Logan County, Illinois - Biographical sketches (3 of 3 so headed), 1886

George W. Atchison was born in Kentucky, June 4, 1834, his parents, Isara and Mary Atchison, being natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. In the fall of 1834 his parents moved to De Witt County, Illinois, they being among the early settlers of that county. They were the parents of seven children - George W., John T., David W., Charles W., Paulina E., Margaret D. and Mary. The last two are deceased. Our subject was reared to maturity in De Witt County, and there received a fair education. He was married March 12, 1856, to Mary A. Reece, daughter of Sampson and Sarah Reece. This union has been blessed with nine children, of whom six are living - Paulina E., Charles H., Nellie H., Frank R., Asa R. and Edgar J. Bertha L., Teedie and Winfield S. are deceased Mr. Atchison settled on section 3,0ran To\vnship,inl856,where he has since resided and is the owner of 207 acres of good land. He enlisted in the late war in the three-months service in June, 1861, and after the expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted in October, 1862, in Company E, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry, and a few days later was appointed Corporal, and served in that capacity till his discharge in February, 1865. He was principally on guard duty, while not in the hospital, where he spent much of his time, both as a patient and a nurse. Mr. Atchison is a practical farmer, and in his agricultural pursuits has been very successful. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to the lodge at Atlanta.

George W. Barr was born January 22, 1835, in what is now Atlanta Township, Logan County, his parents, James and Margaret Barr, being early settlers of Logan County. His father entered about a quarter-section of land in Atlanta Township, then moved two miles south in Oran Township, where he lived till his decease. His mother is still living. Of the nine children born to his parents six survive. George W. Barr has followed agricultural pursuits tlirough life, and in his youth received a limited education in the district schools. He was married August 14, 1856, to -Polly A. Luudj, daughter of John and Nancy Lundy, who were early settlers of Logan County, coming here from Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Barr have been born seven children, of whom four are living - William A., born May 23, 1857; Stephen D., February 24, 1860; Effle B., January 17, 1866, and Clara D., December 6, 1867. Margaret L., Mary A. and Jane A. are deceased. Mr. Barr settled in his present home on section 14, Oran Township, about 1856. He has met with much success in his farming pursuits, owing to his industrious habits and good management, and is now the owner of 520 acres of land. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is one of the leading citizens of Oran Township.

Lewis Barr, a pioneer of Oran Township, was born April 19, 1818, in Gibson County, Ind. He came with his parents, John and Nancy Barr, to what is now Logan County, Illinois, in the year 1836, they settling in the north part of Sangamon County, now Oran Township, Logan County, where they lived till their death. They reared six sons and three daughters to maturity, of whom the following are yet living - Thomas, Lewis and Rebecca, the latter said to be the first white woman who settled on the Kickapoo, then in McLean County, now De Witt County. Our subject received but a limited education, he from an early age being engaged in the duties of the farm. He was first married in 1840 to Rebecca Cox, of De Witt County, Illinois, who died twentytwo months after her marriage. Mr. Barr was again united in marriage September 18, 1844, to Martha Montgomery, who was born March 13, 1819, in Gibson County, Indiana. She was a daughter of Walter and Nancy Montgomery. Five of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Barr are living - Nancy J., John W., Matilda E., Rebecca E. and Andrew J. Andrew J. is a graduate of the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, in which city he is at present engaged in the practice of law. Mr. Barr has seen much of pioneer life and now in his declining years he is enjoying that rest which a life spent in usefulness has so well earned. He is the owner of 150 acres of land in Oran Township, this county, where he is surrounded by all the necessary comforts of life. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. Mr. Barr is of Irish descent. His father was born in Belfast, Ireland, and his mother in South Carolina, of Irish parents.

Oran Township, is a son of Samuel and Marj (Crumlj) Berrjhill, who were natives of Virginia and early settlers of Greene County, Ohio, where our subject was born March 22, 1827. Of a large family of children born to his parents nine are yet living - Alexander F., Minerva J., Andrew J., Aaron M., Samuel L.,Lemraon T., Elliacum B., Hannaii S. and Aurelius JP. Andrew J. was reared to manhood in his native State, receiving such education as the schools of those days afforded . He was first married April 15, 1847, to Sarah A. Hatfield, wlio died June 11, 1849, leaving one child - Mary J., born April 24, 1848, now the wife of J. W. Haas, of Oran Township. For his second wife Mr. Berryhill married Elizabeth J. Sullivan December 17, 1850. She was a daughter of Lewis and Sarah Sullivan, of Logan County, and was born near Xenia, Ohio, September 4,1826. Her mother is now deceased, and her father resides at Central Point, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. Mr. Berryhill left Ohio for Menard County, Illinois, where he remained till 1857, and during the fall of that year he came to Logan County, and the following year located in his present residence on section 29, Oran Township. He commenced life on limited means, but is now the owner of 290 acres of good land, his success being due to his good management and close attention to business. He was an original member of the M. E. church organized at Central Point in 1857, and was the first class leader in the county, east of Lincoln. He was a member of this church twenty-five years, and was steward twenty-three years. His wife united at the same time and both united with the Central Point Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1882, of which he has served as an elder for several years. In politics he aflfiliates with the Republican party. Mr. Berryhill is a distant relative of Thompson, who was a signer of the declaration of Independence, and he was named in honor of " Old Hickory," who was President at the time of his christening.

Renry Bock, farmer, Oran Township, was born January 11, 1841, in Prussia, Germany, a son of Adam and Catherine Bock, his mother dying when he was two years old. He received a good education in his native country, and in the war of 1866, when the Prussians were preparing to move against their Austrian neighbors to settle the question of State Supremacy in Germany, he was a soldier in one of the armies^ operating against the smaller German States with a view to frustrate an attempted coalition between them and Austria. Mr. Bock was also a soldier in the 5i

Imperial army during the French invasion in 18Y0. May 7, 1868, he was married to Elizabeth Conrad, who was born April 6, 1838, in Germany, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Conrad. In 1873 he and his wife immigrated to America, landing at New York. He came to Logan County, Illinois, and for three years lived on a rented farm near Elkhart City. He then removed to section 7, Oran Township, where he has since resided. He is engaged in farming, and has a good farm containing 160 acres of land. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Lutheran church.

James Cantrell, an early and honored settler of Illinois, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, April 10, 1810. He was married to Eliza McLaughlin, also a native of Clarke County, born March 22, 1811, the eldest daughter of James W. McLaughlin, who was born in Scotland, and when a boy came with his father, Duncan Mc- Laughlin, to America and located in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. Later he moved to Kentucky, and there married Jemima Strectch, and afterward became an early settler of Champaign County, Ohio, where he reared a family of eight children, of whom Mrs. Cantrell was the eldest daughter. In 1833 Mr. Cantrell with nineteen others with teams came to Illinois. His father, Zebulon G. Cantrell, had prior to this entered large tracts of timber and praii-ie land near Waynesville, and here, into a rude cabin, without floor, door or window, James moved his wife and young child. They were environed by timber, and in after years the good wife often talked of the hardships of that overland trip and the howling of the wolves which often approached her door - for a rude door was finally hung and a puncheon floor laid- in the cabin home, which Mr. Cantrell also lined with shakes rived out of the timber. They were among the earliest settlers of that part of Logan County which is now incorporated in De Witt County, and removed thence to Oran Township, where Mr. Cantrell died April 22, 1866. His wife died in Lincoln, June 14, 1881. Both are buried in the Lutes cemetery, near Atlanta, Illinois. Their family consisted of three daughters. The eldest, Sara J., born in Ohio, dii d in 1856. She was the wife of James Dufi", of Oran Township. The second daughter, Elmira, is the widow of A. J. Lutes, and now lives in Lincoln, and the youngest, Eliza J., is the wife of Harry Piatt, of Wright County, Iowa.

John H. Donson, farmer and tile manufacturer of Oran Township, Logan County, was born June 13, 1833, in Lincolnshire, England. His parents, John and Jane Donson, had a family of

Dine children, six ot whom are living - Mary, John H., Charles, Jane, Joseph and Hannah. John H. was reared and educated in the common schools of his native country, and in the fall of 1858 he immigrated to America. He went first to St. Louis, Missouri; thence, in 1859, to Butler County, Ohio; thence to Warren County, Ohio, in 1804, and then to Logan County, Illinois, in 1876, and settled in the north part of Oran Township. His original purchase was fourteen acres of land, to which he has added by subsequent purchases until he has a farm of fifty-two acres. He established his tile factory on a small scale, but his trade gradually increasing he has been obliged to build several additions. He is still meeting with good success in his manufactory, and the tile manufactured is of a high grade. July 23, 1860, Mr. Donson was married to Jane Minrey by whom he has six children - William, James B., May, Joseph, Rosa and John. Mr. Donson is an enterprising man of good business qualifications. In politics he afliliates with the Democratic party.

William H. Estes is a native of Nashville, Tennessee, born July 29, 1833. His father dying when he was two years of age he was taken by his grandfather, Edward McKeynolds, to Posey County, Indiana, where he remained till his eighteenth year. Hethen came with his sister Frances and her husband, James Marvel, who is now deceased, to Logan County, Illinois, making his home with them for several years. September 1, 1854, he was married to Adelphia Barr, daughter of James M. and Margaret Barr, early settlers of Logan County. They have had a family of twelve children, nine still living - Nancy M., wife of Eichard Duff; George W., married Sarah Hodge; James F., married Maggie De Shon; OUie, Charles E., Minnie B., Hattie M., Clara M., and Myrtie F. Mr. Estes settled on section 14, Oran Township, in 1860 and is the owner of 160 acres of good land under a high state of cultivation. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of which he has served as class leader for twenty years. He was elected Road Commissioner of this township in 1876 and has been twice re-elected to the present oflice. In his political views he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

John W. Evans, son of Charles and Rebecca Evans, is a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, where he was born June 23, 1845. When he was eiglit years old his parents came to America, land ing at New Orleans, thence up the Mississippi River to Pittefield,

Pike County, Illinois. His mother, having died on the way, was buried about thirty miles south of St. Louis. Of the eight children born to his parents four are living - Samuel, Elizabeth, John W. and James, the latter a resident of Dakota. While in Pike County the father was again married, taking for his second wife Catherine Russell. In 1865 he came to Logan County, and settled in ^tiia Township where he lived till his death, in October, 1881. John "W., whose name heads this sketch, was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. December 26, 1867, he was married to Sarah J. Johnston, daughter of Andrew and Lettitia Johnston, who were early settlers of Logan County. To this union were born six children - Lillie L., Rebecca J., Edward F., Charles, ISTellie and May. May is deceased. Mrs. Evans died January 7, 1884, and October 7, 1885, Mr. Evans was married to Nora Marvel, a daughter of Joseph "W. and Emma Marvel, of Oran Township. Mr. Evans settled in the east part of Oran Township in the spring of 1880 where he has a fine farm of 200 acres. He is a member of Mount Tabor Methodist Episcopal Church. In his political views he is a Republican. He is a member of Wayne Lodge, No. 172, A. F. & A. M.

Johti N. Fisher, a prominent citizen of Oran Township, Logan County, was born October 31, 1835, in Cape May County, New Jersey. His parents were John M. and Mary Fisher, natives of New Jersey. He was reared to manhood in his native State, receiving a fair English education. When twenty years old he came to Sangamon County, Illinois, remaining there a short time. He settled in his present residence on section 31, Oran Township, about the beginning of the late civil war. He has principally devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, at one time being as popular a breeder of fine horses as Logan County furnished. Mr. Fisher is well informed on general topics, possessing a mind capable of emanating broad, liberal and comprehensive ideas. He is possessed of superior mechanical ability devoting much study to mechanical sciences. He is a careful financier and is meeting with success. In politics he is a Republican. He is the owner of 160 acres of land in Logan County, beside other real estate in the East.

James H. Oarribrel-, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Oran Township, is a native of Gibson County, Indiana, born March 17, 1840. When he was about seven years old his parents, William and Elizabeth Gambrel, came to Illinois, and for a short time resided in Jefierson County when they removed to De Witt County. In 1850 liis father moved with his family to Lo^an County, settling on section 16, Orau Township, where he entered 120 acres of land, living here till his death. He had a large family of cliildren of whom seven are still living - Lucinda, Evaline, Ellen, James H., Miranda, Thompson and "William. Our subject has been a resident oF Logan County since coming here with his father's family with the exception of three years spent in defense of his country during the late war. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry, as a private, and took part in the engagements at Little Rock and Vicksburg and numerous others of minor importance. He received an honorable discharge in August, 1865, having served in Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. October 11, 1865, he was married to Eliza J. Barr, born July 18, 1842, daughter of James and Margaret Barr, her father now deceased. One daughter, Laura, has been born to this union. Mr. Gambrel is one of the enterprising public-spirited citizens of this township, and is the owner of a farm of 200 acres. He has served over nine years as road commissioner of Oran Township which position he is holding at the present time. In political views he is a Democrat.

Thompson Gamhrd was born in Gibson County, Indiana, December 14, 1842, and is a son of William and Elizabeth Gambrel, of whom his father is now deceased. He came to Illinois with his parents in 1844, and was reared to manhood in Logan County. From his youth he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is classed among the enterprising and practical farmers of Oran Township. October 25, 1860, he was united in marriage to Olive F. Barr, daughter of James and Margaret Barr, the former now deceased. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gambrel only two are living - Emma J., now Mrs. John H. Michaels, and Charles E. Mr. Gambrel is at present serving as trustee of Oran Township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he votes the Democratic ticket.

George Oelsthorp, a prominent citizen of Beason, Logan County, is a native of Lincolnshire, England, where he was born April 20, 1825. His parents, Thomas and Susan Gelsthorp, had a family of eight children of whom only three survive - George, William and Elizabeth. George- Gelsthorp was reared to manhood in his native country, and there received a common-school education. May 15, 1849, he was married to Sarah A., daughter of William and Mary Wilson, of Linolnshire, England. They have two children - William, born April 27, 1860, and JohnT., born April 6, 1854. During the autnran of 1857 Mr. Gelsthorp moved with his family to America, landing at New York. He came direct to Illinois, and located in Pike County, remaining there till the fall of 1864. He then came to Logan County, settling in Oran Township, one mile north of J3eason. He moved to Ceason in the fall of 1875, since which he has been living rather retired. He has been very successful in his farming pursuits, and has now 320 acres of good land. In politics he votes the Democratic ticket. He has served several years as road commissioner of Oran Township, and at present is serving as township school trustee.

John F. Oordon, farmer and stock-raiser of Oran Township, was born April 18, 1841, in Champaign County, Ohio, a son of James and Jane Gordon. He came with his parents from Ohio to Logan County, Illinois, in 1843, the journey being made in nine days by wagon, this being considered good time in those early days. His parents settled on section 4, Oran Township, where they were among the earliest settlers. They had a family of ten children, seven still living - Wallace, Mary A., Martha J., John F., James W., Olive E. and William T. Fannie M., Elizabeth and Emma are deceased. James Gordon was a successful and practical farmer, and was a highly respected citizen. He was an active worker in the Cumberland Presbyterian churchi apd his house was always open to the itinerant minister. His death occurred February 9, 1885, after a useful and honorable career. John F. Gordon, whose name heads this sketch, was reared to manhood in Logan County, and received such education as the schools of that early day afforded. August 12, 1861, he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company B, Second Illinois Cavalry, and with General Grant's command, participated in the battles at Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing, and other engagements of minor importance, bravely attesting his loyalty to the Union cause. He was honorably discharged from the service August 24, 1862. He was married August 25, 1864, to Margaret B. Coffman, daughter of John W. and Christena Coffman, who came to Logan Connty in 1843, and settled in Eminence Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have been born nine children - Frank N., James W., Lena G., Lulu M., John B. and four who are deceased. Mr. Gordon has a line farm containing 131 acres. In politics he is a Kepublican. He has served as highway com- raissioner of Oran Township. He is a member of Central Lodge, No. Ill, A. O. U. W., of Atlanta, and also belongs to Atlanta Post, No. 326, G. A. K.

Wallace Gordon^ an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Oran Township, Logan Countj, was born September 12, 1834, in Champaign County, Ohio, a son of James and Jane Gordon. When he was a child his parents moved to Logan County, Illinois, and here he was reared to manhood on a farm, receiving a limited education in the district schools. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry, under Captain James Christie. He was engaged principally in guarding railroads, and was on provost duty for a time in Tennessee, being stationed at Jackson. He was honorably discharged in April, 1863. In the fall of 1865 he went to Missouri, where he was engaged somewhat extensively in farming and stock-raising till the spring of 1871 in Saline County. He was married February 5, 1868, to Sarah C. (Kenick) Boone, of Saline County, a daughter of William S. and Eliza (Albertson) Renick. Mr. Gordon has 192 acres of valuable land in Oran Township where he is meeting with success in his agricultural pursuits. He is a member of Logan Lodge, No. 176, I. O. O. F., at Atlanta. In politics he is a Eepublican.

Mias Sammerton, deceased, was born in April, 1825, in England, where he was reared to manhood. He received but a limited education in his native country, and in May, 1849, he was united in marriage to Mary Cooling. She was born March 17, 1829, and was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Cooling, of Lincolnshire, England. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hammerton, of whom four are living - Stephen, born October 27, 1851; John H., April 7, 1857; Lizzie, February 20, 1861, and Mary A., August 24, 1868. Mary J., Sarah J. and Fannie are deceased. Mr. Hammerton came to America with his family in 1854, landing at New Tork. He first located in Pike County, Illinois, remaining there till 1867, when he came to Logan County. He settled in Oran Township, on section 27, where he resided till his death, which occurred in April, 1881. He was a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of which he was a deacon for many years. He was a highly respected citizen of this township and enjoyed the good will of all who knew him. His widow still resides at the homestead in this township, and, like her husband, is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

Adoiphus T. Hays, one of the successful agriculturists of Oran Township, was born in Paris, Edgar County, Illinois, November 29, 1842, a son of Thomas and Caroline M. Hays, his father being of Scotch and Irish ancestry. When our subject was two years old his parents moved to De Witt County, Illinois. In 1849, during the time of the gold excitement in California, his father left De Witt County for that State and has never since been heard from. The mother lived till September, 1871. She was left in limited circumstances with three children to care for, one of whom has since died. Adoiphus was taken by an uncle, but when he was ten years old he was bound to a man named Lafayette Stephens, in Lexington, Illinois, to learn the harness-maker's and saddler's trades. Not liking the business he ran away and found employment on a farm at $7 a month, and from that time till May, 1861, he followed agricultural pursuits. At that time he enlisted in the three-months service, Company E, Seventh Illinois Infantry, and was on guard duty at Carlo and Mound City, Illinois, till mustered out July 29, 1861. March 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Second Illinois Cavalry, and after serving two years re-enlisted as a veteran and was finally dii^charged as Duty Sergeant at San Antonio, Texas, November 22, 1865. At the battle of Corinth he was detailed as Orderly to Brigadier-General Sweeney, and remained with him till the company was sent to Columbus, Kentucky, to recruit and was there detailed to duty with Brigadier- General Davies, and afterward with General Asboth. While with the latter he was sent as special Orderly with Major-General Canby for ten days. He was on the Smith and Grierson raid through Mississippi and was with General Davidson on the raid from Memphis, Tennessee, to Pensacola, Florida. He was with the company that captured General Pillow at Union Springs, Alabama, and thence to Vicksburg. From there the battalion was sent with General Mizener to San Antonio, Texas, and was there detailed Sergeant in charge of headquarters and the Orderlies sent with him until General Gibbs was placed in command. He took the steamer Texas at Galveston for home, and was caught in a Gulf storm and was unable to move for five days and four nights, the passengers keeping their life preservers on forty-eight hours. Arriving home he engaged in farming and now has a fine farm of 150 acres which he has accumulated by years of economy and hard woik. Mr. Hays was married January 3, 1867, to Nancy J. Barr, her father being an old settler of Orari Township. He has repre- sented his township on the County Board five years, has been school director twelve years and tax collector several terms. He is a member of Atlanta Post, No. 329, G. A. R. In politics is a Democrat.

John Hbose, farmer, section 16, Oran Township, was born June 23, 1848, in Germany. When a child he was brought by his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Hoose, to America, landing at Baltimore. They settled in Carroll County, Maryland, living there several years when the mother died. Our subject then came with his father to Pekin, Illinois, and about the year 1859 located in Atlanta. His father was a wagon-maker by occupation, and followed his trade for many years. He was a soldier in the Union army during the late war, enlisting from Logan County, Illinois. His daughter, Elizabeth, is a resident of Clark County, Virginia. John Hoose commenced lite for himself at a very early age, and from his thirteenth year has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. February 8, 1880, he was married to Nancy A. Michaels, a daughter of Gustavus A. Michaels, of Oran Township. They have two children - Willie C, born March 14, 1881, and Eva B., born September 12, 1883. Mr. Hoose has been successful in his farming operations, and has now a good farm of 200 acres. In politics he aflSliates with the Democratic party.

John B. Houchin is a native of Logan County, Illinois, born February 25, 184Y, a son of William J.aud Elizabeth G. Houchin, natives of Indiana and Kentucky respectively, the father now deceased. They came to Oran Township among the first settlers, and were the parents of four children - John B., Louvica, Salsbury and Francis M. John B. was reared and educated in the district schools of Logan County. At the age of eight years he was thrown on his own resources by the death of his father. He has 'followed farming through life and has made his avocation a success owing to his good management and close attention to business. He now resides on section 10, Oran Township, where he has 240 acres of land. December 20, 1867, he was married to Margaret A. Jones, daughter offFreeman Jones, of Oran Township. To them have been born six children - James, William F., Bertie M., Dora M., Maud (deceased), and Eosetta. Politically Mr. Houchin is a Democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Atlanta.

20, 1819, and died in this township Jnly 14, 1862. He was a son of Stephen and Jemima Jones, with whom he came to Logan County when a 3'oung man. He received but a limited education, he being obliged at an early age to assist his father on the farm. He followed agricultural pursuits through life and was a practical and industrious farmer, and as a citizen he was highly respected by all who knew him. His marriage occurred March 19, 1823, in Clarke County, Ohio, his wife's maiden name being Alice Foley. She was a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth Foley, her father being a native of Virginia, and her mother of Pennsylvania, they coming to Logan County when Mrs. Jones was but twelve years of age. Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, eight are living - Sarah E., Mahala C, "Wallace A., Sylvester S., Jeremiah D., Maria A., Jemima J. and Annie E. In politics Mr. Jones was a Democrat, and in religious faith was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His widow resides on section 2, Oran Township, and is the owner of a fine farm containing 160 acres of choice land.

William Jones is a native of Logan County, Illinois, born May 29, 1834. His parents, William and Phcebe (Brown) Jones, came from Kentucky to Illinois in 1828, locating near Springfield, where they lived until 1830 when they settled in Logan County. They had a family of ten children, of whom five survive - Samuel, a resident of Missouri; Freeman and Annie L., of Illinois; Larkin, of Kansas, and William. The names of the deceased are - Sarah, Margaret, Polly, Pheba and Prescious. William Jones, our subject, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and has made farming his principal occupation through life. He has met with success in his farming operations and now has a good farm of 110 acres under a high state of cultivation, his residence being on section 4, Oran Township. He was married April 28, 1870, to Mary C. Strange, daughter of John K. and Mary Strange, of Dallas County, Iowa, the father a native of Kentucky, and the mother of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have two children - Etta Maud, born March 5, 1871, and Nellie May, born May 13, 1872. Politically Mr. Jones is a Democrat. We know nothing more of the Jones ancestors than that the grandfather of the subject of this sketch was stolen in Ireland and brought to this country and sold to pay his passage. Here he lived to be 106 years old. Both grandfathers fought in the Revolutionary war.

was born in Jackson County, Ohio, February 5, 1823. He was reared to manhood on a farm, receiving but a limited education. November 8, 1849, he was married in the State of Illinois to Mary Ross, of Ohio. The following children have been born to this union - Alonzo, who died in infancy; Lewis R., Rachel, Almira (deceased), L:uiraB., Ella, William, Clara, Harvy and Walter. Our subject removed with his family to Mason County, Illinois, about the year 1858, and in 1868 settled in Logan County. He is a successful farmer and has a fine furm of 160 acres, located on section 8, Oran Township, where he makes his home. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. His parents had a large family of children, of whom eight are yet living - William, David, Harvy J., Priscilla, Isabella, Daniel, Ellen and Thomas.

Andrew Keys, deceased, was born in Ireland in February, 1832, a son of Andrew and Margaret (Armstrong) Keys. He came to America with his parents when a boy, landing at New Orleans, and located in Pike County, Illinois, where he was reared to maturity. He was married March 20, 1851, to Susan Evans. She was also a native of Ireland, born March 29, 1831, and when fifteen years old her parents, Samuel and Margaret (Mitchell) Evans, came to America, and settled in Pike County, Illinois, where Mrs. Keys was reared. To Mr. and Mrs. Keys have been born six children - Susan J., born February 14, 1854, died November 1, 1866; John J., born January 5, 1852; Maggie A., born October 18, 1855; Mary E., born December 13, 1857; Sarah E., born December 23, 1869; RebeccaL.,born June 9, 1862, died June 18, 1881. Mr. Keys died December 30, 1863, leaving a host of warm friends to mourn his early death. In politics he was a Republican. His widow with her family came to Logan County in the spring of 1873, residing in ^tna Township till the spring of 1883 when she moved to Beason. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, her husband having also been a consistent member of the same church.

Francis Keys, farmer, Oran Township, was born in Brown County, Illinois, July 10, 1842, a son of James and Mary Keys, both natives of Ireland, early settlers of Pike County, removing there when our subject was a year old. They had a family of four children - Francis, Andrew, Margaret and Eliza J. Francis Keys was ten years old when his father died, and he being the eldest child, the care of the family fell on him. He came with his mother and her family to Logan County in 1864, and settled on a farm on section 35, Oran Township, which is now owned by his brother, Andrew Keys. In his youth he attended the dietrict schools of Pike County, where he received a rudimentary education. He has been a resident of Oran Township since coming to Logan County in 1864, settling in his present home on section 35, in the fall of 1875. He has always followed agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of 234 acres of land. March 5, 1868, he was married to Ann Armstrong, who was born June 30, 1845, a daughter of James and Sarah Armstrong, her mother at present residing in ^tna Township, this county. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Keys, one dying in infancy. Those living are - Mary E., born December 3, 1875; James L., October 7, 1878; Sarah A., March 16, 1880; RubettaM., January 3, 1882; and Andrew H., October 13, 1883. Mr. Keys and his wife are both members of the Methodist Fpiecopal church at Beason, of which he is at present serving as assistant class leader. He has also served his church as steward for several years and gives liberally of his means to both church and State. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.

Philip Kief, farmer and stock-raiser, section 25, Oran Township, was born January 20, 1858, in Minnesota. His parents, Jacob and Sibela Kief, were natives of Germany, the father coming to America in 1845, and the mother in 1851. They were the parents of ten children - Barbara, Philip, Amelia, Sibela, Mary, Margaret, Lena, Catherine and Elizabeth, and one who is deceased. The fatiier was a soldier in the United States army during the Mexican war. Philip Kief was reared to maturity in Minnesota, receiving a rudimentary education in the district schools. He left the parental roof when twenty -four years old and began life for himself, and has followed farming. The homestead contains 160 acres of well cultivated land. He was married January 31, 1882, in Logan County, to Wilhelmina R. Gehlbach, daughter of Jacob Gehlbach, of Logan County. They have two children - Annie M., i born November 8, 1882, and Clara A., born June 4, 1884. In politics Mr. Kief is a Democrat. He and his wife are consistent members of St. John's Evangelical Church at Lincoln.

Adam Michaels was born in Prussia, Germany, April 6, 1828, a son of Adam and Johanna Michaels. His parents had a family of nine children, of whom four are yet living - Gustavus A., Maria, Adam and Sidonia. About the year 1837 his father with his family left his native country, taking passage in a sailing vessel for

America, and after a nine- weeks voyage landed in New York. The family went at once to (Jolumbus, Ohio, where the father followed cabinet -making for a short time, he having learned that trade in his yonth. They then removed to Lafayette, Madison County, where the father was engaged in the furniture business for several years. They came to Logan County about 1847, where the mother died, in 1857. The father is now living with Hamilton Barr in De Witt Cjunty at an advanced age, hiving passed his ninetieth year. Adam Michaels, the subject of this sketcli, came to Logan County with his parents, and has since made his home here. He is a farmer by occupation, which vocation he lias followed with success, having at present 120 acres of highly cultivated land. He was married in August, 1856, to Miss M. F. Bell, daughter of John Bell, of Harrison County, Kentucky. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. He served as clerk of the board appointed to organize Oran Township.

Oustavus A. Michaels, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Oran Township, was born June 6, 1822, in Prussia, Germany, and is a son of Adam and Johanna Michaels, the latter now deceased. He was married December 9, 1852, to Elizabeth Barr, daughter of John and Comfort Barr, who settled in Atlanta Township before its organization as a township. To Mr. and Mrs. Michaels have been born seven children - Maria A., born June 6, 1854; John H., September 25, 1856; Nancy A., August 30, 1858; Sarah C, November 4, 1860; Melissa J., December 15, 1862; Mary L., August 21, 1864, and Minnie B., December 30, 1866. Mr. Michaels has followed agricultural pursuits through life, with the exception of a short time when he was engaged at the carpenter'b trade. He is a self-made man, having commenced life for himself on very limited means, and by his own untiring industry and energy becoming one of the best farmers in this township. He is the owner of 360 acres of land, located on section 12, where he has made his home since 1848. He is one of the public-spirited citizens of Oran Township, and for over twenty years has held the office of school director. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church South.

Bryan McNally, farmer, section 7, Oi%n Township, a son of John and Ann McNally, was born in Ireland in 1826. He immigrated to the United States in 1850, and landed in New York. He was first employed on the Hudson Kiver Kailroad about a year and a half, and in 1852 he came to Illinois. After coming to this State he was employed for a time by John Matthews, a contractor on the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He was subsequently engaged for several years as switchman for the Chicago & Alton Railroad at Atlanta, Logan County. He was married January 5, 1854, to Mary A. Sinderson, a native of England, daughter of Charles and Louisa Sinderson, who came to Logan County in the year 1852. Of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. McNally eight are living - Mary A., Joim T., Br van "W., Eliza A., Katie, James C, Margaret and Patrick H. Mr. McNally has a good farm of eighty acres. He has been a resident of his present place since the spring of 1864. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. William O. Mowry, of Beason, Logan County, was born September 12, 1832, in Knox County, Tennessee, a son of Jackson and Leah (Cofmann) Mowry. His paternal grandfather was of German parentage, and served as a soldier in the Napoleon wars. His maternal grandfather, Millard Cofmann, was an early settler of Virginia. At an early day with several others he went to Knox County, Tennessee, and established a colony where they often underwent terrible persecutions Irom the Indians. Our subject's parents were born and reared in Tennessee. They had a family of four children born to them, three still living - Sarah, Elizabeth J. and William G. When he was eight years old his father died. He was the proprietor of a large warehouse at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and while assisting two laborers in rolling a hogshead of sugar on the wharf, they being in imminent danger of being crushed to death by the recoil, he was himself thrown beneath, which caused his death. William G., the subject of this sketch, received a common-school education in his native State, and when a young man came to Illinois. He worked on a farm in Marion County about live months, then came to Atlanta, Logan County, where for a short time he was employed in a livery stable. He subsequently engaged in farming, working part of the time on rented land, and part of the time was employed by other farmers. He returned to Tennessee in the fall of 1858, and in the following spring engaged in the mercantile business with John Sawyers, at Maynardville, Union County, the firm name being Mowry & Sawyers. He continued in business till he became unceasingly harassed by the Southerners, owing to his strong sympathy for the North. The war excitement in Tennessee at that time being intense he thought it better to retire from business and shortly after enlisted in the Union cause in Company C, Second Tennessee Eegiment of Union troops, and participated in the followini? battles: Fishing Creek, Brash Mountain, Booneville, Cumberland Gap, Fine Knob, second battle of Cumberland Gap, Powell's Valley, Mission Eidge, the taking of Knoxville, Jonesboro and numerous others of minor importance. While in the service he was wounded at Somerset, Kentucky. He was finally captured in Union County, Tennessee, while attending to an important mission, he being betrayed and captured by Confederate troops. He was confined in Libby Prison two months, and at Belle Isle four months and was finally paroled. He, however, had been discharged previous to his capture, early in the year 1864. He returned to Logan County in the winter of 1S65 and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married in September, 1866, to Elizabeth Evans, and to them have been born nine children, of whom six survive - James H., John W., George C, Rebecca J., Lulu M. and Robert E. Those deceased are - Charles J., Samuel F. and Andrew T. Mr. Mowry settled at Beason in the spring of 1872, where he has a fine farm of 110 acres, all well cultivated. He an his wife are earnest members of tlie Methodist Episcopal church, he having been a member of the Board of Trustees for several years. In politics lie afliliates with the Republican party.

John O^Mare, a representative farmer and stock-raiser, of Oran Township, Logan County, was born June 3, 1844, in Madison County, Illinois, his parents, Patrick and Mary A. O'Hare, being natives of Ireland. His father was educated in Scotland as a physician and surgeon, and in 1842 he immigrated to America with his family, coming direct to Alton, Illinois, where for five years he was engaged in the practice of his profession. He then went to Monroe County, Missouri, where in connection with his professional duties he carried on a farm, living there till his death. Of his family of six children lour are living - Mary A., Matilda J., Joseph and John. John, the subject of this sketch, came to Logan County, Illinois, early in the year 1864, with a view to making a new home for his mother and her family. He was employed for several months as a brakenian on the Illinois Central Railway, then settled on a rented farm in Oran Township. By thrift and good management, in a few years he was enabled to purchase a farm, and ii now the owner of 360 acres of land. He was married December 23, 1869, to Amelia Bell, daughter of Joseph Bell, of Logan County. They have had four children - Lucy

B., born December 8, 1872; Nellie, July 6,*1881; Sylvester J., February 24, 1883, and Victoria, deceased. He has served as school trustee of Oran Township six years, and is at present servin<f his third year as supervisor, having been first elected to that office in the spring of 1882. He is a member of Lincoln Lodge, No. 210, F. & A. M. In his political views he is a Democrat.

Eiram A. Pruitt, of Beason, Illinois, was born February 10, 1834, in Vanderberg County, Indiana. His parents, John and Mahala Pruitt, were Kentuckians |by birth, and came to Vanderberg County among the early settlers. Of a large family of children born to them nine are living - Nancy K., Warner W., Francis M., Susan E., Hiram A., Lydia J., Phoebe C, George W. and Thomas J. Hiram A. was reared to manhood on a farm in Indiana, and there received a common-school education. He came to Logan County on horseback in 1856, where he has since made his home. April 25, 1861, he was married to Luciuda Gambrel, her parents, "William and Elizabeth Gambrel, being early settlers of Logan County. They have had born to them two children - John A., iborn January 27, 1862, and Irena M., who is now deceased, Mr. Pruitt has followed agricultural pursuits through life with the exception of ten years, when he was engaged in the mercantile trade in Beason, Logan County, Illinois. He was elected the first collector of Oran Township after its organization. He has also served as township clerk one year and as assessor for three years. He also served as treasurer, being appointed by the Board of Trustees, and for several years was justice of the peace. He is a commissioned notary public, and in politics he is a Republican. He has served as an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian church for several years, of which church he is an active member.

William J. Reeoe, deceased, was born July 2, 1831, in Champaign County, Ohio, a son of Sampson and Sarah Reece, with whom when a boy he came to Logan County, Illinois. He was reared in this county, and here received but a limited education. December 22, 1853, he was married to Hannah Hull. She is a native of Madison County, Oliio, born January 28, 1836, a daughter of Johnson G. and Catherine Hull, her father being a native of Ohio and her mother of Maryland. Mrs. Reece was in her thirteenth year when she came with her parents to Illinois. Mr. Reece died October 17, 1881, leaving his widow with four children - Alonzo M., who was born October 10, 1854; Oswald T., born December 21, 1856; Etta M., born May 7, 1862, and William J., born Del^ cember 20, 1869. He was a kind husband and father, and was a highly esteemed citizen of this township. He was a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, serving as an elder in that denomination for many years. He has served his township as highway commissioner and also as assessor. His widow still resides on the homestead on section 9, Oran Township, and is the owner of eighty acres of land. She is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

Alfred L. Sullivan was born August 13, 1829, in Logan County, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. He is a son of Lewis and Lucy Sullivan, his mother deceased and his father living in Oran Township. Of his father's family nine are living - Henry W. , William J., Elizabeth J., Alfred L., Thomas L., Angeline, Margaret I., Lewis W. and Benjamin F. Our subject was educated in the early subscription schools of his native State. He was married in Ohio, February 19, 1854, to Rebecca D. Taylor, of Greene County, born July 2, 1836. ^ine children have been born to this union - Alonzo T.,born January 22, 1855; Eva J., October 6, 1857; Theodore L., September 2, 1859; Clarence W., born September 11, 1861, died September 19, 1862; Eobert Y., born June 9, 1866, died November 24, 1867; William W.,born May 10, 1869; Beulah M., Mayl, 1871; Olive L., May 21, 1876, and Alvin D., March 6, 1880. Mr. Sullivan settled on section 36, Oran Township, having for two years previous lived in. Menard County, Illinois. He has followed farming from his youth, and at present is the owner of 157 acres of good land under a high state of cultivation. He is an active member of the Christian church, and is a liberal and public-spirited citizen. In his political views he is a Republican.