Mason County, Illinois - The whole text, 1876 (part 4 of 6)

There is one bright oasis in this desert time that I must call attention to. However much the ague shook them, we may offer laus Deo that it did not shake the religion out of them. As proof of this, I may adduce this fact, that one time while here Mrs. Kemp, and I think, Mr. Kemp, also, went ten miles to a camp meeting, and that, too, riding after an ox team. Now, a man or woman who will do that will unquestionably be saved. They might have walked, no doubt, but for the sake of religion they were willing to sacrifice ease and comfort, and ride.

Happy the day when they decided to quit this ague farm. It happened in this wise. Mr. Kemp was preparing to build a new house on the old ground, determined, apparently, to fight it out on that line, if he shook all his life. But when the foundation was laid Mrs. Kemp came to look at it, and it seemed to her that shewas looking at her grave. With sallow face and chattering teeth, she admonished him that she could not survive another year on that old, billious farm, and begged him to kick the dust of it off his feet, and pitch his tent where she should direct. Like a good, obedient husband, he did just what he ought to have done - he left his farm and saved his wife; he followed where she led.

Riding over the prairie several miles from the site of the first farm, she pointed to a spot, and said: "There, Abel, is where I want my house." He alighted and drove a stake there, bought the land of the government, and built his house on the very spot, in the midst of one hundred and twenty acres of rich soil. From that day the ebbing tide in his fortune stopped, and the flow set in. Health, that had been so long a stranger, returned, and prosper! tv smiled upon them. The moral is, be sure you get a wife of sound Judgment^ and then i/nfilicity obey her.

After remaining several years on this farm, he moved into the little village of Havana, where he kept a hardware store in connection with a foundry. I believe it was here that he was first made justice of the peace. While holding this office it docs not appear from the records (so far as I have examined them) that he ever accepted any bribe, or was engaged in any "ring" speculations, in which respect he departed from the custom of many in these latter days.

While in Illinois, N.J. Kemp and Frances (now Mrs. John M. Palmer) were born, making in all eight children, three of whom are not living, John, Elizabeth and Sarah, all of whom died in Illinois.

In 1865, Mr. and Mrs. Kemp came on a visit to their children, (Mr. and Mrs. Simpson) in this place, and very naturally fell in love with our beautiful village, and decided to make it their future home. Here they moved, and for nine years have lived, surrounded by affectionate children and a host of friends.

In religious belief, Mr. Kemp and wife are Universalists, and for many vears have been constant readers of the New Covenant, but as they are unsectarian, every liberal movement in religion receives their sympathy, by whatever name it may be called, while their charity is broad enough to love and receive the truth which dwells in all faiths.

Mr. Kemp has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for twenty-five years. He is therefore a veteran in our ranks - the patriarch of the family. No one is more regular in attendance at the lodge than he, and this week he has shown his interest as well as physical vigor, by riding fifteen or twenty miles to attend the funeral of a brother.

If he enjoys the social intercourse and hearty hand-shakes which he receives there, let him be assured that every member of that lodee feels a welcome in his heart whenever the white hairs crowning the venerable form of Father Kemp, are seen entering the old lodge room. May he long live to be welcomed there !

Dear Friends - One word to you and I am done. Fifty years, with winged feet, have glided by since you, a young man of twenty-two, and you, a maiden of seventeen, clasped each others hands, and with hearts full of love, vowed to live in love together till death should sever you. Nobly and well have you kept your troth. We honor you for it. In the sunshine of prosperity you have rejoiced together. When sorrow has come with her heavy clouds, you have bowed your heads and wept together. When hard trials have borne down heavily upon you, you have not despaired nor deserted, but resolutely joined hands and struggled unitedly against them until the storm has past. When sickness has cast its shadow over your household, and death its deeper shadow, we have seen you mingling your tears in the shadow of a common sorrow. For fifty long years you have been faithful, fond and true to each other as you promised to he fifty years ago to-day. For your fidelity and devotion we honor - from our deepest hearts we honor you. And more, we congratulate you.

It is true that three of your children dear, have fallen out of the ranks, grown weary in the march of life, but you have still five remaining, who are to you all that sons and daughters could be.

Around you cluster children and grandchildren, and even four great-grandchildren have already risen up to call you blessed. To very few of Earth's children is granted such a rich inheritance. May your hearts be thankful to the Great Giver of all, that the evening of your lives is made radient with so much domestic happiness, filial affection, social respect and esteem. We honor and congratulate you on this fiftieth anniversary of your wedding, and as a token of our esteem for you as a man of integrity, our respect for you as an honorable citizen, our affection for you as a brother, a long-tried, true, trusty and faithful Odd Fellow, allow me, in behalf of many members of our order here, to present you this cane.

Let its golden head symbolize the fifty golden years that crown your golden life, so full of honor and joy. It is a staff which you may lean upon, not as a broken reed, but a staff as strong as the love of your friends, which will ever bear you up as you walk through your declining years.

And to you, Mrs. Kemp, in congratulation of this event, and as a little token of their esteem, the daughters of Rebecca, through me, present this silver cup, gold lined, and other friends present this gold watch.

And now, dear friends, may this only be a joyful surprise to you. May you still live long to enjoy the life that began fifty years ago, and the society of your many friends, many of whom are here met to-night to rejoice with you, and when at last the summons is heard - "Come up higher'1 - may you hear it calmly, trustinglv, and obey it as cheerfully as

The following extract from the Bellevue Local JVexvs, published at Bellevue, Ohio, refers to the family of the writer's father, and as the paper is published at the old home of the family, is intended only as local information, but is equally appropriate in the Biographical department of this work :

Chat About The Old Folks The Cochrane Family

Joseph Cochrane, Sr., was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, April u, 1S71. His father, Alexander Cochrane, emigrated from Ireland when quite young, and settled on a farm in Mifflin county, where he lived and died, raising a family of 12 children. Joseph, the subject of this sketch, was the next to the youngest, and by an arbitrary and eccentric will of his father, he became the owner of the old homestead, and in the same house raised a family of ten chilren.

About 1S27, he sold the old homestead and moved to Dry valley, in the same county. After a residence there of seven years, the last three of which were spent in western travel in the pursuit of health, he sold out and removed to Seneca county, Ohio. Bought a farm of Job Wright, on the Kilbourne road, four miles from Bellevue, and moved his family there about 1834.

Elizabeth Hooven, his wife, was born in central Pennsylvania, near Carlisle, April 8th, 17S5, and at the age of sixteen was married to James Campbell. By him she had two children, one of whom died in infancy, and Mary Jane, born December 6, 1806, of whom we shall speak hereafter. Mr. Campbell died in 1806 or 1807, and in 1808 she married Mr. Cochrane.

They lived together twenty-eight years, and had ten children - six sons and four daughters. Mr. Cochrane died of pulmonary consumption, August 4, 1836, on the old farm, and was buried in the cemetery of the old German Reformed church in Thompson.

He was a man of good business ability and great mental vigor, and he held many important and responsible official positions before his removal to the west. These he always filled with fidelity and credit to himself and friends. An army commission from old Governor Simon Snyder, dated August 1, 1S14, and a post-master's commission from Amos Kendall, dated September 1, 1835, are now in the possession of the writer, neatly framed and standing on a hall table - cherished relics. He was self-educated, never attended school three months in his life. This he always spoke of as his misfortune and not his boast. He was set and determined in his opinions, which were only liable to be changed when his judgment was convinced.

A kind and accommodating neighbor, generous to a fault, impulsive and sometimes hasty, watchful as to the wants of the poor, whom it seemed his delight to favor. This description we believe has the merit of candor.

Elizabeth, his wife, was a model woman, as wife, mother, friend and neighbor. The ruling element of her nature was kindness. In her prime of life, she possessed a vigorous, robust organization, and almost always enjoyed excellent health. She was a model of good, cheerful, healthful country life. "Her children shall rise up and call her blessed." She never knew what an enemy was. It might be asked if she had no faults. She had: they were excessive kindness and charity for all God's creatures. "All her failings leaned on virtue's side." A deep, religious' feeling pervaded her entire life.

She died March 7, 1S46, at Fremont, Ohio, and was buried in Thompson beside her husband. She died as she lived, as calmly, sweetly and peacefully as an infant goes to sleep. No pain, no disease; but that vigorous frame was worn out, and gradually gave way, and her spirit returned to God who gave it. Mary Jane, her daughter by her first husband, resides in Jefferson county, Pa., the wife of Robert Witherow; is 70 years of age, and resembles her mother, not only in kindness and amiability of disposition, but also in personal appearance. She has seven children, two sons and five daughters, also several grand children. Her husband is eight years her senior. Both have lived to a good old age, models of rectitude, and "all of the days of their appointed time will they wait till their change come." All their descendants reside in their immediate vicinity.

Nancy, the oldest of the family by the second marriage, married Rudolph Sherck, an old-time fanner in Thompson township. She had several sons and one daughter. They removed to Michigan, manv years ago, and a singular fatality has attended the family. She died in 1864, and all the family are now dead, I believe, but two sons, who reside in Michigan.

Thomas, the oldest son, married Nancy, daughter of Samuel Clark, a Thompson farmer, and removed to Monroe county, Michigan, had three sons and two daughters. He went to Oregon in 1850, and a few years later sent back for his family, who made the journey to him by water in 1853. The now reside at Amity, Yamhill county, Oregon. He is now 65 years old, hale and hearty. He and his wife returned for a visit for the first time in 1S75, after an absence of twenty-five years, and spent the summer among his friends East, returning in the fall. Their youngest son resides in San Jose, California.

Rosanna married Samuel P. Clark, a brother of Thomas's wife, and has a family of fine daughters. They enjoy this world's ways of wagging along on a farm in Monroe county, Michigan, raising fine horses, cattle and sheep, and big apples. Her age is 63.

Elizabeth married Philip, son of John Miller, an old resident on a farm south of Bellevue. She now resides with her son James B. Miller, Esq., in Bellevue. Philip Miller died at Flat Rock, Ohio, January 15, 1874. The old farm in Thompson is occupied by Mary, her only daughter, who is married to Henry Zeiber.

Catharine married George Gear, of Fostoria, Ohio, but during recent years has resided in Findlay, Ohio. The war made sad havoc with her family as with that of Mrs. Sherck. Our information in regard to them is not complete, but a son and two or three daughters comprise the family.

William A. is an old settler in Fremont, Ohio. After the death of his father, in 1S36, he learned the carpenter trade with Benjamin Moore, in Bellevue, and then went to Fremont, where he has since resided. He married Mrs. P. Smith, in 1846, and has three children - Henry, Frank and Rosa. He is now 56 years old, but time's hand has touched him very gently. He is so very fortunately balanced that he will neither wear out nor rust out, but bids fair to see many more years.

Joseph, named after his father, was sometime in the employ of Harkness and McKee, in Bellevue, but went to Fremont, where, in 1S46, he married Rebecca, daughter of Rev. Frederick Rahouser, pastor of the German Reformed church, in Thompson, adjoining the old farm, and where the parents are buried. From there he moved to Tiffin, Ohio. In the spring of 1856 he removed to Hal6o HISTORY OF MASON COUNTY.

vana, Illinois, where he has since resided. They had a daughter and two sons, and have six grandchildren. The daughter married O. C. Town, an extensive jeweler in that city. The oldest son is also married, and both reside adjoining their parents' home. The youngest son has been for nearly four years in Pittsburg, Pa., and during three years was cashier of the Franklin Bank, of that city, and is now in the employ of Jones & Laughlin, the most extensive iron workers in the United States. Joseph is now fifty-one years old. The productions of his pen are extensively circulated by the Illinois State Board of Agriculture, and the Illinois Horticultural Society. For six years he has been in the employ of the Signal Service, and was assigned the work, by Prof. Henry, of the Smithsonian Institute, of ascertaining the height above sea of the principal points in Central Illinois. His tastes have ever inclined him to scientific pursuits. He was educated in and graduated at the old log school house near Decker's, in Thompson, at the age of eleven years.

John R. is aged forty-eight years, and resides at Laporte, Indiana. He married Miss Francis Young, a daughte'r of Rev. Mr. Young, a missionary to Iceland, where Francis was born. They have five children living. He learned the carpenter trade with David Moore in Bellevue. His wife possesses remarkable musical talents, as do also the daughters. As is the case of William and Joseph, so with John R., he refuses to grow old as the years roll by.

Henry H., the youngest son, died in Thompson, December 12, 1846, aged fifteen years. His remains sleep by his parents in the old church yard. Plain slabs of Italian marble mark the resting place of those three as they "await the final summons.

This family have long been separated. Mrs. Witherow and Joseph did not meet for forty years. Thomas and Joseph have not met for thirty-two years. In two other cases almost equal time has elapsed since members of the family have met.

Isaac Newton Mitchell

Mr. Mitchell was born in Morgan county, Illinois, February 13, 1829. His parents removed to that county from Kentucky in 1828, at which time Central Illinois was almost in a state of nature.

Here he resided until the age of seventeen, when the family removed to Field's prairie in this county, where he continued at work on the farm for four years more, or until twenty-one years of age. He then went to Bath, and in the employ of Mr. Beesley until 1S50, and with Messrs. Beesley & Gatton until 1861. He served one year as constable, and two years were spent steamboating on the Illinois river.

In 1867 he was elected treasurer of Mason county, and in 1869 was elected county clerk, in which position he served four years. He was elected Mayor of the city of Havana in 1875, and is the present incumbent during this centennial year.

He is also school director, and with his associates on that important board, Messrs. J. Wheeler and J. R. Foster, have erected our splendid new school edifice in this city, and advanced our schools to their present high state of perfection, of which we shall speak under another heading.

In 1S56 he married Miss A. L. Campbell, daughter of P. W. Campbell, and consequently sister of Hon. G. H. Campbell, of Mason City, of whom we treat on another page. On the business abilities of Mr. Mitchell it is useless to comment. The people of Mason county and of the city of Havana have put on record a most weighty and tangible proof of the estimation in which his qualifications in this respect are held, by the positions they have given him. Nor was these offices given him, a stranger and unknown, but because he was known, and from his boyhood's days had been with us.

Faithful and reliable in all the relations of life, of healthful, robust constitution, he bids fair for more extended usefulness in the county and in the city where he resides.

James F. Kelsey

The subject of this brief biography was born in Yates county, New York, in the year 1830; came west to "grow up with the country" in 1855, and how well he has succeeded in that enterprise the facts of his history will best present to the reader. On his arrival in this county, a young man with limited means, aside from his own energies and business abilities, he went into the service of George N. Walker, then the largest grain dealer and heaviest dealer in general merchandise on the Illinois river between Peoria and St. Louis. Here he remained for some years, discharging his duties faithfully and well, as has ever been his invariable rule of business. By judicious investments, made with rare judgment, a fine property was accumulated. In 1S62 he became identified with the Peoria, Pekin and Jacksonville Railroad, and for the past fourteen years, with a brief furlough required by his private interests, has that important corporate body been indebted to his rare judgment, promptness and business tact for successful superintendence. The superintendent of the machinery department of this road, who is a most experienced and competent engineer, some years ago made to the writer the remark "that Mr. Kelsey was the best general railroad superintendent he had ever seen; that his orders were promptly given, always right, and never cou?itcrmandedP As before stated, it was some years ago that this remark was made. A few weeks since in a conversation with the same engineer, we referred him to his former remark, and asked his permission to use it here. He gave us the privilege of doing so, with his re-affirmation of it.

Mr. Kelsey has for several terms been a member of the county board of supervisors, a body whose deliberations have been benefitted by his presence.

Mr. McCarty, the subject of these notes, is a native of Champaign county, Ohio, being born there in 1S23. He came to Mason county in 1837, and has since been a resident thereof, engaged in farming, which with him has been a great financial success. He began with one horse and a barshire plow, and from this small beginning, with economy and industry, he has risen to his present affluent circumstances.

In 1844, he married Miss Malinda Wilcox, and together for all these years they have made the journey of life. They reside in Mason City, retired from the anxieties and the cares of business on the fruits of their industry of former years.

J. R. Stone

Born in Green county, Penn., Sept. 12, 1822. His parents moved to Ohio, in 1S30, and from there to Illinois, in 1845, an<^ se^" tied at Quincy. From there to Mason county, in 1875. Mr. Stone is a blacksmith by occupation, and has recently applied for a patent on a very simple but useful invention, viz: an improved steel plow-point. In 1869, he married Mrs. N. C. Crafton, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois.

John H. Netler

Mr. Netler was born in 1801, in Hanover, Germany, came to America, in August, 1832, and first landed at Baltimore, Maryland, but finally settled in New Orleans. He became a resident of Mason county, in 1835, and returned to New Orleans, in 1836, and married Miss M. Speckman. They had six children; among them we best know Henry, the proprietor of the old homestead, south of Havana. Mr. Netler was one of Mr. Lincoln's assistants in his earl 3' surveys of Mason county; his education was of a high order, being a professional teacher, in Europe, before his emigration to this country. During his residence in New Orleans, he was engaged in blacksmithing, and in Mason county, in farming. All his undertakings and investments were financial successes, and he died quite wealthy. He died Dec. 4, 1863; his wife died some years previous. Mr. Netler's wealth and judgment gave him an extended influence in the community, which was always on the side of good.

Edward McCarty was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, July 17, 18 1 3, where his parents were residents at an early day, and where his father died, in 1829, his wife surviving him, and coming to Illinois, in 1S44, with Edward, and died at their home, near Forest

He was married, in 1862, to Miss Jemima Norman, and had four children. The life of Mr. McCarty has not been all sunshine, or all shade, but varied with the vicissitudes incident to this world's changes.

Industrious, honest, and upright, enjoying the confidence of his fellow-men, he is now looking back on a life of duties done. He has for some years past been a resident of Pekin, Illinois.

Robert Pearson

Mr. Pearson was born in England, April 20, 1834, and emigrated to America, in 1S38, and at that time made' the southern part of Mason county his home, and there he has ever since resided, a substantial member of societv and of the communitv in which he resides. In 1863 he married Mary Fletcher, daughter of Joseph Fletcher, now of Champaign, Illinois. Three interesting children, the result of this union, enliven their pleasant home. Although Mr. Pearson's tastes and his inclinations would incline him strictly and exclusively to the cares of his farm, his neighbors' appreciation of his business ability and his judgment, have called him at various times to serve them as road commissioner, school trustee, and member of the board of supervisors, which latter position he has been elected to three terms, and is the present incumbent.

His position in the community needs no further commentary than a reference to these official positions, so frequently and so unanimously given him, unasked for - the spontaneous expression of his neighbors' confidence in his abilities and worth.

Joseph Adkins

The subject of this brief sketch was born in east Tennessee, in 181 2, and removed to Illinois, in 1833, and settled in Morgan county, where he resided four years, and then removed to his pres- ent place of residence in 1837, which makes him one of the very early settlers of this region, and four years before the organization of Mason county. He engaged in farming and merchandizing, and after the construction of the Peoria, Pekin & Jacksonville railroad, he laid out the town of Saidora, and built a commodious warehouse, and in addition to his other occupations, has added quite an extensive grain trade. Mr. Adkins was first married in 1S31, two years before his removal to the west, and again, in 1845, an<^ a third marriage, in 1S65, to his present companion.

Like all substantial citizens, Mr. Adkins has served his share as township and school official, and now, as the hand of time begins to bear slightly on his once vigorous organism, he has, in a great measure, relinquished business affairs to the management of his sons, who are entirely competent for the trust imposed.

Benjamin H. Gatton

Mr. Gatton was born in Kentucky in 1808, and with his parents removed to Morgan county, (now Cass), Illinois, in 1824. For an idea of the homes and surroundings of the settlers of Central Illinois, fifty-two yeai's ago, we refer the reader to the "Sketch of the Early History of Illinois," in another part of this book. From Morgan he removed to Mason county, May 1, 1841. His business has been, dealer in grain and general merchandise, at the village of Bath, and so prominently has Mr. Gatton been identified with that town that his biography is substantially a history of the same.

Mr. Gatton was the first post-master there on the establishment of that office in 1842. He has been succeeded by the following gentlemen, though not perhaps in the precise order named, to-wit: John S. Wilbourn, J. M. Beesley, - Patterson, Joseph A. Phelps, - Moseley, John E. Nelms, W. J. Odle, and Isaac N. Weir, the present incumbent.

Mr. G. erected the second house in Bath, and has since been closely identified with the place; was at Beardstown in 1831, when that city had scarcely an embryo existence, and during his brief sojourn there, served as a justice of the peace. He was at Bath when the first survey of block fifteen was made by ex-President Lincoln. A cabin stood on the shore of the river, and was occu-

The official positions of the subject of this sketch have been as various as might be expected from a man of his abilities, his extended and somewhat varied experience, and the numerous vicisitudes of a long and active life. In addition to his position as first postmaster of the town where he still resides, he served in the State militia as Major - the date of the aj)pointment was in 1843 - an appellation which has ever adhered to him, and by which he is still most familiarly known. He has served in all those minor offices of school, township, corporation and county, and as grand juror in the United States Courts. In politics, Major Gatton was at an early date identified with the Whig party, and when "realtiescat in was inscribed on the mausoleum of that once invincible organization, he took a position in the ranks of the Democratic party.

In all the varied experiences of the above hastily sketched life, its possessor has been peculiarly fortunate. He has been fortunate in the possession of a well-balanced mind of great vigor; fortunate in the possession of a fine physical organization and excellent health; also, in the habit of befriending all, and having all for his friends. Though now his years are nearly three score and ten, he retains the appearance and activity of those twenty years his junior. The hand of time has touched him lightly.

Joseph Donovan

The Donovan brothers are natives of Champaign county, Ohio, and it was there the parents lived and died. An acquaintance with these five brothers gives to the stranger who reads human nature a more exalted idea of the attributes of our common humanity. Joseph, who is more especially the subject of this sketch, was born at the place above named, in 1825, came west in 1848, and located on the east side of Mason county, and engaged in farming, and the five brothers have, to the present time, operated quite largely in that most important industry, and with great financial success. . Three of the brothers are married and two remain single. All have operated together in unison for these thirty years. When these brothers transferred their large interests from Champaign county, Ohio, to the more favored agricultural region of Mason county, an aged mother resided at the old home. One or more of the sons remained in the east during her lifetime, and at her death all became permanent residents of the new western home.

To record here what partial friends and neighbors have said to us of these gentlemen, would partake too much of flattery for these pages, on which we propose to record only facts in the lives of the subjects of whom we write, but when the acts of men's lives flatter them, then it is history, and their own lives, and not pen pictures given by the writer; hence, by their affability and honorable, upright lives, they have placed encomiums on themselves.

Leonard Schwenk

When a frail bark crossed the restless billows of the Atlantic ocean, in 1854, bearing to the shores of free America, another detachment of emigrants from the fatherland, then, as in thousands of other instances, they bore among their numbers those destined under the free institutions of our country to become not only our most substantial citizens, but most competent officials. Such an instance occurred in the case of him whose name heads this article. Born in Wurtembergh, Germany, July 23, 1832, he emigrated to America in 1854, and located in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1864, in April, when he came to Illinois and made Mason county his home, and engaged in tilling its remunerative soil. In 1855, as millions have done in every clime and in every age, he wisely concluded it "was not good for man to be alone," and brought to his help Miss Rebecca Singley, and right pleasantly have they made life's journey together. Mr. and Mrs. Schwenk are both models of mental and physical health, and bid

The business abilities of Mr. Schwenk are of a high order. His first official positions were township collector and school treasurer, etc., in Manito township. In 1872 the people of Mason county desiring to place in the office of circuit clerk a man of ability, honesty and worth, discussed the subject very closelv, and placed Mr. Schwenk in that important office, the duties of which have been discharged with such fidelity that he is a candidate for re-election.

A pleasant family of boys and girls enliven their home, partaking, like their parents, of special healthfulness peculiar to the descendants of that nationality.

Daniel Clark

Mr. Clark was born in Warren county, in 1S1S; removed to Indiana in 1 82 7, where he remained seven years, and removed to what is now Mason county, in October, 1S34. At that time there were less than twenty families in Mason county, and but two houses in Havana.

In 184S Mr. Clark married Miss Abigail Chase. His principal occupation has been farming. When he located on Salt Creek the country was nearly all in a state of nature, not one thousand acres had yet been entered in Mason county. Mr. Clark has been one of the substantial men of the county, and served a full share in the school and township offices, commissioner of highways, etc.

Though not rich he is possessed of a competency, and feeling that he had done his share to make the world better since his residence in it, he has retired from active labor, and since 1S74 his home has been in Mason City.

Twenty years ago the writer lost his way on the Salt Creek bottoms, overtaken by a very dark night. About twelve o'clock we found the home of Mr. Clark, and were glad to receive his kind hospitalities for ourself and team. His kindness to us has since then been a pleasant recollection.

Mr. Wallace was born at Antrim, New Hampshire, June 7, 1S43. Graduated at Henrriker Academy, Henniker county, N. H., and from Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Mass., June, 1867: admitted to the bar at Boston, Mass., June, 1S67; commenced the practice of law Nov. 4th, 1867, at Havana, Illinois, as partner of Hon. Lyman Lacy. Married Dec. 27, 1869, to Miss Gertrude Lightcap, daughter of H. W. Lightcap, then of this city.

It is only necessary further to state that Mr. Wallace is a rising young attorney, of fine abilities, and an extensive and increasing practice.

Dr. Harpham was born in the city of Philadelphia, in the year 18 14, and removed to what is now Ohio county, Indiana, in 1819, and from there to Mason county, Illinois, locating at Havana, in November, 1S44, or three years after the organization of Mason county. He has since then, and until the past few years, been actively engaged in the practice of medicine, and since 1S56 interested in the drug business in Havana. He was county school commissioner several years and president of the first board of trustees of the town of Havana.

We are handed by Dr. Harpham the original list of the inhabitants of Havana, when a canvass was made in 1S4S, when the people were called on to vote for or against incorporation, which we shall copy in the history of Havana. He also hands us the original draft of the first ordinance passed by the town trustees after incorporation, and a list of the subscribers, and the amount subscribed, and the amount paid by each of the subscribers to the Illinois River Railroad, now the P., P. & J. R. R. Since his residence in Mason county his interests have been very prominently identified with the public welfare; being a large property holder, and his experience and business abilities have given his opinions great weight in the community where he resides.

practice in this country, but we must forbear. Having by rigid economy accumulated a large fortune, he is now living in its quiet enjoyment, in a fine home, corner of Main street and Broadway. Though well advanced in years, the hand of time has touched him kindly, and he bids fair for great longevity and a ripe old age.

Selah Wheadon

Mr. Wheadon was born in Mendon, Monroe county, N. Y., November 29, 18 19; emigrated with his father to Ashtabula, Ohio, in 1 S3 1, where he resided until 1S35, and started for Illinois June 1, of that year. They made the trip by land to Wellsville, on the Ohio river, where thev embarked on board a steamer for the then distant city of St. Louis, and re-embarked for the Illinois river and Havana, where the}r landed June 15, 1S35. The financial condition of the family was at this time at low ebb, and without the means to liquidate a hotel bill, the family were rendezvoused in the old log school house, near where the northwest corner of the court house square now is, to remain until he could return from Waterford with teams to remove them to Lewistown.

Havana was then known as Ross' ferry. An old block house, for defense against the Indians, stood a little back from the river, where Market street now is, and a few cabins among the blackjacks, formed the town. Mr. Asa Langsford, the only resident of Waterford, sent a team of three or four yoke of oxen, to convey the family to Lewistown. The water was so high on Spoon river and the Illinois bottoms as to swim the oxen in some of the sloughs. He resided on a farm between Waterford and Lewistown from the fall of 1S35 until the spring of 1854. He was married at Havana, October iS, 1S47, to Francis Howard, who died in 1S51- In 1S53 he married Mary Howard, who died in 1S56. May 2, 185S, he married Cassandra M. McConnell, who died March 7, 1S69. December 8, 1870, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Hezlep. He joined the Presbyterian church in Lewistown, in 1S41 or '42, and was expelled for heresy in 1S51. Attended the Illinois College, in Jacksonville, in 1S42 and '43, one term. Had previously studied Latin at home, going four miles on foot to recite. Commenced preaching the universal salvation of all men, October 24, 1851, at

Matanzas. Taught his first school in Waterford, in 1844, and was the first town clerk of that locality. April 3, 1850, he was elected justice of the peace. In 1852 he taught school in Springfield for a short time as a supply. In April, 1854, he came to Havana, and in December, 1855, commenced book-keeping for Moore, Pratte & Cheek. Organized a Universalist church at Havana, March 1, 1S56, of ten members, which soon increased to twenty-three; has since then organized seven or eight others, and held about the same number of religious discussions.

In April, 1S57, he commenced clerking in the drugstore of Dr. E. B. Harpham ; was elected trustee of Havana on a temperance ticket in 1857, and was appointed county school commissioner the same year to fill a vacancy.

He was elected supervisor from Salt Creek township, and justice of the peace in 1S63; moved to a farm south of Havana in 1864. In 1866, May 2d, he bought the " Volunteer1'' printing office of W. W. Stout, and began the publication of the '-'-Democratic True Unionist" In 1870 he consolidated, it with the "Ledger" and called it the '-'-Democratic Clarion" This publication still continues in the charge of Mr. Wheadon, an able exponent of the principles of the democratic party, and of which we shall speak at length under another head. The experience of Mr. Wheadon, like all pioneer residents, has been quite various, but his abilities and versatility of talents has been his stay. Fine, natural abilities and a liberal education, and taste for literature, makes him, editorially, financially and politically, successful.

Dr. Paul was born in Solon, Maine, April 30, 1823. and received his education at an Academy in that State. Was principal in the public schools, in Houston, in i846-'7; in Calais, in i847-'S; and in a ward school, in Bangor, Maine, in 1 S48-'9-'5o.

On account of ill health (bronchitis, and apparently incipient phthisic) he emigrated to the west, in 1851. Was principal of the Fourth Ward School, in Peoria, Illinois, from 185 1 to '55, during which time his attention was turned to medicine and surgery, as a life business. Came to Mason county, in 1855, and was instrumen-

Having received the degree of M. D., from Rush Medical College, he opened an office in Havana, the following summer, for the practice of medicine. He was married, in Dexter, Maine, in 1848, to Miss Lovina G. Lawton, and an unusually bright and interesting family enliven their pleasant home. Dr. Paul and wife became identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1858, and now constitute its strength and stay, The Doctor's experience furnishes another illustration of "that where there is a will, there is a way." He left home at the age of sixteen years, with a worldly estate of ninety-three cents. We find him to-day, well-to-do, self educated, and a valuable experience, with medical and literary abilities attained to but by few.

William A. Bartholamew

Was born Sept. 14, 1842, at Zanesville, Ohio. His ancestors were French Huguenots during the religious persecutions of the sixteenth century; left the vine-clad hills of sunny France, and their youthful home, and with an abiding faith in an over-ruling Providence, entrusted themselves and their families to the mercy of the winds, and the waves of the mad Atlantic. With their faces toward the setting sun, they sought and found an Asylum, in happy, free America, where they were free from religious persecution. Thev settled in the State of Maryland. The branch of the family to which our subject belongs, settled at an early day in western Ohio.

In the fall of 1S52 his father came with his family to Montgomery county, Illinois, but returned to Ohio the following autumn. In the spring of i860 he moved with his family to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The spring of 1S61 found them again in Ohio, when William A., in his eighteenth year, enlisted under the first call for troops, and was mustered in on the 2 2d of April, 1S61. He remained in the army until 1864, and saw service under Generals Bucll, Rosecrans and Sherman, and was in some of the hardest fought battles of the war, and, on his individual merit, made his way from the ranks to Captain.

He entered the Sophomore class, of 1866, at Wittemberg College, at Springfield, Ohio, and graduated with the class, in 1869. The third of July, that year, found him in Mason City, Illinois.

That fall he registered himself a law student, with Isaac R. Brown, Esq., of that city. At that time some friends, in Ohio, desired him to look after their interests in California. The offer was too tempting to meet with opposition on his part, so Blackstone was laid aside for awhile, and in October, 1870, he was admiring the sublime and the beautiful scenery of the Pacific slope. Stopping in Kansas, on his return from California, he became acquainted with and married Miss Lillie, daughter of Hon. George H. Strouse, of Pennsylvania.

In September, 1873, he was back in Mason City, and again took up Blackstone, in the office of Mr. Brown. He was admitted to the bar, in June, 1875, and formed a co-partnership with Mr. Brown, for the practice of law, in Mason City. He is personally a man of pleasant address, a fluent speaker and writer, a rising young attorney, with a rapidly increasing practice, and bids fair to become a leading attorney in central Illinois.

Peter A. Thornburgh

Mr. Thornburgh was born in 18 15, in the State of Maryland, came west in 1839, and located in Fulton county, and removed to Havana, in 1842. It then contained eight families. Here he engaged in blacksmithing, the first permanent shop in the place. About ten years ago he removed about six miles southeast of Havana, and became proprietor of the town of Peterville, where he now resides, and for some years has been engaged in farming.

He was married, in 1842, to Leah, daughter of James Milleson, an aged citizen of Fulton county, who still survives, at eightyeight years of age. Mr. Thornburgh has served time immemorial in township and school offices, commissioner of highways, etc. He has long been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has all the official positions pertaining thereto. He enjoys good health, and the promise of a long life of usefulness.

Stephen Hole

Stephen Hole was born on the site of the present city of Cincinnati in the year 1796. He was the son of Daniel Hole, a Revolutionary soldier. His mother's maiden name was Bedell. In early life Stephen Hole became a citizen of Warren county, Ohio, where he was married to Mary Eddy. While quite young he was a volunteer in the war of 181 2, and received a land warrant for services in the army, with which he entered eighty acres of land in Mason county. He removed from Warren county, Ohio, to Washington county, Indiana, in 1S20. In 1S33 his first wife died, leaving six surviving children, viz: James H., Joseph E., Daniel P., Phoebe E., John X. and Mary A.

Stephen Hole was an active and enterprising farmer in Indiana for thirty-six years; was elected sheriff of his county several times, was universally respected for his upright character, genial disposition and sound judgment. There were born to him by his second wife six children, that lived to maturity, viz: Thomas A., William H., Sarah E., Louisa M., Robert M. and Kate.

In 1856 he removed to Mason county, Illinois, where several of his children had preceded him. Here he resided until his death, in 1S73. He was a man whom to know was to admire.

James H. Hole

James H. Hole was born in Warren county, Ohio, in the year 18 1 8. With his father's family he removed to Washington countv, Indiana, in 1S20; received a good common school education. When seventeen years old, and for several years after, taught the winter school in his neighborhood. In 1S37 visited his mother's family, the Eddy's, at Lebanon, Ohio, and clerked in the store for them. In 1S40 was married to Mary D. Wible, by whom he had nine children, eight of whom are now living.

In 1846 James H. Hole and family, Joseph E. Hole and wife, and Daniel P. Hole, moved into Salt Creek township, Mason county, Illinois. March 1, 1S48, he moved to Havana, and started a store in connection with Abram Swing, since deceased, under the firm name of Holt & Swing. This business arrangement only continued a few months, when Mr. Hole sold out to Mr. Swing. Soon after this he was elected justice of the peace. While holding that office he was employed as salesman and book-keeper by Walker & Hancock, who were at this time the largest dealers in merchandise, grain, etc., in Mason county.

About the year 1851 he commenced business with his brother Daniel P. This firm did a large business, both in grain and merchandise, for seven or eight years, and these brothers were connected in their business relations until the close of the war, in 1865.

In 1S54 Mr. Hole was elected sheriff, which office he filled creditably. He was a candidate for a member of the constitutional convention of 1862, but was defeated. In 1S62 he commenced buying corn for the government contractor. He continued in this business until the close of the war, in 1865, buying an immense amount of grain.

In 1S65 he and his son Henry F. became connected in business, and in 1867 his son-in-law, Thomas Jones, was added to the firm. From 1867 to 1S70 they carried on the merchandise, grain and milling business. In September, 1S71, James H. Hole died, regretted by all good men who knew him. For more than twenty years he had been a leader in every public enterprise for the benefit of Mason county.

He was a director of the Illinois River Railroad Company (now P., P. and J.) while it was being built; was one of the board of directors that selected the beautiful site and built the old school house. His voice and means were always on the side of morals, education and advancement. He made the first republican speech ever made in Mason county. Gentlemanly, cordial and generous, he died poor. None of the vast amounts of money he had handled remained unto the end.

His widow, Mrs. Mary D. Hole, with the three youngest children, reside on a farm in Thayer county, Nebraska. The oldest son, Henry F. Hole, is a book-keeper at Fairbury, Nebraska. The oldest daughter, Mrs. M. Jones, wife of Thomas Jones, resides at Lincoln, Nebraska. The second daughter, Mrs. Pollie Keith, has just returned from Assam, India, with her husband, the Rev. Thos. J. Keith, where, for the past five years, they have been successful missionaries of the American Baptist Missionary Union.

The third daughter is Mrs. Hattie Whitaker, wife of Capt. S. Whitaker, of Havana. The fourth daughter, Miss Clara, an accomplished teacher, has just finished her second year as principal of the school at Belvidere, Nebraska.

Joseph E. Hole

Joseph Eddy Hole was born in Washington county, Indiana, about 1 821; received a good common school education; was remarkable for his steady character, good habits and keen mind.

He was married in 1846 to Miss Clotilda Green. Immediately after his marriage he removed to Mason county, Illinois, residing for a year or more on a farm owned by Daniel Clark, (an uncle by marriage.) He soon acquired a half section of land about two miles south of the present site of Mason City. He was elected justice of the peace. He was a man noted for his correct decisions, and among his neighbors was highly respected. He died in 1S55, leaving a widow and three children, all now living. The oldest child is now Mrs. E. Everest, residing with her husband and her mother on a part of the land owned by Mr. Hole at the time of his decease.

Daniel P. Hole

Daniel P. Hole was born in Washington county, Indiana; came to Mason county in 1846. His first enterprise was making brick in the Salt Creek bottom. Afterwards returned to Indiana for several years, and was employed by his father, Stephen Hole, in a large steam saw-mill. About 1851, returning to Illinois, he engaged in business at Havana with his brother, James II., under the firm name of J. H. & D. P. Hole. This relation continued, in one way and another, until 1865. After which, for several years, Mr. Hole conducted a very successful merhandise business on his own account. May he live until the next centennial, as much respected as lie has been in the past. He was married to Miss Dollie Taylor. The fruit of this union is three children.

John N. Hole

John Newton Hole was born in Washington county, Indiana; came to Havana about 1S52. Afterwards returned to Indiana, and again to Mason county after the death of his brother, Joseph E. Hole. He settled his brother's estate, and continued a store on his place for some time. Was engaged in farming for several years. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. K, 85th Illinois Volunteers, and was elected Orderly Sergeant. Took part in the battle of Perryville, Ky., but his health failing, he was discharged from the service. In 1S63 he commenced buying grain at Bath, where he resided until 1S73. He was in active business there all the time, and was highly respected for his uprightness, sound judgment, and general exemplary character. Married in 1S64 to Miss Jennie Lester; has one child, Miss Emma, now eleven years old. In the fall of 1S73 he removed to Belvidere, Nebraska. There, as might be expected, he is quite popular with all classes.

Thomas A. Hole

Thomas Alexander Hole was born in Washington cov ity, Indiana; removed with his father to Mason county in 1856. Married the same year to Miss Eliza Snyder, by whom he has three children living. Engaged in farming, he has not been brought so prominently before the public as some other men, yet is much respected for his modest manners and unobtrusive ways. There would be fewer failures in business and less complaint of the times being out of joint if more men were like Tom Hole.

William H. Hole

William Harmon Hole was born in Washington county, Ind.; removed with his father to Mason county in 1S56. A farmer by nature, he has always followed it. In 1S62 he enlisted in Co. K, 85th regiment Illinois Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. Went with the regiment through to the sea on Sherman's historic march. Always with his company, his tall form and broad breast must have been a fair mark for rebel bullets, yet he came home unscarred. He was married in 1865 to Miss Becca Dieffenbacher. Several children bless this happy union.

Miss Sarah E. Hole married James Covington, and bore him several children, two of whom, Will and Stephen, are now living. Mrs. Covington died in 1869.

Miss Lou. M. Hole was married in 1862 fto Robert Lofton. After Mr. Lofton's return from the army, he removed with his family to Livingston county, Illinois. Afterwards to Ford county, where he died in 1S75, leaving Mrs. Lofton and several children to survive him. Mrs. Lofton has recently removed to the old place in Mason county.

Almond Jones

The subject of this sketch is a well-to-do, unostentatious farmer, residing in the vicinity of the well-known locality of McHarry's mill. Prominent among his neighbors are Peter Ringhouse,

Aaron Pollard, Pollard Anno and Charles Howell. The McHarry mill site before referred to, was entered and improved by Julius Jones, the father of Almond, and some years deceased, and sold to McHarry about the year 1846.

It is the purpose of this personal sketch to note the prominent characteristics of the individuals to which they refer, and to hand down to the future, those who now stand prominent as citizens of our county, and representative men. To describe the character of the individual whose name is at the head of these notes, our first impress is set forth briefly in three words, to- wit: an honest man. Comment would be useless verbiage, superfluous and unmeaning. We will close this brief note by a quotation addressed to the subject of these remarks, ziz:

Mr. Brown was born in Burlington county, N. J., Sept. 1842. His paternal ancestry came from Scotland; his mother's family is of English extraction, and came to America with William Penn. In 1856 Mr. Brown came with his parents to Tazewell county, Illinois, and from thence, in the spring of 1864, to Mason county.

He enlisted in the Union army during the war of the rebellion, and as a soldier acquitted himself with credit. When the Goddess of Peace had spread her wings over our undivided Union, and our citizen soldiers laid aside the habiliments of war, to don those of peace and home, we find Mr. Brown a student of the laws of the country in whose service he had been on the tented field. He read law with Hon. Charles Turner, of Pekin, Illinois, and was admitted to 'the bar in November, 1867. He then located at Mason City, where he has since resided.

Mr. Brown is another instance, so frequently met with in this country, where the way to advancement is open and free to all ; of a self-made man, with no other resources but his own indomitable energies and persevering will, to aid his naturally fine legal mind, he has established an enviable reputation. There are few young attorneys in Central Illinois who have made a fairer record.

William M. Ganson

It is with diffidence that we attempt to lay before a reading intelligent public, the character of a gentleman whose native modesty and worth shrinks from notoriety, and whose tastes and inclinations lead him only in the line of duty, public or private, in whatever position he may be called to fill. Such is the case, however, with the subject of this sketch; and such is the model we would present, worthy of the imitation of all. He was born in Champaign county, Ohio, October 22, 1S3S; came to Illinois in 1858, and permanently located in Mason county, in the vicinity of Manito, in 1859, and engaged in farming, and in the purchase of grain at the town of Manito.

Mr. Ganson served two terms as justice of the peace at that place, and a member of the county board of supervisors for four years. In the fall of 1873 he was elected county clerk of Mason county, which important office he still holds. It is a work of superogation to add that the duties pertaining to these offices, have been faithfully and unostentatiously discharged.

He was married in 1859, October 2d, to Miss Mary Rawalt, and since installment in his present official position, has made his residence in Havana.

May "Through a long life his hopes and wishes crowned, And bright in cloudless skies his sun go down; May bliss domestic smooth his private path, Give energy to life, and soothe his latest breath."

Samuel H. Ixgersoll

Prominent for many years in the business interests of Forest City and of Mason county, has been the individual whose name heads this sketch. He was born in 1828, in Medina county, Ohio.

In 1S49 he went from Cleveland, Ohio, to California, and remained there until 1855, when he came to Mason county, which has since been his home.

He married in 1S59 to Miss Lois A. Van Orman, of Ohio, and their very pleasant home ornaments the side of one of those beautiful undulations or prairie swells south of Forest City. His business has been farming and milling, and his rare judgment and business tact has made both financial successes. He has been called by his neighbors to serve them at various dates and in various humble but useful home offices, in township and schools ; but it has been in continued re-elections and long and efficient service on the county board of supervisors that his judgment and influence have been most useful to the people of Mason county.

Mr. Ingersoll is one of those rare combinations of pleasant, genial sociability, and square, rigid, frank business talent. The ornamentations that surround their tasteful residence indicate refinement and aesthetic cultivation, the more valuable on account of its rarity. Mr. Ingersoll is the artificer of his own fortune; self-reliant and prudent, consequently successful, illustrating the fact that the shadows that cross the pathway of our lives are those we make by standing in our own light."

Mr. Conwell has been engaged in the practice of law in Havana for a long term of years, and perhaps as well known throughout our county as any other member of that profession. He was born in the State of Deleware, August 27, 1819. Came west, and located at Havana, in 1S40, and has since been a resident thereof. In December, 1841, he married Miss Mary A. Walker, daughter of James Walker, of Walker's Grove, at an early date. He was admitted to the bar, January 27, 185 1; his license was signed by Judges Treat and Trumbull.

During a residence in Indiana, previous to his removal to Illinois he was a neighbor to, and also graduated with, Gov. Hendricks the present Democratic candidate for the Vice-Presidency of the United States. Mr. Conwell is an extensive land owner in this county, and has served as county school commissioner several terms. His family consists of four daughters and a son, viz : The wife of J. F. Kclscy, the wife of Fred. Pollitz, merchant of this city, and the wife of W. H. Campbell, Esq., and a daughter at home.

Charles Coxwell

The son above referred to, was born in 1852, in Havana, married, in 1S74, to Miss May Stevens, of this city. Was admitted to the bar, in 1S75, at Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and is engaged in the practice of law with his father.

Was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1S0S. Emigrated to America, in 1S36, and to Mason county, in 1S39, where he has since resided. He was married, in 1S36, has five sons and one daughter, viz: G. William, G. Henry, G. Lewis, G. Brantz and G. Frank, and these five sons are among the successful business men of Havana and vicinity. During his residence in this countrv, he has been engaged in farming, of which he has made a fine fortune, and is now enjoying a tour in Europe, re-visiting his youthful home and fatherland.

It is a conceded fact, that the family will weigh more avoirdupois than any other family in Mason county, all being of a large size, and of splendid physique.

Robert G. Rider

Dr. Rider was born March 14, 1S31, in Palmyra, Portage county, Ohio. When about five years old, his parents removed to near Logansport, Indiana, where his father died. The mother then removed with the family to Pennsylvania, where the Doctor attended the common schools till the age of fifteen years, when he entered Jefferson College, at Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, continuing there four years. He then commenced reading, in Washing- ton, Pennsylvania, continuing there three years. He then attended medical lectures, in the Iowa Medical University, at Keokuk, Iowa. In the spring of 1853 he went south, and settled near Mobile, Alabama.

He remained in practice until the fall of 1856, when he came to Mason county, and settled where the town of Topeka now standi. In the spring of 1857, he married Harriet M., daughter of Aaron Littell, late of that vicinity.

In the fall of 1862, he recruited Co. K, 85th Vol. Inf., was elected Captain, and soon after promoted to Major, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. He resigned his commission, in Savanah, Georgia, returned home and resumed his profession. In the spring of 1S76, he removed to Havana, where he continues the practice of medicine, and the superintendence of a fine farm, south of Forest City.

The medical qualifications of Dr. Rider are of a high order, and a varied experience in his profession to which few men attain. He stands second to none in his profession in Mason count)-.

The somewhat eventful history of the present subject compels more than usual brevity. He was born in Rutherford county, Tenn., June 24, 1824, and removed with his parents to Missouri, at an early age, and from Missouri to Illinois, in 1828, and settled in Morgan county. From there he removed to Mason county, in 1850. He was the first justice of the peace in Egypt precinct, now Manito township, elected in 1S53, and frequently re-elected thereafter. When township organization was adopted, in 1S62, he was elected first supervisor from Manito township.

He was mustered into the United States service, as Captain of Co. A, 85th 111. Vol. Inf., August 27, 1362, (see roster of that regiment, in military department of this work,) where he served creditably and acceptably, and resigned, Jan. 11, 1863.

Mr. Langston had also seen military service in the Mexican war for one year, having enlisted at Winchester, Illinois, June 23, 1846, and was in the memorable battle of Buena Vista, where his company suffered severely. Some details of the organization and leaving home of the company of Capt. Langston, in 1S62, we have been unable to obtain, but were published in the papers of Tazewell county at the time. We refer to some peculiarly happy remarks by the Captain, on the occasion of a fla^g presentation to his company.

, He was elected a member of the 27th General Assembly, and and has served as county judge, and all the home offices pertaining to townships, schools and corporations. He removed to Kansas, in October, 1873, and, like all who leave Mason county, he returned to make it his lifelong home, Feb. 24, 1875. This matter of emigrants from Mason county returning here for a permanent home, has become proverbial. We bid them good-bye, knowing we shall soon hail their return. The manner in which Mr. Langston discharged his official duties is best illustrated by his continued and frequent re-election.

The estimation placed on him by his friends is told in the fact of his invariable promotions to higher and more responsible positions. When stubborn, rigid facts in a man's history is flattering to him, then, and then only, is he flattered in this work. This is the case with our subject. The acts of his life are their most eloquent encomium.

James Walker

Removed from Dearborn county, Indiana, to Walker's Grove, in 1837, and there raised the family so largely identified with both the early and later interests of Mason county. The family consisted of George N., William W. and Robert; also, the daughters, who are now Mrs. Luther Dearborn, Mrs. S. C. Conwell, Mrs. C. L. Waldron and Mrs. G. A. Blanchard.

George N. Walker, the oldest son, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, September 4, 1S16. He engaged in business in Havana in 1844, in merchandise and grain, and some of the most prominent men whose biographies are given in this work, refer to the business tuition received in an early day, in his employment. In 1S39 he married Miss Frances Livingston, who, with him, for these thirty-seven years, shared the vicisitudes and the fortunes of life.

Their family consists of five sons, the eldest of whom is a prominent physician at Forest City - Dr. James Walker, whose abilities have placed him in the front rank of his profession. We have not the data to refer in detail to the other members of this very prominent family, but suffice it to say, that the family and the relationships thereof, continue now, as they have done since 1S37, some °f the leading business interests of the county. George N. Walker removed to Peoria in the winter of 1863, as Superintendent of the Illinois River Packet Company, where he still resides, in a general commission business and grain trade.

Alexander Stuart

Mr. Stuart for near forty years has been a substantial, well to do citizen of Mason county, his home having been here permanently since his first arrival. He was born in county Derry, Ireland, and a model representative of that nationality to whom our country is indebted, to them and their descendants for some of the best minds it has ever afforded in church or State affairs. The date of his birth was in 1S15 ; emigrated to America in 1835, and settled in Mason county in 1837. During his residence here he has most of the time been engaged in a mercantile and grain business. He run the steamer "Navigator" in 1837.

The first boat up the Illinois river was the " Utility" in 1826. He married Miss Gardiner, in 1S46, a member of one of the old families of this county. She died in 1856. Mr. Stuart is a large property owner, and has ever been prominently identified with the interests of his home and community, especially in public improvements, which have always been advanced by his co-operation and his money.

He was elected justice of the peace in 1S43 to 1847, and nearly always a member of the town board since the incorporation of Havana, and was the first town treasurer, and is justice of the peace at the present time. In school and township offices he has had a large share of service. The decisions rendered by him in the capacity of justice of the peace have been models of impartiality and of fairness, worthy the imitation of others of more pretense.

Many interesting incidents in the early history of this part of the county could he given in this connection, did space permit, which it does not. Upright, honest and reliable in all the relations of life, is the most candid record we can make of the character of our subject.

John H. Schulte

A native of Hanover, Germany, and came to America at the age of thirty-eight years. He settled in Mason county in 1S37. His business was general merchandise in Menard, Mason and Cass counties. On his settlement in Mason county in 1S37, ^e established what was and is now known as Schulte's Landing, at the Mounds, south of Havana, on the Illinois river. Here he engaged in the grain trade, and was very successful in all his investments and business undertakings. His sons are among the prominent men of the county, one of whom is now deputy county clerk. During the time he did business at the Landing the shipments exceeded those at Havana. He died Sept. 1845.

John H. Dierker

Mr. Dierker is a representative of that nationality to which the United States is indebted for very many thousands of her most prosperous citizens and substantial men of worth and merit, being born in Hanover, Germany, August 15, 1799, and is now consequently past his three score years and ten, and nearing the four score. He came to America in 1S38, and settled in Mason county, and has since been a resident thereof.

The year succceeding his location here he married Miss Mary C. Heye. They have had four children, two of whom are living, viz: the wife of Lewis Hahn, and the wife of Henry Hahn, substantial farmers of this vicinity. He came to America a poor man, and by his industry, prudence and good management, has become one of the wealthiest men of the county, and has, perhaps, donated more to benevolent and religious enterprises than any citizen of this vicinity.

, The first we ever heard of him was to hear him spoken of 20 years ago as emphatically the friend of the poor. His wealth has not been obtained by narrow and penurious dealing, but he has ever been noted for. generous open-heartedness, and from him the poor never went empty away. Though his sun is now declining into the western horizon, he enjoys good health, and is quite active for his years. The hand of time has touched him gently. He has long been identified with the German Lutheran Church of Havana, the financial interests of which have been in a most healthful state on account of that relationship. His sense of right is his law, doing unto others as he would that they should do unto him. Long may his family, his church, and his acquaintances enjoy his society.

The gentleman whose name heads this article, is, we believe, the oldest practitioner in Mason county. He was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, December, 1S21, removed to Ohio in 1S32, was educated for his profession, and began practice in Springfield, Ohio, and came to Illinois in 1S50. Realizing that it was "not good for man to be alone," in the then somewhat primitive region of Illinois, he married, in 1S53, March 9, to Mrs. R. Maxwell, widow of Gen. George W. Maxwell. The family consists of a son, now a young man of more than usual abilities, who is being educated in Chicago.

Mr. and Mrs. Parkins are among our well-to-do, substantial people. They reside in a pleasant home, on the south side of the public square, in Havana, "and along the cool sequestered vale of life, they keep the noiseless tenor of their way," highly respected by their numerous friends and acquaintances.

The Doctor is one of the few men who combine common sense, in large proportion, with his medical attainments, in the practice of his profession, and is consequently very successful.

Dr. Walker was born in Shelbyville, Indiana. His father, Robert Walker, removed to Mason county, Illinois, in 1845, where his family have lived most of the time since.

Dr. Walker enlisted in the 85th Reg., 111. Vol., at its first organization, and served about two years. He left the army on account of sickness. After recovery, he studied medicine, at Lexington, Missouri, and attended Medical College, at St. Louis, and graduated at St. Louis Medical College, in the spring of 1869.

He married, in Chicago, in April, 1870. He practiced medicine in Forest City, until March, 1S73, when he removed to Manito, where he has had an extensive and increasing practice in medicine and surgery. He is also engaged in the drug business.

James Monroe Ruggles

Was born in Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, and at the age of fifteen, engaged in the printing business. In 1837, ne came to Illinois, and continued that business till 1846. Meanwhile, he had studied law, and had been admitted to the bar fin 1844. In 1846, he came from Winchester, Scott county, and settled in the town of Bath, then the county seat of Mason county, and engaged largely in merchandising, which was continued until the beginning of the war, in 1861. From 1S46 to 1851, there was a fierce contest raging through the county, over the removal of the county seat from Bath to Havana, and Mr. Ruggles fought the battle for Bath against largely accumulated odds. In 1852, without his knowledge, he was taken up by the Senatorial District Convention, composed of the counties of Sangamon, Menard and Mason, and elected to the Senate, where he served four years, with credit to himself and friends. During this time, Mr. Lincoln was elected to the Lower House, and as a constituent of Mr. Ruggles, solicited his support as a candidate to the United States Senate, which was given with cordiality, in the contest of 1S55, which resulted in the election of Lvman Trumbull.

In the winter of 1856, the disintegx\ation of the old Whig party being in progress, a meeting of the Whigs, and all the elements opposed to the party then in power, was called at the State House, participated in by the most prominent politicians of the old Whig party, and at that meeting a committee, consisting of J. M. Ruggles, Abraham Lincoln and Ebenezer Peck, was appointed to draft a platform and resolutions. Both the other members of the committee being engaged, that work devolved, exclusively, on Mr. Ruggles, who, unaided, drew up the platform, which was the first declaration of principles upon which the Republican party was founded.

At the state convention the same year a large number of the delegates were instructed for Mr. Ruggles for Lieutenant-Governor, but he declined in favor of a German candidate, to influence the strength of that important element. In 1844 he received the vote of his party for state printer, without his knowledge or solicitation. In 1850 he began the agitation of the question of an Illinois River Railroad, and when elected to the Senate, prepared a charter and had it passed, (see railroad history otherwheres.) and as chief corporator, worked manfully, from one end of the line to the other, until stock was subscribed to complete the organization and begin the construction. During the existence of that corporation he was an active director and manager of the enterprise.

He also projected and located the road from Bath to Havana, now traveled by teams. To him is also due the credit of draining a large scope of country in Havana, Bath and Kilbourn townships, before a desert waste, and now among the most fertile of Mason county.

In July, 1861, Governor Yates tendered him a commission as Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the 1st Illinois Cavalry, which he accepted, and went into the service in Missouri, under Gens. Grant and Curtis. He was promoted to Major of the 3d Cavalry, in which regiment he remained until mustered out in 1864. At Pea Ridge he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, and was a part of the time in command of the regiment. At the close of the war he was made a Brevet Brigadier-General, for meritorious services.

In 1868 he was appointed by Hon. Charles Turner, Circuit Judge of this judicial district, Master in Chancery for Mason county, which position he held for two years, and resigned. In all these various official positions, aught besides strict official duty Mr.

Ruggles has not known. His official acts are the seals of his integrity. Possessed of a competency, (a 1,200 acre farm,) he spends his time in leisure and in travel. Of fine literary and aesthetic taste, he enjoys, and is sought by, the best classes of society.

Was born at Bushnell, 111., April, 1S45; educated at Rushville, Illinois; came to Mason county in 1S74, and engaged in the practice of his profession, having been practicing seven years before his settlement in this county. He married, Dec. 7, 1S75, to Miss Ella Campbell. They reside in Bath. Dr. Scott is an efficient and capable member of his profession.

Was born in Hart county, Kentucky, September 19, 1841 ; next to the youngest of a family of fourteen children; had limited educational advantages before the age of sixteen years. He began the study of medicine in Barren county, Ky., under a competent preceptor, and in 1S66 entered the medical department of the University of Louisville, Kentucky. Graduated in 1S67, and settled in Mason county, Illinois. In 1S6S the Kentucky School of Medicine conferred his degree. Dr. Alderson now resides in Bath, and is a very successful practitioner, combining excellent judgment with medical skill and ability.

Ruben Henxinger

Among the early settlers the gentleman named above was conspicuous, and the Henningcr family have held no second position in their influence in the community from then to the present time. Ruben Henninger was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1 801, and is seventy-five years old this centennial year. He married in 1823 to Susan Boyer; had ten children, eight of whom are living and residents of Mason county. They are, Angeline, wife of S. Frankinfield, of Havana; Frank and John, wealthy farmers, east of Havana; Amanda, wife of B. F. Howell (see biography); Ruben A. and Daniel, also able farmers; Cyrus, now deceased; Susan, wife of C. C. Fager, of Havana; Jane, deceased; Sarah, wife of George Shaneberg, an able farmer; and all substantial and prosperous.

He removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1832, and to Illinois in 1842, to Mason county, where he has since resided, engaged in farming practically, and, consequently, successfully in all his undertakings and investments. He was married a second time to Mrs. Fager, in 1S48. She is the mother, by a former marriage, of Messrs. John F., Harry A. and C. C. Fager, substantial citizens of Havana. These children and their numerous grand-children and several great-grand-children, all in this county, form one of the most interesting families it has been our fortune to record, and comprise an amount of health, vigor, enterprise, wealth and prosperity that falls to the lot of few. The old gentleman has spent threefourths of the century our government has existed as a citizen thereof, and his numerous descendants are the substantial representives of the greatest industry pertaining to our country, to-wit: the agricultural.

Mark A. Smith

Second son of Amos Smith, Sr., was born August n, i8n, in Hancock, Addison county, Vermont ; was married October 15, 1837, to Eliza A. Wait; September 12, 1S39, started with his family from their native home in the Green Mountains, for the grand old prairies and beautiful groves and rivers of Central Illinois, and landed at Moscow on the 15th of October, making the journey in five weeks, via. New York and Erie canal, Lake Erie, the Ohio canal from Cleveland to the Ohio river, then by steamer to St. Louis, and up the Illinois river to destination. Their oldest child was taken sick during the journey, and died Dec. 12th, 1S39. At the time of landing at Moscow, his earthly wealth and entire fortune, aside from his own strong arm and will, consisted of thirtyseven cents, in silver comfortable clothing, and a very few household goods. Dependent on him was the nursing and care of a wife and sick child. When landed, the family and goods were left on the bank of the river, and he went to explore the town, and for a team. The town consisted of two log cabins, very open; two sacks of corn were in the loft of one of them, and the squirrels were performing their morning gymnasium exercises on the roof. These were the only inhabitants that could be found. He traveled about six miles to a Mr. Abbey's, procured a team and returned about three o'clock for his family and goods, who, like good soldiers, had held their position on the river bank, during his six hours' absence. Arrived at Mr. Abbey's, three families were domiciled in one room till more cabins could be built.

The next two years were spent in the diversified employments of earning a living, earning a team, and shaking with the ague, principally the latter, which engaged a large share of the attention of the early settlers. At the end of two years he '-'-squatted''' on a . quarter section of land, three-fourths of a mile south of the present site of Sny Carte, and began improving it, and at the end of another two years borrowed a hundred dollars and purchased from government eighty acres of the land. He retained the money borrowed for nine years, when the interest (12 per cent.) amounted to one hundred and eight dollars. At the end of that period he owned six hundred acres of land in the vicinity, and had one hundred and sixty in cultivation.

In 1S52 he was elected one of the justices of the peace in Lynchburgh precinct, which office he filled with great acceptance for four years, and, though strongly solicited to be a candidate for reelection, he declined that honor.

In 1853 he built a warehouse, and engaged in the grain trade, and has since been in dry goods and groceries in connection therewith, but always in grain, and has been quite successful, and has all the time been engaged in farming. He has four children - Henry, now living at Sny Carte; Mrs. Emily Sweney, proprietoress of the Metropolitan Hotel, Jacksonville, Illinois; Irving, living on a farm near Sny Carte; and Albert F., Attorney at Law, Virginia, Illinois.

In 1S70 his wife, the companion of his pioneer life and early successes, died of lung fever. He was married again in 1S71. In 1872 the second wife died of typhoid fever. In 1S73 he was married to Mrs. Mary A. Butler, of Bath. The death of his first wife was the first in the family for a period of over thirty years. Mr. Smith has served almost continually in township and school offices, and has been school treasurer for over thirty successive years. An amiable, pleasant, genial gentleman, enjoying the confidence of his numerous friends.

Alfred Morgan Bird, of Mason City, Illinois, was born in Uniontown, Pa., April 19, 1842, the son of Dr. M. and E. A. Bird, both of Fayette county, Pa. The ancestors of Dr. M. Bird came from England to Virginia.

The subject of this sketch was the fourth child of his parents. His mother is still living, being sixty-one years of age; his father died July 24, 1871, in his sixty-fourth year, at Princeton, Kentucky, where the family now reside. Dr. A. M. Bird received his literary education principally at the St. Louis High School and at Cumberland University, of Lebanon, Tennessee. Having selected the profession of medicine for a life employment, he began the study of the same in Princeton, Kentucky. His health failing him, he was compelled temporarily to relinquish his studies and travel in the middle and western states until returning health enabled him to resume his studies, which he did in Leavenworth, Kansas.

He then attended Rush Medical College, at Chicago, Illinois, and here graduated. After visiting his friends in Princeton, Kentucky, he returned to the Prairie State, and began the practice at Greenview, Illinois, which was continued for one year, when he located in Mason City, and formed a co-partnership with Dr. Conover, which was continued until Dr. Conover's death, since which time he has continued the practice alone.

He was married, October 23, 1873, to Mary, daughter of J. C. Bondon, D. D., late President of Lincoln University, Lincoln, Illinois. Dr. Bird enjoys a lucrative practice, which his rare abilities and abundant preparation fairly entitle him and we know of no reason why he should not continue to hold the high position in his profession for years to come, which he now so unostentatiously enjoys.

Lorixg Ames

It is the privilege of few to experience the varied scenes that have made up the life of Loring Ames. The disadvantages of his youth made him energetic, and a close thinker. Of vigorous frame and active investigating turn of mind, his varied experiences were treasured for future profit. He was born in Berkshire county, Mass., Sept. 13, 1S06, and is this centennial year at the alloted period of three score years and ten. When one year old, his parents removed to Bradford county, Pennsylvania. Books were then less plenty than now, and newspapers rare, but from slips and fragments of the latter, his letters were learned, and his education began. It was a great annoyance to his older sisters to inform him of the names of the letters he found on bits of newspaper, for he must know them all. At the age of seven, he began school, walking one and a half miles to learn to read. In 1S1S, he removed to St. Clair county, Illinois Territory, where he resided until 1823, during which period Illinois was- admitted as a State of the Union. Desperate efforts were made to incorporate slavery in the original constitution of Illinois, and a large emigration being settled here from slave-holding States, it very nearly succeeded. It would be useless to say that Mr. Ames was active on the side of freedom. From St. Clair he removed to Adams county, in 1S23, and from Adams to what is now Mason county, in 1S36, or five years before the survey of Mason county.

During his residence in Adams county he acquired a knowledge of the Indian tongue, one of the necessities of that day. In 1829, he run a flatboat, loaded with produce, to New Orleans, and his curiosity excited him to attend the slave marts in the southern cities. His strong anti-slavery sentiments here became stronger, if possible, than before, from his observation of the actual working of the system.

His home has been in Mason county since 1S36, but in the antislavery organization, since 1829. He married, in 1S33, to Elmira, daughter of Deacon Jones, the proprietor of the city of Canton, Illinois. He served in the Black Hawk war, first as a private, in Capt. G. W. Flood's company, and then as a Lieutenant, in the company of Capt. Pierce, of Col. Fray's noted regiment. He now resides near Topeka, 111., on a farm, which has been his avocation most of his life. He became a member of the Congregational Church, in Quincy, Illinois, in 1S31, is now with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in his vicinity, an honored member, and to the wisdom of his councils and experience, many have applied and been benefitted.

No eulogy or fulsome praise is necessary to comment the rigid anti-slavery sentiments of the subject of this sketch, in view of circumstances like the following, which came under the writer's immediate observation: In 1852, five fugitives from bondage were seized at Sandusky, Ohio, without color of law, when a Mr. Rush R. Sloan appeared as their counsel. They were discharged, and fled to Canada.

Their southern masters sued Mr. Sloan for defending his clients, in a United States Court, and he was compelled to pay, in costs and damages, over five thousand dollars, for simply doing a professional duty to these poor, distressed negroes, fleeing for liberty. The great injustice done him had its effect to rouse the people of northern Ohio to a knowledge of their degradation to the slave power, and bore good fruit in the cause of universal liberty.

Mr. Colwell, once so prominently known in Mason county, is one who has served his term of usefulness here, and has gone to his reward across the river -

He was born April 3, 1801, in Herefordshire, England; was married to Miss Susanah Bennett, of the same place, December 25, 1827. They -emigrated to America in 1838, and settled in Cass county, Illinois, 'and from there to Mason county in February, 1841, and resided near Bath until the fall of 1842, at which time he removed to Quiver township, where he resided the remainder of his life. He died in April, 1861, from the effects of a kick from a horse. Mrs. Colwell is still living at Bloomington, Illinois, and is in the seventy-sixth year of her age.

When Mr. Colwell settled in Mason county his family consisted of one son and three daughters. The son, Rev. J. B. Colwell, is Pastor of the M. E. church, at Lincoln, Illinois. The youngest sister, Mrs. M. E. Day, is living near Maysville, Mo. Mrs. II. C. Kepford, second sister, resides at the old home, in Quiver township, and the oldest sister, Mrs. G. C. Ringhouse, resides at Bloomington, Illinois, with whom the aged mother makes her home.

Mr. Colwell served in the ministry of the M. E. church for about forty years, and the result of his labors will only be known on that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed. He was a man of abilities and personal worth; a substantial citizen, and one whose opinions were looked up to in his neighborhood. He has rested from his labors.

Born February 2, 1849, in Mason county, Illinois. The first years of his life being spent on a farm with his parents, William E. and Laura Magill, prominent residents, near Topeka. He attended the district school winters, assisting his father on the farm in the summers, until of the age of about twenty years. Having a desire to see the western country, he went to Canton, Missouri, where he attended the Christian University. In 1870 he returned and engaged in teaching, and afterwards attended college at Eureka, Woodford county, Illinois. Returning again to Mason county, he engaged in the study of medicine in Havana, and teaching school in the winter.

He then made a trip to Jewell City, Kansas, and afterwards engaged in teaching at Mt. Pleasant in that State. He again pursued his studies and attended lectures at Keokuk, Iowa, in the fall and winter of 1S73 - '74. He returned to Illinois and located at Easton, in Mason county, where he now resides. In 1876 he again attended lectures, and graduated, and resumed his practice in partnership with Dr. Houghton of that place.

Dr. Marenburg was born in 1816, of a noble fumily, in Styria, a province of the Empire of Austria, at the castle of Marenburg, the hereditary family property since the time of Rudolph of Hals-- burg. In his eleventh year he was sent to the military academy of Weiner-Neustadt, and remained there eight years as a student; and after completing his extended studies, entered the army as a first lieutenant in a regiment of infantry, and was advanced in a short time to a captaincy. He left the army in 1842, tired of the monotony of the service, and went to Vienna, where he followed his natural inclination for scientific and literary studies. The medical science especially attracted his attention, and made him a constant attendant of the lectures at the renowned Josephinium, a medical academy at Vienna.

The revolutionary year 1S48, ended his pursuits and brought him into politics, taking an active part in siding with the people against the absolute government of the country. The final overthrow of the revolutionary party and the capture of Vienna by Field Marshal Windishgrady, compelled him to fly for his life and leave the country and his home. He went to Schleswig-Holstien and entered the army against the Danes, but had to leave again after the suppression of the war by Austrian troops. He went then to England, and from there to New York, in 185 1 ; practiced medicine in Baltimore, Cincinnati and Covington, and finally landed in Petersburg, Illinois, in 1855, where he remained until 1870, when he removed to Havana, where he has remained to this time, actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He is of the Homcepathic school of medicine, and among our most successful practitioners. His services are often called for in adjoining counties. His family is two adopted daughters, very pleasant and educated young ladies, who enliven his pleasant home, on Orange street, Havana, Illinois, and whose taste in the ornamentation of the grounds make it one of the best in the city.

I98 History Of Mason County James M. Samuels

Mr. Samuels was born in the State of Virginia, July 27, 1809; emigrated to Kentucky at the age of six years, and from there to Mason county, in 1834. In 1S38 he married Miss Matilda Taylor, daughter of John Taylor, an old resident of Cass county, Illinois. His business since his marriage has been farming; before that time he followed the trade of a plastsrer.

Mr. Samuels' practical business abilities have made all his undertakings and investments so many successes, and his broad acres in the central part of Mason county, will fully corroborate this statement. From times long past his neighbors have kept him in the office of justice of the peace, school and township officer; and there is little hope of his release.

A few years ago he laid out the town of Easton, in the central part of the county, about equal distances between Havana and Mason City. It is pleasantly situated, in the richest agricultural region in the world, and is very rapidly improving. It is no narrow policy in its proprietor that has been the cause of its success, but the reverse. A stranger visiting Easton is first impressed by the fine class of buildings of which it is composed. There is now in process of construction a fine school edifice, of which the citizens may be justly proud. It is an excellent grain market, has excellent facilities for handling grain, and large amounts are brought and shipped from that point. There are several stores doing a lucrative business in this prosperous town; also a number of first-class mechanics. Mr. Samuels, as will be seen by the date of his arrival, was one of the very first settlers, and space prohibits those interesting details so full in the life of all our pioneers. Mr. S. is yet a healthy, robust man, and good for many years of his characteristic usefulness in the community where he resides.

Pulaski Scovil

The subject of this sketch removed from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Warren county, Illinois, in 1834, and in Mason county in 1S36, and is consequently one of the very earliest residents not only of Central Illinois, but also of Mason county, with whose interests he has been so largely identified. He was at the city of Canton the day following its destruction by a hurricane, in 1S34. This region of Illinois was then a hunting ground for the Indians. The sign of the milliner and dressmaker was not on every cross-street. The resources of the country were varied. There was a large proportion of deer and Indian, and very little white man.

These original old settlers of Illinois knew what good brandy was as well as though each were proprietor of a wholesale liquor store. Little did they dream that in forty years the most of them would still be living, in affluence and wealth, and where the deer roamed unmolested would be traversed by the iron horse, and as far as the eye could reach a vast sea of growing corn and yellowing grain would form the landscape, dotted with grove and orchard, and the homes of contented prosperity.

One principle was that the poor Indian had no rights that the white pioneer was bound to respect. There were a few of the old settlers who died off, but for each several pairs of twins would be born, and the population increased as rapidly from emigration as from natural increase.

The Indians did not wear as good clothes as the average white settler, and there was a jealousy; but we have no record of the white man putting on style over the Indian, as is common between classes of the present inhabitants.

Little misunderstandings sometimes grew up between the first settlers and the Indians, but these had their redeeming features. They kept the women from gadding about they neighborhood, and it kept the men at home at night. One of the objects of this work is that the recollections of the "long ago" be revived; that these primitive times be lived over again in imagination; that old men and women call up reminiscences of pioneer history and early times. But we digress.