Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 18 of 27)

Andrew Neeper was united in marriage on February 2, 1857, to Mary Lattitia Keith, who was born in Mississippi, September 1 6, 1836, and who moved to Kentucky with her parents where she grew to womanhood and was educated, and where she married our subject. She was a woman of many beautiful attributes of character and mind. She was called to her rest while living in Marion county, Illinois, in 1884, at the age of fifty years. Their union was happy and most harmonious withal, although one that was fraught with nearly all the vicissitudes of early pioneer experi- ences. To this union seven children were born, three having died in infancy or youth. They are: Lucy, who first married Alexander Lock, by whom she had one child, Mary E. Her second marriage was with William Burkett, by whom two children have been born, a boy and a girl. Thomas K., was the second child born to the subject and wife. He married Kate Taylor, and they became the parents of three children, two of whom are living, one being deceased. Noble H., the third child, married Polly Conant, and they have seven children : Clement G. married Margaret Conant, sister of Polly, and they are the parents of one child, a son. The other three children are deceased.

Politically Mr. Neeper claims to be an anarchist, but he votes the Democratic- Socialist ticket. He was formerly affiliated with the Greenbackers. He is also a Populist party man, but none of these give the full idea to his mind, being a liberal thinker and widely read on all current questions of the day. He does not believe in war or harm to any man or child. He holds that parents have no authority to punish their children, only to teach or direct them. In his educational work he never would and never did punish a pupil, and he says he has had no occasion to do so. Religiously he has never belonged to any church. However, he is not opposed to the church in principle, but is opposed to the manner in which they are conducted.

was opposed to his code of moral principles. He was drawn into the Ohio state militia, but never carried a musket. He is a very interesting man in his conversation, being a deep thinker and widely read, and he is honored by all who know him, for his con~ sistent and well regulated life, his honesty, sincerity and genuine worth, and he has hosts of friends throughout the county.

Allen Cope

For nearly half a century the subject of this review was a well known resident of Marion county. He was a man of many talents, having been a successful lawyer for several years prior to 1861, at which time he located upon a farm in Tonti township and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He also became an enthusiastic student of horticulture and for many years was recognized as one of the leading authorities upon this subject in Southern Illinois, as well as a practical demonstrator of the same. He was one of the first citizens of Marion county to engage in the fruit business upon an extensive and systematic scale, developing one of the largest and most successful fruit industries in the pioneer history of horticultural pursuits in the county.

Allen Cope was born near New Waterford, Columbiana county, Ohio, August 4. 1827, where he resided until 1845. For nine years he resided at Salem, Ohio, where he was engaged in a mercantile business. In

Owing to ill health he retired from the law in 1860 and the following year located upon a farm in Tonti township, Marion county, where he developed one of the finest fruit farms in the county. It was here that he passed to his reward, October 24, 1907, at the age of eighty years.

Mr. Cope's career as a horticulturist began with his removal to Marion county. He planted forty acres of apples in the springs of 1861 and 1863, a very large area indeed for that period. It is worthy of note, too, in this connection that he was one of the first to plant largely of the Ben Davis variety. This venture proved successful and as this orchard began to fail he planted again from time to time, and indeed his labors ceased only with the coming of his long rest. Mr. Cope was an active member of the State Horticultural Society and of its subordinate society, the Southern Illinois Horticultural Society.

Originally a Whig in politics and a strong abolitionist, it was but natural that he should become a Republican upon the birth of that party, and for many years he was an ardent supporter of its principles and an active worker in the ranks. In late years, however, he espoused the cause of Democracy, believing that the latter party adhered more closely to the principles of Lincoln Repub- licanism. Having been a lawyer of more than ordinary ability and always a student and an observer, Mr. Cope wielded no small amount of influence in his community and his opinions upon the leading questions of the day were always treated with great respect. He was a man of many sterling qualities, successful in business and influential in his community, and was also known as a public spirited man of the most scrupulously honest type.

Mr. Cope was united in marriage at Salem April 1 6, 1856, with Miss Sarah A. Ray, who was born near London, Madison county, Ohio, June 30, 1834, Mrs. Cope being a daughter of Jesse and Helen (Warner) Ray. The Ray family was of English descent, the grandparents on the Ray side being natives of Virginia, who later settled in Madison county, Ohio. The Warners were of Scotch-Irish descent, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Cope having been born in Dublin.

Jesse Ray, the father of Mrs. Cope, was one of the well known and highly honored pioneers of Marion county, having secured land from the government near Salem and locating thereon in 1839. He entered seven hundred acres of land in Tonti township, the present Cope home being a portion of the original grant. Mr. Ray developed and improved a good farm and became one of the largest and most successful farmers and stock growers in the county. He moved from the farm to Salem in order to give his children an education, where he operated a hotel and also engaged in merchandising, in

His father, Francis Embser, was bom on April 22, 1833. in Prussia, Germany. His experiences would form an interesting story if taken up in detail. Before coming to America all the family except Francis and one brother fell victims to the dreaded plague that swept over Europe at that time. Having survived this, the next problem that faced the boys was the service in the regular army. On account of its position and the hostility of the surrounding nations, Germany is compelled to maintain an extensive military system. This involves a great expense and causes a steady drain on the resources of the people. Not only that, but it makes it necessary for the government to require military service from all of its male population. Hence all able bodied men must enter the national service, most of them for a term of at least three years. No one is exempted except for physical incapacity. As the time approached for Francis to enroll in the regular army he began to dread the prospects and tried to bethink himself of some plan by which he might avoid this protracted confinement to the life of the soldier. Fortunately for him, he had an uncle who was captain of a vessel that plied between Germany and America. It was to him that Francis made known his desires, the result, being that plans were made to smuggle the boy through. This was carefully arranged and successfully carried out, and after six weeks of sailing on the Atlantic, he arrived at New York.

served his apprenticeship as a shoemaker, and upon coming to America he continued his work in that capacity. After going to Pennsylvania, he took up fanning in connection with his trade, and continued thus to combine his work even after he came to Marion county, Illinois. He soon became well known as a man of superior intelligence and an excellent workman, and ere long the neighbors made it a point to bring their repairing to Mr. Embser, at his shop on the farm, and to spend the evenings in such discussions and diversions as would spontaneously spring up in their midst. Every one for miles came to know and love "Old Frank Embser". He was not a believer in orthodox religion, and ended his days in this county, in 1905.

Jerome Embser's mother, Elizabeth (Driesbaugh) Embser, was born in Pennsylvania and is still living. Her father, John D. Driesbaugh, was a prominent citizen in western Pennsylvania, was the owner of several flour mills, located on streams in order to utilize the running water for power purposes. Her mother's name was Katie Shoop,

Mr. Embser joined in marriage Jessie N. Spiese, daughter of Wilfred and Alice (Heaton) Spiese, to whom have been born five children, namely: Alice E., Francis W., John T., Anton J., and Leon.

Mr. Embser's education was limited to that of the common schools of the neighborhood, but he learned early in life to be self-reliant and industrious, and as he advanced in years he applied these traits to his daily life, with the result that he has a most excellent country homestead, a magnificent farm, and an intelligent family. He has the full confidence of neighbors and friends, having been asked to serve his community as Township Treasurer, Highway Commissioner and School Trustee. In all of these duties he has shown himself an able manager and a man of unimpeachable integrity.

Thomas M. Hargrave

The subject of this review is one of the sturdy spirits who has contributed largely to the material welfare of the township in which he resides, being a farmer and stock raiser, and as a citizen, public-spirited and progressive in all the terms imply. For a number of years he has been actively identified with the agricultural interests of the county. He represents that class of earnest, foreign born citizens, who have done so much for the development of the United States, while at the same time they have benefited themselves in a very material manner.

Thomas M.Hargrave was born in England October 20, 1851, and was ten years old when he came to America with his father and only brother, George, who now lives in Fayette county, Illinois, is married and the father of five children.

did not have the opportunity to take a high course, but is, notwithstanding this fact, a well educated man, having always' been a close observer and an extensive reader, keeping well posted on current events at all times.

Mr. Hargrave has won his way to a position of prominence and comparative affluence in his community by reason of his own individual efforts. Starting life with but little means, he has succeeded admirably well and is today the owner of a fine farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, all under an excellent system of fencing and a high state of cultivation, for he understands well the proper rotation of crops so as to preserve the natural quality of the soil and the many other methods known to up-to-date farmers. His farm is located in Kinmundy township, and it ranks well with the other excellent farms of this community. He has a number of good horses and herds of other stock, besides much good poultry, in fact he carries on a general farming and stock raising industry with that discretion and industry which always insures ultimate success. Mr. Hargrave has a comfortable, well furnished and substantial residence, which is neatly kept, and it is surrounded by a sufficient number of convenient out buildings.

When twenty-five years old Mr. Hargrave was united in mariage with Anna McHatton, the representative of an excellent family, and she passed to her rest when forty-four years old. Our subject has four children, all boys, namely: John, Emmett,

Harry and Roy. The first two named are both married. Emmett lives in Alma township on a good farm, and is the father of one son. John, who is employed on the Illinois Central Railroad, lives in Clinton, Illinois. Mrs. Hargrave was one of a family of three children. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Our subject has always taken a great interest in the. affairs of his children, and has spared no pains in assisting them in life's struggle.

Mr. Hargrave is a man of commanding personal appearance, easy in disposition, courteous in manner, and possessing a large social nature and is regarded by all his neighbors as a most excellent citizen. He believes in good government and honorable citizenship. He was raised by Methodist parents and consequently is a believer in the fundamental principles of Christianity. In his political relations he is a stanch Republican.

An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have honored the locality to which they belong, would be incomplete were there failure to make mention of the one whose name forms the caption of this sketch, who is a respected and substantial citizen of Meachum township, Marion county, Illinois.

A. J. Parrill was born in Marion county, this state, in 1857, the son of Silas and Susan (Day) Parrill. Grandfather Parrill was born in Ohio, having reared his family there on a farm. He died in Marion county, Illinois, having reached an advanced age. His family consisted of eleven children, all living to reach maturity and raising families of their own. The maternal grandparents of the subject lived in Virginia. The father of the subject was reared in the Buckeye state, and he came to Illinois in 1841, when thirty-five years of age. He was twice married and had six children, one of whom, Absalom, was a soldier in the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, who served out a full term of enlistment. There were four children by Silas Parrill's second marriage, our subject having been the youngest of these. The father of the subject attended the common schools in Ohio and received a fairly good education. He entered one hundred and seventy acres of land and by habits of industry was able to add to this from time to time, until he had a fine farm of two hundred and fifty acres, two Presidents having signed the patents to his land, Millard Fillmore and Franklin Pierce.

All of the children lived to maturity. Both father and mother were Episcopal Methodists. The father was at first a Whig, and later a Republican. He reached the advanced age of eighty-three years and his faithful life companion was called to her rest when seventy-seven years old.

A. J. Parrill, our subject, attended the district schools until he was eighteen years of age, diligently applying himself to his studies, he received a fairly good education and remained on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years old, where he was taught the principles of agriculture and received many valuable lessons that have aided him in life's subsequent battle. Then he bought a farm in Marion county and has since devoted his attention exclusively to farming, with the greatest success attending his well directed efforts. He now owns the old home place which consists of two hundred and fifty acres, being the first of several purchases of his father, the heirs quit claimed the land to the present owner, so that he is the second owner of the land in .fee simple from the government. He has added twenty acres since that time. He carries on general farming and feeds stock for the market. For the past twelve years he has shipped one carload of cattle annually for the butcher.

Mr. Parrill was happily married in 1883, to Maggie McClure, a native of this county, the daughter of J. W. and Harriet (La Rue) McClure, natives of Ohio, who came to this county in 1855, and have spent their lives on a farm, having bought land in 1865. Mr. McClure is seventy-nine years old at this writing, 1908, and his wife is seventy-five. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and have a family of eight children, all of whom lived to maturity.

Four children have been born to the subject and wife named in order of their birth as follows: Delia, born in 1884, is the wie of Ray Cruse and the mother of one child ; the second child born to the subject and wife died in infancy; La Rue, who was born in 1889, is single; Marinda, born in 1892, is still a member of the family circle. Mr. Parrill in his fraternal relations is a member of the Masonic Order and the Modern American, holding one of the principal offices in the latter. In politics he is a loyal Republican, but has never aspired for public preferment.

Jacob A. Baylis

General farming is the kind that has made the subject of this biography the eminently successful farmer that he is. His worldly possessions when he came to Marion county did not amount to a great deal. Now he is the owner of two hundred and thirty acres of land, finely equipped, well improved and most completely stocked with all the various species of live stock to be found on any well regulated farm, breeding from year to year blooded hogs, and cattle that always attract admiration. He was one of the loyal sons of the North who went forth during the dark days of our nation's history to defend the flag which had been insulted.

Franklin county, Indiana, in 1822, and died in Decatur county, that state, at the early age of forty-six years. He was the father of nine children, six boys and three girls, all reaching maturity but one, and all married. They are: John, Sara E., deceased; Jacob A., our subject; William T., George, Mary, James H., Quincy, Mellissa. Their father believes in education. One of these daughters is a teacher and the other children are well equipped for life's duties.

The early education of our subject was obtained from the district schools of Decatur county, Indiana. He engaged in farm work during the summer months, and when the war between the states began he deemed it his privilege and his duty to do what he could in suppressing the great rebellion, consequently he enlisted in Company H of the Fifty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served seven months, when he was honorably discharged. His discharge being necessary on account of illness. His brother John was in the Thirty-seventh Indian Volunteer Infantry for three months; then he re-enlisted in the regular service, but was discharged on account of sickness and died of consumption at home at the age of fiftysix years.

Our subject was united in marriage first with Lucinda Bass, who was born in Fayette county, Illinois, in 1848, and who passed to her rest in 1877. She was the mother of one child, Haly J., who died in her eighth year. His second wife's maiden name was Susanna Eagan, who was born in Marion county, November 4,

1857. Our subject is the father of eleven children, namely: Maud M., Mamie M., Bunnie, Josie, Lottie, Alva B., Jacob A., Jr., Delia A., Milton C. The ninth child died in infancy. Mildred, the next in order of birth, is also deceased.

Jacob A. Baylis has resided in Marion county since 1867, and as already indicated, has devoted his life to farming, being now the owner of a very valuable farm in Kinmundy township, all of which is under cultivation, the soil having been kept to a high standard through the efficient management of our subject, who is certainly abreast of the age in agricultural matters, having his fields well kept, well drained and well fenced. He makes a specialty of raising hay. He also devotes a great deal of time to his stock, especially his cattle, which are mostly Red Polled-Angus. Mr. Baylis has a modern, substantial and nicely furnished residence, a beautiful lawn, a good orchard and many convenient out buildings, in fact, his farm shows decided thrift and excellent management, and is one of the model farms of this locality.

Our subject is a loyal Democrat, and he sewed with much satisfaction as Highway Commissioner for a period of six years, and was Assessor of the township for one term, and is Justice of the Peace at the present time, being known as a fair and impartial judicial officer, his decisions having seldom been reversed at the hands of a higher tribunal. In all positions of public trust he has been found worthy of the honors imposed upon him, and has discharged his

Our subject's parents on his mother's side of the house were Methodists, and on his father's side they were Baptists. Mr. Baylis is a believer in the principles of Christianity, in fact, he is in every sense a man of progress and is patriotic for the good of all.

Simeon W. Meador

It is a privilege of which any one should be proud, but one of which few can boast who have reached old age, to live on the place where they were born. This our subject has done for more than three score and ten years, and it is well that "his sober wishes never learned to stray", for he has been eminently successful right at home. His life has been one of usefulness, comparative ease and happiness.

Simeon W. Meador was born August 3, 1832, in Marion county, Illinois, on the same place where he now lives, as already intimated, the son of Jepthie and Sarah (Hier) Meador, the former having been bom May 8, 1787, near Richmond, Virginia, and the latter was born in 1791, also in Virginia, both being representatives of old Southern f-amilies. They came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1829, and settled on the place where the subject now lives. The subject's father entered one hundred and sixty acres, and his wife forty acres of land, later purchasing some land from the Illinois Central Railroad Company. Jepthie Meador was a blacksmith and local preacher as well as a farmer, and he was a man who exercised great good in his community. He conducted his shop on his farm for the accommodation of his neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Jepthie Meador were the parents of the following children: Ambrose, born in 1811, died in infancy; Mathew, born in 1813, married Sarah Parsons and they were the parents of seven children : Joel, born in 1816, married Malinda Holt, and they became the parents of ten children; Elias was born in 1819, married Nancy Walton, and they were the parents of five children; Martin, born in 1822, married Sarah Epperson, and they had seven children ; Granville was born in 1825. married Loche Binion and there were sixchildren in their family ; Mary Ann, born in 1829, died at the age of eighteen years; Simeon W., our subject, was the youngest member of the family.

All the education our subject received was during one or two terms in an old log school with puncheon floor and seats, located on his own farm. When he reached maturity he married Frances Lawrence. December 28, 1852. and to this union the following children were born: Mary, who died in infancy: Emily, who died at the age of sixteen years; Isabelle, who died when fourteen years old; Albert married Lotta Epperson, who lives three miles west of Vernon, and thev have ten children :

Our subject was twice married, his second wife being Sarah Howell, daughter of Philip and Anna Howell. The wedding occurred December 28, 1869. The subject's second wife was bom in 1838. The following children were born to this union: Elzora, who married Edgar Grylich, has six children, two of whom are living in Marion county; Sophie, who married William Curran, is the mother of four children, three of whom are living in Fayette county ; Philip married Maude Crowder, and they are living with the subject and his wife, being the parents of three children; Tinnie married James Watlow, and they are the parents of four children.

Simeon \V. Meador was one of the brave number who went forth to defend his nation's integrity during the troublous days of the sixties, having enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, on August n, 1862, under the command of Captain Foster, and he served in a most gallant manner for three years. He was in Andersonville prison for a period of nine months and six days, having been captured at the battle of Atlanta, where General McPherson was killed. Mr. Meador took part in the battles of Dallas and Resaca and many other notable engagements. He was on a skirmish line for twenty-eight days and nights without rest, in plain hearing of the field artillery. He was in prison when the war closed, and while there contracted the scurvy on account of which he has since been disabled. He draws a pension of twenty dollars per month.

The farm which has been Mr. Meador'shome during his busy and useful life, consists of one hundred and thirty acres in section 14. It is under a high state of improvement and cultivation, and shows that our subject has been a good manager and a hard worker. He is a grand old character, and is well known, highly respected and liked by everybody in Marion county.

William Griffin

While the life of this venerable and highly respected citizen of Patoka township, Alarion county, Illinois, has not been one filled with the tragic and the spectacular, it has been replete with much good. He has seen this country develop in all its stages from the primeval forest and the virgin prairie sod to populous cities and towns, and as rich farms as the world affords, and he has taken no small part in this great transformation.

William Griffin was born in Belmont county, Ohio, March n, 1822, and he came to Shelby county, Illinois, in 1852, and to Marion county in 1865. He is the son of James and Hannah (Rosinson) Griffin. James Griffin entered land where the subject now lives. The farm now owned by our subject consists of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved and highly productive land in section 27. He has made all the improvements on the place and developed it into one of the leading farms of the township.

The father of the subject was born in Ireland in 1795, and came to America at the age of eleven years on a sailing vessel. He first settled in Belmont county, Ohio, and he died within two miles of the place where his father built the first log cabin in that country. He received most of his education in Ireland. He was appointed a special juryman in 1840. The mother of the subject was also born in Ireland, thirty miles from famous Londonderry, the date of her birth being 1795, and she died about 1895, rounding out a century milestone. The parents of our subject married in Harrison county, Ohio. Our subject was the second of a family of the following children : Robert, deceased ; William, our subject; Thomas, Mary, James, Elizabeth and Margaret.

Our subject received what education he could in the schools of the pioneer times of this country, and assisted about the home place with the work. When he reached maturity he married on August n, 1853, Margaret Jane Gilmore, who was born April1 25, 1835, the daughter of Francis Gilmore and a Miss Sheimer. They married in Harrison county, Ohio, where he returned for her after spending a year in Shelby county, Illinois. Nine children have been born to the subject and wife as follows: James C, born June 15, 1854, married Emeline Wright, who lives in Patoka, and have three children; Francis M., who was born in December. 1856, married first Emoline Nichols. His second wife died the year after they were married. His third wife was Flora Foster. They have two children living. This couple make their home in Fosterburg. Samuel H., the third child of our subject and wife, bom May 16, 1858, is living in Missouri, and he married Laura Robb, being the parents of four children; Amanda Elizabeth was bom October 3, 1859; George W. was born August i, 1861, and died in infancy; Anson A., was born April 19, 1863, married Emma Peacock; they live in Patoka township, and have three children ; Ida A. was born August 7, 1865, married Jay Sutherland ; they have four children and live in Jasper county, Illinois; Oscar was born September 4, 1868; the ninth child died in infancy. The subject's wife, after a happy and congenial life, passed to her rest October 25, 1875.

Mr. Griffin likes to tell of the condition of the country in Patoka township when he first came here. It was very wild, uncultivated and vast swamps and forests stretched in every direction. There was no settlement then of any kind in this locality. There was one small store in Patoka and a grist mill nearby. Our subject was of a hardy, sterling spirit, and loved to develop a farm from the primitive condition of the country. He first voted for James K. Polk and has continued to vote the Democratic ticket ever since. He has long been a member of the Odd Fellows at Patoka, and has been

BRINKERHOFF S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISthrough all the chairs of the same, and has been honored by being sent to represent it to the grand lodge five times. He ably served his township as Highway Commissioner for three years. His parents were Presbyterians and he has continued to walk in this faith. Although our subject is slightly feeble from the weight of his advanced years, he has a good memory, is comparatively active and is enjoying the fruits of a well spent, honest and useful life and the friendship of all who know him.

Capt. Abner S. Gray

Xo man in Patoka township is better known or held in higher esteem than Captain Gray, who is a man of such sterling attributes that he has been all his life an example worthy of emulation. A born leader of men and conscientious in whatever he undertakes, he carries his plans to completion with rare success.

Capt. Abner S. Gray was born two miles north of Kinmundy in Marion county, Illinois, December 5, 1838, the son of John H. and Nancy (Eddington) Gray. John H. Gray was born October 15, 1815, in Wilson county, Tennessee, and he came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1828 to engage in farming. He left the farm in 1859 to engage in the mercantile business in Patoka, in which town he built the first house. During the drouth of 1854 he went -to the northern part of the state and bought corn to send into Marion county, and people from all the surrounding country came to him to buy corn. He was a public man and became widely known. He was Associate Judge for two terms before the county was laid out in townships. He was Justice of the Peace for many years here and administrator for many estates. He was one of Marion county's most prominent and popular men in his day. He was still in the mercantile business when he died in 1878.

Nancy Eddington Gray, mother of our subject, was born six miles southwest of Patoka in 1819, and she passed to her rest six miles from where she was born in 1904, after a long and useful life, being a woman of beautiful Christian character. She was the daughter of John and Lucy (Nichols) Eddington, both of whom died when about eighty-seven years old.

Our subject spent his early life on the farm, but left the farm when still quite young, before the Civil war. Being fired with patriotic fervor and unable to remain away from the seat of conflict when the nation was in need of men to defend its flag, our subject organized Company F and enlisted in August, 1862, being assigned to the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry at Salem, Illinois, and went to the front with his company under command of Colonel Martin, of Salem. He resigned his command in February, 1865, after most gallant and efficient service in order to come home and help his aged .father in the mercantile business. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea and was in the battles of Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and Jonesboro, but the worst fight he was in was that of Ft. McAllister. Captain Gray is said by his comrades to have been one of the finest commanders and one of the tenderest hearted men in the army. He is remembered by his government with a pension.

Our subject's early education was gained in a log school-house, whose floor was dirt. He never went a day to a free school. But conditions with him were even better than those of his parents, who had in their youth the children of Indians to play with in greater numbers than those of the whites. His father hauled everything for his store in wagons, drawn by oxen, from St. Louis. These were often driven by our subject.

After returning from the army Captain Gray remained in the mercantile business with his father, assisting to build up an extensive trade, until about 1888. Since 1881 Captain Gray has been engaged in the insurance business, having a lucrative patronage in this line. He ably served as postmaster at Patoka for four years under Cleveland's administration.

Captain Gray was united in marriage December 30, 1858, to Nancy Johnson in Richview, Washington county, Illinois, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Clara C, born February 6, 1860. who married R. N. Gray and who became the mother of eleven children ; John A., born March 15, 1862, died when one year old; Amanda S., born April 29, 1864, married V. V. Crosby, and they are living three miles west of Vernon; Alfred M., born July 28, 1866, died October 14, 1869; Edwin S., born October i, 1868, married Mary Fenster, of Kinmundy. They have one child and are living in Weeleetka, Oklahoma.

Our subject is still actively engaged in the insurance business and he is a hale and hearty old man for his age. Everyone knows old Captain Gray and everybody highly respects him. He is a Mason and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife is prominent in the Eastern Star, having been matron for two terms, and assisted in organizing several lodges at different places. She is a fine old lady of beautiful attributes and affable characteristics. The subject's insurance office is in Patoka and it is the gathering place for numerous customers and friends, and he carries on a good business.

Thomas E. Irvin

Among the representatives of the business interests of Patoka township few have attained as distinctive prestige as Thomas E. Irvin, whose life history is herewith presented. He is engaged extensively in the lumber and builders' supply business and has become known throughout Marion county, from all parts of which his customers come, as a conscientious and careful business man who employs no unscrupulous methods.

of stock and no small portion of his annual income from year to year is derived from this source. Our subject deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, having had but limited opportunities in his youth, being compelled to remain at home and work, but he has been an industrious man and has succeeded by careful management and hard work.

Mr. and Mrs. Rogier are members of the Baptist church. In politics our subject is a Republican. He ably served as Supervisor of his township and has been School Director for many years. He also served in this capacity in Sebastopol, Illinois. No family in Patoka township stands in higher esteem of the public than that of our subject, being regarded as honest and industrious.

Landon M. Bostwick

It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such is the record, briefly stated, of the well known and progressive gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be difficult to find in the business circles within the limits of Marion county, where he has long maintained his home and whose interests he has ever had at heart, for in all the relations of life he has proven true to every trust reposed in him and few citiens of the county are worthier of the high

The subject of this review is descended from a long line of sturdy ancestors, the earliest generations being easily traced to the settlement of the Bostwick family at Stratford, Connecticut, prior to 1650. John Bostwick, the subject's great-great-greatgreat-grandfather, was born at Stratford, Connecticut, May 4, 1667, an<l ne became Deputy to the General Court of Connecticut, serving during twenty-one sessions, from September, 1725, to October, 1740, and he served in the army as lieutenant and major. The great-great-great-grandfather of the subject, Ebenezer Bostwick, was born in 1693, and he was captain of the First Company or train band, of Danbury, Connecticut, in October, 1743. Edmond Bostwick, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, was born September 15, 1732, and died February 2, 1826. The subject's great-grandfather, Ebenezer Bostwick, was born June 22, 1753, and died March 16, 1840. He had an excellent war record, like his ancestors, having been an orderly sergeant in the Revolutionary army and he was a pensioner until his death. This family remained in the state of Connecticut through many generations and the subject's grandfather, Andrew Bostwick, was born at New Milford, that state, November 3, 1778, but he migrated to the West and died at Berrien Springs, Michigan, October 21, 1838. The father of our subject was a merchant at Niles, Michigan, his store having been the first brick building in that town. At President Lincoln's call for volunteers he enlisted as a private in Company E, Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and he was made a prisoner of war at the battle of. Shiloh and served nine months in Andersonville and Libby prisons. After his release he received several promotions and finally was made captain of the company, serving as such in a very creditable manner until the close of the war. He died at Niles, Michigan, in the year 1876, when fifty-six years old, and was given a military and Masonic funeral, which was very largely attended.

Among the subject's ancestors on the maternal side of the family was Rev. Peter Pruden, one of the founders of the colony at Milford, Connecticut, and in 1639 the founder of the First Church of Christ. When the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Milford was celebrated, a memorial window was placed in the church in honor of his memory. There is also in the memorial bridge a stone in his memory, bearing the text of his first sermon, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness." Of him the noted Cotton Mather says, "His death was felt by the colony as the fall of a pillar which made the whole fabric to shake." Another distinguished ancestor of the subject's mother was Capt. Thomas Willets, the first Mayor of the city of New York.

his early education in the public schools and afterward was instructed in the higher branches by a private tutor, the course of study including some travel. The death of the subject's father made it necessary for him to give up study and seek means of self-support, which he found in the locomotive department of the Michigan Central Railroad, becoming an engineer at the early age of nineteen years. While serving in the capacity of fireman and engineer, he took a course in mechanical mathematics and draughting, and "otherwise fitted himself for work other than locomotive engineering. At the age of twenty-four he designed and built the machinery plant at the Michigan State prison at Jackson, Michigan, which, at this writing, twenty-two years after completion, is still in active service with practically no alteration or change.

After acting as manager of this plant for one year, Mr. Bostwick was offered, and accepted, a position as engineer on the Panama Canal, when it was owned by the French government, and was being constructed by the famous French engineer De Lesseps; but by a curious turn of fortune's wheel, Mr. Bostwick gave up the Panama Canal project, while enroute and also the mechanical line of business in which he had so successfully launched. At this time the South was just beginning to be called upon to take the place of the North in supplying lumber, and Mr. Bostwick grasped an opportunity to become a lumberman, making his initial beginning in the backwoods of Howell county, Missouri. The pay was

After working up through every department to the position of manager and finally stockholder in some of the best mills of the South, he has no regrets over the humble beginning in the backwoods of Missouri.

The Bostwick Lumber Company of Centeralia, Illinois, is a corporation of which cur subject is president and the heaviest stockholder. He knows the lumber business thoroughly and always gives his customers a fair deal, consequently his trade, which has steadily grown, is now very extensive.

Landon M. Bostwick was happily married February 3, 1892, to Frances Pease, a native of Wilson, New York, the daughter of A. Douglas and Abigail Pease. One of her ancestors received a grant of land from King George, this family having been originally from England. The subject and wife are the parents of three children, namely: Willard D., born January 26, 1893, and who is at this writing attending the public schools; Dorothy was born November 17, 1900; the date of Allen L.'s birth is October 1 8, 1903. They are interesting children and add much sunshine to the modern and pleasant home of the Bostwicks.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Bostwick is a member of the Masonic lodge at Centralia, No. 201, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Centralia Chapter No. 93; also Centralia Council No. 28, and Cyrene Commandery No. 23; he also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 493, and the United Commercial Travelers; the Modern Woodmen and the Hoo- Hoo, the latter an organization of lumbermen, purely social, now consisting of nearly thirty thousand members. The mystic number of this association is nine, every member having a number, and is fortunate if there is a nine in it. President Roosevelt's number is 9999. The Bostwick family for iTjany generations have been members of the Episcopal church. Mr. Bostwick is now and for many years has been senior warden of St. John's Episcopal church at Centralia.

Our subject is a member of the Episcopal church as is also his estimable wife. In politics Mr. Bostwick is a Republican, and while he has not been prominent in the affairs of his party, he has ever assisted in whatever way he could the furthering of good city government and the welfare of his community. He is now president of the Board of Education.

Whatever of success has attended our subject's efforts has been entirely owing to his own endeavors, his energy, industry and natural ability. From small beginnings he has gradually attained a prominence in his county which entitles him to be regarded as one of its leading citizens.

Thomas K. Dickey

In analyzing the character of the well known gentleman whose name heads this paragraph we find many elements worthy of commendation. He did not ask for for- tune's favors, but set out to win them by honest work, and the success which ever crowns earnest, honest toil is today his. He started out in life practically unaided, depending almost solely upon his own ingenuity for the start which he had.

Thomas K. Dickey was born in Covington, Kentucky. February 6, 1843, the son of Ethel bert W. S. and Mary Hannah (Kennedy) Dickey, both of whom were born in Kenton county, Kentucky, the former in 1814, who spent his life near Covington, having devoted his time to his farm and his home, never taking part in public life. He died in 1848. Alexander Dickey was the grandfather of the subject. The mother of -our subject was born January 21, 1822, the daughter of Thomas D. and Nancy E. (Davis) Kennedy, the former having been born in Kenton county, Kentucky, and the latter in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The following children were born to the parents of our subject: Milus W., born February 4, 1841, died April 30, 1842; Ethelbert L., born in 1846, died in March, 1848; Thomas K., our subject, being the youngest now living.

Soon after the death of her first husband the subject's mother married W. H. Gage, of the wire and nail trust, and the following children were born to them: Berton H., Fred C, Luelen Howell, Mary. The mother of our subject passed to her rest in 1900 at Anderson, Indiana.

Thomas K. Dickey received his early education at Covington, Kentucky, having made an excellent record in the common schools there. However, he did not have an opportunity to get a high education. He came to Marion county, Illinois, with his mother in 1868. He remained here two years and then went back to Covington, Kentucky, for a short time, later returning to Marion county for the purpose of engaging in farming and stock raising, at which he was eminently successful. For many years he was an extensive hay and grain dealer in Vernon. He has helped very materially to build the little village of Vernon, always being liberal with- his money for improvements. He is regarded as a very important man in this part of the county. He has never cared to take part in politics to any extent. He has held the office of School Director, and was one of the first Trustees of the town of Vernon. He has always stood for progress and public improvement and he has made his home in Vernon since 1872, having a modern and comfortable dwelling surrounded by a beautiful lawn, trees, convenient out-buildings and everything that goes to make a home comfortable and pleasant as well as attractive. Cement walks lead to and around the house. Everything about the place shows prosperity. Mr. Dickey is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of very valuable and productive land in section 16 and eighty acres in section 9. He made all the improvements on these places himself. His land is equal to any in Marion county, being kept in a high state of improvement. Mr. Dickey is an excellent judge of stock and always handles good varieties. At present he is engaged in handling of fine stock of all kinds, keeping standard bred stock, which are much admired by all who see them. He has rare business foresight and sagacity, is quick to formulate his plans and to carry them into execution, and he seldom makes a mistake in his transactions.

Our subject was united in marriage first to Alice Murfin, March i, 1870. She was the daughter of Warren and Emily Murfin and was born January I, 1851, and she passed to her rest January 23, 1894. Two children were born to this union, Edith Estelle, born November 25, 1870, married Edward P. Cockrell, who is assistant general passenger agent of the Monon Railroad, and they are the parents of two children; Warren Kennedy was born July 21, 1872. He is a widower, living in California. The subject's second wife was Flora Walton, daughter of Joel T. Walton (whose sketch appears in full in another part of this volume). Two children have been born to the subject and his second wife, namely: Mamie Gedge, who was born January 16, 1901 ; and Thomas Ethelbert, whose date of birth was September 17, 1902. They are both bright and interesting children. Mrs. Dickey is a woman of culture and refinement, and, like her husband, has hosts of friends in Marion county.

Garnett E. Norris

for over a quarter of a century and devoted much valuable time to the development of the county's interests in many ways. A well defined purpose has caused him to succeed where less courageous souls would have gone down in defeat.

Garnett E. Norris was born in Clermont county, Ohio, January 15, 1863, the son of John Pierce and Maggie Norris, the former having been born in Brown county, Ohio, February 8, 1832. He was a school teacher and professor nearly all his life, having become widely known as an able educator. He spent a few years as a traveling salesman. -He received his education at Felicity Academy, in Ohio, also Wesleyan University, in which institution he took a scientific course and where he graduated. He had no permanent residence in his younger years, for he never taught long at one place. He was principal of the schools at Manchester, Ohio, Higginsport, Georgetown and Moscow, Ohio; also Falmouth and Foster, Kentucky, and. many other places before coming to Marion county. He taught one term in Patoka. He was compelled to give up educational work on account of failing health in his later years. He died suddenly in Marion county in 1902. He was a well educated and unusually intelligent man and was prominent wherever he lived. He was known especially as a great mathematician. He married Maggie Norris (no relation) in 1858 in Pendleton county, Kentucky. She was born about 1842 in Pendleton county, Kentucky. His wife, who is now living, was a twin to Francis Norris, deceased. Mrs^

John P. Norris keeps house for our subject, her son. The following children were born to the parents of the subject : Garnett E., our subject, being the oldest in order of birth, who has remained unmarried, and, as already stated, lives with his mother in Vernon; Earnest N. lives in Patoka, was thirty-eight years old in 1908. He married Lizzie Foster and they are the parents of five children. The third child, Tula M., is thirty-four years old and is the wife of Dr. J. S. Morton, who lives in Vernon ; Cora, thirty years old, married Dr. H. D. Ryman, who lives in Vernon, and has two children. John B., twenty-five years old, married Mabel Hullinger. They live in St. Jose, Illinois, where Mr. Norris is cashier of a bank.

This family of children received every possible opportunity and careful educational training, all developing into school teachers of ability. It is interesting to note that fiftythree years of teaching has been done by this family, twenty-two years by the father, eighteen by the subject, ten years by Ernest and Lulu and three years by Cora. John was preparing to teach when he accepted a clerical position. They are all bright and well educated people and all Democrats. The subject has been on the stump in the interest of his party, but has refused all political offices of the county, although often urged to accept them. He has long been prominent throughout this district and his talents were recognized by the public when he was quite young.

Mr. Norris received most of his education in Clermont county, Ohio, and, as already intimated, has spent most of his life engaged in teaching, having become widely known as an able instructor and his services are always in great demand. He gave up teaching a few years ago, since which time he has been identified with the Henry R. Hall Lumber and Grain Company. He owns some valuable land in sections 8 and 67. Mr. Norris has been Mayor of Vernon since it was incorporated in the spring of 1908, and he is also School Director. He owns a beautiful, modern and well furnished home in Vernon, where, surrounded by his books and all conveniences, he spends a quiet life, enjoying the association of his grand old mother, a woman of beautiful attributes and Christian character. They are highly esteemed by all who know them for their hospitality, friendliness and integrity.

Capt. William T. Johnson

There can be no greater honor or privilege than to conscientiously serve one's country during its days of peril. It requires something more than patriotic zeal for a man to forsake home, business, the pleasures of social or public life and voluntarily assume the hardships of the camp and the field, much less risk one's life in the brunt of battle, and the younger generation of today are apt to not give the respect due the brave "boys in blue" who saved the nation's integrity and who did so much for them. The subject of this sketch is one of those

Capt. William T. Johnson was born in Scott county, Indiana, October 29, 1841, the son of Stephen and Levina (Williams) Johnson, the former having been born in Lexington, Indiana, in 1815 when Lexington was the county seat of Scott county. The subject's paternal grandfather secured land in Scott county just as the Indians were leaving there. Elijah English also secured land nearby at the same time, which land is owned at present by Capt. W. E. English, of Indianapolis. The father of the subject was a cabinetmaker, a preacher and a farmer, and quite a prominent man of that time. He was a great admirer of Millard Fillmore. He turned to the Republican party late in life, but never sought political office. He was called to his rest in 1870. Levina Williams Johnson, mother of our subject, was born in the memorable year of 1812. Her uncle was an Indian fighter for many years and was with Lewis and Clark in their raid through Indiana. Her uncle's name appears on a monument in the West where the last raid was made on the Indians in the battle of Tippecanoe. She had four brothers and four sisters. The parents of the subject married in 1835. Eight children were born to them, all living at this writing, namely : Sarah, William T., our subject; Caroline, John and David, twins; Martha, Mary and James.

public schools of his native community. However, his schooling was somewhat limited. He worked about the home place until the time he enlisted in the army. He came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1870, to engage in farming and has lived in Patoka township ever since. He was for several years in the dairy and stock raising business, having made a pronounced success of whatever he undertook, being a man of great industry and rare soundness of judgment. He always kept his farm in first class- condition and it was well tilled and produced excellent crops. For the past eleven years Mr. Johnson has lived in quiet retirement in a beautiful and comfortable home in Vernon.

Mr. Johnson was first married to Samantha Gray in the year 1866. There are no living children from this union. Mr. Johnson's second wife was Addie Gray, daughter of Thomas and Amanda (Carroll) Gray. Amanda Carroll was a distant relative of Charles Carroll, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The second wife of Mr. Johnson was the fifth child in a family of twelve. One girl and one boy have been born to the subject and wife : Tina, who married Warren Murfin; Biness, the son, is single and living at home.

As intimated above our subject was one of the gallat defenders of the flag during the dark days of the sixties, having enlisted in 1 86 1 in Company C, Thirty-Eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under command of Colonel Schribner, and was sent at once to General Sherman's command. Walter Q. Gresham was in line with the subject as a private at the organization of the regiment. He engaged in a skirmish lasting thirty days before the battle of Stone River, in which great battle our subject was wounded. At the battle of Chickamauga our subject was under the command of Colonel Thomas in the One Hundred and Forty-Ninth Regiment. He was captured at Chickamauga and sent to Libby prison for six months, but he was one of the six men who dug out of that prison and escaped. Twenty men made the effort, but the others failed. They worked in relays of five men and tunnelled under the wall from the basement of the old warehouse where they were confined. They had nothing but an old chisel to work with. Those who escaped were, beside our subject, Charles Vaughn, Thomas A. Morrison, Alex Lorington, T. McVey and D. Laporte. They spent seventeen days and nights digging their way to freedom. The subject was thirty-six days and nights getting back to the Union lines. He remained in hiding during the day and traveled at night. He came out of the army in October, 1865, a captain and acting adjutant at the time. He is said by his comrades to have been a most gallant soldier and never flinched from duty.

The above is a record of which anyone should be proud. Captain Johnson has been Justice of the Peace since living in Vernon and his court has been a popular one, his decisions being fair on all matters submitted to him. He is a loyal Republican and is known to all classes for his honesty, integrity, public spirit and good natured personality, which makes him one of the most highly esteemed men in Patoka township.

Elbridge Robinson

The life of the subject of this sketch has not been of an unusual character, nothing strange or tragic about it, but rather the antithesis, quiet and unostentatious, a life that has resulted in no harm to those who have come under the influence of the subject. He is one of the "boys in blue", to whom all honor is due.

Elbridge Robinson was born in Morgan county, Ohio, January 7, 1844, on a farm. He came to Marion county after the war. Mr. Robinson is the son of Israel and Margaret (Warne) Robinson, the former having been born March 3, 1804, in Brook county, West Virginia, who came to Ohio when six years old, a pioneer of the woods. He became a public man and served one term in the Legislature. He was a Whig. Israel Robinson was one of eleven children, a prominent man in his locality. He died in 1872. The mother of the subject was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1812, being a member of a family consisting of twelve children, six girls and an equal number of boys. The parents of the subject married December 31, 1829. Our subject is the only one of six children living.

a farm. His education was secured in the common school and at Roos College at Sharon, Ohio. When only sixteen years old he obtained a certificate to teach, and successfully taught school both before and after the war. His services were in great demand for he gained quite a reputation as an able educator.

As already intimated, Mr. Robinson was one of the brave sons of the North who offered his life in defense of his country, having enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in August, 1862, under the command of Colonel Ball, a judge at Zanesville, Ohio, and he served until the close of the war with much credit. He was wounded at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, which wound did not heal until after the close of the war. He was in the battles of Milroy's Defeat in June, 1863, Locust Grove in November, 1863, also fought at the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania, and several other engagements, some of his comrades having been killed in every battle. He was all through the strenuous Wilderness campaign. He has a congressional medal of honor for heroic service, having saved a fallen comrade from being captured by the Confederates. The unfortunate man was Price Worthington of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-second Regiment, the same as that of our subject. Mr. Robinson rushed back in the face of the enemy's fire through their lines and saved Mr. Worthington. After his return he was warmly congratulated by the officers and men for

Mr. Robinson was united in marriage on March 3, 1870, to Moretta Reichert and to this union the following children were bom : Fora, born February 21, 1872, married Mamie Smith; they are living in Vernon, and are the parents of two children ; Lewis was born April 12, 1874, and died January 13, 1898; Harry was born October 21, 1877. The subject's first wife died in 1877. He was again married, his second wife being Martha L. Peddicord, the daughter of A. M. and Mary Peddicord. No children were born to this union. But a little child, Bertrice Reynolds, whose parents and family had just moved to the village in very destitute circumstances with mother sick, the little six months' old Bertrice was found by Mrs. Robinson while on one of her visits of charity in an out building with scarcely any clothing or attention. Her sympathetic nature prompted her to carry the little waif to her home and assume the duties of mother. By proper consent she has ever since remained with her new found parents to scatter sunshine in their home, and with her affectionate disposition and loving words cheer their declining years down life's shaded pathway.

The life of our subject has been spent on a farm and in the mercantile business, both of which he made a pronounced success of, and was enabled to lay up an ample competence for his old age which he is spending in comfort and peace in quiet retirement.

He is the owner of four hundred and fifteen acres of valuable land in a High state of cultivation and highly improved, being one of the model farms in Patoka township. He has a substantial and well furnished home, an excellent barn and convenient out buildings, and he always keeps good stock of various kinds. He lives in Vernon at this writing.

Mr. Robinson has always been a Republican, however, he has never aspired to positions of public trust, preferring to lead a quiet life and devote his time to his individual business. He is a great reader, keeping posted on all current events. He is a deep thinker, has an excellent memory and is a very interesting conversationalist. He is held in high esteem by all who know him.

Eli W. Jones

The honored subject of this sketch has lived to see Marion county develop from the wild prairie and primeval forests inhabited by wild animals and a few pioneer settlers to its present magnificent prosperity, its elegant homes, comfortable public buildings, fertile farms and thriving cities; and he has played no small part in this great work of transformation.

Eli W. Jones was born in Marion county, Illinois, April 20, 1839, the son of James and Laura (Luelen) Jones, the former having been born in October, 1795, in Georgia, near where Atlanta now stands. He came to Illinois in 1814 and was in the War of 1812, having served two short terms guarding the surveyors when the state was surveyed. He was in Captain Schurtz's company. He married in Bond county, Illinois, at Keysport, in 1823, and came to Marion county soon afterward, where he settled among the earliest pioneers and where he lived until his death, August 29, 1865. He devoted his life to farming. He was a very pious man, a member of the Methodist church and an exhorter. He entered government land in this county which he improved and put a part of it in cultivation. There were some Indians here at the time. He was a Democrat until the time of Franklin Pierce, when he turned Republican. He was always opposed to slavery. He never took much interest in politics, but devoted his time to the farm and the church. The mother of the subject was born in Kentucky, December i, 1806, and died February 26, 1885.

Eli W. Jones spent his boyhood days much like the other boys of his time, in assisting with the work on his father's farm and attending school in the country district for a short time during the winter, receiving a meager education.

When the national government was in need of loyal supporters to defend its integrity it found no more willing patriot than our subject, who enlisted in 1861 at the beginning of hostilities in the Twentysixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being assigned to Company H, under command of Colonel Loomis and Capt. A. B. Morrison.

He faithfully and gallantly served for four years when he had a leg shot off, having been shattered by a minie-ball in Sherman's last big fight, which fact causes him to wear an artificial leg. He never missed a battle or a inarch until losing his leg. He was in the famous march to the sea, in the battle of Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Missionary Ridge and out of fifty-seven smaller engagements was never defeated. He is remembered by his government for his gallantry with a pension of forty-six dollars. He was never in the hospital a day while in the army until he was wounded. He spent ten days in the ambulance beore finding a hospital.

Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Mary Rymon, August 28, 1860. When he went away to war he left a little baby, three months old. His wife was born December 31, 1839, the daughter of Justus R. Rymon, who was born November 14, 1808. The mother of the subject's wife was Martha Dickens in her maidenhood. She was born July 26, 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Rymon were married May 4, 1836. Mr. Rymon was a preacher and a doctor and was a prominent man in his community. He was called from his earthly labors February 24, 1878, and his wife passed to her rest January i, 1881.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones: J. T., a well known physician of Salem, Illinois, who is at present unable to practice on account of failing health. He married Carrie E. Bennett and they are the parents of two children. Logan M., the subject's second child, was born

Our subject was for many years a breeder of fine horses and hogs and the owner of some high grade imported stallions and others of fine variety.

Mr. Jones has always been a loyal Republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. In 1872 he was elected Circuit Clerk of Marion county, being the first Republican clerk the county ever had. This shows Mr. Jones's great popularity in his own county. He faithfully served in this capacity, giving entire satisfaction to all concerned. He has also served his township as School Trustee, was the first Town Clerk of Foster and is at present Justice of the Peace. He is regarded as being entirely fair in his decisions. He served as Supervisor of Patoka township for one term of two years. He is well known politically, and he is held in high favor by all who know him.

Concentration of purpose and persistently applied energy rarely fail of success in the accomplishment of any task however great, and in tracing the career of Dr. Morton, a well known physician of Vernor, Marion county, it is plainly seen that these things have been the secrets of his rise to a position of prominence and respectability.

Moreover he possesses genuine love for his work and regards it as a privilege to carry comfort and aid to the sick and suffering. Dr. James S. Morton was born in Clinton, Alabama, September 8, 1864, the son of Samuel and Julia (Bizzell) Morton. His father was born in Belfast, Ireland, March 28, 1827, and came to the United States in 1852, landing in New Orleans, soon afterward coming on to Clinton, Alabama, where he remained for a short time when he began the study of medicine, later attending the University of Pennsylvania from which institution he graduated with honor, after which he returned to Alabama and became one of the state's niost able physicians. He came to Patoka, Illinois, in 1868 and went to farming, five miles northwest of that town. He came to Vernon in 1872 for the purpose of resuming the practice of medicine which he continued with! much success until his death July 10, 1906. He was one of a family of ten children and he came to America unaccompanied. The mother of our subject was born near Goldsborough, North Carolina, in 1841. The parents of our subject were married in 1860, and to them the following children were born : Andrew B., who became a physician, died at the age of thirty-eight; James S. was the second in order of birth ; John died in infancy; Eliza P., who is thirty-eight years old at this writing, married William Binnion. They have three children and are living in Vernon, Illinois. Samuel, the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Morton, died when three years old; George died in infancy ; Anna is thirty-five years old, is single and living with the subject.

Doctor Morton received his early education in Vernon, this county, where he attended the common schools and made a splendid record. Being ambitious to follow in the footsteps of his worthy father in the medical profession, he went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he took a course in the university from 1880 to 1883, after which he entered Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1884, from which institution he graduated with high honors in 1887, and he has been engaged in practice in Vernon, Illinois, ever since, being the oldest doctor here.

Charles E. Blankinship

He whose career we now take under consideration and to whom the reader's attention is respectfully directed is numbered among the progressive and successful business men of Marion county, of which he has been a resident for many years, while he has gained prosperity through his own honest efforts in connection with the development of the natural resources and the subsequent business prosperity.

Charles E. Blankinship was born in Fayette county, Illinois, August 8, 1861, the son of Edward and Susannah (Lollar) BJank^ inship. Grandfather Blankinship was a native of Tennessee, who came to Illinois about 1837 and settled in Fayette county, on a farm and where he lived until his death in 1860. The father of the subject was bom in Tennessee and was brought here by his parents when a child. After he reached manhood he first engaged in farming and later engaged in merchandising the balance of his life, having passed to his rest in 1871, at the age of thirty-four years. The subject's mother was also about the same age when she died in 1877. The father was a member of the Methodist church and the mother of the Christian church. The former was a Democrat. They were the parents of five children, all having died young except our subject.

Charles E. Blankinship attended the public schools at Patoka until he was seventeen years old. He then attended school at Valparaiso, Indiana, and at Eureka, Illinois, receiving a good education, having made a splendid record in each.

After leaving school he went to farming on his own account. He inherited a farm from his father in Marion county on which he remained for a period of five years, making agriculture a paying business. He then moved to Patoka and became postmaster under President Harrison, and served four years under that appointment and four years under McKinley's administration. He made a most efficient public servant and won the approbation of all in the community, and the high favor of the Post Office Department.

Since he left the office he has been engaged in the hay, grain and coal business, also has been handling farming implements and is still in this line of business which he has built up until he has a lucrative patronage, his trade constantly growing by reason of his sound business principles and his courteous and kind consideration of customers. He is vice-president of the local bank.

Mr. Blankinship was married on March 9, 1882, to Albertine F. Clark, daughter of Henry I. and Mary J. Clark. Her parents were natives of Virginia, who settled in McLean county, Illinois. Her father died in Woodford county, this state. He was over eighty years old at the time of his death and he had been a soldier in the War of 1812. Her mother, a woman of fine traits, is still living at the age of eighty years. The subject's wife has one brother, two sisters and two half-sisters.

Four children have been born to the subject and wife, namely: Leta C, whose date of birth occurred in January, 1883, is the wife of Robert A. Ward, and the mother of one son ; Dean Francis, who was born in August, 1885, is now cashier of the bank at Patoka and is married: Nellie M., who was born in 1887, is the wife of Albert J. Earl and the mother of one son; Clark J., who was born in October, 1898, is living at home.

The subject of this sketch is a great Mason, belonging to six lodges in this fraternity, namely: Patoka lodge No. 613, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, Centralia Chapter No. 93, Cyrene Commandery, Knights Templar, No. 23, Centralia Council No. 29, Royal and Select Masters, Oriental Consistory (thirty-second degree) of Chicago; also Chapter 253 Order of the Eastern Star, of Patoka. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen. He has filled all the chairs in the local lodge of the Free Masons.

Mrs. Blankinship is a member of the Christian church. Our subject has long taken an active part in political and public affairs, having served as Supervisor of the township, also Township Collector. He was a member of the School Board for nine consecutive years, and was Mayor of Patoka for two terms. In all these public offices he served the people in a most capable and praiseworthy manner, eliciting nothing but favorable comment from everyone, and because of his past honorable record, his integrity and his successful enterprises, together with his gentlemanly bearing to both stranger and friend, he is popular with all.

The subject of this sketch, although yet a young man, has won a wide reputation in the medical profession and shown what a man of careful mental training, honesty of purpose and an abundance of zeal and persistence can accomplish, although his early advantages were none too flattering. He is naturally endowed with the capacities of the successful practitioner of medicine, at least this would be inferred, judging from the eminent success he has attained.

II, 1878, in Vernon, Illinois, the son of Samuel T. and Martha S. (Jones) Ryman, the former having been born near Salem, this county, in 1850. He was a successful merchant in Vernon for many years, but in later life was a farmer, having died on his farm in 1882. He was a well known Republican and took quite an active part in local political affairs in Marion county. He ably served as Collector, Assessor, Supervisor and in many other township offices. He was the son of old Doctor Ryman, of Salem, who was known to everyone in the county during his residence here. The Ryman family came from Heidelburg, Germany, being the descendants of the royal family. One of them who was entitled to high rank in Germany died in 1882. The grandmother of our subject on his father's side was a direct descendant of Charles Dickens, the famous English novelist. The mother of the subject was bom in Foster township in 1860 and passed to her rest in 1902. She belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. The subject's paternal grandfather was a preacher, a doctor and a tailor at Salem.

The subject had (one brother who is deceased; one sister also deceased, and two half sisters, one of whom is deceased. Our subject is from a family of physicians and it is quite natural that he should take to the medical profession. He is the cousin of Doctor Jones, of Salem, and the grandson of old Doctor Ryman, of Salem. His grandmother's father was also a physician.

education in Marion county, first attending the public school at Vernon. Being an ambitious lad he applied himself in a most assiduous manner and made rapid strides in his studies. He entered the medical college at Topeka, Kansas, from which he graduated with high honors. He is both a registered physician and pharmacist of Kansas and a registered doctor of Illinois.

After leaving college, Doctor Ryman practiced for a short time in Shawnee county, Kansas, with much success from the first. Then he moved back to Vernon, Illinois, and has been engaged in practice here ever since, having built up an excellent patronage.

Only about two years of the subject's life was spent out of the school room since he was six years old. He taught school for several years in Kansas where he became known as an able educator. He was principal of the Richmond, Kansas, schools. He was also principal of the schools at Rochester, just north of Topeka. Through years of study and experience in teaching and practice he has become a well educated man and is an interesting conversationalist. His practice is not confined to Patoka township, but it extends to remote parts of the county, being often called on serious cases and in counsel with other physicians, and his advice is invariably followed with flattering results.

Doctor Ryman was happily married to Cora B. Norris, of Vernon, this county, September 7, 1898. She is an accomplished and refined lady, the representative of an excellent family, being the daughter of J. P. Norris, whose sketch appears in full in this work. Two interesting children have been born to our subject and wife, namely : Christene, who was six years old in February, 1908; and Lucile, who was two years old in June, 1908. Our subject was married at high noon and left at one o'clock for Kansas. His wife is also a teacher of much ability, having taught school in Kansas with her husband. Doctor Ryman served as Town Clerk in Richmond, Kansas. He is a loyal Republican. The future to such a man as our subject holds much of promise, for he is a man of genuine worth, ambitious and popular, being well liked by all who know him.

Thomas J. Foster

Success has been worthily attained by the subject of this sketch as a result of the methods he has pursued - methods which will insure success to any man of honor and indomitable courage, which he undoubtedly possesses.

Thomas J. Foster was born in Foster township on the old Foster homestead, where he now resides, his birth occurring September 20, 1839. He is the son of Andrew H. and Betsy (McConnell) Foster, the former a native of Georgia, having been born near Atlanta, and the latter a native of Tennessee, having been born just southeast of Nashville. The father of Andrew H.

Foster died when he was a small boy and he came to Marion county, Illinois, when he was eleven years old with Hardy Foster, with whom he lived until his marriage. The subject's mother came with her parents, Hezekiah McConnell and wife, to Fayette county, Illinois, having been pioneers there where they secured wild land on which they lived until their deaths. The subject's father had only a limited education which he procured in the Marion county district schools. He married and settled in section 20, Foster township, where he got four hundred acres of land which was wild and which he cleared and improved a great deal. He was a farmer of ability and also conducted a saw mill for quite a while. He raised large numbers of live stock. He was called from his earthly labors in 1873, and his first wife passed away in 1863. He married a second time, his last wife being Mary C. Dickens, of Tennessee, and she died in 1895. Five children were born to each union, namely : Mary, deceased, married Squire Farmer, of Patoka, Illinois; Thomas J., our subject; Louisa, deceased, married Iradell Walton, who is also deceased; Elizabeth married Noah Cruse and they live in Appleton City, Missouri; Lucinda is deceased, as is also her husband, Alonzo Hitchcock; Hattie married Hamilton Armstrong, of Foster township ; Edward is a farmer near Clinton, Iowa; Minnie Rassinos Arnold, of Foster township; Silas V., who is single, is living in Foster township; Claude is single and is living in Foster township.

school, having to work hard when a boy. He lived at home until his first marriage in 1859, to Martha Jones, of Foster township, daughter of S. B. and Mary Ann (Wright) Jones, of this county. The subject's first wife died in 1883 and he was married a second time in 1891 to Mrs. Martha Smith, widow of John Smith. Eight children were born to the subject by his first wife, four having died young. Their names are: Andrew W., a farmer in Foster township, who married Ella Scrokey ; Mary B., who married Monroe Arnold; Addie married Russell Caldwell, who is deceased, but she is living in Patoka; Arby was in Cheyenne, Wyoming1, when last heard from.

About 1859 the subject located on part of his father's old homestead in Foster township, where he has since resided. He has always been a farmer, however, he engaged in the mercantile business in Patoka for three years. He has a well improved farm which yields rich harvests as a result of the careful management he gives it.

Mr. Foster is a veteran of the Civil war, having been one of the patriotic defenders of the flag during the dark days of the Rebellion. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Company D, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Patoka, and went into camp at Central City, Illinois, where they drilled and soon afterward did guard duty at Paducah, Kentucky. They were assigned to the Fifteenth Army Corps under General Logan, and were in service until the close of the war, having been dis-

Mr. Foster has very creditably held the office of Supervisor of Patoka township for a period of two terms. He was also Assessor and held other minor offices, all to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is a loyal Democrat. He keeps well posted and he has many warm friends in Marion county or wherever he is known.

William F. Bundy

Holding distinctive prestige among the enterprising citizens of Marion county, is William F. Bundy, whose record here briefly outlined, is that of a man who has been the architect of his own fortunes, a self-made man, who, by the exercise of talents with which nature endowed him, has successfully surmounted unfavorable environment and rose to the position he now occupies as one of the influential attorneys of the city honored by his residence. He is a creditable representative of one of the old and highly esteemed pioneer families of southern Illinois, and possesses many of the admirable qualities and characteristics of his sturdy ancestors who figured in the history of the early days in this section of the great Prairie state. Isaac Bundy, the subject's father, was born October 4, 1828, in Raccoon township, this county, where he devoted his manhood years to agricultural pursuits and became known as a most exemplary citizen, for many years a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, always doing his full share in the promotion and growth of his part of the county. On June 7, 1849, ne was united in marriage with Amanda M. Richardson, after he had returned home from the Mexican war, in which he served with distinction, having enlisted in Colonel Newby's First Regiment, on June 8, 1847, and soon afterward began the long and arduous march from Kansas City, Missouri, to Albuquerque, New Mexico; after the close of hostilities, marching back over the same route. John A. Logan, afterwards a conspicuous general in the war between the states, was then a second lieutenant of Company H, of the famous First Regiment, which did such effective work in the land of the ancient Montezumas, in which regiment Mr. Bundy served until his honorable discharge on October 13, 1848, having been a member of Company C. This was usually referred to as the Illinois Foot Volunteer Regiment, in which General James S. Martin, whose sketch appears in this volume, was a private. Isaac Bundy was also in the Civil war, having enlisted as a private at Springfield, Illinois, November 1 8, 1 86 1, remaining at Camp Butler, near that city for a time. He was appointed chaplain, October 7, 1862, and after serving faithfully until October 24, 1864, resigned on account of illness and returned home in Raccoon township, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing to his rest December 13, 1899, his death having been deeply lamented by the people among whom he had so long lived and by whom he was held in such high esteem.

er of the subject, was the daughter of Rev. James I. Richardson, of the Methodist Eiscopal church, who came to this state in an early days, and for some time was presiding elder of the Southern Illinois Conference, of the above mentioned denomination, having been located at Salem, McLeansboro, Benton, Spring Garden, Central City and many other charges in the southern part of the state. Although his education was gained by the pine knot and tallow candle, with a short term in the common schools, he developed a strong mind, and this, coupled with an indomitable will, enabled him to surmount many obstacles and accomplish much good. He was a large man physically, having stood six feet two inches in height. Being a strong Abolitionist, he took an active part in "underground railroad" work, assisting to free the negro from slavery whenever an opportunity came. His talents attracted public attention wherever he went, and he was sought for positions of public trust and very ably served as a member of the sixteenth General Assembly, from Marion county. Many of his associates in the House at that time later became noted in many walks of life. Reverend Richardson served in the Black Hawk war of 1832, having been a member of the Spy Battalion, Mounted Volunteers, under Capt. William Dobbins, which was mustered in June 17, 1832, taking part in the battle of Kellogg's Grove, eight days later, June 25th, under eral Atkinson, in which engagement this company had fourteen horses killed, six wounded and three captured. The Spy Bat- talion, which was first organized in Marion county, May 4, 1832, was mustered out on August 1 6th, following. For his war record, his political service and his ministry, covering a period of over thirty years, Reverend Richardson was a noted character in Southern Illinois.

The subject's paternal great-grandfather, Jonathan Bundy, was also a well known character in this part of the state in its earliest pioneer period. He came from North Carolina in 1817, having made the trip overland with his family, consisting of the following sons: William, Robert, Frederick and John. William, who remained single all his life, was a soldier in the War of 1812, having fought at New Orleans, under General Jackson. Robert and Frederick reared families, the descendants of whom still live in Marion county, among whom is William K., the oldest son of Frederick Bundy. John Bundy's family consisted of five sons, namely: Isaac, Bailey, Alexander, George and Samuel.

To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Bundy, parents of our subject, the following children were born : Elizabeth Jane, who married Noah E. Barr, is living near Salem, Dent county, Missouri, their family consisting of four boys and three girls; Asbury and Samuel both died in infancy; Laura Alice married James N. Adams, and they are the parents of four boys and one girl, namely: Ernest J. Sanford, James O., Rollin and Maud, all living in Centralia, with the exception of James O., who is living in Idaho. William F., the subject of this sketch, was fifth in order of birth, having been born in Raccoon township, Marion county, Illinois, June 8, 1858. He was educated in Southern Illinois Normal University, at Carbondale, Illinois, and decided to study law. He was married to Mary E. McNally, daughter of James J. and Sarah A. (Carter) McNally. Mr. McNally was born in Ireland, September 8, 1836. After coming to America, he located in New York state, and when the Civil war broke out he enlisted in the Thirty-fifth New York Infantry and later in the Twentieth New York Cavalry. In the latter he became second lieutenant in Company E. Mrs. McNally was born in Constableville, Lewis county, New York, April 16, 1843. She married Me McNally September 21, 1862.

Politically Mr. Bundy is a Republican, and he has been called upon to serve in various official capacities, among which was that of City Attorney, also City Clerk of Centralia, for several terms each. When he was young in the practice of his profession he represented the Forty-second District of Illinois in the General Assembly in the House of Representatives, both in the fortysecond General Assembly (1901 to 1903), and in the forty-third General Assembly, (1903 to 1905). During the forty-second General Assembly he was chairman of the important committee of Senatorial Appointment and he was also a member of the

Steering Committee of the Republican party, and in the forty-third General Assembly he was chairman of the Committee on Judicial Department and Practice. Mr. Bundy took a very active part in the Legislature while a member and won a record of which anyone might be justly proud. He was a member of the Republican State Central Committee for the Twenty-third Congressional District of Illinois from 1906 to 1908. Under the appointment of the Governor, our subject is serving as one of the trustees of the Southern Illinois Normal University at Carbondale, his alma mater, having been appointed early in 1908. He has ever kept in touch with the interests of his city and county and is an ardent advoacte and liberal patron of all worthy enterprises, making for their advancement and prosperity. As a lawyer he is easily the peer of any of his professional brethren throughout the southern part of the state and the honorable distinction, already achieved at the bar is an earnest of the still wider sphere of usefulness that he is destined to fill, as he is yet in the prime of manhood and a close observer of the trend of the times and an intelligent student of the great questions and issues upon which the thought of the best minds of the world are centered.

Joseph H. Walker

suited in the accomplishment of much good not only to himself but to those with whom he has been associated. He has seen the development of the West and has taken a leading part in it, consequently in his old age he can look back over a life well spent and for which one should have no regrets.

Joseph Hill Walker was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, twenty miles from Pittsburg, October 19, 1822, and he lived there until 1848 when he moved to Jackson county, Ohio, and then to Marion county, Illinois, in 1862. Our subject is the son of William Walker, who was born in Beaver county, the old Keystone state, in 1773. He was a Democrat and a Presbyterian. Our subject is one of nine children, six boys and three girls.

Joseph Walker obtained what education he could in the pioneer schools of his day. He bought land in Marion county and began farming, but when the war between the states began he gladly left his work and his home and offered his services in defense of the flag, enlisting in the army in the quartermaster's department and served three enlistments as a wagon maker, one in West Virginia, one at Nashville, Tennessee, and one at Little Rock, Arkansas, having been foreman of the wagon department at the last named place. He learned the trade of wagon making in Pittsburg, in which city he worked at his trade for many years. After the war he returned to Marion county and resumed fanning. He has been a hard worker and has made all the extensive improvements on his farm which ranks well with Marion county's excellent farms. He has a good residence and barn and everything about his place shows thrift. Our subject was married to Josephine Miles, who was born in Jackson, Ohio, September 17, 1834. She came to this county when twenty-six years old. There was no town where Vernon now stands when she came here. She was the daughter of Branson and Angeline (Sargent) Miles. Branson Miles was born in 1808, in Shenandoah valley in Virginia. His wife was born in Ohio in 1821. Our subject and wife married October 9, 1850. His wife and family drove from Ohio to Vandalia on the old National Turnpike and from Vandalia to Marion county during the war. The following children have been born to the subject and wife. Angeline, born December 3, 1851, married Abner Moore, who is in the real estate and insurance business at Irving, Illinois. They are the parents of four children. Frank, the subject's second child, was born in 1854, and died in March, 1875 ; Miles, born August 29, 1857, married Emily Johnson. He is engaged in the creamery business in Ewing, Missouri. They have four children. Thomas B., born February 25, 1860, married Nora Jackson, later marrying Mary Taylor, three children having been born by the first union and one by the second union. Thomas B. is station agent at Patoka. Ellen, the subject's fifth child, was born June 5, 1864. She married Charles King, a factory manager in Chicago, and they are the parents of two living sons; Henry was born April 26, 1868, mar-

Mr. Walker has devoted his life to farming and stock raising with great success, and he now lives retired in Vernon. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having first voted for Henry Clay in 1844, although our subject never took a very active part in politics. In religion he is a faithful supporter of the Methodist church. Mr. Walker is widely known in this section of the country and he numbers his friends by the score, for he is known to be thoroughly honest, a fine and friendly old gentleman to meet, making all feel at home who visit him.

Andrew M. Peddicord

The life record of this venerable citizen of Patoka township is one of interest and instruction, for it has been active, always so modulated as to be of the greatest service to those whom it touched. He has lived to see the transformation of a great country from the primeval forests and the wild prairies and he has performed well his part in this great work.