Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 16 of 27)

In 1886 the Odin Coal Company was put in operation, and Mr. Woodward financed the corporation. He was secretary and later treasurer of the same and always a director, having remained such until his death which occurred in 1890. He was a loyal Mason. The mother of the subject is living in 1908, at the age of eighty years. She is a fine old lady with many beautiful attributes. There are six children in this family, four of whom lived to maturity.

H. N. Woodward, our subject, first attended the public schools in Marion county, but thirsting for higher learning he entered the University of Illinois, where he made a splendid record for scholarship. After leaving college he decided to continue the work which he knew the most about - farming, and he followed this until he was twentyseven years old. He went into the grain and hay business by purchasing Colonel Morrison's business. He was successful in this from the first, more so, in fact, than at farming; however, every year he devoted to farm work added to his competence, for he was a careful and conservative manager. He has enlarged his latter line of business until he now carries on a general merchandising establishment. In 1902 the same was incorporated since which time Mr. Woodward has been president and is the largest stockholder, being the active manager, under whose able direction the business has increased to a satisfactory state and is rapidly growing.

was director and treasurer of the Odin Coal Company, which position he ably retained for a period of twelve years. He is at present connected with the Marion County Coal Company, of Junction City, a corporation. Mr. Woodward was a director in the same, but is not at present. In all his business dealings he has been regarded by every one as a man of unusual tact and shrewdness and ever fair and hone'st. Success seems to attend his efforts in whatever line he undertakes.

Mr. Woodward was united in marriage in 1883 with Agnes Ferguson, daughter of William and Eliza (Hildreth) Ferguson, natives of Ohio, where they lived on a farm. Five children have been born to the subject and wife, named in order of birth as follows : Grace, born in 1884, is living at home with her parents ; Lucile, the second child, was born in 1886, is single and living at home; Nelson was born in 1888, and is deceased; having died in 1890; Edwin was born in 1893, and is attending high school in 1908; Agnes, who was born in 1897, is also a pupil in the Odin schools.

Mr. Woodward, in his fraternal relations, is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Woodmen. In politics he is a Republican, taking considerable interest in the affairs of his party, especially in -reference to the local officials. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist church. The former takes a great interest in educational matters. He is known as a man of industry and frugality. He has a beautiful home at Odin.

Samuel F. Phillips

Among the members of the many families of early settlers who have forged to the front in the realm of public life and in their daily avocations in Marion county, Illinois, few indeed, have reached a higher standing than the subject of this sketch, whose long life has ever been associated with the progress of the county, especially in the township where he resides.

Samuel F. Phillips was born October 20, 1829, in the vicinity of Clarksville, Montgomery county, Tennessee. His father, Jonathan Phillips, came of a well known family in the state where he resided, and his mother's maiden name was Sarah Fowler, who came of a family equally well connected. Jonathan Phillips' father was Samuel Phillips, who, together with his wife, Nancy (Crow) Phillips, born in Virginia, were among the earliest settlers in Tennessee. The elder Phillips was a hardy and industrious farmer and he and his wife lived a long life on their farm in Davidson county, Tennessee, where they reared a family of eight children; four sons and four daughters. The sons were David, Thomas, George and Jonathan, the father of Samuel F.

Jonathan Phillips spent the early part of his life on his father's farm, and he received a limited education in the common schools in the neighborhood of his home. When, he had reached manhood he married and in 1831 he and his wife drove in the antiquated vehicles of the period across the long stretches of country, starting from

Mrs. Xaxcy. Phillips

Montgomery county, Tennessee, finally landing and settled in section i, Centralia township, Marion county, Illinois. At this time he obtained one hundred and sixty acres of government land at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, which farm he added to at different times until he had six hundred acres, becoming a farmer of more than average industry and he succeeded in improving and changing the appearance of the property. Though well known and widely respected in the locality, he never aspired for public patronage. In politics he was first a Whig and on the disappearance of the older party became a Democrat. He was a member of the Presbyterian brotherhood in religious life and a sturdy upholder of that belief. As a man and an active farmer, he was well known and widely esteemed. The date of his birth was in the year 1799, and his death occurred on April 2, 1856. His wife was born July 20, 1806, and died July 10, 1893. Her father, William Fowler, lived in Montgomery county, Tennessee, where he died. He had married a Miss Fyke and their union brought forth four children, two sons and two daughters, namely: Drury, Richard, Sarah, the mother of the subject of our sketch, and Mary.

Jonathan Phillips and his wife reared six children, James George Washington, died 1856, was a farmer, married Margaret Sugg, and lived at homei until his death. Another was Samuel F., the subject of this sketch. William, who married Rebecca Allen, was a farmer in Centralia township where he died in 1859. Joseph R. died April 2, 1862. Nancy married Isaac Phillips and lived at Cobden, Illinois. She, as well as her husband, is dead. John P., a farmer in Centralia township, married three times: first, Vitula Cazy; second, Martha Norfolk ; and third, Ida Johnson.

As a boy, Samuel F. Phillips had little chance to go to school. However, he attended the local subscription schools at infrequent intervals. The circumstances of his youthful schooling did not affect him in after life, for he was always of an observant and intelligent turn of mind and in this way assimilated much useful information. He was of much assistance to his father in improving the paternal residence, and he remained there in a useful capacity until his thirtieth year. In 1859 in Davidson county, Tennessee, he married the daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Chad well) Phillips, of the same county and name, his wife's firsi name being Nancy Jane. This Phillips family had come to Marion county, Illinois, settling there in section 12, Centralia township, in 1852. The father spent his life on the farm in his new surroundings where he died; his wife died in Odin, Illinois. The children of the marriage were : Nancy Jane, the wife of Samuel F. Phillips, the subject of this sketch; Martha E., who married Noah Wooters, both deceased : Mary K., who was the wife of James Stroup, both of whom are dead; Minerva T., the wife of Dr. J. J. Fyke, of Odin; Sarah B., the wife of W. D. Farthing, attorney-at-law, at Odin; George died young, at home; William H., druggist at luka, Illinois, lives in Centralia township. He married Frances Summerville; Samuel D., druggist at Odin, married Jessie Lester; John G. married Laura Johnson, and lives in Oklahoma.

Samuel F. Phillips and his wife lead a happy domestic life and have had nine children. His sons and daughters are mostly all married and are important factors in the life of the community. William W. is a farmer in Centralia township and is married to Malissa Rial. Sarah E. married John H. McGuire, engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad at Centralia; they have two children, Tressa and Erma. Etta, the widow of G. W. S. Bell lives near Centralia. Patra married John F. Guymon, of Centralia, and they have one daughter, Beulah. Martha B. is the wife of Charley Whitchurch, of Centralia township, and the mother of three children, Carl, Boyd and Harry. Allie married W. B. Carr, of Raccoon township. Alphia married Joseph L. Hill, of Ewing, Illinois. Samuel T. married Nora Sutherland, of Centralia township, and has two children, Hazel, born October 17, 1905, and Samuel Howard, born March 7, 1907. Samuel T. is a farmer in Centralia township. George Robert, another son, who is at home working with his father, is unmarried.

In the year 1860, Samuel F. Phillips located on his present property. Since then he has striven to enhance the value of the land. It consists of two hundred and fifty acres. He principally engages in stock raising and does a general farming business.

Missionary Baptist church and is influential in church advancement matters. In politics he gives his support to the Democratic party. The first time he exercised his right to vote he recorded it for Granville Pierce.

The subject of this sketch has received fitting public recognition. His record as Justice of the Peace is of forty-four years' standing, and he has been a Notary Public for fourteen years. He has been associated with the Board of Trustees of Centralia township for twenty years. For sixteen years he has been Township Assessor. He is also a member of the board of township high school. He is still in harness, his seventy-nine years weigh but lightly upon him, and it is the wish of a large circle of friends that he be long spared to his affectionate family, and to the people of his township for whom he has worked so diligently.

Andrew Shanafelt

Among the well known citizens of Marion county who have finished their labors and gone to their reward, the name of Andrew Shanafelt is deserving of especial notice. He was a pioneer himself and the son of a pioneer. He was one of the sterling yeomen, whose labors and self-sacrifice made possible the advanced state of civilization and enlightenment for which southern Illinois has long been noted.

1821, iiii Licking county, Ohio, where his parents, Peter and Catherine (Cover) Shanafelt, settled in a very early day, making the journey from their native state of Pennsylvania by means of a sled and experiencing many hardships and suffering on the way. Peter Shanafelt purchased a tract of heavily timbered land which by dint of hard work he finally succeeded in clearing and reducing to cultivation and on which he died, shortly after becoming situated so as to live comfortably. His wife, who survived him a number of years and for some time prior to her death, which occurred in Marion county, Illinois, at the age of seventy-seven, made her home with her children. The family of Peter and Catherine Shanafelt consisted of nine children, seven sons and two daughters, the subject of this sketch being the youngest of the number. Both parents were of German extraction and representatives of old families which immigrated to the United States in an early day and settled in Pennsylvania, where numerous descendants still live.

Andrew Shanafelt was reared on the home farm in Ohio, early learned by practical experience, the true meaning of hard work and grew up strong and vigorous and well able to cope with the difficulties and discouragements which life had in store for him. After remaining in his native county until 1847, he disposed of his holdings there and came to Marion county. Illinois, where for some time he labored as a farm hand, subsequently renting a farm near the village of Odin. On March 22, 1849. he was united in marriage with Katherine Johnson, of Licking county, Ohio, and two years following that event, purchased forty acres of land near Odin, on which he lived and prospered until the summer of 1856, when he sold the place and bought one hundred and twenty acres, which he made his home to the end of his days and on which his widow still resides.

Mr. Shanafelt labored long and diligently to reduce the latter place to cultivation and make it profitable, the land being about half timber and half prairie, on which no improvements of any kind had been previously attempted. He addressed himself resolutely to his task, however, and after working for a number of years and experiencing many hardships and privations, finally succeeded in developing a fine farm and placing himself in independent circumstances. Methodical in directing his labors and eminently progressive in his methods of cultivating the soil, he became widely known as a model fanner while in business matters his sound judgment and wise forethought enabled him to take advantage of unfavorable conditions and mould them to suit his purposes. As a citizen he ranked high and was ever public spirited in matters relating to the material improvement of the county and the moral progress of those about him. Few men in the community were as much esteemed or showed themselves more worthy of the regard of the people of the community and throughout a long and emU nently useful life he discharged his every duty as he would answer to his conscience and his God.

ripe old age of seventy-eight years, is a daughter of William and Rachel (McClelland) Johnson, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Licking county, Ohio. She shared her husband's fortunes and vicissitudes, encouraged him by her wise counsel and judicious advice and being in every sense of the word a helpmeet, contributed not a little to the success which he achieved. Ten children were born to this couple, three of whom are deceased, viz : Elizabeth, William and Isaac; those surviving are Adam, a farmer of Salem township; Rachel, wife of T. M. Branch, of Salem township; Mary, who married John R. Branch, of Marion county ; Susanna, now Mrs. Riley Farthing, of Salem; Martha J., wife of Frank Young, also of Salem; Samuel and David, prosperous farmers of the township of Salem.

In his political views, Mr. Shanafelt was a Democrat, but aside from serving as School Director and Supervisor, never aspired to public position. He was always interested in what made for the advancement of the county and the development of his resources, believed in enterprise in all the term implies and had great faith in the future of Marion county and the progress of its people. He lived with the greatest good of his fellow men ever in view and reached the advanced age of eighty years, retaining to a marked degree, the possession of his physical and mental powers. On May ist of the year 1901, he died very suddenly of heart failure, and it goes without the saying that his loss was deeply felt and profoundly regretted by the large circle of neighbors and friends with whom he had been so long associated. Since his death, his widow has resided on the family homestead and although nearly eighty years old, she feels few of the infirmities incident to advanced age, having remarkable action, and able to attend to all her household duties, besides manifesting a lively interest in the labors of the farm. She has spent her entire life within the geographical limits of Marion county and has yet to take her first ride behind a locomotive. Although circumscribed within a narrow area, she is quite intelligent and well informed and keeps in touch with the times on all matters of general and local interest.

William Johnson, father of Mrs. Shanafelt, was taken to Ohio when thirteen years old, and grew to manhood in Licking county. He was reared a farmer and in due time married Miss Rachel McClelland, who bore him four children before he disposed of his interests in Ohio and moved, in 1842, to Marion county, Illinois. He made the journey to his new home by wagon and after purchasing eighty acres of wild prairie land, addressed 'himself to the labor of improving a farm and providing for those dependent upon him. His first dwelling was a hewed log building with a large fire-place for heating and cooking, such modern articles as stoves and carpets 'being unknown in the pioneer homes of those days and the good wife and mother was obliged to attend to her many duties with but few of the conveniences now found in the humblest of households.

Mr. Johnson and family lived after the manner of the typical pioneers of the early times and experienced not a few hardships and privations ere the farm was fully developed and capable of producing- a comfortable livelihood. In the course of time, however, he added to his original purchase and became one of the enterprising and well-todo farmers of his township, besides taking an influential part in the development of the community along other than material lines. He lived to see Marion county grow from a sparsely settled prairie to one of the most enterprising and progressive sections of Southern Illinois, and with strong arm and clear brain, contributed his share towards bringing about the many changes that are now apparent. He departed this life at the ripe old age of eighty-one, his wife dying several years later, when seventyeight years old. A daughter, Mrs. Lavina Ross, lives on the family homestead at the present time and a son by the name of Isaac served in the late Civil war as a member of the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Infantry, Mrs. Shanafelt being one of the seven surviving members of the family.

Franklin Gilbert Boggs

The subject was born November 30, 1854, on the old Boggs homestead in Raccoon township, Marion county, the son of James Clark Boggs, who was born in Jefferson county, this state, April 3, 1828, and reared, educated and married in Marion county. He married Margaret Hicklin, who was born February 23, 1834, in Lincoln county, Tennessee. James C. Boggs was the son of Spruce Boggs, who married Martha H. Kell, January 21, 1825. They were of North Carolina. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church, and gave the land on which to build the church, and were active in church work. He was born May 9, 1808. They came to Jefferson county, Illinois, in the early twenties and were the first settlers in Rome township, the north part. He got wild land here, and in those days the Indians were quite troublesome and ate most of his crop the first year. There was an abundance of wild game then. He was a hard working, rugged man, and won success despite obstacles, through his agricultural labors. He and his wife died on the place. They were the' parents of fourteen children, seven of whom grew to maturity. They are all now deceased. Those who grew up were : Thomas, Clark, William, John, Sarah, Joseph and Hugh. The subject's grandfather, William Hicklin, was a native of South Carolina. He married Ann Sloan, of that state. They went to middle Tennessee where they remained for a number of years after their marriage, and they went later to Randolph county, Illinois, and then to Marion county, settling in Raccoon township, where they secured wild land in section 27, having got eighty acres of government land, which they developed into a good farm, and on which they died. They were the parents of four children, John, Margaret, Betsy J. became the wife of T. B. Parkinson, of Raccoon township, this county; Florida A. lives in Raccoon township, the widow of Benjamin Cook. The subject's father received only a limited education. However, he was selflearned. When a young man he taught school. He was reared on his father's old homestead and lived at home until he was twenty-one years old, after .which he was at different places for awhile. When he bought eighty acres of land in section 34, Raccoon township, on which he made his home until in April, 1862, when he enlisted in Company H, Eightieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was in several engagements, among which was the great battle of Stone River. In fording the river there the troops had to wade the water up to their arm pits. The subject's father was very warm at the time, and the cold water caused him to take a severe cold, which resulted in his death on April 6, 1863. He was buried in the National cemetery at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. His wife remained on the place until her death, September 3, 1893. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church. Mr. Boggs was a Justice of the Peace and a Republican in politics. Mr. and Mrs. James Clark Boggs were the parents of four children, namely: William, who died single at the age of nineteen; Franklin Gilbert, our subject; Mary A., the wife of E. R. Davis, who now lives on the old Boggs place in Raccoon township; Florida married Joseph C. Telford, a farmer in Raccoon township. The subject of this sketch was educated

1877, to Emma Norfleet, who was born in Tennessee, the daughter of Benjamin F. and Josephine (Hamlett) Norfleet, who now live in Raccoon township, and whose sketch appears in full in this work. Three sons have been born to the subject and wife, as follows : Vivian O., was born December 25,

1878. He is in the mercantile business in Mounds and Dongola, Illinois, making his home in the latter town. He married Anna May Eimer, of Bellville, Illinois, and they have one son, Leland. Vivian O. was a stenographer and teacher previous to going into the mercantile business. He attended school at Carbondale, Illinois, and took a business course at Centralia. He is a bright young business man. Victor, the subject's sdneco child, was born September 30, 1880. He attended school at Carbondale, Illinois, and at the University of Valparaiso, Indiana, where he made a brilliant record for scholarship. He is a graduate in pharmacy. He is now in St. Louis, engaged in carpentry and building, also real estate. He buys lots and builds on them for investment purposes. He married Iva Wyatt on September 24, 1908. Earl, the subject's youngest son, was born August 22, 1887. He is a farmer and carpenter at Fruti, Colorado, where he is doing well. He attended the Centralia schools.

new place, but the subject was a hard worker and soon developed a fine farm, well improved in every respect, and his home is one of the finest in Raccoon township. He does most all his own carpenter work, being naturally a skilled workman. He also owns one hundred and thirty-one acres of well improved and very productive land in sections 27, 34 and 35, in this township. He has a very valuable orchard. He raises fine fruits of all varieties, and he used to raise a great many strawberries. No small part of Mr. Boggs' income is derived from his live stock. He always keeps a good grade, his Duroc and Jersey hogs being especially well bred. He has also been extensively engaged in the poultry business for the past seventeen years, raising mostly Barred Plymouth Rock- chickens. He carries on a general farming, and his place shows thrift, good management and industry, being all in all one of the most desirable farms in the township.

Mr. Boggs is a stanch Republican and a faithful member of the United Presbyterian church. He is well read on modern topics, and he makes all his friends and acquaintances feel at home when they visit him.

Harrison G. Hizlip

The subject of this sketch was a native of Virginia and a worthy type of the courteous, high minded and honorable class of gentlemen for which the Old Dominion state has long been distinguished. Harrison G. Hizlip was born in the year 1805, and grew to manhood in his native commonwealth, receiving the best educational advantages the country at that time afforded, and remaining on the family homestead until attaining his majority. When twenty-one years of age he severed home ties to make his own way in the world, and thinking to improve his interests in the West, he came to Illinois in 1826 and settled at Vandalia, where he helped lay the brick in the first capital building of the state. After a brief residence in that town he went to Missouri, where he invested his ample means in slaves, but the troublous and unsettled times preceding the Civil war caused him great anxiety, and with other slave holders he was made the object of persecution by the Union element of the country, not infrequently experiencing rough treatment and much suffering at the hands of those fanatical disturbers of the peace. The war coming on and freeing his slaves, he was seriously crippled financially, but with the small residence, his fortune, which he succeeded in saving, he returned to Illinois and purchased a farm in Marion county, several of his erstwhile bondsmen accompanying him north, so greatly were they attached to him by reason of his kind treatment. Some of these exslaves still live in Marion county and are greatly esteemed by their white neighbors and friends, being peaceable, law-abiding and industrious, and a credit to the communities in which they reside. By industry and good management Mr. Hizlip succeeded in recuperating his fortune in part, and during his residence in the country he was considered one of the successful farmers and enterprising citizens of the township in which he lived. After a few years, however, he discontinued agricultural pursuits and removed to Salem, where he lived in honorable retirement until his death, which occurred in 1893, the meanwhile attaining to high standing as a neighbor and citizen, and wielding a strong influence in behalf of whatever made for the advancement of the community and the welfare of his fellow men.

Mr. Hizlip was a Democrat in the broadest meaning of the term, and stood ready at all times to make any sacrifice within his power to promote the interest of the party, in the principles and doctrines of which he was a sincere and uncompromising believer. A southern man in sentiment and sympathy, he nevertheless accepted with good grace the results of the war, and thereafter was firm in his devotion to the Union, and a great admirer of the free institutions which have had such a marked influence in reuniting the former hostile sections and making the American government a model of its kind. Mr. Hizlip was a man of strong and sincere religious convictions, and for many years a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, contributing freely of his means to the support of the Gospel, and by his upright and manly conduct doing much to induce others to abandon the way of sin and seek the higher life. A marked characteristic of his personality was his fearlessness in his devotion to what he considered the right, although it often subjected him to much contumely and disfavor, but his sincerity and honesty were beautiful and in every respect admirable. During the period of disintegration preceding the great Civil strife, he clung tenaciously to his principles, and though frequently menaced with suffering and death, he manfully faced his persecutors and in not a single instance did he yield to their threats or abandon a cause, which by nature and training he deemed just, and for which he would make almost any personal sacrifice.

Mr. Hizlip in the year 1882 contracted a matrimonial alliance with Mrs. Rachel Robbins, a widow of the late Joseph Robbins, and daughter of John and Jane B. (Gardner) Worthington, of North Carolina, who proved a true wife and helpmeet as well as an able and judicious counsellor to the end of his days, the union being without issue. After a long and useful career extending over a period of eighty-eight years, the life of Mr. Hizlip came to a close in 1893, the event being deeply lamented by the people of Salem, and greatly regretted by all who felt the influence of his person^ ality. Those who knew him best felt most keenly the loss which the public at large sustained, for in his death there passed from earth a man of sterling worth. A sincere Christian gentleman and a citizen who did much for his kind, and made the world better by his presence.

birth, and a gentleman of unimpeachable integrity and high social standing. Shortly after his marriage with Miss Worthington, he migrated to Kansas, and owing to the unsettled condition of affairs in that territory, growing out of the slavery question and other political matters, he remained but a short time, removing at his earliest convenience to Parke county, Indiana, where he resided for several years as a tiller of the soil. Disposing of his interest in the latter state, he subsequently moved to Fayette county, Illinois, where he purchased land and engaged in agricultural pursuits, to which he devoted the remainder of his life, dying in the year 1874, respected and honored by all who knew him. Mr. Robbins was a man of influence in his community, possessed many sterling qualities and his character and good name were ever above the suspicion of dishonor. He measured up to a high standard of citizenship, discharged faithfully and well every duty incumbent upon him, and will long be remembered for his activity in behalf of justice and right and for the influence he always exerted for the good of those with whom he mingled. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robbins, namely: Ephraim, of Vandalia, Illinois; John, deceased; Perry, a mechanic of Salem; Shubal, also a resident of Salem; Claudie and Lizzie, the last named dying at the age of nine years.

her many estimable qualities. A devoted friend and sincere Christian, her life has been filled with good, while her acts of kindness and encouragement towards the poor and distressed, and her liberality in behalf of all worthy objects for the amelioration of human suffering have endeared her to the large number who have profited by her bounty.

Elijah M. Hays

Tennessee has furnished many sterling citizens to Marion county, Illinois, and none who have come here benefitting themselves and the community alike, have stood higher in the estimation of the people than the subject, for his life has been so lived that it not only resulted in good to himself and family, but to all his neighbors and the general public as well, and although it has been brought to a close by the "grim reaper," his influence still lives.

Elijah M. Hays was born January 15. 1818, in White county, Tennessee. He was the son of Samuel Hays, a native of Tennessee, of Irish descent, who came to Marion county. Illinois, in 1829. and went to Missouri on a business trip and died in that state. He married Rachel Huff, a widow, who died in Raccoon township, this county. They were the parents of the following children : Nicholas, who married Zula Crabtree: Aley married William Hays: Mary married Nathaniel Fields; Samuel married

Betsy Hendricks; James married Jemima Chance; Alex married Sarah Crawford; William first married Delila Crawford and later a widow of Thomas; Elijah, the subject of this sketch; Stephen D. married Nancy Evans.

Our subject had but a limited schooling in the pioneer schools. He lived with his parents and came with them to Marion county, Illinois, in 1828, the Lovell family also came with them. Samuel Hays located in Haines township. Our subject lived at home until he married, April 12, 1838, his wife being Denisha Deadmond, who was born April 12, 1817, in Orange county, North Carolina. He purchased the farm where his wife and son Charles now live in Raccoon, township, in 1837. He purchased two hundred acres on which was a small house built of split logs. He first built a double log house, eighteen feel square and later one eighteen by twentytwo feet. He built a chimney and fire-place between the two houses. They had no stoves in those days. He built his brick house in 1873, and made all the extensive improvements on the place. He devoted his long life to farming and was always considered a most excellent one. He was a loyal Republican, but held no office. He and his wife were members of the Christian church. Mrs. Hays has lived on the old place now over seventy years. Nine children were born to the subject and wife, namely: Elizabeth J., born May 2, 1839, married James Huff, who is now deceased, but she is living at Boyd, Texas, and is the mother of four children, Alonzo, Evaline, Emily and Esther. The second child of the subject and wife was Emily, who was born August 12, 1841, married Samuel Gaston. She is now deceased. They had two children, William and Lavina. George G.r the subject's third child, who was born January 7, 1844, was in Company E, Seventieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted January 6, 1862, and was accidentally shot through the heart, September 3, 1862. Frances R., the fourth child, was born February 28, 1847, married I. E. Hodges, of Raccoon township, a full sketch of whom appears in this work ; James T. was born January 25, 1850, married Mollie Bryant, and they have two children; Charles J., born November 14, 1852, lives on the old place. He married October 3, 1883, Lucy R. Mercer, who was born in Raccoon township in 1856, the daughter of Silas Mercer, now of Raccoon township. Charles J. Hays has always lived in Raccoon township, being a well known farmer. He and his wife have four children: Mary, Ivan, Roy and Una. Mary and Una are attending school at Carbondale, Illinois. John L., the seventh child of the subject, was born June 30, 1856, and he married Margaret Boggs. He is a farmer in Raccoon township, on a part of the old Hays place. He has the following children : Herbert, a mail clerk on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, who marlied Dora Helms; Edith married Ernest Burt; Ernest is a farmer in New Mexico; Edna and Elijah are attending school at Marion, Illinois; Clara and Carroll are the youngest. The eighth child of the subject and wife was G. O., who was born August 13, 1859, married Nina Watson. He is at Kell, Illinois, where he runs a saw-mill and threshing machine. He has five sons, Otho, Redus, Frank, Oscar and Elmer. Elmer, the youngest child of the subject and wife, was born May 29, 1862. He first married Laura Boggs, and one son, Ezra, was born to this union. His second wife was Kate Easley, and four children were born to this union, namely: Everett, Gladys, Isham and Ruby. Mrs. Hays, the wife of the subject, has thirty-one grandchildren, thirty-six greatgrandchildren and four great-greatgrandchildren. The Hays family is well known and prominent in Marion county. Elijah M. Hays was known as a man of much native ability, was kind, generous and had hosts of friends. He passed to his rest March 31, 1893, lamented by all who knew him.

Edgar F. Brubaker

The subject of this sketch, Edgar F. Brubaker, is a man who is an important factor in the farming and mercantile business in the county in which he lives. The son of one of the pioneer residents of Marion county, a man who held a record as a large farmer and merchant, and as a church worker and a prominent citizen, entitled him by birth to a place in the life of the community. He has, however, had the advantages of a present-day education, and

Edgar F. Brubaker, a twin brother of Edwin M. Brubaker, was born in Alma township, on October 6, 1859, and was the son of Eli Brubaker and Mary Warner, his wife. His father, who was born December ii, 1818, and who died July 10, 1907, was universally known and respected in the community. He was one of the pioneers of Marion county, where he made a name for himself. He helped to establish a Presbyterian church in Stevenson township, and was an active, conscientious, and untiring religious worker. For over forty years he held the position of superintendent of Sunday schools, after which he was elected honorary superintendent for the remainder of his life. He was noted and known throughout the county as a raiser and breeder of Durham cattle. His farm at one time comprised fourteen hundred acres of as good land as there was in the county. For many years he turned his attention to the mercantile business in an extensive way in Salem. He was a life-long Democrat and one of the most popular and important men in his section of the county. His family consisted of seven children. They were : Isaac B., who married Dolly Kagy, and has one child; Christian M.,'who married Woodson Cheely and has eight children; Anna B., who married Shannon Kagy, has five children ; William A. married Marindy Van Gilder, and has five children: Edwin M., the twin brother of the subject of our sketch, married Catherine Byers and has two chil-

Edgar F. Brubaker married Marietta Kagy, on April 3, 1888. No children have been born to them. In his youth he was educated at the common schools, afterwards attending Lincoln University, where he took a scientific course. Like his father before him, he started extensively in the farming business and with much success until about eleven years ago, when he decided to go into the mercantile business in Brubaker. His venture along mercantile lines was an assured success, and his business has a turnover now of about twenty thousand dollars. In addition to his large mercantile interests, Edgar F. Brubaker still holds about four hundred acres of land and is a breeder or Polled-Angus cattle on an extensive scale, the Polled-Angus herd which he now has on his farm being of a remarkably good quality. In the past he has been quite a large raiser of sheep and has the reputation of being a shrewd and experienced agriculturalist.

In politics Edgar F. Brubaker is a Democrat. In the political life of his township he has l>een as active as his business interests could permit him to be. He has served a term as Road Supervisor, and twice as a Justice of the Peace. His reputation along agricultural lines gained him the distinction of serving! on the Board of Agriculture at the State Fair at the time of its being held at Peoria, Illinois. In the social and religious life of the township and county, the names of Edgar F. and Mrs.

Brubaker are well to the fore. Their names have rarely been absent from social and religious functions in the neighborhood. As a citizen and a representative business man, the subject of our sketch is admired and respected. He has all the qualities which go to the making of the desirable and conscientious member of the community.

Joseph C. Parkinson

No family in Marion county is better or more favorably known than the Parkinsons, who have been identified with the growth of this locality since the early pioneer days, and who have in every instance played well their parts in the county's history. The subject of the present sketch is a worthy representative of his ancestors.

Joseph C. Parkinson was born on the old Parkinson homestead in Raccoon township, February 27, 1869, the son of Brown and Mary J. (Leuty) Parkinson, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Jefferson county, Illinois. He married in Jefferson county and came to Marion county, locating in Raccoon township, where he secured one hundred acres of land in section 23, all wild land, but he was a hard worker and cleared it, making a good home. He devoted his life to farming, and was School Director, a Republican, and he also held several minor offices. He and his wife were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church. He died in October, 1883, and his wife died August 29, 1905. The father of the subject was not only well known but well liked. To the parents of the subject the following children were born: John, a farmer in Raccoon township, living on part of the old place; Luella married B. F. Mercer, of Raccoon township; William K. is a farmer in Raccoon township; Nettie is deceased ; Charles A. is superintendent of the public schools at Glen Carbon, Illinois; Joseph C, our subject, is the youngest child.

Joseph C. Parkinson lived at home with his mother until he was twenty-two years old. He attended the neighborhood schools there and got a fairly good education. He was happily married February 5, 1891, to Flaura J. March, of Raccoon township, the daughter of John S. March (whose sketch appears in full in this volume). To the subject and wife seven children have been born as follows: Maude, Hattie, Harris, Roy, Helen, May and Merle.

After his marriage Mr. Parkinson located on a part of his father's farm and lived on the old homestead, making a success of his farming operations until the spring of 1901, when he moved to the south line of the old homestead, where he has since resided. He owns fifty acres of the old place and twentysix and one-half acres adjoining it, making his a very valuable and desirable farm, highly improved and one of the most productive in the township. The subject carries on a general farming business. He raises all kinds of grain, horses and cattle, good hogs; his cattle are Jersey and Durham, and his hogs are Poland-China and

Duroc Red. His fine stock is known all over the county, and no small portion of his income is derived from this source. He has always been a farmer and is considered an excellent one by those who know him. He has a comfortable home and convenient outbuildings.

Mr. Parkinson has ably served his community as Township Clerk for two years and School Director for three years. He is a stanch Republican, and always takes an interest in the affairs of the county, doing what he can to promote his interests, whether politically, socially or materially. He and his wife are faithful members of the United Presbyterian church.

A woman of unusual business tact and ability is the subject of this review, and it is safe to say that she is not surpassed in Marion county, Illinois, by any of her sisterhood for soundness of judgment and she has made a success in the management of a splendid landed estate in Tonti township, and her pleasing manner has won many friends in this locality where she has long maintained her home.

Miss Metta McCollum was born in Alma township, Marion county, Illinois, September 17, 1865, the daughter of Lemuel and Margaret (Kagy) McCollum, the former having been born February 14, 1828, in Trumble county, Ohio. The great-grand- father of the subject, Robert McCollum, was also a native of Ohio. He and his good wife were of Scotch-English descent and were people of much sterling worth. Lemuel McCollum came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1856. He was a student of Hiram College. He was a very highly-gifted man, having both taught school and practiced medicine with marked success and he became a man of much influence in his community. He was married in Marion county, Illinois, in April, 1858, when thirty years of age.

Lemuel McCollum rented a farm in Alma township and later purchased a valuable farm there. He taught school for many years, becoming well known as an able instructor and his services were in great demand. Believing that he could serve humanity better as a physician, he studied medicine, making rapid progress and began practice, building up a good trade and winning a reputation for his skill that was more than local, but he finally gave up both teaching and medicine to return to the quieter and more independent life of the farmer. He was called to his rest July 19, 1908, after an eminently useful and successful life in which he did an incalculable amount of good for his fellow men and laid up an excellent competency for his children. In politics he was a Republican, and he faithfully served his township as Assessor for one term.

The noble mother of the subject, who was noted for her friendliness and beautiful Christian character, preceded her husband to the spirit land in September, 1884. Mr.

Four children of this union are living at this writing (1908), named in order of their birth as follows: Selma, born September 4, 1859, is the wife of John Dover, who lives in Kansas; Metta, our subject, was the second child ; Elmer, who was born April 4, 1868, is postmaster at Brubaker; Edward was born February 22, 1874.

Metta and Edward McCullom are now owners of an eighty-acre farm in section 25, Tonti township, which they have made themselves. They carry on general farming in a most successful manner, skillfully rotating the various crops so as to get the best results, and at the same time keeping the soil from growing thin. The place is under a fine state of improvement in every way, and their residence is nicely furnished, possessing an air of cheerfulness and hospitality. She has a very wide acquaintance in Tonti township, and the highest esteem is entertained for her by all.

Mrs. Miriam Leckrone

A more kindly and affable woman than the subject would be hard to find within the borders of Tonti township, Marion county, where she has long maintained her home, and where, like Dorcas, the well known Bible character, "she hath clone what she could" toward the uplifting of the community in lending her influence for

Mrs. Miriam Leckrone, the daughter of William and Margaret (McKibben) Leckrone, having been born in Allen county, Ohio, August 1 8, 1840. Both the Leckrone and the McKibben families were natives of Pennsylvania. The father of our subject came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1864, and remained here until his death in 1887, his wife having preceded him to the spirit land in 1874. They were people of much sterling worth, and by hard work and economy always had a comfortable living, and they spared no pains in giving their children every advantage possible.

Our subject married William Leckrone in 1867, in the house where she now lives. The Leckrone family came to this county from Licking county, Ohio, in 1842, and settled in the neighborhood where our subject now lives. William Leckrone was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church, Zion church being the one in which he kept his membership. It was built in 1869. He was a liberal contributor to the support of this church in which he was an active member. He was a Republican in politics and faithfully served his township as Highway Commissioner in a manner that reflected credit upon his ability and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He was known as a public-spirited man, and always willing to do what he could in furthering any movement looking to the betterment of the community.

Five children were born to this union as follows: Charles W., whose date of birth occurred in 1870, is a railway postal clerk on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, his run being from Villa Grove to Thebes; W. M., who was born in 1874, married Lottie McMackin, a native of Salem, and one child has been born to them, named Eugene M., whose date of birth occurred February 14, 1908; Frank H., was bom in 1876: Ida R., was born in 1878; Julia was born in 1868. This family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. William M., is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a stanch Republican and has been Assessor of his township for one term, performing the duties of this office in a most acceptable manner. The brothers of the subject are now engaged in the dairy business. Mrs. Leckrone lives in a comfortable and nicely furnished home, and she is known as a woman of kindly disposition.

George Mundwiler

Owing to the honorable and very active career of the subject of this sketch and also because of his standing in the community in which he lives in Alma township, Marion county, it is believed that the publication of this sketch regarding his life's work will be greatly appreciated by his many acquaintances and friends.

George Mundwiler was bom in Knox county, Ohio, May 27, 1838, the son of Christopher and Polly A. (Kepple) Mundwiler, he being- the fifth of a family of eleven children. The father of the subject was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and the subject's mother was born in Knox county, Ohio. The parents of the subject moved to Marion county, Illinois, in 1864, and bought a farm of two hundred and sixty acres of improved land on which they made a comfortable living for many years. Christopher Mundwiler died in this county at the age of seventy-eight years.

George Mundwiler moved with his parents from Knox county to Seneca county, Ohio, when one year of age. He received his education in Ohio near Tiffin, in the district schools. He was thirty-six years old when he accompanied his parents to Marion county, Illinois.

Believing that it was the duty of every loyal citizen of the Union to shoulder arms in defense of the flag during the troublous days of the sixties, having enlisted in 1862 at the age of thirty-four years in Company C, Twenty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he served with much gallantry as a private. However, he did not have very hard service. Colonel Churchill was in command of this regiment. Our subject was never wounded or sick during his term of enlistment. After the war he returned to his farm.

The second marriage of our subject was to Mary W. Burns, April 11, 1883, and two children have been born to this union, namely: Minnie M. and Van Cleveland. The former married Edgar Stevenson, and they have three children, all boys.

Politically our subject is a Democrat, and while he is deeply interested in political matters, especially as they affect his own community, he does not take a very great interest in conventions or elections, preferring to merely cast the honest ballot in a quiet way.

The parents of our subject were Lutherans, but he is not a member of any orthodox body, but he is a man who believes in the principles of good citizenship, good government and strict attention to his own affairs, and as a result of his honesty, integrity, industry and sociable nature he has won his way into the confidence and esteem of all who know him, being regarded as one of the substantial and worthy citizens of Alma township.

Charles C. Sanders

The subject has seen the development of Marion county from an obscure wild prairie district to one of the leading counties of the state, and he has done his full share in promoting the industrial and civic affairs of the county, ranking today among her best known and most highly honored citizens.

Charles C. Sanders was born in Centralia township, Marion county, December 21, 1848, the son of Robert and Nancy (Coppie) Sanders, both natives of Indiana. The father came to this county a single man in an early day and married here. He was always a farmer and blacksmith, having bought a farm in Centralia township which he sold and went to Missouri, where he remained a short time, then came back to Centralia township and bought another farm on which he lived until his death in 1855. His wife died in 1854. They were the parents of six children, namely: Catherine, deceased; Charles C., our subject; John, deceased ; Samuel, Robert and the youngest child was a boy. The subject's parents died when he was small and he went to live with John Thomas for three years in Centralia township, also three years with John McClelland, who was his guardian until 1865.

When seventeen years old our subject went to enlist in the Union army as a substitute, but his uncle prevented him from enlisting. He then went to work out at different places, until he was nineteen years old. On December 28, 1867, he married Martha Jane Hudlow, who was born December n, 1849, i° Jefferson county, Illinois, the daughter of James and Roxanna (Hildibiddle) Hudlow. James Hudlow died in 1849. His widow then married Alexander Garren; her third husband was John Sprouse, and her fourth husband was George Birge. She died in 1898. Mrs. Sanders had one sister who married Thomas Groves. She lived in Indiana.

After his marriage the subject lived on his father's place for a time, then he traded for his present farm in section 25, Centralia township, where he has one hundred and twenty acres. It had only a few improvements on it when he took charge, but being a hard worker he developed a good home and a fine farm, about half of the place now being cleared, on which highly productive land he raises corn, hay, apples, peaches, pears and much small fruit, and he also raises some good horses, hogs and cattle, and carries on a general farming business with great success, being a good manager. He has always been a farmer, but he found time to operate a threshing machine for twenty-seven years and did a thriving business.

The subject and wife are the parents of six children, namely: Robert C., a farmer in Clinton county, this state, married Addie J. Cameron and they have five children, namely : Fred, Dwight, Claude, Melinda and Menzo. Mary Etta, the second child of the subject, married Elmer Satterfield, of Raccoon township, and they have the following children : Frank, Bert, Clara, James, Sarah and Ottie. Nancy, the subject's third child, married Edgar Morrison, lives at Odin, Illinois, and has three children, Jessie, Charlie and Mary. Lillie, who married George Day, lives at Odin, Illinois, and has one daughter, Pearl; Edgar is a farmer in Raccoon township, this county, who married Delle Martin, and they have two children, Ruby and Floyd; Dicey May is living at home.

E. P. Garner

The subject of this sketch has well earned the honor to be addressed as one of the progressive, public-spirited men of Marion county. His early labors were devoted to railroad work, but the latter years up to the time of this writing, 1908, were spent in the management of a grocery store in Salem, where he held high rank as a merchant and successful business man.

E. P. Garner was born in Salem, Illinois, March 4, 1856, the son of Albert Garner, a native of Tennessee, who came to Illinois when a young man, settling in Salem. He drove a stage coach on the old Mayesville and St. Louis lines ; in latter years he was a stock trader and butcher. He died in Salem after an active and useful life replete with success and honor. The mother of the subject was known in her maidenhood as Letitia Pace, who was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She is a woman of beautiful Christian character and admirable traits and is living in Salem in 1908, at the age of seventy-five years. The parents of the subject had a family of seven children, four of whom are deceased at this writing. They are: Florence, deceased; Ann, deceased; Albert, deceased; E. P., our subject; Blanche, deceased; Maggie, the wife of J. H. Vawter, of Salem; Frankie, who is living in Salem.

Mr. Garner was reared in Salem, having attended the common schools until he was fiften years old. His first position was as a brakeman on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, on a passenger train, having followed this from the time he was nineteen until he was twenty-four years old. He then fired a locomotive on the same road for one year, between East St. Louis and Vincennes. After this he went to work for the Wabash Railroad at East St. Louis as a car accountant, having followed this up to 1906, on which date he abandoned railroading and went into the grocery and meat business in Salem, which business he has handled with success, building up an excellent trade.

Our subject was happily married March 8, 1883, to Janie Jackson, a daughter of John W. Jackson, of Frankfort, Kentucky, who is a brother of the late Capt. James S. Jackson, of Salem. This family has always been influential. Three interesting children have been born to the subject and wife, as follows: Carrie J., whose date of birth occurred March 17, 1884, in Salem; Sherrill P., who was born February 25, 1889, in East St. Louis; Ralph E., born December 23, 1898, in Salem, is in the public schools at Salem. These children have received every care and attention at the hands of their parents and they all give promise of successful futures.

Our subject is a charter member of the Modern Americans, and in his religious affiliations he subscribes to the Christian church. Mrs. Garner and the three boys are also members of this church.

Mr. Garner was on the Executive Committee of Salem township in 1880, with W. J. Bryan at the organization of the Hancock and English club. This was Mr. Bryan's first political act, he being only twenty years old at that time. Mr. Bryan was chairman of the committee on permanent organization.

The subject is now practically living retired in Salem, Illinois. Through his long connection with agricultural interests he not only carefully conducted his farm, but so managed its affairs that he acquired thereby a position among the substantial residents of the community. Moreover he is entitled to representation in this volume because he is one of the native sons of Marion county, and his mind bears the impress of its early historical annals, and from the pioneer days down to the present, he has been an interested witness of its development.

W. R. Woodard was born in Marion countv, about five miles northwest of Salem, August 8, 1844, the son of Charles Woodard, a native of Ohio, who came to Illinois in 1840, settling on the farm where our subject was born, and he continued to live there until 1904, developing an excellent farm and reaping rich rewards for his toil from year to year, for he was a thrifty man of the best type of agriculturist. In 1904 he moved to Salem where he spent his old age, surrounded with the comforts of life, which his manhood years, in the youth and "noon" of life had accumulated, having passed to his rest in Salem, February 10, 1907, more than eighty-seven years old. He was at one time postmaster at Tonti.

He worked in a carding mill in Salem for some time, and had the weave made up into clothes. The paternal grandfather of the subject was Joshua Woodard, who was a native of Pennsylvania and who migrated to Ohio and then to Illinois with his son, the father of our subject. He made a success of whatever he undertook, being a man of sterling qualities, like most of the pioneers of the: country of those early days. He finally went back to Ohio where he died.

The mother of our subject was Ann Allmon in her maidenhood, the representative of a fine old family in Tennessee. Her people finally moved to Marion county, Illinois, where she passed to her rest in 1884. Four children were born to the subject's parents, W. R., our subject; A. J., who lives on a farm near the old home place: Elizabeth Ann. widow of J. H. Scott, living near Tonti; Ann, who died in infancy.

Our subject was reared on his father's farm and attended the country schools in that neighborhood, having applied himself in such a manner as to gain a fairly good education for those primitive school days. He lived on the old farm where he made a decided success at agricultural pursuits until he moved to Salem in 1904. He erected a house on the old homestead for himself, where he spent his years of labor in comfort and plenty. Mr. Woodard was united in marriage in 1871 to Mrs. Martha N. (Deeds) Nichols, whose parents came to this state from Virginia when she was one year old. She was always known as a woman of many fine personal traits. Four children were born to the subject and wife, all deceased, three having died in infancy, and the fourth after reaching maturity. Our subject always took considerable interest in public affairs and he was appointed postmaster of Tonti after his father gave it up. He has also been honored with township offices in Tonti township.

Mr. Woodard is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Salem, and his wife is also a consistent member of this church, both ranking high in the congregation of the same. Our subject has spent his long and useful life in Marion county, and it is interesting to hear him tell of the early days when Salem was a small hamlet with but a few houses and much wild game was in the great forests and on the uncultivated prairies roundabout. He has been a man of good business judgment and a hard worker, consequently he has made a success of his life work which has always been carried on in an honest manner. He owns a good residence in Salem, where he is regarded as a good law abiding citizen, and where he has many personal friends.

John P. Williams

The subject of this sketch belongs to that class of men who win in life's battles by sheer force of personality and determination, and in whatever he has undertaken he has shown himself to be a man of ability and honor.

John P. Williams was born in New York City, May 10, 1849, the son of Robert Williams, a native of Wales, who came to America when a young man. He was a pattern-maker and ship carpenter of great skill. He left New York in 1853, and went to Licking county, Ohio, where he remained until his death in 1854.

The subject's mother was Margaret Parry, also a native of Wales, who came to America when very young. She is remembered as a woman of many fine traits and a worthy companion of Robert Williams. She passed to her rest while living with our subject in Salem, July 10, 1882, to which place she had come four years previous. Three children were born to the parents of the subject of this sketch, the only one living being John P. Williams. Rowland H., his brother, died in Salem, Decem-

10, 1890. He was appointed postmaster of Salem by President Harrison, and his death occurred after he had served only about eighteen months. Robert, the subject's other brother, died March 10, 1877, in Licking county, Ohio. These children received everv advantage possible that their parents could give them.

John P. Williams was reared in Licking county, Ohio, making his home there from the time he was three years old until he was twenty-eight. He received his education in that county, having applied himself in a manner that resulted in a fairly good common school education. After leaving school Mr. Williams engaged in the shoe making business, which he followed for twelve years and in which he was eminently successful. He came to Salem in 1878 and worked as a solicitor for his brother who was then in the monument business, following this in a most satisfactory manner until 1882 when he went into the life and fire insurance business, spending considerable time on the road as a special agent in life insurance and making a marked success in this line of business.

Mr. Williams was appointed postmaster of Salem, April i, 1898, in which capacity he served with entire satisfaction to the authorities and in a manner that reflected much credit upon his natural executive ability, until 1907. This appointment was made by President McKinley, and he was re-appointed by President Roosevelt. After leaving the office, Mr. Williams opened a real estate and insurance office in 1907 and has been conducting the same to the present time, building up an excellent patronage and is now doing an extensive business throughout this community. He represents eight old-line companies and the business of these could not be entrusted to better or abler hands, owing to Mr. Williams' popularity in Marion county, his genuine worth and integrity.

Our subject was happily married in 1873 to Laura A. Ruton, an accomplished daughter of E. E. Ruton, a native of New York state. The ceremony which united this congenial couple was performed in Ohio and their subsequent life history is one of the utmost harmony and happiness, and to this union six interesting children have been born, named in order of their birth as follows: Margaret, the wife of James N. Chance, a merchant tailor of Salem; Lucy, the wife of William P. Morris, a wholesale cigar dealer of Salem; Frances, the wife of L. W. Fellows, a broker, of New York City ; Lena, who is living at home ; R. Carl, who is a train dispatcher on the Missouri Pacific Railroad at Jefferson City, Missouri ; Rowland L., who is living at home, and is assistant time-keeper for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company at Salem.

Mr. Williams, in his fraternal relations, belongs to the Salem Blue Lodge, Council and Chapter, Masons, and judging from his daily life one would conclude that he believes in carrying out the noble precepts of this ancient and praiseworthy order. Both he and his wife are members of the Cum- berland Presbyterian church. The career of Mr. Williams clearly illustrates the possibilities that are open in this country to earnest, persevering men who have the courage of their convictions and are determined to be the architects of their own fortunes.

George C. Wells

The fact that the subject was one of the patriotic sons of the north who offered his services and his life, if need be, on the field of battle in defense of the flag during the dark days of the rebellion, entitles him to the high honor which is due everyone of the gallant boys in blue.

George C. Wells was born in Washington county, Rhode Island, January 20, 1844, the son of Peter C. and Elizabeth (Stillman) Wells, both natives of the same county, in Rhode Island. He was a farmer and died in 1872, at the age of sixty-six years; she passed away in July, 1888, at the age of seventy-eight years. The subject's parents had seven children, namely: Anna Elizabeth; Maria, of Alleghany county, New York; Harriett, living in Rhode Island; George Clark, our subject; Adeline, Emeline and Oscar, all living in Rhode Island.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the home schools and Alford College, New York. In July, 1862, he enlisted for a period of three years in Company A, Seventh Rhode Island Volunteer Infantrv, at Hopkinton, Rhode Island. He was in the army of the Potomac, Ninth Army Corps. He was in the great battle of Fredericksburg and was shot in the right hip, December 13, 1862, and was sent to Washington, District of Columbia, where he remained for one month, and he was in the home hospital for one year, was then discharged and came home. He served six months. After the war he went to Westerly, Rhode Island and engaged as a mechanic until December 10, 1865, when he came west and located in section 4, Meacham township, Marion county, Illinois. He first bought forty-four acres of land, but being thrifty and a good manager, he gradually added to this until he owned two hundred and ninety acres. He made all of the improvements on the place and was considered one of the best farmers in the township.

Our subject was united in marriage February 1 6, 1868, with Emma L. Brown, a native of Niagara county, New York, and three children have blessed this union, namely: Oscar C., who married Inez Randolph. He is a farmer and poultry raiser in Meacham township, and the father of five children, Gale, Glenn, Ora, Elsie and George. Harriett, the subject's second child, is living at home; Lena, the youngest, is also a member of the home circle. Oscar Wells taught school for many years. Lena is now in the Farina high school.

The subject carries on a general farming business, raises Red Polled stock, Red Comb and Brown Leghorn chickens, Pekin ducks and several varieties of good live stock. Since 1896 Mr. Wells has been living in practical retirement, however, he still oversees his farm. He has for many years dealt very successfully in poultry, feed and fertilizers. He has held several of the township offices, and is a Republican of pronounced convictions.

Mr. Wells is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, No. 426, at Farina, Illinois. He has been commander of the same, having held all the offices of this post. He is a member of the Seventh Day Baptist church' at Farina. Mr. Wells deserves a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished. He started life poor, but being ambitious he worked hard and has achieved eminent success, . being today one of the solid and substantial men ot his township and well and favorably known by every one. He is remembered as a teacher of more than ordinary ability, having taught school for six years, one year in the Farina, Illinois, high school. What his hand and mind have found to do he has done with his might, and having attained a commanding position among his content poraries he wears his honor in a becoming manner.

Winfield S. Lacey

Among the citizens of Meacham township, Marion county, whose lives have been led along such worthy lines of endeavor that they have endeared themselves to their fellow citizens, thereby being eligible for

Winfield S. Lacey was born in Morrow county, Ohio, September 30, 1849, tne son of Hiram G. and Sophia (Sell) Lacey, the former a native of Ohio, who grew to manhood there and married before leaving that county. He lived in Ohio until 1855, when he brought his family to Marion county, Illinois, settling in Meacham township. He drove through the country from Ohio, bringing twenty-two head of cows with him, also three teams. He secured one hundred and twenty acres of land in sections 10 and 15. It was partly improved and had an old house, eighteen by thirty-six feet, of split timber, and there was an old log stable. These soon gave way to comfortable and substantial buildings, and the place was put under a high state of improvements. Being thrifty he soon bought more land and lived on this place until his death. His wife died in Farina, this state. They were Methodists. Mr. Lacey was a Republican, but never aspired to office. The following children were born to them : Gabriel S., who lives in Meacham township; Mahala also lives in Meacham township; Thomas S. lives in the same township; Francis M., enlisted in the Union army when eighteen years old and served during the war. After the war he married and moved to Cowley county, Kansas; Abram F., was also a soldier in the Federal ranks, who served three years. After the war he returned to his home in this county, where he remained until his death; A. H., resides on the old place, and was also a soldier; Nancy married Michael Butts, and is living in Meacham township; W. S., our subject; Anthony and Catherine were twins, the former is deceased, and the latter is the wife of Jacob Althon, of Clay county, Illinois; Hiram is living in Meacham township, this county; Hugh is deceased; Mary is the wife of Douglas Roberts, who lives in Fayette county. Illinois.

The subject of this sketch had only a limited education, not having an opportunity to attend school very long in his youth. He remained a member of the parental family circle until he was twenty-four years old. He was married February 27, 1873, to Nancy Hitchcock, of Harrison county, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Hitchcock. Her parents moved to Marion county, Illinois, in 1870, and located in Omega township, where they remained two years and then moved to Meachair. township, remaining here one year, then they went to Iowa, where Mr. Hitchcock died. His wife is living at this writing in Nebraska. Seven children were born to the subject and wife as follows: Edward, who is farming in Meacham township, married Margaret Gotshall, of Ohio; Lydia, who is now deceased, was the wife of Lon Myres; Haman is living in Farina, Illinois, engaged in the hardware business, and in married to Olive Warren ; Orville is deceased : Hugh is also deceased; Ollie married Jesse Norman, and is living in Meacham township; Milton is living at home. These

After his marriage the subject bought forty acres of land in Meacham township and lived there for three years, when he sold out and bought the place where he now lives, in section 4, Meacham township. It was raw land, but Mr. Lacey was always a hardworker and a good manager, and he rapidly improved the place up to its present high state of efficiency. The subject now owns three hundred and forty acres, which he rents, being now retired. His farm is well up to the standard of Marion county's choice farms, being well fenced, and in every way in fust class condition. He has a substantial and beautiful dwelling and a good barn and other out buildings.

No little part of Mr. Lacey's income has been derived from live stock, raising an excellent grade of hogs, cattle and sheep. He is also a good judge of horses and has always kept some fine ones. He has devoted his life to farming, consequently he has mastered every detail of this class of business. In politics he is a Populist, but has never held office. He started in life in a small way, but he is now one of the substantial men of the township, having gained all his property unaided, by his careful management and hard work. The subject's first wife was called to her rest in February, 1903; and he married Rebecca Minard, of Harrison county, Ohio, in October, 1905. Mr. Lacey is known by the people of Meacham township for his honesty and useful life.

Samuel Puffer

Prominently identified with the industrial and civic affairs of Marion county is the subject of this sketch who is one of the leading farmers of this locality, residing on a beautiful farmstead in Meacham township, which he has improved.

Samuel Puffer was born in Effingham county, Illinois, June n, 1848, the son of John Puffer, a native of Maury county, Tennessee. He married Martha J. Gray, in Illinois. He was the son of Samuel Puffer, a native of the New England states, who came to Tennessee in an early day. About 1833 he came to Marion county, Illinois, and settled near Kinmundy. His father came later and lived with him until the latter's death. His wife died in Tennessee. He married a Miss Eagan. His second wife was a Miss Caldwell. He had two sons and a daughter by his first wife and two daughters by his second marriage. The subject's father located in Effingham county, Illinois, about 1836, taking up government land on Fulfer creek, where he lived until about 1857, when he went to Collins county, Texas, where he secured eighty acres of land and in 1862 he went to Bates county, Missouri, where he owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He died there in 1862, having been preceded to the other world by his wife in 1851. He married a second time, this wife being Lovina Newman, who died in Texas. He again married, his third wife being a Miss Degraftenread, of Texas. There were two children by

The subject of this sketch came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1862, and located near Kinmundy, where he lived until 1878, when he bought a farm of one hundred acres in Meacham township, section 7, where he has since lived. He made all the improvements on his farm, which is considered equal in every way to any in the county, and he has a beautiful, well furnished and comfortable home.

On February 12, 1872, the subject was united in marriage with Sarah Eagan, of Kinmundy township, the daughter of Isaac and Athlina Tulley, the former of Tennessee, where his youth was spent. They were pioneers of Marion county, first settling at Salem, later at Kinmundy. He was the owner of a large tract of land, part of which is the present site of Kinmundy. He died in 1874 and his wife passed away in 1888. They were the parents of eight children, of whom four are living at this writing, namely: John, who resides in Kinmundy township; Sarah, the subject's wife; Ras, of Salem, Illinois; Harriett, widow of James Hayworth, of Kinmundy. Two children have been born to the subject and wife, namely: Myrtle, the wife of Charles E. Wenck, who lives east of Farina, Illinois ; Mae, who was maried June 24, 1903, to Mark Boyd, of Meacham township, and who is the mother of one son, Richard F. Mark Boyd lives with the subject and assists him in managing the place. Mr. Puffer has lived on his present place since 1878. He carries on general farming in such a manner as to gain a comfortable living from year to year and lay by a competency for his old age. His farm is well improved and he raises not only good crops of various kinds, but also excellent horses, hogs and cattle. He has held some of the township offices, and is a loyal Democrat. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He deserved a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished. Having started in life a poor boy, he has, by hard work, achieved success.

Lewis Combs

Eighty years have dissolved in the mists of time since the venerable subject of this sketch first saw the light of day and they have been years of failures and triumphs, victories and defeats, sorrows and joys, but withal, satisfactory as most lives of honest endeavor as his has been.

Lewis Combs was born in Dubois county, Indiana, November 20, 1828, the son of John Combs, of Tennessee. His mother's name was Delila Vancouver, a native of Scott county, Indiana. John Combs went with his parents when a boy to Dubois county, Indiana, where they were pioneers. They secured wild land which they cleared, made a comfortable home and on which they died. John Combs lived to about 1842. He came by wagon, bringing seven head of horses to Walnut Prairie,

Clark county, Illinois, and later to Marion county, settling in Meacham township on Scritchfiekl Prairie, where he stayed two years and went back to Indiana, remaining there one year when he returned to Marion county, Illinois, where he remained for six years. Then he went to Missouri where he remained for two years, moving then to- Arkansas, where he died. His wife died in Indiana. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Lewis, our subject; Starling; Wesley, Smith, Minerva Lytle; the last four named are all deceased.

Lewis Combs, our subject, had no chance to go to school and learn to read and write. He remained with his father until twenty years old when he began working out at various places. He first bought forty acres of land in Omega township, Marion county, Illinois, in 1864. He sold this the following year and located where he now lives in section 35, Meacham township, then known as Miletus township. He served as postmaster for a period of fourteen years. He was married three times, first to Martha Schritchfield, a native of Indiana. His second wife was Isabelle Simonds, a native of Kentucky, and his third wife was Caroline Melton, a widow of Christopher Melton and a daughter of Charles and Rebecca Lockhart. The latter was a native of Orange county, Indiana. The subject's wife wasborn in Clay county, Illinois, in 1841. Her parents located in Oskaloosa, Illinois, and in 1860 went to Arkansas. Her husband in 1862 enlisted and was taken sick at Helena, Arkansas, and died at St. Louis in a hospital in October, 1862. The family came to Clay county, Illinois, and the mother died in March, 1895. Three children were born to them, namely: Martha, who died in April, 1862 ; Caroline, the wife of our subject; May, who died April 10, 1863. Our subject has six children by his first wife, namely : Frances, widow of Thomas Garner, and she lives near Salem, Illinois; Louisa married Austin Hanks, of Omega township; Logan is a farmer in Meacham township; Julia is the wife of Lorenzo Phillips, of Omega township; Austin is a farmer in Clay county, Illinois; Samuel, the sixth child, is deceased. The subject had four children by his second wife, namely: Nellie, the wife of Frank Dravance, of Effingham county, Illinois; Ella is the wife of Henry Smith, living near Salem, Illinois; Lee is a farmer in Omega township; Edgar died when young. Two children have been born to the subject and his third wife, namely : Mae, who is the wife of Jesse Payon, a teacher of Marion county; Bessie is the wife of Loyd Hanks, of Meacham township. Mrs. Combs had eight children by her first husband, six of whom are still living, namely : Louisa, who married Allen Smith, of Clay county, Illinois; Belle is deceased; Emma married Edward Threewit, of Meacham township; Lockhart, of Sharpsburg, Illinois ; Martha is the wife of Walter King, of Meacham township; Franklin is living in McCoupin county, Illinois, and he is engaged as engineer in the coal mines; James is deceased; Ellen is also deceased.

The subject of this sketch purchased eighty acres of land where he now lives and first started to make a home. He kept adding to this by thrift and economy until he now has a farm of two hundred and sixteen acres in Meacham and Omega townships and where he carries on a general farming in such a manner as to stamp him as one of the leading farmers of the township. He has always been a stock dealer and is regarded as one of the best judges of stock in the county. His farm has always been kept to a high standard of excellence and the soil has been so skillfully manipulated by the proper rotation of crops until it is as rich today as when he first took possession of it.

Mr. Combs has always been a loyal Democrat but he has never aspired to office, being content to devote his time to his work of the farm. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Christian church.

Henry William See, Sr

Our subject is the representative of an honored pioneer family of Marion county, so that a consideration of his genealogical and personal history becomes doubly interesting and doubly apropos in connection with the prescribed province of this publication. Mr. See is one of the prominent farmers of Kinmundy township, having a finely improved landed estate of two hundred and forty-four acres and he is carrying

Henry William See, Sr., is a native of Marion county, where he has been satisfied to spend his entire life, having been born April 30, 1849, in Kinmundy township, the son of Michael See, who married Elizabeth Allman May i, 1848, and to this union the subject of this sketch was born, the mother dying when the son was seven months old.

Our subject received his early education in the district schools of his native county where he applied himself in a careful manner to his studies. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm assisting with the work about the place until he reached maturity when he was married to Mary Alice Blackburn June 29, 1869, in Hillsboro, Montgomery county, Illinois, the ceremony which made them one having been performed by a Justice of the Peace. The family from which Mrs. See came were, many of them, known as eminent lawyers, doctors and preachers. On her mother's side of the house many of the family were Baptist ministers. Mary Alice was born March 16, 1849, in Medora, Macoupin county, Illinois. Her father was George P. Blackburn, who was born in Huntsville, Alabama, May 24, 1826, and who was married February 14, 1848, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Emily E. Farrow, who was born in Mount Sterling. Kentucky, December 9, 1830. Seven children were born to them, five girls and two boys, all of whom lived to be grown and all

Our subject and wife are the parents of eight children, named in order of their birth as follows: Harry M., deceased; Ollie E., who married James Lasater; they live in Redlands, California, and are the parents of six children, an equal number of boys and girls. Ernest B., the subject's third child, is deceased ; Sabyon G. is also deceased ; Mabel I. married J. R. Kelly, a Baptist minister of Highland, Illinois, and they are the parents of four sons ; Emma A. married Dellis Malone and is the mother of one son. She lives in Taibin, New Mexico; Michael J. and Richard E. are both deceased. These children have received good educations and are fairly well situated in life. The subject has eleven grandchildren, all living but one girl.

Mr. See has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, of which he has made an eminent success, now owning a fine farm. No small part of his income from year to year is the result of the successful handling of stock, he being an extensive breeder of Polled-Angus cattle, and good horses. His farm is also well stocked with many fine varieties of chickens, among the principal breeds being the Black Langshan, which has often taken prizes at fairs and poultry shows. Mr. See is regarded as one of the best farmers in Kinmundy township as the general thrifty appearance of his place would indicate. He is always at work and never neglects anything about his place that needs his attention.

Mr. See is a Democrat in his political relations and takes considerable interest in political affairs, always casting his ballot for the man whom he believes to be the best fitted morally and intellectually for the office sought. He and his family are Missionary Baptists as was also his ancestors, among whom was one minister. The Sees are regarded as people of the highest integrity and are known as substantial citizens wherever they reside. Our subject's well improved property is a monument to his thrift and well directed efforts. He is a man of earnest purpose and upright life.

John Smith

The subject of this sketch early in life realized the fact that success never smiles upon the idler or dreamer and he has accordingly followed such an aphorism, devoting his life to ardent toil along lines that cannot but insure success. The prosperity which he enjoys has been the result of energy rightly applied and has been won by commendable qualities.

John Smith, one of the progressive farmers of Tonti township, Marion county, Illinois, was born in this locality October 7, 1838, the son of Britton and Mahala (Foster) Smith. Great-grandfather Smith was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, having taken part in many of the famous battles and strenuous campaigns of the same. This old family finally settled in North Carolina, where Britton Smith was bom in 1811, on November 7. He came to Tennessee and then to Marion county, Illinois, in 1829, among the pioneers and overcome the obstacles always to be encountered in such a country, however, he remained here only about a year when he returned to Tennessee, but soon returned to Illinois bringing his father, having been enthusiastic of the prospects in the new country, believing that the future was filled with great possibilities. The entire family made the trip from Tennessee as soon as they could arrange to do so and they set to work at once making a home here, where their labors were richly rewarded by mother nature, who seldom fails in just compensation for labor expended in her domain.

Our subject's father was united in marriage in 1836 to Mahala Foster and settled in section 28, in Tonti township. His wife was the daughter of the well known Hon. Hardy Foster, who was an early settler in this county, having come here from Georgia, becoming popular and a leader in political affairs, having represented this district in the legislature. Foster township was named in honor of this pioneer. Britton Smith at one time owned two hundred acres of land in this county, being one of the best known farmers in this locality and he also took much interest in local politics, having served as Deputy Sheriff of Marion county for about seventeen years, during which time he rendered much valuable service to the public. He was a Democrat in his political faith. From

John Smith, our subject, was born here and worked upon the farm, having a poor chance to receive an education. However, he applied himself as best he could and has since broadened his intellectual horizon by general reading and travel.

'\Yhen twenty-one years old Mr. Smith went to Texas, where he remained a short time. In 1862 he was united in marriage with Flotiller Nichols, who passed away fourteen months after her marriage, and on October 2, 1868, Mr. Smith married Elizabeth Smith, who was reared in this part of Illinois, and who was called to her rest in November, 1877. Two children were born to the subject, one of whom, Charles B.. is living in this county. His date of birth occurred in 1873. Our subject was again married, his third wife being Lenora E. Coe, who is also now deceased. - He was married a fourth time to Martha C. (Meadon) Lawson, who has also been called to her rest. Four children were born to Mr. Smith by his third wife, three of whom are living. Our subject has devoted his life principally to fanning with the result that he has achieved definite success in this field of endeavor, for he has great ability in agricultural lines and is a hard worker. He at present owns eighty-one acres of land in this township, which have been developed into an excellent farm, being very productive and yields excellent crops from year to year. He has an excellent residence, well furnished and all the necessary equipments

Our subject is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, being one of the Stewards of the local church, and is at this writing (1908) superintendent of the Sunday school. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Patoka, Lodge No. 860. In politics he is a Democrat and takes a lively interest in local political affairs, having served as Township Assessor, also as Township Clerk, and Township Treasurer, which office he still holds, having had charge of the same since 1885. This would indicate that he has given entire satisfaction in the dispensation of all his public duties, and is held in strictest confidence by his constituents else he would not have been entrusted with so many important public offices, nor retained so long.

Rev. William Jackson Simer

This sterling and honored citizen of Omega township, Marion county, is the owner of one of the best farms in this community and is a local minister of the Gospel of much popularity, having for many years performed a grand service among the people whom he has elected to serve, burying the friends who pass over the mystic river, marrying the young, beginning life's more seri- ous walks, and in many ways assisting in ameliorating the condition of the public at large and his character has from his youth up been unblemished by shadow of wrong, so that the community regards him as one of its most valuable citizens.

William Jackson Simer is a native of Marion county, having been born here September 9, 1849, and is therefore fifty-nine years old at this writing (1908). His father's name was Jason R. Simer, a Tennesseean, who came to Illinois when fifteen years of age and worked by the month until he was married at the age of twenty-five years to Amelia Gaston, who was born near the Marion County Home and who was called to her rest in 1866, at the age of forty years. Jason R. Simer married a second time to Ruth Carpenter in the year 1870. Seven children were born to him by his first wife, our subject being one of the number; and three children were born of the second union.

Our subject worked out among the neighbors until he was seventeen years of age, having attended the local schools in Jefferson county, later the Huff school, in the meantime during the winter months, and received a good foundation for an education by diligently applying himself to his studies, and he has now become a well read man by constant home study and personal observation. When twenty-five years old he began to make public addresses on local political issues and so well did he speak that when his name was announced to appear on a program he was always insured a large and interested audience, and his powers as an orator and his ability as a political worker were soon recognized by party leaders and he was invited to speak in other communities.

Our subject has always been more or less interested in farming pursuits and he early in life gave marked evidence of being a man of affairs, and he began to work for himself when seventeen years old. He now owns a fine farm of two hundred and three acres, forty acres being in timber, the rest being under a high state of cultivation.

Rev. Mr. , Simer has always been an active church worker and Sunday school worker, especially so since 1880, and he is now filling the pulpit each Lord's day at Lovel Grove, Smith's Grove, Bethel in Clay county, and at Brubaker, giving a fourth of his time to each charge, all of which he has built up and greatly strengthened.

Our subject has been twice married, his first wife's name being Sarah E. Easley, to whom seven children were born, four of whom are living, the family being composed of six sons and one daughter. His second wife was Mary Alice Farson, to whom two children were born, both living. Their names are Clay and Frank. The names of his children by his first wife follow : The first child died in early infancy ; Leroy, who married Goldin Allen, and who had three children, two living, a son and a daughter ; Hershel, who married Jennie Tate and who has four children, two sons and two daughters; Charley, who married Ama Hultz; Hugh, who married Minnie