Piatt County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1903 (part 7 of 13)

new world and its opportunities he resolved to cross the Atlantic in order that he might enjoy the advanages offered by America. In 1878 he crossed the water and for a time was detained at Castle Garden. From New York city he went to Elgin, Illinois, where he secured a situation in the Elgin watch factory, and fiis capable service and fidelity to duty led to his retention in the factory as one of its most trusted employes for four years, and in the Illinois watch factory at Springfield for nine years. He then severed his connection with the company, wishing to engage in business on his own account. Removing to Monticello, he has here 'resided for eleven years. Opening a store he secured a good stock of watches, clocks, silverware and jewelry, and now he has a well appointed establishment and is classed among the honorable and reliable merchants of Piatt -county, having the patronage of the best citizens of Monticello and the surrounding districts. He is a practical and skilled workman in the line of watchmaking and he carries a large and carefully selected stock of diamonds and jewelry, silverware and china ware, purchasing his goods from the most reliable manufacturers.

In 1882 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schwartz and Miss Mary Lauretson, of Elgin, Illinois. She was born in Christiana, Norway, and by her marriage she has become the mother of six children : Minnie, Inga, Henry, Lillie, Andrew and Lina, who is the baby of the household.

Mr. Schwartz is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also of the Tribe of Ben Hur. He owns six acres of valuable land in the southern part of Monticello, upon which he has erected a comfortable residence and good outbuildings. He is an enterprising citizen here deeply interested in the progress and improvement of Monticello and his active cooperation has been given to many lines for the general good. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought, which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man, and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of people of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Piatt county.

Alvin T. Smothers

Alvin T. Smothers, a retired farmer now living in Mansfield, was born on the 2Oth of May, 1867, in Franklin count)', Ohio, and is a son of Emery and Lida (Sherbourne) Smothers. The father was a farmer by occupation and at the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, serving for two years. He started with Sherman on the memorable march to the sea, but was wounded while on the way and was unable to reach the sea coast. For six months he lay in the hospital and afterward received an honorable discharge. In April, 1880, his life's labors were ended in death. His widow, however, still survives him and is now living in Licking county, Ohio.

ville, Ohio, where he pursued advanced studies and became well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life. On leaving school he enlisted in the regular army of the United States, serving for four years. At the expiration of his military service he came to Piatt county, Illinois, where he began working by the month as a farm hand for Isaac Hilligoss, receiving as a compensation for his services twenty dollars per month. Later he was married and returned to Ohio where he remained for twenty-one months, but he thought that he preferred Illinois as a place of residence and again came to Piatt county, this time settling upon a farm which he rented from W. D. Fairbanks. For four years he resided there and harvested good crops as the result of his persistent labors. He also spent four years upon a farm which he rented of E. P. Barnhart and then purchased a part of the farm which he was cultivating, becoming the owner of a tract of eighty acres. For a number of years he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits in this county and in December. 1901, he removed to Mansfield, where he has since made his home. Here he purchased a house and lot and has lived retired from farm life, but to some extent carries on carpentering.

Mr. Smothers was united in marriage on the 7th of November, 1889, the lady of his choice being Miss Jennie Bateman. a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Brown) Bateman, who were natives of Ireland and Canada, respectively. The father left the Emerald Isle in 1848 and crossed the Atlantic with his parents. There he was reared to manhood and after his marriage he came with his wife and children to Piatt countv, Illinois, in

1871. Here he has since resided and is now one of the wealthy, prominent and influential farmers of this portion of the state. He has taken an active part in improving and developing this locality and his business career proves the value of energy and activity in agricultural circles. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bateman have been born eleven children : Thomas, Mrs. Jennie Smothers, Mrs. Mary Ann Chase, Samuel, Charles F., John R., Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Etta, Nellie, Mrs. Edna Warren and Harry. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smothers has been blessed with one child, Edith Lisle, who was born on the 27th of August, 1890, and is now attending school in Mansfield.

The parents hold membership in the Methodist church and Mr. Smothers is a Republican, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party, yet never seeking office as the reward for party fealty. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he is now serving as a school director. He is also a co-operant factor in the moral development of the community and in many measures for the general welfare. His business career has been honorable and active and through his capable management he has gained the competence that now enables him to live retired in Mansfield, enjoying all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

William D. Coffin

To-day, after a useful and beneficial career, Mr. Coffin is quietly living at his pleasant home in Bement, surrounded by the comfort that earnest labor has brought him. He is a native of Indiana, born in Vermilion county, January 22, 1842, and is a son of Berkley and Narcissus (Davidson) Coffin. The Coffin family is of English origin and was founded in America by Christian Coffin, who was one of the first settlers of Massachusetts and from whom all bearing the name in this country are descended. The early family was known as the Nantucket clan. Our subject's paternal grandfather, William Coffin, was captain of the first company from Wabash, Indiana, that crossed the plains to California during the gold excitement, and he died in Sacramento, his being the first death recorded by the secretary of the cemetery. His death-bed was in a wagon. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eunice Worth, was also a representative of an old eastern family of English extraction.

Berkley Coffin, the father of our subject, was born in North Carolina and about 1832, when still a boy, removed to Indiana with his brother, Dr. Coffin, who is now a retired physician of Monticello, Illinois. In early life Berkley Coffin learned the blacksmith's trade, but in later years turned his attention to farming, which he followed in Parke and Vermilion counties, Indiana, for some years, and in the spring of 1858 came to Piatt county, Illinois, where he pursued the same occupation until called to his final rest in 1861. His wife died in 1852 at Fort Laramie while on her way to California. They had but two children, the older of whom is our subject. His sister Ann is the wife of I.

S. Matthews, a resident of Fort Jones, California, and is the mother of nine children, seven sons and two daughters, though one daughter died April 15, 1903. William D. Coffin was principally reared and educated in Vermilion county, Indiana, though he attended school to a limited extent after the removal of the family to Piatt county, Illinois, in the spring of 1858. As soon as old enough to be of any assistance he began to aid in the labors of the farm and throughout his active business life continued to engage in agricultural pursuits with marked success. He accumulated much valuable property and is to-day .the owner of land to the amount of four hundred and eighty acres in Bement township, which he rents. In 1895 he retired from active labor and removed to the village of Bement, where he now makes his home. He has traded quite extensively in farm property and has met with uniform success in his operations. His first purchase of land consisted of eighty acres of raw prairie, which he broke and improved, and he later bought forty acres in the edge of the timber, a part of which he cleared. There he made his home in a log cabin for one year and then removed to his prairie farm. Everything was new and wild and there was plenty of game of all kinds, including deer, while the prairie wolves were also numerous.

At the age of twenty years Mr. Coffin laid aside all personal interests to enter the service of his country during the dark days of the Rebellion, enlisting at Bement. August 7, 1862, as a private in Company D, Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel James F. Jaquess and Captain Thomas Motherspaw, who- was afterward appointed major and led the charge in the battle of Franklin, Tennessee. This was known as the "Preachers Regiment" as many of its officers were ministers, and it was the first regiment to be called from the state of Illinois in 1862. For two years Mr. Coffin was under the command of General Phil Sheridan and he remained in the service for three years, being mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, June 12, 1865, at the close of the war. The principal engagements in which he participated were the battles of Perryville; Stone River, where he was slighty wounded; Chickamauga, September 20, 1863, where he was wounded in the hip by a spent ball; and Missionary Ridge, where he was wounded in the left arm near the shoulder, nearly losing the member. He was all through the Georgia campaign until after the fall of Atlanta, when his regiment returned to Tennessee to meet Hood and took part in the severe engagement at Franklin, where Major Motherspaw and Adjutant Davis were both killed in leading charges. This was followed by the battle of Nashville where they routed General Hood's army. Dr. Coffin was at Blue Springs when the news came of General Lee's surrender and the assassination of President Lincoln, having been sent there with his regiment to fill up a gap.

At the close of the war our subject returned to Vermilion county, Indiana, and was married September 13, 1866, to Miss Mary Holtz, a daughter of John and Lovinia (Whipple) Holtz, both deceased. The following October they came to Piatt county, Illinois, where they have since made their home. Of the eight children born to them the following are still living: Eva, the wife of A. H. Harshbarger, who is engaged in the implement business in Bement; Harry M., who married Delia Nation and lives in Bement ; Bessie and Frederick, both at home. Those deceased are Homer, a twin brother of Harry, who was accidentally killed by a gunshot; Emma, who married John Crawford and died of appendicitis; Eddy, a bright little boy, who died of scarlet fever at the age of three years; and William, who died in infancy. The children have all received liberal educations and the family is one of prominence in the community where they reside. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Coffin affiliates with the Republican party and at one time took quite an active and influential part in local politics. For two terms he acceptably served as township supervisor in Bement township and was school director of the Coffin school, located on his land, for about twenty-nine years. He was also a member of the board of education in the village of Bement one term 'and never withholds his support from any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit. He is well known in the county of his adoption and by those qualities which in every land and clime command respect he has won many friends. The early career of Mr. Coffin was one of unfaltering industry and through strong purpose and diligence he worked his way upward to the plane of affluence.

Pope Hiser

1862, just west of the village of Cerro Gordo, in Macon county, and is a representative of an old and honored family of this section of the state. His father, Solomon Hiser. was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November- 19, 1826. and in 1855 wedded Miss Mary E. Page a native of Xe\v York, born in 1833. In 1850 he came to Illinois and, settling in Macon county, aided in its pioneer development. He broke many an acre of wild prairie land, and for nearly forty years engaged in farming there. Most hospitable in manner, he was a model pioneer and although not a member of anv church he was always found on the side of right and order and gave liberally, though unostentatiously, to all worthy objects. He believed firmly in the principles of Christianity and died as he had lived, with a hope of a just reward, not fearing death, but ready to meet his God. He passed away at Cerro Gordo. September 28, 1889. at the age of sixty-two years, ten months and nine days, and his wife died at the same place, at the age of sixty-two years and two months, from the effects of a cancer, after long and patient suffering. Her funeral was from the Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. Poe officiating, and her remains were interred in the Frantz cemetery.

In the family of this worthy couple were eight children : Mrs. J. J. Garver. a resident of Decatur, Illinois ; Pope, whose name introduces this sketch ; Samuel : Mattie. the wife of Henry Berry, of Salem, Illinois; Alma, wife of John Eiler, a mail-carrier of Cerro Gordo; and three deceased.

Pope Hiser was educated in the district schools near his boyhood home, and early acquired an excellent knowledge of every department of farm work. At the age of twenty-two he began farming on his own account in Macon county, and remained there until, coming to Piatt county, in 1893, when he settled on his present farm, having purchased the place two years previously. It was then in bad repair, but he has remodeled the house, tiled and drained the land and made many other useful improvements, spending about eighteen hundred dollars in this way. He is a progressive farmer and is meeting with well-deserved success in his chosen occupation.

In 1887 Mr. Hiser was united in marriage to Miss Delia Wheeler, by whom he had two children, but both are deceased. Mrs. Hiser is also a native of Macon county, and is a daughter of John O. K. and Xancy ( Hudgeon) Wheeler, both deceased. She is one of a family of eight children, five of whom are still living, two of the number being residents of Macon county : Grant, of Seattle. Wash ; and John K., of Macon county. Isaiah resides in Cerro Gordo, Piatt county. Melissa is the wife of John Huff, a farmer of Oakley township.

Lewis M. Uhl

One of the best-known and most honored citizens of Cerro Gordo township is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, his home being on section 32, where he successfully carries on operations as a farmer and stock-raiser. He is a native of Ohio, born in Ross county, January 12, 1854, and is a son of Peter and Anna Elizabeth (Luthwick) Uhl. natives of Germany. On the 3d of July, 1847, they left the fatherland on a sailing vessel which weighed anchor at Hessedamstat, and after a voyage of forty days landed in New York city, whence they proceeded to Ross county, Ohio. They made their home there until the fall of 1856, and then came to Piatt county, IHinois, first settling in Monticello township, where two years were passed. They next removed to Bement township, and on the 3d of March, 1865, located on the farm in Cerro Gordo township, where our subject now resides. The father broke and improved this place, erecting the present residence in 1872. He was one of a family of five children, all now deceased, and his death occurred on the 3d of June, 1889, when in his eighty-third year. His wife, who was one of a family of three children, all now deceased, passed away January 16, 1887, at the age of seventy-two. She was a devout member of the German Lutheran church and a most estimable lady, while her husband was an active and earnest worker in the Christian church, to which he belonged.

This worthy couple were the parents of nine children, who in order of birth were as follows : Peter, now a resident of Oklahoma Territory; John, a traveling salesman living in Pana, Illinois ; Jeanette, who married George Erler and died leaving two children. Lizzie and Louis ; L. C., an attorney of Smith county, Kansas; Henry, an attorney of Colorado; Jane, who died in infancy; Lewis M., of this review ; Charles, who is engaged in the abstract business in Smith county, Kansas : and William, who died in infancy.

Lewis M. Uhl attended the district schools near his boyhood home and early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His entire life has been devoted to farming with exception of the time spent as postmaster at Kensington, Smith county, Kansas. For several years he worked bv the month for others, and in this way gained a start in life. He now lives on the old homestead of eighty acres, where the family located in 1865, and he materially assisted in breaking and improving the place. It is now well drained and tiled, is under a high state of cultivation and is well improved with good building, a new barn having been erected by our subject in 1896. It is one of the choice farms of the locality and is pleasantly located on the main road to Cerro Gordo, being three and a quarter miles east of that village. Mr. Uhl handles a good grade of stock, including horses, cattle and hogs, and finds this branch of his business quite profitable. He has borne his share in the development and improvement of this section, transforming the wild lands into well-cultivated farms. When the family first located in this region much of the land was unbroken and wild game was quite plentiful.

Mr. Uhl was reared in the Lutheran church and still holds to that "belief. Politically, he is a Democrat, and on his party ticket was once the candidate for township assessor, but was defeated by twenty-three votes, the township being strongly Republican. He has served as postmaster and takes an active interest in promoting the welfare of his township and county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 346, of Cerro Gordo ; Cerro Gordo Lodge, No. 600, F. & A. M. ; and Bement Chapter, R. A. M. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a man highly respected and esteemed by aU who know him.

Ephraim Dresbach

been reclaimed for farm purposes by such enterprising and progressive citizens as Ephraim Dresbach. Upon a farm on section 1 6, Monticello township, Mr. Dresbach makes his home, and he has a splendidly improved prpperty, its neat and thrifty appearance and excellent equipment indicating his careful supervision and progressive methods. Mr. Dresbach was born in Ross county, Ohio, on the 5th of August, 1848. His father was John Dresbach, whose birth occurred in Ohio, October 13, 1810. In the common schools he was educated, attending the subscription schools such as were common at the time. He not only spent the summer months in aiding in the work of clearing and developing the land, but also much of the winter was thus passed, and thus his educational privileges were quite meager. He lived in Ohio until 1855, when he came to Illinois, establishing his home in Piatt county. He also carried on farming here, purchasing what is known as the Brady farm two and a half miles east of Monticello. There he carried on agricultural pursuits for twenty years, breaking most of that land and developing it into rich fields, which returned to him excellent harvests. When two decades had passed he removed to the farm now occupied by our subject, and made it his place of residence until his death, which occurred in 1884. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Vinston, was a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Vinston, of Maryland. Eight children were born unto Mr. and Airs. Dresbach, of whom the following are living: Mary, now the wife of George Brady, of Monticello; Ephraim; and Edward, who is now engaged in dealing in coal and wood in Chicago.

ever built in Ridge school district. For the building of this the lumber was hauled from Urbana with teams. During his youth Mr. Dresbach also became thoroughly familiar with farm work in all of its departments, assisting in the clearing and cultivation of the land and the harvesting of crops. He continued to attend school mostly during the winter seasons, until twenty years of age.

On the I4th of May, 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dresbach and Miss Samantha Brady, a daughter of John and Sarah (Buesy) Brady, of Piatt county. They lived with his father for about six months, and then rented a house, moving by themselves. Mr. Dresbach, however, continued to engage in farming operations in connection with his father for about five years, at the end of which time he began farming on his own account, buying forty acres of land and renting about forty acres more of the farm which he yet owns or one adjoining this place. In his work he has been very successful, and he has carried on farming operations along progressive lines that have proven of value in bringing to him a comfortable competence. He has tiled the place, thus draining the fields and making them very productive. He has also divided his farm into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, and has planted an orchard, erected a new residence and built a substantial barn and other outbuildings. At the present time he is engaged in further improving his home. There is upon his place an old brick house which was probably built here in 1853, and was the first home occupied by his father on removing to this locality. The brick with which it was constructed was made by Gabriel Dresbach, an uncle of our subject, on Camp creek.

riecl Jennie Ashleman, and is a farmer residing about a mile east of Monticello; Cora, who is the wife of Edwin E. Fuller, a resident farmer of Humboldt county, Iowa; Charles, who married Elsie Saint, and is now residing in Humboldt county, Iowa; Jennie, who is the wife of Louis Nisson, a farmer living about four miles southeast of Monticello; Frank, who married Ottie Honselman and resides on a farm two miles east of Monticello; Mary, who is at home with her parents ; John, who is working on his brother's farm near Monticello; Emery, who assists his father in the operation of the home farm ; Nellie, who is yet under the parental roof; George, who died when about a year old ; and Letha, who is now eleven years of age and is attending school. Mr. Dresbach belongs to the Court of Honor, Xo. 118, of Monticello, with which he has been connected for four years. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and has held the office of school director for nine or ten years, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. He is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this portion of the state, and is to-day classed among the most successful, energetic and reliable agriculturists of the community.

Richard S. Miner

In taking up the personal history of Richard S. Miner, we present to our readers the life record of one who has a wide acquaintance in Piatt county, having resided here since pioneer times. He is now living a retired life after many years of connection with agricultural interests. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1847, a son °f T- C-.

and Emeline Miner. The father was born on the 3d of October, 1812, and learned the tailor's trade. He also became a farmer, and for many years engaged in the tilling of the soil. He died in 1901, his death resulting from an accident. While walking home one day he slipped on a slab and broke his angle, and the injury terminated his life. His wife, who was born on the 5th of M'ay, 1818, passed away in 1892. The subject of this review has three brothers and two sisters yet living in Piatt county-

Richard S. Miner was educated near Monticello, in an old log schoolhouse furnished with slab seats, a writing desk around the wall and an immense fireplace in one end of the room. The methods of instruction were somewhat limited, but reading and observation have greatly added to his knowledge as the years have gone by. He accompanied his parents to the west and can well remember the journey. They started on the 2d of November, 1856, driving across the country, and on the i6th of November reached Piatt county. On the way they encountered a severe snowstorm and the trip was thus fraught with hardships. The country was all prairie, wild and unimproved, and the district abounded in game. The town of Mansfield was not established at that time, nor were any railroads built, Mr. Miner well remembering when the first roads were laid for steam traffic. He remained with his father upon the old homestead, which was known as the Collins farm. The father, oft making the purchase, secured an old buckskin deed, such as were used at that time. He bought a farm of two hundred and fortytwo acres, and then drove to Decatur in order to purchase tables and chairs. On the return trip he became lost in a fog, and drove all day before he could arrive at his home. Many were the hardships and trials endured by the pioneers as they attempted to establish homes en the frontier and perform the arduous task r-f re"'n'ming the wild regions for the uses of civilization. Mr. Miner assisted his father in the development and cultivation of the home farm and continued to reside there until the time of his marriage, which occurred when he was twenty-five years of age.

It was in 1872 that Richard S. Miner was joined in wedlock to Miss Hannah F. Stewart, a daughter of Levi and Mary J. Stewart. Unto them were born two children : Etta, who is now the wife of Isaac Wilson and has three children ; and Stewart A., who at the age of eleven years is living with his parents.

After his marriage Richard S. Miner engaged in the cultivation and operation of his wife's farm, comprising one hundred and forty acres. He paid special attention to the raising of stock, having large numbers of cattle and hogs upon his place. He also engaged in the raising of grain and fed much of his crops to his stock. He tiled the farm and improved it from year to year, making it a valuable property. There he continuously carried on agricultural pursuits until about four years ago. when he removed to Mansfield and erected a residence, in which he is now spending his days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. His wife's farm is rented to their son-inlaw, while Mr. Miner has rented his own farm to his brother. He owns thirty acres of land in Goose Creek township.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Miner belong to the United Brethren church, and in his political affiliations he is a Democrat, while socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows' Society of Mansfield, being a popular and valued member of that lodge. For five years he served as school director of the county, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend, interested in its welfare and doing all he can to promote the standard of the schools. His mind bears the impress of the early historic annals of the county. Few men have longer resided within the borders of Piatt county than has Mr. Miner, who from the age of nine years to the present time has lived here. He herded cattle on the prairies when no towns could be seen, none of the small towns which now dot the county here and there having been built. There was only one mill in Piatt county at that time, and it was operated by water power. Corn could be purchased for ten cents per bushel, and prices for other farm products were equally low. The courthouse was an old plank storeroom, and court was only held for one day at a time. Marvelous changes have since occurred as this county has emerged from pioneer conditions to take its place in the leading counties of the commonwealth. Mr. Miner has ever borne his part in the work of progress and improvement, and is known as a highly respected citizen, who in all life's relations has been honorable, and who in his business career has been active and energetic, thus gaining a comfortable competence.

James A. Vent

James A. Vent is the popular and well known cashier of the State Bank of Hammond and is recognized as one of the leading and influential citizens of this town in which he has made his home since 1898.

He \v;is born in Willow Branch township, Piatt county, on the 23d of May, 1874, and is a son of James T. Vent, who is now living a retired life in Monticello. To the common schools of his native township he is indebted for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed. Subsequently he attended Brown's Business College at Decatur for one term and obtained a good business education, graduating in February, 1894. At the end of that time he returned to the old homestead and for a short period he engaged in farming in Willow Branch township, but not desiring to follow the plow as a life work he removed to Monticello in the fall of 1894, where he was connected with an implement business for one year. He then entered the employ of the firm of E. G. Knight & Son, with which he remained for three years, during which time he became familiar with business methods and was thus well qualified for th(e position when called upon to take charge of the jewelry house in Monticelo owned by Mr. Knight. He acted as its manager most capably controlling its affairs until 1895. 'He also held other positions in business circles in Monticello, remaining there until the ist of November, 1898, when he came to Hammond and accepted the position of cashier in the bank owned by Dighton & Thompson. It was then a private banking institution. Mr. Vent was the youngest bank cashier in Piatt county, being only twenty-four years of age at the time he accepted the position. This bank was organized as a state bank on the 23d of September, 1901, and Mr. Vent has since been cashier, his efforts being an important factor in making this one .of the reliable financial institutions of this part of the county. In Monticello January 12, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of James A. Vent and Miss Jessica Stafford, a native of Grafton, Illinois, and a daughter of Charles Stafford. She was reared, however, by Dr. and Mrs. Tidball, of Monticello. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Vent have been born two children: Louise, born December 31, 1899; and Vivienne, born October 17, 1901. Mrs. Vent is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and both our subject and his wife occupy an enviable position in social circles. He belongs to Lovington Lodge, No. 228, F. & A. M., of Lovington, Illinois, and he gives his political support to the Republican party. He is now serving as a member of the village board and also as school treasurer of 16-5. He occupies a very fine residence in Hammond and is a prominent, well-to-do and popular young business man. He spends the greater part of his time at the bank between the hours of nine in the morning and four in the afternoon, and he is also interested in real estate, dealing largely in that line. He is likewise a representative of the insurance business, being agent for the Hartford Company, the Insurance Company of North America and the Security Insurance Company. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to a successful completion and has found that success is ambition's answer.

Edward S. Stout

Edward S. Stout is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth having occurred in Moultrie county, on the i8th of February, 1867. He is a son of Amos and Catherine (Allman) Stout, and only the first years of his life were passed in the county of his nativity, his parents then removing to

Champaign county. The father was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, and there lived until he had attained his majority. Deciding that he might find better business opportunities in the west he came at that time to Illinois, 'first settling in Monticello township, Piatt county. This was about 1855. There he engaged in farming for some years and afterward was employed in the village of Monticello, where he spent a number of years. At the end of that time he removed to Moultrie county, where he carried on farming for a year, after which he followed the same pursuit in Champaign county for a year. Returning then to Piatt county, he located in Bement township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 3. Here the family settled and still reside. He placed excellent improvements upon his land, remodeled the house and continued to cultivate the fields with success until his death. He also carried on stockraising in connection with general farming and both branches of his business proved profitable. In all his work he was enterprising and was thoroughly in touch with the progress that characterized agriculture in the nineteenth century. In matters of citizenship he was public spirited and was deeply interested in everything pertaining to the general welfare. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Stout espoused the cause of the Union and in 1862 feeling that he wished to aid in the defense of the old flag and the cause it represented, he donned the blue uniform and went to the front, serving for three years as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Seventh Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. He participated in the battles of Franklin, Nashville, Kenesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Resaca and the Georgia campaign and in the engagement at Kenesaw Mountain he was wounded by a bullet in the head, but he never received a pension. Prior to the Civil war he gave his support to the Republican party for a time and afterward became a Democrat, voting with that organization until his demise. He served as road commissioner, but was never an active politician in the sense of officeseeking, content to do his duty as a private citizen.

Amos Stout was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Allman, who was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and who was Brought to America when a little maiden of eleven years. She was reared in Ohio and came to Illinois when a young lady. Both of her parents died on the Emerald Isle. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stout were born five children, of whom three are still living, the subject of this review being the eldest. The others of the family are : John, who died when about thirty years of age ; James C., who is a bank clerk at Ivesdale, and married Miss Annie Crinigan ; Mary, who is the wife of Malachi Loftus, a farmer of Ivesdale, Illinois, by whom she has two children. The father of this family passed away in 1888 and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Ivesdale. His widow still survives him and is now residing on the home place in Bement township at the age of sixty-one years. Mr. Stout was a leading and influential resident of his community and an honored veteran of the Civil war and his many excellent traits of character gained for him the high regard of all with whom he came in contact.

usual age he entered the public schools and therein mastered the branches of learning usually taught in such institutions. He assisted in the work of the home farm when not engaged in the duties of the schoolroom and on the old home place he has always resided, devoting his energies to general farming and stockraising. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Mr. Stout chose Miss Bridget Grady, the wedding being celebrated in Ivesdale. The lady is a daugher of John and Bridget (Lynch) Grady, and her father is a farmer of Ivesdale, where both he and his wife are living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stout has been blessed with three interesting children: Catherine, who is four years of age; Mary, two years old; and Edward, who is the baby of the household. All of the children were born in Bement township. Mr. Stout exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy and socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Foresters, while both he and his wife are members of the Catholic church. Having resided in Piatt county throughout his entire life with the exception of a brief period of two years he is to-day widely and favorably known and among those with whom he has been acquainted from boyhood are numbered many of his stanchest friends.

Dr. F. Bales, who is engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery in Monticello, is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Vermilion county, that state, upon the home farm, June 12, 1865. His father, William F. Bales, was a prosperous agriculturist and stockraiser of that county, carrying on business in a way that brought to him a good financial return for his labor. He continued to reside in Vermilion county until his demise. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Merriweather, was likewise a native of Vermilion county, Indiana, and a daughter of Josiah Merriweather, a prominent and influencial gentleman of high standing in the community and of considerable wealth.

Dr. Bales of this review was educated in the schools of his native county, attending the district school near his home. During periods of vacation he worked upon a farm and early became familiar with the best methods of caring for the fields and for the stock. His father was especially active as a stockraiser and Dr. Bales learned much concerning horses and cattle, their needs and requirements. His early educational privileges were supplemented by one year's study in the Agricultural University at Lafayette, Indiana. He afterward read medicine and, deciding to devote his life to the practice of veterinary surgery, he became a student in a veterinary college at Toronto, Canada, which is considered the best institution of the kind* in the new world. There he studied until he had mastered the branches which constituted the curriculum and was graduated in the spring of 1890.

Dr. Bales then returned to Indiana and entered upon the practice of his chosen calling. In December, 1890, he removed to Monticello, Illinois, where he opened an office and now devotes his en- tire time to his professional duties. He is well established in practice, his business extending all over Piatt county. His treatment of horses has been particularly successful. He has made a very close study of his work and his knowledge is broad, comprehensive and accurate.

The Doctor is a Democrat in his political affiliations and during the administration of Governor Altgeld he was appointed assistant state veterinary surgeon. This brought to his care a number of important cases. The Doctor is also a breeder of standard bred trotting horses and is the owner of the celebrated stud Vincent DePaul. He is likewise the owner of the noted stallion Pluton, weighing two thousand pounds and imported by John Ulrich of Decatur, Illinois. Another stallion, which is the property of Dr. Bales, is Albrook, sixteen and a half hands high and weighing twelve hundred and fifty pounds. As a breeder as well as a veterinary the Doctor has become well known and is conducting a successful business in both lines. He has attained a high position in Piatt county and has done much to improve the grade of stock raised in this locality and thus to advance prices whereby the general agricultural population is benefited.

In 1895 Dr. Bales was united in marriage to Miss Louise Jones, of Monticello, and this union has been blessed with three children : Harold, Carl and Frederick.

Martin E. Miller

Martin E. Miller, a well-known and highly esteemed citizen of DeLand, is largely interested in agricultural pursuits here and elsewhere, but has practically retired from active labor, leaving the operation of his lands to others while he gives his entire time and attention to the supervision of his business affairs and the management of his property.

A native of Illinois, Mr. Miller was born in Fulton county, this state, March 27, 1865, and is a son of Jacob F. and Anna (Nicewander) Miller, both natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, which was their home until after their marriage. The father was born in 1834, and in early life followed the blacksmith's trade, but after his removal to Fulton county, Illinois, in 1863, he turned his attention to farming. He rented land until 1870, when he removed to Piatt county and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Goose Creek township, near DeLand, to which he afterward added an adjoining eighty acres though just across the line in DeWitt county. Here he continued to engage in farming until his death, and so successful was he that he was able to add to his property until he had two hundred and eleven acres under a high state of cultivation and well improved. He also fed stock for market and both branches of his business proved quite profitable. After a useful and well-spent life he passed away in the fall of 1890. In his family were eight children : Louisa, the wife of Henry Reeser, a retired stock-buyer of Farmer City, Illinois; Martin E., whose name introduces this sketch : Dessie, wife of Newton Troxell, of Huntsville, Alabama ; Oliver, a liveryman and farmer of South Dakota; Cora, a resident of Farmer City; Clarence, a farmer of that place ; Belle, deceased wife of Frank Mc- Bride ; and Tishia. who died in infancy.

Mrs Martin E. Miller

moval to Piatt county, and here he acquired a good practical education in the public schools, at the same time gaining an excellent knowledge of every department of farm work while aiding in the operation of the home farm. He remained with his father until his marriage, which was celebrated February 4. 1891,' the lady of his choice being Miss Catherine AlcBride, a daughter of Philip and Mary (Johnson) McBride, of Piatt county. Her ancestors were originally from Maryland and Pennsylvania. To our subject and his wife have been born two children : Corda Opal and Cecil Dale, now in school.

After his marriage Mr. Miller located on his father-in-law's farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres in DeWitt county, and on the death of Mr. McBride the property came into possession of Mrs. Miller. Our subject continued to operate that farm until 1901, when he removed to DeLand, but Mrs. Miller still owns the place. In the meantime he had purchased a farm of one hundred and two acres south of Farmer City, which he sold in the fall of 1901. and also bought three hundred and eight acres in Carroll county, Missouri, which is still in his possession.- Besides this property he has sixteen and a quarter acres at the edge of DeLand, which is a well-improved place, he having remodeled the residence, built a barn, and in other ways enhanced its appearance. Here he raises some stock, and he still continues to operate his wife's farm, one hundred and sixty-six acres of which is in De\Yitt county, and the remaining forty, which they have added, being just across the line in Piatt county. He is a practical and progressive farmer, who thoroughly understands the vocation and is meeting with well-deserved success. He is also a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of DeLand, and is a man of excellent business and executive ability.

Religiously, both Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally, he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and De Land Camp, No. 2178, M. W. A. His political support is given the men and measures of the Democracy, and he takes a deep interest in public affairs. Pleasant and genial in manner he makes many friends, and is held in high regard by all who know him.

Albert Hiser

As the world has progressed in civilization history is no longer a record of wars and conquests or the tale of a powerful nation conquering a weaker one, but has become the record of an enlightened people whose energies are devoted to business activity and a steady culture. There is no country on the face of the globe that has made such rapid advances along business lines as has America, and every community has its leading and progressive men who are the promoters of the prosperity of the towns which they represent. To this class Albert Hiser belongs and he is now largely engaged in dealing in grain in La Place, where his operations having assumed extensive proportions are bringing to him very gratifying success. He has resided in the village for six years and for eighteen years has made his home in Piatt county. He is, moreover, a native son of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Macon county, this state, on the 5th of January, 1864. His parents were John and Sarah (Hess) Hiser and the father throughout his business career carried on agricultural pursuits in Macon county, but at length when he had ac- quired a comfortable competence he removed to the village of Cerro Gordo, where he is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.

Upon the old homestead and in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period Albert Hiser spent the days of his boyhood and youth. When a little lad of six years he was supplied with the necessary text books and made his way to the country school near his home. Therein as the years passed he mastered the branches of learning usually taught in such institutions and during the summer months he assisted his father in the work of field and meadow. He continued upon his father's farm until the time of his marriage, which was celebrated in 1883, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha Veagh, also a native of Macon county and a daughter of John Veagh, who died in Macon county. Mr. and Mrs. Hiser now have two very interesting children, Bessie and Firman.

After his marriage Mr. Hiser entered upon an independent business career, removing to Piatt county, where he purchased a farm located in Cerro Gordo township. With characteristic energy he began its further development and improvement and he cultivated his land with excellent results, producing good crops annually and to the personal supervision of his land he devoted his energies until 1897, when he removed to the village of La Place. Here he became a factor in the commercial pursuits, opening a general mercantile store which he conducted for three years. He then sold out in that line and turned his attention to the grain business, in which he has since continued. He owns a large grain elevator at the west end of the village and handles many hundreds of bushels of grain annually, his business forming an excellent market for the producers in this section. He is also a dealer in coal and his annual sales of both commodities have reached a large figure. While carefully conducting his business affairs Mr. Hiser has also faithfully performed his duties of citizenship and is public spirited. He has held several minor offices in his township and for the past six years he has been a member of the school board, doing all in his power to further the interests of education along practical lines. His political support is given the Democracy. Socially he is connected with La Place Lodge No. 787, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of La Place and both he and his wife are members of the M. E. church here. He is a man of distinctive ability and his character is one which is above a shadow of reproach. He has been faithful in the positions in which he has been called to serve and is widely known and respected by all who have been at all familiar with his honorable and useful career.

Joseph P. Carter

From the age of nine years Joseph P. Carter has resided in Piatt county and now owns and occupies a farm of eighty acres on section 35, Bement township. His long association with agricultural interests and his excellent reputation in business circles have made him widely known and gained for him the unqualified regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact. Kentucky is the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Grant county in 1854, his parents being Landon S. and Sally Carter, who were also natives of Grant county. The father followed farming throughout his entire life, and about 1863 he left his native state and came with his family to Illinois, settling in Piatt county, where he cultivated a farm for a number of years. He next removed to Kansas, where he lived for eight or ten years, and on the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Missouri, where his remaining days were passed. He lived to the ripe old age of seventy-three years. In politics he was a Democrat, but took no active part in political work, prefering to devote his time and energies to his business affairs. His wife died in Missouri about a year prior to the demise of her husband. They were the parents of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, and with one exception all are yet living. Mr. Carter of this review, however, is the only one who resides in Piatt county, the others being residents of Missouri.

Joseph P. Carter obtained his education in the public schools of Cisco, Willow Branch township, living at that time on the Allegan farm. Five years ago he purchased his present place on section 35, Bement township, and here he has since engaged in general farming and stockra-ising. Before buying his present home, however, he was manager of the Allerton farm in Unity township and continued with Mr. Allerton for twenty-four years as supervisor of his place. He is most thorough and systematic in his work, and everything about his home is indicative of his careful supervision and advanced ideas concerning farming.

subject, and a daughter of Frank Nelson, of Argenta, Illinois, who was an early settler of that portion of the state, and died at an advanced age. By her first marriage Mrs. Carter had four children : Jesse O., who is now in the employ of Samuel W. Allerton, of Chicago; Willis L., who married Miss Laura Trigg, by whom he has two children and who resides in Bement, devoting his time and attention to the operation of a threshing machine; Edgar, who resides with his mother ; and Nellie, the wife of Walter Wells, who is living two miles west of Bement. They have one child.

In his political views Mr. Carter is a Democrat, his study of the questions and issues of the day leading him to the belief that the Democracy contains the best elements of good government, and has served as school director of Unity township and is deeply interested in the advancement of education, realizing that it is one of the bulwarks of the nation. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church, and at all times he is known as a man of strong and upright character, unfaltering in his fidelity to duty and to his principles. Through a long residence in Piatt county he has witnessed many of its changes and has seen the work of improvement carried forward until the district today bears little resemblance to that in which the family arrived forty years ago. During his remembrance the wild prairie has been transformed into productive farms which have been made to bloom and blossom as the rose, and along other lines of work improvement has kept pace with the general progress of the world. Mr. Carter takes a just pride in what has been accomplished here, and he certainly deserves great credit for his personal success, for all that he has

Rev. Richard B. Hubbart

Rev. Richard B. Hubbart is now devoting his time and attention to general farming on section i, Monticello township, Piatt county, but he has devoted much of his life to the work of the ministry, and it is a hardship to him that his entire time and energies cannot be directed for the betterment of mankind and the advancement of moral growth among his fellow men. His health, however, prevents this, and, finding it impossible to longer continue in the active work of the ministry, he retired to his father's farm, which is situated just eight miles from his birthplace. His natal day was July 28, 1868.

His father, Hon. William C. Hubbart, a distinguished and prominent citizen of Piatt county, now living retired, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, October 26, 1835. The ancestry of. the family, however, can be traced farther back than this. The greatgrandfather of our subject was Thomas Hubbart, a native of Maryland, and his son, Richard Hubbart, the grandfather, was born ' in Pennsylvania. He became a well-to-do and enterprising farmer, and after reaching years of maturity he wedded Nancy Down, who was born in Ohio in 1806. a daughter of William Down. Richard Hubbart's birth occurred in 1807, and the marriage was celebrated in the Buckeye state. In 1856 he removed with his family to Piatt county, Illinois, settling in what was then Goose Creek township, where he purchased a tract of land from the government, paying the usual price of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. His farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres, to which he added from time to time until it was an extensive property. There he engaged in general farming and stockraising until his death, which occurred in the year 1859. He was for several years swamp land commissioner in Piatt county, and was well known as a leading and influential citizen. From the early days of his residence here he was deeply interested in whatever pertained to the progress and welfare of the county, and his efforts proved a patent factor in the substantial upbuilding of this section of the state.

William C. Hubbart, the father of our subject, was reared to farm life. He pursued his education in the common schools, his teacher being Samuel Morain. Upon his father's farm he continued until his twentieth year, and in' 1862, putting aside all business and personal considerations, he responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting in defense of the Union as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Snell, of Clinton, Illinois, commanding the regiment. Mr. Hubbart took part in a number of skirmishes and battles, but escaped without wounds, nor was he taken prisoner. He served his country faithfully until June, 1865, for some time acting as division mail-carrier, and after the close of the war was honorably discharged, returning then to his home in Goose Creek township. He was twice married, the first union being with Miss Clarinda Marquis, their wedding being celebrated Xovember 19. 1857, and in 1858 Mrs. Hubbart was called from this life, leaving a little daughter, Florence, who is now the wife of Wylie M. DeWess, of DeLand, Illinois.

In 1862 Air. Hubbart was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Luanda Coon, a daughter Mr. and Airs. Bartholomew Ham, who lived on the Ezra Marquis place in a little pioneer cabin. The second marriage of Mr. Hubbart resulted in the following children : Willie, who died in infancy; Edith P., who is a teacher; Richard B., a farmer; Jennie M., the wife of Dr. F. P. Stedem, of Saybrook, Illinois; Oliver S., who is a student in the State University at Champaign ; Delia S., who is the wife of Dr. A. F. Conard and resides in Homer, Illinois; and Dwight C, who is a student in the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois.

Throughout his business career Hon. William C. Hubbart followed agricultural pursuits, and became one of the prosperous farmers of Piatt county. His landed possessions are extensive and he still owns a fine farm of five hundred acres in Goose Creek township, together with a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Moultrie county, Illinois, eighty acres in Champaign county and a farm in Sangamon county. He is classed among the largest landowners of this section of the state, and as one of the most prosperous representatives of the agricultural class. His success is well-merited, and lias been so worthily won that the most envious cannot grudge him his prosperity. He sustains an unassailable reputation as a business man, and his industry, perseverance and sound discriminating judgment have formed the basic elements of his career. He now occupies a nice home in Alonticello, tastefully furnished with attractive surroundings, and there he is enjoying a wellearned rest. Well fitted for leadership, he has left the impress of his individuality upon public thought and action. He served in the legislature in the year 1874 and again in 1895, elected on the Republican ticket. While a member of the house he gave careful considration to every question which came up for settlement, and his official career has been characterized by conscientious fidelity to duty and patriotic devotion to the welfare of the state. Fraternally he is connected with Franklin Post, No. 256, G. A. R., and in this organization, as in other walks of life, he enjoys the highest regard and good will of those with whom he is brought in contact.

Richard B. Hubbart, whose name introduces this review, obtained his early education in the common schools near his home, and later attended the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois, but had been there only one year when his health failed him, and he was obliged to discontinue his studies. Prior to this, in 1888, 1889 and 1890. he taught school in Piatt county. A year before going to the university he entered upon the work of the ministry in connection with the Methodist Episcopal church, and for one year he was the pastor of the church of his denomination at Weedman, Illinois, and for two years at Thomasboro. He was then appointed to the church at Ogden. and while acting as pastor for the second year his health again failed and he was forced to resign. For some time he was very ill, and in March, 1890, he removed to his father's farm, where he is now located for the benefit of his health. He is gaining in strength and health and feels happy in that he has a country home to which he can retire when his strength will not permit him to engage in ministerial labors - that being his chosen life work. He expects when he has sufficiently recovered to gain the doctor's consent to again enter into active rela- tions with the ministry. He was very successful in his labors in behalf of the moral advancement of mankind and while he was preaching he had between four and five hundred conversions in his church.

On the gth of May, 1894, Rev. Hubbart was united in marriage to Miss Iris Porter, and it was in the same year that he entered into conference relations. The lady is a daughter of Austin and Emma (Jones) Porter and was born in Parnell, DeWitt county, near Farmer City. Her father was a grain merchant at Parnell and owns a farm adjoining the town. He is now living retired, having gained a comfortable competence, sufficient to supply him with all the necessities and many of the comforts of life. Mrs. Hubbart taught schools in Piatt councounty for ten years prior to her marriage. She has a brother, Clarence Porter, who is now^in Oklahoma, and a sister, Delia, who is teaching school in Champaign county, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hubbart have been born three children, who are yet living, and they lost one, Harold Evan, the youngest, who was born on 5th of September, 1902, and died on the I3th of November of the same year. The other children of the family are Faith Iris, who was born April 19, 1895, at Weedman, and is now attending school; Ruth Frances, born at Ogden City, this state, February 21, 1899; and Paul Richard, born on the home farm October 23, 1901.

Mr. Hubbart is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, having joined Poplar Camp, No. 253, on the 6th of June, 1895, at Farmer City. His wife has been an able assistant to him in his work, both upon the farm and in the ministry, carefully superintending the household and encouraging him by her sympathy and deep interest in whatever he undertakes. At the present time Mr. Hubbart is engaged in the raising of corn, oats and clover. He also has upon his farm twenty-six head of cattle and fifty sheep, together with a number of hogs. In the past year he had a drove of seventy hogs, but thirty-five were killed by cholera. The ' farm is a well improved place with good buildings and modern equipments, and in its control Mr. Hubbart shows excellent business ability. It would be almost tautological in this connection to enter into any series of statements as showing him to be a man of genuine public spirit and broad human sympathy for this has Ijeen shadowed forth between the lines of this review. His deepest interests lie in the welfare of his fellow men, in the line of character development and his efforts in this direction have been far-reaching and of marked benefit.

John Etnoyer

Since 1893 John Etnoyer has lived retired in the village of Cerro Gordo, but for a number of years he was extensively and successfully engaged in farming, and is still the owner of valuable land. He has resided in Piatt county since 1880, and no agriculturist of this section of the state occupies a higher position in the esteem of his fellowtownsmen. Mr. Etnoyer is a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, born on the first of February, 1834, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Stupher) Etnoyer, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. There they spent their entire lives, both having now passed away and the father devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits in order to provide for his family.

At the Msual age John Etnoyer entered the public schools, to prepare for life's practical and responsible duties. He- continued his studies during the winter months and during the summer seasons remained at home, assisting his father in the work of the farm. The sun shone clown on many a field which he plowed and planted and ripened the grain which sprung from the seed that he sowed. He became familiar with farm work in all its departments and was thus well equipped to carry on similar Work when he started out in life independently. He chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Mary Holinger, who was born in Dauphin county, where their wedding was celebrated. Her parents, Christian and Nancy (Kinzie) Holinger, were also natives of Dauphin county, and the father carried on farming there in his early life, while later he operated a woolen mill. Both he and his wife died in the county of their nativity. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Etnoyer has been blessed with four children : Emma, who is.now the wife of Michael Stookey, who is a farmer of Bement township, Piatt county ; Anna, now the wife of Samuel Diehl. a farmer living in Cerro Gordo township; Frank, who married Lizzie Shively, and is an agriculturist of Cerro Gordo township; and Ida, the deceased wife of Samuel Landis, who now resides in the village of Cerro Gordo.

After his marriage Mr, Etnoyer engaged in the burning of lime in Dauphin county, and later turned his attention to farming, which he followed in his native state for six years. He then came to the west, settling first in Edgar county, Illinois, where he purchased a tract of land and engaged in general farming until 1880. That year witnessed his arrival in Piatt countv.

He settled in Cerro Gordo township, where he secured a tract of land, and for thirteen years he devoted his energies to its cultivation and improvement until 1893, when he determined to put aside further business cares and spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He then took up his abode in Cerro Gordo, where he has since lived. He yet owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres north of town and another tract of land southeast of Cerro Gordo. In addition to this he has a nice residence in the west part of the village which he and his wrife now occupy.

Mr. Etnoyer served as a school director in Edgar county for some time and took a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and improvement of the schools. In politics he has ever been a stalwart Reppublican, giving his support to the party since he attained his majority and never faltering in his allegiance to its principles. Both he and his wife are members of the German Baptist church. His life history is another instance of what can be accomplished in this land where opportunity is not hampered by caste or class, but where energy and strong purpose form the basis of success. Not to any fortunate combination of circumstances or to the aid of influential friends does Mr. Etnoyer owe his prosperity. It may all be attributed to his own efforts and his business career is such as any man might be proud to possess, for it has ever been characterized by industry and unswerving integrity. He possesses in full measure the ennobling qualities which command respect, and his honesty and fairness have gained for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated.

Hiram Dillin

It is with pleasure that we present to our readers the life record of Hiram Dillin, for through the conduct of business affairs, which have been capably managed and well directed by sound judgment and energy, he has acquired a competence that now enables him to live retired and enjoy the fruits of his former toil. For many years he was connected with agricultural interests in Piatt county, and now he occupies a fine residence in Monticello, where he has lived continuously since 1895. His residence in the county dates from an early day, and he is therefore familiar with much of its history, while his own labors have been of particular benefit in the line of agricultural development.

A native of Virginia, Mr. Dillin was born upon a farm in Taylor county in the Old Dominion, his natal day being July n, 1837. His parents were Thomas and Mary (McDonald) Dillin, both of whom were natives of Virginia, and during the early boyhood of their son, Hiram, they left that state, removing to Hocking county, Ohio, in the year 1845. There the parents settled permanently and the father devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising. For about eighteen years he carried on his work there, and in 1863 he was called to his final rest, while his wife passed away the following year. They were the parents' of eleven children, four daughters and seven sons, all of whom reached adult age, while five of the number are still living, two being residents of Wisconsin, one of northwestern Indiana and two of Minnesota.

Hiram Dillin, whose name introduces this record, began his education in the district schools of Ohio, near his boyhood home. He remained upon the farm until he attained his twentieth year, and during that time he spent the summer months in the work of the fields. In early spring he assisted in the plowing and planting and in late autumn he aided in harvesting the crops. When in his twentieth year, however, he left home to earn his own livelihood, working as a farm hand during the summer months. In the year 1857 Mr. Dillin came west to Piatt county, and as he had no capital with which to purchase land and engage in farming on his own account, he continued to work as a farm hand, being employed in this way for about five years, most of the time in the service of William Bryden.

In 1863 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dillin and Miss Mary G. Bryden, of Goose Creek township, a daughter of his employer, William Bryden and the latter's wife, Mrs. Catherine (Batie) Bryden. After his marriage Mr. Dillin spent one year in Monticello, where he followed various business pursuits. On the expiration of that period he returned to Goose Creek township, and engaged in the operation of his father-in-law's farm, making his home thereon for five years. At the end of that ime, with the money he had acquired, he purchased eighty acres of land, and also receiving a part of Mr. Bryden's old homestead, he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. With characteristic energy and unremitting zeal he took up farm work on his own account, and in connection with the raising of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he engaged in feeding hogs and cattle, thus readily turning the products of his farm into money. In all of his business career he displayed marked energy and determination and. overcoming all obstacles that could be met by persistent, earnest effort, he worked his way upward to the goal of prosperity. He made excellent improvements upon his property, including the erection of a good dwelling, a barn, outbuildings and sheds. All modern equipments and accessories were added to the place, and the farm was developed into a splendid property, which is now occupied by his son, Robert, the only child of his first marriage.

In 1881 Mr. Dillin was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, and later he wedded Mrs. S. J. Welch, an estimable lady, who was educated in the schools of Monticello and is widely and favorably known in Piatt county. She lost her mother when only five years of age, and was reared by James A. Piatt. who sent her to the schools of Monticello. Her father died in 1866. He was a prominent old citizen of Piatt county, coming here in 1855. and was the owner of a valuable farm of four hundred acres known as the Thomas Reed property. By her former marriage Mrs. Dillin had one son, James Piatt Welch, now a street car conductor of St. Louis.

It was in November, 1895, that Mr. Dillin removed from his farm to the city, putting aside the more arduous cares of business life in order to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. In 1894 he had purchased his land in Monticello and had erected thereon his present fine residence. This is an attractive home, modern in all of its appointments and equipments, is tastefully furnished and is surrounded by a broad veranda eight feet in width, which adds much to the beauty as well as the comfort of the dwelling. The lawn is well-kept and decorated with beautiful flowers and trees, and altogether the home is one of the most pleasing in Monticello. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dillin hold membership in the First Presbyterian church and Mrs. Dillin takes a very active part in church work.

Forty-six years have passed since Hiram Dillin arrived in Piatt county, and thus from early pi< nicer days he has watched the progress and development of this portion of the state. In matters of improvement he has been deeply interested, and to such has often given his co-operation. He certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in life empty-handed. He had no influential friends or inheritance to assist him, and he had to learn the value of persistent industry, close economy and careful management. Upon this safe and sure foundation, however, he has reared the superstructure of success, and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well. Such a record is of greater value than the possession of material wealth, for it indicates a personality strong, efficient and reliable. Tried in the battle of life he has not failed. Wherever known he is held in high regard and as an honored pioneer and highly respected citizen he is certainly deserving of prominent mention in the history of his adopted county.

Nathan Haneline

No history of Piatt county would present a faithful picture of the locality and its upbuilding without prominent and extended mention of Nathan Haneline who passed away in 1903 after long years of residence in this county dating from its early pioneer days. At the time of his death he was the oldest living pioneer in this section of Illinois. A native of Ohio his birth occurred in Greene county on the 22d of November, 1815, his parents being Abram and Alsey (Moslander) Haneline. The father was a native of North Carolina, where he spent the first eighteen years of his life, removing thence to Kentucky with his mother. In the latter state he was married and afterward went to Champaign county, Ohio, where he lived for some years. In 1822 he came from Ohio to Illinois and for two years was a resident of Sangamon county. It was there that the mother of our subject died in the spring of 1823, and in the spring of the following year the father came with his children to Piatt county, locating within the present limits of Sangamon township, where he spent his remaining days. He belonged to that class of representative early citizens to whom the present generation owes a debt of gratitude, for what they accomplished in the work of preparing the way for advancement and improvement at a later date. He assisted in the arduous task of developing new land and gave his influence in behalf of every measure for the general welfare, so that when he was called to his final rest the community mourned the loss of one whose value was great and who had come to be widely known and honored in this section of the state.

Nathan Haneline was the last surviving member of the family of ten children. He was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, sharing with the family in all the hardships and trials which fall to the lot of the pioneer. Around the home for long distances stretched the unbroken prairie, while along the stream the native timber grew and the work of development lay in the future. The Indians were still numerous in the neighborhood and Mr. Haneline had the little sons of the forest as his playmates. They belonged to the Pottawatomie, Kickapoo and Delaware tribes. Mr. Haneline shared in their sports, went hunting with them and often slept in their wigwams. He acquired a knowledge of their languages and greatly enjoyed with them the pleasures which they indulged, the Indian always proving friendly to him. He had in his possession up to the time of his death a number of interesting relics as mementoes of his early associations with the tribes. However, his early youth was not all a period of pleasure, indeed, the greater part of his time was devoted to farm work and as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields. Throughout his entire business career he carried on farming and stock-raising and for more than a half century he resided upon the farm which was his place of residence at the time of his demise, taking up his abode there in 1850. The farm is situated on section 14, Monticello township, and comprises two hundred and forty acres of very rich land. When he settled on this place there were but three families living in the entire district. At first he did his farming after the primitive manner of the times, but as improved agricultural implements were introduced he kept apace with the general progress and had better facilities to aid him in his farm work. He practiced the strictest economy and the most unfaltering industry in his early days and thus as the years passed he added to his financial resources, ultimately becoming one of the substantial residents of his community.

early history of Mr. Haneline, for he was but eighteen years of age when he sought in marriage the hand of Miss Sarah Souder, who was then but fifteen years of age. 'Her parents were Peter and Mary Souder, who were residents of Champaign county, Illinois. Piatt county then formed a part of Macon county and her parents resided on the Champaign county line. The course of true love did not run smoothly, however, for the young couple. Their marriage was opposed by the parents because of their youth and because of the impecunious condition of the young lover. However, they were not to be deterred by parental objection and finally the parents reluctantly consented to the marriage and arrangements were made for the wedding. The trousseau of the bride was not very elaborate, the wedding dress of white costing but seventy-five cents a yard. The groom went to Pekin to purchase his wedding suit and the shoes for the occasion were the third pair he had ever owned. They were married on the I2th day of November, 1833, and Abe Haneline, a brother of the groom, went to Urbana to secure a justice of the peace to perform the ceremony. They were delayed on the return trip and did not reach their destination until eleven o'clock at night. When everything was ready it was discovered that the license was issued in Champaign county and that if the wedding was legal it must take place in that county. Fortunately the parents lived on the county line, so the party proceeded across the line and under a giant oak the marriage ceremony was solemnized. This was the beginning of a long and happy married life, in which they shared together the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which come to all. They became the parents of eight children, of whom the living are James, now a resident of Piatt county; Mary Jane, the wife of Jacob M. Freeman of Jasper county, Missouri ; Peter, who lives in Piatt county; Elizabeth, the wife of David Shipman; Columbus Thomas of Stafford county, Kansas. Those deceased are Sarah H., John and one that died in infancy. After traveling life's journey side by side as man and wife for fifty-six years Mr. and Mrs. Haneline were separated in death, the wife being called to her final rest. Mr. Haneline afterward made his home during the greater part of the time with his son James. He is survived by his five children, twenty-six grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren.

In his political views Mr. Haneline was always a stanch Democrat and did everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. He served as township school treasurer and did what he could to promote education in this section of the state. In 1855 he aided in organizing lodge No. 58 F. & A. M., becoming one of its charter members and throughout the remainder of his life he was identified with the organization. His history is unique in that he lived in four counties without moving out of the neighborhood. He was first a resident of Sangamon, then of Macon, later of DeWitt and lastly of Piatt county. In matters pertaining to the general good he was deeply interested and his interest was often that of active co-operation. He desired to see the substantial development of the county and his assistance was of a practical nature that leaves lasting results. Death came to him at the advanced age of eightyseven years. The vital forces slowly ebbed and at last rest came, but he went about the house up to within a short time prior to his demise. It was comparatively only a few hours in which he had not the use of his faculties. His friends and neighbors had learned to respect and honor him because of his genuine worth, his freedom from ostentation and his life of integrity and honor and because of the important part which he performed in the improvement of Piatt county and because he was so long a representative of its business interests we take the greatest pleasure in presenting his record to our readers.

Jacob Gross

No better illustration of the characteristic energy and enterprise of the typical German-American citizen can lie found than that afforded by the career of this gentleman, who is successfully engaged in farming and stockraising on section 36, Unity township. Coming to this country with no capital ex-cept his abilities he has made his way to success through wisely directed effort and he can now look back with satisfaction upon past struggles.

Mr. Gross was born in Waldshut county. Baden, Germany, on the 23d of October, 1845. and is a son of Casper and Rachel (Gross) Gross, also natives of that country, where his father followed the trade of wagonmaking until his immigration to America in 1863. In the family were seven children, five of whom are now living : Casper, a furniture dealer of Atwocd. Illinois : Henry, a' general merchant of the same place; Theodore, who is living retired in Atwood ; Rachel, wife of William Bercher, of Atwood; and Jacob, our subject. Those deceased are Salina and Mary. The first of the family to come to the new world was Henry, who settled in Chicago in 1857, and there followed the carpenter's trade for a time. Theodore and Salina also came in 1857; Casper in 1861, and the remainder of the family in 1864. The father was accidently killed while walking on the railroad track August 3, 1883, at the age of eightyone years.

Jacob Gross was reared and educated in his native land and although his home was in a- village, 'he worked on a farm -during his boyhood and youth, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. In 1864 he accompanied his parents on their immigration to America, and coming direct to Illinois, settled on section 36, Unity township, Piatt count}-. He purchased the Ned Shunkwieler farm, which was a partially improved place of one hundred and sixty-five acres, and also bought forty-seven acres of land where he low lives. He has since made many improvements upon his farm which to-day is well tiled and fenced, and he is successfuly engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of draft horses. He also keeps a good grade of cattle and has prospered in all his undertakings.

On the 26th of December, 1872, Mr. Grosi was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Scheffer, a daughter of Henry and Katherine Scheffer, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Gross was born in Hesse- Cassel, Germany, and became the mother of nine children, those still living being Casper, Mary. Arthur. Annie, Mollie and Malinda. The wife and mother died .August 29, 1892. when in the prime of life, and two childden died when about seventeen years of age. For his second wife Mr. Gross married Christina Peterson, who was born in Holstein, Germany, and by whom he has two children, Robert and William. The children have all been given good educational advantages and are well fitted for life's responsible duties.

In 1879 he became identified with James A. Hawkins in the manufacture of brick and tile at Atwood, a business which they carried on quite successfully under the firm name of Hawkes & Gross until 1893, since which time our subject has given his attention principally to his farming interests. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican and is one of the standard bearers of his party in Piatt county. He has served as a member of the board of education in Atwood, as trustee of the Mutual Telephone Company of the place, and trustee of the cemetery there. He has also been vice president of the Farmer's Institute of Unity township, and is a man of prominence and influence in the community where he resides. He is a member of the County Fair Association and in this connection has done much to advance the interests of this section of the state. Religiously, Mr. Gross is a member of the German Evangelical church at Garrett, Douglas county, and he is a man who commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he is brought in contact either in business or social life.

Stephen Shively

no district <;f soil more productive or which is better adapted to the production of grain which is the basis of all business prosperity. More than a century ago George Washington said "Agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man," and the truth of this statement has been verified throughout the ages. It is to this work that Stephen Shively has devoted his energies through an active and honorable business career, and now he is living a retired life. He has made his home in this section of Illinois for over forty-five years', having settled in Oakley township, Macon county, Illinois, near Cerro Gordo, in 1858.

A native of Ohio. Mr. Shively was born in Montgomery county on the 28th of December, 1828, and is a son of Jacob and Susannah (Metzger) Shively, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father was reared in Ohio and there lived until 1836, at which time he removed to Clinton county, Indiana, where he carried on farming until his life's labors were ended in death. His wife also passed away in that county. They were the parents of three children : Stephen ; Andrew, who married Barbara Metzger and is living in California ; and Mary, who is the widow of John W. Metzger, and makes her home with her children.

Stephen Shively was quite young when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Clinton county, Indiana, and there he obtained his education in the public schools. He also assisted his father in the work of the home farm until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred in the year 1850, the lady of his choice being Miss Catherine Metzger. She, too, was born in Ohio, her birth occurring on the 4th of No- vember, 1832, near the place of the nativity of pur subject. She is a daughter of John and Hanna (Ullery) Metzger, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Her father was an agriculturist, following that pursuit in the east until 1859, when he came to Piatt county, Illinois, and settled on a farm in Cerro Gordo towship. Later he went to California, but soon returned to Illinois and lived retired in Cerro Gordo until his death, wlhich occurred in 1896. His wife passed away in 1887.

After his marriage Mr. Shively began farming in Clinton county, Indiana, where lie carried on agricultural pursuits for eight years.t On the expiration of that period he came to Illinois, establishing his home in Oakley township, Macon county, where he purchased a tract of land and at once began its development and improvement. There he carried on general fanning with creditable and gratifying success from 1858 until 1881. when he removed to the village of Cerro Gordo, wherehe has since lived a retired life. In his farm work he was progressive and enterprising, steadily advancing along all lines which have proven of value in the work of cultivating the fields and producing excellent crops.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Shively has been blessed with five children : John J., who married Miss L. Blickenstaff and is now a resident farmer of Cerro 'Gordo township; Solomon, who married Mary Yont, and is engaged in carpentering in Ramsey, Illinois; Susannah, who is the wife of Amos Ratsman, and resides on the old homestead in Oakley township, Macon county ; Hannah, who is the wife of John Cripe, a farmer of Macon county, Illinois ; and Jacob, who died in 1862, at the age of two years. The parents are members of the

German Baptist Brethren church of Cerro Gordo, and have lived earnest Christian lives in harmony with their professions. In political views Mr. Shively has always been a Republican and has held a number of minor offices. During his long residence in this section of the state he has witnessed almost its entire development and improvement, and his interest in its welfare has been indicated by the co-operation which he has given to movements for the general good. He is thoroughly genuine, there being not the slightest suggestion of anything hypocritical about him. With him friendship is inviolable, his word is as good as his bond, and he clings with unyielding firmness to a position which careful considation and mature judgment has convinced him to be right.

Alonzo T. Pipher

The profession of law when clothed with its true dignity, purity and strength must rank first among the callings of men, for law rules the universe. The work of the legal profession is to formulate, to harmonize, to regulate, to adjust, to administer those rules and principles that underlie and permeate all government and society and control the varied relations of men. As thus viewed there is attached to the profession nobleness that cannot but be reflected in the life of the true lawyer, who, rising to the responsibilities of the profession, and honest in the pursuit of his purpose, embraces the richness of learning, the firmness of integrity and the purity of morals, together with the graces and modesty and the general amenities of life. Of such a type Alonzo T. Pipher is a representative. His connection with the Piatt county bar covers a longer period than that of any other resident of this section of the state.

A native of New York Alonzo T. Pipher was born in Jefferson county on the 1 3th of May, 1831, and is a son of Lewis and Sophronia (Gardner) Pipher. It is thought that the father of our subject was a native of France and he followed carpentering in Jefferson county, New York, until August, 1854, when he came to Illinois, settling near Blackberry, Kane county. There he continued to work at his trade for a number of years and afterward removed to Miami county, Kansas, where he spent his remaining days, dying at the home of a son there. His wife was a daughter of Hiram Gardner, who was of English descent and was a native of Connecticut, whence he removed to New York at an early period in the development of the Empire state. He became one of the pioneers of Alexandria, Jefferson county, and it was during his residence there that Mrs. Pipher was born. The tract of timber land which he purchased lie developed into a rich and productive farm and continued to make his home thereon until his removal to Illinois, where he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Kane county. There he entered land from the government, securing a tract of prairie about four and a half miles west of Aurora and to its cultivation and improvement he at once directed his energies. He made his home on that farm until 1847, when he died at about the age of eighty years. His daughter, Mrs. Pipher continued to survive her husband for some time and died in Miami county, Kansas, in 1884.