McLean County, Illinois - The whole text, 1879 (part 33 of 42)

M. T. VINEYARD, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Lexington ; was born in Roanoke Co., Va., in the year 1826, where he worked on his father's farm until the age of 22 years. In the year 1848, Mr. Vineyard left Virginia and removed to Iron Co., near Iron Mountain, Mo., where he remained seventeen years engaged in farming. From Iron Mountain, he removed to Illinois, settling north of the town of Metamora, Woodford Co., and remained there over three year3. In the year 1 869 he left Metamora and removed to and settled upon 120 acres of land on Section 27, Gridley Township, where he also owns 160 acres, formerly J. B. Pirtle's place, making in all 280 acres, all under cultivation, and valued at about $35 per acre. Mr. Vineyard was elected to the office of Supervisor of Gridley in the year 1876, and has held the office until the present, being re-elected again last April. He was married in 1848 to Miss N. C. Leigh, who was born in the year 1832, in Gloucester Co., Va.. and who died in the year 1868. In 1870, he was married to Miss Mary 0' Neil, who was born in Iron Co., Mo., in 1847 ; they have two children, viz.: Maggie Leigh and Robert F. Their residence is a very fine one, and, with the improvements he contemplates making, will be a beautiful home.

DAVID WELCH, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Gridley ; was born within four miles of the town of Tipperary, Ireland, in the year 1836. Patrick Welch, David's father, a farmer and quite a prominent man in his day, died in the year 1847, and his wife, Margaret, soon followed him to the tomb, leaving David an orphan, under the guardianship of his uncle, Michael Stokes, with whom, in the year 1849, he left Ireland and emigrated to America. Mr. Stokes, with his ward, settled in New Haven, Conn., where David learned carriage-painting, and, after serving his time, worked at his trade as carriage-painter, in Litchfield and New Haven Counties, until the year 1861, when he left Connecticut, and went to Peoria, 111.; here he remained until April, 1862, when he went to El Paso Township, Woodford Co., and, in partnership with his cousin, William Stokes, bought eighty acres of land ; they remained there until the spring of 1865, when they s 11 their land and removed to Gridley Township, March 11, 1865, and bought in partnership 160 acres of land, and, in the summer of 1872, they divided their 160 acres ; and David having, in 1868, purchased forty acres of land, the division left him the owner of 120 acres, to which he added Hghty more, purchased in 1876, making 200 acres in all, located on Sec. 7, Gridley Township, a-d all under cultivation, and valued at about $40 an acre. Mr. Welch is a wide-awake, intelligent man, quite prominent in local politics, and has held the office of Assessor of Gridley Township for one term, being elected in the year 1872. In 1875, he was elected to the office of Road Commissioner, and re-elected in 1878, and now holds the office. On the 25th of December, 1859, he was united in marriage at Naugatuck, Conn., to Miss Ellen Cany, who was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in the year 1834, but who emigrated to America when very young ; they have had four children, one - Maggie - dead, and three - John, Margaret and Patrick - living.

JOHN WHITEMAN, farmer, Section 28; P. 0. Gridley; came to Illinois in the year 1857, all of his earthly possessions being a team of horses and wagon, valued at about $300, and $1 .50 in money ; he now owns his farm of 160 acres, in Gridley Township, and 80 acres in Owen Co., Ind. - all gained by hard work and good judgment : he was born in Sandusky Co., Ohio, in the year 1834, and when quite small his father removed to Owen Co., Ind. and John helped on the farm until his father's death, which occurred in 1845 ; after this event, John remained at home with his mother until he reached the age of 23. In 1857, he left Indiana, and, taking his mother with him, went to Illinois and settled her at Scattering Point, Livingston Co , where Mrs. Whiteman had a brother, and on whose place she lived until 1860, when John removed her to McLean Co., where he had preceded her, in 1857 ; he removed to his present place in 1864, and rented of his fatherin-law, and, in 1873, he bought the farm, consisting of 160 acres, located on Section 28, Gridley Township ; it is all under cultivation and is valued at $35 an acre. In the year 1862, he married Miss Jesse Stretch, who was born in Money Creek Township. McLean Co., 111., and died in 1871, leaving five children - Willie E., Frank E., Ella May, Ena Gay and Nancy Inze, all living. Mr. Whiteman was again married, in the year 1873, to Miss Emeline Farmer, who was born in Licking Co., Ohio, in 1853 ; they have had three children - one dead, and Eva and Daisy living.

DAVID WILSON, school-teacher, Gridley ; David Wilson was born in the year 1850, in Lincoln Co., Ky.. where he lived with his father, William D. Wilson, until the age of 5 years. In the fall of 1855, Mr. Wilson removed his family from Kentucky to Illinois, stopping at Bloomineton until the spring of 1856 ; they then removed to and settled upon a farm in Chenoa Township, McLean Co.; here they remained until the year 1863, when they removed to Gridley Township, within a half mile of the town of Gridley. Mr. Wilson's father bought and settled upon eighty acres of land, which he farmed until his death, which took place in 1866. David, after his father's death, remained on the farm until 1869, when he went to Woodford Co. and engaged in the sewing-machine business until 1871 ; during the years 1871 and 1872, David attended school at Normal; after leaving Normal, he spent the summer of 1873 traveling through Kansas, in which State (Marion Co.) he owns 320 acres of land; he also owns 80 acres in Sullivan Co.. Mo. For two years Mr. Wilson taught school in District No. 7, Grand View, and has taught for two years past, and now teaches School District No. 4, Gridley Township. In the year 1872, he married Miss Catherine Wilson; she was born in McLean Co., 111., in the year 1857 ; Estella May, a bright little girl, is their only child. His residence is on Section 16, Gridley Township.

HENRY R. ARROWSMITH, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Ellsworth; owns 198 acres, worth $45 per acre ; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, June 10, 1815 ; remained on the farm with his father until 22 years old ; came from Ohio to Indiana in 1839, where he remained six months, then came on to this county. Was married while in Ohio to Anna Cowgill Feb. 8, 1838 ; she was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Oct. 8. 1809; they have had six children - Daniel, David E., Elizabeth A. (now wife of G. W. Baine, of Padua); Ezekiel, died May 14, 1841 ; Sarah J., died Aug. 18, 1849 ; Henry F., died Sept. 24, 1849. Has held the office of School Director three years; Township Treasurer, fifteen years ; Justice of the Peace, two years ; held the office of Supervisor of the Township one term. He was one of the first settlers of this township ; coming here with but very little property ; by industry, economy and hard labor has accumulated some $10,000 or $12,000 worth of property. He is Democratic and Methodist. A man of great influence in the neighborhood where he resides.

DVVID E. ARROWSMITH, farmer; P. 0. Ellsworth; was born in McLean Co., 111., April 22, 1842 ; he remained with his father on the farm, assisting him. Was married to Catharine Baine Sept. 8, 1864; she was born in Hampshire Co., Va., Nov. 11, 1833, and died April 19, 1872; the fruit of this marriage was four children - Mary, George H., David and Anna C. ; he married Oct. 17. 1877, Sarah C. Hoover; she was born in Hampshire Co., Va.. Oct. 6, 1857 ; they have one child - Olive, born Nov. 27, 1878. He continues to live with his parents on the farm.

WILLIAM P. ANDERSO % farmer and surveyor, Sec. 19; P.O. Holder; owns seventyeight acres; was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Nov. 18, 1833; lived with his parents on farm until 21 years of age, helping his father carry on farming up to this time ; shortly after this, he came to this State, where he was married to Ruth A. Whitcomb, Feb. 27, 1861 ; she was born in Vermilion Co., Ill, June 18, 1841; they are the parents of two children - Alvin W., born July 8, 1862: Camilla E., Jan. 31, 1866. Mr. A. has held the office of Supervisor one term ; was County Surveyor six years, and Deputy Surveyor three years. Is now engaged in farming.

MARKS BANKS, farmer, Sec. 25; P. 0. Ellsworth; was born in Floyd Co., Va., Jan. 12, 1823; lived with his parents until 14 years of age, assisting his father in farming; his mother died when he was but 14 years old ; he then worked at the blacksmith trade, two years ; then at the carpenter trade, in which he has been engaged ever since. Was married to Rebecca Vanscoy, April 15, 1847 ; she was born in Indiana, Feb. 7, 1824 ; they are the parents of four children - Mary H., now wife of William Vangundy, of Ellsworth; Millard O; Rachel E., born in 1855, and an infant deceased. He owns 600 acres of fine farm land, worth $45 per acre. Has held office of School Director three years ; Postmaster one year ; Supervisor of Township one term ; he had, when married, not over $100 worth of property, but has by industry, economy and hard labor, with good management, accumulated, probably, about $25,000 worth, and is a man of considerable influence in his neighborhood.

ALBERT E. BINGHAM, farmer; P. 0. Ellsworth; owns sixty acres of land; was born in Lake Co., 111., March 28, 1841 ; remained with his father on farm until 17 years of age; Mr. B. enlisted in the late war in 1862, in Co. D, 94th I. V. I., and was in the battle of Springfield, Mo., and several skirmishes ; served three years, and was mustered out by general order, at Springfield, 111.; he then returned to farming. He married Mary J. Hays, Oct. 15, 1868; she was born in Dearborn Co., Ind., June 29, 1846; they are the parents of two children - Harry W., born Feb. 12, 1873, and Eva, Oct. 5, 1876; his parents were natives of Connecticut; her parents, of Pennsylvania.

JOHN CAMPBELL, merchant, Ellsworth ; was born in Dory Co., Ireland, April 7, 1820 ; emigi*ated with his parents to Pittsburgh, stayed there eighteen months, then moved to Jessamine Co., Ky., where he lived about eight years; thence to Illinois in 1834, settling in McLean Co., where he has since resided ; remained with his father and assisted him in farming until 21 years of age. Was then married to Rebecca Weaver, Sept. 15, 1841 ; she was born in Virginia about the year 1823, and died about 1845 ; by this marriage he had three children - Lottie B., now wife of E. Craig, of McLean Co., and two infants deceased. Was married Feb. 23, 1847, to S. L. Jackson ; she was born in Virginia ; they are the parents of ten children, nine living - James S. ; Elizabeth J., now wife of William Harden, of Saybrook ; Mary A. ; Rachel M., now wife of Frank Tuler, of Belleflower; John A. ; Matilda ML, now wife of Charles Mills, of Lexington,

111. ; Thomas W. ; Ella E., deceased ; George W. and Dora L. He has held the office of School Director four years ; he worked at blacksmithing and wagon-making for two years, and, in 1873, engaged in mercantile business in Ellsworth, starting with about $5,000 worth of goods, and has been doing a lively business ever since. He has 198 acres of land in this township, and owns three lots and a house and store in Ellsworth, besides a house and two lots in Bloomington within two blocks of the public square.

JOHN DALLING, farmer; P. 0 Ellsworth; was born in England, June 24, 1844; came with his parents to this country when 12 years of age ; was married to Theresa Dean, Nov. 12, 1869 ; she was born in England in the year 1844 ; died April 28, 1877 ; they were the parents of two children - Elias and Gertrude ; the latter died Sept. 12, 1871. He enlisted in the army in 1862, in Co. C, 151st I. V. I ; served two years and ten months; was in the battles of Gettysburgh. Cold Harbor, Petersburgh, Winchester, and several other battles ; was wounded by a musket ball passing through his right lung and out near the spine, for which he receives a pension ; was mustered out by general order at Philadelphia.

BENEWELL FETHEROFF, farmer. Sec. 22; P. 0. Ellsworth; owns 139 acres of wellimproved land ; was born in Hocking Co., Ohio, March 18, 1827 ; remained on the farm with his parents until 26 years of age; then emigrated to Ross Co., Ohio, where he was married to Rebecca A. Sykes, Nov. 5, 1853 ; she was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Oct. 24, 1833 ; they are the parents of five children - Elmer E., born Sept. 17, 1862; Frank A., May 27, 1867; Lewis N. died September, 1851 ; Harriet F. died Sept. 6, 1862, and an infant. He has held the office of School Director eighteen years, and still holds the office of Commissioner of Highways one term. He was in the war of 1812. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania; his wife's mother was of Ohio ; her father, of England.

ALFRED FRANKEBERGER, farmer, Sec. 27 : P. 0. Ellsworth ; owns 162 acres of excellent farm-land ; was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Sept. 16, 1828 ; came with his parents from Ohio to McLean Co., 111., when he was but eight months old ; lived with them on the farm until 23 years of age ; engaged with his father in farming, until married to Elizabeth Dunning, Dec. 24, 1850; she was born in Monroe Co., Ind., Dec. 5, 1825 ; they have had four children - John M. and Eliza J., now wife of Henry Inglish, of Padua, and two infants deceased. His father was one of the early pioneers of McLean Co., as there were but about three or four families in the county when he arrived ; hence he is one who helped the county from a wilderness to its present prosperous condition. He still resides on the farm which his father entered and lived on until his death ; has held the office of School Director one year, Commissioner of Highways one term, and is a very industrious, economical and energetic man, and respected in the neighborhood where he resides.

REUBEN FENSTERMAKER, farmer and mechanic, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Ellsworth ; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Feb. 26, 1832 ; came with his parents to this State in 1853. and still continued i to work on the farm until Aug. 7, 1862, when he enlisted in the United States service; he enlisted in Co. D, 94th I. V. I., as 1st Corporal; was in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., the siege of Vicksburg, capture of Yazoo City, battle of Brownsville, Tex., capture of Fort Morgan, Ala., siege and capture of Spanish Fort, Ala., and in a number of other skirmishes ; held the position of Orderly Sergeant four months ; was mustered out in 1865, at Galveston, Tex. ; he returned to this county, where he has been engaged in farming and raising fine horses up to the present time ; he owns an interest in a farm of 230 acres of excellent land in the southwest corner of Arrowsmith Township. He has never been married.

WILLSON D. GROW, Sec. 19, farmer ; P. 0. Holder ; owns 40 acres ; was born in Shelby Co., Ky., June 12, 1841 ; lived with his parents on the farm until 21 years old ; he was never married, and, with an older brother lives a bachelor's life, carrying on farming together; he is in good circumstances; came to this State in the year 1859, first settling in Mackinaw ; remained there one year, then came to this county, where he has resided since.

WILLIAM HARRISON, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Ellsworth ; owns 120 acres of excellent farm land; was born in Berks Co., Penn., May 30, 1820. His father died when he was but 1 year old, leaving him in care of his grandmother, who raised him until 12 years of age ; he then moved to this county, where he has resided ever since. Was married to Nancy J. Davvson in 1840 ; she was born in McLean Co., 111. ; they have had nine children - Mary E., now wife of Charles Hobart, of Kansas ; Adelaide, now wife of William Young, of Padua ; Estella, Hattie, Minnie, Lucinda and Albert J.; deceased - Charley and Cary. He was then married to Barbara Young in February, 1869. Has held the office of School Director fifteen years, and Road Commissioner one term. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania.

JOSIAH HORR, farmer, Sec. x.7 ; P. 0. Ellsworth ; owns 595 acres of excellent farm land, worth $45 per acre. Was born in Lewis Co. N. Y., Oct. 9, 1807 ; remained with parents until 21 years of age, assisting his father in farming ; moved from New York to Ohio in the year 1828 ; remained there nearly seven years. Was married in Ohio to Temperance Cheney Oct. 28, 1830; she was born in Harrison Co., Va.; they have had eight children, six living - William F., Elizabeth, now wife of David M. Bunn, of Kansas; Martin, Abner, Sarah, now wife of W. Anderson, of Padua; Martha, now wife of James E. Wood ; deceased - Rachel, died Oct. 1, 1840; Quincy, Aug. 30, 1835. Mr. H. has held the offices of School Director and Township Trustee five years, Justice of the Peace fifteen years ; was Supervisor of Township on the first Board in the county ; has been Supervisor about twelve years ; was Postmaster about fourteen year*. He was one of the first settlers in this township. He has given satisfaction in every office he has filled ; is a man pleasant in manners, agreeable, and respected by all who know him.

THOMAS KENNEDY, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Padua ; owns 290 acres of land, worth $40 per acre. The subject of this sketch was born in Dumfries Co., Scotland, Nov. 22, 1816; remained with his father on the farm, assisting him until 33 years old, when he emigrated to this county in 1851, having been previously married in Scotland to Ellen Johnston. Nov. 18, 1850 she was born in Dumfries Co., Scotland, in June, 1850; they have five children - William, Walter Robert, Mary J. and Ellen A. Mr. Kennedy has held the office of School Director two years ; not withstanding all the losses he has sustained in this country, including $4,000 by loaning money and $1,200 from destruction of his barn by fire, he has property to the amount of, perhaps, $25,000, though having but$500 when he arrived in this county ; he has accumulated this property by farming and raising stock, and is a very industrious man.

WILLIAM ORANGE, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Ellsworth ; owns 220 acres of land ; was born in Fleming Co., Ky., April 18, 1805; moved to Pennsylvania with his parents when but 3 years old ; remained there about fifteen years, helping his father on the farm. During this time, he moved back to Kentucky and worked at blacksmithing, then moved to Ohio, where he was married to Elizabeth Alcorn, June 17, 1823 ; she was born in Allegheny Co., P'enn., Feb. 25, 1805 ; died Oct. 8, 1845; four children by this marriage - William, James, Jane and Elizabeth, now wife of James Lesly. He was then married to Eliza Wolf June 6, 1846; she was born in Madison Co., Ohio, July 4, 1816 ; they have one child - Elizabeth A. He is one of the early pioneers of McLean Co., coming here in an early day. when the country was a wilderness, with plenty of Indians and wild animals, and has borne his part of the hardships of a pioneer life. He was possessed of a good constitution, and is now 74 years old and yet quite active, and is a very excellent citizen.

MATTHEW RICHARDSON, farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 11; P.O. Ellsworth; owns 350 acres worth $50 per acre ; was born in Dumfries Co., Scotland, in the year 1823 ; resided with his parents on the farm until 23 years of age. Was then married to Christina Nichol, in the year 1847 ; she was born in the same county in Scotland ; they have had twelve children - Margaret, born Dec. 6, 1848, now wife of Richard Williams, of Arrowsmith ; Jane, April 5, 1850, now wife of Madison Williams, of Arrowsmith; Mary A., March 16, 1854, now wife of John Frankeberger, of Padua; John, Jan. 2, 1856; Genette, May 22, 1858. now wife of Ira Landers, of Padua; William, Feb. 2, 1860; Matthew, Dec. 27, 1861 ; Archibald, Oct. 16,1864; Thomas, April 11, 1867, and George A., March 21, 1869. Deceased - Agnes, died Aug. 16, 1863, and an infant, Nov. 6, 1863. He has held the office of School Director four years. He came to this county with only 25 cents, and has, by industry, economy and perseverance, accumulated property to the amount of $20,000, consisting principally of land. He feeds and ships many fat cattle every year, and some hogs. Mr. R. came to this county from Scotland in the year 1851.

JAMES REID, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O., Ellsworth; owns $250 acres, worth $50 per acre; was born in Kercud Bright, Scotland, Dec 27, 1830; he remained with his father until his death, which occurred when he was only 15 years of age; then lived with his uncle until 19 years of age ; came to this country in the year 1851, stopping in the city of New York one year, then to Kentucky, where he remained one year. Was then married in Kentucky to Sarah A. Price, March 28, 1853 ; she was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Aug. 11, 1827 ; they have had six children, four living - Margaret M., now wife of Ashly Dilts, of Empire Township; William P.; Lizzie; Richard P.; James H., died Nov. 21, 1875. and an infant. Mr. Reid has held the office of School Director nine years. Mrs. Reid is a niece of Gov. Bishop, formerly Governor of Ohio. Mr. R. was in the grocery business and grain trade in Ellsworth four years, and was among the first to commence business in Ellsworth, being engaged quite extensively.

LEWIS H. SKAGGS, M. D., physician, Sec. 23 ; P. O. Ellsworth; owns 275 acres, worth $50 per acre ; was born in Monroe Co., Va., in October, 1837 ; remained with his father on the farm until 15 years of age; his chances for an early education were somewhat limited, having attended school only about nine months during the first fifteen years of his life ; between the ages of 15 and 22, he attended the college at Sweet Sulphur Springs ; he taught school between six and seven years ; in the spring of 1849, he emigrated from Virginia to McLean Co , settling in Le Roy ; remained there four years, during which time he practiced dentistry and studied medicine ; went to Chicago and attended a medical college, where he received a diploma. He enlisted in the army in 1863, in the 94th I. V. I. ; served as Assistant Surgeon ; was Surgeon at the battle of Vicksburg, battle of Lake Spring, Mo. ; also had charge of a hospital ; thence to Brownsville, Tex., at the siege of Fort Morgan; was in Marion hospital when the magazine exploded, wounding seven or eight hundred. The Doctor is a graduate of Rush Medical College ; after he was mustered out, came home and engaged in partnership with Dr. Hinton, of Padua, in 1865, which continued for two years. Was married to Ella Hinton, Aug. 16, 1866; she was born Dec. 30, 1847.

JOHN STEVENS, carriage-maker, Ellsworth ; was born in Hampshire Co., W. Va., in 186^- his parents died when he was very young, and generally he had to shift for himself; he traveled over several States, working at different occupations, chiefly farming and carriage-trimming. In 1876, he was married to Jennie Turner, who was born in Missouri in the year 1860; he is an iudustrious and energetic young man, and resides in Ellsworth, where he contemplates starting a carriage shop soon.

JAMES F. THOMPSON, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Ellsworth ; owns 103 acres, worth $40 per acre ; was born in Boone Co., Ky., Sept. 13, 1822; came with his father to this county, from Kentucky, when 7 years of age, and has resided in the county ever since. Was married to- Mary A. Arrowsmith, April 17, 1845; she was born in Ross Co., Ohio, March 28, 1828, died Aug. 8, 1860; six children - Elizabeth J., now wife of Lewis Pearce, of Arrowsmith, John H, and Martha E. ; Elijah died in 1874; Ezekiel died in 1861 ; Mary E. died in 1860. He was afterward married to Margaret Boine ; she was born in Virginia; they had seven children ; the names of the living are - Desdemona A., Gertrude, Isaac A., Corrilla J., Benjamin, Fanny L. ; William R., died Feb. 4, 1878. He was one of the pioneers of McLean Co.. experiencing the hardships of a pioneer life.

HARRISON G. VAN DERVORT, farmer and minister of the Gospel, Sd-. 15; P. 0. Ellsworth ; owns forty acres; was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., Sept. 25, 1846; his mother dying when he was 6 years of age. he remained with his father and sister on a farm ; his father died in October. 1861, previous to which his father had moved from Indiana to this county, in the year 1849 ; the son had a common- school education and the benefit of five years of home study, preparatory to the ministry. Was then married to Isabel McVay May 21, 1873, who was born in Greene Co., Penn., June 14, 1850; they are the parents of two children - Ola Bell, born Feb, 11, 1875 ; Lula Myrtle, born Aug. 30, 1876. Entered upon the ministry in 1867 ; was ordained the same year, and is a minister of the Christian Church ; has charge of the Church at Saybrook j also thit at Oak Grove, and has preached considerably in the southern part of this State, and also in Kansas ; he traveled three years for the .Missionary Society of this county ; has held the office of President of the Missionary Society, also President of Sunday School Society, and is a speaker of no small degree of eloquence ; has been very successful in gaining members to his his Church. He enlisted in the late war in 1865, Co. B, 150th I. V. I.; served three months ; went as musician ; was mustered out by general order. His father was a native of Virginia ; his mother, of Ohio. His wife's parents were natives of Pennsylvania.

JAMES WHITE, farmer and mechanic, Sec. 17; P. 0. Padua; owns 240 acres of land, worth $40 per acre. The subject of this sketch was born on Brooklyn Heights. N. Y., Sept. 4, 1819 ; lived with his father on a farm, assisting in cultivation, until 16 years of age ; then moved to the city of Brooklyn ; remained there some three years, working at the carpenter's trade. He was married to Louisa Smith April 4, 1841 ; she was born in North Carolina Aug, 19, 1815. Mr. White emigrated to this county in 1849 ; they have had seven children - Miry (now wife of James Keeny, of Wisconsin), James R. and Asa; deceased - Sarah, George and two infants. Has held the office of School Director ten years, of Pathmaster three years. Has donated a considerable amount of money for church purposes and charitable institutions ; has been and still is a very influential and useful man in the community where he resides ; he donated $400 for the Bloomington College, McLean Co., 111.

GEORGE WATKINS, farmer. Sec. 36; P. 0 Ellsworth. The subject of this sketch was b3rn in Henry Co., Ind., Jan. 4, 1842; his parents died when he was but 8 months old; remained with elder brother until 11 years of age. and then emigrated to Iowa, where he stayed three years, then came to this county, where he resided, working on a farm until Aug. 14, 1862. when he enlisted in the army, enlisting in Co. D, 94th I. V. I.; was in battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., siege of Vicksburg, capture of Yazoo City, battle of Atchafalaya, Brownsville, Tex., Ft, Morgan, Ala., and the siege of the Spanish Fort ; was mustered out July 17, 1865. Returned to this county ; continued to work on farm until married to Sarah C. Barnes, Nov. 26, 1868 ; she was born Feb. 19, 1846; they are the parents of four children - Mary E., born Nov. 20, 1872, died Jan 28, 1873 ; Henry A., born Jan. 1, 1875 (deceased) ; Manford 0. and Sanford E., born July 4, 1877, both living. His parents are natives of Virginia; his wife's, natives of Ohio, and among the pioneers in Illinois.

WILLIAM WIRT, farmer, Sec. 26; P. 0. Ellsworth; owns 245 acres of excellent land, worth $45 per acre; was born in Adams Co., Ohio, Sept. 6. 1831 ; the residence of his parents at the time was in Virginia ; he remained with parents until 7 years of age, then moved with them to Ohio; stayed until 14 year- of age, then came, from Ohio to McLean Co., 111., in the spring of 1850 ; still continued to work on farm. Was married to Ellen Reid Feb. 8, 1866 ; she was born in Defiance Co., Ohio, April 1, 1844; are the parents of seven children, four living; the names of the living are Charles, Laura A., Thomas and Royal ; deceased - Albert and two. infants. Mr. Wirt farms quite extensively, and raises some fine horses ; principal crop is corn ; feeds his own grain at home, and is a very neat farmer.

WILLIAM H. ADAMS, farmer, Sec. 25; P. 0. Belleflower; born in Attica, Fountain Co., Ind., May 20, 1836; his father, Daniel Adams, died when the subject of this sketch was 4 years of age, and he lived with his mother two years, after which he made his home with Jesse Meharry, until 25 years of age, when, upon Jan. 1, 1861, he was united in marriage with Maria 6. Meharry ; she was born in Montgomery Co., Ind., March 5, 1837. They had five children by this union - Margaret J. I., born March 15, 1863; Ella May, Oct 6, 1865; Annetta, Oct. 24, 1867; Jessie E., April 19, 1870, and Emily L., Nov. 6, 1873. Mrs. Adams is a daughter of Hugh Meharry, who was born in Pennsylvania; located in Indiana, in 1829, and is now living in Ford Co., 111. In the spring of 1861, Mr. Adams came to Illinois, and until 1868, followed farming in Livingston Co., when he entered the general merchandising trade, at Forrest, for two years, and again engaged in farming in Livingston < o., until 1877, when he removed to Sec. 25, West Township, McLean Co.. where he has since followed farming. In politics, Mr. Adams is a strong Republican ; his first vote for President was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and he has always acted With the Republican party. He has taken a deep interest in the cause of religion and education, having held the office of School Director and Trustee in the various districts in which he has lived, and with his wife and two oldest children, are members of the M. E. Church ; the parents having been members for a period of thirty years ; Mr. Adams has never made use of either liquor or tobacco, nor played at cards, and does not know one card from another.

LEANDER BAKER, farmer; P 0. Farmer City. Mr. Baker is a native of this county ; he was born in Blooming Grove, March 19, 1842; he is a son of Seth Baker, one of the early settlers of the county, emigrating at a very early day; his parents both died when he was a small boy, and he was raised by his grandfather, William Orendorff, at Blooming Grove ; he obtained a common-school education, and at the age of 21, he was united in marriage wiih Mary M. Canouse, on the 26th of November, 1863 ; she was born in Ohio, March 10, 1842 ; they have two children by this union - Effie A., born Jan. 23, 1865 j Eddie A., April 18, 1867. On the 8th of December, 1865, he located upon his present place, where he owns 130 acres, upon which he has good farm buildings, and which he intends to make his future home.

ASBURY BARNETT, farmer, Sec. 3; P. 0. Arrowsmith ; born in McLean Co., 111., Sept. 28, 1854; he is the youngest son of Harrison Barnett, who was one of the early pioneers of McLean Co.; he died in 1862, as also did his wife ; they both lie buried in the beautiful cemetery, one mile east of Le Roy ; after the decease of his parents Mr. B. made his home with his grandmother Wall, until 18 years of age, during which time he attended the Normal School and Wesleyan University for five terms ; he located upon his present place in 1863, where he has 160 acres of land, upon which he has farm buildings second to none in the township. His marriage With Mary Johnson, was celebrated Sept. 25, 1873, ; she was born Dec. 15, 1853 ; they have three children - Mattie May, born June 13 1874; Fannie Bell, Feb. 2, 1876, and Mercy Jane, Dec. 16, 1878. Mrs. Barnett is a daughter of James Johnson; he was born in Kentucky, and emigrated to Downs Township, 111., at an early day, where he lived until his decease, which occurred Aug. 5, 1866. Mrs. Johnson's maiden name was Mary Satterfield ; she was born in Tennessee, in 1813, and now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Barnett. The mother of Mr. Barnett was Mercy J. Karr ; she was born Dec. 1, 1835, and died March 23, 1863.

DANIEL BARNHART, retired farmer; P. 0. Delano: born in Union Co., Penn., Sept. 24, 1805 ; he emigrated with his parents to Ross Co., Ohio, in 1810, where he lived until 1854, when he came to Illinois, and located in Arrowsmith Township, McLean Co., and, in the fall of 1855, he came to West Township, where he purchased 170 acres, upon which he lived until 1872, since Which time he has been living with his son, upon Section 2. He married Catharine Senff, Jan. 31, 1833 ; she was born Aug. 26, 1807, in Ohio ; she died Dec. 28, 1870. They had five children, of which two are now living - David and Lavinia J. David is the only son now living ; he was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Dec. 27, 1833 ; he emigrated with his parents to McLean Co., 111., and, since 1855, has lived upon the same farm, with the exception of fifteen months engaged in the saw-mill business. He now has 240 acres of land under fence and in a good state of cultivation, upon which he has good farm buildings. His marriage with Elizabeth Creachbaum was celebrated in Ohio Feb. 9, 1854 ; she was born in Ohio, Oct. 11 1837. They have nine children, viz. : George N., born Nov. 15, 1854 ; Franklin S., Nov. 24, 1856 ; William D., March 19, 1859; John R., Jan. 11, 1862; Charlie L , Oct. 20, 1866; James D., Nov. 1, 1870; Benjamin L., June 14, 1873; Maggie A. M., June 27, 1875; Aubry E., Sept. 4, 1877. Mrs. Barnhart was a daughter of John Creachbaum, who was born in Ross Co., Ohio, where he died October, 1867. He married Catharine Rough ; she was born in Ross Co., where she died Nov. 23. 1878. Of township and school offices Mr. Barnhart has had his full share, having filled the following offices: School Director, twenty years; School Trustee, three years; Assessor, one year ; Town Collector, one year ; and other petty offices.

N \THANIEL H. BECKHAM, farmer. Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Sabina ; born in Warren Co., Ky., May 1 1 , 1836 ; his father, Nathaniel Beckham, was also born in Warren Co., Ky., March 21, 1802. He married Elizabeth Low, who was born in the same county Oct. 25, 1803. They were the parents of eight children, of which seven arenow living. Mr. Beckham died in the same county, Aug. 21 1844; his widow, whosurvives him, still lives in thesame county. Nathaniel, Jr., received a limited education in an old Kentucky log schoolhouse, and lived in Kentucky, where he followed farming and working out by the month, until 1861, when after visiting various Southern and Western States, among which was Texas and the Indian Nation, he came to McLean Co. in the spring of 1861, and for several years was engaged in farming, and employed as farm laborer until December, 1877, when he located upon his present place, Section 22, West Township, where he has 320 acres of good prairie land, and 100 acres of timber in Padua and Empire Townships ; alsD several lots in the city of Le Roy. He is quite extensively engaged iu farming, his corn crop for the year 1878 exceeding 5,000 bushels, for which he finds a market at the railroad station of Sabina, located upon his own land. His marriage with Rachel Bishop was celebrated Jan. 5, 1868 ; she was born in Empire Township, May 23, 1846. They have six children - Charles H., born Oct. 3, 1868; Margaret E., born Feb. 26, 1870; Susan A., Feb. 12, 1872; Anna M., Sept. 14, 1873; Eliza, Sept. 5, 1875, and James B., June 25, 1878. Mrs. Beckham is a daughter of James Bishop, one of the early pioneers of McLean Co., and whose biography appears among the sketches of Empire Township in another part of this work.

CALEB D. BELLVILLE, merchant, Postmaster and Notary Public, Kumler; born in Belmont Co., Ohio, Aug. 12, 1823 ; he was the oldest son of Samuel Bellville, who was born in the State of Delaware, rsov. 22, 1778; he located in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1806, where he lived until 1831, when he located in Rush Co.. Ind., and died in Vigo Co., Ind., March, 1867, at the age of S9 years. His marriage with Phoebe Dille was celebrated April 9, 1820 ; she was born in New York, May 23, 1800, and died in Vigo Co., Ind., in 1845 ; the Bible from which this record was taken was presented to her by her father upon her marriage, in 1820, and is now held by Mr. Bellville very valuable as an heirloom. Caleb D. Bellville remained with his father, attended school, and followed farming and merchandising until 18 years of age, when he went to Galena, 111., and. after working there one year, with the proceeds of his wages attended the select school six months. He then went to work at carpentering, devoting all his spare time to the study of surveying, which he continued four years, during which time he had some practical experience in surveying In 1853, he went to Richland Co., Wis., where he lived three years, during which time he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and Deputy County Surveyor ; he then went to Crawford Co., where he was appointed Deputy County Surveyor, and assisted to lay out the town of Belle Center, and used every effort to secure the county seat. In 1859, he returned to Richland Co., and, in 1862, was elected County Surveyor for two years, and, in March, 1854, enlisted in the 38th Regt., Wis. V. I. ; he was detailed upon the detective service, and, after serving one year was. on account of disability, from rheumatism, contracted while in the army, discharged. He then went to Vigo Co., Ind., and followed farming three years, and in the fall of 1868, he came to McLean Co., and located in Oldtown Township, where he lived two years, when, upon the completion of the I. B. & W. R. R., he built the first building erected upon the town plat of Downs, and opened the first stock of goods at that place ; here he remained in trade, during which time he was Postmaster until 1875, when he again moved upon his farm, and, in 1877, he «rected the first building at Kumler Station ; was appointed the first Postmaster and put in the only stock of goods at the station. His marriage with Mary J. McClurg was celebrated Sept. 24, 1843; she was born in Hancock Co., Ind., July 10, 1825; she died in Vigo Co., Ind., Oct. 14, 1867, leaving four children, viz. : Elizabeth J., born May 14, 1847, now Mrs. Perry Orendorff; Andrew, born June 24, 1852; Olive L , born Aug. 17, 1854, and Martha A., born Aug. 19, 1860. He was united in marriage with Rebecca E. Laughlin, June 20, 1869 ; she was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., April 26, 1831. They have one child by this union, viz.: Flora M., born May 9, 1870.

WILLIAM BIGGS, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. O. Saybrook ; was born in Fayette Co , Ohio, June 5, 1824, remaining with his father until the year 1839, when his father died. He then lived with his mother until 1856, on the farm, engaging in farming. He was married to Caroline Pumpelly Nov. 16, 1861. She was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, July 13, 1839. They are the parents of one child - Nancy E., who was born Aug. 26, 1862. He has held the office of School Director ten years, School Trustee ten years, County Commissioner one year, and Supervisor of Township one term. His father is a native of Delaware, and his mother of Maryland. Mrs. Biggs' father is a native of Maine, and her mother of New Hampshire. He owns 190 acres of good farm land.

LEWIS BIGGS, farmer, Sec. 14; P. 0. Belleflower ; born at Smith's Grove, McLean Co., 111., Aug. 1, 1845. His father, Andrew Biggs, was born in Delaware. He emigrated to Ohio, from there to Illinois, and located at Funk's Grove in 1835. He followed farming until his decease, which occurred April 2, 1876. The subject of this sketch followed farming until 19 years of age, when he enlisted in the 146th Regt. I. V. I., in August, 1861, and remained in service until the close of the war, receiving his discharge July 8, 1865. After farming one year with his father, he came to West Township, and for five years farmed upon the land of William

Biggs, when he located upon his present place, where he has since lived. He owns eighty acres of and, which he has placed under good cultivation, and upon which he has good buildings. His. marriage with Bettie Cawly was celebrated Oct. 5, 1878. She was born in Kentucky July -29, 1852. They have one child by this union - Clarence Dean, born July 24, 1874. Mrs. Biggs is the daughter of Moses H. Cawly, whose sketcli appears in this work.

SAMUEL BRILEY, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Farmer City; born in Sumner Co., Tenn., Apr 1 10. 1833. His father, James Briley, was born in South Carolina; he was one of the patriots of the war of 1812 ; was in many battles, among which was the battle of New Orleans, under Gen. Jackson. He located in Tennessee, among the Indians and wild beasts, about 1816, and, about this date, was married to Jane Bundy. She was born in Wilson Co., Tenn. They were the parents of nine children, five are now living. Mrs. Briley died in Sumner Co , Tenn., in 1866. Mr. Briley still lives upon ihe old place, where he has lived for a period of sixty-four years. The subject of this sketch was brought up to farm labor until 21 years of age, when he started out to seek his fortune, coming to Illinois in 1854. He located in Marion Co., and, upon his arrival, his capital consisted of his few clothes tied up in a pocket-handkerchief. Here he was employed as farm laborer for five years. He then followed farming for himself for six years in Marion Co.. during which time he hid paid for eighty acres of land, which he then sold for $1,100, and, in 1865, he came to McLean Co. and purchased one hundred acres of land, where he now lives, and upon which he has good buildings. Mr. Briley has suffered much loss from different causes, among which we mention the loss of his dwelling, with furniture, and all of the clothing of the family, in 1865. In 1869, he lost all his horses, thereby meeting with a loss of upward of $500; and, in 1875, he lost seventy-five hogs, being the whole amount of his stock at that time. For five years, on account of sickness, he was unable to perform any ltbor upon his farm, being attended by five different physicians. Upon the 10th day of March, 1859, he was united in marriage with Ann E. Burford. She was born in Harrison Co., Ind., Dec. 4, 1836. They have three children now living by this union - Burford L., born June 29, 1860 ; Elmer Ellsworth, Jan. 14, 1862; and Carrie May, June 8, 1868. Mrs. Briley is a daughter of Cary L. Burford of whom especial mention is made in the sketch of his son, James C Burford, in another column of this work.

JOHN BRITTIN, farmer, Sec. 1, P. O. Saybrook; born in Empire Township, McLean Co., 111., May 3, 1848. He was the second son of Nathan T. Brittin, who emigrated from Ohio and located upon Sec. 1, Empire Township, in 1829. Here he entered land, erected a log house with stick-and-mud chimney, puncheon floor and clapboard door, hung with wooden hinges. His first bedstead was called, in early days, a raccoon bedstead, built by boring holes in the end and. side logs of the house, in which poles were inserted and fastened to a single post, where they met. Their first cupboard and table was an old dry-goods box. In this they kept their dishes and provisions, and also used it as a table. He married Sarah Barnett ; she was born in Kentucky, Feb. 15, 1816; she died in Illinois Aug. 7, 1878. Mr. Brittin was born in Ohio Oct. 18,. 1809 ; he died in McLean Co., 111., Oct. 10, 1869. He was held in great esteem by the poor, to whom he was very kind. He commenced life without means, and at the time of his decease had accumulated upward of one thousand acres of land and some $50,000 in securities. They raised a family of nine children, all of whom lived to grow up. His sketch appears among the biographies of Empire Township. John Brittin lived with his parents until 20 years of age, when his father deeded him 126 acres in Empire Township, upon which he farmed until his father's death, when he lived upon the old homestead one year, when he removed upon his own farm, which he afterward exchanged for his present place. He now owns 205 acres upon Sec. 1 , West Township, all under a good state of cultivation. His marriage with Isadora Straight was celebrated June 2, 1867. She was born in Brown Co., Ohio, July 5, 1849. She was the daughter of Amos Straight, who came from Ohio and located in Empire Township in 1858, where he now lives.

JAMES C. BURFORD, farmer, Sec. .3, Township 21 ; P. 0. Farmer City ; born in Harrison Co., Ind., June 23, 1843. His father, Cary L. Burford, was born in Kentucky, and emigrated to Indiana. He afterward lived a short time in Missouri, when he returned to Harrison Co., Ind., where he followed farming, and was also engaged in the merchandise trade, during which time his store was destroyed by fire, by which he suffered a loss of some $4,000. After living in Indiana several years, he came down the river upon a flatboat, taking with him upon the boat his cattle, horses, machinery, household furniture, etc. He then purchased 700 acres of land in Marion Co., and for eleven years engaged in farming and stock-raising, when he sold out, and, in 1865, came to McLean Co., where he purchased 640 acres of land upon Sec. 3, Township 21, West Township, upon which he then located, and followed farming and stock-raising until 1870. with the exception of one year's residence in Le Roy. In the fall of the above year, he removed to Farmer City, where he built a double brick store, and, until 1877, was engaged in the general merchandise trade, when he was succeeded b.v four of his sons, viz.: C. S., J. M., W. T. and J. H. His business is now confined to the duties required of him at the First National Bank of Farmer City, of which he is Vice President and a large stockholder (to the amount of $10,000), the care of his farm and large amount of real estate which he owns in Farmer City. He was united in marriage with Annie Shields, Jan. 29, 1829. She was a native of Virginia. Their golden, wedding anniversary was celebrated at their residence in Farmer City upon Jan. 29, 1879. It was largely attended. Eight of their nine children were present, and fourteen of the twentyfour grandchildren. They came representatives of all ages - from infancy to old age. They came to the number of upward of one hundred. They came from adjoining villages, counties and State, bearing costly presents of silver an<l gold, to pay their respects to this aged couple who together had traveled the path of life for half a century. Among the presents were a solid gold-headed cane to Mr. Burford from the Directors of the First National Bank of Farmer City ; a complete solid tea service and two pairs of gold spectacles to the parents from their loving children ; and many other presents of silver, as well as valuable books, pictures, etc. The parents are now 74 years of age, Mrs. Burford being but six weeks the senior of her husband. Ten of their twelve children lived to grow up, and all except the youngest were married in rotation, according to their ages. James C. Burford lived with his father until 20 years of age, when he engaged in farming upon Sec. 3, West Township, McLean Co., where he has since lived, and where he owns seventy-eight acres of land, upon which he has good farm buildings. His marriage with Lucinda Hattell was celebrated Sept. 27, 1870. She was born in Hanson Co., Ind., Jan. 18, 1850. Her father, Conrad F. Hattell, was born in Indiana, where he was married to Mary Sensey, who died in Harrison Co , Ind., in 1859. Mr. Hattell now lives in Indiana, where he has lived for a period of fifty-six years.

D. J. CAMPBELL, farmer, Sec 15 ; P. 0. Delano. The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin Co , Penn., Aug. 26, 1846 ; his father, Mark W. Campbell, was born in the same county; he emigrated to Clinton Co , Ind., in 1849, where he died in the year 1860; his widow, who survives him, is now the wife of Absalom Stubblefield, of Funk's Grove. The subject of this sketch lived with his father until the decease of the latter, during which time he learned the carpenter trade, and continued farming upon the old place until 1866, when he, with his mother, emigrated to Illinois, and located in Dale Township, McLeaa Co. Upon the 13th of December, 1870, he was united in marriage with Maria Gibble ; she was born in Franklin Co., Penn., March 27, 1851 ; they have two children now living, viz.: Exavenia, born Sept. 10, 1871 and Robert R., born April 29, 1876. In the spring of 1873, Mr. Campbell purchased his present place of eighty acres, upon which he then located, and where he has since lived.

MOSES H. CAWBY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Arrowsmith. The subject of this sketch was born in Jessamine Co., Ky., Jan. 11, 1823 when 2 years of age his father died, and he lived with his mother and followed farming until 18 years of age, when he learned the cabinet-maker trade, which he finished in 1844 ; he then worked at his trade until 1846, when he engaged in the furniture trade at Georgetown, Scott <'o., Ky., which he continued until 1853; when he came to Illinois, and located upon his present place, where he has since lived, and where lie has 515 acres of land, mostly under cultivation. His marriage with Catherine E. West, was celebrated in Georgetown, Ky., Oct. 5, 1848 ; she was born in Bourbon Co., Jan. 28, 1829 ; her father, Henry West, was one of the early settlers and prominent men of this township, and in honor of whom this township received its name; he located here in 1851. He was the first Supervisor of the township, which office he held until 1869, when he removed to Blooniington, where he now lives. The mother of Mrs. Cawby was Mary (Lighter) West ; she was born in Bourbon Co., Ky. ; she died in Scott Co., Ky., July, 1848; the children of Moses and Catherine Cawby were eight in number - Henry M., born Jan. 17, 1850; Bettie C, July 29, 1852, now Mrs. Lewis Biggs, West Township ; Frank, Nov. 5, 1855 ; Mattie, Sept. 5, 1858 ; John P., March 13, 1861 ; Ella, April 9. 1864; Ida M., May 20, 1867: Otie, Aug. 20, 1870. The fither of Mr. Cawby was Martin Cawby, born in Maryland and emigrated to Kentucky, and died in Jessamine Co., in 1825. He married Susan Tresler ; she was born in Maryland, and died in Indiana, in 1855 ; they were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest. Mr. Cawby has held various offices of West Township, among which are Justice of the Peace, Assessor, School Director, and other petty offices.

STEPHEN E. CLARNO, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Weedman ; one of the early settlers of Illinois; born in Clark Co., Ohio, March 8, 1816; his father, Andrew Clarno, emigrated from Ohio, and located in St. Clair Co., 111., in the year 1818, and the year following he removed to Sangamon Co., ten miles north of Springfield. Mrs. Clarno was the second white woman that crossed the Sangamon River; Mrs. Clarno died in Menard Co., 111., in 1844; Mr. Clarno died in Galena, 111., July 15, 1851. The subject of this sketch lived with a family by the name of Straisbridge from 6 to 15 years of age, when he, with his father and brother, went afoot to the south part of Wisconsin, where they took an active part in the Black Hawk war; he remained in Wisconsin until 1839, when he came to Menard Co., 111., where he rented land, upon which he farmed three years, when he entered forty acres and purchased forty more, upon which he lived until 1854; when he sold out and removed to Logan Co., where he purchased 640 acres of land, upon which he lived until 1875 ; when he sold out and came to West Township, where he purchased 680 acres of land, where he now lives ; he keeps some 80 head of cattle of a high grade, 150 hogs, some horses and sheep. His marriage with Nancy Barnett was celebrated April 16, 1840; she was born in Tennessee in 1816, and died in Menard Co., in 1850; of their six children, only one survives, now Mrs. John Ewing, of Logan Co. He was united in marriage to Eliza Kincaid, October, 1851; she died in March, 1853, leaving one child - Mrs. M. Dillard, of

H. CROSKEY, farmer; P. 0. Farmer Ci'y ; born in Harrison Co., Ohio, April 15, 1827, where he attended school in his youth and followed farming until he was 28 years of age, when, upon the 8th of March, 1855, he was united in marriage with Rachel Hamilton ; she was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, May 21, 1835. Upon his marriage, he purchased a farm in Ohio, which he disposed of the following year and emigrated to Illinois, and purchased 160 acres of land upon Section 5, Town 21, West Township, upon which he lived three years, when he sold out, and after living one year in Le Roy, purchased his present place of 160 acres, upon which he located in the spring of 1860, where he has since lived ; he located in West Township before its organization ; was one of the active orgmizers of the township ; cast the first vote ever polled in this township, and was the second Assessor. The children of Henry and Rachel Croskey were five in number - Clara B., born June 12, 1857; Joshua Hamilton, born Feb. 21, I860 ; Mary Jane, born Feb. 27, 1865 ; Annie A., born March 16, 1868; Rettie Craig, born Nov. 7* 1871.

JAMES T. CRUMBAUGH, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 18; P. 0. Le Roy. The birth of this gentleman may be considered as one of the earliest in McLean Co.; he was born in Empire Township, McLean Co., Jan. 24, 1832; he was a twin brother of fianiel T, Crumbaugh and a son of Daniel and Martha (Robinson) Crumbaugh, who were among the earliest settlers of McLean Co., locating in Empire Township in the fall of 1830, and of whom a more extended mention is made in another part of this work. James T. remained with his father and followed farming and stock-raising until 21 years of age, when he farmed for himself for two years, upon a part of his father's farm, and, the following year, he, with his brother, D. T., purchased 160 acres of land, upon Section 13, and put in a crop of 60 acres of wheat, which yielded 30 bushels to the acre, the whole crop being sold in the field, at $1 per bushel; in 1856, he purchased 80 acres of land upon Section 18, West Township, and, the following year, added, by purchase, 120 acres more, which he improved, and, in 1864, he realized $3,500 from th^ product of his 200 acres, with which he purchased 280 acres adjoining his home farm ; in 1867, he purchased 80 acres, and, in 1869. he purchased 160 acres, at $35 per acre, to which, in 1874, he added 74 acres, for which he paid $2,000, cash, making 794 acres in West, and 60 acres in Empire Townships, upon which there is no incumbrance. Mr. Crumbaugh first commenced farming upon rented land, which he followed two years; his capital consisted of one horse ; his harness and plows he borrowed of his neighbors ; he then, with his brother, D. T., purchased 160 acres of land, upon time, as well as their farming implements, their seeds being purchased from the proceeds of their previous farming. He now owns 854 acres of land, feeds 150 head of cattle and ships his own stock, all of which he has accumulated by his own hard labor and good business management, in which he has been nobly assisted by his amiable wife, to whom he was united in marriage upon the 18th of Sept., 1863 ; her maiden name was Elizabeth J. Wiley; she was born in Empire Township, McLean Co., Nov. 17, 1841 ; she was the daughter of James Wiley, one of the early settlers of McLean Co., and of whom a more extended notice is given in the sketch of James S. Wiley, among the biographies of Empire Township. Mr. Crumbaugh expresses much gratitude to his esteemed brother-in-law, Charles Cope, and attributes much of his success in life to the kindness and judgment and advice of that gentleman, and" by whom he was generously supplied with money at various times ; not to the subject of this sketch alone was his kindness shown, but it extended to the balance of the family, as well as to many others. The biography of Mr. Cope is to be found among the sketches of Empire Township. James T. and Elizabeth Crumbaugh were the parents of one child, which died in infancy.

LEONARD A. CRUMBAUGH, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Le Roy : one of the early settlers of McLean Co ; born in Sangamon Co., 111., Nov. 13, 1829; he was the son of Daniel and Martha Crumbaugh, who emigrated from Kentucky to Sangamon Co. in 1828, and located upon Sec. 14, in what is now Empire Township, in the fall of 1830 ; here they lived until their death; Mrs. Crumbaugh died Jan. 4, 1857, and Mr. Crumbaugh died May 19, 1874; they lie buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery, and over their grave stands a large marble monument, erected sacred to their memory by their loving children. The subject of this sketch remained with his father until 21 years of age, and in August, 1852, he entered 200 acres of land upon Sec. 19, West Township, upon which he then located, and where he has since lived during a period of twenty-seven years; he is, aside from farming, quite extensively engaged in stockraising, feeding and shipping from 60 to 80 cattle, 100 to 150 hogs, 300 sheep and from 15 to 20 horses; he has since added to his farm by purchase, until it now contains 640 acres of prairie, 45 acres of timber, and 160 acres in Piatt Co. Mr. Crumbaugh has some vivid recollections of the hardships and privations of frontier life; he has, in times of low water, driven forty miles to mill, and made two trips to Chicago with wheat, which he sold at 50 cents per bushel, lovding back with salt, leather and groceries, the trip consuming ten or twelve days, and they camping out and doing their cooking. Of township and school offices, Mr. Crumbaugh has had his full share ; he was the first School Trustee of West Township, which office he held for six years; has held the office of School Director for a period of one-fourth of a century, and other petty offices. The marriage nuptials of Leonard A. Crumbaugh and Sarah M. Wiley were celebrated Sept. 25, 1856; she was born in Le Roy Dec. 18, 1838; their children were live in num» ber - Pamelia, born Aug. 27, 1858, and died Sept. 7, 1860; William F., Aug. 27, 1861 ; Charles, Sept. 10, 1864; Gertrude, Aug. 27, 1868, and one which died in infancy, born Sept. 10, 1862. It will be noticed, by referring to the above dates, that three of their children were born upon the 27th of August, while the births of the other two occurred upon the 10th of September, Mrs Crumbaugh was the daughter of James Wiley - an early settler and a prominent citizen of Empire Township - and who is more prominently mentioned in the biography of J. S. Wiley, to be found among the sketches of Empire Township, in another part of this work.

D.MONROE DICKINSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Sabina; born in Pike Co., 111., Oct. 29, 1842 (he is the son of Eliada and Lois Dickinson, whose biography appears among the sketches of Empire Township, in another part of this work) ; after attending the common schools until 15 years of age, he entered the German and English College at Quincy, which he attended two terms, and upon the 8th of August, 1862, he enlisted in the 99th Regt. of I. V. I., and went forward to battle for the Union ; he served in the campaign of Missouri until the spring of 1863 ; he was then forwarded to the attack upon Vicksburg, joining the army at Milliken's Bend, and was then continually engaged in fighting, until the surrender of Vicksburg upon the 4th of July following ; among the battles in which he was engaged upon that campaign, were Grand Gulf, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Black River, and was in the memorable charge on the 22d of May, upon the rebel breastworks at Vicksburg, where the gallant 99th engaged with 300 strong, and of which 150 were killed and many more wounded ; he remained with the army at Vicksburg until its surrender, after which he was engaged in Mississippi, including the second battle of Jackson, where, after a two weeks siege, the Union army was victorious ; returning to Vicksburg, he was transferred to the Gulf department, and after assisting in the capture of Fort Esperanza, was sent to Mobile Bay, and assisted in the capture of Fort Gaines, Fort Morgan, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, when the 99th had the honor of being the first regi-. ment to march into Mobile; he was then sent to Shreveport, La., and Baton Rouge, where he was mustered out of service in August, 1865. Mr. Dickinson served in the Union army upwards of three years ; he was wounded at the battle of Magnolia, but refused to go to the hospital ; at the battle of Black River, a ball passed through his coat and vest; at the second battle of Jackson, a piece of shell passed through his hat; after receiving his discharge in August, 1865, he returned to West Township, McLean Co., and the fall of 1866 purchased 280 acres in West Township, which he afterward exchanged for his present place of 240 acres, where he now lives, His marriage with Maria I. Williams was celebrated Feb. 28, 1867 ; she was born in Boone Co., Ind., Jan. 21, 1850; they have three children by this union - Clara Lois, born Jan. 10, 1868; Melvina, Sept. 19, 1870. and Eliada, Aug. 9, 1873.

HENRY B. FRIDLEY, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Delano ; born in Crawford Co., Penn., Feb. 25, 1835 ; his father, John Fridley, was born in Pennsylvania and located in Fulton Co., 111., in 1836, where he died Sept 5, 1847. His mother's maiden name was Esther Buck, born in Pennsylvania in 1803, and now lives in Fulton Co., 111. The subject of this sketch attended school and engaged in farming until 20 years of age, when he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Buck, upon the 11th of Oct., 1855; she was born in Fulton Co., 111., Sept. 28, 1837; her parents came from Pennsylvania to Fulton Co., 111., in 1836. Three children were the fruit of this union - Esther M , born April 8, 1858; Charles D., Oct. 7, 1859, and Henry F. P., March 23, 1863. Mr. Fridley engaged in farming in Fulton Co. until the summer of 1867, when he came to McLean Co. and purchased 320 acres of land upon Sec. 25, West Township, upon which he located, and where he has since lived, and which, by his own hard labor, he has brought from its wild prairie condition to its present high state of cultivation. He also owns upwards of 300 acres of land in Texas, valued at $6,000, all of which he, with the united efforts of his wife, has accumulated since their marriage, at which date his capital consisted of $2 in cash and five spring calves. His first crop in McLean Co. was a failure, and he was obliged to run in debt for the feed for his seventy-six head of cattle, twelve horses and some hogs, which he hauled six miles through very deep mud. He cultivates many different kinds of fruit, among which are different kinds of apples, peaches, pears, cherries, grapes, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, blackber-> ries, quinces, plums, etc.

HENRY GRIZZELL, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 33 ; P. O. Sabina ; born in Gloucester^ shire, England, July 28, 1815. He was the only child of Josiah Grizzell, who was born in 1769, and raised in Gloucestershire, England. He followed farming until his decease, which occurred in the fall of 1834. His mother was born in the same place ; her maiden name was Anna Roach ; her birth occurred in 1769 ; she died in England in 1843 ; they both lie buried in the churchyard in Harrisville Parish. The subject of this sketch attended the private subscription schools in his youth, after which he followed farming until he emigrated to America, where he landed in New York in April, 1851, after a tedious voyage of thirteen weeks. He then lived in Auburn, N. Y., two years, when he emigrated West, and located at Cleaverville, Cook Co., 111., in 1853. Here he followed farming and carpentering for two years, and in 1855, he came to McLean Co., living near Bloomington two years, and, in 1857, he came to West Township, and entered 160 acres of land, upon which he located the following year, and where he has since lived. He waa

-one of the first settlers of West Township, and is one of, if not the oldest resident of the township. He now owns 290 acres of well-improved land in Sections 32 and 33, which be has accumulated by his own hard labor, energy and economy, in which he has been nobly assisted by his wife, to whom he was united in marriage in Monmouthshire, England, July 15, 1844 ; her maiden name was Jane Martin ; she was born in the parish of'Hardwich, Gloucestershire, England, Dec. 12, 1815 ; her fither, Thomas Martin, was born in the same shire, and died in Monmouthshire in the fall of 1847 ; her mother's maiden name was Hannah Vick ; she was born in Gloucestershire, and died in Worcestershire, July, 1841. The children of Henry and Jane Grizzell were eight in number, of which four are now living, viz : Ann Maria, born May 15, 1845, now Mrs. H. R. Benson, wife of a prominent lawyer of Bloomington ; Edward H., Dec. 15, 1846, farming in Barton Co., Kan. ; Robert, Aug. 27, 1848. now in Kansas ; and John Martin, now attending the Wesleyan University at Bloomington. Mr. and Mrs. Grizzell have been members of the Episcopal Church since their childhood.

ELIJAH HAM AND, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Le Roy ; born in Perry Co., Ohio, Nov. 0, 1846, where he followed farming until 19 years of age, when he enlisted in the 114th Ohio V. I. ; upon the 22d of August, 1862, he was sent to Memphis, and was engaged in the campaign through Tennessee, the battle of Chickasaw Bluffs, fight of Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, from there to Young's Point, where, for three months, he was engiged in digging the canal, being a large part of the time exposed to the fire of the rebel army ; in the spring of 1863, he joined the main army of Grant at Milliken's Bend and participated in nearly all of the battles through the campaign, among which were Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Black River, Champion Hills, and, upon the 22d of May, when the gallant charge was made upon the rebel breastworks at Vicksburg, in which his regiment suffered great loss in killed and wounded ; he was then transferred to the Gulf department, going to Texas; was engaged in the Red River expedition, after which, he was sent to Florida, and from there marched overland and assisted in the capture of Ft. Blakely, which was virtually the last battle of the war; in August, 1865, he was mustered out and received his discharge at Columbus, Ohio, having served in the Union army upward of three years. After receiving his discharge, he located in West Township, McLean Co., and farmed with his father until 1869, when he purchased his present place of eighty acres, upon which he has since lived and upon which he has good farm buildings. His marriage with Emma Coleman was celebrated Sept. 6, 1867; she was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, July 16, 1848; they have five children by this union, viz., Maggie R., Lydia S., Thomas S., Nannie B. and Emma L. Mrs. Hamand is the daughter of Henry R. Coleman, of the early pioneeis of McLean Co. Mr. Hamand is a Republican ; he cast his first vote for A. Lincoln and has always worked for the success of his party ; he is a Steward of the M. E. Church, of which he with his wife have been members since 1873.

JOHN HAMILTON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Farmer City; born in Harrison Co., Ohio, Nov. 22, 1820, where he attended school and followed farming until 23 years of age, when, after clerking one year in the merchandise trade, he purchased a farm in Knox Co., which he improved until 1850, when he sold out, and, emigrating to Illinois, purchased a farm in Empire Townfhip, McLean Co., upon which he located and followed farming for four years, when, in 1855, he again sold out and purchased his present farm of 320 acres, upon section 6, Town 21, West Township, upon which he then located, and where he followed farming until 1862, when he rented his farm and removed to Bloomington, where he engaged in buying and shipping stock to Chicago and the Eastern markets until 1872, when he returned to his farm, where he has since lived. He was married to Rebecca R. Pritchard, in Cadiz, Ohio, Aug. 21, 1845: she was born at the above place March 7, 1825; she is a daughter of John and Sarah Pritchard ; her father was born in Frederick Co., Md., and located in Ohio at an early day ; her mother's maiden name was Sarah Brownfield ; she was born in Fayette Co., Penn. The children of John and Rebecca Hamilton were seven in number - Sarah J. (now wife of B. F. Funk, of Bloomington), born June 11, 1846; Mary, born March 31, 1849 (she was married to Judge A. S. Wilson, of Washington Co., Kan., where she died Oct. 12, 1878, leaving two children); Alice, born July 15, 1851 (now Mrs. J. J. Dally, of Missouri); Ella, born Jan. 14, 1854 (now wife of W. E. P. Anderson, a lawyer); Bella, born Jan. 26, 1858; Lizzie, Aug. 14, 1860, and Ernest P., Sept. 12, 1866 ; the last three now living at home.

WILLIAM W. HAMMOND, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Sabina. The subject of this sketch was born in Lancashire, England, April 2, 1839 ; his father, Wm. Hammond, was born at the above place, where he followed blacksmithing until 1841, when he emigrated to America; he died in Illinois in 1869 ; his widow died in New Jersey in 1877. Wm. W. lived with his parents until 14 years of age, when he came to Illinois, and located in Empire Township, McLean Co., in 1854 ; his capital at that time was $5 ; he immediately secured employment as farm laborer, at $8 per month; and the proceeds of his first season's labor was loaned out and has remained in than condition for the past twenty-five years. He continued to work out until 22 years of age, when he was united in marriage, on the 9th of Dec, 1861, with Catharine Bishop; she was born in McLean Co., April 4, 1842 ; five children were the fruit of this union, of whom four are now living, viz.: Ida May, born Sept. 23, 1862 ; James W., Sept. 3, 1864; Charles B., Oct. 14, 1866, and Elizabeth C , March 11, 1870. Mrs. Hammond is the daughter of the Hon. Malou

Bishop, whose biography appears among the sketches of Empire Township. In 1861, Mr. Hammond engaged in farming for himself in Empire Township, and, in 1867, he located upon his present place, where he has since lived and where he has 120 acres of land upon which he has good farm buildings. He has held the office of Town Clerk, one year ; School Director, nine years in succession, and some other petty offices. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having joined in 1871.

GEO. W. HEDRICK, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Arrowsmith ; born in what is now Empire Township, McLean Co., 111., Oct. 6, 1836. His father, Elijah Hedrick, was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Oct. 19, 1801 ; he emigrated to Sangamon Co., in 1824, and to Randolph's Grove, McLean Co., about the year 1828 or 1830; he lived in McLean Co., until 1871, when he removed to Kansas, where he now lives. He married Susanna Lake ; she was born in Virginia, and is now living in Kansas. The subject of this sketch commenced farming for himself at 21 years of age, and, after two years' labor, he passed one winter in Texas, after which he returned to McLean Co., where he followed school -teaching on account of ill-health, and the balance of the time has been engaged in farming and dealing in stock. In 1865, he located upon his present place, where he has 320 acres of well-improved land, and 200 acres in other parts of the township ; he is largely engaged in farming, stock-raising, feeding and shipping to the Chicago market. He keeps 100 head of cattle, 160 sheep and some horses ; he has fed hogs largely, and within two years has lost upwards of two hundred by the cholera, and his bad luck with hogs has led him to turn his attention more to the feeding of cattle and sheep. Upon the 20th of September, 1865, he was united in marriage with Martha West ; she was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., July 1, 1834 ; they have four children now living by this union, having lost two by death ; the living are - Nellie, Frank, Emma and May. Mrs. Hedrick is a daughter of Henry West, who is prominently mentioned in the sketch of Moses H. Cawby, in another part of this work.

GEO. W. HILL, farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Sabina. Mr. Hill was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, on the 31st day of January, 1838; he emigrated with his parents, when two years of age, and located in Pike Co.. 111. His father, Wm. L., was born in Madison Co., Ky., in the year 1810, and emigrated to Ohio in 1830, where, the following year, he was married to Sarah Salter, who was born in Clermont Co., Ohio; they were the parents of nine children, of whom five are now living. Mr. Hill's decease occurred in Pike Co., 111., in the spring of 1865; his wife having died two years previous. The subject of this sketch remained with his father and followed farming until 23 years of age, when, on the 13th of March, 1861, he was united in marriage with Almira J. Cohenour; she was born in Pike Co., 111., Feb. 15, 1839 ; her parents emigrated from Pennsylvania to Pike Co., in 1836. Upon the marriage of Mr. Hill, he rented land and followed farming in Pike Co. until 1863, when he came to McLean Co , and, after farming one year in Dry Grove Township, he purchased 140 acres in Bloomington Township, which he improved until 1868, when he sold out and purchased 80 acres of his present place, which now contains 120 acres, and upon which he then located, and where he has since lived. The children of George and Almira Hill were seven in number, of which one is deceased ; the living are - Wallace H., born Jan. 22, 1862 ; Effie D., Aug. 30, 1865 ; Almira J., March 31, 1868 ; Winnie M., Aug. 26, 1870 ; Nellie, Nov. 16, 1873, and Annie, Feb. 23, 1877 ; the deceased died in infancy.

THOMAS HUDDLESTONE, deceased, farmer. This gentleman was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Dec. 30, 1806 ; he was the son of Thomas Huddlestone, who died in Yorkshire about the year 1860. The subject of this sketch lived with his father until 28 years of age, when, on March 8, 1834, he was united in marriage with Mary Frank, in Yorkshire, Eng., where he followed farming until 1840, when he emigrated to Canada and followed farming until about the year 1852 ; he then emigrated with his family to Illinois, and followed farming in Cook Co., until the fall of 1857, when he came to West Township, McLean Co., and entered 160 acres of land upon Section 33 ; here he lived until his decease, which occurred Sept. 26, 1865. The father of Mrs. Huddlestone was Francis Frank ; he emigrated from England and died in Canada ; her mother was Mary Ann Dobson, born in England, and also died in Canada. Mrs. Huddlestone was born in Yorkshire, Eng., in Oct., 1817 ; she still lives upon the old place, and, although 62 years of age, in possession of all her faculties, and daily performs her household duties. Mr. Huddlestone lies buried in the beautiful cemetery, one mile east of Le Roy. Their children were three in number - Elizabeth, born in November, 1835; Frank, born in January, 1843 ; Mary Jane, born in 1846. Frank Huddlestone now lives upon the old place. His marriage with Mary Warren was celebrated Jan. 28, 1873 ; she was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 1844 ; they have four children by this union - Charles L., born Jan. 10, 1874; William T., Jan. 2, 1875; Edmond W., Aug. 1, 1876; M. F., Jan. 23, 1879. The father of Mrs. Frank Huddlestone, Martin L. Warren, was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., where he died in April, 1872 ; her mother's maiden name was Hannah J. Overton ; she was born in New York State, and died in Jefferson Co., May, 1872.

JAMES JACKSON, farmer and plasterer ; P. O. Farmer City, De Witt Co. ; born in Manchester, Eng., Feb. 3, 1846 ; his father, Joseph Jackson, emigrated from England and landed in New York in the spring 1850; after living upwards of five years in Rochester, N. Y., he came West in 1856, and located in Le Roy, McLean Co., where he lived until 1863, when he removed to

Farmer City, De Witt Co., and followed milling and the dairy business until his decease, which occurred in Farmer City in April, 1875 ; his widow, who survives him, still resides in Farmer City, ; her maiden name was Hannah Higginbottom ; she was born in Derbyshire, England. The subject of this sketch remained with his father, and followed plastering and farming until June 9, 1862, when he enlisted in the 68th Regt. I. V. I., and was sent to the Eastern army, where, after five months service, he received his discharge ; and upon the 12th of February, 1863, he re-enlisted in Co. I, 39th Regt. I. V. 1, and was forwarded to the army of the James, and was in twenty-seven different engagements, among which were Ft. Darling. Darbytown Roads, and for one month under fire in front of Petersburgh, and remained in active service until the capture of Richmond and surrender of Lee's army, in April, 1865; he then remained in Richmond until August ; was mustered out of service at Norfolk, Va., and received his discharge at Springfield, 111., Dec. 16, 1865 ; he then returned home and followed farming and plastering until 1876, when he purchased his present place of 110 acres, where he has since lived. His marriage with Martha J. Weedman was celebrated Dec. 24, 1868 ; she was born in Kankakee, 111., May 20, 1849; four children were the fruit of this union, viz. : Nellie, born April 26, 1872; John \., born May 19, 1876 ; Bertha, born June 18, 1879, and one who died in childhood.

W. J. KIMLER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Weedman ; born in Bloomington Township, McLean Co., Nov. 10, 1838. His father, Caleb Kimler, was one of the early settlers of McLean Co, locating in Blooming Grove, about the year 1828 or 1830; here he lived until his death, which occurred Jan. 9, 1848. The subject of this sketch engaged in farming until 22 years of age, during which time he taught school one season, and on Aug. 29, 1862, he enlisted in the 4th I. V. C. and went forward to battle for the Union : he was sent to the front at once, and was in active service in Mississippi and Tennessee until December, 1863, when he was sent to Natchez, Miss., where he remained one year ; they were then engaged in scouting through Mississippi and Louisiana, and were afterward engaged in scouting through Tennessee, during which time they destroyed the Memphis & Charleston R. R.; and was engaged in Tennessee and Louisiana in scouting, destroying railroads, etc.. until the close of the war, when he returned to Springfield, and received his discharge the latter part of June, 1865, having served in Ihe Union army nearly three years, during which time he was neither wounded, taken prisoner, nor sent to the hospital nor guard-house. He then returned to Blooming Grove and followed farming and stock business one year; and in the spring of 1867, he purchased 120 acres in West Township, upon which he lived until 1873, when he located upon his present place, where he has since lived ; he has 200 acres of land on Sec. 35, upon which he has good farm buildings. His marriage with Ellen Hoover was celebrated April 2, 1867 ; she was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Feb. 13. 1839. They have five children now living, having lost one by death ; the living are: Cora May, born Jan. 4, 1868 : Olie E., Aug. 26, 1869 ; Mary F., Aug 24, 1871 ; William B., Oct. 13, 1875; Jessie P., June 7, 1877. Mr. K. has had his share of town and school offices, having been Town Clerk four years, which office he now holds, as well as Trustee of Schools since 1871, School Director, School Treasurer, and other petty offices.

JAMES KINCAID, farmer, Sec. 34; P. 0. Farmer City. The subject of this sketch was born in Menard Co., Ill-, Jan. 3, 1841, where he attended school and assisted his father in farming until 1862, when he was united in marriage, May 2, 1862, with Ann E. Lukins ; she was born in Menard Co. July 3, 1841. He then engaged in farming for himself in Menard Co., until the winter of 1871, when he came to McLean Co,, and located upon Sec. 34, West Township, where he has since lived, and where he owns 160 acres of land, upon which he has good buildings. His father, Andrew Kincaid, now lives in Menard Co.; he was born in Bath Co., Ky., in 1810; his wife was born in the same county in 1820; both parents are now living; they emigrated from Kentucky to Menard Co. in 1836, and were among the oldest living settlers of that county ; his first patent for 160 acres of land is signed by Van Buren, as President. Mrs. Kincaid is the daughter of Jesse Lukins, who emigrated from Kentucky and located in Menard Co. in 1831, where he died in 1855 ; his widow survives him, and lives in the same county. The children of James and Ann Kincaid were six in number, of which five are now living, viz: William T., born Jan. 4., 1864; Andrew D., Feb. 3, 1865: John G., June 7, 1866; Laura A., Oct. 22, 1867, and Martha E., April 25, 1870. In politics Mr Kincaid is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for President ; he has held several offices, among which is School Director, six years in succession, and as Town Collector he successfully handled the funds of West Township for four years.

JOHN T. LUKINS, farmer; P. 0. Farmer City; born in Fleming Co., Ky., Feb. 14, 1836; he was the oldest son of Jesse Lukins, who emigrated from Kentucky and located in VLenard Co., 111., in 1837, where he followed farming until his decease, which occurred in March, 1855; his widow survives him, and now lives in Menard Co. The subject of this sketch remained with his father until 15 years of age, after which he and a younger brother carried on the farm until 22 years of age. when he purchased eighty acres of land, which he farmed until 1871, when he sold out and came to West Township, McLean Co., where he purchased 160 acres, upon which he has since lived. His marriage with Mary C. Hughes was celebrated Dec. 8, 1859 ; she was born in Menard Co., 111., March 14, 1841 ; they have eight children by this union - Thomas, born Sept. 30, 1860; William E., Feb. 15, 1862; Eva, April 26, 1866; Ida, Feb. 15, 1868;

Susie, Nov. 4, 1869 ; Jennie, Dec. 22, 1871 ; Minnie F., April 18, 1875; John E., Feb. 7, 1877. Mrs. Lukins is the daughter of Hugh D. Hughes, who emigrated from Kentucky and located in Menard Co.. 111., at a very early day, where he died in 1862 ; his widow survives him, and lives in Menard Co.

S. R. MITCHELL, farmer and capitalist; P. 0. Farmer City; born in Franklin Co., 0., Aug. 29, 1832; he was brought up to milling until 18 years of age, when he engaged in farming for his father until 21 years of age; he then emigrated to Illinois and located in Lexington Township, McLean Co., in the fall of 1853, where he followed farming and milling until the loss of the mill by fire in 1857, when he devoted his time to farming until 1865, when, selling out, he purchased eighty acres upon Sec. 17, Empire Township, upon which he lived until 1875, when he again sold out and purchased his present place of 100 acres, where he has since lived ; he also rents other land, upon which he raises large amounts of grain, etc.; he also makes a specialty of loaning money. He was married to Elizabeth Horner, March 12, 1857; she was born in Pennsylvania Feb. 8, 1838 ; they have ten children now living, having lost one by death ; the living are - Joseph, William, Samuel, Homer, Harry, Ollie, Milton, Mattie, Benjamin, and Henry. Mr. Mitchell has held many offices, among which we mention : Supervisor, two terms ; Road Commissioner, nine years while living in Empire Township, and School Director, many years, of District 4.

J. M. MOON, farmer. Sec. 10; P. 0. Delano; was born in Sheffield, Lorain Co., Ohio, June 22, 1835; he remained with his parents until he was 19 years of age, receiving a liberal education, first attending Berea Institute, in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, for one year, then the Folsom Commercial College, Cleveland, and afterward for one year in Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, perfecting himeelf in penmanship ; after leaving that institution, he taught penmanship in Ohio and Kentucky. In the year 1855, he became engaged in buying and shipping horses from Ohio, and in 1857 engaged in the grain and mercantile business, in the village of Malta, De Kalb Co., 111., and continued in such until the year 1861 ; his health becoming impaired, he disposed of his business and became the traveling agent of William B. Young & Co., of Chicago, manufacturers of agricultural implements, and remained with them for five years ; during this time having, with his brother George W. Moon, purchased a tract of 1,040 acres of land in West- Township, of this county, in the year 1867 settled upon it and improved it ; being mostly swamp lands, he made over thirty miles of ditch, rendering them to-day the best corn lands in this county. Mr. Moon has held the office of Supervisor for two terms. He married Miss Mary Jewett, daughter of Charles Jewett, of De Kalb Co., 111., Feb. 16, 1857 ; they had six children, four living - Charles 0., Jennie E., Beatrice Y. and Lucina, and two that died in infancy. Mr. Moon has always taken an active part in politics, as a Republican, and has been a member of the McLean County Republican Central Committee.