McHenry County, Illinois - Chapter 6: Mchenky County Bar, 1885

Chapter 6: Mchenky County Bar

MoHenby County Lawyers. - Men of Character and Ability. - Early Members of the Bar. - A. E. Thomas, Searl, Bahwick and Others. - The First Lawyers at Woodstock. - D. C. Bush, Wm. Sloan and Colonel L. S. Church. - A. B. Coon the Oldest Lawyer of the Present Bab. - Platt & Plait. - Hon. T. D. Murphy. - Hon. M. L. Joslyn. - Kerr, Slavin and Others. - Biographies and Personal Mention.

McHenry County has a bar of more than average ability. In the past, too, her lawyers have been foremost among her honored citizens. Although the record contains no long array of distinguished names, yet every one familiar with the county knows that the lawyers of the McHenry bar have maintained an excellent reputation for character, honesty and diligence in business. In this chapter it has been the endeavor of the writer to include the name of every lawyer of prominence that ever resided in the county, together with biographical sketches, when it was possible to procure them, of all who, from long residence or conspicuous ability, might justly be considered as entitled to such mention.

Amory E. Thomas was the first lawyer who became a resident of McHenry County. He settled at McHenry in 1839, and remained in practice there until 1844. He then returned to New York, his native State. He was a lawyer of considerable ability, and had a good practice.

went to La Porte, Ind. He afterward became a Methodist preacher, then turned again to the law. He returned to McHenry County about 1851, and settled in Woodstock, and. in partnership with Amos Cogswell, practiced at the bar six or seven years, after which he removed to Minnesota. He was a successful lawyer.

Hamilton Nixon, a native of Vermont, was among the early lawyers at McHenry. He was a young man of good intellect and much ability, and but for strong drink doubtless would have risen to prominence and honor. He died when only about thirty years of age.

D. C. Bush was the first lawyer who settled in Woodstock. He came in the fall of 1844 and remained until about 1852, when he removed to Madison, Wis. He was a lawyer of average ability, and had a fair practice.

William Sloan came next, in December, 1844. For 6orae time he had his office in the office of the Circuit Clerk, in the courthouse, the commissioners giving him his rent on condition that he furnish wood for the office. He bought land on the west side of the town and planted a nursery. Mr. Sloan was a native of New Hampshire, and a graduate of Dartmouth College. He was a man of extensive reading and scholarship, but was not particularly successful. He took an active part in the organization of the Illinois & Wisconsin Eailroad (now the Wisconsin division of the Chicago & Northwestern), and was elected its President in 1851, serving two years. He was accidentally killed in Chicago.

Colonel Lawrence S. Church (deceased). - The subject of this notice won high distinction both as a lawyer and a statesman. He was a man of" the best intellectual caliber, and a citizen of whom McHenry County might well be proud. He was born in Nunda, N. Y., in 1820, and passed his early years upon a farm. He early evinced a fondness for study, and made the best use of the school privileges allowed him. At a youthful age he was able to earn money to prosecute his studies in the summer by teaching a term of school each winter. He turned his attention to the law, which he learned with rapidity and thoroughness. In 1823 he started West and came to McHenry County, where he had two married sisters. He reached McHenry, the then county seat, in June, 1843, and was then a stranger without money. He had walked part of the way from New York, riding on the stage the rest, paying his expenses by stopping at villages along the way and delivering a lecture on " The Constitution of the United States," showing, even thus early, what was the bent of his mind. Soon after reaching McHenry he married and took a trip to Springfield, where he was examined before Hon. S. H. Treat and admitted to the bar. He at once began practice at McHenry, and soon took a leading position at the bar. Soon after the county seat was removed, he located at Woodstock, where he remained as long as he lived. Mr. Church was a Whig of the active, aggressive sort, and of course he had no chance for political or official prominence until after 1856, when the county underwent a decided political change. In 1856 he gave his support to Fremont, and the same fall was the Republican candidate for Representative of the Legislature. He was triumphantly elected, and during the session which followed distinguished himself as one of the ablest members of the Legislature. He was re-elected, and in the stormy session that ensued became one of the leaders of the House. In 1860 he consented to become a candidate for Congress, and was warmly supported at the District Convention, but Hon. E. B. Washburn received the nomination. The same fall he was again chosen a Representative to the Legislature. For the first time he found a majority of the members of the House Republicans. Speaker Cullom appointed him Chairman of the Judicial Committee, a position which he filled with great ability. On the breaking out of the war he exerted himself to the utmost to arouse patriotic sentiment and fidelity to the Union cause. In 1862, having aided to recruit the Ninety-fifth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, he left his family and his large law practice for the field. He was elected Colonel of the regiment and went into camp with it at Rockford. But his health failed; he could not endure camp life, and when the regiment reached Columbus, Ky., being stricken with cholera morbus, he was compelled to resign his command and return. He remained in a precarious condition through the winter of 1862-'3, and never afterward had as good health as before. In 1866, on the death of his law partner, Hon. Wm. Kerr, County Judge, Mr. Church filled the duties of that office for the unexpired term. In 1869 he was elected a member of the State Constitutional Convention, in which he performed distinguished service. Colonel Church died in Woodstock, July 23, 1870. The McHenry County bar passed resolutions that were highly eulogistic of his character; and the press of the State paid glowing tributes of re- spect to his memory . Said the Chicago Tribune : " Mr. Church has been, during the past fifteen years, one of the leading minds of the State, and although he has held few public oflices, his influence has been felt as that of a man of mark on every occasion calling for the exercise of strong will, high courage and true eloquence." He was a man of sterling integrity, as well as of brilliant intellect.

Amos B. Coon, of Marengo, is now the oldest practicing attorney in the county. He has held a prominent place at the bar for over forty years. From excessive modesty Mr. Coon declines to furnish the editor of this work a biographical sketch, but from a published account we glean the following facts : He was born in Towanda, Bradford Co., Pa., Feb. 12, 1815. In October, 1835, he came to McHenry County, and in 1845 opened a law office in Marengo. He followed surveying for a few years. From 1846 to 1862 he was Master in Chancery in McHenry County; in 1851-2 and in 1860-'4, was State's Attorney for the circuit in which the county was included; served as Provost Marshal for his congressional district from May, 1863, to October, 1865; has been Register in Bankruptcy since 1867, and has served on the County Board of Supervisors many successive terms. He is an earnest Republican, "a man of infinite jest and most excellent fancy," a good lawyer and a worthy citizen. Mr. Coon is the youngest of a family of twenty-one children by one mother. He married Miss Harriet A. Daman, of Ohio, in 1846, and is the father of three children, two of whom are living.

Henry "W. McLean, widely known as a politician, is one of the oldest settlers of the county. He was born in Columbia County, N. T., March 10, 1808. His father, John D. McLean, was a Scotchman, who came to America when young and served in the Revolutionary war. Henry W. was reared on a farm, and at the age of twenty-two commenced the study of law. In 1834 he was admitted to the bar in New York State, where he pursued his profession until 1836. He then came West to McHenry County, locating at McHenry, where he still lives. He was admitted to the bar of McHenry County in 1842. He figured prominently in the early politics of the county, and of late years has been a well-known worker in the Republican ranks. He has also been quite conspicuous as a lobbyist. On account of his quaint humor and jovial nature Mr. McLean is sure to attract attention in whatever political gathering he appears. He was married in 1837 to Miss Adeline

Anson Sperry, attorney at law, Marengo, 111., was born in Manchester, Bennington Co., Vt., Oct. 1,1824, the youngest of five children of Anson J. and Lorraine (Pierpont) Sperry. His father, was an attorney, and in an early day moved to Plattsburg, N. Y. His mother was a descendant of Rev. James Pierpont, the first President of Yale College. The early life of our subject was spent in New York. Aug. 4, 1841, he came to Illinois and began the study of law with Judge Skinner, and was admitted to the bar in 1845. He remained with Judge Skinner till the spring of 1847, when, May 7, he located in Marengo and began the practice of his profession. He was the second lawyer in the village. In the fall of 1848 he was elected Magistrate in a political contest between the north and south part of the township. About the same time he was appointed Postmaster and held the position till 1861. In 1853 he, in company with Cornelius Lansing, opened a banking house, which they carried on till 1863. In 1863 he was appointed paymaster in the Army of the Cumberland. In August, 1865, he was transferred to Chicago, and the following November went to Springfield to assist in paying off the troops, and remained there till Dec. 3. Mr. Sperry was married Oct. 18, 1849, to Lucy, daughter of George Stevens, a produce and lumber merchant of Belvidere. They have four children - C. C, a physician of Chicago, 111.; Laura E., Edwin A., and Evelyn P. Mr. and Mrs. Sperry are members of the Episcopal church. He is a member of Harley Wayne Post, No. 169, G. A. R.

Phineas W. Platt came to Woodstock in March, 1845. He was a native of Pennsylvania, studied law in Indiana and began its practice in Woodstock. He was one of the best lawyers that ever practiced in the county; not so eloquent as some, but sound, sensible and logical. Alonzo Platt - who was not a relative of Phineas - came soon after, and the two went into partnership as Platt & Piatt. They had an extensive practice. Alonzo went to California during the gold excitement; Phineas remained in Woodstock until 1851, then went to Texas, where he died several years later.

Colonel Alonzo Platt practiced law in this county from 1846 to 1850 in partnership with Phineas W. Platt, having their office in the old " Rat-hole." He went to the California gold regions in 1850, and remained in the West until 1862, when he died in Yir- ginia City, Nev. He was a good lawyer, a strong Democrat and a stirring politiciau. He was born in Danbury, Conn., in 1816; served in the Wisconsin Legislature in 1844; studied law and began its practice in Woodstock. He served as State's Attorney, and was considered a very able man.

Amos Cogswell settled in Hebron about 1847 and removed to Woodstock about three years later. In partnership with Charles McClure he had a good practice for several years. He was a strong and able lawyer. He is now a resident of Raymond, Clark Co., Dak. Mr. Cogswell studied law with Franklin Pierce, and after the latter became President, received a Government appointment and moved to Washington. Both he and McClure went to Minnesota about 1859.

Colonel Jame3 M. Strode was well known as one of the ablest of the early lawyers in Northern Illinois. He settled in Woodstock in 1850 or 1851. He had already won distinction at the bar as a circuit lawyer by long practice in Galena and Chicago. He served as County Judge from 1854 to 1857. In the latter year he removed to Missouri, whence he went to Kentucky and died. He had a good legal mind, was good in argument, and as a story-teller had no superior in the State with the exception of Abraham Lincoln.

Hon. Theo. D. Murphy, ex-Judge of the Circuit Court, is a native of Virginia. He was born June 12, 1826; came to McHenry County in 1845. On the 1st of January, 1851, he began the practice of law in Woodstock, and has steadily devoted himself to the practice of his profession ever since, with the exception of twentyone years upon the bench. He was chosen County Judge for a term of four years, and from 1862 to 1879, by successive re-elections, he held the office of Judge of the Circuit Court for the circuit in which McHenry Connty was included. During the last three years of this time he was Chief Justice of the Appellate Court of Cook County, District No. 1. He established the Appellate Court in this district, designed the seal, procured record books, and completed all arrangements for opening it. In each of the high positions to which he has been chosen Judge Murphy has served with distinction and honor.

Charles M. Willard settled in Woodstock about 1851, and went into partnership with Colonel L. S. Church. The partnership was dissolved after a few years. After practicing alone for a while he became the partner of James H. Slavin. Mr. Willard removed to Chicago about 1857. He was an able lawyer.

Freeman Van Wiokle came to Woodstock from New York about 1852, and remained eight or ten years. For some time he was the partner of M. L. Joslyn. He was a successful lawyer. He removed to Michigan.

Hon. Merritt L. Joslyn, for many years one of the foremost lawyers and politicians of Northern Illinois, is a native of the State of New York. He was born in Livingston County in 1827, and has resided in Illinois since 1839. As a lawyer and politician he is brilliant and eloquent. As a Legislator he has proved industrious and rigidly devoted to the best interests of his constituency. He was formerly a Democrat, and in 1 856 was a Buchanan elector. He is a recognized leader among the Republicans, and is one of the most vigilant partisans. He served as Captain in the Thirty-sixth Illinois Regiment during the late war. In 1864-'5 he represented his district in the State Legislature; and in 1876 he was elected State Senator by the large vote of 6,003, against 3,485 for his opponent. He served with distinction in both bodies of the State Legislature, gaining a wide reputation for readiness, wit and eloquence. He has been a very useful member of his party ever since war issues came to the front, and now occupies the responsible positiou of Assistant Secretary of the Interior Department at Washington, to which place he was appointed by President Arthur in July, 1882.

Hon. Wm. Kerr, deceased. - The subject of this notice was born in Delaware County, Ohio, Dec. 22, 1819. In 1839 he came to Illinois, then the " far West," and in the following year made his home in Boone County, where he soon became noted among the settlers as a man of great intellectual strength and ability. He had always a preference for the law, and quite early in his career as a pioneer he began the pursuit of it - not for gain, but merely as a pastime. Such a man was, of course, conspicuous above his fellows in a new settlement, and Mr. Kerr soon became the gratuitous counselor and general peacemaker of his neighborhood. He pursued this course with but little profit to himself, but with great benefit to the community, until the year 1857, when his friend, Hon. L. S. Church, persuaded him to remove to Woodstock and devote himself to the law as a profession. Mr. Kerr yielded, became Mr. Church's law partner, and soon won distinguished recognition as a lawyer. He served one term as County Judge, and died July 28, 1866, in the midst of another term. A local paper, chronicling his decease, spoke of him as follows :

" His death has caused a vacancy on the bench, in the ranks of his profession, in his business connections, in the community, and particularly in the family circle, which can never he filled. As a member of society he was ever amiable, sociable, charitable and kind, never arrogating to himself superiority above the lowest, and never cringing below the highest, imitating neither the coxcomb nor the sycophant. As a counselor he was always candid and sincere, never espousing the wrong side because it was the side of his client and by being truthful he might lose a fee. As an advocate he was clear, logical and concise. The jurors whom he has addressed will remember that they were never afflicted by him with superfluous sentences or redundant words. As a judge he was always calm, dignified, dispassionate and right. He knew the law both intuitively and by study, and always declared it without fear or favor."

H. S. Hanchett, a lawyer of fair ability, came to Woodstock in the latter part of the year 1857. Soon after he formed a partnership with M. L. Joslyn which continued until about 1862. HaDchett then went into the army; during the war he was taken captive and starved to death in Anderaouville Prison.

P. B. Enos, S. K. Paynter and George A. Austin were among the members of this bar in 1857. So also was Enos W. Smith, but he never practiced law. T. B. Wakeman, of Harvard, 0. K. Couch, and John S. Burrows, of Richmond, were practicing attorneys in 1860.

Hon. Flavel K. Granger, of McHenry, though best known as a successful business man, is a member of the McHenry County bar of long standing. Mr. Granger was born May 16, 1832, in Wayne County, N- Y. He passed his boyhood upon a farm attending the common schools until fifteen years of age. He then attended an academy for two years and afterward was a student in the Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y. At the age of eighteen he engaged in school-teaching which he followed for three terms. In the spring of 1853 he migrated westward and immediately began the study of the law in the office of Smith & Williams, at Waukegan, 111. In the fall of 1855 he was admitted to the bar. On account of poor health and to obtain out-door exercise, he came to McHenry and engaged in stock-buying and grain-dealing. This has since been his principal business, although he has not neglected the law. His practice has been quite extensive and successful. In 1870 Mr. Granger was chosen Supervisor of the town of Mc-

Henry, being the first Republican ever elected to the office. Afterward he was twice re-elected. In the fall of 1 872 the Republicans of McHenry and Lake counties elected him their Representative to the Legislature. To this office he was re-elected three times without opposition. Daring his last two terms he was speaker of the House, having the honor of being the first to preside in the new State capitol building. His course while speaker wa^ such as to win the highest encomiums of the press and people. From many tributes, we selected the following from an editorial in the Sunday Telegraph, of Chicago, May 11, 1879:

"Mr. Granger, who is now in his fourth term, keeps a better run of the business of the House and knows better how to avail himself of the rules than any other member. He is well posted on every question of legislation; as a speaker he is easy and clear in his statements, always commanding the attention of his unruly audience."

Mr. Granger was married Jan. 18, 1859, to Miss Fannie Shirts> daughter of Henry and Thurza Shirts. Mrs. Granger died April 27, 1868, aged twenty-eight years. Three children were born of this union - Ada, Almon C. and Charles H. Dec. 2, 1869, Mr. Granger married Miss Frankie E. Brown, a native of New York. They have one child - Edwin P.

J. C. Smith, now a patent lawyer in Washington, practiced in Woodstock a short time after 1860. A lawyer named Burlingame came about the same time and remained a few months.

T. B. Wakeman settled in the town of Alden in 1839 and was the only lawyer ever a resident of that town. He remained until 1859, when he removed to Harvard, where he continued his profession several years. He finally removed to Chicago where he died in 1882. He had a good practice while in this county and was considered a sound lawyer. In 1868 Mr. Wakeman's son, B. Thaddeus Wakeman, a graduate of the law department of the University of Michigan, became associated with his father's practice and remained a short time.

"W. and Emily (Boynton) Young, his father a native of Antrim, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish descent, and his mother of Orleans County, Yt., of English and French descent. In the spring of 1865 the family moved to Will County, 111., and a year later to Kankakee County, where the mother died, Jan. 11, 1876. Five of a family of six children are living - A. W. ; E. E., of Egan, Dak.; Henry J., of Florence, Kas. ; Nellie, wife of Eobert Perry, of Dodge City, Kas.; Emily H., wife of Peter Yanderwater, Longview, Tex. Florence A. died in Canada, Feb. 29, 1860. A. "WVYoung received an academical education in Canada, and after coming to Illinois attended the Normal School at Normal, 111., two years. He then went to Millersburg, Ky., and taught a select school a year, and in 1870 came to McHenry County, and was Principal of the Eichmond schools a year, of the Woodstock schools two years, and of the Harvard schools three years. In the meantime he studied law with J. P. Cheever, and Sept. 15, 1876, was admitted to the bar, and at once formed a partnership with Mr. Cheever. In November, 1877, he was elected County Superintendent of Schools for a term of four years, and at the expiration of his term was appointed fo one year. In the spring of 1878 the partnership with Mr. Cheever was dissolved. Mr. Young has held the office of Town and City Clerk a number of years. Nov. 4, 1884, he was elected States Attorney of McHenry County on the Eepublican ticket. He is a member of the Eepublican Committee of the Eighth Senatorial District, embracing the counties of Lake, McHenry and Boone. He is a member of Harvard Lodge, No. 309, F. & A. M. ; Harvard Chapter, No. 91, E. A. M., and Calvary Oommandery, No. 25, K. T.

John A. Paebish was born in Washington County, N. Y., Aug. 6, 1825. His parents were well-educated and influential people. He was educated in the common schools of his native State, at Salem Academy, Cambridge Academy, and the New York State Normal School at Albany, graduating from the latter institution about 1850. Subsequently he taught in the Brockport Academy, New York, at Columbus, Ohio, and at Marengo, Aurora and Woodstock, 111., until about 1859, when poor health obliged him to quit teaching. Soon after he was admitted to the bar, and began the practice .of law in McHenry County, which he continued until his death, Feb. 7, 1882. He was then one of the older members of the McHenry County bar, honored in his profession. Owing to a weakness of his lungs, he was never able to plead in court, but devoted himself to office work, having a good practice. He was successful as an insurance and pension agent and as a money loaner. He had amassed a competency and was a respected and honored citizen. In 1878 Mr. Parrish married Mrs. Julia White, who survives him. He was public spirited and of liberal views. He was a Mason of high degree. He held a number of local offices.

William Jackson was born in Waterbury, Conn., Aug. 20, 1808, a son of Daniel and Polly (Frisbie) Jackson. In an early day four brothers came from Ireland to America; one, Daniel, settled in Maine; another, the father of Andrew Jackson, settled in South Carolina; John settled in Connecticut, and the fourth settled in Massachusetts. John reared a family of four boys, the second, Daniel, being the father of our subject. The maternal ancestors were natives of Scotland and came to America prior to the Revolution and settled in New Haven County, Conn. The grandfather of our subject, Reuben Frisbie, served in that war. He was a brother of Jude Frisbie, a member of the Legislature thirty years. He married Ruth Seward, sister of Colonel Seward, of Revolutionary fame, and aunt of Wm. A. Seward. Our subject's mother was a sister of Judge Frisbie, of Indiana. In 1819 Daniel Jackson moved to New York, in 1832 to Ashtabula County, Ohio, and in 1843 to McHenry County, 111., where he died at the age of seventy-one years. William Jackson received a common school education and after reaching manhood engaged in the lumber business. He began reading law with his uncle, Judge Frisbie, in 1828, but was not admitted to the bar till 1859. Since then he has paid considerable attention to his profession. He came to McHenry County in 1838 and located in Algonquin Township, but subsequently removed to the village of Nunda. He has been a prominent man in the county and has served as Justice of the Peace sixteen years. He has been twice elected Associate Judge, and was appointed Judge, vice Judge Carr, deceased. Politically he adheres to the Democratic party. He was married in Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1832, to Lucy Babbitt. They have had five sons - Amos Seward, Streeter, Herman (an attorney of Oskosh, Wis.), Samuel and Frank. Mr. Jackson has been a member of the Christian church fifty years.

Hon. Ira Rozel Curtiss, son of R. M. and Rachel Curtiss, was born Sept. 9, 1836, at Mt. Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y. His parents were from New England and practiced through life the industrious and economic habits so characteristic of the people of their birthplace. When about two years old his father died, leaving a large family to the care of his mother. His early boyhood was spent upon the home farm. At the age of sixteen he commenced business for himself, by renting land upon the "Genesee Flats" and farming the same. This enterprise was a financial success, so that he accumulated money enough in one year to pay his expenses while taking a regular classical course of studies in college; and after spending three years in Antioch College, under Horace Mann, he entered the senior class of Union College, at Schenectady, N. Y., under Dr. Knott, and graduated in 1860, receiving the degree of "Bachelor of Arts." In February, 1861, he located at Marengo, McHenry Co., 111., where he has continuously resided, excepting while in the Union army during the late Eebellion, having been mustered into the United States service, in Company D, Fifteenth Regiment Illinois Infantry Yolunteers, on May 24, 1861, and remained in the service until the following fall, when he was discharged on account, of ill-health and returned home. At the end of one year thereafter his health was restored, and then he was employed as clerk in the Provost-Marshal's office, for the major part of the time, until the close of the war, and while not so employed he prosecuted pension and bounty claims, studying law at spare intervals, until June, 1865, when he was admitted to the bar, since which time he has continued in the active practice of his profession. For several years he has been a member of the Board of Supervisors, and for the last two years its chairman, besides filling many minor and local offices in his town and county. In the fall of 1870 he was elected a Representative from McHenry County to the Twenty-seventh General Assembly, which commenced the revision of the laws under the then new Constitution and held four sessions. In 1876 he was elected State's Attorney and re-elected in 1880. During his eight years of service in that capacity he never had an indictment quashed and paid over to the school fund more money collected by him from fines than had ever before been paid to that fund from that source. In the fall of 1884 Mr. Curtiss was elected by his district to the State Senate by 4,799 majority, and is now representing the Eighth Senatorial District in the Thirty-fourth General Assembly. He has ever been an active worker and firm adherent to the principles of the Republican party. He takes a deep interest in the Grand Army of the Republic and was for two years Commander of Post

No. 169, at Marengo. He is also an active worker in Masonry, being a member of his local lodges and has received the Thirtysecond degree in Oriental Consistory. Mr. Curtiss was on May 27, 1874, united in marriage to Josie, only child of Elisha and Mary Dayton, a lady whose literary tastes and domestic qualifications form a fitting companion piece to her husband's active and busy life.

Hon. Benjamin N. Smith was born in McHenry County, in August, 1838. His father, Nathaniel Smith, was one of the pioneer settlers of the county. Judge Smith received his academic education at different schools in Illinois and Wisconsin. In August, 1864, he enlisted in Company E, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, and served uutil the close of the war. In April, 1866, he graduated from the law department of the University of Michi-' gan. The same year he opened an office in Woodstock, where he has since practiced. In 1869 he was elected County Judge, which position he held thirteen years. He was Master in Chancery four years. During the trial of Thomas and John Casey for the murder of Michael Lawler, he was the assistant of the prosecuting attorney. Judge Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a Mason of high standing, also connected with the G. A. R. and the A. O. U. W. He was married in 1866 to Miss Abbie B. Dake, of Woodstock, and is the father of two sons and two daughters.

M. F. Ellsworth was born in Kochester, N. Y., Sept. 14, 1838, a son of Lewis and Nancy A. Ellsworth, natives of New York. In 1843 his parents moved to McHenry County, 111., where his father engaged in stock dealiug. His father died Feb. 12, 1881, aged seventy-five years, and his mother, July 31, 1851. He is a descendant of Judge Ellsworth, a Supreme Judge during the administration of President Washington. His grandfather, Thomas Secor, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and was wounded seven times. He died in 1843 aged 108 years. Mr. Ellsworth received a good education and after leaving school went to Kentucky and taught till the breaking out of the Rebellion. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Houghtaling's Light Artillery for three months, and at the expiration of his term enlisted in Company H, Thirtysixth Illinois Infantry, and was elected Second Lieutenant of his company. He served seven months and then resigned on account of ill health. In July, 1862, he enlisted in the Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry as a private. Feb. 28, 1863, he was commissioned Sec- ond Lieutenant, and May following First Lieutenant, serving till his discharge, Sept. 11, 1865. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, Eed River campaign and battle of Guntown, where he was wounded in the hand and arm, and disabled for field duty. From Oct. 1, 1864, till discharged he served on court-martial duty. Alter his return home he began the study of law in the office of Church & Kerr, Woodstock, and in the fall of 1866 entered the law school at Ann Arbor, Mich., where he graduated in the spring of 1868, and was admitted to the bar. He practiced in Illinois a year, in JS'ew Hampton, Iowa, a year, and in Crete, Neb., four years. In 1874 he moved to Nunda, where he has builtup a large practice. Mr. Ellsworth was married December, 18G5, to Cornelia, daughter of Solomon and Luna Morey, of Ringwood, 111. They have three children - Edith A., Emma and Grace "W. Politically Mr. Ellsworth has affiliated with the Republican party, but of more recent date is a Prohibitionist. He is a member of Nunda Post, No. 226, G. A. R. Mrs. Ellsworth's father died in 1872 and her mother in 1879.

James H Slavin was one of the ablest and best lawyers the county has ever had. He was born and reared in the county, and after practicing law about fifteen years, died Feb. 6, 1875, at the age of thirty-eight years. He was a self-made man, and rose to distinction in his profession through energy of character and persistent application. He had no flashy qualities, but his mind was far-seeing, analytical and discriminating. He was capable of grasping and unravelling the most intricate questions of law. He had a sound knowledge of the law, a good memory and solid judgment. These qualifications made him a formidable opponent in debate and an able contestant at the bar. In all that is essential to the profession he was a good lawyer. He was kind and genial, and possessed an inexhaustible fund of humor. He kept aloof from politics, though taking an active interest in all questions of moment in local and national affairs. He would never consent to be a candidate for any office, but devoted himself closely to his profession. His career was successful, though brief, and his life honorable.

Hon. 0. H. Gillmore, County Judge, was born in Norfolk, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., June 17, 1848. His parents, Harvey and Esther (Sawyer) Gillmore, came to McHenry County in 1854, where the mother is still living. Judge Gillmore received a common-school education, and graduated in 1873 from the law department of the University of Michigan, after pursuing his studies for some time under the tuition of A. B. Coon and Ira E. Curtiss, of this county. He began practicing in Woodstock in 1873, and has been successful in his profession. In 1882 he was elected County Judge, and he is now serving in that office. He is a member of the Masonic order and an earnest Republican. Judge Gillmore married Miss Anna Granger, a native of Michigan.

John M. Sottthworth, for a number of years a practicing attorney of Woodstock, was born in Bradford, Vt., May 21, 1839. In 1858 he settled in McHenry County, and April 19, 1861, enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Regiment, the first regiment organized in the State; Sept. 18, 1861, he entered Company H, Eleventh Cavalry, as Lieutenant; he served upward of five years, and left the army with the rank of Major. He was elected Sheriff of the county in 1866, and Clerk of the Circuit Court in 1868. He began the practice of law in Woodstock in June, 1873. In August of the same year he was appointed Commissioner of the Illinois State Penitentiary. He now practices his profession in Chicago.

Hon. Richard Bishop, a lawyer and prominent business man of McHenry, is a native of New York. He was born in Gainesville, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1824. When Richard was but seven years of age his father, Hezekiah Bishop, was killed by a falling tree. This sad event left to the boy an inheritance of poverty, and he was early obliged to devote his labor to the support of the family. His first earnings were 10 cents per day at such labor as threshing grain with a flail longer than himself. When he became strong enough to use an ax, he cut wood for 20 and 25 cents per cord. When about twelve years of age he went to live with a physician, and during the three years that he remained in his family endured trials well calculated to break the heart and constitution of a boy. Every spring he was compelled to attend to a sugar orchard of sixty-five trees, cutting the wood, gathering the sap, and carrying the sugar home with a yoke upon his shoulders. When fifteen years old he hired with a blacksmith for three years, his wages being $30 for the first year, $35 for the second, and $40 for the third. He worked faithfully and learned the trade rapidly, though laboring at some disadvantage, as he was obliged to stand on a stool in order to make himself tall enough to strike upon the anvil. After serving his time he followed his trade two years. He was then twenty years of age, and, like many a young man at that time, he decided to go West. In the spring of

184:4 he bade a sorrowful farewell to his mother and the little cottage that sheltered her, and in the silence of night shouldered his trunk and proceeded on foot and* alone a distance of two miles where a carriage, which he had engaged, awaited him. Mr. Bishop has since visited that home, and he has also had the pleasure of welcoming his mother to a more pretentious one in the West secured by his own exertions. He sailed on the boat Bunker Hill, and the day after his arrival in Chicago took the stage for Waukegau, where his brother resided. There he worked at his trade for several months, receiving $17 per month for his services. When harvest came he became a laborer in the field at $1.50 per day. After the harvest was over, in company with a man named McAllister, he started for MoHenry on foot. They were not to be deterred by the sloughs and lakes which lay in their way, but waded them with their clothes tied in a bundle upon their heads. In McHenry Mr. Bishop followed blacksmithing until January, when he went to Waukegan and secured a job cutting wood for 50 cents per cord. The following spring he was again pursuing his trade in McHenry. The first year he earned enough to pay for eighty acres of land at $1.25 per acre, and at once made the investment. This proved a profitable venture, and as fast as he was able he made other purchases, buying and selling with good results. From this humble beginning, in spite of reverses, fires, etc., Mr. Bishop has become the owner of a large portion of the business of McHenry. He owns a large grist-mill, a wagon manufactory, an agricultural implement store, a pickle factory, besides a farm of nearly 1,000 acres. In 1874 he engaged in the banking business in Woodstock, which he followed two years. He then bought a choice law library at a cost of over $1,000, acquainted himself thoroughly with the principles of the law and was admitted to the bar. In 1874 he was a member of the Legislature. He has served as Supervisor for fifteen years. In politics he is a straight forward Democrat. Mr. Bishop has taken all the degrees in Masonry. Oct. 19, 1849, he married Miss Mary Maurice, a native of New Yerk. She is still living, and the mother of one son and a daughter. The son, Ormus, died in 1879; the daughter, Lola, is the wife of Thomas Walch, of McHenry. The career of Mr. Bishop is an eloquent illustration of what energy and will can accomplish .

common schools and at Notre Dame College, South Bend, Ind., graduating from that institution in 1872. In 1873 he began the study of the law in the office of Slavin & Smith, at Woodstock, and in 1878 entered upon the practice of his profession in this city. Of public stations, he has served as City Attorney, and as Public Administrator of the county four years. He is a member of the Catholic church, and is prominent in social circles.

A. B. Coon, Jr., son of A. B. Coon, of Marengo, was born in Marengo, Feb. 17, 1855. He graduated from Oberlin College, Ohio, in 1877, read law in his father's office, and was admitted to the bar in April, 1879. He practiced with his father until 1880, then removed to Woodstock and entered into partnership with Hon. M. L. Joslyn. Mr. Coon has taken a creditable rank among the members of the bar, and has a good practice. He is a member of the A. O . U. W. He was married in 1878 to Miss Ida Shores, of Marengo, and has two children.

Albert E. Bourne was born in Bristol, Kenosha Co., Wis., in 1849. He was educated at tbe State University, Madison, Wis., graduating in 1872. After graduation he taught school and pursued the study of the law. In 1880 he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois, and in July of the same year entered upon the practice of his profession as a member of the firm of Bourne & Gillmore, which partnership still continues. Mr. Bourne has served as Captain of Company G, Third Illinois National Guard, and is a member of the Masonic and A. O. U. W. orders. In politics he is Republican. He married, in 1872, Miss May L. Craig, who died Jan. 2, 1883. Three children of this union are living, and one deceased.

C. P. Barnes, one of the youngest of the McHenry lawyers, was born in Dorr, McHenry County, Feb. 14, 1862, and is a son of Chas. P. Barnes, Sergeant of Company D, Ninety-fifth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, who was killed at Vicksburg in May, 1863. The subject of this notice read law in the office of Judge Gillmore, and afterward under Judge Smith. He was admitted to the bar before the Appellate Court of Chicago, March 9, 1883, and has since practiced in Woodstock. Mr. Barnes was married, in 1883, to Miss L. A. Young, of Woodstock.

The first and only lawyer who ever practiced his profession in Huntley Village was Lawyer J. F. Casey, who put out his shingle in the spring of 1884. He is one of McHenry County's youngest sons, and one that she may well bo proud of. His natural talent, together with his perfect knowledge of law, places him among the first members of McHenry County bar. He was born in Grafton Township, March 6, 1858. He is a son of Daniel Casey, who was a full cousin of Judge Casey's, whose superior legal talent is recognized through this section of the county. Mr. Casey received his education principally in Huntley, and after teaching several years, during which time he devoted considerable time in the study of natural sciences, he entered the law office of Judge Kanstead, of Elgin, where he studied law eighteen months, and then entered the office of Judge Lovell, of Elgin, where he pursued his studies till April 7, when he was admitted to the bar in Chicago. He stood highest in the examination with thirty-five others who were examined and admitted at the same time. Mr. Casey's first appearance before the County Court was with five cases. One of his first cases was in the Appellate Court of Chicago. Mr. Casey is a young man who by his own exertions has brought himself to his present enviable position, and those who know him predict great achievements for him in his profession.

Cha.Ptee Til The Medical Profession

Introduction. - Early Physicians. - Their Character and Experiences. - Prevalence of Fever and Ague in Early Times. - The Climate. - Its Generally Healthful Character. - The High Standing of McHenry County Physicians. - Historical and Biographical Record. - Mention of Prominent Doctors, Early and Late. - Physicians of the Several Towns and Villages of the County.

The life of a medical practitioner in a newly settled country is generally one of toil and hardship . Compensation is usually meager, and however extensive may be the physician's practice, much of it must be rendered gratuitously on account of the poverty of his patients. A strong constitution and abundant patience is requisite to success; and success frequently means on the part of the physician the consciousness that he has performed his duty^well.

The first who prescribed for the "°k and suffering in the county, so far as can be learned, was Dr. Christy G. Wheeler, who located at McHenry shortly before it became the county seat. He was not a regularly educated physician, but had studied the Thompsonian method. About the same time, or perhaps in the following year, 1837, Dr. A. B. Cornish located near the present village of Algonquin. He was a good doctor for those days, and found plenty to do in the country. Yet from the fact that he started i erry, it would seem that his practice was not sufficiently lucrative to justify him in depending upon it for a livelihood. Wheeler became a merchant and does not seem to have devoted very much of his time to medicine. Dr. Luke Hale, who was in no sense of the word a competent physician, came into the county soon after the two first mentioned, and for several years exercised what knowledge he had in the interests of suffering humanity. Many of the early settlers would not trust entirely to their home physicians, and in critical cases frequently sent to the older settlements east of Fox Eiver for a doctor. But as the county grew in population, the number of

Fever and ague was the chief complaint, and by far the most frequent among the early settlers. It was especially prevalent in the region lying along Fox River. Aside from this disease, from which few pioneer settlements in the West were ever entirely free, there was little sickness. The early settlers were generally men and women of strong constitutions and robust health. They never called a doctor unless their symptoms were alarming, but instead relied upon the efficacy, of herb teas and other simple remedies- Had it not been for fever and ague, doctors would have had but little to do. That disease disappeared as the country improved, and now few sections of the country can boast of a healthier population . than McHenry County. No great epidemics have ever visited the people. There is nothing in the condition of air or climate to cause disease; besides, the present generation, having its parentage among the sturdy pioneers of Yankee stock, is free from inherited taints, and blest with good habits and vigorous health. The physicians of McHenry County have generally been men of more than average ability in their profession. Not a few have been men of culture and extensive scholarship. The present practitioners are almost without exception reckoned among the most honorable citizens, and in their professional character are possessed of judgment, faithfulness, knowledge and skill, such as entitle them to rank among the most useful members of society.

The first doctor in McHenry was Christy Gr. Wheeler, who came in 1837. He practiced medicine but little. Opening a store soon after he came he followed mercantile business until he died.

Dr. Bosworth, a well-educated and skillful physician, came next. Not caring to trust to the scanty returns to be derived from its practice, he brought with him a stock of goods and kept a store. He died about four years later.

Dr. McAllister then practiced here four years. He removed to Oshkosh, Wis., and died there. Dr. Coleman, now of Iowa, was here for about five years. He was succeeded by Dr. Flavel, from Virginia, who remained about six years, then returned to his native State. Dr. Ballou, now of Nunda, practiced here about five years. Dr. Mellendy had a good practice here for about ten years and was much esteemed as a physician. He went to California where he died a few years ago.

Dr. H. T. Brown, who began practice with Dr. Coleman, still resides and pursues his profession here. After him came Dr. Polly, who remained five years, then went to Indiana. Dr. Cravens, from Virginia, practiced about ten years in this place. He removed to Indianapolis, Ind., where for some time he was a surgeon in the insane asylum. He is now a Government physician in Colorado.

Dr. Christy G. Wheeler, although not strictly a physician, was the first who bore the title of "Dr." in the old county seat, McHenry. He was born in Dunbarton, N. H., March 24, 1811, and was a brother of Rev. Joel Wheeler. He was ordained a Baptist minister in Keene, N". H., and preached for two years. Having a knowledge of medicine, he concluded to change climate for his health, which was failing. He, with his wife and two children, came to Illinois in the fall of 1836. After stopping a few weeks at Geneva, they came to McHenry, being the first white family to locate in the township. The following May the stake was driven, locating the county seat at McHenry, Mr. Wheeler paid the cost of the survey of the town, $100. He purchased a small store and kept the first postoffice in the county. He was afterward Recorder of Deeds and held that office at the time of his death, March 28, 1842.

Dr. O. J. Howard, a physician of large practice in McHenry, is a native of Madison County, N. T. He was born Oct. 12, 1816. His ancestors were of English origin. His grandfather, John Howard, served in the Revolutionary war, was captured at Crown Point, and made his escape by jumping from the window of a two-story house and running for life while the bullets fell fast about him. His father, Joseph Howard, served in the war of 1812. Being in Canada at the commencement of hostilities, he was impressed into the British service, from which he fled, to join the American army at the first opportunity. Dr. Howard in early life worked at shoemaking and farming, hiring out at the latter for $5 per month. His educational privileges were few, but he took advantage of every opportunity for selfimprovement. In 1845 he went to Indiana where he studied medicine, working part of the time to pay his expenses. Here he studied and practiced for five years, obtaining a thorough knowledge of the science. In 1850 he returned to Ohio and went to Cleveland to attend college. Having no money, he was obliged to go in debt for his tuition. He graduated in the spring and began practice in Liverpool, Ohio, .where he remained seventeen years. He then removed to McHenry, where he has since pursued his profession with conspicuous success. Dr. Howard is a zealous friend of education. He is a member of the Kepublican party and of the Masons and Odd Fellows. While in Ohio he held the office of Postmaster during Lincoln's administration. In 1836 he married Miss Juliette Gould, a native of New York. They had six children, four of whom are living - Lodema, wife of Curtis Harvey, Lake County; Jane, wife of Simon Kennedy, McHenry; Selora, wife of James "Walch, McHenry, and A. R. Howard, of McHenry. Mrs. Howard died Nov. 3, 1874, aged fifty-nine years. In 1875 he married Rebecca, widow of Samuel King.

Dr. Edwin A. Beers (deceased) was born in Fairfield, Herkimer County, New York, in 1827; read medicine under Dr. Sweet, of that town, and graduated in 1853 from the medical department of the University of the city of New York. In 1855 he located at Crystal Lake, in this county, where he practiced four years. He then removed to McHenry where he died Nov. 26, 1879. In 1862 he was chosen Surgeon in the Seventy-second Illinois Eegiment, in which capacity he served nearly two years, when failing health compelled him to resign. He married Miss Esther M. Salisbury in 1856. She survives him.

Dr. Henry T. Brown, an old and respected physician of large practice, is a native of Manchester, Ontario Co., N. Y. He was born Nov. 1, 1823, and is the eldest son of Benjamin B. and Ann L. (Woy) Brown. His father, a veteran of the war of 1812, was a pioneer emigrating to Illinois in 1837. He held several offices of trust and was much respected. Dr. Brown was educated in the public schools and followed mercantile pursuits for four years. He studied medicine for three years under Dr. McAllister, and in 1850 graduated from the Eush Medical College, Chicago. He then went to California and remained two years, engaging in mining to some extent, but following his profession principally. He then returned and has since pursued his profession uninterruptedly and won an enviable reputation. Dr. Brown was married June 1, 1852, to Elmira, daughter of Abijah and Thankful Smith, natives of Vermont. They have two children. Dr. Brown has been connected with the Republican party from its origin.

Dr. C. H. Fegers, son of John and Gertrude Fegers, was born in the kingdom of Prussia in 1846. His father, a physician of extensive practice in his native country, came to America with his family in 1850 and located at West Point, Iowa. There he pursued his profession until 1876, when he returned to Germany on a visit, and while there, died of apoplexy. His widow is still living in Iowa. Dr. C. H. Fegers was educated in the schools of "West Point, Iowa, and subsequently followed the druggist's business in Keokuk and Burlington for six years. He then began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Andrews, of Chicago, meanwhile attending the Chicago Medical College. Graduating in the spring of 1879 he began his practice at Johnsburg, McHenry County, moving thence to McHenry in June, 1883. June 9, 1880, Dr. Fegers married Miss Alice McGhool, daughter of Sylvester McGhool, a native of Ireland, now living near Woodstock, 111.

J. H. Soothill, M. D., of Ringwood, is a native of McHenry County, born at Harvard, May 25, 1860. His parents, Joseph and Charlotte Soothill, were born in England, and came to this country in 1856. His father follows the occupation of contractor and builder. Dr. Soothill worked at carpentry in boyhood. He graduated from the Harvard High School, and at the age of eighteen began the study of medicine. In the fall of 1880 he entered the Chicago Medical College, and for three years attended the college and in the hospital. He graduated March 27, 1883, and soon after located at Prophetstown, Whiteside County, where he practiced a few months. Poor health obliged him to quit for a time. On recovering his health he located at Ringwood, where he already has a good practice.

Dr. A. F. Hedger came from New York State to Algonquin in 1849. After practicing about eighteen months at Algonquin he removed to Woodstock. Here he bought an interest in a drug store, and continued his profession in connection with the drug business for about eighteen months, when he died.

Dr. A. F. Merritt came from Geneva, Wis., in 1853, and in partnership with Dr. O. S. Johnson (see biography), bought Hedger's drug store, and formed a partnership in the practice of medicine, which continued about three years. Merritt then bought out his partner and continued to practice for some time. Johnson practiced till his death.

Other physicians besides those mentioned in the following biographical sketches have practiced in Woodstock, generally for short periods. The city practitioners are now meu of acknowledged worth, well skilled in their profession.

Dr. George E. Stone. - The subject of this notice was born in Monktown, Vt., April 4, 1803. His father was a distinguished physician, and he pursued his medical studies in his native town under his direction. Dr. Stone graduated at the medical college at Oastletoa, Vt., when but a youth, too young according to the rules of the institution to receive the degree M. D., which was conferred upon him when he reached his majority. He began practice in Monktown and labored zealously and successfully. He was a close student, and possessed an analytical and discriminating mind. He stood at the head of his profession in his native State, with few equals and no superiors. In 1857 he settled in Woodstock, but strictly adhered here to a previously formed resolution not to practice in the West, occasionally yielding to the solicitation of his friends and the earnest requests of resident physicians to give his opinion in critical cases. Dr. Stone died in Woodstock, Aug. 23, 1876. He was not only eminent in his profession, but his mind was stored with the richest treasures of learning. In literature, science, ethics and theology he was well versed. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was highly honored by all who knew him.

D. C. Green, M. D., is a son of John and Anna (Hechler) Green, the former a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and the latter of German descent. John Green came to McHenry County in 1838, and erected the second house in Seneca, where he took up 320 acres of land. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California. His return was expected as late as 1861, but it is supposed that he was murdered on the return journey. His wife died at Marengo iu 1867, leaving six children, all of whom are living. D. C. Green received his primary education in the common schools and in the Academy at Belmont, N. Y. Subsequently he entered the Hudson River Institute, near Hudson, "N. Y. He studied medicine in Marengo, 111., and in 1858 became a student in the office of Dr. Hiram Hoyt, at Syracuse, N". Y. He began the practice of medicine in Joy, "Wayne Co., N. Y. Two years later he was called into service in the Fairfax Hospital at Alexandria, Va. He spent the winter of 1862-'3 in JBellevue Hospital, New York, after which he opened an office and practiced in Juno County, Wis. In 1871 he came to Woodstock where he has since been almost continuously engaged in practice. During this t'une he attended the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, during two sessions, and received a diploma from that institution. Dr. Green was married in Wayne County, N. Y, in 1860, to Miss Etta Van de Bogart, a native of Ontario County, N. Y. He has acquired a large practice, and is not only a reliable physician but a well-known and highly esteemed citizen.

Dk. "W. H. Buck was born in Lycoming County, Pa., in 1840, and came to Illinois with his mother when young. He was educated in the common schools, and then engaged in the work of teaching, at the same time pursuing the study of medicine. He attended the Hahnemann Medical College in Chicago in 1865-'6, and continued studying with Dr. Mesick, of Marengo, 111. In 1866 he began practicing at Richmond; in 1867 removed to "Woodstock, and in 1869 entered the Homeopathic Medical College of New York, where he graduated in 1870. Since that time he has been steadily engaged in the practice of his profession in "Woodstock, where he has an excellent reputation both as a physician and as a citizen.

De. Y. B. Anderson was born in Girard, Erie Co., Pa., in 1847. He is a son of Amos W. and Almira (Allen) Anderson, natives of Pennsylvania; they came to Seneca, McHenry County, in 1854, where they still reside. Dr. Anderson was educated in the schools of "Woodstock and read medicine under the tuition of Dr. J. Northrup. In 1868 he entered the Rush Medical College, from which he graduated in 1871. The same year he began practice in Central, Ford Co., 111., where he remained two years. He next practiced in Buchanan County, Iowa, for three years, then located at McHenry, where he remained until the spring of 1883, when he removed to Woodstock. He was married in 1875 to Miss Isabella A. Todd, a native of Connecticut, and has two children. Dr. Anderson is a member of the Masonic order and of the A. O. U.W. William W. Cook, M. D., is a son of Thomas M. and Sarah (Coquillette) Cook, and was born in Seneca, McHenry County, Dec. 31, 1855. His parents were both natives of Brooklyn, N. Y., and were among the earliest settlers in Seneca, where they still reside. Four of their children are living - Laura, wife of John Deitz, Sibley, Iowa; Charles E., a physician at Huntley, 111.; Edward H., and the subject of this sketch. William W. Cook received his primary education at Naperville, and at the age of nineteen began studying medicine in the office of Dr. Isher, of Chicago. In 1878 he graduated from the medical department of the Northwestern University, Chicago. The same year he began practicing in Woodstock, where he has gained a good practice. He has been particularly successful in surgery, having secured through devotion to his studies and the tuition of his preceptor a thorough surgical education. May 12, 1878, he married Miss Ella, daughter of IT. T. Hyde, Esq., of Seneca, by whom lie has one child. Dr. Cook has served several years as the Coroner of this county. His father has also been prominent in local affairs, and the family is among the oldest and most respected in the county.

Richmond

S. Fillmore Bennett, M. D., is a son of Robert and Sally (Kent) Bennett, who were married Oct. 24, 1821. Mrs. Bennett died at Lake Zurich, Lake Co., 111., on her eightieth birthday. For years she had predicted that she would die on that day. Robert Bennett is still living at the age of eighty-four. Dr. Bennett is the eighth of a family of eleven children - seven sons and four daughters - all of whom lived to become the heads of families. He was born in the village of Eden, Erie Co., N. Y., June 21, 1836. When two years of age he came with his parents to Plainfield, 111., where the family resided three years; then removed to Lake Zurich, 111., and settled upon a farm. Here the subject of this sketch passed his boyhood, laboring on the farm, attending the district school in the winter, and in his spare time reading; all the books to which he could gain access. At the age of sixteen he entered the academy at Waukegan, 111. At the age of eighteen he began teaching school at Wauconda, 111. In 1858 he entered the University of Michigan, leaving at the end of the university year to take charge, as Principal, of the Richmond, 111., public schools. He resigned this place in 1861 and became associate editor and proprietor of the Elkhorn (Wis.) Independent with Frank Leland, afterward U. S. Consul to Hamilton, Canada. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Fortieth Regiment of Wisconsin "Volunteers, and served during his term of enlistment as Second Lieutenant. Selling his newspaper interest he opened a drug store in Elkhorn in 1866, and then began the study of medicine. Five years later he returned to Richmond and again had charge of the public schools for one year. In 1874 he graduated M. D. from Rush Medical College, being the valedictorian of his class. Soon after he began the practice of medicine at Richmond, where he still resides, enjoying a large practice and holding the position of U. S. Examining Surgeon for Pensioners, to which he was appointed soon after graduating.

But it is as a man of letters that Dr. Bennett has won his greatest laurels. When a mere lad he began contributing verse to newspapers and from that time onward he has been a voluminous writer; but as* his work has been mainly for the daily and weekly press of the country, it is largely lost amid the mass of similar work from tens of thousands of writers. During his residence in Elkhorn he became associated with J. P. Webster, the musical composer, then best known to the world as the author of the famous song "Lorena." For several years they published together numerous songs in the form of sheet music, many of which became very popular. During this time they published three musical works - "The Beatitudes," a Sabbath-school cantata; "The Cantata of the Great Rebellion," and "The Signet Ring," a book to which Mr. Bennett contributed nearly a hundred original hymns. The "Sweet Bye and Bye" was first published in the " Signet Ring." This hymn alone entitles the author to an enduring place among the poets of our land. The following extracts from a newspaper article written by Dr. Bennett explains the origin of this beautiful song :

"Mr. Webster, like many musicians, was of an exceedingly nervous and sensitive nature and subject to periods of depression in which he looked upon the dark side of all things in life. On such an occasion he came into my office. Walking to the stove, he turned his back to me without speaking. I was at my desk, writing. Presently, I turned to him and said, ' Webster, what is the matter now?' ' It is no matter,' he replied, ' it will be all right bye and bye! ' The idea of the hymn came to me like a flash of sunlight, and I replied, 'The sweet bye and bye! Why would not that make a good hymn ? ' ' May be it would, ' said he indifferently. Turning to my desk, I penned the words of the hymn as fast as I could write. In the meantime two friends came in. I handed the hymn to Mr. Web3ter. As he read it his eye kindled and his whole demeanor changed. Stepping to the desk, he began writing the notes. Presently he requested his violin to be handed to him and he played the melody. In a few moments more he had the four parts of the chorus jotted down. I think it was not over thirty minutes from the time I took my pen to write the words before the two friends who had called, Mr. "Webster and myself were singing the hymn in the same form in which it afterward appeared in the 'Signet Ring.'

" While we were singing, Mr. E. E. Crosby, now a resident of Richmond, 111., came in, and after listening a while, with tears in his eyes, uttered the prediction, ' That hymn is immortal ! ' I think it was sung in public shortly after, for within two weeks almost every child on the streets was singing it."

We need not comment upon the world-wide renown which this hymn has gained. It is now published in numerous collections of sacred music in America, is translated into various foreign tongues and sung in every land beneath the sun. A beautiful Chinese translation of the hymn hangs in the Doctor's office.

De. Samuel E. Waed was born on the island of Ceylon, Aug. 7, 1842. His father, Dr. Nathan Ward, was a missionary physician, sent by the American Board of Foreign Missions, in 1833, to the island of Ceylon, where he remained until 1847. The elder Dr. Ward was born in New Hampshire in 1804, and graduated from the Maine Medical School, Brunswick, Me., about 1831. He began practice in Dover, N. H., where he remained two years before going to India. In India, besides practicing medicine, he edited a newspaper styled the " Morning Star," taught in a theological seminary, and translated several English works into the Tamel language. After returning to his native land, he practiced his profession in Burlington, Vt., for six years, then engaged in preaching the gospel as a Congregationalist. After following this work for about six years, he decided to return to his former field of labor. He died at sea, when three weeks out from Boston, Nov. 24, 1860, and his remains received an ocean burial. His widow continued^ the journey, and labored five years as a mission- ary in India. She returned to her native land in 1865, and died in New York in the same year. Dr. S. K. Ward received his early education in "Vermont, attending the Misisquoi Valley Academy, the St. Johnsbury Academy, and the Burlington High School. He entered the University of Vermont in 1860, and graduated in 1864. He then went to "Washington, D. C, and read medicine under Dr. H. B. Trist. He graduated from the medical department of Georgetown College, in March, 1868, then went to St. Louis and spent several months in the city hospitals. The next year he spent in New Hampshire, reviewing his studies. In 1870 he entered upon the practice of his profession in Chicago, removing thence to Bichmond, his present home, in 1874. He was married May 9, 1871, to Miss Annah F. Fisher, daughter of L. G. Fisher, of Chicago. They have two children living and three deceased. Dr. Ward has s&rved as President of the village board and in other local offices.

Dr. Royal Sykes, from Vermont, located in the western part of the town of Hebron in 1848, and resided and practiced here until 1876, when he removed to Chicago, where he died in 1878.

Dr. J. H. Giddings was the first physician in the village of Hebron, where he settled about 1858. He went into the army during the war and remained in Hebron but a short time after his return.

In the fall of 1865 Dr. E. O. Gratton, from New York, settled in this village, where he still practices. Dr. J. M. Mansfield practiced herefrom 1876 to 1880. He was succeeded by Dr. H. B. Cheesbro, who remained a little over two years, removing in the fall of 1883. Dr. Alfred Turner came in November, 1883, and still resides here. Hebron has also a lady physician, Dr. Catharine Slater.

Dr. E. O. Gratton, subject of this sketch, was born in Sandy Creek, Oneida Co., N Y., May 24, 1824; his mother died Sept. 10, 1827, and with his father he moved to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., February, 1828, where he received his education. The study of medicine, surgery and care of the sick was always foremost in his mind. The'first case ever attended by him was James McGowan, an Irishman who was taken with pleurisy, and chose him as his physician; he carried him through successfully, though only sixteen years of age. At the age of twenty-one "years he married

Caroline Walton and commenced farming in Mansfield, Cattaraugus County, where they lived until 1860. During this time five children were born - Fred E., Christina A., Sidney A., Lydia A. and Rosina. In March, 1860, leaving his family with Mrs. Furness, Mrs. Gratton's mother, he, with Charles C. Hull, emigrated to Coles County, 111., where he bought an interest in a large farm with a determination to make that a business, and in the fall sent for his family. It being so near the breaking out of the Rebellion, this enterprise was a failure, and the 7th of August, 1862, he went to Chicago in company with George Galloway, and they on the 8th of August enlisted in Company B, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry. The first duty performed was to treat the first man taken sick in the regiment. He drilled three times in the company and then was assigned to .the regimental hospital, where he remained doing all kinds of duty from nurse to physician and surgeon. In the summer of 1863, after the surrender of "Vicksburg, came a call to him from the officers of the Twelfth Louisiana Regiment (colored) to take the position as Surgeon of that regiment. He positively refused, but by an order from General Grant he was detached from his regiment and assigned to duty as Surgeon pro tern. He reported to headquarters of said regiment, and the same time put in application for relief, and after thirtydays of hard work his application was returned approved by General Grant. During the stay with said regiment he had to prescribe for from 185 to 450 patients each day. After returning to his regiment he had to take the position of Assistant-Surgeon, some times having all the work to do in the medical department. After the war closed, in the fall of 1865, he came to Chicago to take a course of lectures in Rush Medical College, and on Jan. 27, 1866, came to Hebron and began the practice of medicine and surgery. In October, 1866, lie sent for his family who were in Western New York. They joined him Oct. 17, in Hebron, where they have since lived. Gertie H., the youngest daughter, was born June 6, 1871. The practice has been successful. He expects to remain and continue the practice of medicine, surgery and the sale of drugs, usually kept in a country drug store.

Greenwood

The first physician in this town was Dr. McCay, who remained about a year. He was succeeded by Dr. White who died here after about two years' practice. Dr. Ballinger came next and remained about a year. Then came Dr. Hart, who still remains. Dr. Wm. B. Hart was born in Burgeon, Genesee Co., N. Y., Jan. 4, 1812, and was the third of a family of five children. His father, Timothy F. Hart, was a shoemaker by trade. Dr. Hart's boyhood was passed in his native county where he received an academic education and learned his father's trade. He followed shoemaking until twenty-six years of age. He engaged in the study of medicine under Dr. J. J. Treat, and in 1849 graduated from the Buffalo, N. Y., Medical College. Beginning his practice with his preceptor in the city of Rochester, he continued there one year, removing thence to Woodstock, 111., where for five years he had a large and successful practice. He then removed to Greenwood, where he has since resided, sustaining an excellent reputation as a physician and enjoying the respect of the entire community. Dr. Hart was married in 1838 to Miss Phoebe M. Dewey, daughter of David S. Dewey, of Brockport, N. Y. They have had four children. Three sons are living and one daughter is deceased. Mary A. died at the age of six years. Henry P. is a farmer and resides in this State. He was a private in Company H, Ninetyfifth Regiment 'Illinois Volunteers, and rooe from that grade to the rank of Captain in the second year of his service. William C. is a farmer, residing in Colorado. Charles Y. is an engineer on the Union Pacific Railway in Wyoming Territory.

About 1842 Dr. Mesick, now of Marengo, began the practice of medicine at Franklinville, within the present town of Seneca. Some two years later he had a rival in the person of Dr. Cool, now of Chicago. Both left a short time afterward. Later came Dr. Clayton, who remained only about a year. Franklinville has had no resident physician for several years.

Dr. Bennett was the only physician that ever settled in this town. He removed here nearly thirty years ago, and resided here until recently. He is now in Woodstock.

Algonquin

Dr. David Burton was the first physician in this place. He came in 1844 and practiced until his death. He was succeeded by Dr. H. G. Terwillager, then by Dr. Reed, in 1850, who remained about five years. Then came Drs. A. Hedger, Winslow and Hunt, Johnston, ¥ra. Winchester, Bentley and Hait, most of whom remained but for short periods. Dr. Young was the next physician. About 1860 Dr. Dean settled here. He was accidentally drowned while skating not long afterward. Dr. Wm. A. Nason next settled here and still remains. Among others who have come since Dr. Nason and remained for a short time have been Drs. Robinson, Hill and D. H. Merrill.

De. David Burton, deceased, practiced in Algonquin from 1841 until his death in 1850. He was universally esteemed. He was well skilled in his profession and a fine scholar. He was of English descent and was the adopted son of R. R. Sherwood, of Algonquin. He was educated in the seminary at Nunda and graduated at Geneva College.

The first physician who located in this place was Dr. H. W. Johnson, who came about 1856 and practiced until his death, a period of twelve years or more.

Dr. A. C. Bingham came next and is still practicing here. About the same time with Dr. Bingham came Dr. D. A. Wade, who remained but a short time.

Hoeace W. Johnson, M. D ., deceased, was the first physician of Harvard. When he first came to the county, in 1856, the site ol Harvard was a corn-field. Judge Ayers was the only man living in the village proper. Dr. Johnson was born in New York City, Dec. 16, 1810, the eldest of three children of Jacob and Maria (Johnson) Johnson. He was educated in New York, and graduated from the old Rutger College, his preceptor being Valentine Mart. He practiced his profession in New York City till twentysix years of age. In 1836 he came West and located in Kenosha, Wis., remaining there till his removal to Harvard. From that date till his death, Feb. 24, 1871, he was one of the leading physicians of the county. He was married Nov. 6, 1842, in Bloomfield, Wis., to Adaline A. La Tour, a native of New York City, born Aug. 27, 1823, a daughter of James and Christina Kipp) La Tour.

They had a family of four sons and two daughters; but one is living - Col. M. Johnson, M. D., of Harvard. Mrs. Johnson's grandfather, Anthony W. La Tour, came to America from France with Lafayette, and was subsequently an officer in the Eevolutionary war. During Lafayette's visit he rode in the carriage with him, being the only one then living that came over with him during the war. Her parents came West in the spring of 1841, and settled in Walworth County, Wis.

The first physician who located here was Dr. Frazier, who remained but a short time. Next came Dr. Horn, whe remained until the spring of 1884, when he removed to Hammond, Ind. Dr. Launier came in 1879, and left in 1882. The present practitioners are Dr. Ballou and Dr. Watson.

C. C. Watson, M. D., was born in Ontario, Canada, June 13, 1850, a son of Hugh and Nancy (Best) Watson, natives of Pennsylvania. His mother died in Canada in 1854, and his father in Missouri in 1858. His grandfathers, James Watson and James Best, were both natives of Pennsylvania and heroes of the Eevolutionary war. When a boy C. C. Watson lived on a farm and had the benefit of the public school in the winter. He then taught for a time, and subsequently entered the medical department of Ann Arbor University, Mich. He remained there a year and then came to Illinois and worked on a farm and attended school till 1875, when he began reading medicine with Dr. Best, of Arlington, Cook County, remaining with him three years, and in the spring of 1878 graduated from Kush Medical College, Chicago. He immediately located in Nunda where he has built up a fine practice. Dr. Watson was married in September, 1879, to Lottie, daughter of Orin Mansfield, of Nunda, 111. They have one son - Hugh. In his political views Dr. Watson is a Bepublican.

Dr. D. S. McGonigle was the first settled physician in this town. He came in 1845, and remained only a year or two. Dr. Allen C. Bingham resided and practiced here from 1857 to 1865, leading a successful professional career. In 1868 and 1869 Dr. D. C. Gilbert was located here. Dr. Woodworth came in 1870, and remained about a year. From 1874 to 1881 Dr. A. S. Munson was

Marengo

" We are pained, this week, to record the death of Dr. Theodore W. Stull. * * * The cause of his death was consumption. His age was forty-six years. He leaves a wife and three little girls to mourn the loss of a faithful, devoted husband and father. Though comparatively a young man, he was one of the old citizens of our town, has always been identified with our interests, and held a warm place in the hearts of all who knew him. In all the walks of lite - as a citizen, soldier, physician and Christian man - he was exemplary and influential."

John W. Green, M. D., is a native of Greenfield, Huron Co., Ohio, born June 23, 1822, the fourth son and youngest of eight children of John and Mary (Ackley) Green. His father was a Methodist minister, and died in Huron County at the age of fortysix years. His mother died in Cleveland, Ohio, aged seventy-five years. Their family all lived till maturity; but one daughter and a son are now living. John W. Green spent his early days on a farm but obtained a good education by attending school during the winter months. When twenty-two years of age he began the study of medicine with Prof. Daniel Meeker, of La Porte, Ind., and remained with him three years. He attended four terms at the Indiana Medical College, La Porte, Ind. (now located at Indianapolis), and graduated in the spring of 1848. One year previous to his graduation (in 1847) he located in Pleasant Grove, which name has since been changed to Marengo, 111., where he has built up a good practice. He is one of the oldest physicians in the county, and has gained a reputation second to none. He was married March 7, 1849, to Louisa Babcock, eldest daughter of Enoch Babcock. In April, 1863, he was commissioned Surgeon of the Ninetyfifth Illinois Infantry and mastered in May 6, 1863. He served two years and four months, and the greater part of the time had charge of the brigade. In February, 1865, he was detailed to take charge of the Third Division Field Hospital, Sixteenth Army Corps. Dr. Green is a member of the Fox River Medical Association and the Masonic fraternity. He has three daughters. Mary married W. B. Waters, commission merchant of Chicago.

Adell married Robert E. Strahorn, Vice-President and General Manager of Idaho and Oregon Land Improvement Co. Hattie is a student in "Woman's Medical College, Chicago.

S. C. Wernham, M. D., is the only physician of Riley Township. He was born in New York City, in 1846, a son of James and Margaret (McKenzie) Wernham, his father a native of England and his mother of New York City, of Scotch descent. James Wernham was eight years old when he came to the United States. He lived in New York till 1854, and then came to Illinois and bought 200 acres of land in Riley Township, McHenry County. In July, 1856, his family came to the county but remained only a year. They returned to New York, but two years later came again to McHenry County. The father died in Marengo in 1876 and the mother in 1878- S. C. Wernham was educated in the schools of New York City and Marengo. In 1870 he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. W. Green, of Marengo, and afterward attended Rush Medical College, graduating in the spring of 1874. He located in Marengo where he had a successful practice ten years. In connection with his profession he has engaged extensively in agricultural pursuits. He owns a fine farm of 260 acres, all well improved. He was married in June, 1872, to Emma Titus, daughter of W. J. Titus. They have had four children - James M., Spencer C, George F. and Mattie E. The eldest is deceased. Politically Dr. Wernham is a Republican. He is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M. Mrs. Wernham is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Edward L. Sheldon, M. D., was born in Dorr Township, McHenry Co., 111., Feb. 22, 1846, a son of Allen Sheldon, a native of Steuben County, N. Y., who settled in Dorr Township in 1840. He was reared on his father's farm, attending the public schools in his boyhood, and subsequently Todd's Seminary in Woodstock, and Wheaton College. In 1871 he attended the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, and Jan. 28, 1873, graduated from Bennett Medical College, Chicago, 111. He located at Union, Feb. 10, 1873, and has now a good practice. He is a hard student, loves his profession and has been a successful practitioner. Dr. Sheldon was married April 9, 1873, to Emma E. Clark, daughter of Deacon A. H. Clark, who settled in Marengo in 1854. They have three children - Ernest A., Mary B. and Anna E.

his mother of French descent. In 1855 his parents moved to Illinois, and settled in Winnebago County, where he was reared. His education was obtained in the Rockford schools. After leaving school he taught three years. In 1874 he began the study of medicine with Dr. D. E. Foote, of JBelvidere, and was with him four summers. His first course of lectures were at the Chicago Medical College, in the fall of 1875. He took his second course at the same college in the winter of 1877-'78, and graduated March 5, 1878. The same month he located in Marengo, and became associated with Dr. J. W. Green, and has been successful in his practice. He was married December, 1878, to Jeannette M., daughter of William and Jeannette (Robertson) Shepherd, of Rockford, 111. Dr. Nutt is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M.; Lansing Chapter, No. 73, R. A.M., and the A. O. U. W. Politically he is a Republican.

C. C. Miller, M. D., was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., June 10, 1831, a son of Dr. Johnson and Phoebe (Roadman) Miller, his father a native of New Jersey, and his mother of Pennsylvania. His early life was spent in school. He graduated from Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., in 1853, and soon after commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Sheridan, of Johnston, Pa. He graduated from the medical department of the Michigan University, Ann Arbor, in 1856, and the same year located in Marengo, where he practiced a year. He was obliged to abandon his practice on account of his health, and taught school till the spring of 1878. He had charge of the public schools of Marengo six years. Since leaving the school-room he has given his attention to bee culture. He has 300 colonies and is the most extensive apiarist in the county. He has served as President of the Northwestern and Secretary of the National Beekeepers' Association. Dr. Miller was married in 1857 to Mrs. Helen M. White, a native of Massachusetts, a daughter of Clinton and Nancy Cannon. To them were born two children - Chas. C. and Katie. The latter died in infancy. Mrs. Miller died in March, 1880. November, 1881, Dr. Miller married Sidney, daughter of John and Margaret Wilson. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

about three and one-half years, when he moved to Union Village, where he practiced twenty-two years, and then moved to Tennessee, where he is engaged in the land business. Dr. A. McWright came in 1855. Dr. Suitor came in the spring of '56, andjremained but one year. Dr. Snow came to the township in 1858. Dr. Elvin Briggs came in 1840, and remained in practice till his death, in

1881. Dr. E. L. Sheldon came to Union in 1875, and still remains in practice, being the only physician of the place. In 1883 came Dr. Griffith, but remained only a short time.

Physicians Of Huntley

Dr. Ainsworth was the first physician to settle in Huntley. He came in 1852, and a few years afterward died of cholera while attending a stranger, who came to the place with that disease. Following him came Dr. John Garrison, who, with a partner by the name of Trough, practiced only a short time, when Garrison died, it being in the fall of 1857, and in 1858 Dr. Trough died. While Garrison & Trough were in practice a Dr. Cale located in Huntley, but remained only a short time. Next came Dr. Perry, who practiced till his death, which occurred in 1872. During Perry's practice Dr. Rodman came, and moved to Darien in 1857. Dr. R. Turner came about the year 1860, and practiced till

1882, when he died. Dr. A. Griffith came in 1871, and practiced till 1883, when he moved to Marengo, where he is now in practice. Dr. Chas. E. Cook came to Huntley in 1880, and is the only practicing physician in the place at present. Dr. Cook was born in Seneca Township, McHenry Co., 111., Jan. 27, 1853. Received his education in Jennings Seminary, Aurora, 111. Graduated in 1880 at the Chicago Medical College, and came to Huntley the same spring.

Physicians Of Crystal Lake

Dr. Erwin was the first physician of the place. He came in 1842 and remained till 1857, when he moved to Chicago where he is still practicing. Next came Dr. Smith, who died here while engaged in his practice. Dr. Beers practiced here prior to going to McHenry, where he died. Dr. Ballou was the next. He is at present located in Nunda, where he is doing a big business. Among the list of Crystal Lake doctors we find the name of Dr. Lowell, who in his time had many friends and a good practice. Dr. Graves died here after a few years' practice. Dr. Hayes, who practiced here for a short time, is now a resident of Iowa. Dr. Hall is now in Chicago; he practiced here comparatively a short time. Dr. Crandall went from here to the army, and never returned. Dr. Lowell is the present physician.

L. D. Lowell, M. D., is a native of Montgomery County, N. Y., born July 19, 1836, a son of A.. B. and Anna M. (Seebor) Lowell. His paternal ancestors were the founders of Lowell, Mass. His maternal grandfather, William Seebor, was a native of New York, and died in 1847. His great-grandfather and four brothers were killed in the battle of Riskna, and two others were wounded. In 1845 his parents moved to Walworth County, Wis., where they still reside. He remained on the farm till twenty-one years of age. He received a good education and taught school one year. In 1858 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Wilson, oi Sharon, Wis. He afterward attended Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he graduated in the spring of 1864. He located in Crystal Lake, where he has built up a large practice, and is now one of the best known and oldest physicians of the county. He was married July 2, 1862, to Sarah E., daughter of Thomas and Hannah Miller, natives of Kinderhook, N. Y. They have five children - Edith L., wife of H. C. Smith, of New York City, Lorenzo D., Edward T., Ferdinand E. and George B. Politically Dr. Lowell is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church.

Physicians Of Chemung Village

Dr. Miller was the first physician of this village. He came in 1848 and remained till 1856. Next came Dr. Johnson, who practiced here only a short time, when he moved to Harvard, where he died a few years afterward. About the year 1858 came Dr. Wade, who remained till about 1863, when he moved to Woodstock, where he practiced two years and moved to Harvard, where he is still located. Dr. Devine came in 1862 and remained five years, when he moved to Ohio and afterward to California. From 1867 to ]875 the village was without a doctor. In 1875 Dr. Chase came, and has since continued in practice with the exception of one year. During this year of Dr. Chase's absence Dr. McClure practiced in the place.

Lawrence

part of the county, was born near the city of Bath, Somersetshire, England, April 26, 1818, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Porter) Clark, his mother a relative of Admiral Porter, of Revolutionary lame. His father was a farmer. Satnnel was the eldest son and third child of a family of three sons and four daughters. He began reading medicine when fourteen years of age with Rev. P. Simpson, an Episcopal clergyman, and also a physician. When seventeen years of age he came with his parents to America and lived in Albany, N. Y., about ten months, then went to Brantford, Canada West, where he continued his medical studies and was married to Elizabeth Clark, a native of England, and a daughter of John and Hannah (Robbins) Clark. In 1845 Dr. Clark came "West and settled on a farm near Poplar Grove, Boone Co., 111. Built the first house and store that started the village there, where he remained some fifteen years then removed to Beaverton, Boone Co., 111., where he bought property and laid out a town, and built a grist-mill, house and store, but failing to get a railroad through it, he left it in 1861, and moved to McHenry County, and bought a farm near Lawrence, which is now one of the finest places in the county. In 1869 he went to New York, and in 1870 graduated from the New York Eclectic Medical College. He then returned to Lawrence and practiced about eight years when he went to San Jose, Cal., and two years later to Santa Cruz, where he remained three years, and while there had a large practice and helped to establish the Eclectic Medical Society of the State of California; then returned to Lawrence, 111., and in May, 1883, opened the only store in the place, where he has a complete stock of goods, including drugs and medicines. In addition to a large medical practice and the oversight of his store, he superintends his farm, which is well stocked with Jersey and short-horned cattle, Poland China hogs, Lincolnshire sheep and Plymouth Rock poultry. " Dr. Clark is a Free-Thinker, with knowledge of the immortality of the soul and one Gk>d,the Father of all men, and a worker for the liberty, equality and fraternity of man." He is a member of the National Eclectic Medical Association; Eclectic Medical Society of the State of Illinois, and a Fellow of the Eclectic Medical Society of the State of California. He is an advocate of the free, liberal and progressive Eclectic practice of medicine and the same in religion and politics.