Livingston County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 25 of those read), 1909 (part 3 of 17)

BRUNSKILL, Robert. - Among the thriving farmers and prominent citizens of Esmen Township, Livingston County, Ill., not the least worthy of mention is the one whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Brunskill was born in that township October 11, 1862, a son of Wiliam and Susan (Ross) Brunskill, natives of England, his father born in Westmoreland, January 15, 1826, and his mother born May 19, 1833. William Brunskill, a farmer and stock-raiser by occupation, was one of the early settlers of Livingston County. Robert Brunskill was brought up on the home place, and his education was obtained in the district schools. His early manhood was spent in farm work, and, in 1888, he went to Missouri, where he was engaged in farming and shipping live-stock for three years. Returning then to Illinois, he located at Cayuga, and for a like period dealt in grain, continuing to ship stock. In February, 1894, he moved to the paternal farm in Esmen Township, and after conducting it nine years, changed his location to a farm belonging to Eli W. Pearson in the same township, on which he now follows his wonted occupation. In March, 1902, he bought of Mrs. Ella B. Hossack, 163 acres of land known as "Judge Babcock's Grove," and has greatly improved this property, stocking it with pure-bred -

On January 12, 1892, in Esmen Township, Mr. Brunskill was united in marriage with Anna M. Pearson, a native of the township, born August 22, 1868, Their union has been the source of three children, namely: Everett R., Eylar W. and Florence Mae, whose respective births took place May 18, 1894; October 25, 1895; and November 12, 1900. Everett R. graduated from the eighth grade of the country school in May, 1907, and entered the Pontiac High School on September 17th of the same year.

Mr. Brunskill was elected Township Collector on the People's ticket, in 1885, serving in that capacity three years. At present he holds the office of School Treasurer of the township, to which he was appointed in 1903,

BRYDIA, Charles Spencer, was born June 27, 1847, near Kane, Greene County, Ill., a son of Truman William and Laura Ann (Day) Brydia, who came from Vermont, to Illinois in the early '30s in wagons, and were married and began farming in Illinois. In the fall of 1856 the family emigrated to Livingston County, where a suitable home was purchased on Section 33, Saunemin Township and where Charles Spencer Brydia and his brother and sisters were reared. The other children were William Truman, of Pontiac; Mary Catherine, who married R. C. Crook, of Prophetstown, and Lucy Maria, who married C. F, H, Carrithers, of Fairbury, and died in 1893. Mr. C. S. Brydia was the third child, and although he lived on a farm, he obtained a good education, first at the district

On December 7, 1872, Mr. Brydia was married to Miss Harriet Ellen Funk, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Funk, who came from McLean County to Livingston in 1840. She was born at Wolf Grove, Livingston County, June 15, 1850, and has always lived in Livingston County, with the exception of four years spent with her parents near Breckenridge, Mo., during the troublous period prior to the war. This was when the war feeling ran high, and in 1860 Mr. Funk found it desirable to return to Livingston County in wagons. The greatuncle of Mrs. Brydia was Isaac Funk, the "Land King" of McLean County, and she is a branch of the Funk family so numerous in McLean County, and whose family history contains 874 pages. She attends the Funk family reunions at Funk's Grove, Me- Lean County, and has always kept in touch with the family. Mr. Brydia's great-grandfather wasa Scotchman, who came to this country and fought in the Revolutionary war, making a military record that makes Mr. Brydia eligible to belong to the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution." His mother was of German ancestry.

Mrs. Brydia was educated in the common schools of Livingston County, and became a dressmaker, and was successfully engaged in her yocation when she married Mr. Brydia. Mrs. Brydia is a typical home woman, and, as wife and mother, she makes her house the center of a charming circle to whom she dispenses a gracious hospitality. The happiness of the home is always most complete to her when the children are all there and she sees them partaking of the culinary productions which she is so skillful in preparing. The following children bave been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brydia; Laura Spencer, Lucy Mary, Ada M., Truman William, Fred Funk, Anna Augusta, Charles Spencer, Jr., George Sidney, Grace D., Carrie Marie, Lucette Pearl. and Harriet, of whom the first three and last two are deceased, their remains being interred in Saunemin cemetery.

After his marriage, Mr. Brydia farmed for three years, and then taught country schools until he was appointed Postmaster in Saunemin in 1885. In 1889 he purchased the "Local Record," of Fairbury, making it an Independent Democratic paper. Prior to this he had established the "Saunemin Gazette," which was Independent, and he conducted the two successfully, until he sold them in April, 1907. In August, 1883, he located in Saunemin, where he built a comfortable home and there the family resided until 1902, when he removed to his present residence, which he bought, and which is conveniently loeated on the corner of Locust and Eighth Streets in the First Ward, Fairbury. In 1902 Mr. Brydia added a land agency to his publishing business, which he still successfully conducts under the name of "The Brydia Land Agency."

In the fall of 1906, he was nominated by the Democrats for the office of County Superintendent of Schools, and he accepted the nomination as a public duty, believing that he could be of assistance in emphasizing important reforms and improving the educational interests of those interested. For the first time in the history of the county Mr. Brydia gave Livingston the satisfaction of having a candidate for this office take the stump, and during his campaign he made fifty-six speeches, clearly explaining his views on the management of this office, public schools, the essentials to be taught in common schools, the prices school books should be purchased at and kindred subjects. The opposition majority was too much for him to overcome, but he reduced it largely, and in his home township, Indian Grove, which is strongly Republican, he received a plurality of 107 votes, where in 1904 the Republicans had given a plurality of 249. He made a point to leave politics entirely out of his speeches, and confined himself to the duties of the office and things pertaining to the public schools.

Socially Mr. Brydia is a member of Fairbury Camp No. 6, Modern Woodmen; Fairbury District Court of Honor, No. 256; Fairbury Chapter No. 198, Order Eastern Star; Tarbolton Lodge No. 351, A. F. A, M. For three consecutive years he was Worshipful Master of Tarbolton Lodge and for two years he was Chancellor of Fairbury District Court of Honor.

Mr. Brydia's activity in citizenship has been índicated by his service as school director in a district where he once lived; as Assessor of Saunemin Township for two years; Village Clerk of the village of Saunemin for three years, and acting City Attorney for the same time; Postmaster at Saunemin for four years and as minority member of the Board of Review of Livingston County in 1906. He was Secretary of the Democratic Central Committee of Livingston County for ten years, and during his incumbency of this political position saw all of the offices in Livingston County, with one exception, filled by a Democrat, He is an Independent Democrat, and is a familiar figure at Democratic conventions. and many times has served as a delegate to State conventions, his opinions having been invited and given in State councils of the party, as well as those party councils of a local character. As a teacher and publisher he has been a public educator for about.a quarter of a century. He is a man of positive convictions on all public questions, but is tolerant of the opinions of others. He loves his home and family, and is always on the most friendly terms with his neighbors and the public. He is a "progressive" citizen, and his "slogan" for his countrymen is, "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."

'of the progressive age. He is fully impressed with the marvelous inventive genius of his fellow citizens, as demonstrated in their invention of the corn planter, the harvester, the air-brake, the automobile, the phonograph, the telephone, the type-setting machine, the potato-digger and the corn-husker, and all the many other laborsaving and humanity benefiting devices. He is firmly of the opinion the time is not far distant when his countrymen will hear the conductor of the aerial machines exclaim, "all aboard," and our people will step into the flying machine and sail from zone to zone, with "stop-over privileges" at intermediate points.

BRYDIA, Fred Funk, editor and publisher of the "Livingston County Democrat," the leading exponent of the Democratic party in his county, and one of the most active members of his party in Fairbury, Ill, is a man of wide experience in the newspaper business. Until 1906 Mr. Brydia was associated with his father, C. S. Brydia, also prominent in the newspaper world, in the publication of the "Local Record" at Fairbury. During the year 1907 he conducted the "Weekly Times" at Clinton, Ill., and on March 5, 1908, established the "Livingston Democrat" at Fairbury, which although a young paper, made itself felt during the campaign of 1908, and is accepted as the organ of the party in this part of the State.

Mr. Brydia was born at Forrest, Ill, May 23, 1880, a son of C. S. and Harriet (Funk) Brydia. His education was received in the public schools of Saunemin and Fairbury, and he grew up in the literary atmosphere of his home, from boyhood devoting himself to newspaper work. His editorials are forceful, intelligent and concise, and so written as to present the matter in hand in a way that everyone can comprehend his meaning. The paper is well put together, and the news items are crisp and to the point. The future of the paper is very promising, and it is safe to say, that a man of his abilities will not always remain with it, as naturally he will go into work that gives him still more opportunity to voice his sentiments.

Always a Democrat, Mr. Brydia has taken a very active part in party affairs, and he has also promoted all measures looking toward the advancement of the community. During 1904 and 1905 he served very ably as secretary of the Fairbury Fair. Fraternally, Mr. Brydia belongs to and is popular in many orders, among them being: Tarbottom Lodge No. 351 A. F. A. M., Fairbury Chapter No. 99, R. A. M.; Yeoman of America, No. 128; Fairbury Chapter No. 198 > = S., and Livingston Lodge No. 290, I. O.

On June 17, 1903, Mrs. Brydia was married at Fairbury to Jessie Frances Ramsey, and they have one child, Lozang Marvene Brydia. Mrs. Brydia was born at Fairburg-April 5, 1881, and she is a daughter of H. J. and Sarah Isabel (McDowell) Ramsey. She was educated in the Fairbury High School. from which she was graduated in the class of 1899. Mrs. Brydia is a member of the Fairbury Chapter No. 198 O. E. S., Charity Home Rebekah Lodge No. 112, and Yeoman of America No. 128.

BULLARD, Lucian, one of the most prominent and popular citizens of the village of Forrest, Livingston County, Il., where he has served' twenty-seven years as Postmaster with great acceptability to his fellow townsmen, and has suc-- cessively filled nearly all the offices within the gift of the people of the township, besides officiating in other appointive positions of trust, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., October 31, 1831. His parents, Luther and Sally M. (Lee) Bullard, were natives of Vermont, where the former was born February 1, 1797, and the latter, December 1, 1810. Their marriage took place in Fowler, N. Y., April 15, 1827, and was the source of seven children. In the fall of 1844 the family moved to Bureau County, Ill, making the entire journey in a wagon. Shortly after their arrival in Illinois, some of its members were stricken with typhoid fever, from which the father died November 25, 1847, and one of the sons, Chesselton, died on the 15th of the same month. Besides this son the children were as follows: Lucian, Lockhart, Barack, Delsena, wife of D. C. Igon; Olla, who died in infancy; and Morenus. The mother passed away in Forrest, Ill, April 10, 1886. Not long after the death of Luther Bullard, Lucian Bullard and his brothers bought 80 acres of government land, the price being $1.25 per acre, and on this the subject of this sketch applied himself to hard labor until 1852. Having enjoyed but slight educational advantages and being anxious to improve his mind, he became a pupil in the academy at Granville, Tl., and subsequently took a course in the preparatory department of Knox College. In the year which followed this course he taught school one term, and then began the study of medicine at Victoria, Knox County, Ill., but gave it up at the end of nine months on account of ill health, going back to the farm. After some time he resumed his medical studies, but was compelled again to abandon the effort by reason of the continued impairment of his physical vigor, thereafter devoting his attention to the work of cabinet making. This occupied his time for three years, when he returned to the care of his farm. In 1864 he sold the Bureau County place, and in the ensuing year moved to Livingston County, purchasing the southwest quarter of section 34, in what was then township 27. In 1866 he took up his residence in Forrest, Ill., where he became prominently interested in local affairs, and rendered efficient and creditable service in various official capacities for a long period. He has always been a lover of music, and for three years acted as leader of the Forrest Musical Association. At present he is President of the organization known as the "60's Society," a local club composed of residents of the locality who are over sixty years of age. In 1872 he was appointed Notary Public, receiving his commission from Gov. John M. Palmer, and still acts in this _ capacity. Mr. Bullard was on board the train in the terrible Chatsworth wreck that occurred on August 10, 1887, on the T. P. & W. R. R.. and was severely wounded, the effects of which he has felt during the rest of his life.

On December 31, 1861, Mr. Bullard was united in marriage with Lizzie Clement, of Bureau County, Ill., a daughter of Gilbert and Lucy Ann (Barton) Clement, who came from Vermont to Lamoille, Ill., in 1886. Mrs. Bullard is the eldest of a family of ten children born to her parents. She is a woman of superior intelligence and many graces of character, and has long taken a leading part in the social, religious, and philanthropic activities of her locality. She is a member of the Congregational Church of Forrest, and a zealous worker in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, of which she was chosen Treasurer, in 1884, for the Ninth District of the State, embracing the counties of Woodford, Marshall, Livingston, Iroquois and Kankakee, which position she held for several years. Mr. and Mrs, Bullard have two daughters, namely: Nettie, who married Howard P. Smith, a teacher of vocal and instrumental music; and Nerva, wife of Frank E. Knapp, of Chicago.

In politics Mr. Bullard has been a stanch Republican since the organization of that party, and for many years has been recognized as & potent factor in its local councils. In 1872 he was elected Representative in the General Assembly for the Eighteenth District, serving two years. He was appointed Postmaster of Forrest under General Grant's administration in 1875, and held this office twenty-seven years, retiring in 1906. At various times he has been the incumbent of the following offices, viz.: Town Clerk for one year; Justice of the Peace, six years; Assessor, fifteen years; President of the Village Board, five years; Supervisor, six years; and Town Treasurer, thirteen years. All these positions of public trust he has filled without soliciting the vote of any man, and has served to the complete satisfaction of his constituents, discharging the duties pertaining to each with signal ability and steadfast fidelity. Fraternally, he is a charter member of Forrest Lodge, No. 614 A, F. & A. M., and as its Secretary secured the charter. For eight years he was Master of Lodge 1614, and is also a Knight Templar. Mr. Bullard enjoys the cordial esteem and unreserved confidence of all classes in the community.

BURKE, Rev. Father William J., one of the most highly efficient and deeply respected of the younger members of the Roman Catholic priesthood in Illinois, and rector of St. Peter and St. Paul's Catholic Church in Chatsworth, Livingston County, was born at Ottawa, Ill.. December 23, 1868, a son of Patrick and Margaret (Cummings) Burke, the former a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and the latter born in Canada of English ancestry. Patrick Burke, formerly a merchant and a member of the firm of Burke & Heenan, of Ottawa, was taken to that place when a child. Both parents are deceased.

The early youth of William J. Burke was passed in Ottawa, where he attended school, continuing his education in the University of Notre Dame, at South Bend, Ind., by taking a clerical course. Aftér finishing his studies there, he taught two years in St. Viateur's College, at Bourbonnais, Ill., then resuming his theological preparation in St. Bernard's Seminary at Rochester, N. Y., under Bishop McQuade, at that time one of the faculty of that institution, and by whom he was ordained to the priesthood in June,

1900, He next became assistant priest to Bishop O'Reilly, of St. Patrick's, in Peoria, continuing thus four years. Following this, he spent about two years in charge of the parish at Ashkum, Ill, locating in Chatsworth, November 1, 1905. He had built the first parochial residence at Ashkum, but on moving to Chatsworth found the church edifices in complete order.

The parish under Father Burke's charge has about 175 families, and besides ministering to these, he is occupied to a considerable extent with mission work, and in organizing Catholic societies and other churches, in which effort he was engaged for three years, spending several weeks alternately in each place. He also delivers lectures on miscellaneous subjects at various points, and altogether, has had a very busy and successful ministerial experience since assuming his present charge. Father Burke is greatly beloved by his parishioners.

BURNHAM, Joseph M., who has been a resident of Dwight Township, Livingston County, Ill., for forty-two years, and during this period, by dint of arduous toil, has acquired ownership of 240 acres of the best land in the township, is one of the most favorably known farmers of his locality. Mr. Burnham was born in Cumberland County, Maine, April 21, 1840, a son of Nathaniel and Mary (Mustard) Burnham, both natives of Maine. Nathaniel Burnham, the paternal grandfather, was one of the earliest settlers in the last named county, and according to tradition handed down by him, was a descendant of one of three Burnham brothers who came to America in 1683, locating in New England. Nathaniel Burnham, father of Joseph M., was a pioneer stage-driver when a young man, but afterwards turned his attention to farming, following that occupation during the remainder of his life. He died April 8, 1870, his wife having passed away many years before, at the age of twenty-three years. Joseph M. Burnham was reared to the life of a farmer, receiving his education in the common and high schools, and taking a brief course of study in one of the academies of his native State. Until he reached the age of twenty-one years his time was spent on the home farm, and at that period he went to work in a tannery, continuing thus between two and three years. In March, 1864, he came to Illinois, locating in Saunemin Township, Livingston County, where he was employed by the month for two years, afterwards changing his location to the vicinity of Ottawa, Ill., and being engaged three years as a school teacher. Thence he removed to Dwight Township, buying eighty acres of land. for which the purchase price was ten dollars per acre. To this he has since added at intervals, until his present farm 'comprises 240 acres. His farming operations have been «attended with uniform success, and he is ranked among the most properous and substantial farmers of Dwight Township.

age of nine years was brought to the United States by her parents, the latter settling in La Salle County, Ill., in 1836. The father of Mrs. Burnham was a merchant in his native land, but in the new home devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, and at the time of his death was the owner of considerable land in La Salle and Livingston Counties. Mr. and Mrs. Burnham became the parents of five children, as follows: Franklin, who died in infancy; John, whose residence is in Plano, Kendall County, Ill.; Mabel; Carrie, who became the wife of Richard Murray, and lives in Mazon, Grundy County, Ill.; and Clarence E., who pursued a course of commercial study in the Ottawa Business College, but who now follows farming in Dwight Township, Livingston County.

In political action, Mr. Burnham is identified with the Republican party. His religious connection is with the Baptist Church, as is also that of his wife, a woman of most excellent traits of character.

BURNS, John M., a prosperous farmer of Eppards Point Township, Livingston County, Ill, | an honored veteran of the Civil War and one of the most prominent and highly esteemed citizens of the township, was born in Elkhart County, Ind., October 10, 1837, a son of Terence and Barbara (Miller) Burns, of whom the former was born in Claysville, Ky., in 1800, and the latter was a native of Virginia. The paternal grandfather, Jonathan Burns, was a pioneer settler of Kentucky, and spent his life in that State. Catherine Miller, grandmother on the maternal side, died in Elkhart County, Ind., when the subject of this sketch was a child.

Terence Burns, the father, was educated in the common schools of Kentucky, and at a very early period located in the above named county, building a home in the woods. He cleared a tract of land there and followed farming throughout his active life, his death taking place at Goshen, Ind., in 1889. He and his wife had four children, of whom, besides John M., one son is living, namely: George W., who has been a resident of Lafayette, Ind., for more than forty years. In politics, Terence Burns was in early life a Whig, and became a Republican on the organization of that party. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church in his locality, which held its meetings at his home. His wife had been previously married, her first husband being a Mr. Lorton, by whom sbe had ene son, Henry, who is now deceased.

John M. Burns was brought up on a farm, and his education was obtained in the common schools, the Goshen (Indiana) High School, and Oberlin College. While a student at Oberlin, he enlisted in Company C, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years and four months, nine months of which period were spent in prison. He took part in the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, Resaca and Ringgold, besides participating in numerous skirmishes. He was taken prisoner August 26, 1861, at Cross Lane, Va., by Gen. Price's army, sent to

Richmond, and was kept prisoner nine months. On being mustered out of service at Cleveland, Ohio, he returned to Indiana, whence, in 1865, he went to LaSalle County, Ill., moving in the following year to Eppards Point, Livingston County, where he bought eighty acres of land. He now owns 155 acres, all of which he has aceumulated through his own energy, perseverance and good management. He is a general farmer, and is also engaged in raising stock.

On August 27, 1862, Mr. Burns was married to Catherine R. De Lotter, born in the vicinity of Dayton, O., September 23, 1838, and a daughter of Lewis and Maria (Stiver) De Lotter, natives of Maryland and Germany. Catherine De Lotter, grandmother of Mrs. Burns, born September 8, 1784, died April 9, 1872, aged eightyseven years, seven months and one day. Her husband, Henry De Lotter, was born January 24, 1784, and died February 14, 1846, aged sixtytwo years and twenty days. After the death of Mrs. Burns' mother, her father was married to Mrs. Lydia (Wysong) Miller, and moved to Kosciusko County, Ind., finally dying at Goshen. By his first wife he had five children, of whom Mrs. Burns is the only one living. His second marriage resulted in seven children, four of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have had ten children, as follows: Dora Annis, Charles Augustus, Lettie Arilda (deceased), Irvin Addison, Lillie Adelia, Edith Rose, Leetha Olietta (deceased), Myrtle A. and Mitié A. twins, of whom the former died in infancy, and Ella Josephine,

In politics. Mr. Burns is a Republican and is now serying his third term as Supervisor. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

CAMP, Apollos (deceased). - Conspicuous and underlying the many human elements which haye contributed to the upbuilding of Livingston County since the dawn of its history, is the spirit of conservative dependability grafted upon its progress by men whose forefathers participated in the life of the eastern colonies, who, perhaps, stood upon the verge, passed through and subsequently shared in the reconstruction period of the Reyolutionary War. Somewhat of the stern and unyielding moral and general traits of that now misty pageant whose brains were ceaselessly active and whose sinews were hardened by a victorious conflict with both the elements and the aborigines, filtered to their progeny, and wherever the latter have settled, have never failed to infuse into their environment practical ideals, untiring energy and unflagging courage. Of the New England invasion into Livingston County during the early '50s of the last century, none represented its character and purpose to better advantage than Apollos Camp. This early stonemason, farmer and large land-owner, whose life sank to its conclusion May 21, 1892, at the age of eighty-six years, rose from direct poverty to the ownership of more than a thousand acres of Jand. and to an all around influence second to none in his township.

the high character and well directed efforts of the Camp family when Apollos was born there March 19 1806. His parents were- Ephraim and Mabel (Pardy) Camp, who were married November 12, 1789, and who spent their entire lives in the State of Connecticut. Ephraim Camp was born June 8, 1756, while his wife was born July 19, 1765. Ephraim followed the martial fortunes of Washington during the RevolutionaryWar, stacking his musket upon many of its historic battlefields. He was in very moderate circumstances, and his son. Apollos, had the most meager of early educational and other advantages. Until ten years of age the lad attended the subscription school near his Connecticut home, and then settled down to the serious business of earning his own living as a farm hand, drifting from this occupation to the city, where he mastered the trade of stone-masonry. One of the early and worthy ambitions of his life was to create a home of his own, and while still very young. and with his financial dreams all unrealized, about seventy-five years ago he was united in marriage to Nancy Thomas niece of Seth Thomas the famous clock-maker. For the eighteen years following his marriage Mr. Camp lived on and operated the farm of Mr. Thomas and under the strain of the large responsibility his health gave way, and a change of scene and climate seemed imperative. He bought a farm three miles from Thomaston lived there five years still being in poor health.

In order to regain his strength, Mr. Camp came to Livingston County, Ill., in 1852 and took up a half-section of land in Sunbury Township. His plan was a good one and in the new surroundings he recuperated rapidly, and having gained his object returned to his home in the East. Not long after he again broke down, and hearing again the call of the West, he suggested to his friend, Bennett Humiston also a native of Connecticut, to accompany him back to Illinois, which he did. The two men located a section of land in Esmen Township and the next spring Mr. Camp brought his family from the East to share his promising fortunes. He had need of the courage and persistence of the pioneer, however, for his land was raw, game abounded and his nearest neighbor was three miles distant. The present site of Pontiac at that time boasted a house or two but there was not the slightest suggestion of the present municipal activity. It remained for him to watch the progress of a wonderfully fertile section of the State, to him- - self contribute to its substantial development. and to reap a larger fortune than his youth had ever anticipated in his most sanguine hours of hope. In less time than the average he had cleared and made ready his land, and gradually his operations expanded beyond his property capacity. It became necessary, therefore, for him to add to his possessions, and eventually he owned more than a thousand acres. Intermingled with his well earned success were crushing woes for in January. 1864, his beloved wife was taken from him by death, and the following September his son Edward who had been a stu- dent of Lombard University, also joined the great silent majority. It took him long to recover from this double loss, but he continued to live on the farm for many years, always prosperous and devoted to country life, until finally he went to live at the home of his daughter Mrs. Humiston. in Pontiac. Itwas not his way utterly to relinquish business even at this advanced age, and he made it a practice to drive out almost every day to superintend the operation of his large properties.

In political affiliation Mr. Camp was a Democrat and while never aspiring to office, acceptably filled the position of Supervisor. He liked the beautiful and impressive ceremonial of the Episcopal Church, and gave liberally towards its charities and general maintenance. His niche in history is of a man who did useful things in a Jarge and substantial way, who invariably was honest in his dealings and wise in his judgment, and who left behind him the priceless legacy of an untarnished name and noble example.

CARLTON, Frederick, (deceased). - After a long and useful life filled with good deeds and kind words, Frederick Carlton passed away, May 18, 1905, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Isaac W. Kinsey, Long Point Township, Livingston County, Ill. Mr. Carlton came of the sturdy English stock which has furnished so many of our most dependable citizens. Born in County Kent, England, January 18, 1814, he was early trained to work intelligently and faithfully. His parents, Edward and Judith (Peble) Carlton, were also natives of County Kent, and there they passed their lives. They were the parents

'of seventeen children, all of whem are now deceased. Four of this number came to America, and they were Joseph, Benjamin, Edward and Frederick. Joseph died in Cleveland. Ohio, in 1826, just after his arrival. Benjamin died in Long Point Township, in September, 1905. Edward Carlton died January 23, 1908, The thirteen who remained in England were: Ann, who married and left fourteen children: Louisa, Henry, Charles, Elizabeth, William, Josiah,

Frederick Carlton was married December 20, 1840, to Miss Sarah Winser, whose parents were born in England. Mrs. Carlton died October 17, 1879. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Carlton; Charles, born April 17, 1842, died August 14, 1847; Caroline, born July 21, 1844, died September 20, 1845; Frances, born April 28, 1847, died May 3, 1848; Jennie, born August 22, 1850, died August 20, 1852; Betsy, born September 20, 1852, died November 6, 1852; Charlotte Eya, born March 3, 1855, married Isaac W. Kinsey; Alfred, born November 13, 1859, died January 13, 1860; Frederick, born October 30, 1862, died August 10, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Carlton mourned so sincerely over the loss of their little ones that they adopted a boy named Alfred York, born November 6, 1860, but he died August S, 1868.

and at once commenced improving it and made out of it one of the best farms in the neighborhood. During all his life he was a hard worker and lived to reap the benefits of industry and frugality. A generous neighbor, a public-spirited citizen, always supporting measures he deemed to be for the best of the community, and a kind and loving husband and father, Mr. Carlton was deeply mourned, and his memory is tenderly cherished in the hearts of those who knew him best. ,

CARMON, Charles H., the genial and popular proprietor of a hotel, at Forrest, Livingston County, Ill, was born in Worden, Madison County, Ill, July 10, 1855, a son of Robert T. and Nancy L. (Proffitt) Carmon, natives of New York and Virginia, respectively. The father was born July 20, 1834, and the mother in January, 1835, the former dying in 1879, the latter passing away in the village of Forrest, April 16, 1904. To their union were born six children, two of whom are living, besides the subject of this sketch, namely: J. E., who is engaged in the practice of dentistry at Forrest; and Lilly (Mrs. Finnegan), of Chicago. Robert T. Carmon was brought by his parents to Illinois in 1844, and they located in Madison County, where the former grew to manhood on a farm, and in course of time was married. Subsequently he changed his location to Christian County, Ill., and there departed this life while engaged in the livery business. The boyhood and youth of Charles H. Carmon were passed in Christian County, where he received a good common-school education near his home, in the vicinity of the city of Pana. When twenty years of age he opened a restaurant and bakery in that town, which he conducted until 1884. In that year he sold out, and, moving to Livingston County, located in Forrest, building the hotel which he has since kept. It is the only first-class rural hotel in the place, and has always had a fine patronage. its service being excellent and the proprietor being extremely popular with the traveling public. In connection with the hotel accommodations, he has a well ordered lunch restaurant, provided with select edibles.

Mr. Carmon has always remained single. In politics he is a pronounced Republican, and for four years served on the staff of Governor Yates. He takes an active part in political contests, but is averse to seeking public office. Fraternally he is identified with the A. F. A. M., being a member of Forrest Lodge, No. 614, a Knight Templar and member of Forrest Camp, Modern Woodmen of America. In religion, his early belief was in conformity with the Baptist faith.

CARR, Richard S., an enterprising and diligent farmer, of progressive spirit and up-to-date methods, who operates 170 acres of land in Esmen Township, Livingston County, Ill., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, August 28. 1864. His father and mother, James and Ellen (McElliot) Carr, were born in North of Ireland, the birthplace of the former being near St. John's Point. The paternal grandparents were Richard and Anna (Logan) Carr, natives of Ireland, both of whom spent their last years in this country. When James Carr was four years of age he was brought to the United States by his parents who located in Cleveland, Ohio. There he was reared and, in course of time, was married and established himself in the grocery trade. In 1877 (his wife having died in 1878), he moved to Chicago, where he conducted a grocery for something more than four years, going thence to Washington Heights, a few miles out of the city, and farming in that locality for the next five years. In 1886 he moved to Livingston County, buying a farm of eighty acres in Esmen Township. This he sold a year later to his son Richard, returning to Cleveland and resuming the grocery business there. He still lives in Cleveland, and has married again, his second wife having formerly been Mary Ryan. James Carr is a Republican in politics, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He is a devout member of the Catholic Church. He and his first wife became the parents of three sons and one daughter, two of the sons, John J. and Frank Edward, being deceased. The daughter, Mary, born March 29, 1867, lives with the subject of this sketch, taking care of the household affairs.

Richard S. Carr accompanied his father in his various changes of location, above mentioned, assisting him in the grocery and on the farm, and receiving his education in the public schools of Cleveland -and Chicago. In 1885, he was employed in the offices of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company, at Harvard Junction, Ill., and in the following year located with his father on the Livingston County farm, buying the latter out, as before stated, in 1887. Be sides this farm, he cultivates ninety acres of rented land. The home place has been greatly improved since he took possession of it, and he has met with signal success in all his undertakings. In addition to general farming, he raises full-blooded Shorthorn Durham cattle, and also Poland-China hogs and well-bred heavy horses, taking especial pride in his Wilkes strain of drivers. He is thoroughly informed on a variety of practical topics. keeps in touch with current events, being in regular receipt of the latest periodical literature, and takes an active interest in all public enterprises affecting his township and county.

Politically, Mr. Carr is an earnest supporter of the Republican party, although not inclined to office-holding. He and his sister, a most excellent woman of sound common sense and amiable disposition, are consistent members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Carr has never married.

CARRITHERS, C. F. H - To be a political speaker requires more than average ability, for a man must possess not only the knowledge of how to speak, but he must be a natural orator. He must be able to hold his audiences, and to carry them with him. The subject matter of a speech may be entertaining and instructive, but if it is poorly delivered it loses the greater part of its force and its effect is almost if not entirely lost, Some men seem to be born orators, and it is such as they who are chosen, whenever it is necessary, to present matters forcibly and effectively. Livingston County boasts several of this class, and perhaps none is better known than the Hon. C. F. H. Carrithers, who during the past four presidential campaigns, has gone all over the State speaking in the interests of the candidates of the Republican party under the auspices of the Republican State and National Committees,

Judge Carrithers. who has long been a resident and noted attorney of Fairbury, Ill, was born near Lacon, Marshall County, Ill., December 6, 1854, a son of William P. and Mary Esther (Barnes) Carrithers. William P. Carrithers who is a minister of the Christian Church. was born in Indiana, while his wife was born in Ohio. They were early settlers of Marshall County, Ill., and in 1874 they came to Saunemin, Livingston County, where the mother died in 1899. The father is still living in his eightieth year. Mr. and Mrs. William P. Carrithers organized the Christian Church of Saunemin.

Like almost any country boy, C. F. H. Carrithers was reared on a farm, all of his relatives except his father being farmers. From 1870 to 1874 he studied at Eureka College, Ill., and then taught school until he entered the law department of the University of Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1883 with the degree of LL, B. After graduation he settled at Fairbury, where he began the practice of law, and he has continued in active practice ever since. Judge Carrithers has always been an ardent Republican, in the belief that that party has always stood for, as it does now, the principles he believed to be the best for the welfare of the country. He has been very prominent in its ranks, and from 1884 to 1888 served as State's Attorney, and from 1897 to 1901 was Master-in-Chancery. From 1902 to 1906 he was County Judge, and for fifteen years he served as City Attorney of Fairbury. Judge Carrithers was on the Attorney General's staff from 1897 to 1898, and in all of these positions of trust and responsibility, he has brought to bear his knowledge of the law and his strong sense of justice.

Judge Carrithers has also been active in fraternal circles, being a charter member of Saunemin Lodge No. 738, A. F. & A, M., which he joined in 1876; is also a member of Fairbury Chapter No. 99, R.A. M.; St. Paul Commandery No. 34, Knights Templar; Fairbury Chapter No. 199. O. E. S., and has served as highest officer in each of these organizations. He also belonged to the Grange and the Knights of Pythias. In early life he was a member of the Christian Church, but is now a Universalist.

On October 1, 1879, Judge Carrithers married Lou M. Brydia, of Saunemin, Ill. She was born in Greene County, Ill., August 23, 1855, and died

December 2, 1893, On October 4, 1904, Judge Carrithers married Sarah L. Kelso, who was born October 10, 1869. By his first marriage Judge Carrithers has four children: Lieutenant Truman W., born July 28, 1882, graduated from the U. S. M. A., at West Point, in 1903; Mary Louise, born October 9, 1884, is now the wife of Lieutenant John B. De Lancey, U. S. A.; Fred Barnes, born May 30, 1887, is now a cadet in his third year at the U. S, M. A. at West Point; and Joe E., born February 7, 1890, who is still at home.

Judge Carrithers has always been a publicspirited man and has given his support to all measures that have been advocated and that he has believed would work out for the best interests of his community. Perhaps, though, Judge Carrithers is better known as a public speaker, for his services have been much in demand, and he has traveled all over the State, having been one of the leading speakers in every campaign since 1878. His work on the bench was such as to win him the enthusiastic friendship of the bar in every county of the State, and he is deemed the peer of the ablest members of the Illinois State judiciary. He is fearless in his support of what he deems best and right, and while he has been already greatly honored, the future holds more in store for him.

CARTER, James Albert, one of the leading young farmers of Pleasant Ridge Township, and 'member of one of the old families of Livingston County, was born on Section 17, this Township, a son of James H, Carter, a retired farmer of Fairbury. His birth occurred February 24, 1871, and he is therefore thirty-eight years of age. His edueation was secured in the school of his district and the public schools of Forrest, and he worked during the summer months on the farm, remaining at home until his marriage. He owns ninetysix acres of excellent farming land on Section 18, Pleasant Ridge Township, and also operates 296 acres which he has in corn, oats and clover, being one of the heaviest grain growers of the Township. His dairy is well equipped with all modern appliances, but for the past year he has devoted most of his attention to grain.

On September 6, 1893, he was married to Jeannie Nimmo, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, November 30, 1871, on June 12, 1872, arriving with her parents in the United States. The Nimmo family settled in Fairbury IN., where for some time William Nimmo was engaged in mining, but later purchased land near Fairbury and, at the time of his death, December 31, 1887, owned 240 acres of excellent farming land. His wife was Catherine (Arbuckle) Nimmo, a most estimable lady. These children were born to Mr. and Mys. Nimmo: William, a farmer located near Fairbury; George, also a farmer, located near Fairbury; Lizzie, who married Fred Gillman, a farmer near Pontiac; Katie, at home with her mother in Fairbury, and Mrs. Carter. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have three children: James W.. born April 23, 1895: Ruth, born August 4, 1908, died December 14, 1904; Ralph E., born January 13, 1906. Mrs. Carter was graduated from the Fairbury High School, class of 1889, and for six years was one of the popular teachers of the county. When she became acquainted with Mr. Carter, she was teaching in District No. 202, of which he was a director.

Mr. and Mrs, Carter are members of the M. W. A., and she is an active member of the Royal Neighbors, Both are members of the Baptist Church and are much interested in religious work, Since he was twenty-one years of age, Mr. Carter has been school Director of District No. 202. He has also served as Canada Thistle Commissioner, and is now on the County Central Committeeman from Pleasant Ridge Township. A Republican ín political belief, he has always been very active in the council of his party, and the future no doubt holds higher elective offices in store for him.

CARTER, James H., one of the largest landowners of Livingston County, a veteran of the Civil War and a man widely and favorably known, who for more than a quarter of a century was a farmer of this locality, but who is now living retired in Fairbury, was born in La Salle County, Ill., April 20, 1841, a son of Sylvester and Christiana (Hart) Carter, natives of New York and Scotland, respeetively. Sylvester Carter and wife came to Illinois about 1838, settling near Ottawa, where he died in the summer of 1849, when James H. Carter was only eight years of age. He and his brother were the only children born to his parents. Left thus early without a father, the lad was forced to work hard upon the farm and content himself with a somewhat meager education, although he has added largely to his fund of knowledge by careful observation assisted by an excellent memory.

When twenty years of age he responded to the call of his country, enlisting in September, 1861, in Company I, Fourth Illinois Cavalry at Ottawa, and he participated in the battles of Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and in many other engagements of less importance, and at the expiration of his term of service in November, 1864, was mustered out at Springfield. By order of the War Department on January 18, 1865, the members of the regiment whose terms had not expired were consolidated with the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. Mr. Carter served three years and two months, was with his regiment on all its long marches, was always present at roll-call and ready. for picket duty or to respond for any service required of him, during all of his experience ever proving himself a loyal, brave and faithful soldier and honorable gentleman. His honorable discharge was received on October 29, 1864, shortly before he was mustered out. During the war he frequently saw the celebrated "Old Abe" eagle, the "mascot" of a Wisconsin regiment. During the battle of Shiloh, he circled over the battle field as though he appreciated the importance of the great struggle and sought to give encouragement to his friends.

His life as a soldier over, Mr. Carter returned to Ottawa, but shortly thereafter removed to Livingston County deciding to settle there permanently. With this idea in view he bought eighty acres of land in Pleasant Ridge Township, but sold it in 1868, and bought 320 acres on Sections 17 and 18, in the same Township, and this he brought into a high state of cultivation. Upon it he built a substantial house and large barns, as well as all necessary outbuildings. He also stocked the farm with high grade cattle and became one of the most prosperous farmers in Livingston County. From time to time he added to his holdings until at the time of his retirement he owned 720 acres of the best farming land to be found in Central Illinois,

On May 30, 1867, Mr. Carter was married to Miss Ruth A, Wilson, who was born in Livingston County. August 9, 1848, a daughter of Isaac and Harriet (Bishop) Wilson. Mrs. Wilson died in 1881 and Mr. Wilson removed to Moline, Elks County, Kan., where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Carter had three sons: Isaac S., farming at Thawville, Ill.; James A. and Alvah L., now farming on the homestead in Section 18, Pleasant Ridge Township. Mr. and Mrs. Carter live in their comfortable home in Fairbury, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, enjoying their declining years free from all worry. Mr. Carter has always been ready to respond to the call of duty and has been the successful candidate of the Republican party for several Township offices. In 1868 he was elected Justice of the Peace from Pleasant Ridge Township and served widely and acceptably for twelve years in that capacity. He has been Township Clerk, School Trustee and in 1875 was elected Supervisor and at that time was one of the leading as well as the youngest members of the Township Board. Naturally he is very much interested in the G. A. R,, and belongs to Fairbury Post No. 75. Stanch, reliable, hard working, Mr. Carter sets an example to the growing generation of what can be accomplished by strict adherence to duty and the highest principles of morality, and Livingston County may be well proud of him as a representative citizen and prosperous retired farmer.

CARTER, Lucius S., one of the most advanced and progressive farmers and prosperous residents of Livingston County, whose fine farm on Section 25 testifies to his skill, was born in La Salle County, Ill., May 5, 1849, a son of Sylvester and Lucy (Pine) Carter. Mrs. Lucy Carter is now making her home with her son Lucius, and has attained the advanced age of ninety years. She enjoys excellent health, possesses a good memory and enjoys relating experiences of her eventful life. Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and lived to be 100 years and ten months old. There is in the possession of Mr. Carter's son John the razor with which his great-grandfather shaved himself on the day he was 100 years old. This remarkable old gentleman was a resident of Lee County, Ill., where he died, having been for many years one of the prosperous farmers of that locality. On the maternal side of Mrs. Lucy Carter's family, she is related to Gen. Ethan Allen of Revolutionary fame, her mother having been an Allen and a native of Vermont.

Sylvester Carter came to Illinois with his parents about 1836, and settled in LaSalle County, where he was thrice married. His first wife was a Miss Hart, and she bore him two sons: James H., a prominent farmer of Pleasant Ridge Township, but now retired in Fairbury; and Joseph, a successful farmer of Champaign, Il. The second wife was a Mrs. Dota. Mr. Lucius Carter is the only child born to his parents, his father dying in 1849 from an attack of cholera which was epidemic in the state that year. Left so young without a father, the brave lad gave up his school advantages and, when only thirteen years of age, rented land and farmed it under an agreement that he was to receive one-third of the crop. That this did not amount to much can be gathered from the fact that his first load of corn was sold for ten cents per bushel. This was not the worst, however, for he was paid in wildcat money as it was then called, paper money issued..by the State Banks, good to-day, worthless to-morrow if anything happened to the bank. With a foresight remarkable in one so young, Mr. Carter did not hold any of this money, but exchanged it for the necessities of life as soon as it was given him and thus avoided a loss. In 1862 he engaged in farming for the various farmers, working by the day or month. In the spring of 1868 he secured employment breaking wild land, a very difficult job. for much of the land was under water and only drained by ditches. He was paid $3.00 per acre for his hard work. In 1871 he was driving a team of horses which ran away, and he was thrown and had the misfortune to break both his hips so that for two years he was unable to work, but eventually recovered.

On October 10, 1872, he married Margaret M. DeMoss, a daughter of Henry J. DeMoss, deceased. She was born September 20, 1856. After his marriage Mr. Carter rented land in Pleasant Ridge Township, where they lived until 1881 when he rented 160 acres on Section 27, and there for twenty-five years he successfully farmed. In 1884 Mr. Carter bought 85 acres on Section 25, in Avoca Township, to which he added until he now owns 125 acres, and upon which the family moved in December, 1905. The Carter home is one of the most pleasant in that township. Books, magazines and musica] instruments furnish entertainment and literary food, and the young people are encouraged to invite their friends and enjoy themselves in the midst of their home surroundings. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have given their children every advantage within their power and are very progressive in their ideas relative to the bringing up of young people.

home engaged in farming; M. Mabel, born April 6, 1889, was well educated in the district school, the Fairbury High School and the State University, and is now at home assisting her mother; Harry Allen, born June 23, 1892, is also at home. For a quarter of a century Mr. Carter has been School Director in Pleasant Ridge Township, and has served as School Trustee in Avoca Township. He is a Republican in politics and active in the local councils of that party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church of Avoca. Mr. Carter belongs to Fairbury Camp M. W. A. Mrs. Carter has been a member of the Missionary Society for the past eighteen years, also a member of the Aid Society. Mr, Carter has always supported public measures calculated to advance the best interests of the community and his judgment is relied upon by his neighbors.

Although still in the prime of life Mr. Carter remembers many of the incidents of pioneer life and relates them with much native humor. He tells of the days when it took a team of four

» horses to haul a sack of flour over the bottomless roads, and across the streams that had neither ford nor bridge. However, through all his adversities he remembered his grandfather's maxim: "Don't cry over spilt milk, but be careful not to spill it;" and perhaps his success in life is due to the fact that he has always made the best of everything, and thus been able to accomplish so much.

CAUGHEY, John, a well known and prosperous farmer of Charlotte Township, Livingston County, Ill., and a man standing high in the estimation of his fellow townsmen, was born in La Salle County, Ill., January 5. 1858. His parents, Samuel and Eliza (Marshall) Caughey, natives of Beaver County, Pa., moved to Illinois in 1854, settling in LaSalle County. Samuel Caughey was a house and bridge carpenter by trade, and followed this occupation up to the time of his marriage. After his removal to Illinois he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, continuing this until his death. He and his wife had three sons, and when the family located in Livingston County. the subject of this sketch was twelve years of age. The latter was reared to farm life, receiving his education in the common schools. Since early manhood he has been a farmer, and has accumulated a valuable property. His brother, Robert S., is also engaged in farming in the same section.

Mr. Caughey was married on November 26th, 1884, to Rebecca Townsend, who was born in Fairbury, Livingston County. Their union resulted in three sons and four daughters, one son dying in infancy. The surviving children are: Grace, John, Fred, Nellie, Mabel and Marle.

Politically, Mr. Caughey follows the fortunes of the Republican party. For a number of years he has held the office of School Director. He aa his wife are members of the Congregational

CHASE, John R., than whom no farmer is more favorably known in Round Grove Township, Livingston County, Ill., where he is successfully operating 160 acres of land, was born in Epping, Rockingham County, N. H., November 8, 1942. His father, Josiah Prescott Chase, was born in the same town, March 24, 1817, and the birth of his mother, Shuah B. (Brown) Chase, occurred in the same county, May 5, 1820, Their marriage took place April 19, 1838. Jonathan Chase, the paternal grandfather, whose wife was Honor Lucy (Prescott) Chase, owned a farm of 200 acres in New Hampshire; and the grandparents on the maternal side, Lawrence and Mary (Blake) Brown, were natives of that State, the former born Otcober 2, 1796, and the latter, April 8, 1817. In 1854 Josiah P. Chase, father of John R., came to Illinois, locating in Bureau County and buying 160 acres of land, which he soon afterwards sold. spending a saort period in Putnam County and two years near Tonica, LaSalle County, on land which he rented. Then he went back to New Hampshire and after a six months' sojourn there, returned to Illinois, locating in Lasalle County. In 1861 he moved to Round Grove Township, Livingston County, near Dwight, purchasing 160 acres of raw prairie land, on which stood, alone, a small plum tree. On this farm he spent the remainder of his career, dying April 3, 1905, his wife having passed away May 31, 1897. In youth he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a consistent Christian to the end of his career, as was also his faithful spouse, throughout her life. Politically, he was a Republican, and served the public as School Director of his township.

John R. Chase received his education in the public schools, and worked for his father until he reached the age of twenty-five years. Then, for two years, he was employed in Bureau County, in a nursery belonging to Arthur Bryant, a prominent man in his locality. Following this, he moved to Princeton, Ill., where his father-inlaw conducted the "Sherman House." In connection with this hotel, Mr. Chase kept a feedbarn ten years, after which he bought a place, and, for about three years. applied himself to teaming, moving thence to Chicago, where he worked five years as a teamster. Relinquishing this occupation, he went to work in the Frog and Crossing Foundry, at South Chicago, where he remained five years, going thence to Whiting, Ind., and being employed two years by the Standard Oil Company. Finally, he returned to the home farm, which he conducted until the death of his father, afterwards renting it. The homestead has undergone a great change since the days of its solitary plum tree. Now it is adorned by a fine grove of maples, and many other trees of different varieties make the scene attractive.

Mr. Chase has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was wedded November 13, 1867, was Matilda A. Best, born in Carrollton, Ohio, November 26, 1843, but died October 28, 1903. This union was the source of one child, Frank A., born at Princeton, Ill.. November 13, 1871. The present Mrs. Chase, formerly Emma

B. (Wilkeson) Bonin, was born August 10, 1871, a daughter of James and Sarah Wilkeson, who came from New York State, settling in LaSalle County, Ill, at an early period. The first husband of Mrs. Chase was James Bonin, who was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1874, and died July 10, 1903. By him she had two children, namely: Sarah Phoebe, born January 19, 1897; and Margaret Emma, born June 22, 1901 - the birthplace of both being in LaSalle County. Mr. Chase is the eldest of a family of twelve children, the others being as follows: Lucy, born August 2, 1844; Lawrence B., born March 29, 1846; Mary E. and Eunice, twins, born October 13, 1847 - the former deceased; Charles M., born May 21, 1849; George K., born April 5, 1851; Josiah, born October 19, 1852; Sarah E., born September 26, 1854; Emma F., born November a3, 1856; Frank, born April 6, 1859% and Mary, born June 25, 1862, The last four are deceased.

Politically, Mr. Chase has always been an ardent Republican, and although never seeking public office, has served as School Director. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In fraternal circles, he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Foresters, his connection with that order dating back thirty years.

CHURCH, Frederick J., (deceased), for many years a well-known farmer in Owego Township, Livingston County, Ill., a leading and highly respected citizen by all on account of the worthy traits of his character, was born in Keysville, Dutchess County, N. Y., January 23, 1823. He was a son of John and Phoebe (Barton) Church, the former born in Amherst, Mass., and the latter in Dutchess County, N. Y. In 1844 John Church moved with his family to Putnam County, Ill., locating in the vicinity of Hennepin, where both parents spent their last days. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of New York State, and on coming to Illinois with his father and mother, went to work as a clerk in a store in Putnam County, being subsequently occupied in farming. In 1855 he changed his location to Livingston County, from whence he enlisted, September 22, 1864, in Company ©, Forty-fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, remaining with his regiment until the close of the war, and being discharged July 7, 1865. In 1868 he settled on a farm of. eighty acres in Owego Township, which is still the family home. His death occurred on this place, January 28, 1896, and his loss was deeply felt by a wide circle of friends. Politically, he was allied with the Democratic party, and served for a considerable period as Justice of the Peace, being appointed under Governor Yates, the old War Governor, April 23, 1862. Fraternally, he was identified with the I. O. O. F., during many years. His religions connection was with the Society of Friends, in which he was reared, his wife being an adherent of the Baptist faith.

to Mary A. Wheatland, a native of Piqua, Ohio, where she was born August 22, 1837, a daughter of Isaac and Ann (Forbes) Wheatland, both of whom were natives of the vicinity of Leeds, England. On coming to the United States they first located in Miami County, Ohio, where the father of Mrs. Church cleared a tract of farming land. In 1837 he journeyed with his family to LaSalle County, Ill., driving through with a team. He died in LaSalle County in 1847, his wife having passed away in 1844. Both parents were members of the Methodist church. Their family consisted of eight children, of whom two sons and two daughters are still living. William Wheatland, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Church, who was of English nativity and settled in Ohio in the '30s, afterward came to Illinois and was a circuit preacher in LaSalle and Livingston Counties. To Mr. and Mrs. Church were born eight children, as follows: William H. and Frank A., both educated in the common schools, and residents of Pontiac, Ill; Pheebe, wife of Lynn Bennett, of Carlisle, Ark. ; Emma, wife of Henry Bennett, of Saunemin, lll.; Sarah, wife of James Harris. of Pontiac, Ill.; Alberta, wife of Adam Herb, of Emmington, Ill.; Elizabeth, who married Jacob Bashore; and Elsie Orene, at home. The last named attended the common schools and completed her education in the Pontaic High School, graduating therefrom in 1896. For several years she has been engaged in teaching. The sons and daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick J. Church are much esteemed in their seyeral localities, and all have reflected credit upon the teachings and example of their respected parents.

The autographs underneath the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Church which appear in this volume were both written with a gold pen used by Mr. Church in his clerical work in the army during the Civil War.

CLARK, Frank. - Thirteen times elected Assessor of Sunbury Township, Livingston County, Ill, Frank Clark's long service in this office is sufficient evidence of his ability and fidelity to duty, but it is due to him to say that he has, in his public capacity, displayed only the same traits which have characterized his private life - strict attention to the details of his work and thoughtful and intelligent management - qualities which could not fail to bring satisfactory results. Mr. Clark keeps thoroughly posted on public events, especially those concerning the principles and successes of the Democratic party, of which he is an enthusiastic member, as well as those of general interest, and is highly esteemed as an intelligent, substantial citizen of his township. Mr. Clark was born in Troy, N. Y., December 13, 1855, a son of James and Bridget (Linch) Clark, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1847. Their parents never left their native land. Settling in Troy, N. Y., they remained until 1864, when they removed to LaSalle County, Ill., but after a short stay there located in Livingston County, where he died two years later. They had chil- dren as follows: Mary, married Frank Carey, a blacksmith of Kempton, Ford County, Ill.; Joseph, who disappeared about 1894; Frank, and a daughter, who is a Sister in the nunnery at Whiting, Ind., where the mother died in 1885.

After obtaining a rather meager education in the common schools and all the time working on the farm, Frank Clark developed into a sturdy young man of twenty-one and, soon after attaining his majority, went to Kempton, Ford County, Ill., and there began learning the trade of blacksmithing. He worked at his trade for seven years, and later for nine years, and had bargained for his smithy tools when he was given a position in an elevator. He also coupled cars, and while employed in this dangerous work, had the misfortune to lose his left arm close to the shoulder. Following this he canvassed for books for three years, patiently enduring the blasting of his hopes and the overturning of his plans, through his agreeable manner and courteous bearing meeting remarkable success. Among the general line of books he carried was Grant's Travels Around the World, which was his big seller in 1888.

Returning to Sunbury Township, he bought forty-one acres of land, to which he has added until he now owns eighty-one acres in Section 21. On April 30, 1892, Mr. Clark married Miss Catherine (Mooney) Ruddy, a daughter of Michael Mooney, one of the pioneers of Livingston County. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have had children as follows: Ella and James, twins, born April 1, 1895; Mary, born October 1, 1899, and two who died in infancy. Mr. Clark has seen many changes take place in the county during his residence in it. When he first came here there were only three houses between his home and Dwight, a distance of ten miles, and wild game was very plentiful. He has seen deer gather about the hay stack in the farm yard, and wild geese and prairie chickens were often used as food. The wolves were more plentiful than was agreeable and not only preyed upon the stock, but kept them all awake by their howling. Land, which was under water, has been turned into fertile fields, roads have been built, and all the improvements of the most highly developed civilization in the world has taken hold of Livingston County. Mr. Clark is one of the most active Democrats of his township, and is deeply interested in the success of his party. His long service as Assessor of the Township is duly appreciated, and he has also given his services as School Director in District No. 115. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are Catholics. There are very few men who could have overcome so serious a misfortune as that which fell to the lot of Mr. Clark, and accomplished as much as he has done. Through it all he has preserved his optomistic view of life and is ever ready with a laugh at his own jokes or those of another. A pleasant, kindly nature is his, and he makes friends everywhere.

Clark family is traced back to Scotland and Ireland, and from the latter country, about the year 1750, Rev. Thomas Clark, D.D., a greatuncle of Homer Justin Clark, brought a colony of emigrants to America, settling a portion of them in Washington County, N. Y., and the balance at Long Cane, S. C. Judge Ebenezer Clark, a son of the immigrant minister, became one of the most noted men of his day. During the Revolutionary War he was a brave soldier and, later, was a member of the Constitutional Convention of New York, after which for many years he held office as Judge of the Superior Court of that State. Another honored member of the family was Dr. Thomas Clark, born in Scotland, educated in Edinburgh. and who came to this country after receiving his degree. He settled in Washington County, N. Y., marrying Miss Isabella Campbell, a member of the Campbell Class of Scotland. He then went West, becoming a pioneer physician in the country west of Dertoit, 1820-30. Among the children of Dr. Clark was a son, John Lawrence, who married Laura McManus and settled in Peoria County, Ill. There his son, Homer Justin, was born September 20, 1853, and there he passed many years of useful activity.

The youthful days of Homer Justin Clark were uneyentfully passed in public and private schools, and afterward (1875-76) he took a partial classical course in Monmouth (Ill.) College, leaving, however, before his graduation. Taking up the work of an educator, he first taught in country schools, and then was promoted to be principal of the schools at Princeyille, Peoria County, where he continued to reside from 1879 to 1881. From 1882 to 1884 he was Superintendent of Schools of Gibson City, after which he resigned his position and retired from educational work for the more fascinating field of journalism. Since then he has risen to a high rank in editorial work and has wielded the influence invariably exerted by those who have built up a high-class paper. From 1884 to 1897 he was a member of the firm of Lowry & Clark, editors and proprietors of the "Pontaic Sentinel." In 1902 he organized the Pontiac Leader Publishing Company, of which he is now the President, Julia S. Scott the Vice-President, and L. V. Pearre Secretary and Treasurer. The principal business of the company is the publishing of the "Pontiac Daily and Weekly Leader," in addition to which they do job work and printing of all kinds.

Since establishing his home in Pontaic in 1884, Mr. Clark has been foremost in all moyements for the benefit of the city. Especially has educational work received his encouraging co-operation, and he is now an active member of District No. 95, Board of Education. This office he filled for the first time from 1891 to 1897, then was again elected in 1901, since which he has continued in the office. The Chautauqua Riverview Assembly owes much to his progressive efforts as a director, and the Young Men's Christian Association of Pontiac also is greatly indebted to him for his resourceful efforts as director and corresponding secretary. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen and Pontiac Lodge No. 294, A. F. & A. M. For many years he has been a trustee in the Presbyterian church and now holds the office of an elder in the congregation. His marriage was solemnized October 30, 1878, at Harker's Corners, Peoria County, Ill, uniting him with Miss Julia M. Scott, by whom he has three children, Lawrence Addison, Bruce Edmund and Grace Eleanor.

The local councils of the Republican party owe much to the sagacious judgment and capable co-operation of Mr. Clark, who many times has been chosen a delegate to county, district and State conventions of the party, and in 1904 was an Alternate Delegate to the National Convention. Under Comptroller of Currency Charles G. Dawes he was National Bank receiver 1898- 1900, during which time he was appointed to take charge of the First National Bank of Wilmington, N. C., the First National Bank of Johnson City, Tenn., the Second National Bank of Columbia, Tenn., and the First National Bank of Middlesboro, Ky.

CLARK, Luther, (deceased), a substantial farmer and public-spirited citizen, for thirty years a deacon in the Congregational church and a man who for many years took a prominent part in Union Township affairs, was bern April 29, 1825, in Amherst, N. H., of parents who were natives of that State, and had a family of four children, two sons and two daughters. His death occurred in Union Township. May 13, 1902. when he was seventy-seven years of age. For several years prior to his emigration to Illinois in 1850, Mr. Clark resided in New York, but upon reaching Illinois he settled on a farm near Ottawa, and there remained until he enlisted in the First Regiment Nebraska Volunteers, in which he served four years and nine months, the last two years being spent on the plains fighting Indians. He participated in the battles of Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh and the Siege of Vicksburg, winning the reputation of a brave and gallant soldier.

Returning from the wars he bought what became his homestead, a very valuable property in Union Township, upon which he spent the remainder of his life, On March 11, 1852, he married Harriet Call, of Plattsburg. N. Y., who came of Revolutionary stock. Some of her ancestors fought in the Revolution and in the War of 1812, and five brothers took part in the Civil War, three of whom laid down their lives in the same conflict. She was one of a family of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were the parents of six children - four girls and two boys. Of this family Mrs. Rosa Mosher has one boy and one girl; Mrs. Jessie Beecher lives in Nebraska; Mrs. Emma Drew is a resident of Gardner, Ill., where her husband is a grain buyer; Martin Luther is a farmer of Clarion, Iowa; Lutie married and died at the age of twenty; Charlie 8., now on the homestead, is thirty-five and unmarried. Mr. Clark always took an active part in the Congregational church, and his memory is perpetuated by a handsome memorial window. He was a Republican in politics and held a number of local offices, always discharging the duties devolving upon him with the same conscientious faithfulness which

CLAUDON, Nicholas B., grain dealer and general business man, Fairbury, Livingston County, Ill. History shows to what extent America is indebted to Frenchmen for aid in the trying revolutionary period. The annals of later years bear evidence of the fact that Frenchmen have, in every way, demonstrated their high citizenship. This is true in New Orleans, in St. Louis and in other centers of French population in the United States, and is no less true in smaller towns, throughout the country. Illinois is fortunate in having many such admirable citizens of French birth and extraction. The name of Claudon, distinctly French, is well known in this part of the State, and it has no more conspicuous representative than the gentleman whose name appears above.

Nicholas B. Claudon was born in Loraine, France (now Germany), January 9, 1855, a son of Nicholas and Barbara (Bachler) Claudon, both natives of Loraine. His father was born in 1800, and one of the early historic incidents of his life was the experience of guarding prisoners of Napoleon's army. His mother was born in 1814 and lived to be sixty-four years old. They had seven children, five of whom were sons. Christian Claudon came to America about 1859 and located at Hopedale, Tazewell County, Ill.. afterward settling at Chenoa, where he died about 1891, leaving two daughters named Martha and Annie. He was a successful farmer. The next to come was Joseph Claudon. He located near Pekin, Ill, and married there. Later he settled on a farm in the vicinity of Gridley. He died near Flanagan, Livingston County, leaving six children, three of whom were sons. Mary Claudon married Daniel R. King and they are both dead. It was due to their beneficence that the Salem Orphanage near Flanagan was established. They gave for the Institution 100 acres of land. It is one of the best managed orphanages in the State, creditable alike to Mr. and Mrs, King and to the public. Andrew B. Claudon is a banker, financial leader and prominent citizen of Fairbury. Peter Claudon, a retired farmer, lives at Chenoa. Barbara married Christian Sommer, a prominent farmer and citizen of Belleflower, McLean County, Ill. The immediate subject of this sketch, who was the youngest of the family, came to the United States in 1873.

until he was fourteen years old. During the Franco-Prussian War, he being then about sixteen, Was captured by German soldiers and was compelled for three days to haul provisions for the enemies of his country, on the line near Strassburg. His father being a farmer, the boy assisted him in his labors, By 1873 his brothers and all his sisters but one had, one by one, left the old home and his brothers had written him letters from America telling him of the splendid opportunities offered here for getting on in the world. He came over, and soon made his way to Chenoa, Ill, where, during the next four years, he divided his time between farm work and study in the common schools. In 1877 he went to live with his sister, Mrs. King, near Flanagan, on the farm now occupied by the Orphanage already referred to. There he remained until 1881, when, as a member of the firm of Stuckey Claudon, he engaged in the mercantile business at Danvers, McLean County, Ill. His enterprise was one of the leading ones of its kind in that part of the State.

February 2, 1882, Mr. Claudon married Miss Mary A. Schertz, a native of East Peoria and a daughter of Joseph Schertz, a Frenchman by birth, who had located at Peoria while that place was still called Fort Clark, from the Fort there which had been named in honor of Gen. George Rogers Clark. Mr. Schertz, who had been brought to the place when he was only six years old, had among his playmates many little Indians. In later life he liked to speak of his experiences of the pioneer days.

In 1883 Mr. Clandon closed ont his business at Danvers and removed to Fairbury, where, as a member of the firm of Claudon Brothers, in which his brother A, B. Claudon was his partner, they bought the East End Elevator, which had a capacity of about 40,000 bushels. In 1889 he and his brother sold the elevator and terminated their partnership, A. B. Claudon going into the banking business, while Nicholes B. continued the grain business with other and larger plans in view. In 1902 he erected his present elevator, a thoroughly up-to-date establishment, supplied with the latest devices, first class in every detail, for handling grain - an elevator which, taken all in all, is one of the best in this part of the State. It will be remembered that he had begun business at the East End. Elevator with a capacity of 40,000 bushels. Its capacity with the present equipment is now fully 150,000 bushels. Mr. Claudon has been in the grain business continuously at Fairbury for a quarter of a century, and if this fact is considered, he should rank, if not as a pioneer, at least as the oldest grain-dealer in the town. In 1902 his son Chester J., became his partner, and the firm has since been styled N. B. Claudon & Son, and is probably as widely and as favorably known as any grain concern in the State.

To Mr. and Mrs. Claudon have been born two children: Chester J.. junior member of the firm of Claudon & Son, was born December 30, 1882, graduated from the Fairbury High School with the class of 1900 and from the Metropolitan Business College with the class of'1901; Frances G., born May 28, 1886 graduated from the Fairbury High School with the class of 1904 and has since been graduated from St. Mary's College at Knoxville, Knox County, Ill, an institution devoted to instruction in music, language and painting. A young lady of many accomplishments, she is an artist of fine taste and recognized ability. The home of the Claudon family, at Fourth and Elm Streets, Fairbury, is widely known for its generous hospitality and Mr. Claudon, loving it better than he loves any other place on earth, and always solicitous for the happiness of his wife and children, has done everything in his power to make it complete and beautiful.

Mr. Claudon, who is regarded as one of the successful business men of Livingson County, came there scarcely more than a boy in 1873, with little capital, but with determination to achieve honorably and worthily. By honesty and square dealing with his fellow men, he has won the full confidence of one and all, and in every way he has done his full share to promote the advancement of the community, Especially in educational matters has he been a leader, and for six years he has been a member of the local Board of Education. In politics he is a Republican, but while ardently devoted to the success of Republican principles and always ready to assist in promoting their realization, he is utterly without personal political ambition and has steadfastly refused to accept office unless it offered him opportunities for helpfulness which were not otherwise attainable. He is a Knight of Pythias and a member of the order of Modern Woodmen of America. In the last mentioned order he held the title of Venerable Counsellor for three years. While not holding membership in any church, the family are attendants upon the services of the Presbyterian organization in Fairbury.

CLEARY, Michael. - Livingston County offers no more inspiring example of practical and successful adaptation to its largest needs and opportunities than is found in Michael Cleary, a name and a personality which carry weight in monetary, political, ethical, social and religious circles. and which spells success, not only because of extensive land accumulation and general wealth, but by reason of connection with the broadest and most public spirited legislation known to the history of this part of Illinois. In his departure from merely average accomplishment, Mr. Cleary fulfills a natural expectation; for his family has been one to conjure with ever since its establishment in the country in the beginning of the '40s. Its shifting to the land of the Stars and Stripes has meant material strengthening of the popular estimate of the best class of Irishmen uprooted from their native soil and transplanted remote from the limitations of their beautiful but tax-ridden fatherland. For five centuries those bearing the name tilled the soil in County Tipperary, Ireland, Parish of Cahir, where Micheal was born February 9, 1940, and where were born also his parents, Philip and Mary (Heffenan) Cleary.

Philip Cleary was the first of his family impelled by sufficient discontent to discard romantic national attacment for the practical results of labor. His ambition led him on March 25, 1840, when his little son Michael was less than two months old, to embark in a sailing vessel which, after nine weeks of storm and calm, arrived in Philadelphia. Mr. Cleary soon after took his family to Youngstown, Ohio, where he secured employment on the Hocking Valley Canal, and in 1841 he came by way of steamboat and prairie schooner to what then was Spring Creek, but now Spring Valley, Bureau County, Ill. Here he rented and finally bought forty acres of land, but, in 1244, when werk was resumed on the long discontinued Illinois Canal, owing to funds having been raised in England, he found continuous employment thereon until the completion of the waterway., During four years of this time he lived three miles west of Morris, Ill., where he cut the logs, moved them with a yoke of oxen purchased for the purpose, and erected the log cabin which was to remain his home for eight years. In 1848 he moved this weather defying little abode twentyvue miles to Ottawa, on one of the lots of William Reddick, one of the wealthiest men in the State, and in 1868 he settled in Odell, Livingston County, and made his home with his son Michael until his death, May 17, 1884, at the age of eighty-two years, eight months and fifteen days. He had been a widower for twenty-three years, his wife having died in Ottawa in September, 1861. Mr. Cleary was a Democrat in politics, but no officeseeker, and he was a deyout member of the Roman Catholic church. Sharing his growing fortunes were eleven children, of whom four living, namely: Margaret, wife of John Condon, of Chicago; John, a resident of Jacksonville, Ill.; Michael; and Lawrence, a farmer of Odell Township.

Michael Cleary laid the foundation of his business success by study at the subscription school at Ottawa, later attending the public schools while helping vo assist his father on the home farm. At the age of twenty-one years he became manager of the property, and in 1865 bought half a section of land, paying for the same in a characteristically original and re sourceful manner, This land was of the prairie order, part of it obtained from the Government, and he began paying for it at the rate of twelve bushels of corn per acre. He did not occupy it, however, until the indebtedness was entirely cancelled in 1868, the year 1867 yielding a large crop of corn which netted him a dollar a bushel. He began housekeeping with his wife and daughter and father, and so well were his affairs managed that continual increase in his possessions has resulted, he being the owner at the present time of 1200 acres in Odell, Union and Nevada Townships, Livingston County, 200 acres in Indiana, 280 acres in Iowa, and 440 acres in

Will County, Il., besides property in Odell and other nearby towns. It will be seen that the faculty of accumulation has been surprisingly developed in Mr. Cleary, the more so as his advancement has been along entirely honorable and legitimate lines, partaking in not even the smallest degree of the irrational or speculative element, and achieved by the invariable retention of the highest of business principles and ethics.

In keeping with his material success, Mr. Cleary evidenced many sided interest in the affairs of the communities which have profited by his sagacity and business judgment. An earnest champion of Democratic principles, he has been Supervisor continuously since 1874, for a part of that time being Chairman of the Board. His most prominent service was rendered, however, as Representative in the General Assembly, to which he was elected for three successive terms (1882-88), and during which terms he was a member of many important committees. He himself was the author and secured the passage of three bills, that regulating the charges at the stock yard, the Farm Drainage and the Game Laws. In 1898 he was again elected and took part in many discussions and measures calculated to improye the general conditions of the farmer. He vigorously supported the bill appropriating $50,000 to send Mr. and Mrs. Murphy to Paris to promote the American flour and meal industry, and he has been chairman of the Public Property Committee of the county both in and out of the Legislature. He was also one of the Presidential Electors at the time of the last election of rover Cleveland (1892), and was in the thick of the Logan-Morrison contest in 1885. Thorough disinterestedness and public spiritedness characterized his legislative service, and set a precedent for men who recognize their duty as active factors in the political world around them.

The marriage of Mr. Cleary and Helen Burke occurred at Ottawa, Ill., August 14, 1865, the ceremony being performed by Rey. Father Tuner. Mrs, Cleary is also a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, a daughter of Jeffery and Catherine (Boyle) Burke, natives of County Tipperary, who immigrated to the United States in 1852,

'At Detroit, Mich., Mr. Burke had much to do with public works and was interested along ' the same line after moving to Sandwich, Ill, where his death occurred in 1879. To Mr. and Mrs. Cleary have been born the following children: Katherine, who lives with her father; William P., a biographical record of whose life appears in another page of this volume, and who was killed in a street-car accident, August 2, 1907, leaving a wife, formerly Mary Savage, and four children - Marion Kathleen, Michael I., William P., Jr., and one who died in infancy; John, who is a prominent attorney of Kansas City, Mo. for many terms was Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and married Mollie O'Rourke; Frank, a farmer of Odell Township, who married Tena Halm and has two children - Eugene and Leona; Alice, living at home; Michael Albert, Joseph, Nellie, Lillian, and Leo. Mr. Cleary's fine appreciation of the value of an education has led him to furnish the best available opportunities for his children, and one would travel far before coming in contact with so harmonious and thoroughly capable a household. The daughters have been trained in the arts of housewifery and are otherwise accomplished, and the sons are excellent business men and prominent members of the Knights of Columbus. The family since 1879 have occupied a beautiful rural residence, admirably furnished and affording every convenience for the development of hospitality and refinement.

A character study of Mr. Cleary reveals a man of bluff and kindly nature, having the Irishman's appreciation of human and irresistible smile. The sterner side of his nature often is uppermost, but in the contrasts thus displayed, one but recognizes the altogether lovable nature which makes the sons of Erin welcome in any land under the sun. It is not known that any one in need ever has appealed to this jovial man in vain, and certain it is, that all efforts toward the enlightenment and advancement of the community have found in him a wise and generous supporter. Aided by a most excellent wife, who is also a most devoted mother, he has shifted his position from humble to affluent circumstances, proving himself the master rather than the slave of conditions, the arbiter of a broad, tolerant and encouraging destiny.

In 1873 there were but a few Catholic families in the vicinity of Odell, Ill. Mr. Clearly, with the assistance of Messrs. Edward Collins, Frank Craven, Bernard Lyons, T. G. Lyons, and James Langan, called a meeting for the purpose of buiiding a Catholic church. Bernard Lyons was elected president, Edward Collins secretary, and Michael Cleary collector and treasurer. 'They employed Mr. -liam Buchanan as contractor and builder and erected a church 40 by 80 ft., and paid for the same. When Bishop Spaulding was made Bishop of the diocese in 1877 he appointed as their pastor the Rev. Bernard Boylan, of Rhode Island. The succeeding pastors have been Rey. James Halpin, Rey. Louis Selva who built the convent at a cost of about $12,000, and the present pastor, Rey. P. Griffy, who built the fine church and parochial residence at a cost of about $50,000. There are now about twohundred and twenty-five Catholics in the parish,

CLEARY, William P. - In keeping with the uncertainty surrounding mankind's earthly sojourn, the building and sustaining of character, and the development of a high life purpose are not necessarily dependent upon length of days. It is given to some far-seeing toilers to early find their bearings, to choose wisely their place in the work of the world, and in comparatively brief time stamp their worth and helpfulness upon the gravest and most important affairs of the communities in which they live. To leave the world a broader and better place for our having lived in it is, after all, the best criterion of existence, and such a consummation must ever prove an incalculable factor in the memory of those who tarry in the wake of the gone before. This inestimable satisfaction is left the family and friends of William P. Cleary, than whom the city of Odell or Pontiac has known no more ambitious, whole-souled or public spirited man, and whose seemingly untimely death, at two o'clock, Wednesday morning, August 7, 1907, at the age of thirty-nine years, is deplored in the business, political, social and ethical life of Livingston County.