McLean County, Illinois - The whole text, 1879 (part 37 of 42)

PETER B. PRICE, farmer, grain and stock-dealer; P. 0. Downs. Mr. Price is one of the early pioneers of McLean Co., and is the only son now living of John Price, whose extended biography appears among the sketches of this township. Peter B. Price was born in Warren Co., Ky., May 29, 1830; when but a few months old, he was brought to McLean Co., and the first six years of his life, from 1830 to 1836, were passed about equally between McLean Co., 111., and Warren Co., Ky. He obtained a limited education in his youth, and assisted his father in farming until 21 years of age, and, on Nov. 13, 1851, was united in marriage with Mary A, Case; she was born in Huron Co., Ohio, March 24, 1833. She is a daughter of Lewis Case, whose biography will be found among the sketches of Old Town Township, in another part of this work. Upon the marriage of Mr. Price, he located upon his present place, where he has since lived, and has lived upon the same section for nearly half a century. He followed farm-* ing and stock-raising until the completion of the I., B. & W. R. R., when he erected corn-cribs, scales, etc., and engaged in the business of buying and shipping grain and stock, which business he has since followed, in connection with farming. He has shipped as high as 125,000 bushels of corn alone, in a single season; his shipments of stock have been heavy; during two months of the season of 1874, he shipped to Indianapolis ninety cars of hogs or 5,000 head. To the energies and business management of Mr. Price, the village of Downs owes much, as he has perhaps done more for the place than all the other business men of the town combined, and is held in high respect by all for his sterling qualities. The children of Peter B. and Mary A, Price were six in number, of whom five are now living - Burwell O., Gipp T., Willie, Sarah Nettie and Cush. The anniversary of the silver wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Price was celebrated at their residence at Downs on the 13th of November, 1876, which was a complete surprise to the recipients. The train from Bloomington and Le Roy brought large numbers, and when they had all collected there were about four hundred, among whom were the parents of both Mr, and Mrs. Price. They came loaded with many and costly presents, and the choicest provisions which the market affords. The writer of this article secured a list of the presents and the donors, but having mislaid the same, is unable to do justice to either the donors or the value of the presents. Suffice it to say they were many and valuable, and are very highly appreciated by both Mr. and Mrs. Price.

. FREDERICK RAZOR, farmer, Sec. 25; P. 0. Le Roy; is one of the old settlers; born in Owen Co., Ky., Jan. 30, 1827; at 19 years of age, he engaged in farming and working by the month, which occupation he followed until he emigrated to Illinois, in 1856. He first purchased 101 acres at Randolph Grove, upon which he lived until 1867, when he sold out and purchased 160 acres of his present place, where he has since lived. He now owns 300 acres of land, with good farm buildings. His marriage with Minerva Dyke was celebrated Aug. 4, 1845 ; she was born in Clark Co., Ky., Jan. 3, 1827. They have twelve children now living - Lurinda, born Aug. 7, 1846 ; Sarah J , Aug. 10, 1848 ; Julia A., April 4, 1850; James William, Sept. 13, 1851 ; Charles, April 3, 1853; Henry, Nov. 29, 1854; Alva, Dec. 4, 1856; John B., April 21, 1858 j Belle, Dec. 29, 1861 ; George, Oct. 2, 1863 ; Jacob, Oct. 3, 1865, and Katie, Jan. 26, 1872. Upon the marriage of Mr. Razor, he had no capital save a strong arm and willing hand. He commenced housekeeping in an old deserted lng cabin, with nothing but a straw bed and a few dishes. They made use of an old box for table and cupboard ; for chairs, he made use of stools of his own make. He rented land, and for a portion he paid $4 per acre rent. He had neither money n>>r tools, and was obliged to obtain their provisions upon credit. After two years of toil and privations Mr. and Mrs. R., when they had obtained some few things of household furhiture, they lost their all by fire. Commencing in life again, with renewed energy, they have labored together for upward of thirty-four years; they have raised a large family of children, of whom all are now living, their family circle having never been broken by death. Mr. R. is now considered one of the large land-holders, and among the most prosperous farmers of Downs Township. His struggles against poverty and his perseverance to accomplish what he has attained are well worthy of imitation by the young men of the present day.

HENRY REYNOLDS (deceased), farmer; one of the old setilers of McLean Co.; he was born in the State of Maryland upon the 29th day of January, 1778. He was united in marriage in Lancaster Co., Penn., witn Catherine Sheppard, upon the 4th day of February, 1808 ; she was born in Maryland Sept. 26, 1787, and died June 13, 1821. leaving six children, viz., Sheppard, born Feb. 8, 1809; Jesse, Jan. 20, 1810; Ann, March 30, 1812; Lewis, March 13, 1815; Lawson, July 10, 1817 ; William, Jan. 12, 1820. He married in Lancaster Co., Penn , for his second Wife, Amelia Wilson, Aug. 28, 1822; she was born in Pennsylvania Sept. 18, 1798; she died Sept. 29, 1846, leaving eleven children - Benjamin, Sarah A., Nov. 5, 1824; Henry, Aug. 11, 1826; Deborah A., Nov. 14, 1828; Elisha, Dec. 4, 1830; Amelia M. and Sarah S. (twins), Jan. 19, 1833 (Amelia died in infancy); Amelia Malinda, Jan. 16, 1835; J. C, Nov. 10, 1836; Mary E., Nov. 14, 1838, and William H., May 3, 1841. His marriage with Mrs. Mary Ann Robuck was celebrated in Champaign Co., Ohio, Nov. 8, 1846 ; her maiden name was Davis ; she was born in Woodford Co., Va., May 16, 1815; three children were the fruit of this union, viz., Charles S., born Oct. 6, 1847; Gould Johnson, Sept. 25, 1850, and Stanley D., Feb. 26, 1854; fifteen of the above of his descendants are now living. Mr. Reynolds removed from Maryland to Pennsylvania; from there to Ohio in 1835, and located in Champaign Co., and cleared the first farm in that neighborhood ; in 1851, he emigrated to Illinois and located upon Sec. 25, Downs Township, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a member of the M. E. Church for fifty-eight years ; his third wife was a member of the Presbyterian Church Bince 1859; tney lived and died consistent Christians. Mr. Reynolds died May 8, 1860, aged 72 years 3 months and 9 days; Mrs. Reynolds died Jan. 14, 1873, 57 years 8 months and 28 days of age. Gould J. Reynolds was born Sept. 25, 1850, in Ohio; he emigrated with his parents to Illinois when 1 year of age; they came by team, bringing all their household goods and stock ; he was brought up on the farm, and, from 1866 to 1875, he, with his brother Charles S., farmed in partnership upon the home farm, and, at the latter date, Charles S. located upon Sec. 7, Empire Township, since which time Gould J. has farmed upon the old farm alone. His marriage with Adaline Dickerson was celebrated May 27, 1875 ; she was born in McLean Co. Jan. 22, 1856; they have two children by this union, viz., Ora E., born Aug. 22, 1877, and Clinton C, Dec. 18, 1878. Mrs. Reynolds is the daughter of C. P. Dickersoa, one of the oldest settlers of McLean Co., and whose biography will be found among the sketches of Empire Township in another part of this work.

J. H. ROBERTSON, blacksmith and wagon-maker, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, Downs; one of the old settlers; born in McLean Co., 111., May 29, 1842; he is a son of James O. P. Robertson, who was born in Warren Co., Ky., and emigrated to McLean Co. at a very early day, and located in Old Town Township, where he lived until his decease. The subject of this sketch was raised upon a farm until 18 years of age, when, in December, 1861, he enlisted as private in the 8th I. V. 1., and served in the Army of the Cumberland, Trans-Mississippi, and Department of the Gulf, and was in many severe battles - Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Jackeon, Miss., Ft. Morgan, Spanish Fort and Ft. Blakely, and was mustered out of service May 4, 1866, at Baton Rouge, La., and received his discharge at Springfield upon the 16th of May, 1866, having served upward of four and a half years in the Union army ; at Ft. Blakely, he was wounded in the arm by a piece of shell and had many narrow escapes. Upon receiving his discharge, he returned to McLean Co. and followed blacksmithing until 1870, when he opened the first blacksmith-shop at Downs, where he has since lived. He is also Justice of the Peace and Notary Public Hs marriage with Elizabeth Beltzer was celebrated Oct. 11, 1866; she was born in Ohio May 8, 1847, and died Aug. 14, 1873, leaving two children - Eudora J., born Feb. 23, 1869, James O., born March 14, 1871. He was united in marriage with Isabel T. Lawdon Nov. 4, 1874; she was born in Zanesville, Ohio, Aug. 31, 1853 ; one child was born to them, and died in infancy.

CHARLES H. RUTLEDGE, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. O. Le Roy; one of the early settlers of McLean Co. ; born near Hillsboro, Montgomery Co., 111.. April I, 1828 ; his father, M. S. Rutledge, was born in Georgia April 2, 1800; he emigrated to Illinois and located in White Co., in 1812, then to Montgomery Co., in 1826. He was married in Henderson Co., Ky., to Nancy Bostick ; she was born in Kentucky May 19, 1799; she died in Illinois January, 1855 ; Mr. R. died Nov. 27, 1877 ; they were the parents of ten children, of whom four are now living. The subject of this sketch lived with his father until 18 years of age, when in June, 1846, he enlisted in the 3d I. V. I., and served one year in the war with Mexico, going down the River to New Orleans; thence by vessel to Brazos Santiago ; from there to Carmargo, Matamoras, Tampico ; thence to Vera Cruz ; engaged in several battles, among which were the battles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo. In June,

1847, his time having expired, he returned to New Orleans, where he received his discharge, having served a little upward of one year ; he then returned home and followed farming in Montgomery Co., until February, 1848, when he settled in McLean Co. upon his present place. At the time of locating here, there were but four houses from Buckles' to Randolph Grove, a distance of six miles, where now upon every 'quarter-section stands one or more houses. His capital, when settling here, was simply a land-warrant, and with this he secured his land, and purchased a farmhouse 16x16, in which he lived one year. The land was in its rough state ; neither a tree nor shrub appeared in view ; he has, by his own hard labor, brought it from its wild prairie condition to its present high state of cultivation. He owns 250 acres that he has accumulated by his own exertions in which he has been nobly assisted by his wife, to whom he was united in marriage upon the 14th of April, 1853 ; her maiden name was Martha A. Cnapin ; she was born March 21, 1831, in De Witt Co., 111.; she was a daughter of Hiram Chapin, who was born in North Carolina, and emigrated from Kentucky to Illinois in 1819 ; the children of Charles and Martha Rutledge were seven in number, of whom four are now living, viz. : Stillman IX, born May 16, 1867 ; Edgar H., born Aug. 14, 1861 ; Florence, born Aug. 26, 1864; Louisa J., born Aug. 22, 1867. Mr. Rutledge has been favored with his full share of township and school offices, having been third Supervisor of Downs Township, which office he held three years in succession ; as Town Collector, he successfully handled the funds of Downs Township for three years ; School Trustee, nine years, which office he now holds ; School Director nine years, and other petty offices. He has taken a deep interest in the cause of religion and education, having been a member of the C. P. Church for upward of thirty years, of which he has been a Ruling Elder for twenty-eight years, his wife joining about the same time.

JOHN SARGENT, farmer, Sec. 6; P. 0. Heyworth ; born in Pike Co., Ohio, Oct. 5, 1814; his father, Eli Sargent, was probably born in Virginia. He was married twice ; his first wife's maiden name was Wood; she was born in Kentucky, and died in Pike Co., Ohio ; his second wife was Christine Nesselle ; they were married in Ohio ; they were the parents of two children. Mr. Sargent died in Illinois in 1824; his wife died in 1817 in Ohio. The subject of this sketch was left an orphan at 10 years of age, and lived out and worked upon different farms until Dec. 14, 1841, when he was united in marriage with Deborah Thomas, of Scioto Co., Ohio; she died Sept. 13, 1865, leaving one child - Mary E. Sargent, now Mrs. Thomas J. Sargent, living in Sumner Co , Kans. His marriage with Mrs. Margaret Miller was celebrated April 17, 1866; her maiden name was Glover ; she was born in Ohio in 1827 ; three children were the fruit of this union, all deceased. In the fall of 1843, Mr. Sargent located in Jersey Co., 111., where he followed farming nearly fourteen years, when he removed to Logan Co., where he resided twelve years, and, upon the 3d of March, 1868, located upon his present place, where he has since lived, and where he owns 153 acres of land, upon which he has good farm buildings, all of which he accumulated by his own hard labor and exertions. Mr. S. was an old-time Whig, casting his first vote in 1836 for Harrison, and labored continuously for the Whig party until the organization of the Republican party, since which time he has been identified with the same ; he is a strong temperance man, and has never used tobacco in any form ; he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly half a century, his first and second wife and daughters being members of the same church. Mrs. Sargent was married April 30, 1859, to Madison L Miller ; he was born in New York, and died Dec. 20, 1862, while serving in the army for the protection of the Union during the late war of the rebellion ; they have one child, now living, by this union - Margaret V., born March 14, 1861, now making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Sargent.

JAMES H. SIMKINS, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Heyworth ; one of the old settlers of McLean Co.; was born in Salem Co., N. J., Sept. 17, 1820; his father, Francis Simkins, was born in Salem Co., N. J., Sept. 14, 1792. He married Mary Harris Oct. 6, 1815; she was born in the same county July, 1798; she died April 12, 1868, in Highland Co., Ohio. Mr. Francis Simkins also died in Highland Co., Ohio, Aug. 15, 1843, killed by being thrown from a bridge while returning from church ; they now lie buried in the beautiful cemetery at Newmarket, Ohio ; their graves are marked by tombstones of Italian marble, placed there by their loving children ; they were the parents of eight children, of whom three are deceased ; the living are Hannah, born March 27, 1818; James H., Sept. 17, 1820; Jeremiah T., Jan. 22, 1823; Isaac H., April 22, 1828; Richard, in 1831 ; the deceased are Elizabeth, born Oct. 16, 1816, died in infancy : Jane, born Dec. 28, 1825, died in 1846; Mary Ann, born July 14, 1843, died March 15, 1873. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents upon the farm until 23 years of age, during which time he learned the brick-mason's trade. He was united in marriage with Nancy Roads March 22, 1843; she was born in Highland Co., Ohio, Jan. 13, 1823; she was a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Thomas) Roads, who were born in Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio at an early day, where they lived until their decease. Upon the marriage of the subject of this sketch, he engaged in farming for three years, after which he located in Hillsboro, Ohio, where he followed his trade until he emigrated and located in Bloomingten, McLean Co., Nov. 9, 1856 ; he then followed his trade at Bloomington six years, and, in 1862, purchased 100 acres of land upon Sec. 31, Downs Township, upon which he lived until 1866. In the spring of 1867, he purchased his present place of eighty acres, where he has since lived, and is engaged in farming.

The children of James and Nancy (Roads) Simkins were three in number, of whom two died in infancy ; the living - Isaac, born March 19, 1846, now living at home.

FREDERICK SMITH (deceased), farmer, Downs; born in Richland Co., Ohio, June 7, 1836, where he attended the common schools in his youth and followed farming, until 26 years of age, when he emigrated to Illinois and located at Funk's Grove, McLean Co., in the fall of 1863; he then came to Downs Township and purchased 160 acres upon Section 6, Town 21, where he lived two years, when he moved upon the north half of Section 6, where he purchased 80 acres, upon which he lived until his decease, which occurred Nov. 3, 1868 ; he lies buried in the cemetery at Hey worth. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church for twelve years, and lived and died a consistent Christian ; he was held in high esteem, and died beloved by all who knew him. He was married to Mary Jane Baird, April 19, 1860; she was born in New Jersey Feb. 22, 1840; one child was the fruit of this union - Edmund W., born April 27, 1861.

SAMUEL SNIFF, farmer and siock-raiser, Section 23 ; P. 0. Le Roy ; born in Morgan Co., Ohio, Dec. 24, 1826; he is a son of John Sniff, who was born near Trenton, N. J., Feb. 22, 1795: he was a farmer and stock-raiser, also a manufacturer of stoneware ; he emigrated to Ohio in 1812, and is now living, at the ripe old age of 84 years : he was married to Ann Wood, in Ohio ; she was born in Virginia, May 20, 1799 ; she died in Ohio March 14,1878; they were the parents of twelve children, all of whom are now living, the oldest being 64 and the youngest 39 years of age. The subject of this sketch was brought up to heavy farm labor upon the farm of his father, until 23 years of age, when he was united in marriage with Mary E. Springer; she was born in Ohio May 20, 1827 ; she died March 21, 1866, leaving five children, having lost six by death; the living are Sarah E., Isaac B., Mary S., Cora and Nora, the last two being twins ; the deceased died in infancy ; of the above, three were born at one birth, and there were two pairs of twins. His marriage with Maria Cochrane was celebrated March 19, 1867 ; she was born Nov. 11, 1836, in Ohio; she died July 2, 1873, leaving three children - William A., Samuel C. and Francis M. He married for his third wife Anna S. Jackson, upon the 29th of April, 1374; she was born in Hancock Co., Va., Dec. 24, 1842; one child was the fruit of this union, Hettie J. ; Mrs. Sniff was a daughter of David Jackson, who was born in Washington Co , Penn.; he lost his life by being drowned in the Ohio River, in 1843 ; her mother was Elizabeth Campbell ; she was born in the same county ; she died in Ohio in 1865; Mrs. Sniff has a brother living in Vinton Co., Ohio, and a sister in Polk Co., Mo., now Mrs. David Allender. Mr. Sniff followed farming, in Ohio, until 1867, the last two years of which he was engaged in the stoneware business ; he purchased his present place in 1868, upon which he then located, and where he has since lived ; he has upon his home farm 240 acres, all under fence and in a good state of improvement. Mr. Sniff is Treasurer and Agent for the American Bible Society for Downs He has been a member of the M. E. Church for a period of thirtyeight vears, his wife and two of the children also being members of the Church.

WILLIAM TURNER, farmer, Sec. 5; P. 0. Heyworth ; born in Indiana Co., Penn., April 28. 1836 ; his father, James Turner, was born in Washington Co., Penn., and followed farming and milling until 1839, when he emigrated to Ohio and located in Clermont Co., where he followed farming until his decease, which occurred Dec. 17, 1878. He was married in Pennsylvania to Margaret McKinney ; she was born in Pennsylvania, and is now living in Ohio ; they were the parents of twelve children, all of whom are now living. The subject of this sketch emigrated to Ohio, with his parents, when 3 years of age, where he was raised upon his father's farm, until 27 years of age, the last three of which he was in partnership with his father ; he then disposed of his interest in Ohio and emigrated to Illinois, and located in Randolph Township in the spring of 1864, where he rented land four years, and, in 1868, he purchased his present place of 160 acres, upon which he then located and where he has since lived. His marriage with Mary E Hill was celebrated in Ohio, March 3, 1864; she was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 19, 1841 ; they were the parents of five children, of whom two are deceased: the living are - Harvey H., Mary A., Frank M. ; the deceased died in infancy. Mr. Turner is a Democrat in politics, but has never run for office.

D. F. VANDEVENTER, farmer and stock-raiser ; Sec. 12, Town 21 ; P. 0. Le Roy; born in De Witt Co., Ill, July 29, 1845; he is the second son of Thomas Vandeventer, who emigrated from Virginia and located in De Witt Co. about the year 1820. He married in De Witt Co to Elizabeth Arbogast ; she was born in Ohio ; tbey were the parents of six children, of whom five are now living ; the parents now live in De Witt Co. The subject of this sketch attended the common school and assisted his father in farming until 17 years of age, when he went to California and followed teaming three years, driving a team of ten mules to a wagon itself weighing two tons and hauling from five to six tons of mining machinery and supplies, the trip consuming about six weeks ; in 1865, he returned to De Witt Co., 111., and engaged in farming and stockraising until the spring of 1875, when he purchased 125 acres of land in Downs Township, upon which he then located and where he has since lived; he also owns forty-five acres in De Witt Co., all of which he has accumulated by his own hard labor, energy and industry. His marriage with Sarah Nichols was celebrated Oct. 26, 1868; she was born in Brown Co., Ohio, July 7, 1849 ; three children were the fruit of this union, of whom two are living - Lewis N., born April 20, 1870: Dick, born March 24, 1872, died Oct. 22, 1878, and Merritt E., born July 19, 1875.

Mrs. Vandeventer is a daughter of John and Lucinda (Teter) Nichols, who now live in Champaign Co., 111. ; Mr. Nichols was born in Germany and Mrs. Nichols in Virginia; they were the parents of seven children, of whom five are living.

GEORGE WADDINGTON. farmer, deceased ; born in Yorkshire, England, upon the 9th of June, 1818: he was brought up on a farm until 14 years of age, when he was apprenticed to the trade of cloth-dressing, and, until 1841, followed the business of dressing the finest English broadcloth, of some of which his own wedding suit was made ; the coat is now held as an heirloom by the family ; in the fall of 1841, he emigrated to America and landed at New Orleans ; he then came up the Mississippi to Grand Tower and settled in Williamson Co., 111., where he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Kershaw ; she was born in Holdam, Lancashire, England, in 1826 ; she was a daughter of Joseph Kershaw, who now lives in Le Roy, and whose biography appears among the sketches of Empire Township in another part of this work. In the fall of 1857, they removed to Downs Township, McLean Co., and, in the spring of 1859, located upon Section 27, where they lived until their decease ; Mrs. Waddington died March 10,1870; in the spring of 1874, Mr. Waddington returned to England, visiting Liverpool, Huddersfield, his native city, Sheffield and spent one week in London, returning home in August, of the same year; his death occurred June 19, 1876. They were both members of the Christian Church and lived and died consistent Christians. They now lie buried in the Gelmore graveyard, and over their grave stands a marble monument erected sacred to their memory by their loving children ; they were the parents of five sons and six daughters, of whom all are now living - Sarah A. (now Mrs. John Lott, living in Sumner Co., Kan.), Hannah (now Mrs. William Kinsey, whose sketch appears in this work), Mary J. (now Mrs. Harrison C. Lott, living in Blue Mound Township, McLean Co.), Joseph K. (now living upon the home farm), Martha E. (also living at home), George W. (telegraph operator upon the Illinois Central Railroad), William A. (living at home), Esther E. (now Mrs. A. Montgomery, living in Downs Township), Ida A., John F. and Walter S. Mr. Waddington commenced in Illinois with an ax and one lonesome penny ; he worked and cleared eighty a?res, which he afterward entered, and enduring all the hardships and privations of frontier life and battled against poverty, and, at the time of his decease, had accumulated a good farm of 160 acres and raised a family of eleven children.

HENRY WAGNER, farmer, Sec. 17; P. 0. Downs; born in Centre Co., Penn., April 15, 1819. His grandfather, David Wagner, was a Revolutionary patriot and served during the Revolutionary struggle, for seven years. He was under Gen. Washington, and was an eye-witness to the shooting of several horses upon which that eminent chieftain was riding. He was in many engagements and served until the independence of the nation was established. His father, William Wagner, was a soldier in the army of 1812. He was born in Dauphin Co., Penn , April 24, 1788. He was married in Centre Co., Penn., to Ellen Long; she was born in Centre Co., July 24, 1790. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living. The parents both died in Centre Co , Penn. Mr. Wagner died Feb. 4, 1868; Mrs. Wagner died Oct. 10, 1869 ; The subject of this sketch attended the common school in his youth and assisted his father in farming until 22 years of age, when, on the 3d of February, 1842, he was married to Elizabeth Roop ; she was born in Centre Co., Penn., May 20, 1824. They were the parents of nine children, of whom three are deceased; the living are - Annie Maria, born Nov. 6, 1842, now Mrs. Thomas Rutledge; Emily J.. Feb. 13, 1846, now Mrs. W. W. Reser; Mary E., Aug. 25, 1853, now Mrs. Edward Stewart ; Charles C, Sept. 23, 1858; Henry H., Sept. 22, 1860; Frank E., Feb. 28, 1864. The deceased - Lydia C, was born Feb. 10, 1844, she married J. Darby, and died Nov. 30, 1870, and two died in infancy. Upon the marriage of Mr. Wagner, he emigrated to Indiana, where he farmed upon rented land until he emigrated to Illinois, and located upon Sec. 17. Downs Township, McLean Co., in the fall of 1854, where he has since lived, during a period of one-fourth of a century. He first purchased 160 acres in 1854, to which he has since added by purchase, until he now owns 195 acres upon his home farm, with the best of farm buildings. He has brought the same from its wild prairie condition to its present high state of cultivation by his own hard labor : he also owns 100 acres in other parts of the county. He has taken a deep interest in the cause of religion and education, having been, with his wife, a member of the church of the United Brethren for a period of 18 years. He has been School Director for nine years, which office he now holds.

JOSEPH B. WEAVER, farmer; P. 0. Downs; one of the early settlers of McLean Co.; born in Lee Co., Va. His grandfather, on both his father and mother's side, were patriots of the Revolutionary struggle and served under Gen. Greene until the close of the war. His father, William Weaver, was born in Virginia Feb. 10, 1783. He was a Baptist preacher, which profession he followed in connection with farming, until his decease, which occurred in Downs Township, Sept. 3, 1838. He was married in Virginia Dec. 12, 1805, to Mary Sims; she was born in Virginia, Nov. 15, 1787, and died Oct. 13, 1854. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom eight are now living. They emigrated from Virginia with their teams, and located in McLean Co., in the fall of 1832, and the following spring located upon Sec. 4, Downs Township, where he lived until his decease. He entered and purchased land until he had accumulated 600 acres. A part ef the village of Downs now stands upon his old farm. The subject of this sketch was the youngest member of the family, and now lives upon the old farm, where he has lived nearly half a century, and is probably the oldest continuous resident of Downs Township. He now owns 112 acres of the old farm, with good buildings. He continued farming until Aug. 8, 1862, when he enlisted in the 94th Regiment I. V. I. His first active service was in the campaign of Missouri and Arkansas, being engaged in the battle of Prairie Grove, Dec. 7, 1862 ; on the 3d of June, 1863, he was forwarded down the Mississippi River to Young's Point, thence across the country to Warrenton, where they crossed the Mississippi River, and, upoa the 14th of June, 1863, took their position upon the extreme left of the Union army, where they remained until the surrender of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863. They were then sent up the Yazoo River, capturing Yazoo City, upon July 12, when they were sent to New Orleans, via Port Hudson. On the 26th of August, 1863, Mr. Weaver was sent to the hospital on account of sickness, and did not again join his regiment until Feb. 22, 1864, at Brownsville, Texas, where he remained until July 30, when they were forwarded to Mobile Bay, landing at Mobile Point upon the 9th of August, and upon the 23d instant, Ft. Morgan surrendered. He was then engaged upon the attack upon the Spanish Fort, which surrendered April 8, 1865; Ft. Blakely fell about the same date, among the rebel prisoners was the rebel Gen. Cockerell, now a U. S. Senator from Missouri. Mr. Weaver was then, with the 94th Regiment, sent to Galveston, Texas, where he was mustered out of service, and, in August, 1865, received his discharge at Springfield, 111., having served in the Union army three years. He then returned to farming, which business he has since followed. Of township and school offices, he has had his full share, having held the office of Supervisor, Township Collector, Justice of the Peace, School Director, and has been a member of the Board of Education for fourteen years. His marriage with Margaret A. Kimler was celebrated Sept. 30, 1855; she was born in McLean Co. Feb. 13, 1839. They were the parents of five children - Theodore F., born Sept. 28, 1856; Mary B., Dec. 6, 1858; Charles W., April 24, 1862; Edward L., Sept. 2, 1866, and Lillie M., Dec. 22, 1875. Mrs. Weaver was a daughter of Bailey Kimler, one of the early pioneers of McLean Co.

HENRY WELCH, farmer; P. 0. Downs; one of the early pioneers of McLean Co. ; born born in Northampton Co., Penn., Nov. 14, 1816; his father was born in the same county, in 1791 ; he emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio the spring of 1817, and in December, 1822, emigrated to Vigo Co., Ind., where he followed farming until his decease, which occurred in February, 1835. He was married in Pennsylvania, to Susan A. Jacoby ; she was born in Pennsylvania, in 1792 ; her grand-parents emigrated to America with William Penn, and settled in his colony; Mrs* Welch died in August, 1862; they were the parents of eight sons and three daughters, of whom four sons and one daughter are now living - William, born Jan. 25, 1815 ; Henry, Nov. 14, 1816; Albert, Oct. 22, 1822 ; Jeremiah, July, 1825, and Eliza Jane, about 1828. Henry Welch came to McLean Co. in the spring of 1835, a poor boy; he has suffered all the privations and hardships of frontier life, and has, by his hard labor and correct business habits, placed himself among the large land-holders and successful farmers and stock-raisers of McLean Co. ; to accomplish this has been a life of labor ; for many years, he followed the prairie-plow, drawn by five yoke of oxen ; he did not confine his breaking to Illinois, as hundreds of acres in Wisconsin have been broken by Lis labor ; he has driven his hogs to Chicago on foot, camping out by night ; he has also driven his teams to Chicago loaded with wheat, for which he realized 48 cents per bushel; in 1836, he hauled a load of goods from Pekin to Bloomington, then to Dixon ; he had two wagons, drawn by four yoke of cattle each ; one wagon carried a ton, the others one and a half tons. He has a vivid recollection of the sudden change in 1836 : the day had been mild, and the ground was covered with slush of snow and water, when, suddenly, a roar was heard in the west, and the change in the atmosphere was so great that everything froze up instantly ; Mr. Welch says that, when the wind-storm came, his pigs huddled together in the pen to keep warm, but several of them carelessly allowed their tails to drop into the slush, and were frozen fast ; the next morning, his attention was called to the sty by the squealing of the pigs, and, upon going there, found some half dozen in the above position ; he loosened them by cutting their tails with his knife. His marriage with Minerva Colwell was celebrated upon the 24th of November, 1842; they were the parents of eight children - Sarah J., born April 12, 1845, died Sept. 10, 1847; William Lee, Feb 11, 1847, died Jan. 9, 1871 ; James Adams, Jan. 6. 1849 ; Susan Ann, Sept. 24, 1850; Eliza M., Oct. 8, 1853 ; Alfred J., July 5, 1855 ; George H., June 13, 1858 ; Minerva E., June 6, 1866. Mr. Welch is among the large land-holders of McLean Co., being possessed of upward of fourteen hundred acres of land, with six sets of farm buildings.

GEORGE M. WILSON, farmer Sec. 8, Town 21 ; P. 0. Heyworth ; born in Lewis Co.. Ky., Dec. 11, 1833. His father, George M. Wilson, was born in the same county, where he followed farming until his decease, which occurred in 1838; he was married in Kentucky to Miss Rebecca Davis, who was also born and raised in the same county ; she now lives in Boone Co., Ky. The subject of this sketch lived with his mother until 11 years of age, when he lived with Joseph Givens until 16 years, of age ; he then emigrated to Illinois and followed farming until 1858, at which time he came to McLean Co., and was engaged in farming upon Sec. 10, Downs Township, until 1862, when he purchased his present place of 160 acres, upon which he located and where he has since lived ; he has added by purchase until he now owns 320 acres, all under improvement. His marriage with Harriet L. Bishop was celebrated March 22, 1860 ; she was born in McLean Co. June 7, 1838 ; she is a daughter of Jacob Bishop, one of the early settlers of McLean Co., who was born in Maryland, and emigrated from Ohio to Illinois in the fall of 1830. The children of George M. and Harriet Wilson were eleven in number, of whom seven are deceased ; the living are - Rebecca E., Minnie M., Narcissa A., Annie E.; the deceased died in infancy.

UTHO YOUNG, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Downs ; born in Madison Co., Ohio, April 1, 1839 ; he is the son of Joseph Young, who was born in Delaware Co., Ohio, May 26, 1813 ; he married Julia A. Thomas April 15, 1832 ; she was born in Madison Co., Ohio, April 5, 1812. Mr. Young learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed until his marriage, when he abandoned his trade and followed farming in Ohio until 1849, when he came to Illinois, and, after looking over the country, returned to Ohio and disposed of his property, and, the following year, came by team with his family, and in the fall of 1851 purchased 230 acres upon Sec. 4, Downs Township, upon which he then located and to which he afterward added 30 more and upon which he lived until his decease ; they were the parents of five children, of which three are now living, viz.: John, born Jan. 4, 1836, living in Miami Co., Kansas ; Otho, April 1, 1839 ; Emily, May 25, 1843. MrB. Young died in McLean Co., July 26, 1867. Mr. Young died Feb. 19, 1878. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years previous to their death, and lived and died consistent Christians. The subject of this sketch attended the common school and assisted his father in farming until 21 years of age, when, on the 16th of May, 1859, he was united in marriage with Susan Mannen ; she was born in McLean Co., 111., May 3, 1840 ; they were the parents of five children, of whom four are now living - Miles K., born Jan. 21, 1861 ; Charles J., May 11, 1863 ; William, Oct, 3, 1867 ; Belle, March 26, 1870, died May 7, 1877, and Harry L., born May 11, 1878. Upon the marriage of Mr. Young, he purchased his present place of eighty acres, upon which he located and where he has since lived. He and his wife have been members of the M. E. Church for a period of twenty years. Mrs. Young was a daughter of Henry and Susannah (Barnett) Mannen ; they were born in Kentucky, and emigrated to Illinois, and located in McLean Co. in 1830.

Funk'S Grove

JOHN M. BURKHOLDER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. McLean; was born in Rockingham Co., Va., May 26, 1830. He remained there until 1852, engaged in farming, when he then moved to Knox Co., Ohio, and stayed there some two years ; was engaged in teaching school during the winter at $18 per month, and farming in summer. In 1864, he came by himself to McLean Co., 111., and settled on a small farm of forty acres, which he has now increased to 240, every particle of which has been earned by their own labor and management. For some time subsequent to his settlement on this farm, he was engaged in teaching during the winter ; has taught two four-months' terms in De Witt Co. at $20, and three terms at Fremont, in Funk's Grove Township, at $28. In 1862, he was in service, enlisting in the 68th I. V. I. On his return, he began teaching in Funk's Grove at $30 per month. On April 9, 1863, he was married to Rebecca W. Bean, born in Connecticut, April 12, 1841. Immediately after marriage, they settled on his farm in Funk's Grove Township, which they have made a magnificent home. He has held offices connected with schools, as Trustee of Funk's Grove Township, for nine years ; was also Collector of Revenue for two terms. He received but a limited education from instructors, but has improved every advantage of informing himself by securing valuable literature. They have had two children, viz.: Ira E., born Aug. 20, 1865 ; Bessie M., Oct. 19, 1878.

0: H. BUCK, farmer; P. 0. McLean; was born June 19, 1841. in Switzerland Co., Ind., and remained there until 1851, when he came to De Witt Co., 111., and settled on a farm, remaining there engaged in farming for his father until 21 years old, when he managed the farm for his father until 1876. In 1869, he was married to Hannah Hammitt, who was born in De Witt Co. In 1876, they settled on the present farm of eighty acres. Mr. Buck has traveled somewhat. He works more or less at carpentering. He has recently improved his farm by adding a cosy little cottage, and has put down tile-draining to some extent. They have two children - Oscar O. and Cora A.

JOSEPH BAKER, farmer; P. 0. McLean; was born Feb. 21, 1834, in Morgan Co., Ohio. When 18 months old, he came with his father to what is now De Witt Co., and remained there, engaged in farming for his father, until about 22 years old. He worked three seasons, breaking prairie for the public by ox-team. In 1856, he was married to Margaret Taylor, of Ohio. They immediately settled in De Witt Co., 111. He rented for four years, and then bought a farm of eighty acres in De Witt Co., remaining for some time, and then moved to a farm in McLean Co., and remained some four years. He afterward sold out, and bought the present farm of 209 acres, and remained there five years. From there he moved to De Witt Co., and settled on a farm given him by his father. He soon bought out three heirs, making him 136 acres, which he sold a year afterward, and moved back to his beautiful improved farm in Funk's Grove. At his marriage, his father offered him forty acres of land, but he refused until later, and thus, with the aid of his industrious wife, made his beginning. He worked one season on the railroad, with ox-teams, at $5 per day. He has been Pathmaster, and has held offices connected with school interests. They have ten children, viz. : Rhoda A., LethaE., George C , Mary E., John W., Samuel G., Benjamin, Hattie May, Robert A., Joseph H.

JAMES COOPER, farmer; P. 0. Heyworth ; was born July 24, 1828, in Ross Co., Ohio, on a farm, and remained there until 2J years old, when he moved with his parents to Madison Co., Ohio, and settled on a farm, remaining there until 1837 ; he moved from there to Illinois, settling at Lexington, McLean Co., and engaging in farming, renting of A. ^. Gridley for three years ; from there they came to the head of Money Creek timber and engaged in farming, renting of Isaac Funk ; he moved from there to mouth of Money Creek and settled on Stroud's farm, moving from there to Randolph Township, and engaged in working by the month, at $9, for Benjamin Slatten ; he worked next season on farm for John Low, after which he commenced farming for himself; was renting of Mortin Bishop for two years, renting next of George Stillmaa one year; he moved from there by wagon to Texas and settled in Burnett Co., and engaged in farming, remaining there four years; he then returned to McLean Co., and settled on Judge Davis' farm (the one now occupied by J. 0. Davis), remaining there until 1865 ; he next moved to Judge Davis' farm in Macon Co., and engaged in farming in partnership with Judge Davis and Lyman Betts in raising cattle and hogs ; was there seven years ; in 1872, he settled on the present farm of 300 acres which they have earned entirely by their own labor and management. He was married Jan. 23, 1865, to Frances Veatch, born in 1842 in McLean Co., III. He was in the civil war, enlisting in Co. C, 94th I. V. I., under James McFarland, Captain ; was in service eighteen months. Mr. Cooper has held offices connected with schools. In 1878, he met with quite a loss by his home burning down, but now has almost completed a beautiful mansion on his magnificent farm.

NEWTON CLIFFORD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Shirley; was born May 20, 1851, in Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, where he remained until he was 17 years old, attending school and clerking for D. B. Gardner in the wholesale and retail grocery business ; he then moved to Minonk, Woodford Co., 111., and engaged in building hedge fences for D. Mooney, working by the month at $40 and $50 for three years ; from there he went to L. H. Kerrick's farm in Funk's Grove, and engaged in farming until 1867, when he made a sale and moved on Mr. F. M. Funk's farm of 2,000 acres, which he mostly controlled ; he receives a salary from Mr. Funk for his care of some five hundred head of cattle. He also rents of Mr. Funk. He was married Jan. 5, 1876, to Miss Alice Norton, the daughter of Alexander Norton, of Champaign Co., 111.; she was born in 1858 ; they have one child, viz., Edith. Mr. Clifford superintends the Sunday school at the Mcllvaine Schoolhouse.

V. R. DUK.GY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Blodmington ; was born Aug. 18, 1827, in Jefferson Co., N. Y., and remained there engaged in carpentering until 1849, when he was married to Elizabeth Hutchinson, who was born on the same day her husband was - Aug. 18, 1827. After marriage, he continued his work at carpentering until 1861, at which time he moved to Iowa, settling in La Fayette Co., and engaging in farming for two years; in 1863, he moved to Heyworth, III., and engaged in farming, renting of Enos Passwater for one year ; he then moved to the present farm of forty acres, which they have earned entirely by their labor and management, and have brought to a high state of cultivation, with all the modern improvements. In 1865, he went to the war, enlisting in 150th I. V. I., and remained until the close. He has held offices connected with the schools for fourteen years, and has been Commissioner of Highways. He was inspector of cars in New York for three years at $35 per month. He follows carpentering during winter and farming in summer. They have three children viz., Eveline, Charles and Addie.

ABSALOM FUNK, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Shirley ; was born Aug. 4. 1828 (what was then election day), in Funk's Grove Township, 111., and remained there, being engaged in farming, until 1856, when he went to Missouri and engaged in farming and raising stock, remaining there for some four years, at which time he held that no treasure on earth was so dear as the old homestead, and, in 1859, he returned to Funk's Grove and settled on Mr. Dunk Funk's farm, engaging in farming until 1873, when he bought and settled the present little farm of sixteen acres, which, by his skill, he has made into a beautiful home that even the most opulent might covet. He rents ground, and thus enlists his son-in-law, Mr. Thomas J. Gates, who makes a home with him. He was married Feb 20, 1851, to Lidda Beaver, a native of Fountain Co., Ind., who was born in 1849. He has worked on the C. & A. R. R., grading and building, and has held offices connected with districts. He has five children, viz.1 Albert, deceased; Maggie, deceased ; William, deceased ; Ellen, deceased ; and Sarah, the wife of Mr. Gates.

ISAAC FUNK, farm and stock; P. 0. Shirley ; was born May 13, 1844. in McLean Co., Ill,, in what is Funk's Grove, and remained there, working for his father, , herding cattle, all the time, until 20 years old. He then worked with his brothers, Ben and Ab, as partners, for five years, farming and stock-raising. In 1869, he was married to Frances Correll, who was born in Sangamon Co., 111., Aug. 20, 1847, and, in 1870, they settled on the present farm of 2,240 acres given him by his father in 1865. This farm is the old homestead of Isaac Funk, Sr., who had made it a magnificent place before his death, which occurred in 1865 ; his wife died on the same day, four hours later. Mr Funk has taken great pains in continuing the improvements on his farm. He makes stock a specialty, and employs numbers of hands. He was in the State Regiment six months. Mr. Funk well remembers the departure of his father, in company with the older boys, James Biggs and others, to Chicago, driving herds of cattle for market, while he wa* left at home herding cattle. He has stock in the National Bank of Bloomington. They have three children, viz.: Arthur C, Mabel, deceased, and Lawrence.

LA FAYETTE FUNK, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Shirley; was born on a farm in Funk's Grove Township in 1834, and remained there, working for his father (herding cattle and plowing prairie with ox-teams as was customary in those days) until 1860, when he began improving his present farm of 2,000 acres, given him by his father. One remarkable feature connected with Mr. Funk's settlement is that on the 14th of May, 1824, his father settled in the Grove ; on the 14th of May, 1860, La Fayette began improvement, and on the 14th of May, 1864, he settled on it with his wife. As stated, he began work on this farm, which was then a " raw prairie," which they have improved, and made one of the most beautiful farms in the county. Mr. Funk's means, by which he improved his farm, was acquired by his rearing and marketing cattle. Many of his lonely hours of night were spent on the prairie herding cattle, while the distant howl of the wolves brought fe >r and uneasiness upon him. He was married in Clark Co., Ohio, Jan. 12, 1864, to Elizabeth Paullin ; born in Clark Co., Ohio, April 4, 1841 ; they have two children - Eugene D.; Edgar P., deceased. Mr. Funk has held office as Trustee six years; Commissioner of Highways, fourteen years ; Town Clerk, four years ; Supervisor of Funk's Grove Township, elected in 1874 and still holds that office. He owns stock in the National and National Stock Banks of Bloomington.

F. M. FUNK, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Bloomington; was born Aug. 13, 1836, in Funk's Grove, McLean Co., 111., on farm, and remained there, working for his father, until 1865, when he began business for himself on his present farm of 2,200 acres, which was given him by his father. In October, 1865, he married Mary Houser, who was a native by birth of Kentucky ; immediately after marriage, they settled on his farm, and began improving and raising stock, and remained there until 1873, when they moved to Bloomington, 111., where they now reside ; but Mr. Funk is on his farm most of the time, buying and selling stock ; has on his farm now some 500 head of cattle ; he is a partner in the drug store known as the firm of Funk & Lackey, in Bloomington ; he has an interest in the Bloomington National Bank. Mr. Funk has held offices connected with schools ; is at present member of Board of Education ; was Supervisor of Funk's Grove Township four years ; was School Treasurer six years. They have three children - Gracy, Laura, Jesse D.

MRS. ELMIRA JONES, farmer; P. 0. McLean; was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Aug. 12,1817 ; her father's name was McLaughlin ; she remained in Ohio until 16 years old, when she came with her sister, Mrs. Cantrell, with whom she had been making a home since her mother's death in 1827, to Sangamon Co., 111., staying there one winter; from there she again moved with her brother-in law and sister to McLean Co., now in De Witt Co., and settled on a farm ; there she remained until married, in 1831, to Isaac W. Jones, who was born in Clark Co., Ohio, in 1811, where he remained until 10 years old, when he moved to Indiana, and remained about eleven years, after which he came to Illinois by wagon, as was customary, and settled in McLean Co. The first summer after marriage, they settled on his father's farm, moving from there to what is now the "Frisby Farm," which they began improving; while building, they occupied an Indian's home, living in a little tent built out of poles. During the time Mr. Jones was on this farm, he had the brick made with which they built the present house that Mrs. Jones now occupies. In 1857, they moved to their present farm of 250 acres, earned entirely by their own labor and management. They began improvement by erecting a beautiful mansion and cultivating the soil, which was then a raw prairie. Sept. 18, 1868, Mr. Jone? died, and the management of affairs devolved upon Mrs. Jones. He held the office of Justice of the Peace up to the time of his death ; he worked at carpentering and sawing lumber. He was a member of the M: E. Church, and had spent many happy hours talking of the future with his companion, who had been an active member of the M. E. Church since she was 15 years old; he died in 1868, leaving a family of twelve children, viz., Jennie J. (deceased), Ann E., Cyrus H., Silvira, Louis S., Emma (deceased), Lucian W., Isaac A., William W., Ella, Eli (deceased), and Percival G.; four of the children have taught school, Lucian W. and Isaac A. are physicians ; they took a course in Louisville Medical College ; Lucian is practicing in this State.

C. H. LAKE, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. 0. Shirley ; was bjrn Jan. 31, 1830, in Montgomery Co., N. Y.; he remained there until 14 years old, working in a woolen factory in Johnstown, N. Y. In 1853, he moved to Western, Orleans Co., N. Y.,and was there one year engaged in farming; he then went to Niagara Co., N. Y., settling at Lockport and engaging in the joiner's trade for some twelve years , after which, he moved to the West, settling in McLean Co., at Lexington, and remaining there engaged in farming, renting of Fulwiler for four years. In 1 861, he returned to Niagara Co., N. Y., remaining one year, and then returned to McLean Co., settling on a farm near Shirley, owned by Peleg Soule, which he rented for one year ; he then bought 40 acres of Soule, and owned it until February, 1879, when he traded for the Lewis

Jones farm of 160 acres, which is known as one of the finest farms in the township ; was Commissioner of Highways for six years. He was married, in 1857, to Roby Dye, a native of Niagara Co., N. Y.; they have three children, viz., Frank L., Charles H. and Cora.

GEORGE A. ROSS, farmer; P. 0. Heyworth; was born April 19, 1828, in Saratoga Co., N. Y., and remained there until 15 years old ; when he was 10 years old, his mother died ; his father, some time afterward, married again. In 1843, he moved with his father to Western New York, settling in Middleport, Niagara Co., and attended school and worked for his father at smithing until 20 years old ; he then moved to Jeddo, N. Y., and engaged in blacksmithing for himself for fourteen months ; thence to Decatur, 111., and was boss of a company grading on the Illinois Central R. R., for one winter ; leaving there, he went to Hudson, 111., and began working on the Illinois Central R. R., as boss of section hands. Nov. 27, 1853, he was married to Ellen Jackson, who was born in 1838,in Genesee Co., N.Y.; immediately after marriage, they settled at Hudson, 111., where he continued his work on the railroad. In January, 1854, they moved to what is now Heyworth, 111., and engaged in railroading until 1857, when he began farming; he rented of James McWhorter for a year, and next rented of Mrs. Joseph Wakefield for five years. When married, they had but $200 ; they now own a farm of 279 acres ; Mr. Ross has worked by the month at $4. In 1862, they settled on their present farm, which was then a raw prairie, but now, by their energy and labor, has been transformed into one of the most beautiful farms in Funk's Grove Township. He ha* held offices connected with the schools, and has been Supervisor of Funk's Grove Township.

JOHN STUBBLEFIELD, importer; P.O.Shirley. Of the business industries of Bloomington, the firm of Geo. W. Stubblefield & Co., importers of Percheron Norman horses, forms a conspicuous part ; the members of the firm are Geo. W. Stubblefield and his father, John Stubblefield, who is one among the early settlers of McLean Co., having been a resident of the county since 1824, he being at that time 4 \ years old, coming to this county, with his people, from Fayette Co., Ohio, and settling in what is now Funk's Grove Township, where he has since remained and where most of his property is located. G. W. is a'native of McLean Co.; he engaged in the importation of the Norman horses in 1874 ; since then they have become quite extensive importers; their barns are located on Madison street, south of Wait's Hotel, where can always be found some of the finest imported horses in the State ; they have, altogether, about eighty head of fine imported and graded stock ; their stock-farm, of four hundred and forty acres, is located near Shirley, though they have, in all, about nineteen hundred acres. The direct management of the business comes under the supervision of G. W., his father spending the principal part of his time on the farm; by their close attention to business, square and honorable dealing, they have established a reputation as importers that is largely conducive to their success.

A. STUBBLEFIELD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Shirley: was born Nov. 27, 1815. in Ohio ; he remained there until 1824, when he came with his father, by ox-team, as was customary in those days, to what was then Fayette Co., 111. - afterward Tazewell Co. - and is now McLean Co., and settled on a farm - remaining there, working for his father until Feb. 23, 1840, when he was married to Eliza Pearson, of Indiana, and began farming for himself, on his father's farm, remaining four years; he then bought and settled on the present farm of 240 acres,, which, by his improvement, has become a beautiful home. His first wife died Sept. 11, 1851, by whom he had five children - M. H., T. T. (both of whom were in the civil war), J. P., R. W. and Sarah C. He took, for his second wife, Allie Wilson, of Perry Co., Ohio, by whom he had six children - Harriet, Asa, William J., La Fayette, Charlotte and Mary A. Mrs. Stubblefield died April 18, 1869. He was again married Jan. 24, 1870 - his third wife being Mary A. Campbell, who had five children before her marriage to Mr. Stubblefield - Eliza, Jane, David (was in the war), Mary B. and William W. Mr. Stubblefield has held offices connected with the schools, and has been Highway Commissioner.

JOHN STUBBLEFIELD, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Shirley ; was born June 4, 1820, in Fayette Co., Ohio, and remained there until 1824, when he came to what was then Fayette Co., 111., and, in 1831, McLean Co., and engaged in farming for his father until 22 years old, at which time, Dec. 1, 1842, he was married to Elizannah Houser, and began working on his father's farm, settling in a small log cabin, owned by Isaac Funk; in 1845, he began making a home for himself, buying 40 acres of Government land, at $1.25 per acre ; he has added to this, until now he has a fine homestead of 440 acres; he has, in all, 1,900 acres, earned principally by their own exertions. He makes cattle and horses a specialty, and is in partnership with his son, P. M. Stubblefield, dealing in Norman horses ; he has held offices connected with the schools, as Treasurer twenty-five years ; Supervisor six years, and Director of schools six years ; he is engaged, to some extent, in raising bees; they have nine children - Sarah E., David R., G. W., P. M., Mary F., Henry B., Simon P., Eddy, Lincoln (deceased) and John W.

P. M. STUBBLEFIELD, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. McLean; was born Oct. 25, 1852, in Funk's Grove, on his father's farm; he remained there, working for his father until Feb. 27, 1879, when he was married to Miss Mattie Willerton, who was born March 24, 1853, in London, England, and came to New York in 1854, where she remained fourteen years, and moved from there to Bloomington, 111., remaining some four years, thence to a farm north of Danvers, until her mairiage. Immediately after marriage, they settled on the present farm of 160 acres, given them by his father, Mr. John Stubblefield. This is one of the most beautiful farms in McLean Co., and is well watered by a beautiful spring, which affords water during the most continued drouths. In 1874, he made a trip to Europe in company with G. W. and Robert Stubblefield for the purpose of buying Norman horses. He returned in May of the same year, with several fine horses, and still makes this stock a specialty.

WILLIAM W. SMITH, farmer; P. 0. Hey worth ; was born Nov. 16, 1823, in Washington Co., Penn., remained there until about 3 years old, then he moved to Crawford Co., Ohio, and settled on a farm in the woods, which seemed very lonely, there being but two neighbors within seven miles. In 1848, he moved to Ashland Co., Ohio, and settled on a farm ; was there engaged in farming for twenty-one years, during which time (in 1845) he was married. In 1868, he moved, with his family, to the Far West, and made a home in McLean Co., 111., settling on the present farm of 240 acres. He has worked by the day at 50 cents, chopping and splitting rails, and by the month at $10, which receipts were managed with frugality. He has held offices connected with the schools as Director nine years, School Trustee two terms, and is now on the third term in Funk's Grove Township. He was Pathmaster ten years in Ohio, and three years in Illinois; is at present Superintendent of the Sabbath school at the Jones Schoolhouse. Has five children - Robert, Yeoman, Oliver, Teresa and Austin.

JOHN VANORDSTRAND, farm and stock; P. 0. Heyworth ; was born June 11, 1830, in Washington Co., Penn., and remained there until 1849 ; was engaged in farming. He then came to McLean Co., 111., and settled in Randolph Township, engaging in selling goods at Independence, now Heyworth ; was in partnership with Isaac Vanordstrand until 1855. In 1851, he was married to Elizabeth Oliver, born in Ireland in 1828 ; she came to Illinois in 1849. In 1855, he began farming, renting for one year ; in 1860, he came to his present farm of 384 acres, which he bought in 1851, every particle of which they have earned by their own labor and management. When Mr. Vanordstrand came to Illinois, he had but $25 ; he began business by borrowing money, and by skillful contrivance has made himself a magnificent home. His farm was a raw prairie when he settled on it, but now is under fine improvement. He has held offices connected with schools sixteen years ; Highway Commissioner five years, is now on sixth ; was Collector one year, and Assessor one year. He makes a specialty of breeding fine cattle, hogs, sheep and horses ; especially noteworthy is his Norman horse, which is one of the finest in the State. They have seven children - W. P. and I. S. (twins), Belle, John. Ella, George and Arthur.

GOTTLIEB ARNOLD, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 21; P. 0. Bloomington. Methodist; Republican. One of the old settlers of McLean Co. ; born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 30, 1831, where he worked at farming, ditching and piking until he emigrated to America, landing in New York in 1854; coming West, he worked upon a farm in Pennsylvania eighteen months, and came to McLean Co. in 1856 ; after working in the brick-yard one year, in Bloomington, then two years as farm laborer, he rented land, upon which he farmed five years, when he bought eighty acres of land upon Sec. 21, Towanda Township, upon which he then located and where he has since lived. When Mr. Arnold came to this country, he was in debt $100 for money borrowed to come to America ; he paid the same from his first year's labor, and upon arriving in Bloomington, his capital consisted of 35 cents; he now owns 160 acres of land, with good farm buildings, which, with his stock, is valued at upward of $8,000, all of which he has made by his own hard labor and good business management His marriage with Katarina Bloom was celebrated in 1850 ; they have six children now living, having lost three by death ; the living are William, Charles, Katarina, George, Mary and Jacob.

D. F. BIDDLE, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Towanda ; one of the old settlers of McLean Co.; born in Fayette Co., Ohio, Nov. 3, 1836 ; he is a son of Noble Biddle, now living in Lexington, who emigrated from Ohio and located in McLean Co. in 1849. The subject of this sketch emigrated to this county in 1849, and remained with his father until he attained his majority; in the spring of 1858, he commenced farming, and, in March, 1862, removed upon his present place, where he has since lived ; he owns 160 acres upon Sec. 1, and 120 acres upon Sec. 2, Towanda Township, all under a good state of cultivation, and upon which he has the best of farm buildings, the above property being accumulated by his own hard labor and correct business habits ; he farms his 280 acres of land, and some rented land, the products of which he feeds to his stock, which consists mostly of cattle and hogs. He is now Justice of the Peace, which office he has held for three years. His marriage with Rebecca A. Lambert was celebrated Dec. 22, 1860 ; she was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, Oct. 24, 1836 ; they have six children now living - Melissa E., born Sept. 23, 1861 ; Edna Iff-., Feb. 4, 1867 ; Noble M., Jan. 1, 1865 ; Elmer, May 30, 1869 ; John P., Feb. 23, 1871 ; Wilmer 0., July 5, 1875. Mrs. Biddle is a daughter of John

B. F. BALLARD, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Bloomington. Baptist; Democrat. One of the old settlers of McLean Co. ; born in Jessamine Co., Ky., April 30, 1828 ; he was a son of Henry Ballard, who was born in Virginia in 1792, and emigrated to Kentucky in 1806, and to McLean Co. in 1856, and made his home with his children until his decease, which -occurred in 1871, at the advanced age of 79 years. The subject of this sketch lived with his parents until he attained his majority ; the following six years, he was engaged in building fences, in Kentucky, and, in 1855, he came to Illinois and engaged in the wagon and pump business, in Bloomington, for four years, under the firm name of D. D. Haggard & Co. ; he then purchased 120 acres of land in Old Town Township, improved the same six years, when he purchased his present place of 160 acres, in 1865. where he has since lived. His marriage with Sarah F. Hardesty was celebrated in December, 1850; she was born in Bourbon Co., Ky. ; they have nine children now living - Henry F., David W., Asa H., Charles, Herman E., Ida B., Mary A., Benjamin F. and Lucy C.

JAMES H. BALLARD, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 34; P. O. Bloomington. Baptist; Democrat. One of the old settlers of McLean Co. ; born in Garrard Co., Ky., Oct. 29, 1844 ; he was the oldest son of William L. Ballard, who was born in Kentucky, and emigrated to this county in 1856, and purchased Sec. 34, Towanda Township, and followed farming until his decease, which occurred in 1870. James H. Ballard lived with his father until the decease of the latter, since which time, with the exception of one year, he has followed farming upon the old place, where he has 160 acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation, with good farm buildings. His marriage with Almina Holcomb was celebrated in December, 1871 ; she was born in Ashtabula, Ohio ; they have three children by this union - Mary G., Arthur C. and Walter R.

T. P. BARKALOW, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Towanda ; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Jan. V, 1830 ; he was brought up to farm labor, and, at 21 years of age, commenced farming for himself, continuing the same in Ohio until 1864, when he disposed of his property in Ohio and emigrated to McLean Co., 111., and purchased his present place of 160 acres upon Sec. 8, Towanda Township, where he has since lived. His marriage with Mary F. Lloyd was celebrated Feb. 7, 1855; she was born in Warren Co., Ohio, April 15, 1833; they were the parents of two children, of whom one died in infancy ; the living, James A., was born Dec. 17, 1855 ; he is now living at home, and is engaged in the study of medicine with Dr. Girtin, of Towanda. Mr. Barkalow has taken a deep interest in the cause of religion, having, with his wife, been a member of the Presbyterian Church for the past twenty-five years.

CALVIN BARNES, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 31 ; P. O. Bloomington ; one of the oldest settlers in McLean Co.; born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., April 13, 1805 ; at the age of 21, he commenced work for himself; after working upon a canal packet for one year, he then commenced farming for himself, which business he pursued in New York until the fall of 1853, when he came to this county and purchased Sec 29, this township, and has since added by purchase until he now owns 990 acres of land, upon which he has three good sets of farm buildings, which, together with the large amount of stock which he owns, is valued at near $60,000, and all of which he has accumulated by his own labor and good business management. His marriage with Lucinda Keyser was celebrated Jan. 26, 1837 ; she was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., May 16, 1816 ; they have four sons and two daughters by this union, viz., Elizabeth, Franklin, Alden, Monroe. Lucy and Calvin, Jr. When Mr. Barnes first located here, there were but two houses from his place to Bloomington.

FRANKLIN BARNES, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Towanda ; one of the old settlers of McLean Co.; was born in the State of New York Sept. 26, 1839 ; he is the oldest son of Calvin Barnes, whose biography appears in this work. Franklin Barnes was brought up to farm labor, obtaining a good common-school education. On the 24th of September, 1878, he was united in marriage with Nancy Duncan ; she was born in Clark Co., Ky., and was a daughter of W. R. Duncan, who emigrated to this county from Kentucky in 1863, and located on Sec. 7, Towanda Township, where his decease occurred in the fall of 1876. Mr. Barnes is engaged in farming 135 acres of land, and also raising blooded horses.

JOSEPH P. BEDINGER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 18; P. 0. Normal; one of the old settlers of McLean Co.; born in Nicholas Co., Ky., July 6, 1841; in 1856, he emigrated to Illinois with his parents, and located in Towanda Township, before the organization of the township. He located upon his present place in 1 858, at which time there were only two houses within a distance of seven miles ; he has 200 acres upon his home farm, which he has brought from its wild prairie condition to its present high state of cultivation, by his own hard labor. His marriage with Paulina Dimmitt was celebrated Dec. 16, 1864; she was born in McLean Co., 111., June 17, 1842 ; they have three children now living, having lost four by death ; the living are George, Rosa and Alice. Mrs. Bedinger was a daughter of William Dimmitt, one of the early pioneers of McLean Co.

JOHN E. CAMERON, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 23 ; P. O. Towanda ; born in Jefferson Co.. Va., Dec. 6, 1844. He was raised to farm labor in Virginia until 1857, when he emigrated with his parents to Missouri, and followed farming in Missouri until 1864, when he came to Woodford Co., and engaged in farming until 1867. He disposed of his property in Woodford Co. and removed to Texas, arriving in Jefferson, Texas, Jan. 1, 1868. He then went overland to Collins Co., 150 miles, horseback, where he remained eight months, then returned to McLean Co., and followed farming until 1875. He then went back to Texas with his family, and engaged in freighting and teaming until the fall of 1878, at which date he returned to McLean Co., and located upon Sec. 23, Towanda Township, where he is engaged in farming 300 acres. His marriage with Alice Jones was celebrated July 4, 1870 ; she was born in McLean Co., 111., May 8, 1851 ; she was a daughter of Abram R. Jones, one of the early pioneers of McLean Co. He emigrated from Clark Co., Ohio, and entered land with land warrants, and purchased, until he had accumulated some 1,700 acres in Towanda, and afterward owned some 4,000 acres in Cropsey Township, and, at the date of his death, he owned 740 acres in Towanda Township, and 240 acres in Cropsev Township. He died April 4, 1878. The children of J. E. and Alice (Jones) Cameron were five in number, of whom three are now living, viz. : Minnie L., born Feb. 19, 1874 ; Hattie M., April 8, 1876, and Maud, May 2, 1879. Mr. Jones has probably broken more prairie than any other man in Illinois, having broken as high as 30,000 acres, and has cultivated and improved more land than any other man in McLean Co.

T. J. DJNAHUE, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Holder ; born in County Galway, Ireland, Nov. 10, 1829. At 18 years of age, he emigrated to America, landing in New York in June, 1847. Coming directly West, he followed farming in La Salle Co. five years. In 1853, he commenced the carpenter's trade in Bloomington, continuing the same until 1859, at which date he went to Colorado and followed mining three years. In 1862, he purchased an interest in a flouring-mill in New Mexico, which he run five years, and, in 1867, he came to McLean Co., 111., and purchased his present place of 240 acres upon Sec. 36, Towanda Township. He is, aside from farming, engaged in raising and feeding stock, feeding yearly from 100 to 150 hogs, 40 to 50 head of cattle, feeding the productions of 100 to 150 acres of corn, besides some 4,000 bushels purchased yearly. His marriage with Annie Garretson was celebrated July 9, 1867 ; she was born in Indiana, and emigrated with her parents to Bloomington when 1 year of age.

JOHN T. DIDLAKE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 5 ; P. O. Towanda; Christian ; Democrat ; one of the oldest settlers of McLem Co. ; born in Clark Co., Ky., Oct. 29, 1833 ; at 18 years of age, he emigrated with his father to Illinois, and located in Bloomington in October, 1851 ; he then engaged in buying and shipping grain with his father, under the firm name of Didlake & Son, until 1868, when he erected an elevator at Stanford, which was consumed by fire the following year, and by which he suffered a loss of upward of $7,000 ; in 1868, he purchased his present place of 140 acres, and, in 1870, located upon the same, where he has since followed farming and stock-raising. He has had his full share of offices, having filled the offices of Supervisor, School Trustee and Town Collector in Towanda Township, and has been the Secretary of the McLean County Agricultural Society for a period of nearly twenty years. In 1856, he was united in marriage in Detroit, Mich., to Priscilla Parshall ; she was raised in Detroit ; they have three sons and three daughters, viz., William P., Mildred, Charles D., Julia B., Mary P., and John W , all of whom are now living at home with the exception of Mildred, who is attending the University at Normal.

T. J. FORD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Towanda; born in Boston, Mass., upon the 6th of January, 1841, where he attended the public school until 12 years of age, when he emigrated with his father to Wisconsin and located in Milwaukee Co., where he was raised to farm labor until 21 years of age; when, upon Aug. 18, 1862, he enlisted as private in Co. H, 24th Wisconsin Vol. Infantry, and went forward to battle for the Union : he was forwarded to the army of the Cumberland under Gen. Rosecrans, and was engaged in the battle of Prairieville, Oct. 8, 1862; Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862; Chickamauga, Sept. 19 and 20, 1863 ; Mission Ridge, Nov. 24 and 25, 1863 : Rocky Face, May 9, 1864; Resaca, May 14, 1864; Calhoun, May 17, 1864 ; Adairsville, May 18, 1864; Spring Hill, Nov. 29, 1864; Franklin, Nov. 30, 1864; Nashville, Dec. 15 and 16, 1864 ; at the battle of Prairieville, he was promoted to Sergeant for meritorious conduct ; at the battle of Adairsville, he was wounded by a ball in the left breast, and which he yet carries in his breast, from the effects of which he is unable to perform much manual labor, especially that which causes much movement of the chest and muscles ; he nas been treated by physicians for the same for the last fourteen years ; he laid in the hospital some six months, when he again joined his regiment at Chattanooga, and remained with the regiment until he received his discharge, June 22, 1865, having served in the Union army nearly three years ; his father and brother also served in the Union army three years ; after receiving his discharge, he returned to Wisconsin and engaged in farming until 1867, when he came to McLean Co., and located upon his present place, where he has since lived. He owns eighty acres upon his home place, all under a high state of cultivation ; all of which he has made by his correct business habits. His marriage with Mary Finley was celebrated Aug. 8, 1868 ; they have no children. Mr. Ford has taken a deep interest in politics, being a strong Republican, and has always supported tlia above party since its organization ; he has taken an interest to such an extent that he was called upon to make speeches for the support of the Republican party, of which favorable mention was made by the Bloomington papers ; to use his own expression, he votes as he fought.

J. G. GEIGER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Towanda ; one of the old settlers of McLean Co. ; born in Bavaria, Germany, April 9, 1833 ; he was employed in his youth at farming and the lumber business until 19 years of age, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York May 18, 1852; coming West, he was employed upon a farm in Ohio until 1856, when he emigrated to Illinois, and after working as farm laborer three years west of Bloomington, he purchased eighty acres, in 1859, upon Sec. 4, where he removed and lived until 1866, when he sold his farm and purchased 125 acres upon the northeast quarter of Sec. 3, upon which he then located, and where he now lives. Mr. Geiger arrived in Cincinnati without a penny ; he has since received a legacy of $350, and now owns 285 acres of land in Towanda and Money Creek Townships, with two good sets of farm-buildings, all of which he has made by his own hard labor, energy and industry. His marriage with Anna Niese was celebrated in McLean Co., in September, 1859 j she was born in Bavaria in October, 1834 ; they were the parents of thirteen children, of whom seven are now living, viz., George H., Frank, Albert F., John W., Paul H., Magdalene and Minnie ; the deceased died in infancy.

C. M. HELLER, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Towanda ; one of the old settlers of McLean Co. ; born in Clark Co., Ohio. Oct. 2, 1839 ; he came to this county in 1856, and located upon Sec. 17, this township ; Mr. Heller first commenced farming for himself upon rented land, his capital at that time consisted of one team ; after farming upon rented land some five years, he purchased a $1,400 interest in his present place, and now owns 120 acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation with good farm-buildings, all of which he has accumulated by his own hard labor and correct business management. Upon the 28th of November, 1861, he was united in marriage with Anna Fling ; she was born upon Sec. 9, this township, in 1841 ; she was a daughter of Richard Fling, one of the early pioneers of this county, and one of the Revolutionary patriots who emigrated from Ohio to McLean Co., at a very early day. He met his death by his team running away while in Bloomington, in the fall of 1855, at the advanced age of 70 years.

FRANKLIN HENDERSON, farmer and grain-dealer; P. 0. Towanda; one of the old settlers of McLean Co.; born in Greene Co., 111., Sept. 15, 1828 ; in the spring of 1857, he came to McLean Co., and located at Towanda, where he has since been largely engaged in farming and buying and shipping stock to Chicago and Eastern markets, and buying and shipping grain to Chicago ; he held the office of School Treasurer for ten years ; has been Supervisor of his township for ten years, nine years in succession, and for four years was Chairman of the Board. Upon entering upon the duties of Supervisor, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Railroad Assessments, and, being convinced from large observations that they were not paying tax upon their property at the rate individuals were, he at once commenced to raise their assessments from their schedules ; to this the railroads took exceptions, and commenced litigation, which passed through all the courts, widening and deepening as it went, until nearly all the railroads in the State became involved in it, ending in a complete victory for the people, and against all railroad companies and corporations, and establishing by legislation and the courts the principles of equal taxation to all. While this was progressing in court, he was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to visit and confer with the State Board of Equalization, looking after the interest of the county, whose assessments had been raised by the State Board of Equalization upward of 32 per cent upon all real and personal property ; he succeeded in showing the State Board the injustice of such assessments, and succeeding in obtaining a reduction of upward of 15 per cent on the next year's assessments, instead of the 32 per cent, addition ; at the same time, he detected a clerical error the Clerk of the State Board had made the year before of $5,000 against the county. The State Board took the ground in this matter that they had no power to relieve the county only by recommending to the Legislature to refund the amount by legislative enactment, and proposed to do this, but, from some cause, failed to do so; but the error was so plain that our Senator, John Cusey, and Representatives John Cassedy, Dr. Rogers and Dr. E. A. Stuart, drew up the bill, and succeeded in battling it through, and recovered back $4,850 of the amount. Mr. Henderson now owns 240 acres of land, 160 of which is in this township. His marriage with Sarah A. Metcalf was celebrated Aug. 10, 1851 ; she was born in Morgan Co., 111., Dec. 25, 1829; they have five children now living, having lost two by death ; the living are - George, Frank, Effie, Edwin, Harry ; the deceased died in childhood.

WILLIAM HEMSTREET, retired farmer ; P. 0. Towanda ; one of the old settlers of McLean Co.; born in Scoharie Co., N. Y., Nov. 15, 1807, where he obtained a common-school education by walking a distance of four miles to and from school ; he was brought up to farm labor until 15 years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade, which business he followed some three years in his native town, after which he removed to Syracuse and engaged in ihe same business a few years, when he engaged as partner in the carriage and general blacksmith business until 1855, when he emigrated West and located in La Salle Co., 111., until 1861, when he came lo McLean Co. and settled in Blue Mound Township, where he purchased 170 acres of land which at that time was perfectly wild, and which he brought from its wild prairie condition to its present high state of cultivation by his own hard labor. In 1875, Mr. Hemstreet sold his farm and retired from active labor, and purchased his present residence in Towanda, where he has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Hemstreet are regular attendants of the churches, having been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a period of half a century. His marriage with

Sophia Parker was celebrated in New York March 10, 1832; she was born in Wallingford, Conn., Sept. 22, 1808: they were the parents of four children - Elmira H. (now Mrs. Samuel Gardner, living in Chicago), William F., George W. (lost his life while defending his country at Jackson, Miss., in the summer of 1863 ; he was commissioned as First Lieutenant of Co. G, 53d I. V. I., which position he held until his death ; his widow and one daughter are now living in Pontiac); James S., now a blacksmith and carriage maker at Delavan, Tazewell Co., 111.

FRANK M. JONES, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Towanda ; one of the old settlers of McLean Co. He is a brother of Nelson Jones, whose sketch also appears in this work. F. M. Jones was born in Clark Co., Ohio, March 8, 1833. He is the youngest son of Abram R. Jones, Sr., who was born Oct. 17, 1791, in the State of New York, of Welsh descent; he emigrated to Ohio in 1808, and, during the war of 1812, was engaged in hauling provisions to the army. Upon the 13th of May, 1813, he was united in marriage with Matilda Noel. She was born in Kentucky July 29, 1795, and emigrated to Maryland and from there to the territory of Ohio in 1802. They came to this county in 1856, where Mr. Jones died Feb. 11, 1865. Mrs. Jones is now living in Towanda, in the 84th year of her age, in possession of all her faculties, and daily attends to the light duties of housekeeping, and is a regular attendant of the Methodist Church, of which she has been a member for the past seventy years. Upon her 83d birthday, a family reunion was held at the residence of her son, F. M. Jones, at which there were about one hundred present, most of whom were her direct descendants, of whom were present six of her seven living children, seventeen grandchildren, and one of thirteen great-grandchildren. The subject of this sketch came to this township in 1851, and, the following year, purchased eighty -five acres and entered one hundred and sixty acres with land warrants, and engaged in farming and stockraising, which business he has since successfully followed. He feeds yearly some two hundred and fifty cattle, one hundred hogs, some horses and sheep, a part of the cattle being blooded short horns. He owns upward of three hundred acres of land and rents five hundred acres, which he makes use of for grazing, hay and corn. In 1866, Mr. Jones contracted to break one thousand acres of prairie for his brother, A. R. Jones, and went to Texas, where he purchased one hundred and sixty-five head of steers, which he brought up and made use of, fitting up thirteen ox-teams of five yoke in each team, supplying his own herders, blacksmith and cook, which he kept upon the ground. His marriage with Ann M. Hampleman was celebrated Jan. 28, 1858. She was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Oct. 18, 1839. They were the parents of seven children, of whom five are now living, viz., Price M., Edwin E., Maurice E., Cyrus G. and Stella.

NELSON JONES, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1(3 : P. 0. Towanda; one of the pioneers of Towanda Township, McLean Co.; born in Clark Co., Ohio, April 5, 1826, where he was raised to farm labor. In the spring of 1848, he came to Smith's Grove, McLean Co., and, in 1849, he and his brother J. R. purchased 600 acres in Towanda Township In 1850, Cyrus Jones purchased a one-third interest, and the three brothers continued farming and stock-raising in partnership until 1854, since which time Mr. Jones has continued the same alone. His capital, upon arriving here, consisted of $342 cash, and one horse and saddle. In 1854, he entered some two hundred acres of land. He now owns nearly one thousand acres, upon which he has three sets of good farm buildings, his large private brick residence being erected in 1869, at an expense of upward of $12,000; his main barn was built in 1873, at an expense of some $4,500, and, with the house, are second to no farm buildings in the county. He is one of the prominent men of the township, in which he has taken a deep interest since its organization, and is now the second oldest settler and voter of the township. Aside from farming, he is largely engaged in raising and feeding stock, making a specialty of blooded short-horn cattle, feeding yearly some two hundred head of cattle, one hundred hogs, two hundred sheep and some horses, some seasons purchasing as high as seven thousand bushels of corn for feeding, aside from the productions of one hundred acres or more which he raises upon his own farm. His marriage with Eliza A. White was celebrated March 4, 1857. She was born in La Fayette, Ind., Nov. 20, 1830. They have five children, viz.: Ward B., born June 17, 1858; Lottie G., April 5, 1863 ; Julia A., Sept. 7, 1866 ; Elmetta M., June 21, 1869 ; Mark O, Sept. 24, 1871. Mrs. Jones is a daughter of George C. White, of whom mention is male in the biography of George W. White in this work. Mr. Jones is a son of Abram R. Jones, Sr., who is mentioned in the biography of Frank M. Jones, in this work.