Piatt County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1903 (part 6 of 13)

Dr. Wilhelmy was married in Cincinnati to Miss Ida Sanker, a native of Cincinnati and they have a nice residence in La Place where gracious hospitality is dispensed. The Doctor is connected with the Woodmen of America, belonging to the camp in La Place and is a Republican in politics, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church in Decatur. As there- is no drug store in La Place he carries quite a large stock of drugs in his office and he has built up quite an extensive practice, especially through the country.

Dr. Thomas J. Mitchell has reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and after many years of active and honorable connection with the medical fraternity he is now living a retired life. He was born in Chautauqua county. New York, June 18, 1823. a son of Christopher and Mary A. (Lillibridge) Mitchell. His paternal grandfather was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war and his father loyally served the country in the war of 1812. His birth occurred in Herkimer county, New York, and in early manhood he removed to Chautauqua county of the same state. ' As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he married Mary Lillibridge, who was born in Rhode Island and was left an orphan at the age of ten years. About that time she went to New York and it was in that state that she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Mitchell, to whom she afterward gave her hand in marriage. A farmer by occupation, he devoted his energies to that pursuit throughout his entire business career and he died in the Empire state at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His wife also reached a ripe old age, passing away in her eightieth vear. She was the mother of twelve children, of whom but three are now living, the Doctor and one brother and a sister. Both of the parents were laid to rest on the old home farm in New York, where Dcctor .Mitchell's birth occurred.

In the place of his nativity the Doctor remained until the time when he had attained his majority and he acquired his early education in the common schools of the locality. He. afterward became a student in the Academy at Fredonia, Chautauqua county, and when he had completed his academic course he began the study of medicine and was graduated from the Louisville Medical College of Louisville, Kentucky. On the completion of that course he returned to New York, where he resided for a short time, but, thinking that a more western district would prove a better location, he started for Ohio and on the ist of January, 1850, he opened an office in Ironton, Ohio, on the Ohio river. There he continued for about two years, removing thence to Lucasville, Ohio, where he continued in the practice of his chosen profession until the fall of 1853. That year witnessed his arrival in Piatt county, Illinois. He made the journey westward by wagon, after the primitive manner of the times and located in Mackville, where he practiced for about eighteen years, his professional skill and ability gaining for him a large patronage. He then removed to Milmine, where he resided for five years and on the expiration of that period he came to the village of Bement, where he has since made his home, continuing in active practice until about 1895, since which time he has lived retired. He was a member of the Piatt County Medical Society and a physician of broad learning and wide experience. He continually added to his knowledge through reading

;md research and his practice embraced almost every department of the medical science. He became the loved family physician in many a household. There is no man in business life who holds a more confidential relation to his patrons than does the physician and there is no represesentative of the profession who has had stricter regard for the ethics of the fraternity than has Dcctor Mitchell. Of a hopeful nature, he carried cheer and. sunshine into miny a hcme and his appearance was an effective supplement to the medicines he administered. In Lucasville, Ohio, in 1851. Doctor Mitchell was united in marriage to Mrs. Nancy A. Tabor, the widow of Edwin A. Talx>r. They became the parents of a daughter, Mary A., who is now the wife of James A. Hawks, of Atwood, Illinois. Mr. Hawks is a native of New York and came to the west in 1869. He engaged in teaching school at Mackville, Illinois, for four terms after arriving in Piatt county and then became engaged in general merchandising. After a time, however, he turned his attention to the milling business and is a prominent and influential representative of business interests in Atwood. At the time of the Civil war he responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting from New York in Battery G, Third New York Light Artillery. He participated in the battles of Roanoke Island. Plymouth and Kingston and was never wounded, but was captured and for one month was incarcerated in Libby Prison. At the close of the war he returned to his home and he soon afterward cast in his lot with the residents of Piatt county, Illinois, where in 1877 he married Miss Mary Mitchell. At one time he served as township treasurer and supervisor, and in matters pertaining to the general good he has always 1>een public-spirited and progressive. He is now successfully engaged in business in Atwood as a grain merchant, lumber dealer and banker, and bis efforts have been effective in promoting commercial activity and prosperity of the town, where he resides. Unto him and his wife has been born a daughter, Mildred C, who is now seventeen years of age. By her first marriage Mrs. Mitchell had a daughter, Susan L., who is now the wife of C. H. McCoy, of North Yakima. Washington.

In 1900 the Doctor was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 7th of March of that year in Bement, where her remains were interred. She was a daughter of Thomas Boyle, of Louisville, Kentucky, who was a large mill owner, owning and operating an extensive gristmill at the time of his demise. The Doctor afterward married Mrs. Susan C. Sampson, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and is a sister of his first wife.

Doctor Mitchell has ever been deeply interested in the welfare and advancement of his country and when the stability of the Union was threatened by the secession movement in the south he offered his services to the government and valiantly aided in its defense. For fifteen months prior to his own enlistment he was engaged in recruiting and helped to raise nine companies, but for such service he received no remuneration. It was on the I3th of August, 1862, that he enlisted, being assigned to duty in Company H. One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. With that command he served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, in May, 1865. He participated in the battles of Resaca and Rocky Face Creek in

Tennessee, and on the I2th of May, 1865, he was commissioned surgeon of the Eighth Tennessee Mounted Infantry at Nashville. He is now a member of the Grand Army Post at Bement, and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. At the close of the war he returned to Piatt county, where he has continuously made his home, and no resident of this section of the state is more highly or justly honored. His life work has been of value to the people among whom he has lived. His fidelity to honorable principles has been above question ' and his life record should serve as an example to the young and an inspiration to the aged.

Dr. Carleton O. Booth, who is successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at De Land, Illinois, was born in McDonotigh county, this state, on the Qth of July, 1871, and is a son of Robert and Dora (Jennings) Booth. The father, who is of Irish descent, was born in Youngstown, Ohio, June 20, 1833, and in early life came to Illinois, settling on his grandfather's farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Macomb, McDonough county. Later he purchased the property and continues to make his home thereon, his entire life having been devoted to agricultural pursuits. In October. 1869, he married Miss Dora Jennings, a daughter of Harvey and Cornelia Jennings, who also lived on a farm near Macomb. She was born November 24, 1851, at Quincy, Illinois, and is descended from an old Connecticut family. The Doc- tor is the oldest in a family of three children, one of whom died in infancy. His sister, Alta Belle, was born August 29, j 877, and is now the wife of Fred D. Rexroat, a farmer of McDonough county. An uncle. James O. Booth, is a well-known farmer of Blue Ridge township, Piatt county.

Dr. Booth began his education in the common schools of McDonough county and afterward attended the Western Illinois Normal College at Macomb, graduating in the literary and commercial departments in 1893. For nine years he successfully engaged in teaching school and now holds a teacher's lif<; certificate in both -Illinois and Missouri. - On abandoning the teacher's profession, he entered Barnes Medical College at St. Louis, Missouri, and was graduated at that institution in 1901, with the degree of M. D. Prior to this time he was graduated at the College of Electro Therapeutics of Lima. Ohio, October 5, 1899, and was graduated with the degree of M. E. On the 7th of September, 1901, Dr. Booth located in DeLand and purchased the office building he has since occupied. 'He was not long in building up a good practice, meeting with success from the start, and being a young man of pleasing social qualities he stands high in both social and professional circles.

On the 1 5th of October, 1902, Dr. Booth was united in marriage to Miss Jeanette Houk, a daughter of William and Rebecca Houk. Her father died several years ago and her mother was subsequently married to Mr. Fry, of Paris, Illinois, where they are now living. The Doctor is a member of DeLand Lodge, No. 812. A. F. & A. M., of DeLand; Twentieth

Century Lodge, No. 603, K. P., of De- Land; DeLand Post, No. 131, F. A. of A.; and Rosel Hadd Temple, No. 72, D. O. K. K., at Macomb. His excellent knowledge of the profession which he has chosen as a life work has gained for him the public confidence and a liberal patronage, and his pleasant, genial manner has won the friendship of those with whom he has been brought in contact in any relation of life.

Henry P. Harris

For fourteen years Henry P. Harris has been connected with mercantile interests in Monticello as a hardware merchant and previous to that time he was a representative of agricultural life in Piatt county. He has won for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and one whose success is well deserved, as in him are embraced the qualities of unabating energy, unfaltering honesty and industry that never flags. He is now dealing in hardware, stoves and tinware, and also does a business as a dealer in plumbing and heating apparatus.

Mr. Harris is numbered among Piatt county's native sons, his birth having occurred upon a farm here. His parents were William -H. and Ann Eliza (Hart) Harris, the latter a daughter of James Hart, a native of Kentucky, who settled in Piatt county in 1836. among its pioneer settlers, the work <if improvement and development having scarcely been begun in this section of the state at that time. After his marriage Mr. Harris took up his abode in Monticello township and- became one of the prosperous farmers of Piatt countv. His investments were carefully made, his business conducted along practical and progressive lines, and thus he won prosperity in his undertakings. His first wife died leaving four children : Henry Payne, Rebecca J., Sally A. and James William. Mr. Harris afterward married again and by that union there was one son. The father of our subject passed away in 1869 and his widow later became the wife of William Branch.

In taking up the personal history of Henry Payne Harris we present to outreaders the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in his native county and central Illinois. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads who spend their youth in mastering the branches of learning taught in the district schools and in learning the methods of farm work in the fields and meadows. After leaving the common schools he resumed his farm work in Monticello township, and there engaged in general farming and stock-raising, following these pursuits until 1889, when, deciding that he wished to engage in mercantile pursuits, he came to Monticello and purchased an interest in a hardware store, formerly owned by Mr. Ferra. In this enterprise Mr. Harris became a partner of W. S. Ridgely under the firm style of Harris & Ridgely, and this connection was continued until 1897, when Mr. Harris purchased his partner's interest and has since been sole proprietor. He carries a large and carefully selected stock of goods fitted to meet the requirements of a varied trade, and he now has a large patronage, his business having assumed profitable proportions.

Mr. Harris has been honored with public office and served for two years as a member of the city council, during which time the Monticello water works were established and the electric light plant was also built. In the spring of 1903 he was elected supervisor of Monticello township, for a term of two years, and is now filling that position. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is a genial gentleman who has a wide acquaintance and many friends. During fourteen years he has been accounted one of the leading business men of Monticello, his efforts promoting its commercial activity and consequent prosperity while at the same time they have advanced his individual success.

John C. Barnhart

John C. Barnhart is numbered among the honored veterans of the Civil war. It is usually found that the soldier, all else being equal, makes a citizen of rare value. His army experience teaches him precision, together with rapidity and exactness of movement, his duty to his country is paramount, and these characteristics developed amid the scenes of battle or upon the tented field, are apt to remain with him throughout the years of an active manhood. John C. Barnhart won distinction in the Civil war as a most patriotic defender of the stars and stripes. He stands to-day as one of the distinguished citizens of Cerro Gordo, a man who in all life's relations is true to duty and principle.

Mr. Barnhart was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 27, 1836, and has been a resident of Piatt county since 1864, his home being in the village of Cerro Gordo. He is a son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Whitehurst) Barnhart. both of whom are natives of Ohio. The father was twice ma:-- ried.his last union being with a Mrs. Russell, whose maiden name was Andrews. She was a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. There are five living children by their marriage: Joshua,. Sibey, Elizabeth, Ann and Maggie, all of whom are residing in z\dams county, Indiana. Unto the parents of our subject were born five children, of whom three are now living, while two are deceased, namely : John C. ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Isaac Leslie, a farmer residing in Carlisle, Arkansas ; Comfort Ann, the wife of William Nicholson, a resident farmer living in Columbus, Ohio; and Hannah and Peter, who have passed away. Hannah was the wife of William Johnson, who for thirty years was an extensive farmer of Piatt county. They removed to Columbus and subsequently to Colorado, where both died. Peter died in Fairfiekl county, Ohio, in February, 1866. at the age of twenty-one years. The father of our subject was a carpenter and millwright by trade and followed these pursuits through his entire business career. He died in Adams county, Indiana, and his wife passed away in 1841.

John C. Barnhart was a little lad when his parents left the Buckeye state and took up their abode in Adams county, Indiana, where he was reared and acquired a common school education. He remained under the parental roof until after the outbreak of the Civil war. when on the i6th of December, 1 86 1, a few days before he was twenty-five years of age, he enlisted at Buck Creek, Indiana, as a member of Company H, Fortieth Indiana Infantry. He was first under command of Colonel Wilson and later Colonel J. W. Blake. His first captain was William H. Bryan, who was succeeded by Captain Alfred Cole. With his company Mr. Barnhart participated in the battles of Shiloh, Perrvville, Corinth, Murfreesboro and Chattanooga. At the last named place Mr. Barnhart was the first commissioned officer that crossed the Tennessee river and took charge of the men. He was also in the battle of Mission Ridge and in all of the engagements of the Atlanta campaign. On account of ill health he returned from Atlanta to Lookout Mountain, where he lay in the hospital for two months and then because of his continued illness he resigned and returned to his home.

Mr. Barnhart had friends residing in Cerro Gordo and it was this that led him to come to Piatt county. He was married on the I ith of February, 1866, to Miss Susan Drum, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and a daughter of Benjamin and Lydia Drum. Her father was a farmer, who died in the Buckeye state in 1848, but the mother long survived him and passed away in 1893. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart has been blessed with six children, but the eldest, Charles, died in infancy and Lydia, the fifth child, died at the age of two years. The others are Lura, at home; Estella, who is a teacher in the public schools of Cerro Gordo ; Arthur, who married Cora Houston and is a barber of Gibson city, Illinois ; and Reed, who is employed as a clerk in a shoe store in Cerro Gordo and makes his home with his parents.

After coming to Cerro Gordo Mr. Barnhart built the Clifton House, which is the only hotel in this place. He was engaged in the hotel business for six months- and afterward worked at the carpenter's trade for three years. He then began wagonmaking, carriage building and woodworking. He retired from business for two years, but his friend, E. O. Troxel, induced him to take charge of his (Troxel's) shop, and he has had charge of it for twelve years.

party in early days, but is now a stanch Democrat. He has- never been an aspirant for public office nor has he held such positions. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and both are highly esteemed people, having many warm friends in the village and throughout this portion of Piatt county. In matters of citizenship Mr. Barnhart is as true and loyal to his country as he was when he wore the blue uniform of the nation and followed the starry banner upon southern battlefields.

Charles Adkins

There has been no greater advancement made along any line of business than in agriculture, and in this regard America has gained the leadership of the world. No other country has so greatly improved farm implements or given to civilization as many useful inventions along this line as has the United States. Keeping in touch with the universal progress Charles Adkins of Bement township, has become one of the mostprogressive farmers of Piatt county and the excellent methods which he has followed have been of value to the community, giving to his fellow citizens an example well worthy of emulation.

Mr. Adkins was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, on the Jth of February, 1863, and comes of a family of English lineage. His paternal grandfather was Reuben Adkins, whose early life was spent at Snowhill. Maryland., whence he removed to Ross county, Ohio, in 1802. After a short time, however, he established his home in Pickaway county, Ohio, where he lived until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-two years of age. Sampson Adkins, the father of our subject, was born in Pickaway county. Ohio, in 1839 and spent his entire life there, devoting his energies throughout the period of his manhood to agricultural pursuits. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations, offering his services to the government as a member of Company A, Ninetieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He then went to the front, but after ten months' service was honorably discharged on account of disability. In his business affairs he was energetic, wide-awake and prosperous and gained for his family a comfortable competence. He married Miss Eliza A. Mintun, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of William and Phoebe Mintun. Her father was one of the early settlers of the Buckeye state, removing there from Hardy county, Virginia. He, too, was an agriculturist. In his political views Sampson Adkins was a stalwart Republican and in matters of citizenship he was public spirited, giving a helpful interest to all measures which he believed would prove of general benefit. He died in 1882 and is still survived by his wife who is now living in Monticello, where she has made her home for about a year.

In the family of this worthy couple were thirteen children, twelve of whom are still living and all now reside in Piatt county with the exception of two. The members of the family are as follows : Charles, who is the eldest; Mary E., -who is the wife of Thomas Mintun, of Willow Branch township; Benjamin F., who follows farming in Willow Branch township; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Reeves, of Boone, Iowa; Reuben of Willow Branch township; Ida. the deceased wife of Ellsworth Anderson, of Monticello; Harry H.. who is a bookkeeper for the Chicago Woodenware Company, of Chicago; Amanda, the wife of Charles Jones, a farmer of Monticello township; Nancy A., the wife of Ellsworth Anderson; William X., who is living in Monticello township; Clara A., who resides with her mother ; Joice, who is a school teacher and resides in Monticello; and Sampson, who also follows school teaching and is living in Monticello. All of these children were born in Ohio.

Charles Adkins spent the first twentytwo years of his life in the county of his nativity and pursued his education in its public schools. He afterward engaged in teaching for one term in Pickaway county and then assisted in the operation of the home farm. In December, 1885, he left Ohio and with his mother and the other members of the family came to Piatt county, locating in Monticello township on what was then known as the E. B. Hale property. There he engaged in farming for three years and on the expiration of that period he removed to the W. F. Stevenson farm in Willow Branch township, where he also lived for three years. He next settled upon his present farm, where he has charge of five hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, belonging to W. F. Stevenson. This he has managed continuously since, having entire supervision of the property, on which there are about eight men employed. All of this extensive farm is under cultivation, and his time is given in an undivided manner to the oversight of the property. He has upon the place a herd of shorthorn cattle, and raises high grade hogs. He feeds cattle for the market, and in his stock-dealing, as well as in other lines of business, he is most progressive and prosperous. He has made many improvements upon the farm, which is considered one of the finest in this part of the state. Mr. Adkins is continually seeking new, improved and practical methods of agriculture, and he has put into use the system of rotation of crops, which has proven very successful.

In January, 1888, Mr. Adkins was united in marriage to Miss Dora E. Farrow, a native of Piatt county, and a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Lorish) Farrow. Her father was born in Kentucky, and at an early day came to Illinois, settling in Macon county, where he resided for a number of years, carrying on agricultural pursuits. About 1868 he removed to Piatt county, where he again engaged in farming, and he is still living at the age of seventy years. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, died at about the age of thirty-eight years in the faith of the Christian church, of which she was a consistent member. She was the mother of eight children, of whom two are still living. Mrs. Adkins obtained her education in the common schools of Piatt county, and is a most estimable lady, possessing many excellent traits of character. She has one brother, John Farrow, who is a resident farmer of Bement township; and a half-brother. Frank Farrow, who also follows'agricultural pursuits in Bement township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Adkins have been born nine children : Ella ; twins who died in infancy unnamed; Charles Otis; Benjamin V. ; Reuben : Roy; Ruth and Grace. All of the children were born in this county and are being educated in the schools of Bement.

At one time Mr. Adkins entered into a contest for a prize to be given for the best one hundred acres of corn raised in Piatt county, and he was at that time farming in Willow Branch township. The prize was five hundred dollars, offered by S. W. Allerton, the father of Robert Allerton, who is living in this county. Mr. Adkins had a splendid field, as did one of his neighbors.

and the committee was unable to decide between them, so the prize was divided between the two. The corn was estimated to have a -yield of one hundred bushels to the acre, and these two gentlemen carried off the prize over thirty competitors. Mr. Adkins received the following letter from Mr. Allerton about that time:

Dear Sir - Inclosed you will find my check for $250, the prize awarded you by Messrs. C. F. Tenney and T. E. Bondurant, which I send you with pleasure, for I feel you have paid me the highest compliment of any man in the county, for you had the best cultivated one hundred acres of corn, and you have demonstrated to the people of Piatt county, as a matter of fact, one hundred bushels of corn can be raised on an acre of land.' -

I took great pleasure in walking through 5'our field of corn. It was a more beautiful picture to me than any that the old masters could paint.

Samuel W. Allertox

Mr. Adkins is deeply interested in everything pertaining to agriculture and the advancement of farming interests. He has been actively connected with the Farmers' Institute of this state, has delivered many addresses before its meetings and during the past year of 1902 has delivered man}- addresses in different counties of Illinois upon questions of vital interest to the farmer. Socially, he has been connected with the Masonic order for the past sixteen years, and he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen Camp and the Tribe of Ben Hur. In

1901 he was elected supervisor of Bement township, and has since acted in this capacity. He has also been a member of the school board for two years, and in politics he is a stalwart Republican, having firm faith in the principles of the party. He stands to-day as one of the most prominent, enterprising and successful farmers of Piatt county, and is certainly worthy of representation in this volume.

William P. Smith

A representative of one of the pioneer families of Piatt county, William P. Smith has spent his entire life in this county and has attained to a position of prominence in business, political and social circles. There is nothing in his life history to attract the reader in search of a sensational chapter, but the student who reads between the lines and recognizes the value of character and the force of enterprise and energy in the world,- will find much of interest in his career. N«,t only has he gained a creditable position in the business world, but he has also won the respect and confidence of his fellow men among whom his lot has been cast. He is now engaged in dealing in real estate, abstracts, loans and insurance in Monticello. where he has spent the greater part of the years of his manhood. He was born in Willow - Branch township, Piatt county, on the I2th of September, 1859, about two years after the removal of his parents to central Illinois.

The ancestral line of the Smith family in America can be traced back to a period antedating the Revolutionary >var. Jacob Smith, the great-grandfather of our subject, joined the colonists in their struggle for independence and valiantly fought for liberty through seven long years of the Revolution. His son, Samuel Smith, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and was of English and German descent. Jacob Smith, the father, was also a native of Dauphin county, born in 1817, and was twice married, his second wife being the mother of our subject. She bore the maiden name of Nancy Shenk, and her birth occurred in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1820. Her father was Michael Shenk, also a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The children of the first marriage of Jacob Smith were Henry Augustus, who married Margaret Brightbill ; and Catherine, wife of John Diller, a resident of Nebraska. Those of the second were J. G. W., who was a teacher for a number of years and died in 1884; James M. ; Mary E. and William P. In the spring of 1857 the father came with his family directly from Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, to Piatt county, Illinois, having acquaintances here. He settled upon a tract of land which he developed into a highly cultivated and improved farm and made his home there until 1882, when he removed to Monticello, where he spent his remaining days in retirement from active labor. He was known as Colonel Smith, having commanded a regiment of state militia and served as a colonel on the staff of Governor Pollock, of Pennsylvania. He was a most pronounced Republican, and kept well informed on the issues of the day, and was thus enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. His life was busy, useful and honorable, and he commanded respect wherever known. He died in 1897, and his second wife is still

The boyhood days of William P. Smith were spent in the usual manner of farmer lads. He remained upon the home farm until twenty years of age, and during that time acquired his education in the district school and received ample training at farm labor through the periods of vacation. He early became familiar with the labors of the fields and continued to assist his father through the summer months, until after he had attained his majority, while in the winter seasons he engaged in teaching school for five years, beginning when he was twenty years of age. At the age of twenty-five he entered the office of William E. Lodge, a prominent attorney of Monticello, acting as his bookkeeper and also studying law. He continued with Mr. Lodge for three years, and then embarked in merchandising, handling cigars and tobacco. Having conducted his store for three years he then sold out, and in 1891 opened a real estate office in Monticello, since which time he has engaged in the purchase and sale of lands, negotiating many important real estate transfers. In 1897 he compiled a complete set of abstract books, and thus established a new department to his business. He is also a loan and insurance agent. He has worked earnestly, systematically and along legitimate lines in securing a large clientage in the different departments of his business, and his labors have been crowned with a richly merited degree of success. He is also a member of the Piatt County Loan Associa-' tion, one of the strong financial institutions of the county, also one of its organizers, directors and principal stockholders.

born and reared in Monticello, while her father, Samuel B. Webster, was a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of three children : Marion, William Webster and Richard A.

Socially, Mr.- Smith is connected with Selah Lodge, I. O. O. F., and he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen Camp of Monticello. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican, taking a prominent and helpful part in county and state politics. He served for four years as city clerk of. Monticello, and on the 1st of April, 1901, was appointed by Governor Richard Yates a member of the live stock commission of Illinois, and was elected chairman by the board. He was for four years secretary of the Republican county central committee, and "his active connection with the political work here has been a desirable factor in Republican successes. His genial manner, unfailing courtesy and deference for the opinions of others, which, however, never interferes with his stalwart support of his own honest convictions, are elements in his life which have won him the friendship and respect of his fellow men.

James L. Allman

One of the most extensive landowners of western Illinois is James L. Allman, whose landed possessions aggregate one thousand acres. His home is on section 23, Monticello township. An analyzation of his life work shows that he owes his success not to any fortunate combination of circumstances or to inheritance or the assistance of influential friends, but to the capable control of his own business affairs, to the utilization of

Mr. Allman was born in Ireland, in August, 1838, and his father was John Allman, who remained a resident of the Emerald Isle until his death. At the usual age the subject of this review entered the common schools of that country, and he continued to make his home in his native land until 1854, when he crossed the Atlantic to the New World, establishing his home in Piatt county, Illinois. It was necessary that he secure employment in order to provide for his support, and he soon obtained a position as a farm hand, working in that way until 1862, when, believing his business experience and judgment justified his engaging in business on his own account, he rented a tract of land belonging to John Piatt, and situated near Monticello. On this he lived for three or four years, and successfully operated the property. In 1865 he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land on section 35, Monticello township, and continued its cultivation. Later he purchased four hundred and forty acres more. From time to time he added to his property, until he is to-day one of the most extensive landowners in the county. When he took up his abode on his present farm it was all wild prairie, and the water covered nearly the entire surface. It required much draining in order to make it cultivable, but Mr. Allman possessed resolute spirit and strong perseverance necessary to the successful prosecution of a work so arduous as the development of a farm. He endured all the hardships of pioneer life, broke the soil, placed it under the plow and tiled the entire farm. Year by year other improvements have been made, until he is to-day the owner of some of the most valuable farm property to be found in this state. He has planted orchards, has erected a good residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, and has set out beautiful shade trees. In connection with the cultivation of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he annually feeds many cattle for market, making a specialty of shorthorn, black polled cattle and Herefords. He also raises hogs for the market, selling about four hundred Poland China hogs each year. His has been an extremely prosperous career, and the most envious cannot grudge him his success, so honorable has it been won. He is likewise a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Monticello, which is one of the strong financial institutions in central Illinois.

In April, 1877, Mr. Allman was united in marriage to Miss Anna McCheffey, at Champaign, Illinois. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They now have seven children : Mary, Agnes, Margaret, Edmond, Anna, James and Joseph, all of whom are still under the parental roof. The parents hold membership in the Catholic church, and Mr. Allman votes with the Democracy. In seeking for the causes which have contributed to his success he finds them not so much in their rarity as in their harmonious union. It is no very rare thing for a poor boy in our country to become a prosperous man, occupying a commanding position in the business world, but many who have fought their way from poverty to wealth, from obscurity to prominence, retains some marks and scars of the conflict. They are apt to be narrow and grasping, even if not sordid and unscrupulous. Mr. Allman, however, is an instance of a man who has achieved success without paying the price at which it is often bought for his prosperity has not removed him farther from his fellow men, but has brought him into nearer and more intimate relations with them. His life history stands in exemplification of what can be accomplished in this free land, where opportunity is open to all, and to-day he is numbered among the most prominent as well as the most, successful citizens of Piatt county.

Baltis Orr

In the history of the residents of Piatt county who have been prominent in public affairs or have been worthy representatives of business enterprises mention should be made of Baltis Orr, who for many years followed farming in Piatt county. He was one of the early settlers here, and was well known in Monticello and throughout this section of the state. He resided in the country from 1866 up to the time of his death, and through the faithful discharge of his duties of citizenship he aided in the promotion of public progress and improvement.

Mr. Orr was born in Licking county, Ohio, November 4, 1835, a son of John and Lavina Orr, both of whom were natives of Virginia. On leaving the Old Dominion they settled in Licking county, Ohio, where they engaged in farming throughout their remaining days, both the father and mother passing away in that locialty. Mr. Orr of this review was the only one of the family that came to Piatt county. He obtained his early education in the common schools of Licking county, Ohio, and was trained to farm work upon the old homestead. He lived in the Buckeye state until March, 1865, carrying on fanning there, and on severing his business connections in Ohio he removed to the Mississippi valley, settling first in LaSalle county, Illinois. There he engaged in farming for a year, and on the expiration of that period he removed to Piatt county and purchased a tract of land in Unity township. Here he at once began its development and improvement and successfully carried on general farming until 1897. Each year saw good crops raised upon his place, and as modern machinery was introduced he secured such accessories as would facilitate his farm work and add to the value of his crops. Everything about his place indicated his progressive supervision, and he continued actively in farming until 1897, when he removed to the village of Hammond, where he lived retired until his death.

While still a resident of Ohio Mr. Orr was united in marriage to Miss Hannah L. Boring, also a native of .Licking county, born on the 2ist of September, 1837. She is a daughter of George Boring, who was born in Virginia, but removed to Ohio at an early day, and there spent the remainder of his life upon a farm. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Orr was born one daughter, Addie, whose birth occurred on the 3ist of October, 1865, and who died in 1888. She was the wife of H. W. Leavitt, and had one child, Elmer, who now resides with his grandmother, Mrs. Orr.

Mr. Orr voted with the Democracy and believed firmly in its principles, but was never an active politician in the sense of office-seeking. He held some minor township offices, but always preferred to give his attention to his business affairs, in which he prospered so that he left his widow in verv comfortable circumstances.

He died August i, 1901, respected by all who knew him, for throughout his life he had been honorable in all his relations with his fellow men, and he thus gained uniform confidence and regard. Mrs. Orr is a consistent and valued member of the Baptist church of Hammond. She now owns three hundred and twenty acres of the best farming land in Unity township, which she rents, and in addition to this she has a beautiful residence in Hammond, where she is now living with her grandson. She also owns several building lots in Hammond, and she is well known in the county where for thirty-seven years she has made her home. Mr. Orr lived to see many changes wrought here by time and man as the county emerged from its primitive condition to take its place with the leading counties of this great commonwealth. Because of its broad and rich prairies agriculture has been the chief occupation of its people, and of this business Mr. Orr was also a worthy representative. So - productive is the soil and so enterprising the farmers that Piatt county has become one of the garden spots of the world.

Charles M. Dauberman

Charles M. Dauberman, who is engaged in business in Mansfield as a grain merchant, was born, in Union county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of February, 1856, and is a son of Jacob and Esther (Yarger) Dauberman, who are still living. Both were natives of Snyder county, Pennsylvania, which adjoins Union county, and throughout his business career the father carried on the occupation of farming. On the old homestead in the Kevstone state

Charles M. Dauberman was reared, and at the usual age he entered the public schools of Union count}', therein pursuing his studies until he had largely mastered the common branches of English learning. His training at farm work was not meager, for at an early age he began assisting in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. He continued upon his father's farm until twenty-one years of age, when he began working in a machine shop in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, where he was employed for a year. At. the end of that time he began working as an engineer in a flouring mill, and afterward he came to the west, where he secured a position as a farm hand in the employ of W. D. Fairbanks, a well-known agriculturist of Piatt county. He acted as assistant manager and engineer upon the farm for some time, and in 1881 he took up his abode in Mansfield. Here he managed a grain office for W. D. Fairbanks through a period of six years, after which he leased an elevator and engaged in the grain trade on his own account. He had followed that business for himself for six years in Mansfield, when he ceased renting and built an elevator of his own, worth about nine thousand dollars. He is one of the wide-awake and progressive grain merchants of this place, and his business furnishes an excellent market for the grain-raisers of this, locality, while his own sales are attended with profit and are bringing to him a very creditable prosperity.

In 1891 occurred the marriage of Charles M. Dauberman and Miss Sarah M. Osborne. They now have one child, Lucile, who is attending school in Mansfield and is now .nine years of age. Mr. Dauberman holds membership relations with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. Almost every year he is solicited to become a candidate for office, but has always steadily refused, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs. While a member of no church there is probably no resident of Mansfield whose career more clearly illustrates the power of honesty and' integrity in active business affairs than does that of Charles M. Dauberman. He started out in life empty-handed, but resolved that he would win success if it could be done by persistent, earnest effort. Brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by diligence and perseverance, he has steadily advanced to the goal of prosperity, and as a grain merchant is now well known as a successful and enterprising business man of Mansfield.

Rev. Moses Predmore

Rev. Moses Predmore has for the past twenty-eight years devoted his life to the ministry of the United Brethren church. Who can measure the influence of such a career or can tell of what shall be the harvest of the seeds of good sown? It is a well-known fact, however, that Mr. Fredmore has taken a very active and helpful part in the moral redemption of the people of this locality, and long after he shall have passed away his influence will be held as a blessed benediction by those who know him.

Rev. Predmore is a native of Licking county, Ohio, his birth having there oc- 'curred on the gtli of April, 1833. His father, Benjamin Predmore, was a native of Scotland, a man of powerful frame and well fitted to cope with the hardships and difficulties of pioneer life. He became an early settler of Licking county, Ohio, and aided in the arduous task of reclaiming that region for the purposes of civilization. He wedded Miss Mercy Ann Evans, a native of that county and a daughter of Lewis Evans, who was also born in Ohio. It was of this marriage that Rev. Moses Predmore was born. He was reared as a farmer boy and early became familiar with hard work. His father was a well-educated man and a successful teacher in early life, but he died when his son, Moses, was only two years of age, and the mother passed away ten years later, so that the boy was left an orphan at the tender age of twelve years. After that he made his home among strangers, fighting life's battles as best he could without any one to advise him or to guide him. He was ambitious and energetic, however, and desirous of obtaining an education. He attended the district schools as he had opportunity until his sixteenth year. He then left Ohio and made his way to Fulton county, Illinois. As his means were limited he traveled on foot part of the way, and during other portions of the journey proceeded by stage. He stopped first at Otto, Fulton county, where he found employment with a farmer who resided on the bank of Otter creek. Rev. Predmore remained in his service for three years, and on the expiration of that 'period he returned to Ohio. Soon afterward, however, he went to Arkansas for the purpose of chopping wood during the winter months. Being large and strong, he proved himself especially capable as a chopper, and had no difficulty in securing employment in that way. Returning to the north, he located in Springfield. Illinois, and there rented land for four years.

Seeking a companion and helpmate for life's journey, on the loth of March, 1861, Rev. Predmore led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah Fairbanks, of Springfield, Illinois, a daughter of Samuel Fairbanks. They continued to reside upon the farm near the capital city for four years, and during that time Mr. Predmore prospered so that he was enabled to purchase a larger tract of land, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land in DeWitt county, Illinois, and there resided until 1875. During that time he had resolved to devote at least a portion of his time to the holy calling of redeeming men from sin, and while there he began studying for the ministry and became a local preacher of the United Brethren church. In 1875 ne commenced work on the circuit, which embraced two or three counties. Later selling his De- Witt county farm, he came to Monticello and continued in the work of the ministry here, giving his labors to the United Brethren church in this city until 1902, when, on account of failing health, he was obliged to retire from active connection with the ministry. His deep interest in the church and its work, however, has never abated in the slightest degree, and he does everything in his power to promote the cause of Christianity in this locality.

In 1896 Mr. Predmore was called upon to mourn the loss of the faithful and loving wife with whom he had traveled life's journey for thirty-five years. He has since married again, his second union being with Mrs. Martha Martin, the widow of John Martin. By her first marriage she had three children : William, a mechanic- of Springfield ; Allen, who engages in farming; and Bertha, who is at home with her mother. Like her husband, Mrs. Predmore is much interested in church work, and has long been active in behalf of the cause of Christianity. Mr. Predmore in former years made judicious investments in real estate, and now owns considerable property in Monticello, including a number of dwellings, the rental from which brings to him a good income and enables him to enjoy the rest which he greatly deserves. Through his reading, research and observation he has become a man of scholarly attainments, and has ever put forth his utmost power in behalf of his church. In his discourses he is earnest, forceful and logical, and many have heard him with attention and deep interest, resulting in a change in the course of their lives.

Thomas Morris

Thomas Morris is one of the self-made men and successful farmers of Piatt county, his home being on section 4, Unity township. The possibilities that America offers to her citizens he has utilized, and though he came to this country in limited circumstances he has steadily and perseveringly worked his way upward, leaving the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few.

A native of Ireland, Mr. Morris was born in County Galway in 1833, and is a son of Michael and Mary ( Shaughnessy) Morris, who spent their entire lives in that country. In their family were nine children. Our subject grew to manhood in his native land and was twenty years of age when, in 1853, he emigrated to the United States. He landed in New York city and from there proceeded to Pennsylvania, where he remained until the fall of 1854, which witnessed tyis arrival in Piatt county, Illinois. Here he hired out as a farm hand and continued to work by the month for about nine years, receiving from sixteen to twenty dollars per month. In this way he gained a start in the business world and for five years rented land in Unity township. At the end of that time he was able to purchase eighty acres of land on section 4, the same township, and subsequently bought eighty acres on section 9, another eighty acres on section 4, and eighty acres on section '5, all in Unity township. He also purchased two one hundred and sixty acre tracts in Bement township and a similar amount in Monticello township, making four hundred and eighty acres in all. For his first land he paid eleven dollars per acre and the second tract nine dollars, but it is now very valuable property owing to the rise in value and its present improved condition. When he located on section 4, Unity township, his place was all wild, but he has tiled and drained the land, made many improvements thereon, and is to-day the owner of some of the best farming property in this section of the state. Since 1861 he has been a resident of Unity township and has been actively and prominently identified with its development and prosperity, but at present is practically living retired while his sons cultivate the land.

Mr. Morris married Miss Mary Conner s, who was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and came to America when a child. By this union six children have been born namely : Michael, who lives on one of his father's farms in Bement township, married Sarah Dooley and has three children ; David, who also lives on a farm belonging to his father in Bement township, wedded Mary Brown and has one child; James married Jane Dooley and makes his home in Monticello township; Thomas, Mary and Henry are still with their parents upon the home farm.

Mr. Morris and his family are communicants of St. Michael's Catholic church of Bement and he assisted in building both the old and new churches at that place, as well as the school houses in his section of the county. In his political views he is a stalwart Democrat, taking an actjve interest in public affairs. When he first came to this county the Illinois Central Railroad only extended as far as Champaign and he has been a witness of the greater part of the growth and development of this section of the state. He has broken many an acre of prairie sod with oxen and some with horses and has materially aided in transforming this region into a productive agricultural district. In early days he was fond of hunting wild game of all kinds, including ducks, prairie chickens and cranes which were found in abundance. Much of the land was under water and fever and ague were the prevailing diseases among the pioneers, but all of these conditions have gradually changed and Piatt county now ranks among the best in this great commonwealth.

E. S. Root

E. S. Root is numbered among the honored veterans of the Civil war, and is also one of the early settlers and highly esteemed citizens of Piatt county. He is now leading a retired life in the village of Bement and well does he merit the rest, for he has himself earned the competence which now 'enables him to put aside further business cares. He was born in Athens, Athens county, Ohio, on the 3Oth of January, 1831. and is a son of Levi and Polly (Stewart) Root. The father was born in Vermont, but at an early day in the history of Ohio he took up his residence in the latter state, becoming identified with its farming interests. Throughout his business career he carried on agricultural pursuits, and at length he died in Missouri at the advanced age of eighty-one years. His life record shows that industry and integrity were salient features in his career and formed the basis of his prosperity. He voted with the Republican party and was a member of the Methodist church, his Kfe being in consistent harmony with its teachings and principles. His wife was born and reared in Athens county, Ohio, and always lived there until called to the home beyond. She. too, was a member of the Methodist church and into the minds of her children she instilled lessons of honesty and morality which have .borne fruit in honorable lives. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Root were born twelve children, all of whom are natives of Athens county. Ohio, and of this family E. S. Root is the eldest. Eleven of the children are still living, but none are residents of Piatt county with the exception of our subject. The mother was born in 1809. and passed away in 1857, at the age of forty-eight years. Ezra S. Root began his education in Ohio at an early day. His advantages in that direction were somewhat limited, owing to the primitive condition of the schools and to the need of his services upon the home farm, but he made good use of his opportunities, and in later life has added large- ly to his knowledge through reading, observation and experience. In 1857 he came to this state, locating first in Douglas county, Illinois, where he engaged in general farming until after the outbreak of the Civil war. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism he offered his aid to the government, enlisting in Douglas county in 1862 as a member of Company E, Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry, with which he served for three years. He was in a number of very important battles and skirmishes, including the engagements at Stone River, Tullahoma, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, and when the war was over he received an honorable discharge at Springfield, Illinois. He was always found at his post of duty, whether it led him into the thickest of the fight or called him to the lonely picket line. He never failed in his allegiance to the old flag and his military record is one which he has every reason to be proud of.

Mr. Root had five brothers in the Civil war, and all retured home save one, William Henry, who was killed in the battle of Perryville. The others were D. O., Charles, John Wesley and Lawrence Eugene, the last being but fifteen years of age when he enlisted. The grandfather of our subject on his mother's side, served in the Revolutionary war, while his grandfather on his father's side was in the war of 1812. An uncle served in the Black Hawk war.

After receiving his discharge Mr. Root returned to Douglas county, where he resumed farming, carrying on the work of tilling the soil there until 1874. In that year he removed to Iowa, but after three years returned to this state, making his way to Piatt county. Locating in Bement township he engaged in farming and followed that pursuit throughout the remainder of his active business career. In 1898 he retired from agricultural life and is now living in Bement, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former labor. His life record stands in exemplification of the truth that success is the outcome of energy guided by practical judgment and by laudable ambition guided by common sense.

In 1850, in Athens county, Ohio, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Root and Miss Margaret McCreary. who was born in the Buckeye state, and who proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey for alx>ut fifty-one years. At length she was called to her final rest, passing away at her home in Bement in 1901, at the age of sixty-nine years. She held membership in the Methodist church, and was a woman who was greatly loved by all who knew her, because she was most faithful to her friends and was a devoted wife and mother. In her life she displayed many excellent traits of character, and her death was thus the occasion of deep regret among those in whose midst she had lived. Mr. and Mrs. Root were the parents of nine children, four of whom survive. Emily, who died at the age of forty years, was the wife of William Cravatt, of Iowa, and had three children, Guy and Levi, who are living, and Grace, deceased. Mary Jane died at the age of eleven months. Elizabeth became the wife of James Gill, and at her death left seven children. Harriet is the wife of Cornelius Hopkins, of Bement, who is' employed as a section hand on the W abash Railroad, and they had four children. Myrtle, Arthur. Jerry and one that died in infancy. Levi F., who resides in Bement and works at the coal shaft of the Wabash Railroad, married Victoria Snyder. Ezra N., the next in the family, died at the age of one year. Wesley Bement married Bessie Davis and has four children. Theodore G. died at the age of nine months. William Sherman is a farmer and resides with his father. He married Laura Martindale, and they have two children, Rosetta and Raymond. All of the children were born in Illinois with the exception of the three oldest.

Mr. Root has seen many improvements made in Piatt county and has assisted materially in the substantial development and permanent upbuilding of this section of the state. He owns the dwelling in which he lives and three village lots in Bement, in addition to two lots and dwellings which he leases. For his services in the Civil war he draw's a pension. In times of peace he has been as loyal to his country as he was when he followed the old flag on the battle-fields of the south, and his public career is indeed honorable and upright. In his business relations he. has ever been straightforward. He holds membership in the Grand Army Post and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. In politics he has long been a stalwart Republican and feels it the duty as well as the privilege of American citizens to exert his right of franchise in support of the measures he believes will prove of greatest benefit to his country and its government.

John H. Carver

There is an old German saying that a man, may have three things in this world - the gains he accumulates, the hearts he loves and his good works. The wealth is the first to leave him when death lays its hand upon his form ; the loved ones go to the tomb, turn from it and pass to their homes ; but the good works followed through all the years, praising his narne and make hallowed his memory. Mr. Garver won creditable and honorable success in his business career, but it was not this that made him so loved by the people who knew him and caused him to be accounted one of the most prominent and best liked citizens of Piatt county. He lived a life that at all times commanded respect and honor and his kindness of nature, his genial disposition and his honorable principles gained for him the warm friendship of all with whom he came in contact.

Mr. Garver was born November 3, 1825, in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, a son of Jacob and Susan (Hisey) Garver, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, where they lived until 1839, when they came with their family to Illinois, settling in Macon county. There the father engaged in farming for several years, but afterward removed to Kansas, where both he and his wife died. Of the children born unto them seven are now living as follows : David, who is engaged in the poultry business in Cerro Gbrdo; Mrs. Susan Johnson, a resident of Kansas; Mrs. Mary Wallace, who is living in Humbolt, Kansas ; Samuel, a carpenter residing in Louisiana; Barbara, the wife of Sanford Rogers, also a resident of Kansas; Daniel, who is clerking in a store in Decatur, Illinois; and Abram, who conducts a meat market in Westfield, this state.

John H. Garver was a youth of only fourteen years when he became a resident of Illinois and throughout his remaining days he resided in this part of the state. After coming to Cerro Gordo he engaged in the grain business, buying and shipping grain of all kinds. He conducted operations along that line for several years and then, disposing of his enterprise, he turned his attention to the grocery business, conducting a store here until his life's labors were ended in death. His business methods were very honorable and would bear the closest investigation. In all of his work he was systematic, progressive, industrious and thoroughly reliable and his word was as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature or seal.

On the 1 6th of December, 1848, Mr. Garver wras united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Hudson, the wedding taking place in Cerro Gordo. The lady is a native of Newcastle, Maryland, born in 1830, and is a daughter of Asa and Phoebe (Jester) 'Hudson, who were also natives of Maryland, but in 1832 they removed to Ohio, where they resided for a number of years. In 1841 they came to Illinois, and settled in Oakley township, Macon county, near the village of Cerro Gordo. Subsequently they took up their abode within the borders of Piatt county and the father engaged in farming until his death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carver were born nine children, but five of the number are now deceased, namely : Albert, Addie, Willie, Chester and Minnie. Of those living Benjamin F. is the eldest. He married Docia Neblock, of Cerro Gordo, and follows the painter's trade here. Samuel D.,'who married Emma Hummell, is a plasterer who follows his chosen occupation in Cerro Gordo. May is the widow of H. E. McKinney, a son of Andrew and Mary (Rogers) McKinney. Andrew Mc- Kinney was a prominent dry goods merchant of Cerro Gordo who removed from Illinois to Kansas, where he became an extensive landowner and both he and his wife died in the Sunflower state in 1898. Their son, H. E. McKinney, acted as a salesman in the stores of Cerro Gordo during the greater part of his life and was a prominent young business man here, popular with a large circle of friends. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was a worthy exemplar of the craft. His, death occurred August 7, 1888, and his widow now resides with her mother, Mrs. Garver. Charles A., the youngest of the family, is a farmer and resides in Oklahoma. Mrs. Garver and Mrs. McKinney occupy a pleasant home in the southwestern part of Cerro Gordo and each own other valuable property in the village.

In early days Mr. Garver was a Republican, but in later life gave his political support to the Prohibition party for he was a stanch advocate of the cause of temperance and believed it to be one of the paramount issues before the people. For a half century he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church to which his wife also belongs and was one of its most earnest and consistent workers. Perhaps no better estimate of his character can be given than to quote from the funeral sermon which was delivered at his death by his pastor, Rev. J. H. Waterbury, on the i5th of November, 1898, and who said: "We bury from our sight this day one of God's saints. For three score years and ten he has been engaged in the conflict which all men must wage in this ' world. His pathway has not been one of roses entirely. He knew what it meant to be an overcomer. In the contest for material prizes he has been fairly successful. By the economic use of his energies, he has gained for himself a competency. His declining years were spent in the peaceful possession and benefits of accumulation wrested from the soil. That kind of overcoming is full of hardships, yet his victory in the realm of the moral and spiritual is more significant.

"First, I desire to direct attention to our brother's relation to secular life. He enjoyed the confidence of men. His agreements were kept to the letter. One thing that came to the surface in conversation with Brother Carver was his keen discrimination between right and wrong. In business transactions, any injury he may -have done his neighbor was a mistake of the head and not of the heart. He was conscientious. This alone is a record of which men may well be proud, but with him there was no suspicion that he had done anything unusual in doing right. It was a life acting in harmony with a high purpose.

"In social life he sustains the position he .gained in secular affairs. It is a grief to lose the example of a good man. Consciously or unconsciously he becomes a center of moral power, restraining the bad and encouraging the good. Such was his example. He was universally kind. While he was not able to mingle in society toward the close of his life, he was in touch with all that was going, and contact with him revealed his interest in men. A trait worthy of emulation was the invariable disposition to hang the mantle of charity over the faults of others. This was not due to a desire to palliate wrong doing, but rather a knowledge of the weaknesses of humanity. The influence of such a life cannot be measured this side of eternity. It is educational. It is the good of this world which preserves society from corruption, and the Savior's language 'the salt of the earth' applies to him.

"As an overcomer in spiritual matters he reaches the highest place in our confidence and esteem. Mr. Carver was a believer in eternal verities. Christ was at once his Leader, Master, Friend. It is with pleasure I emphasize his belief in God. You bear me out in this statement who knew him best. He sought out the footsteps of Christ and followed Him. With a child-like faith he placed his hand in that of his Savior and was led through life's changing scenes, ending with the 'valley and the shadow of death.' He bowed in humble submission to divine mandates, believing that God does all things well.

"If loyalty to the church is a test of spiritual life, the deceased does not disappoint. In early life he was a regular attendant upon the services of God's house. Few men have a higher regard for the mission of Christianity than did our brother, and when he was too feeble to leave his home he prayed for the success of Zion, and gave wings to his prayers by paying promptly of his money to the extent of his ability. A test of this loyalty was his attitude toward his pastor. As a minister I am competent to speak here. I visited him often, and in each instance he fixed himself more securely in my affections. He was a friend, a brother, an adviser and a confidant. He was not expecting absolute perfection, and yet encouraged me to do my best. I revere his memory. He was sympathetic and true. There are some in glory to-day and others on the way, whose lives had an impetus toward heaven through contact with this man of blessed memory.

a husband he was all that the term implies. He was a lover of home and did his share to make it a refuge from the storms of life. He walked by the side of her who is widowed to-day for fifty years and in that period of a half century fulfilled the vows taken at the marriage altar. The home cannot be again what it has been because he is not. As a father he tried to do his duty. He was very tender toward his loved ones, and their joys and sorrows were his joys and sorrows. He repeatedly expressed the hope that God would save them an unbroken family.

"It is not my intention to assume that Mr. Carver was without fault. Doubtless he had the weaknesses to which flesh is heir. But the trend of his life was right. His motives were pure, his positions clearly defined. He favored no compromises with evil and believed in the ultimate triumph of the right. We reluctantly give him up, but we confidently believe that the influence of his life in the business and social world, and in his home, is a permanent blessing. May God, who was the inspiration and joy of this life, lead us as he was led, that when it is ours to depart it can be said of us 'he has fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith.' "

Amos Stollard

One of the beautiful country seats of Piatt county is the property of Amos Stollard, a commodious and attractive residence standing in the midst of a well-kept lawn shaded by magnificent trees and in the rear are all the outbuildings needed for the shelter of grain and stock. These in turn are surrounded by richly cultivated fields and the farm is complete in all of its appointments. It is situated in section 1 6, Monticello township, and Mr. Stollard carefully superintends the cultivation of this place with the result that it returns to him a good annual income.

A native of Ohio, he was born in Pickaway county, upon a farm near Circleville, February 2. 1847, n's parents being William and Margaret (Vinson) Stollard. 'His father was born in Maryland, April 6, 1814, and was educated there in the common schools, after which he assisted his father at the blacksmith's trade until they removed to Ohio. In the latter state they turned their attention to farming in Pickaway county and William Stollard remained upon the home place with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began farming on his own account upon rented land. Soon afterward he was married to Miss Margaret Vinson and he continued to engage in the operation of a rented farm in Pickaway county until 1867, when he came to Piatt county, Illinois, settling in Monticello township. He' here rented the Marquiss farm, upon which he lived for two years, after which he leased the McReynolds farm for seven years. At the end of that time he retired from active business life, his son, Amos, taking charge of the farm and the father living with him until his death. Unto the parents of our subject were born six children : Martin L., who married Malinda Kuiser and is now living in Tarlton, Ohio; Louis P., a retired farmer of Bement who married Jane Russell and after her death, which occurred in less than a year following their marriage, he wedded Tamson Sullivan; Malinda, who is the widow of Philip

Baum, who died about 1869; Amos, who is the fourth in the family ; Mary Janes, deceased; and Minerva, who is the wife of Benjamin F. Hood, now living on a farm on section 18, Monticello township.

At the usual age Amos Stollard began mastering the branches of learning taught in the common schools of Pickaway county, Ohio. He continued his studies through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked in the fields and meadows, early becoming familiar with agricultural life in all of its departments. With his father he removed to Piatt county, Illinois, and he continued to assist his. father in farm work until after his marriage, which important event in his life occurred in September, 1877. He wedded Miss Sarah C. Jones and then began farming on his own account. After renting land for two years he purchased the farm upon which he is now located on section 16, Monticello township, and has developed this into one of the finest properties in this section of the state. He erected a beautiful residence containing eight rooms, has built two barns and two double granaries, together with other outbuildings needed for the shelter of grain and stock and for the protection of his farm implements from the inclement weather. A driveway winds up to the house, around which is a well-kept lawn shaded by beautiful trees. So numerous are the trees that at a distance the place appears to be a small grove. Everything about the farm is kept in first-class condition. Mr. Stollard has lajd a large amount of tiling and has . enclosed his land by a new wire fence and has also thus divided it into fields of convenient size. He has set out two new orchards, has a deep well upon the place and, in fact, there is no equipment of the model farm that is lacking. His landed possessions comprise one hundred and twenty acres, of which eighty acres is situated on section 17 and forty acres on section 16, Monticello township. Annually he produces large crops of corn and oats, also raises considerable clover and has rich pasture lands. He yearly sells many head of cattle and hogs and in all of these departments his farm work is bringing to him a good profit.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stollard have been born seven children : Amos Elmer, who is attending school in Dixon, Illinois ; Wilbur Earl, who is at home with his father; Maggie May, who is also attending school in Dixon; Hattie, deceased; Minnie Ethel, who is at home; one who died unnamed in infancy ; and Irene, deceased.

Mr. Stollard votes with the Republican party, believing firmly in its principles and its platform. For more than ten years he has served as school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. At the present time he is filling the position of road commissioner. His wife is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church and both Mr. and Mrs. Stollard are well known in Piatt county. His life record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, for he started out on his own account without capital or the aid of influential friends. With him success has been ambition's answer. He has labored perseveringly, using discrimination in the conduct of his business affairs and as the years have passed his financial resources have inincreased until he is to-day classed among the substantial residents of his adopted county.

Nels B. Larson

Nels B. Larson, one of the most enterprising and practical farmers of Unity township, was born in Sweden, February 18, 1861, and is the oldest of the nine children of Bonde and Bessie Larson. His parents are still living in that county, where the father is engaged in farming. He visited his sons in America in the summer of 1902. Six of his children are now living in the United States, these being Nels B., of this review; S. B., who lives on his Uncle Nels Larson's place on section 7, Unity township; John, also a resident of that township ; Hannah Hanson, a resident of Macon county, Illinois; Segrie Pierson, who makes her home in the same county; and Emma Pierson, of Argenta, Macon county. Those living in Sweden are Annie, Larson and Sophie.

Nels B. Larson spent his boyhood and youth upon a farm in his native land and is indebted to the public schools of that country for the educational privileges he enjoyed. Deciding to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic, he emigrated to America in 1881 and has since been identified with the interests of central Illinois. He was entirely unfamiliar with the English language on his arrival in this country, but could speak it quite fluently before two years had passed. His first work here was tiling, and he afterward worked by the month as a farm hand for three years.

At the end of that time Mr. Larson rented the Ruby farm in Unity township, which he operated for nine years, and next "had charge of the Daniel Dawson place in Bement township three years. The following two years were passed on the Edmund Davis farm in Bement township, and from there he removed to Moultrie county, Illinois, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land, for which he paid sixty dollars per acre, and he at once began to drain, break and cultivate the land, which to-day is worth one hundred and fifteen dollars per acre owing to the improvements he has made thereon. It is well tilled and a substantial house, barn and other outbuildings stand as monuments to his labor. After residing here for four years Mr. Larson rented the place, which is now occupied by a tenant, and removed to the E. P. Thompson farm on section 6, Unity township. On this place he has made his home since 1901, operating the land on the shares, and in connection with general farming he carries on stock-raising to a considerable extent, making a specialty of a high grade of horses. He has sold some fine stallions at good prkes and also has some good roadsters.

An important event in the life of Mr. Larson was his marriage on the 3Oth of April, 1883, to Miss Emma Ericks, the ceremony being performed at Marinette, Wisconsin. She is a daughter of Erick Swanson, who is now living in Michigan, and is a most hospitable woman, well liked by all who know her. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Larson have been born eight children, namely: Bessie, who is now the wife of Oscar Swanson and a resident of Michigan ; Mamie ; Lillie ; Albert ; Annie ; John ; Russell and Stella. Our subject is giving his children the best educational advantages possible, desiring that their training shall fit them for any position in life that they may be called upon to fill. 'His eldest daughter has studied music.

found much of Piatt county covered with sloughs and ponds, and he has done his share in the work of improvement, for he is a public spirited and progressive citizen who takes a deep interest in the welfare of his adopted country. While living in Moultrie county he acceptably served as a member of the school board and as path master. Socially, he is an honored member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Bement, and he and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian church at that place.

Business conditions in America have revolutionized the commercial history of the world. No other country has made as rapid advance or as splendid progress as our own republic, where every man is equal before the law and finds his opportunity if he will but diligently seek it. Every community has its leaders - men capable of controlling important and extensive business interests and whose carefully earned success awakens the admiration and respect of the public. Such a one is W. D. Fairbanks, who has risen to a prominent position among the most extensive land-owners of central Illinois, and his business record is such as any man might be proud to possess, not alone because of his brilliant prosperity, but also because of the honorable manner in which it has been achieved. Judicious investment, careful management and strict conformity to commercial ethics stand as salient features in his career and make his name an honored as well as a powerful one in financial circles.

this locality, and who is the president of the First National Bank of Mansfield, Illinois, was torn in Union county, Ohio, on the i6th of June, 1857, and traces his ancestry back through many generations to England. The first of the name of whom we have record was Jonathan Fairebanke, who was born in England before the year 1600, and came with his family to the new world, landing in Boston in 1633. After a residence there of three years he went to Dedham, Massachusetts, becoming one of its founders, and there he built the celebrated "Old Fairbanks House" in 1836. It is still standing in a good state of preservation, and has never been out of the possession of those who bear the family name. Jonas Fairbank, the second in line of direct descent to our subject, was born in England and accompanied his parents to the new world in 1833, becoming a resident of Dedham, Massachusetts, after three years. He was killed in an Indian massacre, February 10, 1676. Captain Jabez Fairbank, his son, was born August 1 1, 1670, in Lancaster, Massachusetts, was a valiant officer in the Indian wars, became famous as a scout and stood very high in the confidence of Governor Drummer. Deacon Joshua Fairbank, a son of Captain Jabez Fairbank, was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, March 28, 1714. and was a -soldier of the French and Indiana war. The next in the line of direct decent was Captain Luthes Fairbank, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, August 15, 1755, and was a brave and well-known officer of the Continental army. He was one of those who were taken prisoner while in the act of scaling the walls of the fortifications of Quebec, under General Montgomery, in December. 1775. Luther Fairbank, his son, and the grandfather of our subject, was born in Swanzey, New Hampshire, September 10, 1780, became a farmer of Vermont and afterward removed to Ohio, where his remaining days were passed.

Loriston Monroe Fairbanks, the father of our subject, was born in Barnard, Vermont, May 4, 1824, and was the first of the name to add the final "s." When a young man lie removed to Ohio, locating in Union county, upon a farm near Unionville. He was among the pioneer settlers of the locality and took an active interest in the early development of that part of the state. He there met and married Mary Elizabeth Smith, a native of New York, who went with her parents to Union county, Ohio. In early life Loriston M. Fairbanks was a mechanic and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies at Homer, Union county, being in partnership with his father-in-law, William DeForrest Smith. He resided at Homer for many years, and ultimately began farming on account of his health. He followed that pursuit throughout his remaining days with the exception of a brief period of three or four years, which were spent in Delaware, Ohio, to which place he removed, that his children might attend the Ohio Wesleyan University there. The last eight years of his life were passed in retirement at his home in Springfield, Ohio, though he and his wife spent their winters at Pasadena, California, where he died January 30, 1900, when seventy-four years of age. His remains were brought back and interred in the beautiful cemetery at Springfield, Ohio. His widow now resides in Springfield, with her daughter, Mrs. Milligan. They were the parents of ten children, of whom five are still living : Charles W., who is United States senator from Indiana and one of the distinguished statesmen of the country ; Luther M., who resides in Chicago and in Mansfield, and is engaged in the grain trade in the former city; W. D., of this review; Newton H., an attornev-at-law of Springfield, Ohio ; and Jennie, the wife of Melvin Milligan, of Springfield, Ohio, of which city he was formerly mayor. Those that have passed away are Mary, the eldest child, who died at the age of two and a half years; the second one who bore the name of her deceased sister, Mary, and died at about the same age; Adolphus, who died at the age of four years; Nellie, at the age of twenty; and Harry, who died at the age of twenty-two years.

In the county of his nativity W. D. Fairbanks pursued his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in the Ohio Wesleyan University, in which he pursued the scientific course. He then took up the study of law, but his health prevented his continuance in that task, and hoping that he might be benefited by the outdoor life which is required in the supervision of farming interests, he came to Illinois, settling in Mansfield. Here he engaged in the grain business and also l>ecame identified with farming. His first purchase of land consisted of eighty acres, two miles west of Mansfield, which he bought in connection with his brother, L. M., with whom he was also associated in the grain trade. As the years have advanced the brothers have made extensive investments in real estate and have carried on their farming and grain business on a mammoth scale. All of this, however, represents much hard labor, keen discrimination, careful watchfulness of the markets and of everything bearing upon their business, and unfaltering perseverance in their undertakings. Mr. Fairbanks of this review is now the owner of seven hundred acres of valuable land in Piatt county and has one thousand seven hundred acres of valuable land in other parts of the state. He has nine hundred and sixty acres in South Dakota and jointly with his brother owns ten thousand acres in Greene county, Illinois, and seventeen hundred acres in Dickey county, North Dakota. He likewise has full control of five thousand acres in Piatt and McLean counties, owned by his brother, Senator Fairbanks, of Indiana. He conducts an extensive grain business at Blue Ridge, Illinois, and fn 1902 -he founded the First National Bank of Mansfield, of which he is the president.

On the 23d of December, 1880, Mr. Fairbanks married Miss Flora A. Kroell, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of L. H. Kroell, who removed from the Buckeye state to Piatt county and is now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks have been born four children - Lulu May, Jennie, William De- Forrest - and Bernice. Mrs. Fairbanks belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Fairbanks holds membership in Mansfield Lodge, No. 589, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand. He also belongs to Monticello Encampment and to the Modern Woodman Camp. In politics he is a firm believer in Republican principles and has served continuously as justice of the peace for fifteen years. The locality in which he has long made his home has found in him a benefactor by reason of the generous and prompt assistance he has given to many measures for the public good. He has never sought to figure prominently before the public in any relation save that of a business man and yet his co-operation is never sought in vain in behalf of measures for the general welfare. In his business life, however, he has achieved a brilliant success along legitimate lines, which are open to all. It is his adaptability his quick recognition of opportunity, his persistency of purpose and his discriminating judgment which have been the basis of his wealth, and no business man of Piatt county occupies a higher position in the esteem of his fellow men.

John H. French

John H. French, a well-known citizen of DeLand and proprietor of a meat market at that place, was born on the i8th of October, 1861, in Farmington, Fulton county, Illinois, a son of Edward and Anna Jane (Jamison) French. The father was born near Manchester, England, in 1803, and was reared and educated in that country, where he was employed as a shepherd for some time prior to his emigration to America. It was in 1823 that he crossed the broad Atlantic and took up his residence in New York, where he had a milk route for a few years, and then came to Illinois, settled near Farmington. He made his home there until his death, which occurred in August, 1900, and he was laid to rest there. His wife survived him only three months, passing away in November of the same year. In early life he_ successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and became the owner of a good eighty-acre farm, but during the last fifteen years of his life he lived retired from active labor. He purchased a lot in Farmington and erected thereon a good modern residence, where he and his wife passed their remaining days in ease and quiet. He was a man of good business ability and met with fair success in his undertakings. His family consisted of three children : Edward, who

The subject of this review was educated in the Farmington high school and remained at home with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when he went to California and was with his brother on a fruit ranch for two years. He was then called home by the illness of his father and continued under the parental roof until his marriage in 1887, the lady of his choice being Miss Essie Maud Blakeslee, a daughter of S. S. and Addie (Egan) Blakeslee, who lived about eight miles from Farmington. Three children grace this union, namely: Boyd Edward, born in 1891; Bert Carlton, born in 1893; and Oneita Mae, born in 1898.

Mr. French spent the years 1888 and 1889 in learning the butcher's business and in the latter year opened a market of his own at Waverly, Nebraska, where he spent four years. He met with success at that place and was much pleased with the location, but on account of his father's failing health he returned to Farmington at the end of that time and accepted a position with E. Clark & Brother, butchers of that place. Four years later he removed to DeLand, where he has since conducted a meat market and engaged in the butchering business with good success, having the only establishment of the kind in the town. He enjoys a good trade and has made many friends since coming to this place by his fair dealing and strict attention to his business affairs.

In religious faith both Mr. and Mrs. French are Methodists and they also hold membership in the Court of Honor. He is connected with the Fraternal Army and the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 740, at De- Land, and in his political affiliations is a stalwart Republican. For one year he has served as village treasurer, being elected on the Citizen's ticket, and for three years he has been a school director, now serving his second term. He takes a commendable interest in public affairs and does all in his power to advance the welfare of the community along social, educational and moral lines.

Haagen Schwartz

Haagen Schwartz is a well-known merchant of Monticello, where for a number of years he has been engaged in the jewelry business. He is a native of Norway, which country has furnished to the United States many bright, enterprising young men who have left the land of the midnight sun to enter the business circles of this country with its more progressive methods, livelier competition and advancement more quickly secured. His birth occurred in 1859 and in his sixth year he became a student in the public schools of his native land, where he continued to master the branches of learning therein taught until he reached his fourteenth year. At that time he entered upon his business career as an apprentice to the trade of a jeweler in the city of Drammen, Norway. His term of service covered six years, during which time he acquired a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the trade in all of its departments and was thus well equipped to enter upon business life.