Macoupin County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1879 (part 1 of 15)

Biographical sketches

AmoncG the many representative and prominent men of the state who have risen from obscurity into renown and commanding position, stands the name of John M. Palmer, ex-governor of the state of Illinois. Although not now an actual citizen of Macoupin county, yet it was here that his early struggles for position and reputation in his profession commenced ; and to this people, whom he has always regarded, and will continue to regard, as his earliest and best friends, he acknowledges the debt of gratitude he owes them for their kindness and support given him when he first commenced the practice of law. He well recollects the trials and struggles in their midst as a young lawyer, and his efforts to provide the means of support for himself and family. And he also remembers the kindly words spoken, the encouragement given, and the outstretched hands ready to help him up the steep, rough road, and over the barriers that stood in the way between him and the high position since attained. To these kind friends he acknowledges his gratitude. On the other hand, the people of Macoupin county are proud of him. They point with pride to the man, and claim him as their friend and neighbor. It is with pleasure that they speak of him as occupying a conspicuous place in the history of the state. They claim him for "Old Macoupin." It is therefore fitting that the life and history of John M. Palmer, his early struggles, his great efforts in the cause of humanity, his patriotic and gallant conduct in defence and perpetuation of the Union, his honest administration of the affairs of the state, his ability as a lawyer, his worth as a man and citizen should form and become a part of the history of the county.

John McAuley Palmer, the third in a family of seven boys and one girl, was born on the Eagle Hills in Scott county, Kentucky, September 13th, 1817. His father and mother were natives of Virginia. The family is of English ancestry, and were among the first settlers of the state. Louis D. Palmer married Miss Ann Hansford Tutt, who was a native of Culpepper county. He was a cabinet-maker, but subsequently and early abandoned that trade, and became a farmer. He was a man of much more than ordinary intelligence, and was a great reader. He expended all his surplus earnings for the works of distinguished and popular authors, and sometimes would go beyond and encroach upon means intended for the actual necessaries of life, in order to gratify his thirst for reading. He was a Jeffersonian democrat of the old school, and was opposed to the institution of slavery. He was a man who, when he believed he was right, was firm and unyielding. This trait of character has, in a great measure, been transmitted to the son.

While John was yet in his infancy, his father removed with his family from Scott to Christian county on the Tennessee line near the Cumberland river. Here he remained until 1831, when he left Kentucky, and came to Illinois, and settled in Madison county, where he purchased a farm and

The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days in the log school-houses of his native state, and the summer months in helping to cultivate tobacco, which was the principal product of that section of the country. When not at work or in school, he roamed the woods in search of game, or haunted the streams with hook and line. He began his studies with Noah Webster's spelling-book and Lindley Murray's Grammar. He was a great reader. Te was studious, and made rapid progress. In his youth he had an impediment in his speech, which continued some time after he arrived at manhood. It was a source of great annoyance to him, as it gave the boys an opportunity of poking fun at him. 'This sport on the part of the boys continued until forbearance ceased to be a virtue, when he resorted to his fists to compel respect for his infirmities.

When the Palmer family came to Illinois, John was in his fourteenth year. Two years later the mother died, which had the effect of breaking up the family. The subject of this sketch was then sixteen years of age. He bean to look the world in the face. He realized that he had not sufficient education. He had progressed just far enough in his studies to awaken a desire and ambition to drink deeper at the fountain of knowledge. In a conversation with his father about it, ie latter told him he could do nothing for him, but would give him "his time.' This was gladly accepted. About purpose was to give an education to the poor, but industrious young men of the country, who had here an opportunity of performing labor, for which they received educational advantages and training in return. John and his brother Elihu entered the college in 1834. He arose at daylight, made the fires, swept the floors, and did other chores until school-hours, when he pro- He labored hard to gain a good education, and he was <uccessful in recciving a more thorough knowledge of grammar, geography, history and the higher branches of mathematics. He remained at college one year, at the end of which time he was compelled to abandon his studies in order that he might provide means to purchase clothing and books.

Upon his first entering the state, he made the acquaintance of Larkins Stark. who was a cooper living at that time in Madison county, but afterwards removed and settled on the prairie, near where Bunker Hill, in Ma- He offered Palmer board and clothes if he would He accepted the offer, and soon learned to make fter which Stark paid him wages. He soon became skilled enough The money thus earned, after paying debts and providing suitable clothing, was spent in books and newspapers. -

In 1857 he made the acquaintance of a clock-peddler by the' name of Henderson, who owned a number of wagons, and employed men to peddle He made arrangements with him, and accepted He commenced the sale of clocks in Madison county, and afterwards sold in Fulton, Hancock, Pike, Scott, Green and other counties. He did a vood business ; but the freshness of this itinerant life soon wore away. Tle saw that if he amounted to anvthing, he must abandon that kind of life, and settle down and pursue some business steadily. After looking over the Full of this resolve, He then purchased a copy of Blackstone's Commentarics, and engaged to teach school near Canton in Fulton county. His determination to become a lawyer received force and direction from the following incident. In 1858 while yet in the clock business, he, in company with Sands N. Breeds, now of Fulton county, another clock peddler, stopped over night at They were assigned to the only yacant room in the house, in which were two beds. They retired, and were soon asleep, from which they were rudely awakened by the landlord, who, in company with two strangers, had invaded their room. "Sorry to wake you, gentlemen," said the landlord; 'but here are two strangers, who want a bed. You two must sleep together, share your beds with them." Palmer turned over, rubbed his eyes, and saw before him a short spare man with broad, expansive forehead and large, luminous eyes. The other was taller, fine-looking, and had the appearance of being a college PEpieneoy, The tall man inquired about their politics. "Well," replied Palmer, "my friend's a whig, and I am a democrat." The landlord blew out the light, and retired. ' You take the whig, and I'll take the democrat," said the short man. They got into bed, and all were soon sound asleep. The next morning Palmer inquired the name of his bed-fellow. It was Stephen A. Douglas, the Little Giant of the west. His fellow-traveler was John T.

Stewart. Douglas was just entering upon his brilliant career, that in after years made him one of the intellectual giants, and the most conspicuous figure in American history. He was then a candidate for Congress in the district which included the whole of the state of Illinois north of Macoupin county, and now contains more than one and a half millions uf population. He made friends with Palmer, who gave him his support, and cast his first vote for him in the ensuing election. The acquaintance thus made and the brilliant example before him changed the current of Palmer's life, and gave him fresh courage, impetus and determination to become a lawyer. In the spring of 1839, after his school closed at Canton, Palmer returned to Alton, and then went to St. Louis. His brother Elihu had in the meantime got married, and had entered the ministry as a Baptist preacher, and was stationed at Carlinville in Macoupin county. Palmer walked up there from St. Louis, and arrived in town March 29th, 1839. Through the influence of his brother, he entered the law-office of John S. Greathouse of Carlinville, and commenced anew the study of law. He studied hard. He soon became involved in local politics. At the request of leading democratic politicians, he became the candidate for county clerk. He made a vigorous canvass, but was defeated by 121 majority. In the summer of 1839, although he had not been admitted to the practice of law, he made his first appearance at the bar in the case of Broderick ys. Walker. His client, the defendant, was charged with an assault with a knife. Notwithstanding the case looked dark for his client, he got a jury trial, and won the case.

In December of the same year he purchased a new suit of clothes, borrowe/ five dollars and a ride to Springfield, a distance of forty miles, to apply for license to practice law. In Springfield he again met Stephen A, Douglas, who received him with great favor, and presented his application to the court for admission to the bar. The court appointed Mr. Douglas and Hon. J. Young Scammon of Chicago as examiners. nation he was asked what books he had read, after which Douglas made a speech, dwelling with force upon the importance of a lawyer collecting his fees, which, by the way, he never did, and said: " You may not now be able to take charge of important law-cases; but from the cut of your features and the set of your clothes, I'm satisfied you soon will be." The examination was soon ended. Douglas wrote the license, and presented it to the court, and it was signed by Judges Brown and Smith. During the evening following Palmer strayed around town and into a church, which was used as the state-house, where a tall, long, bony man was entertaining an audience with a speech that was full of logic, anecdote and common sense. Palmer inquired his name, and was informed that it was Abe Lincoln. The next day he was introduced to him at the court-house, and from that day to the death of Lincoln, they were warm, personal friends. They were frequently together in after years as counsel in law-Gases, and at other times opposed to each other, and political opponents for years; but the friendship formed at their first meeting in the old court-house in Springfield was never broken.

Palmer returned to Carlinyille a full fledged lawyer. He was poor, in debt and without law books, except Blackstone's Commentaries, Chitty's General Practice and Gresley's Equity Evidence. He, however, was fortunate in securing some old law books presented to him by David A. Smith, who had supplied himself with new ones. He was not at first successful. He was not a good speaker, but was rather a failure in this respect, owing to the habit of stammering. He was also naturally bashful, and diffident in the presence of numbers. He lacked that confidence that comes with experience. His manners were not particularly prepossessing. With these things against him it was clear that he was compelled to rely more for suecess upon what he said, than the manner of saying it. He would be compelled to charm his audience with his ideas, that they might forget his manners. Nature had endowed him liberally. He must gather up the latent forces, and concentrate them. Hard study was before him. It brought its reward in a mind that was trained to be clear logical, and persuasive. The gift of eloquence came gradually. In time, his stammering ceased. He clothes his ideas with imagery, and paints his words with beauty. He is always earnest and his great earnestness carries with it a resistless power.

On the 20th of December, 1842, he was united in marriage to Miss Melinda Ann Neeley, who was born in Kentucky. Her parents came to Illinois in 1841, and settled in Carlinville. Two weeks after his marriage, he and his wife went to housekeeping. The whole cost of furniture, and everything necessary to commence housekeeping, amounted to nearly fifty dollars.

In those days the political discussions and arranging the canvass took place during the times of court. It was only necessary to see one or two of the leading men in each neighborhood, and get their support, and they would arrange that the programme was carried out in their locality. These leaders and representative men were always on hand in times of court. The lawyers were the politicians. They would fight their cases through courts during the day and make political speeches during the night. In 1843 Palmer was elected Probate Judge of Macoupin county, by over four hundred majority. The next three years were spent in the office, and practicing his profession. His practice had become extensive and reasonably lucrative. The Mexican war broke out in 1846. Palmer raised a company and was elected captain. He tendered his company to Col. E. D. Baker, who was raising a regiment, but the regiment was full, and they were refused. In April, 1847, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention. While a member of that body, a resolution was offered by Mr. Bond, of Clinton county, which in substance was that the next General Assembly shall at its first session under the amended Constitution, pass such laws as " will effectively prohibit free persons of color from immigrating to and settling in this state, and to effectually prevent the owners of slaves from bringing them into the state for the purpose of setting them free." Palmer opposed this measure, and fought it to the end.

His term of Probate Judge expired in August of the same year. He was a candidate for re-election. The slavery men determined to defeat him. His speech before the Constitutional Convention was read at the polls on the day of election. This, although his personal popularity was great, defeated him by a small majority. The next year his opponent, Captain Gilmore, resigned, and Palmer was elected to fill the vacancy. In 1851 he was elected to the State senate, and was made chairman of the Committee of Incorporations. The slavery question at that day came up in various shapes. Palmer's sympathy was with the Free Soilers. He was decidedly Anti-slavery, but his respect for the Jaws kept him outside the ranks of abolitionism. His prominence as a Democrat, and his ability as a man, received recognition in being selected to renominate Douglas for the United States Senate in 1853. During the session John A. Logan, now United States senator from Illinois, introduced his well-known Black Laws, which Palmer stoutly opposed.

In 1854 the Missouri compromise was repealed, and what was known as the " Kansas Nebraska troubles,' commenced. The danger of the extension of slavery alarmed the people of the North. An extra session of the Legislature was called. Douglas determined upon haying an endorsement of his course. There were eighteen Democrats and seven Whigs in the Senate. At first, a majority of the Democratic senators stood with him, and Douglas' object seemed likely to be defeated, but he succeeded in the end in obtaining an endorsement. For this act of Palmer's, it was determined to defeat him in his own district. At the District Convention in the same year, a resolution was passed in substance, that no man should be nominated for State Senator who would oppose the Kansas Nebraska act. Palmer boldly joined issues with the convention. He announced himself as an Independent Democratic candidate, and on the broad ground that slavery was not Democracy, and that the Kansas Nebraska act should not be made a party test. He was opposed by Major Beatty T. Burke, the most popular Democrat in the Douglas wing of the party. Palmer was elected by two hundred majority, in the district composed of the counties of Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin. The new senate at first contained four anti- Nebraska Democrats, viz.: Norman B. Judd, Burton C. Cook, Uri Osgood and John M. Palmer. Geo. T. Allen and H. S. Baker represented the party in the House. A United States senator was to be elected in place of Gen. Shields. Mr. Osgood gave in his adhesion to the Nebraska democracy, and the five men remaining held the balance of power. The whigs nominated Abraham Lincoln, and the democrats Gen. Shields. Palmer had at the beginning of the session, offered to go into the Democratic caucus, provided the demand for the fealty to the Kansas Nebraska act was withdrawn. His offer was refused. He was told that he must submit unconditionally to the action of the caucus or retire. He put Lyman Trumbull in nomination. Several ballots were taken, the anti-Nebraska Democrats voting for Trumbull. After the fifth ballot, Gen. Shields was withdrawn, and ex. Governor Mattison placed in nomination by the Nebraska Democrats. It was rumored that some of the Independents who had refused to vote for Shields would vote for Mattison. Five of the Independent Democrats had adhered to Trumbull, and on the first ballot, one vote from the whigs, the member from Lasalle county. On the first ballot the vote stood, Shields 48, Lincoln 46, Trumbull 6. The whigs became frightened and moved to adjourn. It was voted down by the united democra%s. Lincoln saw the crisis was at hand. He was satisfied that the Independents would stand by Trumbull for one more ballot at least. He passed around among his friends and insisted upon them voting solidly for Trumbull. They were at last brought to do so, and he was elected to the surprise and consternation of the regular Democrats. This was a victory for Palmer over Douglas. He had met Palmer while the latter was a candidate for State Senator, and had urged him from sundown to midnight to vote for Shields. But Palmer refused. Both in the wordy contest lost their tempers. Douglas taunted him with going over to the abolitionists, and rumored that if he did so he would fill his place with plenty of good whigs. Palmer grew hot and retorted, "So help me God, Pll never vote for Shields. You know how warmly I have supported you, You now tell me that you are willing to part with me and that you can fill my place with your life-long enemies. You demand that I shall surrender my personal independence and manhood, and threaten me if I refuse. From this time forward I will fight you, and will never speak to you until you are beaten, and lose your power to make and unmake men." The friendship then severed was not renewed until 1861, seven years later, when the governor of Illinois sent Palmer to Washington as a delegate to the Peace Conference. The morning after his arrival, Douglas sent a card to his room requesting an interview. The great statesman came in, and offering his hand said, " Well, Palmer, the time has come when by your own limitation we are to be friends. I beat you a long time ago, but it has taken youa long time to beat me. I'm glad to see you." " Yes, Judge," said Palmer, taking the extended hand, " You were a thundering hard man to beat.' Then Douglas said, " You have always misunderstood me. Years ago I saw that Davis and others meant disunion. I sought to force the issue upon them in the Lecompton controversy, and would have done so if Buchanan had not proven false. Then, there was union feeling enough even in the South to crush them. They have had two years since, to educate the South into secession." Then rising, and in solemn prophetic voice he said, '" And now you will see millions of men in arms before the question is settled." The friendship was again renewed, nor was it broken untilthe death of Douglas,

In 1856 the Republican party came into life. Mr. Palmer was president of the first Illinois Republican Convention, that met at Bloomington, and nominated a State ticket and delegates to the National Convention. He was also a delegate to the National Convention that met in Philadelphia and nominated Fremont. He entered the campaign of 1856, together with Lincoln and Trumbull. They were the leaders of the new party in the West. As soon as he announced his allegiance to the new party he resigned his seat in the State Senate upon the ground, that having changed his political connections after his election, self-respect and a proper regard for the opinions of others demanded such a course. This act was so much out of the line, and at variance with the conduct of most men, that it won-him hosts of friends.

The campaign of 1856 was the first open aggressive warfare upon the system of slavery. It required considerable courage to face the mob of howling men and publicly proclaim that the further extension of slavery must stop, and that freedom was the moral condition of the territories. Fremont was defeated. Then, two years later, came the memorable struggle between Douglas and Lincoln. This campaign developed the strength of the young party. Palmer lent a helping hand, and stumped the State for Lincoln, and did effectual service. The next year Palmer accepted the nomination for Congress, in this district. His personal popularity was great, and although the district was strongly democratic, yet there seemed to be some chance of capturing the prize; but the Harper's Ferry raid by John Brown, in October of the same year, had the effect to alarm the whigs and the timid and weak-kneed republicans, and they swung into the democratic line, and Palmer was defeated by over four thousand majority. In 1860 the republican party was successful, and Lincoln was elected. Mr. Palmer as elector for the State at large gave him his vote. But with the success of the Republican party came the war. State after state seceded from the Union. Many efforts were made to patch up a settlement of the difficulty, but without success. War was inevitable. As a member of the Crittenden Peace Congress, Palmer advocated the calling of a National Convention for the settlement of all difficulties. That proposition failing he finally favored compromise measures offered by the south. 'The firing upon Fort Sumter awoke the north from its lethargy. The call for troops to put down the rebellion was made. Palmer put aside his practice and was among the first to respond to the call. He organized the 14th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, and was unanimously elected colonel. The regiment was ordered to north Missouri, where it did gallant service. On the 23d of October, 1861, Gen. Hunter assigned Col. Palmer to the command of a brigade which marched to Springfield, Missouri, with Fremont, and afterwards as part of Gen. Pope's expedition to Milford, where a large number of prisoners were captured. On December 20th of the same year Col. Palmer was made a brigadier-general. He commanded a division in Pope's expedition against Island No. 10 and New Madrid, and did gallant and meritorious service in the capture of those important places.

After the attack at Fort Pillow Gen. Pope joined Gen. Halleck at Corinth. The corps was reorganized. Gen Palmer was sssigned to the command of the First Brigade, First Division of the Army of the Mississippi. It included four regiments of Illinois troops and Hiscock's battery. At the battle of Farmington, May 9th, he narrowly escaped capture by the enemy. He had been directed to pass a swamp and camp near the above-named place, and with this purpose in view he rode forward with a small escort in advance of the line to look out a suitable position for his command. When he reached the open ground near Farmington he found the enemy's infantry and cavalry driving in the pickets. The cavalry seeing him in advance of his command on the top of a hill made adash to capture him. They called upon him to surrender. After arapid chase of nearly half a mile, he reached two companies of infantry who were concealed behind the hill. A volley emptied a half dozen or more saddles, and they scattered and fled. Heavy bodies of infantry made an attempt to seize a road through the swamp and cut off Palmer's command from the main army. He made arrangements to check this movement, when he received orders from Pope to retire across the swamp to camp. The road was filled with wagons and Loomis' brigade. Long lines of the enemy appeared upon the open ground and opened fire from three batteries upon him. Gen. Palmer determined to hold the enemy in check until he could clear his line of retreat and retire in obedience to Pope's orders. Hiscock's guns silenced one of their batteries, when the three divisions of the enemy came steadily upon them. They were met and gallantly resisted by the 22d, 27th, 42d and 51st Ill. regiments. The immense foree of the enemy was now developed, and Gen. Palmer saw his great danger. THe acted with such great courage that the confederates supposed Gen. Pope's entire army was at his back and hidden in the swamp to support him. They therefore advanced cautiously. He held them in check for two hours. The road was now clear and he fell back. The brigade fell back and the confederates came through the woods within two hundred yards of Hiscock's batteries, and threatened to reach the entrance to the swamp before him. Hiscock had sent his caissons to the rear. He double-shotted his guns with grape and canister, and fired into the approaching columns, producing great slaughter, and made rapidly for the road through the swamp. Gen. Palmer had disposed of such of his troops as remained in front of the swamp by placing them behind a hill in the edge of the woods, where they were hid from the enemy by the undulating ground. The confederates, sure Gen. Palmer stood behind his men on fvot. When the enemy were within fifty yards he gave the order to fire. The volley carried destruction to large numbers. The open ground lay covered with the dead and wounded, and the enemy fled. Gen. Palmer lost 22 killed, and 151 wounded, and 10 taken prisoners. The confederate loss was 411 killed and wounded, among them Col. Ingraham, of Gen. Van Dorn's staff. Gen. Palmer's ability as a military man was fully established at the battle of Farmington. Soon afterwards, owing to illness, he was ordered home by Gen. Pope. He brought with him, as a personal attendant, a negro boy who had come into the lines at New Madrid. The colored boy nursed him tenderly through his sickness. The general soon regained his health and returned tothe army. The negro boy, however, refused to go with him. He was therefore left in charge of the family at Carlinville. This was a gross violation of John A. Logan's infamous black laws. At the December term of the circuit court, 1862, the grand jury of Macoupin county indicted him for bringing Martin Taylor, a negro slave, into the state. Gen. Palmer being at home at the time the case was pressed, by the states attorney, for trial. The trial developed no evidence to prove that the negro boy had ever been a slave, and he being a negro was disqualified by law, and was not a competent witness. The result was that Gen. Palmer was found " not guilty."

After aiding in organizing a new regiment, Col. Palmer returned to the front, and was assigned by Gen. Rosencrans to the command of the first divisions of the Army of the Mississippi. He was ordered to join Gen. Buell at Nashville. He was then at Tuscumbia, Ala. It was a long and dangerof a victory, came on in a confused mass.

ous march. He arrived at Nashville with his command Sept. 11. October and the first days of November were employed in skirmishing with Wheeler and Morgan's cavalry and Breckinridge's infantry. In December there was an onward movement, The battle of Stone river followed, in which Gen. Palmer distinguished himself. During the battle, with the support of the artillery, he held the advance for hours after the right wing had fallen back. At one time, when occupying an extreme point, the firing of the enemy's musketry and artillery were concentrated upon his command. He fully appreciated his situation and the importance of holding his position. The advancing forces were held at bay. After several vain attempts to dislodge him from his position the enemy fell back, and that portion of the bloody field was saved. For gallant skill and heroic conduct on this occasion Gen. Palmer was made a major-general, his commission dating from the battle of Stone river. Gen. Palmer remained in command of his division until the battle of Chickamauga, when his command remained unbroken and fought the enemy to the end. When Gen. Geo. H. Thomas succeeded to the command of the Army of the Cumberland, Palmer was placed in command of the 14th army corps and won fresh laurels at Mission ridge. After the battle of Peach Tree creek and the investment of Atlanta, he was ordered to take a position in the rear of the Army of the Ohio and support Gen. Schofield. A question of rank arose between the two generals; Palmer said that rank made no difference to him on the operations then pending, that he was there to support the Army of the Ohio by order of General Thomas, and as Schofield was in charge of the movement, he held himself subject to his orders. Gen. Sherman met Gen. Palmer soon after and said to him that he thought he was wrong. Palmer replied that he had waived all question of rank for the purposes of the contemplated movement, and was awaiting orders from Schofield. Gen. Sherman rode on to Schofield's headquarters. On that night he sent a letter to Gen. Palmer, saying that his voluntary consent to obey Schofield's orders was not enough; he must acknowledge his inferiority of rank. Gen. Palmer asked to be relieved. Sherman replied that he could not properly ask to be relieved in the presence of an enemy. By the advice of Gen. Thomas, Palmer concluded to waive the question of rank until the end of the campaign. It was supposed that that would settle the difficulty, but on the following night, to his complete astonishment, he received a letter from Sherman saying that he (Sherman) understood from Thomas that he (Palmer) intended to offer his resignation at the end of the campaign. If so, he might fairly say, that the campaign was already closed, and resign. Palmer answered in effect that, " Yesterday when I asked to be relieved on a question of rank, you wrote I could not honorably do so in the presence of the enemy. Now you write otherwise. On this plain evidence of your unfriendliness, I conclude that I can be of no service under your command, and respectfully ask to be relieved, reserving to myself the right to determine whether it is proper to quit the service altogether." Sherman referred the letter to Gen. Thomas, and that great general told Palmer that in view of Sherman's feelings toward the Army of the Cumberland he thought he could not not do him a better service than to grant his application. Gen. Palmer returned home Aug. 10, 1864. He immediately tendered his resignation to President Lincoln, saying he neither wished to be one of his unemployed generals nor sent to relieve one who was doing good service in the field. Lincoln replied that he would let him know his conclusion hereafter. Soon after a question arose between the governor of the state and the war department, concerning the quota of troops to be raised under a fresh call. Palmer was sent to Washington in January, of 1865, to settle the question. The contest over, and the quota of troops settled, Lincoln told Palmer he had concluded not to accept his resignation, and offered him the command of the Department of Kentucky. Palmer protested against the appointment, but without avail.

He took charge of the department February 18th, 1864. Everything was in chaos. Kentucky was one of the states in which the Emancipation Proclamation had left a remnant of slavery. The state laws conflicted with the national. Army officers were arrested and brought before the ciyil courts for obeying the orders of their superiors; everything was in inextricable confusion. Added to this the state was overrun with Confederate deserters, and full of bushwhackers, and law and order was the exception and not the rule. The negroes flocked to the cities looking for freedom. Out of all this confusion General Palmer had to restore law and order. Had he been aided 'by the state authorities his task would have been comparatively an easy one. But they were hostile and refused to act in concert with him. He wrote to Col. John M. Harlan and said, " Will not your legislature do something to comprehend the colored people within your laws, regulate the subject of marriage, define the rights of husbands and wives, and give them the means of protecting themselves from outrage through the medium of courts?" The appeal was in vain. Palmer continued to correct masters who beat the wives of colored soldiers, and when black women or 'children came into camp whose husbands were not soldiers, they were received and cared for. He was asked by the mayor and other prominent citizens of Louisville to enforce the vagrant laws against the negroes in the city, their number being so great that a pestilence was feared. Gen. Palmer replied, "that the relation of the negroes to the state ought to be defined anew with reference to existing and not past facts. They must be allowed to migrate at their pleasure and seek employment where it was to be found." The state refusing to act, Gen. Palmer was forced to provide means of relief. He issued an order requiring common carriers of passage to transport all colored people, provided with passes from certain United States officers, on reasonable terms.

This proclamation in effect practically freed. the negroes. It relieved Louisville, but it also gaye rise to innumerable lawsuits. Suits for damages were brought against him aggregating $70,000, and numerous indictments under the instruction of Judge Johnson and others were found against him for aiding in the escape of slaves. He promptly acknowledged the supremacy of the civil to the military law, and in October of 1865, appeared before Judge Johnson to answer to the charges against him, and submit to his jurisdiction. He thought his conduct in accord with both Federal and state laws, and offered, if necessary, to enter into recognizance for his appearance for trial. The Judge replied, that his voluntary promise was sufficient. ;

In December Alabama adopted the Constitutional Amendment prohibiting slavery. This filled the number of states required to give the Amendment validity. When Palmer was brought to trial all laws relating to slayery had perished, and Judge Johnson, taking this view of the case, ordered the indictments quashed. The proclamation of the Secretary of State, announcing formally the passage of the Constitutional Amendment abolishing slavery, relieved Gen. Palmer of many of his troubles. He resigned the command of the Department of Kentucky, February 19th, 1866, but was not relieved until May 1st, and he then returned to Carlinville. After remaining a short time he was ordered to North Carolina to act as President of a Court Martial for the trial of officers of the Freedmen's Bureau. His resignation took effect September Ist, 1866. In April, 1867, he removed to Springfield. Here closes the life of John M. Palmer as a citizen of Macoupin county. His history since that time is a part of the record of the state. His reputation has gone out and become the property of the whole country. His nomination and election to the high and honorable office of Governor ot the great State of Illinois by the largest majority ever given in the state, and his honest and efficient management and direction of the affairs of the state, are well known and need not be recited here.

At present he is engaged in the practice of his profession, which has become very large and lucrative. In personal character Goy. Palmer is without reproach. Herein Macoupin county, where people know him best, he is universally liked and respected. Even those who have differed with him in political or other matters, all accord to him the reputation of being a large, kind-hearted gentleman, a good citizen, and an honest man. In his manners he is unpretentious and unassuming.

It is wholly unnecessary to pass any eulogium on John M. Palmer; his deeds speak more than words in whatever position he has been placed - whether as a lawyer, soldier, or statesman, he has always commanded a prominent and distinguished position.

In his domestic life he has been blessed with a reasonably large family. Six children are living of the ten that have been born to John M. and Melinda Ann Palmer. Their names are, Elizabeth A., eldest daughter, the accomplished wife of Dr. W. P. Matthews, of Carlinville; John Mayo, eldest son,.a lawyer, and partner in the practice with his father, of Springfield, Illinois, married to Miss Ellen Robertson, daughter of Dr. W. A. and Nancy Robertson, of Carlinville ; Margaret Ellen, wife of William Jayne, now of Springfield ; Harriet, wife of E. J. Crabbe, of Springfield; Jesse Lyon and Lewis James Palmer, who are yet beneath the parental roof. Both Mr. Palmer and his estimable wife are members of the Baptist Church.

Frew men haye figured more prominently in the history of Macoupin county, than he whose name heads this biographical sketch. The life and history of Major Burke, is a part of the history and growth of the county, and so intimately are they interwoven, that the history of the latter would be incomplete without the former. He was born in Jefferson county, Virginia, on the twelfth of September, 1806. His father's name was Thomas Burke, a native of Ireland. He married Ann Thompson, who was born of Scotch parents. When the subject of our sketch arrived at the age of fourteen years he removed to Harper's Ferry, Va., where he remained until his twenty-ninth year. His boyhood days were spent in the common schools of his native state - then much inferior to what they are at present - but he was a close observer of men and things, and a diligent student in all that he undertook to learn, and in mature life was a well informed man upon all subjects coming under his observation. During his residence at Harper's Ferry he was employed for a number of years in the United States armory, and for years previous to leaving his native state, which he was compelled to do on account of ill health, he was collector and constable of his township. In the year 1830, while in his twenty-fourth year, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Jackson, daughter of John Jackson, Esq., of Jefferson county, Virginia, by whom he had one child, a boy. In May, 1835, he determined to emigrate West, and in the latter part of the same month he arrived in St. Louis, where he engaged in the dry goods and grocery business, on the corner of Fourth and Olive streets. He, however, remained in St. Louis but a few months, when he crossed the river and settled in "Slab Point," or Zanesville, in Montgomery county, Illinois, where he en- gaged in general merchandizing, farming and hotel keeping. About one year after his wife and child were taken sick and died. He became dissatisfied with the place, sold out and came to Carlinville. Soon after his arrival here, which was in 1836, he purchased the grocery store of Jefferson Weatherford, and engaged in retailing family groceries and supplies. He was only moderately successful in business here. He, however, made his presence felt, and had attained more or less prominence in his locality; as we find that in the following year he was elected Major of a regiment of militia. From that date until his death, he was best known in this section of the country as " Major" Burke. In 1838 he was elected Sheriff of the county, which position ne held uninterruptedly for twelve years, and would probably have held it longer but for a provision in the State Constitution of 1848, which rendered him ineligible for re-election. The year after his retirement from the office of Sheriff he was elected a member of the State Legislature for two years, and at the expiration of his term of this office, was again elected Sheriff of the county. This was in 1852. In 1854, he was nominated by the democracy of his county for the Legislature, and by the same party was placed before the people for the office of State Senator. He accepted the latter nomination, but was defeated by John M. Palmer, by fourteen votes. In 1856 he was again the standard bearer of the Democratic party for legislative honors, and was triumphantly elected. In 1858 he was offered the same candidacy by the Douglas wing of the democracy, but he found he could not represent his constituents without doing violence to his own convictions of right, and therefore refused a nomination at their hands. He was, 'however, subsequently nominated on the anti-Douglas ticket, but owing to the split of the Democratic party was of course defeated. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, that met at Charleston, South Carolina, and in the autumn of the same year was nominated on the Breckenridge ticket for the position of Secretary of State, of Illinois, but was defeated with the balance of the ticket.

In the summer of 1868 he was, without any solicitations of his own, once more nominated to the lower house of the State Legislature. In 1871 he was elected to the State Senate for four years. In addition to these various offices, he also held other important trusts. In 1847 he was appointed public administrator of the county, by the Governor. In 1871 he was elected the first supervisor for his township, and held the office until his death in 1876. During the administration of James Buchanan he was a member of the Democratic State Central Committee. In 1842 he was united in marriage to Miss Emily P. Keller, daughter of Samuel Keller, esq. By this union there were five children; two sons and:three daughters. The survivors are Don A. Burke, who is still a resident of Carlinville, the place of his birth, and Ella M., the accomplished wife of John G. Shryer. Mrs. Emily P. Burke died in 1852. Eleven years later Mr. Burke married his third wife, whose name was Martha J. McGready, of Potosi, Missouri, by whom he had two children, a son and daughter. Their names are Bertie M., and Lucey $. Burke. Mr. Burke, after a long career of usefulness, departed this life July 30th, 1876, in the seventieth year of his age. This, in brief, is a sketch of one of the carly settlers and prominent men of Macoupin county. He came here at an early day, and from the very outstart took foremost rank as one of the county's able and most trustworthy men. The mere narration of the number of honorable positions to which Major Burke was elected, testify to his popularity, and show in what estimation he was held by his political party and fellow-citizens. His acts while in office in both the county and state are matters of public record, and a part of the history of the county and state. Not a breath of suspicion or personal dishonor eyer rested upon his name. His unswerving fidelity to trusts confided to him by a generous public is well-known to the people of Macoupin county. He regarded these as sacred, and he never directly or indirectly suffercd the moneys of the public to be diverted from their proper channels, or used for any other purpose than that for which they were intended. What was true of him in a public or official capacity was equally true in his private and personal relations with the people. To these correct and honest principles he attributed his great financial success in life. His open and avowed hostility to speculation and misdirection of the public moneys in the building of the Court House is well-known. He fought on the side of the people, and had his warnings been heeded the debt which has given Macoupin county an unenviable record would not have been created. In his private and dumestie life he was a kind husband and an affectionate father, and among his relations, friends and citizens is remembered by all for his sterling virtues.

Was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, December 30, 1809, and is the son of James and Mary, nee Cooper, Logan, the former a native of Monaghan county, Ireland, and came to America in 1793; the latter of English descent. His father settled at Ellicott's Mills, in Maryland. In 1815 he removed to Missouri, to what is now known as Perry county. He remained there until 1826, when he went to Jackson county, Ill, where he died in 1852. Mrs. Logan died in 1828. John had but few school privileges in his boyhood, but by his own efforts acquired a fair English education. In 1831, at the breaking out of the Indian troubles, he was elected Major of the 9th regiment, Illinois militia, and in 1832 served in the Black Hawk war. In September, 1836, he was elected Colonel of the 44th regiment, Illinois militia. In 1833 he came to Carlinville, and worked at the carpenter trade. He had, however, previous to this, read medicine, with a view of adopting it at some future time asa profession. He continued at the carpenter trade until 1836, after which he again went to reading medicine. He commenced the practice in 1838, in partnership with Dr. James, with whom he remained until 1841. He, in the winter of 1840, attended a course of lectures at Kemper College, St. Louis, and in 1841, at the St. Louis Hospital, under Professor Joseph N. McDowell, after which he began his practice again, continuing with growing success until 1861. At the breaking out of the late war he was one among the first to advise the immediate raising of troops to put down the rebellion. On the 31st of December, 1861, the 32d regiment, Illinois Volunteers, were mustered into service. Dr. Logan was elected Colonel. He first reported with his men to Gen. Grant, at Cairo, Illinois, in January of 1862. After the battles of Forts Henry and Donaldson, his regiment became a part of the Fourth Division of the Army of the Tennessee, under command 'of Gen. S. A. Hurlburt. The regiment made for itself a most honorable record, being continually at the front. At the battle of Shiloh, the regiment entered the fight with five hundred and forty men, and came out with two hundred and five killed and wounded. He was mustered out of service, December 30, 1864, but served on the court-martial of General Sweeney until the 22d of February, 1865. In 1866 he was appointed United States Marshall for Southern Illinois. He held the office until 1870. After retiring from his duties as Marshall he resumed his profession of medicine in Carlinville.

On the 31st of January, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann Eliza Banks, who is a native of Kentucky, but was a resident of St. Louis at the time of her marriage. Her parents were Virginians. Ten children have been born to them, five of whom are living. The eldest son, William C. C., was first lieutenant of Co. "C." 32d regiment, Illinois Volunteers. He contracted a disease from overwork and exposure, and died while in the service. In religious belief Dr. Logan is a Methodist, and has been since he was seventeen years of age. In politics he is a Republican, and was one of the original Abolitionists who voted for Birney, the Abolition candidate for president in 1844. He has been all his life an exceedingly temperate man. In his character he illustrates the most sterling qualities. Prompt and zealous, he is at the same time generous and warni-hearted. As a soldier his services were marked by an efficiency surpassed by none. <As a civil officer he was honest, capable and popular, while in his professional career he is skilful, and in the performance of his work combines the noblest characteristics of a true Christian manhood.

Was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, April 6, 1812. Samuel Tageart, his father, was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, as was also his mother. There were six children in the family. His father died about 1818, when the subject of our sketch was about six years of age, His mother died in 1824. After the death of his parents, our subject lived with an older brother, with whom he remained until he was eighteen years of age. He received in his youth and boyhood a fair common school education. At the age above spoken he went out into the world to earn his living. In 1830 he came to Greene county, Illinois, where he learned the trade of brick-mason, and brick making. In 1833 he came to Carlinville; here he followed his trade. He laid the brick upon some of the first houses built in the city, one of which is still standing on the north side of the public square. He was about the first brick manufacturer in the county. He was sub-contractor, and laid the brick of the old court-house that stood in the public square. In 1840 he quit his trade and engaged in mercantile pursuits with Walker and Phelps, under the firm name of Walker, Phelps & Co. The firm was afterwards changed to Phelps & Taggart. He continued in the mercantile business until 1865, since which time he has lived a retired life. He married Ann Hesser, a native of Virginia, but who was a resident of Christian county at the time of her marriage. The marriage took place June 19th, 1845. One child, a daughter, was born to them; she is now the wife of John W. McNeil, a resident of Carlinville. Ann Taggart died May 11th, 1850. He afterwards married Dorinda Renshaw, who died Oct. 16, 1853. His present wife was Miss T. V. Walker. Her parents were natives of Tennessee, and came to Macoupin county about 1830. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Demoerat in politics, but he was formerly a Henry Clay Whig. In 1840 he voted for Harrison and Tyler. He continued a member of that political organization up to the abandonment of the party, when he became a Democrat, and has ever since voted that ticket. He is not in any sense a_politician, nor takes part in politics except to vote his sentiments. Mr. Taggart is an old citizen of Macoupin county and Carlinville; nearly half a century has passed since he came to the town, and.in all these years he has stood high in the opinion of his fellow citizens and neighbors, as an honest and conscientious man.

Among the many prominent citizens of Macoupin county, none deserves better mention in a book of this character, than he whose name heads this biowraphieal sketch. Mr. Walker may be regarded as one of the pioneers of the county, if an active life of nearly half a century within its borders entitles liim to that honor. He was born in Nashville, Tenn., and emigratel to linois in 1830, with his father, Abram 8. Walker, who was a blacksinith by trade, but subsequently became engaged in active mercantile pursuits. He married Miss Rosina Phelphs, who was a native of North Carolina. Mr. Walker is of English and German extraction. The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood at work on his father's farm, attending the country schools during the winter months. Compared with the present, the edueational facilitics of those days were limited. To supply this deficiency, and qualify himself for business life, he, in 1848, entered Shurtleff College, at Upper Alton. When the gold fever of California broke out, Mr. Walker, heecoming imbued with the popular excitement of the day, and being fitted by his vigorous constitution to enjoy the chances of an overland trip through a wild and unexplored country, in company with two others, set out with an ox teun for the distant Colorado. There for two years he was engaged in mining and trading, when he returned to Carlinville. About two years after his return he married Permelia, daughter of Daniel and Susan Dick. He was engaged in general business from this time until he commenced the practice of lav, which was in 1858, having studied in the law office of Judge 8.8. Gilbert and Gen. John I. Rinaker. In the profession of law, Mr. Walker found his proper sphere and true field of usefulness, where he is still actively engaged. He is a man of fine natural endowments, which have been developed by thorough discipline and extensive research. He is a clear thinker, a logical reasoner, and a good judge of human nature. To these necessary requisites of a good lawyer, are untiring industry and a large share of common sense. In the possession of these qualities the problem of success is easily solved, and it is no evidence of unusual foresight to predict for the possessor of them a successful career. Mr. Walker is a wide-awake, public-spirited citizen. He is fully imbued with Western push and enterprise. Every movement having for its object the increase of the material wealth and prosperity of his town or county, receives his cordial and substantial support, but he is the foe to everything that has not for its object the greatest good to the greatest number; this is notably so in his connection with the building of the new court-house. At the inception of the building he was in favor of the erection of a court-house that in size would meet the demands of the county, and be suitable for the wants of the people. No sooner did he discover the plans and purposes of the commissioners, and their determination to erect a building exceeding the wants of the people for many generations to come - creating a debt that would weigh them down with taxation, did he promptly declare his opposition, both publicly and privately, endeavoring by every possible, means to defeat their plans, and compel them to pay attention to the voice of the people. By his outspoken views and prominent position, he became at once the leader in a fierce épposition to the perpetration of that stupendous wrong, as he has always insisted it was. Having then defined his position, he has rigidly adhered to it to the present time. To him, perhaps, more than to any other man, have the people looked to have justice done them, and it is not too much for us to say, that in him they have found a faithful, honest, and competent leader and adviser. In politics Mr. Walker is the staunch supporter of the Demoeratie party, and is most soundly indoctrinated in its political ereeds, and has followed its varied fortunes through all the stirring canipaigns of his manhood. He has done good seryice for his party,:and his forcible and persuasive words, as delivered from the hustings, have inspired courage and hope in the hearts of its friends. In 1862 his services and fidelity to the principles of his party received recognition from an appreciative people. He was nominated and elected to the position of member of the legislature. In 1872 he was elected mayor of the city of Carlinville.. In 1876 he was one of the democratic state electors, and canyassed his district in that capacity. In these positions he discharged his trusts in a manner that justified the wisdom of the people who gave him their suffrages.

Tn his intercourse with men, Mr. Walker is a pleasant, affable and courteous gentleman, and is ever mindful of the wants of others. This, in brief, is an outline of the life of Chas. A. Walker - the sequel of his own history tells the story. Industry and indomitable will wins success, and success is the standard by which the world measures a man. It is the measure of Mr. Walker's ability as a lawyer and a man. It admirably illustrates the wisdom of the adage, "' Man is the architect of his own fortune."

WHEN we trace the history of our leading men, and search for the secret of their success, we find as a rule that they were men who were early thrown upon their own resources, and whose first experiences were in the face of adversity and opposition. Such was the case with the subject of our sketch, an outline of whose life may be found in what follows.

He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1830. He was, by the death of, his parents, thrown upon his own resources at a very early age. In 1837 he became a resident of Illinois, and lived in Sangamon county until 1840, after which he lived and labored on a farm until he was nineteen years old, near Franklin, in Morgan county, attending common school during a part of each winter. He attended school at Illinois College, Jacksonville, having previously earned the money to pay for his tuition and board by labor on farm, and after entering college by teaching school at intervals. In 1850 he became a student at McKendree College, Lebanon, Ill., taking the scientific course, and graduated in 1851. In the fall of 1852 he became a resident of Carlinville, and a student in the law office of John M. Palmer, and after he had made suitable proficiency in his studies was admitted to the har in 1854, and to practice in all of the courts of Illinois, and immediately thereafter entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he continued uninterruptedly until the breaking out of the late civil war.

In 1862 he raised a regiment of men, which was organized in August, 1862; at Camp Palmer, Carlinville, and known as the 122d Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers. He was elected and commissioned Colonel. The regiment was mustered into the service September 4th, 1862, and was ordered to report for duty at Columbus, Ky., and from there was ordered to Trenton, Tenn. In December following the regiment, with other troops, moved to Jackson to defend that place against Forrest. The command marched in pursuit of the enemy to Lexington, Tenn., after which they returned to Jackson. On the 27th of December went in pursuit of Forrest, who had attacked the hospitals at Trenton, and captured the sick and about sixty enlisted men of the regiment. At Parker's cross-roads they met the enemy, and a fight ensued, in which they, in connection with other troops, drove the enemy from the grounds, and captured seven pieces of artillery and five hundred prisoners. In this engagement Col. Rinaker was severely wounded. The command to which the regiment belonged moved in February, 1863, to Corinth, and from that time to the close of the war it constituted a part of the army of the Tennessee, and shared the fortunes of the 16th army corps, either with the right or left wing. In January, 1864, a part of the regiment was stationed at Paducah and a part at Cairo. Col. Rinaker was then assigned to the command of the post at Cairo, and remained there till June of 1864, when he was ordered with his regiment to Memphis and thence to Lagrange, where it joined the forces under Gen. A. J. Smith, who' was then commanding two divisions of the 16th army corps, and became a part of the First Brigade, second division 16th army corps. Col. Rinaker commanded the regiment in the battle of Tupelo, Miss., 14th of July, 1864, where his regiment lost 9 killed and 24 wounded. His regiment held the most advanced and exposed part and centre of the Federal line, and held it successfully against repeated attacks of the rebel enemy under S. D. Lee and N. B. Forrest. The rebels were utterly defeated at Tupelo.

After the battle, he went with his regiment to Missouri, and took part in the hardships of the campaign against Price's command in the fall of 1864. After the campaign closed in Missouri the command returned to St. Louis, and embarked for Nashville, Tennessee, where they arrived November 24th. They were still a part of Gen. Smith's command, then known as a detachment of the army of the Tennessee. In December following fought and assisted in annihilating Hood's army; they followed in pursuit of the enemy as far as Eastport, Miss. In February, 1865, he was placed in command of the First Brigade, second division, 16th army corps, and with his brigade embarked for New Orleans, and then took part with the forces in the campaign against Mobile. In April they were a part of the command that stormed the works of Fort Blakely. And here it would be proper to state that the responsibility of making the assault on the works was thrown on Gen. Rinaker. As Canby, the General commanding, had given no order to assault, Gen. A. J. Smith, commanding 16th army corps, desired that Gen. Garrard's division should assault the enemy's works, yet was not in a position to issue an order to that effect; so it was agreed that if that division would attack, Gen. Smith would back it up with Carr and McArthur's divisions if necessary ; and at Gen. Garrard's headquarters it was agreed that if Rinaker would make the attack with his brigade he should be supported by the rest of the division. Rinaker held a position nearest the enemy's works, so led the assault, and his brigade carried the works in its front, and broke the cnemy's line, capturing 22 pieces of artillery and a large number of prisoners, When the moyement was taken up by the rest of the line and Blakely fell, and a way was thus opened, so that, without firing another shot, our ships moved unyexed into the wharves of Mobile; and it was for this meritorious service that he was recommended for and received promotion. From Blakely the command was ordered to Montgomery, and thence to Mobile, where the 122d regiment was mustered out of the service July 15th, 1865, and was finally discharged at Springfield, Dl., August 4th, 1865. Gen. Rinaker was breveted and promoted Brigadier-General for gallant and meritorious conduct, to date from March 138th, 1865.

During his career in the army 'he made for himself an honorable regord, being distinguished for that cool courage that always wins. Well may the soldiers of that war who bravely defended the Stars and Stripes look back on their military record with pleasure. They have done a noble self-sacrificing service ; and, living or dead, a grateful country will honor them.

After the war closed, Gen. Rinaker returned to Carlinville, and resumed the practice of the law. He has attained a prominent standing at the bar, and ix recognized by members of the profession as a good lawyer and a man of ability, and is an effective speaker both before the court and juries. While he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, yet he is one of the best political speakers in the state. He has also been a Presidential elector for the district in which he lives, and in 1876 was one of the Presidential electors for the state at large. In politics Gen. Rinaker was a democrat up to 1858, when he left the democratic party and united with the republican party. At that time the democratic party in Central and Southern Illinois was dv a triumphant majority. The republicans did not constitute one-third of the voting population in the county of Macoupin, nor in any county south of Springfield.

dut at that time it was evident to his mind that the democratic party was used simply as the bulwark of slavery, and that its principles no longer were those of Jefferson and Jackson, but were those held by the slave propagandists and the adyocates of nullification and secession; and he did not hesitate to abandon the dominant party, and become a member of the party to anarchy; that regarded both doctrines as the enemies of liberty and union. He has been frequently honored with offices of trust and honor in his locality and state, but has refused them. In 1874 he accepted the Republican nomination for Congress, but was defeated. It may be mentioned as an evidence of his popularity, where he is best known, that he ran 750 votes ahead of his ticket in Macoupin county, a county that gives usually 400 tor the democratic ticket.

Thus, in brief, have we sketched an outline of the life and public services of Gen. Rinaker. In his manners he is affable, full of anecdote, and possessed of fine conversational powers.

He married Miss Clara Keplinger, October 16th, 1855. - She was born in Morgan county, Ill. This union has been blessed by five children, one deceased. The eldest son, Thomas, is a graduate of Blackburn University and the law department of the University of Michigan, and is now practicing law in partnership with his father.

Was born in Baltimore, Maryland, January 11th, 1812. At about the age of twelve years was placed at school in an academy at Ellicott's Mills, a village near Baltimore, now Ellicott city, where he completed his scholastie course ; he was pretty thoroughly drilled in the English branches; he also acquired some knowledge of Latin and Greek.

Before he had completed his sixteenth year was taken from school and placed with one of the most prominent commercial houses of the day in the city of Baltimore, in which his mercantile education was carefully looked after, and with which he remained until he attained his majority, having in the interim passed through all the gradations of clerkship, from boy to principal accountant. In the fal] of the year 1833, seeing nothing in his future in Baltimore beyond a salaried clerkship, he determined, in the hope of bettering his situation, to cast his fortune in the " great west." On consultation with his employer, his plan met their approval, and they gave him encouragement to make the venture. After five days' journeying by stage from Baltimore to Wheeling, and thence by steamboat, he reached Cincinnati early in November of that year, where he soon obtained employment as an accountant in an extensive wholesale grocery establishment, with which he remained until the summer of 1834, when the house retired from business. In furtherance of his plan to locate in the west, the 4th of July, 1834, found him in Carlinville, on which day he rented for business purposes the house on the east side of the public square, now occupied as a drug store by Milton McClure, or, more properly stated, he occupied so much as remained of the original building, there being now left of it only the side walls.

On reaching Carlinville, shortly after (July 4th, 1834) he commenced business with another in a" general store;" it not proving profitable, sold out in 1836. He was elected justice of the peace in 1837, and held the office till August, 1839, when his term expired. Was a candidate for recorder at the August election of that year, but was unsuccessful. Was, in May, 1841, by Hon. Samuel D. Lockwood, presiding judge of the circuit, appointed clerk of the circuit court, and under this appointment held the office until 1848, when it was made elective. At the first election under the new law, in August of that year, he was the successful candidate. Re-elected in 1852, without opposition. Re-elected in 1856, and retired in 1860, at the expiration of his term of office.

In July, 1845, he was appointed master in chancery by Judge D. Lockwood, and held the office under successive appointments until 1857. At the close of the litigation concerning the lands given for the founding of Blackburn seminary, now Blackburn university, was in 1855, by Judge David Davis, appointed one of the trustees of said seminary, and at the first meeting of the board thereafter was appointed its treasurer. Held both positions till February, 1878, when he resigned them; at the request of the board, however, continuing to act as treasurer until their annual meeting, in June, 1878, when his successor was appointed.

At March term, 1866, was by the county court appointed one of the commissioners for building the Macoupin county court-house, and the banking house of which he was a partner; was made the financial agent of the county for the sale of its bonds ; this agency they discharged, and as the proceeds of the sale accounted to the county authorities, after the payment of all charges, for a sum of money very considerable in excess of the face value of the bonds intrusted to them, they having been sold for their par value with accrued interest, which after the deduction of all charges for commissions, ete., resulted to the county as above stated.

On retiring from the circuit court clerkship in December, 1860, he took the active management of the banking house of Chesnut & Dubois, which had then been doing business for some three years, and continued in its control until January, 1878, when the firm ceased to do business. These several positions and vocations have brought him somewhat prominently before the people of Macoupin county. Having spoken somewhat of his public career, we now turn to the more private events of his life. He was married on the 17th of October, 1837, to Miss Elvira G., the daughter of Rey. Jno. T. Hamilton. She was also the grand-daughter of Rev. Gideon Blackburn. She died in May, 1839, and on the 31st of October, 1844, Mr. Dubois was married to Miss Amelia McClure, the daughter of James A. McClure, Sen. By this union three children were born to them. One died in infancy. Their son, Nicholas Dubois, is now a resident of Springfield, Ills. Catharine M., is the wife of E. A. Snively, now supreme court clerk, and a leading journalist of central Illinois. Death again entered the household of Mr. Dubois, and carried away his wife, July 19th, 1851, and on the 27th of October, 1853, Mr. Dubois was married to Sarah T. Fishback, the daughter of Charles Fishback, an old resident of this county. By this marriage seyen children were born, of whom,only three are now living, two daughters and oneson In polities Mr. Dubois was formerly a whig, and since 1860 has acted with the republican party. He is also a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

Tne subject of the following sketch was to the "manor born." He first saw the light of day in Chesterfield township, Macoupin county, July 13th, 1836. His father, Jesse Peebles, was a native of Camden, South Carolina. The Peebles were of English ancestry. Jésse Peebles emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Chesterfield township in 1834, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1864. He was a farmer and a local minister in the Methodist organization. He was married to Margaret Reeder. She was a native of Tennessee. She died in 1840. There are six children who have survived the parents, five boys and one girl. The subject of our sketch worked upon the farm and attended the country schools, and received therein such an education as the school system of those days afforded. He remained at home until 1861, when he spent the following winter in the office of William A. Grimshaw, of Pittsfield, Illinois, reading law with a view of adopting that profession as the business of his life. He remained there until the summer of 1862, when he returned home. The war being in _progress, and being imbued with a love of country, he, with commendable zeal, raised a company of soldiers in Chesterfield and Brighton townships, and tendered them to the government. They were accepted, and were mustered in as company "D" 122d regiment, Ills. yols. Mr. Peebles was elected captain of the company. The regiment rendezyoused at camp Palmer for a short time, when they were ordered to Trenton, in west Tennessee, where they reported for duty, and were attached to and became a part of the sixteenth army corps, General Dodge commanding. The regiment received its first baptism of fire at Parker's cross roads, which occurred Dec. 31st, 1862. After skirmishing with Forrest, the command to which the 122d regiment was attached, were driven back to Trenton. In the latter part of February, 1863, they were ordered to Corinth, Miss. From Corinth the command was ordered out on Town creek to keep the rebels employed and make a diversion in fayor of Gen. Straight, who was raiding in the enemy's country, and who was subsequently captured with all his forces. The command returned to Corinth, and in April went out to Saulsbury, and during the summer guarded the Memphis and Charleston railroad. In the fall they went to Eastport, Miss., where the regimenf guarded the depot and supplies. A short time afterwards the regiment came up to Paducah, Ky., and from there a part of the regiment came to Cairo, where they did police duty until the next summer. In the summer of 1864 the regiment was reunited and went to Memphis, where they again became a part of the sixteenth army corps, under the command of General A. J. Smith. The command engaged in raids, and had several seyere skirmishes, and were actively employed all that summer. In the fall of 1864 they came up the river and stopped at Jefferson barracks, and from there the command went in pursuit of Gen. Price. That campaign lasted forty days. The command came to St. Louis, and from there was ordered to Nashville, where they joined the army under Gen. George H. Thomas, and with them participated in the battle with Hood's army, and, after three days of hard fighting, routed his forces. The command went then to Eastport, Tenn., and from there to New Orleans, then to Mobile, and assisted in the siege and capture of that place. The regiment and portion of the command went up to Montgomery, Ala., and from there came back to Mobile, where the regiment was mustered out. They came up to Springfield, Illinois, where they were discharged in August of 1865. After his return home, Captain Peebles entered Judge Welch's law office and resumed his reading of law, and in December of 1867 was admitted to practice. After his admission he returned to the farm, and there remained until 1868, when he was appointed deputy sheriff under S. B. Wilcox. He served through Mr. Wilcox's administration, when he formed a law partnership with R. C. Smalley and continued the practice until 1872, when the death «¢ sheriff Fishback took place, and he took charge of the sheriff's office; { remained in it until the end of the term. He also acted as office deput for sheriff Pennington until the fall of 1873, when he was elected count judge. He served four years, when he was again nominated and elected 'without opposition. On the 18th of March, 1869, he was united in marriaze to Miss Sarah E. Odell. She is a native of Macoupin county. Two children, a boy anda girl, are the fruits of the union. In politics Judge Peebles is a democrat, and cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglass in 1860. In manners Judge Peebles is a pleasant, affable gentleman, quiet and unobtrusive, but one who gives you genuine pleasure to meet. His popularity and worth as a man in the county and home of his birth is best attested by his election without opposition to the office he now holds.

Was born in Staunton township, Macoupin county, Illinois, April 16th, 1828. Richard Chapman, his father, was one of the pioneers and early settlers of this part of the state. He was a native of North Carolina: the family of Chapmans were, however, originally from Virginia. He emigrated to Illinois, arriving in the state in 1818, and settled in St. Clair county, where he remained until December, 1819, when he removed to what is' now known as Dorchester, in this county. At that time his own and two other families were the only settlers in this section of the state. In 1821 he removed to what is now known as Staunton township, where he remained until 1857. He died in 1872, in the ninetieth year of his age. He married Celia Davenport, who was also a native of North Carolina. She died in 1852. Twelve children were born to them, nine of whom have survived the parents.

The subject of our sketch is among the younger members. His boyhood days were spent upon the farm, and in acquiring the rudiments of an education, which, in the pioneer days of Illinois, was somewhat difficult to obtain, owing to the lack of educational facilities, and the crude and imperfect system of common schools as compared with the present day. At the age of nineteen years he went to school and taught school until he arrived at the age of twenty-four. He also during that time read law in his leisure hours, intending later in life to adopt the profession of law as the busines of his life. In the fall of 1852 he commenced land surveying, and in the following year was elected county surveyor, and again elected, and held the office until 1859, at the end of which time he again took up the study of law preparatory to entering into the practice, and continued so engaged until the breaking out of the war, when he put aside his scholastic duties and entered as a private in the 14th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Col. John M. Palmer commanding.

He remained in the service until July 14, 1865, when he was honorably discharged and mustered out. While in the service he remained with his regiment until Februarv, 1862, when he was detached, and took command of company "L," artillery company, as captain. In April his company was consolidated with company " B," of the 2d Illinois Light Artillery, and he took rank as senior first lieutenant. ._ In March, 1863, he was promoted to the captaincy of the company, and remained in command until the close of the war. In 1865 he was breveted to the rank of major for meritorious service during the war.

After his return home from the service in 1865, he was a candidate for the office of county judge, but at the ensuing election was defeated by a small majority. He was then elected police magistrate, and in 1869 was elected county superintendent of schools, which position he filled acceptably to the people until 1873. In 1869 he was admitted to the practice of law, and at the expiration of his term of office as superintendent of schools he entered upon the practice of his profession, at which he has been industriously engaged up to the present. In November of 1878 he formed a law partnership with ex-Goyvernor John M. Palmer, which still continues.

In the practice of his profession, Major Chapman has no specialties, but prefers the probate practice, which by nature and mental training he is specially adapted for. As a lawyer, although comparatively young in the practice, he has already won his way to the front of the profession, and is regarded as a clear, logical thinker, a good pleader, and a man who gives all his energies and best endeavors to the cause of his clients.

In 1854 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah McCreary, who was a native of Orange county, New York. She died in 1857. Two children, both girls, were the fruits of this union. In 1862 he married Miss Cecelia C. Burns, who is a native of Dublin, Ireland. One child, a daughter, has been born to them.

In politics Major Chapman was formerly a democrat, and cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce for President in 1852. He remained a. democrat until the breaking out of the war, when he arrayed himself on the side of the Union and joined the republican party, and has been ever since a staunch member of that political organization.

Was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, January 22d, 1828. The family were originally from Virginia. His grandfather was a citizen of Kentucky when it was admitted beth Rice. She was a native of the same state. William R. is the youngest in a family of five sons and one daughter. Four of the family have survived the parents. The father died in 1840, and the mother in 1872. The subject of our sketch received a good education in the common schools and academies of the state, and in 1845 entered the literary department of the Transylvania University at Lexington, and graduated from that institution with the degree of A. B. In 1849 he entered the law department in the same university, and in 1851 graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He immediately thereafter entered upon the practice of his profession in Nicholasville in Jessamine county, where he remained until 1864, when he left his native state, and came to Carlinville, where he has since resided. While in Kentucky he was elected State's Attorney, and served in that capacity from 1854 to 1858. After his arrival in Carlinville, he continued the practice of his profession here until 1877, when he was elected judge of

Judge Welch is emphatically a lawyer in all that goes to make up a legal mind. He is a clear, forcible and convincing speaker, incisive in style, and inexorable in logic. His greatest drawback is the lack of physical strength to support and sustain the mental force and the wear and tear incident to official life. Had his bodily powers corresponded to his mental endowments, he would to-day rank with the best jurists in the land.

He was married on the 6th of April, 1854, to Miss Ann Mary Corn, who is also a native of Kentucky. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

Judge Welch is of a most genial, sociable disposition, of quiet, gentle and unassuming manners, and pleasant address. He is a firm friend. His honesty and integrity are never doubted.

Tire subject of the following sketch was born in Liberty, Bedford county, Virginia, on the 27th of October, 1803. He was the eldest child in the family, and remoyed with his parents when about four years of age to Knoxville, Tennessee, and after remaining there but a short time, removed to Lexington, Kentucky. His father here commenced the practice of medicine, for which he had been educated and trained in Virginia. He soon after removed to Harrodsburg in Kentucky, where he remained until his death. William <A., attained his elementary education at the New London Academy in Virginia. After studying medicine with his father, he entered the medical college at Lexington, Kentucky, and took a course of lectures. In 1829 he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Clark, who was a native of Kentucky. Both he and his wife disapproved of the system of slavery, and determined to leave the state. They emigrated to Illinois in 1830, and settled in Edwardsville, Madison county. He afterwards remoyed to Alton, where he remained a short time. There he practised his profession, but subsequently abandoned it, and engaged in farming. In 1835 he removed to Carlinville, where in 1845 he engaged in general merchandizing, in which he continued for some years. He also soon after his arrival here began to inyest in real estate. He foresaw what few others did, that in a few years the great body of land and oper prairie that was then lying in an uncultivated and unoccupied state would be valuable by reason of the tide of emigration pouring in from the east, all of whom were seeking homes in the great west. He entered large tracts, and in a few years he and others saw the wisdom of his investments. As soon as his lands came into market, he would sell at an advance, and re-invest in cheap lands again. He is a man of rare good sense, and of more than ordinary financial ability, as his wealth and large landed possessions would indicate. He isa great reader, and is possessed of considerable literary and intellectual ability. He is exceedingly liberal with his wealth, and his private charities are numerous. He has made liberal donations to several institutions of learning and _ religious organizations.

Tn religion Dr. Robertson is a firm believer in the teachings of Christianity, although not now a member of any particular church-organization. In polities he was formerly a member of the old line whig party ; but since the disorganization of that political organization, he has voted for measures that in his judgment were for the best interests of the country. Mr. Robertson's wife, Ellen, died a short time after his arrival in Carlinville. She died without issue. On the 18th of October, 1844, he married Nancy H., daughter of Rev. Charles Holliday. She was born in Kentucky, November 14th, 1821. There have been five children born to Dr. W. A. and Nancy H. Robertson, that are living. Their names are Elizabeth, wife of A. W. Edwards (she has four children); Ellen C., wife of John Mayo Palmer (three children have been born to the latter, William, Charles and Anna Robertson) ; Charles and Anna are yet at home.

Was the son of James and Mary Holliday. The Holliday family are of Scotch ancestry, and came originally from Avondale, Scotland. On the maternal side they were Irish. Charles McAlister, the grandfather, came from Ireland and settled in that part of (then York) now Adams county, Pennsylvania, known as Carrol's tract. His wife was Rosanna Pennaw, born. in Ireland, but of a French Huguenot family, which took refuge in Ireland in the reign of Louis XIV. They had three sons, John, James and Alexander, and two daughters, Mary and Margaret. Alexander McAlister, the son of Charles and Rosanna, married Mary Fleming, who was a native of Pennsylvania. They had eight children. Mary, their daughter, married Charles Holliday, the father of Rev. Charles Holliday, the subject of this sketch. There were two children born to them, both sons; Charles and William. Charles was born in the City of Baltimore, Maryland, November 23d,1771. His parents were devout Presbyterians (Covenanters). Charles was carefully trained under Christian influences, and educated with a view of entering the ministry when he reached the years of manhood. The loss of his parents took place, however, before he reached his majority, which unfortunate circumstance compelled him to abandon the idea of entering upou the profession for which he was educated and trained. In the month of May, 1793, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Watkins, a lady of good understanding, and sound and discreet judgment, who afterwards became a devoted, pious and faithful Christian woman. The day after the marriage they in company united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and commenced family devotion the same evening. :

Mr. Holliday received license to preach in the year 1797 as a local preacher, in which relation he faithfully served the church until 1809, when at the session of the Western Conference he became an itinerant. His first appointment was the Danville Circuit, in Kentucky. The next year he was placed in charge of the Lexington Circuit with Eli Truitt and Caleb W. Cloud for his colleagues, where he remained until 1812.

During his occupancy of this charge, the cares and responsibilities of it rested almost entirely upon him; as declining health compelled the retirement of Rey. Truitt, and Mr. Cloud was also unable to preach constantly. At this period the Lexington circuit embraced a large area of country. Its length extended from the Kentucky river on the south, to the Licking river on the north, embracing the counties of Woodford, Jassamine, Fayette, Scott and Bourbon, and all the southern and eastern parts of Harrison county in its boundaries. The number of its appointments were equally large ; there being twenty-eight in four weeks. These were filled in twenty-two days by preaching twice a day. Some idea may be gathered of the extent of the work, and the amount of labor performed when it is recollected that in the pioneer days of Methodism of this country, there were no railroads or modern conyeniences for traveling. In fact, common roads were hardly known, and journeys of any length were made upon horseback. It will be readily seen that Mr. Holliday, to fill his appointments in the different parts of his large circuit, was compelled to spend the greater portion of his time in the saddle, while the nights were given to preaching to the people, and impressing upon them their first duty to their Maker and their Redeemer. 'It was in these solitary journeys through almost trackless forests, over hills, and through vales, that the pious and hardy circuit rider of the pioneer area of this country, held sweet and silent communion with nature, and nature's God.

In 1812 he was appointed to the Shelby circuit, and in 1813 to the Salt River district, where he remained for three years. In July, 1816, being bereaved of his pious and faithful wife, who left him with nine children, he was compelled to locate. In 1817 he was united in marriage the second time. He married Miss Elizabeth Spears, daughter of Jacob Spears, who was one of the first settlers in Lincoln county, Kentucky. She was born August 21st, 1787. Her father's mother was Christine Froman Spears, who was of French and German descent, and was a grand-daughter of General Fry, who was an officer in the old French war, and distinguished himself at the battle of Fort Duquesne, where Braddock was defeated.

The same year that he was married, he was readmitted into the Conference, and appointed to the Cumberland district, in the Tennessee Conference, and in 1821 he was placed in charge of the Green River district, Kentucky Conference, on each of which, he remained for four years. The labors of Mr. Holliday in Kentucky, whether in charge of circuits or districts, were greatly blessed to the church. This was equally true of his labors on the

Danville, Lexington and Shelby circuits. For the office of presiding Elder he was eminently qualified. We quote from the history of " Methodism in Kentucky," the author of "which says: " His fine executive talents, his marked ability in the pulpit, whether in' defending the doctrines and peculiarities of Methodism, or enforcing its practical and experimental truths, together with the kindness and gentleness showed toward the younger preachers in his district, rendered him a universal favorite as a presiding elder during his stay in Kentucky."

In the autumn of 1825 he was transferred to the Illinois Conference, and appointed to the Wabash district, on which he remained until the General Conference of 1828, when he was elected Book Agent at Cincinnati. In this relation he served the church until 1836, when he was appointed presiding elder of Lebanon distriet, Illinois Conference, and in 1838 we find him in charge of the Alton district, on which he remained for four years. Unable longer to perform the arduous duties of a presiding elder, yet unwilling to lay aside the harness, at the Conference of 1844 we find him on the Grafton circuit, and in 1845 on the Carlinville circuit. At the close of the year, unable longer to prosecute his labors as an " itinerant "' he was placed on the superannuated roll, on which he continued until his death, which occurred in 1850. The last Conference that he attended was at Quincy, Illinois, September, 1849. On his way there he was taken sick from which he never fully recovered. His sufferings in his last illness were extreme and painful, but yet such was his confidence and perfect faith and hope in the goodness of God that hé bore them without a murmur. He felt and saw that the time was vigh at hand when his labors and toil of years were about to be rewarded. He retained his reason to the last, and when the dread summons came to join that innumerable throng that is silently passing down to the realms of shade, he met it calmly and peacefully, and with a child-like simplicity and confidence in the mercies of Jesus Christ he passed over to the world beyond, where he received the just reward for a pure and blameless life while in this.

Four of the nine children, fruits of the first marriage of Mr. Holliday, are still living. Of the'latter marriage, five children were born to them; two of whom have survived the parents. Elizabeth Holliday, the latter wife of Mr. Holliday, died July 18th, 1863.