Mason County, Illinois - The whole text, 1876 (part 5 of 6)

Mr. Scovil bought sixteen quarter sections of land on the military tract, paying for them with land warrants of the soldiers of 18 1 2. The Indians of that region were the Sacs, of Iowa, who were trading and hunting between the Illinois and the Mississippi rivers. He was one of the twelve voters in Havana precinct, a copy of the poll-book of which is given on another page, and was the cotemporary here with Ross, Krebaum, Rockwell, Kemp,

Andrus, Foster and Low, and others referred to in this work. He bought at one time eight quarter sections of O. M. Ross. It was mostly prairie, and no timber; was very much chagrined and desired to exchange for timber. Ross proposed to him to exchange timber land therefor at an advanced price. He had a box of jewelry and watches with him (he had been engaged in the manufacture of these in the east,) which Ross proposed to exchange land for. They made the trade. Air. Scovil considered that Ross had overreached him in the sale of the prairie land, determined to get even, so he billed the watches and jewelry to him at double their value, and bought eight more quarter sections, paying thereon but one hundred in money. They went to Lewistown in a boat, got the titles arranged, and returned.

During the first two years he sent to Cincinnati for all provisions except the corn meal, which was manufactured at Beardstown. The first corn he could buy in Havana was one thousand bushels from a Mr. Reese, where Virginia now is, and then twelve hundred bushels from James Walker, at Walker's Grove. He raised his first corn on the farm now owned and occupied by Ruben Henninger, east of Havana. He tried to sell it in Havana. He could get ten cents a bushel in dry goods, but no money nor groceries; consequently did not sell, but gave to the early settlers in the neighborhood to gather and haul away. Among those thus benefitted were Ruben Henninger, Sr., whose son now owns the farm then owned and occupied by Mr. Scovil. His fine peach crop was disposed of in the same way.

The first business engaged in was a steam saw-mill with Frank Low, the deputy sheriff, when this was a part of Tazewell county, and the first sheriff of Mason county, and at this time President of the First National Bank of Havana.

They finished building the mill, Mr. Scovil furnishing means far beyond his expectations. He ultimately bought out the interest of Mr. Low, and run it in his own exclusive interest. William Krebaum, then a young man, was in the employ of Low & Scovil, in the mill, and is still a resident of Havana. About this time he took a contract to furnish a thousand dollars worth of timbers for the Meredosia and Jacksonville Railroad, then in contemplation, the first in the State. The mill machinery not being heavy enough, it was run with loss; consequently, new machinery became a necessity, which he went to St. Louis and purchased, after which the mill was run with profit instead of loss. He then undertook heavy contracts for timbers for building purposes in the city of St. Louis. This was in the year 1840 and 1841, when Mason county was set off from Tazewell and Sangamon. Mr. Scovil, Judge Rockwell, and others, were signers of the bond to build the Havana court house. Mr. Scovil was furnishing the timber. Bath did not want a court house at Havana, and late one night, after a hot discussion on the county seat question, the mill burned down. It stood on ground where the Brown warehouse now stands.

When he left the farm east of Havana, he removed to Waterford, Fulton county, and run a mill there for some years. In 1854 he settled where his present beautiful home now is. Mr. Scovil was born in Harwington, Litchfield county, Conn., in 1808; went to Geneva, New York, and engaged in business, and in six years thereafter to Cincinnati, and engaged in silversmithing, and was remarkably successful. He started the first manufacturing shop in that city in 1S32, and his successors are still in the same business in that place. He has always been so fully and constantly immersed in business that he has refused all official positions. His pleasant home is near Teheran, in town 20, range six.

He has rafted logs and lumber on the Illinois river when the bars were so covered with grass that he was compelled to wade in the water to his arm-pits to clear away the grass so that his raft could pass over.

He was first married in New York in 1832, to Sarah Jerome; had six children. She died in 1839. His second marriage was to Olive Cross, in 1841; had two children, both of whom died in infancy. She died in 1844. The third marriage was in 1846, to Anna Boardwine. Troubles intervened and they were divorced. She is still living. Had by this marriage one son, Frank Scovil, who made a good record as a soldier in the late war. With this third wife he lived seven years. The fourth marriage was with Mrs. Caroline Scovil, widow of Julius Scovil, a brother of our subject. She had four children by her former marriage. These were cared for most tenderly by Pulaski, their uncle and now stepfather. This marriage occurred in 1854. The fifth marriage was in 1S62, to Hannah Jones, of Mason county. They have five children, a most happy and interesting family, models of neatness, propriety and kindness.

In the relation of all these vicissitudes, these ups and downs, these profits and losses, these deaths and separations, Mr. Scovil has no word of blame or censure for any living creature; no harsh word for any who has done him wrong, but "charity to all and malice toward none," is exemplified in his words and in his daily life. He is advanced in years, but active and in good health, and happv, but we cannot imagine that any man could be otherwise surrounded by the fields and groves that lie adjacent to his residence, which is very nicely situated on one of our beautiful prairie elevations, near a splendid grove of native forest trees.

Was born in 1845 in Favette count}-, Pennsylvania, and removed to Illinois in 1S51. Served in the war of the rebellion three years. He afterwards commenced the study of medicine, and attended two courses of lectures at McDowell's College, St. Louis, Mo. He then located in Leesville, Mo., and engaged in practice. Afterwards attended lectures at Rush College, Chicago, and engaged in practice at the town of Bruning, Schuyler county, Illinois, and from there came to his present location at Kilbourn, in this county, where he enjoys a lucrative and successful practice.

Was born in Clark county, Kentucky, in 1S25; emigrated to Illinois in 1829, and located at the town of Griggsville, Pike county, Illinois. He served in the Mexican war, and participated in the battle of Buena Vista. He attended a course of lectures at Jacksonville, and located for practice in Chambersburg, Pike county, Illinois. Removed to Mason county in 1851, and then removed to Schuyler county, Illinois. He also served in a St. Louis hospital as a physician, and is now having a lucrative and successful practice at Kilbourn in Mason county.

The subject of this sketch was born at Bethel, Ohio, February 21, 1846. When a mere boy his tastes inclined to science and literature, which has increased with his years. In his boyhood days he made the best possible use of such educational advantages as the public schools of his native town afforded and the limited means of the family would allow. No time was wasted in truancy, but his business was the improvement of his mind. He never, as he grew older, learned that a season of sowing wild oats was necessary or essential to make a man. During the first years of the late war he was a junior member of a literary club of his native town, some of whose older members had entered the army. At the time when the sanitary commission was soliciting aid, this organization decided to give an entertainment in aid of that enterprise. The project was well received, and an immense audience assembled. George, then but a boy, had been selected to deliver the opening address, but being hardly seventeen years old, he entered upon the task unaided and with many misgivings; however, being in thorough sympathy with the work and spirit of the occasion, and this being his first extemporaneous address, he had his fears. The sequel relieved him. He was loudly applauded and warmly congratulated. He thus early gave evidence of forensic eloquence that has characterized his later and maturer efforts.

When a little over seventeen he received from the county examiner a teacher's certificate, and soon acquired a reputation as a teacher, enjoyed or merited by few, and pursued that profession in his native county till the spring of 1867, when he came to Mason county on a visit to friends. By the time he had concluded his visit he had become so attached to the country, its pleasant and enterprising people, and prosperous growth of his locality, that he decided on a permanent home in Mason City. He first engaged in the real estate business and as a salesman; then he devoted two or three years to the study of law, and in the winter of 1870 was admitted to the bar. As an attorney he has been a strict observer of the rules of professional integrity and honor, never soliciting patronage or encouraging litigation.

that the duties thereof have been faithfully and efficiently discharged. A pleasant personal acquaintance of many years has existed between the writer and the subject of whom we write, and it affords us pleasure to record him a gentleman of fine natural endowments and acquired abilities, an enviable reputation, professional and social, and has contributed much to the very rapid prosperity of the town of his adoption; and bv his strict attention to business and fidelity to the interests committed to his care, he has been rewarded financially, and bv the confidence and growing' esteem of his personal and business friends.

Major Fullerton has been a resident of Mason county since 1S52, to which he emigrated from Ohio. He was admitted to the bar, and engaged in the practice of law, Oct. S, 1S45. He was commissioned 2d Lieutenant in Co. I, 6th Reg. 111. Vol., in the war with Mexico, and served during the war. After the close of the Mexican war, Feb. 2, 1S52, he located in Mason county, and was elected State's Attorney for the judicial district composed of the counties of Woodford, Tazewell, Mason, Cass and Menard. Was commissioned, March 25, 1857. He raised Co. C, 2d Reg. 111. Caw, for the war of the rebellion, and was commissioned Captain thereof, Aug. 27, 1S61. He was promoted to Major of the same regiment, Sept. 27, 1S62. (See roster in this work, in the military department.)

Major Fullerton is one of Havana's substantial citizens, and has accumulated a fine property, and is in the law business with E. A. Wallace, and being an able and efficient attorney is engaged in a very extensive and lucrative practice.

He enjovs excellent health, is vigorous and robust in his organization, and bids fair for many years of life, and the enjoyments of this world's best allotments to the human race.

Francis Dorrell

Was born in the State of Pennsylvania, Feb. i, 1808. In 181 2, with his parents, he came to Ohio. He was married, Feb. 23, 1832, to Huldah Denman, of Hamilton county, Ohio. They removed to Sangamon county, 111., in 1S35, and to Mason county in 1849, and settled on the farm, where Mrs. Darrell, at the age of three score years and ten, still resides; an amiable and estimable lady, who has passed through the numerous vicissitudes of an early frontier life, but has been favored by long life and prosperity, and is happy in the enjoyment of its blessing.

During the war of the rebellion, a son had entered the army and taken sick. Mr. Darrell went to his relief, at Bolivar, Tenn., was himself taken seriously ill, and not having the care and kindness that a home afforded, nor even what might have been done in the soldier's camp, he returned homeward, but never reached there, having died in Havana, Jan. 15, 1863, much regretted by his many friends. The funeral was conducted under the ritual of the Masonic order, of which he was an honored member.

Richard Lane

Was quite an early settler in Mason county, and among those substantial farmers who contributed much to its advancement, and have now gone to their reward, leaving descendants, who are among our best citizens.

Richard Lane was born in Tennessee in 1796, came to Illinois at an early day, and to Mason county in 1844, only three years after its first organization. He married Rachel Drake, who is still living, at the advanced age of seventy-five years. They had ten children ; two sisters and a brother still reside in Mason county. Mr. Lane died in 1871.

J06 History Of Mason County Peter Alfred Lorance

Was born in North Carolina, June i, iSoi,and emigrated to Illinois in 1S2S, and consequently a very early resident of central Illinois. He originally settled in Cass county, and came to Mason county the 1st of April, 1S45. ^e married, during his residence in Cass county, in 1832, Miss Mary Robertson, who had emigrated to that county in 1S26. She is still living with her son at Long Branch, in this county, and has passed the allotment of three score years and ten. He was for many years in the work of the local ministry, was very earnest, and' somewhat eccentric. They had six children, only three of whom arrived at maturity, viz : two sons and a daughter. One of these sons died in the army. The daughter is a resident of Menard county. The other son, Jacob A., resides at Long Branch, and on him the aged mother, in her decling years, leans for support, and leans not in vain. Space forbids a repetition of the trials and experiences of each of these early pioneers.

In the life of Mr. Gatton, we have but few brief data, and hence this notice must be extremely brief, much more so than his position in the community in which he lived would justify.

He was born Dec. 24, 18 16, and made his home in Bath, in April, 1S41, and engaged as a salesman in a general dry goods trade. He ens-aged in the business of general merchandise with Gen. J. M. Ruggles, in 1849, and afterwards with Dr. O'Neal. He was married in 1S41. He died December, 1S73. The family are still residents of Bath, and Mr. Gatton and family have ever been justly regarded as one of the most highly esteemed of the many pleasant families of that town.

Paul G. Biggs

He was born in August, 1843, in Clinton county, Ohio; emigrated to Illinois with his parents in 1856, and settled in Havana, and removed to his present location in 1873, and opened the first business house in the place.

In conformity to universal experience, Paul, like every other descendant of Adam, "found it was not good to be alone," and with rare judgment and good sense, (an article not usually brought into requisition in such cases,) selected as "a help-mate for him," Miss M. A. Springer, of Peoria county, Illinois. They were married January 8, 1872. Cheerfully, happy and contented, they are floating down the stream of time together, the banks of which, in their case, seem to be lined only with flowers. No rude storms or adverse winds seem to ruffle the smooth surface; no rock to strand, no bars to obstruct their passage, so onward pleasantly they glide.

John S. Cook

Mr. Cook, though not a resident of Mason county, has for twenty years been with us and of us, and we would be direlect of duty to omit an active, energetic representative man, so prominently identified with the interests of Mason county. He was born at Sackett's Harbor, Jefferson county, New York, June 15, 1828. He had excellent opportunities of early education and personal improvement, and threw none of these away. In 1854 he went to California. He did not make a million of dollars in that land of gold, and on his return settled in Illinois in 1856.

He became identified with the interests of Mason county in 1S59, when the Illinois River Railroad was first built (now P., P. & J. R. R.) and operated. He was the first General Passenger and Freight agent of that important line of railroad, and has been the only one to the present date. Much of its successful financial management is due to his fine business abilities. A lion's share of the good feeling which the people along its line hold towards it is due to his courteous and gentlemanly intercourse with all with whom his business relations bring him in contact. Active and correct in the business department of that important corporation, over which

Though not a resident of Mason county, Dr. Chandler has been engaged in the practice of his profession within her limits for fortvfour years, and has had a pioneer experience vouchsafed to but few. Though the doctor is now past seventy years of age, (his '-'-three score years and ten"* anniversary occurring two days before the centennial of our country,) he is yet a most healthful, hale and vigorous personage. The robust frame, fine physical organization and great activity of mind and bodv, furnishes a most beautiful case where dame Nature bestows a certificate of good conduct and fidelity to her laws on their possessor.

Dr. Charles Chandler is a son of John and Hulda (Howard) Chandler, and was born at Woodstock, Conn., July 2, 1S06. He married Mary C. Rickard, who died at Chanderville, Illinois, December 28, 1840, a daughter of Peter Rickard, of Thompson, Connecticut.

He is a graduate of the Medical College of Castleton, Vermont, with the degree of M. D. In 1829 he located at Scituate, Rhode Island. He started for the great west in 1S32. On his arrival at Beardstown he found the Black Hawk war raging farther to the northwest, and not caring to take his wife and daughter into those surroundings, then a feature of western life and the Indian frontier, and being pleased with the rich lands along the Sangamon river, he invested two hundred dollars in one hundred and sixty acres, where the town of Chandlerville now stands, on the Cass county side of that stream. He laid out the town in 184S. The late President Lincoln was his surveyor. The very many incidents related to the writer, at various times, b}' Dr. Chandler, would fill a volume, and our very brief space forbids their rehearsal. His home, a cabin, was the resting place of the frontier traveler, the resort of the hunter, and the source of relief sought by the sick or the wounded pioneer resident. The doctor's practice extended over a territory now included in the limits of eight counties. He had frequent calls to Havana in iS32-'33-'34-,36, etc., and as set- tiers occupied the territory from there south to the Sangamon, he was the indispensable and welcome visitor to the home cabin of the pioneer, relieving their suffering and doing them good, and often without remuneration or hope of reward. The present Hon. L. W. Ross, of Lewistown, stopped at the doctor's cabin on his way to school at Jacksonville. General Hardin and Lockwood on their way from Springfield, to attend the courts farther north and west, made his cabin their hotel. Hardin often made the Doctor's home his headquarters in hunting expeditions along the Sangamon and Illinois rivers.

In his extensive travel and his practice, the present facilities were not dreamed of. There were not only no railroads, but no roads. The route was made by the points of the compass, over the broad expanse of prairie and forest grove to the settler's cabin, alarming in his passage the herd of deer or pack of wolves. So scattered were his patients that in his visits to them, sixty, and even as high as ninety miles a day travel has been made, taking fresh horses as . necessity required. His remarkable health and endurance did not fail him, and to-day he is, as said in the beginning, a model of health and vigor possessed by but few younger men. During these early days an intimate acquaintance existed between him and Mr. Lincoln. It began in the following incident:

At an early date, and soon after his residence where Chandlerville now is, the Doctor was hastening to the Springfield land office, by the shortest route, and on his fastest horse, and at that horse's best speed, for the purpose of entering a piece of land that another party had started to enter the same morning, by a longer route, a slower horse and more moderate speed ; also, a less vigorous rider. Dr. Chandler had proceeded to within some miles of Springfield, when he overtook three men on horseback, who enquired of him the cause of his extreme haste. He explained the case to the strangers, when one of them, a tall, dark-complexioned man, proposed to take the Doctor's tired horse and ride it slowly to Springfield, and give him his fresh animal, on which to hurry on to the land office. His caution prevented him from taking a stranger's horse into his possession on this frontier at that time, and he pushed on with his own jaded animal, without even asking the names or residence of those who offered so disinterestedly to assist him. He reached the land office, entered his land, looked - 27 about the streets for his would-be friends, but of no avail. He could not find them or their horses. He returned home, and the next day he desired the services of a surveyor to run out his lands, and was informed that a young man named A. Lincoln, at Salem or Salisbury, was a good surveyor; he sent a messenger for him. The surveyor returned with the messenger, and imagine Mr. Chandler's surprise to find him the stranger who had so kindly offered him his horse the day before. From that time on they were friends, each enjoying the other's successes in life with a personal interest, and on the inaugeration of Mr. Lincoln in the Presidential chair, no man in the union enjoyed his elevation to that position more than Mr. Chandler. He visited Washington on that occasion, and was the guest of the new made President, his early frontier friend.

Came from New Jersey in 1S34, and settled in DeWitt county, Illinois, and removed from there to Mason county in 1S43; engaged in farming, and by diligence accumulated a fine property, and was a good substantial citizen. He died February 5, 1S65, aged seventy-five years.

John Hurley, Jr., son of the above, came with his parents and has since resided here. He was born May 26, 1824. He built the first house on the prairie between Havana and McHarry's mill. He still resides at his old home, and is one of the substantial men of the county, who by his industry and economy is laying up a fine property, and enjoying the fruits of his labors. May his shadow grow larger as he grows older.

Born August 17, 1833, in Adams county, Ohio; removed west in 1S52, and located in Mason county, Illinois, and has since been a resident thereof. AVas admitted to the bar in i860; engaged in banking in 1866, a business which he continues to the present time. In 1S56 he married Mary L., daughter of Hon. R. McReynolds, an old and honored citizen of Mason county. Mr. Cappel served Mason county as master in chancery for twelve years, and a notary public for a much longer time, and is one of the leading men in the business interests of the county and city, and one of the substantial citizens.

Born December n, 1832, in Estill county, Kentucky, came to Illinois in 1842, and settled in Fulton county; was educated at Lombard University, at Galesburg; graduated in June, 1S56; was admitted to the bar in 1S59; removed to Havana in 1863.

In June, i860, Mr. Pitman married Miss N. A. Haley, of Galesburg, a most amiable and estimable lady, who died at Havana in August, 1870, leaving a family of two boys. During his residence in Havana its citizens have been largely his debtor for his efficiency and valuable services as a school officer, which place he has so competently and faithfully filled.

The Howell Family

Nathan Howell came to the State of Illinois in 1840 from the State of Pennsylvania, and settled in Mason county. His son Charles preceded him three years, having located here in 1837. The next son was William, who is now in the west. Levi, the next son, and Mrs. Mary Gardiner, a sister, reside east of Havana. Alfred is dead, also Elizabeth and Levina. B. F., the next son, is a wealthy farmer near Havana, and Theodore, the youngest, is now a resident of Missouri. B. F. Howell is now aged forty-seven years. The first corn ground at the Simmons' mill was raised by the Howell family. B. F. has been one of the most prosperous of the prosperous farmers in Mason county. He has plowed every season since 1840, a term of thirty-six years, and not lost a week by sickness, a fine comment on his habits and care, and an admirable climate. His many friends would be glad to see him continue to plow for a century more to come, for no man plows any better, as his farm's appearance and management abundantly testify. No farm in Mason county is kept in better order and condition.

Dr. O'Neal was born May 19, 1S1S, in the State of Kentucky. He emigrated at any early day to Cass county, Illinois, and from there to Mason county in 1S44, since which time he has been a resident thereof. He was educated for his profession at Kemper College, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1S42-43.

His first marriage was to Miss A. M. Beeslev, in November, 1844. She died in 1S50. His second marriage was to Miss E. M. West, daughter of Col. A. S. West, then of Bath, September, 1S51. (See biography of Col. West on another page.)

Dr. O'Neal has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Mason county for twenty-five years, but has now retired on a farm, enjoying the fruits of his labors. He has been a skillful and successful practitioner, and retired on a very comfortable property and income, and bids fair for many years of this world's best enjoyments.

Like all prominent residents of our common country, he has frequently been selected by his neighbors to fill important official positions, and the frequency of the calls is the best commentary on the manner in which the incumbent's duties have been performed.

Mr. Hopping was born in Lower Canada, Dec. 4, 1S09, and removed to the State of Indiana in 1S15, when that State was quite primitive and thinly settled. He came to Illinois in 1S51, and settled in Mason county, on the farm where he now resides. During his residence in Indiana, in 1S39, he married Miss Elizabeth Covington, and thus far together they have, in the goodness of an over-ruling providence, been permitted to enjoy the successes of their mutual efforts.

For many years they have been identified with the Baptist church. Mr. Hopping has served two terms as a justice of the peace, and has been township treasurer for sixteen years. His business has been farming, and his practical business abilities have made it a success, and his broad and well cultivated acres will corroberate this assertion.

John R. Chaney

Like the subject of the preceding sketch, Mr. Chaney is one of Mason county's most substantial men and successful farmers. He was born in Kentucky, Nov. 4, 1S11, and removed with his parents to Tennessee, and then to Greene county, Illinois, and then to Mason county, in March, 1839. The family consisted of five brothers, viz: John R., William, James, Riley and Granville, all farmers.

Mr. Chaney married, in 1837, Missouri Gregory, and forty years nearly have they shared each other's joys and sorrows, but we infer that the former has been largely predominant in their lives. He has been identified with the Baptist church over forty years, and with the Democratic party since his age permitted an identification with any party whatever. He was one of the first county commissioners of this countv, and has filled various and almost continuous township and school offices since that time.

Reliable and substantial in all the relations of life, and his intercourse with his fellow men, successful in his business transactions, he promises many long years more of prosperity and happiness to himself, his family, and many friends.

W. W. Stout

Was born at Oxford, Ohio, in 1832, removed to Indiana at an early date, and to Illinois in 1852, and engaged in printing a county paper, (see Mason county papers, on another page) in company with a Mr. Wheedon, under the firm name of Wheeden & Stout. In Sept., 1857, he married Miss Eunice Covington. His army services are given in the military department of this book. He died

William E. Magill

Was born in the State of Pennsylvania, June 9, 1816. Removed west, in 1837, and settled in Griggsville, Illinois, and removed to Springfield, Illinois, in 1840, and to Mason county in 1842.

He was married in 1S40 to Miss Laura Hoyt, of Griggsville, his present estimable wife. Mr. Magill is an educated farmer, of large experience, and has accumulated a good property. His influence and position in his neighborhood is indicated in these facts, that for twenty-two years he has been a justice of the peace, and for ten years township treasurer. He was among the first men in this county to engage in the "farmers' movement," and has been prominently identified with it.

Col. Moore was born in Greene county, Kentucky, in 1828, and came to Illinois with his parents in 1S37, and settled in Sangamon (now Menard) county, and engaged in farming. In 1S54 he married Miss Isabella Trent, of that county. Their family consists of a son and daughter, of very unusual intelligence.

On the beginning of the war with Mexico, Col. Moore joined in the service of his country in 4th Illinois infantry, company F, under Capt. Thomas L. Harris, afterward promoted to Major. Col. E. D. Baker raised the regiment. He did good service as a soldier at Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, etc. Cornelius Ruark, of Petersburg, and Dr. J. P. Walker, of Mason City, were his messmates while in that service. After his return from Mexico he located his land warrant in Mason county, and became a resident of the north end of the county in April, 1849. Since then he has been a permanent resident, was the founder of Spring Lake, but Havana has been his home since 1854. Since his residence in Havana he has been a large dealer in grain, being the principal of the firm of Moore,

In the beginning of the rebellion he again went into the army in the 27th Illinois infantry (see roster of that regiment,). After the battle of Corinth he returned home and raised the 85th Illinois infantry, and was commissioned Colonel thereof. No army officer had the good will and confidence of his command more than did Col. Moore. Genial and companionable in his associations with all, it is not strange that he was a universal favorite not only in the army but among his friends, and all are Col. Moore's friends. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian. In politics his inclinations lean somewhat towards the democratic party.

On the death of our old friend, Judge McReynolds, in 1872, we wrote the following obituary, which was published at that time, and we can pay no more appropriate tribute to departed worth, than to insert a copy of the same here :

Obituary

Beautiful is the grey morning as the sun arises from his misty bed, "rejoicing as a strong man to run a race," and sheds his illuminating beams over the earth, dispelling the darkness and gloom. Beautiful in his meridian splendor, when from his zenith height he pours his health-giving light over more than half this immense globe. Beautiful, as he descends below the horizon, gilding the earth, clouds and sky with many shades of crimson and gold. Beautiful is the majestic river, as it pours its ceaseless tide in the unabating fullness towards the great ocean. Beautiful are the evergreen-clad hills, the mountain slope, the deep chasm, in which pours the vexed, turbulent stream, to find a more placid bed. Beautiful the peaceful valley in the stillness and quiet of Sabbath rest, broken only by the bleat of flocks, the low of herds, or the Sabbath bell. Beautiful the infant reposing on its mother's breast or in its cradled slumber of blest unconsciousness, symbolized by the rising sun. Beautiful the life of that man or women, arrived at maturity, filling the place alloted by the Creator, shedding be- tlignaiit blessings on all that may come within the circle of their influence for good, like the sun in the zenith. More beautiful still is the departure of the good man, gradually and peacefully as the setting sun, not to another hemisphere, but to another world.

From his declining sky he looks back on a life spent in the interests of God and humanity, casting haloes of coloring, gorgeous to the beholder, on the objects of his attention in his course through life. Nature has bestowed on him a diploma for fidelity to her laws, by extending the years of his pilgrimage - aye, beyond the three score years and ten alloted to her less faithful subjects. She has bestowed on him many badges of honor and insignia of her partiality to faithful servants, in the blessings of home, family and friends, that rise up to call him blessed, in that health which enables its possessor to enjoy the comforts of this world, even to old age. Beautiful that head of hoary hairs, the crown of honor to the aged as they ripen for the tomb and immortality. Beautiful the peaceful and triumphant crossing of the dark river, beautiful beyond comprehension the arrival on the other shore. Thus lived, thus died, Hon. Robert McReynolds, in this city, on Thursday, Nov. 14, 1872.

Judge McReynolds was one of the pioneers of Mason county, having removed here in 1838. During his long residence here he was frequently called to serve the county in various official positions, and for some time in the office of County Judge. In every position, public or private, conscientious integrity marked his course. He was born in Union county, Penn., April 13, 1 791 , consequently, at the time of his death, was eighty-one years seven months and one day old. For more than a year the hand of Time bore heavily upon him, but happily and cheerfully he could .say with Job, "all the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come."

The deceased was an old-time christian. He united with the M. E. Church in 1S31, consequently was not only a pioneer in this country, but a pioneer in Methodism in the west, and for long years the intimate friend of the venerable Peter Cartwright, who so recently preceded him to the Spirit Land. About six years ago these two aged veterans together called on the writer. What a history and experience was comprised in their long lives of usefulness ! In the demise of our friend, we are again admonished that we are mortal, and have no abiding city here. If there be those who think that the contractedness and debility of the human facultie in our present state, seem ill to accord with the expectations of religion, I would ask them whether any one who saw an infant would ever expect it to comprehend the abstruse sciences of the schools. What may be our powers, endowed, as we will be, with a sensorium, adapted as it undoubtedly will be, as our present senses are, to the perception of the subjects and properties of things with which our concern may be. But in everything which respects this solemn subject with which we all have to do, we have a wise and good Being upon whom to rely (as did our departed friend) for the choice and appointment of means adequate to the execution of any plan which His goodness or His justice may have formed for the moral and accountable part of His creation. That office rests with Him, be it ours to hope and prepare under a firm and settled persuasion that living or dying we are His; that life is passed in his constant presence, that death resigns us to His merciful disposal.

George H. Campbell

Was born July 19, 1S21, at Nashville, Tennessee; a son of P. W. Campbell, also an early resident and large property owner in Mason county. His parents, on both sides, were related to some of the early historical families of Tennessee. In 183S he came to Mason county to superintend the fencing and cultivation of lands his father had entered between the Sangamon and Illinois rivers, then a part of Sangamon county.

Thus, we find him a boy of seventeen, a stranger in a wild frontier country, dependent on his own sagacity for a beginning in hfe. For two years he carried out the plans designed, and was followed by his father, P. W. Campbell, in 1S40. P. W. Campbell was elected to a county office on the organization of the county in 1841, and our subject, George H., was elected as soon as he attained his majority, to the office of assessor and treasurer of Mason county.

of twenty-three, and soon after actively participated in the politics of that day. In August, 1S46, he was married to Miss Eliza Jane, daughter of Major B. H. Gatton, a noble woman, a true and devoted wife and mother. For more than a quarter of a century she shared his joys and sorrows, but on the first of July, 1873, she was taken to her final home. Their oldest son, W. H. Campbell, is a member of the law firm of Dearborn & Campbell, of Havana. - (See biography of W. H. on another page.)

In politics Judge Campbell was an old line whig, but more latterly has been identified with the democratic party. In 1S56 he was tendered a nomination for the legislature by the democratic party, but declined. In 1857 he engaged in the practice of law in Havana, and the same year was elected county judge. In 1858 he was elected to the legislature to represent the counties of Mason and Lo^an, in which bodv he was second to none in abilitv and influence. An epitome of his legislative career would be of interest, but too lengthy for this work ; suffice to say that he was at the head of many important committees, originated many useful laws, and was regarded one of the most able debaters in the house. He received the nomination for the office of Secretary of State in i860, but failed of election.

On the breaking out of the rebellion he assisted in raising the 106th regiment of Illinois infantry in Logan county, and was made lieutenant colonel of that regiment, but resigned after about one year's service on account of poor health. In 1868 he engaged in a mercantile and banking business in Mason City. In 1870 he took the necessary measures to organize the First National Bank of Mason City, and was elected President.

It would be superfluous verbiage to add encomiums on the talents and abilities of Judge Campbell ; neither is it the province of this work so to do. We relate historical facts, dates and figures. Prominent official positions, long continued, prove ability, honesty and the confidence of friends and constituents, more emphatically than words can do. If mens' lives and acts, that go to make up a man's history, are compliments to him, then facts of his life and not we flatter him.

Long will the Campbell family be remembered in the official archives of Mason county, as for three generations they have been its most honored citizens.

A. E. Field

Among the first families who settled in Mason county, and served an important part in its early history and improvements was the Field family. Drury S. Field, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Petersburg, Virginia, and born Oct. 6, 1792. The family settled in Mason county, in 1835, on wnat 1S now known as Field's Prairie, and here he resided to the time of his death, in April, 1S3S.

A. E. Field was born March 6, 1823, came to Mason county with his parents, and this has since been his home, consequently he is one of the earliest settlers of the county now living. His experience includes the pioneer condition of this section of the State, and the transformation of Mason county from a wilderness to its present high state of improvement and its present society.

In early life he read medicine and adopted the profession of his father, and assisted him in his practice. He afterwards engaged in agriculture.

He was married, in Dec, 1845, to Miss Bessie Craggs, of this county. They had seven children, four of whom are still living. Mr. Field is a faithful and consistent member of the Baptist Church, and a lifelong member of the Democratic party.

Possessed of more natural abilities than usually falls to the lot of mortal man, and also of a good education and much reading, it follows of necessity that he has ever held a position of influence among his friends and acquaintances, and is one whose opinions are sought and relied on by his neighbors. He is, as might be expected in a man of his strong sense, entirely free from all ostentation and pretense, but a model of genial sociability and neighborly kindness.

The Falkner Family

The ancestors of this family came to America with the Dutch colonists, and settled at New Amsterdam and Fort Orange (now the cities of New York and Albany), and in the Revolutionary tim is were on the side of the colonists, and actively participated in that memorable struggle.

Thomas K. Falkner was born in the year 1800, and in 181 5 removed with his parents to Dearborn county, Indiana, -where, in 1820, he married Miss Phoebe Heaton. Ten years after, they removed to Madison county, Indiana, and settled on the banks of White river. In 1S3S they removed to Illinois, and entered lands in section 7, town 21, range 7, west of the 3d P. M., in Tazewell county, now Mason, built a cabin, and on the opening of spring began to break prairie.

This was the first improvement in what is now Sherman township. The next fall came the Hibbs, Hampton and Dentler families, and settled in the vicinity. West of their location to the town of Havana there were seven or eight families along the border of the woods, to-wit: Coder, McReynolds, Robert Falkner, Fisk, Howell, Brown, Fesler and Rishel. These lived east of Havana, and constituted the inhabitants in the first thirty miles or further. Nearly the whole country, from a short distance east of Havana, was a vast unbroken prairie, over which roamed, at pleasure, herds of deer and wolves, "none daring to molest or make afraid." I an informed by Mr. John R. Falkner, that in the spring of 1S40, he, with two others, counted on Bull's Eye Prairie fifty-nine deer in one herd, and forty-two in another, all in sight at the same time.

The marshes and sand hills about the heads of Quiver creek and Long Point timber were famous hunting grounds for many years after this. The only mill within the present boundaries of Mason county, was on Crane creek, and known as the Corn Cracker, (see Mount's mill) with a pair of seven inch burns, and when everything was favorable, could crack one and a half bushels of corn per hour. A bov was set on the top of a sack of corn, on horseback, and traveled twelve, fifteen or twenty miles to this mill.

When wheat was to be ground the settlers must either go to Mackinaw or to Fulton county, but usually to the former, by reason of the scarcity of means to pay the toll at Ross' ferry, (now Havana,) which cost eighty-seven and-a-half cents the round trip. The journey to Mackinaw mill took four or five days, governed by the time they had to wait for a "grist" to be ground. The contrast between living and farming in 1840 and 1S76 cannot be realized by a person who has not seen both. Now we look over the finely cultivated fields and we see the farmer sowing his small grains by means of a drill, and harvesting with a header or a self- raker, and planting his corn with a check-row planter, and plowing it with a Blackhawk cultivator, or some other modern improved plow. Then, you would have seen here and there a farmer sowing his two or three acres of wheat by hand, broadcast, and harrowing it in with a blackjack brush, and furrowing his ground for corn with a two-horse plow, dropping it by hand and covering it with a hoe, and often plowing it with a forked sapling hitched to a "steerP He sowed his flax-seed on Good Friday, and "in the moon," and after "pulling" it, laid it out to "rot" and then "breaking'1'' and "scutching'1'' it by hand, it was turned over to the female department of the household, to be "hackeleoT'1 and spun and wove into cloth, to make for the girls and boys their summer wear.

But to return to our subject. Mr. Falkner's family consisted of five children, two boys and three girls - all lived and arrived at maturity. William is on his farm in Salt Creek township, a happy independent farmer. Jane is the wife of John Henninger. John R, was for many years our very able, competent and efficient countv surveyor, now on his farm in the eastern part of Mason county. Did space permit we would like to pass a deserved tribute to the ability and the disinterestedness of Mr. John R. Falkner in his official duties, but we are reluctantly compelled to forbear.

In June, 1S39, within a short time after the location of the family in their new home, the wife and mother was called to that bourne whence no traveler returns, but the little family struggled on, and the father was with them until 1S65, when he too "followed that beckoning hand to the shore" of that cold, dark river.

William Allen

There will always attach an interest to the history of the pioneer families of the west which will never properly belong to others who came at a later date, as they have laid the foundations of our social and material status, and coming generations can only modify and develop that which they, by their energy and perseverance, established. By their strong arms were the forests felled, the undergrowth cleared away, and the prairie sod broken ; by them were the primitive cabin, the log school house and the church erected. Later emigrants make further and higher advancements in all these, and proceed to further develop the embryo foundings of the pioneer. To the later class of emigrants belongs the subject of this notice. He was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1S07, and at the age of fourteen he spent the two succeeding years at school at Vandalia, Illinois, and at the age of sixteen settled at Shelbyville, Indiana, where he resided for ten years, and from there he removed to Laporte, Indiana, in 1S34. In the pleasant city of Laporte he made his home for twenty years, and served the people for two terms as sheriff of that county, and was also a member of the Legislature of the State of Indiana, from that district. From there he removed to Mason county in 1854, and settled in Havana, where he has since resided.

In 1838 he married Miss Sarah E. Shortwell, of New Jersey, and together for thirty-eight years have they shared the joys and sorrows incident to human life, but in their case the former have been largely predominant. The result of this union has been three sons and two daughters, all living at this date, in the full vigor of maturity. Randolph, the oldest son, is an honored minister of the M. E. church, in this State, doing good and acceptable service in his calling; an educated gentleman of more than medium talents.

William, the next son, resides at Hood river, Oregon, whither he emigrated with a colony in 1875, and is engaged in business there, as a permanent home.

Mr. Allen became identified with the Presbyterian church at Laporte, Indiana, in 1835, and after his removal to Havana, there being no society of that denomination, he found no inconvenience in identifying himself with the M. E. church.

During the war of the rebellion he served as Assessor of interternal revenue of this district. Comment is superfluous in this connection, for the integrity, the honor and business abilities of Mr. Allen have long been proverbial with the people of Mason county.

Walter S. Dray

Pike county, Missouri, and in 1848 to Vermont, Fulton county, Illinois, the mother having died in Iowa, and his father being at that time in California, he was in the care of a grandmother.

From Vermont they removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1857, and in 1S59 returned to Illinois, and settled in Canton, Fulton county, and engaged in the jewelry business.

On the 27th of July, 1861, he located in Havana, where he has since resided, and engaged in the business of jewelry, watches, clocks, musical instruments, etc. In 1864 he took into his employ Mr. O. C. Town, of Pekin, Illinois, a workman of rare abilities and good business tact, and after four years of successful trade they became partners, or in the year 1S6S. For eleven years a successful partnership continued, and in 1875, Mr. Dray desiring to look more especially after his important real estate interests, sold out to Mr. Town the business so long and so successfully prosecuted by that well-known firm.

In 1S64 Mr. Dray was married to Miss Louisa F., daughter of Hon. William Allen, of Havana. The result of this union was three children, only one of whom survives. He is a member of the Board of Alderman of the city of Havana this centennial year, a body that is profited by his influence and business abilities. For fifteen years Mr. Dray has been largely identified with the interests of the city in which he resides, and the success attending the long partnership of Dray & Town is simply another addition to the thousands of cases that an observer may notice, in which fair dealing, business integrity and an honorable sense of justice, meet their reward.

Henry Onstot

When the man whose name is at the head of this article ceased to be, although he was past three score years and ten, the allotted period of man's earthly pilgrimage, we would yet have had him stay longer. He was born near Danville, Kentucky, in November, 1804. He removed to Menard county, Illinois, in 1824, having previously married Miss Susannah Schmick, also of Kentucky, and who preceded him to their home over death's dark river, on Dec.

14, 1867. For forty-four years the joys and sorrows incidental to this world's journey, they shared together, not in wealth and affluence, nor in poverty, but in

From Menard county they removed to Mason county in 1845, since which time they have made this their home. For the past eight years, or since the death of Mrs. Onstot, he has made his home with his son in Forest City.

It is of the christian character of Mr. Onstot that we love to speak. Early identified with the Cumberland Presbyterian church, he ever remained a faithful member thereof, and faithful and diligent in all his religious duties. We know whereof we speak in this matter, for we have known of his faithfulness when it was not popular to be identified with the religious Interests of the community.

Kind and courteous with all, firm in his convictions of the right, but always willing to be convinced, unostentatious, candor was the strongest element of his character. His funeral was attended in Havana on the evening of August 1st, by a large concourse of his friends, and all were his friends.

The flowers fade, the heart withers, man grows old and dies; but time writes no wrinkles on eternity. The ever-present, unborn, undecaying and undying - the endless chain composing the life-God - the golden thread entwining the destinies of the universe. Earth has its beauties, but time shrouds them for the grave; its honors are but the sunshine of an hour; its palaces, they are but the gilded sepulcher; its pleasures, they are but bursting bubbles. Not so in the untried bourne. In the dwelling of the Almighty can come no footsteps of decay.

Barnhard Krebaum

of July of that year, by the way of New Orleans. The Krebaum family were the third in Havana, and the fourth in Mason county. He resided here until the time of his death, which occurred in 1853, at the age of seventy-one years.

On his landing at Havana he found Mr. Ross and Mr. Myers - the only residents here. Mr. Shepherd, where Matanzas now is, and a Mr. Barnes, north of Havana, came near the same time. His family consisted of Frederick, Adolph, William, Edward and Charles G.; the latter born in this city, and the oldest inhabitant now here that is a native born. There are also two daughters. A very remarkable fact in this connection is that this family of sons and daughters are all yet living, with a single exception, viz: Edward, who died here some years ago. Frederick, the oldest son, is now sixty-three years old, and bids fair for many more years to be added to his longevity ; and Charles G., the youngest, will be thirty-nine years old in December, this year.

These brothers have from their first settlement in the county been largely identified with its business interests. William built the first saw-mill in the county, and was in the employ ment of Scovil & Low in their mill on the bank of the Illinois river, and worked on the job of sawing the timbers for the first railroad in Illinois. Adolph has been county clerk for many years, and was the second incumbent of that office after the organization of the county. Charles G. is a member of the firm of Otto & Krebaum, extensive and successful grain dealers in Havana, whose business integrity commends them to all.

Henry Bishop

Was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1824, and emigrated to America in 1829, and located in Mason county, which has since been his home. In 1S48 he was married to Miss Catharine Wesling, a member of one of the substantial families of Mason county. They have had a large family, and nine children are now living. An aged mother, now past her four score years, makes her home with Mr. Bishop. The father died the first year after his arrival in Mason county. - 29

Mr. Bishop is the proprietor of the town known as Bishop's Station, on the P., P. & J. Railroad, northeast of Havana, laid out in the spring of 1875. A post-office was estahlished there in 1871. He is engaged in farming, and has the peculiar faculty of heing successful in all his undertakings. His good judgment and fine business abilities have secured him a competencv of this world's goods, and he and his amiable and intelligent wife are living with more happy contentment in their surroundings than is usually the lot of man to enjoy.

In Mr. Cory we have another illustration of the superiority of practical strong sense, in contrast with the too many instances we meet in the world where a forced education is urged into a small head, and no room to store it.

He is a graduate of the noblest of all American Institutions, the common schools, and his own tireless energies. He was born June 13, 1815, in Summerset county, New Jersey, and was admitted to the bar in 1841.

In February, 1856, he located in Mason county, and since that time has been a resident thereof. He was married in 1S36. Mr. Cory's business abilities are of a high order, consequently his success in life. Though he is past his three score years, he would pass for fifteen less, and enjoys that vigorous health incident to obedience to the laws of nature.

Jesse Baker

Mr. Baker, whose rapidly failing faculties bespeak this earthly pilgrimage nearly closed, was one of the first white men in Mason county. He was born in Tennessee, in 1798, and is now in his seventy-ninth year. He came to Illinois Territory in 1816, and settled in what is now Morgan county, and became a citizen of Mason county in 1833, and since then this has been his home.

Mr. Baker has had a varied experience. Possessed of an unusually vigorous and robust frame, he endured the privations and hardships of a pioneer life, the chase of the deer, and the defense against "the noble red man" that few could endure with him. But now that eye is dimmed with age, and that vigorous arm that once poised the unerring rifle with the grip and steadiness of a vise, hangs feebly by his side; that six foot, stalwart frame totters feebly along, his mental vision dimmed, and all his faculties bespeak the needed rest the grave will soon afford,

He engaged in farming, on Crane creek, near where he and his descendants now reside, and here has grown his ninety bushels of corn per acre, and sold supplies to Mr. Falkner, the first farmer in Sherman township.

Mr. Baker's pilgrimage will soon be done. His descendants are among the substantial residents of the county, and we gladly here record his worth, and honorable sense of right, for his successors when he has passed away.

Samuel Sloane

Was born in Maryland, in 17S7, and died in Fulton county, Illinois, in 1859, at the age of seventy-two years. He came to Havana in 1835, in the month of June, and lived in a cabin where the corner of Orange and Main streets now is. His family was John M., Miss Deziah, Miss Athliah, Hiram W., Samuel, Jr., Uriah B., Andrew J., Amberiah, Daniel R., Miss Jane and Miss Charlotte, only four of whom now survive, viz: Hiram W., Samuel, Uriah B. and Amberiah, all of whom reside in Fulton county, except one, who is in Kansas; their ages range from forty to sixty-one.

The settlers in Havana at that time were Krebaum, Ross, Timony, Hilbert, Miller, Sloan, and north of Havana were Burnell and Barnes, south, at Matanzas, was Shepherd, and at Moscow, a Mr. Herbert. Nine miles east was Gibson Gerret, who, with those before named, were all the inhabitants in the west side of the county.

The milling for the family was taken to Mount's mill, and Hiram informs us that he has ridden a horse, with three pecks of corn in a Lack, to mill, and waited twenty-four hours for it to be ground.

The supply of pork was obtained by hunting it in the woods where Ross had numberless wild hogs, and gave new settlers onefourth for killing it and bring-ins: in.

Hiram Sloane got a special contract, in which he got one-half of all he killed, and Ross found one pound of powder and four pounds of lead. Sloane well knew an important rendezvous of the hogs he did not care to find under the old contract. With his brother Samuel, and Frederick Krebaum, in half a day they killed fifteen hogs of heavy weight, that furnished supplies for a vear, and some for sale. He once had a desperate hand to hand fight with a wild hog, where the M. E. Church now stands, and finallv dispatched him with his knife. His dog died from wounds received in the encounter.

Hiram followed the river to some extent at an earlv day. In 1S34 he arrived at the Havana levee in a little keel boat. A man named Mallory kept a trading post here, and a lot of Indians came for whisky, and were refused. They said they were friendly and peaceable, and carried no knives. He gave them whisky, got serious trouble on his hands, and sent to the boat for help.

About the time help came from the boat Mrs. Mallory blew the top of an Indian's head off by the discharge of a musket, and the fight became hot. One of the boat's crew, Ben. Hokum, killed two, and another man named Odd was also busy. A Mr. Terry was cut off from the party, and ran north, pursued by an Indian, with a drawn tomahawk. Terrv's knee became dislocated and he fell, and as he was about to be tomahawked, the Indian was struck on the back of the neck with a stick and felled by the hand of Terry's friend, and Terry siezed the tomahawk, intended for his head, and buried it in that of the prostrate Indian. While he was doing this the friend who saved him pulled his dislocated knee into place, and Terry and his friend returned together. Mr. Sloane did not inform us who this friend was, but we infer from what we know of him that he was not an idle spectator of the scene.

On their return thev saw three Indians crossing: the river in a canoe. Hokum shot two of them with a steady hand and unerring aim, and the third sank before he reached the east bank of the river. Sloan and his party proceeded to Fort Clarke, now Peoria, where they arrived on the third day, and discharged their cargo; were visited by Indians who enquired if that boat came from Havana. They replied, no. The Indians were not satisfied, and our party must either seek safety by flight or in the fort. They chose the former, and at nightfall left with muffled oars in a light skiff, for the south, and rowed to Beardstown by sunrise the next morning. Here again the Indians were on the alert and suspiciovs, and our party concluded they had pressing business at St. Louis, and left for that destination on the first steamer.

In after years Hiram boated on the river steamers and traded along the Illinois, and to his energies were the family indebted for much of their early supplies, as were also many of the other settlers. Much might be said in this connection of the kindness of early pioneers to each other. Many were the sacks of apples and potatoes brought over by Mr. Gardiner, the grandfather of the present proprietor of the Gardiner estate across the river, and distributed to the early settlers here without money or price, and to those he had never seen before as freely as to those he knew.

In closing this department of the work we regret that there are a number of interesting biographies we have been unable to obtain. Among those are the Horstman family, Henry Sears, Solomon Bayles, the Scott family, the Blakely family, Wm. Atwater, Peter Ringhouse, Peter and Adam Himmel, Mr. Fisk, Henry Buck, and others, that would have added to the interest of this work. Some it has been impossible to obtain data from; to others we have applied and received no response. We cannot use matter unobtainable.

Benevolent Orders

We assume, in the following' pages, to give the organization, etc., of the various henovelent organizations in Mason countv, from such data as we have been able to obtain on that subject, and follow with some quotations from various publications, which we deem relevant to this division of our work. From personal knowledge and our own experience in the work of the various orders, we cannot write. From our observation, our reading, and conversation, and a long association with members of these organizations, we can give our opinions from a disinterested standpoint.

The following little circumstance illustrates our individual views: Many years ago, in an Eastern city, a stranger stopped for the night at the principal hotel, and after registering his mime, retired for the night. During the night he was taken suddenly ill. He called a servant and enquired for any member of a masonic organization. A member was sent for, and he brought other members. The stranger grew rapidly worse. In the beginning he gave his trunks, money, letters, and all his valuables, unreservedly into the keeping of his strange brethren. They watched his sick-bed day and night, and furnished him the best medical attendance the city afforded.

In four days the stranger died. His funeral was largely attended by members of the order to which he belonged, and the citizens. A funeral sermon was preached on the occasion at the First Presbyterian church, by its pastor. The sermon closed, the minister spoke on the kindness and care bestowed on the stranger by the order to which he belonged, and closed his remarks by saying:

"That if professing christians did their duty, these organizations - these orders, would have no existence; that commendable as were the acts of kindness shown this stranger, it was only what should be done under like circumstances in any and every christian community." That very small word "//"," boy as we were, when we heard those remarks, looked to us as an important feature of that paragraph, and those words have remained in our memory nearly forty years.

Freemasonry occupies not herself with the vai-ious religions spread throughout the world, nor the constitutions of different countries. Having her place in the sphere of ideas, she respects the religious faith and the political sympathies of all her members. And so at her meetings all discussions upon such subjects are formally forbidden. She ever maintains her ancient device - Liberty, Equality and Fraternity - but she reminds her members that while walking in the domain of ideas one of their first duties as Masons and as citizens is to respect and to observe the laws of the country in which they live."

Damascus Commandery, No. 112

The Odd Fellows organizations in Havana, and the Masonic and Odd Fellows, in Bath, we have been unable to reach, thoueh frequently applied for.

Manito Lodge 476, A. F. And A. M.

Charter members' were: - H. A. Sweet, A. G. H. Conover, P. W. Gay, A. A. Griffin, P. W. Thomas, Zf Miller, R. SjEakin, John Thomas, B. Ruthetiburgh, Smith Mosier, H. Latham, W. W. Pierce. - 3°

Mason City Lodge No. 403, A. F. And A. M.

To give a sketch, historically, of the different newspapers published at various times in Mason county is at this time an impossibility. Perpetuity has not been a characteristic of that important industry, "that art preservative of all arts" that is so much the pride, and so very justly the boast of our age and country. The art of printing is second to no other. Of its first origin, histories differ, but enough is known to place beyond a doubt that it was practiced in Asia before its discovery in Europe. But it has fallen to the lot of our own country to render it a r/opular institution, and so cheaply executed that the poorest of the people of this country are abundantly supplied with reading matter of the latest date at a mere nominal rate. The mechanic and laborer, as well as the man of leisure and the professional man, can this morning read in his daily, the yesterday's proceedings of our congress, the British Parliament, the French Congress, the doings of the city of Rome and Constantinople, and in Egypt.

To the printing press of our country, and largely to the local press, is due that general diffusion of intelligence so characteristic of the American people. This enterprise and intelligence has carried the press and the English language and the newspaper to every country on the globe. Our American-English language is thus diffused, American enterprise made notorious, till Americans officer the armies of Egypt, and hold high positions in its government. Americans are the civil engineers of Russia and Turkey, and many in China are teaching our language and arts, while Japan has a head to her department of agriculture from our neighboring county, and a postmaster general from a neighboring State. Nor is this all : China looks out from all

And an American built railroad has invaded her long-secluded domain. The railroad engineers of the United States have overrun South America in all her fastnesses, probed the Andes, and traversed the plains of Columbia and Brazil,

The American engineer, stimulated by his characteristic enterprise, and guided by that intelligence that ever in human history has followed in the wake of the printing press, is marking his lines of railroad, and directing the nominally-priced labor of the country in its construction.

In 1851 we find O. H. Wright, Esq-., of Havana, editor and proprietor. He was succeeded by E. L. Grubb, who also published a paper under the same title. Then Stout & Wheaden published a

Stout & Wheaden' were succeeded by W. W. Stout; Wheaden retiring, and under his management the "Herald" became a paper of much influence and ability.

From this time on we are unable to give dates of the "Arrivals and Departures" of the local papers, that in most cases were very short lived, but the following are their names and their editors. We cannot even give them ad seriatim - so ephemeral were the existence of some:

This was removed from Havana to Mason City, and sold to W. vS. Walker, and there published by him, and is now the Mason City Journal, so ably and efficiently conducted by Mr. Wells of that city.

The True Unionist and the Havana Ledger were consolidated by their editors, Messrs. Wheadon and Humphreyville, and formed the Democratic Clarion, of Havana, now ably conducted by Mr. Wheadon.

If there are others we have been unable to get data of them, and can only use such material as is within our reach. We will in the following pages give brief extracts from some of the earliest publi-

Court

The next term of the Mason Cii'cuit Court will be holden in Havana, on the third Monday in April next. The following persons have been subpoenaed to attend as jurors:

Grand Jury Petit Jury

The undersigned, Democratic Central Committee, give notice that there will be a democratic convention held at the court house in Havana, on Saturday, the 12th of September next, at 1 o'clock, P. M, for the purpose of nominating candidates to be supported at the November election, 1S57. The primary meetings in each precint, for the purpose of choosing delegates, will be held at the usual place of holding elections in each precinct, on Saturday, September 5th, 1S57, at 1 o'clock, P. M.

Mail Route

Some time ago, we noticed in some of our exchanges, a statement to the effect that a new mail route, from Havana to Lincoln via Mason City had been created, and that the same would soon be placed under contract. But we suppose the announcement was all humbug, as we have heard no more in reference to it for some months. Such a route is very much needed, and it is greatly to be desired that it be obtained, as there is a very large extent of territory, with many inhabitants, who are almost without any mail facilities whatever.

Egypt Station

Our readers should by no means forget the fact, that on Saturday, the 27th inst., there will be a great sale of town lots in Egypt station. This town, as all are well aware, is beautifully located, being situated on the Illinois River Railroad, and in the heart of the most productive portion of Mason county. A better location could not possibly have been selected than the one on which it is situated. It is quite apparent to all, that in a few years hence there must be quite a flourishing town at some point in that neighbor- hood, and it will, in all probability, be at Egypt station, as that place has every advantage required for its support. Persons who wish to invest money in a paying speculation would do well to attend the sale, as no loss can be sustained in making purchases at that point. The terms of sale are extremely reasonable, only ten per cent, to be paid at the time of purchase.

Improvements are rapidly going forward in our town. Many new and substantial buildings are in course of erection; new business houses are being opened, all of which goes to show that our town is in a prosperous and flourishing condition.

Messrs. Stewart & Reichman will open a drug store in the course of a few days, in the building formerly occupied by John Close. They are at present in St. Louis making their purchases.

Messrs. Otto & Thee inform us that they intend opening a family grocery in the building formerly occupied as a store by Adolph Krebaum, Esq.

Mr. James C. Kemp, who recently made an assessment of the real estate and personal property of the town of Havana, subject to taxation, has kindly furnished us with the following statement:

Of course due allowance must be made for the fact that it was generally understood that the assessment was made for the purpose of levying a tax, consequently the estimate of property would be put at considerably lower figures than its real value.

The Thirteenth

To-morrow will be a great day in the annals of Havana. The morning will be ushered in by the booming of cannon and the enlivening strains of music. At an early hour of the day the citizens from all sections of the country will commence flocking in, and our town will soon be densely crowded with the "sovereigns," all anxious to get a view of the illustrious advocate of popular sovereignity. Large delegations are expected to be in attendance from Lewistown, and also from Pekin and Peoria. The steamboat Excelsior will arrive here on to-morrow morning, and return to Peoria in the evening, thus affording to the citizens of the up-river points an excellent opportunity to be here during the day and hear the speeches. Two excellent bands of music, we understand, are expected to be in attendance. The oration will be delivered at the grove north of town, at two o'clock, P. M. A torch-light procession will probably come off in the evening. Taking all things into consideration, the affair promises to be one of rare interest. Mr. Douglas, during his sojourn in our place, will be the guest of M. Dearborn, Esq.

Mason Herald. W. W. Stout, Editor Delta

This boat is the Havana and Peoria daily packet. She made her first appearance at this port on Monday last. A number of gentlemen were on board, taking a pleasure trip; among them was the "local" of the Transcript, a very pleasant fellow. We had the pleasure of an introduction to Mr. Whittington, Captain, and Mr. H. N. Forsythe, Clerk, who are both "capital fellows." The Delta made her first trip in less than five hours, making landing at all the intermediate points, which are Liverpool, Spring Lake, Coperas Creek, Kingston and Pekin, which is as good time as is usually made by any of the St. Louis and Peoria packets. The Delta is well fitted up, and although there is nothing gaudy about her fixtures, everything looks neat and comfortable, and she can accomodate, with ease, about fifty passengers, and likewise carry a considerable amount of freight. This boat is a great accommodation to the citizens of Havana, and other towns along the river, and should be well patronized by them. She leaves Havana every morning at half-past seven o'clock, and remains in Peoria some three or four hours previous to starting on her return trip to this place. To many persons this will be an advantageous arrangement, as those having business in Peoria can go up on the Delta, have time to transact their affairs, and return on the same boat at night. Our citizens, especially, should appreciate and assist in the encouragement of the enterprise, as the men engaged in the running of the boat are eminently worthy of patronage. We understand that, so far, the boat has made her expenses, which we consider a very flattering beginning for her, considering that there is such a good stage of water at present in the river, and plenty of very fine steamers making daily trips. We think there is not a doubt but the business of the Delta will be largely increased, and the investment made in the running of a daily packet from Havana to Peoria will prove a paying one. There is not a doubt but she will do a heavy business if we should have low water at any time during the summer.

A passenger on board the Sam Gaty, on her last trip up the river, informed us that he saw the body of a man floating in the Illinois river, near Harris' Landing. As every person found drowned at the present time is set down as "a victim of the Ocean Spray disaster," we suppose this is another person who was lost by the burning of that ill-fated steamer! St. Louis papers please copy.

As we are now in daily communication with Peoria, perhaps some of our citizens would like to subscribe for some of the daily papers published in that city. If such is the case, we can recommend to the republicans the Peoria Transcript as being a very good paper, both for news and commercial matter. The paper is neat in its mechanical execution, and its proprietors are gentlemen. - 31

Should any of our citizens visit Peoria - which they do every day - they should call and see the Transcript office, as it has recently been adorned by a new steam press.

Adolph Krebaum announces himself as a candidate for the office of county clerk, subject, however, to the decision of a democratic county convention, to be held at Havana on the 12th day of September next.

Are our readers aware that our county fair is to be held in this place during the ensuing week. We have heard so little said in regard to it that we fear many of the citizens of the county have forgotten that we are to have an exhibition of articles during the present year. There are but a few more days to elapse before the appointed time will have arrived, and the short interval should be employed in making preparations to be present on the occasion. Our citizens do not manifest as much interest in such exhibitions as they should. There are many articles raised and manufactured in the county well worthy to be exhibited, and our citizens should not be backward in bringing them forward and placing them on exhibition. The articles exhibited at the last fair, were very creditable to the county, when compared with what we saw on exhibition at the State fair. Some of the needlework exhibited here last year was almost equal to anything we saw at Peoria.

Mason City

We were informed that there were a very large number of people present at the sale of town lots in Mason City, which took place on Wednesday last. It is supposed that the number of persons present much exceeded 1,000. Lots sold very high, we are informed at from $75 to $300! This may be considei'ed rather extravagant figures by some, when they take into consideration the fact that there are not at present half a dozen houses within two miles of the location. We are informed that there is a very beautiful and fertile country in the neigborhood of the projected town, as fine a country as any town could desire to have for its support; and we presume, should the railroad be completed through that section of country and a depot located at Mason City, it will stand a very fair chance of making a considerable town, and of transacting a very respectable business. But we are very much inclined to doubt whether in twenty years from the present time it will have become as large and important a place as some of the most sanguine friends of the undertaking expect it to become in the next three or four years. We are informed that some of its friends entertain the opinion that the county seat will be removed to that point at an early day.

Well, perhaps such may be the case; though we are seriously inclined to doubt it; but we presume when it does occur, the event will very shortly after be followed by the removal of the capitol of the United States to the same important point! One event will certainly follow the other, and perhaps we may as well at once commence to congratulate the citizens of that portion of the county on their favorable location, in such near proximity to the Federal Capitol. We are prevented from offering our congratulations to the citizens of Mason City, from the fact that there are no inhabit* ants there - but we promise to do so as soon as some move in.

We are convinced since our attending the State Fair, that Mason county is the equal of almost any county in the vState for the raising of almost every kind of vegetables, and as for watermelons we can safely challenge and defy the competition of the entire State. There has been many larger melons sold in Havana during the present summer than any we saw at Peoria during the Fair.

Some one presented the editor of the Cass County Tinb&s with a melon weighing 38 pounds, and he takes on considerably about the size on't. We saw a load of melons sold in this town a few days ago, several of which were weighed and found to exceed 38 pounds in weight. A thirty-eight pound melon may be considered decidedlv "some" in voul* diggings, neighbor, but up here it is considered rather "small pertaters," and hardly worth the gathering. The largest melon ever presented to the Herald office, weighed fifty-nine pounds, and was not considered worth bragging about! It was raised by J. D. W. Bowman. It was only twenty-one pounds heavier than yours, neighbor! 'Twarn't as big agin, was it? Some consolation, anyhow.

This is court week in Havana, and the town is crowded with advocates and clients, jurors and those who expect to deal out justice even-handed. Candidates are here, and traders seeking bargains. Business is legibly written on every countenance. Some will be happier and some sadder at the week's close than at its commencement.

On Monday evening, the citizens were called together, at the court house, to listen to one of the most important discussions of the day, and the most so of any ever presented to the people of Mason county. Though a fifty cent show would have collected a more numerous audience, yet there was a large and deeply interested audience listening to the matter-of-fact statements, and weighty and conclusive arguments of Major Harris, in reference to the importance and feasihility of the construction of the Springfield & Petersburg Railroad, and the necessity, almost, of the citizens of Mason county voting for the corporate subscription to that object, to the amount mentioned by the county court, viz: twentyfive thousand dollars. The Major showed, conclusively, that if constructed it would be a largely paying road, because of the connections it would have with the roads running north to Chicago, and south to St. Louis, and the very direct communication it would open up with the towns and country on the line of our road, and the great eastern commercial centres, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, by the connection it would form with the numerous lines of roads running eastward, thus giving farmers the most ample facilities for disposing of their produce at the very best markets.

Judge Kellogg, of Canton, was afterwards called to the stand, and presented additional arguments, in an able and eloquent style, on the same subject. It was a masterly effort, showing that railroad communications such as this road would give us, are absolutely indispensable to develop the resources of the State. We regret that a larger number of our citizens of the county were not present to be convinced by these addresses, if they ever had any doubt, that nothing will so much advance the interests of Mason county as railroad communication with the great northern, eastern and southern markets, and that there is nothing the people can so easily do as to vote at the coming election for county subscription.

The election for county and precinct officers will take place on Tuesday, the Sth inst. It is very much wished that every voter should be present at the polls, prepared to deposit an intelligent vote for the question of the county subscription of $25,000 to the capital stock of the Springfield and Petersburg Railroad Company, which is on that day to be decided; and certainly a question of more interest has never yet been before the citizens of Mason county for decision. The future prosperity of the county will be very materially affected by the decision of the voters on that question next Tuesday.

Rather Singular

We hear it said that the association of "Secret and obscure Know-Nothings," which is said to exist in this community, have been in the habit heretofore of holding their meetings in the German church, but that refusing to pay a certain amount of rent, thev were ejected, and compelled to use Cotilion Hall as their lodge room. Of course this statement is incorrect. A German church would be a strange place for a Know-Nothing meeting. The number of persons who attended the mysterious meeting at the Hall, we first heard was 25, but according to .the latest censvs it has increased to between 60 and 70.

In grading the street leading past the Mason Hotel to the river, quite a number of skulls were found, also other bones. A portion of them were in an excellent state of preservation. From the number of bones found at this and other times, we incline to the opinion that anciently that part of Havana that fronts on the river was used as an Indian burying ground.

Feb. 10, 1854. Our townsmen, James Mallory and Pike C. Ross, left this place on Monday last for a tour of observation in Texas, and should that country meet their expectations, they design removing there. They go via. Orleans and Shreveport.

The county subscription in aid of the Springfield and Petersburg Railroad is a subject of considerable interest to the people of Mason county at this time. The hopes that have been revived concerning the early construction of that road are not a little mixed with apprehension in the minds of many of our citizens. The road, it seems, was chartered from Springfield to Petersburg, and the entension of it to this place was left optional with the company.

The county vote of twenty-five thousand dollars was unconditional, but assurances were given in public addresses to the citizens, previous to the election, that an estimate had been made of the cost of grading and tieing in each county, and that the subscriptions were proportioned to the estimate, so that, if the road should be built, each county would, in fact, have its own money expended within its limits. The people made the vote, of course, in good faith that the count}- would have the advantages of a railroad. We all know the road ought to be built; but will it? That is the question. Can we have satisfactory assurances that such will be the case, or is it taken for granted that the money of Mason county will be faithfully expended in building the road, and that she shall make her subscription, not absolutely knowing whether she is building the road from Havana to Petersburg or from Petersburg to Springfield? We commend cautiousness to our court.

The election for town officers took place on Monday last, and resulted in the choice of John H. West, James Boggs, N. Waggenseller, J. D. Hays and Silas Cheek, as board of trustees for the town of Havana for the ensuing year. R. H. Walker was elected police magistrate.

The election for associate justice and constable passed off quietly. But few people were in attendance on account of pressing business at home in the agricultural line. The following is the vote of this precinct:

For Associate Justice For Constable

We suppose our readers are aware that on the 4th and 5th of next month our county fair will be held. We feel considerable interest in the result, it being the first attempt that we have made in this county to hold a fair. The executive committee have bought grounds and provided for fencing the same, so we shall commence our first fair upon grounds owned by the society. Every person who is a member is entitled to the privilege of entering any article in the advertised list, and any person may become a member for the trifling sum of fifty cents. Then we again say, come, from the fertile forks of the Sangamon, the rich bottoms of Crane Creek, the verdant banks of Salt Creek, and the blooming prairies of Egypt, and everybody bring his wife and children.

Ninian W. Edwards, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, will deliver an address on the subject of Education, at the court house, on Thursday, the 30th of August, at seven, P. M. All should made it convenient to be present on that occasion.

Samuel Kurd

We are authorized to announce the name of Samuel Hurd as a candidate for Constable at the ensuing election, to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of John Falkner.

Twenty years ago - 1833 - the region of country now known as Mason county, was one unbroken wilderness. Here and there in some point of timber, or near the bank of some creek or river, the

The Government owned the land, and $i 25 per acre was no inducement to settlers, when any quantity of what was considered better soil could be purchased for the same price. Emigrants avoided these plains and sand ridges as unwoi-thy of their notice. The productive qualities of the soil had not been tested, and very few were willing to run the risk and make the experiment.

It was not until land for entry was growing scarce, in what was considered more favored localities, that purchases began to be made here. The settler very soon found, however, that his prejudices were unfounded, that the forbidding appearance of the surface was a false indication; that an exuberance of productive power was here disguised under the exterior show of poverty. The facts becoming known, the settlers flocked in, and have continued to come until now there is scarcely any unentered land to be found in the county.

The Herald, of April 19, 1855, says in the local news column, "the town is crowded with business. Walker & Hancock are receiving large supplies of goods."

Under date of July 4, 1855, the Herald says: "The warehouse of R. S. Moore & Co., will be ready to receive grain in a few days. This warehouse will be the largest on the Illinois river." - 32

Merry Christmas

Amid the congratulations, the joy and hilarity of holliday week, the Times presents itself as one of the rare Christmas gifts, to all who feel an interest in the welfare of our city. Free from all sectarian or political bias, having a heart only for the general good, and priding itself upon its neat appearance, it appeals confidently to all for support.

To those who have aided us by kind words, advertisements and subscriptions, we return our thanks. As for those who have not aided us, we hope to merit their patronage, if we do not receive it.

Business Houses Of Mason City The Mason City Independent

The nucleus of what is now the Mason City Independent, was a small job office in the picture gallery on Tonica street, opposite M. R. LaForge & Co.'s grain elevators. The job office was started in connection with the picture gallery by Elder J. M. Haughey, now [the senior proprietor of the Independent, and Sheridan Enlass, in the spring of 1866. The rapidly increasing prosperity of the town and its commercial business, soon demanded a newspaper, which brought into existence the Mason City News, with the proprietorship of Haughey & Walker - W. S. Walker having bought an interest in the office about a month before the issue of the first paper, July 4, 1867. The paper was published under this name until February 9, 1871, when J. C. Warnock, Esq., the present editor, bought Mr. Walker's interest, and the name of the paper was changed to the Mason City Independent, with Haughey & Warnock, proprietors.

Mason City Journal

The Mason City Journal, published in Mason City by Wells Cory, Esq., is now in its sixth volume; a neat quarto, and well conducted, and enjoys a very liberal advertising patronage and circulation ; is strongly devoted to the interests of the republican party, and the local interests of his city and county.

The Journal is always a welcome visitor, and is second to none in matters of interest in this region of Illinois. It is not the province of a weekly paper to assume to furnish the latest news that is in this fast age supplied at lightning speed by the city dailies, but it is their duty to give home locals and matters of interest not governed by the question of time, so important to the daily. It is here that the Journal succeeds.

Democratic Cearion

The Clarion is in its sixth volume; a folio of eight columns to the page, conducted by S. Wheadon, and E. O. Wheadon, local editor. The Clarion is rigidly democratic, and is conducted with ability. Mr. Wheadon is a writer of more than ordinary talent, and his political abilities are of a high order, and worthy of a wider field. We quote the following, which now is for the first time in type:

"Ah, what can cheer the lonely breast, Bereft of youth's companions, all Who once in days that long have passed, Sprang joyous at my friendly call.

Democratic Bugle

the present fall, and as its name indicates, is of the democratic faith. Mr. Durdy is not a new man in the newspaper business of Mason county, but has been engaged in publishing and in the employment of others in that business for many years. He is a fine mechanic in that line of business, as well as an able writer.

The "Bugle" is issued from the office of the Democratic Clarion, has had a good circulation and is liberally patronized as an advertising medium.

The Bugle is the last born of the twenty-five papers that have entered their appearance in Mason county since McKinzie & Roberts began in 1849 the issue of the Mason County Herald.