Alton Township (part 3 of 3)

Thomas Harrison Perrin

One of the proprietors of the Alton Democrat, was born in Alton, Illinois, in 1844. His parents, Harrison and Isabella Perrin, were natives of England. They were among the pioneers of Alton, having located here in 1832. His father was engaged for many years in the transfer business. He died in 1862. His mother is yet living, and is now eighty years of age.

T. H. Perrin early availed himself of the opportunity afforded, and learned the printer's trade in the office of the Alton Courier, published by George T. Brown. As printer and publisher, he has made a record of which he feels justly proud. As a journeyman printer he worked in the Courier, the Telegraph, and Democrat offices. His first venture in journalism was the purchase of the Western Cumberland Presbyterian, a weekly religious paper, from Rev. J. B. Logan. This paper he published for many years, when he sold it to the Board of Publication of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In connection with Dr. Logan, he then commenced the publication of a monthly religious paper in the interest of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which was sold to Dr. W. B. Farr, who started the St. Louis Observer, which is now published by T. H. Perrin and Rev. W. C. Logan. In 1875 he entered into partnership with E. A. Smith as general printers. This firm bought the Alton

Democrat in 1876, which they have since continued to publish as a daily and weekly newspaper. Under their guidance, the Democrat has become a power throughout jNIadisou and adjoining counties, recognized as it is as being a paper of genuine worth.

Mr. Perrin is a most active and zealous member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and devotes much time and means to enhance its well-being. In the church he has held positions of prominence, for the discharge of the duties of which he has proved himself well fitted. At present he is one of the trustees of Lincoln University, Lincoln, Illinois.

The life history of him who head.'* this article, though it has many points in common with that of other men, particularly of that large class, who hailing from the eastern states have contributed so largely to western development, has yet many interesting features peculiarly its own. Born of a highly respectable family, the atmosphere of his young life .seems to have been permeated by influences which tended to the growth of his nobler nature, while the circumstances of his earlier manhood, and the events of his later life have all assisted in the development in him of the true man.

M. H. Boals was born in Venango count}', Pennsylvania, April 3d, 1833, the seventh in a family of thirteen children. His parents were Lanie F. and Sarah Boals. His father was a thrifty farmer who brought up his children to habits of industry. He remained with him until he reached his twentieth year when he set about to learu the carpenter's trade, which he soon mastered, and prosecuted in all about twenty years. In 1854, he left his native hills for a home in the west and located in Alton. In 1S63, he purchased the planing mill, and in 1866, added greatly to its utility by opening a lumber yard in connection therewith.

With the years came experience and added industry in his case. In 1878, he commenced the manufacture of tile which business he continues. He has proven himself one of the few men who can successfully prosecute two or more independent lines of business.

He was married to Margaret M. Logan, March 6th, 1857, by whom he had one child. She died February 29th, 1864. On the 10th of April, 1867, he was again married to Juliette Johnson Vaughan, by whom he has six children.

Politically he is an ardent and prominent Republican. With the origin of the party in 1856, he espoused the cause, voting for John C. Fremont for President. His contributions to party success have been considerable. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in whose workings he takes a great interest, also a Knight Templar in the Masonic order. He is a member of the Congregational Church. In a word Mr. Boals is one of the pushing, active business men of Alton. Anything conducive to the public good finds in him a friend and supporter.

This gentleman comes of good old Revolutionary stock, his ancestors having lived in America many years prior to the struggle for Independence. The three families, McPike, Guest and Dumont, were of vigorous, energetic blood and high literary attainments.

Capt. James McPike, a Scotchman, came to the United States before the Revolution. Henry Guest, Esqr., located on the present town site of the city of New Brunswick, in New Jersey, where his stone residence over a , hundred years old, yet stands in good repair. He had lived there a long lifetime, and in 1775, was so old that he | could only wheel in his chair. His son, Capt. Moses Guest, was Captain of the New Jersey Blues, and as such, entered the Revolutionary Army at the same time with Capt. James jMcPike. Both were with General Washington at Valley Forge - that terrible winter. After seven years of untold hardship and suffering, crowned with many exhibitions of personal prowess, upon the declaration of peace in 1783, they returned to their anxious families.

Capt. McPike came to Maysville, Kentucky, in 1795, with his family, including John and Richard, his sons. Of these Richard did valiant service in the war of 1812.

Moses Guest, whose wife was Miss Dumont, having sold his merchant vessel (in the Montreal and West India trade) and retired from active business, came to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1817. It is related of him that while at sea, he invented a still for salt water, which saved his passengers and crew from horrible deaths. In 1823, he published a book of poems and personal reminiscences, extending through a busy and interesting lifetime.

The late General E. Dumont, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was of this family. His mother, Julia L. Dumont, of literary note, was the authoress of a series of American Tales - and " Life Sketches from Common Paths."

Henry Guest McPike, one of the four sons of John Mc- Pike, located in Alton in 1847 ; at that time he was under age. His brothers were Haley (a soldier in the Mexican war,) George and William. H. G. McPike's business life has all been spent here. It has been characterized by earnest endeavor, unswerving fidelity and fixed determination. Politically Mr. McPike has ever been true to his early teachings. His father, the editor of a Whig paper, and an early advocate for the abolition of slavery ; his grandfathers, both revolutionary patriots, have transmitted to him the same patriotic ardor that ever prompted their actions. Ever active in politics, he has never sought, but many times refused office. He was called by the Department to act as Deputy Provost Marshal of this Congressional District, during the most trying period, and upon him devolved the management and decision of many very delicate and serious policies of the War Department. He has represented his fellow citizens in many unpaying public and private labors. Always an untiring and consistent Republican, laboring zealously and conscientiously in its behalf, he has devoted much per.sonal labor and considerable expenditure of money in its interests. He has represented our people in many conventions and public assemblies - in the city council - in consultation with Legislators and in behalf of public improvements. In a general sense he has been the dispenser rather than the seeker for public positions or emolument. In all matters pertaining to Agriculture and Horticulture he takes an active interest, and has contributed no little to the advancement of these arts. To tell it in few words Mr. McPike, true to his purpose is actively engaged in business, independent in action; a zealous, energetic, temperate, publicspirited citizen.

The editor of the Alton Sentinel, was born November 23, 1853, in the city of Alton. His parents were natives of county Clare, Ireland, and came to this country in 1851, landing at New Orleans, thence, in 1852 they made their way up the Mississippi river to their present home. Austin Mclnerney, the father of the subject of this sketch, is an honest, law-abiding laboring man, who brought up his son to respect morality, and observe in his life its precepts. At an early age J. J. Mclnerney graduated from the Cathedral School in Alton, in fact he was but thirteen years old when he had completed his course of study. He at once entered the office of the Cumherland Presbyterian, a paper published by the Rev. J. B. Logan in Alton, to learn the printers' trade. After two years service here he went into the Telegraph Office, where he remained until seventeen years of age. In the Spring of 1876 he entered upon his first venture as a newspaper publisher, starting in company with others the Alton Morning News. The paper was shortlived. In 1879 he opened a neat job printing office, and in October of that year commenced the publication of the (Sentinel, an independent journal devoted to the interests of Madison and adjoining counties. Politically its tone is eminently independent, being a free lance in dealing with candidates and measures. Wien Mclnerney had but reached his majority he was a candidate for township clerk of his township. For this position he was defeated by a majority of thirty-five votes in a poll of fifteen hundred. ' At present he is an independent candidate for Legislative honors, - the first who has ever had the temerity to thus offer himself before the people of Madison County. His independence has won for him many friends.

Hermon C. Cole

Was the son of Nathan and Sarah Cole, and was born in Ovid, Seneca county. New York, May 9, 1813. He was the third of seven sons. In 1821 his father removed with his family to lUinoistown, now East St. Louis, Illinois, where he became the pioneer pork packer of the Mississippi Valley. Hermon C. received his educational training in St. Louis and Alton. He was a pupil at one time of Rev. John M. Peck, in St. Louis, and afterward in Alton Seminary, which latter became Shurtleff College, and was under the tuition of Rev. H. Loomis, in whose family he boarded. His business education was obtained partly in connection with his father's business, and in employment over a large part of the states of Missouri and Illinois in the purchase of cattle.

At the age of twenty-one he opened for himself a store in lUinoistowfi, on a small capital, and in two years accumu. lated several thousand dollars. For two or three years after this he was an invalid, and unable to attend to any business. In 1837 his father, with his family, removed to Chester, Randolph county, Illinois, where he built and opened a saw mill, flour mill and beef packing house, and Hermon C. opened and successfully conducted a general store, until 1840, when he sold out, and his father dyiug, he becime a partner, with his brother Abner, in the flour mill. At that time the milling business was very precarious owing to the financial crisis of 1837, and also to the fact that wheat was raised in very limited quantities in that part of the country. In the alternations of trade Mr. Cole came into liabilities, not all his own, such as would have utterly discouraged many men, and led others to accept the relief offered by the bankrupt law, but he steadily pursued the course of integrity and persevering industry, until every debt was paid, and a way opened to complete success. In 1851 he added to his business a general store which soon had the largest trade in southern Illinois. From this time, continued and large successes attended his enterprises. In 1853, the old mill was removed and a new one erected, which was then regarded as a model mill. In 1861 he became sole owner of the mill property, his brother Abner removing to Oregon the following year. As the business increased, enlargements were made from time to time and, the mill became the leadingone of southern Illinois, with a capacity of grinding three hundred and fifty barrels daily, provided with storage capacity of seven thousand barrels, and grain warehouse with storage capacity of one hundred thousand bushels. An extensive lumber trade was also added to his other business.

Mr. Cole's operations were not conducted solely for his own benefit. He sympathized with struggling men, and with broad views of the needs of the surrounding country, he engaged in enterprises for the promotion of its welfare and growth. At his own expense, he improved roads, built bridges, and gave employment to many men. He encouraged the production of wheat, and introduced the Mediterranean variety in 1862.

In 1867, in connection with his brother Nathan, he opened the extensive produce commission house in St. Louis, under the name of Cole Brothers, which became and still is eminently successful. In this firm he continued a partner until 1872.

His business enterprises in Randolph county, meanwhile continued enlarging, and in 1872 he added to them a banking house. At this time he was president of the Millers' Association of Illinois. His mercantile business was varied and extensive, and his lands in several counties embraced over ten thousand acres, including several cultivated farms. In 1868, desiring better church and educational facilities, he removed to Upper Alton, where was enlarged and improved at great expense the beautiful home where he spent as much

The character of Mr. Cole S'^cured for him both tlie respect and affection of his associates. While of the quick and impulsive temperament that makes leadership, he was sympathizing and generous. Positive in conviction and expression, he was yet modest and forbearing. Engaged in practical business, he was alive to the enjoyments of refinement and taste and was earnest in promoting family and public education and culture.

In Chester he united with the Baptist church, under the ministrations of Rev. U. L. Barber, and added integrity of Christian character to an elevated manhood. In Upper Alton he became a member of the Baptist church, and a liberal contributor to it. He became a trustee and benefactor of Shurtleff" College, donating at one time, five thousand dollars, and liberal sums at other times. He was a generous helper of struggling students, and of worthy indigence, wherever he found it. Few men possessed greater energy and will power, and these elements of character united to a sufficient amount of cautiousness, to prevent his engaging in speculations, carried him to the front in business circles, and ultimately crowned his efforts with the highest succ'ess. Mr. Cole was twice married. First in June 1844, to Miss Emily Cox, of Stamford, Conn., who was a faithful companion in his struggle, and successes until her death October 14, 1859, and who left to him six children, named Charles B., Zachary Z., Alice E , Henry C, Eunice E., and Edward E.

In February, 1862, he was married to Sarah J., daughter of Rev. Isaac D. Newell, one of the most eminent early Baptist ministers of Illinois, of whom a sketch appears in the history of the Baptist church in this county. She was then the widow of Mr. Joseph S. Flanagin, a young merchant of Bunker Hill. Five children were born of this marriage, viz: Cora V., Grace, Hermon, Newell, and Nathan. His death left his widow with the important and difficult trust of the sole guardianship of the persons and property of their five children, a trust for which she is eminently qualified by natural endowments and educatior, and in the discharge of which her course has been a continued and conij)lete success. November 26, 1879, she was married to Prof. John C. C Clarke of Sburtlefl' College, and still resides at her home in Upper Alton.

The following extract from the records of the Merchants' Exchange of St. Louis, Mo., shows the esteem in which Mr. Cole was held by his brother merchants, and presents a very just view of some elements of his character.

On the morning of October 20, 1874, Hermon B. Cole, a member of the Union Jlerchants' exchange of St. Louis, departed this life a,i the family residence in Upper Alton at the ripe age of sixty-two, after an illness of about ten days.

He needed no public proclamation, no elevation to office, to determine his standing. His high rank was admitted by common consent, and his innate modesty forbade any other announcement. His business example was regarded a safe call to financial investments. His business habits were an unremitting challenge to young men hoping for success. His integrity and honor did not involve a question. His enterprise and energy were the eagle and lion united, high in purpose and strong to execute. Success was the certain crown of such a life. As a manufacturer his establishments became a market for the produce of a large surrounding country, and as a merchant he made a market for his manufacture, and reflected a good name upon all associated with him.

In social life he was humble, genial, mirthful ; a man children loved, and the poor approached as a companion and benefactor, who had trod their paths and knew by experience their joys aud sorrows.

Educational and religious institutions had substantial evidence of his sympathy, and the benedictions of friends and the smiles of an approving Providence surrounded, entered, and blessed his home.

To acknowledge unobtrusive worth and to perpetuate the memory of true greatness so beautifully exemplified in the life and character of our departed friend we are called together to day, therefore.

Resolved, That the Union Merchants' Exchange of St. Louis in the death of Hermon C. Cole has lost a member of rare business capacity and attainments, of sterling integrity, of unsullied honor, enterprising, energetic, wise and prudent whose good example we commend with confidence to the young men of the west, as a model for their emulation.

Res lived, That we regarded him in civil life as a true gentleman, modest, affectionate, genial, considerate of the rights and feelings of others, and tender towards those whom misfortune had humbled. Although dead he yet speaks to us of noble manhood and a good life in the midst of perplexing cares.

Resolved, That we tender to the family, the brother and the sorrowing friends of the deceased, our sincere sympathy, assuring them that his loss will be deeply mourned in the business community as well as in the home circle.

Resolved, That this preamble and these resolutions be placed upon the records of this Exchange, and that a copy thereof be furnished to the afflicted family.

The resolutions were seconded by Gov. Stanard, who spoke of the esteem in which the departed was held by his brother millers, and then unanimously adopted.

Wood Rivee

lOWNSHIP 5, Range 9, known as "Wood River, lies in the northwestern part of the county, and borders on the Mississippi. It is bounded on the north by Fosterburg, on the east by Fort Russell, on the south by Chouteau, and on the west by the Mississippi river and Alton. The Mississippi river crosses the southwest corner, and includes within its waters -about five sections. No finer or more productive body of land is probably contained within the western half of the county. The surface is sufficiently undulating to insure excellent surface drainage Originally it was mainly covered with good tim. ber, but has long since yielded to the woodman's axe, and beautiful farms now greet the eye of the passing traveler. Patches of timber are interspersed here and there, sufficient at least for the purpose of fuel, building material, etc. The soil is mainly composed of a gray loam, and especially adapted to the culture of wheat. Rattan's Prairie, which lies in the north and east part of the township, is composed of a darker quality of soil, and has very much the appearance of the prairie land in the central part of the State. It is credited with being somewhat richer than the soil of the timber. But a small portion of the township contains the rich alluvium of the American Bottom. A peculiar formation known as Sand Ridge, lies in the southeast. It is a large sand bar, four or five miles in length, aud about one and a half in breadth, which by some convulsion of nature has been deposited here.

The principal water course is Wood River, from which the township received its name, flowing in a southerly direction, discharging its waters into the Mississippi, in section 28. This stream has two branches, known as East and West

Forks. The former enters the township in the northeast, and flows in a southwesterly direction, and unites with the latter in section 16. The West Fork enters in the extreme northwest, and meanders in a southerly direction, and unites with the other branch, as aforementioned. The railroads are numerous, reaching off like arms from a common center, in sections 16 and 17. One branch of tlie Indianapolis and St. Louis railroad enters from the northeast, in section 1, describes a crescent in its course through the township, and passes out in section 34. The other branch of the road enters in section 5, connecting with the main line in section 16. The C and A. road leading from Alton crosses the Wood River line in sec. 18, forms an elbow near the Indianapolis and St. Louis, and extends with it on a ]>arallel line through the township The old Madison County railway crosses the southern boundary, extending of Wood River dates back nearly eighty years, and has recorded in its career more stirring events tlian the most of its sister townships. It was here within the forks of Wood River that occurred the brutal Indian mas.«acre in the summer of 1814, a full account of which may be had in the pioneer chapter. This sad affair, which threw the little band of pioneers and their families into such a consternation, transpired on Sunday, the 10th day of July, 1814. The place where this ghastly tragedy was enacted, is situated in the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of secticn 4, on the premises now owned by John Brown and sister. Instead of a place covered with timber, as it was at the time of the massacre, it is now part of a cultivated field.*

Wood River Fort, 1812-1814

Susan Paddock, of Fort Russell, kindly furnished us with the above correct sketch of the old Wood River Fort as it was when the families of this vicinity fled to it on the night of the massacre. It was situated on a little rise of ground near the barn now owned by William Gill, who resides in section 10.

Another sensational sSmt of Wood River occurred in 1823, at the house of Abel Moore. It was the killing of William Wright by Eliphalet Green. Some dispute arose, when Green grasped a gun and deliberately shot his opponent. Green was tried, convicted, and executed. Judge Reynolds, afterward governor of the state, was then on the bench. The time fixed for execution was just four weeks from the day of conviction. This was the first case tried for a capital oflfense in Madison county, and the second in the state.

The first white man to settle in the wilds of Wood River was Thomas Rattan. He came from Ohio in 1804, and located in section 13. This was prairie land, and composed of black soil, richer in appearance than the surrounding timber land. The prairie afterwards received his name, which it bears to this time. He reared a large family, and soon after the war of 1812 removed to Greeu county, where all traces of the family are lost. Martin Preuitt and family came about the same time, and settled on Sand Ridge, the history of whom will be found in the chapter on Fort Russell.

Toliver Wright, a native of Virginia, settled near the mouth of Wood River in the Spring of 1806. He bought out the improvement right of Shadrach Williams. At his coming he had a wife and several children. Mrs. Wright's maiden name was Elizabeth Ray. The family lived in this place two years, when they moved to section 10, and occuj)ied the place now owned by William Gill- In the war of 1812, Mr. AVright joined the Rangers. He was detailed as captain of a company of spies, and in the fall of 1812, while on the way to Peoria, he was shot by an Indian and mortally wounded. He was taken back to the Wood River Fort, where he died in about six weeks after being wounded. Mrs. J P. Owens, of Fort Russell, is a grand-daughter of Mr. Wright.

Abel Moore, one of the pioneers, was a native of North Carolina, and migrated to Kentucky in 1804, and thence to Illinois in 1808. He located in section 4, now Wood River township. His family then consisted of his wife Mary, nee Bates, and two children, William and Joel, then respectively ten and eight years of age, both of whom were among the victims of the Wood River massacre. Eight other children were born at the old home&tead in section 4, as follows : John, Nancy, Sarah, Joshua, Rachel, Lydia, Anna and Franklin. Only three of this large family are now living ; Nancy, who resides in California ; Lydia, widow of Madison Williams, who lives near Bethalto, in section 2 ; and Major Franklin Moore, of Upper Alton. The latter has a history as eventful as his father before him, having served with distinction through the entire late war. Indeed, he has the h mor of holding the first commission in the state under the '' Three-hundred-thousand call." Such were the services he rendered his country on the battle-field, that he received the soubriquet of "Fighting Frank." Abel Moore died in 1846, at the age of 63 years. Mrs. Moore died the day before her husband, aged 61. They lie side by side on the very spot of ground where their pioneer cabin was constructed. In the sale of the old homestead the children reserved this sacred spot as a lasting tribute to their departed parents. The old farm is now owned and occupied by George Cartwright. George and William Moore, brothers of Abel, came with the latter and their father as far as Ford's Ferry, on the Ohio river, where they separated from Abel, and went to Boon's Lick, Missouri, where the father died. The following year the brothers and their families came to Illinois, and settled, near their brother Abel in section 10. William's family consisted of his wife and two sons, John and George, both of whom were also victims at the Wood River massacre. Two children were afterward born to the family. They all moved to Pike county, Illinois, in 1830. George had no children when he came, but two were born while residing here, Margaret and Walter. The family migrated to Independence, Mo., in 1837. Mr. William Gill now occupies and owns his farm. Both William and George were gunmakers, and followed their trac'e in the township. The latter also manufactured powder.

Reason Reagan and family came about the same time as the Moores, but we have been unable to glean any satisfactory history of their nativity, etc. A lone apple-tree now stands near where their cabin was located, at the time of thedeath of Mrs. Reagan and her children at the hands of the Indians. Another pioneer was William Montgomery, who was born in Kentucky, and came from his native state a single man in 1S09, and first stopped in St. Louis, having but one dollar in his possession. In the year 1814, he came over to Illinois, and located on Indian Creek in Fort Russell. The same year he married Sarah Rattan. He remained here about three years, when he moved into Wood River, and settled in section 13. He reared a large family, consisting of twelve children, Nelson, John, William N., Nancy R , Thomas J., James, Paris, Matilda, Amanda F., Hampton, Ann, and Eliza Jane. Mr. Montgomery became a very prominent and prosperous farmer, owning at his death, - which occurred in the ftill of 1849,-2,000 acres of land. Mrs. Montgomery died two years before her husband. Three sons and four daughters are yet living, Eliza, wife of T. W. L. Belk, Wood River ; Nelson and Nancy R., wife of Thomas Barnsback, Edwardsville ; John, who resides in Macoupin county ; Ann, in Colorado ; Amanda, wife of Z. B. Job, of Alton, and Hampton, who occupies the old homestead in section 13. These children are all well-to-do in the world, and are among the most respected citizens in their various localities. Two brothers, George and Thomas Davidson, came from South Carolina about 1306, and settled in section 36. Both were men of families. The former established a tannery on his premises in 1810, where be conducted the business until 1818, when he sold out to a man by the name of Smith, and moved to Bond county. Thomas improved a good farm, and was a prominent man in his neighborhood, having served many years in the capacity of justice of the peace. He died long ago, and none of the family are now residents of the county. Prominent among the early settlers was the Collet family, consisting of Mrs. Anna Collet and her three sons, John W., Robert, and Mark. They came from Philadelphia to Illinois in 1817, and located at the now extinct town of Milton, situated on Wood River. Mark lived but two years, and Robert moved to Galena in 1819. Mrs. Collet, the mother, subsequently moved to St. Louis, where she died about 1830. John W. was married to Miss Mary Ground in 1829. From this union two children were born, Daniel W., and John W., jr. Mr. Collet lived until 1846, and his wife died about two years ago, 1880. Daniel and John, jr., both reside at Upper Alton, and are much respected citizens. It is said that from the seed of some poppies sown by Mrs. Anna Collet in 1817, grew plants which are yet alive, and which bloom every year.

Another early settler of Milton was Thomas Lippincott, who was born at Salem, New Jersey, in 1791. At the age of twenty-five, he married Patty Swift. In the fall of 1817, he started westward, and landed in St. Louis in Feb., 1818. In the fall of the same year he brought a small stock of goods to Jlilton, and commenced business under the firm Dame of Lippincott & Co. Rut'us Eastou, of St. Louis, furnished the capital, and Mr. Lippincott conducted the business. He landed his goods from a keel-boat at what is now the city of Alton. Mr. L., in his uieraoirs, says that Alton was then in a state of nature. His first dwelling at Milton was a log-cabin 10x18 feet. His business affairs at ]\Iilton were not a success. The town was a very sickly place on account of the stagnant water caused by the mill-dam thrown across the river at this point. The following year his wife died. In 1820 he married again, but only a few months had passed when he was called upon to bury his second wife. He soon afterward moved to Ed*ardsville, and from that time fortune seemed to turn in his favor. He again married and reared a large family. General Charles E. Lippincott, of Chandlerville, III., is a son of the third wife- His life was a busy and useful one. He died at Pana, 111., in 1869.

James Huston was a native of Virginia, and moved to Kentucky when a boy. He mirried Judith Fountain in 1808, and in 1819 came to Illinois and settled in Upper Alton. The family at that lime consisted of his wife and five children, only one of whom is now living in Madison county, - Sarah Wood, wife of Joshua Wood. There are several others who settled here in an early day, but at this late date it is impossible to get even a synopsis of their history, they having moved away or died, leaving none of their descendants in the county. Among this class are John Vickery, who settled in section twelve, on the farm now owned by Z. B. Job and Wm. Ogle, who settled in the same sections on the property now owned by Robert Kennedy. Then there were the Starkeys, the Odells, the Seeleys, the Wallaces and others. Those of a later date and now living are the Lowes of Upper Alton, Capt. J. A. Miller, and Esq. W. L. Pigott, of Bethalto ; E. B. Handle, of the same place, an old resident of the county ; William R. Wright, of Upper Alton; Col. Andrew F. Rodgers, in section three, this township ; Amos Squires, in section twenty-two ; William Gill, section ten ; Susan W. Cooper, of Upper Alton ; Sarah Ann Badley, section nine ; I). W. Stockel, in section ten, and others too numerous to mention.

Only three militia claims are laid in this township. Those claims were founded on an act of congress granting one hundred acres of land to each militiaman enrolled and doing duty in Illinois on the first day of August, 1790, within the district of Kaskaskia. They are as follo\ys : " Claim 1855, Baptiste Lionais, Nicholas Jarrot, 400 acres ; affirmed, situated opposite the mouth of the Missouri." This claim was laid in section 32, and has long since been in the Mississippi river. The landing of the Madison County Coal Company was formerly situated on this claim. " Claim 2603, George Biggs, John Whiteside, 100 acres, located on Wood river, including a mill." This claim was laid in section 17, and was situated in the old town of Milton. " Claim 756, John Sullivan, Larkin Rutherford and - Harrison, 440 arpents." This land lay mostly in sections 8 and 9, and embraced the farm of the Hon. Cyrus Edwards, and was the only claim in the vicinitv-

The following were the first land entries : August 23d, 1814, Abel Moore, in section 4, entered several acres. On the same day, George Moore entered the northwest quarter of section ten, 160 acres. August 24th, 1824, Charles Kitchens entered the southeast and the southwest quarters of section three, 320 acres. John Walker entered on the 26th of August, 1814, the southeast fraction of section 19. Absalom Woolum entered 328 acres in section 3, September 13. 1814.

The trials, vicissitudes and hardships of these early s?ttler3 sound more like a romance than actual facts to one of this age, where every opportunity of education, culture and pleasure is within his grasp. The facilities of rapid transit from state to state, and city to city, has almost wiped out the idea of distance, and all the wants of man are virtually landed at his very door. What a transition is this from the " good old days of our fathers ! " What would the young men of to-day think of loading a flatboat at the mouth of Wood river with the simple produce of those early times, and then being obliged to pilot the rude craft down the Mississippi to the New Orleans market? And yet the trip down the river was not the hardest part of going to market, - for, after the produce was sold, they were obliged to trudge back on foot to their homes. This may seem over-drawn, but several of the old men now living assured us that they have often heard their fathers give an account of their trips to market at New Orleans as above described. It also seems a little strange that guns and gospel were so closely mingled in those days. The inside of their places of worship bristled with their rifles. Instead of a gilt-edged Bible or hymn-book in their hand, it was their gun they carried ; for at any time they might need it to protect themselves and families from the prowling Indians. Indeed, they were obliged to be so much on the alert for this savage foe, that serious results sometimes accrued therefrom. One case of this kind happened to the Starkey family. They were then living in the timber close to Rattan's Ravine. In the year 1814, Jesse Starkey and his sou had gone out to hunt their horses, which had wandered off some distance from the settler's cabin. As was the custom then, each one bore his rifle. It was a foggy morning, and they had separated to make a more thorough search. It must be remembered that many of the early settlers wore buckskins, and in many other particulars their dress resembled somewhat that of the Indian's. The father and son, in their tramping through the timber, had unconsciously strayed near each other. A thicket of brush separated them, so that nothing but vague glimpses of either could be obtained. Both came to the same conclusion, that is, that the party gliding behind the brush was an Indian. Then commenced a hurried preparation to see who should get the first shot. The father was the first to shoot; but what must his feelings have been when he found that he had shot his own son ? Fortunately, the wound was not mortal, and the boy finally recovered. Little forts or block houses were situated at every few miles, for the convenience of resort in case of any hostile demonstrations on the part of the savages. Beside the Wood River fort, there was another in this tuwiK-hip, situated in .section

21, and known as Benen's fort. It was constructed in 1811, and was located on the land now owned by A. E. Benbowe, about a mile south of the old site of Milton. Jacob Preuitt, son of Solomon Preuitt, was born in this fort. This birth and that of Isaac Cox, who was born in 1812, were among the first in the township. Tradition says the latter was the first born in Wood River. But there are grave doubts as to the correctness of this traditional statement. It must be remembered tliat Thomas Rattan had then been residing here eight years, and a few others nearly as long.

The first place of interment is situated in section 24, and is known as " Vaughan's Graveyard." It is now overgrown with timber, but it is said once to have been a cleared spot of ground. In this cemetery the bodies of the killed at the Wood River massacre are buried. On a small sandstone we deciphered the following inscription : " William and Joel Moore were k lied by the Indians, July 10th, 1814." The letters are nearly obliterated by age. There are also the names of Ogle, members of the family of William Ogle. John Rattan's name also appears. It is engraven on a sandstone - a broken piece - and reads: "Deceased Oct. 11th, 1821, age 74." Several are so old and dim, they cannot be deciphered. The oldest, which is legible, bears the following name and date: "James Odell,died September 11th, 1809." Thus it is evident that this place of interment antedates 1809. Upon this same ground was built the first churchhouse, about the year of the above inscription. The house was a, small log-cabin, and was constructed by the Baptist denomination. A frame building was afterward built in its place, but it too passed away more than a quarter of a century ago. Rev. William Jones was the early pastor. And, apropos of this, we will relate a little anecdote, as handed us by one of the old settlers. It is traditional, however, and we give it for what it is worth. It is said the circumstance occurred in the days of the first house, the log-cabin, services then being conducted at the house of " Uncle"' Johnny Rattan. The Rev. David Badgley, from St. Clair county, was over in this part of the moral vineyard aiding the Rev. Mr. Jones in conducting a series of meetings. At this particular time the Rev. Badgley was engaged in making the exhortation, and Brother Jones was sitting by his side. Now in those times, not even the minister of the gospel, made any great pretensions to dressing in esthetic style. Suspenders were unknown among them, and the pantaloons were supported at the hips by what was called a draw-string. Brother Badgley had become very much warmed up with his subject, - so much so, in fact, that he was not aware that the draw-string of his pants had by some unexplainable cause become untied. In short, he was the only one present that was ignorant of the fact. From all appearances there was soon likely to be a very embarrassing catastrophe. Bro. Jones took in the situation, and nudged his brother, and at the same time gave an ominous glance and nod at Badgley's unmentionables. But the Rev. B. was equal to the occasion. He stopped, quietly secured a knot in the string, and proceeded with his discourse as though nothing had happened.

Among other early preachers, besides those already mcntioneil, were Bennett Maxey, Nathaniel Pinckard, Thomas Raudle, and Samuel Thompson, all of the Methodist persuasion.

The first school-house was situated in section 4, on the land now owned by George Cartwright. The house was an unpretentious one, being constructed simply cf rough logs. The first teacher was an old man by the name of Peter Flinn. He taught here some little time, and went to pirta unknown. The early Ju.sticas of the Peace were Nathaniel Pinckard, Wm. G. Pinckard, John Allen, and Benjamin Spencer. These were all magistrates as early as 1818. The first Sunday school was organized by Mrs. Thos. Lippincott, at the old town of Milton, in 1819. This was not only the first Sunday-school in Wood River, or Madison county, but it was the first in the state of Illinois. The first to practice medicine here was Dr. Tiffin, who resided about three miles down the river at a point then called St. Mary's. He afterward moved to Edwardsville, an 1 thence to St. Louis. Erastus Brown was also an early physician. The first postoffice was established at Milton in a very early day, but at just what date none now living are able to tell. Richard Cartledge opened a coal mine in section 1, as early as 1839. No shaft was sunk, as coal could be procured by drifting into the bluff. The first blooded stock was iutrotrodueed in 1840, by a man of the name i f Van Wagner. It consisted of hogs and horned cattle, imported from Europe. It may not be generally known, but in an early day (1818, or before) there was quite an extensive packing house, established at the mouth of W^ood river, in section 28. D. E. Tiffin was the proprietor. Both beef and pork were packed here for the foreign markets.

The first town or village of any sort in Wood River was the town of Milton- The exact date of its inception is now difficult to determine, but from the best proofs at hand it must have commenced its existence about 1808-9. It was situated three miles from the mouth of Wood river, in section 17. The town was undoubtedly started by John Wallace and Walter J. Seeley, as they owned in 1818 nearly all of the improvements in the village. They were transacting business under the firm name of Wallace & Seeley, and owned three mills, two saw-mills and a grist mill. A dam was thrown across the river here which gave a head for water jx)wer. The saw mills were located at opposite sides of the river, and at either end of the dam. The town also contained a distillery, one store, a blacksmith shop and a tavern. The latter was kept by Joel Bacon, and the store was conducted by Thomas Lippincott, under the firm name of Lippincott & Co. This was in 1818, and Milton was then flourishing and enjoying its palmiest days. The miasma rising from the back water caused by the dam, produced a great deal of sickness at certain seasons of the year, and Milton's sun began to set. A few years, and it was nearly depopulated. Another decade and the buildings were torn down and removed to other parts ; only one rickety building was left standing, tenantless and silent. Other extinct towns, were Chippewa, Gibralter, and we also find the name St. Mary's; but they were all in the Mississippi or the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, nearly half a century ago. Chippewa was situated directly opposite the mouth of the Mi-^fouri, and could boast of one of the first steam mills in Madison county. Gibraltar was about a mile above the mouth of Wood river and located on the west bank. St. Mary's must have been a place or town in name only. Abraham Preuitt, now residing at Dorsey's station, says that Dr. Tiffin settled near the mouth of Wood river and built a two story house, and the place was called St. Mary's. Lippincott in his Memoirs also speak of Dr. Tiffin residing at the aforementioned place.

Thii is a thriving little town, situated on the Intlianapolis and St. Louis railway, and contain* a population of about 800. It was laid out by Joel U. Starkey, and the plat was recorded June 23d, 1854. The original site was located in the southeast quarter of section 1, but other additions have been made, and now about one-fifth of the population reside over the line in Fort Russell township. The town was first called Bethel, but as soon as the post-office was established it became necessary to change the name, as there was already another town of the same name in the state. A compromise was, therefore, effected between the two names, Bethel and Alton, Beth-alto. The first building was a board shanty, sixteen feet square, erected by Thomas Smith, in 1854, and situated on what is now the widow Mape's place on Oak street. Mr. Smith utilized it for a dwelling, and also kept a small stock of groceries. The next business house was built by Wm. Tyron in the spring of 1855. It was a frame building 30x40, and situated on Prairie street and Railroad avenue. Mr. Tyron put in a general stock of goods, and continued business for some years. The house is yet standing, and is occupied by Charles Bruening for a general store. The next industry in the town was a brick yard, established by John A. Miller, in the spring of 1856, and located north of the railroad on the corner of Mill and Oak streets. The same spring the firm of Hamilton & Piggett erected a steam circular saw mill on the north side of the railroad on Oak street, between Second and Third. At that time the present site of Bethalto was covered with heavy timber, as was also a portion of the surrounding country. In consequence of this the mill flourished and did a thriving business, but in a few years timber became scarce, and it was moved to Hamel township. William Tyron kept the first post office. This was in 1855. The first hotel was built and kept by Anthony B. Carroll in 1858. It was situated on Prairie street and Railroad avenue, and north of the railroad. The first blacksmiths were the firm of Richard & Samuels. The trade was established in 1856, and located on Second and Oak streets north of the railroad. The first church was erected by the Catholics, and dedicated in the summer of 1862. It is a frame structure in a very good state of preservation, and was considered in the day of its construction a pretty fair building. The first Justice of the Peace elected in the corporation was John A. Miller,

Incorporation. - Bethalto was incorporated as a town under a special act in force, April 19th, 1869. The first officers elected were, Jacob Huppert, President of the board ; trustees, John P. Richards. J. P. Gumming, J. C. Baugert, and John Jackson. April 23d, 1873, an election was held to determine whether the town should incorporate as a village under the general law, with the following result: For village organization 14 votes ; against village organization 9 votes. The majority being in favor of organization, an election was called May 5th, following, for the purpose of choosing village officers. The following named persons were elected : Stephen A. Albro, President of Board ; Trustees, Conrad H. Flick, John V. Richards, Adam Elspermann, Charles Gundall and John Stolze ; Clerk, William E. Lehr ; Police ^Ligistrate, John A. Miller. Frank M.- Handle was appointed village constable, F. W. Stolze, Supt. of streets, and Lewis Kleim, treas. The present board recently elected are : John Wiedraer, E. W. Reid, John Dippold, F. Weaver, B. Picker, and John Falkenberg; Clerk, W. H. Battles. The town is in good condition financially, and the walks and other improvements indicate a tasty and prosperous people. One of the largest and most extensive flouring mills in Madison county is located here.

President Merchant Mills and Elevator. - John W. Kauffman, proprietor. This industry was established in 1859, by James Neimrick, it then having three run of stone with a capacity of manufacturing 100 barrels of flour daily. In 1877, it was torn down, and rebuilt by the firm of Meyer & Guye with a daily capacity of 500 barrels. In 1879, both of the firm died, and the following year it was leased by E. O. Stanard & Co., for twelve months. January, 1881, it was purchased by J. W. Kauff"man who increased its capacity to 600 barrels. In March 1882, a complete change was made in the grinding apparatus, substituting the Gray roller system in the place of burrs. This is a new departure, and considered far in advance of the old system. Its former capacity remains unchanged. The mill proper is 54x80 on the ground, and five stories in height, and has a stone basement. The elevator, which is run in connection with the mill, is 40x80 feet base, and 85 feet high. It has the capacity of elevating 15,000 bushels of grain daily, and of storing 70,- 000 bushels of wheat. A ware-house is detached 65x150 feet, and will store 10,000 barrels of flour. A cooper shop is conducted in connection with the works, and is a part of the property. The whole concern covers one and a half acres of ground. It is located on the I. & St. L. Railway. The switch from the mill to the road is owned and operated by the proprietor of the mill. The capital invested is estimated at $125,000. Fifty men are employed by this enterprise. Flour is shipped mainly to the Eastern states and Europe. This vast machinery is driven by a 250 horse-power engine. No elevator or mill in the county has better facilities for receiving and discharging grain, feed, flour, etc , than this. The elevator is hopper-bottom, or in regular elevator style, and so conveniently arranged for changing grain from bin to bin that it is not necessary to use the scoop in any part of the building. The mill contains a bran bin capable of holding ten car loads of bran, and a smaller one that holds four car loads of shorts. A corn elevator also belongs to the concern. It is a frame building 16x30 feet on the ground and 30 feet high, and stores 5,000 bushels of corn. The

Karnack Mill - This mill was established by the firm of Ewan & Flick in the fall of 1872, and passed wholly into tiie hands of the senior member of the firm, J. T. Ewan, in the fall of 1879. It is located on Prairie street, a little north of the railroad. It is a frame building, two stories high with a basement, and 28x60 feet on the ground. The engine rojm is one story, and 16x40 feet. The mill has four run of burrs, and has the capacity of grinding 100 barrels of flour daily, and gives employment to twelve men. The annual manufactured product is estimated at $165,000. The capital invested is $14,000. The flouring is done by an improved process, and the flour sells well in the Eastern markets; it is however, mainly confined to custom work. The machinery is driven by a forty-horse power engine. A cooper shop is run in connection with the mill. It is a detached building 20x30 feet in size.

Coal J/wte-j.^There are two small coal mines near the suburbs of the town. One is owned by David Brunton, the other by Michael Mayer. Bethalto is situated over a fine vein of coal which is from five to eight feet in thickness, and it is obtained by going only about 70 feet below the surface. The only wonder is, that this industry receives so little attention. The shafts in operation do but very little work, and are not prepared to do anything like an extensive business.

Sheridan Home. - Conrad H. Flick proprietor. This house has been recently built, and is a fine brick building three stories high, and with basement under ground. It is nearly square, being 45x56 feet base. It contains sixteen guest-rooms and two store rooms ; also a commodious office and sample room. A dumb-waiter is arranged to communicate from the kitchen to the basement, and the house contains all other conveniences peculiar to a good hotel. It is located on the corner of Third and Oak streets. The property is valued at $6,000, and it is indeed an ornament to the town. There are three other hotels in the village. The Union Hotel, H. J. Hensech, proprietor ; Bethalto House, John Cooper, proprietor; and the Cooper's Exchange, with John Husum as proprietor.

Public Hall. - This is situated in the second story of the Neisler building. It is 40x60 feet in size, and is conveniently arranged with stage and stage fixtures, and is seated with chairs capable of accommodating 500 persons. The stage is 16 feet in depth, and has a breadth of thirty feet. It is arranged with foot-lights and has three sets of scenery.

A Cornet Band was organized about two years ago, and it is now in good working order. There are thirteen members in the band, and they are all well uniformed. It contaius eleven horns, two tenor drums and one bass drum. The instruments and uniforms cost about $500.

School House. - This is a fine brick building situated in the eastern part of the village, and was constructed in 1867, at a coat, including furniture, of $7,000. It is two stories high, with a cupola and bell, and contains four rooms. Four teachers are employed, and it is sutably graded for the best advancement of the pupils. There are three church houses of fair dimensions, the Cumberland Presbyterian, United Baptist and the Catholic. For a full history of these societies see Ecclesiastical chapter.

Bethalto Lodge, No. 406, A. F. and A. M., was chartered October 5th, 1846, with 18 charter members. Whole number enrolled, 74. Present membership, 24. The Lodge meets before the full moon in each month. It has a good lodge room, and is in good condition financially.

United Ancient Order of Druids, Teutonia Grove, No. 25. This society was organized September 9th, 1871, and chartered September 27th, 1874, with a membership of six. There have been 46 members enrolled ; five have died since organization. There are now 25 members enrolled and in good standing. The society has paid out for sick benefits. $929. Each of the five deceased members have received $500. The Lodge meets the first and third Fridays in each month, in the village Hall. It is in excellent condition financially.

Emerald

the east line of a tract of land containing 180 acres, being a part of the east half of section 16. This town is better known as Alton Junction, and is named Wanda station by the railroad corporation. The I. and St. L. railroad transfer and feed all the stock passing over the line at this point. The road has six long switches here, and one switch engine is kept busy in making transfers, etc. The Tile works of M. H. Bowles & Co., are located a little above the station, and are one of the most extensive industries of the kind in this part of the state. Not less than $100,000 have been invested in establishing the works, and they give employment to about twenty men. All sizes of tile are manufactured from two inches in diameter to the largest sewer pipe. There are two general stores at the station. John Koch and George Smith are the proprietors. The former is also post- master. There is also a blacksmith shop conducted by David D. Tomlinson, besides fiye saloons and two boardinghouses. The town contains about 250 inhabitants, and has an air of considerable push and business.

Salu was laid out and the plat placed on record August 1st, 1825, by Bennett Maxey, Erastus Brown and Zachariah Allen. It is situated in the southwest quarter of section 6, on the first high, rolling ground from the river. It long since merged into Upper Alton, as the latter place grew in importance, and Salu is now known only in history and on paper According to the census of 1880, Wood River township contained a population of 4,885, composed of various nationalities. S. B. Gillham has the honor of representing the township in the county board since townshij) organization in 1876.

Bartlett Hinds Mills, was born in Montrose, Pennsylvania, on the 22d day of October, 1815. He married Delia Halsey, at Fairfield, N. Y., August 26th, 1841. The family for a time lived on the paternal farm, west of Montrose. He afterward taught school and made some preparation for the practice of the law, and was editor of the Independent EepublicMi. This with a short engagement in mercantile pursuits occupied him until January, 1852. There were born of the marriage in and near Montrose, Charles Francis Mills, born 29th day of May, 1843, Martha Lewis Mills, born 18th day of March, 1845, and Henry Edmund Mills, born 24th day of June, 1850. In January 1852, the family removed to Candor, Tioga county. New York, where was born Ruth Catharine Mills, on the 3d day of May, 1853. lu 1854, the family moved west, and settled at Up per Alton, Illinois, where Mr. Mills continued to reside until his death, July 30th, 1877 Oncoming West Mr. Mills became interested in the cause of Temperance, principally laboring with the Independent Order of Good Templars- He was for many years Grand Worthy Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, having an office in St. Louis, and for several terms was Right Worthy Grand Secretary of the National Lodge of the United States and Canadas. For eleven years he published the official organ of the order known as " The Good Templar." At the breaking out of the war, although past the age for active engagement and not being physically strong enough for service, he took an active interest in encouraging those who could go, and in sustaining them by aid and comfort at home. He was one of the charter members of the first Union League started in Upper Alton, which was among the first organized in the State. He organized the first Ladies' Union League, composed their ritual and caused the organization to spread over the entire State, thus starting a movement which caused large amounts of money, clothing and sanitary stores to be collected for the use of the army in the field besides educating public sentiment to the necessity of a vigorous prosecution of the war. He had imbibed strong anti-slavery sentiments from his father, Josiah Mills, who had been an old revolutionary veteran.

surance business in St. Louis, still making his residence in Upper Alton, and in 1870, became editor of the Western Insurance Review, which he continued to edit until his death, furnishing copy to the last number which appeared before his death. He became a member of the ]5aptist church while yet a young man, and was a regular attendant upon the services of the Upper Alton Baptist Church, and a frequent attendant upon the meetings of the Edwardsville Baptist Association.

The immediate ancestors of Bartlett H. Mills, were Josiah Mills, who married Elizabeth Sturdevant in January 1812. Josiah Mills, was born in Roxbury, Mass., on the 7th of October, 1763. In his 14th year, then a homeless orphan, he enlisted in the Revolutionary army as a drummer. After a year's service he received a musket which he carried until the close of the war. Was at the battles of White Plains, with Gates at Stillwater and Saratoga, with Washington at Trenton, Princeton, the march through the Jerseys, Valley Forge and Yorktown. Emigrated soon after the war to Joy, Oxford county, Maine. In 1804, he received a commission (now in possession of the family at Upper Alton) as Captain of Massachusetts volunteers, ]\Iaine, being then a province of Massachusetts. Removed to Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and with Bartlett Hinds (^after whom B. H. INIills was named) made the first settlement near Montrose in 1817. He died on his farm west of INIontrose, March 23d, 1833. He was a pensioner of the Revolution. See Blackman's history of Susquehanna county. Pa., pp. 313 and 314.

Elizabeth Sturdevant Mills, mother of B. H. Mills, was born in Danbury, Conn., in 1771, and died in Montrose, Pa., in September, 1841. Her father was Elder Samuel Sturdevant of the extensive Sturdevant family of Braintrim, Skinners Eddy and Lacyville, Pa. Their ancestry is traced back to an original Sturdevant, who was stolen from London Bridge when a boy, and brought to America and sold for his passage. From his looks and clothing he was supposed to be of noble birth, and in his last years was advertised for in England, but owing to his age and the rigors of the voyage he did not go to answer the call.

Delia (Halsey) Mills, was born in Fairfield, Herkimer county. New York, on the 5th day of February, 1817, and was married to B. H. Mills, August 2t!th, 1841. After the death of her husband in 1877, she removed to St Louis, and lived with her son, Henry E. Mills, until the summer of 1881, when she removed to Greenville, Illinois, to live with her daughter, Ruth C. Mills, Principal of Almira College. Her immediate ancestors were Sylvanus Halsey and Cordelia ( Sayre) Halsey. The Halseys were descended from Thomas Halsey who died in 1078, at Southampton, Jjong Island, and was one of the twenty original settlers of Lynn, Massachusetts. In lt)37, he was a resident of Lynn, and in 1638, he owned there 100 acres of land. His first wife was murdered by the Indians (See Howell's History of Southampton and Prime's History of Long Island, pp. 94 and 96.) The arms of the family in Hertfordshire, England, are Argent, three boars' head,s, couped in pale sable. He came from England in the Speedwell in 163.5. The original Thomas Halsey. d. 1678, had a son, Thomas Halsey. The Thomas had a son Josiah b. 1656-7 Feb. 15 ; David b. Apr. 12, 1663, d. 1732 and others. '" Josiah d. 1739 had ason.Deacju Josiah, b. 169-, d. 1744. Deacon Josiah had a son, Israel. Israel, had a son, Willnian, b. 1750, d. 1786. Willman Halsey had a sou Barzillai, a son Sylvanus, father of Delia (Halsey) Mills. Her mother, Cordelia (Sayre) Halsey, was a descendant of Thomas Sayre, the first of that name in Southampton, and one of the eight original " Undertakers,' so called because they bought a vessel and came in it to Southampton. The great age to which these early settlers lived in the salt atmosphere and on the abundant oyster and fish diet which they enjoyed would have proved profoundly discouraging to modern " Undertakers." He came to Southampton in 1640, and was originally from Bedfordshire, England. (See Howell's History of Southampton, p. 18.) Inl63S, heandhisson Job had each 60 acres of land allotted to them in Lynn, Mass. The arms of this family in Bedfordshire, England, are Gules, a chevron ermine between three sea gulls. Argent, Thomas Sayre d. 1670, b. about 1594, had a son ^Francis, and others. Francis had a son, Ichabod, '" Ichabod had a son ' Joshua, who was in the Revolutionary war with General Clinton. ' Joshua had ason - Joshua, who had a son Paul, b. Oct. 22, 1766, who married Mary Halsey, Dec. 9, 1784, and had among other children Cordelia Sayre, who married Sylvanus Halsey, and was the mother of Delia (Halsey) Mills. The Sayre or Sears family is traced to one Richard Sears who lived in 1507. The name is evidently French, and Captain Thomas Sayre, of Southampton, claims that there is evidence that the family were originally Huguenots, and settled in England after some hostile edict in France. It is recorded that one Stephen Sayre left Southampton and returned to England and became High Sheriff of London, which office he held at the tine of the Revolutionary war, when his American sympathies could not be repressed, and for their expression he was compelled to retire to France. There he found relatives of their orignal stock with whom he remained until his subsequent return to America.

Charles Francis Mills, was born in Montrose, Pa., on the 29th day of May, 1843. Attended Shurtleff College up to the Sophomore year. Enlisted as private in the 124th Regt. Illinois Vols. Was appointed Hospital Steward, U. S. A. by Western Depot at Camp Butler, Illinois, and at Nashville, Tenn. After the war, was engaged in the insurance business in St. Louis, and subsequently removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he is engaged as Assistant Secretary of the Board of Agriculture of the State of Illinois, and also in the breeding of Clyde.sdale Horses, Jersey Cattle, Cotswold Sheej) and Berkshire Swine, in all of which enterprises he has achieved success. He was married on the 26th day of May, 1869, to Mary E. Bennett, and has three children, Minnie, William and Carrie.

Martha Lewis Mills, was born on the farm in Bridgewater township, near Montrose, on the 18th day of ISIarch, 1845. Was married to Captain Joseph H. Weeks, now Postmaster at Up|)er Alton, and died in Upper Alton, in 1869, leaving one son, Charles Henry Weeks, born in Upper Alton, on the 3d day of August, 1866. Henry Edmund Mills, was born in Montrose, Pa , on the 24th day of June, 1850. Was graduated at Shurtleff College, in June, 1869, taught school one year and entered the St. Louis Law School, and was graduated in May, 1872, having passed the best examination in his class of 21 and being awarded the prize of $50 for the best Thesis. Received the degree of A. M. from Shurtleff in June, 1874. Was married to Emma Brown Sprague, at St. Louis, Mo. August 30th, 1877, and has two children, Edith Cynthia, born, in St. Louis, July 2d, 1878, and Constance, born at St. Louis, July 15th, 1880. In 1878 he published a work entitled a Treatise on the Law of Eminent Domain which was favorably received by the press and the profession. In July 1881 , purchased his present residence in Upper Alton, and continues the practice of the law in St. Louis. Is a member of the Board of Trustees of Shurtleff College, and author of several valuable treatises on law.

Ruth Catharine Mills, was born in Candor, Tioga county,New York, on the 3d day of May, 1853. Was graduated from Shurtleff College in June 1876, receiving the degree of A. B. Was instructor in Latin, French and Litera ture at Mount Carroll Seminary, Mt. Carroll, Illinois, for five years. In 1851, took charge as principal of Almira College, Greenville, Illinois, in which capacity she is at present engaged.

Emma Brown (Sprague) Mills, was born on the 19th day of September, 1855, in Lowell, Washington county, Ohio, and was married on the 30th day of August, 1877, to Henry E. Mills at St. Louis, Missouri. She has devoted herself to instrumental music in which she has become proficient both on the piano and pipe organ, having been for five years organist at Dr. Brooks' Church, in St. Louis.

Capt. John A. Miller

Is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, where he was born June 26th, 1826. He is the eldest child of Samuel L. and Susan (Kirby) Miller. His mother died in Baltimore when he was a child of five years of age. His father subsequently married Miss Mary, daughter of Henry and Frances Belk, a native of Leeds, England. He was born in Baltimore in 1802, emigrated to Alton in 1834, where he was among the first to engage in the manufacture of lime. This employment was succeeded by that of brick-maker, which, in turn, gave way to farming, near Omph- Ghent, in which avocation he passed the evening of a well-spent life Mr. Miller waa one of the pioneers of Odd Fellow.ship in the West, and aided in establishing the first lodge of that order west of the Alleghanies. He was a charter member of the Lodge at Alton, and was regarded with the highest esteem and veneration by his brethren of the Mystic Tie wherever he was known. He was an earnest, active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he became an elder. His life was characterized by devotion to principle, earnestness of purpose and exemplary action. He died in August, 1880.

The subject of this sketch was married on the 17th of March, 1853, to Miss Mary, daughter of Daniel and Jane Hagerman, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Mrs. Miller was born November 10th, 1822.

The Roller System History Of Madison Counjy, Illinois

There is, perhaps, nothing of which a man may be more excusably proud than of gallant service in the cause of hi.s country, nor is there any service which lives longer in the grateful memory of a people. Major Moore was among those who early offered their services to their country in it^^ hour of peril, and who never deserted their posts until a conquered peace had crowned their efforts. He was born in Madison county, Illinois, September 2d, 1826. His parent::! were North Carolinians, from whence they first emigrated to Kentucky, thence to Wood River, this county, in 1808. They had in all eight children, of whom Franklin was the youngest. Franklin's first attendance at school was to that taught by Sophia Loomis (Edwards) in his father's cabin in 1832. He subsequently attended Shurtleff College. He was married to Telitha Elliott, near Bunker Hill, Macoupin county, June 4th, 1846. By her he had six children, one of whom died during the war of the Rebellion, and the another, a farmer, same State ; a daughter, now the wife of Shields Preuitt, lives in Fort Worth, Texas ; another, the wife of H. E. Rupert, Dallas, Texas; the youngest is a student in Shurtleff College. His wife died May 31st, 1872. Major Moore has principally followed farming, although for six or seven years he operated a saw-mill on Wood River. Major Moore's military record is quite fully set forth in the chapter devoted to such history. His patriotic ardor found full vent on many a hard contested field of battle, where he was ever eager to discharge his full duty and more. Wounded by a rifle ball, August 27, 1862, we find him again a leader of the fight on September 3d following. As a commander, he was kind to his men, and ever aggressive towards the enemy. He accepted fearful odds, but his military genius ever triumphed. In political faith an earnest Republican, the Major has contributed no little to his party's success iu various campaigns. Companionable himself he enjoys the society of hosts of friends.