Madison County, Illinois - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1882 (part 4 of 12)

The character of Mr. Cole S'^cured for him both tlie respect and affection of his associates. While of the quick and impulsive temperament that makes leadership, he was sympathizing and generous. Positive in conviction and expression, he was yet modest and forbearing. Engaged in practical business, he was alive to the enjoyments of refinement and taste and was earnest in promoting family and public education and culture.

In Chester he united with the Baptist church, under the ministrations of Rev. U. L. Barber, and added integrity of Christian character to an elevated manhood. In Upper Alton he became a member of the Baptist church, and a liberal contributor to it. He became a trustee and benefactor of Shurtleff" College, donating at one time, five thousand dollars, and liberal sums at other times. He was a generous helper of struggling students, and of worthy indigence, wherever he found it. Few men possessed greater energy and will power, and these elements of character united to a sufficient amount of cautiousness, to prevent his engaging in speculations, carried him to the front in business circles, and ultimately crowned his efforts with the highest succ'ess. Mr. Cole was twice married. First in June 1844, to Miss Emily Cox, of Stamford, Conn., who was a faithful companion in his struggle, and successes until her death October 14, 1859, and who left to him six children, named Charles B., Zachary Z., Alice E , Henry C, Eunice E., and Edward E.

In February, 1862, he was married to Sarah J., daughter of Rev. Isaac D. Newell, one of the most eminent early Baptist ministers of Illinois, of whom a sketch appears in the history of the Baptist church in this county. She was then the widow of Mr. Joseph S. Flanagin, a young merchant of Bunker Hill. Five children were born of this marriage, viz: Cora V., Grace, Hermon, Newell, and Nathan. His death left his widow with the important and difficult trust of the sole guardianship of the persons and property of their five children, a trust for which she is eminently qualified by natural endowments and educatior, and in the discharge of which her course has been a continued and conij)lete success. November 26, 1879, she was married to Prof. John C. C Clarke of Sburtlefl' College, and still resides at her home in Upper Alton.

The following extract from the records of the Merchants' Exchange of St. Louis, Mo., shows the esteem in which Mr. Cole was held by his brother merchants, and presents a very just view of some elements of his character.

On the morning of October 20, 1874, Hermon B. Cole, a member of the Union Jlerchants' exchange of St. Louis, departed this life a,i the family residence in Upper Alton at the ripe age of sixty-two, after an illness of about ten days.

He needed no public proclamation, no elevation to office, to determine his standing. His high rank was admitted by common consent, and his innate modesty forbade any other announcement. His business example was regarded a safe call to financial investments. His business habits were an unremitting challenge to young men hoping for success. His integrity and honor did not involve a question. His enterprise and energy were the eagle and lion united, high in purpose and strong to execute. Success was the certain crown of such a life. As a manufacturer his establishments became a market for the produce of a large surrounding country, and as a merchant he made a market for his manufacture, and reflected a good name upon all associated with him.

In social life he was humble, genial, mirthful ; a man children loved, and the poor approached as a companion and benefactor, who had trod their paths and knew by experience their joys aud sorrows.

Educational and religious institutions had substantial evidence of his sympathy, and the benedictions of friends and the smiles of an approving Providence surrounded, entered, and blessed his home.

To acknowledge unobtrusive worth and to perpetuate the memory of true greatness so beautifully exemplified in the life and character of our departed friend we are called together to day, therefore.

Resolved, That the Union Merchants' Exchange of St. Louis in the death of Hermon C. Cole has lost a member of rare business capacity and attainments, of sterling integrity, of unsullied honor, enterprising, energetic, wise and prudent whose good example we commend with confidence to the young men of the west, as a model for their emulation.

Res lived, That we regarded him in civil life as a true gentleman, modest, affectionate, genial, considerate of the rights and feelings of others, and tender towards those whom misfortune had humbled. Although dead he yet speaks to us of noble manhood and a good life in the midst of perplexing cares.

Resolved, That we tender to the family, the brother and the sorrowing friends of the deceased, our sincere sympathy, assuring them that his loss will be deeply mourned in the business community as well as in the home circle.

Resolved, That this preamble and these resolutions be placed upon the records of this Exchange, and that a copy thereof be furnished to the afflicted family.

The resolutions were seconded by Gov. Stanard, who spoke of the esteem in which the departed was held by his brother millers, and then unanimously adopted.

Wood Rivee

lOWNSHIP 5, Range 9, known as "Wood River, lies in the northwestern part of the county, and borders on the Mississippi. It is bounded on the north by Fosterburg, on the east by Fort Russell, on the south by Chouteau, and on the west by the Mississippi river and Alton. The Mississippi river crosses the southwest corner, and includes within its waters -about five sections. No finer or more productive body of land is probably contained within the western half of the county. The surface is sufficiently undulating to insure excellent surface drainage Originally it was mainly covered with good tim. ber, but has long since yielded to the woodman's axe, and beautiful farms now greet the eye of the passing traveler. Patches of timber are interspersed here and there, sufficient at least for the purpose of fuel, building material, etc. The soil is mainly composed of a gray loam, and especially adapted to the culture of wheat. Rattan's Prairie, which lies in the north and east part of the township, is composed of a darker quality of soil, and has very much the appearance of the prairie land in the central part of the State. It is credited with being somewhat richer than the soil of the timber. But a small portion of the township contains the rich alluvium of the American Bottom. A peculiar formation known as Sand Ridge, lies in the southeast. It is a large sand bar, four or five miles in length, aud about one and a half in breadth, which by some convulsion of nature has been deposited here.

The principal water course is Wood River, from which the township received its name, flowing in a southerly direction, discharging its waters into the Mississippi, in section 28. This stream has two branches, known as East and West

Forks. The former enters the township in the northeast, and flows in a southwesterly direction, and unites with the latter in section 16. The West Fork enters in the extreme northwest, and meanders in a southerly direction, and unites with the other branch, as aforementioned. The railroads are numerous, reaching off like arms from a common center, in sections 16 and 17. One branch of tlie Indianapolis and St. Louis railroad enters from the northeast, in section 1, describes a crescent in its course through the township, and passes out in section 34. The other branch of the road enters in section 5, connecting with the main line in section 16. The C and A. road leading from Alton crosses the Wood River line in sec. 18, forms an elbow near the Indianapolis and St. Louis, and extends with it on a ]>arallel line through the township The old Madison County railway crosses the southern boundary, extending of Wood River dates back nearly eighty years, and has recorded in its career more stirring events tlian the most of its sister townships. It was here within the forks of Wood River that occurred the brutal Indian mas.«acre in the summer of 1814, a full account of which may be had in the pioneer chapter. This sad affair, which threw the little band of pioneers and their families into such a consternation, transpired on Sunday, the 10th day of July, 1814. The place where this ghastly tragedy was enacted, is situated in the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of secticn 4, on the premises now owned by John Brown and sister. Instead of a place covered with timber, as it was at the time of the massacre, it is now part of a cultivated field.*

Wood River Fort, 1812-1814

Susan Paddock, of Fort Russell, kindly furnished us with the above correct sketch of the old Wood River Fort as it was when the families of this vicinity fled to it on the night of the massacre. It was situated on a little rise of ground near the barn now owned by William Gill, who resides in section 10.

Another sensational sSmt of Wood River occurred in 1823, at the house of Abel Moore. It was the killing of William Wright by Eliphalet Green. Some dispute arose, when Green grasped a gun and deliberately shot his opponent. Green was tried, convicted, and executed. Judge Reynolds, afterward governor of the state, was then on the bench. The time fixed for execution was just four weeks from the day of conviction. This was the first case tried for a capital oflfense in Madison county, and the second in the state.

The first white man to settle in the wilds of Wood River was Thomas Rattan. He came from Ohio in 1804, and located in section 13. This was prairie land, and composed of black soil, richer in appearance than the surrounding timber land. The prairie afterwards received his name, which it bears to this time. He reared a large family, and soon after the war of 1812 removed to Greeu county, where all traces of the family are lost. Martin Preuitt and family came about the same time, and settled on Sand Ridge, the history of whom will be found in the chapter on Fort Russell.

Toliver Wright, a native of Virginia, settled near the mouth of Wood River in the Spring of 1806. He bought out the improvement right of Shadrach Williams. At his coming he had a wife and several children. Mrs. Wright's maiden name was Elizabeth Ray. The family lived in this place two years, when they moved to section 10, and occuj)ied the place now owned by William Gill- In the war of 1812, Mr. AVright joined the Rangers. He was detailed as captain of a company of spies, and in the fall of 1812, while on the way to Peoria, he was shot by an Indian and mortally wounded. He was taken back to the Wood River Fort, where he died in about six weeks after being wounded. Mrs. J P. Owens, of Fort Russell, is a grand-daughter of Mr. Wright.

Abel Moore, one of the pioneers, was a native of North Carolina, and migrated to Kentucky in 1804, and thence to Illinois in 1808. He located in section 4, now Wood River township. His family then consisted of his wife Mary, nee Bates, and two children, William and Joel, then respectively ten and eight years of age, both of whom were among the victims of the Wood River massacre. Eight other children were born at the old home&tead in section 4, as follows : John, Nancy, Sarah, Joshua, Rachel, Lydia, Anna and Franklin. Only three of this large family are now living ; Nancy, who resides in California ; Lydia, widow of Madison Williams, who lives near Bethalto, in section 2 ; and Major Franklin Moore, of Upper Alton. The latter has a history as eventful as his father before him, having served with distinction through the entire late war. Indeed, he has the h mor of holding the first commission in the state under the '' Three-hundred-thousand call." Such were the services he rendered his country on the battle-field, that he received the soubriquet of "Fighting Frank." Abel Moore died in 1846, at the age of 63 years. Mrs. Moore died the day before her husband, aged 61. They lie side by side on the very spot of ground where their pioneer cabin was constructed. In the sale of the old homestead the children reserved this sacred spot as a lasting tribute to their departed parents. The old farm is now owned and occupied by George Cartwright. George and William Moore, brothers of Abel, came with the latter and their father as far as Ford's Ferry, on the Ohio river, where they separated from Abel, and went to Boon's Lick, Missouri, where the father died. The following year the brothers and their families came to Illinois, and settled, near their brother Abel in section 10. William's family consisted of his wife and two sons, John and George, both of whom were also victims at the Wood River massacre. Two children were afterward born to the family. They all moved to Pike county, Illinois, in 1830. George had no children when he came, but two were born while residing here, Margaret and Walter. The family migrated to Independence, Mo., in 1837. Mr. William Gill now occupies and owns his farm. Both William and George were gunmakers, and followed their trac'e in the township. The latter also manufactured powder.

Reason Reagan and family came about the same time as the Moores, but we have been unable to glean any satisfactory history of their nativity, etc. A lone apple-tree now stands near where their cabin was located, at the time of thedeath of Mrs. Reagan and her children at the hands of the Indians. Another pioneer was William Montgomery, who was born in Kentucky, and came from his native state a single man in 1S09, and first stopped in St. Louis, having but one dollar in his possession. In the year 1814, he came over to Illinois, and located on Indian Creek in Fort Russell. The same year he married Sarah Rattan. He remained here about three years, when he moved into Wood River, and settled in section 13. He reared a large family, consisting of twelve children, Nelson, John, William N., Nancy R , Thomas J., James, Paris, Matilda, Amanda F., Hampton, Ann, and Eliza Jane. Mr. Montgomery became a very prominent and prosperous farmer, owning at his death, - which occurred in the ftill of 1849,-2,000 acres of land. Mrs. Montgomery died two years before her husband. Three sons and four daughters are yet living, Eliza, wife of T. W. L. Belk, Wood River ; Nelson and Nancy R., wife of Thomas Barnsback, Edwardsville ; John, who resides in Macoupin county ; Ann, in Colorado ; Amanda, wife of Z. B. Job, of Alton, and Hampton, who occupies the old homestead in section 13. These children are all well-to-do in the world, and are among the most respected citizens in their various localities. Two brothers, George and Thomas Davidson, came from South Carolina about 1306, and settled in section 36. Both were men of families. The former established a tannery on his premises in 1810, where be conducted the business until 1818, when he sold out to a man by the name of Smith, and moved to Bond county. Thomas improved a good farm, and was a prominent man in his neighborhood, having served many years in the capacity of justice of the peace. He died long ago, and none of the family are now residents of the county. Prominent among the early settlers was the Collet family, consisting of Mrs. Anna Collet and her three sons, John W., Robert, and Mark. They came from Philadelphia to Illinois in 1817, and located at the now extinct town of Milton, situated on Wood River. Mark lived but two years, and Robert moved to Galena in 1819. Mrs. Collet, the mother, subsequently moved to St. Louis, where she died about 1830. John W. was married to Miss Mary Ground in 1829. From this union two children were born, Daniel W., and John W., jr. Mr. Collet lived until 1846, and his wife died about two years ago, 1880. Daniel and John, jr., both reside at Upper Alton, and are much respected citizens. It is said that from the seed of some poppies sown by Mrs. Anna Collet in 1817, grew plants which are yet alive, and which bloom every year.

Another early settler of Milton was Thomas Lippincott, who was born at Salem, New Jersey, in 1791. At the age of twenty-five, he married Patty Swift. In the fall of 1817, he started westward, and landed in St. Louis in Feb., 1818. In the fall of the same year he brought a small stock of goods to Jlilton, and commenced business under the firm Dame of Lippincott & Co. Rut'us Eastou, of St. Louis, furnished the capital, and Mr. Lippincott conducted the business. He landed his goods from a keel-boat at what is now the city of Alton. Mr. L., in his uieraoirs, says that Alton was then in a state of nature. His first dwelling at Milton was a log-cabin 10x18 feet. His business affairs at ]\Iilton were not a success. The town was a very sickly place on account of the stagnant water caused by the mill-dam thrown across the river at this point. The following year his wife died. In 1820 he married again, but only a few months had passed when he was called upon to bury his second wife. He soon afterward moved to Ed*ardsville, and from that time fortune seemed to turn in his favor. He again married and reared a large family. General Charles E. Lippincott, of Chandlerville, III., is a son of the third wife- His life was a busy and useful one. He died at Pana, 111., in 1869.

James Huston was a native of Virginia, and moved to Kentucky when a boy. He mirried Judith Fountain in 1808, and in 1819 came to Illinois and settled in Upper Alton. The family at that lime consisted of his wife and five children, only one of whom is now living in Madison county, - Sarah Wood, wife of Joshua Wood. There are several others who settled here in an early day, but at this late date it is impossible to get even a synopsis of their history, they having moved away or died, leaving none of their descendants in the county. Among this class are John Vickery, who settled in section twelve, on the farm now owned by Z. B. Job and Wm. Ogle, who settled in the same sections on the property now owned by Robert Kennedy. Then there were the Starkeys, the Odells, the Seeleys, the Wallaces and others. Those of a later date and now living are the Lowes of Upper Alton, Capt. J. A. Miller, and Esq. W. L. Pigott, of Bethalto ; E. B. Handle, of the same place, an old resident of the county ; William R. Wright, of Upper Alton; Col. Andrew F. Rodgers, in section three, this township ; Amos Squires, in section twenty-two ; William Gill, section ten ; Susan W. Cooper, of Upper Alton ; Sarah Ann Badley, section nine ; I). W. Stockel, in section ten, and others too numerous to mention.

Only three militia claims are laid in this township. Those claims were founded on an act of congress granting one hundred acres of land to each militiaman enrolled and doing duty in Illinois on the first day of August, 1790, within the district of Kaskaskia. They are as follo\ys : " Claim 1855, Baptiste Lionais, Nicholas Jarrot, 400 acres ; affirmed, situated opposite the mouth of the Missouri." This claim was laid in section 32, and has long since been in the Mississippi river. The landing of the Madison County Coal Company was formerly situated on this claim. " Claim 2603, George Biggs, John Whiteside, 100 acres, located on Wood river, including a mill." This claim was laid in section 17, and was situated in the old town of Milton. " Claim 756, John Sullivan, Larkin Rutherford and - Harrison, 440 arpents." This land lay mostly in sections 8 and 9, and embraced the farm of the Hon. Cyrus Edwards, and was the only claim in the vicinitv-

The following were the first land entries : August 23d, 1814, Abel Moore, in section 4, entered several acres. On the same day, George Moore entered the northwest quarter of section ten, 160 acres. August 24th, 1824, Charles Kitchens entered the southeast and the southwest quarters of section three, 320 acres. John Walker entered on the 26th of August, 1814, the southeast fraction of section 19. Absalom Woolum entered 328 acres in section 3, September 13. 1814.

The trials, vicissitudes and hardships of these early s?ttler3 sound more like a romance than actual facts to one of this age, where every opportunity of education, culture and pleasure is within his grasp. The facilities of rapid transit from state to state, and city to city, has almost wiped out the idea of distance, and all the wants of man are virtually landed at his very door. What a transition is this from the " good old days of our fathers ! " What would the young men of to-day think of loading a flatboat at the mouth of Wood river with the simple produce of those early times, and then being obliged to pilot the rude craft down the Mississippi to the New Orleans market? And yet the trip down the river was not the hardest part of going to market, - for, after the produce was sold, they were obliged to trudge back on foot to their homes. This may seem over-drawn, but several of the old men now living assured us that they have often heard their fathers give an account of their trips to market at New Orleans as above described. It also seems a little strange that guns and gospel were so closely mingled in those days. The inside of their places of worship bristled with their rifles. Instead of a gilt-edged Bible or hymn-book in their hand, it was their gun they carried ; for at any time they might need it to protect themselves and families from the prowling Indians. Indeed, they were obliged to be so much on the alert for this savage foe, that serious results sometimes accrued therefrom. One case of this kind happened to the Starkey family. They were then living in the timber close to Rattan's Ravine. In the year 1814, Jesse Starkey and his sou had gone out to hunt their horses, which had wandered off some distance from the settler's cabin. As was the custom then, each one bore his rifle. It was a foggy morning, and they had separated to make a more thorough search. It must be remembered that many of the early settlers wore buckskins, and in many other particulars their dress resembled somewhat that of the Indian's. The father and son, in their tramping through the timber, had unconsciously strayed near each other. A thicket of brush separated them, so that nothing but vague glimpses of either could be obtained. Both came to the same conclusion, that is, that the party gliding behind the brush was an Indian. Then commenced a hurried preparation to see who should get the first shot. The father was the first to shoot; but what must his feelings have been when he found that he had shot his own son ? Fortunately, the wound was not mortal, and the boy finally recovered. Little forts or block houses were situated at every few miles, for the convenience of resort in case of any hostile demonstrations on the part of the savages. Beside the Wood River fort, there was another in this tuwiK-hip, situated in .section

21, and known as Benen's fort. It was constructed in 1811, and was located on the land now owned by A. E. Benbowe, about a mile south of the old site of Milton. Jacob Preuitt, son of Solomon Preuitt, was born in this fort. This birth and that of Isaac Cox, who was born in 1812, were among the first in the township. Tradition says the latter was the first born in Wood River. But there are grave doubts as to the correctness of this traditional statement. It must be remembered tliat Thomas Rattan had then been residing here eight years, and a few others nearly as long.

The first place of interment is situated in section 24, and is known as " Vaughan's Graveyard." It is now overgrown with timber, but it is said once to have been a cleared spot of ground. In this cemetery the bodies of the killed at the Wood River massacre are buried. On a small sandstone we deciphered the following inscription : " William and Joel Moore were k lied by the Indians, July 10th, 1814." The letters are nearly obliterated by age. There are also the names of Ogle, members of the family of William Ogle. John Rattan's name also appears. It is engraven on a sandstone - a broken piece - and reads: "Deceased Oct. 11th, 1821, age 74." Several are so old and dim, they cannot be deciphered. The oldest, which is legible, bears the following name and date: "James Odell,died September 11th, 1809." Thus it is evident that this place of interment antedates 1809. Upon this same ground was built the first churchhouse, about the year of the above inscription. The house was a, small log-cabin, and was constructed by the Baptist denomination. A frame building was afterward built in its place, but it too passed away more than a quarter of a century ago. Rev. William Jones was the early pastor. And, apropos of this, we will relate a little anecdote, as handed us by one of the old settlers. It is traditional, however, and we give it for what it is worth. It is said the circumstance occurred in the days of the first house, the log-cabin, services then being conducted at the house of " Uncle"' Johnny Rattan. The Rev. David Badgley, from St. Clair county, was over in this part of the moral vineyard aiding the Rev. Mr. Jones in conducting a series of meetings. At this particular time the Rev. Badgley was engaged in making the exhortation, and Brother Jones was sitting by his side. Now in those times, not even the minister of the gospel, made any great pretensions to dressing in esthetic style. Suspenders were unknown among them, and the pantaloons were supported at the hips by what was called a draw-string. Brother Badgley had become very much warmed up with his subject, - so much so, in fact, that he was not aware that the draw-string of his pants had by some unexplainable cause become untied. In short, he was the only one present that was ignorant of the fact. From all appearances there was soon likely to be a very embarrassing catastrophe. Bro. Jones took in the situation, and nudged his brother, and at the same time gave an ominous glance and nod at Badgley's unmentionables. But the Rev. B. was equal to the occasion. He stopped, quietly secured a knot in the string, and proceeded with his discourse as though nothing had happened.

Among other early preachers, besides those already mcntioneil, were Bennett Maxey, Nathaniel Pinckard, Thomas Raudle, and Samuel Thompson, all of the Methodist persuasion.

The first school-house was situated in section 4, on the land now owned by George Cartwright. The house was an unpretentious one, being constructed simply cf rough logs. The first teacher was an old man by the name of Peter Flinn. He taught here some little time, and went to pirta unknown. The early Ju.sticas of the Peace were Nathaniel Pinckard, Wm. G. Pinckard, John Allen, and Benjamin Spencer. These were all magistrates as early as 1818. The first Sunday school was organized by Mrs. Thos. Lippincott, at the old town of Milton, in 1819. This was not only the first Sunday-school in Wood River, or Madison county, but it was the first in the state of Illinois. The first to practice medicine here was Dr. Tiffin, who resided about three miles down the river at a point then called St. Mary's. He afterward moved to Edwardsville, an 1 thence to St. Louis. Erastus Brown was also an early physician. The first postoffice was established at Milton in a very early day, but at just what date none now living are able to tell. Richard Cartledge opened a coal mine in section 1, as early as 1839. No shaft was sunk, as coal could be procured by drifting into the bluff. The first blooded stock was iutrotrodueed in 1840, by a man of the name i f Van Wagner. It consisted of hogs and horned cattle, imported from Europe. It may not be generally known, but in an early day (1818, or before) there was quite an extensive packing house, established at the mouth of W^ood river, in section 28. D. E. Tiffin was the proprietor. Both beef and pork were packed here for the foreign markets.

The first town or village of any sort in Wood River was the town of Milton- The exact date of its inception is now difficult to determine, but from the best proofs at hand it must have commenced its existence about 1808-9. It was situated three miles from the mouth of Wood river, in section 17. The town was undoubtedly started by John Wallace and Walter J. Seeley, as they owned in 1818 nearly all of the improvements in the village. They were transacting business under the firm name of Wallace & Seeley, and owned three mills, two saw-mills and a grist mill. A dam was thrown across the river here which gave a head for water jx)wer. The saw mills were located at opposite sides of the river, and at either end of the dam. The town also contained a distillery, one store, a blacksmith shop and a tavern. The latter was kept by Joel Bacon, and the store was conducted by Thomas Lippincott, under the firm name of Lippincott & Co. This was in 1818, and Milton was then flourishing and enjoying its palmiest days. The miasma rising from the back water caused by the dam, produced a great deal of sickness at certain seasons of the year, and Milton's sun began to set. A few years, and it was nearly depopulated. Another decade and the buildings were torn down and removed to other parts ; only one rickety building was left standing, tenantless and silent. Other extinct towns, were Chippewa, Gibralter, and we also find the name St. Mary's; but they were all in the Mississippi or the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, nearly half a century ago. Chippewa was situated directly opposite the mouth of the Mi-^fouri, and could boast of one of the first steam mills in Madison county. Gibraltar was about a mile above the mouth of Wood river and located on the west bank. St. Mary's must have been a place or town in name only. Abraham Preuitt, now residing at Dorsey's station, says that Dr. Tiffin settled near the mouth of Wood river and built a two story house, and the place was called St. Mary's. Lippincott in his Memoirs also speak of Dr. Tiffin residing at the aforementioned place.

Village Of Bethalto

Thii is a thriving little town, situated on the Intlianapolis and St. Louis railway, and contain* a population of about 800. It was laid out by Joel U. Starkey, and the plat was recorded June 23d, 1854. The original site was located in the southeast quarter of section 1, but other additions have been made, and now about one-fifth of the population reside over the line in Fort Russell township. The town was first called Bethel, but as soon as the post-office was established it became necessary to change the name, as there was already another town of the same name in the state. A compromise was, therefore, effected between the two names, Bethel and Alton, Beth-alto. The first building was a board shanty, sixteen feet square, erected by Thomas Smith, in 1854, and situated on what is now the widow Mape's place on Oak street. Mr. Smith utilized it for a dwelling, and also kept a small stock of groceries. The next business house was built by Wm. Tyron in the spring of 1855. It was a frame building 30x40, and situated on Prairie street and Railroad avenue. Mr. Tyron put in a general stock of goods, and continued business for some years. The house is yet standing, and is occupied by Charles Bruening for a general store. The next industry in the town was a brick yard, established by John A. Miller, in the spring of 1856, and located north of the railroad on the corner of Mill and Oak streets. The same spring the firm of Hamilton & Piggett erected a steam circular saw mill on the north side of the railroad on Oak street, between Second and Third. At that time the present site of Bethalto was covered with heavy timber, as was also a portion of the surrounding country. In consequence of this the mill flourished and did a thriving business, but in a few years timber became scarce, and it was moved to Hamel township. William Tyron kept the first post office. This was in 1855. The first hotel was built and kept by Anthony B. Carroll in 1858. It was situated on Prairie street and Railroad avenue, and north of the railroad. The first blacksmiths were the firm of Richard & Samuels. The trade was established in 1856, and located on Second and Oak streets north of the railroad. The first church was erected by the Catholics, and dedicated in the summer of 1862. It is a frame structure in a very good state of preservation, and was considered in the day of its construction a pretty fair building. The first Justice of the Peace elected in the corporation was John A. Miller,

Incorporation. - Bethalto was incorporated as a town under a special act in force, April 19th, 1869. The first officers elected were, Jacob Huppert, President of the board ; trustees, John P. Richards. J. P. Gumming, J. C. Baugert, and John Jackson. April 23d, 1873, an election was held to determine whether the town should incorporate as a village under the general law, with the following result: For village organization 14 votes ; against village organization 9 votes. The majority being in favor of organization, an election was called May 5th, following, for the purpose of choosing village officers. The following named persons were elected : Stephen A. Albro, President of Board ; Trustees, Conrad H. Flick, John V. Richards, Adam Elspermann, Charles Gundall and John Stolze ; Clerk, William E. Lehr ; Police ^Ligistrate, John A. Miller. Frank M.- Handle was appointed village constable, F. W. Stolze, Supt. of streets, and Lewis Kleim, treas. The present board recently elected are : John Wiedraer, E. W. Reid, John Dippold, F. Weaver, B. Picker, and John Falkenberg; Clerk, W. H. Battles. The town is in good condition financially, and the walks and other improvements indicate a tasty and prosperous people. One of the largest and most extensive flouring mills in Madison county is located here.

President Merchant Mills and Elevator. - John W. Kauffman, proprietor. This industry was established in 1859, by James Neimrick, it then having three run of stone with a capacity of manufacturing 100 barrels of flour daily. In 1877, it was torn down, and rebuilt by the firm of Meyer & Guye with a daily capacity of 500 barrels. In 1879, both of the firm died, and the following year it was leased by E. O. Stanard & Co., for twelve months. January, 1881, it was purchased by J. W. Kauff"man who increased its capacity to 600 barrels. In March 1882, a complete change was made in the grinding apparatus, substituting the Gray roller system in the place of burrs. This is a new departure, and considered far in advance of the old system. Its former capacity remains unchanged. The mill proper is 54x80 on the ground, and five stories in height, and has a stone basement. The elevator, which is run in connection with the mill, is 40x80 feet base, and 85 feet high. It has the capacity of elevating 15,000 bushels of grain daily, and of storing 70,- 000 bushels of wheat. A ware-house is detached 65x150 feet, and will store 10,000 barrels of flour. A cooper shop is conducted in connection with the works, and is a part of the property. The whole concern covers one and a half acres of ground. It is located on the I. & St. L. Railway. The switch from the mill to the road is owned and operated by the proprietor of the mill. The capital invested is estimated at $125,000. Fifty men are employed by this enterprise. Flour is shipped mainly to the Eastern states and Europe. This vast machinery is driven by a 250 horse-power engine. No elevator or mill in the county has better facilities for receiving and discharging grain, feed, flour, etc , than this. The elevator is hopper-bottom, or in regular elevator style, and so conveniently arranged for changing grain from bin to bin that it is not necessary to use the scoop in any part of the building. The mill contains a bran bin capable of holding ten car loads of bran, and a smaller one that holds four car loads of shorts. A corn elevator also belongs to the concern. It is a frame building 16x30 feet on the ground and 30 feet high, and stores 5,000 bushels of corn. The

Karnack Mill - This mill was established by the firm of Ewan & Flick in the fall of 1872, and passed wholly into tiie hands of the senior member of the firm, J. T. Ewan, in the fall of 1879. It is located on Prairie street, a little north of the railroad. It is a frame building, two stories high with a basement, and 28x60 feet on the ground. The engine rojm is one story, and 16x40 feet. The mill has four run of burrs, and has the capacity of grinding 100 barrels of flour daily, and gives employment to twelve men. The annual manufactured product is estimated at $165,000. The capital invested is $14,000. The flouring is done by an improved process, and the flour sells well in the Eastern markets; it is however, mainly confined to custom work. The machinery is driven by a forty-horse power engine. A cooper shop is run in connection with the mill. It is a detached building 20x30 feet in size.

Coal J/wte-j.^There are two small coal mines near the suburbs of the town. One is owned by David Brunton, the other by Michael Mayer. Bethalto is situated over a fine vein of coal which is from five to eight feet in thickness, and it is obtained by going only about 70 feet below the surface. The only wonder is, that this industry receives so little attention. The shafts in operation do but very little work, and are not prepared to do anything like an extensive business.

Sheridan Home. - Conrad H. Flick proprietor. This house has been recently built, and is a fine brick building three stories high, and with basement under ground. It is nearly square, being 45x56 feet base. It contains sixteen guest-rooms and two store rooms ; also a commodious office and sample room. A dumb-waiter is arranged to communicate from the kitchen to the basement, and the house contains all other conveniences peculiar to a good hotel. It is located on the corner of Third and Oak streets. The property is valued at $6,000, and it is indeed an ornament to the town. There are three other hotels in the village. The Union Hotel, H. J. Hensech, proprietor ; Bethalto House, John Cooper, proprietor; and the Cooper's Exchange, with John Husum as proprietor.

Public Hall. - This is situated in the second story of the Neisler building. It is 40x60 feet in size, and is conveniently arranged with stage and stage fixtures, and is seated with chairs capable of accommodating 500 persons. The stage is 16 feet in depth, and has a breadth of thirty feet. It is arranged with foot-lights and has three sets of scenery.

A Cornet Band was organized about two years ago, and it is now in good working order. There are thirteen members in the band, and they are all well uniformed. It contaius eleven horns, two tenor drums and one bass drum. The instruments and uniforms cost about $500.

School House. - This is a fine brick building situated in the eastern part of the village, and was constructed in 1867, at a coat, including furniture, of $7,000. It is two stories high, with a cupola and bell, and contains four rooms. Four teachers are employed, and it is sutably graded for the best advancement of the pupils. There are three church houses of fair dimensions, the Cumberland Presbyterian, United Baptist and the Catholic. For a full history of these societies see Ecclesiastical chapter.

Bethalto Lodge, No. 406, A. F. and A. M., was chartered October 5th, 1846, with 18 charter members. Whole number enrolled, 74. Present membership, 24. The Lodge meets before the full moon in each month. It has a good lodge room, and is in good condition financially.

United Ancient Order of Druids, Teutonia Grove, No. 25. This society was organized September 9th, 1871, and chartered September 27th, 1874, with a membership of six. There have been 46 members enrolled ; five have died since organization. There are now 25 members enrolled and in good standing. The society has paid out for sick benefits. $929. Each of the five deceased members have received $500. The Lodge meets the first and third Fridays in each month, in the village Hall. It is in excellent condition financially.

Emerald

the east line of a tract of land containing 180 acres, being a part of the east half of section 16. This town is better known as Alton Junction, and is named Wanda station by the railroad corporation. The I. and St. L. railroad transfer and feed all the stock passing over the line at this point. The road has six long switches here, and one switch engine is kept busy in making transfers, etc. The Tile works of M. H. Bowles & Co., are located a little above the station, and are one of the most extensive industries of the kind in this part of the state. Not less than $100,000 have been invested in establishing the works, and they give employment to about twenty men. All sizes of tile are manufactured from two inches in diameter to the largest sewer pipe. There are two general stores at the station. John Koch and George Smith are the proprietors. The former is also post- master. There is also a blacksmith shop conducted by David D. Tomlinson, besides fiye saloons and two boardinghouses. The town contains about 250 inhabitants, and has an air of considerable push and business.

Salu was laid out and the plat placed on record August 1st, 1825, by Bennett Maxey, Erastus Brown and Zachariah Allen. It is situated in the southwest quarter of section 6, on the first high, rolling ground from the river. It long since merged into Upper Alton, as the latter place grew in importance, and Salu is now known only in history and on paper According to the census of 1880, Wood River township contained a population of 4,885, composed of various nationalities. S. B. Gillham has the honor of representing the township in the county board since townshij) organization in 1876.

Bartlett Hinds Mills, was born in Montrose, Pennsylvania, on the 22d day of October, 1815. He married Delia Halsey, at Fairfield, N. Y., August 26th, 1841. The family for a time lived on the paternal farm, west of Montrose. He afterward taught school and made some preparation for the practice of the law, and was editor of the Independent EepublicMi. This with a short engagement in mercantile pursuits occupied him until January, 1852. There were born of the marriage in and near Montrose, Charles Francis Mills, born 29th day of May, 1843, Martha Lewis Mills, born 18th day of March, 1845, and Henry Edmund Mills, born 24th day of June, 1850. In January 1852, the family removed to Candor, Tioga county. New York, where was born Ruth Catharine Mills, on the 3d day of May, 1853. lu 1854, the family moved west, and settled at Up per Alton, Illinois, where Mr. Mills continued to reside until his death, July 30th, 1877 Oncoming West Mr. Mills became interested in the cause of Temperance, principally laboring with the Independent Order of Good Templars- He was for many years Grand Worthy Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, having an office in St. Louis, and for several terms was Right Worthy Grand Secretary of the National Lodge of the United States and Canadas. For eleven years he published the official organ of the order known as " The Good Templar." At the breaking out of the war, although past the age for active engagement and not being physically strong enough for service, he took an active interest in encouraging those who could go, and in sustaining them by aid and comfort at home. He was one of the charter members of the first Union League started in Upper Alton, which was among the first organized in the State. He organized the first Ladies' Union League, composed their ritual and caused the organization to spread over the entire State, thus starting a movement which caused large amounts of money, clothing and sanitary stores to be collected for the use of the army in the field besides educating public sentiment to the necessity of a vigorous prosecution of the war. He had imbibed strong anti-slavery sentiments from his father, Josiah Mills, who had been an old revolutionary veteran.

surance business in St. Louis, still making his residence in Upper Alton, and in 1870, became editor of the Western Insurance Review, which he continued to edit until his death, furnishing copy to the last number which appeared before his death. He became a member of the ]5aptist church while yet a young man, and was a regular attendant upon the services of the Upper Alton Baptist Church, and a frequent attendant upon the meetings of the Edwardsville Baptist Association.

The immediate ancestors of Bartlett H. Mills, were Josiah Mills, who married Elizabeth Sturdevant in January 1812. Josiah Mills, was born in Roxbury, Mass., on the 7th of October, 1763. In his 14th year, then a homeless orphan, he enlisted in the Revolutionary army as a drummer. After a year's service he received a musket which he carried until the close of the war. Was at the battles of White Plains, with Gates at Stillwater and Saratoga, with Washington at Trenton, Princeton, the march through the Jerseys, Valley Forge and Yorktown. Emigrated soon after the war to Joy, Oxford county, Maine. In 1804, he received a commission (now in possession of the family at Upper Alton) as Captain of Massachusetts volunteers, ]\Iaine, being then a province of Massachusetts. Removed to Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and with Bartlett Hinds (^after whom B. H. INIills was named) made the first settlement near Montrose in 1817. He died on his farm west of INIontrose, March 23d, 1833. He was a pensioner of the Revolution. See Blackman's history of Susquehanna county. Pa., pp. 313 and 314.

Elizabeth Sturdevant Mills, mother of B. H. Mills, was born in Danbury, Conn., in 1771, and died in Montrose, Pa., in September, 1841. Her father was Elder Samuel Sturdevant of the extensive Sturdevant family of Braintrim, Skinners Eddy and Lacyville, Pa. Their ancestry is traced back to an original Sturdevant, who was stolen from London Bridge when a boy, and brought to America and sold for his passage. From his looks and clothing he was supposed to be of noble birth, and in his last years was advertised for in England, but owing to his age and the rigors of the voyage he did not go to answer the call.

Delia (Halsey) Mills, was born in Fairfield, Herkimer county. New York, on the 5th day of February, 1817, and was married to B. H. Mills, August 2t!th, 1841. After the death of her husband in 1877, she removed to St Louis, and lived with her son, Henry E. Mills, until the summer of 1881, when she removed to Greenville, Illinois, to live with her daughter, Ruth C. Mills, Principal of Almira College. Her immediate ancestors were Sylvanus Halsey and Cordelia ( Sayre) Halsey. The Halseys were descended from Thomas Halsey who died in 1078, at Southampton, Jjong Island, and was one of the twenty original settlers of Lynn, Massachusetts. In lt)37, he was a resident of Lynn, and in 1638, he owned there 100 acres of land. His first wife was murdered by the Indians (See Howell's History of Southampton and Prime's History of Long Island, pp. 94 and 96.) The arms of the family in Hertfordshire, England, are Argent, three boars' head,s, couped in pale sable. He came from England in the Speedwell in 163.5. The original Thomas Halsey. d. 1678, had a son, Thomas Halsey. The Thomas had a son Josiah b. 1656-7 Feb. 15 ; David b. Apr. 12, 1663, d. 1732 and others. '" Josiah d. 1739 had ason.Deacju Josiah, b. 169-, d. 1744. Deacon Josiah had a son, Israel. Israel, had a son, Willnian, b. 1750, d. 1786. Willman Halsey had a sou Barzillai, a son Sylvanus, father of Delia (Halsey) Mills. Her mother, Cordelia (Sayre) Halsey, was a descendant of Thomas Sayre, the first of that name in Southampton, and one of the eight original " Undertakers,' so called because they bought a vessel and came in it to Southampton. The great age to which these early settlers lived in the salt atmosphere and on the abundant oyster and fish diet which they enjoyed would have proved profoundly discouraging to modern " Undertakers." He came to Southampton in 1640, and was originally from Bedfordshire, England. (See Howell's History of Southampton, p. 18.) Inl63S, heandhisson Job had each 60 acres of land allotted to them in Lynn, Mass. The arms of this family in Bedfordshire, England, are Gules, a chevron ermine between three sea gulls. Argent, Thomas Sayre d. 1670, b. about 1594, had a son ^Francis, and others. Francis had a son, Ichabod, '" Ichabod had a son ' Joshua, who was in the Revolutionary war with General Clinton. ' Joshua had ason - Joshua, who had a son Paul, b. Oct. 22, 1766, who married Mary Halsey, Dec. 9, 1784, and had among other children Cordelia Sayre, who married Sylvanus Halsey, and was the mother of Delia (Halsey) Mills. The Sayre or Sears family is traced to one Richard Sears who lived in 1507. The name is evidently French, and Captain Thomas Sayre, of Southampton, claims that there is evidence that the family were originally Huguenots, and settled in England after some hostile edict in France. It is recorded that one Stephen Sayre left Southampton and returned to England and became High Sheriff of London, which office he held at the tine of the Revolutionary war, when his American sympathies could not be repressed, and for their expression he was compelled to retire to France. There he found relatives of their orignal stock with whom he remained until his subsequent return to America.

Charles Francis Mills, was born in Montrose, Pa., on the 29th day of May, 1843. Attended Shurtleff College up to the Sophomore year. Enlisted as private in the 124th Regt. Illinois Vols. Was appointed Hospital Steward, U. S. A. by Western Depot at Camp Butler, Illinois, and at Nashville, Tenn. After the war, was engaged in the insurance business in St. Louis, and subsequently removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he is engaged as Assistant Secretary of the Board of Agriculture of the State of Illinois, and also in the breeding of Clyde.sdale Horses, Jersey Cattle, Cotswold Sheej) and Berkshire Swine, in all of which enterprises he has achieved success. He was married on the 26th day of May, 1869, to Mary E. Bennett, and has three children, Minnie, William and Carrie.

Martha Lewis Mills, was born on the farm in Bridgewater township, near Montrose, on the 18th day of ISIarch, 1845. Was married to Captain Joseph H. Weeks, now Postmaster at Up|)er Alton, and died in Upper Alton, in 1869, leaving one son, Charles Henry Weeks, born in Upper Alton, on the 3d day of August, 1866. Henry Edmund Mills, was born in Montrose, Pa , on the 24th day of June, 1850. Was graduated at Shurtleff College, in June, 1869, taught school one year and entered the St. Louis Law School, and was graduated in May, 1872, having passed the best examination in his class of 21 and being awarded the prize of $50 for the best Thesis. Received the degree of A. M. from Shurtleff in June, 1874. Was married to Emma Brown Sprague, at St. Louis, Mo. August 30th, 1877, and has two children, Edith Cynthia, born, in St. Louis, July 2d, 1878, and Constance, born at St. Louis, July 15th, 1880. In 1878 he published a work entitled a Treatise on the Law of Eminent Domain which was favorably received by the press and the profession. In July 1881 , purchased his present residence in Upper Alton, and continues the practice of the law in St. Louis. Is a member of the Board of Trustees of Shurtleff College, and author of several valuable treatises on law.

Ruth Catharine Mills, was born in Candor, Tioga county,New York, on the 3d day of May, 1853. Was graduated from Shurtleff College in June 1876, receiving the degree of A. B. Was instructor in Latin, French and Litera ture at Mount Carroll Seminary, Mt. Carroll, Illinois, for five years. In 1851, took charge as principal of Almira College, Greenville, Illinois, in which capacity she is at present engaged.

Emma Brown (Sprague) Mills, was born on the 19th day of September, 1855, in Lowell, Washington county, Ohio, and was married on the 30th day of August, 1877, to Henry E. Mills at St. Louis, Missouri. She has devoted herself to instrumental music in which she has become proficient both on the piano and pipe organ, having been for five years organist at Dr. Brooks' Church, in St. Louis.

Capt. John A. Miller

Is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, where he was born June 26th, 1826. He is the eldest child of Samuel L. and Susan (Kirby) Miller. His mother died in Baltimore when he was a child of five years of age. His father subsequently married Miss Mary, daughter of Henry and Frances Belk, a native of Leeds, England. He was born in Baltimore in 1802, emigrated to Alton in 1834, where he was among the first to engage in the manufacture of lime. This employment was succeeded by that of brick-maker, which, in turn, gave way to farming, near Omph- Ghent, in which avocation he passed the evening of a well-spent life Mr. Miller waa one of the pioneers of Odd Fellow.ship in the West, and aided in establishing the first lodge of that order west of the Alleghanies. He was a charter member of the Lodge at Alton, and was regarded with the highest esteem and veneration by his brethren of the Mystic Tie wherever he was known. He was an earnest, active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he became an elder. His life was characterized by devotion to principle, earnestness of purpose and exemplary action. He died in August, 1880.

The subject of this sketch was married on the 17th of March, 1853, to Miss Mary, daughter of Daniel and Jane Hagerman, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Mrs. Miller was born November 10th, 1822.

The Roller System History Of Madison Counjy, Illinois

There is, perhaps, nothing of which a man may be more excusably proud than of gallant service in the cause of hi.s country, nor is there any service which lives longer in the grateful memory of a people. Major Moore was among those who early offered their services to their country in it^^ hour of peril, and who never deserted their posts until a conquered peace had crowned their efforts. He was born in Madison county, Illinois, September 2d, 1826. His parent::! were North Carolinians, from whence they first emigrated to Kentucky, thence to Wood River, this county, in 1808. They had in all eight children, of whom Franklin was the youngest. Franklin's first attendance at school was to that taught by Sophia Loomis (Edwards) in his father's cabin in 1832. He subsequently attended Shurtleff College. He was married to Telitha Elliott, near Bunker Hill, Macoupin county, June 4th, 1846. By her he had six children, one of whom died during the war of the Rebellion, and the another, a farmer, same State ; a daughter, now the wife of Shields Preuitt, lives in Fort Worth, Texas ; another, the wife of H. E. Rupert, Dallas, Texas; the youngest is a student in Shurtleff College. His wife died May 31st, 1872. Major Moore has principally followed farming, although for six or seven years he operated a saw-mill on Wood River. Major Moore's military record is quite fully set forth in the chapter devoted to such history. His patriotic ardor found full vent on many a hard contested field of battle, where he was ever eager to discharge his full duty and more. Wounded by a rifle ball, August 27, 1862, we find him again a leader of the fight on September 3d following. As a commander, he was kind to his men, and ever aggressive towards the enemy. He accepted fearful odds, but his military genius ever triumphed. In political faith an earnest Republican, the Major has contributed no little to his party's success iu various campaigns. Companionable himself he enjoys the society of hosts of friends.

Helvetia

I HIS township is situated in the southeast corner of the county Its name is of recent date, to wit: 1876. In prior years it was known as Highland precinct, 1S40 to 1876; from 1812 to 1817 it was part of Sugar creek precinct, and after the organization of Bond county, became a part of old Silver creek - a townshi]) extending from the St. Clair county line in the south to the southern boundary line of Canada in the north. The township is designated as No. 3 north, 5 west of the 3d principal meridian line. The boun. dary lines, south and east, were established in April, and the northern one in May, 1808, by Messenger and Moore, United States surveyors. Section lines, etc., were run some five years later. The field notes of Madison county state that the area of this township contains 22.998Tff'o acres.

The first arrival of white settlers may have been in 1804, when Joseph Duncan with a few others made the extreme southeast corner of the county their home. At, or very nearly the same time the Higgins and the Hobbs arrived also. Mii6. H. Hobbs stated she knew the settlement to have existed in 1808; the principal part of the settlement, however, was locat-d in Clinton county, oiily one-half mile south of the Madison county line. The buffalo had barely disappeared from the state ; the elk was still seen at times, deer were roaming in herds, large carnivorous animals - the panther, the lynx and bear infested the timber, and when at night stillness was expected to reign, numberless wolves raised their hideous voices. The Carolina parrot yet roosted in the trees, and each season of spring rains brought countless numbers of water-fowl to lakes and ponds into which the prairies were then converted. The surfaces of these prairies were covered with high grass ; the hill tops bore occasional groves of trees, and the general proportion of timber and prairie was subject to alternate changes,, caused by prairie fires, which at times swept down into the immediate vicinity of the creek banks.

The Howards settled in the southwest corner of township 4-5, in the year 1809, but it is not certain whether they then knew anything of the existence of the Duncan settlements, six miles south of them. No progress seems to have been made in settling this part of the county prior to 1815. The war of 1812, between the United States and England, had broken out. England succeeded in making allies of the Indians on the frontier, who had before been friendly and inoffensive. They had roamed through this and other counties as peaceful hunters, and were often seen at the log cabin of the pioneer. Now they were foes. Reports of murders and depredations reached the isolated settlers, and they realized the terrible fact that the greatest calamity of border life, Indian warfare, was upon them. It became a period of anxious care. Liable to surprise by a merciless foe at any hour of the day or night, the few scattered families huddled together in block-houses enclosed by a row of strong posts, called forts, whenever alarm was given. In the intervals they tilled their small fields, with the rifle on the shoulder. Cox's fort,near Old A vision, aflTorded shelter to thesettlers on Sugar creek. It was never attacked, but a Mrs. Jesse Bailes, daughter of one Bradsby, then living on Silver creek, was shot in 1814, by Indians on Sugar creek. She fled across the prairie to her father's house, where she died of her wounds. Mrs Bailes was a relative of Joseph Duncan, probably a sister-in-law. Peace was concluded in 1814, and thelllinois settlements were generally restored to tranquillity. Joseph Duncan, James Good, Gilbert Watson and Jonathan L. Harris made their settlements on Sugar creek now permanent. Duncan had been a ranger during the war, and on his return located on the east side of the creek, on section 15. Duncan was a man of fair education for that day. He was appointed justice of the peace in 181V, and when the office became elective in 1827, his neighbors chose him and continued to elect him their justice term after term. Duncan filled that office for nearly forty years. In later years he had a post office established at the place and was for many years postmaster. He died in 1852 His wife was a Cuddy, aunt of George Cuddy, so well and favorably known by the present generation of the township. The Duncans raised a family of five children, four daughters and a son, Hugh M., who became the father of a large family, and was looked upon as one of the best and most respected men -of his time. He lost his life by accident; being thrown out of his carriage while on his way to attend a funeral. The daughters, none of whom survive, were : Linnie, who married .John S. Carrigan ; Sarah. Alexander Forrester; Rebecca, B. C. Plant, and Mary, married James A. Berry. Mr. Duncan and many others lived for years on their lands as squatters. The records of the county contain the following in reference to entering land : William Morrison * entered section 36 on the 10th of April, 1815, and thus became the first bona fide landowner

* William Morrison bouglit those land.s on speculation ; he had been a resident of Kindolph county since 1790; was a merchant and contractor, and died in 1837.

of the township. Gilbert Watson, the friend and companion of Joseph Duncan, entered the southeast quarter of section 22, directly south of where Duncan had squatted, and James Gingles (Jingles), the southeast quarter of section 26, on the 14th of November, 1816. Watson remained a resident of the township until his death ; none of his descendants, however, remained in the county. His farm is now owned by A. Thalmann. The Gingles, or Jingles lived nearly fifty years in the townshij), but none of them are residing there this day. James Good, also a companion of Duncan, remained in the township until his death, but none of his descendants have remained

John L. Hearrin entered 160 acres in section o"), December 12, 1816, and James Ramsay, 160 acres on the 2.'5d of December, 1S16. Duncan and Good, who had been squatters since their arrival, entered their tracts on the 27th of October, 1817- J. Duncan's farm, which has remaiued in possession of the family to this day, is the oldest farm in the township. Jonathan L. Harris settled in the edge of the timber on the old trail from Duncan's to Carlyle. He had a horse-mill there, which he continued to operate until 1834- He left the county in 1840, and now resides in Clinton county, only a short distance from his old place.

Robin Craigg came to the settlement about the year 1818. He improved a farm on the east side of Sugar creek, and remained there the balance of his days. Madison Craigg, a son of Robin, was a skillful mechanic, cartwright, and established himself in business at Edwardsville. Henry and William, his brothers, were farmers, and their sister became the wife of R. Shields.

Lee Cuddy, brother-in-law of Joseph Duncan, brought his family, consisting of George, John (still living"), Shelby, Ephraim, Anna, and Elizabeth, his children, to Madison county in 1823, settling in the immediate vicinity of Joseph Duncan. The Cuddys had resided for many years in Union county, Illinois. Lee Cuddy cultivated a farm on the west side of Sugar creek, now known as the Bellra place. Subsequently he moved to Deck's prairie, where he died.

John Gracey settled on the north half of section 11 as early as 1818, cleared some 30 acres and continued his resi dence there until 183.5, when he removed to Hancock county. His brother, Joseph, had also cleared a small field in the same section, sold his improvement to Alexander Forrester, and removed to Bond county.

Allen Bryant, also an early settler, improved what is no\v known as the Anton Schuler place in section 2. He died on the farm, but none of his children, two girls and four boys, have remained in the county.

B. GuUick settled the H. Drancourt farm in section 26, and established a distillery there ; which he operated for many years. He died on his farm ; his family left Madison and went to Bond county, where one of his sons is now sheriff.

Alexander Forrester says he came to the township in 1829. The families mentioned on this page, he says, were all personally known to him as living there at the time of his arrival. Forrester raised his first crop, a little patch of corn near Highland, just north of the township line. He

IkkI come in company «ith Thomas Carr from Sumner c)unty, Tennesssee, inteuiling to start a tan yard- This plan was soon abandoned, bark being scarce and lime high, priced. Carr returned souih after sojourning three years in the township But Forrester remained, e .listed in the service during the Black Hawk war, and then joined a ranging company, on an expedition west, where the company had to act as guards to traders freighting across the plains. This ranging company was enlisted out of Bond, Madison and Fayette counties, 100 strong, commanded by Captain Matthew Duncan of Vandalia- After having served eleven months the men were discharged and sent home. In 1833, Forrester bought Joseph Gracey 's improvement, and married Sarah H. Duncan, daughter of Joseph. He now went to work in earnest to improve his place. After the first year he moved his buildings to the edge of the prairie where he now lives. He has been married three times and raised a family of ten children. Mr. Forrester is 80 years of age, hale and hardy enough to be taken for a man of 65 or 70 years; a trip to Edwardsville and return (nearly 50 miles) on horseback in one day is but sport to the old gentleman.

Norris W. and James Ramsay came into the township at an early day. They were sons of John Ramsay, who settled in Clinton county in 1818 They first located in the south part of the township where James had bought 160 acres of land as early as 1816. In 1834, they settled the AV. T. Ramsay place in section 12, where they farmed in common for many years. Norris was married early in life, and raised a family of ten children, of whom only four, one son and three daughters, lived to the age of maturity, two of whom are now living. William S., on the old place, and Rachel, now INIrs. James Lessley, living at Sparta, Randolph county, Illinois.

Elder James Ramsay did not marry until he was of middle age. He raised no family ; he was a Presbyterian preacher. Norris died in 1863, and James in 1864, both on the home place.

Norris W. was road supervisor when the Carlyle and Edwardsville road was laid out and opened to road from the east line of the township to Highland. Was a great worker, and started in life with nothing but his energy. The proceeds of his labor in breaking 40 acrcs of prairie land and making 4000 fence rails, enabled him to buy his first " property," a horse. Norris owned, at the time of his death, 1,016 acres of land and quite an amount of personal wealth. He was a Pre.'-byterian in religion and a Djmocratin politics.

Herbert Hobbs, mentioned abave, was a North Carolinian. He settled on the northwest quarter of section 34, in 1824, where he improved a small farm but never entered the land. About 1842 he entered land in section 32, and continued to live on that land until his death, in 1846. His widow was living as late as 1876. Two of his sons, T. A. and Frank Hobbs, are residents of the township to this day.

John Hobbs, a brother of Herbert, settled the Calvin Lee place (section 33) in 1826, and lived on the land until he died. James R. Hobbs, the only surviving son of a family of seven children, resides now in Joplin, Mo.

Thomas Savage settled iii the township as early as 1827, and improved a small farm. He met with an accident in St. Louis, that caused his death some 25 years ago. He left a widow and seven children.

^ The settlements in the west half of the township were of later date, and less numerous than those of the east half The prairie lands were at first overlooked and ignored Their advantages being once understood, they soon attracted the greater part of new arrivals.

Up to this time immigration was scarcely perceptible, and the increase of population very slow. The first white child born in the township was H. M. Duncan. His older sisters, born in 1806 and 1809, saw the light of the sun first in Clinton county, where their father's first cabin had been erected. Altogether, up to 1830, not more than 25 families inhabited the township, and they may have cultivated five hundred acres of ground. The agricultural pursuits were simple and limited ; each family cultivated from ten to twenty acres of ground, a farm of 40 acres tilled being almost deemed a hazardous enterprise. Corn and wheat were their main productions, and until 1830 they also raised cotton for home use, picking it in September.

The families held but a limited intercourse, mostly among themselves. The nearest church was at Pocahontas, in Bond county, ten miles off. Divine service, after the Presbyterian creed, was held, however, on Sugar creek, in a private cabin. In 1824 George Ramsay taught school there also. James A. Ramsay succeeded in 1828, and John Shinn in 1830. It seems that James A. Ramsay caused a school and meetinghouse (church) to be erected about the year 1825 or 1826. It stood near Craigg's improvement, was constructed of hewn logs, and known as the Ramsay church (Presbyterian). Mr. Forrester remembers to have attended church here in 1829, and it is in this building where James A. Ramsay and John Shinn taught school. Subsequently the congregation built a church on section 28. This building was bought by R. N. Ramsay, and is now used as a tenant house. The neighborhood church is now in Clinton county, one mile south of the Madison county line.

About this time townships 3-4 and 4-5 formed an election precinct, and the elections were held at Joseph Duncan's residence, called Pleasant Hill. In subsequent years but few additions are to be made to the pioneers of American birth, among whom mention is to be made of Calvin Lee, a native of Illinois, born in Fayette county, 111., who died here in 1844. His three surviving sons, Calvin, Pinkney and Green, farmers, are to this day residents of the township.

Oliver Hoyt, a New Yorker, settled on the farm where he now resides in 1836. He was the second man in the neighborhood to risk prairie farming. He bought the improvement of a man named Giloman, near Sugar creek, and moved the cabin and what rails there were to his place on the prairie. He occupied the cabin for seven or eight years as bi.^ dwelling ; he subse<|uently erected better and more comfortable buikling:*, and the house now occupied as a dwelling is the third one built on the same site. The farm of Mr. Hoyt has in the course of time - forty-five years - Tiecome one of the finest and best farms of the township.

James Billingsley tried prairie farming a year or two earlier on W. Hagnaur's land. He afterward moved to Pike county, and from thence to Texas, where he died.

E. M. Morgan, born in Clinton county, just across the Madison county line, January, 1817, settled in 1844 on section 31. He was the only son of John Morgan, the pioneer of Clinton county, Illinois. A sister of E. M. Morgan, Mary A., was married to George Richardson, who resided at the old Morgan homestead during his life. E. M. Morgan was a good man in the truest sense of the word. He was from 1857 to 1861 appointed associate justice of the Madison county court. In later years he opened a store on his land on section 31, and had a post-office established there, with himself as postmaster, and named St. Morgan. Judge Morgan died May 16, 1881, and was interred with all the honors and ceremonies of the Masonic fraternity. The site of the former post-office, St. Morgan, has now developed into a little village, with the tavern of Nicholas Zopf - the old democratic wheelhorse of his vicinity - as centre place, Frederick Hanzelmann as blacksmith, and John Kaeser as wagon-maker.

The attention of European immigrants was called to the fertile soil of Illinois at an early date ; a number of them h d shared in the trials and hardships of actual pioneer life, as stated in the chapter on Immigration. The township of Helvetia was now to receive her full portion of the foreign element, and a full portion it proved to be.

The first Europeans arriving did not exactly make this township their home, but were so intimately connected with the inhabitants of it as to become a part of them. Under the leadership of Dr. Caspar Koepfli, of Sursee, canton Lucerne, Switzerland, a cluster of Swiss parties arrived in 1831 ; among them Joseph Suppiger, whose name is honorably connected with every enterprise in the locality. He was one of the most useful men which the township ever possessed, equally devoted to the interests of the locality and to those of the country at large. For nearly twelve years he had filled the office of justice of the peace ; higher offices, though repeatedly tendered, had no charm for him, and were politely but decidedly refused. Mr. Suppiger died April 24, 1861. Artthony Suppiger, a younger brother of Joseph, was also of the party, and he alone remains to speak of their manifold experiences. Mr. Anthony Suppiger, a public-spirited man and exemplary citizen, has repeatedly been called to fill local offices, and in 1865 he became a member of the county court.

Dr- Koepfli was accompanied by his sons, Joseph and Solomon ; Bernhard Koepfli, and Dr. Caspar Koepfli, Jr., arrived later. These earlier pioneers were re-enforced by constant arrivals. They all clustered around the homesteads of the Suppigers and Koepflis. In 1836 an event occurred that made the northern part of Helvetia township the centre of life and activity of this Swiss colony. It was the foundation of

The era of town aud city foundations in Illimiis is cotemporary with the internal improvement fever. A railroad leading from Mount Carmel to Alton, and passing through this township, was in contemplation. General James Sempk, then a member of the House of Representatives of the ninth General Assembly of Illinois, from this county, together with Joseph Su])piger and Solomon Koepfli, selected section 5 of this township for the site of a future town. The new railroad wa* formally recognized by the State, and an appropriation of 81,600,000 made for the construction of this and the Alton ( - ) Shawneetown railroad. February 27, 1837. General Semple was Speaker of the House during the term of the tenth General Assembly, 1836 to 1838, and a warm personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, who represented Sangamon county at that time. The question of naming the town was mooted by the parties interested, the names of New Switzerland and Helvetia being suggested. Semple thought those names to be rather foreign, and being by birth a Scotchman of the Highlands, and his associates hailing also from elevated regions, the name of Highland, as complimentary to the three founders was adopted. The original plat of the town, as recorded, shows not only the projected railroad, but also the depot grounds aud an additional railroad, named "Die Belleville und St. Louis Zweigbahn," (branch road to Belleville and St. Louis.) The road was never built.

The foundation of the town was succeeded by the terrible commercial crisis of 1S37. The little community was virtually without any circulating medium iu the form of money for years. Xo debts could be paid except in cattle or produce, but even these were nearly worthless. Despite all these discouraging surroundings, the population developed a certain activity. A steam mill was erected as early as 1837 by a copartnership, Joseph Suppiger & Co., consisting of Joseph Suppiger, Dr. F. Ryhiner, and Caspar Meyer. The capacity of the mill was then about 30 barrels of flour in 24 hours. It had a saw-mill attached to it. From 1840 to 1850, the firm was composed of Joseph, Melchfor, and Bernard Suppiger, James Reynohls, and David Thorp. ~~ A ' fourth brother, David, bought Bernard's share in 1850. In 1854, James Reynolds sold out to Bernard Suppiger, who then became again a partner of the firm. In 1866, the mill passed into the hands of David Suppiger, Robert Suppiger, (oldest sou of Bernard), Hale M. Thorp, and Henry Weinheimer. The latter sold his share to Otto Suppiger, (youngest son of Bernard), and Edwin J. Raith in 1880. H. M. Thorp's interest, 1, was recently bought liy Adolpli Rucg^er, the present treasurer of Madison county. The name of the firm is now David Suppiger & Co. The first building was put up by Joseph Suppiger, and the machinery for both grist and corn mill by au eastern millwright, named Gale, a brolher of the late "Benny" Gale, who lived in section 14 in this township until recently. Additional improvements ! were constructed in 1845 by Ingersoll, also an eastern man. ' In 1857 the whole mill was remodeled, the saw-mill removed, 55 '

These mills have ground three and a half million? of bushels of whe;it since 18 J7, of which three mi lions have b.'en ground since 1857. Their products have found a market in St. Louis, Terre Haute, New Orleans, New York, Boston, Baltimore, Albany, England, Ireland Scotland and Belgium. The present capacity is 250 barrels per day. The highest price paid for wheat was 82.45 in gold in 1858, and §3.50 in greenbacks in 1867. The lowest price, 62] cents, was paid in 1851. Flour brought then S3.50 per barrel, S14. 00 gold in 1858, and §17.50 greenbacks in 1867. The mills have now been operated 45 years, and the proprietors state with pride and satisfaction, that during all this time no accident causing the loss of life or limb has ever occurred, nor have the works ever been injured by fire. The company have always used French burr stones for grinding wheat. The gross value of all mill products turned out in 1881 exceeds the sum of 8200,000, and that of all productssince 1837 reachesalmost five millions of dollars. j The first mechanic of Highland was a wagon niak'er, I named Krucker, from St. Gall, Switzerland. His first wagon was completed in 1839. Krucker had formerly worked at gun carriages for Carrera, the celebrated half breed ruler of Guatemala, in Central America. Lang, a blacksmith, removed to Nauvoo in 1840. Charles Kinne started a harness shop about the same time. The first store in Highland was opened by Elijah Ellison, on the site of the Highland House. David Thorp opened a store at the site of the present bank in 1838 or 1839, and became first postmaster of Highland, which heretofore had to send to Clifton, in Clinton county, and then to Troy for their mails.

Jacob Eggen, who had arrived in 1833, sjarted a brickyard soon after, and connected, in company with Labhard, a pottery with it. The first vessels for the St. Louis White Lead Works were made in this pottery. Mr. Eggen was also the founder of a distillery, and later a bakery, the first in Highland, and still in existence, now conducted by R. Bauraann. The first hotel of the town was opeued by Anthony Buchniann.

In 1843, the town became a station on the stage route between Vandalia and St. Louis' and a proud day it proved for the town people when the first stage coach, drawn by four hor.-es, came thundering along through the town.

A wool carding machine was erected by N. Smiley in 1843; in after years it passed into the hands of Mr. Stahl, who converted it into a yarn factory. The works were greatly enlarged by Bosshard and Feickert, but never became remunerative.

John Guggenbuehler was the founder of this industry. He started the Jeferson Jireivery in 1843, which afterward passed into the hands of Daniel Wild. In 1865 it was consolidated with the

*Capt, Raith had won hi.* caplaincv in tlie Mexican war. He commanded a regiment in the civil war, and fell in llie liattle of Sliiloli, lea'ling a charge.

ITIgldaml Brewery, founded in 1854, by Charles L. Bernays, who in 185G took Gerhard Schott and M. F. Schott in as purtucrji. Bernays sold bij whole interest to these parties in 1857. Soon after Gerhard Schott sold his interest, and Martin F. and Christian Schott remained sole proprietors until 1870, when Christian Schott withdrew from the business. It has been since and is now most successfully managed by M. F. Schott. The capital invested is $40000 ; the capacity of the brewery is 6,000 barrels per year, and gives occupation to 12 laborers, whose wages amounted to §8,000 in 1S81. The value of products sold in 1851 was §45,000, and about §400,000 since 1870.

Distillery

Jacob Eggen, together with Ludwig Gruetli, started a distillery in 1844, with Henry Hermann and George Ruegger as partners. In 1849 the business passed into the hands of Anthony Miller, Henry Hermann, and J. J. Spiudler, and was successfully continued until 1865, when the partnership wa? dissolved. The capacity of the works was ab )ut 15 barrels of high wines per day. Amount of corn used, 200 bushels per day. A rectifying apparatus was connected with the distillery since 1849. Henry Hermann continued in the business another year, when he turned his attention to the erection of the

Highland City Mills

Henry Hermann, John Leder, and C. H. Seybt, partners - capital stock, $100,000. The old firm has undergone some changes, and at ihis day, the capital stock is composed of 7 shares, of which Henry Hermann and C- H. Seybt own each 2 ; and John Hermann, Emil Hermann and Mrs Blakeman, each 1 share. The products of these mills are favorably known in both hemispheres, and command first prices Last year's transactions amounted to over $300,000.

Early Schools And Churches

The founders of Highland made great efforts to provide for the education of the children at the very beginning of the settlement, ready to sacrifice the last dollar for that purpose. A Miss Slater was retained as teacher, although there was no school-house provided ; she taught in the houses of the various families. Joseph Suppiger, the man taught and labored for all, succeeded at an early day - probably in 1839 or 1840, to raise funds enough to erect a school-house. It was built by Joseph Mueller, on what is now called Methodist Hill, at an expense of $300. Religious services were held occasionally, as itinerant preachers of any creed or denomination happened to come into the settlement. The school-house on Methodist Hill was open to all. Joseph Rieger, a Lutheran preacher, who had for years been a missionary among the Indians, made regular visits to Highland until 1S41. Father Maragno the first Catholic priest to come to Highland. Protestants and Catholics united to erect an edifice for public devotion for all Christians, irrespective of dogmas and rites in 1844.

and it is with pride and delight that the old .^ielf-constructed bass, serviceable to this day, is shown, although the materials out of which it was so skillfully "built," were "annexed," or appropriated without price.

The musicians of 1840 were, Edward Hammer, 1st violin ; Charles Kiune, 2nd violin ; Fritz Kinne, bass. (Hammer and Fritz Kinne, cabinet makers, had procured the materials while in Louisville, and built the instrument). David Suppiger, clarionet ; .Joseph and Melchoir Suppiger, violins ; and John Suppiger, flute, united with the old guard soon after their arrival.

Vocal music was cultivated by an organized society, in 1850, composed of Jacob Kleiner, Christian Branger (dead), Henry Zobrist, Dominic Brey, Christian Rubin (dead), Chr. Feutz, Samuel Krebs, Vincent Steiner, Hugo Reichert, Joseph Schepperle and Albsrt Waldschmidt, (dead).

The village was now past its infancy. The stormy years of 1847 to 1849, when the whole continent of Europe seemed to be in a state of revolution, had driven large numbers of immigrants to America, and Highland received its full share. The town developed rapidly, many business houses threw their doors open to the public, the shops of the mechanics resounded with the bustle of busy labor, the prairies surrounding the towu had been converted into fields of plenty, and all seemed to prosper. But the breaking out of the civil war called the men to arms. The mechanic of the workshop threw down the hammer, the farmer boy left his plow, the teacher his school, the clerk his pen, to take up the gun in defense of the republic, which had given to all a cherished home, with a promise of a future of plenty.

The war over, those who had been spared, returned to their former fields of labor. The town had now a population of nearly two thousand inhabitants. The log cabins and light frame buildings were disappearing, substantial houses built of brick, perhaps 200 in number, gave the towu a city4ike appearance.

An agitation to incorporate the town resulted in the adoption of a towu charter, which was enforced April 1865. The names of the towu officials are here introduced :

The government of the town was an easy task. The oflSeers have invariably acted with prudent economy ; as at a time of the all-prevailing railroad fever, the citizens voted a subvention of .$10,000 to the Vandalia road - August 12, 1867, - the town board wisely levied a special tax to meet interest and payment of amount borrowed at fixed periods of time ; the last payment on account of this railroad debt became due and was paid in 1875, eight years after the creation of the debt. The town has not paid a corporation tax since, has its streets and sidewalks in good condition, no debts to pay, and .$2500.29 in its cash-box, - March 31, 1882.

The town is divided into four wards, some of which have been classed as follows : 1st Ward is known as the Red Quarter; 3d Ward, Fort Sumter ; and 4th Ward, Methodvst Quarter; why the second Ward has been slighted is unknown to the writer. The name of " Fort Sumter" is of recent - war times - date. Some of its valiant denizens were decidedly loud in the denunciations of secession, and it was on their account that the ward was given this name.

Some of the leading manufiictorics of the town have been named above. We may add here the Highland foundry, - a stock concern, - N. Rohr's planing mills and door and sash factory ; Grossenbacher's Custom Mills, the Highland Mineral Water Factory.

Great sacrifices have been made in endeavors to open ccal mines, but without success. Artesian wells have been sunk, and are now supplying some of the manufactories with water.

The population of the town, nearly all of direct European immigration, have retained a great many features of their native lands. The " Vereine " (.societies for rational enjoyments and recreation) are as numerous, or more so, than in any of the villages of the " Fatherland." A few lines may be devoted to a briefs :etch : -

Societie.S And Lodges

This association collected a valuable library, carefully selecting works that would answer the respective needs of pupils, teachers, and people of all vocations in life. In order to create a desire for study and self education, courses of lectures on natural science were arranged during the winter months, and practically illustrated by an expensive physical apparatus. The lecturers were: Professor Baer, Julius Hammer, Drs. Ryhiner, Suter, Bernavs and Halter, and Messrs. A. E. Bandelier, C. L. Bernays, A. F. Bandelier, and others. See personal mention below.

Highland was at its best. The library of 1859 has been constantly enlarged, and is now in charge of the literary section of the Turn-Verein, open to all in the comfortable reading room of the society.

Joseph Suppiger heretofore mentioned, born in Lucerne, Switzerland, was educated for the pulpit at the Jesuit College. Not being disp >sed to devote himself to this vocation, he entered the cloth factory of his father and uncle, Joseph and John Suppiger, as bjok-keeper. He emigrated to the U. S. in 1831, as stated heretofore. Father and uncle followed in 1833.

Solomon Koepfli. The families of Koepfli and Suppiger were by no means in favor witli the Ultramontanes of their native Canton, and this circumstance, together with the prospect of finding a larger field of occupation for their numerous families, induced them to emigrate. Solomon Koepfli, a son of Dr. C. Koepfli, mentioned heretofore, was, as Hon. G. Koerner in his work, " Das Deutsche Element," spea4is of him, as prudent and calculating, as active and enterprising. His main aim was to advance the prosperity of the Swiss colony, as well as the town of Highland. He lent a helping hand to every public enterprise, was untiring in the improvement of public roads, and, in later years, in his efforts to secure railroad facilities for his town. The authorities of the county, as well as the committees of the Legislature, were incessantly besieged by him with petitions and propositions. His labors, though not always accom- panied with success, triumphed iu the end, and gave to him a wonderful political influeuce. The American population held him, who was always iu the lead and never seemed fatigued, in higher estiraaiiou than the German. His energy was by many regarded as egotism and self-aggrandizement, i and envy took every opportunity to question his motives. It may be that he insisted too rigorously on what he thought to be his rights, and that his decided and sometimes hasty acts gave offense. However, he was the proper man in the proper place. The rapid growth of the settlement, the good reputation it enjoys, even beyond the limits of the state, are, in part, his work, as well as that of Joseph Suppiger.

Solomon Koepfli, though deeply interested in political life, never sought office, only once, in 18G2, consenting to become a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of Illinois. His over-fdtiguing labors during the session of this convention undermined his otherwise robust health. He tried to improve it by repeated visits to Europe. At his last sojourn at Zurich, he occupied his time with preparations for the execution of his favorite plan - to found a high school at Highland. He was also engaged in a literary work, the history of the Swi.ss Colony iu Madison county, but death intervened soon after he returned to Highland, 18G!1. His labors in the improvement of public schools should also be mentioned, as well as his readiness to materially aid the public schools at home.

Dr. F. Ryhinee, born December 7, 180G, died July 14, 1879. Dr. Ryhiner was a graduate of the Uuiversity of Heidelberg, had frequented the Universities of Vienna, Prague, and heard lectures iu Paris. Became military sur geon of his native city, Basel, iu 1833. He got entangled in political troubles on account of his broad and liberal views, and became disgusted with affairs generally. He came to the U. S. in 1835, and became a resident of Highland in 1837. He has always been known as a public-.spirited man. As a physician he was. peer to all.