Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 17 of 27)

Mr. Simer takes a great interest in public affairs and is serving his third term as Supervisor of Omega township in a manner that reflects much credit upon his ability and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is greatly interested in the cause of education, and he has taught six successful terms of school in his own neighborhood, gaining considerable praise as an able instructor and his services were in great demand. He is a very versatile man on almost any topic and he is ever ready for any good work. He has a large, well arranged and carefully selected library, consisting of the best books of modern and early days on a wide range of themes among which much of his time is spent. He has always been a close student of the Bible, having an ardent desire to know and comprehend the same, being anxious to know and do the will of the Heavenly Father, and to follow His teachings at all times. In matters affecting the general welfare Rev. Simer has been most active and influential.

In giving the life record of the subject of this sketch the publishers of this work believe that it will be an incentive to the young who may peruse it to lead nobler lives, have higher ambitions and accomplish more for their fellow men, for his life has always been led along a plane of high endeavor, always consistent with the truth in its higher forms and ever in keeping with honorable principles. He is the scion of pioneer ancestors of the most sterling qualities who did much in their day for the communities in which they lived, and Doctor Rodgers is a worthy descendant of his forbears, thus for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that he was one of the patriotic sons of the North, who, when the tocsin of war sounded, left his hearthstone and business to do what he could in saving the country from treason, the biographer is glad to give him just representation in this work.

Dr. Benjamin F. Rodgers was born in York, Pennsylvania, in 1829, the son of Joseph D. and Mary (Hamilton) Rodgers. Grandfather Rodgers, who came to America in 1776, settling in Maryland, was a weaver by profession and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He lived to be ninety-four years old, and the grandmother of the subject lived to her ninety-sixth year. They were the parents of a large family.

The father of the subject, who was born in Maryland, moved to Pennsylvania when a boy, later to Ohio, where he spent the balance of his days on a farm. There were eleven children in this family, six of whom lived to maturity. The subject's parents were Presbyterians and the father and mother both died at the age of sixty-four years.

the subscription schools of his community. He clerked in a store in Ohio for two years, then learned to be a shoemaker; but neither of these lines seemed to suit his tastes, believing that he was capable of rendering a better service to humanity, consequently he began the study of medicine, in which he made rapid progress and he soon entered a medical college. After completing the prescribed course with honor, he began practice in Ohio, and later located at Elizabethtown, Kentucky, having soon gained a firm foothold. But believing that better opportunities awaited him at Belleville, Illinois, he removed thereto in 1849, ar|d afterwards removed to Jacksonville, and at that place the doctor enlisted in September, 1861, in the Union, enlisted in September, 1861, in the Second Illinois Light Artillery, and so efficient were his services that he was commissioned captain of Company K. His record in the army is a most creditable one. He was at the battle of Fort Donelson, at Jackson, Mississippi, and was in the siege of Vicksburg. Engraved on a monument erected at Vicksburg, Mississippi, in honor of Company K, Second Illinois Light Artillery, are the words : and relates his battery was nearer the enemy's works than any other battery of the siege, which occupied forty-two days. He was Chief of Artillery on the staff of General Lauman, Gen. Crocker Gresham, Logan, and was Chief of Staff of General Ranson at Natchez.

He was also in the southwestern campaign and the battles subsequent to that. He was mustered out at Memphis, Tennessee, December 31, 1864. After the close of the war Doctor Rodgers located in Patoka, where he has practiced his profession ever since.

Doctor Rodgers was united in marriage on November 3, 1848, with Mary K. Chiell, daughter of Casper Chiell. He has four children living, also fourteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Mrs. Rodgers was called from her earthly labors at the age of seventy-two years.

In politics our subject is a loyal Republican, and he has ever taken a great interest in public affairs, having made his influence felt for the good of his community in many ways and served in a most able manner as postmaster and also Mayor of Patoka; in fact, he might be called the father of this town. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and has been commander of the local post. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the lodge at Jacksonville, Illinois. No man in this part of Marion county is better or more favorably known than he, known for his professional skill, his public spirit, his integrity and kind heartedness.

James R. Jones

During- the pioneer epoch in the history , of Marion county the Jones family was founded within its borders, and the name has-been inseparably identified with the annals of the favored section of which this book deals for more than half a century, while its representatives have figured prominently in its development.

James R. Jones was born July 31, 1849, in Marion county, Illinois, the son of Jackson C. Jones, who was born in Tennessee, near Knoxville, January 17, 1818, a member of a large family, namely: Jackson C., our subject's father; Willis, Joseph, Christopher, Horace, James, Henderson B., Young, and Mary. They have all passed to the great beyond. Christopher, Joseph and Henderson were all soldiers in the Civil war, Christopher having been a member of the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and Henderson of the Third Illinois Cavalry.

Ross Jones was the grandfather of the subject. He was born in North Carolina, in 1/96, and lived to the age of eighty-one years. He married Edith Barby.

Our subject's mother was known in her maidenhood as Margaret Whiteside and was born on the line between Tennessee and Kentucky, July 22, 1822. Eight children were born to the parents of our subject, three boys and five girls, namely: Francis, Tabitha, Catherine, James R., our subject; Sarah, Samuel, Anna and Mary. They are all deceased with the exception of our

Mrs. Jones received her early education in the common schools at Mt. Vernon, and at the public and high schools of .Kinmundy, where she applied herself in such a manner as to elicit the approbation of her teachers. Mr. Jones worked on the home place during the summer months until he reached maturity, when he was united in marriage on September 2, 1871, to Mahala Foster, the daughter of W. W. Foster, she being the only child, having been born July 21, 1851, in Marion county. Nine children have been bom to this union, six girls and three boys, three of whom have passed to their rest. Their names in order of birth follow : Lizzie S., deceased; Willie C., deceased; James E., Mary J., Frank G. and Lora N., all living; Florence P., deceased; Rena M.. and Alta A., both living. These children are all well educated and some are filling positions as teachers in a most acceptable manner.

Mr. Jones carries on general farming on a fine farm consisting of one hundred and thirty-five acres in Kinmundy township. He always keeps some good stock af various kinds on the place and feeds a great deal of his corn to live stock which he prepares for the market. Our subject is a Democrat in his political faith, but has not been an aspirant to political offices. He is affiliated with the Methodist church in which he takes a delight. He believes in education and his relations with the world of business have been straightforward and nothing savoring

James K. Craig

Among the men who have been largely instrumental in developing and advancing the opulent natural resources of Marion -county, Illinois, stands the gentleman whose name initiates this review and whose fine farm property, in Omega township, is one of the many attractive and valuable rural domains of this favored section of the Sucker state.

James K. Craig was born in Kentucky, December 28, 1824, and came with his parents to Marion county, Illinois, at the age of twelve and one-half years. The father of the subject was James Craig, who was born in the Blue Grass state June i, 1784. His mother was also born in Kentucky in April, 1787. Her maiden name was Sevilla Hanks, being a sister of Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks. They were people of fine traits of character and were known as hard workers and kindly disposed. In their family were nineteen children, our subject being next to the youngest in order of birth. James Craig, the subject's father, was at one time the richest man in Hardin county, Kentucky, but he lost his land claim by others who lawed him out of both right and title.

settled in the wilderness. He took up no land for all was common- ground, and he decided that he had rather not have any land as all was free to till, hunt on and use in whatever way struck the pioneer's fancy. There was no difficulty in stirring up a large herd of deer, wolves or a den of rattle snakes. The subject was often in a wolf drive with a hundred or more men and as many dogs. Sometimes a dozen or more would be bagged on a move, and sometimes not a one, but the sport was eagerly sought by the first settlers. In those days our subject hired to Alec Kockrel to work in hay harvest for thirty-two days at twenty-five cents per day and considered that he was being well paid. Hogs fattened in the woods on the mast. Fortunately the Indians had mostly disappeared and they were not to be reckoned with. Samuel H. Craig, the elder brother of the subject, captured an Indian pony at Kellogg's Grove and brought it home while the Indians were trying to burn the settlers' houses in that vicinity.

Money was very scare in those days, being for the most part in small bills, called "shin plasters." There was some gold, but no silver. Our subject remembers going five and one-half miles to the post-office, bareheaded and barefooted and paying twenty-five cents, the price of postage, before receiving his letter. No letter could be received until this amount was paid. He was for many years the only man in his community who took a paper, a weekly, "The People's Organ," now called the St. Louis

The subject's mother was an educated woman and she taught her children so that they received fairly good educations for those times when school-houses were few and of the most primitive type. Every Sunday morning she taught them the Bible with the old Calvanistic Baptist doctrine; but Mr. Craig is now a stanch Methodist. He first heard the Rev. John Craig when a small boy. Rev. Craig was known as a powerful preacher in his day and did an incalculable amount of good. He reached the remarkable age of one hundred and three years. In early days the Craig family were promoters of the "Green Back" party movement, but later were all loyal Democrats.

Our subject was united in marriage with Catherine Wilkinson, the daughter of Jehu Wilkinson, of Scotch descent, the day of their wedding occurring on February 25, 1847. Nine children were born to this union, six of whom are living in 1908. Mr. Craig has fifteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The following are the names of the subject's children : Benjamin D., James H., Elizabeth, Sarah, Ann, Samuel, Jehu, Ida and John E.

James K. Craig owned at one time four hundred acres of land which he had improved and developed into a very fine and valuable farm, which was yielding a comfortable income from year to year; but this land has been divided up among his children, thirty-five acres having been retained for a home. Our subject is at this writing living with Thomas M. Spyker, who married one of the subject's older daughters, Bettie, who has one child. Mr. Spyker is now fifty-three years old, an excellent farmer of good repute and he delights in caring for our aged subject who is in his eighty-fourth year. The Spykers are all Methodists, and in politics have been Democrats but of late years most of them support the Prohibition ticket.

Mr. Craig delights to assist those in need and to promote the welfare and happiness of others, consequently the golden evening of his life is serene and happy and he can look forward to a richer reward in the great beyond than it is within the power of man to bestow.

Calvin Blair Kline

The subject of this review is one of the scientific representatives of the agricultural industry in Marion county and he is also known as a man of sterling character, while his specific knowledge concerning the line of enterprise to which he is now devoting his attention is of both technical and practicable order, for he has made a careful study of agriculture and horticulture.

Calvin Blair Kline was born in Pennsylvania, February 26, 1864, the son of Joseph S. Kline, who was also a native of the old Keystone state. To the father of our subject six children were born by his first wife, of which the subject is the second son. The name of the first wife of Joseph S. Kline was Elizabeth Patterson. His second wife was named Martha Beam. Three children were born to this union with his second wife. Our subject came with his parents from Pennsylvania to Iowa, then to Marion county, Illinois, in 1880, having settled on a farm in Alma township, later moving to Omega township, where he now resides.

Our subject remained on the parental farm assisting with the work until he reached maturity, having attended first the district schools in Pennsylvania. He left school when nineteen years old and began farming on his own account and he has since devoted his time to this line of work continuously and as already intimated he has made a great success of this work, because he started life practically empty handed and today he is the owner of a fine landed estate in Omega township, consisting of two hundred and thirty-seven acres, all under a high system of cultivation, with the ex^ ception of seven acres in timber.

Calvin Blair Kline was united in marriage on November 14, 1888, to Maggie E. Harvey, who was born in Alma, September 24, 1867. the daughter of John B. Harvey, who was born in Virginia in 1820. His family consisted of four children, an equal number of boys and girls of which the subject's wife was the fourth in order of birth. The maiden name of the mother of our subject's wife was Augusta Shaffer, who was born in Germany, and who came to America with her parents when she was eighteen years old.

Seven children were born to our subject and wife, named in order of birth as follows: Lola G., Ruby T., Loren E., Chester B., Garnet O.. Lois L.. and Eugene M. They are all living and are all at home at this writing and they are in school, making excellent records for scholarship.

Mr. Kline is a believer in educational advantages. In their religious beliefs this family adheres to the doctrines of the Methodist church. South, although our subject is not affiliated with any church he is a believer in the principles of religion. His wife's family were Methodists, most of them belonging to the Northern branch of this denomination, while the subject's wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. South. Mr. Kline ever advocates wholesome environment for, children, believing that they should be given every possible advantage, both in religious and educational training and in good citizenship. Mr. Kline is well known in this section and is most highly honored where he is best known, and his life has been one of earnest endeavor and well directed effort.

Samuel G. Copple

Mr. Copple is one of the leading business men in Omega township. Marion county, having successfully managed a store and carried on other lines of business in a manner that shows him to be a man of unusual business ability, but having the honored an- cestry behind him of which he can boast, we do not wonder that he is a man of rare force of character, for in the genealogical history in both the paternal and maternal lines, there is much data signally germane to a compilation of this sort.

Samuel G. Copple was born in Washington county, Indiana, April 24, 1849, the son of Abraham and Rozan (Hanger) Coppie, the former having been born in Indiana April 2, 1827, and was the father of nine children, seven girls and two boys, three of whom lived to maturity, the subject of this sketch being the oldest in order of birth. Abraham Copple left Indiana in 1875, and came to Marion county, Illinois, where he farmed on a parcel of land which he purchased, and also rented additional land. He was called from his earthly labors in Omega, this county, February 17, 1892. He married Rosannah Hauger September 21, 1847, and they first moved to Sullivan county. Indiana, then to Marion county, Illinois, where Abraham lived for over thirteen years. His three surviving children are : Samuel G., our subject; Alice M., and Mahala M., who is now deceased.

The early education of the subject of this sketch was gained in the district schools of his native county, which were taught from two to three months each year during the winter, in log school-houses, the windows of which were made of greased paper for panes. He was compelled to walk four miles to school. During the remainder of the year he worked on his father's, farm. When he had reached maturity he married

Mary C. Sill, the daughter of Commodore and Sarah (Beard) Sill, of Jackson county, Illinois, and she, too, received her education in the district schools of the country which she attended three months out of the year. Sarah Beard was born in Tennessee, November 6, 1820, and died at the home of her daughter, Mary C., at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Commodore Sill was torn in 1822 and lived to be past fifty. They were the parents of nine children, five boys and four girls, of whom four are now living, namely : Marguerite J. Sellers, whose home is in Sandoval, Marion county; Acenith A. Walker, of Jackson county, this state; Ransom M. Sill, living at Blue Mound, Marion county: Mary C. Copple, living at Omega, this county; Alice Sill lives in Blue Mound, also; Mahala Solomon died and was buried in Texas. The father of the subject's wife was born in Pennsylvania, from which state he moved to Indiana, then to Illinois, where he bought a farm in Marion county.

Mr. Copple is the owner of sixty acres of good land, which is highly improved and lies in and near Omega. It is a valuable and most desirable farm. He has been in the general merchandise business for over twenty years at Omega, and he has built up an excellent trade on general lines, handling a fine quality of goods and giving his numerous customers the best goods possible for the money, so that he seldom loses a customer, all of whom he treats with uniform courtesy. His store is a credit to the community and would be conspicuous in a much larger place. He also manages in a most successful manner the hotel at Omega, which has become known to the traveling public as a comfortable place for transients, where generous treatment is always accorded the friend or stranger alike. Our subject also conducts an up-to-date feed barn, and manages a telephone line, and he is regarded by everyone as an enterprising and accommodating gentleman. Although these various lines of business occupy most of his time, he does not neglect his duty to his county or state, but his support can always be depended on in the promotion of good government and honesty in politics. Religiously his parents were members of the Christian church and he has followed in their footsteps. Mrs. Copple is a member of the same, as was her mother. Mr. and Mrs. Copple set a worthy example in all religious and mortal matters before their children and the community where they live.

James R. Abernathy

The subject of this biography is a man who, by his career, has clearly demonstrated his versatility, having been engaged in various lines of enterprise and in whatever direction he has turned his talents he has been successful.

county, Kentucky, November 28, 1829, the son of H. T. Abernathy. His mother's maiden name was Martha Barnes, and her mother was formerly Elizabeth Locke. Blackstone Abernathy was the subject's grandfather. Blackstone and Elizabeth (Locke) Abernathy were the parents of eight children, all born in Fayette county, Kentucky. Grandfather Blackstone Abernathy was born in Virginia and Elizabeth Locke was a native of Tennessee. She was a descendant of the "Petroleum" V. Nasby family, or Daniel R. Locke. Blackstone Abernathy's father and two brothers settled in Virginia while it was yet a colony. H. T. Abernathy, father of our subject, was born in Kentucky in 1800 and his wife. Martha Barnes, also of the Blue Grass state, was born in 1801. They moved to Lawrence county, Illinois, in 1835 and bought eighty acres of timber land. The breaking was done after the land was cleared with a Carey plow which had a wooden mouldboard and drawn mostly by ox teams. Wild game and ravenous wolves were very abundant. The woods also abounded in turkeys and deer. He became known as a "rover," having bought and sold out every two years for some time. James R. Abernathy, our subject, was the third son in a family of seven sons and two daughters.

Our subject spent his early youth on his father's farm and attended for a time such primitive schools as the times afforded. He married Mary E. Abernathy, daughter of Dr. Hutchinson Abernathy, of Hopkinsvine, and to this union was born seven chil- dren, four sons and three daughters. His first wife was called to her rest at the age of seventy-two years while living in Centralia, Illinois, in 1906.

James R. Abernathy enlisted in 1862 in the Eightieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was in active service until March 8, 1864, during which time he conducted himself as a brave American soldier and took part in many a hard fought field. He was first sergeant of Company E, and was promoted to first lieutenant of Company H, having been transferred. Thomas G. Allen was colonel of this regiment, and he was appointed as adjutant of the Eightieth Illinois Regiment to fill the vacancy of James C. Jones, who died and which position he held until his resignation was accepted. He received an honorable discharge under Gen. George H. Thomas, who commanded the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Abernathy took part in twenty-one battles, and he now gets a pension of twenty dollars per month which serves to keep him very comfortably. Our subject has always been a great reader and is therefore a well educated man. He has been a printer since 1847, but is now working from time to time at the carpenter's trade. He is a leader in Republican politics. He was editor of "The Green River Whig" for three years, published at Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and he next published "The Jackson Republican" at Jackson, Tennessee, for about three months. The last publication he established was "The Seymour Republican" at Seymour, Indiana, which is now ably edited by Dr. Victor

Monroe. Our subject has a comfortable and substantial residence which he erected himself in which he lives a quiet life and keeps bachelor quarters. The latch-string always hangs on the outside to his friends.

Mr. Abernathy is not a member of any church or society, but he believes that man should love God with all his heart, mind and might and his neighbor as himself, the two great commands. He is a man of great breadth of character, depth of mind, and power to command men, and as a result of his fine attributes of character he has a host of warm friends. Although well advanced in years Mr. Abernathy has a keen perceptive faculty; his eyes sparkle with the fire of youth and he is a very pleasant and interesting man to know.

Samuel H. Graham

One of the substantial citizens of Marion county is the gentleman to a review of whose life work we now call the attention of the reader. Mr. Graham is a man who, while advancing his own interests does not lose sight of the fact that it is his duty to lend his influence in furthering the interests of his community.

Samuel H. Graham was born in Marion county, Indiana, in 1855. the son of John and Sarah Elizabeth (Oldharri) Graham. Grandfather Graham was born in Pennsylvania. He came to Butler county. Ohio, and then to Rush countv. Indiana, where he died, after a busy and .useful life as a farmer. He had a large family. Grandfather Oldham was an early settler in Marion county, Indiana, where he had a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He also raised a large family, some of his sons becoming soldiers in various Indiana regiments. The father of the subject was bom in Butler county, Ohio, and moved to Rush county, Indiana, when ten years of age, having been reared to manhood in that county. He then went to Fayette county, rented a farm and later moved to Marion county, Indiana, where he bought eighty acres on which he lived for three years, and it was while living there that our subject was born. He then sold this farm and moved to Franklin county, Indiana, where he lived for twenty years and then came to Clay county, Illinois, where he bought a farm on which he spent the balance of his life, dying April i, 1888, at the age of sixtyfour years, his wife having preceded him to the narrow house on August 9, 1881, while on a visit in Indiana. . She was fiftytwo years old. Fourteen children were born to this family, six boys and eight girls, eleven of them reaching maturity. The subject's father affiliated with the Baptist church and his mother was a Methodist. John Graham was a Democrat, and was School Director, and always supported the schools.

Samuel H. Graham, our subject, attended the public -schools in Indiana, remaining in the common schools until he was twenty years old, attending high school at Hartsville, and later the University at Valparaiso. He applied himself diligently and became a well educated man and commenced teaching on June 7, 1876, which he continued for twenty-five years and in all these years he never taught in more than eight different districts. However, his services were much sought after, his reputation as an able instructor having been widely known. After his career as a teacher, Mr. Graham for a short time engaged in agricultural business in Fayette county, Indiana, but moved to Clay county, Illinois, when yet a single man and resided with his father up to the time of his death in 1888, then moved to Marion county, Illinois, in 1890. He had been living in Clay county, this state, since 1881, and then came onto the farm which he had previously bought and where he has since resided, his present highly improved farm consisting of ninety-nine acres. He was administrator on his father's estate in Clay county. Our subject carries on farming of a general nature and handles some good stock.

Our subject was united in marriage on May ii, 1890, with Eunice K. Wilkinson, a native of Iowa, and the daughter of Stephen and Lois (Maak) Wilkinson, natives of Ohio, who moved to Iowa, and then back to Ohio, later to Indiana and then to Van Wert, Ohio. Mrs. Wilkinson died in Hamilton county, Ohio, and Mr. Wilkinson at Van Wert. There were fifteen children in this family, seven of them living to maturity.

Mrs. Graham as follows: Elsie Floy, born in 1891. and died the following July; Walter T., who was born in 1892, is living at home with his parents; Earl, who was born in 1894, is also a member of the family circle; Harold was born in 1897; Roy Sylvester was born in 1901.

Mr. Graham in his farternal relations is a member of the Woodmen and the Royal Xeighbors. He has been Auditor, serving with much credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. In politics he is a Democrat and has been County Chairman of the Board since April, 1908; also has been Supervisor of his township and has been Town Clerk for eight or nine years; also Town Collector, School Director for fifteen years. He still holds the positions of the Chairman of the Board and School Director and Supervisor. He was a Justice of the Peace for four years, and a delegate to the state, judicial and county conventions. He is also a member of the Board of Review of the county. In religion our subject subscribes to the Baptist faith, while his wife affiliates with the Methodists.

Samuel W. Lovell

Following is the life history of one who if for no other reason, merits recognition in this connection by virtue of his having been a life-long resident of Marion county and a representative of one of its sterling pioneer families. He has attained to a position of no inconsiderable prominence in connection with the industrial activities of the county, being a successful farmer and stock grower, while he is honored as one of the upright citizens of his native county, having a fine farm house in the township of Omega.

Samuel W. Lovell was born one mile south of Omega, September 20, 1839, and was therefore sixty-nine years old at this writing, 1908. He is the son of Markham C. and Polly D. Lovell, the former having been born in Tennessee in 1801. He first moved to Kentucky and then to Illinois, in which state he passed to his reward ApriT 5, 1880, at the age of seventy-nine years. He was the father of six children, two sonsand four daughters, the subject of this sketch being the third child in order of birth. Four members of this family are still living. The maiden name of the subject's mother was Polly D. Hensley, who was born in Kentucky in 1810, and who passed away in Omega, Illinois, in 1872, at the age of sixty-two years. Her father was Joseph Hensley, who married Lucy Covington. They owned the noted Walnut Hill farm, said to be one of the finest in the state of Illinois, if not the finest. The Hensley family came to America in 1690 from Wales and the Covingtons came from Scotland. Grandfather Hensley came to Madison county, Kentucky, at the age of twelve years in 1770, having been born in Virginia, Culpeper county, in 1758. Grandmother Hensley was five years old at the time of moving to Culpeper county.

She was born in 1765. Great-grandfather Hensley was an officer in the Revolutionary war. There were twenty-one children in this remarkable family, his first wife being the mother of sixteen children and there were five children by his second wife.

Samuel W. Lovell remained under the parental roof until maturity, having attended such primitive schools as the country afforded in those early times. When the. fierce fires of rebellion were sweepnig over the Southland he enlisted in defense of the old flag in the three months' service, but at the end of thirty days he came home, having taken typhoid fever and he did not re-enlist until August of 1862, when he enlisted for three years. He was in seventeen engagements and skirmishes under Gen. James S. Martin, of the famous One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Regiment, under whose command he engaged in seventeen skirmishes and eight battles. The record of this regiment as given by Mr. Lovell is as follows: Forty-six killed, one hundred and forty-four wounded, eleven died in prison, ninety-three in hospitals and seventyone discharged for disability, the total loss being three hundred and sixty-five. The regiment marched one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six miles, was transported by water six hundred and fifty miles and by rail one thousand two hundred and fifty miles, from the time our subject left Camp Marshall at Salem, Illinois, until he was mustered out at Camp Butler, at Springfield, June 27, 1865. This is according to the adjutant general's report. This regiment was in the Fifteenth Corps under Gen. John A. Logan and Gen. William T. Sherman, whom the regiment followed from Atlanta to the sea. Mr. Lovell carries the remarkable record of never having been in the hospital during the whole time of his enlistment. He is today hale and hearty, happy and jovial, and enjoys the hospitality of the old guard and friends in his nice home in Omega where he lives a serene and contented life with his faithful life companion whom he married November 10, 1861. Her maiden name was Nancy Hoskins, daughter of Harrison and Frances (Kain) Hoskins. Her father was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1803 and died in 1865, at the age of sixty-two years. Frances Kain was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1807, and passed to her rest in 1887. at the age of eighty years. There were five children in the family of our subject's wife's parents, three of whom are now living, Nancy being the second child in order of birth. The early education of our subject's wife was received in Clay, near Xenia, Illinois. Thus they have led a happy and harmonious married life of forty-six years. No children have been born to this union.

Mr. Lovell has spent most of his life in agricultural pursuits, making a pronounced success of the same, being regarded as one of the leading farmers of his community. He still owns forty-two and one-half acres of good land. In 1891 he moved to Omega in honorable retirement. He followed farming until fifty-three years of age, .then he retired. He has served his county as High- way Commissioner and School Director for several terms in a most efficient and conscientious manner. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, post at Kinmundy, and is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association of the state. Politically he believes in good government and voted his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln in Mc- Lean county, Illinois, in 1860. Religiously he is a member of the Christian church. He gets a service pension of twelve dollars per month. No one in Omega or this township is better known than our subject.

Mrs. Nancy C. Boyce

This estimable lady ranks as one of the popular women of Marion county, where she has spent her entire life, having lived in such a manner as to gain the undivided respect and good will of all who know her. She is a woman of gracious presence and true refinement, and the family home over which she presides is a center of generous cheer and hospitality - one of which it may well be said, in the colloquial phrase of the early days, that the latch string is always out. Her life has been one of mingled joy and sorrow, but withal comfortable and happy and she can now at the threshold of old age look back over her career with no compunction or regrets for wrong doing of any kind.

of John and Mary J. (See) Boyce. The former was born in West Virginia in 1823, and died in 1872. The maiden name of the subject's mother was Mary J. French, who was born in Tennessee in 1823, and who moved to Marion county, Illinois, in 1832 with her parents, she being in her tenth year, but she in her old age could distinctly remember the primitive condition of the . country and much regarding the manner in which they lived in their new home in those pioneer days.

Our subject spent her maidenhood under the parental roof and attended such primitive schools as the times afforded for a few months in each year until she received a fairly good common school education.

The subject's parents were married in 1848, and reared a family of ten children, four of whom are still living in 1908. two boys and two girls. They are Elizabeth Pownas, who lives in Oklahoma: John S., lives in Omega township, and Mason G. See lives in Arkansas; our subject is the fourth one. They are all married and fairly well situated in reference to this world's affairs.

George R. Boyce married Nancy C. See June i, 1888, and two sons were born to this union, both bright and interesting, namely: Charles W. and Chester E., twins, who were bom April n. 1891.

Mrs. Nancy C. Boyce is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Omega township, which is highly improved and under a fine system of cultivation. It has been most carefully managed and ex- cellent crops are reaped off the same from year to year. The crops are rotated in proper order so that the soil is not permitted to become thin or wash away. A good orchard and garden are also on the place, and the subject's residence is a comfortable, substantial and elegantly furnished home.

Our subject has been a woman of heroic mould, for she has struggled to raise her children and pay for the farm, but she has by rare business acumen, careful management and the exercise of sound judgment, succeeded in doing both and she is now reaping the fruits of her labors, being comfortably situated in every respect and her sons have been given every possible advantage so that it is safe to predict that they will have successful and happy futures. Mrs. Boyce has a host of warm personal friends in her community, where she is held in high esteem by everyone.

James S. Hanks

When it is stated that the subject of this review had made his home for more than half a century on the fine farmstead in Omega township, where he now resides, there comes the incidental revelation that he is to be numbered among the pioneers of the county, although he was not of that body of stern-visaged men who blazed the trails of the early settlers. However, Mr. Hanks was among those who followed in the footsteps of the first settler and helped carry on the glorious work which they began to such opulent issues as we see today.

James S. Hanks was born in Warrick county, Indiana, August 14, 1851, the son of Nicholas A. and Cassinda (Anderson) Hanks, being the second son in order of birth in a family of eight children, composed of an equal number of boys and girls. The early education of our subject was obtained in the district schools of his own home. He left the school room when eighteen years old and went to work for his father on the farm. Nicholas A. Hanks was born in Kentucky in 1799. His father, William Hanks, was the brother of Nancy Hanks, mother of Abraham Lincoln. Nicholas A. Hanks died at the age of eighty-one years in the year 1880, in Marion county, Illinois.

When James S. Hanks .reached maturity he married his first wife, Nancy Simons, October 24, 1878, and to this union three children were born, namely : Lulu, deceased ; Ollie married Maud Phillips and lives in Xenia, Clay county, Illinois ; Lloyd married Bessie Combs and they live in Omega town* ship. The subject's first wife passed to her rest March 10, 1885, and Mr. Hanks was married a second time, his last wife being Mrs. Laura Connelly, of Clay county, Illinois. Her maiden name was Laura Monical, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Allen) Monical, she being the eighth child in order of birth in a family of eight children, an equal number of boys and girls. To our subject's second marriage the fol-

James S. Hanks owns the old homestead where he lives a very prosperous and comfortable life, having lived here for the past fifty-five years, during which time he has noted the great progress that has taken place in the community around him, and he has so carefully managed this farm that it is as productive today as it was when he first took charge of it. He owns two hundred and forty-five acres, nearly all of which is under cultivation. He has a fine orchard of two acres, consisting of a splendid variety of trees. He owns a good grade of live stock, being an especially good judge of cattle and horses which are well bred, having some horses sired from Bonny Blaze. Eclipse, Junior; also Morgan and Coach, all well known and much admired by all who have seen them. He also owns some fine running stock which are prize takers. He always keeps a large number of fine Poland China hogs which he prepares for market, feeding the corn that the place produces to them and his other stock. His cattle are mostly Herefords and Durhams.

There is a vast improvement in Mr. Hanks' place compared with half a century ago, when he first began to work on it. He cleared the major portion of the same and placed it under the plow and harvester. He has shown by his able management of the farm and the business connected therewith that he possesses great natural ability as an agriculturist, and never neglects his opportunities. He has served his county most efficiently as Supervisor of Omega township for two terms; as Highway Commissioner for one term.

Politically he is a Democrat and always takes a great interest in his party's affairs, believing in placing the best men possible in the local offices. He cast his first vote for Horace Greeley. In religious matters his mother and wife are members of the Methodist church. His father was never a member of any orthodox body of believers, neither was our subject. He carries his 'Christianity in his deeds of kindness and good cheer and actual benevolence. He loves nature in all its forms, and is a pleasant man to meet.

William A. Jones

To indulge in prolix encomium of a life which is one of distinctive modesty and unpretentiousness would be most incongruous, and yet in reviewing the career of the subject of this sketch, who is one of the sterling agriculturists of Omega township. Marion county, and who holds a position of unequivocal confidence and esteem in the community in which he has long lived and labored to so goodly ends, feelings of admiration are prompted. He is of the aftermath of the hardy pioneers who laid the foundations of this civilization.

and Rebecca (Ferris) Jones, being the fifth child in order of birth in a family consisting of eleven children, four girls and seven boys. The subject's parents were people of many praiseworthy characteristics, and tried to raise their children to be noble men and women, giving them every advantage possible.

The early education of our subject was obtained in the district schools of the county of his birth which he attended until he was nearly twenty-one years old. In the meantime he was assisting with the farm work at home.

When he reached manhood he went to work for his father on the home place, having been given a chance to make his own way in the world. When twenty-one years old he was united in marriage on March 2, 1881, to Clara Turner, the daughter of Alfred and Sarah A. (Perry) Turner. In her family were eleven children, eight girls and three boys, Clara being the fourth child in order of birth, the date of her birth having occurred September 9, 1856, in Terre Haute, Indiana. This union has been a happy and harmonious one and has resulted in the birth of five children, four of whom are living, an equal number of boys and girls, namely: Grover C, Murry, Jessie and Georgie F. These children are all bright and are living at home, the girls being in school at this writing (1908).

D. G. Jones, father of our subject, is a lineal descendant of Cherokee Indians, and the family is proud of their Indian blood, and they should be, since the Cherokee Indians are universally regarded as the most intelligent and highly civilized and best of all the Indian tribes. Some of the ancestors of the Jones family were Marshalls. The subject's father was called from his earthly labors in 1886. The subject's mother, a fine old lady of beautiful Christian character, is living in Centralia, this state, at the advanced age of eighty years.

William A. Jones is the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of well improved land, which constitutes one of the finest farms in this locality. It is well drained and well fenced, and the crops have been so rotated as to preserve the original strength of the soil. General farming is carried on in such a way as to reward our subject with rich harvests and a comfortable income from year to year. Twenty-five acres of this land are set in orchard trees and no small portion of the income off the place is derived from them, when the season is favorable for fruit growing. Mr. Jones takes a great interest in his orchard and is one of the best horticulturists in Omega township.

Mr. Jones has ably served his community as Township Commissioner for a period of six years, as School Director for four terms and as Township Trustee for two terms. He has been frequently called to adjust and appraise property. In all the capacities in which he has served the public he has given entire satisfaction and has been as conscientious as if he had been laboring on his own affairs. In politics he is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Gen. Winfield Han- cock. He has ever taken much interest in the deliberations of his party and given his time and influence to its support. In religious matters Mr. Jones' parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, but he is a member of the Christian church, while his wife is a faithful supporter of the Southern Methodist church. No man in Omega township is better or more favorably known that Mr. Jones.

This venerable and highly hnored citizen of Centralia is eminently entitled to conspicuous mention in this history, owing to the fact that he might properly be called a pioneer of this section, having seen and participated in the development of the same from the early days and the life he has led is one of commendation and worthy of emulation by younger generations, for it has been led along lines of usefulness and integrity.

J. W. Skipworth was bom in Maury county, Tennessee, September 25, 1823, therefore he is at this writing in his eightysixth year, hale and hearty as a boy, active and in possession of all his faculties as if he were many years younger. His parents, Hosea and Cassander (Ward) Skipworth, were both natives of North Carolina, the former having been born in 1776. The paternal grandfather of the subject, Nathan Skipworth, was in the American army at the time of the Revolutionary war for a period of six years. Our subject was present at his death. Eight children were born to the parents of the subject, four boys and an equal number of girls. J. W., the youngest of the number, is the only one living in 1908.

Captain Ward, the father of our subject's, mother, owned and operated a merchant sailing vessel on the Atlantic ocean from Wilmington, Delaware, to Liverpool , England. This was before the days of the Revolution.

Hosea Skipworth, the subject's father left Tennessee and came to Illinois because he was opposed to slavery and the seceding of the Southern states from the Union.

Our subject was five years old when his parents moved to Lebanon, Illinois, settling on .a farm. Hosea Skipworth died at Lebanon in 1832, his widow having survived until 1846, having died two miles south of Centralia, Marion county. Our subject's education was obtained at Centralia. He lived in that vicinity until he was sixty years old, when he moved to Centralia in 1873. He followed farming, trading and stock shipping. Our subject saw Centralia grow from a wilderness which abounded in wolves, deer, wild cats and some bear, when there were no houses except cabins in the woods, from one-half to three miles apart. The country round about was open prairie. Most of the residents of this community lived on wild meats during the winter, such as deer, prairie chicken, quail, wild turkey and squirrels. Often as many as one thousand prairie chickens were seen in one flock. Deer was more plentiful than cattle is now.

The subject recalls the campaign of James K. Polk for President, when the wagons throughout the country were decorated with polk-berry stain and those taking part in the parades and rallies used polk-stalks for canes. The market post for all trade was sixty-five miles away, St. Louis. The hogs were fattened for the most part on wild' nuts or mast. It was then the custom for several neighbors to place their hogs in one drove and drive them to St. Louis for market. Mr. Skipworth says that the amusements in those days consisted principally in shooting-matches, dances or "hoedowns," also horse races. The first choice of a beef was its hide, tallow and horns; meat was the second choice. July 4th always called for a big barbecue of beeves, mutton or pork, cooked in large trenches. The Declaration of Independence was always read, the drum and fife were very popular and the orator of the day was in evidence. During election times the candidates furnished kegs of whisky, which was poured into buckets, by which sat a tin cup, and each one helped himself. The bucket always bore the name erf the candidate. Where the railroad yard is now located in Centralia our subject says, he once saw a thousand wild geese and as many ducks in the water. The swampy place was filled with cinders and made solid.

was built until 1854. Coal mines were then unknown and government land and "squatter sovereignty" were the conditions prevailing here. Not one man in twenty owned his land. It was the cheaper not to own land, for then there were no taxes to pay. The first land sold for one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, then two dollars and fifty cents per acre. When the Vandalia Railroad came through in 1852 the farmers bid in all their land; then came the speculators. This land now sells for one hundred dollars per acre.

Mr. Skipworth was married to Martha Crabtree, daughter of William and Mary Crabtree, who lived in Jefferson county, later moved to Southwest Missouri. They were the parents of four children, the subject's wife being next to the youngest in order of birth. The date of the subject's wedding was January 3, 1841. The subject's wife had three brothers in the Mexican war. Four children were born to our subject and his first wife, namely: Julian, deceased; John H., deceased; Ellen, living; Virenda, deceased. The first wife of the subject passed away April 4, 1854, and on May 29, 1855, Mr. Skipworth was married to Nellie Hoskins. Eight children have been born to this union, namely : Louisa, who married Phillip Straus, living in Chicago; Charles, who died in 1875 ; Rhoda married Edward Root, living in Chicago, and they are the parents of one son, Charles. The other five children of the subject and his last wife have all passed away.

nity as School Director for a period of fifteen years. He first voted for John Crane, of Nashville, then the county seat, Mr. Crane making the race for the Legislature from Washington county. Our subject was then eighteen years old. He cast his first vote for President for James K. Polk in 1844, and voted for Abraham Lincoln twice, but since then has voted the Democratic ticket. Religiously he was reared a Protestant Methodist, but is not a member of that church, and he was at one time an Odd Fellow, of the Centralia lodge. Our subject has been prosperous during his long and active life, and he now owns three valuable lots in Centralia, on which he makes his home, surrounded by poultry and pigs, and he enjoys the peaceful retirement of his twilight of life, happy in the thought that his life has been well spent and his old age is free from regret or trouble. He is known as a man of scrupulous honesty, careful and judicious in all his dealings with his fellow men, and he enjoys wide acquaintance throughout the county, where he numbers his friends by the hundreds.

Willam H. Gray

An enumeration of the enterprising men of Marion county, Illinois, who have won recognition and success for themselves and at the same time have conferred honor upon the community would be incomplete were there failure to make mention of the popular gentleman whose name initiates this review. He holds worthy prestige in business circles, and has always been distinctively a man of affairs and wields a wide influence among those with whom his lot has been cast, having won definite success and shown what a man with lofty principles, honesty of purpose and determination can win while yet young in years. In both banking and agricultural circles Mr. Gray stands in the front rank of the men who honor these callings in this county and because of his industry, integrity and courtesy he is a man to whom the future holds much of promise and reward.

William Harvey Gray was born in Marion county, Illinois, in 1876, the son of James Robert and Nancy Illinois Gray (nee Boothe). James Harvey Gray, grandfather of our subject, was born in Maury county, Tennessee, and was brought to this county by his parents when four years of age. His father, James Gray, was the son of William Gray, the great-great-grandfather of our subject. William Gray was born in North Carolina and moved to Maury county, Tennessee. He married a young lady by the name of McNabb in the year of 1776. Five sons were born to them, James, Joseph, William, John and Samuel. William Gray was a soldier in the American Revolution and was also in the Indian wars of Kentucky and Tennessee. He was a farmer by occupation. He had one brother by the name of James Gray. William Gray died when about the age of eighty-three.

nessee, June 20, 1789. He married Martha Den ton in the year 1808 and moved to Marion county, Illinois, in 1828, and settled the old homestead on section 10, being one of the first settlers of the county. They had four sons, Joseph, William Harrison, James Harvey and Isaac Denton. James Gray was called into the United States' service by the Governor's proclamation dated April 19, 1832. He enlisted as second lieutenant of Spy Battalion, First Brigade of the Illinois Mounted Volunteers. He had one horse shot from under him and was on furlough August n, 1832, and honorably discharged August i6th, having served under Capt. William N. Dobbins. He also served in the Creek and Indian war and the Black Hawk war. He was a powerful man physically, having measured six feet two inches and weighing two hundred ten pounds. He was the first Justice of the Peace in Kinmundy township, which office he held until his death. He also sowed the first timothy seed in this township in 1843. He and his brother Joseph furnished to the settlers the first sawed lumber, which they sawed with a whipsaw. He also taught school in a cabin in the neighborhood. The early preachers of the Baptist and Cumberland Presbyterian denominations held meeting in his home. He died suddenly by an accident on October 3, 1835, leaving a widow and family of eight children.

His widow, Martha Gray, entered eighty acres of land February 13, 1837, where they started their improvements. It was the west half of the southeast quarter of section

10, Kinmundy township. The following fall she entered forty acres more in the same section. She was born in April, 1786, and departed this life May 27, 1844.

James Harvey Gray, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Maury county, Tennessee, April 25, 1825, and as stated above came to this county when four years old. He began life's struggle at the age of ten by first making a crop for his mother. Full of ambition, grit and energy he was successful from the start, though so young. At the age of eighteen, it may be said, he commenced life for himself, purchasing a yoke of cattle and a horse on credit. He remained, however, on the old place putting in crops until ready to invest in a piece of land, which he did at the age of twenty-six by making a purchase of one hundred and sixty acres, partly paying therefor with money borrowed. From that time his career was onward. He rapidly accumulated property by his just and upright dealings, adding acre to acre until he could look over twelve hundred acres of land, all of which was in one body, and call it his own. He also had other valuable property. He was a man of powerful mental ability and men would go to him for advice and he was always glad to aid his fellowman. Mr. Gray at the age of nineteen years and seven months was married November 28, 1844, to Susanna Jane Hanna, who was born October 18, 1824, and departed this life December 24, 1862. To this union five children were born. A second marriage was contracted with Margaret Lucinda

Hanna in 1863. This lady, to whom three children were bom, died in 1871. In the year of 1872 Mr. Gray united in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Boothe, widow of Col. James W. Boothe, who commanded the Fortieth Illinois Infantry during the Civil war. Before this he was first lieutenant in the Mexican war and was at the battle of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo. Mr. Gray did not enjoy the advantages of an education, being too early deprived of a father and compelled, being the eldest son at home, to care for the family. He was a natural mathematician and could calculate mentally the amount of anything almost instantly. He was six feet tall, stood erect and was well formed. His temperament was bilious, nervous and sanguine. He was fitted for the execution and power to endure both mental and physical labor. Mr. Gray was one of the original stockholders of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Kinmundy, which was organized in January, 1870, soon afterwards became president, which position he held during his life. It was known as a co-partnership or private bank. The stock was held by himself, his widow and T. \V. Haymond, cashier, at the time of his death. Mr. Haymond died shortly after Mr. Gray. The bank was closed by Mrs. Gray, the only surviving stockholder, through the subject of our sketch. Mr. Gray was a man that enjoyed his home life and visitors were sure of receiving a warm welcome at his fireside. He belonged to Kinmundy Lodge No. 398, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also a member of Rosedale Lodge No.

354. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his religious views he was a Cumberland Presbyterian. In politics, he was a Democrat of the old Jeffersonian school. He lived on the old homestead seventy-two years, outliving all of his children. He died at the age of seventy-six years and six months on October 25, 1901.

Mrs. Elizabeth Gray, widow of James H. Gray and grandmother of our subject, was born May 13, 1827, in Indiana, later comto Illinois in February, 1858, locating in Kinmundy. Daniel Clark, the father of Mrs. Gray and a blacksmith by trade, lived to be over seventy years old. Her mother lived to be about ninety-six years of age. Mrs. Gray was first married to James W. Boothe May i, 1851. To this union five children were bom. Mr. Boothe was born October 9, 1820, and died February 17, 1863. Mrs. Gray married James H. Gray in 1872. At this writing Mrs. Gray is hale and hearty and her mind is clear, quick and active. Since 1901 she has made two trips to the Pacific coast and is now past the eighty-first mile-stone in her journey through life. As time passes swiftly she pieces quilts and makes fancy pillows so as not to have any idle moments in her life. In her religious views she is a Cumberland Presbyterian and is a member of that church.

James Robert Gray, father of our subject, was born July 2, 1854, on the old homestead. He married Nancy Illinois Boothe August 19, 1875. Two sons were born to them, William Harvey, our subject, and James Lemon, who died when about six months old. James R. Gray departed this life September 8, 1880, after a useful and active career filled with good deeds. William Harvey Gray was born April 12, 1876, as indicated in a preceding paragraph. He attended the district school near the old homestead, later attending the public school in Kinmundy, and from there to St. Louis, where he completed a thorough course in banking and general business in the Bryant and Stratton Business College. After graduating from this institution he went to Raymond, Illinois, and engaged in the general mercantile business for two years, when he sold out on account of his grandfather's death and the death of Mr. Haymond, returning to Kinmundy to settle up the business of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, of which, at that time as stated before, Mrs. Elizabeth Gray was the sole surviving partner. He settled up the affairs of that institution, paying the depositors in full in less than sixty days from the time the bank was closed on December 4, 1901. He then was a main factor in organizing The Haymond State Bank, becoming cashier of the same and holding that position until its consolidation with the First National Bank on August 15, 1906. During this time he assisted in the settling up of his grandfather's large estate. After the consolidation of the banks our subject resigned, taking the active management of his real estate properties which were extensive. He now owns two hundred and eighty acres of the old homestead property which has never left the. control of the Gray family from the time the grandfather bought it. In all he owns one thousand acres of improved land, mostly prairie. He rents this out, reserving the control of the method of cultivation so that the soil may be kept in good productive condition. The fences are mostly of wire, the fields drain naturally and general farming is successfully carried on. Mr. Gray is one of the directors of the Kinmundy Building and Loan Association, having been first elected in 1902, being elected treasurer in 1907 and president in 1908. He was married on March 20, 1900, to Mrs. Winifred Grady (nee Shultz), of Olney, Illinois. She is the representative of a well known and influential family of that place. Mrs. Grady's father, Charles Shultz, came to America from Germany when fourteen years of age, settling first in New York City, later coming to Olney, Illinois, where he now lives engaged in general merchandise business. Mr. Shultz was married in Olney to Sarah Elizabeth Gaddy and ten children were born to this union, Mrs. Gray, our subject's wife, being the seventh in order of birth. The commodious and well furnished home of Mr. and Mrs. Gray has been blessed with the presence of three bright and interesting children, Elizabeth, Anna Winifred and James Harvey. One singular, interesting and enjoyable feature in the life of our subject is that for fifteen years there were four generations living under one roof, and for the past eight years, and at the present time, there are four generations living. Our subject is the only one left to perpetuate the name of his grandfather, James H. Gray. He is a member of Kinmundy Lodge No. 398, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Salem Chapter No. 64, Royal Arch Masons; Cyrene Commandery No. 23, Knights Templar, Centralia, Illinois ; Oriental Consistory, S. P. R. S., and Medina Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of Mystic Shrine, Chicago, Illinois. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, being a trustee in the same and was treasurer of the building committee when the new structure was erected in 1905. In politics he is a Republican, and while he has never aspired to positions of public trust at the hands of his fellow voters, in matters pertaining to the welfare of his township, county and state he is greatly interested and his efforts in behalf of the general progress has been far-reaching and beneficial. Mr. Gray's name is associated with progress in the county of his birth and among those in whose midst he has always lived he is held in the highest esteem by reason of an upright life and of fidelity to principles which in every land and clime command respect.

Charles Dean

Americans are not hampered by the shackles of class distinction and it is every one's privilege to build the structure of his life as he sees fit. This gives us what is often termed the self-made man, a good example of which is found in the subject of our sketch, Charles Dean, of Alma township, Marion county. Mr. Dean is a descendant of that sturdy type of pioneers that pushed westward along the highway marked out by Daniel Boone in the early days of our country's history. His father, Samuel Dean, was a native of Maryland, and his mother, Cerena (Bishop) Dean, was born in Tennessee. When he was quite young his mother died, leaving the father surviving with several children. Thrown largely upon his own resources thus early in life, the boy developed that spirit of self-reliance and energy that forms such a marked characteristic of the self-made American.

In 1875 Mr. Dean was married to Sarah E. Rush, who was born in Marion county. Illinois, November 14, 1851. She was the daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Hatfield) Rush, the latter still living at the age of seventy-three years, in 1908.

Mr. and Mrs. Dean have become the parents of three children, two of whom, Dollie and Daisy, died when quite young; the third, Noah, is now a practicing physician at Alma. As a boy he showed a keen interest in his studies and manifested considerable aptitude for the study of natural phenomena.

As he approached manhood he decided to make medicine his profession, and his success in this field demonstrated his fitness for his chosen calling. He resolved to pursue his medical studies at some school of unimpeachable reputation, and finally entered the Iowa State Medical College, Keokuk, Iowa. Here he applied himself so vigorously that he soon attracted the interest of the instructors and won the admiration of his classmates. His previous experience of four years as a teacher in the Marion county public schools, gave him a broad foundation for his later efforts and he finished his work with a standing of third in the graduating class. Since establishing himself in practice he has joined in marriage to Miss Ester Delassus, of Patoka, a lady of most excellent culture and accomplishments.

As a result of his years of hard and steady work, Charles Dean has brought his farm of eighty acres to a high degree of productiveness and has gained a wide reputation as a stockdealer, rivaling in this respect the excellent reputation of his father before him. Although a Democrat in politics, Mr. Dean has never given any attention to questionable political methods, standing at all times for a square deal for everybody concerned. He and his wife are members of the Methodist denomination and are held in high esteem by both neighbors and friends.

Mrs. Harriet Tubes

One of the most highly respected and beloved of the elderly ladies now living in Omega township is she whose name introduces this biography, a woman whose life path, like many another, has led along vallevs and hill crests of sunshine and shadow.

but it has been replete with happiness and her skies have held more blue than gray, owing to the fact that early in life she adopted principles of right living, possessing a beautiful Christian character and always ready to bear her just share of the necessary burdens and household duties as the years filed past, and as a result of such a noteworthy career Mrs. Tubbs has always made and retained hosts of warm personal friends.

Mrs. Harriet Tubbs was born in Jennings county, Indiana, July 3, 1820, and will, therefore be eighty-nine years old her next birthday. Her maiden name was Harriet Smith, daughter of Thomas and Jennie Smith, a member of a family of ten children, an equal number of boys and girls, all living to manhood and womanhood, our subject being the fifth child in order of birth. Her mother's maiden name was Jennie Jones, who came from New Albany, New York, where her parents spent the major portion of their lives and where their four children were born and reared. Thomas Smith, her father, was born near New Albany on a farm, where he grew to manhood. His father, Samuel Smith, served as a soldier for seven years in the Revolutionary war. In 1829 he came to Jennings county, Indiana, where he spent the last days of his life with his son and family of Thomas Smith. He lived to be ninety years of age.

Harriet Smith spent her youth at home, and received her education in the subscription schools of that community, where she received a fairly good education, having ap- plied herself in a diligent manner, despite the disadvantages encountered, sometimes having to go through blazed trails in the woods three or four miles on the farm which her father had taken from the government. In is interesting to hear our subject tell of those early times when the country was yet overrun with Indians and deer abounded in great herds, and there was also plenty of bear and other wild animals. Her father and uncle took six hundred and forty acres of timbered land, which, by hard work they developed into fine farms. This family was of Methodist faith. Preachers were very scarce and were often called "saddlebag ministers" from the fact that they always rode with a leather pouch on their saddle in which their Bible and hymn books were carried. Her parents crossed Sand Creek in a canoe in order to attend church in the school-house where it was then held, also sometimes in the houses of the setlers.

At the advanced age of eighty-eight, in 1908. our subject's mind is remarkably clear and she reverts to these early times with much pleasure and clearly elucidates upon them. She is hale and hearty, sleeps well, eats heartily and sees and hears well, retaining to a remarkable degree all her faculties, and she assists with the work in the home, that of her son, Calvin, and daughter, Ella, who live on a sixty acre farm, forty of which lie in this timber, the other part being under good cultivation, producing excellent crops from year to year and yielding the family a comfortable living. Politically her parents were Republicans.

\Yhen the Indians visited Grandma Tubbs in an effort to get something to eat, she always gave them good measure and they alluded to her as "good squaw." She was never stingy with them and she always had their good will.

Mrs. Tubbs' husband has been dead over thirty-four years, since which time she and her son have kept the farm running and have made the living for the household.

Our subject came to Marion county, Illinois, about forty-five years ago and settled one and one fourth miles west of Omega, on a forty acre farm. She is the mother of six children, two boys and four girls, named in order of birth, as follows : Calvin, who was born in 1842; Bula, who was born in 1844; Mary, whose date of birth occurred in 1846; Jennie, who first saw the light of day in 1850; Ella, whose date of birth fell in 1856; George, who was born in 1859. They are all living. Bula married William Garges, living near luka, Illinois, and has a family of three sons. Mary married Hiram Chesley, a soldier in the Civil war, who lives in Louisville, Illinois. Jennie married William Switzer, and they have four children, three sons and one daughter, Lena married Irvin Jones, and who has two children, a boy and a girl. George Tubbs married Florence Robison and they have one son, Elmer. Mrs. Harriet Tubbs has seven grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren, all living in Illinois. "Grandma Tubbs," as she. is often familiarly called in her community, is much admired by all classes and her very comfortable home is often visited by her many friends, who

William H. Leseman

From many parts of the world people have come to enjoy the advantages of the great state of Illinois, and few have regretted their coining. Although the percentage of Prussians, compared with the number of inhabitants of that country and the number of immigrants from her sister nations who have settled in the land of the free, is not large, those found in this state are most progressive and they are always regarded as loyal and law-abiding citizens. The subject of this sketch is no exception to the general rule.

William H. Leseman was bom in Price Ninon, near Backonen, Prussia, October 10, 1834, and when ten years of age was brought to America by his parents in 1843, first settling in Washington county, this state, but not finding conditions exactly to their tastes there, finally came on to Marion county, where they located in August of 1884, and where they soon became assimilated with the new conditions and civilization, developing a good farm from the unimproved soil which they secured.

Our subject is the son of Henry and Christina Leseman, whose family consisted of three sons and an equal number of daughters, William, our subject, having

After receiving what education he could in the common schools of this county and working on his father's farm, until he had reached manhood, our subject married Catherine Dewyer June 18, 1862, and soon thereafter began to work for himself on the farm. James and Catherine Dewyer were the parents of our subject's wife. There were eight children in this family, an equal number of boys and girls, Catherine, the wife of the subject, being the youngest and the only one of the children now living.

The following children have been born to our subject and wife, there being eight, seven of whom are still living ; Eddie, dedeased ; Katie, Henry, James, Albert. William. Alice and Walter.

Mr. Leseman is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of very fertile land, located in Alma township, all under a high state of cultivation. He carries on a general farming with that discretion and energy that always insure success and as a result of his able management of the place he reaps excellent harvests from year to year, making a comfortable living, and laying up an ample competency for his old age. He keeps his fields in an excellent condition, carefully rotating his crops and thereby retaining the original richness of the soil. He has a good and comfortable dwelling which is nicely furnished, and also a good barn, and considerable farming machinery, and good stock. All this he has made himself by his own energy and wise economy.

In politics our subject is a loyal Republican and takes a great interest in political affairs. In his religious belief he seems to favor the Methodist denomination, however, his parents were always Lutherans in the Fatherland. The faith of the subject's wife's people was that of the Catholic belief, however, they later turned Protestant, and are now Methodists. Our subject has always been known as a man of honesty and integrity and he has many friends in his community as a result, of his well regulated life.

William Thomas Wilkinson

In the subject of this review we have a representative of one of the most honored pioneer families in Marion county and one who is recognized as one of the most progressive farmers of his locality, owning and operating in a most successful manner at this time three farms of great value. He is regarded by all who know him as being a most capable and energetic man, broad minded and sound in his business principles.

William Thomas Wilkinson was born in Meacham township, this county, January 21. 1859, tne son of H. C. Wilkinson, who was born in Kentucky in 1825, and who passed to his rest at the early age of fortysix years, but not until he had stamped his individuality upon the community where he lived. He was the father of seven children, three sons and four daughters, three of whom are now living, the subject being the third in order of birth. Our subject's mother's name in her maidenhood was Harriet A. Nichols. She married H. C. Wilkinson in Marion county, Illinois.

Our subject spent his early life on the home farm and attended the district schools where he applied himself in an able manner and gained a fairly good education.

Mr. Wilkinson has devoted his life toagricultural pursuits and he has been eminently successful in his chosen work, having by sheer force of individuality, business acumen and persistency won his way from an humble beginning to a place of prominence and comparative affluence in his county, owning three farms, consisting collectively of three hundred and sixty-eight acres. One hundred and forty acres is in Meacham township, one hundred and forty acres in Alma township and sixty-eight acres in Kinmundy township. All these farms are under a high grade of cultivation and yield the owner a comfortable competency from year to year. They all show that the owner is a man of the best modern methods of agriculture. On each of these is located a good house and out buildings. Mr. Wilkinson has various kinds of good stock on the farms.

Mr. Wilkinson married Prudence Kenedy on August 17, 1882, in Marion county' Illinois. She is a native of Washington county and the daughter of James P. and Elizabeth (McBride) Kenedy, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Randolph county. Illinois. The wife of the subject was one of a family of eleven children, she being the eighth in order of birth. Her parents were United Presbyterians but she worships with her husband, as do all the family, in the Methodist church, of which Mr. Wilkinson is a steward.

The following children have been born to the subject and wife: Bert E. is a telegraph operator in Wyoming in the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad; Claude E., Jennie. P., Charles H., Irene. Bert E. married Alice Hiddleson, living in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and they have one child. Claude E. married Stella Danison, Jennie P. married John R. Telford, who lives in Kinmundy township. Claude is a teacher in the county schools, and he farms one of his father's places. He has a good wife and a nice home. He was educated in the Kinmundy high school.

Our subject is a loyal Democrat, and he has faithfully and conscientiously served his community as Township Collecter and as Road Commissioner for three terms. He has always taken a deep interest in public affairs and his support can always be counted on in all movements looking to the general good of the locality where he lives. Considering the hardships and obstacles of his early life he deserves a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished, for his father died when he was fourteen years old and he and John H., his brother, had to help their mother raise the rest of the children. This developed a strong independent and sturdy manhood and a frugal and thrifty mentality which is very largely responsible for his subsequent success in life. Prosperity seems to have attended every worthy effort he has made, with the result that before the evening of life advances upon him he finds himself and family very comfortably situated, and the future, whatever it may have in store for him and his, inspires no shadow of fear in his breast.

Wiley Rose

One of the fascinating features of the farming industry is the opportunity it affords for individual effort and experiment. One can not only till the soil in raising the usual routine of crops, but he can also specialize along certain lines and thus broaden his own knowledge by experiment and in this way contribute to the knowledge and advancement in such special fields. We make mention in this connection of the name of the subject of this brief review, \Viley Rose, a life-long resident of this county. Mr. Rose has not only farmed but has devoted special attention to the raising of poultry and has given this subject considerable thought and study. As a result he has become thoroughly familiar with the business and is good authority on the various phases of the industry. Mr. Rose was born on the I2th day of September, 1857, being the son of James and Peggy Ann (Burkette) Rose, who were the parents of four children, our subject being the third.

Mr. Rose was brought up on the farm, an environment which is now and always has been a most wholesome one for growing youth. He received his education in the

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISneighboring district schools, and as he grew to manhood he made up his mind to make farming his chief occupation.

On September 7, 1879, he was joined in marriage to Serelda Wooten, who was born in Ohio in October, 1861, being one of a family of nine children. This union has been blessed with a family of six children. Nora M. was born on January 7, 1881, and has become the wife of William Wantland and is the mother of one boy; Gertrude A. was born on the 26th of J-une, 1884, and was married to Frank Schaffer, being the mother of two sons ; Pearl M. was born on the 26th of March, 1886, and was joined in marriage to Miss Laura Smith ; Fannie B. was born on the 8th of October, 1888, and has become the wife of Albert Smith; Elmer L. and Mormon E. are still at home, the former being born on June 23, 1892, and the latter on June 12, 1895.

Mr. and Mrs. Rose are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and are held in high esteem by the members of the congregation. They stand well in the community, being most accommodating in their dealings and ready at all times to lend a helping hand to whoever opportunity affords. Mr. Rose has been a lifelong Democrat, but is most pronounced in his stand for a fair and honest discharge of all official duties. He maintains that service in public office is not only a privilege but a sacred obligation, and should not be looked upon in any other light, except the one calling for the highest integrity and conscientiousness.

George C. Wilson

The day of the pioneer in this country is gone, and we are in the midst of a settled stability and permanency. Nevertheless, as we look about us, we find a few representatives of the early days, who become at once the center of interest because they carry in their minds recollections of our hardy forefathers. In this connection we make reference to one of the sturdy farmers of this county, George C. Wilson. This gentleman was born in Pike county, Ohio, on November 9, 1840, being the son of Samuel and Eliza (Foster) Wilson, the former having been born on April 15, 1804, and the latter on the i7th of May, 1806 The other children of the family were John, born August 10, 1828; Richard, born August 1 8, 1831; Harriet, born February 12, 1833; Rachel, born May 5, 1836; Sarah, born July 18, 1838; George, our subject ; Tilton and Thornton, twins, born May 27, 1843 : Margaret, bom September 20, 1846.

In 1842 the family removed to Illinois, where George was married October 20, 1864, to Mary J. Leckrone, the daughter of Mathias and Julia (Johnson) Leckrone, the former having been born in Fayette county. Pennsylvania, June 18, 1815, and the latter in Licking county, Ohio, January 24, 1821. The following list gives the children of the Leckrone family: William, born November 10. 1838; Mary J.. December. 1840: John, May i, 1843: Harvey. August 29, 1847, born in Illinois; Sarah,

January 25, 1852; George, July 30, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have become the parents of the following children : Theodore Edgar, a teacher, and who is now an acting Justice of the Peace, was married to a Miss Appleman; Samuel M., married to Myrtle Maxfield; Harry E. married Louise See, and is now practicing medicine at Centralia, Illinois; Frank O. married Carrie Coombs and is now filling the pulpit of the Methodist church at Bunker Hill; two children, Harvey and Emma, are deceased. Mr. Wilson has followed farming all his life and has been not only successful but progressive as well. He has taken good care of himself in every way, never having used tobacco or liquors in any form. Looking back over the vista of his years he often speaks of the little log cabin of his early days and the pioneer experiences of the times. A precious as well as interesting family relic in this home is a chair made in 1846 by his father, who was a tanner. The bottom is made of calf-skin, sewed with whang, and the leather is as good as new today. Mrs. Wilson takes pleasure also in bringing out a china plate given to her by her mother upon her marriage to Mr. Wilson. Those were the days of the loom and the spinning wheel, and the old wheel now set aside as a family treasure was kept busy for many a year by the skillful hands of Mrs. Wilson herself. She spun all the clothing for the men, and has today a quilt of three colors, red, white and blue, spun by her own hands. There was no need in those days for schools of manual training, as each household was a school in itself, and one not excelled by the later day institutions. Xo roads nor bridges were in esistence at that time, and experiences with all kinds of wild game were quite common. WUd forests and untilled land occupied the places where the neighboring towns now stand, and Mr. Wilson speaks of the time when he had to go to Salem to vote. Doctor Wilson, brother of our subject, at one time hauled his oats to St. Louis and sold them for fifteen cents per bushel.

George W. Stratton

It affords great pleasure and satisfaction to anyone to be able to refer to his ancestors as worthy representatives of noble character or specific achievement. Perfiaps one of the most interesting and universally admired characteristics of many of our forefathers was their bravery and self-sacrifice when our Republic was in danger and the great willingness on their part to stake their all in its defense. This is especially true when we find that our line of forefathers includes members of the Revolutionary troops. Viewed through the perspective of the years that have gone by, we are almost amazed at their heroic spirit. A descendant of one of these heroes is George W. Stratton, of Alma township, this county,

Mr. Stratton was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on the last day of the year 1832. As intimated above his grandfather was an officer in the Continental army under Washington, and did valiant service in the cause of liberty and union. His father was William Stratton and his mother Mary Farley. They were devout members of the Christian church. George received his education in the common schools of the neighborhood and early began work on his own responsibility. He was the second of five children and came to Marion county in 1875. He has devoted the most of his time to fanning and stock raising and has succeeded in carrying out his ideas and methods to a most successful issue.

On February 16, 1854, he was united in marriage to Catherine M. Alperman, and this union has resulted in the birth of the following children : Mary J., wife of Robert Wright, of Oklahoma, and the mother of one child. She was again married after his decease; Elias B., deceased, married Anna Eaton, to whom were born three children ; Alice E., wife of Aaron Hutchinson ; Philip R. married Marie Marshall, and they are the parents of five children, two of whom are deceased; William Edwin married Dorothy 'Kagy, and has a family of two children ; Emma, deceased. Mrs. Stratton was one of a family of six children, she being the second in order of birth.

The Stratton farm of eighty acres is one of the best kept and productive homesteads in the neighborhood and stands as a testimonial to what hard work and steady, intelligent application can accomplish.

Mr. and Mrs. Stratton are members of the Christian church and are willing and efficient workers. No one receives from them anything but kind and considerate treatment and the social atmosphere of the home is one appreciated by their many friends and neighbors. Politically Mr. Stratton is a believer in Democracy, and adheres to the party's principles, though never an aspirant to public preferment.

Andrew Neeper

Our subject has devoted his life, which has been a long and busy one, to farming in Ohio and this state, having maintained his home in Marion county for over forty years, where he has prospered and has done much for the upbuilding of. the community at large, and as a result of his honorable record, his public-spirit and his genial manners, he has won a position of honor and trust in this county that will be permanent.

Andrew Neeper was born in Brown county, Ohio, August 26, 1834, the son of Thomas Neeper, who was born December 29, 1809, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and he was three years old when his mother brought him to Ohio, settling in Brown county. There were seven children in this family, all of whom lived to maturity. The maiden name of the subject's grandmother was Dorcas Kerr. The maid- en name of the subject's mother was Lucy Shelton, daughter of Thomas Shelton, who was born in West Virginia, and he came to Kentucky where Lucy was born January n, 1811. The family of the subject's parents consisted of eleven children, six boys and five girls, all having grown to maturity except one, and all lived in Ohio, Andrew, our subject, having been the second child in order of birth.

The early education of our subject was partly obtained in Kentucky, where he attended Woodlawn Seminary in Mason county. He later attended Antioch College in Greene county, Ohio, under the direction of the great scholar and eminent president, the late Horace Mann of literary fame, which college, it will be remembered, was the second college to be established in the United States to believe in the co-education of girls with their brothers, Oberlin being the first.

After gaining an excellent education, Mr. Neeper began his career as a teacher, and successfully taught in common schools for a period of four years, in the meantime he followed farming.

Our subject says he weighed only one and one-half pounds at his birth, could turn a summersault in a quart cup, but he has outlived many of his sturdier colleagues, is now in his seventy-fourth year, is hale and hearty and able to carry on business affairs with that discretion and energy that have always characterized his life work. He is now in active work writing the history of the Keith familv or the house of Keith of Scotland. This is from his wife's lineage, and the Randolph and the Pocahontas people were their ancestors in the early Virginia days. This family is also related to Chief Justice Marshall of the United States. Besides this work, Mr. Neeper works daily on his fine farm of one hundred and twenty 'acres, which he has well improved and successfully managed until it is one of the best in the township. It is intersected by the Illinois Central Railroad. In his home may be found a good library of assorted and well selected books, many kinds of periodicals and magazines, possibly more than can be found in the homes of any five men in the township. He lives alone at present, and rents his farm, however, he oversees its management.

Mr. Neeper came to Marion county in 1866, when thirty-two years old, and purchased land of D. C. Moore, who bought it of the railroad company which was formerly state government land.