they moved to Beaver County in the same State, buying land, and remaining there until the fall of 1868. Then they sold out, coming west to Decatur, Ill., and renting a farm. Subsequently, Robert Vance lived at Maroa, Macon County, Ill.. until after the death of his wife, in 1899, when he located in Livingston County, dying at the home of the subject of this sketch. Besides the latter, he and his wife had four children. as follows: John, who died at the age of twenty-one years. a daughter, deceased in infancy; Maggie, wife of Wiley Gray, a retired farmer, of Lyons, Rice County. Kan,; and Belle, who married Eugene Michael, a farmer of Webster City, Iowa.

received his education in the district schools. In the spring of 1883, he located near Maroa, Ill., and in 1889, selling his property there, moved to Livingston County, buying eighty-five acres of land in Section 19, Avoca Township. His farm is weli improved, and he has a pleasant home provided with all the comforts of life. He has acquired this property solely through his own industry, energy and good management. haviics begun life for himself with little means and receiving no aid from others. His whole mature career has been devoted to farming and raising stock, giving special attention to breeding Poland-China hogs.

On November 30, 1882, Mr. Vance was married to Jane Kewn, who was born in England and came to the United States with her step-father, her mothér, a half brother and sister, who settled in Pennsylvania, their home being in Lawrence County. She afterwards went to Maroa, Ill., living on the place of a cousin of Mr. Vance, where the latter made her acquaintance. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Vance consists of four children, namely: Carl, a farmer in Livingston County; George, Ray and Nellie, who are at home, all having received a good common school education. :

In politics, Mr. Vance has always been an earnest Republican, taking a leading part in the local affairs of his party, and holding various township offices. For five years, he served as Road Commissioner, and now acts in the capacity of Assessor of Avoca Township, in which he has made a good record his assessments giving every one a square deal.

VAN EMAN, James L., who is successfully engaged in the dry-goods and men's furnishing business in Dwight, Ill., in partnership with Simon H. Sondergaard, was born in Grove City, Pa., May 21, 1864, a son of Nicholas Wiley and Elizabeth (Stevenson) Van Eman, Pennsylvanians by birth. Nicholas W. Van Eman was a highly reputable physician of the Keystone State, and practiced medicine in Grove City for the greater part of his mature life. At length he relinquished professional duties, and lived about thee years in Virginia, where he died. He was a man of upright character and a skillful practitioner. Politically he was identified with the Democratic party, and in religion adhered to the faith of the Presbyterian church. He and his wife reared a family of five sons and three daughters. Aside from the subject of this sketch their names are as follows: Robert C., of Clark, Pa.; Margaret (Mrs. Dr. M. Palm), of Lansing, Michigan; William W., of Grove City, Pa.; James L.; Frank M.; Carrie (Mrs. E. W. Ellison), of Chester, Virginia; Samuel E., Grove City, Pa.; and Anna (Mrs. Wm. A. Buckholt), of Charleroi, Pa. Frank M. is deceased, as is his wife. A daughter, Vera, survives, residing in Grand Valley, Pa.

from the Coleman and Palms Business College, Newark, N. J., and in 1884 located in Kewanee, Ill, where he was employed four years. Then he moved to Dwight and worked thirteen years in the large dry-goods and furnishing house of MeWilliams & Smith, receiving a thorough training as a salesman. In 1902 he decided to enter into partnership with Mr. Sondergaard, in the same line, and on March ist of that year, they opened their store. From the outset, their trade has constantly increased, and they are classed among the prominent merchants of Dwight. Mr. Van Eman is admirably adapted for this enterprise by reason of long practical experience and sound business qualifications.

On September 6, 1893, Mr. Van Eman was united in marriage at Kewanee, Ill, with Mary O. Brown, who was born in that place, March 2, 1859. Mrs. Van Eman is a daughter of Oliver W. and Elizabeth (Kent) Brown. the former deceased. Her father was a farmer by occupation. One child is the offspring of this union, Lucile. born February 6, 1895.

In politics, Mr. Van Eman maintains an independent attitude, although his views are largely in harmony with the policies of the Republican party. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church.

VAN VLEET, George M., who is the owner and manager of a good farm in Round Grove Township, Livingston County, Ill., is a native of Wisconsin, where he was born October 22, 1858. He is a son of Stephen and Abigail (Swope) Van Vleet, respectively, natives of New York and Pennsylvania. Stephen Van Vleet, who was a farmer by occupation, was of Dutch descent, and Abigail Swope was descended from a German family which settled in Pennsylvania at a very early period, After their marriage they spent several years in Ohio, and then moved to Wisconsin. In 1863 they went to Minnesota. remaining there a year. Next, they moved to Mendota, Ill. and thence, in 1868, to Grundy County. Their final move was to Nebraska, in 1882, and there the remainder of their lives as spent. At the time of his death, the father was the owner of 320 acres in that State. Their family consisted of ten children, eight of whom are living. The mother was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

George M. Van Vleet was reared on the home farm and obtained his education in the district schools. In 1883 he located in Livingston County, and eight years later went back to Grandy County where he bought a farm. Returning to Livingston County in 1901, he purchased 208 acres of land in Round Grove Township, on which he has made many improvements. Success has attended his labors, and he is recognized as a thorough farmer, as well as a useful member of the community.

Mr. Van Vleet was married, January 1, 1882, to Nancy Jane Snyder, a native of North Carolina, who was brought to Illinois by her parents when twelve years of age. Her father, Jacob

Snyder, moved to Kansas, where he died, her mother having preceded him to the grave a number of years. Eight children have resulted from the union of Mr. and Mrs. Van Vleet, as follows: George N., is a contractor in Portland, Oregon; Florence, wife of James Tyler; Frank J., a student in the Illinois Wesleyan University, at Bloomington; Edgar, Ruth, Frances, Esther, who died in infancy ; and Maurice.

Politically, Mr. Van Vieet is identified with the Republican party. In fraternal circles, he is affiljated with the I. O, O. F. and the A. F. & A, M. and Knights of the Globe. He and his wife attend divine worship at the Methodist Episcopal church in the village of Reddick, near their home. Both have many friends, and are classed among the most worthy people in the township.

VAUGHAN, H. N., a musician by profession and, for a long succession of years, an orchestra leader and concert director of high repute in Livingston County, Ill, was born in Springfield, Sullivan County, N. H., May 8, 1833, a son of John and Mary (Moran) Vaughan, the father a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the mother, of Fredericktown, New Brunswick. The parents moved to New Hampshire at an early period and there reared a family of ten children. In 1837 they came west, locating in Princeton, Bureau County, Ul, where John Vaughan died in 1878, his wife having passed away in April. 1856. The maiden name of his second wife was Eunice Pixley, of New York, whose home was at Danville in that State. For eight years after his arrival in Princeton he kept a hotel, which was known as a stage station. He was, however, a carpenter by trade, having begun as a ship carpenter, but the main occupation of his life was that of a contractor and builder. In religious faith he was a Baptist, and for many years officiated as a deacon in the Baptist Church, being very liberal in his contributions in furtherance of church work. In politics, he was a Republican from the time of the organization of that party.

H. N. Vaughan received his education at Princeton, Ill., finishing his studies in the Princeton High School, where James Smith was his preceptor; and he also took special lessons in music under a German teacher, named Ritter. Since reaching manhood Mr. Vaughan has been a professional musician, having been a leader of orchestras for many years, and still continues in this occupation. During the last ten years, he has had charge of the orchestra at the Pontiac Chautauqua, giving concerts daily. He has made his home in Pontiac since 1877, pxcept during a period of about seven years spent in Seattle, Washington.

In 1880, Mr. Vaughan was united in marriage with Margaret Stites, born in Fayetteville, W. Va., and a daughter of Dr. J. J. Stites. of Pontiac. Mrs. Vaughan is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, under the instruction of Theodore Thomas. For a considerable period she has been engaged in teaching music, and is now Supervisor of Music in the public schools of

Pontiac, being an expert on the piano and violin. Mr. Vaughan has made his own way in the world, and has attained signal success in his endeavors. He owns a very pleasant and comfortable residence at No. 522 North Chicago Street, as well as property in Pontiac.

Politically, Mr. Vaughan is a Republican, He and his wife are highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends in Pontiac and throughout Livingston County. Mrs. Vaughan is a member of the Episcopal Church.

VIELEY, John Lawrence. - That men, now living, fought wild beasts of the wilderness and fled from the savage Indians, where the roar of traffic and the heayy clang of the iron wheels of mills and factories, driven by the dynamos, were never dreamed of, is marvelous indeed, and a history of this wonderful change should be interesting to the present generation so far removed from those stirring days. Among the sturdy pioneers yet living in Livingston County, John Larence Vieley, of Section 7, Pleasant Ridge Township, is one who bas lived in the county since 1853, when he was brought here by his parents. He was born at Waukegan Lake, Ill., a son of Cornelius and Adeline (Larence) Vieley. The father was a native of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., who married at Gainesville, N. Y. He was a farmer and stockraiser who moved to Pennsylvania, but in 1823 came to Illinois and settled in what was then known as Littleport, now Waukegan. He remained there until 1853, when he located in Livingston County, when John L. Vieley was eleven years of age. The family settled on Section 7, Range 8, Pleasant Ridge Township, on land entered by Woodford McDowell, and sold by him to Cornelius Vieley for $5.00 per acre, In all he purchased 240 acres, settled on it and developed a fine farm. He erected the first brick house in the county, as well as substantial barns and other buildings, and his was pointed out as a model farm. A portion of this land is included in the present farm of William Clark. Cornelius lived long enough to see his choice of a home justified, his death not occurring until 1872. His widow survived until 1881, when she too passed away. An old time Whig, Cornelius Vieley afterwards became a Democrat, and still later a Republican, taking a deep interest in educational matters, and all public improvements, being ever ready to give material assistance. In deep sympathy with the abolitionist movement, he helped many a fugitive slave to escape to Canada. No one ever appealed to him in vain, and his charities were many, although some of them were never known by any save the parties benefited. His home was ever open, and the stranger as well as the friend made welcome. It was the gathering place for the young people of the neighborhood, and the father and mother joined in the innocent merry-making.

Hleven children were born to Cornelius Vieley and wife, although but two are now living: John L. and Mary, widow of Joseph Clark, who was one of the prominent pioneers of Livingston County. Mrs. Clark now resides in Kansas. Two of the remaining nine died in infancy; Maria died in Waukegan at the age of your years; Lucy married John Bishop, both of whom are now deceased, leaving a son, Lorenzo Bishop, a real estate dealer and loan agent of Waukegan; Minard died at the age of seventy on the old home in Pleasant Ridge, never having been married; James Henry died in 1894 at the old home; Julia Ann married John Reynolds; and Mary is Mrs. Clark, of Wichita, Kan.

John L. Vieley came to Livingston County when the whole section was little better than a wilderness. Pontiac was but a railway station; Avoca was a little trading point, and the farmer had to haul his wheat forty miles to a gristmill, while some went to Kankakee. * His school district was No. 2, when he went to school, though, the subscription school had not yet been replaced by the public school system. His first school experience was gained in a log school house 12x14 feet. It was so smal] that it was packed with pupils, and a Mr. Lacon Armstrong was the teacher. Mr. Vieley early became accustomed to the duties of farm work, and remained at home until twentyfive years old, when he was married, November 6, 1867, to Miss Lucy Gravis, a native of Ohio, who was brought by her parents to Livingston County, and she is a daughter of James B. and Dorothy (Madison) Gravis, and a sister of Sheriff Schuyler Madison of Cook County, who hanged the anarchists engaged in the Haymarket riot in Chicago. Mr. James B. Gravis settled at Waukegan, where he became one of the prominent men of that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Vieley had children as follows: Mary Jane, married Joseph Murray,

Bertha, at home; Grace. married George Overmeyer of Pontiac; Charles, on the home farm, married Ida Wilson; Belle, at home; John, also on the old farm; Helen, at home, is a teacher in the county schools and very successful; Emeline, died at the age of eight years; James died at the age of four.

For over half a century Mr. Vieley has been an active participant in the development of the county, and has seen many changes take place. Franklin Pierce was President when he located here; there was but one house between that of the Vieleys and the Iroquois River; Fairbury had not been thought of, and he saw the first train of cars that pulled into Pontiac, and well remembers the great excitement that event occasioned, the whole county turning out to witness it. There were then no lumber yards, and the lumber for the first barn, put up by his father, was hauled from Attica, Ind., a distance of eighty miles. The telephone and the automobile have brought into close connection distant places; the binder and steam thresher have supplanted the primitive machinery which was used in those early days. While bending a weary back over the flail, Mr. Vieley never imagined the day would come when the wheat would be winnowed entirely by machinery. His highly developed farm of 160 acres is a part of the old homestead, and he devotes it to farming and stock-raising, and makes a specialty of Norman horses and Berkshire hogs. While he has held offices of public trust, Mr, Vieley has never aspired to political honors. In national matters he usually votes the Republican ticket, but in local affairs supports the man he deems best fitted for the office regardless of party lines,

In closing this sketch, no better ending can be found to enforce the idea of the changes that have taken place during the past half a century, and give a better conception of matters as they were in the early 'fifties, than to give this instance of the shifting of values. When Mr, Vieley, Sr., was moving his family from Lemont, Cook County, Illinois, to Waukegan, Lake County, he had an ox-team with which he was making the transfer, and was offered forty acres of land at the point where Polk and State Street is now located in Chicago for his team. He laughed at

VINCENT, Charles A., grain dealer, Odell, Livingston County, Ill. The name of Vincent has been long well known throughout the United States, and men who have borne it have been prominent in nearly every walk of life. The representative of the family whose name appears above has won success as a business man and honor as a soldier and a man of affairs. His father, O. T. Vincent, of Grundy County, and later of Livingston County, Ill., was in his day a prominent and useful citizen and public official.

Charles A, Vincent, son of Israel F. and Hannah (Husted) Vincent, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., October 29, 1842, his parents also being natives of that county. In 1858, bringing their children they came to Grundy County. Ill., locating near Morris, where they lived until 1876, when the family removed to Livingston Cuunty, and there the elder Vincent came in time to own about 200 acres of land and to gain prominence in public affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent were active and influential members of the Congregational Church. The former died October 7, 1899, and the latter in September, 1892,

The immediate subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools at Morris, Il., where he finished studies begun while living in his native State. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, in which he served until the close of the Civil War, participating in a few battles and many skirmishes. The command of which his regiment was a part, was attached to General Grant's escort after the seige of Vicksburg. In 1867 he settled near Odell and engaged in the grain business in which he has continued, being assisted at this time by his son. His enterprise has from the first been successful and has long been one of the most noteworthy of its kind in his vicinity. Mr. Vincent has gained high standing as a business man and is held in much favor by farmers of the surrounding country. He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow and he and his family are members

October 15, 1869, Mr. Vincent married Isabella Grant, a native of Grundy County, where her parents, Calhoun and Margaret (Cameron) Grant, were early settlers. Her father was born in Scotland, her mother in New York, both now being deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Vincent have been born four children: Louis G., who helps his father in the management of his business, is a graduate of Dixon College; Fred C., who was educated at Lake Forest University, Leland Stanford University, and the University of Chicago, is now living in Kansas City; Harry F. is a graduate of Cornell University, and Charles Ray is a student at the same institution. Not only in the education of his own sons, but in his interest in the public schools of Odell and vicinity, has Mr. Vincent shown his interest on educational advancement. He is himself a well-read man of extensive and accurate information, and his father was always an active worker for the advancement of general education.

- VON TOBEL, Jacob, retired lumber dealer, Fairbury, Livingston County, Il. The native of Switzerland, wherever he may be found, is a lover of liberty. There may or may not have been a William Tell, but such a spirit as was his, if he ever lived, animates every Swiss that lives. The lover of liberty must be a lover of right and of justice. The lover of justice is necessarily a lover of honesty. The honest man must be a good citizen, and, if to honesty he adds enterprise and industry, he must be an admirable citizen. Such a citizen is Jacob Von Tobel, a native of Switzerland who has long been allied with leading interests at and around Fairbury.

Jacob Von Tobel was born at Zurich, Switzerland, March 26, 1839, a son of Henry and Susannah (Guth) Von Tobel, both of whom died in the land of their nativity. Of their children only Jacob and his sister Susannah, who is a member of his household, are living. As a boy, Mr. Von Tobel was educated in his native land. He then learned the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worked there until 1868, when, bidding good-bye to home and friends, he sailed for America, and after effecting a landing, came directly to Fairbury and went to work in a little sash factory. Eventually he rented the building in which he had labored, in a modest way prospered and established in it a sash, door and blind factory. He soon began contracting and building, erecting or repairing many buildings of all kinds in Fairbury and vicinity. The fact is recalled that he remodeled the old Mitchell House at Fairbury, which, after its transformation, was renamed the Fairbury House. In a small way he began to deal in lumber, buying first by the load and eventually putting in a complete line of lumber and building materials, brick, sewer-pipe, ete., and adding a trade in hard coal to his other business. When he began business for himself, houses in and near Fairbury were small and comparatively inexpensive; but leading rather than keeping pace with the advancement of his times, he built some of the largest and finest residences in bis part of the county or furnished building materials for them. In 1900 he sold his lumber yard and retired fram active life. He had been busy for so many years that at first he found it hard to do this, but in a measure he has become reconciled to the change, which he views philosophically as inevitable in his advancing age.

Mr. Von Tobel married Miss Catherine Keller, March 19, 1871. Miss Keller was born in Zurich, Switzerland, November 2, 1843, a daughter of Felix Keller, who died in his native land as the result of an accident. His daughter came to America in 1869 with her brother Jacob, who located in Fairbury, Ill. In 1873 he returned to Switzerland and brought the remainder of his family to Fairbury, his mother retaining a home with Mr. and Mrs. Von Tobel until her death in 1874. Of the ten children of her parents, Mrs. Von Tobel was the first born. She has borne her husband twelve children, eight of whom are living. Edward. born in Fairbury, April 29, 1873, is living unmarried at Las Vegas, Nev., where he conducts a lumber business. Lydia, born December 22, 1874, is the wife of J. N. Bach, a lumber dealer at Fairbury, and has five children. Paul, born December 16, 1879, is in the lumber business at Los Angeles, Cal. Annie L.. born March 16, 1884, is now Mrs. Charles Kallister of Peoria, nl. Besides the four who died in infancy, the list should include Alfred, Clara Catherine, Henry and Caroline. Of Mrs. Von Tobel's nine brothers and sisters, eight are living. Two returned to Switzerland and one of them died there in 1894.

Mr. Von Tobel is a leader in the Amish or Upper German Apostolic Christian church, with which he has been actively identified for forty years. This religious sect has three strong organizations in Livingston County, and each has its separate house of worship. One is located six and a half miles south-east of Fairbury, one four miles east of Fairbury. and the other three miles north of Fairbury. The combined membership of these three bodies is about five hundred, inclusive of communicants who worship at Fairbury, where a fine church was built in 1893. Originally the Upper German Apostolic Chrastians of this vicinity worshipped in a church which they bought of the Presbyterians.

scientious contractor and builder. There certainly is none who beholds on all sides more monuments to his skill, industry and integrity. The trade of carpenter is eminently a respectable one, to say nothing of the one great carpenter who was, as well, the greatest man who ever lived, the list of men of note who. at one time or another, were carpenters would, if it could be fully compiled, be most surprising. It is not the intention of the writer to attempt such a task, but rather briefly to record some of the notable achievements of a leading builder of Livingston County, together with some of the events of his useful and interesting career.

William L. Waggoner was born at Brownsville, Fayette County, Pa., December 22, 1855, His parents, William and Martha (Lynn) Waggoner, were both natives of Pennsylvania, and they had six children, three of whom are living. William Waggoner was a son of Josiah Waggoner, the Jatter born in Pennsylvania, his parents were natives of Germany, who settled at a comparatively early date in the Keystone State. David Waggoner, a brother of William Waggoner, came to Illinois and located at Lewistown, Fulton County, and was several times elected Sheriff of that county, where he was numbered among the most prominent pioneer citizens, Doctor Waggoner, Harry Waggoner (a lawyer) and Fred Waggoner of New York are his sons.

William Waggoner, father of William L. Waggoner, early learned the trade of butcher and followed it in Pennsylvania until the spring of 1875, when he came to Illinois and located in Knox County. After living there a year, he removed to Fairbury and rented land near that town, on which he farmed successfully until his death, which occurred in 1884. His good wife survived him until February 15, 1890. He was a man of much intelligence and enterprise, in eyery way worthy to be called a useful citizen. Of their children the immediate subject of this sketch was the first born; James Albert Waggoner died at Quincy, Ill., in 1887; Caleb Waggoner is a resident of Chicago; Mary Waggoner married Joseph Denarske of Fairbury. Their other children died in infancy. There should be no omission of the fact that William Waggoner fougbt for the preservation of the integrity of his country in the Civil War. He enlisted in Pennsylvania and was honorably discharged at the end of the struggle after a continuous service of three years and nine months.

The early life of Wiliam L. Waggoner was spent back in Pennsylvania, at Brownsville. There ke was educated in the common schools. At the age of sixteen years he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, of which he had acquired a fair working knowledge when, in 1875, he accompanied his parents to Illinois, In the following year he came with them from Knox County to Fairbury, and during the ensuing four years he was kept busy assisting his father to get the latter's prairie farm under cultivation. In 1880, having married, he moved into Fairbury and, in 1881, again took up his carpenter's tools with which he kept busy continuously until 1895. Then, in company with Everett Chambers, he engaged in the grocery trade. Later Mr, Chambers retired from the enterprise while Mr. Waggoner continued its prosecution with sound judgment based upon principles of honesty and fair dealing that so commended it to public favor that it became a leading concern of its kind in the town, Mr. Waggoner had achieved undoubted success as a merchant, but he was by choice and by long experience a mechanic, and his mind was not on the merchandise of household consumption but upon houses, business blocks and public-buildings. Disposing of his store, he formed a partnership with the late Gibson Brownson, for whom he had worked from 1881 till 1895, and again became a carpenter and builder, giving his attention especially to general contracting. Since then he has desigued and built many of the finest dwellings and business blocks in the vicinity. It may be said of him that he is an all-around workman and an architect of no mean ability, capable not only of erecting but of planning structures of any class and of any materials, Excepting during the four years while he was merchandising, he has been for twenty-three years in bis chosen work.

March 10, 1880, Mr. Waggoner married Miss Annie E. Chambers, of Pennsylvania, a daughter of Asa and Emma (Harris) Chambers, both of whom were born in that State. There her mother died and her father came in 1900 to Fairbury to make his home with his daughter and died in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner have two daughters named respectively Mabel and Irma. Mabel was graduated from Fairbury High Schoo] with the class of 1904, and Irma with the class of 1908. Mr, and Mrs. Waggoner and their daughters are attendants upon the services of the Presbyterian Church. The ladies have membership in that organization and he is one of its most liberal supporters. A stanch friend of education, he has always been helpfully interested in the local schools. Mr. Waggoner is a member of Livingston Lodge No, 290, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of Fairbury Encampment, No. 71, of that order, and he is a Past Grand of his lodge and a Past Chief Patriarch of his Encampment. He is identified also with the order of Modern Woodmen of America. Politically, he is an active Republican. As a publicspirited citizen he has always been beneficially interested in the improvement and prosperity of the community. He was a member of the seconl Board of Aldermen elected after Fairbury adopted its municipal charter.

WAGNER, George A., a prosperous merchant of Ocoya, Livingston County, Il., and one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Livingston County, was born in Germany, August 26, 1840, a son of Rey. Adam and Racena (Kaeler) Wagner, natives of that country, who came to the United States in 1848, settling in Woodford County, Ill., on twenty acres of woodland. To this the father added twenty acres more, and in 1858, sold the forty acres, moving to Tazewell County, Ill., and renting land on which he remained two years. At the end of that time he bought eighty acres in Kankakee County, IIL, where he died in November, 1905, at the age of eighty-four years. He was a minister of the Evangelical Association. His wife passed away July 17, 1907, aged ninety years, four months and fifteen days. They had eight children, of whom

George A. Wagner attended the public schools of Germany about two years, and, those of Woodford County, Ill, for six months, in all. He was reared on a farm, and on reaching maturity followed the occupation of threshing and corn-shelling for four years, starting in Tazewell County, for two years; also fifteen years in Kankakee County and balance of time in Livingston County. In 1877 he located in Eppards Point Township, Livingston County, and lived there on the farm until 1905, when he bought a store building at Ocoya, Ill., and has since dealt in general merchandise, being very successful. He is the owner of 280 acres of desirable farming land in Eppards Point and Pike Townships. He is Secretary and Director in the Eppards Point Fire Insurance Association, and also in the Eppards Point Telephone Company.

On February 28, 1864, Mr. Wagner was married to Emeline Bossett, by whom he had one child, Mary E., wife of Frederick W. Buess, of Kempton, Livingston County. Emeline (Bossett) Wagner died November 26, 1873. On September 15, 1874, Mr. Wagner married Susan E. Schickedanz, a daughter of George Schickedanz, a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume. This union resulted in ten children, as follows: George Adam, Anna L., Catherine E., Amelia, Benjamin C., Nelson J. and Cora Nellie, (twins), Ada, Oma S., and Harlan A. who died in 1901 aged one year and six months.

In politics, Mr. Wagner is a Republican. While a resident of Kankakee County he served two years as Supervisor, and eight years as School Director. In Eppards Point Township, he was School Trustee nine years, and School Director for a considerable period. He served as Commissioner of the Eppards Point and Pike Townships Union Drainage District for some time. In Kankakee County, he also held the office of Justice of the Peace four years and, in Livingston County, has been Assessor ten years and Justice of the Peace twenty-seven years, For two years he has held the commission of a Notary Public. Since March. 1905, he has officiated as Postmaster at Ocoya. Fraternally, he is a member of Chenoa Lodge, No. 292, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; of Chenoa Chapter No. 43, R. A. M.; Chenoa Council; St. Paul Commandery, No, 34, Knights Templar, and of the Order of the Mystic Shrine at Peoria.

He was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Eellows, for fifteen years. He affiliates with the United Evangelical church at Weston, ill., while his family are members of the Baptist church.

WALDEN, Aaron, a successful merchant of Graymont, Livingston County, Ill., and also postmaster of the village and one of its most prominent citizens, was born in Bloomington, Ill., December 29, 1856, a son of Capt. Aaron Wesley Walden, a record of whose life, together with particulars in regard to the family history, may be found elsewhere in this connection. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in Mc- Lean County, Nl., until he was thirteen years of age, and attended the common schools in the vicinity of his home, subsequently attending those of Rooks Creek Township, Livingston County. where on reaching maturity he engaged in farming. From that locality he removed to Pontiac Township, continuing in the same occupation until he took up his residence in Pontiac, where he conducted a meat market for three years. On December 22, 1892, he changed his location to Flanagan, I., following the same business until 1895, when he bought out a hardware and implement concern in that place. In 1900 -he moved to Graymont, Ill., where he has 'since been successfully engaged in the last mentioned line of trade, He owns an-attractive residence, with eight acres of ground, near the village.

Mr, Walden was married, September 25, 1878, to.Alice M. Glaze, born in Peoria County, Ill., on May 2. 1860, a daughter or Isaac K. and Minerva (Bages) Glaze, natives of that county and now residents of Pierce, Neb. Mr. Glaze was born April 11, 1837, and the birth of his wife occurred February 6, 1839. The former was reared on a farm, and educated in the public schools of Peoria County. He went to Bureau County, where he bought a farm, which he sold and located in Livingston County in 1877. In 1882 he moved to Norfolk, Neb., and during the same year to Pierce, his present place of residence. He served about three years in the Civil War. Politically, he is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist church. They had seven children, of whom one son and three daughters are living.

Seven children resulted from the union of Mr. and Mrs. Walden, as follows: Aaron Wesley, born April 23, 1880;. Howard K., born October 14, 1883; Minerya May, born July 23, 1887; Mary Ellen, born March 30, 1890; Elmer, born October 19, 1892; Bertha Isabel. born March 25, 1895; and Alice Minnie, born November 10, 1903. The eldest son, Aaron W., followed farming until 1905, since which time he has been in partnership with his father in business. He married Mamie Carroll, of Amity Township, Livingston County. Howard K. Walden is Assistant Postmaster at Graymont. It is a singular coincidence that the paternal grandparents of both Mr. and Mrs. Walden had sixteen children.

Politically, Mr. Walden is a Republican and has held the office of Postmaster of Graymont since September 28, 1901. He has also served as School Director, and has officiated four years as Justice of the Peace. In fraternal circles he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. Concerning religious matters he entertains liberal views, but lends a helping hand to all Christian denominations. His daughters, Minerva and Mary, are members of the Evangelical church.

ment, an honored veteran of the War for the Union and profoundly respected by all who know him, was born in Frankfort, Ky., September 6, 1821. He is a son of William and Sarah (Mitchell) Walden, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The paternal grandfather, Aaron Walden, was an early settler of Kentucky, and Jobn Mitchell, grandfather on the maternal side, also a pioneer in that region, was a noted Indian fighter in the country around Frankfort for many years. Grandfather Mitchell was of German descent. William Walden, who was a cooper by occupation, was taken by his father from Virginia to Kentucky when he was ten years old. There he learned his trade, and after working at it several years, moved (in 1829) to Illinois, living near Springfield for a considerable period. Thence he moved to Terre Haute, Ind., where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1842. The mother died twelve years later. William Walden was a stanch Jackson Democrat in early life, but in 1840 identified himself _ with the Whig party. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. They were the parents of sixteen children, of whom two sisters of the subject of this sketch are supposed to be still living.

Aaron W. Walden was reared on a farm, and in early youth received his education in the subscription schools. In 1852 he left Indiana and located in DeWitt County, Ill., where he applied himself to breaking the raw prairie for cultivation. Subsequently he went to Bloomington, Ill., where for five years he was engaged in the manufacture of brick, doing a very large business. After living in several different counties in the State, he finally settled in Livingston County in 1869, locating on a farm of 160 acres in Rooks Creek Township. To his first purchase he gradually added until, at one time, he was the owner of 700 acres all of which he sold, investing in farmlands near Spencer, S. D. For several years he has spent his time partly with his son in Rooks Creek Township, and partly with one of his daughters, a widow in Pontiac, Livingston County. In 1862, Mr. Walden enlisted in Company F, Ninety-fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, of which he was elected captain. He took part in the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and after serving seven months, was discharged on account of disability.

Mr. Walden has been four times married. In 1841 he was wedded to Evelyn Sparks, a native of Kentucky, but who died in 1845. In 1846 he married Margaret Black, who was born in Delaware, and had come to Terre Haute, Ind., with her father's family. She died in 1851, having borne him two children, one of whom, William Z., is now a resident of Pontiac. The other died in childhood. Mr. Walden's third wife was Frances Moly, and after her death, he was united in marriage (in 1853) with Rachael Springer, a native of McLean County, T.. by whom he had eight children. Of these,

Politically, Mr. Walden has long been identified with the Republican party, and in the course of his active life served the public as School Director. He has had a long, busy and honorable career, and now, in his waning years, has the satisfaction of being well provided with this world's goods, and the assurance of the cordial regard and hearty good will of all with whom he is brought into intimate contact.

WALLACE, John, formerly of Pontiac, Livingston County, Ill, in various capacities won the high esteem of all who knew him. Not only in civil life, but as a soldier during the Civil War, he made his mark and left a record of valuable achievements in his day and generation.

Mr. Wallace was born August 14, 1842, on a ship off the coast of Scotland, while his parents were en route to the United States. They were Robert and Ellen (Howe) Wallace, natives of England, while his father was a farmer. To them the journey was memorable in more ways than one. The vessel in which they crossed the ocean was one of those old fashioned sailing crafts which required five of six weeks to make a trip, which the modern steamer would make in five of six days. They landed at New York, whence they went to Philadelphia, and there the family remained for a year while the husband and father going west, bought and began to improve a farm three miles west of Ottawa, Ill., where the whole family eventually found a home and where its head died of cholera in 1849.

The immediate subject of this sketch began his education in the public schools at Ottawa. The family was broken up by the death of his father, the boy then returning to Philadelphia, where for two years he continued his schooling. Then, coming back to Ottawa, he may be said to have begun his active life as a farmer's boy of all work. His mother married John Shaw, of South Ottawa, with whom he made his home until August, 1862, when he patriotically responded to his country's call for aid in the suppression of the rebellion. Then enlisting in Company E, One Hundred and Fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, he had an experience of more than usual interest and discomfort. During the battle of Chickamauga he was taker prisoner and for fifteen months endured confinement and hardship in Libby prison, Andersonville prison pen and a military prison at Danville. Eventually he was exchanged and honorably discharged at Washington in June, 1865. Going back to Ottawa, he became interested in railway construction, and as a contractor helped _to build the Wabash Railroad from Ottawa to Streator. He studied civil engineering under an old and successful engineer who had been a student under the Hon. Bronson Murray, who was at one time State Engineer for the State of New York. In 1871 he became a general land agent, having charge of many large farms in

Livingston County. He lived on a farm be tween Rooks Creek and Pontiac until 1902, when he bought a fine residence on East Washington Street, Pontiac, into which he removed with his family. He died July 11, 1905, of chronic bronchitis, in Colorado, where he had gone with the hope of benefitting his health.

Mr. Wallace married Isabelle Hicks, April 18, 1872. Mrs. Wallace, who was born at Ottawa, + April 10, 1852, was a daughter of William and Isabelle (Burton) Hicks, natives of England. Their son William S. Wallace of Pontiac, born July 29, 1879, is in the rural free delivery mail service of the United States. Their daughter Lura Belle, born April 23, 1884, is a bookkeeper in the office of the Pontiac Daily Leader. Their daughter Maud Emma, a popular school teacher, was born April 8, 1889. The mother of these children died December 11, 1893, and March 26, 1895, Mr. Wallace married her sister, Rebecca Hicks, a native of Ottawa. -

Mr. Wallace was a lifelong Republican, of the old school who voted as they shot and shot as they voted. From early in the history of that organization he was a devoted and active member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was a helpful and liberal promoter of all its various interests. In all the relations of life, his rule and conduct were such as won for him the approbation of all with whom he came in contact. As a farmer, as a business man, as a soldier in his relations to the public affairs of his township, county and State, in his social and religious activities, he was in the highest degree useful and efficient. All in all his career was such as must commend itself to the reader as an illustration of the character of the men who have promoted the development of Illinois and an example well worthy of the emulation of the present and coming generations.

WALLACE, Robert R. - Clearly outlined against the history of jurisprudence in Livingston County for more than two-score years is the scholarly, efficient, and upright career of Judge Robert R. Wallace, the predominating features of whose career are centered around the office of County Judge, which he sustained with dignity and fairness from 1873 until 1894. Judge Wallace was born on a farm near Uniontown, Belmont County, Ohio, March 13, 1835, a son of David and Frances C. (Ross) Wallace. He was educated primarily in the country schools of Ohio, eventually entering Monmouth College, at Monmouth, Ill., from which he was duly graduated in the class of 1861.

The Civil War proved a remarkably developing experience for Judge Wallace, and, coming at the outset of his independent career, inculcated lessons of stern and uncompromising import. In 1862 he donned the blue as a private in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until his honorable discharge in 1866 with the rank of captain. He is enrolled among the fearless and intrepid fighters of his regiment, among the men whose fixity of purpose and control brought peace to the stricken nation. After the war he was free to pursue the study of law upon which his early ambition had settled, and in 1867, the year of his admission to the bar, he located in Livingston County, which sínce has so richly profited by his association and public service.

As usual with most lawyers who desire to reap the largest compensations from their calling, Judge Wallace has joined political with professional activity, and as al stanch and uncompromising Democrat has held many minor oflices both before and since his election to the County Judgeship. Few men of the town or county have so vigorously promoted the cause of education, or so markedly impressed their personality and worth upon the prevailing system of instruction. He has been a member of both the City and High Schoo] Boards, and was particularly active in the organization and subsequent work of the latter. In religion the Judge is a Presbyterian and is also a member of T. Lyle Dickey Post No. 105, Grand Army of the Republic. The marriage of Judge Wallace and Louise Strawn occurred in Ottawa, Ill, June 3, 1867, and of the union there are the following children: Ross Strawn; Frances L., wife of Rev. Isaiah Ravenaugh; Mary Lucile; and Grace Champlin, deceased.

ringly read than in the rise of its mereantile establishments. With agriculture and carpentering, merchandising ranks with the earliest of fundamental occupations, and since time immemorial the merchant has kept his finger upon the pulse of his community, understanding its needs and exactions, and studying human nature in its great as well as small aspects. Whether at the country cross-roads, in the mining camps or the heart of cities, an inventory of his shelves and conveniences discloses the character, the purposes and inclinations of his customers, as it indicates also - providing he is a progressive and far sighted purveyor - his opportunity as an improver of public tastes and ideals. It is in this appreciation of his opportunity that the successful differs from the unsuccessful or mediocre merchant. In nine cases out of ten the former has begun at the bottom round of the ladder in a much bejumbled country store, and the homely but trite lessons there gained have pushed him to the front in proportion as he has insight, adaptiveness, integrity, courtesy and obligingness. These qualities belong to all who to-day are known as responsible and progressive merchants, and who have, by their untiring industry and good judgment, built up a firm business superstructure in their respective States. Illinois, rich in its substantial mercantile element, points with pride to its merchant princes both in and out of its great metropolis, and it has been given to Fairbury, Livingston County, to develop and maintain, through many

The Walton Brothers Company, whose era of merchandising in Fairbury began in 1868, just forty years ago, were born near Columbus, Ohio, and reared among the most humble surroundings. Isaac Walton, who first came to this county, was so far from realizing his great achievements as a merchant, that he was glad to get work as a farm hand at five dollars a month, and to remain thus employed with slight advance of wages for several years. During this time his active brain became interested in trading, and the better to exercise this tendency, in 1868 he started a little grocery store. Soon afterwards he was joined by his brother, Wesley, and they became equal partners in the business, and it is from this small beginning that has come, through various stages and many disheartening, as well as encouraging experiences, the present splendid mercantile establishment of Fairbury. The increase of stock and general enlargement of the business was greatly facilitated by outside ventures of the brothers, and they operated successfully coal mines and elevators, thus becoming more directly connected with the heart of local enterprise. The available resources of the company in 1884 may best be understood by the statement that, after the destruction of their entire stock by fire, at a loss of $100,000, business was resumed upon a paying basis in less than ten days. Twelve years later, in 1896, the place was again swept by flames, entailing a loss half as great as before, and in which emergency the building now occupied by the company arose a mute testimonial of the intrepid and inspiring courage and zeal of the owners.

Nine departments indicate the scope of trade maintained by these merchants of two-score years. In 1901 the business was incorporated under the laws of the State, under the name of Walton Bros. Co., and five of the oldest and most trusted employes were taken in as partners, each being the head of a department. Of these, Hugh Pence became cashier; J. P. Mitten, head of the grocery department; C. W. Neitz, head of of the shoe department; and M. Gordon head of the hardware department. The business is capitalized for $100,000, but there is fully $125,000 worth of goods carried, an effort being made to have each department as nearly representative of its kind as the size of the town and general demand will permit. A business of $250,000 may be annually counted on, and the trade covers an extended surrounding territory. The Walton Brothers Company stand for the best and most dependable-in twentieth century merchandising, and their rise from small beginnings constitutes one of the most helpful and emphatic lessons in thrift and perseverance available in local business. Their prudence and conservatism are exceptional, their prescience almost infallible, and their integrity has weathered the befalls any of our great masters of trade. Partakers in an infant community's struggles for supremacy, they have developed with much of the vitality and resourcefulness of people of the prairies who, from being surrounded with wide and many-sided opportunities, imprint these qualities upon their own minds, and exhale them in their individual and collective deeds.

WATSON, Henry B., a pioneer resident of Central Illinois for more than forty years, a prosperous farmer in Forrest Township, Livingston County, and an honored veteran of the Civil War, is a man most sincerely respected wherever known. Mr. Watson was born February 5, 1837, in the town of Torrington, Conn., in which State this branch of the Watson family traces its ancestry back to the early part of the seventeenth century. The parents of Henry B. Watson were George and Jane (Belding) Watson, the mother being of a Connecticut lineage equally as long as that of the Watsons. At an early period, George Watson, who was a farmer descended from several generations of farmers, moved from New England in 1844, to Warren County, Il.. driving a flock of 150 sheep which he had bought in Pennsylvania. The issue of his marriage with Jane Belding was one son and two daughters, the latter being residents of Connecticut. After her death, the father married Sophia White, of Seneca Falls, N. Y., the wedding taking place in 1848, and the offspring of this union being five children. The death of George Watson occurred in Warren County.

In Warren County, Henry B. Watson, the son, followed farming and was also engaged in raising sheep until 1862. The educational advantages of his early youth had been very meager. At an early period of the Civil War, he enlisted in Battery A, First Wisconsin Artillery, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and he participated in some of the important artillery engagements in that region, being subsequently promoted to Second Lieutenant in the Eleventh United States Artillery, which was dispatched to Fort Jackson, La., and later to Fort Brashear. There it remained until October, 1865, having der in the neighboring country. This work being ended, it was sent by steamer to Providence, R. I., where Mr. Watson was mustered out on the 25th of October. On returning from the war he located on the farm in Livingston County, Il., where he has since continued to live. It is now worth $200 per acre, having advanced from $15 per acre since its purchase by the present owner.

On November 5, 1868, Mr. Watson was married to Emma Francis of Ripley, Ohio, and their union was blessed with three children, namely: Flora, Thomts F. and George E. Thomas, who is the father of three children, is a farmer in Indiana, and George is in the employ of the International Harvester Company, at Buenos Ayres, South America, for President. His religious connection is with the Congregational church. He is an interested student in geology, and has a fine cabinet of specimens of the stone age. He is a member of Forrest Post, No. 114, Grand Army of the Republic, in which he served as Commander in 1887.

WAY, William Burnette. - Years of increasing farm values, with an era of good prices for farm products, have placed landowners of fertile Illinois farms in an enviable position and on an equal footing with city business men, many of whom, reared on a farm, are investing surplus earnings in farm property adjacent to the city and reached by the trolley lines that are threading the country in all directions. One of the selfmade, thrifty and successful farmers of Livingston County, is William Burnette Way. of Section 18, Indian Grove Township, who was born in New York City, November 9, 1858, a son of William Thomas and Jane (McLean) Way, natives of England and Ireland, respectively. Both came when young to New York, and were married at Corning, N. Y., February 10, 1852. They had children as follows: Franklin; Emeline, married Thomas McGantlin at Fishkill, N. Y., and died, leaving two children - Alice T., who resides at Little Monument, N, Y., and John, who was veared by his grandmother and took the name of Thompkivs. Frank and Emeline were reared by a family named Oleson. The mother of these children died in New York City January 26, 1865, when William was about seven years old, and he was sent to an orphan asylum. His father was a builder and contractor of New York City, and worked as foreman on the bridge across the Hudson river at Poughkeepsie, N. Y, He remained there for some time, then went to Odell, Il., where he served as deputy postmaster and freight and station agent for some time, then engaged in railroad contracting, residing for some years at Bloomington. He later returned to New York City, later to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and there remained until his death on January 8, 1887.

At the age of nine years, Mr. William B. Way was sent to the West and made his home with John T. Jacobs, of Livingston County, who reared him. He has but little recollection of his father. Mr. Jacobs gave him an excellent education, and he worked on the farm, remaining with the Jacobs family until 1879. On September 5, 1880, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ann Harrison, born in Fairbury, September 20, 1861, a daughter of Preston Harrison, a sketch of whom is to be found elsewhere in this work. The young couple began farming on the farm owned by Mrs. Way's grandfather, Isam Moore, and remained there until 1888. They then left Indian Grove Township and went to Anchor, McLean County, where they remained until 1885 when they returned to their first home. In March, 1892, they moved on their present farm, and during all of their married life they have been engaged in farming and stock raising, meeting with unqualified success.

'Township, married John R. Kelso, a farmer located near Centralia, Mo., and they have two children, John Mace and Naomi J.; John T., born August 28, 1887, died December 8, 1890; Nellie E., born March 22, 1893; Milton S., born October 2, 1895, died January 26, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Way have given their children excellent educations, and Miss Nellie has developed a wonderful talent for painting which promises to blosson into genius. She is very young, only sixteen, and yet already she has executed some very wonderful work. At the age of eleven years she was sent to St. Joseph's Academy, St. Louis, Mo., which she attended four years, in the meantime taking special lessons in painting. Her work is all done in oil, and her talent for securing likenesses is remarkable. Although an adept in painting portraits, she is. equally good in animals and landscape, and her work has attracted considerable attention. She is making some very ambitious plans for the future, and, without doubt, will prove one of the leading artists of Illinois. Not only is she talented as an artist, but she is equally proficient in music and much eare has been bestowed upon her cultivation in this art.

Mr. Way for years served very acceptably as Clerk of the School Board, and for six years was Treasurer of the Township, and has always been identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, and Court of Honor. Hardworking, thrifty, and a good manager, he has made himself known as a progressive farmer and stock-raiser and a public-spirited citizen, who is widely known and highly respected.

WEBBER, George, one of the most extensive farmers and stock-raisers of Livingston County, Nl., was born in Woodford County, Ill. July 8, 1859, a son of George and Sophia (Horner) Wevber, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, where the father was born in 1823 and the mother in 1826. In 1847 they came to the United States, and lived in New York State until 1856, when they removed to Woodford County, Il., changing their location to Livingston County about the year 1869. Here the father had 360 acres of land, on whicb he followed farming many years. He died December 10, 1905, at the age of eighty-two years, his wife having passed away April 17, 1903, when seventy-seven years old. They had five sons and three daughters and of these, two are deceased. In politics, the father was a Democrat. He and his wife were members of the Evangelical Association in their religious connection. George Webber, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of Pike Township. He has always followed farming, and now owns 502 acres of land, all acquired through his own industry and wise management. He is an extensive corn grower and, besides general farming, raises a great deal of stock. He deals in horses and quite extensively in mules,

On February 22, 1884, Mr. Webber was married to Lucinda Irons, who was born October 23, 1865, in Tazewell County, Ill, a daughter of Christian and Charlotte (Bennett) Irons, the former a native of Wurtemberg, and the latter of the State of Kentucky. Mr, Irons came from his native country to America after the death of his father, being nine years of age when he landed at New York with his mother. After his marriage he came to Illínois, and for a number of years lived on a farm near Danvers, McLean County, but in 1896 he and his wife removed to Essex, Kankakee County, where they have since lived a retired life. In politics, Mr. Irons is a Democrat, and his religious connection is with the Lutheran church. He and his wife had a family of five daughters and two sons, all of whom are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. George Webber there have been born twelve children, namely: Lucy, born February 2, 1885; Walter, October 1, 1886; Pearl, September 22, 1888; Simon, April 16, 1891; Roy, August 7, 1892; Cora, March 9, 1894; Elmer, March 31, 1896; Earl. September 6, 1898; Hollie, January 9, 1900; Ottis, May 15, 1902; George, June 14, 1905; and Mabel, June 8, 1907.

WEBER, Lawrence, whose fine 200-acre farm lies near the limits of the village of Graymont, Livingston County. Ill, and who is considered one of the most thorough and successful farmers of his locality, was born in Germany, April 15, 1848, a son of Michael and Frances (Heinzman) Weber, natives of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1853, settling on a farm in Woodford County, Ill, whence in 1867 they moved to eighty acres which the father had bought in Livingston County. He died April 14, 1893, his wife having passed away in 1890. They had eight children, six of whom are living. Politically, Michael Weber took an independent position, and in religion he and his wife were Catholics.

Lawrence Weber was reared on the home farm, and received his education in the public schools. Since reaching manhood, he has always followed farming, and is the owner of 200 acres of Jand situated a mile from the village of Graymont. In addition to general farming, he devotes considerable attention to raising stock, and his labors have been rewarded by abundant success.

In 1881, Mr. Weber was joined in matrimony with Eve Folk, born in Woodford County, Ill., in 1862, a daughter of Joseph and Teresa (Wieland) Folk, natives of Germany, who, on arriving in this country, settled in the above mentioned county, where they still live. Mr, and Mrs. Weber have had seven children, as follows: Frank; Michael; Julia; Catherine, deceased ; Frances; Maggie; and Lawrence. In political matters, Mr, Weber acts independently of party. He and his wife belong to the Catholic church.

WEBER, Leonard, a thorough, thrifty and reliable farmer, living in Pike Township, Livingston County, Ill., who stands well among his neighbors and is regarded as a useful citizen, was born in New York State, February 2, 1850, a son of George and Sophia (Hoerner) Weber, a record of whose lives, together with their family history, may be seen elsewhere in this connection. The subject of this sketch was brought up to farm life, his education being obtained in the common schools. Since reaching years of maturity he has always followed general farming and stockraising, and is the owner of 160 acres of very desirable land, on which his labors have been rewarded with good results.

Mr. Weber was united in marriage, on April 2, 1877. with Barbara Fischer, born in Woodford County, Ill, a daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Attig) Fischer, whose lives are portrayed in another portion of this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Weber have been born three children, namely: Barbara, wife of Louis Schinbeck, of Pike Township; Joseph G., who married Adelaide Schaffer, of the same township; and Leonard Frederick, who is with his parents. ;

Politically, Mr. Weber maintains an independent attitude, and has never taken a very active interest in party contests, having no desire for public office. The religious connection of himself and wife is with the Evangelical Association.

WEBER, William, a well known and successful farmer, of Pike Township, Livingston County, Ill., and a resident of the county since his boyhood, was born in Tazewell County, Ill., in May, 1863, a son of George and Sophia (Hoerner) Weber, natives of Germany, a history of whose lives may be found elsewhere in this connection, as a feature in the sketch of George Weber, another member of the family. William Weber received his education in the common schools of Livingston County, where his parents located when he was quite young. He was reared on the home farm, and since reaching his maturity, has been engaged in general farming. He is the owner of 160 acres of fine land, and is regarded as a thorough, careful and diligent farmer.

The marriage of Mr. Weber took place in Livingston County on March 24, 1894, at which time Rosa Eisele, a daughter of Frederick and Louise (Hoke) Wisele, became his wife. Her parents are still living in Pontiac, Ill. Five children have been born to this union, namely: Harry, Wondy, Clarence, Louis and Wesley. In politics, Mr. Weber is a supporter of the Democratic party. His religious belief, as well as that of his wife, is in accordance with the creed of the Methodist Episcopal church.

WENDEL, Henry, a well known and much respected citizen of Forrest, Livingston County, Ill., where, after a successful experience in agricultural pursuits. he has been for many years engaged in the grain and coal trade with equal success, was born in Bureau County, Ill., Sep- of Bavaria, Germany, where the birth of the father took place in 1819, and that of the mother in 1825, The former died in Bureau County at the age of seventy-seven years, the latter having passed away in the same county in 1867. Both parents were members of old and reputable families in the fatherland. They emigrated to the United States in 1846, and, journeying on to Illinois, settled in Bureau County, where the remainder of their lives was spent. Frederick Wendel was a persevering, thrifty and prosperous farmer, and a useful member of the community.

Henry Wendel was reared on the home place, and in boyhood utilized the opportunities afforded by the district schools in the vicinity. In 1875 he located on a farm in Section 32, Pleasant Ridge Township, Livingston County, and began farming on 320 acres of wild land, purchased at a cost of $15 per acre. This he improved and operated until it was developed into a model farm. He devoted much of his attention to stockraising and feeding cattle and hogs. In 1888 he relinquished his farm labors and took up his residence in the village of Forrest, Il., building a grain elevator on the opposite side of the street from his present location, and after conducting it for some time, sold out. A year later he bought from J. B. Jane the grain and coal concern in which he is pow engaged, where he has met with notable success. He is a man of good business qualifications and reliable character, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all with whom his transactions bring him into contact.

In 1876, Mr. Wendel was joined in matrimony with Margaret Fauber, who was born in Bureau County, Ill., July 31, 1851. Mrs. Wendel is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rechdenbaugh) Fauber, natives of Germany. From this union have resulted three children, namely: Sarah D.; Fred E., who married Maude Buckley, of Forrest, Ill.; and Harry J. G. The first and last named are at home.

WERTZ, Charles Washington - Well known as a retired farmer of Amity Township, Livingston County. Mr. Wertz has been identified with the agricultural interests of his county for many years. Of German lineage, he was born in Bedford County, Pa., July 16, 1826, a son of Thomas and Eve (Dibert) Wertz, also natives of Bedford County. The paternal grandparents, George and Nancy (Consort) Wertz, were born in Germany, and England, respectively, while the maternal grandparents. Charles and Jennie (Steele) Dibert, were natives of Pennsylvania. In an early day George Wertz became a pioneer of Bedford County, where eventually he acquired the ownership of many acres of timber land and devoted years of strenuous effort to the clearing of his large tracts. At the time of arriving at maturity, Thomas Wertz bought 100 acres of the homestead and, by dint of resolute effort and industry, transformed the property into a- productive and improved farm. There he made his home until July 14, 1842, when he passed from the scenes of earth,

Upon the death of his father, Charles W. Wertz took charge of the home place and cared for his mother and the younger members of the family. About 1847 he left home to make his own way in the world. For a time he remained in the East, but soon decided to seek a home in the prairies of the West, On the 10th of October, 1850, he arrived in Pekin, Tazewell County, 111., having made the journey from the Hast with a one-horse wagon. Seven years after his arrival he bought a house and lot in Pekin, but on December 22, 1864, moved to a farm of 160 acres, which he had purchased the preceding September. The property was located in Rooks Creek Township, Livingston County, and about 100 acres had been placed under cultivation. During the ensuing years he brought the farm into a high state of cultivation and made many improvements,

Relinquishing his interests in the old homestead in 1883, Mr. Wertz removed to Lancaster County, Neb., and there bought eighty acres, where he remained for six years, At this writing he owns 160 acres in Lancaster County near the city of Lincoln. On returning to Illinois in 1888, he settled at Graymont, Livingston County, and eleven years later came to Amity Township, where he now makes his home with his son, William H. Since 1889 he has been retired from farm pursuits, and has enjoyed the ease to which years of activity entitled him. Politically a Republican, he has held various township and school offices, and has been interested in educational affairs, as well as in all movements for the uplifting of the race. In religion he is of the Baptist faith. January 28, 1847, he was united in marriage with Sarah Jane Lyons, who was born at Shippensburg, Pa., December 22, 1827, and died November 28, 1899; her body being interred in the cemetery in Amity Township. She was a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Bocker) Lyons, and by her marriage became the mother of the following-named children: Samuel, who was born April 1, 1848, and now occupies the old homestead; William H.. born May 80, 1851, who owns eighty acres on Section 28, Amity Township; Mary Jane, who was born January 3, 1854, and married Butler Alberson, of Rooks Creek Township, John Wesley, who was born May 8, 1857, and now rents his father's farm in Nebraska; Sarah Elizabeth, who was born March 12, 1860, and married William Fry, of Kankakee County, Ill.; Charles, who was born August 19, 1863, and is now engaged in the Jumber business at Kankakee; and Eugene, who was born February 25, 1870, and is now living In Nebraska engaged in farming near the city of Lincoln.

Prairie Township, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, April 11, 1847, and when a lad of thirteen years was brought by his parents to Livingston County, so that for nearly half a century he has been identified with the growth and wonderful development of this very productive section of the Middle West, and during that time has been an active participant in many steps which have been influential factors in bringing about those results. He is a son of James L. and Mary (Connelly) Westervelt, both natives of New York, and both of whom were brought to Franklin County, Ohio, by their parents. James L. Westervelt was born June 1, 1819, and died October 20, 1880. His wife was born December 10, 1820, and died November 24, 1905, at the advanced age of eighty-five. They were married in Franklin County, Ohio, September 22, 1841, and there their children were all born, Mrs. Westervelt's family originated in Germany, but aside from that there is no definite data of the maternal side of the house.

Upon coming to Illinois, the Westervelt family first located in Livingston County, but later settled on a farm near Fairbury in Yates Township, McLean County, where they remained until 1880, at which time they removed to Fairbury, where both died. Their children were: Oscar, born July 24, 1842, married Miss Sarah L. Veatch, daughter of Decatur Veatch, and died September 6, 1899, his widow now residing in Fairbury; Alford L., born March 4, 1845, died September 29, 1854; Charles H.; Ernest $., born September 4, 1849, a resident of Fairbury; a child who died in infancy; William E., born January 14, 1853, died May 20, 1873; John Chase, M. D., born June 7, 1855, now a physician of Shelbyville, Ill., and member of the State Board of Health; George W., born September 17, 1857, is a blacksmith of Fairbury ; and James L., born August 19, 1860, a rea] estate and loan broker of Chicago. Both Mr. and Mrs. Westervelt were active members of the Methodist church. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and politically a Republican. Social in manner, he made many friends, and yet his dearest place was his home, and was tenderly loved within its circle and deeply mourned when death took him away.

Charles H. Westervelt attended schoo] in Franklin County, and already understood farm work when brought.to Illinois at thirteen years of age, thus from the first giving material assistance in the making of the new home. He remained with his parents until twenty-five, when he accepted a clerkship in a grocery store with his brother Oscar, with whom he remained for ten years. He then embarked in the photograph business, but upon his marriage, two years later resumed farming. On February 10, 1875, Mr. Westervelt was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Hieronymus, daughter of the venerable Benjamin Hieronymus, who lived for fifty years on the farm now occupied by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Hieronymus was born January 13, 1818, and died in Belle Prairie Township, Liv- ingston County, December 31, 1881. was born February 1, 1822, and passed away March 25, 1901. Their marriage occurred September 19, 1832, and they had eight children, only three of them are now living. Mrs. Westervelt was born on the home farm, June 19, 1849.

In the fall of 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Westervelt rented the Hieronymus farm of eighty acres, and upon the death of Mrs. Westervelt's mother in 1901. they purchased the property which is one of the best farms in the township. They have made many improvements on it, including the erection of a comfortable nine-room home, well supplied with modern conveniences. To the original eighty acres they have added until they now operate 218 acres, all in a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs, Westervelt are the parents of these children: Ellis B., born September 24, 1876, married Edna Hanna on January 22, 1902, they live on the homestead and to them have been born one child, - Frederick D., born April 11, 1905; Lester R., born September 17, 1879, married Miss Katie Shie on December 25, 1906, and they live on the homestead; Vera May, born May 10, 1882; Hazel Dean, born November 3, 1888. Since 1905 Mr. Westervelt has left the active management of the farm to his sons, enterprising young farmers, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors. He belongs to Yeoman Lodge of Fairbury. In politics he is a Republican, although not an office-seeker. His wife and daughters belong to the Christian Church and are active in religious work. Honorable. industrious, and public-spirited, Mr. Westervelt is one of the best examples of the retired farmers of Livingston County, and has a right to feel proud of what he has accomplished during his useful life.

WHALEN, Daniel, for twenty years a prominent and highly esteemed citizen of Flanagan, Livingston County, Ill., where he is identified with the real estate business, and has valuable property interests, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, December 24, 1854. Mr. Whalen's parents, Michael and Mary (Ryan) Whalen, who were natives of Ireland, came to the United States in 1848, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, whence they moved to Fayette County in the same state, and in 1856, to Will County, Ill., settling near Wilmington. There Michael Whalen bought 240 acres of land, on which he was engaged in farming during the remainder of his life. He died June 19, 1902, at the age. of seventy-five years, his wife having passed away December 22, 1887, when fifty-six years old. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom two sons and three daughters are still living. In politics, Michael Whalen was a Democrat, and served the public as Road Commissioner. He and his family were members of the Catholic church.

Daniel Whalen was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the common schools. He remained at home until he was twenty-five years old, and then went to Buckingham, Kankakee County, Ill., where he spent six years in the grocery business, going thence to Minonk, Ill., where the next two years were spent. In 1887 he changed his location to Flanagan, which has since been his place of residence. He has had a prosperous career in the real-estate line, and is the owner of an attractive home and a fine business building.

On November 19, 1879, Mr. Whalen was united in marriage with Rosanna Geelen, who was born in Wilmington, Ill., a daughter of Henry and Hannah (Haley) Geelen, who settled in Will County at an early period and subsequently moved to Chicago, where Mr. Geelen died. His widow is still a resident of that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Whalen four children have been born, as follows: Mary, who died in infancy; Henry M.; Nellie, and Charles A. The eldest son, Henry, was educated in St. Viateur's College, at Bourbonnais, Ill., and married Mary C. Flanagan, daughter of Peter and Catherine (O'Connell) Flanagan, whose family history appears on another page of this volume. Nellie Whalen received her education in the convent at Morris, 111., where she graduated in 1905, and Charles A. is a student in the Flanagan High School.

Politically, Mr. Whalen is a Democrat, and held the office of Postmaster of Flanagan from 1893 to 1897. He is now a member of the Village Council. He and his family are devout adherents of the Catholic faith. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

WHEATLAND, William T. - Illinois farm land in the corn belt is very valuable and those fortunate enough to possess farms in this section of the state are to be envied, for their rich black acres are gold mines that produce golden kernels, not of metal, but of corn that are worth almost their weight in the precious metal. William T. Wheatland, who has great faith in the future of corn as the world cereal, and who is well qualified to give his opinion on the subject because of a life-long acquaintance with it, was born on a farm in Farm Ridge Township, LaSalle County, Ill., February 1, 1861, a son of William and Mary A. (Casey) Wheatland. The former is a native of Ohio, while the mother was born in LaSalle County. and was there reared and married. The father has always been a farmer and stock-raiser, and still resides on the Wheatland homestead, where he settled upon his marriage, and where his children were all born. They are as follows: William T.. Julia married Edward O'Connell, a farmer residing near Sugar Grove, Ill.; John who resides near Amboy, Ill. ; Alice, married Henry Mullen a farmer near Grand Ridge, LaSalle County; Albert, a farmer in Grand Ridge Township; Joseph, farming on the homestead; Catherine, married James Naughton. a farmer of Grand Ridge Township. The elder Mr. Wheatland has always been actively interested in township affairs, and is a strong Republican. Mrs, Wheatland is a Catholic.

at home until he was twenty-five years old, when he was married, on February 21, 1886, to Miss Catherine Dooley, who was born in Grand Rapids Township, LaSalle County, a daughter of Martin Dooley and Bridget (Corbett) Dooley. Mr. Dooley died about 1891, but Mrs, Dooley is living in Ransom, LaSalle County. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dooley: Mary, who married Thomas Casey, of Ransom Township; Isabel married Frank Mc- Cabe, of Worthington, Minn.; James, of Joliet, Ill.; John, of Dwight, Ill.; Timothy, of Ransom, Ill.; Martin died at the age of thirty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Wheatland have one son, William Lester, who was born in Grand Ridge, LaSalle County, November 1, 1887, and is at home. After their marriage, the young couple rented land, stocking it with money lent by the elder Mr. Wheatland, and resided in LaSalle County until 1896, when they removed to Sunbury Township, Livingston County, where Mr. Wheatland bought 100 acres on Section 28. There they resided until 1897, when Mr. Wheatland hired a man and put him in charge of that property, and rented 240 acres in Esmen Township. In 1899, he returned to his farm, and in 1900 sold it and bought 156 acres on Sections 21 and 22. This property is in a high state of cultivation, and is well stocked with a good grade of Short-horn cattle, Poland-China and Duroc-Jersey hogs, the latter being his preference. Mr. Wheatland has also an excellent grade of horses, and his product commands good prices. In 1904 he started cultivating bees with one stand, and now has thirty hives, and in all his enterprises has been successful. .

Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Lodge 1250, of Ransom, and the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican. Always straight forward in his dealings with the public, those who know him best entertain the highest confidence in his integrity, recognizing the fact that his word is as good as his bond.

WHEELER, Oscar B. - The business interests of Long Point are largely dependent upon the activity of the men who compose its commercial center. Through the enterprise of these men values are increased and maintained, and new interests are introduced. Oscar B. Wheeler, grain and lumber merchant, banker and farmer of Long Point, is one of the leading men of his community, and is well known throughout Livingston County. He was born on Section 10, Long Point Township, November 2, 1867, a son of Oscar B. and Eleanor (Campbell) Wheeler, natives of New York State and Illinois, respectively.

Oscar B. Wheeler was reared on the Long Point homestead, and early became accustomed to the duties of farm life, while at the same time attending the district school. Later he went to Valparaiso, Ind., then returned and worked on the farm. January 9, 1889, he married Miss

Maud Taggart, who was born in Lacon, Ill, March 5, 1868, a daughter of James H. and Josephine (Muraugh) Taggart, natives of Belmont County, Ohio. (See sketch of James H. Taggart on a preceding page in this work.)

In 1898 Mr. Wheeler took over his father-inlaw's interests in the lumber and grain business, at Long Point, Livingston County, and has since been extensively engaged in handling both commodities, and now has two elevators with a united capacity of 81,000 bushels. He also handles stock and pays the highest market prices. When the State Bank of Long Point was organized in 1906, he became its Vice-President and Assistant Cashier, and his sound conservatism was largely instrumental in bringing the bank through the panic of 1908 so creditably and with credit unimpaired, when so many similar institutions could not weather the financial storm. In addition to other large interests, Mr. Wheeler manages his farm of 200 acres of the old homestead and 160 acres on Section 23, Long Point Township, aggregating 360 acres owned by him in the Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have had the following children: the first born died in infancy; Mildred, born on the farm, November 27, 1890; Lella, born July 3, 1893; Helen, born June 24, 1896; a son who died in infancy; Oscar B., the third, born March 24, 1906. Politically, Mr. Wheeler is a Republican, and, like his father, has always been very public-spirited. His good business sense has gained him a goodly share of this world's goods. Strictly honest in business dealings, loyal to his friends and devoted to his family, Mr. Wheeler has made a record for himself of which he and his loved ones may well be proud.

WHEELER, Oscar B., Sr. (deceased). - In these days, so far removed from the struggles and privations of pioneer life, it is sometimes difficult to appreciate in full measure all the State owes to those brave souls who penetrated the wilds and, by hard work, untiring energy and most severe frugality, prepared the way for the present civilization. The wild beasts were not more savage than the Indians, and both forest and swamp had to be conquered before any profits came to the pioneer. He and his family lived in the primitive log cabins, but poorly sheltered from either rain or snow. Oiled paper took the place of glass in the windows, and the furniture was home manufactured. The clothing not only was all made by the busy housemother, but the cloth also, and she did her own work in the home and helped many times in the fields. Churches, schools and roads were still in the future, and yet these sturdy pioneers were not discouraged, but kept on, gradually building churches, schools, making roads, and bringing their land into a high state of cultivation. The primitive log cabin was replaced by the commodious residence of frame or brick, and comforts crept into the home life. Now their children and grandchildren are enjoying the fruits of their labors.

Oscar B. Wheeler, Sr., was one of these pioneers who came to Livingston County at an early day from New York State where he was born, and here entered eighty acres of land on Section 10 Long Point Township, and while clearing his land worked for $6.00 a month. Sometimes he had to take his pay in a calf or other farm commodity, as money was very scarce. Perhaps this method of payment started him in his business of dealing in live stock, in which he was so successful that he soon became known as one of the leaders, and he gained control of a large territory in this part of the county. In time he increased his original holdings until he owned 1,040 acres. As his business increased, he increased his investments and built the Oriental Building on the corner of Main and Blooming Streets, Streator, Ill. There he engaged in the butchering business but later sold all his interests in Streator and devoted his attention exclusively to his farming and stock-raising.

In 1848 Mr. Wheeler married Eleanor Campbell, born in Newark, Ohio, in 1828, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Campbell, natives of Ireland, who settled at Newark, Ohio, upon coming to America. After two years they came to Livingston County and were among the early pioneers of the county. They lived in their wagon until they had time to build a house, and endured many privations. The death of the father occurred in 1859 and that of the mother in 1865, Mr. and Mrs, Wheeler had the following children: Lewis, who died when two weeks old; Mary, who married Samuel W, McKey, a prominent farmer of Long Point Township; Thomas H., a resident of Pontiac; Julia, who married Wesley Beaser, a farmer of Long Point Township; Emma, who married John Morgan, a retired farmer of Long Point; George, of Hershey, Neb.; Frank, deceased, was one of the leading young farmers of the Township; Eleanor who died when two years old, and Oscar B., Jr.

The death of Oscar B. Wheeler, Sr., was a sad blow to his family, although he left them well provided for owing to his excellent management and hard work. He gave each son and daughter eighty acres of land, and at his death still had 560 acres in the Township. He was one of those generous-hearted men who are always ready to help others, who made friends wherever he went. There was no public enterprise connected with the interests of his locality, to which he was not ready to give his aid. He was a charter member of the Masonic order of Long Point. His widow survives at the age of eighty years, living on the homestead in Long Point Township. She is able to hitch up a horse and drive to Streator to visit her sons and daughters, and enjoys doing it. She is honored by the many who have known her for many years and who appreciate her many excellent traits of character.

The private benefactions of Mr. Wheeler were widespread, for he possessed a liberal spirit, and yet was a modest man who preferred keeping his charities to himself. He was born to work and took kindly to his inheritance, making out of it one of the greatest blessings of his life. He always believed that the foundation stone of business success was integrity, and he shaped his life accordingly, so that his record was unblemished and he left behind him a name which his descendants may well be proud to bear. à

WHITE, Frederick Grant. - Few men who represent the character and purpose of Illinois have more consistently and faithfully utilized their opportunities for usefulness than Frederick Grant White, known in many avenues of activity in Livingston County, but chiefly as a general and corporation counsel of Pontiac, former County and Probate Judge, President of the Automatic Home Telephone Company, owner of almost a thousand acres of land in Illinois, politician, fraternalist, and promoter of all around stable and progressive conditions,