White County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1883 (part 9 of 11)

Leonard Ward , son of Josiah and Lucy (Young) Ward, was born near the site of Stealey's water mill, July 1, 1836. Hi9 father was a native of Virginia, and came to this county in an early day, being married in this county. His mother was a native of Ken¬ tucky. from one of the counties bordering on Green River. Leon¬ ard Ward received his education in the subscription schools, having to walk three miles to attend one. His work consisted of girdling or deadening the timber, making rails and other clearing-land labors. He married Tabitha Graham, of Carmi, daughter of Nathaniel and Susannah (Frazier) Graham. Their children are - Emeretta A. J., Millard E., Nathaniel P.. Leonard B. (deceased), Darwin B., Lillie R., Tillie A., Lucy C. (deceased), Mary Gertrude. He is Treas¬ urer of District 6, range 9. Mr. Ward, until recently, owned 485 acres, but has sold 160 acres. He is a successful farmer of many years' experience. He is a member of the Episcopal Meth¬ odist church, and has been since he was seventeen. He enlisted in 1863 in Company E, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. He went to Camp Butler and from there to Benton Barracks, St. Louis; then in Camp at Alton; then to Duvall's Bluffs, Ark.; then to Pine Bluffs; then to Monticello; then back to Pine Bluffs, etc. This en¬ listment was a recruit to the original regiment for the whole pe¬ riod of the war. He was mustered out in Springfield in 1865. His regiment did scouting service most of the time, which requires men of steady nerve and quick at maneuvering, as ambuscades were the favorite mode of rebel attack.

Boston Wease , a native of Tennessee and of German extraction, was born Sept. 19, 1810. His parents, Samuel and Sabbie Ann (Smith) Wease, were the parents of ten children - Isaac, Boston, Abraham, William, Thomas, Madison, Mary, Jane, Easter and Margaret. His father came from Tennessee to White County in 1830, staid a short time then went back to Tennessee and remained one season, and then moved his family to this county, where he remained till his death in 1838: His wife died the same year.

They are bnried in Lick Creek cemetery. Only four of their children are living - William, Boston, Mary (Mrs. Hedge) and Jane (Mrs. Acred). Boston lived at home during his minority and then married Prisa Ann, daughter of James and Nancy (Clarke) Aud, and went for himself. Before leaving his father he helped open up the Louisville canal. Mr. and Mrs, Wease had eleven children - Sibbie Ann (Mrs. Thomas Griffiths, deceased), Lucy (Mrs. Thomas Gidcomb, deceased), Samuel (deceased), James (deceased), Nancy J. (Mrs. K. Tordney), John (married Mary Newcomb), Margaret (Mrs. M. Medlin), Alined a (Mrs. J. Hen¬ dricks, deceased), Thomas H. (married Alraelia A. Bennett), Emily (Mrs. M. Burress), Delilah C. (Mrs. John Lee). Mrs. Wease died Sept. 17, 1871. Mr. Wease is still living, but is rather feeble. They were both members of the Baptist church. Mr. Wease has lived on section 20 all his married life with the exception of the first year. Mr. Aud's family consisted of eight children - Thomas, John S., William, Remis, Henry, Lucy, Martina, Kate and Prisa A.

John Wease, son of Boston and Prisa Ann Wease, was born in Herald's Prairie, May 9, 1843. His education was received in the scli6ol8 of this county. He lived at home till his twentieth year, when July 24, 1862, he married Mary, daughter of Ira and Sarah A. Newcomb, of this township. The next month, Aug. 14, he en¬ listed in Company F, Eighty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and went into camp at Shawneetown. So thoroughly did he do his duty that his health was ruined and he is to-day in a very precarious condition. He was in all the campaigns of the regiment and was mastered out July 3, 1865. Upon his return he went to farming, and to-day has 104 acres of good land under cultivation. He has nine children - William B., born April 14, 1866; Sarah A., Aug. 15, 1868; Henry Fenton, April 27, 1870, died May 4, 1870; Lora Ellen, July 27, 1871; Minnie Alice, July 27, 1873; Cora Belle* July 3, 1875; Lewis Alex., Sept. 9, 1877; Thena A., Sept. 22, 1879; Daniel P., Dec. 16, 1881.

Asa Webb , one of the few Mexican war pensioners, was born Nov. 18, 1817, in Gallatin County, two miles from Shawneetown. He was a son of Asa and Mary (Black) Webb, natives of " old Virginia." He has been through the pioneer experiences and has 6een the country grow from a "howling wilderness" to the present advanced state of civilization. He enlisted in Captain Law¬ ler's Independent Mounted Volunteers that was from Shawneetown, and out in Mexico during the last year of the war. For the greater portion of the time he was at or near Tampico, where they built the fort called " Fort Gates" - 120 miles in the interior. The climate did not agree with him and, being taken sick, was obliged to withdraw from duty, though he was not discharged until the fourth of July, 1848. He married Eliza Collard, daughter of Richard Collard, by whom eight children were born to him, seven living to maturity, three of whom are living to-day - Sarah J., Ebenezer R., Margaret K. He married for his second wife Ann Snow Williams. Their children are - Robert W., Asa C., Ulysses G. Mr. Webb has always lived within the borders of White and Gallatin counties - though a description of his travels in Mexico would cover pages.

Wenzel W. Weirauch was bora in Silesia, Prussia. His parents were Godfried and Mary Ann (Paeol) Weirauch, both natives of the same province. Their family consisted of two sons - Wenzel and Francis, the latter living in Kankakee County. The family came to America in 1855. Wenzel's early life was spent on his father's farm, which consisted of twenty-seven acres, an average farm in the old country, land being mostly divided into small lots, and rented at that. The land was rocky and mountainous, being near the river Elbe. His early school life was that common to all German lads, the law requiring the attendance of all children be¬ tween the ages of six and fourteen. Mr. Weirauch was in the Prussian army from his twentieth to his twenty-third year, as is the custom throughout Germany. His array life was that of the av¬ erage German who is unlucky enough to be confined to the routine of barrack life, nine months of each year being in barrack, and the other three in camp and field maneuvering. After this he returned home, and worked three years on his father's farm, when he married Dora Lawrence, of the same town; bought eleven acres, and had a home of his own. Thus he commenced life, and to-day owns 240 acres of Herald's Prairie's best land, acquired by his own practical ideas, German frugality and good calcula¬ tion. He came to this country, landing in New York City, in 1855; went to Chicago and remained a few days; then hired out on a farm at Sycamore, and worked three months; then bought eighty acres of the Illinois Central Railroad Company at Kanka¬ kee, and lived there till 1859, when he came to this township, where he has since been one of the prominent and enterprising citizens of the county. His children are - Carrie E., married H. A. Graver, and resides inCarmi; August F., deceased; Charles F., married Emma Brockway; Elizabeth, married Albert Johnson; an infant, deceased; John A., George A. and Mary A, are at home. All Mr. Weirauch's buildings are convenient and commodious, and everything betokens thrift and industry.

John H. Wilson, son of Rawleigh C. and Gallia T. (Rice) Wilson, was born in Herald's Prairie Township, June 11,1850. His life, with the exception of his school days, has been spent on his father's farm. He attended the district school of this neighbor¬ hood and a seminary in the North, being educated for a teacher, but has taught very little. He was married to Mary J. Adams, of Indian Creek Township, daughter of John and Nancy (Martin ) Adams, natives of South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have four children - Flora T., Nitochris S., Bird Lenier and Lenora. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are both members of the Reformed Presby¬ terian church of Sharon. He has 115 acres of land, having about fifty-five acres under cultivation.

Rawleigh C. Wilson was born in Loudoun County, Va., June 10, 1801. His parents were of Scotch and Irish descent, having immigrated to this country in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Their family consisted of two sons and two daughters. Mr. Wilson's early life was spent on a farm, after which he drove his four-in-hand over the pikes of old Virginia, staging in those days being the only means of travel, and furnishing employment to many men and horses. His rout was from Winchester, Loudoun County, to Wheeling. The stories of stage travel and turnpike liostelries, and the smiling and obliging host; the large, open fire¬ place and the steaming bowl of gin punch to cheer up the cold traveler; the dance gotten up by the host when the coach was storm-staid, were all experiences of Mr. Wilson. He moved to Union County, Ky., where his brother resided, about 1837; from there, in 1841, to White County, to his brother-in-law's, Berry Crebs, now living in Carmi, and the father of Colonel John M. Crebs. It was some eight years later that he married Gallia T. Rice, a native of Thompson County, Ky., and daughter of Harvey and Mary Rice, also natives of Kentucky, they having moved to White County. There were three sons born to them - John H., William D. and Rawleigh, the latter dying in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were both members of the Old School Presbyterian church at Sharon, Ill. Mrs. Wilson died Aug. 6, 1873, and Mr. Wilson, April 8, 1879. Both are buried in Carmi.

William D. Wilton, son of Rawleigh C. and Oallia T. (Rice) Wilson, was bom in Herald's Prairie Township, May 23, 1852. He received his education in the district schools of this vicinity. He lived at home until the settlement of his father's estate, when he moved on to the west half of the farm, which is on section 6. In 1872 he married Miss Sarah £. Hayes, a native of Monroe County, Ky., and a daughter of James and Ruth J. (Harland) Hayes, also natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have four children - Rawleigh C. (named for his grandfather), Ruth J., Mary E. and Martha E. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Old School Presbyterian church. He has 85.25 acres of land, about seventy under cultivation.

Joseph Wood, son of Abner and Permelia Wood, was born in Richland County, Ill., in 1846. His parents were natives of Kentucky, his father bora in 1818 and his mother in 1821. They moved to Warrick County, Ind., and were married about 1839. They moved to Richland County, Ill., but remained only a short time, returning to Indiana. They were the parents of eleven children - Leander, Brizilla (deceased), Joseph, Hiram, Francis (a minister of the general Baptist church), Sylvester, Sylvanus, La¬ fayette (deceased), Rosetta (deceased), Melissa (deceased), Ferdi¬ nand. Joseph lived on a farm till January, 1865, when he enlisted in the late war and served till the close. After his return home he attended school some time, and afterward taught. May 23, 1869, he married Rosetta, youngest daughter of Will¬ iam and Nancy Rainey, who was born Nov. 3, 1851. They have had two children - Clarence Me., born Jan. 9, 1872, died Aug. 2, 1873, and Melissa P., born Oct. 17, 1873. Mr. Wood came to Illinois in 1878, and settled in Gallatin County, near Christmasville, on what is known as the Watson farm; re¬ mained there two years and then removed to White County, where they still reside, on a beautiful place two miles east of Roland. In April, 1881, he was elected Justice of the Peace. In the summer of 1882 he was licensed to preach in the Free-Will Baptist church. Mrs. Wood's parents were natives of North Carolina. Her father wa6 born in 1804 and died April 13, 1861, and her mother was born in 1811 and died April 21, 1861. They had a family of nine children - Robert, Simpson, Willson, Willis, Albert, Mary, Anna, Nancy J. and Rosetta. They resided in Gibson County, Ind., where he owned a large quantity of land.

James Wremoiok (deceased) was born in Missouri, Dec. 20, 1805, and was a son of James and Lucinda (Powell) Wrenwick. He came to this county about 1820. He married Nancy £. Gott, Sept. 22, 1825. She was a daughter of John and Sarah (Carter) Gott, and the fifth child of a family of seven sons and seven daughters. She was born in Logan County, Ky., near Russellville, Jan. 19, 1806. The Gotts moved to White Connty when Mrs. Wrenwick was but fourteen years of age, living and dying in White County, and where Mrs. Renwick still lives, in her seventy-seventh year. The chil¬ dren born toMr.and Mrs. Wrenwick are as follows - Sally, born July 25, 1826; John G., born Feb. 7, 1828; George L., born June 10, 1880; James M., Jnne 3, 1832; Mary J., April 13, 1834; Susan A., May 22, 1836 ; Lucy E., born Aug. 3, 1838 ; Rhoda L., Oct. 19, 1840; Frances Adaline, Jan. 2, 1843; Rachel, Oct. 27, 1846; Dan¬ iel P., April 3, 1849. Sally married Ira F. Martin, Sept. 17, 1846; Mary J. married John S. Anderson, June 20, 1855; George L. mar¬ ried Eliza Ewing, June 29, 1861; John G. married Nancy J. Col¬ bert, Dec. 20, 1854; Daniel P. married Sarah Y. Johnson, Oct. 9, 1872. To this last union has been born one child, a daughter named Nancy M., born Juno 15, 1873. Of the family, Mary J.. Susan A. and John G. are deceased.

This township lies in the southwestern corner of the county, and comprises one and a half Congressional townships, or fifty-four square miles, and consists of the whole of township 6 south, range 8 east, and the north half of township 7 south, range 8 east. It is principally timbered land, but has no large streams running through it. The soil is rich and good for agricultural purposes.

Among the first settlers may be named: John Vineyard, who came from Tennessee in 1815; Esquire Touball came the same year; Robert De Board came from Tennessee in 1816; William Mc- Kinzie came from the same State the same year, and is now living; John Collard and Daniel Powell came in 1816, the former still living. Isaac J. Bruce was one of the early settlers, having been brought here by his father, Robert Bruce, in 1818, when only two years of age. He was educated in the old log-cabin style, - without any floor in the building, and a log out for a window. This log school-house stood near where the village church now stands at Middle Point. He married Lucy Walters in 1840, and they raised ten children ; three died. The names of the living are - Elizabeth, William A., James T., Benjamin J., Mary F., Susan, Albert Lucy S., Josephine and Thomas J. Mrs. Bruce died in 1878; she was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Union Chapel. Mr. Bruce lost his eye-sight in 1832, and is totally blind.

Indian Creek Township was organized by the election of the first township officers, April 2, 1872. At this, the first meeting of the voters of Indian Creek Township, James Vinson was chosen Mod¬ erator, and W. A. Johnson was chosen Clerk of the election. The polls for the election were then duly opened by proclamation of the clerk, and remained open until six o'clock, p. m. The offi¬ cers elected for that year, and each succeeding year till the present time, are as follows:

Financial Road Districts

The first highway commissioners, chosen in the spring of 1872, met at the house of R. N. Johnson, April 10 of that year, and proceeded to lay off the township into six road districts, as follows:

District No. 1. - Commencing at the northeast corner of town¬ ship 6 south, range 8 east, running west three miles on the township line to the northwest corner of section 3, then south three miles on the section line to the southwest corner of section 15; then east three miles to the township line; thence north three miles to the place of beginning.

District No. 2. - Commencing at the northeast corner of section 4, running west to the county line; then south three miles to the southwest corner of section 18; then east three miles, to the south¬ east corner of section 16; then north three miles to the place of beginning.

District No. 3. - Commencing at the northwest corner of section 19, running three miles south ou the county line to the southwest corner of section 31 ; then east three miles to the southeast corner of section 33; then north three miles to the northeast corner of sec¬ tion 21; then west three miles to the place of beginning.

District No. 4. - Commencing at the northwest corner of section 22, running south three miles to the southwest corner of section 34; then east three miles to the southeast corner of section 36; then north three miles to the corner of section 24; then west three miles to the place of beginning.

District No. 5. - Commencing at the northeast corner of section 1, township 7 south, range 8 east, running west three miles to the corner of section 3 ; thence south three miles to the southwest cor¬ ner of section 15; then east three miles to the southeast corner of section 13; then north three miles to the place of beginning.

District No. 6. - Commencing at the northeast corner of section 4, running three miles west to the northwest corner of section 6; then south three miles on the county line to the southwest corner of section 18; then east three miles to the southwest comer of section 16; then north three miles to the place of beginning.

Methodist Episcopal Church (Haven's Chapel) was organized in 1856 by Rev. Simoon Walker, under the name of Pleasant Grove, at the house of Isaac Floyd. The following were the members:

Isaac Floyd, B. F. Brace, Tabitha Brace, James Sheridan, Matilda and Eliza Sheridan, Mary Campbell, Mary Crook, Lina Brill and Mary A. Tront Services were held at Isaac Floyds for two years, and then at B. F. Brace's house two years. Simeon Walker was the first pastor. In the spring of 1860 a small log church was built, called Pleasant Grove, which stood about one mile northwest from what is now called Haven's Chapel. Cost of the building was $150. Mr. Walker was succeeded by Revs. Abel Campbell, D. Williamson, John Gilham, J. Leeper, B. R. Pearce, S. C. Walker, J. C. Bald¬ ridge, R. M. Carter, G. W. Wilson, J. A. Thrap, G. W. Seathom, J. J. Bayer, R. H. Manier, and J. T. Pender; the present pastor is Rev. S. Green. Haven's Chapel was erected in 1880 and is situ¬ ated one half mile from Sacramento, size 26 x 44 feet; cost, $800. The building was completed under the pastorate of Rev. J. T. Pen¬ der. The church has a membership of seventy. Services are held every alternate Sabbath; Sunday-school every Sabbath.

Presbyterian, Church (Sharon Church) is the oldest Presby¬ terian church in Illinois. It was organized in 1816 by Rev. James McGready, of Henderson, Ky. The first three ruling Elders were: Peter Miller, James Mayes and James Rutledge. Mr. McGready died in 1818 or 1819, and was succeeded by Martin B. Darrah. Rev. B. F. Spilman preached to this church while he was a licenti¬ ate, and was ordained to the ministry and installed its pastor in November, 1824, by Muhlenburg Presbytery. This pastoral re¬ lation lasted only about eighteen months. After this the church was supplied by a number of ministers, among whom were Revs. Isaac Bennett, William Hamilton, B. F. Spilman again, John Silliman, Andrew M. Hershy, R. H. Lilly, John L. Hawkins, Will¬ iam Gardner, James Stafford, John S. Howell, R. Lewis McCnne, Thomas Smith, and B. C. Swan, the present pastor, who preaches to them one-fourth of his time.

This congregation has had four buildings of worship. The first one was of logs, about one fourth of a mile north of Peter C. Mil¬ ler's house, in township 5 south, rauge 8 east of third principal meridian, northeast quarter of section 21. It had only one window and was roofed with clapboards. On the right, near the opening that surrounded the house, was a stand, consisting of a raised plat¬ form between two trees. Logs and split puncheons and slabs were arranged in the shade for the congregation to sit upon. On the other side of the opening, a few steps from this stand, stood the hewed-log house, facing southward, with one door in the south side.

The pulpit was in the east end, and the small four-light window, before mentioned on the right of the pulpit. A hearth of flat rock laid in the floor near the center of the house served for burning charcoal in cold weather. It was in this house that B. F. Spit man was ordained. A man now living in the neighborhood remembers seeing him spread his white silk handkerchief on the floor on which he kneeled duriug the ordaining prayer.

The next building was about two miles southeast of the first, near A. H. Trousdale's. This, too, was of logs. The third house, also of logs, was close by the site of the present building. The fourth is a frame house, of good size, and was finished in the spring of 1864; cost, about $700, and is situated on section 4. A cemetery joins this building and is owned by the congregation. It began to be used more than sixty years ago. The first three buildings have gone entirely to ruin. There have been connected wi h this church from the beginning over 200 persons. It is a mother church. Carrai and Enfield are largely formed from it. Presby¬ tery held a meeting with this church in September, 1827. Great crowds attended, and services were held both in the house and in the grove. The Springfield & Shawneetown Railroad passes within three fourths of a mile of the church building.

The Springfield dc Illinois Southeastern , extending from Beardstown to Shawneetown, wa6 built through this township in 1870 and 1871. It lies nearly north and south, and consequently has over nine miles in Indian Creek Township. It was bought by the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, which it crosses at Flora, in 1876. The first agent at Norris City was W. A. Johnson, and he was fol¬ lowed by George B. Wheeler, now of Me Leansboro, who held the post until September, 1876, when Fremont Trovillion, the present agent, was appointed.

The Cairo dk Vincennes Railroad was built through the town¬ ship in 1872. It lies in a northeast and southwest direction, and has about ten miles track in the township. It was bought out in 1881 by the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad, which now operates it. Harry May was the first agent, appointed in 1872. P. D. Whitehead was appointed in 1873, and served two years. J. F.

Telephone

Norris City is connected with the telephone line extending from Evansville to Harrisburg, which was put up in 1882. The office here is at the store of T. S. Barnes & Son.

The following is compiled from the report of the county super¬ intendent to show the progress that schools have made in this township since 1860, although many items are not reported: There were 920 persons under twenty-one years of age; 7 school-houses; six months to each school; 7 teachers; teachers9 wages, $33 to $35 a month; amount of State fund received, $1,076.85.

1882. - Number of males under twenty-one, 796; females, 785; total, 1,581; of these 1,012 are over six years of age; number of ungraded schools, 10 ; graded, 1 ; total number of months of school, 73J; pupils enrolled, 767; number of male teachers, 13; female 4; total day69 attendance of pupils, 57,729. There are twenty-six between twelve and twenty-one unable to read and write. Num¬ ber of frame school-houses, 11; highest monthly wages paid any male teacher, $40; female, $40; lowest monthly wages paid any male teacher, $25.50; female, $25; amount earned by male teachers during the year, $2,093.48; female, $587.50; amount of district tax ©vied for the support of schools, $1,966.59; estimated value of school property, $5,195; estimated value of school apparatus, $75; amount of bonded school debt, $1,000.60; Income of township fund received during the year, $71.55; received from county superintend¬ ent, $1,277.05; incidental expenses of treasurers and trustees, $14.85; paid for publishing annual statement, $18.45; compensa¬ tion of treasurers, $125; distributed in districts reported in this county, $1,187.34; total amount received by township treasurer during the year ending June 30, 1882, $5,727.25; total amount of expenditures during the year, $4,733.58.

Norris City

The village of Norris City, the largest in Indian Creek Town¬ ship, owes its development and business importance to the fact of its being situated at the junction of two important railroads, the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific (formerly the Cairo & Vincennes), and the Ohio & Mississippi. The former was built through this point in 1872, and the latter in 1870 and 1871. The first house built here was erected by Grovey Harper, in 1871, and was known as the McKenzie House. It is still used as a hotel, and is now known as the Cleavelin House. The next house was a storehouse, also built by Harper. Soon after, the blacksmith shop of A. G. Black was erected. The village was laid out in 1871, by William A. Johnson, H. B. Powell and others.

Norris City was organized as a village, under the General Act of the State of Illinois, in April, 1874. The officers of that and each succeeding year are as follows:

1874. - Trustees: C. F. Ingersoll (President), S. J. Beck, M. N. Thompson, William McKenzie, Asbury Gaines and William L. Davis; Clerk, George B. Weaver; Treasurer, William A. Johnson; Constable and Street Commissioner, J. J. Addison

1876. - Trustees: F. A. Harvey (President), H. May, W. B. Jones, A. G. Black, W. A. Johnson and William Gaines; Clerk, O. C. Palmateer; Treasurer, Daniel P. Gott; Constable and Street Commissioner, J. J. Addison.

1877. - Trustees: C. F. Ingersoll (President), Henry Wakeford, R. B. Lemmon, C. W. Weaver, John F. Hill and A, G. Black; Clerk, F. Trovillion; Treasurer, Daniel P. Gott; Constable and Street Commissioner, N. L. Maxwell.

1878. - Trustees: C. F. Ingersoll (President), H. Wakeford, A. G. Black, R. B. Lemmon, W. B. Jones and J. F. Hill; Clerk, F. Trovillion; Treasurer, Daniel P. Gott; Constable and Street Commissioner, S. S. Brill.

1879. - Trustees: W. B. Jones (President), F. M. DeBoard, E. A. Lasater. W. M. Boyd, E. Foster and J. F. Hill; Clerk, W. A. Johnson; Treasurer, E. S. Boyd; Constable, John S. Kirk; Street Commissioner, Thomas Mullen.

1880. - Trustees: F. S. Barnes (President), E. A. Lasater, S. S. Brill, L. Blackburn, William Boyd and Joel Rice; Clerk, 0. F. Ingersoll; Treasurer, T. I. Porter; Constable and Street Commis¬ sioner, John S. Kirk.

1881. - Trustees: H. May (President), T. S. Barnes, E. A. Lasa¬ ter, W. P. Gossett, W. E. Jennings and William A. Johnson; Clerk, C. F. Ingersoll; Treasurer, Thomas I. Porter; Constable, John Denton ; Street Commissioner, Orville Wheeler.

Norris City has no debt, except a few warrants outstanding, for which the money is in the treasury. No taxes were levied for vil¬ lage purposes until 1881, when $222.22 were collected. In 1882 $200 were levied.

The postoffice of Norris City was established in the spring of 1871, and William A. Johnson was appointed the first Postmaster, under General Grant's administration as President of the United States. Mr. Johnson, who was also station agent for the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, held the office until 1874, when R. B. Lem¬ mon, a druggist, and who is still in business in Norris City, was appointed. He held the office about one year, and then O. C. Palmateer was appointed. Mr. Palmateer held the office about six months, and then resigned. He is now Deputy County Clerk of Richland County. He was succeeded by Harrison May, the pres¬ ent incumbent, in August, 1876.

It was made a money-order office the first of October, 1877. The first order was issued to Harrison May, in favor of Hugh Kirk¬ wood, Centralia, Ill., and was for $6.80. It was dated Oct. 1, 1877. The first order paid was issued at Carmi, Oct. 23, 1877, to James L. Dunning, and was paid to James Shephard. The amount was $15. During the year ending Oct. 1, 1882, the number of orders issued was 413, and the number paid was sixty-four. The total number issued up to Oct. 1, 1882, was 2,037. The sales of postage stamps amounted to over $500 a year.

The first business firm in Norris City was Harper, Ritchie & Co., who commenced to deal in general merchandise in 1871. In that same year the store of 5. May & Co. was built. Since then the village has grown steadily, and now, in the fall of 1882, its prospects are brighter than ever before. The population of the vil¬ lage, a trifle over 400 in 1880, is now 500.

Besides the firms mentioned above, there are two blacksmith and wagon, shops, one harness shop and one hotel, the Cleavelin House. The medical profession here is represented by six members, as fol¬ lows: R. B. Lemmon, C. F. Ingersoll, Elijah Forter, C. C. Green, M. S. Green and J. D. Smith. There are no members of the legal profession in the village.

Elevator

The grain elevator of May & Gossett was built in the summer of 1878 by Messrs. May & Gossett. It is on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad, about 300 yards from the depot. It is 30 x 60 feet, two stories in height, and has a capacity of 12,000 bushels. The firm has had as much as 8,000 bushels in it at one time. During the season just ended they have handled 25,000 bushels of wheat, which was shipped to New York and Baltimore.

The school-house at Norris City, which is in school district number 6, was erected in 1871, at a cost of $1,800. It soon after became a graded school, the first principal of which was Melville W. Spencer. He was assisted by Andrew Millspaugh. The next principal was James B. Green, who taught three years, two of which he was assisted by Milton Green, and the other by John Varney. Mr. Green was succeeded by Robert Hammond, who taught one year as principal, when he was assisted by John Wal¬ ters. E. T. Bowers then acted as principal two years, assisted by RobertJ Hammond. W. P. Gossett then tan ht one year, assisted

May Lodge, No. 718, A. JB. <& A. M., was chartered Oct. 7, 1874, with a membership of eleven, as follows: Harry a W B. Jones, H.J. Beck, W. L. Howard, John Fairweather, John A. Spence, R. N. Johnson, W. E. Jennings, John J. Fnnkhonser, A. B. Emerson and George E. Burnett. The first officers were: Harry May, W. M.; W. L. Howard, S. W. ; H. J. Beck, J. W. ; R. N. Johnson, Secretary; E. B. Emerson, Treasurer; Wm. B. Jones, S. D.; W. E. Jennings, J. D.; John Fairweather, Tyler. The office of Worshipful Master has been held, successively, by Harry May, W. E. Jennings and William Weaver. The present officers of the lodge are as follows: W. E. Jennings, W. M. ; W. B. Jones, S. W. ; H. J. Beck, J. W. ; E. S. Boyd, Treasurer; R. N. John¬ son, Secretary; Wm. M. Boyd, S. D.; B. P. Shaw, J. D.; J. H. Brown, Chaplain; J. A. Lasater, Tyler. The present membership ot the lodge is twenty-six. The lodge is prosperous, financially and otherwise. It meets Thursday, on or before the full moon of each month, at Boyd's Hall.

Norris City Lodge , No. 179, A. O. U. W., was organized March 25, 1881, by Grand Master Workman C. E. McDowell, of Carmi, with a membership of thirty-nine. The first officers were as fol¬ lows: C. C. Barnes, Installing Officer and P. M. W.; Alfred Hammell, M. W. ; E. A. Lasater, Foreman; F. M. De Board, Overseer; H. L. Rice, Recorder; R. E. Delap, Receiver; R. S. Kriger, Fi¬ nancier; Wm. P. Gossett, Gnide; W. H. Gossett, I. W.; Henry Carroll, O. W. ; Trustees, H. J. Beck, for term ending July, 1881; Thomas L. And, for term ending December, 1881; Wm. N. Robb, for term ending Jnly, 1882. The office of Master Workman has been held successively by Alfred Hammell, Wm. P. Gossett, R A. Gott, H. L. Rice. The present officrs, choseen in July, 1882 are as follows: R. A. Gott, P. M. W.; H. L. Rice, M. W. ; D. H. Gott, Foreman; JohnG. Wilson, Overseer; C. E. Barnes, Recorder and Financier; William Norris, Receiver; Michael McGinly, Guide; H.J. Beck, I. W.; A. G. Black, O. W.; Trustees, Wm. Oliver, John R. Edmonds and John D. Gossett; Installing Officer, Will, iam P. Gossett. The membership of the lodge is now thirty-fonr.

and the lodge is in good condition generally. The representative to the last Grand Lodge was Wm. P. Gossett. The lodge meets Wednesday evening of each week, at their hall.

The Norris City Literary Society was organized in the spring of 1882, through the efforts of several parties interested in social and intellectual discipline. The attention of the members was given principally to dramatic exercises, of which several were rendered in public. Among these were " Don't Lend your Um¬ brella," which was presented to a good audience and was a success in everyway; i4 Deeds, not Words," which was given a month later to an appreciative audience in Boyd's Hall. The society dis¬ continued its meetings on the approach of warm weather, but it is the intention of the members to commence again in the near future. The present officers are as follows: M. S. Green, President; H. L. Rice, Secretary; R. S. Kriger, Treasurer.

Blue Ribbon Movement. - This was started in 1878 by a num¬ ber of citizens of Norris City and vicinity; among the most promi¬ nent were: James McNabb, A. G. Black, Wm. Oliver, J. J Johnson, B. F. De Board, H. Wakeford, John D. Gossett, Dr. Enoch Foster, Mrs. Dr. Foster, W. N. Green, Dr. C. C. Green, Mrs. T. S. Barnes and Mrs. M. Wheeler. Judge C. S. Conger and James Fackney, of Carmi, assisted the movement, and were present and spoke before the society several times. The society became very strong, containing over 400 members, and met for a time every week, on Wednesday evening. The first President was A. G. Black; Vice-President, B. F. De Board; Secretary, E. S. Boyd. The meetings were continued about one year, and were held in Johnson's Hall. The meetings were then discontinued, but the good they accomplished was permanent in effect, and is now plainly visible in the elevated tone and character of the peo¬ ple of the village and vicinity.

Norris City Mills

William B. Jones is proprietor of saw, flouring and wool-card¬ ing mill, situated on the west side of the O. & M. R. R. The mill was built in 1870 by Weber & Son, who sold to Mr. Jones in 1872. Grind every day except Mondays; saw lumber occasion ally. The boiler is 24 feet by 42 inches; 25 horse-power engine, Custom work is done in all departments; grinding department a specialty; first-class flour and best quality.

Ebeneezer Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at least fifty years ago, by the friends of that denomination living immediately south of Carmi. Among the prominent first members of the society were: Henry To well and wife, John Vineyard and wife, Henry Trusty and wife, Walter McCoy and wife, Robert De Board, Joel Boleijack and wife, Abram Gossett and wife, Robert Bruce and wife, William Bruce and wife, William Canada and wife, William Millspaugh and wife, Charles Cook and wife, 8. S. Brill and wife, and Hannah Cook. The first pastors of the church were of course itinerants, and, having a large circuit to travel, visited this church seldom oftener than once in three weeks. Among the earliest pastors were: Rev. Charles Coker, who died in the service of the church in Southern Illinois, about 1840; Rev. Mr. Lowpath, of German birth, and immediately from Ohio, who is still in the South¬ ern Illinois Conference; Rev. Charles Slocum, who came here about 1835, and preached for a number of years; he was considered a very able worker and did a great deal of good in the community; he died many years ago. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Crow, of Gallatin County. The church has a membership of about sixty. The present church edifice was erected in 1878, at a cost of $800. The seating capacity is about 200. The Sunday-school is in a flourishing condition, having an average attendance of fifty. The Superintendent is William L. Bruce, who is earnestly working for the welfare of the pupils.

The Mount Oval Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized in 1863, by Rev. F. C. Wilson, of Hamilton County. He preached in this section of country about twenty years, and then went to Texas, in 1876, where he died the 16th of September, 1882. The credit of organizing the church is largely due to Rev. Thomas Joyner, of Tennessee, who preached in this neighborhood for two years before the organization of the society, and worked up the proper spirit among the people to induce them to organize. Mr. Joyner is still residing about two miles north of the church. Mr. Wilson was followed in the pulpit by Rev. William Green, of White County, who served the congregation about five years, and then went to Arkansas. He was followed by Rev. William Purdue, of William¬ son County, who remained three years. He was well liked by his congregation, and went from here only to pursue his studies fur¬ ther. He is now in Colorado Springs, Col., publishing a denomi- national paper. The society next called to their pulpit Rev. James Green, of this county, who is now serving his fourth year with the church. The church edifice was erected in 1872, and is eituated on section 7, in the southern part of the township. It cost the society about $1,300, and will seat 350 persons. In building this church, one man, not a member of the society, paid $125, and, being a member of the building committee, eventually paid about $250, with the most Christian cheerfulness. He is now an elder of the church. The Sunday-school, organized about 1867, now has an average attendance of about sixty. The first Superintendent was William Walters, and the present incumbent is A. J. Tarrant. The church was organized with sixteen members, and has steadily pros¬ pered until it has now over 160. The first Elders of the church are still living, and their names are as follows: Johnllughes, Elijah Shaw and William Walters. The church has kept up a regular weekly prayer-meeting on each Tuesday evening, without intermission since the organization of the society. It is an item of interest in connection with the history of this church, that all the organic mem¬ bers but one are still living. That one is James P. Garrison. The society has held a series of protracted meetings each year; and these were especially successful in 1873 and 1874, in which latter year there were sixty-three conversions. The Mount Oval church is one of the strongest religion societies in the township. Its membership comprises many living in Hamilton County, the church being situated near the county line.

Norris Cumberland Presbyterian, Church, was organized Nov. 29, 1876, by Rev. John Crawford. The charter members were the following: E. Foster and wife, A. Parks and wife, Martha Barnes, Hettie Barnes, Henry J. Beek, Charles Barnes, George Floyd and wife, A. G. Black, J. J. J ohnson, W. H. Bajan and wife, Mahala Wilson, M. N. Thompson and wife, J. Hill and wife, Mary C. Hill, Louisa J. Weaver, Mary Powell and Elizabeth A. De Lap. The first Clerk was A. G. Black one year, and the next was L. M. Ramsey, who has held the office ever since. The first pastor was C. W. Hutchinson; and the present one, R. N. Davis. Services are held once a month; Sabbath-school and prayer¬ meeting every Sabbath; number of communicants, seventy-two.

Middle Point Indian Creek T0Wn8Hip

ander Trousdale, Henry McMnrtry, Kater Herald, William Eu¬ banks and John Eubanks, most of whom came before 1820. The postoffice at this point was established in 1874, and Alfred Pearce has been Postmaster from that time till now. There is one store there now.

The Village Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized Sept. 22, 1819, and the church building was located on section 11, south of Norris City. It is one ot the oldest religious organiza¬ tions in this part of the State, and derives its name as follows : In the early day several families settled in the vicinity, and the custom became prevalent of calling their settlement " The Village," hence their church became "The Village Church." It is beauti¬ fully situated on a little knoll, and near it is the old grave-yard, which contains the remains of many of the oldest settlers. Under the auspices of this church, camp-meetings were held for fifty-two consecutive years, - a record equaled by few localities. Some of these camp-meetings were of great magnitude and attracted multitudes from the country for a great distance. Many conver¬ sions were made at these camp-meetings, and many interesting stories are told of them by those in whose minds the memory of those times is yet green. The church has held services with remark¬ able regularity, which was only interrupted in 1874, when for a year or so no services were held, many of the members having joined the Mount Oval church and other societies in the vicinity. Among the first members were Alexander Trousdale and wife, Ed¬ ward Garrett and wife, Priscilla Davis, Polly Davis, Robert Davis and Samuel Hill and wife. The first Elders of the church were Henry McMurtry, Austin Hill and Samuel Hill. The first pastor of the church was Rev. David Macklin, of Tennessee, who remained with the congregation till his death. The uext to fill the pulpit was Rev. J esse Pearce, also of Tennessee, who preached for many years, until by his death the pulpit again became vacant. He was followed by Rev. John Porter, of Kentucky, who preached until his death. After the services were discontinued, little was done by the congre¬ gation until Jan. 4, 1875, when they met and adopted measures to revive the work. They were successful in this, and the meetings have been held without intermission since. They employed Rev. William Trousdale, who remained but a few months, and was then followed by Rev. R. M. Davis, of Omaha, and he by Rev. William Purdue. Next came Rev. Erastus Bowers, who was in turn suc¬ ceeded by Rev. George Montgomery. He resigned, to accept a position in the academy at Enfield, and was followed by Rev. Frank McQuay, of Norris City. The present membership of the church is 125. The Sunday-school is in a flourishing condition, with an average attendance of about fifty.

Roland

The settlement of Roland was made about 1859, on section 12 near the line of Herald's Prairie Township. Among the first set¬ tlers were John Porter (died shortly after; the village was laid off on his farm), D. M. Porter (now in business at Roland), D. W. Gal¬ loway (still living near Roland), T. S. Barnes (now in Norris City), John Canada (dead), and James A. Porter, still living at Omaha, Gallatin County. The first store was kept by Captain D. M. Por¬ ter, who is still doing a thriving business.

General Baptist Church (Powell Church). - This church was or¬ ganized in the fall of 1872. by Rev. Mr. Hart, with eight members - Bettie Satterfield, Kate Satterfield, Jane Acord, William Holland and wife, Robert Cummings, and Wilson Hale and wife. They pur¬ chased the Powell Church in May, 1875. The house was built by Daniel Powell, about twenty years ago, for the Predestinarian Bap¬ tists, but they never organized a church there. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Hart, and he was succeeded by Revs. James McIntosh, David Ashley, William Clark and John Cox. There are now 100 members. Services are held once a month; Sabbath-school and prayer-meetings once a week. Wilson Hale and B. Green are the present Deacons, and Rev. Mr. Ashby the present pastor.

The Union Presbyterian Church is situated one and a half miles northwest of Norris City, and was built in 1863. It now has over a hundred members, and is in a flourishing condition. The present pastor is Rev. James Green.

The Norris City Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in March, 1882, with a membership of twelve. They have no church edifice, but measures are being taken to erect one this winter (1882-'3). At present their services are being held in Boyd's Hall, by Rev. L. F. Crow. They have a Sunday-school of an aver¬ age attendance of thirty, which was organized shortly before the church society. The Superintendent of the Sunday-school is John D. Gossett.

Sacramento

was laid out in the spring of 1857. The first building was erected by Joel Rice, who kept hotel. John N. McClellan built and ran a store soon after the town was laid out. Archibald B. Rice also built a dwelling and blacksmith shop the same year. John Green also bnilt a store. The two Rices, George B. McCarthy and W. Steele laid out the village, and employed John Storms, then County Surveyor, to do the surveying and platting. George B. Mc¬ Carthy kept a saloon in 1858-'9; he died in 1861, and John E. Glasco bought the property. Joel Rice died in his hotel in 1862. George L. McClellan is an old pioneer of this vicinity; was born Feb. 14, 1817; his father, John McClellan, settled here in the fall of 1816. He married Fannie Winkler, and they had one child - Margaret. Mr. McL.'s twin brother was the first one buried in Sharon Cem¬ etery; it was in 1817.

Macedonia Baptist Church was organized in July, 1878, by Elders J. M. Billingsby and W. W. Hay. The charter members were: J. C. Henson, Sarah J. Henson, George R. Henson, Orpha Henson, N. A. Yarney, W. M. Henson, Emanuel Pyle and Ruth Yeatch. The meeting for this organization was held in a grove near Sharon church, were they continued to worship until cool weather, when the O. & M. R. R. Co. gave them permission to worship in the depot at Sacramento. Here they held meetings one year; then bnilt a house at Sacramento. It is a commodious frame structure, 30 x 48 feet There are now forty-three members. The present pastor is W. W. Hay, who preaches here once a month. Sabbath-school and prayer-meetings are held weekly during nine months of the year, being omitted during the summer months. The Deacons are: J. C. Henson, A. Pyle, Joel Rice and James M. Hagood; George R. Henson, Clerk.

Elisha Barnett , section 12, Indian Creek Township, was born in Gallatin County, Ill., Oct. 27, 1824. His father, Joseph Barnett* was a native of Kentucky, but came to Gallatin County with his father when a boy, and settled on Eagle Creek. Elisha was reared in the woods and educated in the subscription schools. He has shot two bears and one panther, when a boy, besides numerous deer and wolves. He ground corn with a horse mill, turned by oxen, and bolted flour by hand. He came to White County in January,

1848, and has been engaged in farming. He has cleared two farms, both times from the stamp, and had to cut the trees to get the stamps. He has also improved two other farms; has always been a hard worker. Jan. 16, 1845, he married Mahala Walts. Of their five children three are living - George W., Mary A. and Elvey. Mrs. Barnett died in 1851. Mr. Barnett married again Mrs. Annie Berry. They had one son - John, deceased. Mrs. Barnett had four children by her first husband, only one living - William Berry. Mrs. Barnett died in 1853, and he married Mrs. Lucinda Atkinson. They were the parents of four children, three liv¬ ing - Joseph, Susanna and Lauretta. His wife died in 1861, and he again married Mrs. Mary J. Grubbs. They have one child, de¬ ceased. Mrs. Barnett has two children by her first marriage - Abigail (Mrs. Ohrisman) and David W. Grubbs. Mr. Barnett is a prominent and successful veterinary surgeon.

A. G. Black , born in Indian Creek Township, July 13, 1850, is a son of James Black, a native of South Carolina, who came to this county about 1839, and now resides in this township. A. G. was reared on a farm, and learned the blacksmith's trade when young, and is now engaged in blacksmithing and carriage and wagon mak¬ ing. He is doing a good business. He was married in January, 1869, to Julia A., daughter of J. J. Johnson. They were the par¬ ents of three children, all deceased. His wife died in 1874. In December, 1876, he married Margaret A. Pearce. Of their four children, but one is living - James M. Mr. Black is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and A. O. U. W. He was Police Magistrate of Norris City four years. Mr. and Mrs. Black are members of the Presbyterian church.

James Black , born in South Carolina, March 22, 1855, was a son of Alexander Black, a native of Ireland. He was reared a farmer's boy on the Catawba River, fifteen miles east of Yorkville, York District, S. C. He came to this county and settled in Indian Creek Township in 1838, where he still resides. He was married in 1838 to Mary E. Giles. Of their thirteen children, only five are living - Mary P., Elizabeth J., Andrew G., Isabella S. A. and John W. An orphan grandson, Christopher C., son of Robert T. Black, re¬ sides with the family. Mrs. Black died in 1873. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. He has always been a hard working man, and has cleared many acres of land.

James K . Bolerjacky section 18, Indian Creek Township, was born in this county, June 12, 1822. He is a son of John Bolerjack, a native of North Carolina, who came to this county in 1818.

James K. attended the early schools of the county, but they were very poor and he is mostly self-edacated. He taught from 1857 to 1861 in Sacramento. In those early days bears and deer were abun¬ dant. His father killed a bear within thirty steps of where they now live. He was married March 4, 1846, to Mary, daughter of George, and sister of William McKenzie, of Norris City. Of their nine children, only seven are living - William H., George W., James C., Silas W., Sarah E., Robert S. and Lorin K. He has been School Trustee for nine years, and School Director for thirteen years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Nor¬ ris City; has been a member of the Methodist church forty years.

Boyd Bros., hardware, stoves, tinware, glassware, farm machinery and groceries, Main street, Norris City, established their store in 1878. They have a capital stock of $5,000, with annual sales of from $15,000 to $18,000, and their trade constantly increasing. This firm is composed of Edwin S. and William M. Boyd, both natives of Gallatin County, Ill. They were reared on a farm, and the former graduated from Qnincy College, Ill., in June, 1875. The latter was educated in the schools of this vicinity. Edwin S. married Louisa K. Knight, daughter of G. B. Knight, of this county. They have one child - Mabel. William M. married Hettie M., daughter of Henry Wakeford, of Norris. They have one child - Walter. They are both members of the Masonic fraternity

John H . Brill, born in Livingston County, Ky., March 26, 1813, is a son of Solomon F. Brill (deceased). He came to this county with his parents in 1816. His educational advantages were very limited. His father died when he was only thirteen or fourteen years of age, and as he was the oldest one then at home he had to work hard to assist the others. He was married in 1833 to Esther Moore. She died, and he married his second wife, Sina Trout, Feb. 1, 1844. They had one child - Eliza, who married Geo. P. Phelps and died at the age of twenty-one, leaving one child, Anna B. Phelps, now sixteen years of age.

Captain /Solomon S. Brill, born a mile and a half east of Norris City, March 1, 1819, is a son of Solomon and Nancy (Jacobs) Brill. His father was a native of Virginia, of German descent, settled in Tennessee when a young man, then went to Kentucky, and from there to this county in 1816. He died here in Septem¬ ber, 1827. His uncle, Henry Brill, was in the war of 1812, and died in the hospital in Norfolk, Va. His mother was of Scotch descent and died here in 1863, while her son was in the army. Mr.

Brill has resided in this county all his life with the exception of four or five years spent in Hamilton County, Ill. He served a year in the Mexican war, in Company I, Third Illinois Regiment; was in the battles of Yera Cruz and Cerro Gordo. He enlisted in the late war in Company G, Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry. He and Lieutenant Wakefield raised the company and he was elected Captaio. He served till Jan. 9, 1865, when he resigned on ac¬ count of disability, having been wounded in the head at Fort Donelson, the plate on his cap being the only thing that saved his life. He was in the battles of Fort Henry, Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Corinth; was taken prisoner at Holly Springs, Dec. 20, 1862; was paroled and sent to St. Louis and exchanged at Benton Barracks. As they were marching to the landing to take the boat they heard of the fall of Yicksburg, and their hats flew into the air amid yells of joy. He was married March 21, 1839, to Josephine, daughter of Robert Millspaugh, a native of Simpson County, Ky. Her father came from New York State in 1816 and settled in Ken¬ tucky. Mr. Brill cut and split 1,000 rails to pay for his marriage license, and another 1,000 to buy a pair of shoes. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and of the the Murphy movement. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William L. Bruce , section 5, Indian Creek Township, was born in Carmi Township, June 29, 1831. Hi9 father, John Bruce, was a native of North Carolina. William L. has been a life-long farmer. He has always lived in this county with the exception of three or four years spent in Gallatin County. He was married in Gallatin County in 1851, to Jane Givan, a native of Hardin County, Ill., and a daughter of John Hardin. They are the parents of ten children, five living - Harriet (Mrs. Witcher), George N., Annie (Mrs. Maxfield), William S., and Sarah E. He is a mem¬ ber of the Methodist Episcopal church in Ebenezer. He has been a Steward and Class-Leader several years, and is now Sunday-school Superintendent.

Daniel Bryant , born in Herald's Prairie Township, White County, Ill., Jan. 3, 1832, is a son of William Bryant, an old pioneer of this county. He was reared on a farm in the brush. He has grubbed, picked, piled and burned brush by firelight many times. His educational advantages were limited. His father died when he was small, and there was a large family and his mother was poor. The family all had to work hard, and they had a hard time to get along. He worked by the month seven years. March

Indian Creek T0Wn8Hip

18, 1856, he married Catharine Austin. They are the parents of eleven children, ten living - Sarah, Rhoda, Elvira, Mahala, Will¬ iam, George, Henry, Charles, Emily, and Cornelius. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant are members of the Missionary Baptist church.

John Cook , farmer and stock-raiser, section 6, Indian Creek Township, is a son of John L. Cook, and was bom in Hamilton County, TIL, Sept. 5, 1824. He came to this county in the winter of 1845-*6. He was married in 1845 to Sallie C., daughter of William M. Bagley, of Norris City. They are the parents of eleven children, six living - John M., Lewis H., Frances I., Silas D., Marshall E. and Willis E. He owns a farm of 200 acres, seventy of which is in this county and the rest in Hamilton County. Mr. Cook was Supervisor one year, Road Commissioner three years, School Trustee about twenty years, and School Director a number of years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Ebenezer, near Norris City.

John M. Cooky son of John and Sallie E. (Bagley) Cook, was born in Indian Creek Township, Aug. 1, 1854. He was educated in the common schools and the Enfield High School. He is a prominent teacher; has taught forty-five months in White County, six months in Hamilton County, and is now teaching in Union District, Iudian Creek Township. He was married Aug. 27, 1878, to Laura, daughter of William Carlyle, of Gossett. They have had two children - May, deceased, and Earl. Mr. Cook was Township Assessor for 1882.

John De Lap was born in Tennessee in 1819, and came to this county in 1832 and entered some land in Indian Creek Township. In 1833 he went to Tennessee and married Melinda Harrel, re¬ turned to this township with his wife and located on section 6, Town 6, Indian Creek Township, where he cleared a farm. He was one of the best farmers in the county. He died on his farm June 7, 1873, and is buried in the Mt. Oval Cemetery. He was the father of twelve children, ten living - Polly, Catherine, Matilda, Joel H., Raby, John, Margaret J., Ella C., James, Julia. Mrs. De Lap is living, aged seventy-three, and is hale and hearty.

William De Lap was born in Tennessee, March 26, 1821. His father, William De Lap, was a native of South Carolina ; brought his family to this county in 1830. The first year he rented a farm of the Widow Brill, and the next year located on section 10, Indian Creek Township, where his son now lives. William, Jr., has cleared a great deal of land. He has always worked hard but has bad no educational advantages. He was married Jan. 26, 1845, to Mary, daughter of John L. Davis (deceased), who settled here in an early day. She was born in Georgia in 1828. They are the parents of nine children, eight living - Nancy 0., Carah 0., John H., William M., Martha J., Robert M., Mary A. and Andy F. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He owns 233 acres and is engaged in farming and stock-raising.

Charles W. Edwards , section 16, Indian Creek Township, was born July 27, 1837, in Gallatin County, Ill., in School-town 7. His father, John Edwards (deceased), was a native of Virginia, and came to Illinois about 1817. Charles W. has always been a farmer. He was educated in the common schools of this vicinity. In 1858 he married Eliza J. Trousdale. She died in December, 1870, leaving four children - Marshall, Marion, John and Martha. In October, 1876, he married Mrs. Mary C. Millspaugh. They have two children - Charles and Emma. Mrs. Edwards had one son, John D. Millspaugh. Mr. Edwards moved across the line in 1862, his farm lying in two counties. He is an Elder in the Cum¬ berland Presbyterian church in Palestine or Omaha. His father was born Jan. 1, 1790, and died in November, 1879. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church sixty years and an Elder thirty years.

Edwin B. Emerson , M. Z?., was born in this township, Nov. 22, 1836. His father, Hon. Reuben Emerson, came to this county from Middle Tennessee with his parents in 1815. He was a miller in Carmi in an early day, and was County Judge and Justice of the Peace many years, and Representative one year. He married Susan Roberts, and had a family of five children - Elizabeth J., William H., Edwin B., Clarence A., and Mary I. (deceased). Mrs. Emerson is deceased. Edwin B. was educated in Carmi. He read medicine three years with Dr. Stewart, of Carmi. He began practice in Carmi in 1867. In 1869 he came to Stokes, where he has built up a good practice. He also owns a farm, which, with the old homestead, he runs by hired labor. He was married in May, 1872, to Florence, daughter of Robert Wilson. They have three children - Florence W., Edwin B., and Harry. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He enlisted in the late war in Company I, First Illinois Cavalry; and served a year. He was then elected First Lieutenant of Company C, Eighty-seventh Illi¬ nois Mounted Infantry, and served three years. He was with the regiment in all its numerous battles.

Daniel P. Eubanks , section 14, Indian Creek Township, was born in this township, March 6, 1830. His father, John Enbanks, was a native of Virginia, and came to this county in 1818. He was in the Black Hawk war and the war of 1812. He was in the battle of New Orleans; was then only sixteen years old. Daniel P. was reared on a farm and educated in the subscription school of the early days. He was married May 7, 1858, to Jane E., daughter of Samuel Porter (deceased). They are the parents of four chil¬ dren - Laura J., Mary L. and Ida J. One daughter, Sarah E. (Mrs. Cross), died Aug. 16, 1881, at the age of seventeen. Mr. Eubanks was elected Sheriff in 1868, and again in 1878. He has made several important arrests.

Elijah Foster , M. D., Norris City, was born in Clermont County, O., Nov. 22, 1824. He is a son of Francis Foster, of Vir¬ ginia, who settled in Ohio in an early day. He was reared on a farm. He graduated from the Eclectic Medical School of Cincin¬ nati in 1855, and settled in Gallatin County, Ill., the same year. He began practice in New Market, and remained there seven years. In 1862 he came to this county, going first to Roland, and in 1875 came to Norris City, where he has built up a good prac¬ tice. He was married iu 1856, to Minnie Ware, who died in a few months. In 1862 he married Mollie J., daughter of William Mc¬ Gill, of this township. He is a Master Mason.

Thomas B . Garrison , farmer and stock-raiser, section 4, In¬ dian Creek Township, was born in Sumner County, Tenn., June 27, 1834. He is a son of Gomer Garrison, of North Carolina, who moved to this county in 1837. He was reared and educated in this county. In 1854 he married Martha A. Davis. They were the parents of three children - James, Monroe, and Susan P. The lat¬ ter died at the age of twenty. Mrs. Garrison died, and Mr. Garri¬ son married Jane West. Two children were born to them - Cyrus P. (deceased), and Lula. Mr. Garrison owns 173 acres of fine land.

William R . Garrison, section 3, Indian Creek Township, was born in Sumner County, Tenn., about twenty irfiles from Nashua, July 2, 1821. His father, Richard Garrison, came to this county in the fall of 1821, and settled on the place where William R. now resides. His mother was Nancy Eubanks. William R. is the fourth of ten children, six boys and four girls, and the eldest now living. His mother died in 1840, and his father in 1847. His father was a 6oldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Garrison's sister

Abram Gossett (deceased) was born in Montgomery County* Tenn., in 1791. His father, John Gossett, a native of South Caro¬ lina, of German descent, was a minister of the Methodist church for seventy-five years, and was killed by being thrown from his horse when on his way to an appointment, at the age of 104 years. He was the father of eighteen sons and four daughters, all the children of one wife. Abram is the youngest son and twentieth child. He came to this county in 1835, and located in Indian Creek Township. Twenty acres were cleared. He always worked hard, and cleared a large amount of land. He married Rebecca Batz They had five children - Mary A., Caroline, William J., Martha A. and one deceased. Mrs. Gossett died in 1828. In 1832 he mar¬ ried Martha Walters. Of their six children five are living - John D., Lucy E., Thomas, Abram and Eliza. Mr. Gossett died in April, 1844.

John D. Gossett, section 29, Indian Creek Township, was born in Sumner County, Tenn., July 17, 1831. His father, Abram Gos¬ sett, came to this county in 1835. John D. was reared on a farm, but as his parents were poor his education was limited. His par¬ ents died when he was small, and after that he had no schooling. He was bound out, and had to work hard. He was married Oct 20, 1853, to Matilda, daughter of John DeLap, and a native of this county. They have had seven children, three living - Martha, William H. and Etta. William H. clerks for H. May, of Norris. Mr. Gossett owns 334 acres of fine land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has been a member of the Methodist Epis¬ copal church for thirty years. He is a member of the A. O. U. W.

William J. Gossett , section 30, Indian Creek Township, was born in Montgomery County, Tenn., April 28, 1824, and is a son of Abram Gossett (deceased). He came to this county with liis parents in 1835, and has lived here to the present time, with the exception of fifteen years spent in Hamilton County, at different times. He was in the late war in Company G, Twenty-ninth Illi¬ nois Infantry, under Captain Brill. He wentin as Orderly Sergeant, and came out Second Lieutenant. He was in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson (where he was wounded), Corinth; was capt¬ ured at Holly Springs, and taken to St. Louis and exchanged. He resigned in September, 1863, on account of disability. He was

Christopher C . Greene , M. D ., Norris City, was born on Black Warrior River, Ala., near where Tuscaloosa now stands, sixty miles from any white inhabitant, May 22, 1821. His father, Will¬ iam B. Greene, had settled among the Indians a short time pre¬ vious with his young wife. She died when Christopher was born. He was nursed by an Indian squaw of the Cherokee tribe for nine months, when his father took him to Blount County, Tenn., and left him with his grandfather, where he remained till he was five years old. His father then married and took him to his home in Jackson County, Ala. In 1839 he went to Tennessee, and in 1840 came to Gallatin County, Ill. He read medicine about ten months in Shelbyville, Tenn. He taught school and farmed for seventeen years, and practiced occasionally. He moved to this county in 1847; began regular practice in 1858. In March, 1879, he came to Norris City, where he has built up a large practice. He is the in¬ ventor of a medicine that will absolutely cure cancer in every in¬ stance; discovered by experimenting on his first case. He has cured forty-three cancers. He has been a Justice of the Peace fourteen years, and Supervisor three years. He was married July 29, 1839, to Nancy C. Brown. They are the parents of ten chil¬ dren, seven living - William, Wiley N., James B., Milton S., Mary A., Catharine and Macklin. Two daughters, Elizabeth and Louisa, died after marriage. Both left families.

Wilson Haley son of William Hale, of North Carolina, was born in Middle Tennessee, in 1826. He had no educational advantages- He came to White County in 1836, where he has since lived. He has always worked hard and has acquired all his property by his own labor. He now owns 410 acres of fine land and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He resides on section 36, Indian Creek Township. When he arrived here in 1837, he had only 10 cents in money and one bed to sleep on. He was married in 1846, to Caroline Northeote. To them have been born eleven children, only seven living - Biphenia, Minerva, Tennessee, Thomas, Irena, John and Ellen. He belongs to the General Baptist church. His son Thomas is a subscriber for " White County History."

George C. Redly , section 23, Iudian Creek Township, was born near Cleveland, O., March 11, 1836. His father, Calvin Healy, moved to Jefferson County, Ill., in 1839, to Hamilton County in 1841, and to this county in 1846. George C. attended school in the log-cabin school-houses. He ground corn on a stumpmill; could grind a bushel in a half a day. He went bare-headed till he was fifteen years old, and only had one pair of shoes a year and those were raw-hide, or trough tanned. He was married March 2, 1861, to Mary, daughter of William Bryant, an early settler of this county. They are the parents of ten children, eight living, - Daniel, Sarah, Louisa, Jabez, Artie C., Ella J., Florence and Orpha D. Francis M. and Louisa are deceased. He is a member of the Regular Baptist church. He owns 150 acres of good land and is engaged in farming.

George H. Henson , farmer, section 3, Indian Creek Township, was born in East Tennessee, Oct. 29, 1848, and is a son of Jesse C. Henson, now of Indian Creek. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He was married Sept. 22, 1870, to Orpha O., daughter of Henry Rice (deceased). They are the parents of six children - Bertha (deceased), William, Clayton, Edna A. and Ettia A. (twins), and Gracie. He is a member of the Baptist church.

Jesse C. Henson , farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, Indian Creek Township, was born in East Tennessee, J une 5, 1822, and is a 6on of John Henson, a native of Virginia. He was reared on a farm and educated in the subscription schools. He came to this county in 1852. October, 1843, he married Sarah J. Court¬ ney. They are the parents of twelve children, seven living - Josephine, George R., William M., James M., Mary, Calvin, and Sarah E. Mr. Henson is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. He owns 150 acres of fine land.

Hugh J. Hill was born in Indian Creek Township, March 15, 1829, and is a son of John Hill, deceased. Hugh J. is the eldest of two children. Mr. Hill has always been a farmer, but is very ingenious and can work at both the carpenter and mason's trades, though he never served an apprenticeship in either. He was mar¬ ried Feb. 2, 1853, to Sarah L., daughter of Samuel Porter. They are the parents of thirteen children, nine living - Samuel, Harvey, Alice, Margaret, Thomas, Henry, Joseph, Isaac and Ewing. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church; has been an Elder ten years. He served as Commissioner of Highways one term.

John F . Hilly section 17, Indian Creek Township, was born in this township, June 28, 1827. His father, Austin Hill, was a na¬ tive of Hanover County, Va., but was taken by his parents to

Sumner County, Tenn., when five years old, and soon after to Ken¬ tucky, and to this county in 1819. John F. was reared on a farm, and educated in the log-cabin school-house. He and the boys cleared about 100 acres in the woods. He was married Sept. 11, 1848, to Rebecca, daughter of Thomas M. Vineyard. Of their ten children, but six are living - Hezekiah, Albert, Mary 0., Dola, John M. and Minnie B. One son, Thos. A., died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. Hill was Constable eight years, Township Collector one year, and is now Commissioner of Highways. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Mr. Hill com¬ menced life with fifty cents and a horse.

Thomas M. Hill , section 22, township 6, range 8 east, was born in Indian Creek Township, June 31, 1844. His father, Austin Hill, was a native of Hanover County, Va., and came to this county with his parents when a boy. He helped cut a portion of the State road from McLeansboro to Shawneetown. He was Constable and J ustice of the Peace many years; was Associate County J udge twelve years. The most of his life he held some office. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church from his twelfth year till his death. Was an Elder in the church forty years. He was a hard worker and faithful Christian. He died March 6, 1873. Thomas M. was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. He en¬ listed in the late war in Company H, One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois Infantry, and was discharged after eight months for disa¬ bility. Oct. 24, 1864, he married Eliza J. Flick. They have had seven children, six living - Sarah L., William H., S. Austin, Artie M., Charles E. and Adda J. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He has been running a sorghum evaporator for the past seven years.

William B . Jones , born near El Dorado, Saline Co. (then Galla¬ tin), Ill., Oct. 14, 1829. His father, Wm. C., was a native of Alabama, and came to Illinois in 1826 or '27. He came to this county in December, 1872. He was married in December, 1871, to Elizabeth Berry. Of their nine children, five are living - Sarah J., John F., Catherine M., Harry and Hattie (twins). Mrs. Jones died in March, 1873, and in June, 1874, he married Mrs. Sarah T. Joyner. They have had two children, both dead. Mrs. Jones's son, George B. Joyner, died in 1881, aged sixteen years. Mr. Jones was Sheriff of Saline County in 1871 -'72. He is a Master Mason ; has been through the subordinate lodge of I. O. O. F. and is now in the encampment.

W. J. Kerr was bom in Guernsey County, 0.5 Nov. 6, 1854. Hi6 father, W. J. Kerr, is a native of Cork, and his mother of Dublin, Ireland. They came to this country at an early day and lived in Ohio till the Morgan raid through that State, when they went to Mexico, Mo.; from there to Xenia, Clay Co., III., and in 1875 went to California, where they still live. W. J., Jr., went to Flora, Ill., and clerked in Graham's dry-goods store until 1879. He then commenced the hardware business in August, 1881. He sold that and went to farming in White and Gallatin counties, and resides in Norris City. He was married Sept. 25, 1877, to Flor¬ ence Dagley, who was born in White County, Oct. 29, 1856. They have one child - Mary Graham, born Aug. 16, 1878. Mrs. Kerr is the daughter of Robert W. Dagley, a native of White County, born in 1830. His aunt was a sister of Daniel Boone, of Kentucky. The Dagleys were among the first settlers of White County. The old double log cabin is still standing on the hillside in Herald's Prairie Township, on the farm now owned by H. Dagley. It was one of the first cabins built in the county. Mr. Dagley's wife, formerly Mrs. Sarah Lane Powell, is also a native of White County, born in 1838.

James H. Langford , Norris City, was born in this township, Aug. 17, 1837. His father, Richard Langford, was born in Vir¬ ginia in 1798, of English descent. He moved to North Carolina in 1819, and in 1828 came to this county, where he resided, engaged in farming till his death, Dec. 25, 1877. James H. was educated in this county. He was engaged in farming several years, and still has a farm which his sons carry on. He had a grocery here in 1873, and in 1877 had a drug store, in which business he did well. He has been Justice of the Peace for the past six years, and is the present incumbent; was also Constable for this township five or six years. He was married March 23, 1859, to Sarah E. Pearce. They have nine children - John R., Nora A., Joseph A., James P., Henry M., William A., Daniel B., George W., and Charles F., all at home. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

William H. Lowe> Gossett, was born in Miami County, O., Aug. 9, 1833. His father, George Lowe, was a native of England, and came to America in 1832, locating on the Little Miami River. In 1834 he moved to Cincinnati, where he died in 1855. William II. was educated in Cincinnati and learned the hatter's trade when seventeen years of age. He came to this county in 1865, and en- gaged in farming till 1877. He then opened a general merchan¬ dise store in Gossett where he is doing a good business. He is also Postmaster. He was married Aug. 14, 1859, to Emily H., daughter of Bartlett Garrett. She was born in Gallatin County,

111., Nov. 16, 1840, and died Sept. 17, 1882. She was a faithful Christian woman, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Of their thirteen children, but four are living - Willie

William P. Mann , born in Randolph County, Ill., July 27, 1846, is a son of John B. Mann, also a native of Randolph County. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. In the late war he enlisted in Company I, Forty-Second Illinois Infantry, and served two years. He was in the battles ot Nash¬ ville, Resaca and others, and discharged Jan. 10, 1866. In No¬ vember, 1866, he came to this county, where he has since resided, with the exception of two years spent in his native county. He has been Postmaster at Sacramento at different times, serving in all seven years. Since 1872, with the exception of four months, he has been agent of the O. & M. R. R. Oct. 1, 1868, he married Maria E., daughter of William J. Veatch, of Enfield. They are the parents of five children, four living - Lillia A., Cora J., John H. and Frank M.

William McKenzie, , pioneer of Norris, was bora in Knoxville, Tenn., Dec. 22, 1814, and carne with his parents, through Indians and wild animals, to this county, in December, 1816. He was reared iu the woods and educated in the log cabins of the early days. He has cleared and hired over 300 acres of land. He has been engaged in farming till the last ten years, and now resides in Norris. He was married Aug. 16, 1836, to Mary Hardester. They were the parents of fourteen children, nine living - Sarah, Aaron S., Elizabeth, John P., Nancy, Indiana, William T., Mar¬ tha and Lucinda. He has sixty-five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. He was in the late war eleven months; was First Lieu¬ tenant of Company B, Fifty-sixth Illinois Infantry; was in the battle of Corinth; resigned on account of disability. He had two sons and five son-in-laws in the army, and lost three of the latter. Politically he is a Republican.

came to America with his family in 1846 and located in Evansville, Ind. Michael learned the trade of a millwright and followed it in Indiana till 1876, when he came to this county. Jan. 7, 1852, he married Anna Krapf. They are the parents of six children, five living - Michael, Joseph and Christina (twins), Katie and John. The deceased was a twin of Katie. The family are mem¬ bers of the Catholic church of Ridgeway. During the late war he served three years and a half in the Sixth Indiana Battery. He was appointed Captain for his bravery at Shiloh. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Holly Springs, Corinth, Vicksburg, Sturges's raid, Gun-Town raid, Tupelo and others.

Michael Millspaugh , born in Hamilton County, Ill., April 17, 1841, is a son of William Millspaugh, who came to White County with his parents in 1830, and several years later went to Hamilton County, returning to this county in 1848. Michael received a common-school education and lived on the farm till the war, when be enlisted in Company G, Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry. He was in the battle of Fort Donelson; was on detached service over a year, and in the postal service at Vicksburg. After the war he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he is still working in Sac¬ ramento. He was married March 16, 1865, to Mary P., daughter of James Black, of this township. Of their four children only three are living - William J., Laura R. and Abby L.

James A . Morris , section 29, Indian Creek Township, was born in Murray County, Tenn., May 30, 1818. He is a son of Edward Morris, a native of Virginia, who came to Illinois in 1829 and set¬ tled in Hamilton County. In 1841 he came to Gallatin County and settled on the place where Texas City now is; went back to Hamilton County in 1845, and in 1848 came to White County. He had no school advantages when young and did not learn to read and write till after his marriage. He was married Feb. 17, 1841, to Rebecca J., daughter of Solomon and sister of Captain S. S. Brill. Ttiey were the parents of nine children, only six living - John F., Nancy 0., Josephine, Edmond S., Benjamin C. and Maria J. Mary C. and James M. are dead. Mary C. was married and left a family of five children. The family are members of the Baptist church. Politi¬ cally he is a Democrat. He enlisted in the late war in Company G, Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry ; was in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh. He was wounded at the latter place and sent to the hospital and from there home. After being home five weeks he started back and was captured, but was paroled in five

Miles T. Nation, section 17, Indian Creek Township, was born iu Spring Hill Township, White County, Feb. 11, 1837. His father, William Nation, of North Carolina, settled where Spring Hill Vil¬ lage now stands, in 1823. Miles T. received his early education in a log-cabin subscription school. Dec. 19, 1858, he married Eliza J. Meelar. They had three children, two living - William A. and Mary E. Mrs. Nation died Nov. 20, 1863, and May 19, 1864, he married Frances L. Groves. Of their five children but three are living - Lucinda A., J ulia O. and Izra S. His wife died April 14, 1875. July 23, 1875, Mr. Nation married Eliza J. Jacobs. They had one child (deceased). Mrs. Nation died July 16, 1879. Sept. 7, 1879, he married Susannah, daughter of Elisha Barnett. They have had two children, one living - David M. Mr. Nation enlisted in the late war, in Company E, One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois Infantry. After two months' faithful service he was dis¬ charged for disability. He has served three years as School Di¬ rector.

William Oliver , attorney, Norris City, was born in Jackson County, O., Sept. 12, 1836. His father, Charles Oliver, was a na¬ tive of Mason County, Va., and moved to Ohio in 1832. He was reared on a farm and educated himself by studying at home. He attended school only thirty- two days. He worked in the day and studied at night. He came to this county in 1854, where he has since lived. He resides on section 27, Indian Creek Township, where he has 135 acres. He read law and has practiced for the last ten years. He has a good practice; is also Notary Public. He was Justice of the Peace fourteen years. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. He was married Nov. 19, 1859, to Sarah A., daughter of Thomas M. Vineyard, an old settler of this county. They are the parents of ten children, eight living - Arnold P., Angelo P., Clement E., Ida S., William R., Ella C., Darwin C. and Frenchie.

John H. Orr , born in Pennsylvania, Washington County, Aug. 7, 1826, was a son of James and Elizabeth (Grant) Orr, natives of Pennsylvania. The father's sire was from Ireland, and settled, on landing in New York, in Lancaster, Pa., and the mother's parents were from Germany, and moved to Pennsylvania, the border of civilization at that time. James and Elizabeth Orr's family con¬ sisted of eight children - John H., Sarah (deceased in Pennsylvania), Margaret (Mrs. John DeNormandy, Washington County, Pa.),

Nancy (Mrs. Absalom B. Snyder, Washington Coonty, Pa.), Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph S. Martin, of Allen Connty, Kan.), William (living at Hot Springs, Ark.), Samuel H., of Kansas City. Mr. Orr came to New Haven in the spring of 1851, where he remained some eight years. His trade being that of a joiner and carpenter, he found ready work when that place had one of its periodical times of activity. He moved to White County in 1860, into Indian Creek Precinct, where he has since resided. He mar¬ ried, March, 1856, Mary M. Acord, daughter of Volentine and Elizabeth (Oliver) Acord, both natives of Virginia. Their chil¬ dren are - an infant, born May 13, 1857, died before named; an¬ other infant, unnamed (deceased), jborn June 17, 1859; John F. and Mary E., born June 18, 1860; James P., born June 29, 1862; Martha C., Jan. 15, 1864; Ruth A., Nov. 4, 1866; Joseph H., March 21, 1868 (deceased); Orpha H., Aug 4, 1870; Florence B.,. bom Aug. 16, 1872; Emma C., Dec. 1, 1874; Sarah E., July 2, 1877. Mr. Orr, by 6trict attention to business, good calculation, and honest frugality, has won for himself and family a good home and a fine farm, of which he can well be proud.

Capt. Alfred Pearce , of Middlepoint, Indian Creek Township* was born in Middlepoint, June 18, 1818. His father, James Pearce, came to Middlepoint from North Carolina in 1817, and cleared the farm where Alfred now lives. Hedied in 1836. Captain Alfred Pearce owns 160 acres of good land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married in 1845 to Mary A., daughter of Richard Langford (deceased). They are the parents of ten children, seven living - Rebecca E. Mexico, Mary C., Mar¬ tha W., Louisa K., James C., Alfred P., and Laura A. One daugh¬ ter, Julia A., died in July, 1822, aged twenty-six years. Mrs. Pearce died in March, 1865. Mr. Pearce is Township Super¬ visor, but is not an office-seeker. He was Captain of a mili¬ tary company when a young man, hence his title. He is a mem¬ ber of the A. F. & A. M.

Captain David M. Porter , Roland, was born nine miles from Jacksonville, Morgan Co., Ill., Dec. 7, 1826, and came with his parents to White County in 1832, and settled where Ro¬ land now is. It was then woods and the place where they located was a grapevine thicket. David M. and his brothers cleared the land where the village now stands. His father, John Porter, was a saddler and Presbyterian minister. Captain Porter was reared here. The first school he attended was in an old log cabin that had been built for a stable. When he was seventeen he went to school in Equality nineteen months, driving a stage every alter¬ nate night to Skawneetown and back to obtain money to defray his expenses. He continued to drive the stage for seven years. He was married in the fall of 1849, to Barbara Slater. They were the parents of three children, all dead. One daughter Laura was a young lady. Mrs. Porter died in 1856, and Captain Porter was married again to Mary E. Riley. Of their four children only one is living - John L., fourteen years old and in school at Enfield. His wife died in 1874, and in June, 1878, he married Laura A. Mount. They have one child - Fred. Captain Porter kept a grocery in New Haven, Gallatin County, a year, and then, in 1852, came back to this county and engaged in the mercantile business with M. J. Pearce, on section 12, Indian Creek Township. In 1854 he came to Roland and went into business alone. During the late war he served three years as Captain of Company H, One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois Infantry; was in the battles of Vicksburg, and Lake Providence; was taken prisoner while on Sturges' raid and was in Anderson ville, Macon, Ga., Columbia, Charlotte, N. C.f and Raleigh prisons; was exchanged in March, 1865. His store was closed during the war, but after his return he resumed business. He has a general store and carries a stock of $12,000, doing an annual business of $40,000. He also owns and runs the Excelsior steam flouring mills, at Roland. They have three run of stones and make a fine grade of flour. He took his son-in-law, R. G. Rice, as a partner in 1875, and he is still a partner. Captain Porter is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in the village. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Thomas I. Porter , born ' in Roland, Indian Creek Township, May 19, 1846, was a son of Samuel Porter, a native of the South, who came to this county from Kentucky, and died here in 1851. He received his education in the schools of this vicinity. He enlisted in the Rebellion, in Company G, Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, when only sixteen years old. He was in the battles of Mobile, Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort; was taken prisoner at Holly Springs, Miss.; was taken to St. Louis, and exchanged; was on detached ser¬ vice in the Commissary Department, on the Red River, during the latter part of the war. He returned home in 1865; worked for his board and went to school during the winter, and in the summer worked on a farm and studied every day. He took his books into the field and studied while resting. He then taught the next win- ter, and studied when he had time. He taught six years, and painted during vacations. He became a good house painter. He then had charge of a store in Sacramento for Barnes, four years. In 1874 he was elected Sheriff, and re-ele6ted in 1876. He arrested John Aikin, the murderer of Augustus Steward, fourteen years after the murder. An inj ured cousin of Aikin's wrote to Mr. Por¬ ter, telling him of his whereabouts. He was in Colorado near Greenwood, on Hard Scrabble Creek. Mr. Porter went to Green¬ wood, twenty-five miles from Canon City, and made the postmas¬ ter tell him where Aikin lived. He took two men from there and went to his house, pretended they were of a party from Chicago on a fishing excursion, and offered Aikin $5 to show them the way back to Greenwood, it being midnight. When they got to a level place, full of rocks, the deputy, who was a few feet behind, called, " Halt. " Mr. Porter then leveled his gun at Aikin's breast, and made him throw up his hands. Mr. Porter arrested and handcuffed three negroes who had escaped from the Henderson (Ky.) jail. He followed a forger to California and brought him back; followed two murderers, Thomas Pickering and his son William, to Texas, and arrested them; followed a criminal to Washington Territory and arrested him. He has made more arrests than any other man in Southern Illinois, and has had many narrow escapes. Some burglars tried to get into Barnes's store one night in J une, 1882. He was a partner in the store. He was lying awake, and heard two men talk¬ ing under the window. He got up and dressed, and watched them; soon they went to a blacksmith's shop, and brought some tools to the back door of the store and began work. Mr. Porter then wak¬ ened Barnes and his son and went around to the back of the store, while Barnes was to make a a noise at the front door. As he came near the back of the house, one in ambush shot him, but a small book in his side pocket saved him. The villain ran, and Mr. Porter shot him, for traces of blood were found the next morning. He was married in 1867, to Mollie Pearce. They had one child - Maud. Mrs. Porter died in 1870, and in 1872 he married Mattie Pierce. Of their three children, two are living - Daisy and May- Mr. Porter is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Samuel N. Ramsey , born in Columbiana County, O., Nov. 5, 1832, is a son of SamuelRamsey, a native of Pennsylvania. He lived on a farm till he was twenty-four years old, when he learned the carpenter's trade. He came to this county in 1865. He was married April 14, 1854, to Mrs. Emily Douglass, daughter of

William Vaughn, and a native of Columbiana County, O. They are the parents of three children, two living - Eli W. and Jacob E.; Uzzial W. died in July, 1880, at the age of eighteen years. The sons work with their father at the carpenter's trade. Mrs. Ramsey had two children by her former marriage - Jasper N. and John Douglass. The family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Norris City.