Piatt County, Illinois - M 0 Xtice Li/) to Wnsh 1 1, 1883 (part 1 of 3)

M 0 Xtice Li/) to Wnsh 1 1

FTYHE center of Piatt county .lies within Monticello township, which -J- may justly be called the principal township of the county, since it contains the; county seat, and has more inhabitants than any other in the county. In size it is one of the four smallest townships in the county. The distance across the township from west to east is eight miles, wink' from the northern boundary to the southern it is six miles; the entire township thus contains forty-eight square miles or 30,720 acres of land. On the north the township is bounded by Goose Creek and Sangamon townships ; a portion of Champaign county forms flu' eastern boundary ; while Bernent township bounds it on the south and Willow Branch on the west.

A ridge strikes the township in the southern-western or southern part, and runs diagonally to the northeast, thus making some of the land of the township slightly rolling. The drainage - except in the extreme southeastern part, where the sluggish waters of the Lake Fork stand a portion of the year - is very good. The entire western, northern and northeastern parts drain into the Sangamon river, which crosses the northwestern corner of the township. A generous belt of timber follows the course of this river, but the greater portion of the township is tine tillable prairie land. Some clay is found on the hills near the Sangamon river, but the greater portion of soil is a rich black loam, such as all farmers rejoice to see.

made in what is DOW Monticello township. The Ilaywortlis. Daggotts and Martins all located in the northwestern corner of this township, and others of the pioneers made settlements within its boundaries. Since the location of many of the first settlers of the township is alluded to elsewhere in the book, it is not necessary to mention the same in this connection.

Monticello township, in common with other portions of the county, was once a part of Macon county. After the formation of Piatt county it became a portion of one of the precincts of the new county, and it was not until 1860, when the township organization was introduced, that it became a township.

Two railroads, both of which arc now in possession of the W abash Railroad Company, pass through a portion of the township. The one originally known as the Champaign A: Decatur railroad, and which was first constructed, strikes the northern line of the township about two miles from the western boundary line, runs nearly south about two miles, making an abrupt bend within the city limits of Monticello, and then extends west nearly three miles to the western boundary line of the township. The other railroad, which was built under the name of the Chicago A: Paducah, passes almost directly north and south through the township, about two miles from the western boundary line. These roads intersect, at Monticello, where one depot serves the purposes of both roads.

In regard to the wagon roads of this township, as also we might say of all the townships, that in some places they are comparatively good, but. portions of the roads are in very poor condition. Some of the grades are all right but the bridges seem invariably out of order. Again, the bridges are all right, when the roads are not graded or drained as well as they might be, even with the proper materials at hand for doing so. What is the cause of all of this ( Can it be that the people of Piatt county do not take an interest in their roads? No, the trouble does not lie there, for certainly there is scarce a business person in the county who is not financially interested in the roads of the county. Of course all are interested in having good roads, but do they apply their interest in the best way for removing the obstacles in the way of the best possible roads for the least money and labor? AVhich would be the best for any set of roads - to have several "road bosses," with a number of men, ofttimes those who si-em to take no interest save to work out their taxes, and many times green hands at the work, and those who perhaps do not even live in the county, hut are taken by some fanner from the field to work out his tax ; or to employ one man who was to obtain a set of hands and keep the road in order for the season ? If one man had a road in charge, he, as well as everybody else, would know whose business it was to fill up a chuck-hole, to drain the water from a low place in the road before a great mud-hole resulted, or to mend a broken plank in a bridge. If he did his duty - and it would be very easy to get rid of him if he did not - we would not hear so many expressions as the following: "Why don't some one fix this grade?" "Why don't they scrape these roads?" etc. It is our opinion, as well as of them with whom we have talked, that such arrangement would vastly improve the condition of the roads, while, instead of being more expensive, it would really be money in the pockets of the people. What farmer can afford to wait until his summer work is done, and then work out his tax on the road, just in time for the fall rains to prevent the grades settling for the winter season ? Would it not have been better for him to take the money out of his pocket and pay his tax toward securing a man to do the work in proper season than to work out his tax at a wrong season, and then later in the year jostle over the side-boards of his wagon enough grain, wear out enough of his wagon, and lose enough time over bad roads, to more than pay for his tax? Let us have fewer men on the road, and see that they are under a good leader, and have the roads worked when they need it, not when most convenient to the people, and we feel convinced that the roads of the county will soon be in a vastly better condition than they now arc.

Improvements. - Outside of the city of Monticello, there are not very many improvements other than those formed by the putting of the farms into good shape. A mill on the Sangamon river has been of good service to the entire county. The original mill was owned by a stock company. Mr. Zorger probably bought the mill of the stockowners, and Mr. Collins bought of him, and built a part of the present mill building. Mr. Collins sold out to Emanuel Rhoades, who sold to Mr. Martin Mclntosh, the present owner. At present some ten or fifteen thousand bushels of grain are ground a year, and preparations are being made for more extensive work. For many years a saw mill has been in connection with the grist mill. In 1881 a new forty-five horse power engine from the Decatur Novelty works was put in the mill.

eluded that it was too far to go to Decatur for trading purposes, and they resolved to have a town of their.own. Abraham Marquiss. William Barnes, Major McReynolds and .James A. Piatt formed the committee which, after searching up and down both sides of the Sangamon river, decided that the present site of Monticello was the most appropriate place for the location of a village. This land was once owned by James A. Piatt, who sold part of his land. A joint stock company was formed by these men and a town was laid out on the site of a portion of the present city of Monticello. On July 1, 1837. the town of Monticello was recorded. It was platted by James A. Piatt, surveyed by Mr. McClelland, and named by Major Me Reynolds after the Jionie of Jefferson. Right here let us remark, that one would have to search long and well ere a prettier name for the town could be found.

On July 4, 1837, a grand barbecue was held. Beeves, hogs and sheep were roasted, and altogether there was a regular feast and jubilee. The prime object of the gathering was the sale of lots in the new town, and the result was the sale of some $2,700 worth of lots.

The original- plat of Monticello did .not include the II ay worth house, which is still standing north of the Wabash depot. So this first house in the county was not the first house in the original Monticello. However, as the limits of Monticello now extend far beyond this cabin, it is justly called the oldest house in the city. In about 183!> there were but four houses in the new town. The first house put up was a small storehouse, which stood on the present site of Dr. Noecker's drug store. This house was built about 1837 by Mr. Cass, who dealt in merchandise on a very small scale. In 1830 Mr. Nicholas Devore began the erection of the first dwelling house in Monticello as originally laid out. This building originally had four rooms, and was not completed for several years. Judge Rickets assisted in the building of the house and it existed for a number of years, bearing the name of '"old Fort," Jno. Tenbrooke built, on the site of Jno. Lowry's store, a log house in which he kept hotel, and which was the second dwelling house in the village. The third dwelling house was erected by James Outten just opposite the present jail. About this time, too, a Mr. Hull had a little blacksmith shop near where Mrs. Ann Honselman lives.

Such was the beginning of Monticello. It was not long, however, until more residences were erected, business buildings were put up and a number of other improvements were made. Daniel Stickel, in 1841," opened the first regular store in the town in a building just east of WJ

II. Reese's drug store; J. C. Johnson opened the first drug store and was the first regular postmaster. Dr. King was the first physician who settled in Monticello. The first lawyer of the town (we could not learn his name), after living here three or four months, started for California, but died on the way'. The first preaching in the town was at Mr. Outten's house, where a circuit-rider of the Methodist Episcopal church used to stop once a month. In 1843 and 1844 the Itev. Peter Cart wright held meetings in the old court-house. "Rev. Cartwright also conducted several camp-meetings in this county. Mr. Mosher conducted the first camp-meeting of the county in a grove a little southwest of the present Wabash depot. The first church in the town was

In 185t! quite a good deal of business was done in Monticello. In the "Monticello Times" of that date we find that T. Milligan and II. C. McComas advertised as attorneys-at-law ; N. G. Coffin, Xoecker A: Hull and T. Wheeler as physicians ; li. 13. Winchester as saddle and harness maker; Marbleston & Bro. as clothiers; .1. K. Duncan as tailor; Young cV Co. as furniture dealers; J. II. Hoi lings worth, O. Bailey, Piatt & Kerr, and Bruffett & Foster as dry-goods merchants ; J. C. Johnson & Bro. as druggists; Dunseth cV: Shroeder as bricklayers ; 1). Kelleher as boot and shoe merchant ; B. T. Meeks as hardware merchant ; David Cornpropst as grocer, and John Painter as butcher. Were we to go into details and mention each business firm in Monticello of to-day a great improvement would ^be seen in the amount of business done now and that done in 1856.

Under (yen. (i rant's second term the postoffice of Monticello was changed from a fourth to a third class office. Mr. Samuel Webster is the present able postmaster. His bond is $10,000. It seems to be the opinion of the people that Monticello could not have* a better postmaster than Mr. Webster has proved to be.

Monticc'Uo a City. - On the 10th of April. 1872, the president and trustees of Monticello met for the purpose of taking steps to change tinvillage government to that of a city.

At that time L. J. Bond was president; ("has. Watts, E. G. Knight, J. M. Holmes and Samuel Bender were trustees, and W. D. Shultz, clerk. The population of the town was reported to be 1,0»>0 souls, and the government was changed so as to comply with theTaw in regard

At the election of December IT, 1*72, Daniel Stickel was made the first mayor, and Win. T. Foster, B. B. Jones, E. G. Knight, J. A. Hill, John Keenan and James M. Holmes, alderman. Wm. D. Shultz was made clerk, A. T. Pipher, attorney, and J. T. Varigundy, treasurer. Daniel Stickel was mayor two terms. The term of C. P. Davis was finished out by S. II. Hubbell. Samuel Reed and Win. II. Plunk each held the office one term, and Mr. Bert Emerson is the present mayor. Wm. Shultz has been clerk most of the time since city government was enforced. There has been no saloon license since the organization under city government. At present the population of the city is about 1,800 persons.

Monticello was held back, and grew slowly, a number of years on account of having no railroads ; but since the building of the first railroad a steady and quite rapid improvement has been going on.

Monticello of to-day contains three churches : the Methodist, Presbyterian and German Methodist ; two school buildings and two hotels. The High school building is of brick and is in the south part of the city, while the frame building is in the northern part. The brick hotel is under good management and is near the public square. Joseph Mallory has recently become proprietor of the other hotel, and with his ability as landlord and with his wife's culinary skill, we may anticipate a first-class hotel. The first grain elevator in Monticello was erected in 1872, by Piatt, Hubbel & Co. Its capacity is about 15,000 bushels. In 1878 a grist mill was connected with the elevator, and both are now owned by E. A. Townly & Co. In 1876 Knight it Tinder erected an elevator on what was then the Chicago & Pacific railroad. Its capacity is 20,000 bushels. There are two lumberyards and two lively stables in the place. J. W. Race & Co. have three rooms on the east side of the public square, which are devoted to merchandising purposes. There are a number of other grocery, clothing and merchandising stores in the city, mention of which will be found elsewhere. The business center of the city is found in" the vicinity of the public square.

Rhodes block, on the northeast corner of the square, was built in 1874. It contains an opera hall 40x90 feet, which has a seating capacity for over 500 persons. The building is of brick and has three stories and a basement.

place. The brick block formed by the buildings occupied by Mr. Julius Brown, Mr. John Davison, Messrs. Bohn & Vangundy, and Mr. Dickerson, adds greatly to the appearance of the southwestern corner of the square. Another brick building is on the south side of the square, while the eastern side is also partly built up with brick buildings. While the people are very well satisfied with the appearance of the public square, yet all are waiting anxiously for the removal of some of the old one-story frame business houses and the erection of brick buildings in their stead. Monticello is improving rapidly now, and we hope to see this change soon.

Monticello has two cemetries, the old one which joins the west side of the city, and the new one which is situated over a mile north of Monticello. Not a city of its size in central Illinois can boast of nicer and neater residences than some in Monticello.

The Churches* - There was preaching in Piatt county a number of years before there was any organized church, and this preaching was done by ministers of various denominations. After a time there were some resident ministers in the county, among whom we can mention Mr. Welch and Mr. Harshbarger, of the Christian church.

In regard to the Methodist Episcopal churcTPof Monticello, we could not gain a great deal from the records. The first quarterly conference recorded is that of November 23, 1X43, with W. I). Trotter, presiding elder, and Addison God rid, pastor in charge.

The first Methodist Episcopal church building was begun when James C. Rucker was pastor in charge. A great revival meeting was held in 1X.">7, when about 400 joined the church by letter and on probation, ("amp Creek church was built about 1860, dedicated by - Granville Moody, of Ohio, and a subscription was raised to liquidate the debt. The war reduced the membership on the circuit very much.

In September, 1X6X, Monticello was constituted as a station, with a membership of 138, in two classes - four local preachers, one exhorter, K. W. Travis, presiding elder, and Ira Emerson, pastor in charge. During 1868-70 the new Methodist church was begun. We have been informed that Mr. B. F. Harris, of Champaign, nominally donated the lot to the church. The building is of brick, and was dedicated to church purposes December 17, 1870, by the Rev. II. Buck. This church has been existing a number of years under a load of debt amounting to over $3,000. Owing to the undiminished labors of G. S. Alexander, who has recently left his field of labors in Monticello, this debt has been lifted.

.V/v/V'/i of fin' Presbyterian Church of Monticello* as reported />;/ Rev. Onnxby. - The Presbyterian church of Monticello was organized °JL Saturday, October 27, 1842, by Rev. Joseph Adams, then preaching to the church of Ashmore, Coles county. But previous to that time there had been occasional Presbyterian preaching, and Rev. William Ilutchinson, a Cumberland Presltyterian of Champaign county, Imd preached statedly as often as once a month for perhaps a year. So far as I have been able to ascertain, lie was the first Presbyterian minister to preach in Monticello. Mr. Adams was appointed a committee to organize the church, by Palestine presbytery, ( )ld School. It consisted, at the organization, of the following ten members, all of them uniting by letter from other places, namely: James Huston, Sarah Huston, Mary Neyhart, Archibald Moftitt, Samuel Moftitt, James J. Patterson. Anna Patterson, Elizabeth Young. Hugh O'Neal and Mary O'Neal.

At an election held the same day. James Huston and Archibald Mofh'tt were chosen ruling elders. The church remained, however, without regular services for about a year, when, in December, 1S.">1, liev. It. H. Lilly, of Champaign, was engaged to preach half his time for one year. He may have continued longer. The church was then destitute for several years, and became very much reduced by deaths and removals, losing both its elders by death. However, a committee of Palestine presbytery again visited it, and on October 31, 1857. received five additional members, and took measures tor its reorgani-

He remained some six years, preaching part of his time in Monticello, and the rest in neighboring school-houses, especially the Morain schoolhouse, and another near what is now I)e Land, where there was at that time a small Presbyterian organization, since disbanded. Mr. Huston is well entitled to be considered as the real founder of the church, and endured toils and self-denials for it such as few other men would have done. Some time in the summer of 18H5 he removed to southern Illinois, and is now supplying the churches of Goshen and Princeton. Missouri.

In the fall the services of Rev. T. P. Emerson were obtained part of his time for one or two years. He was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Dinsmore, of Louisville presbytery, who was so much of an invalid that he wa« employed to preach only so much as "his state of health might enable him." Early in 1869 the services of Rev. S. A. Hummer were obtained, who continued in charge about three years. During the last year of his Rtay with the church, 1.S71, its house of worship was built. Previously the public services had been held in the court-house, and part of the time in the old Methodist Episcopal church. The house is of wood, on a brick foundation, having a pleasant audience room of 35x60 feet, and a tower and belfry in front. It was built under the supervision of J. M. Combs, architect, and cost about $4,000. It was paid for by subscriptions of money and work given in the community, and a grant of $700 from the Board of Church Erection. The ladies' aid society of the church purchased its furniture - stoves, chandeliers, chairs, carpets, etc. - and paid for the frescoing. It seats comfortably about 300, and has a bell weighing one thousand pounds.

After Mr. Hummer left, the church remained unsupplied for about a year, when Rev. William R. (rlen became its pastor, and continued in that relation two years, the only regularly installed pastor the church has ever had. After his removal it had only occasional and transient supplies until July 1, 187(>, when Rev. A. l<\ Ashley took charge of it. Under his ministries, in the following January, occurred the most considerable revival it has ever enjoyed in all its history. As the fruits of that revival twenty -one stood up together at the February communion to profess their faith in Christ, ranging from the grey-haired man of seventy to the child often. Several others were received later. Mr. Ashley remained in charge some three years, after which he labored a short time in neighboring churches, and in the spring of isso removed to Ishpeming. Michigan, where lie is at present.

Owing to its frequent destitutions of preaching, the many changes that have taken place in the community, and other causes, the church has had but a slow growth. Out of nearly 200 members, first and last connected with it, it has only eighty remaining at present. But the last ten years, since the building of its house, it has been making constant progress, and has promising prospects for the future.

Fraternal Lodge, No. 58, A. F. and A. M. - The charter of Fraternal Lodge, No. 48, is dated October 4, 1848, and is consequently among the older charters in the state. It is signed by William Lanely, the then Grand Master of Masons of the State of Illinois, and also by E. R. Roe, D.G.M., J. C. Ketcham, G.S. W., Win. C. Hobbs, G.J.W., and Wm. Mitchel, G. Sec. The charter members were Peter K. Hull, Master; Win. Laforge, S.W.; R. Carlyle, J.W.; also Patterson, WTm. Marquiss, John P. Tenbrook and J. C. Johnson, first meeting of the lodge was, however, held under dispensation the night of the 1st Monday in March, 1848." At this meeting what were afterward charter members were present, and in addition thereto we find the name of Samuel Bender on record. At this meeting the petition of Robert O. Parantea, of Logan county, was received and referred to a committee. At a regular communication held May 1, 1848, the lodge did its first work, the degree of E.A. being at that time conferred upon Allen Sadorus, George Matsler, G. W. Fisher and Henry Zorger. *The regular communications of the lodge are held on the evening of Saturday of each month coming on or before the full of the moon. The meetings are held in the hall owned by the lodge, comprising the third floor of the brick block northwest of the public square in Monticello. At the present time the lodge consists of eighty-one members. The officers' names are as follows : Joseph E. Evans, W.M. ; Henry W. Keyes, S.W. ; Samuel Cole, J.W. ; W. J. Britton, Treas. ; J. A. Hill, Sec. ; G. A. Burgess, S.D. ; Joshua Tatman, J.D. ; Henry Sackriter, Jr., S.S. ; William Baldwin, J.S. ; Wm. Worsley, Tyler; J. H. Carper, Marshal.

Markwdl Cliapttt'. No. $>', R- A. M. - Markwell Chapter was orgaiii/A-d January :>.">, 1S.VJ, under a dispensation granted N. I). Elwood, Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois, by Companion Levi Lusk, acting as high priest. At this meeting the chapter conferred the degree of Mark Master on Charles Watts, it being their first work. The returns to the grand

" Fraternal JSncampment. - The Fraternal Encampment, No. 145, ^JJ^O.F., was organized July i), 1873. The charter members were Joseph T. Yan Gundy, Wm. E. Smith, James Honselman, Louis Katz, John Kousho, Henry Sackriter and James C. Harrington. The following presiding officers were installed when instituted : Jos. T. Van Gundy, C.P.; Louis Katz, H.P. ; Jas. C. Harrington, S.W.; Jas.

~~ Sdah Lodge. - The Selah Lodge, Xo. 401-3, I.O.O.F., was organized August 2<>, 186!*. The following are the names of the charter Numbers : Alon/o T. Pipher, James C. Harrington, Wm. 1). Shultz, Michael Hazzard, Jacob McClain, Pierre Halm. The following presiding officers were installed at time of organization: Alonz<> T. Pipher, KG.; James (\ Harrington, V. G.; Win, D. Shultz, Eec. Sec.; Michael Ilazzard, Treas. The presiding officers installed in July, 1882, are Geo. R. Baldwin, KG. ; Francis A. Tate, V.G. ; E. II. Ormsby, Rec. Sec.; F. G. Stevens, Per. Sec.; Christian WengenrotJi, Treas. The membership is fifty-two. The lodge meets on Tuesday evening of each week in their hall over J. A. Brown's hardware store, on the west side of the square. Monticello, Illinois.

'This association was organized in 1873 with a capital of $100,000 ^divided into 1,000 shares of £100 each. The original stock was held by 1H9 different persons, who took from one to twenty shares each, on which they paid at the rate of fifty cents a month for each share held, respectively. The money arising from these payments, together with the interest accumulating on the same, was loaned and re-loaned to the members of the association. It was the design that everything paid to the association in the way of fees should be applied to advancing the value of the stock until it should arrive'at par value, at which time the association would go into liquidation, and the mortgages executed by the borrowing members would be offset and canceled by their stock. The association flourished until the hard times came on, when it was thought advisable by the board of directors to wind iij) the affairs as soon as possible, which has accordingly been done, excepting as to a few matters that are in litigation in the supreme court, in one of which, being the Smythe case, the constitutionality of the law under which such associations are organized has been attached. This case was once decided adverselv to the association, but a re-hearing \vas granted. These associations have been successful in other states, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and are claimed to be very beneficial to communities. There have been no losses by the stockholders in Monticello, and probably some money will be made. At present there are twelve stockholders.

Chaptkk Xii Biographical Sketch Ks

MR. THOMAS ATER was born in Loudoun county. Virginia, in 1795. When but seven years old his father's family emigrated to Pickaway county, Ohio. After reaching the Ohio river they went down the stream in a "bitter-head" boat, and while on this voyage young Thomas came near losing his life ; he fell overboard, and the folks had given him up just as his head appeared above the surface of the water, when an older brother seized him by the hair and dragged him into the boat. When seventeen years of age Thomas took the place of a brother who had been drafted in the war of 1812, and served throughout the entire war. He was under Gen. Harrison at Tippecanoe, and for his services in the war received a land warrant for 160 acres of land, but never received any benefit from the warrant. His wife, though, through the efforts of their son Edward, made use of the warrant after Mr. Ater's death. Mr. Thomas Ater, and Elizabeth Brown, who was born in Delaware iii 1795, were united in marriage in l!Sl'->. Of their five children, who were boi*n in Ohio, Edward was born in 1X15; Solomon, in 1S17; Willis, in 1819; Celia. in 18iM ; and -lohn, in 182?>. On October 11, 1827, Mr. Ater, with his family, started for Illinois. They readied Vermilion county the same month, and camped out until a homestead was procured. After living in Vermilion county eleven years, the entire family moved to what is now Piatt county, and settled near the Willow Branch. Mr. Ater died in 1S52, and was buried near his last home. His faithful wife survived him many years, but died in 1877, and was buried beside her husband. A gentleman who was a resident of the county when Mr. Ater lived here, savs of him : "' lie was a tall, well-made man.

MB. EDWARD ATKR was born in 1815 in Pickaway county, Ohio. When about twelve years old he moved with his parents to Vermilion county, Illinois. In 1838 he came to Piatt county to close up" a contract for land, which his father had made. Upon reaching the county Edward expected to spend the first night at Mr. Clover's, but upon arriving there found the family all sick with the ague. He next went to Mr. Reber's, to find the same disease in the household. At Mr. "West's he also found all sick, and when he reached the Piatt cabin Mr. Piatt had the typhoid fever, but a night's lodging was secured. This incident serves as but an illustration of what the early settlers suffered from the then prevalent malarial diseases. When Mr. Ater's family moved into Willow Branch township the following persons were residing there : Emanuel Clover, Washington Zinii, John Sea, Thomas Henderson, John West, .James Reber, William Pratt, John Moore, Mr. Shunian, Mr. Widich and Mr. Dillow. Mr. Edward Ater gfid Lydia Greene were married in 1837. They had four children, two of whom were girls and died quite young. William Ater served four years in the late war, and died at thirty-six years of age, when on his way home from Missouri. Frank still lives in Piatt county. Mrs. Lydia Ater died in 1857, and Mr. Ater took as his second wife Margaret Cramer, of Ladoga, Indiana. Mr. Ater taught the first school in Willow Branch township, and was the second sheriff of the county, serving four years, and never drew any fee for his services. In 184:6 he moved to Urban a, and while there served as county judge four years, and was also Mayor of Urbana four years. In 1871 he moved back to Monticello, and has since resided here. Mr. Ater is the only one of his father's family now living.

MR. FRANK ADKINS, farmer, Monticello, is a native of Ohio, and has been in Piatt county for many years. He was married to Mrs. H. Harris nee Nancy Jones in 1860. She is a native of Kentucky, her parents were of English and Irish descent. Mrs. Adkins married her first husband, Chas. W. Harris, a native of Virginia, and they moved to this county in the summer of 184-4. He died of lung fever in 1858. They had four children: Martha P., who is the wife of L. W. Patterson, lives in Manhattan, Kansas, where they have lived for nearly eight years; William T. is a druggist, lives in Solomon, Kansas, and married Miss Hannah Rodgers ; Fannie is the wife of Martin Foglesong, and has four children, Eloise, Charlie, Daisy and Frank; they live in Champaign ; Edward lives on the home place, married Jane Perse 1, and has three children, Grace, Nannie and Charles. Nannie C. and her husband live on their farm near Abilene, Kansas. I>. F. is at home.

REV. GKORUK S. ALEXANDER was born July 10, 1832, in Cumberland, Rhode Island. His youth was spent on a farm, and in a woolen factory, and his education was obtained in Rhode Island. He was married first on Cape Cod, March 11, 1856; again at Philo, Illinois, September 20, 1877, and has six children. Mr. Alexander has been a Methodist minister for number of years, arid the last three years have been spent in doing most excellent work in the Monticello Methodist church. A short time ago he removed to Nebraska, where he is pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of Syracuse, and editor of the Syracuse Journal, a weekly republican paper. Mrs. Alexander and Mr. Arthur Alexander gained quite a reputation as artists in the vicinity of Monticello, where they had a painting class during their stay here.

MR. SAMUEL ALLERTON, of Chicago, is the largest land-holder of Piatt county. He owns 7,100 acres of land, most of which he has improved. Three houses have been erected on the land, a cut of one of which appears in this book. Mr. Allerton is quite an advocate of tiling, having had some fifteen miles of the same put in in 1882. In attempting to have an artesian well at Allerton Station, a well 286 feet deep was bored, which is the deepest well in the county. Some seven hundred head of cattle are fattened and. sold each year from Mr. Allerton's farms. Mr. Allerton has traveled a great deal and his verdict is that nowhere in the old or new world has he found agricultural land surpassing that of Piatt county.

Mit. JOHN AUNDT is of German descent and is u native of Pennsylvania. He moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and thence to Illinois. His father and mother came with him and lived in this county until their death, which occurred in 1807 and about 1865 respectively. After coming to this county Mr. Arndt married Mrs. Fannie Boyer. Her first husband, Mr. William Boyer, died leaving two children, George, who is now married and living in Champaign county, and Alice, who married Mr. A. Lord and lives in Sangamon township. They have four children, Frank, Fannie, Willie, and a babe. Mrs. Arndt died about 1803. leaving one child, Hattie. who still makes her home with her father. Part of her time, however, is spent in school teaching. Mr. Arndt was married the second time in 1867, to Mrs. Eliza Miller nee Eliza J. Graham. She was a native of Kentucky, and was married in that state in 1852, to Mr. James Miller, a school teacher. They moved to Monticello, Illinois, in 1852, and after one year's residence there moved to Mr. George Hover's place near Centerville, where they lived until Mr. Miller was elected county clerk, when they moved to Monticello and lived till Mr. Miller's death in 1859. Mr. Wilson Cox finished out Mr. Miller's unexpired term as county clerk. Mr. Miller taught school several terms after coming to the county. He taught one term in the first school-house in Monticello. Two of Mr. Miller's children are now living. William A. Miller was married in May, 1881, to Ella Norris. He has taught quite a number of schools in this county, but at present is in a clothing store in Monticello. Miss Adeline is unmarried and lives at home.

Ireland is MK. JAMKS ALLMAN'S native1 country. When but fifteen years old he moved from the southwestern part of the county of Kerry and landed in Piatt county in 1854. The sailing vessel in which they came over was wrecked near Nantucket Island. It struck some rocks and got fast on a sand-bar. No lives were lost but all the merchandise was unloaded. Two tugs succeeded in pulling the vessel into safe waters again. For eight and a half days the crew were apportioned one and a half pints of waterfor both drinking and cooking purposes. Two of Mr. Allman's brothers were already in America. Patrick was educated for a priest in Dublin, Ireland. lie died in Piatt county without fulfilling the mission for which he was educated. John Allman was married, in Ireland, to llonora Cronan. After her death John went west and is supposed to be dead. His daughter, Mary, is keeping house for Mr. Edward Allman, who came to America at the time Mr. James Allman did, and who now lives on a fine farm in Monticello township. Mr. Allman's sister, Catharine, married Mr. Amos Stout, a farmer in I>ement township. They have four children. For three years after coming to Piatt county Mr. James Allman worked on Mr. Calefs place; then for four or five years he worked for Mr. John Piatt. lie soon bought 240 acres of land of Mr. James Bryden. To this amount of land he next added 360 acres which he bought of Mr. James Johnson. I le also bought land of Mr. M. T. Scott, and some railroad land. lie bought a portion of the farm he now lives on of Mr. (ieorge Campbell. In 1877 Mr. Allman married Miss Anna McSheffry. a native of Pennsylvania, but who at that time was a resident of Champaign county. She graduated at St. Mary's, Indiana, after an attendance of six years. They have had three children : Mary, Agnes C. and Margaret. Mr. James Allman is an example of what can be done by perseverance and hard work.

Mi;. WILLIAM ANDKKSO.V, fanner. Monticello, is ;i native of Ohio. In <1 850 he moved to Illinois and has lived in the county ever since, lie was married in 1X54, to .lane Brady, and has had sixteen children, thirteen of whom are living. Joseph is now in Kansas. Charlotte is the wife of Mr. Perry Dewees, of Goose Creek township. The names of the other children are Alice, Melissa, George, Henry, Samuel, Martin, Delilah, Peter. William, Sarah and Ollie. Mr. Anderson went to the army, from Piatt county, in QJL A, 107th 111. reg., and remained ten months ; most of this time was spent in the hospital. He was on duty but a short time and never shot off a gun. He stood guard with one once which was tilled with mud.

MR. It. T. AYKK, of the firm of It. T. Ayre A: 1 5 ro., butcher, Monticello. is a native of England. He came to America when eight years old and located in Illinois, coming to Piatt county in 1873. At that time he located in Monticello, where he owns a residence, a business house and three acres of ground. He was married in July. 1870, to Delia Hay, and has had six children: Charles ()., John ('., Annie, Lizzie. Richard and Golde.

MK. JOHN V. AYUK, of the firm It. T. Ayre & Bro., came in November 1878, to Monticello. He was married October 8, 1871, to Bettie Ogden. and has one son, .Jonas.

MK. AY 1 1. MAM BAKXKS (deceased) was born in 1792, and in 1813 married Sarah Marquiss, who was born in 1794. In 1833 they, with their family, moved to Piatt county from Ohio, and lived through the first winter in a little cabin near Monticello. During the winter Mr. Barnes built a cabin northwest of Monticello, on the place where Mr. Woolington now lives, and in the spring of 1834 the family moved onto this farm. Of their children only two are now living in this county. Abraham died at the age of two years. Henry was born in ixio, and in 1840 married Sarah Ann Norris. They had six children, two of whom are now living. William Harrison (or ''Tip"") was married about 1878, to Catharine Hoover and now lives in Monticello. Ann married Hiram Smock. Susan Barnes, who was born in 1817, married Nicholas Devore (see account of Mr. Woolington). Elizabeth married Mayhew Stewart in 1837. They lived in \Yillo\v Branch township for a time and then moved to Sangamoii township. Mr. Stewart died then- and his widow afterward married Solomon Osburn. She died in the same neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart had four children, two of whom died when young. Sarah married Frank Brady and moved to Kansas, where she died, leaving two children. Levi Stewart was in Jacksonville when last heard from. Sarah Louisa was born in 1820. She was married to Samuel Morain while he held the office of sheriff. After his term of office ended they moved to what is now the poor farm. Their next move was to Monticello, where Mr. Morain engaged in the mercantile business. After Mr. Morain's death Mrs. Morain lived for several years on Goose Creek,, and then moved to Monticello, where she and her one living child, Eva R., now reside. Johri-^Earquiss Barnes married Nancy Winsted. He now lives in Neosho county, Kansas, and has three children living. William Mills Barnes married Ellen Tulley, who died leaving fivechildren. He is now living in Kansas. Caroline Barnes married M. P. Winsted and is living in Barton county, Missouri. They have three children, all married. Jemima Barnes died at the age of eighteen.

MR. JOHX BARNES (deceased) was born July 1, 1823, in Ohio. He came to Piatt county in 1833, and on October 15, 1846, was united in marriage to Martha M.. Philippe, who was born January 12, 1828. Seven of their eight children are still living. Hannah R. married Mr. John W. Fitzwater December 19, 186T, and one of their three children, Emma M., is living. Mr. Fitzwater died March 19, 1873. Mary E. was married in September, 1882, to Mr. C. F. Chamberlain. Ellen married James Fitzwater February 25, 1873. George A. Barnes married Sadie A. Hiatt July 4, 1877. They have had two children, Alta J. and Maud M.. who died recently. Joseph L. Barnes is now in the railroad office at Mansfield. John G. Barnes is a member of the class of '83 in the Monticello High School. Etta is also in school. We subjoin the following from Mr. Barnes' obituary: uDied, February 4, 1871, at his residence near Centerville, Mr. John Barnes, aged forty -eight years. He emigrated to this state when the country was new and sparsely settled. Hence, during his residence here, he became identified with the growing interests of the country, more especially with his immediate locality. Having a progressive spirit, he took an active interest in all measures that pertained to the welfare of the community, and in this particular his counsel was often obtained. As a citizen he was peaceable, and sought to allay all disturbing elements that threatened peace and harmony.- Quiet and unostentatious in his movements, never seeking to make a display, or to gain a conspicuous elevation, and somewhat distrustful of his own powers ; yet when the right had to be maintained in opposition to error, he never faltered for a moment, but perse veringly pursued the path of duty. In his commercial relations he was prompted by the principles of moral uprightness and integrity of purpose. Among all with whom he mingled he was distinguished by honesty and truthfulness. Pie was an instance of God's noblest work, 'an honest man.' He cultivated moral sentiment and was a regular attendant at church and the Sabbath school. Being a man of musical talent he invariably conducted the singing. He took an interest in inviting ministers to his neighborhood, and his home was often their abode during their transient visits. By his persevering industry he amassed considerable wealth, arid was liberal with his means. The various objects of charity and the general enterprises of Christianity were fully met. He was kind and indulgent to his family, and sought to render the home circle desirable and happy. He had recently built a handsome brick residence, and everything that contributed to make home a loved retreat flowed in uninterrupted harmony. The surroundings were pleasant and highly attractive. To all appearances he had reached the summit of earthly ambitions. But in the midst of this tide of social prosperity he was suddenly called to cross 'death's shadowy valley.' His sickness was of short duration, during which time he gave the future some consideration. When asked by a friend in regard to his preparation for death, he answered : 'That is all settled ; my mind is perfectly clear.' His funeral was attended by the largest assemblage convened here on a like occasion. Mind possesses the mysterious power of assimulation, and may the surviving emulate his virtues, revere his memory, and cherish his rich legacy of an unsullied character.

MR. SAMUEL BENDER, merchant, Monticello, is a native of Ohio, who came to Piatt county, Illinois, in 1842. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Bender, with their family, settled in Monticello at this time and lived for awhile in the Piatt cabin. But two of their five child renr Samuel and Jerry, are now living. Henry Bender, who married Mary Ann Barnes, died leaving one son, John Bender, now living in Goose Creek township. Harriet, who first married James Campbell and then A. J. Wiley, is now dead. Ann, who married James Jacobs, is also dead. Mr. Samuel Bender owns several hundred acres of land in Goose Creek township, which he has improved himself, and a business residence and five lots in Monticello. He married Elizabeth Marquiss in 1846. She died in six years, leaving one daughter, Effie, who died January 10, 1869, being stricken down in the very bloom of her young womanhood. In 1853 Mr. Bender was united in marriage to Rebecca Rea, who died in California in 1877, leaving six children. Of these, Ida is the wife of L. M. Taylor, of Monticello, and has two children, Roy and Ethyl ; Bertie is the wife of J. J. Hobson, of California, and has two children. The names of the other children are Will, Dick, Louise B. and S. R. In July, 1882, Mr. Bender and Inez Jamison were united in marriage. Within the last decade Mr. Bender has been to California several times, having lived there in all seven years.

MR. JERRY BENDER, merchant, Monticello, came to this county from Ohio, his native state, in 1842, and has resided here ever since, having been in business at Monticello for at least twenty-four years. He owns his present store building, a residence, and over one block in Monticello. Mr. Bender was married about 1860, to Miss M. J. Moffitt, who died in June, 1872, leaving two children - Charles, now in Idaho, and Annie, who is in Colorado.

Mr. L. J. BOND, Monticello, is a native of West Virginia, from which state he mo\ed to Indiana in 1849. He remained in that state at Wabash and Lafayette until 1854, when he came to Piatt county, and in 1856 located in Monticello, where he still resides, owning 44 acres of land just outside of the city limits, and one of the most attractive residences of the vicinity. He was married October 25, 1849, to Margaret V. Bond, and has had eleven children, six of whom are now living. Lona is the wife of Mr. P. Keenan, of Monticello. Oswick is quite a musician, and. has traveled a good deal over the United States. Bert, Ada, Lena and Louis are at home. Alice died at the age of fourteen. Mr. Bond was supervisor of Monticello township ten or twelve years, has held several local offices, was circuit clerk two terms, and was a member of the legislature one term. He belongs to the Masonic lodge, blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery, of Decatur. At present Mr. Bond is connected with railroad business, and, though he is from home a great deal, we count him one of our most earnest and worthy citizens.

Mr. JOHN BRITTON (deceased) was a native of Pennsylvania. He married Miss Jane Graham, a native of Ohio, and for ten years, until 1846, made that state his home. They then moved near Monticello, Illinois, on a farm, where they remained until the death of Mr. Britton in 1856. Two children survived him. Wm. J. Britton married Miss Laura Dyer and at present is living in Monticello. They have had four children, two of whom, J^ellie and Willie, are living. Johnny, the eldest of the family, showed remarkable artistic and mechanical talent for one so young. Mr. Britton has been road commissioner of Monticello township for nine years. He is school director at present, and reports the Monticello schools in a good condition, financially. Mr. Britton is a member of the Masonic lodge 58, A. F. and A. M., Markwell chapter 48, R. A. M., Monticello council No. 48, and the Urbana commandery No. 16. Miss Ella Britton married Dr. Noecker, a resident physician of Monticello. Mrs. Britton remained a widow until December, 1879, when she married Mr. David P. Bunn, a Universalist minister of Decatur, Illinois. He has been a resident of that city for a number of years. He used to preach quite frequently in this county, and from the time Mr. Britton first settled near Monticello, made his home a stopping place.

Mr. JOHN A. BETTTENHAM (deceased) was born in Ross county, Ohio. His mother was a native of Maryland. Both parents remained in Ohio until their death. Mr. Brittenham received a common education in Ohio and came to Illinois about 1839 or 1840. He settled near Naples, and while there he entered the Illinois conference and began preaching on the Pontiac .circuit. His second circuit included Monticello. During this second appointment he was married, in 1840, -to Miss Martha Harshbarger, of Pittsburg, Indiana. After his marriage he traveled on various circuits, including that of McLean and Carlinville, but finally in 1851 located in Monticello, Illinois. While located here he dealt in real estate for a time. He built some fifteen or twenty houses in the town. After dealing for a time in real estate he farmed awhile and then went into merchandise. He had just gone out of this business at the time of his -death, May 28, 1872. His death was quite sudden. In the morning of May 28, he had been preparing some horse medicine. Just a little while before he died he went into the kitchen at his home and asked for his sons, remarking that lie thought he was going to die. In spite of all efforts to save him, he died in a very short time. Mr. Brittenham belonged to the I.O.O.F. lodge, and was an honored and respected citizen. His first wife died in 1857. Two of her children are still living. Chas. K. Brittenham is married, has one child, and is a merchant at or near Pontiac. Win. R. married Ellen Emig in 1880. They have one child. Wrn. li. Brittenham Is living in Monticello and farming. Mr. John Brittenham, the principal subject of this sketch, was married in 1858 to Sarah J. Funk, of Heyworth, McLean county, Illinois. She is still living and at present resides in the same house in Monticello in which she went to housekeeping. She has four children living, John Richard and Thomas L., who are both farming, and Allen O. and Sarah J., who are both at home. His sister, Mrs. Howes, in speaking of Mr. Brittenham, says that he was always of a religious turn of mind and united with the church when about seventeen years old. He was made class-leader in Ohio when eighteen years old, began his work as a local preacher in Illinois about 1 839, and in 1 S43 joined the Illinois conference.

MR. REUBEN BOWMAN'S life began July 4, 1806, in Pennsylvania, in which state he remained until he was ten years of age. His parents, Peter and Christina (Fagley) Bowman, died in Ohio, the one near seventy years of age and the other eighty-eight years old. They had a family of fourteen children, of which Reuben is the youngest and the only one living. Some of the children lived to be ninety years old. His father was in the revolutionary war and three of his brothers were in the war of 1812. He started to the Mexican war, but returned. When the late war began, he went out for over a year, until he was crippled by the falling of his horse. After leaving the army he lost the use of one of his eyes. Major Bowman had three sons and almost a whole company of nephews in the rebellion. Mr. Bowman was married in 1832, to Miss Sarah Bradley, who died in 1874. Their daughter, Samantha, died after her marriage to John Albert. One of their children is now married and living in Champaign county. Julia Bowman married Mr. G. M. Bmffitt and lives in Mansfield. They have three children. Harriet was married to Mr. David Robinson. They have no children. Mary Bowman is still living at home, while George is also at Monticello. Both of his wives are dead. Two of his children are living. John Bowman is married, has four children, and is living in Bates county, Missouri. Milton Bowman died in Piatt county in 1876, while his brother, James K. P., died in Missouri. Harrison Bowman is married, has several children, and is living in Shelby county. Major Reuben Bowman has lately received a pension, and, with at least a portion of this, has purchased property just south of the fair grounds. During the summer of 1881 he put up quite a nice frame residence on the place. The major doubtless expects to take comfort in his old days.

MR. JAMES BROWN (deceased) came from Virginia to Piatt county November IB, 1857, and bought a farm on Goose Creek of Dr. Hull. He lived on the farm at the time of his death, October 22, 1878. lie was married in 1844. to Margaret A. Hull, a graduate of the Kalorama

Biographical Sketches

Seminary in Stanton, Virginia. Several of their children were born in Virginia. Belle was married September 1, 1869, to James A. Shepherd and has one child. Bettie was married July 3, 1873, to Joseph M. Woolington and has three children. Emma is the wife of Mr. Joseph H. Ran kin. Mollie was married November 30, 1880, to Robert Hays. J. Hull Brown was a promising young man who attended school at Lebanon and at Ann Arbor. He taught school for several years in the county. He died January 21, 1879. Lucy was married February 8, 1876, to Rufus C. Gordon. Ada E. was married March 14, 1878, to Ellis Reed. Floyd F., Clara M. and Olive F. are still at home with Mrs. Brown, who now lives in Monticello.

MK. JEREMIAH BAKER, farmer and stock-raiser, Monticello, is a native of Pickaway county, Ohio. His parents were natives of Ohio, and died there. He came directly from Ohio to Piatt county in 1843. He immediately entered 700 acres of land, one mile north of Milmine. David Kuns now lives on the place. Mr. Baker improved 400 acres, besides two other farms ; 400 acres where Jesse Yoakum lives, two hundred of which was bought of Gov. Oglesby, and one which he sold to Samuel Allerton. His nearest neighbors were three miles distant. In 1854 Mr. Baker lodged part of the surve} ors of the Wabash road. Deer were quite plenty then, and even after he had been there a year, one morning he counted sixteen walking off his wheat. He moved from where Mr. Kuns lives to where Jesse Yoakum lives, and reremained there during the war ; then bought the Suver farm, now owned by Mr. Allerton. He traded that for property in Decatur, and moved there for two years, when he came to Monticello, and has recently built a nice house on one of the most desirable lots in town. Mr. Baker is a member of the Masonic lodge of Decatur. Mrs. Baker nee Jane Ater was born in Ross county, Ohio. Her parents were natives of that state and she was the eldest of ten children. Mr. Bakers father was in the war of 1812, and the Black Hawk war. While in the war of 1812, was taken sick and brought home in a litter carried by two horses. He never did a day's work afterward, and though he had a pension offered him, would not accept it, some $4,000 coming to him.

MR. HARRISON BARTLEY. a farmer in Monticello township, began his worldly career in 1808, in the State of Ohio. He is of German descent and his parents were from Virginia. He was married in 1835, to Elizabeth Newhouse, who was born in 1816, in Pickaway county, her husband's native county. Her father was a private in the war of

1812. (Mr. and Mrs. Bartley lived in Pickaway county until 1868^ when they moved to Piatt county, Illinois. They have six- children living and three dead. Edward Bartley married Sarah Fry and is a farmer in Sangamon township. They have six children living : Lucy, Elmer, Clinton, John, Will and Claude. JSarah Bartley married John Hildinger. At the time of his death, they, with their two children, Delia and William, were living at Deeatur. Mrs. Hildinger married Mr. R. Williams, and is now living in Monticello township. They have three children : Winnie, Olive, and Maud. Mr. Williams had been married before and had one child, Harry. Catharine Bartley married Mr. Jacob McLain, and with her two children, William and Ella May, lives in Monticello township. Louis Bartley married Miss A. Coon, and they, with their children, Charles and Fan? nie, live in Sangamon township. Nelson Bartley married .Emma Coon and lives in Monticello township. They have two children, Nellie Myrtle and a babe. Lemuel Bartley is a farmer in Ohio, while his brother Reuben is a farmer at home. Two of Mr. Hartley's family who died reached the age of maturity. Ella married Abraham Long and at her death left four children. William was twenty-four yeara old when he died. Benjamin died in Ohio.

MR. ALEXANDER GEORGE BOYER, Monticello, was born in Ohio, August 5, 1825. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. His father kept hotel in Ohio. His mother's death occurred in January^ 1875. Mr. A. G. Boyer was married in this county in 1849, to Hannali Duckett, of Butler county, Ohio. They had eight children: Lenora, who died when a babe ; Olive, who is at home ; Frank, dead ; James, living at home ; Dolly, Marti ia and Douglas are dead ; and Berta, who is at home. Mr. Boyer attended business and law college in Chicago, previous to his marriage, and taught school several terms in this county. At one time he lived on a farm. He belonged to the Masonic lodge of Monticello, and died April 11, lsi;s.

Mu. WILLIAM BAKI.OW. carpenter. Monticello. is a native of Vermont, from which state lie moved to New York. From there lie moved to Ohio, and in 1854 came to Monticello. He \vas married in 1S42, to Marietta Stecley. They have four children living in the county. Eli/a, who married Mr. Norforth. lives in Monticello. and has two children. Frank, Cyrus and Ada are at home.

ME. JONATHAN BKTTS is a native of Ross county, Ohio, lie camo with teams from Pickaway count}7, Ohio, to Piatt county, in 1856. After coming to this place, he first worked on a farm for Mr. William

H. Piatt, and has followed farming most of the time since. He was in the late war from 1862 to June 1865. He went in Co. F, 2d 111. Cav., and was in the battles of Hollow Springs, Mississippi, and Sabiiie Cross Roads. He was wounded in the hand and face, but was never taken prisoner.

DR. EDWARD BLACKSHAW, dentist, is a native of Staffordshire, England, and came to America about 1 852, and was in Wisconsin until 1858, when he moved to Urbana, which has since been his home. He obtained his dental education at Fond clu Lac, Wisconsin, with Dr. J. R. Cole, has followed this business while in Urbana, and since 1862 has made professional visits monthly to Monticello. At present, and for some time since, these visits have been made the first Monday and Tuesday of each month. For a time he was with Dr. Coleman, but of late years, and in general, has been with Dr. Noecker. Dr. Blackshaw was married in England in 1852, to Elizabeth Jones, when after three days of married life he came to America, leaving his wife, who followed the next spring. She died May 7, 1881. He recently married a Mrs. Strachan, of Urbana. Dr. Blackshaw's trips to Monticello have been made overland. He used to travel most of the way across open prairie, has several times been mired in the swamps, and once his horse had to swim a slough. At one time he was lost in a rain-storm. It was often his experience to come through severe storms, and all for the sake of u teething" people. Dr. Blackshaw was the first dentist in this part of the state to introduce artificial dentures on rubber, the work previously having been done on gold and silver.

MR. D. S. BOND, farmer, is a native of Virginia, and moved from there to Indiana about 18-t7, then came to Champaign county about 1851, and to Piatt county about 1852. He owns 160 acres of land, which he has improved himself. Mr. Bond was married about 1859, to Mary Gates, and has had ten children, of whom eight are now living: Edwin, Albert, Earnest, Lillie, Florence, Charlie, Irving and ISrellie. After traveling in the north and west, he returned to Piatt county, satisfied this place is the best for a home. He has held some township offices.

MR. O. P. Brsn, carpenter, Monticello, was born in 1829, in Ohio. He moved from his native state to Illinois in 18o6, and on the 2ith of January, 1853, located in Monticello, where he now owns one house and two lots, lie was married in 1851, to Barbara J. Clark, and has had four children, three of whom are living. Wm. J. married Miss L. J. Kendel, and has one child, Mabel. Maria J. married James

MR. WILLIAM BEATTIE, Monticello, is a native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He was born in 1808, came to Canada in 1827, thence to New York in 1835, and to Piatt county in 1864. He was married in Canada in 1833, to Jeannet Hudgert, who died in 1874. Mr. Beattie has three children living. Kate, who is the wife of Mr. Brown, a native of Scotland, was married in New York city in 1864, and came to this county with her parents, Mr. Brown following the next year. They moved from Quincy here in May, 1866, and have six children: William, Robert. Nettie, James, Charles and Katie. William Beattie is now in California, and James lives in Piatt county. William Beattie paid a short visit to Scotland in 1879, but had no desire to remain.

MR. J. BOHN, druggist, Monticello, is a native of Germany, and came to America in 1847. In 1860 he came to Illinois and in 1867 located in Monticello. He studied chemistry at the Illinois State University and attended a course of medical lectures at Keokuk, Iowa. He went into partnership in drugs with Mr. Van Gundy in 1878, and still remains with him. Mr..Bohn was lately elected a member of the school board, and already shows himself a proficient worker for the interest of the city schools.

MR. JOHN BECK, harness-maker, Monticello, is a native of Ireland, from which country he came to America in 1847. He moved from Ohio to Monticello in 1875. He was married in 1851, to Lucy M. Bond, who died in Monticello in December, 1881. His daughter May was a music teacher in Monticello for some time. Mr. Beck went to the army from New Jersey in Co. E of the 1st N. J. Lt. Art. He was in the engagements at Drury's Bluff and at Richmond.

MR. G. A. BURGESS, superintendent of schools, is a native of Iowa. His parents died when he was quite young and he returned to Illinois in 1866 to make his home with his uncle. Mr. Burgess left the farm in 1876, graduating at the State Normal School in 1878. He owns a farm of 120 acres in Bement township, which he has improved, in addition to his residence property in Monticello. He was married in 1874, to Jane Conoway and has three children, Louis, Fred and an infant. Mr. Burgess was in the Monticello schools three years, two of which he was principal. For the last year he has successfully held the position of superintendent of schools.

MK. EZRA CLINE (deceased) was a native of Ohio. His father moved from Ohio to a farm on Stringtown Lane about 1839. He had been married four times. The subject of our sketch had three brothers and four sisters, all of whom are dead now. John, Jacob and David died in this county. Jacob left two children, one of whom is still living on the home place. John left six children. Ezra Cline's halfbrother Samuel lives in Warren county, Illinois ; Martin died in the Andersonville prison ; Simeon lives in Missouri ; Reuben is married and lives in Piatt county. Ezra Cline was married in 1854, to Mrs. Willis Ater nee Eliza Williams, a native of Indiana. After her first husband's death she went home to live with her father, who died in one month after Mr. Ater's decease. Five of Mr. Cline's children are living. John T. is in the sheep business in Uvalde county, Texas ; Jacob C. was married in 1881, to Amanda Class, and lives on the Cline place ; Sarepta C. was married in July, 1879, to Cyrus Peck, and lives in Willow Branch township; Joseph D. and Mary M. still live at home. Mr. Cline died in 1877, and his widow still owns the home place.

DR. NELSON G. COFFIN is of English descent, and was born in North Carolina in 1820. When he was but two years old his people moved to Vermilion county, Indiana. He moved to Piatt county, Illinois, in 1847. Two of his sisters and one brother are still living. In the spring of 1848 Dr. Coffin married Ptuebe D. Johnson, who was a native of Rhode Island, and who came to Piatt county about 1847. After their marriage they settled in Monticello, and this has been the doctor's home ever since. Mrs. Coffin died in 1857. Of the three children which blessed their union, but one is living, Eugene, who is unmarried and at present (1881) is in Kansas City, in the Western Union telegraph office. He gained a portion of his education at Jacksonville, Illinois. Dr. Coffin obtained hie medical education at the Medical College of Ohio, in Cincinnati. He studied in the regular school. He began his practice in Vermilion county, Indiana, in 1843, and remained there until his settlement in Piatt county. His early practice extended all over this county and ofttimes beyond its limits. He, in common with other early physicians in the county, suffered many inconveniences in traveling over the almost roadless country, which was traversed by swollen streams and covered with swampy ponds. Dr. Coffin was in the army from August, 1862, until July, 1865.

He was assistant surgeon in the 107th "111. reg. and spent most of his time in hospitals. He was at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, and at Nashville. During the year of 1881 Dr. Coffin changed his old office for a more commodious one of brick. This office, within half a block of the public square in Monticello, is quite a place of resort, both for his business and his social friends.

MR. ABNER CONNER (deceased), stock buyer and dealer, Monticello, was born in West Virginia. His parents were natives of Virginia, and moved from there to Ohio, and thence to Piatt county in 1851. Mr. Conner was married in 1840, to Rachel Motherspaw, and moved onto the farm now owned by Col. Smith. They also lived for a time on a part of the Allertoii farm, then moved to Monticello in 1858, into the house where Mrs. Conner now lives. They had eight children, four of whom are living. Edward was in the army, in the 10th 111. Cav., and died from sickness in 1862, while there, and was buried in Springfield, Missouri. Kate married George "Weaver and has three children, Maud, Edna and Nellie. Louisa is the wife of Jesse Warr ner and has two children, Ollie and Edward. Olive married Barnurn Harmon, a farmer, and lives in Champaign county ; they have two children. Ella is at home ; she attended school at Valparaiso, and is a teacher. Mr. Conner died. May 23, 1880.

MR. JAMES CLASS' father, Barnabas Class, was a native of New Jersey. He" was of German descent, .lames Class was born in New Jersey in 1822. He was married in 1850, to Ph<eba llennion, of Morris county, New .Jersey, and in 185.") moved to Piatt county, Illinois. Two of their children were born in Xe\v .lersey. Asa married Miss Ella Tinsman ; they have two children. Sarah married \V. (). Dooley and lives in Willow Branch township. .Jane married Michael Hemmings ; they have three children. Clara and Ella are unmarried and at home. Amanda married Mr. ("line in 1881. She and her sister Ella are both graduates of the Monticello high school. Willie, the youngest of the family, is still at home. Mr. .lames Class has followed blacksmithing ever since coming to Monticello. lie has held the offices of school director, school trustee and town marshal. He is a member of the Masonic lodge.

.Jonx W. COI.KMAN, M.D., Monticello, was horn in Montgomery county, Ohio, January s, is.'Jl His father was a Pennsylvania!!, and his mother was from Maryland. Dr. Coleman received his academic education at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and at the Farmers' College, at College Hill. Ohio. He graduated at the latter school in

1853, and was one of a class of twelve, among whom were AVilliam Penn Nixon, of the "Chicago Inter Ocean," and Hon. William P. Fishback, of the United States court at Indianapolis, Indiana. His medical education was obtained at Miami College, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated in 1856. Upon leaving college he located at Leroy, McLean county, Illinois, where he practiced for a time in partnership with Dr. S. W. Noble, then one of the most prominent physicians of central Illinois. In 1860 the subject of our sketch moved to Montioello, where he pursued the practice of his profession until 1862, when ; he was commissioned as assistant surgeon in the army in the 41st 111., under Col. Pugh. During his three years' service he was with the army of the Tennessee in all its campaigns in the west, at the siege and final surrender of Vicksburg, with Sherman at Atlanta, in the march to the sea, arid the final march through the Carolinas- and Virginia to Washington. After the memorable grand review of the armies of Grant and Sherman at Washington, Dr. Coleman returned home. Dr. Coleman was married at Leroy, June 8, 1858. ;Mrs. Coleman is a native of Terre Haute, Indiana. Her parents; moved to Leroy about 1852. Dr. and Mrs. Coleman have had several children, only one of whom, Lida, has lived to reach maturity. Lida is a graduate of the Monticello High School, and has recently been attending school at College Hill, Cincinnati. Since the war Dr. Coleman has uninterruptedly practiced his profession in Monticello, and is one of our most able and worthy physicians. He owns one of the neatest homesteads of the city, and one needs but to glance at his yard in the summer time to observe that he has taste and ability in landscape garden ing

Mit. WILSON F. Cox, Nashville, Missouri, was born February 28, 1827, in Spencer county, Indiana, and removed with his parents to Vermilion county, Indiana, in 1831. Pie attended subscription school most of the- time from 1833. to 1836, after which his school days were restricted to from six to ten weeks per annum. By devoting most of his spare time to study he was enabled, at the age of nineteen, to obtain the position of teacher in a neighboring country school. In November. 1S-M>. he mounted his horse and, with his earthly possessions made into a small bundle, he set his face \vt -tward, and on the 7th arrived at "Greasy Point," four miles southwest of Mahomet, and near the, line between Piatt and Champaign counties. From 1850 to 1857 he> divided his time between teaching and farming. He was united iu .marriage with Mrs. .lane Smith -nee Willard, on the

23d of September, 1851. In July, 1857, he removed with his family to Monticello, where he was successively engaged as deputy recorder in the office of L. J. Bond ; circuit clerk ; clerk in the store of J. H. Hoi lings worth ; deputy assessor, with Mr. Win. F. Foster ; deputy sheriff, with Dr. P. K. Hull until July ^ 1859, when he was chosen clerk of the county court to fill vacancy caused by the death of James L. Miller. In December, 1861, his term of office having" expired, he enlisted in Co. H, 63d 111. Yol. Inf., being mustered in with the regiment April 10, 1862, as 2d sergeant ; was made 1st sergeant in June, 1862 ; 2d lieutenant April 3, 1863, and was promoted to 1st lieutenant February, 1864. He was mustered out of service and honorably discharged May 24, 1865. In August, 1865, he was appointed postmaster at Monticello, but resigned in February, 1866, and in the following June removed to Champaign county, and from thence to Barton county, Missouri, in October, 1867, where he still lives. His father, Jesse F. Cox, was born in North Carolina, May 11, 1782, and removed to Madison county, Kentucky, in 1825, and in the following year to Spencer county, Indiana, and from thence to Vermilion county, Indiana, in 1831, where he died in April, 1847. His mother, Elizabeth Cox, whose maiden name was McLary, was, born in Clarrard county, Kentucky, April 1J., 1797, and married William H. Steen in 1816, and after his decease married Jesse F. Cox in 1826. She died" in Missouri, in August, 1872. Mrs. Wilson Cox, nee Jane Willard, was born near Nashville, Tennessee, January 19, 1825. Her parents both died during her childhood, and in 1834 relatives took her to Johnson county, Indiana, thence to Vermilion county, and thence, in 1840, to Piatt county, Illinois ; at that time it was a part of Macon county. She was married in 1843, to Joshua Smith, and some years after his death was married to W. F. Cox.

WILSON F. Cox, of Barton county, Missouri, in writing of his sojourn in Piatt county, remarked that "in 1849 the settlements were confined to the immediate vicinity of the timber on either side of the Sangamon river, very few of the farm houses being one-fourth of a mile from the timber line, and many people thought that the prairies would never be settled as far out as three or four miles. The first man I heard speak of settling at the Irish Grove, now the ' Uncle Tommy Branch farm,' was deemed a proper subject for the lunatic asylum, and doubtless any man who would have attempted to settle east of the Blue Mound would have been deemed an incurable idiot. Yet ere I left Piatt county farms and farm-houses dotted the broad prairie east and west of the Sangamon river, to and far beyond Tolono on the east, and to Friends creek on the west." He further says that since the close of the war a number of Piatt county citizens have removed to southwest Missouri. Among them are Charles Marquiss, of Joplin, Jasper county, Missouri ; John Elsea, Joseph Wright and Samuel Franklin, at Webb City, Jasper county, Missouri; M. P. Winstead, John Dyer, Henry Morain, John 8. Herron and H. .D. Moffitt, Nashville, Barton county, Missouri ; Braxton Acree and William Robinson, at Golden City, Barton county, Missouri ; Harry Hubbart, J. P. Hubbart, Jacob Freeman, Reuben Warner and William Motherspaw, at Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri; Mrs. Sarah E. Hubbart (formerly Mrs. J. D. Phillips) and S. S. Wimmer, at Opolis, Kansas ; James Newell, at Webb City, Missouri ; Mrs. Nancy Alexander (formerly Mrs. G. C. Anderson), and Mrs. "'Betty" Anderson, relict of John Anderson, and mother of Mrs. W. H. Plunk, at Nashville, Barton county, Missouri ; Frank Gulick, Preston, Jasper county; Elijah Souders, Avilla, Jasper county; Benjamin Bartlett, J. Collins, John Wolf and Mrs. William Sides (nee Elizabeth Coffman, daughter of Noah Coft'man), at Diamond City, Missouri ; William M. Collins, at Preston, Jasper county; and William S. ("Doc") Boyd, at Leroy, Barton county, Mis souri ; John C. Hubbart is near Bozeman, Montana, and Henry M. Phillips and George Fisher are near Mound City, Kansas.

DK. J. H. CARPER, Monticello, was born in Shelby county, Ohio, and came with his people to Piatt county. His father, John Carper, came to the county in 1854, settled near Centerville, and lived there until his death, February 7, 1866. He was married in Ohio, to Lydia A. Strunk, who died leaving two children, Dr. Carper and William A., who lives in Crawford county, this state. Mr. Carper was married three times. One daughter, by his last wife, now Mrs. Alice Wrench, is living in the county. Dr. Carper is a graduate of the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, and is one of our most successful physicians. He was married June 8, 1882, to Mary II . Piatt, and resides in Monticello.

MK. DANIEL CAUIJN, farmer, Monticello, a native of Ireland, came to America in 1854, locating in Piatt county in 1856. He owns 120 acres of land, upon which lie has put most of the improvements. When he first came to the place there were no trees in sight of his farm, and there was not a house between the Scott farm and Sadorus'' Grove. Mr. Carlin went to the army from Piatt county in Co.'E of the 107th 111. reg.. and was in the battles of the Atlanta campaign and

MR. LAWRENCE CASEY, farmer, Monticello, was born in Ireland. He came from his native country to America in 1849, locating in 1855 in Piatt county, where he has lived ever since. He owns 80 acres of land, which he has improved himself.

MR. AMOS CONARD, -farmer, Monticello, is a native of Ohio, from which state he moved to McLean county, Illinois. He came to Piatt county about 1869, and now owns 160 acres of land in Monticello township, which he has improved. He was married in 1832, to Sarah Smoots, and has had eleven children, six of whom are living. Hiram married Dannie Gordon, has three children, Edith, Alpha and Eliza, arid lives on the home place. Jonah married Mary Rabb, lives in Missouri, and has six children. P. H. married Orrilla Davis. Frank married Lizzie Suver, has three children and lives in Warren county. John married Lena Stiles, lives near Camp creek, and has six children, Lulu, Grace, James, Solon, '.Joe and Amos. Eli Conard is now in Arizona.

MR. P. II. CONARD, farmer, is a native of Ohio. . He came to Piatt county with his father about 1868. He now owns 200 acres oi land in Monticello township, which he has improved himself. His present residence was built in 1872. He was married in ' the same year to Orrilla Davis, and has had four children, Amos, Arthur, Frank and Clyde. They have an adopted' child, Annie Flynn. :

Mr. D. G. CANTNER, express agent, Monticello, is >a native of Pennsylvania. Owing to losses by lire, he moved from Pennsylvania to Dwight, Illinois, in 1868. He lived in Winona, Streator, moved to Kansas, where he experienced the effects of the great grasshopper raid, and then in 1S74 located in Monticello as agent of the Chicago & Paducah railroad. In all, he has had six years of practice in telegraphy, lie owns a house and one lot in Monticello. lie was married September 15, 1864, to Lettie M. Johnson, and has three children, Grace, Jennie and Charlie. Mr. Cantner, while attending school at Gettysburg in 1863, joined Co. C of the College Guards, 26th P. V. V., and was under Col. Jennings.

MR. JAMES E. CAMPBELL, farmer, Monticello, is a native of Ross county, Ohio. His parents were from Kentucky and Pennsylvania, but lived and died in Ohio. Mr. Campbell came to Sangamon county in 1849 and visited in Piatt county, but did not move here until 1865, when he settled in Sangamon township.- He moved1 to Sangamon county again in 1872, and in 1881 returned to Piatt county and at present is living one mile east of Monticello, on the place until lately known as the John Piatt farm. Mr. Campbell was married in Sangamon county, to Nancy J. Gipson. Seven of their ten children are living. Mary Alice married .John Hickman ; she died leaving two children. Mr. Hickman married again and lives on Stringtown Lane. George W., butcher, married Charity Bensil, lives in Monticello, and has four children. Permelia Catharine, Ruth, Theodore, Emma, Allen, Eva and Robert are at home. Mr. James Campbell had a brother, Williamson Campbell, who came to Piatt county in J 847 or 1848 and settled on what is now Sam Bender's farm. He died in this county in 1872. His widow is still living here.

MR. NICHOLAS DEVORE (deceased) was born in 1808, in Ohio. He came to Piatt county in 1834. The first winter he was in the county he sawed wood for Mr. Abraham Marquiss. It was during this time he h'rst saw his future wife. After doing a good deal of sawing for various persons in the neighborhood Mr. Devore and his brother-in-law walked and dragged their whip-saw to Chicago. After a spell of sickness in the early fall he returned to Piatt county, and in December, 1835, married Susan Barnes. The newly married couple moved on to a farm nine miles southwest of Monticello. Sickness soon compelled them to return to Mr. Barnes', where they remained a year. As soon as Mr. Devore was able to be about, and while using crutches, he helped to put up a house which was the, original k'Old Fort" in Monticello. Before the house was completed lie rented it to Mr. Edward Ater and Judge Rickets, who were to plaster the house for the use of it. Mr. Devore was again living at Mr. Barnes"1 when he took his death sickness, in 1842. Two of Mr. and Mrs. Devore's five children are still living. Sarah M. married Mr. J. Nr. Bondurant, February 18, 1867. They are now living in Ford county, Illinois. William C. married Mattie A. Kimler, November 19, 1877, and at present is living in Farmer City and is editor of the Farmer City ''Journal." They have one child. Mr. IST. Devore, while in Chicago, became acquainted with many of the early settlers there. He knew Guerdon S. Hubbard and the Kinzies there. Mrs. Devore married Mr. John Woolington. (See account of John Woolington.)

MR. ANDREW J. DIGHTON (deceased) was born in Erie City, Pennsylvania, and moved to Ash tabula county, Ohio. He was one of a family often children, and was educated at Kingsville and Transylvania University. Going to Kentucky, lit- taught school and attended law school there. Though he was admitted to the bar, he never practiced. He started to work for himself when fourteen or fifteen years old with but $1.50. By careful industry he was enabled to purchase land, and, in partnership with Mr. Donaldson, bought a farm of John Stiver in this county, locating here in 1853, at first living in a double hewed log house. Because of two spare beds, a rag carpet, big pillows, flowered window curtains, and chairs, it was considered the finest furnished house in all the neighborhood. He soon bought Mr. Donaldson out, his farm then consisting of 800 acres. They at first lived not far from where the present house now stands. At the time of his death he owned 1,520 acres of land, part of which is in Champaign county, besides a home of 500 acres ; also had one-third interest in the bank of Houston, Moore & Dighton. The home farm was the best improved of any, the nice farm residence being built soon after coming to the county, but it has since been remodeled. He also owned a farm of 197 acres at Cisco, which is some improved. Mr. Dighton was married in Kentucky, in 1854, to Sarah C. Netherton. They have had eight children, five of whom are living. John 1ST., who is married, lives in Monticello (see his sketch). Elvira and Anna attended Monticello Seminary for two years. Andrew died when twelve years old. Ida died December 30, 1881, twelve years old. Willie and Mary are twins. Mrs. Dighton was one of a family of eight children, three of whom lived on farms. They were formerly slave owners. Mr. Dighton's parents were of English descent. His father was born in New York state, held the position of county judge and was in the war of 1812. His grandfather was in the revolutionary war under Burgoyne. Before leaving England he determined not to fight the Americans but to desert to their side. At this time he was in college preparing for the church, and was a good Greek and Latin scholar. He deserted while in Canada and went through woods to the American side ; was followed by Indians, and so closely beset that he threw away his arms and sunk himself all but his nose under a log in the water. The Indians actually walked over the log and their dog came and smelled of him. He was so exhausted and about to give up when he heard a rooster crow and crawled to the house and finally got to the army. He received several wounds during engagements, was given an office, and at the time of Burgoyne's surrender was on the American side. After leaving the army lie taught school the rest of his life. Grandfather Dighton lived here seven years, died about 1867, and is buried in Piatt county. Mr. Andrew Dighton died December 25, 1878.

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MR. JOHN DIGHT^X, farmer, Monticello, was born in Kentucky, and reared in this county, where he received his early education. He also attended the state university at Champaign. He was appointed administrator of his father's estate, and since his death has had charge of and managed the business for all the heirs. He owns individually now at least 500 acres besides town property and brick store. He is a very shrewd business man. Mr. Dightoii was married June 29, 1881, to Miss Mary I. Reed. They spent two months in California, returning to locate in Monticello. Mrs. Dighton is a native of Monroe county, Ohio, and came to Illinois about 1864 to teach. Her brother Samuel was married and living here at that time. She first taught at Madden's school two terms, and next taught at Cerro Gordo. She attended Monticello Seminary near Alton three years in all, graduating about 1870, teaching in the meantime. She then taught in Bement one year, and , was first assistant in Monticello for three years. For a year she taught private pupils. Mrs. Dighton, nee Mary Reed, was elected county superintendent in 1877, but resigned ere her time was up. She revived the institute after a cessation of several years, held the first long term institute, and did excellent work. She conducted three institutes. Mrs. Samuel Reed, her mother, died in Monticello in 1878. Miss Sarah Reed has taught in Cerro Gordo, Bement and Monticello, and is a member of the class of '82 at Oberlin, Ohio. Dr. William Reed practiced a number of years in Cerro Gordo. He is a graduate of the Detroit Medical College, and was a soldier in the late war. Mr. Reed married Mary L. Sartwell, and lives in Kansas City, Mo. Mr. James Reed was a druggist in Cerro Gordo, married Sarah S. Thomas, lives in Liverpool, Ohio, and has three children.

MR. ISAAC DYER, a resident of Monticello, was born in 1812, in Virginia. His parents were natives of the same state and were of English and German lineage. They moved to Fayette county, Ohio, in 1827, and their earthly days ended in this state. Mr. Dyer was married in 1833, in Highland county, Ohio, to Miss Catharine J. Carothers. Her parents, Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Sarah (Bothwell) Carothers, were natives of Ireland. They came to America comparatively wealthy. Mrs. Dyer was born in 1812, in Virginia. She had three brothers, one of whom was killed in the Mexican war. Four daughters and one son came with Mr. Dyer to Piatt county in 1857. The son, Thomas C., returned to Ohio, and is now living there. Mary became the wife of Mr. William Webster, of Monticello. She died leaving several children to mourn a mother's loss. Ann is the wife of Mr. Sam Webster, while

Laura rules the home and heart of Mr. William Britton, of Monticello. Merab is still at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Dyer first landed in this county at Bement. Here one of the children was taken sick and the disease proved to be putrid sore throat. As they came into Monticello the next day after arriving in the county Mrs. Dyer caught sight of the old Methodist church, and thought it was a bakeshop. They first settled in a portion of the house in which the Misses Huston now live. Mr. Dyer paid $20 in gold a month for rent, and the building was only one story. Every room but one in the house leaked. Mi-. Dyer has been a carpenter all his life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dyer have been zealous workers in the Methodist Episcopal church of Monticello.

MR. MERRITTM. DICKERSON, grocer, Monticello, was born in McLean county, Illinois, in 1845. His father was also a native of McLean county. From McLean county Mr. Dickerson moved to Arkansas,- where he lived about three years', and then came to Piatt county about the first of May, 1873. At this time he Opened a grocery store in the old court-house, then standing on the west side of the square and owned by Mr. Kaiser. This building burned down, and the grocery was then opened on the southeast side of the square. After remaining in partnership with Mr. Kaiser about two years, Mr. Dickerson bought him out, and since that time has been in business for himself. In September, 1881, Mr. Dickerson moved into the brick store building lately built by Mr. J. 1ST. Dighton on the southwest side of the square. He says he can have no reason to complain of the trade, as it has been on a constant increase ever since he came to town. He owns a house and two lots in Monticello. Mr. Dickerson was married August 27, 1867, to Martha Gilmore, of Arkansas, and has had four children, two of whom, Clarence M. and Roy E., are living. He went to the army from McLean county in 1863, in Co. G of the 68th 111. reg. ; he next went into the 94th 111., and was mustered out from Co. G of the 37th 111. reg. During the last six months of service he was detailed as clerk at the headquarters at Galveston post. We chanced to see his discharge, and we were pleased to note that the lieutenant-colonel in charge of the post said some very good things about him. Upon our asking Mr. Dickerson to relate some of his narrow escapes in the army, he spoke of being detailed to take orders to the ambulance corps in the rear. While standing by a wagon talking to the wagon master, a solid shell, sixty pounds weight, struck and killed three mules which stood at his side. After recovering sufficiently from the shock, he,

MB. D. W. DEARDURFF, grocer, Monticello, is a native of Ohio. He moved from there in 1857 to Piatt county, and located in Monticello. After farming for a time he went into the grocery business. He owns a residence and one block in Monticello. He was married in 1877, to Nannie M. Davis, and has two children, Lavina M. and William F. Mr. Deardurff went to the army in 1862, in Co. E of the 107th 111., and was also in Co. F of the 3d 111. Cav. He was in the battle at Fort Blakely, besides several skirmishes. He returned from the army in 1866. In Monticello he has been a member of the I.O.O.F. for seven or eight years, and also belongs to the Knights of Honor.

MR. GEORGE R. DAWSOX, stock dealer, Monticello, is a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and came to Piatt county about 1856. He has remained in the county ever since, and for the last three years has been engaged in the stock business for himself. On the 19th of April, 1861, he was the seventh man to enlist in the army from Piatt county. He went out in Co. C of the 21st 111., and was corporal. He was discharged in December, 1861, on account of disability. Mr. Dawson is now a member of the Odd-Fellows lodge of Monticello.

MR. JOHN R. DOVE, hardware merchant, Monticello, is a native of Clark county, Ohio. He moved to Logan county, Illinois, in 1845, and in 1853 came to Piatt county from Indiana. His father, George W. Dove, and family moved into this county and was living here at the time of his death. Mr. John Dove moved into Monticello in 1870, and now owns a residence and a part of a lot in the place. In 1879 he went into the hardware business with Mr. Lumsden. He went to the army from Piatt county, April 19, 1861, and returned in August 1864. He was in Co. C of the 21st 111. Vols., and engaged in the following principal battles : Perrysville, Stone River, Chickamauga and Resaca. Mr. Dove was married in 1866, to Catharine Williams, a native of Ohio, and has seven children : Lillie, Willie, Edward, Addie, John, Alice, and an infant.

MR. C. P. DAVIS, deputy United States marshal, Monticello, was born March 7, 1835, in Indiana. He moved from his native state to Piatt county in 1866, arid opened a merchandise store in Monticello, where he has since resided. He has been in the house of representatives two sessions and in the senate four years. In January, 1880, lie was appointed to his present position. He and Miss Hettie M.