McLean County, Illinois - Chapter 35: Miscellaneous, Continued, 1924 (part 8 of 8)

The Sager family came to Illinois from New York during the early days. They made the trip to Buffalo by boat and from there to Detroit, Mich., came by horse and wagon. On June 17, 1846, they arrived in Stephenson County, 111., where John Sager farmed until 1864, at which time they moved to McLean County and settled on the present Sager farm in Hudson Township. Mr. Sager purchased 40 acres of land, which was all timber, and he became a leading farmer of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Sager, who died at Hudson, 111., were the parents of four children.

Edgar Sager received his education in the district schools and spent one year at Illinois State Normal University at Normal, where he studied surveying. He then was employed as a surveyor for the Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad, and was located near Sterling, 111. In 1869 he was called home by the illness of his mother and then taught school for seven years. Mr. Sager became engaged in general farming and stock raising in 1877 on the home place, which he purchased that year. He made many improvements on the place and was considered a leading stockman of the county. Mr. Sager died Oct. 21, 1923.

In March, 1878, Mr. Sager was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Fincham, a native of Towanda, 111., born May 18, 1858, and the daughter of Alexander and Mary Jane (Busick) Fincham. To Edgar and Amanda (Fincham) Sager four children have been born, as follows: Maude, married George Naggle, lives near LeRoy, 111. ; Blanche, married Leo Stuckey, lives at Perkins, Mo. ; Carl, lives at Chillicothe, 111. ; and Lyle, married Lacy Brown, lives at home.

Edgar Sager was an independent voter and held many township and county offices, such as township school trustee, which office he had held for 30 years. Mr. Sager contributed to all churches, particularly the Methodist Church, of which his wife is a member. Mr. Sager was a reliable and efficient member of the community and had the esteem of his fellow citizens.

Hiram Havens, deceased, was one of the honored pioneer settlers of McLean County. He was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 29, 1817, the son of Jesse and Margaret (Hinthorn) Havens.

Jesse Havens was a native of Monmouth County, N. J., and the son of Jesse Havens, Sr., who was killed during the War of 1812 when the vessel, Essix, was sunk and the entire crew massacred. Jesse Havens, Jr., father of the subject of this sketch, brought his family from Ohio to McLean County, 111., on Dec. 31, 1829, making the trip in covered wagons. They settled on land in Hudson Township, and Mr. Havens became the owner of 2,000 acres of land, which is known now as Havens Grove. He served in the War of 1812 and was one of 160 men who took part in the defense of Fort Stephenson. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Havens had 11 children, of whom Hiram, the subject of this sketch, was the second in order of birth.

Hiram Havens was reared on the farm in Hudson Township, where he spent his entire life. He was 12 years old when his people came to McLean County and at that time Indians were still living in the county. The homestead in Hudson Township is known as "Havenhurst" and it has been in the Havens family about 100 years. Hiram Havens was greatly interested in the study of law and at the time of his death owned 300 volumes of law books. He became a counselor and also served as justice of the peace for many years, and was always proud of the fact that in his

On April 5, 1838, Hiram Havens was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Ann Trimmer, a native of Hunterdon County, N. J., born Feb. 4, 1821, and the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Lanterman) Trimmer, the former a native of Hunterdon County, N. J., and the latter of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Havens five children were born, of whom only one is now living, Mrs. Etta Carrithers.

Mrs. Etta Carrithers was born on the home place in Hudson Township, and on March 1, 1863, was married to Fred A. Carrithers, a native of Marshall County, 111., born June 20, 1858, and the son of Rev. William P. and Mary (Barnes) Carrithers, natives of Indiana. Mr. Carrithers is depot agent for the Illinois Central Railroad at Hudson and he and his wife reside on the old Havens homestead, "Havenhurst". They have one son, Henry Carrithers.

Mrs. Carrithers was educated in the public schools and attended Illinois State Normal University at Normal. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is now the fifth vice-president of the United States Daughters of the War of 1812. During the World War Mrs. Carrithers was chairman of home service and devoted her entire time to war work. She is a member of the McLean County Historical Society and held the vice-presidency for two years. She has in her possession some interesting history in connection with the Havens family and has traced it back as far as the year 800. The Havens family originally came from France and Mrs. Carrithers has a metal painting coat of arms of the family.

In politics Hiram Havens was originally a Whig and later a Republican. He was a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Havens was a prominent man of the community, highly esteemed by all who knew him.

Frank Messer, a successful farmer and stockman of Money Creek Township and the owner of 188 acres of land, is a native of McLean County. He was born on a farm in Gridley Township, Nov. 25, 1873, the son of John P. and Elizabeth Jane (Dawson) Messer.

John P. Messer was born in McLean County in 1834 and died in July, 1897. He was a widely known farmer during his life and a substantial and highly respected citizen of McLean County. His wife, a native of

Ohio, now resides at Lexington, 111. They were the parents of six children, of whom Frank, the subject of this sketch, is the third in order of birth.

Frank Messer spent hjs boyhood on his father's farm and attended the public schools of Gridley Township. He rented land for a number of years and in 1911 purchased his present farm in Money Creek Township. Mr. Messer has made many improvements on the place and is well known as a breeder of pure bred Shorthorn cattle.

On Sept. 6, 1903, Mr. Messer was married to Miss Clarene Flesher, a native of Lexington Township, McLean County, and the daughter of Alonzo and Hattie (Dury) Flesher, natives of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Messer have one child, Lowell, born Aug. 13, 1904.

Frank Messer is an independent voter and an active member of the Christian Church. He is a substantial citizen who has built up a successful farming business by his integrity and progressive methods.

M. L. Ramseyer, now living retired on his farm in Hudson Township, has been a leading farmer and stockman of McLean County for many years. He was born at Canton, Neuchatel, Switzerland, Jan. 3, 1864, the son of John and Anna (Ummel) Ramseyer.

John Ramseyer brought his family to the United States from Switzerland in 1874 and located in Butler County, Ohio, where they remained until 1877. At that time they came to McLean County, where Mr. Ramseyer followed farming north of Danvers. He died in 1882 at the age of 46 years and his wife died about 20 years ago. They were the parents of nine children, as follows: M. L., the subject of this sketch; Anna, married Valentine Birky, lives at Bloomington, 111. ; Susan, married R. K. Rader, lives in White Oak Township, McLean County; John, lives at Pulaski, Iowa ; Rosa, lives at Bloomington, 111. ; Mary, married Peter Tschantz, lives at Pulaski, Iowa; C. W., congressman from the 6th District of Iowa, and he lives at Bloomfield, Iowa; Lina, married D. L. Widmer, lives at Pulaski, Iowa; and S. F., lives at Pulaski, Iowa.

M. L. Ramseyer grew up on the farm and received his education in the district schools. He was employed as a farm hand for 10 years, and received $4.00 per month for the first year. Mr. Ramseyer rented land in Dry Grove Township, McLean County, from 1884 until 1901, at which time he purchased his present farm of 250 acres in Hudson Township.

For many years Mr. Ramseyer was successful as a breeder of Percheron horses and for the past several years pure bred Shorthorn cattle, and he now lives retired.

In 1888 Mr. Ramseyer was married to Miss Louisa Risser, a native of Tazewell County, 111., born in 1866. She died June 19, 1890, leaving one son, Roy A., an attorney at Bloomington, 111. Mrs. Ramseyer was the daughter of Andrew and Mary (Sweitzer) Risser, the former a native of France and the latter of Illinois. In February, 1892, Mr. Ramseyer was married to Miss Anna Stahly, a native of McLean County, born Nov. 21, 1866, and the daughter of Rev. John and Mary Stahly, natives of Switzerland and early settlers of McLean County. To M. L. and Anna (Stahly) Ramseyer four children were born, as follows: Pearl E., lives in Chicago; Ethel V., a nurse in the Mennonite Hospital at Bloomington, 111.; Lloyd, attends Bluffton College, Bluffton, Ohio ; and Lyle J., deceased.

Mr. Ramseyer is a Republican and has served as school director for 21 years in Dry Grove and Hudson townships. In 1914 he was elected county supervisor of McLean County, which office he held for four years. Mr. Ramseyer is a member of the Mennonite Church. The Ramseyer family are substantial and influential citizens and are well known throughout the county.

William H. Edwards, deceased, was a prominent citizen of McLean County for many years. He was born at Morristown, N. J., May 24, 1837, and died May 12, 1913. Mr. Edwards was the son of Levi and Phoebe (Douglass) Edwards.

The Edwards family settled in Licking County, Ohio, many years ago, having moved there from New Jersey. Levi Edwards and family moved to Knox County, Ohio, where he followed his trade as blacksmith. They were the parents of nine children, all of whom are deceased except a daughter, Mrs. Laura LaFever, who lives in Ohio.

William H. Edwards received his education in the district schools and was a blacksmith by trade, although in later life he engaged in general farming and stock raising. He came to McLean County in 1864 and rented a farm two miles east of Lexington, where he remained for four years. Mr. Edwards then purchased 40 acres of land in Lexington Township and after adding to his land holdings he became the owner of 360

On Oct. 26, 1864, Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Eliza J. Guy, a native of Washington County, Pa., born Oct. 6, 1843, and the daughter of Joseph and Mary J. (Reed) Guy. The Guy family went from Virginia to Pennsylvania and later to Knox County, Ohio, where Mr. Guy engaged in farming. He died there and his wife died at Lexington, 111., June 3, 1915. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom now live at Lexington. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards had two children, both of whom died in infancy.

In politics William H. Edwards was a Republican and he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He was one of the highly respected and dependable citizens of his township and county.

William Anderson, an enterprising and successful farmer of Money Creek Township, is the owner of a well improved farm, and a member of one of McLean County's prominent pioneer families. He was born in Hudson Township, Aug. 2, 1874, the son of Frank M. and Isabelle (Hinthorn) Anderson.

Frank M. Anderson was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, Feb. 1, 1849, and came to McLean County when he was 21 years of age. He was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Milhorn) Anderson, natives of Ohio, who came to McLean County in 1870 and located in Hudson Township. Frank M. Anderson now lives retired on his farm in Gridley Township and his wife died in 1895. They were the parents of the following children: William, the subject of this sketch; Daniel A., lives in Iowa; Hattie, married William Messe, lives at Breckenridge, Minn. ; John C, lives in Gridley Township, McLean County; Ina, married Herbert Hall, lives in Gridley Township; Samuel, lives in Gridley Township; and Ona, married Heny Geiger, lives in Gridley Township.

William Anderson grew to manhood on his father's farm and attended the district schools. He worked as a farm hand for a short time and then rented land for 10 years before purchasing his present farm of 73 acres in Money Creek Township. He farms 220 acres. Mr. Anderson is widely known as a breeder of pure-bred Spotted Poland China hogs. The farm where he lives is well improved and contains good buildings. It is now owned by Mrs. Sarah E. Kearfott. (41)

On Jan. 14, 1897, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Leona Kearfott, a native of Money Creek Township, born Aug. 2, 1876, the daughter of William E. and Sarah E. (Coon) Kearfott. Mr. Kearfott was a prominent farmer of McLean County for many years, having come here from Licking County, Ohio. He died June 10, 1923, and his widow now resides at Normal, 111. Mr. Kearfott formerly owned the present Anderson farm. To William and Leona (Kearfott) Anderson two children have been born, as follows: Omer L., at home; and Erma, married George Scarbeary, a farmer, lives in Hudson Township, McLean County.

Frank Maple, well known as an enterprising farmer and stockman of Hudson Township, and the owner of 420 acres of land, was born on the farm he now owns, Oct. 23, 1861. He is the son of Sceaphes and Margaret (Hinthorn) Maple.

Sceaphes Maple was a native of Knox County, Ohio, born Oct. 12, 1828. He came to McLean County before the Civil War and settled on land in Hudson Township, which is still known as the Maple farm. Mr. Maple followed general farming and stock raising during his life and met with success. He died March 16, 1910, and his wife died in 1890. They were the parents of four children, as follows : William, lives in California ; Frank, the subject of this sketch; James, lives at Newman, Calif.; and a daughter died in infancy.

Frank Maple has always been a farmer and is widely known as a breeder of pure bred stock. He attended the district schools and then farmed on the home place, and now owns 420 acres of land in Hudson Township. Mr. Maple lives at Hudson, 111. He is also an extensive buyer and shipper of stock.

On March 21, 1900, Mr. Maple was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Piatt, a native of McLean County, born in 1873, and the daughter of Jesse and Jane (Hinthorn) Piatt, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mrs. Maple died in 1915, leaving three children, as follows: Florence, Ellen and Etta, all at home.

terms and also as school director of District No. 202 in Hudson Township. Mr. Maple is a Democrat and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has always been a man of progressive ideas, and he is a reliable and substantial citizen.

Victor L. Nickel, the competent and well known assistant cashier of The State Bank at Chenoa, 111., was born at Chenoa, March 29, 1885, the son of Charles and Louisa (LeDuc) Nickel.

Charles Nickel was a native of Germany and came to the United States in 1872. He settled in New York City, where he remained for two years, after which he came to McLean County, 111., and engaged in the hardware business at Chenoa. Mr. Nickel was president of The State Bank of Chenoa since its organization in 1892 until the time of his death in 1905. He was a Democrat, a member of the Masonic Lodge and belonged to the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Nickel died in 1921. They were the parents of two children, Lillian, school teacher, lives at home, and Victor L., the subject of this sketch.

Victor L. Nickel received his education in the public and high schools of Chenoa and after finishing his school work became engaged in the banking business at Chenoa. He started as bookkeeper for The State Bank and is now assistant cashier.

In June, 1911, Mr. Nickel married Miss Grace Hisoredt, a native of Urbana, 111., born in 1888, and the daughter of Ward and Sarah (Neuhauser) Hisoredt, natives of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Hisoredt now live retired at Gridley, 111. They are the parents of four children, as follows : Mrs. Nickel; Ethel, the wife of George Niergarth, lives in St. Louis; Minerva, the wife of Harry Colmery, lives in Topeka, Kan. ; and Lucille, school teacher, lives in Akron, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Nickel have one child, Lynn, born Feb. 7, 1913.

Mr. Nickel is president of the local board of education and is supervisor. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is well known in McLean County.

The State Bank of Chenoa was organized in 1892. It has a capital stock of $30,000.00 and a surplus of $30,000.00. The present officers of the bank are: A. D. Jordan, president; L. L. Silliman, cashier; and Victor L. Nickel, assistant cashier. The directors are: E. M. Pike, R. G.

Jordan, Victor L. Nickel, J. E. Wightman, A. D. Jordan, and W. D. Castle. The phenomenal growth of The State Bank of Chenoa is due in no small degree to co-operation, and the stockholders are to be congratulated upon having such competent leaders as Mr. Nickel.

Dr. Marcus M. Lord, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War and one of McLean County's most highly respected citizens. He was born at Albany, Franklin County, Vt., April 17, 1843, the son of Ebenezer Kelly and Jeanette (Gregg) Lord.

Ebenezer K. Lord was born in New Hampshire and when a young man moved to Vermont, where he owned and operated a starch factory for many years. He later went to Iowa, bought up large tracts of land, and became a prominent and successful business man. He died in 1906 and his wife died in 1905. They are buried in Vermont. Mr. Lord was a Republican during the time of his residence in Vermont, but after going to Iowa he became a staunch Democrat. He was a member of the Baptist Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. To Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer K. Lord four children were born, as follows: Jeanette, married Charles Rowley, both deceased; Dr. Marcus M., the subject of this sketch; Harriet, married Lorenzo Miles, now lives retired in Boston, Mass. ; and Ermina, married Frank Simmons, both deceased.

Dr. Marcus M. Lord spent his boyhood in Albany, Vt., and was educated in the public schools and later attended a medical college in Pennsylvania. Dr. Lord practiced medicine in Vermont for a number of years and later went to Iowa, where he was among the pioneers of the medical profession. He served during the Civil War and was in service for 18 months. While in the army he contracted typhoid fever and rheumatism, from which he never fully recovered. Dr. Lord came to Chenoa in 1889, where he practiced for several years before retiring. He died March 20, 1917, and is buried in Chenoa.

On Aug. 4, 1867, Dr. Lord was married to Miss Ida I. Butts, a native of Stowe, Vt., born Jan. 5, 1849, and the daughter of Prosper and Mary M. (Luce) Butts. Both Mr. and Mrs. Butts were born at Stowe, Vt, and Mrs. Butts was a cousin of Governor Cyrus Luce of Michigan. She was born April 18, 1821, and died in 1908. Mr. Butts died in 1877. They had four children, as follows: L. Porter, Civil War veteran, well known attorney of Vermont and now lives retired at North Hyde Park, Vt. ; Mrs. Lord; Mary A., school teacher for many years, later architect, and now retired at North Hyde Park, Vt. ; and Jennie A., married Homer L. Stearns, now retired, Burlington, Vt. The city of Stowe, Vt., was named after Mrs. Lord's great grandmother, Mrs. Hannah Stowe, a prominent citizen of that section. To Dr. Marcus M. and Ida I. (Butts) Lord two children were born, as follows: Blanche L., married Frederick Henry Ballinger, druggist, Chenoa; and Porter Butts, born Jan. 2, 1881, died Aug. 12, 1915. Mrs. Lord has two grandchildren, Gordon H. Lord, born at Bloomington, 111., Nov. 26, 1911; and Jean Lucille Van Dolah born July 31, 1922.

Mrs. Lord taught school in Vermont before her marriage and has been superintendent of the Chenoa City Library for ten years. Dr. Lord served as justice of the peace in Iowa and also as postmaster there. He was a Democrat, a member of the Congregational Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge and was High Priest, also the Consistory. He took an active part in state work as a lecturer. Dr. Lord was an excellent citizen and merited the high regard in which he was held in the community.

James E. Jontry, the well known and capable postmaster of Chenoa, was born at Chenoa, Oct. 18, 1871, the son of John Jacob and Mary A. (Nickerson) Jontry.

John Jacob Jontry was a native of Ohio and came to Illinois during the Civil War. He settled at Chenoa and followed his trade as shoemaker for many years and died Dec. 19, 1921. His wife, a native of Indiana, is also deceased. Mr. Jontry was a Democrat and served as alderman for three terms. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. John Jacob Jontry had six children: Lena, deceased; James E., the subject of this sketch; Frank, shoemaker, Chenoa; Harry, engaged in the clothing business at Chenoa; Charles, lives at Pontiac; and Marion, harnessmaker, lives at Chenoa.

James E. Jontry has always lived at Chenoa. He was educated in the public schools there and then became engaged as a telegraph operator and agent for the Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railroad at Chenoa. Mr. Jontry remained in the employ of the railroad until September, 1913, when he was appointed postmaster of Chenoa. He has filled the office in a most efficient and trustworthy manner, and is favorably known throughout McLean County.

On April 30, 1900, Mr. Jontry married Miss Margaret J. McCormick, a native of Illinois, born Sept. 12, 1877, and the daughter of John and Bridget (Clooney) McCormick, natives of Ireland and early settlers of Illinois. Mr. McCormick is deceased and his wife lives at Chenoa. They were the parents of the following children : Frank, lives at Sigel, 111. ; Anna, married Joseph Knight, lives at Pontiac, 111. ; Agnes, married William Toomey, lives at Chenoa; Mrs. Jontry; William, lives in Chicago; Walter B., Delco Light Company, Milwaukee, Wis. ; and Gertrude, married L. M. Bauman, garage, Chenoa. To Mr. and Mrs. Jontry five children have been born: Paul, Mark, Josephine, Walter, and Eleanor.

William H. Hawthorne, editor and owner of The Chenoa Clipper Times, is one of McLean County's prominent citizens. He was born in Granville, Putnam County, 111., Dec. 20, 1890, the son of W. E. and Emma Amelia (Opper) Hawthorne.

W. E. Hawthorne was born near Granville, 111., where he has resided for many years. Mr. Hawthorne is editor of The Granville Echo and president of the State Bank at Granville. He has devoted considerable time to school work and was a professor in Indiana for a number of years. Mr. Hawthorne is a Republican and a member of the Congregational Church. He and his wife live at Granville. They have six children, as follows: William H., the subject of this sketch; Orin L., associated with the American Writing Paper Company in Omaha, Neb. ; Helen, married William H. Benson, ranch owner of Montana; Marie, at home; Charles F., engaged in the newspaper business with his father; and Edward E., also in business with his father.

William H. Hawthorne received his education in the public and high schools at Granville and attended Wheaton College. He then was employed by the Blakley Printing Company at Chicago for five years and also spent several years in the newspaper offices with his father before coming to Chenoa. On Dec. 1, 1915, Mr. Hawthorne combined two newspapers and called it The Chenoa Clipper-Times.

In politics Mr. Hawthorne is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. The Hawthorne family have always been progressive, public spirited, and citizens of real worth.

Noah H. Pike, now living retired at Chenoa, is a veteran of the Civil War and a prominent pioneer business man of McLean County. He was born at Casco, Maine, Aug. 27, 1840, the son of Harrison Wallace and Susan A. (Mobberly) Pike.

Harrison Wallace Pike was a native of Cornish, Maine, and one of the earliest settlers of Bloomington, coming here with his family in 1854. He was a trader during his life and established the Pike House during the early days, which was the first hotel west of Chicago. Mr. Pike was a Democrat and was a great church worker. He died in June, 1875, and his wife died in 1876. They were the parents of the following children: Edward M., retired lumber man and sheriff of McLean County, lives at Chenoa; Noah H., the subject of this sketch; Susan, married James Sanders, insurance business at Bloomington; I. H., attorney, retired, Oak Park, 111.; A. H., now deceased; Anna M., deceased; Mary Alice, married Dr. Ely Gale, both deceased.

Noah H. Pike received his education in the public schools and attended the first high school at Bloomington, Demit School. He then entered the lumber business with his brothers, Edward M. and A. H. Pike. They are among the oldest lumber men of McLean County, having engaged in the business since 1868. Mr. Pike and his brothers had but eleven dollars as capital when they started, but by hard work and good management they became prosperous and widely known business men. Mr. Pike later purchased his brothers' shares and conducted the business alone until the time of his retirement, Jan. 1, 1892. He lives at Chenoa.

During the Civil War, Mr. Pike enlisted for service in Company I, 145th Infantry, from Illinois and served for five months. He now receives a pension of $72.00 each month. His brother, Edward M. Pike, also service during the Civil War and was wounded. He received a medal from Congress. Another brother, A. H., served in the army at the age of 15 years and was taken prisoner for eight months during the war. I. H. Pike, also a brother of Mr. Pike, served during the Civil War and was taken prisoner.

On May 2, 1869, Mr. Pike married Miss Lucy Helen Shelton, a native of Ohio, born Sept. 20, 1845, and the daughter of James and Lucinda (Jolly) Shelton, parents of the following children: George, deceased; Sarah, married John Varble, both deceased; Mrs. Pike; Hattie, deceased, was the wife of Lawrence Brady ; and Edward, lives at Bloomington, Ind. Mr. Shelton died in 1906 and his wife died in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Pike had one son, Delmer Elton, who died in infancy.

Noah H. Pike is the oldest Mason at Chenoa and has been a member since 1868, and has held almost every chair in the local lodge. He has served as alderman, school commissioner, and president of the National Association of Lumber Dealers. He and his wife are members of the Christian Scientist Church. They are interesting pioneers of the county and are highly respected citizens.

O. F. Dawson, now living retired at Lexington, is the owner of 360 acres of land in Lexington and Chenoa townships, and a member of one of one of McLean County's prominent pioneer families. He was born on a farm one and one-half miles southwest of Lexington and were among and Arminta (Adams) Dawson.

The Dawson family is of Welsh extraction and came to America during the first settlement of Virginia. James R. Dawson, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1794 and went to Madison County, Ohio, in 1817, where he and his family remained until 1831, when they moved to McLean County. They settled on a farm in Lexington Township, May 19, 1857, and is the son of John the earliest settlers of the county. James R. Dawson was a successful farmer and owned 240 acres of land. His wife died three years after coming to Illinois.

John Dawson, father of the subject of this sketch, and son of James R. Dawson, was born in Madison County, Ohio, Dec. 4, 1820, and died in 1900. He followed farming during his life and became the owner of 700 acres of land in McLean County. Mr. Dawson went to California in 1875 and remained there four years. He then lived retired at Lexington until the time of his death. He was a member of the Christian Church and a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. John Dawson were the parents of eight children, two of whom are now living: Thomas A., extensive farmer, who lives at Lexington, 111. ; and 0. F., the subject of this sketch.

O. F. Dawson was educated in the schools of Lexington and has always lived in McLean County. When he was 21 years of age, Mr. Dawson started farming on his father's land in Chenoa Township, which he later became heir to. He made extensive improvements on the place and until 1915 Mr. Dawson was among the leading stockmen of the county. He lived retired at Bloomington for one year and now lives at Lexington.

On Aug. 21, 1898, Mr. Dawson was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Farr, a native of Yates Township, McLean County, and the daughter of William R. and Martha Ellen (Gallehugh) Farr. The Farr family came to McLean County from Virginia and were prominent farmers of Yates and Gridley Townships. To 0. F. and Catherine (Farr) Dawson two children have been born, as follows: Grace, married Benjamin Schifer, lives at Chicago and they have two daughters, Grace and Glee Frances; and John W., a farmer in Lexington Township, married Miss Helen Crumbecker, and they have one daughter, Roslyn Lynet.

Mr. Dawson is a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. He is one of the substantial citizens of the community, where the Dawson name has always stood for community development and improvement.

Dr. Charles Roy Kerr, a prominent physician of Chenoa, is a veteran of the World War. He was born at North Star, Mich., Jan. 10, 1885, the son of Alpheus and Addie (Doty) Kerr.

Alpheus Kerr was a native of Ohio and an early settler of Michigan. He later moved to Brockport, N. Y., where he died in March, 1917. Mr. Kerr was a successful farmer and fruit grower and his wife owned 150 acres of land in New York. He was a Republican, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Kerr now resides at Brockport, N. Y. She is a member of the Methodist church. They were the parents of three children, as follows: Anson, farmer, lives at Adams Basin, N. Y. ; Dr. Charles Roy, the subject of this sketch; and Luther B., lives in Rochester, N. Y.

Dr. Charles Roy Kerr was educated in the public and high schools of Brookport, N. Y., and then was graduated from medical college in Chicago in May, 1913. He was then connected with the staff of a Chi- cago hospital for twelve months and later practiced at Anchor, 111. At the outbreak of the World War Dr. Kerr enlisted for service and received the commission of first lieutenant at Camp Beauregard in Louisiana. He still holds the rank of first lieutenant in the medical reserve corps. In October 22, 1923, he received his commission as captain. Dr. Kerr took up his practice of medicine at Chenoa on October 1, 1919, and since that time has built up a large practice and is widely known as an able physician and a high class citizen.

On March 15, 1915, Dr. Kerr was married to Miss Jessie Helen Corbett, a native of Illinois, and the daughter of John W. and Catherine (Dacy) Corbett, the former a native of New York and the latter of Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. Corbett now resides in Chicago. His wife died April 27, 1899. They had three children, as follows: Mary Ethel, married to A. J. Malboeuf, lives in Ohio; Mrs. Kerr; and Edward T., lives in Wisconsin.

Hugh Vaughan, deceased, was a prominent farmer and stockman of McLean County for many years. He was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Edwards) Vaughan.

Both Edward Vaughan and his wife spent their entire lives in Wales. They had six children, as follows: Jane, deceased; Hugh, the subject of this sketch ; Robert, deceased, was for many years a prosperous gold mine owner in Montana; Edward, deceased; John, lives in Wales; and Mary, lives in Wales.

Hugh Vaughan came to the United States when he was 21 years of age, making the trip in a sailing vessel. He lived in New York for four years and then came to Illinois and purchased a farm in Lexington Township, McLean County. Later, Mr. Vaughan located in Chenoa Township on a farm of 240 acres. He became a prosperous farmer and was among the leading stockmen of the county. Mr. Vaughan helped survey the northern part of McLean County when the roads were being laid out and he was a strong advocate of better schools during the early days. He died Jan. 7, 1907, and is buried in the Chenoa Cemetery-

On April 8, 1865, Mr. Vaughan married Miss Ellen Jones, also a native of Wales, born Nov. 19, 1838, and the daughter of Hugh and Jane (Evans) Jones, both deceased. Mrs. Vaughan had the following brothersers and sisters: Rolland, deceased; Grace, married Thomas Jones, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Hugh, deceased; Jane, lives in Wales; Margaret, lives in Chicago; John, retired farmer, lives in Spokane, Wash. ; Catherine, lives in Wales ; David, banker, Spokane, Wash. ; and Ivan, merchant, lives in Wales. To Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Vaughan eight children were born, as follows: Edward, born Sept. 24, 1866, died July 24, 1892; Viola, married Kenneth Mclver, ranchman, lives in Great Falls, Mont. ; Hugh, deceased ; Mary, lives with her mother ; Grace, married Earl Starkey, lives at Mount Pleasant, Iowa; Robert, farmer, Chenoa Township; Margaret, married Frank Thayer, farmer, lives at Chenoa; and John, farmer and stockman, Chenoa Township. Mrs. Vaughan has 13 grandchildren. One grandchild, Angus Vaughan Mclver, is a veteran of the World War. He enlisted at Great Falls, Mont., and was instructor in training civil engineers. He was in service in France for 15 months and also with the reconstruction army in Germany. Mr. Mclver is a graduate of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich.

Mrs. Vaughan now owns 80 acres of land in Chenoa Township. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan made a visit to Wales after being in this country for 42 years and remained there for four months. They were accompanied by their daughter, Mrs. Starkey.

Hugh Vaughan was a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was an excellent citizen and merited the high esteem in which he was held by the community.

Lloyd Sarver, a veteran of the World War, is one of Chenoa's enterprising and successful young business men. He was born in Shelby County, 111., Aug. 5, 1894, the son of Alonzo and Ella Poteet Sarver.

Alonzo Sarver, a native of Tennessee, came to Illinois many years ago and settled in Shelby County. He followed farming and stock raising for a number of years and is now interested in the produce business at Chenoa with his son, Lloyd, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Sarver is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. He and his wife reside at Chenoa, and have but one child, Lloyd Sarver.

Lloyd Sarver was educated in the public and high schools of Chenoa and has been engaged in the produce business since 1914 with his father. He enlisted for service during the World War and was sent to Camp Bradley and later to South Carolina, and served for 10 months with Battery B, 4th Battalion. Mr. Sarver was the first commander of Ben Roth Post at Chenoa, American Legion Post No. 234, and he is prominent in all activities of the Legion. Mr. Sarver and his father deal in farmers' produce and also have a place of business at Lexington, 111.

On March 10, 1920, Mr. Sarver was married to Miss Erletta Haushalter, a native of Livingston County, 111., and the daughter of E. H. and Ella A. (Curry) Haushalter, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Illinois. Mr. Haushalter is engaged in the shipping of stock from Chenoa, and does an extensive and profitable business. Mr. and Mrs. Haushalter have the following children: Harvey L., telegraph operator, Chicago and Alton Railroad, lives in Chicago; Paul, deceased; Lena, deceased; Arietta, born Oct. 26, 1898, the wife of Lloyd Sarver. Mr. Haushalter is a prominent citizen and has always taken an active interest in the affairs of Chenoa. To Lloyd and Arietta (Haushalter) Sarver one child has been born, Wayne Lloyd, born Feb. 20, 1921.

Mr. Sarver is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. He is well known in McLean County and has many friends.

Rudolph Pershina is a progressive young business man of Chenoa and a veteran of the World War. He was born in Toplice, Austria, April 17, 1895, the son of John and Mary Pershina.

John Pershina was a native of Toplice, Austria, born January, 1858. He was a farmer in the old country and in 1890 came to the United States and first settled at Birmingham, Ala., lived there nine years and worked in the coal mines there. He made a trip back to the old country in about 1893 for his wife. They then returned to the United States and settled near Birmingham, Ala., where they lived about five years, when they came to Springfield, 111., where they are both now living.

Mr. and Mrs. Pershina have four children, as follows: John, deceased ; Mary, married Bert Mlaker, lives in Springfield, 111. ; Rudolph, the subject of this sketch; and Albina, lives in Springfield, 111.

Rudolph Pershina spent his boyhood in Springfield, having come to this country in 1904. After attending the public schools, he was employed as a machinist for 11 years, and spent part of that time in the employ of the Firestone Tire Company, Akron, Ohio, and also with the Ford Motor Car Company. Mr. Pershina was inducted into service during the World War and served with the 64th Company, Battery D, Heavy Field Artillery, and was in service 16 months, eight months of which was spent in France with the 7th Division. He was on the firing line for three months and discharged April 3, 1919. Mr. Pershina has conducted a tailoring and dry cleaning establishment at Chenoa since Feb. 1, 1922, and during that time built up a successful business.

On Aug. 25, 1921, Mr. Pershina married Miss Fannie Beyer, a native of Illinois, born in 1893, and the daughter of Frank Beyer. Frank Beyer was born in New York and came to Missouri where he engaged in farming, and later came to Morton, 111., where he and his brothers engaged in the electrical business. In 1901 there was an explosion in the plant, killing two children of Mr. Moses Beyer. He then, after the explosion, engaged in general farming and stock raising and purchased 160 acres of land in Tazewell County, 111., which he improved, which he later sold and bought 160 acres in Indiana, and now owns, having a tenant on same. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Beyer now live at Morton, 111., where he is engaged in the feed milling business. To Rudolph and Fannie (Beyer) Pershina one child has been born, John Edwin, born May 18, 1922.

Cornelius Healy, who has been in the employ of the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad for 45 years, is a substantial citizen of McLean County. He was born at Galena, 111., April 25, 1857, the son of James and Margaret (Ryan) Healy.

James Healy was a native of Ireland, as also was his wife. He came to the United States when he was a young man and settled in New York for a short time, and later came to Illinois and lived at Galena. Mr. Healy later moved his family to Gilman, 111., where he died. He was employed as a section laborer on Illinois Central and the Toledo, Peoria and Western railroads during the many years he lived in this country. Mrs. Healy died Jan. 1, 1913, and they are buried at Gilman, 111. They were the parents of the following children: James, deceased; Cornelius, the subject of this sketch; William, section foreman, Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad, lives at Gilman, 111. ; Patrick, a passenger conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad and has the run known as Daylight Special between Chicago and St. Louis, lives in Chicago; and Mary, married William Devlin, conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad, lives at Gilman, 111.

Cornelius Healy was educated in the schools at Gilman and started life railroading. He came to Chenoa on March 15, 1886, and has been in the employ of the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad for the past 45 years. Mr. Healy is one of the pioneer railroad men of this section of the state and is now section foreman. He is known as a reliable and dependable citizen and his record with the railroad during his many years of service proves that he is efficient and capable.

On Feb. 9, 1887, Mr. Healy was married to Miss Margaret Kelley, a native of Weston, 111., born Sept. 29, 1866, and the daughter of John and Ann (Flanigan) Kelley. Mr. Kelley was born in Ireland and was employed on the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad as section foreman for a number of years at Chenoa, 111., where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley were the parents of the following children: James, deceased; John, deceased ; Mrs. Healy ; Thomas, deceased ; William, lives at Forrest, 111. ; Frank, deceased ; and two children died in infancy. Mr. Kelley died Sept. 1, 1886, and his wife died Aug. 3, 1906. To Cornelius and Margaret (Kelley) Healy nine children were born, as follows: James, born March 3, 1888, lives at Fairbury, 111. ; Rev. John, further mention of whom is made below; Mary, further mention of whom is made below; Francis, born March 17, 1891, deceased; Vincent, mention of whom is also made below; one child died in infancy ; Margaret, born July 18, 1901, has taught school for one year and lives at home; Bernice, born April 15, 1906, at home; and Cornelius, Jr., born April 3, 1910, at home.

Rev. John Healy was born at Chenoa, July 28, 1889, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 1916, being the first priest ever ordained from Chenoa. Rev. Healy is located in the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Chicago.

Mary Healy was born Sept. 27, 1890, and was educated in the grade and high schools of Chenoa and at Illinois State Normal School. She taught in the rural schools for three years and for the past 11 years has taught in the Chenoa High School. Miss Healy is one of the pioneer teachers of Chenoa, and is well known throughout the county.

Vincent Healy was born Oct. 6, 1896, and now lives in Chicago. He is a veteran of the World War, having enlisted in the first part of the war, and he was the first boy to enlist from Chenoa. Mr. Healy was stationed at Springfield, 111., and later sent to Texas. He served in Company G, 108th Ammunition Train, and was in France for 13 months, taking part in several important battles, including the Toule Drive, the Argonne Drive, and the battle of Saint Mihiel. He was also with the army of occupation in Germany.

Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Healy have three grandchildren, as follows: Rose Kathleen Healy, lives at Fairbury, 111., born July 12, 1914; Francis Healy, born Jan. 20, 1916, lives at Fairbury, 111. ; and John Healy, born Sept. 26, 1921, lives at Fairbury, 111.

Cornelius Healy, Sr., is a Democrat and a member of the Catholic Church. He and his family are highly respected citizens of McLean County and have many friends.

Elmo Elson, a successful young farmer of Chenoa Township, was born in the township where he now lives, Aug. 4, 1898, the son of Lorenzo and Mary E. (Bauman) Elson.

Lorenzo Elson, now living retired at Chenoa, has been a prominent farmer and stockman of McLean County for a number of years. He was born in Peoria County, 111., and engaged in general farming in Pike Township, Livingston County, for a number of years. When he was 25 years old Mr. Elson moved to Chenoa Township, where he now owns 474 acres of land. Mr. Elson is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian Church. There are six children in the Elson family, as follows: Leta I., married Peter Claudon, farmer, Chenoa Township; Gilbert, farmer, Chenoa Township; Lester I., further mention of whom is made below; Elmo, the subject of this sketch; Ira, farmer, lives in Gridley Township; and Raymond, lives at Chenoa.

Elmo Elson grew up on his father's farm and received his education in the public schools. He now operates 234 acres of land, which belongs to his father. Mr. Elson has lived on this farm in Chenoa Township since 1919 and has Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. His wife raises Rhode Island Red chickens extensively and now has about 300 on hand.

On Dec. 22, 1921, Elmo Elson was married to Miss Vera Wessels, a native of Yates Township, McLean County, born March 30, 1901, and the daughter of Jons and Katherine (Myers) Wessels. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wessels are natives of Germany and now live retired at Fairbury, 111. They are the parents of the following children: Anna, married David Munz, farmer, lives near Fairbury, 111. ; Martin, farmer, lives in Yates Township; Jennie, married Paul Munz, a farmer, Indian Grove Township, Livingston County; John, farmer, lives in Yates Township; Fred, farmer, lives near Fairbury, is a World War veteran, having served in the army for 13 months, 10 of which were spent in France and in the Army of Occupation; Frank, also a veteran of the World War, having served with the 33d Division overseas for six months, when he contracted rheumatism and scarlet fever; Minnie, married Donald Ortman, a farmer, lives in Livingston County ; and Mrs. Elson. To Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Elson has been born one child, Marshall Wayne, born Aug. 13, 1923.

Lester I. Elson, a brother of Elmo Elson has been unable to do anything since the World War. He was inducted into service from Bloomington and was in service for 10 months, seven of which were spent overseas with the 135th Machine Gun Battalion, 35th Division. He contracted rheumatism and was in a government hospital for about four months and now lives at Chenoa. Mr. Elson married Miss Gladys Paden, a native of Kentucky.