Massac County, Illinois - Chapter 19: Pope County Historical Reminiscences, 1900 (part 2 of 4)

Dr. Gowan attended subscription schools and Jackson, Tenn., academy, graduating from McKendree (Tenn.) College. He next Graduated from the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, 1860, and practiced medicine at Metropolis awhile. He graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1866, resumed the practice of medicine in Massac county, superintended his farm, later moved to Metropolis and opened a drug store in 1880, which he sold in 1892 to better serve his many patients: line E., wife of Captain S. B. Kerr, Metropolis, 111.; Anna, wife of Dr. Edwin Corlis, Point Pleasant, Mo., and Nettie, unmarried; also three sons, John Gr., James E., Jr., and Charles G.

The Doctor was Hospital Stewart of the Eighth Regiment Illinois National Guards, a constant and valued member of the Massac County Medical Society, a member of Gethsemane Gommandery No. 41, K. T., and of Massac Lodge No. 442 I. O. O. P., and Egypt Encampment No. 45, and Orestes Lodge No. 268, K. P. For a number of years he ably represented his ward in the city council. After suffering for quite a while with cancer of the stomach, he died Oct. 27, 1899, at his home sun (tunded by his relatives and many friends.

Samuel D. Poor

Samuel Poor, the father, was a native of North Carolina, who in an early day, with his wife emigrated to Fentriss county, Tenn., and in 1836 moved to Johnson county. 111., entering forty acres of land when only five houses were between Grantsburg and Vienna. Twenty acres were cleared and fenced, and a house built the first year, when Mr. Poor died. For three years the mother struggled to make a living, when she sold the farm and found homes for the children.

Samuel D. Poor was born April 8, 1827, in their Tennessee home. Was eight years old when brought to Johnson county, and at sixteen years of age went to^ work for Joseph McCorkle until he was twenty-one, for a horse, saddle, bridle, and winter schooling. At twenty he left McCorkle because of a misunderstanding. About this time his mother died and the boy had gone to school eight months. He received six dollars a month to carry the mail from Vienna to Caledonia, then eight dollars a month as a farm hand, and went down the Mississippi river to cut cord wood. While on this trip he had the cholera, returned, went to Missouri on a "rail-splitting" expedition. At twenty-four he made enough cropping for A. D. Howell, his brother-in-law, at one-fourth, to purchase a horse, saddle and bridle.

At twenty-seven lie married, traded his horse for the improvement on a land entry and purchased a warrant for the land. To this he added other land until at the beginning of the war he owned, clear of debt, 200 acres. He built a store room at Grantsburg, but did not have enough money to stock it, so he rented the room to another, who was to give an option on the goods to Mr. Poor. Within six months the merchant died and the stock was sold to Mr. Poor by Thomas Morgan, administrator, at |600. In the stock was five barrels of "Bourbon whisky," which was immediately sold for |400 and paid on the |C00 debt. The stock was gradually increased and rapidly turned at war-values, realizing large profits. He purchased the Howell farm, on which he had "cropped" years before, moved to his store in 1S67, had a post office established at Grantsburg and became postmaster. He sold out to Simpson & Kieth and after a rest re-entered merchandising until 1882, when he again retired for two years. In 1884, he formed the S. D. Poor & Co. - L. H. Frizzell and L. G. Simmons composing the company. When the railroad was built to Metropolis he and Mr. Simmons opened a store there. He opened another store with J. T. Hamilton as partner and sold his interest with Mr. Simmons to L. H. Frizzell. The Hamilton store interest he sold to Boskemer and later bought out Frizzell, which interest he sold to C. E. Hilgeman, who later purchased Simmon's interest. In April, 1896, Poor & Simmons opened their present business in the Poor block, and are prospering.

In May, 1854, Mr. Poor married Miss Sarah J., daughter of William and Nancy Mounts, estimable people of Johnson county. They are the parents of ten children. Two sons died in infancy; G. W. died, 1864, and B. F., 1867; six reached maturity; Cora A. died, 1872; Ida M., 1876, and Mary, wife of P. G. Burris, in 1892. Their only son, J. N.,at 22, was started in business by his father in Vienna, and died in 1890; Mrs. Jane Fern is the wife of Dr. J. W. Fern, Tunnel Hill, 111. ; Mrs. Sidney Frizzell, the wife of L. H. Frizzell, Vienna, 111.; Mrs. Lizzie Simmons, wife of L. G. Simmons of Metropolis, 111., where Mr.

When a youth Mr. Poor was converted at Vienna, 111., and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which he lived for forty-four years. In Metropolis they united with the Congregational church ten years ago. In politics, Mr. Poor is an ardent Prohibitionist and has contributed a number of strong temperance articles to the press. He is also the author of an "Autobiography," "A Night in Dreamland," and "A Practical Talk on Christianity and Politics."

Judge Benjamin J. Delavan

Benjamin J. Delavan was of French descent, born about 1815, in Eochester, Va., and in 1843, with his father came to Paducah, there editing and publishing the first newspaper ol that city.

After his father's death, the young man came to Massac county, and taught school. He was both a Greek and Latin scholar, an exceptional attainment in that day. For years he was school treasurer and justice of the peace. His admission to practice in the circuit coirt of Massac county is the first on record, although pulmonary trouble prevented an extensive practice.

In 1861 he was elected county judge of Massac county, which ofl&ce he retained for two terms. His death, precipitated by pneumonia, occurred Jan. 7th, 1883, at his home near Brooklyn. He left a widow, yet living, a son, and two daughters - Mrs. Henrietta McKee, and Mrs. Fannie Williamson.

Colonel W. R. Brown

William Robert Brown, youngest child of William and (Catherine (Anderson) Brown, was born in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 19, 18-32. His father, only son of Robert Brown, an Irish emigrant, who settled in Baltimore, 1762, was born 1792; married

Benjamin J. Delavan

Catherine Anderson, 1812, who was born in Fairfax county Va., 1793. She was highly educated and accomplished, and her ancestors accompanied Lord Fairfax to America. The father aided in the defense of Washington City, saw it burned, as did also the wife, from their home in Georgetown, and participated in the battle of Blandensburg. In 1816 they moved to Louisville, Ky., residing there until 1846.

At fourteen the son had a good common school education, and was a trained cooper, the father pursuing that trade for years. In 1846 the family came to Metropolis, where within three weeks the mother died. Determined upon an independent course, young W. R. returned to Louisville, worked as apprentice one yeai* for a blacksmith, gained needed muscle, returned to Illinois, and was sent one year to the Beach and Chapman Academy, Louisville.

In 1849 he was his father's bookkeeper, and in 1852 he became a successful merchant, until 1861. An ardent patriot, in 1861, he enlisted as private under Captain Carmichael, in the first company from Massac county, which formed a company of the Twenty-ninth Eegiment Illinois Volunteers, of which he was tendered lieutenant colonel, but refused because he felt ignorant of military tactics. He was made Regimental quartermaster, being the first one in the state to draw supplies at Camp Butler on his own requisition. After forty days at Cairo he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and aided by Colonel Robert Kirkham of Shawneetown, organized ihe Sixth Illinois Cavalry, and the Fifty-sixth Illinois Infantry, in Egypt, being commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the latter, and 1862, was promoted to Colonel. The regiment was one of the best, saw hard service in driving back General Forrest from Western Kentucky, fought at Farmington, and had many skirmishes. Four of his five children having suddenly and almost simultaneously died, he resigned his commission and came home, promoted enlistments and organized the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, and recommended G. W. Neeley for Colonel and E. A. Peter for Lieutenant-Colonel, making the third regiment which he organized in Southern Illinois.

On July 3, 1863, he reported to General Logan at Vicksburg, who directed the Colonel to join his old comrades - the Fifty-sixth, and by them was given an ovation, although clothed as a citizen. He was forced by them to don an improvised Colonel's uniform and led the charge next day when Vicksburg surrendered. After the surrender in, a neat little speech he bade the regiment adieu and it supported Sherman in his march to the sea.

Always an unflinching Republican, he was a prime mover in the organization of that party in Southern Illinois. He was an influential member of the XXVHth General Assembly, the session following the adoption of the constitution, the most important session in the history of the state, and enacted the re-districting measure which made the state reliable Republican, and the minority report on the Chicago fire; he was the author of both. Under his direction our school laws were also generalized and simplified. Returning home he was solicited to accept the nomination for Congress in 1872, but refused.

Locally, he was a member of the Board of Education for ten years, proposed the beautiful High School building, furnished the money to complete it, and always maintained that our teachers should be the most proficient the Normal Schools afforded, by which means our city schools hold an enviable rank. By his efforts mainly, the colored citizens were furnished their High School; amicably adjusting the vexing race question. He furnished the money to extend the Western Union Telegraph from Vienna - the first line, and was a leading spirit in bringing the first railroad, while the electric lights, water works and beautiful streets are mute, witnesses of his public spirit. Once the owner of a large amount of property. Colonel Brown was interested in the establishment of the private bank of M. Mayfield & Co., owning and majiaging the same from 1872 until the organization of the Brown & Bruner bank in 1883, which prospered until 1893. Many leading factories were practically being maintained by this bank and hundreds of men had steady employment at good wages. In 1895 the tariff laws were altered and a panic en- sued, prostrating busy industrks and all connected therewith. These factories became useless and Brown & Bruner were forced to make an assignment, forsaken by friends and pressed by enemies, the Colonel surrendered everything tO' aid his creditors, believing that manhood and integrity only were worth preserving to the end.

Colonel Brown has still living five daughters and two sons. They are all to him that a good father could hope for. He could not and would n'ot improve them if he could, in their kindness and generosity to him.. He has two wives dead. When living they were a part of his soul and dead he will never fail to love them or cease to remember their virtues, their chaste and graceful goodness and deep and generous love. The Colonel does not belong to any church society, but is a high Mason, a Knight Templar, and was for many years Eminent Commander of Gethsemane Commandery No. 41 of Metropolis, Illinois. He is also a comrade of the C A. E., and was formerly commander of the Tom Smith Post of this city.

Hughey Orr, an Irish saddler, early emigrated to Virginia, and thence to the wilds of the Kentucky frontier with his wife, where both died. William M. Orr, their son, was born in Caldwell county, Ky., 1811, and had two brothers and a sister. William farmed and learned the carpenter's trade. His parents being poor, at twenty-one, he began life on his own ac- (-('Unt, married Miss Na^ncy M. Adams, a native Kentuckian. purchased a timber tract, built a log cabin, improved it amid the wilds of early days, and died thereon Aug. 22, 1888. He left a widow, who died in February, 1899, at the home of her youngest son in Mayfleld, Ky., at the ripe age of 84 years. They were most estimable people, the parents of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy, and the living are highly respected; two sons have attained prominence as Methodist ministers, and our subject, an excellent reputation as a physiciar.

Jesse A. Orr was bom in Graves county, Ky., March 28, 1845, on the old homestead, attended the primitive schools in and farmed in summer until his 17th year, when he enlisted in the Fifteenth Kentucky Cavalry, Company E, saw hard service, was disabled in the shoulder by the fall of his horse, and in poor health was mustered out at Paducah. Returning home he attended school one year, and determined to study medicine. His father was not able to pay his way, and our young soldier must now fight the battles attendant upon the struggle for an education. Not discouraged, he worked at the carpenter's trade, and under the direction of Dr. J. A. Eyburu purchased a set of medical works, pursuing his studies alono until 1872, when he entered the office of Dr. Eyburn, as a student and probation practitioner.

In 1877, he came to Pellonia, Massac county. 111. Here h(? prospered, and graduated in January, 1878, from the Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, one of the leading colleges of the country. Until October, 1892, Dr. Orr successfully practiced his profession at Pellonia and Fairplay, both in Massac county, when he moved to Metropolis, where he now resides.

In his chosen profession Dr. On* ha? taken a marked interest, several times serving as county physician, and for five years president of the County Medical Association. He is a prominent member of the Methodist church, a Mason, and Past Commander of "Tom Smith" Post G-. A. R.

Always a Republican - even while in Kentucky - ^he has held the confidence and esteem of his party, and the counsels of which he has exercised a marked influence. President Harrison appointed him a member of the Board of United States Pension Examining Surgeons, as did also President McKinley. For thret^ terms he has been president of the Board of Education of Metropolis, making a capable officer. He was married March 11, 1875, to Miss Mary Henderson of Massac county. They have an elegant home on Fourth street.

William Wright

William Wright was born in Missouri, 1846, farmed while young, and attended the public school. When the civil war broke out he volunteered in the Twenty-eighth Illinois Infantry, served three years and passed through hard service at Sbiloh, Corinth and Vicksburg, sacrificing the strength of youth upon the altar of his country.

Sixteen years were spent at saw-milling and in 1889 he came to Metropolis to operate a circular saw in the Loud mills, which he did efficiently until by failing health he was forced to retire in 1885.

In this year he was elected a justice of the peace in and for Metropolis, which position he has contiuously held, being now the senior justice of the county. In 1890, he was chosen a member of the Board of Education, serving as its secretary. For a number of years he has been a notary public. Formerly a warm friend and associate of E. A. Davidson, deceased, pension attorney, he now conducts the large and important business in his own name successfully.

Politically "Squire" Wright is a Republican, and religiously an elder in the Christian church. Fiaternally he is a Knights Templar, Patriarch Militant, Knight of Pythias, and member Tom Smith Post Grand Army of the Republic. As proof of his clerical ability, he has served as secretary and treasurer of the first three named.

He married Miss Ellen Adams of Alexander county, Illinois, and they have only one son, William Herschel, a graduate of the city High*School, and Georgia Robinson Christian College, Scientific course. He is connected with the extensive firm of Harris & Cole Brothers as their bookkeeper.

Dr. James A. Helm, son of James G. and Susan A. Holm, was bom in Massac county. III., Dec. 25, 1857. His parents removed from Marshall county, Tenn., to Illinois about 1840, and located on a fann in Johnson county, afterwards moved to Massac county, near New Columbia. His father, James G. Helm, a veteran of the War of the Rebellion, was second lieutenant in Company K, First Illinois Light Artillery, and is at this writing, the only commissioned officer of his company living. Dr. Helm spent the flrst twenty-three years of his life on a farm, and obtained his literary education in the rural schools of Johnson and Massac counties. He began the study of medicine in the spring of 1881 and attended his first course of lectures at the University of Tennessee, Medical Department, Nashville, during the following winter, and received the degree of M. D., Feb. 24, 1885. In the following April he located at Bado, Mo., and entered upon his professional career. He was married to Miss Mary E. Edgar of Mountain Grove, Mo., in September, 1887, removed to Illinois in the fall of 1888, and located at Ganntown, Johnson county. In the fall of 1891 he took a post graduate course in the Baltimore Medical College, Baltimore, Md., and received his addendum degree from that college in April, 1892. Removed to Metropolis, 111., in January, 1895, and formed a co-partnership in the practice of medicine with Dr. John H. Norr-is, which existed until the death of the latter in August, 1896.

In 1897, during President McKinley's administration, he received an appointment on the Board of United States Pension Examining Surgeons, and was made secretary of that body during their term of service.

He is a member of the M. E. church of Metropolis; also a member of Metropolis Lodge No. 91, A. F. & A. M., of Massac Lodge No. 446, I. O. O. F., and of Orestes Lo^dge No. 268, K. P.

William Herman Kraper

W. F. Kraper, the father, was born in Germany in 1S32. came to Cincinnati, Ohio, 1845, and to Metropolis, 111., 1866. He died Jan. 9, 1871. In Cincinnati, Ohio, he married Miss Wilhelmina Wilke, also bom in Germany, and was brought to America at the age of ten.

Mrs. J. A. Helm

Sept. 19, 1859. At the age of five he fell into the cellar and displaced the patella of the left knee, which kept him in bed for thirteen long months and two years on crutches. When six, he was brought to Metropolis and attended school until fourteen, when by the death of his father he was forced to aid, as a boy could, in making a living.

He began work in the shipping department of Yost, Bigelow & Co.'s spoke works, tying up bundles of spokes at 50 cents a day, which he continued for three years. The next two years he clerked for Henry Johnson at |13.00 a month, and the succeeding year got |3 COO a month of H. Quante & Brother for clerking. He boarded himself. He then went to Cincinnati to act as city salesman for the Rampendahl company, doing a general milling and brokers' business. In this field he succeeded, becoming a partner, but later it was dissolved. Tieturning to Metropolis, 1884, he put his money into the cigar factory, formerly operated by his brother. The firm was W. H. Kraper & Bro. Mr. Kraper took the road to sell their product, which was made by his brother and one assistant; today he owns the business and steadily employs about thirty hands. He owns besides this, various business interests and is director of the First National Bank.

Politically, Mr. Kraper is a Republican, and a hard party worker. He was elected to the city council the year saloons were voted out and although favorable to saloons he voted against them because of the voice of the people in the election. He has been chairman of the county central committee, delegate to the various local and state conventions and member of the congressional oommittee. He served several terms on the Board of Education, ably and acceptably, has been frequently urged to run for mayor of Metropolis, and was appointed postmaster by President McKinley, 1897.

Mr. Kraper is a Mason, and Odd Fellow, and was a charter member of Orestes Lodge No. 268 Kidghts of Pythias. On Sept. 27, 1883, he married Miss Carrie Baumbusch, a native of Cincinnati, and they have one son, W. H. Kraper, Jr., born

Dr. A. C. Ragsdale was born in the old "Harvey Craig" farm near Goreville in Johnson county, 111. His grandfather, Joel Eagsdale, was a North Carolinian, who moved to Kentucky. His father, Thomas H. Ragsdale, a native Kentuckian, located in Johnson county and married Miss Nancy Askew. Of four boys and seven girls our subject is the third child.

"Happy Hollow" school house with puncheon floor, stick chimney and slab seats, near his home, was the fountain of education for young Ragsdale during the winter, until 18 years of age. In the summer he farmed. Between 18 and 20 he labored for a firm in Marion, returned to Johnson county, purchased a photographers outfit, learned the trade, fell in love with chemistry, and thus determined to study medicine. He studied that science for two years until 11 o'clock each night and on Sundays. He would arise at 5 o'clock in the morning and start fires in the mill furnaces of which he was engineer. He entered a medical school in Keokuk, Iowa, 1886, and graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of St. Louis, March, 1889, locating at Massac creek, Massac county, 111., for flAe years. In 1894 he moved to Metropolis, 111., where he now resides, enjoying an extensive practice.

He has determined to master the dreaded cancer and has made a special study of this disease which he successfully treated in connection with his general practice for three years. He agitated a Sanitarium in which to treat all chronic troublea and perform surgical operations, but "hard times" prevented its erection until Dr. C. E. Trovillion, now of the "Faculty," joined with him. He alone erected an elegant building, corner Sixth and Metropolis streets, which they jointly have well equipped for the highest professional treatment of its many patients, with which it is continuously crowded. Although confronted with discouragements, an unconquerable will has enabled him to attain the chief ambition of his life. The new building was opened Nov. 1, 1899, with many patients. One year of successful labor had preceded this in rented, though well equipped apartments, which soon passed the experimental stage, and "The Metropolis Sanitarium" is now a fixture.

As examiner for the Mutual Life of New York, Northwestern Mutual of Milwaukee, Penn. Mutual, Western Mutual, and Prudential insurance companies he has examined over two thousand applicants, has been an active member of the Massac County Medical Society for five years, acting secretary for four of them.

In August, 1900, he and Dr. Trovillion began the publication of "The Southern Illinois Journal of Medicine and Surgery," which was adopted in November as the oflicial organ of the Southern Illinois Medical Association.

When twenty-two years of age he married Miss Sarah A. Dennison, and to them three children have been born, as follows: Ida Myrtle, Charles Eobbie, and John Logan. The family has an elegant home on the ground floor of the Sanitarium building, filled with life's comforts.

Carles E. Trovillion was bom rear Columbus, Pope county, 111., April 17, 1868. His father, Daniel P., with the grandfather, James Y. Trovillion, came from Tennessee, being originally French Huguenots who had fled to Virginia. His mother, Elizabeth Trovillion, nee Lewis, was early left an orphan, she became a strong, impressive Christian character.

Of the family, four brothers survive - one Baptist minister, one farmer, and two other physicians; two sisters are also living. Young Trovillion fanned and attended the rural schools in youth, but early turned to the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. J. A. Trovillion, in 18S7, whom he accompanied to Nashville, that fall, to attend a course of lectures in

He immediately formed a partnership with his brother. Dr. J. A., which continued three years, and then he and his brother, M. H., became co-partners. To further his knowledge and skill, he took an addendum degree at the Barnes Medical College, St. Louis, and also the St. Douis Baptist Hospital, acquiring a diploma from each institution.

Cognizant of his ability and ambitious he came to Metropolis and associated himself with Dr. A. C. Eagsdale to open and oi;erate a Sanitarium for the treatment of disease under the immediate care of skilled physicians. The Sanitarium, described in another place, was operated so successfully in rented quarters the first year that it now occupies its own building, and enjoys a liberal patronage. In this Sanitarium Dr. TroYillion is professor of surgerj- and Gynecology, of which he has made special study.

The doctor is medical examiner for the Aetna Life Insurance G( mpany, the Court of Honor and Supreme Examiner of the Knights of Massac. He is secretary of the Massac County Medical Society, and by President McKinley was appointed on the Pension Examining Board of Pope county. Politically he is a stalwart Ke])ublican.

Our subject was first married to Miss Millie Abbott, May 2-1, 1891, and they had one son, Eussell. Mrs. Trovillion died Aug. 15th, 1894, and Aug. 18, 1895, he married Miss Eilla Waters, to whom have been born two children, Trois and Howard. The family have a beautiful home on Metropolis street.

Capt. E. W. Milliard

Joseph Hilliard, great grandfather of our subject, was a Revolutionary soldier; Edward Hilliard, the grandfather, was a soldier of the war of 1812; Jonathan S., the father, was a volunteer in the Mexican war; and Captain Hilliard served throughout the bloody civil war, patriotic record unsurpassed.

January 22nd, 1844, Edward W., son of Jonathan S. and Amanda Hilliard, was born in New Albany, Ohio, attended the common schools, high school of Salem, Ohio; entered Mt. Union College, near Alliance, Ohio, but soon enlisted in the president's call for 75,000 volunteers. At the expiration of the 90 days, he re-enlisted in the Forty-third Ohio, and later in the veteran corps. He participated in the first battle, Itich Mountain, and the last one also, Bentonville, N. 0. During the battles around Vicksburg, 5,000 rebel prisoners were talien and a detachment of eight companies including Mr. Hilliard's, was ordered to take them to the Federal prison at Indianapolis, Ind., which was found so crowded upon their arrival that they were taken to Ft. Delaware, near Philadelphia. When the eight companies reached Harrisburg, Pa., on their return they were pressed into tlie provisional service for the fearful battle of Gettysburg and were then allowed to return, joining the Brigade at Memphis, which was coming from Yicksburg; seeing service in the "March to the Sea," fought the day Mc- Pherson fell, and was at the capture and burning of Columbia. His regiment also participated in the battle of Shiloh, while it supported "Battery Eobinette" at Corinth with 582 men, only 186 of whom answered the roll call the following morning; although present, Veteran Hilliard was wounded in the hip. During his service, the concussion of a shell bursting near his head, injured his ear drum. July 25th, 1865, our hero was mustered out of service and returned home with honors.

In Ms early years he learned the trade of carriage building, in which he is an expert. From 1866 to 1891 he followed his trade in Kansas and Missouri, coming to Metropolis April 15, 1891, and has built up a large and paying business. March 7. 1893, he and Miss Drusilla, daughter of A. C. and Martha May, of Metropolis, were married. Mrs. PTilliard was born in Massac county, 111., February 18th, 1871. She is a talented violinist. They have one little daughter, Laura Martha, who was born July 20, 1894. Captain Hilliard and wife are members of the Christian church, he being a trustee.

Col. R. A. Peter

The maternal grandfather and grandmother of Colonel R. A. Peter were Irish. The paternal grandfather's record is strictly American. The father and mother lived in Simpson county, Ky., where Eichard Asbury Peter was born April 17, 1818. He came with his- wife to Massac county. 111., Oct. 14, 1842, having married Miss Amanda C, daughter of David Proffett, Nov. 11, 1841. She was bom March 12th, 1825. They have long since passed their golden wedding anniversary and are yet living.

Colonel Peter opened up a farm three miles from Metropolis and later moved to the city. His first vote was for William Henry Harrison and from the birth of the party has been an ardent Eepublican. He has many times been a justice of the peace and served for two terms as Police Magistrate of Metropolis.

October, 1862, he enlisted in the 131st Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was comuiisisoned Lieutenant-Colonel. The regiment was stationed for sometime at Fort Massac and did good serrice. Colonel Peter has always been a strict temperance advocate. When in his thirteenth year he was converted in Calloway county, Ky., and joined the Methodist church, of which both are life-long members. They had twelve children.

James A. Peter

J. A., eldest son of Colonel R. A. Peter, was born on the Custom House lot, Paducah, Ky., Sept. 13th, 1842, attended the Metropolis schools, and enlisted in Company A, afterward Company B, First Illinois Cavalry, May 20, 1861, being transferred to Carmichael's company. In August, 1862, he aided in organizing the 131st Illinois and Grant commissioned him to raise a company, which he did. August 12, 1862, in his 19th year, he was chosen second lieutenant, and served with honor throughout the war.

For twenty years he engaged in the livery business, operated a sawmill, and farmed. He has served two terms as constable and live terms in the city council, where his usefulness cannot be measured. He was the first captain of the local company of State Guards, and for ten days was ranking officer at East St. Louis, during the riots and creditably controlled a serious situation.

January 1, 1867, he married Angelina Bacus, daughter of a leading Massac county farmer, and to them have been bom three children, Mrs. Louis Paust, James Edward, special fire officer for the city, and Mrs. Fritz Roskemmer, of the flnn of Bunger & Roskemmer, leading merchants.

Mr. Peter is a loyal Grand Army man, an Odd Fellow for twenty-four years, a Knight of Pythias, a strict Republican, and hearty good citizen.

Dr. H. 0. Fisher was born March 24, 1838, on a farm in Union township, Vanderburg county, lud., attended the district school about three months each year until 16 years of age, when he entered and afterward graduated f j-om a Commercial College, returned to the farm and in 1865 began the study of medicine, graduating March 4, 1868, from the Ohio Medical College.

He practiced his profession for three years at his old home, then moved to New Liberty, Pope county, and in the year 1882 he came to Metropolis. Today he is still actively and successfully prosecuting an extensive practice, although 62 years of age.

The Doctor was a Republ lean from Lincoln's time until in 1896, he became an ardent "Silver Republican." He never joined any religious society, is a Mason, and has belonged actively, to both the Pope and Massac County Medical Societies. He is the author of two novels of much merit, which will be soon published. He has been married three times. Miss Adelaide Moss of Indiana, was his first wife. After her death he married Amanda McElevey of Cincinnati, Ohio, who is the mother of his two children, Hodge T., Metropolis, 111., and Mrs. Grace C. Winter, Bozeman, Mont. His present wife was Miss Grace A. Slater of Metropolis.

Sylvester S. Shoemaker

George G. Shoemaker, the father, was a moulder, born in Adams county, Ohio, moved to Stewart county, Tenn., and there married Miss Malinda Grifftn, a native of South Carolina.

To them was boirn Sylvester S., August 3rd, 1849, who was taken, when six months old, by his parents, to Trigg county, Ky., where his parents died. When a boy he attended school and came to Metropolis, December, 1864, with his sister. He attended the city schools, and clerked for Jones & Farrow several years.

In 1883 he conducted a grocery store and later farmed. For two years beginning 1888, he was with Blitz & Co., and n. Eingold & Bro. From 1892-'4 he was clerk and paymaster for the Towle Lumber Company.

Politically, Mr. Shoemaker has always been a Democrat. His popularity was evidenced, however, in his election to the oflQce of county clerk in 1877, and by a constitutional change, served five years. He made a strong race for clerk later, but was defeated, the county being overwhelmingly Eepublican. Twice has he made flattering races for sheriiF. In July, 1894, he was appointed postmaster of Metropolis and served until July, 1898. At present Mr. Shoemaker is doing a prosperous life insurance business.

October 13, 1880, Mr. Shoemaker and Miss Anna E., daughter of David S. and Mary A. Laughlin, of Metropolis, were married. They are both members of the M. E. church and are highly respected.

An announcement in the Promulgator: "Born to the wife of Robert W. McCartney, of this firm, a son, the 18th inst., (May, 1870,) at .5 a. m. Name William Priestly. Mother and san doing nicely. Ye junior editor is pleased, pensive and proud," gave notice of the debut into society of the only surviving descendant of the late Judge R. W. McCartney.

The mother of W. P. McCartney was the youngest daughter of William M. and Mary V. Priestly, and she died, leaving the subject of this sketch (and a brother, who survived the mother only four years), infants of tender years.

But the early training of the boy was not neglected because of this unfortunate combination. Attendant upon the public schools of Metropolis, Eorris Joiner and W. P. McCartney were the only two lads of their class of Metropolis Public Schools, that were not too wise to study to the end of their course; so in the year 1886 W. P. McCartney was graduated from our High Schools. That fall he entered the Detroit High School, of Detroit, Michigan, and the fall of 1888 entered the University of Illinois. He was absent from the College during the year 1891, returning in January, 1892. He finished his four years at the University, the highest institution in our State school system, which bestowed upon him the Degree of Bachelor of Science, and was graduated with honors in the World's Fair class.

Since that time he has taught his special sciences, physics and chemistry; studied law; conducted a model pharmacy in Metropolis, Illinois, and has spent no little time in the management of his estates and in travel.

In April, 1898, he enlisted in the service of the U. S. V., and was detailed to special scientific service in the Spanish- American campaigns. He was honorably discharged, Oct. 11, 1898. Since that time he has continued his law studies and during the college year of 1899-1900, he has attended the lectures in the College of Law in his Alma Mater.

September 17th, 1895, Mr. McCartney was married to Miss Mayme Perrine of Mound City, Illinois, and their home has been blessed by the advent of three sturdy boys, Robert A., H. Dewey, and James Scott, the latter being born during the residence of the family in Champaign, Illinois.

Green B. Choat Mrs. G. B. Choat

that branch of the profession known as lego-medical jurisprudence, and to this end he has spared neither energy, time or finances. The coming June will find him engaged in his chosen line and we bespeak for him, because of his easy address, broad culture and tact, a high and honorable position in the courts of our state.

Socially Mr. McCartney is an advanced Odd Fellow, a member of Massac Lodge No. 442, and a member of Orestes Lodge Knights of Pythias.; an officer in Longley Camp No. 150, Sons of Veterans, U. S. A.; a member of the B. P. O. E.; President of the University of Illinois Society of the Army and Navy in the War of 1898; a fellow in the T. S. G.; proprietor of the McCartney Music Hall and Public Library Block, and of the McCartney Drug Block of the city of Metropolis, together with other valuable interests throughout Massac county. Altogether W. P. McCartney is ranked in the fore front of our best citizens. J. B. S.

Eugene Lafont

Eugene Lafont, manager and par-t proprietor of the Empire Flouring Mills, at Metropolis, Massac county, is a son of Lewis A Lafont, who came from Missouri to Illinois, 1850, married Miss Malinda Cheat of Metropolis, engaged in general merchandising and continued in said business for a number of years. He then made brick and built a large number of the early brick structures of Metropolis, among them the Empire Mill, putting in machinery and running it for four years. To them were born nine children: Augustus, died in Massac county; Eugene, lives in Metropolis; Maiy, deceased; Lena, wife of W. W. Largent, Harrisburg, 111.; Fannie, widow of Reuben Dye, and Walter, Willie, Charles and Richard, all four deceased.

Eugene Lafont was born in Metropolis, March 22, 1857, and was reared in that city. When but fourteen, his mother who yet lives with him, needed his assistance in caring for the younger children. He had already received a little education in the common schools, sufficient to enable him to carry on such work as he found to do. He ran the mill dray, the engine, and every detail of the work was mastered by him in a careful, painstaking way. He was observing, faithful and practical, and in 1880 purchased an interest in the mill, since which time he has been the manager, building up a profitable and established trade. New improvements have judiciously been made, keeping the mill abreast of its time.

In 1877 he and Miss Malissa, estimable daughter of W. P. and Mrs. Bruner, were married. They have two bright, industrious and manly boys, William A., a graduate of Metropolis High School, and now an expert stenographer, enjoying a good position in St. Louis, and Roy, who is yet at home. Politically, Mr. Lafont is a Democrat; fraternally an Odd Fellow, having represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of 1892. He is also a member of Metropolis Lodge ISIo. 91, A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Lafont is an active and useful Methodist. Mr. Lafont is a man of more than ordinary business ability, genial, courteous and has a host of friends. His grandfather and grandmother - Mr. and Mrs. Green B. Choat, were among the earliest and lived to be the oldest citizens of the county.

Green B. Choat, born in Tennessee, July 3, 1810, came to this section before the county was formed. He was a constable for twenty years and also served as county commissioner. October 26, 1898, he died at his residence in Metropolis, 111. Mrs. Green B. Choat, formerly Miss Tabitha Holland, was born in Tennessee, February 20, 1817, and was married March 5th, 1835. She is still living in Metropolis. Four daughters still live, Mesdames Malinda Fafont, Julia Musgrove, Charlotte Brown, and Lou White.

July 4, 1893, the teachers presented a silver mounted cane to Mr. Choat, and a silver sugar shell and butter knife to Mrs. (Jhcai, as the oldest citizens of Massac county.

Fred R. Young

Frederick Randolph Young, only son of Dr. J. D. Young, whose sketch appears elsewhere, was born April 11, 1871, at Brooklyn, Illinois, and received his early training in the village schools.

He learned rapidly and at an early age taught two successful terms of school. Desirous to lay a broader foundation for professional work he entered Eureka College, Woodford, county, Illinois, and spent two years in pursuit of special branches. Returning to Brooklyn he was principal for two years of the schools, which he attended in youth.

In the meantime he read law and finished with one term in the law department of the Wesleyan University of Bloomington, being admitted August, 1897, and immediately began the practice of his profession in Metropolis.

Politically he is a zealous Republican, and in 1898 was chosen chairman of the county central committee of Massa(; county. In March, 1900, he was nominated by the RepublJ-

Fraternally Mr. Young was made a Mason when only two months past twenty-one, is a Royal Arch Mason and member of Gethsemane Commandery No. 41, Knights Templar of Metropolis. December 27, 1897, he and Miss Azalie Jones, then a teacher in our city schools, were married and they have one daughter, Laura Effie, born Oct. 1, 1899.

Edward Oscar Sexton

Captain Burton Sexton, father of our sketch, was born in Henry county, Tenn., 1837, and early came to Johnson county, where he married Mary E. Neely, who had come from Livingston county, Ky.

Edward Oscar was born in Johnson county, 111., March 18, 1869, and with his parents went to Kansas, where they resided for some time, returning to Illinois in 1874, and locating in Massac county, where Captain Sexton now resides.

years in the National Institute, Madisonville, Ky., graduating at the age of 18 years, and holds a diploma leading to the degree of B. C. Returning to Joppa, 111., he clerked during the fall and winter of 1889 and 1890, and formed a partnership with bis brother-in-law in the latter jear. During 1897 he served as deputy circuit clerk, but resigned to engage in more lucrative employment. He is now doing a prosperous insurance business in Metropolis, 111.

December 5th, 1897, he was married to Miss Dickie Oakes, daughter of John Oakes, a leading citizen of Massac county. Mr. and Mrs. Sexton are among tlie most promising young people of their county and the future has good things in store for them.

Albert Randolph Cook

The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 8th, 1874, in a one-window cabin in Crawford county, Ohio, the son of Johns S. Cook, a local United Brethren minister, and Caroline Cook, the daughter of John Easey, an early settler among the Wyandot Indians. His mother died when he was five days old. Of his father's ancestors he knows nothing. His mother's people are quite numerous in Is'ortliwestern Ohio.

Young Albert attended the common schools of his native county until his eleventh year, when his father moved to Carroll county, Tenn., where he enjoyed the same privilege. At eighteen he entered the High School, Cato, N. Y., graduating in 1892, in which year he entered Hiram College, better known as ''Garfield's School," Hiram, Ohio. He remained two years, completing three years' work and also preaching as he had done since his nineteenth year. He is now actively engaged in the ministry.

He was pastor of the Christian Church at Eolla, Mo., and also Richland, Mo. At McLeansboro, 111., his next charge, he made many friends and succeeded. Although only twenty-six he is on his second year as pastor of the Christian church at Metropolis, 111., and meeting with abundant success. Being a close student and having extensively traveled he is original, forceful, fluent and instructive in his discourses. We predict for him a bright future.

December 12th, 1899, he married Miss Anna L. Mason, of McLeansboro, 111., who no doubt will prove an efficient helpmeet to the brilliant young divine, and author of the chapter on the History of the Christian church in Massac county, found in this volume, and is the candidate of the Prohibition party for the Legislature in the Mfty-flr&t Senatorial District this year.

John R. Turnbo

Robert Turnbo and Isabella (Jock were born and married m Graves county, Ky,, were freed by Lincoln, and moved near liro'Oklyn, at the close of the War, coming to Metropolis in 1881. The father was paralyzed and rendered helpless Thanksgiving day, 1887, and died July 21, 1893; the mother died April 17, 1887, leaving a large family.

John L. Turnbo, their son, was born in Massac county Aug. 30th, 1871, and at his mother's death was left to care for an invalid father and five sisters. Although but 16 years old, he quit school, and began farming and teaming to make a living until 1887, when he entered the brick firm of Grace & Co., and had purchased all the interests by 1893. He now took a term of Academic training, brick laying, and mechanical drawing in the renowned Tuskeegee Institute, Alabama. He is a scientific maker of brick, and has been unable to supply the demand. A large boiler and new kiln will be added to his plant this year, increasing its capacity to 20,000 bricks daily.

Mr. Turnbo is a -stalwart Republican, never bolting his ticket. In 1898 he was elected city councilman from his ward, and returned again in 1900. In fraternal circles he is a G. U. O. O. F., filling every oftice in the local lodge, Illinois Star Lodge No. 1808, and was sent as district delegate to the Grand Lodge, which made him Deputy Grand Master of Illinois one year. He holds a life membership in the district lodge. He became a member of the A. M. E. Church in 1884, filled every oHice in the local church, and has been superintendent of the Sunday school for twelve years. He was elected lay delegate by the Illinois conference in 1896 to the General Conference held. at Wilmington, N. C, and re-elected in 1899 to attend the conference which convened in May, 1900, at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Turnbo stands high in the community.

Charles R. Otey

Chas. R. Otey was born in Crawfoi'd county. 111., on the 27th day of March, 1879. He is the oldest son of C. E. and Ida Otey, of Morea, 111.

On account of an accident at an early age, his education was limited, but at the age of seventeen his desire for an education caused him to come to Metropolis, Aug. 24, 1896, where he attended High School, the following year.

During the winter of 1897-'98 he taught school at Maple Grove and the two following winters at Powers, receiving an increase in salary the second year. He attended two terras of school at the Southern Illinois Kormal University at Carbondale, during the summer of 1899, where he ranked high in all studies pursued. This winter he is teaching at Anderson school at a salary rarely received in the rural schools in this section of the state.

Mr. Otey is an active member of the M. E. church and Temperance Union, a model young man, intelligent, quiet and industrious, having great esteem for his fellow men and a distaste for the ill-will of any one.

He is a staunch Eepublican and cast his vote first for the the re-election of the man whom he thinks one of the three great presidents destined to guide our grand nation through a great struggle.

Hon. Jonathan C. Willis

Jonathan Clay Willis, of Metropolis, Massac county, Illinois, was born on a farm in Sumner county, Tennessee, on the 27th of June, 1826. The ancestors on the paternal side immi- grated to this country from England in 1647. Seven brothers came over and settled in New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, and North Carolina. His grandfather, Richard Willis, was a captain in the Eevolutionary War, and fought under General Washington during that entire struggle. He settled in North Carolina after the war, where he died at the age of eighty in the year 1800.

His father's name was also Eichard Willis, who, during the earlier part of his life, farmed and taught school, alternately in North Carolina and Tennessee, and his mother's name was Catherine Brigham of English descent, her ancestors having immigrated to North Carolina three generations previously. His parents moved to Illinois in 1833 and settled in Gallatin county, where they both died three years later. Jonathan C. is the eleventh child of a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, eleven of whom lived to maturity.

Being left an orphan at the early age of eleven years, and thrown upon his own resources for obtaining a livelihood and an education, the struggle for the former left him but little opportunity for the latter in youth, consequently his education was limited to such branches as were supposed to be of most ]>ractical use. He settled himself in Golconda, Pope county, in 1843, and followed different occupations, particularly that of flat-boating on the rivers, until 1852, when he was elected sheriff of Pope county, and was re-elected to the same position in 1856, serving two terms.

In April, 1859, he removed to Metropolis, Massac county, and engaged in wharfboating, and forwarding and commission business, which he pursued with considerable success until the outbreak of the late war, when he heartily espoused the Union cause, and entered the Federal srvice in August, 1861, as quartermaster of the Forty-Eighth Regiment, Illinois Infantry, which position he filled with great credit until June, 1862, when he was compelled to resign on account of serious injuries sustained by a fall from his horse. On his recovery he resumed his former business.

In 1868 he was elected on the Republican ticket to represent his district, composed of the counties of Massac, Pope and Johnson, in the State Legislature, where he won considerable! distinction, as an able, faithful and eflficient working member. In 1869 he was appointed collector of Internal Revenue of the Thirteenth District of Illinois, which position he still retains, discharging its onerous and responsible duties not only to the satisfaction of the department he represents, but to all parties interested. He has long been identified with the business interests of Southern Illinois and in most of his ventures has been remarkably successful. Comparatively few men have risen more rapidly from a position of poverty and obscurity to one of prominence, activity and success. As a business man ho is eminently practical, honest and straightforward, a clear thinker, easy and affable in manners; genial, friendly and hospitable and being possessed of a remarkable flow of animal spirits he is a most agreeable companion and a highly popular gentleman in society. He is, moreover, keen and accurate in his judgment of men and things, and of wonderful persistence in the pursuit of his favorite plans and measures. To this tiait in his character, more than to any other, is due his great success. His example may well afford inspiration to young men of noble aspirations.

In politics he has been Republican since 1860; one of the most influential members of his party in Southern Illinois, and the favorite candidate of his district for Congressional honors at the ensuing nomination.

On the 16th of February, 1859, he married Miss Fannie E. Ward, daughter of the late Jacob Ward, of the county of Wexford, Ireland, who started for the United States with his daughter when she was 13 years of age. He died and was buried at sea. She is a lady of much personal beauty, of high intellectual and educational attainments, most amiable and charming, both in the family and social circle; and to her wise counsels and womanly influence is largely due the success of her husband. They have Ave children - four boys and one girl - all being carefully educated. (This sketch was written in 1876 by William M. Murphy.)

As additional to the above sketch, Captain Willis was Mayor of Metropolis, 1871-72, C-ounty Judge from 1886 to 1890; member of the Railroad and Warehouse Commission of Illinois, October, 1891, and Supervisor of the Twelfth Census for the Sixteenth District, 1900. Of more local interest is his service of two terms on the County Board of Massac county, where he ha^ always exercised an influence in the betterment of the financial condition of the county. In 1883 he was elected and county orders were going at from 40 cents to 50 cents on the dollar. They were soon worth 100 cents. In 1897 he was re-elected. All his commissions as Internal Revenue Collector ,three in number, bear President Grant's signature.

In the early efforts to secure a railroad he acted as chairman of the Citizens' committee and visited Samuel J. Tilden of New York in 1888 to secure his aid. "\¥liile a member of the General Assembly he voted for the amendments to the Federal Constitution conferring the rights of citizenship upon the colored man. He is the only living resident charter member of the Gethsemane Commandery Knights Templar and he holds liberal views toward all religious bodies.

S. Bartlett Kerr was bom in Bumham, Me., Oct. 18, i86.S, and when a lad was brought to Metropolis by his parents, graduated in the Metropolis High School, 1881, and from the Literary and Law Departments of McKendree College, 1889, with the degrees of B. L. and M. L. He earned his own education by carpenter work and school teaching. He was admitted to the bar in 1889. From 1881 to 1889 he taught school, two years of which time were spent in the Metropolis -City Schools.

At the age of 22 years he was elected as a member of the Board of Education; in 1891, city clerk, and in 1892, was nominated and elected circuit clerk of Massac county by the Republican party. He was chosen secretary- of the Senatorial committee of the Fifty-first District in 1884; Chairman in 1890, and was appointed clerk of the Appropriations Committee in the State Senate by its Chairman, Hon. P. T. Chapman, during the Firty-first General Assembly. Feburarj^ 3rd, 1900, he received the unanimous instructions of Massac county for the Forty-Second General Assembly, and was nominated by the Senatorial convention at Mound City, July 18, 1900, and elected without opposition Nov. 6, 1900. He was a commissioned officer of the National Guard from 1884 to' 1890, and laised a company of 174 volunteers in the war with Spain. Religiously he is a Methodist and a leading member of several prominent fraternal organizations.

December 21, 1889, he was united in marriage to Miss Eva, daughter of Dr. James E. Gowan of Massac county, who has proven herself a most worthy helpmate. They have had three children, Adaline G., born December 27, 1892, and died February 17, 1896; Lloyd B., born September 28, 1894; and EVirgil, born June 27, 1897.

Dr. John Hardin Norris

Thomas Norris, grandfather of Dr. Norris, was born in Ireland of Scotch parentage, who with his two brothers, William and James, comprised the family, and early emigrated to Virginia. Thomas, about 1825, moved to Kentucky, accompanied by his wife and one child. They traveled by means of an ox-team. On Rolling Fork of Salt river he purchased and cleared a tract of land, but in 1840 came to Tazewell county, Illinois, and died there. Mrs. Thomas Norris was a Miss Judith Rodgers, a native of Virginia, who died in Tazewell county. Their family comprised Moses, William, Snsan, Mary, ThomaS', John, James and Joseph.

reared on the farm, purchased a homestead in Marion coun-ty, Ky., and dwelt there until 1832, when he sold his laud and moved to Tazewell county, 111., accompanied by his wife and child, on horseback. He chose a tract of land near Mackinaw, became one of its first settlers, before Chicago was heard of. In 1840 he again sold out, and sought the frontier in Iowa, but the winters were too severe, and in 1843 he went south, locating near Osage River, Mo., and in 1845,' settled permanently near Rolla, Mo., amassed considerable wealth, but the guerrillas during the Civil War, destroyed fully |20,000 in buildings and stock. He returned to Rolla and lived there until his death. His wife was Miss Keziah D. Tucker, born in Kentucky, a daughter of Matthew Tucker. She died at Eolla. Mr. and Mrs. Norris were the parents of four children; John H., Annie, Sarah and Mary.

John H. Norris was born in Marion county, Ky., August 29, 1830, was two years old when brought to Illinois, attended the pioneer schools of Tazewell county ten weeks before he was eleven years old, and taught the same school at eighteen. Home was his school, his mother his teacher. The fireplace and sheet-iron lamp with 'coon oil his light. He became not only prominent in his profession, but was well versed in literature also.

While engaged in teaching, he studied medicine and in 1856 graduated from the St. Louis Medical College and Keokuk Medical College, and began practice at Mulkeytown, 111., remaining there until 1857, when he moved to Williamson county. In 18C0 he went to Grantsburg, Johnson county, and practiced until December 21, 1863, when he enlisted in Company M, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, with the rank of captain. He served with valor on several important battlefields and was mustered out in August, 1865. Returning to Grantsburg, he continued to practice medicine until one year later when he moved to Vienna, Johnson county. Here he lived until 1870, when he went to Carmi, 111., practiced one year, returned to Vienna, and remained there until 1872.

permanent residence, where he enjoyed a wide practice until his death, Aug. 13, 1896. His first wife was Miss Martha Mc- Mahan, who died in 1870. He afterwards married Miss Celia Handley of Carmi, who died in 1881. In 1882 he married Miss Anna Lukins, Metropolis, 111. Three children, Miscal, Peter Heche and Lillian, widow of P. J. Carson, survive; Mrs. Eelle Jacobs, Metropolis, is a daughter of the second marriage; and John H., Jr., is the only child of the last marriage.

Doctor Norris was a valuable member of society. He was an Odd Fellow, Knight of Pythias, and Grand Army member. He died a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his chosen profession he excelled. Always abreast of the times, he was a member and secretary of the Massac County Medical Society; Vice-President of the Southern Medical Society, and a member of the Southwestern Medical Society. His big heart led him to do much practice for the poor, and a number of j'oung physicians, now active practitioners, remember well his noble qualities.

Politically, the Doctor was an ardent Republican, and presided over a number of important conventions, as he was an exceptional presiding officer. He was Mayor of Metropolis four times. His goodness of heart made him many friends. His death was a public calamity and the immense throng attendant at his funeral proved the place he held in the people's aHections.

Robert C. Barham

Charles Barham, grandfather of Robert C, was a pioneer Virginian. Nathan Barham, the father, with three brothers, James, Daniel and Charles, were born in Virginia. When Nathan was small his parents moved to Guilford county. North Carolina; was there reared, inherited the homestead, married, and died there, Dec. 30, 1855, aged 7C years.

His' maternal grandfather was Captain Joel Harris, born in Virginia, a farmer, and captain of a company of Revolutionary soldiers, who fought at Guilford Court House. Captain

Harris married Margary Keuedy, born in Virginia, and died on the old homestead, Guilford county, North Carolina, 1.864, leaving seven children. Captain Harris' daughter, Elizabeth, married Nathan Barham.

Eobert C. Barham, their son, was born August 8, 1837, in Guilford county. North Carolina, attended subscription schools, and took a course in the Oak Eidge Institute. At nineteen he went to Tennessee, taught school in McNairy and W^eakly counties, for two years, and in 1862 entered the Union service as a scout, and continued under Generals Ashbeck, Smith, Meredith, Hicks and Payne until 1864, serving in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri.

In 1863 he married Miss Mary M., daughter of Thomas A. and Jane McMichael, who was born in Guilford county. North Carolina. He brought Ms wife to Massac county in 1863, and joined her after the war closed. They have twO' daughters, Josephine, wife of George M. Clark, and Lydia, wife of Judge George Sawyers.

Mr. Barham first taught school upon his arrival in Massac county. In 1867 he opened a carriage and wagon factory at New Columbia, Illinois, and engaged as a carpenter until 1876, when he sold his interests and came to Metropolis. He was county commisisoner, and was instrumental in raising county orders from 40 cents to par value. In 1890 he was elected sheriff of Massac county, making an efficient officer. Religiously he and his wife are Baptists; politically he is intensely Republican, and fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, Mason and Knight of Pythias.

Tillman Roby

Tillman Roby, tlie oldest citizen of Massac county, was born in Kentucky, near Lexington, June 21, 1809. When one year old his parents took him to Clark county, Ind., where they stayed until he was nine years old, when he was taken back to Mead county, Ky., and remained about two years. They then moved to Harrison county, Indiana.

Roby Croup

His father died soon after the battle of Tippecanoe, in which he fought, and Dec. 81, 1848, Mr. Roby came to Metropo lis. 111. There were three brothers, every one born on the 21st day of the month. Curtis and Townsley are both dead. Mr, Roby married into a family of eleven children, and they are all dead. The wives of the three brothers were born on the 2Sth day of the month.

In 1832 he married Miss Mary Ann Mauck, of Harrison county, Ind., formerly of Virginia. Nine children were born to them. Six are living; three boys, Townsley, now in Washington; W. H. Harrison, and A. F., both of Metropolis; three daughters-, Mrs. Rebecca, widow of Daniel Bowker; Mrs. Elizabeth, widow of Daniel Boicoiirt, both of Metropolis, and Mrs. Margaret A. Snyder, Marionville, Mo.

Politically, Mr. Roby is a Republican, was a member of the first city council, and one of the first to help organize a Lincoln Club. He was its first president. He was ori^^inally a Whig. He is a member of the local order of Odd Fellows.

During his early years in Metropolis he was a cooper. From 1863 to 1882 he lived on a farm in Jackson precinct, since which time he conducted a grocery store in Metropolis, but is now too old for active labor. He has nine great grand-children, one twenty-nine years of age. The picture shows himself, his son William H. Harrison, his grandson Curtis, and great grandson, Roby Green, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Green, Herrin, Illinois.

Solomon J. Rhoads

Solomon Rhoads, grandfather of the doctor, was born near Reading, Pa., of German extraction, before 1800 emigrated to what is now Massac county, and resided here a short while, his wife dying here. The country was then a wilderness. He went to Muhlenberg county, Kentucky,- after the death of his wife, early enough to be a pioneer. Daniel Boone was his relative. Henry and David Rhoads, his brothers, also settled in the same county. Henry was the first representa-

Henry Ehoads, the father, was born in Muhlenberg county, Ky., reared there, a natural mechanic; married in Ohio, and settled in his native county on a tract of land given him by his father, and built a puncheon house out of the material cut from one poplar tree which had grown upon the farm. He died on this farm, 1884. His wife was Elizabeth Morton, born in Ohio county, Ky., daughter of Thomas and Grarner IMorton. Their children are Solomon J., Merton G. and Cynthia.

Solomon J. Rhoads Avas born near Grreenville, Muhlenberg county, Ky., July 23, 1834, received his early education at Greenville, his advanced education at Bethel College, Russelville, Ky., taught school two terms, studied medicine with Dr. William H. Yost of Greenville, began practice in 1860, and in 1861 graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. He remained in Kentucky until 1864, when he came tO' Metropolis and remained until the close of the war, returned to South Carrolton, Ky., and 1883, came to Metropolis, where he has practiced until this year (1900).

In 1866, the Doctor married Priscilla A. Jagoe, born in j\[uhlenberg county, Ky., the daughter of William and Aliranda Jagoe. Four children have been born, Miriam, a teacher; Edwin G., William H., and Kittle Clyde. Doctor Rhoads is a Baptist, a Mason, and a Democrat. He has been president of the Massac County Medical Society, member of the Kentucky State Medical Society, and is a writer of considerable ability on scientific subjects. At present he lives in Kentucky.

John and Jane (Brown) McCartney were native Scotch, who came to Trumbull county, Ohio, 1840. Father McCartney was a dissenting minister. John F. was born near Glasgow, April 22, 1835, and was brought over by his parents.

John F. McCartney was a poor boy. He bought his time of his father at |50 a year from the age of 14, paid his own schooling, working as a Janitor, and at 18 took charge of a school in Western Pennsylvania. Afterward he attended Kingsville Academy, Ashtabula, Ohio, for special branches, resumed teaching in winter and farm labor in summer.

In 1855 he arrived at Pulaski station, Pulaski county, Illinois, with 31 cents and worked in a saw mill but soon taught the neighborhood school several terms, returned to Ohio, took an advanced course in Vermillion Collegiate Institute, Ashland county, being given the chair of mathematics in said institution.

He returned to Illinois, was elected principal of the Metropolis schools, enlisted in the 131st Illinois volunteer infantry at Metropolis and was made regimental quartermaster. During the winter of 1863-64 he personally recruited 150 men, was commissioned their captain as company D, 56th Illinois volunteer infantry, and assigned with Sherman on his march to the sea.He was in General Herron's division sent in pursuit of Kirby Smith in Texas, was honorably discharged at Little Eock, Ark., having made a good soldier record.

.Eeturning to Metropolis he began to publish the first republican newspaper, the Promulgator, practiced law and upon the death of G. W. Neeley, district attorney, he was appointed his successor in 1867 and elected to the same office in 18C8. From 1872 to 1894 no more active attorney could be found anywhere.

For seven years he published ''The Times," conducted a large farm, built business blocks, led in the organization of the farmers' movement in politics, was instrumental in organizing the First National Bank 1882, served as its president for three years, and zealously labored to build up the Christian church of which he has been a life long member. During the last few years he has been president of the Eighth District Missionary organization of his church. Was tendered the nomination of governor on the prohibition ticket in 1900 by the executive officers of that party to which he adheres, bat refused, and devotes all his time to his business interests which includes the presidency of the National State Bank, a prosperous growing institution which he organized in 1895.

Miss Elizabeth McGee, sister of Hon. F. M. and Judge Mc- Gee, became his first wife in 1859. Their children were Lizzie, now Mrs. B. F. Stroud, Seattle, Wash., and Professor M. N., of Vienna, whose sketch appears elsewhere. In 1864 Mrs. McCartney died and the captain married Miss Minnie D. Lukens of Metropolis March 1, 18GG. Their children are Grace, wife of F. A. Trausdale, Spring Valley, 111.; Anna, now Mrs. D. T. Slimpert; Hattie, wife of Attorney C. M. Fouts; Carrie, wife of J. N. Weaver, a teacher; Catherine, assistant cashier in her father's bank; Frank, Fred, Hope, all in Massac county.

Wesley Henderson Owen

Wesley Henderson Owen was born in Graves county, Ky:, the property of Alexander Willinghame. In 1861 his father, mother and ten children were taken to Arkansas to prevent their being freed. In 1864 they were brought back after the battle at Paducah. Their master was going to again send them away but his father took the family and ran away.

On August 10th they landed at Paducah and there seven children died. Wesley, John and Walton were all that remained. April 14, the day AT^raham Lincoln was assassinated, they moved to Brooklyn and within a week were settled on the farm of Mr. Stockton, where they made a good crop. They rented the farm two years, then took a lease for four years, and then rented of Mr. Martin for three or four years.

In 1870 he and California Prior were married and they have had four children born to them. One girl, who died at 11, and three boys, Augustus, Frank and John. In 1880 he purchased a farm of J. H. Morris, and in 1881 his entire house and goods burned. Although in debt, he has struggled along and paid it off.

In 1876 his mother died and in 1896 his father died. In January, 1896, he joined the Baptist church, of which his wife had been a member since 1873. Mr. Owen is very intelligent, industrious and well read. He speaks fluently and writes quite well. No one ever questions his honor, honesty and veracity. He is an estimable citizen.

The following sketch is taken from "The Presbyterian Ministerial Directory," a book published by the Rev. E. S. Robinson, Oxford, Ohio, 189S.

"Benjamin C. Swan, Metropolis, Illinois - Born in 'I'reble county, Ohio; graduated at Miami University 1S45; the degree of D. D. conferred 1888; attended the Western Theological Seminary 1847-48 and 1848-49, and the New Albany Seminary 1849-50; licensed June, 1850, and ordained April, 1851, by the Oxford Presbytery. His fields of labor have been, Salem and Winchester, June, 1850 to August, 1852; Carthage, 111., Oct., 18.52, to 1860; Shawneetown, 1860, to 1868; Carmi, 1868 to 1877; Enfield and Sharon, 1S77 to 1883; Harrisburg, 1883 to 1888; and Metropolis, Nov., 1888, to March, 1894; stated clerk of the Presbytery of Cairo for 20 years." P. 500.

Doctor Swan is living at his home in Metropolis at this writing, rich in years and honor as a faithful consecrated servant of the Lord. His dignified bearing, venerable hairs, and robust character are an inspiration to lovers of high ideals.

Major L. W. Copeland

Joshua S. Copeland, the father, when four years old came with his parents from Tennessee to Johnson county in 1808. Indians and wild game abounded and white neighbors were scarce. With five dollars he early moved to what is now Massac county, purchased a tract of unimproved land, cleared the same reared his family, and died thereon at a ripe old age.

He married Elizabeth Axley and she died in 1856, the mother of ten children, Robert Van Buren, James Franklin, Simon J., Melissa, Joshua and William Riley, are all dead. Samuel L. enlisted in company K, Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, served through the war and was killed in the explosion of the steamboat "Cumberland," 1868; with him John S. enlisted also, was discharged after the battle of Corinth and died upon reaching home. Mary J., wife of Thomas Parker, Vienna, 111., and L. W., our subject. His second wife was. Caroline E. Evers, of Graves county, Ky. To them were born David, deceased; Lizzie, wife of Thomas Starkes, Massac county; Mattie, wife of James Clark, Fresno, Cal.; Maggie, widow of James McNana; Charles M., AUie and Sallie, wife of Jesse Hawkins.

Lawrence W. Copeland was born in Massac county Feb. 18, 1847. Was reared on the farm, attended the rural schools, was a good observer, and after farming several years before and after the war he turned his attention to trading.

In his first trade for a flat boat and stock of goods he made |37.50. He made a trip down the Ohio and Mississippi on a merchant boat which sank at New Madrid, Mo. They refloated it, however, and sold it near the mouth of the St. Francis river. Before he returned he had owned fourteen different boats. In 1872 he went to Kansas, liked the country, returned home for his family, but when he reached Cairo the river was frozen over and his father, who had overtaken him, persuaded him to return to the old homestead, where he lived until the spring of 1873.

At Joppa he opened a general store, employed as high as eleven clerks at a time, operated saw mills, threshers and shingle mills in connection with his business. He bought and made thousands of cypress shingles, shipping by boat loads. At one time he had 1,900,000 shingles and often bought 30,000 a day. He also secured the establishment of the Joppa postoflSce of which he was postmaster for years.

In 1888 he moved to Metropolis, engaged in business, purchased the brick block, now known as the Copeland Hotel block, a valuable property, and successfully operated it as a hotel. He is a director in the National State Bank, Metropolis.

In 1863, when only 16, he endeavored to enlist but was prevented by his father on account of his age. In 1861 he succeeded in joining company K, 137th Illinois Infantry, made a good soldier and saw considerable service. He has been commander of Tom Smith post, Metropolis, Illinois; was instrumental in raising a cavalry regiment, which was tendered to the governor during the Spanish-American war, for which he holds a commission as major.

Governor Tanner appointed him custodian of Memorial Hall, Springfield, Illinois, which office he has held for almost four years. This hall contains the flags, photos and sacred mementoes of the troops of Illinois. To this most precious collection Major Copeland has added more tattered war-flags, more relics of merit than any former custodian, and has transformed Memorial Hall into a popular school of patriotism, visited by thousands from all over the woi'ld.

In 1867 he married Miss Laura Hitchcock, a native of Massac county. They have eight children: Belle, wife of John Shipman; John L., Samuel, Estella, Ernest Augustus, Tony and Hilda. Politically Mr. Copeland has always been a zealous republican, and fraternally a Mason, Odd Fellow and i and Army member. ;

Benjamin Rankin

His early education was directed by his parents and after their death he had but little opportunity to secure knowledge, being compelled to work until he had attained manhood, but oven with limited educational advantages he gained a great knowledge by experience, reading and observation.

After the marriage he and his wife came from Kentucky to Illinois, bought a tract of land in Massac county, and engaged in farming for several years. During this time be enlisted as a private soldier and rose to captain of his company. He participated in many hard fought battles and made a good record as a soldier.

Following his location in the county seat he engaged in the business of manufacturing tobacco selecting as his partner George Corlis. They carried on quite an extensive trade.

Captain Rankin was considered by all to be very kindhearted, never refusing to aid the poor, he possessed a strong will and was a man of superior business qualifications, perhaps accounting for his success.

Politically he was always a republican, filling various offices of honor and responsibility, being elected sheriff of Massac county and holding the office of mayor twice.

Round Knob

Dr. George W. Walbright is the son of Frederick and Mary (Ervin) Walbright, natives of Lawrence county, Ohio, who moved to Massac county, Illinois, 1876, and settled near Brooklyn. The doctor was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, Jan. 13, 1865.

His youthful years were spent in agricultural pursuits, while his boyhood was speat in the village, enabling him to get an early and valuable educational training which he extended in the Metropolis high school and the National Normal University, Lebanon, Ohio.

He began teaching when only 16 years of age and entered the office of Halliday & Gowan to begin the reading of medicine, which he assidiously prosecuted until he was clothed with the authority to practice the healing art. His preparation was most painstaking, systematic and thorough, extending over two years time, which the better prepared him to understand the lecture course in the renowned Rush Medical college, Chicago, one year. He graduated from the Louisville

Medical College, Louisville, Ky., in 1890, locating at Round Knob, Massac county, where he has diligently, conscientiously and successfully applied himself and built up an enviable practice.

In 1892 he operated a drug store but later discontinued it. He is postmaster of Round Knob at present. In July, 1890, he and Miss Annie Kraper were married. She' is a native of Massac county and a model wife. Politically the doctor is a republican and fraternally a Mason. He is a member of the Massac County Medical Society and of the Southern Illinois Medical Association, and stands in the front rank of his profession. He usually takes a course of lectures each summer in some noted school during his v^acation and keeps abreast of the times.

Secretary Of State

The Hon. James A. Rose was born in Golconda, the county seat of Pope county, Illinois, Oct. 13, 1850. He attended the public schools of his native city and later the Northern Illinois normal at Normal, 111. When only 18 years of age he was teaching a rural school and met with such success that he was elected principal of the Golconda public schools.

While serving in this capacity he was elected superintendent of schools for Pope county, re-elected and during his second term was admtited to the bar. He resigned the office of superintendent to be elected state's attorney of the county without opposition, and was re-elected.

Governor Pifer in 1889 appointed him trustee of the reformatory at Pontiac and the following year made him commissioner of the southern Illinois penitentiary at Chester, which office he ably held for three years, or until the beginning of the Altgeld administration. TMien the state ticket for 1896 was nominated Mr. Rose was selected as the standard bearer of the office of secretary of state. His eloquence, logic, broad information and zeal told on the platform for the success of the party. Since taking charge of the office he has made system out of chaos, indexed and arranged valuable papers previously lost, and it has been more economically conducted. He prepared and secured the passage of a bill which compels foreign conporations to pay a fee before doing business in the state, and has thus brought thousands of dollars into our treasury. At the last session he secured the passage of a bill which provides for the letting of the state contract for printing all state reports, fixes their number and provides for their distribution. This measure saves an immense sum annually to the taxpayers of the state. He was re-nominated May 8, 1900, and elected. And of his record, this, the Fifty-flrst senatorial district, his home, feels justly proud. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Michie Young of Golconda, 1874, and two daughters, the Misses Jessie Josephine and Helen Elizabeth, and one son, Charles Eoscoe, nave blessed their union. They have, a pleasant home in Golconda.

John Gilbert Jr

Mr. Gilbert was born in Golconda, Pope county, Illinois, October 13, 1833, the son of John Gilbert, Sr., an emigrant from Pennsylvania. Mrs. Gilbert, the mother, was Miss Cornelia Bucklin, formerly of Rhode Island.

John Gilbert, Jr., attended the early common schools. In 1874 he entered the bank as a bookkeeper with W. P. Sloan & Co., bankers. In 1877 the firm became Sloan & Gilbert and in 1889 Mr. Gilbert purchased the interest of Mr. Sloan, the firm again changing to John Gilbert, Jr., & Co. In 1897 the firm of John Gilbert, Jr., & Co. and the Pope County State Bank were consolidated. Mr. Gilbert is today the president and manager.

Miss Edmonie Kidd became Mr. Gilbert's first wife and died in 1891. He later married Miss Lucy Morse, his present wife. The children are Eaymond, Ethel and John.

Fraternally Mr. Gilbert is an Odd Fellow, Knight of Honor, Knight of Pythias and Modern Woodman. Politically he is intensely republican and is the present chairman of the county central committee, rolling up the largest majority for the whole ticket Nov. 6, 1900, ever given his party in the county. He served one term on the county board and has been mayor of Golconda for ten consecutive terms, an honor almost unprecedented. Socially Mr. Gilbert is highly esteemed, and in business he is a success.

William Hiram Moore

Andrew J. Moore, the father, was a former Kentuckian; his wife, the mother, was a Miss Nancy A. Castleman, of Nashville, Tenn. They early came to Pope county.

William Hiram, tlieii- son, was born in Pope county April 14, 1862, and left home to make his own way in the world ai the early age of 14 years. He attended the ungraded and graded schools and taught seven years. He read law in the office of Judge Crow and in 1886 attended the Wesleyau University, Bloomington, 111. In 1886 he was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court and located at Golconda, 111., where he has built up a profitable practice. In 1888 he was appointed master in chancery for his county and held the office for eight years. In 1896 he was elected by the Republicans to the office of state's attorney, in which he has made a splendid record. He is also a fluent and forceful campaigner.

Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason. In 1888 he and Miss Eddie M. White were married. Mr. Moore is influential within the councils of his party.

David Gordon Thompson

John Thompson and wife (nee Anderson) were native Virginians and grandparents of our subject. Gordon Thompson, their son, and father of David Gordon, was born in Giles county, Va., Dec. 18, 1813, and was brought to Pope county on a visit to his widow mother, coming on horseback. Here he located a tract of government land and permanently resided there until his death in January, 1892. His wife was Miss Jane Clemens, daughter of David Clemens, of Livingstone county, Ky. The Clemens ancestry were also from Virginia. Mrs. Thompson died in 1862 and Mr. Thompson married Miss L<iaisa J. Williams.

David Gordon Thompson, youngest child of the flrst marriage, was born near Golconda, Pope county, Illinois, on his father's farm Oct. 21, 1853, and reared thereon until he was 20 years of age. He attended the rural schools and finished his education at the Southern Illinois Normal university, Carbondale, through which he worked his way, graduating with honor in the class of 1878. He taught four terms, beginning at the age of 19. In 1880 he owned and published the Herald,

While teaching he pursued the study of law under the direction of, now Secretary of State, James A. Eose, and continued his course until admitted to practice in 1884. In 3888 he was elected state's attorney and re-elected in 1892. Later he became county judge to fill a vacancy of two years occasioned by the resignation of Judge Crow.

He has always been an ardent republican, serving on the county central executive committee, secretary of the committee, delegate to various congressional, judicial and state conventions, and a ready campaigner since his majority.

For ten years he has been a member of the Golconda board of education, is an elder in the Presbyterian church, and a Mason and Odd Fellow. April, 1882, he and Miss Mary E., daughter of Jared Huffman, were married. They have a pleasant home and enjoy merited social recognition.

Anthony Wayne Walker

Anthony Wayne Walker, son of Dr. James Walker and wife (nee Glass), was born near Rose Bud, Pope county, Illinois, March 22, 1859. His mother died when he was years old and his father was in poor circumstances. The family became separated but Wayne remained with his father until he was ten years old, when his father remarried and Wayne was given a home near Dixon Springs, Pope county, where he lived until he was 20 and began life on his own account.

He saved enough money while working in a saw mill to pay for one year's schooling and then began to clerk for William King of Rose Bud, Illinois. After three years' service with Mr. King he was employed by J. W. McCoy & Son of Golconda, and later with J. C. Baker until 1886.

ek-cted assessor and treasurer and gave sucli satisfaction That he was elected sheriff of Pope county in 1898. lie is an influential republican.

When defeated for the nomination in 1886 he opened a hardware and implement store and his enterprise and business ability soon built up one of the leading stores in southern Illinois. This he sold on being elected sheriff. In 1886 he married Miss Nannie E. White. They have a commodious home on a beautiful hill in Golconda where with their children they are enjoying life.

Tony R. Kerr

The parents of our subject lived in Hardin county, Tennessee, when the war of the rebellion began. The father was for the union and his two oldest sons enlisted in the army of the blue. He was too odd to be accepted but was so outspoken that he was compelled to "lay out," as it was then called, and finally with his family fled to Pope county, Illinois, for safety. After the war they returned to their southern home.

Tony R. Kerr, the youngest of ten children, was born in Hardin county, Tennessee, Dec. 24, 1861, and was brought by his parents to Pope county during that long and bloody struggle. He returned to Tennessee with them at the close of the war but after the death of his mother (1880) he returned to Pope county, laboring on the farm until November 3, 1886, when he married Miss Melissa Homberg and settled in Rose EJud. Three boys and one girl have blessed this union.

In 1889 he was appointed treasurer of township 14, range 6, Pope county, and elected clerk of road district No. 6, Pope county, in 1890, and re-elected in 1893. Harrington Clanahan, circuit clerk of Pope county, was appointed his chief clerk by James A. Rose, secretary of state, in 1896, and Mr. Kerr was elected to fill the vacancy. He was re-elected in 1900, running ahead of every candidate on the ticket.

George Hodge, the grandfather, was born in North Carolina and removed to Illinois in an early day. William S. Hodge, son of the above, was born in Illinois and his wife. Miss Harriet Taylor, was born in Indiana.

The father, William S. Hodge, was a leading farmer, served through the Mexican and civil wars, was corporal in the Mexican war and was with the detachment that captured Santa Anna. During the civil war he was captain of company E, 120th Illinois infantry. He was severely wounded and also spent six months in Libby prison, the Confederate "hell-hole." Eeturning to his home in Pope county he was twice elected assessor and treasurer and several times sheriff. January 8, 1884, he died on his farm, honored by his neighbors.

John H. Hodge, son of William Hodge, was born on his father's farm December 18, 1861, labored thereon, attended the rural schools and the city schools of Golconda. In 1889 h(; attended the State normal university at Carbondale, Illinois, one term, returned to begin teaching, which profession he has continuously followed with marked success, gradually and surely rising until in 1898 he was nominated and elected County Superintendent of Public Instruction by the Republican party of which he has always been a zealous supporter and valuable member. He is quietly and efficiently administering the duties of his office with marked ability and effect.

March 30, 188C, Mr. Hodge and Miss Melissa Steagall were married. She was born in Tennessee September 29, 1862, and came with her parents to Pope county. They are both communicants of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Hodge is fraternally a Mason. They live in Golconda, Illinois.

Joseph Lay

Joseph Lay was born in Jolinson county, Illinois, Jan. i, 1862. Being the son of Moses and Mahala E. Lay, who came to this state from Tennessee in the first settling up of Illinois and entered land from the government known as the Bit Act. Moses Lay, father of Joseph, died at the old homestead in 1870 and left surviving him his widow and six minor children, Joseph being the third child, 9 years old at his father's death.

Being reared by his mother at the old homestead, he tilled the soil during the summer and attended the free schools during the winter until he obtained a fair common school education. After reaching his majority not being satisfied with a common school education and desiring to acquire a commercial education, he entered Ewing college in the spring of 1883 and after a thorough course in said institution he was awarded a diploma, conferring a degree of Master of Accounts. Returning home in the fall of 1883, not being satisfied with his knowledge of bookkeeping, he entered Bryant & Stratton Commercial School at Evansville, Ind. ; after a thorough course in said institution he was examined and awarded a diploma conferring upon him the degree of Master of Accounts by said institution. On returning home he accepted a position as bookkeeper and clerk with the firm of Caldwell & Son, of New Burnsides, Ills. He gave them entire satisfaction and remained until said firm was sold out and retired from business. After this time he returned home and occupied the old homestead, continued farming until the spring of 1885. On March 28, 1885, he was married to Hilda B. Chester, daughter of N. L. Chester of Johnson county, after which he purchased a farm of 170 acres in Pope county known as the "Sampson Eobinson farm," situated in township 11, range 5 East, and has continued farming ever since, making a fair success at the business.

The home of Joseph and Eilda B. Lay has been blessed with seven children, five boys and two girls, Harry, born Feb. 12, 1887; Lula, born Feb. 5, 1889; Coy, born Jan. 29, 1891; Mol-

In the spring of 1898, being desirous of seeking a new Held, he came to the conclusion that he would like to be couniy clerk of Pope county, and decided to make the race on the republican ticket, of which he is a true-blue. After a hard fight for the place he was nominated by 60 majority over his opponent and was elected in November, 1898, to the office to which he aspired. He took charge of said office Dec. 5, 1898, for a term of four years, and is managing the oflQce with ability and success.

Judge W. A. Whiteside

William Arthur Whiteside is a native of Pope county. His father was James A. Whiteside, a native of Illinois, and his mother's maiden name was Malissa E. Andrews. She was born in Pope countj', where she married the father of our subject, who was born Feb. 4, 1871, and attended the common schools while laboring on the farm.

At the age of 18 he taught one term of school, but did not like the profession. Returning to the farm he tilled the soil until March, 1892, when he attended a seven weeks' law school taught by Attorneys Crow and Morris in Golconda. He returned to the farm but continued reading and in 1893 entered the senior class of the law department of the Wesleyan university, Bloomington, Ills., graduating June 14, 1894, with the degree of LL. B., and was admitted to practice May 17, 1894.

He then came home and clerked for his father until March, 1895, to repay him for aid rendered in securing an education, and then opened an office in Golconda as a regular practitioner. In May a primary was held to nominate a republican candidate to fill the unexpired term of county judge occasioned by the resignation of Judge Crow, but he was defeated by only 13 votes. In the primary to nominate a candidate for the full term in 1898 he received a handsome majority and in the

Hon. Joseph W. King

Captain Joseph W. King was born in Pope county, Illinois, Dec. 29, 1838. He was educated in the common schools of that day and early evinced an aptness at trading. His early life was uneventful, but when the war broke out he readily answered his country's call, enlisting July, 1861, in company P of the twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, under the command of Colonel James A. Eeardin and General John A. McClernand, and fought in many bloody battles.

After the battle of Sliiloh he was discharged and immediately raised a company known as company E, 120th Illinois Infantry, of which he was commissioned captain, serving until the close of the war.

He returned to Pope county and was appointed deputy sheriff. During President Harrison's administration he was .superintendent of the pension building under General Green B. Kaum, then commissioner of pensions, and was "written up" in the daily papers for storing a great number of bushels of potatoes and selling them when the market was high.

Captain King was elected by the republicans to the fortieth General Assembly of Illinois from the Fifty-first Senatorial district and served with ability. Twice since he has received the instructions of his home and other counties for the same offlce, but political fortune favored other counties in conventions. During the forty-first General Assembly he was superintendent of ventilation, a responsible position in the house. He took a boat load of chickens to Cuba in 1876 and merchandised extensively between Galconda and New Orleans. Fraternally the captain is a Mason and member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has a happy home, com-

Charles Durfee was born in Stonefort precinct, Saline Co., Illinois, Nov. 21, 1863. Dr. W. P. Durfee was his father and Mrs. Lucretia Moore Darfee his mother. Both parents died leaving young Durfee a penniless orphan at an early age.

He worked hard on the farm, improved his spare moments in hard study, attended the common school at times and engaged in the profession of teaching in which he was a marked success.

Politics has always enticed him and though not an office holder or office seeker he was elected surA'eyor of Saline county in 1892 and has always taken a great interest in each campaign. He is a republican and a stalwart.

Under the direction of Judge Crow he read law and was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership with Judge W. A. Whiteside of Golconda, where they do a general legal business. Mr. Durfee has been twice married and lives with his family in Golconda, surrounded by many warm friends and well wishers.

Harmon L. Sedberry

Harmon L. Sedberry, attorney at law, Golconda, 111., was born in Smithland, Kentucky, July 6, 1878, and graduated at the Smithland high school in June, 1898.

During the campaign for governor between Governors Taylor and Goebel he spoke in 7C of the 119 counties of the state. He was a delegate from Livingstone county to the republican state convention that nominated Governor Taylor and was the member of the committee on resolutions in that convention from the First Congressional district.

In the campaign of 1900 he spoke many times in his adopted county of Pope, and from Oct. 25th he spent T,he remainder of the time in Kentucky. It will be readily seen that his services are in demand in campaigning.

For three years he was county examiner of Livingstone county and was admitted to the bar at Smithland, Ky., Sept. 6th, 1899. April 12, 1900, he came to Golconda, Pope county, and formed a co-partnership with Attorney W. S. Morris, which partnership exists today.

Mayor Frank Adams

He is the son of Lewis and Hannah Adams, of Hutsonville, Crawford county, Illinois, was born Dec. 17, 1865, in Galveston, Indiana, and educated in the public schools.