Piatt County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1903 (part 3 of 13)

Almond Mitchell, the father of our subject, was born in Licking county. Ohio, on the 3Oth of March, 1816, and was a lad of Lut seven years when he accompanied his parents to Knox county in 1823. He was reared on the home farm in Milford township, where he remained until he had attained his majority, after which he purchased a farm in the same township, continuing to engage in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising there until his death. He was a diligent, industrious man, progressive in his business methods and in his undertakings he prospered, becoming the owner of between five and six hundred acres of rich farm land. He was also prominent in public affairs and was well-fitted for leadership, because of his keen insight into public matters, his devotion to the general good and his marked capability. He held a number of township offices and he cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, but after the inauguration of the Republican party he became one of its followers. He was also a supporter of the Methodist church, and everything pertaining to the general good received his endorsement, and many times his active co-operation. In early manhood he wedded Miss Margaret Hawkins, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, on the 2d of May, 1818. She was a member of the Disciple church and was a devoted and loving wife and mother and a faithful friend. Mr. Mitchell died April 6, 1896, and his wife passed away in 1901. Unto this worthy couple were born fifteen children, of whom three died in infancy, while the others reached years of maturity,. Eight of the family are now living, two sisters and five brothers of our subject. One brother- resides in Chicago, another in Texas, and, with the exception of our subject, the others are living in Ohio. Harris, the eldest of the family born in Ohio. in 1838, died in infancy. Emor H. is the second. Lewis is a farmer of Morrow county, Ohio, and was a soldier of the Civil war. Alice is the de- ceased wife of Monroe Crego, who is a farmer of Galena, Ohio. Elizabeth is the deceased wife of Dempsy Conway, of Decatur, Illinois. Albert is a resident farmer of Knox county, Ohio. Wealthy is the deceased wife of Thomas Wade, of Knox county. Torrence is an agriculturist of the same county. Maria is the wife of Abram Jackson, of Wichita Falls, Texas. William is a merchant of Knox county, Ohio. Laura is the deceased wife of Emer Harris, a farmer of Red Oak, Iowa. Dana is engaged in the practice of law in Chicago. Mary is the wife of Judson Poland, an agriculturist of Knox county, Ohio. The other two died in infancy unnamed.

In taking up the personal history of Emor H. Mitchell we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Piatt county. He obtained his education in the common schools of Knox county, Ohio, and in his youth was trained to habits of industry, economy and honesty, which have been important factors in shaping his career in later life. He gained practical knowledge of farming upon the old homestead and he remained in Ohio until 1864. when he came to Illinois, establishing his home three and a half miles east of Bement in Piatt county. Purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which was then but a tract of wild prairie, he began its development with characteristic energy, placed all of the improvements upon the land and made a good home for himself and familv. There he lived until 1889, when he removed to the village of Bement, leaving his farm. For many years he had carried on general farming and stock-raising and in the careful control of his business he won capital sufficient to enable him at the present time to live retired.

On the 1 3th of December, 1860, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Emily S. Reynolds, who was born in Knox county. Ohio, a daughter of Amos and Sophia (Houch) Reynolds. Her paternal grandfather was William Reynolds, a native of England, and his wife was born in Scotland. In the year 1793 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, then in the early years of its republic existence, and located in Knox county, Ohio, purchasing a large tract of land at twelve and a half cents per acre. This property is still owned by his descendants. He planted an orchard with apple seeds brought from England, and many of the old trees are still standing upon this land. Amos Reynolds, the father of Mrs. Mitchell, was born in Knox county, Ohio, on the old family homestead, and in the place of his nativity he spent his entire life, living upon the farm which is still in possession of the family. It is situated at Richhill. and he owned one hundred and thirty-seven acres as a nucleus to his estate which grew as the years advanced until it became a valuable and extensive property. Throughout his business' career he carried on general farming and stock-raising, and his justice and honor in all business transactions won him the unqualified regard of his fellow men. He died March 26, 1850, at the age of forty-nine years, his birth having occurred on the 1 6th of January, 1801. He was a devoted member of the Methodist church and to his family he left an untarnished name. His wife, who was born April 25, 1808, in Knox county, Ohio, was a constant Christian woman, holding membership in the Methodist church, and her death occurred in her native county. January 8, 1849. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds were .born ten children, and the familv record is.

as follows : James, the eldest, born in Knox county, died at the age of nineteen years. Sylvester is one of the oldest and most successful practicing physicians of Knox county. Burr, who went to California in 1849, and there remained for eight years, afterward resided in Huntington, Indiana, where his death occurred. Daniel was an adjutantgeneral in the southern Confederacy and lost one of his lower limbs while serving his country. Prior to the Civil war he engaged in the practice of law in Memphis, Tennessee, and subsequently he became a wellknown lawyer of Lake Village, Arkansas. He was fitted for his profession by graduation in the Wesleyan College of Delaware, Ohio. William, born in Knox county, Ohio, was a resident of Iowa for a number of years, and. is now an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of South Dakota. Sarah is the deceased wife of Lucius Webster, of Knox county, Ohio. Barbara died at the age of seven years. Mrs. Michell is the next of the family. Caroline is the wife of Nelson Jones, of Foosland, Illinois. Mary died in infancy. All of the members of the family were born in Knox county, Ohi.o.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell has been blessed with six children. Walter R., the eldest, born in Knox county, Ohio, is a graduate of the Illinois State University of the class of 1887, and now resides, in Chicago, where he is professor of biology in the Hyde Park high school. He also won a degree from the Chicago University. He married Miss Florence Stuart, of Champaign, Illinois, and they have two children, Beulah and Maurice. Olive, the second member of the Mitchell family, was born in Bement, was educated in the common schools, in the State University and in the Art Institute of Chicago, doing excellent work as a water-color artist. Pauline, who resides in St. Louis, and was educated in the Normal School of Chicago, is now the wife of James Grant Abbott, who is a graduate of the Wesleyan University of Bloomington, Illinois, and is now a contractor and carpenter of St. Louis Worlds' Fair. Annie, who resides at home, is a teacher and assistant principal in the high school of Greenfield, Illinois, her specialty being languages. Elizabeth died at the age of seventeen years and Charles died at the age of eight months. Mr. Mitchell has served in a number of township offices, and in all the public positions he has filled has been found true and faithful to the trusts reposed in him. While acting as school director for a number of years he was instrumental in securing the erection of three new school buildings. In politics he has always been a stalwart Republican, and has ever kept well informed on the great national questions which have divided political opinions into two parties. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, and his life has ever been guided by high moral principles and characterized by sterling integrity and fidelity to duty. He has seen nearly all the improvements made' in this part of the county, and has done his full share in the work of public progress and advancement.

S. A. Blagg, who is now residing in Mansfield, belongs to that class of representative American citizens who are known as self-made, because their possessions have been acquired entirely through their own efforts unassisted by inheritance, or by influ- ential friends. Mr. Blagg was born in West Virginia, November 29, 1844, his parents being James and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Blagg. The father was a farmer by occupation and died when the subject of this review was only five years of age.

In Lewis county. West Virginia, Mr. Blagg, of this review, obtained his early education. His school privileges, however, were somewhat meager, and it has been in the school of experience that he has learned the valuable lessons fitting him for a practical and successful business man. At the time of the Civil war, although but a young boy, he joined the Confederate army. He went to face the enemy at Laurel Hill and could not get away, so enlisted with the Confederate troops just after the battle of Philippi. He then served for fopr years, becoming a member of Company I, Thirty-first Regiment of Virginia Volunteers under the command of Captain A. H. Jackson and Colonel W. L. Jackson. He was a brave and loyal soldier and continued with his regiment until the cessation of hostilities. He was, however, only twenty-one years of age at the time of the close of the war.

Almost immediately afterward he came to Illinois, settling first in Moultrie county near the Piatt county line. He found this section of the country in a wild state, the land was raw and unimproved, and it was possible to travel in almost any direction without coming to a fence to impede his progress. There were no roads and the work of improvement and development seemed scarcely begun. Mr. Blagg was in very limited financial circumstances at the time of his arrival, and in order to gain a living he worked by the day as a farm hand. Later he rented a tract of land and thus began life on his own account. As he prospered in his undertakings and was enabled to save something from his earnings he carefully hoarded the money thus won until he was able to purchase a tract of land. He now owns two lots in the home which he occupies in Mansfield. He has been a resident of Piatt county since 1892, and for a number of years carried on agricultural pursuits here.

Mr. Blagg was united in marriage in Moultrie county, Illinois, to Miss Martha Hardin, and their union has been blessed with nine children, eight of whom are now living: Ida. who was born June 3, 1869; James, born April 6, 1871 ; Jesse, born October 20, 1873; Benjamin, April 13, 1875; August, on the 24th of August, 1878; Marie, May 8, 1880; Charlie, February 21, 1882; Grace, February 6, 1885; and Maude. April 7, 1892. The oldest daughter, Ida. is now the wife of Wesley Williams and has five children.

In his political views Mr. Blagg is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs, whereby he has attained the success that he now enjoys. During his long residence in the county he has become widely and favorably known, and it is with pleasure that we present his history to our readers.

William E. Lodge

There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which was so universally accorded to William E. Lodge, but through more than forty years connection with the history of Piatt county his was an unblemished character. With him success in life was reached by sterling qualities of mind and a heart true to even' manly principle. He never deviated from what his judgment would indicate to be right between himself and his fellow men, and he never swerved from the path of duty. He gained distinction at the bar, where he practiced for four decades, and he also won marked financial success in the control of agricultural interests. Into whatever channel he directed his energies he so guided his labors that he was always true to his duties to his fellow men, and secured his own advancement upon a high mental and moral plane.

Mr. Lodge was a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in the town of Mount Hope, which is now included within the city of Cincinnati, in December, 1834. Back to Kngland can the ancestry of the family be traced, and representatives of the name established homes in America prior to the Revolutionary war. The old family homestead which came into possession of the emigrants in 1750 is still owned by descendants of those who were the first occupants. This property is situated in Gloucester county. New Jersey, and it was there that Samuel Lodge, the grandfather of our subject, carried on farming throughout his entire business career. He wedded Miss Abigail Homer, who was of German lineage, and like her husband was a native of Gloucester county, New Jersey. It was their son. Benjamin F. Lodge, who became the father of our subject, and who after arriving at years of maturity, removed from New Jersey to Brooklyn, New York, maintaining his residence in that place while he conducted his business operations in New York city for some years. He was engaged in merchandising there when attracted by the opportunities of the growing west, and went to Hamilton county, Ohio. In that section of the country he became well known as a builder of turnpikes, and he took contracts for similar work in Kentucky, carrying on the business with success until 1836. In that year he took passage on a steamer which eventually landed him at Clinton, Indiana, but that was not his destination and he continued his westward journey by team until he arrived in Paris, Edgar county, Illinois. All around him stretched the wild prairie, the work of improvement and development being scarcely begun, and Mr. Lodge undertook the mammoth task of improving and operating eleven hundred acres of prairie land for William Neff, of Cincinnati. He used forty yoke of oxen in breaking the prairie. The farm work at that day was very arduous, because of the primitive condition of the farm machinery and agricultural implements. Grain was cut with a sickle and cradle and a scythe was used in mowing the meadow. Prices, too, were very low, corn at one time bringing six and a quarter cents per bushel, while other cereals were proportionately cheap. However, Mr. Lodge, with determined purpose and marked business capability, continued the work which he undertook and central Illinois owes much to him for its advancement of agricultural interests here. He planted the first osage orange hedge ever seen in Illinois, and in his farming he always kept abreast with the progress and improvement of the times. His first home was about three and a half miles north of Paris, but later he removed four miles west of the town, where he resided until 1857. In that year he took up his abode in Paris and was identified with its commercial pursuits as a merchant until his life's labors were ended in death in the year 1863.

en name of Julia A. Brooks, and was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In her early womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to Benjamin F. Lodge, and by this union she became the mother of eight children : Alexander A. ; Samuel A. ; George R. ; Julia, who became the wife of W. H. Rudy; Benjamin F. ; William E. ; Charles V. and a daughter who died in infancy. Mrs. Lodge survived her husband for a number of years and . passed away at the home of her daughter in Edgar county, Illinois, in 1881.

William E. Lodge was a little lad of only two summers when his parents left Ohio and came to Illinois. He was reared in Edgar county amid the wild scenes of frontier life, and as there were no schools yet established in that locality his early education was acquired under the direction of his father, who was a man of broad learning. His training at farm labor, however, was not meager and almost as soon as old enough to reach the plow handles he began work in the fields, assisting from that time on in the task of planting, plowing and harvesting throughout the summer and fall months. Every leisure moment which he had was devoted to study. While hauling rails he mastered grammar, and while herding cattle he also learned arithmetic. It was in such disadvantages that he pursued his education, but he was ambitious to advance in that direction, and throughout his entire life he continually . added to the rich treasures which were in the storehouse of his mind. He read broadly, thought deeply and had the power to assimilate and utilize what he learned. His youth, however, was largely devoted to farm labor, and he remained with his parents until he was -twenty-two years of age.

to have a natural predilection in that direction, and won marked success in the calling. He began his preparation for the bar as a law student in the office and under the direction of Green & Fades, of Paris, and when he felt that his knowledge justified his admission to the bar he came to- Monticello, Piatt county, where a few days later he received his license to practice, having successfully passed an examination in Paris.

Mr. Lodge at once opened his office and gradually advanced as he demonstrated his power to successfully cope with the intricate problems of jurisprudence. He was remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and provident care with which he prepared his cases. His logical grasp of facts and principles and of the law applicable to them was another element in his success and a remarkable clearness of expression and adequate language which enabled him to make others understand not only the salient points of his arguments, but his every fine gradation of meaning, were account among his conspicuous gifts and accomplishments.

Mr. Lodge, however, did not confine his attention solely to his professional duties for he became extensively connected with farming. He always maintained a deep interest in the occupation to which he had been reared and regarded it as the basis of all national prosperity. From time to time he made judicious investments in real estate, and ultimately became the owner of six hundred acres of land in Monticello and Sangamon townships of Piatt county. Upon his land he made many improvements, developing farms modern in all their equipments and supplied with all accessories necessary to carry on agricultural work. He was the first in the county to use tile in draining his land, and was the first to advocate surface cultivation.

He was deeply interested in the Piatt County Agricultural Society, and in the accomplishment of the object for which it was established. He acted as its attorney and he did everything in his power to promote its growth and usefulness. He was a member of the board of directors of the Chicago & Paducah Railroad, now a part of the Wabash system, and was its solicitor at the time of his death. He was also one of the promoters of the Monticello & Decatur Railroad, now a part of the Illinois Central and was its solicitor.

On the 3Oth of January, 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lodge and Miss Francis A. Piatt, a daughter of William and Ciarinda (Marquiss) Piatt. Mrs. Lodge was born in Goose Creek township, this county, and was a most estimable lady of broad culture and innate refinement, and shared with her husband in the high regard and friendship in which he was uniformly held. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lodge was blessed with five sons : William F., who is now a practitioner at the bar of Monticello ; James P. and Charles V., twins, the former of whom is practicing law and looking after farming interests of the family, and the latter also has charge of farming interests in Kansas and is engaged in the raising of thoroughbred Holstein cattle and draft horses ; Paul E. and Fred S. Realizing the value of education the parents gave their children excellent opportunities in that direction, at the same time rearing them amid the influence of a refined and cultured home, and instilling into their minds lessons tending toward moral as well as mental development. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lodge held membership in the Methodist church, of which they were most consistent representatives, and to the support of the organization they contributed liberally.

In his early manhood Mr. Lodge gave his political support to the Whig party and after the war became a Democrat. The honors and emolument of office, however, had no attraction for him as he preferred to devote his time and energies to his professional duties and the supervision of his invested interests. In 1864 he established his home in Monticello upon a beautiful tract of land of thirty-five acres all within the corporate limits of the city. He passed away September 24, 1901, and his wife died on the i6th of September, 1895. Nature bestowed upon him many of her rarest gifts. He possessed a mind of extraordinary compass and an industry that brought forth every spark of talent with which nature had blessed him. He was in every way a most superior man. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct, stainless in reputation - such was his life record. His scholarly attainments, his statesmanship, his reliable judgment and his charming powers of conversation would have enabled him to ably fill and grace any position, however exalted, and he was no less honored in public than loved in private life.

James C. Locher

James C. Locher, who is the editor of the New Era, published at Cerro Gordo, and is also a dealer in stationery there, was born in Oroville, Butte county, California, .on the 1 3th of March, 1860, his parents being James and Mary A. Locher. The father is a mechanical engineer and in 1873 he left California with his family, locating in Decatur, Illinois. Both he and his wife are still living.

California and Illinois, putting aside his text books at the age of sixteen years in order to enter upon his business career. He worked in his father's sawmill and at other labor in connection with the operation of the mill, such as cutting and hauling logs, hauling lumber and chopping. He remained with his father until twenty-one years of age, at which time he left home to seek employment as a farm hand, devoting the evening hours to further study of the branches of learning, which he began in the schoolroom. He was variously employed until able to pass an examination, whereby he obtained a teacher's certificate in Macon county, Illinois, in 1885. He afterward engaged in teaching for one year in Macon county, and for six years in Piatt county, being a successful educator. He then accepted a position in the drug store, where he was employed for several years, during which time he mastered the business, learning the use of the various drugs and remedial agencies which are found in such establishments. He then established a drug store of his own in Cerro Gordo in 1899. continuing its conduct until 1901. when he disposed of his store and purchased the New Era. since which time he has conducted the paper in a manner creditable to the town, and with financial results satisfactory to himself. In 1902 he purchased the drug store in which he was first employed in Cerro Gordo, and is still carrying on this business, and also deals in stationery, carrying a large and well selected line in both departments. It was in the year 1883 that Mr. Locher removed from Decatur to Cerro Gordo, and here he has continuously made his home for twenty years.

On the 1 5th of November, 1885, in Cerro Gordo, Mr. Locher was united in marriage to Miss Capitola Hyett, and unto them have been born four children : Fred, Mabel Florence and Ralph. Mr. Locher has held no official offices save those of village trustee, village treasurer and a member of the school board, but has ever been deeply interested in the welfare and progress of his community, and has given generous and hearty aid to many movements for the general good. For two years he was secretary of the Cerro Gordo Building and Loan Association. His political support is given to the Republican party, and he is quite prominent in the Masonic fraternity, having been a member of Cerro Gordo Lodge, No. '600, F. & A. M. since 1882. He has held all of the offices in the lodge save that of secretary and treasurer, and is the present senior deacon. In 1902 he became a member of Bement Chapter, No. 65, R. A.. M., and the following year joined Beaumanior Commandery. K. T., while in 1901 he became a member of the Independant Order of Odd Fellows and since. 1884 he has been a member of the Christian church, and thus his interests are of a varied nature, which show him to be a broad-minded man, having due regard for the material, intellectual, social and moral development of his community.

Henry V. Moore

Henry V. Moore is one of the oldest representatives of the banking business in Monticello. having thus been connected with its financial interests since 1870. His success in all his undertakings has been so marked that his methods are of interest to the commercial world. He has based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry,, economy and strict, unswerving integrity, and what he is to-day he has made himself, for he started out upon his business career with nothing but his energy and willing hands to aid him. By constant exertion, associated with good judgment, he has raised himself to the prominent position he now holds, having the friendship of many and the respect of all who know him.

t .\ native of Illinois, Henry V. Moore was born in Farmington, Fulton county, on the ist of December, 1837. His father was Dr. Henry Moore, who devoted his life to the practice of medicine and died in 1849. For some time he was a resident of New York, living upon a farm near Auburn. The year of his birth was 1809. Removing to the west he engaged in farming near Ellisville, Fulton county, Illinois, ami was one of the pioneer settlers of that locality. He aided in its early development and improvement, and he carried on agricultural pursuits for many years, meeting with prosperity in his undertakings. He wedded Miss Mary Hand, a native of New Jersey, who, in her girlhood days, was taken by her parents to Ohio, the family home being there established amid pioneer surroundings and environments. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moore were born six children, four of whom reached adult age. The father passed away in Fulton county, Illinois, at the age of forty years, and the mother reached the advanced age of eighty-one years.

Henry V. Moore was reared as a farm boy and was sent to the district school in his early youth, thus acquiring his preliminary education, which was supplemented by a course in Lombard University, of Galesburg, Illinois, where he pursued his studies for three vears. Thus he was well prepared by liberal educational privileges for the practical and responsible duties of a business career. Upon the completion of his collegiate course he accepted a clerkship in a grocery store in Champaign, Illinois, and in 1864 he purchased the store and stock of his employer, continuing in the business on his own account for six years or until 1870, when he sold out. He had met with very gratifying success in that enterprise and his capable management, reasonable prices and fair dealing had secured to him a liberal patronage whereby he annually obtained a good income on his investment. It was in 1870 that Mr. Moore came to Monticello, where he has since made his home. Here he formed a parnership with A. J. Dighton in a private banking business and the relationship was continued until the death of Mr. Dighton, on the 25th of December, 1878. Mr. Moore then admitted William H. Plunk to an interest in the business under the firm style of H. V. Moore & Company, private bankers, and this name has since been retained. The institution is one of the strong financial enterprises of the county, and receives a liberal patronage from the best people of this locality. A general l»nking business is carried on and the extensive reality holdings of Mr. Moore are a safe guarantee to the depositors. As his financial resources have increased he has, from time to time invested in property, and he is now the owner of sixteen hundred acres of choice land in Piatt county, which can command the highest market price, and no district of this great country has more valuable or productive land than is to be found in this county.

born unto them : Mary H., who died in 1889; Allen F. ; Arthur L., who is living in Chicago; and Dwight L. and George M., who are yet under the parental roof.

For thirty-three years Henry V. Moore has been a resident of Monticello and his business record throughont this period has been such as any man might be proud to possess. He is energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and while he has gained wealth, this has not been alone the goal for which he has striven, for he belongs to that class of representative American citizens who promote the general prosperity while advancing individual interests.

James Stephenson

James Stephenson, who is now practically living a retired life in the village of De- Land, was born in the neighboring state of Indiana, his birth having occurred at Boonville, Warrick county, on the i8th of January, 1826. His father, Thomas Stephenson, was a native of Logan county, Kentucky, in which state he passed his boyhood and youth, much of his time being devoted to farm work, and when a young man he went to Indiana, becoming one of the early settlers of Warrick county. It was. there that he met and married Miss Sarah Phillips, who was born in South Carolina in 1801, and was a daughter of John and Agnes Phillips, who were of English descent and residents of Boonville, Indiana. Throughout life Thomas Stephenson continued to engage in farming. He died in 1859. and his wife passed away in 1872. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom are still living, namely: Mary, wife of George

P. Hull, a retired citizen of Washington; Nancy, wife of Elias Crumb, a farmer of Marion county, Illinois ; James, of this review ; and Maria, widow of William Langford and a farmer of Warrick county, Indiana.

To the common schools of his native county James Stephenson is - indebted for his early educational privileges, though he was only able to attend school for about three months during the winter season, and his lessons were conned in a log schoolhouse with puncheon floor and slab benches. During the summer months he worked on the home farm, remaining, with his father until his marriage until 1844, when he led to the altar Miss Martha J. Meeks, a daughter of Benjamin and Jennie (Young) Meeks. Eight children blessed this union, namely : - Paulina Jane, widow of Samuel Howell and a resident of AJissouri ; Sarah, deceased ; Thomas, a farmer of Iowa ; Linzy, a resident of South Dakota ; Ida, wife of William Miller; James T., a resident of Jackson, Minnesota; Minnie, wife of E. O. Delivou, a blacksmith of DeLand; and William T., a farmer of Minnesota.

After his marriage Mr. Stephenson purchased a forty-acre farm, which he operated for one year, and on selling that place he removed to French Island, Indiana, where he spent three years. His next removal made him a resident of Macon county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm of forty acres and resided there for ten years. He then sold out and came to Piatt county, locating near Bement. where he bought one hundred and sixty acres and farmed there for nine years. He next rented the Scott farm in Goose Creek township, and while residing there he purchased two hundred and forty acres in the same locality, settling on his new place in 1872, and residing there until his removal to DeLand in January, 1903. Here he bought two lots and built a nice seven-room residence, also a barn and other buildings, making it a very neat and attractive place. Here he is practically living a retired life, though he still superintends his farm work, which is done by hired help, and he feeds a large amount of stock, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle. He has been quite an extensive stock-raiser, and has found this business a profitable source of income. Mr. Stephenson's first wife died June 1 8, 1-882, and on the 26th of December, 1883, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Sarah Wilkinson, a daughter of William F. and Jane Wilkinson. She is a member of the Christian church and a most estimable lady. In his political views Mr. Stephenson is a Democrat, and he held the office of justice of the peace in Goose Creek township for four years, but has never cared for political preferment, his time and attention being wholly occupied by his business affairs. After a useful and honorable career he can well afford to lay aside all business cares and live in ease and retirement, enjoying the fruits of former toil. He always made the most of his opportunities and he has the respect and confidence of all who know him.

George W. Bunyan

George W. Bunyan is widely and favorably known in Piatt county after long connection with its agricultural interests and is now living a retired life in the village of Hammond. He established his home in this -county in 1867 when deer still roamed over the prairie, and prairie wolves were seen in quite large numbers. He is a native of Herefordshire, England, his birth having there occurred on the I5th of April, 1831. His parents were Elijah and Sarah (Swaby) Bunyan, both of whom were natives of England, and in the year 1833 they - came to America, landing in New York in the month of February. They then made their way to Pennsylvania, settling near the Delaware river, where Mrs. Bunyan was taken ill and died only three weeks after landing in this country. Because of the great amount of sickness in that locality the husband and father determined to seek a home further west, and made his way to Ohio. He was a miller by trade and followed that pursuit for a number of years. He afterward removed to Allen county. Indiana, where he became connected with agricultural interests, following farming until his death, which occurred in 1837.

In 1866 a brother of our subject came to the west, settling on section 32, Bement township, Piatt county, and it was because of this that George W. Bunyan came to Piatt county in 1867. He was less than two years of age when brought to America by his parents, and was reared in Ohio and Indiana. On coming to Illinois he purchased a tract of land in Bement township, and with characteristic energy began its development and improvement. As the years passed this became a very valuable property, constituting one of the best- farms in this locality. Mr. Bunyan was very progressive in his farming methods and was quick to adopt improvements that would facilitate his work and render his labors more valuable in the acquirement of a handsome competence.

Past Axd Present

brated the marriage of George W. Bunyan and Miss Eleanor Dratt, a lady of French descent, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, on the loth of July, 1829, and is a daughter of Andrew and Eleanor (VanPelt) Dratt. Her father was a cooper and followed his trade in Ohio during the greater part of his life. Both he and his wife died in Ashland county, that state. Mr. and Mrs. Bunyan became the parents of five children : Sarah J., who is now the wife of John Mc- Cabe and resides upon a farm near Bement ; John W., who first married Janette Wallace, who died in 1885, after which he wedded Jane Dobson, with whom he is now living on the old Bunyan homestead in Unity township, Piatt county; Charles Andrew, who married Lilly Bernard and resides in Hammond, where he is engaged in the lumber business ; Wilbert Willis, who married Ruth Shaw and resides upon the home farm in Unity township; and Margaret Elverta, the wife of Dayton M. Lincoln. They reside with Mr. and Mrs. Bunyan and have two children, George M. and Chester A. Mr. Bunyan continued to engage in farming upon the old homestead in Unity township until the 2ist of February, 1895, when he removed to the village of Hammond, where he has since lived retired. He is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned, for through many years he was an active factor in agricultural circles in Piatt county. He now owns eighty acres of land in one farm and another tract of one hundred and sixty acres, both being in Unity township. In addition to this he has a comfortable home property in Hammond. His political support is given to the Republican party and he is entitled to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, for while living in Ohio he enlisted in May, 1864,- in tlie National Guard of that state, becoming a member of Company D, One Hundred and Sixty-third Regiment under Colonel Hiram Miller. This regiment was called to active service, but Mr. Bunyan remained with the army for only a few months for he became ill and was sent to the hospital at Fort Pocahontas, Virginia. Later he was transferred to the hospital at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, where he received an honorable discharge in September, 1864. His name has always been an honored one in business circles and a synonym for integrity and straightforward dealing. In matters of citizenship he has ever been loyal, and has withheld his co-operation from no movement calculated to benefit the community. He has witnessed many changes during his residence in the county for he has seen pioneer conditions give way before advancing civilization and Piatt county has kept abreast with the general improvement along all lines which have advanced material, social, intellectual and moral interests.

George R. Trenchard

Success is determined by one's ability to recognize opportunity and to pursue this with a resolute and unflagging energy. It results from continued effort, and the man who thus accomplishes his purpose usually becomes an important factor in business circles of the community with which he is connected. Although comparatively a young man. Mr. Trenchard has already attained a leading place among the representative business men of his section of the county, being the well-known and popular cashier of the First National Bank of DeLand.

He was born on a farm just outside the corporation limits, February 14, 1867, and is a son of William O. and Nancy (Lyons) Trenchard. His father is a native of England, born in New Devonshire, on the 8th of August, 1828, and is a son of Joseph and Edna (Upjohn) Trenchard. The latter died in March, 1881. The father of our subject removed to Morgan county, this state, and for about thirteen years was engaged in agricultural pursuits near Jacksonville. At the end of that period he came to Piatt county and purchased one hundred and seventy acres of land in Goose Creek township south of De Land, where he followed farming for over thirty years. Since then he has made his home in Champaign, Illinois.

While living in Morgan county, William O. Trenchard was married July 25, 1852, to Miss Nancy Lyons, who was born in County Clare, Ireland, August 25, 1830. Her parents spent their entire lives in that country. Her father was a full-fledged Irishman, but her mother was of Scotch- Irish descent. Unto Mr, and Mrs. Trenchard were born seven children, as follows : Mary, wife of John Tatman, a farmer of Iowa ; Ellen, wife of Robert Bragg, who follows farming near DeLand; Joseph, a physician of Chicago, who married Emma Marquiss, but she died in January, 1892 ; William H., a farmer and stock- raiser living near Carlton, Missouri ; Frances, wife of William Sullivan, a real estate dealer of - Champaign; Sadie Edna, wife of G. M. Morton, a grocer of Champaign; and George R., of this review.

The subject of this sketch, who is the youngest of the family, was educated in the common schools near DeLand, and remained with his father, assisting in the operation of the home farm until his marriage, which was celebrated December 28, 1898, at the home of Thomas Bondurant in DeLand, where his wife had resided for several years. In her maidenhood she was Miss Lucy Thornton, a daughter of William and Fanny (Bondurant) Thorton, of Des Moines, Iowa. She has become the mother of one child, Wendell Bondurant Trenchard, who was born on the 3d of April, 1900.

After his marriage Mr. Trenchard commenced farming on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres south of DeLand, but after residing there for a year he sold that place and bought a farm of three hundred and twenty acres just north and adjoining the corporation limits of DeLand. After operating that place for three years he was appointed cashier of the First National Bank of DeLand and has since given his attention principally to the discharge of the duties of that position.

Mr. Trenchard has taken the first degree in the Masonic Lodge there and is also a member of DeLand Lodge, No. 603, K. P., and DeLand Camp, No. 2178, M. W. A. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian church. In all of his undertakings he has prospered thus far, his excellent success being but the logical result of his careful and correct business methods.

John Frizzell

This well-known and highly esteemed citizen of DeLand, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 25, 1841, a son of Jason and Rebecca (Turner) Frizzell, both representatives of old Virginia families. The father was born in Ohio in 1808, and was educated in the common schools of that state. In early life he followed farming in Fairfield county, and for the long period of forty-five years most acceptably served as justice of the peace. At one time he was also the Democratic candidate for sheriff, but was defeated. He was a stanch supporter of that party and' took a very active and prominent part in local politics. In 1830 he married Rebecca Turner, who died when our subject was a year old, and he was again married in 1851, his second union being with Jane Jones, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had three children : Jason, who served in the Civil war as a member of the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and is now a railroad man living in Ohio; William; and Barbara, wife of Dudley Layman. The children of the first marriage were Joel, a resident of Ohio ; Frederick, who died in the army ; Jackson, also deceased ; John, of this review ; Emily and Rebecca, both deceased. The father died in Ohio, February c, 1862.

John Frizzell is indebted to the public schools of Ohio for the educational privileges he enjoyed during his boyhood, but he was able to attend school but little as he began work as soon as old enough. At the age of fifteen years he commenced learning the tanner's trade, which he followed continuously until the Civil war broke out, when prompted by a spirit of patriotism he offered his services to the government. At Columbus, Ohio, in 1863, he enlisted in the Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until hostilities ceased. He was in a number of engagements, including the battle of Guntown, where he was taken prisoner June 10, 1864. For about seven months he was incarcerated in Andersonville prison, was in Millen prison six or seven weeks, and was also confined in the jail at Columbus, Georgia, for a few

After resting for a time Mr. Frizzell began work as a farm hand and also did odd jobs. In 1866 he left his native state and removed to Charleston, Illinois, where he was married on the jth of June, that year, to Miss Mary L. Frizzell, a daughter of David B. and Harriet (Smith) Frizzell, who were from Ohio. Her mother is still living in Cumberland county, Illinois, at the age of eighty-five years, but her father died in 1868 at the age of fifty-four. He had two brothers : Lloyd drove an ox team across the plains to California in 1849 and died in San Francisco of heart failure. He was county treasurer for one or two terms. John, a physician, served for three years as a surgeon in the Civil war and died in Butler, Bates county, Missouri, six years ago. The wife of our subject is one of a family of seven children, the others being Sarah, deceased ; John, who died in the army ; Crawford, a resident of Terre Haute, Indiana; Rebecca, wife of John Jenuine; Alice, wife of George Stults, a farmer ; and Lloyd, who is operating the old home farm. Unto our subject and his wife were born two children, namely : Florence, deceased ; and Gertrude, wife of O'Neal Barnes, who is engaged in farming on our subject's place near DeLand.

In 1879 Mr. Frizzell came to Piatt county and began farming near the present site of DeLand, which was then a cornfield. He bought a forty-acre farm in 1882, but sold the same later and purchased sixty acres, on which he made his home for fourteen years. On disposing of that farm he bought another of one hundred acres, which he operated quite successfully until 1902. when he removed to DeLand and purchased town property, though he still owns his farm near the village. His home in DeLand is a valuable property, consisting of a fine house, good barn and other outbuildings situated on four lots. He has a large amount of fruit upon his place, including cherries and berries of all kinds, and everything is in first-class condition. Here, surrounded by all the comforts which go to make life worth the living, Mr. and Mrs. Frizzell expect to spend their remaining days. They are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active part in its work, and they enjoy the esteem and friendship of all who know them. Mr. Frizzell is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a strong Republican in politics. His life has been one of industry and usefulness and he merits the success that has come to him as well as the confidence that is so freely accorded him.

James Clifton Tippett

Piatt county figures as one of the most attractive, progressive and prosperous divisions of the state of Illinois, justly claiming a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which is certain to conserve consecutive development and marked advancement in the material upbuilding of men who have controlled its affairs in official capacity, and in this connection the subject of this review demands representation as one who has served the county faithfully and well in positions of distinctive trust and responsibility. He is now acting as circuit clerk and recorder of Piatt county and makes his home in Monticello.

Piatt county, on the 3d of July, 1873, and is a son of Cumberland Tippett, whose birth occurred in Licking county, Ohio, about the year 1834. The father was a merchant and also devoted some time to farming and to preaching the gospel as a local minister. He Became an early settler of White Heath and his influence for good was widely felt. In his ministerial capacity he was called upon to perform the marriage ceremony for many couples in Piatt and adjoining counties. He was ever the friend of progress, reform and improvement, and his influence was ever given on the side of right and justice. His death was occasioned by accident on the 2d of October, 1875, at which time he fell from an apple tree. His wife survived him and is still living at White Heath. She was born in Ohio in 1848. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tippett were born two children : Florence M. is the wife of Dr. B. E. Duvall, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a physician, having pursued a course in the Southern Eclectic Medical College at Atlanta, Georgia, in which institution her husband pursued his medical course. Both are now actively engaged in practice and each are in the enjoyment of a lucrative business. In connection with their work in this direction they are editing the Southern Eclectic Medical Journal of Atlanta, Georgia, which is recognized as authority on many subjects of which it treats.

James C. Tippett, whose name introduces this record, was reared and educated at White Heath. On leaving the public schools he entered the State University at Champaign, where he pursued his studies for several terms, and then returning to his home he engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of feeding hogs and cattle. His father was the owner of a small tract <?f land and it was upon this that Mr. Tipptftt carried on his agricultural pursuits. He continued farming until May 1900, wlien he was nominated on the Republican ticket to the office of circuit clerk, and was elected the following fall, assuming the duties of his office in December of the same year, his term to extend four years. He is now the incumbent in the office and is discharging its duties with marked promptness and fidelity. By virtue of his position as circuit clerk he is also recorder of the county and his administration of the affairs of the office is most commendable.

On the 5th of October, 1898, occurred the marriage of Mr. Tippett and Miss Mattie Jamison, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Mrs. Inez Bender, of Decatur, Illinois. Socially, Mr. Tippett is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, with Selah Lodge, No. 243, I. O. O. F., and with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a most genial and affable gentleman and is well known in his native county, where he has spent his entire life. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Piatt county, and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and co-operation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development.

Dr. B. T. McClain, of Atwood, Illinois, was born on the 28th of September, 1854, in Harrison county, Kentucky, of which his parents, George and Sarah McClain, were also natives. Throughout life the father followed farming and made his home in either Harrison, Scott or Grant counties,

Kentucky. Both he and his wife died in that state. Our subject and his brother \Yilliam, were the only ones of the family to come to Illinois, and the latter is now an extensive farmer of Sangamon count}-.

The preliminary education of our subject was obtained in the common schools of Grant county, Kentucky, and he also attended high school there. Later he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and began the study of medicine, pursuing a two-years' course in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, from which he was graduated in the class of 1886. He was granted the degree of M. D. and licensed to practice. Opening an office in Scott county, Kentucky, he was engaged in practice there for four years, and at the end of that time removed to Franklin, Morgan county, Illinois, where the following seven years were passed. In 1897 ne came to Atwood, and here he has built up a large practice which is constantly increasing. As the village is in the southeast corner of the county he receives many calls from Douglas and Moultrie as well as Piatt county for his country practice is very extensive.

Dr. McClain married Miss Sarah Hughes, of Owen county, Kentucky, and to them have been born two children : Myrtle and Nellie. Mrs. McClain is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Atwood, while the Doctor is a Baptist in religious belief. They have a nice home in the south part of town, where his office is also located, and in the latter he keeps a stock of medicines. He is a member of the Esculapian Society of the Wabash Valley, the Douglas County Medical Society and the Illinois State Medical Society, and by the interchange of thought which forms a feature of those organizations he keeps in touch with the progress which is continually carrying the science of medicine toward perfection. His life is a busy one, so numerous are the demands made upon his professional skill, and it is therefore well that he takes a deep and abiding interest in his work, in which he has attained a high degree of proficiency. Socially, he is a member of Atwood Lodge, No. 761, I. O. O. F., and the encampment of the same order at Atwood; Atwood Lodge, No. 651, F. & A. M., of Atwood; the chapter and commandery of Masonry at Tuscola, Illinois ; and the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Tuscola. In politics he is a Republican.

Among those who devote their time and energies to the practice of medicine and surgery and are meeting with success in their chosen profession is Dr. E. L. Reeves, who had built up a good practice in and around Milmine, although he has made his ' home here only a short time. A native of Illinois, he was born near Carlisle in Clinton county, November 17, 1865," and is a son of J. M. and Rachel (Jones) Reeves, who are now living near Vandalia, Fayette county, this state, both having passed the Psalmist's allotted span of life - three score years and ten. The father has made farming his life occupation. In the family were three children : J. T., a physician of Pittsburg, Illinois; H. C., a farmer of Fayette county; and E. L., of this review.

During his boyhood Dr. E. L. Reeves attended the public schools and was graduated -at the Vandalia high school in the class of 1884. He then engaged in teaching for a time, and having determined to enter the medical profession he matriculated at the Eclectic Institute in Cincinnati, where he graduated in 1890, with the degree of M. D. He opened an office in Lake City, Illinois, where he remained until 1892, and was then a practitioner of St. Elmo until the fall of 1902, which witnessed his removal to the village of Milmine, where he has already secured a good patronage, his skill and ability being soon recognized.

On the I2th of July, 1893, near Vandalia, Illinois, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Reeves and Miss Ella J. Godsey, who was born near that city, March 30, 1869. The Doctor is a Republican in politics, and is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is serving as official instructor. He also belongs to the Rebekah Lodge and to the Modern Woodmen of America, being medical examiner for the camp at Milmine. Occasionally he contributes articles of worth to the Eclectic Journal and has gained recognition as one of the able and successful physicians of his part of the county, as well as one of its best citizens.

William Dighton

Controlling important financial and agricultural interests, William Dighton occupies a prominent position in business circles of Piatt county, where his efforts have been so discerningly directed along well defined lines of labor that he seems to have 'realized at any one point of his career the full measure of possibility at that point. He is yet a young man, but he possesses the energy and enterprise so characteristic of this section of the counr46 try and in the management of his business affairs displays marked capability. While winning success he has also gained the confidence and good will of his fellow men and William Dighton is to-day numbered among the popular, prominent and representative citizens of Piatt county.

Mr. Dighton has spent his entire life here, with the exception of a brief period passed in college. He was born upon the home farm in Piatt county, June 4, 1873, and is the fourth son of Andrew J. and Sarah C. (Netherton) Dighton. His boyhood days were passed in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period and the work of field and meadow became familiar to him in his youth. He was provided with good educational privileges, for after attending the grammar and high schools of Monticello, he entered the State University, at Champaign, Illinois, where he spent two years as a student. On leaving college he again took up his abode upon the home farm but soon afterward became connected with the active management of the First National Bank in Monticello, in which he accepted the position of assistant cashier. The successful conduct of the institution since that time has been largely due to his efforts. He has made a close and thorough study of the banking business and his obliging manner, unfailing courtesy to the patrons, his keen foresight and energy have been salient features in the prosperity of the bank. He acted as assistant cashier until 1897, when he wras elected vice president and now holds that connection with the bank.

Mr. Dighton has not confined his attention, however, to one line for he is a man of much natural business ability, resourceful and alert, and in agricultural interests he is especially prominent. His real estate possessions are extensive, amounting to about fifteen hundred acres of choice land, and there is no finer land in all America than is contained in the farms of Piatt county. His property is divided into a number of farms, some of which are situated in Champaign county and all are under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Dighton is also extensively interested in live stock. He buys, feeds, raises and ships both hogs and cattle, and annually sends several carloads to the city markets. Besides those he raises himself or buys in this locality he has also dealt in western cattle, and being an excellent judge of stock, he makes judicious purchases and profitable sales.

In 1888 occurred the marriage of William Dighton and Miss Jessie L. Thompson, a daughter of Mrs. C. N. Thompson, of a prominent old family of Monticello. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dighton hold membership in the First Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustee. They contribute liberally to the support of the church and take an active part in its work, and Mr. Dighton is also a prominent Mason, belonging to Fraternal Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Markwell Chapter, R. A. M. ; and Champaign Commandery, K. T. Having always made his home in Piatt county he is widely known in this part of the state. He is also' widely recognized as one of the most prominent, alert and enterprising business men of the county. Intricate business situations he readily masters and shapes conditions to the furtherance of his own ends and yet in his business life he has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellow men or to swerve in the least from the strictest commercial ethics. His genial nature renders him popular, and as a citizen he belongs to that class of publicspirited men who are found as supporters of all that contributes to the material, social, intellectual and moral development of the communities with which they are connected.

Samuel Smock

A representative of the agricultural interests of Piatt count}-, Samuel Smock, who iv?ides on section 16, Monticello township, well deserves mention in this volume. He i? to-day the possessor of a fine property which stands as a monument to his enterprise and unfaltering perseverance throughout the years of his business career. He \vas born in Ohio near the dividing line between Pickaway and Ross counties, his natal day being the I4th of November, 1834. His father, William Smock, was a native of Virginia and in early childhood removed to Ohio where he was educated in the common schools. He was reared upon a farm, early assisting in the labors of field and meadow and in the Buckeye state he remained until 1839. when he sought a home in Illinois, coming to Piatt county. He cast in his lot with the early settlers and /lived amid the wild scenes of frontier life. He purchased his farm from the government, becoming the owner of a tract of land in Monticello township, for which he paid one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. Not a furrow had beeti turned nor an improvement made upon the place, but with characteristic energy he began its development. Subsequently he sold it and purchased another farm of eighty acres on which he made his home until his death which occurred about 1878. His wife bore the maiden name of Jane Heath and she, too, was born in Ohio. They became the parents of three children : Samuel ; Rufus, who died about fifteen years ago; and Hiram, who died about twelve years ago.

Samuel Smock obtained his education in one of the old-time log schools with a puncheon floor, slab benches and other primitive furnishings. This school was located where the fairgrounds are now seen. At an early day, however, he left school, for his services were needed upon the home farm and he continued to assist his father until 1861, when he began farming on his own account. This occupation he has made his life work and his labors have been crowned with a fair degree of prosperity. At the time of his marriage he took up. his abode upon the farm which has now been his home for forty-two years. Many great changes have occurred during this period, many rods of tiling have been laid, an orchard has been planted and two houses have been erected by Mr. Smock, the second one being his present residence, which is very attractive and commodious, containing ten rooms. It stands in the midst of a fine lawn in which are a large number of shade trees that have been planted by Mr. Smock. He has also erected a new barn and other buildings and has generally improved the place until it is one of the best improved in this section of the county. In connection with general farming he feeds a large number of hogs for the market, all mostly Poland China and Red Rock stock.

children : John H., who is engaged in farming; Charles A., who is with his father on the homestead; Ada A., who is also under the parental roof; and Edwin O., who died in 1894. Mrs. Smock and her daughter are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Smock has held the office of school director for twenty-seven years. In politics he is a Democrat, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. He has concentrated his energies along one line and his undivided attention combined with capable management and energy have resulted in bringing to him a creditable success.

Samuel Waters Allerton

One of the largest land owners in Piatt county, but who makes his home in Chicago, is Samuel W. Allerton, who traces his ancestry to Isaac Allerton, who came over in the Mayflower in 1620. Isaac Allerton was a native of England and was torn between the years 1583 and 1585, the exact date being unknown. He resided in London for some time prior to his removal to Holland in 1609. It is generally admitted that he was the wealthiest of all the Pilgrims and was one of the few among them to whose names Bradford and other contemporaneous writers always gave the prefix "Mr." which in those days was used as an index of superior family or respectability. He was also one of the three upon whom the privilege of citizenship was conferred by the city of Leyden, his associates in this honor being William Bradford, afterward governor of the Plymouth colony, and Degory Priest, his brother-in-law. He was first married in the city of Leyden, November 4, 1611, to Mary Norris, of Newbury, England, and at the time of the sailing of the Mayflower he had four children. His wife died February 25, 1621. In 1626 he married Fear Brewster, daughter of Elder William Brewster. She was a woman of pleasing appearance and of a pious disposition and was the mother of Isaac Allerton, the second of that name, from whom the Allerton family is descended. She died in 1634, while his death occurred in 1659.

Samuel W. Allerton is of the ninth generation from Isaac Allerton, of whom mention has just been made. He was born at Amenia, Dutchess county, New York, and is a son of Samuel W. and Hannah (Hurd) Allerton, the former also being a native of Amenia, born December 5, 1785. He was united in marriage to Hannah Hurd on March 26, 1808. She was born in South Dover, Dutchess county, New York, and was the eldest daughter of Ebenezer and Rebecca (Phillips) Hurd, her father being an extensive farmer and stock-dealer in Amenia. By this union there were nine children, eight of whom were living in January, 1899, at a combined age of over six hundred and thirty years. In his early life the father of our subject studied for the medical profession, but changing his mind he learned the tailor's trade and became a merchant tailor, while at the same time he carried on a country store. In 1828 he was one of the promoters in building a woolen mill and establishing a factory. In consequence of the reduction of the tariff in 1833 nearly all the manufactories in New England were ruined, and Mr. Allerton lost nearly all his fortune. In 1837 he went west to Iowa with the hope of building up ;i.'= fortune but was taken sick and returned to his eastern home. In 1842 he removed to Yates county, New York, where he rented a farm, and in 1848 he bought a farm in Wayne county, in the same state, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was a man of sterling integrity, was a Universalist in religious belief, and lived to the ripe old age of ninety-nine years and eight months.

Samuel Waters, Allerton, our subject, was but seven years of age when his father failed in business, at which time he received an impression which has influenced his noble life. While the sheriff was selling his father's property, his mother shed tears when two horses which had been highly prized were sold. Putting his arms around his mother's neck he told her that he would be a man and provide for her. In after life he kept his promise. He was the youngest of the nine children and lived in Amenia until he was fourteen years of age, but commenced to work for himself when he was twelve years old. In 1842 he went to Yates county with his parents and remained with them until they had saved enough money to buy a farm in Wayne county. With his brother Henry, he then rented a farm and made fifteen hundred dollars, which they invested in a farm in Wayne county, leaving still three thousand dollars unpaid.

Renting another farm Mr. Allerton began its cultivation and at the end of three years had saved thirty-two hundred dollars. He then went to Newark where he worked with his brothers on their farm and traded in a small way in livestock in Wayne county. On his return from Albany and New York, where he had gone with some stock, he said to his brother Henry: "I. believe I know as much as the dealers I met, and as we now have the farm paid for and three thousand dollars in money, I will settle with you, you taking the farm and I taking the money." His brother replied : "If you continue as you are in a few years you will own the best farm in the country, but if you wish to try the livestock business, all right, we will settle on this basis. This is all the advice I have to give you. You will run across smart and tricky men, but they always die poor. Make a name and character for yourself and you are sure to win."

The first hundred cattle Samuel bought after dissolving partnership with his brother, he sold in New York at a loss of seven hundred dollars. This made him sick, but calling on an elderly uncle who had made a success in life, he was told by his uncle, "My boy, you are pretty sick, but don't lose your courage. I never found but one dead sure thing, and that was hoeing corn at fifty cents per day. If you make money you must sometimes lose it. Try it over."

About this time women had burned a number of bridges on the Erie Railroad because the trains would not stop for dinner. Going to Erie, Mr. Allerton purchased one hundred head of cattle, which he shipped to New York over the Erie Railroad, and which on account of the burned bridges had to be unloaded and driven to Dunkirk, where they were reshipped. On his arrival he found the market short on cattle, and his venture netted him three thousand dollars, which gave him new courage. He then drifted west and for one year fed and raised cattle in Fulton county, Illinois. The financial panic which swept over the country at that time wiped out all the capital he had, and becoming ill he concluded that he could not stand the western climate. Returning east, he bought an interest in a store with his brother in Newark, New York, and for a

Past And Preshxt

While residing in Illinois he had met a daughter of Astor C. Thompson, of Fulton county, that state. Having regained his health he sold his interest in the store and, gathering his money he had left and borrowing five thousand dollars, he came west, the young lady in Fulton county being the principal attraction. On his arrival there he traded a little, but in March, 1860, he returned to Chicago, which has since continued to be his home. On the ist of July, -1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Pamilla Thompson, at Peoria, Illinois, and with his young bride returned to Chicago, "where the world turned around every twenty-four hours," and which was the proper place in which to trade.

On going to Chicago, MT. Allerton commenced to buy and sell livestock in a small way, there being then no general market in the city except for a short time during the winter. Shippers generally took their livestock to the eastern markets. About this time there was a decided break in the Chicago market, and Mr. Allerton desired to buy, but having formed no connection with any bank there, the question was how to get money. Among his few acquaintances in Chicago was a man by the name of Tobey, whom he asked to take him to a bank and identify him. Mr. Tobey was willing to do this but he said that he could not guarantee anything. He was assured by Mr. Allerton that he only wished to be identified and that he would arrange the balance. He was taken to the bank of George Smith and, on being introduced, said to Mr. Willard, "If I pay for three telegrams, one to

Halstead, Chamberlain & Company, asking if they will pay my draft; one to your own correspondent, to ascertain if Halstead, Chamberlain & Company are all right ; and one to my own bank to assure you that I am all right, can I come down to-morrow and sell you a sight draft?" He replied "Yes." Mr. Allerton went back to the stockyards and bought all the hogs in the market and went down with a draft for eighty thousand dollars, asking Mr. Willard if he had received replies to his telegrams. His answer was that- he had and that the replies were favorable. Mr. Allerton handed him the draft and was told that he could not discount so large a draft on telegrams and that he had supposed that he would not want more than five thousand dollars. Mr. Allerton said, "You know Mr. Tobey, and you certainly do not think that he would introduce a thief to you."

Mr. Willard, however, would not discount the draft and Mr. Allerton found himself in a position where he must have money, but what to do he did not know. Leaving the bank, he accidentally met a man from Syracuse, New York, and asked him if he was acquainted with any banks in Chicago, and was told that he knew Aikens & Norton. He was taken to them and introduced. Mr. Aikens looked over the telegrams and signified his willingness to comply with Mr. Allerton's request, but that he would have to charge one per cent, for the use of the money. In this way Mr. Allerton became a customer of Aikens & Norton. The Civil war broke out and the nation needed money. Congress passed the national bank act, issuing bonds to secure the circulation. This was regarded by Mr. Allerton as a step in the right direction toward a national currency, as the nation had never had anything but "red dog" and "bob-tailed" currency. To start a national bank would aid the government and give the people unifrom currency, but for some reason the people seemed slow to start national banks. Mr. Allerton asked Mr. Aikens why he did not start one and was answered "because he feared he could not get the stock taken." Mr. Allerton said that he, with five other men, would take ten thousand dollars each. In this way the First National Bank of Chicago, one of the strongest financial, institutions in the country, was started.

By his union with Pamilla Thompson two children were born. Kate Bennett, born June 10, 1863, married Dr. Francis Sydney Papin, October 14, 1885, and after his death married Hugo R. Johnson. Robert Henry, born March 20, 1873, is represented elsewhere in this volume. The mother of these children died and Mr. Allerton later married her sister, Agnes C. Thompson, the marriage ceremony being solemnized March 15, 1882. They are now residing in a beautiful home on Prairie avenue, Chicago.

Mr. Allerton has been a very successful business man and is well known througout the state and nation. He wrote the first letter published in the Chicago Tribune in favor of organizing the Union Stockyards, so as to bring all buyers and sellers together, which has made it the greatest livestock market in the world and also made Chicago a money center. He always had the desire to own a farm when he succeeded in accumulating enough money. His desire has certainly been gratified, and he is to-day one of the largest farmers in the country who cultivates his own land, cultivating about forty thousand acres in the very best manner. He is said to have a hobby for purchasing poorly productive lands and by culvation "makes them blossom as a rose." He has large interests in ranches and gold mines and has lands in Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, and has always been interested in the livestock trade and continues to ship livestock to New York and England.

Mr. Allerton received his early political education from Henry Clay and Horace Greeley, and has always been a strong believer in a protective tariff and free schools. He remembers that in the campaign of 1844, when Henry Clay was a candidate for the presidency, the issue was "Shall we put a tariff on iron and inaugurate free schools ?" The Democrats said that "a tariff would build up home monopolies and free schools would te a burden and a tax on the people." Clay replied, "Give the people free schools so as to increase their intelligence, their energy and industry, and home competition would reduce the price of iron." It was then one hundred dollars a ton. Remembering the words of Henry Clay and believing the free school system has made this great nation, Mr. Allerton, by giving the land, has had schoolhouses built on each of his farms. Since the organization of the party he has been a stalwart Republican and has been mentioned and his election advocated by some of the best newspapers and best citizens of the state for the high office of United States senator. That he would honor the office and people of- the state goes without question. He once ran for mayor of Chicago in the interest of civil service with no pledges to any one. His desire was to give the city an honest, clean administration. The office would have been no honor to him but he would have honored the office. It was his intention to employ the best engineers in the country to settle the vexed question of engineering and in all departments o.f the city government to put the right man in the right place, irrespective of politics. He carried the north division of the city and the other intelligent wards, but was beaten by a sharp political trick of his opponent.

Mr. Allerton believes that all men should try to lead a successful life; this he owes to himself, his friends and his people. He believes that young men to-day have better opportunities for advancement than when he was a boy, and that they have better teachers and better schools. Labor is higher and the necessities of life are cheaper, and therefore the opportunities are much greater for success. His life is certainly an object lesson for the young men of to-day, and he certainly deserves all the honor which he receives.

Louis C. A. Humeau

Coming to this country from a foreign land Louis C. A. Humeau has improved the opportunities which America offers to her adopted sons and is to-day one of the substantial citizens of Piatt county, Illinois, making his home in Mansfield. He was born in Angers, France, on the 25th of July, 1 86 1, and is the youngest in a family of five children, whose parents were Francis and Mary Homeau. He is also the only surviving member of the family. The father owned and conducted a wocdyard in France and during the winter months when his business greatly increased he employed about five men. The mother died when her son Louis was Taut four years of age and the father

Louis C. A. Humeau obtained his early education in France and was provided with good privileges, there being graduated in the agricultural school of his native country when about eighteen years of age. On attaining his majority he determined to establish his home in America and attest the truth of the favorable reports which he had heard concerning the United States and its business possibilities. He landed at New York on the 24th of September, 1882, after a voyage of eleven days on the steamer Circassian, and thence made his way to Montreal, Canada, where he remained for about eighteen months. On the expiration of that period he removed to Illinois and spent about a year at St. Ann. On the expiration of that period he located in Farmer. City, DeWitt county, Illinois, and afterward came to Mansfield, Piatt county, where he arrived in the spring of 1885. Here he has resided continuously since and until 1897 was in the employ of Root Brothers, as one of their most trusted representatives. In that year he began working for the D. F. Wyman Company in the lumber business and is still with Mr. Wyman.

On the 25th of September, 1888, Mr. Humeau was united in marriage to Miss Olive S. Clouser and unto them have been born five children, all of whom are yet living and the three eldest are now students in the Mansfield schools. These are George H., who was born April 23, 1891; Adele M., born June 26. 1893; Florence L.. born February 27, 1898;

In 1889 Mr. Humeau purchased a lot in Mansfield and erected the house which he and his family now occupy, it being a pleasant home and the abode of cheerful hospitality which is much enjoyed by their many friends. Politically Mr. Humeau is a stanch Republican and served as village clerk for one term, while for four terms he has been village treasurer. In his religious faith he is a Methodist.

Rev. Ernest Hawley

There is no position held by man more important than pastor of a church, nor is there a position that has attached to it greater importance or responsibility when properly conceived and conscientiously discharged. This is more essentially the case with the clergymen of the Catholic faith, for he is held more as an instructor and guide, not only in religious matters, but in moral and social conduct by his congregation. There are few men by character and education better fitted to preside over a people in all these relations than the reverend gentleman whose name introduces this sketch.

Father Hawley is a native of Leicestershire, England, born February 26, 1866, at Melton Mowbray, a place noted for fox hunters. His parents were Thomas and Mary (Hall) Hawley. The father is now deceased but the mother is still living and continues to reside in England. Our subject acquired his early education in Radcliffe College, Leicester, England, and remained in that countrv until his eighteenth year, when he commenced his ecclesiastical studies in northern It^ly, at Domo D'Ossola, near Turin. He spent nine years in the Alps and spoke nothing else but Italian during that time, being well educated in that language. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Ricardi, of Novara, Italy, on the roth of July, 1892. Two years were passed in France, and in 1893 he was sent to this country directly from Italy to become a teacher at Galesburg, Illinois, where he spent five years. He also did some missionary and parish work while at that place, and was then sent to Kewanee, this state, for six months as assistant pastor to Rev. F. C. Duffy, now rector of St. Patrick's Catholic church at Danville. On the 29th of June, 1901, Father Hawley was appointed by Bishop J. L. Spalding as vice rector under Rev. F. G. Lentz at Bement with out-mission at Monticello. He is still located here and has done effective work of the parish. He is a man of scholarly attainments and has a splendid library, of which he makes excellent use. At the present time he is engaged in the translation of a historical work from the French, entitled the Sources of Modern Civilization, written from the Christian standpoint by Godefroid Kurth. He is very earnest and conscientious in all that he does and he labors untiringly for the interests of the church. It will be interesting in this connection to note something of the history of St. Michael's church of Bement, of which Father Hawley is the pastor. Its record is as follows.

The Catholic church in Piatt county gained its first stronghold in the early '6os. Previous to this time Catholicism had made its way into this section of the state for Catholic families had located within the borders of the county and continued their belief in the doctrines of the great organization which has its center in Rome. However, there was no permanent church formation and the people only had religious ministrations as priests came from Danville or Decatur. The Catholic families were scattered in the southern part of Piatt county, but it was only at rare intervals that the priests of the church came to this locality and no record was kept of their visits or of the work done among the followers of Catholicism. At times of baptisms or deaths the people usually visited Decatur, but in the early '6os the work was firmly instituted here by the Rev. A. Vogt of Decatur, who held regular services and continued his work among his Catholic followers in Piatt county until 1865. At that time Rev. P. Toner, pastor of the church in Champaign, was assigned to the mission work of Champaign and Piatt counties. The growth of the Catholic population and their deep interest in the work then led to the formation of a congregation and the erection of a house of worship which was built in Bement in 1867 at a cost of twenty-one hundred dollars. The following year the Rev. P. Bermingham was stationed as pastor of tho Catholic church at Ivesdale and Bement was made one of the out-missions of that place, so continuing until June, 1871. At that time, on account of ill health, Father Bermingham took a trip to Europe and upon his return he passed away in Cleveland, Ohio. He was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Shanley, who was a man of marked executive ability and energy as well as of deep Christian purpose and strong character. He soon brought about many new reforms that proved of marked benefit to Catholicism and led to the growth of the church. He had labored, however, for only a few years when death claimed him and he passed to his reward on the 2d of September, 1874. This worthy Christian priest was then succeeded by the Rev. M. J. Byrne, who very successully carried on his good work not only instructing his people in the teachings of the church, but also having marked influence in behalf of the cause of temperance. He taught the wrongfulness of the vice of drink and largely eliminated the use of intoxicants among the Catholics in this community. Throughout the years the congregation grew in numbers and force and in Christian spirit, and in 1889 the increase in the congregation demanded larger accommodations so that a new church was erected at a cost of forty-five hundred dollars and this was dedicated on its completion September 5, 1889. The work of the church has also been promoted in Bement by Revs. Labrie, O'Dwyer, Devany, Donovan and Barry. They continued their labors effectively in the mission until the ist of June, 1891, when Bement was cut off from Ivesdale and placed under the charge of a missionary rector, the Rev. F. G. Lentz, who did much to further the cause among the members of the parish. A parsonage was built by this congregation during his administration, containing all modern improvements. It is a credit to the town and county and indicates the devotion of the , Catholics of this locality to their church and its best interests. The present pastor is the Rev. Ernest Hawley, who took charge in 1900. He is a man of scholarly attainments, of broad general learning and a comprehensive understanding of Catholicism and its teachings. His devotion to his parishioners and their best interests is most marked, and under his supervision the church is making, rapid and satisfactory progress, the different branches .of work being now in a thriving condition.

H. W. Wheeler

H. W. Wheeler, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits 'on section 36, 'Cerro Gordo township, is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Macon county, April 15, 1855. His father, Charles Wheeler, was born in Kentucky and in early manhood married Mary Wheeler, a native of Tennessee. Though bearing the same name they were not related prior to their marriage. They were among the pioneers of Macon county, Illinois, their home being on a farm near Spangler Mills, where in the midst of the forest the father cleared a tract of land and placed it under cultivation. Throughout life he followed the occupation of farming. In his family were fifteen children, -seven of whom are now living, namely : Mrs. Hathaway and Alfred, both residents of Nebraska; John, a resident of Long Creek, Macon county, Illinois ; Mrs. Belle Schroll, who lives on a farm near Independence, Iowa ; H. W., of this review; Leander, a resident of Macon county ; and James, of Nebraska.

Reared upon the home farm, H. W. Wheeler obtained his education in the district schools of that locality and gave his father the benefit of his labor in the cultivation of the fields until. eighteen years of age. He has made farming his life work, and in following that occupation has met with good success. The first piece of property he acquired was a tract of thirty acres on section 36, Cerro Gordo township, Piatt county, and he has since added to the place until he now has one hundred and twenty acres under a high state of cultivation and well improved with good and substantial buildings.

Mr. Wheeler was married on the I2th of March, 1883, to Miss Isabella Dobson, a native of Scott county, Illinois, and- a daughter of Philip and Isabella (Morley) Dobson, the former of whom was born in Scarborough, England, and the latter in Whitby, England. In 1850 they emigrated to America and settled near Jacksonville in Morgan county, Illinois, but shortly afterward removed to Lynnville, the same county, and in 1866 came to Piatt county, locating in Cerro Gordo township. Mr. Dobson has been called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died March 13, 1893, and he now makes his home in Richmond, Virginia. Of their eight children seven are yet living : Mrs. Mary Balch, of Cerro Gordo ; Mrs. Sarah Ankrom, of Douglas county, Illinois; Isabella, wife of our subject; Robinson, a resident of Cerro Gordo township, this 'county; Rachel, wife of Arthur B. Lamb, of Bement township ; Anna, wife of William Brandenburg, of Cerro Gordo; and John, of Cerro Gordo township. Mrs. Wheeler was educated in the public schools of Cerro Gordo and the Normal College at Valparaiso, Indiana, and for a number of years successfully engaged in teaching in Cerro Gordo township. Our subject and his wife have three children : Philip, Mary and Martha, and the family is one of prominence in the community where they re- side. In his political views Mr. Wheeler is a Democrat, and he gives an earnest support to all measures which he believes will prove of public benefit.

A. D. Pierson, whose home is on section 33, Unity township, is one of the most progressive and enterprising farmers of that locality and a worthy representative of one of the most prominent and influential families of that section of. the country. He was born on the 2d of July, 1857, in Vigo county, Indiana, and is a son of Willis C. Pierson, who was a native of Kentucky and from that state removed with his mother to Vigo county, Indiana, when only four years old, his father, Elijah Pierson having died in Kentucky. Prior to that time only three settlements had been made in the county, these being known as the Reed. Drake and Langtry colonies. Indians were then far more numerous than the white men and Vigo county had but just entered upon its era of development. Willis C. Pierson aided in clearing and breaking many an acre of land in that state and bore an active part in its early improvement. In early manhood he married Miss Eveline Reed, a distant relative of S. R. Reed, of Monticello, Illinois, and a daughter of William Reed, whose family was also from Kentucky. By this union thirteen children were born, seven of whom are still living, the birth of six of these occurring in Vigo county, Indiana, and the others in Piatt county, Illinois.