Sangamon County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1881 (part 6 of 21)

1880, he returned to Spi'ingfield, Illinois, where he was engaged in the sewing machine trade some five or six months, when he began to sell pianos and organs, and in July 20, 1880, was employed by the Inter-State Publishing Company, to assist in writing up Sangamon county for a historj^, and by whom he is still employed. His father. Captain Isaih M. Sperry, w^as born at Hoosac Falls, New York. At the outbreaking of the late rebellion he raised Company B, Sixth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, and was commissioned Captain of this company by Governor Yates. At the close of the war he settled on his fruit farm in Union county, Illinois, he was married to Miss Maggie L. (Phillips) Sperry; she was born at Belleville, St. Clair county, Illinois, she was the youngest of a large family, among whom were Mrs. Governor E. H. Finch, residing at Anna Illinois, Thos. H. Phillips, lawyer at Anna, Illinois, auvi D. L. Phillips deceased, of Springfield, Illinois. Captain I. M. Spen-y and wife have had twelve children, eleven living, viz: Frank M., Ella M., Fred. B., in business at Anna, Illinois, Ralph P., Aggie, Samuel H., Don. C, Sadie F., Maggie L., Olivia M., and Nellie Sperry. Captain Sperry is a Mason and a member of Jonesboro Lodge. Mrs. Sperry is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The subject of this sketch is a Republican and a strong supporter of that party, and cast his first vote for James A. Garfield who was so cruelly assassinated.

Springfield As A Railroad Center

Springfield, the Capital of the State, centrally situated, is fast becoming a great railroad center. On the opposite page is a well executed map, showing the railroads that now center in the cily. This makes the place easily accessible from all parts of the State, and serves to insure the permanency of the Capital. It is to be hoped the citizens will continue wide awake in this matter; that they will give the people every opportunity of easily reaching the place, and affording the manufacturers that are now centering here, competition in freight rates to any part of the Union.

The Colored People Of Springfield

There was a time in the history of Springfield, when the face of a colored man or woman was a rare sight. Before the deep snow, old Aunt Polly, a colored woman, reigned supreme in Springfield. It was not until and after the war that the race made their advent here in large numbers. The first installment of " contrabands" that arrived while the war was in progress were almost as much, objects of curiosity as the first that came. But time has passed, and the colored people of Springfield form an important factor of it. But no more are they " contrabands," or slaves, but American citizens, with all the rights and privileges which the name implies. They are permitted to own property and as much of it as they can accumulate; they are permitted to testify before courts of justice; and above all, they have that right which is so dear to every American citizen, the right of a free ballot. It has been thought proper to represent a few of the number who have settled in Springfield and made it their home, and who feel an interest in the well-being and prosperity of the city. The greater number know what it is to experience the hardships of a slave life, and to enjoy the blessings of freedom.

Rev. Henry £rown, a native of Raleigh, Halifax county. North Carolina, was born April 17, 1823. His father's name was Staten Jones, but he assumed the name of Brown, which name he retained through life. He was a native of North Carolina, and died about 1824. Henry's mother was born in North Carolina, and her maiden name was also Brown. Henry Brown left the State of his nativity about 1835, for Ohio, and one year later to Rush county, Indiana, he was bound to a family of Quakers at the age of fourteen, and assigned to the ordinary labors of the farm, which he continued until 1843, when, at the early age of twenty, he was united in marriage to Miss Roberts, who lived but about one year. Mr. Brown was licensed to preach about 1846, and has been a faithful and constant laborer in the Lord's vineyard up to the present time, his ministry having therefore, extended over a period of thirty-five years, during which time many souls have been led out of darkness into the light of Christ. In 1847, Mr. Brown met, at Paris, Illinois, Mrs. Mary A. King, a young widow lady of eighteen years, and the daughter of Allen Williams, a wealthy gentleman of that place. A mutual admiration and a matrimonial engagement was the result of their first meeting, which culminated, a few weeks later, in their marriage at the residence of the lady's parents, in Paris, Illinois. Mr. Brown came to Springfield as early as 1847, and except about four years' residence at Galena and Quincy, has made Springfield his home to the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of five children - Louella, now Mrs. Taylor, Nannie, Thomas T., Katie, and Edward. Thomas T. is a law student in the office of Sterling & Grout, and will probably be admitted to the bar at the May terra of the Appellate Court, in 1882. Mr. Brown is a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, and was employed by the great Emancipator for a number of years in various capacities, ending only when Mr. Lincoln removed to Washington, in the spring of 1861, to assume the duties of President of the United States. In 1865, when Mr. Lincoln's remains were brought to Springfield, Mr. Brown came, by request, from Quincy, Illinois, and led Mr. Lincoln's old family horse, "Bob," in the funeral procession. At present, Mr. Brown is pastor of the A. M. E. Church at Milwaukee, Wieconsin, and resides in Springfield.

William Florville was born about 1806, at Cape Haytien, West India. When the revolution, in 1821-22, occurred, his god-mother took him to Baltimore, Maryland, and kept him in St. Mary's Convent until her death, when he was bound by the Orphan's Court to learn the trade of barber. He then went to New Orleans, thence to St. Louis, and went with others from St. Louis on a hunting excursion up the Mississippi, Illinois and Sangamon rivers, to New Salem, then into Sangamon county the fall of 1831. While approaching the village of Salem, he overtook a tall man w'earing a red flannel shirt, and carrying an axe on his shoulder. They fell into a conversation, and walked to a little grocery store together. The tall man was Abiaham Lincoln, who soon learned that the stranger was a barber out of money. Mr. Lincoln took him to his boarding house, and told the people his business and situation. That opened the way for an eve- ning's work among the boarders. The next morning he started on his way rejoicing, and through the advice of Mr. Lincoln, he came to Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Florville was soon recognized by Dr. E. H. Merriman, with whom he was acquainted in Baltimore and St. Louis. Dr. M. enabled him to open a shop in Springfield, the first barber shop in the city. Mr. Florville spent some time in the employ of General James D. Henry. He was married to Phebe Rountree soon after his arrival in Springfield. She was born near Glasgow, Kentucky. She is living in Springfield, Illinois. At the death of her husband, in 1868, she was left a considerable property, consisting of fifteen business and tenement houses in the city of Springfield, and a farm of eighty acres in Rochester township. She is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, in Springfield. She is now in her seventy-second year, and resides on EastAdams, between Tenth and Eleventh, where she owns a nice residence. She is the mother of six children, four living, viz.: Samuel H. Florville, born in the city of Springfield, Illinois, May 10, 1832. He lived here, attended school, and worked in his father's barber shop, until seventeen years of age, when he struck out for himself. He worked in Chicago and New York City, and also worked in a hair store in Buffalo, New York, one year; then worked at the barber's trade in Madison and Janesville, Wisconsin. In 1865, returned to Springfield, Illinois, where he now has a shop nicely fitted up, at his father's old stand, 602 East Adams street.

He was married to Miss Mary B. Greening in the spring of 1814. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and mother of one child. She died November 23, IS'ZS. Mr. Florville was again married, to Mrs. Annie Wilson, January 10, 1881. She was born in the Maderia Islands. She is a member of the Baptist Church. Samuel H, Florville OAvns five tenant houses and six lots in the city of Springfield. In politics, he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for A. Lincoln for President of the United States.

George JBrent, pastor of Zion Baptist Church, was born near Green sburg, Green county, Kentucky, July 2, 1821. His parents were both slaves, the property of Louis C. Patterson. His father in some manner secured his freedom and moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where, by excellent deportment, he won the regard of many of the best families of white people in that city. George continued to work for his master until August 2, 1850, being placed in a blacksmith shop as soon as he was able to wield the hammer.

The elder Brent enlisted the sympathies of eight persons, among whom was Rev. Sir. Brown, subsequently pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, and the eight on the date heretofore given signed a note for the sum of 1)1, '200, to purchase the freedom of George. In one year afterwards they paid the note, and insured the life of George to secure them from loss in case of his death. George, in the meantime, secured a position in a blacksmith shop in Lexington, and working faithfully at his trade, in three years he paid the entire amount of |1,200, and thus became truly a free man. The year before George secured his freedom, he was married to Mildred Smith, a free-born woman, in Campbelhville, Kentucky. Thirteen children have since been born unto them, only five of whom are now living - two of the dead bt ing killed by a stroke of lightning, an account of which is given on a previous page. While at work in Lexington, Kentucky, he endeavored to learn to read by the aid of a fellow-workman, whom he paid five dollars to teach him. He in time was able to read the Bible, the book of books, and which has since been his constant companion, and almost the only work he has ever read. He learned to write since coming to Springfield. The efforts made to secure the little knowledge obtained, would have discouraged nine hundred and ninety-nine men out of one thousand. In 185Y, Mr. Brent and family came to Illinois, and settled on a farm on Richland Prairie, remaining only during the fajl and winter. He then took his family to Menard county, where he worked at his trade some two years, when he purchased a farm on Richland Prairie, and moving on to it, continued there about six years, when he purchased a residence at 1417 East Adams street, Springfield, where he has since resided. When twenty-one years of age, Mr. Brent made a pi'ofession of religion, and while living in Lexington, Kentucky, commenced to talk in public in an acceptable manner, with probably no thought of ever becoming a regular minister. It was not until May, 1864, that he was regularly ordained to preach the gospel. In May, 1865, he was called to the pastorate of the Zion Baptist Church, where he has since labored to the best of his ability in his Master's cause.

John E. Jackson was born in the City of Springfield, Illinois, August II, 1845, where he worked for different parties and attended school until October, 1862, when he was employed as messenger boy in the Adjutant General's office until August 24, 1869. He then went to Chicago,

Illinois, and was there employed on the Pittsbui'g & Fort Wayne and C. C. & I. C. Railroads as porter and conductor of a Pullman Palace Sleeper. He remained in this business until 1871, when the big tire in Chicago broke out, and he lost all he had in the fire and eame back to his home in Springfield, and was employed in L. H. Coleman's carpet store, where he remained about three years. November 13, 1875, he began to work in the Ridgely National Bank, where he is still employed. He was married to Miss Matilda J. Wright, at Springfield, Illinois, July 9, 18 74; the fruits of this marriage is three children, one living, viz: John T. C. Jackson. Mrs. Matilda (Wright) Jackson was born in Huntsville, Missouri, February 11, 1847; she was a daughter of Thomas J. Wright, born in Kentucky; he was a member of the M. E. Church, and came to Springfield, Illinois, in 1856. His wife, Sarah Fortune, was born in Virginia; she is also a member of the M. E. Church. The father of J. E. Jackson was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, July 16, 1804; he was a member of the Baptist Church; he died November 20, 1876. His wife, Matilda Foster, was born in Kentucky; she was a member of the M. E. Church, and died August 26, 1880. J. E. Jackson, the subject of this sketch, has a common school education, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President. He owns a nice residence at 608 South Ninth street, Springfield. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

Monroe T. Ogleshy, was born near Charleston, South Carolina, October, 1843. When five years of age, he came with his mother to Carlyle, Clinton county, Illinois, where he remained until 1859. He then went to Decatur, Illinois, and worked for a banker there until the fall of 1861, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and worked as cook at the Chenery and St. Nicholas hotels, two years. He then worked in a feed and sale stable for Ward Dana one year, when he learned the barber's trade under Thomas Killion; remained with him six or seven months, then worked at that trade in Decatur one summer. He then worked in Springfield some months; then run as porter on a Pullman sleeper from Springfield, Illinois, to Lafayette, Indiana, on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad, three years. He then worked as barber a year, in Springfield, Illinois, then for different parties until the meeting of the Twenty-sixth General A-sembly, when he was made a janitor. He then continued his trade until the meeting of the Twenty-seventh General Assembly, when he worked as janitor for Colonel Harlow six months. He then worked for Governor Beveridge as porter and messenger, during, his term of oflice, when he began to work for Governor Cullom, as porter and messenger one year and some months. He then run as porter ot a Pullman out of Chicago, on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, six months, when he worked as barber in Springfield, Illinois, one year. Since that time has been top-man at Starne, Dresser & Company's coal shaft, in Springfield, a position he still retains. His father, William W. Oglesby, was born in South Carolina. His wife, Nancy Oglesby, was also born in South Carolina. Both were members of the Baptist Church. Monroe T. Oglesby, the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Sarah Fry, Jauuary, 1863. The fruits of this marriage is two children, viz.: James W. Oglesby and Annie L. Oglesby. Mrs. Oglesby was born in Sangamon County, Illinois. She was the daughter of Henry Fry and Mary Stonestreet, who were born in Kentucky and both were members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Monroe T. Oglesby is a mem ber of the Baptist Church, and he is a steward in Masonic Lodge, No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois. He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant, for President. He owns a nice residence at 1724, East Adams street, where he resides. He has only a limited education. He had to work hard for what he has.

^'illiamH. Dulf was horn in Saline county, Missouri, May 1, 1840. When an infant he went with his parents to Fayette, Howard county, Missouri, and remained there two years, then went to Randolph county, Missouri, and remained there on a farm until 1857, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, stopped here a short time, then went to Chicago, Illinois, where he was janitor for H. H. Brown three years. He then went to Springfield, Ohio, and remained there six years, returned to Springfield, Illinois, in 1865; he then wprked on a farm near Riverton, Illinois, for Levi Hasbruck, until 1875, when he returned to Springfield, Illinois, where he has since been engaged as porter of the United States Internal Revenue. He was married to Miss Parthena M. Mausell, September 18, 1860, at Springfield, Ohio; she was born in Ohio, January 4, 1841. She is a daughter of John L. Mausell, born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1799. Is now in his eighty-second year. Is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and is living in Springfield with his son-in-law, Mr. Dulf, a hale, hearty old man. His wife, Elizabeth Battles, was born in Virginia. She was a member of the African Methodist

Episcopal Church, and the mother of six children. She died October, 1833. The father of William H. Dulf, Robert M. Dulf, born in West Virginia. He was a farmer and teamster, and died in 1841. His wife, Elizabeth Lewis, was born in West Virginia. She was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the mother of eight children, four living, viz: William H. Dult, Annie Todd, Lucinda Todd, and Emanuel Todd. All reside in Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Dulf and wife have nine children living, viz: Florence E., Emily M., Clara P., Alice L., John W., George E., Frederic O., Ida A. and Beatrice Dulf. Mr. Dulf is a Mason, and a member of Central Lodge, No. 3, Springfield, Illinois, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has a nice house and lot at 1509 East Mason street, where he resides.

George Stevens, was born in Georgetown, Kentucky, December, 1815. When two years old he was sold to Vick Buckhart, and went with him to Randolph county, Missouri, and remained with him fifteen years, when he was sold to Jack Viley, and remained with him until 1854, when he was sold to Wra. Eley, and remained with him until the war broke out; he then enlisted under General Scofield and remained with him two years and five months, when he was detailed, on a government gunboat, commanded by Captain's Bell and Hughey, where he remained until the close of the war. He was in the battle at Vicksburg, and went in on the tugboat "Thompson" the night Vicksburg was taken; was in the Big Black Battle, Paw Paw Island, and other battles. At the close of the war he came to Springfield, Illinois, and began to work in a lumber yard for J. P. Tyson on East Jefferson street near the Wabash depot, where he still remains in the same yard but at present owned by Wm. Baker. He was married to Emma Danals, December, 1849. She was born in Randolph county, Missouri, her father was - Danals, and her mother Sallie Danals, born in Virginia; she is a member of the Baptist Church and is now married to Jack Cavanaugh, a Baptist preacher, both are living in Missouri. The father of George Stevens, Washington Stevens, was born in Kentucky; he was a farmer, and his wife, Maria Stevens, was born in Georgetown, Kentucky, and died in 18G2. Mr. and Mrs. George Stevens are both members of the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal, Church on Fourth street, and have had eight children, two living, viz: Harry Stevens and Maria Stevens. George Stevens was first married to Caroline Roberson; she had three children, two living,

Alex and Mary Stevens. Gtorge Stevens cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President of the United States. He owns a nice, lot and house on Fifteenth and Jefferson streets, where he resides.

-Robert Gormn was born near Raleigh, North Carolina, .June 15, 1851; remained there until 1864, when he went as waiter for Chaplin Beager, in the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry; at the close of the war he came to Springfield, Illinois, and worked at the St. Nicholas Hotel three years. He then worked for John E. Rosette and attended school during the winters for seven years. He then opened a restaurant near the town clock, on Adams street; sold out some eighteen months afterward and went to Kansas City, Missouri, and worked in the State Line House ten months, when he returned to Springfield and was employed at the Leland Hotel for eight years; he was appointed to his present position as usher in Governor Cullom's office at the State House Robert Gorum was married to Amanda Coleman, October 14, ]8'75; the fruits of this marriage is four children, viz: Robert C, Thomas E , Ollie R. and Essie Gorum. Mrs. Gorum was born in Missouri; she was a daughter of Ruben Coleman and Eliza Coleman. The parents of Robert Gorum were Robert Gorum, Sr., and Eliza Hinton, who were both members of the Baptist Church. Robert Gorum, Jr., and wife are members of the M. E. Church; he is also a member of I. O. O. F., Lodge No 1824, at Sj^ringfield, Illinois. He owns a nice residence on the southw^est corner of Scarret and Passfield streets. Cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

Thomas Wright w^as born at Person Court House, North Carolina, March 15, 1813; he was married to Miss Sarah Fortune, December 25, 1840; she was born at Fi edericksburg. Virginia. They are the parents of twelve children, five of whom are still living, viz: Francis, now Mrs. Rodgers; William, Matilda, now Mrs. Jackson; Gertrude, and Willis F. Gertrude and Willis F. are both graduates of the Springfield High School, the latter a valedictorian of the class of 1881; they are both teachers in Missouri. Mr. Wright owns a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Cotton Hill and Rochester townships; he also owns a house and three lots in this city; also his large private residence at 204 East Mason street. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and cast his first vote lor U. S. Grant.

Infantry, and remained in the service until the close of the war. He came to Springfield in the fall of 1871. Three years later he began work in the Leland Hotel, where he has remained ever since. He was married to Miss Luella Brown, October, 1871; she was born in Springfield, Illinois; she was a daughter of Rev. Henry Brown, of this city, and was mother of two children, namely: Estella J. and Mary I. August 14, 1879, he was again married to Miss Ella Barnette, born in Paris, Missouri. The fruits of this marriage is one child, Arthur W. William Nailor, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia. He was a carpenter by trade, and was killed in the late war. Mr. and Mrs. Abner Nailor are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Mason, and member of Central Lodge, No. 3, Springfield, Illinois. He was wounded at the battle of Fort Harrison. He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant. Mrs. N. is a graduate of the Young Ladies' Atheneum, at Jacksonville, Illinois. She is now teaching music in this city.

Johyi W. Peterson, was born at Falling Water, Virginia. At the close of the war, he came to Pana, Illinois, then to Sangamon county, worked for different parties four or five years, when he learned the barber's trade under .Tames Rayburn, where he remained six or seven months. He again worked for other parties five or six years. In 1874, he opened a barber shop corner of Ninth and Mason, where he still continues business. He was married to Miss Martha Smith, March 5, 1874. She was born in Campbellsville, Kentucky. The fruits of this marriage is three children, viz: Laura, Stella and Charles. Mr. Peterson is deacon of the Zion Baptist Church, of this city, a position he has held for thirteen years. He owns a fine house at 1422, East Monroe. In politics, Republican, and cast his first vote for Grant in 1808. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, the parents of the subject of this sketch, were born in Virginia, and are both members of the Methodist Church.

Thomas Killion was born at Charleston, Coles county, Illinois, June 17, 1830. When two years of age his parents took him to Carlyle, Clinton county, Illinois. When fourteen years of age he went to St. Louip, Missouri, and learned the barber trade, remained there two years, when he opened a shop of his own at 112 South Sixth street, Springfield, Illinois. Has been a barber in this city for the past thirty-six years. He is now located at 614 East Washington street, where he has a first-class shop. His father, Thomas Killion, was born in Lexington, Kentucl<y. He was a doctor. He went from California to Europe, with other physicians, on a medical tour, and was lost at sea. His wife, Amelia Curtis, was born in Virginia. She was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the mother of fourteen children, twelve living, viz: Obedia, Harvey and Henry Killion, Mary A. Beard, Mrs. Francis Scott, Elizabeth Williams, Emily Clems, Oliver, Andrew, John and Thomas, the subject of this sketch, who was married to Miss Margaret Fry, August 18, 1858. She was a daughter of Richard and Mary Fry, who were born in Kentucky. Mrs. Killion died in the fall of 1863. She was the mother of three children, two living, Frank Stephens and Laura Killion. Mr. Killion was married to Jane Smith, who was a daughter of Jacob Smith. The fruits of this marriage is five children, all living, viz: Allie, Georgia, John, Joseph and Bessie. Mrs. Killion had two children by her husband Smith, viz: James and Fred Smith. Mr. Killion owns a nice residence at 1818 East Adams street. He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President. Mr. Killion saw the first man hung in Sangamon county. It was a brute named Wilson, who was hung on Vinegar Hill, near where the new State House now stands. He was hung for kicking his wife to death. He also shaved the last two men hung in Sangamon county, the morning they were hung. These men were Lemon and Vanarsdale, who were hung by Sheriff Crafton in the county for killing Saunders, at Pawnee, Illinois, while they were robbing his store.

Noah Thomas was born in Hinds county, Mississippi, July 14, 1842. When twenty-one years of age he then went as hostler for Franklyn Fisk, Captain, of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry. He remained wich him until October 30, 1864, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and worked at the blacksmiths' trade. He was married to Harriet E. McDanals, October, 1866. She was born on Wolf Creek, in Sangamon county. After his marriage he worked for Wm. Chamberlin, nearly three years, then worked for J. C. Melton & Tt oxell, nearly three years, when, in 1872, he opened a blacksmith-shop on Seventh street, near Everybody's Mill, in which he still continues business. He and wife have had eight children - five living, viz.: Emma L. Thomas, Lizzie A. Thomas, Mary E. Thomas, Nettie Thomas and Josie E. Thomas. Mrs. Thomas, wife of Noah Thomas, was a daughter of Mose. McDanals, born in Kentucky, and Nancy McDanals, born in Kentucky also. The father of Noah Thomas, Thomas J. Thomas, was born in Wayne county, Mississippi ; a raember of the Baptist Church, and died during the late war. He was in the Sixth Louisiana Infantry ; his wife, Harriet Thomas, is a member of the Baptist Church, and is still living in Hind county, Mississippi. She was the mother of eight children, four living. The subject of this sketch, Noah Thomas, has a nice house and lot, his residence, on East Carpenter street. He cast hie first vote for XJ. S. Grant for President. Willkoii Holt was born on a plantation about seventeen miles north of Jacksonville, North Carolina, February 1, 1836. He lived there as a slave of Allen Jones until twenty-six years of age, when he was sold to a speculator, Stephen Page, who took him to Greensboro, North Carolina, where he was sold to Dr. B. F. Arington. One year after he went with the Doctor to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he remained until Sherman was expected, when he was sold to Henry Hazel; remained with him one week, when he was freed. He was then employed at Sherman's headquarters as cook for Major Dayton until July 19, 1865, when he came to St. Louis, Missouri, and hired to a man named Douglas, and went with him to Arkansas; was at Pine Bluff and Litte Rock three months, then came to Cairo, Illinois, and was employed as janitor in the Judge Bross' building nearly three years, then worked in the old Richmond Hotel in Chicago, five months, and St. James one month, then came to Springfield, Illinois, since worked in the Leland Hotel six or seven months, then worked for Jake Strawn on a farm twelve miles east of Jacksonville, Illinois, and in Jacksonville some seven or eight months; then came back to Springfield and worked in the Leland Hotel until four years ago. Since that time has done janitor work; is the present janitor of the Second Presbyterian Church. He was married to Mary J. Beatty, July 24, 1873; she was born in Indiana. She was a daughter of Isaac Beatty, born in Tennessee. He was a member of the A. M. E. Church. His wife, Julia Brown, was born in Maryland. The father of William Holt, John Holt, was born on Bricqjs creek. North Carolina. He was a member of the A. M. E. Church, and began preaching when he was eighteen. His wife, Susan Starkey, was born in North Carolina. She was also a member of the A. M.E. Church, and mother of sixteen children. Mr. and Mrs. William Holt are members of the A. M. E. Church, at Springfield, and have one child, Matilda E. Holt. Mr. Holt is steward of the Second A. M. E. Church. He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President. He owns a nice residence at No. 1522, East Capitol Avenue.

William Fry was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, November 27, 1846. When eighteen years of age, he came to Spi'ingfield and began to work as assistant miller and engineer in the Metropolitan Mills; remained there until 1865, when he began work in the Illinois Mills; remained in these mills four years and ten months, then went to Lincoln, Illinois, and worked in the Elliott Mills and Elevator four or five months, when he returned to Springfield and began work at the Leland Hotel as engineer; remained there six months, then was chief engineer in the Illinois Mills eleven months, when he took the position as chief engineer at the Riverton Paper Mills, remained there four months, then August, 1872, he began work in the Excelsior Mills as chief engineer, a position he still holds. His father, Henry Fry, was born in Kentucky; he was a farmer; he died January 2, 1875, His wife, Louisa Bell, was born in Danville, Kentucky. She is a member of the M. E. Church and has had nine children, five living, viz: Fannie Dyer, Mary Mosby, Annie Fry, Joshua Fry and William Fry, the subject of this sketch, is a member of the Central Masonic Lodge, No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois. He has a common school education and attended school at Springfield, Illinois; cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

Gustaviis B. George was born on a farm in Wilson county, Tennessee, May 4, 1836, when nineteen years of age he went to Clinton county, Illinois, and worked on a farm eleven years, then worked at Alton, Illinois, as blacksmith, two years, when he enlisted in Company G, Fiftyfifth Massachusetts Infantry, and served two years and six months, he then went to Clinton county, Illinois, and married Miss Mary Gains, March 7, 1865. She was born in Carlyle county, Illinois, November 30, 1851; she was a daughter of Anthony Gaines, born in Tennesse and Sarah J. Cole, born in South Carolina; the fruits of this marriage is six children, viz.: Mary J. George, Mattie, William A., Clara, Benjamin and Nettie George. After his marriage, he farmed in Clinton county, Illinois, five or six years, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and has worked in this city for different parties ever since; is at present working in Elder's tin and stove store. He is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

Infantry, and was shortly afterward made first Sergeant in Co. B., Sixth Cavalry, (col'd.); remained in the service about two years, and when he was mustered out near Helena, Arkansas, he then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and remained three or four months, then went to Russelville, Kentucky, and remained there nearly three years, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and remained some eight months, then returni.d to Russelville, Kentucky. Some six weeks after he returned to Springfield, Illinois, and began work at the Leland Hotel, where he now is. He was married to Miss Julia Chavious April 28, 1871, she was born in the city of Springfield, Illinois; is a daughter of Malan Chavious - born in Kentucky. He was a barber, by trade, and died May 29, 1879. His wife, Alseen Florville, was born in Springfield, Illinois; she is a member of the Baptist Church, and is living in Springfield, Illinois. The father of Clark Duncan, George Duncan, was born in Logan County, Kentucky. His mother, Louisa Orendoff, was born in Kentucky; she was a member of the M. E. Church, and is living in Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Clark Duncan and wife have three children, viz: Alsee M., Otis B. and Ada L. Mrs. Duncan is a member of the M. E. Church, Mr. Duncan is a Knight Templar, Mason, and Senior Warden in Lodge No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois, and his wife is Grand Treasurer of the Grand Court of Illinois. He owns a nice residence at 312 North Thirteenth Street, has a common school education, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant, for President.

Mary Faro, widow of Joseph Faro, was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, December, 1830. July 18G1, she was married to Joseph Faro. He was born in Trumbull County, Kentucky. His parents were Joseph Faro, Sr., and Hannah Faro Joseph Faro, Jr., was first married to Hettie Davis, and they had ten children, six living, viz: Joseph, Daniel, Ada, Carrie, Laura and Martha. His second wife, Mary Faro, the subject of this sketch, had two children, both dead. Joseph Faro, Jr., her husband, was a member of the M. E. Church, and a farmer - died October 15, 1878. Mrs. Faro is a member of the M. E. Church, on Fourth Street. Her father, Abson Taylor, was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, as was his mother, Jane Taylor, they were members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Faro has a nice residence at 313 North Tenth Street, where she resides.

some six years of age; when eight years of age he struck out for himself. He remained in South Carolina until eighteen years of age. He then ran a cotton boat on the Pee Dee river. South Carolina, a few months, then served an apprenticeship three years and learned the trade of bricklayer. In 1855, he went to Indianapolis, Indiana; remained there three years, and married Miss Minerva Fair, June, ]856 He then removed to Paris, Illinois, and worked at his trade seven years; then moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, and remained there until 1865, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, where he now resides, and is still working at his trade of bricklaying. His father. Griffin Hatcher, was born in South Carolina; he was a farmer, and died in 1823. The wife of Griffin Hatcher, Susan Cooper, was bora in South Carolina; her father was a Frenchman and her mother an Indian. Mr. and Mrs. William Hatcher are members of the M. E. Church; in politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Pope, for President of the United States. Mr. Hatcher owns a nice residence at 919 East Carpenter, where he resides. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 4, at Springfield, Illinois.

Madison Mial, was born in Wilkinson county, Mississippi, March 9, 1844, he lived there until June 11, 1863, when he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, was mustered out at Brownsville, Texas, and discharged at Camp Butler, Illinois, October, 1865. He then worked at the Hewlett Distillery at Riverton one winter and spring; then worked on a farm for J. H. Murphy, at Auburn, Illinois, one year and five months, when he worked for L. B. Adams on a farm seven years, then visited his old home in Mississippi, returned to Springfield, and worked on a farm for Enoch Snyder one year; then began to Avork for F. Tracy, where he now remains. His father, William Veal, was born in Tennessee; he is living near Woodsville, Mississippi; his wife, Mary Brent, was born at Holly Grove, Mississippi, she is a member of the Baptist Church, and is living in Mississippi. Madison Veal was married to Miss Laura Cheetam, May 5, 1871, she was born near Goodrich Landing, Louisiana; she was a daughter of Henry and Melonia Cheetam. Madison Veal and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Springfield, Illinois. He cast his first vote for U. y. Grant for President. He lives at 1039 Spring street, in Spring^^ field, Illinois.

Barren county, Kentucky, July 4, 1852. When 8ix years of age, he was sold and taken with his mother to Oakalona, Mississippi; two years after he was made free and began to work for Captain Conover, who is now living in Cass county, Illinois. At the close of the war he went with Captain Conover to Cass county, and remained three years, and was in Livingston county one year, when he came to Springfield, Illinois, and worked for J. B. Spaulding, in a nursery, at Riverton, one yeai ; then laid track on the Wabash Railroad from Jacksonville, Illinois, to Alexander, Illinois, one summer; then was messenger boy three years for Charles Matheny, Sr.; he then -worked as messenger boy for R F. Ruth, two years; then, March 2, 1877, he began to work as messenger boy, and worked for him two years and two months when he kept a provision store on Monroe, between Fourth and Fifth streets, eighteen months, when he was employed in the office of Railroad and Warehouse Commission as janitor, a position he still retains. He was married to Miss Ada Chavons, May 13, 1879; she was born in Decatur, Illinois, December 12, 1856; was a daughter of Malon Chavons; died May 29, 1879. The father of Louis Jones, John T. Jones, was born in Kentucky; he was a farmer, and died in tha fall of 1859; his wife, Nancy J. Cassiday, was born in Kentucky. Mr. Jones and wife have one child, Julia M., born February 29, 1879. Mr. Jones is a Mason, and a member of Blue Lodge, No. 3, at Springfield, Illinois; and his wife is a member of Shiloh Court, No. 1, and Eastern Star Chapter, No. 2.

Thomas Fry was born in Kentucky, June 14, 1844. When an infant, he came with his parents to Sangamon county, Illinois, and lived on a farm near Springfield with his father, until 1860, when he went to Minnesota, and farmed two years there, then returned to Sangamon county and farmed until 1867, when he began to work at the Leland Hotel, where he still remains. His father, Richard Fry, was born in Kentucky, and came to Springfield in 1844. He died in 1866. His wife, Mary Fry, was born in Kentucky. She was the mother of ten children, six living, viz., Thomas, Sarah Oglesby, Amanda Nelson, Mary, John, and Robert. Thomas Fry, the subject of this sketch, has a common school education. He cast his first vote for U. S. Grant for President.

Elias JRollins was born on a farm near Vincennes, Knox county, Indiana, October 1843. When seventeen years of age he went to Indianapolis, Indiana, wLere he remained about two years, when he returned to Vincennes, Indiana, and worked at various places up to the time he came to Springfield. He is at present employed in the carpet department of Kimber & Ragsdale, which position he has held for the last fourteen years. He married Miss Sarah Oglesby, March 10, 1871. She was a member of the M. E. Church, and died in 1876. He Avas again married to Mary E. Taborn, May 10, 1877. She was born in Springfield, Illinois, June 15, 1859. She was a daughter of Burton Taborn, who was born in Alabama, and died in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Rollins are members of the M. E. Church. They have one child, Jussu M., born July 9, 1881. Mr. Rollins is a Master Mason of Central Lodge, No. 8, at Springfield. Mrs. R. is a member of Shiloh Court No.^1, Eastern Star Chapter No. 2. Mr. R. has a fair education, which he has obtained by studying nights. He owns a fine residence at 1127, East Mason street.

William Head, born at San Domingo, West Indies, March 16, 1822, When eight years of age, he was kidnapped by a slave ship and taken to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was sold to Dodson & Sons' estate. He remained in bondage until eighteen years of age. He then ran as cook and second engineer on the Ohio river until 1861, when he went into the army as body servant for Colonel Veach. While at the battle of Shiloh he was struck by a piece of shell, while carrying Colonel Morgan from the field, breaking both his legs. He remained with Colonel Veach two years; then went to St. Louis, where he remained for two years; then came to Springfield, Illinois, filling different positions, for about seven years, when he opened a restaurant on Eleventh and Mason sti'eets, where he still continues in business. He now owns his business building, also his large and commodious residence, and two lots adjoining. He was married first to Miss Martha Lewis. She was the mother of one child. He was married to his present wife Clarinda Butler, September 25, 1863. She was born in Kentucky and was the daughter of Samuel and Jane Buckner, born in Virginia. The parents of the subject of this sketch were born in the West Indies. Mr. and Mrs. Head, Jr., are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city. In politics, he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant in 1868.

Henry Heard was born in South Carolina, March, 1833. When an infant he was taken to the home of S. Craven, where he remained until he was twenty years of age. At the close of the war he came to Springfield, Illinois, where he learned the barber's trade, of Thomas Killion remaining with hira about one year, then opened a shop at 625 East Washington street, where he still continnes business. He married Mrs. Mary A. Truxley, {iiee Killion.) The fruits of this marriage was one child, George. Mr. and Mrs. Beard are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city. Mr. Beard is steward of the Church. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for XT. S. Grant for President, in 1868.

The biographical sketches of the colored people of the city of Springfield, given in this chapter, represents only a few of the large number who reside here, but those selected for biographical men are from the best class of the colored race; many of whom are fairly educated, though not a few of them were born slaves, for years suffered and toiled under the galling yoke of the crudest tyranny ever visited on any portion of the human race, African slavery.

It is a fact worthy of mention in this connection, that the transition from slavery and consequent ignorance to a condition of citizenship and comparative education stands without a parallel in either modern or ancient history, and the unprejucial observer of events must predict, for the future of the African race, a grand and glorious future.

Auburn township is in the extreme southern portion of the county, and is bounded on the north by Chatham, on the east by Pawnee, on the west by Talkington, and south by Macoupin county. It comprises all of congressional township thirteen, north of range six w^est. and a part of township thirteen, range five west.

Early Settlers

The first settlement made within the limits of the township was in 1818. Sometime during that year the following named located their claims and erected their cabins:

Samuel Vancil, on southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section eleven. Mr. Vancil was about fifty years of age when he arrived here, in November, 1818. Mr. Vancil died in 1828.

Edward White, the same year, settled on the west half of the northwest quarter of section twenty-two. Mr. White in a short time sold his claim to John Dui-ley, who, in 1821, built on the

Thomas Black was a settler in 1819, and erected a cabin on section 6-5. He wag born in South Cai'olina, moved from there to Kentucky, where he was married, and then to Southern Illinois in 1811. Mr. Black died in 1851, aged 84 years.

Henry Gatlin settled on section twenty-one, in 1818. On this farm is a well known sjiring, since known as the Gatlin spring, now known as the "Haydon spring." Mr. Gatlin has been dead many years and his family scattered.

Samuel McElvain came in 1828, and settled on Sugar creek, on section twenty-two. Mr. Mc- Elvain was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815. He was a good man, and was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in Auburn from its organization at his house, in 1830, till his death, in 18 tS. Preaching was held at his house for many years.

Jeremiah At ell came from Adair county, Kentucky, in 1829, and settled on section fifteen. He subsequently removed to McDonough county, where he died.

Micajah Organ came in 1828, and settled on section twenty-one. He was from Jessamine county, Kentucky. After remaining in the township a number of years, he moved to Virden, Illinois, and there died.

James and George Wallace came in 1822, from South Carolina. George died here in 1840, but James, in 1835, moved to Macon county, Illinois, where he died some ten years later.

Robert Crow was originally from Virginia, but came to Auburn from Christian county, Kentucky, in 1822. He was a miller by trade, and engaged in milling some years after his arrival here. Mr. Crow died in Auburn township, September 23, 1840.

William Caldwell was from Jessamine county, Kentucky, and settled in Auburn in 1836. He was a man of great public spirit, and while a citizen of Kentucky, served as sheriff of his county, and was twice a member of the legislature. He also served Sangamon county twice in the legislature. He died in 1844.

Tbomas Black came to Sangamon county April 9, 1819 He was born in South Carolina in 1768, and went from there to Christian county, Kentucky, where he was married to Edith A. Pyle. From Kentucky they moved to Southern Illinois, just before the " Shakes " - meaning the earthquake of 1811, that sunk New Madrid, Missouri. They fled in terror back to Kentucky ; but finding the earth did not all gink, they returned to Southern Illinois, and moved to what has since become Auburn township, in Sangamon county. Mrs. Edith A. Black died April 15, 1822, and Thomas Black was married in 1823 or '4 to Mrs. Rebecca Viney, whose maiden name was Shiles. She died February 13, 1851, and Mr. Black died November 3, 18.'>1, aged eighty-four years, both where he settled in 1819.

Robert Crow was born iu 1781, in Wythe county, Virginia, and was married in that State, then moved to Christian county, Kentucky, and subsequently to Sangamon county, arriving in 1822 in what is now Auburn township. Mr. Crow died September 23, 184U.

Alvin Cross was born in Madison county, Kentucky, and when a young man moved to Humphreys county, Tennessee, where he married Margaret Forbes. Subsequently he moved to Johnson county, Illinois, and from there to Sangamon county, arriving January, 1829, in what is now called Auburn township. He lived a few years, and died in 1849,

James Nuckolls was born January 5, 1777, in Botetourt county, Virginia, and the family moving to Grayson county, same State, he was there married January 5, 1804, to Janey Swift, who was born March 2, 1781, in that county. In 1818, moved to Madison county, Illinois, and moved to what became Sangamon county, arriving in 1820, in what is now Auburn township. Mr. Nuckolls died in 1859.

James Patton, one of the best known of the early pioneers of Auburn township, was born March 17, 1V91, in the city of Baltimore, Mary land. When a child, his parents moved to Stanton, Virginia, and from there to Clark county, Kentucky, in 1798. There James was apprenticed to the tanning business, and in 1808 the family moved to Christian county, where he joined them in 1810, having finished his apprenticeship. James Patton and Polly Husband were there married, April, 1855. Subsequently they moved to what became Auburn township, in Sangamon county, arriving in the spring of 1820. Mrs. Polly Patton died February 15, 1844, and James Patton was married in 1846, to Mrs. Lettie Nifong, who died February 6, 1856, and he was married August 1, 1865, to Mrs. Elizabeth Gregory. She died June 23, 1876. He was always known as Colonel Patton, a title he acquired in connection with early military training in the county. He established a tannery soon after he i^ettled in the county, and supplied the early settlers with leather for miles around. The nearest mill to him at the time he settled there was at Edwardsville, sixty miles south. He was in better circumstances than most of the early settlers, and when he saw a family laboring under disadvantages, he interested himself in their welfare, and assisted them in many ways. Noah Mason, of Springfield, speaking of their eariy experience in the new country, says: "My father found a true friend in the now venerable Colonel James Patton, which lasted to the end of his life, and is gratefully remembered by his descendants." He was strictly honorable in all his transactions, and was highly esteemed by his neighbors and acquaintances. He was a generous, noble-hearted man; no one in distress ever applied to him in vain. Although not a classical scholar, he was better educated than many of the early settlers of the country, and being possessed of fine common sense and excellent judgment, he was frequently called upon by his neighbors to arbitrate their disputes, and so keen was his sense of justice, and so correct was his judgement, that he rarely failed to settle their difiiculties, and thereby save them much trouble and expense. His father was a tanner, and dealt largely in leather, saddlery and harness, in the city of Baltimore. He equipped one of General Washington's regiments during the Revolutionary War. Colonel Patton died where he located when he first came to the county, two and one-half miles southeast of Auburn, September 12, 1877, leaving a large number of descendants, the most of whom reside in this county.

Joseph Foley was born in Logan county, Kentucky. His father was a native of France, and was educated there with a view of becoming a Lutheran minister. When he came to America he abandoned the ministry, married in Logan county, and raised a family. Joseph was married there and came to Illinois and settled in Auburn township in 1829. Joseph Foley died August 17, 1866, and his widow, Mrs. Frances Foley, resides at the family homestead, two and a half miles southeast of Auburn, Sangamon county, Illinois. Joseph Foley acted as Justice of the Feace for many years; he was a man whose counsels were often sought by his neighbors. His advice, when followed, always led to the settlement of difficulties without litigation, and in a peaceful and friendly manner.

Mr. Foley brought some money with him to the county, but his greatest success was after coming here. He left his heirs the title to three thousand acres of land, two thousand five hundred of it was in one body. He died in 1867.

Johan Jacob Ranch was born July 25, 1796, in Stutgardt, Wirtemburg, Germany. He came to America in 1818, and was eleven weeks on the passage from Amsterdam, arriving at Philadelphia in September. He entered into an agreement, before starting, with a man who came on the same vessel, by which that gentleman was to pay his passage across the ocean in exchange for labor Mr. Ranch was to perform. He had fulfilled part of the agreement before starting, and acted as servant to the gentleman and his wife on board the vessel. On arriving at Philadelphia, he found that the money had not been paid. The only excuse the man made was that his wife objected to it. In the early history of the American colonies, some of them enacted laws under which emigrants might be sold at auction to pay for their passage across the ocean. The custom still prevailed at the time Mr. Ranch arrived in the country, but I have thus far failed to learn that there was any law for it at that time. Seventy dollars was the amount demanded by the owners of the vessel, and he was put up at auction to raise the money. The lowest, and perhaps the only bid, was to pay the money on consideration of his serving three years in return, at hard labor, as the following paper will show:

This Indenture Witnesseth : That Johan Jacob Ranch, of his own free will, to go to Alabama Territory, hath bound himself servant to Francis C. Clapper, of Philadelphia, merchant, for the consideration of 170, paid to Lewis, Haven & Co., for his passage from Amsterdam; as, also, for other good causes, he, the said Johan Jacob Ranch, hath bound and put himself, and by these presents doth bind and put himself, servant to the said Francis C. Clapper, to serve him, his executors, administrators, and assigns, from the day of the date hereof, for and durmg the full term of three years, from thence next ensuing. During all which term the said servant, his said master, his executors, administrators, and assigns, faithfully shall serve, and that honestlj'^ and obediently in all things, as a good and faithful servant ought to do. And ihe said Francis C. Clapper, his executors, administrators, and assigns, during the said term, shall find and provide for the said servant sufficient meat, drink, apparel, washing and lodging, and to give him, at the end of the term, two complete suits of clothes, one thereof to be new. And for the true performance hereof both the said parties bind themselves firmly unto each other by these presents. In witness whereof they have interchangably set their hands and seals. Dated the second day of October, A. D. one thousand, eight hundred and eighteen.

Mr. Rauch was at once sent to Alabama, and labored fathfully for two and a half years, the principal part of the time at boat-building, and must have earned many times the value of the money paid out for him. His food and clothing during the whole of that time was of the very worst description, in addition to which, he was treated to all manner of indignities on account of his lack of knowledge of our language, and for any other cause which the caprice or malignity of those with whom he was associated might suggest. Six months before the expiration of his time his hardships became intolerable. He left Alabama and made his way into Muhlenburg county, Kentucky, arriving in 1821, There he found German people who gave him employment by which he was soon able to cloth himself decently, and began to save money. He worked both in wood and stone as the opportunity for either presented itself. October 24, 1824, he was married to Pauline Poley, sister to Joseph Foley. Soon after his marriage he built a saw-mill on a small stream, and occasionally worked at his trades, doing a good business. As Mr. Ranch learned more of the influence of slavery, he resolved to seek a free country in wnich to bring up his family. He accordingly removed with bis wife and two children, to Illinois, arriving October, 1829, in Sangamon county. In December he bought three-fourths of section thirtythree, which is in the southern tier of sections in this county. It is in Auburn township, between the towns of Auburn and Virden. The stream called Sugar creek ran through his land, and among the first things he did was to build a saw and grist-mill, and for many years Ranch's mill was known far and near, and hundreds of weary emigrants found rest under his roof, his house being on the road from Springfield to St. Louis.

John Jacob Ranch died November 23, 1848, where he settled in 1829; His widow, Mrs. Pauline Ranch, resides there with her son Charles. It is in Sangamon county, near Virden, Macoupin county, Illinois.

Mr. Ranch left his family with the title to a sufticient quantity of land to make a good farm for each one; with a large amount of personal property, and his children are among the most respected citizens of the county. When we consider that he was twenty-two years of age at the time he came to America, without a knowledge of our language, compelled to lose so much of the best time of his life to pay for the privilege of coming, and that he died before he was fifty years of age, his success was wonderful, and it is highly probable that his early death was caused by over exertion. Although he had been so treacherously dealt with on coming to the country, and for the first three years after his arrival; yet his abhorrence of anything like repudiating a contract was such, that he charged his sons if the duplicate to the contract by which he was robbed of his three years time, should ever be presented, tbey should pay the whole seventy dollars, for the reason that he had not rendered the last six months service, and that because it was physically impossible for him to endure it. In the later years of his life, when pondering on the hardships and indignities he had endured, he wrote in German on the margin of the contract quoted, "Jacob Ranch says this indenture was not good." He doubtless alluded to the fact that it was not binding because it was never signed by himself. The back of the indenture bears an inscription, also in German, in his own handw^riting. It appears to have been more intended as an expression of a sentiment than an address to any particular one of his children. It is in these words:

"Dear child, you had better remain in a low station of life; the higher you stand the more you may be humbled; and the Lord will love you better, for He is the Most High, and does great things by means of the lowly.

James Wallace, was born in 1776, in Pendleton district. South Carolina, of Scotch Presbyterian parents. They being Whigs, were driven from their home by the British and Tories, previous to his advent in the world, and he was born in a camp. On arriving at the age of manhood he went to Nova Scotia, and was there married to Ann Doole. About 1816, he moved back to South Carolina. Having lived where all men were free, on his return to his native State, it appeared to him as though slavery was indeed " the sum of all villainies," and he determined to seek a land of freedom in which to bring up his family. He accordingly moved to Sangamon county, Illinos, arriving November 3, 1822, in what is now Auburn township, one mile south of the present town of Auburn. Subsequently he removed to Macon county, and died in 184f>.

The first school house in the township Mas ei'ected in 1828, of logs, and was situated on the premises of James Patton, and was known in after years as the "Patton School House." The first school taught in this building was by William Fritz. There are now eight school houses and ten whole and fractional school districts in the township. The school houses have a total valuation of -1^14,000. Schools are kept about nine months in the year.

The first church was erected by the Old School Presbyterians in 1845. It was a modest frame structure, and was located in the edge of the woods, just west of Crow's old mill. It was used some years, and subsequently moved to the village of Auburn and used as a dwelling house. There are now eight church buildings in the township, of which six are in the village of Auburn.

It is not known where the first religious services were held in the townshij), but Revs. James Sims, Rivers Cormack and Peter Cartwright were early Methodist Episcopal ministers; Elder Simon Lindle}^ the first Baptist, and Rev. J. G. Bergen, one of the first Presbyterian ministers. The first church organization was doubtless that of the Old School Presbyterians, organized in 1830, at the house of Samuel McElvain, which yet exists.

First Things

The first marriage in the township was that of Gideon Vancill and Phoebe Wilson, in March, 1820. The ceremony was performed by Rev. James Sims, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church^ It was for many years supposed this was the first couple married in the county.

The first death was that of Mrs. Elizabeth Walker, daughter of Samuel Vancill, who died in the fall of 1819, and was buried in what is now calle 1 the burying ground." An incident occurred at the time of this death that exhibits one of the dangers that beset the early settlers. While the friends were gathered around the dying bed, it was discovered that a prairie fire was rapidly approaching, propelled by a strong westerly wind. The grass, seven or eight feet in height, was as dry as powder. By the most vigorous exertions in keeping the end of the cabin near the fire, wet, the house was saved, but all the hay stocked for winter feeding, was destroyed. In the midst of the excitement the sick woman breathed her last.

The early settler had great difficulty in securing mill privileges, and the building of a mill in any neighborhood was hailed as a joyful event.

The first grist mill in Auburn township was built by James Sims, and stood on the north part of the Wineman farms, east of the present village of Auburn.

The first water mill was only for sawing lumber, and was built in 1825-6 by Robert Crow, on Sugar creek, about a mile northeast of the present village of Auburn. The mill was subsequently rebuilt by E and W. D. Crow, sons of Robert, and a pair of burrs attached.

The second water mill, which was both a sawand grist-mill, was built by Jacob Rauch, some six miles above Crow's, some years later. Not long after James Wallace erected a saw-mill on the creek, between the two. Nearly all traces of these mills are now obliterated.

The first steam mill was built in 1838, by A. & G. Eastman, on the branch, about a quarter of a mile north of the present village of Auburn. This was also a grist-mill. The engine and machinery were afterwards removed and taken to Springfield.

In 1856-7, Bond & Ely erected an extensive steam flouring mill in the village, at a cost of $15,000, which finally ruined the projectors, and it afterwards fell into the hands of J. U. Grove, who, in 1864, used the engine, boiler, and machinery, in the outfit of a new mill in Carlinville.

There are now two grist-mills in the township, one owned by Morris, Harris & Co., in the village, and the other situated South of Auburn, and owned by Joseph Poley, Jr.

The face of the country is generally level, except along the water courses, where it is undulating. The soil is unsurpassed in richness, and is well adapted to corn, oats and grass. Spring wheat yields well. The land is about all under cultivation.

The timber land comprises about one-sixth of the territory, and is mostly of a good quality, consisting of white, red, black, Spanish and bur-oaks, scaly bark and white hickory, sugar and white maple, ash, black walnut, sycamore, cherry, red and slippery elm, black and honey locust, hackberry, Cottonwood, linden or. basswood, and mulberry.

Water Courses

The principal stream is Sugar creek, which rises in Macoupin county, and entering the township in section thirty-two, flows in a northeast course, emerging from the township on section one. Panther creek, a branch of Sugar creek, also runs in a northeasterly course through sections thirty, nineteen, twenty, seventeen, eight, nine, four and three, into Chatham township, where it joins Sugar creek. Kessler branch and Little Painter creek also water the town.

Organic

The following named were then elected: Supervisor, Mathew Patton; Town Clerk, M. G. Wadsworth; Assessor, N. C. Brooks; Collector, A. S. Orr; Overseer of the Poor, W. D. Wheeler; Road Commissioners, E. Stout, Peter Yates, John R. Fletcher; Constables, William H. Wineman, James Rauch; Justices of the Peace, Joseph McKinney, A. Rauch. At this election there were one hundred and lifty-eight votes cast.

On the organization of the township it comprised only Congressional township thirteen, range six west. In 1869 a part of Pawnee was added, consisting of twelve sections on the west. This change was made for the reason that it was more convenient for the voters living in the two mile range taken off, to meet with Auburn than Pawnee. The township now comprises fortyeight sections or square miles.

The original Auburn, of which the present town is a namesake, occupied some forty or fifty acres of the east half of section three. The spot where the public square was situated is in the northeast quarter of three. Patton street, in the west part of this town, if continued far enough would strike the centre of it. The town was laid out by Asa and George Eastman, in 1835. The land was bought from Messrs. Godfrey <fc Gilman, Alton. The town was named "Auburn" by Miss Hannah M. Eastman, (now Mrs. Brown) sister of the proprietors. The place was very pleasantly located, the square comprising quite an elevation, that commanded a tine view.

In 1840, Auburn contained but five or six dwellings. A two-story tavern, built by the Eastmans, stood on the west side of, and facing the square. This was occupied by William S. Swaney, an Ohio man, with a large family, a blacksmith by trade, who kept a man working in the shop, and devoted the greater part of his own time to trips abroad in his buggy, being absent, frequently, weeks at a time. It was ac- cepted as general rumor that he handled cards very successfully and that this was the secret d his mysterious journeys. There came a time when he failed to return. Weeks rolled into months, and finally the papers reported the finding of the body of a man who had evidently been murdered, near Ewington, in the east part of the State. The clothing was described quite minutely. The widow vis^ited the place and fully identified the clothing. The body had been dead sometime when found, and was already buried. It was supposed that some gambling comrade whom Swaney had fleeced, had taken this means to obtain revenge and re-secure his wealth, for no money was found upon his body.

On the north side of the square, and fronting it, stood a story and a half house, occupied by Asa Eastman and family, consisting of himself and wife, and little boy, his sisters. Misses Ann H. and Hannah M., and brother, George; Wm. B. Fondey, (a cousin of Mrs. Eastman,) who afterwards settled, married and died in Springfield, was a boai'der there. Rev. Wm. C. Greenleaf and lady, lived in a small house just north of the lattt^r. Mr. G. had a small nursery on his premises, from which fruit trees were dispensed to the farmers of the neighborhood, and the good man delivered excellent practical discourses to the people on the Lord's day. Just west of Mr. Eastman dwelt Piatt S. Carter and wife; young married people, from Litchfield county, Connecticut, who had recently emigrated west to take possession of the farm that Mr. C. had recently opened west of town. North of this house stood a log house, occupied by a Maryland family, Evan John, his wife, and children, Martha, George and Edith. With these, boarded Elwood Ewing, a fellow countryman of Mr. J. He was a cabinet-maker, and had a shop in the rear of the house.

A family - man and wife - named Daniels, from Missouri, lived temporarily in the school house, (there being no school that winter.) This was the only building east of the public square. A substantial two-story house had been commenced the previous summer, on the south side of the square, for Mrs. Susan Eastman, stepmother of the Eastmans above mentioned, and was occupied during the following winter by two families; Mrs. Eastman, her son, S. F. and stej)-daughters, and Daniel Wadsworth, who with family, four in number, had just removed from Maine. Mr. David Eastman and family, wife and sons, Augustus F., Charles H. and George L. lived just southeast, but <)ut of the town limits.

The two-story house above alluded to, (the Eastmans having several years previously removed from the town,) was finally purchased by Peter S. Freeman, a blacksmith of Chatham, who had bought a tract of land near Elm Grove, some six or seven miles southwest of this. He attempted to remove the house to said tract, across the open prairie, with ox teams. The building was a very heavy one, everything being of hard timbei*. It was a tedious journey, occupying, I think nearly a whole summer. The labor was finally accomplished with thirty yoke of oxen. The blacksmith's bills for mending broken chains, etc., were a pretty serious matter to Mr. Freeman.

It seemed a pity that so pretty a site as that of the old town should be abandoned for so unpromising a one as tbe northeast quarter of section ten then appeared - much of it a mere swamp - but railroad corporations possess no bowels of compassion, the practical more than the beautiful being their object.

A vigorous and persistent effort was made by the residents of the old town to get the Alton & Sangamon Railroad Company (the original name of this road) to locate a water tank and station directly east of the town, expecting that in that event the intervening land would be eventually converted into lots and connect with the old town. Messrs. Roach & Organ (William Roach and George L. Organ) erected, in 1852 or 1853, what was then considered a substantial store building, on the west side of the track on the above-named site, hoping that this would be a material inducement to the company to locate the new station there. Mr. Philip Wineman, meanwhile, was offering the company more valuable temptations to locate the town further south. The struggle between the two factions was long and fierce, many persons taking sides one way or the other, but Mr. Wineman finally prevailed. When Roach & Organ found their cause hopelessly lost, they picked up their building and moved it to the new town, on tbe lot now occupied by F. M. Nicols' carpenter shop, from whence it was afterward removed to the east side of the square, and is the building now occupied by P. W. Jones, as a grocery.

The residents of the old town remained and nursed their disappointment as long as they could, and finally yielded to the pressure, and several of them transported their houses - small one-story buildings - to the rival town. Israel Davis' present residence is one of these buildings, and I think one or two others are still extant, in the east part of town. As to the re- raaining ones, one took fire and burned down, and the others were eventually torn down and hauled off, not a building being left except Mr. D. Wadsworth's house and out-houses in the south part. Mr. A^a Eastman, of Springfield, who had become proprietor of the unsold lots, bought out the claims from the various lot owners, petitioned the State Legislature for a vacation of the town, and Mr. Eastman sold the land to Madison Curvey; it was converted into a cornfield, and thus fades Old Auburn, as a town, from the public view.

The Village Of Auburn

On the 24th day of February, 1853, Philip Wineman had platted and recorded a new village, comprising the north part of the east half of the northeast quarter of section ten, township thirteen, range six, west, under the name of Wineman. This village was located about one mile south of the old village of Auburn, and on the line of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. Mr. Wineman subsequently made two additions to the original plat, one on the north end the other on the south. In 1854, John Buck laid out some lots adjoining on the west, and m 1858, made an addition on the north and west of the lattei'. These, with "Wineman," and additions, were incorporated by the legislature at its session of 1864-5, under the name of Auburn, the old village bearing this name having ceased to exist. The first election under this charter was held in the spring of 1865. The records of the village being lost or misplaced, only the officers of the present year are given, as follows: D. Mason, S. F. Goodwin, J. A. Able, Fred Faust, B. F. Hutton and J. K. Harris; William Harris, Village Constable; A. S. Davenport, Police Magistrate; W. H. Gibbins, Clerk.

Religious Methodist Episcopal

A class of this denomination was organized at Harlan's Grove, in Chatham township, previous to 1830, which met for some years at the house of John French. Services were held here with more or less frequency until l84l, when they began to be held in old Auburn, where they were continued until the congregation began to worship in the present village. In 1855, the congregation erected a house of worship, which they continued lo occupy until 1863. They subsequently disposed of it to the Baptist and then to the Catholic brethren, and built a second house, at a cost of about $2,000. At present, the church holds services every other Sunday. For a time Auburn was in the Sangamon circuit, and then in Virden circuit. In 1876, it was placed in Auburn circuit, with Rev. W. S. Matthews as pastor. Mr. Matthews was followed by the following named, in order given : Revs. Johnson, Slater, Beckhart, and Sloan, the present pastor. Abraham Gist, R. McCoy R. W. Savage, and Daniel Wadsworth, are the present trustees. The present membership of the church is quite large. A Sunday School was organized in 1855, which has had regular meetings ever since. R. McCoy is the present Superintendent.

Cumberland Presbyterian

The Auburn congregation of the Presbyterian Church organized June 3, 1854, in the Baptist Church building, on Sugar creek, by Rev. W. C. Bell, with the following named members : John Wallace, A. S. Orr, James H.Keysler, Benjamin Kessler, Sr., Mary A. Kessler, Elizabeth Organ, Catharine Kessler, Sarah Gates, H. C. A. Yiney, C. Viney, Thomas Black, David F. Kessler, Rebecca A. Kenney, James M. Hart, Evaline Wallace, George W. Wallace, John Hart, Phebe Hart, Joseph Johnson, Wealth Johnson, Martha A. Storia, Rebecca Drennan, Henderson Seals, Levi .lohnson, Harriet Kessler, James T. Kenney, Francis Cassity, Maria Johnson.

John Wallace, James H. Keysler, and John Hart were chosen elders, and A. S. Orr, Deacon. For some years the congregation worshipped in the meeting house of other denominations and in school houses. The first house of worship erected by the congregation was in 1863; and was situated about three fourths of a mile south of the village of Auburn. In 1874, this house was removed to a point three miles south of the village, and is now known as the Walnut Grove Church, and is occupied by a part of the congregation. In the winter of 1874, a new house of worship was erected in the village at a cost of $3,000, with a sitting capacity of five hundred.

Since 1863, there have been three hundred conversions in the church, but on account of removals and deaths the active membership has been reduced to about fifty.

The following named ministers have had charge of the congregation: W. C. Bell, W. C. Roach, G. W. Reynolds and W. Knowles. W. Knowles had charge from March, 1864, to

March, 1867. From 1867 to 1873, the pulpit was occupied by the following: Revs. F. Bridgman, W. M. Schenck, W. C. Bell and S. R. Shull. W. Knowles, the present incumbent has occupied the pu.pit since September, 1873.

Baptist Church

The Methodist Episcopal Church building in Auburn was sold for debt in 1867, and purchased by the Baptists, who occupied it until 1871, when they sold it to the Catholics, and erected the present building at a cost of $5,000.

The church was organized on Sugar creek, March 23, 1843, and known as the Sugar Creek Baptist Church, with the following named members: C. Wrightsman and wife, George Winnier and wife, John Dill and Joshua Mackey. Elder Thomas Taylor was the minister who officiated at its organization. Elder Alfred Brown was the first pastor, about 1844. Elders - Morris Bailey, Thomas Taylor, L. B. Richardson, William Meigs, Joseph Wightsman, Uarver, Debo and Kitzmiller. The first house of worship was erected in 1851, the congregation furnishing the heavy timber and shingles, C. Ewing furnishing the balance of the material and building the house for $300. This house was sold in 1871 for $50.00, the congregation having been transferred to Auburn. Since the church was transferred, the pastors serving have been: Revs. M. V. Kitzmiller, A. Gross, A. H. Scott, M. C. Clark, Mr. Chapin and Calvin Allen, the latter being the present pastor. The Sunday school was organised in 1868.

This church was purchased by the Catholic people of Auburn and vicinity, of the Baptist denomination, in the year 1871. It is the oldest church building in the town, having been erected by the Methodists in the year of 1856. Previous to its purchase, the Catholics were obliged to attend services at Yirden and Sugar Creek, and consequently looked forward anxiously to the time when they would have a little church of their own, and in their midst, in which to worship God according to the behests of their faith. This opportunity came when the Baptists I'esolved to erect a larger and more imposing edifice for Divine service. The sura paid by the Catholics for the old church building was $750, It was immediately fitted up for Catholic service and was dedicated by Rt. Rev. P. J. Baltes, on April 12, 1872. Since that time, the congregations, though small and not possessed of a very large amount of worldly wealth, has shown remarkable spirit in the support of their church.

Besides the amount originally paid for the church, over $1,000 has been expended in improving and beautifying it. The membership numbers about two hundred souls altogether, and a Sunday school class of seventy children, none of whom was over fifteen years of age, received the sacrament of confirmation at the hands of the Rt. Rev. Bishop of this diocese, less than a year ago. This church was formerly under the spiritual charge of the Catholic priest, of Virden, but since December, 1878, a regular pastor has resided in Auburn, with the two parishes of Auburn and Sugar Creek, under his charge. Those two congregations have since purchased a nice pastoral residence, situated one block from the church, on North Waverly street, and furnished it for occupancy at a cost of $2,000. At present the parishes are under the Pastorate of Rev. D. J. Ryan.

The Christian Church in Auburn was organized in 1868, with A. G. Harney and A.M. Black as elders, and John Piper and M. S. Wadsworth as deacons. There had previously for years been occasional preaching, bnt no regular organization. A house of worship Avas commenced in the spring of 1869, thirty-two by fifty feet. The membership was small and financially weak. With only $600 on the subscription list, a part of which was to be paid in work, and a part in materials, and a good part of it contributed by persons outside of the church, the M^ork was commenced by two of the members, who were carpenters. The money was used up, and the two brethren started out on foot, visiting congregations in this and other counties to solicit money to carry on the work. As fast as means could be procured, it was worked up. No debts were incurred, and the house was not completed until 1876, although it was used for a long time in an unfinished state.

The congregation has never added much to its membership, and has not been able to keep up regular services but a part of the lime. The following have been employed as pastors at different times: Elder John L.Wilson, P. D.Vermilion, A. P. Sears, Jos. B. Allen, and Dr. J. U. Smith, though many others have held protracted meetings.

The Advent Christian Church, of Auburn, was organized in the fall of 1868, by Elder A. S. Calkins, who at this time was Pastor of a church of the same faith and order at Carlinville, Macoupin county, Illinois. The organization of the church grew out of a revival meeting held in the old Baptist House, on the east side of the railroad. During the progress of this meeting, upwards of forty professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and publicly put on Christ by baptism. After the close of the meeting a request was made on the part of several of the leading men of the town, to be organized into a church of Gospel order. Accordingly a meeting was called to consider the matter, and after some exchange of thoughts, a short church covenant was read, as follows: "We, the undersigned, believing the Bible to be a sufficient rule of faith and practice, do agree to take the Bible as our only creed, making Christian character the only test of Christian fellowship, and that we will meet together to worship God, and to exhort one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching."

After the reading of the article some forty persons subscribed their names thereunto, after which they chose two Deacons, and one ruling Elder, with one Clerk and Treasurer. The church thus organized, hired the lower hall of the Masonic building, in which they worshipped the most of the time until they built the present house in which they now worship. The house was built in 1871, costing about |5,000, Mr. David Martin taking the contract, since which time there has been some changes in the membership of the church. Death having removed several from our original membei's, and quite a number moved to other states, has reduced the numbers of the original members. But others having been added, the membership remains about the same as at first. Some improvement has been made the present year on the house, both inside and out. The society is clear of debt, sustaining a Sabbath school every Sunday morning, prayer meeting every Thursday night, with preaching every two weeks, by Elder D. R. Mansfield, the present pastor of the church, assisted by his wife. Elder Calkins having had Pastorial charge some eight years after its organization.

Benevolent And Other Societies

The village is represented by one lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and one Chapter, sketches of which accompany this chapter; also, one lodge of Odd Fellows, and one of United Workmen. For many years the Good Templars had an efficient organization in the village, and much good was the result of their efforts.

Masonic

1860, and a charter granted October 3, of the same year. Its first officers were, Daniel Wadsworth, W. M. ; Matthew Patton, Sr., S. W.; Francis H. Clark, J. W. Its charter members were Daniel Wadsworth, Matthew Patton, Sr., Francis H. Clark, William R. Head, Thomas J, Nuckolls, John N, Kenney, Thomas J. Inglish, David Clark, Isaac Colean. Its principal elective officers since organization have been as follows:

The remaining officers for 1881, are as follows: W. Knowles, Chaplain; William D. Patton, Treasurer; O. M. Cheney, S. D.; James Able, J. D.; George Sinniger, Sr. Steward; D. D. Martin, Jr. Steward, A. Davenport, Tyler.

Odd Fellows

hundred persons and now has a membership of sixty-six. This lodge has paid about |300 for sick and funeral benefits, and has nearly -|500 in its treasury. In 1878, two members of this lodge, J. W. Lowdermilk and A. D. Sanders, established at Springfield, Illinois, the Odd Fellows Herald, one of the most influential society papers in the United States. The present officers of Auburn Lodge are: Henry Dawson, Jr., N. G.; J. A. Garber, V. G.; H. H. White, Secretary; Philip Faust, Treasurer, and J. W. Lowdermilk, Representative to the Grand Lodge.

United Workmen

Auburn Lodge No. 49, A. O. U. W., was instituted March 14, 1877, by Deputy G. M. W. T. L. Matthews, of Virginia, Illinois, with thirtythree charter members. The first officers were as follows: W. W. Lowdermilk, P. M. W.; G. W. Murray, M. W.; A. D. Sanders, F.; H. M. Hart, O.; G. W. Hutton, Rdr.; A. A. Harney, Fin., and W. H. Harris. Rec. Life insurance being one of the prominent features of this order, and the Grand Lodge, reports not being satisfactory to some, during the sunomer of '77, a large number of members withdrew, until at one time the roll showed but thirteen members in good standing. By the united efi'orts of these, the membership was increased to twenty, the number now on the roll. The present officers are: C. M. Caldwell, P. M. W.; J. W. Lowdermilk, M. W; C. J. Sanders, F. ; W. Knowles, O. and Deputy G. M. W.; W. A. Wallace, Rdr.; H. M. Hart, Fin. and W. H. Hummel, Rec. But one death has occurred among the members of this lodge, that of Bro. John McKay who died August 21, 1879. Being composed of good men, this lodge is in an excellent financial condition, a good feeling prevails, its meetings are well attended and splendid i)ro8- pects are before it.

Auburn Bank

This bank was organized in April, 1872, by H. Stevens and Samuel Lewis as the Exchange Bank of Auburn, with the former as President, and the latter as Cashier. It was conducted by them until May, 1874, when G. W. Hutton, I. J. and B. F. Poley, and J. M. and Samuel Lewis became the proprietors, I. J. Poley succeed! rg H. Stevens as President. In 1875, I. J. Poley and G. W. Hutton purchased the interest of J. M. and S. Lewis, Mr. Hutton becoming Cashier.

In January, 1877, T. S. Parks, Esq., purchased I. J. Poley's interest, and in the succeeding April that of G. W. Hutton becoming sole proprietor.

As President and proprietor, Mr. Parks has managed the business since that time. The present officers are: T. S. Parks, President, and J. W. Lowderrailk, Cashier. When Mr. Parks first took charge of the bank it was doing a limited business, but by close attention to its affairs and indefatigable energy, he has succeeded in placing it on a solid basis, and the bank is at this time in an excellent financial condition with a constantly increasing deposit.

Auburn may not be able to boast of extensive manufactories, but it has a wagon and carriage factory that turns out more work than any like ins itution in the county.

Morse's Wagon, Carriage, and Agricultural Implement Manufactory was established in 1856, as a wagon and repair shop, by Mr. Babcock. In 1857, Robert E. Morse bought out the concern; and has since been the sole proprietor. It was then a small institution, in which a few wagons were made, and general repair work was done. Immediately after purchasing, Mr. Morse began to enlarge the business and capacity of the factory, and from time to time increased its size, until in 1880 the shop had attained quite large dimensions, and employed about twenty men.

On the night of the 15th of May, 1868, the factory proper was totally destroyed by fire, with a loss in building and machinery of 'tlO,000. The warehouse was saved, in which was a considerable quantity of partially and wholly completed work. Mr. Morse began to re-build in the fall, and the brick portion of the structure, one hundred and eight by sixty feet, was ready for the workmen in the spring of 1881. The capital invested is over $30,000, and employment is given to from fifteen to twenty hands, with a capacity for completing a lumber or spring wagon or buggy per day, besides carrying forward the large amount of job and repair work done. A set of hands is employed for carriage and spring wagon work, and a set for farm wagons. A feature is also made of manufacturing plows, harrows, and cultivators for the general trade. Two traveling men are kept on the road, who find market for the work chiefly through the central counties of Illinois.

Auburn is not a village of mushroom growth, but has had a steady increase in its population and business from the beginning. It now numbers more inhabitants than at any previous time in its history. It is the largest town in the

The Auburn Citizen

As a history of this paper is given in the chapter on the Press, it is unnecessary now to repeat in this connection; but it is but due the Citizen to say that as a local paper it is sui)erior to three-fourths of the papers in the State, printed in villages of twice the size of Auburn. The columns of a local paper are usually an index of the enterprise of a town. If filled with live advertisements of the business men of the place, the town is judged by the outsider to be a live town. The judgment of the people in this case is correct ninety-nine times out of a hundred.

Business Of Auburn

The first merchandise sold in Auburn was in 1853, by Ham & Poley. In the quarter of a century that has passed, many others have engaged in business here, some of whom have met with success; others have had reverses.

To give the reader of this volume in the future, an idea of the business of the place in 1881, the following directory is appended, as compiled in October of that year:

Post Office

The Auburn post office was established in the early part of 1839, in the old town, David Eastman, postmaster. Previous to this date there has been no office nearer than the Sugar Creek postoffice, kept at John L. Drennan's stage stand, five miles northeast. Mr. Eastman was postmaster until 1842, when Daniel Wadsworth was appointed under Tyler. He retained the office until 1852, when the railroad (now C. & A.) drew the business to the new towji. From that time until the present, the office has been filled by the following, in their regular rotation: H. Tibbatt, Benjamin Kessler, John Bond, N. P. Brooks, R. N. Han, A. M. Black, A. S. Davenport, J. W. j^yers, W. W. Lowdermilk, and George W. Hutton, the present appointee. Up to Mr. Lowdermilk's incumbency, the office has been kept in the east part of the town. Mr. Lowdermilk removed it to the public square, where it has since remained.

This is now a third-class office, with a salary of $1,000. Fifteen years ago, the delivering capacity amounted to fifty boxes, all told. Now the office has upwards of three hundred and fifty. The revenue for the year ending September 30, 1881, .was $2,332.99. The number of pieces of mail matter during the first week of December, 1880 (the only time during the year that any record was kept,) was one thousand six hundred and twenty-one pieces. The following letter explains itself:

Publisher Sangamon County History. - Dear Sir: In compliance with your request, to furnish you a statement of the amount of business at this office, in the money order department, during the first fiscal year and the last, I submit to you the following:

The first order was applied for July 22, 1872, by William W. Lowdermilk, then postmaster, payable to Herman Redlick, Springfield, Illinois, for $14.

There were is^^ued during the fiscal year's business, four hundred and one orders, amounting to $5,377.55; and for the last fiscal year, ending July 22, 1881, there were issued one thousand one hundred and ninety-one orders, amounting to $12,122.45.

I will add that at the time the money order office was established, in July 22, 1872, there was no bank here, and the greater part of the business of the village of Auburn and vicinity, was done through the money order office, while at the present time the heavier part of the business is done through the Auburn bank.

The history of Auburn township is continued by giving short biographical sketches of a large number of the most prominent citizens of the township, many of whom came here in an early day, and were foremost in developing the wild prairies into one of the finest townships of agricultural lands in this great State.