McLean County, Illinois - The whole text, 1879 (part 41 of 42)

JESSE M. BENSON, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 36; P. O. Lexington ; one of the prominent farmers of Lawndale Township ; was born in McLean Co., 111., Nov. 12, 1839, where he has since resided. Served three years in the army during the war of the rebellion, and was at engagements of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and a number of lesser engagements ; enlisted in the springof 1861, in Co. G, 17th I. V. I., and served with distinction until his discharge, which occurred in July, 1864. In 1869, Vlr. Benson bought 160 acres of wild prairie land, which he has improved until he now owns one of the prettiest places in Lawndale Township. He was married to Elizabeth W. Conger Sept. 22, 1864 ; from this marriage there are four children, all of whom are now living - Nancy, John F., Bruce and Franklin. Benjamin Conger, father of Mrs. Jesse Benson, is now living with his daughter; he is believed to be the oldest living inhabitant of McLean Co., having come to the county in 1821, where he has since resided.

HENRY L. BOURQUIN, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Potosi. The subject of this sketch was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, Nov. 15, 1816; landed in America June 18, 1833; lived in Philadelphia a short time; then moved to Columbiana Co., Ohio, and from there to McLean Co., III., in 1840; lived in McLean Co. but a short time, when he moved to Peoria, where he lived twelve years ; since that time, Mr. Bourquin has lived in Kansas and the northern part of Peoria Co. ; he came to Lawndale Township in 1867, where he has since resided. He was united in marriage with Mary A. Grosjohn in 1836 ; they have six children - Peter, Charles, Francis, Susanna, Harriet and Mary. Mr. Bourquin owns 160 acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation.

HON. JOHN CASSEDY, farming and stock-raising, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Lexington. The subject of this sketch is a native of New York, was born July 7, 1827 ; came to McLean County in 1851, and entered 200 acres of land, returning the same year to his native State. In August of 1855, he again came to McLean County, and settled on the land he had entered in 1851, where he has since resided. He has been adding from time to time to what he entered until he now owns 742 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. Cassedy has held a great many positions of honor and trust. Among the local offices held by Mr. Cassedy might be mentioned those of Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee. Township Clerk, etc. He was the first and is the present Supervisor; in all of these offices he well and faithfully served his constituents. In 1872, the people of McLean County called upon him to represent them in their State Legislature, which be faithfully and honorably did. The following resolution was brought forward by Mr. Cassedy, which passed both Houses :

Resolution. - Whereas, the Constitution of the United State3 makes it the duty of Congress to regulate commerce between the States; therefore, resolved, by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring herein, that our Senators be instructed, and our Representatives in Congress be requested to use all lawful means to procure a law of Congress preventing railroads or transportation companies, doing business through or between the States, from making unjust charges or discriminations for such service.

Mr. Cassedy assisted in the organization of Lawndale Township, and proposed the name the township now bears. He was united in marriage with Mary A. Brown February 2, 1857. Miss Brown was born in Sangamon Co., III., July 18,1838. By this union there are six children, all of whom are now living, viz. : John F., Annie M., Minnie F., Cora B., Iona M. and Ida L. LEWIS DECKER, farmer, Section 25; P. 0. Potosi. The subject of this sketch is son of George J. and Margaret Decker, who came from Bavaria to America in 1832 ; lived in Pennsylvania thirty-two years, and in New York City four years. In the last named place the subject of this sketch was born, November 5, 1844. He has been a resident of Lawndale Tp. six years; is one of the prominent men of the township, and takes a deep interest in education, books and papers ; has a complete library, which he has bought from time to time as his means would admit of his doing.

JOHN HICKEY. 'armer and stock-raiser, Section 8 ; P. 0. Lexington. The subject of this sketch was born in Tipperary County, Parish of Holy Cross, Ireland, June 26, 1838 ; is son of Michael 0. and Catherine Hickey. Mr. Hickey came to America in 1856, lived in New Jersey for two and a half years, at which time he came to Lawndale Township, in 1868, where he has since resided. Mr. Hickey's farm is nicely improved, and consists of 320 acres. He deals in hogs and cattle, and is one of the enterprising men of Lawndale Township.

GEORGE W. HISER, farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Lexington. The subject of this sketch is son of James and Elmira Hiser ; he was born in Wayne < o., Ind., Feb 7, 1854 ; the year his father came to McLean Co. ; they lived in Dry Grove Township until their removal to Lawndale Township, which occurred in the spring of 1866. Mr. Hiser has four good horses, and deals largely in Poland, China and Berkshire hogs.

THOMAS B. KILGORE. farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 26; P. 0. Lexington; born in Franklin Co., Ohio, March 23, 1840, where he resided until 1867, removing to Illinois in March of that year, locating in Lawndale Township, this county. Mr. Kiser has served as Supervisor three terms, and has held other minor offices ; owns 480 acres of farm lan'ds in Lawndale Township. Married in April, 1867, to Miss Mary E. Batterton, who was born in Lawndale Township ; her father. Martin Batterton, was one of the early settlers ; three children by this union - John M., Lizzie M. and Maud B. Mr. Kilgore enlisted in Co. K, 1st Ohio C, in August, 1861, and served until the expiration of his term of service, and was mustered out in October, 1864; he participated in the following battles: Corinth, Perryville. Stone River, Chickamauga, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach-tree Creek, Atlanta and many other skirmishes. Member of Bethesda Lodge, No. 661, A., F. & A. M., at Potosi.

FREDERICK W. KNIGHT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Lexington. The subject of this sketch was born in Caledonia Co., Vt., Jan. 16, 1855; came to McLean Co. when a child 3 years of age, where he has since resided ; has been a resident of Lawndale Township for five years. He and his uncle, J. W. Arnold, own and farm 320 acres of land, and are engaged in raising Norman horses, they having quite a number of this valuable breed. He was united in marriage with Mary A. Arnold Feb 26, 1877; they have one child - Carl F.,born Dec. 19, 1877.

WILLIAM B. KNIGHT, farmer. Sec. 36; P. O. Potosi; was born in McLean Co., 111., Feb. 22, 1855, and is the son of M. H. and E. D. Knight, who came to the county more than forty years ago. Mr. W. B. Knight is now living on part of the estate of the late M. H. Knight. Was married to Sarah J. Mitchell Feb. 10, 1878. Mr. Knight is an enterprising young man, and bids fair to become one of the first men of Lawndale Township.

JAMES McNAB, farmer and dealer in stock, Sec. 11 ; P. O. Fairbury. The subject of this sketch was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Aug. 15, 1830, and came to Lawndale Township April 12, 1874; he is the son of John and Annie McNab, who came from Scotland to New York in 1800; they were the parents of thirteen children; James, the subject of this sketch, and his brother Malcom, being twins ; their mother's maiden name was Annie Mclntyre ; there are oleven of the children now living - Christian, Peter. John, Daniel, Malcom, James, Margaret, Allen, Isabel, Alexander B. and Joseph : the names of those deceased were Helen and Mary. Mr. James McNab owns 160 acres of land, which is well improved, and which he has earned by his own exertions.

HARVEY MOON, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Lexington. The subject of this sketch was born in Madison Co., Ohio, Nov. 20. 1822; came to McLean Co. in 1861, and to Lawndale Township in 1865; owns 240 acres of land all under cultivation. Mr. Moon deals largely in cattle and hogs. He was united in marriage with Sarah A. Stroup, Dec 31, 1843 ; there were twelve children from this union, eleven of whom are now living - Volney, Arthur, Harvey, Rosanna, Naomi. John, Albert, Jane, William, Jonathan and Jacob. Aaron (deceased) was in the 94th I. V. I.; died at Benton Barracks in 1864.

GEORGE W. MYERS, farmer and stock -raiser ; P. 0. Fairbury ; one of the large land owners of Lawndale Township ; was born in LcLean Co., 111., Nov. 23, 1836, and where he has since lived ; owns 558 acres of land, and is the present Township Assessor. He was united in marriage, with Annie M. Woodard, in 1856; she was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, April 1, 1837 ; from this union there was one child - Franklin P. - born June 10, 1857, and died Sept. 10, 1857.

SHELTON SMITH, farming and stock-raising, Sec. 19; P. 0. Lexington; one of the pioneers of Lawndale Township; came, with his father, from Switzerland Co., Ind., in the fall of 1834, being then but nine years of age; he has since resided in the township; was Justice of the Peace previous to township organization ; assisted in the organization of the township, and has been Supervisor for seven years ; was also the first Township Collector. John Smith, f ither of the subject of this sketch, came from Maryland, and died upon, the farm now owned by Shelton Smith, in the 77th year of his age. Mr. Smith now owns 560 acres of land, all of which is under a good state of cultivation. There never has been a lien or mortgage on the land now owned by Mr. Smith, since it was entered by his father in 1839 - a fact of which Mr. Smith is justly proud. The subject of this sketch was born in Switzerland Co., Ind., in 1825. His union with Malinda Powell was celebrated Nov. 16, 1851, and it is greatly owing to this good woman's economy and advice, that the subject of this sketch owes his success in life. From the union of Shelton Smith and Mary Powell, there were seven children, five of whom are now living- Emma, Lou, Lottie, Shelton L. and Albert ; the names of those deceased were Harper and Cassandra. Mr. Smith's mother, aged 89, is now living; is a sprightly woman for her age, and is in possession of all her faculties.

ROBERT M. VANCE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Lexington. The subject of this sketch is one of the old settlers of Lawndale Township ; was born in Adams Co., Ohio, June 9, 1821, where he lived until the fall of 1852, at which time he moved to McLean Co., Ill: ; lived near Pleasant Hill for four years, then came to Lawndale Township, where he has since resided. On first coming to the township, Mr. Vance bought eighty acres of wild prairie land, to which he has since added eighty acres, until at the present he owns 160 acres, all nicely improved. He was united in marriage with Melissa Jennings Nov. 19, 1845 ; she was born in Adams Co., Ohio, March 81, 1826. From this union there were nine children, all of whom are now living - Virginia, James M., Naomi, Salonia, Robert, Nora, Franklin, Ella and William M.

SAMUEL A. VANCE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 3; P. 0. Weston; one of the prominent Republicans of Lawndale Township ; was born in Adams Co., Ohio, July 9, 1818, where he resided until 1849 ; he then moved to Scioto Co., Ohio, in 1849, and lived there until his removal to Lawndale Township, which occurred in 1858. Mr. Vance owns 160 acres of nicely-improved land, which he has made by his own exertions His marriage with Sabra Stout occurred Jan. 23, 1844; she was bor-n in Adams Co., Ohio, April 23, 1825. From this union there were eight children, six of whom are now living - Albert B., John A., Cora A., Misha A., Charles D. and Avirda M. The names of those deceased were Monroe C. and Jamie S.

EDWARD M. WHITE, farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Lexington. The subject of this sketch is a son of G. C. and J. A. White, whose biography appears in this work, and who were pioneers of McLean Co. ; was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., Sept. 17, 1845. Mr. White is one of the leading Republicans of Lawndale Township ; owns 160 acres of nicely-improved land.

JOHN M. WHITE, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Lexington ; one of the large landholders of Lawndale Township ;. was born in Tippecanoe Co.. Ind., Ang. 17, 1837; came to McLean Co. in 1850, and has been a resident of the county ever since ; moved to Lawndale Township March 20, 1862. The subject of this sketch is the son of George C. and Julia A. White. His mother died March 25, 1865. The father is still alive, and lives in Towanda Township ; he is 76 yeirs old, in good health, and in possession of all his faculties. Mr. White owns one of the best improved farms in McLean Co., which consists of 252 acres. He was united in marriage with Theresa Hamilton April 18, 1868. There are two children from this union - Clarence M., born Dec. 30, 1868, and Morry H., born July 30, 1878. Mrs. White was born in Brown Co., Ohio, June 18, 1847.

LYTLE R. WILEY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Lexington. The subject of this sketch is one of the oldest living settlers of McLean Co. ; was born in Garrard Co., Ky., Nov. 7, 1815, and came to Indiana with his father when but a child ; came to McLean Co., 111., with his parents, in the fall of 1835, where he has since lived ; assisted in the organization of Lawndale and Martin Townships. He now owns 1,020 acres of good, tillable land. There has never been a mortgage or lien on the land since in came into his possession, and he, at the age of 63, justly feels proud that he can leave such a financial record to his family. He was united in marriage with Sarah R. Wiley June 13, 1843. From this union there were eight children, six of whom are now living - Thomas R., Rhoda M., John J., Sarah L., Lytle R. and Mary C. ; the names of those deceased were Hannah E. and William S.

ISAAC S. BARRETT, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Danvers ; was born in Warrick Co., Ind., Feb. 12, 1850; came to this State in 1877, and then settled in McLean Co. His farm consists of 125 acres. He was married, in April, 1869, to Miss Louisa Corn, who was born in Pike Co., Ind., Aug. 20, 1855. They have five children, viz. .Euphrates, Rafa C, Ella, Pleva and Amos.

S. H. BROWN, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Bloomington ; one of the early and prominent settlers of the county ; was born in Windsor Co., Vt. Aug. 12, 1815. His early life was spent upon his father's farm in the East. In 1836, he came to Illinois, and located in Tazewell Co. In 1840, he was married to Fidelia Munsell, now deceased. They have had three children, one of whom is living, viz., Angeline; deceased - Sarah and George. George was a participant in the late war, and died at Vicksburg in 1863. Mr. Brown married again in 1850, on the 25th day of December, Miss Mary Henry, who was born in Ohio March 23, 1828. They have had six children, one of whom is living - Fred S. ; deceased - John J., Charles E., Norman E.,

Lincoln and Truman E. Since Mr. Brown's residence in McLean Co., he has held the offices of Justice of the Peace twelve years, and Assessor three years. His farm consists of 168£ acres, valued at $12,000.

JAMES W. CAMPBELL, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Bloomington ; one of the early and prominent settlers ; was born in Adams Co., Ohio, May 15, 1829 ; came to this State and settled in McLean Co. in 1852. Since his residence in the county, he has held the offices of Supervisor in Dry Grove Township three years, and Commissioner three terms. His farm consists of 240 acres, valued at $12,000. He was married in Ohio, in 1853, to Miss Sarah J. Kirkpatrick, now deceased. They have had six children, five of whom are living, viz., Elizabeth, Mary, Bryson M., Emma, Eva E. and Ollie A.; deceased - Annie K. Mr. Campbell was married again, in Illinois, to Mrs. Nancy Kirkpatrick, of Harrison Co., Ohio.

SAMUEL C. DEAL, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Bloomington; one of the early and most prominent settlers; was born in Augusta Co., Va., Oct. 28, 1814. In October, 1848, he removed from his native State to Illinois, with his father's family, who were in company with several other families. Mr. Deal settled in Dry Grove Township, McLean Co. His farm consists of 1,209 acres, valued at $55,000. He was married in Virginia Dec. 21, 1836, to Miss Percilla Brown, now deceased, who was born in Rockingham Co., Va., April 7, 1816, and who died June 6, 1874. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living - John B., Samuel A., Elizabeth E., Mary J., Sarah A., Emma P. and Virginia H. The deceased are James W. and Jane A.

ISAAC DARST, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Bloomington : one of the early settlers of the county ; was born in Miami Co., Ohio, April 25, 1823; came to this State, and settled in Logan Co. in 1846, and, in 1848, he removed to McLean Co., where he has since resided. His farm consists of 100 acres, valued at $6,000. He was married, April 1, 1844, to Miss Matilda Decker, who was born in Athens Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1825. They have seven children, viz., Frank lin, Mary, George, John, Annie, Lizzie and Sarah. Since Mr. Darst's residence in this county, has held the offices of Overseer of the Poor in Dale Township two years, and School Director in Dale and Dry Grove Townships four years.

WILLIAM D WIDSON, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Bloomington; one of the early and prominent settlers of the county ; was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., June 22, 1818 : came to this State and settled in McLein Co. in April, 1854. He was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Mary Morton, of West Virginia ; they have had seven children, six of whom are living - Margaret, Jane, Alzinous Y., Lydia,' Lauretta, Robert and Cornelia Ann; deceased - Sarah I. The farm of Mr. Davidson consists of 240 acres, valued at $14,000. Alzinous, the eldest son of Mr. Davidson, was a participant in the late war : he served four years in I. V. C, and, at the close of the war. was discharged with honors.

SAMUEL A. DEAL, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Danvers; one of the early settlers of the county; was born in Augusta Co., Va., July 8, 1842; came to this State with his father's family, and settled in what is now Dry Grove Township, McLean Co., in 1848. He was married in McLean Co., 111., on March 27, 1873, to Miss Mary E. Harris, who was born in Kentucky, near Bowling Green, April 6. 1846; they have had four children, two of whom are living - Hattie E. and an infant ; deceased - James Newton and Mary P. The farm of Mr. Deal consists of 747£ acres, valued at $30,000.

JACOB DONNER, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Danvers : was born in Germany April 17, 1820; came to America with his father's family in 1826: they settled in Canada, and, shortly after, removed to Ohio ; in 1839. Mr. Donner came to Illinois and settled in McLean Co., where he married Miss Frances Schwartzer, who was born in Germany Oct. 23, 1831 ; they have nine children, all of whom are living - Barbara, Mary, Lizzie, Christian, Edward, Anna, Jacob, Valentine and George. Since Mr. Donner's residence in this county, he has held the office of School Director three terms. His farm consists of 110 acres, valued at $5,000.

W. R. DOAK, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Bloomington ; was born in Ohio March 30, 1849 ; he is the son of Mr. Robert Doak, who was one of the early settlers of Ohio ; Mr. Doak came to this State and settled in McLean Co. in 1870; his farm consists of seventy -three acres. He was married in Bloomington, 111 , July 4, 1873, to Miss Mary Winklepleck, who was born in Ohio Oct. 25, 1847 ; they have three children - Anna 0., Robert D. and Thomas S.

JACOB FINK, carpenter and builder; Oak Grove; was born in Virginia Dec. 1, 1827; went to Pennsylvania in 1851, and, in 1862, volunteered in the late war, enlisting in Co. H, 16th Penn. V. C, and serving seven months, when he was discharged on account of disabilities contracted in the service. In 1871, he was married to Louisa Mills, who was born in Harrisburg, Penn. Since his residence in Illinois, he has been a carpenter and builder.

ANDREW FORBES, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Bloomington ; one of the early settlers ; was born in Wishington Co., Penn., March 8. 1825 ; came to Ohio with his parents when he was but a boy, and, in 1852. he came to Illinois and settled in McLean Co. His occupation since boyhood has been that of a farmer, with the exception of one year spent in Iowa in the mercantile business; his farm consists of eighty acres, valued at $5,000. He was married. June 22, 1854, to Miss Christy Ann McMillan, who was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, Nov. 12, 1829 ; they have six children, viz., Cassius M. C, Agnes Belle, James M., John B., Frank J. and Adolphus B. Since Mr. Forbes' residence in this county, he has held the offices of Road Commissioner and School Director several years ; he is at present, for valuable services rendered as local agent, a. life member of the Dry Grove Branch of the McLean Bible Society.

CLAUS F. GEORGE, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Bloomington ; was born in Germany; came to the United States with his father's family in 1866; they settled in McLean Co., 111., in» the same year. His father is Mr. John George, of this township ; he was married in Holstein, Germany, to Miss Christina Hennes, who was born in Germany ; they have had eight children, two only of whom are living, viz., Claus F., the subject of this sketch, and Henry ; deceased - Frederick, Annie, Nicholas, Lena, William and William Nicholas. The farm of Mr. George consists of 128 acres, valued at $7,000.

D. GERBERICH, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Bloomington ; one of the early settlers of the township; born in Lebanon Co., Penn., Feb. 9, 1809; came to this State in 1851, and then settled in McLean Co., in what is now Dry Grove Township. He was married in his native State, to Miss Nancy Bender, who was born in Pennsylvania; they have had eight children, four of whom are living, viz., Allen D., Francis, Marcus and John C; deceased - Lyman T., Nathaniel, Sarah and Anna S. When Mr. Gerberich emigrated from his native State, he took his wife and family overland in wagons. Since his residence in Dry Grove Township, he has held the office of School Director several years. His farm consists of 180 acres, valued at $10,000.

JACOB'*HARMAN, farmer; P. O. Bloomington; was born in Missouri March 20, 1840, and is the son of the late Nathan Harman, who was one of the early settlers of Davis Co., Mo. The farm of Mr. Harman consists of fifty-five acres. He was married, in 1874, to Mrs. Mary Stout, who was born in McLean Co., 111.; they have three children - Ellen Stout, Lydia Harman and Pay F. Harman. At the outbreak of the war, Mr. Harman went into the Government work on the frontier ; he served there until the close of the war, in 1865.

JOHN W. HILTON, farmer and blacksmith ; P. 0. Bloomington; was born in Washington Co., Penn., Jan. 18, 1821 ; he moved from his native State to Ohio with his father's family when he was 11 years old, and at the age of 16 he entered an apprenticeship as smith; he served three years and six months, and, until his removal from Ohio to Illinois, in 1873, his pursuits were entirely in that capacity. He was married in Ohio to Miss Mary Vasbander, who was born in Washington Co.. Penn.; A. D. 1826; they have four children - Margaret Jane, Thomas Hamilton, Mary Agnes and Jacob Newton. The farm of Mr. Hilton consists of 160 acres, valued at $7,500. During his residence in Ohio, he held office of Justice of the Peace in Harrison Co. nine years, and was also a participant in the local militia of that State, and at different times held offices of Captain and Lieutenant.

ELI HAMILTON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Oak Grove; was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, April 18, 1810 ; came to this State with his family and settled in Dry Grove Township, McLean Co., in 1873. His farm consists of 155 acres, valued at $7,500. He was married in Harrison Co., Ohio, in 1840, to Miss Mary Ann Hilton, who was born in Washington Co., Penn., Jan. 16, 1819; they have seven children living, one dead; Margaret Ann died in Ohio; the names of the living are Nancy Jane, William, Elizabeth, Thomas, John, Robert and Mattie. Since Mr. Hamilton's residence in this county, he has held office of School Director two years ; he also held the same office in Ohio for the same length of time.

G. M. HINSHAW, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Bloomington ; one of the early settlers of the county; was born in Overton Co., Tenn., April 25, 1820; came to this State with his father's family and settled in McLean Co. in 1827 ; he has been a resident of Dry Grove Township since 1830. His farm consists of 200 acres, valued at $8,000. He was married Nov. 20, 1844, to Miss Martha Anne Ward, who was born in Ohio Sept. 20, 1822 ; they have had twelve children, six of whom are living. Mr. Hinshaw has been a member of the Christian Church since 1842 ; since that time he has been a prominent member of that society ; in 1848, he was ordained Deacon, which position he sustained for five or six years, when he was made Elder, in which office he now stands ; he was a supporter of and contributor to the V. C. building, erected in this township in 1848, and also to the new bui ding erected in 1864; his time, for fourteen years, after his becoming of age, was divided in carpentering and farming ; now that he is in the evening of life, he will finish it in the pursuits of a farmer.

JAMES MONROE JAMESON, farmer ; P. 0. Bloomington ; was born in Jefferson Co., Ind., April 23, 1826 ; he received a liberal education in his native State, and upon arriving at the age of manhood was apprenticed to a saddler ; he followed this business for many years. At the outbreak of the war, he received a commission as Lieutenant, and, later, at his own request was ordered in post-regimental quarters : he remained in the service until 1864, when he came to Illinois and married Miss Mary J. Holcomb, of Indiana ; they then settled in Dry Grove Township, McLea nCo. ; they have two children - Thomas H. and Love H. Mr. Jameson is now Justice of the Peace, it is the only public office he holds ; he has retained the position since 1872. Hisfarm consists of forty acres, valued at $2,500.

DANIEL D. KENT, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Bloomington. One of our early and prominent settlers ; was born in Brown Co., Ohio, Feb. 6, 1800. Came to Illinois with his father's family when he was 13 years old. He is the son of Mr. Nathaniel Kent, now of Dale Township,

McLean Co. The farm of Mr. Kent consists of 194 acres, valued at $9,000. He was married in Illinois to Miss Jane M. Stiger, who was born in McLean Co., 111., and is the daughter of Mr. Abraham Stiger, now deceased, who was an early settler of the county. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Kent consists of two children - Eura A. and William B. Since Mr. Kent's residence in Dry Grove Township, he has served the township as Supervisor one term, and School Trustee three years.

MARTIN KAUFMAN, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Danvers ; was born in Germany Nov. 11, 1832; came to the United States with his father's family in 1853; they settled in Michigan, and, in 1857, Mr. Kaufman went to Illinois and settled in McLean Co. ; his farm consists of 160 acres, valued at $8,000. He was married in Illinois to Miss Catherine Dischler, now deceased ; they have had seven children, viz., Charley, Otline, Lewis, Martin, Susan, Christian and Christena.

CHRISTIAN KENNEL, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Danvers ; one of the early German settlers of the township ; was born in Germany Jan. 10, 1826 ; came to the United States in 1852, and settled in Ohio ; he removed from there to Illinois and settled in McLean Co. in 1854. He was married in Illinois to Miss Katie Nafeiger, who was born in Germany Aug. 17, 1831 ; they have two children, viz., Emma J. and John E. The farm of Mr. Kennel consists of 175 acres, valued at $9,000. Since his residence in the township, he has held the office of School Director several years.

MRS. CATHARINE KING, farmer; P. O. Bloomington ; one of the early settlers ; was born in Pennsylvania Aug. 16, 1827 ; she is the widow of the late Nich. King; they have had four children, three of whom are living, viz., Susan C, Jacobine and Adam J. ; deceased - John. The farm of Mrs. King consists of 275 acres, valued at $11,000.

DANIEL KING, farmer and stock-i*aiser ; P. O. Oak Grove; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, April 15, 1837; came to this State with his father's family, and settled in McLean Co. in 1847. He is the son of Mr. Christopher King, of Dry Grove Township. Mr. King was married, in this State, in 1860, to Miss Mary Hodler, who was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1840. They have three children, viz., Joseph, Lydia A. and Christopher. The farm of Mr. King consists of 160 acres, valued at 000. "

JOSEPH W. KING, proprietor of Twin Grove Mills, Bloomington, one of the prominent settlers ; was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jane 21, 1832. He is the son of Mr. Samuel King, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1805, and who was an early settler in Wayne Co., Ohio, and who is now a resident of Tazewell Co., 111. Mr. King came to this State, with his father's family, in 18 il. They first located in Marion Co. ; from there they removed to Tazewell Co., where the old gentleman still resides, at the advanced age of 74 years. Mr. Joseph King was married Jan. 12, 1854, in Tazewell Co., 111., to Miss Susannah Stutzman, who was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1833. J hey have six children, viz., Orphie E., Ida, Elizabeth, Franklin, Joseph and John. Mr. King located in McLean Co. in 1860, since which time, his occupation, with the exception of four years spent in farming at Lexington, 111., has been that of a miller. The probable value of his mill, etc., is $3,000.

SIMEON LANTZ, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Oak Grove ; one of the early settlers of the county; was born in Mifflin Co., Penn., Sept. 16, 1829 ; came to this State in 1849, and settled in McLean Co., in 1853. In 1856, he married Miss Mary Plank, who was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Aug. 16, 1833. They have had eight children, viz., Milo, Lyman, Nancy, Selina, Ellen, Lydia, bimon and John. Since Mr. Lantz's residence in this township, he has held the office of Supervisor three terms. His farm consists of 320 acres, valued at $14,000.

JOSEPH K. MILLER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Bloomington; one of the early settlers of the county, was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Sept. 29, 1844. He is the son of Mr. Michael Miller (low deceased) and Magdalena King. They were married in Baden, Germany, and came to the United States in 1834. and settled in Ohio, where Joseph was born. He came to Illinois, from his native State, with his father's family, and settled in McLean Co. in 1852. His mother still resides with him, at the advanced age of 79 years. Their farm consists of 198 acres, valued at $10,000. Mr. Joseph Miller was married, in this State, June 24, 1872, to Miss Lizzie Mast, who was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Oct. 2, 1854. They have two children, viz., William and Bertha.

DICK McCULLOUGH, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Bloomington; one of the natives of Illinois ; was born in McLean Co. Feb. 2, 1848 ; he is the son of Mr. Alexander McCullough, now deceased, who was an early settler of the county, and the grandson of Mr. Peter McCullough, also deceased, who it is said was the first permanent settler in Dry Grove. With the exception of fourteen years spent in Texas and New York, and elsewhere, Mr. McCullough, the subject of this sketch, has been a resident of McLean Co. : his principal pursuits since boyhood have been those of a farmer and stock-raiser ; in boyhood, he received a liberal education, and a part of his life has been spent in teaching. He was married in the State of Texas to Miss Emma C. Rogers, who was born in that State Feb. 1, 1858. His farm consists of 120 acres, valued at $7,000.

ELEAZER MUNSELL, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Bloomington ; one of the very early and prominent settlers ; was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, July 28, 1824 ; he removed from his native

State with his father's family to Indiana, in 1831, and, in 1837, they removed to Illinois, and settled in McLean Co. Mr. Munsell now owns and resides upon the farm his father, Roswell Munsell, now deceased, purchased partially from the Government, and the balance at second-hand ; it now consists af 280 acres, valued at $17,000. Since Mr. Munsell' s residence in this county he has served the township in filling a number of township offices ; he is at present writing Assessor for the township. He was married in this State to Miss Zerilda Perry, who was born in Kentucky, and removed to this State in 1836. Her father, Mr. John Perry, who was an early and prominent settler, is also deceased. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Munsell consists of seven children - Milan, Stephen A., Zerilda, John R., Josephine, Minnie W. and Eleazer Austin.

JOHN A. MUSICK, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Bloomington ; one of the natives of Illinois; was born in Logan Co. Feb. 8, 1851 ; he is the son of Mr. John Music, now deceased, who was an early settler in Illinois. Mr. Musick came to McLean Co. and settled in Dry Grove Township, in 1875. In 1875, he was married to Miss Belle Munsell, who was born in Dry Grove Township, McLean Co., 111., July 3, 1857. They have one child - George, born Sept. 1, 1876. Their farm consists of fifty-seven and one-half acres, valued at $4,000. Mr. Musick is now serving the township as School Director in Dictrict No. 1 ; it is the only public office that he has yet held.

JOSIAH MYERS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Bloomington; was born in Circleville, Ohio, June 7, 1839; came to this State with his father's family, and settled in Sangamon Co. in 1856 ; they removed to McLean Co. in 1859, and settled in Dale Township, where Mr. Myers was married to Miss Rebecca B. Freeman on the 8th of February, 1861 : she was born in McLean Co., 111., Sept. 26, 1840. They have had four children, three of whom are living - Hannibal Hamlin, Samuel L. and Daisie D. ; deceased - Jesse. The farm of Mr. Myers consists of sixtyseven and one-half acres, valued at $3,400. Since Mr. Myers' residence in McLean Co., he has held the office of Constable in Dry Grove Township seven years.

JACOB W. NAFZIGER, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Bloomington ; one of the early German settlers of the county : was born in Germany June 26, 1817 ; came to the United States in 1853, and to this State and settled in McLean Co. in the same year ; he resides and has resided on the farm of Mr. Gridley, of Bloomington, two and one-half years ; it consists of 400 acres. He was married in Germany to Miss Elizabeth Naffziger, who was born in Germany May 24, i822 ; they have had seven children, six of whom are living - Ferdinand, Gustav, Lewis, Edward, George and Bertha; deceased - Elizabeth.

WILLIAM PATTON, farmer and stock-raiser: P. 0. Hudson; was born in Somerset Co., Penn., Nov. 1, 1829; he is the son of the late Robert Patton, deceased ; Mr. Patton came to this State in 1877, and settled in McLean Co. in the same year. He was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Matilda Hutzel, who was born in Somerset Co., Penn., Dec. 4, 1837; they have seven children living and one dead : the names of the living are Adam, John W., Claretta, Robert, Harvey, George and Edward ; deceased - Nancy.

FRED. SAGERT, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Bloomington ; was born in Germany Oct. 5, 1846 ; came to the United States in 1872, and to this State and settled in McLean Co., in the same year ; his farm consists of 100 acres. He was married, in 1872, on leaving his native country, to Miss Mary Damlov, who was born in Germany June 10, 1846 ; they have three children - Mena, Mary and Albert. Mr.- Sagert was a participant in the late war between Germany and France ; he was a volunteer and served one year, when the war ended and he was discharged with honor.

JOHN SCHCENBECK farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Danvers : was born in Germany May 21, 1811 ; came to the United States in 1839, and to. this State in the same year, when he returned to Ohio ; he remained there and in Kentucky until 1858, when he removed to Illinois and settled in McLean Co. ; his farm consists of 362 k acres, valued at $16,000. He was married in Ohio Oct. 31, 1841, to Miss Barbara Schertz, who was born in France May 21, 1822 ; they have had seven children, five of whom are living - Anna, Mary, Lizzie, Barbara and Jacob ; deceased - John and Catharine. During Mr. Schcenbeck's residence in Kentucky, he held the office of School Director and Road Overseer.

JOHN H. SHIRK, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Danvers; was born in Pennsylvania May 3, 1828 ; came to this State and settled in McLean Co. in 1856. He was married in the same year to Miss Rebecca Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania Oct. 18, 1824 ; they have had three children, two of whom are living - John A. and Emma E.; deceased, an infant. The farm of Mr. Shirk consists of eighty acres, valued at $4,000 : since his residence in this county, he has held the office of School Director four years.

J. L. SHORTHOSE, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. 0. Danvers ; was born in Staffordshire, Eng., A. D. 1827; his early life was passed upon the farm, and his education procured at the common schools. At the age of 16 years, he entered a wholesale crockery house in London as clerk, and served an apprenticeship for six years ; he emigrated to America in July, 1849, stopping for a season in Zanesville, Ohio ; in the fall of 1851, he came to Illinois, and was, for a short time, a resident of Peoria County; in the winter of 1852, he came to Danvers, McLean Co., and purchased a half-interest in the saw-mill ; bought lots and built a residence ; in the fall of 1853, he moved to his present farm, having traded his village property for 145 acres of land, paying the difference in cash ; now owns 448 acres in Dry Grove and Dan vers Townships, worth $25,000. He was married Sept. 12, 1851, to Eleanor Frazier, a native of Ohio ; five sons amd three daughters have been born to them - Alice, (now the wife of James Dickinson), Andrew R., Josie (widow of Thomas Sheridan), John L., Thomas H., Belle, Frank and Willie; John L. was drowned in the Mackinaw a few years ago, while in bathing. Mr. Shorthose deals quite extensively in blooded cattle, and a fine grade of hogs. He has held the office of Highway Commis sioner, and that of School Director some seven or eight terms. He has revisited his native land twice since coming to America.

JONAS SILL, farmer and breeder of fine stock ; P. 0. Bloomington ; one of the early and prominent settlers ; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., April 10, 1819 ; came to this State and settled in McLean Co. in 1856. He was married in his native State, in 1842, to Miss Theresa Boyer, who was born in Somerset Co., Penn., Oct. 2, 1820; they have four children - William H., Elizabeth, Catherine and Daniel Martin. The farm of Mr. Sill consists of 266 acres, valued at $14,000 ; since his residence in this county, he has held office of Township Clerk two terms, and Road Commissioner five years. In 1875, he made a trip to Europe, for the purpose of importing horses to America ; while there, he visited London, Paris, Scotland, and all the principal countries of the old world ; on his departure for America, he brought with him four fine horses, three of which he still possesses.

R. E. STRIMPLE, farmer ; P. O. Bloomington ; one of the early and prominent settlers of the township; was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1819; moved from his native place to Illinois, with his and his father's family, and settled in Pike Co. in 1849. He was married in 1841, to Miss Annie McCune, of Clermont Co., Ohio; they have six children - William 0., James A.. Charles J., Laura A., Samuel 0. and Emma F. Since Mr. Strimple's residence in this township, he has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years ; Supervisor several years ; and is, at present, Township School Treasurer and Supervisor; during his residence in Pike Co., he served as Justice of the Peace three years ; he was also one of the Committee on the poor farm, and one of the special committee of the building for the insane of McLean Co. His farm, which consists of 300 acres, is valued at §15,000. He is, at present, Justice of the Peace.

MRS. SUSIE H. STOUT, retired, Bloomington ; one of the first settlers of the township ; was born in Tennessee May 30, 1813 ; came to this State, and settled with her parents in McLean Co., in 1824, since which time both her parents have died; their names were Jacob and Mary Henshaw. Mrs. Stout was married in Illinois to Mr. Amasa Stout (now deceased), who was born in Tennessee March 1, 1799, and who died in 1872 ; they have had four children - George, Jacob, Mary and Eleck. Mrs. Stout is now one of the oldest living settlers in McLean Co.

W. J. BALDRIDGE, farmer and stock-dealer; P. 0. Oak Grove ; was born in Cherry Fork, Adams Co., Ohio, Oct. 13, 1839 ; in 1852, he came with his parents to this State, his father settling in Danvers Township, McLean Co.; he remained with his father till his majority, and then engaged in farming for himself. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 94th Regt. I. V. I., and served three years ; he participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., the raid to Van Buren, siege of Vicksburg, Ft. Morgan, Spanish Fort. On his return from the army, he again engaged in farm pursuits ; he purchased where he now lives in the fall of 1871, and occupied it in 1872. He was married Nov. 21, 1867, to Carrie Wright, a native of Ohio; has five children - Clarence, Myrta, Lucia I., Mary M. and William C. Owns 160 acres, finely improved, and deals largely in cattle and hogs. Has held the offices of Road Commissioner, Town Collector, and at present holds the office of Justice of the Peace. Mr. Baldridge is a thorough-going business man, and a very successful farmer and trader.

E. J. BROWN, farmer and stock-dealer; P. 0. Oak Grove; was born in McLean Co., 111., May 13, 1832; he is the son of L. and Elizabeth (Jones) Brown; he was reared to agricultural pursuits, and secured only a common-school education ; at his majority, he began life for himself on the farm where he now lives, settling his homestead in the fall of 1853. He was married, in 1853, to M. A. Sandifer, a native of Illinois ; one child has been born to them - Francis M., deceased. Has held the office of Supervisor of White Oak Township three terms ; that of Assessor, several terms ; Commissioner of Highways, and that of School Director, eight years. No finer improved farm or more desirable location than Mr. Brown's can be found in the township ; he owns 230 acres, all in high state of cultivation, valued at not less than $15,000 ; he also devotes considerable attention to the breeding and rearing of Mambrino, Messenger and Morgan horses, and is the owner of a fine lot of roadsters.

ABRAHAM W. CARLOCK, farmer, whose portrait appears in this work, was born April 7, 1800, in Hampshire Co., W. Va.; his paternal grandfather emigrated to this country from Germany and settled in Virginia shortly before the war of the Revolution ; while Abraham was an infant, his father moved to Overton Co., Tenn., about fifteen miles from Livingston, the county seat ; here he began farming on a small scale. On the I Oth day of April, 1825, the subject of this sketch, at the age of 24, married Mary Goodpasture, daughter of John and Margery Goodpasture, of Overton Co., Tenn.; she was born Jan. 24, 1804 ; in the spring of 1827, with his wife and two children, he moved to Dry Grove, McLean Co., and, in 1836, having sold his property, moved to White Oak Township, where he has since resided; he owns 1,200 acres of land, lying partly in Woodford and partly in McLean Co.; although his house stands about one hundred yards outside of the line of McLean Co., he considers himself a McLean Co. man, as nearly all his interests are connected with it. He and his wife have been blessed with a family of twelve children, eight of whom are now living, viz., John G. (living in White Oak Township), Madison P. (in Logan Co.), Sarah (now Mrs. George Cranston, of Normal), Mahala (now Mrs. Benjamin Gaddis, in Martinton, Iroquois Co.), Lavina (now Mrs. Ira Rowell, of Danver-i Township), William B., Abraham H. and Margie; and four deceased - Martha, Reuben, Nancy J. (formerly Mrs. T. W. Brown, of White Oak Township) and Mary. Mr. Carlock is jovial, kindhearted and hospitable by nature, and has a great many friends. In politics, he is an uncompromising Democrat; he cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and his last for Horace Greeley, because Mr. Greeley was nominated at Baltimore ; he is such a stanch, uncompromising Democrat that many people who are unacquainted with his name, know him as the " Old Democrat," and his paper would pass current if signed with that soubriquet; in religion, he is a Universalist, and believes in the salvation of all mankind. He is full of eccentricities ; he was never known to make a visit, in the strict sense of the word. He is greatly attached to his home and never gets into debt. He has never ridden in a railroad car, a steamboat or even an omnibus.

JOHN G. CARLOCK, farmer and stock-dealer; P. 0. Oak Grove; was born in Overton Co., Tenn., Jan. 28, 1826; he is the son of A. W. and Mary (Goodpasture) Carlock ; his parents moved tov Morgan Co., 111., in 1829 ; the family came to Dry Grove Township, McLean Co., and was there during the winter of the deep snow ; John G. remained at home till he reached the age of 25 years ; his schooling was such only as the pioneer's boy usually obtained, but few men of his age in the county have performed more hard labor than the subject of this sketch ; being the eldest son of the family, he contributed much by his labor and management toward starting his father on the road to wealth. He was married Sept. 5, 1850, to Lucinda Musick, of Logan Co., 111. ; eight children have been born to them - Dillard H., George M., Mary L., Richard L., Hester E., S. Gertrude, John G., Jr., Loran A. He owns a fine farm of 400 acres, backed up by a good bank account ; he took great pride in educating his children, and has expended a large amount of means for their education. Few men in McLean Co. have experienced more mental anguish than has fallen to the lot of Mr. Carlock to endure in the past few years. He has buried onehalf of his family - Dillard H., a young man of great promise, a member of the Junior Class in Eureka College, was cut down suddenly in the very flush of manhood ; John G., Jr., and Loran A. followed in quick succession ; Hester E., a bright eyed girl of four summers, was first called away. Mr. Carlock deeply deplores the loss of his children ; he has erected tasteful monuments, with befitting inscriptions, to each one.

R. L. CARLOCK, merchant ; Oak Grove ; was born in White Oak Township, McLean Co., III., Aug. 9, 1856 ; he was reared a farmer's son ; having acquired a good English education at the common schools ; in 1875, he entered Eureka College, and attended two sessions ; in September, 1876,' he entered Eastman's National Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he graduated Feb. 20, 1877 ; on his return home, he engaged in farming till September, 1878, when he opened a general merchandise store in Oak Grove, in company with W. L. McNeil, under the firm name of McNeil & Carlock; Nov. 1, 1878, McNeil sold his interest to George M. Carlock, and the firm became that of Carlock Bros. ; March 1, 1879, George M. sold his interest to J. H. Swanly, and the present firm of Carlock & Swanly was formed. This is the second store established in the village. He was married, Dec. 19, 1878, to Sallie G. Dunlap, a native of Illinois. The firm of Carlock & Swanly is fast gaining the confidence of the people, and their range of patronage is on the increase. Both members of the firm are promising young business gentlemen, and bid fair to meet with deserved success.

M. E. DENMAN, farmer and t tock-dealer ; P. 0. Oak Grove ; was born in Licking Co., Ohio, March 2, 1820; his early life was that of a farmer's son; excepting the summer of 1841, spent in Illinois, he remained with his parents till 23 jears of age; in the fall of 1843, he purchased a blacksmith's outfit and materials, and began the trade of smithing; this he followed ten years ; in the fall of 1852, he came to White Oak Township, McLean Co. ; in the spring of 1853, he pre-empted 265 acres in Hudson Township ; this he still owns ; in the fall of 1855, he moved to his land, and began improving it ; in 1867, he purchased where he now resides, and occupied it in the spring of 1868. He was married, in November, 1842, to Elizabeth B. Smith, a native of Muskingum Co., Ohio; have had twelve children - John H. (Thomas S., Sarah J., twins), Eunice A., Daniel E., Charles L., Belle, living; Martha F., Elizabeth, two infant daughters, and one infant son, deceased. Has held the office of Commissioner of Highways and School Director. Owns 580 acres, valued at $30,000. When he came West, he had one horse, some household goods and about $350 ; he has been very successful in accumulating property, and is now in the front rank of wealthy men in his township.

ELISHA DIXON, farmer ; P. 0. Oak Grove; was born in Hampshire Co., Va., June 14. 1809 ; in 1815, his father moved with his family to Ohio, and settled in Harrison Co. ; here Mr. Dixon grew to manhood with the experiences of a pioneer farmer's boy ; his education was limited to the common schools, reading and spelling beiDg the chief studies : in 1828, he came West to prospect the country, and,, in 1829, his father came with the family and settled in Dry Grove Township, McLean Co., on the farm now cwned by Peter Downer; in the winter of 1830, Mr. Dixon came to White Oak Grove and made an improvement where James Johnson now resides ; here he lived nearly forty years ; he then sold his fine farm of 254 acres, and, in 1869, purchased where he now lives ; owns 120 acres, valued at $6,000. He was married in December, 1829, to Mary Brown, a native of Tennessee; she died in 1866; nine children were born to them - William and Eliza Ann (twins), Lucinda, Sarah, John ; four died in infancy. William and John are still living. He has held the offices of Constable, Road Commissioner, and was School Treasurer fourteen years in succession. In 1828, when only 19 years of age, Mr. Dixon voted for Gen. Jackson for President; there were only thirteen votes polled in a district of territory larger than two or three of the smaller New England States.

CHARLES JOHNSTON, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. 0. Oak Grove ; was born in Sussex Co., N. J., July 31, 1814 ; his parents came to Ohio in an early day and settled in Greene Co. ; both parents died when he was quite a small boy ; his brother was a distiller, and much of the early life of Mr. Johnston was spent, in work in and about the distillery; on arriving at manhood, he engaged in farming; in 1849, he came West to Illinois and purchased land in Danvers Township ; this he improved, and, in 1856, sold out and purchased the farm on which he now resides ; he has owned large tracts of land at different times, and has accumulated large amounts of money by trading in land and stock. He was married, in 1833, to Rebecca A. Stevenson, of Ohio ; nine children resulted from this union, six daughters and three sons - James S , Mary A., John S., Martha J., Joseph H., Catherine, Rebecca I., Amanda, Sarah. He now owns 385 acres, and has one of the best stock-farms in the county. He has held the office of Supervisor several terms. In 1865, he became afflicted with rheumatism, which has resulted in the partial destruction of his powers of locomotion and speech ; from this, however, he suffers no piin.

A. J. McWILLlAMS, farmer; P. 0. Oak Grove; was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, in November, 1827. His early life was spent upon his father s farm. At his majority, he engaged in agricubural pursuits for himself. In 1850, he purchased eighty acres of land, and farmed in Ohio till 1854, when he came to Illinois, stopping about two years in Bureau Co. Tn 1856, he came to McLean Co., and located on his present homestead. He was married, in 1851, to Jane Drennan, a native of Ohio ; has four children - Lou L., Mary E., Ann E., Melissa. Owns 160 acres, valued at, $8,000 ; has held the offices of Township Trustee, Township Clerk, Road Commissioner, Assessor, etc. He is the son of John and Mary (Hogue) McWilliams. Mr. McWilliams is a pleasant gentleman, affable in his manners, and has been very successful in his farming enterprises.

ALBERT WRIGHT, farmer; P. 0. Oak Grove; was born in Adams Co., Ohio, March 19, 1842. In the fall of 1853, his parents came West to Illinois, and settled in White Oak Township, near where he now lives. He was reared a farmer, and received only a common-school education. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 94th Regt. I. V. I., and remained in the service three years. DuriDg his term of service, he was never absent from his command, nor missed a single day's duty. He participated in the following battles: Prairie Grove, Ark., siege of Vicksburg, campaigns in Missouri, Banks' Expedition to the Rio Grande, siege of Fort Morgan, Spanish Fort, etc. On his return from the army, he began the improvement of his present homestead. He was married, April 14, 1871, to Martha M. Eyer, a native of Butler Co., Ohio. Has two children - Ada L., Charles A. Has held the office of Supervisor of White Oak Township for the years 1872, 1873, 1874, 1876, 1878 and 1879. He is the son of Samuel and Mary (Bayless) Wright. His attention is given wholly to agricultural pursuits, and the rearing of stock. Owns 123 acres, finely improved valued at $7 000.

W. H. WRIGHT, farmer ; P. 0. Bloomington ; was born in Adams Co., Ohio, May 19, 1839. In the fall of 1853, he came West with the family to Illinois. He remained with his parents till his majority engaged in farm labor, and receiving his education at the common sohools. On leaving home, he opened up his farm on Sec. 35, White Oak Township. Eighty acres of this was given him by his father. This he has increased to 120 acres. He entered the United States service as a member of Co. E, 94th Regt. I. V. I., in August, 1862. He was elected First Lieutenant of the Co., but on account of his ill health was forced to resign and quit the service, in April, 1863, Returning from the army, he again engaged in farming, and this he has since continued. He was married, Feb. 25, 1864, to Kate Johnson, a native of Greene Co. Ohio. Has six children - Minnie II., Charles F., Floretta, Ida B., Lula, Ollie. Has held the office of School Trustee two terms, and that of Assessor four terms.

W. H. ANDERSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Lexington ; was born July 26, 1840, in Jennings Co., Ind.; in 1855, he came with his father to McLean Co., 111., settling south of Bloomington, in what is now Randolph Township, remaining there two years ; in 1858, he settled on his father's farm, near the head of Mackinaw, staying there until 21 years old ; he then taught school for some ten years, teaching all that time in two places ; in his 21st year, he attended college at Eureka, 111.; he has been no office-seeker, but has been connected with schools. He was married, Dec. 25, 1863, to Charity Williams, a native of Ohio; they moved to Illinois, and engaged in farming ; in 1865, he settled on his beautiful farm of 170 acres, lying on the banks of the Mackinaw, which he obtained entirely by his own efforts. They have two . children - John M. and Nettie P.

R. H. ARNOLD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Potosi ; was born Jan. 12, 1835, in Perry Co , Ohio ; when quite a child, his father removed to Licking Co., Ohio, remaining there until 17 years of age, when he came to McLean Co.; settling at White Oak, he engaged in farming ; he moved from there to Tazewell Co., remaining one year ; then removing to White Oak, where he remained until 1866-67, at which time he was engaged in a grist-mill in Tazewell Co., owned by his father ; was also in a mill at White Oak six years. In 1867, he moved to his present farm of eighty acres, given him by his father. He has been Pathmaster, and does his own carpentering, masonry and plastering. Mr. Arnold was married on Sept. 30, 1856, to Polly Benson, who is a native of McLean Co.; they have seven children, viz., Mary A., Charles E., Liddie A., Lucy M., Nancy J., Charity P. and Willie A.

A. CLAYPOOL, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0 Gibson; was born Oct. 14, 1828, in Muskingum Co., Ohio ; he remained there until 1856, farming for his father until 1851, when he was married to Elizabeth Simpson, who is a native of Ohio. Immediately after marriage, he settled on his father's farm, remaining there five years ; he then came to McLean Co., 111., settling on Mr. Orendorff's farm, remaining there during the winter ; in the mean time, renting a farm of Mr. Colvin and remaining there eight years ; he moved from there to Blue Mound, remaining two years, at the expiration of which time he settled on his present farm of eighty acres. He has been connected with the schools for twenty years, and has been Collector two terms, and is now on his third term. Mr. Claypool is 50 years old, and never had a lawsuit. They have nine children, viz., Josephine, Austin, Ottawa, Ella, Ruth, James, Aletha and Blanche living, and Arl R., deceased.

P. J. DECKER, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Potosi ; was born Feb. 9, 1836, in Philadelphia, Penn., and moved from there with his father to York Co., Penn., remaining there seven years, when he moved to New York City, staying there six years, moving thence to York Co., Penn., where he remained some time ; then emigrated to Livingston Co., 111., engaging in farming and working for Mr. B. Walton for two years. He was married, in 1866, to Mary E. Austin, who was born Dec. 28, 1849, in Richmond Co., Va.', after marriage, they managed the farm of Mr. Walton, and then moved to Fairbury, remaining there one year ; from Fairbury, they came to the present farm of eighty acres, earned entirely by their own labor and management. He has held town offices, worked at stone and brick laying, and has taught five terms of school in Pennsylvania ; he ran a planing-mill one year in Jersey City, managed the packing department of a soap factory, and worked two years in a saw-mill in Wrightsville, Penn. They have five children - Charles H., born Oct. 26, 1868; Jennie, July 16, 1872; Philip J., Jan. 17, 1876 ; Edward L., Feb. 15, 1878; Albert, Jan. 16. 1874.

J. A. ESPY, farmer and stock- raiser; P. 0. Garda ; was born in Pennsylvania July 6, 1829; he remained in Pennsylvania, working on a farm, until 20 years old, at which time he moved to Peoria, 111., engaging with his brother in the boot and shoe business for four years ; he then moved to Tazewell Co., engaging in farming for one year; from there to Peoria Co., farming there for fourteen years ; from there he located on his present farm, in Anchor Township, of eighty acres, which he earned entirely by his own labor and management. He was married the first time to Martha Fry, a native of Pennsylvania, Feb. 22, 1855 ; there were six children by this union - Mary E., Isabella F., Winfield S., William E., David E. and Charles E. His second marriage occurred Oct. 4, 1871 ; two children were the fruit of this union. He has been Pathmaster and connected with the schools as Director. He has followed chair-making and painting; was agent for State map of Pennsylvania and one of North America and Europe ; was also agent for a book entitled " Beyond the Mississippi."

NATHAN HINSHAW, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Garda; was born March 19, 1831, in McLean Co., 111.; he remained there for some time, " working on the farm; thence to Mosquito Grove, and staid there some sixteen years ; in 1874, he settled on his present farm of 320 acres, earned principally by his own labor and management ; he has made good improvements in the way of building a handsome little cottage and barn. He has been no officeseeker, but has been connected with the schools as Director. He was married, Jan. 3, 1858, to

CAPT. S. P. HOWELL, farmer and stock-raiser : P 0. Saybrook ; was born Dec. 23, 1837, in Licking Co., Ohio ; remained there, working on a farm, until 1852, when he moved West, settling in McLean Co., near Bloomington ; worked for his father on a farm until 1869, when he settled on the present farm of three sections, equal to 1,920 acres, which is managed by himself and brothers. He was in the civil war, enlisting in Co. 1, 94th I. V. I ; was Second and First Lieutenant and Captain of Co. I. struggling for three long years for our noble land, saved by Washington and redeemed by Lincoln. Was married Feb. 8, 1872, to Mary L. Brooke, born in Pennsylvania Oct. 23, 1848 ; they have three children - Nellie, Brooke and Mannie.

GEORGE HESTER, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Saybrook ; was born May 28, 1842, in London, England. In 1845, he moved with his parents to Knox Co., 111., traveling by team from Chicago. In 1856, he moved to Galesburg, Knox Co., remaining there some time. He left home March 1, 1861, and enlisted in the 13th Regt. 111. Cav. ; remained over three years. He then engaged in the nursery business, working for $30 to $100 per month, and was engaged some ten years. On Dec. 24, 1875, he was married to Mary A. Pirkey, and Fettled on his present farm of 120 acres, earned entirely by his own labor and management. He has been Pathmaster, and was First Sergeant and Second Lieutenant by commission. He is a member of the Christian Church ; his wife also belonged to that denomination : she died, deeply lamented, April 10, 1878.

JOHN N. KING, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Saybrook; was born Feb. 3, 1828, in Champaign Co., Ohio; emigrating to Illinois, he settled in Logan Co., remaining some time; moving from there to Sangamon Co., at which place his father died, leaving him in care of a widowed mother. Some time after, his mother married, and they moved to Logan Co., settling on a farm. He went from there to Havanna, 111., by ox-wagon, and took steamboat, bound for Cincinnati; went thence to Dayton, then to Champaign by wagon, and settled in Clark Co., remaining there until 21 years old, when he came West on horseback, stopping in Smith's Grove. Sept. 10, 1850, he began working by the month, at $13, for A. R. Jones. In 1851, he taught school, afterward working for Jones, and was married Nov. 9, 1851, to Mary White, of Ohio. His first winter after marriage, he made rails and farmed ; the next summer for himself; then taught three terms of school in succession: locating then on forty acres west of Smith's Grove, remaining some time. Afterward bought 160 acres in Anchor Township, paying cash, settling on it in 1868, which he has made into a magnificent home. The yard is most beautifully arranged with evergreens and mounds of well-selected rocks. He has been Supervisor, Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Overseer of Poor, and is now in the sixth year as Trustee of Anchor Township, and has been connected with the schools. They have had six children - Olando, Scevolia R., George E., Effie ; deceased - Mary and John N.

C. W. KINGSTON, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Garda ; was born Sept. 9, 1836, in Woodford Co., Ill, remaining there until 1868, when he removed to his present farm, in Anchor Township, of 180 acres, which, through his energy and skillful management, has made an elegant and magnificent home. He started on the ocean of life, and unfurled his sails to an untried breeze, and as a shallop, which sailed out of harbor noiselessly and unnoticed, has anchored safely in port. He has held offices connected with schools, and has been Pathmaster. Was married, in 1865, to Miss Cameron, a native of Virginia. They have six children, viz., Elizabeth B., Jennie S., Alice B., Beecher L., Llewellyn, Clark C. Mr. Kingston, the father of C. W. Kingston, makes a home with his son, Mrs. Kingston having died in 1864.

MRS. E. D. KNIGHT, farmer and stock-raiser : P. 0. Potosi ; was born Dec. 27, 1831, in McLean Co., 111. Moses H. Knight, her late husband, was born June 30, 1830, in Vermont, and when he was 20 years old, came to McLean Co., and soon after was married to Miss E. D. Benson, the present Mrs. E. D. Knight. They engaged in farming a tract of land eight miles north of Bloomington. From there they removed to East White Oak, remaining until October, 1865, when they settled on the present farm of 240 acres, which they earned by their own management. Mr. Knight was a patentee of a portable fence, a teacher of rare attainments, and had labored for 20 years as a minister of the Christian denomination. His services were generally free. Only a few months have passed since his generous soul took its eternal flight, and his death was greatly mourned by all his friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Knight has managed the affairs of the farm since his death, and it would be doing the deceased an injustice not to say that he was kind and generous to his family, and went through all his labors unostentatiously and with his best efforts. Thus passed away a noble man. They have had ten children, viz., Mary A. (deceased), William B., Samuel H. (deceased), Alice, Winton C, Hattie A., James P. (deceased), Orrin H., James B., and Lois E.

R. H. MADDOX, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Saybrook; was born in Virginia April 30, 1823. When he was 5 years old, his father moved to Perry Co., Ohio, settling on a farm, and remaining there ten years. He then moved, with his father, to Licking Co., Ohio, and stayed there twenty years. From thence he came to McLean Co., engaging in farming, and renting of Martin Arnold and R. Brown. He moved from there to Peoria, and rented land for two years.

In 1869, he settled on the beautiful little farm of eighty acres, which he now possesses, earned entirely by his own manual labor. He was married, in 1852, to Elizabeth Tobing, of Virginia j they have had four children, viz., John B., Mary E. and Margaret J. and Lucy A. (deceased).

S. M. SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Burr Oaks; was born Oct. 13, 1848, in Monongalia Co., Va. Lived there until 20 years old, when he came with his father to Woodford Co., III. Engaged in working on a farm for " Representative" J. Ranney, for four years, at|25 per month. On Dec. 24, 1871, he was married to Mary J. Mundell, a native of Woodford Co., who was born Oct. 8, 1850. Immediately after their marriage, they settled on Mr. Mundell's farm, remaining there six years. In 1877, he took a trip to the East, and, in 1878, made another tour for the purpose of making a home, when he made the wise choice of a very fine farm of 160 acres in Anchor Township, situated on the banks of the beautiful Mackinaw. They have three children - Charles A., born Dec 6, 1872; James A., Sept. 13 1874 ; Maudie M., Feb. 14, 1877.

E. C. SUMMERS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Burr Oaks; was born Feb. 23, 1837, in Darke Co., Ohio, on a farm ; remained there until 8 years old, when he went with his father to Whiteside Co., 111. ; remaining there one year, he returned to Darke Co., Ohio, remaining there three years ; in 1846, he moved to Jasper Co., Ind., engaging in farming with his father for two years ; from thence to Shelby Co., 111., where he engaged in farming for one year ; his next move was to Tazewell Co., 111., and tilled the soil until 1861, when he moved to the southwestern part of McLean Co. ; he now lives on a beautiful farm in Anchor Township, of 280 acres. His first marriage to Mary J. Paugh occurred in 1858; they had four children - Harry, Lawson, Clara and Charles. On the 22d of March, 1872, his first wife died : he was married the second time to Maggie Perry, of Ohio. He has held offices connected with the schools, and is at present supervisor of Anchor Township. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. F, 106th I. V. I., and was in the war three years.

J. C. SWARTZLEY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Garda; was born Jan. 29, 1836, on a farm in Augusta Co., Va., remaining there twenty years; removing thence to Woodford Co., 111., engaging in farming and teaching, and has taught the winters and part of the summers of eighteen years ; he left Woodford Co. in 1858, and went to Missouri, remaining there until 1860, when he was married, Oct. 2, to Jennie L. Cameron, of Missouri, and returned to Woodford Co., and engaged in farming and teaching; in 1868, he moved to McLean Co. and settled on his present farm of eighty acres, situated in what is now Anchor Township. He has made this beautiful little home by his own skillful management. He has held the office of School Trustee nine years ; Assessor, five years ; Collector, two years ; Town Clerk, nine years, and is at present Clerk of Anchor Township ; he is an ornament to the community, honest and upright in all his dealings, and has made a host of friends; they have seven children - Willie H., Maggie D., Anna Belle, Ella V., Alice L., George L. and Jessie N.

J. M. URBAN, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Gibson; was born Oct. 11, 1838, in Lancaster Co., Penn.; he was engaged, during his early years, as a farmer, and at an early date he begun teaching school, and taught several terms; in 1866, he came to McLean Co., settling west of Bloomington, and renting the farm of Henry Sholty ; leaving there, he bought and settled on the present farm of 160 acres, which he has converted into a very desirable farm, admired by all who see it. In August, 1862, he went at his country's call to war for the Union, entering as a Corporal and leaving as a Sergeant. He was married in 1866, to Fannie Stoner, a resident of Ohio ; he has been connected with schools, and is now in his third term as Commissioner. He made a profession of religion in 1867 ; has made quite a liberal donation for church building. They have five children - Levina M., born Dec. 16, 1866 ; Willie S., June 6, 1868 ; Samantha J., Jan. 12, 1870; Benjamin H., April 12, 1873; Charles C, April 12, 1876.

T. J. WAKEFIELD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Gibson; was born Aug. 7, 1842, in Tazewell Co., 111.; lived there until the war broke out, when he entered as a private, enlisting in Co. B, 73d 111. Regt.; he was three years in service, and was engaged partly in Sherman's march ; after returning from the war, he engaged in farming in McLean Co., near Towanda, and remained there three years ; he then went to Blue Mound and engaged in farming ; in 1864, he bought the present farm of eighty acres, earned entirely by his own labor and management ; he has worked at carpentering and masonry, and sometimes works at plastering ; in the winter time, engages in public work, shelling corn. He was married, in 1869, to Mary E. Parr, a native of Ohio ; they have no children. Mr. Wakefield built his own cosy little cottage, and there enjoys a happy home.

J. C. ARNOLD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Potosi ; was born in 1839, in Licking Co., Ohio, and, in 1853, settled in McLean Co., 111.; remained there until 1857, then moved to Tazewell Co., aud there engaged in farming ; in 1859, he moved to White Oak, and remained until 1861, when he enlisted in Co. G, of the 17th I. V. L; he was in the service over three years, and became a Corporal. After returning from the war, he married Susanna Benson, who was born in 1844, and soon bought 120 acres - a farm, choice and well-improved, and watered by excellent springs ; the house is situated among thousands of beautiful forest and fruit trees ; he has held offices connected with the schools, and is, at present, Highway Commissioner; they have eight children - Ruth V., born Sept. 19, 1865; Ada J., March 18, 1867; Alta G., Oct, 20, 1868; John S., April 24, 1871 ; Jesse H., April 19, 1873 ; Moses E., Feb. 9, 1878; two deceased - James M. and Otis L.

G. W. FRESHCORN, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Potosi; was born Nov. 20, 1811, in Chester Co., Penn., and lived there until 18-56, when he came to McLean Co., buying and settling on his present farm of 155 acres, which he earned principally by his own labor and management ; he was a wagon-maker and worked under the supervision of his father in Chester Co., Penn. He has been no office-seeker, but has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Assessor, Commissioner and has been connected with the schools ; he is a minister of the M. E. Church, and was married, in 1847, to Catharine Gayman, a resident of Chester Co., Penn.; they have five children - Fannie, Mary, George F., Wesley J. and Clara; Clara is a teacher of rare attainments. This fine old gentleman has made home happy by the associations of literature and art.

A. W. GREEN, M. D., physician and merchant, Potosi; was born Jan. 26, 1842, in Jefferson Co., Ind., where he remained until 16 years old, when he came to McLean Co., 111.; here he remained until 1861, when he moved to Clay Co., 111.; was there until 1864; he had been engaged in farming and teaching for two years, and was reading medicine ; in 1864, he was in the army, enlisting in the 136th I. V. I. ; was Orderly and First Duty Sergeant ; after his return from the war, he proceeded with the study of medicine ; attended Rush Medical College, at Chicago, in 1865-66 ; returned home and began business with a capital of 80 cents ; he lived with David Crum nearly three years ; he bought land, and began building the town of Potosi, laying it out in 1869 ; he began with a drug store, and his business now includes dry goods and general notions ; he is also Postmaster ; he has held town offices. He practices medicine in addition to his merchandising ; also, is in the ministry of the Christian denomination, with four regular places of appointment. He was married in 1869, to R. Sophia Luse, a native of Ohio; he has two children - Arthur L., born Oct. 15, 1870, and Effie A., Feb. 29, 1872. July 13, 1878, his wife met her death by an accident ; she was driving out in the city of Bloomington, when the horse becoming frightened, ran, throwing her out and injuring her so severely that she died the same day.

W. A. KNIGHT, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. 0. Potosi ; was born March 15, 1832, in Ryfgate, Caledonia Co., Vt., where he remained until 19 years old, engaged in farming; he then went to Massachusetts, worked in Lawrence, manufacturing cotton goods; he became a mechanic, and worked at making engines and cotton machinery. In 1854, he went on a farm, and engaged in farming and carpentering. In 1858, he moved to White Oak, McLean Co.; engaged in farming with his brother, M. H. Knight, In 1868, he settled on his present farm of eighty acres, where he has been ever since. Was married May 6, 1853, to H. M. Moore, of Massachusetts; they have thirteen children - Fred W., Elizabeth J., Alfred T., Frank E., Clara J., Mary E., Ralph H., R. Ella, Eugene E., Bert. H., William E., Minnie A., Jesse L. He has not had a doctor for sixteen years, and has done his own practicing. The children are all living. He has been Collector, Town Clerk, Pathmaster, and connected with the schools. He now manages a large farm, and practices somewhat in medicine.

D. B. MEEKER, farmer; P. 0. Potosi; was born Oct. 8, 1845, in Indiana, and moved, when young, to Tazewell Co., 111.; remained there until 21 years old, working on the farm for his father; In 1870, he settled on the present farm of 840 acres, owned by his father, Moses R. Meeker, which he and his brother, E. B. Meekc, manage and control. Mr. D. B. Meeker was married Feb. 18, 1873, to Sarah Jane Zumwalt, a native of Indiana. Immediately after marriage, they settled on his father's farm, which he has taken much pleasure in improving. He has two children - Arthur, born April 25, 1874, and Nellie Mav, born Nov. 27, 1877.

E. MERRILL, farmer; P. 0. Potosi; was' born Sept. 7, 1830, in Wayne Co., N. Y.; remained there until 14 years old, then moved to Chautauqua, N. Y., and engaged in farming, remaining there until 1853 ; he then moved to McLean Co., 111., and worked a farm as renter, for ten years, and also worked five years at carpentering. In 1868, he bought and settled the present farm of 640 acres. He has held such town offices as Assessor and Commissioner. He was married, in 1852, to Fanny Brigham, of Chautauqua, N. Y. They have nine children - Alice, born Feb 20, 1856 ; Jay, Nov. 14, 1859 ; Rollan, Oct. 1, 1860 ; Delia, Dec. 2, 1362 ; Vina,

WILLIAM STICKLER, farmer and teacher ; P. 0. Potosi ; was born Sept. 13, 1847, in Lancaster Co., Penn. ; when quite young, he moved with his parents to Champaign Co., Ohio, settling on a farm ; while there his father died. Soon afterward they moved to Livingston Co., 111., and settled on a farm; they remained there some years, and from there moved to McLean Co., settling on the present farm of eighty acres, which they have made a cheerful home. He is now Assessor. He is a carpenter by trade, and carries it on in connection with farming. He is a teacher of rare attainments, and has taught in three districts; in the first, for one term ; second, five terms; third, four terms ; he has taught the home school four terms, and is engaged for next year. He was married April 16, 1874, to Maria Crumbaker, a native- of Coshocton Co. r Ohio. They have one child - Maggie Ellen, born Jan. 16, 1875.

JOHN STRAESSER, farmer; P. O. Potosi; was born in Blair Co., Penn... Dec. 18, 1843; when quite young, he moved, with his father, to Peoria Co., 111. ; remaining there, engaged in farming for twenty years ; in 1866, he left home and came to McLean Co., buying and settling the present farm of 160 acres. He has been no office-seeker, but has been Pathmaster and connected with the schools. His father was born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1802, and served twelve years in the war. Mr. J. Straesser has never been married.

L. TERPENING, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Potosi; was born, June 15, 1809, in Herkimer Co., N. Y. ; remained there until 1854, when he came to De Kalb Co., 111., settling on a farm which he bought, and where he remained eleven years ; he then sold out and moved to McLean Co., settling in Cropsey Township, where he has lived ever since. He was an overseer of workmen of the Erie Canal for eight years ; was also a manufacturer of powder for two years, in New York; he was also a distiller for some time, in Frankfort, N. Y. He was married, in 1825, to Elizabeth Clapsaddle, a native of New York. They have three children - Mary, born Sept. 2, 1829; Margaret, March 29, 1833; Henry L., April 30, 1836.

J. B. VAN PETTEN, farmer ; P. 0. Potosi ; was born Jan. 1, 1855, in Peoria Co., 111., where he remained until 18t59, when he came to McLean Co., 111., and settled on his present farm. Thomas W. Van Petlen, his father, died in'1862, leaving a snug fortune with Mrs. E. Van Petten, who has managed it. They have 240 acres, excellently improved, the greater part of it now being under the management of J. B. Van Petten. They have had nine children - William, Veeder, Spencer, Lydia, Henry, Sabra, J. B. ; Archie and Ella (deceased). Mrs. E. Van Petten was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1824; Mr. Thomas W. Van Petten was born in Syracuse, N. Y., in 1819.

E. H. WARD, farmer; P. 0. Potosi; was born Sept. 27, 1820, in New York ; he went from New York to Pennsylvania, and, when quite young, engaged in driving a team for a lumber dealer ; when 18 years old, he went to Ohio and engaged in farming ; in 1849, he moved to Kendall Co., 111., and began on farm, working by the month, at $10 to $14 per month. In 1850, he was married to Ruth Brown, of Ohio ; he remained with his father-in-law a year, raising tobacco ; in 1852, he moved to Kendall Co., 111., and was engaged in farming seven years, renting four years ; he then bought eighty acres, which he traded for 160 acres in McLean Co., remaining on that six years ; he then sold out and bought the present farm of 160 acres. He has been Commissioner twelve terms. They have seven children - Benjamin, now a missionary in India ; Willie, born Dec. 16, 1855; Henry, March 16, 1858; Albert, Jan 14, 1861; Arthur, Jan. 19, 1863 ; John Logan, April 28, 1865 ; Nannie, Jan. 17, 1870. His wife's father, Charles Brown, was one of the first ciptains on Lake Erie.

J. H. AMSLER, farmer; P. 0. Weston ; was born in York Co., Penn., Dec. 22, 1832 ; at the age of 3 years, he went with his parents to Peoria, 111., then consisting of about three frame houses ; his father, who was born in Switzerland, worked by the day in a brickyard at Peoria, but afterward entered a farm of eighty acres, ten miles north of Peoria, and the subject of this sketch helped him on the farm until the age of 21, at which age he left his home and rented a farm on shares in Woodford Co., conducting it with profit to himself and the owner for one year; from Woodford Co., he went to Tazewell Co.. farming for one year, and during the next year, he was confined through sickness; he then removed to Marshall Co., seven miles south of Lacon, where he continued farming ; from there he returned to Tazewell Co., living near Tremont, and from there he returned to Woodford Co., and continued farming for two years ; he afterward removed to within three miles south of Metamora, and farmed there for four years ; from there he removed to McLean Co., buying and breaking 160 acres of raw prairie, and built a house thereon, and afterward bought eighty acres in Sec. 23, Yates Township; his farm is all under cultivation, and valued at $40 an acre. He was elected to the office of School Director shortly after coming to Yates, and has held the office at intervals ever since. He was married to Miss Sarah A. Clifton, who was born in Woodford Co., 111., in

1843 ; they have had a family of six children, two dead and four living, viz., Cora, Charles, Ida and Amber. Mr. Amsler's farm and residence are on Sec. 26, Yates Township, except eighty acres on Sec. 23.

SIMON BAECHLER, farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. 0. Fairbury ; was born in Lorraine (near the city of Nancy), Northeastern France, in 1834; in France Simon followed farming with his father, commencing work at a very early age ; his father removed to America in the year 1855, settling in Tazewell Co., 111., to which place Simon had preceded him one year before ; in Tazewell, Mr. Baechler, Sr., continued the pursuit of farming, Simon working with him until the year 1859 ; then he returned to France, remaining there from the spring of 1859 until fall, when he married and returned to America, bringing his wife with him ; for two years, he and his wife remained with his father, and then settled on the Little Mackinaw in Tazewell Co., remaining there until their removal to Yates Township, McLean Co., where he purchased and broke 180 acres of raw prairie ; in the spring of 1879, he bought seventy acres more, making 250 acres, all of which is under cultivation, and valued at about $40 an acre ; the farm is a good one, and is considered one of the best improved in Yates Township. In the year 1874, he was elected to the office of Road Commissioner, serving three years, from 1874 until 1877. Himself and family are members of high standing in the Mennonite Church. In 1859, he was married in France to Miss Elizabeth Wenjer, born in 1842, in Alsace, France ; they have had a family of six children, twa of whom, Helene Ida and Simon Oliver, are dead ; the living are Anna M., Eliza A., Emma H. and Mary L.

EDGAR BLAISDELL, grain-dealer and Postmaster, Weston; was born in Kingsbury, Washington Co., N. Y , in 1834; in 1855, he left Kingsbury, going to Madison, Dane Co., Wis., remaining there ten years ; in 1865, he left Madison, going to Chenoa, McLean Co., 111., remaining there one year ; he went to Chicago ; from Chicago, he returned to Chenoa and remained four years : in the spring of 1872, he removed to Weston, where he has resided ever since, dealing in grain. He also holds the office of Postmaster. In 1871, he was married to Miss Susan A. Armstrong, of Peoria, who was born in Peoria in 1849; they have three children - Fanny, Louisa and Edgar. He is a gentleman of culture and refinement, and an enterprising, wideawake business man.

WILLIAM CRAWFORD, farmer; P. 0. Chenoa; was born in Stirlingshire, ten miles from the city of Stirling, Scotland, February, 1819, where he lived and followed farming until November, 1848, when he came to this country and settled in Jersey City, N. J., following vegetable gardening until the fall of 1871, when he moved to Illinois, settling upon his present location, where he has remained ever since, following the pursuit of farming. He was married in June, 1848, to Miss Mary Henderson, who was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, April, 1820; they have five children living, viz., James, William, Christina H., Robert A. and Mary J. Mr. Crawford owns a fine farm of 240 acres, located on Sec. 9, in a high state of improvement, valued at $50 an acre, and all under cultivation. He holds the office of School Director of District No. 5. He is a man of large views, generous and enterprising, and takes an interest in everything connected with the welfare and advancement of his township.

JOHN GRAY, farmer; P. 0. Chenoa; was born in Meade Co., Ky., Feb. 9, 1826; in 1829, he went to Harrison Co., Ind., remaining there until the age of 25, when he removed to Illinois, and settled in Peoria Co., ten miles northwest of Peoria, where he engaged in farming until the year 1865, when he enlisted in the Federal army, serving one year; in 1867, he removed to McLean Co., 111., settling upon eighty acres on Sec. 29, Yates Township, which he had purchased and broken from raw prairie before removing there ; in 1875, he purchased eighty acres of land in Martin Township, Sec. 23, McLean Co., all of which, together with eighty acres on Sec. 29, Yates Township, is under cultivation, and valued at about $40 an acre. He was married Oct. 24, 1850, to Miss Nancy Hunter, who was born in Durbin, Ohio, in 1830; they have had a family of twelve children, three of whom, Francis, William Walker and Florence Cornelius, are dead ; nine are living - :Pinckney Calhoun, Sarah Catharine, Thomas Alamson, John Asbury Laura Virginia, Anna Mary, Ruth, Abner L. and Franklin H. >