Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 11 of 27)

Nathaniel G. Huff was born in Stevenson township, this county, February 6, 1841, the son of William H., Sr., and Mary A. (Crane) Huff, the former a native of Vir- ginia and the latter of Kentucky. The subject's grandfather was Samuel Huff, also a native of Virginia who later removed to Tennessee and finally came to Marion county, Illinois, settling among the pioneers on government land on what is now Raccoon township. He later moved to Haines township, where he cleared land and made a comfortable home, spending the rest of his days there. Leonard Huff was the great-grandfather of the subject. He was born in Germany and came to America in a very early day, settling in Pennsylvania where he spent his life and where he died. Mary A. Crane, our subject's mother, was the daughter of William Crane, who was a native of Virginia, having lived and died in Kentucky. William Huff, father of oufl subject, was raised in Tennessee and spent several years in Mississippi and Alabama. About April 22, 1840, he came to Marion county, Illinois, where he married and where he purchased four hundred acres of wild land in what is now Stevenson township, spending the remainder of his useful and very busy life here, dying March 10, 1863. His widow, a much beloved old lady of fine Christian character, is still living. William Huff was regarded as a successful farmer. He joined the Christian church sometime prior to his death. He was twice married, his first wife having been Nancy Dukes, whom he married in Mississippi. She died leaving one child, William H., Jr. He married Mary Crane April 22, 1840. Eleven children were born to this union, namely: Nathaniel G., our subject; Benjamin F., deceased; Andrew J., deceased; James K. and George M. Dallis, twins, are both living; Joshua is living in this state at Jacksonville; Marj J. is the wife of William Brasel; Henderson P. lives in Stevenson township; Harriet C. is the wife of William Porter Gaston ; Virginia is the wife of John B. Brasel ; Steven A. is deceased.

The subject of this sketch spent his youth on his father's farm, having remained under the parental roof-tree until he reached manhood. He was educated in the old subscription schools and having applied himself in a diligent manner received a fairly good education. His father gave him a piece of land in this township which he at once set about improving, but which he sold in 1868 and bought his present fine farm of one hundred and seventy-eight acres, which lies in section 30, Stevenson township, and section 25, Salem township. It was almost all in the woods when he took possession of it, but he has been a hard worker and has improved the place up to its present high state of efficiency, having been enabled from year to year to reap bounteous harvests from the same through his skillful manipulation of crops. He did most of the work in connection with his place himself, and also on his buildings, having an excellent and well furnished house and a good barn. Every thing about the place shows thrift and prosperity and his farm is regarded as one of the most desirable in Stevenson township.

namely: Thomas, who lives in Stevenson township, married Orela Cutchin; Viola is living at Jacksonville, Illinois ; William married Frankie Evans and resides in Salem township; Seymour, who is living in .Salem township, married Elizabeth Guth ; Mary A. is deceased; Laura is single and resides in Jacksonville; Osceola, who is living in Flora, this state, married Maggie Babb ; Augustus L. married May Stone and lives in Eureka, Illinois, being a minister of the Christian church.

The subject's second marriage was solemnized November 8, 1885, to Martha E. Mercer, a native of Marion county and the daughter of Silas and Rebecca Mercer, early settlers in Marion county. The subject has sixteen grandchildren and five children dead. He has two great-grandchildren. The subject and wife are members of the Christian church at old Mt. Maria, the first church organized in Marion county. The subject is a Jeffersonian Democrat, but is not a Bryan Democrat, believing that the old school democracy is preferable to the new. He filled the office of Justice of the Peace in a most able manner for a period of eighteen years.

Mr. Huff has in his possession an old squirrel rifle over one hundred years old which belonged to his father. It has killed over one hundred deer and bear. He also has the old powder-horn and shot pouch which his father carried. Mr. Huff has a note made in payment for a clock which was given him by his father-in-law. He also still has the clock. He has among other

William Gillham Wilson

The subject of this sketch occupies today a prominent position in the professional world of Marion and adjoining counties and he deserves all the more credit for this from the fact that he started out in life practically empty handed, therefore has been the architect of his own fortunes, relying almost solely upon his own resources for the start which he had and for the success which he has achieved. In an analyzation of his character we find many elements worthy of com - mendation and emulation. He did not seek for fortune's favors, but set out to win them by honest work, and the success which ever crowns earnest, honest toil is today his, and he easily stands in the front rank of attorneys in this locality, which has long been noted for its high legal talent, and while yet a young man, vigorous and in the zenith of his mental and physical powers, he is rapidly winning his way to a position of much credit and significance in the great commonwealth which he can claim as his native land , and while winning his way gradually up the steeps to individual success he has not neglected his duties to his fellow citizens, but has benefited very materially the community is which he lives in many ways, thereby winning and retaining the well merited esteem of all classes.

William G. Wilson was born in Madison county, Illinois, in 1872, the son of John C. and Elizabeth (Gillham) Wilson. The Wilson family has long been prominent and influential in that part of the state. Grandfather John Wilson was born in Pennsylvania, but came to Pike county, Ohio, settling on a farm, later coming to Marion county, Illinois, in 1846, taking up one thousand and eight hundred acres of land on the prairie, which he developed until it became very valuable, still holding it at the time of his death, which occurred when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-nine. Both Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The latter is supposed to have come from Kentucky. They were the parents of a large family. Mr. Wilson was Justice of the Peace for some time.

John C. Wilson, father of the subject, was born in Pike county, Ohio, and there received his early education in a log schoolhouse of pioneer days. Leaving the Buckeye state he came to Illinois, settling in Marion county in 1852, entering land from the government. He had about seven hundred acres of good prairie land, which he developed into a valuable farm and which is now known as the John C. Wilson farm. Here our subject's father lived until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a man of many sterling traits of character and bore an excellent reputation. Both he and his faithful life companion were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Grandfather Gillham came from the Atlantic coast country and settled in Madison county, Illinois, during the earliest epoch of the pioneer days, before the state was admitted to the Union, and when wild beasts and red men roamed the hills and prairies. He remained there until his death. In that locality the subject's mother was reared and was married there in the early sixties. She came to Marion county. The father was twice married, the name of his first wife being Hults. Eight children were born to this union. She passed to her rest in the fifties. The subject's mother was John C. Wilson's second wife, who bore him seven children, four of whom lived to maturity. The mother is living in 1908, at the age of seventy-four years. She is a woman of many fine personal traits and beautiful Christian character.

William G. Wilson, our subject, first attended the district schools in Marion county, working on his father's farm in the meantime. Being ambitious and a diligent student, he received a good common school education. Leaving the public schools when nineteen years old he entered Austin College at Effingham, Illinois, where he made a brilliant record for scholarship, standing high in his class.

After leaving school he taught school for five years, devoting five years also to teaching in Champaign county, this state, where he became widely known as an able instructor and where his services were in great demand. But, believing that his true life work lay along other channels, he began the study of law with Schaefer £ Rhodes, of Champaign, under whose instruction he made rapid progress. He was then admitted to practice at Alt. Vernon, Illinois. Mr. Wilson then began practice at Kinmundy, being remarkably successful from the first, and it was plain to be seen that an attorney of unusual sagacity and innate ability had risen to command the attention of that part of the state. He has remained in practice at this place since that time with the most gratifying results, having frequently been called to other localities on important cases. He is cool and calculating, never erring in his legal proceedings, whether handling a civil or criminal suit, and he stands high in the estimation not only of the public but the legal profession throughout this part of Illinois.

Mr. Wilson was happily married April 7, 1896, to Mollie Poole, a native of this county and the representative of a prominent and influential family, being the daughter of Abraham and Martha (Malone) Poole. Mr. Poole was born and reared in Marion county. He was a soldier in the Civil war, being a member of the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, receiving an honorable discharge after serving for three years.

Four bright and interesting children have been born to our subject and wife as follows: Basil, born August 7, 1897, who is attending the public schools in 1908; Russell was born October 22, 1899; Ruth was born June 14, 1904: Byron first saw the light January n, 1906.

rare grace and dignity by Mrs. Wilson, a woman of many commendable attributes, who delights in giving her children every care and attention.

Fraternally our subject is affiliated with the Masonic Order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed through the chairs of the latter lodge. In politics he is a loyal Republican, and he at one time performed the duties of Police Magistrate, with much credit to himself and with much satisfaction to all concerned. He was also Tax Collector.

Mr. Wilson belongs to the class of citizens whose lives do not show any meteoric effects, but who by their support of the moral, political and social status for the general good, promote the real welfare of their respective communities and are therefore deserving of honorable mention on the pages of history.

Hazel G. Gaines

Hazel G. Gaines was born in Tennessee, January 12, 1830, the son of Henry and Mariah (Bigers) Gaines, natives of Tennessee, who came to Illinois, locating in Marion county in 1852, where he purchased new land and made a home and where he died. The subject's mother was a member of the Christian church. In their family were eight children, all now deceased with the exception of the subject of this sketch, one brother and two sisters, namely : Henrietta, Anna and Zachariah.

education in Tennessee and Illinois. He rented land at home and began farming early in life, having been a young man when he came to Marion county. He was soon practically the head of the family, his father having passed away soon after establishing himself in the new country, and the subject's mother did not long survive him; but our subject early evinced those sterling qualities of heart and head that always make for success, and he did well whatever duty fell to his lot, never complaining at the obstacles and hardships.

In 1859 Mr. Gaines was united in marriage to Chamila Tracy, the representative of an excellent family. After a harmonious married life of over forty years she passed to her rest in the nineties, after having become the mother of four children, named in order of birth as follows : Henry, John, Alice and Mary, all deceased.

Our subject owned the homestead, having purchased it himself, and he still owns it. having at present a splendid farm of over one hundred acres, which he has improved until it is in fine productive condition. The fields are well fenced and well drained, and a comfortable dwelling, surrounded by convenient outbuildings are to be found on the place. The subject handles some good stock from time to time, preparing them for the market, feeding much of his corn on the place and carrying on a general farming business. He delights to tell of the development he has noted in this community since his family made the trip from Tennessee here, coming overland by wagon to a country new and open. He still lives on the old place, keeping someone there to look after the household and other affairs.

Mr. Gaines has done much for the public and the general development of the community, ever being ready to aid in any way he could all causes looking to the county's development whether in a material, civic, educational or moral way. Although he has always been a loyal Democrat, he has never aspired to offices of trust and emolument at the hands of the public, and now he is spending the evening of his life in quiet and plenty, having, by habits of economy and industry laid up an ample competency for his old age. His family have all gone to the other shore and left him alone, but not necessarily lonely, for he can look forward to a time of reuniting beyond the grave and he can look backward on a life well and honorably spent, in which there was no evil or wanton wickedness, a life of much hard work, but not by any means devoid of comfort and pleasure.

Daniel S. Holstlaw

It is with a degree of satisfaction that the biographer has an opportunity at this juncture to write the following biographical memoir of the well remembered citizen, whose name appears above, now deceased, who was for many years prominent in the affairs of Marion county, for the readers of this book will doubtless gain inspiration from perusing these paragraphs to lead more industrious, kindlier and worthier lives, seeing what the life of the subject accomplished not only individually but generically, affecting the whole community in an uplifting manner. He came to this section of the state in pioneer times and he assisted in bringing about the transformation of the county in the wild condition in which it was found at the time of his arrival to its later-day progress and improvement.

Daniel S. Holstlaw was born in Barren county, Kentucky, November 15, 1813, the son of Richard and Mary (Smith) Hoistlaw, the former a native of Virginia, who came in an early day to Indiana, settling in Orange county and later came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1830. Richard Holtslaw took up government land and set about making a farm of his holdings with very flattering prospects ahead of him, but his life was brought to a close August 18, 1834, at the age of forty-six years. Mary, his wife, continued to live on the farm where she reared the children and made a comfortable living, being a woman of many sterling traits and of indomitable courage. Their children were eight in number, seven of whom grew to maturity and named in order of birth as follows : Henry E., Daniel S., our subject; Lucinda, John Andrew, Elizabeth Ann, Malinda H., and Richard V. All of these children have now joined their parents in the eternal sleep of the just.

what is now known as Stevenson township, where he spent the remainder of his long, busy and useful life, having been called to his reward by the Shepherd who giveth his beloved sleep, on December 2, 1905, conscious of the fact that his life had not been lived in vain ; that he had fought a good fight and kept the faith, as did the great Apostle, Saint Paul, in the days of our Saviour, and that there was laid up for him a reward in the Father's house which was not made with hands. -

Mr. Holstlaw upon coming to this county bought a claim, having that rare foresight and sagacity that penetrated into the future years, bringing them within his horoscope, and which enabled him to see the great possibilities that lie ahead. This first purchase was added to from time to time until he owned a large tract of land, which, under his able management was developed into one of the best, most productive and most highly improved farms in 'this locality. He was a hard worker, and, believing that it was his duty as well as his privilege to eat his bread by the sweat of his brow, never ignored any task that he found awaiting disposition at his hands. He split the rails that fenced his land and also put up a log house, and, infact, did the usual work of the pioneer. But having prospered by reason of his indomitable energy and good management he was soon enabled to erect a more substantial nine room house, which was comfortable, cozy and well arranged, and in which the family now resides.

the Methodist Episcopal church and a liberal supporter of the same ; he and his worthy life companion both having- professed religion the same night at a camp meeting held on Tennessee Prairie. In 1862, when the local Methodist church with which they were affiliated was divided upon the question which precipitated the Civil war this intensely religious couple united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church in which the subject remained an active and faithful member until his death.

Our subject was a staunch Democrat and took considerable interest in political affairs, having had the interest of his community at heart and lending his support at all times to whatever proposition that presented itself looking to the betterment of the community whether in a political, educational, religious or moral sense. He was school director at one time and materially aided the local public school through his advice, counsel and influence.

Mr. Holstlaw was united in marriage with Ruth W. Middleton on June 9, 1836. She was a native of what later became Campbell county, Tennessee, and the representative of an influential old family, the date of her birth falling on January 23, 1819, the daughter of William and Sarah J. (Harris) Middleton, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of South Carolina. After their marriage they moved to Tennessee and in 1831 came to Marion county. Illinois, locating three miles east of Itika, in what is now luka township. They were sterling pioneers and made a most comfortable living in the new country where they became known as honest, hard-working- people. Their family consisted of fourteen children, named in order of birth, as follows: Thomas L., Lydia P., Harvey, William H., Elizabeth, John B., Joel, Martha, Jane, Sarah, James A., Josephus W., Ruth W., the wife of our subject; Lucy and Dicy E.

Mr. Middleton was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal. church, having become well known as an able expounder of the Gospel and doing a vast amount of good in his work here. His wife was also a faithful worker in this church.

To our subject and wife eleven children were born, six sons and five daughters, named in order of birth as follows : Richard J., who was first married to Mary A. Jagger, and later to Rachel Berry; John H., who married Lucy Downing ; Thomas, who married Aleatha E. Kite; Hattie, who is living at home; Mary is also a member of the home circle at this writing, 1908; Sarah became the wife of Omer Squibb; Daniel W., married Clara Stevenson; Joel W., married Lucretia Stevenson; Ruth Emma is the wife of Daniel Crayton Stevenson; Marion C. married Lelian Brubaker; Martha A. is single and living at home: the last two children named are twins.

The widow of our subject, a gracious old lady of beautiful Christian character and praiseworthy attributes, is living 011 the old homestead, being idolized by her children, and much admired and loved bv a host of friends. Many are the homes in the surrounding country where she has nursed the sick and brought sunshine and happiness. She takes a great interest in the lives of her children, her eighteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. On the old home place, which is still well kept and in an excellent productive state, live three of the daughters with their beloved mother, the family being well known in Stevenson township and highly respected by all. In this home are to be found many old and interesting relics of the pioneer days, such as spinning wheels and machines for spinning flax, and many similar things.

Milton Cutchin

The memory of the worthy subject of this memorial biography is revered by a host of friends and acquaintances among whom he labored and who had occasion to know of his personal excellencies of character, having spent his energies through a long life of endeavor not alone for his own aggrandizement, but for the good of those with whom he came in contact as well, often striving to make people better and happier even at the neglect of his own comforts and well-being. Such a life as that of our subject is not met with every day, and it is therefore eminently worthy of emulation, having been singularly free from all that is deteriorating or paltry.

Jane (Drenen) Cutchin, the former a native of Tennessee, who came to Marion county, Illinois, about 1832, being among the pioneers of that period who have done so much for subsequent civilization. His mother died in Tennessee before her husband, Lemuel R. Cutchin, started for Illinois.

The subject's father took up government land in Marion county which he developed into a good farm, making a comfortable living on the same. He was a member of the Christian church, and a Democrat in his political belief. He was the father of three children by his first wife, namely : Milton, our subject ; Leander, Susan, all three now deceased. The second wife of Lemuel R. Cutchin was Mary Waldron, by whom the following children were born : William, Jackson, Martin, Mary and Ann.

Milton Cutchin, subject of this sketch, was only four years of age when the family came to Marion county, Illinois. The trip from Tennessee was made in wagons and there was much difficulty in fording the unbridged streams and passing through the woods and along the poorly constructed roads. Our subject was reared on a farm where he did his share of the work, in the meantime attending the district schools, such as those early times afforded, but he applied himself in a diligent manner and received a fairly good education. He devoted his life work to farming at which he was reasonably successful, making a good living for his family and leaving a valuable farm as an estate.

In 1849 Milton Cutchin was married to Ruth M. Jones, who was born in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1832, the daughter of Jeremiah S. and Savilla (Marshall) Jones, the father having been born in North Carolina, and the mother in Kentucky. They were among the early settlers of Greene county, Indiana, who came on to Marion county, Illinois, in 1840, and here the parents of the subject's wife spent the remainder of their lives, rearing seven children, whose names are herewith appended : John, Susan, David. Elizabeth. Ruth. Sarah and Hubbard. The Jones family belong to the Methodist church.

Thirteen children were born to the subject and wife, six of whom died in infancy. Those who survived are William, Emmett, Florida, Florence, Orella, Frank and Fred. They received fairly good common school educations and are well started on the highway of success and happiness, following as nearly as they can the worthy example of the father, who was scrupulously honest, a man of integrity, industry and kindness in all his dealings with his fellow men, thereby winning their loyal friendship.

The widow of Milton Cutchin resides on the old home farm which consists of eighty acres of valuable and well tilled land, located in Stevenson township. The house, barn and other buildings on the place are kept in good condition and are convenient and comfortable. Our subject was a faithful member of the Christian church, of which denomination Mrs. Cutchin is also a member, being a good Christian woman and

Mr. Cutchin was one of the loyal defenders of the Union during the Mexican war, having been a gallant soldier and never flinched from his duties on the battlefield, having made a splendid record.

Jacob Brubaker

It is not the intention of the biographer to give in this connection a detailed history of the subject's life, but rather to note incidentally his connection with the various enterprises with which his name has been linked and to show the marked influence he wielded in advancing the interests of Stevenson township, Marion county.

Jacob Brubaker was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1825, the son of Abraham Brubaker, a native of the Buckeye state as was also his wife who was known in her maidenhood as Elizabeth Myers. They came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1842 and took up government land and remained here the balance of their lives. Abraham was a man of influence in his community. He passed away March 10. 1854, and his faithful life companion joined him February 3, 1867. The number of children born to them was six.

years of age and received his education in the pioneer schools where the advantages were very limited and the terms lasted only a few months out of each year, but he applied himself as best he could and laid the foundation for a good mental development which he later received by home reading and personal observation.

Mr. Brubaker was united in marriage to Jane Davis, who was born in Virginia. She was taken to Pennsylvania when two years of age and reared there, later coming to Illinois when she had reached maturity, remaining in this state until her earthly labors closed in 1895. She was a good woman, kind and gentle of disposition, and in her religious affiliations was a member of the Presbyterian church. Ten children were born to Jacob and Jane Brubaker, named in order of their birth as follows: Clifford, who lives in Stevenson township on a farm ; Lillie is the wife of M. C. Hoistlaw, a farmer of Stevenson township; Ella is single; John is a farmer living in Alma township, this county; Walter, who was born February 7, 1864, lives on a farm in Stevenson township. He was reared on a farm and in 1887 went to Colorado, but returned to this county and married Laura Rodgers, a native of Marion county. He has one hundred and forty acres of good land and he is regarded as an excellent farmer and neighbor. He is the father of one child, Blanche. Frank is the name of the sixth child of our subject, who is living on a farm in Stevenson township; Anna is the wife of Charles Craig, a farmer on

Jacob Brubaker, after an eminently useful and active life, passed to his rest on June 30, 1908, lamented by a host of friends who regarded him as one of the leading men of the community and who will greatly miss him. In politics he was a Democrat and he served as school director of Stevenson township. He was known as a loyal citizen and a good man.

Noah Brubaker

We now take under review one of the sterling citizens of Stevenson township, Marion county, where he has resided for over a half a century and where his life has been spent in such a manner as to gain him an ample competence. Mr. Brubaker is one of the successful farmers in this community, where he owns an attractive farm, having so conducted his business affairs as to bring success to himself, comfort to his family and good to the community.

Noah Brubaker was born in Fairneld county, Ohio, June 26, 1824, the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Myers) Brubaker, the latter a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, the former a native of Rockingham county, Virginia. They both went to Ohio early in life, were married there and in 1842 came to .Marion county, Illinois, and took up government land, about seven eighties in all, and at once set about transforming a part of this land into a home. Useless to say that it gradually grew to be very valuable property. He was able to give all his children a farm and a good home. He passed away in 1854, his widow having survived him until 1867. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Abraham was a stanch Democrat and a well known and influential man in his community. In his family were the following six children : Eli, deceased ; Lydia, deceased; Noah, our subject; Jacob, deceased; Susan, deceased ; Amy, deceased ; our subject being the only one of the six children now alive.

The subject of this sketch was eighteen years old when the family came to Illinois, and he well remembers making the trip in wagons, having camped out a part of the way, having difficulty in crossing some of the streams and passing some of the roads. They erected a log house after locating here and began life as the pioneers who had preceded them to other parts of this locality.

Noah Brubaker was educated in the pioneer schools of that time, which he attended in Ohio and received what education he could under the primitive conditions. After coming to Illinois he helped clear up the land upon which the family settled, having done a great deal of hard work. He has spent his entire life on the farm and has therefore mastered the modern methods of agriculture. He has been thrifty and always worked hard, consequently he accumulated enough to purchase the excellent farm where lie new resides, which consists of three hundred and ten acres. It is under a high state of cultivation and has been highly improved in every respect, the crops having been so rotated as to preserve the original strength of the soil and as a result great harvests are reaped from the fields year after year with no appreciable weakening of the soil.

He has a good residence, barns and out buildings, a fine orchard and keeps good stock of various kinds which form no small part of his yearly income.

Our subject's married life dates from 1848, when he was united in the bonds of wedlock with Catherine Hite, who was born in 1829, in Fairfield county, Ohio, the daughter of Andrew and Catherine Hite. Thirteen children have been born to the subject and wife, three of whom died unnamed. The others are: Oliver, a farmer living in Kansas, who married Millie Burris; Alice, who has been twice married, first to Alfred Brainard and second to H. A. Whitney, and she is living at Carbondale, Illinois; Lee married Malinda Vangelder, living in Stevenson township; Leslie, a farmer living in Florida, married Helen Boyton; Ross, a farmer living in Oklahoma, married Ida Mc- Ilwayne; Noah V., a farmer, also living in Oklahoma, married Stella Crippin; Minnie is the wife of W. A. Kniseley, and is living in Omega township on a farm; Ruth is the wife of O. D. Fulton, a salesman, who lives in Phoenix, Arizona; Arthur, who is living on the old home farm, married Delia Garner; Andrew, who is also living on the home farm, mar- ried Ella \Yhite. The subject of this sketch has forty-six grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Following are subject's grandchildren : Those born to Minnie (Mrs. Kniseley) are. Noah, LeRoy, Scott, Ethel. Those born to Ruth (Mrs. Fulton) are, Lucile and Eugene. Those born to Arthur and wife are, Opal. Douglas. Eli Guy, Grace E. Denby, Lloyd. Those born to Andrew and wife are, Merl, Catherine. Ernest, Lawrence, Paul and Donald. Oliver's - Fred Brubaker, Roy Brubaker, Alice Brubaker; Alice's - E. A. Brainard, S. L. Brainard, Alice Brainard-Bowman, Jessie Brainard-Burkhart ; Lee's children - Clarence Brubaker, Grace Brubaker, Noah Brubaker, Maud Brubaker-Garges, Bryan Brubaker, Nellie Brubaker; Leslie's - Oren Brubaker, Eva Brubaker-Sheahan, Carl Brubaker, Ona Brubaker, Emma Brubaker, Emil Brubaker, Carmen Brubaker, Pearl Brubaker, Ouention Brubaker; Ross' children - Merl Brubaker, Ralph Brubaker, Orville Brubaker and Charlie Brubaker; Van's - Bruce Brubaker. Pearl B. Brubaker, Bonnie Laura Brubaker.

The great-grandchildren are : Roy has one child; Ernest's - Alfred Brainard, Lillian Brainard, Louise Brainard and Herschel Brainard ; Pearl's - Brainard Bowman, Alice E. Bowman; Stewart's - Alice E. Brainard ; Clarence's - Pauline Brubaker and Max Brubaker ; Eva's - Helen Sheahan; Bruce's - Nellie May Brubaker.

The subject is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the Baptist church. The former is a Democrat and was an efficient Justice of the Peace for a period of twelve years, and served in a most faithful manner as Supervisor for one year, also school Director and School Trustee. He has always been anxious to see his county develop along all lines of improvements.

Noah R. Stevenson

In taking up the review of the life of the gentleman whose name appears above, who is one of the honored pioneer farmers of Stevenson township, Marion county, the biographer calls attention to one who has by a life of earnest and consecutive endeavor won for himself the respect of all who have come in contact with him. While there are no startling incidents in the life story of Mr. Stevenson as here outlined, it is the record of a life true to its highest ideals.

Noah R. Stevenson was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 21, 1835, the son of Mordica and Elner (Combs) Stevenson, both natives of Maryland, the former being the son of Daniel A. Stevenson, a native of Maryland and a pioneer settler of Fairfield county. Ohio, where he entered government land comprising two sections. Elner Combs was the daughter of John A. Combs, a native of Maryland who settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, among the pioneers. Mordica Stevenson first married Rebecca Comer, who was the mother of six children, namely: Daniel, Samuel, Joseph,

Elizabeth, Belle, Ruth, all now deceased. The following children were bom to Mordica's union with Elner Combs: Noah, the subject of this sketch : William, deceased : Rebecca, deceased ; David, a minister in the United Brethren church ; Franklin, who is still living. Prior to her marriage with Mr. Stevenson, Elner Combs married John Henthorn, becoming the mother of one son, John, who is deceased. The parents of the subject in their religious affiliations were members of the Hard-Shell Baptist church. Mordica Stevenson was a Democrat and took an active interest in political affairs. He was a man of much native ability and became well known in his community.

Xoah R. Stevenson, our subject, was reared on the home farm, where he remained until nineteen years old, having received a limited education in the pioneer schools of the early days. In 1854 he came to Marion county, Illinois, and purchased new and unimproved land in Stevenson township and developed a farm on which he has lived continuously ever since. He now owns eighty acres of as highly improved and productive land as can be found in this county. It shows that a man of modern farming methods and industry has managed it. The fields are kept clean, well drained and well fenced, and the dwelling on the place is modern, substantial and well furnished. Numerous convenient outbuildings of a substantial nature are located on the place. General fanning is carried on and much good stock of all kinds is kept on the farm.

Our subject was united in marriage in 1857 with Hannah Kagy, who was bom in Fairfield county, Ohio, the daughter of Christian and Anna Kagy, a well known and influential family, who came to Marion county in 1847, and wno are now deceased.

Twelve children have been bom to the subject and wife, ten of whom are living, named in order of their birth as follows : Ida. the wife of Joseph Dozier, of St. Louis; Eva is single and living at home; Carrie is the wife of Perry Warner; Mordica lives in Stevenson township, and he was first married to Catherine Harmon, and second to Belle Camp; Ethel is the wife of Frank Boynton ; James, the twin of Ethel, is now deceased ; Morris is deceased ; Otis is a teacher, living in Bloomington, Illinois; Omer is living at home ; Dorothy is the wife of Lincoln Kell ; Lena is married to Monta Boynton : Grace is the wife of E. Steward, living in Hudson, Illinois.

Mr. Stevenson carries out the traditions of his family in adhering to the policies of the Democratic party, having been more or less active in the same since maturity. He has held the office of Assessor of Stevenson township, also treasurer of the same, discharging the duties of each with rare business ability and in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.

John F. Eddixgs

The climate, soil and general conditions prevalent in southern Illinois are well adapted to the purposes of general farming and stock raising. One of the men who has shown by their success that they were masters of the art of farming in luka township. Marion county, is the subject of this biography. However, he is at present engaged in other business, having given up his former life work.

John F. Eddings was born in luka township, Marion county, Illinois, Feburary 22, 1844. the son of James B. and Rhoda Ann (West) Eddings, both natives of North Carolina. They emigrated to Kentucky and Tennessee when very young, arriving in the latter state in 1842. They later came to Marion county, Illinois, and settled in luka township, where they remained a short time and then returned to Tennessee, but returned to Marion county in 1855, settling again in luka township, where they remained during the rest of their lives on a farm. The death of the subject's father occurred February 28, 1901, and his wife died January 19, 1902. The former was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and after the Civil war he voted the Republican ticket. He was justice of the peace for two terms. There were nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. James Eddings, namely: Nancy, who lives in luka, is the wife of William Nicks ; John F., our subject, was second in order of birth; Mary E., deceased, was the wife of L. L. Jones; Minerva H. is the wife of William Milburn, living in luka; James T. is a farmer living in luka township; Jesse J. lives in St. Louis; Martha Ann is the wife of William Morgan, living in Alma; William L. is deceased; Sarah, stepdaughter of the subject's father, is deceased.

John F. Eddings was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools of the county, remaining under the parental roof until he was seventeen years of age, when he showed his patriotism by enlisting in Company I, Fortieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving four years in a most gallant manner. So efficient was his service that he was promoted to corporal, and then to first lieutenant. He served with Sherman's army, having been in all his campaigns, with the exception of when he was wounded at Shiloh, having been shot through the shoulder in that great battle. His throat was also pierced by a bullet. He remained in the general hospital for one and one-half months, after which he received a furlough home of from forty to fifty days at the expiration of which he rejoined his regiment and served until the end of the war. After his return from the army, he fanned a while. Selling out, he came to luka and

Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed all the chairs and he has attended the grand lodge four times. He has been secretary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, lodge No. 694, for eighteen years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Useless to add that in politics Mr. Eddings is a loyal Republican. He is in 1908 Supervisor of luka township, having been first appointed in December, 1903, to fill out an expired term, taking the place made vacant by the death of William Gray. Mr. Eddings was elected in 1907 for a period of two years. Our subject has long been interested in public affairs and always did his part in furthering the interests of his community in any way he could.

Sallie Owens

A resume of the noble work and beautiful life record of the estimable lady whose name initiates this paragraph, is herewith appended together with a brief outline of the life of her honored father who has joined the great phantom army. Our subject is known as a woman of rare tact and foresight, having been for many years one of the leading educators of Marion county and at present a teacher in the Salem schools where she is held in high favor, in fact, her services have long been in great demand and her life has been one which should serve to inspire young women to make efforts to accomplish something worth while.

Sallie Owens, one of the best known educators of Salem, Illinois, was born in Logan county. Kentucky, on January 16, 1851. She is the daughter of William and Martha (Baldridge) Owens, the latter a native of Sumner county, Tennessee, and the former a native of Logan county, Kentucky. William Owens was educated in the common schools and he later took a collegiate course graduating from Center College in Danville, Kentucky. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, however he never practiced. He became a well known business man, a capitalist, banker and land owner. He was the cashier of a bank in Columbus, Kentucky. Shortly after the Civil war, he removed to Louisville, Kentucky, where he remained until his death, August 24, 1869. He was born August 27, 1820. He was a member of the Baptist church, but affiliated with his wife's church, the Presbyterian. He was a Royal Arch Mason. Mr. Owens owned much land, among which was quite a large tract near Salem, Illinois, which his daughter, our subject, now controls. He was a business man of unusual foresight and breadth of view, always honest in his dealings with his fellow men, liberal and did much for charity and the furthering of all worthy movements looking to the public good. He owned an elegant and wellfurnished home, where free hospitality and good cheer ever reigned. He had an excellent and well selected library for he was a great student and was a man of letters. He numbered his friends by the thousands. His wife, Martha B. Baldridge, was born October 12, 1826, and died October 27, 1907. She was a woman of many estimable traits and beautiful character. She was the mother of three children, namely : Cora, who is the widow of William Garvan Hume, living in Louisville, Kentucky ; Sallie, our subject; Letitia died in infancy.

Sallie Owens, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools, and the high school of Louisville, Kentucky, also in a small select school of that city, which was conducted on a plot of ground donated by her father for a select school. Later she attended Bellewood Normal School in Kentucky, from which she graduated. Then she entered the National School of Elocution and Oratory at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which she graduated with high honors. Being ambitious, and a great student all her life, she made rapid progress in all the schools she attended.

After leaving school she went to St. Louis, Missouri, and taught in a private school for some time. Then Miss Owens went to St. Augustine, Florida, where she was principal of the high school for several

In 1891 Miss Owens came north with her mother, locating at Salem, Illinois, and here started a private school, the various branches in addition to a complete literary course, including music, art, oratory and elocution which she conducted with great success from the first, covering a period of sixteen years. Finally failing health caused her to give up the work here, much to the regret of her numerous patrons and friends.

In all her work as teacher Miss Owens has shown that she is not only a very highly educated woman, but also possessing all the other attributes that constitute the successful teacher. Her services were always in great demand and she became widely known as an able educator. She is highly accomplished, a fluent and charming conversationalist, and there is no more popular or highly esteemed lady in Salem or this locality than she. The good work that she has done in educational work cannot be adequately measured.

Miss Owens is a business woman of unusual ability. She oversees quite a large farm that lays just on the outskirts of Salem, managing it with great skill and success in every particular. General farming is carried on and much fine stock is to be found in her barns and fields. Her. home on west Main street, Salem, is a beautiful one and tastefully kept, being well furnished and a place where good cheer and hospitality reign.

Miss Owens was baptized in her infancy in the Presbyterian church, but she has affiliated with the Episcopal church for many years. She is regarded as a woman of many commendable traits and praiseworthy attributes and her friends are limited only by the circle of her acquaintance.

Alexander Hamilton

In Marion county, Illinois, are found many men of brawn and brain, who, with firm resolves and well defined purposes, have worked their way from lowly beginnings to places of prominence and commanding influence in their respective communities. They have not been fortune's favorites, but have gradually forged to the front, overcoming every obstacle calculated to hinder or impede their progress by the sheer power of personal force backed by a laudable ambition to succeed.

Among this worthy class may be mentioned the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article, Alexander Hamilton, Ex-Surveyor of Marion county, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, September 14, 1843, tne son of Thomas S. and Anna (Dildine) Hamilton, who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio, the father emigrating to Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1828. The father of the subject was a farmer and carpenter. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. There were three children in this family, the first of whom was Alexander, our subject;

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in Ohio where he remained at home until eighteen years of age, assisting with the farm work and attending the neighborhood schools in the meantime. He later attended the high school of that place and took a course in Summet College. Thristing for more and higher knowledge, he went to Glasgow, Scotland, and took a university course, remaining there for a period of three years, a part of that time, however, was spent away from that city. In 1870, Mr. Hamilton came to Marion county, Illinois, after he had received an excellent education and gained a knowledge of the outside world through travel, and bought a tract of land and has since been farming with marked success, being known as one of the model farmers of Marion county. He made his home in Salem for about eight years. His farm is highly improved, under a fine state of cultivation, well fenced and well stocked. He was also engaged in the milling business at one time.

In 1884 he was elected and served four years as Surveyor of Marion county. He was elected again to this important position in 1892 and re-elected in 1900 and in 1904, ably serving the citizens of this county in the capacity of Surveyor sixteen years. He served as Road Commissioner in 1877 and served one term of three years. Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat and has ever taken a lively interest in politics.

Mr. Hamilton's happy domestic life dates fram 1873, when he was united in marriage with Margaret Jane Shanafelt, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, the daughter of Adam and Anna O. (Bower) Shanafelt, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter born in Ohio. Adam Shanafelt and family came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1850 and bought government land and spent their lives on a large farm which they developed. The mother of the subject's wife passed to her rest in 1907, at an advanced age of ninetyfour years, having been preceded to the spirit land by her husband in 1878. Mrs. Shanafelt was a member of the Dunkard church. There were eight children in that family, named in order of birth as follows : Sarah, Jonas, Susannah, the fourth died in infancy, Jacob, Martin, Margaret Jane, our subject's wife; and Martha A. Two children have brightened the home of our subject and wife, Albert D., who married Jessie Flanigan. He lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, and is a railway mail clerk. Three children have been born to them: Helen F., Margaret M., and Ruth, the second child, Margaret M., is deceased. Aretae, the second child of our subject and wife, married Paul Wallace and is living in Salem, Illinois. They have no children.

Mr. Hamilton has a good farm of eighty acres, but he rents most of his land. He has built an excellent, comfortable and modern house and a good barn.

Phillip Green

In giving the following facts of this biographical memoir, the publishers believe that it will be an incentive to the young who may peruse it to lead nobler lives, have higher ambitions and accomplish more for themselves and their fellow men, for the life of Mr. Green, which has been closed on earth, but the influence of which still permeates the lives of those who came in contact with him, was led along high planes and in such a manner as to gain the respect and confidence of everyone.

Phillip Green was born in Roane county, Tennessee, April 14, 1849, the son of Thomas and Vienna ( Smaley) Green, the former having died when our subject was eighteen months old, and his widow married a second time, her last husband being Thomas Nipper, a native of Tennessee. They came to Fayette county, Illinois, locating near Loogootee, where they died of smallpox, six members of the family having died of this disease within nine months.

The subject of this sketch received only a limited education in the district schools. After his parents died he lived with Michael Murphy for seven years.

Mr. And Mrs. Phillip Green

married a second time, his last wife being Nancy Peters, of Fayette county, Illinois. Two children were born by his first wife, namely: Mary Etta, the wife of Thomas Jones, of Foster township ; Katie is the wife of Samuel Howe, of Meacham township, Marion county, Illinois. Ten children were born to the subject by his second wife, named as follows: Thomas and Frank, twins; William, Forrest, Bertha, May, Myrtle, Lecian, Anna and Jonathan F., the last named being a fine draftsman and artist, having many excellent drawings. He and Frank are living at home. William married a Miss Slater, of Foster township, and they live on a farm.

The subject of this sketch first started to farming for himself in Fayette county, Illinois, and in 1884 located where he now lives in Foster township, where he has one hundred and sixty acres, having made all the improvements on the place himself and brought it up to a high standard of excellency. He was always a hard worker and a most excellent manager, always keeping his farm in first class condition and earning a comfortable living, besides saving a competency all the while for his children. After a life of usefulness and honor he was called to his reward February 2, 1908. Mrs. Green also owns forty acres of land where her son lives in Foster township. She is a woman of rare business ability and she is admired by a wide circle of friends for her many praiseworthy traits.

He ably served as Highway Commissioner and School Director. He was a member of the Loyal American lodge of Kinmundy, Illinois, also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was truly a good and useful man and his memory is held in reverence by all who knew him, for he was public spirited, honest and a true friend, husband and father.

James B. Hanna

Every county, township and community can boast of natural leaders of men among its populace, leaders in the common work and everyday affairs of life, as well as in the domain of thought. Such a one is found in the subject of this sketch, who, though well advanced in age, is still a man of physical and mental vigor, almost as capable of bearing his part in the affairs of his neighborhood as he was in former days before time began undermining his natural forces.

James B. Hanna was born in Seneca county, Ohio, October 7, 1837, the son of James and Sarah (McClelland) Hanna, both natives of Pennsylvania. Both came early in life to Wayne county, Ohio, where they were married, later moving to Seneca county, that state, where they spent the remainder of their lives. James Hanna was the son of Hugh Hanna, a native of Ireland, who came to America and settled in Pennsylvania where he died. There were ten children in the family of the subject's parents, namely: Hugh, deceased; Samuel,

William, James, our subject; Thomas, John, Martha, Sarah Jane and Mary E. The parents of these children settled in Seneca county, Ohio, in an early day on a piece of wild woodland, which they cleared up, improved and made into a good farm. They were members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Hanna supported the Democratic party. He took a great interest in public affairs and contributed liberally to the church.

James B. Hanna remained at home on the farm, assisting with the work about the place and attending the public schools and three terms in the Seneca County Academy and one term at Oberlin College.

After receiving a good education he began teaching and farming during the summer months. He became known as a very capable teacher and his services were in great demand.

William Hanna, brother of the subject, came to Illinois in 1860, and the subject followed in 1 86 1 and went to farming on his brother's farm. In the same year James bought a farm of forty acres in Salem township, and in 1862 purchased his present farm of eighty-five acres, which was then only partly improved, but he has brought it up to a high standard of modern farms, being carefully tilled and managed in such a manner that a comfortable living has been made from the same and a liberal competency laid up for his old age. He has a substantial and comfortable dwelling, and a good barn and other out buildings.

Young, a native of Marion county, the daughter of Mathew and Sarah Young. After becoming the mother of one child, Walter L., who is deceased, she passed to her rest, December 20, 1897. The second marriage of our subject was solemnized in 1901 to Rachel Chance, a native of Iowa, and she is still living on the old home place. Her parents are both deceased.

The subject and wife are members of the Christian church in Salem township. Mr. Hanna is a Democrat. He has been School Trustee, also Assessor and Collector of his township, serving in a most efficient manner in all these capacities. Because of his honesty, industry and friendly manner he is popular and held in high esteem by the people of Salem township, where he is well known.

Samuel A. Schanafelt

It is always interesting to watch the growth and development of a locality, to note the lines along which advancement has been made and to ascertain who have taken part in the advancement, the work in establishing a prosperous community. The subject of this sketch is one who has been of much material benefit to the community of which this book treats and his worthy life record is well worth consideration.

Samuel A. Schanafelt, a prominent farmer of Salem township, Marion county, Illinois, who makes his home one and onehalf miles west of Salem, was born in Craw- ford county, Ohio, February 19, 1844, the son of David and Sarah (Orr) Schanafelt. They were both natives of Ohio, and were married in Licking county, that state. They farmed in Crawford county, the Buckeye state, until 1846, when they came to Illinois, settling in Marion county. They made the trip overland and camped out at night. David bought a large tract of land in what is now Salem township. He was a good farmer, neighbor and citizen, gaining the respect of all who knew him. His death occurred May 15, 1897. Both he and his faithful life companion were members of the Dunkard church, sometimes known as the German Baptist church. Peter Schanafelt, the paternal grandfather of the subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in an early day, where he farmed and spent the remainder of his life. The subject's mother was the daughter of James and Charity Orr, who emigrated to Ohio from Kentucky at an early day. They were farmers and died in the Buckeye state.

Mr. and Mrs. David Schanafelt's family consisted of the following children: Catharine, Jacob, Susan, David, Samuel, our subject; Sarah, John, Louisa and George, five of whom are deceased. The father of these children was a Democrat and held several township offices.

Samuel A. Schanafelt, our subject, was two years of age when the family came to Marion county, Illinois, and here he has constantly remained since that time. He has prospered by reason of his habits of industry and economy, now owning a very valuable farm consisting of two hundred and forty acres, which includes a portion of the old home farm. He also owns another fine farm in Salem township. He is regarded as one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Marion county, keeping his land in excellent condition, reaping bounteous harvests from year to year by reason of his skillful management. His farms are well fenced and drained. He has an excellent dwelling and numerous out buildings. He is an interesting conversationalist, having become well educated, attending in his boyhood days the common schools and later a select school in Salem, and later in life doing much home study.

Our subject was united in marriage in December, 1878, to Anna Hershberger, the refined and affable daughter of Henry and Catharine (Suavely) Hershberger. She was born of a well known and influential family of Crawford county, Ohio.

To Mr. and Mrs. Schanafelt the following children have been born, all educated and well situated in life: Carrie Mabel, who is the wife of Lemuel Branch, who lives in Salem and who are the parents of three children, Lawrence J., Samuel E., and Claud. Lillie, the second child of the subject, is the wife of Emery Jeffers and the mother of three children, Clara B., Ruth Angeline and Minnie. The third child of the subject and wife is David Elston, who is single and living at home.

takes-considerable interest in whatever tends to promote the affairs of his county along political, material and moral lines. He has been Highway Commissioner and School Director, ably serving the people of this township in both capacities. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and one would judge from his daily life that he believes in carrying out the sublime precepts of this organization. He is a capable, energetic man, thoroughly content with his environment, and the exemplary life he has led has given him a very extensive acquaintance and wherever he is known he is highly respected and esteemed.

Lewis Hahn

No class of people of foreign birth have done so much for the development of America as the Germans, who are always thrifty, honest and hard working wherever found, and the subject of this sketch is one of that number, being a prosperous fanner in luka township, Marion county, where he has a fine farm, well kept and managed with such skill as to stamp him one of the modem twentieth century fanners of the state.

Lewis Hahn was bom in Prussia, Germany, September 22, 1837, the son of Lewis and Mary (Burned) Hahn. The subject's parents both died in Marion county. Our subject was reared in Germany on his father's farm, where he received a common school education. He came to America in 1864, first stopping in Chicago, where lie worked as a laborer for five years. In 1870 he came to Marion county and settled in luka township on a tract of wild woodland, which he transformed into a good farm by dint of hard work. His place consists of two hundred acres. It was one of the best farms in the community after the subject improved it.

In 1863 Mr. Hahn married, while still in Germany to Wilhelmina Burned, who made an excellent helpmeet and who passed to her rest in 1904 in luka township. She was the mother of the following children : Charles, Mary, Fred, Minnie, Ida, Otto, Lewis, Fred, Lizzie, John. The last four named are deceased.

Our subject was married a second time, his last wife being Millie (Fisher) Gragert, whom he married in 1906. She was the widow of Henry Gragert, who died in 1902. The subject's second wife was bom in Germany in 1862, the daughter of Julius and Millie (Heinz) Fisher, both natives of Germany. Both are now deceased. The subject and his present wife have one little daughter, one year old, named Louisa. Mrs. Hahn came to America in 1881 and settled first in Chicago, where she lived for several years.

Mr. Hahn is a Republican. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran church. The subject is a good farmer and neighbor, and is highly respected by all who know him, being honest in his dealings with his fellow men, industrious, in-

Henry Gragert

Although the chapter of the interestinglife history of the subject has been closed by the hand of death, the influence of such a life, replete with kindness, industry and honorable deeds still lives and is felt by his neighbors, friends and relatives, for Mr. Gragert was a man whom no one could find any fault with, his life having been one worth emulating.

Henry Gragert, another of the sterling citizens who came to America from Germany, was born in Prussia, May 30, 1836, having been reared and educated in that country. He came to America in 1870 and settled first in Chicago, where he worked for several years. He thai came to luka township, Marion county in 1872 and settled on a piece of unimproved land, which by hard work and careful management he developed into a good farm which yielded a comfortable income. After a life of industry and usefulness he was called from his earthly labors in 1902. his death having resulted from injuries received by a fall from a stack of straw. He was a faithful member of the German Lutheran church, and he was known as a good, religious man to everybody.

leaving him four children, as follows : Fred, John, who died a soldier in the Philippine islands; Lena is the wife of Emil Fisher; Lewis is the youngest.

After the death of the subject's wife, he married a second time, his last wife being Millie Fisher, daughter of Julius and Millie (Heinz) Fisher, natives of Germany, who are now deceased.

Nine children were born to the subject and his second wife as follows: William, who is living at home; Minnie is the wife of Harry Mullen; Emil is single and living at home: Clara is the wife of Harry Bryant: Anna, Charles, Henry, Ernest and Albert are all living at home.

After the accident which caused the death of Mr. Gragert, his widow remained on the farm and by heroic work has managed it and reared her children in a most commendable manner. Besides rearing her own nine children she has had the care of four children of her husband by his first wife. She is a woman of many sterling traits of character, possessing rare business and executive ability, soundness of judgment and at the same time is very kind, gentle and pleasant. She is now the second wife of Lewis Hahn, whose sketch appears in full in another part of this volume.

Perry W. Warner

resides, and he has ever used his influence wherever 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 social, intellectual and moral life of the county.

Perry W. Warner, who was Democratic nominee for Surveyor of Marion county in 1908, was born April 2, 1861, the son of Israel and Abigail (Holmes) Warner, the former having been born in Fairfield count)', Ohio, the son of Jonas Warner, a native of Virginia, who came to Ohio in an early day and later moved to Iowa where he farmed and where he spent the remaining years of his life. Israel Warner was reared on a farm in Ohio in which state he received a meager education in the public schools. He was first married to Lydia Brubaker in Ohio, and in 1843 came to Illinois. They were the parents of two children, Jonas and Elizabeth, both deceased. The wife of Israel Warner died soon after they came to Illinois and he married a second time, his last wife being Abigail Holmes, who was born in Indiana. She passed to her rest in 1877. She was the mother of five children, namely : Lewis, George, Ella, Levina, Perry W., our subject, being the youngest.

Israel, father of the subject, died in 1899. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He was first a Republican and later a Democrat. When he came to Illinois he bought the farm now owned by our subject, consisting of one hundred and

Perry W. Warner, our subject, was born and reared on this farm, and was educated in the district schools and the Northern Illinois Normal College. He first taught school for some time after he left college. He taught in Marion and other counties in Illinois with great success, having become widely known as an able instructor and his services were in great demand.

In 1889 Mr. Warner was married to Carrie B. Stevenson, who was born in Marion county, this state, the accomplished daughter of Noah and Hannah Stevenson. The reader is referred to the sketch of Noah Stevenson appearing in another part of this volume for a full history of the Stevenson family. The wife of the subject also attended the Northern Illinois Normal College for some time, and she taught school for several terms prior to her marriage with our subject. She is a woman of many estimable traits and pleasing personality. Both she and her husband are faithful members of the Presbyterian church at New Bethel in Stevenson township. They are both active in church work.

Our subject has a modern home and numerous convenient out buildings on his farm which is always kept in a high state of improvement and on which rich harvests are reaped from year to year as a result of his skillful management. He handles a good grade of stock and is regarded as a good judge of all kinds of live stock, especially horses and cattle.

Mr. Warner is a loyal Democrat and has long taken an active part in his party's affairs. He ably served his township as Highway Commissioner, also was Township Clerk and was County Surveyor from 1888 to 1892, and he has been Surveyor from time to time since 1899 and was nominated for this office again in 1908, and was elected at the ensuing election for a term of four years. In all his public positions he gave entire satisfaction, performing his duties with that rare foresight and careful discretion that has always characterized his personal business. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Salem.

Roden Robinson

One of the most prominent stockmen and farmers of luka township, Marion county. is Roden Robinson, who was bom in this county and township near where he now lives, December 19, 1860, the son of William and Ellen (Proctor) Robinson.

The subject's father was a native of Sheffield, England, where he was reared. He came to America in an early day and first settled in Ohio, and after a residence there of several years, came to Marion county, Illinois, and here engaged in farming1 until his death, August 25, 1894, at the advanced age of eighty years. His good life companion survived him ten years, passing to her rest in 1904. Four children were born to them, namely : Elizabeth, the widow of Marion C. Nicholson; William, a prominent farmer and stock dealer of luka township, this county; Roden, the subject of this sketch ; John, deceased. The subject's mother was a member of the Catholic church. His father was a Republican but never held office. He was a good citizen and a substantial farmer. The parents of the subject came to America in an oldfashioned sailing vessel. William Robinson owned at the time of his death about three hundred and twenty acres of good land. He was a type of the sterling pioneer, rugged, honest and a brave and good man of whom the subject is a worthy descendant.

Roden Robinson was reared on his father's farm and educated in the common schools. He now owns and lives on a part of the old homestead. He has a most excellent farm of two hundred and eighty-six acres, two miles northeast of the village of luka. It is highly improved and raises excellent crops. He has a modem, comfortable and nicely furnished dwelling and many convenient out-buildings.

Our subject was united in marriage in 1888 to Rose Claggett, who was born in Marion county, the affable and genial daughter of J. J. and Amanda C. (Robey) Claggett, both early settlers of Marion county, having come here in the early sixties and farmed in luka township. The mother is now deceased and the father lives with his son-in-law, our subject. Five children were born to J. J. Robey and wife, namely: Emma, the wife of W. C. Jarvis;

Our subject settled on the farm he now manages about 1888. He has greatly improved the same, having erected new buildings and in fact, made all the improvements. He handles a great number of cattle, hogs and sheep, and often ships stock to the market. He also raises a great many mules. He is regarded as one of the best judges of live stock in the county and no better farmer is to be found than he. He is regarded by all to be strictly honest in all his dealings with his fellow men. Mrs. Robinson is a member of the Presbyterian church at luka. Mr. Robinson is a Republican and has ably served as highway commissioner. He and his wife are very pleasant people to meet and are held in high esteem throughout the county.

M. V. B. Sw Alley

The gentleman whose name appears above is a pioneer farmer of luka township and one of the highly respected men of Marion county, where his active, useful and honorable life has been spent, at least, the major part of it, consequently he is not only well, but favorably known throughout this locality.

William and Catherine Swalley, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and where they married. In the spring of 1834, they came to Crawford county, Ohio, and there bought government land which they improved and on which they resided until their death. They were the parents of nine children, namely: M. V. B., our subject; David, Cornelius, Abel, Anna Eliza, LaFayette, Vilvenus, Sarah, Frank. The parents of these children gave them every possible advantage. They were members of the Free Will Baptist church.

Our subject was reared on his father's farm and received a common school education. He was compelled to help clear the land on which his parents settled and did not get to attend school a great deal, only about forty days during the winter months.

Our subject was united in marriage in 1856, Nov. 30, to Lydia A. Holt, a native of Crawford county, Ohio, and the daughter of Nelson and Ann (Black) Holt. The wife of the subject was born in 1838, and after a long and noble life, passed away in 1908. She was the mother of twelve children, named as follows: William, who lives in Montana ; the second child in order of birth was Rassellas and is deceased ; Samuel lives in Omega township; Julia Ann is the wife of James Rodgers; Lewis lives in California; John lives in Carlyle, Illinois; Charles lives in luka, this county ; Jay and Mar)-, twins; Lola is deceased; Rosa lives at home, keeping house for her father: the first in order of birth died unnamed.

Mr. Swalley came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1863 and has since bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in luka township, which he has divided among his children. The homestead is located two miles northeast of luka. He has cleared and drained the land, and it yields a comfortable living from year to year. He has a good dwelling and convenient out-buildings, everything about the place indicating comfort and good management.

The subject is a good Democrat and has served as highway commissioner in a very creditable manner. The subject has done his share in promoting and building roads and to help along all kinds of public enterprises, and as a result of his honesty in business and kind disposition, he is well thought of by his neighbors and all who know him. He still works his farm and his daughter keeps house for him.

Rev. John Buenger

The mission of a great soul in this world is one that is calculated to inspire a multitude of others to better and grander things, and its subsequent influence cannot be measured in meets and bounds, for it affects the lives of those with whom it comes in contact, broading and enriching them for all time to come. He who spends his life interpretating the Divine Word has one of the greatest missions to perform vouchsafed to man. The subject of this sketch is one of

Rev. John Buenger, minister of the German Lutheran church in luka township, Marion county, was born at Burg, near Magdeburg, Germany, April 17, 1869, the son of Otto and Antonie (Ruehlmaun) Buenger, both natives of Germany, having spent their lives in that country. The subject's father, who was a minister, is deceased. He did a great work in the Evangelical church in Germany. The mother of our subject is still living in the fatherland. They were the parents of eight children, namely : Max, Werner, Sophia, Emil ; Adolph and John, our subject, are twins; Eliza and Erich, who is also a minister. He and the subject are the only ones who ever came to America. The above named children are all living.

The early education of Rev. John Buenger was obtained in Germany. He came to America in 1891 and attended Concordia College at St. Louis, Missouri, for two years. He then went to Madison county, Texas, in 1893, where he took charge of a church. He remained in Texas for ten years. He had very difficult charges in Madison, Fayette and Fannin counties, that state, but he did much good there in strengthening the congregations of his different charges. In 1903 he came to his present pastorate in Marion county, Illinois, the German Lutheran Trinity church. He has done a great work here, having completed in 1908 a beautiful and substantial church edifice, costing two thousand seven hundred dollars. He also conducts the parochial school near the church, ably assisted by his wife, whom he married in 1894, her maiden name having been Louisa Franke, who was born in Barmen, Germany, the daughter of Henry and Jane Menkhoff , both of whom died in Germany. Henry Menkhoff was a teacher in the old country.

Six children have been born to the subject and wife as follows: Ruth, Gertrude, Hans, Antonett, Frieda and Paul. Our subject is well liked by his congregation and by everyone who has had the fortune to know him. He is an earnest and able expounder of the Gospel.

Roland W. Mattinly

Mr. Mattinly is one of the old and highly honored citizens of Marion county, the development of which he has assisted in, having lived his long and active life within her borders, having been born three miles of where Salem now stands, February 5, 1836, the son of Roland and Nancy (Little) Mattinly, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Virginia. After their marriage they came to Marion county, Illinoise, in 1828. The subject's father was a hatter by trade. He lived for some time in Tennessee and Alabama, before coming to Illinois. He settled on a claim in section 24, in luka township, Marion county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying September 15, 1866, his wife having survived him until 1880. She was a member of the Christian church. Her husband was a Universalist and was well posted in the Bible. He volunteered as a soldier in the War of 1812, but on account of failing health he could not go. Thirteen children were born to the parents of our subject as follows: Jenkins, Mary, Richard, Sylvester, Caroline, Brazile, Abigail, Anna, John, Martha Jane; Roland, our subject; Michael, who died in infancy ; Leroy.

Mr. Mattinly was united in marriage on September 17, 1857, to Mary Ann Hankinsr daughter of John B. and Nancy (Pippins) Hankins, natives of Tennessee, who came to Illinois in an early day and settled in Vandalia. Three children have been born to the subject and wife as follows : Illinois Arabella, born October 13, 1858, is now deceased; Alice E. was born in Madison county, Illinois; Nina is the wife of Frank Huggins, and they are the parents of nine children as follows: Charles L., William E., Frederick, Bessie, Hallie. Tames, Vernie, Blanch and Cle.

Our subject and his good wife are members of the Christian church. Mr. Mattinly is a Republican. He is known to everyone in this locality, being one of the first white children born in this region. He has a good farm of forty acres which he successfully cultivates. His place is kept in good condition and shows that our subject has been a careful farmer. He and his wife are highly respected citizens and are especially liked by the young people of the community to whom they are always kindly disposed, and their influence on the community has always been for its good and this venerable couple is worthy the high respect which thev receive.

William J. Martin

A list of Marion county's prominent families would certainly be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of the well known farmer and representative citizen, and his relatives, whose name introduces this sketch, for his life has been one of usefulness and honor, resulting in good to everyone with whom he has had dealings whether in business or social life.

William J. Martin was born in Gibson county, Tennessee, January 15, 1859, the son of Caleb and Martha J. (McHaney) Martin, the latter a native of middle Tennessee and the former of South Carolina. Jacob Martin, the subject's paternal grandfather, came to Tennessee from South Carolina in an early day and farmed there until his death. The parents of the subject married in Tennessee. Martha McHaney was the daughter of William McHaney, a native of Tennessee. She first married David Young, who died and left two children, Frances, the wife of Atlas Hammond. The second child died in infancy. Caleb Martin first married Miss Susan Bade, who died leaving the following children: Jacob, George, Amos, America, Jane, Parthene, Martha and Mary Susan.

The parents of our subject married in Tennessee and in November, 1862, settled in Salem township, Marion county, Illinois. Caleb Martin was a strong Union man and left the South on account of the war. His wife, a noble old lady, is still living with her son, our subject. The subject's father farmed in Marion county, Illinois, until his death, July n, 1888. He and his wife were members of the Christian church. He was a strong Republican. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Martin, as follows: William J., our subject; Monroe. Houston, Benjamin Van Buren, John A. Logan, Sarah Ida.

Our subject was about three years old when the family came to Illinois. They made the trip from Tennessee with ox teams and camped out on the way, having all ox teams with the exception of one team of horses. William J. Martin was reared on his father's farm and educated in the common district schools of this county. On his farm now stands the little old school house in which he was educated. He purchased it and moved it on this place, which he now uses for a store house and granary. It was built about 1850. Mr. Martin remained at home and worked on the farm until he was twenty-five years old. This was in 1884, in which year his happy and harmonious domestic life began, having then married Elizabeth Hershberger, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Catherine (Snavely) Hershberger. (For a full history of this family the reader is directed to the sketch of David Hershberger in this work.)

Four children have been born to the subject and wife, namely: Minnie, born October 3, 1886, is a member of the home circle; Claude was born in April, 1888, and died in January, 1895; William Franklin was born December 26, 1890, and died January 16, 1891 ; Nellie Zada, born August 14, 1892, is at home attending school.

Mr. Martin's highly improved and productive farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres. He has a beautiful countryhome, substantial, comfortable and nicely furnished, and a good barn and other convenient out buildings, everything about the place showing thrift, good management and industry. He keeps an excellent grade of cattle and other live stock, and is regarded as a good judge of stock and one of the leading farmers of Salem township. His hogs are of good breed and he raises some fine horses. Mr. Martin also owns two hundred acres of his father's old farm in this township, which he keeps well improved and the soil in good productive condition.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Christian church at Young's chapel. Mr. Martin is a trustee in the church and a liberal subscriber to the same. In politics he is a Republican. In the social and private walks of life no man bears a more enviable reputation for sterling worth. In short, Mr. Martin is an honorable, upright citizen, belonging to the somewhat rare class that direct and control public sentiment without pushing himself forward and without incurring the ill will of those with whom they come in contact and' leave the impress of their strong personality indelibly stamped upon the community, winning the friendship of all classes.

Francis M. Purcell

The subject is a representative business man and citizen of Marion county, managing one of the largest lumber establishments in the county, the well known firm being F. M. Purcell & Company, doing business at Kell. Our subject was born in Wilson county, Tennessee, July 2, 1843, the son of Hiram and Parthena (Williams) Purcell, natives of Tennessee, and a fine old Southern family. Hiram was a prosperous farmer and lived and died in Tennessee. He and his faithful life companion were members of the Missionary Baptist church. The subject's father was a gallant soldier in the Seminole Indian war in Florida. To Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Purcell five children were born, namely : Lavina, Ella : Frances M., our subject; L. B. and Hiram.

1870 lie came to Jefferson county, Illinois, and engaged in farming, also the lumber business, making a success of each. In the fall of 1904, he came to Kell, Illinois, where he is now located and where he has built up an extensive business by means of his industry, his careful methods and failtreatment of customers. He is in partnership with Omer V. Cummings in the lumber business. They supply a large scope of country with lumber and all kinds of building material as well as much hardware. They also handle paints, cement, lime, nails, in fact, everything that a builder uses in a house, barn or other structure. They always handle a good line of material and their prices are always right, according to the statement of many of their customers. They have extensive sheds and their office is a nice place and is always a busy place.

Our subject's happy domestic life began in 1866, when he was united in marriage with America Penuel, who was born in Tennessee, the daughter of Frederick and Lucinda (Jennings) Penuel, natives of that state.

Eight children have been bom to the subject and wife as follows: Amanda, the wife of W. W. Hay, who lives in Jefferson county, this state; Samuel married Dora Riley and they live in Carrier Mills, Illinois; Lucinda is the wife of George Snyder, living in Jefferson county, Illinois; Robert married Anna McCormick, and they also live in Jefferson county: Otis J. married Josie Hawkins; William Edgar is single; Nora is the wife of Adolphus Caldwell, also of Jefferson county; Fred is single.

Mr. and Mrs. Purcell are members of the Missionary Baptist church. The former is a loyal Democrat. He very ably served for six years as Supervisor of Rome township, Jefferson county, this state. He was chairman of the Board of Supervisors for one year. He takes considerable interest in political matters and his advice is often sought in the local affairs of his county. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Masonic Order, the Knights Templar.

Mr. Purcell owns a valuable and well improved farm, near Kell, on which he lives, having a modem, substantial and nicely furnished dwelling, an excellent barn and convenient out-buildings. He is a very busy man, for he successfully conducts the affairs of his lumber establishment in town and at the same time superintends the work on the place, being an excellent judge of live stock of all kinds, and he is regarded as one of the leading business men of Haines township. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, having started in life under none too favorable circumstances, but he has been a hard worker and a good manager and success has attended his efforts from the first. He is a gentleman of pleasing demeanor, easily approached, and while not an aspirant for high political favors, he has done much in a quiet way, as already intimated, to promote the good of the community where he lives. He occupies a commendable standing* among his fellow citizens and has a large circle of friends who have learned to esteem him for his industry and many manly qualities.

Shannon Kagy

The memory of the worthy subject of this memorial biography is revered by a host of friends and acquaintances among whom he labored, having spent his energies through a long life of strenuous endeavor to make the most of his opportunities as well as to assist as best he could his neighbors to improve their condition.

Shannon Kagy was born in Marion county, Illinois, May 26, 1844, and he was called from his earthly labors in 1889, after a life of usefulness and success in every particular. He was the son of Christian and Anna (Hite) Kagy, natives of Ohio, and early settlers in Marion county, Illinois.

The subject was reared on his father's farm in Omega township, and was educated in the common schools of Marion county. He married Anna E. Brubaker, born in Stevenson township, this county, daughter of Eli and Ann (Warner) Brubaker. Mr. and Mrs. Kagy were the parents of five children, namely : Myrtle, single and living at home, is one of the popular teachers of Marion county; Corvvin, who lives in Oregon, married Pearl Crippen : Clark lives in Salem, this county, and married Quette Leckrone, and has two children, Donald and Harvey ; Frank married Nellie Boring, living in New Mexico and they have one child, Fay ; Ellis married Ora Druendike. He is a farmer and has two children, Keith and Rex.

Nebraska, where he remained for three years, then returned to Marion county and went to farming in 1882, on the place where his widow is still living in Stevenson township, three miles east of Salem. Our subject remained on this place until his death. He was a most excellent farmer and always managed his fields to best advantage, reaping rich harvests from year to year, making a comfortable living and laying by an ample competence for his family. He raised good stock and the buildings on his place were comfortable and convenient. -

Mr. Kagy was one of the patriotic sons of the great Prairie state who offered their lives on the field of battle to save the Union, having enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served three years. He saw much hard service, but was never wounded nor taken prisoner.

Mr. Kagy was a loyal Democrat and held some of the minor public offices of Stevenson township. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church. He was regarded by everyone as a good man, honest and upright at all times and always interested in- the welfare of his community, lending what aid he could in its development at all times.

Mrs. Kagy, the widow of our subject, lives on the home farm with her daughter. She manages the entire farm with skill and profit, being a women of rare business ability and force of character. She understands the proper rotation of crops so as to get the best harvests and the maintenance of the soil to its original fertility. She also understands the proper handling of live stock. Her farm is regarded as one of the best in Stevenson township. The buildings are modem, and always kept in good order. She is held in high esteem by her neighbors and many friends for her many admirable traits of character and her kind heart and cheerful disposition, being a pleasant woman to meet, as is also her daughter.

John R. French

The subject is the obliging and well known hotel proprietor, insurance and real estate dealer of Kell, Haines township, Marion county, who has spent his life within the borders of the same, having been identified with the growth and taken no small part in the same. He was born August 4, 1861, the son of Gilbert W. and Louisa (O'Bryant) French. John R. French's father, a native of Tennessee, came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1835. He was a native of Tennessee and the son of John P. and - - (Hartman) French. John P. French was a native of Pennsylvania, who moved to Tennessee in an early day and in 1835 came to Marion county, Illinois, locating in Tonti township, where he devoted his life to farming, having died in the town of Alma. The subject's grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. Gilbert French and his first wife were the parents of four children, namely : Angie, the wife of Mathew Organ ; Louisa, who was the wife of J. N. Jones, is deceased; John R., the subject of this sketch; Amanda is the wife of J. W. Ross, of Centralia, this county. The subject's father married Mary Howard, and three children were born to this union, Thomas, living in Kinmundy, this county; Harry B., of Odin, Illinois; Rachel is the wife of E. W. Wilson, of Alma, Illinois.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm near Alma and was educated in the common schools. After farming for a while, he learned the plasterer's and brick layer's trade. In 1891 he clerked in a store at Alma, this county, and in 1894 he entered business in a general store in Alma which he successfully conducted for a period of eight years, when he sold out aiad went back to farming, which he followed for a while, then he moved to Newton, Illinois, and bought a furniture factory and a restaurant, ice cream parlor and bakery, all of which he conducted with great success until in May, 1907, when he came to Kell and bought the hotel here, which he has since conducted in such an able manner that it has become known to the traveling public as a comfortable and well conducted hostelry, where no pains are spared to make guests feel at home and comfortable. He has built up a good business which is constantly growing. He also finds time to do considerable business in insurance and real estate.

December, 1886, to Etta Sweet, who was bom in Alma township, the daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Carnes) Sweet, a well known family of their community.

The subject and his wife are the parents of the following children : Edward is single and living at home and is engaged in the restaurant and bakery business. He has a modern and fully equipped bakery and does an extensive business, shipping bread to many outside towns; Cora, the second child, is living at home; Bessie is the wife of Wesley Howard ; Gladys, who is living at home attending school; Clara is living at home; Clifford is a baby at this writing, (1908.)