Mercer County, Illinois - Chapter 10: Agriculture, 1914 (part 1 of 2)

The first regular fair of Mercer County was held in October, 1853, and was considered a success. Very little of the proceedings are known. The grounds were surrounded by a brush fence. The price of a family ticket was fixed at $1, which admitted the purchaser and his entire family each day of the fair. The purchaser by getting a ticket became a member of the association. There were a few artificially increased families in Mercer County that attended the fair that year. It was authoritatively stated that year that one of the wealthiest farmers in the county purchased a ticket, and he and his wife attended the first day of the fair, and then he sold his ticket to his hired hand for 50 cents. The latter attended the next day, but as the rules of the association were that no purchaser had a right to dispose of his ticket to any one else, the hired man had to pay 50 cents when the admission for one day was but 25 cents. At the first fair and for a few years thereafter, about nineteen out of every twenty of the conveyances were lumber wagons, there being very few carriages from the country outside of the villages of Keithsburg and New Boston. The change gradually came by increasing numbers of carriages until about ten years ago, when perhaps nineteen out of the twenty conveyances were carriages. Then set in gradually the automobiles. Last year more people attended the fair in automobiles than in all other conveyances.

The following year the fair was equally successful and was characterized by several novelties which drew a large crowd. A lady received the prize of a saddle for best riding. The fairs were held at Millersburg and continued to be held there for many years. In October, 1855, the exhibits were much better than before. Pure blooded stock was shown and much pride was taken by the exhibitors. Durham cattle and Poland China hogs were the leading breeds shown. The exhibit of grain, particularly of wheat and corn, was excellent. The vegetable display was equally fine, several of the pumpkins being of enormous size. Beets, cabbage, potatoes and other garden truck were shown in abundance. A fine display of apples was also exhibited. The ladies' department was better than before. The needlework, embroidery, quilts, etc., had not thus far been surpassed. The fair of 1856 seems to have been abandoned, because no account of it appears in public print or elsewhere. Thus the fair of 1857 was called the "fourth annual fair."

Notwithstanding the panic, the farmers were prosperous and took pride in the exhibits. In the spring of 1857 timothy hay was worth in this county $30 a ton. That year Judge Gilmore grew on his farm, five miles west of Aledo, 150 acres of timothy hay, which proved a very profitable crop. Wheat at this time averaged in this county about fifteen bushels to the acre and was worth about sixty cents per bushel. Prairie grass was cut and made into hay and thus in a large measure served all stock purposes up to this time, although a few fields of timothv began to appear here and there in the countv.

The fourth annual fair was held at Millersburg late in September and early in October, 1857. The usual premiums were offered. The judges on farms were W. M. Hays, William Doak, Paul Sheriff; those on road horses were Dr. J. Trego, Benjamin Decker, Josephus Wade, with Martin A. Cook, superintendent; those on farm horses were Hiram Knox, Knotley Scott, Joseph Huston, with Martin A. Cook, superintendent; those on mules were D. F. Noble, W. A. Dryden, Solomon Wolf, with J. P. Boyd, superintendent ; those on sheep were Henry Lee, Jonathan Duncan, Samuel Fletcher, with W. S. Haverfield, superintendent; those on cattle were W. S. Rowe, George McFerren, William Wilmerton, with William Brown as superintendent; those on swine, Dr. A. Ashbaugh, David Summerville and Levi Cooper, with N. W. Crippen as superintendent; those on fowls were John M. Ashbaugh, George Spitznoble, Samuel Moor, Sr., with Dr. A. Ashbaugh as superintendent; those on field and garden products were David Harris, David Stratton and William Lafferty, with J. E. Bray as superintendent; those on farming utensils were A. P. Tavlor, George Jay, Andrew Burnett, with John Gilmore as superintendent; those on manufactured articles were Anderson Kirlin, M. J. O'Brien and William Crozier, with Henrv Donaldson as superintendent; those on the dairy and kitchen were Mrs. Robert Shearer, Mrs. Stephen Stratton, Mrs. Catherine Mills, Mrs. Joseph Robertson, with William Paw as superintendent; those on household manufactured articles were Mrs. Ezra Willits, Mrs. Rachel Larew, Mrs. Luman Castle, Mrs. Brady Willits and Mrs. Andrew Myers, with J. E. Bray, superintendent; those on ladies' work were Miss Maria King, Miss Mary Wright, Miss Margaret Harris, Miss Catherine Phillips, Mrs. John Summons, with E. G. Howe as superintendent; those on miscellaneous articles were Amos Prouty, William Strong, John Scott, H. G. Calhoun, with James Sheriff as superintendent. Graham Lee was general superintendent of all the departments.

The executive committee of the society were Tyler McWhorter, president; Amos Prouty, vice president; William Nevius, A. P. Taylor, John Scott, William Strong and James M. Mannon, directors; Washington Wolf, treasurer; L. B. Howe, secretary; W. I. Nevius, chief marshal; S. T. Stratton, assistant marshal; Dudley Willits, orator. As a special inducement to secure a large audience the fair management promised to exhibit several head of elk and buffalo. Wolves were also promised. The tickets were 25 cents each. Mr. Crapnell at this fair made an exhibit of natural history specimens. He had 100 specimens of birds' nests. In all there were about five hundred entries and the receipts were $1,230.22, and the expenses, $938.85. Immediately after this fair there was a public sale of cattle, calves, hogs and horses. Probably the Durham cattle were the best live stock exhibits. The Apollo Band of Keithsburg furnished the music. At this time sugar cane growing was quite a rage throughout the whole county. Sugar was so high and so difficult to get and the necessity for something sweet so great that farmers eagerlv accepted the growing of sugar cane to meet the deficiency.

In 1858 Graham Lee was elected president of the agricultural association. Tyler McWhorter, who had come to the county in 1846, was the owner of a large nurserv a short distance from Aledo. Quite regularly he published in the local newspapers articles concerning the growing of fruit and how to get rid of orchard pests. Particularly he explained how the borer could be eradicated. His nursery was called Pome-Rov- He was an experienced and practical'pomologist and landscape gardener and probably did more than any other person for fruit and forestry in early days. At this time the Illinois Farmer was the paper which gave up-to-date information on advancement in agricultural science.

The panic of 1857 and the poor crops, it being a wet year, caused great hardships in 1858 and the result was many debts, which required many years to be liquidated. In 1858 the wheat crop was also poor, which added still further to the difficulty, so that in 185Q and i860 many taxpayers were delinquent and numerous sales under the tax law were made. William Willits had one of the best orchards in the county at this time. It was located at the Bluff farm near New Boston. He made a specialty of apple growing and every fall sold several hundred bushels either in the county or for ship- ment on the river. People came with teams from a hundred miles out in Iowa to get apples and were entertained by Mr. Willits when they came. The fair of 1858 was not as great a success as that of 1857, though several of the departments made superior exhibits. The Keithsburg Brass Band furnished the music. This year the fair ran about one hundred dollars short of paying expenses. The ladies department was as good as usual or better. The stock exhibits were excellent but few in number. Graham & Roberts of New Boston exhibited a fine wagon of their own construction. Judge Perkins was the orator. At this time the farmers realized the importance of having good seed of every description. The matter was discussed at the fair and steps to improve the selection of seed were taken.

The fair of 1859 was better than ever; in fact in the newspapers was called "a grand success." The crowd present on the last day was 50 per cent larger than ever before. Over three hundred horses were exhibited, though more than one-half of them were grades, and the blooded animals were mostly Morgans and Messengers. Among the swine were Berkshires, Poland Chinas and Suffolks. The cattle exhibited were Durhams and Devons. The poultry exhibited was the best ever seen in the county. Several new varieties were exhibited. Tyler McWhorter displayed ninety varieties of apples. Others to show fruit, particularly apples, were John Glancey, D. J. Noble, Bell & Brother and D. F. Noble. The exhibits for ladies were large and attractive. W. B. Crapnell, as before, showed a fine collection of natural history specimens. An equestrian contest ended the ceremonies. J. H. Reed of the Record was orator. At this time sub-soil plowing was strongly advocated as a means of improving crop products.

The nursery of Mr. McWhorter near Aledo was one of the best in the state and its owner became prominent in horticultural circles. He grew successfully, in addition to apples, peaches, plums, cherries, pears and grapes. Those who purchased stock from him were instructed fully in regard to methods of propagation and culture. In 1859 Anderson Kirlin, of New Boston, was the inventor of a corn planter which had three points of especial merit. The ground was spaced so that laying it off was not required; the deposit of seed was certain and uniform and slightly scattered; at the bottom where the seed was placed the ground was left loose for the roots to spread.

The fair of September and October, i860, was an improvement upon those of former years. The exhibits of poultry, fruit, cattle, hogs and horses were particularly fine. Mr. Whitsitt exhibited eighteen head of Durham and Devon cattle. J. E. Harroun was the orator, and his address was published in full in the Record. It was a strong plea in favor of agricultural schools and colleges and for progress in practical and scientific agriculture. He strongly recommended experiment grounds and was thus far in advance of his time. His address was reallv a forecast of what came to pass in the '90s.

In February, 1861, the first prize of $10 for the best essay on the breeding and rearing of horses was awarded to Dudley Willits, of New Boston, by the executive committee of the state agricultural society. This essay was published in the local newspaper and was really an advanced and meritorious production. During the \os and '6os large numbers of hogs throughout the county died of cholera and the farmers were in despair as to how to prevent the loss . More than one farmer lost over one hundred head from cholera and quite often in the warm months the carcasses could be seen by the scores laying along the public highways. Every effort to prevent the loss was made, but no one seemed to be able to suggest a certain remedv. The agricultural authorities were appealed to but they could give little relief. It was at this time also that the question of maintaining the fertility of the soil was duly and fully considered. There were no experiment stations in those days and the government had done little for the farmer. It had been left to him to discover his own methods of improvement, so that it came to pass that the farmers formed societies and institutes and discussed advanced methods and related their experiences in practical operations on the farms. It was publicly advertised throughout this county that the secret of good farming was "to make the land rich and keep the weeds down." In fact, this was a maxim of the Scientific American for improvement in agriculture.

It was in 1860-61 that the first great step toward the improvement of live stock in this county was begun. Col. W. I. Nevius and J. B. Gilmore, of Ohio Grove, were the pioneers for the improvement both of cattle and hogs. Largely through their efforts and through that of the county agricultural society, hogs particular^ were improved and new varieties were introduced. In the spring of 1861 there could be seen in this county creditable herds of Poland Chinas, Berkshires, Essexes, Suffolks and Chester Whites. A. R. Sutton, of Berkshire; C. G. Taylor, of Essex; James Henderson, of Suffolks; S. G. McClure, of Chester Whites, and Dr. Edwards, of the Makey hog. Late in the '50s there was a great improvement in harvesting machinery throughout the county. The reapers were those of Champion, Ball, McCormick, Manny, Kirby and Buckeye. In 1 86 1 they contested for supremacy in the rye field of John Doak, near Keithsburg. Richard Kiddoo purchased a Champion, but other farmers secured other makes. In 1861 the locust pest appeared in the county and ruined thousands of trees. Almost every farmer cultivated sorghum this vear. Cane mills were to be seen everywhere and numerous accidents occurred. The army worm appeared in the county in June, 1861. It was found on Judge Gilmore's farm. Rust and chintz bugs were a nuisance at this time, but as a whole the harvest of 1861 was superior. The prices of hogs were unsatisfactory and scarcely paid for the trouble. They varied from $3 to $4.50 a hundred. Packers paid small prices, so that farmers in a measure did their own killing and sold the carcasses. In November, 1861, Elias Willits marketed ninety head of hogs in Chicago and realized only $2.60 gross per hundred. In December, James Graham, of Ohio Grove Township, sold in Monmouth ten hogs, which weighed 5,180 pounds gross. Three of them weighed 1,890 pounds. One of the number, 181 j months old, weighed 670 pounds. The average age of the lot was 19 ' '2 months. Late in the fall of 1 86 1 hundreds of hogs died of cholera. Around Millersburg and Aledo particularly the loss was very great. The symptoms were loss of appetite, severe cramping of the legs, chilling, slime or saliva running from the mouth and suffocation and death in a few hours. On examination, the lungs were found to be black and more or less rotten. S. R. Moore announced that slack coal mixed with a quantity of salt would check the disease and prevent it if taken before infection.

The fair of 1861 was onlv partly successful. The war detracted from the interest. The receipts were about seven hundred dollars. The last day was rainy, but as a whole the exhibits of live stock and fruit were up to the standard. The hog show was better than usual, owing to the large number of new varieties which had been introduced in the county.

In 1862 Philip Coonrod, of Keithsburg, placed upon the market a new two-horse riding corn cultivator of his own invention, which attracted much attention and had a large sale. In the spring of 1862 Elisha Miles lost seventy-five hogs from cholera. At this time corn was worth 1 5 and r6 cents at New Boston and Keithsburg. A. P. Taylor was president of the agricultural society. During 1862 many beef cattle were driven to market from this county. Quite often they were driven directly through to Chicago. Hogs were usually driven to Muscatine or to other railroad stations. This year

John Whitsitt held several public sales of full-blooded Durham cattle of both sexes. He also sold full-blooded Southdown sheep. It is safe to sav that during 1862 not less than one thousand hogs died of cholera in this county. So many carcasses lined the roadways that thirty-five farmers in the vicinity of Aledo signed a paper to assist in burying the animals as soon as they died. John Ashbaugh lost over one hundred near Sugar Grove.

In March, 1863, Isaac Edwards sold over two hundred head of stock, hogs at his farm, one mile west of Aledo. The principal breed was Makey. He also sold many Durham cattle. Mr. Edwards was a farmer, a physician, a lawyer, a storekeeper, real-estate agent, etc.

Owing to the excitement of the war no fair was held in 1862. In 1863 the fair was held in Millersburg in September. It was unusually good; in fact, the best since i860. There were nearly two hundred entries of horses alone, mostly of Morgan and Messenger stocks. Cattle, sheep and swine exhibits were good. The ladies' department was excellent. The receipts were a little over one thousand dollars. Horses were shown bv }. R. Benedict, John McH. Wilson, Paul Sheriff, T. Noonan, M. A. Cook, E. Drury and Brady Willits. Cattle were exhibited by Poage & Lair, C. Drurv and William Willits. Thev were mostlv of the Durham breed. Sheep were exhibited by Thomas S. Love, Henry Dool, Henry Huffman and J. Beatty. Hogs were shown by T. J. Willett, W. S. Rowe, W. H. Riggs and David Finch. There was a good display of poultry bv several exhibitors, the principal ones being W. D. Clark and Jeremiah Pomeroy. The exhibits of women's and girls' work were better than ever. The prize for the best farm of 160 acres in this county was awarded to P. Lippencott. The prize for the best twentv acres of corn was given to Milton L. Willits. The prize for the best orchard of 100 trees or over went to Walter Pryne. The refreshment stands of the soldiers' aid societies of Keithsburg and Millersburg were prominent features of this fair.

The county fair of 1864 was well attended, although the weather was bad. The exhibit was not up to the standard of former years, owing to the excitement of the war and the hard times. The exhibits of cattle and hogs were small, but the horse exhibit was almost as good as usual. The sheep exhibit was up to the standard. Judge Gilmore and William H. Riggs exhibited Spanish Merinos. The ladies' department was not up to the standard, although the dairy and kitchen manufactures were well represented. S. M. Weliver exhibited a bee-hive of his own invention. The receipts amounted to over one thousand dollars and were unexpectedlv large. The

The fair of 1865 was the most successful thus far ever held. It was noted that on the best day more than one thousand teams were tied outside the grounds. On the best day nearly eight thousand people were present. The receipts were about fourteen hundred dollars, or nearly four hundred dollars more than ever before. The races for the first time attracted much attention and were really meritorious. Up to this time racing had not been a prominent feature of the fair, because the horses were not fast enough to attract attention. Now, however, several farmers of the county had speedy animals for that day and the prizes offered were sufficient inducement to bring outsiders here with fast trotters and pacers. The cattle, sheep and hog displays were better than ever. The agricultural products surpassed anything thus far seen at a county fair. R. H. Spicer was the orator.

In 1866 Tyler McWhorter was president of the agricultural society. The war having ended, attention was directed to improvement in farming. Sub-soiling particularlv was practiced by all the leading agriculturists. Its benefits were described fully at farmers' meetings and in farmers' journals.

In October, 1866, a committee consisting of Graham Lee, Horace Bigelow and W. P. Strong was appointed by the Mercer County Agricultural Society to ask pledges of the candidates for the next Legislature to use their best endeavors for the immediate establishment of the industrial university or agricultural college which had been provided for by Congress in 1862, but which had been neglected by the Illinois Legislature. D. W. Sedwick, republican candidate for the Legislature, was communicated with by the committee and he promised to do his best to secure the passage of a bill for the establishment of the agricultural college at the earliest day possible.

The fair of 1867 was successful. There was an excellent exhibit of all the usual animal and vegetable products. In this year Tyler McWhorter took the first prize at the state fair for the exhibit of the largest number of named varieties of apples - 154. This was the third time he had taken a prize at the state fair. The drop in prices at this time was felt by every farmer in the county. One farmer had 1,000 bushels of wheat which he could have sold the year before for $3 a bushel, but it now was worth less than $1.50 a bushel. In February, 1867, hogs brought from $6 to $7.50 a hundred and cattle from $4 to $7.25 a hundred. In February, 1867, the bill for the agricul- tural college passed both houses of the Legislature, was signed by the governor and became a law. This gave great satisfaction to the agricultural and horticultural interests of this county. In [868 J. K. Harroun had one of the finest herds of shorthorn cattle in the state.

The fair of 1868 fell below the standard, owing largely to bad weather. There was only a moderate attendance, but the exhibits, though few in number, were almost as good in quality as in previous years. It was at this time that the first steps were taken to change the location of the fair grounds from Millersburg to some other portion of the county. In the spring of 1869 the agricultural society, after viewing various locations, finally bought twenty-seven acres for $100 an acre, a short distance southwest of Aledo. The land was purchased of D. V. Reed and was admirably located for a fair site. They advertised the fair ground at Millersburg to be sold at public auction on May 29th. It comprised about five acres, on which there were several substantial buildings. At once the executive board of the society undertook to devise means to pay for the new grounds. They called for subscriptions and received considerable assistance, though not enough to pay for the grounds. It cost a considerable sum of money to fit up the new grounds, but they were ready by fair time in the fall.

About this time the society began to offer special premiums for seed corn, school educational work, better results in domestic science and show novelties that would attract a large attendance. The first corn prize in 1869 was awarded to John P. Lemon, who raised 72 bushels per acre and was paid $10. The second prize of $8 went to Ed Moseley, who raised 67^4 bushels to the acre. The total receipts in 1869 were $4,280.64. The premiums actually paid amounted to $4,162.47. This was one of the best fairs thus far held, because it showed so manv innovations, so much enterprise and so many improvements. The new grounds, though somewhat rough, were satisfactory and all acknowledged that it was the best fair that had thus far ever been held in the county. It was stated that on Thursday, the principal day, there was an attendance of 10,000 people. The receipts were larger by $600 than ever before. The exhibits of horses and mules were better than ever, but those of cattle and sheep were somewhat inferior to former displays. The hog and poultry displays were likewise excellent. The display of agricultural implements was perhaps better than ever before. Dairy and kitchen products were displayed in large quantities and showed growing interest in those departments. The fruit exhibit was superior.

It was the ambition of the agricultural society not only to make each fair better than its predecessor, but to make some decided improvement in the exhibits and methods that would attract attention and engage the interest of the farmers. Thus the fair of 1870, as a whole, was made better than it had ever been before. The racing schedule surpassed that of all former fairs. However, the time made bv trotters and pacers was not better than 2:50. Special premiums were offered for fast stock raised in Mercer County. This year the fair authorities overstepped the limits somewhat by giving too much latitude to games of chance and questionable exhibits and performances. The result was much drunkenness on the grounds and some disorder. As usual, Thursday was the best day. The stock shown was the best ever exhibited in the county. Horses, cattle, sheep and hogs were fully up to the standard, if not somewhat in advance. Sixty-nine blooded cattle were exhibited, also fifty pens of hogs. The receipts were over twenty-eight hundred dollars. Monroe Willi ts took the first prize of $10 for the best managed farm. M. L. Willits took the prize of $5 for the best orchard of over one hundred trees. G. A. Thornton took the prize of $5 for the best five acres of corn. A specialty was made of girls' and children's work generally and many premiums were awarded. The flower show surpassed any exhibit of the past.

At this time McWhorter & Hayes conducted the big nursery near Aledo. They made grape growing a specialty at this time. The vineyard when in fruit was a sight enjoyed by all the inhabitants. They showed Concords, Hartfords, Clintons, Delawares and other varieties. They also had a large orchard loaded with apples and other fruit. Large quantities of grain were shipped in 1870 and 1 87 1 from the new railroad which had just been built and was in good condition. At Aledo in the spring of 1871 nearly two hundred head of cattle were shipped at one time.

In January, 1871, the famers near Windsor announced publicly that they desired the establishment in that locality of a cheese factory and would guarantee to such a concern the products of at least one hundred cows, and likewise promised to assist such factory with considerable financial aid if needed. T. Merryman was one of the promoters back of this movement. This creamery was finally established and at first did a good business, but a little later was abandoned for a better field in another part of the county. The fairs of 1871 and 1872 were good, though hardly up to the standard. In some departments they surpassed those of previous years. In 1872 the 17-year locusts killed thousands of fruit trees throughout the county.

It was early in the '70s that the farmers of the county began to organize lodges of Grangers in all parts of the county. In a short time every township had such organizations and the meetings were usually held in the schoolhouses. The county organization of the Grangers became very strong, not only as a means for dissemination of up-to-date agricultural information, but for the exercise of the farmers1 love for political contests. The lodges were started by a convention which met at the courthouse in Aledo on January 8, 1873. This convention was called to meet by the following named persons: William Doak, Perryton; R. J. Cabeen, Abington ; W. H. Johnson, Preemption; B. \V. McLaughlin, Suez; W. A. Wilson, New Boston; Martin Bear, Eliza; Benjamin Lloyd, Keithsburg; B. F. Morey, Greene; Daniel Mowry, Richland Grove; T. S. Sheets, Duncan; H. N. Chandler, Ohio Grove; George P. Graham, Mercer; A. J. Streeter, Rivoli; Richard Garrett, North Henderson; R. H. Day, Millersburg. There was a large attendance, notwithstanding bad weather prevailed. R. H. Day was made chairman of the meeting and delivered the first address. Judge Willard also delivered a speech. Both explained the nature of the Grange organization and predicted a great future for the order. D. M. P'oster of the state Grange then spoke, and explained how the lodges were organized and the rules governing them. They were called the Patrons of Husbandry, and were a secret organization. S. J. Frew was appointed deputy for Mercer County, and during the next two years he organized about thirty lodges in the county. This organization did much good while it lasted, but its participation in politics dwarfed in a measure its usefulness in the fields of agriculture.

Early in the '70s special exhibits of animals were made in different parts of the county. A colt show at New Boston was an important event. More than one hundred fine young animals were exhibited. The fair of 1873 was not up to the standard but was fairly successful. They ran in debt about seventeen hundred dollars, but in a large measure this was due to expenses in fitting up the grounds. By 1874 the county had gained an enviable reputation throughout the state for the ownership of fine stock of all kinds. James Feather owned a herd of registered Shorthorns and purchasers from all the surrounding states came here to secure stock animals. In seven months he sold seven animals for $1,092. He also made a specialty of pure-blooded Berkshires and sold seven animals for $155. His idea was that "the better the stock the better it pays," and this maxim became the ruling guide of the whole county at that time. All farmers were intent upon improving their herds. It was at this time also that the farmers began to import blooded animals from Europe. L. V. Willits secured one of these splendid animals. A few persons in the county at that time began to extend their varieties of poultry. Cochins, Brahmas and game fowls were to be seen at the fairs. The fair of 1874 was, perhaps, the most successful for several years. The weather was ideal and the attendance was larger than ever before. It was estimated that ten thousand were present on Thursday, the principal day. For the first time all gambling was excluded from the grounds and no liquor was allowed within the fence. The receipts were $3,478.18. William Drury at this time was the owner of several imported horses. He owned a gang plow which was exhibited in a field near the fair grounds. It attracted great attention and all realized that the oldfashioned way of plowing on a large scale was almost at an end. The display of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs was as good or better than ever. The cattle displayed, though few in number, were excellent in quality. Two hundred and fifty pens of hogs were shown. The leading breeds were Berkshires, Poland-Chinas and Chester Whites. The poultry exhibit was better than ever before. The display of farm machinery was up-to-date and attracted great attention. The exhibits of flowers, fruit, vegetables, domestic manufactures and the products of the dairy and the kitchen were as good or better than ever. William Lewis, of New Boston Township, took the first premium for the best kept farm of 160 acres in the county. Several games of baseball were played on the grounds during the continuance of the fair. The Icloris of Keithsburg played the Andes of Aledo and defeated them, winning the first prize, a bat, estimated to be worth $20. The sheep displav was better than ever. There were shown Merinos, Cotswolds and Leicesters.

In 1875 J. E. Harroun became president of the agricultural society. In May John Whitsitt purchased in Chicago a fine lot of Durham stock. He secured seven head for $3,000 and laid the foundation of a splendid herd. Col. Robert Holloway at this time owned a fine herd of Shorthorn cattle near Alexis. He also about this time secured several Clydesdale horses from Europe. One animal weighed 2,440 pounds and cost $7,000. His farm was one mile west of Alexis. James Feather owned a herd of sixty-eight thoroughbred Durham cattle in Ohio Grove Township. All were registered and all were sold in the end for good prices. There were other herds of fine cattle and other stock at this time. The Mercer

County cheese factory betweeen Millersburg and Aledo was established about this time, with Charles Lee, owner, in charge. The fair of 1875 was pronounced still better than ever. There were several new departments and several novelties that attracted the farmers. G. D. Miller of Perryton exhibited blooded Shorthorn cattle. John Whitsitt, of Preemption, showed Shorthorn cattle and Southdown sheep. A. J. Streeter made an exhibit of Durham cattle. A specialty was made at this fair of the work of boys and girls. A prize was made to the boy under fourteen who had raised the best five acres of corn. Melvin Geiger took the first premium and Willie Goodhue the second. The departments of flowers, needlework, domestic manufactures, dairy products and painting and drawing were fully up to the standard. J. E. Harroun's herd of Shorthorn cattle was likewise famous at this time. Among the novelties shown at this date was a "chicken hatcher," invented and manufactured by J. B. Hoag, of Alpha. It was a curiosity and was viewed by everybody with surprise. It was heated by a furnace with gasoline and made selfregulating by means of an electric battery, which kept up a uniform temperature of 100. The hatcher had a capacity of 1,000 eggs, and it was declared that the time required to hatch healthy chickens was but eighteen days. This was probably the first incubator in the county.

In 1875 and 1876 the county lost nearly two thousand hogs by cholera. Henry Weidling lost 70; E. L. Emerson, 75; Jacob Beard, 80; and Richard Kiddoo, 100. In 1876 Mercer County raised more corn than any other county in the state - a total of 7,079,015 bushels. It was estimated that in 1876 the county lost 13 per cent of the assessed value of its hogs through cholera. The loss was estimated at $25,601.

At the fair of 1877 there was a large display in all departments. The total number of entries was 1,760. Two hundred fine horses were shown this year, of which twentv-five were owned by the Holloways. There were also shown 55 blooded cattle, 146 sheep and 214 hogs; 49 of the latter were exhibited by S. H. Nichols of Millersburg. At this fair James Feather took first premium on Shorthorn cattle. After the fair the winning animals were sold at auction on Mr. Feather's farm. There was sharp rivalry at this fair to secure premiums, because farmers had learned that animals which were successful at the fairs sold for two or three times as much money as ordinary animals. Colonel Holloway exhibited Clydesdale horses. One of the animals had cost him $8,000 and had been exhibited at the Centennial Exposition. S. H. Danner showed fine animals of the Messenger stock. W. P. Collins exhibited a superior 3-yearold Percheron horse. J. J. Huston exhibited his well-known horse, Kenesaw. A fine animal was shown by Tim Noonan. Full-blooded cattle were exhibited by James Feather, A. J. Streeter, Isaiah Brown and B. F. Smith. They were mostly Shorthorns and Jerseys. The swine display was large and included Berkshires, Poland-Chinas and Chester Whites. As a whole there were too many grade animals with the expectation that they would secure large premiums. The trotting between horses owned in the county brought out entries by C. Drury, S. H. Davis, J. M. Smith and Joe Carter. Their respective animals were Lady Fox, first; Kitty, second; Cornell, third; and the Brown horse, fourth. The best time made by these animals was 2:43. At Mr. Feather's sale of fine stock this year the following animals were sold and prices secured: Princess, $400; Bluebell 9th, $335; Belle Boyd 5th, $300; Bluebell [6th, $240; Countess of Marlborough, $225; Golddust, $210; Stossa Duchess 2d, $215; Clifton Princess, $200; Bluebell 10th, $200; Emma Spur, $200; Canada Lad, $180; Belle of New Windsor, $175; Bluebell nth, $175; and others to the number of thirty-eight down to prices as low as $45. All brought nearly seven thousand dollars.

Hog cholera again prevailed in 1878. On the county farm ten large animals succumbed to this disease. Hundreds died elsewhere throughout the county.

The fair of 1879 was an unexpected success. Rain fell during the proceedings, but on Thursday it was estimated that nearly ten thousand people were present. The number of entries was 2,368 and the total receipts over thirty-five hundred dollars. Every department was filled with exhibits and had never been surpassed in point of excellence. It was stated by the Record that the exhibits of horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry were the best in sixteen years. This statement was made by a citizen who had attended the fair every year during that period. The fruit exhibit was never better. The famous nursery of Bever & Son, a short distance north of Keithsburg, comprising forty acres, made an excellent exhibit this year. It had been well known for many years and had supplied the orchards of the western end of the county with stock trees. The trotting and pacing this year was better than usual, because the premiums offered began to attract outside racing stock more than ever before. The entries of cattle numbered 72; horses, 217; sheep, 155; swine, 121; poultry, 77; trotting horses, 15; mechanic arts, 60; farm products, 278; fruits, jellies, etc., 982; fine arts, 61 ; textile fabrics, 387; miscellaneous, 43. This fair was spoken of as "one grand gambling den," owing to the large number of games which were permitted. The fair realized $600 from this source. There were swings, chance games, dance halls, etc., usually found at the early county fairs. Immediately after the fair there were several public sales of blooded stock which had been on exhibition.

In 1880 Ives & Willits, of New Boston, did a very extensive shipping business in cattle and hogs. Aug. Muhlenberg was another extensive shipper. He grew over two hundred acres of corn alone. On one occasion he sold thirty-two cattle, which averaged over sixteen hundred pounds each. Ives & Willits also grew live stock as well as shipped them. On one occasion they sent off 200 head of cattle and 200 head of hogs.

Again it was declared in' 1880 that the fair this year was better than ever before. This seems like a trite expression, but it tells the truth, because there was a steady improvement in the exhibits and in the methods of the fair authorities. The receipts amounted to $3,500, larger, in fact, than ever before. The crowd present was not quite as large as on several previous years, owing to threatening weather. Griffin Brothers showed tile of their own manufacture from their works, five miles north of New Windsor. M. Chamberlain exhibited wagons of his own manufacture. His shops were at New Boston. Peter Bear, Taylor Gilmore, Mr. Tomlinson, S. H. Danner, L. S. Maddux and Tim Noonan exhibited splendid horses, nearly all of which had been imported from Europe. The sheep display was better than ever, not only in quality, but in number. The poultry exhibit was likewise large and fine. The hogs exhibited were not quite up to the standard of previous vears. The cattle were excellent, but fewer in number than usual. O. A. Bridgford and J. H. Lafferty exhibited Shorthorns. F. C. Coningham showed several carriages and buggies of his own manufacture. John Seastone exhibited excellent wagons. The new floral hall was open for the first time under the management of the ladies. They planned its decoration and arrangement, and all were pleased with the order and taste displayed.

Early in 1881 Jacob Cool was one of the chief auctioneers for the sale of fine stock in this county. His services were required when large and important sales were to be made. It was noted by the Record that the average farm land throughout the county at this time was worth about fifty dollars an acre. Tracts nearer town commanded higher prices, but $50 an acre was the ruling price out some distance from any village or city.

quality. On Thursday the largest crowd ever on the grounds assembled. The receipts were about thirty-seven hundred dollars. The stock exhibits were of better blood - not so many grade animals as in former years. As a matter of fact, from year to year the stock exhibit had constantly improved in quality. Fewer grade animals were to be seen. The expenses were nearly one thousand dollars less than the receipts. The sweepstake prizes on live stock were unusually high. As high as $50 was paid as a premium on a few of the best animals. A $15 premium was the first prize on the ordinary classes; $30 was paid for the best draft stallion and six of his colts. The Scientific Association made a fine display at this fair. This collection had accumulated for many years and probably was not surpassed in Western Illinois. The gate receipts amounted to $2,679.55. The rent of booths and stalls amounted to $524. The state appropriation was $100. An old debt of $400 was liquidated this year. The following Mercer County men were on the awarding committees at the state fair in 1881 : Shorthorn cattle, Joseph McCoy; thoroughbred stallions and mares, A. B. Swisher; sweepstakes Southdown sheep, David Calhoun; Polish fowls, Gideon Ives; trees for cultivation and ornament, D. H. Hayes.

The fair of 1882 was fully up to the standard already set by the county. It was called the twenty-ninth annual fair. The weather was cool and pleasant and the crowd was equal to the average of previous years. The cattle and hog exhibits were not quite up to the standard. The other live stock shown was even better than previous years. The new exhibition hall was occupied this year and presented a fine appearance. The attendance, as a whole, was larger than ever before. A feature of this fair was the Ladies' Cornet Band, composed of young ladies of Aledo. The Western Theater Band also supplied music. The horse exhibit represented several of the finest animals that had ever been shown in the county. The garden products were better than ever before. The total receipts were $3,890. Other features that attracted much interest were the baby show and the baseball games. The trotting, pacing and running races were better than ever before.

The sale of imported horses by Robert Holloway, at Alexis, November 1, 1882, was one of the largest fine stock sales ever held in the United States up to that time. About one hundred and fifty head were sold at high prices, the highest being $1,650. Buyers were present from all parts of the country. The sales aggregated many thousands of dollars. It was about this time that a forcible seizure of horses was attempted at Mr. Holloway's farm. The Scottish

American Importing Company, with headquarters in Chicago, of which concern Mr. Holloway was a member, imported Clydesdale horses which, upon arrival in this country, were shipped to Mr. Holloway. In an attempted settlement between the members of this company an agreement could not be reached, whereupon Johnson, Buchanan and other members, with about one hundred men, came by special train and undertook to take forcible possession of the stock in dispute. The special train had two passenger coaches and sixteen box cars fitted for carrying the fine stock and arrived at Alexis about i o'clock at night and immediately marched out to Mr. Holloway's farm. They surrounded the house and stables, captured the night watchman and confined him in a box car, took possession of the horses and started for Alexis, intending to load them on the train and take them to Chicago. The news of this invasion spread like a prairie fire, and a large posse of citizens met them at the station and attempted to retake the horses, but were charged upon by the men on the horses and were thus forced out of the way. The Johnson- Buchanan forces took possession of the stockyards at the station and began to load the horses in the cars. In the meantime Mr. Holloway escaped from his guarded house, hurried to Alexis, and endeavored to send a telegram to the sheriff of Monmouth, but the operator refused to send the message. Mr. Holloway then dispatched a messenger on a fast horse to Monmouth and at the same time caused the arrest at Alexis of the train conductor, engineer and telegraph operator and took all possible steps to thwart the operations of the other men. So rapidly did the news spread that within a short time about five hundred people assembled around the train, determined to prevent its departure with the animals until the arrival of the sheriff, even if thev had to tear up the track. The sheriff arrived about noon and at once served a writ of replevin upon Johnson, Buchanan and the railroad company, demanding the return of the animals, which were valued at about one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The station agent refused to recognize the writ of replevin until he could confer with his superiors. The result was the arrival of a special train from Galesburg, bearing the officers of the railroad company, who, after consultation, ordered the cars unloaded, and the horses thus were delivered to Mr. Hollowav and returned to his stables. Judge Drummond of the United States Court finally decided the case by directing Mr. Hollowly to proceed as before with the sale of the Clydesdale stock belonging jointly to him and the Glasgow Exporting Company. This decision completely justified Mr. Holloway in the course he had taken. The animals were divided in accordance with the terms of the agreement between the parties, the Scotch claimants securing forty, which they removed to the fair grounds at Monmouth. Mr. Holloway kept his share and later sold them. This settlement stopped all litigation.

The fair of 1883 was made memorable by the number of novelties presented. There was a novelty running race of a mile and a half, the prize being $60. Three baseball clubs played during the continuance of the fair. This vear over one hundred and seventv sheep were exhibited, the largest number ever entered. About one hundred and fifty head of hogs were shown and nearly two hundred horses. Hereford cattle were shown by G. A. Sharer, A. L. Duncan and R. G. Ranny. M. M. and F. Jones of Seaton entered twenty-eight head of pedigreed Poland China hogs. The Bridgfords showed Polled Angus cattle - the first time that breed was ever exhibited at the county fair. There were shown this year excellent specimens of full-blooded Shorthorns, Jerseys, Herefords and Polled Angus. Jersey Red hogs were shown by Lemoine Duncan. Jersey cattle were shown by J- F. Troville and A. R. McDonald; forty-five carriages and buggies of home manufacture were among the exhibits. R. H. Whitsitt, formerly of Preemption Township, but now of Millersburg Township, exhibited about fifteen cattle. There was a larger attendance this year at the fair during the last three days than ever before. The receipts amounted to over forty-four hundred dollars. Soon after the fair J. H. Lafferty, of Norwood, sold fiftyone head of Durham cattle, several of which had been exhibited at the fair, for $10,930 - an average of over two hundred and fourteen dollars each. This was one of the highest priced sales thus far conducted in the county.

The Shorthorn Breeders' Association of Mercer County was organized in the spring of 1884. At the second meeting at the Button House, Aledo, March 13, 1884, a constitution was adopted, to which the following first members appended their names: O. A. Bridgford, R. H. Whitsitt, J. H. Lafferty, C. W. Brigford, John Greenwood, A. P. Petrie, A. J. Streeter, W. F. Lafferty, Thomas L. Johnson and W. P. Collins. O. A. Bridgford was elected president; R. H. Whitsitt, secretary; John Greenwood, treasurer. Price of membership was fixed at $1. It was resolved to hold an annual sale as near the 20th of May as practicable.

The fair of 1884 did not present any unusual or striking feature. It was a success throughout, but was characterized by no novelties or innovations except perhaps the bicycle race. This year Col. E. B.

The fair of 1885 was likewise successful. The first annual sale of stock owned by the Mercer County Shorthorn Breeders' Association took place at the fair grounds this year. Many buyers from abroad were present. Col. J. W. Judy was chief auctioneer. About eighty head of fine animals were disposed of at prices ranging from $200 down to $30. Generally farmers were averse to paying fancy prices, even for blooded stock. However, there were exceptions and here and there throughout the county were to be found animals equal, if not superior, to any others in the state or in the West.

The third annual meeting of the Mercer County Farmers' Institute was held in January, 1890. Papers on many leading farm subjects were read by the members. By this time Mercer County had become celebrated throughout the West for its pure-blooded horses, cattle, swine and sheep. The three or four leading nurseries of the county had made vast improvements in horticulture. All shipped stock as far west as Nebraska. There was a large demand from Missouri for the fruit trees of these nurseries. At the fair of 1890 the Women's Christian Temperance Union occupied a pavilion on the grounds. A novelty this year was a prize offered for the best oration by Mercer County children between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four years. The production was limited in length and was required to be of the young person's own composition. The points of merit taken into consideration by the judges were thought, composition and delivery. The first prize was a two years' scholarship in Wheaton College. The first prize was won by Lee D. Thomason. His subject was "Lincoln." This year the cattle exhibit was far superior to any of the previous years. There were shown Shorthorns, Herefords, Polled Angus, Galloways, Red Polled and Holstein Friesian. The breeds of hogs represented were Poland Chinas, Berkshires, Duroc Jerseys and Chester Whites. Capt. O. A. Bridgford was called the pioneer Polled Angus cattle breeder of the county. Aberdeen Angus cattle were shown by Wilson & Burgett, of Keithsburg. A. P. Petrie, of New Windsor, showed Shorthorns. Mr. Bridgford lived near Joy and called his stock Oak Ridge herd. William Drury exhibited horses from his farm, known as Verdurette. The best exhibit of poultry was made by N. H. Clayton, of Viola. William Drury owned a large park, upon which he kept about forty head of deer. In December, 1890, several of them broke through the fence and escaped and were later shot by

The fairs of 1891 and 1892 possessed no striking features. They were almost exact duplicates of the fair of 1890. In February, 1891, about twenty poultry breeders of the county met at Aledo and organized the Mercer County Poultry and Pet Stock Association. T. A. Vernon was chosen president; Edwin Carter, vice president; George T. Irwin, secretary, and Miss Bertha Pepper, treasurer. In after years this association did splendid work for the upbuilding of poultry stock in this county.

In 1893 tne grand stand and the amphitheater were moved to the- south side of the park - a step that made a great improvement in the appearance of the grounds. The fair this year was not quite as good as usual. However, faster horses were present than ever before. The best time made was by Harry C, a pacer, 2:15. The horse Dan Wilson, owned by James Wilson, of Keithsburg, made a mile in 2:22 trotting. Previous to this year the record was 2:25. The attendance was comparatively small this year. The Clydesdales and Percherons exhibited surpassed any exhibit of those breeds ever shown here before. There was a mile trotting race, time 2 :$o}4- In the half-mile running race the time was 55%- T'le entries numbered 2,434. The total receipts were $5,691.13, less $35.40 on hand at the beginning of the year. J. T. Gilmore was president of the association this year. The premiums amounted to $3,335.

It was early in the '90s that the fruit growers of the county began systematic spraying in order to get rid of insect and fungus pests. This was done under the direction of the State Agricultural College. It had the result of improving greatly the exhibits of fruit shown at the subsequent county fairs. The old idea of seeding down an orchard and of never cleaning it had gone forever. Now it was known that orchard trees required fertilization as well as any other growth in order to produce the highest standard of crops.

In June, 1894, Benjamin Whitsitt offered at public sale thirtythree full-blooded Shorthorn cattle. They sold at prices ranging from $25 to $120 each.

The fair of 1894 was better in many respects than ever before. The entries numbered 106 horses, 162 sheep, 49 swine, no poultry, 61 farm products, 163 mechanic arts, 31 poultry, 18 dairy and kitchen, 813 flowers and plants, 118 fine arts, 100 textile fabrics, 520 educational exhibits, 195 special, 10 speed. The premiums actually paid amounted to $3,158.75. The receipts amounted to $5,633.59, less $44.65 on hand at the beginning of the year. The cattle exhibits showed the following breeds: Shorthorns, Jerseys, Herefords, Polled Angus, Red Polled and Holsteins. The leading horse exhibits were Percherons, Clydesdales and English Shires. There were also exhibited a fine group of mules and ponies. The sheep exhibit included American Merinos, Cotswolds, Liecesters, South Downs, Shropshire Downs and Hampshire Downs. The swine shown included the following: Poland Chinas, Berkshires, Chester Whites and Duroc Jerseys. A specialty was made of public school exhibits. On Thursday 1,400 school children's tickets at a special price were sold. Among the exhibitors were the following: F. M. Irvin, Shropshires; Peter Balmer, Shropshires; E. H. Crandall, Long Wools; McCoy & Voris, Red Polled cattle; R. H. Whitsitt, Shorthorns; A. C. Bridgford, of Viola, Jerseys; C. H. Bopes, Shropshires; William Volentine, twenty-eight head of Poland China hogs; Whitham & Croson, horses, cattle and sheep; William Scruble, Cleveland and Messenger horses; Trovillo Brothers, Jersey cattle; Carter Brothers, road horses; Albert Zwicker, Shire horses; W. R. Lemon, Clydesdales. Miss Evelyn Pinckney, of Viola, won the first prize as orator.

In January, 1895, tne seventh annual meeting of the Farmers' Institute was held in the courthouse. Alvah Jay was president; W. L. Candor, secretary. Maj. J. M. Brock delivered the welcoming address. At this session the members discussed clover culture, sheep husbandry, the farms, "Garden and Berry Patch" (written by Mrs. Hammond), grapes, blackberries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries and strawberries. The subject of feeding oil meal was duly considered and it was concluded that ordinarily the expenses swallowed up the profits. Potato culture was also discussed. Perhaps the most interesting subject considered was intensive vs. extensive farming. This brought out several interesting speeches and many questions. As a whole the farmers were not yet ready for intensive farming, generally speaking.

The fair of 1895 was excellent in nearly every particular. Grain, fruit and vegetables were never better. There was greater interest, if possible, in the live stock exhibits than ever before. Black Polled Angus cattle was shown this year. There were 201 entries of hogs and 92 of sheep; 63 hogs were of five breeds. Shropshires, Cotswolds, Lincolns, Oxfords, Leicesters and Merinos were shown by Frank Irvin, Charles Bopes, Fred Volentine, Samuel Huffman, James Rader, Samuel Batson, Peter Balmer and George Bell. Mules were shown by M. S. Fisher and W. D. Hammond. Polled Aberdeen cattle were shown by Laon McWhorter. M. F. Sterling ex- hibited Poland China, and E. H. Small, of Norwood, a fine group of Duroc Jersey hogs. The Alpha Nursery made an excellent exhibit of nursery stock. However, the apples, grapes and small fruit shown were not up to the standard. Horticulture seemed to be deteriorating from year to year. On the other hand, live stock and corn growing were increasing and improving rapidly. The racing this year was unusually good, there being several special events - one a trot, which was won by Joseph D, a local animal which made the mile in 2 :ai.

In September, 1896, C. H. Thornhill, of Duncan Township, had a large public sale of registered Poland China hogs. T. W. Davis' orchard in New Boston Township was famous throughout Western Illinois at this time. It was by far the best in the county. It comprised about forty acres and in 1895, 1,000 bushels of apples were marketed therefrom. A few years before as high as 3,000 bushels were gathered in one year. The same year he also marketed fifty bushels of pears.

At the fair in 1896 there were 3,035 entries, of which 72 were cattle, i2i horses, 82 hogs, 45 sheep, 207 poultry and 1,061 dairy. Better horses were shown this year than ever before. The poultry exhibit was excellent. There was shown here for the first time a sample of the United States cream separator, which was carefully studied bv all the dairy owners of the county. At this fair Albert Zwicker of Preemption exhibited twelve Shire horses. This was his third year with this breed of animals. A feature of this fair was a Roman hippodrome race. C. E. Bentley exhibited Percherons; Fred Crosby, Barred Plymouth Rocks; M. B. Kennedy, Chester Whites; B. F. Townsley, lersey cattle; Laon McWhorter, Polled Angus cattle; Logan Duff, Shorthorns. The paid premiums amounted to $3,493.

At the fair in 1897 several novelties were introduced. There was a special running race and free-for-all pace, a running half-mile race and repeat and a mile running race for local horses. There were a total of 2,929 entries. The premiums amounted to $3,598.75. The expenses of this year amounted to $1,700 more than the receipts. The swine exhibit was the largest in the history of the fair - Berkshires by Elmer Swallow and W. R. Lemon; Chester Whites by Frank Wilson, Oren Phillips and M. B. Kennedy.

The fair of 1898 did not possess any especially striking features. It was called the forty-fifth annual fair of Mercer County. The receipts amounted to $4,300. The school exhibit this year was unusually good.

The fair of 1899 was about up to the standard. Floral hall was grander than ever before. T. H. Croson exhibited five pens of Shropshires. Albert Zwicker exhibited his fine herd of Shire horses. Scott Kiddoo showed Leicester sheep; L. C. Dennison entered Jersey Red hogs. At this time there were more herds of fine sheep than ever before in the county. They were owned by C. A. Bopes, Fred Volentine, A. C. Bridgford, William Kiddoo, Charles Bentley, T. H. Croson and others. O. M. Phillips, of Hamlet, exhibited a small but excellent group of Ohio improved Chester White hogs. Robert Holloway exhibited several of the best Clydesdale horses ever shown in the county. There were a total of 2,581 entries and the paid premiums amounted to $2,961. The receipts aggregated $4,831.20, less $32.74 on hand at the beginning of the year. At the conclusion of the fair much of the fine stock was offered at public sale.

In December, 1899, the Farmers' Institute met at Viola. There was a special day set apart for women's proceedings, on which occasion there were discussed the following subjects: Bread of all kinds, butter, earlv potatoes, apples, cakes and other questions of domestic science. Mrs. T. A. Vernon was president of the domestic science association at this time.

In January, 1900, O. H. Drury sold at public auction twenty head of trotting and pacing horses. The fair of 1900 was a record breaker. It was good in everv department. Manv of the departments were better than ever before. The total receipts amounted to $4,858.90. The entries numbered 2,395. In 1900 the leading fine stock breeders of the county were as follows: Cattle, thoroughbred, G. E. Aikins, Aledo; O. A. Bridgford, Joy; T. E. Cabeen, Josh Cabeen, W. L. Candor, L. N. Ditto & Son, Seaton; L. McWhorter, Aledo; R. G. Ranney, Little York; G. E. Thornton, Millersburg; Benjamin Whitsitt & Sons, Preemption; cattle feeders and stockers, A. J. Clark, Keithsburg; cattle and sheep, C. A. Bopes, Hamlet; William Kiddoo & Son, Toy; chickens, Mrs. T. W. Davis. Keithsburg; J. C. Murdock, Ada M. Nesbitt, Aledo ; W. J Rowley, W. J. Palmer, Seaton; A. L. Woodhams, New Windsor; horses. Thomas F. Greer, Aledo; A. M. Higgins & Sons, North Henderson; George M. Houser, Millersburg; j. M. Lord, Marston; Mclntire Brothers, Reynolds; L. B. Morey, W. A. Van Meter, Aledo; Jonas Peterson, New Windsor; W. S. Van Tuyle, Millersburg; Albert Zwicker & Sons, Preemption; hogs, S. F. Burrows, Buffalo Prairie; L. C. Dennison, Norwood; J. M. Nesbitt, Aledo; O. N. Phillips, Hamlet; horses and cattle, E. M. Castle, Buffalo Prairie; horse buyer, H. B. Eshbach, Aledo; horses and ponies, Bridgford & Reed Broth- ers, W. W. Egbert, Millersburg; horses, cattle and sheep, C. E. Bentley, Aledo; jacks and mules, Fisher Brothers, Pomeroy; sheep, T. H. Croson, Aledo; stock buyers and shippers, H. F. Greenwell, Aledo; Reed & Shingledecker, Aledo and Joy.

At this time Mercer County led America in breeding pureblooded Angus cattle. During 1901 about six hundred head worth $20,000 were shipped out of this county. O. A. Bridgford began with this breed in 1882. Other herds of the same breed were started by Laon McWhorter, Candor Brothers, R. B. and Josh Cabeen, C. A. Bopes and G. E. Thornton. Shipments of these animals were made to Ohio, Mississippi, Texas, New Mexico, Montana, Nebraska, Colorado and the Dakotas. One animal - a 2-yearold bull - sold for $1,750.

At the Farmers' Institute, held at Woodman Hall in New Windsor, in December, 1901, the following subjects were considered: "Education," by C. L. Gregory; "The Weather," by Prof. J. C. Burns; "Some Wastes in Apple Growing," by J. T. Galbraith; "Peaches," by H. Bigelow, Aledo; "Breeding Corn for Quality," by Dr. Cyril G. Hopkins, Urbana; "Special vs. General Farming," by B. F. Wyman; and "How to Make $100 Acre Land Pay Interest," by Henry Wallace, of Des Moines.

The Farmers' Institute of the Tenth Congressional District convened at Aledo in January, 1901. Connected with it was the meeting of the domestic science association of the county. Mayor M. G. Reynolds delivered the welcoming address, which was replied to by A. L. Woodhams, president of the county institute. The meeting was given into the hands of the domestic science association, with Mrs. T. A. Vernon presiding. The following papers were read: "Domestic Help," by Mrs. W. A. Lorimer; "Partnership in Farming." by Mrs. Jennie Barlow; "Ways and Means by Which a Farmer's Wife Can Assist on the Farm," by Mrs. Mary McHard; "Foods and Nutrition," by Mrs. Barbara E. Page.

The fair of 1902 was excellent in nearly all respects. Several novelties were introduced to draw crowds. There was a hippodrome race, baseball games, shows, swings, etc. The school exhibit was unusuallv fine. The exhibit of draft horses was never surpassed. More canned fruit and vegetables were exhibited at this fair than ever before. Floral hall was made by the ladies superior to that of any other fair. The entries numbered only 1,661 and the premiums paid amounted to only $2,255. Though the fair was smaller, yet it was better probably than ever before. At the Farmers' Institute in December, 1902, Judge Church made the opening address. Papers were read as follows: "Corn Breeding," bv Fred Duncan, of Ohio Grove; "Silos and Ensilage," by F. M. Parsons; "The Farmer's Son at the University and the Boy at the University," bv Prof. F. R. Crane, and "How to Keep Children on the Farm," by E. N. Cobb.

The fiftieth county fair was held in 1903. All departments were well represented, but the fair possessed no particularly striking feature. The children's department was perhaps the most important. After the fair a large combination sale of forty-six Angus cattle was held by Capt. O. A. Bridgford, W. L. Candor, E. M. Castle, C. G. Ditto and Reed Brothers. All animals were registered.

At the Farmers' Institute held in Joy, January, 1904, papers were read as follows: "Farm .Machinery," by E. N. Cobb; "Feeding and Breeding Beef Cattle," bv Ira Cottingham and others. The subject of hogs for profit was discussed at this session; also clover culture. The fair of 1904 was one of the best held in recent years. The vegetable displav was better than ever before. They had shown greater interest in the selection of good seed than ever before, particularly of corn. There were twenty-three entries of field corn. As a whole the fair was a success.

In January, 1905, the C, B. & Q. Railroad began sending out special trains over its lines, carrying agricultural lecturers and experts to hold meetings for the instruction of the farmers. At every designated stoppingplace large audiences of agriculturists gathered to hear what the experts had to say. A special train arrived at Aledo, January 21, 1905. The meeting was held in the opera house and hundreds of people listened to the experts. W. H. Manss, industrial commissioner of the road, gave an outline of the work and results which were expected to be accomplished through these excursions and lectures. He stated that the railroad was directly interested in the prosperity of the farmers and was willing to make sacrifices in order to advance agricultural interests. The fair of 1905 was the best, as a whole, in the history of the association. The exhibits were rather better than ever before. There were more fast horses entered and better racing than at any previous fair. The paid admissions to the grounds numbered 9,441, and to the amphitheater, 1,901. The weather was excellent and all enjoyed the displays. The entrance fee was raised to 30 cents and the total receipts amounted to $7,701. The best time made was in the free-for-all race, 2:12. There were 2,785 entries.

In the spring of 1906 the local branch of the Corn Belt Beef Producers1 Association was formed in this county. The farmers met in the courthouse and prepared to form local branches in other parts of the county- A. L. Ames was president of the association. Several hundred of the most prominent cattle feeders of the county were present. George E. Thornton was chosen president of the new organization and M. F. Morrow, vice president; A. C. Bridgford, secretary and treasurer.

At the fair of 1906 the corn contest was perhaps the most exciting event. Ten premiums were offered for Yellow Dent and White Indian, each exhibit to consist of ten ears. Among the other novelties were a balloon ascension and high dive by experts, three days' races and the usual shows and swings. The cattle and poultry exhibits were better than ever before. The prizes for the public school exhibits brought out a large display from all parts of the county. The floral hall was never more beautiful than on this occasion. The usual stock exhibitors were present with their herds. After the fair there were large combination sales of Aberdeen Angus cattle by C. A. Bopes, G. E. Thornton, G. E. Aikins, J. E. Reed and S. Lee. This was one of the most successful fairs ever held. Within five years the old debt had been almost wholly extinguished and many new pens, stalls and buildings had been constructed on the grounds. Over sixty-five hundred dollars had been spent within a few years on building improvements. There were 2,555 entries this year and the receipts amounted to $7,328.62, less $37.65 on hand at the beginning of the year.

A large sale of Duroc Jersey hogs was held by E. M. Castle & Son soon after the fair. Grant Marquis also at a public sale sold forty-five excellent Shorthorn cattle. Bridgford & Nesbitt held a public sale of about fifty Poland China hogs. The Mercer County Driving Association was organized here at this time.

The fifty-fourth annual fair in 1907 was as successful as usual. The cattle, horse and hog exhibits were unusually excellent. The poultry exhibit was never better. There were exhibited as one of the novelties the collection of trophies, medals, cups, etc., that had been won by T. A. Marshall, of Keithsburg, the champion wing shot of the world. The Davenports' high wire performances were also here. As the season was dry and dusty the road leading from Aledo to the fair grounds was covered with green hay to keep down the dust. The races were excellent, the best time being 2:14% at pacing. Floral hall was never finer than on this occasion. It was filled with an interesting display and at all times was crowded with spectators. The school exhibit was better than ever before, almost every country and village school in the county being represented by specimens of work done by the children. Dairy products were better than usual. The county now had many creameries, and study had led to more perfect methods and cleaner and purer products. Notwithstanding the room for live stock had been increased, the authorities were compelled to turn away live stock that applied for entrance. G. W. Felton exhibited Aberdeen Angus cattle and Frank Townsley, Jerseys, and J. M. Nesbitt, Poland China hogs. A herd of eleven head of Galloway cattle was shown and attracted much attention. \V. D. Emerson, secretarv of the association, was given credit for the splendid success of this and many other previous fairs. It was due to his judgment, intelligence and energy, it was stated, that the fair had become one of the most important in the state. In the free-for-all pace a purse of $300 was offered and the best time made was 2:13' 2- However, owing to bad weather the crowd was not as large as expected and the receipts were not sufficient to pay expenses. The society ran a little behind this year. The total receipts amounted to $8,454.27. This was $243.33 less than the expenses. The society spent on the speed ring alone $2,140 and on improvements, $956. At this time the King log drag was attracting much attention throughout this county.

In February, 1908, the Mercer County Poultry and Corn Association was organized at Viola, largely through the efforts of J. B. Bradford, who became secretary of the new organization. F. M. Taylor, of Aledo, was president, and C. P. Shaw, of Aledo, treasurer. The meeting at Viola established the organization on a firm basis and thereafter it became a power in the county for the improvement of poultry breeds and the corn crops. They paid particular attention to the selection of seed corn. The varieties upon which most care was bestowed were Yellow Dent, White Dent, the early varieties of sweet corn and popcorn. In addition to chickens the association paid particular attention to turkeys. At this time spraying was practiced more extensively throughout the county than ever before, and with excellent results. Paris green, kerosene emulsion and Bordeaux mixture were used on almost every farm. Animal diseases were better understood than ever before. Already the farmers had begun to comprehend the nature of hog cholera and their experience and the investigations of the department of agriculture combined to prevent, in a large measure, the wholesale destruction of hogs by that terrible disease as had prevailed in the past.

The fair of 1908 was fully up to the standard, and in many respects better. Among the exhibitors were the following: Duroc Jersey hogs by Ira H. Dodson; the same by E. M. Castle; the same by Bigelow & Son, of Aledo; the same by Clair Kiddoo. C. P. Peterson exhibited Chester Whites; Whitsitt Brothers exhibited Berkshires; Bridgford & Nesbitt entered twenty-five Poland China hogs; W. K. Tyler showed several pens of red hogs; George E. Close showed about a dozen Berkshires; F. E. Shearer showed several Chester Whites; D. S. Mayhew & Son exhibited Hampshires; C. S. Goddard exhibited Poland Chinas, and L. R. Hyett, Duroc Jerseys. Excellent sheep were shown bv J. S. Rader and A. C. Crandall. They were of the Cotswold and Leicester varieties mainly. Farm implements were shown by Christ Thede and Glidden-Strong Company, of Joy. The Aledo Brick and Tile Company made an exhibit of their products. Poultry were entered by J. C. Rupert, John Babcock, Charles F. Schleuter and H. R. Morgan. The latter showed Partridge Wyandottes. Rupert exhibited Light Brahmas. There was probably a better exhibit of garden products than ever before. Among the products shown were muskmelons, peppers, pumpkins, squashes, cabbage, potatoes, beets, celery, etc. The attendance during Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this year was 16,691. For the same days in 1907 the attendance was 15,323. Earl Dixon made a display of ponies; Roy Dellitt, mules; Lewis Dellitt, of all purpose horses; H. E. Robbins, W. R. Collins and William Van Meter, road horses; J. C. Weihler, Lowell Harroun and J. C. Stewart furnished draft, Percheron and Belgian horses; W. R. Collins, Samuel Robbins and Albert Zwicker, Clydesdales and English Shire horses. Others to exhibit sheep were C. S. Hechlner, Wayland Brothers, R. B. Findley and R. M. Cooper & Son. The varieties shown were medium wool animals, South Downs, Shropshire Downs, Oxford Downs, Hampshire Downs, Cotswolds, Leicesters and other long-wooled animals. Wayland Brothers made an exhibit of goats - one of the first ever seen at the county fair. This year the fair association received from the state an appropriation of $1,180. From the sale of tickets at the gate there was realized $4,707.30. The total receipts from all sources were $10,343.92. There were 3,057 entries and the premiums paid aggregated $2,976.35. This year they paid off the shortage of $243.33 of the previous year. R. M. Cooper & Son of Alexis took the first premium on the best exhibit of ten ears of corn. Their exhibit scored 78.6 perfect. They secured the prize of the Christy corn cup ; Roland Greer took the prize for shucking 161 bushels of corn in ten hours, on December 2, 1908. The poultry business had become very profit- able and very extensive in this county under the efforts of the Poultry and Corn Association. Their exhibit was made in the opera house, there being over three hundred entries of corn, chickens, turkeys, etc.

In December, 1908, forty-one head of pure-bred Shorthorn cattle were sold at Viola by the Collins and Gillis combination. The Farmers' Institute of December, 1908, was attended by many agriculturists from all parts of the county. The following addresses were delivered: "Systematic Road Work in Township Road Improvement," by Clifford Older; "The Business End of Swine Farming," by William Dietrich; "Our Friends, the Birds," by Rev. William Mason; "Organic Matter and Soil Texture," by A. F. Gustafson; "Farm Gumption," bv Rev. W. Mason; "The Housekeeper's Capital," by Mrs. Jennie Barlow. She treated of two leading sub-topics: "Left Overs and What to do With Them," and "Little Things That Count in a Kitchen." As a whole, the session was instructive and progressive. W. H. Bissell was president.

The fair of 1909 was likewise very successful and conducted on an elaborate scale; 150 horses were entered in the racing department. The educational department was conducted by Supt. C. L. Gregory; the horticultural department by L. M. McConnell; the dairy and kitchen department by Mrs. William McManus; the farm products department by W. H. Bissell; the textile fabric department by Mrs. Lura Park; and the mechanical arts department by E. L. Drury. A fine herd of Shorthorn beef cattle exhibited by Stead & Shearer attracted much attention at this fair. This generally was pronounced the greatest fair ever given by the society. The racing far surpassed that of any previous year. The receipts were so great that all indebtedness was wiped out and many important improvements were made to the grounds. The total receipts amounted to $10,664.41 ; the entries numbered 2,725 and the premiums paid were $3,013.75. Wayland Brothers took forty premiums on hogs and sheep. They were paid $145.50 for their exhibits. Dodson & Son took eleven blue ribbons on Duroc Jersey hogs; Bridgford & Nesbitt took twelve blue ribbons and forty-four red ribbons on their exhibit of swine; Bigelow & Son took several blue and red ribbons. Walter Davison exhibited Poland China hogs and Mayhew &; Son, twentytwo Hampshire hogs. W. H. Whitsitt made the best display of Chester Whites. Poultry were exhibited by Patrick O'Day, M. Parkman, E. L. Carnahan, G. F. Close, J. H. Fessnacht, F. M. Taylor, Mrs. Willard Ruse, H. R. Morgan, Mrs. John Ransden, William Woods and others. The varieties shown included Buff Orpingtons, White Leghorns, Houdans, Silver Spangled Ham- burgs, Golden Polish and the usual Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, Leghorns, etc. John Ruse took first premium on a bushel of Yellow Dent corn; E. L. Woodhams received a prize of $20 for the best ten ears of Yellow Dent corn; Mrs. Mary Davis took first prize on popcorn; R. M. Cooper & Son were awarded first prize on one bushel of seed corn; Walker Jones took the prize on corn exhibits.

In December, 1909, C. L. Gregory commenced instruction in a whole course in live-stock farming. He was the author of several works on scientific agriculture. It was at this time that Mr. Woodhams, who was secretary of the Farmers' Institute, asked the county board to set aside twenty acres on the county farm to be used as an experiment plot for scientific agriculture. It was stated that the only expense to the county would be that of providing fertilizers. At this time there were in the county the following veterinary surgeons: At Aledo, J. H. Hogan, W. W. Warnock; Seaton, W. J. Morgan; Joy, J. C. Brown; New Windsor, O. E. Bridgford; Reynolds, C.A.~Kell; Alexis, J. A. Dilley and A. R. Rockwell.

In November, 1909, G. E. Aikins sold at public auction seventy Duroc Jersey hogs and other stock, a considerable portion of which were grade animals.

The fair of 1910 was about equal to that of 1909. It fell short in some departments but surpassed in others. As a whole, it was about the same. Shorthorn cattle were exhibited by Nelson Stead and Robert Failon; Herefords by N. J. Hiltabrand; Polled Angus by E. G. Thornton & Son and L. McWhorter; Jerseys by C. H. Armstrong and Orr Calhoun; mules by J. W. Dellitt and L. H. Kirch. The sheep exhibits were Cotswolds and Leicesters by A. C. Crandall and Frank Rader; South, Shropshire, Oxford and Hampshire Downs by Frank Shearer, R. B. Findley and W. H. Hunt. The hog exhibits were as follows: Poland Chinas by Cox & Hollinrake, Elijah Storey, Bridgford & Nesbitt; Berkshires by G. E. Close; Chester Whites by Guy E. Smith, Frank Little and Oren Phillips; Duroc Jerseys by E. Crabs, H. Bigelow & Son, Ira Dodson & Son and N. F. Morrow; Hampshires by John Mayhew and J. B. Cooper. The entries numbered 3,371. The total receipts were $10,123.53. The state appropriation amounted to $1,222.82. A large line of automobiles were exhibited at this fair. There were 114 entries for the trots and paces alone.

The Illinois Creamery Company started operations in Aledo in 1910. In eight months they did a business of $50,000, marketing 90,000 pounds of butter, which sold at an average of 30 cents a

In February, 1 9 1 1 , Cox & Hollinrake, of Keithsburg, sold a large number of full-blood Poland China hogs at auction. Dodson & Son sold 100 of the famous red hogs, which totaled $5,060.75. In December Warnocks' sale of dairy cows took place at the fair grounds. They were Jerseys, Guernseys and Holsteins. They were guaranteed to be tubercular tested animals.

The fair of 191 1 was equally successful with those of the two previous years. Many new cattle pens and a new pavilion were erected for this fair. There was a better grade of corn shown than ever before. Premiums for the corn exhibits were increased to $225 cash. There were single ear exhibits, the first prize being $10, then on down to $8, $6, $4 and $2. The sheep exhibit was excellent, there being Shropshires, Hampshires, Leicesters and the various Downs. Tamworth hogs were exhibited by C. H. Finch. Three animals were shown, weighing on an average of 600 pounds each. When sold they yielded the owner $1 13.52. At this fair for the first time the assembled multitudes witnessed the flights of an aeroplane by Mr. Nelson. Other amusements were baseball, motorcycle races, automobile exhibits and the usual games. The cattle pavilion was full to overflowing. The cattle displayed were unusually fine, there being shown Shorthorns, Angus, Galloways, Herefords, Polled Durhams, Jerseys and Holsteins. The hog exhibits were fully up to the standard and embraced the usual breeds. The poultry show was better than ever, there being represented fifteen different varieties. Horses were shown by J. W. Dellitt, J. B. Vance, Albert Zwicker, the Hamlet Horse Company and J. J. Smith & Son. The Hamlet Horse Company exhibited several splendid Belgian animals. It was noticed that the cattle exhibit was larger than ever before. The fair authorities were obliged to secure a tent in order to properly display the cattle entered. The school department exhibit was fully up to the standard. The dairy products were even better than anyprevious year. There were shown specimens of the destructive work of various insects, fungi, rusts, blights, galls, scales, smut, worms, bugs, thistles, weeds, etc. The police department at this fair was better than ever and the order was therefore correspondingly good. The aeroplane did not arrive until Thursday of the fair week. Mr. Nelson made several flights, circling one day westward over the farms and back to the grounds, lighting without accident. On the next day he took a southerly course at a height of about three hundred feet and again returned without accident. Ira Dodson & Son showed Duroc Jerseys. Wayland Brothers took ten blue and ten red ribbons on sheep and other animals. Gid Jackson showed Duroc Jerseys, as did Bigelow & Son. Frank E. Shearer entered Shropshire sheep; J. M. Bay, Shorthorn cattle; George Close, Berkshire hogs; R. E. Calhoun, Jersey cattle; McWhorter & Son, Aberdeen Angus cattle; Thornton & Son, the same. This was the greatest live stock exhibition ever held in the county. The paid attendance was as follows: Wednesday, 3,662; Thursday, 7,754; Friday, 9,503; Saturday, 2,498; total, 23,417. The total receipts amounted to $12,763.76. The best time made at the races was in the free-for-all pace, when 2:11 : j was made. Floral hall was better than ever before. It was more elaborate, had a better classification, was made more beautiful by the ladies and was enjoyed to the utmost by the immense audience every day. At one shipment in August, 191 1, five Indiana silos were received here under orders from W. H. Dunlap, Orr Calhoun, W. C. Egbert, Nelson Stead and A. J. Scranton. By this time silos were to be seen numerously in all parts of the county. More road and hackney horses were shown at this fair than ever before. The display of apples was unusually good, owing to the excellence of the local crop.

At the corn and poultry show great interest was shown this year. In order to make it successful the citizens of Aledo subscribed several hundred dollars to help in defraying the expenses. One hundred and thirty boys and girls entered the corn judging contest. There was a three days' course and students came from all parts of the county. The course was conducted by C. L. Gregory, A. L. Duncan and Robert L. Watson. The poultry show at the same time was elaborate and good. The Mercer County Experiment Station this year had seven acres in alfalfa. The oat field on the station farm yielded sixty-three bushels to the acre. The manager used cement posts and wire fencing this year.

In January, 191 2, the following sales of fine stock took place in the county: Chester Whites by B. N. Gilmore; Duroc Jerseys by Dodson & Son and H. Bigelow & Son; Poland Chinas by J. M. Nesbitt. The state food inspectors visited the county twice this year. Edward R. Petrie was elected superintendent of the agricultural society in November, 191 1 ; W. D. Emerson, secretary; Joseph Boyd, treasurer. There was considerable hog cholera throughout the county during the fall of 191 1. Experts were called in and every effort was made to check the disease, and, in a measure, the effort succeeded. The fair of 1 9 1 1 gave total receipts from all sources of $14,743.03. Of this sum $1,244 came from the state appropriation. In December,

In January, 191 2, Gideon Jackson had a special sale of thirtyfive head of Duroc Jersey hogs. About the same time E. M. Castle & Son sold the same number at Reynolds. Later J. L. Moseley, near Mannon, sold sixty head of Poland Chinas. W. E. Huffman of Joy sold forty-one head of Chester Whites; Ira Dodson & Son of Joy sold forty-seven head of Duroc Jerseys; F. M. Martin and R. M. Noble sold hogs, cattle and horses. Other sales were by M. E. Vance & Son, C. E. Varrington, S. Lee, J. M. Nesbitt, J. F. Cox & Son and others.

The fair of 191 2 was fully up to the recent standard. There were many new houses, pens, sheds, barns, etc., built. The corn and grain show was unusually excellent. There were fourteen races - trotting, pacing and running. Children were admitted free on Wednesday. On that day occurred the baby show. The best looking babv was paid $15; the fattest boy baby, $10; the fattest girl baby, $10, and the best natured baby, $10. It was designed to have old bachelors act as judges, but apparently there was not an old bachelor on the ground. There were twenty babies entered in the contest. The prize for the best looking baby went to Catherine Emma Smith, daughter of Alfred T. and Anna C. Smith, of Aledo. There were 1 14. entries in the fast horse races. Shropshire sheep were exhibited by H. C. Haverfield, B. L. Warwick and J. W. Kesler. The displav of cattle, horses and hogs was fullv up to the standard, the usual breeds being shown. On Thursday 13,000 persons in round numbers paid admission. This broke all previous records by about two thousand. It was noted that within the grounds about twelve hundred automobiles were lined up in the places set apart for their occupation. There were eighteen heats trotted in the afternoon of Thursday. The best time made was 2:i2'4 in the free-for-all pace. The seed corn exhibited was sold at auction at the close of the fair, to the highest bidders, and was purchased in small lots, and was thus scattered throughout the county. The total number of entries was 3,511; total receipts, $13,682.61, less $141.98 on hand at the beginning of the vear.

The Mercer Countv short course in agriculture took place in December, 1912. The contests were on corn judging, hog judging, dairy cattle judging, beef cattle judging, alfalfa and conservation. At that time the Mercer County Breeders and Feeders' Association was organized at Aledo, with W. B. Cooke, of Hamlet, president; H. McWhorter, secretary-treasurer. The object was the improve- merit of live stock. Connected with it was the Mercer County Domestic Science Association, also the Poultry and Corn Association. All united in making the session memorable and valuable. During 191 2 Mercer County farmers, from July, 1910, bought sixty new silos. During three months in the spring of 191 2 Mr. Winders, of Aledo, paid the farmers $18,000 for eggs.

At the first field meeting of the Mercer County Experiment Station, seventy-five farmers were present to learn how to grow alfalfa. In the corn show of December, 1912, the first prize of $10 for the best ten ears of Reed's Yellow Dent corn was awarded to Jones Brothers, of Seaton. They were expert growers of corn. The next vear there were many large sales of full-blood animals throughout the county. J. M. Bay, of Sunny Slope Farm, sold a herd of Shorthorns at an average price of $150 each. The highest price obtained was $295. J. F. Cox & Son, of Keithsburg, sold a herd of large type Poland China hogs at auction. J. L. Moseley also sold at public auction a herd of the large bred type of Poland Chinas.

In 1913 C. A. Campbell, superintendent of the local experiment station, reported forty-two bushels of wheat to the acre. This was much higher than was grown in the county and about three times higher than the average grown in the state. Cox & Hollinrake, of Keithsburg, sold many of the large type Poland China hogs at public auction. In 19 13 the large crops of alfalfa grown on the experiment station near Aledo attracted the attention of farmers throughout the county. At the first cutting the yield was two tons to the acre; at the second cutting, one and a half tons, and at the third cutting, about one and a half tons. The total was a little over five tons to the acre for the season. With hay at $12 a ton, farmers realized that alfalfa could be grown in this county with great profit.

The sixtieth annual fair was held in September, 1913. The society planned the program on an extensive scale and carried it out with success. The Tom Marshall trophies of cups, medals, etc.. were on exhibition. He had already given this outfit to the Chicago Athletic Association, but it was secured for exhibition here. The total collection was valued at $c;o,ooo. At this fair the authorities took special pains to secure better order than had prevailed on other occasions. They were instructed particularly to look out for pickpockets and crooks of all descriptions. A feature which helped advertise the fair was a motordrome race against time. Many fast horses were entered and better arrangements for meals for the people were made. The fair was recognized as an annual clearing house for the agricultural products and ideas of the county. As never before scientific agriculture was practiced throughout the county and was recognized as the most profitable course to pursue. Another feature of the fair was an educated horse. The grounds were put in splendid condition and the fair was called in the advertisements the "Diamond Jubilee Fair," being the sixtieth (less two) thus far held in the county. Ten small shows were advertised, besides games of every description. The purses offered for the races were as follows: On Wednesday, $500 for the 2:30 trot; $500 for the 2:12 pace; $500 for the 2 125 pace, and $75 for the 4^-furlong dash. On Thursday, $500 for the 2:16 trot; $500 for the 2:15 pace; $600 for the free-for-all trot; $300 for the four-year-old and under pace; $100 for the derby mile run, and $35 for the mule team wagon race of a half mile. On Friday, $500 for the 2:20 pace; $600 for the free-for-all pace; $500 for the 2:22 trot, and $75 for the five-furlong dash.

Another feature advertised was the daylight fireworks. The fair opened September 16th with the largest array of exhibits ever shown in Northwestern Illinois. The swine exhibit was far better than ever before. The horses and cattle were about equal to the best previous shows. The exhibits were greater in number and the arrangement was better. The draft-horse exhibit fell off a little in excellence. T. B. Danielson, of Preemption, showed ten road horses; Robert Marus, of Viola, road horses; J. M. Brown and W. A. Nesbitt, same; George D. Reed, Clydesdales; Roy E. Vance, of Alexis, showed jacks and colts; Jones Brothers, of Seaton, exhibited Shetland ponies; Earl Dixon, who owned the largest pony farm in the county, exhibited twenty- four from a herd of 200; A. L. Whan showed Percherons; Albert Bonynge also showed Percherons; Dellitt & Son, of Duncan, exhibited Percherons and mules; A. J. Marky showed Belgian horses; C. W. Bridgford exhibited several French draft horses; R. H. Whitsitt showed a Percheron horse weighing 2,200 pounds. In a small tent on the grounds were two young buffaloes, a cross between a buffalo cow and an Aberdeen bull.

The poultry show was even better than ever before. Jones Brothers, of Seaton, exhibited Orpingtons; Bert Keilman, Rhode Island Reds; Mrs. J. M. Strong, of Keithsburg, White Plymouth Rocks; Percy Crabbs, White Plymouth Rocks; Mrs. D. A. Brown, Buff and Bronze turkeys and Leghorns; H. R. Morgan, Partridge Wyandottes; Thomson Sisters and J. H. Fassnacht, Rose and Single Combed Rhode Island Reds; Ed Valentine, white turkeys. There were other poultry exhibits. The cattle show was one of unusual excellence. G. E. Thornton & Son, of Millersburg, showed Aberdeen Angus cattle; J. M. Bay, Shorthorns; W. C. Egbert, a herd of

Jersey cattle. These were but a few of the many fine cattle exhibits. Those to exhibit swine were the following: Guy Smith showed twenty-five Chester Whites; G. W. Winters, Duroc Jerseys; Bigelow & Son, Duroc Jerseys; Wayland Brothers, Berkshires and Chester Whites; J. B. Cooper, Hampshires; John Mayhew, Hampshires. Racing was postponed Wednesday on account of rain. At this fair was Samuel Braucht, of Humboldt, Kansas, aged ninety-two years, one of only three men present who had attended the first fair in the county at Millersburg in 1853. C. W. McCreight was the other one who had attended the first fair. Mr. McCreight said the grounds at the first fair were enclosed with a brush fence. He was eightyfive years old at this time. Isaac N. Bassett was the third person who was present at the fairs of 1853 anQl I9I3- What is told here concerning the first fair of 1853 comes mainly from his excellent recollections. He is now eighty-nine years old. Among the sheep exhibitors were H. C. Haverfield, Bistline & Kistler and Bruce Warwick. Jones Brothers, of Seaton, won the first prize for an exhibit of fifty ears of corn. They also took the first and third prizes for the ten ear exhibit. They had 160 acres in corn this year. The daylight fireworks made the hit of the fair, it was stated. The works exploding in part showed spread out the Stars and Stripes and other interesting objects. The motordrome race was done by E. A. Bachus and was called dare-devil by the local newspapers. Ralph Thede made an excellent exhibit of farm machinery; Noonan Brothers showed an excellent line of vehicles of various kinds. The fair as a whole was unusually successful and satisfactory. The total receipts amounted to $10,064.84. Thus they were not as large by a considerable sum as those of previous years, but the falling off was occasioned by the rains which prevented the usual attendance. However, the society came through the show with good success. The total entries were 4,224 and paid premiums amounted to $4,286.25; the total receipts, including the state appropriation, were $12,375.72.