Macoupin County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1879 (part 8 of 15)

The first building erected, was a small dwelling, moved from the country by B. Boggess, and was occupied by Dr. Abraham Miller and family ; it is the house now owned by J. Birzelle, but has since been enlarged. In the fall of 1853, and almost at the same time, the following buildings were put up: a dwelling by Dr. Miller; one by N. Branham and one by C. H. Fink; a store-house by Boggess, and a blacksmith shop by J.S. Warfield. The first store was kept by A. S. Mayfield, in the summer of 1853.

The first school was taught by a Miss Purdy in a partly finished dwellinghouse, during the fall of 1853. The first school-house erected, was a onestory frame building, and occupied the ground where the present public school building now stands.

The first church edifice was finished in the spring of 1855. It was a Union church; in time each denomination built a church for themselves, and the old church was sold to the Presbyterians about 1864. There are at present five churches, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Christian and Universalist.

The first post-master was James Mitchel, who was appointed about 1854: before that time the neighborhood received their mail at Pleasant Grove, in North Otter township.

The first flour mill was put up by H. Hall, in 1855, and occupied the ground where the old woolen mill now stands. There are now three mills in the place. One owned by J. W. Woodroof, with three run of burrs, has a capacity of 80 barrels of flour per day. The mill of Walker & Miner has also three run of burrs, with a capacity of 150 barrels per day. Lancaster & Erwin's mill has three runs of burrs, with a capacity of 100 barrels of flour in twenty-four hours.

A coal shaft was sunk in the fall of 1869 and spring of 1870. A seven fvot vein of coal was reached three hundred and fifty feet below the surface; the proper machinery was erected at once. It is now owned by the Girard coal company. The village improved very rapidly the second and third year of its existence. Its growth has been gradual and permanent since, and now may be classed among the active towns of the county. The total valuation of real and personal property of the village and township of Girard as taken from the assessor's book of 1879, as follows: Acres improved land 11,103, value 94,484 dols; value town lots 48,947 dols.. No unimproved lands reported. Horses 386, value 7568 dols; cattle 957, value 8141 dols; mules 67, value 1385 dols; sheep 143, value 143 dols; hogs 1141, value 1151 dols ; carriages and wagons 184, value 2633 dols; 178 watches and clocks, 139 sewing machines, 19 pianos, 27 organs. Total value of personal property 54,895 dols.

Hotels - George Yerrington, Thomas Duncan. Lumber Dealers. - Anders, Macknet & Flood. Grain Dealers. - Bennison & Garretson, Woodroof & Bristow. Harness Maker - Edward Parks. Confectionery - A. G. Leigh. Gunsmith - B. Bjhor. Grange Store. Lawyers. - Geo. A. Eastham and M. M. Duncan. Physicians - Cowan, Simmons, and Mitchell. Milliner and Dress Maker. - Mrs. Lightburn. Blacksmiths - T. F. Burnett, H. Doephive, J. Birzelle, J. Myers. Dentist - A.H. Barnes. Stock Dealers. - Cherry & Son. Merchant Tailor - J. Willet. We beg to return thanks for the above information to B. Boggess, C. C. Armstrong, J. D. Metcalf, and others.

This Lodge is prosperous and out of debt, and owns one half of the hall where its meetings are held. The hall is a brick structure 33 by 70 feet. It is said of this Lodge that it ranks one of the best working Lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction. There is also a CHAPTER in this place.

The present Officers at this writing are - C. E. Burnett, Dictator; J.C. Beeby, Vice-Dictator ; W. W. Bristow, Asst. Dictator; G. A. Post, Reporter; C. H. Metcalf, Financial Reporter; B. F. Clark, Treas.; W. T. Bristow, Chaplain; G. B. Weed, Guide; Thomas Rollins, Guardian ; Robert Womach, Sentinel. The Lodge is in a healthy condition.

John B. Smalley

Was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, Sept. 26th, 1808. David D. Smalley, his father, was a native of the same state. He married Mary Blackford, who was alsc a native of New Jersey. The brothers of David D. were soldiers of the war of 1812. The subject of our sketch attended the common-schools of his native state. He remained at home until he was in his twentieth year, when his father died. He then went to Alleghany county, New York, where he. remained one year, then returned home, and stayed one year. The next year he again returned to New York, and in the following spring went down the Ohio river to Cincinnati. In the spring of 1831 he engaged in general merchandize, and also kept a wood yard for boats. In the winter of 1831-32, the ice destroyed his boats, and the following spring, the freshets destroyed his wood-yard. From these causes he was compelled to suspend business. He then went to Greenville, where he attended school for some time, after which, he returned to New York and then to New Jersey, and remained there until 1838. During this time he was engaged for the greater part of the time in teaching school. In the year, last above mentioned, he came to Illinois and stopped in Greene county, where he taught school for a short time, when he in connection with his brother went into the hat business. He continued thus engaged for several years, when he sold out and went back to school teaching, at which he continued until 1846. In the spring of that year, he came to Woodburn, in Macoupin county, where he taught school for one season. In the spring of 1847 he married Sarah Wood, and the same year went to farming. His wife died in 1849. In 1852 he married again. His second wife 'died in September, 1854. In 1856 he married Sophreina Arnold. She died in April, 1878. Six children living by the last wife and one child, a girl, by his second wife. In 1850 he entered a quarter section in section 27- - 12-6, and in 1858 moved into Girard, and engaged in general merchandizing, selling out a stock of goods that he had traded a farm for in Montgomery county. He removed the stock from Litchfield to Girard. He closed out the stock in 1859, after which, he commenced improving his farm. He lived on his farm temporarily until 1874, when he "moved to his present residence.

The Smalley family are of Scotch descent, the ancestors of whom came to America as early as 1660. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a captain in the continental service under Gen. Washington, during the revolution. In politics Mr. Smalley is an old Jacksonian democrat. He voted for Old Hickory in 1832, and ever since has voted the straight democratic ticket. Mr. Smalley is an old resident of the county. He enjoys the respect and esteem of his large circle of acquaintances and friends.

Nana

Was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, in 1828. The Easthams were originally from Culpepper Court House, Virginia. The family on the maternal side emigrated to Kentucky long before the state was admitted into the Union, and at the time when it was necessary to live in stations and block houses, in order to protect themselves against the Indians. They lived in what was then known as Carpenter's and McKinney's station. Edward Eastham, the grandfather of Wm. E., emigrated to Kentucky in 1791, one year after the state was admitted into the Union. James Eastham, his son, and grandfather of William E., was born in Kentucky. He married Nancy Helm, also a native of the same state. She was a daughter of George Helm, and was born in 1799. Ten children were born to them ; six boys and four girls, seven of whom are living; all of them reached the age of maturity before dying. James Z. died from disease contracted while in the service, in the line of his duty during the late war. In 1851, James Eastham came to Macoupin county, and the next year he returned to Kentucky for the purpose of going into business at Louisville, and while there was taken with cholera, and died the same year. He was buried by the Masonic fraternity, of which body he was: during life an influential and honored member. His wife, and mother of the subject of this sketch, still resides in Girard, a hale hearty woman, of four-score years. Wm. E. learned the carpenter trade in Danville, Ky., and worked at it from 1847 to 1851, when he left Kentucky and removed to Otter Creek, Macoupin county, where he remained until 1853, when he came to Girard, and engaged in the drug and clothing business. He opened the first drug store in the town of Girard. He afterwards engaged in general merchandize and trading, until April, 1861, when he enlisted under the ten regiment bill, and on the 25th of May, 1861, he was mustered into the service. He raised a company with

Mr. Eastham was twice elected Captain of the company, but twice refused the honor, in order that it might be bestowed upon a friend. Lieut. Eastham remained in the service nearly two years, when he returned home and engaged again in mercantile business and general trading until 1867, when he leased the Girard coal mines, and engaged in coal mining, for a time, since which time he has been settling up his business. As before stated, Mr. Eastham came to Girard in 1853. He has been more or less prominently identified with every enterprise having for its object the increase of the material wealth.of his town or locality. He built some of the first houses in the town, and was also a member of the first town board, and assisted in drafting the first ordinance for the village of Girard. In 1877 he was elected to represent his township in the Board of Supervisors, and in 1878, was re-elected to the same position. While in the Board he was an influential member. He was chairman of the committee on funding Court House Bonds, and also chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He by his counsel and advice aided greatly in settling the Court House question. In offices of trust he is well known for his honesty and probity of character, and although a man of strong attachments for his friends, yet in matters of publie concern he sacrifices personal friendships when they conflict with the strict line of his duty as a public servant. In politics he is an unswerving democrat, but was up to the breaking out of the war a Henry Clay Whig, when he joined the democratic party, and since 1860 has voted that ticket without a scratch. Mr. Eastham is a kind-hearted gentlemim. AI] who come in contact with him, admire his sterling qualities.

James D. Metcalf

Was born in Hawkins county, Kentucky, May 12th, 1834. William Metcalf, his father, was a native of Virginia. The family is of Scotch ancestry. William Metcalf married Huldah Davis, who was born in Kentucky. Ten children were born to them, six of whom are still living. Mr. Metcalf left Kentucky in the spring of 1835, and settled in the western part of Macoupin county; here he purchased land and remained for two or three years, when he removed to Greene county, and remained until the spring of 1857, when he came to Girard, 1874; from here moved to South Otter township, where he and his aged wife still reside. The subject of our sketch received a fair education in the common schools of Greene county. At the age of eighteen years he entered Shurtleff college, at Upper Alton, where he remained one term, after which he taught one term of school in Greene county, and the next winter following taught one term in Arkansas. In 1853 he returned to Greenfield, where, in connection with his brother, T. M. Metcalf, he engaged in general mercantile business, at which he remained until the summer of 1855, when he tried farming one year in Western Mound township. In November, 1856, he came to Girard, and opened up a drug store, at which he continued, by himself and in connection with others, until 1868, when he sold out and engaged in the lumber business. One year later he went back to the drug and grocery business, at which he continued until 1875, when he was elected president of the Girard Banking Company. Since that time he has devoted almost all of his attention to the banking business, and under his skillful and safe management the Bank has done a thriving business, and become one of the safest in the county. On the 1st of June, 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Brunette, daughter of Dr. G. B. Mason, of Greene county, Illinois. Eight children have been born to them, five of whom are living. Charles, the eldest son, is married and engaged in business in Girard, and the rest are still beneath the parental roof. In polities Mr. Metcalf is republican. He cast his first vote for Fillmore, in 1856. In his township and town he has been frequently elected to positions of trust. At the first election held under the township organization, he was elected to represent his township - Virden - in the Board of Supervisors. During that term he succeeded in getting the township of Virden divided, and the next year was elected supervisor of Girard township. He has held the office of president of the town board of trustees and school director, for several terms each. In 1876 he was a candidate for the office of representative of legislature for this district, but was defeated in the nominating convention. Both he and his excellent wife have been members of the Christian church, since 1856. He has been an elder-in_that church for the last eight years.

Mr. Metealf is an old resident of Girard. In fact, he came to the town when it was in its infancy. He was a member of the first village board, and a director when the first school-house was built. He has been since then identified with every enterprise that had for its object the increase of the material wealth and progress of Girard and vicinity. In the business of life Mr. Metcalf has been more than ordinarily successful, which he attributes to certain rules he adopted for business life, and to which he has rigidly adhered, and those were, never to contract beyond his ability to pay, and always to meet obligations promptly. A rigid adherence to these simple rules will, in the end, bring success.

In his manners Mr. Metcalf is a plain, quiet, unassuming gentleman. He has many warm friends in the community where he is best known, all of whom vouch for his personal integrity and character as a man and citizen.

Horace E. Rutherford

Was born in Girard township, Macoupin county, Illinois, December 9th, 1852; his father, Julius Rutherford, was also a native of Illinois. He married Malinda Landon, who was a native of the state of Vermont. The Landons settled in Jersey county, and are an influential family. Four children were born to them, two boys and two girls. The father died in 1856 ; after his death, his wite, and mother of the subject of the present sketch, married David McGee. Five children were the fruits of this latter marriage, two of whom are now living. Horace E. Rutherford spent his boyhood days in the common schools, and when at the age of sixteen years, he entered the Normal school at Normal, Illinois, where he remained a year and a half, after which he entered the State Normal School at Kirksyille, Missouri, remaining one and a half years. His object was to fit himself for the profession of teaching. After he left the Normal school in Kirksville he went to Texas and taught school one year; he then returned home and went to Greene county and taught school for one term, after which he abandoned teaching and engaged in farming. He found this more profitable, and it suited him much better. In the spring of 1874 he commenced farming on section five; in 1876 he purchased his present residerice and five acres of land, near the town of Girard, where he at present resides. On the 31st of August, 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Mima King. She was born in Palmyra, Macoupin county. The King family were natives of Kentucky; Mrs. King was a Stidley before her marriage, and was a native of Ohio. Two children have been born to Horace and Mima Rutherford - Cecil and Daisy. In politics Mr. Rutherford is a democrat, and cast his first vote for Samuel J. Tilden, in 1876. He isa member of the Odd Fellows' order. His mother, Mrs. McGee, is still living at the old homestead. Addie and Drucilla Rutherford, his sisters, remain with her, and Edgar J., his brother, is a merchant in the western part of Kansas. The grandfather of the subject of our sketch is still living, and at present is a resident of Jersey county, Illinois; he has nearly reached one hundred years of age. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. He was a large land owner in this county, and is now possessed of large landed property in Jersey county. Mr. Rutherford's step-father, McGee, died in June, 1876. He was one of the first settlers of Girard township ; he was known as Squire McGee. He was widely known and respected, and was Justice of the Peace for many years.

Is a native of Illinois. His grandfather, Joshua Armstrong, was one of the pioneers of the state who came here some years before Ilinois was admitted into the Union. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and a soldier in the war of 1812, and was ranger in Illinois from 1812 until the Indians were driven from the southern part of the state: Prior to his coming to Illinoix he had removed to Kentucky, and in the year above mentioned he settled in what is now known as Madison county, Illinois. His son Maurice, and father of the present sketch, was born in Kentucky in 1800. Joshua Armstrong remained where he first settled, in Madison county, until 1824, when he removed with his family to Jersey county, near Fielding, where the old pioneer and soldier remained until his death. Maurice married Elizabeth Sims, while he was yet a resident of Madison county. She is still living, a resident of Girard, at the advanced age of seventy-five years. There were twelve children born to them, seven boys and five girls, four of whom are living. The subject of our sketch is the youngest one living. The father was a farmer by occupation. He remained in Jersey county until 1855, when he removed to Girard where he remained until his death in 1876. C. C. Armstrong was born in Jersey county, January 2d, 1837; he attended the common schools of his native county during the winter months, and received the rudimentary parts of an education which he hax since improved by extensive reading and a close observation of men and things. On the 13th of November, 1862, he was united in marriage to Miss Fanny B. Weed. She is a native of Alton, Illinois. Her father was a native of Connecticut, and her mother of Pennsylvania. Six children have blessed this union, four of whom are living. In 1859 he entered the mercantile business in Girard, and has continued without interruption in business up to the present time. He is the oldest merchant in the town, having been continually in business for twenty years. In 1870 he added drugs to family groceries, and since that time has carried on both branches of the business. In politics he is a democrat. He has been honored with offices of trust in the local goyernment of his town, and at the present represents his township in the Board of Supervisors. He is a member of the Masonic order, and is now high-priest of the Chapter at Girard. Asa man and a citizen Mr. Armstrong is universally respected.

Robert J. Walker

Was born in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of November, 1840. Wm. Walker, his father, was a native of the same state. The family is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He married Miss Shoup, who was of German ancestry. There were three children by this marriage, two boys and one girl. Robert J. is the eldest in the family. The sister died when she was in her seventeenth year. George §., the younger brother, is still a resident of Pennsylvania. The mother died in 1845. After the death of his wife the father married Elizabeth Hartswick. From this union there has been three children. He was a ship carpenter, and worked at his trade in Philadelphia. In 1837 he removed to Lock Haven, and died in June, 1878. After the death of his mother, Robert J. went to his uncle, Robert Walker, and remained with him until he was fifteen years of age. He spent his boyhood days in going to school and working upon the farm, and at the age of fifteen he went to work in a flouring mill as an apprentice, where he remained one year. When he was eighteen years of age, he came west to Dayton, Ohio. He remained there but a short time, and then went to Osborne, in Greene county, where he entered as an apprentice, and served four years. This brings the life of the subject of our sketch up to the breaking out of the war.

The call for six hundred thousand men was made by President Lincoln in 1862. Mr. Walker responded to the call, and enlisted in Company " A," 94th Regiment Ohio Volunteers, under command of Col. Frazee. The regiment rendezyoused at Camp Riqua, and from there-was ordered to Covington, Ky., thence to Lexington. The regiment was first under fire at Richmond, Ky. Mr. Walker was not in this engagement. He rejoined the regiment at Louisyille, where it was brigaded with the 38th Indiana, 2d and 33d Ohio, and 10th Wisconsin regiments. The brigade formed a part of the First Division, under command of Gen. Rosencrans, and was attached to the Fourteenth Army Corps, under command of Gen. George H. Thomas. The regiment took part in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Pigeon Mountain, and Chickamauga. At the last battle the brigade was so terribly cut up that it lost its identity as a brigade, and was re-brigaded with the 104th Illinois, 21st Wisconsin, and 42d Indiana regiments. The command still remained in the Fourteenth Army Corps. The regiment afterwards engaged in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, and Resaca. In the latter battle the regiment sustained a loss of fifty-two men killed in almost an instant. At the battle of Chattanooga the regiment also lost heavily. After that it was engaged in almost a continued skirmish up to the sicge and capture of Atlanta. At the latter place Gen. Thomas was relieved, and Gen. Sherman took command of the forces. The regiment was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea, and participated in the battles of Black Riyer, and Bentonville, and was mustered out in August, 1865, at the close of the war, at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Walker was in the service three years and fourteen days, and escaped unscathed, but received a shock by the concussion of a shell.

After the war closed, Mr. Walker went to Leavenworth, Kansas. He soon afterward returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained a short time, and then eame to Bellville, Illinois, and in the fall of 1866 came to Carlinville, and worked in a mill for six months, and then came to Virden, where he was similarly employed. \ He afterwards worked at the carpenter trade, and tried farming for'several years. In February, 1868, he was married to Miss Lucy Williams, daughter of James Williams, Sr. She is a native of Greene county, Illinois. Her father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and an old settler of the state. Four children have been born to them; three boys and one girl. In 1875, Mr. Walker came to the Girard mills, and fifteen months later was made Superintendent, and on the 29th of March, 1818, he beeame half owner of the mills. In politics he is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Abe Lincoln in 1864. He was formerly a democrat, but after he went into the service he became a republican, and has remained a member of that political organization up to the present time.

He also is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Walker is regarded as a thorough and honorable business man, and as such enjoys the confidence and esteem of the entire community.

Jesse W. Woodroof

Was born in Bedford county, Virginia, January 17th, 1819. Edmund Lee Woodroof, his father, was also a native of the same state. He married Mary Reynolds, who was a near relative of the Lees, a family famous in the history of Virginia. The subject of our sketch is the eldest in a family roof remained in Virginia until the fall of 1834, when he came to Illinois, and settled in Macoupin county, near where the town of Gillespie now stands; where he remained until October 8th, 1858, when he was killed by the kick of a horse. His wife, and mother of Jesse W., remained there until about five years ago, when she removed to Girard, where she at present resides.

The subject of our sketch spent a small portion of his boyhood days in the schools of his native state, and received about nine months' schooling all told. This was the sum total of all his educational advantages. He remained at home until 1843, when, on the 27th day of December, of that year, he was united in marriage to Miss Clara H. Hartwell. She was a native of Boston, Mass. Her parents came to Illinois in 1835, and settled at what is now known as Dry Point. In 1843, he entered eighty acres of land in Gillespie township, and the same year commenced its improvement ; and built a house on it, and moved into it in the spring of 1845. He afterwards added two more eighties to it, and cultivated it until the summer of 1850; when he removed to Carlinville, where he built a store-house, and then went to St. Louis and purchased a stock of general merchandise. He remained in Carlinville until 1853, when the Chicago and Alton railroad was completed to the place where Gizard now stands. Here he also erected a store-house, - which was the second building in the town, - and commenced again the merchandizing business. He also built the first warehouse in the town. In 1856, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Nilwood township, and opened it up and improved it. In 1854 and '55, he commenced dealing in graiv, and continued it for several years. In 1855, he sold out his stock of goods, and continued farming and purchasing grain for about seven years. In 1861, he moved on his farm, and remained there until 1868, when he sold out and came to Girard. He afterwards purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Montgomery county, which he still retains. In 1869, he erected the Farmers' Mills and Elevators, and commenced operating them January 1st, 1870. This has been his principal business up to the present time, in which he has been very sucessful. One child, a daughter, Emily, has been born to them. She is still beneath the parental roof.

Mr. Woodroof's life has been a busy one. He started in Illinois in the pioneer era of the state. He isa republican in politics. He cast his first vote for Harrison and Tyler, in 1840. After the old-line whig party disbanded, he joined the republican party, in 1856, and has been a consistent member of that political organization ever since. He has been frequently solicited to run for office, but he prefers to attend to his business and keep on in the even tenor of his way, than to engage in the uncertainties and perplexities of politics. He is inclined to a liberal belief in religious matters. He is a member of the ancient and honorable order of A. IF. and A. Metand'lsO7O He

Mr. Woodroof attributes his success in life to certain rules of conduct that he adopted in early life, and these were: to run his business, and never allow the business to run him; to never misrepresent anything, if he knew it, for the sake of gain, and to be kind and considerate to men in his employ. A strict adherence to these rules have brought their reward.

John F. Roach

Was born in Carroll county, Tenn., Aug. 16th, 1829. The Roach family are of Scotch-Irish ancestry. William Roach, the father, was a native of North Carolina, and was a soldier of the war-of 1812. He was at New Orleans in Gen. Carroll's command, and shared with the soldiers of Gen. Jackson the honor of meeting and signally defeating the British forces under Packenham. The whole of Jackson's army from Tennessee went down on flatboats, and after the routing of the enemy returned home on foot. William Roach suffered greatly from fatigue and sickness, and would have died had it not been for the kindness and care shown him by the Choctaw Indians. He was a hatter by trade, and worked at the business for many years, but subsequently abandoned it and engaged in farming. He married Anna Smith, by whom he had twelve children ; all lived to maturity except one, who died in infancy. Eight of the children have survived the parents. William Roach left Tennessee June, 1844, and came to Illinois, and settled in Morgan county, eight miles east of Jacksonville. He remained there until the fall of 1848, when he came to Macoupin county, and settled near Scottville, where he remained for two years, and then removed to a farm four miles north-west of Carlinville. Here he remained until his death, which occurred July 4th, 1861. His wife and mother of the present sketch died in April, 1846. John F., spent his boyhood days in the common schools of his native state, and in the summer months helping to cultivate tobacco. In 1849, when he was twenty years of age, he started out in life for himself. He bought a team of oxen and commenced breaking prairie during the summer months and teaming in the winter. On the 12th of November, 1852, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha H. Cherry. Four children have been born to them, two of whom are living. The eldest, Mary Etna, is the wife of Henry Lemons, and James McCoy Roach, the only son, is yet at home. After his marriage he raised one crop, and in March, 1854, he moved to Girard, where, as above stated, he followed breaking prairie for four or five years. In 1856 he purchased forty acres of land in section thirty-six, and commenced its improvement; built a house and moved into it; he remained there three years, when he rented the farm upon which he now lives. He remained there but one year, at the end of which time he bought a house and lot in the village of Girard and moved into it.

From this time dates his entrance into the stock business. About this time he reccived a contract from the government to supply the army with beef. He also purchased stock and shipped to the different markets. In 1863 he purchased eighty acres of the land on which he now resides, and added stock breeding and raising to his other business. As a stock breeder he has been yery successful, and has received favorable and complimentary notices in this direction from both the Chicago and St. Louis papers. His breeds of short-horned Durhams are unexcelled in this section of the state. He has added to the original eighty acres of land until he has now three hundred and twenty, all of which is devoted to stock-raising and grazing. He is also in connection engaged with others in buying and shipping cattle from Kansas to eastern markets. In politics he is an ardent and staunch republican. He was one of those men who early learned to believe that slavery was wrong and antagonistic to free institutions. In 1856 he yoted for John C. Fremont, going a distance of eight miles through a blinding snow-storm in order to secure this privilege. It is needless to say that he still adheres to the party of his first choice. Both he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Daniel Delaney

Was born in county Kerry, Ireland, in 1836. He emigrated to America in 1852 and settled in New York state, where he worked on a farm and in the nursery business He continued there until October 28, 1858, when he came west and settled in Girard, where he engaged in selling nursery stock and working upon a farm. He. afterwards engaged in different pursuits, until 1876, he was appointed deputy under sheriff Heaton, with whom he continued until the expiration of his term of office, after which he accepted of a similar position under sheriff Sunderland, with whom he is at present. In the office of deputy sheriff Mr. Delaney has been industrious and entirely trustworthy. He has made numerous acquaintances throughout the county, and wherever known he has received the approbation of the parties with whom he has done business.

In 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Carey. She is also a native of Ireland, but was a resident of Macoupin county at the time of her marriage. Five children, three girls and two boys, have been born to them. In politics he is an uncompromising democrat, and cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas, in 1860.

F. W. Ring

Was born on the Rhine, in the province of Darmstadt, Germany. His youth was spent in receiving a thorough musical education, for which he was specially fitted by nature; music was his delight as a boy, and his taste and love for it grew with his years. When his musical education was completed in his native land, he emigrated to America, arriving here in 1855. Soon after his arrival in this country he engaged as a musician, and travelled over a great portion of the United States in that capacity ; he was also for a considerable time engaged in the orchestra in St. Louis. At the breaking out of the war he entered the service as sergeant of Co. "C," 14th Regt. Ills. Vols., Col. John M. Palmer commanding. He was soon afterwards detached, and joined the Band Corps, where he remained until mustered out. He then came to St. Louis and served the balance of his time in the City Post Band, after which he came to Virden and engaged in produce trading. In 1867 he removed to Girard, and started in the restaurant business; he soon after engaged in the saloon business, in which he continued for ten years, when he went back to restaurant, baking and dealing in family groceries and supplies, in which he still continues. In 1863 he was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Iech, who was a resident of St. Louis. Nine children have been born to them, seven of whom are living - four boys and three girls.

In politics Mr. Ring is a democrat, but was formerly a republican. Mr. Ring as a musician has been quite successful; he has organized and been leader of different bands in this section of the country. He has made a great many friends by means of his music, and at the same time it has been a source of considerable revenu2 to him. He is an agreeable gentleman in his manners, and is liked by the entire community.

Wesley D. Peek

Is a native of Macoupin county. Joshua Peek, his father, was a native of Virginia. He removed to Kentucky, where he married Eliza Scott, who was born in Ireland, but came to this country in company with her parents, when she was in her infancy. Joshua Peek left Kentucky and came to Illinois in 1833, and settled in Palmyra township, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land. He there remained until his death in 1851.

His wife died in 1847. Joshua Peek was a man who in his life, was one of the most extensive dealers in live stock, in the county. He, before the era of railroads, in connection with Jacob Strawn, the "Cattle King," did principally all the cattle buying done in the northern part of the county. He was one of those kind-hearted men who are often imposed upon by his friends. His heart and hand were always open. He was often induced to go security for others, and not unfrequently was left to meet the obligations of those he had befriended ; yet, with all, at his death was possessed of a good farm, and what was better he left a name that was unstained with personal dishonor. 'There were nine children born to Joshua and liza Peek, four of whom are yet living. The subject of our sketch, was born May 6th, 1838. He remained at home until October 23d, 1860, when he was married to Angelina Graves, a native of Shelby county, Kentucky. She was a resident of Macoupin county at the time of her marriage. Seven children have been the fruits of this marriage, five of whom are living. Their names are Mary Louisa, Richard Joshua, Martha Jennie, Ida May and Edward Peck. All are yet at home. Mr. Peek has been engaged in farming for the greater portion of his life. In politics he was formerly a republican, but at present votes the democratic ticket. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

Henry C. Hamilton

Was born in Mercer county, Missouri, November 13th, 1851. John Hamilton, his father, was a native of Knoxville, Tennessee. The Hamiltons were originally from Scotland, and emigrated to America before the Revolutionary struggle. In 1835 Mr. Hamilton left his native state and came to Illinois. Here he remained for three years, when he returned to Tennessee, and in 1849 removed back to this state and settled in Morgan county, remaining until 1851, when he removed to Mercer county, Missouri, where the subject of our.,sketch was born. In 1855 he moved back to Illinois, and in 1856 came to Girard, where he engaged in farming. He remained here until 1875, when he returned to Mercer county, Missouri, his present residence. He married Miss Rhoda George, a native of Tennessee. This union was blessed with eight children, six of whom are living. Henry C., is the eldest of the family. He attended the schools until his twelfth year, when he was compelled to abandon school and help support himself and the family of his father, the latter being poor and haying a large family on his hands. Henry was thus deprived of the advantages of receiving such an education as falls to the lot of most youths in this privileged and favored country. He was compelled to become a producer as well as a consumer. By his assistance his father was enabled to secure for himself a comfortable home. At the age of thirteen years he went out from home and did all manner of work that presented itself. He continued this until 1867, when he went into the banking house of William Hindle of Girard, as book-keeper, and remained in that capacity until 1871, when he accepted a similar situation in the banking house of B. P. Andrews, and . remained with the latter until 1874. Mr. Andrews sold out, and in connéetion with other capitalists organized the bank of Girard. Mr. Hamilton was then appointed assistant cashier. In 1875 Mr. Andrews, who was cashier, retired from the business, and Mr. Hamilton was promoted to the office of cashier, a position he still holds and fills to the entire satisfaction of his employers and numerous friends. On the 7th of May, 1873, he was married to

Miss Permelia E., daughter of Samuel England. She was born in Macoupin county, May 7th, 1853. Three children have been born to them, all girls. In politics Mr. Hamilton is a democrat, and cast his first vote for the liberal candidate, Horace Greeley, for President, in 1872, and since that time has acted and voted with the democratic party. Both he and hisestimable wife are members of the Christian church. In habits Mr. Hamilton is exceedingly temperate, and in his manners is a quiet and affable gentleman. In his business he is quick and correct, and in the community where he resides has numerous friends, who all accord to him the reputation of a quiet, gentlemanly and honest man.

84 |HiE township of Gillespie, as known on the government survey, is township 8, range 7. It is bounded on the north by Brushy Mound, on the east.by Cahokia, on the south by Dorchester and on the west by Hilyard. It derives its name from the town of Gillzeite, and the town was named in honor of Judge Joseph Gillespie, by the managers of the I. & St. L. R. R. The northern and western part is partially timbered. The Dry Fork and its branches have their banks covered with a growth of timber, mostly oak ; the land along these streams is quite uneven and in some places quite broken; the soil is of yellow clay mixed with sand near the streams, but as we go from the streams we find a black deep soil and very productive. The southern and eastern portion is mostly prairie, and is under a high state of cultivation. Pure water is procured by digging, not usually to exceed thirty feet, and is generally found at a depth of about twenty feet.

The land slopes toward the centre from north to south and is drained by the Dry Fork and its branches, which run in a west and north-westerly direction, and leaves the township in section 6. The south-east corner of the township is drained by the Little Cahokia.

The first land entered in the township was on October 28, 1825, by Michael Dodd; eighty acres on section 15. Three years afterward Dennis Davis entered eighty acres on north-west quarter of section 2, September 15, 1828, and about one year later, September 29, 1829, B. Nowlin and J. G. White entered eighty acres on section 14.

The first house was built by John Wright, on section 2, in the year 1828, where he lived for a short time when a difficulty arose between him and Mr. Davis. Davis entered the land that Mr. Wright occupied; they however settled the difficulty by Mr. Davis paying Mr. Wright asmall consideration,

About 1829 the following men settled in the township: Alexander Miller, on section 3; soon after came Abraham Huddleston, Jr., and located on the same section; a widow, Mrs. McCafee, and family settled on south-west quarter of section 2; and Dennis Davis also made a farm in the same section. Tn 1830 came Aaron Maxwell, who settled on section 22 ; Gabriel Maxwell, on section 21; and in 1831 James Robinson on section 29; Arter Taylor, section 5; Giles Adam, section 17 ; Daniel Huddleston joined the settlers in 18382, Tn 1833 A. Jackson Rose settled on section 21; Andrew Clark also located on the same section ; George Harlam on section 2.

The first mill was built by George Harlam on section 2. He built it immediately after settling in the township, in 1833. It was a horse mill.

The first death was Louisa Huddleston, aged eighteen months, the daughter of Abraham and Judah Huddleston, and was the first person buried in the first burial-ground which is on section 3. From the recollection of a surviving sister it took place in the year 1831 or 1832.

The first school-house was built of logs, which were contributed by the neighbors, and they jointly assisted to build it; it was located on section 3, and erected in the fall of 1835. The first teacher was either Alexander Walls or a Mr. Moore, as they both taught there at an early time.

The first sermon was preached in Daniel Huddleston's house, on section 5, in 1832, by Pleasant LaMay,a Baptist. He afterward preached at different houses and at school-houses, until a church was erected.

The first church edifice was erected by the Baptists, about 1834, built of logs which were given by the neighbors; it was located on section 5, Pleasant LaMay preached the first sermon in it, and continued to preach with few exceptions up to the time of his death.

The mail was carried on a stage line running between Carlinville and Bunker Hill. It was removed to Gillespie in 1854. The first election was held at Giles Adams' house about 1835 and was considered to be very convenient as they had formerly gone to Carlinville to vote.

Since the I. & St. L. R. R. has been in operation the towns of Gillespie and Dorchester contain all the business houses of the township, and the places which once marked the store, stand, shop, or hotel, have long since been abandoned. The improvement of the township has kept pace with the surrounding country, as the statistics from the assessor's book of 1879 will show. Acres improved lands, 18,2763, value $128,208; acres unimproved lands, 4,7303, value $11,622; total value of lands $139,830; value of lots $15,062. There are 556 horses, worth $11,572; 785 cattle, valued at $7,083 ; 140 mules, value $3,182; 222 sheep, value $222; 1,344 hogs, value $1,162; 7 steam engines, value 1,266; 241 carriages and wagons, value $3,495; 210 watches and clocks, 107 sewing machines, 7 pianos, and 20 organs. The total cash value of all personal property is $43,425.

Supervisors. - Randal Clark, elected in 1871; Francis M. Adams, elected in 1872; Alexander Sinclair, in 1873; and Capt. P. H. Pentzer, elected in 1874, and by re-election has served up to the present time.

The Village Of Gillespie

Tur village of Gillespie is located on section 24. The original proprietor was Philander C. Huggins. It was surveyed by J. B. Meads in the spring of 1853.

In the year 1855 the village received what is known as Huggins' first addition, which was on the North side. '{S. H. Burton made the second addition on the South side in the year 1856.

First Post-office was kept in Mr. Clark's store in the year 1854, it having been moved from Mr. Adams' on section 17. The first Post-master was Thomas Chandler.

The first mill was built by Settlemire, Rankin & Holmes, in the year 1859. A fatal accident occurred, by the explosion of the engine, on January 14th, 1864, killing the engineer, William Robinson, and the miller, Lewis Zinzer. A little girl happened to be in the mill at the time, and was thrown some distance and received a broken leg; she subsequently recovered.

First church edifice was the Episcopal, built in the year 1863. The first preacher was Mr. Dresser, of Carlinville; afterward Rey. Mitchell took charge of the flock.

The Methodist Church was built the same year, and was finished a few weeks later. The pastor was Rev. . Morrison. Service was held in the school-house before the churches were built.

First Sunday-school was organized in the school-house in the summer of 1856. The German Lutheran Church was built in the fall of 1869, and is now under the care of Rey. Carl Baker. A Catholic Church is now being built.

Andrew Jackson Rose

Was one of the early settlers of Gillespie township. He came to Macoupin county in 1835. His father was Enos Rose, and his mother's name before marriage was Rachel Stout. He was born within a mile of Frenchtown, in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, October 11th, 1817. He lived in that part of New Jersey till in his eighteenth year. In May, 1835, the family started for Illinois. From Philadelphia they proceeded partly by railroad and canal to Pittsburgh, and from that place took a boat down the Ohio river. At Louisville his father was taken sick with the cholera, died within a few hours, and was buried the next day on the banks of the Ohio river in Indiana. The remainder of the family came on to St. Louis, and from there to Macoupin county. They reached Dry Point June 6th, 1835, and settled on the forty acres, in section twenty-one, where Mr. Rose still lives. His mother died in 1862, seventy-five years of age.

At that time there was not a house from Dry Point till within a mile south of Bunker Hill; where Bunker Hill has since been built was then a wild prairie, known as Wolf Ridge. May 6th, 1847, he married Sarah Ann Robertson, daughter of James Robertson, who was an early settler of Gillespie township, and came to this county from Sangamon. His first wife having died on the 24th of March, 1852, he was married again, to Rachel ©. Buck, daughter of John Buck, Her parents emigrated from Cumber- land county, New-Jersey, to Madison county, in this state, in 1831, and Mrs. Rose was born in Madison county in 1833, He has had four children, two by his first, and two by his second marriage. The oldest daughter, Susan, is the wife of James Pearson, of Brushy Mound township; Ellie married Elijah Clark, of Gillespie township; Sarah Elizabeth died when a year and ten months old, and the youngest daughter, Ina, is still living at home. Mr. Rose has been a democrat; he was once elected Justice of the Peace, and served till he resigned the office. He voted first for President for Van Buren, in 1840. He was in the county at an early day, when the conveniences of the present time were not in existence. He once made a bargain with his brother-in-law, Andrew S. Opdycke, who came to the county at the same time with him, and followed tailoring, to go to mill for him with a grist of buckwheat, provided Opdycke made him a jeans coat, the kind then usually worn. Mr. Rose first took the buckwheat to Montgomery county, five miles north of Hillboro, and not being able to get it ground at once, went back home, with the promise that it would be attended to after the next general rain. After waiting till it rained, he went after the buckwheat, but it was not ready yet; so he carried it back to Macoupin county, and, after a couple of additional trips, succeeded in getting it ground at a mill in Macoupin county, east of Carlinville. When he wore his new jeans coat, he had the satisfaction of knowing that he had paid enough for the making of it.

Amine Der

AmonG the leading farmers and enterprising citizens of Gillespie township, the name of Randal Clark deserves mention in this work. He isa native of the Palmetto state, and was born within ten miles of Greenville, in the Greenville district, South Carolina, November 30th, 1815. His forefathers had been settlers in that same part of South Carolina from a date previous to the revolutionary war. His father's name was Joseph Clark, and his mother's maiden name, Mary Taylor. His grandfather, William Taylor, was a brother to the father of Gen. Zachary Taylor, the hero of the Mexican war. William Taylor had been a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and served several years in that memorable and important struggle. He was in several engagements, among which were the battles of Cowpens and King's Mountain. He died in Cherokee county, Georgia.

in South Carolina. His father died when he was about twelve years of age. There were no public schools at that time in South Carolina, and the only advantages he had in the way of securing an education, was seven months schooling in a subscription school. He was chiefly his own instructor, and picked up knowledge as best he could. Two of his uncles had visited Ilinois in 1831, and had volunteered in the Black Hawk war which was then in progress. Mr. Clark resolved on visiting the far-famed western country, and in company with his uncle, Arter Taylor, left South Carolina for Illinois on the 12th of February, 1835. They made the journey all the way from South Carolina on horseback. Their route was through the Cherokee nation, up through East Tennessee, by way of Nashville, and then through Kentucky to Illinois. They reached Bloomington on the Ist of April, 1855. Mr. Clark was not then twenty years of age. He hired his services to a man named Dodge, who ran a grist mill and worked for him till August, 1835, when he left Bloomington and came to Gillespie township. What is now Gillespie township, was then wild and unsettled, and contained few inhabitants. The season was very sickly, almost every one was afflicted with the shaking ague, and he was not very favorably impressed with the country. In the winter of 1835-6 he made sufficient rails to pay for the horse which he had ridden to Illinois, and which he had bought on credit from his uncle. The next fall he sold the horse, and with part of the proceeds (sixty dollars) bought part of the pre-emption right of his cousin, Marion Taylor, and thus became the owner of twenty acres of timber land. This land, the first he ever owned, is still in his possession.

His home was with his uncle, Arter Taylor, till his marriage, which took place February 14th, 1839. Mrs. Clark was formerly Miss Lucy Gray. She was born in Cabell county, Virginia, and was the daughter of James P. Gray. Her father moved from Virginia and settled on Lick creek in Sangamon county, about sixteen miles south-west from Springfield, at a very early date, about the year 1823. He moved from Sangamon county to Hilyard township in 1831. Soon after Mr. Clark was married, he built a cabin on the same spot, in section twenty, where his present residence now stands, and moved in and began housekeeping. He has lived at the same place from that time to the present, and has carried on farming, at which he has been highly successful. He is one of the men of the largest means in the township. He is the owner of 755 acres of land lying in Gillespie township, besides 320 acres in Summer county, Kansas, and 240 in St. Clair county, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have had thirteen children. The oldest daughter, Mourning, is the wife of William Whitfield, of Gillespie township ; Mary, now deceased, was Mr. Whitfield's first wife ; Manoah, the oldest son, is farming for himself in Gillespie township, as is also the next son, James P. Clark. Elizabeth married James Culbertson, moved to Bates county, Missouri, and died there. Josephus Clark is living in St. Clair county, Missouri; Elijah and Vespasian are living in Gillespie township, Randal and Edward are deceased. Ann is the wife of Newton Gwin, of Gillespie township, and Lincoln and Isabella are still living at home.

Mr. Clark in his early life, was a member of the democratic party, and cast his first vote for President, for Gen. Jackson in 1836. He had always, however, been opposed to the system of slavery, from what he saw of the workings of the institution in South Carolina. He voted in 1856 for Fremont, the first republican presidential candidate, and has been a republican ever since. He is now one of the oldest settlers of Gillespie township, and has witnessed many improvements and changes since he came to the county. In these improvements he has borne his full share, for he is a man of enterprise and public spirit. He began life with nothing on which to rely except his own energy, and has fought his way up by his own exertjons. He has succeeded by the exercise of industry, prudence, enterprise and superior business management. He was the first member of the Board of Supervisors from Gillespie township after the adoption of township organization.

Francis M. Adams

Tur Adams family was one of the first to make a permanent settlement in Gillespie township, and the name of Mr. Adams' father, GiLes M. Apams, was familiar to the early pioneers of the county. Daniel Adams, the grandfather of Francis M. Adams, was a Virginian. He purchased

700 acres of land at Poplar Cove, in Kentucky, but lost his land through an old claim which had been located prior. He then moved from Kentucky to Tennessee. Giles M. Adams had been born in Virginia on. the 10th of September, 1801, and was a boy when he moved with his father to Kentucky. He was married in Tennessee to Elizabeth Taylor, who was born April 19, 1809, in the Greenville district, in South Carolina, and was connected with the same Taylor family of which Gen. Zachary Taylor, president of the United States, was a member. In the year 1828, Giles M. Adams moved from Tennessee to Illinois, and settled on the Flagg farm, about five miles north from Edwardsville. in Madison county, where he farmed one season.

He came to Gillespie township in the fall of 1829, and settled on the west half of the north-east quarter of section twenty. This is on the same farm where his son, Francis M. Adams, now resides. In those days there were few people living in what is now Gillespie township. When he built his cabin in the edge of Dry Fork timber, it took a hard day's ride ta get six men to assist in raising the structure. The winter ef the deep snow was long to be remembered for the many trials and hardships which it brought the early pioneers. The ground was covered with snow seyeral feet in depth, confining the settlers to their houses and preventing travel and communication with the rest of the world. To get water for household purposes, Mr. Adams was obliged to go to the neighboring sloughs, cut chunks of ice, and suspending these before the fire, catch the water melting from the ice in buckets. The conveniences of life were few, and for some time after coming to the county he was obliged to go to Alton and Edwardsville to mill, and found it necessary to travel to Carlinville to get his axe ground, that being the nearest place in the county where he could find a grindstone. He had settled in this locality without entering land, but afterward entered forty acres, embracing the spot where stood his cabin, and subsequently a larger quantity. He had come to Illinois without any capital. When he reached Edwardsyille he had a light team and wagon, and a dollar and a half in money, which amount he found diminished by one-half the next morning, after paying for his night's lodging. He was a man accustomed to hard work, and was ambitious to get along in the world and become possessed of considerable means. He had abundant energy and good business qualifications. As he had opportunity he entered land and bought other tracts which had been improved. At the time of his death he owned about 1000 acres, 430 of which were situated in Montgomery county, 100 in Bond county, and the balance in Macoupin. He died in the fall of 1870, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. He had accomplished a great deal of hard work through life, and had undergone considerable exposure. He had also once been thrown from his horse while on the road to Carlinville, and sustained injuries from which he was insensible for a week, and all these causes combined to break down his constitution and cause his death. In politics he had always been a democrat, and supported the principles of the democratic party from youth to old age. He was elected justice of the peace and held that office several years, till he resigned it. His widow is now living in Montgomery county, near Haryel. Giles M., and Elizabeth Adams were the parents of five children, as follows: Daniel, now deceased; Nancy, wife of Luke Dilliard, of Gillespie township; Francis Marion Adams; William W., living in Montgomery county, and JamesI., who is deceased. He lived on the old stage road between Carlinville and Bunker Hill, which, in the early history of the county, was a popular thoroughfare of travel. For some years his house was one of the principal stands on this route. In 1842 he erected the substantial frame building which is now used by his son, Francis M. Adams, as a residence.

Francis M. Adams, now living on the old homestead farm, was born in Gillespie township, July 1st, 1833, and has been living in the township ever since. He was married February 2d, 1864, to Elizabeth K. Grimes, who was,born at Carlinville, February 27th, 1841. Her father, William Grimes, was a native of the city of Baltimore, Maryland, and was one of the early settlers of Macoupin county. When a young man he came to the county and married Nancy Wagner, whose father lived two miles north-west of Plainview, in Hilyard township. William Grimes resided in Hilyard township and Carlinville, and his home is now mostly in Christian county. He.

owns large tracts of land in Montgomery, Christian and Macoupin counties, Illinois, and in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have had five children, whose names are as follows: William Martin Adams, born November 24th, 1866, died February 1st, 1870; Mary S., born June 25th, 1868, and now living; James Lawrence, born December 14th, 1872, died December 27th, 1874; Stephen 'N., born October 26th, 1875, died September 18th, 1878 ; Oscar Eugene, born November 15th, 1877, died March 18th, 1878. Like his ancestors Mr. Adams has been a democrat. While in county and township contests, and on local issues, he has always felt himself free to support the best man for the office, without regard to politics; still, on general elections he has adhered to the support of the democratic party. He was the second member of the Board of Supervisors from Gillespie township, and was elected to that office in 1872. He is well known throughout the county, and although still a comparatively young man, may be regarded as one of the old settlers ; few persons having lived in the county longer than himself. He can recollect when Edwardsville was the place where his father went to mill. He is a good farmer and an enterprising and public-spirited citizen.

Captain P. H. Pentzer

Wuo for the last six years has represented Gillespie township in the Board of Supervisors, is a native of Missouri. His grandfather was of German descent, and first settled in the state of Maryland, and from there moved to Pennsylvania where Valentine Pentzer (Capt. Pentzer's father) was born. Valentine Pentzer was educated for the Presbyterian ministry, and graduated at Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania. He came to Missouri, and was first employed as a teacher in Marion College. He married Ann M. Owen, who was born and raised in Powhatan county, Virginia, moved to Missouri with her father, and before her marriage lived in Marion and Boone counties. Captain Pentzer's father moved to south-east Missouri, and was principal of an academy at Greenfield, in Dade county, which school was under the care of the Presbyterian Church. At the same time he preached in Greene, Lawrence and other counties in that part of the state. Captain Pentzer was born in Marion county, Missouri, September 24th, 1838. He was five or six years old when his father moved to Southwest Missouri, locating first in what is now Jasper county, and afterward at Greenfield. The first school he attended was the academy at Greenfield, of which his father was principal. In 1847, when he was about nine years of age, the family removed to Illinois, and settled in Jersey county, a short distance south-west of Brighton, and the next year changed their residence to Madison county, five miles south of Brighton. In 1849 the family settled at Dry Point, in Gillespie township, Macoupin county, but in three weeks after their removal to this place his father died. The death of his father left the family without any means of support. Captain Pentzer was the oldest of six children, and he was obliged to devote his time to the assistance of his mother and the support of the family. This condition of affairs made it possible for him to have the advantage of only a moderate amount of schooling. He attended the district schools at rare intervals after coming to Macoupin county, and for three months during the winter of 1857-58 was a student at the " Old Seminary " at Carlinville.

He was still living at home with his mother in Gillespie township, at the time of the commencement of the war of the rebellion. He was then in his twenty-third year. Promptly on the first call for troops in April, 1861, he enlisted, and was mustered in Co. H of the 9th Illinois regiment. During the summer of 1861 the regiment was stationed at Cairo, and while laying there he was taken sick, sent to the hospital, and in the fall discharged from the service by reason of disability. He came home almost a complete physical wreck, the change in his appearance being so great that he was recognized with difficulty by some of his most intimate acquaintances. His recovery was rapid during the succeeding winter, and on the 15th of July, 1862, he re-enlisted in the army for three years. He was mustered in as sergeant-major of the 97th Illinois regiment, and was detailed to drill recruits at Springfield, where he remained till November, 1862, when the regiment was ordered to Kentucky and attached to the Division commanded by Gen. A. J. Smith. In December the 97th moved to Memphis, and was made a part of the 13th Army Corps. The regiment took part in the campaign against Vicksburg, forming a part of the right wing of the army of the Tennessee under Gen. Sherman, which attacked Vicksburg by way of Yazoo City. During this attack he was placed in command of Co. C, which had become destitute of officers. The regiment next proceeded to Post Arkansas, on the Arkansas river, where Gen. McClenard succeeded to the command of the 13th Corps. At the fight at Post Arkansas, on the 11th of January, 1863, Capt. Pentzer commanded Co. C, and was recommended for promotion on the battle-field for bravery displayed during the engagement. The 97th Illinois was next stationed at Young's Point, Louisiana, where the men were engaged in digging the canal intended by Gen. Grant to change the course of the Mississippi, and cut off Vicksburg from river communication. Capt. Pentzer, in charge of a corps of men, was employed for some time in assisting to lay out the canal. The regiment subsequently crossed to the east side of the Mississippi at Grand Gulf, and took part in the battle of Port Gibson, the first engagement on the east side of the Mississippi below Vicksburg. Gen. Grant then took personal command of the forces against Vicksburg, and Capt. Pentzer took part in all the important movements of the campaign which culminated in the capture of Vicksburg, on the 4th of July, 1863, including the battle of Champion Hill and other important engagements. In June, 1863, he received his commission as captain, which dated back to his promotion the preceding February.

After the surrender of Vicksburg his regiment formed part of the force with which Sherman drove back the Confederate Gen. Joe Johnson, and then returned to Vicksburg. After a short furlough he rejoined his company at Carrollton, Louisiana, the regiment having been placed under Gen. Banks' command. He took part in the Bayou Teche expedition, and was then ordered to New Orleans. While en route from New Iberia to New Orleans the train bearing the regiment collided with another train coming around a curye. This accident occurred at night, and was unusually fatal in its consequences, occasioning the death or permanent disability of about a hundred men belonging to the regiment. The 97th Illinois was assigned to post duty at New Orleans, and for seven months Capt. Pentzer had charge of rebel prisoners at the Custom House. From eight hundred and eightyfour active men the regiment had dwindled down to two hundred and eighty, and while in New Orleans the ranks were filled up by recruits. From July to November, 1864, the regiment was engaged in river patrol duty at Morganza Bend, two hundred miles above New Orleans, and was kept constantly alert scouring the country for the guerrillas who infested the river banks. While there Capt. Pentzer saw the hardest service he experienced while in the army. His command was subsequently sent to Dauphin Island in Mobile Bay, and thence to the mouth of Pascagoula river. In January, 1865, they reached Barancas, twelve miles below Pensacola, on the coast of Florida ; the following March went into camp at Pensacola; and subsequently marched across Florida, cutting their way through timber and swamps, and constructing corduroy roads, miles in length, to Mobile Bay. He took part in the capture of Fort Blakely, on the 9th of April, 1865, the last battle of any prominence which occurred during the war. He had the honor of receiving in person the surrender of Gen. F. M. Cockrell (now United States Senator from Missouri), in command of the Confederate forces. His command then proceeded up the Alabama river to Selma, and returned to Mobile, and took part in the capture of a small railroad station. This was two or three weeks after the fall of Richmond, but news of the end of the war had not yet reached that part of the army. June,1865, he was detailed for service on a general court martial, which sat for a month in the Custom House at Mobile, and afterward during the month of July at Galveston, Texas, to which point his regiment had been ordered. In the early part of August he was mustered out at Galveston and discharged at Springfield, in this state.

Returning to Macoupin county he engaged in farming. June, 1870, he married Miss Mary F. Adams, born in Ohio, daughter of John Adams, who settled in Gillespie township in 1847. The anti-slavery sentiments of Capt. Pentzer's father had been one reason of the removal of the family from Missouri to Illinois. Naturally, therefore, on growing up he, became a republican, and voted for Lincoln for President in 1860. His service in the army is sufficient indication of his patriotism during the war of the Rebellion. 'Two younger brothers also served in the Union army. In 1868 his views differed from the policy of the republican party as represented by the Grant administration, and believing that the best intervals of the country demanded a change he became a democrat. In 1873 he was elected assessor of Gillespie township. In 1874 he was chosen supervisor, and has since been re-elected each year to that position. He has been known as one of the most active members of the Board, for six years has been chairman of the Finance Committee, and has served on other important committees. His course regarding the Court House and other difficult questions with which the Board has had to deal, seems to have met with the cordial approval of the people of the county. He opposed the payment or recognition of the old Court House debt, but advocated a settlement of the claims against the county on a just and equitable basis and then their prompt payment. He was appointed a committee to visit eastern cities and confer with the bondholders as to the basis of a proposed settlement, and was influential in securing the passage of the act through the legislature of 1877 by which the couuty was enabled to fund the bonds on such a basis as the county and its creditors could agree upon. His efforts have been successful, and he has the satisfaction of knowing that the exertions of the Board have left matters in a better shape for an equitable settlement than has been the case in all the history of these transactions. He has two children, Chatty F. and Henry Earl Pentzer. For four years he has been a member of the democratic central committee.

David Cavender

Was born in the town of Hancock, Hillsborough county, New Hampshire, April 19, 1821. His grandfather, Charles Cavender, belonged to an Irish family in independent circumstances, and came over to this country, landing at Boston during the Revolutionary war. He yolunteered his services on the side of the colonies and served in the American army during the several years of the war. He was in several engagements, among which was the battle of Bennington, and the next day captured with his own hand seven Hessians and marched them into camp as prisoners, an incident which is narrated in some of the histories of the Revolution. After the war was over, he purchased, with the continental money, many large quantities of land, at ten cents an acre, in the town of Greenfield, New Hampshire, and in company with a man named James Ramsey, made the first settlement in that part of the state. Charles Cavender, father of David N. Cavender, was born at Greenfield in 1794. About the year 1818 he married Mary Nahor, who was descended from a Scotch family. Her father was born and raised at Litchfield, New Hampshire, and at an early date settled at Hancock. Charles Cavender, in 1828, removed from Hancock to Antrim, and in 1835 to Northfield, New Hampshire. In 1838 he came to Illinois and settled at Bunker Hill. His brother, John Cavender, a merchant at St. Louis, was one of the parties who laid out the town of Bunker Hill. He bought land at Bunker Hill, and was farming there till 1851, and then moved to Cahokia township. He died at the house of his son in Gillespie township, October 30, 1877.

David N. Cavender was seventeen years of age when he came to Macoupin county. His first marriage occurred in March, 1845, to Celestia Hovey, who died the next January. He was married the second time on the 12th of November, 1849, to Eliza J. Stockton. Mrs. Cavender was born in Stockton's Valley, in what was then Cumberland (now Clinton) county, Kentucky, July 12, 1828. Stockton's Valley received its name from her grandfather, who settled there when that part of Kentucky was full of Indians, and the nearest neighbor was twenty miles distant. It was necessary to establish forts in which the settlers could take refuge in case of an attack by the Indians; and when plowing or cultivating their fields, a constant guard had to be maintained against the approach of the savages. Her father, David Stockton, was born in Kentucky, and married Elizabeth Bertram. The Bertram family were from the Carolinas, and during the Revolutionary war lived within a short distance of where the battle of Cowpens was fought, so that the firing could easily be heard while the battle was in progress. Mrs. Cavender's grandfather, Andrew Bertram, took part in the Revolutionary war. Davis Stockton came to Illinois in 1831, and settled twelve miles north of Jacksonville, where is now the town of Jordanville, in Morgan county. The next winter after settling there, was "the winter of the deep snow," and he came to the conclusion that the country, though a fine one, would never be settled, and in 1832, moved back to Kentucky. In 1834 he moved to Missouri, and in 1835 back to his original location in Morgan county. There were still only a few settlements in that vicinity, and Mrs. Cavender, then a little girl, seven years old, was obliged to go six miles to school. Her father moved to Bunker Hill township in this county in 1840, and to Gillespie township in 1859 ; his death occurred in October of the same year. Her mother died in 1857,

Mr. Cavender moved on his present farm in Gillespie township, in 1855. He is a democrat in politics, and is known as one of the prosperous and substantial farmers of this part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Cavender have had eight children - John R. Cavender ; Frank W., who died at the age of two years and seven months; Lucy E., wife of Stephen Grimes, of Christian county ; Celestia Jane, who married Robert A. Huddleston, of Gillespie township ; Cornelia, deceased at the age of seven months; Ella M.; Mary E., and Maggie J., who was'three years old when she died,

Was born in Yorkshire, England, March 29th, 1816. His father,. John Pearson, kept a toll gate and shoe shop, and died when the subject of this sketch was about five years old. His mother's name before marriage was Elizabeth Blankin; she married as her second husband Matthew Inman, and in 1825 came to Clark county, O., where Capt. Pearson was principally raised. While his step-father was living he was obliged to work, and had little opportunity for attending school ; most of his education he obtained after he was married. After his step-father died his mother was left in comfortable circumstances and in 1834 came to Illinois. In November of that year they rented a farm at Dry Point, and settled on it the next February. For about a year and a half his mother kept public house for the entertainment of traye'ers at Dry Point. In 1837 Capt. Pearson was employed in carrying the mail between Alton and St. Louis, first on a coach running between the two places, and afterward on a packet on the Mississippi river. He was married October 27th, 1837, to Tabitha Gwin, a native of Alabama, and then went to farming for himself in the western part of Gillespie township; in March, 1854, he moved to his present farm in sections three and ten in Gillespie township.

Capt. Pearson was one of the soldiers of the Mexican War; he was mustered in Co. " A," First Illinois regiment, of which his uncle, William Weatherford, was lieutenant-colonel, at Alton, July 4th, 1846. From Alton his regiment went to New Orleans; thence to Matagorda bay in Texas; was stationed a month at San Antonia de Bexar, and in the fall of 1846 moved into Mexico at Presidio. They were afterward stationed at several points in Northern Mexico for some months, and took part in the battle of Buena Vista in February, 1847. In that fight he was wounded, a ball carrying away a piece of bone from his ankle. They remained at Buena Vista till June, 1847, by which time the war had closed; he was mustered out at Camargo, on the Rio Grande, and reached home July 7th, 1847. This was not Capt. Pearson's first experience,at soldiering ; he had enlisted when only a boy, in a company of volunteers which left Ohio to take part in the Black Hawk War; on reaching Vincennes, Indiana, news reached them of the closing of the war, and they returned home; he also took part in the Mormon war at Nauvoo in Hancock county. His first wife died in February, 1848. He was married in the spring of 1849 to Mrs. William Little, formerly Miss Rebecca Gwin, sister to-his first wife. Capt. Pearson has had six children: Elizabeth, who married Frank Johnson, and died in Missouri in February, 1879; Elias, who died in 1855 at the age of eighteen; Rebecca, now the wife of Edward Huddleston of Gillespie township; Martha Ann, who married Nelson Pope of Dorchester township ; Mary, now Mrs. Robert Drury, of Brushy Mound township; and James M. Pearson, the youngest son, who is farming in Brushy Mound township. In politics Capt. Pearson is a democrat, and voted first for Van Buren in 1836. He was first lieutenant of the company of volunteers raised in Ohio for service in the Black Hawk war; he was first elected drum-major, and then promoted to wagon-master in the Mexican war, and everybody familiarly know him as Captain. He had no capital with which to begin life, and now has a farm of 200 acres in Gillespie township, and owns 640 acres in Missouri, of which 400 are under cultivation. He is now one of the oldest citizens of Gillespie township.

Dante" HuppLeston was one of the leading citizens of Gillespie township, and his name fitly deserves a place in this work. His ancestors were from Virginia. His father, Abraham Huddleston, emigrated from Virginia to Ohio, where Daniel Huddleston was born, on the 25th of October, 1816. When he was a small boy his father removed to the State of Indiana and lived there till the year 1832, and then emigrated to Illinois, settling in the edge of Dry Fork timber on section four of Gillespie town- Ship. The country was then wild and unsettled, and few improvements had been made in this part of the county. The subject of this biography was about sixteen years old when he came to the state. He was married on the 9th of December, 1838, to Rachel Huddleston. She was' born near Russellville, Putnam county, Indiana, February 21st, 1824. Her father was William Huddleston, a cousin to Abraham Huddleston. Her father moved from the neighborhood of Russellville, Indiana, to Gillespie township in the fall of 1830, and settled the place where James Pearson now lives. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans under Gen. Jackson. Before moving to Indiana he had lived in Shelby county, Kentucky.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Huddleston lived on section four till 1856, and then moved to the farm, where the family have since lived on sections eleven and twelve, Gillespie township. Only fifty acres of this farm were at that time improved, and Mr. Huddleston went to work with considerable energy and industry, and succeeded in getting a fine farm under cultivation, and in 1860 erected a substantial and convenient dwelling. He was the owner of 526 acres of land, all lying in Gillespie township. His death occurred on the 22d of December, 1869, from congestion of the brain. He had been an active and enterprising man through life; as a citizen and a neighbor stood well in the community in which he lived; and his death was lamented by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. In his political sympathies he had always.been a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Huddleston were the parents of thirteen children, of whom only five are now living. The names of those living are John Wesley Huddleston, who is carrying on the farm; Samuel Jasper, living in Gillespie township; Carrie, who married Adelbert James, and resides in Montgomery county; Emma J., now the wife of Daniel W. Dugger, a farmer of Madison county; and Florence V., who is still living at home. Of the eight children who are dead, four (Henry, Maria, Susan and Nina) departed this life in infancy. Luther died November 2d, 1873, when seven years old. Mary Jane died April 6th, 1872, having reached the age of twenty years the preceding February. Preston was born July 1st, 1840, and died November 4th, 1869. Julia A. was born November 10th, 1845, and died September 3d, 1875. Three of these children were remarkable instances of rapid growth and development, and acquired physical proportions which made them somewhat celebrated. At the time of Luther's death, at the age of seven years, he weighed 184 pounds. Preston and Julia weighed on an average, after having grown up, 340 pounds each. Neither of their parents were persons of unusual size. For nine years before his deatli Preston was severely afflicted with the rheumatism. He had a good education, and while lying at home confined to his bed was a frequent and well-known contributor to several papers. These articles were written principally during the war on political subjects, he being an earnest republican.

Abram K. Netherton

Was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, May 10th, 1818. His gtandfather, John Netherton, was a Virginian, who fought as a soldier through the whole of the Revolutionary war. He moved to Kentucky in 1790, when the Indians were still plentiful, and it was necessary to keep guards to protect the white settlers while cultivating their little patches of ground about the forts. His father, Abram Netherton, was born in Virginia, and was fifteen when he went with his father to Kentucky. He married as his second wife Amy Ashbaugh. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and was in the battle of New Orleans. A. K. Netherton was raised in Kentucky. One of his neighbors, Henry Fishback, had improved a farm in Cahokia township, and then returned to Kentucky. Mr. Netherton came back with him to Illinois in 1840. In 1841 he came to Gillespie township. April 16th, 1844, he married Julia Ann Huddleston, daughter of William Huddleston. After his marriage he farmed{ Brushy Mound and Cahokia townships till 1853, and then settled on his present farm. He was originally a whig in politics, but has belonged to the republican party since its formation.

Arter Taylor

Was one of the oldest settlers of Gillespie township. He was born in the Greenville district of South Carolina, February 13th, 1813. His grandfather came to South Carolina from the north of Ireland, and died three years after reaching America. He had two sons, William and Richard, both of whom served seven years in the Revolutionary war. Richard was the father of General Zachary Taylor, elected in 1848 President of the United States. William was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in Ireland, and was three years old when he came to South Carolina. In the war of the Revolution he was in several battles, among which was King's Mountain, and afterward served in a volunteer rifle company against the Chickasaw, Creek and Choctaw Indians, who made considerable trouble on the South Carolina border. He moved to the Cherokee country, in Georgia, and died there when nearly a hundred years old.

Arter Taylor was the youngest of sixteen children, and was raised in South Carolina. In the fall of 1831, he visited some relatives, on Duck river, in Tennessee, and from that place, in company with his brother, Dick Taylor, came on to Illinois, reaching Madison county in October, 1831. In the spring of 1832, he volunteered in the Black Hawk war, took part in the campaign of that summer, and returned to Madison county in the fall, and thence went back to South Carolina. In the spring of 1835, he returned to Illinois, in company with his nephew, Randall Clark. He staid at Bloomington from April to August, and then came to Gillespie township, where his sister, Nancy, mother of the wife of Giles M. Adams, was then living. He was farming in section twenty till 1837, and then moved to the place where he now lives. He was married February 13, 1836, to Sarah Ann Rose, who was born in the year 1814, near Frenchtown, Hunterdon county, New Jersey. He went to California in 1849 among the first emigrants to the Pacific Coast; was mining gold, and returned to Illinois in January, 1851.

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have seven children living, five boys and two girls. He has always been a democrat in politics. He is now one of the old settlers of the county, and has seen many changes take place during the forty-four years he has lived in it.

Dr. FLoyp, whose death occurred in 1876, began the practice of medicine at Gillespie in 1859. He was born in Todd county, Kentucky, June 5, 1833.

He was the youngest of ten children of John and Elizabeth (Johnson) Floyd. In the beginning of the year 1834, his father moved with the family to Bond county, Illinois, and settled on a farm midway between Greenville and Carlyle. When Dr. Floyd was about twelve years old, his father died. Obtaining his early education in ,the common schools he afterward attended McKendree college, at Lebanon. He pursued his preparatory medical studies in the office of Dr. Drake, of Greenville, and subsequently graduated from the medical college at Chicago. In 1855, he began practice at Greenville, and in 1859 removed to Gillespie. September 20th, 1860, he married Anna EK. Caudry, who was born at Lexington, Kentucky, September 17th, 1843, and who came to Cahokia township with her father, John L. Caudry, in 1859. Her father was born in Maryland, and her mother (Sarah Prather) in Louisiana.

Dr. Floyd secured a well merited reputation as a physician, and was highly esteemed, both for his professional skill and his many good qualities as a gentleman and a citizen. From the age of twenty-one he was an Odd Fellow, and filled several honorable positions in that order. At the time of his death, he was grand representative of the state. He was also a Mason, and served as master of the lodge at Gillespie. The order of Odd Fellows especially enlisted his interest and attachment, and he was active in advancing its welfare. He was a republican in politics. At an early period in his life he had experienced religion, and was a member of the Methodist Church. He was also interested in the temperance cause, and endeavored to lend his influence to the promotion of every means calculated to advance the best interests of his fellow-men. For eight years previous to his death, he was superintendent of the Methodist Sunday-school at Gillespic, and was also leader of the choir. His death was occasioned by heart disease, January 25th, 1876.

For a number of years previous to his death, he had been post-master at Gillespie, which position has since been held by his widow. He was also the proprietor of a drug store at Gillespie. He had six children, three sons and three daughters; four are now living, of whom the oldest is a son, and the others daughters.

Sess

nex SFIS township is geographically known as town 9 N., R. 6 W. of C) 3d P.M. It is bounded on the north by Shaw's Point, east by Montgomery county, south by Cahokia, west by Brushy Mound 3} township. The first land entries were made by Aaron Hammer August 19th, 1819, it being an eighty tract, in section 32. The second entry was made May 24th, 1831, by Hardin Hall, of eighty acres, in section 17. The third entry was May 26th, 1831, by Thomas Carr, who entered a quarter section in section 18.

AAs is the case in all places, the first settlers chose the timber, and as the population increased they gradually and slowly worked out into the prairie. Elijah Mitchell settled in the edge of the timber as early as 1832; Thomas D. Moore, Robert Scott and father Rucker came about 1833. Judge Olds, John Perkins, James Sinclair, M. J. W. Hart, James Mounce, and Thomas I. Williams were all early settlers.

Among the old settlers of the county now living in Honey Point township are J. W. York, who came in 1828; Peter Keplinger, who came with his parents from Tennessee in 1829, and subsequently moved to this township ; T. D. Moore came in 1834, and now lives on section 6; John McReynolds, who lives on section 36, was born in Brushy Mound township in 1836; W.N. Culp, another resident of the township, was born in the county in 1839; J. D. Sanders came in 1841, and James Hunt in 1849.

Among the leading farmers of the township may be mentioned the following: James Wilson, Guy A. Snell, Peter Keplinger, J. W. York, Abraham Deck, John McReynolds, John Wilson, N. Carrico, and I. Chappell.

Near the centre of this township, on the banks of Honey creck, commences a grove about three-fourths of a mile wide, extending nearly three miles to the west, and surrounded on all sides by the prairie. It is said that during the Black Hawk war a company of soldiers, under Col. Whiteside, in marching from St. Louis to Springfield camped in the' east end of the timber for the night. In the morning they had their attention attracted by a large number of bees, and following them they found a number of beetrees filled with delicious honey, and from that circumstance it received the name of Honey Point, from which the township also was named.

At an early day, we are told, that the Point was a pretty hard place, not made so by those early settlers who came there to find a home, but by roughs, who would do anything rather than work for a living. For many years Honey Point has enjoyed the presence of good citizens, who are now amongst the most intelligent and enterprising in the county.

The first resident ministers were Elders Mitchell and Brown; but others occasionally came through to preach, among whom were Isaac Haycraft, J. B. Rhoads, old fathers Carr and Williams.

Abraham Deck

Tris gentleman, one of the representative citizens of Honey Point township, is a native of Madison county in this state, and was born near Alton, May 31, 1825. He is descended from a family of German origin. His grandfather, Jacob Deck, was a resident of Pennsylvania, served in the evolutionary war, and after the independence of the colonies was achieved emigrated to East Tennessee, and was one of the pioneer settlers of that state. Mr. Deck's father, Isaac Deck, was born in East Tennessee on the 1st day of January, 1800. | His birthplace was Sullivan, one of the northeast counties of the state lying next to the Virginia line. He married Hannah Isley, whose father had also at an early date come from Pennsylyania and settled in Sullivan county. His marriage took place in 1819. His first wife (Mr. Deck's mother) died, and he was afterwards married three times, and had in all fourteen children. Isaac Deck left Tennessee in the fall of 1821, and after stopping one season on a farm not far from Lexington, Kentucky, came on to [linois the close of the year 1822, and settled on Wood river, three miles east from Upper Alton. He bought a farm there, on which he lived till 1853, when he moved to Gillespie township in this county, where he continued to reside till his death on the 3d of March, 1873. He was an industrious and energetic man, attended closely to his own business affairs, and led the quiet and respected life of a farmer without any wish to engage in public affairs.