Mason County, Illinois - The whole text, 1876 (part 3 of 6)

The third store was opened by A. & S. D. Swing, in the latter part of the winter of '5S and '59, in a large frame buildings which still stands upon its former site, a short distance east of the C. & A. R. R., between Elm and Arch streets. R. A. Hurt came next in the mercantile line, then Hurt & Porter. But I have neither time nor space to make special mention of other merchants.

In those early days merchants necessarily had to deal in a little of everything. The stock in trade of nearly every house consisted of dry goods, groceries, hardware, farm machinerv, boots and shoes, hats and caps, paints and oils, clothing, millinery (?), patent medicines, etc., etc., and in exchange for merchandise they received money, live stock, cord wood, furs, hides, poultry, butter, eggs, fruit, grain, and all manner of produce.

A. A. Cargill was the first postmaster. He was commissioned in the spring of '58, and remained in office about eighteen months. For two or three years great difficulty was experienced in getting the mail. For about a year the mail for this point was sent to Petersburg, and the people in this vicinity employed Edgar Hunt, by private subscription, to carry mail to and from Petersburg, once a week, but in times of freshets the people had to wait from two to four weeks for mail matter. In order to avoid high water, arrangements were afterwards made for getting the mail at Delavan instead of Petersburg. Israel Hibberd was appointed postmaster in the fall of '59, and held his office till June, '61, when A. A. Cargill was again appointed, and he retained the office till August, 1S66, when he was succeeded by E.J. Mell. Mr. Mell was succeeded by J. H. Cleveland, Mr. Cleveland by Sallie C. Sullivan, Miss Sullivan by Louise Hoyt, the present postmistress.

Mr. Cargill tells me that during his first administration a common cigar box was amply sufficient to hold a week's mail. About ten years ago, I think, the government established mail routes through here from Delavan to Petersburg, and from Lincoln to Havana. This change in the manner of receiving and forwarding the mail was, of course, highly appreciated.

During the first two or three years of its existence, Mason Citygrew rapidly, but during the succeeding five years very few new buildings were erected. Soon after the close of the war the work of improvement was resumed, but not until '67 did the period of

Near the close of the session of the Legislature, held in the winter of 1S6S-69, an act was passed incorporating Mason City under a special city charter. It is certain that the passage of that act was not secured in a very honorable manner. A large majority of our citizens preferred to retain the old town organization, and were unaware of the fact that a charter had been applied for until after the announcement of its passage. But it soon became apparent that acquiescence in the new order of things was unavoidable. This charter divided the city into four wards, as follows: First ward lay west of Main street and north of Chestnut; the second, west of Main street and south of Chestnut; the third, east of Main street and south of Chestnut; and the fourth, east of Main street and north of Chestnut.

The first charter election was held, I think, on the first Tuesday in April, 1869. That election and the preceding campaign were very exciting, and hotly contested.

The license question was the issue in the selection of the Mayor and Aldermen - politics being ignored. Inasmuch as a full vote was polled at that election, it may not be uninteresting to insert the result of the resulted as follows: H. T. Strawn, Mayor; Wellington Houseworth, Marshal; D. M. Childs, Collector. The Alderman from the first ward was D. E. LeSourd; from the second, J. A. Phelps; from the third, John Prichet; from the fourth, George Young. R. C. Dement was appointed City Clerk, and R. W. Porter was appointed Treasurer.

In consequence of the resignations of Judge Lamoreux and Marshal Houseworth, a special election was held in December, 1870, which resulted in the choice of J. S. Shuck, for City Judge, and George Tippey, for Marshal.

Election April 5, 1S7I

Luther Naylor was elected Mayor; M. C. Vanloon, Marshal; and F. N. Smith, Collector. The Alderman from the first ward was H. M. Anderson; from the second, Geo. A. Withers; from the third, N. Travis; from the fourth, J. S. Gates. J. F. Culp was appointed City Clerk, and John Lazelle, Treasurer.

In consequence of the resignation of Judge Shuck, and the failure of F. N. Smith to qualify, a special election was held August 1, 1S71, resulting in the election of J. H. Wandle for City Judge, and Jeremiah Riggins, for Collector.

Election April I, 1872

Luther Naylor was elected Mayor; A. S. Jackson, Marshal; S. S. Martin, Collector; Joseph Statler, City Judge. H. M. Anderson was elected Alderman from the first ward; Andrew Mc- Elheney, from the second; X. Travis, from the third; J. S. Gates, from the fourth. J. F. Culp was appointed City Clerk, and John Lazelle, Treasurer.

July 3, 1872, a petition, signed by fifty legal voters of the city, was presented to the City Council, asking that an election be called to vote for or against the adoption of "An act to provide for the incorporation of cities and villages." Approved April 10, 1872. In force July 1, 1872. The prayer of this petition was granted. An election was held August 5, 1S72, which resulted in the adop-

This result necessitated a change in the boundaries of wards previous to the next general election. The census was taken by a committee appointed by the Council, and an ordinance was duly passed, dividing the city into three wards, as follows : First ward lay west of Mason street and noi-th of Chestnut; the second, west of Mason street and south of Chestnut; and the third, all that portion of the city east of Mason street.

Election, April 15, 1873

To-day, Mason City has a population of at least 2,000. During the last six years the average increase in population has been about 250 j?er year. Perhaps a larger amount of business is transacted here every year than in any other city of equal size in the State of Illinois. This city is situated in eastern Mason county, in the center of a well settled and exceedingly fertile district of country, and, as long as agriculture shall continue to be the true basis of wealth and power, just so long will the prosperity of Mason City be assured. But, though the success of our city is largely dependent upon the support of agriculturists, it must be admitted that the growth and improvement, both of the city and the country surrounding it, is, to a considerable extent, due to railroads, and to the pluck and enterprise of our merchants, grain dealers and other business men.

soon be finished to the Mississippi river, and will then be one of the most important railroad lines in the West. It is probable that within two years a road, to be known as "The Grand Junction Railway," will be built from Quincy to this place, making connection here with the Chicago & Alton R. R.

And so, from all points of view, the outlook is most encouraging. "It doth not yet appear what we shall be," fully, but enough can be seen to inspire in any reasonable observer the belief that Mason City is destined to move onward and upward to a much higher rank among the host of cities stationed in the great Mississippi Valley.

For the above sketch of Mason City, we are very largely indebted to G. W. Ellsberry, Esq., Attornev-at-Law, in Mason City, and for his kindness to us in the compilation of the material; for this, we only wish that he may be prospered and built up as has been the city of his adoption.

One of the elements of Mason City's prosperity is the class of mechanics who have, fortunately for her and them, made their homes within her limits.

Among them we are pleased to note Ambrose and Sons, dealers in tin, stoves and hardware; L. Swing, tin, stoves and hardware; Fiddler & Pritchet, saddles, harness and trunks, Havves & Co., saddles, harness and trunks ; Cole, boots and shoes ; Gardner, boots and shoes ; and Finch, boots and shoes; Mundt & Oeltjen, merchant tailors; Cameron, merchant tailor; Cooper, merchant tailor.

Blacksmiths, W. S. Cheneworth, manufacturer of wagons on an extensive scale; H. B. Cease, also a large manufacturer; and H. S. Houseworth, wagon manufacturer. Geo. Yost, Roberts & Benway, James Stebbins and Chas. Brooker, are among the substantial mechanics in their line.

Of her elevators and her warehouses, Mason City can well congratulate herself. M. R. La Forge & Co., R. A. Mulholland, John Stewart, and John Pritchet are the owners. They have an aggregate capacity of over one million bushels, and facilities for handling second to none.

Church Societies

Methodist - J as. W. Sinnock, Pastor. Service every Sabbath, at 11 o'clock, A. M., and 7:30, P. M. Sabbath School, at 2:30, P. M. Henry Wakeman, Superintendent.

Benevolent Societies

Mason City Lodge, No. 403, A. F. & A. M. - Regular communications on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of every month. S. M. Badger, W. M. J. F. Culp, Secretary.

Mason City Lodge, No. 337, of I. O. O. F. - Regular Meeting every Thursday evening in their hall, LaFurge Block. G. W. Ellsberrv, X. G. P. Mundt, Secretary.

One characteristic of the people of Mason City, and that to which we attribute the success and healthfulness of every department of her trade and her manufactures, is the system of home patronage she has always pursued. Her own mechanics are the first choice of her citizens for them to bestow their patronage on. Her own merchants are the persons who receive the patronage of her manufacturers and mechanics. This system of mutual patronage is one of the most commendable as well as the most profitable that can be pursued. It increases and fosters neighborly feeling, sociability, and the improvement of society, and is alike commendable and desirable to the head, the heart and the jjockets of the people who practice it. It is not a principle of selfishness, but is an application of that christian principle which is older than Christianity; practiced, recommended and enforced in the days of Confucious, adopted in a negative form by later rulers, and affirmatively commanded by the founder of the Christian system, viz: "Do unto others as you would that they should do unto you."

Postmasters In Mason City

Mr. Cargill, in addition to being the first Postmaster of the city, served a second term in that office, between the terms of Mr. Hibberd and Mr. Mell.

Centennial Anniversary

The celebration of the Centennial Fourth of July in Mason City was satisfactory, in its general particulars, to all who participated. Great preparations had been made, and on Monday P. M. the prospects were fair for a good time, and an occasion of pleasure without any alloy. The heavy wind and rain storm of Monday night seriously damaged the wigwam and flooded the ground, so that on the morning of the Fourth everything looked inauspicious, and disappointment sat on every countenance. By nine o'clock, however, such large numbers of people were coming into town, that it was evident that the war of the elements had not in the least quenched the patriotism of the people, and that the prospects for a glorious Fourth were still good. A large force of men were put at work to repair the wigwam, and it was determined to proceed with the programme as arranged.

Immediately after dinner the procession was formed by Capt. Weaver, the Marshal, in front of the Journal office. The Mason City band took the lead. Following next came the chariots of State, the first one representing the States in the Union in 1776; the second one the Union as it is now. In each chariot the States were represented by young misses, appropriately dressed. These chariots were followed by the fire company, with the engine ornamented and bedecked with flags. Next came the carriages -with the speakers, the clergy, the members of the press, and a lengthy procession of citizens. After marching through the principal streets, the line of march was concluded at the wigwam. The ground about the wigwam was, in consequence of the rain, in a very damp condition, but every one seemed willing to make the best of the situation, and the programme was gone through with with great interest to all. After music by the band, and an eloquent prayer by Father Randle, and a patriotic song by the Glee

Club, Augustus Green, the President of the day, delivered a most thrilling and eloquent poem, for the opening address. The Declaration of Independence was read by Capt. W. H. Weaver, and was read in a manner that elicited the warmest applause. Next came the oration of the day, by Rev. John Crozier, of Menard county. Mr. Crozier's oration is worthy of an extended notice, which we are not able to give it at this late hour, before our paper goes to press, especially as we are too much demoralized by the fatigue and excitement of the week to write anything connectedly. Suffice it to say that the oration was eloquent and eminently appropriate, and was listened to with great interest by all. The oration was followed by short addresses by Geo. W. Ellsberry and Joseph Baner, Esq., and then by toasts and responses, interspersed with songs by the Glee Club and music by the band. Of the responses to the toasts, the original poem by Mr. Green, to the sentiment " Now and Then," received very many encomiums, and while all who responded did themselves great credit, this poem was the bo?i mot of the occasion.

At night the vast assemblage gathered about the wigwam to witness the display of fire-works. The discharge of these pyrotechnics was superintended by Frank Culp, and as a matter of course, under his management, was a perfect success; being, probably, the finest exhibition of the kind ever given in Mason county.

Notwithstanding the war of the elements, the celebration was an occasion of which the managers may be well proud. It is probable that at least four thousand people crowded our streets, and enjoyed the day and its ceremonies.

The thanks of the community are due to the band and the Glee Club for their music and aid; to the committee who labored hard to get the wigwam erected; and while we never like, on such occasions, where all are willing to do what they can to aid a laudable enterprise, to bestow especial praise on any single individual, we know that we express the unqualified thanks of all who participated in the jubilations of the day, to Ben Riner, who, though least conspicuous in the ceremonies, was the main spoke in the wheel; in fact, the hub of the whole affair. Almost unaided, he solicited and collected the funds, amounting to nearly $500, and paid the bills as presented, taking upon himself a large responsiblity, and pushing the matter to a successful issue. We only hope Ben may live to raise the money for another centennial in Mason City.

Gala Day

The long-looked for and long-talked of Centenary Fourth of July came last Tuesday, made its bright page in history, and left its glorious memory with those who celebrated it. It was the grand spectacle of a powerful and patriotic nation, rising simultaneously throughout its broad expanse and doing honor and homage to a beloved country and revered ancestry, and it now remains for the innumerable localities to record what they did and how they did it. It is our province to help make up the record, and preserve from oblivion, the manner in which the patriotic people of Mason City commemorated the Great American Day.

The storm of the previous night disarranged our plans somewhat, but while we reverently acknowledged our dependence upon the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, we were not disposed to superstitiously look upon this as an interposition of His providence to prevent our celebration, but rather to give thanks that the day was so pleasant after all. Our artificial shade was blown down, and the ground underneath made wet and muddy ; but with this exception, which caused a delay of the exercises until afternoon, everything passed off pleasantly.

The Centenary Independence morn was ushered in by ringing of bells and firing of anvils (the cannon failed to come), and a general jubilee of salutations. Early in the day the business portion of the city, and a large number of dwellings, were beautifully decorated with flags and banners. At quite an early hour the streets were thronged with people, and as the clouds broke away, wagon loads almost innumerable came pouring in from all the surrounding country, and every train brought still others from distant places. Everybody seemed happj'that they were vouchsafed the great privilege of stepping across the centenary line in the life and progress of their beloved country.

The procession was formed at the corner of Tonica and Chestnut streets. The order of the procession was as follows: First, Mason City Cornet Band; second, a chariot of state, containing thirteen Misses, representing the original thirteen States; third, a chariot of state containing thirty-eight Misses, representing the present num- ber of States; fourth, the fire engine, followed by the fire company in uniform; fifth, carriages containing the mayor, president, orator of the day, editors and ministers; buggies and wagons. The line of march was through the principal streets of the city to the wigwam.

The exercises at the wigwam commenced with music by the Band and Glee Club, which interspersed the exercises throughout, which were in the following order:

Second - Reading of the Declaration of Indedendence, that immortal document, which, though old, is ever new, and which for a complete century has stood the test of criticism, and stands to-dav unchallenged as the masterpiece in the English language, as it was admitted to be by the learned and eloquent Wm. Pitt in his day. It was read by Capt. W. H. Weaver, and in a manner that did justice to that time-honored instrument, and credit to himself.

Third - Poetic Address, by Augustus Green, President of the Day, which was a beautiful and expressive production, acknowledging the protective beneficence of God in preserving our nation, and paying a glowing tribute to the immortal heroes of the Revolution.

Fourth - Oration by Rev. John Crozier, in which we think he fully sustained what we promised of him, as an orator, scholar and historian, in this paper last week; although the circumstances of the situation were against him, yet by his elegant and eloquent stvle and expression he held the marked attention of the vast and uncomfortably situated audience, while he beautifully traced the history and outbursts of the spirit of liberty down through the despotisms and monarchies of the world, and how the hand of God had led the people on through succeeding ages to the full establishment of Liberty and Independence in the great nation of the United States, and how the same divine hand had led the little but heroic band of patriots through the terrible war of the Revolution.

After the oration, short addresses were delivered by J. S. Baner and G. W. Ellsberry, after which a variety of toasts were read and responded to, which was a pleasant feature of the occasion, and which was both amusing and instructive. This concluded the exercises at the wigwam, and the audience adjourned up town for a

At night was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which was witnessed by an immense crowd of people. But unfortunately for a full fruition of great and well founded expectations, the electic fireworks of the clouds began to illuminate the western horizon early in the evening, and warn the people that time nor thunder storms waited not for man nor for any public gathering. The people stood their ground, however, in the face of the ominous thunder and lightning until about the last minute, when there was a simultaneous start for home.

Taking it all in all, it was an occasion of which eastern Mason county may well feel proud, in that despite the wind and weather they did their duty towards commemorating the Great Centennial Fourth, and if any failed to find in it all we promised in a rather extravagant article on the subject last week, we charge it more to their lack of appreciation, hearing and eyesight, than to an overwrought imagination from exaggeration on our part; and if we should be editing the Independent when the next centennial comes round, and you, kind readers, should be the readers of it, we will make all right then whatever may have been amiss this time.

Biographical

In presenting the biographies of present residents and the former early residents of Mason county, we have taken representatives of three divisions of subjects, viz : Old settlers who were early identified with the settlement of the country and have passed away; secondly, old settlers identified with the interests of the county who are still living; and thirdly, the representatives of the business interests of the county at the present time. In these I have taken subjects from all lines of business and professions, without regard to wealth or official position, but to present briefly all the different divisions above stated.

Lyman Lacy was born in Tompkins county, New York, May 9, 1832. He is the son of John and Cloe (Hurd) Lacy, who removed to Michigan in 1836, and in 1837 settled in Fulton county, Illinois. His preliminary education was acquired in the public schools of Illinois, whence he was transferred to Illinois College, at Jacksonville, from which institution he graduated in 1S55. In the same year he commenced the study of law at Lewistown, with Hon. L. W. Ross, and in 1856 was admitted to the bar.

He located in Havana in October, 1856, and continued the practice of law until 1862, when he was elected to the lower House of the Legislature, on the Democratic ticket, to represent the counties of Mason and Menard, and served one term. In June, 1S73, he was elected Circuit Judge of the seventeenth district, comprising the counties of Mason, Menard, Logan and DeWitt. He was married May 9, i860, to Miss Caroline A. Potter, of Beardstown, Illinois,

The official positions held by Judge Lacy have been filled with ability ; with great credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. His standing as a judge is deservedly high.

James W. Kelly

The subject of this sketch has been a resident of this county twenty-two years. A practical farmer, a practical business man, and soundness and substantiality are the leading characteristics of his organization. He was born in the State of Delaware, January 8, 1S19, and is consequently now in his fifty-eighth year, though his appearance would indicate ten years less to the casual observer. His avocation is that of a farmer, and a life-long experience has made it, with him, a financial success. He removed with his parents to Ohio in 1827, and settled in Miama county. During his residence there he married to Miss C. Benham, in 1S43, and for thirty-three years have they traveled the journey of life together, with a larger amount of health and comfort than usually falls to the lot of humanity.

They removed to Illinois in 1854, and settled on the farm where they now reside. An interesting family has sprung up about them. Mr. Kelly, in common with other substantial residents of our county, has served a full share in those humble but very important and useful positions of school and township trustee, and is a member of our county Board of Supervisors this centennial year; a body that feels his influence, and is benefited by and indebted to his judgment and practical business ability.

Is a native of New York, and removed to this town Sept. 15, 1 85 1, when this region was somewhat primitive, and Havana contained less than three hundred inhabitants. His occupation was that of a plasterer and bricklayer; he was a first-class workman, and a man of unusual energy and perseverance in the prosecution of his avocation, his motto being to do with his might what his hands found to do, provided always that it was done well. For about ten years he followed that avocation with more satisfaction to those for whom he labored than with profit to himself. About the year 1857 or 1858 he was elected a justice of the peace, in which office he served his constituents acceptably for a period of eight years; a position which his sound judgment and impartiality abundantly qualified him to fill. He was also a member of the board of town trustees for eight years, a place filled so much to the satisfaction of his constituents that they continued to re-elect him to the same position. So satisfactory was his services in these humble but useful positions, that the people of the county said very emphatically, "come up higher." This they compelled him to do by electing him sheriff in 1864, under the old constitution, when two successive terms could not be served by the same man. He was re-elected however in 1872, and again in 1874, making four successive years of service in that important office, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his friends and constituents, and is the incumbent at the present time.

A personal acquaintance and neighborship with the subject of this sketch for over twenty years, has, perhaps, disqualified the writer from passing an impartial estimate and unbiased opinion on the man. We will hazard the remark however, that we have never known him to decline doing a favor or rendering a service for the accommodation of others. This, too, has been done as freely for the poor (and more so) than for the rich ; and when there was no possible remuneration or hope of reward.

It has been the privilege of the writer to know of efforts by him to benefit others that have resulted in pecuniary loss, and that quite severe. In a private conversation on the subject, he remarked that "where intentions were all right, there were no one to blame." But it is to his official career as sheriff that we love to refer.

While kindness to all is a predominant law and element of his nature, that principle of firmness so essential to strict official duty was its balance. Many incidents have occurred in his long official career that nothing but his indomitable firmness and strict adherence to duty have made the sequel to his honor and credit. His official term expires this fall, and he declines a re-election, which has been suggested by his friends. Active and prompt in the dis- charge of his official duties, satisfied with nothing less than his whole duty, a gentleman in his intercourse with all with whom he has to do, doing to others as he would that they should do to him ; it is not strange that he has fast friends, and many of them. Enjoying uniform good health, he bids fair for many more years to enjoy the good things of this world.

John W. Pugh

It is with hesitancy that we approach the work of sketching the history of him whose name is at the head of this article. A man who delights in doing good to others in a quiet and unostentious way; that shrinks from publicity and notoriety; of deep religious character; that prefers that his right hand should not know what his left doeth; to give to the public our knowledge of his life is a pleasant and delicate task.

Mr. Pugh is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Luzerne county, August 5, 1824. He removed to Mason county, Illinois, in 1850; like many others, attracted by the fertility of the soil, healthful climate, though at that time not possessing the advantage of churches, schools, etc., afforded at the present day. He has been engaged in farming, practically and successfully.

He was married in 1S54 to Miss Sarah Apple, daughter of Major Apple, of Lewistown, Fulton county, Illinois, hence for twentytwo years they have together traveled life's pathway, on the borders of which few have found more flowers or become less wearied. His official career is alike creditable to his head and heart. Seldom has the time arrived since his residence in this county that he was not trustee of town or school or both, as every good citizen is expected to give his time freely to these non-paying but useful and indispensable positions. For nine years he has been a member of the county board of supervisors, and is the present incumbenti and one whose influence and judgment has much to do in the legislation of the affairs of the county.

He was elected to the legislature and served the last session, and his term includes the years 1S74 and 1876, Here, as in the county board, his influence was felt, and his votes stand recorded creditably to himself and constituents. - 16

The year following his marriage, (1S55) he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he remained an honored and influential member till 1S73, when he transferred his membership to the Presbyterian Church, in his immediate neighborhood, and for more convenient attendance. This transfer of Mr. Pugh of his church relations from one organization to another, is only an illustration of a very pleasant fact, which is this: That as education and intelligence increase, the partition walls between church organizations become lower, and the higher a man stands in education and intelligence the sooner he is able to look over these walls, and they finally lose their dividing power, and the upper strata of intelligence and piety find themselves equally at home on either side of where the walls once stood, as they become invisible . and crumble away. It is not true that "ignorance is the mother of devotion," but it is true that ignorance is the mother of bigotry and superstition; and bigotry and superstition are the foundations on which rest the partition walls of religious organizations, which are fast disappearing. It is the pride and glory of this century that science and arts are moving forward to the annihilation of time and space; that educated intelligence is at the helm of civil government (the people) ; that the revelation of God's word and His works are in happy unison, and science and not ignorance is the handmaid of religion.

But we digress. We allude briefly to the usefulness of the subject of this sketch in the Sabbath-school work and the benevolent enterprises of his neighborhood; and to enlarge on this topic is unnecessary; we will say, however, that he takes a great interest and pleasure in these commendable enterprises, and his duty is his greatest pleasure.

"May never wicked fortune trouble him; May never wicked men bamboozle him, Until his head's as old as old Mathusalem; Then to the blessed New Jerusalem, With fleet wings away."

Dr. Walker has been a prominent physician in Mason county for many years, noted for his skill and abilities in both medicine and surgery. He was born in Adair county, Kentucky, April 6,

1826. The family from which he descended came to Virginia, when it was a young colony, from Londonderry, Ireland. The descendants, who are numerous, are spread over many of the western and southern States.

The subject of these notes removed with his parents, Joseph C. Walker and wife, to Illinois, and settled in Sangamon county in 1S30, near a place now called Middletown,in Logan county. After residing there seven years he removed to Irish Grove, Menard county, where he died in 1S41, aged fifty-six years. Dr. Walker then carried his mother back to Kentucky, overland, and remained there, laboring at four dollars per month for means to enable him to return to Illinois. On his return he worked on a farm, taught school, and, as well as he could, unaided, pursued the study of medicine. In 1S46 he enlisted in Company F, Fourth Illinois Volunteers, under Col. Ed. Baker, and was at the seige of Vera Cruz and the battle of Cerro Gordo; was a second Sergeant in his company. On his return to Menard county he was elected Assessor and Treasurer, and was then enabled again to resume the studies so congenial to his taste. So sanguine was he in the pursuit of the knowledge requisite to the profession of medicine, that he carried medical books in his knapsack during his service in the Mexican war. His acquirements were finally reduced to system under Dr. J. G. Rogers, of Petersburg, 111. '

On July 3d, 1849, he married Miss Martha E. Towne, who died in 1853. In 1854 he again married. The lady was Miss M. A. Walker, daughter of W. H. Walker, of Lancaster, Iowa. In 1S57 he joined with others in laying out Mason City, and in 1859 made this his permanent home. In 1861, under the first call for volunteers, he enlisted, and was made Captain of Company K, 17th Illinois Infantry, for which see roster of the 17th Infantry, in the Military department of this work. He was in the battles of Fredericktown, Ft. Donaldson and Shiloh. He then resigned and assisted in raising the 85th Illinois Infantry, of which he was appointed Surgeon, and afterwards Lieuntenant-Colonel, in which capacity he served till the battle of Chicamauga, when he returned to Mason City and resumed his practice. In 1865 it was proposed to erect a monument to departed soldiers, and Dr. Walker was made President of the building association.

By his present wife a family of pleasant and interesting children have sprung up ahout them - eight in number - making lively their pleasant home in Mason Citv.

Dr. Walker is an active and enthusiastic member of his profession, enjoying an extensive and successful practice, and, like all men who love their profession, is quite successful. Sociallv. we know Dr. Walker as a genial, pleasant gentleman; enjoying good health, he bids fair for a long life of usefulness in his labors to benefit his fellow-man.

John A. Mallory

The gentleman whose name is at the head of these notes is not an old resident of Mason county, but one whose talents and abilities have prominently identified him in the political, the literary, the legal and the business interests of the county. The writer first met and became acquainted with Judge Mallory on his first arrival and settlement in Havana, in the year 1S5S, at which time he emigrated here from Tennessee, where he had resided for some years, though a native of Kentucky. Possessed of fine aesthetic taste, unusual mechanical ability, sound education and a taste for literature, it is not strange that we find him an artist, a printer, an editor or a painter. These varied talents he possesses in no small degree. He possesses poetical genius that deserves a notoriety that he does not care to admit. Below find a little production of his pen, thrown off without a moment's thought, July 4, iS^q, and published in the Havana Gazette the same week:

The New-year following he was the successful competitor for a silver cup, valued at fifty dollars, for the best poem on the new year. The premium was offered in the city of Memphis. We have read the poem, and the letter awarding the cup, and asking by what means of conveyance it should be forwarded to him. The poem was a lengthy production, very meritorious, and we regret that we have never been able to obtain a copy, of, on the present occasion, to extract therefrom. On the breaking out of the rebellion he took active part in political affairs in behalf of the preservation of the Union, and on the 27th of August, 1S62, was mustered into the service in the 85th Illinois Infantry, in an official position, (for which see roster of 85th 111., in another part of this book) which was filled with fidelity and credit. He resigned February 7, 1S63. In 1S65 he was elected to the office of Police Justice, to fill a vacancy, and afterwards re-elected for a full term ; served with great acceptance in this position for five years, when he was elected County Judge in 1869, which position he filled with such fidelity and satisfaction that it needs no further comment than to state the fact that he was re-elected in 1873 by the largest majority any officer ever received in Mason county.

These continued re-elections by increased majorities is a better and more eloquent commentary on his official acts than any in the power of the writer to undertake.

A social, pleasant and genial gentleman, he has made many strong friends; an active politician of the "straitest of the sect," a democrat, a member of the County Central Committee of that party, also of the State Central Committee.

If there is one fact more than another that stands forth pre-eminent and conspicuous where there are many strong points, as a tall mountain peak rises high in the blue vault of heaven, and is prominent, though surrounded by other mountain peaks, it is his record as a judicial officer. That record is without blot or blemish. His decisions do not in the least indicate his individual opinions, but the law and the testimony. When the surging waves of treason were lashing against the columns of the colossal Accropolis of the nation's glory, though a southern man by birth and education, he felt it to be his duty to unite with the Union army. When an odious law is to be enforced, he executes his duty to the letter of the statute, thus hastening its repeal.

Henry C. Burnham

The Burnham family is descended from an ancient English ancestry. The historical publications of Norfolk county, England, enables the family to establish an unbroken line in that country, down through the lapse of centuries to the year 1S1S, and living men of the name still in England carry the line of succession to still later dates. The coat-of-arms seems to have existed since the eleventh century, without modification.

Bv increase and inter-marrying they became scattered over England, and prominently identified with Church and State, and, finally, it became engrafted on American soil. The origin of American Burnhams is traceable to three brothers, John, Thomas and Robert, sons of Rupert and Mary (Andrews) Burnham, of Norwich, Norfolk county, England, who came to America in 1635. Robert established himself at Dover, New Hampshire.

John Burnham acquired large tracts of land, and became a very wealthy and influential man. His grandson, Ebenezer, moved to Windham, Conn., and became the ancestor of a numerous progeny. ' He purchased a farm in 1734, located in Hampton, where, until recently, was the old Burnham homestead. In the third generation from him, or the sixth from John Burnham, Festus Burnham was born, on the 25th of April, 1796, and was married, in 1S23, to Lora, daugbter of Daniel Clark. Their children were Lora Ann, Henry Clark, and Marina, only two of whom are now living, Lora Ann, widow of James Ashley, and Henry C., the subject of this sketch, who was born at Hampton, Conn., Jan. 30, 1826, and who, being the only son, stands at the head of the seventh generation of his own family. He was educated at home, and furnished with the advantages of high schools and acadamies abroad. At the age of nineteen, he settled in Champaign county, Ohio. Here he engaged in teaching, but afterwards went into a store, in Woodstock, Ohio, as a partner. This business proved too confining for him, and he returned to Connecticut to regain his health. Here he met, in the meantime, Miss Angeline Currier, who was at one time a pupil of his school, and they were married, Dec. 16, 1S47. She was born in Betheny, Genesee county, New York, Dec. 16, 1S25, whither her family had removed from New Hampshire. After recovering his health, Mr. Burnham came to Illinois, in the fall of 1852, and first stopped at Clinton, Illinois, and then went to Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, and finally to his present locality. Mr. Burnham's abilities and education fit him for any official position in the gift of the people. His integrity and habits have made him a conspicuous member of the community. Being averse to office, he has not been an office seeker. Our first acquaintance with him was in 1856, at which time he was a member of the county court of Mason county, a position of responsibility that his sound judgment abundantly qualified him to fill with acceptance. Like all other good citizens he has served a full share in the service of the township and school offices. In times gone by, he has been guilty of feeding and bidding Godspeed to the fugitive from slavery, with which this government was then accursed. In 1S56 he was a Republican, and one, of twenty-five, who voted for Fremont, out of a poll of three hundred. Though ardently attached to the cause of the union, and ever opposed to slavery, he is now devoid of hostility to those who were our late opponents, and believes in spreading the broad mantle of charity over the short-comings and misdoings of the past.

Henry C. Burnham is fortunate beyond the common lot of humanity, in being surrounded by all that makes life pleasant. He can traverse his own broad acres, and say :

George A. Bonney

Mr. Bonney was born in the State of New York, in the year 1S10. His ancestors settled in Massachusetts, during the colonial period. His grandfather was a Colonel, commanding a body of State troops, at Springfield, Mass., in an engagement there during what is popularly known as the whisky insurrection.

Col. Bonney's family consisted of nine children. Luke, the second son, was united in marriage with Eunice Hinman, and removed to the State of New York, in 1S02. Their family con-

I3O History Of Masox County

The best part of my life - that portion which should be given to active business enterprise, was spent in Havana. It was not as fruitful of desirable results as I wish it had been, for if I had the ability, which I do not assert, I certainly had not the pecuniary means to build up a new town in a new country. When at the age of twenty-six years I landed in Havana from the steamer "Aid," the last boat up the Illinois river for the season of 1S35, Major Osian M. Ross, was living at Havana, a man of means and large experience, and proprietor of the town, ready and willing, to expend money, time and influence in building it up. He promised much which I have no reason to doubt he would have fulfilled had he lived, but death removed him and left more than half of Havana the property of an estate with minor heirs, nearly one-half of the town being sold to a Peoria firm (whose names do not occur to me at this moment) one of whom soon died, and their portion became also involved in the affairs of another estate, with no one connected with either trying to build up the town, but both trying to draw from it a support to live elsewhere.

Daniel Adams and Abel W. Kemp and their families landed at the same time, all of us having started, with Orin E. Foster and wife (the late Mrs. E. Low) from Demorestville, in Upper Canada, to settle somewhere in the great west, and in a warmer climate than Canada. Mr. Adams, on a return trip to Canada, on business, lost his life by a ruffianly mate on an Ohio river steamboat, near Louisville, Kentucky. You know Mr. Kemp's present residence.

You ask the place of my birth: I was born in Benson, Vermont, on the 14th day of February, 1809. Benson, Whiting and Middletown, Vermont, were respectively my home until my iSth year, when my father removed to Watertown, New York, where I was a clerk in the extensive store of L. Paddock, until my 22d birthday. I was offered a partnership in Demorestville, Canada, with Mr. James Carpenter, who had been in business there a number of years, and was well established. I accepted, and became a member of the firm of Carpenter and Rockwell.

In 1835 I sold out my interest in the firm to my partner and lifelong friend, and took my savings and started to seek my new home in the great, and the then, far off west.

Of the time and the money which I spent from my slender means for years, to make Havana and Mason county desirable to live in, it does not become me to speak. Havana seems to me yet more like home than anywhere else I go or live; not becavise there is no other place equal to it in this part of the country, but because I lived there so long, and because there are so many much less desirable places.

My official positions have been few and unimportant, with perhaps the exception of County Judge, in which I tried to serve the good people of Mason county honestly and faithfully to the best of my ability, for one term. But "that was the day of small things," when one man and one clerk, partially assisted by two others, did so much ivor k for so little pay, and when the county court thought a prompt discharge of duty and economy in county- expenses were cardinal virtues, and when taxes were but a fraction of what they are now ; and yet the county had the same public buildings it now has, and county orders were as good as gold. Times have, indeed, changed.

James M. Hardin

In the preparation of this work there is no more pleasurable duty to perform than to record the biography of those '-'-square built" men who are physically, morally and intellectually described by the above term, and of which Mr. Hardin furnished a marked example. Free from all pride, show and pretense, whose sense of duty, is his law, whose word is his bond, the stay and foundation of any government is in the conscientious integrity of the masses composing '-'-the people."

Mr. Hardin was born in Maryland, Dec. 12, 1819, and in his earlier years his education was to labor, and not in books, having received but six months schooling previous to his removal to Illinois, in 1839, and only three months after that time.

His parents not being in affluent circumstances, he worked during the summers, thus laying the foundation of his present fine constitution, and, in the winters, when farm labor was not to be obtained, he applied himself to mental improvement, with eminent success.

I often see the great misfortune many young men are compelled to endure, the misfortune that they were not born poor men's sons, and to earn their own subsistence.

On his first removal to Illinois, in 1839, he located in Greene county; was married in 1S42. He located in Mason county, in 1S45, on Field's Prairie, near the village of Kilbourne, where he now resides.

Mr. Hardin's religious views partake of the same general characteristics as his business matters, that is, whatever he finds worth doing at all, is worth doing well. Now, being advanced in years, possessed of a competency of this world's goods, enjoying general good health, few men have greater reason to anticipate a pleasanter future, or more years of permanent enjoyment for some time to come.

Orrin E. Foster

The subject of these notes was born in the State of Vermont, and settled in Havana in 1835. He was one of the colony comprising Adams, Rockwell, Kemp, and others referred to, in the sketch of Kemp and of Rockwell in this book.

On the location of Mr. Foster in Havana, he engaged in the business of hotel keeping, and ultimately bought a farm three miles northeast of Havana, where he resided to the time of his death, which occurred December 17, 1S43, at the age of thirty-two years, one month and ten days.

Mrs. Foster was born in New York. Thcv were married before their removal to Mason county, in 1S35, and survived her first husband many years. She leaves four children by her first husband - Judson R. Foster, grain dealer, of the firm of McFadden, Low & Co., of this city, George H. Foster, Mrs. Jacob Wheeler and Mrs. Nash, of this city.

By her second marriage, with Mr. Low, there are two sons, Mr. Anson Low, of the grain firm before named, and Mr. Rufus Low, of this city. Mr. J. R. Foster and the Messrs. Low are among the substantial business men of Havana.

Washington H. Campbell

Was born in Bath, Mason county, Illinois, on October 12th, 1847, where he resided until he was ten years old. His father, having been elected County Judge, removed to Havana. In 185S, his father, having been elected to the Legislature, removed his family to Lincoln. He was steady in attendance at school until he was twelve years of age, when he entered a dry goods store, acting as clerk and cashier. He remained in this employment for two years. He then entered the high school, and pursued his studies for near three years. He then became a student in Jonathan Jones' Commercial School, St. Louis. After completing the commercial course, he entered his father's store, in Lincoln, and remained there as book-keeper until the fall of 1866. He entered Lincoln University at the opening of the institution. He remained there until June, 186S, completing the junior year. During these two years he was always at his post; was a faithful student and an earnest Amasagascian, and took part in several of the public entertainments given by his society. He then, with his parents, moved to Mason City, where he engaged in banking with his father, and keeping up his studies. In the fall of 1S69 he entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan, Ann Ai"bor, and spent one year there. He was very successful in the Moot and Club courts, and was elected Judge of one of the best club courts in the University.

In the summer of 1870 he entered the law office of Hon. Luther Dearborn, Havana, Illinois. He formed a co-partnership with Mi\ Dearborn soon after being admitted. He has been admitted to the United States District Court, and also to the United States Circuit Court, in which courts, as also the several adjoining Circuit Courts and State Supreme Court, he has a large and increasing practice. Mr. Campbell kept up his studies in the course prescribed by Lincoln University, and in June, 1872, the degree of B. S. was conferred upon him, and he graduated as a member of the class of 1869.

During the spring of 1876 Mr. Campbell married Miss Libbic, daughter of S. C. Conwell, Esq., of this city, and resides in their pleasant home, on the hill, near the residence of his law partner, L. Dearborn, Esq. Perhaps few other cases have occurred in which three generations have been so prominently identified with a county's interests as have P. W. Campbell, G. H. Campbell and W. H. Campbell. The son, father and grandfather have been thus identified.

S. D. Swing

Mr. Swing was born in Bethel, Clermont county, Ohio, in 182 1 ; moved west in 1840, and located in Mason county, southeast of Mason City, at a place called Swing's Grove. He here engaged in farming until 1858. September 15, 1842, he married Miss Mary Sykes, daughter of Edward Sykes, who settled in Mason county in 1837. Miss Mary Sykes is referred to in another part of this work as the teacher of the first school in Mason county.

Mr. Swing, like all substantial citizens of our common country, has served a full share in township and school offices. For eight yeai's he was engaged in a mercantile business, and has now two sons among the prominent business men of Mason City.

For some time Mr. Swing has been retired from active business, but, not willing to give him entire rest, the people of Mason City retain him on their Board of Aldermen, where his judgment and influence are felt and appreciated.

Abram Swing

Abram Swing was born in 1S13, in Clermont county, Ohio, and came to Illinois in 1S39, and was married to Sarah M. Sikes in 1840, settled at Swing's Grove, and was engaged in farming until 1857. He served the community in which he lived several years as justice of the peace. He removed to Ohio for a short time, and like all others who leave Mason county, soon returned to make it his permanent home for the rest of his life.

After his return from Ohio he engaged in the mercantile business in Mason City, until the time of his death, which occurred in the year 1866. Being one of the first business men of the city, he was known and greatly beloved among his acquaintances.

Edward Sikes

The data we have been able to obtain of Edward Sikes is of exceeding brevity; but his early residence and identification with the early history of Mason county, scatters his name on many pages of this book. His home, quiet life, unostentatious manners, and the surroundings of his early Mason county home, will make it long to be remembered by residents of that county.

Edward Sikes was born in Maine, and removed to the State of New York when six years old, and from there to Ohio when at the age of fourteen. In 1820 he married Miss Jemima Virgin, moved to Illinois in 1837, settled in Mason county, where he remained until his death, in 1855. His sole occupation was that of farming, which he made a success. He was frequently called on to serve his neighbors in the capacity of justice of the peace. It was at his house the first school was taught in the eastern part of Mason county, by his daughter Mary, now Mrs. S. D. Swing, of Mason City. The other daughter, Sarah M., widow of Abram Swing, is also a resident of Mason city.

Mr. Burlingame was born in New York in 1819, May 25th, and in 1S48 he removed west, locating in Bath, Illinois, where he has since resided. In 1S46 he married Miss Harriet Taylor, in New York. On the first settlement of Mr. Burlingame in Bath he went into the employ of Messrs. Ruggles and Gatton, and then with Gatton and O'Neal. The confidence placed in him by these busi-

On the completion of the Peoria, Pekin and Jacksonville Railroad through Mason county, he was made station agent at Bath, a position he has since retained without a furlough, being the first and only agent at that town.

Mr. Burlingame's make-up peculiarly qualifies him for the position he has so long and so satisfactorily occupied ; satisfactorily not only to his employers, but to the public with whom he has to do.

A pleasant, genial gentleman, kind and accommodating, whose strict integrity may be inferred from the positions he has so long occupied. His amiable lady is by no means his inferior in sociability.

John H. Havigh,Orst

Was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1820, emigrated to America in 1836, settled at Havana in in 1S37, and has since resided in Mason county ; was one of the persons present at an election held at Havana in 1837, at which there were but twelve voters in the precinct - Mr. Havighorst not being of sufficient age to vote. He was elected sheriff in 1S48, served two years, was re-elected in 185S for two years, and in 1S62 for a third term of two years.

Mr. Havighorst has, in all these positions, made a prompt and efficient officer, as these frequent re-elections testify. Though now the years have crept upon him, it has been almost imperceptible, and he yet bids fair for many more. Active and vigorous in his habits, he is in in no danger of rusting out, and the care he takes and has taken to preserve his frame in its present vigor, he may still be expected to keep it from wearing out.

To Mr. H.'s long residence, familiarity with public affairs, and splendid memory of early events, and his kindness in communicating them to us, we are indebted for many facts contained herein.

Luther Dearborn

Mr. Dearborn was born March 24, 1820, in Plymouth, New Hampshire, and removed to Illinois in 1844, and settled at Havana. Was admitted to the bar in 1852, in Kane county. He held the office of sheriff and circuit clerk. It is superfluous to state the duties of these important offices were performed. What Mr. Dearborn does not do well and satisfactorily he will not do at all. He returned to Havana in 185S, since which time this has been his permanent home.

The wife of Mr. Dearborn is a member of the the Walker family, so prominently known in the business interests of Mason county. We refer the reader to the history of the Walker family, elsewhere in this work. A very interesting family has been the result of their union.

Joseph Statler

Joseph Statler was born, in 1828, in Miami comity, Ohio, removed to Mason county in 1849, since which time Mason county has been his permanent home. In 1852, he married Miss E. J. Cramer. Mr. Statler's business abilities have frequently induced his friends to place him in those official positions he is so peculiarly qualified to fill. The records of Mason county show terms of his services as assessor and county treasurer. In these positions, it is needless to say his duties were promptly, faithfully and ably performed.

Mason city is his present home, where he has resided some years, and the people of that thriving and prosperous city have honored him with the office of city judge. He is also extensively engaged in the insurance business.

Mr. Statler's residence, on the eastern side of the county, began when that region was quite primitive, and a very pleasing contrast could be drawn between "then" and "now." Then, vast seas of - 18

On the completion of the Peoria, Pekin and Jacksonville Railroad through Mason county, he was made station agent at Bath, a position he has since retained without a furlough, being the first and only agent at that town.

Mr. Burlingame's make-up peculiarly qualifies him for the position he has so long and so satisfactorily occupied; satisfactorily not only to his employers, but to the public with whom he has to do.

A pleasant, genial gentleman, kind and accommodating, whose strict integrity may be inferred from the positions he has so long occupied. His amiable lady is by no means his inferior in sociability.

John H. Havighorst

Was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1820, emigrated to America in 1836, settled at Havana in in 1S37, and has since resided in Mason countv ; was one of the persons present at an election held at Havana in 1S37, at which there were but twelve voters in the precinct - Mr. Havighorst not being of sufficient age to vote. He was elected sheriff in 1848, served two years, was re-elected in 185S for two years, and in 1S62 for a third term of two years.

Mr. Havighorst has, in all these positions, made a prompt and efficient officer, as these frequent re-elections testify. Though now the years have crept upon him, it has been almost imperceptible, and he yet bids fair for many more. Active and vigorous in his habits, he is in in no danger of rusting out, and the care he takes and has taken to preserve his frame in its present vigor, he may still be expected to keep it from wearing out.

To Mr. H.'s long residence, familiarity with public affairs, and splendid memory of early events, and his kindness in communicating them to us, we are indebted for many facts contained herein.

Mr. Dearborn was born March 24, 1S20, in Plymouth, New Hampshire, and removed to Illinois in 1S44, and settled at Havana. Was admitted to the bar in 1852, in Kane county. He held the office of sheriff and circuit clerk. It is superfluous to state the duties of these important offices were performed. What Mr. Dearborn does not do well and satisfactorily he will not do at all. He returned to Havana in 1858, since which time this has been his permanent home.

The wife of Mr. Dearborn is a member of the the Walker family, so prominently known in the business intei'ests of Mason county. We refer the reader to the history of the Walker family, elsewhere in this work. A very interesting family has been the result of their union.

Joseph Statler was born, in 1828, in Miami cot- Jhio, removed to Mason county in 1S49, since which tirp .*iason county has been his permanent home. In 1852, he married Miss E. J. Cramer. Mr. Statler's business abilities have frequently induced his friends to place him in those official positions he is so peculiarly qualified to fill. The records of Mason county show terms of his services as assessor and county treasurer. In these positions, it is needless to say his duties were promptly, faithfully and ably performed.

Mason city is his present home, where he has resided some years, and the people of that thriving and prosperous city have honored him with the office of city judge. He is also extensively engaged in the insurance business.

prairie grass and flowers; now, vast seas of ripening wheat and growing corn. Then, the sight was onlv obstructed by the distant groves, or undulating swell of the ocean-like surface. Now, the landscape is diversified by orchards, meadows, and the homes of the well-to-do farmers, whose fine agriculture is a mine of wealth, and t'the cattle on a thousand hills" are his.

Like others removing to the. west before the day of railroads, Mr. Statler came overland by his own convevance. At noon they dined near Prairie creek, and from thereto Lease's grove was without a house, tenanted onlv by herds of deer in the tall grass. The leading characteristics of the subject of this brief sketch, are soundness and business abilities, a pleasant associate, a good neighbor, and a gentleman.

Moses Eckard

Xo better representative of the substantial farmer element of Mason county exists than the gentleman whose name is at the head of this article. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, Oct. S, 1S12, and removed to Illinois in 1843, and settled where he now resides, near Topeka, in this county. Mr. Eckard was married, in 1S44, to Miss Simmons, oldest daughter of Pollard Simmons, an old resident of that vicinity. They have raised a family of four chiiui -ee boys and one girl, all residing in Illinois. His business has > farming, and with him it has been a financial

There are few pleasanter homes, even in the beautiful region of Quiver, than the home, and well cared for farm of Mr. Eckard, on the banks of that beautiful stream. Quiet and unostentatious in his manners, and though well on in years, he bids fair for many more of pleasant usefulness in the community where he lives.

Thomas X. Mehax

It is with pleasure we record the arrival in Mason county, during this centennial year, of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Mehan was born in the City of Xew York, April 1, 1S44; removed to Illinois in 1S57, located at Delavan, and worked on a farm until twenty-one years of age ; and were we called on for an opinion as to the kind of a farmhand he made, we would say, good; for his physical organization and driving energy would make him first up in the morning, first in the field, and first home for his dinner. The common schools were his alma mater, although he attended for a while Lombard University. He was admitted to the bar in 1S6S; began the practice of law in Delaven; located in Mason City in March, 1S76; was city attorney in Pekin one year, and is the democratic candidate for county attoi*ney of Mason comity for this coming fall's election. We anticipate his success, for from our knowledge of Mr. Mehan, we know he accomplishes all his undertakings. In Thomas N. Mehan we find another marked instance of a self-made man. Talented, energetic and careful ; educated by his own energies and perseverance ; sociable and affable in his intercourse with all, of good legal abilities, fine physical organization, we know of no one with better prospects of usefulness and longevity before them.

Col. A. S. West

Col. West first made Mason county his home in 1S44, having located in Bath that year, when Bath consisted of two log cabins and a small frame house, the latter not occupied. When Bith was the county seat of Mason county, and no court h mty, Cas yet erected, Circuit Court was held at the house of ^e MWest. He also served in the Winnebago war, which was then a serious drawback on the settlement of the northwestern part of this State. Col. West is now a resident of Miami county, Kansas. Being born in 1801, he is consequently now seventy-five years of age, a marked instance of health and vigor.

Nature has covered him over with certificates of good conduct - of fidelity to her laws - thus enabling him to enjoy his present years with the life and vivacity of youth, or "he has eaten his cake and still has kept it." Col. West opened the first stock of general merchandise in the town of Bath. Few men have been more fortunate than Mr. West. Possessed of a competency, and his family all well settled in life, though bereft by death of the companion of his life's journey, he finds happiness in visiting those old friends and the members of his family in this State and in the west.

I4O History Of Mason' County

One daughter is the wife of Dr. II . O'Neal, well and favorably known in this county. Another is married to a prominent physician in Jacksonville, and a third daughter is the wife of Dr. Chapman, an eminent physician in Peoria. A son is a prominent business man in Paola, Kansas.

The acquaintance of Mr. West and his pleasant family raises our estimate of the human race. It is seldom we find the talents, refinement, health and general sociability that we have met in our acquaintance with this family.

Charles P. Richardson

In gathering material for the present work, we heard of Charles P. Richardson, the old pioneer of Grand Island in 1S36, who assisted Mr. Lincoln in the original surveys of- this country, etc. We fixed in our minds that we would meet an old,decrepid man, walking on two canes, or on crutches, with an asthmatic cough, etc., etc. But imagine our surprise. We found him, of course, on in year-. but vigorous, hale and hearty, a model of health and activity, engaged in an occupation requiring the exercise of muscle, of which he has an abundance. A hand-shake with him wakes you up if disposed to be dull; a mine of information, a splendid memory, a pleasant gentleman.

Mr. Richardson was born in Kentucky, in 1S14; moved to Illinois in 1S19, and settled on Grand Island, in the Illinois river, opposite Bath, in 1S36, and has resided in Bath for the past nine years. He assisted the late President Lincoln in the original surveys of this country and the town of Bath. Mr. R. is a natural mechanic; has been engaged in the various occupations of blacksmithing, shoe-making, boat-building and cabinetmaking. Mr. Lincoln and surveying party boarded with Mr. Richardson during their stay in the vicinity of Bath. Mr. Richardson was so pleased with the society of his guests that he refused all compensation for board. Mr. Lincoln persisted, however, in some compensation being made, -.; some service rendered, in return, and surveyed Mr. Richardson's lands for him in that vicinity. During the stay of Mr. Lincoln and party at the home of Mr. Richardson, a party from Schuyler county came there on a deerhunting expedition, and also were the guests of Mr. Richardson. Three beds were filled, and the rest bivouaced on the floor of the one small room the house contained. Billy Brown, one of the Schuyler county party, had a frightful dream. He dreamed the world was on fire, an event Mr. Brown did not feel prepared for, and consequently was much alarmed. Rising hastily from his bed on the cabin floor, he looked through the openings between the logs of the cabin walls, and beheld the fires in the open furnaces of an Illinois river steamer, which was headed for the shore, near where the cabin stood, wakening the echoes of the island shore with her shrill whistle, to rouse the men of the wood yard from their deep slumbers. Poor Billy Brown, from his frightful dream, half awake, beheld the fires, the puffing steamer, and the shrieking whistle, so mistook his surroundings as to believe that Gabriel had blown his last trump, that "the elements were melting with fervid heat," and the heavens were about to be "rolled together as a scroll." Billy engaged in very fervent devotions then and there, on his humble cot, much to the amusement of Mr. Richardson and Mr. Lincoln, and the rest of the company. The poor fellow was finally brought to his senses, and made to comprehend the true cause of his alarm. For the balance of their stay Billy's devotional exercises were not allowed to be long out of mind.

W. F. Bunton

Mr. Bunton was born in North Carolina in 1822, and came to Illinois in 1S40, and settled in Greene county. From there he removed to Bath in 1842, and in 1843, when the county seat was considered permanently located at Bath, and a court house erected, Mr. Bunton put the roof on that celebrated structure. Not only the county seat has passed away, but also the old court house, to give room for the handsome and commodious school edifice erected in its stead.

Isaac Vail

Mr. Vail is an old citizen, and a citizen of which Bath may well boast. He is a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and came to Illinois in 1S43, and to Bath two years later, which has since heen his home. Bath owes much of her improvements and influence to Mr. Vail. For fifteen years he was engaged in general merchandise in that town, but for some time the weight of years have been pressing somewhat heavily upon him and having a competency of this world's goods, he has retired from active business.

Mr. Vail is now seventy-five years of age, enjoys uniform health, saving with Job of old, "All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come." Our personal acquaintance of over twenty years with Mr. Vail has been very pleasant.

Moses Morris

The subject of this sketch is one of whom it is difficult for the writer to to give an impartial sketch, for the reason that we have had a long and an exceedingly pleasant personal acquaintance with him.

The above named was born in New Jersey in the year 1S24, and came to Illinois in 1854, and located in Bath three years later, and has resided not only in the same place ever since, but in the same house. In his younger days Mr. Morris was apprenticed to the saddlery and harness business, but splitting leather, making waxends and stuffing saddle- pads and horse-collars, did not satisfy a strong and somewhat inquisitive mind, hence he became somewhat actively interested in the political issues of the day, and an active partizan, in local, State and national affairs. Though his home has been in this small and comparatively quiet town, instead of a State capital or a commercial centre, we have known frequently of his opinions being asked for and his influence having been felt in places and under circumstances that those uninitiated in politics would have little dreamed of. The one prominent element in the character of the subject of this sketch that is above the rest, where there \are many prominent ones, is his kindness and goodness in caring for and rendei'ing assistance to the sick or suffering of his neighbors. No trouble too irksome, no undertaking too severe, where the suffering of a fellow-mortal is to be alleviated or in any way benefitted. He always has time for these duties, and duties he regards them, and with him duty is law. In his intercourse with his fellow-man he is dignified and courteous, never turning his back on a friend or avoiding an enemy. His sociability makes him many friends, and he has, perhaps, a larger acquaintance among promiinent men in the State of Illinois than any other person in Mason county.

Joseph S. Baner

Mr. Baner was born in Warren county, Ohio, 1823, and removed to Mason county in 1857, and settled on a farm iu Allen's Grove township, where he resided until he removed in 1S66 to Mason City. Was made post-master at that city in February, 1874.

Mr. Baner was married in 1S46; has three children living and five deceased. Mr. Baner has ever been an active politician, firm and candid in his views, and a republican "after the straitest of the sect." He wras a candidate for the State Senate in 1S72, but was defeated by our present Lieut. Governor; made a canvass for congress before the convention last year.

We have advocated for some years the repeal of all laws requiring official bonds to be given by men elected to office, either local, state or national, and have always referred to Mr. Baner as one of the men of our acquaintance for whom we would vote for any position as freely without an official bond as with it, and we have never found a man to dissent from our opinion on that subject.

Prominently identified with the business interests of Mason City, and consequently of Mason county, is Mr. A. A. Cargill. He was born at Wentham, Mass., Dec. 9, 1S27, where he resided until 1849, when he removed to Chicago, and from there to Mason county, in 1S57, and to the vacant prairie where Mason City now stands with her 2,500 inhabitants, in 1858, and opened the first dry goods store in that now flourishing city in the same year. On his commencement of business there, there were but six houses in the vicinity, three within the corporate limits, and three without. He has notloeen continuously in business since his residence in the city, but for the past eleven years has done a very extensive trade in dry goods, clothing, and boots and shoes.

Mr. Cargill's business ability in the management of his affairs has secured him a competency, and he lets the world run on quietly and easily, not losing rest at night for the accumulation of dollars and cents. He was the first Postmaster in Mason City, was sueceeded by Israel Hibbard, and again re-appointed, at the retirement of Mr. Hibbard. He is at present a member of the city council. As is usual with the prominent members of every community, he has served a full share in those humble but useful positions of township and school offices, where it is all work and no pay.

Mr. Cargill is a man of fine natural abilities, and of cultivation, enjovs the respect and confidence of his acquaintances, and his business talents are of a high order.

Mr. Estep is a native of St. Clair county, Illinois, was born Dec. 14, 1819, removed to Menard county, in 1820, and to Mason county, in 1833, being thus not only one of the first settlers of Mason county, but one of the very first in central Illinois. In

1S20, when James Estep, the father of J. M., moved to what is now Menard county, the present great State of Illinois had but few white inhabitants. It had but just been admitted as a State into the Union. The Estep family were originally from North Carolina. The writer made the acquaintance of the elder Mr. Estep more than twenty years ago, or about three years before his death, and a pleasant personal acquaintance has existed with the sons since that time, and it is with much pleasure that we record the very excellent qualities of mind and heart in all.

The Estep family have ever been among our most reliable and substantial farmers, and best citizens, making the golden rule their law, in practice as well as in theory.

Mr. Hudson was born in 1S05, in Oxford, Mass., removed to Illinois, and settled in Macoupin county, in 183S; from there he removed to Pike county, in 1S44, and to St. Louis in 1845, but re" turned to Matanzas, in Mason county, and after a residence there of seven years, removed to his farm, about five miles east of Havana, and to Havana in 1857.

After residing in Havana about nine years, he removed to Mason City, where he still resides, and is serving the people of that city very acceptably as justice of the peace. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson (formerly Miss A. Harrington, of Worcester county, Mass.,) were married in 1S32, and have four children, two sons and two daughters.

The oldest son is also a resident of Mason City, engaged in a mechanical business. The youngest is a resident of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and is engaged in the practice of law. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, at Ann Arbor, Michigan. The oldest daughter is the wife of R. J. Onstot, Esq., book and news dealer, in Mason City, and the youngest, a very competent and efficient teacher, in the schools of Mason City.

Mr. Hudson has the credit of introducing the first McCormick's reaper ever used in Mason county, and sold the same to Mr. Wm. Ainsworth, of Lynchburg.

But most fortunate has he been in rearing a pleasant intelligent family. Education and refinement, with good tastes, and social position that is not the lot of all.

James K. Cox

James K. Cox was born in Henry county, Virginia, in 1797, and emigrated to Tennessee in the year 1 8 10, and from there to Illinois, in 1819, and settled in Madison county. From there he removed to Morgan county, in 1822, and to Mason county, where Manito now stands, in 1S51. He was one of the proprietors of that town. He died there, in 1S63.

R. M. Cox

Son of James K. Cox, was born in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1 83 1. He came to Mason county with his father, in 1851, and has always been engaged in farming. He was married, in 1S53, to Miss A. Malony, daughter of Mr. A. Malony, of Coon grove, is a well-to-do farmer, has made his business a financial success, and promises to live long for the enjoyment of the good things of this world, and the abundance that surrounds him.

Mr. Easton is a native of Butler county, Ohio, where he was born August 17, 1829. He removed to Mason county, July, 1S56, and engaged in the business of house and sign painting. In September, 1S52, he married Miss Angia, daughter of S. R. and M. Pierce, who also removed to Havana, in the fall of 1857. After being engaged in the business before stated, in Havana, for a number of years, he received the appointment of Postmaster, March i, 1865, in which position he served near two years, and was reappointed, after the office had another occupant for the brief period of seven months. He also served as city clerk, in 1S70. After a residence in this city of many years, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce removed to Waverly, Nebraska. Here, Mrs. Pierce died, June 11, 1S76, aged seventy-five years. Mr. Pierce survives her, and is aged seventy-four years.

The business qualifications of Mr. Easton peculiarly fit him for the position he has so long and so satisfactorily filled. We have long since claimed to have the model Postmaster, whose patience in answering unnecessary questions is only equaled by his accommodating disposition.

Thadeus Wright

Was born at Deerfield, Mass., in 1760, and died at Wright's Corners, in Niagara county, N. Y., in 1847. ^e served throughout the Revolutionary war, and was a pensioner to the time of his death. He was but seventeen years old when he entered the army, and was tire youngest of six brothers, who all enlisted in the army of the revolution, and one of these brothers (Isaac) was a member of Washington's Life Guards. Thadeus was the father of George Wright, the subject of the following sketch.

"Another aged and respected citizen has departed 'to that bourne from whence no traveler returns.' The subject of this sketch, after having outlived his generation, and lived his day, which was protracted longer than life is commonly desirable, died of typhoid pneumonia at his residence in this city, on the 28th of March, 1S65, aged sixty-eight years, eleven months and thirteen days. The death of the aged, unlike that of the young, suggests reflections that are usually interesting, whatever may have been the sphere of life of the deceased. The comparative length of the journey he has traveled, the number and the variety of the vicisitudes of his life, point a moral that, like a beacon of greater or less brilliancy,

"The subject of this article was born in the town of Deerfield, Mass., April 1 ^, 1796. About the year 1801 the family moved to Chittendon county, Vermont, where he lived till he was eighteen years of age. At this time our country was at war with England, and, with others of his neighbors, he enlisted in the regiment known as the 'Green Mountain Boys.' We are not farther advised of his military adventures than that he took part with his regiment in the battle of Plattsburgh, and continued in this regiment until it was mustered out of the service.

"At the conclusion of the war he emigrated to western New York, when, in 1S24, he married the lady who, though now well stricken in years, still survives him. Here, by persevering industrv, he acquired a respectable property, but afterwards engaging as a contractor on the Erie canal, he had the misfortune to lose, through the rascality of his associates, his entire propertv. It can be said, to his honor, however, that he paid everv farthing of his indebtedness, and with the conscientious satisfaction that he owed no man, in 1S45 he emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Fulton county. In 1S49 he moved to Havana, where he has since resided. Although he has taken no prominent part in the business affairs of this city, vet he has constantly been identified with them, and his fellowcitizens have frequently testified their confidence in his integrity and conscientious faithfulness in the performance of every duty intrusted to him. Mr. Wright was one of the oldest A. F. and A. M. Masons in the Lodge at this city. Having been initiated into the mysteries of that sublime order at the age of twentv-one vears, he continued faithful to its obligations till the Grand Master above called him from labor to rest, frequently occupying the highest offices in the Lodge, and being an officer of this body at the time of his death. He was also identified with the Morgan trouble, and was a witness in the legal investigation made by Hon. William L. Marcy, of Xew York. It is needless to add that he remained faithful to the order, and lived to be gratified that its principles had triumphed over the malignant attacks of its enemies. His funeral was attended by the lodge in this citv in a body, and he was buried with the ancient ceremonies peculiar to the order. When we have said that Mr. Wright was a good Mason, we have said everything that need be said as to his char- acter. His frailties were such as to be easily covered by the mantle of Christian charity, while his virtues, which were many, should be entered upon perpetual record."

Over twenty years ago we made the acquaintance of the subject of the above article, and gladly endorse the very full and impartial biography there given. Now, that over eleven years has elapsed since the above was written, we will add further, that Mrs. A. T. Wright, his widow, still survives, and, though far advanced in years, 'enjoys unusual health, and is an active and efficient exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a society that has long felt her influence for good.

Orlando H. Wright

Son of the subjects of the above, was born at Lockport, N. Y., April 22, 182S, and made the west his home on the removal here of his parents, as stated above, in 1849. He chose the profession of law, and was admitted to the bar; his license bears date March 1st, 1852, and bears the signatures of S. H. Treat and Lyman Trumbull. Mr. Wright has ever been noted for his legal abilities, sound judgment, and has inherited from his parents a large amount of that conscientious integrity that has so eminently marked their lives ; but stand clear of the witticisms that are in inexhaustible store in his fertile brain. He was united in marriage Nov. 6, 1849, with Miss Harriet M. Parmelee, and an interesting family now adorns and enlivens their present home. The best commentary that can be made on the business and legal abilities of Mr. Wright is to state that since of legal age he has been in the service of the township, the county and the state, as a justice of the peace, notary public, county school commissioner, etc., etc.; all filled with fidelity and credit to himself and friends. He represented his county in the Constitutional Convention in 1S67, and was an active, influential member of that body, which gave us the present admirable constitution, which was adopted in 1870. He is now and long has been city attorney, which, like all other positions he has occupied, is ably and creditably filled.

Brother of O. H., and consequently son of George and A. T. Wright, was horn at Lockport, N. Y., April 14th, 1S39; came with his parents to Illinois in the fall of 1S47, an<^ to Havana in the spring of 1849. First went to school in the old school house that stood in the present court house square. Thomas A. Gibson, now of Forest City, then teacher.

Like most boys, we find Mr. H. A. Wright prepared to do and doing such things as presented themselves to him. In 1S55 we find him carrying mails to the town of Delavan once a week, among the beautiful prairies, covered with corn and grass, that lie between here and that town. In 1856 we find him deputy postmaster in Havana, a position he was compelled to relinquish-on account of health. In 1857 we find him in the banking house of Messrs. Rupert, Haines & Co., in this city, where he remained until it closed in 1S60. He is then employed as deputy circuit clerk, in which position he has been such an indispensable necessity to the business of the office, that with one brief intermission, he has been permanently engaged there to the present time.

On July 3, 1S60, he married Miss Josephine Parkhurst, daughter of Mr. Winslow Parkhurst of this city. A bright, intelligent little family have grown about them and enliven their pleasant home. A long personal acquaintance compels us to record him a prompt, upright, capable man, of strict business integrity, and a pleasant, genial gentleman. Enjoying good health, he bids fair for many years of usefulness in the community in which he resides.

Abel W. Kemp

As will be seen by the following communication, the gentleman whose name is above was an early inhabitant and an old citizen of Mason county, and very prominently identified with its business

Dear Sir / - In answer to yours of the 14th inst., I would say that I was away from home when yours was received, as an excuse for the delay. I was born August 26, 1S02, at Fitchburgh Massachusetts, and removed to Havana in 1835.

For any further information I send you an address given at my golden wedding, two years ago, from which you may find something that may be useful to you in getting my history.

Somewhat more than fifty years ago, a young man in Troy, New York, a little under the medium size perhaps, with blue eyes, florid complexion, and hair the color of Rufus of England, might have been seen, like Roger Sherman or President Wilson, when a boy, sitting on a shoemaker's bench, plying his trade. Perhaps, if you could have observed the young man, you might have detected an abstracted, a wandering look in his eyes, while he drove the awl and drew the stitches. You must forgive him if occasionally he forgets to wax the thread, or tips over the box of shoe pegs, or fits the heel to the toe of the boot, for he is thinking, as young men are wont to think, that it is not good to be alone, and his thoughts are away in sweet communion with a dark-eyed maiden of 17 summers, whom he believed would divide his sorrows and double his joys, would fill his soul with perfect peace, and his home with light and love. The thought grew upon him; haunted him day and night, until he said to himself, I must have, I will have Sarah Hagarty for my wife, for I do love her with all my might, mind and strength. How this young man managed to communicate his feelings to Miss

Sarah is not a matter of history. Suffice it to say, that he found some means of telling her the secret of his heart, as young men are apt to do.

But the course of true love does not always run smooth. Sarah, like Clara Peggotty, was "willin','' and Abel, like Barkis, was anxious, but one day when Abel mustered up courage to go up to Sarah's father and say, "Mr. Hagarty, I love your daughter .Sarah, may I have her for my wife?" the old gentleman, forgetting, perhaps, that he was once a boy, or for some reason best known to himself, replied, "No! not as long as th/s sun rises in the East can you have her!"

Abel had no notion of changing the course of the sun to please the old man, but he had no notion, either, of giving up Sarah, and as Sarah had no notion of giving up Abel, Sarah and Abel privately resolved to give up the whole world, if necessary, rather than give up each other. The result was that Sarah's father was not invited to a certain wedding which took place just fifty years ago this very day, at the house of one of Sarah's married sisters in Schenectady, N. Y., where the name of Sarah Hagarty was changed to Sarah Kemp, and Abel Wheeler Kemp and Sarah Kemp have proved that their love was true, for since they clasped hands and vowed to love each other and live together, a half century has rolled round, and still the bond of union is unbroken, yea stronger, than when first knit, fifty years ago. It is in honor of this fact that we come, a band of brothers and sisters, to offer this semi-century couple our hearty congratulations, with our hopes that many more years may see that bond unbroken.

And the twain, when made one, started out in life. I believe they lived for a short time at Troy, N. Y., and afterwards at Watertown, in the same State. He followed the trade of shoemaker, at which he had served an apprenticeship of seven years. History does not inform us what kind of shoes he made. If his leather was as sound as his religion, I think his customers never grumbled of pasteboard stiffening, pan-cake inner soles and splitleather uppers, sold for best quality French calf. A sound religion cannot possibly make and sell shoddy shoes for A No. i. As Mr. Kemp attends the services of the First Independent Societv of this place, of course, we must believe that he always did turn off firstclass work.

But the wife, in the meantime, was proving herself a valuable help-mate, for her deft fingers and good taste applied themselves to millinery work in a shop of her own, and thus she added her shilling to his, until shillings made dollars, and dollars made hundreds.

In this place four children was born to them - James and Daniel, living in Minnesota, both present on this occasion; Mary, now Mrs. Simpson, and another daughter, Elizabeth, who died in Illinois.

In 1833 Mr. Kemp and family left Watertown and went to Canada, thence moving, in 1S35, *° Illinois, on to a farm in the bottom lands of the Sangamon river, near Havana, Mason county.

In those times it wras very fashionable to get the ague and keep it, and so Mr. Kemp's family, one and all, immediately joined the company of shakers, and we are told that their faces were of the color of lemon peel, and their teeth did chatter, chatter, as unceasingly as old Goody Blake's, in the melancholy cynic poem. There were no doctors in the neighborhood, which, perhaps, accounts for the fact that they all survived the shakes. In one respect, however, this family did not follow the fashions, for at that time, when the houses were all made of logs, and windows were holes in the wall, perfectly innocent of glass, what did this Mr. Kemp do but fly right in the face of public opinion by purchasing four panes of glass and putting them in the aforesaid holes in the wall. Is it any wonder that his humble neighbors pronounced it one of the vanities of civilization, and looked upon his house as a proud man's castle, and upbraided them as being wickedly extravagant, "big feelin,' " and "sort o' stuck up like?" After viewing this case on all sides, I am, however, disposed to acquit Mr. Kemp of all shame or blame, from what I know of the vanity of women, it is my deliberate conviction that Mrs. Kemp herself was at the bottom of that extravagant idea of getting glass for the windows, and I dare say, if you could have looked inside the house you might have detected other similar innovations on the customs of her green-eyed neighbors.

On this farm they had a hard time of it. I believe that he worked at his trade a part of the time and worked on the farm the remainder. But working at anything, with ague fits and fevers alternating, was extremely discouraging. As they had no wagons, everything must be hauled on sleds, even in summer time. Flour - 20 must be brought from St. Louis at great expense, and all kinds of groceries was so dear, that the cost of supporting a large family there ate a big hole in the sack of earnings stored away.