Warren County, Illinois - The whole text, 1886 (part 8 of 25)

Mr. Hogan was one of the earliest to respond to the call of President Lincoln for troops, and he enlisted in April, 1861, in Company E, i;th 111. Vol. Inf., for three months. He was sworn into service and continued to discharge the duties of a soldier during that time. In 1862 he went to Ind.ana, accompanied by his wife, and while there that part of the State was raided by Morgan and his guerrillas. The inhabitants armed for defense and Mr. Hogan joined them. He was captured by the Third Louisiana Cavalry and after a brief bondage was released, after being robbed of his money and clothing. He went a little later to Vicksburg, where he was employed in a bakery, and after a short service in that capacity he obtained a pass from Gen. John A. Logan and went to New Orleans. After a stay in the Crescent City of five weeks he returned to Warren County.

eorge W. Fish, engaged in agriculture on section 4, Berwick Township, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., July 28, 1820. He is son of William A. Fish, a native of Connecticut, in which State he was born April i, 1788. Mr. Fish, father of the subject of this notice, is one of the pioneer settlers of this county, coming herein 1836, and purchasing 71 acres of land on section 4, Berwick Township. Previous to his coming to thjs State and county, he had followed his trade, that of a carpenter, in Oneida Co., N. Y.

On arrival in this county, he located on his land and there resided actively engaged in its cultivation until his death, May 4, 1845. He was an industrious man, kind-hearted and generous, and took an active interest in any and all measures that were calculated to benefit the community in which he resided. He was married to Miss Lydia S. Allen, Feb. 4, 1816. She was born Sept. 25, 1798, in Oneida Co., N. Y., and died March 23, 1885. Of their union four children were born, - Helen, June 22, 1820; George, July 28, 1822; Allen, Jan. 21, 1828, and Albert, April 4, 1831. Two children are deceased.

George W. Fish came to this State with his parents, and located with them on the old homestead in Berwick Township, this county. He has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and at present is engaged in the same occupation on the identical land on which his parents first located when they came to the county. Mr. Fish has never enjoyed the " blessings " of double blessedness, but has a most amiable and intelligent housekeeper in the person of his sister. She was born in 1820; was never married, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also her mother. In politics, Mr. Fish votes with the Democratic party.

n. Samuel Wood, deceased, formerly a resident of Monmouth, was born at Blue Hill, Maine, June 12, 1811, and died at Monmauth, Dec. 21, 1881. His parents, Samuel and Frances (Coburn) Wood, were natives , I respectively of the States of Maine and Massachusetts, and descendants from old English stock. . They reared two sons and four daughters, of whom , the subject of our sketch was the youngest. The senior Mr. Wood was a farmer during his lifetime, but the subject of this notice, early in life, learned the carpenter's trade and followed it for about 20 years. He received his education at the Blue Hill (Me.) Academy, and in 1838 came to Monmouth, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was married at Monmouth, Sept. i, 1840, by the Rev. Samuel Wilson, to Miss Mary Ann Hogue, a native of Tennessee. She died April 28, 1856. Their first born, Almira Jane, died Jan. i, 1854, aged about n years; Clarinda, now Mrs. William Mitchell; Charles P., who died Jan. i, 1854, aged about six years, and Alice, who died Dec. 22, 1853, when little more than a year old. On Jan. 21, 1858, Mr. Wood was again married at Monmouth, to Miss Martha E. Mitchener, of Chester Co., Pa., the daughter of William and Rachel Mitchener. Her father's family came over with William Penn to America. Mrs. Wood, nee Mitchener, was born April 23, 1825. Her parents came to Monmouth in 1854, where her father died in 1860, at the age of 82 years. His widow survived him about six years, finally passing away in the 85 th year of her age. Of the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Wood, the eldest, Lulu, born

Mr. Wood was a self-made man, and during his life enjoyed the merited respect and esteem of his neighbors. He was a Republican in politics and a member of no Church or secret Order. He was three times elected Mayor of Monmouth, and also held the office of Township Assessor for several years. For many years before his death, he had been engaged in no particular business, and on his demise he left his family a handsome competency. A portrait of Mr. Wood will be found on another page of this work.

Charles S. Colver, M. D., has been a medical practitioner in Warren County since 1853. He was educated primarily in the common schools of the county in Ohio, where he was born, and at the age of 19 he commenced the study of medicine at Middlebury, in Logan County, under the instructions of Dr. Walker. Later, he read under the advice of Dr. Davenport, of Woodstock, in Union County. When he was thoroughly grounded in the course of his reading, he repaired to the college at Cincinnati, and at a later date he attended lectures at Starling Medical College in Columbus, Ohio. He was graduated from the latter institution with the degree of M. D. in the same year in which he came to Warren County. A few months prior to finishing his studies at Starling he operated as a physician in Montgomery County, and he went thence to New California, in Union County, where he was engaged at the time he completed his collegiate course. He started for Illinois immediately after his graduation. He brought his family with him as far as Hennepin, on the Illinois River, whence he came to Little York with a team to decide for himself as to the feasibility of the place for his business. He also made examination of other localities and desided on Little York as a suitable place for his purpose. He brought his household to that point and it has since been his field of operation. Three years after his removal hither he bought a piece of wild prairie in Mercer County situated eight miles from Little York and his family removed to it. The doctor continued his practice and hired laborers to effect the work of improvement on his land. After a residence there of about a decade he sold out and removed to the farm he now occupies on the northeast quarter of section 20. He has rebuilt the house which was on the place, erected a barn and otherwise improved the farm.

Hadassah Hamilton became his wife in 1848. She is a native of Greene Co., Ohio. She was the daughter of Robert and Hadassah (Gillispie) Hamilton. Her parents were of Scotch-Irish origin. The grandparents came to this country about 1770 and settled in Pennsylvania. They moved from the above State in 1812, and settled near Xenia, Ohio. Mrs. C. was born March n, 1825, she being the oldest of four children born to her parents, viz.: Hadassah T., Hannah M., Mary J. and James G. Two are deceased, Hannah M. and Mary J. Dr. and Mrs. Colver have had the following children: Rosa, their first-born, died when about 18 months old; Robert O., married Miss Bessie Watt, a native of Pennsylvania, and now resides in Sedgwick Co., Kan. ; Mark S. married Jennie Brownlee, a native of Warren County, and lives in Georgetown, Col., and have one child - Pearlie; Charles B. married Mrs. Libbie Smythe, a native of New York, and they have one child - Hadassah, named after its grandmother. They are now living in Edwards Co, Kan.; Olive, born July 25, 1853, died Sept. 14, 1885 ; Abi H. and Merle D. are the youngest children, and reside at home. The vrtrious members of the family of Dr. Colver are members of the United Presbyterian Church. Dr. C. is a believer in and supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party.

li C. Johnston, general farmer and stockgrower on section 36, Ellison Township, was born in Daviess Co., Ind., Sept. 20, 1830. The family traditions give the following facts concerning the remote account known to any of the family at present : They are Scotch- Irish descent. John Johnston, a soldier in the Inneskillen Regiment, in the army of William the Third in the battle of Boyne, married Jane Potter about 1692, and settled as a farmer near the town of Straban, County Tyrone, Ireland. The names of two of their children were Christopher and James. Both were born in County Tyrone, Ireland. Christopher came to America some time during the first half of the i8th century and settled in Lancaster Co., Pa.; the other brother, James, remained in Ireland with his parents, who lived to a great age. He, after their decease, when about 50 years old, married Rebecca Barnhill. She became the mother of five children known to the family, namely : Christopher, John, Edward, Elizabeth and Jane. The former was a soldier at the battle of Brandywine, afterwards went to Kentucky and was killed by the Indians at Estill's defeat. Jonn went to Georgia and since that eventful time has not been heard of. Elizabeth married William Frame and lived in Pittsburg, Pa., Jane married William Barnhill, who resided some time in Kentucky, and afterward went to Lawrence Co., Ind., where they both died. Edward was born in 1776 in County Tyrone, Ireland, and was about seven years old when he came to America with his ffather in 1783.

His father died about 1791, and after his death and ithe settlement of the estate, Edward went to Pitts- 'burg, Pa , and from there to Kentucky. He was engaged in two or three campaigns against the Indians and during the same, marched through the State of Indiana when it was a wild wilderness, full of game of all descriptions. He, Edward, married Jane Miller and in 1797 purchased 200 acres of land, on which he resided until i8oi,when lie removed to Clark Co., Ind. In 1817, he left that county and went to Lawrence County, same State, where he died in May, 1834. His wife, Jane Miller, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1762, and died in Lawrence Co , Ind., in December, 1833. Their married life lasted tor 40 years, and during the time they were man and wife they passed through many hardships and privations, common to pioneer life. Of the children born to Edward Johnston, Christopher, the father of the subject of this article, died at Paducah, Ky., while running a flat-boat down the Mississippi River. Christopher married Miss Sarah Dixon, daughter Eli and Rebecca Dixon. She was born in Ohio.

Eli C. Johnston, the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this biography, was the youngest child of his parents' family, and is the only survivor. His father died of cholera in Kentucky, as stated, and was buried at Paducah, same State. He was a pioneer in Lawrence Co., Ind., and by occupation was a flat-boatman on the Mississippi, White and Wabash Rivers. Mr. Johnston, of this notice, was but three years old at the date of his father's demise, and soon thereafter his mother, accompanied by two children, went to Greene Co , Ind., where they located near Worthington. Mr. Johnston continued to reside with his mother until her death, which occurred when he was seven years old. He afterwards lived with and was reared by relatives, with whom he remained until 1860, when he came to this State.

Previous to coming here, Nov. 26, 1857, in Greene County, his native State, he was married to Miss Amanda, daughter of John C. and Charena (Alford) Andrews, natives of Tennessee. Her father was a blacksmith by trade, and was born in Lawrence Co., Tenn., where Mrs. Johnston, wife of the subject of this notice, was born, May 19, 1839. She was four years old when her parents moved to Greene Co., Ind., where they resided until their death, that of the mother occurring in May, 1860, in her 461)1 year, and that of the father in 1864, when he was 52 years of age. Mrs. Johnston was the oldest but one of her parents' family, which consisted of three sons and three daughters. She was educated at Broomfield College, and resided with her parent, following the vocation of teaching and assisting the mother in the household duties until her marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have become the parents of five children. Edward C. married Miss Ora Adkinson, daughter of William and Lucinda Adkinson, and they reside in Point Pleasant Township, where he is engaged in farming; William D. married Ida Stem, daughter of David and Sarah Stem, and he is also a farmer of Point Pleasant Township; Blanche C., Minnie and Estella reside at home.

In the fall of ig6o Mr. and Mrs. Johnston came to this State and were for a few months residents at Roseville. Mr. Johnston then rented land in Point Pleasant Township, which he cultivated for two years. In 1863 he purchased 80 acres of partly improved land, the same being on section 36, Ellison Township. He and his family at once located thereon, and he began the improvement which developed into the fine farm of 220 acres, on which they are now residing. By energetic labor and united efforts on the part of his wife and children, and economy, Mr. J. has been enabled to increase his landed pos- sessions in the county until he is at present the proprietor 860 acres, all in, a body and all of -it in an advanced state of cultivation. He has a good residence on his land, together with substantial outbuildings, and after having passed through the trials of the past he is now enjoying the comforts of life. Since the fall of 1860, Mr. Johnston has not seen the shining light of day. The toils of life and exposure brought on a cold, which was followed by acute inflammation, and resulted in totally destroying his sight, and he is now deprived of that greatest of blessings to man. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which denomination Mr. Johnston is an Elder, and has held that position for the past two years. Mrs. Johnston is a consistent Christian, a kind mother and a loving wife. The care she bestows on her blind husband needs no mention in this book,.neither does she desire the encomiums of friends for the performance of a loving duty in taking care of him to whom, 28 years ago, she gave her-heart and hand, and we can but say, "well done, thou good and faithful servant." Politically, Mr. J. is a Democrat.

ilfred Hayes. There lives on section 19, of Roseville Township, Alfred Hayes, who has retired from the active labors of farm life, in which occupation he was successful. He is a native of New York and was born in Cortland County, March 23, 1820. George and Sally (Roberts) Hayes, his parents, were natives of Connecticut, and were farmers by occupation. They had a family of six children, all reaching a mature life, Alfred being the youngest. The names of the others were: Oliver, Sally, Samantha and George W. The three sons are the only members of the family living.

Alfred received a good common-school education and assisted his father on the farm until he was 24 years of age, when he left home and worked out by the month for 23 years. He came to Illinois, in June, 1857, and stopped in Berwick Township, this county, where he worked until 1859. He then rented a farm in Berwick Township, consisting of 1 60 acres. He continued to rent and work out until 1863, when he purchased the 171 acres where he is now living. Here he made all of the improvements, erecting a fine dwelling, at a cost of $3,350, and a good barn costing $1,200. He also set out trees and beautified his place in various way, and is now regarded as one of the solid and substantial men of the township. Politically, he is a Republican.

Mr. Hayes was married March 19, 1863, to Miss Melissa Hall, a native of Maine and a daughter of Lewis S. Hall. She was born Feb. 13, 1836. Her parents came West in 1855, and her mother died here.

.enry C. Giddings, a successful farmer of Warren County, residing on section 28, Floyd Township, was born in Erie Co., Pa., March 20, 1846, and came to this State with his parents in February, 1855. Moses Giddings, father of Henry, was born in Lancaster Co., N. H., Nov. 19, 1801, and died at the old homestead, where Henry now resides, May 7, 1881.

The father of Henry was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Stafford, in 1830. She was born in 1817, in Erie Co., Pa., and died May n, 1876, in Warren County. He was a Republican in politics, and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal 'Church. Of their union 13 children were born: Jesse, Sebastian C., Hannah, Semantha, Eben W., Silas, John W., Marion, Thomas, Henry C., George W., Harriet A. and one who died in infancy. Jesse and Marion are now also deceased.

The subject of this notice formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Ophelia E. Wagner, Nov. 15, 1866. She was born Jan, n, 1845, in New York, her parents being Henry and Esther (Sherman), Wagoner. Her father was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and came to this State in 1851, locating in this county, where he died June 19, 1881. He was married to Esther Sherman in 1833, who was born Dec. 29, 1812, in Vermont, and died Jan. 20, 1873, in this county. Of their union seven children were born, - Charles W., Mary S., Anna R., James S., Ophelia E., Fannie A. and J. E.

fancy. Mr. Giddings is the owner of 190 acres of good farm land, which constitutes one of the model farms of Floyd Township. On the place is a good residence 35 x 40 feet in dimensions and two stories in height, and also a good barn 40 x 40 feet. He has a fine imported Clydesdale, eight years old, weighing 2,000 pounds, named King Cole. He is also engaged in breeding thoroughbred Herefords, and high grade Short-horns, having in head of the latter on hand.

Mrs. Giddings is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. G. is a believer in and a supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party.

i illiam R. Rayburn, one of Warren County's most prominent well-to-do and respected farmers, and a resident of section 36, Ellison Township, was born near Mt. Sterling, Montgomery Co., Ky., J ' Oct. 18, 1822. His father, George Rayburn, a farmer and native of the same State, was a son of an old Kentucky family who settled there in its early history. He was first married in Montgomery County to Miss White, who died a few years later without issue. After the death of his wife, George Rayburn went into Ripley Co., Ind., where he was again married to Susan Shafer, a native of Virginia, and daughter of farmer and old soldier of the Revolutionary War, having enlisted when only 16 years of sge. After marriage, Mr. Rayburn returned to Montgomery County, settling near Mt. Sterling (the county seat) and while residing there the subject of our memoir was born. When but an infant his parents again returned to Ripley Co., Ind., and located upon a farm where William R. was reared, educated and resided until his marriage. His parents died there some years after his marriage.

The date of the marriage of William R. Rayburn with Miss Sarah Roberts, daughter of John and Jane (Salyers) Roberts, natives of Kentucky, took place Nov. 17, 1854, in Jefferson Co., Ind., where her parents had moved some time previous. Her parents were very early settlers in Southern Indiana. Her father was a farmer by occupation and had procured

They both died there. Mrs. Rayburn remained at home until her marriage, receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. R. are the parents of seven children, three of whom are deceased. The living are: George W, Frank S., John R. and Charles C.; Ida J., Willie and Eddie are deceased.

About 18 months after marriage, Mr. Rayburn came to Warren County, and the same year, April, 1855, purchased a tax title to 160 acres of unbroken land, on section 36, of Ellison Township. He had some friends here and was attracted by the rich prairies of Illinois, a sight of them convinced him that they were1 superior for farming purposes to the tender land of Indina. He located on his land, engaged in its improvement, and by laborious toil and economy has added thereto until he is at present the proprietor of 560 acres in Ellison Township, the major portion of which is under an advanced state of cultivation. His farm is one of the best in the township, and his residence, barn and outbuildings are substantial, as the view of the same, which appears in this work, fully demonstrates. Mr. R., in addition to his farm duties and the cultivation of his land, d votes considerable of his time to the raising of stock,' and feeds a large number of cattle and hogs. His wife is an active member in the Baptist Church. Politically, Mr. Rayburn is a believer in and a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Although a gentleman not seeking office he has held the position of Supervisor of his township for two years.

eorge W. Beckner, a successful farmer, owning 240 acres of land on section 32, Swan Township, is a native of Bath Co., Ky., where he was born Jan. 13, 1825. The father of the subject of this notice, A. L. Beckner, was also a native of Kentucky, having been born in Fleming County, in 1805.

The father moved to Lewis Co., Mo., in 1851, where he spent the remainder of his days and where he died, in September, 1854. He married Miss Elizabeth Kinkaid in 1822. She was born in Kentucky, in 1806, and died in March, 1856, and was laid to rest in Bond Cemetery, just south of Greenbush, this county. She was of Irish ancestry and bore her husband 1 1 children, five of whom survive, - George W., born in 1825 ; Mary A., in 1827 ; Joanna M., in 1831; Peter T,, in 1845, and H. C., in 1850.

George W., of whom this notice treats, married Miss Deborah Van Kirk, March 7, 1848. She was born Aug. n, 1826, the issue of their union being u children. The living are: Miranda, born May 16, 1849; Robert P., May 7, 1852; George, Feb. 25, 1865 ; Susan J., Aug. 31, 1867, and Hattie G., Aug. 17, 1869. The deceased are Mathias, Abraham, Andrew S., Kansadia, Amelia A. and Mary C., all of whom died in infancy. Miranda is the wife W. H. King, to whom she was married Oct. 7, 1869. They are residents of Swan Creek village, and have six children - George T., Iba, William, Albert, John and Hattie. Robert is a farmer in Swan Township, and married Donazett Vandiveer. They have two chil- - dren - Lovinia and Virge. George resides in Brown Co., Kan. Susan and Hattie are at home.

The parents of Mrs. Beckner were Mathias and Elizabeth (Wilson) Van Kirk. Her father was born in 1796, in Kentucky, and there died in 1846. Her mother was born in 1802, in Kentucky, and died May 27, 1882, in McDonough Co., 111. Her remains rest in peace in Bond Cemetery, near Greenbush, this county. Of her parents' union 16 children were born, nine of whom are yet living, namely: John, Henry, Nancy, Deborah, Adelia, Mary K., Ann Eliza and Millie T. Of the children named, John married Johanna Beckner, in 1854; Nancy became the wife of Samuel Painter, in 1844, and Mary, the wife of Jacob Kines, in 1849; Adelia, the wife of Henry Stoner, in 1879; Ann Eliza, the wife of W. A. Perry, in 1856; and Millie, the wife of Wm. Tracy. Nancy and Mary are living in Kansas. The others are living in Warren and McDonough Counties, this State.

Mr. Beckner and his family are pleasantly situated on their handsome 240-acre farm, all of which is under an advanced state of cultivation, and since his coming to this State, in 1851, he has continued to follow the vocation in which he is engaged. His first investment hi landed property was in 1852, the year he settled in Warren County. It comprised 160 acres (unimproved). In 1873 he purchased 80 acres which were broken and somewhat improved. These

Mr. Beckner belongs to the Order of Masonry, of which organization he has been a member since 1866, and at the present holds fellowship with Lodge No. 387, Youngstown, 111. He has been Secretary of said Lodge for the last 12 years. He has held the office of Township Supervisor three years, Justice of the Peace 15 years, Assessor 15 years, School Trustee, 18 years. He and his wife are member of the Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Beckner votes with and endorses the principles advocated by the Democratic party.

uther B. Perry, proprietor of 80 acres of land, located on section 30, Swan Township, where he resides, engaged in its cul- 1 tivation and improvement, was born May 25, 1841, in this county. His father, J. C. Perry, [ was born in Vermont in 1801 ; came to this State in 1840, and located in the vicinity Olena, 111.; lived there one year, when lie moved to Swan Township, and there resided until his death, which ' took place Feb. 19, 1881. The father married a Miss Phebe M. Dodge, in 1823. She was born in 1807, and died Sept. 6, 1885, in this county. They were the parents of nine children: Elias C. (deceased), born Dec. 14, 1824; Melissa M., Feb. 18, 1827; Cordelia O., July 29, 1829; Melvina J. March 12, 1832; Alanson W., Jan. 14, 1834; Mary O., May 24, 1836; Luther B., May 25, 1841 ; Lorane E. (deceased), Oct. IT, 1844, and Lyman (deceased), March 29, 1849.

Luther B. Perry was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Lybarger, July 4, 1872, Judge Nicholas, of Macomb, this State, officiating. Mrs. Luther B. Perry was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Nov. 20, 1854, and bore her husband four children, three of whom are living, namely : Mina J., born April 9, 1873; Orville L., Dec. 27, 1875; Iva M., Dec. 9, 1878; Rosa D., born May 31, 1884; died Aug. 4, 1885.

The father of Mrs. Perry, Joseph Lybarger, was born in 1807, and died near Marietta, Fulton County, this State, in October, 1879. His wife, Joanna (Ewing) Lybarger, with whom he was united in 1834, died

Mr. Perry is pleasantly located on 80 acres of good farm land, situated on section 30, all of which is under an advanced state of cultivation. In politics, he votes and endorses the principles of the Democratic party. He is a consistant member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

homas J. Morris, owning more than 400 acres of excellent farm land in Roseville Township, and one of the pushing farmers, as well as a gentleman of more than ordinary business ability, residing on section 12, was born in Greene Co., Pa., Nov. 28, 1825. The parents of Mr. Morris, Levi and Lucretia (Stephens) Morris, were natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey respectively, and were " old settlers " of the Keystone State. His father was quite an extensive farmer in that State, and of his marriage 1 1 children were born, all of whom lived to attain the age of manhood and womanhood. Their names were Margaret, Hannah, Louisa, Josephus, Jefferson and Washington (twins), Franklin, Thomas J., James B., Alpheus and Lucrelia. The twree eldest girls are deceased, as are also Jefferson and Alfred. They all left families. The remainder are living, married and have families, and all reside in Pennsylvania. Two are engaged in mercantile pursuits, Washington and Franklin, and the others are farmers.

The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this biographical notice remained at home until he was 35 years old, but since attaining his majority has been doing for himself. He came to this State in the spring of 1865, where he rented a farm on shares, the same adjoining the one on which he is at present residing. He continued to cultivate the rented farm for ten years, until 1875, when he purchased the place where he is at present living. He is to day the proprietor of a little more than 400 acres of land, and follows the vocation of farming and stock-raising.

The lady to whom Mr. Morris was united in marriage on Feb. 22, 1866, was Miss Sarah Way, the accomplished daughter of Gideon Way, of Monongalia Co., W. Va , where Mrs. Morris was born. She has borne her husband three children, - Charles W., Ella J , and William I. In his politics, Mr. Morris always votes with the Republican party. He has held different offices within the gift of the people of his township, and is a gentleman whose bond is accepted no quicker than his word in the transactions of business. His success is indicative of that push, pluck and good judgment of which he is characteristic. The great grandfather of Mr. Morris, on his father's side, Mr. Corbry, was a Baptist preacher and lived in Western Pennsylvania. While on his way with his family to deliver a sermon, they were attacked by Indians and three of the children killed. One of the girls of the family hid in a tree-top, and, supposing the Indians had left, raised her head to look around, when one of the red devils saw her and threw his tomahawk at her head, taking off her her scalp. They left her for dead, but she survived, came to herself and lived to become the mother of a family. Mrs. Morris is a member of the Baptist Church.

jilliain O. Kidder, residing on his farm of 117 acres on section 21, Swan Township, was born in this county, Aug. 13, 1839, and is a son of Larnard Kidder, born in Mansfield, Conn., March u, 1806, and who died Sept. 24, 1864, in this county (having emigrated to Illinois in 1837), his remains being placed at rest in the Hammond Cemetery.

The father was married to Miss Mary Ann Hoisington, March 22, 1837, in Champaign Co., Ohio. She was born at Windsor, Vt., April 5, iSog.-and was the daughter of Abisha and Lucinda (Hastings) Hoisington. Mary A., the mother of the subject of this notice, is at present (January, 1886) enjoying good health in her venerable old age.

notice, married Miss Mary C. Perry, Dec. 20, 1865. She was born Jan. 20, 1847, and was the daughter of Charles Perry, who was born in 1815, and married Miss Elizabeth Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Kidder are the the parents of three children, - Nellie G., born Oct. 3, 1866; Grant L., Sept. 2, 1868; and Ross L., July 30, 1885. Mr. Kidder has 117 acres of land in this countv, all well improved, on which he has a good dwelling and barn, 24x36 feet in dimensions, with 1 6 feet posts. In addition to the cultivation of his land, he is engaged in the raising of stock of a high grade.

Win. O. Kidder's early education was acquired in the common schools, and was supplemented by a course of study at Lombard University, at which institution he passed three winters. In 1861, he enlisted for the cause for the Union at Macomb, Mc- Donough Co., this State, in Co. H, »d 111. Vol. Cav., and was mustered in at Springfield, Aug. 12, 1861. The first general engagement was at Union City,

S^enn. ; then at Jackson, La Grange, Memphis, St. oseph, Baker's Creek and Vicksburg. Mr. Kidder scaped the casualities of the war without receiving )»any wounds. He was on the Teche and Red River Icampaigns, under Gen. Banks, and was discharged at Baton Rouge, La., just three years after his enuistment. In politics, he is a Republican.

tavid Van Gilder, the present Assessor of the township of Point Pleasant, was born in Hancock Co., Ind., Jan. 26, 1824. He was 12 years of age when his parents emigrated to Illinois and became pioneers of Knox County. The family removed hither with oxteams and brought all their personal property with them. They drove their stock and camped and cooked in the style of gipsies. The journey 'was Ion? and tedious and was made across the trackless country that intervened, and when they were beyond the limits of civilization the streams were destitute of bridges and all the annoyances increased in proportion. To the unaccustomed people of the East the sloughs were something terrible.

of it could get out the timber necessary to build a house and make things comfortable for them. The first dwelling was a log house and was covered with clapboards or "shakes." It had also a puncheon floor according to the fashion of those days. The furniture of the house was made by the father from hewed timber. The parents resided in that county until' their deaths, the father in September, 1857, and the mother about 1870.

Mr. Van Gilder resided with his parents until he w<is.j!2vwhen he was married to Nancy L. Maxey. They lived the following year on the farm of the father-in-law in Knox Township, whence they removed to the northeast portion of the same county and bought a farm in the vicinity of La Fayette> Stark Co., 111. Mr. Van Gilder retained the possession of that place 18 months and then sold out. He returned to the township of Knox, where he bought a farm and there resided until 1865. He again sold out and came thence to Warren County, where he located in what seemed to him the best township in the county. He established himself permanently by uniting his interests with those of the general public, buying land and proceeding to add his quota to the development of the resources of his property. His farm is situated on the northwest quarter of section 22, Point Pleasant Township, and is in advanced "cultivation. The owner has planted a grove of shadetrees and a valuable orchard. The buildings are in every way suited to the purposes of general farming and the place is well enclosed with hedges and is cross-fenced. The entire property is in a condition to compare favorably with the best farms in the county.

The first wife of Mr. Van Gilder died in 1853, leaving four children. James M. lives in Point Pleasant Township. S. Annie is married to Alexander Strickler, of this township. '.Jonathan S. married and left one child, and Mary A. and Ellen are now dead.

In 1858 Mr. Van Gilder was again married, to Mary L. Smith. She died in 1864 and left one child, who was named Smith Van Gilder. He is a resident of Fremont Co., Iowa. In 1865 the subject of this sketch was a third time married, to Jennie Axtell, a native of Pennsylvania, but was a resident of Warren County at the time of her marriage. She was the daughter of Joseph Axtell, who died while on his way here in 1840. Mrs. Axtell died here. Mr. and

Mrs. Van Gilder have four children - Myrtie, Charlie E., Nellie and Ray M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Van Gilder are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

Teremiah Hoornbeek, residing "on section gSHf' 35, Hale Township, where he is engaged in the vocation of an agriculturist and stock-raiser, is a son of Benjamin and Esther (Wilkins) Hoornbeek, natives of New York. They were of Holland and English ancestry respectively. Mr. H. traces his family back to the 1 6th century. His father (who was born in Ulster County) died Jan. 19, 1841, and [his mother (bom in Orange County) died Aug. i, 1854.

Jeremiah was also born in Ulster County, May 3, 1824. He received a common-school education in his native State and their resided until 1855. In December, of that year, Mr. Hoornbeek came to this State and located in Hale Township, this county, on a farm which he had purchased, consisting of 160 acres. He at once engaged actively and energetically in the improvement and development of his land. To-day he has it under an advanced state of cultivation'and enhanced in value by the erection of good, substantial buildings, and where [he still continues to follow the vocation of his life.

The marriage'.of Mr. Hoornbeek took place in Ulster County, N. Y., April 2, 1851, at which time Miss Elizabeth Bruyn became his wife. She was a daughter of Nathaniel and Cornelia (LeFevre) Bruyn.

The Bruyn family are of Norwegian descent. Jacobus Bruyn was the first of that name in this country. He came from (Norway and settled in New York alout 1660. The LeFevres are of French extraction and came to this "country about 1670 and settled ii Ulster County, New York.

She was born in Ulster County, N. Y., Dec. 23, 1827, and i f the children she rfas borne Mr. Hoornbeek six ai. living, namely : Esther, Nathaniel B., Adelia C., incline D., John W. and Catherine B. Esther is tl. wife of Ira Dean, a resident of Nebraska, and they_..have two [children, Ralph S. and Homer H. N laniel B. is a physician, engaged in practice at \,. ungstown, this county. He has two

Mr. Hoornbeek has held the office of School Director and Overseer of Highways, and he and his wife and children are members of the Presbyterian Church. The parents of Mr. Hoornbeek both died in Ulster County. The parents of Mrs. H. came to this county in 1853, and are at present residing in Tompkins Township. In politics, Mr. Hoornbeek affiliates with the Democratic party.

Mr. Hoornbeek is a raiser of fine Durham cattle, and has one of the finest herds in the State. Victor, recorded in vol. 24, Short-horn- Record, is at the head of the herd. He took first premium at the Warren County Fair. Fannie Snqwden stands at the head in the cow line. She is recorded in vol. 13, page 591, Short-horn Herd Book, and has taken the sweepstakes premium for a number of years. The herd took premiums at the Warren County Fair in the years 1884-5. An excellent view of Mr. Hoornbeek's farm residence and fine stock, and also Mr., Hoornbeek's portrait, accompanies this sketch.

Phelps, who is the possessor of a clear title 10400 acres of good farm land, located on section 26, Tompkins Township (and the adjoining section) and where he resides, following the vocation of an agriculturist, was born Jan. 6, 1836, in New York. The parents of Mr. Phelps, Porter and Mary (Reese) Phelps, were natives of the same State in which their son, DeWitt, was born. They moved therefrom to Knox County, 111., in 1836, but in 1837 settled in Roseville Township, Warren County, and were consequently among the pioneer settlers who laid the corner-stone of the grandest commonwealth that now reflects the brilliancy of our Union's diadem. The father there purchased 80 acres of land, which he afterwards increased to 320 acres, residing upon the same, engaged in its improvement and cultivation for 10 years. He then sold his land and moved to Lenox Township, where he purchased 320 acres, on which he moved with his family and has since resided there, following his avocation as a fanner until the present time with satisfactory success.

The gentleman whose name we place at the head of this notice was an inmate of his father's family for 25 years. His younger years were spent in acquiring an education at the common schools and in labor on the farm. After attaining the age mentioned, he went to California and was there engaged in mining and farming for five years. While a resident in the far West, he also visited Idaho, and was engaged in the livery business. He returned to this State in 1867, and the following year purchased 240 acres of unimproved prairie land, on section 26, Tompkins Township, where he has resided until the present time. He is engaged in stock raising and general farming, and in his chosen vocation is meeting with success. He has a fine residence on his farm,' together with good barns, fences, etc., and the place is greatly beautified by the numerous fruit and ornamental trees which have been made to flourish under his careful husbandry.

The marriage of Mr. Fhelps with Miss Mary A. Lewis, a native of this State, was solemnized in 1 87 2, and of their union four children, Kathrine L., Mary P., Henneth G., and Charles E., have been born. Mr. Phelps is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and holds the position of School Director in his township. He is also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Kirkwood, and is one of the leading representative farmers of Tompkins Township.

M. Hamilton, M. D., Coroner of Warren County. This talented physician and surgeon of Monmouth, a native of Darlington, Beaver Co., Pa., and son of Samuel and Arabella W. (Scroggs) Hamilton, of the same State, was born Oct. 23, 1829. At the age of 2r years, James Hamilton came from the North of Ireland to America, in the first ship that landed at Boston after the close of the Revolutionary War. He afterward married a young lady that came over in the same ship, made his home in Beaver Co., Pa., and there reared 15 children. Samuel, one of the ten sons, married Miss Aarabella Scroggs, in Beaver Co., Pa., where their four sons and five daughters were born, two of the former dying in childhood, the rest growing to man and womanhood. The old gentleman, when about 60 years of age, removed to Lawrence Co., Pa., and there died in 1872, at the age of about 73 years. His widow at this writing (September, 1885) is living at New Castle, Pa.. His son Lieut. -Col. Thos. J. Hamilton, of the looth Pa. Vol. Inf., was killed July r, 1864, during the explosion of the mine in front of Petersburg.

The subject of our sketch was educated at the common and high schools of Darlington. When he was 1 6 years of age he was taken out of school on account of failing health. He thereupon learned the trade of saddler and harness-maker in his father's shop in Darlington, and continued in the business for nearly four years. He then returned to school and completed his studies. He began the study of medicine, soon after reaching bis majority, under Dr. Daniel Leasure, of Westmoreland Co., Pa., at New Castle. Entering Jefferson Medical College in 1851, he graduated in 18153, ar>d relumed to New Castle, and the following six years was in partnership with his old preceptor. In 1858, he reached Monmouth, where he at once took rank with the foremost of his profession. When the war cloud < burst upon the country in 1861, he became Assistant Surgeon of the Ninth 111. Regt., raised under the three months call for volunteers, but was regularly promoted to the position of Brigade Surgeon of U. S. A. Volunteers (commissioned at Pittsburg Landing in November of the same year), and saw service at Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Tuscumbia, Nashville, and was ten months in charge of hospitals at Gallatin, Tenn. In November, 1863, on account of loss of health, he resigned, returned to Monmouth, and the year following to New Castle, Pa., where he remained two and a half years, and then again returned to Mcnmouth, where he has continued in the practice of his profession to the present.

The Doctor has been for many years an ardent member of the Republican party ; in fact he was a delegate from New Castle to the Convention at Pittsburg, Pa., in 1856, that nominated John C. Fremont for the Presidency and laid the foundation for the future greatness of the party. But, while taking an active part in politics, he is not a. politician seeking office. He is devoted to his profession ; belongs to the various medical societies of the American Medical Association and of the State and county, and

He was married at Philadelphia, Dec. 25, 1856, to Miss Eliza Starrett, native of Maine and daughter of the late Rev. David Starrett, of the Congregational Church. Their only child, torn in 1859, died in infancy.

lohn H. Frantz is a settler of Warren County of 1857. His farm located on seclion 22, Spring Grove Township, is one of the most attractive in the county. He was born Feb. 20, 1836, in Alleghany Co., Md. John Frantz, his grandfather, was a native of Germany, and settled in the State of Maryland on emigrating to America. His father, Solomon Frantz, was born in that State, and there married Jane Mc- Elroy. A sketch of his life will be found included in the biography of Mr. W. H. Frantz. His wife was born in Virginia. When the subject of the present notice was 13 years old his father and mother removed with their family to Perry Co., Ohio. Heremained under the parental roof-tree until he reahed the age of legal independence when he made his way to Warren County. He rented a farm in Spring Grove Township, upon which he remained until he went to California in 1864. Going to New York in February, of that year, from thence by water to Panama, he crossed the isthmus and continued by vessel to San Francisco. He made but a brief stay in the city of the Golden Gate, and turning his face eastward, stopped at Virginia City, Nev. He made his headquarters there while operating in the wood business on Carson River. He remahied there until August, 1866, when lie turned his face Homeward, coming back by the Nicaragua route, and via New York, arriving at home on the 151)1 day of September. As soon as he had become again acclimated, he bought 80 acres of land in Warren County, which has remained in his possession ever since, and which constituted the nucleus of his present farm. Entering at once upon the work of improvement, he has added to his real estate until he is now the owner of 240 acres of land, all of which is fenced and under cultivation'. For the past five years Mr.

Frantz has been engaged in the breeding of thoroughbred Short-horns, and is now the owner of some of the finest specimens of this stock in the country. He is earnestly giving his attention to the propagation of fine stock, having determined to make it a specialty in the future operation of his farm work. He is a breeder of thoroughbred Clydesdale horses and has now about 35 head of horses and colts of superior grade, owning also some fine specimens of Morgan stock. He proposes to give his attention very soon to the breeding of Norman horses. An excellent view of Mr. 'Frantz's homestead appears on page 258.

His marriage to Annie M. Porter took place Sept. 23, j86o. She was bom in the township within the borders of which she has, all her life, lived, and is the daughter of Joshua and Mary (Tinkham) Porter. Her birth occurred March 10, 1838. The children now living, that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frantz are Jessie A., Annie G., Virgie B. and Lillie May. They have buried a son, Thatcher Ellsworth, and three daughters, Jennie L., Rosa Belle and Bertha May. Our subject and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

O Carr, Jr., one of Warren County's most energetic and prosperous farmers as well as respected and representative citizens, resides on section 13, Roseville Township, and is a son of Otho and Nancy (Claycomb) Carr, having been born on the place where he now resides, Sept. 22, 1841. His parents were natives of Breckenridge Co., Ky., the date of the birth of the father being Feb. 14, 1805, and the mother, Jan. 14, 1805. They were among the early settlers here. Mr. Carr, Sr., moved to Perry Co., Ind., where he married and remained about five years, and then came West to this county. The trip was made in wagons across the country. He entered 320 acres of land here. The cabin Mr. Carr built in 1835 was located one-half mile east of the present homestead j and here he lived until the present farm residence was built, where Mrs. Lucy J. Harris lives. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harris were for 40 years members of the Christian Church, of Roseville Township. Mr. Carr remained on the above place until his death, which occurred in 7883, his wife having preceded him to the land of eternal happiness two years previously. Of their union were born -six children, three of whom survive, - Redmond, Lucy J. and J. O., the subject of this notice.

J. O. Carr remained at home and was in partnership with his father and brother until 1875, and his success as a farmer and stock-raiser has been more than ordinary. Mr. Carr's close attention to business, being accompanied by industry and economy, has aided him in obtaining a competency. He is the possessor of 360 acres of excellent land in this township, and is engaged in raising horses, cattle and swine. His farm is valued at $40 per acre.

Mr. J. O. Carr and Miss Mary E. Cox were united in marriage, Dec. 31, 1869. She was born March 15, 1848, in Ellison To.vnship, this county. Her parents were John and Fannelia (Lewis) Cox, na- , lives of Illinois and New Jersey respectively, and C in 1837 they settled in Ellison Township, where they made a purchase of 160 acres of land. Both died in this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Carr have had their home brightened by the birth of five children, three daughters and two sons, as follows : Fannelia N., Nettie L. and William O. James E. and Mary E. are at home. Mr. Carr is a Democrat in political opinion, and with his wife and two daughters belongs to the Christian Church. Mr. Carr is one of the substantial and representative men of Warren County.

j( mos B. Billings. Among the well known and prosperous farmers, who in their early years entered actively and energetically in the pursuit of tilling the soil, and thereby accumulated sufficient of this world's goods to enable them to spend the sunset of their lives in peace and comfort, is Mr. Amos B. Billings. He is a resident of Kirkwood and is a son of Justis and Sarah (Alice) Billings, and was born in Lewis County, the Empire State, Jan. 10, 1811. His parents were natives of Connecticut, and in the year

1804 moved to New York and located in Lewis County, where they remained, having purchased land, until their death, occurring respectively on the last day of July and the nth of August, in the year 1847.

Amos B. made the home of his parents his abiding place until he reached majority, then worked out by the month for six years, at the expiration of which time he again resided on his father's farm and took charge of the same, also caring for his parents until the hand of death severed them. During his early life he had acquired a good English education and when opportunity presented itself, his father had him assist in the duties of the farm, so our subject was thoroughly initiated in the life of an agriculturist when left to earn his own living. He was, therefore, well prepared for entering upon the task of the improvement of his farm of 160 acres, which he had purchased in Illinois, having sold his father's homestead in 1864, and emigrated westward. His tract was located on section n, Tompkins Township, his present site, and upon this he has erected all necessary farm outbuildings and improved the same until at the present time it is in an advanced state of cultivation. He resided there until 1879, when he retired from his farm and bought a house and lot in Kirkwood village, where he has since resided.

Miss Eleanor Mott, a native of Oneida Co., N. Y., and a daughter of Elias and Lucretia (Shear) Mott, was married to Mr. Amos B. Billings in 1840. Her parents were natives of New Jersey and Massachusetts respectively. Mr. and Mrs. B.'s family comprise the following named children: Amelia A. was born March 16, 1841 ; Ellen J., born Sept. 4, 1842; Emily L., born Aug. 10, 1844; Mary L., born Dec. 15, 1845 ; Theodore J., born Aug. T3, 1847; Alfred E., born June 7, 1853. Emily L. is now deceased, having died Feb. 8, 1880. " Amelia A. married William Starr, March 16, 1864. Six children was the result of this marriage, - Emory, Susan E. and Elmer. Matilda E., Chancy A. and Harriet are deceased. Mr. Starr died Nov. 14, 1874. Mrs. S. was again married Oct. 6, 1881, to Ferine Holman. One child has blessed this union, Alida. Mr. and Mrs. H. are now living in this township. Ellen J. married James L. Perkins, Dec. 24, 1862, and is now living in Galesburg. Emily L. married Jesse E. Lamphere, Dec. 14, 1865. They had two children, Ralph and Grant.

Mary L. married Peter Burns, March 14, 1872, and is now living at Monmouth. Theodore J. married Sophrona Lamphere, Oct. 6, 1870. One child has been the result of this marriage, Minnie. Alfred E. married Emma Yeomans, Jan. n, 1877. Two children have been born to them, Jennie and Charles. Jennie is now deceased.

Mr. B. with hts wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is regarded as one of the leading and substantial men of Warren County. In his political affiliations, he is a Republican.

acob Shawler. Among the early settlers of Warren County, having come here in the year 1847, is Mr. Jacob Shawler, an energetic, prosperous and representative citizen of this county, where, on section 12, Lenox Township, he is engaged extensively in agricultural pursuits. The date of his birth is Dec. 16, 1826, and he is a native of Edmonson Co., Ky. James B. and Eva (Duvall) Shawler, his parents, were natives of Kentucky, where his mother died. To them five children' were born, all of whom reached the age of maturity. All are now deceased except Jacob and one sister. His father afterward removed to Warren County and settled in Floyd Township, having re-married before he left Kentucky. His second union was blessed with a family of 1 1 children, six of whom are now living. He subsequently removed to Swan Township, where he died.

Jacob was the second of a family of five children, and came to this county in the autumn of 1847. For three years he made his home in Floyd Township, when he sold his property there and moved into Lenox Township, where he has since remained and is one of the most highly respected and influential men in the township. In his business enterprises he has experienced an unusual degree of prosperity, and to-day owns 500 acres of land in Warren County and 200 acres in Kansas. He has erected upon the home farm an excellent class of buildings specially adapted to agricultural pursuits. The barn is a very commodious structure and a model building of its kind.

into Lenox Township, he was married there to Julia A. Ray, who was also a native of Kentucky, where she was born June 30, 1833. Five sons have risen to bless their home, all of whom are living. Thompson B., married, resides in Lenox Township; John O. and Algernon S. H. live in Swan Township ; Philemon and Jesse are with their parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Baptist Church at Union. In his political belief, Mr. S. is a holder of independent views.

Our subject now ranks among the large stock raisers and feeders of the township. When he first settled in this county he could claim but little of this world's goods, and he is able to point with pride to his present possessions as the result of well applied industry and sound judgment. He to-day enjoys a very comfortable competence and is properly recognized as one of the public-spirited citizens of the community. A view of his elegant and commodious homestead is one of our pictorial features, and will be found page 320.

K. Cummings, retired from a life of merjj" cantile pursuits, and spending the closing years of his life in peace and quiet at Kirkwood, is a native of Scotland, having been bom in that country July 4, 1813. The parents of Mr. Cummings, Israel W. and Susanna (Kerr) Cummings, were natives of Massachusetts and Scotland respectively. Th_e father was a sailor in his younger years, and from his native country he went to Scotland, where he was married and where the subject of this notice was born. In 1828, the father with his family came to the United States, and for a time resided in the father's native State, Massachusetts. He then moved his family to Maine, where for ten years he was engaged in farming. In 1837, the father sold his landed possessions in the latter State and with his family came to this State, locating in Fulton County, where the father purchased 192 acres of land. He moved on the land with his family and at once engaged in the laborious task of improving it, by cultivation, the erection of a residence, the setting out of trees, etc., and there

The gentleman whose name we give at the beginning of this biographical notice, was an inmate of the parental household until Jhe attained the age of 20 years, having received a fair education in the district schools. At this age in life, he engaged to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he served apprenticeship of three years, fully and completely mastering the same, after which he followed his trade in Fulton County from 1838 to 1856, a period of 1 8 years.

Mr. Cummings came to Warren County in 1855 and in 1856 moved to Kirkwood. In 1859, he engaged in the grocery business at that place, and was thus occupied for 1 2 years. He then sold out and began the hardware business and followed that for five years, when, in 1878, he sold the same, and since that time has lived a life of comparative retirement, doing nothing except a little insurance business. He is the proprietor of a farm of 162 acres, one mile and a half from Kirkwood, and is enjoying the comforts which a life of business activity coupled with energy has acquired.

In 1836, Mr. Cummings married Miss Mary Eveleth in Kennebec Co., Maine, she being the daughter of Joseph and Eunice (Jennings) Eveleth, four children being the result of this union, - Susan Jane and James H., Melissa E. and Eunice A., who are deceased. Mrs. C. died in the year of 1878. Mr. Cummings again formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Eliza Bowen in 1879, a native of Ohio.

In politics, Mr. Cummings votes with the Republican party. He has held the offices of Assessor and Collector of Tompkins Township, and is one of the honored and respected citizens of Warren County.

fames W. Van Tasell, farmer on section 1 3, \fc of Lenox Township, is a son of Isaac and Phebe D. (Corgill) Van Tasell. (See sketch of Isaac Van Tasell in this volume.) James W. was born in Kendall Co., 111., Nov. 6, 1855. He received a good common-school education and has all his life been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was about four years of age when his par ents came to Warren County. His marriage occurred in Lenox Township, Sept. 9, 1880, to Catherine Ball. She is the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Wurgler) Ball, natives of Germany. The family emigrated to Canada, where the father died. His widow survives. Mrs. Van Tasell was the third of a family of five children born to them. She was born in Canada, April 4, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Van Tasell are the parents of one child, Loui I. Mr. Van Tasell in political affairs is a Republican.

^arrison Meachum, a farmer pursuing his vocation on section 33, Berwick Township, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., March 23, 1818, and is a son of Calvin Meachum, who , was likewise born in York State, in 1790, and I who received his death from being thrown from a spirited horse. He lived some 24 hours after the accident, and at the date of his demise was 40 years old. The father was united in marriage to Miss Sally Huntley in 1812. She was born in New York in 1792, and died in 1876, in Livingston Co., N. Y. They were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters, and who were named Enos, Porter, Harrison, George, Sally, Hannah, Mary and Eliza. The latter married Mr. Ferris, a resident of Kansas City, and died at Mt. Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1878.

Harrison Meachum, the subject of this sketch, came to this State in 1854, and located in Floyd Township, this county, where he remained for four years, until 1858, when he removed to Berwick Township and there bought 1 1 2 acres of good land, with a number of small improvements upon the same. He located upon his land and at once engaged upon the arduous task of its improvement and cultivation, and by energy and economy has added to his original purchase until he is the proprietor of 260 acres.

The life of Mr. Meachum has been one of activity and he now has his fine farm under an advanced state of cultivation, and is also devoting considerable of his time to the raising of stock. He has some 40 head of cattle on his place, with room for 60 head, and makes the Jerseys a specialty.

Landoii, took place April i, 1840. She was born May 16, 1821, in New Jersey, and moved to York State in 1831, where she resided until her marriage. The issue of their union has been six children, - John, William, Harrison S., Mary, Lydia and Bertie. Lydia became the wife of Andy Willard, and died in 1875; Bertie married Martin Simmons, and died in 1881 ; Mary was married to Harry Murphy, who resides in Avon.

Ebenezer Landon, father of Mrs. Meachum, was born in New York in 1793, and died in 1877. He married Miss Lettie Rich, a. native of Halifax, in 1816. She was born in 1800 and came to the State of New York when quite small. The father of Ebenezer Landon, John Landon, served in the War of 1812. Mrs. Meachum's mother is still living, and resides in Berwick village. Her parents' family consisted of six children, namely: Henry, Joseph, Frederick, John, Lettie and Martha, and of her marriage with Ebenezer Landon nine children were I f born as follows : Cornelia, Mary, Martin, Susan, i John, Martha, Thomas, Isaac and Elizabeth, only | four of whom are at present living.

Mr. and Mrs. Meachum have the following grandchildren : Frederick, John Riley, Perly, Lucina, Laura Belle,. John, Allie, Cornelia, Cloy and John Willard.

Mr. Meacham, in his political opinions, favors the principles advocated by the Greenback party. In days past he belonged to the old line Whig, then voted with the Republican party, but since the former party sprung into existence, has voted with it.

:enjamin T. Kettering, a resident of this county since 1853 and one of the large land-owners of Monmouth Township, resides on section 27. He was born in Cumberland Co., Pa., April 16, 1820. The father of Mr. Kettering was a native of the same State as his son and was of German parentage. He was married in his native State to Mary Thompson, a lady of American parentage and Scotch descent. After their marriage, they resided in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Pa., for a time, when they moved to Cumberland County, that State. Their family consisted of eight children.

of his parents' children. He lived on the parental homestead, attending the common schools and working on the farm, thereby assisting in the maintenance of his family and acquiring a fair English education, until he attained the age of 24 years. In 1853, he came West and located in Warren County, since which time he has continued to reside here. The parents came to this county soon afterward and remained until their death. On arriving in this county, Mr. Kettering, of this sketch, first began to work as a general laborer. His capital at the time amounted to the sum of $2.50, and he was consequently compelled to engage in work for a living. Prior to attaining his majority Mr. K. had learned the trade of his father, that of shoemaking, but on coming to this State and county, he chose a different vocation, that of farming, which he has followed until the present time.

Feb. 8, 1858, five years after his arrival in this county, Mr. Kettering was united in marriage to Mrs. Melinda Murphy, nee Clacomb. She was a na- , tive of Kentucky, in which State she was born Dec. 5, 1825, and came herewith her mother and brother, . her father having died in Kentucky. She continued to reside with her mother in this county, assisting her ; in the household duties and attending the common schools, until her marriage to Mr. Murphy. He died a few years after that event, leaving two children to the care of his wife, both of whom have since died, namely: T. Frantz Murphy and Ella O., whose demise occurred when she was a young lady. Of the later union, three children have been born : Hattie B.; Milton A., who resides o.i a farm near Kirkwood, this count/"; Philo E. was married to Sina Frantz, and follows the occupation of farming in this township.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kettering located on the homestead which Mrs. Kettering owned previous to their marriage, consisting of a little more than 100 acres, on which they are residing at the present time.

Mr. Kettering, by energetic labor and economy, coupled with good judgment and perseverance, has since added to the original homestead until at present the same consists of 400 acres of as good farm land as can be found in Warren County. It is all adjoined and has thereon a good residence, barn and substantial outbuildings, and is regarded as one of the best farms, not only in Monmouth Township, but in the county. In his chosen vocation, agriculture, Mr. Kettering has met with more than ordinary success, and the same is attributable to his indomitable energy and perseverance, coupled with the active cooperation of his good helpmeet. In addition to the cultivation of his land he has been and is devoting considerable time to the raising of stock, in which department of his vocation he is also meeting with success. He and his wife are consistent and active members of the Christian Church. Mr. K. is a Trustee and Deacon of that Church at Momouth, and has been Treasurer of it for some time. In a political sense, Mr. Kettering votes with, and believes in the principles advocated by, the Republican party.

i,yrus Q. Rankin, one of the large landowners of Tompkins Township, as well as successful farmers of Henderson County, residing in retirement at his home on section 25, Tompkins Township, is a native of Sulli-

^ van Co., Ind., where he was born in 1832. William and Elizabeth (Gross) Rankin, his parents, were natives of Pennsylvania and South Carolina respectively. After their marriage, in 1830, they emigrated to this State and located in Henderson County, where the father purchased 1,000 acres of land, and resided on the same for 40 years. He then moved to Monmouth, Warren County, and there passed his remaining days in peace and quiet, retired from the active labors of life, and where he died in 1873. Three years Sater his beloved wife, who had accompanied him through all the trials of the past, followed him to that better land, her demise occurring in 1876.

The gentleman whose name stands at the beginning of this biographical notice, remained with his parents until he attained his majority, in the meantime receiving an education in the common schools. On becoming his own man, he began to trade in stock and land, and was thus occupied until he became 24 years of age, when he was united in marriage with Miss M. T. Reynolds, a native of Ohio. Before his marriage, he purchased 240 acres of land in Olena Township, Henderson County, on which he moved with his family and was occupied in its improvement and cultivation for 17 years. During these years, by hard labor and economy, he accumulated sufficient to enable him to add 620 acres to his original purchase. He then, in 1873, came to this county and for two years resided at Monmouth, where he had purchased a residence and lot. In 1874, he purchased 480 acres of land in Tompkins Township, where he removed in 1875, and has resided on the same until the present time. He has a $5,000 residence on his farm, together with three barns and good, substantial outbuildings, and the farm presents an appearance indicative of energy and perseverance on the part of its proprietor.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Rankin, five in number, are named Elizabeth A., born July 27, 1857 ; Reynolds P., Aug. 10, 1863; Elijah A., Oct. 22, 1865 ; Minnie A., Feb. 18, 1869; Edith O.,Feb. 13, 1878. Elizabeth was united in marriage with K. D. Bridenthal, and they have become the parents of one child - Cyrus W. Elijah A. married Miss Ada Beers, and they have one son, named Earl.

Mr. Rankin is a believer in and a supporter of the, principles of the Republican party. In religious belief, he and his wife both endorse the tenets of the United Presbyterian Church, to which denomination they belong. Mr. Rankin, truly speaking, is one of the leading representative men of his line of business in Warren County, and his success as an agriculturist and trader is indicative of his own good good judgment and energy.

.avid S. Billingsley, owning 80 acres of land in Berwick Township, and residing at Berwick village, where he is engaged in hotel business, and also to some extent in dealing in fine horses and roadsters. He was born in Monongalia Co., W. Va., Sept. 28, i8r2, and is a son of Samuel Billingsley, who was born near Baltimore, Md., in 1778. The latter moved to Virginia, when he was 12 years of age, and there, in Monongalia County, resided, following the vocation of an agriculturist until his death, which occurred in 1850. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Snider, a native of Virginia. She bore her husband 13 children, whose names were John, Sias, Tobitha, Maria, Samuel, David, Thornton, Louisa,

David Billingsley, of whom we write, came West April ii, 1855, and located in Warren County. He was married to Elizabeth Barrick, March 16, 1836, in Virginia, Rev. Wood, of the Baptist Church, officiating. She was born Sept. 8, 1814, in Hampshire Co., and bore her husband nine children, four of whom are living. The record of their births are as follows: Eliza Ann, torn Feb. 15, 1837; Louisa, born April 15, 1839; Henry F., April 15, 1841; David Luther, Oct. 23, 1843; Mary, Jan. 14, 1845; Martha, June 9, 1847; Samuel, in August, 1840; Louisa, in 1852; Jane, June 27, 1855.

The father of Mrs. Billingsley, Henry Barrick, was born in Hancock Co., Va, in 1787, and married Miss Catherine Wetzel about 1812. She was born in 1795, in Maryland, and she and her husband were both of German descent. Their family comprised ten children - Elizabeth M., Anna, Peter S., Henry, Isaiah, James M., John W., George and Mary. The father died in 1865, -in Virginia, and the mother in October, 1868.

Mr. Billingsley is engaged in the hotel business at Berwick village, as above stated. He is an admirer of fine horses, and has done much to develop this noble animal in this part of the county. He also cultivates his farm, and as a business man and genial landlord, is regarded as one of the foremost men not only in Berwick village but also of the county.

ohn C. Turnbull, a retired farmer, passing the declining years of his life in quiet ease and retirement at Roseville, this county, is a native of Maryland, having been born near Baltimore, Nov. 18, 1812. Mr. Turnbull removed with his parents to New Albany, Ind., when about six years of age (or in 1818). His father, John Turnbull, was born in Maryland, Dec. 27, 1780, and died in Jackson Co., Ind., March 28, 1840, in his 6oth year. His mother, Mary (Tonahill) Turnbull, was born in Virginia, Jan. 14, 1777, and died March 29, 1820, near New Albany, Floyd Co., Ind. They were married July 12, 1801, and of their union five children were born, only two of whom at present survive, - Mrs. Gossett and John C., the subject of this notice.

The gentleman, whose life's history is herein briefly summarized, was an inmate of the parental household until 17 years of age, having received what education he acquired in the common schools. After leaving home he worked out by the day and month until the spring of 1835. He then rented a farm in Jackson Co., Ind., which he cultivated until 1850, when lie purchased 210 acres of land and was engaged in its cultivation until Sept. 19, 1865. At this date he came to Illinois and located in Warren County, where he purchased 480 acres of land on sections 20 and 21, Roseville Township, and continued to reside upon the same until 1872. He then moved into Roseville, and purchased a lot, erecting there on a fine residence, in which he has since continued tc reside.

In politics, Mr. Turnbull is a Republican. Religiously, he and his wife belong to the Baptist Church. He is a gentleman whose accumulation of this world's goods has been acquired through his own energy, perseverance and good judgment, and is one of the respected and influential citizens of Warren County. Mr. Turnbull has been sadly unfortunate in his married relations, having lost by death two companions. The maiden name of his present wife was Elizabeth Crane, a native of Jackson Co., Ind., their marriage occurring Oct. 19, 1865. His first wife, to whom he was married in Jackson Co., Ind., J Jan. r i, ,1835, was a Miss Rhoda Ann K. Crane, a native of New York State. She died in July, 1859. By this wife he became the father of an only son, John C., born Aug. 29, 1841, in Jackson Co., Ind., who, in 1870, married Susan Gordley, of Brown Co., III., by whom he has two children - Warren and Franklin.

arah J. Chatterton, owning 120 acres of good farm land, located on section 25, Greenbush Township, "where she resides, is the widow of Lewis B. Chatterton, who was born in New York, April 30, 1827, and came to this State in 1836 with his parents and located with them two miles east of Avon, in Fulton County. He was the son of Cornelius and Lucy (Ball) Chatterton, natives of New York, but of English extraction. The father was a farmer by occupation. Lewis B. was educated at the common schools of

Galesburg, 111. When the " California gold fever '' became epidemic, he was one of the first to yield to its seductive influence, and forthwith hastened to that auriferous country, where he remained five years. A portion of his time while there was occupied in farming. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Wells; Aug. 20, 1857, Rev. Reed, of Peoria, officiating. She was born Nov. 25, 1838, in Fulton County, 111., (near Avon), being the daughter of James a. d Roxanna (Stowell) Wells, natives of New York. Mrs. Chatterton's parents died while she was was very young. She bore unto her husband nine children, namely: Freddie, born Sept. 20, 1859; Chester J., born Feb. 16, 1861 ; Bessie E., June 2, 1863; Harry L., Nov. 2, 1865; George W., Aug. 25, 1877; Willie, June 10, 1870; Carrie L., Oct. 25, 1871 ; Henry K., July 25, 1884; Clarence O., Dec. 5, 1876. Bessie E. married J. W. Kinross. They are living in Avon, Fulton County, this State, and are the parents of one child, Nealy W. Kinross.

Mrs. Chatterton, since the death of her husband, continues to reside on the home farm, which is under an advanced state of cultivation, and with the assistance of her children, is conducting the same with marked ability and with well merited success. Her place is well supplied with good farm buildings, and last year she disposed of $1,000 worth of stock. Her husband was a Republican in politics, and in religion, a member of the Universalist Church, as is likewise Mrs. Chatterton. Her husband died May 19, 1884, on the old homestead.

sn. Azro Patterson, deceased. The Monmouth Weekly Review on Friday morning, June 30, 1782, contained 'the following fitting obituary of one who was for many years one of the most highly esteemed citizens of this county: "Azro Patterson died at his residence in this city, of Bright's disease of the kidneys, Saturday evening, June 24, 1882, at 7:15 o'clock, aged 63 years, 5 months."

sorrow among all classes of citizens - high and low, rich and poor, young and old - as the decease of Azro Patterson, and none will be more keenly missed from our midst, particularly by the poor and unfortunate, whose fast friend he was at all times and under all circumstances.

Mr. Patterson was born in Stowe, Vt., Feb. IT, 1819. At the age of six years, with his father's family, he moved from Vermont to Ashtabula, Ohio, where he resided till he was 19 years old, when, in company with a young man named Williams, and about the same age, he started for the West to work out his own fortunes and way through the world. He reached Monmouth in 1837, and as there was no railroad and but few facilities for travel in this country at that early day, he walked all the way from Ashtabula to Monmouth, carrying his scanty possessions in a bundle on his back, and stopped with his brother-in-law, R. N. Allen, who lived in an old log house where his present residence stands. During the winter of 1837 he clerked in a dry goods . store in a little frame house on the northwest corner of the square, under what was known as the " old cottonwood tree," for General McAlle.i. The next summer he worked in a brick-yard for Erastus Rice, t whom the early settlers well remember, and helped make the brick of which our old court house is built. Then he taught school at " Allen's Grove," in Berwick township, and was very popular as a teacher among the scholars and old settlers. In r839 he went into the employ of S. S. Phelps, of Oquawka, and had charge of the Indian trading store not far from Iowa City, Iowa, and remained in the employ of Mr. Phelps for a number of years.

In 1845 he was married to Miss Harriet Strong, at Ashtabula, Ohio, and returned to Monmouth with his bride. Her health failing her here, he started back to her home with her, but she died at Beaver, Pa., on the journey. She lived only seven months after their 'marriage.

In 1848, and while residing at Oquawka, he was elected State Senator from the i7th district. Gilbert Turnbull, of Henderson, and A. C. Harding, of Warren, were the members of the lower house. In 1850 he was elected a member of the lower house of the Illinois Legislature from Henderson and Warren Counties. He was elected on the Democratic ticket, the contest being between Democrats and Whigs. He was never a candidate for any public position after thai, although entreated times without number by his political and personal friends to allow the use of his name for important public trusts.

In October, 1849, he was married to the accomplished Christian lady, Miss Mary Babcock, daughter of an old and valued citizen, E. C. Babcock (see sketch).

To Azro and Mary Patterson four children were born - three of whom died in infancy - and but one son, Henry, survives. He is endowed with the sterling qualities of his parents.

After serving in the legislature, Mr. P. located permanently in Monmouth, and formed a partnership with C. L. Armsby and Jerry Massie in the dry goods trade. They occupied the old frame building that stood north of the Monmouth National Bank building, and afterwards moved to the building now occupied by George Babcock, which was built by Mr. Massie.

In 1853 he formed a partnership with his brotherin-law, R. N. Allen, in the dry goods trade, which ' continued two years. Mr. Allen then retired from business, and Mr. Patterson continued the trade in a 1 frame building that stood on the corner of Broadway

I and East streets, where the Second National Bank now stands. Some time after Mr. Patterson sold his stock of goods to Major Holt, who continued the business a short time. He again formed a partnership with N. A. Rankin and L. S. Wallace, and carried on the dry goods trade in the building now occupied by the Spriggs Bros., as a drug store, on the south side of the square. This partnership continued some time, when Mr. Patterson permanently retired from the dry goods trade, and devoted himself ntore particularly to real estate transactions.

Of Mr. Patterson's father's family there survive him his only brother, Edwin Patterson, and Mrs. R. N. Allen, of Monmouth, and Mrs. S. S. Phelps, Mrs. Dr. Park, Mrs. Asa Smith, of Oquawka, all of whom were present at the funeral except Mrs. Phelps.

The large throng who were present at the funeral from the town and county and from neighboring places, who met around his coffin to pay their last tribute of love and homage to his memory, but feebly express the veneration in which Azro Patterson was held in this community, where he had spent the prime of his manhood, and had accomplished so much good. His whole life, his noble deeds, are a model for young men, particularly in humble circumstances, to pattern after and emulate.

In the proper adjustment of estates, in the settlement of differences between man and man, and " pulling men through," as it were, who had become cramped and unfortunate in business transactions, he perhaps did more than any other man in the county. His sound judgment and advice was sought by many, yea, scores of men in Monmouth and throughout the county, in their hours of misfortune and trouble, and they never failed of his tender sympathy, his generous heart, his open hand.

He was ever the steadfast friend of the unfortunate, the poor and the needy, and to him they went as to a father. He visited the widow and the fatherless in their afflictions, he fed the hungry, he clothed the naked, he bound up the wounds of the brokenhearted and disconsolate, he buried the dead, he accomplished all the good for his fellowmen that he could - what more could mortal man do?

He was very decided in his political and religious views, and entertained them honestly and fearlessly, and though others differed with him on these matters, they honored him for the steadfastness with which he clung to what he thought was right.

In his death this community has suffered a loss that connot be supplied. As a citizen he was interested in all public affairs, and brought to their consideration an intelligence, coupled with a judgment of such native accuracy, as rarely permitted the possibility of error. As a business man his character was integrity itself, and to himself, and to all who knew him, his word was as good as his bond. In matters of public spirit, his heart and purse were open and generous, and enterprises of worth and character never sought his aid in vain. As a benefactor of the poor and distressed, his reputation is enviable indeed, as many who received his assistance will rejoice to remember. Not a few who thought their business affairs hopelessly entangled, and themselves and families ruined, sought and received his aid, and through his rare business qualities found themselves relieved from embarassment, and the possessors still of home .and shelter. All these things he did from pure, charitable motives, and not for remuneration. As a friend he was true as the needle to the pole; generous, unselfish and abiding. As a husband and father, he was as affectionate and tender as a child, and will be missed from his pleasant home beyond words to express.

fore his death, he was able to retire from active business with a handsome and fixed income. His parents, Lewis P. and Lucy (Bushnell) Patterson descended respectively from Irish and Scotch ancestry. His early education was limited to such as could be acquired at the common schools of his day, but he suffered not from that account. Those who knew him in his mature manhood knevv him as an educated man, for from the variety of his opportunity and experience he had learned much.

I; aul Brent, owning 200 acres of land on section 8, Ellison Township, and one of the successful farmers as well as respected and honored citizens of Warren County, is a native of Virginia, having been born in Lancaster Co., that State, June 5, 1831. The father of Mr. Brent of this notice, Kenner Brent, Sr., was a native of Virginia, where he was engaged in farming, and where he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Brent, also a native Virginian. They came West in 1836, and settled in Ellison Township, this county, when the same was in its natural condition anH the hand of civilization was hardly visible. He nevertheless procured some land on which he located and at once set about breaking and improving the same, and at one time owned more than 400 acies. He continued to reside in Ellison Township, following his chosen vocation, until Nov. 27, 1878, when he passed to the land of the hereafter. His wife had preceded him, in 1854.

Paul Brent, the gentleman of whom we write, is one of 14 children born to his parents. He resided with them until his marriage, which occurred in Monmouth, this county, Aug. 13, 1857. The lady who became his wife was Miss Phebe Moore, daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Cleckner) Moore, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was a carpenter by trade.

Mrs. Brent was born Oct. 9, 1836, in Ohio, to which State her parents had moved soon after their marriage. They came West in 1842, to Ellison Township, this county, where, a few weeks after arrival (Dec. 28, 1842), her father died. Her mother was a second lime married, the name of her husband being John Brown, a native of South Carolina, and an uncle of Gen. Burnside. Her step-father and mother lived in Ellison Township until their death, Mrs. Brent, wife of the subject of this notice, living with them. Mr. and Mrs. Brent have become the parents of 12 children, seven of whom are living. The living are: Ida A., Vesper M., Elias G., Eva G., Jessie C., Paul, Jr. and Harry. The names of the deceased are: Oreo E., Marvin M., David L., Minnie and Edwin.

After Mr. and Mrs. Brent were married, they settled on a farm of 40 acres of raw prairie land, and by their united labors and economy, they have increased their landed possessions in Ellison Township until they at present own 200 acres of well improved land and ten acres of timber. They are living on their farm, enjoying the sweets of life after having tasted of the bitter during their years of toil in the past. Mr. Brent also devotes considerable of his time to the raising of stock, Poland China hogs and Short- ' horn cattle. He and his wife, together with some of his children, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. B. casts his vote with the Republican party.

.amuel E. Grooms, a resident of this county since 1855, and the proprietor of 280 acres of as good tillable land as can be found in Lenox Township, where, on section 20, he resides, is a son of Brice and Margaret (Jackson) Grooms, natives of Pennsylvania. The parents died in their native State and the children born of their union were seven in number, namely : Hamilton, Mary M., Samuel E., Martha A., Leroy W, Elizabeth and William H.

Samuel E. Grooms, whose name heads this biographical notice, was born in Greene Co., Pa., July 7, 1835, where he lived until about 20 years of age, in the meantime attending school in the acquisition of an English education and assisting his father on the farm. In the year 1855, Samuel E. came to Warren County, and later, in 1864, removed to Lenox Township, where he has since resided, maktl ing the same his permanent home. His farm of 280 acres, as stated above, has all been put under excelent cultivation, through his energy and industry, and he has erected all the necessary farm buildings thereon, which, in all, preseivts the appearance of thrift and energy.

Samuel E. Grooms was married to Catherine J. Miller, daughter of Henry and May Miller, on the gth of October, 1859,1)16 ceremony taking place in Berwick Township. Her parents were natives of Virginia and came to Warren County in 1856, residing there until the spring of 1885, when they removed to Nebraska. Of their union were born ten children, the following being their names: George S., Catherine J., James C., Elizabeth H., Henry I., Hiram C., Mary C., John W., Peach S. and Martha V. Catherine J., our subject's " better half," was born in West Virginia, Feb. 5, 1838, and with her husband has become the parent of three children, - Leroy L., Mary A. and William H. Mary A. is the wife of Perry D. White and resides in Lenox Township, having one child, - Lottie M. ; Leroy and Willi iam reside at home. Mr. Grooms has been School 7 Director in his townshipj and with his wife belongs to the United Brethren Church. Politically, his affiliations are with the Republican party.

. oshua Porter, now deceased, was a pioneer of Warren County of 1835. He was born in Athens, Windham Co., Vt., in 1803. He was the son of a farmer and passed his youth and grew to manhood in the county where he was born. The years of his boyhood were spent in the school-room and aiding in the labors of the farm.

He was married there to Mary Tinkham, Dec. 10, 1831, who was also a native of the same county. Mr. Porter, after his marriage, returned, to the State of New York, locating near Schenectady, where he lived until the year in which he became one of the early settlers in this portion of the State of Illinois. He, with his wife, crossed the intervening country with a horse team and brought with them their only child, Mary C., now the wife of W. J. Miller. Their experiences on the route were similar to those that have been so often related in the accounts of those who set out with all the paraphernalia of housekeeping with them in their wagons and who kept up the routine of domestic duties on the road. Their first year in Warren County was passed at Center Grove, near Kirkwood, and in 1 836 they settled in the township of Spring Grove, where they made a permanent location. Mr. Porter entered a claim on the southeast quarter of section 26, where he built a log house for the accommodation of his household, which was constructed in the manner common with the settlers in a new country, where all the appurtenances of modern carpentry were lacking. Mr. Porter rived clapboards from logs for covering the roof of his cabin, but in this the family found comfort, health and contentment. Later, when prosperous times warranted, Mr. Porter erected more commodious and convenient buildings for the abode of the household and for farming purposes. He improved the entire acreage and lived upon the estate until his death, which event transpired Sept. 5, 1874. His wife survived until April 10, 1881. The following is the record of their seven children : Mary C. is the wife of William Jackson Miller, of Spring Grcve Township. Ann M. is married to John Frantz, a sketch of whom is given in another part of this work. William E. lives in Spring Grove Township, as does Thatcher J. M. Constance is the wife of Elias Smith, also of Spring Grove Township. Alice is the wife of Edwin R. Rose, of Kelly Township. Albert resides in Spring Grove Township and is the twin^brother of the sister last named. His residence is on the old Porter homestead. The children are all living and are honored and respected members of society.