Macoupin County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1879 (part 2 of 15)

In the spring of 1836 Mr. Holliday removed to Chesterfield, in Macoupin county, and entered land in the township, and at the time of his death was possessed of considerable property. It was, while he was a resident of Chesterfield, that his death occurred, as above stated. He was a man of great energy and promptness, and allowed nothing to hinder him in anything that he undertook to do, and has completed all that he set out to do. The two surviving children of the last marriage of Mr. Holliday, are George H. Holliday and Nancy H., wife of Dr. W. H. Robertson, of Carlinville. George H., the son, was finely educated, and was, while a resident of this county, one of the most prominent and influential citizen. His scholarly attainments, and researches in the domain of science and literature, together with his great store of knowledge accumulated from wide and extensive reading, made him a marked man in the community. During his stay in Cincinnati while his father had charge of the Methodist Book Agency, he had superior advantages for receiving an education. He soon became a good Latin, Greek and English scholar, and also acquired a fair knowledge of the Hebrew language. After his father came back to Illinois he entered McKendree College, at Lebanon, Illinois, and graduated from that institution.' He was for a number of years prominently identified in the politics of the county, and held important offices of trusts within the gift of the people.

In August, 1858, he was appointed by the county court to fill out the unexpired term of Enoch Wall, who died, and who had been county clerk. He held the position until 1866, when he was nominated by the Democratic party for the same position, and was elected in the following November. In 1864 he received the nomination again, and was re-elected and held the office until the expiration of the term in 1868.

He was in 1856 elected to represent this district in the General Assembly of the state. As surveyor of the county for many years, he was perhaps the best posted man in the county, and enjoyed a larger acquaintance and was more favorably known than any other. He married Cinderella Chism, who was born in Macoupin county. There were six children born to them, all of whom are living.

Zacharias Harris

THE present treasurer of Macoupin county, was born in Bond county, Illinois, July 7th, 1830. His father, Pendleton Harris, was a native of Tennessee. The Harris's came from North Carolina, and were of English ancestry on the paternal side, and on the maternal, Irish. Mr. Harris emigrated to Illinois about the year 1828. He soon after married Jane MalJard, who was a native of Kentucky. In 1840 he left Bond county and removed to Bunker Hill, in Macoupin county, where he remained until 1851, when he removed to Cahokia township, where he has since resided.

of Indiana. He continued farming until 1877, when he received the nomination for the office of county treasurer, and was elected in November of the same year, and at present discharges the duties of the office in a manner that is acceptable to his numerous friends who honored him with their suffrages. In his township he was frequently honored with offices of trust, and in all has proven himself an honest and upright man and a careful and prudent officer. In

Tue present efficient sheriff of Macoupin county, was born in Jersey county, Iinois, May 25th, 1840. The Sunderland family is of English ancestry, and emigrated from England to America at a period anterior to the revolution. Samuel, the father of the present sketch, was a native of Trenton, New Jersey. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. He was a wheel and mill-wright by trade. He, however, during the last fifteen years resided in his native state, was toll-keeper on the bridge across the Delaware river, connecting New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 1821 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hutchison, who was a native of Geneseo county, New York. In 1839 Mr. Sunderland came west and settled in Jersey county, Illinois, which was then a part of Greene county. He engaged in farming, which occupation he continued until his death, which event occurred May 23d, 1875. Nine children were born to Samuel and Elizabeth Sunderland, five of whom have survived the parents. The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days at work upon the farm, and attended the common schools of his native place in the winter season. On the 9th of August, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. White, daughter of Robert H. and Christine White. Mr. White was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and his wife a native of the northern part of the same country. They emigrated to America in 1833, and settled in New York, and afterwards removed to New Jersey, and subsequently came to Illinois and settled in Jersey county, where the family resided. Six children have been born to John F. and

In 1861 he removed to and settled in Honey Point township, in Macoupin county, and engaged in farming, at which he continued industriously engaged until 1878, when he was elected sheriff of the county, and removed with his family to Carlinville, and entered upon the duties of his office.

Such, in short, is a brief outline of the history of Mr. Sunderland. In politics he is a democrat, and his first vote in that organization was registered for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860. He has been, from the casting of his first yote up to the present time, a true and consistent member of that political party. He has been more or less prominent and active in the local politics and affairs of his township, and has represented it in the supervisors' court for a number of years. He was nominated for sheriff during the time that he was supervisor. He received the unanimous support of his party in convention assembled, and at the ensuing election in November following, was elected by a handsome majority, and now fills the office with credit to himself and honor to all those who supported him. In his manners he is a genial gentleman. In the management of his office, and in the capacity of a public servant, he is methodical and exact,and in the discharge of his duties, is prompt and determined. In short he is an able officer, and under his management the county's interests will be in no danger, and the laws will be faithfully executed so far as he is responsible.

Joseph C. Howell

Is a native of New Jersey, born in Trenton, January 15th, 1815. father, Henry B., was also a native of the same state. The family is of English and Welsh extraction. Henry B. Howell was engaged for the greater part of his life in merchandizing, and died in his native state at the advanced age of seventy-two years. He married Hannah Corlees, who was also a native of New Jersey. The family consisted of seven children, six of whom have survived the parents. The mother died aged eighty-one years. All of the children still remain in their native state except the youngest daughter, wife of Joseph A. Sawyer, of Worcester, Mass., and the subject of our sketch. Joseph, attended the schools of his native state and received a fair education. His time was divided between attending the school and assisting his father in the store. When he arrived at his sixteenth year, he left the parental roof and went to Philadelphia and entered a wholesale dry-goods store as shipping and general clerk. He remained so engaged until the fall of 1836, when, having heard glowing accounts of the great west and the opportunities that it offered a young man to make a fortune, provided he was stout of heart and had self-reliant qualities, he concluded to follow the stream that was then setting westward. His action was somewhat hastened by a situation being offered him to take charge of a stock of goods, as soon as he would arrive at Alton, Illinois. He accepted the offer and made immediate preparation to take up his abode and cast his fortunes among and with the people of the great west. He accordingly paid his family and friends a hasty visit, informed them of his intentions, packed his clothing in a valise, and on the 6th of September, 1836, bid adieu to home and the associations of his youth and started upon what has since proven the business journey of his life. He landed in Alton on the 27th of the same month and immediately commenced clerking for Messrs. Taylor, Davis & McAfee, with whom he remained until the following spring, when he came to Carlinyille and took charge of a stock of goods for Isaac Greathouse. At the end of seven or eight months Mr. Greathouse failed, and Howell was out of a job, with no prospects of getting one for some time in the future. This was in the panicky times of 1837, when financial distress was greater and more wide-spread than before or since. There was no money to be had, and all kinds of credit had been exhausted. The outlook was extremely dark. About this time Mr. Howell was invited to make his home with Nicholas Boice, where he could remain free of cost until such time as he (Boice) could open up a stock of goods, when he would give Howell employment. He accepted the kindly offer in the same spirit in which it was made, and remained an inmate of his house and home until 1856. The friendship thus formed lasted through the life of one, and the other still remembers with gratitude the kindly act, and disinterested, noble friendship of his first tried and true friend, Nick Boice. Mr Howell took his place behind the counter in the employ of Mr. Boice, with whom he remained until 1856. On the 4th of June, 1841, he was appointed post-master, and held the office being post-master of the entire county. The county was sparsely settled, and the revenues arising therefrom amounted yearly to the sum of one hundred and sixty dollars. But the duties of the post-master were nevertheless onerous and just as full of perplexities as at the present day. Letters would arrive for persons living long distances from the office to whom word would be sent, informing them of the arrival of a letter and the necessity of their calling and getting it, as there was from ten to twenty cents postage due on it. In those days the receiver of the letter usually paid the postage. Mr. Howell is kindly remembered by the old settlers for his activity and promptness in getting letters to their destination. In 1847 he was elected justice of the peace, and afterwards constable, and held both offices, at different times, up until 1865. In 1850 he was appointed assistant United States marshal for taking the census of Macoupin county. On the 28th of June, 1852, the rail was laid to Carlinyille, on the Chicago & Alton railroad, and the ears came through from Alton for the first time. The completion of the railroad gaye a new impetus to business, and gaye property of all kinds a fixed value. About this time Mr. Howell added real estate to his other business. He also dealt in agricultural implements, and was the first resident agent for the sale of plows and McCormick reapers. He, about this time made some judicious and good investments in real estate for himself, and also became agent for non-residents and others who had tracts of land in the county. Since that time his principal occupation and business has been in the real estate line. At present he is closing up his business with a view of retiring from active life.

In 1867 he was honored by Governor Oglesby, who appointed him a member of the first State Board of Equalization. In 1865 he was appointed notary public, an office he has held up to the present time. In politics Mr. Howell is a sound republican, thoroughly indoctrinated in the principles of his party. He was originally an old line whig and cast his first vote for Harrison, for president, in 1840. After the abandonment of the whig organization, he became a republican, and is still an active member of the party. He is not a member of any church organization, but from early associations and teachings is inclined to the Methodist church. ;

This in brief is a sketch of Mr. Howell. He may be regarded as one of the early settlers of Macoupin county, and particularly of Carlinville. His handiwork can yet be seen in the county map that he made in 1801, it being the first map of the county. Few men in the county are more widely or better known than he is, and wherever known all respect him for sterling qualities of both head and heart.

He whose name appears at the head of this article was born in Essex county, Massachusetts, January 27, 1827. The Gilbert family are of English ancestry, and are an old one in their native state, as the history of Gloucester makes mention of John Gilbert, who was a settler of that place as early as1710. Jonathan Gilbert, the father of S.S., was in early life a seafaring man.

In 1835, he abandoned the sea, and removed with his family to Illinois, and settled in Madison county, where he engaged in farming. He remained there but two years, when he removed to the town of Griggsville, in Pike county, Illinois, there remained until 1847, when he returned to Massachusetts, and lived there until 1853, then came to Carlinville, where he lived until his death, which occurred in February, 1869. He married Mary Sayward, a native of the same state. She died in April, 1869. Six children were born to them, three of whom are yet living. The subject of our sketch, is the eldest of the family. His boyhood days were spent upon the farm and going to school, until he reached his fifteenth year, when he entered Shurtleff College, at Upper Alton, where he remained for nearly five years. After he left college he taught school in Upper Alton, and in the spring of the following year, came to Carlinville, and entered the law office of John H. Chesnut, and read law, and in 1850 was admitted to the bar. After his admission he commenced the practice in connection with Mr. Chesnut, his preceptor. This partnership continued until Mr. Chesnut retired from the practice. He afterwards formed a partnership with Thomas Jayne, which continued a short time. In 1857 he formed a partnership with John I. Rinaker, which continued until October, 1862. From that time he continued the practice alone until 1876, when he formed a partnership with his son, E. A. Gilbert, which still continues.

In 1852 he was elected county judge under the old county court organization of the county. He then filled out an unexpired term, and in 1853 was elected for a full term. In 1857 he was appointed Master in Chancery by Judge Rice, and held the office until 1861, and in 1870 he was appointed by Judge Vandever to the same position, and held the office until 1874. In 1874 he was elected a member of the 29th General Assembly of Illinois. Tn all these offices Judge Gilbert discharged his trusts with intelligence and fidelity which merited the respect and approbation of his constituents. In politics he is ademocrat. He cast his first presidential vote for Lewis Cass, in 1848. He remained a democrat until the breaking out of the war, when he joined the republican party, and remained with it until 1872, when he became identified with the Liberal movement, and since that time has been a democrat. In 1851 he was united in marriage to Frances McClure, who was born in Kentucky, but was a resident of Macoupin county at the time of her marriage. Six children have been born to them. The eldest, Edward A., is married, the rest are still at home.

In the practice of the law, Judge Gilbert has no specialities, but prefers the Chancery practice. He is regarded as a sound lawyer, and a good pleader. Asa man and a citizen he is universally respected.

Thomas M. Metcalf

Was born in Hopkins county, Kentucky, the 10th of November, 1828. William Metcalf, Jr., his father, was also a native of the same state. The

Metcalf's are an old family, and were originally from Virginia, and settled in Kentucky at an early period. William Metcalf, Jr., emigrated to Illinois and settled in Macoupin county, on section six, in what is now known as Western Mound township, in April, 1835. He there remained engaged in cultivating the soil until 1858, when he removed to Girard in this county. In 1874 he removed to section one South Otter township, where he at present resides. He married Miss Huldah A. Davis, who is also a native of Kentucky. There were ten children born to them, six of whom are at present living, and all residents of the county except the wife of W. B. Michaels, who lives in Beardstown, Illinois. The subject of our sketch remained at home working upon the farm in the summer and attending the common schools in the winter, until his nineteenth year, when he taught school one session, after which he entered upon the study of medicine, intending to adopt that as his profession, but after one year's trial he abandoned it and entered a dry-goods store in Waverly, Morgan county, Illinois, as a clerk. He continued clerking for three years, at the end of which time he purchased a stock of dry-goods in Greenfield, Greene county, Illinois, and continued in that business until 1855, when he removed to Girard, Macoupin county, where soon after his arrival he was elected justice of the peace. To this office he added that of a general collecting agent, and continued so engaged for eleven years, when he went into the lumber business, and also operated a planing-mill in connection therewith. A short time afterwards a fire broke out and consumed the mill and a large portion of the stock, entailing upon him considerable loss. He afterwards obtained an interest in a grocery and hardware store, in which he continued until 1869, when he received the nomination for the office of county clerk on the Re publican ticket, and in the ensuing election was elected by a handsome majority. He discharged the duties of his office so acceptably, that in 1873 he was again the candidate both of the Republican and Farmers' organizations, and in the following election was elected by over fourteen hundred majority. He served his term of office, discharging the duties in a manner that gave satisfaction to his numerous friends. On the 29th of January, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma L. Thayer, who is a native of Massachusetts. Her parents came to Illinois in 1839, and settled in Chatham, Sangamon county. Both he and his estimable lady are members of the Baptist Church. He cast his first vote for Gen. Winfield Scott in 1852, and after the abandonment of the old-line Whig organization, he' joined the republican party, and has been a staunch and consistent member ever since. In 1856 he was nominated by the republican party for the office of sheriff against Mr. McClure. The county was then overwhelmingly democratic, and Mr. Metcalf was defeated by only eighty-four votes. Mr. Metcalf has practically retired from active business pursuits, and is enjoying the fruits of a well spent life.

Joseph B. Liston

Was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, August 19th, 1838. His father was a native of Marion county, Kentucky. The Listons were originally from Virginia, but emigrated to Kentucky at an early period in the history of that state. The family, on the paternal side, is of Irish ancestry, and, on the maternal, Scotch. Joseph Liston, the father, married Martha Bland, who was also a native of Marion county, Kentucky. Seven children were born to them, namely : George B., Sarah Ann, John T., Joseph B., William T., Susan M. and Albert M. Liston. But two are living: Albert M., who is a farmer and resident of North Palmyra, a township in this county, and the subject of our sketch. The father, in the earlier part of his life, learned the saddlery and harness-making trade, at which he worked while a resident of his native state. After his removal to Macoupin county, he continued at his trade and farming for perhaps five or six years, when he abandoned it, and engaged in farming entirely. In March, 1838, he left Kentucky, and arrived in Illinois on the 28th of the same month, and settled near Eagles Point, in North Palmyra township, where he remained until his death, which took place on the 31st of January, 1877. His wife died on the 25th of January, 1876. When Mr. Liston came to Illinois, he was like thousands of others who left their comfortable homes in the east or south to take up their abode in the great west. He was possessed of but little money and a few household goods, but he had industry, energy, and that kind of will necessary to brave the hardships and discomforts of pioneer life. He had confidence in his own powers, and his self-reliance gave him courage to meet and successfully combat all the ills and perils incident upon a life in Illinois a half a century ago. His cheerfulness led him always to look on the bright side of things, and he never despaired of the future. By industry and the practice of economical habits he succeeded in accumulating sufficient of this world's goods to render him comfortable in his declining years. He is remembered as an exceedingly kind and generous-hearted man, - one who could not resist the appeals of a friend, and would frequently subject himself to great inconvenience in order that his friends might prosper. Among his neighbors and friends his honesty was proverbial. He was a man who enjoyed companionship, and therefore his acquaintance was extensive, and among all, he was regarded as a man actuated by the noblest of impulses. In his life he was a zealous mason. He participated in the formation, and was a charter member of several lodges of that ancient and honorable order in this and adjoining counties. The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days at work upon the farm and in attending the common schools of his native place. At the age of seventeen years, he entered the academy at Virginia, Cass county, Illinois, where he remained two terms. On the 7th of November, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucretia, daughter of Daniel and Susan Dick. She is a native of Sangamon county, Illinois, but her parents were from Kentucky, and emigrated to Illinois in the year 1830. In 1859, Mr. Liston commenced riding as deputy under sheriff Plain. He continued as deputy until 1862, when he was a candidate for sheriff before the democratic convention, but was defeated by two votes. From 1862 until 1866, he was engaged in farming and general stock dealing. In 1866, he again offered himself as a candidate for the office of sheriff on the democratic ticket. He was nominated, and, at the ensuing election in November, was elected by a handsome majority. He discharged the duties of the office to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In the fall of 1868, he retired from office, and since that time he has been extensively engaged in trading and dealing in live stock. In politics, it will be understood, Mr. Liston belongs to the democratic party. His first presidential vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas, in 1860. Since that time, he has been a warm supporter of the principles of the party of his first choice. Like his father, he is also a mason, haying passed to the degree of Knight Templar.

Henry W. Burton

May be regarded as one of the early settlers of Macoupin county. He is a native of Connecticut, and was born August 14th, 1819. The family is of English origin. Olney Burton, his father, was a native of Rhode Island. He emigrated to the former state in the year 1800. He was a farmer by occupation. He married Abigail Burlingame. Henry W., is the youngest of eight children, five of whom are still living. He spent his boyhood days at work upon the farm, and attended the excellent schools of his native state in the winter season, until he was sixteen years of age, when he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, and served an apprenticeship of four years in the business. In 1840, he, like thousands" of others, was seized with Western fever and a desire to emigrate to Illinois, which was then the frontier of civilization. He accordingly came west, and stopped at Alton, Illinois, with an elder brother who had preceded him the year before. Soon after, he came up into Macoupin county, and settled in Woodburn, where he worked at his trade until 1849, when the gold excitement broke out in California. He laid down the hammer and plane, and, in company with others, started in ox-teams by the overland route for the land of gold and speedy fortunes. In due time he arrived in California, where he remained engaged in mining until the fall he commenced buying and shipping grain, in addition to his general merchandizing. He continued for four years, when he sold out. In 1868, he democratic party, and, at the ensuing election in November following, was elected by a handsome majority. Ac the expiration of his term of office, will be readily known that Mr. Burton isa democrat. He cast his first vote for James K. Polk, for President, in 1844, and since that time has

George R. Hughes

Tue present circuit clerk of Macoupin county, is a native of Tennessee, and was born in Jackson county, June 14th, 1825. The Hughes family, on the paternal side, are of Welsh ancestry; and, on the maternal, English. Harrison I. Hughes, the father of the subject of the present sketch, was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Tennessee in 1821, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1846. He married Mary Quarles. She died in 1858. She also was a native of Virginia. Nine children were born to them, seven of whom have survived the parents. George R., is the seventh in the family. He attended the schools of his native state, and received a good English education, after which he entered a general store as clerk, and, in 1845, commenced doing business for himself in general merchandizing, and continued until 1850, when he sold out and removed to Illinois, stopping at Carlinville, where he opened up.a store of family groceries and supplies, and, at the end of three months, formed a partnership with Milam Graham, in general merchandizing. The partnership continued one year, when he sold out to Graham, and clerked for a short time, when he formed a partnership, in the dry goods business, with William Wright. He continued in business with Mr. Wright for two years and four months, when he purchased his interest, and since that time to the present he has done business alone. On the 27th day of September, 1853, he married Miss Sophia Clark, who is a native of England, but was a resident of Carlinville at the time of her marriage. Nine children have been born to them; six girls and three boys, all yet residing at home. In 1870, Mr. Hughes received the nomination for the office of circuit clerk, and in the ensuing election in November following, was elected by a handsome majority ; and at present he fills the office and discharges the duties of his position ina manner that gives entire satisfaction to his constituents. In 1875, he was elected mayor of the city of Carlinville. In politics, Mr. Hughes was originally an old-line Whig, and cast his first presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, in 1848. In 1856, he voted for James Buchanan, and since that time has been an active and consistent Democrat. In manners and deportment, Mr. Hughes is a sociable and agreeable gentleman; as an officer, is methodical and correct; and, as a man, his reputation for honesty and probity of character is as wide as the circle of his acquaintance.

Is an old settler, and one of the prominent business men of Macoupin county. He was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, on the 22d of October, 1832. His father, James A. McClure, was a native of Virginia, but removed to Kentucky at an early date. They came of Scotch parentage. He married Frances Dickerson, who was born in Kentucky. Fifteen children were born to them ; eight of whom still survive. The mother died in 1844. James A. McClure emigrated to Illinois in 1834, and settled in Greene county, where he remained until 1835, when he removed to Macoupin county, and settled on section 36, T. 10, R. 7, where he engaged in farming until 1844, when he was appointed to a position in the Land Department at Washington, by president James K. Polk. He continued through Polk's administration, and was re-appointed by president Taylor, and died in office while in the discharge of his duties, in 1849. The subject of our sketch is the youngest in the family. He remained upon the farm until 1844, when he came to Carlinville and attended school, until his fifteenth year, when he entered Shurtleff College, at Upper Alton, where he remained some time, and then returned to Carlinville and entered a drug store as clerk. One year later he engaged in the dry goods business and general merchandizing, in which he continued until the spring of 1856, when he was nominated by the Democratic party for the office of Sheriff, and in the ensuing election, was elected by a handsome majority. After his term of office expired he was elected justice of the peace. He also engaged in general trading until the fall of 1863, when he entered the drug business, in which he has continued up to the present time. In 1872 he, in connection with other capitalists of Macoupin county, organized and established the First National Bank of Carlinville. At its organization, he was elected vice-president, and in 1877 was elected president. On the 3d of October, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha K. Neale, who is a native of Springfield, Illinois. Her parents were natives of Franklin county, Kentucky. Two children, a boy and girl, are the fruits of this union. In politics Mr. McClure is a life-long democrat. In 1872 he was honored by being appointed a delegate from the 17th Congressional District, to the National Democratic Convention at Baltimore, which nominated the late lamented Horace Greeley for president. He is not a member of any church organization, but rather inclines to a liberal view upon all questions of a religious character. In enterprises having for their object the advancement of the material interests of his town or county, we find in him a liberal supporter. In his manners and deportment, he is affable and agreeable, and in the community where he has lived nearly all his life, all accord to him honesty and strict probity of character.

W. W. Freeman

Was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, June 2d, 1823. His parents, Elias and Deborah Freeman, emigrated from New York in the year 1820, and settled in the little town of Monroe, in the county before mentioned, at the foot of Laurel Hill, where the national road crosses the Allegheny mountains. When of sufficient age and strength, he, with his older brother, worked together on a farm during the cropping season, and attended school in winter. His early education was such as could be obtained in the schools of the day, by attending about three months in the year.

In 1837 his father visited the KHelinois, as it was then called by old settlers, and being so well pleased with the country on his return home, he sold out, and with his family came to Illinois in 1838, settling in Canton, Fulton county. On the arrival of the family in Canton, the subject of this sketch was apprenticed to learn the printing business. He continued to work at that trade in Canton, until 1840, when he went to Stephenson, now Rock Island, on the upper Mississippi. In order to reach there, the whole distance had to be made through prairie of almost illimitable expanse. What road there was led up through Knoxville, Knox county; thence to Hendersonville, Henderson county, where the Indian trail was struck, leading to Black Hawk village on Rock river. Although the village had been. burned by the whites eight years before, yet the stumps of the poles that supported the wigwams were still to be seen, as well as the corn-stalks of the Indian corn-fields. Mr. Freeman says that that was the most enchanting spot he ever saw. He remained in Rock Island until 1841, when he returned to Canton, and attended school until 1842, and then went to Upper Alton, and commenced a course of study at Shurtleff College. He remained in college two years, and one term in the third year.

In the latter part of 1844, he was invited to visit one of his old schoolmates, Charles P. Hazard, then living at the head of Cahokia creek in this county. He spent his first night in Macoupin county under the hospitable roof of the late Uncle Billy Lancaster. This was the night of the 22d of December, 1844. On Christmas day he came to. Carlinville, and on the way back to Cahokia engaged to take a school on Weatherford's Prairie. The school-house stood diagonally across the road from where Oakland now stands. He began teaching on the 7th of January, 1845, and continued to teach in various places in the county; a portion of the time in Carlinville, up to 1851, when he commenced to work for the late Henry Fishback, in whose employ he continued until 1854. During the three years he was with Mr. Fishback, he made probably fifteen trips to New Orleans, forming the acquaintance of many of the business men of that city.

On May 19th, 1847, he was married to Miss Lucy 8. Fishback, with whom he lived until her death in the year 1849. From that time to Aug. 25th, 1853, he remained a widower, when he married Miss Ellen M. Winchester, who died in February, 1865. In 1854 he entered the clerk's office under Mr. A. McKim Dubois, and remained with him until he went out of office in 1860.

Mr. Freeman has always been an ardent republican, since the organization of that party. On the organization of the 122d regiment in 1862, he received of Goy. Richard Yates a commission as regimental quartermaster, with rank of first lieutenant. The commission dated August 28, 1862, and on Oct. 8th following he started with the regiment to the field. On the 12th of October, 1862, the regiment found itself halted at Trenton, Tenn.

Mr. Freeman, with a small squad of soldiers, was detailed at Trenton to guard a large lot of quartermaster's goods, and on Saturday, Dec. 20, 1862, Gen. Forrest, with about eight thousand. confederate troops, marched in upon them. The little band fought until they were surrounded and compelled to surrender unconditionally by Col. Fry.

Mr. Freeman, together with about three hundred others, were immediately paroled, but allowed to remain in their own quarters that night. About 1 o'clock the next day the prisoners were drawn up in line, and placed in charge of Col. Collins, with a regiment of confederates to escort them through to the union lines at Columbus, Ky. The march continued until 10 o'clock that evening, when all went into camp - Rebs and Federals together - at Rutherford, Tenn. Here an incident occurred that will be remembered by many of those who were on that weary march. When the surrender took place, Mr. Freeman had large quantities of camp, garrison, quartermaster's stores, clothing and blankets. He told the men that they had better supply themselves with blankets before the reb's came in. Some of the men availed themselves of the opportunity, while others did not. Many of those who did took two blankets, and had them when they reached Rutherford. On the morning of the 22d of December, Mr Freeman, having been placed in charge of his fellow-prisoners by Gen. Forrest, received orders, through an orderly, directing him to require the prisoners to turn over what blankets they had to his men. While Mr. Freeman was reading the order, the General appeared upon the scene, and was asked by Mr. F., if he expected that order to be obeyed? He answered that he did, and was as, promptly told by Mr. F., that he would not himself obey it, nor would he advise or order the men in his charge to do so. That he would concede that they, the rebs, had sufficient force to compel obedience, and by sheer force could take the blankets; but all that they would ever get from him or the men under him, with his or their consent, would be gotten by simple brute force; that an order of that kind was outrageous, barbarous, unmilitary and inhuman; that these blankets were all that the prisoners had to shelter them during these cold December nights, and that no surrender of blankets would willingly be made in obedience to the order. Gen. Forrest then remarked : T will see about that ;" wheeled his horse, and rode off. While the General was gone, and the prisoners awaited developments, an orderly returned with orders modified, stating that the General had observed that some of the prisoners had two blankets each, and required such as had two to surrender one of them to his men. Mr, Freeman had made another observation during the interval, and that was that some of the prisoners had no blankets at all, while others had two. He requested those with two to surrender one of them to a fellow-prisoner who had none. This was quickly done, and when Forrest's aid came to get blankets, he found no federal with more than one, so that no blankets were surrendered to the rebs there. This was reported to Gen. Forrest, and he very promptly sent to Mr. Freeman a horse, saddle and bridle to use on the march. They reached Union City, Tenn., on the 23d of December, where two companies of the 54th Illinois regiment were stationed. Gen. Forrest met them with his whole force, and demanded unconditional surrender. Nothing could be done, and the two companies were taken prisoners, paroled and added to the number of prisoners. The next day the prisoners marched to Moscow, Ky., twelve miles from Columbus, and went into camp in the town. Col. Collins and Major James F. Chapman went to Columbus, with a flag of truce, to the commander of the post, asking him to send a special train out to receive the men, and carry them to Columbus ; Col. Collins guaranteeing the train a safe passage out and back. This, however, was not done, and the prisoners solicited Col. Collins to take them by the dirt road-to Columbus, distance eighteen miles. The boys were anxious to get inside of their own lines, and made the march in a comparatively short time, coming in sight of the blue coats about three o'clock, P.M. The preliminaries were arranged, and the prisoners took leave of their captors, and passed inside the federal lines, and arrived in Columbus about sundown of Dec. 27, 1862.

Mr. Freeman retained his commission, and was with the regiment during the whole time of service, excepting while he was a prisoner with the enemy. The subject of this sketch desires that we should say that he was not exempt from the usual amount of "cuss words," or words to that effect that were heaped upon regimental quartermasters. He was popular with the boys.

Since the war Mr. Freeman has resided in Carlinville, except about nine months spent at Cairo. He has been justice of the peace several years, and now is police magistrate of Carlinville.

John Pitt Matthews, M.D.

Was born at Hampton Court, Herefordshire, England, September 2d, 1835. His father, John Matthews, was a farmer. He married Caroline Myra Cooper. He emigrated to America in 1844, and settled in Mercer county, Pa., where he remained until his death in 1864. His wife died in 1863. The subject of our sketch is the third in a family of ten children, eight of whom have survived the parents. Dr. Matthews spent the first eighteen years of his life as a farmer boy, giving his winters to study at the country schools and his summers to the laborious tillage of the soil - a succession of employments that has given stamina to the very best of American citizens. At the age of eighteen he entered Duff's Mercantile College at Pittsburgh, Pa., and took a mathematical course.' After that he taught school for one term, and then entered Allegheny College at Meadville, Crawford county, Pa., where he remained two years and finished his mathematical course. He then came to Greene county, Illinois, and taught school at Saulsbury one winter term, and one term at Kane, and also taught a year and a half at the Greenfield Academy in Greenfield. During the term at Kane he commenced reading medicine under the instruction of Dr. P. Finnerty, of Kane. He afterward took one course in the Medical Department of the Iowa University at Keokuk, and then commenced the practice of his profession in Scottville, Macoupin county, and continued in the practice until 1862, when he passed examination before the State Examining Board, and entered the service as assistant surgeon of the 122d regiment, Illinois volunteers. He remained in active service one year, when from reasons of ill-health he was forced to resign. He came home, and in the fall of 1863 resumed practice in Carlinville in connection with Dr. E. E. Webster. In 1865 he attended a course of lectures and graduated at Long Island College Hospital, New York. He returned to Carlinville, and since that time to the present has been industriously engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Matthews belongs to the progressive school of physicians, as may be readily known by his connection with the different county, state, and national medical associations, which are organized for the promotion and larger development of the science of medicine. He in this community deservedly takes front rank in his profession. Personally and socially Dr. Matthews possesses rare qualities, and by his upright and manly life has won an honorable name, and endeared himself to a large circle of friends. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss Bettie, daughter of Ex-Governor John M. Palmer, of Springfield, Illinois. Four children have been born to them, three of whom are living - John Palmer, Lucy Myra, and Frederick Webster Matthews.

Tur present editor and manager of the Carlinville Democrat, was born at Plainfield, Massachusetts, February 12th, 1833. His father was the late Rey. David Kimball, who edited and published the " Christian Panoplist," at Concord, New Hampshire. He removed with his family from Plainfield He remained in the latter place a number of years, then moved to Franklin, afterto Concord, when the subject of this sketch was two years of age.

Rockford, Illinois, in 1863, where he remained until his death in 1875. He married Miss E. E. Carter, of Newburyport, Mass. She still resides at Rockford. Henry M. is the fifth in a family of seven children, three of whom are living. He at an early age entered a printing office and learned to "set" type. The first money he earned as a printer was on the " Herald of Freedom," an Anti-Slavery paper, published by John French. He afterwards received an academic education in Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, and in 1851 he entered Dartmouth College, and graduated from that institution of learning in 1859.

In the fall of the same year he came to Illinois and taught school for six months in Byron, Ogle county. In May of 1856 he, in company with others, removed to Kansas for the purpose of aiding in making that a free state. He was employed on George Washington Brown's " Herald of Freedom," at Lawrence, until the office was pitched into the river, and the town sacked and burned by the border ruffians. He afterwards, in partnership with a friend, purchased a farm and left his partner in charge of it, while he came After Mr. Kimball's return to

In September of 1856 he came to Carlinville, and went to work on the "Free Democrat." He soon after became a partner of W. C. Phillips in the publication, and in 1859 purchased Phillips' interest, and remained sole proprietor and editor until 1867, when Major A. W. Edwards was taken in as a partner. He withdrew in 1872, and from that time to the presents Mr. Kimball has been both editor and manager.

The " Democrat" under his management has become one of the most influential journals in Central and Southern Illinois. (For a more elaborate history of the rise and progress of the " Democrat," the reader is referred to he " History of the Press of Macoupin county" to be found elsewhere in this work.) In 1861 he was appointed postmaster of Carlinville by Abraham He held the office At an

Lincoln, and in 1869 was re-appointed by U.S. Grant. for nearly ten years. In politics he has always been a republican. freedom and human rights. He aided with his pen to hasten the time when the foul blot and stain of slavery was wiped out of the land.

On the 1st day of March, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Fanny M., daughter of Rey. E. J. Palmer, an elder brother of Ex-Governor © Palmer.. This marriage has been blessed with six children, three sons and three daughters ; all but one, (which died in infancy,) are yet beneath the parental roof. Mr. Kimball in his manners is a quiet, unobtrusive gentleman, With his friends and acquaintances he is kind and social ; as a citizen he is

Was born in the village of Cuba, Fulton county, Illinois, February 17th, 1845. The Snivelys are of German ancestry, the descendants of whom settled in Pennsylvania many years ago. The grandfather of the present sketch was one of the pioneers of Ohio. He was a man of fine education, and was an accomplished German and English scholar. On the maternal side the family are of Irish descent, although three generations have been born in this country. The father of Ethan A., removed from Ohio to Illinois in 1838, and settled in Fulton county, where he remained until his death, which took place in 1860. The mother survived him, and died in 1879, in the house where the subject of this sketch was born. Ethan A. attended the district schools of his native village and received a fair English education.

In the spring of 1860, when he was fifteen years of age, he entered a printing office in Havana, Mason county, and determined to learn the trade. His father wisely advised him to continue at school and prepare to take a classical course in some first-class college, and then enter upon the profession of law, but Ethan believed and argued that learning a trade, and thereby providing some certain way of making a living in the future, was the wiser course. The father admitted the force of his reasoning, and gave his consent. He finished his trade at Canton, Illinois. During the first week of January, 1866, he commenced the publication of the Rushville Times, at Rushville, when he sold the paper and established the Galesbury Times, at Galesbury, Illinois. In this enterprise he was unfortunate and lost about $3,000. After this he edited the Pekin Times for three months, and in October, 1869, the * position of city editor of the Peoria Daily Democrat was tendered him, and he accepted it. He remained with the Democrat for two years, during which time he acted as reporter for the paper at the session of the Constitutional Convention, and the first session of the 27th General Assembly. In October, 1871, he took charge of the Macoupin Enquirer, which succeeded the Macoupin Times, and continued in control thereof until March, 1877. While a resident of Carlinville, he on the 23d day of February, 1876, became connected with one of the oldest families in Macoupin county, by being united in marriage to Miss Kate M. Dubois, eldest daughter of Mr. A. McKim Dubois, of Carlinville. In 1878 he was elected clerk of Supreme Court for the thirty-three counties, comprising the Central Grand Division. In March, 1879, Mr. L. C.-Glessner established the Macoupin County Herald, and Mr. Snively took charge of the editorial management. In June, 1879, he was elected president of the Illinois Press Association. Mr. Snively comes from strictly Democratic stock. His father was a prominent Democrat in Fulton county, and held several official positions at the hands of

Was born in Huron county, Ohio, June 10th, 1836. Dr. Hugh T. Prouty, his father, was a native of New York. He emigrated to Ohio about the year 1826. He was drowned while on an excursion in 1847. The Prouty family are of Irish descent. The grandfather of the present sketch was one of the Irish patriots who, with O'Connell, attempted to free Ireland from the tyrannical rule of Great Britain. Hugh T. Prouty married Margaret Tice, who was a native of Huron county, Ohio. She died in 1840. Four children, two boys and two girls, were born to them, three of whom have survived the parents. Cyrus T. Prouty received a fair education in the schools of his native state, where he remained until 1858, when he came to Carlinville, and taught school two winters and worked on a farm in the summer. In 1861, when the war broke out, he enlisted as a private in Company "A," 32d Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Col. John Logan commanding. The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Butler until February, 1862, when it was ordered to Bird's Point, and from there went to Fort Henry. At the latter place Company "A." was detached and sent to Fort Donaldson, and participated in the fight and capture of that place. The company rejoined the regiment, and engaged in the battles of Shiloh and Pittsburg Landing. In the battle at the latter place Mr. Prouty was badly wounded, receiving no less than nine wounds in different parts of his body. He was brought to St. Louis and from there home, where he remained some time. He was not entirely convalescent at this time, but went to St. Louis, where he was ordered to the hospital, but he escaped his guards and paid his way down the river to Memphis, where he rejoined his regiment. After his arrival in

After his return home he re-engaged in school teaching, and taught a term of six months, after which he tried farming for one year. He was then appointed United States deputy collector, which position he held one year, when he resigned, and engaged in trading and shipping live stock, at which he continued until 1873. In 1871 he also added insurance to his business, and in 1873 was appointed post-master of Carlinville, which office he still holds.

On the 12th of February, 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Van Osdale. She is a native of Macoupin county. Four children, two boys and two girls, have been born to them.

In politics Mr. Prouty is a republican. He, at an early age, became identified with its principles, and gave his first vote fof Salmon P. Chase for Governor of Ohio, and John Sherman for Congress. His cast his first presidential yote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and since that time he has been an active and staunch supporter of the principles of the republican party.

As a man Mr. Prouty stands deservedly high in the community where he has long resided. As an officer, holding the onerous and trying position of postmaster, he is patient, obliging, and courteous to all. As a soldier, he bears upon his person honorable scars received while in the front ranks bravely fighting for his country and the preservation of the Union. It is with pleasure that we here record these few words, and add our mite of

John Mayo Palmer

Was born in Carlinville, Illinois, March 10th, 1848, and is the eldest son of ex-Governor John M. Palmer. He was educated in the common schools of Carlinville, and was one of the first students at Blackburn University. In 1861, being then but thirteen years of age, he went with his father, who was then colonel of the 14th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, to Jacksonville, and from that time; during the whole war, was with Gen. Palmer. In the spring months and during the hot weather he would return home and remain until cooler weather set in. He was with Fremont in the campaign at Springfield, Missouri, and at the series of actions about New Madrid and Island No. 10, and on the march to Atlanta, leaving his father the day before the charge on Kenesaw Mount.

In 1866 and '67 he attended Shurtleff College, at Upper Alton. He returned home and studied law in the office with his father, and a portion of the time with Gen. John I. Rinaker, and was admitted to the practice soon after. He afterwards entered the law department of Harvard University, at Cambridge, Mass., and graduated therefrom in 1868 with the degree of L.L. B. after his graduation at Harvard he returned to Carlin- ville, and commenced the practice of the law, first in connection with John A. Harris, who had been reared with him, and next with Samuel Pitman, who had been a former partner of his father's.

In the spring of 1870 he was elected city attorney of Carlinville on the Republican ticket, defeating J. G. Koester, the Democratic candidate, by a considerable majority. He remained at Carlinville until September, 1872, when he removed to Springfield, and commenced the practice of law in connection with his father. In 1875 he was elected a member of the City Council of Springfield, from the sixth ward, without opposition. In 1876 he was elected a member of the General Assembly, from Sangamon county, by a majority largely in excess of any other candidate.

He has three children. Their names are: John McAuley Palmer, born at Carlinville, April 23d; 1870; Robertson Palmer, born at Carlinville, July 5th, 1872; and George Thomas Palmer, born at Springfield, March 7th, 1875.

Editor and publisher of the Macoupin Enquirer, was born in Clark county, Ohio, September 15th, 1826. Isaac Reed, his father, was a native of Connecticut, and emigrated to Ohio in 1818. He was a tanner by trade, and carried on the business. He married Lodema White, who was a native of Massachusetts, and was a direct descendant:of the pilgrims who came over in the Mayflower. dent of Cattaraugus county, New York, at the time of her marriage. She died in Indiana in 1872. Seven children were born to Isaac and Lodema Reed, two of whom are still living, a daughter and the subject of our sketch. The father removed his family to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in 1828. He died in 1830. When the subject of our sketch reached his twelfth year he went to school at Springfield, Ohio, where he remained the greater portion of the time until he was nineteen years of age. He commenced teaching school when he was but sixteen years of age, and taught during the time that he was not in attendance at the academy, at the place above named. He continued teaching in Indiana and afterwards made a tour of the southern states, teaching at different points. He remained in the south until 1850, when he returned north and settled in Morgan county, Illinois, where he followed his profession until 1854, when he went to Des Moines, Iowa, and engaged in stock dealing, in: which he continued until 1862, when he removed to Logan county, Illinois, and engaged in farming and stock raising. His time was so occupied until 1874, when he quit farming. He then purchased the Central Illinois Weekly Statesman, and in December of the same year purchased the Logan County Journal, and combined the two offices and named it the Lincoln Times. He remained editor and publisher of the Times for one year; when'he sold out and came to Carlinville, where he leased the Enquirer office of the stockholders, and continues the publication of the paper up to the present time. In polities he was originally what was known as a " Henry Clay" whig, and cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor, in 1848, for president. He remained a whig until Stephen A. Douglas wrote some letters and articles upon the tariff, published in the Illinois State Register in 1852, and from that time forward he has acted with the democratic party. On the 11th of April, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Deborah Cassel. The fruits of this marriage are four children living,

On the 9th of October, 1879, Mr. Reed was married to Mrs. Clara A. Weer of Carlinville. She is an accomplished lady, and a member of one of the old and respected families of this county.

Was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on the 25th of March, 1832. Jesse David, his father, was also a native of the same state. His ancestors were from Wales. In April, 1839, he remoyed west and settled in Jersey county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. He remained there until he vill of 1850, when he sold out and came to Macoupin county, and set- ..i+ Bunker Hill township, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1852. He married Miss Barbara Pentzer, who was of German ancestry, but was a native of Pennsylvania and a resident of that state at the time of her marriage. She was born in what is known as the " Little Cove," in Bedford county. She is still living, and at present is a resident of Lincoln, Logan county, Illinois. Eight children were born to Jesse and Barbara David, five of whom are still living. The subject of our sketch is the eldest in the family. He received a fair education in the common schools of Illinois, and taught school some time prior to 1850, at which time he went to Gillespie and entered a store as a clerk, in which capacity he remained until 1857. He then entered the grain business and grocery trade, in which he continued until March, 1862, when he sold out his interests in Gillespie, and removed to Bunker Hill. This was during the first years of the war. During the year last above-mentioned, he spent several months at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois, as post sutler for the 97th regiment, Illinois volunteers. He returned to Bunker Hill, where he remained until 1863, when he went down the Mississippi river as sutler on the boat " John B. Raine."

In July of the same year he returned to the county and located at Brighton, where he formed a partnership with L. P. and E. B. Stratton in the grain business. He continued in the grain business until 1866, when he was compelled to abandon it on account of his wife's failing health, and returned to Bunker Hill, and remained until after the death of his wife, which occurred July 3d, 1866. He afterwards engaged in the milling business in Bunker Hill and continued in it until the spring of the following year, then went to St. Louis and entered the produce commission business in connection with J. H. Hamilton & Co. He closed out in April, 1868, and in the summer of thesame year purchased grain in Leavenworth, Kansas. In the fall of 1868 he and his brother purchased a stock of goods in Lincoln,

Illinois, and in the spring of 1869, removed them to Hamilton, Missouri where he closed them out. He afterwards went to work on the Caldwell County Sentinel as traveling agent and correspondent. He remained there until November, 1870, when he came to Carlinville and engaged with the Democrat in the same capacity.

It was while traveling through this county as correspondent that Mr. David made his reputation as a pleasant, ready, descriptive writer, and his articles and historical sketches of the first settlements of the different parts of the county, together with his description of the pioneer era of this section of the state, are remembered yet by many of the citizens and readers of the Democrat. They were widely read and copied by other local journals. In August of 1871 he came into the office as local editor and book-keeper, and has ever since remained in that capacity. Mr. David is an industrious worker, and as a gatherer up of " unconsidered trifles," he is excelled by few. He has a pleasant, easy style of writing, and the local columns of the Democrat always show a freshness and vigor for which he is responsible. In 1878 he formed a partnership with C. T. Prouty in the insurance business, and at present in addition to his duties as local editor, is industriously engaged in looking after the interests of his patrons in the latter business... In October, 1855, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Carter, who was a native of Lexington, Ky. One child, a boy, was the fruit of this union. The boy has grown to manhood, and is now a reporter on one of the St. Louis daily newspapers. Elizabeth David died July 3d, 1866. On the 16th of April, 1871, he married Mrs. Eliza A. Stagg, of Mason city, Ilinois. She is a native of New York. One child, a boy, has been born to them. Mr. David is a member of the Presbyterian church, and takes an active part in that Christian organization.

In politics he is a republican, and yoted for John C. Fremont, in 1856, and has remained true to that political party ever since. Asa man, Mr. Dayid is regarded by all as an upright and exemplary citizen, and as such, enjoys the confidence and esteem of the entire community. In August, 1879, he bought one-half of the stock of the Macoupin printing company from W. W. Edwards, and now with H. M. Kimball is joint owner of the

Was born in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, July 22d, 1846. His father, Casper Westermeier, is a native of Prussia. He emigrated to America about the year 1843, and settled in St. Louis, and soon after was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Dekemeyer, a native of Hanover, Germany. Here he followed his trade of carpenter and builder. He remained there county, where they - the parents - still reside, their three sons now residing at Carlinyille. The subject of our sketch is the eldest in a family of five boys, only three of whom are now living. He attended the Parochial schools of St. Peter and Paul, and St. Vincent's, conducted by the Christian Brothers at St. Louis, and the public school at Bunker Hill, and received a good German and English education. When he was sixteen years of age he commenced clerking in a general store in Gillespie, Macoupin county, where he remained about one year and a half, and then returned to Bunker Hill, and engaged with J. T. Pennington, who was in the general merchandizing business, where he was a salesman and book-keeper. He remained there near four years. On the 15th day of October, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Carlisle, a native of Scotland, who came to this country at a tender age, and was a resident of Litchfield at the time of her marriage. Her father, William Carlisle, was government baker at Dumfries, Scotland, and came to America with some friends, on a pleasure trip, and at Galveston, Texas, contracted disease that was epidemic, and died. His wife and two daughters came over in 1848, and settled in Ohio, and then in St. Louis, Mo., and afterwards came to Bunker Hill. The mother married Wm. Manley, Esq., and now lives at Litchfield. After his marriage he went to Litchfield, and engaged in general merchandising, at which he continued until November, 1868, when he sold out and came to Carlinville, the last day of November, 1868, having accepted a deputy clerkship under Henry W. Burton, Esq., circuit clerk. He remained in that office with Mr. Burton eight years, and with his successor, George R. Hughes, Esq., circuit clerk, until the first of December, 1877. In August, of the latter year, he had received the nomination for county clerk on the Democratic ticket, and at the ensuing election in November he was elected, and now fills the office to the entire satisfaction of his numerous friends, who honored him with their suffrages. He has also held minor local offices, and was city treasurer of Carlinville - in 1872-73 - for one term. He is a staunch democrat, and one that is always found in the ranks.

In early life it was his intention of following the carpenter trade, but he had not the physical strength to stand the hard labor, and was therefore compelled to adopt a clerical profession as a means of obtaining 4 livelihood.

Both he and his estimable wife are members of the Catholic Church of Carlinville. He is the happy father of six children, four girls and two boys. In his manners Mr. Westermeier is a genial and courteous gentleman, kind and considerate for' the wants and opinions of others. In his official capacity he is obliging and industrious, while his books and papers are models of neatness and accuracy. It is with pleasure that we here introduce him anew to his friends and neighbors.

Tue present Superintendent of Schools of Macoupin county, was born in Washington county, Tennessee, January Ist, 1846. The family of Crouch's were originally from Tennessee. sketch, married Caroline A. J. Pritchard, who was also a native of the same county and state. Two children were born to them, both boys. The mother died July 6th, 1847. Mr. Crouch again married in 1848. He remained in Tennessee, and engaged in farming until 1857, when he removed to Illinois, and settled in Greene county. On the 1st of October, 1858, he came to Macoupin county, and settled near Barr's store, where he still resides. Francis W. attended the schools in the winter season and worked upon the farm in summer, until 1866 when he entered a select school at Scottville under Professor J. H. Woodel, where he remained for three terms during taught school. After this time he adopted teaching as _ his profession, and followed it, teaching in various parts of the county until 1877, when he was elected superintendent of schools, and at present is engaged in looking after the Under Mr. Crouch's coupin county are fast taking a leading and prominent position with others in the state. As an educator he belongs to the progressive school. He has carefully and prudently eliminated all old and crude customs, and inaugurated a new system that is more in conformity to the times and theories of advanced thinkers upon school subjects. He has been an active member of the county Normal since 1872. In polities Mr. Crouch is a pronounced democrat. In manners he is a pleasant and agreeable gentleman, and of rather a retiring disposition.

Sa CORN, Tue present states attorney of Macoupin county, was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, October 8th, 1840. Ellis Corn, his father, was a native of the same state. The family originally were from Virginia, and are of Welsh ancestry. Ellis Corn married Emily Thompson. Her parents emirated from Virginia to Kentucky at an early date in the history of the cia co latter state. There were nine children born to them, five of whom are yet living. The father died December 25th, 1854, and the mother in March,

1863. The subject of our sketch is the fourth in the family. He received a good education in the common schools of his native state. He also receiyed an academic education, and in 1858 he entered Princeton college, at Princeton, New Jersey, and took a thorough classical course and graduated from that institution with the degree of B. A. He then entered the law office of W. R. Welsh, in Nicholasville, Kentucky, and read law. After making suitable progress he was in 1863 admitted to the practice of the profession in all the courts of Kentucky. In October, 1861, he enlisted in company "K" 20th regiment, Kentucky volunteers, under command of Col. 8. D. Bruce, now editor of the Turf, Field and Farm, New York. He participated with the regiment in the battle of Shiloh, after which he was on the staff of Col. Bruce, commander of the 22d brigade, in the department of the Ohio. He soon after resigned his appointment on account of ill health, and returned home and commenced the practice of law in Lancaster, Ky., where he remained about one year and a half. In April, 1866, he removed to Carlinyille, Macoupin county. He taught school and was principal of the Carlinville school for one term. He afterwards went into the practice with Judge Welch, and in 1872 he was elected states attorney of Macoupin county on the democratic ticket. In 1876 he was re-elected by an increased majority, and at present ably conducts all prosecutions on the part of the state,

He was marricd August 10th, 1876, to Miss Emma Blackburn, granddaughter of Dr. Blackburn, founder of Blackburn university, Carlinville, Illinvix. One child, a boy, has been born to them. In polities he is a demo- He cast his first vote for Gen. Geo. B. McClellan, in 1864, and since that time has been a firm and consistent member of that political organiza- In 1578 he formed a law partnership with Robert B. Shirley, which still continues.

Mir. Corn possesses a fine legal mind, and as a_ public prosecutor ranks high. Sociuly he is genial, and is much liked and respected wherever known.

Tire subject of the following sketch was born in New Hampshire on the 31st of January, 1835. The Purber family, on the paternal side, is of Eng- John H. Furber, his father, married Tryphenia Dowling, who was also a native of New Hampshire. IIe was a carpenter by trade, and subsequently became a farmer. In Noyember, 18-48, he moved to Illinois, and settled in Bunker Hill, where he bought land, and engaged in farming. He remained there until 1875, when he sold out, and removed to Carlinville, where he still resides. His wife, aud mother of the present sketch, died in May, 1868.

James IX., spent his boyhood days in the schools of the "Old Granite" state, and there received the rudiments of a good education. He also attended for two years the Pembroke Academy, and after his arrival in this state, spent one winter at school, The balance of the time until 1860 was spent in hard work upon the farm, and in teaching one or two terms of countryschool in the winter season. In 1860 he went to Gillespie in this county, where he opened up a general country store, and continued in business for two years, when he accepted the position of deputy sheriff under sheriff Tappan. He remained in that capacity for two years. At the end of that time he entered the county clerk's office as deputy clerk under George H. Holliday, and remained with him until he went out of office in 1869, when he engaged with the Henderson Loan and Real Estate Association as cashier, and continued in that capacity until the change occurred, since which time he has been cashier in the banking house of C. H. C. Anderson. On the 15th of June, 1864, he was married to Miss Mary E. Allard, who is a native of Illinois, and was a resident of Carlinville at the time of her marriage. Eight children have been born to them, five girls and four boys, five of whom are living. Mr, Furber is a member of the democratic party, and has been since he east his first vote for James Buchanan in 1856. He is also a member of the ancient and honorable order of Freentasonry. He is an old resident of the county, and is well and favorably known, and is much respected by all. In 1874 he was elected Mayor of the city of Carlinville, and in 1869 and 1870 was city collector. In both he discharged the duties of his office with ability. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the M. E. Church.

Charles H. Klauenberg

Was born in Carlinville, December 31st, 1856. Christian Klauenberg, his father, was a native of Brunswick, Germany. He emigrated to America and settled in Carlinville in 1853. He was an enterprising German, and was the first man to build a house on west Main street, Carlinville. He married Catharine Zingele. She is also a native of Germany. Four children were born to them, two of whom are yet living. The father died in 1871. The mother afterwards married W. H. Stienmeyer, of Carlinville. Charles H. received a good education in the common schools and at Blackburn college, which he entered when he was thirteen years of age. He remained there until he was sixteen, when he entered the St. Louis college of pharmacy and took a course at that institution, after which he entered a drug store in St. Louis, where he remained one year, then returned to Carlinville, and clerked a short time for W. H.Stienmeyer. He then formed a partnership with T. H. Stienmeyer in the drug business. In 1876 the firm was dissolved, and since that time he has been alone in the business. On the 10th of January, 1878, a fire consumed his building and stock, entailing upon him a loss of over four thousand dollars. Nothing daunted, he went to work. and by four o'clock, P. M., the next day, he was in business again. He was married on the 30th of June, 1876, to Miss Maggie Winter, who is a native of Keysport, New Jersey. He made Miss Winter's acquaintance while she was on a visit to her friends here. The marriage took place in New Jersey. uel'

Mr. Klauenberg is yet a young man just entering upon the threshold of business life, but judging from the energy and industry shown, his success is already secured.

Ferdinand Winter

Was born in Brunswick, Germany, February 28th, 1817. His father was a sheep-raiser. Ferdinand is the only son in a family of three children. At the age of thirteen he was hired out to attend sheep. At the age of twenty-two years he was drafted into the army. He served out his time. He afterwards rented a place to keep sheep, where he remained until he was twenty-eight years of age. In the year 1845 he left his native land and came to America, landing at New Orleans in June of that year. On the 4th of July he came to St. Louis, where he engaged in the butchering business for a short time. He afterwards engaged in the produce trade and stock-shipping to New Orleans. He followed that business until 1847,*when he came to Sangamen county, Illinois, and raised sheep for Charles Hoppel. He remained with him for five years, after which he went into the sheepraising business for himself. He remained in Sangamon county for eight years, when he removed to Macoupin county and purchased land in section one, Carlinville township. He afterwards purchased more land, some of which he has sold; but he still has over seven hundred acres remaining. Here he devoted all of his time and his land to sheep-raising and grazing. He was, a few years ago, one of the largest sheep owners in the country. So long as he could find range for his sheep the business was very profitable, and yielded him a large annual income. In the years 1863 and '64 he cleared thirty-two thousand dollars in the business. His intention was at one time to go west to New Mexico or California and engage in the business more extensively, as he could there find unlimited range for his sheep. With this idea in view, he contracted to sell his land here for forty-five thousand dollars, but the purchasers failing to meet the contract, the sale fell through, and the pet scheme and great desire of Mr. Winter's life to become the sheep king of the Western world resulted in disappointment. With his superior knowledge of the business, and the capital that he then could have commanded, there is no doubt that he would have amassed a great fortune in the business. He regards the Spanish Merino the best sheep for large flocks, and the Cotswolds for small flocks. He did much to improve the breed of sheep in this part of the state. ;

He married Elizabeth Kustine. Two children were born to them, a boy and girl, both deceased. The son, Ferdinand Winter, enlisted in the late civil war in the 13th Illinois Cavalry for three years. He served out his time, and was at Memphis, in camp, on his way home, and while waiting for the boat, the camp was surprised by Gen. Forrest's forces, and in the fight that ensued he was shot, and died from the wounds a few days afterwards. As soon as the news came home, his step-mother left for Memphis, where she arrived in time to get the body. She was taken sick, and died a short time after her return. Her name before marriage was Sophia Berdoff. He afterwards married Caroline Lutcher, his present wife. One child, Harry, has been the fruit of this marriage. There is also one boy by his second wife. Both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Winter came to this country a poor man; what he now has is the accumulation of years of toil, frugality, and economy. He is a large land owner, and is among the solid men of Macoupin county.

Tue preserved genealogy of the Loomis family begins with Joseph Loomis, one of the original settlers of Windsor, Connecticut. He was a native of Braintree, Essex county, England, and emigrated to America in the year 1638. In the family have been men who, in the past and present, haye distinguished themselves in science, literature, and in the councils of the state and nation. The family living in this county are but a few removes from Professor Loomis, of Yale College.

Horace Loomis, the father of the subject of the present sketch, was born in Connecticut. He removed to New York, and in 1838, came west with his family to Illinois, and settled in what is now known as Chesterfield township, where he engaged in farming, stock-raising, and dairying. He remained thus employed until his death, which occurred in 1850.

He married Julia Tuttles, who was also a native of Connecticut, but was a resident of New York at the time of her marriage. 'There were three children born to them, all boys. Two of them are living. The subject of our sketch is the eldest ; William B. died in Minnesota, and Horace J. still resides upon the old homestead in Chesterfield township.

Thaddeus, in his youth, in his native state attended the common schools. When he reached the age of twelve years, his father came to Illinois, and here he continued his education during the winter months, and worked upon the farm the remainder of the year. In his nineteenth year he entered the Illinois College at Jacksonville, remained for one year, when he returned home, and one year later entered the law department of the University of Kentucky at Louisville, remained there two years, taking a thorough course, and graduating March, 1849. He returned home, and remained a short time. His health failing, he concluded to make a trip to California by the overland route. He therefore, in company with eight others, among whom was Richard J. Oglesby, late United States senator from Illinois, made all the necessary arrangements, purchasing their mules, wagons, and provisions, and in the summer of 1849 left St. Joseph, Missouri, and after ninety days of extreme fatigue and hardships reached the " Golden State." Mr. Loomis remained in California for five years, and in that time was principally engaged in mining, hunting, and exploring the country. In 1854 he returned home by way of the Isthmus of Panama and West India islands.

The 13th of December of the same year witnessed his marriage to Miss Sarah, daughter of William and Frances Duckels. She was born in England. Her parents emigrated to America, and settled in Chesterfield township in 1835. Five children have been born to hallow and bless this union, all of whom are yet beneath the parental roof, except George D., the eldest son, who, at this writing, is in the auditor's office of the Kansas and Pacific railroad. Mr. Loomis, after his marriage, purchased land in Carlinville township, and commenced farming. In 1857 he sold out his farm, and purchased land near Carlinville, to which place he removed his family, and where he at present resides. From the time above-mentioned until 1861 he was engaged in farming, saw-milling, and furnishing large quantities of ties and timber for the Chicago and Alton railroad. He also about this time purchased more land lying in close proximity to Carlinyille, and laid out an addition to the town, which is known as Loomis' addition.

In 1861 he received the nomination for the office of county judge at the hands of the democratic party, and at the ensuing election in November following was elected by a handsome majority. When Judge Loomis came into office he found county orders and the county's credit below par. This condition of affairs had existed ever since the organization of the county.

His first step was to bring the credit of the county up to par, where he maintained it during his entire term of office, which lasted over a period of eight years. At the expiration of his term of office in 1865, he was again nominated and elected. One of his first acts under his second administration was to levy, collect, and pay off the county debt, which amounted to two hundred thousand dollars.

In the convention which met in 1865 to nominate candidates for county judge, it was understood that the nomination and endorsement of Judge Loomis, carried with it the consent of a majority of the voters of the county to build the Court-house, and his defeat by his opponent was equivalent to saying that the people were opposed to the building of a Court-house. That seemed to be the issue, and it was clearly defined. Loomis was nominated, and in the election that followed, the proceedings and endorsements of the convention were ratified by a majority of the legal voters of the county. In 1867 the building was commenced, and under the guidance and management of Judge Loomis was completed in the winter of 1869-70. He was the central figure in the building of the new Court-house which now adorns the county seat. He started upon his mission to build the Court-house, and he built it ; and it stands to-day a monument to his indomitable courage and will that brooked all defiance and set at nought every will opposed to him. He set his hand to the plow, so to speak, and would not turn back ; and time, the great leveler which makes all things even, is slowly but surely applauding him for his courage and constancy in doing what he then thought, and yet thinks, was for the best interests of the whole county. And let it be here said to his credit, that in all the transactions and handling of immense sums of money necessary in that undertaking, he came out of it without a stain upon his personal integrity. Of the many who opposed him, none have charged him with official corruption or dishonesty.

During all his business life, Mr. Loomis has been an active, energetic man, full of push and enterprise. Probably no man in the county or town has done more to build up the city of Carlinville, or added to the material wealth of the county than he has. That splendid hostelry which bears his name, the Loomis House, and adorns the north-east corner of the pub-ic square of Carlinville, was built by him in 1869.

He has been particularly active in railroad matters, and in 1867 organized a company to build a road from Jitchfield to the Mississippi, but from various causes the work was discontinued, but not certainly abandoned. In 1869 he was mainly instrumental in securing a charter for the " Farmers' Railroad," the terminal points of which were to be Jacksonville and Staunton in this county. He hopes at no distant day to revive these enterprises and complete the roads. At present he is engaged in mining coal, shipping considerable coal to other points as well as supplying the home market.

In polities Judge Loomis is a staunch democrat, and has been for many years recognized as one of the leaders of the party. In his manners he is courteous and gentlemanly, and is one of those rare kind of men, who, if once your friend, is always your friend. He is plain and outspoken upon all subjects, and consequently his position upon any question is never left in doubt. When he takes a position and believes he is right, he is as unyielding and firm asa rock. He isa man who attracts to himself strong personal friends. Notwithstanding the great outcry made against him a few years ago, it is doubtful whether any other man possesses more friends in the county than Judge Thaddeus L. Loomis.

William H. Steward

Was born in Salem county, New Jersey, June 22d, 1850. He is of Scotch ancestry. William Steward, his father, married Rebecca Abbott. Both were natives of the same state above-mentioned. There were eight children born to them, four of whom are living. In 1854 William Steward emigrated with his family from his native state, and settled in Bunker Hill township, in this county, where they remained until 1878, when he removed to Shipman, where they now reside.

William H. Steward received his rudimentary education in the common schools of this county, and when fifteen years of age he had private instruetion, and was prepared for entrance into college by a Presbyterian minister, a graduate of Yale. At the age of seventeen, or in 1867, he entered McKendree College, at Lebanon, Illinois, and took a full classical course, and graduated from that institution in June, 1873, with the degree. of Bachelor of Arts. After his graduation, he was Principal of the public schools of Woodburn, in this county. In the spring of the year following he entered the law office of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, of Springfield, Illinois, where he remained until the following winter, when he agin took charge of the public school in Woodburn. In the spring he went back to the law office in Springfield, and in the fall of 1875, he entered the law department of the Union College of Law of the Chicago and Northwestern University at Chicago, and graduated therefrom in the summer of 1876, with the degree of L.L. D., which entitled him to practice in all the courts of the state. He began practice in Carlinville in 1876, where he formed a partnership with W. H. Smalley, which continued until the Ist of December, 1879, after which he formed a law and business partnership in the title abstract business with M. L. Keplinger, which still continues.

Mr. Steward enters the profession of law fully equipped, and fitted by educational and mental training to grapple and solve the intricate questions and technicalities that meet the student at various turns in the practice. He has the necessary traits of character to insure success - industry and _perseyerance. At the present time he is attorney for the city of Carlinville.

Robert A. Hankins, M.D.

Is a native of Illinois, born in Carlinville, June 20th, 1848. His father, Dr. John W. Hankins, is a native of New Jersey. He emigrated to Ilinois, and settled in Carlinville in 1846. He married Elizabeth McKee, who was born in Pennsylvania. The subject of our sketch received his education in the common schools of his native town, which he attended until he reached his eighteenth year, when he entered Blackburn University, where he remained two years. He at the same time took up the studies of physiology and anatomy, as preparatory studies to entering the profession of medicine. In 1869 he attended a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical College of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, after which he returned home, aud remained for one year pursuing his studies, and in 1871 again attended another course of lectures in the same college, and graduated from that institution in 1872 with the degree of M.D. He returned to Carlinville, where he engaged in practice, in which he still continues. In the practice of medicine Dr. Hankins has found his true vocation and calling. As a practitioner he has already been more than ordinarily successful for one who is just upon the threshold of professional life. He is of studious habits. While united to a love of his profession and moderately ambitious to sueceed, it becomes only a question of time when he will take a prominent place with his professional brethren. On the 3d of June, 1875, he united in marriage to Miss Jennie Bell, a native of Alabama, but who was a resident of Carlinville at the time of her marriage. Two children, both boys, bless this union. In polities he is a democrat.

Len C. Glessner

Was born in Delaware, Ohio, March 17th, 1853, being the sixth in a family of nine children. His father, Lewis Glessner, was in early life a farmer, which occupation he subsequently abandoned. In 1861 he purchased the Hancock Courier at Findley, Ohio, and removed with his family to that place. He continued the publication of the paper and its editorial management until his death, which took place early in 1879. Young Glessner was thus browght up in immediate contact with newspapers from the time he could read, and came naturally into the newspaper business. He had the advantages of a good English education. At the age of fifteen he entered his father's office to learn the printing business, commencing at the bottom, and steadily working his way up, acquiring a complete knowledge of the art in all its branches; and occasionally a share of the editorial work would devolve upon him in the absence of the editors. Arriving at the age of twenty-one, and wishing to see something of the world for himself, he left home and friends, and started out to work at his trade. After traveling around for some time, he found himself in Farmer City, Illinois, and through the influence of an elder brother, bought the Farmer City Journal, and in October of 1874 issued his first paper. The office was purchased altogether on time, Glessner's capital at the time of the purchase being just $23.94; but by careful management and untiring labor, the debt of nearly $2,000 was paid in two years' time. From the time of passing into Mr. Glessner's hands, the Journal was marked by an independence of thought and sincerity of purpose and a certain spiciness of tone, that soon gave it more than a local reputation.

In 1877 Mr. Glessner was married to Miss Emma Chappelear, an estimable lady of the same city.. They have one child. After conducting the Journal successfully for four years and a half, and wishing for a wider field of action and usefulness, Mr. Glessner, after making arrangements for the continuance of the paper, moved to Carlinville, Illinois, and on March Ist, 1879, issued the first number of the Macoupin County Herald, Mr, E. A. Snively becoming associated with him in the editorial work. -From the beginning, the success of the Herald has been most brilliant, and has far surpassed the most sanguine expectations of the publisher. In seven months the circulation has grown to 1,500 copies, and is now increasing from fifty to seventy-five per week. The secret of Mr. Glessner's success in life is an untiring energy which never allows him to become discouraged by any obstacle; but by constant pegging away, he will eventually attain his end. His idea of a good newspaper is one which, in clear print, shall give the most interesting rather than the greatest, quantity of reading, and faithful work in the field of local news, gleaning all that can possibly interest any of his readers.

Robert B. Shirley

Was born in Madison county, Illinois, October 9th, 1850. His father, William C. Shirley, is a native of Tennessee. He emigrated to Illinois in 1842, and settled in Madison county, where he engaged in farming for a number of years. He afterwards removed to Staunton, Macoupin county, where he followed the mercantile business. In 1845 he married Mary Hoxsey, a native of Madison county. Her parents were Virginians by birth. Mr. Shirley remained in the mercantile business until 1860, when, after the breaking out of the war, he became a government contractor. In 1857 he was a member of the state legislature, and also in 1867. During the time he was a member, in 1867-68, he procured the passage of an act chartering the Decatur and East St. Louis railroad, and afterwards built the road. He is still a resident of Staunton.

The subject of our sketch received a good English education in the common schools of his native place, and in 1867 he entered the scientific department of the university at Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1873 he entered the law office of William R. Welch of Carlinville, and commenced reading law. In June, 1876, he was admitted to practice. In October, 1878, he formed a law partnership with S. T. Corn, state's attorney, which still continues. In politics he is a straight democrat. Mr. Shirley is a young man of fine address and appearance, and of more than ordinary legal ability. He is industrious and untiring in the cause of his client.