McLean County, Illinois - The whole text, 1879 (part 32 of 42)

THOMAS M. WHITAKER, farmer; P. 0. Le Roy ; one of the early settlers of McLean Co.; born in Mason Co., Ky., March 10, 1807. His father, James Whitaker, was born in Maryland, near Havre de Grace, and emigrated to Kentucky when quite young ; here he followed farming, and worked at the trade of stone and brick m ison until liis decease, which occurred in . Kentucky about the year 1840 ; he married, in Kentucky, Cordelia Field ; she was born in Maryland, and died in Kentucky, in 1845. The subject of this sketch learned the trade of a brick mason, which he followed, with farming, until 23 years of age, when he was united in marriage with Matilda Barnett upon the 27th of February, 1830 ; she was born in Dayton, Ohio, Nov. 11, 1811; she was the daughter of Moses and Catherine (Ellis) Barnett, who emigrated from Kentucky and located in Empire Township, McLean Co., in the spring of 1831 ; Mr. Barnett died in 1855 ; Mrs. Barnett died May 15, 1865. Mr. Whitaker followed farming eight years in Kentucky after his marriage, when he emigrated with his family to Illinois, and landed in Le Roy Dec. 31, 1837: he located upon his present place in 1841, where he has lived for a period of thirty-eight years; upon his locating here he had no capital, save one team, a strong arm and willing hand ; he then purchased forty acres of land on twelve months' time ; he then put up a log house, in which he lived some fifteen years, when it gave place to his present pleasant and convenient place. Mr. Whitaker has suffered all the hardships and privations of frontier life ; he now owns upward of 200 acres of land, which, aside from raising a large family, he has accumulated, with the assistance of his amiable wife, by their hard labor, energy and industry. Their children were ten in number - Charles A., born Nov. 3, 1832 ; Catherine. Sept. 10, 1834 ; Mary Jane, July 3; 1836 ; Alvin, Jan. 29, 1841 ; George M., Feb. 16, 1843 ; John 0., May 10, 1845: Alfred and Albert (twins), June 26, 1848, and two deceased; Alvin served in the Union army for upward of three years ; at the battle of Petersburg, he was color-bearer of the 39th Regt. ; was wounded and taken prisoner while still holding to the glorious old flag; after laying in rebel prisons, he was paroled ; the war closed soon after, and he received his discharge. In politics, Mr. Whitaker has been a life-long Democrat, having cast his first vote for Andrew Jacks n, and has worked hard for the success of the party ; he has never sought political honor, but has held some petty offices, among which was School Director in his district for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker have trod the path of life peacefully together for nearly half a century, and should their lives be spared but a few short months, by the kindness of the same Providence which has so long watched over and protected them, they will live to witness the anniversary of their golden wedding.

JAMES W. WRIGHT, blacksmith, Le Roy; one of the early pioneers of Illinois; born in Indiana, jNov. 5, 1827. He emigrated with his parents when 1 year old, and located in Vermilion Co., near Danville, 111., in the fall of 1828 ; he was raised to heavy farm labor until 21 years of age, when he met with an accident by a tree falling upon him, which broke his leg and caused him to relinquish farming ; he then went to Danville, where he learned and worked at the blacksmith trade for three years, and, in the winter of 1851, removed to Bloomingion, McLean Co., where, after working one year, he came to Le Roy and associated with T. D. Gilmore, in the blacksmith trade two years ; then one year with John Kline, under the firm name of Wright & Kline; then two years with Robert Ingle, when Mr. Wright bought his partner's interest, and continued three years alone ; he then admitted his old partner John Kline, which partnership continued two years, since which time Mr. Wright has continued business alone Of town and school offices he has held his share, having been Town Trustee, School Trustee, one of the first Aldermen, and was elected the second Mayor of the city of Le Roy, which office he held for two years. His marriage with Martha F. Gilmore was celebrated Feb. 14, 1853 ; she was born in Warren Co., Ky., Nov. 21, 1834 ; nine children were the fruit of this union, four of whom are living, viz. : Matilda, E., born Feb. 3, 1854, now Mrs. Townsend L.Smith; William, born June 27, 1858 ; James W., born March 25, 1869; McLean, born March 22, 1877; the deceased are Thomas D., Stephen A. Douglas, Joseph Price, Cora Bell and Francis. Mrs. Wright was the daughter of Thomas D. Gilmore, one of the early settlers of McLean Co., who emigrated from Kentucky, and located in Empire Township, in 1836, where he now lives, at the age of 64 years. Her grandfather lived to the ripe old age of 98. Mr. Wright's mother was one of nine children, all of whom are now living, the youngest being 65 years, and the oldest being 79 jears of age. Silas Waters is one of the number. The above family of nine children with their parents crossed the Alleghany Mountains in a two-wheel cart, drawn by one horse, during the year 1814.

JOHN YORK, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 4; P. O. Le Roy ; born in Knox Co., Tenn., April 17, 1829; he removed with his parents to Monroe Co., Tnd., when quite young, and was brought up on a farm here until 18 years of age, when he enlisted in the 4th Ind. V. I., to serve during the war with Mexico, leaving home June 8, 1847, going down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans, then by vessel to Brazos Santiago, Texas ; from there to Vera Cruz, where he landed in October; he served in Mexico during the war: leaving Mexico in July, 1848, he retured via New Orleans and Cairo, to Madison, Ind., where he received his discharge In the spring of 1849, he emigrated West, and located in Empire Township, McLean Co , 111., where he first purchased 100 acres of land, upon which he removed in 1850, and to which he has since added by purchase, until he now owns 280 acres upon his home farm, with good farm buildings, his residence being erected in 1877. His marriage with Sarah F. Ingle was celebrated May 26, 1850; she was born in Tennessee, March 6, 1831. She was the daughter of Henry Ingle, and sister of Chas. M. Ingle, both deceased, and whose biographies appear in this work. Mrs. York died Jan. 11,1878, leaving thirteen children, viz; Henry, Charles, Francis, Milton, Stephen, Mary, McLellan, Peter, Robert and Eva, (twins), Irwin, David and Richard.

G. W. BARTON, M. D., Saybrook ; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., May 11, 1838. In the year 1859, he came to Bloomington, McLean Co., and spent sevin years in teaching school in the neighborhood, and attending the Wesleyan University, of Bloomington. In 1862, he entered the army and served as a private for three months ; after his discharge, he again enlisted for three years, and acted as Hospital Steward in the Marine Hospital at New Orleans until the close of the war, upon which he entered the " Chicago Medical College" and graduated in the year 1869, and was appointed House Surgeon and Physician, Mercy Hospital, at Chicago. In 1870, he came to Saybrook, where he has continued the practice of his profession, and has now quite an extensive practice. He married Miss Olive Hinsdale, daughter of Morris Hinsdale, of Genesee Co., N. Y., July 7, 1869; she was born in Genesee Co., July 21, 1840 ; they have two child, ren - Olive L., born Jan. 28, 1874; Charles ML, Aug. 17, 1875.

HON. W. H. CHENEY, deceased, whose portrait will be found in this work, was born Feb. 19, 1822, near Mechanicsburg, Ohio, and died in Cheney Grove, 111., Aug. 24, 1878. He was the tenth child and fourth son of Jonathan and Catharine Cheney. In 1825, his parents came to Illinois and settled in the grove which now bears their family name. At that time, their nearest neighbors lived at Blooming Grove, twenty-five miles distant. As may be supposed, educational facilities were rare. In this family Mary, the eldest daughter, instructed the younger children, and afterward taught school in the neighborhood. The subject of our sketch attended school in the winter season until 19 years old, when he began his life business of farming and stock-dealing. During his boyhood, his frequent playmates were little Indian boys, who taught him to use the bow and arrow with considerable dexterity. He was rather fond of hunting, and, in his youth, killed a great many wild turkeys, deer and wolves. In the winter of 1843, he shot ten head of deer. When not quite 21 years old, he married Miss Mary Jane OrendorfF, aged 16. She was the daughter of William and Lavina (Sales) OrendorfF, and was born and educated in Blooming Grove. This grove was named by her mother, and when the town which is now the city of Bloomington was started, its name was taken from the grove. She was a most affectionate wife and mother ; was entirely devoted to the interests and welfare of her husband and children, and was universally loved and respected. Their children were nine in number - Lavina, Jay, Kate, Charlie, Emma, Willie, Harry, Mary Belle and Minnie Estelle ; six are now living - Lavina, wife of W. H. Beckwith, lives in Saybrook ; Charlie, who married Miss Lizzie Pugsley, resides near the homestead, which adjoins Saybrook. The remaining four live in their childhood home. Jay died in infancy, Willie when not quite 3 years old, and Emma at the age of 22. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Cheney made himself a home, where he all his life resided, on the southern edge of the grove, about a mile and a half from the head of the Sangamon River. This stream runs through his farm, which is composed of about a thousand acres. George Cheney's farm adjoins his, and for many years the two brothers dealt in live-stock as partners. , A remarkably close friendship existed between them ; George's death was mourned most deeply by his brother. Mr. Cheney possessed a deeply religious nature, and, although not a member of any religious denomination, yet he entertained a profound respect for Christianity wherever he found it truly exemplified ; and particularly after the loss of a portion of his family, did he turn his thoughts toward the life yet to come ; in the beginning of his last illness he remarked, among other things, that he held the kindest of feelings toward every person living. In politics, he was always Republican, and bore a prominent part. In 1867, he was elected to the State Senate to succeed Hon. Isaac Funk. The granting of the charter for the La Fayette, Bloomington & Mississippi Railway Company was due principally to Mr. Cheney's exertions. The road afterwards built by this company passes through Saybrook, near his home. To him was accorded the honor of first "breaking ground" at the commencement of the work. May 28, 1873, Mr. C. married Miss Caroline Brown, daughter of Demas and Mary Brown, of Medina, Ohio. She is a most estimable lady, and highly regarded by all who know her. Their children are three in number - George, Nellie and Wilbur Haines ; they, with their mother and the unmarried brother and sisters, constitute one family. Mr. Cheney's manners were cordial, yet accompanied by a dignified bearing that immediately commanded respect. In character, he strongly resembled his mother, who was a person of rare good sense and judgment, and whom he always treated with the kindest respect and reverence. He was always a temperate man, and never used tobacco in any form. In his dealings he was a man of whom it might well be said, " His word was as good as his bond." True to his friends, and to his enemies also true, for they always knew where to find him. In public enterprise in his vicinity he was ever the leading spirit. Possessed of restless, indomitable energy, his mind was always at work devising improvements, both public and private, which he rarely failed to carry through. The old adage, " Where there's a will there's a way," was unusually verified in his case. He possessed the will and he made the way. Like many pioneers, he was noted for open-handed hospitality. Scattered over the country there are scores of men who will recollect his home as a welcome stopping-place in their travels, before the days of railroads in the West. He was a very social man. and delighted to entertain his friends in his own home. Fond of music and possessing an excellent voice, he spent many an evening singing, for the enjoyment of his family. '- John Paulding," "Sinclair's Defeat" and other ballads of the olden time. Having, from his childhood, practiced incessant industry, he had little pity for need caused by idleness, but no deserving poor one ever left his presence unaided. His was an extremely sensitive, nervous organism, and any hurt, eithefc' physical or mental, caused him intense suffering. He was a most affectionate husband and father. The welfare and comfort of his family seemed to be his greatest care and pride. His place in the hearts of his intimate friends cannot be filled. In his death, the community where he had lived lost an active worker, and the world an honorable man. His grave is in the family lot in the new cemetery, and can be seen from his late residence.

R. J. CHENEY, farmer; P. 0. Saybfook; is the youngest son of Jonathan Cheney, the first settler in this township, and was born on the homestead in this township Aug. 24, 1828. He lived with his parents up to the age of 20, assisting them on the farm, when, having entered land on Sec. 33, he improved it and lived upon it for two years, when, having sold it, he entered and improved a farm in Belleflower Township, which he afterward sold, and, on Feb. 15, 1870, moved to his present home, where he has since resided. He has held the office of Supervisor of Belleflower Township one term. He married Miss M. E. Green, daughter of Thomas W. Green, of Belleflower Township, Dec. 10. 1846. She died March 5, 1858. They had four children, three living - Oscar, born Nov. 6, 1847 ; Alonzo, May 29, 1851 ; Lyman, July 8, 1853 ; and one dead - Rebecca, born July 11, 1856, died Sept. 28, 1874. He married his second wife, Miss Maria Rice, daughter of Henry Rice, of Empire Township, Oct. 10, 1858. Her parents were among the early settlers of this county. They have three children - Margaret, born Dec. 17, 1859; Frank, Jan. 23. 1862; and Mary, Sept. 22, 1863.

EZEKIEL COILE, farmer; P. 0. Saybrook; was born in Washington Co., E. Tenn., Nov. 13, 1834. In the year 1849, his parents moved to this county, and, the first two years, lived upon the farm of E. Myers, and then entered and improved the farm on Sec. 16, where they have ever since resided. His father died there Oct. 4, 1877. His mother still lives with her son. His farm contains 160 acres. He has been Township Collector for one term, fle married, Sept. 17, 1861, Miss Helen Lewis, daughter of William D. and Nancy Lewis, of Cheney's Grove Township, who came to this county in the year 1856, from Kentucky, and died here. They have a family of seven children, all living - Mary, born March 27, 1864; Esther M., May 6, 1867 ; Sarah, May 22, 1869 ; Tacy J., Nov. 2'2, 1871 ; John H., May 25, 1875 ; Rosa W., Oct. 18, 1876; and Robert V., Nov. 1, 1878. Mrs. Coile was born July 12, 1843.

T. S. COLLINS, dry goods merchant; Saybrook; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Feb. 28, 1836. Upon the death of his father, when he was but 5 years of age, he went to live among his relatives until he was 16 years of age, when he went to Warren Co., Ind., and started in life for himself, unaided, and first worked upon a farm during the summer, attending school during the winter, and, at the age of 19, taught school. In 1858, he moved to Illinois and settled in De Witt. Co., teaching school, and from there went to Maroa, Mason Co., and clerked until the fall of 1862, when he enlisted as a private in Co D, 116th Regt. I. V. I., and was promoted to First Lieutenant of same company, serving as such until the close of the war, in 1865. Having returned to Maroa the same fall, engaged in mercantile business until the year 1873, when, having started a branch store at Gibson, Ford Co., 111., took charge of it until 1876, when he came to Saybrook and opened a large dry-goods store, and also formed a copartnership with G. R. Means in the grocery, boot and shoe business. He married Miss Hattie Hedger, daughter of Thomas Hedger, of Maroa, May 24, 1866. They have five children - Willie, born Aug. 4, 1867; Bertie, Sept. 14, 1869; Minnie, Oct. 7, 1871; Olive, Sept. 14, 1874; and Grace, Sept. 20, 1877.

JOHN M. CRIGLER, dentist, Saybrook; was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Dec. 13, 1847. In 1849, his parents moved to McLean Co., and settled in Dry Grove Township, six miles west of Bloomington, being among the early settlers of this county. They now reside near Stanford. The subject of this sketch, at the age of 18, started in life upon his own resources, and his success in his profession is due to his own energy and ability. He first, went to Pekin College, Pekin, 111., for one year, and in December, 1867, went to Bloomington and commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. S. C. Wilson for one year, and on Sept. 14, 1868, came to Saybrook and opened an office. In connection with Mr. Hepburn, built the first brick business house, and also, in 1871, the brick block known as "Crigler's Block," and also has been engaged in the real estate business - mostly in Kansas lands. He was a charter member of the "Central Illinois Dental Society," of Springfield ; has also been Town Trustee two terms, and President of the Board one term. He married Miss Love E. Ballard, eldest daughter of Dr. J. L. Ballard, Dec. 21, 1871. They have one child - Maud F, born Aug. 2, 1874. Dr. Crigler has a large practice, and from September, 1868, to September, 1878, his practice amounted to $30,207.

THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, farmer; P. 0. Saybrook ; is the second son of Robert Cunningham, and was born in Clarke Co., Ind., Nov. 18, 1818, and came with his parents to this township at the age of 11 ; he resided with them until he was 22 years of age, when he married Miss Minerva A. Spence, Feb. 21, 1841; she was a daughter of James and Susanna Spence, of Livingston Co., 111., being the first settlers of that county, having moved there in 1833. After his marriage, he built a house on his father's farm, and lived there until the year 1846, when he went to Livingston Co., purchased a farm, and, having sold it, returned in 1848 to his house in this township ; and, having entered and improved his present farm, moved upon it in the spring of 1851, where he, at present, resides. His wife was born Nov. 21, 1821 ; they had six children, four living - Phoebe A., born Dec. 10, 1841, (who married Granville Michaels, they have one child - Willie now living with his grandparents) ; James W., born Feb. 6, 1851 ; Harvey J., born Nov. 26, 1855, and Lewis H. B., born June 14 1859; and two died - LucindaJ., born April 28, 1844, died Sept. 24. 1872, she married John Armstrong, of Livingston Co., leaving one child, born April 2, 1866, and is living with his grandparents ; and Ellen C., born Dec. 12, 1854, died Sept. 13, 1855.

W. E. CUNNINGHAM, farmer ; P. 0. Saybrook ; is a son of Robert Cunningham, one of the pioneers of this county, and was born in Clarke Co., Ind., May 11, 1828; when he was about a year old, his parents came to Illinois and settled in the year 1829. in Cheney's Grove, in this township, on Sec. 27; his father died here Sept. 28, 1858, and mother, April 6, 1859. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents up to his marriage with Miss Irene Cunningham Nov. 6, 1849 ; she was a daughter of Joseph Cunningham, of Clarke Co., Ind. ; shortly atterhis marriage, he entered the land, improved it, and has remained there ever since. His wife was born Feb. 20, 1824 ; they had eight children, four living - Joseph C, born Sept. 17, 1850; George T.,born Oct. 26, 1851; Parker D., July 15, 1853, and Mary K.. born Sept. 18, 1859 ; and four died - Albert If., born July 19, 1855, died Nov. 12. 1865; David, born Jan. 4, 1858, and died Jan. 11, 1858 ; Carrie L., born Feb. 18, 1862, died Sept. 30, 1863 ; and Naomi B., born Dec, 17, 1864, died Aug. 26, 1866.

ELIJAH ELLSWORTH, farmer; P. 0. Saybrook ; born in Clark Co., Ohio, " ec. 15, 1815. He lived, until he was 40 years of age. with his parents in that county. His mother died in the year 1846, at the age of 84, and his father at the age of 90. In the year 1856, Mr. Ellsworth came to Illinois, and settled in this county, at " Old Town Timber," in the " Frankberger house," living there for about eierht months. In the year 1H67, he purchased and improved the farm upon which he now resides, containing 200 acres, unincumbered. He married Miss Ellen Powell, June 18, 1836, daughter of Stephen and Lydia Powell, of Clark Co., Ohio, who came from Virginia at an early day. Her father died at Chillicothe, Ohio, and her mother in Indiana, Mrs. Ellsworth was born May 3. 1818 ; they had four children, three living - Walker, born Sept. 6, 1838 ; Hamilton, Aug. 8, 1842, and Duncan, Aug. 7. 1844, and one deceased - Charlotte, born Sept. 7, 1840, died Sept. 7, 1876. His two sons, Hamilton and Duncan, enlisted in Co. B, 107th regiment I. V. I., in our late civil war, and served until its close.

T W. GARRISON, farmer; P. 0. Saybrook; was born in Jefferson Co., 111., April 14, 1859. His father died, Oct., 1851 ; his mother still lives in that county. The subject of this sketch lived with his parents up to the age of 13, and, after the death of his father, worked upon a farm in Marion Co., Ohio, for six months, then moved to Johnson Co., Mo . and, returning from there to Illinois, went from there to Iowa, and, in the fall of 1860, came to Bloomington, McLean Co., where he enlisted in Co. C, 20th regiment I. V., and served for twenty-two months, and was wounded at Fort Donelson, and at the battle of Britton's Lane. Tenn., Sept. 5, 1862, and was in hospital at Jackson, Tenn. After his discharge, he went, to Jefferson Co. for two years, and, in the winter of 1864, came to McLean Co. and lived there until 1874, when he went to California, farming, and also engaged in the grocery business at Markwest, and, in the year 1876, returned to McLean Co., and settled on Sec. 6, where he has since resided. He married Miss Melinda J. Hawkins (daughter of Joseph and Amelia Hawkins, of Jefferson Co., 111.), April 5, 1860; she was born in Jefferson Co., 111., Aug. 23, 1844; they had eight, children, five living - Cora L., born Feb. 22, 1864; Birdie A., Aug. 30, 1866; Rosa B, Aug. 15, 1870; Hattie E., Aug. 5, 1876, and Clyde D., Dec. 14, 1878, and three deceased - Ora R., born Aug. 14, 1868, died March 20, 1870; Amelia E., born July 13, 1874, died June 14, 1875, and an infant unnamed.

HENRY GERLING, farmer ; P. 0. Saybrook ; was born in Buffalo. N. May 27, 1857, His father Henry was born in Mecklenberg. Swerin, Dec. 13, 1827, and his mother Nov. 22, 1825. When he was quite young, his parents removed to McLean Co., and settled two miles southwest of Bloomington, where they now reside. Mr. Gerling lived with them until he was 21 years of age, when he purchased and moved upon a farm in that neighboi hood, and remained there until the spring of 1879, when he purchased his present farm on Sec. 21 of this township. He niarried, Feb. 1, 1877, Miss Resa Alberts, daughter of Adam and Dora Alberts, of Bloomington Township, in this county. Her father died, Feb. 15, 1863, and her mother married William Finger, of Bloomington Township, her present husband, who was born Feb. 16, 1814; she was born in 1810. Mrs. Gerling was born May 30, 1858. They have one child - Herman, born May 30, 1877.

P. R. GILMORE, farmer ; P. O. Saybrook ; was born in Warren Co., Ky., April 9, 1815 ; when he was 18 years of age, he learned the trade of blacksmithing, working at it for three years. In 1836, he came to McLean Co. and settled in Old Town Timber, in this county, carrying on his trade for two years, when he returned to Kentucky for four months ; he then returned to McLean Co. and first settled in Cheney's Grove, having married at that time Miss Eveline Owen (daughter of Samuel Owen, of Cheney's Grove Township), Jan. 10, 1839; four years afterward, lived on the farm of W. H. Cheney, farming and blacksmithing; from there he went to north of Cheney's Grove for two years; then to the farm of S. Ball for two years; from there to the village of Le Roy, blacksmithing for two years ; then to the Newland farm in Cheney's Grove, and, in 1857, moved to where he at present resides; his wife died Oct. 9, 1873 ; she was born June 25, 1815 ; they had twelve children, eight living - Mary F., born Oct 22, 1842; James T., May 22, 1844; Robert P., Feb. 4, 1847; Caroline M. (now Mrs. Samuel Reams, of Cheney's Grove Township), Jan. 1, 1850 ; Catharine (now Mrs. David Vanschoick, of Cheney's Grove Township), Sept. 28, 1851 ; Rhoda (now Mrs. William Johnson, of this township), March 28, 1854; America (now Mrs. James Perry, of Saybrook), Feb 12, 1859 ; Davidson, June 25, 1859; four deceased - William H., born Nov. 16, 1839, died May 20, 1841 ; Eliza J. (married to Jacob Lloyd), born Jan. 13, 1840, died Feb. 20, 1869; George F., born Jan. 6, 1846, died March 1, 1846 ; Samuel, born Jan. 29, 1856, died Feb. 22, 1858.

LEVI HELLER, carriage and wagon maker, Saybrook ; was born in Taylortown, Clark Co., Ohio, Oct. 3, 1847; when he was about 8 years of age, his parents moved to St. Louis, and, the next spring, moved to Weston, Mo., for one year, and from there to Bloomington, remaining in or near there for four years, and then moved to Benjaminville, 111., for two years ; then returned to Sharpsburg, Mo., and, in 1862, came to Bloomington; Mr. Heller, at the age of 15, after the death of his mother, started out to carve his own fortunes, working upon a farm for two years, when he enlisted in Co. I, 145th I. V. I., and served six months ; upon his return, he commenced learning the trade of wagon making at Canton, Fulton Co., 111., and then established himself in business at Lancaster, Peoria Co., 111., for two years, and then in Glasford, in same county, for over three years, and, in 1872, came to the village of Arrowsmith, McLean Co., remaining there up to 1878, carrying on the business of wagon making and blacksmithing, and, in April, of the same year, came to Saybrook, and, at the expiration of eight months, formed the present copartnership of Heller & Nelson. He married Miss Sophia Jones, of Lancaster, 111., Oct. 14, 1868 ; they had four children, two living - John L., born Aug. 11, 1874, and Nellie M., Jan. 12, 1877; two deceased - Edward A., died Aug. 3, 1873. and Mamie, July 27, 1873.

D. B. HEREFORD, dealer in dry goods and groceries, Saybrook ; was born in Woodford Co., 111., Sept. 15, 1851 ; at the age of 16, he was thrown upon his own resources, and, having gone to Bloomington, in this county, worked for two years at the trade of carpenter, after which, he Btudied law in the office of Gapen & Ewing for two years, and, being admitted to the bar in the year 1878, commenced the practice of the law in Chenoa, of this county, and continued such for eighteen months, and then came to Saybrook, and, having taught school for two winters, clerked in the store of T. S. Collins for about one year ; having bought out the business of A. H. Antrim, he opened his present store on the 18th day of February, 1879. He married Miss Maggie Powell (daughter of E. N. Powell, of Secor, Woodford Co., 111.), Dec. 21, 1873; they have one child - Clarence E , born Jan. 8, 1875.

AMOS HIRE, farmer; P. O. Saybrook ; was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, Jan. 23, 1813 ; his father died in the year 1859, and his mother in 1832; he lived with them until he was 21 years of age, and then started into the world to carve his own fortune, and worked upon a farm for a year or two, and then learned the trade of a joiner and carpenter, and two years afterwards, Aug. 16, 1837, married Miss Mary Jeffers (daughter of Isaac and Nancy Jeifers, of Fayette Co., Ohio); her parents moved to Missouri, where her father died ; her mother then returned to Ohio, and soon afterward came to live with Mr Hire. Mr. Hire, after his marriage, moved to Fayette Co., Ohio, farming and working at his trade of joiner and carpenter up to March, 1875, when he purchased his present farm on Sees. 19 and 30, of this township, where he now resides, containing sixty acres; his wife was born April 22, 1817; they had twelve children - nine living - Lewis B., born Sept. 6, 1838; Martha (now Mrs. Eli Wood, of Ohio), May 23, 1841 ; Sallie M. (now Mrs. William Mills, of Fayette Co., Ohio), May 29, 1843 ; Hulda, June 24, 1848 ; Isaac G., Sept. 2, 1850; Zida E., Oct. 22, 1852: Rameth T., Aug. 16, 1859; Samuel A., March 8, 1863; three died - Amzi, born Feb. 10, 1840, and died July 29, 1863 ; Harlan B., born Sept. 12, 1854, and died Feb. 26, 1860, and an infant. His son Amzi enlisted in Co. G, 90th Ohio V. I., in our late civil war, and died from disease contracted in the army.

THOMAS HO LW AY, proprietor of Union House, Saybrook ; was born in Toronto, Upper Canada, Sept. 24, 1825 ; at the age of 8, his parents moved to Jordan, Onondaga Co., N. Y., where his father died Sept. 6. 1847, from injuries received by being thrown from a wagon ; his mother is still living in Onondaga Co., N. Y., a^ the good old age of 83. Mr. Holway married, Oct. 8, 1848, Miss Emily Hunter, daughter of John Hunter, of Onondaga Co., N. Y., and the next year moved to this county and settled on Sec. 11, of this township, remaining five years, when he moved to Saybrook and built the "Union House" - the first brick building in the village ; the brick was made in the village, near where now is the depot of the L. B. & M. R. R. - Mr. Holway working in making them ; he has ever since kept the hotel - except one year - and a good one it is in every respect; he has also been engaged in the brick business for the last twelve years ; his wife was born in Albany, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1825, and died in Saybrook Jan. 28, 1867; they had six children - three living - Martha M., Mary and Kittie ; three died - Katie, Johnnie and Alabama

JOSEPH HORSMAN, farmer; P. 0. Saybrook; was born in Highland Co., Ohio, Aug. 1, 1836 ; in 1858, he went to Fayette Co. and remained there up to the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in Co. G., 73d Regt. Ohio V. I., and served for thirteen months, and being discharged, returned to Fayette Co. and again enlisted in the 100 days' service in Co. D, 168th Regt. Ohio V. I. ; he participated in the battles of Cedarville, Port Republic and Bull Lick Valley, Va. ; after his return from the army, he lived upon his farm until the spring of 1865, when lie came to McLean Co. and settled on Sec. 30, where he has since resided. He married Miss Almirinda Rowe (daughter of Willis Rowe, of Fayette Co., Ohio) March 26, 1857; she was born May 14, 1839; they had four children - three living - Clara F. (now Mrs. John Lewis), born April 30, 1859; Joseph H., June 23, 1862; Uriah 0., May 14, 1867, and one died in infancy. Mr. Huseman's mother died June 19, 1875, and his father Nov. 29, 1875.

JAMES HUNTER, farmer ; P. 0. Saybrook; was born in County Down, Ireland, March 17, 1836; his parents died in Ireland ; the subject of this sketch came to the United States when he was 22 years of age, and first settled in Livingston Co., Western New York, for six years; from there he moved to Marion Co., 111., remaining there for two years, and in March, 1861, came to McLean Co., and first lived in Danvers Township, for fifteen years, and in April, 1874, came to this township, on Section 9 where he at present resides; he owns eighty acres. He married Miss Jane Cowen March 19, 1867, daughter of William and Eliza Cowen, of County Down, Ireland, who moved to McLean Co. in 1864, and settled in Danvers Township ; her father died in 1865; her mother is still living ; Mrs. Hunter was born Feb. 22, 1842; they had seven children, six living - Martha, born Aug. 6, 1869; William, born July 1, 1871; Emma, born Jan. 19, 1873 ; Robert L., born Sept. 19, 1874 ; Eliza, born July 18, 1876, and John E., born July 3, 1878 ; and one died - Jesse M., born May 6, 1868, died Sept. 16, 1868.

DAVID HURLEY, lumber merchant, Saybrook; was born in De Witt Co., 111., Dec. 2, 1833 ; until he was 21 years of age, he assisted his parents upon the farm, and then, having purchased a farm, worked it. for seven years. In 1862, he enlisted in Company I, 107th Regt. 111. V. I., and served until the close of the war, after which, he returned to his farm, and, after remaining seven years, in Dec, 1872, removed to Saybrook, and first followed teaming for two years, then formed a copartnership with Leonard Reddick, in the lumber business - Reddick & Hurley - and, three years after, bought out the interest of Mr. Reddick, and has continued the business under his own name ; he also established a branch of his business at Belleflower, connecting his son-in-law, Henry Plummer, with him, under the firm name of Plummer & Hurley. He married Miss Lucinda Tackwell, of De Kalb Co., Tenn., March 20, 1859; they had four children, two living - Lavina A. and Harriet E. (now Mrs. Henry Plummer) ; two deceased - Mary Ann and one infant.

CREED McDANIEL, druggist, Saybrook. The subject of this sketeh was born in Arrowsmith Township, of this county, March 2-5, 1853 ; he lived with his parents, upon a farm, up to the age of 21 ; in 1871, his father moved to Kansas, and settled at Emporia, and, in the fall, returned to McLean Co. Mr. McDaniel first learned the trade of carpenter, and followed it, off and on, for three years, at the same time learning the drug business, and, in the year 1877, purchased the drug store of R. S. Lackey, in Saybrook, which he continues to carry on. He married Miss Maggie Jane Barnes (a daughter of A. G. Barnes, of Arrowsmith Township), Dec. 14, 1876.

J. A. MAGEE, meat market, Saybrook; was born in Union Co., Penn., Oct. 24, 1851 ; his father, John T., was born in Union Co., Penn., April 15, 1827, and married Miss Mary A. Sheckler, Oct. 24, 1850 ; she also was born in same county, Feb. 14, 1828; they moved to Mercer Co., where his father died Oct. 6, 1863, and his mother Dec. 6, 1863 ; after their death, the subject of this sketch went to Union Co. and farmed for three years : he then went to Fulton Co., 111., and lived with his grandfather; in 1873, he worked in a butcher-shop in Avon, of same county. In 1874. he went to Kansas, remaining one year, and, returning again to Ellisville, Fulton Co., carried on a saw-mill for one year, and, in Dec, 1875, came to Saybrook and opened a meat market in connection with his brother, W. A. McGee. He married Miss Lizzie Anderson Sept. 20, 1876 ; her father, Thomas H., when quite an infant, moved with his parents, to Peoria, 111., and at 16 years of age, went to Fulton Co., Ill, and was engaged as engineer of the saw-mill of Thomas Maples for eight years, and, in 1869, came to McLean Co., and first settled in Cropsey Township, farming, and, in 1871, came to Saybrook and worked as engineer in the saw-mill of J. M. Stansbury. He died March 25, 1871. His wife was Miss Mary Conelly, of Canton, Fulton Co., III. Mr. McGee's family consists of one daughter - Clara M., born Sept. 25,

W. T. MASON, barber, Saybrook ; was born in Greene Co., 111., March 25, 1858; his parents moved to Mercer Co.. 111., when he was 3 years of age, and still live there; when he was 16 years of age, he learned the trade of a barber, in Oxford, Ind., and went to New Boston, 111., for two years, and from there to Morning Sun, Iowa, and, in the year 1877, came to Saybrook and opened a shop, which he now carries on. He married Miss Rhoda Green, daughter of Thomas and Laura Green, of New Boston, Mercer Co., 111., Dec. 5, 1877. Mrs. Mason's parents are still living.

J. R. MEANS, Justice of the Peace, Saybrook: was born in Lewis Co., Ky., March 22, 1825 ; his parents, in the year 1829 moved to Little Vermilion, Vermilion Co., Ill , and the same winter his father came to Cheney's Grove, and having built a cabin upon the north side of it, returned the next spring to Vermilion Co. and brought his familv ouf, arriving here in March. 1830, being among the early settlers of this county. His father died upon the homestead Aug. 6, 1836, and his mother, March 1, 1875. The subject of this sdetch lived with his mother up to the date of his marriage with Miss Nancy Stan-bury, May 7, 1844, when he rented a farm, remaining upon it three years, when having entered and purchased Congress lands in Sec. 25, of this township, moved upon them and remained until the year 1863, when he came to the village of Saybrook and purchased a mill, carrying it on for nine months ; having sold the farm he originally entered, he purchased a farm on Sees. 21 and 16 and lived there until 1867 ; in 1869, he returned to Saybrook, where he still resides ; he held the office of Supervisor for the years 1877-78, and has been Justice of the Peace for fourteen years. His wife was born May 11, 1827, in Tennessee. They had six children, four living - Mary A., (now Mrs. John Pitts, of Kentucky), Sarah M. (now Mrs. J. S. Barwick, of Logan Co.), Ulrich L., and John H.; two deceased - Amos and James E.

G. ROBERT MEANS, dealer in groceries, boots, shoes, etc, Saybrook ; is the son of David D. Means, one of the early settlers ot this county, and was born in this township Aug. 5, 1853 ; he lived with his parents up to the age of 22, when he became employed in the store of T. S. Collins, of Saybrook, as a clerk, remaining with him for one year, when he formed a copartnership with J. W. Riggs in the general merchandise business, under the name of Riggs & Means, and continued the same for two years, when, it being dissolved, he formed a copartnership with T. S. Collins as Means & Collins in the general merchandise business, in which they are now engaged. He married Miss Hattie Ball, daughter of Hillary Ball (one of the old settlers of this township), Oct. 3, 1878.

J. A. MYERS, dealer in grain and coal, Saybrook ; was born in Fayette Co., Penn., April 19, 1831 ; when he was quite young, his parents moved to West Virginia, near the State line, and at the age of 3 years moved to near Decatur, 111., where they resided for one year, an I then went to Marshall Co.; in the year 1855, they moved to Fairbauk, Buchanan Co., Iowa, where they are now residing ; his father was born in the year 1800, and was married to Miss Sarah Jane Beatty, of Belfast, Ireland, who came to this country when she was 10 years of age, with her parents, who settled in Fayette Co., Penn. Mr. Myers remained at home until he was 23 years of age, when he married his first wife, Margaret Bennington, daughter of Thomas Bennington, of Marshall Co., Iowa, Jan. 5, 1854; her parents were early settlers of this State, her father having participated in the Black Hawk war, and died in the fall of 1856; her mother still lives in Marshall Co. Mrs. Myers died Oct. 11, 1865; she had four children, three of whom are living - Melissa M. (now Mrs. Robert S. McCune, of Saybrook), born March 11, 1855; Mary E. (now Mrs. L. A. Clark, of Arrowsmith Township), December 18, 1856, and Harvey f\, one deceased, Sarah J., born March 12, 1863, died March 24, 1865. Married his second wife, Elizabeth A. McCullough, daughter of William McCullough. of Eureka, Woodford Co., 111., an old settler of that county, March 13, 1866: she was born in Jefferson to., Va., and when 10 yeai-3 of age went with her parents to Woodford Co., 111.

JONATHAN NELSON, wagon and carriage maker, Saybrook; was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., Aug. 23, 1844; his parents moved to Bloomington, when he was 4 years of age, being among the early settlers of this county; the subject of this sketch lived with them up to the age of 19, when our late civil war having broken out, he enlisted in Co. A, 94th regiment I. V. I., and served three years. In connection with his enlistment, quite a mistake has been made, which we wish to correct in this biography, and that is that he was entered and carried upon the rolls of his company as John Nelson, instead of Jonathan Nelson, his right name, and therefore the credit he deserves as having acted in defense and in perpetuation of the Union, is not given him upon the National records. After his discharge from the army he returned to Bloomington, and was engaged for three or four years manufacturing and selling pumps, aud, in 1870, came to Saybrook, working at his trade for three years, when he went to Pike's Peak, and remaining one summer, returned to Bloomington, and after staying there two years, came to Saybrook, in 1875, and engaged in the business of wagon-making, and in November, 1878, formed a copartnership with Levi Heller, under the name of Heller & Nelson, in the wagon-making business. He married Miss Sarah E. Nelson, of Bloomington, Oct. 16, 1867 ; they had five children, four

C. T. ORNER, M. D., Saybrook; is a native of Reiding, Peun., and was born on the 17th day of September, 1846; he received his early education in the schools of that city, and while attending the High School, our late civil war having broken out, he enlisted, being then but 18 years of age, in Co. M, 198th Regiment P. V. I., and at the end of two months was transferred to the Medical Department as Hospital Steward, of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of the 5th Army Corps, and served from Sept. 17, 1864, until the surrender of Gen. Lee to their brigade, and was breveted Assistant Surgeon, for services rendered at Hatcher's Run; upon his return from the army, he commenced the study of medicine with Prof. S. D. Gross, of Philadelphia, for two years, and graduated at Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, March 9, 1867, and at once commenced the practice of medicine, at Reading, Pa., and continued such until his marriage with Miss Mattie E. Crothers (daughter of William L. Crothers, of Springfield, Ohio), which occurred Aug. 3, 1868, when he went to Springfield and practiced his profession for one year, when he returned to Reading, Penn., and remained until May, 1871, and then came to Saybrook, where he has been practicing ever since. He has been President of the Central Illinois Medical Society, and is now a member of the State Medical Society, of the McLean County Medical Society, and corresponding member of the Clark County, Ohio, Medical Society, the Berks County. Penn., Medical Society, Academy of Natural Sciences, of Reading, Penn., and Trustee of the Bloomington Medical Society.

J. W. PUGSLEY, hardware merchant, Saybrook ; was born in Athens Co., Ohio, Feb. 8, 1828, when he was but 2 years of age, his parents moved to near the city of Columbus, and one year after located near Mechanicsburg, Champaign Co., where his parents died. The subject of this sketch, at the age of 23, started in life to carve his own fortunes with no resources but his energy and determination, and first rented a farm and worked it until the fall of 1854 ; in February, 1855, he came to McLean Co , and first settled in Empire Township, where he remained until the spring of 1864, when he commenced farming for himself one mile west of Cheney's Grove, continuing there until the fall of 1867, when he moved to the village of Saybrook, and was first engaged in the stock business until April, 1876, when he opened his present hardware store, the largest in that village. He was one of the first Commissioners of Highways after the organization of the township. He married Miss Rachel Brittin (daughter of Nathan Brittin, of Champaign Co , Ohio), Oct. 29, 1851 ; she was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, May 4, 1829 ; they had four children, one living - Sarah E. (now Mrs. Charles C. Cheney) ; three died - Marseilles, Owen D. and Alice B.

RANSOM PALMER, livery-stable, Saybrook; was born in Chautauqua Co. N. Y., April 15, 1840. He lived with his mother until he was 20 years of age, and after her death, went to Wisconsin, and, in the year 1859, crossed the plains to California ; mining and prospecting for one year, when he returned and stopped atGlenwood, Mills Co., Iowa, where he married Miss Fannie Bngg (daughter of Jonas Bragg, of same place), July 16, 1861. In the spring of 1862, he moved to Saybrook, and was first engaged in the mercantile business for three years, under the firm of Palmer & Gallagher, when, having sold out, engaged in the milling business for himself, for two years; he then opened the present livery-stable, with his brother Charles; has held the office of Assessor, two years, and is at the present time Deputy Sheriff of the county ; he is also engaged in the real estate business, renting and selling lands. His family consists of two boys - Luther, born Jan. 24, 1865, and Earl, Dec. 16, 1877.

CHARLES PALMER, livery-stable keeper, Saybrook; was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1840. When he was 5 years of age, his parents moved to Dodge Co., Wis., living there two and one-half years, where his father and two brothers died. Mr. Palmer remained at home until he was 15 years of age, and then worked upon a farm until the year 1857, when he went to Wisconsin, and in February, 1862, enlisted in Co. H, 2d Regt. Wisconsin Volunteers, and served three years. After his discharge, he came to Saybrook and engaged in farming up to 1877, when he opened the present livery stable with his brother Ransom. He married Mary E. Ball, daughter of Snowden Ball, of Cheney Grove Township, Dec. 25, 1866. They have two children - Cora A., born Jan. 5, 1869 ; and Richard A., March 28, 1876.

JOSEPH RANNEBARGER, farmer; P. O. Saybrook; was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Feb. 27, 1844. His parents were born in Frederick Co., Md., and moved to Ohio in 1829. His father, Stephen T., was born Aug. 7, 1802, and married Miss Susanna Michael in November, 1823; she was born July 20, 1801. When Mr. R. was 7 years of age, his parents moved to Illinois, and settled in Cumberland Co., living there until 1858, when they went to Sangamon Co., where his mother died in the year 1865. After her death, his father moved to De Witt Co., 111., and from there went to live with a son in Macon Co., where he died Oct. 11, 1877. In the same year, Mr. Kannebarger moved from De Witt Co. to McLean Co. and purchased the farm on Sec. 14, where he now resides. He enlisted in Co. B, 10th Regt. 111. Cav., and served two years and four months in our late civil war. He married Oct 30, 1870, Miss Sarah Ann Conn, daughter of David Conn, of De Witt Co., 111. Her father lives in Nebraska. Her mother died when she was three years of age. Mrs. Rannebarger was born Aug. 19, 1851. They have three children - Perry, born Aug. 27, 1872; Rosetta, Aug. 17, 1874; and Nora L., Aug. 11, 1876.

H. R. RAYBURN, retired farmer; P. 0. Saybrook; was born in Mason Co., W. Va., Jan. 26, 1815. In the fall of 1833, he left, home and went to Ross Co.. Ohio, and lived with his uncle, David Corbitt, until the fall of 1835, and then went to Madison Co., and, in the fall of 1836, returned to Virginia and was engaged in the blacksmithing business, having a shop on his father's firm during that winter, and, the following spring, went to Point Pleasant and worked in the blacksmith-shop of William Dashner, and on Aug. 13, 1837, having married Miss Mary White, daughter of James White, of Pennsylvania, moved to Madison t.'o., Ohio, and farmed until the fall of 1852. when he came to McLean Co , and settled six miles southeast of Bloomington, on the farm of William Bishop, remaining there five years, and, having purchased a farm in Arrowsmith Township, of this county, moved there in the spring of 1858, and, on Dec. 10, 1873, came from there to Saybrook. He has been School Director and Trustee in Arrowsmith Township, and also was a member of the Town Council of Saybrook for one year. His wife was born Sept. 15, 1815, in Allegheny Co., Penn. They had ten children, eight living, four boys and four girls - Granville W., born May 8, 1838; Cooper M. C, Feb. 7, 1845; Calvin H., Oct, 8, 1846: John R , Oct. 14, 1850; four girls - Mary J. (now Mrs. Moses Durand, of Pike Co., 111.), born Aug. 22, 1840; Martha A. (now Mrs. Cyrus Hartpence, of Caldwell Co., Mo.), Nov. 12, 1841 ; Isabella (now Mrs. James H. Wright, of Pike Co., 111.), Aug. 23, 1848; and Margaret E. (now Mrs. Eldon T. Brigham, of Iroquois Co.), Aug. 10, 1854.

LEONARD REDDICK, grain dealer, Saybrook ; was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, June 19, 1822. His father died upon the homestead where he had resided over forty-five years. The subject of this sketch remained at home until he was 21 years of age, farming, when he served an apprenticeship of two years at the trade of carpentering, in Uniontown, and worked in that neighborhood until he was 29 years old, and then moved to Hamilton Co., Ind., and continued his trade there until 1865, when he came to within six miles southeast of Bloomington, remairfing there until the next winter, when he came to Saybrook and worked at his trade of carpenter up to the spring of 1874, when he formed a copartnership with David Hurley, as the firm of Reddick & Hurley, in the lumber business, and in the spring of 1877, having sold out his interest, has been engaged ever since in buying and selling grain. Married his tirst wife, Miss Sarah Moore, of Muskingum Co., Ohio, Jan. 13, 1849; she died April 12, 1852; they had two childien, one living - Harriet J. (now Mrs. Zachariah^Sparks, of Missouri), and one deceased - Mary C. Married his second wife, Miss Rebecca Galaway, of Hamilton Co., Ind., Dec. 31, 1853 ; they had seven children, four living - Sanford B., Alvira, Fremont and Joseph G. ; three died in infancy. i

G. W. RIGGS, farmer ; P. O. Saybrook ; is the son of William M. Riggs, one of the pioneers of this county, who settled in this township, north of Cheney's Grove, in the year 1830, and was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Dec. 11, 1827 ; so he was only three yeais of age when his parents moved to this township. The subject of this sketch lived with his parents until he was 22 years of age, assisting upon the farm; in 1849, he entered and improved the farm on Sec. 7, upon which he at present resides. He at present holds the office of School Trustee, and has for some years. He married Oct. 11, 1849, Miss Minerva W. Lewis, daughter of William D. and Nancy Lewis, of Fleming Co., Ky., who moved into this township in the year 1856 ; her mother died Dec. 21, 1866, her father, October, 1871. Mrs. Riggs was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Dec. 27, 1827 ; they had a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living - Olive J. (now Mrs. James McKinney, of Indiana, now living in Cheney'sGrove Township), born Sept. 11. 1350; Nancy H. (now Mrs. William H. Yasel, of Kansas), Dec. 11, 1851; John W., Jan. 26, 1855; Melrie L., Dec. 17, 1856; Charles B., July 29, 1859; Martin L., Nov. 13, 1861 ; Mary L , Nov. 6, 1863; Eva M., May 24, 1868, and Rosa B., July 24, 1870, and two deceased - William A., born Sept. 21, 1853, died June 27, 1855; Ella K., born Jan. 18, 1866, died Nov. 27, 1866.

H. A. ROWE, farmer; P. 0. Saybrook; was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, Dec. 22, 1830. He lived at home until the age of 24, when he married Miss Mary J. Ferguson, Aug. 31, 1854 ; she was the daughter of William Fergusqn, of Maine, a traveling minister of the United Brethren Church, who moved, first to Maryland, and from there to Pennsylvania, and married Miss Catherine Campbell, of Cumberland Co., Penn., and afterward moved to Ohio, and in 1865, came to Saybrook. in this township, where they still reside, both being in their 76th year. Mr. Rowe, after his marriage, remained in Fayette Co. for ten years, farming. In 1864, he enlisted in Co. K, 168th Regt. Ohio V. I., under Capt. E. E. Ritter, and served five months ; five days after his return to Fayette Co., he moved his family to McLean Co. His wife was born Aug. 2, 1833, in Cumberland Co., Penn. ; they had five children, four living - Etta B (now Mrs. H. C. Myers, of Cheney Grove Township), born Aug. 22, 1 8 - > 7 ; William H., Feb. 25, 1860 ; Jennie M., Aug. 25, 1867 ; Nellie, Feb. 22, 1875, and one died - Orrin II., born Aug. 12, 1855, and died Oct. 25, 1865. They are both members of the Methodist Church.

OLIVER C. SABIN, attorney at law, Saybrook; was born in Knox Co , Ohio, May 19, 1840 ; his father, Daniel Sabin, was born in Virginia in the year 1809, and married Miss Rhotla Williams (daughter of Abram and Sarah Williams, of Washington Co,, Penn.); in 1851, they moved to McLean Co. and first settled in White Oak Grove, since known as Oak Grove Township, and, in 1865, came to Anchor Township, where they now reside. The subject of this sketch, at the age of 16, started in life for himself unaided, having to earn the means by which he received his education ; he first attended Eureka College, Woodford Co., 111., and, afterward, the State Normal University at Bloomington, remaining there over two years. While attending college, our late civil war having broken out, he went into the army in the capacity of Secretary to Col. L. F. Ross, and. upon his promotion to Brigadier General, acted as his Aid-de-Camp, and also as Southern Agent of the Chicago Tribune, and, afterward, correspondent of the St. Louis Democrat, and subsequently became one of the editors and proprietors of the Memphis Appeal. In

1863, he returned to McLean Co. and studied law in the office of Robert E. Williams, in Blooms ington, and was admitted to practice in March. 1864. On Jan. 4, 1864, having married Miss Mary C. Bent (daughter of William E. Bent, of Elgin, 111.), he practiced law in that city in connection with Judge Sylvanus Wilcox. Having moved to Sedalia, Mo., he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Pettis Co., but, owing to the ill-health of his family, returned to Elgin, 111., and, in the year 1871, came to Saybrook, where he has since been practising his profession. His family consists of three children - Rhoda, born Sept. 5, 1870; William B.. Aug. 20, 1872, and Oliver C, July 31, 1874. He owns 500 acres of land in this county, valued at $15,000.

W. H. SCHUREMAN, banker, Saybrook; was born in Green Valley, Tazewell Co., Ill ., Sept. 11, 1853; when he was 17 years of age, he became engaged in the mercantile business with his father, Samuel Schureman, under the firm of Schureman & Son, in Green Valley, Tazewell Co., 111., and continued the same for seven years, and, in the year 1877, commenced the banking business in the same place, known as the " Farmers' Bank," in connection with his father, Samuel Schureman, and his uncle, Jonathan Schureman, and continued it up to his removal to Saybrook, where he has since been engaged in the banking business as successor to W. H. Riggs <& Bro., under the name of W. H Schureman & Co., composed of his father, Samuel Schureman, Jonathan Schureman and himself, representing a capital of $75,000, all in real estate.

OLIVER SPRINGSTEAD, Superintendent of Public Schools, Saybrook; was born in Albany Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1823 ; he remained with his parents up to the age of 21, attending school, and, in the year 1848, entered Union College, Schenectady, and graduated in 1852, and from there entered the Theological School at Concord, graduating from that institution in the year 1834; six months before his graduation, he was appointed Professor of Mathematics in Warnersville Seminary, New York, and, after holding that position one year, came, in 1855. to Illinois, and, the first summer, held the position of financial agent for the Northwestern University, at Evanston, and also assisted in selling scholarships to complete the building of the Rock River Seminary ; in the spring of 1856, was appointed Superintendent of Public Schools in Peru, 111., serving four years, when he became the Principal of Lee Center Academy ; having returned to La Salle, he was appointed Principal of Public Schools for three years ; in the spring of 1867, came to McLean Co. and engaged in the manufacture of cheese for three years; after which, he came to Saybrook in charge of the public schools for two years, and then engaged in lumber business and farming until 1878, since which time, he has been again Principal of the Public Schools. Married Miss Eliza Bennett, of Penn Yan, N. Y., July 28, 1857; she died Jan, 12, 1863 ; he then married Miss Mary Carter Dec. 25, 1867; they have two children - Jeremiah, born Feb. 4, 1876, and Eva L., in July, 1878.

W. K. STANSBERRY, Postmaster, Saybrook; was born in Washington Co., E. Tenn., Aug, 29, 1820 ; his parents came to this township in the year 1833, and were among the early settlers of this county ; his mother died here in the year 1856, and his father in 1864. Mr. Stansberry lived with his parents until he was 24 years of age. On Jan. 8, 1846, he married Miss Sarah Jane Yazel, daughter of David Yazel, of Ohio, and soon afterward, having purchased a farm one and one-half miles north of Le Roy, in this county, lived upon it four years ; having sold it, he moved to the village of Le Roy and was engaged in the house-carpentering business for ten years ; selling his property in 1858, he moved to Saybrook and worked at carpentering up to

1864, when he purchased a saw mill, and carried it on until 1869, since which time he has held the office of Postmaster ; he has also been Assessor five years, and a member of the Town Council ever since the organization of the township, except one year, and has been President of the Board for two years ; also School Director for sixteen years. His wife was born Dec. 31, 1826 5 they have five children, three girls and two boys - Harriet E. (now Mrs. Jonathan Hyer, of Lexington, 111.), Olive J. (now Mrs. D. H. Simmons, of Ohio), David E., Cora B. (now Mrs. C. O, Smith, of Champaign Co., 111.) and Milton.

W. A. STEWART, farmer; P. 0. Saybrook; was born in Knox Co., Ohio, June 12, 1832; in the ye>r 1852, his parents moved to Fulton Co., 111.; his father died there Oct. 3, 1872; hia mother still lives in McDonough Co., 111. Mr. Stewart came with his parents to Illinois, and remained with them for four years, when he married Miss Matilda Hiett Dec. 25, 1855 ; she was a daugh er of Jesse and Sarah Hiett, who settled in this township in 1830, being among the pioneers of this county ; her father died Sept. 2, 1839, and her mother Sept. 20, 1852. After their marriage, Mr. Stewart lived in Fulton Co., Ohio, for four years, then one year in McDonough Co., and, in the year 1861, came te McLean Co. and settled in Dale Township, eight miles west of Bloomington, and, in 1870, moved to Cheney Grove Township and settled on Sec. 12, where he at present resides. He holds the office of Supervisor. His wife was born Dec. 30, 1835, in what is now known as Danvers Township, in this cuunty ; they had six children, four living - Clara, born Dec. 29, 1858; Orrie, Feb. 9, 1866; Frank, Nov. 17, 1867, and Helen, July

JAMES THOMPSON, farmer; P. 0. Saybrook ; was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Jan. 2, 1840 ; in the spring of 1857, he and his brothers came to Tazewell Co., 111., and remained until the winter, when they returned to Summit Co., and the next spring came to McLean Co., their parents following in the fall, and settled together on Sec. 27, on what is known as the Robert Cunningham farm, where they have since resided. His parents died there, his father Oct 13, 18(35, and his mother May 2, 1876. The subject of this sketch enlisted in Co. L. 4th I. V. C, and served for three years, having participated in the siege of Ft. Henry and battles of Ft. Donelson and fhiloh ; in the advance on Vicksburg, he was by the side of Col. McCulljugh when he was killed : in battle near Coffeeville, and was taken prisoner, but remained so ouly for a few minutes, having escaped during the excitement : after his discharge, he returned to the farm. Has held the office of Collector for three years. Ife married Miss Charlotte Cliver Jan. 2, 1861, in Tazewell Co., a daughter of Richard Cliver, of Tremont, Tazewell Co., 111., one of the early settlers of that county, having settled there in 1837 ; she was born Feb. 23, 1843 ; they have six children, all living - James R., born Jan. 13, 1862; Albert B., Sept. 5, 1865; Lucy C, March 23, 1867; Elizabeth C, Dec. 7, 1868; John R. W., Sept. 19. 1870, and Harry G., April 27, 1872. Mrs. Thompson's mother died Jan. 16, 1855 ; her father is still living.

ADAM VENCILL, grain dealer, Saybrook; was born in Tazewell Co., Va., Dec. 20, 1826 ; When he was 4 years of age, his parents moved to Decatur Co., Ind., remaining there two years, and afterward to Clinton Co , where his father died in 1833. His mother married again, and, in 1841, went to Tippecanoe Co., Ind , where she now resides The subject of this sketch, at the age of 20, started in life for himself, working upon a farm until the age of 25 ; then rented a farm for four years, and, having purchased a farm of 160 acres, farmed it for twelve years ; having leased his farm in the year 1863, he went to La Fayette and engaged in the grocery business for four years, and having sold out engaged in the grain business in La Fayette for two years ; and then went to White Co., Ind., and purchased a warehouse, and built a flouring-mill in connection with it, which he carried on for six years ; having sold it, he went to Indianapolis, engaged in grocery business, then returned to La Fayette; for one year engaged in grain business, and, in spring of 1876, came to Saybrook, and has been engaged in grain business up to the present. He married Miss Mahala Potter, of Tippecanoe Co., Ind., Jan. 22, 1856; she died in spring of 1857. He married his second wife, Miss Eliza T. Frazier, April 3, 1859. He had one child by first wife - Laura I., who died in August, 1870 ; and six children by present wife, four living - Edgar A., Hattie E., Henry A. and Clara E. ; two died - Charles M. and John W. T.

H. A. WINTER, M. D., Saybrook ; was born in Niles, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1843 ; his father dying when he was an infant, he resided until he was 9 years of age with his grandfather, and afterward with his uncle at Kelloggsville, N. Y., where he attended school for five years, and afterward Cortland County Academy, in Homer, N. Y., and also the High School, in Berlin City, Wis. At the breaking out of our late civil war, he enlisted at the age of 18, as a private in Company " B," 11th Wisconsin Volunteers; and, after serving one year, was discharged on account of disability following typhoid fever ; he, however, again enlisted in Co. B, 72nd Regiment Indiana Volunteers, of Wilder' s Brigade of Mounted Infantry, and served until close of the war, and helped bring into camp Jefferson Davis, President of ex-Confederate States, and was in active service during Gen. Sherman's campaign. After his discharge, Mr. Winter studied medicine in the office of Dr. F. M. Hiett, of Williamsport, Ind., and came with him to Saybrook, and continued his studies there up to 1866; and, in the years 1867-68, attended a course of lectures at Rush Medical College ; he then returned to Saybrook and continued the study of medicine with Dr. Hiett, and also taught school during the winter for five years ; in 1871, he commenced the regular practice of his profession, and carried on a drug store under the firm of Roberts & Winter; having sold out in the fall of 1872, he returned to Rush Medical College, graduating Feb. 19, 1873, and has since that time been in active practice in Saybrook. He married Miss Delia Atkinson (daughter of Rev. William Atkinson, of New Brunswick), Sept. 25, 1867 ; they have one child - William A., born July 9, 1868.

W. M. ALSPAUGH, farmer ; P. O. Lexington ; was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, in the year 1850, and when about 4 years <dd, his father, Reuben Alspaugh, removed to a place near Cedar Rapids, Linn Co., Iowa; in 1868, Mr. Alspaugh, Sr., removed from Iowa to Normal, 111., and bought a farm ; for one year he assisted his father on the farm, and then taught school, in the neighborhood of Normal, for three years. In the year 1876, the subject of this sketch married and settled down to farming on the homestead of his father-in law, Mr. John Gregory, of Gridley Township, one of the largest land-h >lders of that township ; in 1878, Mr. Alspaugh removed to and settled upon 200 acres of land on Section 34, Gridley Township, where he now lives and hag one of the finest residences in the township; his land is all under cultivation and is valued at about $35 per acre ; he is young, wide awake and intelligent, and is well posted upon all subjects concerning his county and township, and works his farm upon scientific principles, combined with industry and forethought. He was married in 1876 to Miss Sabra Gregory, daughter of John Gregory, formerly of Gridley, now of Normal, who was bjrn in Gridley Township in 1857 ; Effie is their only child.

W. H. BOIES, of the firm of Boies & Breese, dealers in grain and stock, Gridley ; was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Jan. 22, 1833 ; at the age of 18, he became a clerk in a store in Moscow, where he remained until 1856; he then came West and located in EL Paso, 111., when that, place contained but five houses ; in the spring of 1857, he engaged in the lumber business, and, shortly afterward, in the grain and grocery trade ; he was then in moderate circumstances, yet, during his residence of five years in El Paso, he took a leading part in all the enterprises of the town ; he was a member of the Town Council, and helped to form the first charter. In January, 1862, he went to Watseka as agent of the T., P. & W. R. R., but, the same year, removed to Gridley and began dealing in grain, Mr. Breese becoming a member of the firm in 1869; they dealt, also, in agricultural implements until 1877; since Mr. Breese joined him they have been dealing largely in stock ; they have 900 acres of land in this vicinity, and are engaged extensively in farming and stock-raising, having from 150 to 200 head of cattle, and usually about 20u hogs. Mr. Boies was station agent here for thirteen years. In 1867, he built the elevator known as the Boies & Breese Elevator, having a capacity of 25.000 bushels of grain ; he is an energetic business man and public-spirited citizen, at the same time genial in manner and possessing social qualities of the highest order. He was married Nov. 18, 1867, to Miss Mary A. Taylor, of Perry, N. Y., and has four children - George V., Nettie W., Charles C. and Willie H. Mr. Boies has been a member of the Village Council a number of years.

RICHARD BREESE, dealer in grain and stock (firm of Boies & Breese,) Gridley; is a native of Cambridgeshire, England, and was born Aug. 24, 1822. He was raised to agricultural pursuits, and followed farming in England to 1852, when, on the 11th of October, he started for the United States. He settled near Oxford, Butler Co., Ohio, where he lived until 1857; he then came to Illinois and purchased a farm in Livingston Co. He continued farming with good success until 1869, when he removed to Gridley and engaged with W. H. Boies in the grain, stock and agricultural implement business. While in Livingston Co. he served as Trustee three years, and three years as Commissioner of Highways. He was one of the Trustees of Gridley from 1.876 to 1879, and also School Director three years. Mr. Breese is one of the most substantial citizens of Gridley ; has been successful in business, and owns, with Mr. Boies, 900 acres of land lying in Livingston and McLean Counties. He was married at the age of 22 to Mis< Mary A. Miller, of Cambridgeshire, England; she, however, lived but about three years, and, at her death, left two childreu, one of whom is living - Eliza, now Mrs. C. H. Neuhauser, of Gridley. Mr. Breese was married again, in January, 18 A, to Mrs. Sarah Richardson, of Huntingdonshire, England.

F. D. CALLSEN, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public and general collection agent, Gridley ; was born in Haltsee, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, June 28, 1833. He was intended for the military service, and educated accordingly. When the revolution in Schleswig-Holstein collapsed and that country failed to secure its independence from Denmark, Mr. Callsen, not wishing to serve in the Danish army, left the service, and was employed in a store in Altona until 1855, when he came to this country. The first six months he clerked in a drug store in New York City, after which he went to Canada and obtained a situation in a general store. In 1858, he came to Illinois, and, with H. E. Sieberns, carried on business in Farnisville, until the war broke out. He then enlisted in the 17th I. V. I., and was made Second Lieutenant of Co. G. He took part in the battles of Ft. Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, luka, Bolivar, the campaign in Northern Mississippi, battles of Port Gibson, Bayou Pierre, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Big Black and the siege of Vicksburg. After the battle of Pittsburg Landing he was promoted to First Lieutenant and transferred to the U. S. Signal Corps, and after the fall of Vicksburg was made an officer on the staff of Gen. Leonard F. Hoss, and later of Gen. John D. Stevenson, of Missouri. Returning from the war, he engaged in mercantile business in Gridley, the firm being Sieberns & Callsen. In 1865, he opened up a new farm in the vicinity, and farmed until 1872. when he and Mr. Sieberns started in the grain and coal business and continued that until 1878, since which time he has been in his present business. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1877, has served three years in succession as Supervisor, and two years as Treasurer of the township, besides holding various other town offices. He was married in December, 1863, to Miss Julia Niergarth, of Woodford Co., and has one child - Caroline E. Mr. Callsen came to this country with nothing, has been successful, and now owns a good farm of 160 acres, besides a good dwelling and other property in Gridley.

GEORGE A. FRANK, dealer in general merchandise, Gridley ; the above-named gentleman was born in Juniata Co., Penn., of German parentage, Feb. 12, 1840; in 1845, his parents removed to Illinois, settling in Peoria Co., where they still reside; he left home in 1859, going to Warren Co., where he engaged in farming ; in the spring of 1864, he returned to Peoria Co., and there resided until the fall of 1866 ; he then removed to Livingston Co., just across the line from Gridley, and followed farming there until 1874, when he came to Gridley and engaged in his present business. He is at present a member of the Board of Trustees, this being his second term ; he has also served for the past two years as Township School Trustee. Mr. Frank was married Aug. 28, 1859, to Miss Laura Halcomb, of Peoria Co., 111.; they have six children - Laura R., wife of Frederick Blumenshine, of Gridley; Alfred A., Meta G., Cora M., Maud and Pearl.

JAMES A. GILBERT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. El Paso, Woodford Co.; was born in Manchester, Dearborn Co., Ind., April 1, 1839 ; a few years later, his parents removed West to Oquawka, Iowa, but shortly afterward returned and settled at Rochester, Peoria Co., 111.; there they lived about five years and then removed to Brimfield, where his father still resides. In March, 1865, Mr. Gilbert entered the Union army as a Corporal in Company K, 47th I. V. I., and served till after the close of the war. In 1868, he removed to Greene Township, Woodford Co., and, in 1870, to McLean Co., and settled on his present farm, where he owns 160 acres of land. He was married Dec. 20, 1867, to Miss Mary Baker, of Elmwood, 111.; she was born in Marshall Co., Va., Sept. 17, 1843; they have five children - Charles J., Minnie A., Burtis S., Eunice Blanche and Lucy E.

JACOB HOOBLER, farmer; P. 0. Gridley; was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, in the year 1818, where he lived with his father Michael Hoobler, until the age of 20 years, when he went to New Jefferson, Ohio, and engaged in the mercantile business for himself until the year 1868, when he removed to McLean Co., 111., and bought and settled upon a farm of i60 acres (his present home), in Gridley Township, and in 1872, bought 160 acres more, and, in 1875, eighty acres, making in all 400 acres, eighty acres being on Section 10, and 320 on Section 3, Gridley Township ; part of this land being under cultivation and part pasture, valued at about $45 an acre. He was married in the year 1853, to Miss Catherine Grier Galbraith, who was born in 1832, near Cannonsburg, Washington Co., Penn.; they have eight children living - Katie Bell, Charles, Robert M., Samuel G., Annie L., Rachel F., Jacob Henry and Albertie. Mr. Hoobler' s residence is located upon Section 10. Gridley Township.

D. L. HOOVER, dealer in drugs, medicines, books, stationery, etc., Gridley; is a native of this State; he was born in Putnam Co. Nov. 11, 1845; when he was about 4 years old, his parents removed to Bureau Co., and there resided until 1856, when they removed to the western part of Livingston Co.; in 1869, he engaged in farming, to which business he had been raised, and continued it until 1871, when he came to Gridley and started in the drug business. He has one of the neatest and most tastily arranged stores in the county, and keeps a full supply of all goods in his line, and of a reliable quality, consisting of drugs, medicines, books, stationery, toilet articles, fancy groceries, paints, oils, varnishes, brushes, lamps and lamp goods, cigars and tobacco, etc. Mr. Hoover was married Jan. 14, 1869, to Miss C. G. Williams, of Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., and has two children - Lovena A. and Myrta. He has served as Town Clerk two years, and as City Treasurer and Collector four years, and still holds these offices.

J. J. KERR, Gridley; was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Dec. 27, 1850; he is a son of Thomas Kerr, now of Waldo Township, Livingston Co.; when he was 15 years old, he accompanied his parents to the United States, having been, for the two years before that, engaged as a clerk in a wholesale grocery house in Aberdeen ; after coming to Illinois, he remained on the farm five years, then entered the office of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad Co in Chicago ; after remaining there four months, he feturned to Gridley and entered the employ of Boies & Breese ; he continued with them fifteen months, after which he entered into partnership with D. L. Hoover, in the drug business ; in this he continued until December, 1877 ; the summer of 1878 he spent in Europe, traveling quite extensively in England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Germany, and returning in December, 1878, since which time he has not been in active business. He was married May 3, 1877, to Miss H. M. Hartley - a daughter of William Hartley - late of El Paso, 111.

L. C. McCONNELL, M. D., physician and surgeon, Gridley ; was born in Ripley, Brown Co.. Ohio, April 13, 1836; when he was about 4 years of age, his parents removed to Indiana, and settled in Fayette Co.; he was educated, principally, at Fairview Academy, in Rush Co., Ind., where he spent three years, and prepared for the junior class in college ; entering Bethany College, Va., he remained about a year, when a difficulty occurred in the college, arising out of the slavery question, and he left at the close of his junior year, together with several other Northern students. He began the study of medicine in 1855, and spent the winter of 1856-57 at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati ; he then went to Greenfield, Ind., and remained until the fall of 1858, engaged in study and practice; returning to the Medical College, he took his second course, graduating in February, 1859; he then located at Fairview, Ind., and practiced medicine two years, when he removed to Richmond, Ind , and there remained until his removal to McLean Co. in 1866 ; he spent the first two years in Bloomington, and in August, 1868, settled in Gridley, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession ; he has served on the Board of Village Trustees, and as School Director, but with these exceptions, has declined to hold any public offices, his extended practice receiving his constant and undivided attention. He was married Oct. 7, 1857, to Miss Columbia A. Nutting, of Connersville, Ind., and has one child living - Minnie I.

D. L. MEYERS, dealer in hardware, tinware, stoves, etc., Gridley ; was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, May 5, 1832, and, until the age of 20 years, followed the business of winegrowing, his father being the owner of a vineyard. In 1852 he came to Amerh a, and worked on a farm in Wayne Co., Ohio, for four years. He then removed to Plainfield, Will Co., 111., and engaged in farming for himself. In 1859 he went to Washington, Tazewell Co., and, after farming a few years, about the close of the war removed to El Paso, and, with his brothers-in-law, George and Samuel Zinser, opened a hardware store, and soon afterwards another store, in Washington. After about eighteen months, he disposed of his interest in the Washington store to his i artners, but continued his business in El Paso until his removal to Gridley in the fall of 1875. Mr. Meyers does the only exclusive hardware and stove business in the place, and carries a full line of goods of the btst quality. He was married, Jan. 13, 1860, to Miss Katie Zinser, of Washington, 111., who lived but about a year. Mr. Meyers was married again in February, 1862, to Miss Mary M. Zinser, of Washington, 111. ; they have one child - Edward L.

C. H. NEUHAUSER, blacksmith, carriage manufacturer, and dealer in agricultural implements, Gridley ; was born in Saarburg, Alsace, France, Oct. 6, 1840. When he was 6 years old, his parents came to this country and located at Syracuse, N. Y., where his father died a year later, and, about two months afterwards, his mother removed with her family to Butler Co., Ohio ; resided there two years, and removed thence to Campbell Co., Ky. There he lived nine years ; then returned to Ohio, and lived with an uncle about four years, going thence to Cincinnati, where he remained six months. In 1863 he came to Illinois, and worked in Bloomington, Hudson and El Paso. In August, 1864, he removed to Waldo Township, Livingston Co,, and engaged in contracting and building. He afterwards came to Gridley and followed butchering one season, and then resumed building. Returning to Waldo Township, he continued farming till March, 1874. He then purchased the wagon and blacksmith shop of George Jewett, and has continued in this business to the present time. He also engaged in the implement trade with his brother, John Neuliauser, for one year; then sold out to his brother, Oct. 19, 1877. They were burned out, after which he erected his present building, and bought his brother's business. He maVes a specialty of John Deere & Co.'s Moline plows and cultivators, Deere & MausurCo.'s and the Quincy planters, D. M. Osborn & Co.'s harvesting machinery, Adams' corn-sheller, and minor implements of various descriptions and the best quality. Mr. Neuhauser was married, Dec. 9, 1864, to Miss Eliza Breese, a daughter of Richard Breese, of Gridley. Of ten children, six are living - Sarah E., Catherine, Lucy L., Minerva, W. Etta and Mary A. Mr. Neuhauser has served two years in the Village Council.

JOHN NORTH, deceased, formerly of Gridley Township; was born in Lincolnshire, England, Nov. 4, 1812, and there resided until his removal to this country. He was one of a number of brothers who settled in the western part of Gridley Township and the eastern part of Woodford Co., several years ago. He was married in England, in June, 1838, to Miss Rachel HatclifFe, who was also born in Lincolnshire, March 4, 1818; about the year 1850, he emigrated to the United States, and settled in Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., and in 1854 removed to Woodford Co., just across the line from McLean, and, after several years, to the place where he lived till his death. He was a successful man, and accumulated a comfortable property, leaving at his death an estate of 280 acres. He was a man of exemplary life and steady, temperate, industrious habits, a member of the Baptist Church, and enjoyed the respect of all who knew him. He died Jan. 3, 1865, leaving a family of seven children, ell of whom are now living - Sarah (wife of Edmund Tippler), James R., Henry, Joseph R., Elizabeth (wife of Wi Ham Bailey), Spencer H. and Ellen (wife of Harvey Leonard), all of whom are settled in the neighborhood, except Henry, who lives in Oregon. Mrs. North resides on the homestead, surrounded by her children and their families, and in the enjoyment of an ample estate, and honored by the entire community.

FRIEDR1CH SCHAFER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. El Paso, Woodford Co.; was born in Waldmohr, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, May 11, 1820. At the usual age in that country, 14 years, he was apprenticed to the trade of a shoemaker. He came to the United States in 1852, and located at Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., where he worked at his trade six years, and then engaged in farming. In 1864, he removed to McLean Co., and settled on his present farm. He owns 160 acres on Sees. 22 and 23, finely improved and cultivated, besides 20 acres of timber on the Mackinaw ; nor is his success in life to be estimated by the amount of real estate owned by him ; he is, financially, one of the solid men of the community, possessing those characteristics of his countrymen which enable them to succeed so often where others fail. He was married March 1, 1846, to Miss Louisa Vogelgesang, who was born in Breidefelder- Hof, Bavaria, Aug. 28, 1828 ; they have seven children living - Frederick J., now Pastor of the Evangelical Association of the Warrensburg and Clinton Mission, Kansas), Lewis (a farmer, of Sumner Co., Kan.), Christian (a farmer, of Yates Township), John (of Sumner Co., Kan.), Katie L. (a music teacher, of Brown Co., Kan.), Louisa E. and Matilda.

N. B. SEIDEL, of the firm of Blumenshine & Seidel, Gridley, dealers in general merchandise; came to the place in 1875; he was born in Berks Co., Penn., Dec. 22, 1839; he is of German descent, his ancestors being among the first settlers of that part of the State ; the neighborhood in which he was raised was composed entirely of German people, and at one time there were but three men in his township who could speak English, and Mr. Seidel himself was 20 years of age before he could speak or understand the English language, although his ancestors, for several generations, were natives of this country. In 1857, he came West, to Stephenson Co., 111., and began work at the carpenter's trade. Three years later, he returned to his native State, and again came to Illinois in 18G5; he spent about three years in Bloomington, removing to El Paso in 1868 ; he followed his trade there until his removal to Gridley, in 1875. He was married Aug. 10, 1862, to Miss Emma E. Grim, of Hamburg, Penn., and has three children - Edward B., William H. and Hattie A.

HENRY E. SIEBERNS, general merchant, Gridley ; was born in the Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, March 23, 1825. At the age of 14, he was apprenticed to the carpenter trade, after completing which, he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. He came to this country in 1853, landing in New Orleans, and proceeding up the river to Louisville, Ky., where he went to work at his trade. In 1855, in consequence of the Know Nothing disturbances in that city, he left Louisville and went to Canada West. Two years later he came to Illinois, and engaged in mercantile business with F. D. Callsen, in Farnisville, Woodford Co. In 1864, he removed to Gridley, where he and Mr. Callsen had just previously started a store; since that time he has continued in business here, and also has been in the grain business nine years, from 1868 to 1877. He carries one of the largest and best selected stock of goods in the place. During his residence of six years, in Farnisville, he served constantly as Postmaster and Town Clerk, and was also elected Justice of the Peace just before leaving for Gridley He has held various offices in this place. He was married in May, 1857, to Miss Caroline Niergarth, a native of Bavaria, Germany. They have nine children living - Julietta, Juliana, Mary R., Walter H., Minnie, John R., Otto, Charles and Henrietta E Mr. Sieberns, for the past five years has made Peoria his residence. He is one of the most successful men of the county, owning 1,440 acres of land in Livingston and McLean Counties.

JAMES B. SNEED, farmer; P. 0. El Paso, Woodford Co. ; was born in Garrett Co., Ky., March, 1836, being a son of John H. and Elizabeth Sneed, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Indiana. In 1852, he came with his father's family to McLean Co., and resided six years in Bloomington. The family then removed to the eastern part of Woodford Co., and, after four years, located on Section 2, Gridley Township, where his father resided until his death, June 4, 1876. His mother is still living. Mr. Sneed was first married March 19, 1861, to Miss Tama Hawkins, of Woodford Co. ; she died Feb. 18, 1862. He was married again May 4, 1864, to Mrs. Julia A. Taylor, a daughter of Robert C. McCollum. of Christian Co., 111., whose wife's former name was Margaret M. Mills, both formerly from Kentucky ; she was born in Christian Co., Feb. 3, 1888. They have two children - Mary Arminta, born Feb. 19, 1865, and Frank McCollum. born Jan. 1, 1868. Mrs. Sneed's former husband was J. S. Taylor, who was born Jan. 13, 1834, and was drowned Feb. 22, 1860, in Bureau Creek, in Peoria Co. ; by him she had two children - John William Taylor, now of El Paso, who was born Jan. 10, 1859, and was the first child born in the city of El Paso, 111.; and Julia Frances Taylor, born May 20, 1857, and died Dec. 10, 1859. Mr. J. S. Taylor was a hardware merchant of El Paso, and one of its first settlers. Mr. Sneed now resides on the homestead, his real estate being situated in Morris Co.. Kan., where he owns 160 acres of land.

PETER SOMMER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Gridley; has been a resident of Illinois since 1834; he was born near Strasburg, Alsace, France, April 24, 1811. He came with his parents to the United States, in 1828; they settled in Butler Co., Ohio; there he lived till his removal to Illinois, in 1834; he was one of the pioneers of Woodford Co., the Indians not having yet left their hunting grounds on the Mackinaw, when Mr. Sommer took up his claim from the Government, built his log cabin, and began to carve himself a home in the wilderness. After living there thirty-two years, he settled on his present farm in 1866. He owns a fine farm of 160 acres, well-improved, his set of buildings being among the best in the township. His success in life is due entirely to his own exertions. He is emphatically a self-made man. Has held no political offices, giving all his attention to his legitimate business of farming. He is a leading imember of the Apostolic Christian Church, and was prominent in the building of the church in Gridley. He was first married in August, 1834 to Miss Catharine Schertz, of Woodford Co. ; she came with her parents from Alsace, in 1832 ; she was born in August, 1816, and died in August, 1874. They had ten children, four of whom are living: Catharine, wife of John Ehresman, of Livingston Co. : Barbara, wife of Peter Ehresman, of Gridley Township ; Mary, and Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Rich, of Gridley Township.