Piatt County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1903 (part 9 of 13)

At the time of his marriage Mr. Fisher began farming upon his father's land and was thus engaged until two years after his father's death. He then purchased land of his own - a part of the Cline tract - and continued to carry on agricultural pursuits there until 1898, when he rented the place and removed to White Heath. About three years ago he sold his farm to William Alexander and purchased a house and a half block of land in the village. He also owns property in Clinton, Illinois, and the rental from the place brings to him a good income. Since his removal to White Heath he has lived a retired life. In all his dealings he has been straightforward and honorable, and his untiring industry has been the source of his prosperity. He has never consented to hold office nor cared to figure prominently in public positions, save during three years when he served as school director. Many other times he has been urged to become a candidate for political preferment, but has always refused. Both he and his wife are very familiar with the pioneer history of this section of the state, and passed through the experience and hardships incident to frontier life. ' They can relate many interesting incidents concerning the early days, Mrs. Fisher telling of the times, when years ago the water was so high in the spring that it was almost impossible to ford the rivers, and it overflowed many places until it reached the height of a horse's back. On one such occasion her father's family exhausted their supply of flour and meal and were obliged to live three weeks without bread, subsisting on hominy, potatoes and meat. At the end of that time they were all so hungry for bread that Mrs. Fisher's mother parched some corn which she ground in a coffee-mill and then converted the meal into bread, which Mrs. Fisher declares tasted better than any wheat bread they ever ate. An estimable lady, she holds membership in the United Brethren church and is most loyal to its teachings. Mr. Fisher votes with the Democracy, and both are widely and favorably known in the county and are held in the highest regard by all with whom they have come in. contact. They are among the oldest settlers now residing in White Heath, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers the history of people who have been so closely associated with the annals of Piatt county through long years.

Charles S. Dewey

One of the most progressive and successful agriculturists of Piatt county is-- Charles S. Dewey, whose home is on section 28, Goose Creek township. His methods of farm management showed deep scientific knowledge, combined with sound practical judgment, and the results show that high-class farming as an occupation can be made profitable as well as pleasant.

Mr. Dewey was born in McDonough county, Illinois, June 10, 1865, and is a son of Edward and Delphina (Lantz) Dewey, and a grandson of Alonzo Baldwin and Emeline (Washburn) Dewey. His father is a second cousin of Admiral Dewey - of America's most prominent naval officers. The grandfather of our subject lived to quite an advanced age and died on the 2oth of

Edward Dewey, the father, was born in Northfield, Vermont, November 7, 1836, and during boyhood came to Illinois with his parents, the family locating in Mc- Donough county, where he was reared and educated in the usual manner of farmer boys. When the Civil war broke out he resolved to strike a blow in defense of the Union, and op the I2th of October, 1861, enlisted in Company F, Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Going south he participated in a number of important engagements including the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Chickasaw Bayou, Champion Hills, the siege of Vicksburg, the capture of Jacksonville, Mississippi, and the battles of Raymond. Missouri Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Peach Tree Creek. He was severely wounded in an engagement July 28. 1864, and several days later was sent home on a furlough. In due time he reported for duty at Quincy, Illinois, and. was transferred to Company E. Twenty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and his brigade was assigned to General Sherman's command. At the time of President Lincoln's assassination his company was stationed at Springfield, Illinois, and was appointed a guard of honor while the body lay in state at the capitol. The war having ended and his services being no longer needed, Mr. Dewey was honorably discharged in June, -1865. and returned home.

On the 1 2th of May. 1864, at Bushnell. Illinois, he was united in marriage to Miss Delphina Lantz, who was born at Stanhope, New Jersey, October 28, 1842, a daughter of David and Malinda (Heminover) Lantz. Eight children blessed this union, of whom our subject is the eldest. John- E.. born

November 4, 1866, is now a farmer of Ringgold county, Iowa. William F., born August 24, 1868, died December n, 1871. Mary Estella, torn June 27. 1871. is the wife of Joseph Severs, a carpenter living in Ohio. Curtis Melvin, born June 8, 1873, is a farmer of Ringgold county, Iowa. Hattie M., born March 29, 1879, is the wife of Ray Covey, a carpenter of Farmer City, 'Illinois. David Edwin, horn March 14, 1 88 1. died January 31, 1889. Etta Viola Jane, born October 26, 1885. is at home with her parents in Farmer City.

In 1871 the father brought his family to Piatt county and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Goose Creek township, four miles and a half north of DeLand. He broke and improved this place, and after operating it for about two years, he purchased forty acres adjoining and eighty acres more two years later. As time passed he steadily prospered and kept enlarging his estate from time to time by additional purchases until at present he owns about a thousand acres of well improved land. His success in life is due entirely to his well directed efforts, persistent industry and good management for, on starting out for himself he was without capital and had to make his own way in the world unaided. He is a man of exceptional business ability and sound judgment, and has steadily overcome all obstacles in the path to success until he has acquired a handsome competence which ranks him among wealthy citizens of his community. After years of active labor, he is now living a retired life in Farmer City, enjoying a wellearned rest.

district schools near DeLand for the educational privileges he enjoyed during his youth. During the summer season he would aid in the work of the home farm and attended school for about three months during the winter until seventeen years of age, when he laid aside his text-books and took up the more arduous duties of life. He gave his father the benefit of his labors until about twenty-two years of age.

On the 1 3th of March, 1889, Mr. Dewey wedded Miss Mary Emma Beckwith, a daughter of James and Laura (Levy) Beckwith, both natives of Pennsylvania, where her father followed farming for some years. In 1871 he came to Piatt county, Illinois, and is now living near Farmer City in De- Witt county. Mrs. Dewey's mother died February n, 1891, at the age of forty-one years and tweny-seven days, and in 1893, Mr. Beckwith was again married, his second union being with Etta Shreeves, by whom he has one child, Ruth. The children of the first marriage are Lawrence, a farmer of DeWitt county ; Mary E., wife of our subject ; and Katie May, wife of Frank Keefer. a farmer living near Storm Lake, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Dewey have two children : Clyde Edwin, born September 12, 1890; and Ethel May. born January 17, 1894.

After his marriage Mr. Dewey commenced operating a part of his father's land and purchased eighty acres of the land. He has since bought tracts from other parties, and to<lay owns a half section of fine farming land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. Upon the place are good and substantial buildings, a finr orchard and beautiful shade trees, and everything indicates the supervision of a progressive and painstaking owner. The best improved machinery is used in carrying on the work of the farm, and the most advanced and practical methods are employed in its operation. Mr. Dewey is interested in stock, raising hogs for market, and he also has five pure-blooded registered Percheron mares and two two-year-old stallions. Like his father, he possesses exceptional ability in business affairs and his success is but the just reward of honest labor. Fraternally, Mr. Dewey is a member of De- Land Lodge, No. 603, K. P., and the Twentieth Century Lodge, No. 2178, M. W. A., of DeLand, and politically he affiliates with the Republican part).

John Smith

John Smith, whose entire life has been spent in or near Centerville, Piatt county, Illinois, was born on a farm near that village, May 28, 1851, and is a son of William H. and Julia Ann (Wright) Smith, both natives of Pickaway county, Ohio, the former born in 1818, and the latter in 1826. In 1840 the father came to Piatt county with his stepfather, Ezra Marcus,, and worked on a farm by the month until his marriage to Miss Wright in 1844, when he removed to his father-in-law's farm and there spent twelve years. At the end of that time he removed to Centerville or Lick Skillet, as it was then called, and purchased two lots on which he erected a store building and put in a stock of general merchandise. He carried on business at that place until his death, hauling his goods from Chicago, and sometimes from St. Louis. He passed away in 1870. His first wife also died in Centerville in 1856, and after her death he married Barbara Dawson, a daughter of William Dawson. She is now the wife of Daniel Clinger and lives bn a farm near Mansfield, Illinois. By liis first marriage Mr. Smith had six children : Charles, who is married and lives in Alabama; George, deceased; Mary, wife of W. H. Dawson, a resident of Missouri; Sarah, wife of V. I. Williams, of Champaign, Illinois; John, of this review; and one who died in infancy. The children of the second union were James, a resident of the state of Washington ; Frank B., of Nebraska; Edward, of Missouri; Isaac D., who died in Mansfield, Illinois, in November, 1902; and Madie, wife of 'Edward Reed, -of Mansfield.

During his boyhood John Smith attended a subscription school in Centerville, and after completing his education at the age of fifteen years, he commenced driving a team for his father in hauling goods from Chicago and Champaign. He also assisted in the work of the home farm until his father's death, when he went to Iowa and spent one year, his brother having charge of his father's store at that time. On his return to Piatt county he worked in the store until after his marriage, when his brother removed the stock of goods to White Heath, and with an entirely new stock, our subject embarked in business on his own account at the old stand. Two years later he sold out and bought a fortyacre farm which he operated for three years, and on- disposing of that property he purchased a house and two lots in Centerville, where he has since made his home. To some extent he still engages in farming, but owning to failing eyesight he is not able to do much.

In 1873 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Camp, a daughter of William and Charity (Morris) Camp, who came to this county from Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1866. Six children bless this union, namely : Lula, wife of Frank Webster, who is engaged in farming near DeLand; Arthur M., who is also a farmer; Alberta, wife of James Winters, a resident of Champaign ; Etta, wife of Otis Mc- Wethy, a farmer living near Urbana ; Eva, at home ; and Elmer, who also follows farming. In his political views Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He is widely known in the community where he has always made his home, and those who know him best are numbered among his warmest friends.

George W. Teats

George W. Teats, who is living in White Heath, was born in Adelphi, Ross county, Ohio, on the 3Oth of August, 1854, his parents being Mathias and Mary (Puffinbarger) Teats. The father was also a native of Ross county, born August n, 1818, and was a shoemaker by occupation, following that pursuit in Adelphi thirty-six years. He was married there in 1840 and in 1856 he removed with his family to Piatt county, Illinois, taking up his abode upon a farm near White Heath, where the Camp Creek cemetery is now located. Unto him and his wife were born five children - Maria Louisa, who was the wife of James H. Hickman, and died in the spring of 1902; Mary Elizabeth, who married Jehu Trotter and departed this life in the year 1901 ; Caroline Marian, who died about 1856; Jane, the wife of Jesse Bushee, of White Heath ; and George W.

George W. Teats \ve present to our readers the record of one whose life history demonstrates the power of industry and perseverance in the active affairs of life, for he has been the architect of his own fortunes and has built wisely and well. He was educated in the common schools, attending the Camp Creek school through the winter months, while during the summer seasons he worked upon his father's farm and thus became familiar with every department of agricultural life.

Mr. Teats continued with his father until October 29, 1886, when he was united in marriage to Miss Barbara E. Trotter, a daughter of Hiram and Lydia Maria (Allman) Trotter, of Champaign county. She was born in Newcomb township, that county, June 12, 1858. Her parents were natives of Virginia and are now deceased. Her father was born January 22, 1813, and died November 13, 1900. He was three times married, his second wife being Mrs. Teats' mother, who was born October 7, 1815, and died in Champaign county, December 28, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Teats have a daughter, Lydia May, who was born January 16, 1889, and is now attending school.

Our subject and his wife began their domestic life upon the Plunk farm, which he rented for two years, and afterward rented the Jehu Trotter farm, which was their home for the same length of time. Subsequently 1hey removed to Nebraska, but after farming there for one season they returned to Piatt county, Illinois, and Mr. Teats purchased of W. P. Smith thirty acres of land in Sangamon township. In 1899 he sold that property, having successfully operated it during the intervening years. He then removed to White Heath, where he engaged in the livery business and in carpentering for four years. Three years ago he purchased about ten acres of land within the town limits, and in September, 1902, bought another nine acres, upon which he is now engaged in the raising of fruits, including pears of all kinds and also peaches, plums and cherries. He makes a specialty of strawberries and blackberries, however, and has a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of horticulture, his opinions on this subject being largely regarded as authority in the community. He makes a close study of the needs of different kinds of fruits, is always ready to investigate any methods advanced for the improvement of fruit and that which he produces is of such superior size and excellent flavor that he can always command the highest market prices. He and his family occupy a nice home only a short distance from the center of White Heath, and Mr. Teats is now improving this property by building an addition thereto.

Fred D. Gillespie

Fred D. Gillespie, who is engaged in dealing in grain in Harris and is also a general merchant there, was born in McLean county, Illinois, on the I2th of August, 1879, and is a son of Christian and Lauretta (Davidson) Gillespie. The father was a native of Blair county, Pennsylvania, born on the 2d of August, 1846, and the mother's birth occurred in Westmoreland county,' of the same state, on the igth of April, 1849. During his early boyhood days Christian Gillespie came to the West with his parents, who settled in McLean county, Illinois. He was educated in Piatt county, however, but was married in McLean county. He then took up his abode on the old Gillespie homestead in this county and continued to engage in farming here for a number of years. Later he removed with his family to Normal and there his wife died in the year 1882. On Thanksgiving Day of 1889 he was again married, his second union being with Louisa Osborn, of Mansfield. They now reside in Champaign county, and are well known and highly respected citizens of that locality. By the first marriage there were two children - Jessie, who is the wife of Charles B. Harrison, a resident of Manhattan, Kansas ; and Fred D.

Fred D. Gillespie is indebted to the common-school system of the state for the early educational privileges he received, while later he attended school in Farmer City, pursuing a high-school course there. He then went to the normal school at Normal, Illinois, and later he engaged in teaching school for three years in Piatt county, following the profession in Blue Ridge and Sangamon townships. In the year 1901 he established his grain business at Harris, having a good elevator there, with a capacity of fifty thousand bushels. He is now carrying on a successful trade as a grain merchant, and his business furnishes an excellent market for the grain-raisers of this locality. He likewise conducts a general mercantile store and has secured a good patronage in that line liecause of his earnest desire to please his customers, his obliging manner and his straightforward business methods. In the fall of 1901 he was appointed postmaster of Harris and is now acting in that capacity.

On the 1 7th of June. 1904. Fred D. Gillespie was united in marriage to Miss Stella M. Long, a native of Piatt county, Illinois, and a daughter of Lewis Long. They now reside on the old Gillespie homestead near

Harris, which place was entered by his grandfather. H. K. Gillespie. who settled in Piatt county many years ago, becoming one of the first residents of this portion of the state. Mr. Gillespie votes with the Republican party and is a popular, enterprising, wide-awake and highly respected young man of his native county.

Charles Taylor

For some years Charles Taylor has been prominently identified with the business interests of Milmine, where as a member of the firm of Phillips & Taylor he is now doing an extensive, business as a grain-dealer. He is a representative of that class of citizens who, while advancing individual success, also promote the public welfare.

A native of Piatt county, Mr. Taylor was born in Willow Branch township on the I4th of October, 1863, and is a son of Elijah Taylor, a farmer and stock- raiser who was well and favorably known in this county, where he made his home for many years, dying here July 2, 1887. The father was born in a pioneer home in Ross county, Ohio. January 23, 1834. and passed his early life in that state. He received a public-school education, and as soon as old enough he commenced farming. He came to this county in 1853, and here he was married on the I3th of February, 1861, to Miss Catherine Peck, a native of Piatt county, born December 15, 1839, and a daughter of Adonijah and Mary (Ater) Peck. For three years after his marriage Mr. Taylor engaged in farming on rented land, and then located on the farm in Willow Branch township, where his widow still resides in a well-appointed home. His first purchase consisted of eighty acres of wild prairie land, on which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. By persistent hard work he brought his land to its present high state of cultivation and made many valuable improvements on the place, including the erection of the handsome brick residence occupied by his widow, it being built in the summer of 1871. He kept adding to his property from time to time until he had one of the best and most desirable farms of the township. For many years he was an active and prominent member of the Christian church, in which he served as deacon, and was always found on the side of right. Politically, he was identified with the Democratic party and he served as clerk of Willow Branch township and as township school trustee. After a useful and well-spent life he passed away, leaving many friends as well as his immediate family to mourn his loss. His widow still survives him and continues to reside on the old homestead. At her husband's death she was left with seven children to care for, the eldest of whom had just arrived at man's estate, while the youngest was only nine years old. No one but those who have experienced it can measure the weight of the load thus thrown upon her, but with a heroism born of a great need she faced the situation and began the contest. Details vary in such cases and the outcome alone concerns us. Her children were reared to habits of industry and honesty and are to-day numbered among the leading citizens of the community where they reside. Eight children were born to her, but Edwin, the eldest, is now deceased. Charles is the next of the family. Ulla Dell was the wife of C. Davies, who now lives in Oklahoma. Alonzo is a mechanic at. Milmine. Lewis and Adelbert, the youngest, carry on the farm for their mother. Anna B. is the wife of William Burns, superintendent of the United States weather bureau at Springfield, Illinois. James E. is on a cattle ranch in Arizona.

Charles Taylor was educated in the public schools of this county, and on completing his education he engaged in teaching school here for four or five years. He next engaged in general merchandising with A. C. Evans at Bement for two years, and in June, 1890, formed a partnership with R. M. Shepherd under the firm name of Shepherd & Taylor in the same line of business. They carried a large and well-selectd stock amounting to about three thousand dollars and met with excellent success, doing an annual business between fifteen and twenty thousand dollars. Mr. Shepherd is to-day one of the popular men of Cerro Gordo township. On disposing of his mercantile interests, Mr. Taylor embarked in the grain business in partnership with Frank Phillips under the firm style of Phillips & Taylor, and they now do the largest business in their line of any firm in tlie county. Their elevators have a capacity of thirty-five thousand bushels and they have succeeded in making Milmine one of the great grain centers of central Illinois. During the summer of 1902 they handled one thousand dollars worth of oats per day for thirty days. Both Mr. Phillips and Mr. Taylor are energetic and enterprising business men of known reliability and well deserve the success that has come to them.

On the gth of January, 1889, Mr. Taylor wedded Miss Mary Brandenburg, a native of Piatt county and a daughter of Samuel Brandenburg, who was born in Clark county. Kentucky, July i, 1827. Her paternal grandfather, David Brandenburg, was of German extraction. Samuel Brandenburg was married August 24, 1853, to -Miss Ade- line Haggard, who was also born in Clark county, Kentucky, April 15, 1835, and is a daughter of Zachariah and Zilpha (Hodge) Haggard, her father being a Virginian by birth and a pioneer of Kentucky. Mrs. Brandenburg was reared and educated in that state, and by her marriage became the mother of eight children, Mrs. Taylor being the seventh in order of birth. Mr. Brandenburg died at his home in Cerro Gordo township, January 29, 1886, honored and respected by all who knew him.

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have three children : Theo, aged thirteen ; Adlia, aged nine ; and Ulla, aged seven. The family have a very cozy and pleasant residence in Milmine and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. Mrs. Taylor is an active worker in the Christian church and Mr. Taylor was formerly connected with the Presbyterian church, but now attends the Christian church. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 276, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Court of Honor and Loyal Americans, all of Milmine, and in all of which he is serving as secretary. He also belongs to Cerro Gorxlo Lodge, Bement Chapter, Decatur Commandery and Mohammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Peoria, all of the Masonic order, and his wife is a member of the Rebekahs, a branch of the Odd Fellows society. He takes a very active and influential part in local politics and is a strong supporter of the Democratic party and its principles. He served as postmaster of Milmine for four years under President Cleveland and is now filling the office of township treasurer of schools. He is also United States section director and weather forecaster. Public-spirited and progressive, he takes a deep interest in the welfare of his community and is numbered among its most valued and useful citizens - one devoted to the public welfare. ,

Charles W. Yapp

Charles W. Yapp, who is engaged in farming on section 27, Blue Ridge township, was born in Illinois in the year 1850 and is a son of G. W. and Anne Yapp. The father was a native of New York and at an early day came west, establishing his home in Iowa. He carried on agricultural pursuits in the Empire state, afterward following farming in Iowa, dying there. The mother and family came later to Champaign county, Illinois. He died when the subject of this review was only eight years of age, and the mother's death occurred in the year 1867. In the family were six children, but Charles W. is the only one now living in Piatt county.

When a youth of seventeen years Charles W. Yapp was left an orphan. At the age of nineteen he came to this county and, entering upon his business career, he leased eighty acres of land, upon which he is now living. Later he leased an additional tract of a quarter section, and in 1874 bought forty acres, to which he has since added one hundred acres. When he took charge of the farm there were no improvements upon it. The land was all wild prairie and not a furrow had been turned. Mr. Yapp has planted all of the trees upon his place and has carried on the work of improvement along various lines until he is to-day cultivating one of the finest farms to be found in this section of the state.

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Yapp chose Miss Martha A. Gardiner, a daughter of William Gardiner. Their marriage was celebrated in 1873 and has been blessed with five children - Grace, who died at the age of a year and a half; two who died in infancy : Lucy May, who is now at home, and William W., who is also under the parental roof. The daughter, Lucy, however, has been appointed to a school in the Philippine Islands. She attended school in Normal, Illinois, and is now studying music under Professor Foster in Champaign, but expects to go to our colonial possession in the far East.

The family attend the services of the Methodist church, to which Mr. Yapp belongs, taking an active and helpful part in its work. He is now serving as superintendent of the Sunday-school, is also a trustee and steward of the church and likewise secretary and treasurer of the board. He does everything in his power to advance the cause of Christianity, and his labors in its behalf have been far-reaching and beneficial. In his political views he is a Republican and he served as collector and road supervisor. Fraternally, he is connected with the Masonic lodge at Mansfield and he also belongs to the Court of Honor.

He may truly be called a self-made man, for both of his parents died when he was young and he had to begin work when but a boy, his early life being a period of hardships in many respects. He never had but two hundred and sixty-four dollars given him in all of his lifetime. When he was about seventeen years of age he had only one suit of clothes, and he had to work an entire month in order to secure another suit. For three years he was employed in the timber, having to grub up roots and split rails while in Iowa. In November, 1859, he started to make the trip from Iowa to Illinois. When he came to the Mississippi river it was frozen so that the boats could not run and the wagon had to be hauled across the ice. Mr. Yapp only had one boot on owing to a sore foot and the one with the boot on was frozen at that time. Finally he arrived at Bloomington, Illinois, and thence went to Mahomet. The snow at that time was up to the horses' knees. The town of Mahomet was called Middletown and Farmer City was known by the name of Mount Pleasant. At that time Mr. Yapp went to live with his grandmother in Champaign county and thus established his home in a district where wolves were still numerous, and where various kinds of wild game abounded. He has watched with interest the development of this county as the years have gone by and has seen its wonderful transformation. He has also advanced in his business career and to-day he is the owner of an excellent^farm of one hundred and forty acres of land, on which he raises grain and stock.

Joseph S. Hubbard

Among the representative farmers of Piatt county is Joseph S. Hubbard, who resides on section 21, Blue Ridge township. He was born in Pike county, Illinois, in 1844, his parents being Joseph and Lucinda (Lewis) Hubbard. The father was a native of Massachusetts and was a painter by trade. He also engaged in school-teaching and in farming, and he died when his son Joseph was but five years. of age. Two years later the mother was called to her final rest and thus our subject was left an orphan. He acquired his early education in Pike county in a log schoolhouse, but by reading and observation in later years has added largely to his fund of knowledge and become a practical business man. He started out for himself at the age of fourteen years in Pike county by working as a farm hand for ten dollars per month. He was thus employed until 1862, when he enlisted in Company C of the Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry under the command of A. C! Matthews and Colonel Bailey. His company was the flag company of the regiment, and with this command M Hubbard participated in the battle of Hartsville, Missouri, and also about fourteen other open fights. He was likewise in the siege of Vicksburg and afterward was taken ill, because of which he received an honorable discharge and returned home.

Following his military experience, M-. Hubbard was engaged as a farm hand for two years in Logan county, Illinois, receiving twenty-three dollars per month, which was very high wages to be paid for such labor. In the year 1866 he was united in marriage in Logan county to Miss Sarah P. Johnston, a daughter of William Johnston, and by this union have been born four children, but the first two died in infancy; Minnie, the daughter, is now the wife of Bert Collins, who is living in Farmer City, Illinois, and J. W. C. Hubbard, the youngest of the family, died on the i8th of December, 1902, at the age of twenty-five years. The wife and mother passed away in January, 1895. In 1900 Mr. Hubbard was again married, his second union being with Elizabeth Johnston, with whom he is now living on his pleasant farm in Blue Ridge township. ,

Mr. Hubbard came to Piatt county in 1869 and rented one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he lived for four years, continuing its care and cultivation throughout that period. He then purchased eighty acres of land near the West Point schoolhouse. Later he' sold that property and took a trip to the Pacific coast, spending about four months in Oregon and California. He then came to Illinois and rented a quarter section of land for a period of seven years, after which he purchased that property. He has made all of the improvements upon his farm and has now an excellent tract of land under a high state of cultivation. LTpon the place are good buildings and everything is modern and progressive. He has always made it the rule of his life to be honest and straightforward in his dealings with others and these qualities have gained for him the unqualified confidence and regard of his fellow men.

He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Mansfield and with the Grand Army Post at Farmer City. In his political views he is a Republican, and for two terms served as a school director. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and he is well known throughout the community as one whose career has been guided by honorable principles and characterized by steadfastness of purpose. Left an orphan at a very early age and starting out in life on his own account when still quite young, he has steadily worked his way upward and the success that he has gained may be attributed entirely to his own diligence and perseverance.

Walter Gulliford

Walter Gulliford, a representative young farmer of Piatt county, now engaged in his chosen occupation on section 34, Cerro Gordo township, was born in Bement on the 2ist of April, 1874, and is a son of Thomas and Eliza (Knighton) Gulliford, both natives of England. The father is now deceased and the mother is now the wife of William Clark, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.

During his boyhood \Yalter Gulliford pursued his education in the Gulliford school of Cerro Gordo township and after completing his studies he turned his attention to farming, to which vocation he still devotes his energies with marked success. He now rents and operates his mother's farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Cerro Gordo township.

On the 22d of February, 1899, Mr. Gulliford was united in marriage to Miss Ora Edith Peel, who is the second in order of ,birth in the family of Benjamin and Amanda E. (Haviner) Peel. By this union one child has been born, Katie Belle. Mrs. Gulliford's father is a native of Marshall county, Kentucky, and on first coming to this state in 1857, located in Sangamon county, whence he removed to the village of Bement, Piatt county, in 1880. He is now working for our subject on the farm. During the Civil war he served for eight months as a member of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry and was honorably discharged November 4, 1865. His children are as follows: Charles E., Ora Edith, wife of our subject ; Laura E., a resident of Kansas ; Lenora; Lura Eva and Carl William. In his political views Mr. Gulliford is a Republican and he takes a deep and commendable interest in public affairs, as each American citizen should do.

John Beckenholdt

Since 1881 John Beckenholdt has made his home in Piatt county, where he began work as a farm hand, and to-day he is one of the well-to-do agriculturists of Blue Ridge township and all that- he possesses has come as the reward of earnest labor. He was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, on the 7th of February, 1856, and is a son of John and \Yilhelmina Beckenholdt, both of whom were natives of Germany. In early life they came to America and were married in Cincinnati, Ohio. The father was a brewer by trade and for many years operated a brewery in Lawrenceburg, while later he devoted his energies to farming in that county. He and his wife both died during the early boyhood of their son John.

In the schools of Dearborn county, Indiana, John Beckenholdt of this review acquired his education. He was there instructed in the elementary branches of learning and as the years have passed he has added to his knowledge through reading and experience. He possesses an observing eye and retentive memory and has thus gained valuable information concerning the world and the practical duties of life. He and his three elder brothers lived together in Dearborn county, Indiana, keeping "bachelors' hall." In 1877 Mr Beckenholdt, whose name introduces this review, came to Illinois. Later he went to Kansas, where he took up a homestead in Sheridan county, but not meeting with the success that he had anticipated there, he went to Colorado and also to Nebraska, remaining in the west until 1881, when he returned to Illinois, this time establishing his home in Piatt county. Here he began working by the month as a farm hand in the employ of Jacob B. Chase, of Blue Ridge township, but when he had acquired a sufficient capital to become a landowner he invested his savings in a tract of three hundred and twenty acres, for which he paid thirty-one dollars and a quarter per acre. As his financial resources steadily increased he extended the boundaries of this farm until it now comprises four hundred and eighty acres of the rich land of Piatt county, and there is no more productive soil in this great farming state of Illinois than is to be found in Blue Ridge township. Mr. Beckenholdt also owns four hundred and twenty-three acres in Pike county, Illinois. His home farm was improved but very little when he took up his abode there, and it is now well tilled, the rich fields promising golden harvests in the autumn. He has also given considerable attention to the raising of beef cattle and hogs, shipping to the Chicago markets and finding this a profitable source of income.

In 1884 Mr. Beckenholdt was united in marriage to Miss Sallie E. Chase, a daughter of his first employer in Piatt county, Jacob B. Chase, who came from Dearborn county, Indiana, and won a place among the well-to-do residents of this locality. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beckenholdt have been born four children - Walter; Minnie, who died September 4, 1902, and was laid by the side of her mother in Blue Ridge cemetery ; Wilber, who passed away February 8, 1890, and Willard. The wife and mother was called to her final rest October 16, 1894, her death being deeply deplored by many friends. In 1895 Mr. Beckenholdt was joined in wedlock to Miss Emily Godwin, but after a short married life she passed away March 5, 1898. In 1900 he wedded his present wife, who bore the maiden name of Lena Roth. She is a daughter of Christian Roth, who is represented elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. Beckenholdt is a member of Farmer City Camp, M. W. A., and in politics is a Democrat, but has never consented to become a candidate for office, desiring rather to give his time and energies to his business pursuits. He is a member of the Baptist church of Mansfield and has been a co-operant factor in the material advancement and the moral improvement of his community. In addition to his agricultural interests he became one of the organizers of the State Bank of Mansfield in 1901 and is one of its directors. He is a man of great natural ability and has been very successful in business. As has been truly remarked after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the requirements which are sought in books and schools, he must essentially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character, and this is what Mr. Beckenholdt has done. He has been very persevering in his life work and has gained a satisfactory reward.

Edward Mover

Edward Moyer, who is the present assessor of the township of Bement and who resides on section 13 there, where he owns an excellent farm of one hundred and fiftyeight acres, was born at Delphi, Indiana, on the 3ist of October, 1853. The Moyer family is of German lineage and was established in America by Jacob Moyer, the grandfather of our subject, who settled in Pickaway county, Ohio, and there spent his remaining days, reaching the advanced age of eightyone years. He was a farmer throughout his active business career.

The parents of our subject were David and Delilah (Kerns) Moyer. The father was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in the year 1818 and, removing to Indiana, he spent four years in that state, after which he came to Illinois. Making his way to Piatt county, he here purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Willow Branch township. All was wild and unimproved and with characteristic energy he began the arduous task of developing a new farm. For many years he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and in his work he prospered. His land was richly cultivated and the well-tilled fields returned to him golden harvests, while because of the good grade of stock which he raised he found a ready sale for his horses and cattle on the market. As his financial resources increased he added to his property until he was the owner of three hundred and fifty acres. About twenty years ago he removed to the village of Bement. where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring about 1892. In his political views Mr. Moyer was first a Democrat, but afterward became a Republican and in his later life was a Prohibitionist. He was fearless in his defense of what he believed to be right and never wavered in his allegiance to the political principles which he thought contained the best elements of good government. For six years he served as supervisor of Willow Branch township and was most loyal and prompt in the discharge of his duties. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church and his fidelity to its teachings. His wife, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, there lived until her marriage and her parents died in that county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moyer were born six children - Mary E., who was the wife of Giles Clarke, and is now deceased; Isabella, the deceased wife of John LeFever; John, who died at the age of four years ; Edward, of this review ; Clara, who is the wife of R. E. McKinney, of Decatur, and Ruth, the wife of William Cochran, of Bement township.

age when brought by his parents to Piatt county and was reared upon the home farm in Willow Branch township. He acquired his earh- education in the schools of this county and afterward became a student in the Jacksonville Business College, in which institution he was graduated. He then returned to the farm in Willow Branch township, where he remained until the fall of 1883, carrying on general agricultural pursuits. He also engaged in stock-raising quite extensively and successfully, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle and Norman horses. He devoted much attention to the breeding and raising of horses for six years. In 1883 he removed to Bement township, where he purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land on section 13, and upon this farm he still lives. He was for a number of years one of the representative agriculturists and stock-raisers of the community, but about two years ago he rented his land and is now living retired. His business affairs have been so capably conducted that as the years passed he won comfortable competence and is now largely resting in the enjoyment of what he previously earned.

In August, 1876, in Willow Branch township, Mr. Moyer was united in marriage to Miss Eva Heath, a daughter of John and Charity Heath. Her father was one of the early settlers of Willow Branch township, having come to Piatt county in 1854. Both he and his wife are now deceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Moyer was blessed with six children, all of whom wyere born in Piatt county. The three now living are : Charles A., who resides at home; lona B., the wife of H. C. Cornelius, of Bement, by whom she has two children, Paul and Ruth ; and Lena, who is the wife of David Johnson, a painter of Urbana, Illinois, by whom she has one child - Edward D. The members of the family who have passed away are : Edward, who died when about eight years of age ; Roy, who died of diphtheria at the age of four years ; and one that died in infancy unnamed.

Mr. Mover has held the office of assessor for five years and has been elected for another year. He was also road commissioner for one term and no public trust reposed in him has been betrayed in the slightest degree. His political support is given to the Democracy, and he keeps well informed on the issues of the day, thus being able to support his position by intelligent argument. Mr. Moyer is a valued and popular representative of a number of fraternal and insurance associations. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp, to the Masonic fraternity, to the Court of Honor, to the Tribe of Ben Hur, to the Fraternal Army. to the Loyal Americans and the North Americans, and he has held official positions in all of these save the Tribe of Ben Hur. He has many excellent qualities which have made him esteemed by those with whom he has come into contact and gained for him the favor and friendship of many with whom he has been associated. ' There is in his life rec- . ord much that is commendable, for he has always been faithful to duty, progressive in citizenship and reliable in business.

Joseph H. Rankin, who is the well-known and capable manager for the Galesville Grain Company of Piatt county and a resident of DeLand, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 5th of April. 1848. His life record proves conclusively that success is not a matter of genius, but may be won through persistent effort, laudable ambition and sound judgment. It is these qualities that have formed the basis of Mr. Rankin's prosperity and made him a substantial and respected citizen of his adopted county.

Mr. Rankin is a son of James and Malinda (Decker) Rankin, who were also natives of the Buckeye state. By occupation the father was a stone-mason and carpenter. Coming to Illinois in the fall of 1852, he settled in DeWitt county, casting in his lot among the early settlers who laid the foundation for the present development and prosperity of this section of the state. He possessed natural mechanical genius and marked ingenuity along such lines and before coming to Illinois he had also mastered the trade of a millwright. After locating here he engaged in the operation of a mill for three or four years and also followed carpentering, carrying on the latter pursuit until his retirement from further business cares. His life for many years was one of unceasing industry and unfaltering enterprise and thereby he won a comfortable competence which now enables him to live retired. He makes his home in Waverly, Morgan county, at the age of seventy-six years and is one of the respected citizens of the community. His wife died when the subject of this review was but six years of age and her remains were interred in Logan county near Atlanta. The children of this union were three in number, two sons and a daughter, all of whom are yet living, namely : John W., a resident of Oregon; J. H., of this review; and Malinda, who is the wife of Clayton Newberry, a resident of Waverly, Morgan count}-.

ty and mastered the branches of learning therein taught which prepare one for the practical duties of life. He attended school until about fifteen years of age and then began working for his father on the home farm, being thus connected with agricultural pursuits until about twenty-four years of age. For some years thereafter he followed carpentering and in this way was connected with the substantial upbuilding and improvement of the locality. He was actively connected with the builder's art for twelve years or until he turned his attention to the grain business as manager of the Galesville Grain Company. This is a farmers' co-operative institution of which Mr. Rankin took charge on the 4th of August, 1902. The business is an incorporated concern capitalized for ten thousand dollars, the company dealing in grain, coal and salt. The present officers are J. T. Churchill, president, a resident of Goose Creek township; J. Z. Schwartz, of the same township, vice president; James Bert, secretary and treasurer, also of Goose Creek township ; and J. H. Rankin, manager. Mr. Rankin makes his home in DeLand, where he had been employed in the line of carpentering prior to coming here. He is a man of good business ability and executive force and is rarely, if ever, at fault in matters of business judgment, so that he is well qualified for the important position which he is now filling.

In 1867 in Piatt county near DeLand Mr. Rankin was united in marriage to Miss Emma Brown, a daughter of James A. Brown, who came here at an early day from Virginia. Two children graced the marriage of our subject and his wife: James Floyd and John W., but the latter died in infancy. In his political affiliation Mr. Rankin is a Democrat with firm faith in the principles~ of the party and he has been honored with a number of local offices. He served for four years as justice of the peace ; was also town clerk for two years; was notary public and police magistrate for twelve years, and is still holding the last named office. He has ever been prompt and faithful in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him. Fraternally, he is connected with DeLand Lodge, No. 812, F. & A. M., of which he is a worthy and prominent representative, having served for three years as its secretary, prior to taking up his business at Galesville. He is likewise identified with some fraternal insurance orders. Mr. Rankin dates his residence in this county from pioneer times and the red men were still numerous when the family came to this section of the state and there was wild game of all kinds, including deer and turkeys. There were also many prairie wolves and pioneer conditions existed on every hand. With the work of progress and improvement Mr. Rankin has been identified and has taken a deep interest in what has been accomplished in this part of the state. He is the owner of one of the best homes in DeLand, which stands in visible evidence of his life of industry. His career has ever been honorable and straightforward and those who have known him entertain for him warm regard.

James Floyd Rankin, the son of J. H. Rankin, is now a bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Champaign. He acquired a liberal education, attending the common schools of this county and afterward becoming a student in Bryant & Stratton's Business College of Chicago, in which he pursued a commercial course. At the age of sixteen he began acquiring a practical education in the State Bank of DeLand and readily mastering the duties intrusted to him, he steadily and rapidly advanced. Going to Kansas City he was assistant receiving teller in the First National Bank of Commerce there, and later returning to DeLand, he entered upon his present position in connection with the financial interests of this place. He is a young man of exemplary habits, respected in business circles because of his capability and trustworthiness. He married Miss Ermer Dresback, a resident of this county and a daughter of John P. Dresback, an old settler and retired farmer now living near DeLand. They have one child, Esther Burl, who was born on the 3rd of July, 1902, in Kansas City.

Wellington Edwards

On the 2d of December, 1895, Piatt county citizens were called on to mourn the demise of one of their number, Wellington Edwards, a gentleman, of the old school, and who had been a resident of the county since 1854. Mr. Edwards was born near Buffalo, New York, February 14, 1831. At the age of five he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, where they settled at Bucyrus. He lost his mother at the age of ten and the family afterward became scattered, our subject becoming an inmate of the home of an uncle, with whom he lived until his marriage. This event occurred January n, 1852, the lady who now survives him being SaraTi Jane McPheeters, daughter of Samuel McPheeters.

Thirteen children were born to this union as follows : Susan Janette. born March 24, 1853; Samuel Francis, December 3, 1854; Willis, November 12, 1855; Joseph C, April 20, 1858; Selah Ravenia, March

For. two years after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Edwards rented land in Ohio. They then concluded to come to the great west, . where land was cheaper and where they could secure a home with less outlay. They settled in Sangamon township. Piatt county, Illinois, where they purchased eighty acres at one dollar and a quarter per acre, which Mrs. Edwards still owns. Additions have been made at times to this original purchase - one hundred and sixty acres at one time and thirty-two at another. It is unnecessary to relate in detail the struggles and privations endured by the family in their efforts to build up a home and rear and educate so large a number of children. Suffice it to say that these children are all living and occupying respected positions in their different spheres of life. They are all married excepting Alonzo and Almeda Ellen.

Joseph C. Edwards

Joseph C. Edwards cultivates a farm in section 24, Blue Ridge township. He was born as stated and continued dutifully at home, aiding his father in the support of his large family until the year preceding his majority. He then rented a farm from Thomas Bondurant. upon which he raised one crop and then rented his father's farm of eighty acres for a period of six years. By this time he was enabled to make a purchase of eighty acres, but with which he soon parted. An- other purchase of two hundred and forty acres was made by our subject, which he retained for a time and then sold at a good advance. In 1900 he purchased the farm on which he now resides. It contains two hundred and forty acres and our subject devotes it to general farming - the raising of stock and grain.

Mr. Edwards consummated marriage December u, 1879, the other contracting party being Emma Jane, daughter of William and Nancy Hall. Mrs. Edwards has become the mother of nine children as follows: Lucinda, born September 5, 1878; Cora. July 3, 1880; Albert, August 15, 1882 ; Daisy, Novembers, 1884; Roy, January 28, 1887; Carl, February 7, 1889: Lillie, March 3, 1891; Pearl, March i, 1893, and Lloyd, November 19, 1898.

Character is what we are, reputation what people think we are, at least so says the savant. Both, however, are really synonymous. No man can have a good reputation with his associates in daily life whose character is faulty, nor is the development of a good character possible without developing its consequent, a good reputation. These remarks are made introductory to the assertion that no man in the county has either in better degree than our subject. With word as good as his bond and a social and genial temperament, Joseph Edwards is the peer of any citizen of Piatt county.

John Henry Shreve

John Henry Shreve is one of the selfmade men of Piatt county now numbered among the farmers - of affluence. He has steadily worked his w'ay upward to this position through persistency of purpose, overcoming all the obstacles and difficulties in his path by a strong determination and industry. He was born April 26, 1844, in Fairfield county, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Gearhart) Shreve. The mother died in Ohio and the father afterward came to Illinois, settling first in Champaign county, whence he later removed to Piatt county. After residing here for a time he went to Missouri, where his remaining days were passed. He was thrown from a wagon and never recovered from the injury received in this accident. In the family were two children, the younger brother of our subject being Oliver Shreve, who isnow a resident of Calhoun county, Iowa.

The educational privileges of John Henry Shreve were somewhat limited. He attended school in Boone county, Indiana, conning his lessons in a little log schoolhouse while sitting upon a slab bench. The remainder of his education was acquired in Champaign county, Illinois, where he again attended a district school. He has always kept well informed on the questions of the day and on topics of general interest, continually adding to his knowledge through reading and observation. When twenty years of age he began earning his own living, working as a farm hand, and while thus employed he received from twenty to forty dollars per month in compensation for his services. For eight years he was thus 'employed, and with the money which he \vas enabled to save from his earnings he then purchased his own farm, containing one hundred and fourteenacres of land in Blue Ridge township. This he bought in the fall of 1885, and it has since been his home, covering a period of eighteen consecutive years. He raises stock and grain and his richly cultivated fields annually bring-

On the 26th of October, 1885, Mr. Shreve was united in marriage to Miss Mary Katharine Freeze, a daughter of Harvey and Josephine (Paulsel) Freeze. In 1898 Mr. Shreve was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 6th 'of December of that year, her remains being interred in the Mansfield cemetery. Unto them had been born but one child, Roy Allen, who was born November 28, 1888, and is now living at home with his father. Mr. Shreve gives his political allegiance to the Democracy and while he keeps well informd on the issues of the day he has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs. He belongs to the Baptist church, and his life is in -consistent harmony with its teachings. He has long resided in Piatt county, and is known as a worthy and representative farmer of this portion of the state.

John T. Churchill

John T. Churchill, farmer, stock-raiser and splendid good citizen, residing on section 34, Sangamon township, was born at Mechanicsburg, Sangamon county, Illinois, September 29, 1853. His parents, Joe and Lucretia J. (Bondurant) Churchill, were natives of the Blue Grass state, from which they came to Piatt county in 1825, thus constituting them pioneers of the pioneers. They remained in the county until the close of the Civil war, and then removed to the new state of Kansas, where they settled near the famous town of Lawrence. After ten

John T. Churchill passed his early boyhcod on the Kansas farm, receiving training in the district school and later at Baldwin University. Upon leaving that institution in 1874 he remained in Kansas, engaged in farming, but met with so little encouragement on account of the grasshoppers and drouth that he finally returned to Piatt county. Mr. Churchill retains vivid remembrances of those early days of his career and especially of the grasshoppers. He happened to be in a section particularly overrun with the pests and distinctly recalls one day on his return home from town seeing them piled in the road three feet deep, and having to drive out of his way on account of them. In February, 1875, Mr. Churchill rented a farm in Piatt county and has since that time been a continuous resident here. In 1892 he made his first purchase of one hundred and sixteen acres in Sangamon township, but he later sold out and bought his present two-hundred and- forty-acre farm, which under his careful and intelligent management is without doubt one of the best farm properties in the county. He devotes it largely to the raising of grain, a crop which he understands as well as any man in the county, and from which he realizes handsome profits.

Three years after his return from Kansas, June ii. 1878, Mr. Churchill became a married man. leading to the altar Miss Florence Bell, daughter of William and Katherine Hatfield, of DeLand. now deceased. Three children have come to brighten their home, Fabian C, born August i, 1879: Roscoe W., December 2, 1881 and Lloyd J., September 10, 1896.

party, and carries insurance with the Modern Woodmen, holding membership in Mansfield Camp, No. 2919. He and his family are much esteemed and enter with zest into all movements looking to the elevation of their fellow citizens.

Thomas Bateman, Jr

Thomas Bateman, Jr., is one of the wellknown, successful and enterprising agriculturists of Piatt county, his home being on section 19, Blue Ridge township. He was torn in Ontario, Canada, on the I4th of November, 1866, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Brown) Bateman, who were natives of Ireland and Canada, respectively. The father crossed the Atlantic to the Dominion in 1848 in company with his parents, and the grandfather there carried on farming for some years. Subsequently, however, he removed to the United States, settling in Piatt county, Illinois, where his remaining days were passed.

In the year 1863 Thomas Bateman, Sr., was united in marriage to Elizabeth Brown, and in 1872 they arrived in Piatt county, where he had previously purchased the old William Johnson homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. To-day he is the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land, but at one time owned five hundred and sixty acres. This, however, he has divided among his children, giving to them more than one-half of the entire amount. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bateman were born eleven children and it is remarkable in that the family circle has never been broken by the hand of death. The children are as follows : Thomas, whose name introduces this record ; Jane, who is the wife of

Alvin Smothers of Mansfield ; Mary, the wife of Enoch Chase, of McLean county, Illinois; Samuel, who is also living in Mc- Lean county ; Charles, who is engaged in the grain business at Bellflour, Illinois ; John, a resident of Piatt county; Elizabeth, the wife of Latham Smith, of McLean county; Etta and Nellie, both at home ; Edna, the wife of Herbert Warren, of Mansfield; and Harry, who completes the family The father is now practically living retired upon his home farm and is one of the respected and worthy citizens of the community whose life record contains many lessons that might be profitably followed.

Thomas Bateman, Jr., was only about seven years of age when the family came to Piatt county, and in the public schools here he became familiar with the branches of learning usually taught in such institutions. He also early became identified with farm life, receiving ample training in the work of field and meadow. He remained at home until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 1 6th of March, 1892, the lady of his choice being Miss Cora Slater, a daughter of William and Mary Slater, of Champaign county. They now have one son, William Slater, whose birth occurred January 28^ 1893.

The home farm of Mr. Bateman is a tract of two hundred acres of productive and fertile land on section 19, Blue Ridge township, and to its cultivation and improvement he gives his personal supervision. The farm is adorned with one of the best country residences to be found in this section of the state. It was built by Mr. Bateman in 1899, is a commodious structure erected in a modern style of architecture, is supplied with hot and cold water, is heated by hot water and isequipped with all modern conveniences. It was erected at a cost of three thousand dollars. Other improvements Mr. Bateman has placed upon his farm which is indeed a model one. He gives his attention to the raising of grain and stock, making a specialty of fine cattle and hogs. He is an industrious and energetic business man and has met and is meeting with richly merited success. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church of Monticello.

William H. Leach

William H. Leach, a retired farmer, is now living in Mansfield in a pleasant home which stands as a monument to his life of industry. For many years he was connected with agricultural pursuits and the rest which he is now enjoying is well merited, because he has always been a most industrious and energetic man, and has ever been honorable in his business relations. He was born on the 24th of March, 1827, near Wheeling, West Virginia, and is a son of Clement and Mary (Worley) Leach. In the family were the following named : Mordecai M., born September 10, 1818; John, March 12, 1821 ; Rebecca, December 17, 1822 ; Rachel and Levina, twins, October 20, 1824; William, March 24, 1827; Clement, May 18, 1829; Martha, April 5, 1831; and Joseph, February 24, 1834. The last named served as a soldier of the Civil war, being commissioned lieutenant, and lost his health while in the army.

under the parental roof, and in the public schools of the locality he acquired his education. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Miss Mary Ann Bowen, who was born on the nth of September, 1851. Determining to seek a home in the Mississippi valley they started by wagon for Illinois, driving across the country with a four-horse team. They were eighteen days upon the road, and on reaching their destination Mr. Leach was the possessor of seventy-five dollars in cash and a team of horses. He went first to Grundy county, Illinois, and became identified with agricultural interests and about twenty-six years ago removed to Piatt county and began farming in this locality. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land a mile from Mansfield, and devoted his attention to the raising of grain and hogs. He annually harvested large crops and in addition he raised many head of hogs annually, his profits in one year on his hogs amounting to fourteen hundred dollars. This work has been the source of his prosperity. He has never engaged in speculation or placed his dependence upon a combination of fortunate circumstances, but has worked diligently and persistently and has thus acquired a comfortable competence. He is now the owner of two hundred and sixty acres of rich farming land in Webster county, Iowa, in addition to his house and lot in Mansfield. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Leach have been born the following children : Clement, born September 2, 1852; Martha. October 29, 1859: Mary M. B., October 12, 1857; William, October i, 1860; John M., November 27, 1863; George, October 3, 1866; and Rose, November 11, 1871. Martha died at the age of seven years but the others are still living and all are married.

Mr. Leach usually gives his support to the Republican candidates, but votes rather for the men than for the party. He keeps well informed on the issues and questions of the day and does what he believes is for the best interest of the country in the exercise of his right of franchise. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church, and his connection therewith influences his life and his treatment of his fellow men. He has always lived uprightly and his many excellent traits of character have gained for him the regard of those with whom he has been associated.

Carl O. Gillespie

Carl O. Gillespie is one of the extensive landowners of Piatt county, his possessions aggregating seven hundred and twenty acres. He lives on section 36, Blue Ridge township, and is one of its native sons, his birth having occurred in this township in 1861. His parents were H. K. and Nancy Gillespie, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The father was born in the year 1828, and died in June, 1901. while his wife, whose birth occurred in 1828, is still living, making her home in Farmer City, Illinois.

In the usual manner of farm lads Carl O. Gillespie spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He attended the public schools and assisted in the care and improvement of the home farm and in 1886 he began farming on his own account on the old home place, comprising four hundred acres. The practical training which he had received in his youth now proved of marked value to him. He engaged in the raising of fine cattle and hogs which he carries on extensively and finds a profitable source of income. He raises only good grades of farm stock and he now ships about three carloads of hogs annually. In all of his farm work he is progressive and enterprising, and as the years have passed he has met with a high degree of prosperity. He still resides upon the old home place, to which he is continually adding improvements of an important character so that his farm is one of the best in this portion of the state. He owns altogether four hundred acres of rich land, two hundred and forty located at Bethel church and one hundred and sixty near the home place. His mother owns the home place.

In 1890 Mr. Gillespie was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Wisegarver, a daughter of George W. and Mary Wisegarver, who are living in Farmer City. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two children who are yet living and they have also lost two, their eldest, George L., having died in infancy, while Maurine, the third, died at the age of one year. The others are Evangeline, now ten years of age ; and Mary Madge, a little maiden of six summers. The parents belong to the Methodist church and take an active interest in its work. In politics Mr. Gillespie is a Republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him as he has preferred to give his time and attention to his business interests. He has never followed any occupation save that to which he was reared and has found it to be a profitable source of income. He belongs to that class of progressive agriculturists of the west who have made the county to bloom and blossom as the rose, using the latest improved machinery, and all modern equipments that will facilitate his work. He has a good home

Past And Present' William Clark

Nature seems to have intended that man should enjoy a season of rest in the evening of life. In youth one is full of energy, determination and bright hope, and with more mature years comes sound judgment, keen insight and practical experience so that labor is carefully directed and brings its just reward. If one has carefully husbanded his resources and made the most of his opportunities he will through the years of youth and mature manhood gain capital sufficient to enable him to put aside business cares, in his later life. This Mr. Clark has done and his rest is well deserved, for his has been an honorable career characterized by industry, enterprise and integrity. He is now living in the village of Bement and is one of its most respected and worthy citizens.

Mr. Clark was born in Somersetshire, England, on the I2th of June, 1828. Coming to the United States in the year 1855, ne determined to make the most of his opportunities here and win success if it could be gained through honorable persistent effort. He had obtained his early education in the subscription schools in the place of his birth and until his immigration to America he had always been employed as a farm hand, but desiring to see the new world and having heard much of its advantages for the young men of pluck and energy, he decided to leave England and established his home in the United States. Immediately after his arrival on the Atlantic coast he made his way to Ohio and spent six months in Lorain county as a farm hand. At the expiration of that period, however, he continued his journey westward and soon arrived in Piatt count}-, Illinois, where he has since resided, spending the greater part of this time in the village of Bement. He has always engaged in agricultural pursuits and his first farming here was done in Cerro Gordo township. There he rented a small tract of land which he cultivated for several years. He afterward spent sometime in working on a number of farms in the county by the month, being thus employed at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war.

After coining to the United States he had informed himself thoroughly concerning conditions and political issues and he noted the growing dissatisfaction in the south. In 1862, prompted by patriotic loyalty to the Union cause, he offered his services to the government, enlisting in Company H, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry, with which he served until the close of hostilities. He was in some of the hardfought battles of that long and sanguinary conflict and when the war was ended received an honorable discharge at Camp Butler near Springfield, Illinois. He was always found at his post of duty, loyal to the nation's starry banner and the cause it represented, and with a creditable military record he returned to his home.

On again reaching Piatt county Mr. Clark spent a short time in the village of Bement, and afterward went to Monticello township, where he again took up the occupation of farming, which he followed through several years. He has been twice married and by his first wife had five children, of whom two are still living, the others having died in infancy. Sherman is now a resident of Iowa.

He married Lena Bauch, and they have five children. John, the second surviving son, is employed in St. Louis. For his second wife Mr. Clark chose Mrs. Eliza Gulliford, the widow of Thomas Gulliford. She was a native of England, and a daughter of Edwin and Anna (Bacon) Knighton, both of whom were natives of England, where they spent their entire lives. Mrs. Clark came to the United States when twenty-one years of age. Her first husband, Thomas Gulliford, was also born in England, and came to America in the same vessel in which Mr. Clark crossed the Atlantic. He made his way to Piatt county and located in Cerro Gordo township, where he carried on general farming and stock-raising. He also became an extensive shipper of live stock to the city markets, and a well-known business man of this locality. He died in Cerro Gordo township at the age of forty-three years, leaving a widow and two children, the sons being Walter E. and Herbert. The former, who is now a farmer of Cerro Gordo township, married Edith Peel and they have one child, Katie. Herbert, who is also an agriculturist of Cerro Gordo township, wedded Mabel High and they have a son, William.

After his second marriage Mr. Clark engaged in the operation of the farm owned by his wife until his health failed, and during the last few years he has been leading a quiet life at his pleasant home in the village of Bement. He draws a pension in recognition of his services during the Civil war, and he is a member of the Grand Army Post at Bement. In politics he has always been a Republican, and in matters of citizenship he is as true and loyal to his country as when he wore his blue uniform, and followed her banners upon the battlefields of the south.

Isaac Shively

Among the prominent and successful agriculturists of Piatt county none are more deserving of mention in this volume than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, February 8, 1837, and there spent the first fourteen years of his life, at the end of which time he removed to Wabash county, Indiana, with his parents, Christian and Barbara (Ulery) Shively, the family locating near North Manchester. His parents were also natives of Montgomery county, Ohio, and the father was a farmer by occupation. He assisted materially in the early development and upbuilding of Wabash county, Indiana, and spent the greater part of his life in that state, but died at the home of our subject on section 24, Cerro Gordo township, Piatt county, Illinois, when over eighty-eight years of age. His wife had passed away on the old home farm near North Manchester, Indiana. In their family were eight children : Jacob died in infancy ; Esther is1 the wife of John Miller, of North Manchester, Wabash county, Indiana ; Samuel died at the age of thirty years; Isaac is next in order of birth ; Christian is a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska; Elizabeth married Samuel Blickenstaff and died in Wabash county, Indiana, leaving a family; John H. lives in North Manchester, Indiana ; and Barbara died at the age of sixteen years.

Isaac Shively received but a limited education in the common schools of Ohio as his time was almost wholly occupied by the work of the farm. At the age of twenty-two he started out in life for himself as a farmer, near North Manchester, Wabash county, Indiana, and remained there until after his marriage. He wedded Miss Margaret

Blickenstaff, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Gumph) Blickenstaff, and in 1871, accompanied by his wife and three children, he came to Piatt county, Illinois. He purchased the north half of section 24, Cerro Gordo township, some of which was under cultivation, but there were many ponds and much of the land unbroken, but he has since ditched and drained it and made many other improvements to the value of thousands of dollars. In addition to the original purchase he now owns one hundred and twenty acres more, which is well drained. For his first eighty acres he paid twenty-five dollars per acre, for the second eighty thirty dollars, and for the last eighty acres, adjoining it on the east, sixty dollars per acre. He now has four hundred and forty acres, and it is all worth over one hundred dollars per acre, owing to the rise in value and the many improvements he has made thereon. He built two good barns, one, forty by sixty feet, and the other thirty by seventy-eight feet, which will accommodate sixteen head of horses and cattle, and he has corncribs which hold about six thousand bushels. His success in life is due entirely to his own well-directed efforts, being a man of sound judgment and good business ability. He has always made the most of his advantages, and has labored untiringly to make for himself and family a comfortable home and competence. Besides his property in this state, he owns a section of land southwest of Houston, Texas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shively were born ten children, seven sons and three daughters, of whom nine are yet living : Elizabeth, the wife of Frank Etnoyer, of Cerro Gordo township ; Julia, wife of Jacob Wyne, whose home is near LaPlace in Cerro Gordo township; Daniel, who married May Boone and lives in Cerro Gordo township; John, who married Dora Musselman and also resides in Cerro Gordo township; Samuel, who wedded Annie Musselman, a sister of his brother's wife, and makes his home in the same township; Joseph, who married Nora Duncan and resides in Carroll 'county, Indiana ; Jerome, Ira and Festus, all at home.

For many years Mr. Shively has served as school director and has ever taken an active interest in educational affairs, doing all in his power to secure good teachers and the best advantages along that line. He is a deacon in the German Baptist church of La- Place, in which he and his wife hold membership, and they are active and sincere Christian workers. Mr. Shively is regarded as one of the representative men of his community, as well as one of its most substantial and honored citizens, and is therefore justly deserving of mention in this volume.

Europe L. Fosnaugh

Europe L. Fosnaugh is largely a promoter of the business activity of White Heath, where he is engaged in dealing in dry goods, boots, shoes and groceries. He is also proprietor of the only hotel in the town nnd throughout this portion of the county he is very widely known, while his friends are almost as numerous as his acquaintances. He was born upon the farm three miles northeast of the village, September 24, 1858, his parents being Ezra and Eliza (Bushee) Fosnaugh. He is of German and French descent. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Fosnaugh. was a native of Pennsylvania and was of German lineage, while the maternal grandfather, Jacob Bushee. was of French extraction. The parents of our subject were natives of Fairfield county, Ohio, and in the year 1856 came to Illinois. They journeyed westward by wagon to Macoupin county, where they remained for one winter and then continued on their way to Piatt county. Here the father carried on agricultural pursuits near White Heath until his death, which occurred oh the ist of October, 1873, when he was fifty years old, his birth having occurred in 1823. His wife was born in 1832 and survived him until 1901. They were the parents of eight children : Austin, who is a merchant in Clinton, Illinois; Selina, who was the wife of George McCabe and died in 1873; Theodore, a railroad employe living in Springfield, Illinois ; Elifus, a farmer who is living five miles east of Monticello ; Europe L. ; Dora Alice, the wife of William Dungan, of Deadwood, South Dakota; Laura Belle, the wife of John Dilsaver, who resides upon the home farm; and Erwin, a railroad employe living in Decatur, Illinois. Europe L. Fosnaugh pursued a commonschool education in the Prairie Dell school near White Heath. His studies were pursued through the winter months, while during the summer he worked with his father and thus became familiar with the farm work in all its departments. He entered upon an independent business career as a farm hand, working for eighteen dollars per month, and he continued in that way for about four years. He next rented a farm which he cultivated for a year and subsequently he accepted a clerkship in his brothers store in Lane, DeWitt county, Illinois, where he remained for three years. When that time had elapsed he again rented a farm for one season and then embarked in business for himself as proprietor of a pool and billiard hall in Tolono, Illinois. He conducted it for three years, and on selling it took charge of his brother's store in Lane, this state, there continuing as a merchant for fifteen years, when he purchased the store in White Heath of which he has since been proprietor. He now carries a large and well-selected line of dry goods, boots, shoes and groceries, and has a liberal and growing patronage. On the 7th of April, 1903, he rented the only hotel in the town and has since conducted it. This hotel is well located on the main thoroughfare of the village and in this line Mr. Fosnaugh also does a profitable business.

On the 23<i of March, 1874, occurred the marriage of Europe L. Fosnaugh and Miss Ida J. Graham, a daughter of George W. and Jane (Morgan) Graham. She was born February 4, 1861. Her father's birth occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, July 8, 1824, and he was a son of William and Susanna (Leichleiter) Graham, natives of Virginia. After arriving at years of maturity George W. Graham was united in marriage to Miss Jane Morgan, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 4, 1827, and was a daughter of John and Anna ( Mc- Cleary) Morgan, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The latter was a daughter of James and Janette ( McCleary) McCleary, who were cousins prior to their marriage. , They went to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1815, and the latter died in 1862. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fosnaugh have been born six children: Harlie, who is now at home; Garah, who is the wife of Vance Mattix, a farmer of DeWitt county ; and Grace Jane, Lucile, William and Leota, at home.

Mrs. Fosnaugh is a devoted member of the Christian church and a most estimable lady. Mr. Fosnaugh belongs to Mozart Lodge, No. 96, K. P., of Weldon, Illinois; to Lane Camp, No. 1782, W. M. A., of Lane; and the Mutual Protective League of Lane. He is likewise connected with the Royal Neighbors, and in these various societies he is a valued representative, having the good will and high regard of his brethren. Politically, he is a stalwart Democrat, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs. That he has prospered is due entirely to his own labors. Realizing that there is no royal road to wealth, he has worked untiringly as the years have gone by, and upon the sure foundation of indefatigable industry he has builded his success.

On a farm on section 25, Blue Ridge township, resides C. T. Rinehart, who is one of the worthy citizens of Piatt county that Pennsylvania has furnished to this state. He was born in Millerstown of the Keystone state in 1861, and is a son of Frederick and Mary A. Rinehart. The father was a farmer by occupation and always carried on that work in Pennsylvania. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations, enlisting in 1 86 1 as a member of the Union Army. He participated in many of the most important engagements of the war until about the close of hostilities when he was wounded in the left shoulder, the wound proving so serious that it became necessary to amputate his arm. He spent the rest of his life in the Soldiers' Home in Virginia, and his death occurred in Millerstown, Pennsylvania, in 1893.

one of the old-time log schoolhouses. He sat upon a slab bench and conned his lessons from books that were almost as primitive as the school buildings. Later he attended school in Logan county, Illinois, for one term and he has also added to his knowledge through reading and experience until he is now a well informed man. Having come to the west in early manhood Mr. Rinehart began working for himself at the age of twenty-one years, being first employed by the month as a farm hand in Logan county. He there worked for three years, receiving eighteen dollars per month, after which he rented a farm where his mother acted as his housekeeper. In 1886, however,Mr. Rinehart was united in marriage to Miss Melissa J. Michaels, and unto them has been born a daughter, Bessie Fay, whose birth occurred in McLean county, Illinois, on the i8th of April, 1892, and who is now attending the home school.

Mrs. Rinehart was born in Logan county, December 15, 1862, and is a daughter of Gus Davis and Elizabeth (Barr) Michaels. Her father was a native of Germany, torn June 6, 1822, and was twelve years of age when he came to this country. By occupation he was a farmer and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church South. She was born in De Witt county, Illinois, August 2, 1834, and died there September 27, 1893. Mr. Michaels' death occurred June 26, 1894, both passing away at the home of a daughter in DeWitt county, though they made their home in Logan county for many years. Mrs. Rinehart has five sisters and one brother living.

in the meantime, he added to this eighty acres, and he now lives upon his farm which comprises one hundred and twenty acres of the rich land of Piatt county. It is situated on section 25, Blue Ridge township, and is a good property. In 1902 he spent four thousand dollars in improving his house and barn. In his home he has many of the modern equipments which are found in the city homes of the present. There is hard and soft water all through the house, being piped to the various rooms, and a hot water plant is used for heating, while the light is furnished by a system of acetylene gas lamps. Under the house there is a basement containing five rooms, and altogether this home is one of the most modern and desirable in the county.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart belong to the Methodist church and are widely known throughout the community for their sterling worth and upright lives. In politics Mr. Rinehart is a Democrat and has served as a school director for a number of years, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. He is always deeply interested in everything pretaining to the welfare and progress of the community along lines of material, social, intellectual and moral development and his cooperation for the public good has been far-reaching and beneficial.

Sylvanus Nelson

Agriculture is, perhaps, the chief occupation of the residents of Piatt county for the lands in this portion of the state are so rich and productive that a splendid opportunity is afforded for the acquirement of success by following farming. To this work

Mr. Nelson devotes his time and energies, and he is one of the native sons of Piatt county, his birth having occurred here on the I2th of December, 1856. His parents were Wesley and Nancy (Marsh) Nelson, who removed from Indiana to Piatt county, Illinois, at an early period in the development of this portion of the state. The father was of German lineage and the mother of Irish descent. He devoted his energies to the occupation of farming and thus provided for his family.

On the old family homestead in the county of his nativity Sylvanus Nelson was reared, his boyhood days being spent in the usual manner of most farmer lads of the period. In his early youth he was a student in the Clinger school in Piatt county, and the remainder of his education has been obtained through reading and through contact with the world, whereby he has gained much valuable and practical experience. He was twenty-two years of age when he started out upon an independent business career, and well may he be called a self-made man, for all that he has acquired has been gained through his determination and energy. He has had no assistance from influential friends, nor has a fortunate combination of circumstances aided him. He first worked by - the month for Daniel Reed, receiving twenty-two dollars per month. He was thus employed for a year, at the end of which time he rented a tract of land of David Bailey, of New York, who owned farming interests in Piatt county. About 1893 Mr. Nelson purchased a farm in Indiana, becoming the owner of eighty acres in Boone county, and later he disposed of that. He now has a farm in Blue Ridge township, and his welldeveloped property indicates that his career has been an active and useful one.

On the 3d of July, 1880, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Berry, and as the years have passed children to the number of six have been added to the household: Lillie Bell, born April 9, 1881, is now married and resides upon her father's farm; William Jasper, born August 16, 1884; Laura May, born July 27, 1887; Roy, born March 18, 1890; Amy Winniefred, born January 27, 1893, and Flora Henrietta, born November 28, 1897, are all with their parents. Thus the family circle remains unbroken.

Mr. Nelson belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he carries insurance amounting to three thousand 'dollars. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and was at one time the school director, but otherwise has held no public office. He has made the golden rule his life motto, and has closely followed it. After an honorable and useful life, actuated by unselfish motives, he may rest assured that the people of the county entertain for him respect, confidence and good will.

Philip Isor Gordon

Nature seems to have intended that man should enjoy a period of rest in his more advanced years, for in early life one is full of energy, determination and courage, and later added to .these qualities is a mature judgment that renders one's efforts more effective in the search of success. With advancing years, however, comes a desire for rest that may be gratified if one has diligently labored along practical lines as Mr. Gordon has done. In former years he was engaged in general farming and worked so untiringly and earnestly that to-day he is the possessor of a handsome competence. He maintains his home in Mansfield, where he is now living a retired life.