McLean County, Illinois - The whole text, 1879 (part 30 of 42)

WILLIAM HOTSENPILLER, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Lexington. Chenoa Township not only received a large addition to its population during the years 1867 and 1868, but this increase was from a class of people far above the average in intelligence and enterprise. Among those who settled in the township in the former year was the subject of this sketch. His residence in McLean Co., however, covers a period of twenty years. He is a native of Virginia, born in Shenandoah Co. on the 23d of February, 1838, and there lived until 1859. On arriving at his majority, he came West and engaged in farming in Lexington Township, McLean Co. In 1867, he removed to his present farm in Sec 33, where he owns eighty acres of land. He has served nine years as School Director, and takes an active interest in the subject of education, as well as in all matters relating to the good of the community. He was married April 4, 1861, to Miss Frances M. Derham, of Lexington, who was born in Morgan < o., Va., Dec. 6, 1839; they have seven children - Virginia May, Mary Emma, Annie Grace, William Milton, Charles Elmer, James Madison and Bessie Eunice.

ROWLAND J. JONES, farmer ; P. O. Chenoa ; was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, Feb. 8 1808. He was raised a farmer, and, in 1850, came to America and lived five yeai-s in Utica, N. Y. In 1855, he moved westward to Cambria Co , Wis., and the following year to McLean Go , and settled in Yates Township, six miles southeast of Chenoa, being one of the earliest settlers in that part of the county. The northern part of the county was then, for the most part, an unbroken prairie, with not a house for miles. Deer and other wild game were plentiful. Mr. Jones was then a poor man, but has been industrious and economical, and his labors have been rewarded with success, as he is to-day one of the most reliable and highlyrespected citizens of the township. He removed to his present home in 1867. He was married May 12, 1838, to Miss Jane Davis, of his native county ; of eight children, two are now living - Sariah and Abbie, the latter the wife of Rev. C. H. John, of Chillicothe, Mo. Two sons, Jonadab R. and Josiah D., died while in the service of their country, both members of Co. K, 94th I. V. I.; Eliakim died in Utica, N. Y., when but a child ; John E. died in 1867 at the age of 17 ; the others died in infancy. Mrs. Jones died March 16, 1868. Mr. Jones was married again

ROSCOE G. JORDAN, dealer in grain, real estate, stock, coal, etc. (firm of Haynes, Jordan & Co.), Chenoa ; has been a resident of McLean Co. for the past twenty-three years. He was born in Oxford Co., Me., July 6, 1834. He received an academic ^education in the North Bridgeton Academy, and, in 1856, came to Bloomington, and, after clerking awhile in the Pike House, engaged in buying grain. About a year later, he removed to Hudson, and continued in the grain and mercantile business until his removal to Chenoa, in 1867. He erected a steam elevator, which burned down in 1873. The first two years he did business alone, and, in 1869, the firm of Haynes. Jordan & Co. was formed. Mr. Jordan is a large real estate owner, having no less than 700 acres of farm lands in McLean Co., beside his interests in Western lands. His business career in Chenoa has been a successful one, the firm of which he is a member being among the heaviest grain-dealers in McLean Co. He was married May I, 1860, to Miss Mary Dunham, of McLean Co., and has three children - Mary F., Arthur D. and Abbie. Mr. Jordan has been a member of the Chenoa Board of Education for the past nine years, and for several years, Alderman of the city.

ANDREW JACKSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Chenoa. About a mile southwest of the city of Chenoa, on Sec. 15, is undoubtedly the finest farm in Chenoa Township, and one of the finest in McLean Co. It contains 480 acres, under a high state of cultivation, and with good improvements, the barn especially being noticeable as the best in this part of the county. The history of the proprietor, Mr. Jackson, is the history of thousands of other successful farmers in this Western country. Coming to Illinois, twenty-five years ago, a poor man in all but that energy of character and habits of industry, which warrant success, he worked on u, farm by the month the first year, in Peoria Co., then rented a farm for several years, and finally, accumumulating a sufficient sum, engaged in farming on his own land. He was born in Washington Co., Penn., Aug. 5, 1829; came to Peoria Co., Ill , in 1854, landing in Peoria, April 3. In 1868, he removed to his present home, purchasing 240 acres of land, subsequently adding thereto, until he now owns 480 acres in one body. He was married, Oct. 4, 1854, to Miss Sarah Keyes, of Peoria Co., 111., who was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, Oct. 9, 1833; they have two children - Oscar I. and Estella B. Mr. Jackson has served several terms as Commissioner of Highways and School Director.

A. D. KEEPERS, dealer in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, etc. ; P. 0. Chenoa. Although this gentleman has only been engaged in business in Chenoa since 1875, he has succeeded in building up an extended and healthy trade. Having an experience of seventeen years in the dry-goods line, he is enabled to adjust his stock to the demands of his trade, buying only in such quantities and of such goods u his customers demand ; he has few remnants left on hand, and his stock, in consequence, presents an exceptionally neat and attractive appearance. He keeps a full line of dry and fancy goods, boots and shoes, groceries, etc., and is one of the most successful and substantial business men of the place. Mr. Keepers was born in Morris Co., N. J., July 26, 1848. When he was about 7 years old, his parents removed to Illinois, locating in Gardiner, Grundy Co. He remained on the farm until 1862, and then entered a dry-goods store in Wilmington. He remained there but a short time, when he went to Gardiner, and, after clerking about five years, engaged in the dry-goods business for himself, in which he continued until his removal to Chenoa in 1875. He was married, Aug. 17, 1870, to Miss Tillie Burlew, of Watseka, 111.

WILLIAM E. KETCHAM, general insurance agent, and dealer in groceries, provisions, crockery, etc. (firm of Ketcham & Seybolt) ; P. 0. Chenoa. ; was born in Otisville, Orange Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1838. In 1856, he came to Tremont, Tazewell Co., 111., and engaged in civil engineering on the Tonica & Petersburg R. R., and assisted in the survey of that road from Washburn to Petersburg, 111. In 1858, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Tazewell Co., serving two years In Jan., 1861, he obtained a position in the Post Office Department in Washington, D. C, and, in September following, was transferred to the pay department as Paymaster's Clerk, and held that position till Aug., 1865. In Sept , 1865, he came to Chenoa, and, with A. B. Seybolt, engaged in the grocery business, which they still continue. For the past three years, he has been transacting a general insurance business. In March, 1871, their store was destroyed by fire, and they at once erected their present two-story brick building, forming a part of Union Block. He has served as <'ity Clerk for nearly five years. He was married, Jan. 21, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Clapp, of Cleveland, Ohio, and has three children living - John, Lillian and Anna.

WILLIAM KOCH, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Chenoa ; is a native of Illinois ; born in Tazewell Co., April 3, 1843. His father, Caspar Koch, one of the pioneers of Tazewell Co., is still living there, and is a prominent citizen of the county. Mr. Koch resided in Tazewell Co. till 1865, when he went to El Paso, Woodford Co., and, in 1867, came to McLean Co. and settled on his present farm on Sec. 28, in Chenoa township, where he owns 170 acres of land. He was married, on the 6th of February, 1873, to Miss Lydia A. Groutsch, also a native of Illinois, born in Peoria Co., May 15, 1849 ; they have two children living - Emma Bell and Lui Franklin. Mr. Koch possesses the characteristics of his German ancestors, of industry, thrift, and careful management, combined with the intelligent progressiveness which marks the people of the West ; and it is not, therefore, to be wondered at that, during the p%st half-doze i years, while others have succumbed to the pressure of the times, poor crops and low prices, he has made sure and steady progress on the road to success.

1.1 1,1 E BROTHERS, cigar manufacturers, Chenoa, have been engaged in business here since 1875 ; they are both natives of Germany ; Adolph Lilie, the elder, was born in Hanover Aug. 17, 1845 ; he came to this country in 1866, and, after spending one year in New Jersey, came West to Chicago, from which place he went to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he remained about six months ; he then returned to Chicago and clerked about two years in a wholesale wine house, after which, he learned c<gar making, and followed it until his removal to Chenoa in 1875. He was married Aug. 27, 1873, to Miss Fannie Bode of Chicago, a native of Saxony, Germany, and has three children - Harry, Walter and Adolph. The younger brother, Henry Lilie, was born in Hanover, Nov. 19, 1851 ; came to the United States in 1868 ; learned his present trade in Mattison, Cook Co., 111., and remained there until 1875, when he came to Chenoa ; Lilie Brothers are the only manufacturers of cigars in the place, and make all grades of cigars, the finest Havanas as well as the more common grades.

JOHN MORROW, farmer and stock raiser: P. 0. Chenoa; is a native of Illinois; he was born in Peoria Co., Oct. 5, 1836, being a son of Thomas Morrow, one of the pioneers of that county, a native of South Carolina, and who moved from Indiana to Illinois in the year 1832. Mr. Morrow was raised on a farm near Princeville, 111.; in August, 1862, he entered the Union army as Second Sergeant of Company K, 86th I. V. I.; took part in the battles of Hartsville Ky., Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro', siege of Atlanta, and was with Sherman on his famous march from Atlanta to the sea, then up through the Carolinas and Virginia, participating in the battles of Bentonville and Averysboro', N. C, and was present at the surrender of Johnson's army ; a few weeks before being mustered out, he was promoted to First Lieutenant. Returning to Peoria Co., he lived there till 1869, when he removed to his present home, where he owns a well-improved farm of 160 acres. He was married Nov. 8, 1866, to Miss Maggie Hervey, who was born in Ohio Co., W. Va., July 20, 1839 ; they have two children living - William C. and David Thomas. He served as Collector one term and School Trustee four years in Peoria Co., and since living here, has been School Director three years and Commissioner of Highways three years.

BENJAMIN J. MARRIOTT, saloon and billiard hall, Chenoa; was born in Lincolnshire, England, Oct. 14, 1836: he was raised on a farm, and, in 1836, came to this country, and coming direct to Peoria Co., III. began work as a hostler in a hotel in Brimfield ; he was afterward employed for a short time in a brick yard, after which, in 1859, he went to work on a farm in Orange Prairie; in 1862, he went to El Paso, and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in that place six years : in 1869, he came to Chenoa and worked at his trade for a while : he helped to build Mr. Balboch's store, and several buildings in the country; he then engaged in his present business, which he has followed mainly to the present time. He was married Nov. 2, 1865, to Mrs. Eliza Kreis of El Paso, who was born in Tazewell Co., 111., May 4, 1844 ; they have six children - Elizabeth, Charles H., George W., Alice If., John F. and Mary A.

W. A. MILLER, proprietor of the Exchange Hotel, Chenoa. " We eat to live and live to «at," and therefore, to point out a good hotel is an act of kindness which is sure to be appreciated by the hungry traveler ; of the Exchange Hotel it can be said with truth, tuat in quality and variety of fare and attention to the comfort of its guests, it is not excelled by any house on the line of the T., P. & W. R. R.; its tables are always supplied with the best the market affords, and the genial manner of the proprietor makes the traveler feel "at home" at once. Mr. Miller was born in Fulton Co., Penn., July 28. 1849; in 1854, his parents removed to Carroll Co., 111., where he was raised on the farm, attending school at the Mt. Carroll Seminary until he was 19 years old; he then went to Grundy Co., Iowa, and remained one year; in 1871, he went to Livingston Co. and worked on a farm during the summer, clerking in a hardware store in Dwight the following winter; in April, 1872, he came to Chenoa, as clerk in the Exchange Hotel, of which he became proprietor Jan. 1, 1874. He was married Dec. 3, 1873, to Miss Nellie Thomas, a daughter of Dr. J. H. Thomas, of Chenoa. Mr. Miller is now serving his second term as Alderman of the city.

PROF. J. A. MILLER, Superintendent of Public Schools, Chenoa; was born in Brown Co., Ohio, Feb. 5, 1842; until the age of 21, he remained on a farm ; in 1863, he entered a select school in Sardinia, Ohio, teaching school the following winter; in 1864, he became a student in the Southwestern Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, where he spent one year, April 13, 1865, he was married to Miss Alice S. Chaney, of Brown Co , a native of Highland Co., Ohio ; they have two children living - Cora E. and Leona G. The same year, 1865, he engaged in mercantile business in Marathon, Clermont Co., Ohio, which he continued two years, after which he taught school one year in his native county ; in the spring of 186P, he removed to Illinois and taught three years in Eppard's Point Township, Livingston Co.; in 1871, both Prof, and Mrs. Miller entered the Illinois State Normal School, where he remained two years, Mrs. Miller teaching the second year in Bloomington ; in 1873, he became Principal of the Public Schools in Towanda, and held that position five years, Mrs. M. also being engaged in the schools ; in 1878, he came to Chenoa as Superintendent of the Public Schools, with Mrs. Miller as principal assistant. Prof. Miller has had an experience of 100 months, or over eleven school years in teaching, and both himself and his wife are regarded in educational -circles and by the people in this section of the State as most able and efficient instructors.

J. M. MUELLER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Chenoa; was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, Oct. 21, 1821 ; he was raised a farmer, and came to the United States in 1853, spending a part of the first year in Palmyra, Mich., near Adrian ; he then removed to Coldwater, and lived two years and a half, removing thence to Chicago ; in 1860, he came to Chenoa Township and rented a farm ; not having money enough to move his family from Chicago by rail, he purchased a team on credit for the purpose, and, after moving his family, he had 75 cents in money, and was in debt $210 for his team ; he continued to rent until 1870, when he removed to his present farm, which he had purchased in 1863 ; he owns 160 acres, well improved, with a fine orchard, containing a great variety of trees adapted to this climate. He was married in April, 1847, to Miss Katharina Layer, who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, June 13, 1827; of eight children, sixare living - William G. (of Rantoul, Champaign Co., 111.), Mary L. (wife of C. P. Dickens, of Chicago), August G. (of Chicago). Louise C. (wife of August Balbach, of Chenoa), Edward J. and Louis Alfred.

E. M. PIKE, of the firm of Pike Brothers, dealers in lumber and building material, hard and soft coal, ice, etc., Chenoa ; was born in Casco, Me., July 1, 1838 ; in 1854, his father, Harrison *V. Pike, came to Illinois with his family, consisting of a wife and seven children, and located in Bloomington, where he resided until his death, which occurred June 2, 1877 ; he was a prominent stock-dealer and real-estate owner, a man of unusual energy, a successful financier, and acquired a comfortable fortune ; in 1859, the subject of this sketch entered the State Normal School, where he spent two years, and, in August, 1861, he recruited a, portion of the 33d I. V. I., known as the Normal Regiment, and was made Orderly Sergeant of Co. A.; he was in twelve engagements, including the battles of Fredericktown, Mo., Cotton Plant, Ark., Driscol 9 Plantation, Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Big River Bridge siege of Vicksburg, etc. On his return, at the close of the war, he was appointed on the police force in Bloomington, and, in 1866, was elected Sheriff of McLean Co., serving two years, after which he served during the winter as assistant to Revenue Collector Pierce ; in 1869, he came to Chenoa, and, with his brothers, N. H. and A. H. Pike, engaged in the lumber business. He has been a member of the Board of Supervisors for the past three years, besides other public offices. He was married July 28, 1869, to Miss Eunice Fugate, of Bloomington, and has two children - Edward Scott and Eunice Augusta. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pike are earnest and active workers in the cause of temperance.

DR. S. M. PAYNE, physician, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Lexington; was born in Salem Township. Washington Co., Ohio, Aug. 25, 1819; his early life was passed mainly on the farm ; he was educated at Marietta College, in his native county, and, at the age of 23, began the study of medicine with Dr. M. D. Sheldon, having previously pursued his studies in private; he graduated at the Eclectic Medical College, in Cincinnati, in 1847, and settled in Jonesborough, Greene Co., Ind.; he obtained the means of obtaining his education by grafting fruit-trees, and, when he began to practice, he had saved enough money in addition to purchase a horse, buggy and harnes-i, his pill bags full of medicine, and had $1.50 in cash. He was married Nov. 15, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Franklin, who was born in Owen Co., Ind., Feb. 15, 1829. After practicing three years in Jonesborough, he removed to Spencer, Owen Co., where he remained one year; in 1851, he came to McLean Co., bringing with him $400 in money, and spent two years near Lexington, and then removed to the head of Mackinaw Grove ; three years later, he settled on his present farm ; his business during his residence in Illinois has been practicing medicine, farming and dealing in lands ; among other methods, he purchased land-warrants, which he located in Iowa and Missouri; in this he was very successful, and he owned at one time, besides his home farm of 480 acres, over 1,200 acres of Western lands: he was also for many years successful in the stock business ; he now owns a fine farm of 240 acres, extending along the entire front of which is a private roadway, lined for a mile on either side with a row of beautiful maples, planted by the Doctor, which in summer forms one of the most attractive drives to be found in the county. Dr. Payne, although repeatedly solicited to allow his name to be used in connection with official positions, has kept clear of politics. He has four sons living - Leland M. (of Money Creek Township), Carmel D., Wilber F. and Charles H.

DEWEY RUGER, dealer in drugs and medicines, Chenoa ; was born in Oatskill, Greene Co., N. Y., July 29. 1854, and lived there till about the age of 12 years ; he then went to New Jersey, and attended the public schools of that city for three years ; when he was 15 years old, he came to Chenoa, and about a year later entered the drug store of T. J. Banta, and remained in his employ until October, 1878, when he engaged in business for himself; a full supply of all goods in his line can always be found at his store ; of drugs, medicines, toilet-articles, perfumeries, paints, oils, lamps and lamp-goods, stationery, flower-pots, homcepathic medicines, cigars, tobaccos, etc., he keeps a complete stock, and customers desiring any of the above-named articles can rely upon being served in a conscientious manner with goods of pure and reliable quality. Mr Ruger was married Oct. 16, 1878, to Miss Ollie Jackson, of Eureka, 111.

A. F. SOUCHWICK, of the firm of Southwick & Lenny, dealers in drugs and medicines ; was born in Mooers, Clinton Co., N. Y., June 29, 1832; his early life was passed on his father » farm; but when he was 16 years old, he entered the employ of the Northern & Ogdensburg Railroad lis foreman ; in 1853, he came West and followed railroading in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, during which time he served as Supervisor and Conductor of several roads, including the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien, and the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroads ; in 1861, he came to Chenoa as foreman on the C. & A. Railroad. In 1862, he enlisted in Co " B," 1st N. Y. Marine Artillery, serving five months, when he was wounded during practice on shipboard ; after his discharge, he entered the employ of the T. P. & W. R. R. Co., as yardmaster at Peoria ; the next year, he entered the service of the Government as Conductor and Superintendent of Repairs on the military railroads, and served about two years : returning to Chenoa, he was appointed City Marshal and Street Commissioner, holding the former position two years, and the latter most of the time up to February, 1878, when the firm of Southwick & Lenny was formed. He was married Aug. 15, 1855, to Miss Sarah Cherry, of Pulaski Co., Ind. ; she died July 21, 1856, leaving one child - George H., now a resident of Ottumwa, Iowa. Mr. Southwick was married again, April 13, 1861, to Miss Mary Campbell, of Missouri ; they have two children - Charles E. and Eliza Julia.

J. R. SNYDER, proprietor of the Bank of Chenoa, Chenoa ; was born on a farm in Rensselaer Co., N. Y. Aug 5, 1829. He was educated at the Poultney Seminary, Vermont, after which he began the study of the law, in the office of H. Z. Haner. a prominent lawyer of Troy, N. Y. After remaining with him two years, he entered the law school at Ballston Springs, where he spent one year. He then went to Albany, and remained a year in the Albany Law School, graduating in 1852. Coming West, he located ar, Earlville, La Salle Co., 111., and began the practice of hid profession, afterwards engaging in the banking business also. About six years later, he engaged in farming, his farm of 300 acres, near Earlville, being acknowledged the finest improved farm in La Salle Co. In 1867, he removed to Amboy, 111., and established himself in banking, coming to Chenoa in 1869. He started the Bank of Chenoa, the first in the town, and the only one existing at the present time. He erected his present fine bank building, in 1871, and, in 1874, built the Snyder Block, one of the finest in the State, outside of Chicago, besides other buildings in the city, including a commodious and attractive residence. He has always been active in improving and building up whatever town he has lived in. He is a gentleman of acknowledged financial ability, and, whether managing his own private interests, or administering public affairs, has always brought them to a successful issue. He served as Supervisor in La Salle Co., one term, and as Township Treasurer, several years. During his residence here, he has been Township Treasurer about four years ; Mayor of Chenoa, two terms, and President of the City Council, one term, under the Princeton charter. He was married, in 1852. to Miss Elizabeth Boyington, of Troy. N. Y., who died in 1864, leaving three children - Hattie E , now wife of R. F. Davis, of Bloomington; William B., in business in Chenoa, and Lester H., cashier of the Bank of Chenoa. Mr. Snyder was married again, in 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Cleveland, of La Salle Co. They have three children - Ida M., Arthur J. and Nina B.

FREDERICK SCHULTZE, farmer and stock -raiser ; P. 0. Chenoa; among the most successful farmers of McLean Co., are many from the Old World, who, not satisfied with the opportunities, or the want of opportunities for success, in the fatherland, have sought a new home in the fertile valley of the Mississippi ; such a one is Mr. Schultze He came to this county a poor man, and was obliged to run in debt for supplies for his family, the first season, until he could raise a crop. Now. but few farmers are in a better financial condition. He owns 160 acres on southeast quarter of Section 25, and is free from debt. He was born in Prussia, April 8, 1815; at the usual age in that country - 14 - he was apprenticed to the trade of a wagon-maker, but, on completing his trade, he engaged in farming. He came to this country, in 1859; lived one year in Bloomington Township, and then removed to Towanda Township when it was quite new, and there resided until his removal to his present home, in Chenoa Township. He was married, in March, 1845, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Scherneka, of his native town, who was born Feb. 17, 1822. They have had five children, four of whom are living - Frederick W., now of Waldo Township, Livingston Co. ; William, August and John.

A. B. SEYBOLT, of the firm of Ketcham & Seybolt, dealers in groceries, provisions, crockery, etc., Chenoa; was born in Otisville, Orange Co., N. Y., April 25, 1829. He followed farming, with the exception of two years in the engineering corps on the New York & Erie Railroad, until 1853, when he engaged in the grocery business, in Chemung Co., N. Y., whence, in 1857, he removed to Illinois, locating in Washington, Tazewell Co. The next six years were passed in in surveying, on the line of the Tonica & Petersburg Railroad. June 10, 1862, he enlisted in the 70th 111. Vol. ; was made Orderly Sergeant of Co. H, and served his term of enlistment, three months. He then went to Cairo, 111., as clerk in the Paymaster's Department, and, after remaining there a year, went to Nashville, in the same capacity. Six months later, he entered the secret service of the Government, as Inspector of baggage, stores, contraband goods, etc.; his duties in that capacity requiring him to travel constantly over the military railroads in the South. He came to Chenoa on the close of the war, and entered his present business. On the 15th of September, 1869, he was appointed Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue, under Col. E. L. Baker, of Springfield, and, on the 11th of November following, was commissioned U. S. Internal Revenue Detective, under Gen. 1. J. Bloomfield, and served till June 6, 1871. He assisted in working up the crooked whisky cases in this State, and, during his terra of office, closed up and confiscated a large number of illicit distilleries. He has been Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, and Fire Marshal of Chenoa for several years past, and has served one terra as member of the Board of Aldermen. Mr. Seyb'dt was married May 2, 1850, to Miss Sarah A. Jackson, of his native town, and has three children. His eldest daughter, Arrietta C, now wife of Dr. D. C. Everson, of Cawker City, Kan., was for several years of the fifth generation, in the maternal line, then living ; her great-great-grandfather being then alive. The others are: Florence H , now Mrs. Elton Clapp, of Chenoa, and Cora J.

JAMES SEERY, farmer, Sec. 16 ; was born in County West Meath, Ireland, in 1839. In the year 1852, he left Ireland, and emigrated to America, landing at New York, where he remained, alternating between that city and Allegany Co., until the year 1854. He then went ta St. Paul, Minn., remaining there a short time; he removed to Freeport, 111., and, after remaining a »hort time, went to Canton, Fulton Co., III., and remained there until the breaking-out of the war. In the spring of 1861, he entered the army, enlisting in Co. K, 7th 111. Cav., under Col. Pitt Kellogg, Lieut. Col. Prince, Acting Colonel in Command. Mr. Seevy remained two years in the army, participating in the battles of Corinth and Iuka, and in all engagements his regiment went through under the commands of Generals Halleck, Pope and Rosecrans, and was alsowith Gen. Grierson on his raid through Georgia, during Sherman's march to the sea. Mr Seevy left the army in 1863, because of disability from disease, which he contracted while in service. He returned to Putnam Township, Fulton Co., 111., and, after one year's residence there, married, and remained three years longer, and then removed to Joshua Township, Fulton Co., bought a farm, and remained until 1877. He then removed to Peoria City, bought a building, and conducted the grocery business for one year. In 1878, he removed to Chenoa Township, McLean Co., and bought and settled upon eighty acres of land on Section 16. His farm is all under cultivation, and is valued at about $40 an acre. In 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Barry, of Fulton Co., 111., who was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1844. They have had a family of five children, two of whom, John Joseph and Sarah Jane, are dead ; and James Augustine, Nellie and Francis De Sales are living.

HUGH VAUGHAN, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 31; P. 0. Chenoa; was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1830 ; his parents soin removed to the adjoining county of Merioneth, where he was raised and where his mother still resides. In 1858, he came to the United States ; lived over two years in Oneida Co., N. Y., and in 1860, came to McLean Co., settling on Section 1, Lexington Township, just south of his present home ; there he bought eighty acres of land on which he resided until ten years ago; he then purchased in addition, his home farm of 160 acres, now owning 240 acres ; his farm, completely surrounded by a neatly kept osage hedge, presents in summer a most attractive appearance. Mr Vaughan was married in January, 1862, to Miss Ellen Jones, of Merionethshire, who was also born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1834. They have six children - Edward R., Viola, Elizabeth Mary, Grace, Robert and Margaret. Mr. Vaughan has served eight years as School Director. He is an example of an enterprising, public-spirited and progressive farmer.

WILLIAM WIKOFF, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Chenoa; has lived in McLean Co., since 1852; he was born in Adams Co., Ohio, Nov. 7, 1832; he was raised on a farm, receiving such education as the common schools in his vicinity afforded ; in 1852, he came to Illinois; from Pekin to Bloomington he came in a hack, and then walked to Pleasant Hill, where he engaged in carpentering ; he soon afterward entered a farm of 174 acres, in Lawndale Township; and assisted in building the first house on the prairie in that township ; he continued to work at his trade for awhile, and afterward settled on his farm, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and where he resided until 1876, when he removed to Chenoa; he still retains his farm in Lawndale, to which he has added until it now contains 338 acres, under a good state of cultivation and improvement; he also owns a farm of 160 acres in Cherokee Co., Iowa. Mr. Wikoff was married Feb. 11, 1858, to Miss Cleopatra M. Collins, of Adams Co., Ohio, who was born in Washington Co., Ohio, July 1. 1838; they have two daughters - Florence and Emma, the latter the wife of D. H. Pingrey, of Bloomington, 111.

J. H. WATT, engineer for Haynes, Jordan & Co., Chenoa; was born in the city of Dublin, Ireland, Jan. 6, 1839, of Protestant parents, and in early childhood accompanied his parents to America; the family settled on a farm in Port Canada, Penn.; Mr. Watt had his own way to make in the world, being set to work at blowing the bellows in a blacksmith-shop, when he was so small as to require a block to stand on for that purpose. He came West at 15; his father removing to Peoria Co., Ill ; he followed farming and running a corn-sheller and threshing machine, until 1861; he then entered the Union army as a member of Co. H, llth I. V. C, and served till 1863, engaged mainly in scouting duty; he was then discharged by reason of injuries received; returned to Illinois and ran a stationary engine, in Chillicothe; removing thence to McLean Co., and farmed at Meadows, two years ; he then went to Kansas, and remained nearly a year, and in 1869, came to Chenoa, since which time he has been constantly in the employ of Haynes, Jordan & Co., as engineer. He is a leading Odd Fellow, a member of Chenoa Lodge, No. 387, and has held all the offices in the lodge from Doorkeeper to Noble Grand. He was married Aug. 27, 1863, to Miss Nancy J. Spears, a daughter of Jacob Spears, of Blue Mound,

CHARLES WISE, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Chenoa. The above gentleman has lived in McLean Co. since 1853, being a son of Frederick Wise, who came to the county from Pekin, 111., where he had located with his family on their arrival from Germany five years before. Mr. Wise was born in Baden, Germany, Dec. 25, 1837, and was therefore about 10 years old when his parents removed to this country. On coming to McLean Co., in 1853, they lived two years in Bloomington, then removed to Chenoa Township Mr. Wise owns 160 acres of land on Sec. 26, and is one of the most successful farmers of the township. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 94th I. V. I., and served until the close of the war, taking part in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., siege of Vicksburg, battles of Fort Morgan and Blakeley, Ala., besides several minor engagements. He was married April 16, 1868, to Miss Paulina Barneck, a daughter of Frank Barneck, of McLean Co. She was horn in Austria Feb. 26 1850. They have one child - Frank Wise. Mr, Wise is, at the present writing, serving on his third year as School Director.

DAVID ZUCK, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Chenoa; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Nov. 8, 1830 In 1844, his parents emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Fulton Co., where his mother still resides, his father having died in March, 1865. Mr. Zuck lived in Fulton Co. until March, 1869, when he removed to McLean Co., settling on his present farm. He owns a farm of 106 acres on Sees. 28 and 33. He also rents 200 acres, in addition. He knows how to take advantage of the various circumstances of his surroundings and turn them to a profitable issue, and is one of the most prosperous farmers of the neighborhood. He was married Dec 5, 1852, to Miss Catharine Fink, of Fulton Co., 111., who was born in Frederickstown, Md., April 8, 1834, and came to Fulton Co. with her parents in early childhood. They have nine children, all living - Sylvester, Solomon Marion, William Fenton, Mary T., Charles Alva, Elmer, Sarah Ellen, Ida Alice and Ira. Mr. Zuck has served as School Director three years.

LOUIS ZEIGLER, grain merchant, Chenoa ; was born on the river Rhine, in Bavaria, Germany, July 17, 1837. In 1852, his father removed with his family to this country, and set-, tied in Ohio; he went to Maysville, Ky., and learned the wagon-maker's trade; three years later, he went to Russellville, Ohio, where he worked as a journeyman two years; he then came to Bloomington and followed his trade until 1859, when he settled in Chenoa ; he established the first wagon and plow business in the place, building a small shop in 1860, and adding a blacksmith shop in 1861 ; in 1865, he erected the Chenoa Plow and Wagon Factory, costing, with the machinery, $6,000 ; he continued in this business until 1870, when his manufactory was burned down. He was then elected Sergeant-at-Arms of the Illinois State Senate, and served two years. After revisiting his native country, he, in 1873, in company with John Dehner, of Pontiac, purchased the Chenoa Flour Mill, and ran it till 1876, when that was destroyed by fire. In 1877, he erected another mill, which, in its turn, burned down in March, 1878, since which time he has been engaged in the grain business. In 1861, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served four years ; he also served two terms as Mayor of Chenoa in 1869 and 1870, and was a member of the Republican Central Committee of McLean Co. five years, from 1872 to 1877. He was married Dec. 25, 1862, to Miss Maggie J. Gample, of Livingston Co., and has two chiL dren - William Henry and Jennie Louise. Mr. Zeigler is a prominent member of the Masonio fraternity ; for twelve years, beginning in 1861, he served as Master of Chenoa Lodge, No. 292, A., F. & A. M. ; was the first High Priest of Chenoa Chapter, No. 143, R. A. M., for five years from 1870, and at present fills that office ; he has been connected with the Grand Lodge of Illinois since 1862, being at present Grand Senior Warden ; he has also been a member of the Yates City Consistory of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, in Peoria, since 1869.

JOHN C. BADDELEY, Township Collector ; P. 0. Le Roy ; one of the early pioneers of McLean Co.; born in Cheshire, England, Jan. 22, 1817, where he attended school until 12 years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the dry-goods trade. He emigrated with his parents to America, and landed in New York in June, 1832; coming West, they located near Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1835 came to Illinois and settled in Empire Township, McLean Co. His father, John W. Baddeley, laid out the first town in Empire Township, situated southwest of *he present town of Le Roy ; here they engaged in the dry-goods trade until the present town of Le Roy was laid out by A. Gridley and Gen. Covell, about the year 1836 ; Messrs. Gridley and Covell then compromised with Mr. Baddeley by giving him a deed of twenty-seven choice lots in Le Roy, under which agreement he was to abandon the town which he had laid out, and remove his stock of goods to Le Roy, where he continued in the general merchandise trade until 1852, The subject of this sketch then went to Mahomet, where he was engaged in trade until 1855, when he went to West Urbana, now Champaign, and opened the first store in that town, and was also the first Postmaster of the place ; he continued in business here until 1863, when he.

removed to Piatt Co., where he lived three years, and in 1866 returned to Le Roy, where he engaged as clerk for J. Keenan for seven years. He has since been connected with the grocery trade, first with Adam Murray, until he sold out to his brother Robert, since which time he has been connected with the latter gentleman. He was elected to the office of Township Collector in 1877, and re-elected in 1878, which office he now holds, and to which office he was elected both terms without opposition. Mr. Baddeley remembers vividly the sudden changes of the weather which occurred in December, 1836 ; he and John Williams were out bringing in loads of live hogs with teams; the day was mild, after a warm rain ; the ground was covered with water ; suddenly the cold west wind came with a roar, and froze everything up immediately ; the water froze in waves as blown by the wind ; the fowls froze in the mud while crossing the yards ; Mr. Baddeley's clothes being wet, froze on him instantly; they had at that time arrived within a short distance of the house of the Hon. Mahlon Bishop, where they went for shelter ; the harness upon the horses was frozen stiff, and when the traces were unhitched they stood out straight ; the cold was so severe that the harness could not be removed from the horses for two days ; Mr. Baddeley succeeded in reaching home with his sled and one yoke of oxen, the other oxen, which were turned loose in the timber, were recovered in two days. He married Dec. 12, 1839, to Joannah Karr ; she was born in Ohio, March 26, 1819 ; she died Feb. 26, 1844, leaving one child, since deceased. His marriage with Ellen Karr was celebrated Nov. 16, 1844; she was born in Ohio June 7, 1821 ; they have six children, now living, by this union, having lost one by death ; the living are Anna (now Mrs. William Rike), Jennie (now Mrs. William Beeney), Sadie (now Mrs. John Ross), Thomas J., Charles H. and Minnie; the deceased, James C, was killed while serving his country during the late rebellion, near Cumberland Gap, Va., Jan. 3, 1864.

T. J. BARNETT, retired farmer and merchant ; P. 0 Le Roy ; one of the early pioneers of McLean Co ; born in Bourbon Co., Ky., Jan. 21, 1818, At 13 years of age, he, with his father, Moses Barnett, emigrated to Illinois, and located in what is now Empire Township, McLean Co., in the spring of 1832. He was engaged in farming, breaking prairie and teaming, during which he made frequent trips to Chicago with oxen, until about 30 years of age, when he engaged in the general merchandise trade at Le Roy, which he successfully followed until 1874, when, on account of failing health, occasioned by close personal attention to his mercantile trade during a period of twenty-three years, he retired from active business. In po'itics, he was an old-line Whig until the formation of the Republican party, which he then joined, and of which he has since been an active member. He has often been solicited to allow the use of his name as a candidate for the State Legislature, and other State and county offices, but, having no desire for office, nor the time to spare from his business, he has always refused the use of his name for any office, but has done much in support of his party. He was a personal friend and acquaintance of President Lincoln. His marriage with Emeline Gibbs was celebrated Feb. 18, 1845; she was a graduate of Oberlin College ; born in Belpre, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1818 ; six children were the fruit of this union, of which five are now living, viz. : Alice, born Aug. 19, 1846, now Mrs. John S. Young; Emma, July 1, 1848, now Mrs. Denton Young; Orrin, Oct. 13, 1853; Laura, May 16, 1856, now Mrs. William Brown ; and George, July 17, 1858.

ROBERT BARR, farmer, Sec 6 ; P. 0. Le Roy ; one of the early settlers of McLean Co. ; born in Frederick Co., Va., Jan. 24, 1811 ; his father, Peter Barr, was born in Virginia, and followed milling until 1818, when he removed to Franklin Co., Ohio, where he died in 1825 ; his mother's maiden name was Margaret Basteyon ; she was born in Virginia, and died in McLean Co., 111., July 12, 1871. The subject of this sketch returned to Virginia after the death of his father, and followed milling until he emigrated to Illinois, and located upon Sec. 6, Town 21, in what is now Empire Township, in the winter of 1837. He first purchased 120 acres of land, upon which was a log-cabin with sod chimney, in which he lived two years, when he built a frame house, doing all the labor himself, cutting the timber, framing and finishing. This was the first frame house for several miles. In this house he lived until 1860, when he erected his present residence. When Mr. Barr came to Illinois, he had not the means to pay the postage upon a letter. He was the oldest son, and for several years supported his mother, three brothers and three sisters, and his mother until her decease. He has battled with fortune until he now owns 285 acres of land, with good buildings. His marriage with Mary Jane Gasaway was celebrated Dec. 29, 1868 ; she was born in Ross Co., Ohio, May 14, 1846 ; four children were the fruit of this union - Ada, born March 1, 1870, died Aug. 14, 1871 ; Robert Lee, born Oct. 1, 1871 ; Carrie, Jan. 1, 1874 ; Nellie, Dec. 21, 1876. Mr. Barr was Assessor of Empire Township eleven years ; has held the offices of School Director and Commissioner of Highways. Mrs. Barr was daughter of Thomas Gasaway, who emigrated from Ohio and located in Empire Township in 1857, where he still lives.

WILLIAM H. BEENEY, merchant, firm of Beeney & Galusha, dealers in hardware, stoves, tinware, farm implements, wagons and farm machinery, etc., Le Roy ; born near Newark, Ohio, Nov. 28, 1851. His father, Edward Beeney, emigrated to Illinois, and located in Downs Township, McLean Co., in 1854, where he engaged in farming until his decease, which occurred in the fall of 1855. William Beeney remained upon the farm until 1857, when he, with his mother, removed to LeRoy, where he attended school until 17 years of age, devoting his spare time, when not in school, to learning the tinner's trade. After leaving school, he finished his trade, and worked at the same for six years. In 1875, he, with his brothers, under the firm name of Beeney Brothers, engaged in the general hardware, stoves and tinware business, until April 15, 1878, at which date he associated with M. R. Galusha, and have since successfully followed the above business, under the firm name of Beeney & Galusha. A card of their business is to be found in the Business Directory of Le Roy, in another part of this work. His marriage with Jennie Baddeley was celebrated Oct. 14, 1875 ; she was born in Le Roy, McLean Co., 111., Sept. 17, 1850 ; they have one child by this union - Guy S., born June 1, 1877. Mrs. Beeney is the daughter of John C. Baddeley, one of the early pioneers of McLean Co., who located here in 1835, and whose biography appears among the sketches of Empire Township.

JAMES BISHOP, farmer, deceased, Sec. 10; one of the early pioneers of McLean Co.; born in Fauquier Co., Va., April 3, 1806. His ancestors came from England with William Penn. In the fall of 1809, he removed with his parents to Ohio, and located in what is now Clark Co., where he lived until 1831, when he came to Illinois, and, Jan. 12, 1835, he entered his first 240 acres of land, being the homestead farm upon which he located in 1837, and engaged in farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred May 24, 1877. He built the house which now stands upon the old place, in 1835, and where Mrs. Bishop now lives with her youngest son, James Q. Mr. Bishop married, March 9, 1837, Margaret Cannady ; she was born in Hopkins Co., Ky., June 15, 1808 ; she was the daughter of John Cannady, who located in White Co., 111., in 1816 ; then to Blooming Grove, about the year 1828 ; he died in Empire Township, Sept. 25, 1835; Mrs. Cannady died Dec. 12, 1855. James and Margaret Bishop were the parents of five children, viz. : Caroline, born June 26, 1838 : John Allen, May 3, 1840 ; Emily, Aug. 30, 1843 ; Rachel, May 23, 1846, and James Q., Nov. 24, 1848. The last-named now lives upon the old place. He married Martha J. Powell, Feb. 16, 1873: they had one child by this union, now deceased. Mrs. Bishop died Nov. 11, 1873. He married for his second wife, Margaret V. Powell. Their nuptials were celebrated March 11, 1875. She is a sister of his first wife, and was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 23, 1856. They have two children by this union - Minor, born May 19, 1876, and Clinton Emery, Jan. 12, 1878. Mr. Bishop owns, upon his home farm, 564 acres of well-improved land, upon which he has good farm buildings, located one mile northeast of LeRoy.

HON. MALON BISHOP, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 15 ; P. O. Le Roy ; born in Clark Co.. Ohio, Dec. 25, 1810, where he assisted his father in farming until 20 years of age, when he rented land and engaged in farming three years for himself until the fall of 1834, when he took with him his wife and child, his team and household goods, six sheep and two cows, and drove to McLean Co., 111. ; upon his arrival, he purchased a claim upon which there were ten acres broken, and an old log cabin without chimney, a puncheon floor, clapboard door hung with hickory bark ; and in this cabin he lived for six years, when he erected what is now used as a kitchen to his present residence, which was erected in 1842 ; he entered his first 160 acres of State land upon Jan. 12, 1835 ; he frequently made trips with his team to Chicago, taking up grain which he exchanged for goods, the trip consuming from eleven to fourteen days. Mr. Bishop has taken a deep interest in the cause of religion and education, having filled different offices in the school district, and has been an active member of the M. E. Church since February, 1842, Mrs. Bishop becoming a member of the same the following September. He held the office of Justice of the Peace from 1837 to 1839, and Township Supervisor two years during the war; he was elected to the State Legislature in 1842, and served during the winter of 1842 and 1843. His marriage with Catharine J, Foley, was celebrated March 23, 1831 ; she was born in Ohio, Aug. 20, 1812 ; eight children were the fruits of this union, viz. : Nancy Jane, born May 1, 1832, now Mrs. Mark M. Craig, of West Township; Stephen L., born Jan. 14, 1835; James F., born Dec. 6, 1836, died Aug. 6, 1862; Elias, born Jan. 12, 1839, died March 11, 1864; Catharine, born April 4, 1842, now Mrs. William Hammond, of West Township ; Elizabeth, born June 22, 1845, died Aug. 24, 1869; Sarah A, born April 1, 1848, died in infancy; Malon, born June 13, 1849 ; the last-named lives at home ; he was married Jan. 30, 1878, to Emeline Smith ; she was born in Ohio, Oct. 30, 1860, and is the daughter of Wesley Smith, formerly of Newark, Ohio.

JOHN A. BISHOP, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec 9; born in Empire Township, McLean Co., 111., May 3, 1840; he was the oldest son of James Bishop, who first came to Illinois in 1831. and entered his first land Jan. 12, 1835, located upon Sec. 10, where he lived until his decease, which occurred May 24, 1877. His biography appears among the sketches of Empire Township. The subject of this sketch assisted his father in farming and stock-raising until 31 years of age, when he was married Feb. 14, 1871, to Mary E. Wiley; she was born in McLean Co., Feb. 11, 1844; they have one child by this union - James F., born Nov. 19, 1871. Mr. Bishop has lived upon his present place since his marriage ; he has in his home farm upwards of four hundred acres of land, all under fence, upon which he has good farm buildings, his house being erected in 1871, and his barn in 1872 ; he also owns 170 acres of land in other parts of the county ; Mr. Bishop's home farm is located one milenorth of Le Roy ; he is extensively engaged in feeding and shipping stock in connection with farming. Mrs. Bishop was the daughter of James Wiley, who located in McLean Co. at a very early day.

JOHN BONNETT, farmer, deceased ; was born in the State of Pennsylvania, in the year 1778; at an early day he emigrated to Ohio, and lived in Licking and Knox Cos. until he emigrated to Illinois. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Yontz, at Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, in the year 1820 ; she was born near Hagerstown, Md., February, 1802 ; she rode horseback from her native place to Licking Co., Ohio, in the month of February, when only 14 years of age; after living there a few years, they removed to Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., where her marriage with the subject of this sketch was celebrated ; their children were nine in number, viz. : Susan, born April 27, 1821 ; William, March 1, 1823; Yontz, March 7, 1826; Isaac, November, 1828; Lewis, April, 1830; Daniel G., March 9, 1832 ; James, March 8, 1834 ; Sarah C, Oct. 21, 1835; and John, born Sept. 14, 1841. In the spring of 1828, Mrs. Bonnett visited her native State, making the trip upon horseback. In the spring of 1851, John Bonnett, with his wife and four children drove from Ohio to Illinois in a large three-seated carriage ; the spring was unusually wet, and they experienced much inconvenience from high water ; they- came through Springfield, Indianapolis and Covington ; they found the water of some of the streams which they crossed so high that the water came into the carriage, and the occupants were obliged to stand upon the seats to prevent getting wet ; they crossed the Wabash and Sangamon Rivers in a ferry ; near Monticello the bridge was unsafe; they walked across the bridge, hauled the carriage by hand, then secured long grapevines and tied to the horses' necks, which they then swam across ; their goods were shipped down the Wabash Canal, from Sandusky city to Covington, then overland by ox-teams to Monticello ; in the fall, they removed to McLean <o., and located in Empire Township, two and one-half miles southeast of Le Roy ; they located upon Sec. 35, where Mr. Bonnett purchased 300 acres, upon which they then moved ; they experienced much difficulty that fall in obtaining flour and meal ; the former being with difficulty obtained at $11 per barrel; they often went to Bloomington and Pekin to obtain provisions. In 1836, Mr. and Mrs. Bonnett both became members of the Episcopal Church, and lived consistent Christians to their death. Early in the year 1852, they suffered by death the loss of their youngest son. Upon the morning of the 27th of May, 1852, Mr. Bonnett, while reading his Bible was stricken with apoplexy, and upon the 2d of June, 1852, he passed down to the dark valley like unto his fathers before him, without a blot or stain ; Mrs Bonnett continued to live upon the old place with her son James until her decease, which occurred Sept. 4, 1873 ; they now lie buried in the beautiful cemetery located one mile east of Le Roy, and over their graves stands a large marble monument, erected sacred to their memory by their loving children, of which three are now living in Iowa ; two, Yontz and James, live upon the old place ; the surviving daughter was united in marriage with George M. Sellers, and lives within one mile of the old home ; the biographies of the latter three appear among the sketches of Empire Township in this work.

YONNTZ BONNETT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 2 ; P. O. Le Roy ; this gentleman was born in Knox Co., Ohio, on the 7th day of March, 1826; he is a son of John and Elizabeth (Yonntz) Bonnett, whose sketch will be found among the biographies of Empire Township. Yontz Bonnet emigrated previous to his parents, and located upon Sec. 35, Empire Township, in 1851 : he has a vivid recollection of the difficulty experienced in the fall of 1851, of obtaining flour and meal, which at times could not be obtained short of Pekin. The subject of this sketch preceded the family, and selected a location upon Sec. 35, and upon the arrival of his father the contract was closed for 300 acres of land at $13 per acre, and upon which, at that time, were two comfortable sets of farm-buildings, which have since been replaced by two other sets of a better quality ; the location of the family here occurred too late to raise a crop, and the following year they put in sixty acres of corn, eight acres of wheat, some oats and vegetables. Upon the 24th of December, 1853, Yonntz Bonnett and Rachel Birney were united in marriage: she was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, March 28, 1830; they have two children now living by this union - John W., born Feb. 21, 1855, and Belle, born Aug. 27, 1858; upon the marriage of Mr. Bonnett, in 1853, he located upon his present place, where he has now 300 acres under good cultivation ; and, aside from farming, he is largely engaged in stock-raising, feeding and shipping.

JAMES BONNETT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 35; P. 0. Le Roy; born in Knox Co.. Ohio, March 8, 1834 ; here he followed farming until 17 years of age, when he emigrated to Illinois and located in Empire Township, McLean Co., in 1851 ; he is a son of John Bonnett, whose sketch appears in this work ; the goods of the Bonnett family were shipped to Sandusky city, then down the canal to Covington, from which place they were drawn by three ox-teams of two yoke each, to Illinois, the subject of this sketch driving one of the teams ; he afterward, with an older brother, returned to Covington for salt with two ox-teams, loading back with twelve barrels, drawn by two yoke, the other nineteen barrels drawn by four yoke of oxen, the salt selling for $5 per barrel. Mr. Bonnett has always lived, upon the old place upon which his parents first located in 1851, and where he has 500 acres of land upon which he has good farmbuildings ; he now has 500 sheep, 60 head of cattle, 100 hogs and some horses, and is largely engaged in raising, feeding and shipping stock. He was united in marriage with Sarah Rinehart, April 2, 1862; she was born in Knox Co., Ohio, July 21, 1836 ; they have four children now living by this union, viz. : Oscar, born March 13, 1864 ; Robert, born Aug. 3, 1866 ; John Yontz, born Sept. 16, 1873, and Fannie, born Feb. 9, 1877.

NATHAN T. BRITTIN, farmer, deceased ; Sec. 4 ; one of the early pioneers of Illinois. The subject of this sketch was born in Ohio Oct. 18, 1809 ; he was raised upon a farm until 20 years of age, when he emigrated to Illinois and located upon Sec. 1, Empire Township, McLean

Co., 111., in the year 1829; here he laid a claim which he entered, when the land came into market, and upon which he improved, and afterwards added by purchase, until he had accumulated upwards of one thousand acres of land; his first house was a log cabin, with stick chimney, plastered with mud, raccoon bedstea 1, with one leg, in which poles were inserted, extending to the end and side logs of the house ; his first cupboard and table was a dry goods box, from which they ate their food and placed their dishes and provisions. Mr. Brittin commenced in life without means, but by his hard labor and economy, he accumulated a good property at the time of his decease, owning upwards of one thousand acres of land, and holding upwards of $50,000 in securities, which occurred Oct. 10, 1869. Mrs. Brittin was born in Warren Co., Ky., near Bowling Green, Feb. 16, 1816; her maiden name was Sarah Barnett ; she died Aug. 7, 1878, in Empire Township ; Nathan T. and Sarah (Barnett) Britten were the parents of nine children, all of whom lived to grow up and become the heads of families. W. P. Conaway was born in McLean Co., 111., Feb. 18, 1839; his father, Chalton D., emigrated to Illinois and located in McLean Co. about the year 1830, where he lived until 1856, when he removed to Logan Co., where he died two years later. W. P. Conaway waa brought up to farm labor until Aug. 10, 1862, when he enlisted in the 94th Regt. I. V. I., and served in the Union army three years, being in the campaign of Missouri and Arkansas, and was also engaged in the States of Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama ; he was in many engagements, among which were Prairie Grove, siege and capture of Vicksburg, Morganzia, Yazoo, Fort Morgan and Spanish Fort, Mobile Bay ; in the summer of 1865, he was sent to Galveston, Tex., where he was mustered out of service July 17 ; he received his discharge in Springfield, 111., in August, 1865 ; he then returned to Empire Township, where he has since followed farming. His marriage with Katuriah Brittin was celebrated Nov. 21, 1861; they have twochildren by this union - having lost two by death; the living are Nora May, born Feb. 11, 1870, and Banton G., born Aug. 9, 1871.

JAMES BROCK, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. O. Le Roy. The subject of this sketch was born in Granger Co., East Tenn., Jan. 7, 1833 ; he was raised upon a farm until 17 years of age, after which he was engaged in school-teaching during the fall and winter, and farming in summer, for a period of eight years ; he emigrated with his family to Illinois, and located four miles southeast of Bloomington, McLean Co., in January, 1861 ; the following spring he rented land, and for four years was engaged in farming near Bloomington ; in the spring of 1865, he located upon a farm of 110 acres, which he had purchased in West Township, where he lived until

1870, when he disposed of the above, and purchased 140 acres of his present place, to which he has since added, until he now owns 260 acres of land, upon which he has good farm buildings, and which he has acquired by his own personal labor, assisted by his wife, to whom he was united in marriage Jan. 6, 1854, in Tennessee : her maiden name was Rachel Aikin ; she was born in Granger Co., Tenn , Oct. 14, 1830 ; four children were the fruit of this union - Enoch, born Sept. 17, 1855 ; Sarah F., born May 6, 1865 ; Rachel M., born Oct. 27, 1868 ; the deceased is Emily May, born Oct. 27, 1872 ; died Dec. 1, 1874.

J. W. BROWN, Postmaster and dealer in stationery, notions, etc., Le Roy; born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Nov. 7, 1841 ; at 9 years of age, he emigrated with his parents to Illinois and located at Lewiston, Fulton Co., living there two years, when they removed to Bloomington, where he attended school until 17 years of age, when he entered the Wesleyan University, where he remained until the spring of 1861, when he enlisted for three months in the 8th I. V. I., and! after serving his term of enlistment, and being mustered out of service, he returned to Bloomington, where he engaged as clerk in the dry goods trade until August, 1862, when be again enlisted for three years in the 3d 111. Cav. ; he was immediately sent to the front, andl was engaged in the campaign through Missouri and Arkansas, then to Memphis, where he was located at the time the place was attacked by the rebels under Gen. Forrest, who was defeated by the above regiment, assisted by the 106th 111. Inf., and one regiment of colored troops ; after remaining in Memphis several months, they were sent to intercept the rebel Gen. Hood, with whom they fought and held in check for twenty-seven days, until the Union forces had concentrated at Nashville, which place he attacked, but was badly defeated. In the spring of 1865, he, with his regiment, was sent to St. Paul, Minn.; from there they were sent to Dakota Territory to fight Indians, and in the fall returned to St. Paul, where they were mustered out of service Nov. 25, 1865 ; he then returned to Bloomington, where he engaged as dry-goods clerk un il 1870, when he removed to Le Roy and engaged in clerking until 1877, when he received the appointment of Postmaster, which office he now holds ; he also keeps a complete stock of stationery, notions, etc.; his business card appears in the business directory of Le Koy, in another part of this work. His marriage with Josephine Hayes was celebrated, Jan. 9, 1868 ; she was born in Bloomington, Nov. 1, 1848; they have two children now living by this union,, having lost one by death ; the living are - Walla, born April 1, 1869, and Clyde, born Oet. 26,

HIRAM BUCK, farmer, Sec. 6; P. 0. Le Roy; one of the pioneers of Illinois; born im Seneca Co., N. Y., March 20, 1801 ; his father, William S. Buck, was a soldier of the Revolution, and assisted in the capture of Cornwallis, at Yorktown. Hiram Buck received a commoa school education ; he remembers the war of 1812, as three of his brothers were soldiers in it, one of whom was captured at Queenstown Heights. In 1818, he removed, with his parents, to Hamilton Co., Ohio, the journey being made from Seneca Co. to the headwaters of the Alleghany River on sleds, then floating down the river from Orlean Point on a flat-boat, a distance of 900 miles, the time consumed being seventeen days. He then engaged in farming, which business he followed until 26 years of age, teaching school during the winter for five years ; here he became acquainted with Gen. Harrison, who was afterward elected to the highest office within the gilt of the nation. During the seven years following his leaving the farm, he was engaged in supplying the steamboats on the Ohio River with wood, for which he received, delivered, $1.25 per cord, and also made several trips down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, to New Orleans, taking down provisions, etc. In 1826, he removed to Switzerland Co., Ind., where he lived until 1883, when he emigrated to McLean Co., 111., and located at Randolph's Grove, where he lived for a while, in a cabin near Campbell Wakefield's house ; his first claim of eighty acres, for which he paid $50, he entered in 1835. He opened the first hotel in Le Roy in 1837, which business he followed, in connection with farming, for eight years, when he located upon his present place, where he has since lived ; his first tax receipt was for 20 cents, which increased until it reached upward of $500. He became a subscriber to the Star of the West upon the publication of its first number, and has continued his subscription, which he has always paid, for fiftytwo years. <>f township, county and school offices he has had his share, having been Justice of the Peace eighteen years, Postmaster at Le Roy seven years, County Commissioner, Surveyor, County Judge under the Constitution of 1848 for eight years, Supervisor of Empire Township four years, which office he now holds, Township Trustee of Schools, School Director, etc. In 1874, he was appointed, by Gov. Beveridge, one of the Trustees of the Illinois Industrial University, of Urbana; in 1875, he was elected Trustee of the Lombard University, at Galesburg, which office he now holds. Mr. Buck is one of if not the largest landholder in Empire Township, and has never laid a claim against a deceased estate. His marriage with Mercy Kanwas celebrated April 4, 1827 ; she was daughter of Capt. John Karr, one of the patriots of the Revolutionary struggle ; the golden wedding of the above couple was celebrated April, 1877 ; it was attended by friends and relatives, from far and near ; they came from surrounding counties and cities and States ; they came from Iowa and from Cincinnati, Ohio ; over one hundred representatives of all ages, from childhood to old age, came, among the latter being upward of thirty over sixty years of age ; they gathered around the table, bountifully supplied ; prayer was offered by the Rev. D. P. Bunn, of Decatur ; the address of welcome was delivered by C. A. Buck, youngest son of the aged couple, out of respect to whom this vast company had gathered, and who showed unmistakably their feelings of love and respect by the many and valuable presents which they brought, among which was a heavy silver-headed cane to Mr. Buck, from the Hon. David Davis, of Bloomington, a solid gold-headed cane, from his neighbors, the presentation speech being made by Rev. D. P. Bunn, responded to, with much feeling, by the recipient ; they also received a set of upward of fifty pieces of china, with gold band; Mrs. Buck was the recipient of a solid silver castor, from her children, large silver sugar-spoon, the gift of Mrs. Judge Davis, a $5 gold piece, from Mrs. Campbell Wakefield, a set of solid gold sleeve buttons and cuff pins, from ladies of Bloomington ; of the above company gathered, three had witnessed the marriage ceremony, fifty years previous. The children of Hiram and Mercy Buck were - Amanda M., born July 10, 1828 (wife of James H. L. Crumbaugh, living three-quarters of a mile south of the old home) ; Thomas L. Buck, born Oct. 23, 1831 (lives in Le Roy) ; Elizabeth R., btfrn Feb. 21, 1834, died Feb. 13, 1837 ; Martha E., born Dec. 14, 1838 (now wife of John McConnell, lives in Downs Township) ; Nancy J., born Feb. 19, 1843 (now Mrs. Isaac F. Dawson, of Downs Tp.), and Charles Albert Buck, born Aug. 19, 1849 (he is a graduate of Lombard University, of Galesburg, and lives across the road from his parents).

THOMAS L. BUCK, farmer; P. 0. Le Roy; born in Switzerland Co., Ind., Oct. 28, 1831 ; he emigrated, with his parents, to Illinois and located in Randolph's Grove in 1833 ; his father opened a hotel in Le Roy in 1837, which he kept eight years, after which the subject of this sketch remained with his father and engaged in farming until marriage, when he located upon Section 6, Town 21, and followed farming until the fall of 1874, when he removed to Le Roy, that he might have better privileges of churches and schools ; he now owns 160 acres of land upon his home farm, 80 acres in De Witt Co , 35 acres within the city limits of Le Roy, where , he resides, upon all of which he has good buildings, and also several hundred acres of timber and pasture. He is now one of the Aldermen of Le Roy, which office he has held for three years. His marriage with Mary J. McConnell was celebrated March 16, 1859 ; she was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, June 16, 1829; they have two children by this union - Rose E., born Jan. 2=» 1860, and Orral M., born Aug. 23, 1862.

' CHARLES ALBERT BUCK, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Le Roy ; the subject of this sketch is the youngest son of Hiram Buck, whose biography appears in this work ; he was born in Empire Township, McLean Co., Aug. 19, 1849; he attended the common schools during his youth, among which was the school at Le Roy ; at 19 years of age, he entered the Normal University, at Normal, which he attended one term, when he entered the Lombard University, at Galesburg, in 1870, from which he graduated in the spring of 1875; he has since engaged in farming, in partnership with his father, during the summer, and school-teaching during the fall and winter. -lis marriage with Harriet Claycomb was celebrated Feb. 3, 1876 ; she was born in Warren Co., 111., Dec. 23, 1848; they have one child by this union - Nannie Mer, born Aug. 16, 1877.

GEORGE W. BUCKLES, farmer and stock-dealer; P. 0. Le Roy. The subject of this sketch is among the oldest settlers now living who was born in McLean Co. ; his birth occurred Feb. 14, 1834, in what is now Empire Township ; he was the oldest son of Peter and Jane (Kutledge) Buckles, who were among the early settlers, locating in Empire Township, McLean Co., about the year 1828 or 1829. Peter Buckles was born in Tennessee, Dec. 10, 1809; the maiden name of his wife was Jane Rutledge; she was born in Kentucky, in November, 1814 ; they were united in marriage May 10, 1833, and located upon Sec. 29, Empire Township, where they passed the remainder of their days ; they were the parents of ten children, six of whom are now living, the oldest being George W., born Feb. 14, 1834; Thomas J., born April 16, 1836; Robert, born in 1840; Andrew J., born April 7, 1844 (his sketch appears in this work) ; Martha (now Mrs. Davis Ross, lives near Shirley), Emma D. (now Mrs. William Gay, Empire Township) ; Mrs. liuckles died Nov. 2, 1868 ; Mr. Buckles died April 21, 1871. The subject of this sketch remained upon the farm until May 22, 1856, when he was united in marriage with Mary Bishop; she was born in McLean Co., July 18, 1838; she was the daughter of William G. Bishop, whowas born in Tennessee, in 1785, and located in Money Creek Township about 1835, where he was appointed the first Postmaster, which office he held for eighteen years ; he died April 13, 1862 ; Mrs. Bishop's maiden name was Jane Briggs ; she was born in South Carolina, Jan. 30, 1796, and now lives in Money Creek Township. The children of George W. and Mary (Bishop) Buckles were nine in number - Harriet, born March 21, 1857; Rebecca J., born Dec. 3, 1858; William Robert, born March 17, 1860; Peter D., born July 25, 1862, died Sep. 4, 1864; Clarrissa A., born Nov. 20, 1863, died Aug. 29, 1864 ; Olive W.. born Nov. 15, 1865, died March 17, 1867 ; Thornton A., born Feb. 25, 1868 ; Laura E., born Nov. 10, 1871, died Oct. 3, 1872, and Nolan A , born Nov. 9, 1878.

ANDREW J. BUCKLES, farmer. Sec. 29; P. 0. Le Roy; born in McLean Co., 111., April 7, 1844 ; he was the youngest son of Peter and Jane (Rutledge) Buckles, who located in Empire Township, McLean Co. about the year 1828 or 1829; Peter Buckles was born in Tennessee, Dec. 10, 1809 ; the maiden name of Mrs. Buckles was Jane Rutledge ; she was born in Kentucky, in November, 1814; married May 10, 1833, and lived in Sec. 29, until her decease; Mrs. Buckles died Nov. 2, 1868; Mr. Buckles died April 21, 1871 ; their children were ten in number, of whom six are now living - George W., born Feb. 14, 1834; Thomas J., born April 16. 1836 ; Robert, born in 1840; Andrew J., born April 7, 1844 ; Martha (now Mrs. Davis Ross), and Emma D. (now Mrs. William Gay.) The subject of this sketch has always lived upon the old place where he was born, and where he is now engaged in farming, his farm being located about one mile south of Le Roy, where he has about one hundred acres under fence and cultivation. His marriage with Angeline Watt was celebrated Oct. 3, 1867 ; she was born in De Witt Co., 111., Oct. 5, 1849; they have two children, now living, by this union - Frank P., born Nov. 24, 1872; Ada B., Aug. 10, 1876. Mrs. Buckles was the daughter of P. P. Watt, who was born and raised in De Witt Co., 111., and located in McLean Co. in 1865; where he lived until his decease, which occurred March 26, 1876 ; Mrs. Watt died in Logan Co., in October, 1853.

S. F. BAHNUM, lumber and grain merchant and miller, Le Roy, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Aug. 11, 1824; when he was 10 years of age. his parents moved to Erie Co., N. Y., and in the year 1847, came to Defiance, Defiance Co., Ohio ; after the death of his father, his mother, in the spring of 1864, moved to Bloomington ; she now resides with her son, Mr. Barnum, in Le Roy. The subject of this sketch remained, however, in the State of New York, and from the age of 14 up to the age of 23 was employed in woolen-mills in Erie Co., which employment he was compelled to give up on account of ill health, turning his attention to farming. In 1856, he came to Le Roy, and engaged in farming, returning the same fall to New York State, and during the year 1857 filled the position of book-keeper in the wholesale produce and commission house of Irving Kester, in Buffalo. In the fall of 1858, he formed a copartnership with Henry Case in the general merchandise business, in Eden Valley, Erie Co., N. Y., and having continued in the same for two and onehalf years, sold out his interest, and in the year 1861 again turned his attention to farming, continuing at such up to 1865, when he came to Bloomington, and was engaged as a book-keeper in the house of Bruner & Whitmer up to the year 1870, when he moved to Le Roy and started the lumber business, in connection with Mr. Bruner, to which was afterward added that of coal and grain. In 1872, having purchased the "Empire Flouring Mill," they took in also as a partner Joseph Keenan ; in 1876, they purchased the interest of Mr. Bruner, and have continued up to the present time as the firm of Barnum & Keenan. Before Mr. Barnum's removal to Le Roy, he held the office of Justice of the Peace for twelve years in Erie Co., N. Y. He has been married twice, his first wife being Miss Clarinda Bunting, of Eden, Erie Co., N. Y. ; married in 1844 ; she died in 1862 ; they had three children, two living - Matilda M. and Henry I , and one dead, Henry. He married his present wife, Miss Adeline E. Patterson, in the fall of 1865 ; they have two children - Percy D. and George P.

ZACHARIAH CHICK, wagon-maker, Le Roy; born in Dimington, Somersetshire, England, -June 6, 1826; at 14 years of age, he was apprenticed for six years to learn the wagon-maker's trade ; after completing the same, he worked in his native town a short time, when he went to >the Channel Islands and worked upon the Island of Jersey upward of one year, when he volunteered as carpenter and shipped from Portsmouth upon the British flag-ship Penelope, going to the southwest coast of Africa, where he remained about fifteen months, making the coast at Sierra Leone Cape Palmas, Island Fernando Po and the adjacent islands, among which were the -Cape de Verde and Canary Islands ; after returning to England, he received hia discharge and worked at his trade until he emigrated to America, landing in Quebec, Canada, May 9, 1851 ; remaining in Canada two months, he came to Chiaago, and worked at carpentering until fall ; he rhen went to Griggsville, Pike Co.; worked as journeyman during the winter, and the following spring started a wagon shop of his own, which he continued two and a half years ; upon Oct. 8, 1854, he started for England, and arrived at Liverpool upon the 16th of November following. He was married Dec. 16, 1854, in Barrington, to Caroline Bond; she was born in Barrington, Somersetshire, England, Dec. 3, 1826; she was the daughter of Thomas Bond, of Barrington, Somersetshire, England, a prominent contractor and builder ; Mr. Chick was a son of John Chick, who was born in Somersetshire, England, April 23, 1787, and who also was a prominent contractor and builder at the time of his death. In the spring of 1855, Mr. Chick again sailed from England with his (wife, landing in New York, April 16 ; coming West, he worked at the agricultural machine shops at Ottawa, fifteen months, and, in June, 1856, he removed to West Township, McLean Co., where he followed farming for five years ; in the spring of 1862, he located in Le Roy, and engaged at his trade, which business he has since successfully followed; the children of Zachariah and Caroline (Bond) Chick are Thomas Z., born Aug. 28, 1857; John Bond, April 29, 1860; Sarah Bond, Jan. 17, 1862, and Caroline, June 26, 1864.

GEORGE M. CONRAD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Le Roy; the subject of this sketch was born in Henry Co., Ind., July 27, 1840; he was the son of Adam and Hannah (Maples) Conrad; his father was born in Hardy Co., Va., Nov. 30, 1796; he located in Indiana in 1839, and at Twin Grove, McLean Co., Ill , in 1864, where he lived until his decease, which occurred Nov. 30, 1873, aged 77 years ; he lies buried in the beautiful cemetery at Twin Grove ; Mrs. Conrad was born in Lewis Co., Ky , Oct. 9, 1803; she now lives with the subject of this sketch, who has erected a residence for her especial benefit upon his place near his own, and although now in the 76th year of her age, she is in possession of all her faculties and daily attends to her own household duties, which afford to her much happiness ; G. M. Conrad came West with his parents and was engaged in partnership with his father until 1866, when he entered the law office of Judge Tipton, at Bloomington, where he read law one year, and, in 1867, he engaged in the grocery trade at Bloomington, under the firm name of Hardisty & Conrad, which firm was dissolved in 1868; in 1869, he removed upon his present place, where he has 121 acres of land under cultivation, upon which he has good farm buildings. He was united in marriage with Matilda Sexton, Feb. 15, 1869 ; she was born in Fond du Lac Co., Wis., June 24, 1848 ; they were the parents of two children, of which one died in infancy; the living, Lola E., was born April 15, 1878.

CHARLES COPE, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Le Roy ; one of the old settlers ; born in Frederick Co., Va., Oct. 21, 1813 ; he emigrated with his parents when quite young, and located in Marion Co. until about 34 years of age, the last twelve years of which he was engaged in buying cattle and driving them across the Alleghany Mountains to Lancaster, where he could dispose of them; in 1847, he came to Illinois and located in Empire Township, McLean Co., at which date he purchased eighty acres of his present place, and, in 1849, purchased 400 acres, upon which he then settled, and where he has since continued to live; he now owns 640 acres, upon which he has good farm buildings. His marriage with Mary E. Crumbaugh was celebrated Jan. 28, 1847; she was born in Kentucky, Oct. 3, 1827; she was the daughter of Daniel and Martha (Robinson) Crumbaugh, who emigrated from Kentucky to Sangamon Co., 111., in 1828, and located in Empire Township, McLean Co., 111., in 1830; Mrs. Crumbaugh died June, 4, 1857, leaving ten children ; Mr. Crumbaugh died May 19, 1874 ; the children of Mr. and Mrs. Cope were twelve in number, of which five are deceased; the living are - John J., born June 19, 1849; William, Nov. 30, 1854; Francis M., July 25, 1857; Eleazer H., Nov. 3, 1860; George L., Dec. 28, 1862; Mary E., Jan. 12, 1866; Ann M. R. C, Sept. 22, 1869. Mr. Cope has been School Director for eighteen years ; is a life-long Democrat, having cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and has voted the Democratic ticket for forty-five years. His limited school education was obtained in a log schoolhouse with log benches and mud fire-place ; of the deceased children, four died in infancy; one, Isabel J., was born Aug. 13, 1852, married George W. Simpson, and died Sept. 19, 1876, leaving one child - Mary F.

JAMES H. L. CRUMBAUGH, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 7; P. 0. Le Roy; one of the pioneers of McLean Co.; born in Henderson Co., Ky., May 1, 1826; he emigrated with his father Henry Crumbaugh to Illinois in 1828, and first located in Sangamon Co. for two years, when they removed to what is now Empire Township, McLean Co., in 1830 ; Henry Crumbaugh was born April 26, 1789, in Frederick Co., Md.; he died Oct. 22, 1877, in McLean Co., 111.; his widow still survives him, and lives upon the old place; her maiden name was Sarah Baldock.

The subject of this sketch remained with his father and engaged in farming and stock-raising until 27 years of age, the last ten years of which he was in partnership with his father in the above business, as well as buying and driving cattle to Chicago ; he removed upon his present place in 1857, where he purchased 210 acres, where he has since lived, and to which he has since added by purchase, until now he owns 950 acres, all of which is under fence and cultivation. His marriage with Amanda M. Buck was celebrated Sept. 28, 1851 ; she was born Feb. 10, 1828; three children were the fruit of this union - Laura E., born Aug. 26, 1852; Edith, May 31, 185H, and Hiram H., June 20, 1861; Mr. Crumbaugh has frequently made trips to" Chicago with oxen and horses, loading up with grain and provisions, and back with salt, leather, etc; he hauled the lumber for his present buildings from Bloomington in 1865 and 1867.

DANIEL T. CRUMBAUGH, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Le Roy; born in McLean Co., 111., Jan. 24, 1832. His father, Daniel Crumbaugh, was born Dec. 7, 1791, in Frederick Co., Md.; he came to Ohio in 1812, then to Scott Co., Ky.; he served in the army in 1813, and was engaged against the British and Indians ; he emigrated to Sangamon Co., 111., in 1828, and, in 1830, located in what is now Empire Township, McLean Co., where he lived until his decease, which occurred May 19, 1874. His first wife was Susan Winters, of Scott Co , Ky., with whom he was united in marriage in 1816; she died, and for his second wife he married Martha M. Kobinson, of North Carolina ; she died June 4, 1857. Daniel T. Crumbaugh was raised upon the farm until 21 years of age, when he. with another brother, purchased 160 acres of land, which they worked in partnership until Oct. 17, 1859. when he was united in marriage to Margaret Willey. She was born Sept. 29, 1840, in McLean Co.; she died Aug. 31, 1864, leaving three children, viz.: David, born Oct. 5, 1860; Martha M., Aug. 5. 1862; and Daniel T., June 15, 1864. His marriage with Laura A. Stine was celebrated Nov. 22, 1869. She was born in Monroe Co., Ind., May 8, 1845. Two children were the fruit of this union, one of which is deceased. The one living is James Wilmer, born Oct. 12, 1875. Mrs. C. was daughter of Elias and Mary Stine, who emigrated from Indiana and located in McLean Co., 111., in 1848. Mr. Stine died in 1853. Mrs. Stine now lives with Mrs. Crumbaugh. Of township and school offices, Mr. Crumbaugh has had his full share ; in politics, is a Democrat, but has never run for office.

JOHN E. CRUMBAUGH, farmer and stock -raiser, Sec. 14; P. 0. Le Roy ; born in McLean Co., 111., Aug. 3, 1837. His father, Henry Crumbaugh, was born April 26, 1789, in Frederick Co., .Md. In 1810, he removed to Kentucky, where he lived several years, and, in 1828, he located in Sangamon Co., 111., living there until March, 1830, when he located in McLean Co. and followed farming until his decease, which occurred Oct. 22, 1877. He was married in April, 1820, to Sarah Baldock, who survives him, and is now living with the youngest son upon the place first settled upon in 1830. John E. Crumbaugh was brought up on the farm until 27 years of age - the last four years receiving one-third of the crops. He first removed upon his present place in 1864, living one year, when the next three years upon the farm of James Pemberton, and, in 1869, purchased 105 acres, and located upon his present place, where he has since lived. He now owns 295 acres upon his home farm, and has good farm buildings. His marriage with Margaret Pemberton was celebrated Dec. 29, 1859. They had three children by this union, viz.: Simeon H., born June 30, 1861, died June 10, 1864; Martha E., July 17, 1867; Cory May, May 18, 1873.

GEORGE W. DAVIS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Le Roy; born in Wood Co , W. Va., Aug. 11, 1829 ; he emigrated with his parents when 6 years of age, and located in Champaign Co., Ohio, where he engaged in farming until 26 years of age, when he purchased the home farm, upon which he engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1869, when he emigrated to Illinois and located upon Sec. 7, Empire Township, McLean Co., and purchased 100 acres of land, upon which he has since lived. His marriage with Maria Benedict was celebrated March 15, 1854 ; -he was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Aug. 30, 1834 ; they have seven children by this union - Elias M., born Dec. 9, 1854; Jeremiah F., Nov. 18, 1856 ; Angeline M., Oct. 9, 1858; Sarah L., Dec. 6, 1861 ; George H., June 4, 1864 ; Mary J., Sept. 6, 1866; Samuel E., Nov. 8, 1870. The father of Mr. Davis died Nov. 8, 1861, 79 years of age ; his mother died at the age of 74; both died in Champaign Co., Ohio. Mrs. Davis father died in Champaign Co., Ohio, Ma»-ch 8, 1859. Her mother is now 80 years of age, and lives in the above county.

HENRY C. DICKERSON, retired farmer; P. 0. Le Roy; one of the early pioneers of McLean Co.;.born in Hamilton Co., 111., Aug. 30, 1825 ; his father, Michael Dickerson, located in McLean Co. in 1829, where he died in 1835; at 21 year* of age, Henry C. entered 40 acres of land, and paid for the same with money which he had earned at $5 per month ; two years later, he bought 80 more, and a few years later found him the owner of the old homestead and other land to the amount of upward of 700 acres in this county, and 900 acres of land in. different parts of Kansas ; he has settled on his three married children $9,000. Although not a member of any church, he contributes liberally to their support, having donated some $600 toward the erection of the M. E. Church in Le Roy. He built the Empire Mill and Elevator, one of the best mills in the county, at a cost of upward of $25,000 ; he has had his full share of misfortunes, having lost by security debts $15,000, and, in April, 1877, his residence, which he had erected at a cost of $7,500, with $1,500 worth of furniture, was destroyed by fire, upon which there was an insurance of $2,500 ; during the summer of the same year, he lost nearly $3,000 by the Phoenix Bank at Bloomington, aside from which he has lost largely in smaller amounts. Although Mr. Dickerson has been a resident of McLean Co. for a half of a century, he has traveled largely in the Western States and Territories. His marriage with Leodicy Maxwell was celebrated Oct. 27, 185C ; she was born in McLean Co. July 16, 1830; they have five children - Elizabeth J., Corelia, Adelaide, Rose L. and Belle. Mr. D. has driven ox-teams to Chicago with grain, loading back with goods, the trips being from twelve to fifteen days ; has also driven hogs to the same market, and cattle and horses to Milwaukee.