Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 10 of 27)

The father of the subject left Pennsylvania when twenty years old. He did not have early school advantages, but in time became educated and a well read man through his own persistent efforts, being particularly well informed on historical matters and events. He settled in Butler county, Ohio, buying timbered land which he cleared and developed into a good farm, living there for about twelve years, when he moved to Rush county, Indiana, in 1831, remaining there until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-two years, his date of birth having occurred on August 6, 1799. His wife was born in October, 1800. He was twice married, his first wife being the mother of our subject. She died at the age of thirty-seven years, having given birth to eleven children, seven of whom lived to maturity. The father was married again, there being born to the last union ten children, all of whom lived to maturity. The father and mother were Baptists. The former spent his entire life on a farm, leaving a farm and a goodly share of money to his heirs, and also left land in Iowa, all of which shows that he was a thrifty and prudent man of affairs.

Hezekiah Graham, father of the subject, in addition to his own family of eighteen children took four orphan boys and one girl and kept them until they reached maturity and in addition to these he was always hunting and finding homes for other orphan children, and his own smoke-house and granary were always open to the poor and needy. He believed with the great philosopher, Henry Drummond, that "The greatest thing a man can do for his Heavenly Father is to be kind to some of His children."

Samuel D. Graham, our subject, had but little opportunity to attend school, having spent altogether less than six months in the school room. He worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-six years old, then hired out as a farm hand for ten years, during which time he saved his earnings and bought a farm in Fayette county, Indiana. He lived there for ten years, then sold out and bought another farm in Union county, Indiana, and sold this at the end of two years, when he moved to Illinois, settling in Marion county, buying a farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres of improved land, near Kinmundy in iex> In 1903 he bought his splendid modern residence and two acres of ground in Kinmundy, where he has since resided. He sold his farm here and bought a farm in Butler county, Missouri, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres of improved bottom land on which his son resides and successfully manages. Since coming to Kinmundy our subject has lived in peaceful and hon- orable retirement, conscious of a well spent life, which has been a very active one and has resulted in success in an eminent degree. He always benefited himself in his land deals and was an unusually good fanner, keeping his farms well improved and in a high state of cultivation.

Our subject was married in 1870 to Mrs. Rhoda E. Prichard, nee Patterson, a native of Union county, Indiana. Her father, Alexander Patterson, was born December 7, 1815, and came to Ohio when fifteen years of age, later to Union county, Indiana, where his father had purchased an eightyacre farm. He lived and died on that farm. Mrs. Graham became the mother of three children by her first marriage, all of whom are deceased. One of the oldest brothers, James M. Patterson, was a soldier during the Civil war from Indiana, and was killed at Winchester, Virginia, in the battle of September 19, 1864. Her people were of Scotch-German descent. Her grandparents on her father's side were married September 6, 1798. Grandfather Patterson was born April 14, 1769, and Grandmother Patterson was born July 29, 1776.

The following: children have been born to MrrafiarHire. Graham: Harvey McClelland, born August 23, 1871, was accidentally killed in 1904; William H., was born in 1873, is living on a farm in Missouri, is married, but has no children living: Tillie Alma, who was born December 15, 1878, died January 28, 1879; Katie L., born May 6. 1880, is the wife of Melvin Hamilton, and is living in Indiana. They have two children living.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Graham are active members of the Baptist church. Our subject is a loyal Democrat, but seldom takes much interest in political affairs, however, his support is always for the good of the community in all questions.

Our subject has been a great reader, having read the Bible through not less than six or seven times, besides scores of other good books and much pure literary matter. He relates that he has been acquainted with not less than five hundred of the Grahams and that he never knew or heard of one of them who ever used intoxicants of any kind or character, and but few of them who ever used tobacco., and about one-half of them are church people.

William R. Kell

The subject of this life record is one of the oldest pioneer farmers of Marion county, having spent his long and useful life within the borders of the same and assisted in its development is every way possible, for while seeking to advance his own interests he never lost sight of his obligations to his neighbors and fellow citizens. His life record should be an inspiration to the younger generation, for it has been one of sterling worth and led along high planes of honor.

William R. Kell was born in Haines township, Marion county, Illinois, October 30. 1835, the son of Thomas and Mary L. (Little) Kell, both natives of South Carolina. Thomas Kell came to Illinois in 1822 with his parents and they settled first in Rome township, Jefferson county. Thomas Kell was the name of the subject's grandfather, who was also a native of South Carolina, in which state he married Margaret Gaston. He got government land is Rome township, Jefferson county, this state, about four hundred acres in all, in prairie and timber land. Hedied there, but his wife died in Haines town ship, Marion county. Twelve children, all of whom are deceased, were born to the grandparents of our subject, namely : William, Jane, John, Samuel G., Martha, Alexander, Thomas, father of our subject ; James died in Walnut Hill, Illinois; Eliza, Riley. Martha, and Matthew Cannon.

Mary L. Little, mother of our subject, was the daughter of Samuel Little, of South Carolina. He first married Mary Luke and his second marriage was to a Miss Ervin. Two children were born to Samuel Little and his first wife, and eleven children by the second wife, all deceased except one. Thorn as Kell, father of our subject, was reared on the old home place, remaining at home until he was about twenty years of age. He received a meagre education in subscription schools. After his marriage he located in Haines township, Marion county, becoming well-to-do, owning about eight hundred acres of land. He handled much stock, especially horses and mules. In politics he was a Whig, later a Republican. He held some of the minor township offices. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. He died July 26, 1892. Twelve children were born to the parents of our subject, namely: William. <iur subject ; Mary A. lived in Haines township and was the wife of William Telford; Margaret J., who married James Morton, is deceased; Samuel W., who was a soldier in Company A, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was killed during a skirmish February 12, 1865, in North Carolina ; John was a soldier in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted for three months ; Thomas C. died at the age of four years ; Martha, who married W. J. Shook, is deceased ; James C. is deceased ; Alexander P. lives in Mexico; Charles T. lives in Haines township; Mathew C. lives in Haines township; Esther E. is the wife of John Little, who lives in Monmouth, Illinois.

William R. Kell, our subject, received only a limited schooling, but he was ambitious and by home study and close application he fitted himself for a teacher, and taught school while a young man for twenty-two months, teaching one term after his marriage. He remained at home until he married, when he came to his present home is Haines township in section 29, which was a new place, but the subject has always been a man of thrift and he soon had the wild land transformed into an excellent farm, having brought it up in all modern improvements until it is now equal to any in the township in this respect. It is highly productive and has made the subject a comfortable living. He has a very substantial dwelling, an excellent barn, and his place not only shows prosperity, but excellent management.

i, 1858. She was born in Haines township, the daughter of A. W. and Martha (Farris) Keeney. Her father was a native of Indiana aod her mother of Tennessee. They came to Marion county, Illinois, at an early day and farmed in Haines township, later moving to Salem, Illinois, where Mr. Keeney engaged in the milling business and where he and his wife both died.

Eleven children have been born to the subject and his first wife, namely: Mary, the wife of W. F. McNeiley, living in Raccoon township; Sarah Jane, the wife of Finis Gaston, lives in Haines township, this county ; Edward E. lives in Kell and married Ella McMeans ; Margaret E. is the wife of John F. Gaskill, living in Kell; Lena Ann is the wife of Valandingham Brownfield, living in Kell; George lives in Haines township; Thomas F. died in infancy; James H. is a carpenter living in Haines township; Boyd R. married Maud Williamson and they live in East St. Louis: William N. died when ten years old; Arthur W., who married Mary Jones, is a carpenter living in Centralia. Mrs. Kell died August 14, 1883. Mr. Kell chose as his second wife Mary E. Purdue, a native of Haines township and the daughter of William C. and Martha (Keele) Purdue, natives of Tennessee, who came to Marion county in 1838. They first settled in Raccoon township and later moved to Haines township. Three children have been born to our subject as a result of his second marriage, as follows : The first child died in infancy ; John C. is living at home ; Elizabeth L. is also living at home. The above

Mr. Kell is a loyal Republican, having first voted for John C. Fremont. He has been Highway Commissioner and also a member of the School Board. He is a faithful member of the Presbyterian church. In his fraternal relations he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Romine Lodge, No. 663, at Kell. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 5284, at Kell.

Mr. Kell has been prosperous owing to the fact that he has led a busy life and has been honest in his dealings with his fellow men. He is held in high favor by all who know him and has always been influential in his communitv.

Fred O. Grissom

The subject of this sketch is regarded as one of the public-spirited and representative citizens of Kinmundy township, Marion county, Illinois, who has ever upheld high trusts in a most worthy manner. He is essentially a man of the people, a true American of the period in which he lives and possessing the esteem of his fellow citizens, it is but just that on the roster of Marion county's men of ability and worth his name be given due prominence.

Fred O. Grissom was born March 9, 1876, in Meacham township, Marion county, the son of J. W. and M. J. Grissom, natives of Ohio and Illinois, respectively.

The father of our subject is a Civil war veteran who at this writing, 1908, is sixtyfour years old. He located in this county in the early sixties, residing on a farm for many years, having improved the same and made a comfortable living by habits of industry and economy. About twenty-seven years ago he moved to Farina, this state, and engaged in business. The subject's mother was born in Marion county, the daughter of Silas Parrill, who was one of the earliest settlers here. He used to do all "his marketing at St. Louis. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-eight years, having -died on the farm which he settled when -quite a young man. The subject's parents -were married December 20, 1867, and three -children were born to this union, namely: Charles R, Fred O. and Louis E. The first born died when six years old.

Fred O. Grissom remained a member of the family circle until he reached maturity, "having attended the common schools at Farina, Illinois, where he diligently applied himself and received a fairly good education. The business career of Mr. Grissom began January i, 1894. He learned the printing business in the office of The Farina News, where he worked until August 23, 1898, when he located in Kinmundy, having purchased The Kinmundy Express, and he has been engaged in active newspaper work ever since. Although he met with misfortune twice, his newspaper plant having been destroyed by fire on two different occasions, nothing daunted, he has forged ahead and is enjoying a liberal patronage.

Mr. Grissom was married on January 19, 1899, to Jennie A. Bascom, the refined and accomplished daughter of Rev. S. B. and C. M. Bascom. She was born in Ramsey, Illinois, November 25, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Grissom's home has not been blessed with any children.

Mrs. Grissom is a member of the Methodist church, and in his fraternal relations, -our subject is a member of Clipper Lodge No. 413, Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has never held public office, being contented to lead a quiet life and do what he can towards placing right men in the local offices, but he has never aspired to positions of honor or emolument at the hands of his fellow voters. However, he has the interest of the public at heart and is known as a man of industry, honesty and loyalty to right principles.

Leander C. Matthews

The subject has spent his entire life in this county and he has always had deeply at heart the well-being and improvement of the county, using his influence whenever possible for the promotion of enterprises calculated to be of lasting benefit to his fellow men, besides taking a leading part in all movements for the advancement of the community along social, intellectual and moral lines.

25, 1848, the son of Andrew J. and Hulda (Swafford) Matthews, natives of Tennessee and Illinois, respectively, and both representatives of honorable and well known families in their own communities.

Our subject remained under his parental roof until he reached man's estate and attended the district schools in his native community and in Centralia, where he applied himself in a careful manner and received a good education.

He commenced a general business in 1883 at Fairman, Marion county, Illinois, where he remained ten years with much success attending his efforts. He is at this writing engaged in the hay, grain and implement business in Kinmundy, this county, and is conducting a thriving business, his trade extending to all parts of the county and penetrating to adjoining counties, in fact he is one of the best known dealers in these lines in this part of the state and the able manner in which he conducts his business and his courteous treatment with those with whom he deals insure him a liberal income from year to year.

Mr. Matthews was united in marriage October 8, 1873, to S. Elizabeth Lydick, who was born near Odin, this county, December 24, 1854, the refined and affable daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Sugg) Lydick, a well known family of that locality.

Mr. and Mrs. Matthews: Lillian, Baby, Hallie, Hulda, Carl. They have all gone to their rest except Hulda, who is the wife of Albert C. Dunlap, of Champaign, Illinois. In his fraternal relations Mr. Matthews is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Kinmundy, also of the Knights of Pythias of this place. In politics he is a loyal Democrat and takes a vital interest in his party's affairs, however, he has never aspired to positions of public trust. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church, and our subject is regarded as one of the substantial church workers of Kinmundy, and he has long taken an active part in all religious affairs. He is a man of large public spirit and enterprise, and personally is of the genial and sunny type, pleasant to meet and makes friends readily. He likes a good story and enjoys a good joke, and because of these qualities of commendation and genuine worth Mr. Matthews has won a host of warm friends which he retains, being popular with all classes in his community where he maintains a home that is comfortable, substantial and pleasant in all its appointments and which is regarded as a place of generous hospitality and good cheer.

Joseph T. Arnold

The subject of this, review, who is the owner of a fine landed estate in Marion county, Illinois, in his successful career as a husbandman must have clearly demon- strated what an enteqirising and industrious man can accomplish when he has good common sense and honesty of purpose to control his energy, and as a result of these praiseworthy qualities he stands today as one of the substantial citizens of the vicinity of Kinmundy, where he is well known.

Joseph T. Arnold is a native of this county and he has preferred to spend his life here. The date on which our subject first saw the light of day was May 12, 1857. He is the son of John W. and Nancy (Jones) Arnold. His grandfather, John Arnold, was born in North Carolina in 1795 of English stock. Great-grandfather Arnold was a Methodist Episcopalian, who preached the gospel in a most able manner for a period of forty-five years. His mother was a very pious woman and from her the subject's grandfather was taught Christianity. He was brought to Georgia by his parents when six years old, where he remained until he was ten years of age. When about twelve years old he was taken by his parents to Tennessee. In two years they moved to Alabama. He saw General Jackson with his army of some two thousand men pass by his door in 1812 when living in Huntsville, Alabama. He was in the army himself for a short time. When twenty years old he went to school for the first-time for one month only, but he learned to read and write; that was the extent of his school days. When twenty-one years old he married Elizabeth Webb and moved to Illinois and after two years here moved back to Alabama and from there to Louisiana; then returned to Alabama where he remained for a period of twelve years, after which he moved to Illinois again. He reached the remarkable age of ninety-three years. There were five of his sons in the Civil war, all in Illinois regiments; one of these was killed in battle, the others served their time out and were honorably discharged; one of them was wounded in battle and was crippled as a result during the balance of his days. Grandmother Arnold lived to be about eighty.

Grandfather Jones was a native of Georgia, who came north and settled in Illinois. Two of his sons, Eli and Machak, were soldiers in the war between the states in Illinois regiments. Eli Jones had a leg shot off. Both the Jones and the Arnold families settled in Marion county upon their arrival in this state, where they took up land and developed farms, both being known as people of thrift and sterling qualities. Grandfather Jones died in this county at the age of seventy-eight years and his good wife lived to be up in eighty. These worthy people reared a large family, all of whom inherited longevity to a marked degree.

John W. Arnold, father of our subject, was reared largely in Illinois. He had but scant educational advantages, but he became a well read man, and having devoted his life to fanning, became one of the leading agriculturists in his community, having remained in Marion county, where he owned five hundred acres of very productive and valuable land, most of which was prairie. There were nine children in his family, seven of whom are living in 1908, all but one of them living in Marion county, and all have families of their own. These children were given every advantage possible by their parents, and as a result of the fine home training which they received they are all well established in the affairs of life and have the best reputations possible. The parents of the subject were faithful members of the Methodist church. The father was a loyal Republican and his influence was always in support of the principles of this party. He passed away at the age of seventy-one years, and his faithful life companion lived to be seventy-six, when she, too, joined the "innumerable caravan".

Joseph T. Arnold, our subject, was educated in the public schools of his native community, where he applied himself in a most diligent manner and received a fairly good text-book education, which has since been very greatly supplemented by coming in contact with the world and by home reading. He worked on his father's farm during the crop season until he was twenty years old, when he went to farming on his own account, at which he was very successful, having rented a part of the land, the balance being given to him by his father, and with the exception of two years he has been engaged in active farming ever since. For a period of two years he was engaged in the mercantile business, owning one-half interest in a general store, which he disposed of in 1803. One brother and a nephew now own the old farm on which the family was

Our subject is the owner of two hundred acres of highly improved land, on which he carries on general farming with the most gratifying results. It is located about seven miles out fr.om Kinmundy. Although he now resides in Kinmundy, he oversees the management of his farm, which has been developed until it is equal to any in the township, being well fenced and well drained and otherwise up to the standard of modem farm properties. A substantial and commodious residence and several good outbuildings are to be found on the place.

Our subject was united in marriage the first time in 1877, to Lizzie Chance, the daughter of a well known family in Marion county, and three children were born to this union, the first, Emery L., having been born in 1880 and died in Alaska in 1903. He was a member of the Signal Corps and is supposed to have been drowned while in active service. He was highly commended by Brigadier General Sully, the commander of the corps. The second child of the subject is now living on his farm in Marion and has one child, Daniel. The third, Edson, died when four years old. The subject's first wife was called to her reward in 1897, and Mr. Arnold was again married, in 1900, his second wife being Mrs. Hattie Green (nee Robb), a native of this county, whose

Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen and the Rebekahs, as is also Mrs. Arnoldy. She is a member of the Eastern Star. He has been Junior Deacon in the first named order. Mrs. Arnold is an active -worker both in the Eastern Star and the Rebekahs. They are both faithful members of the Methodist church. Our subject has been steward of the same, also Sunday school superintendent, and both the church and Sunday school have been greatly benefited by his able and faithful services.

Mr. Arnold is a Republican in his political beliefs and never loses an opportunity to aid his party in any way possible. He held the office of Supervisor of the township two years, being elected in 1904. The township that he was elected in produces a strong Democratic majority, which was overcome by the popular estimate of his fellow citizens, and he could have held the office longer, but declined further honor in that line.

Erastus D. Telford

Only those who come in personal contact with the gentleman whose name appears above, the popular and well known City Attorney of Salem, Illinois, can understand how thoroughly nature and training, habits of thought and action, have enabled him to accomplish his life work and made him a fit representative of the enterprising class of professional people to which he belongs. He is a fine type of the sturdy, conscientious American of today - a man who unites a high order of ability with courage, patriotism, clean morality and sound common sense, doing thoroughly and well the work that he finds to do and asking praise of no man for the performance of what he conceives to be his simple duty.

Erastus D. Telford was born in Raccoon township, Marion county, April 23, 1874. J. D. Telford, whose life history is embodied in another part of this volume, who has long been a well known and influential character about Salem, is the father of our subject. Samuel G. Telford, who lives in Haines township, and who was born in 1827 in this county, and who is still making his home two and one-half miles west of where he was born, is the subject's grandfather. His great-grandfather was James Telford, a native of South Carolina, who settled in Marion county in 1822, died in 1856. Our subject's father was the first Republican Sheriff of Marion county, having been elected in 1882. The mother of the subject was known in her maidenhood as Ann Wyatt, a native of Tennessee and the representative of a fine old southern family. Her father sold all his possessions in that state and came to Illinois in 1860, settling on the farm now owned by J. D. Telford, father of the subject of this sketch, to whom and his worthy and faithful life companion seven children were born, all living at this writing, named in order of birth as follows : Dr. A. T., of Olney, Illinois; Erastus D., our subject ; Ula, of the United States Life Saving Station of Chicago ; Omer. who lives on a farm three miles west of Salem ; Oran is living at home; Erma, who is still a member of the family circle; J. D., Jr. These children were reared in a wholesome home atmosphere and were given every advantage possible by their parents.

E. D. Telford has lived in Salem for twenty-six years, or since his father moved here. He worked on the parental farm until he was twenty-one years old, where he received valuable training in the out door life of the country, not the least advantage of which was the acquisition of a robust constitution which is a necessary prerequisite for the battle of life in any field of endeavor. He attended the public schools in his neighborhood and later graduated in 1890 from the Salem high schools where he made a splendid record, for our subject early determined to secure a good education and fit himself as best he possibly could for life's ardent duties.

After leaving school he decided to teach and consequently followed this line of work with marked success for a few years, during which time he became widely known throughout the county as an able instructor. But not being satisfied with the education he already possessed, and with the routine and somewhat obscure work of the teacher, he gave up his work and entered McKendree College, a denominational school at Lebanon, Illinois, from which institution he graduated with high honors in 1897, with the degree Bachelor of Science. Having decided to make the profession of law his life work, Mr. Telford in the fall of 1898 went to Washington City and entered the law department of Georgetown University, where he made a brilliant record and from which institution he graduated.in 1900. In the meantime he had been appointed to a position in the United States Treasury department, his unusual talents having attracted the attention of authorities in this department. Mr. Telford remained in the Treasury department, where he gave the greatest satisfaction to the higher officials and where his work was very creditably and faithfully performed until April i, 1906, when he resigned and returned to Salem, Illinois, for the purpose of engaging in the practice of law, and, useless to say that his success was instantaneous, and he at once had a large clientele, his office being sought by clients with a wide range of cases, and his fame soon overspread Marion county, extending to other fields, consequently he was frequently called to other localities on important cases and his cool, careful, determined manner in presenting his arguments before a jury seldom failed in bringing a verdict in his favor.

Mr. Telford was soon slated for political preferment, leaders in his party being quick to detect unusual ability as a public official in him, consequently in April, 1907, he was elected City Attorney of Salem, which position he now very creditably fills to the satisfaction of the entire community. At the

Mr. Telford's domestic life dates from November i, 1900, when he was united in marriage with Coral M. Wright, the accomplished daughter of William Wright, a well known and influential citizen of Lincoln, Nebraska. The following bright and interesting children have come into the cozy and pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Telford, bringing additional sunshine: Elbridge Wright Telford, whose day of birth occurred September 29, 1901 ; Dorothy Margaret, who first saw the light of day on August 1 8, 1905.

Mr. Telford has been a careful business man as well as a successful attorney, and he has accumulated rapidly, now being a stockholder in the Salem National Bank, also the Salem Building and Loan Association. He is the owner of a modem, substantial and beautiful residence on North Broadway.

In his fraternal relations, our subject is a member of the ancient and honorable order of Masons, the Blue Lodge and the Royal Arch Chapter; also a Modem Woodman. And both he and his wife are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Telford is one of the substantial and popular men of Marion county, and his home which is presided over with rare grace and dignity by Mrs. Telford, is the center of a genial hospitality. He is liberal in his support of all religious and charitable movements, and no one takes a

George B. Simcox

The subject stands as the exponent of one of the extensive noteworthy enterprises of the city, where he maintains a real estate business, which is pre-eminent in the honorable bearing and careful methods employed, and in the discriminating delicacy of treatment which the nature of the business renders expedient, and he has thus retained as his own the respect and confidence of the community, even as has his noble father, the latter having likewise assumed a position of priority in the business and social life of Marion county, where he still resides at an advanced age.

George B. Simcox was born in Kentucky in 1864, the son of W. K. Simcox, now living at Patoka, Illinois, a native of Pennsylvania, who migrated from the old Keystone state to Illinois in 1866, locating at Patoka, where he has since resided. He was in the mercantile business of which he made a success, but he is now living retired, having reached the advanced age of eightythree, and his good wife that of seventy-eight. They are held in high esteem in their neighborhood where their latter years have been so honorably and happily spent. Twelve children were born to them, seven of whom are still living. They are: Anna M., the widow of Dr. T. N. Livesay, and she makes her home near Patoka ; Robert A., of Patoka; John L., also of Patoka; Bettie, the wife of Dr. W. W. Murfin, of Patoka; Mary A., the wife of A. T. Eaglin, of Henton, Oklahoma; Joseph W., of Patoka; George B., whose name appears at the head of this review.

Mr. Simcox spent his boyhood in Patoka, Illinois, where he received a common school education, having applied himself closely to his books. When about eighteen years old lie went to railroading and was subsequently in the employ of various roads. Longing for more varied experiences than could be gained at home, lie went to the Southwest and his rise in the railroad business was rapid there owing to his natural ability, carefulness and personal address, consequently he soon became conductor on the Mexican National Railroad in Old Mexico, holding this responsible position to the satisfaction of the superior officials when only twenty-one years old.

After following the railroad business for ten years he returned to Salem, Illinois, in 1895, ar>d nas been in Marion county ever since. He first launched in the mercantile business in Patoka, where he was doing nicely and building up an excellent trade, when he lost heavily by fire after two years in this line. Then he went into the real estate and newspaper business at Patoka, in which he made a success and became known as the moulder of public thought and opinion. Being thus able and popular with his fellow voters, he was soon slated for local political offices, and held every township office in that township. He was appointed Deputy Sheriff in 1902 and served with great credit for a period of four years. Indeed, all his duties in an official capacity were attended to with the greatest alacrity and good judgment. He was nominated by the Democrats in 1906 as a candidate for sheriff, but was defeated.

In 1906 Mr. Simcox went into the hardware business in Salem, in which he remained for eight months, when he sold out to C. W. Vensell, and since then he has been interested in the real estate business, making a specialty of city lots and booming special sales, and his efforts have been crowned with gratifying success, for he has the confidence of the public and conducts his business along safe and conservative lines.

Mr. Simcox was united in marriage May 24, 1896, to Florence Wasem, of Patoka, the cultured and refined daughter of Jacob E. Wasem, a well known citizen of Patoka. Two bright and interesting children have been born to this union, namely: Maude Ellen, whose date of birth occurred August 13, 1897, an(l Minnie May, who was born November 24, 1903.

Our subject in his fraternal relations belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Centralia Lodge No. 493 ; also the Marion Lodge No. 525, Knights of Pythias; also the Modern Woodmen of America No. 761, of Patoka. He also belongs to the Order of Railway Telegraphers.

and he was chairman of the Democratic Central Committee during two campaigns, and he is now a member of the County Executive Democratic Committee of Marion county. In public office he has been found most loyal to the public good, and in his business affairs he is ever straight- forward and trustworthy.

The horologe of eternity has marked off sixty-eight years since the birth of the gentleman whose name appears above, who has chosen to remain in his native county of Marion; where his life has been blessed with success and reasonable comfort. While our subject has lived to see great changes, during which he was not slow to take advantage of the many and varied opportunities offered in a business way, thereby laying up an ample competence through his relations with agricultural interests, he was always ready to do what he could in advancing the general good of the county, whose welfare he had at heart, and his life has been unselfish, honorable and worthily crowned by success and the esteem of his fellow citizens.

S. A. Storment was bom near Kell, Marion county, Illinois, January 26, 1840, the son of John and Margaret ( Kell) Storment, whose people were natives of South Carolina. John Storment was a farmer and country merchant, having made a success of both and won the undivided respect of his neighbors. He was called from his earthly career June I, 1849, and his faithful life companion has been at rest some forty years at this writing.

Our subject remembers when there were only three houses on the great Romine Prairie from Carter to Kell. It was in such times that the father of the subject settled here, being one of the pioneers of the county. He bought land for one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre from the government and he entered two hundred acres, which he developed by hard work and careful management into a very valuable farm, on which he established a comfortable home. Ten children were born to the subject's parents, five of whom lived to maturity, the others having died in infancy; the subject of this sketch being now the only survivor.

S. A. Storment spent his boyhood and early manhood on the parental homestead, which he worked during the summer months and attended the country schools during the bad weather of the winter, when farm work could not be carried on, until he received a fairly good education, considering the primitive methods of schooling in those days. When twenty years old he began to farm for himself and bought a farm near Kell consisting of eighty acres, and later purchased eighty acres more, on which he lived for more than twenty years and tilled the same with the greatest success attending his efforts. He then sold his farm and bought three hundred acres in Stevenson township and resided upon the same about twenty-five years.

Mr. Storment, after laying up considerable money from his skillful farming operations, moved to Salem October 15, 1907, since which time he has been leading an inactive life and spending his old age in comfort as the result of his earlier years of frugal and economic living. He still owns eighty acres in Stevenson township, having sold the balance of his land, a portion of which is now owned by his children.

Our subject was united in marriage January 26, 1860, to Emily Harriet Mount, a daughter of William Mount, who came to this county from Wilson county, Tennessee.

The subject has a family of which any one might justly be proud. It consisted of thirteen in number, only one of wThom is now in the silent land. They are all comfortably situated in reference to this world's affairs, and all honorable, and have been given every- advantage possible by their fond parents, who reared them in a most wholesome home atmosphere and uplifting influences, so that they have gone out to bless humanity by their worthy and useful lives. Their names, in order of birth are: Abigal E. is the wife of Preston Watson, living near Carter, Illinois, and they are the parents of these children, Albert, Estell, John, Lawrence, Lulu, all living, and Charley, Walter and Myrtle, all deceased: John C. Storment lives in Pomona, California, having married Mattie Jeffries, of Rockford, Illinois, and their family consists of Bertha, Frank, Arthur, Robert, all living, and Edna and Harold, both deceased ; W. S. Storment is a successful real estate man in Salem, he married Mollie Young and they have the following children : Hershell, Irene. Charles M. Storment, the fourth child, married Hattie Easley and is living in Salem. Their children are Otis, deceased; Paul and Edith, living. Charles M. is proprietor of the East Main Street Hotel. . Mary, the fifth child of the subject, is the wife of John W. Harrington, of Slapout, Marion county, and the mother of these children: Elmer, deceased, and May, living; Albert C. Storment, who married Maggie Wade, has one child, Lovell, and is living at Salem; Fred A. Storment, who married Carrie Verner, is living at Salem. They have one child dead, Fred V., and one living, Louise; Robert R. Storment is deceased ; B. F. Storment, who married Maggie Kagy, has two children, Lorene and Lucille, is living in St. Louis. Ida Belle is the wife of L. J.' Bell, living at Tilden, Illinois, and the mother of two children, Grover and Ernest Bell; L. J. Storment, who married Jessie Glick, has one child, Eugene G., and is living in Chicago: Nona is the wife of Frank Gaskell, living near Salem, Illinois, and the mother of these children, Gladys, Glen, Fern and Roscoe Earl ; Orville Storment, who married Mabel Harper and is the father of one infant child, is living at Tuscola, this state.

Our subject was a school director for fifteen years at Old Hickory Hill school near his farm and of his district in Stevenson township, and he took an active interest in educational affairs. He is not a member of any lodge or church, but is liberal in his views and no more honest or upright man

Robert Martin

It is signally consonant that in this work be incorporated at least a brief resume of the life and labors of Mr. Martin, who has long been one of the influential citizens of Marion county, and through whose loyal efforts the city of Salem and surrounding locality have reaped lasting benefits, for his exceptional administrative capacity has been directed along lines calculated to be for the general good. A man of forceful individuality and marked initiative power, he has been well equipped for leadership, while his probity of character and his genial personality have gained for him uniform esteem and friendship in the city where he has so long made his home, and of which he is regarded by all classes as one of its most distinguished citizens in connection with the business world.

Robert Martin was born in Estilville, now known as Gate City, Scott county, Virginia, April u, 1839, the son of John S. Martin, also a native of Virginia, and a man of recognized ability, being the representative of a fine old Southern family, noted for its high ideals and unqualified hospitality, his ancestry being Scotch-Irish. John S. Martin was County Clerk for a period of twenty years or more, and he held many other county offices, including a judgeship, and he won universal praise for the able manner in which he discharged his every duty to the public. He was called from his earthly labors in 1865 while living at Alma, this county. The mother of the subject was a Stewart before her marriage, a woman of rare mental equipoise and culture; she passed to her rest soon after the family came to Illinois in 1846.

Our subject spent his early boyhood on his parental farm at Alma, having been only five years old when the family came here. He attended school at Alma and Salem. He also attended the Southern Illinois Female College at Salem, which institution ceased to exist soon after the war. He gained a liberal education which has stood him in such good hand during his long and eminently active and successful business career.

Our subject was one of those loyal sons of the North, who, when the tocsin of war sounded calling loyal sons to defend the old flag, offered his services, enlisting in Company A, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, one of the famous regiments of the state, which was organized at Salem. Mr. Martin was then twenty-one years old. The company left Salem and went to Columbus, Kentucky, and from there to Paducah, that state, later to Pulaski, Tennessee, and from there marched to Chattanooga, where it united with Sherman's army and remained with the same through its historic march to the sea, and also its strenuous campaigns, having participated in the battles at Atlanta and many other notable engagements. After remaining with him until the close of the war, he took part in the grand review at Washington City, after a very commendable service of three years. He was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, where he came soon after the review in Washington.

After his career in the army, Mr. Martin launched in the grocery business at Salem, in which he remained for one year, when he sold out and went into the more lucrative grain and lumber business, in which he has been engaged for a period of forty-one years during which time an enormous volume of business has passed through his hands, and he has become widely known as one of the leading men in these lines in Southern Illinois, being recognized by the leading dealers throughout this and adjoining states as well as remote parts of the country as a man of the highest business integrity and acumen. He is still conducting a large lumber yard, and carries on a very extensive and thriving business, numbering his customers by the thousands, not only from Salem and vicinity, but throughout the county and to remote parts of the country. He owns a beautiful, modern and well furnished residence in one of the most desirable portions of Salem.

Our subject was happily married in 1867 to Alice Scott, a native of Vincennes, Indiana, a woman of affable personality and rare refinement, the daughter of a highly respected and influential family. Three children have been born to this union, one of whom has passed away. They are: Mabel Dora, the wife of W. H. Farsons, of

Mr. Martin assisted in the organization and became one of the first directors and stockholders in the Salem State Bank. He is also a director of the Salem Building and Loan Association, and his sound judgment and able advice is always carefully weighed by the other members of these organizations in their deliberations, for Mr. Martin has a reputation among local business men for remarkable foresight into all business propositions. Having always been interested in educational affairs, he served as a member and also as president of the School Board of Salem for several years, but he is not at present connected with the board, but during the time that he was the schools of Salem were greatly strengthened.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Martin is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen. He has been a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist church since he was thirteen vears old.

Good intellectual training, thorough professional knowledge and the possession and utilization of the qualities and attributes essential to success, have made the subject of this review eminent in his chosen calling, and he stands today among the enterprising and successful physicians in a community noted for its high order of medical talent, while at the same time he has won the confidence and esteem of the people of Marion and adjoining counties for his upright life and genial disposition.

Dr. George S. Rainey was born in Salem, Illinois, May 18, 1849, and he is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rainey, Scotch-Irish people of the best ancestry as far back as it can be traced. The father was a Kentuckian, who came to Illinois as early as 1832, settling in Marion county on a farm which he transformed from a practically wild tract to a highly improved and productive farm. When the doctor was two years old, his father moved on a farm near Walnut Hill, Marion county. He was a man of many sterling qualities, like those of most pioneers, and he became a man of considerable influence in this county, being known as an honest and worthy citizen in every respect. He was called from his earthly labors in 1868. The subject's mother, a woman of praiseworthy character, was known in her maidenhood as Margaret Cunningham, and was also a native of Kentucky; her father, a man of unusual fortitude and sterling character, moved to Illinois in 1824. Seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rainey died in infancy. Their other children are: Dr. J. K. Rainey, the oldest child, died in Florida; Matthew was a surgeon in the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the Union

Army, and was the first soldier from Marion county to fall in the Civil war, having lost his life at the battle of Bellmont while a member of the Twenty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry; Dr. A. H. Rainey, of Centralia, Illinois.

Our subject was a mere lad during the war between the states, but he felt it his duty to sever home ties and offer his services in defense of the flag, consequently he enlisted in the Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry when he lacked two months of being sixteen years old, but his bravery and gallantry were equal to that of the oldest veteran in the regiment. He served in the campaign around Petersburg, Richmond, and was at the surrender of Lee at Appamattox, thus being in some of the bloodiest engagements of the war. After receiving an honorable discharge he returned home and assisted his father with the farm. work, attending the neighboring schools, completing the high school course at Salem, standing in the front rank of his class, for he was a diligent student and made the best use possible of his time. Believing that his talents lay along medical lines he began studying for a career as a physician. He graduated in medicine in 1875 at the Louisville Medical College. He at once began practice in Salem, his success being instantaneous, and he has been here ever since, having always had a very large practice in this vicinity and throughout the county.

the winter of 1888 in the school just mentioned. Dr. Rainey has also taken special courses in medical colleges in St. Louis and Chicago, consequently he is today and has been for many years at the head of his profession, being so recognized by the eminent practitioners of medicine in other parts of Illinois. He has also been connected with the Baltimore & Ohio and Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroads as surgeon ever since he has been in practice.

The subject has been a member of the United States Pension Board of Salem for twenty-five years. The doctor is at all times patriotic and ever ready to serve his country, consequently when the war with Spain broke out he offered his services and was commissioned a surgeon in the United States army, but the war terminated before he saw active service.

Doctor Rainey's happy and tranquil domestic life dates from 1878, when he was married to May McMackin, the cultured and accomplished daughter of Col. W. E. McMackin of the Twenty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Colonel McMackin was for many years one of the best known and most influential men in his community.

To doctor and Mrs. Rainey one son has been born, Warren R., who, in 1908, is a student in the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, where he is making an excellent record.

Doctor Rainey is the owner of a large and fine fruit farm which is very valuable, and he takes a great interest in it and horticultural subjects, devoting considerable time to the culture of fine fruits. He has been in general practice ever since his graduation, and as indicated above, not only stands high in his immediate community but also with his fellow practitioners at large, being a member of the County, State and National Medical Association, also of the American Railway Surgeons of America.

Fraternally he is a loyal member of the Masonic Order and carries out its sublime doctrines in his relations with his fellow men. He is a Presbyterian in his religious faith, and in politics he is a stanch advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party, with which he has always been affiliated. Though never animated with ambition for political preferment he has ever lent his aid in furthering the party cause, and is well fortified in his political convictions, while he is at all times public-spirited to an extent of loyalty.

John B. Conant

This venerable pioneer and representative agriculturist of Kinmundy township, Marion county, Illinois, has lived on the farm which is now his home practically all his life, and thus he has witnessed and taken part in the development of this section of the state from a sylvan wild to its present status as an opulent agricultural and industrial community. He early began to contribute to the work of clearing and improving the land of its primitive forests, later assisted in estab- lishing schools and better public improvements and facilities, while his course has been so directed as to retain for him the unqualified approval and esteem of the community in which he has so long made his home, until today he is regarded as one of the most substantial and influential citizens of the township, deserving of the greatest credit from the fact that he began life unaided and without the tender guidance of parents, being compelled to go it alone from early childhood, but such stern discipline, somewhat unpleasant and regrettable, was not without its value, for it fostered in the lad an independent spirit and gave him that fortitude and courage that has made for subsequent success.

John B. Conant is a native of this county, having been born here February 17, 1839, the son of Airs Conant, who came to Massachusetts from England, there being three brothers of the Conant family on the ship, one of whom settled in Baltimore, another in the North and one, Airs Conant, went to Georgia and joined the United States army for the purpose of taking part in the War of 1812, having fought faithfully throughout the struggle, being wounded in the hand. After the war he returned to Georgia, where he settled, and married Polly Pepper, to which union eleven children were born, John B. Conant being the youngest son. Airs Conant and wife moved to Marion county, Illinois in an early day while the country was still a wilderness. He partly improved seven different farms, selling each and moved to Missouri, pre-empting all the land he had

The father of our subject also taught school in Marion county, having been hired to teach a subscription school four miles from home, the first term lasting three months, the second term being of the same duration; however, he taught only one month on the second term, when he stopped to put out a crop of corn. He worked too hard and drank too much water while overheated, which caused his death in less than a week, leaving a large famaily to struggle with the wilderness and the clearing of a new country. The mother of our subject also passed away one week after her husband's death, leaving John B., then eight years old, to live with his older brother, William, with whom he remained until he was fourteen years old, at which time he chose his own guardian, Mark Cole, who cared for our subject in a manly and fatherly manner and procured a land warrant for him, but the land was afterward sold for the lack of payment of one hundred dollars.

Our subject's early education was limited to the district schools, his first school having been taught by his father, but he is well educated and he has always been a most successful farmer, beginning life with nothing, as before stated, he wisely applied his energy and managed his affairs with that foresight and discrimination that always brings success, and his farm properly consists of seven hundred acres of as fine land as is to be found in this locality. However, it has been divided up and apportioned among his children, there now being ( 1908) one hundred and ninety-three acres in the home place, which are kept in a high state of cultivation and well improved, showing that a man of thrift and excellent executive ability has had the management of it. He lives in a modern, substantial and very comfortable dwelling, surrounded by convenient outbuildings, and everything denotes prosperity about the place.

Our subject was united in marriage to Mary Atkins on April n, 1861, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Atkins, natives of Georgia and Tennessee, respectively, and to this union the following children have been born, named in order of birth : Fannie, who married Isem Lansford and had four children, one of whom is living; Ayers married Maggie Door and has four children, all living; Polly married Noble Neeper and is the mother of eight children, all living ; Margarette married Guy Neeper and has one living child ; EH married Vinda Owens and has six living children; Ida married Mel Gray and has three living children, one having died; Martha married Francis Reese and has one child ; May, Emmet, Hulda and Ruhe are all deceased; Ira is married to Hattie Hoovey and has one child.

Politically Mr. Conant is a Democrat and he has been School Director in his township, also Road Overseer. In religious matters he subscribes to the Cumberland Presbyterian faith, although he was reared a Methodist, to which creed his father adhered.

years old and is well preserved, being in fairly good health. As the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well and the success that crowns his efforts is well merited. He is broad-minded, liberal, progressive, public spirited and is well known and highly respected in the community which has been his home for so many years and where he has done so much faithful work, which has resulted in good not only to himself and family, but also to his neighbors and the community at large.

William Jasper Young

The subject of this biographical review is among the pioneer farmers of luka township, Marion county, where he has long maintained his home, being one of the native sons of the county who have done so much to develop Marion in all her phases until she ranks with the leading counties of the great Prairie state, and now in the golden evening of his life this venerable citizen is enjoying the fruits of a well spent life and the esteem of a wide circle of friends.

William Jasper Young was born in Marion county, Illinois, June 21, 1826, in Centralia township, the son of Edward and Sarah C. (Duncan) Young, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. Edward Young grew up in Virginia, and when he reached maturity he moved to Kentuckv. later came to Indiana and prior to 1826 settled in Marion county, Illinois. He was a plasterer and bricklayer, and he made his home in several different places after coming to Illinois, among them being Alton, St. Louis, Belleville, Centralia and Salem. Later in life he settled on the farm. Edward Young was born June 8, 1803, and died June 9, 1876. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk war. He was, early in life, a Democrat, and he cut down the first Whig pole ever erected in Salem. However, he later became a Republican. These children were bom to Edward Young and wife, as follows: Lysander Franklin, William Jasper, our subject; Julia Ann, deceased; Letta Jane, deceased; James, deceased; Harriet, deceased; Edward, living in Minnesota ; Sarah also lives in Minnesota.

Sarah C. Duncan, mother of the subject, was born July 22, 1808, and died November 9, 1886. She was a woman of many beautiful traits of character.

The subject of this sketch worked on his father's farm from the time he was old enough to work, and he has followed farming all his life. In 1852 he came to his present farm in luka township, Marion county, having bought a part of it from the government or state. At that time the forests abounded in much wild game, such as deer, wolves, wild turkey. He has seen many a herd of deer from his cabin door. He cleared up the land and now has a model farm and modern farm buildings, all well kept, and his home is nicely and comfortably furnished. A glance over his well tilled and well fenced fields is sufficient to show that he is a man of thrift and rare soundness of judgment. He has in all about three hundred acres, but he now rents out the land and is practically retired. He handles some good stock of various varieties.

April 13, 1847, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Sarah J. Songer, who was born in Washington county, Indiana, August 7, 1828, the daughter of Frederick and Jane (Helm) Songer, natives of Virginia, but they came to Washington county, Indiana, when young and married there, and in 1828 came to Clay county, Illinois, where they lived for a time. In 1835 they came to Marion county, settling in Omega township, where they farmed and where they died. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Eleven children have been born to the subject and wife, namely: Amanda Elmira died in childhood; Marcus D. married Sarah Bobbett and they have two children. Franklin and Ada; Mary E. is the wife of George Cox, of Salem, Illinois; Emily Elvina is the wife of William Robinson, a farmer living in luka township, and she is the mother of two children, Ernest Roy and Flo; Eliza Alice, deceased, was the wife of Perry Cox and she left two children. William Jasper and George; Jennie is the wife of Grant Bumgarner, who lives in Texas; Douglas married Irena Buffington and they have two children, Charles and Ruth ; Paul married Martha Criffield ; Fred married Elva Wooden and thev have three children,

Our subject has three great-grandchildren. He and his good wife are now both more than eighty years old and are remarkably bright and active people for their years and considering the long years of hard work they both have done. Their happy, prosperous and harmonious wedded life extends over sixty years of time and they have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. They are among the highly respected and prominent citizens of the county and greatly admired and beloved by everyone who knows them. Our subject is a loyal Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at luka. They have always contributed liberally to church work, also have helped out school work and all kinds of public enterprises. Fraternally Mr. Young has belonged to the Masons since 1863.

Mr. Young was one of the brave and patriotic supporters of the Union who offered his services and his life in its defense during the War of the Rebellion, having enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, August 8, 1862, and served in a most gallant manner until the close of the war. He was mustered in at Salem, Illinois, and mustered out in Washington, District of Columbia, and discharged at Springfield, Illinois. He was in the Second Brigade, . Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, under General John A.

Logan. He first did post duty at Columbus, Ohio, awhile, and then, in 1864, joined Sherman in his campaign about Atlanta, and wasi in the first battle of Resaca and in the last battle of Shiloh. He also fought at Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta; in fact, he was in all the fighting around Atlanta. The last hard fight he was in was at Atlanta, Georgia. He was taken prisoner in front of Atlanta July 22, 1864, and after being transferred to various prisons in the South for a period of seven months, was finally paroled and later exchanged at Wilmington, North Carolina.

Mr. Young has always been a man of industry and he has honestly made what he has, having been a hard worker and a good manager. He has led a life of which no one might be ashamed in any way, for it has been one of sobriety and filled with good deeds.

Judge John S. Stonecipher

No history of Marion county could be consistent with itself were there failure to make specific mention of the honored pioneer family of which the subject of this sketch is a worthy scion, and no better or rnqre significant evidence as to the long identification of the name with the annals of this section of the state can be offered than implied in the simple statement that the record of this interesting and representative family has been one of highest honor for a period of sixty-five years to the time of this writing. The subject has passed his entire life in Marion county, and has ably upheld the high prestige of the honored name which he bears. He is one of the prominent and influential representatives of the legal and industrial world of the county, and it is with much satisfaction that we offer in this work a review of his genealogical and personal history.

Judge John S. Stonecipher, like scores of our best citizens in every line of endeavor, was born on a farm, the old homestead being located about ten miles southeast of Salem, his birth occurring on July 7, 1868. His father was Samuel Stonecipher, a Tennesseean who came to Marion county, Illinois, about 1843, having successfully followed agricultural pursuits and became a man of considerable influence in his community. He here erected a primitive dwelling which was the family domicile for a number of years. The tales of the pioneer days have been often told, and it is needless to here recapitulate the same, for privations, vicissitudes and strenuous labors of the early settlers have been so recorded as to make special mention superfluous, though it is well in such connection to refer to those who lived and labored so earnestly in laying the foundation for the opulent prosperity which marks this favored section of the state at the present time. Samuel Stonecipher was called from his earthly labors in 1898. while living on a farm in Haines township, two and one-half miles east of old Foxville. The mother of our subject was Susan (Ross) Stonecipher, also a native of Tennessee who passed to her rest when Judge Stonecipher was one and one-half years old. Eight children were born to the union of Samuel and Susan Stonecipher, four of whom are living in 1908. These are, besides the subject of this sketch, Alexander, a farmer in Haines township, Marion county; Joseph C, a farmer in southeastern Kansas; M. C., a Presbyterian minister at Troy Grove, Illinois. Samuel Stonecipher, father of the subject, was three times married. His first wife was a Miss Henderson ; the second a Miss Ross, mother of the subject; and the third was Mary Chance, who died three months after her husband's death.

Judge Stonecipher was reared on the parental farm, and after attending the country schools he entered Ewing College in Franklin county, Illinois, where he made a brilliant record for both scholarship and deportment, taking a two years' general course. He then attended the Southern Illinois Normal School for two years, and began teaching school, which he continued for three successful terms, but believing that his true life work lay in another channel he began reading law with Judge John B. Kagy, of Salem. After reading law for one year he attended the Valparaiso University, law department, for one year, in which he made rapid progress. He was admitted to the bar at Salem in 1891 and began practice soon afterward. His success was instanta- neous, and his friends were not mistaken in their prediction that the future held many honors in store for him. He was early in life singled out for political preferment and served as Deputy Sheriff from 1889 to 1890, while reading law. He has ably served two terms as City Attorney of Salem, and was Master in Chancery for four years, from 1896 to 1900, having first been appointed by Judge Burroughs, and later by Judge Dwight. In 1906 our subject had attained such general popularity in the legal world that he was elected Judge of Marion county on the Democratic ticket in which capacity he is still serving in 1908, with entire satisfaction to his constituents and all concerned. He was chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee at the time of his election to the judgeship. He was selected as alternate to the Democratic national convention held in St. Louis in 1904. Having become so well known in the political arena of his native community the judge will doubtless be honored by many other offices of public trust by his party in the future.

Judge Stonecipher has been equally successful in industrial affairs, being something of a wizard in organizing, promoting and carrying to successful issues various lines of business, and it is due to his clear brain, well grounded judgment and indomitable energy that many of Marion county's successful industrial institutions owe their existence. At present he is vice-president of the Salem State Bank, president of the Salem Box Company, the leading manufacturing enterprise of Salem; he is also trustee of the Sandoval Coal and Mining Company, now bankrupt, a large and important trusteeship. He is also a stockholder in the Salem National Bank and a director of the Salem Building and Loan Association. He was chairman of the building committee that built the new Methodist Episcopal church in Salem, one of the finest in Illinois, and it was largely due to his energy and keen business sagacity that this handsome structure, which will ever be a monument to his memory as well as a pride and splendid advertisement to the city of Salem, assumed definite form.

Fraternally Judge Stonecipher is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen. He has occupied the chairs in the Odd Fellows, and his daily life would indicate that he believes in carrying out the noble precepts advocated by these praiseworthy orders.

Judge Stonecipher's domestic life dates from August 17, 1904, when he was happily married to Amy Bachman, the refined and cultured daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Bachman, the latter the well known and influential president of the Salem National Bank. Mrs. Stonecipher received a good education, having applied herself diligently to her educational work and the success of her worthy life companion is due in no small measure to the encouragement and sympathy of this most estimable woman, who presides over her model and harmonious household with grace and dignity.

blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stonecipher with cheer and sunshine. They are: Frank G., born July 8, 1905, and Maude Louise, born July 24, 1907.

Judge Stonecipher has been very successful in both his business and political life. He is regarded as a man of exceptional soundness of judgment, and when his name is connected with any business institution the public knows that the same is sound and does not hesitate to place its funds at his disposal, whether it be in a banking institution or manufacturing enterprise.

J. E. Castle

Those who belong to the respectable middle classes of society, being early taught the necessity of relying upon their own exertions, will be more apt to acquire that information and those business habits which alone can fit them for the discharge of life's duties, and, indeed, it has long been a noticeable fact that our great men in nearly all walks of life in America spring from this class. The subject of this sketch, whose life history we herewith delineate is a worthy representative of the class from which the true noblemen of the Republic spring.

J. E. Castle was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, in 1845, the son of George W. Castle, also a native of the Buckeye state, where he was born in Zanesville in that conspicuous year in American history, 1812. He came to Illinois with his family in 1861, settling at Salem. By profession he was a contractor and builder, but he was in the drug business while in Salem, and was also interested in farming, however, he did some contracting here, and in all made a success, for he was a man of much business ability. While a resident of Ohio he was for some time a Justice of the Peace, having always taken considerable interest in political and public affairs. He was called from his earthly labors in 1872 after an active and useful life.

George Washington Castle was the subject's grandfather, of Irish ancestry. He was loyal to the American government and was a captain of a company in the War of 1812, having met his death while gallantly leading a battalion of volunteers at Fort Erie in 1812, the same year the father of our subject was born, as already indicated. The original Castle family is related to the Newtons, a prominent and influential family of Cincinnati, Ohio. Grandfather Castle's family consisted of three children, two sons and one daughter.

The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Eliza Bing, a native of Gallia county, Ohio, her people being natives of the Buckeye state. She was a woman of many praiseworthy traits, and she was united in marriage with George W. Castle about 1832. She was called to her rest in 1858 while living at Gallipolis, Ohio. Six children constituted the family of this couple; of whom our subject is the only survivor. The names of these children follow in order of their birth : Dr. W. H., who died in St. Louis in 1882; Captain George E., who died in Salem, Illinois, in 1887;

Eva M., who died at Tonti, Marion county, June 30, 1903 ; Dr. Charles E., who died at Great Bend, Kansas, in 1897; John E. died at Gallipolis, Ohio, in 1859, when eight years old; J. E., our subject, was the fourth in order of birth.

J. E. Castle spent his boyhood in Gallipolis, Ohio, where he attended the public schools and received in part a good education, for he was always an ambitious lad and applied himself in a commendable manner to his text-books. He came to Salem, Illinois, in 1 86 1, and in the spring of 1862, immediately after the battle of Shiloh, he enlisted in the Union army, believing that it was the duty of loyal citizens of the Republic to sever home ties and do what they could in saving the nation's integrity. He was in the Fifteenth Army Corps under John A. Logan, with General James Stewart Martin in Company H, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, having been sergeant of the company of which his brother, George E. Castle, was captain. He served with distinction in this regiment, the operations of which is given in detail in the sketch of General Martin in this work, until the close of the war, and he passed in the grand review in Washington City before the President and all the generals of the army. He brought home a Confederate flag.

On June 27, 1864, the subject was in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain when the whole of Sherman's army charged the forces of General Johnson entrenched on the mountain.

He took part in two months of continuous fighting about Atlanta, July 22 and 28, 1864, being memorable dates in that city's history. On the first mentioned date, General McPherson was killed and on this date, General James S. Martin, of Salem, was made a brigadier general. On July 28th was fought a desperate battle lasting all day, on which day General Martin's line received seven terrific charges and never moved a foot. On August 3d another hard battle was fought in the siege of Atlanta, when Sherman's army escaped from Hood.

On August 3 ist the subject was in the capture of Atlanta, after which he went with Sherman on his march to the sea. On December 1 4th, following the battle at Fort McAllister was fought and captured by Hazen's division, which meant virtually the capture of Savannah, as Johnson then evacuated this place. The army then went on to Hitton Head, South Carolina, and then Columbia, Couth Carolina, was captured. At Fort McAllister our subject and his brother captured a Confederate flag and many other relics which they brought home.

After his career in the army Mr. Castle returned to Salem and took a course in the high school, after which he went to Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, taking a three years' course in the sciences and making a brilliant record in the same. Upon his return to Salem he went into the hardware business in which he remained until 1878, building up an excellent trade in the meantime. He then traveled for ten years for the Champion Harvesting Machine

Company, giving entire satisfaction to this company, the patronage of which he caused to be greatly increased. Then, much to the regret of his employers, he severed his connection with the Champion people and engaged with his brother, Captain George E. Castle, in the cattle business in Southwest Kansas, which enterprise was continued with the most gratifying results up to the time of the latter's death. Since then our subject has been farming. He has an excellent farm property which is kept in a high state of improvement, and which yields a comfortable income from year to year through the skillful management of the subject. On this farm is to be found an excellent orchard of thirty acres, Mr. Castle having been an enthusiastic horticulturist for several years. He has a substantial dwelling house and many convenient out buildings on his farm which he oversees, but does not live on.

The domestic life of Mr. Castle dates from 1897 when he was united in marriage with Arabella Whittaker, the refined and affable daughter of R. H. Whittaker. The parents of Mrs. Castle were both born in Ireland. They came to Salem, Illinois, in 1852, the father of our subject's wife having' been one of the civil engineers that surveyed the route for the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railroad, at that time known as the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. R. H. Whittaker passed away in June, 1889, at Salem, his life companion having preceded him to the silent land in 1881.

Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Whittaker. She is a highly accomplished woman, well educated and talented. She is an able and noted teacher of both music and painting, being the only art teacher in Salem. She is regarded by every one who has seen her work as being a finished and accomplished artist and she has a beautiful studio in connection with her home. She reveres the memory of her parents and likes to tell of the happy days when R. H. Whittaker was station agent for the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern road at Salem, which position he held for several years. He was also fuel agent for many years and had a wide acquaintance among railroad men. He quit railroad business several years before he died, and engaged in the lumber business in Salem, which he was engaged in at the time of his death.

Mr. Castle is a member of the ancient and honorable order of Masons, also the Knights Templar and the Grand Army of the Republic. And Mr. and Mrs. Castle are both ardent members of the Episcopal church. Our subject was a member of the building committee that erected the handsome new edifice in Salem, and he takes a special interest in all the affairs of this church.

In the modern, substantial and beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Castle which stands on Whittaker street in Salem, is to be found many curios and relics, especially of the Civil war. The beautiful art treasures of Mrs. Castle are numerous, the walls being hung with many excellent pictures, the han-

Brinkerhoff'S History Of Marion Counts, Illinois William L. Drapar

Mr. Drapar has for many years been an honored resident of Marion county, whose interests he has ever had at heart, and who has, while advancing' his own welfare done much toward promulgating the civic, industrial and moral tone of the vicinity. His career has been one of hard work and integrity, consequently he is deserving of the respect in, which he is held by everyone.

\yilliam L. Drapar was bom in Fayette county, Illinois, October 29, 1850, the son of John B. Drapar, a native of Tennessee, who came to Illinois when a mere lad, in the days when the inhabitants wore buckskin breeches and when the forests abounded in wild game and the hills and prairies were overrun by the red men. Grandfather Drapar was also a native of Tennessee, who brought his son. father of our subject, to this state, settling in Fayette county. Grandfather was a well known lawyer in his day and served as Judge of Lafayette county. Vandalia, the county seat, was then the state capital. Judge Drapar, like most pioneer men, was the father of a large family, he and his faithful life companion becoming the parents of fifteen children, three pairs of twins. He was a Jeffersonian Democrat and a soldier in the Mexican war. He subsequently moved to Salem where he was called from his earthly labors at the age of fifty-six years, and he was buried at Xenia, Clay county.

John B. Drapar moved to Salem in 1856. He was1 a blacksmith of extraordinary skill, and for some time drove a stage-coach on the old Vandalia line. He enlisted in the Union army during the Civil war, but never saw service. He died about 1896.

The mother of the subject of this sketch was known in her maidenhood as Jeanette Abel, who was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the representative of a Southern family of honorable repute. The date of her birth occurred February 16, 1828, and she was summoned to join the "choir invisible" in 1904, while living at the home of our subject in Salem and she is buried in the cemetery here. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John B. Drapar: Margaret, widow of Elisha Ledgerwood, who is living in the state of Washington ; William L., our subject ; Edwin, who died when four years old ; an infant girl, deceased.

William L. Drapar, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Salem where he received the customary common school education. At an early age he assisted his father in a blacksmith shop. When twentyone he was thrown on his own- resources, but l>eing a youth of indomitable energy and courage, he went to work with a will and has prospered all his subsequent life. He went into the milling business in 1872 at Salem and has been thus engaged since that time, becoming known as one of the leading milling men in this part of the state, having been eminently successful in this enterprise from the first. He worked for E. Hull, father of Senator C. E. Hull, for eighteen years. Since January, 1890, he has been associated with Senator Hull in business, operating the Salem Brick Mill, the style of the firm being Hull & Drapar. The present building which this firm occupies was erected in 1860, but has since been remodeled into a modem and substantial building. They do a general milling business and their products are known not only throughout Marion county where they have a very extensive trade, but all over this part of the state and to remote sections of this and other states.

Mr. Drapar was united in marriage first in 1872 with Sarah J. Fair, whose parents died when she was two years old and she was reared by a family named Castle who came to Salem from Ohio at the close of the war. She was a woman of many commendable traits of character, and to this union the following interesting family was born: Ira and Louie, twins, born July u, 1874. The first named is living in Holdenville, Oklahoma, where he is Assistant Cashier of the Second National Bank. He is also City Recorder of Holdenville. He is a graduate of the Salem high school in which he made a splendid record, and he is also a graduate of the Flora Business College. For three years he was manager of a large lumber company in Oklahoma in which state he is very popular. Louie lives in Chicago where he has a responsible position with the Santa Fe Railroad Company, which regards him as one of their most faithful and trusted employes. Leslie, the third child, was born July 28, 1878. He is also a graduate of the Salem high school. He is now living in New Mexico in the employ of the Harvey Dining Service Company. He has been a dining car conductor for years. He had the distinction of serving for one year as superintendent of the dining service at Yale University. He is an expert at this line of business and has gained wide notoriety among the people of this business. George, the fourth child, was born November 12, 1882. He holds the responsible position as cashier and bookkeeper of the Sherman House in Chicago. Babel, the winsome and accomplished daughter of the subject and wife, was born March 5, 1890, and she is yet a member of the family circle, keeping house for her father.

Mrs. Drapar passed to her eternal rest on August 15. 1894, after a useful and beautiful life. Mr. Drapar was again married on June 14, 1899, to Isabel Bell, daughter of Philo Bell, of Sumner. Illinois. Mr. Bell was a stage driver on the old Vincennes & St. Louis line before the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was built. This wife died without issue May 3, 1907, of a paralytic stroke. She was a woman of strong character and had many faithful friends.

creditable manner. He was school director for five years, during which time the local schools felt a great impetus. He was tax collector for one year, refusing to serve longer, much to the regret of every one concerned.

Fraternally, Mr. Drapar has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1874, occupying all the chairs, both Subordinate and Encampment. He has attended the Grand Lodges regularly for twenty-two years. He met with the Sovereign Grand Lodge at St. Louis several years ago. Mr. Drapar has been a member of the Presbyterian church since a boy. He belongs to that class of citizens who by their support of the moral, political and social status for the general good, promote the real welfare of their respective communities.

Hiram Orr

Now that the summertime of life has ended and the autumn winds of old age have come, the subject of this review can look backward over a career that has been well spent, resulting in good to those whom it touched and has brought comfort to himself.

Hiram Orr was bom in Licking county. Ohio, December 16, 1828, the son of Zachariah and Mary (Dusthimer) Orr, early settlers of the Buckeye state, where it is supposed they were bom. Zachariah was a farmer, a Democrat, and a member of the

Baptist church. He passed away in Licking county, Ohio, in 1891, his wife having died there at an earlier date. Six children were born to them, namely: Robert, living in Licking county, Ohio; Hiram, our subject; Sarah, deceased; John, who is living in Kansas, a retired farmer; Cyrus, deceased; Eliza, also deceased. Zachariah was married a second time. When he died he had accumulated quite a competency, having been a very successful farmer.

Our subject remained at his parental home, assisting with the work about the place and attending the old pioneer schools in cabins with puncheon floors and seats and windows where greased paper was used for panes, until he was twenty-one years old. He has since added very much to the rudiments of education he gained there by systematic home reading and study, and close observation. When of age Mr. Orr decided to devote his life work to farming and consequently bought a farm in his native county, having managed it in a most successful manner until October i, 1868, when he moved to Marion county, Illinois, believing that still greater advantages existed here on the less crowded western prairies than in the East and where land was much cheaper, having sold his Ohio farm at good figures.

Mr. Orr purchased two hundred and seventy-four acres of land in Stevenson township on which he continuously lived, bringing it up to a high state of improvement, in fact, making it one of the "show" farms of this locality, the fields being well fenced and well drained and kept in first class productive condition through the careful rotation of crops and the application of home fertilizers, and on this place may always be found large numbers of all kinds of live stock of the best grade, Mr. Orr having ever taken a great interest in stock of various kinds. A modern, substantial and nicely furnished residence is owned by Mr. Orr and good bams and outbuildings in general are found about the place. Mr. Orr at present rents most of his land, but still oversees it, keeping it up to the high standard of former years.

In 1849 our subject was united in marriage with Mary Basom, who was born in Perry county, Ohio, about 1830, the daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth Emery, natives of New England. Three children were born to this union, namely: Frances, who is the wife of Peter M. Mechling, a farmer living in Perry county, Ohio. They are the parents of four children, namely: Hiram Orvil, Bertha, Frank and Fred, the last two twins; Martha, the second child of our subject, is the wife of Marion Tolliver Stevenson, who is living in Alma township, Marion county, this state, and are the parents of these children, Edgar, Mabel, Orin, Roy, Edna, Claud and Lloyd. Edith, the subject's third child, is the wife of John P. Brubaker, who is also living in Alma township, being the mother of two children, Hazel and Ada.

Mr. Orr is a staunch Democrat in his political affiliation, although he has never taken a very active part in public affairs. He ably filled the position of School Director and his support is always to be depended upon in any issue having for its object the betterment of the community in any way. The subject and wife are kind, hospitable and good natured, making all who enter their home feel like they were among friends.

James B. Pigg

Among the early representative farmers and stock growers of Stevenson township, Marion county, is the subject of this review, who is the owner of a highly productive farm and who is carrying on his business with that discretion and energy which always make for definite success. He has been a hard worker and has gained a substantial foothold in life not because of help or influence of others but because he has worked for it in a most diligent manner, having overcome many obstacles that lie in his life path that would have discouraged the less courageous.

James B. Pigg was born in Lincoln county, Tennessee, in February, 1835, the son of James and Eliza (Brent) Pigg, who were both natives of Virginia, however, they lived the major portion of their lives in Tennessee where they both died.

education in the public schools, however, he has since become a well informed man being well read on current topics. In 1860 he came to Illinois, not caring to take part in the forthcoming conflict between the states and desiring to avoid it, consequently he came north, away from the scene of active hostilities. He first settled in Stevenson township, and liking the locality so well he decided to remain here, buying the farm which he still owns.

His farm consists of forty acres of good land which he has kept very productive and well improved. It is well fenced and otherwise presents the appearance of a well managed place in every particular. He has a good house, barn and out buildings and enjoys a comfortable living, the place producing excellent returns for the labor expended on it.

During the latter fifties our subject was united in marriage with Martha J. Morton, who is now deceased. Twelve children were born to this union, namely : Eliza J., Margaret, Robert, William, Henderson, who is now superintendent of the Marion county poor farm. He is single, a Democrat and a prominent young man, bearing an excellent reputation, as, indeed, does the rest of the family. Elizabeth is the sixth child of the subject. Thomas, Joseph, Nettie, John, the other children dying in infancy.

situated in reference to this world's affairs and all give promise of happy and successful futures. They have received fairly good common school educations in their native community.

Mr. Pigg is a loyal Democrat and he has always been interested in his party's affairs, giving his time and influence to promote the welfare of his community in political, educational and moral affairs. He has served very acceptably as school director of his district. Our subject was at one time a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but now affiliates with no lodge.

Nathaniel G. Huff

The subject of this sketch has long been identified with the progress and advancement of this favored section of the great Prairie state, where he has maintained his home for more, than the Psalmist's allotted three score years, having been born within her borders, having spent his long, active and useful life here and where he has attained gratifying success in connection with the development of its resources, being one of the representative farmers and stock growers in Stevenson township and having one of the most productive landed estates in this part of the county.