Morgan County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 16 of 21)

HUGHES ALLEN B. retired farmer. Sec. 7, P.O. Murrayville, was born near Jacksonville, 111., Jan. 30, 1832. Mr. Hughes is the oldest son of John A. Hughes and Elizabeth Webb, who was born and raised in White Co. Southern Illinois. The father of Allen B. emigrated to Clermont Co., Ohio ; after a residence of nine years in Ohio removed with his wife and four children to White Co. 111.; this was in 1821, at an epoch in the State's history when it required an iron constitution and an indomitable will to surmount the harrassing life incident to the early settlement of the Prairie State. Mr. Hughes moved to Section Sixteen (now Jacksonville) and rented a farm for two years; his capital would not amount to $25, but had in lieu of money a bright intellect and an energy that made troubles sink into dark obscurity. There was at the time we write of but one cabin in the little frontier town - Jacksonville - owned by " old man " Rearick, which cabin was utilized as home and store-room. Mr. Hughes has now in his possession a buckskin pocket book that is more than half a century old, and is a relic of the long ago. Moved south of Jacksonville and bought 160 acres of land, and the boys soon had a hewn log cabin constructed, and the family were now happy. " Johnnie cake," baked on clapboards, was the bill of fare ; truly those were strange and stormy days. The family of Mr. Hughes were contemporary settlers with the Rearicks, 'Squire Holliday, and Point Brown. " Old Daddy " Hale was the regular circuit rider, and it was at Mr. Hughes' house the people met to hear the preaching ; this routine of church continued for fifteen years, when a log house was constructed, which was utilized for church and school purposes; the benches were of slabs with pins for legs ; it was in this rude college that Allen studied Webster's First Reader. " Uncle" Johnnie Hughes was on April 1 7th, last past, 75 years old, and hale and hearty. Allen B., the gentleman of this sketch, was married Oct. 27, 1853, to Miss Eveline M., daughter of James and Nancy Ash, by Rev. Caleb Baldwin, of the M. E. Church. Two children were born to this union : Sarah Ann and Mary Louise (twins), born Feb. 15, 1856; Sarah A. died Aug. 1856. Mary L. married Robert E. Rimberg, and they are living on the old homestead in Sec. 8. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are old members of the M. E. Church

KELLEHER WILLIAM J. farm hand. Sec. 10, P.O. Woodson. The subject of this sketch was born in the Empire State, March 17, 1856, and came with his parents to Naples, this State, during the years of infancy, and, whilst here, his sister, Mary Jane was born May 16, 1862. The history of the parents of these two orphans is in deep obscurity, the only thing known of them is, that they emigrated from Ireland about the year of the " famine," 1847. Mary Jane was adopted by the Sisters of Mercy at St. Louis, Mo., and William J. was adopted by a farmer named Walsh. William having attained his majority, has struck out manfully to win his way to a freeman's independence, and Nancy Jane was married a few years ago to a young farmer, and she is now Mrs. Jennie Clerihan, with a beautiful child, Stella, to cheer and make glad the young mother's heart

T UMSDEN WILLIAM G. retired farmer, Sec. 17. P.O. Murrayville, The genealogy of the Lumsden family is of the purest Anglo-Saxon, the ancestry coming from the mother country at a period coeval with the settlement of the State of Virginia. The parents of Mr. Lumsden were born in Virginia, and in 1818 moved to the then frontier State of Kentucky, and his business was that of a brick mason. After settling at their new home he gave up the trowel to engage in farming. The demise of Mr. Lumsden is somewhat obscure, but thought to be in 1824 ; the mother survived her husband, and died in 1856. The subject of this biography not relishing the odium of being " a hewer of wood and a drawer of water," in the State of human slavery, conceived the idea of going to the land of the setting sun, and, in company with Elijah Hollens, packed their household goods in a covered wagon, making the trip overland, enjoying in their journey the sport of killing all kinds of game; on his arrival he found that he was able to count and foot up his whole capital to $20 ; owned two work nags and a sucking colt ; rented a piece of land for two years, then bought a small tract in Sec. 7 ; improved it; sold it, and rented for four years ; about the year 1840 purchased three parcels of land of Van Eaton} viz : 40, 80 and 20 acres, the deeds were executed in 1842, all laying in Sec. 17, where he now resides. At the time of settling on their presen t home the residence had none of the civilized pretensions of to- day ; the house was a double log with a clapboard roof. He was married Sept. I, 1831, to Miss Lucy Keeling, daughter of Edmund and Nancy Keeling, natives of Virginia, then residing in Kentucky. They have been blessed with nine children, all living : Susan E., born June 18, 1832; James W., Feb. 20, 1835 ; Martha A., July 19, 1836 ; Francis Marion, Dec. 10, 1837; John T., April 16, 1839; Mary J., Nov. 21, 1840; Edmund W., June 14, 1842 ; Nancy Frances, Sept. 28, 1843; Lucy Angeline, Oct. 26, 1846. Susan married John Bracewell, and lives in Iowa ; James married Mary S. Bradley, and lives in Morgan, and owns real estate in Macoupin Co.; Martha married Thomas Widdup, and lives in Iowa ; Marion married Rebecca A. Wyatt, and lives on the old homestead ; John married Elizabeth Ayre, and lives in Champaign Co.; Edmund married Parthenia Ayre, and lives at Moftticello, and does a good business in the butcher trade ; Nancy F. married Howarth Ayre, and resides in England ; L. Angeline married Nicholas T. Watson, whose death occurred recently near Oswego, Kas., and his devoted widow lives with her parents. Mr. Lumsden was born Sept. 23, 1806, and Mrs. Lumsden Oct. n, 1803. Mr. L. has lived through the conflicts of a pioneer life; is well respected by all. John enlisted in Co. G, First Mo. Cav., in 1861, and followed the fortunes of that veteran command, participating in the death struggle at Pea Ridge, Ark., and in many other engagements ; was discharged at Helena, Ark., in 1864

THOMAS, farmer ^^ and renter, Sec. 20, P.O. Murrayville. The genealogy of Mr. O'Connell's ancestry may be traced back to the posterity of Eogan Mor, eldest son of Oilliol, of the line of Heber, whose ancient patrimony lay in the territory of the County Limerick, Ireland, and more recently to be found represented in the County of Kerry, the home of the deceased Daniel O'Connell, the prince of orators. Mr. O'Connell was born in Westchester Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1849, and is the son of James and Anne O'Connell. natives of New York State. Attended the district school until he was twelve years old ; at this age learned the trade of a hatter. and continued that business for five years. He cast his lot with the people of Morgan Co. April 13, 1867, working as a farm hand; was married March 14, 1872, to Miss Ellen Stowell, daughter of Acscel and Mary Stowell, by Rev. B. B. Hamilton, at Whitehall, Greene Co.; have had two children : Annie, born Dec. 12, 1872 ; Mary, born Dec. 12, 1876; thus a double birthday occurs each year, a thing rarely met with in the record of births in the same family. Mr. O'Connell is an industrious gentleman, Is neither narrow-minded nor illiberal, and is ever ready to aid all literary enterprises

REA BEXJAMIN, farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 5, P.O. Murrayville. The annals of Ireland contain no more princely name than that which stands at the head of this history. Samuel Rea, grandfather of Mr. Rea, was a native of the province of Ulster, Ireland ; at his death resided in the County Longford, Ireland; lived more than man's allotted time, and died very old. Adam Rea, father of our subject, was a native of the County Longford ; in his youth served in the Irish militia force ; was at the battle of Ballin-a-Muck ; was married to Miss Jane Guy, daughter of Mr. Frank Guy; the children to this union were Ellen, Frances, and Samuel. The sable cloak of death took the wife and mother to a better land about the year

1816, to Miss Elizabeth Caldwell, daughter of James Caldwell ; the fruits of this union were : Benjamin, died in infancy ; Mary, Benjamin, Jane, James, and Eliza. Of these, Mary married James Caldwell, Eliza married Robert Caldweil. In the Winter of 1849, Mr. Rea, with his wife, daughter Jane, and two sons James and Samuel, left their lovely Isle of the Sea to cast their fortunes with the people of the Western hemisphere ; landed at New Orleans, and came by boat to Cairo, this State ; when the little family of emigrants reached Cairo, the little river town was a prey to cholera. A few days sufficed to have their names recorded among the victims to this terrible epidemic ; the husband and wife died at the same moment, and were, by request, both deposited in the same casket. A fellow attache of the family, John Daley, survived to carry tidings of the sad story of their death. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, July 9, 1819, and worked for twenty-nine years steadily on his father's farm ; was married June 8, 1848, to Miss Jane mCuttle, daugher of Mr. John Cuttle ; there were born to this marriage, Mary J., born Sept. 17, 1849, died March 13, 1850; James A., born Jan. 6, 1851; Benjamin C., born July 20, 1853; Eliza J., born Oct. 27, 1855 ; John T., born Aug. 20, 1858, died in infancy ; John W., born March 17, 1860; Thomas E., born June 20, 1863. On the 28th of June, 1848, left his native land to be a freeman in the land of Columbus ; landed at New Orleans Aug 18, 1848; the trip to Illinois was made by boat, landing at Beardstown, thence by wagon to Springfield. Sept. 21, 1849, moved to Jacksonville ; lived there five years ; thence to Greasy Prairie, and became an agriculturist by purchasing 170 acres of land from Smith Bellows, and others ; afier doing much hard work making improvements, sold out ; in 1864 bought the eld Jimmy Nelson farm of 260 acres, near Murrayville ; here he had to do much work in renovating the old dilapidated buildings, relics of fogyism ; having accumulated enough funds, purchased of George Featherkile 80 acres more of land. Mr. Rea replaced the old log cabin with a large, commodious dwelling, which improvement has "greatly enhanced the appearance of his large farm ; here the homestead is located, and occupied by the family. Mr. Rea's whole capital, when he landed in Springfield, was twenty-five cents ! Reader, copy his life and learn of his ways, and be prosperous. Mr. Rea is a steadfast Republican, a rare thing in the Irish race. Mr. and Mrs. Rea are zealous members of the Methodist Church. The longevity of Mrs. Rea's family is such that we cheerfully record it ; her great-grandmother died at the age of in years, and her grandmother lived to be 103 years old

RIMBEY MARY A. MRS. farmer, Sec. 21, P.O. Murrayville, widow of Emmanuel Rimbey, son of Uriah and Mary Rimbey, natives of Carroll Co.. Md., who moved and settled here in 1827. Mrs. R. is the daughter of John and Nancy Vertrees, natives of Pennsylvania, and were contemporary settlers with the Gunns, Wrights, and Storys, which is proof sufficient of their being the hardy emigrants whose names shall ever adorn the scroll of fame, as the men and women whose heroic endurance and fortitude done so much to build up the great Northwest. Mrs. R. was born in Hardin Co., Ky., Jan. 22, 1824 ; in her fifth year, moved with her parents to near Winchester (then Morgan,) and in a few years thereafter moved to Morgan ; at the early age of six, went to the pay school in the old log school ; her first instructor was Mr. Pemberton ; one day in company with her mother, going to hear a circuit preacher preach, a formidable grizzly stood in their pathway, but her courage did not fail her, and with swift strides soon carried the news to her father, who soon brought in bruin's inanimate carcass to attest the credibility of killing the last bear. On Oct. 19, 1844, was united in marriage to Emmanuel Rimbey, by " Old Dad " Redmond, a local preacher of the Baptist Church. The fruits of this union are : Charles H.'born Aug. 28, 1845; Margaret, Jan. 20, 1848 ; U. Hardin, May 24, 1850; M. Ellen, Nov. 20, 1852; Martha L. June 3, 1855 ; S. Mahala, Dec. 24, 1857; Jesse H. Dec. 20, 1860 ; Thomas J. April 14, 1863 ; George W. Nov. 28, 1865; Norah, Oct. 8, 1870, died Dec. 4, 1871. The sad demise of Mr. R. occurred Aug. 14, 1871, since which sad event she has bravely met the grave responsibilities of the business of the farm. The following children are married : Margaret to H. D. Radley, Jan. 2, 1861 ; Charles H. to Cynthia A. Smith, March«2o, 1872 ; Martha L. to James L. Sink, Oct. 15, 1874; U. Hardin is a successful telegraph operator. Own eighty acres, worth $7,000

ROSE WTLLIAM, farmer and superintendent, P.O. Murrayville, was born in Dalton, Lancashire, England, Dec. 2, 1836; parents names were John Rose and Elizabeth Riley. During the early years of boyhood, received a good education at a " Free Grammar " School in his district, but his parents being of moderate means, was a bar to his further progress in the higher branches of education, having to lend a helping hand to the wants of his father's business. In 1859, left his native land to cast his fortunes with the people of the new world, landing first in Canada, and it was there he married Miss Elizabeth Thompson, on Dec. 25, 1861, at Harrington ; has had by this union : John, born Jan. 12, 1863 ; Robert, born Nov. 23, 1864; William, born Oct. 7, 1865 ; Elizabeth E. born Nov. 15, 1867 ; Christina, born Jan. 19, 1870; Mary, born Nov. 13, 1872 ; Margaret, born Feb. 23, 1875, and Kate, born Jan. 19, 1878. Of this large family all are living. Tn 1869, by the solicitation of his employer, Mr. Andrew Russel, lumber merchant, Jacksonville, moved here, and at once assumed the responsibilities of the " Russel estate," which position he still holds, with profit to his master, and honor to himself.

SHARP JONATHAN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 14, P.O. Scottsville. There is perhaps but few names in the annals of American history of greater excellence, than the gentleman's name at the head of this life sketch. George Sharp, grandfather of our patron, settled in Pennsylvania at a period anterior to our dismemberment with the mother country - England ; being imbued with a love for freedom, enlisted in the Continental army, and was severely wounded ; on the conclusion of peace, moved himself, and family of eleven children, to Tennessee ; the arduous and harassing journey was made overland, and their household trappings were stowed away in a covered wagon ; the wagon bed was made and constructed after the model of a " mud boat," hence it was often used on the trip to cross swollen streams. Having lived a few years near the heritage of "Old Hickory" Jackson, moved and settled on " Snake Creek," near Scottville, Macoupin Co.; died at the advanced age of eighty-five years. The father of our subject, Henry Sharp, accompanied his father through the shifting scenes of his eventful life, as related above. The date of their settlement, 1828, classes the Sharps as a name in the list of the pioneers, whose heroism helped to carve out of a conglommerated mass of uncivilized territory, one of the finest States in the American union. He died in 1863, aged sixty-three years ; his devoted wife still lives to recount to the " young settlers," many reminiscences of the ages past, is sixty-five years old, and very hearty, and lives at Jacksonville. Mr. Sharp was born in Macoupin Co., Nov. 14, 1842 ; in his young days had a good disposition to be, at his majority, a pedagogue, but cruel fate willed it otherwise, but yet, he is a close student of many works on both ancient and modern history ; was married to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Bater, daughter of Christopher Bater, by Rev. James A. Morland. Their children in the order of birth, are : Freddie Elmer, born April 4, 1872, died Aug. 4, 1876; Rose Ella Jane, born Jan. 30, 1874 ; Thomas Andrew, born Feb. 18, 1878. In 1877, Mr. Sharp was elected to the office of precinct constable, receiving the unanimous vote of the precinct ; Mr. Sharp is a member of the Baptist Church, and respected by his co-religionists, owns a good farm of 100 acres of good land, worth $6,000 perplexing to the man of literary work, than the work of writing up individual history, as he has in the language of Manfred, " to enter into a scrutinizing research of man's descent, diving to the caves of death, # # -jf # From withered bones, and skulls, and heap'd up dust." The grandfather of our subject was born in Moorefield County, Virginia, and served in Dunmore's army; moved from his native State, Virginia, at a very early day, settling in Hardin County, Kentucky; his death is mere conjecture, hence we are unable to state any date. Benjamin, father of our subject, was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, June 8, 1797; during youth got a moderate knowlege of Webster, from the "pay school;" was married Oct. 16, 1827, to Miss Maria Featherkile, and in 1828 removed to Sec. 13, his present home, and has lived there continuously for forty-seven years; eleven children were born to this union: George, Nicholas, James, Daniel J. John, Richard, Rose Anne, Martha Anne, Minerva, Mary C. and Martha; of these, Minerva, Mary C., John and Martha Anne, are dead; settled on each of his children a fortune of one hundred and twenty acres of land, well improved, and are among the first members of the regular Baptist church; having in conjunction with Rev. Thornton Shepherd (deceased) organized the first Baptist Church, on " Little Sandy Creek." The subject of this biography was born April 14, 1833, on Sec. 13, and received a liberal education, and remembers many interesting reminiscences of the pioneer age of the county; during his time, in going to school, the quaint old schoolmaster used to make them study their lessons aloud; this was a relic of the antediluvian age of the world. The school house had for windows, a log cut out, with the door swinging on wooden hinges, and split logs for seats. Venison, wild turkey, and pork were the meats used, wifh johnnie-cake; this bill of fare was changed whenever the preacher came around, a- there was always kept in reserve some wheaten flour, hence the people got to eat biscuits about four times a year. Nicholas, through his own good exertions, acquired much knowlege, which has made him able to enter the field as a preacher of the gospel; was married Jan.

18, 1859, to Miss Mary Coffman, native ot Virginia, by the Rev. Thornton Shepherd; have had five children: William, John, Mary C., Laura, and Emily, of those, William and Laura are dead. Mr. Sheplar is one of our most enterprising citizens; owns a small farm, and in company with his brother James, is doing a good business in a " grist mill," for the accommodation of his neighborhood; his ministry commenced many years ago in Macon County, and is esteemed by all

SLAUGHTER SILAS G. farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Murrayville. Son of John W. and Elizabeth Slaughter, natives of Pennsylvania, was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, Aug. 9, 1828; his life has been identified with the interests of his native soil until 1849, when he moved and settled here; during his early years his chances to secure the benefits of a sound education were meagre, and the whole number of days spent at school did not amount to six months. Little Silas' tutor was a bright genius of the Emerald Isle - Christopher McNamara; this astute pedagogue had it as the fundamental law of his school, that the little "buckskins" c uld fight out their quarrels in the school room, any time only " during time of books;" this would in this age, be barbarism. Was married to Miss Mary Ellen Reaugh, daughter of Samuel Q. Reaugh and Phoebe Taylor, of Kentucky. Has had by this union two children: John Samuel (deceased) born April 3, 1857; Charles A., born Feb. 21, 1859. At the time the Morgan County Regiment (One Hundred and First)was raised, enlisted in Co. F - Captain Tanning's company, and followed the fortunes of that brave organization in the camp, and field, participating in the battles of " Rocky Face," Dallas, Altoona, Marietta, Big Shanty, Peach Tree Creek, and the inve tment of Atlanta; here his services ceased, by reason of sickness, and was sent thence to the general hospital, at Quincy, Illinois; was discharged June 6,

1865, by reason of general disability; returning to the shades of civil life, has since directed his attention to the building up of his business; is a faithful Christian; the family belonging to the Presbyterian Church; owns one hundred acres of land, worth $5,000

SOOY CHARLES E. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 2, P.O. Murrayville. Son of David Sooy and Catherine Reaugh; during the early years of his youth, attended the district school, his first teacher was Miss Maggie Rannells, prosecuted his studies with zeal, passing from the district school, finishing his education at the Normal High School, Bloomington, Illinois; having acquired the elements of a good education, he soon struck out on his " own hook." was married Nov. 3, 1875, to Miss Sarah A. Anderson, daugter of James W. and Mary Anderson, Rev. W. P. Hart officiating; as first fruits of this union, Maria C., was born Nov. 30, 1876. The subject of these lines has lived continuously in the same neighborhood since infancy; at an early age united with the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a respected member, a good citizen, a kind father, and an indulgent husband

SOOY HAMILTON, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 16, P.O. Murrayville. Son of Samuel and Susan Sooy, natives of New Jersey; emigrated to Warren County, Ohio, in 1832; here the family stayed until 1840, then moved and settled on Sec. 2, Morgan County; Hamilton did not accompany his father and David, but followed them two years later; during their residence in Warren County, the wife and mother died, aged 36; and subsequently, the father's demise occurred fifteen days after his settling on Sec. 2; was buried in the Anderson graveyard; aged 66; Hamilton Sooy was born Sept. II, 1830, in New Jersey, and endured the vicissitudes and privations that was the pioneer's reward in the days gone by ; having joined his father and brother David, in 1842, turned his whole attention to building up the ancient landmarks of the early civilization - a rude log cabin; Mr. S. says he very distinctly remembers when the country averaged only about two houses to the section of land, and that prairie fires were a plague to the frontiersman; that to help put out the prairie flames was a herculean task, as they were terrible in their fiery flight. The education of little Hamilton commenced at the age of six years; his first teacher was Miss Ruth Anne Gauze; the next term of six months was under the rod of one of the sterner sex; at the age of seventeen years, gave up the school room to give his whole attention to enhancing the new home in the West; on March 12, 1855, married Miss Margaret Frances Reaugh, daughter of Samuel Q. and Phoebe Reaugh, by the Rev. Mr. Newell, of "Unity" Presbyterian Church; the children born to this marriage are: Charles Granville, Dec. 31, 1855; Martha A,, Feb. 25, 1857; Mary S., March 14, 1859 died March 26, 1862; Clara I., born March 20, 1861; W. Thomas, May 21, 1863; John D., Aug. 28, 1865; George O., Aug. 6, 1867; Clarinda E., Aug. 16, 1870; Samuel F., March 23, 1873; Martha A. married John W. Fanning; tor many years served the people as road supervisor, and school director; susequently, in 1872, was elected on the Board of Road Commissioners, and served honorably until succeeded by his successor; in 1871, identified himself with Unity Presbyterian Church; his wife has belonged to same church since her early girlhood; owns one hundred and sixteen acres of land, and is universally respected

Sorrells John Monroe

SORRELLS JOHN MONROE, Sec. 7, P.O. Murrayville, son of Peter and Sarah Sorrells; the grandfather of the gentleman whose life we write, settled here long before the deep snow; a sketch of his eventful life will appear elsewhere in tKis work. Mr. Sorrells was born Nov. 29, 1856, in Greene County, this State; in youth attended the district school, and gained a decent knowlege of Webster; was married at the age of twenty, to Miss Sarah S. Brisendine, daughter of Green and Sarah H. Brisendine, on Nov. 30, 1876, by the Rev. Charles N. McEvers; one child blesses the union, Arthur Dewey, born Dec. 19, 1877; since Mr. Sorrells has assumed the responsibilities of the husband and father, has met the requirements of life with a determination to win his way to fortune; is a young man of sterling worth and beloved by all

SPENCER BENJAMIN F. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31. P.O. Murrayville. Son of William S. and Berthinia Spencer, natives of Indiana; emigrated to Morgan County at a time when the county was sparcely settled; were contemporary settlers with the Gunns, Wrights, and Fannings, of " Pepper hill," and at the time the " old court house " was built at Jacksonville, Uncle Billy sawed the lumber that went into its construction, with a whipsaw. Benjamin F. was born on Sec. 31, Feb. 21, 1845; when eight years old commenced to attend the district school, which institution during the progress of time, became a modernized frame building; having attended school until eighteen years old, when the responsibilities of his father's home required Frank's helping hand; was married to Miss Mary C. Payton, daugter of James and Thankful Payton, Sept. 14, 1864, by the Rev. Alick Gunn, of Zion M. E. Church; Mrs. Spencer was born in Warsaw, Hancock County, Illinois, Feb. 4, 1846'; the fruits of their marriage were; Linzeta C., born Feb. I, 1866; John H., Nov. I, 1867; Thankful J. Feb. 24, 1870; William F. Feb. 17, 1872; Berthinia A., Feb. 16, 1874; Isaiah, May 28, 1876. During the civil war, enlisted in September. 1862, in Co. I, (Captain Lightfoot) One Hundred and First Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and followed the fortunes of that veteran regiment, in field and camp, to Holly Springs, Mississippi; having contracted a camp fever, was sent back to Benton Barracks, Missouri, for treatment, and was honorably discharged in June, 1863, for " disability;" returning to the avocation of civil life, has done much to build up society; Mr. and Mrs. Spencer are good members of Zion Church, and are respected by all

SPENCER GEORGE W. farmer. Sec. 7. P.O. Murrayville, Son of W. S. Spencer, native of Indiana; the father of the gentleman at the head of this biography, settled in Morgan County at a very remote period, and was a contemporary settler with the Rearicks, 'Squire Holliday, and

Wrights; he sawed the lumber that was used in the construction of the "old court house," with a " whip saw;" has lived to see much of the early life of the long ago, prior to the " deep snow," and is now a retired farmer, and resides in Murrayville, this county. The gentleman whose history we are engaged in writing up, was born in Morgan County, March 9, 1844; Geo. W.'s father was a farmer, and this accustomed him to the toil and labor on the farm, he had much taste for books, and during the winter months, applied his thoughts to the gaining of a good English education; when the nation's life was in jeopardy, threatened as it was by rebel hordes, George like a true American citizen, rushed to its rescue, by enlisting March 23, 1865, in Co. E, 58th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and followed the weal and woe of that veteran regiment to the end of the war; was discharged at Montgomery, Ala., March 23, 1866; attended for two terms the Murrayville High School, under Mr. Charles Fish, thus finishing his studies; was married Dec. 10, 1867, to Miss Matilda Jane Fanning, daughter of Sampson Fanning, by Rev. A. S. Gunn; have had by this union, two children: Lyman Lurton, and Murtey Lee; Mr. Spencer being endowed with much go-a-headiveness, has been re-elected to the office of constable for four consecutive terms, and is a prince among the boys. SPENCER MAJOR, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Manchester, Scott County. Son of Elisha and Naiicy Spencer, natives of North Carolina. In 1822, moved from the " Sunny South " to Lawrence County, this State; in 1826, moved to Martin's prairie, Greene County; in 1838, settled on a quarter section in section 31; their first domicile was of lo^s, and the furniture was made out of clapboards and slabs; Major was born in Lawrence County, June 22, 1824, and endured in his early boyhood the hardships incident to the early days of the long ago; when seven years old, went to school to a worthy gentleman named John Burton; as education was not a prerequisite to getting land, little Major had to turn his attention to the work of helping to reclaim the home in the western wilds; on Feb. 20, 1844, married Miss Nancy J. Duncan, daughter of Greenup and Tomison Duncan, 'Squire Ned Wyatt pronouncing them of "one flesh;" the children to this marriage are: Lucy A., born Jan. 5, 1845, died Aug. 29, 1845; Elizabeth T., born Sept. 9, 1846; Sarah J., March I, 1849; Henry M., Oct. 3, 1850; infant son horn and died May 29, 1852; Major L., April 18, 1854; Greenup, March 17, 1856; Maria O., Julv 27, 1858; Philip F., June 22, 1860; Elizabeth married Louis Herron, Sarah J. married Carroll Gilmore, Henry M. Virginia Barnett, and M. L. to Mary Moore; is a zealous member of the Baptist Church; owns 144 acres of good land, worth $7,000

MRS. farmer, Sec. 30; daughter of William and Sarah McCuen, natives of Pennsylvania; the lady whose good name heads this sketch was bom November 8, 1821; when only six months old, had to endure the rigors of a long journey; her parents at that time moved and settled near*Tiffin, Ohio; her father purchased on his arrival in Ohio a good tract of land, improved it, and remained there nineteen years; Mr. McCuen had long conceived a desire to see the famous Prairie State, but death came too soon, and blasted the bright hopes of the little family; his demise occurred in 1838; he was, during life, a blacksmith and farmer; the mother lived but two years later, and was interred in the same burial ground. The subject of this biography is the seventeenth child out of a family of twenty-one children ! there were eleven girls and ten boys; of this interesting family sixteen lived to be married and raise large families; the youngest child - a girl - was in her fiftieth year when her mother died; two were school teachers, viz: James and John; after the death of the parents the family scattered, Parmelia moving to Liberty township; lived there three years; was married March 16, 1843, to Mr.Tankaslery; they have been blessed with many children, viz: Thursey Anne, Sarah E., George W., Robert H., Mary Joanna, Martha E., Alvira, Charles F., Jeremiah, Margaret, Phoebe E, and George E. ; Thursey Anne married James Kinney, and died Aug. 5, 1859; Charles and Robert died some years ago; in 1868, moved to Carrollton, Greene County; from thereto Jacksonville, and while a resident of that city the husband and father passed away to his God, which sad event occurred March 9, 1869; after the demise of her husband, in 1872 moved to Sec. 30; George W. enlisted in the 25th Regt. O.V. I., and served three years; Mrs. Tankaslery had in the Union army twenty-eight nephews,one son.and two brothers, and cousins - their name is legion; at the death of her parents there were one hundred and three grandchildren, twentyfive great-grandchildren; Mrs. Tankaslery has now living, direct from her own family, sixteen grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild; is a strict member of the Methodist Church

WERTREES DANIEL, H. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 10, P.O. Murrayville; son of John Vertrees and Nancy Haycraft, natives of Hardin County, Ky,; was burn May 6, 1821, and moved with his parents, settling on Little Sandy Creek.Greene

County. At this time there were but two log huts in the little western town of Jacksonville; this was anterior to the "deep snow." Little Dan, " Old Punkin," (the horse), and the old dog "Tige," did the bus ness of going to mill. At this early day of the county's history, deer were as plentiful as any other game of the western forest. It was in the memorable year of 1827 that our subject, with his father and "big brothers," killed the last "grizzly" that roamed through our prairies, and was a terror to the few hardy pioneers ; this remarkable incident occurred on Coal Creek. Daniel first imbibed the truths of education under a Mr. Fitzgerald, a good old Irish gentleman, and a fist-fight in the school room was no uncommon occurrence. Having met the woman whom God designed should be his guide through life, was married to Miss Nancy M. Herron, daughter of .Simeon Herron and Phcehe Birdsell, contemporary settlers with the Wyatts, Wrights and Gunns. This marriage was celebrated April 6, 1848, 'Squire Geo. Wright tieing the indissoluble knot, and during the same year Dan paid the marriage fee to the 'Squire by breaking prairie for him ; has had by this union twelve children, viz : Mary J., born May 8, 1849; Charles T.. born Nov. 10, 1850; James L., Feb. 15. 1852; Samuel H., Dec. i, 1853; Emerine, Sept. I, 1855; Melissa M., Feb. 7, 1857 ; John E., Dec. 26, 1858 ; Emily, Jan, 24, 1861 ; Cornelia, Jan. 23, 1864; Edwin M. Stanton, Sept. 15, 1868; Walter, May 8, 1870. It is very remarkable that the oldest celebrates its birth in May, and the youngest also. James L., Emerine and Mattie E., have long since passed to the realms of bliss to await the coming of their parents who both lead a life of rectitude and right, are members of the Baptist Church, and are universally beloved by all who know them ; owns 146 acres of land worth $7,000.

WHALEN HENRY H. blacksmith, P.O. Murrayville. The father of Mr. Whalen was born at New River, Va., h'is occupation was that of blacksmith and farming; during the stormy days of Jackson's war in 1814, he enlisted, but did not go to the scene of conflict ; he died in Warren Co., Kentucky, aged 66 years; the mother died more than thirty-five years ago at the above place. The subject of this notice was born Dec. 9, 1814, in Warren Co., Kentucky. His attendance and study of Webster would not make him rank as a linguist, but was endowed by his Creator with a well balanced intellect, hence his success in life. He cast his fortunes with Miss Sarah, daughter of John Jones, the marriage occurred in March, 1834. In 1836 he moved with his family to Miller Co., Missouri, and there farmed. In 1844, moved and identified his fortunes with the people of Scott Co., this State, settling near Glasgow, and it was here that Mr. Whalen's enterprising genius cropped out, by purchasing a blacksmith outfit and opening up a " village smithy." Having never served an apprenticeship in the forge, Henry was often perplexed in his new line of business, but, by close application and keen observations in other shops, was soon a master of his trade. In 1854, moved and settled in Winchester, Scott Co. ; lived there sixteen months. In 1856 moved and bought a small farm of forty acres in Sec. 18, Morgan Co.; when the town of Murrayville was laid out, moved and built the third residence in that little hamlet, and before many moons erected a blacksmith shop ; the work was done by R. T. Seavers. Mr. Whalen was the first to break the monotony of life by the cheerful ring from his anvil. In a few years he added a paint and wagon shop, with a spacious hall for public meetings, and the first Masonic meeting was organized in that hall. By his first marriage ha had six children ; all died in their juvenile years except America Jane, who lived until her majority, and died of typhus fever was married second time in 1855 to Mrs Minerva Buck. Mr. Whalen is an old time Whig, and an uncompromising Republican ; a good citizen, and well respected by a large circle of friends Whitlock Isaiah, farmer. Sec. 34, P.O. Murrayville

WHITLOCK S. school teacher, Sec. 7, P.O. Murrayville. There is perhaps but few names connected with the history of the settlement of this county better known than Thos. Whitlock, the father of the gen- ,.Jtleman at the head of this history, who was a contemporary settler with the Shepherds, Storys, and Wrights as early as 1823, nearly a year prior to the location of now the "Athens of the West." During his early years, the subject of this sketch had the advantage of acquiring a good practical education ; when arrived at the age of man's estate, he was united in marriage to Miss Polly Anne Kennedy, daughter of William Kennedy, the first schoolmaster known here to the western wilds; they have a nice family of interesting children. Mr. Whitlock has successfully taught many terms as a worthy school teacher, receiving the highest salary ; is an erudite scholar and a practical demonstrator of the profession of inculcating the young mind with that knowledge which is a pre-requisite to a good citizen and a gentleman. Mrs. Whitlock is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and from girlhood to the present, has been a devout Christian, and was often caressed by the fatherly hand of good old Peter Cartwright

WILLIAMS ELIAS, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 4, P.O. Murrayville, son of Josiah and Sarah A. Williams, natives of Kentucky. The father of Elias emigrated to Indiana in 1820, thence moved and cast his lot with the early settlers of Illinois in 1822, hence was one of the few whose life is a part of the history of the early settlement of the Northwest, and died

Oct. 14, 1864, aged 56 years. Elias was born March 16, 1836, in Sec. 25, T. 15, R. 12, Scott Co., 111. ; when in his sixth year first visited the log school house, then under the management of a good old Yankee. In the Winter of 1853-4 attended Jacksonville Western District School, then under the argus eye of that genius of learning, Hon. Newton Bateman ; in 1855-6 placed his growing faculties under the training of Prof. Turner, in Illinois College; having thus gained a good English education, turned his energies to the work on his father's estate. In 1857, moved t^ Iowa; continued westward in company with his uncle to Kansas, taking with them a load of flour, and soon returned to the homestead ; during the fall of his return made rails, and accompanied his brotherin-law, Rev. P. N. Minear, in the work of camp meetings. In 1859, in company with John Isom and William Campbell, visited McDonough Co. Dec. 2ist was married to Miss Anne J. Bane, daughter of George and Mary Bane ; lived in McDonough Co. until the Spring of 1861 ; moved and settled on the " old Shepherd " farm, south of Jacksonville. After the death of his father, at Merritt, Scott, Mr. W. sold out and moved on his father's estate ; here he was prostrated with typhoid fever, and for three months his life was in jeopardy. In 1867 he joined interests with his brother-in-law, P. N. Minear, and bought out the shares of the heirs ; in 1870 bought and shipped cattle and grain, which business soon left him penniless ; the crisis coming on him in 1875, gave up farming in '76, and moved to Merritt, thence to Kansas, and took up a claim of 160 acres ; but just then a dispatch summoned him to the death-bed of his wife, which occurred April 21, 1876, leaving to his care six children : George B., born Sept. 24, 1860; Charles H., Dec. 4, 1862; Henry C., July 15, 1866; Rosalie, Oct. 9, 1868; Lillie M., July 5, 1871; Mary G., Aug. 13, 1873. After the death of his wife, his aged mother looked and cared for her little grandchildren. Now his sister-in-law, Rhoda J. Bane, is doing the good part of mother and aunt. Mr. W. is a good farmer, and has no enemies. Wilson Ben, farmer, Sec. 35, P.O. Murrayville Wilson Jane, farmer, Sec. 8, P.O. Murrayville Wright Andrew, renter, Sec. n, P.O. Murrayville

A XGELO ROBERT H. farmer, -*-*- Sec. I, P.O. .Murrayville. Son of James Angelo, a native of New Jersey ; he was born in 1768, and was married twice ; first wife was Miss Mary Hulins ; about the year 1810, moved to Crawford Co., Pa.; here his wife died ; her death is thought to have occurred about the year 1815 ; married again about the year 1817, to Miss Lucy MacDowell ; the children born to this marriage were Samuel W., David R., Robert H. and William H. (twins), Andrew J., Thomas J., and Daniel F. In March, 1832, Mr. Angelo packed his little goods in a covered wagon, and by persistent efforts gained, after a weary journey, the land inhabited by the deer, elk, and some grizzlys, settling in Buckhorn prairie, Morgan Co.; there entered some government land, building his own cabin ; soon the smoke from the emigrant's cabin was wafted on the breeze, giving hope to the weary traveler that he was in proximity to a settlement. Of the children living, Sam. uel married Rhoda Burwell, David married Mary Masters, William married Sarah Northcote, second wife was Charlotte French ; Andrew J. died in 1845, Thomas J. married Elizabeth Hoover, second wife Mary Marker ; Daniel died in 1854 ; Robert H. was born in Crawford Co., Pa., June 25, 1821, and followed the shifting scenes of his parents' life, and was married, Feb. 9, 1843, to Miss Rebecca Bruton, daughter of William Bruton ; have had six children, Lucy A., William J., Hester Anne (died in 1848), Dempsey S., Emily Clementine, and Mary Jane. Mr. Angelo's life has been that of the rolling stone ; after his marriage, lived in Macoupin Co.; then returned to Morgan Co.; in 1849 moved his family to the " Lone Star " State, and returned to old Morgan in 1850, living after his return in Buckhorn Prairie and Lynnville ; spending five years on the James Strawn farm, purchased a prairie farm in Buckhorn ; improved it ; after a residence on it of twelve years, sold out, and purchased another in the same neighborhood ; lived on it two years ; sold out, and rented a farm from James Strawn ; thence to the George Graff farm ; thence back to his first love, Buckhorn Prairie, and rented the Isaac Hammill farm ; after a residence of one year, moved to Youngblood Prairie ; a residence of one year at the latter place was sufficient, hence he moved to the Andy Williams farm, near Murrayville, and there tilled the soil for three years ; from there he moved and sojourned with the people of Scott Co., renting the Shores property; one year sufficed ; moved back to Morgan, settling on Sec. I, where he now resides. Mr. Angelo, while a resident of Buckhorn Prairie, served as school director for two terms, and as supervisor of roads two terms, and now, in the autumn of his life, is well thought of by his friends and neighbors

T3IRDSELL CLARK (deceased), the head of this biography, was born in the State of New York. In 1828, he conceived the brilliant idea of moving westward ; being from boyhood a lover of adventure, and by occupation a boatman, he was inured to the cold and storm of our latitude ; his settlement here makes him one of the early pioneers, as he cast his lot with the people of Morgan Co. prior to the "deep snow ; " there were but few cabins then in Jacksonville, and as few families, Rearicks, 'Squire Holliday, Dady Wright, and a few others, lived close to Jacksonville ; removed and settled near Winchester, Scott Co.; was married Feb. 10, 1826, to Miss Wealthy Herron, by Mr. Hatcher, J. P.; the children born to this marriage were : Lewis, born Sept. 5, 1827 ; Rufus, born March 28, 1830; Sarah, born Sept. 25, 1832 ; John, born Nov. I, 1833 ; William, born Sept. 6, 1835 ; Ruth, born Nov. 6, 1837 ; Winnie, born - , 1840; Simon, born Dec. 30, 1843; James K. P., born Dec. 6, 1845 ; Clark, born Feb. 19, 1848; Wealthy, March 18, 1850; Cyn- thia E., born March 3, 1853, and Mary Anne, born Feb. 6, 1855. Winnie died in infancy; Cynthia died Feb. 18, 1854; Simon enlisted in the 33d Regt. 111. Inf'y, and participated in all the movements of his regiment ; was wounded at Fort Donaldson, and died of his wound June I, 1862. James and John enlisted in the roist Regt. 111. Vols. ; James, while on duty, was stricken with measles, which incapacitated him for duty ; was discharged by reason of disability, and died June I, 1863 ; John participated in all the conflicts of his regiment, and was wounded in the ear at Lookout Mountain, Tenn.; now lives in Calloway Co., Mo. William enlisted in the 6ist Regt. 111. Vols., and his clear record marked him as ^brave soldier ; participated in many bSdJfes ; he re-enlisted in 1864 for still anomer three years ; took brain fever, and died at Memphis, Tenn. Ruth married George Morning, lives in McDonough Co., 111. ; Wealthy married James Buck, Sarah married Andrew Brown, Clark married Jane Buck, and all three families reside at Roadhouse, Greene. Co.; Mary married Robert Kitner, and lives in Indiana ; Lewis married Sallie A. Smith, second wife Mary C. Armstong. The wife of this old pioneer died Feb. n, 1875, and her respected husband soon joined her on the other shore ; he died March 25, 1875. Rufus Birdsell was born March 28, 1830; for years worked on his father's farm ; was marrie : in December, 1822, to Miss Elizabeth White, daughter of Micajah and Mary L. White, by 'Squire Heaton ; they have had nine children : James A., born Aug. 17, 1854, died in infancy; William, born Feb. 3, 1856 ; Margaret A., born April i, 1858 ; Ruth Jane, born Aug. 7, 1860; Wealthy, born Oct. 18, 1862 ; Rennie, born Dec. 18, 1864; Calvin, born March 7, 1866; infant daughter, born in February, 1869, died in infancy ; George H., born Oct. 7, 1872. Mr. Birdsell, loving the honor of his flag better than home or hearthstone, enlisted in the ggth Regt. 111. Vols. Infy, and participated in the many hard struggles of this veteran command, and was severely wounded May 24, 1863, in that terrible assault on the rebel works before Vicksburg. Gen. Benton's brigade consisted of the ggth and 33d 111. Infy, and the 8th and i8th Regts. Ind.

Vols., and in that charge the brigade lost 700 men killed and wounded. Rufus was carried from the battle-field and sent to the hospital at Memphis, Tenn. ; in August, same year, was sent to Alexander Barracks, St. Louis, Mo.; was there organized into the 8sth Co. 2d Batt. Invalid Corps ; sent thence to Scranton, Pa.; there did provost duty for nearly eighteen months ; thence to Philadelphia, Pa., and was there discharged, July 5, 1865. Since his return to civil life, made one change - to Hooper Co., Mo.; lived there four years, returned, and settled down at his present residence. Mr. Mrs. Birdsell are good members of the United Baptist Church Block C. H. clerk, Murrayville Brisindine G. B. carpenter, Murrayville Brisindine P. S. carpenter, Murrayville Brubaker M. Wesley, teacher, Sec. 12, P.O.

CHAPMAN WILLIAM D. Sec. 36, P.O. Manchester, Scott Co. This gentleman is the son of Robert Chapman, a native of Norfolk, England, and was born at the above place Jan. 14, 1848 ; when very young commenced to accustom his life to the pursuits of an agriculturist ; he never attended school while at home ; during his life he worked out among neighboring farmers, and applied his mind to gather up some of the simple rudiments of an English education ; ten months would, however, be more time than William ever attended to the study of the English reader, but Mr. Chapman, appreciating the need of gaining a good knowledge of the common branches of English, has by diligence and the study of good books, acquired a liberal knowledge of history, mathematics, and penmanship. When in his nineteenth year, visited the great metropolis, London, and resided there more than four years. His young manhood craved for a wider field ; emigrated from the land of his birth July 31, 1870; took shipping from London ; after a merry voyage, landed at New

York City, Aug. 21, 1870; moved immediately to Haverstraw, on the Hudson River, and there tarried but six weeks ; from there moved to Illinois, and cast his lot with the people of Greene Co., and worked on the farm of Mr. Tunison, south of Whitehall J moved thence to another farm of the same party, south of Manchester, Scott Co.; residtd there three years; having tired of renting, bought a good farm of Mr. Blaker, of Sangamon Co., where he now resides; was married Oct. 14, 1872, to Miss Hannah Mitchell, daughter of William Mitchell, by Rev. Mr. Hyde, at Carrollton, 111.; have had by this union, Walter Joseph, born Oct. 18, 1874, and Robert William, born May 15, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are generous and genial people, and enjoy the friendship of a host of friends Cooley S. farm hand, Sec. 36, P.O. Murrayville farmers and stock raisers, P.O. Manchester, Scott Co., sons of George Dobson, native of Yorkshire, England. Samuel F. was born near Scarborough, England, March 24, 1846, and during their early boyhood received a practical education on the farm ; their education in the rudiments of the English branches was gathered at a pay school, but as mental culture was of no consequence to the successful English farmer, a knowledge in the primary department of learning was sufficient for the wants of life, hence the young Dobsons learned to be model farmers. In 1855, their parents emigrated from old England, bringing with them their children : S. F., William, Sarah, and John, landing at New York City, thence by rail to Morgan Co., settling in Lynnville. After a residence there of one year, moved to Robert Waddell's farm in Scott Co., thence to the W. Jones farm ; lived there three years ; shifted his bark again, anchoring on the Mc- Cracken farm, and cultivated the soil for seven years ; having had enough of the perplexities attendant to a renter's life, John, William, and Samuel purchased a tract of

360 acres of good land, from James Chilton, in Sees. 23 and 26 ; one hundred and twenty acres of this farm lays adjoining in Scott County. After a partnership of five years, made a division of the land, S. F. taking 120 acres in Sec. 26 ; soon a handsome cottage was erected, and John built a fine residence on Sec. 27, Scott Co. By the combined energy of those brothers, they have cleared and brought into cultivation, eighty acres of forest land Samuel was married twice ; his first marriage was celebrated April 2, 1872, to Miss Mary Frances Allen, by Rev. George W. Stevens; have had born to this union : James Alfred, born Feb. 22, 1873 ; Perry A. born Oct. 10, 1874. Mrs. Dobson's demise occurred Oct. 16, 1875. Married again Oct. 14, 1876, to Florence Ellen Allen,, by Rev. Joel Goodrich, of Jacksonville. Have had one child: Eddie, born Aug. 18, 1877. William Dobson's life is a duplicate of Samuel's up to Feb. 15, 1865, when he enlisted in Co. H, I2gth Regiment, I. V. I., followed and endured the hardships of his regiment, and was transferred to Co. B, i6th Reg., 111. Vet. Vols.; was discharged at Camp Butler, 111., in June, 1865; was married Dec. 5, 1867, to Miss Lucinda Adeline Billings, daughter of Abraham and Nancy Billings, by Rev. Mr. Teller. They have had born to this marriage, four children : Jared, born Oct. 21, 1868 ; Myrtle, born June 14, 1870; Bernice, born Aug. 21, 1873 ; Cyphas, born May 20, 1876. Both families are identified with the membership of the United Baptist Church, and well and favorably known

HOWARD WILEY, farmer and renter, Sec. 25, P.O. Manchester, Scott Co. son of Martin Howard. This old pioneer was born in East Tennessee in 1811, and was married to Miss Denisa Cook, daugh- ter of Jacob Cook, also a native of East Tennessee. Mr. Howard, in 1835, in company with his father, Aleck Howard, settled near Lynnville, this county; nothing occurred to mar the serenity of the journey, except a little accident that befel little Miriman, who was then in infancy : he fell out of the wagon and destroyed the sight of one eye. Mr. Howard, father of Wiley, died in 1837; his widow still survives him, and is the wife of Mr. John Smith. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born in Scott Co., and attended, during his early years, to gaining a knowledge of Webster, at Hart's school house ; was married twice ; his first marriage was on Jan, 16, 1861, to Miss Caroline Lawson, daughter of Severe Lawson, by Mr. Tankoley, J.P. Three children were born to this union : Martin S., Merinda Jane, and Charlotte A.; the last named died Nov. 18, 1862. After his marriage, moved to the David Ralston farm, thence to Manchester, thence southeast of Manchester to the 'Squire Heaton farm, lived there two years, thence east of Hart's school house, and here the sable cloak of death wrapped the wife and mother in its unwelcome folds ; she died March n, 1866. Was married again Nov. i, 1866, to Mrs. Phoebe Anne Brown, daughter of Maston Semmons ; have had four children : Caroline, David S., Newton J., and Terry ; little David has been called home to heaven. After his second marriage, lived on the Richard Wilson estate, then sojourned for a while in Scott County, rented the Mason and Kiker farm one year each. Mrs. Howard is a consistent member of the United Baptist Church, and both are well respected Hughes John F. farmer, Murrayville Hull Thomas, farmer, Murrayville JACKSON GEO. W. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 26, P.O. Manchester. The father of the subject of this notice, Hiram Jackson, was a native of North Carolina, was born in 1804, and emigrated to Indiana, settling in Putnam County, and after many years of harassing ups and downs, was married in 1826, to Miss Nancy Malcolm, the children born to this marriage were: Samuel A., Mary A., Silas, George W., Nancy J., Diana, Phebe, Matilda, Hiram, William H. and Jehu. Samuel left his family in 1854, and went to St. Louis, since that time his life is a blank to his friends and relations; Mary died in 1840, Matilda and Hiram died of measles and whooping cou^h, in 1842; Jehu enlisted at Jacksonville, March 9, 1865, to serve in the loist Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and died of pneumonia at Camp Butler, this State, March 29, 1865; William died March 9, 1875; the father died Nov. 9, 1875, aged 71; the mother died Sept. 29, 1864, aged 67. About the year 1835, Mr. Jackson made the trip overland to Missouri Crossing, at Alton, here, while in the act of boarding the flatboat, the cable rope broke, precipatating the team and wagon into the river, little George narrowly escaped drowning; having gained the shore, continued their journey, settling in Barry County, Missouri, entered some government land, built a log cabin, made some improvements, sold out, and moved to Illinois, crossing at St. Louis, Missouri, settling in St. Clair County; this was in 1838, lived there five years, pulled stakes and moved to Washington County, entered a claim on 160 acres of land, erected a neat frame dwelling, the first of the kind in the neighborhood; improved the whole tract, in 1849 sold out and moved to Texas, and there bought a farm of 900 acres of land, lived there but two years, and again cast his fortunes with the people of Illinois, settling in Scott County, and there purchased a small farm of 40 acres; sold this, and again moved to Macoupin County, and there farmed, until by the affliction of sore eyes, he had to give up work altogether, and lived afterward until his death, with his children The gentleman at the head of this sketch was born Oct. 19, 1831, in Indiana, followed the changes of his father's life as recorded above; was married twice, his first marriage was Aug. 22, 1849, to Miss Matilda J. Davis, by Rev. Mr. Collins, in Washington County, the children to this union were: Martha Ellen, William R. James H., Silas J., Sarah A., Mary Alendar, and Nancy Isabelle; the wife and mother died Sept. 19, 1863; married again, Aug. 3, 1865, to Miss Sarah Jane Radford, at the home of Dr. Gillett, in the city of Jacksonville; have had seven children to this union: Charles W., Mary M. .Clarasca,

Odelia, George L., Samuel K., Minnie M., and Otis A.; Mr. Jackson was elected constable in 1860, and served four years; Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are faithful members of the United Baptist Church JOHNSON HENRY L. retired farmer and minister of the gospel, Sec. n, P.O. Murrayville. The genealogy of this good old name points with pride to the descent of " Albion's " noblest families to rare Ben Jonson, in later years corrupted by the addition of the letter "h." The grandfather, Ben Johnson, settled here prior to the Revolution, and was a member of Washington's army, from the inception of the rebellion to its final close, and died at a great age ; his ashes repose in the earth of Old Virginia. The father, Benjamin, was a native of Augusta Co., Virginia ; when he was 24 years old emigrated from the Old Dominion State and settled in Kentucky ; was married in 1819 to Miss Mary Boyd, daughter of John H. Boyd; children born to this marriage in Virginia were : Henry L., C. Perry, and Andrew J. In 1830, to satisfy a long cherished desire to see the new State, then on the confines of civilization, made the journey overland, and in a large covered wagon, after a most harassing journey landed in Morgan Co. Oct. 2, 1830 ; the outfit of the little band of emigrants was very limited, the " deep snow " setting in soon after their landing, made their situation deplorable ; settled in Buckhorn Prairie, and entered eighty acres of land at $1.25 per acre; built an additon to the log cabin ; when his means became better purchased one hundred acres more land and improved it; soon after bought of W. Busbey eighty acres more. After settling in Illinois, three more children were born, viz. : Benjamin F., Jonas M., and John D. He was during life a minister of the gospel, and preached for the people of the United Baptist Church ; died March 14, 1861, aged 69 years, his devoted wife survived him many years ; she died July 4, 1872, aged 77. The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this biography was born in Kentucky July 6, 1820. and followed the fortunes of his father's life, as above i elated, had a hard road to hoe in his early days. Studied Webster under the shadow of the log school house, this was only in " spells," but being a lover of knowledge, prosecuted his studies under the care of his parents, gained a liberal knowledge of the simple rudiments of an English education. Was married twice ; first union was Oct. 14, 1840, to Miss Nancy H. Haney, by 'Squire Michner. An interesting episode occurred which we relate as told us ; the good man of peace and law never tied a hymenial knot before, hence he was much agitated how to begin ; the parties were pronounced of one flesh, after three exciting trials, much to the relief of the contracting parties ; have had nine children : Zachariah T., James K. P., Benjamin F., John P., Henry J., Alden J., Mary J., Frances A., William E.; of these children the following have gone to their God : James K. P., Zach. T., Benj. F., and William E. Married again Aug. 25, 1868, to Mrs. Elizabeth A. Lawson, by Rev. William Johnson ; they have had three children : Ida Belle, Laura E. and Clara Alma. Ida died in infancy. Mr. Johnson was ordained a minister of the United Baptist Church March I, 1850, but from boyhood took an active part in the work of reclaiming his fellow creature from the broad road to endless ruin ; now attends and preaches to four appointments, " Little Sandy " Baptist Church ; Murrayville, Morgan Co. ; Glasgow, Scott Co., and Wilmington, Greene Co. ; is respected by all classes for his liberal principles Johnson J. W. farmer, Sec. 14, P.O. Murrayville

Kitner James F. carpenter, Murrayville Kitner Thomas, miller, Murrayville KOYNE ANTHONY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 2, P.O. Murrayville. The annals of Irish history contains no more worthy name on her pages than the gentleman's name that heads this biography ; his father, Patrick Koyne, was a native of County Galway, Ireland. Mr. Anthony Koyne was born in County Galway, Ireland, March 17, 1832, and attended the National School until his young spirit craved for a new field; in 1846 emigrated to the New World, landing after a rough voyage, in Boston, Mass. Whilst a resi- dent of the " City of the Hub," met and was wedded to a lady of much intelligence, Miss Bridget Kelly, daughter of Mr. Michael Kelly ; the indissoluble bond was celebrated at Roxbury Roman Catholic Church, July 4, 1850, by Rev. Father Lynch. The responsibilities from this union were nine children, an infant son died in infancy: Mary, born May 28, 1844 ; George M., born Dec. n, 1846; Agnes Anne, born March 25, 1859 ; Rebecca, born Feb. 2, 1862; William, born June 13, 1864; Abbie J., March 15, 1868; John, born Aug. 15, 1870; Charles H., born Aug. 9, 1873. After Mr. Koyne's marriage, and wishing to become a resident of the West, in 1851 moved and cast his fortunes with the people of Connorsville, Ind. ; there attended to an engine and other machinery in a large pork house. In 1854, wishing to become a tiller of the soil, rented a large farm of Dr. Helium ; for eleven years he applied his energies to the labor on the farm. Mr. Koyne came to Morgan Co. during the stormy days of the war, and at once moved his family and settled south of Jacksonville, bought a tract of eighty acres of land ; a rude log cabin was the only shelter for the little family. Mr. Koyne inheriting the courage of his race, went to work with a will, and soon had the barren waste in a good state of cultivation. He has bought at various times small lots of land, until now he owns a beautiful farm of 177 acres of rich land, a part of which produced more than 100 bushels of corn per acre for many years. In 1877 Mr. Koyne had erected a large two-story residence at a large expense, with all the improvements that money could provide ; is a devoted Catholic, loving the memory and traditions of Ireland and her greatness

TV/TASTERS ROBERT L. farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 6, P.O. Murrayville. The descent of the Masters family dates back many centuries, and its origin is Anglo-Saxon. The grandsires came from the mother country during the early settlement of Virginia, and afterward settled in Tennessee, from which State the father of Mr. Masters removed at an early day, settling in the south part of Illinois ; came here in 1830, when the smoke from the lone log cabin was a godsend to the hardy emigrant whose life was inured to the terrible and harassing dangers to be met with at the time of which we write ; the trip was made in a covered wagon, and overland. Having entered on some government land, their first residence was a rough hewn log house, and in this Robert L. often amused himself, as a frame building soon supplanted the primitive architecture of the long ago- Mr. Masters' capital was very small, and would not foot up $100, but was blessed with an energy to "win gold and wear it. Robert L. was born March 20, 1854 ; in youth had a great desire to enrich his mind with the study of books, and many a time " Bob " would become so engrossed in the study of ancient Greek history that the midnight hour would find him reading by the dim light of a flickering taper. He attended Illinois College during the years 1870 and 1871, and was just about to don the worthy "freshman's" cap when business at home interposed her objection, hence did not secure the coveted parchment. Was married to Miss Mary H. Beadles, daughter of Thomas G. and Ellen P. Beadles, at Mexico, Mo., Aug. 13, 1874, by the Rev. Thomas G. Gouch, of the M. E. Church. Continued their wedding tour, visiting the " Gem City," thence to their present home. One little cherub blesses their wedded life, William Thomas, born June 26, 1877. Mr. Masters owns a fine estate of about 300 acres, with all the improvements that good taste could devise ; does a large business in the cattle trade, and is a prince of a good fellow

MARTIN WILLIAM H. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 24, P.O. Murrayville. The father and mother of the gentleman at the head of this sketch was born in Tennessee, and removed to Illinois more than fifty years ago ; the trip was made by the overland route, and in a covered wagon ; settling in Greene County, soon a log cabin was constructed out of rough-hewn logs; as the country filled up, the settlers, as a mark of esteem, called the settlement after 'Squire Martin, hence, " Martin's Prairie." Our subject was born October 9, 1851, in Greene County, studied Webster and the other simple rudiments common to the district school, until his majority ; was united in wedlock to Miss Mary Neal, daughter of John T. Neal, on July 25, 1872, by the Rev. Mr.Stubblefield, of the M.E. Church ; after their marriage moved, and purchased a good improved farm in Sec. 24, where he now resides ; they have had three children to bless their union : Bertha, born May 16, 1873, died October, 1874, Norse, born May

13. 1875, and Pearly, born September, 1876, died February, 1877. Mr. Martin's father and mother are now the only surviving old settlers of North Greene County, and often relate the incidents of the log rollings of half a century ago, and of living on " Johnnie cake."

14, P.O. Murrayville, son of George Mellor, native of Lancashire, England ; in 1855, the father of the subject of this notice, with his wife and one boy, William, emigrated from the land of " Merrie England," landing, after a perilous voyage on a sailing vessel, at New York City, thence by railroad to Greene County, where the

' little family changed their life from factory operatives to a more independent life, that of farming. Mr. George Mellor's occupation in Lancashire, was that of an " overlooker " in a cotton factory. After a residence in Greene County of one year, moved, and identified their interests with the people of Morgan County, settling in Sec. 14, purchased land, and at once turned their attention to its improvement. The gentleman whose name star.ds at the head of this sketch, was born in Lancashire, England ; during the early years of his life was a cotton weaver ; he accompanied his parents to this great republic, and became one of her citizens; was married July igth, 1860, to Miss Adeline Thompson, daughter of Hon. John Thompson, by Rev. Allen Murray ; the fruits of this union were nine children : George, born June 8, 1861, Louisa Anne, born March 25, 1863, died August 3, 1864; John, born October 5, 1865, Robert, born November 25, 1867, Alice Melinda, born December 2, 1868, died September 30, 1869; Elizabeth, born March 27th, 1871, Emma, born April 3, 1873, William, born f April 5, 1875, and Mary, born August 3,

1877 ; after his marriage moved near the home of his wife, in Greene County, lived there until 1878, when he purchased a neat little farm, where he now resides, and is an economical, industrious citizen. The father of Mrs. Mellor, during his honored life, occupied every office of trust in the gift of Greene County, died May 8, 1866, aged 72 years, was one of the first who settled in Greene County more than half a century ago

MORLAND JAMES A. farmer and minister of the Gospel, Sec. 30, P.O. Youngblood. According to authentic records, the genealogy of the Morlands is of Scotch-Irish descent, and the grandsire of Mr. Morland was a native of Pennsylvania ; he moved, at a remote period of our history, to the State of Ohio, and there repose his mortal remains in the silent grave. The father of the gentleman whose history we write, was born in Pennsylvania, and moved, with his parents, to Ohio, sharing the hardships incident to the early settlement of the Northwestern States ; he died in Columbiana County, Ohio, aged 42 years. The good wife and mother survived her husband a good many years, and at her death, was 77 years old ; her maiden name was Emily Armstrong, daughter of James Armstrong, of Quaker antecedents. Our subject was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, August 28, 1817 ; in his early youth went to the rude log school house, and for a limited period applied his faculties to the study of the "United States" spelling-book ; arriving at his majority, was wedded to Miss Nancy Vanmeter, daughter of Jesse Vanmeter, J. P., on September 5, 1838, by the bride's father; they have had two children : Mary Anne, and and an infant daughter died in infancy ; Mary Anne married Samuel McCurley. In 1839, in company with James McNeely, packed their little goods in a covered wagon, and moved to the rich prairies of Illinois ; settling in Wayne County, lived there seven years ; during his residence in Wayne County, his cherished wife died ; her demise occurred in 1840; during her life she was a kind wife and mother, and a zealous Christian woman, being long a member of the Christian Church ; was married again November 7, 1840, to Mrs. Mary Anne

Green, daughter of Robert M. Petty, by Rev. Isaac Whittaker. The father of Mrs. Morland, Mr. Robert M. Petty, throughout the years of his life, was an honored .Schoolmaster. Mr. Morland's health failing, was ordered by his physician to return to his native State, which he did in 1847, and in 1848 was elected constable of Columbiana County, Ohio ; was re-elected four times ; having regained his health, in 1853, moved back to the Prairie State, settling in Hart's Prairie ; lived there a short time, when he moved, and rented a farm on Apple Creek, of Dr. John Caldwell ; cultivated that farm two years, at the end of that time bought a tract of 80 acres of land in Sec. 30, where he now resides ; their first house on this land was a rough log cabin, with a clapboard roof and puncheon floor ; as his means became better, he bought small tracts of land, until now his worldly domain embraces a fine farm of 477 acres of land, with all the neat improvements of our modern times. Mr. Morland, feeling the need of education, applied his faculties to the study of both modern and ancient history, and has, in the years of his life, made a successful digest of the books of the Bible ; was ordained a minister of the United Baptist Church in " Youngblood " December 22, 1860 ; was elected to the office of magistrate in 1873, by an overwhelming majority, and served in that capacity until 1877, when he resigned and rented his farm, and moved to Scottville, Macoupin County, and there bought some good town property. " Uncle Jimmy " being well respected in his new home, was elected to the office of magistrate, but having exchanged his town property for a farm of 120 acres in Morgan County, did not qualify ; returned to the old homestead in the Spring of 1878, and commenced anew the life of a farmer ; served as supervisor of roads one year, and as school director six years. Mr. and Mrs. Morland are philanthropists on broad principles, and respected by all who know them. Morris P. M. farmer, Murrayville

AJEAL JOHN TERRY, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 24, P.O. Murrayville. His parents were natives of Kentucky; in the Spring of 1829, packed their goods in a covered wagon, and made the trip overland, and after a journey of nearly three weeks, having suffered many hardships on the route, landed and settled on a small tract of land, two miles east of Manchester (then Morgan County), Scott County. Sold out the little claim, and moved back to " Old Kentucky;" having lived there one year, returned and entered a new tract of land; a substantial log cabin soon loomed up on the western confines of civilization, attesting the enterprise of the new emigrants; by steady toil and judicious economy, a bright and pleasant home crowned his labors; having lived to see the white man displace the red man, died Nov. 9, 1873, aged 80 years; three children survive him: James, Squire C., and John Terry. The mother died in February, 1843, aged 38 years. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born Jan. I, 1828, and worked on his father's farm until he was eighteen years old, then hired for one year to Mr. Lemmons, at the then good wages of $120 per annum; this was his starting point in life, which afterward ripened into success in life; was married to Miss Caroline Lemmons, July 4,' 1850; they have been blessed with a very interest' ng family of nine children: Mary E., born Dec. 17, 1852; Sarah J., Aug. 2, 1856; George Milton, July 23, 1859; Martha E., Oct. 13, 1862; Emma H., Sept. 23, 1865; Anna Lula, July 5, 1868; Rose E., Jan. 2, 1870; Belle, Dec. 15, 1873; Edith C., Oct. 21, 1877; Mary E., married William H. Martin, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. In 1873 Mr. Neal severed his interests with the good people of Scott County, moved, and located in Morgan County, on Sec. 24; Mr. and Mrs. Neal are devoted Christians, and fear God rather than man, and are well esteemed by all

-*- P.O. Manchester, Scott County. Son of Robert Page, native of Virginia; the father of our subject moved during a very early period to old Kentucky; was there united in wedlock to Miss Mary Park, the children to this union were: Frances, Ruth D., Joseph P., William J. Aeneas T.: thewife and mother of these children, died about the year 1843; was married to second wife, Miss Rebecca Dean; they have had three children: John W., Henry Clay, and Robeit C.; in 1847 conceived the idea of emigrating to a new field of labor; packed his goods in a four-horse wagon, and started for Illinois; being destined to suffer mishaps, whilst crossing the river at Shawneetown, the tire of his wagon was lost in the muddy stream, got the necessary repairs made, and continued the journey; at length settled in Scott County, rented a farm from Robert Marshall, moved thence to Lynnville,Morgan County, journeyed here two years, again tried farm life, for two years east of Lynnville; then bought a farm of 80 acres in Scott County, 40 acres from Alfred Thompson, and 40 acres from W. Batty, lived there two years, sold out, and returned to the life of a renter; thence in 1859, moved to Camden County, Missouri, and rented a tract of 80 acres of land, improved it, but being a solid Republican.and the war being inaugurated, his life was in jeopardy, hence, moved himself and family back to S.cott County again, followed renting until 1865, when he purchased a small farm in Greene County and died April 9, 1877; he was born July 4, 1804; his wife still survives him. The gentleman at the head of this biography, was born Jan. i, 1831, in Munroe County, Kentucky, followed the changes of life, and shared the hardships of his father, as to'd in the preceding lines; was married Jan. 2, 1851, to Miss Martha L. Pogue, in Scott County; they have had six children: William R., John T., George H., James A. Jo-eph P. and Ennis C.; Mrs. Page passed away to glory, Jan. 27, 1862; was married again, Aug. 5, 1872, have had one child, Mary Jane; in the dark days of our country's history, when rebels assailed our flag, Mr. Page volunteered his life on the altar of his birthright, enlisted Aug. 1872, in Co. F, loist Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, and followed the fortunes of his regiment in camp and field, as will be seen elsewhere in this work, and finally, had the proud satisfaction to see the nation saved, and his flag wave triumphantly over a nation freed from the trammels of slavery; Mr. and Mrs. Page are good members of the United Baptist Church, and well respected

Oeavers Richard

SUMMERS JAMES W. renter, P.O. Murrayville. The father and mother of the gentleman whose biography we write, were natives of Shelby County, Kentucky, occupation - a sturdy farmer; his father died Dec. 20, 1874, aged 64 years; his mother died May 17, 1871, aged 52 years. The subject of these lines, was born Sept. 12, 1840, in Shelby County, Kentucky; his education was prosecuted in the public schools, by spells, until he was in his fourteenth year, when the work on his father's farm called for his undivided attention; in 1859 removed with his parents, to north of Jacksonville, on the farm of Levi Conover; the trip from Kentucky was made overland, and in a covered wagon, and occupied 27 days. When one section of the United States fired on the flag at Fort Summter, and courageous hearts were needed to keep the Union trom going to wreck, the subject of our sketch enlisted September, 1861, in Co. H, 58th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three years, or during the war, and rendezvoused with his regiment at Camp Douglas, Chicago, receiving their necessary outfit; proceeded to the field of Mars; was engaged in the battles and engagements of Fort Donaldson, Fort Henry, Pittsburg Landing, Siege of Corinth, Battle of Corinth; the losses of the regiment in the above battles, reduced the regiment's strength to a skeleton, hence it WAS ordered to Springfield, Illinois, to recruit; on joining their comrades at the front, participated with Sherman, in his campaign to Merideri, Mississippi, thence joined the fortunes of Banks' army, at the mouth of Red River, participating in the fights at Pleasant Hill, Goldwater, Yellow Bayou, routing Forrest at Tupolo, thence against General Joe Shelby, at Old Town, and in turn meeting General Price's hordes at Independence, Missouri; in 1864 was transfered to the army under General Thomas, at Nashville, Tennessee, and followed its fortunes through the terrible carnage of battle at Franklin, and finally to Chickasaw.where Hood and the Confed- acy went to pieces. The term of this old veteran regiment having expired, Mr. Summers was mustered out at Chicago, Illinois, Feb. 27,1865; this noble "boy in blue" received a non com missioned officer's parchment soon after his enlistment, and served through the grades of corporal, sergeant, and orderly sergeant, and was mustered out of the service with the rank of second lieutenant, he having been recommended for that position by the officers of the regiment for meritorious conduct; was married Feb. 7, 1871, to Miss Hattie, daughter of J. B. Shearer, by the Rev. William Garrison; have had three children: Ive Eugene, Cynthia Anne, Luzella and Oreasus Theodore; Mr. Summers is as good a citizen as he was a soldier, and esteemed by his old comrades farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 2, P.O, Murrayville. This gentleman's father, John Thompson, was a native of the "Old Dominion." By consulting some historical dates of the early settlement of America, we are pleased to be able to say that the Thompsons immigrated from the mother country about the year 1700, and settled in Virginia. The ancestry were Scotch-Irish, a line of blood relation that gave to the father of our subject the keen sagacity of the Scotchman, and the impulsive, hospitable, courageous character of the Irishman. Mr. Thompson was born in 1792 ; when he was twenty-one years old, he married Miss Mary Bandy, and soon after, in company with his cousin, John Thompson, packed their goods in a one-horse, twowheel cart, and left the home of his father in Kentucky, moving overland toward the setting sun. After a weary travel of several weeks, settled in Greene County, thisStale; this was in 1813. The country was but sparsely settled, the houses were distant from four to ten miles, wolves and deer ran to and fro through the open forest, the enemy of the white settler, the hostile Indian, had their wigwams spread all over the State. Mr. Thompson has often related to his family and neighbors that his whole capital, when he planted his stake in Greene County, was his "old woman," an ax, and fifty cents ! entered some government land, built a log cabin and moulded the first brick that was ever used in Greene County. The Indians becoming war-like, young Thompson collected the neighboring settlements together, and swooped down on their wigwams, clearing them ,from the county and the adjoining counties ; was commissioned a Captain in the Black Hawk war, and followed the fortunes of that pioneer war to its close ; his whole life was mixed up with triumphs and dangers ; he held the office of Justice of the Peace for more than thirty years, and served honestly and judiciously as County Commissioner for seventeen years, a proof of his sterling character, and when death summoned his spirit from its tabernacle of clay, left property, unincumbered, to the amount of $20,000 ; for nearly forty years, never bought anything on credit; died in 1865, aged 73 years. His wife survived him but a few years and died at the home of her son Peter, in Vernon County, Mo. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this history, was born in Greene County, this State, March 3 1833 ; during the years of his youth worked on his father's farm until the breaking out of the rebellion in the South, when he enlisted in Co. I, 6ist Regt. 111. Infantry ; served through the several grades of Sergeant of his Company, participated in the battles of Corinth, Shiloh, and Britton's Lane ; this last battle was against Forrest ; after the battle pursued the rebel forces to near luka, Miss.; gave up the chase and marched to Bolivar, Tenn., where Mr. Thompson was discharged witn the rank of Orderly Sergeant ; was married in March, 1865, to Mrs. Sarah Whewell, daughter of James Seddon, by Rev. H. L. Johnson. They have had five children, Peter Edwin, John Warren, Laura Belle, Sarah S., and Mary Ellen. Mrs. Thompson's children by her former husband were : Robert H., Richard H., and Thomas A. Mr. Thomson is a devoted Democrat and his counsel is much sought for by his party

Town 13 North Eange 11 West

ADE ISAAC R. farmer, Sec. 14, P.O. Murrayville. The parents of our subject were Isaac Wade and Miss Hannah Goucher, natives of Milledgeville, Ga.; father born in 1776, and married in i8i2at their native town ; durii g and after their marriage three children were born in Georgia, Sallie, Aiken B , and Stephen. In 1818 he started in a covered wagon with his family, crossing Waldron's Ridge and settled in the Seguatchie Valley, Tenn.; There were born there Arty, Dollie and Isaac. The valley abounded with plenty of game, hence for a time the family were contented and happy. After a residence of five years, fearing for the safety of his little family, folded his tent in a wagon and silently stole away, crossing the Cumberland Mountains.settlingin Overton County, same State; here he engaged in a new line of business, bought a distillery, and iron forge; there were born here two children: Abraham and Ascisca; he had long thought of making his future home on the prairies of Illinois, hence he packed up his worldly treasure in a covered wagon; by the aid of one horse and two oxen, the little band of pioneers reached Illinois, and camped on "Big Sandy," south of Jacksonville, April 12, 1829, renting a farm from old John Whitlock; while living here the entire family were prostrated with sickness; it was in that cabin that one more child was born, Polly; moved to Jacksonville, and there Hannah was born, which was the seventh birth in the. western hamlet; while a resident of the little town, drove a dray for five years; the cholera made it necessary for Mr. Wade to move his family to a more congenial place of habitation; moved to the Jacob Redding farm; in the Fall of 1836, received a fracture of the skull, by being thrown from his horse, this mishap impaired his mind, and afterwards caused his death, which occurred in 1858, aged 82 years: had none of the responsibilities of the family to rest upon him; the mother died Feb. 14, 1838; Mr. Isaac R. Wade was born in Tennessee, Jan, 27, 1823, and during his early life, shared the hardships and vicissitudes incident to a boy's life, born at a time when each home was a sequestered hermitage; his first labor on his "own hook" was for Montgomery Pitner, receiving for one year's work $120; worked for Mr. Pitner until he was married, Jan. 23, 1842, to Miss Susan Waddcll, daughter of Armstead Waddell, by Rev. Johnnie Green; she was a native of Virginia, visiting in Morgan County, her parents were then residents of Pike County, Illinois; the children to this union were: James, Abraham, Jennie, Dollie, and John - twins, Frederick A. and Anne Onella - twins; the wife and mother died March 17, 1855; he was married the second time, Aug. 23, 1855, to Mrs. Sarah M. Grumpier, by Rev. W. Evans; by this marriage have had two children: Alice, and Mary Susan; after a wedded life of 17 years, Mr. Wade was again visited by death, taking from him his second companion, which took place July 15, 1871; following the precepts of the Bible, that it is not good for man to be alone, married again, April 9, 1874, to Mrs. Elizabeth Kingsley, daughter of William Sharp, one of the oldest Methodist preachers in the Northwest, who was sent in 1840, by the Ohio Conference as a missionary minister, to Illinois; was a cotemporary minister with " old Peter Cartwright;" after a long life as a minister of the gospel, died Sept. 28, 1 868. Mr. Wade, although not required to render any service to his country, having passed the age of fifty, volunteered Aug. 21, 1862, to serve in Co. I, lOist Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, and before muster in was transferred to Co F, same regiment, and followed the hardships of that command, as will be related in another part of this work, to the taking of Atlanta, Georgia; here he met with a dislocation of the hip; was sent to Nashville, Tennessee, for treatment, received a furlough to his home, in 1865, and was discharged at Springfield, Illinois, June 27, 1865; Mr. Wade is a near relative of the late deceased Ben Wade, of Ohio, of free soil notoriety; is a good Republican, and loves his country first, last, and all the time

Wells William, farmer, Murrayville Wheeler Joseph, miller, Murrayville WILD SAMUEL, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 14, P.O. Murrayville. The family of which our subject is a member, were of a noble family of Britons, and were for many generations natives of Lancashire, England; the gentleman at the head of this sketch, is the son of John Wild; the father died in Lancashire, when Mr. Wild was very young, hence he had to strike out on his "own hook," and make the acquaintance of a cold world, by working in a cotton factory; followed this occupation for many years, and at the time of his leaving old England, was an overlooker; after a very stormy voyage, landed at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jan 26, 1848, moved thence to Chester, Pennsylvania, and there found employment as boss in a cotton factory, stayed there seven years, then struck for the prairies of Illinois, landed at Jacksonville, in April, 1855, and for fifteen years was a good citizen of the " young Athens," worked at various employments, such as house-moving, sinking wells, and at times doing odd jobs of carpenter work; met the lady who was to be his bosom companion, and was married in the Fall of 1857, to Mrs. Mary Clay, daughter of James Taylor, at Naples, by 'Squire Keener; have had five children: John, Emma, Samuel, Sarah, and Anna, the last named child, died in infancy; in 1871 became an agriculturist, purchased a neat farm of 80 acres of fertile land, from Phillip Day, and during the years since he became a farmer, he has improved the little farm, until it is a model home, having many adornments, such as money and good taste could devise, is a good citizen, enjoys many friends and no enemies Wyatt Edward, farmer, Sec. 12 Wyatt E. W. jr. farmer, Murrayville Wyatt James L. farmer. Sec. 24, P.O. Murrayville Wyatt M. V. farmer, Sec. I

ADAMS LITTLETON, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 10, P.O. Waverly. The gentleman who heads this sketch was born in Rowan County, North Carolina, as near as can be ascertained, in 1818; when quite small his parents moved to Kentucky where the head of the family purchased 200 acres of land; for sixteen years John Adams remained in that State, and then moved to Illinois, crossing the river at Ford's Ferry, and shortly after settled in Morgan County, nine miles west of Jacksonville; he rented land here until he was able to buy; these early years spent on the farm, subduing the stubborn prairie, are vividly impressed on the memory of the subject of this sketch; in i853,John Adams died; his pioneer wife survived him many years, departing <his life in 1864; but one of the children reside in Morgan County, Littleton Adams, who married Miss Elizabeth Crismond, in 1848; he was then the owner of a small piece of land; having the natural skill of a farmer he became very successful, and now owns a tract of over 700 acres of land, rising to his present position through will and energy; Mr. Adams raised a family of nine children: Bertha, Mary, James, Nancy, Ida Lena, Lee, Freddie, Lucinda, and Georgiana

Baxter Henry, renter, Sec. 28, P.O. Waverly Bechold Andrew, farm hand, P.O. Waverly Beggerly Thos. farm hand, P.O. Waverly Belk Chamberlain, farm hand, P.O. Franklin Bergschneider Anton, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Prussia, Sept. 19, 1833; on the farm of his father were passed the days of his youth; at the age of seventeen he left the scenes of his young days, and emigrated to America; he first landed in New Orleans, thence to Morgan County, where he worked first by the month; Feb. 19, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Reichley; first purchased 80 acres of land at Sulphur Springs; for the past seventeen years Mr. Bergschneider has resided in township 14-8, and during that time, having the confidence of the people, has held the office of highway commissioner, etc.; eight children, seven living: Elizabeth, Joseph, Henry, Theodore, Mary, Stephen, and Magdalena; Mr. B. owns 243 acres of well improved land, and takes a leading position as a farmer