Pike County, Illinois - Chapter 19: The Press, 1880 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 19: The Press

In 1*^4:2 Mr. Michael J. "Moye-s started in Pittstield The Sucker <(7ui I^^irmers Record^ the tirst paper in the county. It was a weekly, and was edited by a very able man. In 1840 it was succeeded by The Free Press, which was established by Z. N. Garbutt, who had, most of the time as ])artner, ^Ir. M. II. Abbott. This was a good paper, having had at its head as much talent probably as any paper in this county has ever had. It was a Whig paper, with strong anti-slavery and temperance inclinations. Mr. iirarbutt retired from it in 1840 and went into other business. A sketch of his life will be found on pages 397-8 of this volume. Some time afterward John G. Xicolay and Mr. Parks had the paper for a time, and then Nicolay alone.

The successor of The Free Press vf do The Pike County Joiniml, established by Daniel B. Bush, jr. (the second), and edited by him until a short time alter the war broke out, when it was sold to liobert McKee, a cousin of the eminent Wm. McKee, of the St. LoJiis Glohe- Democrat, who recently died. In 1868 Messrs. McKee and Wm. A. Grimshawgave thej>aperits j^resent name, TJie Old Flag, which is indeed a very approj)riate one for an organ which so boldly stands up fur the flag of our countr}'. The material of the office was subsequently owned for a time by the County Rejniblican Central Committee, and in turn was run by Wm. II. Patterson and Mr. Ilatcli, by Patterson alone, by Bailey v.V: Reynolds, by Reynolds alone, by Maj. T. W. Jones, and Hnally it was jMirchased by James Criswell in 186S, since which time its circulation has been wonderfully increased, and the pajKT made a grand success. He changed it from a seven to an eight-column j»apt'r. It was edited for a time by Robert Criswell, a sj)icy writer, who is now in the West; since 1874 the gentlemaidy Mr. Gallaher has led in the editorial columns. The Old Flag is a home j)a])er, none of it being printed abroad. He has brouglit to bear a high order of journalism and the wisdom of loiif!^ experience as a journalist, and as a natural conBequence, lias made of The Old 1^ t<iij one of the leadinir Ilt.'|>ui>liean j)aper6 in Central Illinois. Tin; inlluence tor Republican doctrine and principles ttt" thi-' paper has been felt in this county. The party has been rallied and is gaining over its common enemy, the Democratic party, new victories here. Mr. CJallaher's locals are crisp and fresh, and in the-e columns maybe found all the happenings of not only Pittstield and immediate vicinity, but xn all parts of the countr}*. A good job otfice is run in connection witii tlie establishment.

mlclinel J. Noi/e.s, founder of T/w SKoker was born at Landatf, Grafton county, N. II., March 3U, IT'Jl; graduated at college; read law for some time; remored to St. Charles county. Mo.; then to Pike ct>unty, in that State, wjjere he heltl several responsil)le ])ositioiis as Courity and (circuit Clerks, etc. He was a remarkable man, of frank manners, industrious, honest, shrewd, of fair educati<»n, and had an extraordinary memory of names and faces of persons. As a land surveyor, in early life he laid otf land for the Tnite*! Stales fTovernment under contract when largi* surveys were made. After (juitting the paper he retired to a nice large farm, near Pittstit'ld. He dioil in May, ISOS, a leading olHcer in the Masonic fraternity, leaving a widow and several children. Those of the latter now living are: Henry .1.. in the insurance business in PitUtield; .John, at ( Jrimshaw's drug store, in the same place; Mrs. Kmeline .Millh, also in Pittstield; W. II. I)., at Cirthage; Mrs. Harriet Talcott, ()lymj)ia, W. T.; and .Mrs. Annie T. Ilo<lgen, Rooilhojise. III. Ten have died.

Jaiuis G'tlhiher^ the present editor of Th6 Old Fla<j. was born in Castlebur, County .Mayo, Ireland, .July *J3, 1835; came to the United States in 1851, landing at New York city, where, Aug. 1, lS5r», he married .Miss Lizzie McII ugh. daughter of Caj)t. M. A. T. McIIugh. of the CiOth Ii<tyal liille Brigade, British army; she was born at (tibralt^ir. Their children are: .Margaret C, now Mrs. Williams, of New York city, l>orn in 1857; Harry M., born in 18«»; Lizzie M., in 1SC3; and Charles J ., in 1868; tlie last three were lH>rn in S|>ringtield, III. Soon after landing in America Mr. (jallaher located at Bridgeport. Conn., where he learned '- the art preservative " in the office of The Si'indard, At t]\At time a staunch organ of the " silver-pray Whigs.'' He shortly afterward returned to^ow York, whore lie remained until the financial ])anic of 1857, when he came to Illinois, obtaining em[»loynient in thfi Stnte Journal office, at Springfield, and was subse<iuently promoted to the position of associate editor, with Ed. L. Baker as chief, and had this position for ten years. Here he had the good fortune to l>ecome acquainte<l with Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Yates, Dr. Wallace and other prominent leaders, and had his Re[)ubl!canism strengthened. Later lie became connected with the Qui net/ Whig, and in 1874 assumed editorial charge of The Old Fla<jy where he gives entire satisfaction to all his patrons. He has ha<l a large and varied experience in travel and journalism. He has visited Europe several

James C/'isw<lh proprietor of the Old Flu <j, was born in Ireland of Scotch-Irish jtarents. May 7, 1810. His parents, Uobert and Mary (Hamilton) Criswell, brou>;ht him to America at the early age of seven years. They located at Shippensbiirg, Pa., but soon moved to P)Utlor county, of the same State, and bcL'an fiirmiiii;. His father, who was a ^reat deal in j)ublic life, died in ls(57 at the advanced age of 89 years. Our subject remained in Pennsylvania until a few years before the war; he moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he ran a rollini; mill. His mill burned in ISCO, wlicn he went South. At the outbreak of the war he started for the North and experienced great difficulty in making the trip. He brought his children to Pittstield, that they might be wholly out of danger, and receive the benefit of good schools, and then entered the Union army, where he took an active and prominent ])art in suppressing the monster Rebellion. He served as Chief Engineer of the Machinery Department of the army of the Southwest, with rank as Colonel. In lsfi4 he returned to Pittsfield and then went South to Louisiana and opened up a plantation. He met (-ren. Sheri<lan, with whom he was jiersonally actpiainted, who told him that he was heartily glad sucli men as he had come to settle in the South and aid in developing its resources. Mr. C. soon was appointed Commissioner of Elections. At this, however, he was ordered to leave the country, merely on {political grounds, of course. Having influence in the Legislature he had his parish divided, some of his neighbors not being antagonistic to him. He was then apj)ointed Sheriff of the new parish by Gov. AVarmouth, but only accejited the ])osition at the urgent re(|uest of the Governor and many of the citizens of the parish. He appointed two deputies and came to Pittstield after his family, intending to remove them to his new home. While here, however, he received word that both his deputies had been killed. This was not encouraging to his family, and they would not go South. He returned, however, but was driven away by armed and masked Ku Klux, who came to his house to kill him. He was comj)elled to leave to save his life, for they had killed others around him, and he too well knew he would meet with the same fate.

Mr. C. returned to Pittsfield, bought out The Old Flag in 1808, and has since owned it and conducted it with success. His jiresent wife, Hepsie D. Criswell, nee Reed, is a native of Kentucky.

In tracing the ancestry of this staunch organ of the Detnocratic party in this county we find that the first paper was The Pike County Sentinel, which was started in the year 184-5 by T. G. Trumbull and G. W. Smith, the former as editor. Under their regime it flourished until April, 184i>, when it was purchased by Jolin S. Roberts, who changed its name to TJie Pike Countt/ pnion, the first iuiinl)L'r l>v this name l»ein^ is>u('tl Ajiril 25, that ye;ir. In size it was six culuinutj Uy 24- ii»ches, and {)\ih]islie«l at $1.50 a year. In 1851 Mr. Roberts Bold it to M. 11. Ahhott, wlu) on the 30"th of May, 1S57, chanj^ed its name to 77ie Pike County Democrat, ^mca which time it has retained that ?iaiiie. For a short time it was in tlie hands (»t Hrown *fc Frazier, then of Frazier & Me(Tinnis,then of Frazier (liobert F.) aK)ne. Aug. 10, 1865, is the date of the first issue of the paper under the control ot the j)resent proprietor,.!. M. Hush, when its circulation was only 350. Mr. liush by his energy and ability has made of it one <»f the leailing political orijan.s of the State, an<l has increased its circulation largely. It is now an 8 column paper, 27 by 41 inches in si/.e. 1 n 1 it was a 6-eolumn )aper, 24 inches tt> the column; in 1803, probably owing to the lard times produced by the war, it was somewhat reduced in size. This paper has alsvays been issued weekly, anti luis ever been a firm advocate of the prim'iples of the Democratic party, the very first number ot Tk« In ion declaring itself in favor of "State rights and sovtfreignty."

The Dtin^h'rat, which has no '- patent " side, but is all printed at iiome, enj\)ys a liberal advertising patronage and a large circulation. Its locals are abun<lant, fresh and crisp. Its foreign and general news are such as the pul>lic desiri- to become acqiniinted with. Its editi>rial columns are ably managed. The political measures and movenuMits of the day are di.scussed fearlessly, yet ilispa^sionately. The principles of the Deniocratic |)arty are ably advocated, and all otiier measures that its editor believes for the welfare of the general )iul>lic.

The present printing esUiblishment connected with this journal is the largest in the county. It is fitteil with ail the modern conveniences and improvements, among which is a steam-power press. The press was bought al»out 3 years airo. and the engine about I year ago. II. K. Ilanna, nephew of .M. U. Abbott, a former pmprietor, has been foreman for about 12 years. They are prepared here to do job work in nearly ail its branches, and in tlie neatest style. We will now speak personally of the leaditjg e<iitors who have ctmducted this paper.

T. G. TrumhuUs one of the founders of this paper, was an attor ney at law who came from Connecticut, and was a nephew of the c«lebratetl ]»ainter. Col. Trumbull, of Wasiiington's military family. He had, iiowever, but little business at the Bar. In some res|iect8 he was somewhat peculiar. For example, when asked about early rising, he would reply that it was not best to be about until the worM wa-j Well aired bv'the uprising sun. His health was feeble, his instincts were gonth'manlv, his education good, and lie was a man of retiring habit. He died many years ago and was buried in the Pittstield cemetery, leaving no relatives in this vicinity. Gioiye W. Smith went from here to Barry and started The Bamj Enterprise, but scon got to drinking so that he could not control himself, and in Feb., 1801 fell out of a window of the

Planter's House in llaimihal and l)i'ok»-! his nock, lie was a brilliant writer, -indeed, a literary u;enius, and his flashes of wit and rlietoric have seldom been surpassed in local journalism.

John S. Rohei'ta was born in Southern Pennsylvania Nov. 19, 1809; came to this State about the year 1836, stoj»|)iii<; first at Shawneetown; afterward he and his l)rother were at S|)rin<^liel<l and at Jacksonville, and edited a paper tor awhile; also followed farming. He came to Pike county in 1849 and bought The Pike County Sentinel, as above stated. In 1808 he was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for this District, and held the office for a vear or two; was also (-lerk of the Legislature for several sessions, was Supervisor of ^lartinsburg township several terms, and was Justice of the Peace from 18G9 to 1878, when he died, leaving a widow {nee Elizabeth Twiford) and two sotis, - J. Willis lioberts, now Justice of the Peace in Pittstield, and Town Clerk, and Richard D., also a resident of Pittstield.

Milton 11. Ahhott was probably a native of this State; he was married in Alton, III.; in a very early day he and his father published hymn-books, etc., in ^'andalia, then the State capital. For stock he would ride horseback all the way to St. Louis and return. Of course, in such early times and under such difficulties, he could not carry on a \q,x\' extensive business. After assisting on The Free Press, in Pittsffeld, for a time, he went to Coldwater, Mich., where a storm blew down his dwelling, when he returned to Pittstield. He commenced to edit The PlJce County Democrat Oct. 11, 1860. After selling out the paper to Mr. Bush, in 1SC5, he emigrated by wagon to Oregon, finally settling at The Dalles, where he is now publishing TJi^' Dalles Democrat. Since going to that place he nas lost his wife and three daughters. His brothers are not now living, and of his sisters only Mrs. E. J. llanna, of Terre Haute, Ind., is living.

Joseph Merrick Bush, editor and proprietor of The Pike County Democrat, was born Jan. 16, 1822, in Pittsffeld, Berkshire county, Mass.; graduated at Williams College (^[ass.) in 1838, and removed the same fall to Pittsffeld, Pike county. III., where he has ever since resided. He was admitted to the Bar, and in 1S48 he married the daughter of John U, Grimshaw, and devoted the most of his time to farming up to lb65, when he purchased and took the control of the Democrat. He has held the office of State Senator, United States Commissioner for the Southern District of Illinttis, Master in Chancery, President of the Board of Education, Pittsffeld, President Pike County Agricultural Society, and has taken aii active part in all measures looking to the advancement of the public interests. He has four sons, three of whom are grown to manhood, and two, William and J. AL, jr., are connected with him in conducting the Democrat and its job rooms.

Grigg8V1Lle Reflector

The history of foniulinn^ a local nowspapor is almost without exception a story of uiii-oalized hopes, misdirected eliurts and unpaid bills. It is a well-known fact that more failures are recorded in the journalistic profession than in any other. Few are those who attain success in fouiulinn; a country or a city no\vsp:i]>cr. Often it is nut tor want of literary ability, for many who wield an aide pen fail, hut it takes as well a high order of business tact and talent. The successful editor and publisher must necessarily be a shrewd business man. He nnist be a man of business in all that that term imj)lies, for in this tield of labor one will tind a i^reater variety of influences brou«jfht to bear aj^ainst his efforts, difficulties unknown in other branches must be surmounted, the genius of dealing with peo|>le indiscriminatcdy and successfully must be possessed; indeed, >he sucfe^sful editor of to-dav must be u business man as well as a literary scholar.

There are few journals which continue long under their original management, seldtun longer than two years. Not so with the li'-rfertor, however, which continues under the control and man agement of its founder, .Mr. Strother. He came to Griggsville in 1871, atid July 15 of tliat year, 6(;nt forth the tirst number of the Relit'ctor. It was then a seven-column f<ilio, and presented a neat an<l tasteful :ipj)earaiicc. It was received with fav(»r, and consideralde encouragement oHered the edityr. He being a -jiractical printer, was able to take advantage of many influences and soon found his enterprise upon the high rt>ad to success. At the end of the tirst year he had a subscrij»tion list of 40(». This was steadily increased until at present it tiumbers upwanl of 7(>U. The Rifiector is purely a local paper; has no patent side, and in j)olitics and religion is neutral. Pe«>ple take the Rejiector beciitise it is not hamj>ered or circumscrilHMl by party principles or religious creeds. It is free to aj>plaud or condemn, to adv x- ..^' or oj)j)o.se, to build up or tear down, anv measure it believes beneficial and just, or injurious or wrong. Though neutral on political and religious questions, yet he devotes space in its columns to the discussion of Ixjth. Mr. Strother is a veteran in the j)rinting l)usincss, having begun to learn the trade at the early age of 13 years, an<l has continued it without intermission from that day to this. Thus, with practical knowledge of his business, he is enabled the better to superintend and carry it on sjiccossfully. As a writer he is clear, forcible and logical, and has made of the /?<^6C^or an e.xcellent provincial paj)er.

F. K. Strother, editor and proprietor of the Griggsville Reflector, was born in Granville county, X. C, Sept. 30, 1S23; educjited at Raleigh ; cjime to Adams county. 111., in 1^66. and here published the Clayton Sentinel (now the Enterprise) until 1871, when he came to Griggsville and issued the first copy of the Reflector July 15 of that year, which he still publishes, with a circulation ot 850. January 18, 1851, he married Miss B. V. House, and thev have 6 chiMrcii: B. L., Iloinolea, Geneva A., Cava A., S. K. and F. T. Mr. Strother was with Gen. Canby in the South in 18H7-8 ; was Government ])rinter while there, where he remained until the reconstruction of the States. lie lias worked in the printing otHce most of the time since he was 14 years of age,

The Barky Adage

The new.sjjaper history of Barry well exemplifies a general rule cliaracteristic uf the j>rofession of jdurnalisni. Wliiie in most other branches of business the first eflforts at establishment in a new and growing place, are generally successful, in public journalism the charm of talking to the people in print, the social and political influence t<^ be obtained as a stepping-stone to jiower and emolument, and to ease and luxury, tempt the innumerable, impecunious graduates of the printing office to seek some unoccupied field in which to establish themselves and rise. Hence they start out, and for want of the means necessary to run a newspaper a year or two, with but very little pay, they try a new jilace, and thus continue to rove; and it is but a corroboration of this remark to note that all, or nearly all, the newspapers now successfully conducteil in Pike countv are owned and edited bv old residents having some property.

The first attempt to establish a newspaper in Barry was made by Geo. W. Smith, from Pittstield, spoken of on a preceding page. He started The Barry Enterprise, but the office here was discontinued and the material was moved to Louisiana, Mo,. The next move to establish a pa])er here was made by Messrs. Sliatfner & Goldsmith, who published The Barry Weekly Dispatch. The next eff«)rt was made by L. L. Burke, who started The Barry Observer, over "White's store. This was run about a year, the last number being issued in the fall of 1871. In October of this year Mr, John H, Cobb took the same rooms and established The Barry Adage, in spite of the most discouraging obstacles. The people of the community had lost all faith in the newspajier business as a Barry enterprise. Mr. Cobb could find but two men who would pay as much as a year's subscription in advance, and not one who would pay a cent in advance for advertising. At least three-fourths of those who were a])proached on the subject would refuse to pay a cent for the new enterprise, ^lany men would go into a saloon or tobacco store and spend more in a day or two than wouM pay for the paper a whole year, then refuse even a single dime to encourage Mr, Cobb in his laudable enterprise, in whi<;n, too, he finally succeeded. The first number of his paper was issued about Nov. 1, 1871 . In 1878, however, he sold out to Mr. Colgruve, who ran the institution for a.short time. Mr. Cobb, in company with Wm. AVatson, bought back the office and the situation and conducted it together with reasonable success until recently, when Mr. Cobb retired, leav ing Mr. Watson sole editor and proprietor. The jiaper is printed on both sides at the home office, is a weekly, and independent in politics. Price only $^1.00 a year, wliicli is certainly »jiiite reasonable ibra local jtaper. It is not hanipi-red or buiiiui l»y any j)olitieal feiters, but is strictly 8)»eakin<; an t»r<^an of the j>eople, and tor tiie people. While it enjoys a fair advertising patronaije, the merchants and business men of Barrv are not fiillv alive to their best interests when they fail t<» ^ive their lucai paper a hearty and liberal support. Towns must be ailvertised as well as individuals and businesses, and this can only be done through the medium of the j)re88.

There is connected with this paj)era good joli ot!ice. Mr. Cctbl) tried a dailv for a whik', at rittstield, but that city was f(Mind to be too near the laroje cities, which furnish dailies at hand. Williun Watson was born in liarry Feb. 10, 1857, and is a son of .Ion Watson, deceased, an early settler in Pike county. Mr. Watson's future success with The liaiTij A<hi<j' is very jtromising. He is a pleasing writer for a young Juan, ami gives to liarry an e.<- cellent loail paper. -

After T/ie AiUinc had been under way four or live years there was a sheritr's sale of a ] tress, stationery, etc., where Mr. Simeon Fitch was a bidder, and he rather jestingly remarked that he did not want any one to bid against him on tlie press, as he wanted to run a paper in opjtosition to Th* Admje. lie also had a boy whom he wished to learn the art of printing and thought to juirchase the press and material for this j>urpose. This was the exciting cause of many friends encouraging him to go into the business of printing and publishinir a jiaper. Thus encouraged, and having a love for literary labor, he obtained another press and commenced business, issjiing the tirst number of Tlie Unicorn on the 5th of October, ls77. lie subsequently bought the press, which was otfered at the sherifl^s sale. The Unicorn was started as a Republican paper, but it soon espoused the (ireenback cause and changed its name to The Unicom Greenitack. The Unicorn is a 8 column folio and tilled with lowil and general news, discussions upon the ]>olitical. tinancial an«l social issues of the c«>untry that agitate the public mind, and a general miscellany of excellent and instructive reading matter. As al>ove stated it is a Greenback })aj>er, and is one of the leading advocates for the measures and principles of the Greenback party in this section. Tlte Unicorn is also one of the most zealous advocates of temperance and total abstinence from the use of tobacco there is in the country. No smoking is even allowed in the printing office. The motto lieading the newspaper is, -

Mr. Fitch is pre-eminently a poetic editor, often throwing into rhyme the reports of proceedings in the city, and thus he amuses while he teaches and instructs. His paj)er has a much larger cir- cnlatioii tliaii he at first anticipated, and promises to be one of tlie established institutions vt' the city ut" JJarry. Thus, with Ids tenil^erance and anti-tobacco principles and his novel way of rliyinin^ locals, he is enabled to present to his readers a rare, entertaining and elevating class of readinu^ matter. He will not taint the morals of the most saintly, and it <;rievcs him greatly to see so many of his fellow men, and especially the younf]^, ]>olluting themselves by the use of licpiors and tol)acco. It will take him a \ourr time and much earnest work to cliani^e the habits and customs ofthis ]>eople in this respect, and tluit his influence will be felt, is beyond (juestion. No man ever en<;aged in a reformation more desired, and more earnestly and devotedly than Mr. Fitch, and that he may live to see a radical chan<ije in the tilthy and injurious habits so common, we most heartily wish. lie has a most potent enemy, and it will take constant hard battling to conquer it. Afr. Fitch, however, appreciates the magnitude of his labors, yet will use his pen and voice, his influence and purse to save the young and convert those already steeped in the use of liquors and tobacco.

Simeon Fitch, editor and ])roprietor of the Unicorn Greenback, Barry, 111., was born in Delaware county, N. Y"., Dec. 2, 1818, and is a son of Samuel Fitch, deceased; was educated in Franklin, N. Y., and at the age of 21 he commenced teaching school, which \\yofession he followed 10 years, a ])ortion of the time eniraging in farming during the summer season. He emigrated to Pike county in April, 1842, where he has since lived. May 1, 1845, he married Lucinda A. Piper, by whom he had one child, since deceased. Mrs. Fitch died A])ril 24, 1854, and Aug. 3 of the same year Mr. F. married Eliza Kerr, and of the 8 children born to them these 6 are living: Ella, Edward E., Charles S., Owen L., Anna and Mary. Edward attends to the farm, while Owen L. assists his father in tlie ])rinting-office. Ella is a teacher, and is now Mrs. Dr. E. T. Myers, of Farber, Mo.

Milton Beacon

This is one of the leading organs of the Greenback party in Illinois, and wields an influence second to none. This fact is evinced in the interest manifested by the people of Milton and vicinity in this late political movement, and also in the fact that the citizens in this aistrict are uniformly well posted in jtolitical matters. Constant readers of this journal are diiiicult antagonists to contend with in argumentative contests on political questions. Tiiey have been under the instruction of a wise, original and logical tutor, and liave gained much information bearing upon the great ami im- ]»ortant political questions, especially the fiiuinci;d, now before the }nil)lic.

The Beacon, although com})aratively a new ])ul)lication, has proven a grand success under its present able management. During the winter of 1874 - 5 a temj)erance organization known as the Milton Moral Reform Society published a small })aper called the

Miltoii litfomi. This slieet was issued lor the piiipose of setting forth thi' uiiiis uml objects of the order. It was distribiited -gratuitously, Jind was received with much favor by the citizens of the town. The ellect of this small publication was to create a demand for a larger j)aper. After its ^eeond monthly issue Mr. A. (t. Lucas proposed t(» start a five-column folio paper, ])rovidin<jf .the Society Would discontinue the publication of the Jiefitrm^ and turn over the advertising already secured. This proj>osition was accej)ted, and on the 10th of April, 1875, the Milton Jieacon made its appearance. It came forth, however, as a six-column instead of a tive- Ctihimn jtaper, as originally intendid.

The history of all new papers is one of a liard 8tru;^gle for existence; on the whole, however, the lifiron lias been unusually successful. After a lapse <tf three months Mr. Lucas fojind the expenses incident ti> tbiinding a paprr j^reater than he had anticij)ated, and suspensittn was likely to follow. It was the wish of the business men that the paj»er should continue. Acc«»nlin^ly in <»rder to sustain the enterprise, a stock comj)any was formed. This com-

5 )anv consisted of 1*'. .M. (irimes, '1. H. .Morton, ,1. (). IJolin, C. -:. Holin, J. M. Faris, S. Hudson, W. \U^i^, W. I). Mitchell and L. Is'. Hall. Mr. (trimes was chosen President of the company and Mr. Morton, Secretary. J. M. Faris was ajtpointed editor. He forthwith eidar^ed it r«» a seven-column i)aper, and advanced the subscription from JJ^LOO to >* 1.50 per year, aditpted the " i»atent(»utside," and continued its publication until Aj>ril. 1876. On that date the paper was sold to F. M. (irimes, its present editor, who lias since purchased all of the shares except two, which have not yet been olfeied for sale.

Mr. (J rimes entoretl ui)on his new field of lalK>r with considerable enthusiasm. He brouijnt to bcjir in this enterprise a well stored mind, a ready pen, business ai)ility and personal j)opularity, and as a result has obtained a most siijnal s\iccebs. Duriiiij the j)a.'«t year (1879) this j)aper reached a circulation greater than that ever attained by any other j)aper publi.she<l in Pike county, a fact of which its «^ditt)r may well be proud.

Mr. (irimes continued the ftatent side until January, 1877, when he bejfan the printing of the entire jiaper in the office. We will remark in this connection that in point of equipment this office ranks with those much older. It is suj)plied with a lar^e assortment of the l>e>t material and modern conveniences of the preservative art. Mr. (.irimes carries a full line of job-]»rinting material, and executes some tine specitnens in tiiis line.

The Beiicon was started as a neutral paper, |)olitically. But the editor believin<]^duty called him to d(» battle against certain measures which he considered hii^hly detrimental to our common country, and to advocate others which were subservient to national prosperity, he unfurled the standard of the (ireenback party and has since done valiant service in its behalf. He wields a powerful pen. and carries conviction to almost all who will unprejudicedly and candidly follow his argnineiits. As an antaf^onist he is dreaded hy tlie most influe?itial. As an advocate he is i'iinu'st, luitiriiiir iinfj concentrates his unusual ])uWL'rs in behalf ut' the measure or person that he is suj)j)ortin<;. AVe coni;ratulate the people of Milton and vicinity in havinn^ in their midst a paj)er conducted with the ability and enterj)rise of the Beacon.

Frdncis Marion Grunts, editor of the Jiexion, was l)orn in Montezuma townsiiij», A])ril ;iS, 1837. He is the son of James and Nancy (Davis) Grimes, well known early settlers of Pike county. His father was born in County Down, Ireland, Feb. 9, 1789, and liis mother in Warren county, Ky., Feb. 15, 171*7. They were united in marriaijje Nov. 11, IS 13, and came to Montezuma township in 1836. His father died Sept. 19, 1873, and his mother still survives at a ripe old ai^e. Our subject was reared on a farm, and received a ijood common-school education. At the age of 19 he began teachint; school and tauj'lit for 20 consecutive years in the schools of Montezuma and Pearl townships, this count}'. As a teacher he was eminently successful, as attested by the above, and also bv the fact that he never held any other than a first-^rade certiticate. He quit teaching in xVpril, 1876, and took possession of the editorial chair of the Beacon^ which he has so ably filled to the present time. March 17, 1859, he was united in marriage with Sarah p], Colvin, the sixth child of Thomas and Rebecca Colvin, now deceased. To them have been born 6 children, namely, - Albert, Luther, Perry, Henry, Ina and RoUo. Mr. G. has been a member of the Christian Church for 20 years, and a zealous worker in the temperance cause for many years. He now also holds membershi}) in the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Workmen lodges. He formerly voted with the Democratic party, but })aid little attention to politics, believing, however, that the financial question was paramount to all others at the present; has for the j)ast year devoted liis time and enerijies to the interests of the National Greenback party.

Perry I'Aragkaimi

This is one of the eight newspaper publications of Pike county, and like the others, has experienced its ups and downs. It is conceded to be one of the most difficult things known in the business world to establisli a local paper upon a paying basis. It requires more energy, ])atience and perseverance to found one than almostany other business. It is less remunerative, more vexatious, and recpiires the expenditure of greater mental and physical force than other enterprises. Few there are who properly appreciate the labors, the trials and difficulties of a country editor, lie eni(jys none of the advantages, yet he is expected to send forth a sheet that will compare favorably with the large dailies of cities.

Mr. Cobb, the editor of this |)aper, and other editors can aj)preciate the force of these remarks perhaps better than people in general. He recently started the Paratjruph, and has met with fair success. The pjiper is independent ])olitically, reli^iousiy and in evervthini^ else. It is tree to advocate or oppose any measure or view hmu^ht hetbro the puhlic.

// V. Cohh was burn in Cliautauqua county, X. V., Auu^. 20, 1845, and is the son of James and Mary (Hale) Cobb, both natives of the Empire State. His father is of Welsh ancestry, and his mother is a direct descendant of Sir. N[atthe\v ILile. ^fr. C. was united in nuirria«^e Aui;. 12, 1^71, with Elizabeth Purviance. Three children have been borne to them, only one of whom is now living. Mr. C. learned his trade in New York, where he was connected with several papers in the State.

Thk Inuki-Endent I'Kess

This is the latest newspaj)er enterprise of Pike county, and has promise of beeominj; one of the most popular and influential. It tirst greeted the public Dec. 11, 1^7'J, an light-column folio. The typographical ap|>earance of the Pre^/t is neat and tasty. Iiuleed, it wouhi reflect hom»r to older establishe<l offices to send outT such excellent (lualitv of work. 'Tiie /V»v<«otHce is fiirnislu'd all throuirh with the best material and presses, and for meehanical e.vecution the job work <lone at this ollice will compare favorably with that turned out from the larger est^iblishments of the State. Its present editor, A. Hughes, am] its proprietors, Hughes A: Nelson, are thoroughly enterprising newspaper men. an<l that the ])rogress they' have So early ma«le is appreciated by the general ])ublic, is evinced by the unusual success attending their enterprise.

TTie Independent Press, which is published at Griggsville, was founded, as its name implies, as an independent journal so far as })olitics or religion are concerned. Its editor believes he win e.xert a greater influence uiuler that banner than under jmy other. He will not be influenced by party or sect. He advocjites such measures, national, munici|»al, religious and social, as will best subserve the interests of the mass of the community, regardless of any party, cli<pie or individual. As sucli a journal, it deserves, as it has, the patronage of all classes. As the l)etter to set forth the princij>les of this paper, we (lUote from its salutatory a remark or two in reference Xo this jioint. The cdit<tr says : '' The Pr<s8 will not l>e a ]>artisan sheet in accordance with the generally accepted tenets of either of the established political parties. Our politics and religion will be indc}>endent so tar as the paper is concerned." * * *' In our advocacv of measures, be they cosmopolitan or local, we will only be guided by what we conceive to be the right, and will best conserve the true interests of this city, county. State and nation. In the interest of the merchant we shall advocate the best means of develo|>ing trade : in the interests of all we shall, by using every means in our power, tight against rings, monopolies, and every species of fraud that has a tendency to retard or lessen the people's interest."

form, and evinciiii^ the eiitei'i»rise uiul jiublic spirit tlie I^ress has, shoiikl receive the iinclivided 6U]>j)i)rt ot" men of all parties, creeds and opinions. It is not hampered or circumscribed hy ]>artisan princij>le8 of any nature, save truth and probity. The Press is publislied each Thurt.day. Subscription, $l..iO jier year.

Arnold Jlio/hes, editor of tlie Press, is a native of Missouri, grew up attending the common schools. He served an apprenticesliip at the printer's trade in Milwaukee, Wis., and has since devoted himself to his profession with zeal and energy. As a writer he is original, pointed and entertaining. His locals are fresh and crisp, his editorials are able, logical and convincing, and as a business man possesses much ])ractical knowledge. It is our wish, as it is that of the general public, that Messrs. Hughes & Nelson will make a success of their new-born enterprise,

Other Papers

The RadicalioY a brief time was published as the exponent of a sentiment. It was edited with vim, by Charles J. Sellon, who was afterward a vigorous and useful editor of the Illinois State Journal, at Springfield. He enlisted in the Union army, but was discharged on account of deafness. He died a young man, mourned by his family and many friends. He was buried in the grave-yard of St. Stephen's Church, Pittstield, 111.

Miscellaneous

TIk' railroad is coin|):irHtively a new enterprise tu Pike county. In reference to ineiinn of transportation tins county is ^^reatly favored hy nature. Indeed, there h no county in the State to wliieh nature i^ave such ahiimlant and convenient channels of transportati«»n as to Pike. Here are two of the tinebt water cour.ses in America washing its shores, and n<t portion of the county ovor half a day's drive from one of them. Without a railroad many of the northern counties of the State would yet l>e in their native condition. Vet Pike county could, and did, get alonj; verv convenientlv witiiout a railroad.

As early as May, 1860, a railroad was jirojected, principally by Messrs. Stnrne ami Ilatxdi. This road wha known as the Pike County Road, aiid later as th(> IIannil>al and .Naples roa<l. Some ^'radin^ was done, hut the county, at a ;;»'neral election, refused aid, and the project wa.*; abandoned until after the war, when, throu^di the elforts of Judge IIi:,'bee, Scott Wike, James S. Irwin, Hon. AVni. .v. (Triinslmw, W. Steers, of Pittsfield, N[essrs. Brown aiul Wike, of Parry, and Messrs. McWilliams, Ward, Philbrick and others, of Griggsville, the enterprise was revived and pushed to completion.

Originally about $3?>0,000 were expended (»n the old Pike road ; ajul (»f this sum the city of Hannibal furnished as a city $L*00.(>0(), the townships on the line of the road s70,0()0, an<l individuals in Hannibal and Pike county the balance. The money sub>cribed was faithfully expended under the direction of Mr. Starne. the President of the road, and a competent engineer; the war Commenced and the road failed, as did most of the ]»ublic enterprises of the country. It was at that, time in debt to Mr, Clough, one of the enj;ineers, about |ll,000, and upon a suit commenced by him a judgment was rendered against the road for his debt. The friends of the road were anxious that it should not be sacrificed, and wlien it was sold, bid it in in the name of Scott Wike, for $I,039,who transferred the certificate of purchase to the Directors of the old road. Mes.-^rs. A. Starne, B. D. Brown. ( ). M. IIatch,CTeorge Wike, Geo. W. Shields, J. G. Ilelrae. James McWilliams and Scott

Wike; and the Sheriff made tlicm a deed Feb. 12, 1863. They were tlieii iiicorj)oratcd as the llaiiiiilial 6c Naples Railn^ad Coiuaiiy. Mr. Shields was the -Mayor of the city of liaiinibal, and Ir. llehne a large property-holder therCi They were directors of the old road, and were appointed by the City Council to look after the interests of tiie city. The other t^entlonien were directors in the old road and large ])roperty-holders in Pike county.

When the a;;itation incident to the Rebellion had sul)sided and the people again turned to the improvement of their homes and the carrying «.>utot' home enterprises, the completion of this road was urged.

Enthusiastic meetings were held throughout the county in December, 1867. The proposition by the Supervisors to bond the county was defeated by a ]>opular vote Dec. 24, - 2,777 for, to 2,841 against, one of the largest votes ever cast in the county.

At a railroad meeting held at the court-house in Pittstield Dec. 30, 1868, resolutions for jiushing the railroad interests of the county were passed, and a committee appointed, headed by AVm. A. Grimshaw. to " take the requisite steps to carry out the project of railroad connections for Pittstield and Pike coiinty with the Chicago vfe, Alton, or the Pennsylvania Central, or any other roads interested and willing to co-operate with Pittsfield and Pike county."

At the same time there was a project ot' a railroad from Louisiana, Mo., to run west to the Missouri river, headed by Thomas L. Price, then a railroad king in the West.

Ten miles of the Hannibal A: Naples road were completed Feb. 18, 18G9, namely, to Kinderhook, and a banquet and great rejoicing were had on the occasion, in a car at Kinderhook.

in pursuance of an official call a railroad meeting was held at Pittstield, March 8, 1869, with R. A. McClintock Chairman and J. M. Bush Secretary, when Col. A. C. Matthews exj)laiiicd the object of the meeting. A committee was appointed, one fnjui each township represented, to assess the sum of Sl50,000 among the various townships embraced in the call. The meeting passed a resolution indorsing the act of the Legislature providing for the refunding to the several townshii)S and counties, the contracting debts for railroads, the entire taxes on such railroad property, and the excess of all State taxes over the assessment of 1868.

August, 1869, the Ilaunii)al \' Naples road reached a point within 2^ miles of New Salem; reached Griggsvillo in September; railroad completed in October; crossed the Illinois river Jan. 20, 1870; Feb. 11, tinished to Pittstield. At that time a grand free excursion was given, when the following incident occurred: The train being gone about three hours longer than was exj)ected, parties who had been left behind beijan to feel uneasv. One man, whose wife and son were with the excursionists, with his remaining son built a tire near the track; and while waiting with great anxiety for the return of the train, the little bov started toward the track.

The father in his a«j^uny Siiid. " Don't, my son; don't go near the track; I'm atraici some dreadtul accident lias haj»|>ene<l ainl you ami 1 will both he orphans." When the train at last arriveil all safe and sound, there was ojreat rejoicing. The contract for building the railroad from Pittsfield to the 11. & N. road was let July 24, ISOO, to Hon. A. Starne. Work was immediately' begun and before a year had passed trains were running.

After the Hannibal vfc Na|)le8 lload wascomj)leted, it was changed soon after t<» the Tdedo, Wabash & Western Railway, and in ^far('h, 18sO, when the great Wabash line came in possession of the T., P. A: W. Ry. and other lines, it was changed to the Wabash, St. Louis A: I'acitic Railway. About the time of the coujpletion of the II. Si X. roail. other roads were projected. In May, 1s<;h, a line was surveyed from Rushville, via Mt. Sterling to Pittsfield.

In the summer of 1S60 special etiorts were made by the citizeuB of the county to complete the ])rojected railroads, ami at a meeting of the citizens of Pittsfield and S'ewburg townships at Pittstielu, June 17, committees were aj»pointe«| to devise ways and means to raise the amitunt retj^uired ot them, namely, ^.'{2,000. C. P. Chapman was aj>|>ointed Chairman of said committee.

In the spring of 1871, everything pertaining to the railroad interests of the county seemed to be lying dead'or asleep, and the susjMcion of the people In'gan to l)e anuised tiiat the enterprise was abaiuloned, when (ien. Singleton, President of the Quincy, Alton *k St. Louis road, announced that that co»npany were waiting to obtain the right of way through Quincy. This road was s«)on completed, followitig the line of the .Mississippi tVom the northern line of the county to the southern where it crosses the river at Louisiana.

In the spring of ls72 it was ]>n»po8ed to build a road to Perry Springs, contiecting with the Hob-tail to Pitthtiehl. At this time the county of Pike ami the townships of Pittsfield and \ewl»urg had invested |»13:i,'>00 in the Pittsheld branch, with no prospect of dividends; but it was propo8e<l to issue county bonds of $10,000 to $12,000 per mile on the Pittsfield branch, on which the Wabash company should guaranty the interest, thus enabling them to negotiate the bonds at a f;iir rate.

The Quincy, Payson *fc Southeastern nilroad was projected to make a direct line to Pittsfield through Payson, thence nearly directly east to Effingham, to connect for Cincinnati and the East, but nothing definite has been done.

The Chicago, Alton vfc St, Louis ran the " Louisiana," or "Kansas City" branch through the southern townships of this county seven or eight years ago. This was done without local aid from this county, but received lielj) from the city of Louisiana. This is a first-class road, and opened up a most prolific part of Pike county. At this time a railroad bridge was built across the Mississippi at Loiiisiana. Aug. 1, ls71, a magnificent bridge was completed across the same river at Hannibal.

Barry Sny Island Levkk

Alons: the whole of the west side of Pike county there runs a bajou of the !Mississip])i river, named by the early French Ch*nial Ecarte (crooked chniiTiol) hut in Kn<:^lish i^enerally called " Sny," for short, from the French pronunciation of Chenal. This hayou commences in Adams county about 12 miles below Quinc}', and runs southeasterly somewhat parallel with the river, until it ends in, Calhoun county, its channel bein^ generally about midway between the river and the bluffs. The low land drained by this "bayou," "channel," " slough," "creek," etc., as it is variously called, comprises about 1 10.000 acres. This was subject to overflow every spring, and being the most fertile oround in the West, it is very important that it be reclaimed if possible. AV^ithout improvement it is entirely useless, and even a source of malai'ia and sickness.

Consequently, in the year 1870 a movement was set on foot to reclaim this vast tract of rich land by an embankment near the river. To aid in this great enterprise the Legislature passed an act, approved April 24, ISTl, authorizing the issue of bonds, to be paid by special assessments on the lands Ijenefited. To carry out the ])rovisions of this act "The Mississippi Levee Drainage Company " was organized about the first of August, 1871, by a meeting of the citizens of Pike and Adams counties, electing a board of directors, with S. M. Spencer, President, other officers, and a board of commissioners. The citizens also drew up and signed a petition for the appointment of the commissioners according to law, whereupon the Count}' Court (R. M. Atkinson, Judge) appointed Geo. W. Jones, William Dnstin and John G. Wheelock, Commissioners, Mr. Dnstin's place, after his death, being filled l)y P)enjamin F. Westlake. For the construction of the levee they issued bonds, bearing interest at 10 j)er cent., and they were sold mostly in the Eastern markets, some in Detroit, Mich., the interest payable annually. Accordingly the levee was constructed in 1872-4, at a cost of about $650,000.

But the manner of collecting assessments authorized by this act was called in question by a case brought up to the Sujireme Court from the Wabash river, where similar work was being done, and the Court decided that feature of the act to be unconstitutional. A similar case went up to that tribunal from this county, and the Court re-affirmed its former decision. It was then thought expedient to procure an amendment to the State Constitution; the necessary resolution was submitted to the ]>eople by the 30th General Assembly, and it was adoj)ted by an overwhelming majority. Thereupon another act was passed by the 31st General Assembly, to make the law conform to the constitution as amended, anti under this act the owners of lands on the Sny bottom proposed to construct a drainage district to be known as " The Sny Island Levee Drainage District.*'

Tlie levee, as at first pntjocted, was coinjilottMl, as Itofore 6tatc<l, but it has proveil wholly insiitlicient, as the Mississijipi llood, aided l)y hi<^h winds, in April, 187G, l)r(»ke through the eiiibuiikiueiit, and all the low land was inundated, destroyinj; crops, oarryin<^ away fences, and driving; out the inhabitants. No one, however, was drowned, but plantin<^ was retarded. The l>reaches were soon repaireil, but more lately a new company has been ort^anized to imj)rove the levee and make it perfect, tlmt is, capable of ])rotectin«; the bottom land against such a hii;h water as there was in 1851.

This levee is by far the largest above \'icksburg, bein»( aliout .'i2 miles in length, comnjencing on a sand ridge in Adams county, and e.xtemling into Calhoun county. It is constructed of the saiulv Soil along its line, and readily becomes sodded and overgrown with willow and other small i,a<>wth. The streams which f(»rmerly emjftied intcj the Mississipjii n«»w lind their way into Hay creek, and then into Hamburg bay, in Calhoun county. A few farms were ojuned in the bottom before the construction «)f the levee, but sinc't' that work was completed the land is becoming ])rett,y well coveri'tl with farms, occupied by a good, indu>trious class of citizens. The time may come wiien the dwellers in this land will beconie a power in the county.

We desire here to state to the j)ublic. with .>ome em|ihasi.>, that neither the countv nor any municipality in the same is in any manner liable \'ov the bonds issued in aid of the construction of this levee. Neither the State, county nor towns took any part in the issue of the bonds, or in the construction of the work. The enterprise wa^ a |>rivate one, and the fact that the bonds are not jtaid reflects on no one. The law under which they were issued was declared unc«)nstitutional, and in such cases the bonds must fall with the law.

On the completior) of the levee the source of water 8U])ply for the Kockport mills, situated on the Sny, was of course mostly cut off. Conse(|uently, about Sept. 15, 1S74. the proprietors of the mills, Messrs. Shaw S: Rupert, hired parlies in St. Louis t(» come up and cut the levee, having been a<ivised that they h:ul lawful authoritv to "abate the nuisance" bv their own act. (Jreat e.vcitement was occasi«)ne<l by this transaction, and during the ensuing litigation the mill j)roprietors obtained a mandamus for opening the Siiv; but a settlement was H nal I v effected bv a compromise witli the drainage company, the latter paying the former ^30,000. The mill, however, was subsequently destroyed by lire.

tViiit and berries not included al)ove or in orclnird, S.") acres, value $22'.); otiier crops not named above, 1,1».')0 acres, value $0,437. Pasture, not includinj» wood land, 33,228 acres; wood land, ncjt included as pasture, 87,371 ; uncultivated land not included as wood land or ])asture, 00,50') acres. Area in city and town real estate not included al)()ve, l,0»t5 acres. Nunil)er of slieo|) killed by do^s, 791, averai^e value j»er iiead $2.(>7; number of pounds of wool sheared, 49,009; number of fat sheep sold 2,378, averaeje weiji^ht per head 99 [tuunds; number of cows kej)t 0,002; ])()unds butter sold 78,430; pounds of cheese sold 325; "i^allons of cream s<dd 10; gallons of milk soUl s,538; number of fat cattle sold 4,747; average gross weight 1,002 pounds; number of fat hogs sold 35,947; average weight jier head 23.'t; number of h<»gs and pigs died (»f cholera 30,259; average weight per lieail 70 pounds. Number of bushels timothy seed prtttluced, 510; of clover seed 977; of Hungarian and millet 33; number of pounds of granes 01,715.

In 1878 the agricultural returns (»f Pike county, were as follows: C(»rn, 74.552 acres, and 2,:'.14,20!» l)ushels; winter wheat, S(i, 800 acres and l,o92,725 bu>hels: sj)ring wheat, 00 acres, 108 bushels; oats, 5,050 acres, 136,4;{3 bushels; rye, GO acres, 338 bushels; buckwheat, 19 acres, 217 bushels; castor beans, 1 acre, 4 l)ushels ; beans, 10 acres, 67 l>ushels ; |>eas, 1<» acres, 014 bushels; Irish j>otatoes, 511 acres, 34,08^ bushel>; .sweet potatoes, 10 acres, 420 bushels; apj)lo orchani, 4,290 acres, fruit r»0,S47 bushels; peach orchanl, 49 acres, 1,085 bushels; pear orchard, 1 acre. Id busliels; tobacco, 1 I acres, 5,500 pounds; bn»om-oorn, 19 acres, 10.<»OO poumis; timothy meadow, 13,390 acres, 17,2t>8 tons of hay j>roduced; clover meadow, 4,(516 acres, tons; prairie meadow, 33 acres, 29 tons of hay; Ilungjirian and millet, 05 acres, 74 tons; sorglx), 152 acres, 11,017 gallons of syrup made; vineyard, 71 acres, 958 gallons of wine made; turnips and other root crops, I09 acres, value of crop raised, $l,o;»4; otiier fruits and b;^?rries, not include<l in above and orchard, 58 acres; value of croj)s, $734; other crops not named above, 2,284 acres; value of crops, $4,50O; pjusture, not including wood land. 33,773 acres; wood land, not included as pasture. (55,044 acres; uncultivated land, not included as wood land or psisture, 20,340 acres. Number of sheep killed by dogs, 958; average value per head, $1."^3, total value, $1,755; nujnber of pounds of wool shorn, 47,0^3; numl)er of fat sheep sold, 1,389; average weight per head, 7<> pounds; number of cows kept, 2,891; pounds of butter sold, 30,941 ; ])ound6 of cheese sold, 725; gallons of cream S(dd, 190; gallons ot milk sold, 10,288; number of fat wittle sold, 3,965, average weight per head, pounds; total, 3,745.527 ])ounds; hogs, number sold, 30,578; average weight per head, 240 pounds; total, 8,670,516 p()unds; number of hogs and pigs died of cholera, 30,^11; average weight ]>er head, 35 pounds; total number of pounds, l,07o,9'»l. Number of bushels of timothy seed produced, 265; clover seed, 1.827 l»ushels; Hungarian and millet seed, 33 bushels; number of pounds of grapes, 48,300.

On the ne.xt page is triveii a table of distances between all the towns ut'tliis ('oiinty, in a eondenstMl and available t'urni. The names of the j)laceo are ^iven in alphabetical order (^except one in each), and the table is arrani;ed like the nuiltijdication tables of the ohl arithmetics of onr school days in ]»ionecr times. Therefore, to tind the distance from any one |)lace to an<»ther, yon trace tiie Column of ti<;ures rnnnin<; out from each until they meet; tlie number at that jioint is the nnmber (»f miles by wai^on rt)ad,C(»iintingon a level, as surveyors of land do, between the two desijrnated j)oints.

The " Pike Citiinty Ai^rii-ulturul Society" was organized ^larch IG, 1852, lit Pittslield/ D. P>. Hush was called to the chair and Henry T. Mudd was chosen SecretaiT. A constitution was adopted, under whirh Michael J. Noyee was elected the tirst President. In June followin^j resolutions were passed ur^iiiLT upon the Le<:^islature of the State the necessitv ot" encouraijini; aj^riculture, and of establishin"; Agricultural Schools, and rcconiniendini; that model farms be immediatelv juirchased or reserved from eale out of the lands ^iven to the State, on which these scIkioIs should l)eestabh'shed, etc.

In order to avail themselves of the benelit of the act of Js71 concerning tlie re-organization of County Agricultural Societies, in conformity to an act to create a Deitartment of Agriculture, the name of the socictv was chani'cd to " The Pike Countv Airiieultura! P>oard," electing E. M. Seeley, President, and W. 11. Johnston, Secretary, and other ofticers.

Tiiis organization has held a fair even' year since its formation. It tirst enclosed and furnished a fair gnuind in 1^58. Before tliat the fairs were held in the open wootls, when no admission fee could be cliarged. Exj)enscg were defrayed l)y subscriptions. All the fairs have Ixmu held at Pittstield j'xcept one, which was at Griggsville. The ground is just soutli of Pittsfield, and com])ri8es nearly 25 acres. It is a fine enclosure.

The ofHcers for 187}* were: Allen C. Rush, President ; Jolin AViiittleton, Vice-President; J. 11. Cmiie, S«'cretary; S. Origsby, Treasurer. Hirectors - C. li. Dustin, Frank Zerenl)erg. Allen C. Kush, N. 1'. Hart. Wm. P.. Wills, Dan P.ates, George' Watson, E. N. French and Henry Hall.

The courts recognize two kinds of law, Statute and Common. Statute law is that which is enacted by the Legislature. Comniou law consists of all the law of England, - whether Statute, or Common, which was in force in that country at the time of our independence, and recognized by our courts, and which has not since been repealed or disused.

We have what is called established law. For this branch of common law there is no authority excepting the decisions of the courts; hence the value of the re])orted decisions which are published by official reporters. The law presumes tliat every body is acquainted with it. Mistakes of fact can be corrected l)y the courts, but not mistakes of law, no man being permitted to take advantage of a mistake of tlie law, either to enforce a right, or avoid an obligation ; for it would be dangerous and unwise to encourage ignorance of the law, by permitting a party to ])rofit, or to escape, by his ignorance. One is required at his peril to know the law of his own country.

Jurisdiction Of Courts

Justices have jurisdiction in all civil cases on contracts for the recovery of moneys for damages, for injury to real property, or taking, detaining, or injuring personal property; for rent; for all cases to recover damages done to real or personal property, by railroad companies; in actions of replevin; of actions for damages for fraud; in the sale, purchase, or exchange of personal property, when the amount claimed as due is not over $200. They have also jurisdiction in all cases for violation of the ordinances of cities, towns, or villages. A justice of the peace may orally order an officer or a private person, to arrest any one committing, or attempting to commit a criminal offense. He also, upon complaint, can issue his warrant for the arrest of any person accused of having committed a crime, and have him brought before him for examination.

Have jurisdiction in all inattera of probate (except in counties havin«^ a population of one lunulred thousand or over), settlement of estates of deceased persons, appointment of guardians and conservators, and settlements of their accounts; all matters relating to apprentices; proceedings for the collection of taxes and asscsments, and in prucecdings of executors, administrators, guardians, and conservators, fur the sale of real estate. In law cases, they have concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts in all cjises where justices of the p.*acc now have, or hereafter may have, jurisdiction when the amount claimed shall not exceed $1,000; and in all criminal otfenses, where the punishment is not imprisonment in the penitentiary or death, and in all cases of ftpi)ealsfrom justices of i)eace and ])olice magistrates, except when the county judge is sitting as a justice of the peace.

The commissioners of highways in the different towns, have the caro and sujHjrintendence of highways, and bridges therein. They have the power to lay out, vacate, regulate and repair all roads, build and repair i)ridges, and divide their resjMJctive towns into a& many road districts as they shall think convenient. This is to bo done annually, and ten days before the annual town meeting. In addition to the above, it is their duty to erect and keep in repairs at the forks orcros6ing-j)lace of the most important roads, post and guide-boards, with j)lain inscriptions, giving directitnis and distiinces to the most noted places to which such roa Is m:iy lead; also to make provisions V) ]>revent thistles, l)urdock, cockle-burs, mustard, yellow dock, Indian mallow, and jimson w^jed from seeding, and to extirpate the same as far as practicable, and to prevent all rank growth of vegetation on the public highways, so far as the same may obstruct ]>ublic travel; and it is in their discretion to erect watering places for public use, for watering teams at such points as may be deemed advisable. Every able-bodiefl male inhal)- itant, being above the age of twenty-one years, and under fifty, excepting paupers, idiots, lunatics, trustees of schools and school directors, and such others as are exempt by law, are required to labor on highways in their respective road districts, not less than one» nor more than three days in eacli year. Three days' notice must be given by the overseer, of the time aiul phice lie reijuires such road hibor to be done. The labor must be jierformed in the road district in which the person resides. Any person may commute for such labor by paying the equivalent in money. Any person liable for work on highways, who has been assessed two days or more, and has not commuted, may be required to furnish team, or a cart, wagon or plow, with a pair of horses or oxen and a man to manage them, for which he will be entitled to two days' work. Eight hours? is a days' work on the roads and there is a penalty of twenty-five cents an hour against any person or substitute who shall neglect or refuse to perform. Any person remaining idle, or does not work laithfullv, or hinders others from doinir so, forfeits to the town $2. Every person assessed and duly notified, who has not commuted, and refuses or neglectslo appear, shall forfeit to the town for every day's refusal or neglect, the sum of $2; if he was required to furnish a team, Carriage, man or implements, and neglects or refuses to comply, he is liable to the following fines: 1st, For wholly failing to comply, $-1 each day; 2d, For omitting to furnish a man to manage team, $2 each day; 3d, For omitting to furnish a pair of horses or oxen, $1.50 each day; 4th, For omitting to furnish a wagon, carter plow, 75 cents each day. The commissioners estimate and assess the highway labor and road tax. The road tax on real and personal property can not exceed forty cents on each hundred dollars' worth. The labor or road tax in villages, towns or cities, is paid over to the corporate authorities of such, for the improvement of streets, roads and bridges within their limits.

The legal voters of townships, in counties under township organization may, by a majority vote, at their annual town meeting, order that the road tax may be collected in money only.

Ocerseers. - Their duties are to repair and keej) in order the highways in their districts; to warn persons to work out their road tax at such time and place as they think proper; to collect fines and commutation money, and execute all lawful orders of the commissioners of highways; also make list, within sixteen days after their election, of the names of all inhabitants in his road district, liable to work on liighways. For refusal to perform any of his duties he is liable to a tine of $10.

As all township and county otticers arelaniiliar with their duties, it is licrc intended only to give the points of law with which the public should be taniiliar. The manner of layinf]^ out, altering:, or vacating roads, etc., will not be here stated, as it would roijuire more space than can be spared in a work like this. It is sutiicient to state that the first step is by petition, addressed to the commissioners, setting out what is prayed for, giving the names of the owners of the lands, if known (if not known, so state), over which the road is to pass, giving the general course, its place of beginning, and where it terminates. It rcijuires not less than twelve freeholders residing within three miles of the road, who sliall sign the petition. Public roads must not be less than fifty, nor more than sixty feet wide. Roads not exceeding two miles in length, if petitioned for, may be laid out not less than forty feet wide. Private roads for private antl public use may be laid out three rods wide, on i)ctition of the j)erson directly interested; the damagt; occasioneil thereby shall l>e paid by the premises benelited theivby, and before the road is oj)ennd. If not opened in two years, the order shall bo considered recinded. Commissioners in their discretion may ])ermit persons who live on or liavc private roads, to work out their road tax thereon. Pu!)lic rt>ad.s must be o|)ened in five years from date of tiling order of location, or Ihj <leemed vacated.

The t«iwn assessor and commissioners of highways shall be fence viewers in their res|)ective towns in counties under township organization. In other counties, the county board appoints three in each precinct, annually.

A lawful fence is four ami one-half feet high and in good-repair, consisting of rails, timbers, boards, stones, hedges, or any other material the fence viewers may deem sufficient. The electors at any annual town meeting may determine what shall constitute a legal fence in the town.

Division fences shall be made and maintaine*! in just proportion by the adjoining owners, except where the owner shall choose to let his land lie open; but after a division fence has been built by mutual agreement or otherwise, it shall not be lawful for either party to remove his part of said fence, so long as he may crop or use such lands for tarm ]>urposes, or without giving the other party one year's notice in writing, of his intention to move his portion of the fence, Adjoinin<,'uwners should cndeavur, if jjossible, mutually to agree as to the |)ruportion that each shall maintain of the division fence between their adjoining lands; and the agreement should be reduced to writing, each party taking a copy. When any person shall enclose his land upon the enclosure of another, he shall refund the owner of the adjoining lands a just proportion of the value at that time of such fence. The value of such fence, and the proportion thereof to be paid by such person, and the proportion of the division fence to be made and maintained by him, in case of his inclosing his land, shall be determined by two fence viewers of the town. Such fence viewers have power to settle all disputes between owners as to fences built or to be built, as well as concerning repairs to be made. Each party chooses one of the viewers, but if the other party neglects, after eight days' notice in writing, to make his choice, then the other party may select both. It is sntticientto notify the tenant, or party in possession, when the owner is ijot a resident of the town in which such fences ^re situated. The two fence viewers chosen, after viewing the premises, shall hear the statements of the parties. In case they can't agree, they shall select another fence viewer to act with them, and the decision of any two of them sliall be tinal. The decision must be reduced to writing, and should plainly set out a description of the fence and all matters settled by them, and must be filed in the office of the town clerk.

If any person who is liable to contribute to the erection or reparation of a division fence, shall neglect or refuse to make or repair his proportion of such fence, the party injured, after giving sixty days' notice, in writing, that a new fence should be erected, or ten days' notice, in writing, that the repair of such fence is necessary, may make or repair the same at the expense of the party so neglecting or refusing, to be recovered from him with costs of suit; and the party so neglecting or refusing, after notice in writing, shall be liable to the })arty injured for all damages which shall thereby accrue, to be determined by any two fence viewers. "When a person shall conclude to remove his part of the division fence and let his land lie open, and having given the year's notice re<[uired, the adjoining owner may cause the value of said fence to be ascertained by fence viewers as before provided; and on payment or tender of the amount of such valuation to the owner, it shall prevent the removal.

Where a fence has heen built on the land of another through mistake, the owner may enter ui)on such j)remise.s and remove his fence and material within six months after the division line has been ascertained. Where the material to i»uild such a fence has been taken from the land on which it was built, then before it can be removed, the person claiming must tirst ))ay for such materiah to the owner of the land from which it was taken; nor shall such a fence \)C removed at a time when the removal will throw oj)en or expose the crops ol the other party; a reasonable time must be given beyond the six months to remove crops.

The comjK-'nsation of fence viewers is one dollar and fifty cents a day each, to be paid in the first instance by the jtarty calling them; but in the end'ull expenses, including am<»unt charged by the fence viewers, must be pai<l 0(jually by the parties, except in cases where a party neglects or refusi's to make «)r ujaintain a just proportion of a division fence, when the ])arty in di'fault shall pay them.

Whenever one or more owners or occupants of land desire to eon- Btruct a drain or ditch, tiirough another man's land, the right can be had only under legislative authority, or is granted or exists by prescription or by consent of the owner.

Dripping water from one house u|>on another can be allowed only where the owner has acquire*! the right by grant or prescription; and no one has a right to construct his iiousc so as to let the water drip over his neigiilx)r's land.

Where stock of any kind breaks into any person's inclosure, the fence being good and sullicient, the owner is liable tor the damage done; but where the damage is done by stock running at large, contrary to law, the owner is liable where there is not such a fence. Where stock is found trespassing on the inclosure of another as aforesaid, the owner or occupier of the premises may take possession of such stock and keep the same until damages, with reasona]>le charges for keeping and feeding, and all costs of suit, are ])aid. Any person tiiking or rescuing such stock so held, without Ins consent, shall be liable to a tine of not less than three nor more than five dollars for each animal rescued, to be recovered bv suit before a justice of the peace, for the use of the school fund. Within twenty-four liours after taking such animal into his possession, the person taking it up must give notice of the fact to the owner, if known; or if unknown, notice must be posted in some public place near the premises.

Stray animals arc those whose owner is unknown, any beasts, not wild, found on one's premises, and not owned by the occupant. Any animals found straying at any time during the year, in counties where such animals are not allowed to run at large, or between the last day of October and the loth day of April in other counties, the owner being unknown, may be taken up as estrays. A party who wishes to detain property as an estray, must show an exact compliance with the law. In order to vest the property of the stray in him, such acts must appear in detail on the record.

No person not a householder in the county where the estray is found can lawfully take up an estray, and then only upon or al)0ut his farm or place of residence. Estrays should not be used before -advertised, except animals giving milk, which may be milked for their benefit. Notices must be posted up within five days in three, of the most public places in the town or precinct in which the estray was found, giving the residence of the taker-up, and a particular description of the estray, its age, color, and marks natural and artificial, and stating before what justice of the peace in such town or precinct, and at what time, not less than ten nor more than fifteen days from the time of posting such notices, he will apply to have the estray apprised. If the owner of an estray shall not have appeared and proved ownership and taken the same away, first paying the taker-up his reasonable charges for taking up, keejMug, and advertising the same, the taker-up shall appear 1)efore tlie justice mentioned in above notice, and make an affidavit as required by law. All subsequent proceedings are before the justice who is familiar therewith; therefore we omit them here.

Any person taking up an estray at any other place than about or upon his farm or residence, or without complying with the law, shall forfeit and \)a.y a fine of ten dollars with costs. Ordinary diligt-nce is recjuired in taking care of estrays, but in case they die or get away, the taker-up is not liable for the same.

If a man finds estrays in his field lie is not bound to retain them for the owner, but may drive them off into the highway without being liable to an action. But a })ers«tn who chases a horse out of his field with a large fierce dog, commits an unlawful act, and is liable for any injury which the act occasions. A person who takes anestray to keep for the owner, but does not ])ursuc the course prescribed by statute, is not liable to an action unless he uses the same or refuses to deliver it on demand. Hiding a horse to discover the owner is not " use."

Are animals of a domestic nature. Tudcr the age of four years they arc called colts. A borrower of ahorse is liable for negligence, misuse, or gross want of skill in use. The lender is liable in case the animal lent is unfit or dangerous, as lie thus may occasion injury. The animal should be used only for the purpose and to the e.xtent stipulated, and not by a servant.

If he dies from disease, or is killed by inevitable acciilent, the borrower is not liable. Defects whicli are manifest, o|>en and jtlain to an oixlinarv observer, and those also which are known to the buver, are not usually covered by a general warranty. The former requires no skill to discover them, and the latter nniy be objected to or acquiesced in at the time of the purchase. In the cjvse of Uitcnt defects existing in such a condition that the}* could not be detected by tlie buyer, and are known to the seller, who fails to disclose them to the buyer, the latter practices a constructive fraud, unless the aninuil is sold " with all faults." \\y consenting to purchase the liorse '' with all faults," the purchaser takes upon himself the risk of latent or secret defects, and calculates the ])rice accordingly. But even this kind of a purchase would be voidable if the seller liad jMirposely, and to deceive the purchaser, covered, filled up, patched, pla^itered, or otherwise practiced fraud to conceal any defects, and he would be liable.

Hiring out a horse and carriage to perf«»rm a particular journey, carries with it the warranty of the person letting the horse and carriage, that each of them is tit and competent for such journey; but, if a horse is hired for one purpose, and is used for another and is injured, the hirer is liable for the damage sustained. The hirer is in all crises answerable for ordinary neglect. If he uses the hired horse as a prudent man would his own, he is not liable fur any damage whicli tlie horse may receive. It', however, he keeps the hired horse after a stipulated time, or uses it dili'crently from his agreement, he is in any event liable. If the hirer sells the horse, the owner may recover its value of the ])urchaser, though the y)urchaser had in good faith given the hirer full value for it, as the hirer could give no better title than he had himself.

Mischievous animals render their owners liable when known to them to be so, and they are responsible for tlie damage they may do when they permit them to go at large. Any person mayjuslity the killing of ferocious animals.

Owners of cattle, horses, hogs, shee}) or goats, may have one earmark and one brand, which shall be different from his neighbors', and may be recorded by the county clerk of the county in which such property is kejit. The fee for such record is fifteen cents. The record of such shall be open to examination free of charge. In cases of disputes as to marks or brands, such record is />;-«/// a yi/c^'e evidence. Owners of cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or goats, that may have been branded by former owners, may be rebranded in presence of one or more of his neighbors, who shall certify to the facts of the marking or branding being done, when done, and in what brandor mark they were re-branded or re-marked, which certificate may also be recorded as before stated.

Articles Of Agreement

An agreement is virtually a contract by which a certain person (or persons) agrees or contracts to perform certain duties within a specified time. Good business men always reduce an agreement to writing, which nearly always saves misunderstandings and long and expensive lawsuits. No particular form is necessary, but the facts must be clearly and explicitly stated; and there must be a reasonable consideration, else the agreement is void.

Unless it is expressly stipulated that the agreement is binding for a longer time, tlie contract expires at the end of one year. Every agreement should state most distinctly the time within which its conditions are to be com]>lied with. A discovery of fraud, or misrepresentation by one party to the agreement, or changing of the date, renders the contract void. Each party should retain a copy of the agreement.

Tnis AoKEKMENT, tiiiule the third <hiy of Novetnl)or, 187^, hetween DHinun Clarke ul" Maooriih, couiitv ot McDoiioui^h, State of Illinois, of the lirbt ])art, and William Hays, of the same place, of the second part.

WITNESSETH, That the Paid Damon Clarke, in consideration of tlie agreement of the party of the second ]>art, liercinafter contained, contracts, and agrees to, an(l with the saiti William Hays, that he will deliver in ^ood and inarketHhle condition, at the city of Gaies- Imr^, 111., during tlie month of December of this year, nine hun- (Ircd hiishels of corn, in the follo\vin|^' lots, and at the follo\vini]f speoitied times, namely: t>ne hundre«l imsiu'ls l>y thelifthof Dcceml>er, tliree luinilre<i hnshols by the fifteenth of December, and the Ijalance b\' the thirtietii of December.

And the said William Hays in considoration of tl»c prnm])t fulfillment of this contract <>n the part oi' the party of the second part, contnicts to, and arrets with the said Damon ('larke, to pay for said corn fifty cents per bushel as soon aa delivered.

In case of failure <if aj^reemeiit by either of the j>arties hereto, it is herel>y stipulated ami a^'reed that the ]>arty so tailing siiall pay to the other, one hundretl d<dlars, a.s fixed and settled damages.

A note is Icijal, worded in the simplest way, so tliat the amount and time of j)ayment are mentioned. The following is a good form: $100 CiiiCAOo, III., May 1, 1^79.

To make a note payable in anytliing else than money, insert flie facts instead of tlie sum of money alone; unless paid wlien du2, it is payable in money. To hold an indorser of a note, due diligence must be used by suit in collecting of the maker, unless suit would have been unavailing. Notes payal)le to person named or to order, in order to absolutely transfer title, must be indorsed by the payer. Notes payable to bearer may be transferred by delivery, and when so payable, every indorser thereon is held as a guarantor of payment unless otherwise expressed.

If the note is payable to a person or order, or to a person ur bearer, to a person or his assi^^ns, or to a cashier of an incorporated company, such notes are negotiable.

When transferring a note, the indorser frees liiniself from responsibility, so far as the payment is concerned, by writing on the back, above his signature, without recourse to me in any event.

A note is void when founded upon fraud. Thus a note obtained from a person when intoxicated, or obtained for any reason which is illegal, cannot be collected. A note given on Sunday is also void.

No defense can be made against negotiable paper purchased before maturity for good consideration in the usual course of business, without knowledge of facts impeaching its validity, except fraud was used in obtaininfj the same. Thus if A (jives his note to B for $150, receives in consideration a shawl and five pieces of cloth. The former was represented to be worth ST5, and the cloth the best imported English goods. When, in fact, the shawl was only worth $8, and suits made of the cloth wore out in less than six weeks, long ])efore the note was due. B, however, had sold the note to C, who did not know the circumstances, and before it was due - A would be obliged to pay it.

Judgment Note

For value received I promise to pay Ewing Summers, of Galesburg, or order, two hundred dollars, with interest, on the first day of January next. And, further, I do hereby empower any attorney of any court of record in Illinois, or elsewhere, to apj^ear for me, and after a declaration filed therefor, to confess a judgment against me in the above sura, as of last, next, or any subsequent term, with cost of suit, release of error, etc., with stay of execution until said first day of January.

Witness my hand and seal at Galesburg, 111., this sixth day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine. [seal] John Jones.

Interest

Interest is the compensation which is paid by the borrower of money to the lender for its use. When the debtor expressly undertakes to pay interest, he is bound to pay it; but if a party has accepted the ])rincipal, he cannot recover interest in a separate action. During the course of dealings between parties, a promise to pay is implied, and the debtor is bound to pay. So also on an account stated, whenever the debtor knows precisely what he is to pay, and when he is to pay it, after a demand uf paynient; but interest is not due on a runnini^ account, even wlicn the items are all on one side, unless otherwise ai^reed uj)on. Where the terms ot" a promissory note are that it siuiU be paiil by instalhnents, an«l on the failure of any installment the whole is to becomu due, interest on the whole becijiues payable from the tirst default. "Where, by the term of a bond or promissory note, interest is to be paid annually, and the princi}»al at a distant day, the interest may be recovered Ijeforo the princij)al is tiue.

Interest is collectible in the followin<5 cases: For goods sold and delivered after the stipulated term of credit has expired; if there be no credit, then from the time of sale; on judgment debts, from tho reiulition of jiulgnjent; on money obtained by frand, or where it has been wrongfully detained (for whoever receives money not his own, and detains it from the owner unlawfully, must j)ay inturust therefor: hence a piiblic otHcer n^Uiinitig m<»ney wrongfully is liable for tho interest); on money paid by mistake, or recovered on a void execution; on money lent or laid out for another's use; and rent, from the time that it is due.

When tho rate of interest is 6|)ccified in any contract, that rate continues until full payment is made. A debt barred by the statute of limitations and revived by an acknowledgment bears interest for the whole time.

Computin'j Intercut. - In casting interest on notes, lx>nds, etc., upon which partial paymentji have Ixjcn nuule, every payment is to be lirst applie<l to di.schargc the interest; but the interest is never allowed to form a part «if the principal, so as to carry interest. When a partial p.nyment is made before the debt is due, it cannot be apportione<l part to the debt and part to the interest, but at the end interest shall be charged on the whole sum, and the obligor shall receive credit for the interest on the amount paid until the interest becomes due.

The legal rate of interest is six per cent. Parties may agree in writing on a rate not excee<ling eight per cent. If a rate of interest greater than eight per cent, is contracted for, the penalty is a forfeiture of the entire interest, and only the principal can be recovered.

month shall be considered a calendar month or twelfth of a year, and for less than a montii, a day shall be figured a thirtieth part of a month. Notes bear interest only when so expressed; but after due they draw the legal interest, six per cent., even if not stated. Notes payable on demand or at sight draw no interest until after presentation or demand of the same has been made, unless they provide for interest from date on their face. If "with interest" is included in the note, it draws the legal rate from the time it is made. If the note is to draw a special rate of interest, higher than the legal, but not higher than the law allows, the rate must be specilied.

The legal declaration of a person's mind, determining the manner in which he would have his property or estate disposed of after his death, is termed a will. No exact form of words is necessary in order to make a will good at law, though much care should be exercised to state the provisions of the will so plainly that its language may not be misunderstood.

Every male person of the age of twenty-one years, and every female of the age of eighteen years, of sound mind, can make a valid will. It must be in writing, signed by the testator, or i)y some one in his or her presence, and by his or her direction, and attested by two or more credible witnesses. Care should be taken that the witnesses are not interested in the will.

The person making the will may appoint liis or lier executors; but no person can serve as such e.xecutor if he or she be an alien at the time of proving the will, if he be under twenty-one yeays ot age, a convict, a drunkard, a lunatic, or an imbecile.

Persons knowing themselves to have been appointed executors, must, within thirty days after the death of deceased, cause the will to be proved and recorded in the proper county, or present it and refuse to accej>t. In case of failure to do so, they are liable to forfeit the sum of twenty dollars per month. Inventory to be made by executor or administrator within three months from date of letters testamentary or administration.

A will made by an unmarried woman is k'«5ally revoked by marriage; but she can take such le^al stej)S in the settlement ot" her property before marriaf^e as will empower her to dispose of the same as she may choose after marriage. No husband can make a will that will deprive the wife of her right of dower in the projv erty; but the husband cjin will the wife a certain amount in lieu of her duwer, suiting it to be in lien thereof. Such becpiest, however, will not exclude her from her dower, provided she j)refer8 it to the bequest made in the will. Unless the liusband states distinctly that the bequest is in lieu t»f dower, sU^is entitled to both.

In ease a tnarrie 1 woman possesses ])roperty and dies without a will, her husband is entitle<l to atbninister upon such pro|)erty in preference to any one else, provided he l>e of sound mind.

Notice requiring all claims to be presented against the estate shall be given by the administrator within si.\ months after being qualified. Any person having a claiuj and not presenting it at the time tixed by said notice, is re<|uire<l to have summons issued notifying the e.xecutor of having tile<l his claim in court. Claims should Ikj Hied within two years from the time administration is granteil on an estate, as after that time they are forever barred, unless other estate l»e fouml that was not inventoried. Married Women, infants, persons insane, imprisoned, or without the United States, in tlie employuient of the Unit<Hl States, or of this State, liave two years after their disaiiilities are removed to file claims. Claims are classified and paid out of the estate in the following manner: olh. All exj)enses of proving the will ami taking out letters testamentary or of administration, and settlement of the estate, and the ]>hysician's bill in the last illness of the deceased.

6th. Where the deceased has received money in trust for any purpose, his e.xecutor or administrator shall pay out of his estate the amount received and not accounted for.

7th. All other debts and demands of whatsoever kind, without refjard to (jiiality or dii^nitj, which bhall he exhibited to the court within two years from the i^ranting of letters.

The widow, if she elects, may have in lieu of the said award, the same personal property or money in place thereof as is or may be exempt from execution or attachment against the head of a tamily.

I, Samuel T. Lewis, of the city of Chicago, county of Cook, State of Illinois, being aware of the uncertainty of life, and in failing health, but of sound mind and memoi'y,do make and declare this to be my last will and testament, in manner following, to-wit:

First. I give, devise and becpieath to my oldest son, Franklin M. Lewis, the sum of Four Thousand dollars of bank stock, nctw in the First National Bank, Chicago, Illinois, and the farm owned by myself, in Ontario township, Knox count}', Illinois, consisting <jf one hundred and sixty acres, with all the houses, tenements, and improvements thereunto belonging; to have and to hold unto my said son, his heirs and assigns, forever.

dollars in biuik stock, in the First Nutionul I>ank of Chicjii^o, Illiuois, Hii«l iilso eucli one oniirter section of land, owned by myself, situated in the town of Uelavan, Tazewell county, Illinois, and recorded in my name in the Recorder's oflice of sai<l county. The north one hundred and sixty acres of said half section is devised to my elder dan>;hter Lida Louan.

Third. 1 ^ive, devise and l>e(|ueath tt> my son, Fred Davis Ia-wIs, live 'shares of railroad stock, in the C, li. A: (^. Kailroad, and my own one hundred and sixty acres (tf land and saw-mill thereon, situated in Astoria, Illinois, with all the improvenjents and appurtenances thereunto belonging, which said real estate is reci»rded in my mime, in the county wiu-re situated.

Fourth. I trive to mv \x\!k\ Trvphi'ua Lewis, all my liousehold furniture, goods, chattels, and personal jUoperty, about njy luMise, iK»t hitherto disposed of, including ten thousand dollars in bank btock, in the First Natioiuil Hank of ('hicago, Illinois, lifteen shares in the Chicago, I^>ck Island A: Pacific Railroad, and the free and nnrestrict**«l use, possession and lx.'nelits of the home farm, so long as she may live, in lieu of dower, to which she is entitled by law; said farm being my j>rescnt place of residence.

Fifth. I In'tjueath to my invalid father. Samuel 1. Ixwis, Sr., the inconje fr<>m the rentii of mv store buiUling. at Canton, Illinois, durin;; the term of his natural life. Said i>uildin<; and lanti therewith revert to my said 6«»ns and daughters in e<jual proj>ortion8, u{Hin the demise of my said father.

isij'th. It \a also my will and desire, that at the deatli of mv wile, Tryphena Ix'wis, or at any time she nniy arrange to relimjuisli her life interest in the a)>ovc mentionetl homestead, tiic same may revert to my aiiovo namcJ children, or to the lawful heirs of each.

I further direct tliat my debt« and necessary funeral expenses shall be ])aitl from moneys now on dejM»sit in the First National Rank, Pekin, Illinois, the residue of such moneys to revert to my xiit'e, Tryphena Lewis, for lier use forever.

In witness thereof", I, Samuel T. I^ewis, to tliis, my last will and te^tament, have hereimto set my hand and seal, this third day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy.

Signed, sealed and delivered by Samuel X. Lewis, as and for his last will aiul testament, in the presence of us, who, at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have sub- 6cril>ed our names hereunto as witnesses thereof.

Codicil

Whereas, I, Sanmel T. Lewis, did, on tlie third day of Marcli, one thousand eight hnnch-ed and seventy, make my hist will and testament, I do now, by this writing, add this codicil to my said will, to be taken as a part thereof.

Whereas, by the dispensation of Providence, my daughter Lida Louan, has deceased, November lifth, eighteen hundi'edand seventyfour, and, whereas, a son has been born to me, which son is now christened Charles JJurchard Lewis, I give and bequeath unto him my gold watcli, and all right, interest and title in lands and bank stock and chattels bequeathed to my deceased daughter Lida Louan, in the body of this wi41

Signed, sealed, published and declared to us by the testator, Samuel T. Lewis, as and for a codicil, to be annexed to his last will and testament. And we, at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto, at the date hereof.

Descent

Jfirst. To his or her children and their descendants, in equal parts; the descendants of the deceased child or grand child taking the share of their deceased parents, in equal parts among them.