Rock Island County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 4 of 24)

It was during Yates' second term in Congress that the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise was agitated, and the bars laid down for reopening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He took strong grounds against the repeal, and thus became identified with the rising Republican party. Consequently he fell into the minority in his district, which was pro-slavery. Even then, in a third contest, he fell behind Major Harris only 200 votes, after the district had two years before given Pierce 2,000 majority for President.

The Republican State Convention of i860 met at Decatur May 9, and nominated for the office of Governor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B. Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Swett, of Bloomington, two of the ablest men of the State, who were also candidates before the Convention. Francis A. Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr. Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period remembered as characterized by the great whirlpool which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion. The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen of Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. The Breckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party had also full tickets in the field. After a most fearful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr. Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr. Allen 159,253. Mr. Yates received over a thousand more votes than did Mr. Lincoln himself. Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the most critical period of our country's history. In the fate of the nation was involved that of each State. The life struggle of the former derived its sustenance from the loyalty of the latter; and Gov. Yates seemed to realize the situation, and proved himself both loyal and wise in upholding the Government. He had a deep hold upon the affections of the people, won by his moving eloquence and genial manners. Erect and symmetrical in person, of prepossessing appearance, with a winning address and a magnetic power, few men possessed more of the elements of popularity. His oratory was scholarly and captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they were transported. He was social and convivial. In the latter respect he was ultimately carried too far.

The very creditable military efforts of this State during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers, were ever promptly and ably seconded by his excellency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of "the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battleof Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were promptly responded to by the people. His proclamations calling for volunteers were impassionate appeals, urging upon the people the duties and requirements of patriotism ; and his special message in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equaled in beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his messages on political and civil affairs were able and comprehensive. During his administration, however, there were no civil events of an engrossing character, although two years of his time were replete with partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military arrests, Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of 1862, were the chief local topics that were exciting during the Governor's term. This Convention assembled Jan. 7, and at once took the high position that the law calling it was no longer binding, and that it had supreme power; that it represented a virtual assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was sovereign in the exercise of all power necessary to effect a peaceable revolution of the State Government and to the re-establishment of one for the "happiness, prosperity and freedom of the citizens," limited only by the Federal Constitution. Notwithstanding the law calling the Convention required its members to take an oath to support the Constitution of the State as well as that of the general Government, they utterly refused to take such oath. They also assumed legislative powers and passed several important "laws!" Interfering with the (then) present executive duties, Gov. Yates was provoked to tell them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right of the Convention to instruct him in the performance of his duty."

In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to waste time upon various partisan resolutions ; and, while the two houses were disagreeing upon the question of adjourning sine die, the Governor, having the authority in such cases, surprised them all by adjourning them " to the Saturday next preceding the first Monday in January, 1865 !" This led to great excitement and confusion, and to a reference of the Governor's act to the Supreme Court, who decided in his favor. Then it was the Court's turn to receive abuse for weeks and months afterward.

During the autumn of 1864 a conspiracy was detected at Chicago which had for its object the liberation of the prisoners of war at Camp Douglas, the burning of the city and the inauguration of rebellion in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the camp at the time, first had his suspicions of danger aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters which passed through the Camp postoffice. A detective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen. Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed name, and he, with other rebel officers - Grenfell, Morgan, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles Walsh - was arrested, most of whom were convicted by a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to imprisonment, - -Grenfell to be hung. The sentence of the latter was afterward commuted to imprisonment for life, and all the others, after nine months' imprisonment, were pardoned.

In March, 1873, Gov. Yates was appointed a Government Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, in which office he continued until his decease, at St. Louis, Mo., on the 27th of November following.

^"/nUCHARD J. OGLESBY, Governor 1865-8, and re-elected in 1872 and 1884, was born July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co., Ky., - the State which might be considered the " mother of Illinois Governors." Bereft of his parents at the tender age of eight years, his early education was neglected. When 12 years of age, and after he had worked a year and a half at the carpenter's trade, he removed with an uncle, Willis

In 1844 he commenced studying law at Springfield, with Judge Silas Robbins, and read with him one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County.

The next year the war with Mexico was commenced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered, was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in the battles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo.

On his return he sought to perfect his law studies by attending a course of lectures at Louisville, but on the breaking out of the California "gold fever " in 1849, lie crossed the plains and mountains to the new Eldorado, driving a six-mule team, with a comprenticeship as

In 1852 he returned home to Macon County, and was placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket of Presidential Electors. In 1856 he visited Europe, Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his return home he resumed the practice of law, as a member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. In 1858 he was the Republican nominee .for the Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 he was elected to the Illinois State Senate; and on the evening the returns of this election were coming in, Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious, and which was regarded as " the first fight of the Rebellion." The following spring, when the war had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and he enlisted. The extra session of the Legislature elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry, the second one in the State raised to suppress the great Rebellion.

He was shortly entrusted with important commands. For a time he was stationed at Bird's Point and Cairo; in April he was promoted Brigadier General ; at Fort Donelson his brigade was in the van, being stationed on the right of General Grant's army and the first brigade to be attacked. He lost 500 men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these men were from Macon County. He was engaged in the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball, and was carried from the field in expectation of im- mediate death. That rebel ball he carries to this day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as Major General, for gallantry, his commission to rank from November, 1862. In the spring of 1S63 he was assigned to the command of the 16th Army- Corps, but, owing to inability from the effects of his wound, he relinquished this command in July, that year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his resignation, and he was detailed, in December following, to court-martial and try the Surgeort General of the Army at Washington, where he remained until May, 1864, when he returned home.

1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr. Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor, while other candidates before the Convention were Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois, of Sangamon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. Wm. Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant Governor. On the Democratic State ticket were James C. Robinson, of Clark, for Governor, and S. Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor. The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority of about 31,000 votes. The Republicans had also a majority in both the Legislature and in the representation in Congress.

Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. 17, T865. The day before the first time set for his installation death visited his home at Decatur, and took from it his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This caused the inauguration to be postponed a week.

1865 were the election of ex-Gov. Yates to the United States Senate, and the ratification of the r3th amendment to the Constitution of the United States, abolishing slavery. This session also signalized itself by repealing the notorious " black laws," part of which, although a dead letter, had held their place upon the statute books since 181 9. Also, laws requiring the registration of voters, and establishing a State Board of Equalization, were passed by this Legislature. But the same body evinced that it was corruptly influenced by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, notably an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse railway, granted in 1S59 for 25 years, and now sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure was promptly passed over his veto by both branches of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to attempt to check their headlong career. At this session no law of a general useful character or public interest was perfected, unless we count such the turning over of the canal to Chicago to be deepened. The session of 1867 was still more productive of private and special acts. Many omnibus bills were proposed, and some passed. The contests over the location of the Industrial College, the Capital, the

During the year 1872, it became evident that if the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to the office of Governor, they could also elect him to the United States Senate, which they desired to do. Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Executive chair, and placed upon the ticket with him for Lieutenant Governor, John L. Beveridge, of Cook County. On the other side the Democrats put into the field Gustavus Koerner for Governor and John C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from 35'334 t0 56,174, - the Democratic defection being caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket for President. According to the general understanding had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate, whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Senator Oglesby 's term expired March 4, 1879, having served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of statesmanship beyond criticism.

During the campaign of 1S84 Mr. Oglesby was nominated for a " third term " as Executive of the State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both gentlemen '.'stumped " the State, and while the people elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joint ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of i5,or8 for Governor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1885. The Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on account of its equal division between the two main parties and the consequent desperate tactics of each party to checkmate the latter in the organization of the House.

Gov. Oglesby is a fine-appearing, affable man, with regular, well defined features and rotund face. In stature he is a little above medium height, of a large frame and somewhat fleshy. His physical appearance is striking and prepossessing, while his straightout, not to say bluff, manner and speech are well calculated favorably to impress the average masses. Ardent in feeling and strongly committed to the policies of his party, he intensifies Republicanism among Republicans, while at the same time his jovial and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite party from hating him.

He is quite an effective stump orator. With vehement, passionate and scornful tone and gestures, tremendous physical power, which in speaking he exercises to the utmost ; with frequent descents to the grotesque; and with abundant homely comparisons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadest vernacular and enforced with stentorian emphasis, he delights a promiscuous audience beyond measure.

jjOHN Mc AULEY PALMER, Gov- Ikv** ernor 1869-72, was bom on Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Ky., Sept. 13, 18 1 7. During his infancy, his father, who had been ', a soldier in the war of 181 2, removed to Christian Co., Ky., where lands were cheap. Here the future Governor of the great Prairie State spent his childhood i» and received such meager schooling as the new and sparsely settled country afforded. To this he added materially by diligent reading, for which he evinced an eaily aptitude. His father, an ardent Jackson man, was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 1831 he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison County. Here the labor of improving a farm was pursued for about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's mother broke up the family. About this time Alton College was opened, on the "manual labor " system, and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his elder brother, Elihu, entered this school and remained 18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching. During the summer of 1838 he formed the acquaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confidence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The following winter, while teaching near Canton, he began to devote his spare time to a desultory reading of law, and in the spring entered a law office at Carlinville, making his home with his elder brother, Elihu. (The latter was a learned clergyman, of considerable orginality of thought and doctrine.) On the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was admitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his examiners. He was not immediately successful in his profession, and would have located elsewhere than Carlinville had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes the success of his life.

From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his profession, he participated more or less in local politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. In 1847 he was elected to the State Constitutional Convention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 he was elected to the State Senate, and at the special session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slavery sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in opposition to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise; and when the Nebraska question became a party issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for the Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuing a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterward, however, hesitating to break with his party, he participated in a Congressional Convention which nomi- T. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which unqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas- Nebraska act. But later in the campaign he made the plunge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, and was elected. The following winter he put in nomination for the ^United States Senate Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men who voted for him until all the Whigs came to their support and elected their man.

In 1856 he was Chairman of the Republican State Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in 1859, but was defeated. In i860 he was Republican Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861 he was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Republicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at Washington.

When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the 14th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in the engagements at Island No. 10; at Farmington, where he skillfully extricated his command from a dangerous position ; at Stone River, where his division for several hours, Dec. 31, 1862, held the advance and stood like a rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major General; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's divisions for two hours maintained their position when they were cut off by overpowering numbers. Under Gen. Sherman, he was assigned to the 14th Army Corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign. At Peach-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was assigned to the military administration of Kentucky, which was a delicate post. That State was about half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves. He, who had been bred to the rules of common law, trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary power over the persons and property of his fellow men, with which he was vested in his capacity as military Governor; and he exhibited great caution in the execution of the duties of his post.

Gen. Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illinois by the Republican State Convention which met at Peoria May 6, 1868, and his nomination would probably have been made by acclamation had he not persistently declared that he could not accept a candidature for the office. The result of the ensuing election gave Mr. Palmer a majority of 44,707 over John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee.

On the meeting of the Legislature in January, 1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was that portion of the Governor's message which took broad State's rights ground. This and some minor points, which were more in keeping with the Democratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge f jr the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received from the Republican party, and ultimately resulted in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The Legislature just referred to was noted for the introduction of numerous bills in the interest of private parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor. Among the public acts passed was that which limited railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto, the " tax-grabbing law " to pay railroad subscriptions, the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State Constitution of 1870, far superior to the old, was a peaceful " revolution" which took place during Gov. Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the great Chicago Fire of October, 187 t, was greatly alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency.

Since the expiration of Gov. Palmers 's term, he has been somewhat prominent in Illinois politics, and has been talked of by many, especially in the Democratic party, as the best man in the State for a United States Senator. His business during life has been that of the law. Few excel him in an accurate appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles. The great number of his able veto messages abundantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to point them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner and an interesting, forcible and convincing speaker, though not fluent or ornate. Without brilliancy, his dealings are rather with facts and ideas than with appeals to passions and prejudices. He is a patriot and a statesman of very high order. Physically he is above the medium height, of robust frame, ruddy complexion and sanguine-nervous temperament. He has a large cranial development, is vivacious, social in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his habits of life, democratic in his habits and manners and is a true American in his fundamental principles of statesmanship.

OHN LOWRiE BEVERIDGE, Governor 187 3-6, was born in the town of Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., July 6, 1824. His parents were George and Ann Beveridge. His father's parents, Andrew and Isabel Beveridge, before their marriage emigrated from Scotland just before the Revolutionary War, settling in Washington County. His father was the eldest of eight brothers, the youngest of whom was 60 years of age when the first one of the number died. His mother's parents, James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated from Scotland at the close of the Revolutionary War, settling also in jy Washington Co., N. Y., with their first-born, whose " native land " was the wild ocean. His parents and grandparents lived beyond the time allotted to man, their average age being over 80 years. They belonged to the " Associate Church," a seceding Presbyterian body of

America from the old Scotch school; and so rigid was the training of young Beveridge that he never heard a sermon from any other minister except that of his own denomination until he was in his 19th year. Later in life he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which relation he still holds.

Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school education, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood only by rigid economy and industry, could not send him away to college. He was raised upon a farm, and was in his 18th year when the family removed to De Kalb County, this State, when that section was very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000 inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a farm laborer, teaching school during the winter months to supply the means of an education. In the fall of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at Granville, Putnam Co., 111., and subsequently several terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris, Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At this time, the fall of 1845, his parents and brothers were anxious to have him go to college, even though he had not money sufficient; but, njt willing to burden the family, he packed his trunk and with only $40 in money started South to seek his fortune.

John L. Beveridge

First, he taught school in Wilson, Overton and Jackson Cos., Tenn., in which experience he underwent considerable mental drill, both in book studies and in the ways of the world. He read law and was admitted to the Bar, in the South, but did not learn to love the institution of slavery, although he admired many features of Southern character. In December, T847, he returned North, and Jan. 20, 1848, he married Miss Helen M. Judson, in the old Clark- Street M. E. church in Chicago, her father at that time being Pastor of the society there. In the spring of 1848 he returned with his wife to Tennessee, where his two children, Alia May and Philo Judson, were born.

In the fall of 1849, through the mismanagement of an associate, he lost what little he had accumulated and was left in debt. He soon managed to earn means to pay his debts, returned to De Kalb Co., 111., and entered upon the practice of his profession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival from the South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced law, worked in public offices, kept books for some of the business men of the town, and some railroad engineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed to Evanston, 12 miles north of Chicago, a place then but recently laid out, under the supervision of the Northwestern University, a Methodist institution. Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law office in Chicago, where he found the battle somewhat hard; but he persevered with encouragement and increasing success.

Aug. 12, 1861, his law partner, Gen. John F. Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment of cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a company for it. He succeeded in a few days in raising the company, of course enlisting himself along with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles, 111., was mustered in Sept. 18, and on its organization Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was attached, Oct. it, to the Eighth Cavalry and to the Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment until November, 1863, participating in some 40 battles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days' fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment the greater part of the summer of 1863, and it was while lying in camp this year that he originated the policy of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capacity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system. It worked so well that many other officers adopted it. In the fall of this year he recruited anothercompany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was commissioned Colonel of the 17 th 111. Cav., and skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered out Feb. 6, 1866, safe from the casualties of war and a stouter man than when he first enlisted. His men idolized him.

He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, with no library and no clientage, and no political experience except to help others into office. In the fall of 1S66 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving one term; next, until November, 1870, he practiced law and closed up the unfinished business of his office. He was then elected State Senator; in November, 187 1, he was elected Congressman at large; in November, 1872, he was elected Lieutenant Governor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby; the latter being elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became Governor, Jan. 2t, 1873. Thus, inside of a few weeks, he was Congressman at large, Lieutenant Governor and Governor. The principal events occurring during Gov. Beveridge's administration were : The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun in 1869; the partial success of the "farmers' movement;" "Haines" Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at the Centennial.

Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov. Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Beveridge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial paper at 7 1 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block), Chicago, and since November, 1881, he has also been Assistant United States Treasurer : office in the Government Building. His residence is still at Evanston.

V HELBY M. CULLOM, Governor 1S77 - 83, is the sixth child of the late Richard N. Cullom, and was born Nov. 22, 1829, in Wayne Co., Ky., where his father then resided, and whence both the Illinois and Tennessee branches of the family originated. In the following year the family emigrated to the vicinity of Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., when that section was very sparsely settled. They located on Deer Creek, in a grove at the time occupied by a party of Indians, attracted there by the superior hunting and fishing afforded in that vicinity. The following winter was known as the " hard winter," the snow [being very deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a prominent citizen and was several times elected to the Legislature, both before and after the removal of the capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He died about *873-

Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up to agricultural pursuits, attending school as he had opportunity during the winter. Within this time, however, he spent several months teaching school, and in the following summer he "broke prairie "with an ox team for the neighbors. With the money obtained by these various ventures, he undertook a course of study at the Rock River Seminary, a Methodist institution at Mt. Morris, Ogle County; but the sudden change to the in-door life of a student told severely upon his health, and he was taken home, being considered in a hopeless condition. While at Mt. Morris lie heard Hon. E. B. Washburne make his first speech.

On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to study law, under the instruction of Abraham Lincoln, at Springfield, who had by this time attained some notoriety as an able lawyer; but the latter, being absent from his office most of the time, advised Mr. Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards. After about a year of study there, however, his health failed again, and he was obliged to return once more to out-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for packing, for A. G. Tyng, in Peoria, and while he regained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, he went to Springfield, where he was soon elected City Attorney, on the Anti-Nebraska ticket.

In 1S56 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presidential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as such, he was at the same time elected a Representative in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by a local coalition of the American and Republican parties. On the organization of the House, he received the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practicing law until i S6o, he was again elected to the Legislature, as a Republican, while the county went Democratic on the Presidential ticket. In January following he was elected Speaker, probably the } oungest man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legislature. After the session of 1861, he was a candidate for the State Constitutional Convention called for that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the disgrace of being connected with that abortive party scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In 1862 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but was defeated. The same year, however, he was appointed by President Lincoln on a Government Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of Massachusetts and Charles A. Dana, since of the New York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty.

In 1S64 he entered upon a larger political field, being nominated as the Republican candidate for Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in opposition to the incumbent, JohnT. Stuart, who had been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago. The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in November following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by the magnificent majority of 4 103 ! In 1868 he was again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards, another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes.

During his first term in Congress he served on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Expenditures in the Treasury Department; in his second term, on the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Territories and in his third term he succeeded Mr. Ashley, of Ohio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He introduced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of law in Utah, which caused more consternation among the Mormons than any measure had previously, but which, though it passed the House, failed to pass the Senate.

The Republican Convention which met May 25. 1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieutenant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor of the Chicago Journal. For the same offices the Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists, placed in nomination Lewis Steward, a wealthy farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The result of the election was rather close, Mr. Cullom obtaining only 6,800 majority. He was inaugurated Jan. 8, 1877.

Great depression prevailed in financial circles at this time, as a consequence of the heavy failures of 1873 and afterward, the effect of which had seemed to gather force from that time to the end of Gov. Cullom's first administration. This unspeculative period was not calculated to call forth any new issues, but the Governor's energies were at one time put to task to quell a spirit of insubordination that had been begun in Pittsburg, Pa., among the laboring classes, and transferred to Illinois at Chicago, East St. Louis and Braidwood, at which places laboring men for a short time refused to work or allow others to work. These disturbances were soon quelled and the wheels of industry again set in motion.

In May, 1880, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by the Democrats; and although the former party was somewhat handicapped in the campaign by a zealous faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected by about 314,565, to 277,532 for the Democratic State ticket. The Greenback vote at the same time was about 27,000. Both Houses of the Legislature again became Republican, and no representative of the Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov. Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1S81. In his message he announced that the last dollar of the State debt had been provided for.

March 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United States Senator from Illinois expired, and Gov. Cullom was chosen to succeed him. This promoted Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Governorship. Senator Cullom's term in the United States Senate will expire March 4, 1889.

As a practitioner of law Mr. C. has been a member of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, at Springfield ; and he has also been President of the State National Bank.

He has been married twice, - the first time Dec. 12, 1S55, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had two daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863, to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mr. C. is also in sympathy.

OHN MARSHALL HAMILTON, Governor 1883-5, was born May 28, 1847, in a log house upon a farm about two miles from Richwood, Union County, Ohio. His father was Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son of Rev. VVm. Hamilton, who, together with his brother, the Rev. Samuel Hamilton, was among the early pioneer Methodist preachers in Ohio. The mother of the subject of this sketch was, before her marriage, Mrs. Nancy McMorris, who was born and raised in Fauquier or Loudoun County, Va., and related to the two large families of Youngs and Marshalls, well known in that commonwealth; and from the latter family name was derived the middle name of Gov. Hamilton.

In March, 1854, Mr. Hamilton's father sold out his little pioneer forest home in Union County, O., and, loading his few household effects and family (of six children) into two emigrant covered wagons, moved to Roberts Township, Marshall Co., 111., being 21 days on the route. Swamps, unbridged streams and innumerable hardships and privations met them on their way. Their new home had been previously selected by the father. Here, after many long years of toil, they succeeded in paying for the land and making a comfortable home. John was, of course, brought up to hard manual labor, with no schooling except three or four months in the year at a common country school. However, he evinced a capacity and taste for a high order of self-education, by studying or reading what books he could borrow, as the family had but very few in the house. Mu»h of his study he prosecuted by the light of a log fire in the old-fashioned chimney place. The financial panic of 1857 caused the family to come near losing their home, to pay debts ; but the father and two sons, William and John, "buckled to" and persevered in hard labor and economy until they redeemed their place from the mortgage.

When the tremendous excitement of the political campaign of i860 reached the neighborhood of Roberts Township, young Hamilton, who had been brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zealous part in favor of Lincoln's election. Making special efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he joined a company of Lincoln Wide-Awakes at Magnolia, a village not far away. Directly after the ensuing election it became evident that trouble would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake company, like many others throughout the country, kept up its organization and transformed itself into a military company. During the ensuing summer they met often for drill and became proficient ; but when they offered themselves for the war, young Hamilton was rejected on account of his youth, he being then but 14 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 ne attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County, and in the following May he again enlisted, for the fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st 111. Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111., for the 100-day service. He took with him 13 other lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the service. This regiment operated in Southwestern Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine.

The following winter, 1864-5, Mr. Hamilton taught school, and during the two college years 1865-7, he went through three years of the curriculum of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. The third year he graduated, the fourth in a class of 46, in the classical department. In due time he received the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the Principal of Marshall " College " at Henry, an academy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By this time he had commenced the study of law, and after earning some money as a temporary Professor of Latin at the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, he entered the law office of Weldon, Tipton & Benjamin, of that city. Each member of this firm has since been distinguished as a Judge. Admitted to the Bar in May, 1870, Mr. Hamilton was given an interest in the same firm, Tipton having been elected Judge. In October following he formed a partnership with J. H. Rowell, at that time Prosecuting Attorney. Their business was then small, but they increased it to very large proportions, practicing in all grades of courts, including even the U. S. Supreme Court, and this partnership continued unbroken until Feb. 6, 18S3, when Mr. Hamilton was sworn in as Executive of Illinois. On the 4th oi~ March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Congress.

In July, 187 1. Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen M. Williams, the daughter of Prof. Wm. G, Williams, Professor of Greek in the Ohio Wesleyan University. Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son.

In 1S76 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Republicans for the State Senate, over other and olde^ competitors. He took an active part " on the stump " in the campaign, for the success of his party, and was elected by a majority of 1,640 over his Democratic- Greenback opponent. In the Senate he served on the Committees on Judiciary, Revenue, State Institutions, Appropriations, Education, and on Miscellany ; and during the contest for the election of a U. S. Senator, the Republicans endeavoring to re- elect John A. Logan, he voted for the war chief on every ballot, even alone when all the other Republicans had gone over to the Hon. E. B. Lawrence and the Democrats and Independents elected Judge David Davis. At this session, also, was passed the first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, against so much opposition that the bill was several times "laid on the table." Also, this session authorized the location and establishment of a southern penitentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the session of 1879 Mr. Hamilton was elected President pro tern. of the Senate, and was a zealous supporter of John A. Logan for the U. S. Senate, who was this time elected without any trouble.

In May, rSSo, Mr. Hamilton was nominated on the Republican ticket for Lieutenant Governor, his principal competitors before the Convention being Hon. Wm. A. James, ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Judge Robert Bell, of Wabash County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. He engaged actively in the campaign, and his ticket was elected by a majority of 41,200. As Lieutenant Governor, he presided almost continuously over the Senate in the 32d General Assembly and during the early days of the 33d, until he succeeded to the Governorship. When the Legislature of 1883 elected Gov. Cullom to the United States Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton succeeded him, under the Constitution, taking the oath of office Feb. 6, r883. He bravely met all the annoyances and embarrassments incidental upon taking up another's administration. The principal events with which Gov. Hamilton was connected as the Chief Executive of the State were, the mine disaster at Braidwood, the riots in St. Clair and Madison Counties in May, 1883, the appropriations for the State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-license liquor law, the veto of a dangerous railroad bill, etc.

The Governor was a Delegate at large to the National Republican Convention at Chicago in June, 1884. where his first choice for President was John A. Logan, and second choice Chester A. Arthur; but he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr. Blaine, true to his party.

jJ,HE time has arrived when it becomes the duty of the people of this county to perpetuate the names of their pioneers, to furnish a record of their early settlement, and relate the story of their progress. The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age and the duty that men of the present time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity, demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In biographical history is found a power to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe vessel in which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this country from its primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the great and aged men, who in their prime entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing lo their graves. The number remaining who can relate the incidents of the first days of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and preservation of events without delay, before all the early settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, in spite of their best works and the most earnest efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion and to perpetuate their memory has been in proportion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. The pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhumations made by the archeologists of Egypt from buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people to perpetuate the memory of their achievements. The erection of the great obelisks were for the same purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monuments, and carving out statues to chronicle their great achievements and carry them down the ages. It is also evident that the Mound-budders, in piling up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea - to leave something to show that they had lived. All these works, though many ot them costly in the extreme, give but a faint idea of the lives and characters of those whose memory they were intended to perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of the people that then lived. The great pyramids and some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crumbling into dust.

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelligent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating a full history - immutable in that it is almost unlimited in extent and perpetual in its action; and this is through the art of printing.

To the present generation, however, we are indebted for the introduction of the admirable system of local biography. By this system every man, though he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, through the coming ages.

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the physical man is left. The monument which his children or friends may erect to his memory in the cemetery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind.

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we engrave their portraits, for the same reason we collect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to wait until they are dead, or until those who know them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to publish to the world the history of those whose lives are unworthy of public record.

OLONEL GEORGE DAVENPORT was the first white man to make a permanent settlement in what is now Rock Island County, arriv- ..V- v/W v ing here in the spring of

-£f ¥&?"*- vessel sailed from Liverpool to St. rj&i,1, Petersburg, Russia, and shortly after its arrival there an embargo was laid upon all English vessels in that port, the vessels taken possession of and their crews thrown into prison by the Russian government. In the following spring they were released and returned iiome. The next voyage was to New York, in the summer of 1804, where they arrived in safety. After discharging their cargo and taking another on board for Liverpool, as the vessel was upon the point of sailing, one of the sailors was knocked overboard. Mr. Davenport quickly jumped into a small boat and rescued him. In jumping into the boat he fractured his leg very badly, and, there being no surgeon on board, the captain had him taken to the city and placed in a hospital, returning without him. After remaining in the hospital about two months, he was advised to go into the country to recruit his health. Acting upon this advice, he went to Rahway, N. J.,

In the spring of 1806, he went with his regiment to New Orleans, and in the fall received orders to march to Sabine River. While there, he was sent with dispatches to Fort Adams, and while on the way his canoe struck a snag and he was upset in the river. Clinging to some drift-wood, he managed to reach the shore, and was then obliged to strike across the country to the Mississippi, traveling over swamps, bayous and sloughs. He was several days in reaching the fort, living upon what berries and wild fruit he could find. For ten years he served his adopted country as a soldier, principally against the Indians. In the second war with Great Britain the most important battle he was engaged in was that of Lundy Lane. He secured a British musket at this battle, which is still kept in the family as a relic of the war.

On receiving his discharge in 1815, he was employed by Col. Win. Morrison, of Kentucky, Government contractor, to supply the troops with provisions. Going to St. Louis, he took charge of several keelboats, loaded with provisions. A large drove of cattle were also purchased and driven through the country. They started up the river and arrived at the mouth of the Des Moines River late in the fall, and concluded to stop there for the winter. In the spring of 18 16, in company with Col. Lawrence, in command of the Eighth Regiment United States Infantry, they again embarked on boats and proceeded up the river. Arriving at the mouth of Rock

River, they examined the country for a site for a fort, resulting in the selection of the lower end of Rock Island as the most suitable point. They landed on Rock Island May 10, 1816, and here Mr. Davenport made his home until his death. His residence, a double log cabin, was near the foot of the island, where he subsequently erected a large two-story frame house, a fine sketch of which is shown in this work.

The Indians at that time were not very friendly to the Americans, but soon took a fancy to Mr. Davenport, giving him the name of Sag-a-nosh, meaning "an Englishman." During the second year, with what little money he had saved, he purchased a stock of goods and began trading with the Indians. As an Indian trader he was remarkably successful, securing and retaining their good will and confidence, although for a time he had more or less trouble with the Winnebagoes, at one time narrowly escaping being massacred.

In 1823, the first steamboat - the " Virginia " - arrived at the island, loaded with provisions for Prairie du Chien, and Mr. Davenport was called upon to pilot her over the rapids.

In 1825 a postofhce was established upon the island, with Mr. Davenport as Postmaster. He held the office until its removal to the mam land, on the organization of the county.

During this year the first settlements were made in this vicinity. As they were poor, Mr. Davenport furnished many of them with provisions and groceries until they could raise a crop. When the Indians returned in the spring of 1829, Mr. Davenport used all his influence to induce them to remove to the west side of the Mississippi, and partially succeeded. Waupello removed his village to Muscatine Slough, and Keokuk, with part of the Sacs, to the Iowa River; but Black Hawk and the remainder of the Sacs refused to go, claiming that they never had sold their land. During the Black Hawk War that followed, Mr. Davenport was appointed Quartermaster General, with the rank of Colonel.

he purchased a claim of Antoine Le Claire, across the river in Iowa, and proceeded to lay out a town. To this town was given the name of " Davenport," in his honor.

In the fall of 1837 he visited Washington City, in company with a number of chiefs of the Sac and Fox nations, and aided the Government in the purchase of a large portion of Iowa. In 1842, Gov. Chambers made another treaty with the Sacs and Foxes. He told the chiefs to select any of their white friends they might choose to assist them in making a treaty. They selected Col. Davenport as one of four. By this treaty the Indians sold all of their lands within the State of Iowa. Shortly after this, Col. Davenport withdrew from the Indian trade and devoted the remainder of his life to the improvement of his property in Davenport and Rock Island.

" Col. Davenport," said a well known writer, " was of a very free and generous disposition, very jovial and very fond of company. After retiring from the Indian trade, he spent the winters generally in St. Louis or Washington. Whether traveling on a steamboat or stopping at a hotel, he would always have a crowd around him listening to his stories and anecdotes. He never sued any one in his life, and could not bear to see anyone in distress without trying to relieve him. He enjoyed excellent health and spirits, and had the prospect of living many years to enjoy the comfort for which he had toiled so hard for many years, but he was struck down by one of a band of robbers, in his own house, on the fourth of July, 1S45. He died aged 62."

A full account of this tragedy will be found in the article on the " Courts and the Bar," in this volume. The life of Col. Davenport was a long and active one. "Although of trans-Atlantic extraction," says the writer already quoted from, " he was a true type of the American, possessing indomitable resolution, a restless desire to progress, with an invincible determination to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Much as his cor severance, enterprise and ability demand admiration, there is still something more than these commanding our respect and honor - something which is more lustrous than wealth, better than position or title : it was his humanity ! Had men of his bias dealt with Black Hawk and his ' British Band,' less gory scalp locks would have decked the belts of warring savages, less blood would have been shed, and the entire fearful drama of devastation, slaughter and carnage which was enacted upon our frontiers a few years since, would have been wholly omitted. Honor to his ashes ! He sleeps in a grave whose proud epitaph reads, ' Here lies a friend to humanity!' "

A portrait of Col. Davenport necessarily occupies the place of honor in this volume. A view also of his residence, in which he was murdered and which is preserved as a relic by the Government, is also given in this woik.

fyjjiles Nicholson, a pioneer of the county of Rock Island of 1842, settled in the same flfljsK- vear m t'le township of Coe. He lived '-*»% on the place and pursued his agricultural projects with success until 1S82, when he rented the farm and located at Port Byron. He had previously purchased three acres of land on the hill which overlooks the village and situated withing the corporate limits. The location is one of the best in the vicinity, and the owner has erected good and suitable buildings. He indulges in amateur farming in miniature on the estate which forms his homestead.

Mr. Nicholson was born in Lewis, Essex Co., N Y., March 4, 1S13. His father, James Nicholson, was a native of Connecticut, and he married Edie Mason, who was born in the same State. After their marriage they settled in the State of New York, locating in Essex County about 1800, where they were among the earliest of the pioneer element. The senior Nicholson bought a tract of timber, cleared a farm, and was its owner and occupant until his death. The son was reared through boyhood and youth on the home farm, and was married at 19 years of age to Maria Pierce. She was born in New Hampshire. Two years after their marriage they went to the State of Ohio, and settled in Cleveland. Mr. Nicholson obtained a situation in a meat market, where he was occupied two years. Meanwhile, his true wife opened a millinery and dressmaking shop, which she managed the same length of time.

In 1835 they came to Illinois. Mr. Nicholson purchased a pair of horses and a wagon, and with his wife made the journey overland. On the route he was seized by illness of the character most dreaded in those days by the emigrants from the East (chills and fever), from which he suffered for a long time. Nearly three weeks was consumed on the journey, and when they arrived in Green County Mr. Nicholson rented a farm. On this they resided until 1842, when they came to Rock Island County. They reached the house of the brother of Mr. Nicholson in the month of July, 1842, the inventory of the husband's possessions being one wife, two children and $[.62 in cash with which to begin life in the West. His illness had exhausted the little fortune which represented so much in a new and untried place, but he found no difficulty in obtaining employ as a farm assistant, and in September of the same year he negotiated for a farm of 1 20 acres of land, for which he gave his note and took a bond for a deed. During the summer following he worked at farming for $1 per day, and with the money earned he made the first payment on his land. At the time of his purchase the improvements on the place consisted of a small log structure that was little better than the style of abode called hovels in the place whence they came, standing on a tract of ten acres which had been broken. He labored during the days for his employer, and with the assistance of his wife worked by moonlight and put in a crop which furnished subsistence for his family. He continued this method of operation, and through good management and frugality won reasonable success. He paid for the first purchase of land, and bought additional tracts adjoining, until he is the owner of 360 acres situated on sections 27, 28 and 29. With the exception of 20 acres his land is all under cultivation. It is fenced and supplied with the necessary farm structures. There is also a good collection of fruit-trees and small fruits on the place.

The first wife of Mr. Nicholson died Dec. 16, 1854, leaving four children, two of whom have followed the mother to the silent land. Duane lives in Coe Township. William is a resident of the same place. Mr. Nicholson was a second time married, Dec 28, 1856, to Nancy McLaughlin. She was born in Ireland and came to the United States when an infant. Anna M., wife of John Christie, of Coe Township, is the only issue of the second marriage. Albert, third son of the first marriage, was born in 1844, and died Dec. 26, 1863. Sarah E., born March 22, 184S, died Jan. 19, rS67. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In political faith and connections he is a Republican.

i spending a short time in Rock Island and vicinity, he purchased 80 acres of land in Rural Township, settled upon it and has since resided there, an exemplary farmer and estimable citizen. He is now the proprietor of 240 acres of land, on which he has erected a fine residence. His place is put in good condition, and his home is a very desirable one. He is a Republican in his political views, and both himself and Mrs. B. are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

Dec. 5, 1861, is the date of his marriage in Rural Township, this county, to Miss Margaret, daughter of John and Mary (Campbell) VVarnock, who are also natives of County Down, Ireland. (See sketch of John Wamock.) Mrs. Bailey was born in that county July 7, 1 841. Mr. and Mrs. B. have seven children, namely: Mary E., Anna, William W. Jane, John, Hugh W. and Ella.

ames M. Davis, a general farmer and stockgrower, residing on section iS, Edgington Township, and also a dealer in agricultural implements at Edgington, is a son of Joseph S. and Hermanda (Johnson) Davis. Her parents were natives of Seneca Co., N. Y., and of Welsh and German extraction. They were farmers by occupation, and were married in the Empire State. After the birth of their first child they came West, settling in Buffalo Prairie Township, this county, where they located on a farm of 120 acres. They were very early pioneers to this county, coming about the year 1834. The parents ever afterward remained in that township and on the old homestead, respected and honored by the people throughout that section of the county. The mother was first to be called to her eternal home, her death occurring Aug. 18, rS8r,- and the father died May 1, 18S3. Both were prominent in the early history of the county, and did much towards developing the country.

Our subject was the youngest but four of a family of 13 children, and was born in Buffalo Prairie Township, March 2, 1S50. He was educated in the district schools, and lived on the old homestead until his marriage, which occurred April 15, 1S72. Miss A. Martha Spickler was the lady of his choice. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Feb. 12, 1850, and came with her parents to Illinois when a small girl. She is the mother of two children : Delos I., born Aug. 29, 1872, and Mary G., born Oct. 17, 18S4. Within a year after his marriage Mr. Davis very wisely purchased a farm on section 18, Edgington Township. This farm consisted of 206 acres, all well improved. He has served his township as Collector and his school district as Director, and politically is a stanch Democrat.

f fiP\<; hilip J. Deal, a reliable citizen and pro- 7 Eft] gressive farmer, residing on section 14, [i i-i> Rural Township, is a son of George and

^ The father was living in Pennsylvania during the Revolutionary War, and took part in that struggle on the side of the Colonists. The parents both died in Pennsylvania, the father in his 88th year and the mother when she was 74 years of age. Their children were seven in number, of whom Philip was the youngest.

Philip J. Deal was born in Bedford Co., Providence Township. Pa., Dec. 16, 1802. When nearly 16 years of age Mr. Deal was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade and served four years. After learning the trade he continued to follow the same until 1873, when, on account of age and failing health, he was compelled to abandon the trade. He came to Rock Island County in May, 1S43, and resided for two years in Rock Island, then live years in Moline In 1848 Mr. Deal purchased 80 acres of land in Rural Township, on which he located, and in 1850 he built a shop on his farm and worked at his trade in connection with agricultural pursuits. He erected a good residence and other necessary farm buildings on his place, and at present is the proprietor of 200 acres of land, all of which is under an advanced state of cultivation.

Mr. Deal was united in marriage, in Bedford Co., Pa., Dec. 6, 1829, with Miss Susan Bollman, daughter of Isaac and Barbara (Sills) Bollman, of German ancestry. They settled in Pennsylvania, where they resided until their deaths. Mrs. Deal was the eldest of 14 children, and was born in Bedford Co., Pa.. Feb. 7, 1S04. Mr. and Mrs. Deal are the parents of three children: Rachel A., born June 3, 1832; Sarah, -born Oct. 3, 1S35 ; and Henry \V., born May 19, 1837; Rachel A. is the wife of Archibald Cook, a resident of Rock Island. Politically, Mr. Deal votes with the Republican party. He has held various minoroffices, and religiously he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

J'ito Rufus and Laura (Squires) Hubbard. Mr. j|£ Hubbard, our subject, attended school in his I native town, also assisting in the labors of the farm, until he attained the age of 18 years, when lie came to Adams County, III, with his father, where he remained one year, after which their family came to Geneseo, Henry Co., 111., where they settled in 1837. There he alter. lately farmed, studied and taught music until 1844, when he (having been married in 1843) with his family moved to Moline, this county. He taught the first singing-schools in the county, at Rock Island and Moline, and in the fall of 1844 organized and led the first brass band in the county, also at Moline, consisting of the following named persons, to-wit : Anson M. Hubbard, Jonahs, than Huntoon, Joseph Huntoon, Wm. H. Edwards,

Thomas Merryman, Joseph Merryman, Thos. Davis, Henry Keyes and Newman Benedict. The first four named are still residents of Soline. This band was playing at a celebration in Rock Island July 4, 1845, at the time Col. Davenport was murdered on the island, and afterwards assisted in the search for the murderers, in connection with the band was a club of singers, and they furnished music and singing for conventions, festivals, celebrations, etc., for nearly all the towns in the vicinity.

Mr. Hubbard also organized the first choir in the Congregational Church at Moline, and led it for ten years with most admirable success, and then returned to Geneseo and engaged in farming there until 1S62, when he went back tc Moline. where he has ever since resided. In 1862 he became landlord of the " Moline House," and kept it for three and a half years, and afterward the old " Central House " about the same length of time, or until 1869, meanwhile leading the Congregational choir until 1876, when he resigned. During his first residence in Moline he held the office of Constable for several years and was Trustee of the First Congregational Church for four years. After his return to Moline in 1S62, he held the office of Police Magistrate for seven years, being the successor of E. S. Waterman, Esq., in that office, and was Clerk of the Congregational Church for 14 years, from 1865 to 1879. For years he has dealt in music and musical merchandise, and is a genuine and enthusiastic expert in that business. When he first came here Moline contained only about 200 peopie, and he has lived to see it a marvel of progress and industry.

Rufus Hubbard, the father of Anson M., our subject, was born in Glastonbury, Conn., June 19, 1789, and was by trade a tanner and currier. That busi- ' ness, together with farming, he carried on there for 26 years. He resided in Rome, Oneida Co., N. Y., for two \ ears, then for a time at Bergen, Genesee Co., same State. Next he removed to Adams Co., Ill, in 1866, and next to Henry County, this State, in 1837, where he followed farming, and finally came to Moline, this county, in 1845, where he worked at shoemaking and subsequently several years in the tub and pail factory of Dimock & Gould. He was a Deacon in the Congregational Church several years, participated in the War of 1812, and while at Bergen was Justice of the Peace and Supervisor for many years. He died in Moline in 1880, at 91 years of age.

>elville C. Crandell, Postmaster, and also engaged in the drug business, at Reynolds, was born in Switzerland Co., Ind., Nov. 16. 1842. His father, O. B. Crandell, was a native of Xew York, a farmer by vocation, and was united in marriage to Elizabeth J. Kerr, in Indiana. She was the daughter of an Indiana farmer, and was born in Switzerland County, that State.

Melville C. Crandell, whose name heads this sketch, was next to the youngest in order of birth of seven children. He resided at home, attending the common school and assisting in the labors of the farm until he attained his iSth year. In 1862 he responded to the second call for soldiers to defend the nation's honor, enlisting August 22d of that year in Co. C, 67th Ind. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Day, and his regiment was assigned to the 13th Army Corps - the Army of the Mississippi. He participated in 13 of the hardest-fought battles of the war, of which the following are the most prominent: Mumfordville, Ky., Chickasaw Mountain, Ark., Arkansas Post, Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, sieges of Forts Morgan and Gaines, and the battle of Blakely, Miss., and many other skirmishes. He was imprisoned twice while in the army, the first time at Mumfordville, Ky., Aug. 16, 1862, but was afterward paroled. His second imprisonment was at Grand Coteau, La., Nov. 3, 1863. He was kept for three weeks at Alexandria, Ala., and after an attempt to escape was re-taken and placed in jail, though in more favorable quarters than he had previously occupied. He was honorably discharged at Galveston, Tex., July 19, r865.

Ind., whence he came to Milan, this county, where he opened a restaurant and conducted the same for a year. He then went to Nebraska, and was there engaged in farming for five years, after which he returned to this State, and clerked in a mercantile establishment in Mercer County. In January, 1878, Mr. Crandell came to Reynolds, this county, opened a restaurant, and continued in the business for three years, meeting with financial success. Closing out his restaurant, he purchased a store building and lot and engaged in the drug trade, including notions, etc., which business he is at present conducting. He was appointed Postmaster at Reynolds in 1883. and holds that position at the present time.

Mr. Crandell was united in marriage, while residing in Nebraska, Feb. 14, 187 1. with Miss. Margaret Cathcart, wiio was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 28, 1850, and came West with her parents when young, they settling in Rock Island, where she resided, receiving the advantages of a common-school education until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Crandell are the parents of three children - Walter K., born Feb. 14, 1S73; Vina M., born Sept. 7, 1S77 ; and Elisha M., born Dec. 25, 1878.

illiam S. Bailey, a farmer on section 2, Rural Township, is a son of Robert and Jane (Campbell) Bailey, who were natives of the north of Ireland, near Belfast. He is the seventh generation in the line of descent from the Duke of Argyle, and his mother, now living at the age of 78, is the last of the sixth generation. In his father's family there were seven children, four of whom lived to become of adult age namely : William S., James, John C. and Anna.

The subject of this sketch was born in County A Down, Ireland, Nov. 5, 1826. He lived in Ireland until the age of 2 r years, and in 184S he came to - America and settled in Rock Island, making the ^ journey in two months, coming through from Chicago in a spring wagon. From that time to the

Black Hawk'S Watch Tower, From The South Iley Davenport, Rock Island, Ills

He was married in Rural Township, March 25, 1858, to Miss Ann Bailey, daughter of Hugh and Mary (Aiken) Bailey, natives of Belfast, Ireland. Nine children were born of the union, six of whom survive, viz. : Mary J., Lizzie, Anna M., Robert J., Alice and Isaac J. William and two others died in infancy, the former at the age of seven years.

Mr. Bailey has been Warden of the County Farm, located in Rural Township, 19 years and 7 months. He has also held the offices of Constable and Notary Public four years, Township Clerk, etc. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and in political matters he sympathizes with the Republicans.

fTJ K- ames W. Berry, painter, Moline, was born in London, England, Feb. 6, 181 1, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Davis) Berry, also natives of London, England. As soon as he was old enough, James was placed at school in London, and kept there until he was 14 years of age, about which time he entered the Government Custom-House, where he clerked for one year, at the end of which time he went out on a voyage as cabin boy on a Government vessel, which was transporting troops to Malta and Gibraltar. He spent some time with his ship about the Mediterranean, and upon his return he shipped as seaman for a three-years cruise on a whaler, searching for sperm whales.

During that time he suffered all the dangers, privations and hardships of those who " go down to the sea in ships," narrowly escaping shipwreck, and loss of life and ship by fire, and on one occasion he came near being captured or killed by savages. His ship was lying near the Navigator Islands and the chief and some 30 of the natives came on board. The party was accompanied by a young Englishman, who had when a boy, sometime before, ran away from a whaler and remained on the islands, where he had so conducted himself as to become next to the chief in authority. It happened that sperm whale appeared some distance from the ship, and the boats were ordered out and manned for their capture, leaving only one of the boat's crew on the ship with the captain, Mr. Berry being one of those on board. The chief suggested to his followers that as the seamen had nearly all left the ship, it could easily be captured, and that they had better do it. The idea was communicated to the Englishman for His opinion, who suggested that they better make a sure thing of it by sending one of their canoes back to the island for a large crew of natives on one of their doublr « at canoes, and to have them cover their arms and munitions with fruit, so that if they should deride it would not be safe to attempt the attack they could claim they had only come out to barter fruit. The young Englishman's idea was adopted, and while orders were being sent for the war canoe he, not caring to see his countrymen butchered, sought the captain of the whaler and unfolded the plan to him, whereupon he instantly signaled to his boat's crews to cut away from the whaler and return with all speed to the ship, which they instantly did, and reached the vessel and got aboard when the native war canoe was within 80 yards of the ship. A breeze had sprung up meanwhile, and the whaler ran 30 miles offshore, and then compelled the chief and all the natives with him to jump into the sea. The young Englishman returned to England in the ship. The people of those islands can swim all day.

After whaling for three years, Mr. Berry went to Australia in a merchant ship, which carried out 30 families of old soldiers who had been given farms there by the Government. On the return voyage the ship encountered a terrible storm while rounding Cape Horn, and he was washed out of the rigging when going up to reef the main topsail, and would have perished in the sea had he not been caught and held by the main storm topsails. When he reached England he concluded to emigrate to America ; and he accordingly landed in this country in rS_;4. Locating at Albany, N. Y., he went to carriage-painting for a brother-in-law for one year and then went to Buffalo and worked a month for Mr. Mayburn, who may be said to have built Buffalo; thence he proceeded to Toledo, Ohio, where he painted for four years; and next went to Tecumseh, Mich., and Waukegan, 111., and then settled in Racine, Wis., where he lived and labored from 1S4S to 1872, during a part of which time he carried on general painting, with the exception of 12 years of the time that he was foreman in the immense and extensive works of |. I. Case. In 1872 Mr. Berry came to Moline and began painting wagons for the Moline Wagon Company, under his son, E. H. Berry, who has had the contract for several years, and where he still remains. He has been a full partner ten years. He possesses great natural talent for paintings, especially of animals, and had he turned his attention to the study of painting instead of deciding to be a sailor he would have gained sure renown as a painter.

May 16, 1839, Mr. Berry formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Susanna Spicer, and their children are: Welthy, who was born Sept. 26, 1841, and is the wife of Geo. A. Ludington ; their marriage occurred May 25, 1S5S; Mary Jane, born March 25, 1845, was united in marriage to Penrose Packerd, Nov. 12, 1867. Mr. Packerd is a prominent man in Racine, Wis., and was Mayor of the city twice; Edwin H. was born Dec. 11, 1S47, and April 25, 1S70, was united in marriage with Roxey Lefler, who died in October, rS7o. Jan. 9, 1878, he formed a second marriage with Ida Hartwell ; William, born Aug. 27, 1851, has become the husband of Lizzie Kelso, the event occurring Oct. 24, 1872; James, born June 9, 1853, and Jan. r3, 1876, chose for his better half Miss Esther Gannon; John, born Sept. 13, 1856; Clara E., born Dec. 26, 1859, and formed a matrimonial alliance Feb. iS, 1S7 7 , with George Lee; and Frank, born June 30, 1863, was married Aug. 3T, 1S81, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Godfrey.

Mr. and Mrs. Berry are members of the First Baptist Church, having joined at Racine, Wis., 16 years ago. Mr. B. is a Freemason, and in politics affiliates with the Republican party.

. - saimil Heimbeck, druggist at Moline, was . born in Davenport, Iowa, May 7, 1858, and is the son of Fritz and Minna . Heimbeck. His father is a native of Prussia, and his mother of Alsace. They came to America about 1852. Mr. Heimbeck was educated at the Griswold College and Bryant and

Stratton's Commercial College at Davenport. He learned the drug business in Rock Island, having spent five years with Mr. C. Speidel, druggist of that city, and two years with Mr. Koehler of the same town. He began business for himself Jan. r, 188 1, at Moline, and has carried it on successfully ever since. His long experience has fully qualified him to prepare prescriptions with great reliability and care. He has a fair-sized stock of pure drugs, medicines, paints, oils, etc., and his place of business is at the corner of Sixth Street and Fourth Avenue.

He was married, in Moline, Nov. 22. 1882, to Miss Catharine Klattenhoff, daughter of T. H. and Margaret (Nutzhom) Klattenhoff. Mrs. Heimbeck was born in Rock Island County, 111., May 24, 1862. The issue of their union is one son, Carl, born Aug. 15. 1SS4.

ohn Kennedy, fanner and blacksmith, residing on section 36, Drury Township, was born in Aimstrong County, Pa., Jan. 29, V 1825. His parents were Jacob and Sarah jL (Smith) Kennedy, and were natives of Penn- | sylvania. His father followed the vocation of a blacksmith, and Mr. Kennedy of this sketch learned the trade under his instructions, remaining under the parental roof-tree until he attained the age of 21 years. On becoming his own master he set out to fight the battles of life single-handed and alone. Realizing that the West, with its broad and uncultivated prairies, offered better inducements for the accumulation of a competency, he determined to cast his lot with the early pioneers of Rock Island County. He consequently came here and settled himself at Illinois City, where for two years he followed his trade. In 18=57 he located in Drury Township, where he rented land, which he cultivated until 1859. During that year he purchased land, and by economy and energetic labor he has added to his original purchase until at the present he is the proprietor of 335 acres, all the accumulation of his own indomitable energy, pluck and perseverance. On his farm he has a good residence, with substantial outbuildings, and his

Mr. Kennedy formed a matrimonial alliance in Armstrong County, Pa., May 18, 184S, with Miss Mary A. Mechlin. She was born in the county in which she was married, Aug. 16, 1832. They are the parents of seven living children : Rose A., James F., Luther M., Margaret, William, RossM. and Leslie. They have also buried six children : Mary E., Jacob M., Sarah M., John N., Nora B. and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Kennedy has held the office of Highway Commissioner two terms and also Overseer of Highways. In 1876 he was appointed Postmaster at Ferdinand. Politically, he is a believer in and supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party.

*cPfi K 2^' '^35' and 's tne son °f Amos and iV\ Nancy (Bartlett) Gould. He received an academic education and engaged in mercantile business at Piermont, N. H. He was subsequently engaged in the same business at Bradford, Vt., and came from the last named place to Moline in 1855. On coming to this city he was first employed as merchant's clerk and subsequently as book-keeper. He was also Deputy Postmaster from 1856 to 1859, and then spent a year in travel on the Pacific coast.

In i860 Mr. Gould returned to Moline and engaged in mercantile business until 1865, when he was appointed Postmaster at Moline by Abraham Lincoln. The signing of his commission was one of the latest of Mr. Lincoln's official acts, as he was assassinated on the following day. He served as Postmaster two years, and was removed by President Johnson. In 1867 he began traveling as an adjusting agent, and for 18 years has been continuously on the road in that business. He adjusted the first loss in the great Chicago fire of October, 1871, for the New York Underwriters' Agency.

In the fall of 1872 he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court and served from January, 1873, to January, 1877, and under the amended constitution he was the first salaried officer. Mr. Gould was adjuster for the New York Underwriters 17 years. Since January, 1S84, he his been doing an independent adjusting business. Mr. Gould has the reputation of being one of the best informed men in the State on the subject of laws and rulings relating to insurance. He is constantly being retained in disputed and complicated cases. The subject of insurance with him has been a life study, and he is widely and favorably known as a man of ripe experience and sound judgment.

Mr. Gould was united in marriage in Henry County January 27, 1861, to Miss Emma F. Seeley, daughter of Orin Seeley, of Niagara County, N. Y. The issue of their union was five children, three of whom survived, namely : George D., born April 2, 1883; Clyde A., bom Aug. 2, 1865, died aged 17 years; May, born Nov. 2, 1869, died aged 13 years; Ruth, born May 7, 1877 ; John, Feb. 5, 1S79. Mrs. Gould is a member of the Baptist Church, but Mr- Gould is not a professor of religion. He is a Republican and has been since the organization of that party in 1856. Mr. G. is prominent in the various branches of Masonry and has been elevated to the 32d degree. He is connected with Doric Lodge, No. 319, Moline; Barrett Chapter, No. 20, Rock Island; Evert 's Commandery, No. 18, Rock Island; and Oriental Consistory, Chicago.

g|j B. Denlinger, senior member of the firm of Denlinger & Casteel, at Port Byron, - '" was born in that place Feb. 3, 1856. He 5 \ is the only son of M. S. Denlinger. His father was born in Frankstown, Blair Co., Pa., Nov. 25, 1830. In 1S50 he left his native State for Illinois,, and located at Albany, Whiteside Co. He obtained a position there as a clerk, and later embarked in mercantile business with Henry Pease, of that place. He was married Dec. 27, 1853, to Emily Durfee. In the summer of 1854 he was obliged to retire from business on account of failing health, and he removed to Port Byron and took charge of the hotel property known as the Port Byron House. He formed a partnership with Judge

The son was five years of age when he entered the family of Judge Holmes, his grandfather, and he was reared in the home of his grandparents. In 1847 he commenced his business career as a grocery and provision merchant, in which he was occupied four years. In 1879 he began to travel as a commercial salesman in the wholesale notion trade, and transacted business in that capacity until 1S84. Within that year the present business of Denlinger & Casteel was organized. The firm have built up a prosperous trade and exhibit a valuable assortment of goods.

George F. and Anne (Berry) Hepburn, { 9 and was born in London, England, Dec. 26 yf 1849. His father was of Scotch and his 1 mother of English descent. Charles, the subject of this writing, was married at Moline, III., Dec. 25, 1874, to Mary Ella Mitchell, born in Adams County, Feb. 19, 1855, and they have four children, viz. : Grace E., born in Moline Dec. 30, 1S75 ; Leonard P., born in Moline Aug. 27, 1S78; Daisy M., born in Moline July 2, 1S81 ; Zeta, born in Moline Jan. 23, 1S84.

Mr. Hepburn attended school to some extent in London in the acquisition of an education, and worked in a woolen warehouse there for one year. In June, 1S65, he came to New York, and from there went at once to Racine, Wis., and engaged in the shops of Miner & Co., at which place he wished to learn the trade of making sash, doors and blinds. Remaining there for two and one-half years, he turned his attention to painting, and at length secured a position in the paint shop of Mitchell, Lewis & Co., wagon manufacturers, for some one and a half years. In 1870 he came to Moline and obtained employment in the paint shop of the Moline Wagon Company, where he remained for about three years. Being fortunate in obtaining the entire charge of the paint department of the Union Manufacturing Company, of Rock Falls, 111. (farm wagons), he accepted the position, which he filled for two and one-half years. He again returned to Moline and worked in the paint shop of Deere & Co., thence to Racine again, and engaged for four months for Fish Bros.' Wagon Company; then returned to Moline and engaged as painter for the Moline Pump Company for about a year and a half, after which he worked again for the Union Manufacturing Company, at Rock Falls, for a short time. He then returned to the Moline Wagon Company and worked at his trade there for about two years, when he accepted the responsible position of foreman of the paint shop of Deere & Co.'s Plow Works.

Mr. Hepburn has been Secretary of his Lodge of I. O. O. F., and is a " Modern Woodman." Has been President of the Deere Band, has also been quite prominent locally as a Greenbacker, being Secretary of their various meetings, working on committees and their candidate for Alderman from the Second Ward.

He was elected a Director of the Moline Cooperative Association in January, 1884, and elected Secretary of the Board of Directors the same month, which position he now holds.

at farming two years, then going to Galena, 111., where he spent the succeeding three years, and in October, 1848, came to Moline, which he has made his home ever since.

Mr. Kittelsen was united in marriage in Moline, in 1853, to Miss Frederika Johnson. She was born at Ulrisham, Westerjutland, Sweden, Oct. 27, 1825, and came to America in July, 1852, coming direct to Moline. They are the parents of two children (sons) : Edward, born July 19, 1S54, married Miss Rillia Stewart, and is the present City Marshal of Moline. The younger son, John A., was born March 7, 1 860, and is book-keeper for the Moline Stove Company.

=|f^j&oii. John Deere, one of the pioneer settlers Js' of Moline, 111., ex-king plow-manufacturer OTpr** of the world, and third son of Wm. Rinold and Sarah (Yates) Deere, was born at Rutland, Vt., Feb. 7, 1804. His father was a native of England and his mother of Connecticut. His grandfather Yates came to this country as a Captain in the British Army during the Revolutionary War, and served his king right royally until the independence of the colonies was no longer a question, when he forswore allegiance to all foreign powers, particularly to that of King George, and lived thereafter in strict loyalty to the stars and stripes. In 1805 the father of the subject of this sketch removed to Middlebury, Vt., and there carried on merchant tailoring for about seven years. He died in 181 2, at the age of 55 years, while in England for the purpose of purchasing goods. His widow conducted the business left by her husband until her death, which occurred in 1826, at the age of about 46 years.

John Deere attended the common schools of Vermont while a boy, and acquired a good ordinary education. Without the knowledge of his mother, he worked for a tanner at grinding bark, and earned a pair of shoes and a suit of clothes before he was 16 years of age. When 17 years of age, he apprenticed himself to Capt. Benj. Lawrence, of Middlebury, to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he fully mastered in four years, receiving in the meantime for his services, each year respectively, the sum of $30, $35, $40 and $45. After a year or two at "jour." work, he removed to Burlington, Vt., where he hammered out by hand the iron work for a saw and oil mill, erected at the neighboring town of Colchester, and acquired thereby quite a local reputation as a mechanic and iron-worker. After carrying on his trade for several years at various places in his native State. His shops and other property had been twice burned in quick succession. He was a married man, with a small family to support, and profits were small; so he accumulated slowly; but by perseverance and economy, the year 1837 found him ready and determined to try his fortune in the great West. Via canal and the lakes, he landed at the sickly little village of Chicago, a place opulent in chills and fever but frugal indeed in essential resource, - at least, so it appeared to Mr. Deere, and he at once transferred all his effects to wagons, nor lingered he until he planted himself at the village of Grand de Tour, Ogle Co., 111., An inventory of his material wealth at that that time showed him the possessor of $7 3. 7 3 in cash, a good set of blacksmith's tools and a limited complement of household goods; but he had the muscles of a giant, brains enough to successfully command an army, and a heart that never shrank within him.

A good mechanic is always an important accession to a new country, and his arrival was particularly opportune for this little settlement, and his mechanical ability was immediately brought into requisition to put into repair a saw-mill which was standing idle from the breaking of a pitman shaft. There was no forge in readiness, but he at once set to work, and with stone from a neighboring hill constructed a rude forge and chimney, by digging a hole in clay soil and making the mortar of the clay; and within two days after his arrival the mill was running, thus saving to the owners and customers many days that otherwise would have been occupied in procuring the work from far distant shops.

Mr. Deere was an excellent mechanic, and the few people residing in his vicinity at that time soon found it out; and they piled upon the floor of his shop their broken trace chains and clevises, their worn-out " bull tongues " and worse worn shares ; and while the young blacksmith hammered out lap rings for their chains, welded their clevises, " drew out " their "bull tongues " and " laid " their " shares,1' his mind dwelt upon the improvement of the plow, the implement of the greatest importance to the pioneer. Mr. Deere soon added the building of plows to his general work. He soon began to see, however, that the iron plow with wooden mold-board could not be made to do good service in the prairie soil. They entered the ground with difficulty, clogged up and failed to scour. Then began the series of experiments and improvements, which, not successful at first, to be sure, yet finally resulted in the present perfect steel plow; and John Deere has lived to know that his name is familiarly spoken in every civilized tongue on the globe.

pushed until success came. There was a demand for a good plow, and the good plow must be made. The first one that did satisfactory work was made in this way: Wrought-iron land-side and standard, steel share and mold-board cut from a saw-mill saw, and bent over a log shaped for the purpose, and beam and handles of white oak rails. In 1838 two of these plows were made, with which the farmers were well pleased, doing unusually good work for those days. And after these first plows he had a great deal of trouble experimenting, in getting a plow to scour satisfactorily in ground that had been plowed four or five times, especially on the bottom, black, sticky soil. He went to different farms to try his plows, in Ogle, Lee, Whiteside and other counties where farmers had never been able to make plows scour.

During this year Mr. Deere built a dwelling-house iS x 24 feet, and brought his wife and five children from the East. It was not then a few hours' ride in a moving parlor, as now, but a weary journey of six weeks by stage-coach and lumber-wagon.