Piatt County, Illinois - Patriotism of Piatt County, 1883

Patriotism of Piatt County

has ever been a patriotic county. Almost ever since its organi- -L nation, Fourth of July celebrations have been held at the countyseat. Judge Emerson delivered the first Fourch of July oration in the county in 1837, and his toast on that occasion, "May this Monticello bring forth another Jefferson," is yet remembered by many of the older citizens. Of late years n6t only has Monticello held celebrations on the day mentioned, but Bement and almost all the towns of the county have shown their individual patriotism.

The citizens of this small portion of the state's territory are justly proud of the part Piatt county played in the rebellion. It has been published more than once that this was the banner county of the state for sending soldiers to the war in proportion to its population. Piatt county even outranked Illinois in this particular. Reckoning on the census of 1860 as a basis, Illinois sent out 100 soldiers for every 742 inhabitants, while Piatt county sent -out 100 men for every 580 inhab-

In no better way can we portray the patriotic spirit of the county than in quoting some from a speech by our fellow-citizen, Mr. C. D. Moore.

Referring to the late war he remarked : k'It is difficult for us to realize what our little county did. It is easy enough for us to read the simple statement that Piatt county sent out 1,055 men, but that, when compared with the vast armies that were marshalled upon the field of strife, is a very insignificant number. It can only be made a large number in a relative sense. Suppose there were 2,500 to 3,000 of the able-bodied men of the county drawn up and ready to march from the county to-day. Think, if you can, what a depletion that would make in the present population of the county. Why that number of men would have made, in the days of the revolution, a very respectable army, a rather formidable force ; and yet the number would be no greater in proportion to population than 1,055 was at that time."

While it is true that Piatt county takes a position in the front rank, and the same is easy to say, "yet the full brightness and glory of that record cannot be seen and fully appreciated without taking into consideration a fact or two. Piatt county more than filled her quota, and that, too, without a draft. She did her duty by making an enrollment of all her able-bodied men, according to law, yet she passed through the fiery ordeal without even the 'smell of the draft being found on her garments/"

" Not one of that brave band of 1,055 men were induced to. go to the front by the offer of a bounty. No bounties were necessary. The only thing in the shape of a local inducement held out was that the county, through the authorities, guaranteed the protection' of their families while th^l were absent at the front doing battle for the right. This guarantee was made good by the county. No, there were no drafted men or bounty-jumpers among them. They were volunteers, in the highest and noblest sense of the term. They saw that the nation's life was in jeopardy ; they saw the uplifted hand of treason prepared to strike at her vitals; they beheld her in a deadly grapple with gigantic rebellion ; they heard her call for help, and bravely and heroically answered that call. To them it was no holiday parade, no boy's play, but work- - earnest, terribly earnest work. The}' placed their lives upon their country's altar, and dedicated their best energies to the preservation of the country's integrity, the vindication of the nation's honor,

War Incident* and Anecdotes. - In this connection we cannot refrain from relating a few items that have come under our notice relative to life in the army. We give almost verbatim the majority of war incidents that have been given to us. Doubtless these few will awaken in the minds of the readers many equally interesting tales that might be told, }^et the following will serve as examples of the alternating grave and humorous sides of army life.

A soldier of the Mexican war now living in this county remembers a little joke on a Dutch sentinel. While on duty the sentinel heard some one coming, and called out "Who comes there?" The answer came, "A friend.1' The sentinel called, "Halt! You cannot pass until you give the countersign, which is Mexico."

In the early days of the late war a number of men in this county organized themselves into a company for drilling purposes, and styled themselves "The Home Guard." Their object was to be the better prepared when their turn came to enlist in the army. One morning, when the men were drawn up ready for drill, the captain suddenly read an order or telegram for men to go to the war. The captain then spoke to the men, asking all wlro could answer the call at once to ride forward. Alas, where was the patriotism of the men? One lone horse struggled for ward against the will of the rider, and Joseph Mallory's credit was saved. It was s< >< >n discovered that the order to the front was a false one, and the order of the Home Guards was revived. They resolved next time not to show such tardy patriotism, and they kept their word. The joke was too good, however, to be soon forgotten.

Another organization, known as the Home Guards, was made in the county, in the southeastern township. The object of the organization was the protection of the people. One of the ladies of tjtep vicinity reported the fact that she saw some rebels making an embankment preparatory to an attack on the neighborhood. Further observations were made, and, sure enough, one of the guards reported seeing the confederates, as lie supposed. The information seemed to be sufficient to call out the company. After numerous deployments in sight of the supposed rebels, the captain gave the order to "open tire." After a few minutes of rapid firing they were ordered to advance. The advance was anxiously made, and the enemy was discovered to be - dead sheep. It afterward was found out that the lad ivin the first alarm had

A member of the 107th 111. reg. relates the following: "We had a Michigan regiment in our brigade as we were on the Atlanta campaign ; and aU the Michigan men were noted foragers. Once, two of the men from the regiment referred to stepped from the ranks as the regiment was on the march, climbed a fence, killed a sheep, got back to the company, skinned the sheep, marched along the while, and never lost the step.

One of the soldiers of the county gives the following as his experience in foraging for chickens : The cook had promised a pot-pie as soon as a good fat hen came in. The forager watched his chance and secured an old hen, while the rest of the party captured geese. Just as each of them secured a goose the provost-marshal came around and "ordered the geese back, and they filed back." The old hen, however, went into a knapsack aud under a coat tail, the owner of which articles was enabled to salute the marshal with no poultry in sight. But all danger was not yet over. A fence had to be climbed by the man carrying the knapsack, during which operation his gun caught in his clothing and went off, thus attracting, general attention. However, the camp was reached and - the pot-pie was made.

One of the captains now living in this county was once encamped with his company near a rich farmer's residence in the South. Soon some of the boys started to the large farm for the purpose of decoying some turkeys that were in sight. The fowls seemed excited by the unusual stir and began showing tjieir distress as some were being caught. One old turkey flew up and over the tree-tops even. As he did so a young lady of the house, who had just stepped out, clapped her hands, exclaiming, "Goody! goody! I wish you would fly to England."

Some of the soldiers grew very brave in their foraging expeditions. Three of the "boys" once went to a house to get some salt, and after being refused several times a negro said there was some in the smokehouse, but warned them not to go in, as a blood-hound was there. One of the men, however, opened the door enough for the dog to put his head out, while another of the men "put his bayonet against the dog, which caused it to lie down," and the salt was easily obtained.

One of the men just referred to, at another time and in company with another man, came near being entrapped by three bushwhackers. The two were out scouting for dinner, and just chanced to get the "drop" on the three bushwhackers. A mutual agreement was made to let each other alone and the scouts were safe.

One inan, for years a resident of this county, assisted in catching a rebel spy. Two of them went into a yard to get some water and found a man bundled up in rags, apparently crazy. One of the men said to the other, "Go punch that man with a bayonet." Before he had been punched very often the man's crazy spell was gone. His rags were taken off and a man in rebel uniform stood before them. A union captain happened to be near, and as he outranked the men who found the spy he received the credit of the capture. The spy was executed in twenty-four hours after being found.

The pickets of a certain company began h'ring one night at a supposed enemy which they could dimly see. Soon the reserve force came up, assisting in the tiring, and the whole regiment was roused ere it was discovered that the supposed enemy was an old horse quietly picking grass, and that not a single shot had hit him.

One union man while foraging saw seveftil rebels, and upon attempting to get away met five union men, whom he warned of danger. The five went on, however, and the next day were found hung on a tree right near where they had been warned the previous day.

A little joke perpetrated by one of the Piatt county boys was told in the following manner: "Our regiment once stopped under a tall pine tree and gave the road to Gen. Cox and his staff. Just as the general rode under the tree one of the boys called out, 'Come down Jim; we're going now; the general has passed.' Gen. Cox looked up and tried to see a man in the pine tree that was too tall for almost any man in America to climb. Upon the immediate cheering of the ' boys ' the general dropped his head and spurred his horse rapidly forward."

The trials during the siege of Knoxville will not soon be forgotten by the soldiers. Fortunate was the soldier if he chanced to have an acquaintance living in Knoxville. One of the men was secretly furnished with an oyster can of meal a day for a "sick man," until his comrades watched him in order to share the prize. The result was that the allowance was stopped.

The neatest foraging we have ever heard of occurred during this siege. One night a regiment was ordered to march into the town, and upon reaching the center of the place was ordered to halt and stay there over night. In the night two of the boys left the guns and went into a frame house to get something to eat. The German woman living there said she had nothing to eat. but, while in the house, one of the boys chanced to see her pour some water through an auger-hole in the floor. He kept his own counsel, however, and the men left the house, without food ; but later in the night these two men dug a trench to the cellar of this house, found a hog, which, by the way, did not even squeal, killed it, and the regiment had it eaten up before morning. For quite a while no one except the two concerned knew where th^t hog came from.

Record of Platt County Soldiers. - The following history of regiments and record of soldiers have been prepared by carefully leafing through eight large volumes of the adjutant-general's reports of Illinois soldiers. No pains have been spared to make the report as complete as possible, yet there may be some mistakes ; for example, throughout the reports two different Monticelios were given ; in some cases men reported themselves from places the names of which have since been changed, and in several instances we found the same person's name spelled in two and even three different ways. With one exception, only histories of regiments are given the original of which appears in the adjutant's reports, and histories are given only of those regiments having the greatest number of Piatt county soldiers :

Ninth Illinois Infantry History Of Twk.Vi Y-First Ili.Inois Infantry

It was organized at Mattoon, Illinois, on the 9th of May, 1861. Was mustered into state service May 19, 1861, by Capt. U. S. Grant. Was mustered into United States service .for three years, June 28, by Capt. Pitcher, with Col. U. S. Grant, who was commissioned brig, gen. August 6, 1861. Participated in battle of Fredericktown, October 21. Marched with Gen. Steele's expedition to Jacksonsport, Arkansas. Was ordered to Corinth, and arrived at Hamburg Landing

May 24, 1802. Was ordered to join Geri. Buell's army in Tennessee, August 24, 1862. Arrived at Louisville September 27, 1862. Engaged in battle of Perryville and Chaplin Hill ; from thence marched to Nashville, Tennessee. Was in a severe engagement near Murfreesboro, December 31, 1862, where it did gallant duty, losing more men than any other regiment engaged. Was in a severe skirmish at Liberty Gap, June 25, 1863. In the battle of Chickamauga, September 1!) and 20, 238 officers and men were lost. Mustered out December 16, 1865, at San Antonio, Texas. Discharged at Camp Butler, January 18, 1866.

Non-commissioned and privates - Caklwell, John, enl. June 14, '61 ; re-enl. as veteran January 14, '64 ; promoted q. m. serg. ; mus. out December 16, '65.

Patriotism Of 1'Iatt County

Recruits - PmitFett, David E.. enl. February 1, '64; mus. out December 1(5, '65. Buckley, Sylvester, enl. .March. 31, '64 ; mus. out December 16, '65. Claspill, William, discharged November 16, '63 ; disability, llaneline, Elijah, enl. January 27, '64; mus. out June 22,

It was organized at Decatur on the 3d of July, 1861 ; was engaged in the battle of Pea Ridge March 6 and 7, 1862. Took part in the siege of Corinth. Joined Buell's army at Murfreesboro', Tenn., September 1, 1862. Engaged in the battle of Perryville October 8. Engaged in the battle of Stone River. Engaged in the battle of Chick - ainauga September 11) and 20. Engaged in the capture of Mission Ridge November 25. Was in the Atlanta campaign. Went into camp at Chattanooga, then started for Springfield, 111., and was musicred out September 27, 1864. Total distance marched, 3,056 miles.

Sergeants Co. A - Sowash, John, eril. July 3, '61 ; discharged for disability at St. Louis. Schoonover. Jeremiah, enl. July 3, '61 ; died in St. Louis, October 16, '61 ; Kirby, Westwood C., enl. July 3, '61 ; absent, sick, at mus. out of reg.

The 49th Inf. vol. was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, Decem ber 31, 1861, by Col. W. R. Morrison, and was at Fort Donelson February 11, 1862. Was in battle of Shiloh April 6 and 7, and was in the siege of Corinth. In August, 1863, moved to Arkansas, returning after the capture of Little Bock to Memphis, on November 21, 1863. On January 15, 1864, three-fourths of the regiment re-enlisted, and on March 10 was assigned to the Red River expedition.

Privates - Enlisted men of Co. D - Byron.,.- Noah, enl. October 11), '61 ; mus. December 30, '61 ; re-enl. as veteran. Burt, Harrison, enl. October 19, '61 ; mus. December 30, '61 ; re-enl. as veteran. Cleverstine, John, enl. November 15; mus. December 30; tr. to V. R. C. June 15, '64. Frump, Stephen, enl. November 15; mus. December 30; re-enl. as veteran. Farro, Thomas, enl. November 15; mus. December 30; re-enl. as veteran. Gray, Salathiel F., enl. November 15; mus. December 30; re-enl. as veteran. Moore, Jacob, enl. December 1 ; mus. December 30; died of wounds February 20, '62. Moore, William, enl. December 1; mus. December 30; re-enl. as veteran. Peck, John, enl. December 1; mus. December 30; discharged August 26, '62; disability. Rinck, John J., enl. December 1; mus. December 30; re-enl. as veteran. Welch, Samuel J. ; enl. October 19; mus. December 30 ; discharged May 4, '62; disability.

Recruits - Lyles, William, enl. January 1, '62 ; killed at Fort Donelson, February 13, '62. Pembrook, William K., enl. January 1, '62; mus. June 11, '63 ; re-enl. as veteran.

History Ok Fifty-Fourth Illinois Infantry

This regiment was organized at Camp Dubois, Anna, 111., by Col. Thomas W. Harris, in November, 1861, as a part of the "Kentucky Brigade." Was ordered to Cairo, 111., February 24, 1862. On May 30, 1863, left Jackson for Vicksburg as a part of the Third Brigade. July 24, 1863, ordered to Helena as part of Gen. Steele's expedition against Little Rock, Arkansas. January, 1864. three-fourths of the regiment re-enlisted as veteran volunteers. A part of the regiment was captured in 1864, while guarding a portion of the Memphis A: Little Rock railroad. Were paroled and arrived at Benton Barracks September 9, 1864. Mustered out October 15, 1865, and discharged from Camp Butler October 26.

Sixty-Skcond Illinois Infantry History Ok The Sixty-Third Illinois Infantry

furlough rejoined the command at Iluntsville, June 15. On November 11 was ordered to join Sherman. In January, 1865, started on a trip through the Oarolinas, and participated in the battles and skirmishes of this famous campaign. Was complimented by the inspectorgeneral of the Army of the Tennessee for the appearance of the camp and soldierly bearing of the men. Was in grand review at Washington, May 24, 1865. Mustered out July 13, 1865, having traveled in all 6,453 miles.

In regard to the 72d 111. Inf., we give the following from items furnished by M. A. Adams, of this county. About 94 were enrolled in Co. E, nearly one-fifth of whom, Mr. Adams reports as being from Piatt county.

"The regiment rendezvoused at Chicago (Camp Douglas) and was mustered into United States service August 18, 1862, and started to Cairo August 23. Left Columbus, Ky., for the field November 21, and marched six miles south of Oxford, Miss., with apart of Grant's army. Left Memphis, March 1, 1863, with the forces that went on the Yazoo Pass expedition. Marched from Milliken's Bend to Hardtimes landing. Crossed over to Grand Gulf and marched to Raymond, Miss. At Champion Hills the rebels were compelled to retreat after a hard fought battle. At the Big Black River the rebels were pushed so close that they set fire to the bridge too soon, and cut off several hundred prisoners to us. We had to bridge this stream when we advanced to within four miles of Vicksburg, May 19, 1863, and with

Sherman and others formed line of battle to correspond with their line of forts and breastworks twelve miles long. The face of the country was almost impassable. We had to assist each other to climb some of the hills ; besides it was difficult getting over the felled timber. On May 22 we charged the whole line, lost one-half our company, but did not take the works. We had to lay down to a siege which lasted 46 days. During this time flags of truce were sometimes put out and the Union boys and rebels met for trading purposes. On June 25 we were all called out in line of battle to take Vicksburg, when Gen. Logan blew up the Southern Confederacy, or rather a hole through the bottom of it They dug under Fort Hill and planted a magazine, which was exploded. The 45th 111. rushed into the fort, but as soon as the rebels saw the joke they rallied and compelled the 45th to retire with heavy loss. We never learned how much damage the rebels sustained, but we know they lost one negro. He was blown clear over to Gen. Logan's grounds - was not hurt, only emancipated and scared. His photos were on sale for a year at fifty cents. On July 3 the rebels hoisted a flag of truce in token of surrender, and on the 4th we marched into the city. On August 27 our regiment was called out to arrest the Marine Brigade, which refused to go ashore .and do infantry duty. October 6 we left Vicksburg for up the river, and arrived at Paducah, Ky., November 9. Left Nashville November 14, and reached Columbia. On the 24th Hood's army attacked our pickets, and on the 28th made a. flank movement. On the 29th we started toward Franklin and marched all the time, and though we could see the rebel camp fires at night we reached Franklin before the rebels did. November 30 was spent in making breastworks. The enemy, who came on to us about 4 P.M., looked splendidly coming over the hills several columns deep, in line of battle. When they reached level ground we soon destroyed their nicely drawn lines. A number of rebels were taken prisoner here. After midnight we marched to Nashville, the rebels following at a respectable distance. At this place we received reinforcements, and on December 15 started for Hood's army. We soon captured all their works and a few of the men. We went into winter quarters at Eastport, Miss., and during the winter suffered some from scarcity of rations. Reached New Orleans February 20, and camped on Gen. Jackson's camping grounds. From there we went to Mobile Bay, and secured Fort Blakely and Mobile. After marching some time in Alabama,

Skventv-Seconu Illinois Infa.Ntrv Memoranda Of Seventv-Third Regiment

The regiment was organized at Camp 'Butler August, 1S62, and became a part of Gen. Buell's army. Fought nobly at Perryville. "Was in every battle fought by the army of the Cumberland, from October, '62, to the route of Gen. Hood's army, at Nashville, and winding up of the whole matter. Was in -the engagements at Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and the succession of battles from Chattanooga to the fall of Atlanta. Formed a part of Opedyke's brigade at Franklin, which saved the day and lost its last man killed in driving Hood's army from Nashville. It left the state one of the largest, and returned one of the smallest, regiments, and the officers and men were noted for bravery. It is supposed that nearlv two-thirds of the organization wasted awav bv disease, death,

Officers - Maj. Thomas Motherspaw ranked as captain of Co. D, and mus. in August 21. '<>:> ; promoted to major, September 20, '63 ; mus. June 27, '64 ; died of wounds. December IS, '64.

'-'This history is »-iven more in detail than some <>f the other histories, because a soldier of the county took the trouble to write it up.

Ninety-Ninth Illinois Infantry

It was mustered into the United States service at Camp Butler September 4, 1862, and consisted of six companies from Dewitt and four from Piatt counties. Pursued and assisted in the capture of John Morgan. Engaged with enemy near London. Had an encounter with enemy at Campbell's station November 16, and at Danbridge December 21. Was in battle at Resaca May 14 and 15, and at Keneeaw Mountain June 18, and in the engagements thereabout and the subsequent fighting around Atlanta. Began the pursuit of Hood's army September 28, which was met November 22 at Columbia, where several days' skirmishing began. Near Columbia Pike regiment suffered a severe loss in the death of Col. Lowry, who fell mortally wounded.

Was in the battle of Franklin November 30. Was in the battle near Nashville. Left camp January 26, 1865, and arrived at Washington February H. After skirmishing with and pursuing the enemy until March 19, they arrived at Goldsboro March 21, where they awaited clothing and supplies for Sherman's army. Remained at Raleigh until the surrender of Johnson. Mustered out at Salisbury, N. C., June 21, 1865. Discharged July 2, 1865.

Officers - Col. Francis II. Lowry, commissioned capt. of Co. E September 4, '62; mus. in Septembers, '62; promoted as lieut.-col. February <!, '63 ; promoted as col. November 10, '63 ; died of wounds received at battle of Franklin, Term., January 1, '65.

Patriotism Of 1'I.Vtt County

Recruits - Babb, Thomas J., enl. December t». '<>:> ; discharged December 2, '04 ; wounds. Boles, John, enl. December 11, '03 ; died at Chattanooga .Tune 19, '04 ; wounds. Bogard, William E., enl. December 9, '03; died at Louisville, Ky., December 19, '04 ; wounds. Kidney, Henry, enl. December 11, '03; killed at Franklin, Term., Xovember 30, '04.

One Hundred And Sixteenth Illinois Infantry

Corporals Co. A - Rodgers, William M., enl. August 9, '62 ; died Marietta, Ga,, September 20, '64; wounds. Havely, Lafayette R,, enl. July 21, '62; tr. to invalid corps January 15, '64.

and operated from Springfield, Missouri, to Kane Hill, Arkansas ; portion of cavalry participated in battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, December 7, 1862. Regiment mustered out of service November 22, 1865, at San Antonio, Texas ; ordered to Springfield, Illinois, for final payment and discharge.

Co. A - Officers: Samuels, David A., corp.. enl. September 21, '61; re-enl. as veteran. Halderman, Samuel N., farrier, enl. September 21, '61 ; discharged October 24, '63 ; disability. Wolf, Emerson, wagoner, enl. September 21, '61 ; discharged May 20, '62.

Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry First Regiment Light Artilleky

"A /T R. GEORGE HAYWORTII was the first man to settle within the limits -L'_L of what is now Piatt county. He came to Illinois from Tennesee with a colony of Quakers. Some went to Tax well county, and some to Vermilion county, while Mr. Play worth came to this county in the spring of 1822. He built a small log cabin on what is now W. E. Lodge's place in Monticello. Soon after he, with the assistance of some Indians, built near the other a larger cabin, which is still standing. Mr. and Mrs. Hayworth had four children, two girls and two boys. Mr. Hayworth lived in his new home about three years when lie went to Danville to school his children. In 1829 he owned a hewed log house, the largest residence in Danville.

MR. JAMES MARTIN, formerly from Kentucky, came from Ohio to Illinois in 1822. In the fall of 1822 he settled in what is now Piatt county. lie built a little log cabin near where Mr. Nath. Rhoades' barn now stands. During Mr. Martin's first season at his new home his wife died, and he sold out his claim to a gentleman by the name of Daggot. Mr. Martin then went back to Indiana and persuaded his niece, Mrs. Furnace, and nephew, John Martin, to move to Illinois. They all came west, and camped from fall to spring near where Mr. Jim Blacker now lives. In the spring a cabin was built near the camping place. These people were living in their camp when Mr. Abraham Ilenline, sr., made his first visit to this section of the country, Mrs. Furnace had two children, Nancy and Sam. Nancy is still living. Her first husband's name was Jacob Oline. Mr. Ingram, who is now dead, became her last husband. Mrs. Furnace and Mr. John Martin both died in the old cabin where they moved in the spring after their season of camping out. Their remains lie in the Wright burying ground. Mr. James Martin went to Indiana about 1831 and died there.

MR. DAGGOTT bought Mr. Martin's claim on what is now a portion of Mr. lihoades' land. Mr. and Mrs. Daggott had five children, two girls and three boys. After living here about two years they left their claim and went to Big Grove - Urbana - in Champaign county. It is related by the old settlers of the county that Mr. Daggott spent one winter in capturing and penning up wolves, with the hope that the legislature would pass a law pay ing a bounty for wolf skins. Mr. D. had several wolf traps in different parts of the county. Quite a number of years afterward the remains of some of the traps could be seen. The bones of deer and hogs were scattered in their vicinity. At one time Mr. Daggott had as many as ten or twelve wolves in a rail pen in his dooryard. Mr. Daggott had a tanyard near the bridge, not far from Mr. Nath. lihoades' house.

MRS. HARDING INGRAM nee Nancy Furnace, who came to the county in 1822, thus having lived longer in Piatt county than any one else, was born in Kentucky in 1818. Her folks came to the county in October, 1822, and stayed at what was afterward known as the Terry place. The next fall they moved to where Jim Blacker now lives and camped there. The family included her mother, brother, uncle and herself.

In the spring of 1824 a house was put up and Mr. Henline's people came the same year. Mrs. Ingram, when a child, was a warm friend of the Indian children and used frequently to play with them. She first married Mr. Jacob Cline. He died leaving three children, only one of whom is living. Jane married John Wilson. One child, Nancy J., is still living. Jacob Cline married E. Caroline Story, has fourchildren - Jennie, Steven, Gertrude and Aimer M. - and lives with his mother. Mr. Harding Ingram became Mrs. Cline's second husband. Two of their children are now living. Of these, Susan first married Samuel Shoe, by whom she had one child, Charles. She next married William Baker. Maggie, the wife of Aimer Heath, has one child, Ora May, and lives in Sangamon township. Mrs. Ingram's youngest son was killed by being thrown from a horse in 1865. In about two months afterward Mr. Ingrain was killed almost instantly by being thrown from a loaded wagon on his way home from Champaign.

MR. NATHAN HKNLINE. - The next season after the siege of Boonesborough, a family moved on pack-horses from North Carolina to Kentucky. Abraham Henline, a lad eighteen years old, was a member of this family, which remained in Kentucky for a time. Mr. A. Henline married Elsie Mosslander, who formerly was from New Jersey. After the birth of one child these people moved to Ohio, and while living there nine more children were born. Of this family of ten children, the next to the youngest was named Nathan, and it is he who is the subject of this sketch. Nathan was born November 22, 1815.

In 1822 Mr. Abraham Henline with his wife and four of his sons - Abraham, Jacob, James and Nathan - moved to Illinois. They stopped for a time on Fancy creek, within nine miles of Springfield. Mr. Henline did not feel quite satisfied to remain there permanently without first looking over the country somewhat. In the midst of his indecision he met with Mr. Martin, a man whom lie used to know in Ohio. Mr. Martin had come west previously and had decided to locate within the present limits of Piatt county. He had gone to Springfield to have a pair of shoes made, and while in that vicinity had heard of Mr. Henline, and upon meeting him, spoke so highly of the country where he expected to live that. Mr. Henline was induced to accompany him home.

During the short time that Mr. Ilenline had lived on Fancy Creek, death had come into his family, and the wife and mother had been taken away. Accordingly, then, Mr. Ilenline, with only his four sons started to their new home in the spring of 1824. The first house they saw on their way was at Mechanicsburg ; the next was owned by Mr. Stevens, on Stevens creek. The trading-house on the Sangamon, about two miles below the mouth of Friends creek, was .the next house they reached. Mr. Hay worth's, within the present limits of Monticello, was the fourth house they had seen since leaving Fancy Creek.

Mr. Ilenline took a claim of 160 acres and built a cabin near Coon's Spring, north of Monticello, and with his sons kept batchelor's hall a number of years. This new home was taken possession of in April of 1824, and immediately was begun the work of clearing a place for corn. After fifteen or twenty acres were cleared, and after the crop was laid by, a misfortune came to these new settlers. All but one of the five horses they brought with them died from the effects of fly and mosquito bites. Everything that could be thought of was resorted to during the season to destroy or- keep off these dreaded insects. Fires were built, near the horses with the hopes that the smoke would keep them away, and the horses were sometimes seen to roll in the very midst of the coals of fire. After the loss of the horses, oxen were used instead.

At this time there were plenty of wild hogs all through the woods. One day Nathan and his brother James found two wild sows with their pigs in a bed of leaves and straw. James slipped up and caught one of the sows by the hind legs, which action caused a great scatterment among the pigs, but James held fast to his prize, while Nathan and the dogs secured the other hog. These hogs with their pigs, were kept penned up for awhile and then let out. when their natural instincts led them to seek their home in the forest again. The little pigs had become tame and were readily kept at home.

It will be seen by the dates mentioned that Nathan Ilenline was about nine years old when he came to the county. At this time he was a hale, hearty, fun-loving .boy. He early learned the use of a gun and has been a hunter ever since. The Kickapoo and Pottawatomie Indians in this vicinity outnumbered the white people, so it was to them that Nathan looked for company. He soon made many lasting friends among the Indian boys, and for several years was almost constantly with his swarthy playmates. He learned to be almost as

It would have been very romantic had this palefaced youth fallen in love with some beautiful Indian maiden - but he didn't. He did something vastly more sensible. He met, loved and married Sarah Souders, who lived in the northeast part of what is now Piatt county.

Sarah, the daughter of Peter and Mary Souders, was born in Yirginia, in August, 1818. Her parents moved from Lee county, Virginia, to Edgar county, Illinois, in 1830. In 1832 they moved to what is known as the Argo settlement, in Piatt county. Mr. and Mrs. Souders lie buried near this home, where they both had selected their burying-placc. Of the family of eleven children, only two are now living - Mrs. Henline and one brother in Missouri.

Mr. and Mrs. Souders somewhat reluctantly gave their consent to the marriage of their daughter to Mr. Nathan Henline. His worldly possessions were quite meager, and, too, the extreme youth of both parties was an objection.

However, all arrangements that could be made in those times were resorted to for the approaching marriage. Maple sugar was prepared and sold in Pekin for breadstuff and for Sarah's wedding dress. The dress was made of white goods that cost 75 cents per yard, and its style was very simple. A draw-string drew it together at the neck and another string answered for a belt. Mr. Souders tanned leather and made Sarah's wedding shoes.

Mr. Henline bought his wedding clothes in Pekin. 1 1 is wedding shoes were the third pair he had ever had, and his wedding shirt was done up by a little boy. The 12th of November, 1833, was chosen for the wedding day, and when the eventful time arrived, Mr. Abe Henline started to Big drove - now Urbana - -for Squire Byers to perform the marriage ceremony. When he arrived at Big Grove, the squire was not there and Mr. Henline had to hunt him up. This additional ride delayed him so that the folks at Mr. Souders' had given up their coming that night. Near eleven o'clock, when preparations for retiring were about to be made, Mr. Henline arrived with the squire. Hurried preparations were made, and the couple were about to step forward to be united, when some one remembered that the license was gotten in Champaign county. As Mr. Souders resided in what was then Macon county, the marriage would be illegal it' performed in his house. Again the marriage was delayed until the wedding party, bearing burning sticks of wood for torches, marched over beyond the county line into Champaign county. There, in the woods, near midnight of the 12th of November, 1833, the young couple were made one. The company returned to Mr. Souders' for the night. In the midst of the remaining night Sarah was awakened by her mother rushing into the room and saying: "Sally, get up and prepare to meet your God, the stars are all falling ! " The folks all rushed to the doors and windows and beheld that great meteoric shower of 1833. There was a good deal of superstition in the world even at that late day, and it is not strange that many, upon beholding that unusual scene, felt that some great judgment was laid upon them.

After staying with Mrs. Henline's folks awhile, Mr. Henline, with the labor of making 100 rails, bought a claim and cabin near the Champaign county line.

Mr. Henline, in speaking of his early married days, says : "I tell you, we were poor - we were worse than poor." "We hadn't a plate, and were obliged to make pieces of bark serve the place of plates.'' " We had just one fork, which we have yet." This fork was presented to Mr. Henline by the Indians, and is known to be fifty-three years old. Mr. Henline also has a kettle, which has been in his family eighty-four years.

Shortly after their house was built, Mr. Henline borrowed a team and with but five dollars, which he had earned by splitting rails, he and his wife started fora store called Homer, on the Salt Fork of the Vermilion river, to buy things to begin housekeeping with. By the time a skillet, oven, set of blue-edged plates, and knives and forks were selected the money was all gone. The merchant, Michael Coffin, who was acquainted with Mr. Henline, urged him to take five dollars' worth more of goods, and said that he would willingly wait until fall, when Mr. llenline could send in otter skins to settle the debt, Somewhat reluctantly Mr. llenline consented to go in debt, and so they started home with just ten dollars' worth of goods to go to housekeeping with.

For a bedstead in the new house Mr. Henline made what was known us a prairie bedstead. This was made by inserting the end of a pole into the logs of the cabin, about four feet from the corner and two feet from the floor. At the end of this eight or nine-foot pole, another about lour feet in length was joined, and it projected at right-angles toward the side of the house and was inserted in the logs. Upon these poles boards were laid and the bedstead was completed. Mrs. Senders had fortunately presented the newly married couple with good bedding and a good feather bed, so with the new bedstead they were quite comfortable. When company came, a pole- sled was brought into the house and a bed was made upon it.

Although Mr. Henline saw many discouraging times, he gradually began to see better days. During the summers he farmed, and for three winters he worked a saw-mill at Centerville.

During his married life Mr.' Henline has moved several times, but always within the limits of'Piatt county. After going to housekeeping his first move was to Mr. John Madden's place. He next moved to Mr. Martin's place, and then back to where lie first lived. Finally he moved to the place about one and one-half miles southwest of Monticello, where he now lives.

Mr. Henline has spent two summers of his life in Chicago. He was a teamster there, and his principal business was to carry emigrants from the lake landing out into northern Illinois. When not occupied in transporting emigrants, he did various kinds of teaming. He helped to haul brick for the first brick church that was built in Chicago. At this time Mr. Henline remembers but one brick building in Chicago, and that was owned by Guerdon S. Ilubbard, who is still living there. At this time there were but four houses on the west side of the Chicago river. At the time of his working there, Chicago, in his estimation, was not "'half as big" as Monticello. He was at Chicago when the last payment was made to the Pottawatomie Indians, when they started for Kansas.

Mr. Henline was well acquainted with many of the Kickapoo and Pottawatomie chiefs. He knew Shabbona, the peace chief of the Pottawatomies, and Shawnessah, a war chief of the Pottawatomies. He witnessed on the Illinois river, near Dresden, the inauguration as chief of a son of old Wawpawnsah. A great number of white people were present. The ceremonies began by getting in readiness a great tire some twenty steps in length. On this fire almost every delicacy that an Indian could prepare was cooked. The Indians danced around this fire, the one in front walking backward and rattling a gourd that was partially filled with fish-teeth. He was followed by an Indian with a drum, and this one was followed by the rest of the dancers. After dancing for some time a new blanket was spread down, and -the man to be inaugurated as chief was conducted to the blanket. The retiring chief made a speech, and then other Indians addressed the people. Finally the young chief, who was dressed as fantastically as their customs would permit, arose and made a grand speech. Then after some more dancing the feast was ready. About three hundred Indians were present. Mr. Henline says that he and the gentleman with him were placed to eat out of the same ladle with three Indians. Mr. Henline, in speaking of his relishing the dinner, says, " I tell you I was hungry - hungry as a houseful of school-children." Mr. Henline lived in communication with the Indians long enough to learn their language. In speaking of sonic Indian stories, Mr. Henline related the following. One of the party of white1 men who had stolen five ponies from the Indians, stopped at Mr. Ilenline's house, and said he had bought the ponies for ten bottles of whisky. Mr. Nathan Henline recognized the ponies as belonging to some of his Indian friends, and after the man had started for Salt Creek, lie, disbelieving the story of the purchase, went and informed the Indians of the route of the thieves. One of the Indians insisted upon Mr. Ilenline's joining in the pursuit. He went, and one of the theives was overtaken in Randolph Grove, in McLain county. The Indian frightened the man nearly to death by first threatening to shoot him, and then by flourishing his tomahawk. By Mr. Ilenline's persuasion the man's life was spared and the Indians secured all they had lost. This horse-thief, who was so frightened, afterward came back and stole some horses of Mr. James Piatt. Later, at Decatur, he received punishment in shape of forty-five to fifty lashes for stealing horses. Mr. Henline used often to scare out deer for the Indians to shoot. There was one bald-headed Indian named Que-athe-hun, whom Mr. Henline considered the best marksman he had ever seen. In speaking of this Indian he says, "One might as well lie down and die as to start to run in hopes of dodging the fire from his gun." During the Black Hawk war some of the settlers in this section of the country moved in order not to be so much on the frontier. Mr. Henline's folks remained here, and there were no molestations by Indians in this vicinity.

As has been stated, Mr. II. was a great trapper and hunter. He has caught many an otter by trapping. As is quite generally known, the otters have quite an original pastime, which consists in sliding down the banks of streams into the water. The otters evidently enjoy this very much, for they have been seen to repeat the operation many times in quick succession. Mr. II. used to place the traps at the base of these kt otter slides, "and the unsuspecting sporting otter, instead of making his usual dive into the water, would suddenly find himself entrapped. Mr. N". Hcnline tells of being frightened nearly to death once by a wild cat. lie, followed by one of his hounds, started up the river to look after his otter traps. After going a distance the hound began barking, and Mr. H. went to the river bank to sec the cause of his excitement, There on a log, which was lying partly in the water, was a very large wild cat. Mr. II. was not at all afraid of a wild cat, so approached and began to throw clubs at the animal. He succeeded only in arousing the animal's ire, so that when he stooped for another club, a short distance from tlui cat, it made a spring and lit upon his hack. Mr. IF. remembers of climbing the river bank "in si hurry."" The hound came to the rescue and dragged the cat to the ground. It started again for the log. and while there was finally- killed by Mr. IT. Mr. II /s aim was not as good a,< usual, owing to his unexpected excitement.

Mr. and Mrs. Ifenline have had seven children - .lames. Mary .Jane, Peter, Elizabeth, Ann Emily, John and Sarah Harriett. These children have all married. Two moved to Kansas, one to Missouri and one to Oregon. Peter and Elizabeth are still in this county.

Mr. William Piatt remembers an. act of generosity exhibited by Nathan Ifenline's father that might well be inserted here. Mr. Abraham Ilenline took dinner with Mr. James A. Piatt the day the latter moved into the Hay worth cabin. The children of the family while at dinner fretted for milk, and Mi-. Piatt inquired if Mr. Henline had any cows to sell. The latter replied that he had not, as only one of his cows was giving rnilk. After the meal was over, and when Mr. Henline started to leave, Mr. Piatt invited him to come again. Mr. Henline replied, "Yes, I will be back to-morrow, and will bring you a cow/' "Why,*' exclaimed Mr. Piatt, " I thought you had none to sell." "Neither have I,'* said Mr. Henline ; but the boys and I can do without milk better than sick children can/' He brought down the cow the next day and left her with Mr. Piatt for two years.

Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Ilenline still live in sight of Monticello, and with the exception of Mrs. Nancy Ingrain are the earliest settlers who are yet living within the limits of Piatt county. Mr. Henline at the present day is a hale and hearty man. His gray hair betokens an age which his activity scarcely warrants. His early friends as well as his friends of- later years characterize him us a man of generosity and of general goodwill toward his fellow beings.

Mi;. AIJHAIIAM HKNLI.VK. JK.. in 1834 married Miss Luc\ Reynolds, a step-daughter of Mr. Senders. They went to housekeeping near Coon's spring, and lived there for a short time. They moved from this place to the upper part of the county, where they lived for fifteen or twenty years. From here they moved down near Monticello, to the place where Mr. .Jim Ilenline now lives. Both Mr. and Mrs. Henline died at this place. They left six children, of whom four are now living: Mary Ann married Henry (m-s^el. and is now living in the southwestern part of the state. Sarah Ann married John Conan, and now lives near Mansfield. Elijah married Mary Spencer, and their present home is east of Monticello. Two of the sons were lost in the army, one near Shreveport and the other at Little Rock.

MR. JAMES HENLINE, the next to the eldest of the four boys who came with Mr. Abraham Henline to this county in 1824, married Jane Lockwood. They lived for a time near what is now White Heath, and then moved to Iowa.

MR. JACOB HENLINE was the only one of the four Henline brothers who lived through life in "single blessedness." He was a very strong, hard-working man. He was considered by some the strongest man in the county. It was a custom in those days for neighbors to come together from their ofttimes distant homes to assist in " cabin raisings.'* People were known to travel for twenty miles for this purpose. Mr. Jacob Henline, on account of his superior strength, was always especially welcome at k' cabin raisings." One of the early settlers of the county remembers of having seen Jacob Henline carry a log at a cabin raising that would have been a good load for three ordinary men. It is the verdict of some of the early settlers now living, that Mr. Henline wore himself out by so repeatedly exerting his strength while helping to build cabins. In 1854 he went down into Coles county, this state, where his death occurred.

The Piatts And Their Relatives

MR. JAMES A. PIATT, for whom this county was named, was born April 21, 1789, probably in Pennsylvania. His father, Abraham Piatt, moved from New Jersey to Penn's Valley, Pennsylvania, and settled on land obtained for surveying for some company. James Piatt was but a small boy when his father died. The family soon moved to Ohio, reaching Cincinnati when there were but two log cabins in it. They soon settled near Oxford, Ohio. James A., when still quite young, went back to Pennsylvania to settle up his father's estate. Only about six months of his life was spent in school, but he succeeded in giving himself a very fair education. He was a good scribe, and while in Pennsylvania settling up his father's estate, he taught one term of school. Being thrown on his own resources quite early in life, the discipline only served to make him the better prepared for his later life as a pioneer. After returning from Pennsylvania he, on December 21, 1815, was united in marriage to Jemima Ford, who was then in Cincinnati, and who was born in Maryland, January 10, 1792. Jemima, with her sister, Delia Ford, came over the mountains and to

The 1'Iatts And Thkik Relatives

Cincinnati during the last of the war of 1812. Jemima stayed for a time with Mr. McHenry, of Cincinnati, and while there became acquainted with Mr. Piatt, who had been a contractor in the war of 1812 for his uncle, Mr. John H. Piatt. Delia Ford had her choice, to be adopted by a lady in Philadelphia or to come west with her sister. She loved her sister too much to leave her, and so, for a number of years, made her home with her. She married Mr. Tompkins, of Cincinnati, and after his death she came, in 1866, to Piatt county, where she now makes her home with William H. Piatt, the eldest son of her beloved sister. Mr. James Piatt, after his marriage, settled at Brookville, Ind., where he merchandised for a time. He then built a mill at the mouth of Little Cedar, on the White Water. He next moved to Elizabethtown, and while living there took live hogs to the island of Cuba. While living in Lawrenceburg he kept hotel a time and then moved to Indianapolis. While in this city he was a tinner, and while carrying on this business, and when traveling in Illinois in the interest of his business, he first conceived the idea of locating in what is now Piatt county, Illinois. It did not take him long to decide upon the matter, to buy the land, and to move to the present site of Monticello in the spring of 1829. He bought the Hay worth claim for $150, and paid for it all in tinware, except about $18. Some time after moving to the place he entered more land. He had a cornfield fenced on the present site of Monticello, and William and John Piatt broke up the land for the same. For a number of years he was, probably, the principal man of the new settlement. He entered and bought about 600 acres of land, right in the immediate vicinity of Monticello. Mr. Piatt was a characteristic frontier man ; a number of persons now in the county are ready to affirm that he was an extremist in hospitality and in favoring early settlements. He was a perfect terror to horsethieves, and took many a hard ride in order to bring the thief to punishment ; and he rarely missed his purpose. He once followed two thieves to Indiana, caught them, and brought them to Macon county for trial. About 1837 he and his son, William II. Piatt, followed a thief to Kentucky, and by riding day and night they secured their prize. The result of all this energy was that horsethieves soon learned to steer clear of Piatt county.

The following anecdote will serve to show the amount of work the tax collectors in the county used to have. The tax collector of Macon county came up to Mr. Piatt's, and thought to enjoy a little hunt while there. After staying a day or two he told Mr. Piatt that his taxes amounted to seventy-five cents. " Very wejl," said Mr. Piatt. "we're even then, for your board will amount to about that much." After thus teasing the man for a time. Mr. Piatt paid his tax and let him go, but the tax collector did not hear the last of the joke for some time.

The following will show one of Mr. Piatt' s characteristic ways of obtaining pay for entertaining travelers, if he ever took pay at all. One time a young Methodist minister and wife, in passing through the county, stopped at Mr. Piatt's over night. When he asked his bill in the morning, he was told that it was nothing. They started on their way, but in crossing a creek not far distant the buggy was upset, broken, and the lady was thrown into the water. Mr. Piatt had to go and spend some time in mending the broken buggy. During the day the minister remarked, "You must charge for /A/*.'* He was assured by Mr. Piatt that he would be charged, and by and by it was announced that in payment the minister must preach them a sermon. The minister agreed to do so if the neighbors were notified. A messenger was sent out, and the one neighbor, Mr. Tern> came, and the sermon - the first Methodist sermon preached within the boundary of Piatt county - was preached in the first house in the county, and to not more than one dozen persons.

MRS. , I AMES PIA'TT died March l(i, 1X3U. of what was called quick Consumption. Her seven children survived her. On December 12, 1837, Mr. Piatt married Mahala Oxley. James A. Piatt died of typhoid pneumonia October 22, 1838. In a few months after his death, his wife gave birth to a daughter. Mrs. Piatt died November 16, is-iO.

The following are the names of Mr. .lames A. Piatt's children in the order of their birth: William 11., John, James A., Kichard F., Anna 'Belle. "Noah N., Jacob, and Mary J.

MK. WII.UAM II. PIATT was born near Brookville. Indiana, October 23. IS 1C. He came to what is now Piatt county iu the spring of 1829. and that place is still his home. Upon the death of his father in 1838, as he was thcj eldest one of the family, William had the care of his brothers and sisters until they were of age. He and Clarinda Marquiss were united in marriage April Id. 1S3S. and went to housekeeping on the site of the present county fail' grounds. Afteu living there a few months he moved over the river to what is now (loose (''reek township, and in 1840 located on the farm he now lives on. His' present residence was riveted in ls<54 -">- Mr. and Mrs. Piatt have had seven children, six of whom are now living. A. J.. or .lames, the eldest of the family, and Knima (,1., the youngest, are still living at home. A. M. Piatt and Mattie E. llollis were united in marriage December 20, 18MJ. After living in Monticello until 1879 they moved to Chicago, where they still reside. Four children, Will H., Edward Scott, Donn and Josephine 0., have blessed their union. Frank A. Piatt became the wife of W. E. Lodge. (See his sketch.) C. W.- Piatt and Mary Kate Sparks were united in marriage January 12, 1875. They make their home at William H. Piatfs, and C. W. has charge of his own farm as well as his father's home place. E. J. or Mima .Piatt married W. E. Smith, of Monticello. (See his sketch.)

" Dear grandpa, tell to us a story true." So said a bright-haired girl with eyes of blue. " And more, I'll bring my chair and sit so still, But for my smile so aly you'd think I'm ill."

" All right, my lass," the old man said, " we'll see If you for once as still as a mouse will be. Now list: Last night I dreamed a dream so bright - A dream which not to tell seems hardly right.

"I saw a low, unpainted house; some trees So close their leaves did touch with ev'ry breeze. Beyond these rows of trees the house did stand - Than this no dearer place in all the land.

" Some good [ saw in all these children dear, Hut why inv thoughts would turn to one, I fear E'en now I cannot all. nor half make out - My eyes saw him whate'er he was about.

" The youngest boy he was, J soon could tell ; Abused by all the rest, IIP knew full well ; Else why must he the wood so oft bring in, Or why the game of ball his brothers win?

"In school quite oft the teacher's wrath he got, Then sure his hand would feel the rod - why not? His fatal laugh would him in truth betray, Tho' others laughed and lirst led him astray. * Printed by special request.

" Too bad it was that he should thus be 'bused. He older grew, and all were much amused When he would tell his old-time troubles all - Now trifles, but were then not quite so small.

"To town he went one da}', in suit bran new - His ' likeness ' he would have ; in truth he knew Event so great he ne'er had heard, and thought Such work nor now, nor never, be done for nought.

" And such a picture, sure you ne'er did see. Right prim lie sat, as straight as straight could be ; With thumbs in pockets, fingers spread in sight. Think you he thought himself some one? You're right.

He looked the picture o'er from foot to head. ' ' I didn't know I was so pretty,' he said. A good opinion of himself you see he had. So frank withal, to us he ne'er seemed bad.

"Much more of him to you I might relate, But I must haste - e'en now it grows quite late. About his college days you'd like to hear, Of happy times, of friends, of schoolmates dear.

My time's quite short, but I will let you know The place where he from home to work did go. In prairie stood the town, both small and gay. Quite well he thrived, and happy was each day.

" That story old, tho' new, again was told. The maiden sweet replied ; and he, made bold, In haste did go the parents both to see, If they for e'er not two but one might be.

"Consent from all was gained, and they for life Were joined ; the husband he, and she the wife. The time wore on apace. Much joy they had. If I the half might tell, I'd be right glad.

" At last their home in town no more they made. A country life this time the better paid. His childhood home again his work did need ; And here we find them both content indeed.

The Piatts And T1Ieik Relatives

"Now hark! and hear what lie to her did say When they together sat at close of day; And listen to the answer she did make, And showed the while that all was for his sake.

" ' And now six years, dear Kate, have passed away ; Tii all six years since then, our wedding day. Ah, happy, happy were we then, I vow ; But dearer, sweeter happiness we've now.'

'" Yes, husband dear, six years ago to-day Our hands, our hearts, our lives were joined for aye ; The clouds, they've gathered oft since then, 'tis true, But scattered, and the bluer seems the blue.'

" And now, my girl, I've done; and you quite well Did list; nor once did break your quiet spell. Tell you of whom I spoke? .lust think awhile ; Ah, now you know - I see by that sweet smile.

" But late it is, and you to bed must go ; Come here, my child; a loving kiss - just so. For you I wish sometime such joy as they This day have got - for such and more I pray."

The child was gone, the good old man looked 'round, And there his wife and children four he found. The others were in cheerful homes not far ; Their happiness no one nor dared nor cared to mar.

And now, kind friends, a toast let's send to two Whose lives in part the old man told quite true. Let's wish for them their love to last for aye - The love that's theirs, their annivers'ry day.

Mr. JOHX Pi AIT, farmer, Monticello, was born near Brookville, Indiana, June 13, 1818. He came when a boy with his father, James A. Piatt, to what is now Piatt county, and lias remained here ever since. For a number of years lie resided on a farm one mile from Monticello, but now his home is six miles east of the town, near the border line of Champaign county. Mr. Piatt assisted in getting this county struck off by carrying petitions, and subsequently became its iirst sheriff. He has always been interested in .the county, and has done his share for its advancement. On the 4th of September, 1846, John Piatt was united in marriage to Eliza Lowry, who was born February 1, 1827. They have had eight children, six of whom are now living. Eleanor is the- wife of Dr. James Moffitt, of Monticello.

William M. nuirried Penelope Minear, September 22, 1880, has one son, Samuel Milton, and resides on a 320-acre farm, six miles from Monticello. Belle Piatt and William Carnahan were married June 10, 1875, have four children, and live in Champaign city. B. T. Piatt arid Sarah Minear were married September 9, 1875, have had four children, two of whom, Laura and Anzaletta, are living, and reside on their fine farm of 320 acres, six miles east of Monticello. Jennie, a* graduate of the Monticello High School, and John are still living with their parents. Two of Mr. .John Piatt's children, Emeline arid Robert, are dead.

Mr. . I AMES A. PIATT, JR., was born near Brookville, Indiana, January 7, 1821, and when eight years old came with his parents to the present site of Monticello. With the exception of about five years in California, his entire life was spent in the immediate vicinity of Monticello. On the 18th of January, 1849, he was united in marriage to Katherine Bryden, a native of Kbva Scotia, and one of the early school teachers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Piatt, with their one child, Alice, started overland April 12, 18,52, to California, via St. Louis and Kansas City - then Kansas Landing. Mrs. Piatt remarked in speaking of the trip, " I was not in a house from the time we left Kansas Landing until we reached California, and our little party had no company whatever from Humbolt Lake to Iloncut. California. We saw plenty of Indians, but they were peaceful." After living there five years Mr. Piatt and family came back by way of the Isthmus of Darien and located on the farm he had previously bought near Monticello. In 18W) he built a nice brick house, which was burned about sixteen years ago. The house was rebuilt, and a brick barn has since been constructed. Mr.' Piatt improved over 1,400 acres of land near Monticello. At the time of his death, April 8, 1873, he-was living one mile south of Monticello, where his wife and daughter now reside. Alice Piatt and William JL Ivratx were married January 7, 1x75, and have two children, Laura and James Piatt. Mr. Kratx carries on quite an extensive lumber business in Monticello.

MK. IliciiAKD K. PIATT, of Napa City. California, was born in Elizabethtown, Indiana, March :'>!. Is23. After coming with his parents to Illinois he made Piatt county his home until near lsr>o, when he went to California. lie returned to Illinois about 1856, and remained until the spring of 1S57, when he went back by water to California. On his way there he became acquainted with Miss Fannie

Peasley, who afterward became his wife. Two of their children, II. II. and Ida, are living. Mr. Piatt has discovered several valuahle mines, and though having never been repaid for his long years of work in that direction, is still mining.

Mr. XOAH NOIU.K PIATT was born in Indianapolis, February 24, 1828. He was the babe of the family when Mr. James A. Piatt moved to the I Lay worth cabin, on the present site of Monticello. His boyhood and youthful days were spent in Piatt county. In 1855 he married Hannah Philipps, who was making her home at Win. Piatt's. In 1857 he went to California, where he farmed near Marysville until about 18<>8. His wife died about this time, and Mr. Piatt witli his daughters, Mattie, Clara and Kate, and son Willie, returned to Piatt county. After living here a time he married Miss Olive Hryden and soon went onto his farm, one mile east of Monticello. He sold this farm and went to Kansas about 1879, and now resides in Greenwood county, of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Piatt have three sons, Frank, Phil, and .James.

Mr. .JACOB PIATT, deceased, was born February 17, 1831, and is recorded as the first male child born within the limits of Piatt county. His entire life was spent in the immediate vicinity of his native place. When but a boy he resolved on being a merchant and began clerking for Daniel Stickel. lie went to Cincinnati for the 'purpose of completing his commercial education, and while there became acquainted with Mary A. Ilubbell, who became his \vifc March 1, 1853. During the rest of his life he was a merchant in Monticello. For a number of years previous to his death he was consumptive and an intense sufferer. His death occurred .July 4, 1871. Six children survived him, five of whom are living now. Mary is now the wife of Dr. .1. II. Carper, a successful physician of Monticello. Ford is successful as an express agent of St. Paul, Minnesota. Silas is a member of the class of 1883 of the Illinois University of Champaign. Jacob is in Monticello, while Will makes his home with his grandfather, Mr. Ilubbell, of Cincinnati. Mrs. Jacob Piatt was married in 1877 to Mr. Harvey Benson. Her death occurred in the spring of 18X0.

MARY .1. PIATT, who was born .January 1.0, 1830, fell heir to a land warrant issued for services rendered by Mr. Jam.'S A. Piatt during1 the Black llawk war. The land is located in Nebraska. On .lime 5, she became the wife of Win. I'ryden, who for a number of years was a merchant of Monticello. During the last years of his life he was an invalid, and his death occurred February 5, 1866, in Savannah, Georgia. He had gone south for his health and was then on his way home. His last words were, " Peace on earth and good will to all." Mrs. Bryden and her two sons, Charles and Will, are still residing in Monticello.

The following facts relating to the first Piatts in America were obtained by Abram Piatt Andrew, Jr., of La Porte, Indiana, from a letter written by an old relative of the Piatts in Watsontowri, Pennsylvania.

The first Piatt (John) was originally from France. In the city of Amsterdam, Holland, he married a widow, Mrs. Wycoff, 'nee Frances Vleet. They settled in New Jersey some years previous to the revolutionary war, and in 1760 were living at Six Mile Run, near the city ot New Brunswick. This fact is shown by the following letter written by the same John Piatt from the Island of St. Thomas, in the West Indies, to his son in New Jersey.

Dear Son, - I hereby let you know that I am yet alive and when I have said that I have said all I can say, for I am so very low and weak that I can scarcely hold my pen. I therefore only write you two or three lines, to let you know I have not forgot you. I am not able to stir out anywhere to see to getting some trinkets or other to send you by your brother Abraham, which otherwise I would have done. You told me in your letter you intended to come and see me as soon as your time was out. But I would not have you attempt it until you hear from me again, for if I live I shall leave this island very soon in order to recover my health, and if I live till next summer you may depend on seeing me at home. I would therefore advise you to stick close to your business and do the best you can for yourself. As to any further news, your brother Abraham can tell you. (Jive my love to your mother and all your brothers, and all inquiring friends.

This letter was probably his last writing, for before it reached New Jersey John and William Piatt, his sons, started for St. Thomas, and on their arrival found their father dead and buried. From another account other than that sent us by Mr. Andrew we understand that this John Piatt was poisoned by his negroes, and that his sons not only found their father dead, but his property all destroyed.

The sons, John, Abraham and William, returned to New .Jersey, and John married Jane Williamson, March 27, 1763. In 1791 he was living in Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna river, .near Milton. He afterward moved farther up the river, and died at the age of sev- enty-nine years and nine months, lie had five children, Jane, John, Frances, William and Catherine, all born in New Jersey. Jane married John Sedam, and had five children. Frances married William McKinney, and in 1818 moved to Wood county. West Virginia, when; her descendants now live. Catherine married Abraham Tenbrook, and moved, in 1818, to Brookville, Indiana, and two of her children, John Tenbrook and Mrs. Ann Houselman, now live in Piatt county, Illinois. John Piatt married Elizabeth Cline, and two of their children are living at Watsontown, Pennsylvnia - Mrs. Elizabeth McCormick, eighty-eight years of age, and Mrs. Jane P. Allen, in her eighty-second year. William Piatt married Mary Brady, and in 1881 three of their children were living, two at Watsontown, Pennsylvania, and one in Wyoming county, Pennsylvania.

It seems that the first John Piatt referred to had four sons, John, -lacob, W7illiam and Abraham. John, as has just been related, settled in Pennsylvania, as Abraham also did, and the other brothers came west to Ohio and Kentucky.

MR. ABRAHAM PIATT, son of the first Piatt who came to America, and father of James A. Piatt, for whom this county was named, was born in New Jersey and afterward moved to Pennsylvania, where it 18 supposed he died November 13, 1791. His wife nee Anna Belle Andrew, died April 10, 1822, at the house of her eldest son, Jacob, and was buried in Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio. They had ten children, four sons and six daughters.

Jacob, the eldest son, moved to Ohio, was twice married, and lived there1 till his family was nearly grown, when he moved to near Perryville, Indiana. He then moved to Henry county, Illinois, where Wm. H. Piatt thinks he died. Some of his children's names are : Abraham, who died in Altona, James who moved to near St. Mary's, Kansas, and John, who for twenty-three years was county commissioner and supervisor in Henry county, and died there a short time ago ; while Anna Belle and William are names of other members of the family.

Eleanor married John McDonald, and had three sons and one daughter, now Mrs. F. A. Marsh. Joseph McDonald, ex-senator of Indiana, is eminent as a lawyer in Indianapolis. For James McDonald, see his sketch. Zeke McDonald now resides in California.

Jane Piatt. married James Oarnahan, and had three sons, William, Abraham and John. Of these William is the only one living. Of the four daughters, Anna married the Rev. Theo. Adams, of the Christian church, and they both are dead. Mary married Mr. Ilubbell, has her sister Amanda with her, and lives in Cincinnati.

Hon. Donn Piatt, of Mac-o-cheek, Ohio, writes us that all he knows of his ancestors was obtained through his father of his grandfather, Jacob Piatt, of IJoone county, Kentucky. This Jacob Piatt was a native of New Jersey. He entered the revolutionary war as a private, fought his way up to colonel, and was at one time on the staff of Gen. Washington, taking part in all the important battles of the war. k' lie was a Puritan of the purest type, having the lEugenot traits strongly marked in him." Me gave his pension to the support of a clergyman. His tomb at Federal Hall bears the following suggestive epitaph :

This Jacob Piatt told Donn Piatt's father that the first Piatts in America were two brothers, who went from France to Amsterdam. and, after marrying there, came to Xew York. One of these settled in New Jersey, while the other went to the West Indies, where he was murdered by his negroes.

WILLIAM PIATT was born June 20. .17!>.">, at La Grange, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and died there in December 18~.~>. His father. John Piatt, settled in Pennsylvania. William was a farmer and tanner by profession. lie was a captain of the 1st Lycoming Troop Cavalry for some twenty years, a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church for twenty years, a member of the Pennsylvania legislature, and associate judge of Lycoming county. He married Hannah Brady, who was born at Milton. Pennsylvania, April 2, 17(->!», and who was a niece of ('apt. John Brady and (ien. Hugh Brady, the celebrated Indian fighters. Of their children, .lames B. Piatt. who was born July 10, 1821. in La Orange, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, was a captain in the Lycoming Troop ( 'avalry for ten years. He is now a farmer atTipton, Iowa. II. 0. Piatt, born March 2-k 1X2-1-, is a graduate of the Jefferson College. Pennsylvania, and is TIOW a wealthy lawyer of Tipton, Iowa. McCall Piatt was born August 4, 1X2(J. and is carrying on a tan-yard on the farm where his father was born and where lie died. His eldest sister, Mary, lives with him. Betty married William McCormick and died some thirteen years ago, leaving six children. Charlotte Piatt married Frank Porter and died about five years ago. Mr. Aimer Piatt was born in La Grange, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. March 27, 1827. His youth was spent as a tanner and civil engineer, and he was educated at Lewisburg Academy. For ten years he was a member of the 1st Lycoming Troop Cavalry, and he was also major of a military company of Lycoming county. For a number of years he has been a stock commission merchant in Chicago. Illinois. He married Anne M. Murphy, and has four children: Hammond, Harry, Emma and Anna.

MR. MICHAEL PIATT, St. Louis, is a native of Butler county, Ohio. His education was obtained and his youth was spent in that state. He moved from Cincinnati, Ohio, in ixr>7. and at present resides at 3614 !N. Ninth street, St. Louis, Missouri. He was horse inspector for three and a half years during the war, at present is a veterinary surgeon, and, in fact, has been in the horse business all his life. He was married in 1S.°>7, to E. D. Kirk, and they have had eight children.

MK. .JOHN ANDREW, brother of Anna Belle (Andrew) Piatt, was a surgeon in the patriot army during the entire revolutionary war. He was married twice, and had a large family of children.

MR. .IAMKS ANDREW, the eldest of the family, married Catharine Piat.t. sister of .lames A. Piatt. She died June 27. 1X2X, and her husband March 21, 1851. They had eight children: the youngest, Anna Bella, died when a babe, and .John died September 2, 1S1!>. The rest, of the family are all living, and. with the exception of .Jacob P.. reside in La Porte. Indiana. .James is in his eiirht v-fourth vcar. Abraham P.

Andrew is in his eighty-second rear, is in "good health and active in mind and body." The 1st of October. ls,s2, was the fifty-third anniversary of his marriage to Viola .1. Armstrong, who is in her seventyseventh year. Lewis C. Andrew is in his seventy -fourth year, while William is seventy-two years old. Itachel married Sutton Van Pelt, who died not long ago. Jacob Piatt Andrew is in his seventy-ninth year, and has been a preacher of the Christian church for over sixty years. He graduated at the Cincinnati Medical College, and for over fifty years was a practicing physician. His eldest son, Lieut. A. C. Andrew, was killed in the Union army September 20, 1863. Hb youngest son, William H., died in his fifteenth year. His daughter, Phebe A. Clark, has several children.

DK. E. A. PYATT, of Bethany, Illinois, writes that his grandfather, named Joseph, was born in Coventry, England. His father, also named Joseph, was born in Bush county, North Carolina. Dr. Pyatt was born October 9, 1832, in North Carolina, and lived on a farm and went to school in the country up to the age of eighteen, when he entered Burnsville College, and remained two years. He studied medicine, and in 1856 began practicing the same in Sullivan county, Tennessee. Soon after ho graduated in the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He was surgeon in the late war three years, and at the close of the war married a lady of Abingdon, Washington county, Virginia. In 1868 he located at Bethany, Moultrie county, where he has been in active practice since.

Mrs. Ann Honselman, daughter of Catharine and John Piatt, was married in 1832, and in 1839 came to Piatt county. Of her children, William was born in 1834, James, in 1836 ; Abraham, in 1838 ; Caroline, in 1841, and Melissa, in 1843. She still resides in Monticello and is yet a characteristic pioneer woman. Let one who would like tocatch a glimpse of the early days step into her cabin, and she, in the midst of her pioneer surroundings, will delight to tell of the days that are no more. She has a kind heart, a good memory, and is always* pleased to take you back into the past, where she will find for you many a gem by the wayside.

Chas. O. Piatt, Decatur, Illinois, was born near Bellefontaine. Logan county, Ohio, August 16, 1847. His mother died when he was thirteen months old, and he then lived with his grandmother Piatt until he was thirteen years old. His father married again, and with his family moved to DeWitt county in 1854, where he still resides. In 1860 C. O. Piatt came from Ohio to his fathers farm, where he stayed until he was eighteen years old, since which time he has been making his own way. lie had gained a good common and high school education, and taught several terms of school in DeWitt county. He afterward went into the grain trade, which business he is still in, and is associated in the tirm W. L. Dumont & Co., of Decatur. Mr. Piatt was married March 7, 1871, to Flora C., granddaughter of Win. Clagg. They have had two children, one of whom died at the age of four years, and the other is still living. Mr. Piatt's name was John and his grandfather, also named John, moved from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to Ohio at an early day.