Stark County, Illinois - Chapter 5: The Fauxa of Stark County, 1876 (part 4 of 5)

Of course these people were lookint>- for, hind to enter, everyl)ody was in those days, and they fell in with a 3ventncki;tn named Parker, who had a patent on the (piarter afterwards owned by IVIyrtle G. Brace, on the state road ; but the man supposed his li^nd lay near and so agreed Mith Mr. Turnbuli to meet him there ; " thought they could prol>al>ly strike a trade."

Parker left Joliet on horseback, INIr. TurnlnUl on foot, to make their way over a trackless expanse of snow, and A\ith i)ut a very indefinite idea of where they were to meet, i»ut it ^\"as to lie somewhere in the neighborhood of Wyoming.

This journey was undertaken January 1st, ls;5S. Occasionally Mr. Turnbuli could catch glimi)ses of t!ie horseman as he rodo over some high ridge in the distance, and this was all he had to guide his steps, save a general idea of the points of tlie compass. After this lonely, tiresome tramp of sixty or seventy weary miles, he found himself at the house of General Thomas, but only to learn that the land he was in quest of lay some ten or twelve jniles to the north-west, the Kentuckian being mistaken as to its locality.

He must then retrace his steps. Upon reaching Mr. Ilolgate's, hunger and fatigue compelled him to seek rest and food, and such comforts were never denied a stranger there, and besides Mr. Holgate had learned by some means that Parker had gone to the Osceola settlement, so Mr. Turnbuli was again ui)on his trail, and found him ere nightfall at the cabin of 3Ir. William Parks, theii in Osceola grove, as old settlers will remember, not far from where the first school house in the tovvnshi[) was built, on the road to Spoon river liridge.

^ While resting by the wide fire-place built of rough stones in the jambs of which a recess had been constructed, capable of holding a few common books, curiosity prompted the traveler to withdraw one from its place, that he might see what kind of books the people raid in tliis strang3 country, still h9 was wonderhyg all tlie time if it was not a piece of impertinence to do so without permission. But Avhat was his surprise, his delight even, upon finding beheld in his hands a well worn copy of Burns ! Strong though he was, and capable of bearing all things without murmuring, still he could not n^frain from tears as his eye traced the familiar Scottish lines, and he thought how fur, f(tr away he was from his native liills, from the " I^anks and braes o' Bonnie Doon," yet the jioetry of Burns was here before him ! for

Axd It.S Pioxeers

Mr. Tiirnbull did not ])iiy tlio title of tlie Kcntut-kian, after all ]iif^ truul)le, having a dread of patent.s, and complications of which lie heard many sad reports ; but shortly after purchased from the Lyle l)rothers, John and Thomas, forty acres in Osceola grove, with a cabin thereon, with the understanding that if the Oliver family saw tit to come on, the Lyles should sell them ftn'ty acres more.

Jle then trudged leisurely back to .Joliet, got his wife and Andrew Oliver, rigged out an ox sled, to ^\'hich they yoked a couple of half-t)roken steers, and about the middle of February starterl for Dorr's, whose house stood near M'here the town of I*rovidence now is. The weather continued to grow colder, the wind to 1)Iow more and more fiercely, and glad were the wanderers to find shelter for the night, with the hospital)le family referred to. In the morning the sun came \x\) Hanked l)y "dogs " on either side, the snow crunched and S(iueaked under the feet with the peculiar sound, every backwoodsman knows as indicative of extreme cold, the therniometor indicated scnne twenty degrees below zero. ]Mrs. iJorr clearly comprehending the suffering and danger that must attend a journey that day, kindly urged them to remain until the storm a!)ated, saying "she would board them very cheaply." But they had no money to pay Ijoard Ijills be they ever so small, and the inborn pride of their race, forbade their " being Ijeholden " to any one, so there was but the other alternative to push ahead.

Mrs. Dorr was standing in her cabin door silentlj' watching the preparations for departure going forward ; but when all was ready^ l>laids folded tightly, Scotch caps tied tirmly, sled drawn round to the door, steers awaiting the word of command to start, she exclaimed with tears in her eyes, "men go if you will but for God's sake leave this woman with me; slie will surely perish in the cold to-day. It shall cost you nothing, and when the weather moderates you can return for her." But Mrs. TurnbuU preferred at all hazards to share the ftite of her husband and brother. A\'e fancy such pluck would be hard to freeze ; at any rate, despite all obstacles they arrived intact at Seeley's point before bed time, stiff and hungry doubtless, but such ills were curable by a good fire and supper, which were (juickly at their disposal, and they retired to rest with grateful hearts.

route through the woods by the old road that formerly led by the house of Calvin Winslow in the timber, south of AVilliam Hall's place, which they passed about noon, February 14th, 1838. ^oon after they reached home, as they called the cabin of the Lyle brothers a little farther on.

They prc^mptly paid for the first forty acres, which contained the cabin, Init as by arrangement the Lyles were to remain with them until they could obtain possession of the Dukes farm, which they had bought, and the rest of the Oliver family coming from Joliet, the four families consisting of eight Lyles and thirteen Turnbulls and Olivers, contrived to live till spring opened, in one room, and that one 16x18 feet. That they succeeded in doing this harmoniously, so that the survivors can now look back through the mists of nearly forty years, and make merry over the experiences of that first winter in Osceola, is creditable to all concerned.

Several of that original twenty-one, have passed to their Father's house above, " where the many mansions are," and others have so heartily obeyed a scriptural injunction recorded in Genesis, first chapter and twenty-eighth verse, that their posterity can be counted by scores, if not by hundreds. But we must recur for a few moments to the life that opened up before those pioneers in 1888 - a life so full of hardships and privations that it V\'6uld appall the hardiest adventurer now-a-days.

The money, veritable gold and silver, so carefully hoarded to buy a home, was now expended. They had among them eighty acres of timber land, a cabin, and but little else. They had neither vegetaliles, meat nor bread, except corn which had to stand in lieu of all these. For weeks they split rails all day long, with no food save boiled corn, which they carried with them in a tin pail, and f(n' drink they broke the ice of a little stream and dipi)ed up the water from beneath. .Vt night the old black cow supplied them milk to eat with their corn, and this was their best meal,, for as Mr. TurnbuU says, they then had time to eat all they wanted, a luxury they did not allow themselves at morning or noon, for as he (|uietly remarked "it took a man so long to eat corn enough to satisfy his a[)petite," and they nmst work ; that they retained health and strength to do so on such tare, is probably owing to the fact that from childhood they had been accustomed to a coarse or plain diet. 3[ilitary men recognize this as one reason why the Sccjtcli make the l)est campaigners in the world, they «ay while soldiers addicted to the pleasures of the' table, pine away and die, under seige or on protracted marches, the hardy

But spring-, though delaying long as is her wont with us, came at last, and seeds were sown in hope, and summer gave them of her abundance, and they were thankful.

In the fall they bought a hog from the Sturms, and when a rasher of bacon was added to their hominy, thought tliemselves well off. Such was the humble beginning of the famous

It was soon a magnet that drew many an emigrant from " tho land o' cakes " to try his fortunes on the prairies, but it can hardly be supposed any met with quite the hardships that faced the first corners. Their neighborhood has always baen r.^markable for its thrift and independence in thought and action, for its simple old-fashioned morality and religious observances, and latterly for its wealth, culture and liberality.

We hoped to lay before our readers exact facts and figures, statiisiics to prove what these people have accomplished in less than forty years, but among those so sensitive with regard to what might be called "blowing their own trumpet," these are very ditiicult to obtain, thus we have to unwillingly betake ourselves to generalities. But although there lias been from the fir^t a number of American families located among them, yet the history of Elmira township is really the history of these Scotch people. To them mainly belong its farms, its schools and its churches. In our general history of the religious organizations of Stark county, it will be seen that the Turnbull and Oliver families formed an important element in the first Presbyterian church formed here which was at Osceola grove, in is;5ii. After their removal to their prairie farms west of Spoon river, this organization gradually fell into decay, but in their new location sprang up in the course of a few years four ehurches, all having convenient houses of worship. These are the Methodist Episcopal, (\yhich is probably supported by Americans) Cumberland Presbyterian, United Presbyterian, and Knox church, all of Elmira. If we are correctly informed, the last three are i)rincipally Scotch. And although OJie can hardly believe the old feud between highlanders and lowlanders to have crossed the Atlantic and established itself on our levels, yet the difference in the names on these church rolls is no- tk'eably curious, ami indicate tliat the currents of feeling still choose separate channels. In the United Presljyterian, you find the " Borderers " the lowland names. Here are the Turnbulls, the Olivers, the Marrays, the Grieves and the Armstrongs over and over again. But turn to Knox church and you get names with the highland ring, ]Mcl)onald, ]McKae, INIurchison, Pinlayson and McLennan. And this is said to Ije the only place in the United States where religious worship is conducted in the Gaelic language.

Here they still sing the Psalms of David as their fathers sang them among their native hills, and listen to services of three or four hours duration, without growing weary.

In the early history of our county the politics of this settlement was decidedly anti-aljolition. Frazer, a Presbyterian minister of pro-slavery proclivities, from Knox county, used to 2:)reach among the Scotch a good deal, and many thought he gave them this bias ; however that might be they early ranked as whigs, and " Henderson men," which meant about the same tiling in the phraseology of those days. But our supplementary'^ tables will show they have been wont to roll up big republican majorities of late years, supporting Lincoln, and the emancipation proclamation en inasse. They seem always to have had a liking for the name of Henderson, which liking has been transmitted from generation to generation, with the name - supporting T. J. Henderson in 1864-(JG as enthusiastically as in 1839 or 1840, they had his father. This political faith seems to have l)een shared by their native l)orn neighbors, as the names of 3[yrtle (f . Brace and numerous meinbers of the Fuller family, are usually seen side by side with that of John Turnbull in the political proceedings of by-gone years.

And when their patriotism had to be tried by the ten-rible ordeal ^)f battle, they did not shrink from duty ; witness the fine array of names in our soldier's record, credited to Elmira township. We know we are unprepared to do justice to this quiet nook, and to the strong characters that compose the bulk of its citizens. If through imperfect knowledge we have erred in statement, we beg pardon in advance, and will only add in conclusion, that a stranger visiting our county, will nowhere within its limits, find a warmer welcome, or gain more favorable impressions of its resources than in this Scotch settlement in Elmira township.

Axd Its Pioxeekp

This is a very large family. The writer had no convenient means of ascertaining how many of this name inhabited, and still do inhabit 8tark county. One branch of this genealogical tree seems to have taken root on LaSalle Prairie, Peoria county, at an early day. From there (we think) came Lewis Sturms, among the first names mentioned in our annals, but who must have left again after a few years.

In September, 1834, came Matthias Sturms, or as he was familiarly called "Uncle Tias;" with him, from the stateof Ohio came his wife and ten children, one son-in-law, Kirkpatrick, and one -daughter-in-law, the wife of my informant, Heury Sturms.

Of these children of Matthias, we can record but little, save their names. The sons as we recall them, were Henry, Nicholas, Samuel, Matthias and Simon. His daughters became Mrs. l\irkpatrick and Mrs. Peter Pratt.

Henry jnarried a ]Miss Osborne, whose family also became residents of the Sturms settlement, and her father was noted among the first settlers as a successfid bee hunter.

We have elsewhere had occasion to speak of the characteristics of this Sturms family ; their very numbers rendered them of importance in a new county, and as we remember them in their l>rime; they were all stalwart, active men, of rough exterior but kind at heart.

At the date of our visit to Henry, now an old man, we found liim greatly changed. He is in straightened circumstances, and this misfortune is heightened by the loss of sight. Confinement to the house in consequence of his blindness, has robbed him of his early vigor, and he seemed sadly depressed in spirit,s, asserting that "he knew nothing that could be of use to anyone." Put as we strove to divert his thoughts from the sad realities of the present, to recollections of the past "when he was as well off" as ]iis neighbors," memory seemed to awake once more, and he discoursed freely of the "good old times."

He spoke of the encampincnt of Indians at WalnutgToveniiich as Mr. Seeley liad done; thought "he and his wife had seen iive luindred pass their door in a single day ; they were not afraid, liad been used to Indians in Oliio, and tliese Pottawatoniies were friendly to the wiiites." lie told us of liunting adventures without end, thinks he has killed deer at all hours from sundown to to sunrise, averaging, at a good season of the year, thirty a week. " He knew their licks," and climbing a tree convenient to them, Avait-ed their approach and shot them from his perch. "He would then tie them to the tail of his horse with ropes carried for the l)urpose, and haul them home."

Has dragged in three at a time in this way. To the youthful reader, this may sound lil^e a very improbable tale; our horses would certainly object to such proceedings. IJut the Sturms were not the only men wdio V)rought th^ir game home in this fashion, iis plenty of witnesses yet living can testify. They say it requirtnl the knack of an experienced hunter to do it successfully, "there "vvas a great deal in knowing just how to tie them on." Henry Sturms further said that one Sunday morning some thirty years ago, as he and a cousin were walking along the bluffs of iSpoon river, he spied in the water a slightly wounded buck ; he immediiitely si)rang upon his l)ack, jumi)ing from an elevation of about ten feet, and seizing the animal by the horns " ducked him " till lie was exhausted and breathless, falling an easy prey on the bank.

They considered it "bad luck" to carry Are arms on Sunday, and -on this occasion had in their i>ossession no weapon larger than a pen knife, so proceeded with great care and deliberation to dispatch the poor beast with that ; and finally the two men dragged Iiim home (btit a short distance) in triumph.

This man is among those who think the undergrowth or thickets with which our woods now abound are of (piite recent growth. He is sure all in the vicinity of Osceola grove, have sprung up since his time. Grapes, plums and crab-apples, he says were very scarce when he first saw the Sjioon river county, but wild strawberries were abundant.

It is curious that u})on a m.itter so simple as tliis, diiferent opinions should exist, some old settlers protesting that when they first saw these groves they were entirely clear of undergrowth, others, as confidently asserting the opposite state of facts.

fi'equently came upon tlie remain^; of Iniffalo, think:^ they hart onee ranged through these parts in larg-e lierds, but had perished during- "tlie winter of tlie deep snow," an era we can not date just now, but it occurred some ten or twelve years before tlie settlement of the Spoon river country.

Our informant recalls several valleys containing acres of land literally covered with the Ijones of these animals ; one of these lying- between his own place and that of Mr. .Searles, in Osceola townshi}). He described particularly the peculiar construction of the shoulder bones, which produce the distinctive hump of this species of buffalo, and we conclude he must have gatherc'd his facts from the observation of the remains, as it is not supposable he ever consulted books for such information.

He concludes the buffalo sheltered from the fierceness of the storm in these narrow wooded valleys, but the s)iow which fell to a depth of four feet on the level prairie, would drift up those gorges and down the hills, and actually bury them alive, and as the intense cold soon crusted it over, there would be no escape from starvation. That the deer perished in a similar manner, about the same time, is a fact well established, and in this connection it may not be inappropriate to remark that elk bones were also found by the early settlers. Dr. Hall remembers a huge skeleton of this animal that lay on the high prairie towards Providence, and served as a "land mark" for years - its bones glittering in the sunlight, could be seen for miles. So Mr. Sturms' theories are not without collateral support.

Besides the large family of Matthias, senior, there was another Henry Sturms, brother of the former, whose children for the most i)art are residents of Stark county. Of this family we have even less knowledge. Peter, a local preacher of the Methodist faith, antl a well to do farmer lives not far from Bradford in a locality known by the suggestive, but not euphonious appellation of "Hell street." Possibly his philanthropy led him there, that he might beseech of his neighbors to choose better ways. In conclusion we may say of these families, that although they have never been prominent in politiees or claimed "high places in the synagogues," yet they have been by no means wanting- in religious fervor.

The cabin of "Uncle Tias" was one of the first meeting places of the Methodist fraternity, and the Sturms' school house was remarkable for displays of "the power" and enthusiasm generally, that would astonish the most ardent advocate of camp meetingexcitement, now-a-days.

But the present generation, tlie Sturms oi' to-day, is iiuiteanother being to tlie Sturms of forty years ago. They are losing- the characteristics of -backwoodsiTien, or frontiersmen, and growing just like their neighbors.

In fact, public schools, equal riglits, and Paris fashions are fast obliterating all differences among our western people, reducing them to a dead level, or as near tliat jis nature permits. This may be right and Ijest, but after all, we rather enjoy contemplating the diversities in the genus homo, and can hanlly see how society would be the gainer by juaking people all just alike, if that were possible.

Soon after we had entered on the task of collecting materials for this work we had opportunity for a conversation with Mr. Henry Seeley at Bradford, and gathered therefrom the following reminiscences of early days in that part of the county :

3Ir. Seeley was born in Ontario county. New York, in 1S05, and so has already measured out his "three score years and ten," but at the date of this interview, was still hale and vigorous, in full possession of all his mental faculties. H^ has evidently enjoyed few educational advantages, but has naturally quick perceptions, and strong practical sense - a man of nerve and resolution, well adapted to pioneer life.

When he was but eleven yeai's of age his father removed from Ontario, New York, to \^ermillion county, Indiana ; here in the "Hoosier State" he grew to manhood, and married in 1831. In 1882, this young couple removed to Peoria county, Illinois, and in 1834, to what has ever since been known as "Seeley's Point," a beautiful grove, two and one-half miles from the present town of Bradford. By this, it will be seen that this man was among our very first settlers. General Thomas had not yet reached AVyoming, or jNIajor ]Moore, Osceola. Not a settlement had yet been made at what we now call Kewanee, or AVethersfield, or Providence ! Boyd, at his grove, eight miles east of Bradford ^\'as one of the nearest neighbors, and the old bachelor Grant, had a little hut on what has long been the Ilolgate farm, Penn toA\nship. One cabin near the present village of Wyanet, was the only habitation between "Seeley's Point" and the AVinnebago Swamps.

It was in tlio sjn-inij;' of ls;U tliat ^h\ Seeley luiilt liis t'al)iii and o.stablished himself at the "Point." Iniring' the summers of 1S;U and IS.T), many adventurous travelers made their way here, lookinj4' for homes in this fertile region, and INlr. and Mrs. Seeley exercised with no sparing' hand tiie rouj^ii hut generous hospitality of those times. He says twenty persons at one time Iiave found food and shelter in the sin<;le room he owned and occupied.

A portion of the tribe of Indians known as Pottawatomies still wintered re<i;'ularly at Walnut y-rove ; with these ]Mr. Seeley generally continued to sustain friendly relations, and traded (piite extensively with them at times; he understood their Iano'ua,U'e and could speak it lUiently M'hen in practice. l)urin<4' the lattt'r part of is;}."), when he was absent from home, attendin<>' to business in Peoria, an Indian came to his cabin, having with him a large bark bag or sack, which he wanted tilled with shelled corn, offering therefor, a fifty cent silver piece - less than half its value at tiiat time. ]Mr. Seeley's father was the only man about the house, and being old and feeble, naturally shrank from having any altercation with the savage, so he prom[)tly complied with the demand, and the purchaser rode away on his pony, doubtless well l)lease(l with his success.

Not many days had passed until he again presented himself at the cabin door, with a similar V)ag and a similar piece of money. This time Mr, Seeley was at home, and not having the fear of Indians before his mind, said as plainly as he could that "unless Pottawatomie produced a bigger coin, viz : $1, he should not have the corn." He nuumtecl his pony emi)ty handed this time, and rode away very sullenly. The incident would sometimes recur to the settler's mind, lor well he knew the Indian would never forget him, or the atfnjut, until in some way the account was l)alanced.

And it came about in this way. In the winter of 1M8{;-;17, when no w<n'k was going forward, Mr. Seeley proposed to a new neighbor (a Sturnis) to ride with him over to Walnut grove and see what the Indians were doing.

Not faraway (i)robal)ly at IJulbona grove) there was a French trading post, where i)()wder and whiskey, and such like adjuncts of civilization could be obtained, and as Mr. Seeley and his friend appr(»ached the grove it was evident the Indians liad i)!enty of both. A truly hideous chorus of whoops and yells saluted their ears, interspersed at intervals with theshari) report of firearms, liut the men were well mounted and carried trusty rifles, so nothing daunted they rode forward toward the scene of excitement, and found as is usual among Indians on sucli " sprees," only one sober man in the whole encampment ; it would seem the redman is this much wiser than his "white brothers," thew always keep one sober to look after the safety of the rest! On this occasion, the S(iUiws were busy hiding- arms and weapons of all sorts, lest their drunken masters should do themselves or others serious injury. Soon a group of desiderate looking savages approached our horsemen, bearing among them a small keg or cask of liquor, veritable "fire-water," from whicli they drank by turns, without stint or measure. Tliey first invited Sturms to partake, which he thought best to do very si)aringly, the keg was raised to Seeley's saddle l)OW, who was prei)aring to folk)w the example of his friend, when, quick as the lightning's flash, an Indian sprang to his side, and snatching the precious keg, exclaimed in his own dialect, "mean white man, mean white man, he no have whiskey." Mr. Seeley, although startled for a moment, did not fail to recognize in the excited creature l)efore him, the baffled trader in corn.

The coveted keg was swiftly borne into a neighboring thicket, followed by the howling savages. Mr. Seeley rode away, feeling satisfied that the fued was considered settled.

This gentleman also tells many characteristic tales of the time Avhen he "hauled his crop to Chicago," and then sold his wheatat fifty cents per bushel, and other things in proi)ortion. Mr. "William Moore, another old settler was often his companion on these trips.

This Moore was what in common parlance is called ^^c/osrjisferl^^^ and the amusing dilennnas into which this niggardliness sometimes led him, and his companions, furnish themes for many hearty laughs, even after the lapse of years. But as it is not so much fun as facts we are after, we merely record, on one of these expeditions that they traded their wheat for salt, a commodity so essential to the pioneer, yet sometimes difficult to ol)tain. This salt they sold for $8 per barrel, on Si)oon river, "Elijah McClennahan paying ten bushels of as good winter wheat as he ever saw, foronebarrel of salt !" Frontiersman as Seeley was, and imused to the modern luxuries of "laid out roads," bridges, and guide posts, he knew how to steer his course by the sun, through the day ; by the stars through the night; and seldom lest "his bearings." But sometimes sun and stars would fail him, and when tlie snow lay deep over the trackless waste filling even the Indian trailc; to the level, he would become bewildered.

ing- on the solitary cabin, referred to, near the present site of Wyfinet. Hastily dismounting-, he enquired of a woman \\ho answered his summons at the door, "tor the way to the head waters of Spoon river." The woman looked embarrassed for a moment^ "did not think she could direct liim there," but said, "li'om a rise of ground not far off he could see ' Seeley's Point' which she supposed might be in that region somewhere." He did n(jt say he was "the dweller at the point," but moulding' his weary horse struck out again across the })rairie and soon gaining- the ridge now known as Bunker's hill, was cheered by a glimpse of his own grove. There he has lived more than forty years, years too every one of them rich in results ; lived to see his old hunting- grounds transformed into fruitful fields - markets brought to Ins doors, all the evidences of wealth and cultivation occupying the waste places of old; such have been tlie experiences common to Stark county pioneers.

Mr. Seeley had a father and brother or l)rothers, also citizens of Stark county, from its organization. We often jneet with their names in studying the old records, but have no furtlier particulars of their lives to record.

Soon another generation will possess the land and not an old settler be left to tell the story of the past - then sliall these simple mementos of our fathers acquire a value they possess not now.

Mr. Thomas Winn is another man who made his home here as early as the si)ring of 1k;54, being then a married man, and the father of, four sons, all of whom lived to be citizens of Stark county, one of them, Jefferson, serving- the county acceptably for a term of years in the capacity of circuit clerk.

They were married in Switzerland county, Indiana, 1^23. The M'inter of 1831 tliey spent at F(»rt Clark, now Peoria, and duringthe two following years, fanned land near ^NEossville, on tlie Illinois river. His removal to Putnam county was brouglit about in the following manner :

"While residing at Mossville he made the acquaintance of a Captain Jack, an eccentric English soldier, A\ho after distinguishing him-elf to some extent in the campaigns against Napoleon, concluded to bring- his family t(^ this new country, and betake himself to more peaceful pursuits. This man hired Mr. Winn and his two yoke of oxen, and another man by the name of Canon, with a four-horse team, to take his family and effects from Mossville to Knoxville. They went by the way of Farmington, were tliree days making the journey, and had to camj) out at night. At Knoxville they found William P. Smith, from the Essex settlement, then a young man, but well taught in the lore of the woods and prairies; he was on horseback, and said he could pilot the teamsters back by a shorter rouie ; said "he could strike a bee line to Spoon river," which he did - they fording that stream near the present site of Rochester, reaching the Essex settlement in good time on the second day. Here they were kindly entertained by the Smiths, and Mr. Winn was so pleased with the locality, 'as to decide upon making it his future home. So in April, 1834, he purchased sixty or seventy acres of land near the farm of Mr. Josiah Moftttt, which included the site of the " old log fort," built it would seem but to conmiemorate the "Indian si'are" of 1832. For a short time his family lived within the " picketed " enclosure, but he subsequently put the logs to better use by splitting- them into rails. Mr. and Mrs. Winn are now growing feel)le with age, but their memory of past events is good ; they corroborate, in every particular, ^Nlr. Clifford's account of the building of our first school house, and say they think Adam Perry suggested and planned the enterprise. Mr. Winn was at its "raising;" says the neighbors came together early on the 4th of July, 1834, with their ox teams and axes, cut and hauled the logs from the woods around them, and some engaged in splittingclapboards. By two o'clock P. M. they had it waist high, and a very heavy rain coming up, they arranged their clai)l)oards the best they could for shelter, and crawled in and " ate their fourth of July dinner, without toasts," but had a jolly good time, never to be forgotten by any of them.

iHoutli of Camping creek ; al.-so has .seen the reinains of their " council house " in their old vilUig-e near Mr. Mofflt's farm ; the outlines could be distinctly traced and the centre pole was still standing-; has also found the wooden troughs in which they enclosed their dead, sometimes hanging in trees.

The Emerys are of German extraction, all of that name in this i^ountry, having prol)ably sprung from two l:trothers who emigrated to the eastern states prior to the revolutionary war. Their descendants spell their patronymic somewhat differently, as Emry, Ehiery, Emory, Init the resemblance is sutRcient to suggest a common origin.

Our informant thinks the posterity of one of these emigrants may yet be found principally in New England, si^elling their name with an o, while the other Conrad, gradualljaiiade his way from eastern to western Pennsylvania, living for a time in Miflin and Mercer counties, about the beginning of the i)resent century, and spelling his name always p]niery.

These people, at least the western branch of the family, after being for several generations American born, still show traces of Teutonic blood. They are of the large athletic German type, fjiir iiaired, fresh complexioned, and of phlegmatic temperament. We fancy a little excitable irritable Emery would be a wonder in this land.

So far as we know them, the men were and are thrifty, successful farmers, while here and there a love of art, particularly of jnusic, crops out, suggestive of the " German's Fatherland."

The Conrad who was the immediate progenitor of our Stark county Emerys, removed from Mercer county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio, in 1817, and from there to Knox county, Illinois, in 1.S8-), his farm being in one of the townships drawn from Knox at the formation of this county, his first home being on what is now known as the south-west of north-west of section thirty-two, Goshen township, forming part of the present property of John Emery, Es<i., the youngest son of the family.

Of the two daughters, Mary married a man bj' the name of Swab, and 8arah, Elijah ^NlcClennahan, for many years a resident of Iowa, but still remembered by all our old settlers.

Joseph an industrious and exemplar.y man, settled on the east half of north-west quarter, of section five, West Jersey township. He died suddenly, away from home, in 1856, leaving besides a widow and cliildren, a large circle of ac(iuaintances to mourn the loss of a good neighbor and friend.

But probably Jacob is the most remarkable member of this group. Born in Miflin county, Pennsylvania, January KJth, 1803, he has already passed the bounds usually alloted to man. We may safely conclude that in his youth he shared no better educational advantages than were common to the children of the working men at that early day, perhaps never in his life having more than a winter's scliooling. But tlie absence of mental culture has in his case been i:)artly counterbalanced by native mental power, and financial abilities of no common order. He, too, located in 1835, in what is now Goshen township, north-west quarter of section thirty-two, and despite his large family, long and frequent sickness, and frightful doctor's bills, was soon known among his neighbors as "forehanded."

In 18i0-41, while most of our farmers were still struggling with debts and incumbrances, he had cleared his land and was building a fine barn, one of the first really good ones ever built in .Stark county, and in 1819, completed his elegant and commodious farm house. He did not Midas like, transmute all he touclied into gold, altliough he must have handled a good deal of that in the days of " specie payment," but by a similar necromancy it seemed that all the land he looked upon became his own, until more than a thousand acres owned his ^way - not inherited or patented, but earned by the hard hand of toil in the space of fourteen years !

And prosperity did not unduly elate him ; he remained an unassuming jjlain man, enjoying good fortune sensibly ; relaxing somewhat the toilsome habits of earlier years, he read and traveled, studied men and things, bestowing upon his younger children the cultivation that circumstances had denied the older ones. In youth he was a zealous ^Methodist, in middle age a clasn leader, but of late years has embraced the spiritualistic philosophy with all its intangible theories. This is not the place to discuss the pros and eons of these widely divergent faiths, or to conject- lire why it is so niuny start on life's sea with one set of oi)inions nailed to the mast, and drift to the opposite extreme before the voyage is done. But that these changes are going on in our little \rorld, as surely as in the greater one of which we form a part, is indisputable.

Human nature is everywhere an unsolved mystery, and few men in this comnumity scan its depths with a more kind and yet careful scrutiny, than Jacob Emery.

The irreverent may sneer, the thoughtless laugh at his conclusions, but he pities and forgives! There is no room in all his great heart for malice or sectarian bitterness, but a broad philanthroi>y, a just toleration, a gentle charity, make there an abiding place. Looking fearlessly into a future, he wisely makes the most of the present life, gathers about him congenial spirits, whether " in the body or out of the body " seems immaterial, for to his consciousness it is literally true, that

The subject of this sketch was born at Peach am, in Caledonia county, Vermont, August 7th, 1798, and was the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth Buswell, /?«:: Cham])er!ain. On his mother's side, he was also descended from the Mellens, a name noted in tlie early annals of New England, as was that of (Jhamberlain. The place of his birth was, at that time, a comparatively new country, liaving a few years previously been settled by emigrants from the more southerly portion of the New England states. Strong, robust and hardy, they penetrated the wilderness of the nortli, and made themselves homes.

Such even now would be considered a perilous undertaking, liut like their native hills, these men were firm and steadfast, and overcame all obstacles.

der that wc find Mr. Jjuswell capn'ok' ol" i)r('akin;^' away froiii the parent nost, and with a few associates of sinuUir mould, seekinj^- H home in the far west, whicli, at that time mi^^-ht well be eallrd "an unknown region."

Thus we find him leaving his native home in is;]2, unaeco)))]);;- nied by his family ; lie came to Illinois, visited several portions of the state, and finally settled for the time being at Peoria.

Returninfrto Vermont in the autunm of 1S;}.3, tlie following year he bade it farewell forever, and with his family settled in Peoria, where he resided until 18.']7. Having in the meantime^ selected a site for a home in Osceola, he removed there during the summer of that year, where he continued to reside until the date of his death in 1874.

The education he liad received on his native hills, peculiarly qualified him to overcome the hardshi])s and vicissitudes that awaited him in his new home, and right jnanfully did he wage the battle of life and secure to himself and family a peaceful retreat, where in his declining years, together with the honond partner of his joys and sorrows, he might retire in peace to ejijoy the fruit of years of toil.

In early life he received an academic education, thorough, for that day, which laid a good foundation for future study. Ever fond of books, reading was with him a daily exercise, even during the years of active lift'. II(> kept himself well informed on all matters of religion and i)olitics, and measurably of science. Possessed of a strong and eipially poised mind, he was capable of grasping and comprehending almost any subject that claimed his attention. And, he was an inde})endent thinker. His opinions were his own, and he cared not whether others endorsed them or not. He never j^roselyted, it was enough that his own nund was convinced.

In religion, he was lil>eral, conservative, if you please, but always reverential. A strong sense of right was one of the noljlest ti'aits of his character, and against tiiis, negro slavery clashed sorely.

Therefore, he became early in life itsunrelenting foe. Here, there was no conservatism, but he "carried the war into Africa" and fought it to the end. And happily lived to see the curse removed ; - 1SG;> In'ought a proud triumph to the band of heroes, who for more than forty years, had "bearded tlu^ lion in his den," had fought against all odds, hoped against all hope, endured misrepresentation and persecution, and harder than all.

Then he was the most unassuming;- of men ; altliouj^'h an ardent l)oIitician, never seeking- distinction or preferment for himself, consenting- to act as "justice of tlie peace " merely to accommodate his neig'hliors, among- whom he was almost an oracle on all neighborhood matters, his wise decisions settling many disputes that might otherwise have been fanned into destructive flames.

Thus he pursued "the even tenor of his May," until the 2d day of August, 1S74, having entered the eighty-first year of his age, he died as calmly and peacefully as he had lived.

Thus far, this sketch is but slightly altered from one that appeared in the local papers, at the time of Mr. Buswell's death, and is i)rol)ably as full and concise an account of the principal efents of his life as we can obtain. And yet we feel it is too meager for one \vho filled so large a place, for so long a time in thei)0- litical life of our county.

Xo mention is made of the large family of gifted sons and daughters who are his rich legacy to the land of hisadoption,and only a passing- allusion to the heroic woman, who for more that fifty years cheerfully shared all the vicissitudes of his lot, who by lier nol)le presence coukl dignify the humblest liome, as she would have graced the the proudest mansion ; yet, in the minds of the old settlers, these recollections are inseparably associated with the name of Buswell. Some can yet recall the "cabin in the g-rove," when father, mother and ten children gathered around its rough but hosi)itable 1)oard, and there Mas always room and welcome for the stranger to(j.

That group has long since scattered. Three went before their father to the "undiscovered country," falling- while the rich promises of youth hung- thick about them, others remain to perpetuate his name and virtues, and perchance furnish themes "whereby some future historian may seek to garnish the fame of "little \ Stark."

The Butler Family

In sketching persons or landscajDes, it is obviously easier to make a striking picture if the lines are broken or irregular ; here a depression, there an exaltation, or elevation ; the more abrupt the contrast, the better for scenic effect. Thus, the painter chooses for his canvass the towering mountain, the beetkng crag, oi' rushing cataract ; anything rather than the gentle undulations of fertile grounds, watered only by placid sti-eams. But, does it then follow that the crag and torrent are of more value to humanity than the productive plain with its fertilizing currents? If not, then in the group of sketches here introduced, if the reader finds nothing sensational, no traces of erratic genius, no wonderful developments of precoL-ious learning or piety, resulting in premature death ; no "stranded to give variety to the scene or pathos to tiie narrative ; but, lives in the main, well ordered, rounded to a beautiful completeness, devoted to quiet pursuits, and the practice of domestic virtues, let him not therefore pronounce them wholly uninteresting.

Captain Henry Butler and Rebecca his wife, were born in New Haven, Connecticut, before the close of the last century, and were both of good New England stock,

.lustus Butler, father of the captain, was a famous hotel keeper of that city. Throughout the region from whence Tale Colh^ge draws its students, and New Haven its maritime and commercial importance, he reigned in his day, as "i^rince of landlords."

Mrs. Butler sprang from a race of printers. The first of her lineage in this country, was one Samuel Green, printer, at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Prol)ably from his press, and under his supervision was issued the first edition of the sacred scriptures in the Indian tongue. Next in order came his son Samuel Green, bred to his father's trade, as we believe.

Third, Timothy Green of New London, i)ublic printer to the state of Connecticut. Fourth, Samuel Green, editor of " The Connecticut Jmirnal," files of which are still preserved in the- family in Illinois. Fifth, Mrs. llel)ecea Butler, a Stark county l)ioneer, who together with her husl)and and eight children emigrated hither in 1835 ; and, as seemed befitting such a pedigree, her twin boys, Samuel CI. and AVilliani H. Butler, were early initiated into the mysteries of the printer's guild.

It would seem that Captain, then Mr. Butler, also essayed to follow in the footsteps of his father for a time, and won an enviable reputation as "mine host," for in the earlier part of his married life he received an invitation from the then Mayor of Richmond Virginia, to take charge of the "Union Hotel," a new house just built in that city, and which was to admit of no superior at the South. What the exact date of the removal from New Haven to Richmond was, we have no means of knowing, but conclude it was prior to 1824 as during this year, Lafayette paid hi^ last visit to our shores, and was a guest " at the Union." However, the subject of this sketch undertook the task of keeping a first class hotel, whether it paid or not ; he had a reputation to sustain, aikl was not to be outdone in the richness of his furnishing, the costliness of the interior decorations of his house, or the luxury of its cuisine. But as is often the case, such ek^gance was not remunerative financially. And it is probable the landlord of "The Union," quitted Richmond no richer for the expensive exl^eriment. Still he had had a varied experience, a rare opportunity to form acquaintance with many of the leading men of hi.s. times (and "there were giants in those days") which was of itself an education of the most desirable sort, and no doubt helped to make him what he afterwards remained, a most agreeable entertainer ; presiding over his own home and at his own table with an easy dignity; dispensing therefrom an abounding hospitality.

After leaving the hotel, Mr. Butler turned his attention to shipping and commercial matters generally, for which he had a decided predilection, always declaring, that, but for his mother's appeals he should have "followed the sea" from his youth.

Being so congenial to his tastes, he had contrived to acquii'e considerable nautical knowledge, both theoretical and practical, and continued to turn it to account in his occupations during the remainder of his stay in Richmond, and afterwards in New York, to which city he subsequently removed with his family. In this business he won his title of "captain," by which he was so well known to the early settlers of Stark county ; sometimes acting as supercargo, sometimes chartering vessels on his own account, making trips to various ports, and once, on a return voy-

He continued thus occupied, either " ui>on ship or shore " for sonie years, at a business to whicli lie was devotedly attached, and, but for his emigration to Illinois, would i)ro]jal)ly have continued in it to the end of his days.

]iut by this time, his older sons had grown to manhood, and one of them at least had purcliased lands in the " military tract." just then becoming a fashionable speculation with eastern capitalists.

This investment was naturally made the sulyect of conversation at the family table and fireside. All sorts of opinions were rife regarding the prospects of this then vinpeopled region, but the prevailing one just then was that Illinois was an earthly paradise, both as regards beauty of scenery and salubrity of climate; and that it contained in the singular fertility of its soil, the elements of wealth in a larger degree than any other place in the known world.

Current newspaper ai'ticles and " Peck's Gazetteer of Illinois," were purchased and read with avidity, and of course helped foster these opinions; and finally a 3Ir. Bogardus, one of Peoria's jjioneer lawyers returned to Xew York, and visiting the Butlers, took care by his glowing accounts of the west, to stimulate any latent desire they might have to emigrate in that direction.

They had also another ac(iuintance already here, Elias K.Kane, a member of the convention which formed the first constitution of our state ; and very probably his letters helped confirm the impressions already made. However this may have been, it came to pass th^t Captain Butler left New York in .June, ls8o, with a view to locating somewhere in the neighborhood of Peoria, at which place he arrived in due time, but finally pushed his way to AVyoming, then having only "a name to live," at which point he immediately set about preparing a shelter for his family, they following him in the fall, by the lakes to Chicago, and from thence by teams to the "Spoon river country."

One of them but recently remarked that he has " always regarded this emigration more as a romantic adventure, than anything else; if indeed it did not deserve to be ranked as a foolhardy undertaking."

Leaving as they did a competence and comfortable quarters in the city, with jjleasant surroundings and congenial associations, was certainly a strange freak on the part of those who had about as much comprehension of western life and the means of making a livin<i- hero, as the retreating- aborigines had of the advantages of civilization, lint if the change conld not be sanctioned by sound Jndgnient, all affected by it, had some of the characteristics e^^sential to such an undertaking, viz : pluck, a loveof adventure^ and a philosoph'ical determination to accept, without complaining, the situation, with whatever it might Itring. Thus e(pupi)ed they embarked in high spirits, Mrs. Butler, three sons and tive daughters from New York, and when arriving at Buffalo, went on ))oard the old brig, "(Ju<?(^ii Charlotte," which had been a Mar vessel, and one of Perry's captures. The voyage across the lakes was an eventful one, as most voyages were in those days, being ample time during their progress for events to transpire.

The Butlers were four weeks between Buffalo and Chicago. While on lake Erie, in the morning twilight, a steamer struck the old brig, carrying away her "bowsprit" and "cut- water:" compelling them to remain at Detroit for repairs. Then they were aground just a week upon the flats of St. Clair, and detained again at the mouth of 8t. Clair river, and had, as they say, "a stormy old time " on lake Huron. But after all, as they were naturally good sailors, the journey was pronounced "hugely enjoyable," and they will very probably laugh to the end of their lives, at recollections of incidents on board the "Queen Charlotte." Thus, "to the end of the chapter," whatever was hardest to endure was most laughed at, until they declared themselves "at home" in the hewed "double-log house " on the prairie, near AVyoming. f

General Thomas, Whitney Smith, and Samuel Seeley had cabins skirting the timber, but "the captain was the pioneer builder out on the prairie." Of course ail professed to be delighted with the location, but no words can give an idea of its extreme loneliness to eyes accustomed to the solid blocks of a great commercial city.

There was then no other house in the direction of the traveled /road to Peoria, till you reached "Mount ITawley," which skirted the Illinois river timl)er ; and eastward, none between them and Camping grove. Still the beautiful unobstructed view across an undulating sea of verdure, flecked here and there with jjrilliant Howers, was worthy an artist's pencil.

And the boys and girls lived merrily, and the " old .folks" at least contentedly, aniid their novel surroundings ; and in the course of time the log house was superseded by a substantial brick structure, still referred toiis the "Butler homestead." And what a large place that homestead filled, not only in tlie regard of the

A^arious family groui)S of which it was so long the common centre, but in the social life of the neighborhood, how many "grand times" and "good times" at Captain Butler's, could yet be recounted by those who will never more see such times anywhere!

But ere we give vent to the reflections that here come surging $it memory's beck, it is meet we complete the sketch of Captain and JNIrs. Butler, for in our gallery of portraits of Stark county pioneers, they are surely entitled to full length pictures.

Many of the characteristics of the former, may be inferred from Avhat has already been said, and after he became one of us, it was in the domestic and social circle he was best known and appreciated. The superintendence of his farm occupied his time, and he neither sought or cared for political distinction. Still he had his own opinions and defended them warmly, could make a stump speech (in behalf of others always) when occasion demanded it, was an "old line whig," and of course Henry Clay was his model of a statesman. A pei'sonal acquaintance in earlier life had t)ut served to enhance his admiration of this man.

In faith, he was ever an Episcopalian, an adherent of Bishop -Chase, who frefpiently visited him at Wyoming, sometimes performing service at his house.

Said one who knew him well, "it was a debatable question which he thought the most of, the Episcopal church religiously, or the whig party politically, as embodiments of all that was perfect, humanly speaking, of their peculiar principles."

He was fre(iOently called upon to preside at political meetings, which he did with considerable ijarliamentary ability, and to make after dinner speeches on festive occasions. He was prominent in the " ^^'ashingtonian movement " at an early day, and made many warm appeals in behalf of reform ; was an active member of the first agricultural society, and a charter member of the first masonic lodge in our county.

It is simple justice to say he was a kind neighbor and good citizen. That he was a good hater too, when stung by wrong or ingratitude, is very likely ; such positive characters usually are ; that he had other faults or foibles is more than probable, as they are the dross of our common humanity. But as the miner when he sti'ikes a rich lead of gold, gathers his treasure, paying small heed to the refuse that may attach itself to it, so we, when there is so much fine gold, care not to measure the alloy. We love to recall

Captain Butler as the whole-souled, genial y'entlenian he was, as our father's friend, and our cnvn, and hope ^\-e may leave a pleasant, as it will be truthful, impression of him upon our reader's mind.

His last days were clouded by chronic ailings, but his mind remained clear, and lie enjoyed his books and friends to the last. He went peacefully to his rest, August 2nd, 18G4, aged seventylive years.

Mrs. Butler survived her husband but little over one year. And her character was precisely of the kind hinted at in the introduction to these sketches ; if you attempt to analyze it you lose the effect ; its beautiful completeness was its greatest charm. She was emphatically "a keeper at home," quiet and undemonstrative everywhere, but it was the repose of conscious strength, not an expression of weakness.

Her numerous family as they grew to years of understanding fully recognized the fact that she was "the power behind the throne." Not that this power was obtrusive or offensive, but she knew how to touch the hidden springs, to draw "the silken cords," that move and guide imperceptibly. And, as a result could, in her later years look down the long line of sons and daughters, and with a satisfaction but rarely accorded to mothers, .say, "not one has disappointed me." Her religious life was in harmony with all other developments of character, a quiet stream but deep; her children best knew its force. They say, "from our earliest childhood she taught us the priceless value of Christianity as a source of happiness, both in this life and that which is to come." Heartily believing what she taught, she went cheerfully to her reward, after enduring a long and painful illness. She ptassed away November 30th, 1865 ; and the old home was desolate !

In our world it must be, that night follows day, and clouds the sunshine, and by the same law it would seem, after christenings and marriages, and merry makings, come funerals and teai's, and "the sad drapery of woe." Such is human life, and it must be the part of wisdom to accept calmly the inevitable.

To the present generation, the children of Captain and Mrs. Butler, we wish briefly to advert. Not l)ecause we can tell the people of Stark county anything specially new or sensational with regard to those who have for the most part dwelt so long among us ; but because they deserve to stand here as elsewh n'e, a united family. Their names in the order of their ages are, Lucy, George, Samuel and Henry, Rebecca, Mary, Charles, Abby, Eliz- abeth, Albert, Vir<i-iiiia and Henrietta. Just a round dozen ; of these, Al»by died in infancy, but up to the date of this i)resent writing, September, 1S7G, the eleven form a band unbroken through tlie vicissitudes of so many changeful years.

Lucy and her widowed sister, (INIrs. Thomas) still make a home at Wyoming, as does also their brother Henry, all too well known to f)ur readers to require more than a mention, to call them vividly to mind, and so sensitive^ to anything like notoriety, as to ni.ike a m)re audieious pen than ours pause and withhold the tribute it longs to pay.

Samuel has for some vears resided in Fremont countv, Iowa. Rebecca is the wife of Hon. Oaks Turner, of Hennepin, Illinois. Elizal)eth the wife of .John \V. Henderson, Esci., now of Cedar liapids, Iowa, but early and long a Stark county man,

Albert, the youngest brother, spent hisyouth at Wyoming, and here married Miss Kate Atherton, daughter of J. II. Atherton, Esq., but some years since, returned to his old home in New York city, where he entered into business and has since remained.

Virginia, a beautiful woman, the family pet and favorite, was by an accident in her childhood, deprived of her hearing, but was fortunate enough to become a pupil of the (iallaudets, distinguished as being the first successful educators of deaf mutes. And, so well did she profit by the opportunities afforded her that amongher familiar friends her affliction is hardly noticed, so completely have her eyes an<l fingers learned to do double duty. Since the death of her parents, Virginia has made her home with her youngest sister, Mrs. General Henderson of Princeton, Illinois.

Two brothers, George and Charles, have never left their eastern homes. The former was for many years a sort of Lord Chancellor in A. T. Stewart's great mercantile establishment; that is, he carried th^ seals and the keys of this merchant prince, who we are informed was by marriage connected with the Butlers.

Charles, the last to be noticed of this kindred group, we learn is a member of a large and prominent law firm in New York, of which Evarts, so distinguished for his defence of H. AV. Beecher, is the leader. Thus it can be comprehended that these children, in by-gone days, are now widely scattered and diversely occui)ie(l. Still they occasionally meet and enjoy a re-union, and though all are remarkably well preservec}, none of them can any longer be culled youii.u'. As ono of tlicir luinibor said of their lust re-union^ " what a jolly set of old folks we were, all of us 'j;ra\ headed, and wearing' <i!asses, but all well and apparently hajjpy, and as full of life and fun as twenty yeai's ago." Not many families eun mukc^ sueh u record, for be it remembered the youn^'est of this j>roup is well u}> in the forties, und the eldest - well we will not make a iiuess, for nuthino- in her manner or ai»})earance would indicate she was over fifty.

The children of these people, tlie grand-children of Captain and IMrs. liutler, we are iKtt i)rei)are(l to number, but they wcadd make a goodly showing if we could. Indeed, api)lying to this family one of Darwin's fundamental laws, "the survival of tlie fittest," one may safely i)redict the Butler blood will make itself known through generations yet unborn - when this page and the liand that traced it, will be among the forgotten things of a sliadowy past.

"The Spoon river country" or Stark county, have nurtured and developed few men, if any, who have enlisted so lurge a share of ])ublic attention and affection, for so long a time as the subject of this notice. Therefore, we hope to gratify a majority of our readers by considering, even imperfectly for a short time, his several roles of citizen, politiciaii aiul soldier, in all of whicli he has been conspicuous.

Thomas J. Henderson was born near the town of Brownsville, Hay ward county, Tennessee, on the^Oth day of November, 1824, c()use((uently is now almost fifty-two years of age. I>ut as he walks the halls of congress, this centennial year of the republic, any observ^er would pronounce him many years younger. His form is still erect, his hair of raven blackness ; in his beard only, a few silver threads show the touch of time.

When he was twelve years old his parents removed from Tenn.essee to Illinois, settling tlirectly in what was then Putnam county, about one mile south of the present town of Toulon. Previous to this change, Thomas had received the elements of an education at an academy in his native town, and subse<iuently enjoyed only such a<lvantages as could be reaped in the rude log IS school houses that graced tlie iroutier settlements, with the single exception of one term in the Iowa University, after his father removed to the state of Iowa, in the autumn of 184o. In 1841), he was married to Henrietta, youngest daughter of Cai)tain Butler of Wyoming.

General Henderson often expresses i-egret that the circumstances of his youth did not permit him more thorough mental training, but his friends recall with pride the fact, that he has ne^'er yet been found unequal to any position he has been called upon to fill, or compared unfavorably with the distinguislu'd men among whom he has served. The drill imposed upon liimself, when, while yet in his teens, he assayed to become a teacher, was doubtless serviceable to him, in familiarizing him with the groundwork of learning, and imparting to him that self-reliance and self-control, so essential to success in life.

Thus, while still a mere boy, he taught at Centerville in Knox county, at Cold Brook in Warren county, at the Finley school house in "West Jersey township in Stark county, and afterwards ^it the " Prior cabin" and " old brick " in Toulon.

It must have been durijig the winter of 18-14 and 1845, that his elder brother, John W. Henderson, engtiged to take charge of a school in the "Prior cabin," wdiich school was composed, not only of most of the children, but all the young folks of the neighborhood. And it is a niatter of anuising reminiscence to those who were young folks then, to recall the uproarious fun that went forward, despite the earnest efforts of J. W. to preserve order and .secure attention to study. But when T. J. walked into the school room to con:iplete the unexpired term for his brother, how quietly they yielded to his sway and how naturally order seemed to grow out of chaos under his calm direction.

These schools were regarded merely as stej^ping stones over wliich he must pass to tlie attainment of what he most desired, viz : the study of law, and a thorough training for that profession. In easy "chit-chat" vvith familiar friends. General Henderson is still wont to resent the opprobrium of being called an " olfice seeker" and laughingly says, "no amount of flattery could lead him to conclude tliat he was ever cut (nit for a soldier, but he did at one time hope to make himself a good lawyer." However, as he thinks, his way to professional distinction has been hedged up by many and peculiar obstacles. In other words his ends have been shaped bj^ a destiny too strong for his contr(j!.

seeing in him ('apa))ilities for something better than the drudgery of the school room, urged him to acce])t an office, hoping thereby to aid him in acquiring a profession.

Wliat young man would not be flattered by such manifestations of preference? lie was grateful for their suffrages, and accepted the result, but at tlie same time regretted that pecuniary considerations compelled him to do so, rather than pursue liis studies. Under these circumstances he was elected "county comi^issioners' clerk" in 1847, and re-elected in 1849, after the office was changed to clerk of the county court. This he held till 1853, when he entered upon the practice of his profession, being also master in chancery for Htark county. But he had given good satisfaction in the positions already filled, and was growing in favor with his party, wliich had in reserve fresh honors for him. So in 1854, he w^as elected to the state legislature from Peoria and Stark counties, and his record as a legislator, only served to^ raise him higlier and higher in the esteem of his constituents. Accordingly, in 185<3, he was elected to the state senate from the counties of Stark, Knox, Warren, Mercer, Henry and Rock Island, and served for four years.

Mr. Henderson, we believe, was the junior member of that body during his incumbency, being tlien but tliirty-two years of age, and he served with such men as N. B. Judd, B. C (!o(jk, W. C. Goudy, and others of lilve ilk ;*and in this field earned the rejnitation of being an able debater and skillful parliamentarian, and it was generally conceded that " he did tlie state some service " in the discussion of important questions, bearing on public interests. Still tliere are those who seek to brand this man as " a chronic office seeker," and assert that he has almost forced himself upon his party as a candidate, on different occasions, even referring to this very election to the senate as a bit of successful strategy on his part ; so, in the interests of truth and justice, as we have the facts at hand, we shall give them, believiiig that after the lapse of .so many years it may be interesting to Stark coimty readers to review them, and that they show th.is charge to be without foundation, at least in 1856.

The republican county convention met in Toulon that year, to select delegates to the senatorial convention to be holdon at Kewan(»e. It was organized by selecting Mr. Henderson as its president. In the course of proceedings before the convention, Mr. Calvin Eastman proposed by a resolution, that the delegates they should choose, be instructed to vote at Kewanee for Mr. 1 lenderson, and nse all honorable means to secure his nomination. Mr.

Henderson at once responded, in t^ubstance, " that if the proposition was intended as a conii>linient, lie oratefully accepted it as such, but plead I'.is poverty and long cherished desire to enter more earnestly upon the duties of his profession ; said he had but just closed a term of service in the house of representatives, at an ex- ]>ense to himself, and he should absolutely decline a nomination to the senate, if that were tendered him." And although it is tt matter of fact that can be placed beyond dispute, that he could have been nominated at Kevvanee had he desired it, he steadfastly adhered to his resolution and declined, saying " he must look to the practiceof his profession, as a support for himself andfamily."

Judge Pleasants of Rock Island county, very unexpectedly to himself, received the nomination just as the convention hastily adjourned to take the departing train. Mr. Pleasants, however, remained to attend a political meeting, and upon a realization of his nomination, the thought suggested itself that he was not eligible to the office, from the fact that he had not lived in the state tiie length of time recjuired by law.

An examination of the constitution in the office of Judge Howe confirmed his suspicions, and he then published a card stating this fact, and, as he had been president of the convention that so unexpectedly nominated him, he exercised the prerogative of requesting the same delegates to meet at Monmouth, in Warren county, and nominate another camlidate. The time being short, only part of the delegates reached Monmouth; they agi-eed on Mr. H. C. Harding of that place, he being in fact the only regular candidate before the Kewanee convention. There being ever, strong opposition to Mr. Plarding, which had manifested itself in Kewanee also, the delegates present got into a row, those opposed to him, declaring that no sufficient notice of the meetinghad been given, and that even if there had been, the power of the delegates was exhausted, when the first convention met, nominated a candidate, and adjourned sine die I A compromise was finally agreed upon and a new convention called to meet in Galesburg, when, greatly to his surprise, Mr. Henderson was nominated.

The fact that he was not present either in this or the preceding convention, would indicate that he was not courting the nomination. In reference to it he thus expressed himself in a letter to a friend. After speaking of tlie reasons that influenced him to prefer i)rofessional to })olitical life, he said, " I think my old friends, uncle Johny TurnbuU and Honorable Myrtle ii. Brace arc responsible for my nomination, and I coidd not decline, as it would not do to call a fourth convt'ntion, so I roally .must accept the situation." And in this spirit he entered the canvass which resulted in his election to the state senate, in ISoO. But General Henderson has had his defeats as well as his triunijjhs in i)olitical strife, and some brief allusion to both, must justly form part of this narrative. Of the former the most notable as well as the most painful, because of the misunderstandings, and misrepresentations to which it gave rise, was in connection M'ith the "Lovejoy campaign " in 18G2.

General Henderson had, from boyhood, carried the bamiers and subscribed to the jninciples of the old whig- party, and had held office by its suffrages, still a careful observation of the political horoscope, had made him from the birth of the new party, an ar- <lent republican.

But the time soon came, when it M'as evident the preservation of the federal union, and the fulfillment of our destinies as a nation, must depend upon the cruel arbitrament of war. Then it Avas suggested to his mind, and to others not less patriotic and de- "^erving of mention, that parties with their bickerings and divisions, should be laid aside, in order that the friends of the union, by a closer affiliation, should present an undivided front to its foes. Such a policy seemed to be dictated alike by patriotism, and common sense.

Accoi'dingly, at the outbreak of hostilities, a mass meeting of the citizens of Stark county was held at the county seat, and this agreement to forswear party for country, was enthusiastically ratified, both bj^ democrats and republicans. General Henderson addressed this meeting with more than his usual fervor, urging unity of sentiment and action at the north, as necessary to the })reservation of the government, and declaring that whatever others might do, he should adhere to the agreement - which he did, with undeviating consistency, redeeming every pledge he gave - but unfortunately, others took a different course, and out of their want of fidelity, grew difficulties and complications not anticipated, when the agreement was made.

However, next in the order of events. General Henderson and Benjamin F. AVilliams, the latter a rising young lawyer of democratic proclivities, by official arrangement, addressed the jieople of each school district, upon the great topics of the day, and it is a matter of fact that there was, throughout the county, a general acquiescence in the sentiments uttered by these two men ; and of history, that their efforts contributed in a g-reat degree to the splendid volunteer contribution of Stark county, to the war. Mr. Henderson had been named in connection with a nomination for congress, prior to these events, and had received a complimentary vote from the convention that nominated .Judge Kellogg in 1860. So when many personal and political friends in Stark and Henry counties, desired him to be a candidate in 1862, he consented, with the proviso, that he must be nominated as " a union candidate." But all this was prior to his enlistment in the army. After tliat, he resigned all thought of political preferment, at least imtil his term of service should expire, and gave his friends to understand, that he was going to the front with his regiment, and should not consent to anything that would interfere with his duties there. Now we are aware while we pen these lines, how easy it will be for the malignant to brand them with lalsehood, but our equanimity will not be disturbed thereby,'for "we know whereof we affirm," and trutli never fears investigation.

And it is true that he was the nominee of the convention that met in Princeton, October, 1862; a convention composed of republicans and democrats, both favoring a union ticket, and it is true that this contest ended in his defeat, and the election of Mr. Lovejoy to congress from the fifth district.

About this tiine the Emancipation Proclamation was under discussion, much bitterness was evinced, old party animosities and enthusiasms were awakened, and many forgot their recent promises to forego all for the sake of country. So through the weakness of friends and the malice of foes. General Henderson was placed in a false light before the community - as were many good men who supported him ; as indeed, were all patriotic democrats at that time. Of all his opponents, though the most interested, Mr.Lovejoy was the most fair and dispassionate ; even during the heat of the canvass alluding to him courteously, and speaking in commendation of his services in the field. He also met General Henderson with friendly greetings after his return from the war, and finally wrote a letter to a prominent citizen of Stark county, requesting that the fact that Henderson liad been a candidate for office in opposition to him, should not be used to the detriment of that gentleman in the future. Such a man was Ow^en Lovejoy. Yet so unreasoning is political hatred, that time was, when this man could hardly be heard in Stark county, without apprehension of a mob.

Another of the defeats of General Henderson, Avas in the contest for t!ie nomination to congress, with Mr. E. C. fngersoU, in 1870, bnt as tliis strngg'le involved little l>eside i)ontical strategy^ and that of a most contemptible sort, we conclnde failure was a greater compliment than success, and so, in the light of its remoter conse(|uences, the friends of General Henderson have come to regard this matter. But, ere we leave this political record we nuist turn the other side of the picture again to the reader's gaze for a mojiient, for in 1871, we find President Grant appointed (Jeneral Henderson United States Collector of internal revenue,, for the fifth collection district of Illinois. This office he held for two years, during- which time he collected nine millions of dollars lor the government. In 18G8, he was chosen one of the presidential electors for the state at large, and in 1874, a member of the 44th congress of the United States, for a term of two years, (the active duties of which term have not expired,) completing thii'ty years of public life for General Henderson, and we learn from the papers that a recent republican convention convened in Geneseo, has nominated him by acclamation, for re-election in 1870, from the sixth congressional district. Tluis it would seem his old tim(^ popularity has not forsaken him.

We believe this to be a true but bare outline of liis career as a pi>litician u}) to tliis present time, and we now wish to review his record as a soldier, beginning with the enlistment in September, 18G2, and continuing un.til the cessation of hostilities in 18Go. It was well known to his familiar frieiids, that his convictions of duty urged him int(» the service, at the first outbreak of the war, but important business affecting others' interests beside his own, for a time demanded his attention here; as soon as that could be arranged, he began his i>i'eparations to leave his family and carry out his purpose of volunteering - not, as we believe, having the least idea of serving as colonel of a regiment. But as he was recruiting a company, his aspirations may have reached a captaincy ; however, hardly had he started in this work, when he was elected by the proposed officers, colonel of a proposed regiment, which became in course of time known as the 112th regiment ot Illinois infantry. That he shrank from the responsibilities this rank entailed, and plead his ignorance of military matters, and his inexperience on the field, there is indisputable evidence, even when Governor Yates was proffering him the appointment, but when elected to the position, he accepted it, and took command of his regiment when it was nuistered into service Septem- ber 22n(l, 1SG2, and remained with it till the close of the war. lie served in the campaigns of (ieorgia and Tennessee in 18(54, wn.s severely wounded at the battle of Ilesaca, ]May Utli, 1S()4, was favored with a short respite in consequence, and uijon liis return to the field the following- July, the 8d brigade, oOth division, 23d army corps was organized, and })laced under his command, and so continued until the close of the war.

We here insert a copy of Gieneral Henderson's cojumission, partly because of some unjust criticisms, or rather mendacious remarks, in reference thereto, Init })rincipally because it is our purpose that the statement of a fact in this connection shall be verified by official evidence of its truthfulness :

"To all who sliall see these presents, (Greeting : - Know ye, tlmt " I do hereby confer on Thomas J. Hknjjersox, of the L^nited " States Volunteers in the service of the United States, by and " with the advice and consent of the Senate, the rank of Briga- " dier General, by Brevet, in said service, to rank as such from " the thirtieth day of November, in the year of our I^ord, one " thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, for gallant and merit- " orious service during the late campaigns in Georgia and Ten- "iiessee, and especially at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee. "(Signed) by the President, Andjiew Johnson.

Having continued in the service until the close of the war, (Jeneral Henderson was ordered to take command of his regiment and conduct it home, which he did during the summer of 18()-), ])ut before leaving the brigade he ^v'as the recipient of the following tribute, v.-hich speaks for itself:

"At a meeting of the officers of the 17th regiment of Massachusetts infantry volunteers, of which Lieutenant Colonel Henry Splaine, was chosen President, and Adjutant J. W. Stuart, Seci-e-^ tary, the following resolutions expressive of the feelings of the regiment, on })arting with Brevet Brigadier (Tcneral Thomas.!, ilenderson, commanding 8(1 brigade, 3d division, 23d army cor[)s,. were unanimously adopted :

"Resolved, That in takin<i- tliis method of l(iddin<>: farewell to our general, we are actuated solely l»y a desire to say something' more than could well be said verbally, for it is sometimes emi)arrassing to tell a man to his face what you think of him. Likes and dislikes of men fonned by soldiers in the field are always based upon a shrewd estimate of character.

" Officers who are defended on their ' straps ' alone, for the title of gentleman, seldom deceive even the least observant, into resi)ect for aught but their military rank ; while those on whom nature has set her insignia of rank, are respected and loved by all, and it is on the shoulders of such men that the ' star' derives additional lustre from the character of the wearer, and exacts universal homage. Nature and the government co-operated admirably in making a general of Thomas J. Henderson ; for a finer combination of the officer and gentleman, it has not been our fortune to be associated with, in three and a half years service in the field. Although rejoicing tliat our country no longer needs his services, we part from him in sorrow, and beg to assure him that we shall carry the remembrance of his manly virtues, the dignified urbanity of his dei)()rtment, and the immistakable evidences of his military talent, to our eastern home, and when in years to c<)me, we speak of Sherman and Schofield, the name of Henderson cannot be forgotten.

" Resolved, That a coi)y of these resolutions, signed liy the officers present, be sent to the general, and that the proceedings of the meeting be sent for pu1>lication to the lialeigh Standard. June 1!), 180;").

The unfounded and virulent attacks made upon the military standing of (iLUicral Henderson, during the contest with IngersoU in 1870, called forth many letters from his companions in arms, of wiiich tlie following from JNIajor General Cox is a sample, and we shall give but the one in conclusion of this part of our sketch :

" Washington, D. C, July oth, 1870. i" "My Dear Majok: - Yours of the 2!)th ultim<i is received, and in reply I am happy to say that there can be but one opinion amon^- all those who served with our friend, T. J. Henderson. A braver, more intelligent, or conscientious officer of his grade was not to be found in the army. Pie distinguished himself wherever lie served, and the patriotism and disinterestedness of his service was such as to endear him to all his commanding officers. There is no officer in Illinois, concerning whom disparaging criticism could have less foundation, or be more surprising to any who were intimate with the career and the history of her soldiers during the war. Always hopeful, always prompt, always courageous, a most loyal subordinate, and a most able and devoted leader, General Henderson's reputation ought to be dear, not only to his comrades, but to the people of the state and the country. "In haste, very truly yours, J. D. Cox.

Shortly after his return from the south, General Henderson con - chided to leave Stark county, and remove to Princeton, Bureau county, thinking the latter afforded a better field for the practice of his in'ofession, to which he was anxious to return.

A congenial partnership was formed with Mr. Joseph L. Taylor of Princeton, wliicli continued until General Henderson entered upon the duties of the collector's office, in fSTl ; at the close of his two years' service in this department, he entered into partnership with Mr. Harvey 31. Trimble, with whom he is still associated in professional business.

Perhaps it may not be out of place, even in this local publication to venture on a short summary of the cliaracteristics of a man who for so many years belonged to Stark county, and has stood thus prominently before the people for more than a quarter of a century. Whence the secret of his wondrous popularity? For that he has enjoyed, and still enjoys a wondrous popularity, it would be folly to deny.

His warmest admirers have never claimed for him any transcendent mental gifts, and yet they have never had to blush for him, when standing beside the ablest men of our day. He is not so much the great orator, as th^ graceful, persuasive si)eaker, and surely in this direction he has manifested uncommon versatility of talent. " Stumping it " through the country as he has done, the chosen leader of many a political campaign, holding forth i^erhaps in every school house in the county, responding to patriotic appeals, discussing topics of education and agriculture, making impromiDtu efforts on festive occasions and at social gatherings, his war speeches at home and "at the front," ])rofessional pleiulings, and debates in the halls of legislation, together imply

His more imi)ortant i)u))lic addresses during' tiiiics of excitement always commanded respectful attention for tlie candor and truthfulness that pervaded tliem. Especially is lu> courteous to an opponent, according to all the right to think and act for themselves, sustaining his own position, or coml)atting an adversary l)y reason and argument, lathor than by passion and invective. After what has been published of the war record of General Henderson, perhaps it may seem superfluous to speak farther of his patriotism, or of his self-sacrificing devotion to duty. l?ut being* of southern blood and birth, and i)roliabIy at the conunencement of hostilities, somewhat tinctureil with southern prejudices, he must have comprehended at a glance, and felt as fe^' other men would feel, the trying })ositious into which a participation in this unnatural war must iuevital)iy force him.

But as a loyal citizen of the United States, the path of duty seemed plain, and he resolved to walk therein, though it led him to carry fire and sword to the laud of his fatJiers, the haunts of his boyhood. '

And strange as it may seem, hundreds know it to be true, that the first time his regiment was drawn up in line of battle, was on the banks of Dicks' river, within nuisket shot of thehouse wherein his father was born, while all around were the homes of his kinsmen. Then he was, during' ids stay in this region, often strangely, perhaps painliilly impressed considering the nature of his visit, by noticing a resemblance (real or fancied) in persons wliom he met, to vari(^us members of liis father's lamily, and in turn was often mistaken himself for tv.'o other officers, to whom he must have borne a singular likeness, and lie could not doubt but in the veins of many of tJiese people ran blood in some way kindred to his own.

Therefore he must liave ex[)erienced a sense of relief when the exigencies of the service called him to other localities. This regiment, the n2tli Illinois volunteers, always stood well in the estimation of other commands; it was often denominated "the model regiment," undoulitedly the good sense aiul firmness of its officers saved it from marauding as many others did, when upon southern soil, and held it to tlie legitimate work of civilized warfare - if there can be such a thing.

To tell Stark county readers that the integrity of tlie character under consideration has stood unciuestioned through so many years of public life, political and military, is butasserting what is too well understoofl to require utterance. Yet, in these days of luiearthing political corrui)ti()n, and the falling of so niany i)ul)- lic men from their high estates, by reason of their " sharp practices," to call tlieir proceedings by no liarsher name, it is pleasant to know there is here and there a man who has never betrayed a trust, broken a pledge or forgotten a friend, h()\\ever humble that friend may have been.

To dwell ui)on such lives does us good; it ho\\)S our faith in humanity, and heals any tendency to misanthrophy that may liave been stealing over us, in view of the terrible exposures with Avhich the press has teemed of late.

Does or does not the character we are considering, come up to this standard? Let those wlio know him 1)est decide. We have tried to set him before our readers as he really is, a brave and generous man, a patriotic citizen, a good soldier, an upriglit politician, a pleasant and impressive speaker ; and yet other men have combined all these advantages, and not won the warm regard that has crowned General Henderson ^\-ith honor. Whence then, the secret of this power? We ask again : does it not lie in his nn varying courtesy, or kindliness, call it which you will, A\hieh never by any mischance forgets to do a kindness to the humblest as well as to the mo,4 distinguished of his acquaintances? But with one of his own characteristic remarks we shall <:;lose this sketch. When a friend was congratulating him upon his late election to congress, he rei)lied : "In connection with tlie matter, one thought will always awaken regret, I shall not represent Little Stark."

Among our first settlers in point of time, and second to but few in numbers or importance, the McClennahans merit a fuller notice on these pages than it is in our power to give them.

They belonged to that resolute class of men known so properly as pioneers ; that is, those who go first and remove ol)structi(^ns from the path, so that others may the more easily follow after.- And the present generation, who sit in the shade of thetreesthey planted and eat of the fruit thereof; who till the broad acres and i-eap the rich harvests their fathers' enterprise won for then;, should at least rtMiieinher Avith something- akin to g-ratitude, the men wlio rifle in liand penetrated the wilderness, blazed the first trees, turned the first furrows, and by the strong hand held savages and wild beasts at hay.

Major MeClennahan, as he was usually ealled (though by what authority we are not advised), made his way from the old Dominion, tarrying for a time in Kentucky, reaching this region prior to the Blaek Hawk war. He had a family of ten sons and daughters, all of whom came with him or followed soon after, and thus became citizens of Stark county.

This is but little over forty years ago, and yet if we are correctly informed, uot one of this original group is left within our borders. From a lady of the third generation, a grand-daughter of the major's, we thankfully gather the few facts attainable, with regard to the settlement here and their sul)sequent fate.

They sought the protection of a fort for the wcjmen and chil- (h-enof the family, during the excitement caused by Black Hawk's raids in the spring of 1832. Whether the fort was the one built near the present home of Josiah ^loffitt, spoken of by Mr. Winn and many other old settlers, or whether they fled farther south toward Peoria or Springfield, as many did, we are not informed. But the men of the family soon returned, held and improved their claims, lying ahjng Indian and Walnut creeks, and prepared for a permanent settlement.

Henry, eldest son of the major did not come west until 1834, when the Indian ditfi^culties were settled; after passing a few months in a cabin built by Peter INIiner, at or near the present t;)wn of Wyoming, he entered land in wiiat is now Goshen township, on Walnut creek, the Indians then being his only neighbors. The other children of ]\Iajor McClennahan, all of whom will be W'ell remembered by old settlers, were, named in the order of their ages, 3[rs. Jane Barnett, (wife of Ephraim Barnett) Mrs. Elizabeth Richards, IVIrs. Ann \\'orley, Mrs. Sarah Holden, James, Robert and Elijah McClennahan, ]Mrs. Maria C'olwell, and INIrs. Jemima Drummond. The last named lady has attracted a large share of attention and syinpathy among our people, on account of her singular and painful domestic history. She still lives at Otpiawka, Illinois. Henry died at his home in Goshen t<nvnship, near twenty years ago. Ephraim I^arnettand his wife long since emigrated to Oregon where they have since both died.

this region during tho infancy of their sect, and went, first to Nauvoo, and afterwards foUov/ed the fortunes of the saints to .Salt Ijake, from vvhenee the brotliers at least, have gone " to tlie other side," to test the realities of their faith.

Elijah, the youngest brother still survives, and is a citizen of the state of lowii. He was a Jlienil^er of the first (liristian church of Toulon, has been twice married, his first wife being a Stark county woman, a daughter of Conrad Emery. By both wives he has had large families, so that in the aggregate, his descendants are very numerous, some twenty-five children still survive as we are iiiiormed. So the name of McClesuiahau is not likely soon to fade away from among men, although Stark county has lost its hold upon it in great measure. The name indicates an Irish origin, but how long transplanted to our shores no one seems to know. The family were whigs in the old time, and adherents of Colonel W. H. Itenderson, and the old frame structure, so long the major's homestead, was famous as a political rendezvous, in the early history of Stark county. In faith, the majority of the tamily embraced the views of Alexander Campbell, during the early days of that so-called "reformation," and so far as known to the writer, the present generation generally endorse those views of the svicred scriptures.

Thk Ksskx Family

Isaac B. Essex being the first white man wlio inade a home upon our soil, has already been mentioned, and the circumstances of his coming noted. Still, as he was but the forerunner of a large group of kinsmen who speedily followed him hither, we feel it is proper to advert to the fomily in this connection, and give some additional facts concerning them.

Thomas Essex, senior, was born January 1.3th, 1771, in the "old Bomiuior.," and Elizabeth-his wife in 1778, reaching back farther into the last century than any lives we have yet recorded, both of them ante dating the Independence of the United States.

We regret our information is so meager concerning their early life. They were married in the state of Virginia (we suppose), on Easter Sunday, 1791, and lived together almost sixty-two years, both of them dying in 1853, at the house of their son-in- law, David Coopor, on section ten, Essex township. Mrs. Essex was a devout christian woman, died very suddenly January 2(>th, and Mr. Essex slowly and painfully, from cancer in the face, May loth.