McHenry County, Illinois - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1885

Jonathan IT. Ballard, farmer and dairyman, section 2, Grafton Township, is a native of Erie County, K Y., born Feb. 20, 1826, a son of Nathaniel Ballard, a native of Yermont but an early settler of Erie County, where he died June 1, 1840. Jonathan is the youngest of fifteen children. He lived in his native county till 1850 and then came West and located in Kane County, 111. In 1852 he returned to his native county, and Nov. 12, was married to Eleanor J. Bailey, and soon after came to Illinois and located in Du Page County. To them were born four childrenthree are living - Daniel Webster, Emily E. and Eleanor. Mrs. Ballard died Dec. 21, 1863. In 1864 Mr. Ballard went to Erie County, jSL T., and married Elvira, daughter of Stanton Lewis, and the same year moved to Grafton Township. To them have been born two children - Lewis S. and .Nelson A. Mr. Ballard owns 230 acres of choice land, and milks forty-six cows. He was left an orphan at the age of fourteen years, and after working some time at low wages he was taken sick and for seven years was an invalid. This consumed the little money he had saved, and on regaining his health he was obliged to again begin at the bottom of the ladder and work his way up. Success has crowned his efforts and he now has a fine property, and is able to assist his children as one by one they leave the parental roof.

Rev. John E. Baumgartner, pastor of the German Lutheran church, Huntley, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born Dec. 24, 1846, a son of John Baumgartner. He received a High-School education in his native country and after coming to America attended "Wartemburg Theological Seminary, near Strawberry Point, Iowa, graduating in 1871. His first ministerial labors were' in Monroe, Iowa, in 1870. In 1872 he was called to the pastorate of the church in Appleton, Mo., and in 1874 removed to Jonesboro, 111. In the fall af 1875 he went to Minonk, 111., and in the spring of 1876, took charge of the church in Huntley. He is a hard worker, a persistent, fearless preacher. He has built up a large congregation, although by his outspoken disapproval of intemperance and infidelity he has made some enemies. Mr. Baumgartner was married Aug. 4, 1872, to Susannah Goppelt, daughter of Andrew Goppelt. They have four children - John, Conrad, Louis and Charles A. E.

James Brannen, farmer and dairyman, section 14, Grafton Township, was born in County Monahan, Ulster Province, Ireland, in 1835, a son of James Brannen. In 1848 his parents moved to Leeds, Yorkshire, England. In 1855 he came to the United States and lived in New Jersey a year, and in 1856 came to IlMnois and settled in Kane County. In 1863 he moved to Grafton Township, McHenry County. In 1864 he went to Omaha, Neb., and helped to build the first 1,000 miles of the Union Pacific Railroad. He was a contractor in the grading of the road bed. He returned to McHenry County in 1869 and bought his present farm of 16q acres. He has been a hard working man, and with the help of his estimable wife has been successful and accumulated a good property. He was married July 4, 1864, to Ellen, daughter of John Connelly. They have had ten children ; but seven are living - James, Annie, John, William, Nellie, Henry and Julia. Mr. Brannen and his family are members of the Catholic church.

Hosea B. Brown was born in Pawlet, Vt, June 10, 1814, a sou of Peris and Henrietta (Behan) Brown; his mother was a cousin of President Garfield's mother. He was reared and educated in Manchester, Vt., and married in Chester, Vt., Dec. 1, 1835, Sabrina Lockwood, daughter of Amassa and Henrietta (Wescot) Lockwood, and the same month moved across the Green Mountains to Grafton, Vt., where he built a tannery, having learned the trade when a boy. In 1840 the building and most of the stock were destroyed by fire entailing a loss of his entire property. He then moved to Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., where he was employed as foreman in a tannery two years. In 1842 he returned to his native village, and from there, in 1843, came to McHenry County, 111., and entered land in Coral Township, which he improved, making of it a fine farm. He subsequently moved to the village of Huntley, where he built a hotel and bought a warehouse, where for several years he was engaged in buying produce in connection with the hotel business, and also opened a shoe shop which he carried on for several years. In 1858 he sold the hotel and purchased a farm on Dundee Prairie. In 1865 he sold the farm and came to Huntley, where he opened a boot and shoe store in connection with a shoe shop, which he carried on for three years. In 1868 he opened a meat market which he ran until October, 1882, when he rented his house and market and moved to Douglass County, Dak., where he remained two years making there a fine farm. In 1884 he returned to Huntley and again took charge of the market. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had fourteen children; seven are living - Charles R., George H. and Horace L., the three eldest, were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion; James Willis is in Dakota; Mariett, Ellen and Amelia. The family are all members"of the Baptist church, with two exceptions, and George H. is aprominent minister of that church in Red Cloud, Neb.

Samuel Clark was born in Norfolk, England, Aug. 9, 1826. His father, Samuel Clark, came to America, returned to England on a visit, and came again to America, and has never been heard from since the news of his safe arrival in New York. Sam- uel, Jr., came td the United States in June, 1848, and lived in Herkimer County, N. Y., two years, and in November, 1850, came to Illinois and has since lived in Grafton Township, McHenry County. He was employed by the railroad company six years; four years of the time was foreman of the fencing department of the Galena & Chicago Railroad. He superintended the fencing of the Illinois Central Railroad from Galena to Amboy. He is by trade a carpenter and joiner, and has always worked at his trade in connection with farming. He owns 100 acres of tine land, well improved. Mr. Clark has always been a Republican. He cast his first Presidential vote for Winfield Scott. He has an American flag painted on the front of his barn that there may be no doubt of his patriotism. He believes in protective tariff and the rights of the laborer. In the late war he served a year in the Regimental Band of the Seventh Illinois Infantry, and participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Donelson, Pittsburg Landing and siege of Corinth. He slept and messed with John S. Cum mings. They shared each others luxuries, joys and sorrows, never keeping any book account, and are still the best of friends. Mr. Clark was married Sept. 12, 1854, to Jane E. White, a native of Otsego County, N. Y., a daughter of Isaac White. They have six children - Effie G., Minnie E., Sarah E., John S., Annie G. and L. Blanche. Effie married Clarence Church, of Pingree Grove, 111., and has two children - Arthur and Maud. Mr. Clark helped to move the first building in Grafton Township. He has been a man of great physical powers. It is related of him that in 1855 he without any assistance pitched nearly seven acres of heavy oats from a Manny reaper in three hours.

John 8. Conover was born in Florida, Montgomery Co., N. Y., Feb. 15, 1824, a son of Marcus Conover. In 1844 his parents moved to McHenry County, 111., and settled on section 33, Grafton Township, where our subject now lives. His father died June 28 of the same year. At that time there were but three houses between their farm and Dundee. When Mr. Conover began life he had a capital of $300. He now owns 340 acres of find land all wellimproved and runs a dairy of seventy cows. He ships from twelve to thirty cans ($6 to 240 gallons) of milk to Chicago daily. He was married Feb. 6, 1851, to Sarah J., daughter of Tunis Yandervere- They have had six children; five are living - William H., Warren, Anna, Marcus and Jay. William married Ida Harris and lives in

Gxiy G. Cummings, an old settler of McHenry County, was born in Pittstown, N. Y., Feb. 2, 1789. When he was two years old his father died and, bis mother being poor, he was reared by strangers, but was given a fair education. He was of a robust constitution and was employed on the farm in the summer and in the pine woods in the winter till twenty-three years of age, when he enlisted as a private in the war of 1812. After his return home he engaged in farming until 1838 when he moved West and located in Dundee, Kane Co., 111. Six years later he moved to Grafton, McHenry County, where he lived till his death, April 12, 1862. He held various offices of trust. He was a Republican in politics- His religion was to do good to his fellowman and benefit humanity. He was married when twenty-six years old to Elinor Wheeler, who was born in Starford, Conn., Oct. 19, 1797. In 1805 her parents moved to New York, where she was reared and educated. To Mr. and Mrs. Cummings were born thirteen children - Alexander died in infancy; Harriet, born Nov. 15, 1817, died at the age of thirty-seven years; she married H. Stearns and had seven children three of whom are living - Albert, William and John; Lucy was born Sept. 1, 1819, and died in 1822; Stewart was born Feb. 16, 1822, married M. E. Daniels and has three children - Nina, Warren and Orville; William A., born Feb. 26, 1824, died in 1834; Lucy E., born March 6, 1826, married R. Duff, and has two children - Robert and William; Waity M., born Dec. 4, 1827, married Daniel Duff, and has had seven children, five of whom are living - Alexander, William, Daniel, Guy and James; John S. was born Jan. 22, 1830; Jane, born April 12, 1832, married William Duff; Albert, born March 17, 1834, died in 1842; Willard, born Aug. 21, 1836, died at the age of forty-six years; he married M. Halbert, who lived but a year, and he afterward married Mrs. C. A. Tovey; Charlotte, was born June 12, 1838, and died aged thirtyfour years; she married C. S. Hai-rison, and had three children, two oi'w hom are living - Willard and Harry; Roxy, born Feb. 18, 1844, died in 1862. Mrs. Cummings is living in Dundee, 111.

John S. Cummings, merchant, and one of the earliest and leading citizensot" Huntley, is a native of Cortland County, N. Y., born Jan. 22,1830, a son of Guy C. and Elinor (Wheeler) Cummings. He was eight years old when his parents moved to Dundee, 111., and there he was educated in the elementary branches, and subse- quently attended the academy at Elgin several terms. In 1861 he enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Kegimental Band, and served till the Government ordered their disbandment. After his return home he engaged in the mercantile business, afterward adding to it the insurance business, to which he now devotes the greater part of his attention. He is a stirring, enterprising man, and has been successful in his business operations. He owns a fine farm near Pipeston, Minn., and another in Sac County, Iowa. Mr. Cummings was elected Constable before he reached his majority and after serving a year resigned and went to California, where he remained five years working in the mines. In 1857 he returned to McHenry County. He has held various offices of his township and served one term as County Coroner. He is a competent and reliable business man, and serves in every office assigned him faith, fully and efficiently. In politics he is a Kepublican and is active in all elections of importance to his county, State or country. He is a charitable, whole-souled man, assisting the needy with both his means and influence. July 4, 1859, Mr. Cummings was mar ried to Mary E. Baldwin, of Huntley, formerly of Clinton County, ]ST. Y. Her grandfather was a nephew of Ethan Allen, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Cummings have one son - Fred S., now in the furniture business in Chicago, 111.

John Donahue, deceased, was a native of County Cork, Ireland, where he was reared and educated . In 1844 he came to the United States and located in Grafton Township, McHenry Co., 111., where with the exception of two 37ears in Indiana, he spent the rest of his life. He entered 160 acres of Government land on section 28, and subsequently purchased forty acres more; the latter tract is in the corporate limits of Huntley. Mr. Donahue died Nov. 29, 1880. He was married in March, 1844, just before starting for America, to Joanna Long, who died Oct. 29, 1874. To them were born eight children, five of whom are living - Danieli born April 10, 1852, is a noted criminal lawyer of Chicago; Margaret, born Nov. 7, 1858, married John Clinnin, now of Sioux City, Iowa, and has two children - Josephine and Leo; Kate, born Feb. 11, 1858; John, born May 26, 1859, and James, born March 28, 1866. Kate, John and James live on the old homestead. The family are members of the Catholic church.

David Edwards, farmer and dairyman, section 31, Grafton Township, was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, Aug. 20, 1819, a son of David and Sarah (Herbert) Edwards. In 1839 Mr. Edwards came to the United States, landing in New York City, July 5. He lived in Log City, a small hamlet twenty-eight miles southwest of Utica, till 1855, and in November came to McHenry County, and located on his present farm. He owns 100 acres of fine land, and devotes considerable attention to stock-raising. He was married in December, 1840, to Eleanor Jenkins, daughter of John A. Jenkins, an early settler of Jefferson County, Wis., where he died Aug. 5, 1884, aged ninety-four years. Mrs. Edwards died in July, 1875, leaving a family of six children - Mary A., widow of Dr. Ross Turner; David; Sarah, now Mrs. Simon Barber, of Union Station; John, Warden in the asylum at Kalamazoo, Mich; James married Emma Coon, and resides with his father; and Nellie, now Mrs. Andrus Tyler, of Elgin. David served three years in Company I, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, and was wounded at Guntown. He now resides in Iowa.

Benjamin F. Ellis, proprietor of the Ellis House, Huntley, was born in Bath, N. T., June 13, 1834, a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Cattermole) Ellis, natives of Norfolkshire, England. In 1856 his parents moved to Horicon, Dodge Co., Wis., and in 1859 his father left home to go to Madisou on business and has never since been heard from. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education. When twelve years of age, his back was injured while coasting, and he has never recovered from the effects of it. He taught school several terms in Wisconsin, and was Collector of Oak Grove Township, Dodge Co., Wis., three years. He came to Huntley in 1865, and in 1879 took charge of the Ellis House. He keeps a first-class hotel and is doing a good business. Mr. Ellis was married April 25, 1863, to Ellen, daughter of L. P. Merick, of Summit, Waukesha Co., Wis. They have three children - John R., Hattie I. and Benjamin R. Hattie is teaching her second year in the schools in Huntley. She is also proficient in music and has fine vocal powers. Mr. Ellis is a demitted Mason.

John J. Evans is a native of Cardiganshire, Wales, born Aug. 13, 1824, a son of John Evans. In June, 1849, lie came to America and located in Madison County, N. Y., and in 1855 came to McHenry County, and located in Grafton Township. In his early life he met with financial reverses but having an iron will and a strong constitution he persevered and is now one of Grafton's most substantial farmers. He owns 107 acres of choice, well cultivated land and ten acres of timber. He milks twenty cows, selling the milk in Chicago. Mr. Evans was married in June, 1849, soon after reaching America, to Aun, daughter of David Williams and sister of James and Thomas Williams, of Huntley. They have had six children, three of whom are living - David M., William H. and Mary J. Both sons £rre in Colorado, David in Rico and William in Leadville. Mary married Charles Langwill and lives on a part of the homestead. Ellen E. and two infants, both named Margaret J., are deceased. Mr. Conover enlisted Feb. 9, 1865, in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Infantry, and was discharged Sept. 5, 1865.

T.R. Ferris, Postmaster at Huntley Grove, was born Oct. 8, 1849, a son of David Ferris, a native of New York. He was educated in Aurora and Wheaton, 111., graduated from the commercial department of Blanchard's Seminary, Wheaton. In 1867 he came to Huntley and clerked for Cummings & Ferris, and in 1872 opened a drug store. He keeps a full line of drugs, medicines, oils, paints, wall-paper, notions, and stationery. He has been Postmaster since July, 1879, and has held the office of Village Clerk four years. In February, 1873, Mr. Ferris married Mary Merrill, a native of New York, daughter of George Merrill. They have four children - Edna, Helen, Frank and Fred. Mr. Ferris's father went to California in 1850, and died there of blood poisoning caused by a cut on his foot with an adz. Mr. Ferris is a Freemason, and holds a demit from the Illinois Grand Lodge.

Patrick Garry, farmer and dairyman, section 15, Grafton Township, was born in Dublin County, Ireland, March 16, 1824, a son of Patrick Garry. He was reared and educated in his native county and in 1847 came to the United States. He lived in Massachusetts till 1849 and then came to McHenry County, III., where he has since resided. Although a poor man when he came to this country he has been a successful financier and now owns a fine farm of 140 acres where he lives; 160 acres of land and village property in Eiverton, Franklin Co., Neb., and 320 acres in Hand County, Dak. He was married in February, 1856, to Mary, daughter of John Mehan, an early settler of Grafton Township. They have had ten children, but six of whom are living - Rose A., Patrick, Maggie, Mary E., Thomas and William. One daughter, Jane, died at the age of twenty-two years. Mr. Garry has been School Director fourteen years and has held several other offices of trust. He and his family are members of the Catholic church.

born July 5, 1822, a son of John and Sarah (Ingham) Grimley, his father a native of Nottinghamshire, England. He was reared and educated in his native county and in 1855 came to Illinois and lived in DeKalb County two years. In 1857 he moved to McHenry County where he has since resided. He followed agri. cultural pursuits till 1867 and since then has worked at the brick and stone mason's trade. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and participated in over fifty battles, some of the most important being Gettysburg, Williamsburg, South Mountain, Boonesboro, Antietam, Chancsllorsville, Williamsport, Culpeper, Brandy Station, Beverly Ford. He served three years and four months, and was promoted for gallantry to Second and First Lieutenant and Captain of his company. Mr. Grimley was married June 14, 1843, to Melissa Terwilliger, a native of Ulster County, N. T., a daughter of Benjamin Terwilliger. They have five children - Alonzo D., Belle E., Lorain, Alice and William H. Mr. Grrimley is a member of the Congregational church.

William M. Hackett was born in Toronto, Canada, Feb. 23, 1836. In 1839 his father, Abraham Hackett, moved to Walworth County, Wis., and subsequently to Whitewater, Wis., where he still lives a°:ed seventy-three. Our subject was reared on a farm and had but limited educational advantages. For a short time Dr. P. H. Blanchard was his teacher. When eighteen years of age he began working at the wagon-maker's trade with J. L. Pratt, of Whitewater, Wis., and served an apprenticeship of five years. In 1860 he began business for himself in Evansville, Wis. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company H, Second Wisconsin Infantry, but was rejected by the examining surgeon, on account of lameness caused by a cut on his knee, received in boyhood. In 1863 Mr. Hackett moved to Kane County, 111., and in 1867 to Huntley, where he has 6ince resided. He thoroughly understands his trade and manufactures the best quality of wagons, buggies and carriages. He also keeps a good stock of farm implements, machinery and factory wagons. Mr. Hackett was married May 29, 1861, to Mary C. Van Schayck, a native of Montgomery County, N. Y., a daughter of John Van Schayck, an early settler of Hampshire, Kane County. Mr. Hackett's mother was Mary Ran. dall, a sister of John F. Randall, of Huntley. Mr. Hackett owns a small farm in Allamakee County, Iowa.

Township, was born in Westchester County, N. Y., Feb. 22, 1821 a son of George Hadley, and a grandson of Richard Hadley, a sea Captain. He was reared on a farm and attended the public schools near King's Bridge, Manhattan Island. He came West and located in Grafton Township, McHenry County, in 1840. He first worked by the month for farmers, but now owns 300 acres of' choice, well-improved land, and forty acres of timber land. He is an extensive stock-raiser feeding the most of his grain to his stock. He has been industrious and is now reaping a bountiful harvest as the result of his early labors. He has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to give his entire attention to his farm. He was married March 4, 1845, to Olive Crego, daughter of Charles Crego, an early settler of Coral Township. But four of their six children are living - Charles, Eichard B., Milo and James. The only daughter, Mary, died when eleven years of age.

John Hawley was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, Aug. 29, 1855. His father, John Hawley, died in Germany, and in 1864 he came with his mother to America, and lived in St. Joseph County, Mich., till 1867 when they came to McHenry County, where he has since resided. His mother lives in Ford County, Kas. He attended the public schools of his native country and America, and obtained a good business education. In 1876 he became established in the mercantile business in Huntley and now has. a good trade, keeping a full 6tock of dry -goods, clothing, hats and caps, boots and shoes groceries, etc., valued at $6,000. His sales average $30,000 annually. Mr. Hawley was married Jan. 1, 1878, to Mina Weltzein, daughter of Charles "Weltzein. They have two children - Edith and Neva.

JSoland C. JSollister was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., July 7, 1808, and died July 20, 1852. He was a son of Charles Hollis. ter, a Colonel in the war of 1812. Charles Hollister, when a lad, walked two miles with his brother to see George Washington. Washington received them kindly, and talked with them for some time. When Roland was a boy his parents moved to Jefferson County, N. Y.,and there he was reared and educated. When nineteen years of age he began sailing on the lakes, and most of the time until 1841 was' Captain of a vessel. In 1838 he was married to Fanny Coleman, a native of Oneida County, N". Y., a daughter of John Coleman. She was well educated in the com. mon schools and Amsterdam Academy. In 1843 they came to Illinois and located in Kane County, where he followed agri cultural pursuits. To Mr. and Mrs. Hollister were born six children, all now deceased - Ann E., Esther S., Frances L., Euth C, John 0., and Dewitt. Ann E. was born Feb. 15, 1840, and was married to A. Blanchard, Sept. 2, 1856. They had four children - Bentley, Maud, Jessie and Blanche, Bentley dying when a child. In 1866 they removed to Huntley, McHenry County, where Mrs. Blanchard died of bronchitis, June 16, 1878. Oct. 16, 1880, Mr. Blanchard, while returning from Michigan, was lost on the ill-fated Alpena. He had telegraphed from Michigan to his daughter Maud to meet him in Chicago. She started on the early train, arriving there at six a. m., and remained at the depot till three o'clock in the afternoon. Hearing nothing from him, she went home with some friends and remained till Monday, thinking that she had missed him, and that on returning home she would find him there. Mr. Blanchard was born near Syracuse, N. T., Feb. 4, 1832. Esther Hollister married Marvin S. Beal and had one child who died in infancy.

Calvin Huntington was born in Oneida County, N. Y., Jaly 29, 1806, a son of Calvin Huntington, also a native of New York. In 1816 his parents removed to Ouondaga County, N. Y., and he remained there till 1837 when he came to McHenry County and entered eighty acres of land. He was married in November, 1830, to Ann Braught. To them were born ten children ; but six are living - Mary, Hannah, Emily, Esther, George W. and John C. One daughter, Harriet, died in Kansas in February, 1881. Mary married Alfred Van Vleet, of Wisconsin. Hannah married Richard Dalby. Emily married Frank Emery. Esther married John F. Randall. George married Jane Roath, and resides in Crawford County, Iowa. J ohn married Emma Pease and resides in Jewell County, Kan. Mrs. Huntington died Jan. 16, 1855. March, 1856, Mr. Huntington married Eva Campbell, who died in June, 1876. Mr. Huntington is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thomas Stillwell Huntley, for whom the village of Huntley was named, was born in Cortland County, N. Y., March 27, 1807. His father, Daniel Huntley, was one of the early settlers of Cortland County. His grandfather, William Huntley, was a teamster in the Revolution, but when offered a pension refused to accept it. His mother, Catharine Stillwell, was also a native of New York. Her uncle, Samuel Stillwell, was a prominent man and capitalist of New York City. When our subject was ten years of age his parents moved to Cattaraugus County and settled near Ellicotts- ville, three miles from a school-house. He was studious and made good use of his time, and notwithstanding the difficulties he labored under, secured a good education. He worked on the farm till twenty years of age, when, becoming lame from the effects of a fever sore, entered a store in Ellicottsville, where he acquired a knowledge of the mercantile business and a few years later opened a store of his own. He subsequently removed to Chautauqua County, and settled on a farm near Fredonia. In 1846 he disposed of his property in New York and moved to Illinois, and bought a section of land in Grafton Township, McHenry County. In 1851 when the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad was built through the county, Huntley Station was established, and he opened a small store, although he never gave up the care of his farm. He has een successful and has accumulated a large amount of property both in Illinois and other States. He has traveled extensively over his own country, going from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean with his own team, and in all directions by rail. Politically he was originally a Whig, with anti-slavery proclivities, and a great admirer as well as follower of Hon. Wm. H. Seward. Since the organization of the Republican party he has adhered to its principles and has been an active worker in its ranks. He was a delegate to the convention which first nominated Hon. E. B. "Washburn for Congress, and was one of the leading lights of the convention. He is an active, public-spirited man, but has never aspired to official honors, the only office he has ever held in this county being Supervisor of Grafton. He is a member of the Congregational church. His parents were models of hospitality and from them he learned lessons which have been his guide through life. Mr. Huntley was married in 1830 to Eliza Fox, sister of Hon. Chauncey J. Fox, formerly State Senator from Cattaraugus County. She died in 1873, leaving two children, a son and a daughter, both of whom have since died. The daughter, Harriet F., was twice married and left two children - William H. Williams and Eliza E. Oaks. The son, Charles O, was unmarried. In 1878 Mr. Huntley married Emma E. BriDkerhoff. She died July 10, 1882, leaving one son - Thomas Stillwell. Mr. Huntley has always led a temperance life and does not even use tobacco. Although seventy-eight years of age he is in good health and spirits, and is as fond of company as when young.

war of '76,) was born in Chautauqua, N. Y. Soon after his birth his parents emigrated to this county, locating in the portion of McHenry County now known as the village of Huntley, it being named in honor of his family. There he spent his childhood days in the common schools of that period. In those days he came to us as a bundle of inherited capacities and tendencies, labeled "From the indefinite past to the indefinite future;" and he made his transit from one to the other through the education of that period. The object of that education was to provide wise exercise for his capacities, wise direction for his tendencies, and through this exercise and this direction to furnish his mind with such knowledge as may contribute to the usefulness, the beauty and the nobleness of this life. Those tendencies being watched by a father of keen perception thev developed into leadership in the youth, as a guider in all manly sports. It is not to be wondered that the boy was chosen as one worthy to lead in battle. Little did that father dream that those instincts he was instilling into the son would so soon be called into requisition to quell a rebellion aimed at American liberties. Therefore as the boom of the signal gun from Fort Sumter rang out o'er the land, calling to arms our Northern yeomen, little surprise was it that he should be one of the first to respond to its echo. Fully realizing the demand, he commenced recruiting, and in a short period of time he had assembled about him 300 souls full of love of country and human liberty, of whom he was chosen Captain. His father, fearing the youth's capacity as a commander and fearful that he might not fully realize the responsibility resting upon him as a commandant, was surprised to find how thoroughly that young mind had encompassed the rigid features of war; the smile of boyhood passed from that brow and from that moment he was endowed with the stern vigor of manhood. Passing through their service of three months with credit to themselves they returned and re-enlisted for three years, or during the war, in the different regiments then forming in the different camps through the State. Again we find the name of our hero enrolled on the list of the Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry as First Lieutenant, aod shortly afterward, for meritorious conduct, breveted to Captain in cavalry. To follow the memorable history of that regiment through the dust and smoke of its battles would entail volumes. Suffice it to say that none did more effective service until it was captured after a prolonged struggle of nearly twenty-four hours at Strawberry Plains, Va. Before the flag of surrender waB unfurled our boy with tears entreated the Major to allow him, with his command, to cut their way through and thus save themselves the humiliation of surrender. But orders in war were irrevocable, and a prison life was their only alternative, where they remained until the tocsin of surrender was sounded over the land. Returning he sought the home of his father, then in California, with the view of again entering college and completing his studies. For three months he strove to turn his mind into the channel of thought, but strive hard as he might they could not be reverted from the active scenes of life they had passed through; therefore, throwing literary and professional aspirations aside he returned from college and entered upon an active business career. Looking about he believed he saw success in the establishment of a stage route between Helena and Fort Benton. Running this for one season he visited Washington and secured the carrying of the mail for his line, makiug it a stage and mail route. This he continued some six months longer when the Wells Fargo Company purchased it to add to their many routes, paying him $10,000; that with his earnings for one year and six months netted him $20,000 besides his stock. He immediately set forth to establish other routes, among which was one to Walla Walla, Ore., also one to Dakota, which he successfully managed for eight years, accumulating a princely fortune, when he was stricken down by paryalsis from overlabor, superinduced by starvation and exposure while in the different prison pens of the Southern Confederacy. Leaving his business he returned to the home of his childhood and his kind old father where he was surrounded with everything that kind hearts and willing hands could devise for his benefitand comfort, but all to noavail. Oct. 10,1883,the patient, tender soul of Charles C. Huntley left his suffering body, and returned to the God who made it. His heart was warm in its affection, making him a kind friend and devoted son. A noble and benignant spirit, and that which but a short time ago was the shrine of pure and patriotic devotion, of warm love of country and hopes for its happiness and honors, is now but pallid dust.

Rev. John Kilkenny, pastor of the Huntley Catholic church, is a native of Ireland. When twelve years of age he came to America, and lived for a time with Bishop O'Regan, of Chicago, and administrator of the Quincy (now Alton) diocese. He resigned in 1858, and was succeeded by Bishop Dugan, Coadjutor of St. Louis. Our subject was sent to Carondelet, Md., and afterward to Cape Girardeau, where he was ordained priest June 29. 1863, by

Archbishop Kendrick. After his ordination he was assigned assistant pastor to Rev. Michael Donahue, of Waukegan, and served in that capacity eleven months. He was then transferred to Aurora, 111., and for a time assisted Father Sullivan. He was subsequently appointed pastor of Waupello and its dependent missions, and six months later to Lacon, where he also had charge of the missions at Toulon, Kewanee and Galva, in Henry and Stark counties. While there he did a good work - built churches at Lacou, Camp Grove, and the other missions. He was then transferred to St. Paul's Church, corner of Mather and Clinton streets, Chicago, to succeed Rev. John McMullen, late Bishop of Davenport, Iowa. St. Paul's was burned in the fire of 1871, and Father Kilkenny was then sent to McHenry, 111., and while there built the church at Wauconda. In 1873 he was transferred to Fulton, 111., and remained there eleven years, in the meantime building churches at Rapids City, Coffey's Corners and Savannah. He was assigned to the church at Huntley in May, 1884, and thus far has had a very acceptable pastorate, and -has also built a grand gothic church at Gilbert Station, Kane County.

James T. Lawson, a son of James and Elizabeth Lawson, was born on the old homestead in Grafton Township, Dec. 23, 1841. He is the second of nine children. The eldest, Wilson, was killed in the Rebellion, at Kenesaw Mountain. Ruth, Rachel, Levi, Wiley and Charles are all deceased. Parthena, the next younger than our subject, is living at Nunda, 111., the wife of Charles Maynard. John D. Lawson, the youngest surviving brother, is a resident of Chicago, 111. James Lawson was married to Rhoda, daughter of Reynolds Rouse, July 4, 1851, and settled on a part of the old homestead, where he still resides. Rhoda, his wife, died Aug. 13, 1869, leaving five children - Earnest, Cora, Edith, Mary and Fredrick. On Feb. 5, 1870, Mr. Lawson married Martha, daughter of William Chambers. They have had five children - Orin, Frankie, Bertha, Bennie and Rhoda. Little Rhoda died April 9, 1884. James Lawson has been successful in his business transactions, and now owns 425 acres of valuable land. Two of his farms are rented. He has been Highway Commissioner six years.

Daniel T. Mason was born in Rochester, Windsor Co., Vt., July 2, 1813, a son of Oliver and Sally (Thayer) Mason, natives of New Hampshire. In 1817 the parents moved to Cortland County, N". Y., and there he was reared and educated. In June, 1837, he came to Illinois and located at St. Charles, Kane County, making the entire journey in a wagon. In 1865 he moved to McHenry County, and located at Huntley. Mr. Mason was married in June, 1843, to Eliza Finch, daughter of Elias Finch. She died July 21,1867. To them were born two children, both deceased. "Nov. 28, 1870, Mr. Mason married Mrs. Harriet Bowen, widow of Isaac Bowen, and daughter of John Cook. She has one child, Alice - wife of John Weltzein, Jr.

Oliver Park Mason, a son of Oliver and Sally (Thayer) Mason, was born in Windsor County, Vt., March 7, 1815. Many years before the Revolution three brothers came from England to America. One went to Carolina, one to Kentucky, and one, Oliver, remained in New England. Our subject w;as but two years of age when his parents moved to Cortland County, N. Y., where he was reared and educated. In 1837 he came with his parents to Illinois, and settled in Kane County, near Huntley, where he engaged in farming 'till 1850, when he moved across the line into McHenry County, and has since resided in Grafton Township. He now owns a fine farm of 180 acres, and village property in Huntley. In 1843 he introduced and ran the first separator threshing machine in the locality of Huntley. It was the third separator manufactured at Elgin. Mr. Mason was married in April, 1844, to Mary J. Griffith, daughter of Clement Griffith. To them were born three children; but two are living - Oris W. and Oliver. Oris was married in 18 - , to Jennie Sprague, daughter of Samuel and Rachel Sprague. They have three children - Harry, May Gerrtude and Charles. Mrs. Mason died in September, 1876. Politically Mr. Mason is a Republican.

Miller Brothers. - Peter and William are two enterprising bachelors, [residing with their parents on section 22, Grafton Township. They are natives of Perthshire, Scotland, sons of James and Jane (Cromb) Miller. In 1871 Peter came to America, ' and located in Elgin, 111., and in 1872 the rest of the family followed him. They remained in Elgin till 1878, and then moved to McHenry County, and located in Grafton Township. They came to America poor men, but by industry and good management have been successful, and now own 260 acres of choice land. James and Jane Miller have had a family of nine children - Lizzie, Peter, James, William, Margaret, Jane, Mary, Jessie and Kate. Lizzie married William Blackman ; James married Lillie Munger; Margaret married James Clelland; Jane married Edward Purdy;

Mary married James Smith, and Jessie married John Porter. Ahner W. Nash was bora in Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y, Oct. 14, 1819, a son of Horace Nash, who was born Nov. 5, 1794, and was the first white child born in Hamilton. He is the 2,327th descendant in his division of the Nash family. The first of the family to come to America was Thomas Nash, a native of Lancashire, England, who was one of the Pilgrims who waited at Leyden, Holland, while others crossed the ocean in the Mayflower, and subsequently came over in the ship Hector, in 1637. He was one of the subscribers to the " Fundametal Agreement," a compact for the control of the civil and religious affairs of the New Haven colony. He was a gunsmith and blacksmith, and a very useful and prominent man of his day. He died May 12, 1658. His son, Lieutenant Timothy Nash, was born in 1626. Lieutenant John Nash, son of Timothy, was born in Hadley, Mass., Aug. 21, 1667. He, as was his father, was a blacksmith and an extensive land-owner. His son, Deacon John Nash, Jr., was born in Hadley (now Amherst) Mass., July 2, 1694, and his eldest son, Jonathan, was born July 28, 1717. AbnerNash, son of Jonathan Nash, was born in Amherst, Mass., April 1, 1756, and was the first settler of Hamilton. He was a soldier in the Revolution, and participated in the battles of Bunker Hill and Saratoga. He died at the old homestead in 1837. His son, Horace Nash, was born in Whateley, Mass., Nov. 5, 1794, and was a pensioner of the war of 1812. He died on the old homestead in 1853. Our subject's mother, Philinda (Farr) Nash, was a native of Onondaga County, N. T. Her mother, Betsey (Beebe) Farr, lived to be over eighty years of age, and at the time of her death had 104 descendants. Abner "W". Nash remained in New York till 1866, when he came to McHenry County and bought two large farms near Huntley, which he sold in 1884, and bought 440 acres of land in Sac County, Iowa. He lives in the village of Huntley, where by his enterprise and liberality he has become one of the most prominent and influential citizens. Mr. Nash was married Dec. 11, 1844-, to Lucy A. Torrey, a native of Plainfield, Mass., born Dec. 10, 1826, a daughter of Dura and Sally Torrey. They have had four children, but three of whom are living - Horace W., Norman W. and Lucien B. Mr. Nash has been a member of the village board five years, and President of that body three years. Before leaving New York Mr. Nash held the office of Supervisor of the town two years, Assessor five years, and was one of the officers of the Agricultural Society fifteen years. Mrs. Nash's parents live with her, and Sept. 18, 1883, celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage. They have eight great-grandchildren. Mrs. Torrey is noted for her needlework, which she designs herself, and which excels in beauty and neatness of execution.

Daniel Norton, deceased, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1824, and died in Grafton Township, McHenry Co., III., Oct. 11, 1882. He came with his parents to America in 1836. Soon after reaching Detroit, Mich., his mother died from the effects of sea-sickness. The family subsequently moved to McHenry County, where they have since resided. Daniel Norton married Elizabeth Duffey, daughter of Patrick Dnffey. They had a family of eleven children - John, Kate, David, Elizabeth, Maggie, Dan-' iel, Julia A., Emma, James, Lucindaand Edward. Kate married William Clark. Elizabeth married John Fitzgerald, of Dorr Township. Emma married James Murray, of Woodstock. Julia A. is a graduate of the Woodstock High-School, and a prominent teacher of McHenry County.

T. L. Parsons, agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad at Huntley, 111., was born in Damascus, Wayne Co., Pa., June 3, 1835. He was educated at Union Academy, in his native town, and when not in school worked in his father's woolen mills. In 1853 he came to Illinois, and clerked in a drug store in Dixon two years. He then went into the railroad office, as clerk and cashier, and remained till 1857, when he came to Huntley and assumed the duties of the position he still occupies. He was married Oct. 14, 1860, to Ellen F. Hubbard, who was born in Danville, Livingston Co., N. T., Jan 18, 1842, a daughter of Charles and Olive (Stark) Hubbard. They have two children - Earl and Lizzie M. Mr. Parsons's father, Robert T. Parsons, was born in Montgomery County, N. T., May 11, 1809. He went to Wayne Connty, Pa., in 1818, and April 15,1834, married Clarissa H. Hubbard, of Sandisfield, Berkshire Co., Mass. They cavne to Huntley in October, 1864, where the wife died in 1882, and Mr. Parsons soon after moved to Whitehall, Mich., where he has since resided. They had a family of seven children - T. L., our subject; Charles T., agent for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad at Denver, Col. ; Hiram R., engineer on the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad; George O, died while serving in the Rebellion; Earl W., of Port Byron, 111.; Eunice S., of Whitehall, Mich.; and Luke B., a merchant at Turner Junction, 111. Our subject's grand- father, Loring Parsons, was born in Connecticut, Oct. 16, 1769, a son of Captain Joseph Parsons, of Revolutionary fame. His wife, Betsey Wood, was born June 13, 1768, a daughter of Samuel Wood, and a cousin of Hon. Charles Thompson, the first Secretary of the Continental Congress, and an intimate friend of Dr. Franklin. Mrs. T. L. Parsons is of English descent. The first of her ancestors to come to the New World was William Hyde, who came in 1633 and lived in Hartford, Conn., till 1636, then in Saybrook till 1660, when he went to Norwich, where he died in 1682, leaving two children. His son Samuel was born in 1637, and was the father of William, who was born in 1670. The latter's son Jedediah was born in 1712. Jedediah's daughter Jerusha was born in 1736, and in 1757 married Silas Stark, a relative of General Stark, of Revolutionary fame. Her son, William Stark, was the father of Olive, who was born in 1805, and in 1839 married Chas. Hubbard, the father of Mrs. Parsons. Mr. T. L. Parsons has held the office of School Treasurer of Grafton Township fourteen years. He has been an efficient officer and a trustworthy employe, and has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens and employers.

Edwin R. Pearsall, head clerk, bookkeeper and stockholder in D. E. Wood & Co.'s cheese factory, Huntley, was born in Milford, Otsego Co., N. Y., Aug. 15, 1834, a son of Simon Pearsall, now of Fly Creek, N. T. He was reared in his native village, and attended the common schools and the West Winfield Academy, Herkimer County, N. Y. When eighteen years of age he began teaching, and taught, clerked and kept books, alternately, a few years, and then in company with his father purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits till 1876, when he came to Huntley, and was employed as bookkeeper and foreman for D. E. Wood & Co. Mr. Pearsall was Census Enumerator of Plainfield, N. Y., in 1860, and performed the same duties for Grafton Township in 1880. He has served as Tillage Clerk of Huntley since 1878. He was married Jan. 19, 1857, to Helen M. Smith, a native of Plainfield, N. Y., a daughter of Benjamin Smith. They have five children - Charles J. is foreman of D. E. Wood & Co.'s cheese factory in Coral Township ; Nellie S. has taught three years in the Huntley High-School, and is now teaching in Marengo; Hattie M. is, also a teacher in Huntley High-School; Benjamin S. is a clerk, and Clifford at school.

near old Fort Ticonderoga, Essex Co., N. Y., a son of Hubbard and Eunice (Laughlin) Pendleton. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and participated in the battles of Plattsburg and Lundv's Lane, and was one of the force that started to relieve General Hull, before his surrender at Detroit. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution, and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne to General Gates. He is a cousin of Hon. George H. Pendleton, of Ohio, but opposed to him in politics. When a small boy he worked with his father, who was a wheelwright. "When ten years of age he went on the lakes, and sailed fifteen years ; ten years of the time was master of a vessel, the most of the time in the employ of Hammond & Penfield, of Crown Point, N. Y. He was married Aug. 1, 1844, to Eliza Taylor, daughter of David Taylor, and Sept. 15, 1844, came to McHenry County. He had bought the farm where he now lives in 1842, at that time wild land. He owns 160 acres of fine land, and carries on an extensive dairy in connection with farming. Mrs. Pendleton taught the first school in Grafton Township, in a log cabin situated on the present site of their residence. Her salary was $1 a week. Mr. and Mrs. Pendleton have had five children - Angeline, Inez (deceased), Fred. F. , Frank H. (deceased) and Hattie A. Angeline married John C. Starr, of Belvidere, 111., and has four children - ' Chauncey P., Minnie, William and Irving. Mr. Pendleton has been Supervisor of Grafton Township two years, Justice of the Peace twenty-six years, Assessor one year, Highway Commissioner several years, and School Director since the organization of the district in 1845. He has always been a strong Union man and Republican, and has been a subscriber to the Chicago Journal twenty-six years. He was a delegate to the convention which organized and named the townships of McHenry County.

John Pervey was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1810, and when fourteen years of age came to the United States and remained in New York City a year. He subsequently worked in Utica, Rome, and Ithaca, N. Y., as a farm hand and on the Erie Canal. In 1843 he came to Illinois and when he reached Crystal Lake, had a cash capital of 10 cents. He sawed wood in payment for lodgings for himself and wife» the first night they were in Mc- Henry County. He entered the land where his house now stands, on section 13, Grafton Township, and made a dugout, in which they lived till the land was pre-empted. After entering his land he went to the Mississippi River and worked on the boats to earn the money with which to get started. He then returned, bought a yoke of oxen and a cow and went to work. He has been industrious and a good manager and now owns 440 acres of choice land, well improved. He was married in the fall of 1842, to Mary Mountain. They have had ten children, eight of whom are living - Mary A., William, Thomas, Charles, Henry, John, Ellen and Maggie.

John F. Randall was born near Toronto, Canada West, May 27, 1836, the ninth of ten children of Joseph and Eleanor (Fowler) Randall, natives of Orange County, N. T. His father moved to Canada in 1825, and in 1838 to Detroit, Mich., and in 1840 to Kane County, 111. At that time the country was sparsely settled, their nearest neighbor, save the family that came with them, being two miles distant. Our subject attended school in the old-fashioned log-cabin school-house, and subsequently taught one term in the same house. He remained at home till twenty-two years of age; then carried on a farm three years on shares. He has been a successful farmer and now owns 186 acres of well-improved land. He was married Oct. 6, 1862, to Esther A. Huntington, a native of Coral Township, born June 3, 1840, a daughter of Calvin Huntington. But one of their three children is living - Lida E., born June 3, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Randall are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Henry Sinnett was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., N. Y., Nov. 12, 1828, a son of James Sinnett, who was a native of France. In 1853 he came West and located in Algonquin Township, McHenry County, where he followed farming five years. He then moved to Kane County, and two years later to Cook County, where he remained twelve years. In 1872 he came again to McHenry County and located in Grafton Township. He has been very successful and now owns a fine farm of 240 acres well improved, and considerable property in Huntley. In 1883 he gave up the care of the farm to younger hands, and now lives a quiet, retired life in the village. He is a quiet, unassuming man, of temperate habits. He is serving his third term as Highway Commissioner of Grafton Township. March 8, 1850, he was married to Jane E. Van Wormer, a native of New York, a daughter of John Van Wormer. Five of their six children are living - William, James A., Anna, wife of M. D. Hadley; Alice, wife of G. C. Duff, and Kittie.

reared on the farm, and received a good common-school education. After the outbreak of the Rebellion, he enlisted in Company I, Fifty-second Illinois Infantry, but his health failed and he was discharged seven months after his enlistment. He was an invalid for many years and died from the effects of disease contracted while in the army. He was married May 24, 1863, to Virginia Hudson, a daughter of William and Martha (Beck) Hudson, her father a native of Staffordshire, England, and her mother of the Isle of Man. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three children - Ethel, Mabel and "William. Ethel married Edmond Hayes, and resides in Chicago, 111. Mrs. Smith's only brother, Joseph Hudson, was killed by a snow slide at Alpine, Col., in January, 1879, while prospecting for gold. His body laid under the snow three months. He was the first miner at Alpine, and had located a number of mines. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company K, Forty-second Illinois Infantry, and was subsequently transferred to the Forty-eight Regiment and commissioned First Lieutenant. He was wounded at the battle of Mission Ridge. Mrs mith's only sister is Mrs. Dr. Stevens, of La Porte, Ind.

Samuel Sprague was born in New York State, Dec. 26, 1797. He was reared on a farm in Jefferson County, 1ST. Y. , and after reaching manhood moved to Oswego County, N. Y., where, Dec. 29, 1819, he married Rachel, daughter of William Skelton. In 1843 he moved to McHenry County, where he engaged in farming till his death, June 1, 1853. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and his widow now receives a pension. To Mr. and Mrs. Sprague were born nine children ; five are living - William, Betsey, Sophia Livonia and Jennie. Thomas, Abner, Smith and Mary are deceased. William married Eliza Otis, and has three children - Julia, Lois and Otis. Thomas was a lake Captain several years. He married Mary M. Wolaver and had three children - Abner, Arah and Fred. Betsey married Fred M . Wolaver and has had ten children, five of whom are living - Frank, Dora, Edwin, Ernest and Myra. Sophia married Mason Hill and had eight children, six of whom are living - Ira, Ella, Jesse, Ernest, Emma and Caddie. Livonia married Jacob Wolaver, and has five children - Ethel, Elba, Herbert, Claud and Floyd. Smith married Theresa Dilley and left one son - Edgar. Mary married Sanford Haight and had seven children, three of whom are living - Cynthia, William and Charles. Jennie married Oris Mason and has three children - Harry, May Gertrude and Charles.

James G. Templeton was born in Shelby County, Ind., March 12, 1825, a son of Isaac and Rhoda (Gregory) Templeton, his father a native of Barbour County, W. Va. He was reared on a pioneer farm in Indiana and received only a limited education, attending school in the log-cabin school-house. In 1834 the family moved to Warren County, Ind. In 1853 Mr. Templeton moved to McHenry County, 111., and located in Coral Township, but in 1870 moved to Huntley, and, until 1876, was engaged in the hardware and furniture business. Since the latter date he has lived rather retired, only superintending his farm. Mr. Templeton was married July 14, 1850, to Martha J., daughter of Thomas Johnson. To them were born six children, but two of whom are living - Bayard T. and Belle. One daughter, Emma B., died at the age of thirteen years, and a son, Roy, died at the age of eleven years. Mrs. Templeton died Aug. 6, 1869. March 11, 1875, Mr. Templeton married Mrs. Theresa Sprague, widow of Smith Sprague, and daughter of Houston Dilley. She has one child - Edgar Sprague. Mr. Templeton is a "Free Thinker and a member of the Liberal League. Mrs. Templeton's grandparents, Jonathan and Mary Dilley, have lived together since April, 1819, and are now aged eighty-eight and eighty-four years. Mr. Templeton's father was heir to a portion of an estate of slaves, and being an Abolitionist went to Virginia to take steps to free them and induce the other heirs to do the same. He was driven from the plantation with orders to never make the attempt again.

John Weltzein was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, Dec. 4, 1848. His father, Charles Weltzein, brought his family o America in 1858 and located in Barrington, Cook Co., 111., where he remained till 1860 when he came to McHenry County. John Weltzein attended school in his native country and a short time in America, but the most of his English education he has acquired by his contact with business men and reading. After reaching manhood he followed farming three years and then began the manufacture of butter and cheese. He has been very successful, and now owns a half interest in five cheese factories in McHenry County. Ambitious and energetic, he is ever ready to assist in any project of benefit, either to himself or the community at large. He was married Aug. 1, 1869, to Alice E. Bowen, a native of Oswego County, N. T. They have had six children; but four are living - Minnie, Lottie, Myrtle and Frank. Mrs. Weltzein's father was killed at the battle of Perry ville in the war of the Rebellion.

Washington Whittemore is a great-grandson of Nathaniel, grand, son of Nathaniel,and son of Prescott Whittemore. His grandfather was born July 4,1741, and had a family of six children - Joseph and Martha (twins, born Feb. 1, 1771), Nathaniel, Calvin, Asa and Prescott. Prescott was born in Lancaster, Mass., July 28, 1787, and married Lucy K. Geer, of Worcester, Mass., Oct. 14, 1811. They hadafamily of thirteen children, all of whom lived to maturity, and five of whom are living - Washington; Ebenezer S.. a graduate of Harvard College, and now attorney of the canal across Cape Cod; Nathaniel, of Aurora, 111. ; Benjamin, of Sacramento County, Cal., and Yolney S., of Beatrice, Neb. The deceased are - Asa D., Edward H., Harriet A., George P., Charles H., Mary, Lucy E. and Julia M. Washington Whittemore was born in Cheshire County, N. H., Oct. 10, 1823. In 1838 his parents came with ten children to Illinois. They started in May and brought all their goods in two wagons - were over six weeks in making the journey. They remained in Aurora three months and then cametoMcHenry County and settled in Grafton Township, on the farm now owned by Mr. Whittemore. He has been a very successful farmer and stock-raiser and now owns 500 acres of fine land, all well improved. He has in his possession nine patents for as many tracts of land issued by the Government on parchment and signed by the President. He has two wind engines on his farm, one of which pumps water, grinds feed, saws wood, shells corn and grinds edged tools. Mr. Whittemore was married Dec. 11, 1855, to Susan Perry, daugh ter of Col. Jason B. Perry, of New Hampshire, a relative of Commodore Perry. They have had four children - Willis P., Myron W., Charles B., and a deceased daughter, Hattie M. Mr. Whittemore has held the office of School Trustee seventeen years. He has always been a strong anti-slavery man and tells some interesting stories of the time when slavery was one of the vital subjects of the day. His uncle, - Walker(his mother's sister's husband), was General Harrison's Aid-de-Camp at the battle of Tippecanoe. Thinking that there was danger he would not lie down, and when all the rest were asleep he heard the Indians approaching the camp, and beat the reveille, roused the soldiers and thus saved them from a disastrous defeat. Mr. Whittemore has been an active worker in every thing that tends to the advancement of the county. He is a prominent member of the Pioneer Society, and is often called upon to deliver an address at their meetings. We quote an extract from one given at the meeting of 1884:

"Upward of forty-six years ago, while a boy in my teens, I first stepped upon the soil of Illinois. I journeyed with my father's family from beyond the Connecticut, which occupied nearly seven weeks. Then these vast prairies had but here and there a solitary cabin where now we find a busy population filling the warehouse and granary with the ingathering crops of so fertile a soil. Where now these old settlers meet the deer and wolf roamed at pleasure. Where was Chicago then? Down, down in the mud, with no prospects of a great and grand future. Now, scarcely thirteen vears since her great conflagration, she stands rebuilded with increased splendor and magnificence. Since those early times our State has become a vast network of railroads, which extend beyond the plains to yonder briny deep, carrying the products of both soil and mines to supply the wants of the world. What else has transpired since our advent in Illinois? The chains of slavery have been unriveted and 4,000,000 of human beings have gone free; but at what a fearful cost ! Two millions of fair youths and strong men went forth to battle, many to return never more, their blood to drench the Southern soil, and their bones to bleach on distant fields, or fill unknown graves. What will forty-six years more develop? Will navigation of the air be an established fact? What has been accomplished in the past half century is but a promise of what is to come. * * * Friends, old settlers and new, when our last farewells are said, may bright angels hover around us to waft our spirits home !"

James Williams was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, Feb. 15, 1S19, a son of David Williams, a native of the same country. He attended the common schools in his native country and in 1838 came to America, and located in Madison County, N". Y., where he engaged in farming till 1850. He then came to McHenry County, 111., where he has since resided. Mr. Williams is a self-made man. He started in life with no means, and when he landed in America was $25 in debt. He has been energetic and industrious and has accumulated a good property. Since 1877 he has lived retired from the active life of the farm, and is living in Huntley. He is a member of the Congregational church and has been a Deacon for twenty-five years. He is an uncompromising temperance man and a prohibitionist. He was married May 7, 1838, to Catharine Jenkins, a native of Wales, a daughter of John Jenkins, who came to America in 1838, and died in Jefferson County, Wis., Aug. 5, 1884, aged ninety-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Williams had a family of ten children; but six are living - Mary J., Lydia A., Ellen E., David M., Walter W. and Edgar J. Mrs. Williams died Feb. 20, 1863. June 27, 1865, Mr. Williams married Jemima Morgan, daughter of Daniel Morgan, who came from Wales to America in 1863.

Thomas Williams was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, Feb. 14 1821, a son of David Williams. He came to America in 1849 and lived one year in Madison County, IS . Y. In 1850 he came with his brother James to McHenry County, and settled in Coral Township. He has been a successful man in his business pursuits, and has accumulated his property by his own industry and business integrity, $30 being the only assistance he ever had. He owns a fine farm of 180 acres in McHenry County, and another of 320 acres in Adams County, Neb. In the spring of 1882 he retired from active farm life and moved to Huntley. Mr. Williams was married Sept. 18, 1877, to Mrs. Susan Marsh, widow of Nelson B. Marsh.

John Zenk was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 29, 1822, a son of John Zenk. He came to the United States in 1859, landing at Baltimore. The next day he started for Milwaukee, Wis., where he remained three months. He then moved to Kane County, 111., and remained there ten years, and in 1869 moved to McHenry County, and settled in Grafton Township. His occupaion has been that of a farmer, with which he now combines dairying. He makes a specialty of raising broom corn, and manufactures the brooms on his farm. He furnishes the Elgin Watch Factory with 1,500 barrels of broom-corn pith annually. Mr. Zenk has 160 acres of land, all welPimproved. He was married in Germany, in May, 1849, to Margaret, daughter of John Leicht. They have had sixteen children ; eleven are living - Peter, George, John , Johannah, Nicholas and Johann (twins), William, Zachariah, Pankratz, Katie and Michael. George married Mary, daughter of Patrick Connelly, and has two children - Albert and Frank. Johannah married George Weidner and has two children - Maggie and John. Mr. Zenk and his family are members of the Catholic church.