Rock Island County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 16 of 24)

Rock Island, to Miss Dora Willetson, who was born Nov. 16,1857, at Holstein, Germany. She came to America when about 17 years of age, following her parents, who preceded her two years. To Mr. and Mrs. P. have been born four children, namely: Andrew, Johrmes, William and Ludwig. Mr. P., socially, belongs to the A. O. U. W. and the Fredrich Munch Lodge, D. O. H.

fwest of Cumberland, Md.), in Somerset Co., Pa. He attended what was then known as a subscription or pay school in his younger years, afterwards the Somerset Academy, and after quitting this received instruction from a private tutor. When 18 years old he entered the Somerset Visitor printing-office, then printed and published by General A. H. Coffroth, from whom he received personal instructions in the art of printing. [A. H. Coffroth has been in Congress; was one of the pall-bearers at Lincoln's obsequies, in Washington, D. C. ; was a candidate for Governor in the late Democratic (Pennsylvania) Convention which nominated Judge Pershing. He and Judge Pershing read law together with Judge Jere S. Black. Coffroth is now a leading lawyer in his region.] When 20 years old Major Connelly became one of the editors and proprietors of the Beaver (Pa.) Star. After filling this position between two and three years, he caiiR- West, arriving in Rock Island, Feb. 18,1855. From this date until September, 1859, he was connected with the Rock Islander and Argus. He commenced reading law with Tudge J. W. Drury, in this city, in 1856, and was admitted to practice in January, i860; was elected Justice of the Peace (defeating M. D. Merrill and J. C. Starr) in the spring of 1 86 1 . To aid in securing the location of the Arsenal in Rock Island, in 1861, he was appointed on the committee from Rock Island by the City Council to act with the Davenport and Moline committees. In this interest he visited all the chief points in the Northwest, as well as Washington, devoting several months' time to the project.

On September 12, 1862, he enrolled himself as a volunteer for three years or during the war, and was commissioned by Governor Yates, January 17, 1863, to rank as Second Lieutenant of Co. L, 14th 111. Vol. Cav., from Jan. 7, 1863. Jan. 31, 1864, he was commissioned as Captain (over the First Lieutenant) by Governor Yates, to rank from Nov. 14, 1863. In the spring of 1865, there being a Major's vacancy in the 14th, the officers of the regiment held a meeting to designate one of their number to fill the same. Over six superior Captains in rank Captain Connelly was selected, and on the 22d day of June, 1865, Governor Oglesby commissioned him a Major to take rank from that date. He was one of the fast riders who helped run John Morgan out of Ohio. In the spring of 1867 the people elected him Police Magistrate. By the Citv Council, in the spring of 1869, he was elected City Attorney ; and again elected by the Council in the spring of 1870. In the spring of 187 1 he was selected to fill a vacancy in the Board of Education of Rock Island, and in 1872 was elected by the people for a full term. The election was one of great excitement, as to the other candidates, but not a vote was polled against Major Connelly. During the time he was a member of the Board of Education he was President of the same. He declined a re-election.

|! illiam Uhlmann, of Moline, was born in i\(y|,(fh Saxony, June 2, 1845, 01" which country f&!>^ his parents, Carl and Fredericka (Bartel) ^> Uhlmann, were also natives. They had three sons and one daughter, William being the second child. The latter was married Nov. 22, 1878, to Miss Mary Klahn, and they now have four children, born and named as follows : Amelia \\\, Feb. 6, 1S80; Louisa E.. June 22, 1881; Ernst H, June 28, r883, and Fredericka P., Dec. 9, r884. Mrs. U. was born May 26, 1852, in Holstein, Germany, and came here with her parents when five years of age. Her father, Henry Klahn, was born also in Holstein, in 1829, and died in Moline, this county, April 2, 1883, after having been a resident in this country for 24 years. He was by trade a carpenter and builder, and a most excellent workman.

Mr. William Uhlmann attended school in Germany until he was 14 years of age. He woiked three years learning the trade of manufacturing the woodwork for fine carriages and buggies. At 17 years of age he re-entered school to learn drafting; then for six years he worked faithfully at his trade where he had learned it, at Dresden, Germany, and in 1868 he came to America. For the first three months he was employed at Cincinnati, Ohio, and then for nearly two years at South Bend, Ind., and finally he came to Moline, entering the employment of the Moline Wagon Company on Aug. 19, 1870. For eight years he labored at the bench, turning out splendid specimens of wood-work, being a careful, correct and diligent workman and an expert in the use of tools. His merit was by no means unappreciated by his employers; and as their business grew, Mr. Uhlmann was taken from the bench and, in 1S78, put in charge of the wood-shop, as foreman, a position he still holds with credit to himself and benefit to the firm. He is a Freemason, and a member of the Order of Druids. In politics he is an earnest Republican, and as to religious matters both himself and his wife are liberal.

ohn Weaver, residing on section 3. and proprietor of Fairview Farm, South Moline Township, is a son of George and Cissley (Schooley) Weaver, natives of Germany and |C Ohio respectively. Their family comprised 1 2 children, of whom John was the second in order of birth. Mr. Weaver was born in Rock Island County, Feb. 24, 1846. He received a good commonschool education and assisted in the labors of the farm until the date of his marriage, which event occurred in December, 1872. He is at present the proprietor of 1 12 acres of land, 80 of which is under an advanced state of cultivation. The lady to whom Mr. Weaver was joined in marriage, Dec. 24, 1872, was Miss Martha, the accomplished daughter of Robert and Comfort Griffin, natives of North Carolina and Indiana respectively. Mrs. Weaver was born in Hamptown Township, Rock Island County, April 19, 1845, and has borne to her husband two children, namely: John A., born June n, 1880; and Cissley \Y., born Nov. 5, 1872. Mr. Weaver has held the office of School Director and Overseer of Highways. Politically, he is a believer in and a supporter of the principles advocated by the Democratic party.

E ilpin Moore, Moline. Prominent among those who have became noted, - by invention, - is the gentleman whose name stands ^ at the head of this sketch. He was born in Chester Co., Pa, Oct. 27, 1S31, his father's name being Hibbard and his mother's Jane (Gawthrop) Moore. His father was of English and his mother of Scotch descent.

Gilpin Moore remained in Pennsylvania at school until he was 14 years of age, and then came to Rock Island, 111., to which town his father had come seven years before. His father was a blacksmith, and after his arrival in Rock Island he alternately attended school and worked in his father's shop, until he was 18 years of age. At that age it became evident that Mr Moore naturally possessed more than ordinary mechanical and inventive ability and taste; and, believing it would be desirable to learn thoroughly the machinist's business, he apprenticed himself for three years in a machine shop in Rock Island, where he faithfully served his time, and after that took entire charge of the shops as superintendent, until 1864, becoming noted in Rock Island and vicinity as a workman and inventor of rare ability.

During the year above mentioned his services were engaged by Deere & Co., Moline, 111., manufacturers of agricultural implements; and when the now immense concern was organized as a stock company, in 1868, he became a partner therein and took the position of superintendent of the iron department, which he still holds, wherein his inventive genius has largely developed, and he has taken out numerous essential and important patents for improvements in agricultural implements, not the least of which has resulted in the production of the splendid "Gilpin,"

His work in his father's shop, his chances at the practical working of machinery, his schooling in mechanism, drafting and designing, tended to develop extraordinary inventive faculty and genius, not only in plows and cultivators, but also in engines of all descriptions ; in fact, in him, invention rises almost to inspiration, and he has been and is of marked and practical value to the colossal concern of which he is an active and energetic member.

Mr. Gilpin Moore was married March 3, 1853, to Miss Ludica Crisswell, and they have four children, namely: Truesdale L.,born July ir, 1856; Charles E., Feb. 13, 1865 ; Adah, July 17, 1868, and Anna, July 22, 1874.

Though so closely identified with one of the towering industries of Moline, Mr. Moore has always been a resident of Rock Island, since coming here in 1845. Politically, he has been a Republican ever since the organization of that great party.

Among the many palatial residences of Rock Island, and they are numerous, that of Mr. Moore's is one of the finest. We present a full-page view of it accompanying this sketch ; also showing some of the beautiful scenery which may be viewed from the tower.

hapin A. Wheeloek, of the Moline Paper t Company, is a native of Berkshire Co., Mass., and was born March 24, 1814. $ft> His parents were Chapin and Lucy Wheeloek, y^ his mother's maiden being Wheeloek. In * r8i5 the family removed to Erie Co., N. Y. His father was a farmer, and Chapin A. passed his boyhood days on his father's farm. He learned the tailor's trade and was engaged in that business in Holland, N. Y.

In 1838 he went South, where he spent two years in the cities of Vicksburg, Louisville and St. Louis. In 1840 he came to Illinois and located at St. Charles, Kane County, where he was engaged in the clothing business. He continued at St. Charles until 1853, when he came to Moline, and engaged in the paper-mill at that place. He soon afterward

^ at the University of Lund, May, 1863, with the degree of A. B., and the degree of Ph. D. was conferred by the same university June 5, 1874. He visited London, and in April, 1S70, joined the scientists, Gwyn Jeffreys and W. B. Carpenter, in H. M. S. " Porcupine "on a deep-sea dredging expedition in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas. He was Assistant Zoologist. After an interesting and successful exploration he returned to Sweden in 187 1, and there joined a scientific expedition bound for the coast of Greenland, mainly for the purpose of bringing home some ponderous meteorites that had been located by Prof. A. E. Nordenskiold. The stones were found and 22 of them secured, one of which weighed over 50,000 pounds. The loading of these stones on an open coast where a tempestuous sea usually prevails, was a difficult undertaking, but was successfully accomplished. On this expedition Dr. Lindahl was Zoologist in charge. On his return from Greenland he spent four years at the Royal Academy of Science in Stockholm in scientific studies and in" classifying and describing the collections which he had made. In 1875 he was appointed one

Mr. Wheeloek was united in marriage at St. Charles, 111., in 1846, to Salonie B. Way, daughter of William and Annie (Smith) Way. Mrs. Wheeloek was born in Vermont. They have had eight children, of whom five only are living, - Alice, widow of Charles Hubbard, a resident of Moline; Susan, wife of Edward Knell, of Missouri ; Florence, Stillman C. and William D. Mrs. Wheeloek is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. W. is liberal in his religious views, and politically a Republican.

In early life he was a Democrat of Free-Soil sympathies. He was one of the first to aid in the formation of the Republican party, and has worked and voted with that party ever since.

of the Commissioners from Sweden to the Geographical Congress of Paris. On his return from Paris he was appointed Secretary of the Centennial Commission of Sweden to Philadelphia, United States of America, 1S76. He maintained his connection with the Centennial Exhibition until February, 1877, when he returned to Sweden to make proper report. There he accepted the position of Superintendent of the Swedish department at the hands of the International Exhibition Company.

Dr. Lindahl was united in marriage on his return to Sweden. March iS, 1S77. to Miss Sophia, daughter of Carl Pohlman.a Major in the Royal Army. Mrs. Lindahl was born in Sweden, July 5, 184S, and the issue of their union was four children, namely : Sven Carl, born Jan. 1, 1878, in Philadelphia, and died March 13, 1881 ; Eva Hedwig Sophia, born May 15, 18S0; Seth Harald, born March 13, 1S82; and Signe Elizabeth Ida Sophia, born April 6, 18S4.

On the opening of 1877 he accepted the position of Professor of Natural Sciences at the Augustana College and Theological Seminary of Rock Island, III., a position he has since filled with honor to himself and credit to the institution.

; esse L. Cox, an energetic and progressive \j£ farmer, residing on section 9, Zuma Township, was born in Wayne Co., Ind., Dec. 5, 1815, his parents being Joseph and Mary (Rue) 1 ., natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. They came to Kentucky in an early day, and removed from that State to Indiana in 1804, coming to Rock Island in 1836, and settling on section 3, Hampton Township, where the father purchased 300 acres of land. He at once entered vigorously and energetically upon the improvement his land, and also erected a saw and grist mill on the Mississippi River, and ran the same for some eight or ten years. He died June 12, 1848, and the mother of our subject died Dec. 28, 1858.

Jesse L. Cox, subject of this biographical notice, remained under parental instructions until he attained the age of majority. He then left home and went back to Indiana and worked in the Recorder's office one year, his education having been acquired at the common schools prior to his leaving home. After leaving the Recorder's office he came to Mercer Co., 111., where he remained for some nine years, four years of which time he was engaged in breaking prairie, and then purchased 160 acres of land, on which he resided for five years. In 1849 he traded his land (160 acres) for a part of the farm on which he at present resides.

Mr. Cox formed a matrimonial alliance April 2, 1840, with Miss Sarah Jennings, a native of Ohio, in which State she was born Dec. 18, 1822. She is the mother of seven children by Mr. Cox, namely: Mary E.. born April 29, 1841 ; Albin J., Nov. 12, 1S42 ; Alice A., Oct. 23, 1844; James L., June 12, 1S47, and William E., Nov. 23, 1S50. Joseph E. died Aug. 3, 1877, in his 21st year, from accident; Clara died April 12, 1868, in her tenth year; Mary E married J. B. Walker, and they have four children, - Louvina, Elmer E., Jesse H., and an infant unnamed. Albin J. married Anna Borard, July 4, 1870; she died in 1871 ; Alice A. married Hiram S. Cox, and they have six living children - Lewis, George, Fred, Eddie, Kenneth and Mary L. ; James L. married Malinda Cook, and they are the parents of four children - Clara, Sadie, Sidney and Bert; William E. married Emma Smith, and the issue of their union was two children, namely: Jesse F. and Edna G. Mrs. Jesse L. Cox, the wife of the subject of this notice, died April 9, 1875, and Mr. Cox formed a second matrimonial alliance in 1880 with Miss Mary J. Jack, a native of Pennsylvania.

Politically, Mr. Cox is a believer in the principles advocated by the Republican party. At the present writing he holds the office of Assessor and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for 12 years and also other minor offices. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

The family of Coxes are of pioneer stock, of both Kentucky and Indiana. Richard Cox, Jesse's brother, was the first white child born in Wayne Co.," Ind. His birth took place in 1805. The family also have a splendid military record. Albin J. was a soldier in the late war; James L. was also a soldier in the cavalry service during the late war.

His grandfather was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, as also his great-gradfather, and his father was in the War of 1812 and in the Indian war under Harrison. His maternal grandfather, Rue, was also a great Indian fighter and captured by his Indian foe and was to be burned at the stake, but was purchased by a Frenchman and afterwards obtained his liberty.

^% in Fayette Co., Pa., and is the son of Win. p; and Mary (Wares) Reynolds. The parents were also natives of the Keystone State and removed to Guernsey Co., Ohio, and the family were there resident until the son was 18 years of age. In 1841 they went to Lawrence Co., 111., driving there with teams, and they were resident there until their removal to Illinois in the year named at the beginning of this narration.

On coming hither they settled at Cleveland Ferry, and lived there two years. In 1850 Mr. Reynolds assumed charge of the ferry near the mouth of Green River, and his father managed a farm there, which he rented and on which the family lived until the year following (1S5 1), when they made another transfer of home interests and family to Cordova. The homestead was maintained there as long as the father lived. His death occurred in 1875. The mother's demise took place in 1 88 1.

Mr. Reynolds was an inmate of the paternal home until he was married. In 1857 Sarah S. Drennen became his wife. She is a native of the State of Ohio; born July 12, 1839. On becoming the head of a family Mr. Reynolds bought building lots in Cordova and erected a house in which his family lived three years. He then purchased 40 acres of land on section 6, in Coe Township. The proprietor built a house on the farm- and was its owner and occupant seven years. He then sold the place, and returned to Cordova, where he left his family and spent the winter in Iowa, engaged in prospecting for a suitable place for a permanent location. In the ensuing spring he went to Missouri, where he remained four months, visiting various parts of the State. He did not find that either Iowa or Missouri had superior attractions to the State of Illinois for an agriculturist, and he returned to Rock Island County. He soon after bought the farm on whicli he has since lived and operated. It is located on sections 4 and 9 and contains 160 acres, of which onehalf is situated on each. At the lime of purchase there was a biick house on it and a small barn. The farm is at the present writing in fine agricultural condition, and the owner has built a fine set of frame buildings. Its value is materially increased by the addition of shade and fruit trees and the place has- a fine display of hedges.

The family includes seven children, named as follows: Mary O, born Oct. 13, 1857; George, May 3, 1859; Charles, Xov. 5, i860; Esther, May 21, 1863; John, March 28, 1865; William, April 29, 1869; and Lewis, Aug. 25, 1871. Minnie, born Sept. 12, 1867, sixth child in order of birth, died when she was nearly three years old. The oldest daughter is the wife of Henry Smith, a resident of Coe Township. George married Belle Martin. Charles married Lena Wentd.

^}'0Ph eorge E. Cropper, general farmer, residing i'ilMJfj on section 16, Edgington Township, was Xh')~ "^ born in Bowling Township, Rock Island -J? County, Nov. 20, 1846, and is the son of Edt mond Cropper, a biography of whom is given f elsewhere in this volume. Our subject was reared on the home farm in Bowling Township, and educated at the district schools. He was married, Dec. 30, 1865, to Miss Julia A. Zahn, daughter of Philip and Harriet (Ort) Zahn, natives of Germany, both of whom came to America prior to their marriage, and were living in the city of Rock Island, where they were married. Mrs. Cropper was born in that city Nov. 20, 1840. She was reared and educated there, and resided at the same place until she attained the age of 15 years, when her parents removed to the farm in Black Hawk Township. She resided on the farm until her marriage, and her mother still resides on the old homestead with her younger children. The father died in 1865, aged 60 years. Mrs. C. was the eldest of a family of eight children, and is the mother of five children, namely : Charlie E., Arthur L., William H., Philip and Hattie M.

After marriage, Mr. Cropper settled on a farm on Big Island, where he resided for four years. In the autumn of 1869 they moved to Edgington Township and purchased 120 acres of land on section n, where he has since resided and made large and valuable improvements. He takes a special interest in Durham cattle. Politically, Mr. C. is a Republican, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

jiiram L. Ogden, pattern-maker for Deere & Co., of Moline, 111., is a son of Abraham and Esther (Kline) Ogden, and was born in Clearfield Co., Pa., Oct. 27, 1830. He went three miles during the winter months in the acquisition of an education, until he attained the age of 14 years, when he assisted in the maintenance of the family by laboring on his father's farm. At 19 years of age he served an apprenticeship of two years, learning the carpenter's trade, and then went West. He located at Peoria, III., where he worked at his trade for about two years, when he came to Galva, 111. Here he made his home for five years, and decided to try farming again, which he did, working on the farm of his father-in-law, near Atkinson, 111., for some four years. He next moved to Geneseo, where he worked one summer as a carpenter and one winter as wagon-maker, after which he removed to Atkinson and continued to carry on the wagon-making business for four years at that place. In 1870 he left the latter place and settled in Moline, 111., and commenced wooding plows for Deere & Co., in which occupation he continued about two years. He next turned his attention to millwrighting and pattern-making for the same company, which he continued up to 1880. For the first half of the last five years he attended almost exclusively to millwrighting, and the last half to pattern-making, at which business he is still engaged, having now

Mr. Ogden was married Sept. 2, ^56, at Galva, 111., to Miss Mary M. Wolever, daughter of John E. and Margaret (Hulsizer) Wolever. Of their union have been born two children, - Charles E., born May 9, 1859; and Fannie E., Sept. 27, 1865.

In political opinion, Mr. Ogden affiliates with the Republican party. He has been connected with the Odd Fellows, Good Templars and Union League; has been a member of the Galva Brass Band, and has genuine talent for music, which has descended to his son, Charles E. Ogden, who was born in Galva.

Charles went to school at Geneseo, Atkinson and Moline until he was about 17 years of age, when he engaged to work for Deere & Co., wooding plows, continuing the same until 1879. He then joined the dramatic company of J. G. Stutzz, with whom he traveled for six months as leader of the band, also traveled and played with other companies for about a year altogether. At the end of that time he took charge of and taught a brass band at Wapello, Iowa. Returning to Moline, he organized and took charge as leader of the Moline Light Guard Band, April 1, 1882, which he leads and teaches with faithful and signal ability, and which he has made one of the best bands in this section, conducting it as band and orchestra; and its services are in constant demand in Moline and vicinity.

Charles was married Oct. 25, 1880, to Miss Amelia Hannecke, and they have one child, Flora A., born Tan. 1, 1882. Mr. Charles Ogden is a believer in and a supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party.

years in farming. He then removed to Ontario, Knox County, where he resided until the spring of 1S73, when he came to Moline. On coming to this city he engaged with the Union Malleable Iron Company. He began with the Svea Commercial Union May 16, 1878, as salesman, and was elected manager and treasurer Jan. 1, 1884. His management of the business has given very general satisfaction to all concerned.

Mr. Sundin was married in Moline, June 4, 1S75, to Miss Johanna Augusta Skoglund. Mrs. Sundin was born in Sweden, July 16, 1854. They have four children, two boys and two girls, - John, born July 20, 1876; Sophia, born July 30, 1880; August, born Feb. 11, 1882; Christina, born Aug. 10, 1884.

J. Denison, carpenter and joiner at Hampton, was born in Westmoreland Count}', Pa., Oct. 10, 1832, and is the eldest son of William and Margaret (Johnson) Denison. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania and were of Scotch descent on the father's side and of Irish in the maternal line. They came to the county of Rock Island when their son was a lad of eight years, and they located in Hampton Township, where he grew to manhood. When he was 16 he began to learn his trade under the su- | pervision of his brother-in-law. Milton Ward, and he worked for him until he was 21. After reaching the estate of manhood they formed a partnership and conducted their business together for some time. He has continued to follow the same calling until the present time.

I Crawford, and they have three children, as follows : William C, Archie E. and Eva. At the time of his marriage he settled in the village of Hampton, and , after one year removed to Fulton, in Whiteside Co., /j^\ where he was a resident 15 years. In 1881 he bought V,^ the place where he now lives in Hampton village.

the major portion of his life in the county, witnessing its development to the high standard that it occupies to-day in the agricultural counties of the State, and having contributed his mite to aid in the development, he may truly be said not only to be one of the pioneers of the county, but a man whose good judgment led him to remain and profit by the prosperity which almost universally comes to those who came at an early day, and had grit enough to "stick to it."

Mr. Franklin is the son of Joel and Fanny (Grout) Franklin, natives of Vermont. He remained under the parental roof-tree, and care of father and mother until 17 years of age. in the meantime receiving a good common-school education. After arriving at the age named, we went forth to fight the battles of life single-handed and alone. He first worked out by the month, - in fact continued to work for others until he had attained the age of 28 years. On attaining this age in life, he realized that the rapidly growing West, with her broad and beautiful prairies lying idle, offered greater inducements for the procuring of a competency than the stony hills of his native State, and concluded to come West. He consequently came to this county, and settled on section 26, Hampton Township, where he has lived and labored ever since. He is the proprietor of 242 acres of land with a good substantial residence, barn and outbuildings, and whatever he may possess of this world's goods, judging from his biography, is attributable to his own indomitable energy, good judgment and active co-operation of his good wife.

William Golden, and they have three children, - Clara F., Frank and Alice ; Adeline F. married Benjamin Golden, and they have seven children, - Netta, May, Luther, Arthur, Flora, Freddie (deceased) and Nellie ; Sanford married Matilda Bodelson, by whom he had two children, - Winnifred, and one deceased. His wife died in 1870, and he was married again to Alida M. Northrup, and they had one child, - Charles; Rosa A. married I. M. Spencer, and they have four children, - Ralph, Dana, Raymond and one deceased; Leslie martied Louisa Brandt, and they have four children, - Alida, Philip, Fanny and Leslie, Jr.

Politically, Mr. Franklin is a believer in the tenets of the Republican party. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Moline, and is regarded as one of the prominent men of the county. The station at Barstow was located on the north part of the southwest quarter of section 26, which property belongs to Mr. Franklin, and the village is indebted to Mr. F., as much as to any other man, for its prosperity and growth.

Dutchess Co., N. Y., his father's name being Henry, and his mother's Susan (Herrick) Velie. Both his father and mother were born in Dutchess County, the former in 1798, and the latter in rSoo. They had ten children, Stephen H. being the third. His father was of Dutch and his mother of English extraction. The subject of this sketch was a farmer boy until 15 years of age, meanwhile attending school during the winters, and teaching school one term. The two years following were employed in a general grocery store at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., with an uncle. He removed to St. Louis in 1847, and clerked in the well-known grocery store of E. J. Gay & Co., until 1850, spending the winterof 1849-50 in Louisiana on business for the firm. He returned East in the summer of 1850, remaining there until the fall of 1853, when he returned to the West and settled in Rock Island, 111, and

Mr. Velie spent two years in the grocery business at Princeton, 111., and in iS63he became actively engaged as a partner in the John Deere Plow Works, and when the company was incorporated in 1868 he was chosen secretary of the corporation of Deere & Co., a position he has filled with marked ability ever since, attending to the buying and the manufacturing department principally. He is also manager of the Moline Lumber Company's saw-mill at Helena, Ark., and is interested with Mr. C. O. Mason in a stone-quarry enterprise in Iowa. He is a director in the Mississippi Valley Mutual Insurance Company, Moline Central Horse Railroad, and Moline Public Library. He is a Freemason and an Odd Fellow.

Politically, Mr. Velie was a Whig up to the abrogation of the Missouri Compromise line, when opposition to the extension of slavery led him into the Republican ranks, and he has been of that faith ever since, believing that independent thinkers and reformers can bring about improvements in the character of public servants and civil service reform sooner as active, voting, caucus-attending members of the Republican party than as Independents or auxiliary Democrats.

Mr. Velie is strongly domestic in his tastes, and literary in his impulses and talents, never so happy as when reading in the family circle during the evenings, and gaining and distributing knowledge among his children.

Mr. Richardson, subject of this biographical notice, was one of nine children of his father's family. He was educated at the common- schools of his native county and followed the vocation of a farmer until the date of his marriage, June 12, 1863, in Monroe County. The lady whom he chose to share his sorrows and joys through life was Miss Lucinda Boultinghouse, the accomplished daughter of Isaac and Zilphe (Williams) Boultinghouse, natives of Indiana and Tennessee respectively. Her father was a farmer and always lived in Monroe County, where he died Oct. 9, il873. Her mother still resides in Monroe County with her younger son, James B. Mrs. Richardson was born in Monroe County, Ind., Oct. 1, 1842, and, what is something of a coincidence, it was the same day and month as that of her husband and just one year later. They are the parents of 12 children, four of whom are deceased. Mary married Anthony Tarpey, and resides in Buffalo Prairie Township, this county, and they are the parents of four children. John married Reath Neffand resides in Edgington village ; Isaac, Martin, William, Francis and Sadie and Seana (twins) are the remaining surviving children.

After his marriage Mr. Richardson resided on a farm in Monroe County, Ind., for a time and then came to this county and located in Edgington Township. He now owns 80 acres in Buffalo Prairie Township. In 187 1 he began to deal in horses, and now makes that business a specialty. Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party, and is the owner of five and three-quarters acres of land inside the corporate limits of Edgington.

H. Porter, job printer, 1 603-1 607 WiC Third Avenue, Moline, has one of the most * complete establishments in the Northwest, and enjoys a large and increasing patronage. His office makes a specialty of the nicer grades of work, for the production of which it has been especially fitted. In all departments 15 employees are engaged.

Y., July 11, 1848, and is a son of John and Isabella Porter. He was educated in Southold Institute, Southold, N. V. After graduating he was solicited by one of his former tutors, who had purchased a newspaper and printing office in a neighboring town, to enter the office, which he readily agreed to do. A little over three years was spent in this apprenticeship, when another was served in New York. In 1868 he came West, to Southern Wisconsin, and a few months later located at Lacon, 111., from whence, in 1872, he removed to Moline.

In December, 1879, Mr. Porter was united in marriage to Mary F. Nourse, and two children have been born to them, - Burt N. and Gail. In August, 1S80, Mr. Porter purchased the business which he is now conducting successfully. In April of the same year he was made Captain and Adjutant of the 14th Bittallion Illinois National Guards, which was afterwards merged into the Sixth Regt Inf. I. N. G, and Capt. Porter was re-appointed to the same position and rank.

a young man, his term in office was so marked with prudence and efficiency that the Democrats of the ward refused to run a man against him in the spring of 1883, and his name was printed on the tickets of both parties. The spring of 1885 developed the peculiarity in his case of seeing him dropped by the Democrats, nominated by his old party, endorsed by the Republicans, and overwhelmingly elected by the fusion. Just how these changes were brought about would require pages to explain; and as it properly belongs to political history it is malapropos in this sketch.

Mr. Larkin was born at Schenectady, N. Y., Sept. 13, 1S52, and at the age of five years was brought by his parents, Michael and Mary (Smith) Larkin, to Rock Island County. His father was a blacksmith and carried on that trade in this county about 25 years. Charles was fairly educated at the public schools and at the age of 16 began the carpenter's trade. Less than one year at this trade satisfied him that it was not to his taste, and he at once apprenticed himself to stone masonry. In 1876 he branched out as a contractor, undertaking to do all kinds of plain and fancy stone masonry necessary to the construction of a building. Since that time he has completed some of the finest jobs in the county. The whole of the stone work of that magnificent structure in Davenport, Iowa, known as the " Academy of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception," is the product of his handiwork, and at this writing (June, 1885) he is finishing the stone work of St. Ambrose College, in the same city. He employs from 15 to 25'men the year around ; and as his workmanship, like his private and public acts, will always bear favorably the strictest scrutiny, he is never required to be idle.

Mr. Larkin was married October 20, 1874, at the city of Rock Island, to Miss Annie Ford, a native of Indiana, and their five children are named respectively, May, Kate, Leo, Harry and Annie. Though not devoted to politics by any means, Mr. Larkin stands firmly by the principles of the Greenback Labor party. As he is a devout Catholic, it is not necessary to inquire whether he belongs to any secret order.

eorge H. Huntoon, one of the firm of Hun toon Bros., proprietors of Moline Pump Works, is a native of Moline, 111., and was born July 4, 1846. His parents, Joseph and Sylvia (Tenney) Huntoon, were pioneers of Illinois in 1836. His father was troni New Hampshire, and his mother a native of Massachusetts. George, the subject of this biographical notice, was educated in the ciiy schools of Moline, and learned the brick-maker's trade, and was engaged in that business till 1872, when he engaged in the windmill business, remaining in the same until 1875, at which time he entered upon his present undertaking.

He was united in marriage at Moline, Oct. 28, 1875, to Miss Mary L. Stephens, daughter of George Stephens. Mrs. Huntoon was born in Moline, and she and her husband became the parents of two children, Grace A. and George E. During the late war, Mr. Huntoon served in the 100-day service as a member of Co. H, 133d 111. Vol. Inf. He had been previously employed in Government service for several months. Mr. Huntoon is liberal in his religious views, and a Republican in political sentiment.

'i< hornas Armstrong, general farmer and A stock-raiser on section 34, Bowling Township, was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, April 4, 1835. His father, Christopher Armstrong, also a native of the same county, married there Miss Mary A. Foster. For several generations back the ancestry have been members of the farming community. Three of Christopher Armstrong's sons - Robert, Archibald and Christopher, Jr., served in the United States Army during the late Rebellion, and Robert died from the hardship incident to camp life. They all belonged to Co. A, 37th 111. Vol. Inf. They took part in some of the leading battles of the war. Archibald is now living near Grinnell, Iowa, where he is a large farmer; Christopher is a merchant in Sutton, Neb.

The gentleman whose name heads this biographical outline is the eldest in a family of nine children, and was 15 years of age when he emigrated, alone, to this country, locating for a short time in the Province of Ontario, Can., whence he afterward came, as well as the rest of the family from the old country, to the United States, settling upon a farm of 125 acres in Bowling Township, this county. They are still living here, both very aged. Thomas was educated in his native country, and in this county he resided with his father, laboring upon the farm, which comprised 455 acres.

Feb. 2r, 1862, is the date of Mr. Armstrong's marriage, in the township of Bowling, this county, to Miss Sarah, daughter of James and Jane (Lester) Clark, natives of Ireland and of Irish ancestry. She was born in Ireland in 1834, and when she was four years old her mother died, and at the age of seven years she came to America with her father, who located in Bowling Township, where he spent the re-

After marriage, Mr. Armstrong settled upon an 8o-acre farm deeded to him by his father some time before, and on this he has since resided, and prospered as a farmer. He is now the proprietor of 440 acres in this county and five acres in Mercer County. The whole is fenced, and most of it cultivated. His buildings and other improvements are firstclass.

The parents and three of the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which religious body Mr. A. is now Steward, Trustee and Sunday-school Superintendent. In the latter capacity he has been an efficient worker for two years. He has been School Director for 25 years, Assessor for three years, and has held most of the minor offices of the township. In his principles concerning the nation's welfare he is a reliable Republican.

t^asper Vitzthum, physician and surgeon, Moline, was born in Bavaria, Jan. 1, 1823. He received his education at the ife best institutions of learning in the Old World, and is a graduate of the University of Jena, Germany. The Doctor in his early life was quite a traveler. For several years he practiced his profession on a large sugar plantation in Matto Grasso, Imperio Brazil, and from 1S48 to 1853 he was surgeon on a German vessel, and made a trip around the world, visiting many foreign countries and acquiring a fund of knowledge and an experience both profitable and pleasant.

In October, 1855, he was married to Miss Anna Iversen, who was born in Haversleben, Schleswig Holstein, on October 26, 1836. They have three children living: Nora, born April 3, 1862; John,

The Doctor came to this country in 1855, and is the oldest practitioner in the city of Moline. He has never entered public life, always preferring the practice of his profession, in which he has been extraordinarily successiul, and has acquired a competency.

Doctor Vitzthum is and has been for some years a director in the Moline National Bank, a member of the Turner Society, and a P. G. of the Order of Druids, Moline Grove, No. 26.

benjamin F. Ramsey, Superintendent of the I Black Hawk Paper Mills, at Milan, and whose portrait is given on the opposite page, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec. 31, 1837. His father, Simon Ramsey, was a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch ancestry, and by occupation a merchant. He was a very active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, noted for his remarkable ability in prayer, and the substantial and lasting character of his spiritual influence upon religious inquirers. His mother's maiden name was Hannah West. Both his parents died at Milford, Ohio, when he was about nine years old.

After the death of his parents our subject went to live with his brother-in-law, J. H. Rust, of Moscow, Ohio, who was a dealer in shoes, etc., and a teacher of music. Mr. Ramsey (who was the youngest but one of a family of seven children, and being deprived of the comfort and influence of his parents at so early an age, his lot was not only a sad one, but must have been a hard one!) attended school at Moscow, and when only 14 years of age he began to learn the trade of paper manufacturer, at Madison, Ind., in a mill belonging to his brother-in-law. He was employed there for a period of seven years, and thus became thoroughly drilled in the art he has given so much earnest thought and made his life-work. In 1866 he came to the city of Rock Island, and for one year took charge of the paper mill at that place. He then went to Burlington, Iowa, and superintended the construction of a paper-mill at that place. We next find him at Quincy, where he is engaged in the same business four years. From thence he goes to Beardstown, on the Illinois River, in Cass County. Owing to the burning of the mill, he left that place, and went to Kansas City, and after following his business there a short time he went to Springfield, 111. From then we went to Saratoga Springs, and Palmer Falls, on the Hudson River, N. Y., where he was engaged until 1S75. when he came to Milan, and erected the mill which lie now operates as superintendent. The mill, which is a first-class one, has a capacity of eight tons per day, and makes a specialty of wrapping paper. During the years Mr. Ramsey has lived here he has risen to be a man of considerable worth and eminence in the community, and his success in business is signally prominent. He has won the esteem and confidence of not only the business men of the county, but has a reputation extending far beyond its borders. He has been a member of the Village Council three years, serving with satisfaction to his constituents. In politics he is a strong Democrat.

In 1S66 Mr. Ramsay was united in marriage, in Quincy, 111., with Miss Sarah A. Barnes, who was born near Pittsburg, in 1849. She was reared and educated there, and lived with her parents until her marriage, who came West with her when she was a young lady. Her father was a merchant. Botli her parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey have five children, namely : Arthur G., Edward P., Eva J.. Roswell and Sadie.

Mr. Ramsey is a thoroughgoing business man, and both a credit and a value to the town. He is enterprising, and has builded an industry here that is an important feature of the place.

"ohannes Peterson, Secretary of the Moline Cabinet-Organ Company, was born in Wermland, Sweden, Jan. 8, 1849, and is the son of Peter and Christine (Olson) Peterson He came to America in 1868, spent one year at Hastings, Minn., and then removed to Linds'uorg, McPherson Co , Kan., where he was engaged in farming till 1878. He then came to Moline and entered Augustana College, taking a three-year course, completing it i. 1SS1, when he purchased an equal share with the other stockholders in the Moline Cabinet-Organ Company. He subsequently bought out one of the partners, giving him one-fifth of the stock. In January, 1885, he was elected secretary of the company, and exchanged his Kansas farm for a grocery store at Rock Island, of which he afterward sold a half interest.

W\ lpik%aptresiding on section 25, is a son of Robert and Hannah (Keating) Jordan, natives of Maine, and of Scotch-Irish and English ancestry. He is a grandson of Israel and Susanna Jordan, the former being the second son of Col. Nathaniel and Hannah (Woodbury) Jordan. Nathaniel Jordan was the son of Maj. Dominicus and Joanna (Bray) Jordan. The former was a son of Dominicus and Hannah (Tristam) Jordan. He was the third son of Rev. Robert and Sarah (Winter) Jordan. Rev. Robert Jordan was a clergyman of the Church of England, and the founder of the family in America. He was stationed at Richmond's Island, near Portland, Me., in 1641. He is supposed to have come to this country in 1639. The family of which Eben D. Jordan, of the celebrated firm of Jordan, Marsh & Co., of Boston, is a member, trace their genealogy back to the Norman conquest, in which one of them was the companion of Martine De Tours. For a further record, see the Jordan Memorial, compiled by Hon. Tristram Frost Jordan.

The parents of the subject were married in 1800, and settled in Rockland, Maine, and in 1832 they emigrated to Seneca County, Ohio, where, four days after their arrival, the father died. The mother lived there until 1845, when she went to live with a son in Wisconsin, and finally came to reside with her son, Capt. John A. Jordan, subject of this notice, and died at his residence Feb. 9, 1854. Their family comprised 14 children.

his parents' family, and was born in Camden, Maine, Jan. ii, 1819, and received his education, which, on account of the newness of the country in which he resided, was somewhat limited, in his native county; he worked on the farm until he was 14 years of age. On arriving at this age, his parents moved to Ohio, where he resided with his widowed mother for five years, and during the last year had charge of her farm. Capt. John A. came from Ohio to Mercer County, this State, and settled in Richland Grove, where he "took up" and purchased 100 acres oi land. He lived on the latter place until the spring of 1855, when he sold out and moved to Rural Township, this county, where he purchased 320 acres of land, located on sections 25 and 36. He settled on section 25, where he is at present residing, and on which he erected a good residence, together with substantial outbuildings, and placed his land under an advanced state of cultivation. At present he is the owner of 160 acres, the major portion of which is well improved. In the spring of 1861, Capt. Jordan raised a company known as the " Ellsworth Guards," and drilled them four months. At the expiration of that time, he took a part of his company and also a part of the Rock Island Rifles, which were consolidated, and Capt. Jordan was elected and commissioned Captain of the company, which was known as Co. A, 37th 111. Vol. Inf. It was a rifle company, and Aug. 14, 1861, they went into camp at Chicago, from which place they were soon afterward ordered for Missouri. Capt. Jordan was with the regiment for about five months, when he received a stroke of paralysis, and after examination by Dr. L. F. Humeston, Surgeon of his regiment, he was pronounced in a critical condition, and was compelled to resign, which he did. and returned to his home in Rock Island. He has been unable to regain his health since the close of the war. After returning home, he was sent to Kentucky and Tennessee on "matters connected with the army."

Capt. Jordan formed a matrimonial alliance March 18, 1841, in Richland Grove, Mercer Co., this State, with Miss Rachel Melzler, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Horcom) Metzler, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Jordan was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, May 4, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. J. are the parents of four children : Byroy, born June n, 1842; Edwin T., bom Dec. 17, 1843 ; Olive M., born Aug. 5, 1848, and died in Rural Township, May 14,

Capt. Jordan has held the office of Supervisor of Rural Township, Justice of the Peace eight years, and other minor offices in the township. Politically, he is a believer in and a supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and religiously he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Captain Jordan is Elder.

' ; -ft\ oseph Conway, one of the principal /' characters in the early history of Rock < '- Island County, was born in Mason Co., Ky., in 1790. In early life he moved to Madison Co., 111., and there studied law, was Circuit and County Clerk on the organization of that county in 1819, was State Senator in 1825-6 and in 1830. On the organization of Rock Island County, he came bearing the commission from the Governor for the office of Judge of Probate, Public Administrator, Notary Public and Recorder. He was also appointed Clerk of the Circuit and of the County Commissioners' Courts. On account of failing health he resigned in 1843, went south and died near Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 25, T843.

The subject of this sketch left home while a mere lad, at the age of 14 years, and since that lime, has won a respectable place in society. After leaving home he learned the miller's trade, which he only followed for a short time. He then came to Illinois and located in Albany, Whiteside County, where he lived for three years, working out where he could get employment. In 1S38 he went to Indiana, where he remained one year, then came back to Illinois, stopping in Hancock County for three months, when, in 1S40, he came to Rock Island. His introduction into the county was as a wood-chopper, working four months at that labor, together with farming. In 1841, he assisted in building a dam at Moline, and in 1852 he purchased his farm, where he now lives. He adheres to the principles of the Greenback party, and in his religious connections is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is also a member.

In 1843 he was united in marriage to Miss Pollie Brooks, who became the mother of 15 children, five of whom are living, - Eli, James, Clark, Martha and William. Mrs. Corbin died in 1883, and Mr. Corbin for his second wife married Mrs. Margaret West, Nov. 12, 1884. She was a native of Pennsylvania, and by her former husband became the mother of nine children, the following eight of whom are living: Harriet, Mary, Clara, Ella, Emma, Lillian, Clyde and Clarence.

Sji ndrew C. Shaffer, dealer in peddlers' sup- §\W plies at Rock Island, came to this city in ^ 1857. He was born in Andes, Delaware Co., N. Y., in December, T839. His father and mother, Philip and Malvina Schafer, were natives of that State, and there resided until their deaths. Andrew C. Shaffer, the gentleman of whom we write, at the age of fourteen years, engaged with his older brother, C. B. Shaffer, in his native village of Andes, in the hardware business, and they jointly conducted the same for three years. On atattaining his seventeenth year, Mr. Shaffer came West and located at Rock Island, and soon afterward purchased and improved a farm in Mercer County. He lived on his farm in Mercer County, occupied in its cultivation, for three years, when he returned to Delaware Co. N. Y., and again engaged in business with his brother, as before. They conducted their business jointly until the breaking out of the late Civil War, when Mr. Shaffer of this notice enlisted in the 8th New York Battery, Capt. Butler Fitch. He remained in the army four years, veteranizing and engaging in all the battles in which his regiment participated. After leaving the army he came to Rock Island, and at once engaged in the business which he is at present following. He has five wagons on the road, and in supplying the peddling trade is meeting with financial success.

Mr. Shaffer was united in marriage, in 1866, to Miss Angie Collier, a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., where she was born in 1844. The issue of their union was two children - Lee L., born in 1867, and now in the employ of the Rock Island & Pacific Survey Company; and VedaM., who was born in 187 1. In politics, Mr. Shaffer belongs to no party, but as with his religion, is liberal in his views. Socially, he is a member of the Order of Modern Woodmen of America - an order of the Golden Rule. His residence is 1504 Second Avenue, between Fifteenth and Sixteenth Streets, Rock Island.

aeob M. Weaver, a successful farmer, re t siding on section n, Moline Township, was born May r2, 1847, in Moline Township, within one- 1. alf mile of where he at preset ent resides. He ; a son of George Weaver, a native of Germany, who was married to Miss Schooley, also a native of that country. They emigrated to the United States in 1829, and the issue of their union was eight children - John D., Jacob M., subject of this notice, Amos, George, William, Christina A., Charlotte, Mary E. and Sisley M.

Mr. Weaver, of this notice, was united in marriage with Miss Ann Clarkson, Nov. 23, 1872. She was born June t r, 1853, in Johnstown, Pa., and is of English parentage. Her parents' names were Timothy and Elizabeth (Teasel) Clarkson, both born in England, the former dying in 1867, and the latter in r875. Mr. Weaver has a fine farm of 180 acres, 100 of which is under an advanced state of cultivation and the remainder in pasture. On his place he has a fine dwelling, 30x35 feet in dimensions, and one and a half stories in height, together with a good bain, 1 orn-crib, and other necessary outbuildings, and his place presents to the passer-by the appearance' indicative of the push and energy of which the proprietor is possessed.

ev. Erland Carlsson, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Augustana CollirsJP1" 'eSe and Theological Seminary, Rock Isl- \§r and, and residing at Andover, 111., where he is Pastor of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, is one of the best known gentlemen of I his nationality in America. Few men have excited j greater influence for good over their fellow men than ; has Rev. Mr. Carlsson. He has a splendid record, [ and one which we shall not attempt to elaborate in this sketch, but merely give the more prominent features of his great works among his people in behalf of religion and education. He was born in Sweden, Aug. 24, 1S22, and graduated at the University of Lund, in 1844, and was ordained to the holy ministry by the Bishop of Wexio, in June, 1849.

After five years of faithful service in the Established Church (the Lutheran) of Sweden, with royal permission he left his native country in June, 1853, coming to America. He at once proceeded to Chicago, arriving there in August of the same year. He took charge of the Immanuel Swedish Lutheran Congregation, which had been organized in that city in the same year, and consisted of a few poor Swedish emigrants. His remarkable career in that city is best told by the simple record of his pastorate of 22 years for his congregation. Commencing, as above stated, with a handful of poor Swedish emigrants, and without influence, during Mr. Carlsson 's services, his congregation became one of the largest Protestant Churches in Chicago. In the spring of 1875, he accepted a call to Andover, where he is at present located.

Rev. Erl. Carlsson has not only labored most efficiently as Pastor, but has taken a prominent part in the general affairs of the Swedish Lutheran Church of this country. For many years he has been the President of the Swedish Lutheran Illinois Conference, and at present is the President of the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North America. When the Rev. Carlsson arrived in Chicago there were only two Swedish Lutheran pastors and six Swedish Lutheran congregations in this countiy ; but now the Synod of which he is President numbers 214 ministers and 460 congregations, with a membership of 102,413, and now extends in territory from the Atlantic to the Pacific slope. Mr. Carlsson is also the Chairman of the Board of Missions of this Synod, and also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Augustana College and Theological Seminary at Rock Island. He is also connected with many other boards and important committees. He is a thoroughly competent man, eminently capable of taking charge of the extensive religious and educational affairs with which he has been connected. He has always taken the deepest interest and a most prominent part in the education of the Swedes, and in making them true Christians and good American citizens.

It is with pleasure that we present in this Album the portrait of a man so widely as well as so intimately connected with that large and respectable element, the Swedes, which we find in this county. His influence, however, is by no means confined by the boundaries of Rock Island County, nor by the borders of Illinois even, but is largely exerted, and always for good, in every Swedish colony or settlement in the country.

'jartin Eettig, deceased, formerly a resident of Rapids City, was born ia Germany in 1833, and emigrated to the A'\ United States when 19 years of age, in 1852. Soon after arriving in this country, he came to Rock Island, where he remained for ten years, engaged in different vocations. He then went to Hampton Township, in 1863, where he erected a boarding-house and saloon, and where he

Mr. Rettig was united in marriage to Miss Catherine N. Meis in 1S57, in the city of Rock Island. She was a native of Germany, and is the mother of five children by Mr. Rettig, namely : John, born Aug. 20, 1S59; Henry, March 29, 1861 ; Lena, A _ 8, 1862; Martin, Nov. 3, 1S63, and Mary, May 20, 1872. Mrs. Rettig has continued to carry on the business, which her husband followed since his death. She is the proprietor of 40 acres of land in Iowa, and ir acres in Port Byron. Religiously, she is a member of the Catholic Church. She came from Germany to this country in 1S54 with her mother and family, and settled in Jackson Co., Iowa, where she lived until the date of her marriage to Mr. Rettig.

\Wf* 'If UUiam C. Welch, of the firm of W. C. < \>s£t}\ Welch & Bio., general retail grocers, Rock i:~"* Island, 111., was born at Honesdale, Pa., Feb. 10, 1837, and was the eldest of six sons and one daughter born to John and Mary (Hambley) Welch, natives of England. Mr. Welch, subject of this sketch, received a fair education at the public schools of his native State, and emigrated to Illinois before he was 20 years of age, landing in Rock Island in May, 1S57. His first employment here was as a clerk in the grocery house of Henry Dart, where he remained about two years. In 1859 Mr. Dart opened a branch house in Davenport, Iowa, with which he took Mr. Welch as a partner. At the end of two years, Mr. W. severed his connection with this concern, and having contracted a mild attack of the " gold fever " spent the succeeding three and a half years in the mining regions of the Western Territories. His search for the precious metals not being rewarded with any marvelous degree of success he returned to Rock Island in the fall of 1865, and after a short visit in the Eastern States, resumed work with his old employer, the firm being known at that time as Henry Dart's Sons. At the end of a few months he, in partnership with J. K. Gregg, bought out the retail department of Dart's \«. Sons' Grocery House, to which business he has since devoted his entire attention. Mr. Gregg retired from the firm in 1S7 1, and in 1S75 Mr. W. took his brother, Franklin P Welch, into partnership.

Flic firm of W. C. Welch & Bro are deservedly doing a flourishing business, and though the senior member of the firm has other outside interests, the grocery house of which he is the head receives uninterruptedly his personal attention.

manufacturer of and dealer in boots and shoes, Milan, was born in Holsfein, Germany, Feb. 9, 1832, and was educated in the public schools. He came to America in 1S57, locating first in \ the city of New York, where he followed his trade as a shoemaker, which he had completed under a German workman before leaving his native country. After working at his trade in that metropolis for four months, in July, 1857, he came West, settling at Milan. Here he worked as a journeyman until 1S62, when he enlisted in the War for the Union, in Co. A, 03d 111. Vol. Inf. He was wounded at the battle of Altona, Ga., by a gunshot through the right shoulder. Returning home after the close of his service in the army, he started, in 1865, his present business, in which he enjoys a high degree of prosperity. He owns seven lots in the village, five dwelling houses and a good store building. His residence, of brick, is the best in the town, costing $5,000.

Jan. 21, 1861, is the date of Mr. Goldsmith's marriage, at Davenport, Iowa, to Miss Catherina Keeler, who also was born in Holstein, Germany, and came to America in 1857, settling in Davenport, where she lived until her marriage. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. G., two are deceased. Frank is living, and the deceased are William and Emma.

Mr. Goldsmith's father, Jacob, now deceased, was a laborer at the public Custom-House. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Christine Klink;

In his political principles, Mr. Goldsmith is a Democrat. He has been a member of the Village Council for several different terms, and both himself and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.

Iff jfefj'-011- James W. Simonson, senior member of 5 the mercantile firm of Simonson & Schafer, at Port Byron, was born in the town of Lamington, Somerset Co., N. J., Nov. 8, 1842. In the paternal line he is a descendant of John Simonson, who was a native of Holland. His father, Dennis Simonson, was bom in Somerset County, where he married Ellen Nevius, who was also born in New Jersey.

The ancestors of Mr. Simonson were farmers, and he was brought up to a knowledge of the same business, meanwhile obtaining a common-school education. In September, 1S61, he enlisted in Co. E, 30th N. T- Regt. Vol. Inf. The 30th was a part of the 1 1 th Corps of the Army of the Potomac. His servii e was during the Peninsular campaign, under Gen. Geo. B. McClellan. He received honorable discharge before the end of the first year, on account of disability, and returned to his home. Some time passed before he was sufficiently' recovered to engage in business, and when he did it was in fanning. In 1865 he came West to Port Byron, and embarked in the grocery and provision trade. A year later he began to real law in the office of S. R. Allen, of Port Byron. He attended the Law Si hool at Chicago during the terms of 1S67 and 1S68, from which he was graduate! in the 5 e ir list named. Previous to his graduation he had been admitted to the Bar of Illinois, and he afterwards opened an office in Rock Island, where he practiced as an attorney until 1872. He then went to Mt. Carroll, in Carroll Co., 111., and there engaged in mercantile trade. A year later he returned to Port Byron and lias since been eng in general merchandising.

Politically, Mr. Simonson is an adherent of the Republican party. In 187S, his zeal and activity in support of that political organization, and his worth as a citizen, received honorable recognition by his being nominated and elected to represent the 21st District in the 31st General Assembly of Illinois. He filled the position so acceptably that he was reelected in rSSo. While a member, he was Chairman of the Committee on Fees and Salaries and was a member of the Committees on Education, Revenue, Canal and Rivers, and was placed on a special committee to investigate insane asylums and ascertain their capacity and recommend what, in its judgment, would be suitable and sufficient buildings, etc. He has served three years as President of the Board of Village Trustees, and as a member of the Board of School Directors.

Mr. Simonson was married Sept. 9, 1S74, to Rose C, only daughter of William H. and Eliza (Beardslee) Devore, and they have two children, - Blanche E. and Devore Nevius. An extended sketch of the parents u\ Mrs Simonson may be found on other pages of this work. Mr. Simonson is a member of Alpha Lodge, No. 85, A. O. U. W.

Rock Island County can justly boast of many splendid and palatial residences. Prominent among these, and one of the very finest in the northern part of the county, is the dwelling of Mr. Simonson, and we are pleased to represent it in the pictorial department of this Album. A view of it appears on page 286.

H: >l ;enjaniin R. Towndrow, Sr., of Mohne, was bom in Sheffield, England, April 13, lijp? '" 1831. His parents are Joseph and Marcia (Smith) Towndrow, his father of French and his mother of Scotch ancestry. Mr. T., the second of his parents, three children, attended school in his native country, until he was about 15 years of age, at which, time he paid a flying visit to Quebec, Canada, for two months. In 1848 he came again to America, landing at New Orleans; and in February, 1849, went to New York city for a short time; was next at Burlington, Iowa, for three months, then in Appanoose Co., Iowa, for about a year; then in Burlington again three years; then three months at Rock Lland, and finally, in 1852, he came to Moline, III., which has ever since been his home. In

1853 he started a grocery store in Moline, which he conducted for six years, then changed his occupation to that of buying pork for Archer Shaw. After buying all that his employer desired, Mr. Towndrow opened a dry-goods and grocery store, which he managed until 1S62; selling out, he made a journey to California for his health, remaining there six months. Returning to this county, he opened a grocery store in Rock Island ; but a year afterward he sold out and spent a year in his native land ; returning to Moline in 1865, he was proprietor of the Moline House until 1874, when he leased the property, but finally disposed of it through J. S. Keator, in 1880.

At Fort Madison, Iowa, June 30, 185 1, Mr. Towndrow was married to Miss Louisa Emery. Her father, William Emery, was an Englishman by birth, a farmer by trade, and died in his native country, in 1846. Mrs. P. died in Moline, July 7, 1881, after having been a most excellent and faithful wife for 30 years. She had two children, namely: Marcia L., who was born July 21, 1859, and Benjamin R., Jr., Feb. 9, 1862. Marcia married Frank Gould, Feb. 20, 1878, and they have one child, - Florence L., who was born March 13, 1879. The son was married Feb. 4, 1885, to Miss Stella Barnard.

-SSichard A. Donaldson was born in Rural jfc Township, Rock Island Co., 111., June 8, 1854. His parents, James and Catharine Hy\ (Cook) Donaldson, natives of the Slate of Pennsylvania and of Scotch extraction, removed from the Keystone State to Rock Island County and located upon a farm in Rural Township in 1853. Here the family resided for about 30 years. His father lias been extensively interested in the farming and banking business. Richard A., the eldest of the four sons and three daughters born to his parents, spent the years of his youth upon his father's farm, alternating the duties incident to farm life with attendance at the common schools of his neighborhood.

Island County, and held thot position until the death of his superior officer, which occurred in January, 1S80, when he was appointed at once to the Clerkship pro tern. At a special election, held in February, 18S0, he was duly elected to fill out the unexpired term of Mr. Cook, deceased, and at the regular election, in November, 1882, so acceptably had he discharged the duties of the office as Deputy, Clerk pro tern, and as Clerk, he was chosen almost without opposition to succeed himself for the four years ending in 1886.

Mr. Donaldson was united in marriage at Rock Island, in December, 18S2, to Miss Laura Conway, an accomplished daughter of Joseph Conway, deceased.

M 30, 1827. He lived in his native country until he attained the age of 27 years (1852), where = he was engaged in farming, and received the "" advantages afforded by the common schools. During . that year, he determined to emigrate to the " land of possibilities," realizing that greater inducements were offered to this country for the accumulation of a competency than in the "Faderland." Accordingly, he set sail for the United States and landed in New York, whence in a short time he removed to Louisville, Kentucky, where, and in Hardin County, that Slate, he resided for a time, in both of which places 5 he remained one year. He then came to Southern Illinois, where he resided for about two years, coming then to this country. On arrival here he worked out by the month in Drury Township,- for a little over two years. He then purchased 60 acres of land, located on section 22, on which he settled and at once entered energetically and vigorously upon the task of its improvement and cultivation, and on which he has resided until the present time. Mr. Meyer commenced life with nothing but a firm determination, to " get on " in the world, and that determination coupled with his indomitable energy, together with his perseverance and pluck, has aided him very materially in the accumulation of a compear tency. He is at present the owner of 480 acres of land, located in Dairy Downship, about 250 of the same being in an advanced state of cultivation. He has a good residence, barn and outbuildings on his farm .

Our subject was married at Muscatine, Iowa, Jan., 1865, to Caroline Krantz, a native of Prussia ; to them have been born ten children, as follows: William, Emma, Mary, Anna, Sarah, Lena, Mena, Albert, Henry and. Nellie. All are living but Henry.

Mr. Meyer has ever taken an active interest in the welfare of the community in which he resides, and, though not prominent in politics, has held some local offices. He is at present a School Director. Politically, he is a Republican, and both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Church.

enry S. Shurtleflf, a retired farmer and Justice of the Peace, residing at Rapids City, and one of the well-known pioneers of Rock Island County, came, to Hampton Township in 1840. He was among the first to set a stake here and begin the development of the county, and is, therefore, one of the pioneer settlers of that portion of the county. He was born in N. H., Feb. 27, iSi6. His parents were Barzillai and Dorothy (Locke) Shurtleflf, natives of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, respectively. The father came to Illinois in 1835, and settled in Knox County, where he entered 200 acres of land, on which he and his wife resided until the day of their deaths. The Shurtleflf family is well-known in Illinois, as some members of it have taken an active and prominent part in its educational affairs. The famous Shurtleflf College, at Alton, 111, was named in honor of one of these, an uncle of the subject of this sketch. Henry S. Shurtleflf, subject of this biographical notice, was a resident of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, until he attained the age of 19 years. He received an academical education, and remained on the parental homestead until 25 years of age, with the exception of about six months spent in the city of Boston when about the age of 15 years as a clerk in a mercantile establishment. In 1855, realizing that the West afforded better inducements for the accumulalion of property than the crowded East, he came to La Salle Co., 111., where he remained for six months, and then went to Tazewell County, remaining there through the winter of 1836. In 1837 ' he went to Knox County, this State, and was there engaged in farming on 140 acres of land, which he " took up " from the Government. He then sold out and came to Hampton Township, this county, and and purchased 40 acres of timber land, and engaged in lumbering. Soon afterward he bought 40 acres on Rock River bottom, which he cultivated for three years, then sold and purchased 103' j acres of land, on which he moved his family and entered vigorously and energetically upon its cultivation and improvement, and upon which he has continuously resided up to the present time. Prior to moving on his farm he was in the mercantile business at Rapids City, and while residing at that village was Postmaster for 10 years. Mr. Shurtleflf has held the office of Assessor for a number of years, and in 1856 was elected ,. Justice of the Peace, which office he has held continuously until'the present time with the exception of one year. In the spring of 1885 he was appointed S Notary Public. He is a man of considerable promi- ^ nence in his township, and respected for his honest and straightforward dealings with his fellow man. Politically, he is an advocate of the principles of the Greenback party.

Mr. Shurtleflf was married to Miss Emeline Williamson in 1840; she was a native of Kentucky, in which State she was born Jan. 29, 1818. Of their union four children were born, namely: BarzilLi M., bornSjpt. 13, 1S41 ; Job A., Feb. 18, 1843; Benton A., July 5, [846; Delilah H., Nov. 15, 1844. The { wife and mother died April 14, 1848, and Mr. Shurt- f leff was the second time married, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Williamson, who was born Dec. 6, 1829, and the date of their marriage occurring June 14, 1849. Their union has been blessed with four children : Emeline, born March 4, 1850; Charles H., May 19, 1855 ; Rosalie, Dec. 8, 1856; and William, May 23, 1S60. Six of the chil- I drenofthe two unions are married, namely : Bar-^ zillai, Job. Delilah, Emeline, Charles H. and Rosalie. (f

Two of the sons of Mr. S., Barzillai and Job, were 9 soldiers in the late war. Barzillai was commissioned y as Second Lieutenant and Job as Sergeant. They **"

The portrait of Mr. ShurtlefF, which is given in connection with this sketch, forms a valuable addition to the collection in this Album. He is a representative of the best class, who were factors in the development of the county, and sustains the honor of the line of descent to which he belongs.

occupation of farming, until he attained the age of 14 years, when he came to Bedford Co., Pa., and settled down to labor. Here he remained until 1 84 r , when he rented his farm and ran a saw-mill in Tusearora, Pa., for over three years; but again moved, coming this time farther West, locating in Rock Island, 111, in the spring of 1S45. In 1S46, he commenced draying at the latter place, an occupation he has since followed, and at which he has quietly prospered, winning for himself the solid reputation of being an honorable, industrious and reliable man; and he is one of the best known and most respectable of the old settlers there. Mr. Simmon was elected and served as Alderman during 1846-7.

He was married in Pennsylvania, March 19, 1S43, the lady chosen to share his successes and reverses, sorrows and joys, being Miss Katherine Miller; but in the fall of that year (1850), she passed away to the land of the hereafter, and of their union there were born two children, namely : George H., born Dec. 29, 1843: Eliza C, Jan. 6, 1S46. On Sept. 10, 1853, Mr. S. was again married, at Rock Island, to Miss Cornelia Hitchcock. Of this second union there were born four children : Peter C, born Feb. 14, 1S55; Harrison. May 29, 1864; Maria E., March 6, 1866, and Matilda C, Oct. 30, 1868. The mother of Mr. Philip Simmon died in 1876, and the father in 1877. Mr. S. is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife of the Methodist. In politics he is a Democrat, and believes it to be a party which will always work for the benefit and glory of the

The last Sept. 10, 1883; she is the daughter of W. H. and Xtttie (Dixon) Richards, of Moline. Her mother's father was John Dixon, a pioneer of Lee Co., 111., after whom the city of Dixon was named. Peter C. atended school in his native town, Rock Island, until he was about 1 S years of age, when he was appointed clerk in the postoffice, under Haverstick in 1872, remaing there for six months, and then went to the Davenport Business College, which he had previously attended for six months. For three years thereafter he kept books for R. Crampton, of Rock Island. In 1876 he came into the office of Deere & Co., at Moline, where he soon became cashier, a position he still holds.

Like his father, he is a Democrat in political belief, and in religion is a Methodist, as is also his wife. Mr. P. C. Simmon belongs to the Odd Fellows, and is also Second Lieutenant of Co. F, I. N. G.

was 111., his parents being Edward M. and Sarah (Terry) Cralle. He attended school in his native /\ district but a short time, and remembers that on the first day of his attendance he had to plod along through two miles of woods, and his father went along to show him the way, carrying a hatchet with him to '"bla/e" the trees, so that his son might be able to find his way back to the paternal cabin.

He came to Moline in 1S64, and on May 13, that year, he enlisted in Capt. James St. Clair's Company, Co. G, 136th Regt. 111. Inf., though he was less than 14 \ ears of age. He was tall and strong, however, very patriotic, >us to enlist; and it is sad to know that he wickedly and with malice aforethought " pulled the wool over the eyes " of the recruiting officer and made him believe he was a raw recruit 18 years of age! He was out on duty six months, was stationed at the fort at Columbus. Ky., for a while, and went thence to Chicago, and finally to Springfield, 111., where he was mustered out, Oct. 2S, 1S64.

He returned to Moline in the fall of that year, and for two years worked for George Stephens in his bedstead factory, on the island of Rock Island; then was engaged several months on a lath machine for Dimock & Gould, then for a while for T. M. Christy, in his cracker b tkery ; next he peddled ice for George Heck, and afterward followed the occupation of a farmer one summer; next, was employed in the United States Express business for L. H. Barker, thus learning most of what he now knows of business. On July 16, 1873, he owed $ioo, to pay a balance due on some furniture; and he also borrowed $500 of Samuel Bowles, with which he bought out Joe Bonham's express outfit, consisting of one team. Mr. Bowles charged him no interest for the use of the money, and thus Mr. Cralle was enabled to embark independently in business. In 1882 he owned and ran four express teams, which he afterward sold, and Feb. 1, that year, he became a partner in the livery business with Henry Herwood, who died May 23, 1883; and Mr. C. bought out the widow's interest, Dec. 1, following, and he now owns five carriages, nine buggies and 18 head of good horses.

Jan. 30, 1873, is the date of Mr. dalle's marriage to Miss Mary Witherspoon, and they have two children, namely: Maud M., who was born Jan. 28, 1874, and Arthur B., Aug. 1, 1880.

ohn E. Fleming, County Treasurer of Rock Island, was born in Steubenville, Jefferson '^ Co., Ohio, May 10, 1846, and was married at Davenport, Iowa, Oct. 4, 1S80, to Miss Minnie R. Graham. During his boyhood he attended school and early turned his attention to the mysteries of telegraphing, which business he gp\ learned in the most thorough manner. He removed to Rockford, 111., with his parents iu April, 1852, where he attended school, and in leisure hours learned telegraphy, which he put in practical use for the first time in the spring of rS56. His telegraph experience ended in 1873. During the time engaged in telegraphing he was employed by the company in various cities in this State, viz.,G;'' Di.xon, Fulton and Peoria. His residence in this city dates from Dec. 12, 1S61. In 1868 he was appointed Superintendent of Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railway lines, which were completed and put in operation under his superintendency. He resigned this position in 1870, to accept that of chief operator in St. Souis, which place he resigned in 1873, to engage in reportorial duties, etc.

Kharles O. Nason, architect and superintendent of the wood department of Deere Co. Plow Works, was born in the town of && Hartford, Windsor Co., Vt, Sept. 20, 1828, and is the sun of Horace and Mary Nason.

He removed to Claremont, N. H., when quite young, where he received the training afforded by the common schools in the way of an education, and in early manhood became a practical cot'on-weaver. Mr. Nason was engaged in that business until 1857, when he emigrated to Illinois, and located at Moline. He at once found employment in the plow works of his uncle, John Deere, the celebrated plow manufacturer. A few months later lie was assigned to the management of the wood department, of which he has beeen the superintendent continuously since. For 28 years he has held this responsible position, and, by his thorough knowledge of the details of the business and prompt attention to its management, has contributed largely to its successful development Mr. Nason has had the satisfaction of witnessing the growth oft he great " Deere &: Co. Plow Manufactory," from a modest concern of small proportions to that of one of the largest institutions of the kind in the world, and of knowing" that his name is deserving of honorable mention in connection with this result.

Mr. Nason formed a matrimonial alliance at Orford, N. H., in August, 1840, with Miss Charlotte A. Johnston, daughter of Thomas Johnston, of Plainfield, N. H. Mrs. Nason was born in Meriden, of that State. The issue of their marriage is two children, namely : Clarence E., who married Miss Ella Estelle, and resides at Moline, and Ella F., residing with her parents. Mr. Nason votes with the Republican party.

father's family hither. He was born in HunjT tingdon Co., X. J., Nov. 8, 1S32, and is the youngest son of John B. and Annie (Myers) Cain, and his parents were also natives of the same State where the son was horn. The father was born in Huntingdon Co.. X. J., April 7, 1804. He married Anna, daughter' of Albert Meyers. She died in April, 1882. John B. was a member of the Dunkard Church, but while a young man severed his connection with it and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1855, or shortly after he came here. He was a Democrat in politics. The latter was reared on a farm, and obtained a thorough knowledge of an agriculturist while he was still a resident of Ills native State.

The family set forth for Illinois in 1850, traveling overland to Pittsburg, where they embarked with their teams on a steamboat, and journeyed the rest i the distance on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, landing at Cordova, in the county of their destination, in the month of November of the same year. The father rented a farm in Canoe Creek Township, on which they lived one year. In 1S52 the senior Cain entered 200 acres of land on section 20 of the same township, and also bought 40 acres on the same. On the latter tract 15 acres had been broken. Xo other improvements had been made, and the new owner proceeded to build a log house, and to otherwise improve the condition of his estate. His sons, John and Hiram, were old enough to aid materially in the work of placing the home farm in profitable condition, and assisted in so doing until 1859, when the latter went to California. The former lias since occupied the homestead, in company with his father, who died Aug. 22, 1885. In 1S67 he built the present large farm house, and in 1880 he built a barn. The son has bought additional land, and the place now contains 325 acres. The brothers are engaged :i ie cattle, and show some good specimens irt-horn breed.

Beal. She was born in Allegheny County, Pa., and to her and her husband two children were born - Ella R. and Anna E. The parents of Mrs. Cain, Tames and Elizabeth (Williams) Beal, were both natives of Pennsylvania, and came to the county of Rock Island in October, 1S54, and settled on section 25, Coe Township. The mother died in June, 18S0. After her demise the father lived with hw son George until his death, which transpired in December, 18S2. Their family comprised six children, and of that number four are still living.

Mr. and Mrs. Cain have had six children, and lost one by death : Wesley lives in Coe Township ; Sarah is the wife of Jacob Marshall, a fanner in the same township ; Hiram is a resident there also ; Hannah, widow of George R McMurphy, married Henry Ashdown.

£ sraelCassel is a dealer in stoves and housefurnishing goods at Moline. He makes general job work a specialty. He was born in Bucks ( !o., Pa, Oct. 12, 1832, and is the son of John and Susanna (Bergey) Cassel. He removed in boyhood to Medina Co., Ohio, where he began learning the trade of a tinner. In the fall of 1S54 he went to Davenport, Iowa, where he completed his trade and worked as a journeyman for 10 years, when, in 1864, he came to Moline. He worked as a " jour " in the latter place until 1S78, when he entered into a co-partnership with Mr. E. Smith and subsequently with E. B. McKeevever. In March, 1S84, Mr Cassel started alone in the business in which he is at the present engaged, and in which he is meeting with success. He was united in marriage, in Moline on the 5th day of July, 1858, to Miss Eliza A. Hutt, a daughter of Hiram and Nancy Hutt. She was born in Schoharie Co., N. V., and came to Moline with her parents in childhood. Their union was blessed by the birth of five children, four sons and one daughter, but the hand of death has taken three to the land of the hereafter. Mary, the only daughter, died, aged 24 years. William died when about two years of age. Hiram is at present employed in the store by his father. Frank-

Mr. and Mrs. Cassel are both members of the First Baptist Church of Moline. Politically, Mr. Cassel is identified with the Republican party. His place of business is at the corner of 17th Street and Third Avenue.

orenzo C. Elliott, Supervisor of Buffalo Prairie Township, was born in the town of Lyle, Broome Co., N. Y., March 31, 1S19. His father, Ittai Elliott, was a native of New Hampshire, but located in New York State when a young man. He was married there to Lusina Page, a native of the Empire State.

When our subject was six years of age, his parents moved to Allegany and became early pioneers of that county. His father bought a piece of timber land, and improved a farm and lived there until his death. Lorenzo assisted his father in clearing the land, and made his home with his parents until his marriage, which occurred Nov. 29, 1S40. He selected as a life companion Mary A. Davis, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Barmore) Davis. Her father was a native of Connecticut and her mother of New York State, and, like the parents of Mr. Elliott, they were early settlers in Allegany County. Her birth occurred in that county .Aug. 21, 1823. Her father had bought 120 acres of land before his marriage, but never located upon it. They resided in Allegany County until the fall of 1845, when they set out with a pair of horses and a wagon for the West, where they expected to find a desirable place to locate. After 3r days of wearisome travel, they arrived in Rock Island County, and Mr. Elliott erected a log cabin in Buffalo Prairie Township.

The first winter after Mr. Elliott's arrival in this county was chiefly spent in splitting rails; the following year he rented a farm, which he cultivated for two years, when he made'a claim on section 25 of Buffalo Prairie Township; upon this he erected a log house, into which he immediately moved, and began the improvement of the land. Two years later he entered 80 acres, and again in two more years he entered another 80 on section 36; he now owns 222 acres, all nicely improved. He has planted upon his place a large number of fruit and shade trees, and has erected for his family a comfortable frame house, and provided for his stock and grain a substantial frame barn. A view of his home place is presented in this Album.

Mr. Elliott was elected Supervisor in i860, and served five years, and again in 1867 was re-elected and served two years. In 1885 he was again elected, and is serving at the present time (18S5). He has ever been prominent in the affairs of the community since living here. At a very early day he was elected Supervisor of Highways, and was called to act as Judge of Election when the county was divided into precincts. He has always taken a great interest in educational matters, and has been a member of the district School Board a greater part of the time since living here. He was elected Justice of the Peace in i88r, and has served continuously since that time. In politics, he is and has been identified with the Democratic party all his life, and is influential in its ranks in this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have had n children, as follows : Adelia, wife of Marvin Freeman, resident of Oregon; Nelson lives in Buffalo Prairie Township ; Hattie is the wife of Seth Parmenter, of Jewell Co., Kan.; Calista, wife of William Jennings, of Edgington Township, this county; Lunaette, the wife of Thomas Campbell, of Carroll Co., Iowa ; Esther, wife of Thomas Banghart, Jasper Co., Iowa ; Willard D. lives in O'Brien Co., Iowa; Diana, wife of John Caster, resident of Mercer County; Erastus V., Nelson and Austin are in the mercantile trade in Buffalo Prairie Township.