McLean County, Illinois - The whole text, 1879 (part 25 of 42)

same year as his business companion, Mr. Stevenson ; he was born, nursed and cradled in a log cabin, relic of the pioneer days of Illinois, when the "Star of Empire " had just begun its journey westward, located at Panther Grove, in what is now Woodford Co., but was then embraced in McLean. He accompanied his parents when they removed to Bloomington in 1840, and haa remained for nearly four decades a citizen of this city; the rudimentary principles of education were obtained in the old-fashioned schoolhouse of that day and stage of Western civilization « over the boys and girls of the village, most of whom attended this school, Dr. W. C. Hobbs ruled in the old-time, pedagogic simplicity and dignity; later young Ewing entered the school opened by the learned Rev. Reuben Andrews, in the old Methodist Church, and from this humble beginning developed the present Illinois Wesleyan University ; Mr. Andrews' school was attended by Ewing until 1853, when he began a course of study at Jubilee College, located in Peoria Co.; in 1856 he entered the Junior year in Centre College, at Danville, Ky. Mr. Ewing graduated in June, 1858, and in January following (1859), was admitted by the Supreme Court of Illinois, to practice as an attorney and counselor at law ; at that day aspirants to legal honors were catechised, examined, and their intellectual capacity for the law sounded at Chicago, a committee of "experts " being appointed for that purpose by the Supreme Court; on this occasion the awful presence consisted of the learned Norman B. Judd, Ebenezer Peck and Corydon Beckwith, each of whom was at that time a distinguished practicing lawyer. His license is signed by Sidney Breese (recently deceased), Pinkney Walkner and John D. Caton, the gentlemen who at that time occupied the Supreme Bench of the State ; cotemporary with the names mentioned was Judge David Davis, who was then Judge of McLean County Circuit Court, and the following resident attorneys, the only ones in active practice: George 0. Robinson, Walter M. Hatch, R. E, Williams, M. W. Packard and E. M. Prince. Mr. Ewing formed a partnership with the Hon, John B. Cohrs, now of Pekin, with the style of the firm Ewing & Cohrs. After a year of practice, the alliance parted company by mutual consent and individual permission, 'Mr. Cohrs to go to Pekin, and Mr. Ewing to Philadelphia, where the latter entered the law office of Hon. John C. Bullitt, and worked for a salary for about one year ; he then returned to Bloomington where he has since remained. In 1869, Mr. Ewing formed the present partnership with the Hon. A. E. Stevenson. Politically, the subject of this sketch is a Democrat of a pronounced type, though not a bitter partisan ; in the earlier days of his professional career he took a lively interest in politics, but he has never been a candidate, and with the accumulation of business, he has to a great extent eschewed politics.

H. A. EWING, attorney at law, Bloomington ; was born in McLean Co., 111., Aug. 9, 1841, and is the son of John W. Ewing, of North Carolina, who came to Illinois in 1835, and settled in what is now Woodford Co., where he remained until 1840, then, with his family, moved to Bloomington ; he was one of the prominent and leading men of Bloomington, and held several offices of public trust; was Mayor of the city one term ; he was also engaged in the manufacture -of mowing and reaping machines ; he wag also for two years proprietor of the National Hotel of Bloomington ; was also engaged in the milling business ; he died, respected and honored, Nov. 14, 1855. H. A. Ewing, the subject of this sketch, is one of the leading attorneys of the Illinois bar ; he received his education chiefly at the Wesleyan University, of Bloomington ; he was a soldier of the late war, enlisting in 1861, as private in the 14th I. V. I., Co. E; he served three years and three months, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Jackson, and other battles and skirmishes, and did good service and was honorably mustered out at Springfield, 111., in 1864, as 2d Lieutenant of Co. B. He was elected Sheriff t)f McLean Co., and filled this position until 1866, faithfully and honorably; in 1867, he was admitted to practice law at the Illinois bar; in 1878, the friends of Mr. Ewing elected him as Representative to the Legislature; this office he still holds, showing himself a man of acknowledged ability.

E. FALLIS, grain-dealer, Bloomington. Prominent among the citizens of Bloomington, and who have been instrumental in building up a permanent grain market, is Mr. E. Fallis, who is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio ; he was born in 1815, and, during his early life, had but little opportunity of attending school, though by close attention to study what opportunity he had, he became a fair scholar ; in 1863, he engaged in the grain trade, and, for ten years, bought grain through different parts of Illinois, making Bloomington his general headquarters : in 1873, he brought his family to this city and became permanently located ; he is one of the largest graindealers in this part of Illinois ; in 1865, he handled 3,000,000 bushels ; he established the Board of Trade in this city in 1877, which is still in operation ; he also does a general commission business, and is well known as one of the leading grain men of the city.

-"~~ JOHN W. FISHER, dentist, Bloomington. The dental, as well as other professions, is well represented in Bloomington. Among those who have established a reputation for skill and neatness, is Dr. John \V. Fisher, who has a neatly-furnished suite of rooms at No. 402 North Main street; he is a native of Belmont Co., Ohio; was born Oct. 2, 1829, and, at the age of 15, was left dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood and an education, both of which he secured ; in 1856, he began the study of dentistry, and, in 1859, began practice in St. Clairville, Belmont Co., Ohio, where he remained engaged in practice for a period of eleven years ; in the summer of 1870, he moved to Bloomington ; since residing here, he has established a fine practice, which is the result of having done first-class work, and a close attention to business ; he is a member of the Illinois State Dental Society, and a man of recognized ability in his profession.

M. FALOON, M. D., Bloomington. Another of the old settlers and physicians of Bloomington is Dr. M. Faloon, who is a native of Carlisle. Cumberland Co., Penn.; he attended and became a graduate of the Eclectic Medical College, of Cincinnati ; he also became a graduate in allopathy in Philadelphia ; also has a certificate of attendance of a full course of the Eurescopian system ; he is a thorough botanist, frequently having herbs sent to him from the laboratories of different colleges, for the purpose of learning their medical qualities ; he is also the propounder of different medicines now before the public, prominent among which is Dr. Faloon's Tonic, Dr. Faloon's Instant Relief and many other well-known remedies. The Doctor has been in constant practice for twenty-six years, and has been practicing in Bloomington for the past nineteen years ; he has many friends who can vouch for his ability and skill as a physician.

- - . LYMAN FERRE, carriage manufacturer; Bloomington; is a native of Springfield, Mass. ; was born Dec. 16, 1825 : his parents were Solomon and Margaret R. (Rumrell) Ferre. Being of a mechanical turn of mind he learned the trade of a wagon-maker early in life ; his advent to this city dates back to 1840; among those who have lived in this city many years and watched its growth and helped to bring it to its present prominence is the above named gentleman ; on arriving here he began working at his trade, which he continued until 1843, when he opened business on his own account, in a small way, but with the determination to succeed, and, through energy, perseverance and integrity has placed himself in his present position ; as a mechanic and a manufacturer, his extensive business will testify that he is second to none ; he is located at 108 North Center street, owning the whole of the corner property, which presents a neat and substantial appearance and adds much to the value and prosperity of his locality ; here he makes a beautiful display of buggies, carriages and sulkies of his own manufacture. Mr. Ferre is one of the solid men of Bloomington and a much-respected citizen ; he has always taken an active part in all public matters pertaining to the welfare and development of the city, including the establishment of the Street Railroad ; he is also Vice President of the People's Bank ; he has also

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^-"JOHN A. FULWILER, attorney; Bloomington. John A. Fulwiler was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., June 17, 1843; he came with parents to Lexington, McLean Co., in 1855, where Le obtained his early education and resided until August, 1861, when he enlisted with the 33d I. V. I , and served over three years in the army, being mustered out of service at the expiration of his term. Upon his return, he commenced the study of law, and subsequently engaged in mercantile business at Forrest, Livingston Co. He was admitted to the bar, and removed to Pontiac in October, 1870, and associated himself in business with E. M. Johnson ; he located in Bloomington in 1875 ; he is a young attorney of promise, attends to business promptly and to the satisfaction of his clients, and is full of energy. He married Mi.-s Mary A., daughter of Robert Fell, of Normal, Sept. 6, 1865; they have three children - John AV., Leonard F. and Roberta M.

P"1- J. M. FORDICE, lumber; Bloomington. J M. Fordice is another of the old settlers and natives of McLean Co., Bloomington being his native place. His people were among the first settlers of the county ; his mother, also, being a native of the county, and one of the first births in the county ; her maiden name was Letitia Saterfield. Since the age of 13 years, Mr. Fordice has been dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood ; he was born March 14, 1840: although dependent upon his own resources, he succeeded in procuring a fair education. Aug. 15, 1861, he entered the army in the war of the rebellion, enlisting in Co. C, I. V. I., three years service, though before leaving the army he had served three years and four months. Previous to entering the army he had been engaged in the lumber trade ; upon his return, he at once resumed business in this line, which he has since conducted successfully; besides a full line of lumhor and building material of all kinds, he also is handling a large amount of the well-known Lehigh Valley coal. These, in connection with the Moline wagon, which is also well known, form his principal business. His lumber yard and office is located at 1001 West Market street. He is well-known as one of the thoroughly reliable business men of the city. He is now doing a large business, which is the result of his own energy, industry and good financiering.

J. W. FOY, grocer, Bloomington, w»s born near Pittsburgh, Penn., Dec. 15, 1848, and brought to McLean Co., 111., by his parents, in 1854; was raised upon a farm; his schooling was quite limited, although, by observation and experience, he has acquired a fair business education. In 1868, he emigrated to Kansas, where he remained for a time, then returned to Bloomington, where he has since resided, a well-to-do citizen ; he began in the grocery business in 1878, and is located at 508 East Jefferson street, where he is building up a good trade. He married Miss Ida Spilman, of this place, Dec. 16, 1875.

*M.E. FERGUSON, Deputy Circuit Clerk, Bloomington, was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, Aug. 29, 1835, where he was raised and received his early education, and also served a regular apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. He came to McLean Co., 111., in 1855, locating in Le Roy, and engaged in contracting and building; throughout that part of the county there are many tine residences which stand as monuments of his workmanship. During the late war he enlisted with the 94th I. V. I., and was commissioned Second Lieutenant ; after a service of nine months, he resigned, on account of sickness in his family, and, after returning home, received a Captain's commission, but was, on account of sickness, compelled to decline it. Previous to the war, he had served as Township Collector some three years, and, after the war, was engaged in mercantile busfness until 1872, when he was appointed Deputy Circuit Clerk, which position he has since held. He married Miss Mary A. Pence, of Licking Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1857 ; they have a family of five.

ROBERT FELL, Jr., grocer, Bloomington, is the son of Robert and Mary (Woodard) Fell, who were among the early settlers of McLean County. Robert, Jr., was born in Putnam Co , 111., July 31, 1842, and brought to this county by his parents in 1843; he has received a good business education. During the late war, he enlisted with the 33d (Normal) I. V. I.; went out in Dec, 1862; was in the battles of Fredericktown, Vicksburg, Mobile and many other severe engagements, and escaped uninjured ; he was mustered out after a service of four and a half years, and returned to McLean Co., and followed farming some three years, then embarked in mercantile business ; he is located at So. 202 South Center street ; here he keeps a fine grocery, in which is offered a well-assorted stock of goods. He married Miss Theresa Fisher, of Adams Co., 111., Jan. 6, 1867 ; they have one child - Gracie.

DUNCAN M. FUNK, Bloomington, was born June 18, 1832; he was the son of Isaac Funk. He was married April 17, 1857, to Elizabeth Richardson, and has two children - Isabel and Isaac Lincoln. He lived on the farm until 1857, when he removed to Bloomington, where he now resides; he carries on his large farm of 2,200 acres by the aid of tenants ; he feeds cattle, on a moderate scale, generally having about four hundred head of cattle and hogs. From 1857 to 1866, he was a partner in the mercantile trade with W. H. Temple. For the past four years he has been President of the National Bank of Bloomington ; he has been Assistant Supervisor of the township of Bloomington four years, and is at present one of the three members of the Board of Trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, at Normal. Mr. Funk is one of the most careful of our leading business men, one whose judgment in public matters is highly respected.

G. V. FRINK, grocer, Bloomington; was born in Oxford, Oakland Co., Mich., June 1, 1840; during his early life, his advantages for an education were limited ; he learned the trade of a photographer, and followed the business some four years ; he came to Bloomington in 1866, and engaged with Humphrey & Wakefield, grocers, as clerk, and, for a time, manager; at the death of Wakefield and the removal of Humphrey, he was left to close up their entire business, which he did to the satisfaction of all concerned ; he embarked in the grocery business with his present partner in 1871 ; they are now located at No. 219 East Front street ; here they keep a fine grocery and a well-assorted stock. He has twice married, first, to Miss Ellen Tutt, of Oakland Co., Mich., November, 1867; she died in December, 1871, leaving one child - William H.; May 8, 1873, he married Miss Mary K. Woolan, of Jo Daviess Co., 111.; they have two children - Dwight E. and Lyle J.

^ - F. FUNK, Bloomington ; was born on the old homestead in Funk's Grove Township, McLean Co., 111., Oct. 17, 1839, and is the son of Isaac and Cassandra (Sharp) Funk, his father being from Kentucky and his mother from Baltimore, Md. Mr. B. F. Funk was brought up on the old homestead, engaged in farming, until he was 27 years old, and then moved to Bloomington, which has ever since been his home. Since he has resided in the city, he has held several offices of public trust - that of Supervisor of Normal Township for several terms ; in 1871, was nominated by the Republican party for Mayor of Bloomington, and was elected to this office, which he held for five terms ; these offices he has filled with credit. Mr. Funk is also President of the Joint Board of Trustees of the Wesleyan University.

""""ABSALOM FUNK, stock-dealer, Bloomington; was born in Funk's Grove, McLean Co., 111., March 4, 1842, and is the son of Hon. Isaac Funk, one of the pioneers of McLean Co., 111., he having made his home here in 1824, and is referred to in the history part of this work. Mr. Absalom Funk was brought up on his father's farm, engaged in farming from the time he was able to handle the hoe and hold the plow, and, in the winter months, attended the district schools. Mr. Funk was a soldier in the late war, having enlisted as Sergeant in Co. G, 145th I. V. I.; did good service, and was honorably discharged. In 1868, he moved to Bloomington, where he has been a resident ever since. Mr. Funk married Sophronia Vandevender, a native of McLean Co., 111., daughter of James and Emma Vandevender, who made their home in McLean Co. at an early day ; they have one child - Lyle, who was born in Bloomington, 111.. May 31, 1874. Mr. Funk and wife in 1870 made a trip to Europe, being absent for a year, visiting Erance, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium, England, Scotland and Ireland.

FRANCIS M. FUNK, druggist, Bloomington; was born in Funk's Grove, McLean Co., 111., Aug. 13, 1836, and is the son of Hon. Isaac Funk; Mr. Funk was raised on the farm, and engaged in farming until 1873 ; he then removed to Bloomington, where he has remained ever since ; in 1877, Mr. Funk entered the drug business with Ira Lackey, which is one of the leading drug firms of Bloomington, located at 110 West Washington street. Besides Mr. Funk's drug business, he is engaged in the stock business. He has held several offices of public .trust ; was Supervisor of Funk' s Grove about four years, and is now a member of the Board of Education of the city of Bloomington. In 1864, he married Miss Mary Houser, who was born in Jessamine Co., Ky.: she came to Illinois with her parents about 1848 ; have three children - Gracie, Laura and Jessie

~ - " PETER FOLSOM, loan and land agent, Bloomington ; one of the best-known men in McLean County, made his home here thirty-four years ago, having arrived in 1845 ; he was born in Washington Co., Me., Aug. 16, 1817, and is the son of Peter Folsom, a blacksmith of Deerfield, N. H., now living in Somerset Co., Me., in his ninetieth year. Mr. Folsom first began teaching school ; his home was located where the Darley Hall Building now stands ; the house was a small, one-story frame, for which he paid $1.50 per month rent, and, at that time, it was the last house on Main street ; Mr. Folsom taught school about one year. In 1846, he was Deputy County Surveyor ; in 1851, he was elected County Surveyor, and filled this office about eight years ; he has surveyed the greater part of Bloomington ; surveyed the original towns of Normal, Chenoa, McLean, Heyworth, etc., and additions to Danvers, Lexington and other villages in McLean and the surrounding counties. Mr. Folsom has held several public offices ; was appointed in 1862, by President Lincoln, U. S. Assessor for seven counties ; also, was Revenue Collector ; was also one of the first members of the City School Board of Bloomington ; he is now engaged in the loan business, and dealing in land.

MICHAEL FREY, farmer ; P. 0. Bloomington ; was born in Preble Co., Ohio, June 19, 1835 ; he was reared a farmer's son, and his education limited to that obtained at the common schools ; in 1854, the family came to Illinois, and settled in the northwestern portion of McLean Co.. his father at the time purchasing a large tract of land ; after his majority, he worked on the farm some five or six years ; at the age of 27. he began improving the farm which his father gave him. He was married in December, 1870, to Sarah Rohrer, a native of Holmes Co., Ohio. ; he resided upon his farm until 1875, when he moved to the city of Bloomington. where he has since resided ; he owns city property in Bloomington, and 240 acres in McLean Co., valued at $20,000. Mr. Frey has never held an office, and has never sought one ; he has preferred a peaceful, quiet life, devoted to the interests of his farms; his sterling worth as a friend and neighbor, and as a successful business man, is recognized by his friends and acquaintances.

AUGUST FLETSCHMANN, Bloomington: was born in Rhenish Bavaria, July 27, 1845; came to America, and landed in New York Lity in 1859, where he was when the late war broke out, and being only 16 years of age, enlisted, in 1861, in Co. G, 54th N. Y. Regiment, as bugler; he did good service in the regiment, and remained until his discharge; he re-enlisted in Co. A, 11th N. Y. Militia, as chief bugler; again for the third time he enlisted, this time in Co. D, 15th N. Y. Artillery, as bugler; he was head bugler on the staff of Gen. Williams; he participated in the second battle of Bull Run, battles of Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Gettysburg, Harrodsburg, the Wilderness, Harper's Ferry ; he was also present at the riot in New York City. He came to Bloomington in 1866 ; here he engaged in the butcher business, and has been very successful; he was in partnership, at one time, with J. Clark, also with S. Alexander,; he came here worth about $4, and to-day he ranks as one of the most successful butchers in Bloomington. He married Miss Mary Weighl ; they have four children - Annie, Emily, Louisa and Lillie. - ~ "* FITZWILLIAM & SONS, dealers in dry goods, Bloomington ; and one of the very foremost houses in Bloomington. All the advantages that intelligence, business education and financial ability give a merchant, are possessed by Messrs. Fitzwilliam, and account for their large trade. William M. Fitzwilliam, senior member of the firm, is a native of Pennsylvania, having moved to Ross Co., Ohio, at an early day; tere he was engaged in the dry-goods business, in Bainbridge, for a number of years. Francis J. Fitzwilliam, a native of Ohio, has had almost a lifetime experience in the dry-goods business. He was a soldier of the late war. having enlisted in Co. G, 33d Ohio V. I., as 1st Lieutenant, and participated in some of the most severe battles of the war, as Perryville, above the clouds at Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, in the campaign to Atlanta, and other battles; after his muster-out he returned to his home in Ohio, where he remained until 1866 ; he then came to Bloomington and opened a dry-goods store on Main street, with a very valuable stock ; from there they moved to a room in Schroeder's Opera House ; thence to their present commodious building, which is 25x105 feet, three stories high, with basement, and a stock of dry goods the largest in the city, valued at $75,000. Their motto is excellence in quality, integrity in transactions, one price to all, and quick sales and small profits.

W. D. OILMAN, druggist, Bloomington ; the drug business is well represented in Bloomington ; among those establishments that are neatly fitted up, and stocked to supply any and all demands for goods in this line, is that of W. D. Gilman, corner of Main and Jefferson streets. Mr. Gilman, the gentlemanly proprietor, is a native of Washington, D. C. ; at the age of 16, he began learning the drug trade ; has had experience in the drug business in St Louis and Columbia, Mo.; he spent two years at his present location in the employ of Dr. Dyson ; then engaged in the drug trade in Hey worth, where he remained for two years; in November, 1878, he returned to Bloomington and became the successor of Dr. Dyson, where we now find him. Many of the citizens of Bloomington became acquainted with Mr. Gilman during his two years residence in this city, and are well aware of his ability as a thoroughly-educated druggist; his stock of goods is neat and tastily arranged, and of the very best quality ; he has a large line of show-case goods and a complete assortment of choice brands of cigars ; these .are all conducive to his success, but no more so than a fine family-recipe department, over which he presides personally ; his readiness and courtesy in waiting upon customers, clean and tidy store-room, must insure him success in the future as he has had in the past.

- - JAMES GOODHEART, Deputy U. S. Marshal, Bloomington; was born in this county March 30, 1830; during his early life, educational advantages were limited, but by study, observation and experience, he has acquired a good business education ; at the age of 18, he began the trade of a brick mason and plasterer, which he followed until the beginning of the late war, when he enlisted with the 94th I. V. I., and served until the expiration of his term (three years) ; he then returned to Bloomington and took up his trade, together with contracting and building; he followed this ahout twenty-five years, and a number of fine business houses and residences to-day stand monuments of his workmanship. He was elected to the office of County Sheriff in 1874, and was re-elected in 1876, serving two terms with honor and credit to himself and those he represented ; he is a man of fine physical powers and good business ability. He was appointed Depuiy U. S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois, in December, 1874. which position he still holds; he is public-spirited and enterprising, having assisted in many of the public improvements of Bloomington. He married Miss Catharine O., daughter of Daniel Fordice, an early settler of this county, Aug. 26, 1852; they have a family of eight. - - GEN. ASHAEL GRIDLEY, banker, Bloomington; was born in Cazenovia, N. Y.. April 21, 1810, and educaied at the Pompey Academy ; at the age of 21, he determined to 'go West," and Oct. 8, 1831, located in Bloomington; he began his career as merchant, in which business he continued eight years. Mr. Gridley was a soldier of the Black Hawk war. In the year 1840, Gen. Gridley was elected to the position of Representative, and was the compeer of Mr. Lincoln; he was one of the most active members, and was the author of much legislation that redounded to the material interest of Bloomington. As State Senator for four years, he achieved a reputation that made him well-known throughout the State " There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;" this juncture in his history occurred in 1841 and 1842, when his lucky star suggested that he should turn his energy and knowledge to the practice of law as a profession ; he at once worked his way into a large and lucrative practice, and soon stood in the front rank in his profession ; he formed a partnership with Col. Wickizer, the firm name being Gridley & Wickizer, and in looking over the old dockets of the McLean Co. Courts, the eye is frequently arrested by the name "Grid. & Wick.," as it was put, in order to economize time and labor ; he has long since abandoned the arena of litigation and has been engaged in the banking business, with even greater success. In 1853, the doors of the McLean Co. Bank were opened for business with Gen. Gridley as Manager, and they stand open to-day, with the same familiar face looking on and direcMng its operations ; that he has acquired a large property is true, but that he has locked up in vaults his accumulated wealth no man can say, for his public spirit and munificence are betokened upon every street ; but more conspicuously in the extensive gas works built by his own means, at a day when its success as a profitable investment was extremely problematical.

H. GRAHAM, carriage and wagon-maker, Bloomington ; was born in Lake County, Ohio, Oct. 26, 1830, and came, with his parents, to Lake County, 111., in 1844, where he learned the trade of wagon-making ; his advent, to the city of Bloomington dates back to 1S51, where he has since lived ; he began manufacturing wagons and buggies on his own account in 1875, and enjoys the reputation of turning out work second to none ; his place of business is 406 and 408 West Front street. He married Miss Anna Lively, of Waukegan, 111., June 4, 1854 ; she died May 13, 1877, leaving one child, Louisa B.

- R. GRAFF, grocer, Bloomington; is a native of Germany, where he was born May 15, 1840 ; He came to this country in 1852, and located in Bloomington, 111. ; during early life his chances for education were limited, but, by observation and experience, he has acquired a fair business education ; he followed agricultural pursuits until 1866, when he engaged as clerk in a grocery store; in 1872, he began business on his own account; he is located at 819 East Grove street, where he keeps a fine stock of goods ; he is a careful and reliable business man. whose aim is to secure the best patronage. He married Mrs. Margaret Leiser Sept. 1, 1869; she is a native of Germany ; they have three children.

-'""'ADAM GUTHRIE, tobacconist, Bloomington; was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, March 10, 1825 ; his father was Scotch-Irish and his mother German; they settled in McLean Co., in 1826 ; he is one of a family of twelve ; his educational advantages were limited ; after the death of his father, in 1846, he learned the trade of a plasterer, which he followed for many years; he held the position of Assessor for thirteen years, and was also Deputy Recorder, and, in 1870, took the United States census in District No. 7 ; these, with other positions, he has filled with credit ; he has witnessed the entire growth and development of Bloomington, and assisted in many of its improvements perhaps to a greater extent than some of larger means. During the late war he enlisted with the 94th I. V. I., and, after a service of eight months, was discharged on account of disability ; he is now engaged in the cigar business, and is finely located on the corner of Jefferson and Main streets ; his place is known as the Board of Trade. He married Miss L. L. Butler, of Bloomington, in 1849 ; they have raised a small family.

P. W. GAFFRON, grocer, Bloomington ; is a native of Prussia, where he was born Nov. 5, 1820, and raised and schooled, and afterward learned the grocery business. He came to this country in 1848, and spent considerable time in traveling and prospecting in the Southern States ; then located in Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained until 1851, when he removed to St. Louis, and there entered into partnership with one Roddewig and manufactured cigars, in which he continued until 1856 ; he then removed to Bloomington, erected a building and opened a grocery store. He is one of the oldest grocers of Bloomington, and is located at No. 812 West Market street, where he keeps a well-assorted stock of goods; he pays the highest market price for country produce, and is a careful and reliable business man. He married Miss Henrietta Schultz, of Cleveland, Ohio, Dec 20, 1853 ; they have nine children living

J. W. GRAY, grocer, Bloomington, of the firm of Brown & Gray, was born in New York City, July 3, 1849, and is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Whitten) Gray. He has a good business education, and ranks with the leading business men of Bloomington. He came to this county with his parents in 1863, and began to do business on his own account, in 1871, at Farmer City, where he continued until 1875, when he located in Bloomington and engaged in the grocery business with his present partner, and now enjoys a flourishing trade. They are located at No. 113 West Front street. Mr. Gray was married to Miss Lavina Price, of Farmer City, 111., May 10, 1870.

WM. E. GAPEN, attorney at. law ; Bloomington; was born in Washington Co., Penn., July 13, 1831 ; graduated in 1854 at the Waynesburg College, Waynesburg, Penn.; in 1856, he was admitted to practice law, and continued at his profession until 1861, when he went to Washington City and accepted a clerkship in the Pension Office ; in 1864, he resigned and returned to Waynesburg; in 1868, he came west to Bloomington, 111., and commenced the practice of law in 1869 ; about 1870, he entered into partnership with Mr. Henry A. Ewing, which constitute one of the strongest law firms in the McLean County bar. Mr. Gapen was a delegate to the Chicago Convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln for President, in which Mr. Gapen took an active part.

HYDE & MARTINS, plow manufacturers ; Bloomington. There are, probably, but few of the successful merchants and manufacturers of the city of Bloomington, who are equal in energy, enterprise and a clear conception of the wants of the public, to the firm of Hyde & Martins, manufacturers of the Centennial and Victor Plows, and dealers in agricultural implements. They have been in business in their present line only since January, 1877, and have already established, by good management and the superiority of their plows, a fine business. Their plows, especially, deserve more than a passing mention. Being something entirely new, yet the advantages of it are so very plain that the only wonder is that plows have not been constructed in this manner ever since they have been so universally used. The principal advantages gained are lightness of draft and a peculiar shaping of the standard, so that it is almost impossible to choke it in loose straw, rank weeds or cornstalks. Mr. V. M Hyde, the senior member of the firm, is a native of New York ; he came West first in 18G3, locating in Bloomington, where, for five years, he was engaged as salesman, cashier and book-keeper in the dry-goods trade. In 18G8. he removed to Detroit, Mich., and engaged in the manufacture of druggists' sundries, on Lamed street, and wholesale crockery, glassware, etc., on Woodward Avenue. This business he was engaged in until 1873, when he returned to Bloomington, and engaged with the Bloomington Paper and Bag Co., as traveling salesman, which position he held until 1877, when he, in company with Mr. Martins, engaged in his present line of business. He is possessed of the energy, ability and experience to carry most any business through successfully. Mr C. C Martins, the junior member of the firm, is a native of Prussia. In 1869, when he was 15 years old, he came to the United States. He first located in Belleville, near St. Louis, where he remained about one year. In 1870, he came to Bloomington, and engaged in the manufacture of carriages; this he followed until he engaged in the manufacture of plows, which he has since followed. Before leaving his native country, he had acquired a good education and had begun to learn his trade. He is a thoroughly mechanical genius. The patenting of and construction of their plows being of his invention, two men could hardly be found to carry on the business to better advantage than himself and Mr. Hyde ; both being so well adapted to their separate departments of the work. Should no misfortune befall them, they will yet rank among the large plow manufacturers of the West.

WILLIAM HILL, physician and surgeon, Bloomington. Among the leading physicians of Bloomington, who, by a long and successful practice, have established a reputation for skill and ability as a physician, is Dr. William Hill, who is a native of Butler Co., Ohio; he was bora March 1*2, 1829; read medicine at Indianapolis, Ind., under Dr. J. W. Merritt ; in 18-49, he attended lectures at La Porte, Ind., and at Ann Arbor, Mich., during winter terms of 1851, 1852 and 1853 ; attended and graduated at Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, in 1856 ; hepracticed medicine in Middletown, Ind., in 1851, and, in 1853, removed to Louisville, 111.; in 1856, he located at Salem, 111., where he practiced ten years, including time spent in the United States army as Surgeon of 48th 111. V. I., in 1861 ; in 1862, he resigned this post to accept the position of Surgeon of the 1st Missouri Light Artillery. At the close of the war, in 1866, he returned to Illinois and located at Bloomington, where he has since resided, engaging in the practice of his profession. He is a member of the McLean Co. Medical Society, of which he held the office of President in 1873; he has also written frequently for the different medical journals.

JAMES W. HAYES, deceased, Bloomington, whose portrait has a place in this work, was born in Haddonfield, N. J., July 3, 1833 ; his mother died when he was but a child, and soon after his father moved to California, and there died ; he spent his early boyhood with his uncle, a farmer in Bucks Co., Penn. ; at the proper age, he returned to Haddonfield and there learned the trade of a carpenter with another uncle, after which he went to Philadelphia, and there resided until the year 1855, when he was married and moved West. During the summer of 1855, he worked in Quincy, and in December of the same year, in company with Mr. John W. Evans, afterward and ever since his partner, came to Bloomington, and in the following spring began business as a contractor ; in 1858, Hayes & Evans bought a two-thirds interest in the establishment then owned by Parke & Bros., and which occupied the same spot as does the well-known shop of Hayes & Evans to-day ; Mr. S. S. Parke remained in the firm, which was known as Hayes, Evans & Co. ; soon afterward, they bought out Mr. Parke and changed the name of the firm accordingly ; in 1859, the shop, which had already fallen a prey to the flames twice before, was destroyed by fire, and was immediately rebuilt ; from its organization, the firm of Hayes & Evans was successful ; they have always been busy ; their contracts have been faithfully performed, and both members of the firm have advanced from the foot of the ladder to the positions in which they are known, by perseverance, industry and good management ; to the character of the deceased much of all this is due ; he was a man of wonderful energy, indomitable pluck, and clear and foreseeing mind ; quick spoken, and straightforward in his address, he was sometimes misunderstood by those who knew him but slightly, but all who had continued intercourse with him, either in social or business relations, learned soon to appreciate his character; during his association with Mr. Evans, the deceased superintended the outside work, giving to this department the activity and energy which characterized him, while Evans gave his attention to the work of the office and the shop. Mr. Hayes was a member of Remembrance Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., nnd of Wade Barney Lodge of Masons. Mr. Hayes married, May 2, 1855, Miss Elizabeth :?. Burk (daughter of Thomas and Ann Burk, natives of Philadelphia, Penn.) ; they have seven children

- Ella (now Mrs. Dr. C. R. Carr, of Bloomington), Thomas B., Alice L., Howard E.., William S., .lames W., Jr., and Fredonia. Mr. Hayes' death occurred Jan. 27, 1874. from an aggravated lung trouble. His widow married Feb. I, 1876, Luther Wilson, and still resides in Bloomington ; i hey have had two children, one living - Luther, and one dead - Grace.

HELB1G, music, Bloomington. There are probably but few men in Central Illinois so thoroughly skilled in the construction of musical instruments as Mr. Oscar Helbig, of 316 North Main street ; he is a native of Germany ; came to the United States in 1871 ; though before leaving his native country, he had learned the trade of mmufacturing pianos, and had worked in most of the large cities of Germany ; he worked one-half year in New York City, for George Steeks, in the manufacturing of pianos ; then went to Chicago, where he remained about one and one half years, also working at his trade while there, and did some business on his own account ; lie then came to Bloomington and began work for Mr. Strops ; then worked for Andrus & Van >choick, and finally began business for himself in tuning; he began on a small scale; by his close attention to business he now has a fine trade ; has a fine line of musical instruments, for which he paid cash, buying them direct from the manufactories, more especially the pianos, of which he keeps several different manufactures ; he also does something in the jobbing trade of small instruments ; his reputation as a piano-tuner is not equaled in the city, as he keeps most of the finest instruments in order for a circuit of eighty miles ; he is a thoroughly educated man in his line of business, and bids fair to rank among the large dealers of the State.

S. HAYES, carriage and wagon manufacturer, Bloomington; was born in Hartford Co., Conn , Jan. 17, 1807, where he learned the trade of wagon-making; he came to Bloomington in 1840; he embarked in business on his own account shortly after arriving here and has been a successful man ; he owns the property occupied by him, corner of West and Front sts., a location well adapted to his business ; he makes all kinds and styles of vehicles and has the reputation of turning out substantial and honest work, which fact, probably as much as any other, has secured him an extensive trade ; he has been a hard-working business man as well as enterprising and public-spirited, having always taken active part in all matters pertaining to the good of the community. He married Miss Eliza Roab, of his native county, in September, 1829. They have raised a family of seven.

of the few natives of England who is a resident of Bloomington ; he was born in 1834, and, in 1846, came to Canada, where he remained for about nine years ; in 1855, he came to the States and located in Bloomington, beginning work for Mr. Walton the same year of his arrival; for twenty-four years he has held his position in the factory, though, during this time, he was engaged in the war of the late rebellion. In April, 1861, he enlisted as Sergeant in the 8th [. V. I., three months' service; after serving his term of enlistment, he returned and helped to organize the 39th I. V. I., which he entered in Co. B as First Sergeant; after nine months service, he was promoted to the rank of Captain; in 1864, he was shot through the body, from the effects of which he has not yet recovered and probably never will, as the wound w is a severe fne; upon his return from the army, as soon as his health would permit, he again accepted his position with Mr. Walton; for many years he has had charge of the wood-work department of the factory ; during most of the time has charge of four or five men ; he is now one of the honored'and respected soldier-citizens of Hie city of Bloomington.

H. H. HEWITT, hardware, Bloomington. A fair illustration of what can be done by energy, industry and a close attention to business is found in the hardware and agricultural implement trade of Mr. H. H. Hewitt; he is a native of Saratoga Co., N. Y. ; upon coming West, in 1857, his first location was in El Paso, Woodford Co., 111. ; here he taught the first school ever taught in El Paso; this was in the winter of 1858-59 ; in 1860, he opened the first hardware store in that place; this business he conducted until 1869, when he sold out and came to Bloomington ; for two years he was engaged in the book trade, the firm being Miner & Hewitt; in January, 1873, be again engaged in the hardware trade, with Mr. Haggard, the firm name being Haggard & Hewitt; in 1874, he bought Mr. Haggard's interest in the business, and has since conducted it alone; from 1871 until 1873, he also had an interest in a hardware establishment in El Paso ; his establishment is located at No. 309 N. Main st. ; this building is 24 feet front and 100 feet deep, three floors and basement; in addition to this, he has two large sheds for storing farm machinery ; prominent among his line of goods is the Schuttler wagon, Champion reaper and mower, the " Early Breakfast" and "Everlasting" stoves; he employs from eight to ten men; his business aggregates about $100,000 per annum; this is wholly the result of his industry, energy and good financiering, by which he has established a business of which any man may justly feel proud.

^MRS. W. H. HANNA, Bloomington. Of those who were, during their life, prominent members of the bar in Bloomington, we mention Mr. Hanna; he was a native of Brookfield, Ind. ; those who are familiar with the history of Indiana will well remember the prominence of the Hannas ; his people moved from his native place to In lianapolis when he was but two years old ; there he resided until the age of 25, when he moved to Bloomington and beg*n the practice of law, as he had become a graduate of the legil professiui before leaving Indianapolis ; his death occurred Aug. 5, 1870, in his 43th year. He was nurried in 1846, Mrs. Hanna being still a

E. T. HUTCHINSON, dentist, Bloomington; before engaging in any profession, it would be well for any person to study his adaptability for that profession ; this seems to have been the case with Dr. E. T. Hutchinson, whose natural talent in the profession of dentistry has been well proven by his success; he is a native of Christian Co., Ky. ; was born April 9, 1845, and began the study of dentisti'y in 1868, graduating at the Pennsylvania Dental College of Philadelphia in 1871 ; after graduating, he returned to Bloomington, where he has been a resident since 1857, and began the practice of his profession; his office and residence is located corner Center and Grove streets, being what is known as the Hutchinson Block, which he erected in 1875, with special reference to the dental business ; here, by his own design, he has elegantly furnished reception and operating rooms, paying special attention to having his operating room well lighted by large, French plate-glass windows, thus enabling him, with the help of the finest-improved make of dental instruments, to do fine and lasting work while operating, he having spenr much time in the study and practice of this part of his profession ; of his success and ability in this part of the science, there is abundant proof among the first families of the city.

1844, where he lived until 1856, when he removed, with his parents, to Tipton, Iowa ; in 1858, they removed to Laclede, Mo., and, in 1869, to McLean, 111. ; during his early life, he obtained a good education, including a commercial course at Quincy, 111. ; his first business experience was in the grocery line, at Hannibal, Mo. ; he returned to Bloomington in 1873, and opened a meat-market; his shop is at 615 North Main street, where he has one of the neatest markets in this section of the State ; the trade he has secured in this vicinity, and the satisfaction given to both private and public houses prove him to be a good business man. He married Miss Ida Jones, of this county, Aug. 15, 1871 ; they have three children.

BARNEY HEMMELE, grocer, Bloomington, was born in Germany Sept. 4, 1837; he came to this country in 1843, with his people, who settled in Alleghany, Penn., where he was raised and schooled and learned the trade of a cigar-maker, nerving a regular apprenticeship. In 1853, he moved with his parents to St. Louis, and lived there until 1862, then to Bloomington, 111., where he engaged in business on his own account: he opened his present place of business in 1868; his location is 710 West Market street, where he keeps a good assortment of groceries. He married Miss Caroline Pope, of this place, April 7, 1861 ; they have a family of eight children.

^,^-^FRANK HOBLIT, banker, Bloomington, son of Samuel and Abigail (Downey) Hoblit, who were among the first settlers of Logan Co., 111., where they resided many years, and had much to do with the settlement and development of that section ; they were zealous workers in the cause of religion, belonging to the Baptist denomination ; by industry, perseverance and integrity, they amassed a large property, and were public-spirited and benevolent; in 1854, they removed to what was known as the Downey farm, Atlanta Township, where the father died May 26, 1866, beloved by friends and relatives, and respected by all who knew him. The subject of this sketch was born in Logan Co.. 111., Nov. 1, 1839 ; was brought up on a farm, and received a good common-school education ; he began clerking at 18, was a merchant at 21, and a banker at 26. Mr. Hoblit was a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Philadelphia in June, 1872. In 1878, the National State Bank of Bloomington was established and Mr. Hoblit appointed President of the Bank, which has a capital of $100,000, and does a general banking business. He married Miss Mellie A., daughter of Dr. J. S. Allen, Jan. 5, 1864; she was born Jan. 2, 1846. f - l B. F. HOOPES, grocer, Bloomington ; wholesale and retail grocer and proprietor of the Bloomington Steam Coffee, Spice and Hominy Mills. Mr. Hoopes' advent to this city dates back to 1856, when he embarked in the grocery business, and, excepting four years, during which he resided in Springfield, has been one of the leading business men of Bloomington. Although never making any great fortune at one venture, yet he has constantly added to his possessions, until to day we find him enjoying a liberal trade and ranking among the solid men of this city. He is located at 105 West North street, a very central point for a large trade, and enjoys a good reputation for fair dealing with patrons. Another enterprise, which is a credit to the city as well as a paying institution, is the Steam Coffee, Spice and Hominy Mills which he has added to his already extensive business. He is a native of Pennsylvania ; born in Chester Co. Aug. 28, 1828. During his early life, he obtained a good education, laying the foundation for future usefulness. Oct, 12, 1862, he married Miss Augusta Harwood, of Holly, N. Y. ; they have one child - Albert H.

^ - F..A. HOMUTH, butcher; Bloomington ; was born in Prussia, September 20, 1828, where he was raised and schooled ; during his early life, he learned the trade of a tailor, which business he followed until 1860, when he came to this country, locating in Goshen, Ind., where he followed agricultural pursuits until 1863, when he removed to Bloomington, 111., and began in the butcher business. His shop is at 110 East Front street, where he keeps a well-arranged market ; he is a practical butcher of over fifteen years' experience and is said to be well-skilled at the business. He marriei Miss Tora Roof, of Bloomington, 111., in May, 1864 ; they have a family of two children.

B. L. HERRINGTON, butcher ; Bloomington ; was born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Oct. 80, 1851. He came to Bloomington, 111., in 1865, and obtained a good education at the Wesleyau University, and also attended the Wabash College at Crawfordsville, Ind. He began in I he butcher business in 1873, and is now conducting a first-class market at 202 East Front street. He married Miss Mary J. Delano, of this county, December 20, 1878.

- -CHRISTIAN HAKER, saloon-keeper; Bloomington; was born m Prussia, in 1843, and is the son of Christopher and Fredericka (Hagen) Haker, of Germany. He came with his parents, in 1857, to America, landing in New York City, and came directly West and located in Manitowoc, Wis. There he engaged in the butcher business. In 1859, he came to Bloomington and worked at his trade more or less until 1870, when he entered the saloon business. He married in Bloomington to Miss Dora Fack, of Germany ; they have had one child, now dead. Mr. Haker's mother died in Bloomington ; his father is now living in Bloomington. Mr. Haker has three brothers and one sister living in Bloomington, and two sisters and a brother in Manitowoc, Wis. GEORGE HOFMANN, saloon and boarding-house ; Bloomington ; was born in Germany, in 1831; when 12 years old, he was on the sea as a sailor. In 1850, he came to America and landed in New York City. At the breaking out of the late war he was in New Orleans, and left that city on the last ship that sailed from there before the port was closed ; he went to Boston, and enlisted in the United States Navy, and was in the battle of Fort Jackson, and at the surrender of New Orleans ; he did good service in the navy and was honorably discharged. In 1863. he came to Bloomington; here he commenced the saloon and boarding-house business. He is one of the prominent Germans of the city. He married in Boston to Miss Paulina Hewert, of Germany ; they have three children.

F. HAMMOND, general agent for the Singer Sewing Machine ; Bloomington; was born in London, England, July 27, 1840. He came to America in 1869 ; came West and located in Chicago, where he entered the employ of the Singer Manufacturing Co. as a machinist ; he is a practical machinist. He was stationed for three years at Peoria, as general agent ; from there he went to Bloomington and took charge of the Singer Co.'s office at 106 W. North street, which building, including the Phoenix Hotel and the corner north of the hotel, belongs to Mr. James Bolton, one of the members of the Singer Manufacturing Co. As an evidence of the extensive character of the Singer Sewing Machine enterprise it may not be inappropriate to mention that they employ 40,000 girls, women, boys and men in the manufacture and disposition of their machines ; use 8,000 horses, and over 2,500,000 of their machines are in use. The company sold last year 366,000 machines, an excess of 73,000 over any preceding year, despite the hard times. Mr. Hammond has two sons connected with the general office in Chicago. F. W. Hammond is book-keeper, and N. C. Hammond is a machinist.

~*SD. D. HAGGARD, hardware merchant, Bloomington; was born in Christian Co., Ky., Nov. 16, 1819. and is the son of Dawson and Charity (Baldwin) Haggard, of Virginia, havingcometo Kentucky at an early day ; Mr. Haggard's father died when he was young, leaving him to take charge of the farm ; here Mr. Haggard remained on the farm until 1837 ; he then went to Indiana and located in Greene County ; here he remained until 1841, engaged in farming; he then went to Bloomington ; he came here a poor boy, and first commenced making half-bushel measures iu the winter of 1841-42 ; thence to a farm four miles south of Bloomington ; he was also engaged in the manufacture of shoe pegs, by a machine invented by himself; in 1843, he entered mercantile business, locating four miles south of Bloomington ; he was also in business in Danvers anfl Concord, in general merchandising; in 1846, he came to Bloomington and commenced business in a general store; from that he entered the hardware business, and at one time he was one of the largest dealers in this line, his sales reaching $100,000 a year, but, during the hard times, he failed ; Mr. Haggard has returned to the hardware business, and to-day is the oldest merchant in the city. Mr. Haggard married, in 1847, Miss Nancy Minter, of Jessamine Co., Ky.; she died in 1854; he next married Miss Mary A. Ballard, of Fayette Co., Ky.; three sons and one daughter.

^--O. N. HODGE, farmer, P. O. Bloomington; was born in McLean Co., 111., on the old homestead, Nov. 15, 1826, and, with the exception of thirteen years in California, the first three years of which were spent in mining and the rest of the time in farming, he has made the old homestead his home; he is the son of William H. Hodge, who was born Jan. 4, 1794, in Rockingham Co., N. C; his ancestors came from England, and settled in Pennsylvania about 1700, when they moved to North Carolina. Mr. William H. Hodge, with his parents, moved to Tennessee in 1812; here Mr. Hodge was engaged in teaching school, as well as in Kentucky. In 1820, he started for Illinois, where he arrived on the 20th of February of that year ; he first settled in Sangamon County; in 1824, he moved to Blooming Grove, McLean Co., 111.; here he bought land quite extensively; at. this time there were but few families in the county; Mr. Hodge assisted in the organization of Tazewell Co., in 1827: also, in the organization of McLean Co., in 1831. Mr. Hodge was Sheriff, Collector and Assessor of Tazewell Co. from 1827 to 1831. Mr. Hodge married, in 1814, Miss Rachel Wall, of Kentucky, who died about the year 1845 ; has had ten children, six of whom are living. William H. Hodge died May 20, 1875, with lung fever, being sick abou*, three days. Thus the old settlers of McLean Cj. are, one by one, passing beyond the shores of the unknown river. The children of William and Rachel (Wall) Hodge now living are - 0. N. Hodge, born Nov. 15, 1826 (married Nancy J. Tipps and had one child, both deceased); Nancy (married Hugh Harris, now of Oregon) ; William C. (married Rachel Murphy, and lives in Bloomingion) ; Mary J. (married Pleasant Hill, and living in California) ; James P. (married Miss Ellen Rouse, of Ohio, daughter of Col. John Rouse) ; Harriet (married

LOUIS HAKER, saloon-keeper, Bloomington; was born in Prussia, Dec. 7, 1836 ; in 1857, he came to America, and landed in New York City ; he came directly West, and first settled at Manitowoc, Wis., where he was engaged in a saw-mill, and remained until 1859, when he came to Bloomington, which has been his home ever since. Mr. Haker was first engaged in a brick-yard ; he also was at work in Phoenix Nursery ; he has made two trips with live-stock to New Orleans. He was in the late war and did good service ; he enlisted, in 1862, as private in Company A, 94th

1. V. I.; was at the battles of Perry Grove. Fort Morgan, etc., and a number of skirmishes ; was mustered out in 1865 ; he then returned to Bloomington, and was on the city police of Bloomington and did good service. He married Minnie Swart z, of Germany. He began the saloon business in 1872.

E. C. HYDE, Bloomington ; is the oldest merchant tailor in Bloomington, now doing business in the city; he came to Bloomington in 1854, and commenced business in 1855; he was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1826, and is the son of Joel Hyde; moved with his parents to Delaware, Ohio, where he entered the Wesleyan University, and received a good education ; he also learned his trade, as tailor, in Delaware, Ohio, May 12, 1854 ; when he arrived in Bloomington, he was first engaged in clerking in a store ; from that he became owner of a merchant tailoring establishment in 1855; in that year his store took fire and his stock was entirely destroyed ; he then went to Chicago and purchased $600 worth of piece goods, giving his notes to be paid in three and six months: he paid these notes before they became due, and from that time on Mr. Hyde has been very successful in business; to-day he owns one of the finest stocks of piece goods, and has a trade that will do credit to any town in Illinois.

SEBASTIAN HOIIMANN, barber, Bloomington; more familiarly known as Charlie Hohmann, the barber ; was born in Germany, Jan. 9, 1841 ; in 1846, he came to America, and landed in New York city ; from there he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he first engaged in working in a glass factory ; at 14 years of age he commenced to learn his trade as barber, in Buffalo ; he at length came West and has been located in different States, working at his trade. Mr. Hohmann was also barber on the Mississippi River for four or five seasons ; he was on the steamer Grey Eagle, then running between St. Louis and St. Paul, when she collided with (he railroad bridge at Rock Island, and sunk in a very short time ; Mr. Hohmann was one of six whose efforts saved fortyeight persons from a watery grave: he himself received a very painful wound on the wrist, the effects of which are apparent to this day. He was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in 1862, as private, in Co. A, 96ttt I. V. I.; he had charge of a brigade band for one and a half years, and the remainder of the time served in the ranks; he was mustered out at close of war; in 1865 he returned to Bloomington, which has been his home ever since ; he is one of the oldest barbers in the business in the city, and owns the finest shop in Bloomington, situated in the Ashley House. Mr. Hohmann is also manager of Hohmann & Hasiing's band, which is one of the finest bands in Central Illinois.

- t^OHN M. HAMILTON, Bloomington. Mr. Hamilton wai born at Richwood, Union Co., Ohio, May 28, 1847 ; his birth-place, or the habitation iu which he first saw the light of this world, was a rough-hewn log cabin, located in the deep beech woods of that section of Ohio ; he is a direct descendant of that branch of the old Scotch family of Hamiltons which more than a century ago planted itself as a part of the advance guard of civilization in Maryland and Virginia ; his father was one of twelve children - ten sons and two daughters, who are now located in different parts of Illinois and Ohio ; in 1854, John emigrated with his parents in a covered wagon, to Marshall Co., Ill ; here his father purchased a large farm, but the business crash of 1857 swept nearly everything out of his possession, and John and older brother were compelled to support, by their own labor, the entire family. In 1864. when but 16 years of age, young Hamilfon enlisted and served for a year in the Union army ; returning home he taught a district school in the winter of 1865, meantime continuing to prepare himself for college, snatching such moments from labor as he could, for the cultivation of his mind ; from the sale of a piece of land given him by a well-to-do uncle, a small amount saved from his earnings as a teacher, and a contribution from his father, John raised sufficient ready funds to enable him in September, 1865, to start out upon a classical course in the Delaware (Ohio) Wesleyan University; and, in 1868, he graduated third in a class of forty-six students, receiving the degree of A. B.; in 1871, he received a second reward for his perseverance by having the affix of A. M. bestowed upon him by the same institution; he at once began the study of law in earnest, but his finances being exceedingly low, he was compelled to accept a position as Principal of an academy, at Henry, 111.; he was at this time so sorely pressed for means that he found it necessary to negotiate a loan of $50 from an aged lady friend to defray his current expenses until such time as he should draw his salary ; on account of serious illness. Mr. Hamilton, in the spring of 1869, was compelled to resign the position of Principal of the academy ; he then prosecuted the study of law at home, in Marshall Co., slowly regaining his health in the meantime ; in the month of August, 1869, Mr. Hamilton came first to Bloomington, and through the influence of a recommendation from the entire Faculty of the Ohio Wesleyan, obtained a situation as tutor in the Illinois Wesleyan ; here he was occupied for three hours each day in hearing classes recite in Latin ; he had not relinquished his law studies; but every leisure hour was put in faithfully with the books, and, that he might have the benefit of a valuable library and ripe experience, he entered the law office of Weldon, Tipton & Benjamin; in the spring of 1870, he drew yet nearer the cherished wish of his life, being at that time admitted to the bar ; soon after. he began practice with Weldon & Benjamin on a salary ; in October, 1870, the present firm of Rowell & Hamilton was formed, being third in order of the oldest law firms in the city. In 1876, Mr. Hamilton's friends placed him in nomination as a Representative in the State Senate, to which he was elected for four years ; he has served on the following committees: Judicial, Revenue, Education, State Institutions, Municipalities, Elections; he introduced and secured the passage of the bills establishing the new Appellate Court ; as a member of the Committee on Revenue, Mr. Hamilton took a prominent part in the warm fight of that session between the people and the great corporations of the State, when the latter endeavored to escape taxation ; it is needless to say he was on the side of the people ; as a member of the Committee on Public Institutions he visited and examined them all, and reported on their condition ; he was instrumental in obtaining the most liberal appropriation for the Normal University that has been obtained for that institution for a number of years, increasing the regular appropriation by $2,500. In 1879, he was elected President of the Illinois State Senate, by the Republicans in caucus, unanimously ; in 1879, he was elected Vice President of the Illinois State Bar Association.

HERMANN HOFFMANN, saloon-keeper, Bloomington ; was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, July 19, 1847 ; came to America and landed in New York City about 1859 ; he first located in Newark, N. J., where he learned his trade as traveling-bag maker ; he followed his trade about fifteen years, and was in the employ of T. B. Pettis, a large manufacturer in Newark, N. J., who is now a Member of Congress ; In 1877, Mr. Hoffmann came West and located in Bloomington ; here he commenced the saloon business, and has followed it ever since ; has in his employ his brother, Valentine Hoffmann, who was in the late war, in the 13th N. J. V. I.; he did good service ; was in the Army of the Potomac ; also in Sherman's campaign, and served over three years. Mr. Herman Hoffmann married Miss Sibela Wallrab, of Germany ; they have three children, two girls and one boy.

J. E. HOUTZ & CO., dry goods, Bloomington; this firm commenced business in 1873; they have had experience in the dry-goods business some thirteen years ; they occupy one of the finest blocks for the dry-goods business in the city, known as the Gridley Block ; their stock of dry gools and carpets is complete, and one of the largest in the city.

WILLIAM E. HUGHES, Bloomington. The subject of this sketch was born in England, but, when 18years of age, came to America with his father ; they settled in Michigan, where Hughes finished a course of study at the best institutions the State afforded ; in all departments of business, legal, historical and learned literature, Mr. Hughes became profoundly versed, and, having an uncommonly retentive memory, he has lost nothing from the store, but has rather added thereto ; he is a careful reader and a close thinker, and is especially familiar in intricate law questions ; Mr. Hughes first came to Bloomington in 1862 ; his first movement in business was as a salaried official of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, a position which he is said to have filled with studious care for the interests of that corporation, and in a manner highly satisfactory to its managers ; in this work he continued until the summer of 1866; in that year, he entered the law office of Williams & Burr, reading and preparing himself for active practice; here he remained, making the best possible use of his advantages, for three years, until 1869 ; an advantageous law partnership was formed between Mr. Hughes and Robert McCart, which, while it existed, had a large and valuable practice in all the courts of adjudication ; this partnership was dissolved in September, 1877. Mr. Hughes filled with distinction and ability the position of City Attorney, made vacant by the retirement of Mr. McCart. In the year last named, the present partnership with Ira J. Bloomfield was formed, and, since its operation, has been employed in a number of the more important cases at the McLean County Courts, as well as in the higher tribunals.

- JUGGINS & CO., marble works, Bloomington. It is often supposed that good work in the marble and monument business cannot be obtained anywhere except in a few of our larger cities. This is a mistake, as is evinced by the superior talent exhibited and work produced by Messrs. Higgins & Co., since their establishment in Bloomington ; these gentlemen commenced business in 1876, and have turned out some of the finest work in Bloomington ; they are now finishing one of the finest monuments for the Bloomington Cemetery ; its weight will be thirieen tons, and this will be the finest piece of work in the cemetery ; this firm employs more hands than any other establishment of its kind in Bloomington ; the firm is Mr. J. P. Jung, a native of Illinois, who came to Bloomington in 1869, and has had many years' experience in the marble business, and Mr. H. J. Higgins, a native of Ohio, who enlisted in the late war in Co. D, 59th Ohio V. I., and participated in the battles of Stone River, Mission Ridge, Perryville, Chickasaw Mountain, Lookout Mountain, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, etc.: with the exception of three months' sickness, Mr. Higgins was always at his post; after being mustered out as Sergeant, he re-enlisted, in 1835, in Co. E, 192d Ohio V. I., as 1st Lieutenant ; here he was detailed as Provost Marshal ; also Judge Advocate Court Martial two months ; after the close of the war, he returned to Ohio. In 1865, he came to Illinois, where he has been engaged in the marble business ever since. All persons dealing with them may be assured of the most honorable treatment and the most skillful workmanship.

DANIEL HEGaRTV, dealer in stoves and tinware, Bloomington; was born in the County Cork, Ireland, in May, 1836, and is the son of James Hegarty, a brewer; in 1849, he emigrated to America, and landed in New York City, July 2, 1849 ; he lived in the State of New York about eighteen months, and, in 1851, he came West to Illinois, and located in Chicago, where he learned the trade of a tinner, and worked thereuntil 1858; he then came to'Bloomington ; here he first worked for the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company as tinner and coppersmith about two years; he then went to Texas ; from there he returned to Bloomington and commenced to work for Holder, Miller & Co. In 1862, he commenced business- for himself on Main street; thence to normal about eighteen months; from there he returned to Bloomington, where he now keeps a complete stock of hardware, stoves and tinware. In 1877, Mr. Hegarty was elected Alderman from the Fifth Ward; this office he still holds. He is a Democrat in politics.

M. HANSEN, dealer in dry goods, Bloomington; was born in Saarburg, Germany, in 1839; in 1850, he came to America, and was engaged on the New York Central Railroad for thirteen years as brakeman, then baggage master and conductor; in 1864, he came West, and accepted a position as yard master ai Springfield, for the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company; thence to Bloomington. Mr. Hansen's first experience in mercantile life was clerking in a groery store, for about one year ; he then entered the sample-room business, and, in 1869, he engaged in his present business, which he has followed ever since. By hard work and good management he has become owner of a good dry-goods store. He married Miss Susan Wirz ; they have three children. He has held the office of Alderman of his ward. He is a Democrat in politics.

Aug. 16, 1823, in the Province of We->tphalia, Prussia, near Dortmund, and is the son of Rev. A. Hennecke. After serving in the Prussian army, he sailed, in 18 oO, for America, and landed in New York City May 26, 1850; from this year until 1855 he was seeking a location ; was in Buffalo, N. Y., Petersburg, Va., and Toledo. Ohio: from whence he came to Bloomington, Aug. 17, 1855 ; here he began clerking in a dry-goods store; was for a short time in the cigar and tobacco business, and, in 1864, commenced his present business. He represents some of the leading insurance companies, and does a general foreign exchange and passenger business. Mr. Hennecke is agent for the well known insurance company, the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, Wis. Every well regulated and prominent city has its insurance representatives, and no men are more necessary in any line of business. To pi-operly conduct a first class agency requires constant watchfulness, hard work and a thorough devotion to the details of the business. After saying this much, we are led to state that Mr. Charles Hennecke is one of the leading and most reputable agents in McLean County. Mr. Hennecke is assisted in his office by his son Albert. June 17, 1857, Mr. Hennecke married Miss Julia Schultz. ^*-~ JACOB JACOBif, grocer, of the firm of F. Oberkoelter & Co., wholesale grocers and liquor dealers. Bloomington ; came to Bloomington, 111., in 1853 and has been a wholesole grocer for -upwards of eight years. His place of business is 111 & 113 S. Main street, where he keeps a grocery store. Mr. Jacoby is a native of Germany, and was born in Rhenish Bavaria, June 22, 18^:8, he received a good education in German, Latin and French. He came to the United States in 1850, and located in Greenfield, Mass., thence to Illinois as above mentioned. He began doing for himself with no means, but to-day he ranks with the solid men of Bloomington. He has also held a number of responsible and prominent positions. He married Miss Mary Niergath, of Woodford Co., 111., in February, 1855. They have a family of three - Rosa, now Mrs. Charles Froschaurr, of Indianapolis ; William A. and Etta M.

F. JOHNSON, Jr., milling, Bloomington. There is probably no flouring-mill in the county so well known as the old McLean County Mills, of Bloomington. Many years ago, Mr. F. Johnson, Sr., came west from his home in Ohio and took charge of the mills. In June, 1873, he bought the entire mills, and later, sold an interest to T. J. Cox ; in 1879, the mills were leased to F. Johnson, Jr., and F. F. Beard, the firm being known as Beard & Johnson. Mr. F. Johnson, the subject of this sketch, is a native of McLean Co ; he was born Sept. 2, 1852. Having been a resident of Bloomington, he has had the advantage of attending good schools, which he has improved, being a commercial graduate, and a good literary scholar. His earliest business experience was in the mill business, helping his father; he had full charge of the books, and was conversant with all the details of the business ; by close attention, he had become a thoroughly practical miller before his father quit the business. With his thorough knowledge of the business, there is but little doubt of his ultimate success in his present undertaking. They have a flouring capacity of 100 barrels of flour every twenty-four hours, and fifty barrels of meal. They are kept running the year round to supply the demand for their goods.

S. F. JOHNSON, grocer, of the firm of Sprague & Johnson, Bloomington; was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, Sept. 9, 1824; during his early life he began to study for the ministry in connection with the M. E. Church. In 1845, he removed to Christian Co., and, in 1847, became regularly engaged in the work of the ministry. He was married in July, 1851, to Miss Mary Ellis, of Christian Co. He continued in the ministry until 1861, when he organized the 17th Kentucky Cavalry, and entered the service as Colonel, serving four years. He came to Bloomington in 1875, and, in 1877, became engaged in the grocery business. He is a man of good physical as well as mental powers, and a much-respected citizen.

OTTO KADGIHN, saloon and restaurant, Bloomington ; was born in Germany, in 1827 ; emigrated to America, and landed at Galveston, Tex., in 1857; he went to San Antonio, Tex., and remained there but a short time ; from there he went to New Orleans, thence to St. Louis, where he learned the trade of a painter, which he followed in St. Louis about nine months ; from there he came to Bloomington, 111., where he commenced to work at his trade; since then he lnis been engaged in the grocery business ; after that he entered the restaurant and saloon business, which he has followed ever since. He is one of the prominent German citizens of Bloomington.

PATRICK KEATING, Bloomington ; was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in August, 1837, and is the son of Patrick Keating. In 1846, he emigrated with his parents to America, landing in Quebec, Canada, and from there they went to Albany, N. Y. He states that the first nioney he made was here, as newsboy for the Albany Evening Journal, edited by Thurlow Weed and Mr. Seward. In 1855, he became fireman .on the Albany Northern Railroad; in 1856, he came to Chicago, and was fireman on the Illinois Central Railroad, and Galena Railroad : he returned East, and was fireman on the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad until 1860 ; he then returned to Albany, N. Y. ; here he enlisted, in 1861, in 25th N. Y. V. I. (Albany Burgess Corps) ; this regiment did a good three months' service in the Eastern campaign ; Mr. Keating was at length mustered out ; he then returned to the New York Central Railroad as fireman ; in 1864, he came West as a locomotive engineer; he accepted a position on the Chicago & Alton Kailroad ; he has been connected with this road ever since ; he has run a passenger engine on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, from Bloomington to Chicago, for ten years ; perhaps there is not an engineer on any line running out of Chicago better knowj.\ and liked than Patrick Keating. In 1875, he was one of the invited guests with a very prominent party to a trip to California. He is now engineer on the pay-car train, which position he was appointed to in 1875. In 1877, his friends in the Fifth Ward elected him as Alderman ; this office he is now filling with honor and credit. Mr. Keating is a Democrat in politics.

H. T. KELLEY, machinist, Bloomington. The iron and molding depariment of the plow manufactory of John T. Walton is under the supervision of Mr. H. T. Kelly, who is a native of Alleghany Co., Md. He came West as early as 1836, and located in Illinois, remaining fourteen years ; then returned East, where he resided for nine years ; in 1862, he came to Bloomington, where he has since resided. The same year of his .arrival, he accepted a position in the plow factory then run by Walton & Hamilton; in 1866, he became foreman of the molding department, which position he has since held. During his early life, he had but little chance of getting an education, having the advantage of nothing but the old subscription school system. He learned his trade in 1838, in Warren Co., 111.; by close attention to business, he has for many years held a responsible position, having most of the time about eight men under his charge. He is an honored and respected citizen, and enjoys a good name and reputation, which he has earned by honesty and industry.

JOHN REMEDY, chairmaker, Bloomington. Another important feature of the Bloomington Chair Factory is the finishing department; this is under the charge of John Kemedy. who is a native of Ontario, Canada. In the fall of 1839, he came to Detroit, Mich., and, in 1841, began learning the trade of making and finishing chairs. He remained in Detroit until 1843 ; then removed to Milwaukee, Wis., where he stayed but a short time, coming to Chicago in September of the same year ; here he made his home for nearly eight years, and for the next twenty years spent his life in Wisconsin and Chicago. In 1873, he accepted a situation with a manufacturing company in Clinton, Iowa ; remaining there about four years, then removing to Bloomington to accept the position of superintendent of the finishing department of the Blootnington Chair Manufacturing Company; this position he has filled with perfect satisfaction to all parties interested ; he employs from seven to nine hands in this department, they being usually girls; he is a thoroughly reliable gentleman ; by his honesty, sobriety and industry, he is now holding a good situation.

J. A. KERR, livery, Bloomington; Mr. J. A. Kerr, of the firm of Carlton & Kerr, of whom we have spoken, is a native of Harrison Co., Ohio ; born Jan. 16, 1836 ; while he was yet a boy his parents moved to Logan Co. ; the early part of his life was spent in farming in different localities. In 1861, he enlisted in the war of the rebellion in Co. F, 41st I. V. I., remaining in the service about two years, when he was discharged on account of disability; among the heavy battles he was engaged in may be mentioned those of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, the battle of Shiloh and the siege of Corinth. Upon his return from the army, he took a contract to carry the United States mail from Pekin to Bloomington ; he also established a passenger route, and ran this line for six years, when he accepted an appointment of postal clerk on the Illinois Central Railroad, his " run" being between Centralia and Freeport ; this he followed for three years, then resigned and engaged in the grocery trade in Bloomington with Mr. Carlfon, his present partner, the firm being known as Carlton and Kerr, the same as at present ; in 1875, he began, with Mr. Carlton, in the livery business, where we now find him. He has passed through many and varied experiences during his life, but is now probably permanently located, as they have a well-established business, which they are conducting successfully.

1). P. KING, harness manufacturer. Bloomington ; one of the business men of this city, who has seen much of the world, and has met with many and varied experiences in travel, is D. P. King, who is a native of Somerset Co., Pa. He was born April 22, 1822; at the age of 11 years, he, with his parents, moved to Ashland, Ohio, where he remained a^out fifteen years. It was there that he learned the trade of a saddle and harness maker, and received a fair education. From there he went to Pittsburg, remaining but one year ; thence to Wheeling, W. Va., for one and a half years, and from there to Galena, 111, where he lived about one year ; removing again, he went to St. Louis, and from there to California, via Santa Fe route ; he was there mining and prospecting one year ; he concluded to make his h6me voyage by water ; was shipwrecked on Nov. 22, finally landing in Acapulco, from whence he made his way to the City of Mexico, and from there to St. Louis, Mo. ; thence to Lexington, Ky., where he was located for twelve years ; thence to Cincinnati, where he remained until 1865, then removed to Springfield, 111., and to Bloomington in 1866; here he began working at his trade until 1870, when he engaged in business for himself; his establishment is located opposite the post office, on Center street ; here he is manufacturing everything in the line of harness, saddles, bridles, etc. By his energy and indu-try, he has established a good business.

April 25, 1818 ; there he received the benefits of the excellent school system of that State ; theie advantages he improved and made the most of, being, it is said, from boyhood, an indefatigable student, and placing his books above all other objects. He thus, in comparatively early childhood, obtained a valuable groundwork fur his future education. In the fall of 1860, Mr. Kerrick removed, with his parents, to Woodford Co., this State. He remained upon the farm, following the plow and his studies until the fall of 1868. During these eight years, he had mastered all the various branches of an English education, and added to his knowledge of literature, so that, when he entered the Illinois Wesleyan University in 1868, he was already far advanced in his studies. Here he remained, following the beaten path of the college students for two years ; he then entered into active business as Superintendent of L. H. Kerrick' s extensive stock and grain farm, in Funk's Grove Township ; meantime, he devoted all his leisure time to the study of law, and afterward read law with McNulta & Aldrich. He toiled patiently and faithfully until 1875, when he passed a rigid examination creditably, and was admitted to practice in the month of January of that year. He formed a partnership with McNulta & Aldrich as soon as he was admitted to practice. In 1876, Gen. McNulta forme i a partnership with Hon. Lawrence Weldon, and, in 1877, Mr. Aldrich accepted a professorship in the Wesleyan University, which, of course, dissolved the firm. Mr. Kerrick then opened an office and began practice on his own account. He has secured the services, as assistant, of Mr. H. D. Spencer, an active and ambitious young lawyer, whose attainmeuts in all legal knowledge must soon bring him into deserved prominence. Mr. Kerrick was appointed City Attorney by Mayor Reed, and since he has held the office has done good work, and a service which promises to make him a capable and efficient officer. As a lawyer, Mr. Kerrick is prompt, decisive and sincere.

"^TL D. KIRKPATRICK, merchant, Bloomington, is another of the old residents of McLean Co ; he is a native of Adams Co., Ohio; came to McLean Co. in 1850, and in time, had established a reputation as an auctioneer in the sale of stock and other personal property; he was engaged in this business for twenty-one years ; when his hearing becoming affected, he was obliged to give it up; after this he engaged in the mercantile business. His establishments are located at Nos. 502, 504 and 508 North Main street; No. 502 is used as a general salesroom of china and glassware, carpets, Wall-paper, dry goods and notions, and in fact everything pertaining to a general variety store. This store is 66x23 ; basement same size, which is used for manufacturing and finishing furniture; No. 504 and basement is used exclusively for furniture, of which he keeps a full and complete stock ; No 508, first floor and basement being same size as No. 504, viz.: 60x23 feet. This store is used for doves and tinware; prominent in this stock is the Champion Monitor cook stove, which is highly recommended by hundreds of housewives This entire business comes under the direct supervision of W. A. Kirkpatrick, who is now 23 years old, and has already proved himself to be an able financier, as he, for some time, has done all the buying, and has had charge of the books. He is verifying the old proverb, that "goods well bought are half sold." When Mr. A. D.. Kirkpatrick gave up the business of stock-selling, his brother, J. H., who came to this county the same year as himself, took it up. From his thorough knowledge of stock, and natural ability as a salesman, he has done a business that in every way has been gratifying to himself, and to those for whom he has conducted sales sometimes realizing 25 per cent above the owner's invoice of property. He is not one of the slow kind of auctioneers, but gets his buyers to evince some interest and enthusiasm, and sometimes " running off" $10,000 worth of stock in two hours time - his sales, sometimes, reaching §15,000. As this is decidedly a stock county, and as he does about 9J per cent of the selling, his business is of much greater magnitude than one would at first suppose, being about $200,000 per annum* He is a thoroughly educated man in his business; and not only does the principal business in this county in his line, but conducts large sales in the adjoining counties and other parts of the State of Illinois.

H. KUMMER, furniture, Bloomington. Mr. H. Kummer, of 113 S. Main street, is a native of the south of Germany ; he came to the United States in 1872, and located in this city ; he began working for Mr. C. L. Camp in 1875, and became his successor in 1879; before leaving Germany he had received a fair education; though he has been a resident of the United States only seven years, he has already learned to speak the language very fluently; he does a general business in stoves and tinware, new and second-hand furniture, and, in fact, any articles of house-furnishing goods he is always ready to buy, providing they are such that can be sold again. Though he has not been in business so long as some, he has already established his character and reputation for honesty and square-dealing.

- C. F. KOCH, grocer, Bloomington; son of Frederick and Caroline (Deininger) Koch, was born in Esslingen. Germany, March 17, 1848; he came to this country with his parents in 1858, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio; where they remained until 1856 ; they then came to Bloomington ; here he received a good education, laying the foundation for future usefulness ; his father died Jan. 5, 1875, leaving but one child - C. F., who began in mercantile life in 1869, at his present location, which is No. 810 West Front st. ; here he keeps an excellent grocery store. He married Miss Katie L. Feise', of this place, Aug. 22. 1872 ; they have two children - Louisa C. and Emma C.

JOHN KOESTER, editor, Bloomington ; editor of the McLean County Deutsche Presse ; was born in Germany July 11, 1815, and received his education at Hessen, Marburg and Goettingen; he came to the United States in 1859, locating in St. Louis, where he engaged in the business of a florist ; he also taught school for a time; in 1864, he came to Bloomington and established his present paper, beginning its publication in March, 1871 ; since which time, he has by diligence and ability built up a good circulation ; it is the only German paper printed in McLean Co. He married Miss Wilhelmina Grosbernd, of his native country, in October, 1859 ; they have a family of six living.