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

JOHN RUPP, farmer, Sec. 22; P. 0. Weston; formerly farmer, but now, and for five years past, retired ; was born near Sarrebourg, Lorraine, Northeastern France, in the year 1824, where he followed farming with his father until the year 1855, when he came to America, and went directly to Peoria City, and from thence immediately to Tazewell Co., where he followed farming until the year 1864, when he removed to his present home in McLean Co. In the year 1874, Mr. and Mrs. Rupp returned to France, and visited the scenes of his boyhood days, which he found almost without change ; lie then made an extensive tour through Europe, visiting Paris, Strasbourg, Colmars, Switzerland, Basle and Balfron (the locality of one of the great battles of the Franco-German war), Mr. Rupp is an observing traveler, and his tales of localities made famous during the Franco-German war, are very interesting. They returned to America in October, 1874, after an absence of four months. His farm is one of the finest in Yates Township, consisting of a half section (320 acres), mostly under cultivation, and in a fine state of improvement ; he has purchased a residence in the town of Chenoa, and will remove there this fall, renting his farm in Yates. He was elected to the offices of Collector of Tazewell and Assessor of Yates Township, but declined serving. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Mary

JOHN WADE, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. Chenoa ; was born at Oberlin, Lorain Co, Ohio, Western Reserve, in September, 1840, where he followed agriculture with his father, and, at the age of 14 years, he entered Oberlin College, where he remained two and one-half years, and, at the end of that period, he returned to farming, which he followed until he left home, in the spring of 1861, in which year he enlisted in the 16th Ohio Battery (Capt. James A. Mitchell commanding), for three years, serving two years in Missouri and the Southwest, under Gen. Curtis, and participating in all actions under that General. In the spring of 1863, he returned from the army, and, after a trip to England, returned to this country, and, in the spring of 1864, went to McLean Co., 111., when he settled upon Sec. 19, where he had formerly purchased eighty acres. From Sec. 19, he removed to Sec. 30, Yates Township, and purchased 160 acres, all of which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and said to be as well-improved as any farm in Yates. Mr. Wade's land is all underdrained, and valued at $40 an acre. He contemplates further improvements in the way of a new dwelling, barn, etc. He also uses the best agricultural implements, and believes in improvements in every way. In 1863, he married Miss Susan Squire, born at Oberlin, Lorain Co., Ohio. They had three children - Lydia, Eddy and Emma. Mrs. Wade died Aug. 9, 1871. Mr. Wade was married March 19, 1874, to Miss Mary Lewis, who was born near Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., in the year 1840. He dates his descent from the Pilgrim Fathers, who landed at Plymouth Rock in the winter of 1620, and bears the sturdy, large-hearted characteristics of that race. He is a thorough farmer, and works his farm upon true scientific principles, resulting in a high state of improvement thereof.

JAMES E. WIKOFF, farmer, deceased; P. 0. Chenoa. Among the many self-made men of McLean Co., who have risen to eminence in the affairs of their own township by their enterprise, intelligence and integrity, and who take rank among the best in their sphere, was James E. WikofF, who was born in Adams Co., Ohio, in 1828, where he followed farming, with the exception of four years previous to his leaving Adams Co., during which period he was superintendent of his brother's saw-mill. In 1854, he left Adams Co., and went directly to McLean Co., 111., settling upon Sec. 33, Yates Township, where he entered 20U acres of land, and bought (in Sec. 32) forty acres, all of which, except forty acres of pasture, is under cultivation. During the war, he was elected a Justice of the Peace, holding that office for several years. He was also elected Supervisor of Yates Township, holding office several terms. At the time of the organization of the township, he was elected School Trustee, and held that office until the date of his death, Aug. 23, 1878. He was a prominent and respected citizen of McLean Co., and leaves a large circle of friends, who sincerely mourn their loss. On July 20, 1854, Mr. Wikoff married Miss Phoebe Holderness, who was born March 25, 1838, at New Marion, Ind., but was raised in Adams Co., Ohio, to which place she went with her father at the age of 1 year. She went to McLean Co., 111., with her husband, the year of their marriage. There are four children living - Orra, Sarah E., Hattie and James Grant. Mrs. Wikoff lives upon and conducts her late husband's farm, assisted by her sons, Orra and James. Their farm and residence is located on Sec. 33, with the exception of eighty acres on Sec. 32, and eighty acres in Sec. 10.

W. G. ANDERSON, farmer; P. 0. Lexington; was born in 1818, in Jefferson Co., Ind.r and came to this State in the year 1855, settling in Randolph Township, this county, where he remained two years, when he removed -to the place he now occupies. His homestead consists of 350 acres, in a good state of cultivation, and worth about $35 per acre.

WM. BENSON, farmer; P. 0. Lexington; was born in McLean Co. in 1830; he is the son of James Benson, who emigrated from Indiana and settled in Blooming Grove, this county, at a very early day. He received his education in what was known as the Bloomington Academy (Rev. G. W. Minier, Principal) ; he taught school some two years, after which he moved onto and improved a farm in White Oak Township; in the spring of 1867, he moved to his present location, and was among the first settlers on the open prairie in the northeastern part of the township ; his homestead consists of 160 acres, well situated and improved, and worth about $35 per acre.

WILLIAM HURT, farmer ; P. 0. Arrowsmith ; was born in Kentucky in 1841 ; came to this State in 1854, and resided in Bloomington for one year afterward. He was married, in 1863, to Miss Mary C. Rason, and settled in Dale Township, where he resided six years; he moved to his present location in 1869, and turned his attention exclusively to farming until five years ago, when he began the breeding of Norman horses, and has continued in the business, with success, ever since. He has one child - Charles W. Hurt, who was born in April, 1865. Mis farm is finely located, well improved, and worth about $40 per acre.

JAMES KENNEDY, farmer ; P. 0. Arrowsmith ; was born in 1803, in Jessamine Co., Ky., amoving to this State in April, 1852, and settled two miles west of Bloomington, remaining in that locality eight years, at which time his wife died, and, breaking up housekeeping, he spent several years in traveling, after which, he settled, in 1873, upon the place he now occupies. He has been thrice married, first, to Miss Leaner Freeman ; in 1827, to Miss Asenath Gentry, and, in 1871, to Miss Maggie Elkin. His homestead consists of 160 acres, finely located and being rapidly brought to a high state of improvement, and is worth about $35 per acre.^

JACOB H. RITCHIE, farmer; P. 0. Arrowsmith; was born in Rockingham Co., Va., in the year 1838, emigrating to Dale Township, this county, in 1855, where he remained ten years, when he removed to the place he now occupies in 1865. He was married, in 1859, to Miss Sallie Hurt. He has served the people in the capacity of School Trustee, Road Commissioner or Supervisor, almost continuously since his settlement in the township. His homestead consists of 160 acres, well improved and worth about $35 per acre, and which represents the accumulations only of the time which he has been in the State ; like others of that time, he braved the hardships and dangers of the Western wilds in search of a competence for his family and which he has secured by diligent application. He has seven children - Ida, George, Annie Bell, Emma, Addison, Jay and Mary Alice.

JOHN W. RITTER, farmer ; P. 0. Arrowsmith ; born in Ross Co., Ohio, in 1821, emigrating to this county in 1854, settling in the vicinity of Le Roy, where he remained one year, and then removed to the place which he now occupies ; he was the first settler in the southern part of Martin Township. He was married, in 1854, to Maria Dawson, daughter of Henry Dawson, one of the early settlers of Old Town, this county. His education was of necessity limited, as but few facilities existed for acquiring an education in the vicinity in which he lived at that early day, but by observation and diligence he has acquired business capacity suflicient to successfully conduct his present extensive business ; he is the owner of one section of land, well stocked and improved and worth about $40 per acre.

SOLOMON K. WALDON, farmer ; P. 0. Ellsworth ; was born in Empire Township, this county, in 1835 ; he is the son of Thomas Waldon, a Virginian, who emigrated to Ohio, thence to this State, settling in this county as early as 1833 ; he first settled in Sangamon Co. in 1828, and was a soldier of the Black Hawk war ; in the early days of Empire Township, he was a prominent citizen of that locality, and one of the hardy and industrious pioneers who helped to pave the way to the better state of things now existing ; he remained a citizen of Empire Township for forty years, when he removed to Downs Township, and thence to this township one year ago. He has been twice married; first in 1860, to Miss Mary Eddy, who died in 1870; and next, in 1873, to Miss Lydia A. Ingersol. Mr. Waldon has had five children, viz., Alfred T. (died in 1864;, George E., James H., Samuel M.and John L.

JOSEPH M. WILSON, farmer ; P. 0. Arrowsmith ; was born in Posey Co.. Ind., in the year 1837, and was married in 1868, to Miss Eliza Popple ; he came to this State in 1854, settling in Stout's Grove, this county, where he remained seventeen years, removing to this township in ,1870, and to the farm he now occupies in 1877. He served three years in the army, enlisting as private in the 94th I. V. I., in August, 1862, and received an honorable discharge from the service in August, 1865. He has a homestead of 160 acres, where he resides, and which is being rapidly improved, and is now worth about $35 per acre. He was elected and served as Tax Collector in 1876.

JAMES E. WOOD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Arrowsmith ; one of the old settlers of McLean Co. ; was born in Monroe Co., Ind., June 6, 1831, and came to McLean Co., Oct. 30, 1854 ; he had about $500 of the wild-cat money of that time in his possession, when he came to McLean Co., but could not dispose of it for 30 cents on the $1, the consequence was, he had to commence in a new country without any means; but, by hard work and economy, he is now the owner of 324 acres of land all under a good state of cultivation. He was united in marriage with Nancy Puett Oct. 30, 1853 ; from this union there were eight children, six of whom are now living, viz., Robert P., William E., James E., Ellsworth, John A. and George W. ; the names of those deceased were Nancy E. and Sarah D. Vlrs. Nancy Wood died Nov. 23, 1872. On Nov. 12, 1873, Mr. Wood was married to Martha Horr, whose father was one of the pioneers of McLean Co. Mr. Wood is a strict temperance man ; a Republican in politics, and a great admirer of that party.

Business Directory

Anderson, J. W., Manufacturer of Buggies, Spring and Platform Wagons, Track Sulkies, and all kinds, of job work, 305 West Washington street.

A large stock of Forfeited Pledges for sale at half value. Cash paid for Gold and Silver. Fine Jewelry and Watches repaired in better manner and at lower rates than any house in city. Behr, Henry, Dealer in Groceries, Provisions, Fruits, Canned Goods, &c, 1009 West Chestnut street.

Blanchard, E. H., Dealer in Drugs, Medicines, Chemicals, Fine Toilet Soaps, Paints, Oils, Varnishes and Dye-Stuffs. Physicians' Prescriptions accurately compounded.

-Brand, George, Manufacturer, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Furniture, 112 West Front street. Low rates given and satisfaction guaranteed. Patronage solicited.

Cochrane, W. G., Manufacturing Confectioner, Foreign and Domestic Fruits and Nuts, Cigars and Tobaccos, 218 North Center street, West Side Square.

Buffinaw, K., Plain and Ornamental Painting, Graining, Paper-Hanging, Calcimining and Bronzing, corner Main and Washington streets. - Bunn, T. J., Banker.

-Carlock, W. B., Attorney at Law. Mouey to Loan. Agency for the Cunard Line of Steamships. Office over j Dias, E., Manufacturer of Cigars, To

Camp, C. L., Dealer in Furniture Notions, Queensware, Glassware, Wood and Willow Ware, and a general assortment of House-Furnishing Goods, 106 East Front street.

Diedrich, N., Proprietor of the Union Foundry and Machine Shop. Iron Fronts, Fencings, Grating, Shutters, Window Caps and Sills, 407 and 409 South Center street.

^- Evans, John W., Contractor and Builder, Planing-Mill and Lumber Yard, Stair Building, Doors, Sash, Blinds, Frames, Mouldings, Brackets, Turning, Planing, Matching and Sawing. Mill, office and yard, 511 North Center street.

"Pell, Robert, Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries, Choice Teas, Fruits, Vegetables, Provisions, Queensware, Stoneware, &c, corner Center and Grove streets.

^^"Fordice, J. M,, Dealer in Lumber and Building Materials, Lehigh Valley Coal, Salt and the Moline Wagon, 1001 West Market street. Foy, J. W., Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries, 508 East Jefferson street.

Houtz, J. E., & Co., Dry Goods. Commenced business in Bloomington in April, 1873, at 210 Center street, at which place they did business until the 18th of March, 1879, when they removed to their new, elegant double store, 109 and 111 East Front street. Their present store is the largest, most attractive and convenient in Central Illinois, and their business has largely increased since occupying it. They have been obliged to increase their force of help, and judging from present indications, still further additions will become necessary. The order trade from surrounding and even as far as the southern part of the State is immense, and have also recently had large orders from Missouri and Nebraska. Eighteen persons are now in their employ.

Hewitt, H. H, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Hardware, Stoves and Agricultural Implements ; Agent for the Schuttler Wagon, 309 North Main st.

Dealer in Groceries, Fruits and Canned - ;^Kirkpatriek, J. H., Stock and Real Goods ; also Proprietor of the Blooming- \ Estate Auctioneer; office, 502 North ton Steam Coffee, Spice and Hominy ' Main street, opposite Brokaw's Plow Mills, 105 West North street. Shop.

' King, D. P., Manufacturer of and dealer in Harness, Saddles, Collars, Bridles, Whips, Halters, Combs, Brushes, etc., South Main street, opposite Post Office, Center street.

Kriim, I. R. (Successor to Krum & Robinson), Dealer in Lumber, Shingles, Lath, Building Paper, Doors, Sash, Blinds, Lime Cement. Plastering Hair, Grain, Coal and Salt ; office, 920 East Grove street, East Illinois Central Depot^ Branch business at Arrowsmith.

Kummer, Henry, Dealer in New and Second Hand Furniture, Stoves and Tinware, 113 South Center Street. General Repairing of Tinware and Furniture.

Lawrence, E. B., Carpenter and« Builder, Shop North Main street. r- Leland, M. F., Proprietor of the Daily and Weekly Leader, 113, 115 and 117 East Washington street.

^Loudon, Robert, Proprietor of Eagle Machine Works, Engines, Boilers, Mill Gearing, Shafting, Pulleys and Engine Supplies, also Plumbing and Steam Fitting, 610 and 612 North Main street. Lucas, B. L., Attorney at Law.

Miner, H, A., Manufacturer of Moldings, Sash, Doors and Blinds, Scroll Work, Frames, House Finishing and Turning; shop with the Bloomington Furniture Works.

Moore, M. L., Manufacturer and Dealer in Custom Work, Harness, Saddles, Collars, Whips, Nets, Robes, Trunks, Valises, &c, 114 South Main street. r~ Mueller, A., Dealer in Family Groceries, Provisions, Flour and Feed of all kinds, &c, 802 West Front street.

Mutual County Fire Insur-^-Probasco, W. B., Grain Dealer ; highest cash price paid for all kinds of Grain ; orders for car lots promptly filled ; elevator on C. & A. R. R., between Chestnut and Locust streets.

^ - .Smith, William Hawley, County ^,Theis, Charles, Dealer in Groceries, Superintendent of Schools, McLean J Provisions, Vegetables, &c, 712 West County. Chestnut street.

r^Spinning, J., Dealer in Fresh and Salt jThomagj K fi Insurance Agent; Meats, Lard, &c, 304 North Main st. . represente some of the best companies

<-* StautZ, William, Dealer in all kinds of Fresh and Cured Meats, 501 West Market street. Sells, J., Grower of Seed Corn, Toulouse, African, Canada and China Geese and Muscovy Ducks, the Gregg, Mammoth Cluster, Golden Cap and Turner Raspberry.

in the country - iEtna, of Hartford, Franklin, of Philadelphia, Home, of New York, Niagara, of New York, Phoenix, of Hartford, Mutual Benefit Life, of Newark, N. J.

_^Stubblefield, R. W., Importer and Breeder of Percheron-Norman Horses, also proprietor of the old Jones Livery and Feed Stable, corner Front and Lee streets.

White, S. R., Contractor and Builder, and Dealer in Lumber, Lath, Shingles, Moldings, Sash, Blinds, &c, 304 East Douglas street, opposite Planing Mill.

Wright, H. B., M. D., Homoeopathic Physician and Surgeon; office, 211 North Main street, up stairs ; residence, 412 North Lee, corner of Market street.

Wood, John F., Practical Pattern Making, Wood Turning, &c. ; all orders promptly attended to. Patentees and others who are experimenting will find it to their interest to call on or address me, at factory, East Douglas street.

"Vickroy, H. K., Proprietor of the Highland Fruit Farm and Gardens, Propagator and Grower of Plants, Fruits and Vegetables, and Dealer in Fruit-box Material.

Trusses, Supporters, Shoulder Braces, Fancy and Toilet Articles, Books and Stationery, Kerosene Oil, Lamps and Chimneys, Grass and Garden Seeds, Glass, Putty, Paints, Oils, Varnishes, Dye Stuffs, Pure Wines and Liquors for Medicinal Purposes, Patent Medicines, &c. ; Family Medicines and Physicians' Prescriptions accurately compounded at all hours. Goods selected with care and warranted as represented.

Mahan, Isaac S., Attorney at Law and Notary Public, Insurance and Real Estate ; special attention given to Collection of Pensions, Bounties, &c.

Powley, J. W., Manufacturer and Jobber of Tin and Sheet-iron Ware, Stamped and Japanned Tinware, and Dealer in Stoves, Shelf Hardware, Nails, Pumps, &c.

Pales, W. M., Dealer in Staple and Fancy Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots and Shoes, Hats, Caps, Notions, Groceries, Queensware, &c, Hamilton's Block. Stock, in extent and variety, the largest, and prices always the lowest.

Keepers, A. D., Dealer in Dry Goods and Notions, Laces, Embroideries, Gloves, Hosiery, Ladies' Fine Shoes, and Groceries, Green street, opposite post office.

Ruger, Dewey, Dealer in Drugs, Medicines, Toilet Articles, Perfumeries, Cigars, Tobacco, Paints, Oils, Homoeopathic Medicines, Lamps and Lamp Goods, Stationery, Flower Pots, &c.

practice in the Justices' Courts in McLean and adjoining counties. Collecting and conveyancing promptly attended to. Charges reasonable. Also dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots and Shoes. A complete stock always on hand. The oldest established house in the village. Ladies' Dress Goods, Hosiery, Gloves, Ginghams, Prints, Denims, Ticking, etc., as low as the lowest. Highest price paid for Country Produce.

^arkhlirst, H., M. D., Physician and Surgeon, also proprietor of City Drug Store. Dealer in Pure Drugs, Medicines, Chemicals, Toilet and Fancy Articles, Fine Soaps, Brushes of all kinds, Combs, Stationery, Pocket Books, Cutlery, Fine Razors, Glass, Putty, Paints, Oils, Varnishes, Tobacco and Cigars, Lamps, Chimneys, Pure Wines and Liquors for medicinal purposes only. German and English prescriptions carefully compounded.

RobiDSOIl, ROSS, Architect and Builder. Plans and Specifications furnished on application ; estimates made and contracts taken. Shop one door north of Rowell & Johnson's Dry Goods and Grocery Store.

GideOD, D. C, M. D., Editor and Proprietor of the Dan vers Independent, a weekly paper devoted to the interests of the village and the surrounding community. Terms, $1.50 per annum invariably in advance.

- - HineS & Bunn, Grain Dealers. The highest price paid in cash for Corn, Wheat, Rye, Oats and Barley. Warerooms and scales at I., B. & W. R. R. Depot.

chandise, Dry Goods and Groceries, Hats and Caps, Boots and Shoes. A fine assortment of Alpacas, Cashmeres, plain and figured Worsted Goods, Hamburg Edgings and Embroideries, Corsets, Suspenders, Ladies', Gent's and Children's Hosiery, Sun Umbrellas, Parasols, etc., etc.

Pugsley, J. W., General Dealer in Hardware, Copper, Sheet-Iron, Tinware, Threshing Machines and Farm Machinery, corner Lincoln and State streets.

Beeney & GalUSha, General Hardware Merchants and Dealers in Stoves and House-Furnishing Goods, Agricultural and Farming Implements, and Farm Machinery. Exclusive Agents for Le Roy, of the Walter A. Wood Reaper and Mower, the Neff Farm Wagon, New Departure, Tongueless Cultivator, Brown's Corn Planter and the John Deere & Gilpin Sulky Plow, and the latest and most improved Farm Machinery.

Brown, J. W., Postmaster and Dealer in Notions, Stationery, Fruits, Confectionery, Tobacco and Cigars; also a large and complete stock of Wall Paper constantly on hand at Post Office.

Joseph Keenan, Banker; Bank of Deposit and Dealer in Home and Foreign Exchange, also Dry Goods. A full and complete stock constantly on hand.

Thomas, M. M., Manufacturer of Farm and Spring Wagons, Carriages, Buggies, etc. Also sole Agent in McLean County for the sale of the Cortland Platform Spring Wagon. I desire to call special attention to the Thomas Steel Tooth Harrow, the best in use. Patent applied for.

LOW, Nathan, Dealer in Boots and Shoes, a full line of Men's, Women's, Misses' and Boys' Stock constantly on hand, and at prices that defy competition. .

Montgomery & Chapin, Merchants ; a full and complete stock of Drugs constantly on hand ; also, Dealer in Paints, Oils, Glass, Putty, &c, Groceries and Provisions, Glassware, Queensware, and the different brands of Flour, including the celebrated Vara Mills.

COX & Aldrich, Dealers in Grain, Lumber, Live Stock, Coal, all kinds of Farmers' Produce, Dry Goods, Groceries, Hardware, Boots, Shoes, Drugs, &c.

HaseiTW inkle, W., Proprietor of the Hudson City Mills and Elevator; all orders for Flour and Feed will receive prompt attention ; highest market price paid for all kinds of Grain ; orders solicited.

Fleming Bros., General Merchants, Grain and Stock Dealers and Shippers ; also Dealers in Lumber, Coal, Building Material, etc., etc., Holder.

Savage, J. B., Merchant, Postmaster and Justice of the Peace ; also, Agent for Barnum & Keenan for the purchase of Grain, and Dealer in Coal, Lumber, Lime, Cement, &c, Sabina.

StOOps, S. A., & CO., Manufacturers and Dealers in all kinds of Drain Tile. These Tile are not surpassed in strength and durability by any manufactured in the State. Factory located at Padua, on the L., B. & M. R. R., McLean Co., 111.

Weedman, John, General Banker; Bank of Deposit and Dealer in Foreign and Home Exchange. Bank at Farmer City ; also Dealer and Shipper of Stock. Raising Blooded Stock a specialty at residence. Post Office, Farmer City, De Witt Co. Weedman Station.

""^CHARLES W. ATKINSON. County Clerk, Bloomington ; was born in Lake Co., Ohio, Oct. 3, 1835. He came to McLean Co. in 1853, and finished a good education at the Wesleyan University. During the winter of 1860, he returned to Lake Co., Ohio, and, in the following spring, enlisted with the 23d Ohio V. I.; in the spring of 1862, was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and, in the same year, to First Lieutenant, then to Captain which position he held during his service of over four years ; he participated in twenty-seven of the most severe b ittles and skirmishes of the war, and was one of those so fortunate as to escape without injury. After the war, he returned to McLean Co., and engaged in mercantile business at Saybrook, continuing until 1868, when he came to Bloomington and filled the position of Deputy Circuit Clerk four years ; he then, for four years, held a position as Deputy County Clerk. Being social and genial, he won the good will and respect of the citizens of McLean Co., and, in 1877, he was elected to his present position. He married Miss Kate Guthrie, daughter of the Rev. R. E. Guthrie, of Saybrook, Oct. 23, 1866 ; they have a family of four.

and the only one of a family of four (two sisters and a brother) that lived to the age of maturity. He was born in Highland Co., Ohio, Dec. 28, 1828. While quite small, his father moved to Ripley, Brown Co., Ohio, where he lived for many years. It was here the subject of this sketch received his education, first in common schools of the place, and finally in the Ripley College. At the close of his school days, he apprenticed himself for two years to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, and tsoon became a proficient workman, and, finally, a successful manager in that line. He moved from Ripley, Ohio, to Maysville, Ky., where he worked as a journeyman carpenter for several years. While here, he became of age^ and, like a large majority of the people of that section of country, was an enthusiastic Henry Clay Whig in politics. His first vote was cast for Archibald Dixon, the Whig candidate for Governor of Kentucky. In December, 1852, he was married to Miss Mary A. Spalding, of Maysville, and, in the spring of 1853, removed with his wife to Bloomington, 111., where he still resides. Arriving in Bloomington at a time when it was *apidly developing into the beautiful city it, now is, he found ample employment in the line of his trade, which he prosecuted as builder and contractor for several years, having decidedly the lead in the amount of business done, number of men employed, etc. In the fall of 1857, he became a partner in a grocery store, which proved an unfortunate investment, ahd soon absorbed most of the net savings from his business as builder. Having closed out the grocery business, he was appointed Street Commissioner of the city, and in the following year was elected to the same position. The winters of 1859-60 and 1860-61, he read law in the office of Swett & Q*me, and with Reeves & Hogg, and though he was amply qualified for admission to the bar, he chose to enter up"oTi"The lumber business, which he did as a clerk for W. C. Watkins, and for seventeen years, he has been engaged in that business under various firm names, eleven years of this time under the firm name and style of Whitmer & Mitchell. He has always taken an active part in public matters, and thoroughly believes that the practice of good people ignoring political affairs is fraught with great danger to our institutions. He was elected twice a member of the Board of Education of the city, and served as its Treasurer two years. Since his residence in Illinois, he has heen a Republican in politics, and has taken an active part in most of the campaigns in this State. For six years, he was chosen Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee. At the County Convention in June, 1876, he" was nominated by acclamation as one of the candidates to represent the county in the Legislature of the State. He was elected in November, and was assigned an important committee in the House, and became a very successful manager and leader on the floor. In 1878, he was again nominated by acclamation, and again elected to represent this county in the General Assembly. He was one among the leading contestants for the office of Speaker of the House, and though not elected, he was chosen as Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, which is the rankirrg committee of the House. This committee passed upon bills which, in the aggregate, disposed of nearly six and a quarter millions of the people's money, and to be assured of the propriety of every measure, and to present the details required to convince the House of the justice and equity of the claims, was, indeed, a work of great labor. There was probably no member of the House who had a greater influence in its councils; no one more diligent in his attention to business, and none more conscientious in the discharge of his dunes, and none who stood higher in the esteem of his fellow-members at the close of the ses sion. n June, 1877, Mr. Mitchell was appointed Treasurer of the State Board of Education and still serves in that capacity. He handles the moneys appropriated and accruing to the State SrJR1VerS'ty,a -N0rT,Lai|dwaSaYaluable friend to'he institution on the floor of the uZJucfZ °f thC latG ASSembly- HC iS " never-f*ilinS «end to the cause of pop

- m^LiLHU ^0GERS' deceased, Bloomington, whose portrait, appears in this work was born in Windham Greene Co., N. Y., Oct. 8, 1805 ; at the age of 11, his mother hav Ld'ed he to reside wiU.hu -uncle, Col. James Robinson, and remained with him until he was 24 years of age engaged m farming^ On Feb. 11, 1828, he married Miss Hannah Hubbard dauSe? of

TomokiTs Co N V f^^ °' ^^ ^ °°- N' *- and' 0ne ?ear a^er, Zed to Tompkins Co. N. i and engaged in farming and stock-raising for fourteen years; in the fall of 1844, he moved to McLean Co.. 111., and first settled in Old Town Timber, farming 'for six years where he increased his farm to 1,100 acres ; in 1850, he moved to Bloomington an°d first engaged in the lumber business in connection with James Robinson, and, a short time afterward having withdrawn from that business, formed a patnership with Ezekiel Folsom in the grain trade which continued for eight years, when, having sold out his interest, he, with Mr Si!l built the Normal Flounng-Mil in Normal. Having retired from active business life, he lived upon he farm, upon winch his widow now resides, up to the time of his death, which occurredTec .2!

^CAPT. CHRISTIAN RIEBSAME, Bloomington; was born June 1, 1839, in Mutterstadt Germany; when 3 years old, the family moved to Speyer, on the Rhine, where he received a common-school education: came to America, arriving at Philadelphia, Nov. 17 1853 after a residence m the cities of New York, Brooklyn and Chicago, settled in Decatur, 111 in 1858 During the war of the rebellion, in 1862, enlisted as private" soldier in the 116th I V I Macon County Regiment ; was promoted Sergeant in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou ; First Lieutenant for gallantry at Arkansas Post, and Captain at Mission Ridge. The 116tlf Regimen I VI on entering the field, was attached to Gen. W. T. Sherman's 15th Army Corps, and formed part of tWheriin eorftLCrred Wlth fl0Wei'8 and Ta'hS by the l0yal ladies wh0 lined the walks aTong were auDrecinted AS T' Caus,n| f7er^ heart *« leaP with J^ that their services to the country were appreciated. At the clo.«e of the war, settled at Bloomington, engaging in the bakery business, but gave it up on account of ill health ; he is now the whole ale IgenTo? he PhilHp Be t