Sangamon County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1881 (part 8 of 21)

Elihxi Stout, farmer and stock raiser, post office Auburn, was born in Scott county, Kentucky, January 30, 1816; son of Philemon and Penelope (Anderson) Stout. They were married in Kentucky, about 1810. There was a family of twelve children, six of whom lived to be men and women. In 1836, his father left his home in Kentucky for the Sangamo country, with team, where they arrived in due course of time, camping out on the way. It was customary in an early day, if they met movers, to ask them where they were going; remembers of asking a party (when they were coming through) where he was going, and he said to Iowa; being foreign to him, as he had never heard of Iowa before. Mr. Stout located in Ball tow^nship, where Philemon Stout now resides, where he bought an improved farm of three hundred and fifty acres, with eighty acres under cultivation, with a log cabin with two rooms, and known as the Dr. Dailey place, where his father remained until his death, which occurred in 1845. He was a member of the Baptist Church. At his death, was a large land owner, and one of the large and wealthy farmers of the county. The subject of this sketch married for his first wife. Miss Rebecca P. A. Patton, daughter of Colonel James Patton, by whom there was three children, two of which grew to manhood, James M. and Philemon. Mrs. Rebecca Stout died September 21, 1852; and Elihu Stout married Mrs. Sarah J. Moore, whose maiden name was Williams. By this union there was five children, Thomas E. and Charles H.; three died in infancy. Mrs. Sarah J. Stout died September 17, 1866. For his third wife, married Mrs. Margaret E. Davis, whose maiden name was Williams. Mr. Stout has held several local offices of trust; has been a member of the Baptist Church for thirty-eight years. Is one of the large and influential farmers of the county, owning at one time seven hundred acres of land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, valued at $65 per acre. Mr. Stout has been identified with the county for forty-five years, and has lived to see the wild uncultivated prairies converted into one of the finest counties in the State.

X. C. Taylor,M. D. Auburn, Illinois, was born in Sa'igam.on county, Illinois, on the 9th day of April, 1854. Son of Ninian R. and Catharine (Halbut) Taylor. Mother a native of Virginia, and father a native of Illinois, who came to the county in an early day and located on a farm, which he followed for a number of years. Is at present engaged in the hardware and grocery business, at Williamsville. The Doctor received a good business education. In 1872, commenced reading medicine, with Dr. J. M. West, o£ Springfield, where he remained about four years; in the meantime, attended lectures at Rush Medical C'ollege, Chicago. In 1874 and 1875, attended Bellevue Medical College, where he graduated. He then returned to Springfield, where he entered into company with Dr. West, and remained one year, when he came to Auburn, where he has followed his profession since. The Doctor is a member of the District Medical Society ; also of the I. O. O. F., and Masonic Lodge, No. 354.

William P. Taylor^ farmer, section twentyfive, postoffice at Auburn, Illinois, was born in Morgan county, Illinois, December 22, 1835. Son of George and Polly E. (Tucker) Taylor, natives of Kentucky. Emigrated in an early day to Morgan county, where he made a farm and raised a family of ten children, all of whom are living at this writing, the youngest being thirtyone years old, and the oldest fifty-one. His father came to the county in limited circumstances, but by good management and hard work has accumulated a fine property, and today is living a retired life in Jacksonville, and himself and wife have lived together over half a century. William P. married Miss Mary McKain, in 1861. She was the daughter of John McKain, a native of Ireland. She was born in Springfield, Illinois, August 21st, 1840. By this union there were six children, five of whom are living: William W., Ulysses Mary F., Laura E., George E. Has one hundred and twenty acres of land, all of which are under a high state of cultivation; value, $60 per acre.

John Ten Brook, farmer and stock-raiser, postoffice Virden, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, on the 19th day of February, 1811, son of Jacob and Richard (Tate) Ten Brook, of German descent; mother being born on the ocean just previous to being landed in New York. His grand-fathers, Ten Brook and Tate were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. There were three children of his father's, two of whom are living, William, now a resident of Douglas county, Illinois, and the subject of this sketch. In 1820, his father moved to Ohio, near Cincinnati, where he followed farming, and remained five years. He then removed to Parks county, Indiana, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of timber land, and commenced to make a farm, remaining there until his death. In 1833, married Miss Miry Wilkins, a daughter of Michael Wilkins, of Pennsylvania, where she was born in 1813. There were ten children, five of whom are living, viz: Joseph, Martha, George, M. D., Annie and Ashbell. In 1860, his family having a throat disease, thought perhaps a change would be beneficial, he sold out and went to Springfield, Missouri . Mr. T. saw that there was trouble brewing, so he concluded as he had considerable gold that the bushwhackers would want to count it for him, but not needing any help that way, made up his mind to return to Sangamon county, Illinois, knowing that it was one of the best farming sections in the State, and settled on the farm where he now resides. Mr. Ten Brook has a farm of three hundred and forty-six acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, valued at seventy-five dollars per acre.

J. R. Trott, M. D., was born in Lenn, April 22, 1837; son of James J., and Rachel (Adair) Trott. His father was of Irish and mother of Scottish descent. His mother was a relative of Gen. Adair, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. His father was a missionary, and his field of labor was among the Cherokee Indians. The subject of this sketch attained only a common school education, and at- eighteen years old took up the study of medicine and his preceptor. Dr. J. T. Evans, whom he studied under three years, and graduated at the St. Louis Medical College in 1857. He then took a trip in the Western States and Territories, and for several yeai-s was in the west; in 1863, returned to Morgan county, 111., where he took up the practice of his profession and continued up to 1872, when he again made a trip to the Indian Territory, after which he returned to Virden, Montgomery county. 111., where he opened a drug store in

15, 1*799; married in December, 1823, Margaret F. Goodwin, a native of Freeport, Maine, and settled in Hallowell, in the same State. They have raised one son and three daughters, all of whom are* yet living. Several children died in infancy. Mr. Wadsworth spent the winter of 1839-40 in Mobile, Alabama, working at his trade of carpenter, and in the following spring he came up the river to Sangamon county, Illinois, stopping at Auburn, where the family of an old Maine friend, David Eastman, lived. He bought a small piece of land, worked thi'ough the summer, returned home in the fall, sold his Maine property, packed up, and started in October for the far West, as Illinois was then called. The goods were sent by ship around to New Orleans, and thence to Alton. The family were a little over three weeks en route, much of the journey (through the Middle States) having to be made by canal.

Mr. Wadsworth built him a home on South street, Auburn (old town), into which he moved in 1843, and still resides there - the only building left within the limits of the town. The venerable pair, one eighty-two, and the other eighty, with an unmarried daughter, constitute the household.

Mr. Wadsworth is one of the oldest Masons in Illinois, having taken the Chapter degrees about sixty years ago. He has ever been a very active and zealous member of this Order, and generally an officer. From his early manhood, he has been a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was postmaster at Auburn for ten years; has repeatedly held school cilices, and has been Notary Public for several years.

William A. Wallace, merchant. Auburn, Illinois, was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the Slst day of December, 18o8. Received a good business education in Springfield. When fourteen years of age he commenced driving a delivery wagon for J. W. Bittenger, of Springfield, and remained in that position for six months, when he was called into the office as bookkeeper, where he remained two years, when Mr. B. sold out and he was employed by iiis successor for a short time. He afterwards went to Mechanicsburg, wheie he was employed in a store for an uncle for three years. Then came J 91 - to Auburn, where he was employed as an agent a short time, when he embarked in his present business. Mr. Wallace commenced a poor boy, and by his own exertions has accumulated a fine property, and is one of the enterprising business men of the town.

William M. West, farmer and stock raiser, section thirty, post office Virden, was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, on the 30th day of April, 1828; son of Elijah and Elizabeth (Henderson) West; father of English descent and native of Delaware, and mother of Maryland. They were married in Maryland, and emigrated to Kentucky in an early day. There was a family of ten children, nine of whom lived to be men and women. In 1833, with a four horse team, they started for Morgan county, Illinois, where they arrived in due course of time; camping on the prairies and cooking by the way. Tiie first winter was spent in a log cabin, eighteen by twenty feet. The following sj^ring they moved to Macoupin Point, where he kept a stage stand, being twelve miles from any other habitation; and in the spring following, came to Auburn, Sangamon county, Illinois, and located near Sugar creek, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land of a man named Abells. The improvements consisted of a log cabin and twelve acres which were under the plow; where he made a farm and lived until his death, which occurred July 8, 1840. His mother, surviving him some years, died in 1863. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and sincere Christians, and left a large family to mourn their loss. William M. was married in 1855, to Miss Hannah Landes, a daughter of David Landes, of Kentucky. She was born in Sangamon county, April 22, 1838. They have six living children, Cornelia, Flora, William II., Annie Lucretia and Mary. In 1852, he bought his present place of one hundred and sixty acres, which was in its wild state, and through his own exertion has brought it under a high state of cultivation, and it is valued at |75 per acre.

Mr. West has held several local offices of trust in the township, and is at present justice of the peace. Mr. West has lived in the county for nearly fifty years; has seen the county from its infancy and wild state to one of the best counties in the State.

M. S Wheeler, M. D , Auburn, 111., was born in Belfontaine, Ohio, on tlie 29th day of September, 1838; son of John and Margaret (Donald) Wheeler; father of English descent and mother of American; father by trade wasa ship-builder, which he followed for many years; afterwards embarked in merchandizing, and owned and controlled a line of stages running from Cincoto Sandusky City. In 1852, came to Illinois, and located at Greenville, 111., where he purchased a farm, where M. S., received a liberal education. At the age of twenty-two, commenced the reading of medicine with Dr. Wm. P. Brown at Greenville, 111., where he remained three years in the time attended lectures at the Rush Medical College, Chicago. In the spring of 1864, commenced the practice of his profession at Trenton, Clinton county, 111., where he remained until the fall of 1866, when he came to Auburn, and after practicing one year, when he attended Rush Medical College and gra'iuated with honors, since which time he has prosecuted his profession here. By close attention to his business, has secured a large and lucrative practice, and is the oldest resident physician in the village. In 1869, married Miss Kate B.Harney, a daughter of Alfied Harney, an early settler of Auburn township; she was born in Morgan county. There are three children - John A., Thornton R., and Frank, members of the Masonic Lodge, No. 354, of Auburn.

St/lvanus J. Wineman, deceased, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, on the 23d day of March 1823. Son of Philip and Jane Wineman, of this county, where he was reared on a farm, and received a common school education ; June 11, 1862, married Mrs. Margaret Kessler, who was born December 22, 1833, widow of George Kessler, who died August 12, 1859, leaving a family of two children - John W. and Florence Bell - who died January

22, 1860. Mrs. Wineman is the daughter of Eddin and Winfield Lewis, who emigrated from Kentucky in 1818, and located on Sugar creek, where he lived until his death, which occurred January 29, 1850, leaving a family of nine children to mourn his loss. Mr. Lewis was an energetic business man, coming to the county with nothing but his hands, accumulated a lai'ge properly, and at his death owned 1,000 acres of land. iVIrs. Lewis died previously in 1843. Mr. Wineman was father of two children, one of whom is still living - Mary A., born September 22, 1865. Mr. Wineman died July

23, 1875. At his death, he left a property of three hundred and twenty acres, since which time Mrs. W. has added eighty, making a farm of four hundred acres, being located near the village of An'- urn, and valued at %1b per acre. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, having been connected with that church since she was sixteen years of age.

Joel B. Wbolsei/, farmer and stock raiser, section seven, post office. Auburn, was born in Onondaga county. New York, on the 25th day of May, 1834; sou of Joseph and Percilla A. (Barber) Woolsey, who were married in Onondaga county, New York, May 4, 1831. There was a family of eight children, of whom six are living, Edward P., James D., George W., Simeon L., Amos H., and Joel B.; two died in infancy. In 1836, left his home in Onondaga county, New York, with his family and started then for the Far West, and located near Jerseyville, where he entered eighty acres of land, where he has resided since. Joel B. was reared on his father's farm where he received a limited education, remaining at home until he was twenty-one. When twenty-three he married Miss Martha Fitzgeralds, a daughter of Jessie and Elizabeth Fitzge raids, natives of Kentucky, who came to Jersey county in an early day, where she was born, April 28, 1839. By this union there were nine children, five of whom are living, Ella V., born September 18, 1858; Elizabeth, A. born November 26, 1866; Clara Z., born April 25, 1870; Frances S., born March 11, 1873; Daisy E., born March 7, 18 76. Mr. W. is a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. lodges of Auburn; has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, valued at $65 per acre. He came to the county in 1859 a poor man, and rented for some years but finally bought his present place, where he is comfortably located.

James M. Wyatt, (deceased). Auburn township, was born in Morgan county, Illinois, near Jacksonville, on the 8th day of April, 1829. Sou of John and Rebecca Wyatt, who came to that county in an early day. James M. was reared on a farm, and received a good business education. When seventeen years of age embarked in the mercantile business, which he followed for twelve years. In 1856, married Miss Martha J. Lutrell, daughter of John R. and Margaret (Duncan) Lutrell. She was born in Moi'gan county, Illinois, in 1836. There was a family of six children, all of which are living. Chas. E., John W., Ella M., Frederick S., Maggie A. and James M. In August, 1860, came to Sangamon county, and located six nales west of Auburn, on a farm, where he remained a few years, when he came to where the family now reside and remained until his death, which occurred July 27, 1875. Mr. Wyatt was a man that was highly respected by all who knew him. He was the embodiment of honesty and morality. The loss was severely felt by his death. He was buried by Auburn Lodge I. O. O. F., (assisted by the Auburn Lodges) of which he was a member. There was an appropriate address delivered by Dr. W. D. Wheeler, in an impressive manner. Mr. W. was a kind and indulgent father and husband. He died leaving a fine property of one hundred and eighty-five acres of valuable land, worth $15 per acre.

In the history of Auburn township, we have given short personal histories of a large number of the pioneers, and the best and most enterprising men and women in the township. In making selections of subjects for these brief memoirs we are not ignorant of the fact that we have omitted some - indeed, many - who are worthy an honorable mention in these pages. An endless amount of historical matter found in Sangamon county, has swelled this volume to proportions much larger than was at first contemplated by the publishers, and space would not, therefore, admit of a more extended biographical mention of the titizens of this township. In the notices given, we were compelled, for reasons given above, to confine ourselves to mere fact, leaving unwritten much that is really due the strong- hearted, hardy first settlers, and those who followed to I'ound up and polish the work.

To Ball township belongs the honor of the first settlement in Sangamon county. In the fall of 1816, Robert PuUiam erected a cabin on Sugar creek, on section twenty-one, being the first building in all the territory now comprising the county of Sangamon. Mr. PuUiam brought with him a herd of cattle for the purpose of wintering them in this favored region. During the fall he cut a large quantity of grass and pea vines, with which he fed them during the winter. Power, in his history of the early settlers, says: "Robert Pulliam was born April 12,1776, in Henry county, Virginia. His father, John Pulliam, emigrated to ITentucky when Robert was a boy, and the family moved from there to Illinois, arriving in 1 796, in what was then called the New Desian settlement, now a part of Monroe county. The next year they moved into a settlement in the District of St. Louis, in what was then locally known as 'New Spain.' They moved to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and a few years later to Randolph county, Illinois, near where the town of Red Bud now stands. In 1802, Robert Pulliam improved a farm a few miles east of Belleville, St. Clair county, and about 1803 he settled in the American Bottom, near the Bluff, six or seven miles below the present city of Alton. Mary Stout was born April 9, 1776, but the locality is not known. Robert Pulliam and Mary Stout were married September 13, 1804. In 1815 they moved to St. Clair county, and in the fall of 1817, leaving his family in St. Clair county, he, with two or three hired men, and a woman by the name of Strickland - sister of one of the hired men - to cook for them, he came to Sugar creek and built a cabin in the timber, on the east side of the creek. The land is now owned by James Scott, and is situated three-fourths of a mile west of a point ten and a half miles due south of Springfield, on a line with Sixth street. The cabin was built in a forest composed principally of sugar trees. As the spring approached, Mr. Pulliam put his men to work and made sugar. As the season advanced, causing the grass to grow, he collected his horses and cattle and returned to his family in St. Clair county, in the spring of 1818."

Mr. Pulliam did not return to Sangamon county until the Spring of 1819. When he did so he found Zachariah Peter in possession of his cabin, Mr. Peter at once vacated and Mr. Pulliam and family took possession. This was the home of Mr. Pulliam until his death, which occurred July 31, 1838.

A paper was prepared by Governor John Reynolds, to be I'ead at the first old settlers' meeting in Sangamon county, in 1859. In that paper Governor Reynolds relate some incidents in the life of Robert Pulliam. It is known to all the old settlers that Mr. Pulliam wore an artificial leg. Governor Reynolds says that one of Mr. Pulliam's legs became diseased, and in the summer of 1808 it was found to be absolutely necessary to amputate it in order to save his life. Dr. Tuthill, of Cahokia, performed the operation. The Governor says : "I resided with my father in the neighborhood of Mr. Pulliam, and knew the circumstances of the amputation. The patient possessed such courage that he !held his body as firm as a rock, without assistance, during the operation. I presume this was the first amputation of a limb that occurred in Illinois, and at that time was considered a surgical operation almost superhuman." Governor Reynolds describes Mr. Pulliam as a man of tine proportions and perfect physical development. He says the circumstances of his life prevented his obtaining an education from books, to any considerable extent, but his natural good sense and opportunities for studying men, enabled him to hold a place in the front rank of business men of that time. He was fond of the rude sports of the times; such as horse racing, hunting, and games of various kinds, but later in life he felt that the example was injurious, and changed his course. He first united with the Baptist church, and then, for greater convenience, connected himself with the Methodist church, and his wife did the same. They continued in this communion to the end of their lives. Mr. Pulliam understood the advantages of improved machinery, and endeavored to introduce it into the settlement whenever it was practicable. He was one of the earliest to build a mill in the county. It was run by tread-wheel, and the motive power was either horses or oxen. All the early settlers raised cotton quite extensively, and he was one of the first, if not the first, to introduce a cotton gin into the settlement.

The first meeting of the Old Settlers' Society was held on the site of the first cabin, an account of which is given in the chapter on the Pioneer Society.

In the spring of 1818, William Drennan and his half brother, Joseph Drennan, his son-in-law, Joseph Dodds, and George Cox, left their families near Alton, and, with their teams, farming implements, provisions, and all the young men and boys belonging to the families who were able to assist in making a home, started, piloted by a white man named William Moore, who had belonged to a company that had been over the country before, in fighting the Indians. He was called an Indian Ranger. Arriving at Sugar crock, they took a day or two for exploring, and on March 10, 1818, drove to the spot on which William Drennan built his cabin, and which proved to be section thirty- two, town fourteen, range five west, when the government made its survey. It is on the northwest side of Sugar creek, and about twelve miles nearly due south of Springfield, and near where the Sugar Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church now stands. Immediately after their arrival they built two cabins. One was occupied by George Cox alone. The other was occupied for the summer by William and Joseph Drennan and Joseph Dodds. That was the one spoken of as belonging to William Drennan. As they had not the slightest idea of cultivating the prairie, these three men agreed to clear all the land they could in one body, and have a crop from it that year in comtn.( n, with the understanding that before another year they were all to work together until an equal sized piece was cleared for the other two. They cleared the timber from about fifteen acres, fenced it, plowed as well as they could among the roots and stumps with a little short wooden mould-board plow, and planted it in corn and pumpkins. The soil in the timber was very light - so much so that in some places they would almost sink in OTer their shoes. In fencing this land they inclosed about three-foui-ths of an acre of prairie. After they had plowed and planted their crop, one of the men suggested that it was quite a waste to have that under fence and nothing growing on it, and proposed that they break it up and plant something on it. In order to make sure work, they uncoupled one of their wagons, hitched four horses to the forward wheels, and fastened their wooden mould-board p'ow to the axle. They soon found this was a failure.

Try as they would, the plow would not enter the sod, and they reluctantly gave it up. While they were taking off the team and plow, one of the boys, full of fun and mischief, took up a hoe, and began to shave the grass off, saying he could break the prairie with his hoe. That suggested an idea to one of the men, and he, also, took a hoe and began shaving the grass. It was the work of but a few minutes to remove the sod from a spot several feet in diameter. He then called one of the other men, and proposed that, as they were well advanced with their work, and there were seven or eight of them, and all had hoes, that they call all hands together and shave the grass from the whole piece, plant something on it, and see what would be. the result. The man spoken to first laughed at the idea as ridiculous, but after studying a moment, he fell in with it, and the men and boys were all called up, and the grass shaved oft", holes dug, and corn and pumpkin seed planted. They did not touch it any more; that killed the grass. The crop was fully twice as much, in proportion to the area, as that planted among the stumps, and the next spring it broke up the nicest of any land they had ever seen. This taught them an important lesson, and caused them to make greater exertions to induce some one to invent a plow that would break the prairie. I have this account from the venerable William Drennan, who was one of the young men that assisted in doing the work, and who has lived in sight of the spot to the present time. Several years elapsed before a plow was invented that would do good work at breaking. In the meantime, the early settlers continued clearing their land, that they might have it to cultivate, and were always uneasy for fear their timber would be exhausted.

nans and Cox had their cabins built on arrival, but Dodds was not so fortunate, and therefore moved into a rail pen, where he lived until a cabin could be erected.

While the men were gone after their families, they left the boys in charge of their growing crops. On one occasion an Indian came along and cffered tbe boys twenty-five cents for as many pumpkins as he could carry. His offer was accepted by the boys and he was allowed to take bis pumpkins. He took his blanket and gathered the corners, filled it, then taking up one and placing the stem in his month ga\ e a grunt and started off. This was probably the first cash sale of produce in the county.

William Drennan lived to a good old age, and was " gathered to his fathers" in 1847, while his wife survived him many years. Joseph Drennan died October 22, 18G5, and his widow, Mrs. Rebecca Drennan in 1866. George Cox died November, 1819. Joseph Dodds died January 21, 1869, and his wife, Martha Dodds, January 10, 1853.

Louis Laughlin came in 1821, with his family, and settled on section twenty-nine, where he remained about fifteen years, when he moved to Wisconsin, and died since the war. Mr. Laughlin was one of the first persons in Sangamon county to advocate the abolition of slavery, and lived to see it accomplished.

James Anderson came in 1820. He was born in Virginia, moved from there to Kentucky, thence to Indiana, and then to Illinois. He settled on section thirty-three, but afterwards moved to the north fork of the Sangamon river, and died in 1828.

Thomas Black came in 1819, and settled near the Auburn line. He soon built a distillery and horse mill, which were extensively patronized by the surrounding country.

Job Fletcher, Sr., was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, from whence he moved to Kentucky, and from there to Illinois, settling in this towi.f-hip in 1819. On the very night of his arrival in the settlement, Mr. Fletcher was called to write the will of George Cox, who came the year before with the Drennan and Dodds families. That was the first will from what is now

Mr. F. had to buy corn for bread and to feed his stock until he could I'aise a crop. The nearest point at which he found any for sale was three miles south of Edwardsville. Mr. Fletcher bought of Major lies the first window glass ever sold in Springfield, and the first ever put in a window in Sangamon county. He also believed that he taught the first school in the county, in a log cabin built for that purpose, in 1820 or '21, south of Sugar creek. A Sunday school was organized near where he lived in 1825, by Rev. J. M. Peck, and Mr. Fletcher taught in that school also. It was near where the Sugar Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church now stands. Mr. Fletcher occupied a prominent position in the county at an early day, and was one of the famous "Long Nine." He died in 1872.

Joseph Dodds was born in Abbeville District, South Carolina, in the year 1786 on the 28th of May. He was taken by his mother to Caldwell county, Kentucky, in 1797, or '8. He was there married. May 3, 1810, to Mattie Drennan. They had three children in Kentucky, and in October, 1817, he accompanied his father-in-law, William Drennan to Illinois. In November, they stopped on Wood river, in Madison county, two miles north of Alton, and remained there until the next March, when the men and boys connected with four families started for Sugar creek, Sangamon county, piloted by William Moore, an Indian ranger. They reached their destination on the first of March, 1818, stopping in what is now Ball township, northwest of Sugar creek. There had not been any survey made, but the spot selected by Mr. Dodds, and on which he built his cabin, is now section twenty-nine, town fourteen, range five west, and that of William Drennan is section thirty-two, same town and range. Mr. Dodds had been too busy with his crop to build anything better than a double rail pen for the protection of his family. Mr. Dodds brought his family to their new home November 3, ]8l8. Mrs. Martha Dodds died January 10, U53, and Joseph Dodds died January 21, 1868, both on the farm where they settled in 1818. Joseph Dodds became very much dissatisfied soon after coming to Sangamon county, and determined to return to Kentucky. He sold all the property he could spare to obtain money to defray the expense, and loaded his wagon; but his horses strayed away the night previous to the time he intended starting, and before he could find them his money was gone. He was

Abram Pease was born July 22, 1791, in Martha's Vineyard, Dukes county, Massachusetts. The ancestors of this family were from Wales, and came to America more than two hundred years ago, settling in Massachusetts. Abram Pease went to the State of New York when a young man, and was married there, August 18, 1811, to Orpha Southwick. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, from Cayuga county. New York. Abram Pease and wife came to Sangamon county with the family of Jesse Southwick, arriving in 1818 in what is now Ball township. He died in 1832.

Joseph Drennan was born in the Pendleton District, South Carolina, April 16, 1786. He was a half-' rother of and much younger than William Drennan, senior. Joseph Drennan was married in South Carolina to Rebecca Evets. About 1807, the family moved to Caldwell county, Kentucky, and they moved to what is now Ball township, Sangamon county, Illinois, coming himself in March 10, 1818, and bringing his family in September of that year.

John Taylor was born in Danville, Kentucky. He came when a young man to Madison county, Illinois, and was there married to Elizabeth Burkhead, who was born near Charleston, South Carolina. They returned to Kentucky, and moved to Edwardsville, Illinois, and from there to what became Sangamon county, arriving in 1819 on Sugar creek, in what is now Ball township.

Job Fletcher, Sen., was born November 11, 1793, in Rockbridge county, Virginia. His father died when he was an infant, and his mother moved with her elder son, John, in the autumn of 1808, to Logan county, Kentucky, and the next spring to that part of Christian which was afterwards Todd county. Job remained in the family of his brother John, attending school and teaching. He served as a soldier six months in the War of 1812, and as such assisted in burying the dead after the Battle of Tippecanoe, although he was not in the battle. Mary Kerchner was born May 25, 1878, in Augusta county, Virginia, and was taken by her parents to Todd county, Kentucky. Job Fletcher and Mary Kerchner wei'e there married, December 22, 1818, and moved to what became Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving November IJ, 1819, in what is now Ball township.

John Brownell was born in Rhode Island, August 14, 1800. During his infancy his parents removed to Seneca, New York. He came west with the family of William Seely. Mr. B. and the other members of his family came by water to Shawneetown, and from there in wagons, ar- I'iving in what is now Ball township, July 5, 1819. John Brownell was married to Nancy PuUiam in 1821.

James Sims was born in Virginia, and taken by his parents to South Carolina, where he was married to DoIlySpillers. They moved to Logan county, Kentucky, and from there to Caldwell county; thence to St. Clair county, Illinois, and from there to Sugar creek, Sangamon county, arriving in the spring of 1820, in what became Ball township, Sangamon county. He built a hoi'se mill there to run by bands. He quarried stone of the same kind of which the first [State House in Springfield was built, and by the aid of his brother-in-law, William Spillers, made the burrs for his mill. He was the first Representative from Sangamon county in the State Legislature. He moved to Rock Creek, in what is nowMenard county, and from there to Morgan county. He was a Methodist preacher, and formed the first circuit ever organized in Sangamon county.

George Brunk was born December 22, 1804, in Miami county, Ohio. At seventeen years of age he came to Sangamon county. III., arriving in the fall of 1821. He entered eighty acres of land in what is now Ball township, returning to Ohio, and brought his mother, and step-father, Thomas Royal, with his brothers and sisters, to Sangamon county, and settled them on the land he had entered, where Dr. Shields now resides. He entered more land, built for himself a hewed log house, and was married Dec. 30, 1827, to Mary Boyd.

Job F. Harris was born in Rockbridge county, Va., Sept. 19, 1798, and was taken by his parents to Barren county, Ky., in 1806. He was apprenticed to learn the business of cabinet making, and moved to St. Louis, in 1816. Business being dull, his master released him, and he spent some time on the lower Mississippi, and went from New Orleans to the Rocky Mountains, with a company of trappers, returning in the fall of 1818. In the Fall of 1822 he came to Sangamon county, in what is now Ball township. In 1827, he enlisted in a Sangamon county company in the Winnebago war. He died July 29, 1866. His widow and children live two and a half miles northeast of Auburn.

Mr. Harris voted for Abraham Lincoln every time he was a candidate for any office, from Captain of a military company to President of the United States for the second time.

Anthony Deardoff was born in 1786, in Pennsylvania. Elizabeth Powell was born in 1800, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. They were married in 1818, in Franklin county, Ohio. The family then moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in the fall of 1823, in what is now Ball to w n sh i p . ' ' j 'li' i^'' - ' '''-^

Thomas Royal was born about l-^-Sr^, in Manchester, England. He came to America with a comrade about his own age, near the beginning of the war for Independence. They both volunteered in the army of the Colonists, and his comrade at his side had his head blown completely off. At the same time Mr. Royal was severely wounded by a charge of buckshot entering his ankle, some of Avhich he cairied to his grave. After the Revolution he married a Miss Cooper, in Virginia, and rait^ed a family. Mrs. Royal died, and he married Rebecca Matthews. They moved to Franklin county, Ohio, where Mrs. Rebecca Royal died. Mr. Royal married Mrs. Ellen Brunk. They moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, with her sons, George and David Brunk, the Newcomer family, and others, numbering in all nearly sixty-three persons, arriving in the fall of 1824, in what is now Ball township. He died in 1834.

Joseph Logsdon was born in Madison county, Kentucky, about 1780. lie was married to a Miss Simmons. They moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in 1824, in what is now Ball township, near where St. Bernard Church now stands. In 1832 or '33, he moved his family to Missouri, and from there to Texas. He died in 1848, on his road from Texas to California. He is particularly remembered in the vicinity of St. Bernard Church, from the fact that the first religious services ever conducted by a Catholic priest in Sangamon county was held at his house in 1829.

Peter Dtardoff, brother to Anthony, was born in Pennsylvania ; married in Ohio to Hannah Brunk, came to Sangamon county in 18-24 with George Brunk.

David Brunk was born December 17, 1819, in Ohio ; came with his mother and step-father, Thomas Royal, to Sangamon county in December, 1824. He was married November 5, 1833, to Maria Shoup, and died in 1855.

Gilbert Dodds, born in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, June 6, I7i)3, and was taken by his mother, first to Tennessee, and from there to

Caldwell county, Kentucky. He was married October 12, 1815, in Caldwell county, to Mary- Clinton. Her father, James Clinton, was Captain of a company in the Revolution. Gilbert Dodds and wife moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in August, 18-24, in what is now Ball township, and joined his brother Joseph, who came six years previous.

Rev. Gilbert Dodds became a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in early life. He was for many years pastor of the Sugar creek church, and was always an active, energetic advocate of temperance. In 1847, he moved to Menard county, a few miles south of Petersburg. Mrs. Mary Dodds died July 9, 1866, and Rev. Gilbert Dodds died May 3, 1872, both near Petersburg; the latter was a strong advocate of the Abolitionist party up to his death.

William Burtle was born July 1, 1780, near Montgomery Court House, Maryland. His parents moved when he was a boy to Washington county, Kentucky. Sarah Ogden was born in 1786, in St. Mary's county, Maryland. Her father died when she was a child, and her mother moved, with several children, to Washington county, Kentucky. William Hurtle and Sarah Ogden were there married, about 1805. The family moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in October, 1826, in what is now Ball township. Mr. Burtle entered land and made improvements for a permanent home, about two hundred yards east of where St. Bernard's Catholic Church now stands, and moved on it in the spring of 1828.

William, Jr., born August 9, 1822, in Grayson county, Kentucky, came with his parents to Sangamon county in October, 1826; was married September 4,' 1856, to Mrs. Elizabeth A. Simpson, whose maiden name was White. William Burtle has been a school teacher, justice of the peace, and for more than twenty years Treasurer and Collector of Ball township; also a member of the Board of Supervisors of Sangamon county. He was also elected President of the Old Settlers' Society, in 1874, for one year. He now lives in Aubiirn, engaged in mercantile business with his step-son, Jerome Simpson.

William Burtle, Jr., remembers that his father and James Simpson sent a request to St. Louis that a priest visit their neighborhood. Rev. Mr. Dusuaswa came in 1829, and held services at the residence of Joseph Logsdon. That M'^as the first service ever held by a Catholic priest in Sangamon county, and long before any thing of the kind took place in Springfield. William Burtle remembers that there were but two

Catholic families in Springtield. The next services were at the house of Wm. Burtle, Sr., by Eev. Joseph A. Lulz. The next priest to visit them was the Rev. Mr. Van Quickenbon. Services were held at the house of William Burtle, Sr., until 1849, when St. Bernard's Church was built. One edifice was burned, and the present one was built on the same ground. St. Bernard's church is associated with that at Virden in sustaining a priest.

Id I Mrs. William Burtle relates, in a very amusing manner, some of her experience on coming to the county. She had listened to the descriptions of the flowers blooming on the prairies, and made up her mind that it Avould lend additional charms to those she was acquainted with to cultivate them on the prairie, where the wild flowers could grow around them. She came prepared with seeds, and at the proper season armed herself with a hoe and sallied forth to indulge her taste for horticulture on the raw prairie. The romance all vanished at the first blow, as the hoe rebounded without making the slightest impression. Until that time she thought that j^lowing with large ox-teams was overdoing the work, but then became fully satisfied that it was indispensable as a preparation for the cultivation of the soil.

Zachariah Ogden was born November 11, 1794, near Frederick City, St. Mary's county Maryland. His father died there when he was quite young, and his mother moved to Washington county, Kentucky. Zachariah was married, in 1815, in Grayson county, to Elizabeth Peerce. The family moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving October 13, 1827, in what is now Ball townships. He died 1869.

James Simpson was born about 1785, in Maryland and went to Washington county, Kentucky, when he was a young man, and was there married to Mary A. Boone, and she died. Pie then married Monica McAtee, and the family moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in the fall of 1828. He located about one hundred and fifty yards southeast of where St. Bernard Catholic church now stands, in Ball township, George Moftitt was born in Augusta county, Virginia, about 1780, was married to Rebecca Gilkison, and then moved to Fayette county, Kentucky. The family moved to Christian county, Kentucky, and from there to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in w^hat is now Ball township in 1829. He died in 1860.

tucky. He was there married to Monica Higdon. She died, and he married Ann Vinson, in Kentucky, and moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in lb30, in what is now Bali township. After a stay of but one year in Sangamon county, Richard Simpson moved his family to Christian county, and both died there.

David H. Hermon was born in Wilks county. North Carolina, January 12, 1805. His grandfather was German and his grandmother English. Sally Mitts was born February 11, 1811, in Grant county Kentucky. They were married in that county, August 27, 1827, moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving October 26, 1830, in what is now Ball township. They lived in a cabin one mile west of Sugar creek timber, and spent the winter of the " deep snow" tliere. But one other family lived away from the timber. The recollection of Mr. Hermon is that rain fell for a day or two until the earth was saturated. The day before Christmas the rain turned to snow, and by night it was about six inches deep. Snow continued to fall almost every day for six weeks. February 11, 1831, was the first time he saw the sun, and then it was partially eclipsed. He burned all the rails and loose timber of every kind near his house, and it was all he could do to keep himself and family from freezing.

Jacob Gi'eenawalt was born October 27, 1804, in Hardin county, Kentucky. Mary Bradley was born August 4, 1810, in Larue county, Kentucky. They were there married, January 29, 1827, and moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving October, 1830, in what is now Ball township, and the next year moved to Putnam county. The Black Hawk Indian war breaking out, he returned to Sangamon county. After the capture of Black Hawk, he went back to Putnam, but sold out there, and returned to Sangamon in 1836. He died in 1863.

John Fletcher was born about 1774, in Rockbridge county, Virginia. Was a brother of Job Fletcher. Was a younger brother of his. John Fletcher was married in 1803, in Augusta county, Virginia, to Elizabeth McElvain, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher in 1806 emigrated to that part of Christian county which became Todd county, Kentucky. They moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in the spring of 1830 in what is now Ball township. The family, including his son Job, with his wife and child, consisted of eleven persons, and their first place of residence was a log cabin sixteen feet square, belonging to

Daniel Easley was born October 18, 17*73, in Stokes county, North Carolina. In I'/Ql he went to South Carolina, ajid in 1801 to Caldwell county, Kentucky. He was there married in ] 805 to Mrs. Margaret Ritchie. They came to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in the spring of 1830, in what is now Ball township. Daniel Easley died at Auburn, Sangamon county, February 13, 1874. If the date of his birtli is correct, as given to the writer by the old gentleman himself about fifteen months before his death, he was one hundred years, three months and twenty-five days old.

His recollection of events was quite distinct. He related incidents connected with the ascension of the first steamboat on the Ohio river, which he witnessed; also of the War of 1812. He united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church when he was eighty years of age.

The Stout family, though not as old settlers as many others, are worthy of mention in this conneclion. Power, in his History of the early settlers of Sangamon county, has this to say of the family:

"The origin of this family in America is quite romantic. The principal points in their history may be found in Benedict's History of the Baptists. Some of his statements are based on the writings of an earlier historian. The following embraces all that is known on the subject:

"Some time during the seventeenth century, probably about 1680 or 1690, a young couple, just married, in Holland, embarked on a vessel bound for America. The voyage was prosperous until they were nearing the port of New Amsterdam, now the city of New York. The vessel was wrecked off what is now the coast of New Jersey, and nearly all on board drowned. The young couple of Hollanders escaped drowning, and with a small number of the passengers and crew succeeded in reaching the shore. Upon landing, they were attacked by Indians, who lay in ambush awaiting their arrival. The whole party were tomahawked, scalped, and otherwise mutilated, and left for dead. All were dead except the wife, from Holland. She alone survived, and although her scalp was removed, and she was otherwise horribly mangled, she had sufficient remaining strength to crawl away from the scene of the slaughter, and secreted herself in a liollow log, which was concealed by underbrush. She lay there a day or two, during which time her mental and bodily suffering may be imagined, but cannot be described. She finally made up her mind that there was no possibility of her escaping with life; that if she remained quiet she would certainly die of hunger and thirst, and if she attempted to seek sustenance, that would expose her to the Indians, who would be sure to kill her. At this juncture, a deer, with an arrow sticking in its body, ran past where she was. This led her to believe that Indians were near, and she reasoned that it would be a much easer death to let them kill her than to endure the pangs of starvation by remaining where she was. She then summoned all her remaining strength, and dragged her body out to an open space, that the Indians might see her, should they pursue the deer. In a short time, three of the savages appeared on its trail. Two of them rushed upon her with uplifted tomahawks, but the third one, a chief, restrained them, and saved her life. It was not humanity, but gain, that prompted him to this act of mercy. He took his prisoner to New Amsterdam, and there received a ransom ior her. That placed her in the hands of friends, who gave her the proper surgical treatment and nursing as she recovered. The name of her husband is not known, neither is her own family name - nothing but her fii'st and given name, Penelope; a name that has stood for more than twenty-five centuries, in tradition and literature, as the highest ideal of a true and loyal wife. It will readily be understood that I allude to one of the creations of Homer, the father of Greek poetry. A brief statement of the case, gleaned from his works, will not be out of place here.

"When the Greeks declared war against Troy, in consequence of the abduction of Helen, the wife of Menelaus, a Greek chieftain, it was found that one of their number, Ulysses, although a soldier by profession, and a farmer in time of peace, manifested great reluctance to leaving his young and beautiful wife, Penelope, and their infant son, Telemachus, for the purpose of engaging in war. He feigned insanity, by sowing salt instead of wheat. As a test of his sanity, Nestor, whom all respected for his wisdom and probity, proposed that the infant son of Ulysses should be laid in the furrow in front of the oxen with which he was plowing. The device was successful, and caused him to throw off the disguise by saving his child. It was expected that the war would be brief, but it was extended to a long series of years, and of those who finally returned, Ulysses was the last, after twenty year's absence. Meanwhile, he was supposed to be dead, and many suitors for the hand of Penelope, pressed their claims, and a simple 'No' from her w^s not taken for an answer. The very thought of marrying again, especially while the fate of her husband was in doubt, was peculiarly revolting to her, and she announced her intention of choosing a husband among the suitors, when she had completed the weaving of a shroud for her father-in-law. Her ardent suitors waited with all the patience which they could command until it was discovered that slie undid at night what she had woven through the day. She was then obliged to proceed with her work when the long absent Ulysses returned just in lime to save her from what seemed a horrible fate.

"This modern Penelope had no such doubts to contend with. The death of her first husband was only too sure, having been witnessed by her own eyes. After her recovery, she became acquainted with and married an Englishman by the name of Richard Stout. They then went over into New Jersey, made themselves a home and raised a family of twelve sons. One of them, Jonathan Stout, and his family were the founders of the Hopewell settlement, in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, where Hopewell Baptist Church was afterwards constituted. Of the first fifteen members, nine were Stouts. The church was organized at the house of a Stout, and for forty years their meetings were held chiefly at the houses of the Stouts; aft^ which they erected their first house of worship. In 1790, two of the deacons and four of the elders were Stouts. Jonathan Stout lived until his descendants were multiplied to one hundred and seventeen. Another one of their sons, David, had a son Benjamin, born in 1706. He had a son, Jediab, born April 10, 1757. His son Philemon, came to Sangamon county in 1836, and died some ten years later. Several of the family yet live in the township, and are well known.

" The Stouts very justly take pride in their family history, and being mostly Baptists, they take pride in their Baptist history also. When they meet a stranger by the. name of Stout, who manifests a disposition to claim relationship, they apply one test only in their family history. They do not ask him to pronounce the word Shibboleth, but ascertain if he has any knowledge of Penelope, and if he knows nothing of her, they know nothing of him. In other words, they do not cultivate his acquaintance in the direction of relationship, any further."

In 1829, a company of sixty-three persons came from Ohio, among whom were Absolom Meredith and family, Isaac Clark and family, David Clark and family, Mr. Snell and others. Among other early settltrs were Joseph Dixon, Joseph Gatliu, Daniel Ford, Mr. Averill, Edin Lewis, William Eads.

The tirst mills in the township were the old fashioned horse mills, often described. Thomas Black had one on his place, and also Joseph Drennan and Robert Pulliam. The tirst water mill was erected in 1827, by A.Lathropon Sugar creek, on section two. This was a saw mill. Subsequently it was sold to John Purvis, who built agristmill in connection. Mr. Purvis run a distillery, which, like others at that day, was extensively pati'onized. Mr. Purvis sold to Leroy Hill and Hill to Robert McCond}- about 1840. Mr. McCondy died in 1843, and the mill passed into the hands of Timothy Shoup. In 1850, William D. Crow purchased it, and in 1857 tore it down and re-built a larger and more substantial building. The mill was run exclusively by water until 1866, when steam was ij?- troduced. It is now run by water or steam or both, as it pleases the operator. The mill has three run of stone and does a large business, about one-half of which is custom work. William D. Crow died in 1869, and was succeeded by his son. ,

In 1862, after the organization of the One Hundredth and Foui'teenth regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, a large number of whom were from Ball and Cotton Hill townships, the desire sprung up by many living in both townships for a post oftice in the neighborhood, that they might earlier receive news from the seat of war. A petition was circulated, praying for the establishment of an oftice, and the appointment of Davis Meredith as postmaster. The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the office was established with Mr. Meredith as postmaster. It was called Cotton Hill, although located in Ball township, on section twelve. During the dark days of the war, the yard of Mr. Meredith was often filled with anxious men and women, awaiting the arrival of the mail that they might hear news from absent ones, fighting their country's battles. When the war was over, Mr. Meredith resigned the office, and James Terry was appointed postmaster. The office was removed to Mr. Terry's residence, two miles south, on section 24. Here is remained aboutone year, when it was removed to Crow's mill, and George Stakey appointed postmaster. Mr. Stakey was subsequently succeeded by Charles Silash, and he by Taylor Crow, and finally Virgil Downey was appointed, and is the present postmaster.

Few of the younger generatioin know that Ball township once boasted of its village, but such was the fact. In 1837, just previous to the financial crash of that year. George R. Spottswood had planted a village which he gave the high sounding title of Mazeppa. The inquisitive reader may wish to know who Mazeppa was. The writer has seen no account of the person in any of the biographical dictionaries of tbe day, and can only refer to the poem of Lord Byron. The village had its store, the principal article sold being a prime article (at least they called it prime) of whisky, distilled from corn. Here the annual musters were held, and the brave militia "fit, bled and died" on the gory field. It is no mistake about its often being gory, for it raoi*e than once occurred before the close of the day there would be several fights, causing bloody noses, and all for "the fun of the thing." But Mazeppa never had a postoftice, and of course could not flourish, for what place without mail privileges could ever exist? The store was started by John Deardorff, who continued it but a short time and then sold it.

The principal stream running through the township is Sugar creek, which enters on section thirty-one, from which it passes into and through sections thirty-two, thirty-three, twenty-eight, twenty-one, sixteen, nine, four, three, two and one, thence into Woodside township. Grindstone, Panther and Lick creek, are tributaries to Sugar creek, and empty into the latter stream in this township. The first bridge across Sugar creek was constructed by Thomas Black and his neighbors, about 1827. It was of hewn timber, with puncheon floor, and was built across the creek near the Ball line, but in Auburn township.

A school house was erected in 1821, on the northeast quarter of section nine, which was probably the first school house built in the county. Charles Wright was the first teacher in this house.

A school house was also built about a quarter of a mile north of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in 1823. Joseph White was one of the first, if not the first teacher in this house.

The first to preach the gospel in this township is unknown. The Methodist circuit riders were early in the field, and the Baptists and Cumberland Presbyterians were not far behind.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, situated on section thirty-one, was organized in 1824, at the house of William Drennan, Senior, by Rev. John M. Berry. Among' those comprising the original organization, or who united shortly afterwards, were William Drennan, Joseph Dodds and wife, William Wallace, Gilbert Dodds and wife, Lewis Laughlin and wife, James Anderson, Robert Anderson, James Wallace and John Durley. The congregation worshipped for some years in school houses and private dwellings, and in 1838 built a log church, twenty-four by thirty, clapboard roof, without ceiling save the roof, cracks between logs daubed with mortar, the whole lighted with two small windows. The seats were of slabs, with pins to rest upon. The pulpit was a board eight inches wide, resting upon the posts. The inside of the house remained in this condition for some years, when it was lathed and plastered, and a stove put in by which to warm it. No further change was made until 1846, when a new frame building was erected. An addition was subsequently built to the frame, and is now in good condition, and near the same site of the old building. The church has now, in 1881, a membership of one hundred and one. The church at first was ministered unto by such traveling preachers as chanced to be in the neighborhood. Among those who served as pastors were Revs. Dodds, Randall, Campbell, Berry and F. S. Bridgeman. The latter served the church for fourteen years. Rev. George Hudson is the present pastor.

The first Sunday school in the county, and supposed to be the second in the State, was organized by Rev. J. M. Peck, at the house of William Drennan, Sr., in 1825. It was placed under control of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, organized at the same place. William Drennan, who always took an active part in every good work, was its first superintendent. Mr. Drennen was succeeded by Job Fletcher, who for twenty years served in the same capacity. After Mr. Fletcher, a number of others held the position, the present superintendent

The first services held by a Catholic priest, was in 1829, at the house of Joseph Logsdon, and also the first in the county. Rev. Mr. Dusuaswa ofiiciated. The next service was at the house of William Burtle, Sr., by Rev. Joseph A. Lutz. The next priest to visit the neighborhood was Rev. VanQuickenbon. Services were held at the house of William Burtle until 1844, when a frame church twenty by thirty was built and dedicated by Father Gifferd, who resided in Springfield. The parish at this time numbered about forty families. Tlie church building was subsequently destroyed by fire, and a large and better structure was erected in 1866. Father Henderson was the pastor of the church when the new house was erected. He was succeeded by Father Grant, and he by Father J. Murphy, who resided in the parisli, the others residing in Virden. Father Murphy continued his labors three years and held services each Sunday. Father Hickey, of Virden, then took charge of the church and continued two years. Father Ryan followed him and ministered to the chuch for one year, coming from Virden once a month. Father Kane, of Springfield came next, and was succeeded after the expiration of six months by Father D. J. Ryan. The present pastor is holding services every three weeks. The parish now numbers seventy families. The trustees of the church, while their new house of worship was being erected were William Burtle, Garrett Young and Josiah Gatton. The present trustees are Thomas Burtle, Garrett Y'^oung and D. J. Ryan. The present church building is thirtysix by sixty feet, and cost $5,000. A cemetery is connected with the church and occupies about two acres of ground.

At the fall election of 1860, the county voted to adopt the township organization law, and commissioners were appointed to divide the county into townships, which was accordingly done, and township fifteen, range four, was made a political township, under the name of Ball, so named in honor of one of its principal citizens. The following comprises the list of the principal township officers from 1861 to 1881, inclusive:

Town Hall

J. A. JBall, section twenty-one, was born in Madison county, Kentucky, July 5, 18U0; his parents were John and Nancy (Adan\s) Ball, the former a native of Virginia, and the iMter of North Carolina. They moved to Madison county, Kentucky, in 1792, where they lived thirty years on a farm; father died on the old homestead in Virginia while on a visit there. In 1829, the mother of the subject of this t-ketch moved to this county, where she died in 1845, at her son's house. James A. was twenty-live years of age when he came to this county, and bought three hundred and twenty acres of land, before the township was named. December 2, 1828, he married Sarah E. Henderson, who was born in Tennessee in 1811, and they had two children, Clarissa Jane, James II. Mr. B. lost his wife in 1832; he married again, this time Marinda Davis, who was born in South Carolina, in 1800; she died in 1855, and for his third wife, Mr. Ball married Melissa Morrison, who was born in Ohio in 1840. By this marriage there were two children, John M., and Fannie M. In 1840, Mr. Ball settled on his present farm, where he now owns two hundred and ten acres of land. He has been justice of the peace seven years, and also assistant county judge. He fought in the Winnebago war under T. M. Neal, and in 1831, in the Black Hawk war, as First Lieutenant under Captain Morris sixty days, and in 1832, he again served in that war sixty days, as Captain under Major Thomas Long. In politics, he was a Democrat.

Joseph Bean was born in Clark county, Indiana, July 27, 1820, and is a son of Jecob and Rachel {nee McClure) Bean, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Pennsylvania; they came to Sangamon county in the fall of> 1828, arriving one day before the election of Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, and settled in Cotton Hill township, where Mr. Bean carried on farming until his death, April, 1837. Mrs. B. died in March, 1850. June 1, 1843, Joseph, the subject of this paragraph, married Mary P. Spicer, By this union there were two children - Nancy J., now Mrs. Henry Hertel, and Sarah E., who married Isaac Porter, and died in 1869. Mrs. B. died in October, 1850, and April 25, 1854, Mr. B. married Barbara Deardorif, who was born in this county December 23, 1827 ; and by this marriage there were these four children : Joseph L. and Waldo P,, now living, and Thomas W. and Lindsay C, deceased. Mr. B. owns, in Ball and Cotton Hill townships.

two hundred and sixty acres of land, worth $45 an acre. Politically, he is a Democrat. For the last fifteen years he has been justice of the peace, and has been almost a life member of the School Board.

Joseph Oauipbcll was born in Montgomery county, Ky., May 3, 1799; son of Alexander and Jane (Anderson) Campbell, natives of Virginia, who moved to Wayne county, this State, in 1817, where they lived until their death, the latter in September, 1844, and the former July 26, 1857. Joseph was married May 12, 1822, to Elsie Clark, who was born in Hopkins county, Ky., April 29, 1801, Their family consisted of eiglit children, of whom only three are now living. They resided in Wayne county until 1846, when they moved to this township. May 6, 1870, Mr. C, lost hif wife, and he now resides on the old place, Miss Margaret Jane Campbell keeping house. Politically, Mr. C, is a Democrat.

'W. D. Crow, deceased, was born in Kentucky, January 24, 1812, and came to this county in 1823, locating near Auburn, and engaging in farming and milling until 1850. He removed to Cotton Hill, Ball township, and operated a mill until his death, April 27, 1869. In 1845, he married Jul. a Measick, who was also born in Kentucky, September l7, 1823; their seven children all reside in this county, two of them married. William T., his son, and the present owner of the mill, took charge of the same after Mr. Crow's death, and now has everything in running order, with three sets of burrs, run by steam or water. The mill is furnished with new and improved machinery, which turns out first-class flour. William resides with his mother, on the homestead near the mill.

Virgil S. Doivning, was born in Springfield, Illinois., April 2, 1842; son of Jacob and Nancy (Sudduth) Downing, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Kentucky. They both died when Virgil was Young, and the latter, at thirteen years of age, went to live with Philemon Stout, with whom he remained until the opening of the late war, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and B'ourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in August, 1862, serving until the Spring of 1865. He was in the siege of Vicksburg, in the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, and many smaller engagements. On the close of the war he returned to farming; October 22, 1873, he married Susan A. Shields, who was born in this county, December 7, 1842; the daughter of Alexander and Ann (Capps) Shields; their three children are Geraldine, Anna and Alexander. In the spring of 1881, Mr. Downing bought the

James A. Drennan was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, August 5, 1828, son of William and Margaret (Anderson) Drennan, the former a native of South Carolina, and the latter of Virginia. His father came to this county in March, 1818, and resided in the county untiljhis death, September 13, 1876. His mother died August 28, 1881, on the old homestead. James grew up on the farm, and his education was received in the common schools of this county. He married in 1852, to Rachel Cannon, who was born in Kentucky, March 3, 1833, and came to this county with her uncle, her parents being both deceased at the time. Their fagiily consisted of nine children, six of whom are now living, viz: Jennetta F., now Mrs. J. F.Burt, Mary E., Robert W., Minnie W., Ira, and Gilbert; three deceased, Ida Bell, Hattie and Freddie. Mr. D., moved on the present farm December 9, 1853, on which he has continued to reside. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty-one acres of land, well improved, and worth |50 per acre. He has held the office of road commissioner and justice of the peace for many years, and is a lifetime member of the school board. Politically he is a Republican.

John T. Drennan was born in this county, January 13, 1832. Son of William and Margaret Drennan, {nee Anderson.) He received a cjmmon school education, and enlisted in the war of the rebellion in the Seventy-third Regiment Illinois Volunteers, where he served till September 20, 1863. At the battle of Chickamauga he received a wound in his left ankle, also a flesh wound in the right arm. He was in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, and Stone River, Tennessee. After his discharge he came home, and has since been engaged in farming in this township, near the old home of his father. He has held the office of School Treasurer six years, is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, is unmarried, and a staunch Republican.

Job I^letcherwaH born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, August 27, 1801, but was brought up in Todd county, Kentucky. His parents were John and Elizabeth (McElvain) Fletcher, natives also of Virginia, who moved to Kentucky in 1806, and to Illinois in 1830; their family consisted of three sons, four daughters and two grand-children. They settled in a house sixteen by eighteen, made of logs, and owned by Job Fletcher, his brother, who came in 1819. He built an addition to the cabin, planted a crop, and lived there during the summer. During this season John and his brother, James, died. The mother lived with her son. Job, until her youngest daughter was married. She then went to Montgomery county, Illinois, and from there to Macoupin county, Illinois, where she died. Job, the subject of this notice, was married in Kentucky, to Frances Brown, November 24, 1825, who was born December 12, 1801, in Augusta county, Virginia, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Kashner) Brown. They emigrated to Macoupin county, Illinois. Their children are: Mary E., who married I. N. McElvain, and died in 1875; Margaret Frances, who died in her tenth year; John S., who died in 1854; William D., whcf died in his third year; Preston R., who in 1854 married Sarah Wright and now resides in Missouri; he had seven children, two of whom only are now living; Pauline K., who married Francis E. Dodds, son of Joseph Dodds, a well known old settler; Benjamin F., who enlisted in the late war, in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company B, and served three years, eleven months of which time was passed in Andersonville prison. He married Mary E. Drennan, daughter of William Drennan, and they had four children, of whom one is deceased. Virginia A., wlio married Charles G. Brown, and of their five children two are living. Mr. Fletcher owns two hundred and eighty acres of land, including the home place, which he bought in 1833, besides giving his children nearly seven hundred acres, all of which he purchased since he came to this county. January 11, 1881, his wife died, and he now resides with his son, Benjamin F., who carries on a farm and makesgrain and stock-raising a specialty. They have been members of the Presbyterian Church since 1843. Politically, he was an old Clay Whig, and then a Republican.

liobert II. Maalty was born in Ball township, September 19, 1841. He is the son of James B. and Margaret (Dodds) Ea8ley,the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Illinois. Mr. Easley's father was one of the early settlers of Ball township, and at one time knew every man in Sangamon county, he removing here in 1829, and living in the township until his death, which occurred September 10, 1857. His mother, some time after his lather's death, was married to W. Easley, and now resides in Missouri. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of the township and the Illinois State University. In 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company F., Twelfth

Illinois Cavalry, and served three years, the greater part of the time in the Army of the Potomac. Mr. Easky participated in many of the important battles of the war, among which were the battle of Stoneman's Raid, summer of IStiS; Gettysburg, Boonesboro, Upperville, Darksville, and numerous others, for further details of which we refer to "Patriotism of Illinois." Mr.

E. held a number of non-commissioned ofKces, and was mustered out as Sergeant. At the close of the war, he returned home, and was married, in 1865, to Mary F. Easley, a daughter of Ambrose and Elizabeth (Haggard) Easley, and a native of Kentucky. The family of R. H. and Mary

F. Easley consists of four children, Laura E., Henrietta F., James A., and Arthur K. Mr. Easley is the possessor of three hundred acres of fine land, valued at |60 per acre; has held the offices of justice of the peace and member of the School Board. In politics, is a Republican.

Willimn JR. Ford was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, July 3, 1824. The son of Daniel and Mary (Randolph) Ford, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Kentucky. They came to this county in 1838, arriving November 8, and settling in what is now Ball township^ where he lived until his death. May 22, 1852. Mrs. Ford died in 1864. William R., the subject of this sketch, was married in 1849, to Minerva Jane Scott, who also was born in Kentucky, in April, 1830, and came to Morgan county with her parents. The two children in this family are, William P. and Sarah E., now Mrs. Charles M. Shepherd. Mr. F. moved upon his farm, where he now lives, in 1856, when there was not even a rail upon it. He now owns two hundred and ninety-three acres of land, well improved, worth |50 an acre. Mr. Ford and Mrs. Ford are members of the Methodist Church. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Ra2ie Funderhurh was born in this county February 10, 1821, and is the son of Henry and Polly (Rape) Funderburk. The latter was born in South Carolina, moved to Tennessee, and then to St. Clair county, Illinois, and finally to this county, in the spring of 1847, with William Nelson, where they cleared up a piece of land, planted a crop, built a cabin, and, after maturing the crops, went back and brought out their families to their new home on Horse creek, in Cotton Hill township In Mr. Henry Funderburk's family were fifteen children, of whom eight are living. Their mother died August 1, 1841, and their father August 14, 1843, in Ball townghip. In 1843, the subject of this biography married Amanda Jones, who was born in Wa^ne couiily, Illinois, and died in 1845. Their only child was Alexander. Mr. F., in 1845, married Mary Sanders, a native of Sangamon county, who died in April, 1848. In 1849, for his third wife, Mr. F. married Caroline Armstrong, a native of Ohio. By this marriage have been ten children ; the living are, Mary J., Abel, George W., Amanda, Albert, Melvin, Edward and Miles. The two deceased were Thomas L. and Stephen A. Mr. Funderburk's farm, in 1862, consists of two hundred and forty acres, well improved, and worth 150 an acre. Politically, he is a Democrat. Mr. F.'s principal occupation is trading in stock.

Williatn Hermon was born in this county, November 20, 1842; son of David and Sally (Mitts) Hermon, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Kentucky. They came to this county in 1830 and located in Ball township where they still reside. William received his education in the common schools and resided with his father on the farm until 1865, when he married Emma Mitts, who was born in this county February 12, 1851. She was the daughter of Jacob and Marinda Mitts, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hermon have one child, David Tilden, born December 21, 1876. Mr. H. moved upon his present farm in the fall of 1877. It consists of fifty acres of well improved land. He is a Democrat.

Nathan H. Ingles was born January 1, 1837, in Bourbon county, Keptucky; is the son of William and Parmelia(Jacoby) Ingles, who were both Kentuckians. His fatherdiedin Kentucky; in 1855, his mother with her family, came to Illinois and settled in Sangamon county. His mother died here February 6, 1877. Mr. Ingles received his education in the common schools. In 1860, he was married to Sarah B., daughter of William and Sarah (Moore) Lockridge, who was born January 1, 1841. Her father died June 10, 1879, and her mother died November 23, 1857, in Ball township. Mr. and Mrs. Ingles have been blessed with six children, five of whom are now living, viz: Sarah P., Henry G., Frederick B., John A. and Jessie N. One child has passed " over the river" - William B. Mr. Ingles moved on to his present farm in 1878, and is now the possessor of two hundred acres of land under a fair state of cultivation. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Drury Jones was born January 12,1830, in Ball township, and is the son of Robert Jones, who was born September 25, 1790, in Orange county, North Carolina. In 1816, he married Sabitha Lord, who was born June 18, 1795.

They moved to this county May 13,1828, in what is now Ball township, and he followed farming until his death, May 16, 1874. Mrs. Jones died September 22, 1861. Drury, the subject of this notice, was married June 11, 1850, to Amanda M. Porterfield, who was born in this county, 1831, and of their three children, only one, James Madison, is living. Robert Philemon and Minerva Jane are deceased. Mrs. Jones died April 22, 1855, and on September 11, 1856, Mr. Jones married Susannah Meridith, who was born May 4, 1837. By this marriage there have been nine children, of whom seven are now living, viz: Amanda Jane M., born November 13, 1857. She was married October 1, 1874, to Charles R. McClure; they have one child, Hattie A. McClure. Charles Calvin Lafayette, born November 21, 1859, married October 20, 1880, to Clara I. Vigal. Davis A. Washington, born March 8, 1862; William Arthur E., born November 28, 1864; Franais M. Josiah, September 26, 1867; Sarah Melissa Ann, born August 6, 1870, died May 22, 1871; MaryEttie, born June 12, 1872; Samuel Christopher, born Jan. 11, 1875, died January 24, 1876; and Emma Louise, born January 17, 1877. Mr. Jones received his education in the common schools. He now resides on his farm, of which there are eight hundred acres, in a good state of improvement, worth $50 per acre. He is a Democrat.

Alexander J. Jones was born in Wayne county, this State, January 9, 1820, the son of Robert and Tabitha Lard Jones; father Av^as born in Orange county. North Carolina, September 25, 1790, and mother June 18, 1795; they moved to Tennessee, thence to Kentucky, thence to Wayne county, Illinois, in 1819, and to this county in 1828, where he followed farming until his death. May 16, 1874; mother died September 22, 1861. Alexander J. Jones, the subject of this sketch was brought xip on a farm, and June 26, 1871, he married Cassandra E. Hunt, a native of Tennessee: Melissa J., their only child. Mrs. J. died May 5, 1875.' He was again married January 23, 1878, to Artrilla Bozant, nee Peddicord, who was born in Ohio June 17, 1837. Their child is Robert Alexander; her two children by her former husband are Viola E. and Phoebe Lillian. Mr. Jones has been a resident of this county ever since he first settled here except four years in Christian county. He now owns one thousand one hundred and eighteen acres of land, one hundred and sixty in Christian County, well improved and worth $60 an acre. In politics he is a Democrat.

George Lamb was born December, ISYG, near Hagerstown, Maryland, and when quite a young man went to Mt. Pleasant, Westmoi eland county, Pennsylvania, where he learned the business of saddle and harness-making. He was married at Mt. Pleasant, May 24, 1820, to Eliza H. Hubbs, who was born in that place in 1794. She was the daughter of Dr. Charles Hubbs, who, althongh a member of the Society of Friends, was a surgeon in the American army, near the close of the Revolution. Later in life. Dr. Hubbs became a preacher in the Baptist church. George Lamb's ancestors were members of the Society of Friends also. Mr. and Mrs. Lamb had three children in Pennsylvania, and moved to Kaskaskia, Randolph county, Illinois in the spring, 1830. Mrs. Eliza H. Lamb, died August 15,1834, in Chester, Illinois, and in June, 1836, George Lamb moved to Springfield, Mr. George Lamb was again married, the second time, in 1840, to Mrs. Lucinda Crowder, and resided in Sangamon county until his death, August 26, 1867. His wife Lucinda Lamb, died January 18, 1872, both in Sangamon county, Illinois.

Charles II. Larnb, son of George, born May 19, 1822, at Brownsville, Fayette county, Penn.; accompanied his parents to Illinois, and came to Springfield in 1832, preceding his father, to attend schoo'. He remained one year, and returned to his parents, who had moved from Kaskaskia to Chester, Illinois. He afterwards learned the printing business, in the Sangamo Journal, in Springfield, with Simeon Francis & Co. In 1841, Charles H. Lamb started the Rock River Register, at Grande de Tour, Ogle county, Illinois, but sold out the following spring. He was afterwards, with his uncle, James L. Lamb, in the pork packing business, and continued in the same for twenty years; he sold out to his uncle, James L. Lamb, in 1866, and engaged in farming, in Ball township, where he mostly resides. He is yet unmarried, and divides his time between this and Michigan. In politics, he is a Republican.

Willlayn B. Laioley, deceased, was born in Tennessee, June 24, 1811, son of Stephen and Abigail Lawley, natives of Virginia. They moved to Tennessee, where they lived till 1828, then came to thi-i county, locating in Springfield, and the next year moved to Ball township, where they resided until their death. The mother died January 6, 1853, and the father December 28, 1861. William B. received his education in Tennessee, and at eight years of age his father moved with him to this place. December 25, 1831, he married Amy, daughter of Davis and

Mary Meredith, who were born, respectively, October 8, 1810, and September 12, 1838. They had three children, two of whom are now living, David W. and Mary E. The deceased was Stephen T. November 28, 18'9, he was married the second time, to Sarah M, Duncan, who was born in North Carolina, September 18, 1821, and came to this county in 1829. Of their nine children, seven are now living, namely: Ruth J., now Mrs. L. Sallanger; Elijah D., James P., Amanda E., now Mrs. Dr. J. B. Mathew; Sarah M., now Mrs. W. J. Knotts; Leonard W. and Prudence A. Nancy A. and Francis J. are deceased. March 24, 1877, Mr. L. died, and his widow now resides on the homestead, which consists of one hundred and nine acres. Mr. L. was a Republican,

Josiah Lard, section twenty-six, was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, May 12, 1819. His parents were John and Lydia Lard, father a native of South Carolina, and mother of St. Louis county, Missouri, and farmers by occupation. His mother died in February, 1824, and his father November 16, 1845. His father moved to this county in the spring of 1836, where he carried on farming. Josiah was married September 22, 1842, to Jemima Jane Crowder, who was born June 5, 1825, in Hardin county, Kentucky, and came to this county with her parents, in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Lard have had six children, five of whom are living, viz.: Job J., Lydia E., Sarah L., Elsie P., and George R. Martha A. is deceased. Four of these children are married. Mrs. Lard died April 3, 1855, and Mr. Lard afterwards married Millie Funderburk, who was born in Sangamon county, March 1, 1833. Four of their children are living, namely: Jacob F., John H , Emma and Minnie E. Four are deceased - Orlena Jane, and three in infancy. Mr. Lard commenced farming on forty acres of land, but now owns one thousand, eight hundred acres, which he has obtained by his own industry. His land is worth fifty dollars an acre. He has been identified with the interests of his township for many years. In politics, he is conservative.

Robert Maker, was born in Tipperary county Ireland, August 15, 1838; son of John and Mary Maher, nee Connors, who were natives of Ireland, and both deceased. The subject of this sketch came to America in 1851 and landed in New York, where he remained for a number of years, and in 1859 went to Iroquois county, and from there to Sangamon county in the fall of the same year, where he engaged in feeding cattle for Henry Soup, at ten dollars per month, and the next year he engaged to work for Philemon Stout at twelve dollars per month, and worked one year and only lost one day, and in August, 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and served until April, 1862, being discharged on account of disability. He then returned to Sangamon county, Illinois, and resumed his labors for Philemon Stout, and March 20, 1864, married Cynthia Ann Lard, who was born in Wayne county, Illinois, June 14, 1828. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Lard. Their family consisted of two children, Louisa Price and John Philemon, deceased. He moved to the present farm in February 1872, and now owns one hundred and seventy-four acres of land which he has under a fair state of improvement, and worth fifty dollars per acre. His first vote in the United States was cast for Stephen A. Douglas for President. Politically, he is a Douglas Democrat.

John M. Matthews was born in Franklin county, Ohio, near Columbus, December 14, 1815; fion of Simon and Ann (Deardorfl^) Matthews, natives of Virginia, who moved to Washington county, Indiana, and in November, 1833, to this county, where he followed farming and coopering until his death, in 1847, from the effects of a broken leg. His mother died in 1835. John M., the subject of this biography, married Mrs. Sarah Crowder, nee Woozley. Their five children are: James H., born October 13, 1838, and married March 28, 1860, to Sally A. Handlin; Simon T., who married Mary A. Clayton; Susan Ann, born August 29, 1844, married Marcus D. Clayton; William O., who married Mary E. Lamb; Leonard S., married September 24, 1874, to Alice Galloway. James H. has two children, Everett S. and Jennie M., who live in Springfield; Simon T. has three children, Etta E., Luther F. and Charles Carroll; William O. has two children, Ida May and Fannie A.; Mrs. Sarah Matthews died in 1851, and in 1856, Mr. M. married Mary E. Scoot, who was born in Kentucky. By this marriage there are five children, Fannie, John M., Jr., Laura, Lucy and Josephine. Mr. M. owns two hundred and sixty acres of land, fairly cultivated. Himself and Mrs. M. are members of the old-school Baptist Church, and politically he is a Democrat.

Archibald J. 3Iegredy, son of E. and Mary Megredy; was born January 30, 1838, and resides on his farm, situated in the northwest corner of Ball township, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he has under a fair state of cultivation and worth $50. uO an jjavis Meredith. - One of the best known citizens of Ball township, is Davis Meredith, who, in coDopany with his parents, came to this county in 1829. His father, Absalom Meredith, and his mother, Mary Meredith, and whose maiden name was Royal, were both natives of the Keystone State - Pennsylvania. Shtrtly after their marriage, they moved to Butler county, Ohio, where they remained some years, and from there moved to Miami county, in the same State- While residing in Ohio, the second war with Great Britain took place, and Mr. Meredith enlisted, and served his country faithfully as a private soldier. In 1829, he sold his farm in Ohio, and emigrated to Illinois, chosing as the place of his future residence the "beautiful country of the Sangamo," and Ball township, in Sangamon county. Here he arrived October 27, of the same year, and where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1842. His widow survived him two years, when she too passed away. Davis Meredith was one of a family of six children, and was born in Butler county, Ohio, June 14, 1812. His early life passed without any incident of special interest. From the time he was old enough, he had to do his share of work upon his father's farm, being permitted to go to the common country schools of his neighborhood about three months in the year. When he arrived in Sangamon county, he was in his eighteenth year, and, like a dutiful son, he remained with, and assisted his father in opening up a new farm and making a house for the family. When the call for volunteers was issued to put down the invasion of Black Hawk, he enlisted, and served till his company was discharged. After the close of the war, he went to Galena, and worked for a time in the lead mines. He then returned to Sangamon county, and purchased a farm on section twelve. Ball township, where he hassincecontinued to reside. In 1836, Mr. Meredith Avas married to Mary, daughter of Christopher and Susan Newcomer, by whom he has had seven children: Susan, now the wife of Diury Jones; Charles N.; Mary Jane, now the wife of John R. Kincaid; Sarah Ann, now the wife of Lewis R. Hedrick; Christopher C, Luther Osborn and Fannie L. Mr. Meredith's first son, Charles N., was amemberof Company E., One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and served until discharged, October, 1864, at Memphis, Tennessee. In politics, Mr. Meredith is a true-blue Republican, and has been ever since the organization of the party. In his political views, he has always been consistent, and the opposition always know right where to find him. On the establishment of the Cotton Hill post office, of which mention is made on a preceding page, Mr. Meredith was appointed its first postmaster. In the meetings of the old settlers, Mr. Meredith has always taken an active interest, and served one year as President of the association. In his old age, he loves to recount the scenes of the "long ago," having a vivid recollection of past events dating back previous to the deep snow. Mr. Meredith is a plain, unassuming man, one who believes in doing unto others as he would be done by. He is a kind and indulgent father, an accommodating neighbor, a good citizen in every sense of the word, and one who will be missed when life's journey is over. He has provided well for all his children, and is living comfortably with his companion of almost half a century, upon the old homestead.

Samuel O^Neal, deceased, was born October 11, 1811, in Kentucky, and came to this county while young. He has been three times married; two of his wives are deceased. He was married to Lucy Scoot June 5, 184*7, who was born in Caldwell county, Kentucky, March 3, 1825. Tliey had six children, four of whom died under eleven years of age, two are living, Minerva E., now Mrs. W. A. Stickel, resides on the farm. Mr. O'Neal had two children by a former marriage, he died in 1863 and his wife resides on the farm with her son William. She owns two hundred acres of well-improved land worth $50 an acre. She is a member of the Methodist church.