Pike County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1880 (part 1 of 4)

Biographical sketches

in justice to thepioneers, to those who have opened up and developed this township, and those who have taken a prominent part in the history of this community, we give a department of personal sketches as a portion of the history of the township.

Willard Andrews, deceased, was born in Massachusetts in 1813, the son of Alanson and Phcebe Andrews, natives of the Bay State; received a common-school education; in 1846 he married Cornelia Brockway, who was born in 1825 in New York State. Mr. Andrews came to this county in 1839, settling in Atlas tp., and came into this tp. in 1S50. By trade he was a carpenter, but he also carried on farming, on sec. 6. He died Dec. 6, 1872, leaving a widow and children. The youngest son carries on the farm. Mrs. H. is a member of the M. E. Church. P. O., New Hartford.

A. F. Barnd, nurseryman, sec. 27; P. O., Martinsburg; was born in Perry county, ()., in 1S15, and is a son of Christian and Mary Barnd ; was educated in the common schools, and in the spring of 1847 emigrated to this State, locating in McLean county, where he resided until 1861; he then came to Pike county, settling in this township, where he practiced medicine a number of 3'ears; he has now been in the nursery business for about 10 years. He has a fine nursery, comprising all varieties of fruit trees and plants. The Doctor also still attends to professional calls to some extent.

A. M. Bradburn^ farmer, was born in Ohio, Nov. 1, 1827, and is a son of Mark and Mary (Keatley) Bradburn, natives of Ohio; was educated in the common schools of Ohio; in 1853 he married Emil}' ,l;imeson, and all their eight children are living; one daughter is married. David N. is a teacher. Mr. Bradburn came to Pike county in 1864. In Missouri he was in the "Shirt-tail" militia, and he lost money while in that State. He has made all he has by hard work since he married, now owning 132 acres of land. In politics he is a Democrat. P. 0., Pittsfield.

Ira Briscoe, farmer, sec. 28, where he owns 240 acres of land; P. O., Martinsburg; was born in Washington county, Ky., in 1798, the son of Edward and Peggy Briscoe; his father was born in Virginia, and his mother in Ireland; he received his education in the subscription schools which were kept in log school-houses in pioneer times in Kentucky, with greased-paper windows, mud-andstick chimneys, etc. In 1818 he married Miss Polly Crump, who was born in Virginia in 1799; in 1834 he came to Pike county,

Bettlin«^ (in tlie j)lace where he now lives; lie has been a farnier all his life, Silt is i;ow liviii'^ in retirement. P. O., Murtiiii5l>ur<;.

JiiSfter Bi't)kiii\ iij^riculturist, sec. 17; was It.irn in S-iiiuTsct connty, N. .)., Anjj. lii, 1.^28, and is a 6(»n of Aliraiiani and Sarah Hrokaw, deceased; he worked with his lather in the w«H)d-vard until 18 years ot' aire; came t<» Eastern lllimtis with his parents in In44, and in \x'A loculed in I'ike county, and this year also he married .Miss Miirtlia Maronii, daughter ot" Win . .Maroon, deceased, ami they luwl <» children, natneiy, William, (ieor/^e, John, Sarah, Martha and Charley. .Mrs. H. died in March, 1S<;3. and Mr. H. the next year married Mrs. Amelia Toothakeir, and ihev havf Imd children: Liona, l*ri>cilla, Alhert. Kimer, Cora A. and Kvji \'. Mr. W. is a farmer, iuakin<; wheat-raising a specialty. His brother. Uriah, served over a year in the late war. where he lost his life.

Jitvu'g Duffi^ld was lM»rn in Chester District, S. C, I>ec. 12, l7tH!; educate*! in a subscrijttiftn sclund; brought to hidiana bv his parents when a Ixty, where he resided until a man ^rown; came to this county several years ago and engaged in farming and raising 8t<H'k. He now resides on sec. 3, at the advaru'cd age ot *»4 year*. Of his d children 5 are living. He was a soldier in the war i»f l8l*J, and fought under (ten. Jackson.

Lwindti A. Dyt'r^ n^e Thompson, New Hartford, is the wife <A' Eli Dyer, aiul they were marrieil in 1^40. Of their 9 children .'» are living, - Tluunru; W., Fninkliri W., .Mary E., William H. and John K. Mr. Dyer was a farmer prior to the late war, in which he servetl 4 years; his son Franklin was also in the war, and whs wountled at the battle of Pilot Knob. The Dyer family, whih residing in Missouri, were Tnion people, and suffercff many wrongs at the hands of reUds and black-legs. Mr. and Mrs. Dyer are Uah natives of Fairlax county, Va.. and he was slave overseer in Maryland for four years; in ls54 they came to Pike county. Mo., and in ISIU to this count}*. Mrs. Dyer is pn»prietorof the best store in Now Hartford, wliich is conducted under the tirm name of T. W. Dyer iV I>ro. They carry a stock of |>1,'00, consisting of dry-gooils, hats and caps, boots and shoes, groceries.- hardware, glass and queensware, and in fact, everything usually kept in a first-class general st4:»re. Prices the very lowest.

David (roo^m, fanner, sec. 4; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in this county in 1840, tlie son of Hardin and liebecca Goodin, tlie former a native of Tennessee and tlie latter of Indiana; he was married in 1870 to Miss Jeames, who was born in Missouri in 1847; their two children are Benjamin F, and William II. Mr. Goodin commenced life in very limited circumstances, but he has l)een very successful as a farmer, now havino^ 180 acres of larid. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

J. W. Grahael^ farmer, sec. 19, was born Dec. 14, 1840, in Monroe county, and is a son of Samuel and Mari^aret Grabael, the former a native of Yiro:inia and the latter of North Carolina. At the a^e of 20 our subject came to this county and for a time lived near Summer Hill. V\\ 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Stebbins, a native of this tp. and whose father was amon^ the first settlers of the county. The following year Mr. G. located in this township. Mr. and Mrs. G. are the parents of 4 children, - Mary E., Herbert, Frank and Laura. Both he and his wife are members of the Congreofational Church at Summer Hill. During the last winter Mr. G. unfortunately met with two men from whom he ]-)urchased the right of territory of this county to sell the " Practical Grubber and Stump-Puller," giving his note for the payment of over $3,000, with the understanding, however, that they would kee]) the note until he could make the money by selling the machine; but thev disieg-arded this understanding, and immediatelv disposed of the note, causing Mr. G. great financial embarrassment.

/. M. Ilolloway. The subject of this sketch was born in Highland county, O., Dec. 9, 1850, and is a son of Isaac and Ellen Hollowaj^ deceased, who came to this county in 1857; our subject was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He was married Feb. 22, 1872, to Miss Kittie Petty, daughter of Alvin Petty, of Hardin tp. They have 4 children, - Nora. Adda, Emma and Athel. Mr. II. resides on sec. 18, this tp., and is engaged in farming and the raisin _-- of stock.

Horace lloskins was born in Atlas tp., this county, July 3/1832, and is a son of Isaac lloskins, so well known in the pioneer days of Pike county, and who is now deceased. Mr. H. was retired on a farm and is now engaged in agricultural pursuits. ISlarch G, 1851, be was united in marriage ,with Miss Lucinda Loutzenhiser, by whom he has had 13 children, 9 of whom are living: William, Marshall, John M., Mary J., Isaac, Emily, Orlando, Alice B. and George B. McClellan. Mr. H. served 3 years in the late war, in Co. G, 99th 111. Inf., and participated in the battles of Hartsville, Mo., where he was wouiuled, siege of Vicksburg, etc. He was present at the surrender of Mobile, and was honorablv discharged Aug. 12, 1865.

George James was born in Lincolnshii'e, England, Aug. 12, 1836, and is a son of George and Elizabeth .lames, deceased. He was educated in England, and came to this county in 1851; he went to Nebraska in 1865, where he remained two years, as salesman for

Rolfe tfc Terrv, wholesale inerchants in Nebraska Citv. He was en^aj^ed in (Tovernmeiit t'reii^litiii;; tor some time; he went from Nelnaska (^itv to the Hlack II ills, where he worked on the Northern I'aeitic Kailroad during; its construction; he returned to Illinois in .January, lsG9, since which time he hasfollowe*) farming, on sec. 3, this tp. June 14, 18(51, he married Miss Marv .1. Andrews, dau:,diter of Willard (J. Andrews, and of their s children the followini^ it are livin;;: Salome, Alicia, NVillard (J., Kred and (iracie Lee.

Jo/in H' Lynch^ teacher of Ili;^hway school, was horii in Putnam county, Ind., Feb. 1J», lS4;i, the son of ("a^elton and Miriam Lynch, the latter deceaseil. He was educated mostly in I'ittsfirhl, and he^an teachin«j; in lS«»t»; is n«»w teachin:^ the second year at Ilij^hland. In I87s he married Louisa Urown, by whom he lias one child, Jennie. As a teacher Mr. Lynch is particula.ly successful. His jiunils keep excellent ord«'r ajid are full of the spirit of learning, lie teaches on the late.-t normal methods, and his schoolroom is a pleasant place for Ixitli teacher and pupils.

.I<nnfS 11 Mi'Cory is a nativeof Indiana, his jiarents lieini; John liiid P.etsi-y i Warman^ .Mc(/«»rv; he was educated in the common hchot»ls of Indiana, and by occupation is a farmer; Imr. lived with his father ail his life, who alsii is a farmer. He \\aa run a threshin<;-machine for 10 sea«on«. He caniQto l*ike county in 1875; is a njember i»f the (Miristiari Churcjj.and in politics is a I)cmocraf.

Jt>aejth J/«/>a</r, farmer, sec. 17; I*. ().. Summer Hill; was Ujrn in this county in l^l^^ and is a s<in of William and Sarah .Mcl)ado, the former a native c»f Hntler county, Ky.. and the latter of Indiana; when 7 vears old he went to Indiana, returrjin;; at the a^e of 9, then setth'tl in Western .Missotiri, in 1 **-!»>, then in Scott county in 18(18, and then back t»» this county in ls7s. In 1871 he married Hetsey Ann McDade, who was Ixirn in 183.*), in this county, and they have two children - Laura A., <lec., and Sarah E. Mrs. McHade was the mother of .'» children when she married the subject of this sketch. Their names are John H., Franklin, ('harles, Marv and Nancv. Mr. McDade is a successful farmer, owninj'l'i^* acres of land, all fence<l.

Pfter McGtiir', farmer, sec. >; 1'. o., ."Mimmer Hill; was born in Ireland in iMiU. the son of John and Catharine (llu<;hes) Mc- Guire, luitives of Ireland. In the common schools of tiiat c^mntry our subject was educated; in 1^51 he marrie<l Alice Carrabry, and they have twos<>ns and three daughters. They cjune to the United States it) 1S41», landinj; in New ^'ork. and came to Pike cotmtv in 1S54. When he first cjime here lie was worth about $1>*, but has now 172 acres of land. In ])olitics he is a (ireenbacker.

Mi'hael McKanna, farmer, sec. 27; P.O., Martiiisburi;; was horn in \^h') in county Tvrone, Ireland, son of Patrick and Ann McKanna. At the a^* of 15 our subject emigrated t<» the United States with a friend, locating tirst in Hhode Island; thence to New Orleans, where he remained 12 vears, and 1849 to this county. In

1834 he married Miss (,'atliarine ^^e(li;lu, also a native of Treluiid, and tliey had G children. j\[rs. McK. died in 1844; Mr. ^EcK. a^ain married in New Orleans, in 1845, Miss Brid<^et Sheridan, also a native of Ireland, and they have had 8 children. Mr.McK. Avas formerly a bleacher in print works, but for the past 30 years has followed farming. He and his M'ife are members of the Catholic Church.

S. G. Millei\ farmer, sec. 16: P. O., Summer Hill; was born in 1817 in Athens county, O., and is a son of Jacob S. and Sally Miller, natives ot Maryland; educated in the subscription school. In lb47 he married Martha Bemiss, a native of Massachusetts, and she died in 1851. In 1853 he married Asenath McCord, who was born in 1824,, in Massachusetts, and they have had 2 children, George B. and Coi'a E. Mr. Miller followed tailoring for 24 years, but since 1852 has tVdlowed farming, with good success; has now 132 acres of good land, well improved. He came to this county in 1845. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and Mrs. ^\. is a member of the Coni>;rei;ational Church.

J. C. Moore, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Summer Hill; was born in Maine, the son of William and Margaret Moore, natives also of the same State; came to Pike county in 1856, settling in this tp. In 1848 he married Pachel Randolph, who also was born in Maine, in 1824, and they have had 8 children, - Marcellus, Josephine and Theodosia. Mr. M. has traveled a great deal; transacted business for a period of 25 j'ears in British America and in Bangor, Me. Since he came here he has followed farming with good success, now owning nearly 300 acres of good land, well improved, but when he first set out in life he had but very little. He is a member of the Congregational Church.

James Posten, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., New Hartford; was born in Morgan county, O., May 16, 1821, and is a son of Jose])h and Mary (Johnson) Posten, who were natives of Virginia, and of English ancestry; educated in the common schools of (Jhio, and came to Pike county in 1843; in 1849 he married Rachel Lyton, and they have had 2 children. Mrs. P. is a member of the M. E. Church, and he is a Democrat,

W. M. jShcinton, i'urmer, sec. 6; P. ()., Summer Hill; was born in Ohio in 1841, the son of William and Elizabeth (Twit'urd) Shanton, natives of Ohio and of German descent. He came to Pike county in 1842. In 1865 he married Anna Thompson, and they have one son and three daughters. Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E. Church, and Mr. S. is a Democrat.

Conrad Shornhart, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., Marti nsbui-g; was born in 1813 in Germany; emigrated to the United States in 1836, settling in Indiana; in l84t« he married Mary Fisher, and they have 6 children, viz : Harry, Mary, .Margaret J., John, Sarah and Willie. He settled in this county in 1852, where he still resides, engaged in farming and the raising of stock.

J. ^\. ^ladc, tfsuher ut the New IlaitfMiJ scliool, is a s(»!i of Or. Slatle, »>t New IIiirttur<l. uiid lias Ih'i'ii teaching' luoht ot" the time lor lU veaiH. lit' wa.-? e«lueatetl in the eumiiion bchouls, uiid in the State Normal Lniverhity at Normal, 111. He has recently had to encounter a vexatious variety ot* text-l)ook8, hut now has the process for overcomiiii; tjie ultstaele under p»otl lu'a<lw:iy. At the Jackson school he taught four terms in succession, and is desired to return. lie was horn July 7, ISfjO, in Critteuden county, Ky., ami was hrou^ht l»y his mother to this county in 1852, his father ha\ini; j>rece«letl them ahout six moJitlis, Ajiril 17. 1S7!>, he married Misf Anna Moi.re, daujjliter of llohert Moore, of Louisiana. Mo., and born in PittstieM. An;;., In55.

IIumjiKrey J9. //</r/<Ajr. deceiuicil, was horn in Albemarle county, \'a., Jan. 2<>. 1S0(», and wah the hon of DanitI Harlow, lie was raised t.r> a farm but early learned tlu' use of tools, ami for several vears alter he hcttleti in life he workeil in wockI work of various kinds, in connection with farming. In religion he wa^ a |irominent inemlwr of the Ba)>tiHt Chureh, ami was always res|»ected for his consistency and zeal in the Ma^ter's cau^^-. He dii'd Feb. 7. 1SS(», at G 1*. M. lie was married twice during life, and his second wife was Mrs. Amilda ( McKinney) McC<iy, by wboni lie has one child, Eli/Jibeth, now Mrs. Nathan Zumwalt. Mrs. Harlow has 2 children living, and .Mrs. Zumwalt has had 12 children, of whom l<i are living. She has aUo 14 grandc'hildreji. Mr. and .Mrs. II. eihigrattd t»> this county in \^'.M\, and sutVere*! the privations of pioneer life.

J. W. I '/rn^'y was born in Clermont county, ( ).. May 25, 1842. and is a son of J. N. aixl Matilda \'arn(>y, ot' Ilannilial, Mo. He came to this cu)nnty in l.s5H. and in IsHl ho married IleU'cca Conner, daughter of Moses Conner, wiio now resides with. Mr. \'arnev, in his Mst year. Mr. Conner is a well known pioneer. Mr. and Mrs. Varney have had 7 childn'ii. of whom 5 are Iivin<5, namely, William. Moses, Charles. .!- dm ancl Luetta. Mr. N'arney ha.s carried on c<X)pering in New Hartford for 20 jears, and is now doing a good business, employing from 6 to !< hands.

This township consists for the most part of" broken land. The bluffs borderino^ the Mississippi valk-y extend northwest and southeast through the township, dividing it into two triangles ; one of these is known as the Hill Triangle, the other the Bottom Triancfle.

The township was first settled in ]\rarch, 1821, by Belus and Egbert Jones, brothers. Tliev located on sec. 25, where thev erected a log cabin and made other improvements. Here they kept the first tavern of Pike county, and here, too, the first liquor was sold in the county. At the very first meeting of the County Commissioners' Court, and the very first business which it transacted, was to grant these bvothers license to sell liquor. They also engaged in stock-raising, but were very much annoyed by wolves and other wild animals. Egbert Jones lived and died on the old homestead, and Belus died at Hamburg, Calhoun county.

The next settlement in the county was made b}' James W. Whitney and Thomas Pi'octor, l)oth ])rominent characters in the early history of Pike county, and of whom we speak in former chapters in this work. They located on the northeast quarter of sec. 27, early in the month of March, 1825; in ^iny of the same year Paul Harpole, of Ramsay Creek, Mo,, came over and rented ground of the Joneses, raised a crop, and the following autumn brought his family over and settled on the southeast quarter of sec. 35, where he resided until his death. In the fall of 1825 Samuel Brewster began a settlement on the southeast (juarter of sec. 7. The next settlement was made by Thomas Barton and Uriah Holland, in the spring of 1826. They first rented land of the Joneses, and the following fall settled on sec. 22, near the ford on Bay creek. These settlers came from Pike county, ALo., and the settlements that immediately followed the above were made ]u-incij)ally l)v people from Pike and Lincoln counties, Mo.

These early pioneers of this township had other annoyances besides those given by the wild animals. These were by the treacherous and troublesome Indians, who were here in large numbers. The farms here were first opened by ox teams, and the first wagons consisted of wooden wheels, sawed from logs. Thev had their hard times in other ways. They had to grind corn in a homiTiy block

The first school was tau;;ht in the spring ttf 1>*28 by Win. Howell in a private house, and the next two term^ of school were taught liy Mr. H.iilev. Till' tir^t sehool-hooe was erect»'d in l^.'VJ. on

The tirsi sermon was preached in the house of Thomas liarton, by Uev. Stephen Knddle, a Christian minister, in ISiifi. Kvery man, womari and child in the settlement went to hear this sermon. Klder Itud'lle an«l his brother were cjirried away by the Indians when the former was 14 years of a;^'. and kept until he was 30. The }>et»ph' of the Baptist faith ereeted the lirst (Miiirch in the villa«;e of IMetusant Hill in I'^^S. The first .lu-^ticeof the l*«'aee was Felix (.'ollard, and the tirht Supervisor wji* Thomas (/ollard.

i»rpiniz»Hl pursuant to previous agreement on Saturday, P^eb. l.">. 184.'», at tlie sclumlhouse in Martinsbnr^T- After an appropriate .sermon by Ehler David Hubbard, the meml>ers j>roceeued ti> or^^nize by cluxj.-ing Joseph jiaker .Moderator, and Jacob Capps, Clerk, pro t^m. The number of members that constituted the Church at that time was only It*. Jac«»b Capps was invited t«» assist Uev. Hubl»ard in constitutin;^ them a (Mnircli. Tljey then unaniniously adojiteil a series of Articles of Faith and Rules of Decorum, which the Pleasant Hill CMuirch has since adopted, with some modifications.

After the alK»ve Church wiis orjranized it prospered under the pastoral care of Elder Davi«l Hubbard until Feb. 22, lh51, when Jacob (-apps and the Pastor held a series of meetin<js at ^lartinsburo^, and were abundantly blessed. Fifteen members were added to tlie Church. The meeting; was then removed to Pleasant Hill and continued there for several days and ni^^hts, diirin^ which time 21 more joined the Church. The Ciiurch then continued under the pastoral care i»f Elder Hubbard until Thursday, week before the 4tli Satm-chiy in April. 1852, wlien a protracted meeting comiiienced at Pleasant Hill. The niei'tiny^ was conducted by Elder J. F. Smith, of Missouri, and Elder Hubbard, and 2o more were added to the Church, which made a majority of the Ohurcli who resided at and near Pleasant Hill. In consequence of this there was a call meetinii^ at the school-house at Pleasant Hill to devise a ]>lan tVtr establishin<r a branch of the Martinsbur^^ Church at Pleasant Hill. A petition was sent to the Martinsbur^ Church, signed by 37 members. In response to the petition it was decided best for the members to remain together as one Church, but meet twice per month instead of once, at Martinsburg on the 4th Saturday in each month, and at Pleasant Hill on the 2d Saturday, the Churcli when in session at Pleasant liill to have the same jKjwer to transact any business, as at Martinsburg.

The Church flourished under the above arrangements, and under the pastoral care of Eldei- Hubbard until the s|>ring of 1853, when the much esteemed Pastor left, with several other prominent members, and removed to Oreijon Territory. However, destitute as the Church was, it had another protracted meeting at Pleasant Hill, in August, 1853, conducted by Elder Ingmire, from Pittsfield, and Smith and Music from Missouri, and another glorious revival was experienced, during which 23 more were converted.

The members near Pleasant Hill wishing to be constituted an independent Church at Pleasant Hill sent a petition to the mother Church at Martinsburg, which was granted May 4, 1857; whereupon the following persons received letters of dismissal for that purpose:

At the April meeting, after letters to the above persons were granted, John A. Thomas was appointed to prepare the Articles of Faith and Rules of Decorum, and advised to copy from the Church

Tlic foMowin«( are the Articlcj* of Faith iip(»n which this Church was organiy.ed and constituted at I*U*a.-.ant Hill, tho 2d Saturday in Afav, 1857: itiile Vi. - That bro'iherly 1 ve mnv rontinue. the IKih of Matthew is to be at tendetl to in all caM.-8 ho far as pr in treating with our brettin-n, and in all distant bounds to apply to the Cliurch for a lettt-r of di.smission and join some other Church with speed, or as soon as duty and prudence will dictate.

Rule 14. - We consider it our duty to be tender and atlectionate to each other and study the happiness of the cliiklren of God in general, and to be engaged singly to promote the honor of (4od.

The further details of the history of Pleasant Hill township are best given in short biographical sketches of its pioneers and prominent citizens.

JEdivard Byhee, farmer and trader, sec. IT; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born in Monroe county, K\'., in 1851, and is a son of George W. and Rhoda C. Bybee, natives also of Kentucky; when he was very young his parents emigrated with* him to this county, where he grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education. In 1874 he married Fannie V. Hubbard, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1S52, and their children are Minnie E.. Edna F. and Lenois D. Mr. B\'bee has been prosperous in his business, and now owns 160 acres of land, mostly in the Mississippi Bottom, and all fenced. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.

Peter Craigmiles, salesman atid clerk in a general store at Pleasant Hill, was born in 18S8, in this county, and is the son of James and Margaret Craigmiles; in 1863 he married Sarah Etnert, who was born in Pike county. Mo., and they have had 6 children, 5 of whom are living. Mr. C. is well known in the vicinity of Pleasant Hill, as he has been clerking in one store for 17 years, although the establishment has changed hands two or three times; he has also been Town Clerk, Collector and Township Treasurer.

Inghim Doiiian^ deceased, was born Maj^ 31, lbl3, in Hampshire county, Va., where he was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school; in 1839 he married Miss Eve Kurtz, daughter of Martin and Mar}' Kurtz; she was born Aug, 24, 1823; of tlieir 10 children these 8 are living, - Mary J., Sarah C, Jeremiah, Thomas B., Margaret C, Rachel M., Benjamin F. and Delilah A. A son named John W. lost Jiis life from a wound received while fighting for the stars and stripes in the war. Mr. Doman emigrated with his family to Illinois in 1845, settling in Madison county, and in 1857 he came to this county, where he died N^ov. 17, 1872, his death being a great loss to his family and to the community. He was a farmer during life. His fatlier also was a patriot, being a soldier in the war of 1812.

Mr». J\ttun<e W. McFl/rfK/i, sec. IS; 1*. (), Pleasant Hill; wa.'i born in I^'JI in l*ike county. Mo., and is a daughter of llichard and Ruth Keer, bitth natives of Kentucky. Slie came to this County when 14 years of a;^*, and was inarrietl first in iS.'iT t<» Mr. .laints Wells, the second time in 1 >4»» to Job Smith, and the third and hibt time t'» A<juiia l>. .McKlfresh. Alto^clher she has had ^ ehililren. Her first and sec«»nd liusbands were farmers, and tiie last a .Meth<i<list preacher. She is a member of the Baptist (Miurch. She has now Ut'ii cotuluctiii;; tin- farm for 17 years, with a family of 3 children. Her only ."on is still linn^ witli her.

Willinm S. Kreaman wnA Iwrn in Pula^^ki c^iunty, Ky., in 1851, and is a son of Stephen F. Freeman, now of .Martinsbtir;;, where he was reared from the a;^ of 4 years; April 8, ls74, he married Harriet A. I'arton, dau^jhter of Friah Barton, an«l their two children are Kla A. and Flora M. Mr. Freeman has tau^jht school during; the winter season mostly for 12 3*ears, with great success. He now tVdlows farminir during the summer seasons.

Joseph B. GaUoiray, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 10; wjis l>orn in Linotdn county, Mo., April 2S, 1S2»!, ami is a son of James Galloway, deceased, so well known in the earlv settlement of this County. Joseph B. was brought up on a farm and educated in a subscription school. The family removed to this county in 1832.

and have therefore exj)erieiiced tlie scenes of pioneer life in this wild West. One day Mr. Galloway witnessed the capture of a fox by the school boys and their dogs. So many dogs caught the animal at once that thev held him stretched out at fnll length above the ground for some time, which was a rather comical situation, - that is, to the boys, not to the fox. Mr. G. remembers when the only wagons used here were of the old Virginia style, and there were but few of them. The plows consisted of a piece of iron for a point, and a wooden moldboard. Mr. Galloway has pounded corn in a "masher mill," which consisted of a wooden mortar and a pounder attached to a spring-pole. He once went to where Eldara now stands, a distance of 15 or 16 miles, to a horse-mill there to get some corn ground. In a few years after this Mr. Znmwalt erected a water mill on Bay creek. James Galloway was a very strong man. Even at the age of 60 years he could in a wrestle throw men of 24 years of age, and at the age of 72 he made a full hand in the iiarvest field, lie was an industrious farmer, and also worked more or less in wood work. Ho was a soldier in the Black Hawk war, as also were his two elder brothers, William and Samuel. He died Nov. 17, 1872, at the age of 76 years. He leaves one brother, Zorobabel, and man}^ other friends to mourn his loss. He was a public-spirited man, and did much for the improvement of this county. Joseph B, was married Sept. 30, ]S47, to Miss Sarah Jennings, and their 12 children are: Mary E., Tabitha E., dec, Thomas S., James D., Lydia A., S. Margaret, Bales II., William H., Sarah A., Ida E., Joseph F. and Nellie Grant.

e/1 JB. Harl, miller, merchant, grain-dealer, etc.; was born in Mason county. Ivy., in ISll, the son of John and Mary Ilarl, natives also of the same State, who emigrated to Saline county. Mo., when their son was 12 years old; in 1863 he came to this county, wliere in 1865 he married Miss Nancy C. Grimes, who was born in 1845 in this county. They have had three children. Soon after Mr. Harl settled here he erected a mill 36 by 68 feet, and 4 stories high, with a capacity of 50 barrels of flour per da}^; the machinery is driven by a 40-horse power engine, and he is able to make the highest grade of flour. His miller, Mr. T. J. Mitchell, has been superintending the mill ever since it was erected. Mr. II. is also engaged in the mercantile business, carrying a larger assortment than any other house in town, selling goods at the lowest cash price. He also buys and ships large quantities of grain; in fact, he is the most enterprising business man in the ])lace. He is a noble-hearted man, and well liked bv all who know him.

Alexander Hemphill^ farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Pleasant Hill. This man was born in Calhoun county, 111., in 1847, and is a son of A. F. and Jennie A. Hemphill; when he was quite young his parents came with him into this county, where he received a common-school education and grew to manhood ; in 1877 he married Eliza J. Turnbaufjh, who was born in this county in 1852. Thev have one child. Mr. H. has had ordinarv success as a farmer, married ^[iss Sarali J. Allen, dauj»liter of Cary Allen, deceased, and they liave had 3 children, of whom 2 arc livinor, - Charles II. and Noble. Mr. Moure re!?ides in Pleasant Ilill, and is teaching liis third term at Jacobsville school-house, and has taught 8 terms in the Dodge district, near Pleasant Jlill.

William Moore, the son of Benjamin and Frances Moore, was born in Madison county, Ky., P'eb. K». Ibl-i. In 1S28 Mr. Moore emigrated to Missouri, and in Lincoln county, that State, Sept. 1, 1833, he married Miss Margaret Gilliland, who was born in Simpson county, Ky., July I'-i, ISl."), and was taken to Missouri when a babe; in 18G1 they came to this tp. Their 11 children are, John, De Francis, Geo. W., Wm. K., James W., Benjamin F., Margaret A., Henry Clay, Amy June, Mary Louisa and Stephen A. Douglas. Mrs. M. is a member of the Ba|)tist Church, and Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic order. He has been Justice of the Peace: was also Ordei'ly Sergeant in the Black Hawk War. He is a blacksmith by trade, and is doing a good business. His father was at Yorktown, Va., at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis.

W. R. Moore, wagon and bugg}- manufacturer and undertaker. Pleasant Hill, is the son of William and Margaret Moore, luitives of Kentucky, and was born iji Lincoln county, Mo., in 1841; at the age of 20 he emigrated to this county, where in 1863 he married Miss Nancy M. Mitchell, who was born in Tennessee in 1840; of their 5 children 4 are living. Mr. Moore has followed his present business in Pleasant Hill since 1862. He served 6 months in Co. G, 5th Mo.; has been a member of the Town Board four times, and at present is a School Trustee. His wife died in 1872, and in 1875 he married Miss Olivia Carver, who was born in 1844 in this county, and of their 4 children 2 are living. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Church.

N. L. Piige, Principal of the Pleasant Hill school, was born in Menard county. III., .Ian. 23, 1848, and is the son of E. L. Page; he was reared on the farm, received a good education, began teaching at the age of 21, and has taught school 11 years - 4 years in Missouri, and 7 in this count}'. In Shelby county, Mo., June 19, 1869, he married Anna E. Confry, and their 4 children are Frederick L., Esther A., Carrie V. and Arthur I. Mr. Page is now teaching his second year in Pleasant Hill, and well e.xemplilies the princij)les of the eminent professor of the same name, the author of the "Theory and Practice of Teaching."

Albert Pearson, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Pleasant Hill: was born in Brunswick county, Va., in 1821, and is the son of John and Mida Pearson, natives also of the Old Dominion; when lie was 12 years of age his parents moved with him to Ohio, and at the age of 25 he moved to Missouri; after living there 14 years he came to this county. In 1852 he married Elizabeth Ralston, a native of Kentucky, and they had 3 children; she died, and he subsequentlx"* married Elizabeth Murray, who was born in Kentucky in 1824.

Ira linherts, farmer, see. 5; son of Daviil and l^ovina li<ibert8, was born in Ohio in 18.'i7; his father was a native of W*rniont ami liis mother of New ^"ork State, and they moved with liiin to this county when lie was "l yeai^s old ; here he «(rew to manlutod, receivin:; a coinmo!)-«chool education; in 1S»I7 lie married Elizibeth Jeans, who was born in 1*^44 in this county, an<l they iiave hail 4 children. Mr. U. R|)ent <»ne year in C.'alitornia, to examine the country. lie Inis «^ood success in t'annin«; here, n«tw owniiii^ 12JA acr»'s of I'ood land, inostlv under cultivation, and ln' has ijo(»d t"ann buildinirs He and Mrs. K. are members of the Christian CMiurch. Mr. K.'s father was a prominent preacher frt>m 1H39 to liis death in 1855.

Inititf Sh'llty, d»'{'i'ased, sun of Samuel Shelbv. was bi)ni in K:i>t Tennessee Feb. 12, lSi*«l; waa reared on a farm and educated in the common school; Feb. 17, 184C, he married Miss Leah ("apps, dau«;hter of .lohn aiul Klizalieth Cupps, dec. who was also born iti Kast Tennessee, .Jan. 11, IS-'^O; in the sprin«f of ls47 they emi- :;rated to this tp., where 10 children were born to thmi, namely, Sarah K., .lames. Samuel ().. < )rlaniln (\, Isaiic M., Martin 11., William M , NVnlt^^r S., Cynthia i... and Frank L., all of whom are livin;;. - a rare incident indeed. Mr. Shelby was a hard working man, followin;; farmin:; and stock-raising, iti whioh hi- was successful, lie Wits a merchant in .Martit»^bur^ 3 year>. lie was a worthy memlier of the Uaptist Church for .30 years prior to his death, which occurred Oct. *J5, ls74. In his death the community lost a valuable citizen and the family a kind father. Mr^.. S. -----idt's on .sfc. 1 1.

Jamej* A. Sitton, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was l)<»rn in 1837 in this tp., and is a son of J. G. and Mary A. Sitton. his father a native of Tenne.«see, and his mother of KeMtu«"ky; he was edncjite^l in the common schools; in l^<50he marrie<l (^hristina Hul>er. who was born in 1>«3I* in this county, atid nf tiieir '^ children the followinej 6 are living: Anna L., W. R., Frankie CJ., Minnie S., John F. and Jesse P. Mr. Sitton's father came to thi> county in 1^3»». and is the oldest settler in this tp. now living hen-. James A. is a successful farmer, now ownin«; 212 acres of land. well improved. He is a Freemason, and lx)th he and Mrs. S. are members of the Baptist Church.

Thaddeus Smith, farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born in KSoO in Jefferson county, Tnd., and is a son ot J>arton and Elizabeth Smith, the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Ohio; in 1874 tlie family settled near New Salem, tliiscounty. In 1877 the subject of this notice married Mar}- E. Dodge, a native of this county, and they have one child. ]\Ir. Smith has followed farming most of his life, tliough he has clerked in a dry-goods and grocery store and followed the agency business to some extent.

S. F. Sutton, fai'iner, sec. 9; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born ^'n 1834 in JJarren county, Ky., and is a son of James and Elizabeth A. Sutton, the foi-iuer a native of Jventucky, and the latter of Vermont; parents moved to Boone county, Mo., when our subject was 3 years old, and when he was 17 they returned to Kentuck}', and in 1853 they emigrated to Pike county, 111., locating in this tp. In 1856 ]\[r. S. F. Sutton married Martha J. Cruise, who was born in 1834 in Kentucky, and of their U children 8 are living. Mr. S. has followed agriculture through life, and by hard work has obtained a comfortable home of 100 acres of land, with the stock and buildings.

John A. Thomas, M. D. The ancestors of iJr. Thomas were natives of Wales who (Muigrated to the United States about 40 3'ears previous to the Revolution, settling in Buckingham count}-, Va. Charles Thomas, a grandfather of the subject of this sketch, served under Gen. Washington during the war, and was one of the army which secured the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown; after the close of the war he returned to his farm in Virginia, and a shoi-t time afterward he removed with his familv to Patrick county in that State, where he followed farming; he also acted as Justice for many years, and was high Sheriff of the county two terras; he died about 1836, at the advanced age of 93 years. During his life he killed 300 deer, 65 bears and 44 panthers - in Patrick count}'. He left a family of 8 children, the next oldest being Cornelius Thomas, the father of John A.; he was born Oct. 16, 1778; followed farming in his native county until 1831, when he moved to Pike county. Mo., with his wife (wliose maiden name was Elizabeth Slaughter) and 8cliildren, - Anna, Susannah, Joab, John A., Martin, Constantine, Smith S. and Francis Clarion, the latter two being twins. In 1840 he moved into Lincoln county, and in 1860 came into Pike county. 111,, and lived with his son. Dr. John A., where he died in 1860, aged about 83. His wife died in Lincoln county, !Mo., in 1857.

Dr. John A. Thomas was born in Patrick county, Va., April 8. 1818; his early years were employed on hie father's farm, attending subscription school during the winter. The school-house was a common log building daubed with mud, having a dirt floor, greased paper for windows, benches made of split logs, and desks of the same material. At the a^fe of 15 vears he commenced the study of medicine, and not being with any regular physician he borrowed all the works he could ; at the age of 17 he commenced teachinj^ school in the winter, and tau«^ht lonr successive winters, in the ineuntiiin" continiiin;^ his nieclical studie!^, and takin<; lecttires from Dr. Ballarii, of Ltni^iana, Mo. In ls4;} lic> married Saraii (Tritfith near L »uisiana, who was a native of P.onrhon county, Ky., born in IS24; he then moved U) the spot where Pk*a.«^ant Hill now stands, where <»nly tiiree families were then livin-,', and from that time, and in this place, the Doctor has continued the practice of me<licine. lie is a self-educated man, l»ui the Missouri Medicjil (\)lle«v at St. Louis granted him a diploma on examination in 1S5!^ and he has also been granted a certificate by the Idinois State li(»ard of Health. He h;is one of the tinest medical libraries in the county, and has done as much ridin;^ and gratuitous practice as any physician in I*ike county. He spent several years in lecturing or. tlie physiolo"}* of the brain, moral philosophy, etc. He has also been an ardtMit and zealous advocate of the temperance cause, and a dev«»uj Sundayschool man, often kvturin;; on both topics. He had the honor in lS7i* of beini^ President of the Pike ('ounty Sunday-School ('onventioti. The D.x*tor «)wns sio acres of land under cultivation, and *2'K> acres of timber, and is lar;rely interest***! in the farming interests of the county. His resilience cost $«;,0(K>. His first wife died in ISOO. who had »» children, 4 now livin«^. The Doctor's second wife was S<»phia Plair. wlu> was born May li, 1836, in this i'ountv. and they have had T) children, 4 of whom are livincr. His present wife is a jjnuluate <»f the Methodist Female ('olle«^i', Jacksonville, and was at the time they were marrie*! tilling the Chair of MathetnAtic« in that institution, althou<rh she was then a memlK»r of the liaptist church, and the «)idy Haptist connected witii the college. The names of his children by his former marriage are .K»el Sujith, who ^railuated at the Ohio Medical (' dlege in ls72, and marrie<l Mollie Wells; Melissa Margaret, marrietl T. J. Shullz; Mary Jane C. marrie<l H. C Moore, and Cornelius John A., who married Miss Dille liower. The names of his children by his present wife are All»ert Joab. William Sherman, and (Marence ('rittenden. Dr. Thomas is a Freemason, and both himself and wife are members of the Baptist Ciiurch. The Doctor's portrait will l>e fouiui in this Inxik.

Kdicirtl B. rf'/wi/*-, deceased, was bi>rn in Pike county, .Mo., in 1S27, and wjis the son of John and liachel Venable, natives of South Carolina; when he was 16 vears of age his parents moved with him to this county; in 184*> he marrie<l F)liza (iresham, who was born in I*^2S in Christian county, Ky.; and of their s children only Louisa is living. Mr. Venable followed farming the most of his life; was in other occupations some. He died Dec. 19, 1879, a member of the Masonic order. During life he was aConstJtble and Justice of the Peace, two terms each. Mrs. V. has a very nice res-' idence in Pleasant Hill, and she and her daughter are members of the Baptist Church.

Harmon Weaver, farmer, sec. 1 ; P. O., Martinsburg; was born in 1816 in Franklin county, O., and is a son of Asa and Lucretia AVeavxT, fatiier a native ot" Connecticut, and mother of Pennsylvania; wlien Harinon was 16 years of age his parents moved with him to DeUiware county, O., and in 1839 they came to this county; they settled in this township in 1851 or 1852. In 1838 Mr. Weaver married Sarah lioberts, who was born in 1820 in Delaware county, O., and 9 of their 10 children are living. Mr. Weaver has been School Director, and has foUovt^ed farming with good success, now owning 280 acres of valuable land. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

Z. T. Wehsier, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born in 1827 in Washington county, Ky., the son of James and Ada Webster, also natives of Kentucky; when he was 8 years old his parents moved with him to Mc Donough count}', 111., and in 1842 to this county, locating on the present homestead. In 1851 he married Margaret Briscoe, who was born in 18::6 in Kentucky, and they had one child, who is now dead. Mrs. B. died in 1852, and Mr. W. married again, in 1854, Margaret J. Davis, who was born in this county in 1830, and they have had 4 children, all now living. Mr. AVebster commenced in life without anything, and by honest industry he has now a comfortable home with 575 acres of good land, 455 of which are on the Mississippi bottom.

G. W. Wells, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born in 1855 in this county, and is a son of Perry and Elizabeth Wells, father a native of Kentucky and mother of Missouri. G. W. received a common-school education, and in 1876 he married Miss Miriam Wel)ster, daughter of Henry and Ellen Webster, who was born in 1858 in this county. Of their 5 children 2 are deceased. As a farmer Mr. Weils has had fair success, now owning 93 acres of bottom land.

Perry Wells, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Pleasant Hill. This gentleman was born in 1814 in Madison county, Ky., the son of liichard and Mary Wells, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Kentucky. When Perry was young his parents moved with him to Missouri; in 1837 he came into this county. In 1840 he married his tirst wife. Miss Elizabeth J. Kerr, a native of Missouri. They had 6 children. Mrs. AV. died in 1862, and he was again married in 1863 (May 5) to Miss Kate Tisler, who was born in 1836 in this county, and they have had 2 children. Mr. Wells commenced in life in very limited circumstances, but he now has 1,2(j0 acres of land. The family are all members of the M. E. church at Stockland.

F. L. Zercnhevg, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., Pleasant Hill. This man was born in 1837 in this county, and is the son of Charles and Christina Zerenberg, natives of (Tcrmany, who came to the United States in 1832, tirst settling in Pennsylvania, afterward (1834) in Pike county, 111. Tiie subject of this notice obtained a commonschool education, and in 1858 he was married to Eliza Venable, who WiW born in 1838 in Pike county, Mo. Tlioy luivo hud two cliihln-n, l)ut one has died. Mr. Z. has lived on tlie present t'urin since 1^G2-. has fulluwt'd fjiiiuiii;^ all his life; hi* now owns 225 acres otVood hi^h hind. In respect to pnl>lic otUco Mr. Z. has been S<'hool Director, lioad CtMnniissioner, Supervisor, Collector ami Assessor. He is a member of the Masonic order.

WlU'mm Zeren^terg, f.inner and stock-rai.ser, sec. 14; was horn in this County Feb. 27, 1>4;'», and is a son of (^harles Zerenberg, decojised, who was well known as an early settler in Piko county. Wm. was reareil on a farm. At the ai^* of 18 he enlisted in Co. C, 10th Mo. Inf., and took part in the battles of (Champion Hills, sie^o of Vicksbur^, Mission Kid;^*, siein> of (^orinth, etc. lie was honorably discharged Aug. 'M, 1>C.4. In 1S(J«» he ni!irrie<l Mary E. Galloway, daughter of J. B, (ialloway, of Pleasant liill tp. Their two cnildrcu art* Laura A. and Francis H.

This is a inagjiificent township, and for agricultural purposes is surpassed by few in the Military Tract. It is what may be properly termed a prairie township. The sight presented to the early settler must have been pleasant as he viewed this beautiful nature's lawn, now thickh' studded with houses, orchards, hedges and. all the insignia of healthy cultivation, before a furrow was struck or anything to disturb the eye nearer than the curling smoke of three or four cabins along the edges of the timber.

The tirst settler in this township after the Indians had been driven Westward, was not a white man, but a colored one. He was known as " Free Frank," and came with his wife and three children to this township, and located on sec. 22, in 1829. He was from Kentucky, and had spent the preceding winter in Greene county. 111. He liad purchased his freedom and that of his family. To conform to the custom of the age the Legislature gave Free Frank a surname, viz: McWorter, and he was always afterward known as Frank McWorter.

After Mr. McWorter had been recognized by the Legislature, in order to conform to the law he must be re-married. Accordingly he and his wife presented themselves for that purpose before Esq. Neeley. When McWorter was asked if he would live with, cherish and support, etc., his wife, he replied, " Why, God bless your soul! I've done that thing for the last 40 years,"

Mr, ^IcWorter was a live, enterprising man, a reputable, worthy citizen, kind, benevolent and honest. He labored hard to free his posterity from the galling yoke of Southern slavery. He not onl}' purchased his own freedom and that of his wife and children, but left provision in his will to buy grandchildren, which was done by his son. He died in 1857 at the ripe old age of 77. His wife died in 1871, at the very advanced age of 99. Many of their descendants are still living in the townshij).

The first white settler to locate in lladley was Joshua Woosle3\ This veteran still resides here, living on his farm, on sec. li>, in the suburbs of Barry. He came in ls,30, cut logs, and built the second house in the township, the first being erected by McWorter. Then came Charles Ilazelrigg, who settled on sec. 33. Dean Peterson located on sec. 36. Then followed Daniel Clingensmith, Reuben Shipman, Anson Gray, Ti^aac Moore. James Duttoii. William

Tlifseearlv pil<;rims often had their inijeniiity taxed to its ntmost in order to perform needed lal)or with the existin«; to(»ls. Necessity l»ein«; tlie mother of invention, they ijenerallv found some practical way t«) do their work. What if it did take more time to perform the lalH)r^ That was of hnt little consecjnence. as time in those early davs was ahnndant. The pioneers did not rush alonir over prairies, throncrli diile and woodhmd at the rate <»f 40 miles an honr, as is <Ione at present. Nor could ihevent ei<'ht an<l ten acr<'s of wheat in a dav; indeed, thev did not have anv of tlie lahor-savinir implements so eomitxtn now. Joshua Woosley relates that in the sprin;^ of lS;il he and Mr. Hradshaw hroke some jirairie ttt;;ether. '1 Ih'V tied up a yoke of oxen to n Ui>r har-share j)low with hiekorv hark, m»t havin;^ (chains sntlieient or any «ither hetter article. The plow needing sliHr|>enin«;, he was compelled t«» ^o to Atlas, a <listance of 20 miles, to have it done. 'I'he char;je for this work was not larjje, however, as he tells ns his total hill for the w<»rk. dinner, drinkf, »'tc., was otdy '* nine-pence" (lii.J ci-nt-'.

-Mr. Woosley usihI the first jfrain cradle in the township, charfjinj; a hnshel of wheat j»er acre for cnttin;;. Thi.x new method of cutting wheat w.is a ijrcal cnriosily to the settlers, many of wlndn came from far and near to see it.

The pioneers did not have a well-st(»ckcd store of provihionsalways at hand. .No, often the last particle of corn meal was '.ised up before another supply was (d»tained. Mills were then far away, and so crowded that oftm cu^tomers had to wait for days helore their turn Would come. .Mr. Woosley telU us that «»n one «»caision sonx* men came tt> stay over ni;^ht with him. It hap]>ene<l that they had no meal prepare*!, hut the hl«»ck was handy, and while his wife was busyiiiif herself in the house, he went out and |M>uiuled up som<' ct»rn with an iron wedj;e. These we ^iv«; a^ ilhihtrations of the many |)rivations and inconveniences under which these i»i<»neer8 were ctMn|H;Iled to live. They were sturdy, hrave-heartotl people thojiuh. and coinjiiered all of these ohstach^s and hroujjht a wild Country under the very highest state of cultivation.

The first chiM born in the township was Jane, daughter of Joshua WtM)sley. She was born in 1>^34, an<I married Milton Denui. Mrs. J.'ino (Jray, wife of Ans«>n (iray, was the first person to die. The first marria;je ceremony was jierformed in uniting A. M. iiobinson ami Miss Mary (iray in wedK»ck. The ceremony was |>erformed by Ksq. Woosley at the house of Anson Gray in 1844.

had great promise, but the raih-oad j)assing it a mile distant, and other towns springing np, has killed it. At present there is not even a postoftice at the place.

Personal Skktchks

In connection with and as a part of the history of the township, we will give personal sketches of the leading and representative people who reside here.

Barton W. Alkire^ whose portrait we |»resent in this volume, was born in Pickaway county, ()., March 4, 1S23. His parents were Geo. and Catharine (Rush) Alkire, natives of Virginia, and of German descent. George Alkire was left an orphan at 10 years of age, and he then found his way to Fleming county, Ky., where he remained until he was 17, and he then went to lloss county, O., and thence to Pickaway county; here, at the age t)f 23, he married Miss Catharine Rush, aged 16; in 1841 they emigrated to this tp., settling on see. 31. and bringing with them four children, - Mary, Rebecca, Barton AV. and Abner, now deceased. They left four children in Ohio, - Wesley J., Lydia, Gideon and Josiah, - who came out the next year. During liis life-time Mr. Geo. Alkire owned and lived on his farm in Iladloy, i)ut left the chai-ge of it to his sotis. He had been a member of the Christian Church ever since he was 17 years old, and for a long period before Jiis death he was a minister of the gospeL He died July 21, 1868, and his surviving widow died April 9, 1873. Barton AV, Alkire, the subject of this sketch, is a farmer and stock-raiser by occupation, liis residence and farm of 140 acres being on sec. 31, lladley tp. lie passed his early years on his father's farm in Ohio, and in this county, obtaining; his education mostly in the schools of Ohio. He has lived on his present ])]ace since 1841, except 1849-50 he was in California, gold-mining, in which he was quite successful. Mr. A. is one of the solid, substantial and representative farmers of Pike county; in politics is a Republican, and has served his township as Collector several terms. He is still a bachelor, his two sisters, Mar}' and Rebecca, keeping house for him. They are very pleasantly situated.

James W. Bowei\ farmer, sec. 27; P. 0., Cool Bank; is a native of Ohio and was born Jan. 25, 1830; was the eldest child of Joseph J^ower, who came to this county in 1S38 and died in the S])ring of 1844. He was educated in the common schools of this county, and in the s]>ring of 1857 married Rebecca Ann Coshon, a native of Indiana, born «Tune 6, 1839. Three of their five childien are living: Rebecca E., born Dec. 18, I860, Sarah Olive, born Aug. 30, 1855, and George Washington, born July 10, 1869. Mr.

Bower inovetl to Bourbon county, Kun., in the fall of 1858 atid retnrntMl in 1803. He is Director of the district in which he lives, HI)*! is a Ropul>Ii(-:in.

Orange ('mm, farmer, sec, 1(5, of Hadley; P (>., Barry: was Iwjrn in Ackworth, Sullivan county, N. II., Feb. 16, l>'»;i, and is the second son of . I esse an«l Lydia Oam. In lh23 he moved to Concord, Lake county, ()., where he was married in 182.'> to Susiin (^arroll, a native of that countv; thev have «» living children. In ISfWJ. Mr. C settleil in this tp. ; has hern a Kepjil»licjin, but is n«»w identitied with the (rreenback party. He owns 4<» acres of valuable land in a good state of cultivation.

G'orgf Cunnlngh/irn, farmer, hcc. '^; P. (>., Barry; uas born in Fayette ciMiiity. Peiin., Auj^. 1^09. In 1>20 he l)e<;an learning the tanner's trade, and in 1830 move<l to Harrison count}', O., where he started a tannery of his ow*n and continued the business for 12 years. His i^randfather. Bariiett ('uniiinijhaui. came from Scotland at a very early day. His father, .losepii H. Cun!:in;;ham, was born in the hous«* where the subject of this sketch was reared. In 1S31 he marrie«l Mary Ann Humphrey, who died .March 3,

1851, leaving 7 children. In April 30, 1878, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Iloyle, a native of Warren county, O., born Feb. 16, 1836. Mr. C. luis been School Director 9 years. In 1866 he came to this county and purchased the farm where he now resides. He is a member of the I. O. of O. F., and is the oldest member in the county. Politically, he is a staunch Democrat.

Jasper Davis, i'?ivn\(i\\ sec. 18; P. O., Barry; was born on his present farm, July 19, 1843. His parents, Wm. and Mary E. Davis were amonii^ the earliest settlers of Pike county. Mr. W. Davis was born in Union county, 111., Oct. 25, 1813, and Mrs. D. was born in Erie county, 0., Oct. 1, 1820; lier maiden name was Bushnell. Her family emi<i;rated to Fulton coimty, Til., and the town in McDonoui^li county that bears the family name was named after her uncle. Dec. 25, 1S76, Mr. J, Davis married Mari^aret Broady, a native of Adams county. 111., born April 15, 1846; they liave one child, Wm. Calvin, born Nov. 25, 1877. Mr. D. is (Commissioner of Public Highways, and politically a Republican.

Johjt, H. Davis, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Barry; was born in Fayeett county, Penn.. June 1, 1835; he assisted his father during summer and attended district school durino: winter, until he was 16 years old; he then came, with his father's family, to this town. John II. is the 9th of 11 children. In 1859 he married Miss Emma Ward, wlio died 4 years after, leaving 2 sons. In Doc, 1865, he married Elizabeth E., daughter of E. D. liose, of Pittsfield, horn Feb. 4, 1839. They have 2 cliildren. Mr. Davis owns 143 acres of valuable land, and it is well improved. He is a Republican, and a Methodist.

Anthony Dell, farmer, sec. 22; P. ()., Cool Bank; was born in Madison Co., 111., Nov. 23, 1841; came with his father to Pittsfield when but 8 years of age; in 1867 married Miss Jane Crone, and they have 3 children. In 1861 he enlisted in the 2d 111. Cavalry, and served to the close of the war. He is a Republican.

Benjamin Dulan, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Bay lis; was born in Ralls count}'. _Mo., in ]\Iarch, 1828; was married in 1848, and has 7 children; in 1863 moved to Adams Co., and to Pike Co. the following March. He is a Republican, and member of the Bajitist Church.

Sqaire Dutcher was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., Sept. 6, 1806. His father, Gideon Dutcher, was a farmer, and Squire assisted him in the summer and went to district school in the winter. At tlie age of 11 his father moved to Chatham Co., N. Y., where lie died, leaving a widow and 10 children, of whom our subject is the 7th. In 1823 or 1824 he moved with his mother's family toRensellaer county, where he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1827 he married Charlotte Winchell, who died in 1837. They had 2 children. In the fall of the same year he married Eliza A. 'i'ownsend, and they liad 3 living children. Mrs. Dutcher died July 29, 1879. JMr. V).''i> oldest son, Charles II., is professor at the South Normal School at Cape Girardeau, Mo. His second son, Al-

'Stephen M. Diif'/i>r, farmer, sec. 28 ; P. ()., Barry; was born in Dutchess county, N. V., April 5, 1810. When he was quite youn<; his parents movc<l to Columbia coutity, N. V., where lie received his education duriiii^ the winter months in a district Bctxxd. During; summer he assisted his nntthcr in the cultivation of the farm until ho was 16 rears of ajje. lie then learned the carpenter atul joiner trmle. In 1n34 he removed to (Mienanijo ct»unty, X. v., where he whs nnirrieil in I'^l'i.'i to Miss Marv Hunt, a native of that countv, Ixirn Mav «», l^ - He workt'd at his trade until 1S45, and then came to this county and purchase«l his prc8- ent farm, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Dutcher have 5 living children. - 3 sons mid 'J dau^jiiters. His son Henry eidisted in InOI in the l»yth Kej(. 1. V., and served to the close of the wjir. II' i- :i ( ireonbacker. and Mjeml>er (»f the Christian Ciiurch.

Vhnrles J . Ford was born «)n sec. IG, lladlev tp., Se|>t. 7, 1S4;5; e<lucnted in the district school ; Dec. 23, \s\\\\, he married Miss Kexiah ('Unnin^ham, daughter of (ioor^p (/unnini^ham, of this tp., and they have 3 chiMren. He owns 80 acres «d' land in a ^ood stati' of cultivation; he is Scluwd Director of this district.

WiUinm A. Gordon, «Iecease<l, was born in Ohio. Feb. 15, 1^17. In early life he assisted his parents on the farm ; in 183^ he came to PIkc county, where he was married in 1844 to Sophia K.,<lau;^hter of James and ElizalK'th Hurbrid^*, a native of Pickaway Co.. O.; was JMirn Jan. 1. 1*^27. They have one son, Janns D., born Oct. 21, l5>.>3, and now married to Mary K. Wike. and who have one chihl, Gertrude. Mr. Gordon died Sept. 20. 1874, a man of sterlin«r worth.

Wdliam (r/'»immer, farmer, sec. 30; P.O.. Harry; born in Boston. Ma.ss..JHn. 8, l5>22; educ;ited in Maiden. Ma*s.; in 184<' he moved to this township, settlinj; on sec. 2. where he has lived up to 4 years ago. In 1S46 he married I^liza Philpot, a native of Englancf. but a resident of Perrv, III. She died in 1866, leavinir one child, ^faria B., now Mrs. I)lako. In Jannary, 1874, he married Mrs. McTnekcr, widow of John McT. In 1851 he was elected Supervisor of lladley and held the office 24 years. In 1867 he married his second wife, Miss Lucy II. Smith, who died in 1872. He is a Republican.

Benj.F. Oray^ l^lacksniith and waj^on and hujriify maTijifacturer, Philadelphia; P. O., Cool 13ank; was born in ISiO in this county, and is a son of Anson and Jane Gray, who came from Ohio to this place in early day. After receivincr a fair public school education and o^rowinoj to manhood, Benj. F. in 1868 married Mary Ann Hall, and by her had one child, Sophia A. Mi's. Gray died in 1869, and Mr. Gray in 1870 married Elizabeth Ann Mellon, who was born in 1848 in Washington county. Pa., and tliey have had 3 children, Lena Mav, Gertrude and N^ina A. Mr. Grav has followed farmino:, but by trade is a blacksmith and manufacturer of wagons and buggies, which business he has followed for a number of years. He was 3 years in the war, in Co. K, 99th 111. Inf. Politically he is a Republican.

Hoioard A. QrayhdeL farmer, sec. 31; P. ()., Barry; was l)orn in Monroe Co., Ind., June 22, 1842; received a common-school education; in 1864 removed to this tp. ; in 1870, in St. Charles Co., Mo., married Miss Mary A. Miller, a native of that county; they liave 2 children, Adella, born Aug. 27, 1872, and Lloyd, Aug. 25. 1879. He owns 80 acres of very valuable land, as fertile as this oounty affords. In politics he is a Democrat.

James M. Green, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Barry; was born in Barry tp., June 13, 1845, the 3d son of 9 children of P. D. S. Green, of Barry tp., and a native of Rensellaer Co., N. Y., who came to this county in early day. James M. took two courses in Lombard University at Galesburg, 111. In 1866 he married Addie M. Hollenbeck, who died Sept. 14, 1870, leaving one child, Nora. In 1874 he married Hannah Tilden, a native of Franklin Co., N. Y., born Sept. 23, 1848. He owns 120 acres of good land, and is a Re])ublican.

D. P. Guss, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Barry; was born in 1841 in Pennsylvania, and is the son of William and Eliza Guss, natives also of the Keystone State, who emigrated to this county when their son was 7 years old, and are still living in this county. D. P. was educated in the common schools here. In 1860 he married Miss Mary J. Lawton, who was born in 1845 in this county, and they have 2 children, Charlie E. and OUie M. From ])overty Mr. Guss has risen to become the owner of a nice home of 160 acres of land worth $35 an acre. He is a Freemason, and in politics is a Democrat.

//. L. JIadsdl, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Barry. This gentleman was born in 1842, in this county, and is a son of N. V. and Elizabeth J. Iladsell, both natives of New York, who came to thib county in 1834, thus being early pioneers here. H. L. obtained a public-school education, and when 19 years of age he enlisted in

Co. I, 28tli 111. Inf., as privato, An^. 'I, IHIl, ami was promoted 2<1 Liciiti'iiaiit in Octohcr, 1^02; in ISfili he was airain juvtiUKted 1st Lieutenant, ami in l'^«i4 lie was promoted (>aptain of Co. F, *2Sl\\ 111. Inf, under Cren. (irant. His first eni^aijement was at IJelmont, Mo.; lie tlien went to Padiicah. tlioii to Fort Henry. Pittsburg Landing, ('orintli, Holly Sprinifs, Vickshunj diirint; the sie«^e, Jacivson (where he en^a<;««d in a hard-tou;:ht hattle), Natehe/, to do provost duty on Hcet»u?it of meritt»rious conduct, where he remained one year; then to New ()rloan>i, then Mohile. While on the waiv to Mid)ile the tro(»ps were shipwrecked, hut no one wa« lost; took a well fortified fort at Mohile Point; then was en:;aj;ed in the siege of Spanish Fort, Ala., which place surrendered after a month's sie^; then he vtjm in the siege of Fort IJlakely, which also surrendered in 18<;4, these itlaces being the key to Mobile, already taken. <ien. Canity took .Mobile, under whose ci>mtnaml Capt. lladscll was at the time; then the Captain with his force was i)rdered to iSrowns ville, Texag, where ho remaitjc»l until his discharge, April 6, ISOfi. lie then returned liome and engaged in farming, which he has followed I'ver since with succe-.s. now owning *Jou acres of laixl worth Jj^tJc per acre. In ls<»(l he marrie«i Miss Adda Paker, who was born in 184ii in Hamilton countv, ()., and they have had 2 children, to wit: Laura M. and I^*«>n \ . The Captain and luB wife are members of the Free-will Baptist (Miurcdi.

and in 1850 ids niotiicr, with a familv of 4 children, emi<:rated to this cojjiitry an«l settled in St. I^tiuis, Mo. In the fall of 1854 .John I), moved to (^uincy. III., and in 1S»51. to Pike Co.. and settU'd on his present farm, which he had purchased some time |»reviouftly. In 1870 he married Annie Shaw, a native of this cotmty, :md they have 3 children, - Thomas, Ida and Alcxan<ier. He is a member <d* the M. F. Church and a Repiiblican.

Alli'-rt E //</y«. farmer, sec. ItJ; P. ()., C<Md Pank ; was born in Franklin county, O., Oct. 27, 1K32. In 1^40 he came with his parents to this county, and in 1804 was married to Margaret Pierce, who die«l in the fall of lSfi7, leaving <»ne child, Wm. In ISTO he marrieil Mabel Norris, and their children are : Lillian, .May, Oscar X., Kate ami Bertie E. Mr. H. owns no acres <»f land, and is a (treeid>acker.

Pula*ki Hays, farmer, sec. 9; P. U., Parry: was Ixtrn in I'rankiin county. ()., April 13, 1S4.5. While yet in his inlancy his parents, Richani ami Catharine Hays came to this county and settled in Hadley tp. In he married Nannie Quarles, and their 2 children arc Harry and Clarence?, lie owns 120 acres of land, and is a Kej)ublican.

Theodore lLnji<^ farmer, sec. P. O., Parry; was born in Franklin county, O., in 1836; came West in 1846, and with his parents settled in this county, where his early educati<jn was obtained. In 1S»>2 he married Miss Marv Johnson and thev iiave 6

Ilarlow Iluntleyy farmer, sec. 10; V. O., Cool Lank; was born in Oueid.i county, N. Y., July 19, 1806; is the eldest of 6 children of Amos and Addie Huntley, early settlers of that county. His grandfather, Amos Huntley, sen., was a revolutionary soldier. ]\Ir. H. emigrated with his ])arents to Alleghany county, N . Y., when he was 3 years old. Here he was raised and educated. He assisted on the farm, and at the age of 20, married Elmira Partridge, a native of Hampshire county, Mass., who died Sept. 19, 1877, leaving: 10 children. He has been a resident of this countv since 184;^; in 1850 was elected Justice of the Peace and held the office till 1877, and is at the present time Treasurer of this tp. During his residence here he has accumulated 1,000 acres of land, which he has divided among his 3 sons. He was raised a Jackson Democrat, but at thebreakino: out of tlie Rebellion he aided lary-elv in the organization of the Republican party, in whose ranks he was found till 1878, since which time he has been a zealous Greenbacker.

George B. KiinhalL farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Barry; was born in Worcester, Norfolk county, Mass., in 1831. At the age of 6 years liis pai'ents, David and Rebecca Kimball, moved to this county, where he was raised and educated. In 1854 he married Mary Osborn, a Tiative of Ohio, born Aug. 10, 1836, and they have 4 sons and 4 daughters. He is a Republican, and owns 170 acres of land.

Francis McCartney^ farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Barry; was born in Ross county, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1811; was raised on a farm and assisted his father until 1832, when he married Eliza Johnson, also a native of Ross county, and was born Aug. 30, 1811. Of their 10 children 5 are livinof. In the fall of 1850 Mr. M. moved to Pike Co., and purchased the beautiful farm on which he now resides. In 1861 his son Charles enlisted in the 99th Reg., and served during the entire war. His son, Milton, enlisted in 1865, and served to the close. Mr. M. is a Democrat.

John R. MeClaln, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Barry; was born in Knox county, Tenn., Nov. 12, 1844; is the youngest of 9 children. In April, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 6th Reg. T. V. I., and served in several of the engagements in Sherman's march to the sea. He was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., in 1865, after which he returned home for a short time, and then moved to near Lexington, Kentucky. In the fall of 1870 he came to this county; in LS71 he married Sarah E. Shaw, daughter of Daniel Shaw, of Derry tp., born ^farcli 13, 1S41. They have 3 children, - Annie E., James D. and May. Mr. McClain is cultivating a valuable farm in Iladley and Derry tps.. is a Republican and a Baptist.

Jacoh Orehaugh, farmer, sec. 6 ; P. O., Barry; was born in Rockingham county, Va., July 17, 1824; at the age of live years he moved with his pai-ents to Highland county, O., where he was

David II. J'atttti, farmer, sec. 14; P, ()., Pavlis; was horn in Belmont county, O,, in 1S4I, Rn<l is the son of David and Kliza Patten, who emi;;rafeil to this conntv al)out 38 years ay;o, and have since dieil. Keeeivini; u eoniinon-schotd eiincation and ^r«)winj; up to mardi(K»d, David 11. in 18G2 married Miss Alice Slates, who was Ixirn in 1847 in this county* and still resides on the old homestead. Their 4 children are Charlie. Lulu, Merton and Harry. -Mr. P. has had p>od suce«ss in farmit);;, now owning V,1iO iieres of first rate laml, well improved. In pidities Mr. P. is a Democrat; is a member of the I. if. < ). F., and Ijoth liinihelf and wife are memlK*rs of tin- .M. K. Church.

WiUitiin A. l*tck, farmer, ijec. Jl; P. O., liarry; \v;i.-« horn in la>sh ctiunty, ()hio. May 27, 1842; cnnic to this county when 5 veurs ojij. In 18U4 was married to Jessie Wilson. a njitive of Scotland. They have 0 children. He is at present School Director, and in politics he is a Democrat.

DiQii I't-termm, fanner, sec. 36; P. i)., Haylis; wah l)orn in 1804. in Salem c<»nntv. Upper IVnn's Neck, N. J., an<I is the S(»n of Robert and ('atliarine Peterbon; his father was a iialive of Delaware ami his mother of New .lersey, lH>th decea>e<]. Iii 1821 his jiarents movinl with him ti» 01ii«» where they remained until 183f>, when they emigrated to this county and settled on sec. 3<», his preseikt residence. The subject of this notice bein^ a pioneer in this section, has had to work very hard, amid many privaticjus; has ha<l to split mils at -_'.'» cents j»er day; by littles he accumulated enouijh ti» enter >0 acres of land, and he now owns 120 acres. Sept. 18, 1834, he marrieil Miss Catharine Troy, who was born in Clermont county, O., and they have had 11 children, 9 (if whom are livini;. Dean first learnetl the shoemaker's trade, but not likiui; that iiusiness, he eni;a<red in farming, havini; had reasonable succesg. He is still a stoiit man for liis years. He has visited the Pacific coast. He has been SujKjrvi.-ior and School Director, and in ^>olitics is a Democrat.

Josiah 11'. JiidiarJs, deceasetl, was lK)rn in Boston, Mass., Nov. 21, 1811. March 3, 1835, he married Margaret Piiillijts, who was lK>rn July l«s Is 1*2. and died Oct. 3, 1849, leaving 3 dautjhters. March 21. Is52. Mr. R. married Esther Garraux. wlio was born Oct. 23. 1^17. and who. bv her first rnarriaire. had one daujrhter.

Mr. und Mrs. Richards luul 3 chihlreii. In l'S?>7 Mr. R. came to Macoiinin Co., 111., where he lived 4 or 5 years, tlien moved to St. Louis, Mo. Dec. 1, 1853, he ai^ain moved to Illinois and settled in this county, where he died Jan. 4, 1866. He was a Repuhlican.

James Rof<sell^ farmer, sec. ^9; P. O., Barry. Mr. R. was horn in 1845 in Pennsylvania; his ])arents were jQse{)hand Aditha Rossell, hoth natives ot Pennsylvania; when he was 6 years of age his })arents emigrated with him to this county, where he obtained a ])nblicschool education and grew to manhood; in 1870 he married Alice M. Ilaycraft, who was born in 1850 in this county. Mr. R. is a farmer, owning 181 acres of No, 1 land, and is now erecting a dwelling at a cost of $3,000. He is also a stock- raiser, and sometimes does something in the line of shipping wheat.

Ira A. Siceet, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 32; P. ()., ]^>arry; was born in Rensellaer county, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1820, and is the eldest son of Ira and Sarah (Hadsell) Sweet, also natives of the Empire State; they first emigrated to Alleghany county, N. Y., in 1837, and tiien in May of the following year to this county, settling in this tp., where in 1844 the parents died, leaving the care of the property with Ira A., the subjept of this sketch; the latter had but limited opportunities for an early education; in this" county, Oct. 30, 1856, he married Miss Martha Hewitt, who was born in Ross county, ()., Sept. 6, 1821; when first married he had about $15.00 worth of property; he no.v owns l^l acres of land, worth $50 per acre. He raises and deals in young cattle and other stock. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion a Baptist. His portrait appears in this volume.

Rohert II. Taylor, farmer, sec. 30; P. ()., New Salem. Mr. T. was born in 1842 in this connty; his parents are Matthew M. and Eliza Taylor, natives of Pennsylvania; was educated in this county, and in 1806 he married Sarah A. Sliarei-, who was born in 1847 in this county. Their 3 children are Jacob E., Jesse A. and Matthew R. Ml'. Taylor is a farmer of considerable note, owning 168 acres of good land, where he raises some stock. Mr. and Mrs. T. are members of the M. E. Church. In ]iolitics iVIr. T. is a Democrat.

Thomas II. Thomas, farmer, sec. 33; P. O., Barry; was born in St. Louis county. Mo., Sept. 15, 1851; is the son of Thomas Thomas, deceased, who came to this county in 1857. He was raised in slavery by Mr. Pernod, who gave him his freedom. Shortly before he came to Illinois he purchased the freedom of his wife, who was also born in slavery in the same neighborhood. Her name was Sophia Patiese. They were married in 1850, and they have 5 living children, the subject of this sketch being the oldest. He was married Dec. 30, 1875, to Dasara Ann Lawson, a native of Natchez, Miss., born Oct. 24, 1850, and they have 2 children. He is a Republican, a Methodist, and owns 320 acres of valuable land.

Ansel Vond, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Cool Bank; was l)orn in Monroe county, N. Y., Oct. 12, 1828; was raised and educated in liis native county. In Nov., 1857, he settled in this county, and

John \Valkei\ fanner, sec. 22; 1'. < (".k»1 Hank; \va^ l»orn a slave in Spottsylvania county, \'a., in IS(»2; was owned hy several masters up to 1S84. when he purchased his own freed«»in fn)m David \'an .\m'for if^.'UM), aftir which.he reiiti-d ifnuind and went to w<irk fur himself Aecordiii;^ to the laws ot' the State at that time, a free ne<^ro was not allowed to remain in the State hut one year; hut throu;;h the iiiHueiice of a friend in the ]..o<;islature, he (d>tHined a pcnnii to remain 3 years, hut he «l<»es not rein»'mln'r whether he staid the lull allotted time «»r n«>t. liy workin;; hard and savin;; inonev he purchasi'd a cheap team, which he sold in lSI»'<and came to Kandolpii county. Mo., with Wm. K Dusen, the man who owned hi^ w iff and children. After comin;; to .Missouri, he had money enou^jfli to purchase Sii acres of land aixi went to raisinpr tohacco, corn and ho;;s. In l«*,5n he purchased the freedom of 2 of hih children, I'l'ti-r and I.^«ttie, an<l in 1H54 lie purchased his wife Lucy and son Ore^itii. IIi^ wife was then 50 years of age and liatl heen a slave all her lifr. ili- son was then alMiiit IS yrjirs of aije. lie paid $1,|00 for hoth. lie afterward piircliaM-*! his dau^fhtor Louise and her 2 children, (diaries and William, '(ot whom he pai<l ^I'dM). In IstSl he owne^l 4(iO acres of land and a c«Misiderahle amount of pergonal property which he s<dd, and came t** this c^uinty and settled on hcc. 22 in this tp., whrre In- has >»ince resi<Ied. tlohn has heen the father of \\\ cliildren, only 3 of whom are livin;;, -Oregon. Archy and IVler. The balance »f his children were all emanci- >ated hy Lincoln'> proclamation. Ilis des<>endants are numerous; e is one of the Wfalthy men of l*jkc county, and has accnmiilated all his property l»y his own honest induhtry. Altiiou;;h wiiolly une<1ucated in the lK)oks. he liaH a nire natural ability; is very liberal in hi^ views, even recognizing the right of slavery; says he his nevt»r n*ceived any crmd treatment from any of his miu'ters. lie is highly resprcteil in his iieighltorho^MJ.

Stfph'H Ik. Watson^ farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Harry; was born in Newport. Herkimer county, N. V., April 2'i. I81I; in ls30 he sett'lfd in Atlas, this county, where, in 1^34, he married Miss Ann Hrown. a native of Ma^sai-husetls. who ditni in Jiiin', 1n7'.». leaving one son and three daughters; three of her children have «lied. Having learnetl the tailor's trade in the Eivst. Mr. Watson contin- U"d in th»' business of merchant tailor in Atla*:. In 1n35 he purchased the beautitiil farm on which he now resides, the cultivation of which he has brougiit to a high degree. Since his location here he has devoted his attention e.vclusivelv to fannin''. He is a Universalist, a Ke{)ublican, and a highly respocte<l meml>er «tf society.

parents moved witli him to Christian county, Ky.; Oct. 30, 1827, he married Margaret Jolinson, dangliter of William Johnson, of that county; she died Sept. 8, 1868, leaving 4 children; six of her children had died, and since her death her youngest daughter has died. In 1828 Mr. W. settled on Sugar Creek, in Sangamon county, 111., and after about 18 montlis he settled on the place where he now resides. Nov. 4, 1869, he married Mrs. Augusta Ann Sidner, widow of John Sidner, of this tp., who was born in Madison county, Ohio, Oct. 2, 1815, and has one daughter i)y her ])revious marriage. Mr. Woosley has been County Commissioner 3 j'cars. Associate Countv Judge 4 years, Sheritl' 2 years, Tp. Assessor and Collector several terms. Justice of the Peace 12 years. Constable 8 years, etc., ecc. ; is now Assessor and Collector. He has held more offices than any other man in the county. lie is the oldest citizen of this tp., and is perhaps as well acquainted with the political history of Pike county as any other citizen.

Soon alter iho arrival of the above i)i«)noers, celtiers bf^^an to pour in so fast that it wjis even then (litKcidt to keep puci- with liu-ir advi-nt, and after the lapse of 4<i years it is impossible to sjK-ak of them in the ^'neral order of their coming. They formed one of the pleiisaiitest communities to be found in the StJitc. The early pilgrims were well-disposed persons. Of thohc uliove mentioiu'd noiif are now living in the ttjwnship except Mr. William Hornback. The descendants of many, liowever, are numerous, atid they are in general of the same disiK>sition as that of their fathers, indy m«»re modernized. It is liardfy t4Mj much to say, that no community in the county excels this in this respect. The present generation is lar^^ely made up of |)eople who were Injrn here, or who have lived here from their childhood, and they have nearly all fallen into the goo^l ways of the pioneers. They are honest, moral, religious, social, economical, are not in debt, have but few, if any paupers, seldom go to law, are generous to each other in misfortune, have no aristocracy, pay their bills, - in fact, form a well-regulate<l,and we might say model, tiommunity.

Here we tind more marked than in any other township alujost, the simplicity and good lial)its »)f the early ^ettlers, uncontaminated by modern degenenite practices. There are no large towns near enough to attract the attention of the younger people, arid accordingly they tind amusement and sociability at home, and grow up I Mirer and better than would be the case were a city in their midst. 3esides this, we wouM mention the faict that the population iias changed less tliaii most others, is made up more of the families and descendants of the first settlers, and is mingled less with foi-eigners than is the case in most places. Fortunately, the foreigners living here are nearly all of the religious, careful, economical class, whose manners and customs are largely in harmony with those of the l>alance of the community.

The family connections of the Hornbacks, Hoskins, Joneses, Pursleys, Taylors, Martins, Feslers, Thomases, etc., etc., form some remarkable circles of relatives, living in good circumstances, moral, many religious, bringing down to the present generation the best qualities of the early pioneers.

To William Ilornback, the only one of the earliest pilgrims now living in the township, we are indebted for the greater part of this sketch. In 1829, whenhe came to this township, there were but 80 voters in Pike county, and only four families in Derry township.

During those early daj'S the Indians were numerous in this neighborhood. It is true the great body of aborigines had been driven westward across the Mississippi, but hundreds lingered around the new settlement, loth to leave the beautiful hunting grounds where they had enjoyed so many happy experiences. They finally became quite troublesome, and annoyed the settlers greatly by their constant stealing. The}' became a great nuisance, and viewing them in this light the settlers determined to rid themselves of them. Accordingly an army was raised to go on an expedition against these pesky natives. It is true it was a small army, numbering only 15 men, but it was a determined one, and consequently was victorious. These men marched out and notified the red-skins to evacuate theircamp and leave the neighborhood. This some of them refused to do. Not wishing to do bodily harm to them if they could be got rid of without, the commander of the little band engraved the image of an Indian's head on a tree, and then William Ilornback and one or two others discharged their guns at this image. This was the signal that the whites would fight, and it had the desired eftect; for the Indians immediately left the neighborhood, and have never more intruded upon the lands of the settlers of this township.

Wild animals, such as the deer, wolf, coon, and the wild turkey, were numerous here in the early settlement of the townshij). There were also some panthers, catamounts, wild cats and lynx found here.

For the pioneers this was literally a land of "milk and honey," especially' the latter. Although they were de])rived of many of the advantages and comforts that are enjoyed by their posterity, yet they had abundance of what is a rare luxury to the latter at the present day. Wild honey and venison were their common, everyday fare. The venison was ])reserved by dr^-ing. Wm. Hornback found a tree within 200 yards of his house, which he cut, and took from it several bucketf'uls of honey on Christmas Day, 1820. Mr. Hornback also tells us that he has shot many turkeys while standing in the door of his house. During the big snow in the win- tur ot" 1830-1, the wild turkeys coiigro^Htrd in such hir^je lumibcrs in Mr. llowtird's corn-tiehl that he luul to call uptm his iiei^hlnirs, aiiu>n>^ whom was Mr. llonihack, to assist him in killii)<^ them, in order to siivf his corn. Miiiiy of those sliiiii^httMvd on the occasitui were thrown jiway, while some were preserved and use<l for food.

As Mr. Iloriildick is the <tldest settler now iivinij in the townehip, we i^ive a hit of his exjKjrience during the memorahle winter ahoveallude<l to, althoHi^h l»efore the l»i>; snow fell. In the fall of 1830 he started on lu»rpehack for Rock Island. When he arrived at Pope creek, however, the weather turned so extremely eold that ho was iti imminent danger of freezing to death. He turned his horse homeward to retrace his 8tC|)S. T«) add to the already great peril in which he was, he was severely attacked with the hilious colic. This, together with the cohl, nearly caused him the loss of his life. It hegan to snow and sleet on tlio 23d of DoeemI)er, which maiie traveling very difHcult atid slavish upon horsee. .Mr. Hornhack arrivinl at (^nincy, on his return, on the evening of Dec. 24. On the following morning the ground was very rough arul the ice so thick that his unsh<xl liorse could hardly travel. Ab it was Christmas and hut one blacksmith shop in Qtiincy. lie could not get his horse shod. The hlacksmith who ran that hho]> was too religious to work on Chri»tmJis. When Mr. Ilornhark aisked him U> shoe his horse he replied that lie never had wt»rked on Christmas and he would be d - d if he ever would. After a hard and tedious dav's iournev Mr. Hornhack arrived at iiome, an<l that night the hig snow l>egan to tall.

Thomas IVoctt-r was the first Justice of the Peace. Tlie tirst death that occurre<I in Derry township was that of James Hornhack. The first marriage was that of Knoch Cooi>cr to Miss Ksther ('oi»per in isii'.i. Miss Cooper was the adopteil daughter of Isaiah C«»oper. The first rhiM lM)rn was to I);iniel !in<i Pauline Howard in 1S27.

The first church building in Uerry was erected in 1854, in Kldara, by the Methodist people. This S<»ciety was organized in the pioneer «iays and worsliijK'<l in scluiol-houses and dwellings prior to this. The first sermon wjis preaciied b>' Kev. Mr. Ho-rard, a Methodist minister, in 182!), at the house of William Ilornuack. In 1830 the renowned I>»ren/o I)ow preached a sermou in the same lH)Use, at which time he baptized William L. and H<»|)eful Hornback, children of William Hornhack, of whom we have sj)oken so frequently in this sketch.

The schocd system of Derry township is excellent, and great interest is manifeste<l by the parents in the education of their children. The tirst school-house w}u» erecteti on sec. 20, in 1^37. At present there are nine school buildings in the township, in which, as a rule, excellent schools are kept.

This beautiful littlu vilhige is situated near the suiumit of a fertile eminenee, overk)okiiig a large tract of undulating laud skirted 1)}' timber on both the north and south. From this locality is preeented to the eye a view as beautiful and inviting as any picture nature offers through this section of country. Standing upon the summit one can behold, either south or east of the village, the beauties of nature and tlie wisdom of a Divine Creator.

The town was founded in 1836 by Nathaniel Winters, and first named Washington. It received its ])resent name in this wise, as related by Escp Underwood, of Barry, but who f >i- many years was a prominent citizen of Eldara. When he was in Mexico, during the war between the United States and that country, he aiid his comrades passed through a beautiful little town called Eldora. From there he wrote a letter back to his home, which was then at the old town of Washino:ton. There beinor anotlier town in the State (Washington. Tazewell county) by the same name, the Postmaster-General notitied the postmaster at this point that the name must be changed. The settlers could think of no suitable name, but when Esq. Underwood's letter came, post-marked Eldora, that name particularly struck their fancy. They, however, mistook the spelling of it slightly, spelling it with an a in the second or middle syllable, instead of an <?, according to the true Spanish. The meanincr of the word is "ii:old." The Postmaster-General was notitied of the change, and since then (1847) it has been known by the beautiful, modified Spanish name of Eldora.

The town now contains about 350 inhabitants. There are located here two dry-goods stores, two grocery stores, one drug store, two shoe shops, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shoj), three c-hurches and one school building. The religious denominations rei)resented here are Methodist Episcopal, Christian, and a new sect known as the Holiness. The Christian con ijr eolation erected a house of worship in 1875, and the Holiness society refitted the old school- house, which they now use as a church.

The M. E. Church building was struck by lightning in June, 1869, and the Christian church received a sti-oke on the morning of -March 26, 1880, damaging it considerably'. There is a theorj^ among some of the citizens that there is a mineral in the ground at tliis point that attracts the current of atmosi)heric electricity, for not oidy these buildings have been struck by lightning, but a barn also received a stroke a few years ago. It took fire and was consumed.

There is a lodge of each of the orders of Freemasons and Odd Fellows in the village. Many (»f the leading citizens throughout the neighborhood are members of these orders.

Ji>hn Brown ^ farmer, sec. 2.'); I*. ().. Ilartfoni; was born in Ohio in 1832. the son of Alexander and Isalndla Browr^, of Irish degecnt; chances for early e<lucatii»n fair; in 1>53 he married Nancy Cheffy, and they had 5 children, 4 of whom are livinir- April 3, 1*^75. he married Anna Ilotkins. He <-ame to Bike county in 1^54. Besides carrying on farming, Mr. Brown als<» deals in stock. Ileowns 80 acres of land. lie is a Democnit, and l>oth himself and wife are meml>ers of the M. K. Church.

Theodore C. Bunkrr. farmer, eec. 28; 1'. ()., Eldara; was born June 26, 1839, in IVnobsct)t county. Me., and in 1859 went t«California; Nov. 19, 186s, lie married Clara Woo<l, of Derry tp., and llien returned to California, and back again to this county in 1870, and has since resided liere. He owns 55 acres of land on sec. 28, wortli $65 per acre; is a member uf the J>aptist Churcli; has been School Director in his district for the last three years, Mr. and Mrs. B. have had 5 children; only three are living^ - Florence, John Frederick, Frank Forest and Theodora B. Mr. B. is a Republican.

Patrick Carney, farmer, residing on the east half of the northeast of sec. 16, was born in Roscommon county, Ireland, and came to America with his father in 1S52 and settled in this tp., where he now resides. Both his parents died in this county, leaving 7 children, 6 of whom are living - Mary, Catharine, Thomas, Ellen, Bridget, Patrick and Margaret. Mr. C. owns 110 acres of land; he raises corn and live-stuck. Is a member of the Catholic Church in Pittstield, and is a Democrat. P. O.. Eldara.