Will County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 25 of 29)

WESLEY P. RAY, (Ray & Thompson, dealers in grain, coal, live and dressed hogs), Wilmington ; b irn in Monroe, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Dec. 28, 1825 ; removed to Western New York when about 7 years of age, his parents locating in Chautauqua Co.; in 1840, he removed to the State of Michigan; thence to Illinois in 1844, lolocating at Lockport, this county, and four years later, came to Wilmington, his present home; in 1850, he went to California, by the way of the Isthmus, reaching San Francisco, then a city of tents, in November of that year, and engaged in mining operations, which he followed till 1855 ; then returned to the States ; his second trip to the Pacific Slope was made in 1860, by the overland route ; spent considerable time in prospecting in the mining districts of California, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, and, in 1862, his exploring party (led by a Mr. Grimes, who was killed in an encounter with the Indians) discovered the Boise mines of Idaho ; he was also among the first at the Owyhee mines, and in 1863, he discovered the Poor Man's Mine, which proved to be one of the richest silver-mines of the Pacific Slope. Married Jan. 1, 1850, to Miss Susan L. Tuttle, who was born near Portland, Me.; had five children by this union, four living - R. Belle, Joseph H., Georgie L. and Susie ; Prank died in 1876 from injuries sustained while getting ofi' the cars near Joliet.

JOHN P. RANSOM, Justice of the Peace and insurance agent, Wilmington ; born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Nov. 29, 1817 ; removed to Illinois in June, 1844, locating in what is now Richmond Tp., Mc- Henry Co.; served as Assessor in that town in 1850 ; this was the first assessment made after the township organization ; he followed farming until 1851 ; then engaged as millwright till 1862. Enlisted in Co. H, 95th 111. V. I., Aug 13, 1862 ; commissioned Second Lieutenant in June, 1863, having command of the company in all the following engagements : Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Red River campaign, Guntown, Miss., siege of Mobile an d battle at N ash vill e ; mustered out Aug. 22, 1865. Removed to Wilmington in 1868, and engaged in the grocery business ; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1 873 ; re-elected in 1 877. Married in December, 1842, to Jane M. Denison, who was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y.; she died in 1849 ; had two children by this union, one living - Mariah, widow of Eugene I. Thomas ; Ellen, wife of A. Brown, died in June, 1866. He was again married in 1850 to Louisa A. Streeter ;.she was born in Ontario Co., N. Y.; had two children, one living - -John C; Martha died in 1855. Mr. R.isamember of Wilmington Lodge. No. 208, A., P. & A. M. and Will Lodge,' No. 301, I. 0. 0. F.

1843; moved to Ottawa Co., Mich., in 1855, where he resided until 1870, removino; to Topeka, Kan., that year ; came to Wilmington, his present home, in 1875. Married in 1871 to Miss Frances E. Spencer, who was born in Branch Co., Mich., in 1853 ; have three children by this union - Elanor M., Mary A. and Eva M. Mr. Eowe is a member of Wilmington Lodge, No. 208, A., P. & A. M. He enlisted in the 3d Mich. V. I. in June, 1861 ; transferred to Battery K, first U. S. Artillery, Jan. 3, 1863, and remained in the service until June 10, 1864; participated ^ during his term of service in the following battles: Blackburn's Ford, July 18, 19, and 20, 1861 ; first Bull Run, July 21 ; all engagements on the Peninsula up to and including the battle of Williamsburg; Chancellorsville, May 4, 1863 ; Beverley's Ford, June 9 ; Upperville, June 19, 20 and 21; Gettysburg, Md., July 3 ; Williamsport, July 6 ; Boonsboro, July 7 and 8 ; Brandy Station, Aug. 1 and 4; Culpoper, Sept. 13; Rapidan River, Sept.l4; movements against Richmond from May 4to Juoe 10, 1864.

FRANCIS SHIELDS, groceries and farming, Wilmington; born in County Roscommon, Ireland, in 1833 ; removed to this country in 1852, locating in New York City, where he engaged as clerk in a wholesale dry goods house, and, two y^ars later, came to this State, locating at Wilmington ; in 1856, he engaged in the grocery business ; owns 410 acres of land, valued at $10,450, and city property valued at $10,000. Married in 1857 to iVliss Elizabeth Mahar, who was born in Queens County, Ireland ; nine children by ' this union, six of whom are living - Thomas, Mary A., Caroline, Agnes, William and Julia ; lost three - Francis, died in September, 1862 ; Michael, Sept. 29, 1864 ; Ann, Aug. 21, 1868.

SAMUEL SILLIiMAN, boots, shoes, hats and caps, Wilmington , born in Williams Co., Ohio, June 3, 1848, where he resided until his removal to Wilmington, his present home, in 1870 ; engaged in his present business in the spring of 1874. Married, in 1877, to Miss Lettie, daughter of John Thomson ; she was born in the city of Wilmington ; they have one child - Chauncy L.

CHARLES E. STINSON (Trott & Stinson), homeopathic physician, Wilmington; born near Bath, Me., Jan. 22 1848, where he resided until he came West ; he received his early education at Litchfield Academy, graduating at that institution in 1869. and, in September of the following year, removed to IlliDois, locating at Wilmington, where he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. S. E. Trott ; he completed his course of study in the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, and graduated with the class of '72 and '73 ; commenced the practice of medieine in this city in 1873, and, the following year, removed to Pontiac, where he continued his practice for two years, returning to Wilmington at the expiration of that time ; he is a member of the Will Lodge, No. 301, I. 0. 0. F.

ELI D. SMALL, dealer in lumber and agent for the negotiation of loans, Wilmington; born in Noblesville, Bamilton Co., Ind., March 5, 1841, but removed to Ohio in early childhood, wiih his father's family ; thence to this State in 1851, locating in Wilmington Tp., this county ; came to the city of Wilmington, his present home, in 1854; since 1862, he has been engaged in the lumber trade and boating, in connection with other business ; ui 1867, he engaged in mercantile business, under the firm name of Small Bros., which continued till January, 1872, when he disposed of his interest in the store, and engaged in the lumber business on a more extensive scale, under the firm name of E. D. Small & Co. ; they own propeller Mohawk Belle, and ship all lumber by way of canal and river to their lumber-yards at this place - Horse Creek and Hanford's Landing, the one at Horse Creek opened in 1875, and the latter in 1878. Several. experiments have been made by different parties, and, up to 1866, over $260,000 had been expended on the lUinois & Michigan Canal and Illinois River in devising ways and means by which steam could be made a cheaper means of transportation on the canals than horse-power; great credit is due Mr. Small, owner of the Mohawk Belle, and N. RuUison, owner of the Whale, for their persistency and final success in this undertaking. In June, 1871, he was married to Miss Kate W., youngest daughter of I. B. McGinnes, of Gardner, 111. ; she was born in New Brunswick, N. J.; two children

MALCOLM N. M. STEWART, banking, Wilmington ; born in Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., N. Y., July 24, 1834, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth Stewart; in 1836, his father's' family removed to Illinois, locating in the north part of the present city of Wilmington, the location having been selected by his father the year previous ; this has been the home of the subject of this sketch since the above date. At the breaking-out of the war in 1861, he enlisted in the Chicago Dragoons (April 17), being the first volunteer from Will Co.; on the 15th of July, 1862, he enlisted in the 100th I. V. I., receiving tis commission of First Lieutenant of Co. A on the 30th of the following month ; promoted to Captain in September, 1864, and on the 13th of March, 1865, received Brevet Major's commission ; during his term of service, he participated in the following battles ; Phillipi, Rich Mountain, Laurel Hill, Chaplin Hill, Stone River, Chickamauga, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Columbia, Eranklin and Nashville. Owns several tracts of farm and coal lands ; also city property. Married in 1871, to Miss Annie, eldest daughter of A. J. and Jane Molntyre ; two children by the union - Jean and Margaret. Mr. Stewart is giving considerable attention to thorough-bred horses, having imported from both Prance and England some very fine stock.

JAMES N. STEWART, farmer; P. 0. Wilmington ; born in Wilmington Tp., Will Co., 111., July 14, 1838, and is a son of Peter Stewart, who settled there in the spring of 1836; this has been the home of Mr. Stewart since childhood, and he is the oldest native-born of Wilmington Tp. ' now living ; owns an undivided interest in 1,400 acres of farm lands. He was a member of the City CounQil in 1868, and has served as President of the Board of School Inspectors one term. In 1863, he was married to Miss Emily, daughter of Charles Stowell ; she was born in St. Charles, Kane Co., 111. ; two children by this union - Edward P. and Charles J. Mr. Stewart is giving considerable attention to raising fine cattle for Chicago and other markets.

DANIEL STEWART, deceased; born in Scotland in the year 17P9 ; in 1825, he removed to this country, locating in Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he resided until 1836, when he removed to Illinois, locating near Wilmington in the fall of that year ; here he engaged in farming, which was his occupation up to the time of his death, which occurred Aug. 15, 1874. His marriage to Miss Calphurnia Jackson, of Herkimer, N. Y., was in 1836; she survived him but a few years, her death occurring Nov. 9, 1877 ; by this union, there were seven sons, only two of whom are living - Peter D. and Jerome B., now residents of Wilmington. Thomas enlisted in the 39th I. V. I. in August, 1861; wounded Oct. 13, 1864, at the battle of Petersburg, and died of wounds on the 30th of the same month ; Lincoln died at Chicasjo May 15, 1875.

JOHN D. SMALL, general stock of merchandise, Wilmington ; born in Find lay, Hancock Co., Ohio, July 10, 1846 ; removed to Illinois in the spring of 1852, locating in Wilmington; in 1864, he attended school at Notre Dame, Ind., and four years later commenced business on his own account in this city, purchasing the stock of groceries owned by M. F. Blish. Married in 1868 to Lura Phelps, who was born in Lawrence, Mich. ; three children by this union. Mr. Small is extensively engaged in the butter trade, having shipped over 100,000 pounds during the past year. ROBERT C. THOMPSON (Ray & Thompson, dealers in grain, coal, live and dressed hogs), Wilmington ; born in Gallowayshire, Scotland, Nov. 28, 1828 ; removed to this country in childhood with his father's family in 1833, stopping in New York City until the following spring, when they removed to Oneida Co., N. Y. ; in 1853, he removed to Illinois, locating in Wilmington, his present home, and soon after engaged in boating on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, which he followed some five years, and then took the position of foreman for Taylor & Co, of Joliet, stone contractors ; a few years later, he engaged in the grocery and provision business at Wilmington, and, in 1868, in the grain trade under the firm name of Ray & Thompson. Has served as Deputy Sheriff of Will Co. four years, Supervisor of Wilmington Tp. three years, and mem- ber of the City Council six years. Married ia 1856 to Miss Christie Zuell, who was born in Johnston, Fulton Co., N. Y. ; one child - Sarah L. Mr. Thompson served as foreman on the mason work in the constructioQ of Rush and Madison Street Bridges, Chicago, using the debris of old Fort Dearborn for the abutment of the former.

DAVID C. THOMPSON, manufacturer of carriages and farm-wagons, Wilmington ; born in Wigtonshire, Scotland, Oct. 20, 1820 ; came to this country with his father's family in 1834, settling in Oneida Co., N. Y. ; in 1850, he removed to Illinois, locating in Wilmington, his present home, and four years later engaged in his present business, in which he has continued since. Owns eighty acres of land in this county, valued at $1,500; eighty acres in Minnesota, valued at $1,000, and city property valued at $10,000. Married in 1847 to Miss Ellen Wright, who was born in England; she died in 1853; three children by this union, one living - James W. John C. died in 1849 ; Samuel in 1853. Was again married in 1856 to Miss Helen, daughter of H. D. Risley ; she was born in Salina, Onondaga Co., N. Y. ; five children by this union, four living - Ellen B., Jesse D., Frederick W., Helen J. Minerva J. died Nov. 24, 1871.

STINSON E. TROTT f Trott & Stinson), homeopathic physician, Wilmington; born in Whitefield, Lincoln Co., Me., Oct. 26, 1842 ; he received his early education at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, located at Readfield, Me. ; in the winter of 1864 and 1865, he attended lectures at the Commercial Hospital and Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating at the Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago in 1867 ; he commenced the practice - of medicine in Iroquois Co. , this State, in 1866, and two years later removed to Wilmington, his present home, where he has been in the constant practice of his profession since, having also taken an active part in the business interests of the city, especially in connection with the water-power, being instrumental in securing the location of the paper-mill and the adoption by the City Council of the Holly systeiVi for protecting the city from fire ; elected Mayor of the city of Wilmington in March,

1877, and is the present incumbent. Married in 1873 to Miss Augusta J. Swarthout, who was born in Romulus, Seneca Co., N. Y. ; one child by this union - Josephine.

Edwin Ruthven Willard

EDWIN RUTHVEN WILLARD, physician and surgeon, Wilmington ; born in Aurora, Erie Co., N. Y., Aug. 29, 1829 ; his father, Samuel Willard, was the son of Nathaniel Willard, of Lancaster, Mass. ; he received his education at Fowler's and McElvane's seminaries, ia the States of New York and Michigan, and commenced the study of medicine in the office of Samuel Niles, M. D., in 1848 ; attended Rush Medical College, Chicago, graduating at that institution in 1852, locating at Wilmington, his present home, the same year. Served as Vice President of Will Co. Medical Society in 1861, Secretary in 1865, President in 1876 and member of the Board of Censors of the same ; he is also a member of the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association ; his contributions to medical literature consist of papers on " Puerperal Fever," " Inversion of the Uterus," " Extraordinary Surgical Cases," " Perineal Section," " Placenta Praevia," " Diphtheria," etc. ; he has also furnished the press with frequent contributions. During the war of the rebellion he was Surgeon of the 13th I. V. C. ; held also the different positions of brigade, division and post surgeon ; he continued in active service in the medical department until after the close of the war, Und during his term of service was at the following battles : Shiloh, siege of Vicksburg, Bayou Metre, Austin, Little Rock, Benton, Batesville. Pine BlufF, Arkadelphia, Okolona. Little Missouri River, Prairie de Ann, Camden, Jenkins' Ferry, Cross Roads, Mount Elba, Douglas Landing and Montioello. Served as Supervisor in 1866 -67, School Inspector several terms and member of the City Council in 1866-67. In 1868, he engaged in the drug business, under the firm name of Willard & Fox, and, the following year, purchased his part^ ner's interest; owns 315 acres of land, valued at $15,750, and city property valued at $10,000. Married Sept. 27, 1853, to Miss Ann Mcintosh, who was born in New York ; five children by this union - George E., now practicing medicine in the city of Chicago; Eufjene S., Marcia G. A., Samuel and Daniel McI. The Doctor has been in the constant practice of his profession in this vicinity since 1852.

ANDREW D. WRIGHT, dry goods, Wilmington ; born near Edinburgh, Scotland, Aug. 6, 1833, but removed to Canada in early childhood, with his parents ; in 1858, he came to Illinois, locating at Chicago, where for a time he was employed as clerk in the wholesale and retail establishmentof Potter Palmer; in 1861, heremoved to Elgin, Kane Co., and engaged in the dry goods business, under the firm name of Wright & Martin ; some two years later, he sold his interest in the store to his partner, and afterward was engaged in business at Seneca, La Salle Co., under the firm name of Wright & Duck ; removed to Wilmington in 1868, and engaged in his present business. Married in 1863 to Miss Susanna B. H. Duck, who was born near Naperville, 111. ; four children by this union - Archibald D., Mabel J., Lottie L. and Georgie L.

CHARLES M. WILLARD, Wilmington ; born in Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1820, where he resided until 1859, then removing to Steuben Co., Ind. ; while a resident of the State of New York, he followed teaching for many years ; in March, 1869, he came to this State, locating at Wilmington , engaging as clerk in the drug store of E. W. Willard for several years. Mr. W. is a member of Will Lodge, No. 301, I. 0. 0. F.

ERASTUS W. WILLARD, druggist, books and stationery, Wilmington ; born in Allegany Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1838 ; removed to Illinois in January, 1856, locating at Wilmington, where he engaged as clerk in the drug store of Dr. Matthew J. Johnson ; this was the first store of its kind established in the city ; Mr. Willard's present store contains a part of the furniture and fixtures of the former establishment, and, as a relic of former days, has in his possession a druggist's show-bottle, first owned by Dr. Bowen, and then by Henderson & Stewart, from whom he purchased it and its contents, the latter said to have been manufactured at Alden's distillery, and the age now not less than 30 years. In 1860, he returned to his native State, and enlisted in the 23d N. Y. V.I., in April, 1861, remaining in the army till

May, 1863 ; served as Chief Hospital Steward at Falls Church, Va., and after the army moved to other points, he was commissioned First Lieutenant in the 78th. N. Y. V. I., but did not muster; in May, 1863, he was appointed Enrolling Officer, and during the following months enrolled the township of Friendship, Allegany Co. ; returned to Illinois in September, 1863, and enlisted in the 138th 111. V. L the following April ; commissioned First Lieutenant June 21, 1864. Engaged in his present business in 1865, and, two years later, built the store he now occupies. Married in 1871 to Miss Jessie R., daughter of Dr. Daniel and Jessie Duck ; she was born near London, England ; two children - Francis D. and Erastus J. Mr. Willard is a member of the following Masonic bodies : Wilmington Lodge, No. 208, Wilmington Chapter, No. 142, and Joliet Commandery No. 4.

JAMES WHITTEN, Cashier of the First National Bank, Wilmington; borni in Canada May 2, 1829, and is a son of Andrew and Janet (McPhee) Whitten, both natives of Scotland, the former born Jan. 12, 1801, and the latter Dec. 13, 1803; they left Scotland May 21, 1821, and located to Canada the same year ; the removal of the family to Illinois was in 1838, locating first in Dresden, Grundy Co.,. thence to Wilmington in 1841 ; the subject of this sketch, together with his brother, John Whitten, J. W. Stewart, and others from this place, made the overland trip to California ; they were afterward joined by a company from Joliet, but became separated from both the Wilmington and Joliet companies, making the last four to six weeks of the journey alone, reaching the Pacific Slope in 1850; he spent about two years in the mining districts of California before his return; for several years he was engaged in merchandising and farming prior to the opening of the First National Bank of Wilmington, which was organized in 1863, and commenced business the following year, at which time he became Cashier, and has since held the position. Owns 680 acres of coal lands, valued at $68,000 ; 500 acres of farm lands, valued at $30,000, and city property valued at $20,000.

N. Y., Dec. 27, 1812, afterward residing in Livingston Co., that State, for several yeais prior to his coming West ; in 1836, he came to Illinois, Wilmington being his first location, which he reached in December of that year. Mr. Wright has been engaged in his present business for the most part since his residence here, a period of forty-two years, and in a greater portion of the buildings in this city he can see his handiwork. Owns forty acres of land in Custer Tp., this county, valued at $1,000; also city property in Wilmington.

THOMAS BURNET, farmer; P. 0. Tamarack ; was boro in Scotland in 1811, and is the son of James Burnet, a weaver by trade; Mr. Burnet, at the age of 12, commenced to learn his trade - weaver ; this business he followed while in Scotland ; in 1834, he emigrated to America ; he first stopped in Saratoga Co., N. Y. ; here he remained about one and a half years, then West to Michigan and thence to Connecticut ; from Connecticut he returned to New York, and, in 1852, he came West and settled in Will Co., 111. ; here he has remained ever since. Mr. Burnet is one of the deacons in the Union Scotch Church in Wheatland. Married Miss M. Willie, of Ayrshire, Scotland, by whom they have three children. Mr. Burnet owns 105 acres of improved land. He was the cause of naming Tamarack, as, when he came West, he brought some tamarack trees with him ; these were planted, and the present post oflSce Tamarack derived its name from these trees.

WAKREN W.B0UGHT0N,deceased, Wheatland Tp. ; the subject of this sketch was among the first settlers of Wheatland Tp. ; was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Feb. 10, 1817, and was the son of Orris and Sibyl Ann (Newel) Bqughton, who emigrated West, with six children, to Illinois, and settled in Wheatland Tp., Will Co., May, 1842 ; here they set out in farming. Orris Boughton died in August, 1843, at 61 years of age; his wife, Sibyl Ann, died in February, 1860. Mr. Warren W. Boughton married Mary Scott, born in Geauga Co., Ohio, Jan. 9, 1822. Mr. Boughton, in 1850, started for the gold-field of California, and died on his way, leaving a wife and two children - Newel J., who was a soldier in the late war; enlisted (1861) in Co. L, Boulton's

Battery, and served until the close of the war; was honorably discharged; he died in 1876. William D. is working on the old homestead, engaged in farming; was born in Wheatland Tp., Will Co., 111., Feb. 28, 1846. Married Miss Emma J. Boardman, daughter of Franklin and Mina (Bates) Boardman, who settled in Will Co. in 1844.

JAMES BARCLAY, farmer; P. 0. East Wheatland ; was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, July 16, 1820, and is the son of Andrew Barclay, a weaver by trade ; Mr. Barclay learned the trade of weaver, and was foreman in a weaving department ; in 1856, he emigrated to America, and came direct to Will Co., 111. ; here he has resided ever since, engaged in farming.

FRANKLIN BOARDMAN, farmer; P. 0. East Wheatland ; this gentleman is one of the best known farmers in Wheatland Tp. ; was born in Colchester, Vt., March 15, 1818, and is the son of Amos and Harriett (Ames) Boardman ; father was born in Burlington, Vt., October, 1789 ; was a farmer, and also engaged in the lumber business ; was a soldier of the war of 1812 ; he died March 17, 1877 ; mother was born in Vermont July 22, 1791 ; died July 29, 1846. Mr. Boardman was raised on his father's farm ; in 1844, he emigrated West, via canal and lake, to Chicago; thence by wagon and team to Will Co. ; he first lived with his uncle two years; then to the present homestead; here he has remained ever since, engaged in farming. Mr. Boardman has held several offices of public trust ; was Supervisor in 1854, 1855 and 1856; has held office as Township School Treas- urer since 1852; was appointed Postmaster at J]ast Wheatland in about 1 870. Mr. Boardman is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Baptist Church of Plainfield. He was married Sept. 2, 1842, to Mina Bates, of Colchester, Vt., daughter of George Bates, who was born in Thomson, Conn., 1786, died about 1875, and Mary (Hine) Bates, born in Colchester, Vt., March 1, 1788 ; died in the fall of 1874. Mr. Boardman came West and landed in Chicago, having but $33 in money ; he came to Will Co. ; with hard labor and good management, to-day owns a fine improved farm.

AUGUSTUS B. COTTON, farmer; P. 0. East Wheatland ; Justice of the Peace ; was born in Isle of Wight, Bng. , Sept. 14, 1828, and is the son of William and Jane (Brett) Cotton, who emigrated to America in 1841, with four children ; came direct to Will Co., 111., and settled in Plainfield; here they remained until 1843; then to Wheatland Tp. William Cotton was born in Fresh Water, Isle of Wight, Sept. 28, 1790; his wife, Jane Cotton, was born May 15, 1798 ; they returned to England, and father died at Plymouth, Eng., October, 1870 ; mother died at Leamington, Eng., May, 1870. The children are Caroline (married E. Clark), bcxn. Jan. 12, 1 818, died in the fall of 1853 ; John, born April 16, 1824, died in February, 1842 ; Cornelius, born Jan. 21, 1888, died in September, 1854; William, born July 6, 1840, and Augustus B., who married Georgianna Robins, of England, daughter of James and Sarah Robins ; came to Will Co. in September, 1843 ; parents both dead.

DETMAR DELIUS, farmer; P. 0. Aurora; was born in Germany May 12, 1812, and is the son of William Delius. Mr. Delius emigrated to America, and landed in New York City in 1852; he came West and settled near Naperville, 111.; then to the present farm; he owns eighty acres here ; he and his brother William have been engaged in farming; his brother William is now dead, having died in August, 1878.

born in Rutland Co., Vt., and is the son of Jonathan and Jerusha (Lochlin) Davis, who, in 1842, emigrated West and settled in Wheatland Tp., Will Co., 111.; here they lived until their death. Jonathan Davis was a soldier in the war of 1812, died Jan. 10, 1850, aged 64 years and 6 months ; Jerusha Davis died Feb. 9, 1850, aged 61 years ; they came to this country very poor ; they first settled, near what is now known as the Vermont Schoolhouse, which was erected by the settlers from Vermont, in about 1847. Mr. Davis is the only male that is left in the neighborhood out of a large settlement that settled in here from Vermont ; he has been engaged in farming and at his trade, wagon-making, in Will and Grundy Counties. To-day owns a fine improved farm of 160 acres of land. Married in 1847, to Miss Harriet Curtis, of Vermont, daughter of Thaddeus and Charlotte (Kimble) Curtis, of New Hampshire ; have ten children.

DAVID DAGUE, farmer and stockraiser ; P. 0. East Wheatland ; was born in Washington Co., Penn., Feb. 9, 1826 ; son of Jacob and Catharine (Belman) Dague ; father was a farmer, now living in Wayne Co., Ohio, having emigrated there when Mr. Dague was but 6 years old ; here Mr. Dague remained until he came to Will Co., 111., April 15, 1854; here he has remained ever since, engaged in farming and stock-raising, having brought to Wheatland Tp., the first Jersey stock ; this he is engaged in breeding for dairy stock ; owns 140 acres of fine, improved land, and ranks as one of the leading farmers of Will County. Married Miss C. Grill, of Pennsylvania, by whom he has had five children, three living.

JOHN EICHELBERGER, farmer; P. 0. Naperville ; this gentleman was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 21, 1814, and is the son of George Eichelberger, of Lancaster Co., Penn., who was a farmer here ; Mr. Eichelberger was brought up on a farm and farmed it through life ; in 1848, he came West to Illinois and purchased fifty-four acres of land, paying $200 for the same ; he returned East, and, in 1852, with his wife and two children, came to Will Co., 111., and settled in Wheatland Tp.; here he has remained ever since ; been engaged in farming, and, with hard labor and good management, to-day

S. B. FRASER, farmer ; P. 0. Plainfield'; ttis gentleman was born in Sullivan County, N. Y., Sept. 24, 1832, and is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Brown) Fraser, natives of Ireland, having emigrated to America when they were young ; Mr. Fraser was brought up on his father's farm, and has been engaged in farming ever since; in 1847, he started West with his father and mother, but on the way his mother took sick on the lake and died in Chicago ; came to Will Co. and ' first settled near Plainfield, then near Lockport, thence to Wheatland Tp. here he has remained ever since; owns to-day 160 acres of fine, improved land. Mr. Fraser married Miss Ann Brown, daughter of James Brown.

DAVID FRY, farmer ; P. 0. Plainfield ; was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Dec. 7, 1850, and is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Grill) Fry, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1841, then, in 1854, to Wheatland Tp., Will Co., 111.; Mr. Fry was brought up on his father's farm, and has farmed it through life. He was married, Dec. 19, 1872, to Miss Mariah Bopp ; she was born in York Co., Penn., June 27, 1857, and is the daughter of William Bopp, who was born in Saxony, Germany, in July, 1821, and Catherine (Ganserd) Bopp, bom in Baden, Germany, in 1 828 ; they emigrated to America in 1852 ; came to Illinois in 1864. Mr. Fry is a member of the German Lutheran Church, of which Church his father, Jacob, is one of the first members. Have three children.

JACOB FRY, farmer; P. 0. Plainfield ; the subject of this sketch is one of the successful farmers of Wheatland Tp.; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., March 9, 1816, and is the son of Henry Fry, a farmer ; Mr. Fry, when he was 1 2 years of age, was sent out and brought up among strangers, and remained in his native State until 1841 ; he then emigrated West to Ohio, and settled in Wayne Co. ; here he was engaged at his trade, blacksmithing, and remained until 1854 ; then came to Will Co. and settled in Wheatland Tp.; here h6 has remained ever since, engaged in farming. He was married to Miss

Catherine Grill, of Berks Co., Penn. ; had four children; when he married, he was worth about $150 cash ; he went to work at his trade, blacksmithing, saved a little money,' and invested in land, the present farm, and, with hard labor, good management and industry, to-day owns 871 acres of fine, improved land, with improvements that rank among the first of Will Co. ; Mr. Fry is one of the first members of the German Lutheran Church of Wheatland Township.

SAMUEL GRILL, farmer; P. 0. Plainfield; was born in Berks Co., Penn., 1820, and is the son of Samuel and Hannah Grill, of Pennsylvania ; his father was a farmer; Mr. Grill was brought up on his father's farm ; in 1841, he moved to Wayne Co., Ohio; here he was engaged in farming, and remained there until he came to Will Co., 111., in 1854, and settled on the farm he now owns ; when he first came here, he was worth about $3,000 ; he invested in land, and to-day is one of the successful farmers of Will Co. ; owns 404 acres of fine, improved land. Married Miss L. Dague, by whom he has had eleven children, eight living.

GEORGE HERZOG, farmer; P. 0. Plainfield ; was born in Baden, Germany, July 9, 1836, and is the son of George and Razan (Swenty) Herzog ; father was a farmer ; Mr. Herzog was raised on farm, and, in 1852, emigrated to America, with his parents ; they first settled in York Co., Penn. ; here they were engaged in farming, and, in 1858, he came to Illinois and settled in Will Co. ; here he has remained ever since ; Mr. Herzog came to this county very poor, but, with hard labor and good ' management, owns 204 acres of land, with improvements that rank with the best in Will Co. He married in 1860 Miss Sarah Grill, ot Lancaster Co., Penn., by whom he has had five children, four living. His father is now living, at the good old age of 69 years ; mother died at 52 years of age.

LEONARD HAAG, farmer; P. 0. Aurora ; was born in Germany Dec. 7, 1826, and is the son of Peter Haag, of Germany, a weaver by trade ; in 1842, with his father, mother and family, emigrated to America; first settled in New York State ; remained there about one and a half years, Ihen went West to lUi- nois, and settled in Kendall Co. ; thence to i Kane Co. ; here four years ; he then, in 1869, settled on the present farm. Mr. Haag married Miss Mary Bruner, of Germany, by whom he has eight children. Mr. Haag came to the State very poor, but, with industry, he is one of the successful farmers of Wheatland Tp. ; owns 280 acres of improved land.

CHARLES KINLEY, deceased ; was born in Nova Scotia, 1821, and the son of William Kinley, who was a farmer ; Mr. Kinley was brought up on his father's farm, and engaged in farming through life ; he came to Will Co. about 1843, and settled on the present homestead with his father and mother and eight children; his father, William Kinley, died in Oswego, 111., aged 84 years and 7 months ; Mr. Charles Kinley was a man who was loved and honored by his fellow-men ; he died June, 1861, leaving an estate of 200 acres of land, which had been made by hard labor and goo(J management, to his wife and five children. He married in 1849 Miss Mary Vinson, born in Prince Edward Island, in 1831, daughter of William and Mary (Cory) Vinson, of England, who emigrated to America 1845; now residents of Plainfield, Will Co., 111.

DANIEL LANTZ, farmer ; P. 0. Aurora ; this gentleman was born in Erie Co., Penn., Nov. 23, 1831, and is the son of Peter and Catherine (Schelly) Lantz, of Lancaster Co., Penn. ; father was a farmer, and died in Pennsylvania, at about 53 years of age ; his mother came West to Will Co., and died in 1870, at 73 years of age ; Mr. Lantz was raised on a farm ; he came West with mother and family, and settled in Wheatland Tp. ; here they first purchased eighty acres of land, set out and commenced farming, and has been engaged in farming in Wheatland Tp. ever since ; to-day, owns a fine, improved farm of 120 acres. He married Miss Elizabeth Holdiman, of Pennsylvania, by whom he has had ten children ; seven children living. Mr. Lantz has held several offices of public trust ; was Constable some ten years ; also School Trustee. Is a member of the Evangelical Church, and is one of the Trustees of this Church.

JOHN LANTZ, farmer; P. O. Naperville ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Nov. 26, 1815, and is the son of Peter and Catherine (Schelly) Lantz, of Pennsylvania ; father a farmer ; Mr. Lantz was raised on his father's farm, and, in 1850, came West to Illinois, and settled in Will Co., Wheatland Tp.; here he has been engaged in farming ; they first purchased eighty acres of land, and Mr. Lantz, by hard work and good management, at one time owned 480 acres of land. He married Annie M. Schott ; have six children - Isaac V., born 1840 (married Lena Staedle, of Germany, who died April, 1876 ; four children ; he is now farming the old homestead of 200 acres) ; Jacob, born 1842 (married Isabella Fendeman, of Illinois ; five children) ; Betsey Ann, born 1843 (married Christian Schaal ; seven children) ; Sarah L. (married Israel Stark ; seven children) ; Peter, born 1846 (married Amelia Minnich, of Pennsylvania ; two children) ; Susan born 1850 (married John Stoner ; four children). Mr. Lantz has had forty grandchildren. Is a member of the Evangelical Church.

JOHN LEPPERT, JR., farmer ; P. 0. Naperville ; was born in Baden, Germany, Sept. 26, 1833, and is the son of John and Magdalene (Baum) Leppert, of Germany ; they started for America with six children, and landed in New York City in January, 1854; they came to Will Co., 111., and arrived in Wheatland March 20, 1854; here they set out in farming; first purchased the 160 acres now owned by Mr. George Leppert, at SIO per acre ; here they have remained ever since. Mr. John Leppert, Sr., was born in Baden, Germany, Dec. 15, 1804. Mrs. Magdalene (Baum) Leppert was born March 12, 1803; she died June 11, 1878. John Leppert, Jr., was married, Jan. 24, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Studle, of Germany ; have three children-; own 160 acres of fme, improved land, which improvement was made principally by his father.

GEORGE LEPPERT, farmer ; P. 0. Aurora ; was born in Baden, Germany, in 1838, and is the son of John and Magdalene (Baum) Leppert ; father a farmer ; was born in Baden, Germany, Dec. 15, 1804; mother born March 12, 1803; with six children emigrated to America, and in January, 1854, landed in New York City; they first went to Ross Co., Ohio; here they remained about t*o months, then went to Illinois and settled in Wheat- land Tp., Will Co., on the farm that is now owned by Mr. G-eorge Leppert ; here they set out in farming ; being poor, they worked very hard, and to-day they rank among the successful farmers of Will Co. Mr. John Leppert, Sr., is one of the first members of the German Lutheran Church of Wheatland Tp.; he and Mr. Jacob Fry were 'the tir&t Trustees; these gentlemen took a very active part in erecting the present Lutheran Church of Wheatland Tp. Mrs. Magdalene Leppert died a Christian- lady, June 11, 1878. Mr. George Leppert has been married twice ; first wife was Miss Wilmina Schaefer, of Germany ; died in 1868 ; , second wife. Miss Elizabeth Westphal, of Germany ; two children - one by first wife and one by second wife. Owns 160 acres of land.

JACOB MATTER, farmer; P. 0. Naperville ; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Feb. 1, 1818, and is a son of Christian Matter (was a soldier of the war of 1812), was a shoemakgr by trade and was engaged in farming the latter years of his life. Mr. Matter learned the shoemaker trade, but, on account of his health, turned his attention to farming ; moved to Jefferson Co., Penn., with his parents; here his father died, leaving a wife and five children. In 1844, he came West to Illinois; first settled in Naperville ; his first purchase was eighty acres of Government land, at $1.25 per acre, the present farm now farmed by his son Abraham ; Mr. Matter was a resident of Aurora eight years. Married Miss Nancy Milliren, of Jefferson Co., Penn., by whom he has had ten children - five boys and five girls. Abraham was a soldier in the late war ; was taken sick at Vicksburg, Miss.; was honorably discharged.

JOHN McMICKEN, farmer; P. 0. Aurora ; the subject of this sketch was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, January, 1815, and is the son of William McMicken, a shoemaker by trade ; he, with wife and four children, emigrated to America in 1843 ; came West same year to Milwaukee, Wis., then to Chicago, thence to Aurora, III; he purchased 160 acres of Government land, at $1.25 per acre, situated on Sec. 6, Wheatland Tp., Will Co., in 1843 ; this is supposed to be the first entry of Government land in that part of Wheatland Tp. William McMicken married Grace McCracken, of Ayrshire, Scotland ; both were members of the Union Presbyterian Church of Scotland, he being an Elder of the ChurcR for a number of years; he died August, 1848, aged 65 years ; she died in 1857, aged 73 years. Mr. John McMicken is, perhaps, one of the best known farmers of Wheaton Tp.; has held several offices of public trust ; in 1857, he was elected Assessor of Wheatland Tp.; this office he filled until 1877; this year he was elected Supervisor of Wheats land Tp., which office he still holds ; also, has been Justice of the Peace for the last twelve years ; in all of these offices he has given entire satisfaction, having proved himself a gentleman of acknowledged ability, whose duties have been performed in a faithful manner. He is a Republican in politics. Mr. McMicken was married in 1852 to Miss J. Harvey, of Scotland, daughter of James Harvey. Owns 130 acres of fine, improved land.

JAMES PATTERSON, farmer; P. 0. East Wheatland ; was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, January, 1832, and is the brother of D. Patterson, who was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Oct. 8, 1829, who came to Will Co., 111., and settled in Wheatland Tp. in 1849 ; came here very poor, but, with industry, to-day they own 440 acres of land, with improvements that rank with the best of Will Co ; in 1853, they purchased the present farm from John H. Hall, who had erected a house 12x14, two stories high, the first floor used for a horse-stable, and the second story used to sleep in ; this house was also the home of Messrs. D. and J. Patterson for several years, and is now standing on the farm. Mr. D. Patterson married in 1859 Miss Jane Williamson, of Scotland, daughter of John Williamson, a farmer of Late Co., III.

THOMAS PATTERSON, farmer; P. O. East Wheatland ; was born in Scotland Jan. 14, 1822, and is the son of John and Jane (Howell) Patterson, of Scotland ; father was a farmer ; Mr. Patterson emigrated to America in 1858, and, same year, came to Will Co., 111.; here he has remained ever since. He married Miss Agnes Palmer, of England ; have three children, two daughters and one son. Owns 120 acres of improved land.

MUNGO PATTERSON, farmer; P. O. East Wheatland ; was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and is the son of John and Jane (Howell) Patterson ; his father was a farmer ; Mr. Patterson was raised on his father's farm; in 1841, he emigrated to America, and landed in New York City ; he then went to Wayne Co., N. Y.; here he was engaged in farming, and remained there until 1844. While in New York, he was married in 1842 to Miss Agnes Clow, of Scotland. In 1844, they emigrated West to Illinois, and settled in Wheatland Tp., Will Co.; here he has remained ever since, engaged in farming. Mr. Patterson is a Presbyterian in religion. Have six children ; John was in the late war ; enlisted in the .52d I. V. I., served full time and at the close of the war was honorably discharged, and is now living in Indiana.

SAMUEL E. EANCK, farmer; P. 0. East Wheatland ; was born in Lancaster Co. , Penn., Jan. 9, 1834 ; his ancestry came, in an early day, from "der Faderland," and settled Id the State, purchasing their land directly from William Penn ; Mr. Ranck is able to trace his descent in a direct line through six generations, extending through a period of 200 years ; his early life was that of a farmer's son ; he enjoyed the advantages of the public schools, and acquired a good commonschool education ; having lost his father when he was 14 years of age, his older brother and himself conducted the home farm tiU he grew to manhood ; in March, 1859, he came West to Illinois, and purchased eighty acres in Du Page Tp., Will Co., built a residence thereon, and farmed it six years; he then sold out, and purchased where he now lives. He was married in 1856, to Catherine M. Emery, a native of Pennsylvania ; she died in 1867 ; his second marriage, to Mrs. Barbara Musselman, occurred in 1868 ; from first wedlock, six children were born - Maggie A., Carrie E., Ida F., Mary C, Bffie C, Minnie A. ; of these, Mary C. is deceased. Owns 165 acres, valued at $12,000. Has held the oiBce of School Director for the past twelve years. He also owns 160 acres in Texas.

son of James and Sarah Robins ; his father was a pilot ; he, with wife and family in 1843, emigrated to America; came direct to Illinois, and settled in Wheatland Tp.; here they purchased forty acres of land, and built a small house and commenced farming; father died the second winter after they came here ; mother died Oct.

DANIEL SLICK, farmer ; P. 0. Naperville ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Aug. 7, 1823, and is the son of John and Annie (Stoner) Slick, of Lancaster Co., Penn. ; father was a carpenter by trade ; Mr. Slick at 18 commenced to learu his trade, shoemaking, and followed this principally while in Pennsylvania ; in 1844, he emigrated West to Illinois, and first settled in Du Page Co. While here, he married Margaret Swilly, of Lancaster Co., Penn. ; he then came to Will Co. ; returned to Du Page ; thence to the present farm here ; he has been engaged in farming ever since ; Mr. Slick first made a purchase of forty acres of Government land, at $1.25 per acre ; owns to-day 120 acres of fine, improved land ; when he came West he was very poor ; to-day is one of the successful farmers of Wheatland Tp. Member of the Evangelical Church.

7, 1832, and is the son of Christian and Annie Mary (Leib) Sohaal, of Germany ; emigrated to America in 1856 ; came to Illinois, and was very poor ; he first was working on a farm by the month near Naperville ; then to Will Co. ; here he worked very hard ; he saved his money, invested in land, and to-day owns a farm of 120 acres, with good improvements. He married Miss Elizabeth Lantz, of Lancaster Co., Penn., daughter of John and Annie Mary Lantz, who were among the early settlers of Wheatland Tp. ; have seven children.

JACOB STARK, farmer; P. 0. Naperville ; the subject of this sketch was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Coller) Stark, of Pennsylvania, who emigrated West in 1844, with nine children, and settled on the present farm that Mr. Stark now owns ; here they set out in farming and made all the improvements on the farm, as the country was comparatively new ;

Mr. William Stark has retired from farming, being in bis 78th year; now living in Du Page County ; Jacob Stark married Miss Mary Hartman, daughter of Adam and Susan (Buget) Hartman, of Lancaster Co., Penn., who emigrated West to Illinois, in 1842 ; have ten children. Is a member of the EvangeUcal Church. Owns 220 acres of fine, improved land.

ISRAEL STARK, farmer; P. 0. Naperville ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 11, 1842, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Coller) Stark; his father was born in Lancaster Co., Penn.; his mother was born nearPhiladelphia,Penn ; in 1844, with nine children, emigrated West to Illinois, and settled in Wheatland Tp., Will Co., on the farm where his son Jacob now lives ; here they set out in farming ; Mr. Wm. Stark having retired from farming, he moved to Plainfield, then to Naperville; at present, he is living in Du Page Co., at the good old age of 78 years. Mr. Stark married Miss Sarah Lantz, of Erie^o., Penn., by whom he has seven children. He is a member of the Evangelical Church. His brother Martin was in the late war ; enlisted in the 33d 111. V. I.; served until the end of the war and was honorably discharged.

A. S. THOMAS, farmer; P. 0., East Wheatland ; the subject of this sketch is one of the old settlers of Wheatland Tp., Will Co.; was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., June 26, 1809, and is the son of E. and Lepha (Smith) Thomas, who both died in New York ; his father was a shoemaker, tanner and currier, by trade ; Mr. Thomas learned the shoemaking trade, and followed this and farming, while in New York ; in 1837, he* and Mr. Orland Royce started in a wagon drawn by two horses, for Illinois, then the Par West, taking them the whole of November to make the trip ; they arrived in 1837 ; Mr. Thomas purchased 160 acres of the present farm at a Government land sale in Chicago, in 1839, at $1.25 per acre; he states there was not a house between his farm and Plainfield when he first came here, only a shanty standing on what is now known as Jacob Fry's farm, and also says the first frame house built in this vicinity was on the farm now owned by Wm. King. Mr. Thomas married in 1872.

ADAM THOMSON, farmer; P. 0., East Wheatland ; was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Sept. 6, 1822, and is the son of Benjamin Thomson, of Scotland ; when Mr. Thomson was but 17 years of age, he commenced to learn the carpenter trade ; this business he followed for over twentythree years, working in Scotland, England and America ; in 1854, he emigrated to America, and landed in New York City, and, on June 29, 1854, arrived in Will Co., 111.; here he has lived ever since. Mr. Thomson has held several ofiices of public trust ; at present, holds office as Township Assessor, which office he was elected to in 1877- Is a Republican in politics, and a Presbyterian in rSligion. He married Miss Mary Patterson, of Scotland.

THOMAS VARLEY,far.; P. 0., Aurora ; the subject of this sketch was born in Yorkshire, England, June 25, 1824, and is the son of William and Mary CNewsam) Varley, of England ; Mr. Varley was a laborer; in 1850, he emigrated to America, and came West to Will Co., 111.; here he worked by the day, farming ; he saved a little money by hard labor, and, in 1854, sent for his wife and three children, who arrived the same year ; he then settled on a small piece of land ; to-day he ranks as one of the successful farmers of Wheatland Tp.; owns 280 acres of fine, improved land. He married Martha Craven, of England, who died with dropsy. May, 1878.

HENRY WESTPHAL, farmer ; P. C, Aurora ; was born in Germany, Feb. 15, 1824, and is the son of Henry and Doris, (Leapstolf ) Westphal, of Germany; his father was a farmer ; here Mr. Westphal was raised on his father's farm, and, in 1857, with his parents, emigrated to America ; he came direct to Illinois, and settled in Du Page Co.; then to Will Co., and settled in Wheatland Tp.; his father and mother both died in Wheatland Tp.; when they came to this country they were very poor, but, with hard labor and good management, Mr. Westphal ranks to-day as one of the successful farmers of Will Co.; owns 245 acres of fine, improved land. He married Miss Sophia Wornkey, of Germany, by whom he has had six children - four living. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and was one of the first members of this Church in Wheatland Tp.

ARA BROWN deceased ; was born in New York, near Syracuse, Feb. 19, 1820. He married Miss Martha Hougham Oct. 11, 1846; she was born in Butler Co., Ohio, April 6, 1824; they had thirteen children, seven living, viz., Sarah, Elias, Ara, Nancy Jane, Mary, Prank and Martha May. He lived in New York fourteen years, when, with his parents, he came to Will Co., 111.' (then Cook); this was in 1835 ; he settled in this township ; his father, Peter Brown, was from New York ; he died March 7,-1841, aged 59 years 10 months and 4 days ; his mother was Miss Mary Teeple ; she died Sept. 17, 1840, aged 55 years 9 months and 2 days ; he lived with his parents until their death ; he died on the old homestead Sept. 8, 1865.

W. Z. BROWN, farmer. Sec. 15 ; P. O. Elwood ; was born on his present place May 11, 1843. He married Miss Susan Gonter March 13, 1867; she was born near Joliet April 18, 1845 ; they had four children, three living, viz., Daniel N., George R. and Willis G. He began farming on his own account when 17 years old and has always lived on his present place. His father, John Brown (deceased), was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1814, and died Dec. 15, 1848. He married Miss Susan Zarley; she was born in Scioto Co., Ohio, Jan. 2, 1820; but three of their children are living, viz., Sarah M., Mary E. and W. Z. ; he was among the first settlers of this township, having settled herein 1834. Mr. W. Z. Brown's wife's father, Michael Gonter, was born in France Aug. 2, 1812, and died Nov. 11, 1873; he married Miss Catheron Arnholt Aug. 28, 1833 ; she was born in France May 3, 1808 ; they had four children, three living, viz., Catheron, Michael and Susan ; they came to the United States in 1839, and settled near Joliet ; in 1851, they came to this township. Mrs. Gonter lives here with her daughter.

JOSHUA BUSH, farmer. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., Sept. 12, 1845. He married Miss Margaret R. Grant Jan. 1, 1867 ; she was born in this township Oct. 30, 1847 ; her father, John

Grant, was born in Scotland March 12, 1816. He married Miss Rosanna Lamping March 10, 1839 ; she was born in New York Feb. 18, 1821, and died April 16, 1843; one child living - William C. ; he married his second wife, Mrs. Kelly, formerly Miss Adaline Frazer, March 13, 1844; she was born in Virginia Dec. 18, 1815 ; they have three children living - Margarette R., John A. and James M. He settled on this farm about 1839, and j died Sept. 12, 1854. Mrs. Grant came : to this county in 1834, and settled in Wesley Tp. Mr. Bush had a family of five children, three living - Mary Ella, ; Eva May and Harry E. He came to this county with his parents when 2 years old ; in 1869, he came to his present place. In 1862, he enlisted in the 100th 111. Inf.; was in the service till the close of the war ; was in the battles of Chickamauga, Stone River, Chattanooga, Atlanta, etc. ; he was wounded at Franklin.

G. E. CO WELL, M. D., physician, Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was bora in Bradford Co., Penn., April 27, 1843. He married Miss Catheron M. Ferryman Nov. 8, 1868 ; she was born in Guernsey Co., ,Ohio, Aug. 16, 1843 ; they have one child living, viz., Nellie G. He lived in Pennsylvania twenty-two years, when he came West to Illinois, and settled in Grundy Co., at Minooka, where he read me'dioine ; in 1871, he graduated at the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, then settled at Elwood, where he has followed his profession since. In 1862, he enisled in 141st Penn. Vol. Inf., and was in the service about eighteen months ; at the battle of Chancellorsville he received five separate wounds, which disabled him from further service. He has held the office of Alderman and was President of the Temperance Society.

MERRITT 0. C AG WIN, grain dealer, Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Brockport, Monroe Co., N. Y., May 14, 1828 ; in 1836, he came West with his parents, who settled in Cook Co. (now Will), two and a half miles east of the present city of Joliet, whore his father built a saw-mill near the site of the present grist-mill, located on Hickory

Creek, known as the Red Mill. The first board sawed at this mill was the occasion of a grand ball. In Joliet, on Sept. 6, 1849, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Wheeler ; she was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., March 22, 1829, and died Julyl9, 1850 ; his present wife was Miss Ambrosia R. Higinbotham, a cousin of his fiirst wife, and the second wedding; was performed in the same house as the first, Jan. 8, 1852 ; she was born in Joliet, Cook Co. (now Will) Oct. 1, 1834. He remained at home with his parents until 1844, when he was employed in a dry goods store in Joliet, owned and managed by Messrs. J. T. McDougal and F. L. Cagwin, where he remained until October, 1 848, when he went to Chicago, and was engaged as an auctioneer until his return to Joliet in May, 1849, when he again entered the employ of Messrs. MoD. & C. ; but this time he was engaged in selling goods form a wagon on the road ; his route was an extensive one, reaching into the Wabash country in Indiana, and his average sales were $2,000 per month; in April, 1850, he again severed his connection with the Messrs. Mc. D. & C, and purchased a stock of dry goods from Geo. H. Woodrufl', Esq., which he was then closing out, and disposed of them on the road, mostly in exchange for stock - sheep and horses ; the followingyear he abandoned his wagon, and bought and drove sheep from Southern and Central Illinois and Indiana to Chicago this he continued until May, 1853, when he was taken with the gold fever, and embarked for California, where he remained but one year, engaged in transporting goods by mule pack over the mountains to furnish traders' posts and mining camps ; on his return to Joliet, he entered the grain business, and, in the following year, built the Masonic Block, which was destroyed in 1864 by fire ; in 1 858, he exchanged his Joliet property for a tract of 1,000 acres of land in Wilton Township at the head of the Twelve- Mile G-rove, situated about twelve miles southeast of Joliet, and there removed and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was Supervisor from Wilton for five successive years, and introduced before the Board the resolution creating a fund for the protection of soldiers wives and children. He disposed of his land in Wilton and returned to Joliet in November, 1864, and there again entered the grain trade in copartnership with his father, where he remained until October, 1866, when he removed to Wilmington, 111., and engaged in same business, and he was the first regular buyer on the railroad at that station. While there he was a member of City Common Council, and was one of the original " Building Committee," who accepted the plans and specifications for the present magnificent public school-building. He also was a charter member with Messrs. Whitten Bros., and to whom he sold his interest, of the firm who built the White Cloud Plouring- Mills, in August, 1869,hecame to Elwood, 111., where he has since resided, and engaged in the grain, lumber and coal business ; three months later, in November, his elevator filled with grain, was burned to the ground ; he continued his lumber and coal business, although somewhat enlarged, and in copartnership with D. B. Curran, Esq. until January, 1872, when he built a warehouse at Braidwood, and commenced business as the first grain buyer of the city ; he purchased and cribbed that winter 45,000 bushels of ear-corn ; he continued the business until December, handling over 200,000 bushels of grain, when he sold to Wm. H. Odell, Esq. ; in May, 1874, he purchased of Ed. H. Aiken the West Side' Elevator in Joliet, which he still operates in copartnership with his

PETER W. CORBIN, farmer. Seer 30; P. 0. Elwood; the subject of this sketch was born in Vermont Aug. 29, 1831. He married Miss Sarah Hill Feb. 19, 1861 ; she was born in Vermont Jan. 12, 1834; they had six children, five living, viz., Hellen I., Julia M., Carrie E., Warren H. and Aug. B. He lived lived in Vermont until he was 21 years of age ; he then went to California, his object being mining ; but not meeting with much luck, he engaged in farming, and remained there seven years ; he then came to Illinois and settled on his present place ; he started in poor circumstances, and now owns 185 acres in this township. His father settled in Will Co. while he was in California, and now lives in Wilmington Township.

1814, where his ancestors have lived ever since the settlement of New Haven in 1640, and one of whom (Maj. Moses Mansfield) destroyed the power of the Pequods in a battle, on the site of which was afterward located the village of Mansfield, named in honor of the victory. He married Miss Sarah Ann Thompson Oct. 9, 1846 ; she was born in Durham, Greene Co., N. Y., Nov. 21, 1813; her parents were from Connecticut; they have two children, viz., Edward Thompson and Elizabeth Mansfield. His son is a physician,'and resides in Florida; his daughter is married, and lives in, Joliet. He lived at his birthplace until he was 15 years old, training himself for college with the intention of becoming a physician, but failing in health he took passage on a brig bound for Barbadoes ; this was in 1829; he then engaged as a sailor, being promoted until, in 1835, he was made Captain; during one of his voyages he was shipwrecked on Long Island ; he then shipped as mate, but was soon again made Captain. He quit the sea in 1846, and engaged in general merchandise in Connecticut ; in 1850, he bought his present place, and built and occupied same in 1851. He has been Supervisor three years, also School Trustee and Road Commissioner. He owns 160 acres in this township.

P. F. DOOLEY, farmer. Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Joliet ; was born in Troy, N. Y., Aug. 3, 1835. He married Miss Sarah M. Brown March 21, 1864 ; she was born in this township May 27, 1839 ; they have six children, viz., Susannah, Eleanor, Grertrude, Sarah F., James C. Z. and Francis B. When 3 years old, his parents left New York and went to Chicago, 111., where they remained a few months, and then came to Will Co., and settled in Channahon Tp., and engaged in farming. Mr. P. F. remained there until he was 17, when he went to California ; engaged in mining and remained until 1861, when he came to this county ; in 1864, he went to Montana, and remained three years, when he returned to Will Co. and settled on his present place. He is now serving on his third term as Justice of the Peace ; he has also been School Trustee and Director. He owns 209 acres in this county. His parents were among the early settlers of Channahon. His father, James Dooley, died in 1856 ; his mother died in 1853.

HARMON DEUTSCHMAN, farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Elwood the subject of this sketch was born in Germany Feb. 25, 1851. « He married Miss Sarah Gockley Nov. 1 6, 1871 ; she was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Sept. 25, 1854 ; they have three children, viz.: Clara, born Dec. 10, 1872; Frank, born March 30, 1875; Ellen, born June 5, 1877. He lived in Germany until he was 15 years old ; he then came to the United States and settled in Will Co. with his parents. His father, William, came to this county in 1855, and worked on the farm until 1873, when he bought his present place ; he lost his wife in Germany, and he died here in 1875 ; they had but the one child. Mr. Harmon came to his present place in 1874 ; he owns 160 acres, which are well improved.

DANIEL EATON, farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Joliet ; the subject of this sketch was born in Antrim Co., Ireland, Sept. 26, 1827. He married Miss Mary McClintock Aug. 15, 1848; she was born in same place Nov. 8, 1829 ; they had ten children, six living, viz., Joseph, Daniel, Robert, Nancy, Ann and Mary. He lived in Ireland until 1855 ; was engaged in farming ; he then came to the United States, and settled in Kendall Co., 111., where he engaged in farming, and remained until 1862, when he came to Will Co., and settled on his present place. He is no oflBceseeker, his only office being connected with the school and road. He came here in poor circumstances, and now owns 300 acres, which he has principally earned by his own labor.

GEORGE EIB, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. O. Joliet ; the subject of this sketch was born in Harrison Co.', W. Va., March 17, 1816. He married Miss Mary Ann Zumaalp ; she was born in Adams Co., Ind. ; they had nine children, seven living, viz., Peter B., Louisa, Blmenda, Mary Alinda, Catheron Amanda George W.. and Jacob L. He lived in West Virginia about ten years, when with his parents, he moved to Columbus, Ohio, where they remained two years ; they then moved to Fountain Co., Ind., and remained there six years ; in 1833, they came to Illinois, and settled on their present farm. . His mother was Miss Matalena Gilbert ; born in Pennsylvania and died in Ohicr ; his father, Peter Eib, died here ; he was born in Lancaster Co., Penn. There were

FREEMAN GAY, farmer, Sec. 16; P. 0. Joliet ; the subject of this sketch was born in Kennebec (now Franklin) Co., Me., Aug. 9, 1817. He married Miss Agusta S. Gay ; she was born at the same place Aug. 3, 1820 ; they have four children, viz., Leslie P., Elsie E,., Ernest L. and Clementine M. He lived in Maine until he was 18 ; then went to Boston and learned the mason's trade ; remained ten years ; then, came West, and settled on Hickory Creek, Will Co., 111. ; this was in 1845 ; he then went near Wilmington, then back to Hickory Creek ; then to Five- Mile Grove, and, inl850, he went to California and remained four years, when he came to his present place and has lived here since ; he started in poor circumstances, and now owns 390 acres, which he has earned by his own labor.

SBTH GIBLER, farmer. Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Joliet; was born in Scioto Co., Ohio, April 2, 1839. He married Miss Mary Brown Feb. 11, 1862; she was born in this township Feb. 11, 1842 ; they have two children, viz., Bertram W. and Oscar. He lived in Ohio about fourteen years, when he came to Will Co., 111., and lived with Mr. Gabriel Noel until he was 21 ; he then engaged in farming, in company with Mr. W. Z. Brown, for two years, -when, on being married, he came to his present place ; this was in the spring of 1863. He has been Assessor some three years. He owns 135 acres in this county. His mother died in Ohio ; his father, Morgan '/ibler, lives in Piatt Co., this State.

G. F. GURNEY, farmer. Sec. 36 ; P. O. Blwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Gloucestershire, England, July 2, 1832. He married Miss Eliza Brighton Feb. 26,1857; she was born in Liverpool, England, April 12, 1837 ; she went to Scotland when young, and lived there until she was 17, when she came to the United States ; they had eight children - seven living, viz., Francis R., Elsie A.,. Elmer G., James A., Eliza M., Nellie J. and Otto H. He lived in England until 1844, when he came to the United States a^d settled in Joliet, 111. ; engaged in lahoring on the farm ; remained one year ; then to Channahon Tp., where he remained one year ; he then went to Grundy Co., remaining one year, and went to Wilmington, Will Co., where he remained two years ; then to Channahon, remaining several years ; then to Florence; then to Wilton ; and, in 1867, he settled on his present place ; he started without any capital, and now owns over 500 acres in this county.

W. W. GIFFORD, of the firm of E. Gifibrd & Son, general merchandise, Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., March 4,1844. He married Miss Lydia Bryan Sept. 24, 1867 ; she was born in Stark Co., 111., May 12, 1845; they have two children, viz., Edson B. and M. Estella. He lived in New York three years, when, with his parents, he moved to Grundy Co., 111., where they remained until 1855, and then they moved to Kendall Co., where they remained until 1872, when they came to Will Co., Ill, and settled in Elwood and engaged in their present business. In 1861, he enlisted in the 36th I, V. L; was in the service two years and four months ; was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Perry ville. Stone River and Chickamauga ; at the latter place, he was wounded and disabled from further service. He has held the offices of Town Clerk, and Village Clerk, Trustee and Treasurer.

EDSON GIFFORD, of the firm of E. Gifford & Son, general merchandise, Elwood; the subject of this sketch was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Feb. 10, 1820. He married Miss Lydia Whipple; she was born in New York ; they have had five children, two living ; his wife died while in Grundy Co. His present wife was Miss Harriet Kendall, who was the first child born in a frame house in Big Grove Tp., Kendall Co., 111.; in 1846, he left New York, and came to Grundy Co., 111., and engaged in farming ; then went to Kendall Co., and engaged in general merchandise ; then to Morris, engaging in general merchandise, and, in 1872, he came to Will Co., and settled in Elwood, where he engaged in his present business, and has continued here since.

J. L. HARLEY, farming. Sec. 33; P. 0. Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Washington Co., Va., March 29, 1830. He married Miss Ellen Turpie Oct. 28, 1859; she was born in Cincin- nati, Ohio, Oct. 11, 1833 ; they had ten children, nine living, viz., Bruce T., Ruth A., Ida B., James E., Ralph J., Theodore L., Joel A., Mary and George W. He lived in Virginia three years, then moved with his parents to Clinton Co., Ind., and lived there about five years ; while there, his father died Sept. 10, 1835'; they then moved to Carroll Co., Ind., where he remained until 1852 ; from there he went to California ; object, mining, which he pursued four years, with fair success ; he then came to his present place. He is no officeseeker, his only offices being connected with the school and road. He started in poor circumstances ; he owns 160 acres in this township, which he has earned by his own labor. His mother died in this county.

CYRUS HEMPHILL, farming. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in this township March 14, 1837. He married Miss Elizabeth Linebarger March 14, 1861 ; she was also born in this township Oct. 7, 1840 ; they have four children, viz., Daniel E., Alvin W., Luella E. and Herbert H. He has always lived in this township, except two years in Florence, and, except one child, all the family were born here. He has not been an office-seeker, his only offices being connected with the school and road. His father, James Hemphill, was born in Adams Co., Ohio, Jan. 24, 1803. He married Miss Rachel Porter ; she was born in same place June 18, 1808, and died Oct. 11, 1872 ; his father died Sept. 6, 1863 ; they were among the first settlers in this township, having settled here in 1831.

JOHN HIBNBR, farming. Sec. 8; P. O. Joliet ; the subject of this sketch was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, about 1804. He married Miss Nancy Kirtz in 1837 ; she wa* born in York Co., Penn.; they have had fourteen children, twelve living, viz., George W., Frank A., James' C., David, Martin E., John W., William A., Elizabeth, Phebe Jane, Nancy A., Sarah A. and Lucinda. He lived in Ohio till 1847, when he moved to Missouri, where he remained one year; from here he went to Wisconsin, remaining six months; in 1848, he came to Will Co., 111., and settled on his present place, and has lived here since ; he has not been an office-seeker; he started in poor circumstances, and now owns about

J. P. HEMPHILL, farming. Sec. 20 : P. 0. Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Adams Co., Ohio, Sept. 19, 1830. He married Miss Nancy Nott July 4, 1855 ; , she was born in Washington Co. (now Morgan Co.), Ohio, Sept. 4, 1831 ; they have had ten children, eight living, viz.. Alpha E., Belle M., Alonzo P., E. Mary, Phina E., Sarah L., Roswell J. and Cyrus W. He lived in Ohio two years, when, with his parents, he moved to Fountain Co., Ind., where they remained until 1884, when they came to Illinois, and settled in Will Co., at Troutman's Grove, where he lived until he was married ; he then moved to Sec. 8, this township, and then to Sec. 2 ; he next went to Florence Tp., where he remained five years ; he then came to this township, and, in 1868, he came to his present place; he has held no offices, except those connected with the school and road.

W. F. KEITH, dealer in drugs, medicines, books, stationery, etc., Elwood ; was born near Rome, Lewis Co., N. Y., Aug. 11, 1827 ; his father was a Methodist clergyman, a member of the Genesee Conference, and died when his son W. F. was quite young ; after his father's death, . the son lived in Livingston Co. and in the city of Buffalo ; he was educated in the public schools of Bufiklo and at Rich Academy in Attica, N. Y.; in 1855, he came West, and, after spending two years at Naperville, he came to Joliet in 1857. On the breaking-out of the war, he enlisted in the 19th I. V. I., as a musician in the Lockport Band, and remained until March, 1862, when he was discharged for disability ; returning, he engaged in merchandising in Elwood, his being the only store in the village for four years ; at the end of this time he engaged in his present business ; he has been prominent in the building-up of the village ; on the incorporation of the village in 1868, he was chosen Clerk of the Board of Trustees, serving two years ; he was a member of the Board seven years, three of which he was its President ; he has been Police Magistrate two years, and Notary Public for the past twelve years ; he served his township two years as Supervisor, and has also served three years as School Director ; in

March, 1878, he entered the office of the County Treasurer in Joliet, as Deputy, where he is still engaged. He was married July 17, 1866, to Mrs. Hannah Leverich, of Naperville ; they have two children - William H. and Edward E.; he has also one son, Clarence A., by a former marriage.

WILLIAM KKEIMEIER, farming, Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Prussia March 5, 1829. He married Miss Mary Pohlman March 26, 1854 ; she was born in Prussia March 6, 1835; they had ten children, nine Uving - Ella M., Eliza A., Amanda A., Susan M., William P., John E., Mina S., Ida P. and OUver P. He lived in Germany about twenty years ; then came to the United States and settled at Little York, Penn. ; remained there seven years, when he came to Illinois and settled in Will Co; this was in 1856; in 1869, he came to his present place, and has lived here since. His only offices have been connected with the school and road. He came here in poor circumstances, and now owns 254 acres, which he has earned by his own labor.

CICERO KYRK, farming. Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Elwood ; was born in this township, on his present place, Dec. 1, 1847. He married Miss Artha A. Houghton Dec. 25, 1873 ; she was born in this township Feb. 17, 1857 ; they have two children - Sarah R. and Mary E. He has always lived in this township, except three years in Texas ; he now rents the farm of the estate ; his father, Edward Kyrk, was born in 1807, probably in Orange Co., N. Y. ; he married Miss Sarah Davis ; she died in 1843; they had one child, viz., William T. ; his second wife was Miss Mary Kyrk : she was born in Ohio ; they had eight children, three living, viz., Cicero, Elmira and Dennis. His wife's father, Andrew Houghton, was born in Ireland, and came to this county when 18 ; he married Miss Sarah Young ; she was born in this township ; they now live in Kansas.

GEORGE LINEB ARGER, was born in Lincoln Co., North Carolina, June 6, 1810 ; at the age of 10, he removed with his parents to White River, Ind., where they remained until the fall of 1821, when they emigrated to Parke Co., Ind. Was married Feb. 9, 1832, to Miss Susanah

Beard. During the following spring, came to what was then called Cook Co., now Will Co., and located near the head of Jackson Grove ; only a few days passed when the Indian war broke out, when he returned to Indiana until September, 1832 ; returned to his old location at Jackson's Grove. Had nine children, five living; wife died in 1854; was married same year ; Kad six children, four are living at present writing.

JOHN LINEBARGER (of the firm of John Linebarger & Co.), dealer in grain, Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Lincoln Co., N. C., Nov. 4, 1812. He married Miss Nancy Stone Feb. 12, 1835 ; she was born in Ohio, and died July 2, 1847 ; they had three children, one living, viz., Mary E.; his present wife was Miss Saj-ah C. Linton, married Feb. 27, 1848 ; they had nine children, seven living, viz., William H., Josephine, Thomas C, Isabelle, Minnie M., Carrie and Emma J. He left North Carolina, with his parents, when 8 years old, and settled in Parke Co., Ind., where he lived until 1850, when he came to Illinois and settled near Wilmington, and remained there eighteen years, (luring which time he served as Supervisor several terms ; he then came to Jackson Tp., and has remained here since ; in 1832, he assisted his brother to move to this county, and spent several weeks here at that time ; he engaged in his present business in 1868.

A. J. LINEBARGER, farming, Sec. 20; P. 0. Elwood; the subject of this sketch was born in this township Jan. 7, 1834, and is, therefore, among the first born in this township. He married Miss Elizabeth Phillips April 30, 1856; she was born in Germany, Jan. 1, 1834 ; they have three children, viz., Lewis H., Laura E., Emma J. He has always lived in the township ; he lived with his parents until he was 22 years of age, when he was married and began farming on his own account on his present place ; he owns 320 acres , in this township.

J. J. LICHTENW ALTER, dealer in grain, lumber, etc. ; P. 0. Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Aug. 27, 1829. He married Miss Mary ShuU Feb. 24, 1853 ; she was born in Lebanon Co., Penn. He lived in Ohio until 1860, and was engaged in farming and car- pentering ; he then moved to Whitley Co., Ind., where he followed farming and also operated a lumber-mill,and remained aboutfive years; he then went to Springfield, Ind., and engaged in the grocery business, continuing four years ; in 1868, he came to Illinois and settled in Elwood ; he carried on the grocery and drug business for three years ; he then took agency of the Canton Iron Bridge Co., and furnished the trade in several States; he then engaged in the lumber business, and has continued in same since ; in November, 1877, he added the grain business.

MORGAN BROS., farming and stock. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Elwood ; WilHam and Sidney ; were born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where they lived until 1849, when they came to Illinois with their parents, who settled in Kendall Co., where they remained about four years, and then came to Will Co. ; and in 1855, they came to the present place. Mr. William R. married Miss Morriah Ellenwood Dec. 27, 1876 ; she was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1853 ; they have one child, viz., Eliza A. Mr. Moses Morgan, deceased, was born in Vermont, Aug. 11, 1815, and died Aug. 20, 1877. He married Miss Eliza Ann Storrs Jan. 9, 1840 ; she was born in Upper Canada ; they had five children ; four living, viz., William, Sidney, Ltcy E. and Emily C.

MICHAEL MOYER, farming. Sec. 22; P.O. Joliet ; was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., July 10, 1803. He married Miss Sarah Erb April, 1828; she was born in Lancaster Co., Penn. ; they had four children ; three living, viz , Henry, George L. and Michael, Jr. He lived in Pennsylvania until 1845 ; was engaged in farming ; he then moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he remained four months ; he then came to Illinois and settled in Du Page Co. ; engaged in farming, and remained there nine years ; and then he came to Will Co. and settled on his present place ; he started in poor circumstances, and now owns 120 acres, well improved.

WILLIAM F. MOORE, farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in the town of Channahon, Wm Co., 111., March 6, 1841 ; he married Miss Mary Schoonmaker Nov. 20, 1862 ; she was born in Rochester, N. Y., and died July 29, 1866 ; his second wife was Miss Almira Spencer, married May 13, 1872 ; she was born in Troy Tp., this county ; he has one child living, by his first wife, viz., Lotta, and two by his present wife, viz., Mary Jane and Laura May; he has always lived in this county, except one year that he lived in McLean Co.; he came to his present place March 29, 1864; he started in poor circumstances, and now owns 160 acres in this township.

JOHN MEAD, retired, Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., Aug. 15, 1798 ; he married Mrs. Betsy Cagwell, formerly Miss Luce ; she died April 11, 1866 ; they had two children - not living ; his present wife was Miss Nancy Cox ; they were married April 23, 1867 ; no children. He lived in New York seventeen years, and then went to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1855, when he came West to Illinois, and settled in Will Co., and engaged in farming ; in 1875, he sold his farm, and removed to the village of Elwood, and has lived here since.

GABRIEL NOEL, farmer. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Joliet ; the subject of this sketch was born in Scioto Co., Ohio, July 2, 1820 ; he married Miss Elizabeth Zarley Oct. 15, 1848; she was born in Will Co., near Joliet, Nov. 22, 1831 ; they had twelve children - seven living - viz., Albert E., Calvin Z., Ervin R., Elvis C, Sue E., Rose M. and Frank G. He lived in Ohio twentyseven years, and was engaged in farming and milling ; he then came West to Illinois, and settled in Joliet, remaining there one summer ; he came to his present place, and has lived here since ; he has held the offices of Road Commissioner, School Trustee and Director. He owns 200 acres in this county.

WILLIAM NICHOLSON, hardware, etc., Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., March 26, 1838 ; he married Miss Caroline E. Benedict Oct. 12, 1863 ; she was born in Dalton,Maas., Aug. 19, 1839 ; they have four children, viz., Lewis, Edward B., RoUin H., and Franklin E. He lived in New York until 1865 ; was engaged in farming ; he also spent nearly four years at the Troy University ; he then came West to Illinois, and settled in this township ; engaged in farming, which he followed until 1868, when he removed to Elwood and engaged in his present business, forming a partnership with George A. Pearson, whom he afterward bought out; in May, 1874, his place was burned, with his entire stock ; on June 10, he was doing business in an old wooden building, hauled to the site of his former store, and the first of the following October he occupied his present bri^k store. He has held the offices of Town Clerk and Village Trustee.

JACOB PALMER, Jr., farmer. Sec. 12; P. 0. JoUet; the subject of this sketch was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Aug. 13, 1824. He married Miss Eliza Bucher March 11, 1847 ; she was born in Stark Co., Ohio, May 3, 1830 ; they had seventeen children ; twelve living, viz., William D., Ephron, Eldin P., Francis W., Marion, John J.,- Daniel, George E., Elmer E., Dora E., Alvin and Hiram. He lived in Ohio until 1857, when he came to Illinois and settled on his present place, and has lived here since. He has been Road Commissioner nearly twenty years. He started in poor circumstances, at first renting his place, and now owns 200 acres in this township. His father, Jacob Palmer, Sr., was born in Virginia Feb. 10, 1792. He married Miss Elizabeth Cutchall ; she was born in Maryland and died in Ohio ; his second wife was Mrs. Sarah Bucher (Hofiman) ; she also died in Ohio ; his third wife was Mrs. Weaver (Cring) ; she was born in Pennsylvania and died in Ohio ; he has five children by his first and three by his second wife. He came to Will Co., Ill, in 1871, and lives on Sec. 11, this township.

WILLIAM POHLMAN, farmer. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Elwood ; was born in Prussia May 16, 1828. He married Miss Amelia Harming Feb. 3, 1853; she was born in Prussia in February, 1836 ; they had eleven children, nine living, viz., Mary E., Catheron M., Emma C, Charles F., Henry F., George T., J. Edward, Sarah R. and Francis L. lie lived in Prussia sixteen years ; he then came to the United States, and landed at Baltimore, and remained in that neighborhood about six years, engaged in farm labor ; then moved to York Co., Penn. ; engaged in quarrying and lime-burning ; remained five years ; then came to Illinois and settled in this township, engaging in farming ; in 1868, he came to his present place. He is nooffice-seeker, his only offices being con. nected with the school and road. He came to this county in poor circumstances ; he now owns 422 acres in this township, which he has earned by his own labor.

DANIEL RICHARDS, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Joliet; the subject of this sketch was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Aug. 4, 1826. He married Miss Elmira Cooley Dec. 10, 1848; she was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., June 22, 1828; they had three children, two living, viz., Euratus and Elsey G. He lived in New York until June, 1839, when he moved to Huron Co., Ohio, and engaged in farming. While here, he was married, and, in 1853, he came to Illinois and settled in Joliet ; in 1857, he came to his present place, and has lived here since. He has not been an office-seeker. He came West in poor circumstances, and now owns 220 acres, which he has principally earned by his own labor.

ROBERT SPAFFORD, Postmaster, Elwood ; the subject of this sketch was born in Upper Canada Sept. 30, 1822. He married Miss Elizabeth Beckwith April 20, 1847 ; she was born in Upper Canada March 5, 1827 ; they have eight children, viz., Moses, Sarah E., Irinda, Daniel, Robert, Jr. ; Mary, Rachel and Norah. He lived in Canada about twentysix years ; was engaged on his father's farm ; he then moved to Illinois, and settled in Will Co., in 1848, and engaged in farming in Jackson Tp., and has lived here since, except three years in Marseilles; he followed farming until 1860, when he took the position of railroad agent at this place, and continued eight years ; he then clerked in a general merchandise store for four years ; in 1872, he was appointed Postmaster, and has held the office since. He has been Assessor several years ; also Constable, Town Trustee and School Director.

HENRY SPANGLER, farmer. Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Joliet ; the subject of this sketch was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Feb. 26, 1837. He married Miss Rachel Grove in February, 1857 ; she was born in Summit Co., Ohio, April 26, 1836; they had five children, four living, viz., Samuel M., Elvy G., Alvin 0. and Dora A. ; Amanda M.

died July 13, 1878; he lived in Ohio twenty years, then came to Illinois and settled on his present place, and has lived here since. He has been Supervisor of this township ten terms, Justice of the Peace eight years, also Collector and Road Commissioner. He was in moderate circumstances when he came here ; he bought an eighty, going in debt for the greater part of the same ; he now owns 400 acres in this township which he has principally earned by his own labor.

HENRY SNOAD, of the firm of H. Snoad & Co., dry goods and groceries. Elwood; the subject of this sketch was born in Kent Co., England, Sept. 26, 1819. He married Miss Julia Caswell Oct. 20, 1847 ; she was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., and died March 6, 1857 ; they had three children, none living ; his present wife was Mrs. Betsy A. Winslow, formerly Miss Sheldon ; she was born in New York Aug. 9, 1822, and married Jan. 3, 1858. He lived in England twentytwo years ; then came to the United States and settled in Tioga Co., Penn., and engaged in farming ; remained four years ; then came to Illinois and settled in Will Co., at Plainfield, where he engaged as clerk in general merchandise store ; remained three years, when he moved to Joliet and engaged in grocery, and remained one year ; he then went to Kankakee Co., engaged in farming, and next returned to' Will Co., and, in 1853. he engaged in farming in Jackson Tp., and followed same until 1867, when he engaged in his present business. He has held the offices of Postmaster, Justice of Peace and Town Clerk. He formerly was Station Agent on C. & A. R. R.