Sangamon County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 13 of 46)

EASLEY, Robert Henry. - Too much credit cannot to be given the veterans of the Civil War, for it is to them and their comrades that we owe the preservation of the Union. Springfield still has some of the old soldiers, although many have answered to the last roll call and gone where neither censure nor praise can reach them. One of those who stand high in the estimate of the people there, is Robert Henry Hasley. He was born September 19, 1841, in Sangamon County, and has been one of its most valuable citizens all his life. He is a son of James B. and Margaret (Dodds) Easley, the former a farmer by occupation, who in 1830 came from Kentucky to Sangamon County, where he met and married his wife. The latter was born in what became Sangamon County, in 1820, before the organization of the county. The father became prosperous, served as Constable and Justice of the Peace, and was very useful in the development of the county during its early history. He was popular among the first settlers, as well as among those who came later, and died greatly respected.

After a boyhood spent in working on the farm and attending the schools of the period, Robert H. Easley went to Illinois State University, and was barely beyond his majority when he enlisted, in March, 1862, in the Twelfth Tlinois Cavalry, serving until his honorable discharge, in April, 1865.

Mr. Easley now' owns nearly 600 acres of rich farming land in Sangamon County, and several of his children operate a portion of it for him. He is a Justice of the Peace and for five terms has been elected Supervisor, on the Republican ticket, being one of the strongest supporters of that party in his locality. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Elwood Commandery, of Springfield. His religious affiliations are with the West Side Christian Church, of which he is a consistent member.

On October 26, 1865, Mr. Easley was married to Mary F. Easley, whose parents also came from Kentucky to Sangamon County at a very early day. Five children have been born to them: Laura W. Engle, who lives at Chatham; Henrietta F. Beardon, who lives on a farm in Sangamon County; James A., of Springfield, Vice President of the First Naional Bank; Arthur K., who lives on a farm in Sangamon County, and Herbert L., who lives at home. Mr. Easley is an excellent example of the solid, reliable man, whose interests are centered on the welfare of Springfield, and enjoys in marked degree the confidence of all who know him.

Sangamon County since 1871 and during most of that time has carried on a farm in Divernon Township. Mr. Ebe was born at Walshud, Germany, March 5, 1846, a son of Joseph and Agnes (Flug) Ebe, natives of the same place. He was born September 17, 1800, and she March 6, 1804. The father was a farmer at the place mentioned and there spent his entire life, dying on his farm November 17, 1867, and his widow surviving him until March 20, 1871. They were parents of two daughters and four sons, and the following four children still survive: Mary, wife of Paul Druffinger, resides on the home formerly owned by her father at Walshud, Germany; Carrie, married and living in Germany; Sofer, of this sketch; Bernhardt, a farmer of Macoupin County, Il.

Until he reached the age of twenty years Sofer Ebe worked on his father's farm, receiving his education in hts native place. November 20, 1866, he was drafted for service in the German Army, serving eighteen months. He came to the United States in 1868 and for three years carried on farming near Virden, Ill. In 1871 he moved to Springfield, where he lived but a short time, then engaged in farming in Pawnee Township, Sangamon County, and two years later located on a farm in Divernon Township, which he successfully operated until retiring from active life and coming to his present home, which he has occupied since December 26, 1910. He has been prominent in local affairs and served two years on the school board while living on his farm. Both he and his wife are well known in social circles and have many friends in the community. He is a member of the Catholic Church and politically is a Democrat. Mr. Ebe endeavors to deal fairly with all who do business with him, and has the respect of his neighbors and associates.

Mr. Ebe's marriage occurred in 1871, at Springfield, when he was united with Ellen Carter, born in Putnam County, Mo., in 1856, daughter of William and Mary Jane (Schumate) Carter, both natives of Gallia County, Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation and removed to Missouri 'in 1856, remaining there until 1861, when he came to Adams County, Ill., where he lived about twenty-two years. In 1883 he located in Schuyler County, Ill., where he carried on farming until his death, October 23, ° 1891, his wife surviving and living on the home farm. Six sons and six daughters were born to Mr. Carter and wife, and six children now survive, namely: Mahala Jane, widow of James Utter, who was a farmer and lived in Pickaway County, Ohio, where his death occurred recently; Mary Margaret married David Miller, a farmer of Illinois; Sarah Frances married James Bell, a farmer, and resides in Missouri; Eliza Ann married George Bowen, a farmer of Nebraska; Elizabeth, wife of George Mason, a farmer living near Jacksonville; Ellen, Mrs. Ebe. Seven children were born to Mr. Ebe and wife, as follows: Mary, born March 19, 1872, married Edward Mark, a farmer of Divernon

Township; Joseph, born March 1, 1878, married Mary Rical and lives on a farm in Divernon Township; John, born April 10, 1875, carries on farming in Auburn Township and married Cora Mertz; Libbie, born July 22, 1880, married Edward Jessops, a rural mail carrier living at Divernon; William, born January 9, 1885, lives with his parents; Ella, born March 7, 1889, married William Moose, a farmer of Divernon Township; Netta, born February 9, 1896, lives with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Ebe have eleven grand-children, of whom they are very fond and proud, as they have reason to be.

EDWARDS, Benjamin Stephenson (deceased), who was born in Madison County, Nl., June 3, 1818, and died at his home in Springfield, Ill., February 4, 1886, was the youngest son of Ninian Edwards, Governor of Illinois during nearly its whole existence as a Territory, and the third Governor of the State. Ninian Edwards was born in Montgomery County, Md., March 17, 1775, and at the age of nineteen years emigrated to Kentucky, where he rose to the position of Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals. He was appointed Territorial Governor under President Madison, in 1809, and at the time of the admission of Illinois as a State was elected to the United States Senate, being reelected at the expiration of his first term (a short one), and in 1826 was elected Governor of the State of Illinois, serving until 1830. He died at his home in Belleville, July 20, 1838, of cholera, having contracted that dread disease through his efforts to assist the sufferers from the epidemic. His son, Honorable Ninian Wirt Edwards, married Elizabeth P. Todd, sister of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, and in 1834 was appointed by Governor Reynolds Attorney General of Illinois, but resigned this office the following year, moving to Springfield.

under the supervision of Stephen T. Logan, of ` Springfield, and in March, 1841, commenced the practice of his profession, being contemporary with such eminent jurists as Stephen A. Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, Stephen T. Logan, Colonel E. D. Baker, Jesse B. Thomas, Josiah Lamborn and James A. McDougall, and the fact that he was able to attain and maintain an honorable position among such men attests his ability in his profession and his energy and integrity as a man. At the time of his death he was President of the Illinois State Bar Association.

In early life Benjamin S. Edwards was a Whig and later became a Democrat. He served as a Delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1862 and in 1868 was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress, against Shelby M. Cullom. In 1869 he was elected Cir- cuit Judge of the Springfield Circuit, but within a year and a half resigned this position, preferring the practice of his profession to the dignity of the bench. He had the universal respect of all as a citizen and as a lawyer fulfiled his duties ably in both capacities.

Mr. Edwards was married, August 13, 1839, to Miss Helen Kissam Dodge, daughter of Coionel Henry Augustus Dodge, grand-daughter of Dr. Richard Varrick, of New York City, and great-grand-daughter of Theodore Van Wyck, a native of Holland, being thus related to the "Knickerbocker" families of Van Wyck, Van Courtlandt and Van Rensselaer. Mrs. Edwards died March 18, 1909, at the age of eighty-nine years and is survived by three daughters, namely: Helen M. married Moses Condell; Alice E. married Benjamin Hamilton Ferguson, a sketch of whom appears in this work, and Mary S. married James Henry Raymond.

EDWARDS, James B., of Springfield, Ill., is a machinist of more than ordinary ability and skill, and has been for more than thirty years a valued employe of the Illinois Watch Company. Mr. Edwards was born in Bury, Lancashire, England, January 4, 1847, a son of John and Margaret (Butterworth) Edwards, the former a native of Wales and the latter of Bury, England. The father's people were born in Wales and the mother's ancestors were natives of England. John Edwards was a blacksmith and he and his wife both died in England. They were parents of six sons and three daughters, of whom all are deceased except two sons, one living in England and James B.

The education of James B. Edwards was acquired in the public schools of his native place and he learned the trade of machinist in England. He was married in his native country and continued to work there at his trade until 1869, when he embarked for America, landing in Philadelphia. He came direct to Springfield and for a time worked at his trade in the shops of the Wabash Railroad, then, three years later, accepted a position with the Ide Engine Company, fourteen years later began working for the company twhere he is now employed. He has won the confidence of his employers by his careful and skillful work and has there had an opportunity of using his ability and knowledge of his trade to considerable extent.

Mr. Edwards was married, in St. John's Episcopal Church, in Bury, England, February, 8, 1868, to Elizabeth A. Chadderton, born in Bury, March 1. 1841. Her parents spent their entire lives in England, and were parents of six sons and one daughter. Four sons were born to Mr. Edwards and his wife, all of whom are living, namely: John, an employe of the Illinois Watch Company, as tool maker; James B., Jr. is a foreman in the employ of the San- gamo Meter Company; Joseph H., Deputy County Clerk of Sangamon County and Ernest J., employe of the Sangamo Meter Company. All are residents of Springfield, where they are respected and prosperous. Mr. Edwards has five grandchildren. He owns one of the handsomest of the more modest Springfield homes, at 1117 Hast Division Street.

Mr. Edwards served eight years as a member of the Springfield Board of Education and spared no pains to promote the best interests of education, in which he has always taken a vital interest. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being affiliated with Springfield Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F., the British-Americans, Court of Honor and Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and in politics is a Republican. He is a man of sterling qualities and a public-spirited, useful citizen, greatly enjoying the comforts of his home and also being fond of the companionship of his many friends.

While employed by the Ide Engine Works Mr. Edwards represented the above firm at the Chicago Exposition held in 1881, at which time Miss Sheridan, daughter of Gen. Phil Sheridan, presented him with a bouquet of flowers for having the best high. speed engine for electric lighting purposes. Mr. Edwards had built this engine. He also built the first electric engine for the purpose of lighting the streets of Springfield.

EGAN, Edward Francis - It is often the case nowadays that men who are comparatively young stand at the head of successful business institutions; in these days when so many young men enjoy the advantages of an education in the modern business college, their training has fitted them to hold responsible positions, and they discharge their duties just as well as their predecessors, who received their training in the school of experience. Among the enterprising young business men of Springfield, is Edward Francis Egan, who has a natural ability in the line in which he is engaged, and is a man of acumen and keen-sightedness. He was born in County Waterford, Ireland, April 25, 1874, a

Thomas Egan was reared and educated in his native country and was there married. In 1888 he emigrated with his family to the United States, locating in Springfield, where the remainder of his life was spent. They had lost eight children in Ireland, and brought four with them, those surviving being: Mary, wife of B. Kirlin, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Richard, a contractor, unmarried ; Nellie, unmarried, residing in Springfield; and Edward F. Thomas Egan was politically a Democrat. He was a member of the Catholic

Church, as are the members of his family. He died March 29, 1907, and his widow, who survives him, still resides in Springfield. He was highly respected by all who knew him and made his presence felt among his fellow-citizens. The family residence is 181 Mason Street.

Edward F. Egan received his early education in the public schools of his native country and was fifteen years of age when brought by his parents to America. He was a wide-awake, ambitious youth, and soon adapted himself to his surroundings in the new country. After taking a commercial course in Springfield Business College, he entered the employ of the Springfield Iron Company, where he remained until 1895, when he formed the partnership with B. M. Kirlin, which still exists. In anticipation of this step he had begun to study along the line of embalming and kindred subjects, and is a graduate of the Barnes School of Embalming. The firm operates under the name of Kirlin & Egan. Mr. Egan is a man of modern methods and ideas, and much of the success of the business is due to his able judgment. He is thorough master of his art, and his manner of carrying on his work commends itself to every person of knowledge and discernment. The establishment is located on Hast Adams Street in pleasant rooms, equipped with the most modern fixtures and appliances, and they have facilities for carrying on their business in the most approved manner,

Mr. Egan is a good example of the men who have risen to prominence and financial success solely through their own efforts, being actuated by a high order of energy and acumen. He is popular in social, as well as business circles, where his high character and straightforward manner have been duly appreciated. Honest in his dealings, he enjoys a good reputation, and his business prospects are bright. He is a member of the Illinois Undertakers' Association and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph's Court of Foresters. He is actively interested in public affairs, is a strong Democrat and a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. He is unmarried.

EIFERT, David, an old and well-known resident of Springfield, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and has lived in the city since 1859. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, May 24, 1837, and is a son of David and Catherine (Kimball) Eifert, both also natives of Germany. The father served in the German Army three years and the Grandfather Kimhall served in the Russian War. Further than the fact that the Grandfather Eifert was a native of Germany, little is known of the ancestry of the family by the present generation. David Hifert Sr. was a shoemaker and musician, and the childhood of his son David was spent in a city, where he received his education. After leaving school the young man worked on a farm. He has always been fond of outdoor amusements and sports.

In 1859 Mr. Eifert, subject of this sketch, emigrated to the United States and proceeded direct to Springfield, where he enlisted, in June, 1861, in Company C, Twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry, under Captain W. Eden, and served three years, being discharged at the end of this time. He was mustered out at Chicago, in August, 1864, having never been wounded or taken prisoner, although he had encountered many hardships and had many narrow escapes. He participated in the Battles of Chickamauga,

Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and many skirmishes. He was member of an expedition from Nashville, Tenn., to Huntsville, Ala., and their force captured many prisoners. He was also among a force that captured many prisoners. He was also among a force that fought bushwhackers in the hills of Missouri. He is proud of his record, as he has reason to be, and is a prominent meinber of the G. A. R. in Springfield.

was born in Germany, February 18, 1846, daughter of John <A. Doerfler, a native of Germany, as were his parents. Ten children were born of this union: Annie, John D., Fred, Margaret, Amelia, Carrie, Paul, Atwood; Emma and Katie, both deceased.

After the war Mr. Eifert engaged in shoe making, which he Jearned both in Germany and America and is now engaged in business at 1158 North Sixth Street. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and is a stanch Democrat in politics. Fraternally he belongs to the Maccabees and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. The family reside at 1156 North Seventh Street. Mr. Hifert is of a friendly, genial nature and is popular with his many friends.

EILENBERGER, William, who for the past three years has held the position of chief janitor of the Supreme Court Building at Springfield, and is recognized as a very reliable and efficient official, was born at Monmouth, Ill., October 1, 1855, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Hull) Hilenberger, and a grandson-~ of Luke Hilenberger, who spent his life in Pennsylvania, where he was born. Daniel Eilenberger had one brother and two sisters who came to Illinois and settled at Monmouth. He became a very important man in that section, for twenty-two years was a Constable in Warren County, and served one term as Sheriff. During the Civil War he was a capable soldier and a member of the Highty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His death occurred from dysentery before the end of his military service. He was married before coming to Illinois, to Elizabeth Hull, who died at Monmouth. They had the following children: Milton, of Monmouth; Benjamin, Constable at Monmouth for the past twenty-seven years; William; Charles, of Monmouth; Jennie, Mrs. James Borwick, of Monmouth; and Daniel, of Montana.

William Eilenberger had school advantages at Monmouth until he was seventeen years of age, when he learned the cigarmaker's trade and followed the same for thirty-four years. remaining all this time with one employer. He was then appointed to an official position under Secretary Rose and came to Springfield. He continued in that office for nine years. Since then he has been in his present office. He is well known and is very popular with public men and private individuals who have business at the Supreme Court Building, and is well acquainted with many prominent men of the State. He has not invested in property at Springfield but owns several pieces of real estate at Monmouth. $

Mr. Eilenberger was married at Monmouth to Miss Lena Opitz, who was born in Germany and came to America in girlhood, with her mother and brother, who settled in Illinois. They have five sons. Mr. and Mrs. Hilenberger are members of the First Presbyterian Church and he is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the Sons of Veterans, the Odd Fellows and the Court of Honor.

ELKIN, Charles N. - During the strenuous days of the early sixties the country learned to depend upon the stalwart country boys whose muscles had been trained in the open air, and to whom love of the Union was taught from earliest childhood. One of the men who belonged to this class of brave defenders of the flag when it was in danger, is Charles N. Elkin, of Springfield. He was born on a farm eight miles north of Springfield, April 12, 1846, being a son of Garret and Martha Elkin, natives of Zanesville, O., and Frankfort, Ky. The parents came to Illinois at an early day, locating on the farm where their son was later born.

Until he was six or seven years old Mr. EIkin lived on the farm, then the family moved to Decatur. Still later removal was made to Jeffersonville and finally to Springfield. The lad attended school in this city until 1860, and was only sixteen years old when he enlisted in May. 1864, in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-third Tllinois Volunteer TInfantry. He re-enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer infantry, which was mustered into service for one year, and mustered out January 22, 1866, receiving final discharge at Springfield February 4. Mr. Elkin served bravely until the close of the war, and at this time. his services being dispensed with, returned to Springfield He then learned the carpenter's trade, which during the many years which have followed has afforded him a comfortable living. His work has been characterized all through with the honest quality which is representative of the man.

Welch, also of Springfield. No issue. Mr. Elkin is a consistent member of the G. A. R. and greatly enjoys reunion with his old comrades. In politics he is a Republican. While yet a mere boy he took upon himself the duties of a soldier and his record shows that he never failed to discharge them faithfully and bravely. Many of those who fought by his side have joined the Army of the Eternal, but he has lived to wage battle after battle against physical disabilities incurred during his youth because of the terrible exposure and exacting demands made upon his immature body, cheerfully offered up for his country's defense.

ELKIN, William F. Jr. (deceased). - Of the men who are responsible for the present prosperity of Springfield, many have passed away from earthly cares, and among them none was better known or more highly respected than the late William F? Elkin, born near Springfield, Sangamon County, February 29, 1836, a son of William F. and Elizabeth (Constant) Elkin. The father was for some years a farmer in Sangamon County, but later held a government position, and was Sheriff of the county several terms.

William F. Elkin, Jr., attended the country and Springfield schools, and lived on a farm until his parents moved to Springfield. When a young man he conducted a large grocery business, but later in life also held government offices, and at the time of his death was Bailiff at the Court House. His demise occurred July 20, 1890, and his remains are interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was a Mason, a member of the Christian Church, and a Republican.

Mr. Elkin was married in Springfield, on October 16, 1860, to Maria Louisa Harvey, born in Springfield October 13, 1839, daughter of William and Eliza (Rice) Harvey, who came from Maryland to Sangamon County, overland, at an early day. The father passed away in 1855, his widow surviving him until 1870. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Elkin, of whom the following grew to maturity: Emma Clark, at home; Charles F., Robert R., Louis C., Zach C., Lawton L., Hazel L. Mrs. Elkin resides in a beautiful home at No. 1214 South Fourth Street. She is a delightful conversationalist and her recollections of the days when Springfield was a village are very interesting. Her father could not find a place for his business, so built an addition to his house for an office. This house stood in the center of the present business district. They were neighbors

ELKIN, William F. (Vol. I, p. 157.) ELLIOTT, Alexander. - Agricultural life draws very heavily upon the strength and resources of a farmer, so that after years devoted to it he feels the necessity of taking life more easily. For this reason many of the most responsible citizens of Springfield belong to the retired farmer class, and the city benefits from their residence there. One of these reliable and honorable men is Alexander Elliott, whose residence on the northwest corner of Maple and South Fourteenth Streets is one of the most comfortable in the city. Mr. Elliott was born in Clay County, Ill., March 2, 1832, a son of William and Rebecca (Coates) Elliott, the former a native of North Carolina, where his wife was also born. At a very early day William Elliott came to Clay County, where he engaged in farming, remaining there until his death. He and his wife had five sons and two daughters. Mr, Elliott and one brother, William W., a retired farmer of Taylorville, are the only survivors.

After a boyhood spent in Clay County, where he alternated attending school with working for his father, Mr. Elliott came to Springfield upon attaining his majority, and at Pawnee farmed for seven years. He operated several farms in the county, until his removal to Springfield in 1904.

On August 7, 1854, Mr. Elliott was married, in Christian County, Ill., to Tabitha Jones, born in Wayne County, daughter of William and Martha (Lilard) Jones, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee. They came to Illinois at a very early day, locating in Wayne County, where the father farmed, but later came to Sangamon County to engage in farming, but the father died in Christian County, after his wife had passed away in Sangamon County. Mr. and Mrs. Jones had three sons and four daughters, two sisters of Mrs. Elliott now surviving: Mrs. Temperance Campbell, and Mrs. Nancy Jane Lawley, of Glenarm. My. and Mrs. Elliott became the parents of children as follows: Isaac and Jacob, of Springfield; James, of Wyoming ; Addie, wife of Fred Hart, of Springfield; Ollie, wife of John Jones, of Chicago; Eugene in the employ of the Johnston-Hatcher -Company, of Springfield; and six who died young. The five grandchildren of the family are: Melvin R. Elliott; Lesta M., William H. and Helen Jones, and William Hart.

Mr. Elliott is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. In political faith he is a Democrat. He is a man of means and his money has been accumulated through hard work, careful thrift and wise investments. When he located in Springfield he sold a valuable Morgan County farm and bought city realty. He has a high standing in his community, and is able to look back over his long and useful life with pride.

ELLIS, Joel H. - The Ellis family described below is of Welsh extraction and has been represented in Sangamon County, Ill., since 1825. They have since been identified with the best interests of the county, and have always done their share to organize and maintain churches and schools. Joel H. Ellis, subject of this review, was born in Island Grove Township, near the present site of old Berlin, January 16, 1828, a son of Henry and Martha (Yates) Ellis. Henry Ellis was born near Lexington, Ky., November 17, 1786, a son of John Ellis, born January 29, 1749, and October 2, 1770, married to Sarah Parrish, who was born April 20, 1757. John Ellis and his wife removed from Virginia to Kentucky. The father of John Ellis is said to have come from England to America with the second supply of emigrants. The wife of Henry Elis was Martha Marshall Yates, born after the death of her father, in Woodford. County, Ky., September 15, 1791, daughter of Abner and Mollie (Hawes) Yates. Abner Yates was a son of Dr. Michael Yates, a native of England, who married Martha Marshall, sister of John Marshall, who afterwards became Chief Justice of the United States. Mrs. Henry HBllis was a sister of Henry Yates, Sr., and aunt of the famous War Governor of Illinois. Henry Ellis, Henry Yates and Colonel Robert Johnson together laid out the town of Fredericksburg, afterward called Warsaw, the county seat of Gallatin County, Ky. Henry Ellis and Martha Yates were married January 29, 1807, at Warsaw, and had ten children there, two of whom died in infancy. They removed to Illinois in 1825, reaching Island Grove, two miles northeast of Berlin, Sangamon County, in September of that year, and three children were born to them there. Henry Ellis died in Berlin, June 13, 1854, and his widow survived him many years. He had learned the trade of hatter in his native State. Upon coming to Illinois he bought government land and erected a log cabin, with a fireplace and a stick and mud chimney. He eventually erected a more comfortable home for his family. All of their children are now deceased except Joel H. They were: Abner Y., lived many years in Sangamon County, finally removed to Madison County, and there he and his wife both died; Lavina, born in Warsaw, Ky., was there married to Talbot Leonard, and died in Kentucky; William H. H., died near Berlin, in 1873; Molly, married (first) Elias Maxwell and (second) Andrew Scott, and all are now deceased; Louisa, married Thomas Foster, of Berlin; Ormasinda, born in Kentucky, died in Illinois; Martha, born in 1822 in Kentucky, married Oliver H. Rush, and both are now deceased; Millicent A., born in 1824 in Kentucky, died in young womanhood in Illinois; Joel H.; Robert married Delia Pease and both are deceased; Richard Y., born at Island Grove, in 1832, enlisted August 11, 1861, in Company D Twenty-sixth Illinois, for three years, and was killed in a rifle pit at Atlanta, Ga., August 8, 1864, within three days of the expiration of his term of service. Mrs. Ellis, the mother, could never forget his tragic death and the fact that he was buried in an unknown grave, so far from his home, and each year at the anniversary of his death grief would seize her anew.

Christians and reared their children to strict observance of the principles of their faith. They were all active: members of the Christian Church with the exception of the youngest child. Mr. Ellis was always ready to perform his duty as a Christian and as a citizen, and helped those in distress and gave encouragement to those who needed it. In politics he was a Whig and prominent in public affairs. He was one of the honored pioneers of Illinois, as his ancestors had been in Kentucky, and was descended from one of Virginia's first families.

In boyhood Joel H. Ellis began his education in a log school house where slabs furnished the seats and there was a puncheon floor. This was a Subscription school, the parents paying a fixed sum for each child sent, and as the boy often had to remain at home to get up wood, gather corn, or to do some other of the many tasks which could be performed by a child of his age and size, his education was necessarily meager. He remained at home until eighteen years of age, then began learning the blacksmith trade with his brother-in-law, O. H. Rush, making an agreement that during the three years of his apprenticeship he was to receive his board and clothing and at the end of that term be paid $40 in money. He faithfully fulfilled his part of the bargain and at the end of three years invested his forty dollars in bellows and an anvil and became a partner of his former employer, which arrangement continued two years, when Mr. Rush died and Mr. Ellis, feeling this loss keenly, decided he would have to close the shop, but first went to seek the advice of his old friend, Edward Pease, a hardware dealer of Springfield, who advised him to return and continue the business, promising to stand by him with credit for any amount from one to one thousand dollars. The young man told his mother of his good fortune and she rejoiced with him, telling him to go ahead and do his best.

May 8, 1852, Mr. Ellis married Caroline Harmon, a native of Sangamon County, and they became the parents of one son, but death visited the home and claimed the young mother, in 1854. Mr. Ellis took his little son and went to live with his sister, Mrs. Polly Scott, but five months after the death of his wife his child also passed away. Mr. Ellis then lived with his mother until May 8, 1861, when he was united in marriage with Martha Ann Simpson, and by this marriage had two daughters, Florence May, at home, and Dora B.,

In 1848 Mr. Ellis drove hogs to St. Louis and sold them for $1.37% per hundred, but is now able to sell them at home for about $9.50 per hundred. In 1887 his father hauled corn to Berlin and sold it for 614 cents per bushel, while Mr. Ellis is now able to get 60 cents per bushel for the same grain. As a young man Mr. Ellis used to sharpen the old prairie plows, getting 40 to 50 cents each for the 16 and 24 inch cut, the latter of which weighed about 100 pounds. In 1851 Mr. Ellis was employed by Jacob Flower to drive 92 mules to Philadelphia, and mounting his mule started on his way, having to swim the Vermillion, Wabash, White, Muskingum and Scioto Rivers, and crossing the Ohio at Wheeling. He stopped one week at London, Ohio, and at Cadiz stopped to shoe the front feet of the mules, having to make his nails and shoes. He took them to within sixty miles of Philadelphia, then returned home, having spent five months on the trip. He resumed work at his trade, and for thirty-five years was the village blacksmith at Berlin. He was very successful at his trade, being energetic and industrious, and when work had been promised made it his business to complete it by the appointed time. He was thorough in his work and his patrons were confident he would give them the best service to be obtained. He still has in his possession a shoe he made in 1845 for a race horse of fine Kentucky breed, which is an example of neatness and good workmanship.

Mr. Ellis has witnessed with pleasure the remarkable development that has taken place in Sangamon County during the many years he has made it his home. He well remembers the first matches he ever saw and recalls the days when the old fiint-lock and tow were used in starting a fire, and one neighbor often used to borrow coals from another to start a fire. The advent of the oil lamp to replace the tallow candles was an event to be long wondered at, but Mr. Ellis has seen these replaced by gas and electric lights. He.was well and fayorably known in a business way and the sound of the anvil was music in his ears, but he finally left his work and retired from business life. He has taken great pleasure in witnessing the favorable changes that have taken place during his lifetime and has always been the friend of progress and improvement. At the age of eighty-three years he is in excellent health and attributes his fine physical condition to the fact that he has always been temperate in his habits, has never chewed or smoked tobacco and has never been intoxicated, He has always revered the memory of his mother for her loving care and teaching in early life, and has never forgotten her good advice to him as a boy. After leaving his shop he moved on his farm, living there until 1885, and then, having accumulated a comfortable competency, retired to live in Berlin, where he is surrounded with every comfort.

Mr. Ellis has always been active in church and Sunday School work and can look back with pleasure to the many years he has spent in the good cause. He has been a liberal supporter of various public enterprises and has always been interested in the issues of the day. His eyesight has been failing of late, but he still delights in hearing the news of the day read to him and takes an active interest in all public affairs. He is a Republican in principle and has had the pleasure and honor of shaking the hands of Martin Van Buren, Generals Sherman and Grant and Mr. Roosevelt. He has visited eleven States of the Union and has always taken a keen pleasure in the different scenes, but has been glad to return home. He is devoted to his family and has many warm friends in the county, who greatly enjoy his society and his stories of early days.

ELSHOFF, Anton, of Springfield, one of the leading grocers of this part of the State, was born in that city, May 27, 1867, a son of Henry and Frances Hlshoff. In 1864 Henry Elshoff came to Springfield, where his death occurred in January 1900. His wife died in June, 1896, during a pleasure trip in Germany.

Anton Elshof? was educated in the parish school and later graduated from Springfield Business College. After leaving school he entered his father's grocery store, in 1879, and has continued in this line ever since. Gradually he has built up his present business house, located at the corner of Hleventh and Cook Streets, where for thirty-one years he has met the demands of his customers.

On May 25, 1892, Mr. Hlshoff was married to Katie E. Morrison, at St. Mauritius Church, by the Rey. George J. Blatter, in Chicago, Ill. Mrs. Elshoff is the daughter of Stephen B. and Margaret (Crowe) Morrison,

In 1893 Mr. Elshoff was elected a member of the Sangamon County Board of Supervisors, serving two years. In 1903 he was appointed a member of the Springfield Board of Education, serving three years, and in 1906 was reappointed, serving three more years, and in 1911 he was elected by the people to serve again on the Board of Education.

Mr. Hlshoff is a member of the Business Men's Association. He also belongs to the Western Catholic Union, of which organization he was a Supreme Director for several years. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Loyal Americans, Lincoln Centennial Association, and is a popular member of the Knights of Columbus. All his life he has been a consistent member of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception.

ENGLISH, Benajah R - An old and highly esteemed farmer of Sangamon County, who is now operating on his fine farm of eighty acres on Section 16, Cooper Township, has been a resident of Buckhart Station for more than forty years. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 31, 1837, a son of Benajah and Nancy (Ross) English. Benajah English, the father, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1790, served in the War of 1812, and after its close moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned the trades of tailoring and bookbinding, and followed these occupations in Cincinnati until his death in

1836. His wife who was born in New Jersey, in 1800, died on the farm of her son in Sangamon County, at the age of eighty years. They had two children who lived: Athlina Tunnecliff, who died in Cincinnati, December 19, 1910, at the age of eighty-three years, and Benajah. Benajah R. English was educated in Cincinnati and there learned the trade of stove molding, which he followed until 1869 and then took up farming. He came to Sangamon County and located in Cooper Township, having fallen heir to eighty acres of land there. He continued to carry on his work actively until poor health and advanced years caused his retirement. He is a member of Berry Lodge of Odd Fellows, and his wife is connected with the Rebekahs. He is a Democrat in political views and his religious connection is with the Methodist Church. On January 28, 1869, Mr. English was married in Christian County, Ill., to Sarah C. Firey, who was born August 4, 1848, in Sangamon County, daughter of Henry and Minerva (Lord) Firey, the former born in Williamsport, Md., in 1815, and the latter in Urbana, Ohio, in 1818. Mr, Firey learned the blacksmith trade as a youth, but in 1836 came to Illinois and settled on a farm in Sangamon County, where he remained several years, then removed to Christian County, where he continued operations until his death, at which time he owned considerable land. His death occurred at kdinburg, Ill., August 28, 1882, and that of his widow November 9, 1897. In the family of

Mrs. English there were three sons and five daughters, of whom Edwin L. died October 1, 1881, and the others survive. The oldest living child is Sarah, wife of George Housley, of Springfield; Mrs. English is the next in order of birth, and the others follow: Anna, the wife of Sherman Gankey, of Mt. Auburn, a retired farmer; Joseph, a farmer in Christian County; Alice, the wife of William Day, a Nebraska farmer; Eliza, the wife of G. W. Milligan, M. D., of Edinburg; and John H., who is engaged in the real estate business in Aberdeen, S. D.

To Mr. and Mrs. English there have been born two children: Elenora, who died in infancy; and Athalina, who died July 15, 1908, was the wife of Benjamin F. Stewart, engaged in the implement business at Buckhart, by whom she had three children - Laurel, Bessie and Esther, who now make their home with their grandparents.

ERMANN, Anton. - No man who spends his days working in the mines can stay in active life as long as one whose energies are better conserved. Laboring beneath the earth's surface, these sturdy miners give to their work the best of their beings and finally retire to spend the rest of their years in the comfort they have so faithfully earned. One of those who is an excellent example of the best class of mining people, is Anton Ermann, of No, 1734 East Carpenter street, Springfield. He was born in Gratz, Austria, January 17, 1852, a son of Joseph and Anna Ermann, both of Austria.

The father was a farmer, who operated a big estate in Austria, and there he and his wife lived until their respective deaths. There were six children in the family, represented in Springfield by Anton and Joseph, the latter being still engaged in mining.

Anton Ermann was educated in Austria, and during his boyhood he learned the trade of a baker, following this until he came to America. He was in the Austrian Army for twelve years, being a member of the Hunters' Regiment, which had charge of the preservation of the forests. He was also engaged in bridge building, but never abandoned his trade. On April 4, 1891, he set sail for America, from Bremen, arriving in New York City, from whence he came to Chicago, but after a short stay, went to Green Bay, Wis. There he worked as a forester, but soon went into the iron mines in northern Michigan. He traveled through sixteen different States, engaging in mining, before coming to Pana, Ill., where he arrived in 1902. After sixteen months there, he came to Springfield, and mined until December 1, 1905, when he retired.

On February 10, 1883, he was married in Hungary, to Mary Retter, born in that country, July 10, 1863, a daughter of Frank and Josephine (Leinstein) Retter, both of Hungary. The grandfather was a German, but went to Hungary as a teamster. Later he moved to the portion of Hungary in which Mrs. Ermann was born, making the trip with oxen, a distance of 800 miles. These parents never came to America. They had a remarkable family, there being fifteen children among whom were four pairs of twins, and four survive: Mrs. Ermann; Stephen of Sigimund, Hungary; Mrs. Christina Soupuch of Lugash, Hungary, and Mrs. Agnes Babiak of Berlin, Germany.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ermann, four of whom are now living: Amelia, wife of Albert Babiak of Milwaukee. a machinist; Josephine, John and Paul, at home. In 1904, Mrs. Ermann attended the Chicago College of Midwifery, from which she was graduated July 18, 1904. For eighteen years, prior to coming to America, she practiced her profession in Europe, and since coming to Springfield, she has built up a large practice. Since locating in this city she has been called upon in 530 cases of child birth, and has never lost a patient, a most remarkable record. Mr. Ermann is a Roman Catholic, belonging to SS. Peter and Paul Church, and to the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is a Democrat in political faith. The pleasant home at No. 1734 East Carpenter street, is owned by Mr. Ermann, in addition to other property, for he is in comfortable circumstances, X

ERNST, John Alexander, a lifelong resident of Sangamon County, was born near Farmingdale, Gardner Township, July 19, 1862, a son of Frank and Sarah Jane (Ross) Ernst, the former a native of Bremen, Germany, and the latter of Adair County, Ky. Frank Ernst, in early youth a cabinet-maker, came to America when about twenty years of age, worked for a time at his trade in the East, and came to Gardner Township a few years later, there engaging in farm- -ing. In politics he was a Republican and later a Prohibitionist, and at the time of his death was an elder in the Farmingdale Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, soon after their marriage, located on the farm where she now resides. He passed away March 21, 1898, at the age of sixty-four years. Mrs. Ernst was twice married, her first husband being James Short, by whom she had two children, Addie and Willia. She is a daughter of William and Maria (Willis) Ross, the former of whom was born January 9, 1801, in North Carolina, and was a son of John Ross. John Ross was born in Scotland and came to America before the Revolution, and served from North Carolina in that struggle for five years, being then wounded and disabled for further service. He was married in North Carolina and moved to Adair County, Ky., when his son William was a child. William Ross there married Maria Willis, in 1827, and four children were born to them in Adair County. They came to Sangamon County, Ill., arriving there in November, 1836, and three children were born to them in Gardner Township. Their second child, Sarah Jane, was born February 14, 1831. Frank Ernst and wife had the following children: John Alexander, whose name stands at the head of this sketch; Rev. Albert F., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of Grand Island, Neb., married Mabel Gamble; Julia and Jennie, twins, the former wife of W. R. Morris, deceased, and the latter residing with Her mother; Emma, wife of W. H. Eckel, and William F., who married Gertrude Sims and resides on the home farm.

After completing the course in the district school in Gardner Township and Farmingdale School. John A. Ernst took a course in Blackburn University at Carlinville, Ill. He has passed his entire active life in agricultural pursuits. He resided with his parents until the death of his father, then locating on his present farm. He owns a well improved and productive farm of 160 acres on Section 14, Island Grove Township, Sangamon County. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since attaining his majority, first joining the Farmingdale Church and later transferring his membership to the church at Bates. He served several years in both churches as Superintendent of the Sunday Schools, and has also been active in forwarding the interests of the Y. P. S. C. E. In political belief he is a Prohibitionist, but in voting is independent of party rule, voting for the men he considers best fitted to serve the highest interests of the public.

Mr. Ernst was married at the Corson home near Pleasant Plains, Ill., October 13, 1897, to Ida May, daughter of Richard S. and Mary Corson, both natives of Cape May County, N. J. Mr. Corson followed the sea for nearly twelve years, but not wishing his sons to become Sailors, came to Illinois and spent one summer, looking for a desirable location. He then returned to New Jersey on horse-back, sold his farm, and brought his family back to Illinois, locating near Pleasant Plains in 1846. He and his wife celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary October 16, 1901. He died in December, 1901, aged eighty-seven years, and his widow died in August, 1909, at the age of eighty-eight years, having spent fifty years on the old home farm in Sangamon County. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Ernst was born on the farm near Pleasant Plains October 25, 1866, the youngest of a large family of children. She attended Franklin District School in Cartwright Township, took a teacher's course at Jacksonville, Ill., and taught for a number of years in Sangamon County. She was a member of Farmingdale Methodist Episcopal Church in young womanhood, but with Mr. Ernst joined Bates Presbyterian Church, and is an active member of the Sunday school and Missionary Society of same. Mr. and Mrs. Ernst are identified with the best interests of their community and are ready to advance any movement for the general p o and advancement. They have no chilren.

ERNST, William Franklin, farmer and stock feeder of Section 7, Gardner Township, was born on the farm he now occupies, December 21, 1870, a son of Frank and Sarah Jane (Ross) Ernst, who were married July 25, 1861. The father was a native of Bremen, Germany, being born there March, 1834, but came to America in 1854, settling in Gardner Township. There he married and became one of the leading men of his times. There, too, his death occurred, March 21, 1898. In politics he was a strong Republican but never desired office. His wife was born in Adair County, Ky., February 14, 1831, and was brought to Sangamon County about 1835, by her parents. Her father, William Ross, became one of the influential men of the township and made it his home until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Ernst were the parents of children as follows: John A., a farmer of Island Grove Township; Rev. Albert F., now in charge of the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Island, Neb., married Mabel Gambel and they have two children, Edgar L. and Albert F. J.; Julia and Jennie, twins, born March 13, 1866, the former, widow of W. R. Morres, having two children, LeRoy and Helen, while Jennie is at home; Emma, born June 24, 1868, married W. H. Echel, a farmer near Berry, Ill., and William F. Mrs. Ernst was the widow of James Short at the time of her marriage to Mr. Ernst, and by her first marriage had two children, Mary A. and Millie. Mrs. Ernst still survives and makes her home with her son, William F. She possesses a remarkable memory of times as they were years ago, and is a most intelligent lady. Since childhood she has been a member of the Methodist Church, and tenderly cherishes her acsociations with this denomination. The remainder of her family are Presbyterians. William F. Ernst grew up at home and early became a farmer. The homestead is one of the many comfortable ones to be found in Gardner Township, and since the death of the father in 1898 Mr. Ernst has had charge of the 129 acres composing it. He has put it iuto a high state of cultivation. For some years he has been specializing on hogs and cattle, shipping three carloads of each annually. He believes in high-grade stock and pays big prices for what he buys so as to keep up his quality. On February 4, 1908, Mr. Ernest married Gertrude Sims, born in Curran Township, March became one of the prosperous farmers of the locality, where he and his wife reside, and where he is quite active as a Republican. Mr. Ernst is also a stanch Republican and has reppresented his party three times as County Commissioner. His advocacy of progressive movements has gained him many friends and he is justly recognized as one of the rising young farmers of the county, as well as a live, representative citizen, always looking to secure the best for the people he represents.

ESTILL, Capt. William John (deceased), whose military experience was gained in two wars, in both of which he bore an honorable part, had been resident of Petersburg, Ill., since the memorable Battle of Shiloh, that turning point in the great civil war struggle, in which he received injuries. Capt. Estill was born in Menard County, Ill., October 18, 1826, a son of William and Mary (Williams) Estill. Both parents were of Southern birth, the father being a native of old Virginia, while the mother belonged to one of the proud old families. of Kentucky, of remote English extraction. The stills came originally from France. The parents of Capt. Estill were among the earliest settlers of Menard County, and when, in 1800, they came to this section, they had penetrated to the borders of civilization. They spent the

William John Estill attended the early schools near his father's farm, but educational opportunities were exceedingly meager at that time. His first work away from home was when he became an employe in the lead mines at Galena, and he was working there when he went out with the regiment for service in the Mexican War, from which he returned safely and resumed farming for a time, but subsequently went into mercantile business. Although he had already proven his patriotism and love of country, when the Civil War was precipitated he was willing again to endanger his life in behalf of the Union cause, and entered the service, becoming Captain of the Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He saw a long period of hard service, which culminated in his injuries at the Battle of Shiloh, from which he was sent home to Col. John Williams. As soon as he had sufficiently recuperated he resumed mercantile pursuits, in which he continued until he was elected Circuit Clerk of Menard County, and served in that office for eight years. He then became interested in the coal industry, and it is a matter cf record that the first mine strike in Menard County originated in his mine, and also a matter of record that through his wisdom, tact and good judgment the whole matter was amicably settled in a week's time. He had been interested to some degree in other business enterprises and was a Director of the Chicago & Alton Railway.

Captain Estill was twice married: (first) in 1849, to Mina Walker, who died in 1874. On May 11, 1876, he married Hannah J. Collins, then of Petersburg, who was born in Cass County, Ill., seven miles from Beardstown, October 7, 1855. She is a daughter of Henry S. and Mary Jane (Sutton) Collins, the former of whom was born in Ohio and the latter in Indiana. They were early settlers in Cass County, in the vicinity of Beardstown. To Captain and Mrs. Estill seven children were born, namely: Emma P., who was born March 15, 1877; Blucher W., born August 17, 1880, lives at Springfield, married Sarah Gorey, of Chatham, Ill., and they have two children, Margaret E. and William P.; William J. and Mary J., twins, born September 14, 1881, the former of whom died July 4, 1886; Nellie born September 11, 1885, died July 2, 1886; Frances, born May 28, 1888. married J. D. Ellington, of Springfield; and Hannah, who was born August 22, 1889.

In his political views Capt. Estill was always in sympathy with the Democratic party and at one time was his party's choice for the Legislature, but sickness prevented his serving. He has been identified with the Masonic fraternity for many years, uniting : with the same at Springfield. With his family, he belonged to the Episcopal Church, in which he had served as Vestryman. Capt. Hstill's long life was: one of helpful endeavor, both in example and precept, and those who loved, admired and esteemed him are by no means confined to his own home circle. He was a valued comrade in the local Grand Army Post. He died December 19, 1891, two and one-half miles west of Alexander, La., and is buried in the Episcopal Church cemetery at Pineville, La.

ESTROP, Richard. - Owing to the large mining interests of Great Britain, many persons born within the confines of the kingdom turn their attention towards that line of endeavor and learn the, work thoroughly under competent supervision. One of the men of this class who later came to Sangamon County is Richard Estrop, now retired and living at Dawson. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, April 17, 1845, being a son of Richard and Anna Estrop, both natives of England, who never left that country, where they died. They had three sons, of whom two, Richard and a brother, Jarvis, of North Dakota, survive.

During boyhood Richard Esirop worked for his father on the farm, securing what education he could, but when he reached the age of fourteen began mining. Eventually he became dissatisfied with conditions in England and on April 9, 1872, sailed for America from Liverpool, landing in New York City. From that city he went to Schuylkill, Pa., but remained there only a short time and came on to Riverton, Ill. Until 1876 he mined there, but in that year returned to England. This was but a flying visit, however, and upon his return he resumed his mining operations in Riverton and later moved to Barclay, where he continued mining for twenty-five years. He then retired to Dawson and for the past two years has found in that city the requirements for a good home. Nearly all his life in the United States has been spent in mining operations in Sangamon County. He was also for a short time interested in mines in Petersburg. Fraternally Mr. Estrop is a member of Barclay Lodge No. 555, I. O. O. F. For a number of years he has been a member of the Methodist Church.

On July 29, 1866, Mr. Estrop was married in England to Mary A. Dinsdale, also a native of England, having been born in Yorkshire, January 15, 1849, a daughter of William Dinsdale, a blacksmith. He and his excellent wife were the parents of nine children, four of whom survive, Mrs. Estrop being the eldest living, and the others being: Mrs. Ellen Windrass, of England; William and Mrs. Alice Lynch, both of Darlington, England. Mr. and Mrs. Estrop are the parents of nine children, six of whom survive: Mrs. David Smith, of Dawson; Thomas, of Spaulding; Stephen, residing near Barclay ; Walter of Barclay, and Albert, of Dawson, as well as Miss Ellen, who resides with her parents. Mr. Estrop owns his residence in Dawson, as well as other property in the vicinity, and is numbered among the responsible men of his community. During a long and active life he has proyen what can be accomplished through hard work and earnest purpose, and he and his family are proud of what he has

EVANS, John T., an industrious farmer living at Spaulding, Ill., was born in Wales, August 5, 1840, son of Thomas and Ann (Morgan) Evans, both natives of Wales, the former born in 1795 and the latter in 1798. Tuey were farmers and spent their entire lives in their native country, where the father died in 1563 and the mother ten years later. Ten children were born to Thomas Evans and his wife, tive sons and five daughters, and eight of these chudren are now living: Thomas, Wiliiam, Morgan, Evan, Margaret, Jane, Elizabeth, all living in Wales, and John T., the subject of this sketch.

John T. Evans spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received his education in his native country. He remained with his father until he was fifteen years of age, then spent four years at railroad work. He followed mining for five years in Wales, and in 1869 came to America, landed in New York, and went from there to Morris Run, Pa., where for a time he followed mining. Later in the same year he came to Bloomington, Ill., worked there a few months, and in the spring moved to Lincoln, He afterwards went to Carbondale, Kan., and spent a few months in the mines there, but returned to Lincoln and spent some time there, after which he spent two years in the mines at Churchill, Ohio. He came to Spaulding and secured some land in the vicinity. He has been fairly successful financially and has won many friends.

Mr. Evans was married, at Churchill, Ohio, August 30, 1876, to Margaret Jenkins, who was born July 5, 1851, daughter of John and Rachel Jenkins, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Jenkins came to America forty years ago and located at Churchill. Nine children were born to Mr. Evans and his wife, five sons and four daughters: Thomas, a member of the I. O. O. F., living at Dawson, Ill.; Sarah, wife of Joseph Runkles, a carpenter and miner; David, lives at Riverton; Margaret, wife of John Raylets, a farmer; John and Williams, lives at home; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Esper, a mine examiner and village clerk of Riverton; Emma, at home. There are six grandchildren in the family.

Mr. Evans is a member of the Christian Church and in politics is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the American Home Circle. He is considered one of the representative citizens of Spaulding and has established a reputation for integrity and reliability. During 1906-7 he served as City Alderman.

EVERHART, George William. - Prominent among the representative citizens of Sangamon County, is George William Everhart, who has been identified with public life since the Civil War, during which he fought both as a Confederate and a Union soldier. He was a Justice of the Peace for forty years and Collector of Rochester, Ill., for a period covering forty-four years. He was born in Hamilton, Loudoun County, Va., May 1, 1845, a son of Nathaniel W. and Dorcas Fritz Everhart. The grandfather of Mr. Everhart was a native of Baden- Baden, Germany, and came to the United States prior to the Revolutionary War. He served as a Captain during that struggle, his home being in Virginia, where he died. The great-grandmother was the only daughter óf Prince Gar, of Germany. The great-grandfather Fritz came from Germany and his son (George M. Everharts maternal grandfather) was born in Virginia. William Fritz, the uncle of George W. Everhart, is still living, and is actively practicing the profession of medicine at Hagerstown, Md., although he has reached the remarkable age of 101 years. Nathaniel W. Everhart was born in Loudoun County, Va., spent his whole life there and died at the age of ninety-eight years and six months, while his wife, also a native of that county attained the advanced age of ninety-six years. By occupation he was a harness and saddle maker.

George William Everhart secured his education in a private school at Leesburg, Va., which he attended until sixteen years of age, and immediately after leaving schoo] enlisted in the army. AS a boy he had always been remarkably fond of horses, so it was only natural that he should enlist in a cavalry regiment, becoming a member of the Thirty-fifth Virginia Regiment, Confederate Army, under Captain Frank Myers and Colonel White, April 30, 1861, and John Mobley, the great guerilla, was a member of the same company. Mr. Everhart still carries an ounce ball in his leg that he received in the battle of Brandy Station, Va., as well as several saber wounds. He was captured by the Unionists near Hillsboro, Va., and taken to Rock Island, Ill., where he enlisted in the Union Army, February 5, 1864, becoming a member of Company K, Second Regiment, United States Volunteers, under Col. Hines. He was in the Indian Campaign in Kansas and Colorado, served thirteen months, and was mustered out of the service, March 30, 1865. While in the Confederate Army his battles included Bull Run, first and second, Manassas Gap, Balls Bluff, Winchester, Strasburg, Brandy Station and seven days at Richmond, not to mention numerous skirmishes. While in the United States Army he fought at Fort Dodge and also took part in many other Indian fights.

After the war Mr. Everhart returned to his Virginia home, but shortly thereafter came to Illinois, where he has resided eyer since, erecting many houses and carrying on an extensive business. He has been identified with some public office most of the time since coming to Rochester. He was Deputy United States Marshall under President Cleveland for four years, Crier of the Federal Court for five years, has been Justice of the Peace, for the past forty years (an office which he still holds), and Collector for forty-four years. His politics were those of the Democratic party. until he voted for President McKinley when he ran in opposition to William J. Bryan. Locally he votes the Democratic ticket. Although connected with no religious denomination, Mr. Everhart is a firm believer in the benefits of church work and gives his support to all movements of a religious nature. He has been successful in business ventures and is now the owner of several pieces of city property.

On June 1, 1869, Mr. Everhart was united in marriage in Rochester, Ill., by the Rey. Carter Tracy, to Lucy West, who was born in Rochester, August 25, 1846, a daughter of Samuel and Rosetta (Putnam) West, the latter a granddaughter of General Putnam, of Revolutionary fame. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Everhart, namely: Lucy, who died in Sangamon County; Fred, born May 2, 1871, editor of a Rochester paper, married Lulu Renfrow and had one child who died in infancy; and Nora, born August 25, 1873, married William Greer, of Springfield, and has a sixteenyear old child, Olin.

FAGAN, James K., a retired farmer of Sangamon County, now living on North Jefferson Street, just outside the City of Springfield, was born in Germantown, N. J., June 8, 1842, son of Thomas and Bridget (Murry) Fagan, both natives of Dublin, Ireland, the father born in 1812 and the mother in 1811. Thomas Fagan was a stonecutter by trade. He and his wife located in New Jersey in 1822 and there she died in 1863, and is buried in Mendham, N. J. In 1868, having lived a few years in Sangamon County, Ill., Mr. Fagan went East and remained a year and a half, then returned to Sangamon County, where he owned a farm and followed his trade. He acquired in the public schools of his native State and he worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-four years old, then worked in a brick yard in Springfield for Mr. H. Westlake. Later he became employed in the same business by Mr. Fairchild, and helped make brick for the State House. He worked three years for Mr. Fairchild, then was seriously hurt by being accidentally buried in a pit at the yards and was some time recovering. Upon becoming able to resume work, he purchased a team and for two years hauled brick and coal for Mr. Fairchild. Following this he located on a farm at Bissell, Ill., where he carried on agricultural pursuits with success for thirty-three years. About 1903 he left his farm and located in his present comfortable residence in the outskirts of Springfield,.but still owns seventy-two acres of good farming land at Bissell. He has always been industrious, and although not always enjoying good health, has accomplished a great deal of work, by reason of his energy and ambition. At the time of the Civil War he applied for admission to the army, but as he could not pass the required physical examination, was rejected. He is a man of honesty and reliability and has a large number of friends.

Mr. Fagan was married, in New Jersey, October 24, 1864, to Margaret Havey, daughter of Michael and Eliza Havey, who was born August 19, 1840. Her parents came to America at an early date, and both died in Mendham, N. J., he in 1897 and she in 1907. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Fagan, Mary, wife of

Mathis Dilley, a telegraph operator at Shelbyville, Ill. Mr. Fagan married (second), in 1868, Margaret Lamb, and they became parents of five children, namely: Thomas, a coal miner; James, engaged in mining; Peter, a farmer living at Bissell; Charles, a coal miner, and one

FAGAN, William G., who owns and operates an excellent farm four miles northwest of Springfield, Ill., has spent his entire life in Sangamon County, where he was born, January 22, 1852. His paternal ancestors were from Kentucky, and he is a son of George and Ruth (Smith) Fagan, both natives of Bourbon County, Ky. The parents moved from Kentucky and settled in Buffalo, Hart Township, Sangamon County, in 1818, at which time the Indians were the only residents there. Mr. Fagan lived four years on that place, then moved to Springfield and came to the farm now occupied by his son William. He and his wife were parents of five sons and three daughters, the only two of these children surviving being William G. and his brother, John F., who lives on Monument Avenue, Springfield, and is engaged in the feed business. The father died on his farm near Springfield.

The childhood of William G. Fagan was spent on a farm and he attended the early schools of Sangamon County, being for some time a student of the old McKinney school. As he grew to manhood he worked on his father's farm, which he has never left since. He is an enterprising and successful farmer and owns 118 acres of land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He was married in Springfield, April 24, 1878, to Miss Anna M. Hunt- Jey, who was born in Franklin, N. H., September 9, 1858, of English parentage. Her father and mother came to America in 1856, landing in Boston, having spent seven weeks on the sailing vessel, on which they embarked June 1, and arrived July 11, 1856.. Mrs. Huntley was a weaver in England and Mr. Huntley for many years followed the trade of shoemaker in Franklin. The family spent eleven years in there a short time, after which they settled on Franklin, then moved to Quincy, Il., and lived a farm six miles northwest of Springfield, where the father died two years later, in 1869. Mrs. Huntley lives with her daughter, Mrs. Fagan.

Five sons and one daughter were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fagan, of whom one son died in infancy. The others are: George H., born August 20, 1884; Elmer H., born October 25, 1888; W. Lester, born August 13, 1891; and J. Hally, born December 10, 1894, all living at home; and Ruth, deceased. Mr. Fagan belongs to Elliott Avenue Baptist Church and is an advocate of Temperance and many other good causes. He votes the Prohibition ticket. He is a member of Capital Tent of Maccabees and the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and his wife is a member of Douglas M. E. Church at Springfield. He has the full confidence and esteem of his neighbors and is well acquainted in Sangamon County, where the family was one of the first. They endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life and helped paye the way for a higher civilization. They have always been ready to advance the cause of education and have done their share towards. promoting the general welfare.

FAIN, William S., one of the prosperous retired farmers of Dawson, Ill., gives the community's interests a fair share of his attention and is the friend of good government and local improvements. He was born in Jessamine County, Ky., July 23, 1847, being a son of Martin and Mary (Masters) Fain, both natives of Kentucky. The parents lived and died in Kentucky, where the father was a farmer. He and his wife became the parents of ten children, of whom William S. Fain was the eldest, the others being: Henry, of Kentucky; Annie, wife of Richard Fain, also of Kentucky, and seven who are deceased. The Fain family located in Kentucky at an early day, coming from Pennsylvania.

Growing up in his native county, Mr. Fain attended the local schools and worked for his father on the homestead, remaining at home until he attained his majority. During the war he was a brigade teamster in the employ of the United States government, serving under General Frye for a period of two years. Returning home after the war, he resumed farming, remaining there until 1870, when he came to Illinois, first settling in Paris, but a short time afterwards located near Greenridge, Mo., and spent three years. During this time he farmed and worked at plastering. Returning to Paris in 1874, he remained there a year and then came to Sangamon County to engage in farming. The year following he located at Dawson, from which place he directs his farming operations, and for years worked at his trade, as plasterer. He has served as Constable and in other local offices upon more than one occasion, giving his constituents a fair and honorable administration. Fraternally he is a member of Dawson Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of the Dawson Camp of Modern Woodmen, No. 712, and is now one of the Trustees of his camp. His wife is a member of Dawson Chapter No. 203 Eastern Star, and is Social Matron of that organization. The Christian Church holds his membership, he being one of its Elders, while Mrs. Fain belongs to the Methodist Church, being a member of the Ladies' Aid Society.

The marriage of Mr. Fain occurred in Mechaniesburg, Ill., September 19, 1876, when he was united with Arabelle Constant, born in Dawson, February 2, 1855. She is a daughter of Jacob Constant, born in Fleming County, Ky., while her mother was a native of St.

Clair County, Ill., and both are now deceased. Mr. Constant came to Sangamon County at an early day, becoming one of the county's most progressive pioneers. There were eight children in the Constant family, of whom four survive: David, of Kansas; Mrs. Mary Shanklin, living south of Dawson on a farm, her husband being deceased; Albert, of Decatur; Mrs. Fain, and Mrs. Harriet E. Ball, of Dawson, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Fain are the parents of two children, one of whom survives: William E., a prominent attorney of Springfield. Mr. Fain owns his beautiful home as well as other yaluable property in Dawson,

In all his endeavors Mr. Fain has been very materially assisted by his wife, who is a lady of unusual capacity and intelligent comprehension. For years she has taken an active part in church and lodge work and is looked upon as a leader among her associates. Both are known to a wide circle of personal friends and beloved for their many endearing traits of character, as well as natural ability along various lines.

FAITH, John W. (deceased), who was a resident of Springfield, Ill., several years before his death, was for some time employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company as bridge carpenter and builder, and did considerable contracting on his own account. in Bavaria, Germany, July 5, on his father's farm and received his education in Germany. He was a son of Paul and Mary (Trulten) Faith, the former a native of France and the latter of Germany. The family lived on a farm in Bavaria, and there the father and mother spent their last days. John W. Faith came to America as a young man, and lived in Illinois from 1850 until the time of his death. He was an industrious and energetic man and a good citizen, and had many friends among his associates. He was devoted to his home and family and at his death was genuinely mourned in many circles. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church, and after becoming a citizen of the United States espoused the principles of the Democratic party.

Mr. Faith was married, in Cumberland, Md., May 3, 1853, to Miss Mary Rose Saunders, who was born in Loudoun County, Va., February 24, 1834, daughter of John and Mary P. (Elder) Saunders, the former born in Loudoun County and the latter in Frederick County, Md. Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. Faith: Mary Agnes, unmarried, lives at home with her mother, and owns and conducts a Catholic book store at 212 South Seventh Street, Springfield; Joseph V., auditor in the employ of the International Harvester Company, is married and lives in Auburn, N. Y.; Mrs. Margaret A. Gaynor lives on a farm southeast of Springfield. :

FARGO, William, foreman of the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad yard at Springfield, is a faithful employe of this road whose associations with it extend over a considerable period. He was born on his father's farm near Altamont, Il., October 12, 1871, and here he grew to manhood, attending school in both Effingham and Fayette Counties. He worked on the farm until he was sixteen years old, and at this time he began railroad work in Illinois, going thence to Michigan for the Grand Trunk line, and then to North Dakota, where he alternated railroad work with farming. He was then engaged on construction work on what later became the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad, moving to Springfield in 1893. He became foreman of the construction train section and did efficient work. Later he became a coal miner, but returned to railroad work as section foreman at Hlsah, being transferred back to Springfield where for the past fourteen years he has been in the employ of the same road, being advanced to car inspector, car repairer, assistant foreman, and eventually was made foreman of the yards, which responsible position he now holds.

Mr. Fargo is a son of Fred E. Fargo, born in Germany, the original way of spelling the name being Farchow, which was Amercanized to Fargo for convenience. The father came to the United States after marrying, and located on a farm in Effiingham County, but died in Fayette County. His wife died when William M. was an infant. The other children were: Minnie, Mrs. William Slater; Gustave died in Nebraska ; Mary, Mrs. Ramsey; and Bertha, Mrs. James Train, of St. Elmo, Ill.

Mr. Fargo was married in Springfield to Miss Emma Klutt, no issue. Mr. and Mrs. Fargo have adopted an orphan boy, Wilbert, whom they are rearing as their own. They are members of the German Lutheran Church and in politics Mr. Fargo is a Republican. They are most excellent people, who endeavor to assist others less fortunate than they, and Mr. Fargo is very popular with his men.

FARLEY, John, now living retired in Springfield, Ill., is well known in the community from the fact of his having raised and marketed some of the finest cattle produced in Sangamon County, where he carried on a farm for many years. He was born in County Meath, Ireland, March 12, 1837, son of Philip and Elizabeth Farley, both natives of Ireland, where they lived on a farm. The father came to America, landing at New Orleans, spent a short time with his son John, then moved to Chicago, where his death occurred. Mrs. Farley died in Ireland. They were parents of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, and but three of these children are now living.

John Farley attended school in Ireland as a boy and worked on his father's farm. He completed his education after coming to America, making the trip in 1853. He landed in Philadelphia and remained in that vicinity a year, working on a farm. He then removed to Chicago, but after spending a few weeks there engaged in farm work and was also employed for a time as engineer in a mill at New Berlin two years. Mr. Farley was employed for a time at the old Chenery House in Springfield. He again engaged in farming, left it to engage in teaming, but returned to farming and secured a farm in Springfield Township, where he met with fair success. At one time he owned a fine team of horses, which he exhibited at many fairs, where they took many prizes, including the first premium at the State

Fair. He became well known for a man of energy and enterprise and won many warm friends. For the past forty-two years Mr. Farley has lived at his present home, which he owns, at 328 West North Grand Avenue, and remembers the neighborhood when it was in the woods. He has seen many changes and improvements in Springfield and vicinity, and well remembers Abraham Lincoln, having played hand-ball with him. Mr. Farley is a Democrat in politics and is a devout member of St. Joseph Parish of the Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. Farley was married, in Springfield, December 8, 1866, to Miss Jane Nugens, who was born in County Meath in 1822, and died in Springfield in 1905. Her parents spent their entire lives in Ireland. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Farley: a daughter, who died in infancy, and one son, John, a machinist living in Chicago.

FARNSWORTH, James, a retired business man of Spaulding, Ill., is a representative and publicspirited citizen of his community, and by his energy and good judgment has been financially successful to a gratifying degree. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, January 17, 1844, son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Kelly) Farnsworth, both natives of England and the father a miner. The parents spent their entire lives in England and the father died in 1865, the mother having died when James was an infant. There were five children in the family, four sons and one daughter, and all survive save one.

The education of James Farnsworth was acquired in England, where he took up the occupation of mining when a youth. He followed this line of work all his active life. On May 23, 1885, he sailed for New York from Liverpool, landing June 4th, and came direct to Riverton, Ill., where he arrived June Sth, and soon found employment in the mines there. He rose to the position of manager and won the confidence of his employers and those working under him. He was well informed in the details of the work under his charge and carried it on with intelligence and ability.

England, November 7, 1868, to Miss Sarah A. Lee, born in Ireland in 1849, daughter of Samuel and Anne Lee, the former a native of Belmont, England, and the latter of Ireland. Her father enlisted and served seventeen years in the English army, and the family moved to Ireland and lived there many years, but finally returned to England, where both parents died. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Farnsworth, of whom seven are now living: Elizabeth, wife of John Scarragood, of Barclay; Thomas J., a mine manager, also of Barclay; James H living in Spaulding; Nathaniel, of Riverton; Katherine, wife of Matthew Campbell, living in Springfield ; Sarah J. and Agnes R., of Springfield. Mr. Farnsworth has twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Mr. Farnsworth owns a comfortable home in Spaulding, besides other property. He has been a resident of the county more than a quartercentury and has won many warm personal friends. He has been retired from active life some time. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

FARRANT, Thomas Martin (deceased), a wellknown citizen of Springfield, I1., was a native of Sangamon County, born May 10, 1855. He was a son of Henry and Bridget (Murner) Farrant, the former born in England and the latter in County Cork, Ireland. Henry Farrant was a dry-goods merchant and hatter, and came to the United States when a young man. He located in Sangamon County, Ill., where he carried on farming many years. His death occurred in Springfield, November 29, 1888, and both he and his wife are buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield.

The boyhood of Thomas M. Farrant was spent on his father's farm in Sangamon County and he was educated in the Springfield schools. After leaving school he carried on farming until three years after his marriage, and for some time conducted a farm near Fancy Prairie. He afterwards worked in the rolling mills and at the time of his death had been for some time a foreman in a coal mine. He lived in Springfield some years and there his death occurred, April 3, 1898, and his remains were buried at Fancy Creek. Mr. Farrant was a kind friend and neighbor, devoted to his home and family, and his memory is honored and respected by all who knew him. He was a devout Catholic and a member of the church, at Sixth and Eastman Avenue, Springfield. He was all his life an ardent Democrat, although never active in public affairs. He was a man of honesty and industry, of good habits and principles, and a useful, upright citizen.

Mr. Farrant was married, at Springfield, September 21, 1875, to Miss Martha Thompkins, born in Logan County, Ill., January 10, 1855, daughter of James J. and Susanna (Keen) Thompkins, both natives of Ohio. Children as follows were born of this union: Thomas, a mine operator, unmarried; Margaret married

Charles, unmarried, living at home; William is married, lives at 138 Cook Street, Springfield, and has one son, Willie; Mattie, Emma and Marcia at home: Ernest, attending school in Springfield. The family reside at 1334 East North Grand Avenue.

FAUSSAUER, Frederick (deceased), late of Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County, Il., was a successful and well-known farmer regarded with esteem and confidence by all who knew him. He was a member of the German Lutheran Church and was interested in the moral and material welfare of his community. Mr. Faussauer was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, May 17, 1826, son of Frederick Faussauer, also a native of Germany, where he spent his entire life, as did his wife. The father was a farmer by occupation and served some time in the German army.

Mr. Faussauer lived in his native country until 1862, and received his education there, attending school until fourteen years of age. He worked on his father's farm in youth and later took up the occupation of mining, which he followed several years. In May, 1862, he went to England and sailed from Liverpool for New York, where he landed after having spent fiftytwo days on the journey. He moved to Coshocton, Ohio, where he lived one year, spent a time in Zanesville, and in 1864, came to Illinois. He located in Sangamon County in 1867, and purchased the farm which his widow now occupies. He originally had- eighty acres, but increased his holdings to 125 acres, cultivating this farm until the time of his death. -

Mr. Faussauer was married in Germany, March 4, 1862, to Margaret Lockhart, a native of Germany, whose parents spent their entire lives in that country. Six children were born of this union, all of whom are now deceased, Mrs. Faussauer living on the home place with her daughter-in-law, widow of John Faussauer, who has one child. The Mrs. Faussauer owns the farm and is well known and highly respected in the neighborhood where she has lived so many years. Mr. Faussauer died November 18, 1905, and by his death the community lost an upright, useful citizen. He was buried in Mechanicsburg Cemetery.

FAUSER, Konrad, a representative German- American citizen of Springfield, has lived in the city since 1890, and has been engaged in various lines of work. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, June 26, 1846, a son of Abraham and Margaret (Fauser) Rautz, natives of Germany. He was educated in his native land and at the age of sixteen years emigrated to America, assuming his mother's maiden name, which he has since borne. He took out naturalization papers as soon as possible and has been a patriotic and useful citizen of his adopted country. He entered the regular United States Army, in New York City, in 1867, and served three years as private. His health was failing and he left the army, going to Louisville, Ky., where he was for twenty years engaged in various occupations, then came to Springfield. He was injured during his service in the army and. has since been in poor health, so that he is hardly able to perform any manual labor, but through his determination and ambition has al- Ways been occupied in some kind of work, and at present is employed by the Park Board, of Springfield. He is a warm personal friend of Harry Ide, a member of the Board, and stands well with his associates. He is industrious and faithful in the discharge of his duties.

Mr. Fauser was married, June 5, 1902, to Miss Elizabeth Hess, daughter of George and Anna (Deinlien) Hess, both of whom were .born in Germany. George Hess was an old soldier and died about 1893; his wife died about two years later. A son, George Hess, died about two years after his mother, and Mrs. Fauser is the only one surviving of her family. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fauser. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, as is also his wife, and he is now a Republican, although formerly a Democrat. He is insured with the Prudential Life Insurance Company. He is well known and has a large number of warm personal friends, whose society he greatly enjoys.

FAWCETT, D. Frank. - Principal of the Stuart school of Springfield, and a leading educator of this State, was born in Clinton, Ind. He was educated carefully, attending public school in both Indiana and Illinois, after which he took the scientific course at Westfield College with class of 1883, graduating therefrom. Still later he took the classical course at Otterbein University, Ohio, Class of 1889. With a view of thoroughly preparing himself for a life of teaching, he went to Harvard and the University of Chicago for special studies. Having fully equipped himself, he began teaching district school and afterward at Taylorville, Ill., and so completely did he prove his ability, that he was offered and accepted the principalship of schools at Morrisonville, and later at Rockton and other cities, from which he was called in 1910, to take charge of the Stuart school of Springfield.

On August 22, 1899, Prof. Fawcett was married at Jacksonville, to Lillie W. Griffith, born three miles east of Mechanicsburg, Sangamon County, Ill. Two children have been born to Prof. and Mrs. Fawcett, one now living, Harriet Pleasant Fawcett. She was born August 6, 1900.

Prof. Fawcett is a Mason and a member of the Eastern Star. While he is a member of the United Brethren Church, his wife is a Methodist. In politics, Prof. Fawcett is a Republican. Having spent all his life preparing destined for, Prof. Fawcett is fitted for it by inclination and careful training and brings to it the powers of a sagacious, cultivated and highly receptive mind. The pupils under his fostering care show the effect of his methods and stand among the best trained in this part of the State. (Since this sketch was written Prof. Fawcett has removed to Seattle, Wash.)

FAWCETT, J. W. (deceased), was a leading farmer in his part of Sangamon county, and late in life was for some years an influential resident of Buffalo. He was born in Clay County, Indiana, December 12, 1846, and died April 3, 1899. His parents were John and Minerva (Jenkins) Fawcett, natives respectively of Virginia and Indiana. His father moved from his native State to Indiana, where he lived till 1858, when he came to Illinois, locating in Jasper County. There he farmed ten years, then moved to Sangamon County and located on a farm near Buffalo Hart, on which he lived out the remainder of his life and where his wife also passed away. They had five sons and three daughters, of whom the following survive: Frank is a school teacher at Springfield; John is in the real estate business at Des Moines, Iowa; Walter is a farmer in Shelby County, Iu,

J. W. Fawcett was educated in country schools in Indiana and passed his boyhood and youth in assisting his father in the operation of the home farm. He gave his life to agriculture with considerable business success. He was a member of the Christian Church, with which his widow has long been identified. In political affiliations» he was a stanch Republican. He married, at Taylorville, Ill., August 6, 1868, Miss Margaret Burch, who was born in Miami County, Ohio, February 4, 1846, a daughter of Daniel Burch. Her father also first saw the light of day in Miami County, Ohio; and her mother was born in Piqua, that State. It was at Piqua that they were wedded. Mr. Burch farmed in Ohio till 1851, when the family moved to Jasper County, Ill. There he continued in the same occupation till 1858, then settled in Sangamon County and was a farmer in Mechanicsburg Township till 1869, when he remoyed to Montgomery County, Kansas, where he bought land which he operated till July, 1909, when he died, aged ninety years. His wife died there in August, 1886. They had five sons and two daughters, all of whom are living: Harrison, the eldest, is a citizen of Augusta, Kansas, a retired farmer; Mrs. Fawcett was next in order of birth; Louis is a farmer in Jasper County, Ill.; Charles is farming in Cklahoma; Webster is an Arizona farmer; David is farming in Oklahoma; Mrs. Mary (Burch) Dosh lives in Kansas.

Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett became the parents of seven children, of whom the oldest living is Mrs. Emma (Fawcett) Nuckolls, wife of Samuel Nuckolls, an elevator manager at Osbornville, Christian County, Ill.; Maggie F. married Louis

Mulkin and lives at Niantic, Ill.; Minerva is the wife of Omar Hall, a farmer of Christian County, Ill; Whit and Emmett live with their mother. Mrs. Fawcett has four grandchildren.