Marion County, Illinois - The whole text, 1909 (part 26 of 27)

Doctor Jourdan is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Orchardville, Illinois, and he has belonged to the Christian church for over thirty years. He is widely known in Marion and surrounding counties, where he is regarded as a very useful man. ever ready to do faithfully whatever his hands find to do.

Hon. Silas Lillard Bryan

more exalted place in the public mind than that ~of -the late Hon. Silas L. Bryan, of Marion county. Holding distinctive prestige at a bar long noted for a high order of legal talent, achieving success in his chosen calling such as few attain, and bringing to the bench the ability, erudition and dignity characteristic of the learned and accomplished jurist, he discharged worthily the duties of his important trust and impressed his individuality upon his contemporaries as one of the leading men of his day and generation in his adopted state.

In the veins of Judge Bryan flowed the blood of a long line of eminently honorable ancestors and in him were reproduced many of the sturdy attributes and sterling qualities for which both branches of his family from time immemorial had been distinguished. According to data furnished by the judge himself, his paternal antecedents appear to have been Irish and among the sturdy yeomanry of the part of the historic isle in which the family had its origin. One William Bryan, who lived in Culpeper county, Virginia, was perhaps the first of the name to seek a home in the New World - at least he is the first ancestor on this side of the Atlantic of which there is anything definitely known and it is to him that the branch of the family to which the judge belonged is directly 'traceable. Where and when he was born is a matter of conjecture, but it is a well established fact that in the early part of the last century he owned a large tract of land among the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the town of Sperryville and that he ranked with the successful planters and representative men of the county in which he lived. The name of his wife is not known and but little concerning himself could be ascertained further than that he was a man of excellent parts, an influential citizen and ever manifested an active interest in the growth and development of the part of the country in which he settled and where his death subsequently occurred.

William Bryan was the father of five children, the oldest of whom, a son by the name of James, removed many years ago to Kentucky and spent the residue of his life in that state. John remained on the family homestead in Culpeper county and Aquilla migrated to Ohio in an early day, where he lived until death called him hence. Of the other two, Francis and Elizabeth, nothing definite is known.

John Bryan, the second son, whose birth occurred about the year 1790, was married at an early age to Nancy Lillard, who belonged to an old American family of English origin which is now represented by numerous descendants in various parts of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Mrs. Bryan appears to have been a woman of beautiful character and remarkable talent and proved a devoted wife and mother as well as a judicious counsellor, sympathetic friend and intelligent companion. She bore her husband ten children, all deceased. William, the oldest of the number, removed to Missouri when a young man and lived near the town of Trov until his death about the year 1866. John and Howard died in infancy ; June became the wife of Joseph Cheney and spent the remainder of her life in Ohio; Nancy, who married George Baltzell, lived in Marion county, Illinois; Martha, wife of Homer Smith, lived for some years in Ohio and subsequently removed to Marion county, Illinois, where she made her home until her death; Robert, a physician, was killed in a steamboat explosion in early manhood; Silas Lillard, the subject of this review, was the next in order of birth and the youngest, a daughter by the name of Elizabeth, married another George Baltzell and early moved to Missouri. About the year 1828 John Bryan removed his family to what is now West Virginia, where both he and his wife died, the former in 1834, the latter in 1836, their last place of residence being near the town of Point Pleasant.

Judge Silas Lillard Bryan was born in Culpeper (now a part of Rappahannock) county, Virginia, November 4, 1822, and spent his childhood and youth amid the elevating influences of the home circle, receiving at a very early age the bent of mind which had much to do in shaping his life and character. From his mother, who as already stated was a woman of strong mentality and abundant resources, he inherited a large share of his talents and most prominent traits and he is also said to have borne a striking resemblance to her in his personal appearance. Although deprived of her loving care and tender guidance at the early age of nine years, the lessons learned at her knee sank deeply into his mind and heart to bear abundant fruitage in after years while the memory of her gracious personality <-emained with him, a conscious presence to keep his youthful feet in the path of rectitude and ultimately lead him to high position and distinguished achievement. Three years after the death of his mother, his father was called to his reward, thus leaving the lad an orphan at the age of twelve years and obliging him to rely largely upon his own resources in the matter of providing for his future.

In 1840, when a young man of eighteen with the world before him, the future lawyer and jurist left his native state for the West, and during the ensuing year and a half, lived with a brother near the town of Troy, in Lincoln county, Missouri, where he attended an academy and made commendable progress in the higher branches of learning. The following year, 1841, he came to Marion county, Illinois, where a married sister, Mrs. Nancy A. Baltzell, was then living. To this lady's cultured and refined home he found a generous welcome, and it was to her that he was also largely indebted for the assistance which enabled him to fit himself for the work of teaching and to prepare for the still higher intellectual discipline which he had in view. He attended school, alternating with farming, until qualified to teach, after which time he divided 'his time between educational work and agriculture until 1845, when he entered McKendree College. During the ensuing four years he devoted himself diligently to his studies and made an honorable record as a close and

His intellectual education finished, Mr. Bryan yielded to a desire of long standing by taking up the study of law, but he continued teaching, however, until 1850, when he was elected superintendent of the Marion county schools. He filled this position very acceptably for a period of two years, during which time he labored zealously to advance the cause of popular education within his jurisdiction and increase the efficiency of the public school system. In the meantime, 1851, he was admitted to the bar and at the expiration of his official term, began the practice of his profession at Salem, where his studious habits and attention to business soon attracted the attention of litigants and within a comparatively brief period he built up quite an extensive and lucrative business. Soon after engaging in the law, Mr. Bryan became an influential factor in the political life of Marion county and in 1852 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the State Senate, succeeding himself in the year 1856. His record as a member of that body was creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents and he achieved much more than local repute as an able and discreet legislator, becoming widely and favorably known throughout the state and gaining the confidence of the leaders of his party. At the close of his legislative career, he applied himself very closely to his profession in which he soon took high rank and from the date of his admission to the bar until his elevation to the bench, there were few important cases tried in the courts of Marion county with which his name did not appear. His knowledge of the law and ability as a practitioner, together with valuable political services, led to his election in 1 86 1 as Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit, which honorable position he filled to the satisfaction of the public, proving from the beginning an able and judicious jurist whose rulings and decisions were eminently fair and impartial and whose uniform courtesy and kindness to lawyers and litigants, together with his high sense of justice and honor, gained for him a reputation second to that of no other judge in the state. His judicial course meeting with general approval, he was chosen his own successor in 1867 and from that time until the close of his official term in 1873, he grew steadily in public favor, achieved high distinction and made a record which constitutes one of the brightest pages in the history of the judiciary of Illinois.

In 1869 Judge Bryan was chosen a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and took a prominent part in the deliberations and debates of that body, his counsel commanding respect and his opinions carrying weight in both committee work and on the floor. His influence as a safe and conservative adviser was recognized and appreciated by all and to him as much perhaps as to any one member, is the state indebted for the preset form of its basic law. In 1872 he was the Democratic nominee for Congress, and also received the endorsement of the Greenback party, but after an unusually strenuous

Judge Bryan always had a great love for rural life and about the time of his election to the judgeship, he began improving a beautiful home on a farm near Salem, which he succeeded in transforming into one of the most tasteful and attractive homesteads in the southern part of the state. In the prosecution of this enterprise he spared neither pains nor expense and by taking counsel of his own excellent judgment added greatly to the appearance of the place, not only in the matter of buildings, which were all modern and fully up-to-date, but in arranging his fields and groves to the best advantage, preserving the latter in all their natural beauty, including a large deer park, which with its denizens of the wild, was always ah object of interest to beholders. In this delightful and charming country-seat surrounded by his family or dispensing hospitality to the many friends and neighbors who were wont to gather about his hearth-stone, the Judge enjoyed some of his most pleasant experiences and spent not a few of the most profitable and happiest years of his life. He was an ideal host and a true type of the intelligent, cultured gentleman of the old school, whose greatest pleasure consisted in ministering to the pleasure of others and all who crossed his threshold were received with a grace and charm which sweetened the welcome and made them desirous of repeating the experience. He not only had great admiration for the beauties of nature and an ardent liking for the rural life, but also manifested a lively interest in agriculture and stock raising, his excellent judgment in these pursuits, enabling him to reap bountiful harvests from his fields, and improve his breeds of domestic animals until they were pronounced among the finest and most valuable in this section of the state.

Judge Bryan, on November 4, 1852, was united in marriage with Mariah Elizabeth Jennings, daughter of Charles W. and Maria Jennings, a union blessed with nine children, three of whom died in infancy, and one, named Russel, in young manhood; those who grew to maturity being as follows: Frances Mariah, born March 18, 1858; William Jennings, March 19, 1860; Charles Way land, February 10, 1867; Nancy Lillard, November 4, 1869, and Mary Elizabeth, whose birth occurred on May i4th of the year 1872. These children grew up sterling men and women, inheriting, to a marked degree, many of the amiable qualities and sturdy characteristics of their parents and are now esteemed and honored in their respective places of residence, the older son being at this time one of the most distinguished public men and political leaders in the United States, to say nothing of his world-wide reputation as a stateman.

Before his election to the bench and after his retirement therefrom, Judge Bryan practiced law in Marion and adjoining counties and as already indicated, achieved signal success in his profession. He was a fluent, graceful and forcible speaker and seldom failed to sway juries by his strong and logical arguments and to command the close attention of public assemblages which from time to time he was invited to address. A Democrat in the broadest sense of the word and an earnest advocate of the principles and traditions of his party, he became one of its leading advocates in Southern Illinois, and ever manifested an abiding faith in Republican institutions and in the capacity of the people for self-government. He was also a friend of education, encouraged the dissemination of knowledge among the people and took special interest in the higher institutions of learning to which he gave liberal financial assistance as well as moral support.

Judge Bryan was a member of the Baptist church, the church to which his parents belonged, and lived the life of an humble and devout Christian. He prayed morning, noon and night, was a firm believer in Providential direction in human affairs and his daily life and conversation exemplified the beauty and value of the religion of the Nazarene. He was a man of strong character, stern integrity and high purpose, ever used his influence on the side of justice and right and impressed his individuality deeply and permanently, not only on the minds of his fellow-citizens, but also upon the history of his county and state, as well as on the times in which he lived. In the various relations of life, both private and public, the judge was a recognized force and he used his strong personality in behalf of every enterprise making for the material advancement of the communitv and for the intellectual and moral progress of the body politic. He was true to manhood and to the best interests of society and as an earnest and devout disciple, bore willing testimony to the goodness of a kind and beneficent Heavenly Father and at all times and under all circumstances endeavored to measure up to the high standard of excellence as exemplified in the life of the Gallilean Carpenter. After a long and honorable career which has become one of the brightest pages in the history of the bar and judiciary of his adopted state, this eminent lawyer and representative citizen passed to his eternal reward, dying on the 3Oth day of March, 1880, and leaving to mourn his loss not only his immediate family and a large circle of neighbors and friends, but the people of a great commonwealth as well.

Mariah Elizabeth Jennings, wife of Judge Bryan, was born in Marion county, Illinois, near Walnut Hill, May 24, 1834, the third child of Charles W. and Maria Jennings. In early life she attended the schools of the neighborhood and when nearly grown became a pupil of Silas L. Bryan, between whom and herself a warm attachment soon sprang up which, ripening into the tender passion in due time, led to marriage. Their wedded experience, which extended over a period of thirty years, approached very near the ideal in happiness and mutual helpfulness. Mrs. Bryan entered heartily into all of her husband's plans and aspirations, assisted him materially in his life work and always proved a wise and judicious counsellor, contributing much to the eminent sue- cess which he achieved. She, too, was a devout Christian who examplified her faith by her daily life, and her beautiful character and many virtues endeared her to all with whom she came into contact. She died after a lingering illness, June 27, 1896.

Thomas M. Edwards

This well known engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad has lived in Centralia, Marion county for about thirty years. He came of sturdy North Carolina stock and his career during a long and exacting life has not lowered the standard of his family traditions. He is now the possessor of a very desirable residence at 610 South Poplar street.

Thomas M. Edwards was born in Monroe county, Tennessee, on the 26th of February, 1851, the son of James M. and Elizabeth J. (Hackney) Edwards. James M. Edwards was born in Roan county, North Carolina, and he came with his parents to Tennessee at the early age of two and onehalf years in an ox cart. A miller by trade, he conducted a water-power flour mill. Elizabeth J. Hackney, whom he married on March 31, 1846, in East Tennessee, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. John Galbraith of the Methodist church, was also a native of Tennessee, having been born November 13, 1826. She and her husband became the parents of four children, a girl and three boys, Thomas M., our subject, being the oldest son.

Thomas M. Edwards came with his parents from Tennessee to Williamson county, Illinois, before his third year. His grandparents on both sides were North Carolina people. He received his education in the district schools of Williamson county, also attended the Ewing high school one term, in Franklin county, Illinois, while working on a farm with his father. In the year 1879 he came to Centralia and started in at the occupation of locomotive fireman on the Illinois Central Railroad. He was promoted to engineer three and one-half years later, in February of 1883, on the road between Centralia and Cairo, running on trains No. 21, No. 8, No. 23 and No. 24, at the present time.

On the 24th of December, 1874, he married Lucy C. Hendrickson, the daughter of H. K. and Eliza (Caplinger) Hendrickson. Her father, H. K. Hendrickson, of Williamson county, served as a Union soldier. He joined Company E, of the Sixtieth Illinois Regiment and was mustered in on the I5th of January, 1862, under Col. G. W. Evans and Capt. W. B. Anderson. H. K. Hendrickson died near Corinth, Mississippi, on the 25th of October, 1862, from sickness contracted through over marching. He was buried at Farmington, Mississippi. Mrs. Edwards was the fifth in order of birth in her family and has a twin sister.

Thomas M. Edwards and his wife have been blessed with five children. They are in order : Walter Edwards, who married Corine Martin on January 3, 1900, lives at East St. Louis, Illinois, and has two sons and one daughter. He is employed by the Ter- minal Railroad Company. James H. Edwards married Lillian Murray in Manila, Philippine Islands. They have a family of two girls and a boy. They now live in the Republic of San Domingo, where he is the Deputy Receiver General for Customs of the Dominican Republic. James H, enlisted on the 2d of May, 1898, as a private in the United States Cavalry, and afterwards became clerk, stenographer and bookkeeper to the Collector of Customs of the Philippine Islands. He was transferred to the Customs Department and in 1899, was traveling Auditor for five years for the government. He enjoyed the distinction of a personal acquaintance with President W. H. Taft, while Judge Taft was Civil Governor of the Philippine Islands. He was also General Shafter's private stenographer after the close of the Santiago campaign. From San Domingo in 1907, he came to Centralia on leave of absence, and during his stay went to Alaska to bring home the body of a dead relative. He afterwards returned to the Receivership in San Domingo. Before beginning his career James H. graduated at the Centralia high school and the Southwestern Business College at St. Louis, Missouri. Previous to his going to San Domingo, he went to Washington, D. C. He is a linguist of ability, and makes his reports in both the Spanish and the English languages for the San Domingo and United States governments. The third son of Thomas M. Edwards, William C., married Bertha Buehler, of Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Emile Buehler. William C.

graduated in the Centralia high school, is a foreman in a paper-box factory and lives in Chicago. They have two sons. Fred T. Edwards is single and works for the Illinois Central Railroad at the Burnside shops in Chicago. Eula M. Edwards graduated at the Centralia high school and lives at home with her parents.

Thomas M. Edwards is a stanch member of the Republican party. In religion he was reared a Methodist and attends the Methodist Episcopal church as does also his wife. He is a well known member of the Masonic Fraternity and belongs to lodge No. 201 at Centralia, as do also \Valter and James H. He belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, being a member of Division Xo. 24. His wife is the secretary of the Chapter Order of Eastern Star, of Centralia, an organization in which she is very influential.

James Knox Polk Harmox

The subject of this ketch has long been a potent factor in the affairs of Marion county, where he is honored and respected by all for his usefulness in the past years of development, for he has ever manifested a willingness to do whatever duty devolved upon him, uncomplainingly and with a promptness that manifested his public spirit; this was especially shown during the dark days of the national crisis when he stood by the flag.

ford county, Tennessee, August 4, 1839, son of Elisha and Anna (West) Harmon. Sally Lee, cousin of the late Robert E. Lee, the great Southern general, was the subject's grandmother. Sally Lee's father, Richard Lee, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, under Washington in 1776. Elisha Harmon came from old Virginia to Tennessee in an early day. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. He had three uncles who fought under Jackson at New Orleans in the War of 1812. Elisha had six sisters. He came to Illinois in 1854, but returned to Tennessee. However, he returned to Illinois in 1873 and remained in Marion county until his death in 1888, having reached an advanced age, the date of his death being January i, 1812. One son, our subject, was born to Elisha and Anna Harmon. Mrs. Harmon passed away when J. K. P. was ten days old, August 14, 1839, and our subject was reared by his grandmother, Mrs. West, who died in Tennessee. After her death James was reared by Cyrena and David West. He worked on the farm during his youth and received a common school education. He lived near Shelbyville, Tennessee, on an old style stage route, between Nashville, Tennessee, and Huntsville, Alabama.

Unable to longer suppress the wave of patriotism that urged him to take up arms in defense of his nation's integrity, our subject on September 7, 1862, enlisted in the Union army at Nashville, Tennessee, in company F, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, under Col. W. B. Stokes and Capt. E. G. Fleming. He was in the army two years and ten months. He was in the battle of Stone River. A canteen was shot off of him January 31, 1863; he was in three charges in one day and took part in fifteen battles, and he stood picket for twelve days and nights in continuous service. He was honorably discharged at Fayetteville, Tennessee, June 25, 1865.

Mr. Harmon was united in marriage on October 9, 1861, to Sally C. Jones, daughter of Frederick and Mariah P. (Squires) Jones. Frederick Jones was born at Prince Edward Court House, Virginia, in 1800. The wife of the subject was a member of a family consisting of four brothers and an equal number of sisters. Mariah P. Squires was born in North Carolina in 1811. Eight children have been born to the subject and wife, six boys and two girls, namely: Thomas Jefferson, a coal miner, married Florence Beasley, now living at 618 South Cedar street, Centralia, and they are the parents of four daughters; one died in infancy. Littleton D. Harmon, a coal miner, married Addie Howard, now living at 1118 Hester avenue, Centralia ; they have one daughter. William Solomon, who is a material man in the store room of the Illinois Central Railway shops at Centralia, Illinois, is single, and living at home. Leonidas Pope is a miner also, married Mary Beasley ; they have two sons and live at 815 East Broadway, Centralia; Anna Mariah married Marshall E. Thomas and died January 20, 1891, without issue. These children were all born in Tennessee. Cyrena S. was born in Marion county, this state; she married S. K. Loomis, organizer for the Columbian Woodmen, at Meridian, Mississippi; they are the parents of two sons, Richard Lee was born in Marion county, died when twenty-one years old. He was first sergeant of Company F, Fourth Regiment of Illinois National Guard; Edward E., who was also born in this county, was a member of the Forty-second Regiment United States Volunteer Infantry, and served under Colonel Thomas; Edward E. was first corporal and acted as sergeant in the Philippine Islands, and was ordered to carry thirty-five thousand dollars, pay for the soldiers, from Manila to Beluchan, a distance of forty miles. He was in the islands twenty months and was honorably discharged at San Francisco, California. He is now engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad; he married Cora Meyer, of Brookport, Illinois, and they are the parents of one son.

James K. P. Harmon was released from the army July 2, 1865, ranking as battalion bugler, and retunied to his home in Bedford county, Tennessee, and continued farming until 1871, at which time he moved to Marion county, Illinois, and worked on a farm until 1886. There he entered the itinerant ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, having in that year been ordained local deacon at Kinmundy, by Bishop William Wallace Duncan, of Georgia. The subject located in Centralia in 1889. He has been a faithful follower of the lowly Nazarene since he was ten years old, and his life has been one worthy of emulation; he has always been ready to do his duty in every line of work he has found to do, and has justly won the high esteem in which he is held. He began voting the Republican ticket in 1864, and voted that ticket until 1904, since then voting the national Prohibition ticket.

Mrs. Ida Jeffries Wright

Our subject, the wife of Newton Wright, of Centralia, Marion county, is a woman who owes her present prosperous standing in the community largely to her own unaided efforts. She has been for many years a resident of this city and has won the affection of numerous friends. She is an independent and resourceful woman whose naturally keen mental qualities have been sharpened through their contact with the perplexing conditions of daily life, which have to be met and overcome bravely. . Mrs. Ida Jeffries Wright was born in Centralia, on the 30! of October, 1866, the daughter of Frank and Abby (Cummings) Galbraith. Her father was born and reared in Jefferson county, Illinois, and came to Centralia when quite young. He obtained employment in the gas factory, and continued there as a trusted employee for over forty years. He was born in Rome township, Jefferson county, on November 22, 1829. Abby Cummings, which was her mother's maiden name, was born on the 1 3th of February, 1838. Her marriage to

Frank Galbraith took place on the 3d of October, 1856, at Rome, Illinois. Seven children were born to them, three boys and four girls, only three of whom are now living, namely: John, Edward, and Ida, the subject of our sketch.

Mrs. Wright attended the Centralia schools until her seventeenth year and obtained a good education. She first married Robert S. Boatwright, of Centralia, on October 7, 1884, and two children resulted from their married life. Frank F. Boatwright was born on December 23, 1885. He is an electrician and lives at home. Hazel Delia was born on the 230! of April, 1889, and in after life married John Hathaway, of St. Louis, Missouri, who is buyer for the Missouri Packing House. Their marriage took place at Salem, Illinois, on the 25th of November, 1907. Mrs. Wright's husband, Robert S. Boatwright, died in Centralia on the 1 8th of September, 1894. He was for nearly fifteen years a brakeman on the Illinois Central Railroad, northern division. His people were Easterners and his father died when he was but five years old. He was an active and industrious man and a person of intelligence. In politics he was all through life a Republican.

After her husband's death Mrs. Wright went to St. Louis, Missouri, and conducted a boarding and rooming house, and at the same time caring for her two young children, keeping them at school and fitting them for the responsibilities of life. On the 22d of August, 1908, she married Newton J. Wright at Salem, Illinois. Her husband is the bookkeeper at the new coal mines at Junction City. He was born in 1860. Newton J. Wright had been previously married to Laura Pool, a milliner, of Centralia. Newton J. Wright and his wife live at in South Walnut street in prosperous circumstances. He owns four homes in the eastern part of Centralia and is known to be a good business man. In politics he is a Democrat; and in religion he was reared in the Methodist faith.

Benjamin Huddle

The lives of some of our older citizens read like a page of romance and the career of Benjamin Huddle is no exception to the rule. Born in Seneca county, Ohio, September 26, 1829, in a cabin in the woods among Wyandotte Indians, he has been in turn a frontiersman, a farmer and a skilled mechanic.

The Huddles, or as the name was originally spelled, Hottel, came of a Hollander family, the great-grandfather of the subject of cur sketch emigrating from the low country to the United States prior to the Revolutionary war and in which event his grandfather. Daniel Hottel, fought with conspicuous bravery. He took part in the battle of Brandywine, bore his share of suffering at Valley Forge, and crossed the Delaware with Washington, being among those who crossed the ice in their bare feet after having worn out their footgear. Dan- iel Hottel migrated from Virginia, of which state he was a native and settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, some time about 1815, and later moved to Seneca county, which at that time was a frontier district. He did not like the location and desired to return, which request was gratified by his children and he returned to Fairfield county, where he died at an advanced age.

Benjamin Hottel, the father of the subject of our sketch, was but twelve years old when his father located in Fairfield county, Ohio, and where he grew up. He was educated in the German and also in the primitive subscription schools, where he obtained an English education. Being unable to spell the words of the English language at the time his name was translated by his English teachers as Huddle and which has been accepted as the family name ever since. At the age of nineteen the young man married Anna Seitz, a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. Some years afterwards Benjamin Huddle with his wife and four children migrated to Seneca county, where he bought government land at one dollar and twentyfive cents an acre. Here Benjamin Huddle, junior, was born. Benjamin Huddle improved the land and built a good home and lived there all his life with the exception of a four years' sojourn in Crawford county. His death occurred January 28, 1860, at the age of fifty-six years, at which time he was the owner of over four hundred acres. His wife died in 1863, at the age of fiftyeight. Eighteen children were born to them, of whom fourteen grew to maturity. The

The portion of Seneca county on which Benjamin Huddle, the subject of our sketch, was born formed a portion of Sandusky, which was purchased by the government. In his youth it was a wild primitive country, inhabited largely by Indians. In the early days he helped to clear the land and erect the home. His education was carried on in the country schools until the age of sixteen, when he was apprenticed to learn carpentry, after which period he had only two months of schooling. At the close of his three years' of apprenticeship, his father presented him with a set of tools and he started in his trade for himself. He worked for a number of years doing carpenter work, high grade cabinet work, or whatever came his way in this line of work. He also spent some time as a millwright and in 1853 ancl 1854, worked in Illinois and Iowa, which was then considered the edge of the western frontier. He also visited an aunt in Marion county in 1853. He also engaged for some time in bridgebuilding during the construction of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad in 1853-1854. During the winter of 1853-54, while work was suspended on the railroad, he drove the stage-coach from Salem east and west to Salem, to Carlyle, and where Flora now is located. Returning to his Ohio home in the fall of 1854, he married Rachael Kagy, who was born in 1834 in Seneca county, Ohio, the daughter of John and Catherine (Kite) Kagy. To

Benjamin Huddle and his wife ten children have been born, namely: Freeman E., deceased; Anna; Amos, deceased; Fannie J., Narcissus, Cora, John B., Marion T., Mina, deceased, and Clara Maud.

After his marriage in 1854 Benjamin Huddle worked at his trade until the fall of 1860, some time after which he came to Marion county, Illinois, and located on a farm in Omega township. He continued at his trade and for several years built all of the bridges erected in the county and had a great amount of prosperity. In 1873 he moved to the village of luka, which was his home for two years while he was building a house adjacent to the town and into which he moved his family when completed. Here they lived until 1888, when a disastrous fire destroyed .his home. He had previously traded his farm in Omega township for one hundred and ten acres situated one and a half miles north of the village of luka, and here he went to live on the spot where he still has his home. His business during all this period was in a flourishing condition. In 1875 he had opened an undertaking establishment in luka, making caskets by hand, and continuing same until 1885. This was prior to the time of the manufacturing of caskets or at least their sale in this section. After a trip through Kansas and Nebraska, he formed a partnership with George E. Daniels in the undertaking business at luka, their business relations continuing until 1904. Since then he is enjoying a period of retirement on a farm which he rents and on which he and his wife live together with members of their family.

In politics Benjamin Huddle is an unswerving Democrat, and a student and a believer in Jeffersonian principles. He is now serving his second term as Justice of the Peace in luka township, and in this capacity of public servant he is favorably known for his honest endeavors.

The people who redeemed the wilderness and the wild prairies of Marion county were strong-armed, hardy sons of the soil, who hesitated at no difficulty, and for whom hardships had little to appall. The subject of this sketch is one of those sterling characters of pioneer days and has spent his long life in this locality.

A. C. Gilmore was born in Clinton county, Illinois, west of Centralia, April 6, 1831, the son of John and Elenore (Dawson) Gilmore. The subject's father spelled his name Gilmour, but in recording the birth record of his son, A. C., he wrote it Gilmore, which spelling the latter has always adhered to. Mr. and Mrs. John Gilmore were the parents of twelve children, eight boys and four girls, A. C. being the youngest in order of birth. John Gilmore came from Urbana, Ohio, in 1818. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His wife, who was born in Kentucky, near the Licking river, moved to Ohio where she and John Gilmore were married. Mr. Gilmore was a silk weaver by profession in Scotland, but after he came to America he

A. C. Gilmore was reared on his father's farm, where he worked until he reached the age of twenty-one years, when he started to school in Springfield, Ohio, where he remained two years. He lived with his brother for five years, assisting him in the nursery business.

Our subject has lived to see Centralia grow from the wild prairie, from a cabin in the swamp to its present flourishing population. After leaving Ohio Mr. Gilmore returned to Illinois and began farming, teaching school during the winter months, continuing to teach in Marion and Clinton counties for a period of twenty years with great success, becoming known as one of the leading educators of his day and his services were eagerly sought. Although he attended school but a comparatively short time in the high school, later a college at Springfield, Ohio, which was conducted by Rev. John W. Weekly, an eminent divine in his day, our subject gained a good education, for he never ceased to study.

Besides farming in a general way during the years that he engaged in teaching, Mr. Gilmore devoted much attention to the raising of small fruits which he has continued to grow the remainder of his life with great success. He now owns thirty acres of fine small fruits of all kinds. He is well known throughout the district.

Mrs. Gilmore became the parents of six children, four of whom are living at this writing, namely: William Lee, who married Dora Maddox, and to them one girl has been born : Carrie E., Robert and Millie E., the last three all living at home. Robert Gilmore is employed as switchman on the Illinois Central Railroad. Millie is a clerk in the bookstore in the post-office building.

Fraternally our subject is a Master Mason in the Centralia lodge. Mr. Gilmore was Assessor and Collector of Clinton county for a number of years. In politics he is a Republican, first voting the old Whig party ticket, then he cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln, and he has never missed voting since reaching maturity. He is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Our subject is strong for one of his years, in fairly good health and active. He has made a success of his life work owing to his close application to whatever business he has in hand.

George Pliney Baldridge

The subject of this sketch is one of the representative citizens of Marion county, being a stock dealer on an extensive scale, and he has shown that he is a man of rare business ability. George Pliney Baldridge was born December 12, 1853, in Grand Prairie

BRINKERHOFF'S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOIStownship, Jefferson county, Illinois, the son of James Clark Baldridge, who was born December 10, 1811, in North Carolina. He first married Margaret Rainey, of Marion county, who was born October 12, 1813, and she passed away October 3, 1844, and Mr. Baldridge married a second time, his last wife being Tabitha White, who was born July 10, 1811, and who survived until April 13, 1899. She was the daughter of Rev. Robert White, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, having a large circuit. In early life he lived in Indiana, and in an early day came to Marion county, Illinois, and later to Jefferson county, locating in Grand Prairie township, where he secured a farm. His children were : Robert, who was drowned in Madison county, Illinois; Martha White married Thomas Flannigan, and to this union was born a daughter named Martha and became the wife of Eli Copple; Louisa White married Allen Dolson, and to this union was born a daughter, Sarah, who became the wife of Eli Copple, whose wife had died, and was the cousin of Sarah, his second wife. Eli Copple is now deceased, but his second wife, Sarah, is still living in Centralia township. Tabitha White married Isaac Casey ; after his death she married James Clark Baldridge, father of the subject, who departed this life May 16, 1897. The subject's paternal grandfather was Dornton Baldridge, who married a Miss Boggs, who was a native of Tennessee, while he was a native of North Carolina. He came to Illinois in 1820 in a covered wagon, his wife riding horseback on the trip and carried a boy. They settled at East Walnut Hill, Jefferson county, where they secured wild land which they sold and later moved to Centralia township, Marion county. He often drove a four horse team hauling goods to and from St. Louis, besides his farming in the early days. He was a well known man in this locality, and his death occurred June 14, 1832. To he and his wife the following children were born: James C., born December 10, 1811 ; John P., born December 22, 1813, farmed near Irvington, Illinois; Sarah, who was born December 13, 1815, married James Porter, who lived in Jefferson county, Illinois; Margaret, who was born March 10, 1818, married James Kell, of Walnut Hill, Illinois; Joseph was a farmer in Jefferson county; William, who was born February 23, 1822, died when young; Alexander, who was born October II, 1823, was a farmer in Jefferson county; Rebecca Jane, born April ii, 1825, married William Porter. who lived in Jefferson county; Dornton. who was born March 7, 1827, was a farmer in Jefferson county ; Thomas, who was born January 16, 1829, was a farmer in Jefferson county ; Samuel was also a farmer in Jefferson county; Mary, born May 19, 1831, married Samuel Telford.

The subject's father, James Clark Baldridge, had no opportunity to attend school, and he went but very little. He was bitten by a rattlesnake one day at school and nearly died from the effects. He lived at home until his first marriage and then located in section 4, in Grand Prairie town- ship, Jefferson county, securing government land on which he made all the improvements, owning at one time six hundred acres. He was a good farmer and a stock dealer. He was highly successful, well known and respected by all. In politics he was a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife. The subject's grandmother Baklridge married a second time, her last husband being Matthew J. Cunningham, becoming the mother of one daughter, Sarah Ann, who married William Parkinson, who was killed at Fort Donelson while fighting in the Union army. His widow lives in Centralia, being the mother of two children, Oscar and Zettie. The following children were born to the parents of our subject: Sarah Ann, widow of Owen Breeze, of Centralia ; Spencer A., born December 16, 1837, died when young: Mary J., born February 3, 1840, is the wife of Z. C. Jennings, of Centralia township: John C., born November 5, 1841, died young : Samuel Rainey. born December 27, 1842, was in Company H, Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in the Civil war. having died in a hospital in Kentucky, December 7, 1862; Calvin was born December 22, 1844, now lives in Chicago, was formerly a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, later going into the commission business at the stock yards in Chicago. He was captain in the commissary department in the Philippine Islands, having been appointed by President McKinley, who was a great friend of his. He is now living in --Chicago, engaged in the insurance business.

He first married Clara Hartley, and his second wife was Margaret Egger. Three daughters were bom to his first wife, namey: Belle, Grace and Mamie. The following children were born to James Clark Baklridge and his second wife: Harriett, born September 28, 1846, died October 5, 1852 ; the second was an infant son; Joseph, D., a farmer in Grand Prairie township, Jefferson county, was born October 6, 1848, married first Cynthia Fonts, and later Julia Telford; George P., our subject, was the youngest child.

George P. Baklridge received only a common school education, and he remained at home until he was twenty years of age. On January 22, 1874, he married Sarah J. Telford, who was born in Haines township, Marion county, the daughter of William and Mary ( Porter) Telford, the former a native of Illinois. The latter was born in Jefferson county, this state. William Telford was the son of James and Margaret (Kell) Telford, pioneers of Walnut Hill, Romine Prairie, near Cartter, Marion county, where they died. William Telford was a prominent farmer in Haines township, also dealt in stock and was successful and well known. His death occurred in 1875, and that of his wife in 1858. His second wife was Mary Ann Kell. He was the father of four children by his first wife and nine by his second wife, namely: Sarah J., wife of the subject of this sketch : James Thomas, who married Eliza Mercer, died when twenty-one years of age; Julia A. married Joseph D. Baldridge: Annie M. married William Hamil- ton, of Lincoln county, Tennessee. The following children were by William Telford's second wife: Thomas, deceased; Zetta died in infancy; the third child died in infancy also; Alva died at the age of seven years; Samuel, who is farming near Champaign, Illinois, first married Ella Baldridge, to whom two children were born, Clifford and Lester. Ira, the sixth child of William Telford and his second wife, is a farmer on the old homestead in Haines township, Marion county, and he married Sadie Roper; Boyd is a farmer near Alma, Illinois ; he married Alice Wyatt; Maggie married Don Sharp, of Redbud, Illinois, and they are the parents of one son, William ; Marion is now deceased; he married Maria Smith.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. George P. Baldridge; Pella A., born December 12, 1874, married Robert Lacy, who is employed in the post-office at Mount Vernon, Illinois, and they are the parents of three children; Ralph L., Worth and Alice; Berthold G., who was born November 24, 1879, married August 23, 1904, Edith Williams, of Belknap, Illinois, to whom two children, William R. and Mary R., have been born. Berthold G. Baldridge was in the meat market business in Centralia. He attended McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois, and read law there, but was compelled to give up his studies on account of failing health; E. B., the third child of the subject, was born September 19, 1882, married Mollie Armstrong, May 10, 1905, and they have one son. Harry Berton. E. B. is a farmer on the old place

After his marriage our subject lived in Grand Prairie township, Jefferson county, Illinois, buying the old Baldridge homestead on which they lived until 1907, when they moved to Centralia, and he and his sons engaged in the meat market business. Mr. Baldridge has always been a farmer and stock dealer, and he is making a success of his present business. He now lives at 515 South Elm street, Centralia. He held several township offices and took a great deal of interest in Republican politics. He is a member of the Modern- Woodmen of Centralia, and he is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is known as a good business man and is successful at whatever he undertakes.

William C. Wooldridge

There is much that is commendable in the life record of Mr. Wooldridge, and naught that is dishonorable. He has been true to many noble principles, and he is held in high esteem by the people of Romine township, Marion county, Illinois, by the people who know him best in his home community, which is conclusive proof that his life record has been above reproach.

(Patterson) Wooldridge, both natives of Tazewell county, Virginia, the former dying October 25, 1892, and the latter on February 25, 1907. They grew up and married in Tazewell county, Virginia, and in 1860 went to Vermilion county, Illinois, where he farmed until 1885, when he came to Romine township, Marion county, buying forty acres of land in section 24, later adding to the same until he had a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres. The subject's parents were first members of the Christian church and later of the Latter Day Saints' church. The following children were born to them : Sarah J., born June 18, 1851, is deceased; William C, our subject; James R. (see his sketch in this volume) ; Elizabeth, born October 30, 1857, is deceased; Lucinda, born December 28, 1859, is deceased; George W., born March 25, 1862, is deceased; Kyle C., born January 27, 1864, died at the age of twentyfive years; Martha, who was born January i, 1866, married Chadwick Thomas, becoming the mother of three children; she is deceased; Mertie, born June 4, 1872, is deceased; Emma, born February 20, 1868; Julia, born January 28, 1870, lives in Danville, Illinois.

William C. Wooldridge was educated in the home schools until he was sixteen years old, when he started to work out, having followed whatever he found to do that was honorable and remunerative. He was united in marriage April 12, 1880, with Alice Edgerton, of Crawford county, Illinois, the daughter of Henry and Nancy (Beard)

The following children have been born to the subject and wife, one of whom is deceased: Lulu, who married Ole Henson, died July 26, 1908; Mertie married Hugh Kelso, of Xenia, Illinois; Ethel married Frank Friend, of Xenia, Illinois ; Sadie, Grover, Nannie, Opal, George, Bernice and Bernard, all living at home.

In February, 1885, the subject located where he now lives in section 25, Romine township. He has a fine home with beautiful surroundings. His farm is highly improved and very productive, and is a most desirable property. He cleared a great deal of the land and made all the improvements himself. His farm consists of one hundred and ten acres, which is nearly all cleared, and on which he carries on a general farming business with much success. He also operated a mill and a threshing machine for several years with equal success. Whatever he turns his attention to results in a gratifying measure of success for he has rare soundness of judgment along commercial lines.

Mr. Wooldridge was school director for several years; also ably served as constable, and takes considerable interest in township affairs, always voting the Democratic ticket. Mrs. Wooldridge is a member of the Latter Day Saints' church. Mr. Wooldridge is regarded by all who know him as a very industrious and honest man.

John Soger

The subject of this sketch is one of the well known men of Romine township, where he engages in farming and merchandising in a manner that stamps him as a man of excellent business ability and sound judgment, succeeding by reason of the fact that he devotes his time to his personal affairs.

John Soger was born at Mount Carmel, Illinois, Wabash county, July 15, 1853, the son of George Michael and Mary Elizabeth Soger, who were natives of Rohrboch, Germany, where they grew up and married, then emigrated to the United States in 1851, first locating in Evansville, Indiana, later coming to Mt. Carmel, Illinois, where the subject's father conducted a hotel. In 1 86 1 he came to Haines township, Marion county, Illinois, where he secured a farm, and where he lived until his death in 1881. His wife passed to her rest in 1894. They were members of the Lutheran church, and the parents of eight children, as follows: William, a farmer and rice grower in Gillett, Arkansas; Peter, a farmer in Haines township; Wester married Joseph Middleton, and they are living in Stevenson township; Lizzie married Riley Eddings, of Stevenson township; John, the subject of this sketch ; Charles lives in St. Louis ; two children were named Jacob, both deceased.

John Soger received only a limited education in the home schools, but he made proper use of what opportunities he had. He remained at home working on his father's place until he reached the age of twentyfive years, when he took up farming in Haines township, this county. He also devoted much of his time to the mercantile business at Kell, where he had a number of business interests. When he located in Romine township, he began to buy land, at one time owning one hundred and sixty acres,, but he has sold off his land until now he has only forty acres on which he lives, but it is choice land, being well improved and very productive. He built his substantial and comfortable home in 1888, and he erected his store building in 1893. He devotes considerable attention to raising fruits and especially apples, but he raises many things on his place and has a very desirable little farm. He buys and sells all kinds of farm produce, and for several years he has operated a fruit evaporator, doing a large business in this line ; he also has a feed mill and does custom grinding of all kinds. Being a hustler, he has made a great deal of money, but has met with some reverses. He has accomplished his tasks unaided and single handed in an honest and praiseworthy manner.

Mr. Soger was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary F. Swank, of Shipman, Illinois, on February 27, 1908, and they have a pleasant home, where their friends are always welcome.

Mr. Soger has never aspired to public office, although he is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the Christian church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a very kind-hearted man, very generous and liberal, and will always discommode himself to do a favor for a friend. He is a great lover of good horses and is the owner of one of the best driving teams in Marion county. His store is always well stocked with fresh goods of an excellent quality, and he enjoys a good trade with the community, believing in fair dealing with everyone, as a result of which he has many warm friends throughout the township.

Peculiar honor attaches to the career of Mr. Andereck, who, beginning the struggle for life alone and unaided, gradually overcame unfavorable environment, and by the force of his own individuality succeeded in winning for himself a position of esteem and influence among his fellow men.

W. J. Andereck was born in Marion county in the same log house, where he has lived practically all his life, his date of birth, having occurred September 26, 1853, the son of Jacob and Eliza (Precise) Andereck. The latter was the daughter of Grief Daniel and Margaret (Huntsman) Precise. They were natives of Virginia, who came to Illinois in 1827, and settled in Marion county among the pioneers. They took up government land and developed a good farm, where they reared their family and where they died, having been the parents of twelve children, one dying in infancy and the others grew to be men and women, nine of whom reared families of their own. The subject's grandfather lived to be sixtysix years old and his wife to be sixty-eight. They were members of the Baptist church, and the former was a Democrat. Grandfather Andereck was from Ohio, who came to Illinois in 1829, having settled in Marion county, entering government land here, beginning his farming operations in the woods which he gradually cleared, having entered two hundred acres. Here he reared a family on the farm, which he developed, and died at the age of fifty years. His wife lived to be seventy-four years old. There were six children in their family, five of whom lived to maturity, three of whom died of cholera in 1854. Members of this family were Baptists.

The father of the subject was the second child in order of birth in this family. Although his principal life work was devoted to farming, he became a teacher of some note. He was a Democrat and both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. The mother of the subject lived to be sixty-two years old.

W. J. Andereck, subject of this sketch, attended the district schools of the same locality where he now lives. He was the only child of the family. Early in life he had to take charge of the farm and has continued working the same place, which consists of one hundred and fifteen acres. He had sixty acres of timber in its original condition, the balance of the farm being under cultivation. It is highly improved, showing that our subject has been a very industrious man and a good manager. He has gradually improved the place since he assumed charge of the same until it is one of the best farms in the community. On it stand excellent buildings. The place yields large harvests of grains of all kinds, and much stock of various kinds is to be found in his fields.

Our subject was united in marriage March 24, 1880, to Sarah E. Merdith, daughter of Samuel ad Martha J. (McClellan) Merdith. Her father was a native of Ohio, and her mother was born in Marion county. Her father was brought here by his parents when he was six years old. They lived and died here, the father reaching the age of thirty-nine years and the mother seventy. There were five children in their family, four of whom lived to maturity, one of whom, John M., was in the Union army, having been with Sherman on his march to the sea. He died shortly after serving his time out. All the members of this family were farmers.

The following children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Clarence, who was born in 1881, is single and living at home; Grace Myrtle, born in 1883, is the wife of Albert Holstlaw, who was a teacher; Samuel was born in 1884, is deceased, having been killed at Smelter, in 1908; Harvey was born in 1886, and is single, living at home; Eliza Jane was born in 1888 and is a teacher; William Everett, who was born in 1889, is at home with his father; Martha Elizabeth is also a member of the family circle; Marion Hazel, who

Both Mr. and Mrs. Andereck are members of the Baptist church and their children also adhere to this faith. The former is a Democrat and has long taken an active interest in political affairs. He was Constable at one time anad resigned to become Road Commissioner, and is now serving his first term in a most efficient manner. He has been school director, having served his third term, during which time the educational affairs of the district were greatly enhanced and encouraged.

Although our subject never had a military record, he is proud of the fact that members of the family served the country in its hour of need. William Forsyth died during the war, of disease contracted while in line of duty. A son of his, Walter, was also in the Union ranks and died in Libby prison. Henry, another brother of William, was a soldier in the Confederate army, and was conscripted in Texas.

James R. Wooldridge

What Mr. Wooldridge has achieved in life proves the force of his character and illustrates his steadfastness of purpose, and his advancement from none too favorable conditions in his youth to a position of credit in the agricultural life of the community is the direct outcome of his own labors.

James R. Wooldridge was born November 2, 1855, in Tazewell county, Virginia, the son of James and Sarah Jane ( Patterson) Wooldridge, both natives of Tazewell county, Virginia, where they grew up and married. In the fall of 1860 they moved to Vermilion county, Illinois, where the father of our subject engaged in farming until 1885, when he came to Romine township, Marion county, first buying forty acres which was later added to until he owned in all one hundred and twenty acres. He died October 25, 1892, and his widow survived him until February 25, 1907. They were members of the Latter Day Saints church. The following children were born to them: Sarah J., born June 18, 1851, is deceased; William C. (whose sketch in full appears in this work) ; James R., the subject ; Elizabeth, born October 30, 1857, is deceased; Lucinda, born December 28, 1859, is deceased; George W., born March 25, 1862, is deceased; Kyle C., born January 27, 1864, is deceased; Martha, born January i, 1866, and who married Chad wick Thomas, is deceased, leaving three children ; Mertie, born June 4, 1872, is deceased; Emma, born February 20, 1868, lives in Danville, Illinois; Julia, born January 28, 1870, also lives in Danville, Illinois.

James R. Wooldridge received only -a limited education in1 the common schools. He lived at home and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-eight years old. His marriage took place on October n, 1888, in Prescott, Kansas, to Bertha Ham, who was born in Marshall county. Illinois, the daughter of Ira J. and Martha J. (Torrey) Ham, natives of New York state, who came to Illinois when young, where they married. They lived in Marshall county until 1866, when they went to Linn county, Kansas, where Mr. Ham got a farm and carried on farming in a general way. His wife died April 4, 1904. He now lives retired at Prescott, Kansas. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belonged. Nine children were born to them, six of whom are living, namely: Allen, born August 23, 1865, died January 26, 1874; Bertha, the subject's wife, was born December 7, 1866; Nettie, born December 25, 1868, married George E. Gentle, and they live in Prescott, Kansas; Jennie, born November 9, 1870, married James McCormick, of Cabool, Missouri ; Frederick, born January 20, 1874, died November 28, 1897; Albert, born March 27, 1876, married Emma Faber, and they live in Prescott, Kansas; Maude, born February 5, 1878, married William Bellingham, and they are living at Foraker, Oklahoma; Elmer and Ella, twins, were born March i. 1888, the former dying February 28, 1894. Ella married James Cure, of Warwick, Kansas.

No children have been born to the subject and wife. After his marriage Mr. Wooldridge located on his father's old homestead in Romine township, where he has since lived. His place is in a high state of cultivation, and is well improved, everything showing that Mr. Wooldridge is a modern farmer and a hard worker. He sue- cessfully carries on general farming and raises some good stock and considerable fruit. He has always devoted his life to farming. He has a nice dwelling, and other good buildings.

Mr. Wooklridge is a Democrat, and has held several of the township offices. He is a member of the Latter Day Saints' church, and is well thought of in Romine township and wherever his acquaintance extends.

W. Durand Hills

Each man who strives to fulfill his mission in life is deserving of recognition, whatever may be his field of endeavor, and it is the function of the works of this nature to perpetuate for future generations an authentic record concerning those represented in its pages whose lives are worthy of imitation, like that of the subject of this sketch.

W. Durand Hills was born in Waupun, Wisconsin, December 16, 1857, the son of Seth E. and Melvina (Durand) Hills, the father a native of New York, and the latter of Mentor. Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye state, and moved to Wisconsin in the spring of 1856, and in 1861 they came to Marion county, Illinois, where they bought land, locating in Salem township. Mr. Hills lived here until his death in 1901. His wife died January 12, 1887. They were members of the Christian church, and the father of the subject was a great Sunday school worker, and was superintendent of the Sunday school at Odin, this county, for many years, where he did a most praiseworthy work. He was also a great worker in the church. He was educated in the common schools of New York, later taking a course in Hamilton College, where he graduated. Both he and his wife taught school in their young days. Mr. Hills was a graduate of an engineering school, and he was for some time civil engineer for the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. After coming to Illinois he engaged in farming. He was a Republican and served Marion county for three or four terms as Surveyor. He and his wife were the parents of only one child, W. Durand, our subject.

The subject of this sketch was a small boy when his parents brought him to Marion county. Illinois. He received a good common school education in this county. He assisted with the work on the place which he now owns. It consists of one hundred and forty acres of well improved land, being one of the most desirable farms in the township. He has been a traveling medicine salesman and was also in the nursery business for several years. He is an independent voter, always voting for the man rather than the party. He is a faithful member of the Christian church in Salem, Illinois.

W. Durand Hills was united in marriage in 1886 to Ella E. McMorris, who was born in Arkansas, the daughter of Perry and Jane (Jay) McMorris.

all wild land, but our subject built a good barn, improved the farm, and, in fact, made all the impovements which makes his place a very valuable one.

Mr. Hills has traveled extensively. He first went to North Bend, Ohio, where he remained a short time, then moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, remaining there for a short time, where he purchased property, which he sold and returned to his home farm. He then drove to Kansas, where he farmed for one year, then drove to Pueblo, Colorado, and from there to Colorado Springs; then to Cheyenne, Wyoming, later to Ogden, Utah ; from there to Sacramento, California. He was in business there for three years, then he sold out and moved to Pensacola, Florida, where he resided and owned property for three years, finally coming back to the old home farm in 1901. The subject decided to make another trip to Colorado for the benefit of his health during the Boer war in Africa. He got as far as St. Louis, Missouri, and there met a party of young men with a cargo of horses for the English army. He abandoned his trip to Colorado and enlisted in the British ranks as horseman. He made this trip successfully, arriving in Africa at the close of the war. The British government then sent him to England, when he was honorably discharged. He visited the principal cities of the Island, such as Birmingham, New Castle, Sheffield, Bristol and others. On his return home he came through Canada and visited Quebec, Montreal and other principal cities in Canada. Mr. Hills is a very entertaining talker

Thomas G. Luttrell

Among the influential fanners of Romine township, Marion county, is the gentleman whose name appears above, who was born in luka township, this county, December 23, 1841. the son of John and Polly (Grant) Luttrell, both natives of North Carolina, descendants of Virginia stock. They married in the South and came to Illinois in an early day, but after remaining in this state several years returned to Dixie land and in 1831 moved back to Illinois, locating near Salem, Marion county. He had a corn field where the city of Salem now stands. Later he moved to luka township, and then to Garden Prairie; also lived at Stringtown, Illinois, for a period of four years. In 1854 he came to Romine township and secured some school land on which he farmed successfully until his death, in July, 1857, having reached the age of fifty-seven years. His good helpmeet survived him until 1871. She was born in April, 1801. John Luttrell was also a blacksmith and did a great deal of work in connection with his farming. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. To them the following children were born : William, who died when young; Benjamin, who died July 7, 1900, was a farmer in Romine township and the husband of Martha Owens ; Orsilla, who married Eli Cramer, is deceased; Thomas G., our subject; Mary S., deceased.

Thomas G. Luttrell received only a limited schooling in the common schools of his native community, which he attended during the winter months, having worked on the farm during the remainder of the year.

Our subject remained at home until his patriotic fervor led him to enlist his services in defense of his country on August 9, 1862, in Company H, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was first sent to Columbus, Kentucky, then to Fort Hinman, Tennessee, and into winter quarters at Paducah, Kentucky; then up the Tennessee river and to Gravel Springs, Mississippi, where he joined the command and Avent to the front, engaging in several battles and skirmishes, among which was that of Buzzard's Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, Ft. McAllister, in all of which Mr. Luttrell proved to be a gallant soldier. He was in the Western Department under General Sherman. He was discharged June 6, 1865, at Washington, District of Columbia, and was paid off at Springfield, Illinois, June 27, 1865. The only wound received by our subject was inflicted on May 28, 1864, when he was shot through the right cheek and right shoulder at the battle of Dallas, Georgia; but he was sick a great deal while in the service. He relates some very strenuous experiences during his soldier days.

father's farm until 1872, his labors being amply rewarded, for he was a hard worker. He was first married April 23, 1861, to Anna Boyle, a native of Romine township, the daughter of William and Mahaia (Ware) Boyle, who were Southerners, having removed to Illinois in an early day, settling in Romine township, Marion county. The subject's second marriage occurred June 21, 1893, to Mrs. Rebecca Scott, a native of Ohio, the daughter of David and Jane Fairn, of near Cincinnati. They came to Shelby county, Illinois, in 1865, and died there. The subject's second wife was the widow of Thomas Scott, of England. Two children were born to Thomas Scott and wife, namely: Effie, the wife of Albert Jourdan, of Romine township, this county; Daivd, is deceased. Six children were born to the subject by his first wife, namely; John W., who lives in Colorado; Amanda, deceased; Benjamin F., who married Cora Schanholster, is a miner at Centralia, Illinois; Francis is deceased; Charles W., who married Addie Pippin, lives at Vandalia, Illinois; Ida, who married Charles Crouse, lives in Shelby county, Illinois. One child has been born to the subject by his second wife, Laura Eveline, who is still a member of the home circle.

In 1872 the subject went to Shelby county, this state, where he remained until 1880, when he came to Romine township, Marion county, and bought forty acres of land on which he now lives. He first lived on the place for four years when he went back to Shelby county, where he remained for four years, then went to Vandalia, where he remained three years, since which time he has lived on his farm in Romine township, Marion county, carrying on general farming. He has a nice place, a good house and barn and is comfortably established. He has always been a farmer.

Mr. Luttrell is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Cyrus Hall Post. He is regarded by all who know his as a worthy citizen, neighbor and friend.

Matthew B. Wells

In connection with the business life of Marion county, as well as in its civic affairs, the name borne by the subject of this review has been one of prominence from the first epoch of general development to the present day, for his grandfather in the pioneer days was an extensive farmer of that time, and his son, father of Matthew B. Wells, was also a farmer, while our subject himself is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of this section, having a fine landed estate and much additional property.

Matthew B. Wells was born in Romine township, Marion county, December 24, 1864, the son of Matthew C. Wells, a native of Jefferson county, Illinois, a man of considerable influence in his community. He was a member of the famous One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the war between the states, having been in many hard fought engagements and important battles, in all of which he bore himself with the dignity of the true American soldier. He was wounded, captured and imprisoned and died in Andersonville prison in 1865, at the age of twentysix years.

The grandfather of the subject on his paternal side was Barney E. Wells, who came from Tennessee to Jefferson county, this state, in 1822, and was one of the pioneer farmers and stock raisers of the state, and is remembered as a man of many sterling qualities, and became a very wealthy and influential man. He spent the rest of his life in Jefferson county and passed to his rest in 1872, at the age of eighty-two years.

The mother of the subject was Louisa E. Branson, who was born and reared in Marion county, this state. Her father was Ellis Branson, a native of Tennessee, and was long known as one of the substantial farmers and stock raisers of the county. He reached the advanced age of ninety years. The Branson family as far back as the ancestors can be traced were all very religious people. The subject's mother married J. B. Donahue, of Romine township, and three children were born to this union.

Matthew B. Wells was reared in Romine township, where he attended the district schools and received a good education. Having early began to take an interest in political affairs, he was elected Supervisor of Romine township when only twenty-two years old, but he ably handled the affairs of this office to the satisfaction of everyone, and was re-elected to the same two years later, and he held this, together with that of Justice of the Peace until he was thirtytwo years old, developing into one of the best justices of the county, his decisions having been noted for their fairness. In 1898 he was elected Sheriff of Marion county on the Democratic ticket and he became so popular through his able work that his friends induced him to make the race for Congress in 1904, from the Twenty-third Illinois Congressional District, but he was -defeated. Since that time he has been engaged in farming and stock raising on a large scale. Buying on the Western market and shipping on the Eastern market, he "handles in a successful manner large numbers of stock, and he is well known to the live stock dealers throughout the country as an excellent judge of all grades of live stock.

Mr. Wells is the owner of one of the most valuable farms1 in Romine township, consisting of four hundred and sixty acres. It is regarded as a model stock farm by all who see it, being exceptionally well equipped for the handling of large numbers of stock to the best advantage. The soil is rich and is kept to a high state of efficiency.

Besides his farm, Mr. Wells owns a residence in Salem, which is one of the finest in Southern Illinois, being beautiful in architectural design, modern in every detail, and elegantly furnished and this beautifully appointed home is presided over by the subject's cultured wife, whom he married August i, 1883, her maiden name having been Mary E. Bond, a daughter of A. W. Bond, a well known resident of Jefferson county. Eight children living, and two deceased have been born to the subject and wife, named in order of birth as follows : Lillian, the wife of Marvin Bryan, of Salem; Ida, a teacher; Belle; Eva, also a teacher; Jess; Charles, deceased: V. H. ; Nellie, deceased: Ethel and Ray.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Wells is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wells are faithful members of the Methodist church as is also their family. Mr. Wells is now a member of the finance committee of the Democratic party of the state of Illinois, and he is regarded as one of the leading spirits in this great movement. Personally Mr. Wells is an excellent neighbor, a steadfast friend, and enterprising citizen.

Jesse Stonecipher

One of the most influential men in Rornine township, Marion county, is the subject of this sketch, his life being exemplary in every respect, for he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.

Jesse Stonecipher was born July 16, 1830, in Morgan county, Tennessee, the son of Thomas and Elender (Goddard) Stonecipher, both natives of Morgan county. Ten- nessee, the former having been a farmer, spending all his life there, and, together with four sons, fought in the Union army in Company B, Second Tennessee Regiment, having enlisted in 1861, and served until his health gave way. He died February 13, 1885. His wife passed away July 4, 1890. They were members of the Missionary Baptist church, and to them the following children were born: Lavina, who married John Brown, lived in Cumberland county, Tennessee; Jesse, the subject; Wayne, who is now living retired in Romine township; Mary Dow, who married Mathias Williams, is deceased, as is also her husband, who was in Company B, Second Tennessee Regiment : Curtis is a farmer in Romine township. (A full sketch of Thomas Stonecipher and his sons, Wayne and Curtis, appears in this volume under the caption of the father's name.) Louisa, the sixth child, is the widow of Jeremiah Jones, and she is living in Morgan county. Tennessee ; Timothy, who came to Marion county, Illinois, in 1862, enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, and served during the Civil war. He settled in Romine township after the war and married Olive Daggett, and he is now living in Centralia, a Justice of the Peace. Elizabeth, the eighth child, married James Brown, both now deceased. Mr. Brown was in Company B, Second Tennessee Regiment. Joseph is living in Scott county, Tennessee. He married Nancy Parker. He was also in Company B, Second Tennessee Regiment: Mahala, who is married and is living in Morgan county.

Jesse Stonecipher had only a limited chance to attend school, having spent about three months each year in the subscription schools in his community. He lived at home assisting with the work about the place until 1852. He was one of the patriotic sons of Tennessee, only a few of whom now remain, who volunteered in 1847 to fight in the Mexican war. His captain was R. Oliver, of Clinton, Tennessee, but Mr. Oliver failed to get a company together and the subject and others went to Knoxville, Tennessee, in November, 1847, where they enlisted, going by boat down the river to Paducah, Kentucky, from thence to New Orleans by boat and from there on a ship to Vera Cruz, where they landed January 7, 1848. The subject and a comrade were detached to unload crackers and molasses and they remained there over night, joining their company the following day. They stayed there in camp for three weeks and then went on a scouting expedition in the direction of Arazolia, where they had a skirmish with the guerrillas. They had a long tedious march through the deep sand with only a little water in their canteens. This gave out and they were compelled to march all day without any water. At night, the subject says, they came to a small creek and the soldiers plunged into it like cattle. The march back to Vera Cruz was sixty miles. They later marched to the national bridge, where they went into camp and they

BRINKERHOFF S HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ILLINOISwere at this place until peace was declared. While in camp at Vera Cruz the subject and his comrades experienced the discomfiture of a terrible rain and wind storm, which blew down their tents and did much damage. Mr. Stonecipher was discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, July 10, 1848. He went to Nashville by boat and from there marched home with the rest of the company on foot. He has always been glad of his experiences in Mexico.

Mr. Stonecipher lived in Tennessee until 1868. He was County Treasurer of Morgan county for six years. When his term expired he was elected Justice of the Peace for six years, served two years of the time, resigned and moved to Marion county, Illinois. He farmed in Tennessee, in which state he went to school and taught school for several years. On October 18, 1853, the subject first married Sarah Melton, of Morgan county, Tennessee, who was born February 15, 1827, and she passed to her rest May 31, 1873 ; then the subject married Ella Waggoner, born June 23, 1853, at Jonesville, Indiana, the daughter of John William, who was a gallant soldier in the Civil war, and Cynthia (DeWitt) Waggoner, the former of Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio. They went to Indiana when young and were subsequently married in that state. He died in Jonesville, Indiana, in 1865. Mrs. Waggoner is still living at that place in 1909. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner, James, Oscar and Ella, the subject's wife.

born August 23, 1854, married Nancy Lluellen, a farmer in Romine township; John Calvin, born January 23, 1857, i§ a railroad man and farmer at Campbell, Missouri. He married Delia Crawford; Lucy Elender, born July 9, 1859, who married John Phillips, is now deceased ; Estel Monet Lincoln, born September 16, 1861, died September 24, 1869; Timothy Greely, born October 25, 1864, who married Florence Cutchin, is deceased, but his widow is living in Romine township; Thomas Isham. born October 27, 1867, married Rosanna Jones and they live in Romine township. The following children are those of the subject and his second wife, eight in number: Alice Maude, born July 15, 1876, married Daniel Henson, of Mendota, Illinois; Leonodaf H., born April 13, 1879, who married Narcissus Burkett, is a farmer living with the subject of this sketch ; Ruth May, born April 1 6, 1 88 1, married George Fourth, of Orchardville, Illinois: Luther and Samon, twins, were bom July 7, 1885, are both single; Net and Nellie, twins, born July 31, 1887, the former having married Charles Branson, of Romine township, and the latter married Charles Taylor, of Mendota, Illinois; Ebon B., born September 16, 1891, is living at home.

In 1868 the subject located in Romine township, Marion county, buying a farm, on which he lived for ten years. He sold it and bought another of one hundred and sixty acres where he lives at this writing, engaged in general farming in a most successful manner, having an excellent and highly improved farm on which stands a good dwell-

Mr. Stonecipher has taken considerable nterest in local political matters and has bly served as Supervisor of his township, 'own Clerk for three terms and Treasurer or thirteen years. He is a loyal Repubcan. He is a Mason, belonging to the ohn D. Moody Blue Lodge, No. 610, at uka. He is a member of the Independent )rder of Odd Fellows at Kell, Illinois. He ; well known in Marion county, where he lught school for several years soon after is arrival here. He is a well informed ian, being a free thinker.

William H. Burnett

William H. Burnett, a well known grocer f Centralia, Marion county, is descended rom an old Virginia family, prominently lentified for many years with the tobacco idustry. His grandfather Burnett came rom France in early life and lived to the reat age of one hundred and two years. )n his mother's side he is a direct descendnt of Benjamin Franklin. The Franklin imily was of Tennessee.

The subject of our sketch was born in Vashington county, Illinois, on August 7, 878, and is the son of James T. and Liney (Franklin) Burnett. His father was orn in Roanoke county, Virginia, on Octoer 22, 1844. In early life he learned the milling business and worked for several years in his father's mill. In 1866 James Burnett came to Illinois and in 1875 was married to Linney Franklin. To them were born seven children, of whom William H. is the oldest.

William H. Burnett received his early training in the common schools of Carlyle, Illinois, but at the age of twelve years was compelled to join the ranks of the wage earners in order to aid in the support of the home; his father having met with an accident which incapacitated him as bread winner for many months. William worked in the mines for fifteen years and his energy and frugality yielded him a good sum of money. An earnest longing for more schooling prompted him to study at night, and by unremitting effort, with the aid of night schools, he had, at the age of twentyone acquired a good education. Later, he completed a course in Brown's Business College. He was married May 27, 1903, to Miss Maud Brown, a daughter of James Lawson, and Clemmie Brown. Both parents are natives of Southern Illinois, and are of old Scotch covenanter stock, a race of strictly moral and religious people.

Mrs. Burnett is a graduate of the Centralia high school, and has two sisters. Miss Anna Brown and Mrs. H. E. Tenney, both of whom reside in Centralia.

Fourth South street, Centralia. Previously he had been located in the same business on the west side of the city, where his store was totally destroyed by fire.

In his present location he owns a house, lot and store, which occupies eighty by one hundred and sixty feet. His family residence, which is a substantial one. fronts on South Maple street. His grocery is up-todate in every respect. It is double roomed and carries a full line of all household necessities.

"Modern methods to meet modern requirements" is the motto of its proprieter and the attention which orders receive and the facility of their delivery is of the best description.

The subject of our sketch is yet a young man and in the years to come his present prosperous standing in the community, aided by his progressive and forceful qualities, and his remarkable ability to surmount difficulties, is sure to reach a higher plane.

Mrs. Carrie Shirwood

Mrs. Carrie Shirwood, widow of George Shirwood, is one of the best known of the older inhabitants of Centralia. She is a woman whose career, especially her early life, reads like a page of romance. Born in London, England, on the 3d of December, 1839, her family name being Wilson, she was taken by her parents and members of her family at an early age across the ocean to the United States. The voyage proved an ill-fated and most disastrous one for the family, the vessel they sailed on going down at sea, and her parents, the ship crew, and all, with the exception of herself and her grandmother, perished in the catastrophe. Mrs. Shirwood's providential rescue seemed to mark her for a special destiny, and it came to pass that as a mere babe she was adopted by a kind and generous man. Doctor Berge, who ever afterwards acted as her parent. She was given a most excellent education in New York City by her foster-father, passing through the public and high schools, and the New Jersey Ladies' Academy. Having finished her education she entered upon a life in keeping with her social standing. She married in St. Louis, Missouri, the late George Shirwood. They entered upon a very happy married life, and became the parents of three children, two girls and a boy, whom they named, Charlotte Bing Shirwood, who married Hugh Green, now deceased; the second daughter, Hattie, is deceased, and the brother, George R. Shirwood, married Emma Siple. George R. Shirwood and his wife have two children, a boy and a girl.

George Shirwood was a tailor by trade, and was a skilled and high class workman whose services always commanded a high price. He was employed by one Centralia firm for more than twenty-nine years. Mr. Shirwood was well liked and respected and his demise was mourned by a large section of the people of Centralia.

Lottie Green, was educated in the Centralia schools, and upon receiving an adequate educational training she became a dressmaker. She has now successfully followed her occupation for over twenty years, and has achieved quite a name for herself in Centralia, as a prominent and capable business woman. She cares for her aged parent, the subject of our sketch, and lives at No. 734 South Maple street in her own property. Mrs. Green is an active and clearbrained woman and one thoroughly acquainted with the business affairs of the day. Since the death of her husband and even previous to it, she managed and executed all affairs of a business and financial nature with consummate skill and ability. She is an energetic and athletic woman and has all the present day American woman's enthusiasm and love of outdoor sports. She spends the greater part of her leisure hours in forest or field, where, with a dog or gun or fishing rod, she is perfectly happy. Her prowess in the hunting field and as a fisherwoman has not infrequently excited the admiration and envy of her male companions.

Mrs. Lottie Green has the distinction of being the only lady in Centralia who takes out a hunting license. She is also a dog fancier of note and is the possessor of three fine bull dogs, well blooded animals, and a good horse. She enjoys the company of her pets on her outdoor excursions, and is always solicitious for their welfare.

Mrs. Green and her mother, Mrs. Carrie Shirwood, are social figures of no small importance in Centralia. Their residence is always a hospitable meeting place for old friends of the family.

NOTE - The following articles, which the banks of streams. The wood is exceedproperly belong in the historical section of ingly durable and is valuable for many purthis publication, were received too late to lie poses, notably for the making of lead penplaced there. cils.

Pixaceae. Salicaceae

White Willow (Salix Alba) - This has been considerably introduced and was formerly used for hedges ; it is still valuable for wood lots. This grows into a large tree and its soft, fine grained wood is highly esteemed for making charcoal. As grown on the farms, it is one of the best for long slender poles not to be placed in the ground. A variety of this is the golden barked willow sometimes planted for ornament.

Juglandaceae

Black Walnut (Juglans AKgro). - This well known tree has become almost exterminated. There was no other wood so eagerly sought after in North America or which commanded so high a price in its day. It is still considered a very important timber tree.

Butternut (Juglans Cinerea). - The wood of this tree is something like that of the Black Walnut, but lighter in color. In this region of the country the tree does not usually develop as well as does its relative and saw logs from it are never so common. The nuts of both trees are highly esteemed.

Pignut Hickory (Hicoria. Glabra). - These are much alike and produce thinshelled nuts with a bitter kernel. The wood is not so valuable as that from other hickorys, but is used for the same class of purposes.

Big Shag-bark or King-nut Hickory (Hicoria Laciniosa). - The nut of this tree has a somewhat smaller kernel and a much thicker shell. The nut itself is of large size. The former grows upon rather dry ground and the latter is mainly found along the river bottoms. Both have shaggy bark and are celebrated for the quality of the wood.

White-heart Hickory or Mockernut (Hicoria Alba) is less common but has somewhat the appearance of the last two mentioned. The nut is of medium size and more pointed at its outer end.

Betulaceae

Iron-wood or Hop-Hornbeam (Ostrya Virginiana.) - These are not uncommon small trees. The wood is exceedingly dense and heavy, immediately sinking when green in water.

River Birch (Betula Nigra) is a small slender tree which grows along the water courses. It is a desirable tree for dooryard planting, but it lacks the white color of the bark that some of the other birches have.

The oaks everywhere constitute a large part of the forest and furnish a greater part of the timber of highest value. They are easily divided into two classes, which may be called the red oak class and the white oak class. The lobes of the leaves of the former are terminated by a bristle or point while those of the others are rounded. Acorns of the first class require two years to develope and when mature are, therefore, found upon wood of two years' growth, while those of the second class are borne on twigs of the current season. Generally the wood of the red oak class is less durable in the ground and has less tensible strength than that of the white oak class. Commonly in the lumber markets only two kinds of oak are kown, namely, red oak and white oak, but the wood comes from various species. Of the first there grow in Marion county:

Ulmaceae

Hackberry (Celtis Occidentalis) Is well known to all woodsmen. It does not attain so large a size as the American elm, but at its best development reaches well towards the upper limit of height.

Moraceae Drupaceae

Tulip Tree (Liriodcndron Tiilipifcra) - In the original Illinois woods, there were three trees which vied with each other for supremacy in height ; namely : tulip, sycamore and burr oak. It can hardly be doubted, however, that there were more trees of the present species which reached one hundred and seventy-five feet than of all the others put together. This tree has furnished a very considerable part of the best building and cabinet wood which has been cut in the state. It was and is greatly sought after for veneers used largely in the making of fruit boxes. It is often called yellow poplar, but it is not a relative of the true poplars.