Macoupin County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1879 (part 9 of 15)

Abraham Deck was born while the family resided on Wood river. At the time his father located there the Wood river settlements marked the frontier, all the region to the north being uninhabited except by the Indians, with perhaps now and then in this wild waste a solitary pioneer, who had ventured to establish himself remote from civilization. His father gave him every opportunity in his power of going to school, but the schools were of so inferior a character, and compared so poorly with the facilities of the present day, that he had but little chance to obtain a thorough education. He mastered the branches commonly taught, and for his generai knowledge on other subjects, he has been compelled to rely on his own reading and observation. When twenty years of age he began farming for himself, but his father's house was his home till 1845. In the spring of that year he set out for the lead regions about Galena - a favorite mode adopted by the young men of that day to get command of a little money, a commodity which was scarce among the agricultural classes. He was, however, unsuccessful. He struck no lead that would pay, and returned to Madison county in the fall, and on the 27th of November, (1845), married Mary Williams, daughter of Samuel Williams, who emigrated to Illinois from Knox county, Tennessee, in 1835, and settled near Dorsey Station in Madison county, where he resided till his death.

After his marriage he was farming in Madison county till 1850. Ie then lived one year on a farm in Honey Point township, Macoupin county, and then returned to Madison county, where he lived till the death of his wife's father, when he moved to a farm in Hilyard township, six miles north of Bunker Hill. Since the spring of 1857 he has lived on his present farm in section 27, Honey Point township. He is the owner of 380 acres of land. An illustration of his farm and residence is furnished on another page. Mr. and Mrs. Deck have had thirteen children, of whom six are living, whose names are as follows: George M., Elizabeth Ann, now the wife of Robert A. Stone; Thomas J., Isaac N., John C., and Benjamin I'. His political sympathies have always led him to support the doctrines of the democratic party, His first vote in a presidential election was cast for James Ix. Polk in 1844.

his influence to every measure which in his estimation would benefit the masses of the peoples When the Grange or Farmer's movement was set on foot, he was one of those who believed in its importance as a means of bettering the condition of the agricultural classes, and protecting them from the ~ burdens imposed by corporations and monopolies. He engaged actively in the movement with this idea in view, and in 1876 when the Independents of the county nominated a separate ticket for county officers his name was put on as candidate for sheriff. The election with three distinct tickets in the field, would in all probality have resulted in the choice of the republican candidate, and in obedience to what he believed to be his duty to the democratic party, he withdrew his name, and thus prevented the defeat of the regular democratic nominee. In 1878 he was a candidate for the democratic nomination for sheriff, but withdrew his name from before the convention in consequenceof there being another candidate for the same position from his township. From 1871 to 1875 he served as justice of the peace. He is a man whose character has commanded respect in every community in which he has resided. He has superior business qualifications, and enlightened ideas and intelligent views on all subjects. He has been connected with the Christian church since 1851, of which his wife is also a

AMon«G the representative self-made men of Honey Point township none stand forth more conspicuously than does James Wilson. Although not one of the first settlers in the township, yet by industry, coupled with sound practical economy and excellent judgment, he has rightfully assumed a place with the largest farmers and most substantial business men of the county. As exhibiting an example worthy the emulation of-all, especially the young, we herewith present a brief sketch of Mr. Wilson's life and character, feeling as though the history of Honey Point township

James Wilson, whose portrait appears above, was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, December 16th, 1833. He grew up to manhood in his native state, and emigrated to Lee county, Iowa, in 1849. He married in the city of New York Rebecca Barr, whose death occurred March 2d, 1879. In 1862 he became a resident of Macoupin county, and has since been engaged in farming in this township. He has five sons and two daughters living in this county, and is the owner of fourteen hundred acres of land within

One of the oldest settlers of Honey Point township, is a native of Tennessee, and was born in Williamson county of that state, October 28th, 1813. His ancestors were of English and Irish origin. His grandfather, James York, was an Englishman who emigrated to North Carolina, and married a young lady named Whittaker. Joel York, the father of the subject of this biography, was born in Surrey county, North Carolina, in the year 1784: he was raised in that part of North Carolina, and when a young man moved to the state of Tennessee, where he married Talitha Jackson, who was of Irish descent, and whose family before coming to Tennessee, had lived in North Carolina. Mr. York's grandmother, on his mother's side, was Charity Boyd, who was born in North Carolina, and was living there during the Reyolutionary war ; at the time of the battle of Cowpens she plainly heard the guns used during the engagement, the battle-field not being many miles distant from her father's house. Mr. York was the second of a family of ten children, of whom all came to Llinois; all are now dead, with the exception of four. When he was quite a small child, his father moved from Williamson to Bedtord county, Tennessee, where the family lived till 1828. That year his father moyed with the family to Ilinois, settling in Morgan county, four miles south-east of Jacksonville.

He was about fifteen years old when he came to this state. At that early period Morgan county was thinly settled, and as Mr. York remembers Jacksonville, it was then such a place in size as the present town of Gillespie. The farmers had no market for their produce. The emigrants from the older states brought in the only money used throughout the country. Every. body lived in a rough and primitive manner, but all were sociable, goodhearted and neighborly, and were accustomed to have a good time when they gathered together in Jacksonville. About 1835 or 1836, his father moved with the younger children to Macoupin county, on a place about two miles and a half east of Carlinville, on the farm now owned by James McClure. He afterward moved to a farm about a mile further east of that location, where he died in 1847. All the schooling Mr. York received was mostly in Tennessee, where the country was old-settled, and good private schools had been established. After coming to Illinois he went to school only about six weeks, and what education he has acquired, has been the fruit of his own efforts in that direction. He was the oldest son, and was obliged to remain at home and help earn a living for the family. After his father moved to Macoupin county, he stayed in Morgan county a couple of years, and worked on a farm for a man named Dr. Moore, getting fifteen dollars per month. As soon as he had accumulated sufficient money he entered eighty acres of land in section 29, township 9, range 6, Macoupin county. This land has been in his possession ever since, and on it now stands his present residence.

He came to Macoupin county in the spring of 1838, bought an ox team, and began breaking prairie. He was married in Morgan county in February, 1838, to Mary Keplinger. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Keplinger, and a sister to Peter Keplinger, a sketch of whose history may be found elsewhere. She was born in Washington county, East Tennessee, and came to Morgan county in 1830. The fall after his marriage he built a log cabin on his tract of eighty acres. At first he found it slow work to get along. He hauled his wheat to Alton and St. Louis, which were the only markets for pork and produce. He was obliged to go to mill to Alton and Edwardsville until later, when a mill was built at Woodburn, and also one three miles this side of Hillsboro', in Montgomery county. In those early times the life of a man who was anxious to better his circumstances, was by no means an easy one, and it was only by continued hard labor and untiring industry that money could be accumulated. As soon as he had opportunity he purchased additional land, and finally gained a position where he was in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence. At one time he was the owner of 620 acres of land lying in one body in Honey Point township; he has since given three hundred acres of this tract to his three oldest children. This land he bought at prices ranging from five to twenty dollars an acre. Part of his present residence is the old original log house built in the fall of 1838, which has been remodelled and improved, and in 1875 was finally changed into the neat and attractive dwelling which is shown among the illustrations on another page. The death of his first wife occurred on the 24th of November, 1875. His second marriage took place in January, 1876, to Hester Hamilton, of Montgomery county. By his first marriage he had ten children, all of whom died when quite small, except three; Maria, the oldest daughter, is the wife of John H. Shears ; Sophronia E. married John Saunders; Elbert P. York, his son, is farming in Honey Point township, where the other children also reside. He has two children by his second marriage.

When we come to speak of the personal characteristics of Mr. York, we deal with a man who throughout his life has commanded the warm respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He has been a man of decided convietions and opinions on most subjects, but has been willing to concede the same freedom of opinion to other men that he has claimed for himself. His political inclinations have connected him with the democratic party. In 1836 he voted for Martin Van Buren for President, and from that time has continued to support the principles of the old and time-honored party of Jefferson and Jackson. Although a sincere and earnest democrat, he has not been so closely attached to party that he has not been able to see merit in opposing candidates, and in county and township elections he has always claimed the privilege of supporting whosoever he considered the best man for the office. He has had opportunities to occupy public position, but has been satisfied to occupy the piace of the peaceful and unpretentious farmer. In the days of the old militia organization he was second lieutenant, and afterward first lieutenant of his company, and was always on hand at the annual musters. On the adoption of township organization he was elected a member of the first Board of Supervisors from Honey Point township ; the duties of this position he discharged in a wholly satisfactory manner, and was twice re-elected, but declined to serve. In January, 1857, he became connected with the United Baptist Church, and has remained a member of that denomination ever since. Since 1859 he has filled the office of deacon. He is now a member of the Honey Creek Baptist Church.

Like most men in Illinois who haye reached a position of influence or competence, he began life almost entirely without means, and what he has accomplished, has been the result of his own industry and energy. He is known as a man of liberal and generous disposition, and he has not cared to accumulate money for its own sake. His children, on reaching years of manhood and womanhood, have been comfortably provided for, and given an opportunity to start well in life. His generosity has been imposed upon more than once in the payment of security-debts, but nevertheless he has been as ready as most men to do all he safely could to assist others. He belongs to the class of citizens who. develop the resources of a country, and he has done his full share in the work of bringing Macoupin county from a wilderness of uninhabited prairie and timber, to a prosperous, thriving and populous community. He has lived a life of usefulness and integrity, and now at the close of a long and industrious career, he can look back over a lite which perhaps has been as free from faults and vices as that of most persons, and which has been of some benefit to himself, his family, and his fellow-men.

Peter Keplinger

Amona the old residents and worthy citizens of Honey Point township is Peter Keplinger, whose portrait: with that of his wife appear on another page. He was born in Washington county, Tennessee, August 7th, 1815. His ancestors were of German descent, and were carly settlers of Pennsylvania. His grandfather was Jacob Keplinger. His father's name was John Keplinger, who was born in Pennsylvania, and when he was about grown the family removed to East Tennessee, and settled in Washington county. John Keplinger was married in East Tennessee to Elizabeth Rubel. This marriage took place December 18, 1806. The Rubel family came from Germany about the year 1760. There were two brothers, Mathias and Peter; Mathias settled on a farm near Lewistown, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. Peter Rubel settled near Hagerstown, Frederick county, Maryland, and was married March 19, 1770, to Catherine Wirt. His daughter Elizabeth, the mother of the subject of our sketch, was born December 22, 1787. In 1798 the family moved to East Tennessee, locating in Washington county. The Rubel family became a very large one in Tennessee, and several branches moved to Illinois at an early date and settled in Morgan and Cass counties. Among the deseendants several became physicians, and also engaged in the work of the ministry. Mrs. Keplinger's uncle, Jacob Rubel, was in the war of 1812, and was killed in an engagement on Lake Erie.

John and Elizabeth Keplinger were the parents of ten children, of whom Peter Keplinger was the fifth in the order of his birth. He lived in East Tennessee until he was fifteen years of age. His father owned a farm there in a rough and mountainous district. The schools of that section afforded poor advantages for getting an education. They were subscription schools held in log school-houses, and the nearest was three miles from his father's residence. After coming to Illinois he settled in a thinly inhabited district of country, where the school advantages were poorer still. In 1830 his father moved with his family to Morgan county, Illinois, and lived for a few months on Indian Creek, and in the summer of 1831 removed to and settled six miles east of Jacksonville. The country immediately around Jacksonville contained quite a number of settlers, but the prairies still existed in their settlements were in the edge of the timber. At that time no one thought of settling out on the open prairie, which was considered good for grazing cattle but not for farming. A few years later however demonstrated the fact that it is the prairie and not the timber that contributes to the wealth of this state. There was no market for any produce, and the little money in the country was brought in by emigrants from the older states. But the people were sociable and neighborly, and when they met in Jacksonville were accustomed to enjoy themselves in an old-fashioned and hearty manner.

Mr. Keplinger remained at home and worked for his father until he was twenty-one, and then began life on his own account. He received of his father one hundred dollars in money, a horse, saddle, and bridle. He rented land during his stay in Morgan county. He was married, February 28, 1839, to Miss Sarah E. Harris. She was also a native of east Tennessee, and was born in Elizabethtown, Carter county, May 10, 1820. Her father, Benjamin Harris, was a hatter by trade; he was born in Maryland, but moved to Tennessee, at an early date. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and married Mary Ragan, whose father, Jeremiah Ragan, was a native of Virginia, and had been a soldier in the revolutionary war. Benjamin Harris moved to Morgan county, Illinois, in the fall of 1831. Mrs. Keplinger's brother, Thomas Jefferson Harris, served in the Black Hawk war. Mr. Keplinger had a brother, Isaac, in the same war.

Mr. and Mrs. Keplinger commenced housekeeping after their marriage in a primitive style. They had no money with which to buy furniture, and were obliged to get along with household articles, mostly of their own manufacture. He was industriousand economical, and finally earned money enough to purchase, in 18342, eighty acres of land in section 29, town 9, range 6, but was obliged to go partly in debt for it. This land has remained in his possession since, and is the eighty acres on which stands his present residence. He moved on this tract in the fall of 1843, and put up a little log house, and began improving the land. Mr. Keplinger has been living here since, and has been engaged wholly in farming. He naturally is the possessor of strong traits of character and practical common sense, and has attended to business in such a way as would reflect credit on any man. The disadvantages were great under which he labored.

There was no market nearer than Alton for farm products. To this place Mr. Keplinger hauled his wheat, selling it for forty cents, and oats for ten cents a bushel. Flour mills were scarce, the nearest being at Edwardsville, in Madison county. There were horse mills much nearer, but they turned out a black-looking substance which no housewife now-a-days would think of making into bread. He has lived and braved the hardships of a pioneer life until he has seen the country dotted over with furm-houses of modern style, which would be creditable to the richest of the older states. J°irst class flour mills exist in every town in the county, and a good home market is found for every kind of farm produce. As Mr. Keplinger prospered and made money he invested it in lands from time to time, until he was the owner of altogether seven hundred and twenty acres, all of which lay in Honey Point township. He has given to his children three hundred and twenty acres; the balance he still owns, and it is under a state of superior cultivation. He also owns three hundred and twenty acres in the state of Minnesota.

His oldest son, James T. Keplinger, is farming on land adjoining the homestead. James T. took an active part as a soldier in the great rebellion. He enlisted in the 30th Illinois regiment. He served about one year, and was with Sherman on his celebrated march "from Atlanta to the sea," and was discharged in Kansas at the close of the war. Mr. Keplinger's oldest daughter, Ann M., was married to Thomas Wilhite, and settled on a farm adjoining her father. She died September 17,1869. John B. Keplinger, the next child, served in the first marine brigade of Illinois volunteers. He left the farm in full health, with all the prospects of a bright manhood before him, to engage in the service with his regiment on the Mississippi river. He served about one year, when he was taken down with the consumption. His father brought him home from the hospital at Vicksburg, and by the advice of physicians, sent him to Minnesota, hoping that the uniform, dry, cold atmosphere of that northern region would accomplish his restoration to health. His hope, however, was not realized. His health continued to decline in spite of the efforts of friends and physicians, and he died at Northfield, Minnesota, August 10, 1866. Lucien C., another child, died when an infant. Sarah Ellen, the youngest daughter, married Luther J. Wylder, a farmer of Honey Point township.

Mr. Keplinger's father was an old Jackson democrat, and he himself was raised to a great respect for that party, but when he became old enough to act and participate in politics he became a whig, and voted for Harrison in 1840 ; he afterward became a republican. He has not been a strong party man or a politician, but has preferred to quietly attend to his farm. Through the war he warmly supported the administration in its efforts to conquer the rebellion, and cheerfitlly permitted two sons to go into the army, one of whom did so, as it afterward proved, at the sacrifice of his life.

While Mr. and Mrs. Keplinger were yet living in Morgan county, they became connected with the Methodist church, of which they have since been members ; they now belong to the Mount Pleasant church,,on Spanishneedle prairie.

Mr. Keplinger is a man who began life with nothing on which to rely except his own energy and perseverance, and he has fought his way up in the world by his own efforts. He had neither family influence nor money to help him in carving out his fortune. The main element that has entered into his suecess has been his untiring energy and industry. The prosperity which Mr. and Mrs. Keplinger now enjoy has been well earned by a life of labor, and now that they have reached a hale and hearty old age they have the satisfaction of being surrounded with plenty on every side, with a competence at their command, and of seeing their children well and comfortably situated in life. While too much credit cannot be given to Mr. Keplinger's energy and business sagacity, equal praise should be bestowed on the good qualities of his amiable wife, who has assisted him with her hearty sympathy and cooperation, and to whose strong common sense and intelligence much of their prosperity is owing. Over forty years of married life have been spent in peace and harmony, and their history appropriately appears together in these pages. Mr. Keplinger's character has never been tarnished by any acts of dishonesty, and he bears the reputation of a man of strict integrity. Among the illustrations published in this work is a view of his farm and residence. He belongs to that class of men who contribute to the development and growth of the country and the building up of its material resources, and as such we give a place to a sketch of his life.

John Cromwell

Was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, November 11th, 1836. His father, Richard Cromwell, was born and raised in Maryland, as was also his mother, Caroline Eichelberger. They were married in Ohio, and John Cromwell was the oldest of their nine children. In 1842 the family came to Illinois, and settled in the southern part of Hilyard township. He lived at home till twenty-one, and then rented land and went to farming for himself. In 1865 he bought and moved on the farm he now owns in section fifteen of Honey Peint township. He was married May 3d, 1868, to Mary C. Hutton, daughter of Daniel Hutton. She was born at Alton, and was living in Cahokia township at the time of her marriage. Mr. Cromwell has a farm of 240 acres. He has always been a democrat in politics. In 1866 he was elected county coroner, and held that office two years. He was the first collector of Honey Point township after the adoption of township organization, being elected in 1871. In 1872 he was elected a member of the board of supervisors, and also served in the same capacity in 1878. He has lived in the county from early boyhood, and is well-known throughout the county. His father is still living, and resides at Bunker Hill.

His ancestors were Scotch-Irish, who emigrated to Pennsylvania at an early date, first settling in Massachusetts, and afterward residing in Canada, Pennsylvania and Virginia. His grandfather, Benjamin McReynolds, was a Methodist preacher, who settled in Butler county, Kentucky. His father, Thomas Jefferson McReynolds, was born in Logan county, Kentucky, in 1803, and first came to Illinois in the year 1823, and remained for a few months on the Mole Star in the present counties of Scott and Cass. From Illinois he went to New Orleans, and from there to Mexico and South America. He returned to Kentucky, and in 1826 married Sarah J. Dixon, daughter of William Dixon, who had lived in Campbell county, Virginia, before settling in Kentucky. Mr. McReynolds' mother was born in 1809. His marriage took place in Butler county, Kentucky, to which part of the state the Dixons and McReynolds had moyed so that they might pasture their cattle on the cane-brakes which there abounded. After his marriage

Mr. McReynolds' father went into the saw-mill business in Kentucky, in partnership with his father-in-law, William Dixon. About 1833 he moved to Madison county, Illinois, where he lived till 1836, and then came to Macoupin county, where he entered the south half of section 31 of Honey Point township, and also a large tract in Brushy Mound township. He lived on' section 24 of Brushy Mound township till his death in October, 1869. He was a man of energy, and had many striking traits of character. His family connections in Kentucky were quite wealthy, and he came into the possession of a number of slaves, but was opposed to slavery, and so set the negroes free. When he came to Illinois he only had a horse and fifteen dollars in money, but with his industry and energy he was successful in life and managed to secure a competence. He was a decided anti-slavery man before the slavery question assumed the national importance it attained at the birth of the republican party, and on the formation of the republican party was a republican. He had six children, of whom only two, John McReynolds and D. McReynolds, of Montgomery county, are now living. John McReynolds was a little over a year old when his father moved to Macoupin county. He was raised in Brushy Mound township. January, 1864, he married Lydia J. Davis, daughter of Stephen Davis, an old resident of Madison county, and moved on his present farm, which he had improved four or five years previously. He owns 969 acres of land.

Guy A. Snell

Is one of the leading farmers of Macoupin county. He was born in Jersey county, March 14th, 1839. He is the eldest child of Dr. Axa Snell and Percilla E. Landon, his wife. Dr. Snell and wife were both natives of Addison county, Vermont. He came to Illinois in 1855, and settled in Jersey county, engaging in the practice of medicine. He was a inan of more than ordinary ability. His death occurred January 21st, 1875, aged 78 years. His widow still survives.

The subject of our sketch received his early education at the district schools, but subsequently attended the university at Galesburg, Illinois. He was married May 27th, 1863, to Miss Abbie Voorhees, the daughter of Peter P. Voorhees, of Jersey county, Illinois. At about the age of 25 Mr. Snell set out to do for himself, and by dint of energy, industry and economy he has made a success in life. He moved to Macoupin county in the spring of 1864, and engaged in farming in Polk township, and continued there for five years, and then moved to his present home in Honey Point township, in March, 1869. He had bought the farm two years before. He now owns 510 acres of land in this county. Few men have been more successful than Mr. SneJl. In his political views he has always used his judgment. He voted for Lincoln in 1860. In 1868 he became a democrat. In January, 1879, he became identified with the greenback party.

In taking a retrospective view of Mr. Snell's life, we find a man who has always acted on his own judgment in all matters, whether social, religious, or political. No man is more respected in Macoupin county than the subject of our sketch. It is said of Guy A. Snell, by those who know him, that his word is as good as his bond. And it is with pleasure that we present this brief record of his life to our numerous readers.

John B.. Masters

One of the prominent farmers of Macoupin county, was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, on the 8th day of January, 1826. His father, Irvin Masters, was a native of South Carolina; he left that state in company with his uncle, whose name was Irvin, and came direct to Illinois, when he was about eighteen years of age. After a time he formed the acquaintance of Miss Nancy Jones, whom he afterward married. She was the daughter of Claiborne Jones, who was a native of Kentucky, but emigrated to this state as early as 1802. He was a resident of Sangamon county at the time of his daughter's marriage. There were several children born to them, four of whom have survived the parents, The mother died in 1833. The father survived her nine years, and died in 1842. John B. Masters, the subject of our sketch, is the third in the family. The father married Mellie Parrott, by whom he had four children, two of whom are now living; one resides in the north part of this county, and the other in Morgan county of this state ; they are both farmers. In the early days of the history of this state schools were very imperfect, and the result was that Mr. Masters received but a limited education. He has, however, been a close observer, and favored with a good memory he has kept himself quite well posted in the events of the day. In the days of his youth churches and Sunday-schools were not known in his neighborhood. Sundays were spent in visiting and hunting.

In 1828 his father settled in North Palmyra township ; his house was really in Morgan county, while his land was in Macoupin, where he remained until his death, which took place as above-mentioned. After the death of his father he went back to Sangamon county, where he remained until 1846. In 1847 he spent one year in the Cherokee reservation in the Indian territory. The same year he was married to Miss Nancy Sims, who was a native of Morgan county, but at that time a resident of Jasper county, Missouri. After his marriage, in the fall of 1847, he returned to Macoupin county and stopped south of Carlinville, and remained there until December, 1848, when he removed to the place where he now resides, on section 2 township 9, range 6.

In 1857 he purchased 80 acres of land, and has added to it since from time to time, until he now has a fine farm of 226 acres, well improved. He had over 400 acres, but he has given away over 200 acres to his children. He has had in all ten children, seven of whom are now living - James Masters, married to Annie Lackens, and now a resident of Cowley county, Kansas, is engaged in farming ; Jennie, wife of Dr. Buffington, is now living on a small farm, joining ite old homestead ; Henry married Miss Malzina Mitchell; Annie married Andrew Robinson, and is now a resident of Butler county, Kansas; Charles, Katie, and Murdy are still at home. Mr. Masters and his wife are both members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a democrat, and votes, however, for the best men in local affairs.

him many of those requisite qualities of brain and muscle so necessary in the early development of our state. He has witnessed many changes, and amidst them all he has preserved a character for honesty and righteousness, so typical of the early settlers. May he still live to enioy the blessing of a country, made productive by the toil and privations of those who faced the difficulties of a pioneer life ; and now, in his declining years, he has the comforts of a well-spent life, where he and his excellent wife can spend their remaining days in their comfortable home.

N. Carrico's ancestors were of French origin. They emigrated to Maryland, where his grandfather, Dennis Carrico, was born; he was married in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Kentucky, where Mr. Carrico's father, Nathaniel Carrico, was born. About 1808 the family moved to St. Charles county, Missouri, settling in the bottom near Portage des Sioux, but moved to Greene county, Llinois, at an early date. In 1826 his father married Mary Brown, daughter of Griffith Brown. She was born in St. Charles county, Missouri, in 1809. Mr. Carrico was born in Greene county, Illinois, September 9th, 1833. His father died in November, 1833. He came to Shaw's Point township, Macoupin county, in 1850, and in 1854 began improving the farm which he now owns in Honey Point township. In 1856 he married Miss M. J. Mitchell, daughter of Elijah Mitchell, an early settler of Brushy Mound township. Eight of his twelve children are now living. He owns 675 acres of land, part of which les in Montgomery county, and is a successful farmer.

93/1 LW OOD comprises township 11 north, range 6 west, and is bounded on the north by Girard, on the west by South Otter, on' the south by Shaw's Point, and on the east by Montgomery county. os, This isa beautiful prairie township, and contains some of the aahost farming lands in the county. The soil is peculiarly fertile, and yields immense crops of corn, W heat, oats, grass, potatoes, etc., ete.

The first settler, as a land owner, was Gen. John Harris, who located in the north-east part of the township, near the point of timber known as " Harris' Point," in the year 1829.

Harris was a colonel in the Black Hawk war, and subsequently served as brigadier-general of militia. Gen. Harris also represented his county in the state legislature. He was a brave and intelligent man, and by his courage and energy won hosts of friends among the pioneers.. At his death he was buried in the wodds a short distance north of the Sulphur Springs. Early in the year 1829, David Steele, John, Samuel, and Edley McVey, brothers of Wm. McVey, settled on what is known as Sherill's Branch, a tributary of the Macoupin creek, which was named in honor of John Sherill. This neighborhood is known as the McVey settlement.

James H. Yowell came here with his father, the late Judge Yowell, in 1829. KF. A. Butcher was born in this county in 1836, and lives on a fine farm in section 23. William 8. Street, a Kentuckian, settled here in 1831, and is at present engaged in merchandizing in the village of Nilwood. Milton Sharp, a native of this county, born in 1838, resides on section 39. DEB Boston, a native of Indiana, became a resident of this county in 1833, and now resides on section 11.

greatest number of wolf scalps of any one man in the county. At that period wolves were quite numerous in the timbered portions of the county.

The first death was John L. Harris, a nephew of Gen. John Harris. He, was accidentally killed while assisting in the raising of a log-house. While a log was being raised to the second story it became unmanageable, and in falling, would have killed two men, who were standing immediately under it, had not young Harris caught it and sacrificed his own life. He was one of a family numbering twenty-six childrén.

The Methodist and Baptist denominations each organized a church in 1829. The latter was organized by David Gimlin. In 1830 a Christian church was organized by Thomas Chasteen. He also taught the first singing school.

The first church edifice was erected in the year 1830, at Sulphur Springs, by the united denominations, and used asa union church, the Baptists reserving the first week in each month. Sabbath-school was first organized by Enoch Hall, in 1814, and held in this church. The first church built by a separate denomination, was in 1846, by the Methodists. The first school was taught in the Union church building, at Sulphur Springs, by a Mr. Harris.

A log school-house, with oiled paper for windows, was built near the Macoupin creek, in the year 1838. Enoch Hall was among the first teachers.

Lewis Pitman constructed the first mill. It consisted of a large log set up on end, with an attachment to a sweep, by which the grain was pounded. Mr. Pitman subsequently built, in 1838, a grist mill, run by four horses. He also built the first blacksmith shop. A tan-house was built by John Me- Vey in 1837.

The first land entries in the township were - John Harris, January 2d, 1829, 80 acres in section twelve; Robert Palmer, January 20th, 1829, 80 acres in section 2; Samuel M. Harris, October 31st, 1829, 80 acres in section 33. The first land was plowed by Andrew Bigham.

We mention a few of the finest and best improved farms, views of which may be seen in this work. Z. Thacker, J. N. McElwain, James H. Yowell, T. W. Thacker, David C. Enslow, E. W. Page, and John A. Rogers. Mr. Rogers is the proprietor of Wild Rural Park, at Sulphur Springs. The park is a beautiful rolling lawn of sixty acres. There is also a pretty little lake, called Minnie Bell, which gives additional charm to the surrounding landscape. These springs are quite noted, and well remembered by the settlers of thirty and forty years ago.

The following are the justices of the peace since township organization : - J. D. Kendall and R. B. Baker, elected in 1871; J. B. Draper and W. H.

The Village Of Nilwood

Was laid out by Samuel Mayo and Philander Bayly, proprietors, and surveyed by F. H. Chapman in 1855. It is situated on section 18, in Nilwood township, on the line of the C. A. & St. Louis R. R., about eight miles distant from Carlinville.

The first buildings were erected by J. Benneyworth and H. Cooper, H. Cooper occupied the first dwelling as early as July 9th, 1852, which is now almost in the centre of the village.

There is at present in the village two churches, Methodist and Baptist, and a school-house. The school is divided into four departments, and is in a flourishing condition. The population is a little over four hundred. <A list of its business houses is as follows : -

Dry Goods and Groceries - Robert Stevenson, (also P. M.), R. B. McMellen, Jos. Ballinger, W. S. Street, Patrick King, John O. Dell, Sidney Hall. Physicians - H. T. Jones, A. Miller and J. M. Hunt. Drug Store - Alexander Smith. Grain Dealers - H. Cooper and J. Reader & Co. Blacksmith Shops - T. E. Malone and Wm. Tomlin. Wheelwright Shops - Chas. Clyse and John Worley. Shoe Shop - A. Schlicht. R. 2. Agent - Martin Murphy.

Samuel Stead

AmonG the many prominent English farmers of Macoupin county may be mentioned the name that heads this sketch. He was born in Skelmanthorpe, Yorkshire, England, May 17th, 1823; was the son of Benjamin and Martha Stead. The Stead family. were quakers, and have lived in Yorkshire for many generations. Mr. Stead's father was a farmer, and owned a small place, but as he carried on farming rather extensively, he also rented land of Lord Lumley Savel. In the spring of 1840, he emigrated to America with his wife and family of seven children; the subject of our sketch remaining in England. Mr. Stead landed at New York in April, and immediately came to St. Louis, where he remained two months; he then came into Macoupin county and settled on section 1, in Nilwood township, this being in the summer of 1840. On the trip from St. Louis he accidentally shot himself and received injuries from which he never entirely recovered ; he lingered along until the following Christmas, when he died. His wife survived him many years. The subject of our sketch remained in England for four years after his father's removal. In 1844 he came to Nilwood, Macoupin county, direct from England. For four years he lived with his mother and assisted on the farm. June, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Howard, a native of Kentucky. Her father, Samuel Howard, settled in Macoupin county in the fall of 1830. After Mr. Stead's marriage he began farming for himself, and has so continued up to the present time, and has made a success out of his chosen vocation. Mr. and Mrs Stead started out in life little aided, and what they have acquired in this world has been gained by industry and economy; they have a good home and everything around them to make their declining years comfortable. They have had a family of six children; four living, namely: Helen, now the wife of Frederick Garst, living in Kansas; Robert T., now farming in Nilwood township ; Lucinda D., and Jonas K. D., now at home. In politics Mr. Stead is a republican. He is a member of the Methodist church, and Mrs. Stead is a member of the Christian church. Such is a brief sketch of one of the old and much respected citizens of Nilwood township.

Wild Rural Park

at Sulphur Springs, on the east border of Macoupin County, twelve miles northeast of Carlinville, and eighteen miles northwest of Hillsboro', Ill., is a beautiful rolling lawn of sixty acres, laid out in the midst of which is the beautiful lake, Minnie Bell, upon whose waters floats the magnificent little steamer, 'Maggie, Lady of the Lake," and upon whose shore stands the gigantic

The intention of the proprietor of these grounds is to make them a pleasant place of resort for old and young, calling them away from places of vice and immorality, and planting in their bosoms a love for that which is good and great, and to raise the standard of morality, sociability, and refinement among the rising generation.

Free To All Civil Societies

for holding their mass meetings, picnics, celebrations, etc., excepting on the Lord's day, which is reserved especially for religious worship. The proprietor reserves the exclusive right to all sales and traffic upon the premises.

House

Wax born in Edwards county, Illinois, October 4th, 1820. He was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Thacker. His paternal ancestors were English and (rerman, and his maternal Scotch-Irish. Thomas Thacker was left an orphan when quite young. He was brought up by an older sister in Kentucky. He was married in Kentucky, and shortly after his marriage, he emigrated to Indiana with his young wife with the view of making a home. He engaged in farming about two years in that state, when he emigrated farther west, and settled permanently in Edwards county, Illinois, as early as 1818, where he remained until his death, Feb. 16th, 1823. The subject of our sketch, was the youngest child in a family of three children, his father dying when he was quite small. Mrs. Thacker, on the death of her husband, returned to her relatives in Kentucky, where she lived five years. She then removed to St. Clair county, Illinois, where she lived two years. At the expiration of this time she went to Morgan county, and remained in Morgan and Greene counties until she died. Mr. Thacker, during his ininority, worked for his mother, farming, and made himself generally useful; as her means were limited, he was compelled to work hard during his hoyhood days. He attended school a few winter months, and by close attention to his studies he received a fair education, sufficient to transact most any ordinary business, Feb. 16th, 1842, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy M. Walker, of Greene county, Illinois, but a native of Kentucky. After his marriage he settled down to business in earnest, with a determination to succeed in the world. He entered from the government eighty acres of land, with a little improvement on it, made by a " squatter ;" this he also bought; after putting in one year's time on his eighty, he sold it for three hundred dollars. With this capital he moved into Macoupin county in 1843, and settled in what is now Nilwood township. His first purchase was one hundred and forty acres at three dollars per acre, and by adding tract after tract, until his farm or farms, consisted of over one thousand acres; he has accumulated sufficient land to give each child a quarter section. These farms, by the energy and thrift of their owner, have been brought under a high state of cultivation. The fences consist mainly of hedge, which is the most beautiful of all fences. The condition of the buildings, the state of the fences, the appearance of the stock and the fields, all speak well for the industry and taste of this excellent farmer, and furnish evidence that a love for the beautiful may exist in the mind of the most practical and thorough farmer. His whole life has been spent at farming and stock raising, and he has been eminently successful in his chosen vocation. He started in life with comparatively nothing, but with a strong constitution, abundance of energy and willing hands, he has succeeded in carving out for himself a competency, whereby his declining years should be one of ease and serenity. Mr. Thacker has raised a family of eight living children, viz. Caroline, now the wife of Isaac M. Mulkey, living in Kansas ; Thomas W., married, and living near the old homestead ; he is the oldest son, and was a soldier ia the late civil war. He enlisted at eighteen years of age, on the 5th of August, 1862, in company H. 122d regiment, Illinois volunteers, Col. John I. Rinaker commanding. The regiment rendezvoused at camp Palmer, Carlinville, Illinois, and from there was ordered to Trenton, Tennessee, where the regiment was brigaded, anil became part of the 16th army corps. The first battle that Mr. Thacker's regiment engaged in was at Parker's Cross Roads, after which it went on the memorable raid after the rebel Gen. Price, through Missouri; then back to Nashville, Tennessee, and engaged in the battle in which Gen. Hood's forces were annihilated ; and then to Mobile, and on to the close of the war. He was honorably discharged, and mustered out of the service July 15th, 1865. He returned home and engaged in farming, at which he remains up to the present. Nancy E., now the wife of Samuel Garst, living near by, also; John married, and living within sight of the old place; Melvina, now the wife of James Solomon, also living in Nilwood township; Edna, now the wife of Harvyy Tietsort, living near ; Fannie B., the youngest, now living at home. Mr. Thacker has. all his children living around him, within a few minutes' ride, with the exception of one daughter in Kansas. In politics he was formerly a democrat, but when Buchanan and Fremont made the race for the presidency, he cast his vote for Fremont, being his first republican vote ; he continued to identify himself with the republican party until our last presidential election, when he joined the Greenback ranks, and to-day is a strong advocate of the Greenback principles. Mr. Thacker and his. wife have been members of the Baptist church for many years. He is a liberal supporter of relious and educational institutions, and never refuses to assist any laudable enterprise whatever. In character he is honest and upright; in disposition, kind and charitable; in manners genial and courteous. He is an affectionate husband, a loving father and a firm friend, and being such, he holds an exalted place in the estimation of the public, and enjoys the respect of all who know him. Such is a brief sketch of one of the old citizens, and one of the prominent agriculturists and stock-raisers of Macoupin county, Illinois.

James H. Yowell

is justly accorded a place in this work. He was born in Morgan county, Illinois, November 7th, 1829. His parents, John and Sophia Yowell, moved to this state from Shelby county, Kentucky. His ancestry on the paternal side were of German_origin, and on the maternal side Scotch-Irish.

James H. Yowell, was a native of Virginia. John Yowell settled in Macoupin county, ten miles north-east of Carlinville, in November, 1829, where he engaged in farming, and carried on a blacksmith shop, until his death in 1874. He raised a family of six children, James H., being the eldest. John Yowell was a soldier in the Black

After his return he was elected captain of the company, and held that position as long as the company was an organization. In 1864 he was elected County Associate Justice, and filled that office four years. Mr. Yowell was highly esteemed by those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and by them his loss was sincerely mourned and regretted. James H., assisted on his father's farm during his minority, and as he was the oldest much of the hard labor devolved upon him. He attended the county schools during the winter months, where he received a fair education. August 25th, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Edith Ann Husband: she was a native of this county. There were six children born to this union; one died in infancy; their names are as follows: John Edwin, now married'to Miss Fannie McMahon, and liying on the old Yowell homestead; George S.; James A. Lincoln; and William $., now living at home. April 17th, 1866, Mrs. Yowell died and left Mr. Yowell five small children to care for. He kept the family together, andon May 16th, 1867, he married Miss Mary C. Brown, a native of Jersey county, Illinois, and daughter of Capt. Joseph W. Brown, now of Fort Smith, Arkansas. They Charles E., Edith May, and Ada Maud. Mr. Yowell's life occupation has been that of a farmer; he started in life little aided, and what property he has was gained by perseverance, good management and hard work. In politics he was formerly a whig, but on the formation of the republican party he identified himself with that party, and is still a strong worker for its success. He is honest and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow men, and the word of James H. Yowell in the community where he is best known, is never doubted. He is of a lively and jovial nature, unassuming in his manners, genial in disposition ; he dispenses a liberal hospitality with the ease and grace of the olden time. His religious sentiment is embraced in the grand old precept, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He never joined any religious sect, yet he has always transacted his business honorably, and entertains no fears of the eternal hereafter.

Was born in Montgomery county, Tennessee, May 27, 1822. John McBride, his father, was a native of the same state. James McBride, his great-grandfather, was one of the first white men that emigrated from Virginia to that state. This was as early as 1754. The ancestry of the McBrides were Scotch on the paternal side. The family emigrated to America at a period long before the revolutionary struggle took place. They come of a patriotic and country-loving stock. They furnished from their family hardy and gallant soldiers for nearly every war that has taken place in this country. Two of the McBrides, brothers of the great-grandfather of the subject of the present sketch, fell at the bloody battle of Braddock's defeat in the old French and Indian war. They also furnished from their family soldiers for the war of Independence and the war of 1812; William McBride was in the battle of New Orleans; Andrew McBride was one of the hardy and gallant pioneer soldiers who fought for the independence of Texas against Mexico. There were five brothers and six sisters of the family that lived in Patrick county, Virginia. John McBride married Mary Handlin. She was of Irish descent, on the paternal side, and on the maternal, Welsh. John McBride removed from Virginia to Tennessee prior to its admission into the Union. The family of McBrides were to some extent the pioneers of three States, namely, Virginia, Tennessee and Illinois. The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days at work upon the farm in his native state, and attendiug the schools during the winter months, As is well known, the schools of the country in the days of his youth were not to be compared for excellence and thorough training in the elementary branches of education with the schools of the present day. When he reached his sixteenth year, he concluded to come to Illinois. He came to Greene county in April, 1838. The first work he did was on a farm, for Joel Hubbard. In the fall of 1838 he went to school, and in 1839 he worked for Ma. Rives, with whom he remained until the summer of 1841. During the winter seasons in this time he attended school. In the winter of 1841 and 1842 he attended school at Barr's Store, in Macoupin county, and in the spring of 1842 went to work for Benjamin Sanders, and worked for him five months, after which he went to Mr. Rives', and put in a crop of wheat for himself. In the fall of the same year he commenced teaching school, and taught for two years and two months, in Barr's township. On the 19th of September, 1844, he was united in marriage to Margery Wiggins. She is a native of Kentucky. The Wiggins family are of English ancestry. They came to the state in 1825. In 1845 he rented a piece of land and moyed on to it. He worked hard and saved enough money to enter eighty acres of land in the east part of Barr's township. He continued a renter for two years. In the meantime he traded the eighty acres for another eighty that was partially improved. It had a cabin on it, into which he removed his family. He gave one hundred and fifty dollars in money as difference between the land. He remained on that piece of land until 1854, when he removed to Carlinville. He rented his place, with a view of going into the lumber business. He remained in Carlinville until January, 1855, when he removed to Girard, where he bought an interest in the first flouring mill that was erected in that place. He remained in the milling business until June, 1856, when he retired and engaged in the grain business, in which he continued until 1858. It proving unprofitable, he retired from it. He remained in Girard until March, 1860, when he remoyed to section 1 in Nilwood township, where he had purchased 160 acres of land, and here he has remained ever since. He has added to his original purchase until he now owns twelve hundred acres. His business has been and is yet, farming, stock-raising and buying and selling stuck, in all of which he has been successful. Here is another evidence of what a boy of pluck and energy can do. He started out in life when at the tender age of sixteen years, and when he landed in this state had hut half-a-dollar. He was without friends here, with no education, and had his way to make in the world. His education was mainly received here. He worked evenings and mornings to pay for his board, and went to school during the day. He struggled along and succeeded in getting a good education, He saved his money, and in time placed himself high and dry upon the rock of financial prosperity. In 1860 the accumulations of previous years of labor and savings were, from speculations and shrinkage in values, swept away from him; but energy, industry and perseverance restored it again. In politics he was a warm and ardent democrat. He cast his first vote for James K. Polk, in 1844, and has been a staunch supporter of the party ever since. He is not a partisan in the strict sense of the word, nor does he take an unusually active part in elections, only to help his friends. The names of his children are - James C., eldest son, married to Miss Mattie Wheeler ; Aveline, wife of F. L. Starkey, attorney-at-law in Taylorville, Illinois; John, 'married to Miss Fanny Harrington; Emma Jane, wife of E. 8. Terry, now a resident of Evansville, Indiana; Alice, George, Nona, Minnie and Sophronia yet are beneath the parental roof. Mr. McBride is a member of the ancient and honorable order of A. F. and A. M., and has been since 1852. This in brief is an outline of the history of one of Nilwood's most influential citizens. His reputation among his neighbors and friends is that of an honest and upright citizen.

Elisha Wightman Page

Was born in Massachusetts, February 11th, 1841. His ancestors on the paternal side four generations back came from England. Their descendants were soldiers of the revolutionary war, and the grandfather, Walter Page, was a soldier in the war of 1812. They were a patriotic and liberty-loving race of men and women. When the original Page family came to America they settled in Stoughton, Massachusetts, where members of the family have remained up to the present time. The family have furnished men who have been distinguished in the politics and history of that state. Elisha Page, the father, married Elmira Wightman. The Wightman family were also of English ancestry. They emigrated to Americain 1799. The grandmother of the present sketch still resides in Massachusetts. Although at the advanced age of ninety-two years, she is still in the possession of her faculties. Her maiden name was Stokes. Her uncle had purchased a part of a grant of land from the crown of England; the land afterwards became a part of the site of the city of Boston. From some irregularity in the title the family lost possession, notwithstanding they spent a large sum of money and employed Daniel Webster, the great lawyer and statesman, to prosecute their claims; but all was of no avail. Joseph M. Wightman, a member of the family on the maternal side, was twice mayor of Boston. The greatgrandfather was a candidate for governor, but was defeated by a very few votes. He was ever afterwards known as "Governor" Page. The father of the present sketch died at the age of thirty-five years. The mother is still living in Massachusetts with her mother, on the old homestead, and in the same house she went into when she was first married. The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days at work upon a farm and attending the excellent common schools of his native state. When sixteen years of age he entered the grammar school at Dorchester, where he spent some time. He afterwards went to Stoughton, where he engaged in bottoming boots. He remained there until he was eighteen years of age, when he came west to Bond county, Illinois, and stopped with his uncle, Charles J. Wightman, and worked on a farm for ten months, for which he received forty doHars. He then bound himself to Simon Perry to learn the carpenter and joiner trade.. He stayed with him until he was twenty-one'years of age, when he went into partnership with his former employer, which continued until the breaking out of the war, when he went into the navy department as a boatjoiner. He remained in the department until April, 1863, when he was discharged by reason of sickness. He returned to Bond county, and after he regained his health went to St. Louis and worked at his trade and stair building. He remained there one year, and then returned to Bond county again and engaged in the lumber business. On the 17th of December, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Maria Williams; she was born in Greene county. Her parents were among the early settlers of Greene county. Mr. Williams was a native of Virginia and his wifeof Ohio. In November, 1867, he came to Macoupin county, Illinois, and settled on a farm in section ten, town eleven, range six, which he received in exchange for one in Greene county, which was the gift of Mr. Williams to Mrs. Page, his daughter. His occupation since that time has been that of a farmer. In 1878, he added eighty acres more to his possessions, and now has two hundred and forty-eight acres of as fine land as there is in the county. There have been five children born to Anna M., and E. W. Page. Their names are Elisha Bartlett, Eben Tolman, John Thomas Williams, Joseph Lewis, Margaret Elmira, all yet beneath the paternal roof. He was formerly a democrat, but of late years has been independent of party organizations, and votes for the best measures and men. In the township where he resides he has held office at different times. He is at present assessor of the township. He is a member of the New School Presbyterian Church. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. He is much respected in his locality.

David B. Boston

Was born in' Floyd county, Indiana, on the 25th of March, 1825. The Boston family were among the first settlers of the northern part of Macoupin county. Beverly B..Boston, father of David B., was a native of Orange county, Virginia. The great-grandfather was a Welshman. Beverly B. Boston married Elizabeth Boston. She was born in Kentucky, near Lexington. He left Virginia and removed to Indiana about the year 1812, where he remained until 1832, when he removed to Macoupin county, and settled on section eleven, town eleven, range six. He entered eighty acres of land, on which the house of the subject of this sketch now stands. Here he remained until his death, which occurred September 14th, 1853. His wife, the mother of David B., died September 7th, 1851. Beverly B. was a school teacher, and followed that profession the greater part of his life. There were ten children born to them, four of whom have survived the parents. There were five boys and five girls.

The subject of our sketch is the fourth son, and the eighth in the family. His boyhood days were spent at work upon the farm, and in attending the schools in the winter season. The schools were few in those days, and the On the

Mitchell. She was born in Polk county, Tennessee. Jefferson Mitchell, her father, came to Illinois in 1850. He removed to Adams county, in this state, where he remained until his death. Six children have been born to Dayid B. and Catherine Boston. Their names are Beverly B., Martha Matilda, William Jefferson, Sarah Ann, Charles Chapman and Melissa Alice. Both Mr. Boston and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Boston takes an active part in that organization. To his liberality is due the erection of the chureh building that stands on the south-east corner of section two, and known as the " Boston Chapel." In polities he is a democrat, and yoted for Lewis Cass for President in 1848.

As before intimated, the Boston family are to some extent the pioneers of When Mr. Boston was a boy, that portion of the county was almost uninhabited. He recalls very well his first visit to Carlinville, made with his father in 1833. The occasion of the visit was to attend the annual election. At that time the entire county voted at Carlinville. In order to get there, they got their bearings, and then struck a bee line across the country for the place. The produce of the farm was hauled to St. Louis and Alton, a distance of fifty miles, and such goods as were needed were received in exchange for the produce and hauled back. This continued until Carlinville became large enough to supply the goods. In his younger days, Mr. Boston was a good rifle shot, and with his trusty gun and dog he roamed oyer the country, aud kept the table well supplied with game, which was plenty in those days. It was rare sport, and highly enjoyed.

Was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, on the 19th of March, 1826. William McElvain, his father, was a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania. Andrew McElvain was in the war of the Revolution. The father was in the war of 1812, also had a brother in the engagement at New Orleans. William McElvain removed from Virginia to Kentucky in 1807 and remained there until 1850, when in the spring of that year he moved to Illinois, and stopped in Sangamon county where he farmed until 1854, when he sold his farm and lived with his son Jason McElvain until his death, which occurred in 1865. He married Jenny Neely, who was a native of Kentucky. Her parents were of Irish ancestry, and emigrated from New York and settled in Kentucky about the year 1790. She was born in 1792, and died February 1st, 1849, on the old homestead in her native place. Fifteen children were born to them, fourteen of whom lived to the age of maturity. One died at the uge of fourteen years; seven have survived the parents. There were ten boys and five girls. One of Mr. McElvain's brothers lives in Montgomery, and represented his county in the state legislature. Jason N., received a fair education in the schools of his native state. He remained at home until he reached his twenty-first year, when he started in life for himself. He came to Illinois, and went to work on a farm in Sangamon county, where he remained four years. On the 18th of February, 1851, he married Mary E., daughter of Capt. Fletcher, of Sugar Creek, Illinois. After his marriage he came to Macoupin county and purchased a hundred and twenty-five acres of land in section 2%, and commenced its cultivation. Four months later he built a log cabin, near where his dwelling-house now stands, and moved into it and renained there for six years, after which he built a large and commodious farm-house in which he now dwells. He has since added to his original purchase until he has now five hundred and ten acres of as fine land as there is in Nilwood township. Since he first purchased land his principal business has _ been stock-raising and breeding fine cattle, in which he has been successful. His first wife, Mary E., died August 3d, 1875. On the 19th of June, 1877, he married Miss N, J. Ballinger, daughter of Rey. John H. Ballinger. She is a native of Kentucky, but was raised in Missouri, and was a resident of Macoupin county at the time of her marriage. Mr. McElvain is a member of the Presbyterian church, and his excellent and amiable wife is « member of the Christian church. In politics he isa republican. He was formerly an old line whig, and cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor for President in 1848. He remained with the whig party until the formation of the republican party, andin 1860 voted for Abraham Lincoln, and since that time has been a member of that political organization. Mr. McElvain started in life unaided. When he came to the state he had comparatively nothing but strong hands, industry and abundance of energy. With these he has succeeded in carving out for himself a sufficient competency to support and smooth his pathway down the hill of declining life. In his neighborhood and among the people with whom he has associated and done business for years, he is universally regarded as a man of honesty and fair dealing, and living such a life as commends him to the respect of all.

HIS township is bounded on the north by Bird, east by Brushy Mound, south by Hilyard, and west by Chesterfield township, and comprises the congressional township of 9, range 8 west of the 3d P.M. The soil is fertile and productive, yielding large

Along the water courses the land is broken and rolling, and in the valley and bottom excellent grazing lands are found; here the soil is particularly rich and 'wHuvial. This township is admirably drained by the Macoupin ereek and its tributaries, the principal of which are Silver creek, Lick creek,

Dry Fork, May's Branch, and Sugar creek. There are several lakes near the Macoupin creek, which not only add beauty to the landscape, but also furnish an abundance of pure water for stock. There is considerable timber skirting the borders of the streams, comprising principally the several kinds of oak and maple, hickory, white and red elm, black and white walnut, sycamore and cottonwood.

Pioneers. The first settlements were made in the year 1825, by Daniel Deadrick, Irvin Smith, Shadrick Redick, and Abraham Smith ; they located with their families near where the C. & A. R. R.* crosses the Macoupin creek, where they erected cabins and engaged in tilling the soul. The next fall, being 1826, James Hall and family settled near where the Macoupin station and post-office now is, at a place called Hall's Spring. About the year 1830, Peter Wagoner and William Rhodes, with their families, settled on the north side of the prairie, south of the creek, on section 28.

The First House - The first house built on the prairie was erected by Peter Wagoner ; from that settlement originated the name of " Wagoner's Prairie." William Rhodes next built a house near the site of the ancient town of Steubenville, situated in what was then known as North Bend, that being the first and only town eyer laid dut within the limits of the township.

Early Preachers - The first sermon preached in the township was by William Jones, a Baptist minister, at the house of Daniel Deadrick, in the year 1826.

The first person baptized was Rachael Smith, at a place near where the Dry Fork creek unites with the Macoupin. This took place in the year 1826. P. C. Raffurty was the first resident preacher; he was a clergyman of the Baptist denomination. He began preaching here about the year 1852. ;

The First School-house- - The first school-house was built on section 6, in the year 1839; and the same year the first school was taught by Ebenezer P. Upham. The first female teacher was Miss Virginia Bement, who taught in the year 1842. ;

Ewrly Marviages. - The first parties married were James Holben- and Matilda Hall, Henry Miller and Catherine Wagoner, William Grimes and Nancy Wagoner, George C. Keller and Elizabeth Raffurty. The above marriages occurred between the years 1827 and 1836.

Habits and Occupations of the Early Settlersz. - The occupation of the pioneers was largely that of hunting; the abundance of game together with their love of the chase, was probably one of the causes of their settling along the streams in the timbered districts. Their habits and customs were plain and simple. The women manufactured the family clothing. The men made the shoes and boots worn by the family, stocked their own and their neighbors' plows, and made their own harness; between hunting, fishing, tilling the soil, and making their farm implements and domestic clothing, they acquired habits of industry, frugality, and economy. 'Theirs was a simple and plain life.

(fame. - The deer were very numerous, and during the summer and autumn became very fat from feeding on the luxuriant vegetation, and were killed for their flesh and hides. The crop of deer hides in this township was worth more in early times than the crop of corn. The large black wolf was quite numerous, and very destructive of sheep and all young stock. The streams abounded with fish.

Indian Hunting Grounds. - This township seems to have been a post of the hunting grounds of the Indians at the time of the first settlement by the whites, and they continued to visit and hunt in it until the autumn of the cemmencement of the Black Hawk war and the winter of the deep snow, since which time it is not known that any Indians have visited this locality. There are many graves visible to this day of these people on the bluff, north and west of Long Lake bottom, on section 21, near the Holliday farm. In the bottums adjacent to this lake the Indians made their camp during their hunting tours. Numerous trinkets and stone implements of warfare have been found in this locality.

First Mill - tThe first settlers experienced great difficulty in getting their milling done. Those of this township went to John Irvin's;mill, south of Carrollton, in Greene county, and afterwards to Tegard's mill, east of Car- linville. The first and only grist mill in Polk was erected by Stephen Marshall, in the year 1850; it was situated on the Macoupin creek, in section 28, and was run by water power.

Land Entries. - The following are the names of the parties who made the first three land entries in the town of 9, range 8. James Mason entered 82.40 acres in section 6, November 9th, 1831; Robert Holliday entered 40 acres in section 20, February 28th, 1834; the same day and year Peter Wagoner entered 160 acres in section 33.

Old Settlers - The settlers who had located in the township previous to this time resided on lands owned by the Government. Among the older residents and farmers of Polk may be mentioned : - James Raffurty, who resides on section 6, came to the county with his parents in 1833; Daniel Elliott came in 1831; Elias M. Dorman in 18384; George W. Rhodes in 1833; S. F. Rhodes and Daniel Hayward in 1838; S. A. Pepperdine in 1830; Mathew S. Gillespie in 1834; D. R. Johnston in 1836; and between the years 1842 and 1857 the following farmers located here: Edward G. Duckels, E. B. Eldred, A. H. Eldred, Isaiah Rhoads, Edmund Rhoads, John Hounsley, Cant Candler, and John M. Yowell. After the completion of the C. and A. R. R. in 1852 settlers began to locate in the township quite rapidly. The farm improvements in Polk will compare favorably with other portions of the county. Among the leading fine stock raisers are A. H. and Moses S. Eldred and James Raffurty ; they are engaged in breeding short horn and Jersey cattle.

Railroad Store and Post-office. - The south-eastern part of Polk is crossed by the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis Railroad; it enters the township in the north-east corner of section 12, and leaves it at the south-west quarter of section 34, Macoupin station is situated in the northern part of section 23; here is also located a store and post-office.

James Raffurty

James Rarrurry is a native of Montgomery county, Kentucky, and is the fifth of a family of eleven children of James Raffurty and his wife, Nancy Booth. He was born on the 24th of December, 1823. Mr. Raffurty's grandfather, James Raffurty, was of Scotch-Irish stock, and was a native of the north of Ireland; while a young man he emigrated to America, and settled in Virginia, at a date some years prior to the Revolutionary war. At the breaking out of the contest between the colonies and Great Britain, he was one of the first to enlist in the patriotic army under Washington, and served with fortitude and bravery in the Continental army until the war wax over, peace declared, and the independence of the colonies achieved. He then returned to his farm in the Shenandoah valley, near Harper's Ferry, and engaged in theculture of tobacco. He shipped his tobacco to London, England, to pay for the passage to America of the lady who subsequently became his wife. He married her about the year 1786 or 1787, and raiscd a large family of children. He subsequently sold his farm in Virginia, and emigrated to Montgomery county, Kentucky, where he resided for a number of years, and then moved to Daviess county, Kentucky, and settled on a farm about seven miles south-west of Owensboro, near a place now called " Buzzard's Roost." He continued to reside there till his death, about the year 1835 or 1836, at a ripe old age. His wife died about the same time.

The name of Mr. Raffurty's father was also James Raffurty. He was a native of fhe " Old Dominion," and was born in the year 1788 within three miles of Harper's Ferry, one of the most romantic and historie places in Virginia. His early boyhood days were spent in assisting his father to carry on the farm in Virginia, and afterwards in Kentucky. On the breaking out of the war of 1812 he enlisted for service in Col. James Johnson's regiment, which formed part of the detachment of the army under Gen. Harrison. He took part in the campaign under Harrison and was in the battle of the Thames, in which the celebrated Indian chieftain, Tecumseh, was killed. His marriage to Nancy Booth had occurred prior to the war of 1812. He resided in Kentucky till 1854, and in March of that year moyed to Illinois and settled on the farm in Polk township, where his son now resides. He died in the month of June, 1854. His widow survived him about ten years. He and his wife were both members of the Christian church. In politics he was a democrat.

James Raffurty, now one of the leading farmers of Polk township, received his education in the schools of Montgomery county, Kentucky, and after his removal to this state in the district schools of Macoupin county. He was in his eleventh year when the family moved to Illinois. He resided at home with his parents till his marriage, which occurred on the 28th of July, 1842, to Mariah Rusher, daughter of Henry and Catherine Rusher, who were natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Raffurty was born in that state July 10th, 1821. By this marriage there have been born four sons and six daughters, of whom three sons and four daughters are now living, all residing in Macoupin county. After his marriage Mr. Raffurty started out to begin life for himself with scarcely any capital. He bought a forty acre tract in section nine Polk township, which he improved, and after living on it for a few years sold it, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres in section seven, which he improved and lived upon till his father's death, when he purchased the old homestead, where he has since lived. On the breaking out of the Mexican war he enlisted in Co. C. 6th regiment Illinois volunteers, commanded by

Col. Collins. He served until the expiration of the war, when he returned home and was mustered out at Alton, in August, 1847. Fuller particulars of the history of the regiment may be found in the chapter on Patriotism, in the History of the county. He has always been identified with the democratic party, of which he has been an active member, and in whose ranks he has wielded considerable influence. He and his wife have been members of the Baptist church for more than thirty years. In taking a retrospective view of his life and career we find a man who commenced with but little means. The most he possessed was a strong will, a determination to succeed in life, and excellent natural business qualifications. Assisted by his estimable wife he has been able to varve out for himself a comfortable competence. He is one of the substantial and leading agriculturalists of the county, and a man whose probity of character and purity of conduct have won him many friends.

ForMerzy treasurer of Macoupin county, was born in Greene county, in this state, November 13, 1842. He belongs to a family of English descent. His grandfather, Luther Corbin, was a native of Connecticut, and about the year 1805 removed to Madison county, in Central New York. His father, Calvin L. Corbin, was born and raised in Madisqn county, New York, and emigrated when a young man to Illinois. This was the year 1839; and he settled near Carrollton, in Greene county, and in 1840 married Mrs. Clarissa Eldred. Her maiden name was Brace; she was born in Herkimer county, New York, and came to Greene county, in this state, in 1827. The only child by this marriage was L. B. Corbin. His father purchased the farm in Polk township, where Mr. Corbin now resides, in the fall of 1850; moved on it in 1851, and resided there till his death, in 1865.

The subject of this biography was in his ninth year when he came to Macoupin county. His education he obtained partly at home (his father was a school teacher, and for thirteen years taught school in New York and Illinois partly at a district school in Polk township, and in a_ private school, taught by the Rev. W. R. Adams, at Carlinville, which he attended in the winter of 1860-61. During the war of the Rebellion in 1862, then not twenty years of age, he enlisted in the 122d Illinois regiment, commanded by Col. Rinaker. He was with the regiment in its campaigns in Tennessee and Mississippi, and in the fall of 1863, was placed on detached duty as quartermaster's sergeant of the pioneer corps of the 4th Division of the 15th Army Corps. He was with Sherman on his celebrated march from " Atlanta to the Sea," and subsequently rejoined his regiment. He returned home in August, 1865, and the following October his father died. He was married December 25th, 1866, to Miss Sarah J. Cooley, a native of Massachusetts, who died in 1872. His present wife, whom he married in May, 1874, was Annie E. Leaton, daughter, of the Rev. James Leaton, D. D., a Methodist minister, well known in this state. Mrs. Corbin's native place is Quincy.

Mr. Corbin has two children by his second marriage. He is a republican in politics. He has been assessor of the township, and in 1875, without solicitation on his part, was made the republican and independent candidate 'for county treasurer, and was elected. His farm jn Polk township comprises 380 acres.

HIS township is situated in the extreme northern part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Morgan county, on the east by North Otter, on the south by South Palmyra, and on the west by Scottville township. It is geographically known as township 12, range 8, west, and contains 23,040 acres. It was surveyed about the year 1824. It has belts of timber varying from a quarter to one mile in width on the north-west, south-west, and south-east. The remaining portion of the township is a fertile prairie, under a high state of cultivation. Apple creek drains the township on the north; on the east side it is drained by Massey creek; the centre and southern portions are drained by Solomon's creek, and on the western side by Joe's creek.

The banks of the creeks are covered with timber, and in an early day wolyes, deer, panthers, and bears found a home beneath the branches unmolested, except by the Indians; but civilization, with its progress, has -

The first settlement was made by John Cummings and family August, 1824; Jonas Thompson and family in 1824; Mrs. Woodring and family in 1825, and Elijah Wills and family in the fall of 1826. Then came Judge Lewis Solomon, Sr., who settled here on the 27th of March, 1827, with his family, on what was afterward known as Eagle's Point, on section 20, situated at the head of the timber on, the north branch of Solomon's creek. That creek was named in honor of Judge Solomon, Sr. Mr. Solomon had previously lived in Morgan county.

The circumstance by which Eagle's Point received its name is about as follows. When Judge Solomon came to this county to select a location, he burned off several patches of prairie, and as the fire neared the timber, a large number of spotted eagles came flying around. No doubt they were attracted by the mice and other small animals that were endeavoring to escape the fire. That species of eagles are only found in new and unsettled countries. Here Judge Solomon erected his cabin, assisted by his sons James and Lewis. It was a very rude dwelling, without windows ; the only light was from the door and chimney. Judge Solomon was a native of Muhlenburgh county, Kentucky. He was prominently connected with the earliest official history of this county, further mention of which is made in the chapter on Ciyil History.

The first settlers were in limited circumstances. They settled in the edge of the timber; built rude cabins, in which they lived, and made some clearings in the timber, as they were unable to break the tough sod of the prairie with their primitive implements; and it may well be said of them, as of most all early settlers, that they were very enterprising, honest, industrious, liberal, and hospitable.

The first entry of land made in this township was by Jonathan Thompson, February 17th, 1827; it was the east eighty of the south-east quarter of section 4. The second entry was made by Ezekiel Springer, November 12th, 1827, on the north-west quarter of section 3. The third entry was made by E. C. Vancil, January 19th, 1828, it being 80 acres of the south-east quarter of section 4.

Settlers now began to come in quite rapidly, among whom we find John Nivens, Sr., of Madison county of this state, but formerly of Kentucky; he came to this county in 1827, and bought the improvements of Elijah Wills. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. During the same year John Nivens, Jr., and John Scott, with their families, came and settled on section 7; they were also Kentuckians. Shortly after them, William Nivens, the father of John and father-in-law of Mr. Scott, came and settled on the same section ; he was also a soldier in the war of 1812. Jacob Nifong (father of James F. Nifong) and family came in the fall of 1828, and bought the improvements of John Nivens, Jr., on section 7; he came from Missouri, but was formerly from Virginia. James Howard came in 1828; he had previously lived in Morgan county, Illinois, where he married the daughter of Judge Solomon, Sr.; he was the first school-teacher in the township. Alexander Carson, of Muhlenburgh county, Kentucky, came and settled where Jasper Rice lives, on section 28, in the spring of 1828. During the same fall Wm. Norvill settled on section 23; he had a family, and was from Tennessee. E. C. Vancil came up from Union county, Illinois, and settled where he resides, on section 4, in the year 1828; he is a Kentuckian by birth, and is hale and hearty at the advanced age of eighty years. He is the father of I. B. Vancil, a prominent farmer of the township. The same year Spencer Norvill came from Tennessee, and settled on section 23.

The next settlement was made by Larkin Richardson, a son-in-law of John Cummings, about 1829; he was from Gallatin county, Illinois. The same year, but about two months later, Aarom Turner settled on section 7; he had a family, and was from Alabama. John Cherry came about 1830, and settled on section 18; he was from Tennessee. In 1830 the township received four families all at one time, namely, Russell, William, Henry, -and John Taber. The three former were brothers. They all settled a little north of where the town of Palmyra now stands. They were from Tennessee. In the progress of civilization they moved to Missouri, and subsequently moved and settled along the White river, in Arkansas. They appeared to be rovers, and could not bear the influence of civilization.

Robert Ross and family came in 1829 or'30,from the Cross Roads, in Sumner county, Tennessee, and settled on section 27; the farm is now owned by S. J. Thompson. He subsequently moved to South Palmyra township. Joseph King and family settled on section 28, at the point of timber north of where the town of Palmyra now stands, in the year 1829; his brother David came and joined him in 1835. They were Kentuckians. The place now owned by the widow Pinkerton, a little west of Palmyra, was settled by James Pocklington and family. He was an Englishman, and came in August, 1830. Isham Gibson, the father of J. W. Gibson, came in an early day. James Young and family, Newton Berry, Stephen Jones and Stephen Robertson, came about 1831. Robertson bought out Russell Taber's improvement, on section 33. Henry Davidson came about the same year. George Sims and family came in 1829, and he is still living at the advanced age of ninetytwo years. His brother, William Sims, came in 1831 and settled on section 7. He also had a family. William Rice came in 1830 from Kentucky and settled with his family on section 33. The farm is now owned by the late S. J. Steidley. Thesame year William Hodges settled on section 34. John B. Clevenger came to the county with his father in 1830. He now lives on section 35. Daniel Chapman, son of John Chapman of North Otter, was in the county in 1831, and now resides on section 24 in North Palmyra. Gzurrett

1830. They were Kentuckians. came from Kentucky and settled on section 29, in 1833. Jasper Rice, also from Kentucky, settled on section 28, in 1832. Jonathan Landreth a Virginian, came here in 1833; his son, A. P. Landreth, now a farmer on section 20, came with his parents. John Coots, from Kentucky, settled on section 22, in 1835; he married a Miss Wise after he came to the township. Thomas Steward came the same year. D. A. Pulliam, formerly from Morgan county but a native of Kentucky, came here in 1835. He hada family. The same year Jesse Berry settled on section 34. Lewis O'Neal came in 1836. Joseph Liston, Sr., and family came in 1836. They were Kentuckians.

The first sermon was preached by Auston Sims at the house of Lewis Solomon, Sr., in the year 1827. He was a Baptist minister. The first preachers were Lewis Solomon, Sr., and William Hodges, both Baptist. They were afterward followed by Jacob Nifong, who belonged to the Christian church.

The first church edifice was built by the Methodists, about the year 1840. It was named Bethel, and was situated about one and a half miles north of the village of Palmyra. It was built of hewed logs, roughly put together. It was subsequently used as a. school-house. At present it is used for a wood house by school district number one. The present school-house is a good building in modern style, and is frequently used by the Methodists as a house of worship. There are two churches now in the township, a Christian and Dunkard.

The first school-house was situated in the north-west part of the township, on section 18, a short distance south-west of where J. F. Nifong now resides. The house was built of round poles with the bark peeled off; it was covered with boards riven out with a frow; the floor was of rough puncheons; a log was cut out on one side, and the opening served as a window; the writing desk was made by boring slanting holes into the side of the house and driying wooden pins into the holes and laying puncheons on the pins. When it rained the children had to move to the side opposite that from which the wind blew in order to keep dry. It was a three months' subscription school, the parents agreeing to pay one dollar and fifty cents for each scholar. The building was erected in 1829, and school taught by James Howard, as mentioned above.

Habits And Customs

The men frequently wore dressed deer skin pants and coon skin caps. The coats were made so as to resemble a hunting shirt. portion of their time in hunting and trapping.

The nearest mill was Stephen Hardcastle's or Tegard's mill, situated at a place now known as Rock-bridge. The manner of going to mill was in carts, sleds or truck wagons. The cart and wagon wheels were sawed from logs, usually sycamore, and were from four to six inches broad and about two feet high, with holes bored in the centre for the hub. Horses were scarce, and ox teams invariably were used for hauling. These carts and wagons were used for hauling wood and rails, going to mill, and sometimes even to take the family to church.

About the first of June, in the early times, the green headed flies were very troublesome on the prairie. Plowing was done with ox teams, very early in the morning, or late in the evening, in order to avoid the flies, and the crops worked with a single horse. The plows were what is known as the bar-share plow; they had wooden mould-boards. The harness consisted of a shuck collar, and trace chains fastened to a crooked stick for harness, and a rude leather back-band. Some of the settlers dispensed with the harness, and used the shaft-plow. The method of driving when two horses were used, was to ride one and lead the other. When only one horse was driven, they used a single line. The horses were taught to turn at the words " Gee " and " Haw ;" check lines were unknown. This method of driving is still followed by the farmers of Kentucky. The food consisted of wild game, pork and corn-meal ; wheat-bread was very seldom seen.

The deep snow was during the winter of 1830 and '31. About the twentieth of December it commenced raining and sleeting, but it soon changed to snow, and continued at intervals, until in January. The snow ravines were full, and almost level with the surrounding land. The snow continued on the ground until about the first of March, cutting off communication between the settlers, and making it impossible for people to get to mill; they had to pound corn to get meal for bread, and this with. hominy, was about all they could get to subsist on. After the snow disappeared there was a friendly greeting between the settlers.