White County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1883 (part 11 of 11)

William Whitting , farmer and stock-raiser; postoffice, Phillipstown; son of Benjamin and Mary (Spring) Whitting, natives of Eng¬ land. They came to the United States in 1844, being sixty-three days on the voyage, and located in Indiana; from thence to Illi¬ nois, where Mr. Whitting died. Mrs. Whitting married John Jones and moved to Iowa, where she died. They are both buried on the farm of William, in Illinois. William was born in Eng¬ land, Sept. 18, 1841; he was educated in Illinois, and has followed farming. He now owns 149 acres of fine land on section 31, under fine improvement; he has the best frame house in the count}', and it is a good one. His specialty in farming is stock-raising, buying and selling, and making money. In 1865 he married Margaret,* daughter of John and Jane (Nelson) Butler, natives of Illinois and Indiana respectively; they died in Illinois. Margaret was bom April 15, 1846. By this union there is one child - Cora Belle, born Aug. 4, 1866. Mr. Whitting has held several of the township offices and has faithfully performed his duties. He votes the Dem¬ ocratic ticket. Mr. Whitting enlisted in the army Aug. 15, 1862, in the Eighty-seventh Illinois Infantry, Company K, and served about three years. He was discharged July 23,1865; being sick soon after enlistment, he was retained at home, in the North, doing provost duty. Mr. Whitting now lives on the old family home¬ stead, where he has been thirty-two years. He has bought out all of the other heirs and has one of the finest farms in the country. His crops all command the highest market prices and frequently more. He has one of the finest orchards in the county - his fruit is premium fruit.

W. H. Williams , tile manufacturer, son of Simon and Lavina (Wells) Williams, natives of Indiana. His father died in Indiana. W. H. was born in Indiana, March 25, 1845, and was educated in bis native State; he has followed farming, and in 1877 engaged in the manufacture of tile, and is now doing an extensive business in company with Robert Rudolph. In 1866 he married Ellen, daughter of George and Delilah (Graves) Finch, natives of Ken¬ tucky and Virginia respectively. She was born in Vandenburg County, Ind., Oct. 25, 1850. By this union there were four chil¬ dren, three living - George F., born Aug. 30, 1869; Junius M., April 14, 1872; Hattie, June 1, 1874. Mr. Williams has been Justice of the Peace one term. He votes the Democratic ticket. Mr. W. is a member of the A. F. & A. M. fraternity. In 1864 he enlisted in the Eightieth Indiana Regulars, Company F, and served till the end of the war. He was in the battle of Nashville, Tenn., also on Cape Fear River and several other skirmishes; he was mustered out in North Carolina, in August, 1865. After returning home he was married and went to Kansas and remained five years, engaged in farming.

Early New Haven

New Haven claims to be third oldest town in Illinois in the order of settlement by the white man. The first owner of this section was Joseph Boone, who bought of the United States, probably under James Madison's administration. Undoubt¬ edly the spirit of adventure, urged by the increasing population at this point, and the fact that he had made a profitable investment in the few years he had been a resident at this point, induced him to emigrate, and so he pushed into the wilds of Arkansas, and far beyond the borders of civilization, where he died, at an advanced age. His successors were "Paddy Robinson," and Roswell II. Grant, the latter a shrewd Yankee from [Connecticut, and a son of A. S. Grant. He had been a trader with the Indians, carrying on several trading posts in the northern portion of the State and near the Galena lead mines. Records of his business of 1826 show him doing a good business. He died a bachelor in September, 1836. Paddy Robinson probably bought of Boone and was the principal real-estate holder at that time, and also of the water¬ power - which he improved. Not much is known of him. That he was an energetic man is undoubted. He traded by flat-boat with Lower Mississippi towns, taking produce and grain down and cordelling back. He died suddenly, while on one of these trips.

The First Survey

is said to have been instituted by Robinson. Some say Grant, and that Grant, as a Yankee, the genius of invention and master of circumstances, surveyed and platted the original plat. It consists of 261 lots, each 70 x 40 feet, with eight feet to the block, and an alley of sixteen feet running through the center of each block, thus giving each block an area of about two acres. The streets are sixty feet in width, with the exception of Water, which is seventy feet. The streets north and sou re parallel with the river and extend the entire length of the town, both old and new survey. The principal street is Mill. South of its alley, east, the old survey ex¬ tends. The streets on this part running east and west are Main,

Walnut, Hickory and Poplar, and at right angles extend the length of each survey, are Water, Front, Vine, Market, Lafayette, Marshal (between which and bounded by Hickory and Walnut is a reserve block for school purposes) and Jefferson. After the purchase by the Shawneetown parties a second survey was made, running north of this and into a part of White County. This second survey was run by Albert G. Caldwell, since a well-known lawyer of Shawnee¬ town. This was in 1835 or 1836. The streets north and south were extended. North were added Melvin (in honor of an early settler who for many years kept the hotel of the region), Fort, (bounding the Fort on the south), Gallatin, Franklin and Boone. Besides the reserve block mentioned there is one between Mill and Main for church purposes, bounded by Vine and Front ; one for mill purposes, between Water and Front, bounded south by Mill; one for burial purposes bounded by Marshal, Lafayette, Melvin and Fort. The origin of the name, "New Haven," is known to have been in honor of the city in Connecticut, and tradition gives credit to Grant for the same.

Business History

The past business history of New Haven has been peculiarly a varied one. The advantages it possessed as a shipping point in staging and in State road days, together with its milling privi¬ leges, gave it a start almost from the very first. It has certainly had three distinct periods of activity and depression. Beal estate has fluctuated in prices, rising at. times to an almost fabulous price, only to suffer a reaction and ultimately fall to a mere nominal figure. During one of these especially active periods lots sold as high as $500 that during the depressed times and now would not bring $100. An instance may be cited where $2,500 was paid for prop¬ erty on the corner of Mill and Water streets, by Mrs. Sheridan, that in the corresponding depression shrank at least $1,200. The question of a railroad now in prospect is again suggesting better times. As early as 1826 Roswell H. Grant was doing a flourishing business in the general mercantile line. Who preceded him, if preceded by anyone, is not known. His papers show a healthy trade. Of course Robinson was his contemporary to a certain ex¬ tent, buying produce and shipping t New Orleans, but not run¬ ning a general store.

In 1833 the merchants had come in and all was activity. Will¬ iam, or " Billy " Parks (a bachelor from Franklin County, Tenn., and an Englishman) had opened a 6tore. Others were R. U. Grant,

Hi8Tory Of Gallatin County

Gabriel Harrison (also from the East, and who went West a few years after), Peter Slater, Ephraim H. Gatewood and Jesse Kirkham, of Shawneetown (Gatewood & Kirkham), and John Wood. These gentlemen did a general business in the grocery line, exchanging their goods for the pioneers produce, and skins and hides, the re¬ sults of their hunts. There were also three small saloons kept by Robert Grant, Stephen Morris and "Johnny " Sheridan. A few years later another was opened by Jones & Mansfield.

There were two hotels about that time, one kept by Hazel More¬ land, in a frame house that long stood on the site just above Dr. Hicks's present drug-store. It was at times used as a school-house. It was burned in 1873, the sparks from which ignited the old mill. He kept a good house, and for many years was known as a genial hosteler. John Mervin had open doors at the old Robinson House. This old block house, standing as it does somewhat remote, de¬ mands a digression. It was built about 1823, and stands " a silent sentinel of the old guard." It was built to accommodate the work¬ men of Robinson. It is a large two-story log house, 30 x 40 feet, built of poplar logs; latterly it was sided. It contains eight large square rooms, with a ponderous New-England-styled chimney in the center, opening into which were five fire places, with one for cook¬ ing purposes, capable of accommodating the largest kind of a back log. In the base of the chimney is a large brick oven, the whole showing it to have been built by Yankee hands.

Passing over a period of nearly twenty years we find the men in business in 1850 were: Thomas S. Hick, Hindi & McDaniel, Samuel Dagley, Jr., H. P. Powell, dry goods and general groceries; Mrs. John Sheridan, groceries and a saloon; and Henry S. Line, John Ellis, blacksmith; Fletcher, a small tannery and boot and shoe store; Han more & Gallagher, the steam saw and grist mill and distillery above the town at the old Ferry landing owned by Mrs. Sheridan; a gentleman called Major Powell packed pork in the long warehouse on lot No. 1. The hotel was kept by Dr. Jones Galbrieth. These people remained in business until their death, excepting Major Powell, who remained until 1859, moving to Shawneetown.

In 1860 the business of the town had not materially increased. The firms read: Bailey & Iiinch, Thomas S. Hick, Samuel Dag¬ ley & Co., Mrs. Sheridan, Felix Robinson. The Hanmores con¬ trolled the old mill; John H. Huse ran the steam mill; H. C. Gatlin, the hotel. During this decade Richardson, of Shawnee- town, established in 1854 the dry-good6 and groceries store, with Griffith Garland as manager. About the same date Samuel Hayes, of Derby, Ind., did a small business in the grocery line, and also bought hoop poles, which at this time was quite a business. O'Neal and Ballard were in a like business. These poles were shipped South on flat-boats. The latter firm had a full load of goods confiscated while near New Orleans, the effects of which em¬ barrassed them financially.

In 1857 Nelson & Mel visa (J. L. Nelson and Andrew Mel visa) commenced a general mercantile business, succeeded by Hodge, Ulen & Nelson. They merged the business into that of grain. They closed as a firm in 1860.

In 1870, resuming again, we find Hick & Hinch representing the old firms of Bailey & Hinch and Thomas S. Hick; Decker Bros, (produce, provisions and general merchandise), representing Dagley & Co.'s store and warehouse; Abshier & Stone, general store, were in Hicks old stand ; Hunter & Keister, store, saw and grist mill, at the ferry. In 1865 A. J. Lurguy erected the build¬ ing corner of Mill and Yine, now occupied by the Swafford Broth¬ ers. He also had a hardware and tinsmith's shop. T. W. Rice in 1870 was doing business in a small way on the Dagley estate, and C. S. Hanmore had established himselt where he is at present - keeping a good line of groceries. Stephen Callahan had succeeded Mrs. Sheridan. Robert Hargraves also kept saloon. The water mill had ceased; the new sixteen-foot dam was furnishing power for the new mill at that point that was run by Captain Ford, and through the new lock small boats passed to and from Carmi, loaded with grain for Evansville and other railroad points.

In 1882 we find in the general merchandise line and buying country produce: Swafford Brothers, C. S. Hanmore, Mr. Luther, and Maurice Freeher; in the drug business: C. S. Hanmore, and Dr. Hick, with Lowry Hinch, assistant; Hinch & Epley keep the saloon; T. W. P. Aldrich is Postmaster; J. H. Grady, cooper; Barton & Co., wheelwrights and carriage manufacturers; Mrs. Dr. Hall, George Robinson, and James Farley are, respectively, pro¬ prietors of the three hotels. The steam saw- mill lies idle.

In 1848 or '49, Lizzie Boyd had a subscription school, in an old log house on what is now platted as Main street, corner of Front and Main, between lots 37 and 52. The next school was in another log house, in 1851, near the old post oak tree, on lot 167, Mill street, and was taught by Samuel Murray, who had been a soldier and sailor, and whose 6tories amounted to more than his teaching. Hewas a popular man with the children, as he always catered to their pleasures.

Another school was taught in the same house about 1853 or '54, by Levi. II. Hitchcock, a Methodist Episcopal preacher from Ohio. He left as mysteriously as he came.

The following year an Irishman named Roger Frame taught in the same house. He was a good scholar, but not a strict discipli¬ narian, especially on Monday mornings, after his Saturday and Sunday potations.

In the spring of 1855 William Thomas taught another term of school on the hill. He also was a disciple of Bacchus more than of the arts and sciences, or even of the common branches. In the following summer Jesse Fuller, a young man from Mississippi, taught a term in the town hall; then Lucy Rowe, and lastly, under the old subscription plan, William Carter.

In the spring of 1856 the township was organized under the act of 1855, and elected a Board of three Directors, whose jurisdiction included all the territory of 7 south, 9 east, in Gallatin County; and Captain E. P. H. Stone, taught the first school under the free system.

The next teacher was Walter H. Bunn, of Otsego County, N. Y., who was herein 1857. George W. Cortwright commenced the next term, but died before the term was finished, and was followed by William Wallace, of Hamilton County. Other teachers who followed were: McMasters; John Malden, who taught several sixmonth terms, up to 1861; Fitzsimmons, who died while teaching, and was followed by James S. Perkins; Geo. B. Knight; Winslow Bailey, who taught until 1866, assisted by his wife a portion of the time, and also by Miss Julia Boyd. Then, in the fall of 1866, Rev. John Mcllreth, a Presbyterian minister, taught a fine classical school several years. Geo. H. Phar taught two years, aud was the first to teach in the new school-house, in 1870. Then George F. Eaton, James R. Campbell (Miss Wilson, of McLeansboro, as¬ sistant), James Kinsoll, - Watkins, of the vicinity of Shawneetown, John G. Ferrell, J. C. Wooten, who failed, and the term was finished by Miss Prudence H. Bozeman, now the wife of Maurice Feehrer, and the present teacher.

The school-house was built in 1870, corner of Main and Market streets, on lots 138 and 148. It is 24 x 70 feet, and two stories high, well furnished, and cost $3,300. It has a belfry, with bell.

New Haven And The War

On the 12th day of April, 1861, the Southern leaders, who had long threatened to secede from the Union, ordered the bombard¬ ment of Fort Sumter. The excitement in New Haven, as else¬ where, was intense. Although the citizens of New Haven, as well as those throughout Gallatin and White counties, were descendants of Southern families, 44 Southern 99 in customs and sympathies, and also warm Democrats, and who had been accused of sympa¬ thizing with the Southern cause of State rights, etc., nearly every able-bodied man sought enlistment. It is said this portion of the North - these two counties - furnished the largest number of volun teers, for the population, of any section in the North. The ques¬ tion was not, 44 Who will go f" but, 44 Who will be allowed to go V9 In a surprisingly short time full companies were raised, mustered into service, and hurried to the front. Company D, of the Twen¬ ty-ninth, was mustered into service Aug. 14, 1861, Lieutenants Hart and Stone. This was raised inside of one week's time. The Seventh Illinois Cavalry, Company G, was sworn in Sept. 7, for the history of which regiment we refer the reader to the chapter, 44 The War for the Union." This company was commanded by Captain Trafton, a brave and efficient officer. The Lieutenants were Harding and Styles. In 1862 Company E, of the One Hun¬ dred and Thirty-first Infantry, was organized by J. L. Purvis with Lieutenants Haley and Pate. Purvis was afterward elected Major. There were also men who enlisted in the Fifty-sixth and Eightyseventh Infantries, and Sixth and Fourteenth Cavalries. Others enlisted in Indiana regiments.

In 44 Sangamon County History," the historian claims many of New Haven and Bear Creek precincts, and Indian Creek and Her¬ ald's Prairie townships' brave boys. They should be credited to these counties. They enlisted as recruits. Their names were as follows :

Religious

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church has been a large organi¬ zation, with R. M. Davis, of Omaha, as pastor. The building, a substantial and commodious structure, was built in 1865 by popu¬ lar subscription. 0. B. Bayley, Samuel Dagley, Jr., and J. L. Purvis were the first Trustees. The society, as an organization, has been rather inactive for a year or so.

The Methodist Church building was erected in 1872 by contri¬ bution. Among its pastors have been the Revs. Mr. Fields, who officiated two years; Mr. Reef, also two years, and Mr. Morris, present pastor.

New Haven has had the unenviable reputation of being the very hot-bed of malaria and fever. This its citizens of to-day strongly contradict. It certainly has no modern cemetery. The disciples of Esculapius have been quite numerous. Among them we men¬ tion, Dr. Gilpin who was in practice for many years; Drs. Gal. braith, two Halls, Lemon, Hudgins. The present doctors are all men well read in their profession, and doing a successful business.

A Banking Town

In the days of State Banks and wild-cat paper, New Haven ranked second in the State, at one time being the location of as many as five. This was in 1856. The idea was to have the loca¬ tion as far as possible from the business centers, in some small, un- known town, the object being to avoid the frequent runs made by brokers and speculators, who made a business of buying up, at a large discount, all bills found floating in the business circles of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, etc. The bills were issued, signed and cut, and circulated from the principal points, no busi¬ ness but that of redemption being brought up at Now Haven. Colo¬ nel Hick was President of "The Illinois State Bank." To him the agents of the brokers would come twice a month, with their gripsacks full of the discounted paper for redemption. The for¬ mality of presenting the bills was not gone through with until the gold was not forthcoming, whereupon a complaint was made to the Secretary of State, and the amount was paid from the State bonds deposited by the stockholders of the banks. The agents, while at New Haven, were always on the best of terms with Hick, playing cards evenings, smoking, and joking, and laughing over their hot punches. At one particular time the bankers of Chicago obtained definite information that a certain run was to be paid at a certain time. To outwit and general them several hundred dollars of five-cent silver pieces were hastily dispatched to Hick, with instructions to deal them out. Upon the arrival of the agents and their presentations, they were kindly treated, day after day, to redemption in earnest. Mistakes on the part of the jokeloving president were frequent, and a day's work was thought to be well done if $20 were redeemed. Banking hours, from ten a. m. until three p. m. This continued several days, but it was the wind¬ ing up of a systematic course of scalping.

Miscellaneous

The first marriage in the town is said to have been that of Cap¬ tain Samuel Dagley to a Miss Webb. The ceremony was performed by 'Squire Groves.

The Stage Route was established at a very early day as a post route, extending from Shawneetown to Vincennes, from which point other routes diverged to all principal points. It was a tri-weekly route via New Haven, Carmi, Phillipstown, Grayville, etc., with a large patronage. The present routes are from Omaha to Carmi, via New Haven, and New Haven and Shawneetown, three miles daily.

The Postoffice was established about 1820. Some of the men who have held the position of Postmaster have been: Colonel Thos. S. Hick, 1837; John Wood, 1840; B. P. Hinch, 1845 - '55 ; Sam¬ uel Dagley, 1855-'64; John Hick, 1863-'64; Thos. B. Hick, A. J. Surguy, W. P. Abshier, J. B. Hanmore, Victor Melvin; Lee Carruth, September, 1880; Victor Melvin, February, 1882; W. P. Aldrich, present incumbent.

The Telephone Exchange, of Evansville, established an office at this point in 1882, with office at the postoffice. W. P. Aldrich, operator. The citizens, being awake to its advantages, subscribed a large sum of money for its establishment. By this they have telegraphic communications at Mt. Vernon and also at Shawneetown.

Masonic. - The New Haven Lodge of A. F. & A. M. was or¬ ganized many years ago, and, through some mistake, received a number far too high for the date of its application. The charter members and first officers were: James Edwards, W. M.; Sidney Pinney, S. W.; Jackson Abshier, J. W.; James Melvin, S. D. ; E. W. Gaston, J. D.; John H. Hughes and Win. Glasscock. Con¬ sidering the size of the town, the lodge (No. 330) is in good con¬ dition.

Jaclcson Abshier , born Jan. 8,1815, the day of the memorable battle of New Orleans, was a son of Thomas and Nancy A. (Perryman) Abshier, natives of North Carolina. Their parents moved to Adair County, Ky., when they were both quite young and they were mar¬ ried there, about 1812, and moved to Murray County, Tenn. They resided in Tennessee till 1829, when, with a family of ten children, they moved to Franklin County, Ill. In 1833 the children that were living and unmarried and their mother came to New Haven, where they have since resided. The names of his father's family were - Elizabeth, Anderson, Jackson, Elias, Malinda, Milly L., Maria, Dclila, Matilda, Jane, William and Washington, but five now living. Anderson was in the Black Hawk war. He lives in Thompson, Franklin Co., Ill. Elizabeth married Wesley Fletcher and lives in Saline County. Washington lives at Tipton, Mo. Maria married J. L. Purvis, of New Haven.

F. M. Aldridge , M. D ., the well-known physician and sur¬ geon, was born near Mount Vernon, April 14, 1843, and was a son of Eli and Lavina (Kivit) Aldridge, both natives of North Carolina-

His professional education was commenced under Dr. E. V. Spen¬ cer, physician and surgeon of Mt. Yernon, as preceptor, which took three years of study. One course of lectures was taken at Ann Arbor, and the graduating ones at the Western Reserve Med¬ ical College, Cleveland, Ohio, graduating in March, 1868. Pre¬ vious to this he had been a farmer, and was married to Mary J. Black daughter of James and Nancy Black, of Posey County. It was after her death that he commenced to study for his profession. After His graduation lie located in New Haven, where he married Fatima A. Hinch, daughter of Benjamin P. Hinch, by whom he had two children - Spencer (deceased), and Frances. Here he prac¬ ticed for three years, gaining reputation and honor. When his wife died, in 1872, he sought travel for his health and to partly assuage his grief. For three years or more he was in Texas, some¬ times in business and at others solely for pleasure. Returning he re-established himself in New Haven, and is to-day a leading sur¬ geon. He possesses that cool, clear-headed and steady-handed quality that must go hand-in-hand with the requisites of a good physician and surgeon. For many miles around, in White, Galla¬ tin and Posey counties, his services are sought when cases of dangerous surgical operations require the hand of a skilled surgeon, and are usually attended with the most satisfactoiy results.

William P. Aldridge , born in Emma Township, White County, Ill., April 16, 1841, is a son of Russell D. and Sarah (Smith) Aldridge. Russell D.'s father was a Scotchman by birth and came to this country about 1800, locating in North Carolina, where Russell D. was born, in 1811. Their family consisted of seven children - Peter, Warren, John, Russell D., Eliza, Patsy and Harriet. They moved to Posey County, Ind., being of the earliest settlers. The descendants live in that vicinity to-day. Russell D. was married in White County and settled in Big Prairie Precinct. His family consisted of four children - Permelia (Mrs. N. McMullen, deceased), William P., George D., and Harriet (Mrs. Joel Clark). He was in the Mexican war. William P. Aldridge was married in 1867 to Mary, daughter of George and Emily Hantchel. They had four children - Sarah (died in infancy), Clara B., Minnie R. and Charles. Mrs. Aldrich died in November, 1878. In June, 1881, Mr. Aldrich married Harriet, daughter of William and Mary Downes, of Po3ey County, Ind. Her father died when she was a young girl, and her mother married William McDaniel and moved to Emma Township, White County, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge have one child - William. Mr. Aldridge moved to New Haven in 1877. He has been Deputy Sheriff of Gallatin County four years; was Marshal of the town three years, till 1880; has been a Town¬ ship Trustee five years; was appointed Postmaster of New Haven in February, 1882. At the postoffice is located the Evansville Telephone Exchange, of which Mr. Aldridge is operator. Mr. Al¬ dridge enlisted in 1862, when eighteen, in Company A, Sixty-fifth Indiana Infantry. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and was in East Tennessee under Foster. He was in forty-two battles and skirmishes. He was mustered out at Greenboro, N. C.

/. M. Asbury, M. 2>., was born in McLeansboro, Hamilton Co., Ill., July 6, 1848. He was a 6on of Wesley and Susan M. (Mitch¬ ell) Asbury. His father was a native of North Carolina, and came to this State in 1844; at present engaged in farming. His mother is a native of Illinois. Her father, Ichabod Mitchell, was among the earliest settlers of Hamilton County, and was elected the first Treasurer of the county. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native town, where he received an elementary school education. When sixteen years of age he enlisted in the Sixtieth Illinois In¬ fantry, Company A, and remained until the close of the war. He was with Sherman's army in the grand march to the sea. After the war he attended the High School of McLeansboro, and in the mean time read medicine with Dr. David Barry as preceptor. In 1868 he was in Minnesota, where he was employed in a drug store* and at the same time continued his medical studies. He returned to Illinois in two years, where he was again under the tuition of his former preceptor. In 1871 Dr. Asbury attended lectures at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College, graduating May 19,1873. He practiced in Springfield for some time with good success, and has since been in practice in and about New Haven. Dr. Asbury has been a close student and thoroughly in love with his profes¬ sion. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic order, and has rep¬ resented his lodge in McLeansboro, as Master Mason, for several years. He married, Jan. 1, 1877, Miss Mary Webb, danghter of John Webb, of Hamilton County, where she was born. The Doc¬ tor has fine literary tastes, is a close student, and a conscientious, Christian gentleman.

John II \ Barter , senior partner of John H. Barter & Sons, the well-known carriage and wagon manufacturers, was a son of John F. Barter, a native of England. John F. was at one time in the English navy, and in 1812 was a Home Guard. He was a black- smith, as has been hie son and grandsons. John H. was born in Brooklyn, where hie father wa6 working at the time. He com¬ menced business life in Mt. Yernon, by making trips down the Ohio and Mississippi in flat-boats carrying along a blacksmith's paraphernalia, stopping at plantations and doing work for steam¬ boats, etc. Mt. Yernon was then known as McFadden's Bluff. From this small beginning has sprung the present works eo well known throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Southern Illinois. His business takes now a force of 150 men, and the steam mill and buildings occupy the ground of 280 x 140 feet, and are three stories high. He turns out 100 wagons, 50 buggies, 300 plows* 100 harrows, etc., annually. He married Mary F. Ashworth, daughter of William Ashworth, of Posey County. They had $40 and one cow to commence married life with. The children born to them were - Charles A., Emma M., William (married Mattie Hutcherson, daughter of Philo Hutcherson, present Recorder of Posey County), Ethel May. John H. married for his second wife Elizabeth J. Depriest. They have four children - Arthur, Ella. John A. and Fred. The New Haven Branch of John H. Barter & Sons was established in 1880, with William A. as manager* They are doing good work and are of great convenience to the country round about. Repairing is well and quickly done, and they always have a good supply of wagons, buggies or agricultural im¬ plements in their repository warehouse.

William S. Dale , Jr ., son of Wm. S. and Sarah (Eledge) Dale, natives of Illinois and Alabama respectively, was bom in Emma Township, White Co., Ill., Oct. 24, 1840. He lived on the home farm until his father's death in 1852, when the family, consisting of five sons, was moved to Cape Girardeau, Mo., afterward the spot where Marmaduke and the Federals had the skirmish. Mr. Dale moved to New Haven after the war. He afterward settled in White County, and married Sarah R., daughter of Rev. Wm. Slocumb, of White County. They returned to New Haven, where they have since resided. They have a family of four children - Edward L., Charles A., Maud and Cora L. He enlieted in Com¬ pany D, Marble City Guards, when General Jackson called for 50,000 men; was out six months, and then enlisted in Company D, Brown's Battalion. He was in the State service under General Price, and was transferred to the navy, on the gunboat Arkansas. He was wounded three times at Altoona Pass, - one shot in the head, one through the breast and one in the left leg. Of 125 who

Mathias Epley , born Feb. 17, 1840, in Baden, Germany, is a son of Martin and Barbara (Hainan) Epley, who were large farm¬ ers for that county. They had a family of seven sons and one daughter. The parents, three sons and the daughter died in Ger¬ many. Joseph, Charles, Martin and Mathias came to this country in 1854, landing at Castle Garden June 1. From there they all went to Cincinnati, where Joseph and Charles are now living, both owning farms in Butler County, Ohio, Charles being married. Martin enlisted in the Sixty-ninth Ohio, and died at New Orleans of fever. Mathias lived in Butler and Hamilton counties, farming until 1865, when he came to Gallatin County and bought a farm, and has since resided here. He married Nancy E., daughter of James H. Lee, who moved here from Arkansas during the war. They had one child that died in infancy. His wife died in 1880. May 21, 1881, he married Susan A. Lee, a 6ister of his first wife. Besides carrying on his farm he is one of the firm of J. A. Hinch & Co., in the saloon and light grocery trade. He received a com¬ mon-school education in Germany, but his English is pure and fluent.

James Farley , a son of Joseph and Indiana (McAllister) Farley, was born in White County in 1831. He was reared to the hard¬ ships and privations of a farm life. His father lived about three miles from New Haven. The family consisted of four children, of which three were halfbrothers. His father died when James was but three years old. Mr. Farley has lived in New Haven for many years. He enlisted in the Seventh Illlinois Cavalry, and waa in the service three years and three months. He married for his first wife Caroline Vines, of White County. One child was born - Margaret, afterward Mrs. Nelson. lie married for his second wife Delila Elvira (Vaughn) Robinson, of White County. She was born April 21, 1830, and was a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Jackson) Vaughn. She was married to her first hus¬ band April 21, 1848, by whom two children were born. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Farley has been born one child. He is present Constable of New Haven, and has kept hotel since 1878.

Maurice Eeehrer was a son of Alexander and Mary (Droll) Fuehrer. His father was of French nativity and his mother of German. They both came to this country when quite young. They were married at Shawncetown. Nine children were born to them, seven now living - John, Joseph (deceased), Alexander, Maurice, Mary (Mrs. Shockley-Raddick), Anthony, Charles, Laura, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Feehrer was engaged in the general mercantile business in Shawueetown for many years. His widow still continues the business. Of his children, John is in the clothing business in Rockport, Ind.; Alexander is managing the home store; Maurice established himself in a general grocery 6tore in New Haven in 1875; Anthony and Charles are not yet located. Maurice received a common-school education in Shawneetown and attended the Commercial College in Rockport, Ind. He clerked for his father three years and then opened his present store. He married Prudence H., daughter of L. J. and Nancy (Cross) Bozrnan, of Carmi, who has for several years been a teacher. She is now teaching in New Haven. She taught seven years in White County, averaging ten months a year.

Captain James Ford , a native of Kentucky, was a son of Abra¬ ham Ford, an early pioneer of Kentucky. His early life was spent on Green River, in Ohio County, and his principal occupa¬ tion after reaching maturity was that of a contractor on the river. He married a Miss Fox, of Ohio County. He came to New Haven in 1868 and contracted to put in the sixteen-foot dam, which he completed in 1869. After the acceptance of the work by the com¬ missioners, Mr. Ford and A. C. Hess leased the privilege for a term of fifty years, and erected the mill, 40 x 40, four and a half stories high, three run of stones, with a capacity of fifty barrels of flour and 200 of meal per week, costing $18,000. After two years the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Hess going out, and Philip Gar6t succeeding him. Mr. and Mrs. Ford had eight children, five now living - Mary (Mrs. A. C. Hess), Lucy (Mrs. S. C. Hall), Thomas K., Charles L. and Grace. Mr. Ford received his title of Captain from his position on the river for about twenty years prior to his advent in New Haven. He was a member of the South Carrollton Lodge of Masons. He died in the fall of 1875, and Mrs. Ford in 1874.

Thomas K. Ford was born in Ohio County, Ky., and was a son of James Ford. He spent his boyhood in South Carolina. He remained with his father till his death in 1875. He was married in December, 1878, to Kate, daughter of J. M. Reynolds, of Ray¬ mond, Hinds Co., Miss. Two children were born to them, but both died in infancy. In July, 1882, Mr. Ford leased the Eagle Mills, where he is doing a good business.

Charles S. Hanmore, a native of New Albany, Ind , is a son ol James and Sarah (Sprout) Hanmore. James was a son of Job and Mary Hanmore, afterward Sheridan. Charles S. spent hia early life in St Louis, his father being an engineer on one of the St. Louis and Paducah packets. His parents had two children - Charles S. and Sarah, now Mrs. Bradshaw. His mother died in 1847, and his father married Margaret Fowler, of New Albany. They had four children - John, William, James and Carrie, now a teacher in the New Albany High School. They moved from St. Louis to New Haven in 1858. Mrs. Hanmore died in 1862. Mr. Hanmore had control of the large grist-mill for many years; part of the time with his brother Thomas, until his death in 1862, and afterward alone, until he sold out to the stock company. He died in 1861. Charles S. received a common-school education in St. Louis and New Haven. He commenced work for himself in 1862, by going on one of the packets as steersman, and afterward as pilot. In 1866 he came to New Haven, and has since been en¬ gaged in the mercantile business. He married Sarah Harding, a daughter of Richard Harding (deceased), who was a Second-Lieu¬ tenant in the Ninth Illinois Infantry. Her mother was a native of New York State, and, after Mr. Harding's death, married Elias R. Goad, of New Haven. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanmore have been born five children, two living - Claude and Capitolia.

Thomas B. 3ioky M. D ., was born Dec. 6, 1841, and was a son of Thomas S. and Fatima C. (Barger) Hick. He enlisted in the late war, in the Seventh Illinois Cavalry. He was Postmaster for the Division. He was clerk for his father, and then attended Eastman's Commercial College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After his return he took up the study of medicine with F. M. Aldrich He attended one course of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and graduated at the Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, O. He went into the drug business the following year, with Mr. Mitchell, the firm name being Mitchell & Hick. Soon after they opened a drug store in Newport, Ark., associating with them a doctor named Gray, the firm name being Gray, Mitchell & Co., Dr. Hick being a silent partner, remaining in New Haven, prac¬ ticing medicine. This partnership continued until Mitchell and Gray both died, when Dr. Hick went to Newport and settled up the business. He has been practicing in the vicinity of New Haven. In 1876 he moved to Hawthorne Township, but remained there less than a year. In 1880 he opened a drug store. Of late years he has been engaged in bee culture, having the last summer about 150 hives. He was married in 1874, to Mary J. Slinger, daugh¬ ter of Thomas Slinger. They had one child . His wife died in 1877. Dr. Hick is one in whom great confidence is reposed as a physician.

Thomas S. Hick (deceased) was one of New Haven's promi¬ nent citizens. He was of English nativity, and was born in No¬ vember, 1809. His father, having probably a large family, bound Thomas and his brother William to a man named Pickering till they were twenty-one, for his paying their passage to this country. Pickering proved a hard task master, and the boys left him, William settling in Equality, where he was successful as a mer¬ chant and miller, buying produce and provisions for the New Orleans market, and being interested in the salt wells leased from the State. Thomas first went to Golconda, Pope County, where he learned the tobacconist's trade of John Baum, father of General Baum. From there he went to Shawneetown and assisted Kirk Patrick in business. He came to New Haven in 1836. He married Fatima C. Barger. They had four children - John (de¬ ceased), Mary (now Mrs. Geo. L. Hanna, of Emma Township), Thomas B. and Elizabeth (now Mrs. Matthew Land, of Hawthorne township). Mrs. Hick died and he married Mrs. Sophia Sta¬ ley, widow of Ahart Staley, of Carrai. She is still living in New Haven. From 1856 till his death he was engaged in general merchandising. He represented the district in the General As¬ sembly, the last being in 1858, when Wm. R Morrison was Speaker. He was President of the Illinois State Bank. He died Oct. 27, 1866.

Hinch, was born May 29, 1851. His father was one of the promi¬ nent citizens of New Haven and Gallatin County. J. A. in early life helped to carry on the farm and afterward worked for the Government on one of its river dredging boats. Also on the flat boats, on one trip going down the Ohio and Mississippi to the mouth of the Yazoo Eiver, and selling the cargo to the farmers and residents of that region. He is now one of the firm of J. A. Hinch & Co., dealers in choice wines, liquors, cigars and small groceries, and he owns a farm in Emma Township, which he rents, and is altogether a business man.

Lowry Hinch , son of Benjamin P, and Bebecca S. (Barger) Hinch, was born May 26, 1844. His father was a native of Christian County, Ky., and removed to Tennessee, and from there to Gallatin County in 1839. His mother was a native of Shawneetown and a daughter of Jacob Barger, who came to Shawnee - town in 1813. Benjamin P. Hinch was one of Gallatin's promi¬ nent men. He was a merchant, buying produce and provisions for the New Orleans market He was Justice of the Peace (Pre¬ cinct Justice) eight years; County Judge a year or two, having that office at the time of his death, and Notary Public from 1845 till his death. He was Postmaster from 1845 till 1855, resigning to take his seat in the House of Representatives. He died May 19, 1861, in his forty-ninth year. His family consisted of four children - Lowry, Fatima I. (Mrs. F. M. Aldridge, deceased), Ju¬ lius A. and Amy (Mrs. J. G. Bunker, deceased). Mrs. B. P. Hinch died Oct. 1, 1877. July 19, 1874, Lowry Hinch married Lucinda, daughter of Harvey and Elizabeth (Dagley) Mitchell. Two children have been born to them - Rebecca C. (died in in¬ fancy), and Mary, born Oct. 8, 1877.

James M. Lasater , born Feb. 22, 1837, is a son of Absalom and Louisa (Tickers) Lasater, the father a native of Hamilton County, Ill., and the mother of Virginia. His parents moved to Tennessee after their marriage, and James was born there. They lived there a year and then returned to Hamilton County. Their family con¬ sisted of five children, James M. being the second. His father died about the time of the birth of his youngest sister. When he was thirteen years old be was obliged to take care of himself, and worked several years for $4 a month. His schooling was neces¬ sarily limited, but by self application and observation he has ac¬ quired a good education. At the time of the Kansas excitement he went to that Territory, but finding it unprofitable and unsatisfac¬ tory he returned to Illinois. The next two years he traded in chickens in Shawneetown and New Orleans. At that time the Pike's Peak gold fever broke out, and he, in company with half a dozen others, started with ox teams for the Peak. When they reached Fort Kearney they met men coming back, and a few miles further on, more men, there being no gold. They then retraced their steps and returned to White County. Mr. Lasater worked the rest of the year in a saw-mill and the next year went to farming in Hamilton County. Ho remained there a year, and then moved to White County and remained two years; then moved to Gallatin County where he has since resided. He is on the county line, so his interests are still with White County. He married Mrs. Mary (Mills) Boyd, daughter of Charles and Julia (Pierce) Mills. They

Joseph L. Purvis^ born in Chatham County, N. 0., Dec. 6, 1816, was a son of William Purvis. His father was a wealthy planter, and gave Joseph a classical education. He taught in North Carolina previous to his coming to this county. He has taught in various districts of Oallatin and White counties; also in Shawneetown. He came here in 1841. He married Nancy Maria, daughter of Thomas and Nancy A. (Perryman) Abshier, natives of North Carolina. She was born in Murray County, Tenn., Feb. 2, 1822. To this union have been born nine children - Matilda, born Aug. 7, 1847, now Mrs. J. A. Bennett; John M., born July. 1, 1849, deceased; James G., born Nov. 19, 1850, mar ried Emma R. Butts; William L., born Jan. 24, 1853; Clarinda, born May 19, 1855. deceased; Clarissa, born Aug. 17, 1856; Manna A., born April 12, 1859, deceased; Andrew, born April 16, 1862, deceased; Mary E., born Aug. 25, 1864. Mr. Purvis raised Com¬ pany E, One Hundred and Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, in and about this town and precinct. He was in the service about four¬ teen months.

Oeorge W. Robinson is a son of Enos and Polly Ann (Perkins) Robinson. His mother was a daughter of Stephen and Margaret Perkins. Both mother and daughter were well known throughout this settlement, the mother being a woman of strong mind, kind and generous of heart, philanthropic, a devout Methodist and a skillful nurse. Stories are told of her skill ae a rider and her un¬ selfishness in riding miles to attend to cases. Her daughter was no doctress but was a woman of marked beauty. The husband and father came from Christian County, Ky., to Gallatin County, at an early day, and settled on what is now known as the Perkins farm. His father, Enos Robinson, was a native of Pennsylvania and came to this county when nineteen with his mother and step-father. He married Polly Ann Perkins. They had four children - Mar¬ garet (deceased), Delilah A. (deceased), Lucian M. and George W. He married for his second wife, Mrs. Martha Haney. They had no children. His third wife was Rebecca, daughter of James Patterson, of Clermont County, O. Their children were - Martha J. (Mrs. James Luther) and Etta (deceased). Mr. Robinson moved to Ohio about 1850. He married his fourth wife, Elizabeth Haines, there. They had three children. Mr. Robinson died in 1879. George W. married Mrs. Sarah (Buchanan) Prichard, a native of

East Tennessee, and a daughter of Elihu and Elizabeth (Parks) Bnchanan. Her parents moved to Indiana when she was young. They had a family of ten children, the most of whom grew to man and womanhood near Mount Yernon. Mr. Robinson is at present keeping a hotel. The stranger and traveler is always hospitably received and entertained. He is also quite extensively engaged in farming, having about 300 acres, with 200 under cultivation.

Township 7 south is divided in the center by the line between White and Gallatin counties. It is undulating ridge land and is well adapted to farming. It is watered by the north fork of the Saline River on the southwest, Bear Creek in the center, and Eane Creek on the east. The portion lying in range 8 east, Gallatin County, was first settled by former residents of White County. Zephaniah Johns settled on the present site of Omaha, about 1805. He sold his improvements to Rev. William Davis, who entered the land in 1833. Mr. Dunn, Mr. Hurd, Abraham Armstrong, Allen Dugger, Charles Edwards, Sr., John Edwards, Benjamin Kinsall Sr., John Kinsall, James Trousdale, and Mr. Orr were among the first settlers of the township. The first school in the township was taught in 1838 by Abraham Armstrong, on Moses Kinsall's farm. The first school under the free-school system was taught by Benja¬ min Kinsall, about 1848. The first house for school purposes was built on John Williams' farm, about 1840. There are now four school-houses in the township, valued at $1,525; there are 412 chil¬ dren of school age.

The first postoflice was at South Hampton. David Keasler was the first Postmaster and the office was at his residence. It was discon¬ tinued on account of the railroads passing on each side of it. The first election was held in 1805, at the house of John Kinsall, where Moses Kinsall now resides, just east of Omaha.

The Palestine Cumberland Presbyterian Church was regularly organized Dec. 25, 1852. Two years previous, in 1848, a few of the pioneers agreed to build a house of worship if Rev. R. M. Davis, then a young minister, would preach for them, and erec¬ ted a neat structure of hewed logs. In 1868 the present large, well-furnished frame building was erected at a cost of $3,000. Rev. R. M. Davis is the only pastor the church has ever had. The first Elders were John Kinsall, Eli Price and Lewis West. The present Elders are Benjamin Kinsall, D. B. Rogers, William Kiser and John Blackard. It has been remarka¬ bly prosperous, having received in all about 450 members. The ei (957)

Hazel Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Chureh was organized in September, 1881, by Rev. R. M. Davis. The Elders are L. Shain^J. B. Edwards and John Burns. The church numbers about forty members and has been under the leadership of Revs. W. E. Davis and Franklin McQuay. They have a prosperous Sabbath-school, and are contemplating building a new church soon.

Omaha

The town was laid out by Rev. R. M. Davis on part of his farm, west of the railroad and about a mile east of the center of the township. The name was suggested by Henry Bearce, first baggage master on the St. Louis & Southeastern Railroad, who had acted in the same capacity in Omaha, Neb. The first store was Dr. J. 0. Harrell's drug store. The first dry goods store was estab¬ lished by Hall & Pemberton, of Saline County, 111.

The Omaha flour-mill was built by G. R. Pearce & Co., in 1878. Mr. Pearce bought out the company, Messrs. Porter and Rice, of Roland, in 1879, and sold one-half interest to William C. Trusty, and in the same year, 1879, sold out to Mr. Trusty, who in turn sold one-half to E. A. West. In 1881 Trusty & West sold the mill to Latimer & Bryant, and in 1882 Mr. Bryant sold his interest to W. F. Harrell. The firm of Latimer & Harrell, by the assistance of their experienced miller, C. R. Galloway, are doing a good business. The mill has the latest improved machinery, and is run by steam-power.

George A. Lutz, of St. Louis, established a stave factory, which was run about four years. He employed* a number of hands and eut a large quantity of timber. It was finally blown up by a keg of powder in the boiler igniting, being placed there by an incen¬ diary. It was never rebuilt.

Messrs. Harrell & Johnson have a new patent brick machine, by which they manufacture a great many bricks, and one or two tile kilns will be established soon.

Rev. R. M. Davis preached the first sermon in the village. The only church immediately in the village is the Methodist Episcopal, which was begun in 1873, and finished at a cost of $800. It was dedicated Sept. 16, 1382. The church was permanently organized in 1879, with twenty-five members, and has now thirty. The pastors have been J. J. R. Reaf and C. W. Morris.

The first hotel was built by J. 3. Latimer. The house is at present kept by A. D. Brockett. L. E. Quigley built a fine hotel in 1882, which is well fitted up with excellent accommodations.

Omaha has made a wonderfully rapid growth in the last three years, and bids fair to be one of the most important inland towns of Southern Illinois.

Omaha Lodge , No. 183, A. O. U. IF., was chartered May 10, 1881, with twenty-one charter members. The first officers were: J. C. Harrell, P.M. W.; Thomas Martin, M. W.; A. M. Blackard; Foreman; A. H. Blackard, Overseer; Edward Rice, Recorder;

Business Directory

Public; A. D. Brockett, proprietor of the Omaha House, livery and feed stable; Bruce & Young, groceries; C. Cook & Son, general merchandise; R. M. Davis & Sons, general merchandise; A. Derham, Notary Public; Duncan & Burks, meat market; Peter Ed¬ wards, druggist; John Oregg, boots and shoes; Harrell Bros., drugs, etc.; C. M. Hudgins, physician and surgeon; Harrell & Johnson, brick and lumber dealers; Thomas Kinsall, general mer¬ chandise; Charles Moore, hardware; J. H. Moore, physician and druggist; J. H. Porter, physician and surgeon; Quigley & Crab¬ tree, blacksmiths; L. E. Quigley, proprietor of the Quigley House; Martin Rice & Co., general merchandise; Swafford Bios., general merchandise.

War Of The Rebellion

Bear Creek's representation in the war of the Rebellion will compare favorably with other localities of the same population. The following is a list of her volunteers: and grandson of Lancelot Armstrong, who was one of the earliest settlers of North Carolina, and who served through the war of the Revolution, being in the service seven years. He was held in cap¬ tivity by the Indians two years. Mr. Armstrong's father was a native of White County, Ya. He emigrated to Kentucky, from there to Tennessee, and then to White County, Ill., in 1819. lie was a journeyman hatter, and worked at his trade a number of years in the vicinity of New Haven. He married Mary Lamb, daughter of John Lamb, a Revolutionary patriot. He was Justice of the Peace twenty-eight years tfith an interim of but one term. He served in the war of 1812 under General Jackson. J. W. Arm¬ strong was married in 1855 to Margaret S. Blackard. They have a family of seven sons and three daughters, all living in this vi¬ cinity.

Alwnson D. F Brockett , son of James and H. A. Brockett, was born in White County, Ill., April 28, 1820. He received only a limited education, having to go three miles to attend the early sub¬ scription schools. He removed to Gallatin County in 1861 and pur¬ chased 142 acres of rich, black bottom land. He resided there twenty years and was a very successful farmer. In 1881 he moved to Omaha, and is now, with the help of his family, running the Omaha House and a livery and feed stable, and also carrying on his farm.

George W. Bruce was born in Tennessee, April 10, 1834. He came to Gallatin County and settled near Shawneetown. He en¬ listed in 1861 in the late war and served eight months, but was obliged to retire on account of ill-health. After his return he set¬ tled near Omaha and engaged in farming. He went to Missouri and staid ten years. He then returned to Omaha, and is now in partnership with Mr. Young in the grocery business. Mr. Bruce is a son of Henry Bruce and grandson of Walker Bruce, the first man buried in Palestine cemetery.

Robert «7. Bruce , son of William M. and Maria Bruce, was born Jan. 25, 1838. His early days were spent on the farm in summer and attending the district schools in winter. He was very studious and was prepared to teach at an early age. He has taught about nine years. He enlisted in the late war and after his discharge in¬ vested his money in the fine farming lands known as the " Thorn Thicket," and has at this time one of the finest farms in Gallatin County. He was married April 5, 1866, to Huldah C. Campbell. They have four sons and one daughter. Mr. Bruce is serving his second term as Sheriff, having defeated at the last election one of the most popular men in the county. He is worth about $15,000

William M. Bruce was born in Sumner County, Tenn., March 19, 1814, His father came to Illinois in 1817, and settled near the present site of Norris City, White County. Mr. Bruce came to Gallatin County in 1849 and entered eighty acres of Government land at $1.25 per acre. He now owns 250 acres ot fine, well-im¬ proved farming land near the north fork of the Saline River. Mr. Bruce was elected Associate Justice of the County Court of Galatin County, in 1857; was Justice of the Peace twenty-one years, always serving the public with fidelity and justice. He was mar¬ ried March 5, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have reared a family of our boys and two girls. Two sons, Robert and Franklin, werein the late war. Robert and Thomas were school-teachers for a num¬ ber of years. Robert has been elected for the second time Sherift of Gallatin County. Mr. Bruce has been a member of the Method - ist church for the past forty years, and has been found ready to do his part in the work of the church.

Charles Cook was born in White County, Ill., Feb. 1, 1830. Ho was a son of Zachariah Cook, who died when Charles was but five years of age. He then lived with his uncle, John Cook, till he was nineteen years old, when he started out in the world for himself with a capital of $40. We worked at the Bailey Mills five years, at $5 a month. He bought a fourth interest in the mills. He, in company with Mr. Porter, built the flouring mills of Roland. Mr. Cook sold his interest and went on to his farm, where he resided till the war of the Rebellion. In 1862 he enlisted under Captain Brill and served three years. He was in the battle of Holly Springs, Miss.; was one of Grant's men who ran by the batteries at Vicks¬ burg, and participated in the battle of Grand Gulf. After the surrender of Vicksburg he was furloughed. He then went to New Orleans and Mobile. He was mustered out at New Orleans. He returned home and remained on his farm five years, when he came to Omaha, and engaged in the dry-goods business with his son Silas. He was also interested in a saw-mill. Mr. Cook married Nancy J. Hedge. They have a family of two sons and four daugh¬ ters. His educational advantages were limited, being only a few months in the early subscription school, yet by his energy and hard work he is at present worth $5,000.

Rev . Robert Macklin Davis , son of Rev. William and Polly Davie, was born in White County, Ill., May 5, 1824. His parents were natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, of English descent, and came to Illinois in 1811. Both his grandfathers were in the

Revolutionary war, and both were wounded. His father died when he was thirteen years old. He was obliged to work hard on the farm, and his education was mostly obtained by home study. He joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church Oct. 21, 1839, and became a candidate for the ministry Oct. 29, 1843. He was licensed to preach on probation Sept. 28, 1844; ordained to the whole work of the ministry March 31, 1849. He was married Feb. 27, 1844, to Mary Sharp. After his marriage and admission to the ministry he availed himself of the opportunity of attending school two winters. He preached at several places in the bounds of the Ewing Presbytery, and received a great many members into the church at Eagle Creek, Equality, Galatia, McLeansboro, New Haven and other places. He organized the Palestine church near his own residence in 1852, and has been its only pastor. He took charge of the village church in 1851, and preached there twenty-six years. He took charge of the Union Ridge church in 1855 and has continued its pastor without intermission to the present time. He organized a church in New Haven in 1868, and one at Oak Grove in 1860, both off-shoots of the Union Ridge church. He organized the church at McLeansboro, assisted by Rev. J. M. Miller, and took charge of it in 1876, and is still its pastor. He has had charge of the Norris City church since 1879. He has never had less than four churches under his supervision, and has taken about 1,500 members into the church. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have four children - Prof. William Isaac Davis graduated at Lincoln in the classical course, and has been President of Hamilton College, and Principal at Mt. Vernon ten years, and is now teaching in Bryant, Iowa; M. M. and S. M. are in the dry-goods business in Omaha, the firm name being K. M. Davis & Sons; Jennie has attended Hamilton College, and is now attending school in Omaha and teaching music. Mr. Davis has been very successful in temporal affairs. He began on a farm in 1844 with nearly nothing, and now has 270 acres of fine farming land and also considerable town property. He is worth about $10,000. His first public speech was on temperance. He lias never tasted liquor as a beverage. His wife has always been a helpmeet to him, both in temporal and spiritual affairs.

Hugh C . Gregg , son of William R. and Elizabeth A. Gregg, was born in this county, Sept. 8, 1856. His father died in 1859, and his mother married Mr. Trousdale. His paternal grandparents were natives of South Carolina, and came to Illinois in 1832. His maternal grandparents (Cook) were natives of North Carolina, and removed to Tennessee, from there to Indiana, and in 1818 came to Gallatin County. His Grandfather Cook enlisted in the war of 1812, but his father objected on account of his age, and an elder brother went in his place. He served as First Lieutenaut in the Black Hawk war. Mr. Gregg spent his youth alternately on the farm, and attending the district school. He attended a select school iu Omaha two terms, and Hamilton College, McLeansboro, a short time; also attended the Normal School at Carmi one term. He has been a very successful teacher, having taught six years in one district. Ho owns a good farm of 150 acres, and is worth about $2,500. Mr. Gregg is County Superintendent of Schools. Politi¬ cally he is a Democrat.

James C. Harrdl , M. D.} was born in Bear Creek Precinct, Gal¬ latin Co., Ill., Aug. 21, 1847. His father, Benton R. Harrell, was born and reared in Indian Creek Precinct; his grandfather, Oader Harrell, was born iu North Carolina, but his parents removed while he was yet a child to Sumner County, Tenn., and from thence to Kentucky, and shortly after his marriage he moved to White County, Ill., at a very early period in its history, where he lived and died at a ripe old age, being among the pioneers. Dr. Har¬ rell was reared on a farm near Omaha, and his boyhood was spent alternately between working on the farm in the summer and attending school during the winter until he was seventeen years of age, when by assiduous study he was qualified to teach, and began life as one of the teachers of Gallatin County, which profession he followed with credit to himself and the profession in Gallatin and White counties, III., and Ballard County, Ky., in the meantime devoting himself earnestly and enthusiastically to the study of medicine. After attending a course of lectures at Phila¬ delphia in 1869-'70, he graduated and returned home in the spring of 1870, and began his professional career in partner¬ ship with Dr. A. R. Pearce, near Roland, which continued until January of the ensuing year. When the Springfield & Illinois Southeastern Railroad, as it was then called, was finished, he moved back to his native county, and built the first house in Omaha, 6ince which time he has resided here. Feb. 6, 1871, he was married to Susan C. Keasler, a daughter of James Keasler, one of the pioneers of Gallatin County. Shortly after his building his new house at Omaha, he went to work with his usual zeal, and secured the establishment of a postoffice, and was himself appointed the first Postmaster. During his residence at Omaha, he has won for himself a reputation as a physician second to none in the county, besides devoting his energies to the upbuilding of the town and county, the cause of education, churches, Sunday-schools and general progress. He is ever to be found in the van, when the cause of humanity and general progress requires a leader. He is sanguine of the grand future of Southern Illinois, and is engaged in manufacturing brick and lumber, and looks forward with pro¬ phetic eye to the time when our part of the country will be full of manufacturing industries. Politically he is a Republican, and is an earnest worker in the ranks of that party. The Doctor is a fine specimen of a self-made man. He possesses a fine library; is an in¬ veterate reader, fluent and scholarly public speaker, and a gentle¬ man of whom Omaha may well be proud.

William Finley Harrell , son of Benton R. and Dolly E.Harrell, was born in Gallatin County, in August, 1852. He was reared on a farm on the line between Gallatin and White counties. He was married in 1875 to Clara E. Blackard. He has a farm near that of his father. He moved to Omaha in 1880 and ran the Omaha House and a livery and feed stable in connection with his mother-in-law. He returned to his farm and engaged in farming and stock-raising until August, 1882, when he purchased a third interest in the Omaha flouring mills. Mr. Harrell has a family of two boys and one girl.

Columbus M. Hudgins , M . Z?., was born Sept. 5, 1852, in Saline County, Ill. He was reared on a farm, and attended the public schools. He also attended one term at Hamilton College. He taught school four years and then commenced the study of medi¬ cine at Keokuk, Iowa. He was there two terms and then prac¬ ticed until 1879, when he entered the Evansville Medical College, and graduated. He located at New Haven, and remained there two years and a half; then came to Omaha, where he has a good practice. Dr. Hudgins traces his paternal ancestors to England and his maternal to Germany. His parents were from North Carolina, and settled in Tennessee, and in 1826 came to Illinois, and settled in Saline County.

Benjamin Kinsall , son of John and Elizabeth Kinsall, was born in White County, Ill., Sept 30, 1824. His parents were na¬ tives of Virginia, but removed to Tennessee, and from there to Illinois in 1818. His maternal grandfather, John Hancock, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was with Jackson at New Orleans, in the war of 1812. He also fought the Indians at

Horse- shoe Bend, Miss., where he was wounded in the leg, carry¬ ing the ball to his grave. Mr. Kinsall was Justice of the Peace twenty-two years, and Associate Justice of the County Court of Gallatin County six years. Aug. 19, 1815, he married Sarah A. Davis, a native of Tennessee. They have two children - Maurice and Surrilda E., the wile of Silas Cook, County Clerk of Galla¬ tin County. Mr. Kinsall has been an Elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Omaha twenty-two years. He resides on a fine farm of 700 acres a mile south of Omaha. He is worth $10,000.

Monroe Douglas Kinsall was born in Bear Creek Precinct, Gallatin County, Ill., June 12, 1860. He is the only surviving son of Benjamin and Sarah S. Kinsall. He spent his boyhood days working on the farm and attending the district and village schools in the vicinity of Omaha. He also attended Hamilton Col¬ lege, McLeansboro, Ill., one term. He taught school two terms. He is at present employed as bookkeeper and salesman for C. Cook & Son. lie is unmarried.

John B. Latimer was born in White County, Ill., May 12, 1832. He is a son of Benjamin A. Latimer, for several years a County Commissioner of White County. He was a life-long member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of which he was an Elder several years, and was sent several times to represent his society in the General Assembly. Mr. Latimer's grandfather was one of the minute-men from Connecticut. He served as Orderly under his father, Colonel Latimer, in many important engagements of the Revolution. He was the Orderly who was sent to New London, Conn., to inform the minute-men of the approach of the British He was wounded in the thigh, which prevented further active ser¬ vice. He was afterward engaged in a severe personal combat with a tory alone in the woods, whom he captured after receiving a severe wound in the hand by a broadsword. Mr. Latimer's great¬ grandfather came from England about the middle of the last cent¬ ury. He traces his genealogy direct from Bishop Latimer, who was martyred during the reign of Queen Elizabeth for his belief in the Protestant religion. Mr. Latimer's father came to White County in 1844. He was married in 1854 to Martha Bryant, of White County. They have three children. Mr. Latimer served three years in the late war under Grant, participating in the battles of Fort Donelson and Fort Henry and Shiloh. He was engaged in farming till 1871, when he moved to Omaha and ran the Latimer

Samuel D . Lewis , son of Philip and Hester L. Lewis, was born in Lawrence County, Ill., in 1852. His grandparents were from England and Scotland, and settled in North Carolina in early colonial times. His parents moved to Kentucky, and from there in 1815 to Illinois. His father was one of the pioneers of Eastern Illinois, being one of the earliest settlers of Lawrence County. Mr. Lewis was educated in the public schools. When twentyone years of age he commenced the study of telegraphy, at Farm¬ ington, Iowa. His health failing, he returned to the farm and remained two years. He then went to Texas and taught penman¬ ship in Wilderville, Snowsville and Hampton; then worked on a cotton farm awhile, after which he returned to Lawrenceville, Ill., and continued the study of telegraphy, and also dealt in grain. May 1, 1876, he took charge of the telegraph office at Omaha, where he still remains. He is a very faithful agent, attending to all the duties of his office, and has had charge of several mail routes; is also dealing in grain, game, etc. Jan. 21, 1876, Mr. Lewis married Maggie Lane, of Bridgeport, Ill. They have three children - Luella, Carrie and Pearl, ages six, four and one.

Joseph H . Moore , M '. Z?., was born in Catawba County, N. C., in January, 1856. His great-grandfather came from Scotland in early colonial days. His grandfather was one of the early pioneers of Western North Carolina, and was one of the minute-men in the Revolution. Mr. Moore was educated at Rutherford College, Happy Home, N. C. He taught school a year and then went to South Carolina, and worked in a saw-mill, and ran a cotton-gin, by which he earned the money to begin his medical education. He studied with Dr. Ferrell, of New Jersey, eighteen months, and then attended the United States Medical College at New York City. After practicing a year at home, in Hickory, N. C., he attended the American Medical College, St. Louis, Mo., where he graduated in May, 1879. After settling up his business at home, he went to Lincoln County, Ky., and practiced a few months. In September, 1880, he bought the property of I. M. Asbery, in Omaha, and has since resided here. He has built a fine drug store, and is running it in connection with his practice. May 18, 1881, he married America J. Bradford, of Pendleton Co., Ky.

educated in the public schools of Roland. He remained on the farm till eighteen years of age, when he engaged in the wool-card¬ ing business with his father, at Roland. He then worked on the farm three years, after which he was in the flour-mill of Porter & Rice. Roland; came to Omaha and built the flour-mill here under the firm name of G. R. Pearce & Co. Since retiring from the flouring mill, he has been engaged in wheat-threshing and running a saw-mill. Mr. Pearce was married in 1860 to Margaret J. Win¬ frey, of White County.

Philip C. Quigley , son of Aaron Quigley, was born in Gallatin County, Oct. 7, 1841. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He enlisted in the late war when twenty years of age. He was with Grant at the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh. He was afterward with Thomas at Spanish Fort and* Fort Blakely. He was captured at Holly Springs, Miss., and sent to St. Louis, Mo., when he was paroled and exchanged, arriving at Vicksburg on the day of the surrender. He was with the land forces who supported Farragut at Mobile, Ala.; went from there by ship to Galveston, Texas, and from there to Houston; from there to Springfield, Ill., where he was mustered out, having served four years and five months. Mr. Quigley was married at the age of twenty-six to Nancy J. Eubanks. They have three children. Mr. Quigley owns a farm of seventy acres. He is also engaged in the manufacture of wagons, buggies, plows, etc.

Edward Rice , son of Archibald B. and Nancy M. Rice, was born J une 26, 1845. His great-grandfather, Ebenezer Rice, was a native of Wales, and was a missionary to the Chickasaw Indians near Memphis in 1799. He put his goods on a flat-boat at the head of the Ohio and floated down that river and the Mississippi to his destination. His grandfather, Joel Rice, was born in Vermont; the first word he spoke was in the Indian language. He was in the Black Hawk war and went to California in 1848, during the gold excitement. He made money and returned via New Orleans in 1850 to his home in White County, III. He named Sacramento, Ill., in honor of the Sacramento Valley. Edward was reared on a farm and attended the public-schools. At breaking out of the late war he was undecided whether to enter the ar nly or go to the High School. His father settled the matter by sending him to Hamilton College, McLeansboro. In 1868 he attended the Evansville Business Col¬ lege, where he graduated; then entered the dry-goods house of Martin & Rice, as bookkeeper, remaining witli them three years.

He then went to Omaha, Neb., and kept books for J. J. Brown & Bro. two years, when he returned to Roland, Ill., and was em¬ ployed by Porter & Rice. In 1878 he came to Omaha, and en¬ gaged with hi3 brother-in-law, Thomas Martin, in the dry-goods business, the lirm name being Martin & Rice. He is a very ener¬ getic worker and a prominent political man in a quite way. June 26, 1872, he married Grace G. Mount, of Tennessee. They have four children - Hollo, Estella Florence, Mabel Claire and Laura Edith.

Isaac T. Trusty , son of Henry and Elizabeth Trusty, was born in Tennessee, July 31, 1825. His parents moved to White County, Ill., when he was two years of age. Isaac T. was reared to the hardships of a pioneer farmer, having but a'limited education. He was married Dec. 23, 1848, to Elizabeth Wilson. He moved to Gallatin County in 1850 and entered eighty acres of Government land. He now has a large and valuable farm. Mr. Trusty has always taken an active part in all public improvements. He uni¬ ted with the Methodist church in 1841. He is a member of the Omaha Lodge, I. O. O. F. He has been Constable several years. Mr. and Mrs. Trusty have reared a family of eight children. The eldest, William C., was a school teacher several years, and is at present one of the proprietors of the flouring mills at Equality, Ill.

William II. Walters , son of Charles and Nancy Walters, was b<>rn in Montgomery County, Tenn., March 21, 1849. His parents came to Illinois in 1801. Mr. Walters received a common-school education. He is one of Gallatin County's most industrious farmers. He has served very acceptably as Constable five yearB, and Deputy Sheriff three years. He resides on his farm one-half mile west of Omaha.

H. P . Bozarth , born in White Oak Precinct, Gallatin Co., Ill., Feb. 2, 1852, is a son of Franklin and Lucretia Bozarth. His paternal ancestors were from France and Ireland. His mother's ancesters, the Pinnells, were from England and Scotland. All em¬ igrated to America in the early Colonial times. His Grandfather Bozarth was among the first pioneer settlers in the vicinity of Equality, Gallatin Co., Ill. His father entered Government land at $1.25 per acre, and by hard work and economy succeeded in making a fine farm of 200 acres. Mr. Bozarth labored on the farm in summer and attended the public schools in the winter. He made good use of his time and succeeded in becoming proficient in

Ray's Third Arithmetic at the early age of thirteen years. He obtained a portion of his education by study at home, frequently taking his book to the field to study while his team was resting. He began teaching in the common schools of Pope County, Ill., at the early age of seventeen, and has taught almost continually since that time. In 1872 he entered the Ewing High School in Frank¬ lin County for one term. In 1873 he attended Prof. John Turrentine's school at Enfield. In the autumn of the same year he assisted Prof. W. I. Davis in his select school at Omaha, Ill. He was mar¬ ried April 9, 1874, to Sarah M. Wolfe, of Hamilton County, Ill. In the fall of 1874 he entered the Omaha public school as Principal; held that position two terms, and has taught select schools four terms. Taught one select school at Norris City, and three terms in the public schools at Roland, White Co. In 1875 he moved his family to Carbondale and attended the Southern Illinois Uni¬ versity a year. In 1881 Mr. Bozarth was appointed Superinten¬ dent of Schools of Gallatin County for one year. Mr. Bozarth is the owner of two improved farms in White County, besides some lands in Gallatin. He has soijie nice property in Omaha, where he now resides. He has a fine library and a pleasant home, and family of wife and three children - Jonnie, Charles Edwin, and Willie, aged respectively seven, four, and one. Mr. Bozarth has been for seve¬ ral years a member of M. E. church, A. F. & A. M. and I. O.O. F.

Silas Cooky son of Charles and Nancy J. Cook, was born in White County, Ill., Feb. 29, 1854. He was very industrious and persevering both at home and in school. He graduated from the Evansville Commercial College at the age of eighteen, having at¬ tended only one term. His father started him in business, and, being very successful, his father went in partnership with him, the firm being C. Cook & Son. Mr. Cook was married in 1879 to Surrilda E., daughter of J. Kinsall. They have two children - Lillie and Eula. Mr. Cook was elected, almost without opposition, on the Democratic ticket, in 1882, County Clerk of Gallatin County. He already owns considerable, property, and has the prospect of a bright future.

William Ezra Ferrell was born near Independence, Saline Co., III., May 17, 1849. His early life was spent on the farm and in attending the public school. At the age of twenty he com¬ menced teaching, and has since followed that avocation in con¬ nection with farming. He is now serving his fourth term as Prin¬ cipal of the Omaha schools. His grandparents were among the first settlers of this county, coming here from North Carolina in 1800. He was married Sept. 25, 1870, to L. J. Porter, daughter of Dr. J. A. Porter. They have one daughter - Eftie JT., aged nine years. Mr. Ferrell attended a select school in 1871 at Golconda, taught by Prof. Newcomb, one of the best Normal teach¬ ers in the State. In 1878 he attended Hamilton College, Mc- Leansboro. He owns a good farm adjoining Omaha, and is now Township Treasurer. He has been a member of the United Bap¬ tist church since 1870.

Charles R . Calloway , born Jan. 10, 1850, is a son of Dr. D. W. and Malinda J. Galloway. His father was reared in Kentucky, but when twenty-one came to Illinois, settling on a farm in White County, where he still resides. He has reared a large family of which Charles R. is the eldest. Charles R. was married July 16, 1S68, to Brunett J. Pearce. She died, leaving one daughter - Virginia E. Jan. 30, 1875, he married Sylvestra J. McMurtrv, of Roland. They have one child - Dora May, aged four years. In 1S74 Mr. Galloway was employed as engineer in the flouring mill of D. M. Porter, and was afterward promoted to chief miller. In January, 1882, he came to Omaha to take an interest in the mills of J. B. Latimer & Co. He is building a nice house here and in¬ tends making Omaha his permanent home.

William E. Oregg , son of Franklin A. and Nancy C. Gregg, was born in Hamilton County, Ill., Dec. 24, 1857. His paternal grandparents were natives of Germany and immigrated to Sottth Carolina early in the State's history, and from there to Illinois, llis maternal grandparents were from Virginia, his Grandfather Eubanks being one of the pioneers of White County. William E. attended school in the summer and worked on the farm in the \ inter, but being quick to learn and making good use of his time lie always stood at the head of his classes. He was often advised to tciclq but preferring a mercantile life he entered the dry-goods house of Henry Wakeford, Norris City. He afterward was employed by C. M. Ferrell & Co., Elizabethtown, III. About two years ago he came to Omaha to work in the branch store of Swafford Bros. A shoi t time ago he left them and is now engaged in farming and dealing in stock.

Thomas Martin , born in West Franklin, Posey County, Ind., Oct. J, 1836, is a son of Alfred and Rachel Martin. His Grand¬ father Martin emigrated to Indiana from South Carolina in 1810. lie lived on his father's farm, attending the subscription schools during his early life. He followed flat boating and trading on the Ohio River three years. In 1863 he commenced buying stock in Illinois and driving it to Indiana. He thus made acquaintances in White County and located at Brockets Mill. After a residence there of about eight years he came to Omaha and is at present one of the partners of the firm of Martin & Rice. He first married Sarah V. Riley, daughter of Charles Riley, editor of the Cairo Sun. She died in 1863, leaving a daughter - Ratie, now assistant teacher in the Omaha schools. He next married Haney C. Rice, of White County. Mr. Martin's maternal grandfather was a member of the Constitutional Convention that drafted the Constitution of Indiana, and was a member of the Indiana State Legislature.

Leonard E. Quigley was born in Gallatin County, Ill., Nov. 27, 1835. He remained on the farm till twenty-one years of age and then attended the public schools and obtained a good education. He then taught till the breaking out of the late war. In August, 1861 , he entered the service of the United States as a private; was pro¬ moted four times, and when discharged was First Lieutenant. He was in all the important battles of the army of the Mississippi, in¬ cluding Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. He was mustered out Dec. 6, 1865. He then returned home and engaged in farming and teaching school till 1874, when he came to Omaha and bought out a hotel. In 1882 he built the finest hotel and residence in this part of the country, where he now resides. He was married Aug. 22, 1866, to Edna, daughter of Dr. James Porter. Mr. Quigley's great-grandfather was from Ireland. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His maternal grandfather came from Scotland and settled in North Carolina.

Circuit Clerks

On January 23, 1973, membership in the White County Historical Society totaled 499. These members were from 72 cities and towns in 27 states and two foreign countries. Although 364 live in White County, all the others have roots there and they value their memberships and their place in this history.