Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 19 of 27)

Andrew M. Peddicord was born May 9, 1822, in Mason county, Kentucky, where he lived in 1851, when he came to Jacksonville, Illinois, having farmed sixteen miles from Jacksonville, paying only two dollars per acre for rent of land, the first cash rent ever paid for land in that part of the county. He was at the first state fair ever held in

Jacksonville. A few years later he came to Marion county for the purpose of engaging in farming. He first landed in Salem and bought wild land here, which he improved.

Our subject is the son of Andrew and Delilia (Eaton) Peddicord, being one of fourteen children born to them, consisting of seven boys and an equal number of girls. They were said to be the healthiest and finest looking family in Kentucky. The subject's father was born in Mason county, Kentucky, and the subject's mother was. born in Harrison county, the Blue Grass state, both being representatives from large families.

Mr. Peddicord was united in marriage on August 29, 1845, to Mary Foley, born September 29, 1829, the daughter of Daniel and Mildred (Mastison) Foley, the former having been born in Virginia and the latter in Kentucky. Ten children have been born to our subject and wife as follows : Daniel E., born May 18, 1848, married Katherine Weeks and they are living in Decatur, Illinois; William M., born November 27, 1851, married Mary Tune; they are living in Vernon and are the parents of six children, two children being deceased ; Mollie L. married E. Robinson; James L., born January i, 1854, married Belle Mann, they have one son and live near Odin; Martha L.. was born November 22, 1855; Ora Anna, bom March 20, 1858, married Charles Tillman, and they live in Springfield; Claybrook B. was born October 31, 1860, and died in infancy ; Charles M. was born September 26, 1862, and is deceased; John

Mr. Peddicord was one of those brave sons of the great Prairie state, who offered his assistance in saving the nation's integrity during the dark days of the sixties, having enlisted in Company G, Seventh Illinois Cavalry in 1865, and served with credit until the close of the war.

Our subject is a great lover of horses and he has always kept some good ones about him. His place used to be stocked with very fine ones. He was said to have been the finest horseman in Marion county in his younger days. He had the reputation of bringing more good stock to Marion county than any other man. He was a well known character in his younger days, and is today possibly the best known man in the county. He was a loyal friend of Judge Bryan, father of William J. Bryan. Our subject saw the great Commoner when he was only three days old. Mr. Peddicord has been a man of thrift, unusual business ability and foresight and he laid up an ample competence to insure his old age free from want. He has been living in quiet retirement for the past ten years. He has been a stanch Mason, having been identified with the order in Mason county, Kentucky. He is a good Democrat, but notwithstanding his ability and popularity he never took much interest in politics. Our subject has been a very able bodied man in his day, strong, of fine appearance and much endurance, but now his great weight of years is telling on him and his eyesight and hearing have failed considerably. He is an uncle of A. M. Peddicord in Carrigan township, a well known man whose sketch appears in full in this work.

Mr. Peddicord has a comfortable home in Vernon. He gets a pension of twenty dollars a month. He has numerous friends who are always glad to pay him the respect due a man of his years and who has led a useful and influential life.

The subject of this sketch, who is one of the well known fanners of Foster township, is a scion of one of the sterling French families whose presence in America has always been most desirable, for it is a well known fact that the French people are thrifty, energetic and intellectual wherever found, therefore they always contribute much to the development of any country, and the subject's people were not unlike the rest of the immigrants from that country.

Amel Lucas was born in Southern France on January 16, 1842, the son of Pascale and Louisa Lucas, both natives of Sonti, France, the former being a farmer and came to America in 1855 on a sailing vessel which was thirty days in making the voyage, having landed in New York City. He went from there to Taylor county, West Virginia, and purchased a farm of eighty acres. It was partly improved. He lived on this place until 1871 when he sold out and moved to Grafton, West Virginia, where he conducted a hotel until his death in August, 1892. His wife died in August, 1904. They were members of the Catholic church. He was a man who started in life in a small way and by hard work and good management he became well situated before his death. Eight children were born to the subject's parents, namely; Marie, Frank and Mary Ann, all three deceased; Amel, our subject; Victor, who is living in Taylor county, West Virginia, on a farm; John, who is living at the same place, is a butcher ; Albert is an engineer on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Grafton, West Virginia, having been an engineer on this road for the past thirty years, in 1908; Louisa is living in Grafton, West Virginia.

Our subject had only a limited education. However, he attended the common schools for several terms. He lived at home until he was twenty years old and worked at teaming for several years. He saved his money and in 1872 came to Marion county, Illinois, and located in Carrigan township, where he secured one hundred and twenty acres of land on which he lived, making a success at farming for ten years, when he sold out and moved to Foster township, where he got two hundred acres at first and being thrifty and a good manager, he added to this until now he has a very fine farm of three hundred and sixty acres. It was known as the old Lee place. The subject built a comfortable, substantial and commodious home, also a convenient barn and in many ways improved the place, making it equal to any in this township; everything about the place shows thrift and prosperity. He carries on general farming with that discretion and foresight that always insures success. He is also considered an excellent judge of live stock and devotes much of his time to stock raising, no small part of his income being derived from this source. No more up-to-date farm is to be found within the borders of Marion county, and no better farmer than Mr. Lucas lives in this locality.

Our subject was happily married March 15, 1870, to Sarah E. Osborne, of Monongahela county, West Virginia. She is the refined and affable daughter of Richard and Elinore (Britt) Osborne. They formerly lived in Pennsylvania, then came to West Virginia and lived there the remainder of their lives. Mr. Osborne was a wheelwright, wagon maker and carpenter. He died in 1881 and his wife passed to her rest in 1851. Mrs. Lucas was their only child. They were known as influential and highly respected people in their community.

To the subject and wife eight children have been born, namely : Theodore Britt, who runs teams and a dray at Cement, Oklahoma; Frank is a farmer in Foster township ; Lou married E. Lynch, of Foster township; Mollie is the wife of Isaac Walker, of Patoka township; Annie is the wife of Otis Davidson, of Tonti township; Osborne, Magnes and Millicent are all living at home.

member of the local school board of Foster township for a period of twenty years, during which the cause of education in this township received an impetus which had never before been known. He has held other minor offices, always with credit. He is a loyal Democrat.

Mr. Lucas deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in the business world, having started life a poor man, and he has gained a position of ease and prominence in his community through his own unaided efforts, by hard work, good management and sound common sense which always brings tangible results when properly exercised. Because his industry, his honesty of purpose and his public-spirit and his loyalty to all movements looking to the good of the locality where he lives, he is highly respected by all who know him.

Ira C. Morris

It is a pleasure to investigate the career of a successful, self-made man. Peculiar honor attaches to that individual who, beginning the great struggle of life alone and unaided, gradually overcomes unfavorable environment, removes one by one the obstacles from his pathway to success and by the force of his own individuality succeeds in forging his way to the front and winning for himself a position of esteem and influence among his fellow men. Such is the record, briefly stated, of the popular citizen of Marion county, Illinois, to a brief synopsis of whose life and character the following paragraphs are devoted, and while yet a young man has shown himself to be able to successfully compete with all classes of men in the business world.

Ira C. Morris was born in Marion county, May 5, 1883, the second son of William and Elizabeth Morris, whose family consisted of six children.

Our subject attended the public schools in his native community where he diligently applied himself and where he made much headway in his studies. He also went one term to Alma College in Marion county. After leaving school he decided that the life of the farmer offered the greatest advantages for a man of his temperament, consequently he soon entered this work and has devoted his time and undivided attention to it ever since with the result that he is today one of the most progressive and substantial of the younger farmers of Kinmundy township, where he owns a fine and highly productive farm of sixty-seven acres.

Our subject was united in marriage to Laura Lewella Lamborn, the pleasant and congenial daughter of I. M. and Margaret Lamborn, both natives of Jasper county, Indiana. The subject's wife was born in Indiana, being a native of Jasper county at Rensselaer, November 28, 1882. Her mother is deceased. Mr. Lamborn is living in Tennessee. Mrs. Morris has three brothers and one sister living, all married with the exception of one of the brothers.

She was educated in the public schools of her native city and her subsequent life has been filled with good deeds to others, being a woman of gracious demeanor and kind hearted to anyone in need.

Two children have been born to our subject and wife, a boy and a girl, namely: Vera L., whose date of birth occurred April 16, 1903; and Billie Morris, Jr., who is four years old, having been born June 20, 1904. They are bright and interesting children, who are receiving ever care and attention possible at the hands of their fond parents.

Our subject is a loyal Democrat in his political affiliations, and while he does not aspire to public office, he takes considerable interest in political matters always casting his vote for whom he deems to be the most honest and best fitted to fill local offices, where the interests of the public must be conserved. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order, Kinmundy Lodge No. 398, and is junior deacon in the same. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Rosedale Lodge No. 354, at Kinmundy.

The Jennings Family

This old and well known family has lived so long in America that little of its early history can be learned and it is not positively known from what country the founders of the American branch came, though from the name, the nationality is supposed to be English. Sufficient has been learned, however, to fix the date of immigration to the colonies at a very early period, inasmuch as several generations have been identified with the settlement and development of different parts of the United States and for over ninety years various representatives of the family have figured prominently in the history of Marion and other counties of Southern Illinois. Israel Jennings, the first ancestor of whom anything definite is known, is supposed to have been a native of Maryland, where his birth occurred about the year 1774. When a youth he went to Mason county, Kentucky, and settled at Maysville, where about 1799 or 1800 he married Miss Mary Waters, of whose nativity or genealogy there is no record. After living in the above state until about 1818, Mr. Jennings moved to Illinois and located six miles southeast of Centralia, the country at that time being almost as nature had made it with only a few sparse settlements long distances apart, the majority of the inhabitants consisting of straggling bands of Indians, whose principal village was near the present site of Walnut Hill. Entering a tract of government land, he at once addressed himself to the task of developing a farm and founding a home in which laudable undertaking he succeeded admirably, for in due time he became not only the leading farmer and stock raiser of his section of the country but also one of the most enterprising and public-spirited citizens of Jefferson county, to which this part of the state then belonged. It is a matter of interest to note that his entry was the second purchase of government land in what is now

Marion county, and that it was made in 1819, one year after Illinois became a state. Mrs. Jennings departed this life October 30, 1845, tne mother of eight children, whose names are as follows: Israel, Jr., who is survived by eleven children; George, deceased ; Charles Waters, deceased, who had a family of eight children; William W. ; Elizabeth, who married William Davidson: America, wife of George Davidson; Mary, married Edward White, and Ann, who became the wife of Rufus P. McElwain. All are deceased. William W. died recently at Alvin, Texas. Mr. Jennings was again married, but the second union was without issue. He died August 7, 1860.

For a number of years Israel Jennings held worthy prestige among the prominent citizens of Marion county and took an active and influential part in the development of the country. He was a leader in many enterprises for the social and moral advancement of his fellow men, a liberal contributor to churches and educational institutions and all laudable measures for the good of the community found in him a warm friend and earnest advocate. He early became prominent in public affairs and in 1827 was elected to the lower house of the Legislature, being the third representative from Marion county. He was one of the leading Democrats of the county and his influence as a politician, together with valuable services rendered his party, made him widely known and led to his appointment in 1834 as postmaster at Walnut Hill, which position he held for many years. He was more than ordinarily successful in business matters and accumulated a handsome fortune, being at one time the largest land owner in the county and one of the only two men in this part of the state to own slaves. A man of strong character, unquestioned integrity and upright Christian principles, he exerted a wholesome influence on all with whom he mingled and his death, which occurred in the year 1860, removed from Marion county one of its leading citizens and prominent men of affairs.

Charles Waters Jennings, third son of Israel and Mary Jennings, was born January 8, 1802, in Mason county, Kentucky, and accompanied his father to Illinois in 1818, settling within a half mile of the latter and like him becoming a successful tiller of the soil. He was married on December 14, 1826, to Maria Wood Davidson, who bore him the following children : Josephus Waters, deceased, who lived near the home of his father; Harriet married B. F. Marshall and died at Salem, Illinois, May 3, 1901 ; Sarah married Robert D. Noleman, of Centralia, both deceased; Mariah Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of the late Judge Silas L. Bryan, of Marion county, and mother of Hon. William Jennings Bryan; America, deceased, married William C. Stites, then a resident of Marion county; Nancy, wife of Dr. James A. Davenport, lives in Salem; Docie, now Mrs. A. Van Antwerp, lives at St. Louis, Missouri, and Z. C., who is living near the town of Walnut Hill. Charles W. Jennings died August 1 8, 1872.

as a farmer and stock raiser, and his character was ever above the suspicion of reproach. Courteous in his relations with his fellows and the soul of honor in all his dealings, he measured up to a high standard of manhood and citizenship and made the world better by his presence. By good business management he succeeded in amassing a sufficiency of this world's goods to place him in easy circumstances, owning at the time of his death one thousand acres of valuable land, the greater part improved, and the source of a liberal income. He was called from earth on August 18, 1872, his wife following him to the grave April 3d, of the year 1885.

Josephus Waters Jennings, the oldest of the family of Charles W. and Maria W. Jennings, was born on the homestead near Walnut Hill, Marion county, October 29, 1827. He was reared under excellent parental influences, received the best education which the schools during his childhood and youth afforded and while still a young man, engaged in merchandising at Walnut Hill, to which line of trade he devoted his attention with gratifying success until 1856. Disposing of his business that year, he moved to his farm near by and during the encuing forty-four years followed the life of a tiller of the soil in which pursuit he was also successful as his continued advancement bore witness.

Amanda Couch, whom Mr. Jennings married on the 24th day of November, 1850, was born in Marion county, Illinois, January 8, 1834, being the daughter of Milton and Nancy (Baird) Couch, early residents of the county and representatives of well known and highly esteemed families. During the three years following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Jennings lived at Walnut Hill, but at the expiration of that time, changed their residence to a farm in section 26, Centralia township, where Mr. Jennings engaged in agriculture and stock raising on quite an extensive scale and met with financial success commensurate with the energy which he displayed in all of his undertakings. He also manifested an active interest in public and political matters and was long one of the leading Democrats and influential politicians of the county, besides achieving much more than local reputation in party circles, throughout the southern part of the state. He served for some years as Associate Judge of Marion county, the duties of which position he discharged very acceptably, also filled the office of Supervisor several terms, and in 1850 was elected Coroner. During the Civil war he was Deputy Collector of internal revenue, later served as Deputy Sheriff and for several years was Justice of the Peace, an office for which his sound sense, well balanced judgment and love of justice peculiarly fitted him. His official career was eminently honorable and he proved an efficient and very popular public servant, adorning every position to which he was called and fully meeting the high expectations of his fellow citizens.

Hill; Charles E., who is noticed at some length further on; Frank E., of Centralia ; Daisy, deceased, who married O. V. Kell, also of that city ; Hon. William S. Jennings, ex-Governor of Florida; Mrs. Nannie D. Stover, Mrs. Eva Shaw and Thomas J. are three living at Walnut Hill, and Mrs. Elizabeth Wheeler, whose home is in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mr. Jennings was a man of profound religious convictions and in early life united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he continued a faithful and consistent member 'to the end of his days. He died November 20, 1890, in the full assurance of a triumphant resurrection. His widow, who lives on the old homestead, has reached the age of seventy-six and retains to a remarkable degree the possession of her powers, both mental and physical. She is one of a family of six children, three are living. Robert Couch, whose home is at Marissa, Illinois, and Porter, who resides at the town of Sparta, this state. Milton Couch, the father, was a son of James and Elizabeth Couch, the former a native of North Carolina and among the early pioneers of southern Illinois.

Charles Edgar Jennings

The subject of this sketch has not only gained recognition and prestige as a prominent and successful member of the Marion county bar, but has also kept in touch with all that relates to the material progress and general prosperity of his home city, being known as one of the enterprising and public-spirited citizens of Salem, having contributed both by influence and tangible aid to all legitimate projects which have tended to conserve the best interests of the community. In the legal circles of Southern Illinois, his reputation is second to none of his contemporaries, indeed there are few lawyers in the state whose success has been so continuous and uninterrupted or who have achieved as high distinction in their profession. Endowed by nature with in active and brilliant mind which has been cultivated and strengthened by much study and discipline, he has made rapid progress in his chosen calling and today he stands admittedly at the head of the bar in the field to which the major part of his practice is confined, besides yielding a commanding influence among the leaders of his profession in other parts of the state.

Charles Edgar Jennings, second child and oldest son of Josephus Waters and Amanda (Couch) Jennings, is a native of Marion county, Illinois, and dates his birth from January 7, 1855. After receiving a preliminary education in the public schools, he entered Irvington Illinois Agricultural College, where he took a scientific course and from which he graduated June 16, 1875, with an honorable record as a diligent and critical student. He taught one term in the public schools, prior to his collegiate course, and after graduating took charge of the school at Walnut Hill, which he had attended in his childhood and youth, meeting with encouraging success as an instructor

Having decided to make the legal profession his life work, Mr. Jennings in 1876 became a student of the Union College of Law, Chicago, Department of North Western University, where he prosecuted his studies and received his degree on June 5, 1878, the diploma from this institution being his passport to admission to the bar by the Supreme Court without further examination. This court being in session at Mount Vernon the month of his graduation, he presented his diploma and was duly admitted to practice, following which he formed a partnership with the late Judge Bryan of Salem, which lasted until the death of the latter in 1880 and which in the meantime became known as one of the strongest and most successful legal firms not only in Marion county, but in Southern Illinois. His license to practice which bears the date of June 1 1 , 1 878, was signed by Hon. Sidney Breese, the distinguished pioneer jurist of Illinois, this being among the last official acts in the long and eminently honorable career of this eminent man.

Mr. Jennings was Master in Chancery from 1885 to 1889, resigning the position the latter year to assume his duties as State's Attorney to which office he was elected in 1888 and the duties of which he discharged with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public for a period of twelve years. A pronounced Democrat, he has long been a power in local politics and to him as much as any one man is due the success of his party, in a number of campaigns to say nothing of his influence in contributing to the triumph of the district, state and national tickets. As stated in the beginning Mr. Jennings has kept in close touch with enterprises and measures, having for their object the material progress and social, intellectual and moral advancement of the city in which he resides. He served a number of years on the local school board, part of the time as president of the body and during his incumbency, labored earnestly to promote an interest in educational matters and advance the standard of the schools of the city in which laudable endeavor his success was most gratifying. Believing knowledge when properly disseminated, to be for the perpetuity, of the state and the happiness and best interests of the people, he has been untiring in his efforts in behalf of institutions of learning, especially those of the higher grades, and his advice to young people has been to take advantage of the opportunities which the high school, the college and the university present in the way of preparing for the duties of life and the obligations of citizenship.

Since the death of Judge Bryan, Mr. Jennings has been alone in the practice of law and as already indicated he is now one of the leaders of the bar of Southern Illinois, with a large and lucrative professional business in the courts of his own and neighboring counties. The keynote of his character seems to be an intense and absolute fixety of purpose, a dominating resolve to rise and make his influence felt and in the court as well as the public arena, he has not been content to occupy a second place. He moves in only one direction and that is forward and the success and eminent standing already achieved bespeak still greater advancement in his profession and higher honors in years to come.

Mr. Jennings has been twice married, the first time on May 5, 1880, to Daisy Martin, youngest child of Gen. James S. Martin, of Salem, the union resulting in the birth of two children; Hazel, and a son that died in infancy. Mrs. Jennings died July 12, 1894, and on June loth of the year 1903, Mr. Jennings entered the marriage relation with Maude Cunningham, daughter of M. R. Cunningham, of Salem.

Fraternally, Mr. Jennings is a Mason of high degree, having passed all the chairs in the local lodge to which he belongs, besides representing it at different times in the Grand Lodge. He has spent his entire life within the bounds of his native county, has labored hard to reach the high place in professional circles which he now occupies, and in the true sense of the term, he is a self-made man and as such is certainly entitled to the universal esteem in which he is held and the high honors with which his career has been crowned.

Alexander W. Fisher

An illustration of skill as a farmer as well as the ability to concentrate efforts along some special line until success is achieved in that undertaking is found in the case of our subject, who is not only a successful farmer as that term is understood but has also made a specialty of breeding Poland- China hogs, Mr. Fisher being a standard authority in this remunerative industry.

Alexander W. Fisher was born in Marion county, Illinois, on the i6th of January, 1870, the son of E. A. and Susan (Louis) Fisher, both of whom are among the county's substantial and highly respected citizens. They are members of the Methodist denomination and were the parents of a robust family of eleven children, of whom Alexander was the eight in order of birth. This family circle was one typical of its kind, the tie of kindred fellowship being strong, and the fireside brightened with the light of domestic happiness and harmony.

Our subject received his early education in the Kagy district school, but farm life was also an instrument in his trainings, developing in him that sturdy independence and wholesome self-reliance that has characterized his subsequent career.

On August 6, 1890, Mr. Fisher was married to Nannie H. Stevens, daughter of Le Roy and Mary Stevens, resident of this county. She is the youngest of five children ., is a woman of excellent tastes and refined judgment, and is proving to be a most excellent mother. In this latter capacity she has adorned the home with four children, all of whom show the results of uplifting parental influence and affection. The children are: Georgia B., born October 27, 1891; Milton E., born January 9, 1894; Clarence S., born February 16, 1895,

Mr. Fisher owns and operates a farm of seventy acres, all under cultivation. It impresses the visitor at once as bearing the marks of thrift and industry and shows economy in its management. The Fisher homestead is one' where neighbors and friends find at all times a hearty welcome, and is surrounded with an atmosphere of friendliness and sociability.

Mr. Fisher takes an active interest in the general affairs of the community and affiliates with the Democratic party, but has never aspired to political prominence. He is satisfied to discharge his obligations as a citizen by lending his support at the ballot box to such men as will discharge their official duties with the utmost conscientiousness and integrity.

Joseph H. Schaffer

It is really conceded that no better blood has entered into the bone and sinew of the American republic than that of the industrious, intelligent and loyal spirited sons of Teutonic Europe. It is from such an ancestry as this that there was born the subject of this review, Joseph H. Schaffer, who is a native of Bartholomew county, Indiana, born July 14, 1841.

coming to America he embarked in a sailing vessel which was six weeks in making the trip across the stormy Atlantic. He landed at Baltimore, and after working on the railroads in the vicinity for a time he came west to Indiana, and began farming. His wife, Catherine (Peters) Schaffer, was also born in Bremen, and when coming to America was upon the water for nine weeks. In 1854 Andrew Schaffer and family came to Marion county, Illinois, where he continued his life as a farmer.

On May 25, 1876, Joseph Schaffer was married to Adeline Foster, who departed this life on January 30, 1893. She was the mother of six children as follows: William H. ; Sarah married James Charlton ; Thomas A. married Anna Keller; James F., husband of Gertrude Rose; George Henry married Maud Davis, and Anna M., deceased.

The brief review of our subject would indeed be incomplete did it not include the heroic period taken up by his experiences in the great rebellion. When the call for troops was sounded over the country, no heart beat more fervently for the cause of freedom and the Union than did that of Joseph H. Schaffer. He enlisted in the Federal army on August 4, 1861, and continued in the service until mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, on August 5, 1865. The complete record of his privations, dangers and startling conflicts would be too long for the present scope, hence we must content ourselves with a brief summary of what would be a most interesting story.

He joined Company B, Fortieth Illinois, under Captain Sprouse and Colonel Hicks. At the battle of Shiloh he was severely wounded in the left arm, but soon rallied to the front, eager to do his full part in the mighty struggle. At Kenesaw Mountain he met with a painful wound in the thigh. He was present at the siege of Vicksburg. marched from Memphis to Chattanooga, arriving too late, however, to participate in the fight at Missionary Ridge. He was a member of that section of the Federal army that pursued General Hood from Atlanta to Jonesboro, and met with many narrow escapes from bursting shells, grape-shot and canister.

After the war he returned to the farm and has devoted most of his time to that pursuit. He has all of his one hundred and sixty acres under excellent cultivation and has had splendid success at stock raising. For forty years he ran a threshing machine, giving the best satisfaction to all his patrons. The family attends the service of the Methodist Episcopal church and in his political affiliations Mr. Schaffer renders allegiance to the Republican party.

Henry F. Kelchner

When we state in an initiative way that the honored subject of this sketch has resided for fifty-six years in Marion county, having devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits during that time, the significance

Henry F. Kelchner was born in Pennsylvania, September 23, 1828, the son of David and Elizabeth (Follmer) Kelchner, who were the parents of four children: Henry, our subject being the second in order of birth. He has one brother and two sisters. Our subject attended the common schools in his native community in the Keystone state, where he received a fairly good education, assisting his father with the work about the place. As already indicated he came to Illinois in 1852, arriving here in the month of June and after working at whatever he could secure that was honorable and remunerative, he married on January n, 1855, Lucy C. Lovell, and to this union these children were born: Robert B., who married Belle Ritter, and to whom, one daughter was born; Eugene married Hattie Samuels, living in Tazewell county, this state, and they are the parents of one daughter; Ida married George Asher and they have seven children; Katie married G. E. Brandeberry, and is the mother of one son : Harvey F. married Clara Millican, the daughter of Filmore and Maggie (Porter) Millican.

Henry F. Kelchner was one of the sturdy and patriotic sons of the North who believed it his duty to do what he could in suppressing the great rebellion, consequently he enlisted at Springfield, Illinois, in September, 1861, in Company K. Thirtythird Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under

Colonel Hovey and Charles E. Lippencott, as captain. His first battle was at Fredericksburg and he took part in many other battles and skirmishes in which this regiment was engaged, always conducting himself as a brave soldier. He was mustered out in Springfield in September, 1864, and as a reward for his faithful services he is remembered by his government with a pension of twenty dollars per month.

Our subject is the owner of a fine and highly improved farm, consisting of one hundred and thirty acres, sixty-five acres of which are in cultivation. He carried on general farming, but now in his old age he is leading a practically retired life at the home of his son. Harvey.

Mr. Kelchner has always been a publicspirited man and in 1882 he was nominated on the Union Labor ticket for Circuit Clerk. He has very ably and acceptably filled the offices of Town Clerk, School Director and Township Treasurer.

He votes a mixed ticket, always believing in honesty in politics and preferring to place the best men possible in local and national offices. He is a Prohibitionist at heart, and he believes in a Democratic government. Religiously he is a member of the Christian church.

Although Mr. Kelchner is eighty years old he still has a very bright mind and is well read and keeps abreast of the times. Having during his entire life been closely identified with the interests and development of whatever section of the country he lived in. By close application to the duties

George S. Fyfe

Although the character of the immigrants that come to America today seems to be changing, yet there is not a single doubt but that in years past some of the most sturdy, energetic and progressive people living upon our soil were the ones that come to us from foreign lands. They have brought to us not only the spirit of thrift and endurance, but have contributed to the loyal American spirit to a degree which can hardly be overestimated. Among the many worthy of mention in this connection we refer to Mr. and Mrs. George S. Fyfe, of Alma, Illinois. Mr. Fife was born at Dundee, Scotland, January 20, 1820, and his life experiences have been most interesting and varied. He became a machinist by trade, serving as an apprentice in his native town, at the end of which period he went to London, and there followed his trade for two years, but not being fully satisfied with the confinement incident to the work in which he was engaged, he kept alert for an opportunity for a wider experience and this came to him, when he enlisted in the Turkish navy as an engineer. His father, George Fyfe, was a sea captain before him and the son seemed to inherit the father's spirit for a life of travel and adventure. He remained in the Turkish navy for three years and during this time and thereafter he traveled in many countries, spending considerable time in Palestine and Egypt, sailing up the Nile from Alexandria to Cairo, where Moses was born, and where Paul wrote his speech to the Philistines. Here he saw the noble Egyptian obelisk, that famous shaft of stone that lay for centuries prostrate upon the sands, but which was later, at great expense, taken to New York and set up once more to mark the path of the sun by day and at night to point again to the same glittering stars that have studded the clear Egyptian skies since the daybreak of time. Here, also, he stood under the shadows of the pyramids, those wonders of ages past that have been the marvel of mankind throughout all history.

After coming to America, Mr. Fyfe spent some time in Boston, and it was here that he was married to Miss Hutchinson Spinks, on February 5, 1852. Miss Spinks is also of Scotch descent, having emigrated to America from her native land when sailing vessels were the ones most used for crossing the broad Atlantic. Ten children were born to this union.

When Mr. Fyfe came west he bought mostly prairie land from the Illinois Central Railroad. Mr. Fyfe now has a fine farm to show for his energy and application. Both he and his wife have used good judgment in their work, and Mrs. Fyfe, though seventy-seven years old, has never worn glasses. They belong to the Baptist church, although their parents before them were Scotch Presbyterians. Mr. Fyfe affiliates with the Republican party and through his calm judgment and broad minded experience has done much to advance the cause of good citizenship in the community.

Tilmon J. Rogers

There can never be aught but appreciation of the services of the men who followed the stars and stripes on the sanguinary battle fields of the South during the most crucial epoch of our national history. One of the honored veterans of the war of the Rebellion, who went forth as representative of Marion county patriotism is the subject of this tribute, who has passed the greater portion of his useful life in this county.

Tilmon J. Rogers was born in Maury county, Tennessee, February 24, 1842, the son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Alderson) Rogers, the former a native of Tennessee, where he was born in 1801. The latter was also bom in that state, the date of her birth occurring in 1811. There were ten children in this family, an equal number of boys and girls, our subject being the eighth in order of birth.

Tilmon J. Rogers came with his parents to Marion county, Illinois, when ten years old, in 1852. The family rented a farm and made a good living in the new home.

Our subject drove an ox team to break the ground in this county, and assisted with the farm work until he reached maturity, having gone to school but very little. However he learned to spell, read and write but he never studied arithmetic a day, but practice in the business world has been his educator and he counts interest and all measurements mentally. His first school was in Tennessee, a subscription school. He has always been a hard worker and is even now a strong man both physically and mentally, keeping well posted on current events and is therefore an interesting conversationalist.

Mr. Rogers was united in marriage in 1866 with Martha C. Clack, Daughter of B. B. and Cornelia (Vanduzen) Brown, who were the parents of seven children, six girls and one boy. Mrs. Rogers' mother was born in Edgar county, Illinois, in 1825. Seven children have been born to our subject and wife, three hoys and four girls, namely: Emory J.. who was married to Lora Keller, is the father of two children, both girls: Laura Stella married Frank Arnold, and they have five children, four of whom are living, three boys and one girl : Vantoliver married Luella Stevens, and they have one son ; Henry O. married first Leona Arnold, by whom he has one daughter: his second marriage was to Edith Southward and one daughter has also been born to this union ; Martha C. married John Davis : Nellie E. married Luther Beard and they are the parents of two sons; Bessie T. died at the age of eleven years. These children all received fairly good common school educations and are

Tilmon J. Rogers was one of the patriotic citizens of the fair North who believed that it was his duty and privilege to offer his services and life, if need be, in defence of his country's integrity, which was threatened during the dark days of the sixties, consequently he enlisted August 14, 1862, in Company E, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under J. M. Martin, and was in the service nearly three years, having taken part in many a hardfought battle, being wounded at Resaca, Georgia, May 14, 1864, having 1>een struck in the right arm by a musket ball which, took effect near the shoulder. He was in the hospital but a short time as a result of this wound. He was in a number of engagements while in Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea. He was discharged June 28, 1865, at \Yashington City, after which he went to Springfield, Illinois, where he received his pay. then he came back to Marion county and took up farming, at which he has prospered ever since.

In politics Mr. Rogers is a loyal advocate of the principles fostered by the Democratic party, and while he has never found time to take much interest in active political affairs his vote is always cast for the men whom he believes will best serve the public interests. In religious matters his parents were Missionary Baptists on his mother's side. Personally Mr. Rogers adheres to the principles of good citizenship and believes in attending strictly to his own affairs.

Prof. J. H. G. Brixkerhoff

He owns a valuable and highly improved farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres, having lived on the same since the fall of 1867, and during his lapse of years he has seen this county undergo great changes.

Prof. J. H. G. Brinkerhoff

The biographer in \vrting of the representative citizens of Marion count}', Illinois, has found no subject worthier of representation in a work of the province of the one at hand than Professor Brinkerhoff, author -of the historical portion of this history, who is known as a man of high attainments, and practical ability, as one who has achieved success in his profession principally because he has worked for it. His prestige in the educational circles of this locality stands in evidence of his ability and likewise stands as a voucher for intrinsic worth of character. He has used his intellect to the best purpose, has directed his energies in legitimate channels, and his career has been based upon the wise assumption that nothing save industry, perseverance, sturdy integrity and fidelity to duty will lead to success. The profession of teaching which our subject has made his principal life work offers no opportunities to the slothful, only to such determined spirits as that of Mr. Brinkeroff. It is an arduous, exacting, discouraging profession to one who is unwilling to subordinate other interests to its demands, but to the true and earnest devotee it offers a sphere of action whose attractions are equal to any and whose rewards are unstinted. That the subject possesses the qualities enumerated is undoubted oVing to the success he has achieved and the high regard in which he is held by all who know him.

Pr&i. J. H. G. Brinkerhoff was born December\i4, 1844, in Hackensack, New Jersey, and he came to Illinois with his father in 1852, rvho settled in Grandview, Edgar county, wnVe the subject's father established a ploWj and wagon shop, which he conducted fori four years. In 1856 his father moved on a farm where young Brinkerhoff was inured to the hard work of the farm on that day. He was educated in the common schools of those early days when opportunities for higher learning were limited. Being desir&u^of making the most of his life work, he later attended Steele's Academy and the Kansas high school, also the Indiana State Normal School. He decided to take up the profession of law and subsequently entered McKendree College and received the degree of Bachelor of Law from that institution, but believing that teaching was best suited to his tastes he accordingly began that line of work in 1864 and he followed that profession with unabated success for a period of thirty years, becoming known as one of the ablest educators of this section of the state. During that long stretch of continuous service he never lost a day on account of sickness. For ten years he was at the head of the citv schools in Lebanon, Illinois, and for

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISthe same length of time held the same position in Salem. Owing to his high educational attainments, his close application to duty and his native ability in this line of work, he was a favorite with both pupils and their parents and his services were always in great demand.

Professor Brinkerhoff was united in marriage with Amanda S. Clark at Mascoutah, St. Clair county, Illinois, in 1873. She is a representative of a well known and influential family of that county. To this union seven cihldren have been born, four sons and three daughters, one daughter dying in infancy. The other six are all living in Salem.

Professor Brinkerhoff is a descendant of sterling old Knickerbocker Dutch stock, the founder of the family having settled in Long Island in 1632, and in 1685 he removed to a farm on the Hackensack river in New Jersey, which farm remained in possession of the family until after the Revolutionary war. The paternal great-grandfather of the subject was a lieutenant in the New Jersey Continentals and he was in active service during the war except for a period of eighteen months when he was a prisoner of war on the Jersey prison ship in the East river, from which he finally escaped by jumping overboard and swimming to the New York side of the river. The family have always been patriotic, lawabiding and firm believers in the right of man to govern himself.

Elmer Bassett

Among the young agriculturists of Foster township, Marion county, who have shown by their industry and perseverance what can be accomplished among circumstances none too favorable, is the gentleman whose name appears above, for he has gained definite success through his life of rightly aplied effort and at the same time has established a reputation for honesty and integrity.

Elmer Bassett was born on the old Bassett homestead in Foster township, Marion county, August 29, 1871, the son of Harvey F. and Sarah (Chilton) Bassett, the former a native of Jackson county, Indiana, and the latter a native of Jennings county, Indiana. They came to Marion county, Illinois, about 1860 and bought land in section 22, Foster township. It had little improvements on it, but being thrifty he improved the land and added to it until he owned three hundred and twenty acres in sections 22, 23 and 27, devoting his life to farming. He held many of the township offices, and took an interest in politics. He was a Republican and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, well known and highly respected by everyone. He died January 20, 1890, and his wife in May, 1907. The following children were born to them : Belle, who married J. B. Altum, now deceased, the former making her home at present in Mossville, Texas; Ansel H.. a farmer near Mena, Arkansas, married Mary McCune; Lafayette, a farmer in Foster township, Marion county, married Illinois Arnold; Elmer, the subject of this sketch. Harvey F. was married twice and of the last marriage there was no issue.

Mr. Bassett was educated in the common schools and always lived at home. He was united in marriage October 3, 1897. to Maggie McWhirter. of Foster township, this county, the daughter of Charles Pitt and Rebecca (Hammeis) McWhirter, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Illinois. The former came to Marion county as a, young man and located in Tonti township, where he rented land for awhile and later bought a farm in section 34, Foster township, where he died in April, 1907, after an active and useful life. His wife is still living on the old place. Eleven children were born to them, six of whom are still living, namely: Mattie, wife of Isaac Sprouse, living in Alma township ; Belle, married A. J. Williams, of Foster township; Amanda married Benjamin Williams, of Foster township; Charles is a farmer living in Foster township; Richard is a farmer living in Alma, Illinois ; Maggie, the subject's wife.

The subject has always been a farmer and one of the best, too. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of the old place and eighty acres of the E. L. Thomas place, Foster township. This land is under a high state of improvement.

Henry C. Foster

Among the sturdy and enterprising farmers of Foster township, Marion county, is the gentleman whose name appears above, whose life has been one of industry and strict adherence to honorable principles, which has resulted in gaining a comfortable living and at the same time winning the respect of his fellow men.

Henry C. Foster was born in Clinton county, Illinois, January 29, 1842, the son of William Henry and Nancy (Lowe) Foster, the former of Georgia and the latter of Tennessee. William Henry Lowe came as a boy with his parents to Illinois and located in Clinton county, where they were among the early pioneers. They later came to Foster township, Marion county, and purchased wild land and made extensive improvements on the same. The subject's father grew up in Foster township and received only a limited education, having scarcely any chance to attend school. He married here and lived at the old homestead. Although he at one time conducted a store, he devoted his life to farming pursuits. He was a Republican but never aspired to office. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The follow- ing children were born to them: William, deceased, married Pyrena Nichols; John was in Company I, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, who lived in Clinton county, Illinois, after the war until his death ; Jane, who married David Nichols, of Foster township, the former is now deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, married David Nichols, of Foster township ; Andrew J. was in Company F, Seventh Illinois Cavalary, having served four years and four months, who located in Kinmundy after the war, where he has since resided; Henry C., our subject; Irwin W., a farmer of Labette county, Kansas, who was in the Union army during the Civil war; Winfield Scott is single and living in Foster township.

The subject of this sketch had little chance of attending school. He lived at home until he reached the age of twenty-one years. On September 30, 1869, he married Cynthia A. Garrett, of Foster township, and a daughter of Moses and Hannah (Morris) Garrett, both natives of Georgia. They were pioneers of Foster township, this county, where they devoted their lives to farming. Four children have been born to the subject and wife, namely : Charles H., who has always lived at home; Nola married S. Williams, of Foster township, and they are the parents of two children, Flossie and Relzia; Fannie C. married Jake Thomas, of Foster township, and they are the parents of five children, namely : James, Carrie, Nona, Eva and Van ; James Emery, the subject's youngest child, is living in Foster township. He married Maude Holland, of Patoka, and they have three children : Basel, Waneta, deceased, and Harrell.

One of the patriotic men of this state who felt it his duty to offer his services in defense of the flag was the subject of this sketch, who enlisted in Company F, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, at Camp Butler, where they drilled for awhile, after which they were sent to Nashville, Tennessee. The subject was in the second battle of Corinth. He was on an eight hundred mile march from Lagrange, Tennessee, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which took sixteen days, having been in many skirmishes all along the march. He was taken sick and went home on sixty days' furlough. He rejoined his company at Germantown, Tennessee, and went up the Mississippi river and was in Tennessee until the close of the war. He was sick a great deal and his eyes were affected, having lost the sight in the left one. He was discharged November 9, 1865, at Springfield, Illinois, after gallantly serving in the Union ranks. After the war he located in Foster township, and in 1878 bought the farm where he now lives, this having been his home since that time. The place consists of one hundred acres in section 23. He has made all the improvements, his farm now ranking with any in the township. He has always been considered a first class farmer. He has a substantial and comfortable residence and everything about his place shows good management. He is a Republican in politics. He ably served as School Director for manv years. He is a

Orville T. Walton

The subject of this sketch has passed his life in Marion county, and as a representative of one of the honored families early settled in this section he is well entitled to representation in this volume.

Orville T. Walton was born in Patoka township. Marion county, November 6, 1868, the son of Iradell and Louisa (Foster) Walton, both natives of Illinois. They lived mostly . in Patoka and Foster townships, having come to the latter in 1869 and settled in section 19. He first purchased sixty acres and later sixty acres more were added and then another sixty acres, still later, forty-eight acres, all in Foster township and twenty acres in Patoka township, having always been a farmer, well known and highly respected by all ; an active Democrat, having served as Town Clerk and Treasurer, and he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His death occurred April 17, 1897, and his wife passed to her rest April 27, 1900. The subject's grandfather and grandmother Walton both died of cholera in 1849. Iradell Walton and wife were the parents of eleven children, namely: Monroe, a farmer in Foster township, who married Harriet Friend, the latter dying January. 1908; Rosie Maud, now deceased, married Arthur Irvin ; Rachel married Marshall Livesay, of Foley. Missouri ; Lillian married Thomas Bundy, of Fayette county, Illinois; Orville T., our subject; Effie married Leonard Arnold, of Foster township ; Abbie is the wife of David M. Giddeon, of Slater, Missouri ; William A., who married Annie Grouse, of Patoka, this county; Edna is the wife of Charles Meadows, of Patoka; Delia is a nurse, living in Foster township ; Robert lives on the old home place in Foster township and married Lizzie Ballance.

The subject of this sketch had only a limited education, attending the home schools for a short time. He remained a member of the family circle until he was twenty-three years old.

Orville T. Walton was united in marriage March 17, 1891, with Florence Chance, of Foster township, daughter of Willis J. and Matilda (Foster) Chance. They were both born in Marion county and lived in Foster township. They are farmers and have four children, namely: Florence, the subject's wife; Mary, the wife of Eli Logan, of Patoka township; Elza is a traveling salesman with headquarters at Clay Center, Kansas ; John is living at home.

After the subject's marriage he located on the George McHeny place in Foster township, where he remained for one year, also one year on the Chance place and one on the Foster place. He then bought forty acres in section 18, the J. H. Walker

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISplace, where he lived for five years and then moved to Harvey, Illinois, where he lived two years, when he moved back to Foster township in the fall of 1907, locating where he now lives. He bought the John Chick place, consisting of forty acres. He was always a hard worker and thrifty, consequently he has been enabled to add on to his place until he now has ninety acres of as good land as can be found in this locality, which is well improved and managed so that abundant harvests are reaped from year to year. He raises good horses, cattle and hogs and carries on a general farming business. He has £ comfortable dwelling and convenient out buildings. He has always been a public-spirited man and has ably served as school director and Town Clerk. He is a loyal Democrat and a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is regarded by his neighbors as among the leading young farmers of Foster township.

Jonathan A. Green

The subject of this biography has always been an honest and hard-working man, and the success that crowns his efforts is well merited. He is liberal and public-spirited, well known and highly respected in the COITH inunity which has been his home all his life.

Jonathan A. Green was born in Foster township, Marion county, Illinois, August 13, 1867, the son of Monroe Green, who was the son of Jonathan Green, of Tennessee. He came to Marion county, this state, in an early day and secured government land, locating in Foster township. He cleared the land and made a home here, having always been a farmer. Monroe Green was also a farmer all his life. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and a Democrat; was well known and highly respected. He was a soldier in the Civil war, having been a member of Company D, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His first wife was the mother of four children, namely: Jonathan A., our subject; Cyrus, a farmer in Foster township, this county; Anna, who married Elmer Arnold, of Foster township; Jennie, who married Samuel Arnold, is deceased; Eliza (Jones) Green was the daughter of Samuel and Mary Ann Jones. They were early settlers in Marion county, Illinois.

Jonathan A. Green was educated in the local public schools, having been raised on his father's farm, where he remained until he was married December 31, 1885, to Anna Chick, a native of Ohio, the daughter of John and Lucinda (Carter) Chick, of the Buckeye state, who came to Illinois in 1875 where the former died.

After the subject's marriage he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres in Foster township, which was partly improved. The subject has made many important changes on the place, which now ranks among the best in the township, being very productive and producing excellent crops from year to year through the skillful management of Mr. Green, who is regarded as one of the best farmers in a general way in the community.

Mr. Green has faithfully served his township as Supervisor for two terms and has always taken a great deal of interest in politics, having held many minor local offices. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Vernon, Illinois, and was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is well informed on current topics and he is widely known and liked in Foster and adjoining townships or wherever his acquaintance extends.

Francis M. Robb

One of the influential citizens of Foster township, Marion county, is the gentleman to whose career attention is now directed, and it may be said that the agricultural interests of the county have few if any more able representatives.

Francis M. Robb was born in Kinmundy township, Marion county, Illinois, the present site of the village of Kinmundy, September 22, 1847, the son of Samuel and Agnes (Pruitt) Robb, the former of Tennessee and the latter of Virginia. Samuel was the son of Eli Robb, a native of Tennessee, who came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1820 and settled where Kinmundy now stands. He secured land which he converted into a valuable farm and made a comfortable home here, where he died in 1854 of cholera. He was one of the pioneers of this county. He was a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church.

Samuel Robb, the father of the subject of this sketch, was twelve years old when his father, Eli Robb, came to this county, the former receiving only a limited education and lived the rest of his life on a farm in this county, owning a large tract of land, and he was a stock dealer. He was a strong Democrat and was well known throughout the county, and his death occurred in 1881. The subject's mother, Agnes (Pruitt) Robb, was the daughter of Robert and Martha Pruitt, who came to Marion county in a very early day, about 1812, settling in what is now Meacham township, where they got government land, but later went to Missouri. Samuel Robb and wife were the parents of nine children, namely: Francis M., our subject; Martha, deceased; William, deceased; Permelia: Eli, deceased; Robert, Mary, Edwin, and an infant, both deceased.

The subject has spent all of his life in Marion county, where he received only a limited education. He has always been a farmer and is considered one of the best in the township by his neighbors. He first got government land in Kinmundy township, and in 1882 moved to Foster township, where he now lives and owns two hundred and forty acres on which he has made all the improvements and which he has developed into a very fine farm, being well

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISfenced, and the crops have been so skillfully rotated that the original richness of the soil has been retained. He has a substantial and pleasant home, a convenient barn and many good out buildings.

Mr. Robb was united in marriage in 1867 with Julia Lowe at St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Arnold) Lowe, both now deceased. They were natives of Tennessee, having come to Marion county, Illinois, at an early date, locating on a farm in Foster- township.

Eight children have been born to the subject and wife, named in order of birth as follows: Hattie, the wife of J. Arnold; Delia, the wife of Charles Doolen ; Margaret : Agnes, the wife of Emmet Jones ; Emma the wife of Guy Arnold; Lulu, the wife of Frank Jones; Ella, who died in infancy; Eli. who married Josie Ballance, a farmer.

The subject and wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The subject is a loyal Democrat, and was Supervisor of this township for two terms. He has also held other minor local offices. He is a faithful member of the Masonic lodge at Kinmundy.

which rugged country so many hardy sons have gone forth to bless humanity in various ways, and he is in every way typical of those whose lives benefit all with whom they come in contact.

James McNicol was born on the Isle of Arran. Scotland, in March, 1847, tne son of Archibald and Anna (McBride) McNicol, both natives of Arran, as was also the grandparents of the subject. The ancestors of our subject were farmers. Archibald Mc- Nicol and family came to America in the early sixties on the steamship Caledonia. They landed in New York City and then went to St. Louis county, Illinois, where Alexander McBride, the brother of Mrs. Mc- Nicol, lived. The father of the subject rented land there for a while, and then came to Marion county, Illinois, where he bought land two miles west of Patoka. This place was wild and consisted of one hundred and sixty acres. He later went back to St. Louis county, where he remained several years, after which he went to North Dakota where he secured government land in Benson county, living there for a period of eight years, when he sold out and went to Pierce county. Washington, where he lived with his children until his death in 1897. His wife died in 1896.

They were the parents of five sons and two daughters, namely: May is living in Buckley, Pierce county, Washington; Mag- Buckley, Pierce county, Washington, as does also Alexander, who is a merchant; John, the fourth child, married Mary Hulsey, and he is in partnership with his brother in a store at Buckley, Washington : William who was a mill man at Buckley, Washington, was killed in 1900; Archie died at Patoka ; James, the subject of this sketch and Alexander are twins and the third and fourth members of the family.

Mr. McXicol, our subject, received only a limited schooling and he remained at home until his marriage in the fall of 1865, to Ella J. Simcox, a native of Kentucky, the daughter of W. K. and Agnes Rebecca Simcox, natives of Kentucky. They came to Marion county, Illinois, in about 1866, and settled in Patoka township. The subject's wife passed to her rest April 6, 1902. Xine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McNicol, one of whom is deceased. They are : William, a farmer in Foster township, who married Lola Caldwell ; Archibald, who has remained single, is a ranchman in Montana; Mary is the wife of C. H. Arnold of Sterling, Colorado; Jessie is the wife of Luther Caldwell. of Foster township ; Agnes is the wife of Cyrus E. Arnold, of Foster township; Maggie is living at home, as are also James and Warren; Ruth is deceased.

After his marriage the subject located in Foster township, Marion county, where he has since resided, having purchased land here. In 1876 he went to Benson county, North Dakota, and took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land, where he remained for six years, engaged in farming and stock raising, which he made a success. He sold out there and returned to Foster township, this county, where he purchased land, now owning an excellent farm of three hundred and fifty-nine acres, all in Foster township. It is under a high state of improvement and is regarded as one of the model farms of Marion county, being in every way in first class condition and showing that a man of rare soundness of judgment and business ability has managed it. He raises abundant crops of corn, wheat, hay and oats. No small part of his income is derived from live stock, for he is a most excellent judge of stock and some fine varieties of Poland China hogs and Red Poland cattle are to be found about the place. He carries on a general farming business with that rare discretion which always insures success.

While our subject has never aspired to office he has held several local public positions. He is an independent voter, preferring to cast his ballot for the man he believes will best serve the public, rather than for the party. He is a faithful member of the Christian church of Patoka. Mr. Mc- Nicol's life has been one of industry,, scrupulous honesty and integrity.

Albert G. Porter

Among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Marion county, Illinois, is the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this ketch, who has engaged in various lines of business activity in this county and is known as one of the leading liverymen of the locality, at present managing an extensive livery- stable in Kinmundy, while he maintains a fine home there, and the years of his residence has but served to strengthen the feeling of confidence of his fellow citizens. Although yet a young man, scarcely one-third of the years usually allotted to human life having passed over him, our subject has shown what a rightly directed principle, coupled with honesty and integrity, can do toward winning definite success.

Albert G. Porter was born in this county October 14, 1880, the son of Emmett D. and Rachael (Henry) Porter, the father a native of Ohio, and the mother of Illinois. There were seven children in this family, all of whom lived to maturity. The father of the subject was a soldier in an Ohio regiment during the Civil war and after being mustered out returned to Ohio and soon thereafter came to Fayette county, Illinois, and after remaining there for a time came to Marion county. He engaged in the hardware business while living in Fayette county and when he came to Marion county, he went into the livery business and after managing the same for about two years he sold out and became agent for a marble works establishment. Later he handled fire insurance and became adjuster of claims, holding his position, official and otherwise, until his death, having faithfully sewed the company to the entire satisfaction of all its members for a period of thirty years, which is a sure criterion of his ability and integrity. He was fifty-six years old at the time of his death. The mother of the subject, a woman of many beautiful traits of character, is still living in 1908, at the age of fiftynine years. There were four children in this family, all of them reaching maturity and all but one are married and have famlies. They are Harry E., who is at the time of this writing thirty-six years old, and a traveling salesman ; he is married and has one child. Charles H., the second child of the parents of the subject, was in business in the city of Chicago. He is now in the fruit and poultry business at Los Angeles, California, having made a pronounced success of this business from the first. One sister, Nellie, is now the wife of Gus Elbow, of Oklahoma City, and the mother of one child. Her husband is an attorney. Our subject was the fourth child in order of birth. He attended the common schools in Kinmundy, until he was nineteen years of age, and received a fairly good education, which has since been greatly strengthened by home study and by coming in contact with the world. He also attended a business college in Centralia, Illinois, after leaving the public schools and thereby received a good business education. He also read medicine for one year, and then attended to various matters until 1908, when he opened up a livery business in Kinmundy, which he is at present conducting, having built up an extensive business.

Our subject was united in marriage on March 3, 1907, to Maud L. West, a native of this county, and the daughter of Charles H. and Rosa ( Dillon) West. Mr. West is a native of Indiana. He was a farmer and stock raiser, having made the raising of Hereford cattle a specialty for a number of years, but is now living in honorable retirement, making his home in Kinmundy, having sold his principal farm, but he still owns several orchard farms, consisting of hundreds of acres.

Mr. and Mrs. Porter have one infant son. They own their nicely furnished home. The mother of the subject also owns her home and is living by herself. Mr. Porter is a young man to whom the future holds out much of promise, being industrious, quick to grasp an opportunity, and it would be hard to find among the younger generation of business men in Marion county, a worthier subject than he.

Calendar Rohrbough

Among those deserving great credit for what they have accomplished is the subject of this biographical review, and that he has not been denied a due reward for his well directed efforts is shown by the fact that today he is one of the most prominent business men of Marion county, Illinois.

Calendar Rohrbough was born near the town of Buckhannon, Lewis, now Upshur county, West Virginia, September i, 1834, the son of Simon and Katharine (Lorentz) Rohrbough. Grandfather Jacob Lorentz was one of the leading men in Virginia in his day, being a man of high intellectual attainments. In the year 1800 Jacob Lorentz and two other men cut the first wagon road along one of the Indian trails across the mountains and brought the first wagon into Lewis county, Virginia. He was a merchant and for many years kept the only store in the valley and did a large mercantile business. In fact his store business was so extensive and profitable that for half a century he was regarded as the wealthiest man in those parts. He was a Whig in politics, lived to be over eighty years of age and reared a large family, consisting of eight sons and four daughters. All of these children lived to the age of maturity, our subject's mother reaching the age of fiftytwo years, after having given birth to fourteen children, all but one of whom lived to maturity. She was a kind, tender mother, a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The ancestors of the father of the subject were natives of Germany, the grandfather, Anthony Rohrbough, was born November 15, 1765, in Hardy county, Virginia, and in 1798 moved to Buckhannon, Lewis county, Virginia, then an almost unbroken wilderness, where he lived and died July 27, 1860, at the age of ninety-four years, eight months and twelve days, leaving behind him eleven children, one hundred and twenty grandchildren and one hundred and twenty-nine great-grandchildren, in all two hundred and sixty. He was a good and upright man of unblemished character, a stanch Methodist, "full of faith and the Holy Ghost." His home was a stopping place for the itinerant preacher and in the early settlement the meeting place for public worship. Grandmother (Simons) Rohrbough died in the year 1837. Simon Rohrbough, the subject's father, was a well read man, prominent in the public affairs of his county, commissioned by the Governor of the state of Virginia one of the first Justices -of the Peace of Upshur county, which position he held by the suffrage of his constituency the remainder of his life. He was interested in education and was Superintendant of Schools in 1853 and 1854, was a farmer, a Whig in politics, a worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, a liberal supporter of all benevolent enterprises, a friend of the poor; his home was open to the stranger and no one was asked to pay for lodging or meals, his generous hospitality was known throughout a good portion of Virginia. He spent all his' life in the state of Virginia, dying there at the age of sixtysix years, after seeing thirteen of his children grown to maturity.

Our subject did not have very extensive advantages to secure an education, but he made the best possible use of the advantages he had, and by strenuous personal effort was able to begin teaching when twenty years old. In 1857 he came to Hancock county, Illinois, and taught with great success until 1860, when he engaged in the mercantile business at Basco, Hancock county, Illinois, and closed out his business at great loss in August, 1862, and began organizing Company H, One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he was mustered in as second lieutenant, but in the spring of 1863 he was promoted to first lieutenant and in October of the same year he was commissioned captain. Mr. Rohrbough's military history is too extensive to be followed in detail, suffice it to say that his was an honorable and gallant record, and deserving much praise. He was in command of his company at the time of leaving Camp Butler and also through the Vicksburg campaign. His first principal engagement was at Chickasaw Bluffs under Sherman in December, 1862, after which his regiment participated in the capture of Arkansas Post and then returned to Young's Point, opposite Vicksburg, and worked on the Grant Canal. In March he removed to Milliken's Bend on account of high water, the suffering and death roll at Young's Point was appalling and the funeral dirge rang day and night, being in General Osterhaus's division he was in the advance and in the first battle of the compaign, May i, 1862, at Fort Gibson, then Champion Hill, Black River Bridge and Vicksburg May 1 9th and 22d, and in the general charge on the 22d, after which he returned to Black river under General Sherman and guarded the approaches of Gen. Joe Johnson, upon the fall of Vicksburg. His regiment now being mounted led the advance on Jackson, Mississippi, the march being stubbornly re- . sisted. Both cavalry and infantry service were required. On arriving at Jackson the regiment took its place in the infantry division which held the center. After the evacuation of Jackson it resumed its place in the cavalry brigade and joined in the raid to Brookhaven, Mississippi, returned to Jack- son and then to Vicksburg. Being transferred to the Department of the Gulf, he was in General Franklin's expedition into western Louisiana, still being mounted, he was on the fighting line from Brashear City to Washington, Louisiana, the farthest position reached, was in the battle at Carrion Crow Bayou, November 3, 1863, after which he returned to Port Hudson, Louisiana, January, 1864, remaining there until July of the same year and then removed to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, remaining there until the close of the war. During this time our subject was in the many expeditions under Gen. A. L. Lee into the enemy's lines. He was placed on General Lee's staff and served as assistant adjutant-general on the staff of Gen. John G. Fonda. He was in General Davidson's expedition from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to West Pascagoula, within forty miles of Mobile, Alabama, being in $»e - month of December. The weather was cold and rainy, roads knee deep with mud, rivers swollen and the only means of crossing was by swimming. The principal diet was sweet potatoes. An incident which may not be without interest took place at Augusta, on Leaf river. As the Federals approached the town on the opposite side of the river they discovered a company of Confederate soldiers in line pf battle some distance from the river near the town. In a little while they left their arms and came to the river and joined in a pleasant chat with the Union soldiers for an hour. During the time not a shot was fired. After returning to their arms a lively skirmish ensued. Our subject participated in more than fifty battles and skirmishes, had two horses shot under him, was thrown from his horse in a charge and left for dead on the battlefield. He was mustered out after the close of the war at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October i, 1865.

Mr. Rohrbough was united in marriage November 29, 1860, to Anna M. Moore, the refined daughter of Andrew and Abigail (Tweed) Moore. Her mother was related to the Claytons of Delaware. Mr. Moore, who was a native of the state of Delaware, settled in Illinois in the year 1837. He was a farmer, a strong Union man, well read, quiet and unostentatious, and he lived to be seventy-seven years old. Both he and his wife were Methodists. The subject's wife's mother lived to be eighty-four years old. There were six children in this family, five of whom lived to maturity. One of these. Levi B. Moore, was first lieutenant in the company which our subject commanded, and he is now one of the leading business men of Denison, Texas. Father and mother Moore lived near Carthage, Illinois, during the Mormon troubles and suffered many outrages from them. Mrs. Rohrbough loves to recall an incident in her girlhood days during the memorable campaign between Abraham Lincoln- and Stephen A. Douglas in 1858. She was in a large procession in Carthage, Illinois. The wagon she occupied was filled with beautiful girls dressed in white, representing the several states and was richly decorated with flags, banners, streamers and a large golden

Six children have been born to the subject and wife as follows: Homer Lorentz, who died in infancy; Levi Calendar, born in January, 1863, is in the hardware business in DuQuoin, Illinois, and is the father of three children; Charles B. was born in 1866, is one of the leading merchants of Kinmundy, this county, and is the father of one child living; Louie Andrew and Fredie Milton, who died in infancy; Helen M., the only daughter, was born in 1875 and is the wife of Walter Morgan, an attorney in Denver, Colorado. They have no children. Both the subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, both being active in the same, the former having been superintendent of the Sunday school for over forty years and he is still serving in this capacity. He has been through all the lay offices of the church and is now a trustee, a steward and class leader. As might be expected, our subject is a loyal member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is also a member of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee. He has served as worshipful master of the local lodge of Masons for several years, is a member of the Grand Lodge and a grand lecturer in this order. Mr. Rohrbough joined the Sons of Temperance when seventeen years old and has always been a zealous worker in that cause. He orgainzed the Magnolia (Military) Lodge of Good Templars of the One

Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which is said to be the only one of the many lodges from the state of Illinois that kept up their organization during the entire war. He also organized the first Good Templar lodge in the state of Louisiana. In 1866 he organized a similar lodge in Kinmundy, Illinois. He was a charter member of Fidelity Council No. 24, Royal Templars of Temperance, which was instituted at Kinmundy, Illinois, in 1879. He was elected select councilor and he was a delegate and helped organize the Grand Council, Royal Templars of Temperance, of the state of Illinois, in 1880. He served as grand chancelor three terms and grand secretary for several years. He was a member of the Supreme Council and represented his state in that body for a number of years. Our subject says the hardest battles of his life have been those fought against intemperance. Both he and his wife, since their marriage, have been potent factors in this cause; the latter has been an active worker in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union for many years and is now treasurer of the local union. The subject was the first president of the Southern Illinois Sunday School Conference Association, and was a lay delegate to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church which met in Philadelphia in 1884. Captain Rohrbough has also been prominent in political life, being formerly a Republican but now a stanch party Prohibitionist. He was present at the organization of the party in Farwell Hall, Chicago, in 1868, and he was the

After returning from his career in the army Mr. Rohrbough settled in Kinmundy, Illinois, where his chief life work has been carried on with great success and benefit to himself as well as to the welfare of the community and county in which he lives. He successfully followed the mercantile business for twenty-five years, becoming known as one of the leading merchants of the county. He organized the first National Bank of Kinmundy and was its first president, which position he held until he retired from this business when this bank was consolidated with the State Bank, August 15, 1906.

Our subject was one of the organizers of the Kinmundy Building and Loan Association, which was incorporated in October, 1887, and was the first president, which position he held until elected secretary, and is now serving in this capacity. This association is one of the solid financial concerns of Marion county, and one of the most prosperous associations of its kind in the state and is the well deserved pride of Kinmundy.

Gustin L. Eagan

The family of which the subject of this sketch is an honored representative has been known in Marion county since the pioneer period and the record they have made has been one of which Mr. Eagan can justly be proud, for his ancestors left a priceless heritage to their posterity, the memory of names and deeds which time can neither obliterate nor dim.

Gustin L. Eagan was born in Marion county, Illinois, in 1857, the son of Henry and Margaret (Hatten) Eagan. Grandfather Isaac Eagan, who was born in Tennessee, came to Illinois, settling in Kinmundy, when a young man. He drove a stage coach through Salem and to the south, and later became a farmer and lived until about the age of seventy-five years. He was the father of nine children, eight of whom lived to be men and women. His wife was also about seventy-five years old when she was called to her rest. They were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Grandfather donated ground for the local church in Kinmundy, the deed having been made to the trustee of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and their successors, for the use of this denomination. The Presbyterians are now seeking to take the property from the hands of the original grantees to be used by the Presbyterian church. Grandfather Eagan was a Democrat, a man of industry, leaving considerable property of value which reverted to his heirs.

Grandfather Hatten was a native of North Carolina and lived and died in that state. Grandmother Hatten moved to Marion county, this state, where she settled, after her husband's death. She lived to be about sixty-five years old. There were four children in the Hatten family, one of

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF -MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISthem becoming a soldier in the Civil war, having served in an Illinois regiment, serving out his time and receiving an honorable discharge.

The subject's father was born in Marion county and always lived here. He was a wagon-maker, also manufactured plows, for many years making all the wagons and plows used in this part of the country, following his trade periodically all his life, also owned a small farm. He was called from his earthly labors when forty-eight years old, the subject's mother being only a year older than her husband when she was called to the spirit land. They were Cumberland Presbyterians, and were the parents of ten children, eight of whom lived to maturity. Henry Eagan was a Democrat in his political beliefs.

Gustin L. Eagan, our subject, was educated in the public schools, which he left when eighteen years old, and began the blacksmith's trade. Following in the footsteps of his father, he soon became a very skilled artisan and upheld the high reputation for first class work that his worthy father had so long borne. At this writing, Mr. Eagan is proprietor of the Hotel Eagan, one of the most popular and convenient places for the accommodation of transients to the city that can be found in the county, being known as a place of homelike comfort, and where courteous treatment is extended to all. As a result of these facts this house has become widely known to the traveling public, and Mr. Eagan enjoys a liberal patronage. Besides this line of business he still successfully conducts his blacksmith shop, enjoying, as usual, a liberal patronage from Kinmundy and surrounding country. He has been able to lay by a comfortable competency for his old age.

Mr. Eagan was united in marriage in 1889 to Jennie Darney, a native of Ohio, whose father died in Illinois, after which event the mother of Mrs. Eagan moved back to Ohio, where she died. Mr. Darney came to America from France. He was a soldier, having seen service in the Franco- German war. The family of our subject and wife consists of four interesting children, named as follows: Beulah, who was born in 1891, is the wife of F. H. Spillman, and the mother of one child; Mascelline, who was born in 1893, graduated from the local schools in 1907 ; Lawrence was born in 1895, and is living at home; Henry was born in 1897, cl>ed n: infancy.

In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and faithfully served as Alderman for a number of years. He has also been Trustee, Collector and Supervisor. Mr. Eagan was Mayor of Kinmundy from 1906 to 1908. In all these official capacities he discharged his duties with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is held in high favor by the people of Marion county, where he is well known and where he labors for the advancement of the general good.

Seymour Andrews

-Nearly a century has dissolved in the mists of time, the most remarkable century in all of the history of the race of mankind, since our honored and venerable subject first saw the light of day. Heaven has bounteously lengthened out his life until he has seen the crowning glory of this the most wonderful epoch of all the aeons of time, rewarding him with an unusual span of years as the result of virtuous and consistent living in his youth and years of his manhood, until now in the golden evening of his life, surrounded by comfort and plenty as a result of his earlier years of industry and frugality, Mr. Andrews can take a retrospective glance down the corridors of the relentless and irrevocable past and feel that his has been an eminently useful, successful and happy life, a life which was not devoid of obstacle and whose rose held many a thorn, but with indomitable courage he pressed onward with his face set in determination toward the distant goal which he has so grandly won; a life of sunshine and shadow, of victory and defeat, but nobly lived and worthily rewarded as such lives always are by the Giver of all good and precious gifts, who has given our subject the longest span of years of any citizen in Marion county, Illinois, a great gift, indeed, of which Mr. Andrews is duly grateful. He was one of the hardy pioneers, a member of the famous band of "forty-niners" who crossed the trackless plains that stretched to the "sundown seas," whose courageous

Seymour Andrews was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, January 17, 1825, the son of Nelson and Jane (Gaston) Andrews, the former a native of Oneida county, New York, where he was born in 1799. There were ten children in his family, an equal number of boys and girls, of whom our subject is the oldest in order of birth. The subject's mother, who was born in South Carolina, was one of a family of eight children. Nelson Andrews came west with his parents in 1819, and settled in Jefferson county, Illinois. They built a raft in Olean, New York, constructed a rude cabin on it and floated down the Monongahela river to Cincinnati. This was in 1818. They stopped and made shingles and sold timber and rafts. They made a flat boat there and floated to Shawneetown, where they hitched their two ponies onto a large wagon and drove to the vicinity of what is now known as Dix, Jefferson county. Arra Andrews, brother of Nelson Andrews, who is the father of Seymour Andrews, made the first plat of Salem and surveyed it. Jane Gaston's father, Samuel Gaston, the grandfather of Seymour Andrews, was one of the first commissioners appointed by the government to locate the county seat of Clinton county, which is Carlyle, Illinois.

During the days of Nelson and Jane Andrews a company of Rangers visited this part of the state between the years 1820 and 1825. They drove out the Goings family from Jefferson county by whip. Members of this family were said to be noted counterfeiters, horse thieves and harbored all such people at their home near that of Samuel Gaston, the maternal grandfather of our subject.

Seymour Andrews was married to Martha C. Hendrixon, of Jefferson county, Illinois, August 15, 1844, and they are now, 1908, the oldest married couple in this county, having enjoyed a harmonious wedded life of over sixty-four years; they are both in fairly good health and enjoying a serene and comfortable old age. The following children were born to them : Harvey T., deceased; Elizabeth J., deceased, married John Morsman and had one son, Charles, a dentist in Minnesota; Truman B. married Amanda McClellan and has three children, all married; Sidney W. married Belle Mathews and is living in Arkansas, where he is postmaster at Walnut Ridge, and is the father of two children ; Margaret married G. J. Goetch, of Centralia, Illinois, and she is the mother of two children; Ida L. married T. L. Baltzell, who lives in Los Angeles, California; Altha married G. C. Matsler, of Centralia, and lives with her parents, her husband being a telegraph operator on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad; the eighth and ninth children both died in infancy.

As already indicated Mr. Andrews crossed the plains to California before the days of the trans-continental railways. This was in 1850 and the trip was made with an ox team, in company with John Parkinson,

James Parkinson and Preston McCullough. They left Walnut Hill April 3, 1850, with four yoke of oxen and arrived in California after much hardship and adventure August loth, the same year, having been on the road over four months. They wintered four miles from the famous Sutter mill and crossed the old ditch where gold was first discovered many times.

Having been a hard worker and an industrious man all his life, Mr. Andrews always made a comfortable living and was enabled to lay up a competency to insure his old age free from want. He has faithfully and ably served his community as Justice of the Peace for the past sixteen years. He is also a notary public and handles a successful line of fire insurance.