Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 12 of 27)

Mr. French is a Democrat. He has ably served as Justice of the Peace for eight years in Alma township and he was School Treasurer for four terms of two years each. In 1892 he made the race for the nomination on the Democratic ticket for County Clerk, but was defeated, however, the results showed that our subject was a popular man in the convention. Mr. French helped incorporate the village of Alma. He was also a member of the first board that organized the Building and Loan Association at Alma, Illinois. Our subject is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, being a charter member at Alma. His son, Edward, is also a member of the Modem Woodmen of America at Kell. Mr. French is known to be a man of strictly honest business principles, industrious, pleasant and agreeable, making both friends and visitors feel at home.

Charles T. Kell

This enterprising farmer and representative citizen is a native of Marion county, Illinois, and belongs to one of the old and highly esteemed pioneer families of Haines township, where his parents, Thomas and Mary (Luke) Kell, settled in an early day and bore an active and influential part in the development and growth of the community (see sketch of William Kell). Charles T. was born a short distance west of the village of Kell, September 18, 1854, from which date to the present time his life has been very closely identified with Haines township, and as stated above, he now holds worthy prestige among the leading agriculturists and public spirited men of the section of country honored by his citizenship.

Reared in close touch with nature in the healthful outdoor life of the farm, he earlv acquired a vigorous physique and an independence of mind characteristic of the sturdy son of the soil, and while still quite young he became familiar with the varied duties of agriculture and learned to appreciate the honor and dignity which belong to those who earn their bread by the sweat of the brow. At the proper age he entered the schools of the neighborhood, which he attended at intervals until acquiring a practical knowledge of the subjects taught, the meanwhile assisting his father on the family homestead and contributing his full share to its cultivation.

Mr And Mrs. C. T. Kell

by purchasing a half interest in a saw and grist mill at Foxville, and during the ensuing ten years devoted his attention to the manufacture of flour and lumber, meeting with encouraging success in the enterprise and becoming widely known as a wideawake and thoroughly honorable and reliable business man. Disposing of his interest in the mill at the expiration of the period indicated, he located on his present home farm in Haines township, adjoining the town of Kell on the south, having previously become the possessor of another tract consisting of one hundred and twenty acres in another part of the same township, both of which places he has brought to a high state of cultivation and otherwise improved. At the time the railroad was constructed he sold twenty acres, which is now a part of the village of Kell.

As a farmer,. Mr. Kell easily ranks with the most enterprising and successful men of his calling in Marion county, being progressive in his methods and using the latest modern implements and machinery and by judicious 'rotation of crops he seldom fails to realize abundant returns from the time and labor devoted to his fields. He also pays considerable attention to the raising of live stock, which he finds quite profitable, and his domestic animals, including horses, mules, cattle, sheep and hogs, are among the finest breeds obtainable, and from their sale no small share of his liberal income is derived.

home, the large two-story house, with its many modern conveniences, being among the most desirable country residences in the township, while his commodious barn, outbuildings, wells, fences and other evidences of prosperity compare favorably with the best in his part of the country. He keeps in close touch with the advancement in agricultural science, and fully abreast of the times in reducing the same to practical tests, being progressive in all the term implies, and believes in the latest and most approved methods of modern farming.

In his political faith Mr. Kell is a Republican, and while interested in the success of his party, he has never been a politician, much less an office seeker or aspirant for leadership. In religion he subscribes to the Missionary Baptist creed, and for a number of years his name has adorned the records of that church, having held the office of deacon five years in the local congregation, to which himself and entire family belong, besides being otherwise interested in religious and benevolent work. He is superintendent of the Sunday school which he attends, has long been an influential leader in this department of religious endeavor, and with his wife has been instrumental in arousing an interest among the young people of the neighborhood and leading not a few of them to the higher life.

Mr. Kell was married in the year 1881 to Rebecca C. Purdue, of Haines township, daughter of Richard and Caroline (Harmon) Purdue, early settlers of Marion county and among the highly respected people of

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOIStheir locality (see history of the Purdue family). Mr. and Mrs. Kell have four children, the oldest of whom, a daughter by the name of Iva May, is the wife of R. A. Jeffries, of Haines township, and the mother of one child, Trevor Jeffries. The other children, two daughters and one son, are still under the parental roof, their names in order of birth being as follows: Myrtle, Ellis and Ethel. Mr. Kell has taken great interest in the rearing and educating of his children and they in turn have responded to his every effort in their behalf. The children all received liberal educational advantages in the public schools and also at Ewing Baptist College at Ewing, 111. Ethel graduated at the age of seventeen from that institution in instrumental music. The family is one of the best known and most highly esteemed in the county and the name which is an old and honorable one has long been synonymous for noble manhood and womanhood and a high order of citizenship.

James F. Purdue

The subject was bom in Montgomery county, Tennessee, March i, 1833, the son of Jarrut and Rebecca (Farmer) Purdue, the former a native of Georgia, and the latter of North Carolina. They went to Tennessee when young and married there, and removed to Illinois in 1838, settling in what is now Haines township, where they took up government land. They made the trip from Tennessee in ox carts. When they settled here among the pioneers there was much wild game. They developed a good farm and worked hard. They died on the place, after becoming the parents of eight children: Margaret, Mary, Richard, William C, John W., Jacob H., James F., our subject, and Andrew V. Jarrut Purdue was a Democrat. His wife was a member of the Baptist church.

Our subject was six years of age when he came with his parents to Marion county, Illinois. He was educated in the common schools of the early days, and he has spent the balance of his life here, having remained at home until he reached manhood. He was married the first time in 1855, to Louisa Brasel, a native of Tennessee, and three children were born to them: Nancy Jane, who is living in Haines township, is the wife of Zach Brasel; Joseph H. is a farmer living in Haines township ; John R. is also a farmer living in Haines township. The subject's second mariage was in 1867, his second wife being Loretta Price, a native of Ohio, to whom one child has been born, Louisa, now the wife of Harry Alvis, of East St. Louis.

The third marriage of the subject was to Vilinda Murphy, the ceremony having been performed in 1876. To this last marriage two children were born, Tence and Harry.

Mr. Purdue is a Democrat in his political relations. He has devoted his life to farming and has been very successful. He is now living retired, having moved to his neat, comfortable and pleasant home in Kell in September, 1908. He is well known throughout the county, being a member of old and prominent families of this region in which he himself was one of the earliest pioneers.

Harvey D. May

By a life of persistent and well applied industry led along the most honorable lines, the gentleman whose name appears above has justly earned the right to be represented in a work of the character of the one at hand, along with the other men of Marion county who have made their influence felt in their respective communities.

Harvey D. May, the present popular Trustee of Haines township and a well known dealer in harness, saddlery and hardware in the town of Kell, Illinois, was born in Raccoon township, Marion county, October 12, 1879, and while yet a young man he has shown what properly applied energy and a business mind can do toward wrenching success from seeming insurmountable obstacles. He is the son of Jesse H. and Mary (Williams) May, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee. Anderson May, the subject's grandfather, was also a native of Kentucky and was one of the early settlers in Marion county, Illinois, having settled in Raccoon township. Jesse H. May, who has devoted his life to farming and is still living in that township, is a highly respected citizen. Three children were born to the parents of our subject, Amos is a farmer in Raccoon township; Laura, who is deceased, was the wife of Orvil Prater, and they were the parents of two children, Etha and Henry, who are still living; Harvey D., our subject, was the second child.

Our subject was reared on a farm where he assisted with the work about the place. He attended school in Raccoon township, having applied himself in such a manner as to gain the foundation for a good education. Deciding early in life that he desired to be a harness maker and dealer, Mr. May learned the harnessmaker's trade and became quite a proficient workman early in life, and he finally opened a shop in Kell, this county, establishing his present business, in which he was successful from the first and which has steadily grown, his business now extending through a wide scope of country on every hand, owing to the fair dealing he gives his customers and the intimate knowledge he has of the harness business. He does a general repair business and is always very busy. His shop is equipped with all the latest appliances and improvements known to the harnessmaker's art and his work is all of a high grade.

Mr. May's domestic life was begun in 1903, when he was united in marriage with Ava Williams, who was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, and is the daughter of N. A. and Jane (Rice) Williams. Mrs. May was called from her earthly labors January. 14, 1908. She was a member of the Baptist church. She was a woman of many esti-

Mr. May is a member of Romine Lodge No. 663, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has represented this lodge at the Grand Lodge on two different occasions, and has passed all the chairs in the local lodge. Our subject is a loyal Republican and has taken considerable interest in his party's affairs. He was elected Trustee of Haines township in the spring of 1908. He is regarded as an energetic, honest and influential citizen, enjoying the respect of all who know him.

Henry W. Moehlmann

One of the most substantial citizens and leading business men of Haines township, Marion county, is our subject, who does high grade horseshoeing and blacksmithing and deals extensively in farm machinery, vehicles and harness at Kell. He deserves the high esteem in which he is held by the people of this community owing to the honorable methods he has always employed in conducting his business.

Henry W. Moehlmann was born in New Minden, Washington county, Illinois, January. 29, 1873, the son of Frederick and Louisa (Grabenkrueger) Moehlmann, both natives of Germany who came to America about 1863. They settled at New Minden, Illinois, where the father is now engaged as wagon builder and undertaker. They are members of the Lutheran church and are highly respected in their community. Following are the names of their children: Frederick, Emma; Henry W., our subject; August, Charles, Millie and Bertha.

Mr. Moehlmann was reared at home, assisting with the work about the place and attending the schools in his native community, having gained a fairly good education in the common schools. He early decided that the wagon builder's trade was best suited to his tastes, so he set about learning the same, making rapid progress; also learned blacksmithing, becoming equally proficient in this at an early age. He started in business at his present stand in Kell, this county, in 1901, and was successful from the first and it has gradually grown until he now does a very extensive business. He handles all kinds of harness, buggies, surries, road wagons, runabouts, wagons, plows, harrows, cultivators, double shovels, mowers, mower repairs of all kinds, hay rakes, hay bailers, lawn swings, lawn mowers, spring tooth harrows, land rollers, gang plows, sulky plows, manure spreaders, wire fencing, binders, binder twine, axle grease, grass seed, pumps, wind mills, feed grinders, gasoline engines, seeders, wheat drills, corn planters, disc harrows, disc cultivators, all kinds of oils and stock food, in fact, a full line of farm machinery of the best grades and styles, and his prices seem to suit his numerous customers for he never loses them and his trade is constantly increasing. He hires several men to assist him in carrying on his large business.

Our subject was married in 1898 to Martha Kleine, who was born in Washington county, Illinois, the daughter of Frederick and Louisa (Meier) Kleine. Two children have been born to the subject and wife, Hulda and Clara. They are bright and winsome daughters. The subject and wife are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Moehlmann is a good Republican but he never held office, preferring to devote his attention to his business which requires the major part of his time. He has a large shop where he does a big repair business, also horseshoeing. He has several big buildings for ware rooms in which he keeps buggies, wagons and machinery of all kinds. Judging from the eminent success Mr. Moehlmann has gained while yet a young man, the future must necessarily be replete with larger success and fuller honors. He is a pleasant man to meet, honest in all his business relations and one of the leading citizens of the township.

Eli Brubaker

The man who has made a success of life and won the honor and esteem of his fellow citizens deserves more than passing notice. Such is the record, briefly stated, of the gentleman whose name heads this review, the record he left behind being one of honor in every respect, for a more whole-souled and popular man never lived in Stevenson township where he long maintained his home and where he labored for the general good of the community, and, although his life work has been closed by the good angel, who has set the seal on the record of his life history, his influence still permeates the lives of those who knew him best and loved him for his fortitude, fidelity, honor and industry.

Eli Brubaker was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December n, 1819, and he was called from his earthly labors in 1907, after a long and eminently useful and successful life. He was the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Myers) Brubaker, and was reared on his father's farm in Ohio, where he assisted with the work about the place until he reached manhood, attending the common schools in the neighborhood until he received a fairly good education, such as the old pioneer schools of those times afforded. The school house which he attended had puncheon seats and greased paper was used for window panes. For a full history of the Brubaker family the reader is referred to the sketch of Noah Brubaker, which appears in another part of this volume.

The subject of this sketch came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1843, and settled among the pioneers on new land in Stevenson township, where, by dint of hard work, he made a home and developed a good farm. The old Brubaker homestead is today one of the best farms in Stevenson township. Eli Brubaker was a hard worker and an excellent farmer, and he made a comfortable living.

Ann Warner January 20. 1842, daughter of William Warner, an early settler of Marion county, Illinois. She was born in Lancaster county, Ohio. She passed to her rest in 1872. She was the mother of eleven children, namely: Isaac, who lives in luka, this state ; Christina, deceased ; Annie, E., widow of Shannon Kagy, lives in Stevenson township; William is a prosperous fanner in Stevenson township; Edgar and Edward are twins; Logan is a farmer, living in Stevenson township; Mary Jane is the eighth child: the ninth, tenth and eleventh child died in infancy.

On February 4, 1875, the subject married a second time, his last wife being Emma Squibb, who was born in Ohio county, Indiana, the daughter of George Y. and Mary Ann (Harpham) Squibb, natives of Indiana, who moved to Stevenson township, Marion county, Illinois, where the mother is still living, the father having died soon after coming to this county. Mrs. Brubaker is living on the old homestead in Stevenson township, which she manages successfully.

Our subject was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and a liberal supporter of the same. He was a good everyday Christian, always strictly honest in his dealings with his fellow men. a good neighbor, father and husband. In politics he was a Democrat, but never held office. The different members of his family are well settled in life and are highly respected in their respective communities. They reflect great credit upon their parents, who gave

The subject of this sketch was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and was ordained elder in this church in 1847. He was superintendent of the Sunday school at Brubaker chapel for the long period of over forty-two years, after which he was elected honorary superintendent for life. He was a leader in church work for many years and was foremost in promoting everything which makes for the betterment of humanity. It was largely due to his efforts that the new and modern church edifice was erected and dedicated June 20, 1896, which he christened New Bethel, he not only donating the land, consisting of four acres for the manse, but also gave freely of his services and money to the building fund.

Benjamin Garrett

Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earliest ages, and, as a usual thing, men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free outdoor life of the farm has a decided tendency to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-reliance which characterizes true manhood and no greater blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with

Benjamin Garrett, our worthy subject, is a fanner and the son of a farmer, and his fine landed estate in Kinmundy township, Marion county, Illinois, is a model twentieth century farm in every particular. He was born in Foster township, this county, in the year 1851. Moses Garrett, father of the subject, came from Georgia in 1826, being among the pioneers who settled on wild land which he developed into a valuable farm. Like many of the early settlers, he was a man of sterling qualities, who met and surmounted all obstacles, taking them as a matter of course, and never complaining at the lack of advantages of the times in which he lived. He was called from his earthly labors in 1874, at the age of sixty-nine years. He married Hannah Morris, who was born in Georgia and who died in Marion county, Illinois, at the age of seventy-five years. She was a loyal Methodist. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moses Garrett ; Winnie C., Mary, Polly, James, Thomas T., - all lived to raise families ; Betsy Swift died at the age of sixty-one years; Fannie died in 1871; Cynthia and Benjamin, our subject, are still living.

Moses Garrett was raised a Baptist and his wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Grandfather Thomas Garrett lived in Georgia, where he reared his family. They were all Democrats. Winnie Garrett married Mark Cole, of Marion county, and they became the parents of six children. Polly married Nathan Atkins, and they were the parents of ten children, all living in this county, where both parents died. James Garrett, who died when twentytwo years of age, had two children. His wife was Frances Collins, also deceased. Thomas Garrett married Catherine Whitesides. They are both deceased. There were seven children in their family. Fannie married Samuel Lamferd, both now deceased. They had one child. Benjamin Garrett married Finia E. Howe, and they became the parents of three children, all living in 1908, namely : James F., Orville and Mable. The fifth child, Betsy, married James M. Swift, both now being deceased. They were the parents of seven children.

The maiden name of the subject's mother was Hannah Morris, who was bom in Georgia. She was educated in the common schools. Both she and her1 husband were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Moses Garrett served for a number of years as Justice of the Peace, and was commonly known as "Squire" Garrett. He was an upright man and an honorable and influential citizen.

Our subject received a fairly good common school education and early in life began his career as a farmer, at which he has so admirably succeeded. He is now the owner of three hundred acres of land in Kinmundy township, all but twenty acres of which are under cultivation, the amount specified being in timber. He has improved his farm and skillfully rotated the crops until it is one of the most productive and attractive farms in

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY,, ILLINOISthis county, showing at a glance even to the most casual observer, that a man of industry, sound judgment and foresight has had the management of it. A comfortable dwelling and numerous convenient out-buildings stand on the place. Mr. Garrett handles some fine registered cattle and is an allaround and up-to-date farmer and a most excellent and worthy citizen, a believer in progress in every phase of human effort, advancement and liberal education. Mrs. Garrett is a member of the Christian church.

Our subject has faithfully served his community as Road Commissioner for a period of nine years, and while he does not take a very active part in political affairs, his support can always be depended upon in the furtherance of all movements looking to the welfare of his community, whether civic, moral or educational. Mr. Garrett is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Lodge No. 398, at Kinmundy, Illinois. He served as director of the First National Bank of Kimundy for one year.

Francis Marion Reese

A compilation of this nature exercises an important function in that it touches those who have made definite accomplishment in all fields of endeavor, while no record is entered that does not bear its quota of lesson and incentive, and thus it is believed that in writing the life history of the gentleman whose name heads this paragraph that it will be read with pleasure by the many who know him and who would be pleased to learn more of his personal characteristics which they have found to be of a high order and praiseworthy type.

Francis Marion Reese was born April 10, 1883, in Fayette county, Illinois, the son of George E. Reese, who was also born there in 1859. The maiden name of the subject's mother was Sarah Earnest, a native of Fayette county, this state, having been born in March, 1842. They were always regarded as among the best people in their community. To them were born the following children: James W., who married Rosa Patton and is the father of four children, three girls and one boy, the family living in Chicago, where James W. is employed as foreman of a railroad; Lulu A. married Beve Hunter and became the mother of two children, Lola and Nola, the latter being deceased; Francis M., our subject; Charles E., Samuel H., Jesse G., Otto V., and Talty T. All these children are living in 1908 with the exception of 'the eldest daughter. Lulu, who was called to her rest at the early age of twenty-two years.

Francis Marion Reese received his education in the common schools of his neighborhood where he made a good record as a student, and during the summer months worked on the home farm. When he reached maturity he was united in marriage with Martha S. Conant on January 18, 1906. She is the daughter of James B. Conant, who resides in Marion county, a well known and highly respected family.

Mrs. Reese is one of a large family as follows : Fannie, who married Isem Landford, living in this county, and the parents of four children living and one dead; Ayers, who married Maggie Door, and who lives in Marion county, being the father of four children, all living; Polly, who married Noble Neeper and who is living in Fayette county, this state, being the mother of seven children, all living; Margaret married Guy Neeper and lives in Fayette county, being the mother of one child who is living ; Eli C., married Velinda Owens, and is living in Marion county, being the father of six living children; Ida married James M. Gray and is living in Marion county, the mother of three children living and one deceased ; May is deceased, as is also Emmet and Rhue; Ira married Hattie Harvey, who lives in Marion county, being the father of one child, Martha; Hulda is deceased.

Mrs. Charles Conant was educated in the public schools of Marion county and is a thoughtful, frugal and industrious mother, possessing a remarkable memory and is greatly beloved by all who know her.

Francis M. Reese is the owner of one of the best improved and most productive farms in this township. It consists of one hundred and ten acres, all under cultivation with the exception of twenty acres. He is a practical twentieth century farmer, very skillful and the possessor of rare soundness of judgment for so young a man, and he so manages his farm that bounteous harvests' are reaped from his fields from year to year, and a comfortable living is realized therefrom, together with a competency to lay by. The fields are kept clean, well drained and well fenced, and the dwelling is a cozy and substantial one. The out buildings on the place are all that could be desired, in fact, the general aspect of the place shows thrift, good management and prosperity. In politics Mr. Reese is a stanch Republican and his support is always on the side of right questions and issues having for their object the betterment of the community in which he lives. Fraternally he belongs to the Yeoman lodge, and in his religious affiliations he subscribes to the Methodist Episcopal church, South. Mrs. Reese is also a member of this church. She is regarded as a young woman of many estimable and commendable traits.

William Morris

The subject of this sketch is one of the representative agriculturists of Kinmundy township, Marion county, and he is gladly given personal mention in this volume owing to his individual worth, integrity and high standing in the community where he has maintained his home for nearly three score years, or during his entire lifetime.

KKINKEKHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISthe son of Jesse Morris, who was born in Clinton county, and who came to Marion county at the age of seventeen years arrd in 1846 took up a land warrant with his mother. He was a hard working man and always made a comfortable living, being known as not only a man of industry but also of uprightness and hospitality. He was called from his earthly labors at the age of fifty-two years. He was a Cumberland Presbyterian and a Democrat. There were eight children in his family, four of whom, two boys and two girls are living in 1908, named as follows: William, our subject; Samuel, the only living brother of the subject ; Sarah, deceased ; Harriett and Lucy are the living daughters ; Elizabeth, Mary and Margaret are all deceased.

The subject's mother's maiden name was Mary \Yhiteside, who was born in Tennessee, who came to Kinmundy township, Marion county, Illinois, when she had reached maturity. The paternal grandfather of the subject was Thomas Morris, who came from Georgia and settled in Clinton county, Illinois. His family consisted of three sons and six daughters, as follows: John, William, Jesse - the last named having been born in 1829 ; Hannah, who married Moses Garrett ; Fannie, who married Daniel Casey; Nancy, who married Reuben Wright ; Mary, who married Frank Cole ; Sarah, who married William Layman; Lurana, who married John Wortman. All these children with the exception of two were born in Georgia and came to Clinton and Marion counties, Illinois. Sarah Young was the grandmother on the maternal side of our subject. She was born in Tennessee, and in religion affiliated with the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

William Morris was united in marriage with Elizabeth Holt, October 2, 1872, the daughter of Henry G. Holt. There were nine children in the Holt family, four of whom lived to maturity. Mr. Holt's wife lived to be seventy-eight years old. Henry G. Holt was a man of honesty and industry, a Democrat and a Methodist. He was at one time Supervisor of Foster township, Marion county.

Our subject faithfully performed the office of Supervisor in Kinmundy township, and he was a School Director for many years, during which time the school in his neighborhood was much strengthened. He has always been greatly interested in educational affairs, and has been a delegate to three state conventions.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. William Morris : Margaret C, Mary E., Jessie H., Ira C., Emmet O., W. Earl, J. Esther and Bertha M. Margaret C. married J. L. Davis, who lives near Kinmundy and are the parents of three children, two living and one dead. Mary E. married Dan Doolen, who lives in Kinmundy township, and she is the mother of three children. Ira C. married Laura L. Lamborn and has two children. William Morris has seven grandchildren, six boys and one girl. Our subject has been a careful business man and always industrious and persistent.

As a result of his well directed energies he is today one of the substantial and progressive farmers of Marion county, owning a fine farm of five hundred acres, mostly under cultivation. It is well improved in every respect and the crops are rotated in such a manner that the soil is kept up to a high state of efficiency and only a glance over this splendid place is sufficient to show that a man of energy, thrift and rare business acumen has managed it. Mr. Morris raises and uses full blooded heavy draft horses of the best type. He has always been an admirer of fine horses and good stock, and it is a pleasure to see his fat and well groomed stock and to look out over his fine pastures and splendid fields of grain, but still a greater pleasure to know Mr. Morris himself, to feel his hearty handshake and be the recipient of his kindly demeanor. Mr. Morris and his family are ardent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and like Cornelius of old, he is a devout man, as is all his house, and as a result of his honorable record, his public-spirit, integrity and pleasing manners he numbers his friends by the scores.

The subject of this sketch is a man of excellent mental endowments and upright character and has been a valued factor for more than a quarter of a century in the community in which his life has been passed, for "his sober wishes have never learned to

A. I. Eagan was born on the old Eagan homestead in Foster township, Marion county, Illinois, July 9, 1862, the son of William and Martha (Holt) Eagan, the latter enjoying the distinction of being the first white child born in Patoka township, this county, the date of her birth occurring February 22, 1828. William Eagan was born in Wilson county, Tennessee, May 4, 1823. He came with his father, Barney Eagan, from Wilson county, Tennessee, and settled in Marion county, Illinois, in 1841. Barney Eagan married a Miss Gray, of Tennessee, who died in that state, Barnet Eagan settled in Kinmundy township, where he developed a farm and where he died. William Eagan, the subject's father, had only a limited education. He lived at home until his marriage, December 7, 1844. He lived in section 9, Foster township, where he secured one hundred acres of land which he improved and developed into a most successful farm. He was a Democrat and held several township offices. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He passed to his rest March 20, 1891. his widow surviving until July 5, 1897. They were the parents of seven sons and four daughters, namely: John F., who was born in September, 1845, is a farmer in Alexander county, Illinois; Catherine, whose date of birth is September 7, 1847, married to G. A. Conant, of Foster township: Elizabeth, who was bom February 8, 1850, died November 23, 1906; Mary, who was born August 8, 1852, married Samuel Morris, of Foster township; James W., born November 3, 1854, is a farmer in Oklahoma; Henry H., born January 30, 1857, is a farmer in Foster township; Arvilla, born February 10, 1860, died February 27, 1879, having been the wife of Albert Williams; A. I., the subject of this sketch; William S., born July 17, 1865, died February 9, 1899; Samuel B., bom February 10, 1868, is a traveling salesman and lives with the subject; Harmon R., born March 17, 1871, lives with the subject.

A. I. Eagan received his education in the home schools. He has always lived in Foster township, where he has carried on general farming in such a skillful manner as to insure definite success in every particular. He is regarded by his neighbors as one of the best farmers in the township, and is also known as a good judge of live stock of all kinds, having for many years devoted his attention largely to stock raising, together with his fanning. He has also been successful in other lines of business, having started a store in Lester in 1891, of which he made a success. He faithfully served the people of that community as postmaster for a period of ten years. He also gave able service as Tax Collector in 1891, and as Supervisor from 1896 to 1897. He has been Justice of the Peace for twelve years and his decisions are always considered fair and impartial and they have seldom met with reversal at the hands of a higher tribunal. He has long been active in politics, being a staunch Democrat. Fraternally Mr. Eagan is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 324, of Vernon, this county. He is a most successful business man and is well known in the county, being admired for his industry, his interest in public affairs, and his honesty.

Richard M. Atkins

The Atkins family of Kinmundy township, of which Richard Atkins is a representative, have for several generations been interested in general agricultural pursuits, and the success they have achieved would indicate that they have always been thrifty and energetic, and the community is greatly indebted to them for much of its general advancement.

Richard M. Atkins was born in Foster township, Marion county, January 18, 1860, the son of Nathan Atkins, who was born in Alabama, and who came to Foster township where he spent the remainder of his life, dying there at the age of sixty years, having been seventeen years old when he first settled here. Nathan Atkins was the father of twelve children, eight boys and four girls, named in order of birth as follows: John, Barbe, George, all deceased; Joseph Wr., Richard M., both living; Sarah F., deceased; Hannah C, Mary E., Cynthia C., all living; Nathan L., Moses and James, all deceased. John married Mary Edgar. George married Mary Jones, by which union two children were born, and after her death he married Hulda Jones, to which union two sons have been born. Joseph married Hattie Dulin, but neither he nor John have any children. Richard married Elizabeth Lansford and they are the parents of three children, named Nathan L., deceased; Ruth F., the only one living, and Wesley L., who died recently. The maiden name of the subject's mother was Elizabeth Lansford, whose father was named Lemuel Jackson, who was the father of fifteen children, three boys and twelve girls, eight of whom lived to maturity, all being married but three. Lemuel Jackson died when fifty years old. He was a Cumberland Presbyterian. His education was limited to the common schools. Elizabeth Lansford was also a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and her early education was also limited to the public schools. She married when eighteen years of age, and endured the hardships of pioneer life. She is still living and is in fairly good health although advanced in years.

Richard M. Atkins, our subject, was raised on his father's farm, and he has always followed agricultural pursuits and has made an eminent success of the same. He is at present the owner of a valuable farm of sixty acres on which he carries on general farming in a manner that insures a comfortable living from year to year, and also enables him to lay up a competence for his old age. His farm is well improved in every respect, and he has an excellent dwelling and a good barn.

the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge at Kinmundy. He is a loyal Democrat and believes in the principles of Christianity and the progress of education. He is School Trustee in Kinmundy township. The pastoral life that our subject is leading is entirely agreeable to his tastes and his nature, and this, coupled with the happiness and contentment of his home life, renders existence for him truly delightful.

Mrs. Mary A. Robb

Wholly devoted to home and domestic duties, doing through all the best years of her domestic life the lowly but sacred work that conies within her sphere, there is not much ro record concerning the life of the average woman; and yet what station so dignified, what relation so loving and endearing, what office so holy, tender and ennobling as those of home-making motherhood. In a biographical compendium, such as this work is intended to be, woman should have no insignificant representation, and the publishers are glad to give the estimable lady whose name heads this paragraph a place herein owing to the fact that her life has been one of earnest devotion to duty, and one calculated to leave its indelible imprint for good in the community where she resides.

Mrs. Mary A. Robb was born in Fayette county, Illinois, July 28, 1852, having been known in her maidenhood as Mary A. Manion, daughter of Robert P. Manion, a well known and influential man in his community. He was born in Kentucky. He represented a family of nine girls and six boys> two boys and one girl deceased. The subject's mother was known in her maidenhood as Eliza Henry, a native of Ohio, and one of a family of five girls and one boy, all growing to maturity. The subject's grandmother, Mary Henry, is still living at this writing, 1908, at the advanced age of ninety-four years, her birthday falling on the loth of March. She is a fine old lady, having always possessed a beautiful Christian character and her life has been one of inspiration to younger generations. She lives' at La Gootee, Illinois, with her only living son, K. D. Henry.

Our subject received a good common school education in her native community, having applied herself diligently to her text-books and winning the praise of her teachers. When she reached maturity she was united in marriage with William W. "Robb, on December 14, 1882, by George Harpster, a Justice of the Peace, at his residence in Fayette county, Illinois. To this union seven children were born, as follows : Samuel P., Charles F., Permelia B., Martha N., Rosa E., Lewis K., Maggie R. Samuel P. Robb married Ethel Lowe, and they have one son, named William W. Permelia and Martha live in Champaign, Illinois ; Charles F. farms the home place and is unmarried. Rosa E. is deceased. Lewis and Maggie are still members of the home circle. These children all received the most careful attention and are fairly well educated, having been taught to develop their minds along such lines as would result in success and happiness in after life, and as a result of the wholesome home environment and careful training of the fond mother, they have developed into men and women of the noblest types and have hosts of admiring friends, all enjoying the fruits of excellent and unblemished reputations.

Mrs. Robb resides on a farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres which she owns and oversees with rare business ability and sagacity, so that year after year excellent crops are reaped and a comfortable living is maintained, also a competency is laid by for the future. The soil is kept in excellet productive condition by the rotation of crops and the employment of modern and scientific methods known to the best agriculturists. The place is well drained and well fenced, and the Robb dwelling is commodious and is very tastefully kept. Numerous substantial out-buildings are to be found about the place. One hundred and twenty acres of this farm are in cultivation, the remainder is in timber.

The Robb family are all Democrats. Mrs. Robb is a faithful and consistent member of the Christian church. She is truly a noble mother and sets a Godly example before the community, her chief aim being to be a good mother, and she has the undivided devotion of her family, all of whom give every promise of happy and successful futures. Mrs. Robb is a pleasant woman to meet, always congenial and kindly disposed.

George Eldon Reese

Marion county has been the home and the scene of the successful labors of many able, broad-minded and public-spirited citizens, and standing as a worthy representative of this class and as a member of the old and influential families of this great commonwealth is the gentleman whose name appears above. He is one of the progressive farmers and stock growers of Marion county, where he has long maintained his home and devoted his attention to the development of a fine farm which is situated in Kinmundy township, and so well managed that it yields the owner from year to year a comfortable living.

George Eldon Reese was bom in Fayette county, Illinois, August 10, 1859, the son of James Reese, who was born in Pennsylvania, and wrho died when seventy-three years old, having been born December 16, 1822. Seven children were born to the subject's parents, three of whom are deceased at this writing. Their names are: Annie, deceased; James, deceased; John, Mahulda, Eliza Jane, George Eldon, all living ; the seventh in order of birth died in infancy. James Reese was a farmer, having owned a fine farm in Fayette county, consisting of eighty acres. He married Martha Fogler, who was called to her rest when our subject was three months old. The Reese family moved from Fayette county to Marion county in 1890. James Reese was the grandfather of our subject. He was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Fayette county, Illinois, when a young man. He passed to his rest from Fayette county, after a useful and busy life.

George E. Reese, our subject, was united in marriage on August 25, 1878, to Sarah Earnest, who was born in Fayette county in 1 86 1. She received a good common school education as did also our subject in their native county. Mr. Reese left school when eighteen years old.

Eight children have been born to the subject and his wife, one of whom is deceased. Their names are: James W., who married Rosa Payton, and who has four children; Lulu C,. who married Ben Hunter and who has two children; Francis M., who married Martha Conant, has one son. The other children are all single; their names are Charles E., Samuel H., Jessie G., Otto V., Talta C. These children had the best advantages possible and all received fairly good educations in the country schools of the district where they were raised.

Mr. Reese has always been a hard worker, having devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of seventy-two and one-half acres of as good land as can be found in Kinmundy township. He carries on general farming in a manner that shows conclusively that he possesses unusual ability as an agriculturist. His fields are kept clean and well fenced. He handles considerable stock from year to year of good grades. Nearly all of the subject's farm is under a high state of cultivation, and it shows that

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISa man of thrift and energy is managing it. He has a good dwelling and many substantial out buildings.

Mr. Reese has been a loyal Republican since maturity, and has always taken more or less interest in political affairs, especially local politics. The father of the subject was reared a United Brethren, but his children were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, North. Our subject is a man of sunny disposition, always looks on the bright side of life, being truly an optimist, ever hopeful that the good will come instead of the bad, and as a result of such a fortunate disposition he makes it pleasant for those whom he may chance to meet, and he is regarded as a most excellent neighbor. He loves his fellow man and delights in helping those in need. He has an exceptionally nice family, a good and affable wife, and he provides everything for his family that is deemed advisable for the moral, intellectual, as well as their material welfare.

William T. Storment

The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is one of the leading farmers and inrjt growers of Marion county, and also enjoys the distinction of being a representative of two of the old and highly esteemed pioneer families of the township in which he lives. John Storment, his grandfather, a South Carolinian by birth, moved to Marion county about 'the year 1838, and purchased a large tract of government land, principally in what is now Haines township, the patents for which bearing the signature of President Van Buren are now in the possession of the subject of this review. John Storment became a prosperous farmer and representative citizen and \yielded a strong influence among the early settlers of Haines township, having been a man of great force of character and determination of purpose. He did much to promote the interests of agriculture and will long be remembered as one of the sterling yeomen to whose labors and influence the present flourishing condition of Haines township is largely due.

William K. Storment, son of John Storment and father of William T., was a native of Marion county and for many years one of the progressive farmers and enterprising citizens of the township of Haines. He, too, was public spirited and a natural leader among his fellow men, stood high in the esteem of all with whom he came into contact and belonged to that large and eminently respectable class who in a quiet but forceful way do so much for the material progress of the country and give moral tone to the body politic. At the breaking out of the late Civil war he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Infantry and devoted three of the best years of his life to the service of his country, participating in all the campaigns and battles in which his regiment was engaged and earning an honorable record as a brave and gallant defender of the Union.

Of The

When a young man William K. Storment married Miss Martha I. Wrham, of Marion county, and in due time became the father of five children, namely: Elmer (deceased; Minnie (deceased); John R., a farmer and fruit grower of Mississippi; William T., of this review, and one that died in infancy. The parents of these children were esteemed members of the United Presbyterian church and spared no pains to impress upon their young minds and hearts the principles of religion and the beauty and value of a living Christian faith. Wrilliam K. Storment was not only an influential man in the affairs of his church, but was also a local politician of considerable note, having been one of the leading Republicans of his township, though never a partisan, much less a seeker after the honors and emoluments of public office. He died some years ago on the home farm in Haines township, lamented by all who knew him, leaving to his descendants the memory of an honored name, which they value as a priceless heritage. Mrs. Storment is the daughter of William Wham, one of the early settlers of Marion county and an influential factor of the pioneer period. She is still living and enjoys the acquaintance of a large circle of friends, who hold her in the highest personal regard.

William T. Storment, to a brief review of whose career the following lines are devoted, was born in Haines township on the farm one mile north of Kell, which he now owns and occupies, September 10, 1867. Like the majority of country lads, he was reared to habits of industry, early became familiar with the various duties of farm life and in the public schools, which he attended at intervals during his minority, received his educational training. Manifesting a decided taste for mechanical pursuits while still young, he turned his abilities in this direction to practical use by learning carpentry, at which he acquired more than ordinary proficiency and which he followed for some years in his own and neighboring localities, a number of residences and other edifices bearing witness to his ability and skill as a builder. After a time, however, he discontinued his trade and purchasing the home farm, has since given his attention to agriculture and fruit growing, meeting with most encouraging success and achieving much more than local repute as a progressive and up-to-date tiller of the soil. In the meantime he has made many valuable improvements on the place, remodeling the house and converting it into a first class modern dwelling with all the latest conveniences, including among others a heating plant that adds greatly to the comfort of the home, besides lessening in no small degree the expense of providing fuel. The barn, which is one of the largest and most conveniently arranged buildings of the kind in the neighborhood, is a model of architectural and mechanical skill, while all the other improvements are in keeping therewith, the farm consisting of oqe hundred and twenty-five acres of highly improved land, being one of the most valuable as well as one of the most desirable places of its area in Marion county. Mr. Storment takes a pardonable pride in

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY,, ILLINOIShis home and has spared neither pains nor expense in making it beautiful and attractive and it is now conceded to be one of the finest country seats not only in Marion county, but in the southern part of the state. Believing this section of Illinois .to possess the necessary characteristics for successful fruit growing, Mr. Storment some years ago planted a part of his farm in choice apple, pear and peach trees, the results in due time more than realizing his highest expectations. Encouraged by the success of the venture, he continued planting from time to time, until he now has one hundred and ten acres in fruit, the income from which far surpasses what he ever received from the raising of grain. He makes horticulture not only his chief business, but pursues it with the enthusiasm and delight of a pastime. He devotes much time to the study of the subject, reduces his researches to practical tests, and in this way has made the business very remunerative. By employing scientific methods, such as proper fertilizing, spraying, pruning, etc., he never fails to realize abundant crops of the finest fruits raised in this part of the state, and that, too, when other orchards fail entirely or at least bear but a scanty supply and of a poor and inferior quality. Among the improvements of which he makes use is a portable gas engine for the purpose of spraying, the value of which in the saving of time as well as of insuring full yields is many hundred fold in excess of the amount the contrivance cost.

Mr. Storment is not only the leading horticulturist in Marion county, but as a fanner he also occupies a place in the front rank, making use of modern implements and machinery and employing only the most approved methods in the cultivation of the soil. He is essentially progressive in his ideas, believes that satisfactory results can only be obtained from the exercise of sound judgment and wise discretion and possessing the ability to foresee with remarkable accuracy the future outcome of present action, he is seldom if ever disappointed in any of his plans or undertakings. A man of strong character and inflexible integrity, he stands high as a citizen, takes an active interest in public matters both general and local and all measures and enterprises for the material progress of the country and the social and moral advancement of the people are sure to enlist his hearty co-operation and support. His political views are in harmony with the principles and traditions of the Republican party, and while firm in his convictions and earnest and fearless in maintaining the soundness of his opinions, he cannot be called a partisan, nor has he ever disturbed the even tenor of his life by aspiring to office or leadership. He is first of all a creditable representative of the ancient and honorable calling of agriculture and as such he ranks among the most enterprising and successful men in the state, this, with the simple title of citizen, being sufficient to make him contented with his lot, as well as an example to his fellow men in correct living.

ty, daughter of Bloom P. and Mariah (Albert) Davis, both natives of Illinois, the father of Jefferson county, the mother 'of the county of Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Storment are esteemed members of the United Presbyterian church, belonging to what is known a? the Romine Prairie congregation and active in all lines of religious and charitable work under the auspices of the same. Socially they are numbered among the best people of the community in which they reside and their popularity is limited only by the circle of their acquaintance. The Davis family, to which Mrs. Storment belongs, has long occupied a conspicuous place in the confidence and respect of the people of Marion county and its reputation for honorable manhood and womanhood is second to that of no other family in this part of the state. For many years the name has been identified with the Christian church of Marion and neighboring counties, Mr. Davis and his wife having been prominent members of that body and influential in religious work in their own and other localities. Mrs. Storment is the oldest of a family of four children, three sisters and a brother, namely: Maggie, who married Ernest Kell, of Marion county: Anderson, who lives on the home farm, and Minnie, who is unmarried and also a member of trie Tiome circle.

Wilfred Spiese

As a result of the wonderful progress along all lines, we are prone to lose sight of life as it was in the days when our subject lived - the days of the pioneer, not so long since, it is true, if counted by years, but when viewed in the light of invention and improvement seems indeed quite far removed. Among the noble and hardy men who left the, older communities of the East and moved to the pioneer settlements of the Middle West was Wilfred Spiese, who departed this life in this county in 1882. Mr. Spiese was born in eastern Pennsylvania on the 8th day of February, 1824. He came to Jefferson county, Illinois, 111.1853, a"d removed to Marion county in 1885. He received his early education in the common schools of Pennsylvania, and as he reached his years of maturity he turned his attention to the milling industry, following this up to the time that he removed to this county. He was an expert miller and in all his dealings was held in high esteem by everyone with whom he came in contact. He was a highly respected member of the Universalist church and voted for the most part with the Democratic party. In 1851 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Alice Heaton, who is also a native of Ohio, born August 14, 1830. This union was blessed with nine children, as follows: Gertrude, wife of Dennis O'Neil, and mother of three children ; Florence ; Wilfred, married Reba Long, to whom one child has been born; Camila, wife of Frank Lawrence, and mother of three children ; George married Sallie Pool, to whom were born two children ; Jessie is the wife of Jerome Embyser, and the mother of a family of five: Frank and Virginia died in infancy ; Edgar R. died at the age of twenty. Mrs. Spiese, by a former marriage, became the mother of two

BR1NKERHOFF S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISchildren. In bringing up her family, Mrs. Spiese has succeeded in rilling the place of a clear-minded and worthy mother, training her household into habits of thrift and application to work, and impressing indelibly upon them the wholesome truths that lie at the base of domestic happiness and prosperity. Many of these traits she inherited from her father, who was also one of the pioneers of the county, having come hither in an early day and1 entered a claim of several hundred acres of land. He took a prominent part in developing the country, having assisted substantially in the promoting and building of the roads that are now found in the neighborhood. A part of the original claim forms the homestead upon which Mrs. Spiese is now living with her son, George. She is happy and content to fill her allotted place as Providence directs, deeming it a pleasure to be a blessing to many friends and kindred as she finishes the journey of life.

Orcelas See

In the work of upbuilding Marion county, our subject and his ancestors have contributed very materially, Mr. See being a worthy successor to those of his family who blazed out the forest trails and helped the first pioneers reclaim the new country and has equally well played his part in connection with the industrial and civic development of this section, so that the name is one

Orcelas See was born in Kinmundy township, Marion county, Illinois, November 19, 1849, the son of Shull M. and Mary E. (Day) See, the former having been born in West Virginia in 1809 and passed to his rest, March 8, 1857. The subject's mother was born February 14, 1818, and passed to the other shore December 13, 1884. The subject's parents were married March 15. 1838, in Virginia, and became the parents of nine children, eight boys and one girl, of whom Orcelas is the fifth in order of birth. The parents spent their lives on a farm and were well known in their community. Orcelas See attended the old log school-houses in his native district and also went one winter to school in Kinmundy, working during the summer months on his father's farm. His education was limited, he having quit school when seventeen years old.

Our subject has always worked on the farm, having begun farming for himself when eighteen years old. After his father's death, the responsibilities of the home fell upon his shoulders and he remained with his widowed mother, managing the place in a manner that would have done credit to an old and experienced farmer. He has been so successful in his agricultural pursuits that he is now considered one of the substantial citizens o!f the township, owning at this time a very valuable and highly improved farm of two hundred and thirty acres, nearly all of which is under cultiva- tion. and he has many varieties of excellent stock in his barns and fields and no small portion of his income has been from this source. On this farm stands one of the finest, most substantial and elegantly furnished homes. Besides having been eminently successful in farming, Mr. See has taken advantages of other business opportunities, and he is at this writing president of the Citizens Bank at Alma, which is capitalized at twenty-five thousand dollars. He owns one-fifth of the stock of this substantial institution and it is well patronized, for as the head of this institution Mr. See has ably performed his duties, taking time from his farm and other business affairs to spend a few days each week in the bank.

Our subject's domestic life dates from November 19, 1871, when he was happily married to Mary J. McCullough, the accomplished and affable daughter of Smith and Eliza J. (Chambers) McCullough, a well known and highly respected family. Mrs. See was born in Ashland county, Ohio, near Savannah, December 28, 1851. She received her education in the district schools and at Alma. She is the second child in order of birth in a family of five, children. Mr. and Mrs. See are the parents of the following children: Charley, Lida, Emery M., who was born September 19, 1872, and died in infancy; Charles L. was born April 28, 1874; Clarence S. was born February 12. 1878, and died December 15. 1907; Mary E., who was born May 27, 1880, is in the bank at Alma, as clerk and bookkeeper: Florence was born October 2, 1882: Carrie was born October 7, 1884; Gertrude E. was born March 14, 1886; Nellie R. was born November 12, 1888. All the children living are at home with their parents and assist in the work on the farm. Mr. See is a Democrat in his political beliefs and always takes considerable interest in his party's affairs, believing as he does in clean politics, he lends his influence in placing the best local men possible in the county offices. He has ably served his community as School Director, School Commissioner and Highway Commissioner, at present holding the last named office. Both he and his wife are great readers and in their home may be found numerous books of a variety of subjects and many periodicals and magazines. Mr. See has always been interested in education and during his connection with the school affairs of the community the cause of education in the local field received an impetus that will be permanent. Our subject has followed the precepts of his parents who were ardent Baptists and is himself a faithful member of this church. Mrs. See's parents were Presbyterians, but she is now a member of the Baptist church in Alma.

James A. Rennie

The Irish element in America's national, life has contributed much to the country's material prosperity, being felt as a potential force along industrial, commercial and agricultural lines, to say nothing of the import-

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISant place it occupies in the arts and sciences and its influence in religious and educational circles, and in the domain of politics. A fine representative of this nationality is found in James A. Rennie, of Kinmundy township, a successful farmer and estimable citizen, whom to know is to respect. In his veins flows the blood of a long line of Irish ancestors, and it was in the fair Emerald Isle that he first saw the light of day. Since coming to the New World he has prospered, and while he still loves his native land he is loyal to American institutions.

James A. Rennie was born in Armagh, Ireland, September 20, 1838, the son of Thomas and Mary (Stratton) Rennie, whose family consisted of three children, namely: William J., James A., and Samuel. Thomas Rennie came to America in 1847, and settled in Rhode Island, later going to Boston, then to Providence, where he received employment. He was a machinist. He later moved to Arkwright and Hope, where he did all the machine work for the factories. In the year 1850 the family moved to Perry county, Indiana, and was engaged to work in the cotton mills of Cannelton. William, the oldest son, put up the first spindle frames in the mill where they were employed.

Our subject received a fairly good common school education. He was married in 1866 to Mariah E. Falkunbarra, of Perry county, Indiana. She was the daughter of Littleton Falkunbarra, who married a Miss Shoemaker. To this union one child was born, Mariah E., who married M. F. Elgan, of Marion county. Our subject's second wife was Eliza E. Bass, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Davis) Bass, and to this marriage three children were born, namely: Rosa, whose date of birth occurred in 1876; Gertrude R., who was born January 10, 1882, and who died October 2, 1898; Oscar R., who was born February i, 1890. Rosa married Charles Hannah, superintendent of the Salem box factory.

Our subject's war record is one that merits praise. He enlisted as a private, but was such a gallant soldier that he became sergeant and served as such throughout the war. He was in seventeen battles and skirmishes. He was in the Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry under John C. Walker of United States bond fame. He also served under Dick Ryan, of Indianapolis, Mayor Bolt, Colonel Mullen, son of Adjutant Mullin, who was shot at Dobbins Ford, Tennessee, under Van Cleve's division. Thomas Rennie and his sons, William and James, all enlisted in the Union army from Perry county, Indiana, in 1861, for three years' time. William was wounded in a skirmish during the first of the war, having had his limb broken in two places. Thomas R., father of our subject, died from exposure in 1872. He reached an old age. Lieutenant Canoe states that James A. Rennie was as brave a man as ever followed the American flag.

Mr. Rennie is the owner of a very valuable and highly productive farm of forty acres in section 30, township 4, range 3. He is a good farmer and makes his place yield a comfortable income from year to year. His fields are well tilled and in excellent condition. He has a comfortable and substantial residence and a good barn, and other out buildings. Our subject has been interested in educational movements and has very ably filled the office of School Director for the past twenty-five years. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has voted for every Republican President since then. He draws twelve dollars per month pension, under the affidavit of his discharge. In religion he is a Universalist, and adheres closely to this beautiful faith, however, he has never made profession of any religious faith. He practices the motto, ''Do right to all men, because it is right," this being the substance of his creed. He was seventy years old September 30, 1908, and is hale and hearty, enjoying in a large measure life, his home and many friends. He is a great reader of both papers and books, and is much interested in the history of this country.

Benjamin D. Craig

A consistent and valuable prerogative is exercised by a compilation of this nature when it enters a resume of the life history of so honored and prominent a citizen as he whose name initiates this paragraph. He has played well his part in the early and subsequent development and civic and industrial progress of Marion county, proving himself a man of courage, self-reliance and utmost integrity of purpose, so that he has during his entire life stood high in the esteem of his neighbors and friends. He has spent his long and useful life within the borders of his native county, and has done much to develop its interests.

Benjamin D. Craig was born in Marion county, Illinois, February 4, 1848, the son of James K., and Catherine (Wilkinson) Craig. Our subject is the oldest child in a family of seven children. His early education was received in the district schools in log school-houses, with a log fire-place, puncheon floor and puncheon seats or split logs for benches. The desk he had to write on was made from a big saw-log. The boys cut the wood which was burned while school was in session, and the neighbors hauled the wood from the forests to the school-house with ox teams. Our subject recalls one time when they barred the teacher out and he knocked the door down with an ax. The treat was candy and a bag of apples. But notwithstanding the primitive condition of these early schools, Mr. Craig applied himself in an ardent manner, and received the foundation for an education which has since been supplemented by close observation and by wide home reading.

When he reached maturity our subject was united in marriage with Fena B. Weese, of Indianapolis, the ceremony which made them man and wife having been performed on September 27, 1875, in the city of Indianapolis. This union has been most har-

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISmonious and happy, and has resulted in the birth of three children, namely: James Floyd, who married Grace Hackett, and who is the mother of one daughter, Helen; George Raymond, who married Mary Skinner, and who is the father of one child, a girl named Margie; Jennie Ethel married Arthur Curry, who travels for the Hall Safe Company, and who lives in Evansville, Indiana. They now have one son, born November 7, 1908.

Our subject's wife is the daughter of Reuben B. and Phoebe Stokley Weese, both natives of Pennsylvania, having come here from Mercer county, Pennsylvania, to Warrick county, Indiana. There are three children in the Weese family, namely : Fena B., wife of our subject; George W., and Jennie. The wife of our subject was three years old when her parents moved to Indiana. The date of her birth is recorded as May 20, 1851, having occurred in Pennsylvania. She received her early education in Charlottesville, near Greenfield, Hancock county.

Benjamin D. Craig is very active in handling all kinds of farming implements and machinery used for up-to-date farm work, most of his stock being purchased of the P. P. Mass & Company, of Springfield, Ohio, and the Racine Saddlery Company of Springfield, Illinois. He understands machinery and always handles the best grades that the market affords, and owing to his careful buying he is enabled to sell his stock at reasonable figures, and therefore has a wide patronage. In politics he is a loyal Democrat, first voted for Samuel T- Tilden.

He has never been a partisan, being contented to attend strictly to individual affairs and assist in placing the best men possible in the county offices, and his support can always be depended upon when questions are before the public requiring definiteness of purpose in deciding them for the right.

In his religious affiliations his support is not given to any special church, however, he believes in Christianity. His parents were Methodists. The parents of Mrs. Craig are also Methodists. Our subject is regarded as one of the loyal and progressive business men of his township, and owing to the fact that all of his useful life has been spent within the borders of Marion county, he is well known in every township, especially in Kinmundy, where he maintains his home, and where he is regarded as one of the substantial men of the community.

Robert L. Lambert

It is deemed eminently appropriate at this place to call the reader's attention to the life history of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this paragraph, owing to the fact that his life has always been such as to inspire confidence and admiration on the part of his fellow citizens.

Robert L. Lambert was born in section 22, Foster township, Marion county. November 4. 1858. the son of William and Nancy (Pruett) Lambert, the former a native of Marion countv and the latter of Fav- ette county, this state. Nathan Lambert was the father of William Lambert. He was a native of Tennessee and married a Miss Mann. He was among the pioneer settlers of Foster township in section 22, the vicinity where the subject now lives. He devoted his life to farming and he and his wife died in Foster township. The subject's father had little chance to go to school, but became self-educated and well informed on current topics. He prospered while living on his father's old homestead, being a good manager. He made many extensive improvements in the place where he and his wife both died. He was a Democrat and well known and highly respected. Nathan Lambert and wife were the parents of three children, namely: Mary, who first married Enoch Neville, her second husband being B. M. Harris, who is now deceased. She is living at Granby, Missouri. Robert was a soldier in Company H, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was captured July 22, 1863, and taken to Andersonville prison and later to Lauton, Georgia, in which prison he died November 4, 1864. William was the father of our subject. They were the parents of seven children, three now living and four dead. Robert L., our subject: John T.. a farmer, living in Macon county: Minnie, who married Edgar Somerville, of Carrigan township, this county. The subject of this sketch received only a limited education, not having much opportunity to attend school. His father was an invalid for several years and the subject was compelled to work in his boyhood days to help support the family. He always lived on the old place. Mr. Lambert was united in marriage May 5, 1881, with Kate Zeifang, of Lincoln. Illinois, the daughter of George and Cresents (Keiser) Zeifang, both natives of Germany. Both died when Mrs. Lambert was small. One daughter has been born to the subject and wife, Helena Maude, who is the wife of William Jones, a farmer living in Foster township. Our subject has always been a farmer and one of the best in the locality. He has devoted much time to raising grain and fruit. He raises excellent horses, cattle and hogs. Everything about his place shows prosperity and good management. He has a good dwelling and convenient out-buildings. Mr. Lambert has always been a public-spirited man, having ably served his township as Supervisor, Road Commissioner and School Director. He is a loyal Democrat. He is well informed on current topics and is held in high esteem by all who know him for his honesty and industry.

Rev. John Hexry Ballaxce

The subject of this sketch is known as a man of marked erudition and practical ability as a minister of the Gospel and as one who has achieved success in his calling. His prestige in the pulpit of Marion county stands in evidence of his ability and likewise serves as a voucher for his intrinsic worth of character, as he has alwavs directed his

BRINKERIIOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISenergies along legitimate channels, while his career has been based upon the assumption that nothing' save industry, honesty, and fidelity to duty will lead to success. Therefore, the one of whom we write has won his way into the affections of a vast number of people in this locality, by virtue of his useful, unselfish and altogether Christian life, whose influence cannot be adequately measured or properly gaged until the final opening of the "Book of Life" as related in Holy Writ.

Rev. John Henry Ballance is a native of Marion county, Illinois, where he first saw the light of day December n, 1849, near Tonti. the son of Lemuel Ballance, a native of Kentucky, who first moved to Logan county, Illinois, near Russellville, later to Marion county. The paternal grandfather of the subject was Henry R. Ballance, who was born in Norfolk county, near Norfolk City, the county seat. He is remembered as a fine old Southern gentleman, and his family consisted of five children, two daughters and three sons. Their names were: Mordaci. deceased; James, deceased; Lemuel, our subject's father, who is also deceased; as are also the two daughters.

Lemuel Ballance was the father of the following children : Susan, who married J. H. Gray, and who was born November 3, 1838; Sarah, whose date of birth is recorded as February 27, 1841, married Henry B. Jones; Mary Jane, who was born April 5, 1847, is the wife of W. J. Chance; Thomas R., who was born October 30, 1844, is deceased; John Henry, our subject:

James was born January 15, 1854; Martha was born December 22, 1834; Leticia was born December 22, 1836, neither ever married, and they are both deceased. Lemuel Ballance was a man of considerable influence in his community, having owned a good farm in this locality, which he kept well improved.

John Henry Ballance, our subject, early in life, decided that his life work should be devoted to the noble mission of saving souls, consequently, he has shaped his efforts to this work ever since reaching manhood. At this writing, 1908, he is a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, South, having filled the same position with honor and credit to his people since March n, 1874. He was later ordained as Deacon by Bishop Wightman. In September, 1891. he was ordained Elder by Bishop R. K. Hargrove, the copy of the original license being herewith appended : "The bearer hereof, John H. Ballance, having been duly recommended and having been examined by the quarterly conference of the Salem Circuit, Salem District, Illinois annual conference, Methodist Episcopal church, South, is hereby authorized to exr hort according to the rules and regulations of said church, signed in behalf of said quarterly conference, Marshall French, Secretary; M. R. Jones, Presiding Elder. July 23, 1870."

Following is a copy of the original license to preach, which the subject holds: "Conference recommends Rev. John H. Ballance as a regular exhorter. The bearer hereof, John Ballance, having been duly recommended and having been examined as the discipline directs by the Quarterly Conference of Patoka Circuit, of Salem District of the Illinois annual conference, of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, is hereby authorized to preach the Gospel according to the rules and regulations of said church. Signed in behalf of said Quarterly Conference: John Smith, Secretary; T. B. Harbin, Presiding Elder. March 16, 1874." The mother of our subject died when he was seven years old and in November, 1861, his father was called from his earthly labors, after which, Mordica Ballance, uncle of our subject, was appointed his guardian and took a deep interest in his welfare. After living with each of his two married sisters for a while, and also with his uncle for something over a year, and as yet having no permanent home, his uncle obtained a home for him with James Doolen, residing north of Kinmundy, this county. The Doolen family was good to him and he was well cared for. He was to remain with them until he was twenty-one years old, but Mr. Doolen sold his farm and moved to Kansas. Then our subject found a home with J. C. Jones. They, too, were excellent people and treated Mr. Ballance as one of the family. He shared in each of these homes with their children, partaking'alike of their comforts and blessings, one of the greatest blessings of which was the Christian influence that was thrown around him. Mr. and Mrs. Doolen were very religious, Mr. Doolen being an active worker in the church, and while living here he was converted and later joined the church. J. C. Jones was an every-day Christian, who held family worship twice daily. Our subject lived with this family until he was twenty-one years old. He obtained only a limited education, having attended school .only a short time during the winter.

Our subject has also served as Justice of the Peace, having been elected under Shelby M. McCullom, governor in 1877 to 1881, and signed by George M. Harlow, Secretary of State of Illinois. He was elected Supervisor of Kinmundy township in 1886, and served the people in a very creditable manner, to their entire satisfaction.

Besides his ministerial work, our subject has one of the finest farms in this section of the country, consisting of two hundred and fifty acres, which are under a high state of cultivation and well improved, having been successfully managed by the subject so that abundant harvests have been reaped from year to year, richly rewarding the owner .for his honest toil. He is regarded as an industrious and successful farmer as well as a good minister of the Gospel. A commodious and substantial residence, which is nicely furnished, stands on the farm, together with numerous and substantial outbuildings.

His work in the ministry here has been of great significance to the people of this community. He has long been called upon to marry the young and bury the deceased, having at this writing, performed over one

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOIShundred and fifty marriages. He married two brothers and two sisters at the same time. He has supplied Patoka circuit and Kinmundy circuits, the latter twice. He has baptized and received a large number into the church.

Rev. John Henry Ballance was united in marriage with Sarah F. Morgan on January 8. 1871. She was born in Marion county. Illinois, in 1854. the refined and accomplished daughter of John B. and Martha Morgan. Her father was born in Alabama and moved to Marion county when a boy, accompanying his mother. The wife of our subject was the eldest daughter of this family.

Ten children have been bom to our subject and wife, only four of whom are living, two sons and two daughters, the names of the living being : Martha Lulu, who married Harry Warren, and who has one child : George T. married Emma Garrett and has one child ; John Lemuel married Stella Miller and has one child ; Josie Ballance is unmarried. Our subject is a loyal Democrat and his support is always on the right side of every issue looking to the betterment of his community.

David F. Nichols

The record of the gentleman whose name appears above is that of a man who has worked his way from a modest beginning to a place of influence and financial ease. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the notably systematic and honest methods he has followed have won him the unbounded confidence and regard of the citizens of Marion county.

David F. Nichols was born in Foster township, Marion county, December 10, 1854, the son of David and Mary J. (Foster) Nichols. The subject's father was born May 18, 1825, at Gilbertsville, New York. The subject's mother was born at Carlyle, Illinois, December 24, 1828. David Nichols was the son of David Nichols, of Bloomfield, Massachusetts, where he was born, November 30, 1779. He married a Massachusetts lady and both are now deceased. He was a well-to-do farmer. The subject's father had no chance to attend school after he \vas fifteen years old, but he studied at home and became fairly well educated. He came west and married in 1847, in Carlyle, Illinois. Shortly after this marriage he came to Marion county, Illinois, and settled in Foster township, where he bought wild land in section 23, consisting of two hundred acres, and he engaged in farming the remainder of his life. He was one of the nation's brave defenders in the sixties, having enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served three years in such a gallant manner that he was made a lieutenant. He was discharged on account of ill health. He died February 8, 1878. His wife died November 5, 1856. He married a second time, his last wife being Elizabeth Jones, a sister to his first wife. She died in May, 1905.

He had four children by his first wife, namely: Celia A., born December 6, 1847, the wife of Joseph F. Wilton, of Carlyle, Illinois; Frances L., born March 12, 1850, the wife of A. S. Bassett, of Sarita, Texas; John D., bom June 25, 1852, and died in 1872; David Fillmore, the subject. Eight children were born to the father of the subject by his second wife, namely: Mary J., who was born April 19, 1859, the wife of William Underwood, of Patoka, Illinois; Sarah P., born December 10, 1861, who remained single, died August 9, 1884; Harriett A., who was born March 30, 1864, married Thomas Quayle, Jr., of Patoka, Illinois; William E. was born April 10, 1866, and died young; Luther and Belle, twins, were born July 4, 1868, and are now both deceased; Clara married Floyd Hatch, of Patoka township; Minnie married James Barnes, of Washington, both of these ladies are still living.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the home schools and he lived at home until his marriage, November 22, 1881, to Mary Alice Hicklan, of Clinton county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Amanda J. (Cox) Hicklan, both of Clinton county. Mr. Hicklan died in 1870; his widow still lives there.

One son has been born to the subject and wife, Ankney D., who was born January 19, 1883. He was educated in the home schools, where he made a splendid record and is living at home. He attended school at Alma for two terms. Also went to school at Effingham and Greenville, but he was compelled to give up his studies on account of his eyes. The subject lived on the old home place in the old log house where he was born, until 1884, when he moved to where he now resides. He has made all the improvements on the place and has a fine home and farm, his dwelling being modem, commodious and nicely furnished. He is regarded as one of the best general fanners in the township and his farm shows thrift, good management and prosperity. It consists of two hundred and eighty acres of good land, with a large orchard. In 1907 he went to Cameron county, Texas, where he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land which he still owns. He has always been a farmer, and a good one. He is a Prohibitionist and has held several township offices. He is a member of the Christian church and he is well and most favorably known in Marion county, where he has achieved great success in his agricultural pursuits by reason of his industry and good management.

Samuel Marion Holt

The subject of this review, who, though past the meridian of life many years, is still in the same physical and mental vigor that have characterized his earlier years of endeavor and he is almost as capable in bearing his part in the concerns of his neighborhood as he was in former days.

BRINKERHOFF S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISrion county, having been born in Foster township, June 25, 1845, the son of John F. Holt, who was born in Georgia in 1806, and came to Marion county, Illinois, when a young man, where he took up government land in Foster township, settling on North Fork creek among the pioneers, there being then only four families here, the first settlers of this creek being Isaac Agan, Hardy Foster, John F. Holt and Moses Garrett. The subject's grandfather was Harmon Holt, who was born in Georgia and came to Marion county, Illinois, where he died at a ripe old age. He was of Irish descent. Harmon Holt's wife was named Ibby Holt, whom he married in Georgia. The maiden name of the subject's mother was Elizabeth Jones, who was born in the state of Delaware, and who came with her parents to St. Clair county, Illinois, when five years old. Eleven children were born to the subject's parents, five of whom are living. They are: Martha, Henry, Mary, Matilda, Harmon, Salina, Samuel M., Sally, John D., Hardy F. (twins) and Isabelle.

The Indians made a treaty with the government to hunt in the new country which was still partly a wilderness after his parents had come. Our subject spent his early life on his father's farm and attended the common schools, such as they were in those early days. When he reached maturity he married, on July 21, 1864, Susan F. Atkins, who was born in Marion county, July 16, 1847, the daughter of John Atkins, who was born in Franklin county, Tennessee. He moved to Alabama with his parents when a boy. He was about thirty years of age when he came to Illinois and took up government land. He was the father of four children, an equal number of boys and girls. He spent the remainder of his life here, with the exception of the last fifteen years, dying at the age of seventy-three years, in Texas, where he had gone fifteen years previous.

Our subject is the father of seven children, named in order of birth as follows: Mary M., who married Eli M. Arnold, living in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and who are the parents of five children; Margaret E., who married Oscar Chance, of Salem, Illinois, and who is the mother of six children; Emma F., who married James A. Arnold, living in Fort Worth, Texas, and the mother of two children; Rhoda A., who married Ed. Jones, of Salem, Illinois, and who is the mother of two children ; John A. was married to Maud Davis, December 13, 1908, and lives at home; the sixth child was an infant, who died unnamed; Lulu B., the youngest child, is the wife of Will Harkey, who lives in Fayette county, near St. Peter, this state, and she is the mother of one son.

Our subject is the owner of a fine landed estate in Kinmundy township, consisting of three hundred and eighty-five acres, of well improved land, which he has successfully managed until it is one of the most valuable farms in the township, being under a high state of improvement and the1 fields well fenced and well drained. Much good stock of various kinds is to be seen in the subject's barns and fields, and he always keeps good horses, cattle and hogs. He has an ele- gant and comfortable dwelling which is nicely furnished and is surrounded by a beautiful yard and convenient out-buildings, in fact, the entire place has an air of evident thrift and prosperity.

Our subject is a Democrat in his political affiliations and he has long taken an active part in his party's affairs. His wife is a devout Christian and a faithful mother, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Holt is not a member of the church and does not hold to any Orthodox creed, yet he is a believer in good citizenship, honesty and fair dealing and is highly respected for his good citizenship. The different members of the family are well settled in life and highly esteemed in their respective communities. They reflect great credit upon their parents and no doubt will ever uphold the honor of the family name, which thus far has not been dimmed by the commission of a single unworthy act.

Samuel Morris

The subject of this sketch is a farmer and the owner of good tracts of land in Foster and Kinmundy townships, Marion county, Illinois, which are cultivated in the highest style and the stock which he rears on his farms is always of the very best. He is regarded as one of the leading citizens of this locality because of his industry and his interest in public affairs.

1852, the son of Jesse and Mary (Whiteside) Morris, the former a native of Clayton county, Illinois, and the latter a native of Tennessee. Thomas Morris, the subject's grandfather, was a native of Alabama. He married Elizabeth Jones, of Alabama, and they moved to Clinton county, Illinois, where Thomas died and his wife and Jesse, subject's father, came on to Marion county in 1844, and settled in Kinmundy township. They bought forty acres of land on which the mother died. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Morris were : William, John, Jesse, the subject's father, Lourana, Nancy, Hannah and Sarah.

The subject's grandfather, Samuel Whitesides, was a native of Tennessee. He moved with his family to Marion county, Illinois, in 1830, and located west of Kinmundy, and in Kinmundy township they both died. He was a school teacher in his early years.

They were the parents of these children : Quincy, Anna, Catherine, Margaret, Selica, Harriett, and Mary, mother of our subject. The father of the subject attended the local schools at his home and he remained in Kinmundy township until his death in 1881. He was a successful farmer. Although a loyal Democrat, he never held office. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. The mother of the subject, an extraordinary good woman, passed away, August 2, 1872. They were the parents of two sons and six daughters, namely : Sarah, deceased; Harriett, who married Henry Jackson, is living in Kinmundy township;