Morgan County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 15 of 21)

Britenstine Wm. farmer, P.O. Franklin BROWN EZEKIEL, farmer, P.O. Franklin. Mr. Brown was born in Morgan Co., Nov. 1838, where his father, John Brown, settled as early as 1827, when but few houses of any kind were erected in the county ; settling in the vicinity of Franklin, he rented the property now owned by Jas. Rawlings, where he has lived since his arrival in the State, and no doubt the many important changes that have crept over the West, seem a matter of surprise to one who lived in a day when a horse could carry double ; far different from to-day, when it sometimes takes a large carriage for a small young man. The wife of John died many years ago. Ezekiel was the sixth child ; liberally educated, in 1862 he entered the army, enlisting in Co. G, 7ist 111. Inf. for three months, remaining five ; honorably discharged. He then enlisted in Co. E, 58tli 111. Inf. for one year, and became engaged in the siege of Mobile, etc., etc.; honorably discharged April, 1865. Autumn of 1873 Mr. Brown was elected constable Bryant Charles, farmer, Sec. 36, P.O. Waverly who is cotemporary with the early settlement of this county, was the eldest child of William W. and Isabel Bryant, whose maiden name was Rankin. William Bryant was a native of Virginia, by trade a mechanic, who married the lady mentioned in Tennessee, .where he removed in an early day. His skill in mechanics was somewhat remarkable, and it is related of him that very few, if any, excelled him as a mechanic. The subject of this sketch was born on the 23d of December, 1828. Six years later, the family set out for Illinois, and settled in what was then the old fashioned village of Jacksonville, where he afterward died. His wife survived him some five years. After the death of his father, Dr. Bryant worked by the month for neighboring farmers. During the Mexican war, he became enrolled as a volunteer in Co. D., 1st Regt. Remaining one year in the service, and on the field during the engagement of Buena Vista. Honorably discharged before the close of the war, he returned to Morgan Co., where he began the study of medicine, and in time became a practicing physician. He married in 1860 Miss Sarah Huckstep, a daughter of Thomas Huckstep, an old resiJent of this county. In 1874 Mrs. Bryant departed this life, leaving to her husband's care eight children : Charles C.. Steven G., Martha E., James O., Thomas E., Kate L., Jessie and Adian Irving^. On the loth of August, 1876, Dr. Bryant married Mrs. Susan Wilder, relict of Franklin Wilder. To use a common phrase, Mr. Bryant has seen many of the ups and downs of life; at one time a merchant, and at another the proprietor of a grist-mill. Of late years his time has been occupied tilling the soil

BUCHANAN WILLIAM, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 19, P.O. Waverly. Mr. Buchanan was born on the old homestead of his parents, Benjamin and Mary Buchanan, July, 1844

BURCH JOHN B. farmer and stock - raiser, Sec. I, P.O. Franklin. In tracing the genealogy of families in this county, as but few items have been preserved in writing, information in rel.ition to families is mostly taken from memory. Shelby Burch, father of John B., was a native of Kentucky; but little is known of his early life. At an early date he removed with his parents to Illinois, locating in the vicinity of Franklin, where he afterward married Miss Sarah Wyatt, daughter of John Wyatt and sister to Col. W. J. Wyatt. By this marriage two children: Mary, who married H. C. Woods, now resides in Virden, Macoupin Co., 111., and John B. Mr. Burch died while in early manhood Aug. 26, 1846. Mrs. Burch afterward married Francis M. Scott, and now resides in Franklin. Oct. I, 1868, John married 'Miss Helen Rice, daughter of W. W. Rice, of Waverly. One child, Freddie, born June 13, 1873; owns a farm comprising 150 acres; for seven years has been township assessor, which office he now holds

Burk Austin, farm hand, P.O. Franklin Burk John, farmer, P.O. Franklin Burnett C. R. renter, P.O. Franklin BURNETT ROL.AND, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 33, P.O. Waverly. Mr. Burnett was born April 30, 1835. On the old homestead of his father, Isham Burnett, surrounded by the influences of pioneer life, he grew to manhood, attending the subscription schools in the winter season, and during the summer his time was employed on the farm, from the time he could handle the ax or hold the plow. During the war he became a contractor, supplying the boys in blue with clothing and provisions; for four years he followed the movements of the army. At its close, owing to a general credit system, with pockets depleted, he returned to Morgan Co., and settled down to the pursuits that he had been accustomed to from boyhood. Purchasing an estate of 160 acres, as years rolled by he added to this, and now owns farm property comprising 320 acres. Sept. 12, 1877, he married Miss Louetta Hamilton, daughter of H. C. and Rosella Hamilton of Kentucky, and there followed farming. The ancestry of this family were among the first settlers of Kentucky. In 1851, the Calhoun family emigrated to Illinois, when the comforts of the Eastern States could be procured in the West. The family settled near Scottville Macoupin Co., where Mrs., Calhoun now lives. One year after his arrival, Mr. Calhoun died, and was laid at rest in Greene Co. Mrs. C. afterward married John McCollum, of Macoupin Co., where Abraham grew to maturity, and married Sarah E. Turner, of Greene Co. Four children blessed this union : David T., Theresa M., James T., and Julia J. Mr. Calhoun owns 88 '/£ acres of land; a man of enterprise, which is the farmer's success Carrick John, renter, P.O. Waverly CHAMBERS MOSES, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 29, P.O. Scottville, Macoupin Co. Fifth child of John and Nancy Chambers, natives of North Carolina, who moved westward to Illinois in 1838, and located on rented property in Morgan Co., west of Franklin. The subject of this sketch was born in 1850. Growing to manhood, he received a common-school education. Unlike the boys of to-day, he had but few advantages wherewith to commence the battle of life. Mr. Chambers owns forty acres of land

Cline Lyman, farmer, Sec. 16, P.O. Franklin Cline Owen, farm hand, P.O. Franklin Collins Thomas, renter, Sec. 36, P.O. Franklin Covey John, farmer, Sec. 21, P.O. Franklin COVEY ROBERT (deceased), was a farmer and stock-raiser in Morgan Co.; was born near Knoxville, Tenn. From boyhood to manhood the hard work of the farm fell to his lot. In his early manhood, he married Miss Dodd, a daughter of William Dodd, who came in an early day to Illinois. In 1836, when people from all parts of the country began to move westward, Robert Covey gathered together his personal effects, and made a trip to Illinois by wagon, and settled on the south fork of the Mauvaisterre, where himself and wife passed the remainder of their days. Robert, junior, from whom this sketch was obtained, was born in Morgan Co., Oct. n, 1838. Educated in district schools, at 22 he married Miss Lucinda Dalton, of Morgan Co.; by this marriage five children: Nancy

P., Mary Ann, Laura E., Vina and Lewella. March 9, 1870, Mrs. Covey departed this life, and the same year Mr. C. married Miss Mary Jane Talkington, daughter of William; by this marriage four children: Electa E., Sarah Abigail, Clarissa and Eveline, all born in Morgan Co. Mr. Covey owns 101 acres

COVEY WILLIAM, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 29, P.O. Franklin. Mr. Covey was born in Knox Co., Tenn., March 5, 1836. Himself and twin-brother, L. Samuel, accompanied their parents to Illinois during the Autumn of 1836, settling on the Mauvaisterre, in Morgan Co., where the family formed the acquaintance of Judge L. Samuel Wood, Dr. Moore, and others. About 1839 - the exact date cannot be ascertained - Robert Covey, the father of William, died, leaving to the care of his wife a large family. William, thus deprived of a parent, to help toward the maintenance of the family, became employed on a farm. Feb. 7, 1860, married Miss Nancy Seymour, a daughter of Richardson and Mary Ann Seymour. On the 2d of August, 1862, Mr. Covey enlisted in the loist 111. Infantry Co. H., for three years' service; was a witness of the siege of Vicksburg, with Sherman on his march to the sea, and endured many hardships. Honorably discharged at Camp Butler, 111., June, 1865

COX JOH^f, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 18, P.O. Youngblood. Mr. C. was born in Morgan Co. March I, 1838 ; fourth child of Harris and Nancy Cox, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively, who became residents of Madisonville, Ind., where they were married, and afterward removed to Boone Co., there following farming four years, and then made their way to Illinois, locating in Morgan Co. in 1834, entering an 80 acre tract; a purchase of 160 acres was made ; on the land entered he built a log cabin. His children born in this county : Julia A., Sarah J., Robert B., and John H. In 1844 Mrs. C. died. Mr. C. afterward marrying Mary Sims, daughter of Wm. Sims. By this marriage eleven children, eight are living. Some fourteen years ago Mr. C. died ; he left an estate of 240 acres ; a man of strict integrity ; his death was regretted by all who knew him. The gentleman who heads this sketch received his education in subscription schools. In his 25th year he married Mary Frances Boyer, daughter of Wm. J. Boyer, ofSangamon Co. Five children blessed this union: Wm. H., born Nov. 17, 1868; Geo. B., Oct. 14, 1870; Charley, Oct. 17, 1872; David N. Oct. 5, 1874^ Nancy B., March 30, 1876. Mr. C. owns 105 acres; an energetic, honorable man, he is quite comfortably situated in life. For the past four years he has held the position of constable, discharging his duties to the satisfaction of law abiding citizens. Mr. C. has in his possession an interesting relic of by-gone days that was probably in use during the Revolutionry War, that has descended down to the present generation, a valuable souvenir of early days Cox William, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 7,

Culberson George, blacksmith, P.O. Waverly Culverson Jas. farmer, P.O. Franklin CULVERSON WILLIAM, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 24, P.O. Franklin. Mr. C. was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and there followed the occupation of a farmer. Removing to Illinois as early as 1840. and settled on the Mauvaisterre, in the vicinity of Judge Wood's residence. For a number of years Mr. Culverson was a resident of Greene Co.; of late years a resident of Morgan Co., his time has been devoted to agriculture. Since his settlement Mr. C. has had a varied experience, and has lived to see the county grow from a wilderness of prairie to its present prosperity

I>ALTON CLAYBURN , a farmer in the bounds of Morgan Co. for nearly a quarter of a century ; was born in RockinghamCo., North Carolina, July 17, 1807 ; in early infancy his parents removed to Kentucky, and there engaged in farming. In his 2 1st year Clayburn Dalton married Miss Pamelia Haynes, daughter of William Haynes, and a sister of Green Haynes, Esq. In 1829, in company with William Haynes, he traversed the broad prairies for Illinois, and on arrival settled in Cass Co., where he rented land, and the following year he removed to Morgan Co., where he set- tied on the estate now owned by John Dalton; he built a log cabin on this property, and formed the acquaintance of such men as Martin Read and others. His land heavily timbered, he toiled indefatigably for many a year; at the age of 60 he died. To John, with whom the latter years of his life were passed, he willed his property; his wife still survives, living on the farm, where she has been a living witness of many vast changes tending to the general improvement of the county. John was born in Morgan Co. March 27, 1835. Growing to manhood, he obtained a liberal education for the times. Owning 200 acres of land well improved, part of the homestead property, he lives in very comfortable circumstances Dalton Green, farmer, Sec. 20, P.O Youngblood

DEAR TWYDELL, farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 5, P.O. Franklin. He was the youngest of a family of five children ; his father was a native of England, who there married Miss Mary Dudhop. In merry England he followed farming. In 1845, accompanied by his wife, he crossed the Atlantic for America ; from New York city he came direct to Morgan Co., settling four miles from the present city of Jacksonville, purchasing 210 acres, he became a successful farmer; in 1858 he departed this life, leaving to the care of his wife five children : Marie, Anna, Mary, Euphemia, and Twydell, who heads this sketch, who was born in Morgan Co. Sept. 27, 1852 ; at 21 he married Miss Mary Seymour, a daughter of Robert Seymour; by this marriage three children : Ida, born April, 1873 ; Hattie E., born Feb. 17, 187"$; Docia, born Feb. 17, 1877 Deatherage Phillip M. farmer, Sec. 13, P.O.

teacher, Sec. 25, P.O. Waverly Dennis John H. farm hand, P.O. Franklin Dennis Levi, farmer, P.O. Franklin Dennis William, farm hand, P.O. Waverly DENNIS WILLIAM P. farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 13, P.O. Franklin. Mr.

Dennis was born in the State of Tennessee, where the head of the family followed farming. When William had attained the age of 16 years his parents, to better their own fortune and to give their children a better start in life, emigrated to Illinois in the Autumn of 1849, coming through in the homely rough wagon, and locating first in Morgan Co., in the edge of Waverly precinct, where they have been permanent residents. Wm. P. was a hard worker in his youth - he remains so to-day - and therein lies the secret of his success in life ; obtaining his education in district schools. At 22 he married Miss Eliza Vannot, daughter of Jacob Vannot. The children are named Mary, Newton J., Thomas, Albert, Clement, Ella, Myrtie, Roy, and Alma. Mr. D. owns "]2l/2 acres Dugger Hewer, renter, P.O. Youngblood

FANNING JOHN B. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Youngblood, oldest son of Robert and Mary Fanning, the grandfather of John, it may be well to state here, set out for the far west as early as 1825, making the trip in a two-wheeled cart, similar in construction to those now used in cities. Robert, father of the subject of this sketch, in early youth left Tennessee, traveling the entire distance on foot; he located/in Morgan Co. near Jacksonville, stopping but a short time, he made his way to Arkansas ; he did not remain long, however, until he again came to Morgan Co. where he purchased 150 acres of land ; he married Miss Mary McCurley. daughter of Joseph McCurley, a native of Alabama, in 1836. Eight children ; five are now living : Sarah J., William T., Mary E., Robert, and John B. He became the owner of 420 acres of land, working at first by the month for small wages, by energy he succeeded well in life. He died in 1876. Mrs. F. still survives. John B. attended to the farm duties from the time he was old enough. He first attended school when they were taught by subscription ; when twenty years of age he manied Miss Amelia Jane Tribble, daughter of William and Martha Tribble ; twelve children ; ten living : Robert T., Mary E., Andrew, Nancy C., Joseph S., Richard A., Sarah, Thos. J. and Laura A. (twins), and Harvey M. Mr. Fanning owns seventy-three acres ; for four years has held the position of constable

FANNING ROBERT D. farmer and stock raiser, Sees. 22 and 23, P.O. Franklin. Mr. F. was born in what is now termed Youngblood Prairie, Morgan Co., His preliminary education was received in subscription schools, and afterward completed in the district schools, when they began to play an important part in the education of the youth. Shortly before attaining his majority, Mr. Fanning came into possession of land - the estate of Jacob Fanning, his father, who died during his early childhood days. At twenty-two he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Elizabeth E. Nail, daughter of John and Elizabeth. By this marriage four children : Andrew J., born 1861 ; Cora, born 1863 ; Edgar, born 1868 ; Oliver, born 1873 ; Andrew died Sept. 4, 1862. Mr. Fanning owns sixty-three acres in the neighborhood of the old home property

FANNING- W. T. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 13, P.O. Youngblood. William was the fourth child of Robert and Mary Fanning, natives of Tennessee and Alabama. Robert F. who settled in this county prior to the deep snow, was born about the year 1816 ; of his early life but little is known ; he was raised a farmer boy, and received a common school education ; when thirteen years of age his parents emigrated to Illinois, nearly the entire distance being walked, as the slow-moving wagon must at times been monotonous. Remaining but a short time in.Illinois after his arrival, Robert Fanning removed to Arkansas ; a somewhat noted shot, a great portion of his time was spent in pursuit of the deer, doing his first work by the month no doubt ; the little money thus received was a source of pride and gratifaction, for it was generally of an unknown quality. He married in his eighteenth year, Miss Mary McCurley. To illustrate the thrifty habits of this youthful couple, it may be stated that as children grew up around them, the wife and mother wove and spun the garments for their wear; - the husband, after a hard day's work on the farm, fashioned boots and shoes for the children. Robert became a successful farmer by energy and judgment ; he departed this life Sept. 18, 1877, and as an upright citizen this short sketch is of interest to the many western people who knew him in life. W. T. Fanning was born in Morgan Co., August, 1843 ; he received a liberal education, and at eighteen married Miss Rebecca Brown, a daughter of John and Sarah ; becoming heir to part of the old homestead property. Mr. F. is the owner of 105 acres ; born and bred to farm life, he understands every detail of the duties incumbent upon it. Eight children ; six living : George W., Charles E., Francis S., Thomas, Laura B., and Robert S. Ferguson Wm. renter, P.O. Franklin

GIBSON JOHN M. REV. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 3, P.O. Franklin, was born in Rutherford Co., Tenn., Feb. 3, 1821 ; attended subscription school in winter and worked on his father's farm in summer. In 1830, his father, James Gibson, in company with others, left Tennessee to try and better their fortunes in a new country, traveling in wagons drawn by oxen ; after four weeks of hardships and bad weather, they landed in Morgan Co., where the elder Gibson entered 320 acres of land, in what is called Youngblood Prairie ; here

Mr. Gibson worked hard, and studied harder for a number of years, entering in the mean time, 155 acres of land, which he improved as much as possible, and on the l6th day of March, was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth Davidson. In 1860 Mr. Gibson was licensed as a preacher, of the M. E. church ; in 1863, sold his farm in Youngblood, purchased 232 acres in Sec. 3, T. 13, R. 9, and has been engaged in raising stock and fanning to the present day. Ten children, nine of whom are still living: Lizzie, who married John H. Van Winkle ; George, who married Savinia Carlile ; Hannah, who married Dr. S. D. Carlile, and James, Altrt, Delia, Mary E., Richard, and Julia, 11 living with their parents. Mr. Gibaun's mother, a lady eighty years of age, lives with him, and is as hale and hearty as most women of sixty Gray James, farmer, P.O. Waverly Gray Nathaniel, farmer, Sec. 35, P.O. Waverly

Hart John, farmer, Sec. 34, P.O. Franklin Hart W. J. renter, P.O. Franklin Helems Juhn, farm hand, P.O. Youngblood HENRY DAVID, farmer and stock raiser, Sees. 8 and 17, P.O. Youngblood. The grandfather of the subject of our notice settled in the bounds of Morgan Co. as early as 1832 ; he married Miss Elizabeth Alexander, by this marriage ten children, of whom Greenup Henry, father of David, was the oldest ; he was born in Bourbon County, Ky., July 25, 1808. In Morgan Co. he entered a tract of land, shortly after his arrival ; he married, in his twenty-first year, Miss Elnora Prathea, in Kentucky ; by this marriage, ten children, five of whom are living now : John, Mary, Ann, David, and Robert. David was born X in Morgan Co., Nov, 6, 1840 ; when twentyone, he entered the service of Uncle Sam, enlisting in Co. F, toist 111. Infantry, at Jacksonville, for three years service ; with this regiment during a portion of the war ; he was subsequently transferred to the Army of the Cumberland; in the battles of Peach Tree Creek, Dallas, and many others. He was honorably discharged at Springfield, 111., and, returned to Morgan Co., where he has since resided. In his twenty-fifth year, he married Miss Margaret McCurley, a daughter of Ezekiel Mc- Curley. Five children : Everett, born Sept. 27, 1867, Thomas, Aug. 12, 1869, Paton, Nov. 15, 1872, Gussie, April 15, 1874, Carrie, Oct. 2, 1877. Mr. Henry owns 177 acres of land, on which he has made extensive improvements

HENRY GEORGE, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Youngblood, second child of Richard and Elizabeth Henry. Parents of Richard, to better their fortunes, came west when he was but two years of age, shortly before the deep fall of snow, through which the family suffered the following winter; in Morgan Co. their life was characterized by hardships for a number of years. During the winter of 1872 Mrs. H. departed this life; Mr. Henry still survives, living in Macoupin Co. George was born in Morgan Co., in Dec., 1852, and received a district school education. Growing to manhood, his time became employed on the farm; at 20 he married Miss Susan McCurley, daughter of Ezekiel McCurley, one of the early residents of this county. Owning 100 acres of land Mr. Henry follows the occupation he has followed from boyhood

HENRY JAMES, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 18, P.O. Youngblood. Mr. Henry was the fourth child of a family of thirteen children; his father, Elijah Henry, one of the first settlers of this county, was born in Kentucky, near Flat Rock, about the year 1821; when nine years old his parents moved to Illinois, on hearing many glowing accounts of its fertility, locating in the southern portion of Morgan Co.; with no capital to speak of he encountered many hardships ; leaving a comfortable home in the South, the rough life in the West was not altogether pleasant; he raised a family of nine children of whom the father of James was the fifth child; he received a district school education and followed in after years, successfully, the occupation of farmer, now comfortably situated in life, he resides with his wife in Murrayville Precinct. James was born on the old homestead, Jan. i, 1847; at 19 he married Miss Melinda Fanning, daughter of Robert and Mary Fanning, natives of Alabama, and who became early residents of Illinois; four children, Albert, Elijah, Robert and Julia

HILL ISAAC, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 30, P.O. Youngblood. Tracing back the genealogy of this family we find that Richard Hill, the father of Isaac, was born April I2th, 1799, as near as can be ascertained, in Virginia. But little is known of his early life; when quite young he removed to Kentucky where he found employment as a farmer and relieved the monotony of life by hunting the game that abounded in the forests of Kentucky. In 1815, when 14 years of age, his parents determined to explore the great Northwest Territory, and accordingly set out in a onehorse, two-wheeled cart. They settled in what is now known as Hamilton. Illinois. Few had arrived at this date, when the mighty buffalo roamed at will and the red man traversed the forests; in the then wilds of Illinois Mr. H. farmed it and acquired a proficiency in the use of the rifle that extended over a considerable portion of the West; he married Miss Mary Ann Webb, a daughter of Lazarus and Nancy Webb; he was among the first in his neighborhood to enter land from the Government. By his first marriage three children, of whom Isaac is the only survivor; his second wife, Mrs. Frances Nichols, who was born in Tennessee; by this union five children, all living: James, Geo. W., Mary Ann, Robert and Richard H. Mr. H.-died in 1838, at a time when Illinois had begun to witness many improvements. His first wife had died ten years previously; his second wife still survives, living in Fayette Co., 111.

Referring to the history of him who heads this sketch, he was born in Hamilton Co., Illinois; he became a resident of Morgan Co. in 1840. The war with Mexico coming on, he enlisted in Co. F, First Regt. 111. Vol., for one year's service, under the command of Capt. W. J. Wyatt; on the field of the battle of Buena Vista, after one year's service, he was honorably discharged at Camargo, Mexico, and returned to Morgan Co., January, 1847. Two years later he married Miss Sarah Ann Daugherty; Mrs. H. 'vas born in Morgan Co., April 2oth, 1831. For twenty years Mr. Hill has been Justice of the Peace discharging the duties appertaining to the office to the satisfaction of all. The union of Mr. and Mrs. was blest with the following children: R., born Oct. 23, 1853; Nancy M., Ocr* 26, 1855, died Sept. 22, 1858; William L., born Dec. 26, 1857, died Jan. 17, 1864; Sarah E., born May 15, 1860; Martha A., born June 23, 1862; George M., born Sept. 4, 1864; Isaac M., born Feb. 3, 1867, died March 13, 1868; Charles R., born Jan. 19, 1869; Minnie B., born June 28, 1871; Tilden C., Nov. 29, 1876. Mr. Hill owns 204 acres on which he erected, some ten years ago, a handsome dwelling. Two of his children, John R., and Margaret now reside in Christian Co., I1J.

JONES JAMES, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 13, P.O. Waverly. The above named gentleman is the third child of Reuben and Nancy Jones, whose maiden name was Armstrong. Reuben Jones was a native of Tennessee, his wife was born in Kentucky. James, who heads this sketch, from the early days of childhood to the maturer ears of manhood, has been a resident of this county and his occupation that of a farmer; on attending school the first teacher he remembers was James Trible who was among the first to settle in Morgan Co. In 1871 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Minerva S. Cox, of Kentucky. By this marriage three children: John R., born in 1872, Gallic W., 1874, Ida May, 1877

L.AXKFORD CHAMPLAIN, farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Franklin. Mr. Lankford was b;>rn in Tennessee, March, 1822, where his father was engaged in farming, and where Champlain grew to man's estate, acquiring an education in a subscription school; at twenty-five he married Miss Nancy Ann Jones, daughter of Edward Jones, a native of Virginia; purchasing a small farm, he worked very diligently for many years; in 1856, owing to the reports of the fertility of Illinois, he set his face toward the west; in due time he arrived in Morgan County, settling in what is commonly called Mud Prairie, where he first rented, until he became enabled to buy; in 1862, his wife departed this life, the remains being interred in the Jones cemetery; on the decease of his wife Mr. Lankford was left with a family of five children; owning a farm of 170 acres, perhaps no man in the county worked more than he to bring land to a proper state of cultivation; the success achieved is due to his individual efforts; five children: Wm. E., Amanda, Hillery C., Reuben, and Harriet Ann

Luttrell John, renter, P.O. Waverly LYNCH MICHAEL, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. II, P.O. Franklin; Michael was the youngest of a family of six children; his parents, Patrick and Mary, were natives of County Galway, Ireland, where the subject of this sketch was born, about the year 1822 ; when old enough he came in for his share of the duties appertaining to the farm; in the year 1854, while still a young man, he left Erin's green isle for America; arriving in New York city, he made his way to Massachusetts, but remained but six months; thence to Illinois settling in Morgan County, where, for the first few years, he worked by the month; in 1861, he married Mrs. Mary Stapleton, relict of John Stapleton; by first marriage of Mrs. L. two children: Margaret and Bridget; Mr. Lynch is the owner of 150 acres of well improved land; commencing life with no capital, he has made a successful farmer

|\ /I ANN A. H. farmer and stock raiser, -1-*-*- Sec. 21, P.O. Franklin; in the year 1820, when the attention of the people of the Southern and Eastern States was attracted to the fertile prairies of the West, John and Elsie, parents of the subject of this sketch, set out from Ohio to Indiana, their goods packed in an ox cart; the little party of emigrants made their way over the trackless waste of prairie, coming in contact with but few cabins on the way; they settled near Terre Haute, a small place, where but one white man resided; keeping a small store, he supplied the early settler with the necessaries of life. The cabin entered was built by the head of the family, a rude affair, constructed of poles; here he lived for many years, his companions the backwoodsman or daring adventurer; the wagon heownedwas manufactured by himself, the wheels being cut from a fallen tree, holes being bored through the center, a reach attached to this, and the whole surmounted by a rude box. Various interesting items could be told of the early life of Mr. M. did space permit. His marriage was blessed with twelve children, five of whom are living; the oldest, whose name appears at the head of this sketch, waS born in Sullivan County, Indiana, in 1819; when but a lad of sixteen, in company with a Mr. Harney, he set out for Illinois, where he settled in Franklin, Morgan County; it then contained but two frame buildings. At the end of eight years, during which lime he worked at his trade of cooper, his parents also became residents of Illinois, where they passed the remainder of life. In 1846, A. H. Mann married Miss Nancy Covey, daughter of Robert and Ann Covey, natives of Tennessee, where Mrs. Mann was born, in 1826. Three children, two of whom are living: Mary married Green

McCUBLEY EZEKIEL, farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 19, P.O. Youngblood. Mr. McCurley, who, for half a century, has been a living witness of the vast improvements that have taken place in Morgan County, was the second son of Joseph and Rebecca McCurley, who removed from Alabama to Morgan County, during the Autumn of 1828, and settled in what is now called Youngblood prairie; a hard worker, a true type of the western pioneer, he passed the remainder of his life in Morgan County, dying the winter of 1843; his wife, who had shared with her husband many years of prosperity and hardship, survived him some fifteen years. Ezekiel, whose name appears at the top of this sketch, was born in Kentucky, March, 1808; relating to the writer scenes of long ago, Mr. McC. states that four miles from where he lived in those days, when wheat bread was a rarity, was a horse mill, where he would patiently await his, turn to have his grist ground; in his twentieth year he married Miss Jane Criswell, a daughter of Samuel Criswell; some three years later Mr. McC. entered land from the government; having no capital, he was compelled to borrow money at 30 per cent, interest; corn then brought but 8 and 10 cents per bushel, wheat 30 cents, and other things in proportion; the crops worth so little, however, grew abundantly, and with little effort compared with the present day; eleven children born of this marriage, seven living: Samuel, of whom mention is made elsewhere, and William, who married Miss Sabitha Davis, of Morgan County, in 1856, has always been a resident of this county; born April 17, 1838; he was educated in subscription schools, and has raised ten children, seven living: Amanda J., Alice, Lewella, John H., Ezekiel H., Mary E., and Ruby E. Mr. M. owns 920 acres of land. Beside Samuel and William, Julia Ann, who married John C. Speres; Etneline, who married Jarrett Seymour; Margaret, who married David Henry; Susan, who married Geo. Henry, and Elizabeth, unmarried McCurley James P., farmer and stock raiser,

Sec. 19, P.O*. Youngblood McCUBLEY SAMUEL, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 30, P.O. Youngblood, son of Ezekiel McCurley and Jane Criswell, natives of Tennessee, was born Sept. 3, 1829, in the Seymour settlement, this county. The McCurleys are contemporary settlers of 13-9, with the Seymours and Wyatts, their pioneer days dating back to 1827; at the age of nine little Sam first made his debut as a scholar in the "log school house; " not a free school, but a "pay school." The furniture of the school consisted of two slabs of wood, and to allow the light into its precincts, the door had to be left open; hence Sam's education has none of the classics, nor does he aspire to the prominence of a Virgil. Having endured the hardships incident to a boy born in the primitive days of our history, at the age of twenty-five years, married Miss Elizabeth Seymour, daughter of James P. Seymour; the ceremony was performed by Rev. William Evans, a minister of the M.E. Church; had by this union Susan, born Oct. 15, 1855; James B., born Nov. 22, 1856; in six days after the birth of the last named child, Mrs. McCurley passed from earth to heaven. Mr. McCurley was married again April 17, 1858; has had by this marriage Nancy J., born May 20, 1859; Lavinia A., Feb. 6, 1862 ; Mary E. born Dec. 16, 1863, and died Feb. 23, 1869; George, born Feb. 22, 1866, died Nov. 7, 1866; Julia A., Aug. 21, 1867; Mary C., Oct. 12, 1869; William E., Nov. 26, !873; Agnes, Sept. 9, 1876. These good parents are devoted Christians, and are zealous members of the Baptist church; love their God and their fellow-man; own a fine farm of 130 acres of good land, and are universally respected McFALiLiS JAMES, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 20, P.O. Youngblood, oldest son of Brunell and Jane McFalls, natives of Morgan County, where the subject of this sketch was born, in 1851; for five years he hired out by the month for neighboring farmers; unlike most young men, he saved what he earned, and now, although quite young, owns 80 acres of land; very few at his age have succeeded as well in life; in 1874, he married Mrs. Sarah Jane McCurley, daughter of Hardin Edwards, and relict of Jas. F. McCurley; by this marriage one child, Jane, born Sept. 1876; by her first marriage Mrs. McF. had three children: Ettie, Ida, and Willie, the only one living

MORRIS J. W. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 25, P.O. Waverly; the oldest of a family of seven children; he was born in Maryland, June 4, 1842; in early infancy his father died, and thus thrown on his own resources, at the age of twelve, he removed to the State of Delaware, where he worked for farmers, until the breaking out of the rebellion, then in his eighteenth year, he enlisted, in Co. A, First Delaware Cavalry, and also served eight months in the Infantry service; for three years he followed the fortunes of war; during which time he took part in the battles of Antietam, Wilderness, Coal Harbor.Bombardment of Petersburgh, and many others; honorably discharged; he returned to Delaware, and became employed on the Phil., Wil. & Bait. R. R.; in 1868 he became a resident of Scott County, where he married Miss Lizzie Haskell, a daughter of Benjamin Haskill; they were married in September, 1872. Lately have taken up their abode in old Morgan; three children: Bertrand, Bertha, and Vincent

-*- Franklin; retired farmer and stock raiser. A native of North Carolina; was born Feb. 2, 1792. In 1802 the family moved to Kentucky, where Mr. Petree grew to manhood; formed the acquaintance of and married Sallie Luttrell, a daughter of Richard and Nancy Luttrell, in 1811. He longed for a home in the far West, and finally concluded to make an attempt at reaching the coveted spot. Accordingly, not being able to purchase the necessary wagon, he placed his wife and two children on one horse, his son John on another, himself being on foot, and driving three cows, the little family started. After three weeks of privations and hardship, they landed in Madison County, Illinois; two years after he moved to Morgan County, and entered 200 acres of land on Mauvaisterre Creek; Mr Petree drove hogs to St. Louis, and sold them for $1.50 per hundred; the money to pay for his land. Some years after settling in Morgan County, Mr. Petree became afflicted with cancer; he tried all the physicians within his reach, but all united in pronouncing him incurable; hearing of a man in Alabama, who was " endowed with power to heal," he bid his family and friends farewell, not thinking he would ever return, and was hauled the entire distance in a wagon, not being able to get up when down. In three weeks after arriving in Alabama, he was able to walk around, and improved so rapidly that he was soon pronounced well. Nine children; only two of whom are now living: John, who lives in Morgan County, and Sarah, who married James Cox, of Mauvaisterre. In 1845 Mrs Petree departed this life; in the same year Mr. Petree married Tabitha, relict of Thomas Luttrell; this union proved of long duration; Mrs. Petree living till Oct. 1873

TO ADFORD CHARLES, farmer, Sec. 20. 1V P.O. Youngblood Radford William, renter, P.O. Youngblood Ray Sarah, farming, Sec. 19, P.O. Waverly JREAD JAS. H. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 12, P.O. Franklin; son of John and Susan Read; natives of Butler County, Kentucky, where Jas. was born May 13, 1846; the father of James was a blacksmith, a superior workman, who on hearing the many glowing accounts of the far West, set out for Illinois, locating in Franklin. At the age of seven, young Read attended school; his teacher John Rinnaker; in 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty- Fifth Illinois Infantry, under the command of Colonel Lackey, of Macon County; on being honorably discharged, at Camp Butler, at the close of the war, he returned to Morgan County, where he has since been engaged in farming. In 1858 Mr. Read married Miss Martha A. Brewer, a daughter of H. D. Brewer; by this marriage five children, f ur living: Fred E. born Jan. 23, 1870; Alice M. Feb. 12, 1871; Walter S. July 9, 1875 ; Fanny, Oct. 26, 1877 Rees John M. farmer and stock raiser, Sec.

Roberts Geo. farmer, Sec. 23, P.O. Franklin ROBERTS JAMES A. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 23, P.O. Franklin. The gentleman who heads this sketch, was born in Washington County, Tennessee, Dec. 30, 1819; when but II years of age, his parents, William and Eve, crossed the broad prairies by wagons, and settled in Morgan County in 1833; at this time game of every kind abounded; horse-mills being used to grind the grist, the flour was bolted by hand. William, the father of James, was born near Savannah, in South Carolina, in 1797; he became a farmer and manufacturer of boots and shoes; and displayed a great talent for preaching the gospel; he married Miss Eve Rubel, by whom he had twelve children; of whom James was the fifth child; above the average, displaying great ability as a business man, he entered deeply into trade, and like a good many men, met with reverses; he died in 1869; after a useful life. Mrs. William Roberts is now in her eighty-sixth year, and still resides on the old homestead. James grew up to manhood in Morgan County; in 1841 he married Miss Sarah Seymour, daughter of James P. Seymour, a native of North Carolina; twelve children were born to them, ten of which are living: Malvina, John, James H., Martin, Lydia, George, Susan, Peter, Julia and Louis. Mr. Roberts enlisted in Co. H, One Hundred and First Infantry, for a three years service; until the close of the war. A part of the company was captured at Holly Springs; at that time Mr. Roberts was transferred to the Marine Corps; afterwards rejoining his company, and became engaged in the battles of Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain; Mission Ridge, Dallas, Resaca, and others; he served six months as company cook, and afterwards filled the office of Sergeant. After the close of the war he was honorably discharged, at Springfield, Illinois, and returned to Morgan County; a successful farmer, he lives in affluent circumstances; a generous man, who helps vigorously to promote the welfare of the County; he owns 345 acres of valuable land; the first house he purchased cost the enormous price of ten dollars, a log cabin, roughly constructed; which in time gave place to a handsome family residence Roberts James H. farmer and stock raiser, P.

Roberts John, farmer, Sec. 2, P.O. Franklin ROBERTS JOHN W. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 24, P.O. Franklin. Mr. Roberts was the oldest of a family of twelve children; his father, James A, Roberts, whose name will be found in the general history of this volume, was one of the first settlers of Morgan Co. John, who heads this sketch, was born in Morgan Co. in 1843; the following year the family removed to the Lone Star State of Texas, but after a short residence returned to Morgan Co., where they have since resided, devoting their time to farming. When quite small, young R. attended a subscription school, taught in a log cabin, where the scholars were seated on benches made of split puncheon; on leaving the school-room, he turned his attention to the vocation that he had been accustomed to when a boy. Jan. 3, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Whitlock, a daughter of Luther Whitlock. Mr. Roberts owns eighty acres of land, well improved; having the confidence of the community in which he lives, for several years he held the office of constable; lately his term of service expired.

CAMPLES ANDREW, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 19, P.O. Waverly. Mr. S. was born in Kentucky, in 1798; David, his father, a farmer by occupation, and a native of Kentucky, there married Miss Mary Townsend; by this marriage eight children; three are now living: Andrew, Washington, and Aaron. David was among the first to enter Illinois, arriving in 1808, and settling in Madison Co. where the youthful days of Andrew were spent, his companions in play frequently the untutored Indian boys; in 1815 he served as a soldier; honorably discharged, he returned to his home; in 1824, in company with Jacob Boyer, he made his way to Morgan Co., 111., settling on the South Fork of the Mauvaisterre; the country but thinly populated, Mr. S. found the chances for hard work exceedingly good. Mr. Samples had married in Madison Co. Miss Nancy Wood, a sister of the Hon. Samuel Wood, of this county. By his industry there soon rose up a log cabin as a beginning; the years going quickly by soon drove to the farther west the emigrant wagon, and in course of time the cabin, through which the snow drifted at will, gave place to a more substantial dwelling. The first wife of Mr. S. died shortly after his arrival in the county, leaving eight children; in 1855 he married Miss Mary Buchanan; by the second marriage two children; Mr. Samples has owned considerable property; now owns forty acres

SANSON HENRY, farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 35, P.O. Waverly. Mr. Sanson is a native of Lincolnshire, England; born May 18, 1822; in merry England his father tilled the soil, and on the farm Henry became employed when old enough; in his twenty-fifth year he married Miss Amy Fountain. During the year 1851 he left the old country for the new, landing in New York, after a long voyage; and from there he shortly afterward made his way to Albany, Cayuga Co., and there followed the occupation in which so many years of his young life were spent; moving westward to Morgan Co. he first worked for Jacob Strawn, renting property for a number of years from this man, then and afterward prominent in the affairs of county and State; it is highly probable from that source sprang considerable of the knowledge he now has of farming; purchasing part of the farm property where he now lives, in 1865; he afterward added to this, owning at one time 335 acres; he now has under cultivation 219; well and favorably known to the citizens of this county as a man of generous impulses, who keeps pace with the improvements of the country. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sanson, seven of whom are living: Frederick H., Rachel, Ellen, Charles, Fanny, Horace, and Jacob S.

SARGEANT WILLIAM, deceased, was born Jan. I 1801; his birth-place is rather obscure; his parents were, however, natives of North Carolina, and it is quite probable William was also born there. Removing from North Carolina to the State of Kentucky, he there formed the acquaintance of Christiana Rodgers, whom he afterward married, while still in the flush of early manhood; while a resident of Kentucky he followed farming; in an early day he left the sunny home in the South for the boundless prairies of the West; on his arrival in Illinois, about the year 1830, he first settled in Pike Co. where he remained a number of years, and where his first wife died; by this marriage ten children, nine living: William, Ann M., Elizabeth, Ellen, Caroline, Elmira, Hannah, Christiana, and

John. In 1850 Mr. Sargeant was united in ] marriage to Mrs. Kesiah Seymour, relict of Gramson Seymour. Mrs. Sargeant was a daughter of William Roberts, and a sister of the Hon. Peter Roberts, of this county. Mr. Sargeant became the owner of farm property, and departed this life March 29, 1868; a useful citizen, his death was regretted by a large circle of friends; to the care of a devoted wife he left five children: Miranda, Juliette, Laura A., Katey, and Andrew B. Mrs. Sargeant, from .whom this sketch is obtained, resides on her property, comprising fifty-eight acres of valuable land

SEYMOUR BIRD, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 13, P.O. Franklin, the subject of this sketch, was the seventh child of Bird and Sallie Seymour, whose maiden name was Austin ; he was born in Morgan Co. in the Autumn of 1849, receiving his education in district schools ; at twenty he married Miss Matilda Reese, a daughter of John and Nancy, who were cotemporary with the early settlers of old Morgan. The marriage of Mr. S. to Miss Reese was blessed with two children : Edith, born Dec. 1872 ; Leonard, born June 6, 1875 ; early developing a surprising energy, Mr. S. at an early age set resolutely to work to provide a home ; but twenty-nine years of age, he now owns no acres of land, brought to a high state of cultivation ; he bids fair to succeed well in life, possessing the many qualities that eventually lead to success

SEYMOUR GEORGE W. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 4, P.O. Franklin, seventh child of John and Elizabeth Seymour, natives of North Carolina, who removed to Illinois in 1829, settling in Morgan Co. on the farm now owned by Robeit Seymour. Here George was born in the year 1836 ; receiving the usual district school education ; his first teacher was Miss Cynthia Hobson. When the rebellion came on he enlisted in 1862 in Co. H, roist 111. Inf. for three years service, taking the position of second sergeant, but afterward served in the capacity of first sergeant, remaining two years and ten months; serving in the Atlanta campaign, he became engaged in the battles of Mission Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Peachtree Creek, and other hotly contested battles. On the close of the war, June, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Springfield. Since the close of the war he has followed farming ; he married in his twenty-second year, Anna Seymour, a daughter of Bird Seymour, recently deceased. Seven children : Lillie M., John W., Alva F., George N.f Henry L., Dolly, and Robert Seatie deceased

SEYMOUR ISOM, farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Franklin, oldest son of John and Elizabeth Seymour. The father of the subject of this sketch was a native of South Carolina ; his first wife, Elizabeth, born in Morgan Co.; this union was blessed with one child, not now living. Mrs. S. also died many years ago, and was laid at rest in the Criswell cemetery. Some months after, Mr. S. married Miss Martha Seymour, a sister of his former wife ; by this marriage six children, all living. Isom, who heads this sketch, was educated in district schools. At twenty he married Miss Mary R. Duncan, daughter of John and Adeline Duncan. By this marriage, four children, three of whom are now living: Edith E., Edna M., and Margaret

SEYMOUR JACKSON, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. II, P.O. Franklin, the subject of this sketch, who is one of our most substantial farmers, was the oldest son of John and Sarah Seymour, who were natives of Person Co., North Carolina, where young Seymour was born, Dec. 9, 1822. Seven years later the family emigrated to Illinois, locating in Morgan Co. It being too late to make a crop, the head of the family, who was of a stirring disposition, worked that winter in the timber, and the following year bought an improved claim on what is now known as Sec. 3, in the vicinity of Providence. That year he raised an average crop ; during the winter of 1831, so well remembered by the older inhabitants of this county, the little stock he owned were fed by means of hand sleds drawn over the crust formed on the snow- This remarkable depth of snow is well remembered by Jackson Seymour, and the important events transpiring five years later, known as the sudden change in the weather. This epoch in the county's history as related by him, came up very suddenly ; himself and another boy who were playing in an old shed at the farm when the cold wave came over, were enabled to reach the house inside of half an hour by gliding over the ice formed in that period of time. As related in the general history of this volume, a drizzling rain had set in, the weather, quite mild, had rendered the snow slushy, a condition of affairs that caused the water and snow to congeal rapidly. Like all men of enterprise John Seymour accumulated a considerable estate; a man of whom it may be truthfully said, his word was always as good as his bond, made him prominent and respected among the generous people with whom he associated. A distinguishing trait in his character was honesty of purpose, and zeal and energy that overcame every discouragement. He died in 1854, leaving a large estate and considerable personal property. Mrs. Seymour, a true type of a western woman, died many years ago, and in death found a last resting place by the side of her husband. Jackson Seymour, in his twenty-fourth year, married Miss Martha Ann Dalton, a daughter of Isom Dalton, who is well remembered in the early settlement of this county ; from a small beginning Mr. S. went rapidly forward to a successful career ; he now owns some 521 acres - a fine property, and where every thing is systematically and orderly arranged. The first marriage of Mr. S. was blessed with one child, dying in early infancy. In 1848 Mrs. Seymour died and was laid at rest in the Criswell cemetery. The following year Mr. Seymour was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dalton, a sister of his first wife ; by this marriage six children: Isom, John W., Mary E., Millie A., Edward F. and Julia K., all born in Morgan Co.

SEYMOUR JOHN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 27, P.O. Franklin, second child of Richardson and Mary Ann Seymour. Ric.iardson was among the early residents of this county, a native of North Carolina ; he was among the first to seek a home in the West, becoming a cotemporary with the early settlers of Illinois, locating in Morgan Co., where all of his children were born. John, who heads this sketch, was born in 1845 ; his daily life - the every-day life of the farmer ; when old enough he attended to the duties of the farm, attending school during the winter season. At the youthful age of sixteen, when other boys were employed in the school room, possessed of the spirit of '76, he enlisted in 1862 in Co. H, xoist 111. Inf. for three years' service, remaining two years and ten months, engaged in battles : Resaca, Dallas, Peachtree Creek, and many other smaller engagements. In June, 1864, he was honorably discharged at Camp Butler, Springfield, 111. Since the close of the war he has followed the occupation of a farmer. In his twentieth year he married Miss Frances Weatherford, a daughter of James H. and Mary Ann Weatherford, natives of Tennessee and North Carolina. Six children ; five living: Barton, born Feb. 17, 1867 ; Nancy E., born Nov., 1869 ; Moses, born Oct., 1871 ; Mary C., born Feb. 22, 1873, and an infant child. Mr. Seymour owns 126 acres of well improved land, and is one of Morgan Co.'s most enterprising citizens ; holds office of school director

SEYMOUR J. P. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 22, T. 13, R. 9, P.O. Franklin. His father, Wm. Seymour, deceased, was a native of Person Co., North Carolina ; emigrated to Illinois in the Spring of 1831, arriving in Morgan Co. with one horse and five dollars in money, and a family to support. He erected a small log cabin and cleared a few acres of land, but before he had made sufficient money to enter the land, a Mr. Huey " entered him out." He then entered eighty acres in Sec* 22, T. 13, R. 9, and owned at the time of his death

319 acres. His second son, Samuel, was named as executor of his last will and testament. J. P. Seymour was married to Miss Melissa McNeely, Nov. 27, 1851 ; six children, five of whom are still living : Evaline, who married Jacob Boyer ; Sarah M., Emma C., Charles O.', and Wallace E.; Mr- Seymour has adopted J. W. McNeely, his wife's nephew. He owns eighty acres of fine farming land, and is known, as are all the Seymours, for charity and benevolence; has been chosen supervisor and school director a number of times, always giving satisfaction ; enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, in Co. H, lOist 111. Inf., as a private, following the fortunes of the regiment in all engagements and marches, and was mustered out on the i8th day of June,, 1865, after which he returned to Morgan Co. and entered on the duties of farming, which he has followed up to the present day

SEYMOUR SAMUEL, farmer and stock raiser, Sec, g, P.O. Franklin. John Seymour, grandfather of Samuel, was born in Person Co., North Carolina, Oct. n, 1772; he married in his 2ist year Miss Agnes Pullan, by whom he had thirteen children, of whom the father of Samuel was the fifth child; he was born in North Carolina April i8th, 1802; he married in 1824. Miss Elizabeth Blackwell, a daughter of Samuel Blackwell; 1831 found the family en route for the west; they settled in Morgan Co. y Illinois, in what is known as Hart's Prairie; he became a successful farmer, and at the time of his decease, which occurred in 1872, he left an estate of 390 acres in one of the most fertile townships of Morgan. Mrs. S., a noble type of a pioneer wife, died in 1838. By this marriage five children: John P., Samuel, Abraham, William and Elizabeth. Samuel was born in Sullivan Co., Tennessee, April 28th, 1831; receiving a liberal education for the times, at 23 he married

Miss Catherine Rees, a daughter of John H. Rees. Children living: Wm. S., born in 1858; Catherine, born in 1863; Nancy E., 1867; Samuel B., 1872. Mr. S. owns 200 acres choice land and is a substantial citizen of this county. His first wife having died in 1842 he married Miss Delilah Rees; one child, Mary, deceased. Mrs. S. died in 1857; in 1860 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Nancy Rees.

SMITH JOHN W. farmer and stock raiser, Sees. 9 and 10, P.O. Franklin; his father, John Smith, married Miss Hannah Wilson, in Scarborough, England, and emigrated to America in 1848; from New Orleans he made his way to Morgan Co. where he first rented land of James Ward; in 1851 Mr. Smith died and was laid at rest near St. Clair. At 18 the subject of this sketch entered the Whipple Academy, of Jacksonville. The following year he became a school teacher which he has successfully followed up to the present time in the winter season, working his farm in the summer, owning 115 acres. Sept. 21, 1876, he was married to Miss Ella Keplinger, daughter of Samuel Keplinger; one child, Gracie, born April 14, 1878.

SPIRES JAMES S. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 9, P.O. Franklin. The subject of this sketch was the fourth child of William and Elsie Spires, natives of Kentucky, and there followed farming; about 1830, hearing of the many advantages of the west, Mr. S. determined to try the prairies of Illinois;-on arrival in the State he settled in what is now 13-9, on the farm now owned by W. T. Spires; like all settlers he commenced life with but little, but his wants were few and easily satisfied; living in his log cabin he worked hard for the necessaries of life; money was a rarity, goods being frequently obtained by barter. Some twelve years after his settlement the husband died leaving to the care of his wife twelve children : Wm. B., who died in California; John C., Sarah E., and James S., who married Martha H. Reed, a daughter of Martin Reed; by this marriage, four children: James Wm., Francis M., Florence C., and Sarah M; Mr. S. owns 160 acres of land; a generous man of a kindly disposition, he is well thought of by all

Spires Jas W., farmer, Sec. 9, P.O. Franklin Spires James, farmer, P.O. Franklin SPIRES JOHX C. farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 17, P.O. Youngblood. Mr. S. was born in Morgan Co., November, 1830. The father of John was one of the first settlers in this county; we here append a short sketch of his life: He was born in Kentucky; there he followed farming, marrying in Kentucky Miss Elsie Smith. As near as can now be ascertained, he set out from the famous State of " Old Kentuck," for the Far West, in 1826, accompanied by his wife and one child, William B., who, on attaining his majority, went to California, where he afterward died. The family, on arrival in Morgan Co., located on the property now owned by W. T. Spires. Erecting a cabin, the head of the family prepared to do battle with the stubborn prairie. Like nearly all emigrants, he first entered land; afterward he became enabled to buy. He - died in 1845, and left an estate of 160 acres. His wife died in the Spring of the year 1841. He married again, but died shortly after, as before stated. The children thus le't, remained together several years. John C. was educated in district schools and, grew to manhood. In 1853, he concluded to follow the gold-hunters to the Pacific slope. In a good stout wagon, drawn by three yoke of oxen, he made the usual long trip, starting in March. He did not reach the coast until August of the same year. For seven years he roughed it in the mines of California, and then concluded to return to the scenes of his youthful days, and settled down to a quiet farm life January, 1861. He married Julia A. McCurley, a daughter of Ezekiel McCurley. By this marriage six children, five living: William F., Amanda J., Susan M., James A., and Nellie; Maggie (deceased). Mr. S., by the exercise of economy and judgment, owns 227 acres; a public-spirited man, liberal toward public improvements, he has the respect and confidence of the community in which he lives Spires S. S. farm hand, P.O. Franklin

SPIRES W. T. Sr. farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 17, P.O. Youngblood. Was born in Lincoln Co., Ky., Dec. 26, 1822. John Spires, father of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, moved from Kentucky, and landed in Morgan Co. November, 1831, where he settled in Sec. 33, Town. 14, R. 9. Mr. Spires worked for his father through the summer, and attended subscription school in winter, until he was 21 years of age, when he concluded to farm for himself; accordingly, he married Margaret R., daughter of Martin and Sallie Reed. Mr. Spires lived on his father's farm for three years then moved to a farm belonging to Martin Reed, situated in Youngblood Prairie. Here he lived three years, and finally purchased a small farm, which he paid for by working hard, not alone on his own land, but when the time could be spared from it, working for his neighbors at fifty cents per day, or splitting rails at forty-five cents per hundred. Mr. Spires now owns 433 acres of land He has been assisted no little in his struggle for a home by one of the best and most energetic wives in the county. Eleven children have blessed Mr. Spires' union with Miss Reed, ten of whom are still living: John, who married Miss MaryNeece; William T., who married Maria Deere; Sarah M., who married Abraham Seymour; Martha H.,who married James P. Story; Mary, who married I. Whitlock; Margaret, who married Marion Cline, now living in Ohio; Julia, who married Stephen A. D. Whitlock; Emma, who married John C. Smith, of Greene Co.; and Marinda and Matilda, twins, born Feb. 14, 1865, who still live at home

Stewart Brice, farn.er, Sec. 35, P.O. Waverly STURGIS JOHN, farmer and stock raiser. P.O. Franklin. The gentleman who heads this sketch was born in Morgan Co.. on the old homestead of his parents, in 1842. John and Nancy Sturgis were natives of North Carolina, and emigrated from there in an early day to Morgan Co.; settling in this township, they built a log cabin, still in existence, but removed from its original resting place; living here for many a year, where their meal for breakfast or dinner would be pounded in a mortar or else ground at a horse-mill, the old folks are now comfortably situated in life, and reside in Waverly. The subject of this notice grew to manhood in Morgan Co., and received a common school education; in his twentieth year he married Miss Abigail Chambers, daughter of John and Nancy, old residents of this county, and natives of Virginia or North Carolina. Mr. Sturgis owns sixty acres in this township Svvaney William, renter, Sec. 31, P.O. Youngblood

VAN WINKLE JOHN H. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 2, T. 13, R. 9, P.O. Franklin, was born in Morgan Co. Aug. 8, 1844. His father, Ransom VanWinkle, was a native of Kentucky, emigrated to Illinois in an early day, and settled in Morgan Co., Sec. 3, T. 13, R. 9. In moving from Kentucky to Illinois, Mr. Van- Winkle used oxen for his teams, and bringing a horse or two for riding animals, as the wagons did not afford room for all the goods and the family too. Two children were placed in baskets and strapped on a horse, looking like a peddler's pack-horse. John H. VanWinkle enlisted, at the age of eighteen, in Co. H. 32d 111. Vol., and participated in all the engagements, commencing at the siege of Vicksburg, and then the campaign from Vicksburg to Meridian, also Sherman's grand march from " Atlanta to the sea." After being mustered out, June 15, 1865, he returned to Morgan Co. In 1866, Oct. 18. married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. J. M. Gibson. Five children, four of whom are still living: George, Charles, Bertie and Helen. Mr. Van- Wi'nkle owns a small farm of sixty-one acres on which he now lives; he has been chosen school director two terms in succession on account of his good judgment and known business qualifications deceased, a farmer in the bounds of Morgan Co. during life; was born in Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 16, 1820; two years later his parents moved to Morgan Co., and located on the property now owned by George Criswell ; for some time, until he reraised a crop, he lived a camp life; no sooner was the crop gathered, however, than a log cabin reared its front on the prairie, and it is quite probable the family lived in this dwelling many a year. Mr. W. was a well educated man and possessed of great force of character, a prominent man; in his day he held numerous offices, and subsequently he became a colonel in the Mexican war; his oldest son, James, who heads this sketch, also went to the scene of warfare at the same time, in the capacity of first lieutenant; both father and son engaged in the battle of Buena Vista. After the war they were honorably discharged and returned to Morgan Co. where James died shortly after; his father removing to Texas, did not long survive him. Mrs. Weatherford, from whom this sketch is obtained, is now residing on her farm property, a lady of culture; she was born in North Carolina, Person Co., and married her husband in 1840; by this marriage three children, only one now living, Elizabeth, who* married John Seymour Wheeler Green, farmer, Sec. 34, P.O. Scoitville, Macoupin Co.

Wheeler Henry, renter, Sec. 34, P.O. Scottville. Macoupin Co. White Andrew, renter, P.O. Waverly White Hiram, farmer, Sec. 36, P.O. Waverly While Tampa Mrs. P.O. Waverly WILLIAMS BARNETT, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 16, P.O, Youngblood. The above affable gentleman was the sixth child of Reese and Nancy C. Williams, nativesof Virginia, who removed to Kentucky in an early day, settling in Shelby County, where Mrs. Williams passed off the stage of life, leaving to her husband's care nine children; Barnett was born in 1831; three years later the Williams family set out for Illinois, and first located in Sangamon County, Old Berlin, shortly after moving to Morgan County, where the old people lived many years, and where the subject of this sketch married Miss Lucinda Van Winkle, a daughter of Abner Van Winkle; by this union three children: Lillie B., born June 15, 1856; Mary E., born June 13, 1858; Adelia, born April 3, 1862; Mrs. Williams died Jan. n, 1863, and the fol- lowing year Mr. W. united his fortunes to Miss Julia M. Pogue, who died Jan. 19, 1876; on the 22d of February, 1878, Mr. W. was married to Miss Ann Wilkinson, a daughter of John Wilkinson, who is well remembered by the early pioneers of this county; at the present time Mr. Williams resides on his farm property; a courteous gentleman, he has many friends

WOOD JAS. W. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 26, P.O. Waverly. Mr. Wood was born in Jacksonville, Aug. 2, 1840, second child of Wheatly and Elizabeth Wood; the father of James was a native of England, born near Sykehouse, July 22, 1798; the subject of this notice passed many years of his life on the homestead property, and received a moderate education, in a log cabin in the boundary of Macoupin County; in July, 1874, Mr. Wood was married to Nancy E. Hart, daughter of John and Martha Hart, who were among the first to settle in Illinois; two children blessed this union: Lewana, born May 29, 1875; Mary F.. born Feb. 17, 1877; Mr. Wood is the owner of 220 acres of land, that will compare favorably with any in the West

WOOD JOHN" W. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 36, P.O. Waverly; third child of Wheatly and Elizabeth Wood, and was born in 1842; the head of the family, an Englishman by birth, crossed the ocean in 1838, coming direct to Morgan County, and settling in Jacksonville, and there married his wife, a native of Georgia, and whose maiden name was Lincoln; Wheatly Wood was for a number of years a farmer in Macoupin and Morgan Counties, and also became proprietor of a brick yard in Jacksonville; he died in 1873, leaving an estate of 200 acres, acquired by great industry; there are four children living: Martha Ann, who married, first John H. Dennis, who departed this life, Mrs. Dennis afterward marrying Reuben Jones; Jas. W., who married Elizabeth Hart; Sarah, who married Jas. Arnold; and John W., who heads this sketch, married Miss Mary Hughes; by this marriage three children, two of whom are living, Eugene and Harriet; in 1862, when the loist Regiment was organized, Mr. Wood became enrolled as a volunteer in Co. H, for three years' service, or during the war, and took an active part in numerous battles; on the close of the war he was honorably discharged, and returned to this county, where he has since resided; owns 67 acres Wood Mary D. Mrs. Sec. IQ, P.O. Waverly WOOTON ALFRED, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 14, P.O. Franklin; parents of Alfred were John and Ann Wooton, natives of Hastings, Sussex, England; John the father, was a tailor by trade, who lived in very comfortable circumstances, and who gave his children the advantages of a good education; Alfred, possessed of energy and daring, at the early age of fourteen, shipped on board a merchant vessel, bound for Central America and the West Indies; for eight years he sailed the waters of the broad Atlantic; on leaving the vocation he had followed so many years, he proceeded to Canada, thence to England ; the year 1868 found him en route for America, on board the steamship Colorado; landing in New York, he from there made his way to Morgan County, where he first became employed by the month, for Mrs. Jacob Strawn, there he formed the acquaintance and married Miss Ruth A. Wilburn, a daughter of John Wilburn, a native of England; three children, John, Albert, and Jacob S.; Mr. Wooton owns forty acres in township 13, range 9

WRIGHT THOMAS, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 18, P.O. Waverly. Mr. Wright is the descendent of a numerous family, who have helped in a great measure toward the improvement and public interests of this county; Thomas was the eighth child of Jas. and Frances Wright; of Jas. but little is known, he was born in Virginia, where he was overseer of a plantation; in Virginia he formed the acquaintance of Miss Frances Finney, they were married soon after the close of the Revolutionary war; in this struggle for the independence of the colonies, Jas. Wright shouldered the old flint-lock musket, one of the seventy-five chosen and known as the forlorn hope, he fought bravely at the storming of Stony Point, and endured many privations at Valley Forge; an intimate friend of Generals Washington and Lafayette, he served under their command, sharing the hardships of the soldiers; after the close of the war he returned to Virginia, and in middle life moved to Kentucky, where the subject of this sketch was born, in the year 1806; in the beginning of 1829, his attention was attracted to the West, and accordingly in company with the old folks he made his way into Waverly precinct, this county; in 1834 he was married to Miss Jane D. Burch, daughter of Benjamin and Ann D. Burch, natives of Virginia; settled on the farm where he now lives; the place where he settled being heavily timbered, he realized the extremely difficult task it would be to fell the monarchsof the forest, and thereby get a sufficiency of land under cultivation; one trait in the character of this family may here be noticed: of a kindly sympathetic nature, their thoughts often turned toward that Supreme Being from whom their prosperity emanated. During the Black Hawk war of 1832, Mr. Wright was unanimously elected by the soldiers of his company second lieutenant, by Governor Reynolds he received his appointment, serving seventy days, until the treaty of peace was declared. An intimate friend of Colonel Richard Johnson, whom he described as a thick set man, black-eyed, and rather fierce appearing, he inspired a feeling of awe among the Indians; but little more remains to be told; in time he became the owner of a nice property, what is somewhat remarkable; the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. W. was blessed with seven children, all of whom are living, Lydia Frances, who married John Groves, of Missouri; Jas. B., who married Lizzie Oyer; Mary E., who. married Robert Seymour; W. C., who married Miss Mary Minnick; Amanda L., who married Jonas Weatherford; Sarah Jane, who married Wm. Albright, of Missouri; John W. S. unmarried; Thos. Wright owns 160 acres of land in this township; now well advanced in years he still possesses great energy and of a nature inclined to liberality WRIGHT WM. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 12, P.O. Franklin, the subject of this sketch, was the youngest of a family of twelve children. His father, James Wright, was born in Virginia, and served seven years as a soldier in the war of the revolution ; married Miss Frances Finnic, of Virginia. As early as 1800 the family made their way over the Cumberland mountains to Scott Co., Ky., where William was born, June 5, 1808. In 1829, when but few emigrant trains could be seen taking up their line of march westward, James Wright sought the fertile prairies of Illinois, settling on the farm property now owned by William. Building a cabin, he set about the difficult task of subduing the stubborn prairie. In Morgan Co. the old people passed the remainder of their days- At twenty-three William married Miss Ella Burch, a daughter of Benjamin Burch. When the Black Hawk war broke out, Mr. Wright became an active participant until the treaty was declared. Understanding fully the duties of farming, in a few years he owned large tracts of land in Macoupin and Morgan Counties. Like many another ambitious man, his pathway was bese% with difficulties ; at seventy years he owns some fifty-seven acres, but is content, and still works with unabated energy. This union was blessed with thirteen children - James B., born Dec. 4, 1831, died Oct. 4, 1832; Amanda J., bom Sept. n, 1833 ; John C.; born April 20, 1836; Margaret A., March 3, 1838; Melvina F., .March 15, 1840, Mary E., March 4, 1842 ; George W. S., Jan. i, 1844 ; Eliza A., Jan. 10, 1846 ; Newton C , Nov. 4, 1847 ; Edwin R. and Edgar B., twins, Dec. 2, 1849 ; Charles M., Feb. 22, 1852 ; Henry A., April 7, 1854

CALKINS FRANK E. farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Woodson, son of Lyman and Rhody Calkins ; father a native of Wheatland Co., N. Y.; mother, of Oakland Co., Mich. The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 3, 1855, in Oakland Co., Mich.; his early education commenced at a very remote period of his juvenile years, from the knee of a New England school maam, Miss Ellen Cook, in the district schools ; at the age of seventeen years he finished his course of studies at Milford Union High School, Milford, Mich., and immediately thereafter left his native State to visit the scene of the great conflagration - Chicago ; this was in 1872 ; while in the city of the " Baptism of Fire," Frank enjoyed the hospitality of his Uncle Aaron Phelps, a wealthy dairyman of the " Lake City," and in February, 1873, moved and cast his fortunes with our people, by going into hard work on the farm of W. P. Craig. In 1876 was united in wedlock to Miss Sarah E. Smith, daughter of W. T. and Lucinda Smith, natives of Tennessee, on Feb. 22, R. W. Allen, of Unity Pres. Church tieing the indissoluble knot ; has had by this union, Emma H. born Jan. 25, 1877. These good parents are zealous Christians, their lives being for many years identified with " Unity Presbyterian Church; is a good farmer, a courteous gentleman, and universally respected

CANHAM SHADE (deceased), son of John and Phebe Canham, natives of near Som, Cambridgeshire, England, was born April 3, 1837, at the above place ; emigrated to the new world in company with his mother, and ten other children, in 1855, and at once joined the father and husband on the farm of William Richardson, west of Jacksonville, and shortly after set int - work on the farm of J. R. Megginson, south of Jacksonville, and worked there nearly five years ; was married to Miss Mary E. Pierson, daughter of Benjamin and Betsy Pierson, on Aug. 25, 1858 ; there were born to this union : Benjamin T. born May 14, 1860 ; Phebe B. Dec. 30, 1861 ; Henry J. B. Nov. 22, 1863, died March 22, 1864 ; Sarah Alice, April 14, 1865; William T. Aug. 30, 1867; Job Shade, Sept. 18, 1869 ; Charles E. Nov. 6, 1873 ; George L. April 24, 1877. After marriage, rented a farm of Sam Killam, then on the Colonel Dunlap farm at three different periods, thence to the Charles Rawlings farm ; stayed there one year, moved then to the city, and followed the life of a bussman. Subsequently moved to Sangamon Co. and rented a farm for five years, and on the expiration of the term returned to Morgan Co., settling on the

Joel Mitchell farm in Sec. 30, thence to the Sanford farm in 1877, where the fell destroyer - consumption, called him to the Spirit world Sept. 5, 1877. The relict of Mr. Canham, with the heavy responsibility of caring for seven orphan children, meets her fate with Christian resignation, and puts her trust in that God that " tempers the winds to the shorn lamb."

COVINGTO1V MARY A. wid. Benjamin H., farmer, Sec. 23, P.O. Murrayville, born 26th July, 1831, in Somersetshire, England, daughter of Edward and Anne Mason, natives of the above place. Her father was by trade a brick mason. In the early years of her girlhood commenced to lay the foundation of a sound education from the knee of Miss Anne Jordan, a preacheress, at the immature age of five years ; was carried to school by her parents and teacher. At the age of eighteen years she finished her education at the Albert High School, Concord, this county. The noted Brigham Young was at that time a classmate ; subsequently entered the struggle of life as a school teacher. On March n, 1852, was married to Benjamin Henderson Covington, by. Rev. Clark, Presbyterian minister ; has had by this marriage eight children: William T. born Dec. 12, 1852; Elizabeth E. Nov. 15, 1854 ; Elvus E. March n, 1856; Jesse J. Jan. 17, 1858; Hannah A. Dec. 25, 1859; Charlie, Jan. 7, 1861 ; Kate A. June 24, 1862 ; Tve N. March 9, 1867. William T., Elizabeth E. and Charlie, have long since put on immortality, and are shining angels on the other shore ; but the death of her children did not fill her cup of tribulation, until the sad demise of her husband, which occurred May 15, 1865. Since that sad epoch in her history, she has, like a noble women, met with fortitude the responsibilities of farmer and business manager ; owns a neat farm of eighty-eight acres, worth $5,000

DAY SAMUEL V. farmer and renter, Sec. 33, P.O. Manchester, Scott Co., son of James D. and Marguerette Day, natives of Virginia, was born Dec. 13, 1856, in Scott Co., this State, and moved wilh his parents to Sec. 32, in 1861. At the age of six years he first viewed the abode of learning - the district school; having gained a good common school education, ceased his intercourse with books at the age of nineteen years to bestow his young affections on the idol of his life, and was joined in wedlock to Miss Eliza A. Waters, daughter of Charles Waters, the ceremony 'aking place Dec. 2, 1877, the Rev. M. C. Davenport, of the M. E. Church, officiated. Mr. Day is a young farmer of sterling worth, with a bright future before him

FANXIXG JAMES, Sr. farmer and -lock raiser, Sec. 18, P.O. Youngblood. Nothing has proved so perplexing to the reader of American history, as a want in the chronology of the descent of her people, and it is our mission, as a faithful biographer, to fill this void with a part of the history of her people in this local work. The family of which we write are of the purest Milesian descent, being of the race of I R. of the Hermonian line, and settled in Ireland more than 2,000 years ago. Joseph Fanning, grandfather of James, was born in Virginia. His parents' history is so obscure that it would be idle to go back any further in the line of descent here in America ; was by trade a blacksmith, moved at an early day to Tennessee, finally settling in Morgan Co. in 1825 ; after a few years residence, having improved what is now the Henry Rawling estate, sold out and moved with his family, (viz : John, Robert, George, Joseph, Abraham, Jacob, Delila, Mary, Sampson, David, Andrew, (first wife's children); of the second, were: Nathan, William, Archibald, Louise, and one other girl, name not known,) to Arkansas. The father of Mr. Fanning was born in Wirth Co., Va., and moved with his father to Tennessee, about the year 1820, in company with his brothers, George and Joseph ; moved in a covered wagon over the wild and barren waste of prairie, settling in Madison Co., this State ; thence moved with his brother, and settled on " Indian Creek," Morgan Co.; lived there a short time, and returned to Giles Co.,Tenn.; was married to Miss Nancy Galloway ; the children to this union were : Martha C., Joseph, Mary, Ruth, Abraham, James, John, Sarah, Barbara Anne, and Sampson. After marriage, remained in Tennessee a few years, then moved with his family, in a one-horse, two-wheel cart ; a yoke of oxen did the pulling ; one of those faithful beasts was almost useless, as it was lame from a bad knee, when he landed on Ha' t's prairie; his whole capital would not foot up one dollar, but, had a bright intellect and an indomitable will, that helped him win his way through the harassing days of the early settlement of the then new State on the confines of civilization ; improved a farm now owned by John Spires ; next located on a farm fourteen miles south of Jacksonville ; sold out, bought 150 acres in Sec. 1 8, a log house soon loomed up, that was afterward the hospitable stopping place for the care-worn preacher, and belated hunter ; lived there continuously, except one year and six months ; died Oct. 20, 1859, aged 62 years. His honored relict still lives to recount many incidents of the age of prairie wolves, and lives with her children. Mr. Fanning, during his lifetime, was a blacksmith, had not a word of learning, owned more than 1,500 acres of land, and gave to each child a quarter section of land at their marriage. The subject of this biography was born Nov. 18, 1829, in Morgan Co.; during youth was a very active scholar, attending the subscription schools six months out of Y each year, until he was eighteen years old, and when the weather was too wet to go to school, helped his father in the forge ; was married Aug. 8, 1850, to Miss Mary Anne Hill, daughter of Richard and Frances Hill, by 'Squire George Wright. They have had fourteen children : George W., John R., Mary J., Sarah A., Nancy M., Lucinda C., Robert Lee, James W., Isaac S. and Ida L. (twins), Margaret M., Cynthia A., Clarinda F. and Charles E. Of this large family Mary J., Isaac S. and Ida L. died when very young ; John R. Was killed while attending at a sorghum mill. Mr. Fanning is a devoted Democrat, and represents his people at the county conventions; has been a school director, and supervisor of roads , is a mighty hunter, even as "Nimrod before the Lord," and in conjunction with Dan Vertrees and Rike Rimbey, have killed, since 1865, more than fifty wolves ; at one time killed so many that there was not money enough in Greene Co. to pay up ; and is universally liked by all shades of opinion

FANNING SAMPSON (deceased),farmer, Sec. 8; son of Joseph Fanning, native of Virginia ; moved many years ago to the State of Tennessee. The geneaology of this old pioneer family points with satisfaction to the chivalrous Celtic race of Ireland, the grandsires emigrating to the Western hemisphere when the country was under the control of British rule. During the American Revolution, the father of our subject often gave news to the Colonial army under Washington, of the whereabouts of the skulking lories. The family was very large. In 1821, Sampson Fanning moved, with his brothers, in a covered wagon, and by the regular overland route ; settling on a tract of land in Madison Co., and soon erected the pioneer's palatial domicile - a hewn log house - and in 1823, moved to Morgan Co , settling in T. 14, R. 9. He left home without his father's consent ; he was then living in Alabama, and was only fifteen years old. Mr. Fanning was born in Virginia, about the year 1808, and followed the fortunes of his father's life to the date of his marriage. The first present offered him was a hatchet. His education was neglected, hence he was not gifted with the knowledge of books, but had in lieu, a bright, well balanced brain-power, that made him equal to the emergency of after events. For many years he employed his life and energies in working on the farm, as a farm hand, until 1825, when his father and the balance of the family moved from the " Sunny South " and cast their lot with the few inhabitants scattered over the wild and sparsely settled prairies of Illinois. The father, Joseph Fanning, settled on a tract of land in T. 13, now well known as " Fanning's Point." The worthy deceased of whom we write, was married to Miss Althea Criswell ; they have had eleven children : their first child was a daughter, who died in infancy ; George W., Patience C., Anna, William F., Mary E., Matilda J., Margaret R., Andrew J., Sarah A., and Caroline - of these children, George married Miss Whitlock; Anna, George Criswell ; W. F., Miss Nancy Morland ; Margaret, Charles Reaugh ; Patience C., Thomas Severe ; Matilda, George W. Spencer, and Mary, Uriah Phillips. After marriage settled on Sec. 8, on " Pepper Hill," and for nearly forty years followed the pursuits of an hoi.est farmer, and died in 1875 ; his wife' survives him, to relate the incidents of their wedded life in the log cabin. During the war, George W. enlisted in Co. F, loist Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was, on muster into the service, elected Captain ; the regiment having been ordered to the " seat of war," this noble Morgan County legion proceded with dispatch to the Sunny South, and ere the boys had forgotten home and fireside, or were inured to war's alarms, eight companies were captured at Holly Springs, Mississippi. Prior to this reverse, Captain Fanning had contracted the plague of the army, chronic diarrhoea, which disease incapacitated him for duty. He was honorably discharged from the service. In the Spring of 1863, he entered the mercantile business in Murrayville, having a large interest in a flouring mill; he continued in this business until 1867, when he was elected treasurer and assessor of Morgan County ; on the expiration of his first term he was re-elected by a handsome majority ; in 1872 connected his interests with Mr. Paradice, and bought the Sentinel, and for many years, by his sagacious judgment did much to build up the shattered fortunes of the Democratic party. Captain Fanning is universally beloved by all parties, creeds, and conditions, being a liberal thinker, and an urbane gentleman, who respects the wishes of high and low alike.

GUNN JESSE C. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 29, P.O. Murrayville, son of James and Hursley Gunn, natives of South Carolina and Virginia, being descendants of the old stock of F.F.V.'s. The father of our subject settled in Jacksonville in June, 1830, a period anterior to the " deep snow." Jesse was at this time a young lad of much promise, and with the aid of his brothers Aleck, William, and Abasha, erected on Sec. 29, a pioneer's palace - a log cabin - and like the early pioneers, pressed on, braving the trials and vicissitudes of a young frontiersman's life. Jesse was born in Dixon Co., Tenn., July 15, 1825, and when he was in his fifth year, traveled on foot for four weeks, a feat that the boy of to-day would not venture. At the age of twenty-two, married Miss Mary A. Fisher, daughter of Peter and Nancy Fisher ; the nuptials were celebrated 5th of August, 1847, by 'Squire George Wright. There were born to this union, Mary J., October 15, 1848, died October 5, 1851; Nancy U., November 10, 1849. The sad death of Mrs. G. occurred October 7,

1851 ; having lived a season of sorrow, married again March 30, 1852, to Miss Hannah I. Reaugh, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Reaugh ; the ceremony was performed by Rev. Thomas Spellman, of the Presbyterian Church ; has had by this marriage, Elizabeth J., born April 2, 1853 ; Charles W., April 28, 1854; James A., February 20, 1856 ; William A., April 20, 1857, died Octobei 16, 1857; John W., May 8, 1858 ; Margaret E., March 9, 1861 ; Mary J., May 26, 1862, died August 8, 1862, and Benjamin J. C., February 14, 1865. During the conflict of the Rebellion, he, loving his country better than home or fireside, enlisted March 6, 1865, in Co. E, $Sth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and followed the fortunes of that veteran organization until the culmination of the civil conflict ; was mustered out of service March 5, 1866, at Montgomery, Ala., since which time has devoted his time to the improvement of his neat far i1 ; is a good citizen, a faithful Christian, hav ing identified his life with the M. E. Church, at the young age of about seven years ; owns property worth $10,000. Gunn John T., farmer, Sec. 8, P.O. Murrayville

HESS WILLIAM H. farmer, P.O. Murrayville, son of James and Sarah Hess, lineal descendent of the great re/ormer, was born in Pittsfield, this State, April 13, 1852 ; at the age of nine years commenced the development of his young intellect at the district school ; at the end of three years study, his life as a student ceased. This little " Sucker " being cast on the waters of a friendless world, his young heart did not quail, but with a determination to fight the battle of life with a determination to conquer. Sought and married Miss Mary E. J. Gray, on the 2d January, 1873, the Rev. Geo. W. Clark officiating; had by this union, William H. S., born October 21, 1873, Sarah B., born August 3Oth, 1875, died October 4, 1875 ; by the death of his first love, his life was clouded, which sad event occurred June 3, 1876; was married again April 2, 1877, to Miss Sarah A. Castleberry, daughter of Paul and Mary P. Castleberry; the Rev. W. Riggs officiated; has had by this union, Mary A., born January 20, 1878. These good parents are zealous Christians, and are members of the Baptist Church