Sangamon County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1881 (part 4 of 21)

He was married to Miss Mary E. Bennett, May 26, 1869, at Springfield, Illinois. She was born near this city, March 1, 1845, and was a daughter of William A. Bennett and Sarah A. Stevenson. He was from Virginia, and she of Kentucky. They were both members of the

First Presbyterian Church, in Springfield, Illinois. He was the oldest elder in that church at the time of his death, May 10, lS8l. He had been a resident of the county for nearly fifty years. She is still living with Mr. C. F. Mills, near Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Mills have three children, viz: Minnie B,, William H., and Carrie E. Mills.

Mr. and Mrs. Mills attend the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois. They reside on their farm, of one hundred and twenty acres, two ui les east of Springfield. The Elmwood stock farm is one of the recognized headquarters for fine horses, cattle, sheep and pigs. Colonel Mills breeds fine Clydesdale horses, Jersey cattle, Cotswold sheep and Berkshire swine. In politics, Mr, Mills is a Republican, and a strong supporter of that party. His father, B. H. Mills was born in Montrose, Pennsylvania. He was a merchant, editor and farmer and a member of the Baptist Church. He was prominently connectly in the temperance cause for some twenty-five years. Was Right Worthy Grand Secretary of the National Lodge of Good Templars. He died August, 1877. His wife Delia (Halsey) Mills, born in Genesee county. New York. She was the mother of four children, three living, viz: Charles F., Henry E., an attorney residing in St. Louis, Missouri, and Ruth C , a teacher in the Elmira College, at Greenville, Illinois. Their grandfather, josiah Mills, was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, October 7, 1763. In his fourteenth year he enlisted in the Revolutionary army as drummer. Afier serving one year, he exchanged his drum for a musket, which he carried until the close of the war, and received an honorable discharge. He was at the battle of White Plains; was with Gates at Still Water and Saratoga, assisting at the capture of Burgoyne; was with Washington at Trenton and Princeton, and endured the terrible sufferings of the march through the Jerseys and the fearful winter at Valley Forge. He was also permitted to share in the glorious triumph of the federal armies at Yorktown. In after years he received a pension for disabilities incurred in the Revolutionary army. Soon after the war he emigrated with his young wife to the wilds of Maine, and was one of the first settlers of Joy, Oxford county, where he remained until his removal to Susquehanna county. He received a commission as captain from Governor Caleb Strong, of Massachusetts, and responded to all calls for service against the Indians, Maine then being a province of that State. In 181-2, he married his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Elder Samuel Sturdevant, of Braintrim, Pennsylvania. In 1817, C-aptaiu Mills settled on a farm two and a half miles west of Montrose on which he lived until his death, March 513, 1833, in his seventieth year. His widow died in Montrose, September 1841.

Ed. A. Million, M. Z>., Springfield, Illinois, was born in Pleasant Plains, Sangamon county, November 25, 1856; son of Dr. J. L. Million a pioneer, and one of the oldest practicing physicians in the county, having practiced over thirty years. Ed. A. attended the higher schools of Springfield, where he graduated. In 1875, he attended the Jones Commercial College, at St. Louis, and received a diploma. He read medicine with his father, afterward attending lectures at Rush Medical College; also attended lectures at Missouri Medical College, and he went before the State Board of Medical Examination and stood second best; attended lectures and graduated at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.

Charles Moody and James M. Orabb, dry goods merchants, corner of Sixth and Jefferson streets, opened their new store with an entirely new stock of dry goods and notions, on the first day of May, 1881. They keep in stock a general line of goods found in a retail dry goods store. They make a special feature of ladies cloaks and dolmans in their season, of which they carry all styles and qualities. Their building is new, their stock is fresh and attractive, and paying low rent, and doing a cash business, the firm gives their customers the benefit of small expenses and discounts. The proprietors are both practical dry goods men, of long experience.

Mr. Moody is a native of Springfield, and son of S. B. Moody, deceased, vv'ho settled here about 1835, and served as City Assessor and Collector about ten years, and Assistant Postmaster twenty years. He was a native of Watertown, New York; came to Springfield a young man, and married Latatie Stipp, who emigrated from Ohio about the same time. Mr. Moody died in 1872. His widow resides in Springfield. Charles F. Moody started in the dry goods business as a clerk in Taylorville, Illinois. He moved from there to Carthage, Hancock county, and carried on business about six years before coming to Springfield. He has been selling dry goods about ten years. In September, 1873, he married Annie J. Goudy, a native of Christian county. They have two sons and a daughter.

Mr. Crabb was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in October, 1839; came to Illinois with parents, who settled in Mercer county in 1852. In 1855, he went to Taylorville and commenced commercial life, remaining there in the dry goods business until he moved to Springfield to open their present store. During the twenty -seven years that he sold goods in Taylorville, he worked for but three firms. He married Miss Charlotte Miller, in that place, in 1868. She is also a native of Ohio. Their family consists of two daughters. Mr. Crabb is a member of the Masonic Order and of the Knights of Pythias.

Henry J. Moore, grocer, of the firm of Moore & Clayton, No. 409 Monroe street, is a native of Fayette, county, Indiana; born in June, 1840; is the son of Jesse and Mary E. (Conway) Moore, both now deceased ; the former died in 184 0, the latter in 1 873. At fourteen years of age Henry went to Des Moines, Iowa, and remained in that State twenty-three years. The first thirteen he engaged in farming, the four following in the coal business, and the last six years in the grocery trade. He came to Springfield in July, 1877, clerked two years in a prominent grocery house ; in 1879 embarked in the produce business, near their present store, and January 1, 1881, formed a partnership with Clayton Brothers, and established a general retail family grocery, carrying a varied stock of groceries, provisions, fruits and vegetables, in which they have a prosperous trade. Mr. Moore was married in Indiana in March, 1856, to Amanda Conway, a schoolmate, born in July, 1843. He is a charter member of the National American Association, and its Treasurer from its organization, of Lodge No. 13. Charles E. and Henry Clayton, his partners, are young men, born in Sangamon county, Illinois, on April 11, 1854, and August 22, 1857, respectively. They are the sons of Alexander Clayton and Mary Marshall, early settlers in Ball township, where their mother died, nearly twenty years ago. Mr. Clayton was born in Morgan county, Illinois, and Mrs. Clayton in New Jersey. The sons were reared farmers, in which they are still engaged, their mercantile experience being limited to their association with Mr. Moore. They were born on the homestead, where they and their father now reside.

G. W. Morgan, M. D., Springfield, Illinois, was born in Scott county, Illinois, October 11, 1838, son of Thomas and Nancy B. (Smith) Morgan. His father was a native of Scotland, and was born in the Highlands, in 1801. When three years old his parents emigrated to the United States, locating near Ripley Court House, North Carolina. His father remained there until he was twenty -one years of age, when he came to Illinois and located in Bond county, where he became acquainted with Miss Smith, daughter of John Smith, a prominent citizen and wealthy farmer of Bond county, whom he married. Previous to coming to Scott county he read law with Judge Vendiver, an eminent jurist, of North Carolina, and after coming here commenced practicing, which he followed but a short time after arriving in Bond county, Illinois. He then embarked in the real estate and nursery business, which he followed very extensively for a number of years, and to-day the fruits of his nursery can be seen all through the central portion of the State. In February, 1849, his wife died, leaving eight children, all of which lived to adults. He was again married to Miss Julia Schibe, daughter of one of the first settlers in Scott county. They had six children, three of whom are now living. He died in 1861, when the subject of this sketch was seventeen years of age. He commenced reading medicine under Dr. W. Wilson, an Alopathic physician, but remained with him only a short time, after which he began the studies of Homeopathy under Dr. J. Thorne. He attended lectures at Hahnemann Medical College, in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated March 4, 1863, M'ith honors. On the 13th of same month he came to Springfield, where he commenced the practice of his profession, in partnership with Dr. C. F. Kuechler for one and a half years. December 23, 1865 he married Miss Janetta M. Swaringen, the third daughter of C. T. Swaringen, one of the prominent and wealthy farmers of Pike county, Illinois. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, February 16, 1843. The fruits of this marriage were five children, four of whom are still living. The Dr. is a member of the Masonic Order of Knight Templars, Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Springfield. In 1861 he enlisted in the Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company I, under Colonel J. M. Palmer, and served one and a half years, when he was discharged for disability, caused by sunstroke. He is a gentleman of firm and muscular build, and possessing a clear and vigorous mind, decided in his opinions, and emphatic in his statements. Strong, hearty and robust in body, he seems destined to live and enjoy life many years to come.

Frank Myers, proprietor of the "Wonder Store," No. 513, north side of the square, has carried on business at that number over two years. His fine store, which is amply fitted up with shelving, counters, etc., is one hundred and fifty-seven feet in length, well lighted, and con- tains an aggregation of novelties in such endless quantity and variety, as renders the title of the place eminently appropriate; for it is a marvelous collection of articles of utility and ornament, which makes it a genuine "curiosityshop," where may be found numerous lines of goods kept in other stores, and many more not to be found elsewhere in the city, or indeed in Central Illinois, as it is the only establishment of its class in this part of the State. Mr. Myers started in business in Springfield, in 1864, opposite the northeast corner of the square, where he continued until the magnitude of his rapidly growing trade compelled a charge to larger quarters, which he did in 1879. He now carries a stock of goods worth about 125,000, and his annual sales run to nearly |60,000, requiring an average clerical force of fifteen to eighteen hands, and much larger during the busiest season. Mr. Myers is a product of Sangamon county, Illinois, born in August, 184Y, and reared and educated in Springfield. In 18*78, he married Miss Nellie E. Holmes, a native of Springfield, and graduate of the City High School. They have one daughter, Ella, a year and a half old.

Henry C. Myers was a native of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; came to Illinois and settled in Springfield in 1838, where he was engaged in mercantile business about thirty vears. He died in this city in 1871. He married Eleanor D. Robards, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, in Brown county, Missouri, in 1843. Three children were born to them, only two of whom, a daughter, and the subject of this sketch are alive. His mother is a resident of Springfield.

John A. Nafeto^ Chief Clerk St. Nicholas Hotel, was born in Troy, New York, September 17, 1837; son of John S. and Mary H. (Weaver) Nafew. His father w^as also born in Troy, his grandfather being among the first settlers of that place. He was a printer and politician, and died in New York City in 1872. His mother in Albany in 1853.

The subject of this sketch started in the drug business in Albany, New York, where he remained for four years. In 1855, he came West, and located in Chicago. From there he went to Wisconsin, where he clerked in a hotel for one year. He then came to Bloomington, Illinois, and later held a position in the old Pike House, located on the site of the present Phoenix Hotel. He stayed there three years. In September, 1860, he came to Springfield and entered the office of the St. Nicholas Hotel as clerk, in which he continued for several years. In 1865, he went to .Teffersonville, Indiana, where he held the position of general ticket agent for two years. Returned to Springfield, and again entered the St. Nicholas Hotel, remaining there two years. He then took charge of the American House and conducted it for three years, after which he again returned to the St. Nicholas, where he is now engaged.

He was married in 1863 to Ella F. Mcliitire, who was born in Lyons, Massachusetts, in 1845. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Roxanna Stearns. Her father died in 1866. Her mother still resides in Springfield. Mr. Nafew is a member of the Central Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, No. 71, and Royal Chapter, Arch No. 1, and the Hotel Men's Association and Springfield Lodge, 37, A. O U. W.

Dennis Nees, grocer, 231 North Fifth street, corner Madison, established business on his own account in Springfield about seven years ago, and has been five years in his present location. He keeps a general stock of confectioneries, groceries, and liquors, for the retail trade. He is thirty-four years of age, was born in Baden, Germany, and came to the United States in 1867, settling immediately in Springfield, Illinois. Before leaving his native country, he learned the trade of brick-moulding. Upon arriving in Springfield, he was employed for a time as a laborer, and Irter for some three years as clerk, at the termination of which, in 1873, he started in business on the corner of Washington and Tenth streets, remaining there till he moved to his present stand. In October, 1871, he married Lizzie Stark, a native of Springfield, of German parentage. They have had four daughters and one son, the latter deceased. The living are: Clara, eight years old, past; Emma and Lizzie, twins, born July 3, 1874, and Minnie, aged five years. Mr. Nees is a member of the Western Catholic Union, of which he was Treasurer for some time. His father died when he was six months old, and his mother when he was fourteen years of age, in the old country.

Major Alfred A. North, druggist, Springfield, Illinois, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1823; son of Stephen and Mary (Williams) North, a daughter of Major E. Williams, a soldier in the Revolutionary war; mother, a native of Pennsylvania; father of English descent, and born in London; died in Philadelphia, in September, 1826. In 1831, his mother moved to Washington county, Pennsylvania, to educate her children; in 1845, removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she died, March 11, 1871. Major North, in 1840, went to Mobile, Alabama, for the purpose of learning the drug business; remained five years; then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he embarked in the same business. February 9, 1847, he married Miss America Ann Minor, daughter of Colonel Gideon Minor, who was born in liockingham county, Virginia, in 17V5, and died in 1841. In 1830, he came to Edgar county, Illinois, where he represented his district in the legislature for three terms; his health failed, and he had to give up politics; was what was known as one of the '"Long Nine," being six feet and four inches in height. Mrs. North was born in Clairmont county, Ohio, September 18, 181^4. There were five children, four of whom are living: Caroline M., died May 23, 1867; Catharine C, Emma A,, Milford, and Alfred A., Jr. September 21, 1861, Mr. N. enlisted in the Tenth Regiment Cavalry, Illinois Volunteers, Company A, anl was commissioned First Lieutenant; took the first Company of the Tenth Cavalry into Camp Butler; was appointed Quartermaster of the Second Battalion, and was for a short time Acting Captain of Company D. The Major resigned in 1863 on account of poor health, and was appointed Deputy Provost Marshal of the Eighth District of Illinois; was afterwards re-commissioned Captain of Co. M, and went to the field, where he was again prostrated by disease; again resigned, and was honorably discharged. He was brevetted Major by President Andrew Johnson, for faithful and meritorious service during the war. In 1865, he was elected to the oflice of Assessor and Collector of Springfield, Illinois, and re-elected the ensuing year. He is now operating in the gi'ain trade.

Jaine^ H. Paddock was born at Lockport, Will county, Illinois, May 29, 1850. When three years of age, he moved with his parents to Kankakee, Kankakee county, Illinois. He attended school there until 1865, and that winter was appointed a Page in the State Senate, at Springfield, Illinois, and in 1807 was Assistant Postmaster of the Senate. In 1869-71-73-75, was Assistajit Secretary of the State Senate. He was also Secretary of the State Senate in 1877-79, and 1881. From 1873 to 1876, when not performing his duties in the State Senate, he was employed in the Grain Inspection Department, at Chicago, Illinois. He was appointed Chief Clerk in the office of the Secretary of State, June 1, 1881, a position he still retains. He attended the High School in Kankakee, Illinois, and was married in that place to Miss May L. Crawford, October 9, 1873. She was born at J'ortland, Maine, and was a daughter of Franklin Porter, born in Paris, Maine. She and husband reside at Kankakee, Illinois. John W. Paddock, father of James H. Paddock, was born in Camillus, Onondago county, New York, February 4, 1815. He is a lawyer, and settled at Lockport, Illinois, about 1845. In 1853, he removed with his family to Kankakee, Illinois. He practiced law at this place, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1862. He ran for Circuit Judge on the Democratic ticket, at Kankakee, Twentieth District, in 1857. but Avas defeated. In politics, he was an oldline Whig, until the disbanding of that party, when he became a Democrat. He was a great admirer of Stephen A. Douglas. When the war broke out, he became a strong Union man and a supporter of Lincoln's administration, and helped to raise the Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, commanded by A. W. Mack. He afterwai'd raised six companies in Kankakee and Iroquois counties, which, with four companies from Cook county, Illinois, became the One Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois Infantry Volunteers. The regiment was known as the Third Board of Trade Regiment, and of w^hich regiment he was elected Lieutenant Colonel, and retained command of that regiment until his death, which occurred August, 1863, in the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, from disease contracted on the Y'^azoo river, during the siege of Vicksburg. His wife, Helen Tiffany, was born in New Y'ork State. She is a member of the Episcopal Church, and the mother of ten children, eight living. She is living at Kankakee.

Mr. and Mrs. James H. Paddock have two children, viz , Harry W. Paddock and Fannie C. Paddock. Mr. and Mrs. Paddock are both members of the Episcopal Church, and he is a Republican, and a strong supporter of that party; cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

Mr. Paddock was Secretary of the Railroad and Warehouse Commission from July 1, 1876, to May 1, 1877, and in the Ll^nited States Marshal's office at Chicago, July 1, 1877, to January ], 1879.

James J. ParJcerson, grocer, 413 East Monroe street, is the son of Hugh and Ellen (Jackson) Parkerson, natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland, and was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1848. Ten years later, the family moved to Sangamon county, Illinois. He has been identified with the grocery trade in Springfield, in various capacities, fourteen years. In 1871, he first established himself in business on Fourth street. After conducting it three years, he sold out on account of failing health, and traveled a year. Was tben some years with the grocery firm of Brassfield & Steele, representing the former partner's interest. In the fall of 1878, he entered into partnership with F. W. Paradioe, and opened business with a new stock of goods in thdr present store. They have a large retail trade in groceries, and quite an extensive jobbing business in fruits and produce, of which they make a specialty, the whole amounting to $35,000 a year in volume. They ship goods to the towns within a radius of fifty miles of Springfield. In 1873, Mr. Parkerson married Miss Maria E. Paradice, of Jacksonville, Illinois, who is now twenty-eight years of age, and the mother of one daughter, Laura D. Parkerson, born in June, 1875.

George Pasfield, III., capitalist and general trader, is the only son of George Pasfield II., who settled in Sangamon county in 1831. He was born in England, brought by parents to America, in early childhood, and reared in the city of Philadelphia, where his parents both died of the yellow fever. Before coming to Illinois he engaged in buying and shipping produce, in large quantities, by flat-boat, down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and in trading in a general way. He resided some years in Cincinnati, in Louisville, and in Paris, Bourbon county, Kentucky. In the latter place he married Mary Forden, in 1830, and moved to Springfield, Illinois, the next year. Here he embarked in a grocery and general merchandising business, and also continued in general trafiicking. He died November 9, 1869, .eaving the widow and son with a very comfortable estate. His wife followed him in 1878.

The subject of this article was born in Springfield, and is forty-nine years of age. He was educated in the Springfield Academy, and the medical department of St. Louis University, from which he graduated, receiving the degree of M. D. in 1852. But being inclined to follow in the footsteps of his sire, he never entered actively into the practice of medicine, save as contract surgeon at Camp Butler during the war. He has devoted his attention to buying and improving city real estate, and to general trading. He has manifested a zealous interest in the growth and prosperity of Springfield, and has been financially identified with most of the corporate enterprises looking to this end, besides erecting many business and other buildings, of which he now owns a large number. The Pasfield block, which he built in 1881 in honor of his father's name, on ground purchased by the senior Pasfield fifty years ago, is of pressed brick and iron fronts, ornamented with trimmings of stone and tile, is the handsomest business block in the Capital City. Mr. Pasfield has been very successful in his business operations, and now owns more real estate than any otlier man in Springfield. His residence is the old homestead, embracing four blocks on the corner of Capitol Avenue and Pasfield street, and is a cosy rural retreat. In 1866, Mr. Pasfield united in marriage with the daughter of Hatliaway M. Pickrell. She was also born in Sangamon county, Illinois. Emma, aged fourteen years; George IIII., aged 11, and Arthur Hathaway Pasfield, aged four years, constitute their family. Mrs. Pasfield is a member of the Christian Church.

Debold Pmden, Treasurer of Sangamon county, Illinois, was born near Strasburg, Germany, September 13, 1628; came with his parents, Debold and Margaret! (Walter) Paulen, to America, when eight years of age, then the only child of their family of two sons and one daughter. After remaining a year in New Orleans, they settled in Curran township, Sangamon county, Illinois, where the mother died in 1863, and the father in March, 1881, and where Mr. Paulen has always resided, until electtd to his present oflfice, in 1877. His school advantages were confined to a few terms in the district school. Beg inning labor in youth for twenty-five cents a day, prosperity marked his course of industry and economy; and in 1877 he had no difficulty in obtaining securities on his bond for |1 ,700,000. Neither he or his father ever had a lawsuit. Mr. Paulen married Elizabeth, a native of Sangamon county, and daughter of Samuel McMurray, one of the pioneers in the county, in 1857. They are the parents of three sons and one daughter. He was elected Treasurer on the Republican ticket in 1877, and re-elected in 1879, against a Democratic majority of from eight to ten hundred. His father came toihe county in indigent circumstances, but accumulated a competence before his death.

Moreau J. Phillips, deceased, was born in Green county, Kentucky, May 26, 1811, and came with his parents to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1829. In 1831, he enlisted in the Black Hawk war as a member of the company from Sangamon county. In 1836, returned to Kentucky and married Mali^sa Lee, whom he brought back to Sangamon, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in Springfield, February 8, 1881. He was a carpenter by trade, and spent the last years of his active life in superintending the wood department of the trunk factory of his sons. His marriage with Miss Lee resulted in a family of ten children, four of whom are deceased, and six sons alive. Mr. Phillips co nbined in his character firmness and decision, with strong sympathy and kindness of heart. He was greatly attached to his home and family, whose associations formed the chief enjoyment of his life.

Four of tliae six sons, Charles J., Edwin H., William O. and Moreau F. Phillips are associated in the Phillips Brothers' trunk manufactory, and are doing a thriving business. Their mother resides in Springfield, aged sixty-four years.

Henry Pletz, photographic artist, 22]^ South Sixth street, has been conducting the business in Springfield since the fall of 1873, and moved into his present beautiful rooms, fitted up especially for his purpose, in March, 1880. He has an experience of fifteen years in this branch of art, and makes a specialty of fine portrait work in sun prints, ink, crayon and oil. His gallery is furnished with all the facilities for a high grade of work ; and a survey of the beautiful specimens which adorn the walls of his place convince the visitor that Mr. Pietz is master of his art. He is a German by birth, and obtained a general knowledge of the photographic art in the polytechnic schools of his native country; came to America in 1864, and after traveling about a year and a half, stopped a short time in Cincinnati, Ohio ; went thence to Piqua, Ohio, and carried on the manufacture of soda water. In 1869, he went to Chicago and engaged in photography. Leaving there, he spent two years in Milwaukee, then came to Springfield. Mr. Pietz is a member of the Photographic Association of America.

J. A. W. Pittniati, photographic artist, No. ^23 South Fifth street, learned the business in Tennessee, his native State, beginning in 1857; and with the exception of a few months, has continuously carried it on for himself ever since. In January, 1865, he located in St. Louis; burned out in February, 1868, and moved to Carthage, Hancock county, Illinois, remaining till he came to Springfield in April, 1876. The building Mr. Pittman has occupied since January, 1881, was designed and built especially for his use, and is admirably adapted to the purpose. The reception, toilet and operating rooms are all on the ground floor, and are tastefully furnished and supplied with the finest modern implements and facilities for superior portrait work, of which abundant proofs adorn his beautiful rooms, in the way of specimen pieces. Prominent among these are two composition groups of the Thirtyfirst and Thirty-second General Assemblies of Illinois; the first was made in 1879, and the latter in 1S81. They are four and a half by six feet in size, representing the members in their seats in their respective halls, are elegantly executed, and are probably the largest composition portrait pictures in the world. " To make them was a stupendous undertaking which few artists would assume, and fewer still could produce with such marked success.

Mr. Pittman was born in 1833, and lived on a farm till he began photography. He has been three times married; first, to Terecy Gililand in 1853, who died three years after, leaving two children, both deceased. In 1869, he married Mary Bryant, who died in 1876; and in January, 1878, he married his present wife, Mary Patterson, of Springfield. They have one daughter. He is a Mason and a member of the Royal Templars of Temperance.

Charles H. Post, Springfield, Illinois, was born in Cornwall, Vermont, January 15, 1826; son of Truman and Betsy (Atwater) Post, who emi- V grated to Marietta, Ohio, in 1833, where the subject of this sketch was reaied on a farm. In 1842, he came to Waverly, Morgan county, where he purchased a farm and remained until his death, which occurred in 1847. The same year, Charles went to California, crossing the plains; remained in the mines a couple of years, then returned to Waverly, where he stopped a short time; went to Jacksonville and embarked in merchandising one year; thence to Springfield, where he engaged in the grain trade, and continued in the same until 1857; then engaged in selling farm implements. He married Miss Caroline Lathrop, daughter of Erastus Lathrop, of Ashforth, Connecticut. By this marriage there were three sons: Charles William, Aurilian A , and Carroll L. Mr. Post has held several local ofliices of trust in the gift of the people, is a deacon of the Congregational Church. In politics a Republican.

James L. Poioell, contractor and builder, residence south Sixth street, near Vine, commenced the building business on his own account in 1874, and has devoted his attention chiefly to erecting residences in the city. He makes most of his own plans, works from five to twenty mechanics, and has never built less than fifteen houses in any one year. His contracts for 1880 amounted to $30,000, and in 1881 to $35,000. He began learning the carpenter trade with his father in 1868, and worked for him seven years.

His father, Ebenezer Powell, was an Englishman by birth; came to America and to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1845, and after his marriage with Nancy E. McKinney, a Pennsylvania lady, settled in Mecbanicsbiirg township, where James was born a little over twenty-eight years ago. He is one of a family of four sons and two daughters. His father carried on the carpenter business in Springfield a number of years before his death, in 1875. The subject of this article married in September, 18'74, to Miss Jennie Neper, a native of New York Slate, but a resident of Springfield from early childhood. They have three daughters, Bella, Minnie and Kittle. In politics Mr. Powell is Republican. His mother resides in Kansas.

J. F. Price, M. D., is a son of Jacob F. and Mariah R. (Miles) Price, natives of Kentucky; his father was a Presbyterian preacher, and was connected with the church at Pisgah for a number of years; died in June, 1847; his mother is still living, at the age of seventy. The subject of this sketch was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, April 7, 1846; his father died when he was one year old; he was sent to live with his grandmother, and when thirteen years old was sent to Nicholasville, Kentucky, to attend a private school; remained there two years, then came to Illinois, and attended the Normal University, at Normal, nearly three years; then returned to Kentucky; where he read medicine with Dr. Sidney Allen, of Winchester, now of Lewislon, Kentucky, one year, when he attended lectures at Louisville University; in 1865, came to Springfield; read medicine with Dr. Charles Ryan, the same year; returned to Louisville, where he graduated. The Doctor commenced the practice of his profession in Clarke county, Kentucky, and remained there two and a half years. In 1868 he was connected with the Soldiers' Home, at Dayton, Ohio, as Assistant Surgeon, one year; in 1869, went to Coles county, Illinois, where he followed his profession; the following year, went to New York City and Bellevue Hospital Medical College; then went to Philadelphia, where he spent a short time in Jefferson College. He returned to Charleston, Coles county, remained one year; in February, 1872, he married Miss Jesse Loose; she was born in this city November 7, 1851; there are three children, Jacob L., Charles R., and Jessie. The following April Mr. P. located in Springfield, where he formed a partnership with Dr. II. B. Buck, and with the exception of a visit to Kansas for his health, has remained here since.

JoJdi W. Priest, furniture merchant, north side of the square, is one of a family of twelve children of Frank and Mary (Wood) Priest, of whom five of each sex lived to adult age. He was born in Vermont, October 18, 1809; n?oved with parents to St. Lawrence county. New York, in 1816, where he grew to manbo )d; and in August, 1835, married Olive Wakefield; starting soon after, in a wagon, for Montgomery, Alabama, consuming forty days in the trip. Mr. Priest engaged in the manufacture and sale of tinware in that place about fourteen months, then sold out and carried on the same business in Columbus, Mississippi, over three years; leaving there, he spent a summer in St. Louis, Missouri. In the spring of 1840, he and wife returned to New York for the latter's health, where she died soon after, leaving a son, who also died at three years of age. Mr. Priest came to Springfield in June, 1840, and for thirteen years carried on brick manufacturing, and also conducted the stove and tinware business about four years during the time. He has been extensively engaged in farming many years; owns a six hundred acre farm in Christian county, which he cultivates, and one of five hundred acres in Sangamon county, that he rents oat. About six years ago he re-embarked in the furniture and house-furnishing business in his present store, and carries a large stock of furniture, stoves, tin, and wooden-ware, crockery, cutlery, etc., and has an annual trade of 135,000 to $40,000. Mr. Priest cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, and has always been a Democrat. He has served his Ward - the Fourth - as Alderman, eight years; has been Mayor of the city four terms,. three consecutively; and is noAV a member of the County Board of Supervisors. He married Lucinda M. Stafford, of Rochester, Sangamon county, March 30, 1845; she died September 10, 1851, having been the mother of four children; two of whom, Olive Lucinda, born February 24, 1846, and Mary Eliza, born November 2, 1848, are living. Mr. Priest married his third wife, Catharine Wright, in St.JLawrence county. New York, in September, 1853; she died childless in July, 1875. September 5, 1878, he united in marriage with Phebe T. Eggleston, of Rochester, Sangamon county; she is the twelfth daughter and seventeenth child of Seth and Emma Samson, of Ohio. Mr. Priest has four grandchildren: Olive, Mary M., and John Priest Latham, and Mary Lucinda Currier, all born in Springfield, Illinois.

Johri 0. Pames, manufacturer of harness and saddles, and dealer in horse clothing, 213 South Fifth street, has been conducting the business at that number since 1860. A number of years ago he replaced the old frame building with the neat brick block he now occupies, eighteen by seventy-four feet, three stories high. The first floor is used as a salesroom, and the manufactory, in which seven to ten mechanics are employed, occupies the rear j^art of the second story. Here all his harness and saddlery are made for a trade of 115,000 a year. Mr. Rames is a native of Springfield, Illinois, born in 1831; served an apprenticeship of four years with Mr. R. F. Ruth, in the city, in whose employ he continued several years afterwards, pursuing his trade as a journeyman until he opened his present shop. At the age of twenty-one years he married Mary E. Connelly, of Springfield, who died two years after. In April, 1859, he married his present wife, Mary E. Redman, of St. Louis county, Missouri. Six ctjildren have been born to them ; the four living are : Martha M., Cora B., Mary J. and John O., Jr. Mr. Rames' parents, Nathaniel and Sarah (Ogden) Rames, were Kentuckians by birth. They moved from St. Louis, Missouri, to Springfield in 1829, where his mother still resides, aged seventy-four. Politically, Mr. R. is a Conseivative Democrat. He has served two terms in the City School Board, and several terms in the City Council, of which he is now a member, and Chairman of the Fire and Water Committee. He has tilled all the chairs in the local lodge of I. O. O. F., and is now Vice Grand. He and his wife and two eldest daughters belong to the Baptist Church.

Horace /S. Leland^ was born in Lands Grove, Vermont. July 2G, 1836, where he attended school until 1845; he then went to Cleveland, Ohio, and attended school until 1848, when he went to New York City, and engaged in the hotel business with his uncles, the Leland Bros'., of New York, where he opened the Leland hotel in Springfield, Illinois, since which time he has been here and with his brothers in the Sturtevant House in New York. He and Bros', own the Leland in Chicago, New York, and Albany, and, also, the Ocean Hotel at Long Branch. The father of Horace, Aron P. Leland, was born in Vermont. In politics he was an old time Whig, and he died in 1878 his wife. Submit (Arnold) Leland was boi'n in Vermont, she was a member of the Presbyterian church and the mother of eight children, viz: Louis, Horace S., Geo. S., Jerome W., Chas. E., Warren F. and Clarrissa N. Wiggins. In politics Mr. Leland is rather Independent. His grandfather, Simeon Leland, was a prominent politician and a member of the legislature.

outside of Chicago. The hotel has an elevator, Smith, Berg & Co.'s engine and machinery; and accommodations for three hundred and fifty guests. In addition to the hotel, they have just built a building with engine room, wash and drying rooms, with fine engines and a nest of boilers with four hundred and fifty horse power capacity. In connection with the hotel, Mr, Leland owns a farm of three hundred acres, all under good cultivation. On this farm are fine gardens, hot houses, graperies, etc., enabling them to raise all kinds of fruits and early vegetables. They raise their own jjork, milk, cream and produce.

Fred. L. Reed was born at Boston, Massachusetts, April 11, 1847, where he attended school and was engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe trade until February, 1866. He then went to Chicago and remained in the wholesale boot and shoe trade four or five years, and traveled for the house over the States of Illinois and Iowa. He then became a member of the Chicago Board of Trade, in 1870. He went in the distillery business in Chicago, but held his membership in the Board of Trade; he was engaged some four years in the distillery business, when he was employed in the register department of the Chicago post oftice until December, 1880; and January 11, 1881, was appointed to his present position as chief corporation clerk in the office of the Secretary of State, in Spr.ngfield, Illinois. He was married to Miss Kate M. Miller, January 11, 1870; she was born in Buffalo, New York, and is a daughter of Hon. H. B. Miller, born at Lebanon, Pennsylvania; he held the office of Treasurer of Cook county, Illinois, and was elected a Representative to the legislature of New York State two terms; he is at present President of the Riverton, Illinois, Alcohol Works; in politics he is a Republican, and a strong supporter of that party; his wife, Estey (Bowman) Miller, was born in Ohio; she is a member of the Baptist Church; she and husband reside at Riverton, Illinois. The lather of Fredrick M. Reed, William C. Reed, was born in Randolph, Massachusetts; he is of English descent; he has for many years been engaged in an exclusive provision and packing business at Chicago, Illinois, two or th: ee years, and one year at Milwaukee, Wisconsin; he is a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics he is a Republican, and a strong supporter of that party; he is still living in Boston, Massachusetts; his wife, Lydia Thompson, was born in Thomaston, Massachusetts; she was the mother of three children, all living, viz: William C. Reed, Jr., who resides at Boston, Massachusetts; Mrs. Fannie Walker, also of Boston, and the subject of this sketch, Mr. Fredrick L. Reed, who in politics is a Republican, and a strong supporter of that party; cast his first vote for U. S. Grant, for President of the United States. Mr. Reed and wife are both members of the Baptist Church.

L. W. Reed, Springfield, Illinois, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, December 14, 1S43, son of Dennis S. and Mary B. Reed, natives of Connecticut. In 1846, they moved to Ohio when L. W. received a business education; in 1854, remc'Ved to Will county Illinois; when eighteen years of age, L. W. engaged with Barnes & Smith as clerk, in Rockford, where he remained until 1804, then enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-First Regiment, Illinois Volunteers Infantry, three-months men; remained in the service about six months. After the close of the war, returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence to Connecticut. In the spring of 1865, returned to Rockford, where he embarked in the dry goods trade as the firm of Moulthorp & Reed; in eighteen months sold his interest and started a general store in Milford; remained there two years, then moved to Wilmington, taking his stock Avith him. In 1873, removed to Granby, Connecticut, where he embarked in the wholesale of Yankee notions; was afterwards chosen Secretary of the Granby Manufacturing Company. In April, 1880, came to Joliet, where he commenced his present business in February, 1881. He married Miss Kate J. Adams, daughter of Joseph and Emily Adams, of Will county, Illinois. By this union there are six children, three sons and three daughters. He is member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. orders; also a member of the G. A. R.

M.. 0. Reeves, Springfield, Illinois, was born in Mason county, Kentucky, on the 14th day of September, 1808, son of Austin and El zabeth (Dill) Reeves; father of Virginia, and mother a native of Maryland; was married in Mason county, Kentucky, where four sons and four daughters were born, four of which are living at the present writing. In 1820, they moved to Monroe county, Indiana, where he died in 1828; mother died in 1858. The subject of this sketch went to Ohio in 1824, where he was employed as clerk by an uncle, John Reeves, in a dry goods store and post office (in Warren county), where he remained three years; thence to Batavia, Clearmont county; thence to New Richmond, on the Ohio river. In 1828, went to Portsmouth, Ohio, where he remained two years, when his uncle started a branch store thirty miles above, and he was put in charge one year. He went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged to the firm of Reeves & McLean, in a wholesale dry goods house, where he was employed until 1834. In 1835, bought a bill of goods of Reeves & McLean, and shipped them to Springfield, where he embarked in mei'chandising, which he followed up to 1880, and has been in active business for nearly forty-five years in Springfield. In 1836, married Miss Nancy E. Miner, daughter of Colonel Gideon Miner, of Ohio, who came to Sangamon county about 1830. She was born in Clairmont county, Ohio, April 20th, 1816. The fruits of this marriage was eight children, two of which are livirg, Laura and Georgia. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves are members of the Slethodist Episcopal Church, also their two daughters.

Frank Reisch & Brothers. Of the brewing business, may be mentioned the firm of Frank Reisch <fe Brothers, who constitute the leading firm in this branch. The business was established in 1849 by Frank Reisch, Sr., in a frame building, 20x30 feet, three stories high. Mr. Reisch conducted the business until 1854, when he rented it for three years to Andrew Kane. After the time expired he again took hold of the business; in 1858, he formed a partnership with C. A. Helmle; in 1862 Mr. Helmle sold out, and Frank Reisch, Jr., was taken in; in* 1875 the present firm bought, and have continued the business since. The capacity of the buildings are as follows: the brewing house, 80x42, five stories of brick; one ice house, 40x70, and one 52x100, both of brick, having a capacity of 10,000 tons; two malt kilns, one 30x30 and one 40x40, two stories, also of brick; one malt house 40x80, three stories; stables, 35x80; the capacity of the brewery is one hundred barrels per day; use eighty thousand bushels of barley, employ forty men and eight teams.

Leonard Reisch, of the firm of Reisch tfc Thoma, dry goods merchants, 126 South Sixth street, east side of the square, is a native of Springfield, Sangamon county, Illinois, and is twenty-three years of age. He was educated in St. Louis, and after leaving school went to Bloomington,and was two years there connected with a furniture house. Soon after returning to Springfield, he formed a partnership with Henry Thoma, and in May, 1881, purchased the stock of dry goods of L. H. Coleman, and succeeded him as the proprietors of one of the oldest and most prosperous retail dry goods houses in Springfield. Their business occupies two stories of the building, twenty-one by one hundred feet, on the first fioor, and forty-two by one hundred on the second floor. Their stock invoiced $G5,000, and the sales for 1880 were $135,000. The business of the new firm gives flattering promise, and employs seven salesmen. This house has the reputation of carrying the finest goods in the market. They make a specialty of elegant dress goods, trimmings, and notions.

Henry Thoma, the other partner of this firm, has been identified with the dry goods trade of Springfield ten years, and nine years with Mr. Coleman, in the store of which he is now joint proprietor. He is a Penneylvanian by birth, and is twenty-six yeai's old. He came to Springfield at eight years of age, and commenced his mercantile career at fourteen, as delivery boy. During the years 1878 and 1879, he was Deputy in the County Treasurer's office, an experience of great value in a business way. In the spring of 1879, he married Miss Laura Westenberger, of Springfield.

Frank Reisch, Leonard's father, was a native of Baden, Germany, where he married, and immigrated and settled in Springfield some years before Leonard's birth. He engaged in brick manufacturing and in the brewing business. He died in August, 1875. His widow still resides in the city.

Frank Meisch, deceased, was born in Baden, Germany, July 24, 1809. When twenty-three years of age he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans, then worked his way up the river to St. Louis, and from there to Beardstown, where he remained about five years, then returned to his native country, when he married Miss Susan Mansen. She was born in 1817. They have had thirteen children, seven of whom are living, four sons and three daughters. After marrying, they returned to Beardstown, where Mr. Reisch commenced coopering, and remained thereuntil 1889, when he came to this county, locating first in Cartwright township, where he bought land and followed farming in connection with coopering. In 1842, he moved to Prairie Creek township, and in 1850 came to Springfield. Previous to coming, he had commenced the erection of the old brewery, which he finished and occupied for a number of years. He died in 1875, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. He landed in New Orleans with but one five franc piece in his pocket, but at his death could count his dollars by the thousands.

John W. Meilly, M. X>., Springfield, Illinois, born in this city January 20, 1859; is the son of Robert and Bridget (Mathews) Reilly, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to this country in 1855 or 1856, and located in Springfield, where he engaged in the hotel business, which he followed for a number of years; is at present engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch attended the High School of this city, and graduated in the class of 1877. He immediately commenced the reading of medicine, his preceptor being Dr. R. S. Lord, of this city. In 1878 and 1879, he attended lectures in Rush Medical College, and also spent two years in Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, and graduated with honors. The Doctor has spared no time or money to fit himself for the profession of his choice; he is at present City Physician of the city of Springfield.

John T. Rhodes, of Rhodes & Brother, contractors and builders, was born January 14, 18ol, near Frederick City, Frederick county, Maryland; came with an elder brother to Springfield, Illinois, in February, 1855. Having learned the carpenter trade of his father before coming West, and being an expert workman, he commanded the highest wages. His brother George, partner in the firm, was born in Frederick county, also, in September, 1833, learned the trade there, and came to Springfield in 1856. They both worked as journeymen until the fall of 1858, then formed the present partnership, and began contracting. They have actively engaged in the building business since, and have erected a great many business blocks and dwelling houses in and about Springfield. Of late years they have confined their attention to city contract work almost exclusively. Among the business buildings this firm has constructed, are the Springfield Watch Factory, and the Central Block, just completed this fall, on the corner of Adams and Sixth streets. They employ from twelve to eighteen mechanics, and did a business in 1880 of 835,000, and will run over ^40,000 in 1881.

On April 19, 1800, John Rhodes married Eliza W. Merriweather, born in Springfield, Illinois, May 5, 1840. They have two children, William Robert, and Ellie Maria Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes has served three consecutive terms in the County Board of Supervisors; is now serving his third term as City Alderman, having been first elected in 1874, and is the only Democrat ever elected from the Sixth Ward, it being Republican by a large majority. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since the second day after his arrival in Springfield.

Jatnes t . Hic.kard, manufacturer of buggies and spring wagons, No. 213 and 215, North Sixth street, established the business at that location February 1 , 1881. He makes all styles of buggies and spring wagons, and pays special attention to all classes of repair work. He occupies a large two-story brick building ample for the business, and employs six men in the different departments. Mr. Rickard was born in Ireland, in 1855; immigrated to the United States, and settled in Springfield, Illinois, in I860; learned the blacksmith and carriage business with Myers, Davidson & Co., for whom he was employed as a journeyman until he opened his shop in the early part of 18.81. His father resides in the city; mother has been dead some years. Mr. R. is a finished workman, an energetic young man, and his enterprise promises success.

William liidgely, cashier of the Ridgely National Bank, of Springfield, is the eighth of thirteen children of Nicholas H. Ridgely, and was born in the upper story of the old State Bank of Illinois, in Springfield, January 12, 1840. He was educated in the Illinois State University of Springfield when Rev. Francis Springer was President. In July, 1856, he went to St. Louis and spent a few months as shipping clerk in a large milling and wholesale establishment; went thence to Chicago, and was clerk in the commission house of Burrell Bros., until they failed, when he returned to Springfield. In the fall of 1857, he entered as clerk in the Merchants' Bank of St. Louis, and six months after was made paying-teller, at a salary of $1,200 a year, remaining till December 1, 1860; then came to Springfield to go into his father's banking house, in which he became a partner in 1864, under the firm title of N. H. Ridgely & Co., and about that time succeeded his brother Charles to the Secretaryship of the Springfield Gaslight Company. October 1, 1866, the Ridgely National Bank was organized and William was elected its cashier, which position he has filled to the present time. He has never failed in twenty-one years to be present the first of every month to make out gas bills and close up the monthly business. He has held the office of Treasurer of the Springfield City Horse Railway since April, 1878. He remains unmarried.

Nicholas Ridgely, President of the Ridgely National Bank, was born on his father's tobacco plantation, near Baltimore, Maryland, April 27, 1800; is the son of Greenberry and Rachel Ragan Ridgely. He was educated in the city of

Baltimore, and engaged in mercantile business there until April, 1828, when he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and became a clerk in the United States branch bank established there soon after his arrival. Continuing in this business until May, 1835, he w^as then appointed Cashier of the State Bank of Illinois, incorporated in that year. Mr. Ridgely filled that office till the expiration of its charter, and was one of the trustees who finally wound up the business of the bank. While engaged in closing the affairs of the bank and afterwards, he carried on a private bankingbusiness on his own account; and after the passage of the State banking law, he, in connection with the Messrs Clark, organized Clark's Exchange Bank, of Springfield, in 1851 or '52, and retained his connection with it until it was discontinued, and all its obligations discharged. In 1866, Mr. Ridgely, associated with Charles and William, - his sons, - J. Taylor Smith and Lafayette Smith, organized "The Ridgely National Bank of Springfield." He became its President, and has ever since held the office. Thus Mr. Ridgely has been actively identified with banking interests for fifty-three years, and is probably a longer time in the business than any other man in this country. He has been twice married, and reared thirteen children to adult age. Henry Ridgely, of Springfield, Illinois, was born in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, April 19, 1832. When five years of age he came with his parents to Springfield, Illinois, where he attended school until 1848. He then attended the Hillsboro, Illinois, College two years, then attended the Illinois College at Jacksonville six months, when he returned home to Springfield. He then run as engineer on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific, the Chicago & Alton, and the Union & Galena, now the Chicago <fc Northwestern Railroad; run on these roads five years, when he was employed as teller in the Ridgely National Bank, at Springfield, Illinois, two years. During this time he was married to Miss Louisiana I. Gray, April 22, 1857. She was born in Gull Prairie, Michigan, August 30, 1839; she was a daughter of Isaac H. Gray and Charlotte A. McClary, who reside in Springfield, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Ridgely have three children, viz: George Watson, Kate N. and Howard G. Ridgely. After Mr. Ridgely was married he remained in the bank one year, then bought an interest in the Old American House, with Isaac R. Gray; some two years after he bought Mr. Gray out, and ran the hotel three years, when he went into partnership in the Hopping & Ridgely lumber yard; he bought out Mr. Hopping some two years after, and he run the Ridgely lumber yard and planing mill until August 11, 1881, when the mill burned down. His father, Nicholas Ridgely, banker, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, May i:}, 1800. He was a merchant in this city, and when a young man went to St. Louis, Missouri, and was teller in the Bank of Missouri a number of years. In 1837, he came to Springfield, Illinois, and was appointed Cashier in the State National Bank. For many years past has been running the Ridgely National Bank. His wife, Jane M. Huntington, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is the mother of nine children, eight living. The subject of this sketch, Henry Ridgely, in politics is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Buchanan for President.

John liippon, proprietor of the Excelsior Foundry and Machine Works, corner Ninth and Adams streets; is a native of Connecticut, where he learned the machinist trade; came to Illinois about 1850; crossing the plains to the mouth of the Columbia River, Oregon, in 1851; consuming one hundred and twelve days in the journey from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Portland. He spent nearly two years on the Pacific slope, returned via San Francisco and New Orleajjs. In 1854, Mr. Rippon bought an interest in the Excelsior Machine Works, since which he has conducted the business as a partner until three years ago when he became sole owner. At one time the Excelsior works manufactured more steam engines than any other works iu Illinois. Some twenty engines of its make are running in and immediately around Springfield. The works still does a fine business in that line, and has a heavy trade in coal shafting machinery. He employs twelve to fifteen men. Mr. Rippon married Susan Keeif, a native of London, England, in 1853. They are the parents of eight children, two sons and two daughters alive. Some twelve years ago Mr. R , designed and built the Excelsior Flouring Mills on Adams street near his iron works, and after operating them two years sold them.

George Ritter, hair-dresser, 319 Washington street, Springfield, Illinois, of the firm of George Ritter & Company, learned his trade in his native place, Germany, beginning when he was fifteen years old. He embarked for America in 1860, and landed at New York in May, and then went to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he opened a barber shop, and subse([uently came to Springfield, Illinois, in 1861, and was employed in his business by John Dillman, and remained in his employ eight months, and then opened a shop of his own, and at the end of one year sold out, then returned to Germany in the fall of 1863, remaining there till the spring of 1864, then returned to Springfield and formed a partnership with the firm of Brandeberger <fc Kraft, which firm lasted two years and was then sold out at public sale. Mr. Ritter then formed a partnership with Jacob Ritter, and at the end of two years, 1868, the subject of our sketch, George Ritter, dissolved his connection with the firm, and the same year formed a partnership with George B. Ritter, which partnership continues under the title of George Ritter & Company, and doing a good business. George Ritter was born in Grohszimmern, Hessen, Darmstart, Germany, April 28, 1843, is the son of John and Dora Ritter, natives of Germany. George Ritter received his education in the common schools of Germany; was married December, 1865, to Lizzie Hoose, of St. Louis, Missouri. By their union have six children, viz.: Dora, John, Fred, Ernst, Anna and Bernhart. Mrs. Ritter is the daughter of John Hoose, native of Germany. Mr. Ritter's parents came to Springfield from Germany in 18 71, and returned to their home in 1874. Mr. Ritter is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Teutonia Lodge, No. 166, is a member of the Workingmen's Savings and Homestead Association, and Vice President of the same, and was one of the projectors and directors of its first organization in Springfield, Illinois. Is a member of the City Council from the Second Ward.

George IB. Hitter, hair dresser, of the firm of George Ritter & Co., Springfield, was born in Germany, May 18, 1840 ; is the son of Konrad and Catharine Ritter, natives of Germany. Mr. Ritter came to America in January, 1852, with his parents, and landed at New Orleans, where they lived five years, during which time the family were afliicted with the yellow fever, in 1853, and but one died - a son. Mr. Ritter began his trade in New Orleans in 1854, and worked there till 1857, then came with his parents to St. Louis, and after working one year, opened a shop of his own, which he sold out iu 1859, from which time to 1861, worked in New Orleans and Vicksburg. In 1861, he enlisted in the Southern army of the Potomac, and was taken prisoner by the Union army, 1863. Taking the oath of allegiance, he enlisted in the Union army, in which he remained to the close of the war, 1865 ; was mustered out ot service, and returned to St. Louis, where he followed his trade for two years, after which he came to Springfield and formed a partnership with

George Riiter, which continues under the title : George Ritter & Co. Mr. Ritter was married in St. Louis, Missouri, April 9, 1 867, to Louisa E. Yehlen, and by this union have seven children - George F., Nettie, Fred. W., Lena M., Ellen and Carrie E. Mrs. Ritter is a native of Switzerland. Her mother died in New Orleans in 1849, of yellow fever. Mr. Ritter is a member of the Masonic Order, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Teutonia Lodge, No. 166, Workingmen's Savings and Homestead Association, and Director of the same.

Edward JR. lioberts. Circuit Clerk, was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1843; came to Springfield in 1857, with his parents, which has been his home since, save while he was in the army. Upon the inauguration of the civil war, he enlisted in April, 1861, as a private in Company I, Seventh Illinois Infantry; received several promotions; was made First Lieutenant at the battle of Fort Donelson, and in 1864, became Captain of Company C. At the expiration of his first term of enlistment he veteranized; was brevetted Lieutenant Colonel of United States Volunteers, March 3, 1865, and was mustered out in July of that year. On March 7, 1864, Captain Roberts was captured at Florence, Alabama, and was in prison at Macon, Georgia, Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina, and Mobile. Alabama. On the 26th of November, 1864, he escaped from Columbia prison, and reached General Sherman's lines, about the middle of Georgia, December 5th following. At the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, October 4, 1862, he was wounded by a gunshot in his right han<l, resulting in the loss of the index finger and stfl^ening the next one. After returning from the army, Colonel Roberts was clerk in the Adjutant General's office for a time. In 1868, he was elected City Comptroller, and three times re-elected, filling that office four consecutive terms. He was then made Superintendent of the Capital Coal Company for two years, at the end of which he became the book-keeper at the rolling mills store, and held that position until elected Circuit Clerk, in 187 9, for four years, by a majority of one thousand four hundred, leading all other candidates on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Roberts is a Mason, a member of St. Paul Lodge No. 500, Springfield Chapter No. 1, and Elwood Commandery No. 6, is Captain General of the latter.

Henson Mobinson, dealer in stoves, tin-ware, mantles, grates and house-furnishing goods, 114 North Fifth street, established the business in a small way, in that location, March 13, 1861.

The magnitude of trade has steadily increased, and he now keeps a large stock of these several kinds of merchandise to meet its demand. He also carries on a manufacturing and job work department, in which he regularly employs ten to fifteen men ; employs a capital of $16,000, and did a business in 1880 of over $35,000, with an increase in 1881 for corresponding months. Mr. Robinson was born in Xenia, Green county, Ohio, March 14,1839 ; learned the tinner's trade there ; came to Illinois at nineteen years of age, arriving in Springfield July 1, 1858, which has since been his home. After spending about a year in school he worked as a journeyman at his trade until he started business as proprietor. May 8, 1861, he united in marriage with Henri ettaM., daughter of James W. Keyes,of Springfield, who settled here in 183 L Two daughters, Lydia M. and Margaret H., and a son - Charles Henson Robinson - composes their family. Mr. Robinson has served three terms in the Board of Supervisors ; was a candidate on the National Temperance ticket for Mayor, in 1878, in opposition to both the old political parlies, and was only beaten one hundred and twentyone votes. He is now Chairman of the City Board of Education ; is Treasurer of the Citizen's Street Railway, of which he was one of the projectors and builders ; in 1878 and 1879 served as Treasurer of Sangamon County Agricultural Society. He is a member of the Masonic order. Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery ; is Treasurer of the Lodge and Chapter, and is a member and trustee of the First M. E. Church.

Edward T. Hoe, Assistant United States District Attorney, was born in Shawneetown, Gallatin county, Illinois, November 28, 1847. In 1848, he moved with his parents to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he remained until 1852, when the family moved to Bloomington, Illinois. He remained there and attended the Illinois University until 1868, when he attended the New York State University, at Albany, and graduated in the law department of that University, May, 1869, and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of New York State. He became a member of the Illinois bar in 1870, and practiced law in Bloomington, Illinois, until 1871, when he was chosen for the position he now occupies. Assistant United States District Attorney. He was married to Miss Cornelia B. Glen, at Monticello, Illinois, April 13, 1875. She was born near Newark, New Jersey, and was a daughter of William R. Glen, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He was a Presbyterian minister, and died in 1880. His wife, Miss Mary S. Avery, was born in New York. She is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is living with her son-in-law, E. T. Roe. Mr. E. T. Roe and wife have three children, viz , Jean Paul Roe, Daniel Roe, and Lillian May Roe. Mrs. Roe is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois. The father of E. T. Roe, ex-United States Marshal E. R. Roe, was born at Lebanon, Ohio, and came to Illinois in 1841. He was a practicing physician at Shawneetown, Illinois, nine years. He then removed to Jacksonville, Illinois, and established the daily issue of the Jacksonville Journal. He Avas also editor of the Bloomington Pantagraph four years. He was Professor of Natural Sciences at the Normal University, at the commencement of the wai*. He was a Major and Lieutenant Colonel in the Thirtythird (Normal) Illinois Regiment was wounded at the siege of Vicksburg. He was afterward Circuit Clerk in McLean county live years, and was appointed United States Marshal of Southern District of Illinois, December 12, 1872, a position he held two terms - eight years. He is at present engaged in the drug business at Bloomington, Illinois. He "was married to Miss Ellasan Dunham, in 1836. She was born in Pennsylvania. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and died February 30, 1881, and was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery. She was the mother of five children, viz.. Charters S. Roe, who is now mining in Cjolorado; Albert J. Roe, practicing physician, at Decatur, Illinois; Mrs. Mary E. Eberhart, who resides at Bloomington, Illinois; Mrs. Jennie Uhl, wife of E. C. Uhl, Dixon, Illinois, and E. T. Roe, the subject of this sketch, who in politics is a Republican, and a strong supporter of that party, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President of the LTnited States. He is of English descent, and the family are formerly from Long Island. Charles W. Roepper, Superintendent of the Steel Mills of the Springfield Iron Company, was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1848. His father. Professor William T. Roepper, deceased, was a scientist of considerable eminence in that State. Besides the advantages of the schools of his native town, Charles enjoyed private instructions from his father, which were administered with special care, and these were supplemented with a course in Lehigh University. At the age of fifteen years, he went into the machine shops in that place; and at seventeen, into the labratory of the Lehigh Zinc Company, and filled the position of chemist in their works until 1872, during which he enjoyed rare opportunities for witnessing the practical workings of the establishment. From 1872 to 1876, Mr. Roepper was employed as chemist for the Bethlehem Iron Company, and from that time until 1879, had charge of a blast furnace in New Jersey, in the manufacture of pig and Spiegel iron. In 1879, he became associated with the Springfield Iron Company, and has since had supervision of their steel mills. Mr. Roepper is a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, and is a devoted student of science, of which he already possesses a wide range of knowledge.

Henry W. Hokker, proprietor of Rokker's book bindery and printing house, 309 South Fifth street, came to Springfield in 1865, and in 1867 opened a book bindery on South Fifth street, between Adams and Monroe. In 1872, his bindery was totally destroyed by fire, in which he lost about $10,000. A month after he re-opened business on the corner of Washington and Sixth streets, and continued there until he moved into his present quarters, in 1876. Mr. Rokker purchased the lot and erected the fine three-story brick building, 20x157 feet, that year. He then added a book and job printing oflice, starting with one small press, in connection with the bindery. His business in both departments rapidly grew under his practical and efiicient management; presses and material were put in from time to time, of the most approved patterns, until the plant now contains four large and two small presses, with ample supply of the latest styles of type. The bindery is equipped with the finest improved machinery, the whole constituting one of the most complete book binding and printing establishments in the West. The concern employs sixty hands, whose weekly salaries aggregate $500. Mr. Rokker started business with a cash capital of $225. He was born in Holland, learned the book binding trade in Eui'ope, and was foreman of an establishment there at twenty years of age; immigrated to the United States when twenty-one, and located in St. Louis, Missouri, where he pursued his calling a number of years, the latter part of that period on his own account

Samuel Hosenwald was born in Buende, near Minden, Prussia, June 18, 1828, where he attended school and was engaged in the mercantile business until 1854, when he emigrated to the United States; he came alone and landed in Baltimore, Maryland, wheie he remained one year, and peddled with pack; then went to W^inchester, Virginia, and kept a clothing store one year, when he returned to Baltimore and kept a store some nine months; was married in Baltimore to Miss Augusta Hammerslough, August 23, 1857; be then entered into partnership with L. Hammerslough, in a clothing store at Peoria, Illinois, six months, when he bought out Hammerslough and ran the store until 1860, Avhen he went to Talledega, Alabama, and lan a clothing store one season, when he opened a store in Evansville, Indiana, ran a store there one year. In July, 1801, he came to Springfield, Illinois, where he went into partnership with the Hammerslough Brothers, at 117 west side of the square, and in 1868 bought out the Hammerslough ]3rothers' interest, and has run the store ever since, and has now one of the largest and mo&t complete clothing houses in the city; this store was established in 1876, and Mr. Rosenwald established the one-price system. He and wife are both members of the Hebrew Church, on Norih Fifth street, and have six children, viz: Benjamin S., Julius S., Maurice S., Selma S., Sophie and Lewis S. Rosenwald. The father of Samuel Rosenwald, Buedix Rosenwald, was born in Prussia, Geimany; he was a merchant and a member of the Hebrew Church, and died in 1840. His wife, Miss Vogal Frankford, was born in Prussia, Germany; she is a member of the Hebrew Church, and is still living in (xermany, in her seventy-ninth year; she was the mother of four children, two living, viz: Samuel, the subject of this sketch, and Herman Rosenwald, a dry goods merchant in Prussia, Germany. Mr. Samuel Rosenwald is a member of the A. O. U. W., Capital City Lodge No. ,'58, and of the I, O. B. B. Lodge No. 67, in Springfield, Illinois. In politics he is rather independent; he cast his first vote for Buchanan for President of the United States. Mrs. Samuel Rosenwald was a daughter of Salmon A. Hammerslough; born in Hanover, Germany; his wife, Julia Benjamin, was born in Hanover, Germany; they were members of the Hebrew Church, and had a family of six children.

Patrick J. Hourke, Superintendent of Schools for Sangamon county, was first elected to that office in November, 1873, for the term of four years, and re-elected in 1877, for a like term. Mr. Rourke is a product of Sangamon county, born in May, 1849. He graduated in the classical course of the Springfield High School in the class of 1866, since which time he has pursued scientific and other studies privately. Prior to assuming the duties of County Superintendent of Schools he was engaged in civil engineering and teaching; also served as Deputy United States Clerk from 1870 till 1872. His parents,

Owen and Margaret Rourke, emigrated from Ireland forty years ago, and after living about four years in Vermont, came to Sangamon county, Illinois, where they have since resided. In October, 1879, Mr. Rourke united in marriage with Miss M. Emma, daughter of Samuel Ray, deceased, a prominent citizen of Gardner township, which he represented several years in the Board of Supervisors.

Edward Miitz, State Treasurer, of Illinois, is a native of Heidleberg, Germany, and was born in 1829. When eighteen years of age he emigrated to the United States and settled in St. Clair county, Illinois. In 1854, he took a tour through Iowa and Kansas, and in 1858 went on through to California, remaining there till the war broke out in 1861. He entei'ed the army from that State as a member of Battery C, U. S. Artillery, and served chiefly in the Army of the Potomac; fought in twenty-one battles, among them were, Yorktown, Williamsburg, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorville, and others; was discharged in October, 1864, having never been absent from duty from inability a day during the three years of his service. Upon retiring from the army Mr. Rutz went to St. Louis, and was employed there, and in Tennessee in the Quarter Master's department with General Myers, from November, 1864, till April 7, 1865. He spent that summer prospecting through the South, but not being pleased with the outlook, returned to St. Clair county, Illinois, and that fall was elected County Surveyor for two years. At the expiration of that time he was elected Treasurer of that county for two years, and was re-elected in 1869 and 1871; and in 1873, was elected State Treasurer for the term of two years. He was again elected to the same office in 1877 and in 1880, the last times from Cook county, he having moved there about two years previously. In politics Mr. Kutz is a pronounced Republican, and has been a member of the party from its organization. He married in St. Clair county, Illinois, in 1866, to Miss Mary Mans, a native of that county. Three daughters and one son compose their family.

JR. Francis JRuth was born in the city of Springfield, Illinois, May 5th, 1856. He attended the Fourth Ward School until 1869, when he began in the High School, where he graduated in the class of June, 1873, along with J. H. Matheny, Jr., Edward C. Hainey, Samuel Grubb, Miss Anna Painter, now Mrs. Tudin, and others. In July, 1873, he was employed in the hardware store of O. F. Stebbins, where he re.

inained until July, 1877, when he went into partnership with his father, on the south side of the square, where he is still located. His father, R. F. Ruth, was born in Pennsylvania. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, where he died September 28, 1881. His wife, Maria Diller, sister of R W. Diller, was a member of the Third Presbyterian Church, and died May 28, 1870; she was the mother of two children, viz: J. D. Ruth and the subject of this sketch, R. Francis Ruth, who is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and was a Sunday school teacher in that church two or three years, and in 1879 was elected Superintendent, a position he still retains. He was one of the first to join the Young Men's Christian Association in Springfield, of which he is an active member. He is a member of the Board of Directors of that Association. In politics he is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Hayes for President of the United States.

William H. Sampson, partner in the queensware house ot James A. Rhea & Co., 225 South Fifth street, was born in Medford, Massachusetts, and is twenty-eight years of age. He enjoyed the advantages of the superior public schools of his native place; at the age of sixteen entered the employ of a wholesale leather firm in Boston, and had become one of their leading salesmen before attaining his majority, when they sold out and retired from business. In August, 1874, Mr. Sampson came to Springfield, Illinois, and passed some four years as traveling salesman for Springfield and Chicago houses, three of these years, he represented the extensive wholesale queensware establishment of Pitkin & Brooks, Chicago. In June, 1881, Mr. Sampson formed a partnership with James A. Rhea and A. Anthony, and opened their present store with a fine new stock of queensware, glassware, cutlery and house furnishing goods, which they handle at wholesale and retail. They are all practical, thorough-going business men, which, with the liberal trade the house has enjoyed during its brief history, augurs a successful future. Mr. Sampson united in marriage with Miss Minnie A. Hawk, of Cleveland, Ohio, May 26, 187 7. One son, Odiorne, aged three years, is the fruit of their union.

Mr. Rhea is a native of Missouri, but for the past twelve years has been engaged in manufacturing and mercantile business in Piitsfield, Pike county Illinois.

1783, in Louden county, Virginia, of English ancestry. His parents emigrated to the vicinity of Lexington, Kentucky, and a year or two later moved to Fleming county, in the same State. Mary Mauzy, his wife, was born April 15, 1784, in Fauquier county, Virginia; her parents were of French descent; moved to Bourbon county, Kentucky; they were married in 1801, and had a family of seven children. He was a soldier from Fleming county in the war of 1812, and afterwards moved his family to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving May 10, 1828, and settled four miles north of Springfield, where they resided for a number of years. Gunnell Saunders and his wife moved from Springfield, Illinois, to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in the summer of 1846. Hon. E. D. Baker, of Ball's Bluff fatal memory, with whom Mr. Saunders was on terms of most intimate friendship, visited Mt. Pleasant, and made a speech in favor of the election of General Taylor. Mr. Saunders took Colonel Baker in his carriage to Ottumwa, and on the morning of October 26, 1848, bade him adieu and left for home. He was found about two miles from Ottumwa, in his carriage, dead, with the lines so adjusted as to bring the carriage on a cramp. Gunnell Saunders was about sixty miles from home, but his rerhains were taken to Mt. Pleasant for interment. His widow continued to live there until October 18, 1851, when she died from the effects of a dose of arsenic carelessly put up by a druggist in place of morphine. Jonathan R., who was 'the first son of the preceding, was married December 18, 1823, to Sarah McKinnie. They moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving November 28, 1824, at Springfield. He entered the land on which the Sangamon county fair is held, two miles north of Springfield, and moved there in 1828. His family consisted of six children, of the number, two living and four deceased.

Asbury H. Saunders, son of the preceding, is now engaged in the grocery business; first in April, 1854, in partnership with W. T. Hughes, in a room adjoining his present store. The fall following they added a stock of dry goods. In 1858, Mr. Saunders bought Mr. Hughes' interest, and the next year sold out the business, and engaged in the live stock business up to 1866, since which time he has been carrying on business in the store he now occupies. His stock consi.vts of a large assortment of staple and fancy groceries, in which he does a retail business of about $30,- 000 a year. Mr. Saunders was born on the lot where he now resides, corner of Carpenter and Sixih streets, November 7, 1828. His father and mother now reside with him; his father is now in liis eightieth and his mother eighty-one years old. Mr. Ai-bury H. Saunders was married October 20, 1856, to Marcia E. Underwood, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. She was born February T, 1837, at Portage, Ohio. They had four children; three died young. His only daughter, Helen, born June 2, 1803, lives at home with her father. Mrs. Marcia E. Saunders died September 30, 1874. He is one of the leading members in the Chi'istian Church, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. Central Lodge, No 71.

John II. Schuck., lumber merchant, corner of Ninth and Jefferson streets, embarked in the lumber trade in Springfield in 1805, as a member of the firm of Schuck & Baker, located on the corner of Tenth and Jefferson streets, where they continued the business until April 1, 1877. Then Mr. Schuck sold out to his partner and opened his present yard. He carries a large stock of the various grades of lumber, and of eash, doors, blinds, cement, nails paints, etc, comprising a complete assortment of builders' materials. Daring the year 1880, his sales were over two million one hundred thousand feet of lumber, one million five hundred shingles, three hundred and sixty-five thousand five hundred laths, five hundred barrels of fcement, and two hundred and eighty barrels of plaster, besides sash, doors, blinds, hair, drain tile and sewer pipe. His trade for 1881 is running considerably larger. Mr. Schuck was one of the origiinal projectors of, and prime movers in building the Citizen's Horse Railway in Springfield, which was accomplished under persistent opposition and very harrassing circumstances. He is now President of the company; is also one of the Directors of the First National Bank, and of the German American Building Association. He is a native of Heidleburg, Germany; came to Springfield, Illinois; in 1848; pursued the cabinet maker's trade for some years, and since 1854 has been associated with the lumber business. As an experimental test of the value of red cedar blocks for street pavings, Mr. Schuck urged that a piece of pavement be put down, which was done in front of the Government building and Leland Hotel on Sixth street, by him as contractor, in 187 8, and that fine piece of road may attest the wisdom of his suggestion in making the trial. Mr. Schuck is one of the oldest members of Springfield Masonic Lodge No. 4.

John Schoeneman, proprietor of the Western Hotel, corner Third and Jefferson streets, was born in Wedinburg, Germany, Februaiy 8, 1830. When sixteen years of age, he came with his parents to the United States, landed at New York City, and came to Springfield, Illinois, arriving here August, 1847. Mr. Schoeneman worked here for different parties untill 1856, when he went to Franklin county, Kansas, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land and lived for five years, and in the spring of 1803, went with a government outfit as teamster, to Wyoming Territory; remained there in the employ of the government eleven months, when he went to Montana, and mined in the gold mines three years. He was successful in mining, and in the fall of 1866 returned to Springfield, Illinois. In 1868, he built the Western Hotel, which he now owns and runs in first-class order, well filled up. He was married to Miss Helena Hoechter, June, 1870. She was born in Sangamon county, Illinois. She was a daughter of Baltzer Hoechter, born in Germany, and who settled in Sangamon county in 1844. He died in 1877. His wife, Mary Eck, was born in Germany, and still lives in Woodside township. The father of John Schoeneman, Andrew Schoeneman, born in Germany, was a gardener, and died in 1878. His wife, Margaret Fischter, was born in Germany, and died in 1847. She was the mother of six children, four living. Mr. John Schoenman and wife are members of the Catholic Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

William J. Schroyer., Police Magis'rate of Springfield, Illinois, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1836; son of Joseph J. and Mary Ann (Sparks) Schroyer. Joseph J. was a merchant, and William was brought up in the mercantile business, received a collegiate education and graduated at Oxford College; went to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where he read law with Philip Spooner, and was admitted to the bar in 1859; the same year was elected Prosecuting Attorney, in Ripley county, Indiana, where he remained about a year. In 1857, engaged in the mercantile and distillery business in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, which was not a financial success. In 1861, was appointed Bounty Clerk, under Captain D. W. Cheek, Mustering and Dispensing Officer, at St. Louis, Missouri, of the Thirteenth Regiment United States Infantry, where he remained eighteen months. In February, 1862, he came to Springfield, where he was in the Provost Marshal's office. In 1880, was elected to the office of Police Magistrate, which he has since held. He married Miss Sarah Roll, who was born in this county in September, 1849.

native of Vermont State. Mr. Sherwood was quite young when his father moved to Auburn, New York, in which place the subject of this biography was raised, and received his education in the common schools. He reraainad at home until he was twenty years old, and then went to Buffalo, New York, and then to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at the trade of cabinetmaker. Afterward he went to St. Louis and engaged in the foundry business, and the firm was known as Sherwood & Graham. In this business he remained for twenty-seven years, after which he went to Marine, Illinois, and purchased a farm, on which he stayed nine years, and then moved to Springfield, Illinois, in the fall of 1865, in which city he made improvements on agricultural implements, viz: the corn cultivator and sulky plow, which was a success. Mr. Sherwood had some of his implements manufactured in Belleville, Illinois, and he manufactured in Springfield, Illinois. He was inventing a spading plow, which was not completed before his death; however, he gave it a test. He was still engaged in the manufacture of the plows to his death, on January 3, 1873, which was too soon for him to reap the full benefit of his labors. Mr. Sherwood's first marriage took place in St. Louis, Missouri, in the year 1848, to Mary Fox, a native of Rochester, New York, and by this union were blessed with three children, two of whom are living, Maria A. and Mary E. Sherwood. Mr. Sherwood's second marriage was in Auburn, New York, and celebrated on the 26th day of March, 1853, to Mrs. J. E. Fowler, a widow, daughter of Mr. John and Mrs. Eva Hoff, natives of New York, in which State Mrs. Sherwood was born. Mrs. Sherwood's education was in the common schools at Arcadia, New York, and subsequently in the graded schools in Elbridge, New York. She is a member of the Second Presbyterian church in Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Sherwood united with the Baptist Church in his early life; he was a member of the City Council when he died.

William W. /Shrader, boot and shoe merchant, 518 Adams street, south side of the square, has been engaged in that branch of merchandising exclusively in Springfield, ten years, over eight years at the above number. His business occupies two floors of the building twenty by one hundred and fifty-four feet in dimensions. He makes a special feature of standard goods in medium and low priced honest work, of which he carries an average stock of $20,000 to 125,- 000, and sells $00,000 a year, his trade having increased forty per cent, in the past two years.

Mr. Shrader was born near Fostoria, Wood county,- Ohio, in 1837,, and was partly reared there. John Shrader, his father was a farmer, except the last few years of his life. In 1849 he moved with his family to Knox county, Illinos, and settling in Abingdon, engaged in the mercantile business and pursued it until his death, in 1857. William began his commercial career in his father's store in the autumn of 1^54. In July, 1862, he entered the array; recruited Company I, of the Eighty-third Illinois Infantry, and was chosen its Second Lieutenant, which oftice he held until discharged, in July, 1865. The last year and a half he served as Assistant Adjutaht General, on the staff of General A. A. Smith. He came to Springfield in February, 1866, and was employed as a salesman until he started as proprietor, in April, 1871, in the firm of Sims, Smith & Co. Two years later he bought the interest of both partners, and has since been sole owner. Mr. Shrader started with very little capital and lim ted experience in this branch of trade, succeeding a firm who had failed, and on the eve of the general financial depression which followed. He now owmis a home worth 110,000, and a half interest in the store building he occupies, together with his stock of goods and |5,000 in bank. He married Miss Lute Sims, of Springfield, and daughter of A. M. Sims, his former partner, in 1870. She was born in Kentucky. A son and daughter constitute their family.

Frank >Simmo7is, bookseller and stationer, 124 South Sixth street, was born in 1849, in Hamilton county, Ohio; is the son of Moses Simmons and Ann Riggs. His father was a native of New Y^ork; mother, of Ohio. They moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, when Frank was four years old, and settled about three and one-half miles east of Springfield. During the late civil war, they removed to the city, where his father died soon after, leaving his widowed mother and a younger brother in straightened circumstances. Frank began mercantile life at thirteen years of age, as a bundle boy in a book store in the city, being hired on trial for one week. He remained in that store seven years. Upon the death of his father he was obliged to assume the position of the head of the family, and provide for the household. He commenced business on his own account in 1873, with about |50 capital, on the northeast corner of Monroe and Sixth streets. From there he moved to the Central Hotel block. In August, 1876, bought the stock of Patterson & Co., at assignee's sale, and in May, 1880, removed into his present fine, commodious store.

His is the only exclusive book and stationery store in Springfield; be carries the largest stock Id Central Illinois, and his annual sales, which are rapidly increasing, aggregate between |45,- 000 and 150,000. He does considerable jobbing in stationery and picture frames. Mr. Simmons married the daughter of Judge William P. Robinson, of Hairison county, Missouri, in the spring of 1875. Two sons and a daughter compr ise their family.

Clark M. Smithy merchant, corner Adams and Sixth streets, was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, May 10, 18i0. In November, 1835, he located in Carrollton, Illinois, and the following year began selling goods as clerk; in 1840, embarked in general merchandising on his own account; later, his brother Stephen became a partner. In 1852, they came to Springfield, and formed a partnership with William Yates, as Yates, Smith &> Co. C. M. Smith became sole proprietor January 1, 1864, and the latter part of the same year Mr. John S. Condell, Senior, purchased an interest in the business. The concern embraces five departments, dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, groceries and drugs, each occupying a separate room. They employ twenty hands, and conduct a trade of over $150,000 a year. Mr. Smith was one of the projectors and prime actors in the improvements of Oak Ridge Cemetery. He married Ann M., daughter of Robert S. Todd, of Lexington, Kentucky, October 26, 1846, They have two daughters and two sons.