Amboy Township (part 2 of 4)

Eeform division. No. 555, Sons of Temperance, was organized February 21, 1862, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Division of Illinois, E. D. Lamoine, of Paw Paw, being Grand Worthy Patriarch, and Geo. L. Moore, of Lebanon, Grand Scribe. Charter members: W. H. Tousley, N. T. Pratt, W. B. Andruss, C. P. Miller, F. I. Foot, Wm. H. Hayward, John Carter, jr., M. Gilleas, Chas. A. Allen, D. C. Udell, J. A. Scollay, W. C. Sears, D. C. Graham, D. B. Wall, Chas. E. Ives and Samuel E. Appleton. The division has had its days of prosperity - when high tide came and multitudes floated in, - and of adversity - when tlie tide ebbed away, and those of least principle or will-power dropped out ; but a few have always held on to the good craft. The period of greatest prosperity was in 1876 and 1877, during and since which time over 200 have been initiated. This division, with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, organized in December 1876, and the Red Ribbon Club, organized in 1877, worked in harmony together, the reading-room over the store of W. B. Andruss & Son being their headquarters. The club has ceased as an organization, leaving the other two bodies still doini,^ effective work. Present officers : Mrs. Daniel Bull, W.P.; Mrs. C. W. Bell, W.A.; Daniel/Bull, R. S.; Miss Emma Sleeper, A.R.S.; Wm. B. Andruss, F.S.; Edgar Miller, Treas.; Rev. N. A. Reed, D.D., Chaplain ; B. B. Howard, C; Mrs. A. Lossie, A.C.; Mrs. M. J. Mingle, I.S.; C. W. Bell, O.S., and C. W. Deraing, P.W.F. Representatives to the grand division : C. W. Deming, E. Miller, C. P. Miller, W. B. Andruss, J. S. Oleson, C. W. Bell, Rev. Dr. N. A. Reed, G. W. Mingle, Mrs. M. J. Mingle, Daniel Bull, Mrs. Daniel Bull and B. B. Howard ; of these Messrs. Andruss and Deming are representatives of the Grand Division of Illinois to the National Division of North America.

"On November 19, 1876, a few ladies who had attended the state annual convention at Dixon, and returned with hearts quickened to the need of gospel temperance work in their midst, extended an invitation by the various pulpits to all interested in temperance to meet Tuesday afternoon, November 21, in the Baptist church, to organize a Woman's Christian Temperance Union." A committee was named to obtain a good lecturer, and another to collect funds from the citizens to pay the expense of the lecture-course. Prayer-meetings were appointed to move the hearts of the people in the new work, and three of those were held in the Methodist church. Volunteer laborers having come forward, on December 2 a called meeting was held in the Congregational parlor to district the city, so that the canvassers could go to work soliciting members and mone3\ Their success was very encouraging. Mrs. Foster, of Iowa, was engaged, and gave three lectures on December 17, 18 and 19, and then it w^as decided to organize, which was done in the Baptist church on the last day mentioned. The officers chosen were Mrs. Mingle, president; Mrs. Yaughan, Mrs. Poland and Mrs. Badger, vice-presidents; Mrs. Williams, recording secretary; Mrs. Chase, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. Reagan, treasurer. Tlie standing committees Avere : on reading-room, Mrs. Andruss, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Poland, Mrs. Williams ; on public work, Mrs. Battis ; on literature, Mrs. Chase ; on statistics, Mrs. Reagan ; on finance, Mrs. Miller. Most untiring and zealous endeavors have been put forth by these christian women to secure a ripe harvest of good works in the com- munity, and their hands have been royally upheld by the citizens. The Union occnpies the cheerful and tastefully furnished hall over the hardware store of W. B. Andrnss & Son, on Main street. Gospel meetings are held here every Sabbath afternoon under the auspices of the Union. These ladies inaugurated a free reading-room, and dedicated the hall to the high objects of social, religious and intellectual culture, with devotional and literary exercises on April 17, 1877. The Library Association uses tbe same hall, holding under the Union.

The Father Matthew Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society, founded by P. A. Boland and named in honor of the great Irish benefactor and apostle of temperance, is an independent body chartered by the state, and was organized December 15, 1872. It has sixty members and is in a flourishing condition. This is a valuable auxiliary to the reform movement.

Banner Temple, No. 24, of the United Order of Ancient Templars, was organized in August, 1889, with thirty -four members, and was chartered October 21. Present officers : Lee Cronkrite, T. ; Mrs. C. A. Bartlett, P.T. ; Frank Almy, Y.T. ; Frank Marrow, R. ; Mrs. Ford, A.R. ; H. T. Ford, F. ; H. ShurtlefF, C. ; Miss Fisher, M. ; (vacant) A.M. ; Mrs. Henry T. Ford, T. ; Mrs. Trainer, W. ; Mr. Skinner, G. Meetings are held on Monday nights in Odd-Fellows' Hall. This order furnishes insurance to its members, and embraces as compi'ehensive objects as any of the benevolent associations.

Journalism In Amboy

"In May or June, 1855, the 'Amboy Printing Association' was formed, which secured the publication of the ' Lee County Times,' witli Augustus ISToel Dickens, a brother of the author Charles Dickens, as editoi". So far as we can learn the stockholders were A. Kinyon, W, E. Ives, John L. Skinner, John B. Wyman, H. B, Judkins, W. B. Stuart. August 1, 1855, as appears by a bond in our possession, one H. B. Judkins bound himself in the sum of $200 to said association in consideration of the transfer of the press, etc., to publish or cause to be published the said 'Lee County Times' for the space of one year. Volume 1, number 33, was issued February 7, 1856, by H. G. Pratt as editor and proprietor, and this is the oldest paper on our files. Volume 1, number 41, w^as issued as the 'Amboy Times,' by Cottrell & Pratt, April 3, 1856 ; and that name was continued for ten years, or until volume 11, number 18, published by GofF & Shaw, February 8, 1866. In the meantime, however, publishers had succeeded each other in the following order: Cottrell, Pratt & Miller; Cottrell, Pratt &

Somes; Pratt & Co. (John Lewis, James F. Somes); Pratt, Shaw & Co, (Joseph Lewis); Gardner, Shaw & Lewis; and Pratt & Shaw. When Gotf & Shaw issued volume 1, number 1, of the 'Lee County Journal,' February 25, 1866, they called it the 'new series,' and dropped the record of the eleven years and twenty weeks of a newspaper issue from the same office. This course we consider unwise, and propose now to remedy by calling the present issue of the 'Journal' volume 19, number 1.

"Burrington & Shaw published the 'Lee County Journal' from February, 1867, to December, 1867, when we find a card published giving notice that they would suspend the issue of any paper for two w^eeks, because of the want of payments and patronage on the part of business men and subscribers. From January 16 to December 24, 1868, B. F. Shaw was editor and proprietor.

" Some graceless scamp has stolen the files from the last date to January 6, 1870, when we find the paper issued by Stimson & Corbns nntil March 10, when the thief, or the most improvident publishers, again leave us no files up to September; when Wm. Parker changed the name to the one now used, and continued its publication for just two years, to September 6, 1872, when we [W. H. Haskell] bought the ' Journal,' paid ofi" its mortgages, began to improve the paper and increase its circulation, having gained 200 subscril)ers in nineteen months without especial eff'ort at solicitation."

On October 15, 1879, Mr. Haskell sold the office to E. W. Faxon & Co., and on February 1, 1881, Dr. C. E. Loomis, of Lee Center, purchased it and is the present editor and proprietor. The paper has always been republican in politics.

Tornado

TORNADO. The great tornado of 1860 occurred on Sunday, June 3. It began its ravages as far west as Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and gathering force as it proceeded, left a track of death and desolation behind. In the vicinity of Clinton twenty-five persons were killed. The town of Comanche, on the Iowa side of the Mississippi, \vas totally destroyed ; and Albany, on the Illinois side, shared nearly the same fate. In the two places the killed and wounded reached not fewer than 125 persons. The towns of Lyndon and Mount Pleasant, in Whiteside county, suffered severely, and in the neighborhood of Morrison and Sterling about a dozen were killed and a larger number wounded. From the point w^here the hurricane struck this county to Bradford township it spared nothing in its course. Trees, crops, stock, fences and buildings were swept away with terrific fury, and numbers of persons, not a few frightfully mangled, were killed outright, while a still larger number sustained different degrees of injury. In its progress onward from Bradford it alternately raised and lowered, leaving evidences of its violence at intervals. Its track was about forty rods wide, and the ground over which it passed had tiie appearance of having been swept by a mighty torrent. In its twistings and whirlings it described a zigzag course, with arms and angles jutting out at short distances. The general direction was from west to east through Amboy, about a mile south of the north line of the township. The first casualty was the serious injury of a man named Emmet, his wife, two children, and a hired man, who were living in a house owned by E. B. Stiles. The building was demolished. The next place visited east of this was Mr. Morse's. His house was destroyed, and Mrs. Morse was hurled five rods and disemboweled. She survived in this horrible condition about an hour. Mr. Morse was despaired of for some time, but finally recovered and is now living. One of the sons was slightl}' injui-ed, another dangerously, and a daughter had both legs broken and died. James Rosbrugh's farm, occupied by Edward Sacket, was next in the track. The house, barn and blacksmith shop, were carried entirely away ; and all the family of five persons seriously and some dangerously injured. F. H. Northway's buildings suffered total wreck. The family were taken up with the house into the air, but fortunately all escaped with the exception of cuts, bruises and broken ribs. A boulder weighing a quarter of a ton was lifted at this place and carried ten rods. From here the storm headed more northerly, and John Crombie's house shared the general ruin ; one of his little children was killed, and another was so hurt that it barely recovered. Lyman Bixby's family took refuge in their cellar half a minute before the tempest reached them and were saved, though the house and barn went to atoms. Farther north James Moffat's house was unroofed ; and cuts and bruises, from which no one was exempted, were the extent of injuries here. R. D. Peironnet lost his barn, back kitchen and outbuildings. A traveler, who had stopped at a vacant building near, and had the calves of his legs nearly torn off, was at once brought to Mr. P.'s for care. Onward the destroying force went to Isaac Gage's; but we shall let Mr. Gage tell his own fearful story of loss and bereaveuK-iit in the picturesque account which he has given of this calamity, and un which we mainl}' rely for adequate description. P. D. La Forge's handsome residence was partly unroofed, a back kitchen blown away, and his barn rent to pieces.

From this point we prefer Mr. Gage's striking statement of his personal experiences at the supreme instant of disaster, and of his intimate knowledge of the ravages made in his neighborhood and to the eastward. It was published in the Amboy " Journal " February T, 187-1.

"This wind storm, called a tornado, struck onr house on the eve of June 3, 1860, about nine o'clock. It being Sabbath evening we had retired rather earl}-^, and I soon fell asleep to be awakened by a terrible crash as of thunder, seemingly without a cause. For the next instant it was so still one could have heard a pin fall in any part of the house, bat for a moment only; then, sir, there was a sound which I shall ever fail to describe, but I will give the best version my poor mind can. It was not thunder, and though it lasted but a moment it shook the earth for miles around. Another moment and everything was as still as death ; then instantly carac the grand crash, and we were in the elements. ISTow it is partly by sight and partly by feeling that I shall attempt to describe what took place. 1 jumped out of bed and grasped the door-handle to go for our children, but could not open the door. Suddenly it opened and knocked me down on one knee, and violently dragged or shoved me about five feet out of doors to the ground, while the house and my four boys went into the air far above my head; some of the furniture, or some portion of the house, struck me in the back and passed on. This confused state of things lasted perhaps five minutes, I should think not longer, and then out came the moon as bright as day ; it seemed as if it wanted to show us what desolation and destruction had been done. Here and there lay heaps of rubbish, parts of the liouse and some parts of the furniture, all broken small enough for stove wood, and onlj^ three out of seven of our family were able to see this ruin. Some were dead, and some were not conscious of anything that was going on, though yet alive. A twin boy of eleven years had his life literally whipped out of him; he was dead when found. My eldest, a boy of seventeen, was carried through the air and debris the distance of sixty rods or over, and was so bruised that his entire person after a few hours became perfectly pulp-like, resembling a blood-blister. He lived, however, until the seventh day, in the most wonderful agony. Most of the time he la}^ seemingly unconscious.

" The rest of the bo\'s were not carried so far away. When we found m}^ youngest son the little fellow looked most horrible, not a scrap of clothing on him save the collar of his shirt; his head was cut and bruised, and his body so bloody and dirty that we could scarcely see any human shape to him. We picked him and his little dead brother up about twelve rods from where the liouse had stood a few moments before.

"When we went to bed that evening a large kettle that would hold a barrel or more was standing under the eaves of the house, full of water ; it was taken up and carried high enough to strike the corner of the barn about twelve feet from the ground, and there it sat where the barn stood with two or three pailfuls of water in it yet. In the debris of the barn lay a young stable horse ; when first seen he was on his back with the timbers piled upon and about him six feet high, and one large piece lay across his neck and held him down so firmly that he could not stir.

" From this point on in a southeast direction the surface of the earth was covered wuth bits of everything in the shape of fence rails, boards, timbers, etc. All seemed to have been carried with so great force that they were driven into the ground from three inches to one foot or more. One stick, thirteen feet long and about ten inches square, was taken over 100 rods from my house and thrust into the earth ten feet, at an angle of forty-five degrees. It seems that the air must have been full of every conceivable tiling, parts of wagons and buggies and goods from the house were literally torn to fragments and scattered abroad. Before the storm I had two lumber wagons, after it I had only two wheels left.

"After leaving my place it struck Mr. Lorenzo "Wood's, there it entirely demolished the buildings (and they were many), but carried away nothing very heavy, except a few sheep that were transported something near twenty miles. His papers were found by honest men and returned. I think there were none on Mr. Wood's farm seriously hurt, unless it was a tenant family [the Felties] who were lifted house and all into the air and carried in a southwesterly direction over the line fence into my field, and there caught by another current and carried in a circle back into the same field that they started from, making a distance of about fifty rods before the house was torn to pieces. Its course could be traced for weeks after, for in places the corners of the house struck into the earth, and in others the building dragged along and made large holes as if several wagon-loads of soil had been removed, and then elevated itself, no one knows how high, before coming to the final crash. As I said before, this family were somewhat hurt, but I think they all survived. One of the men who were in this house told me afterward that when it was in motion the stove rolled over the room like a ball, and all their furniture, with themselves, was pitched and tumbled about fearfully. At this point it seemed to reach out to the north about twenty rods and take in a Mr. Preston, who owned and lived on the Chadwick farm. It demolished all his buildings, and carried him with two of his children out through the tree-tops and landed them several rods from where they started unharmed, save some flesh wounds ; but his only a son, a little boy, was killed outright. From there it passed on, devastating everything in its wa}^, until it struck Mr. Martin Wright's. It cleared him out, tearing down everything in its course, and threw him and his wife's sister up into some trees, broke out a large piece of the lady's jawbone, taking with it the teeth, and so nearly killed Mr. "Wright that his life was despaired of for a long time. Both finally recovered, while Mrs. Wright, who was in the house at the same time and not hurt at all, died in less than ten days, as it was supposed, from fright. The cyclone moved from here to Mr. John Lane's, destroying everything, but killing no one. From this point it left Amboy township and visited the corner of Lee Center, passing into Bradford, doing serious damage to Mr. Darwin Woodruifs farm, lifting up his house and dashing it to fragments instantly, so injuring the inmates that they were taken up for dead, but they all recovered. Beyond this point for some miles it did little harm; but fourteen miles distant it descended, leaving articles taken from this neighborhood, and so lowering at intervals to deal out destruction; its force did not seem to abate until it reached Lake Michigan."

John B. Wyman, oldest of ten children, of Scotch ancestry, M'as boi'u July 12, 1817 ; and was educated at a select school at Bolton, and at the public schools of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. At the age of fourteen he ceased study altogether under the direction of tutors; and in view of his liberally practical acquirements in later life, may be said in truth to have been a thoroughly self-made man. Having quit school, he became employed in a clothing store in Shrewsbury ; and in 1838, as a partner in a mercantile firm, opened the first ready-made clothing store in Cincinnati, Ohio. He remained in that citj^two years, and then returned to his native state to become a member of a firm engaged in the dry-goods business. At that time he was married to Miss Maria Bradley. In 1846 he was general clerk in the Springfield car and engine shops, and afterward superintended the construction of cars. He was a conductor on the New York and New Haven railroad in 1850, and subsequently superintendent of the Connecticut River railroad. In 1852 he entered the service of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and assisted in the survey and construction under Col. R. B. Mason, general superintendent and engineer. He was first employed on the branch, but in 1853 was transferred to the main line, and accepted the superintendency of the north division. At the earliest moment he acquired an interest in Amboy and laid out W3'man's addition, and we may almost call him the father of the city. He settled permanentl}^ in the place on the completion of the passenger house, of which he was proprietor some time. He was twice mayor of Amboy, and the first incumbent of the otfice. His second term was in 1860. Col. Wyman was fond of military life, and when a very yonng man trained in a rifle company in Sbrewsbnry. He was a member of the City Guards of Worcester, and later still in life captain of the Chicago Light Guards. On the breaking out of the war he was appointed assistant adjutant-general of Illinois, and rendered valuable aid in mustering into the service the first six regiments. He recruited at Amboy, Co. C, 13th reg. 111. Yols., and on the organization of the regiment was elected colonel. He served in the southwest and was mortally wounded at Chichasaw Bayou, December 28, 1862, while directing the movements of his command. When Lieut-Col. Gorgas and others rushed to his assistance he said : " For God's sake, colonel, leave me and attend to those men."

His remains were brought to his home in Amboy, and a vast concourse witnessed the imposing funeral ceremonies. He was buried in Prairie Repose Cemetery, Amboy, but was afterward reinterred in Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago, where the privates and non-commissioned oflScers of his regiment, by whom he was much loved, erected a handsome monument to his memory, at a cost of $1,300.

Col. Wyman was of medium statue, faultless physique, and dashing, captivating manners. He was a gallant, chivalrous gentleman in civil as well as military life. His looks and bearing elicited admiration, his noble qualities insured love and respect. He responded instantly to his country's call, and hoped to leave a deathless name inscribed high on the roll of its most glorious defenders. He met death in the morning of his career, too soon for his own and his country's good, but he met it face to face while leading his brave soldiers in a desperate assault.

He planted the seeds of glory, but died ere the full harvest ; but while he was not permitted to give his name to the world, yet it will ever be cherished by all who knew his worth. It has been said of him that "he was as unsellish patriot and gallant soldier as ever drew blade or mounted horse." It may also be said that in all the relations of civil life, as citizen, husband, father, friend, he leaves without

Biographical

Joseph B. Appleton (deceased). Among the many well-known and influential families of New England the Appletons occupy a high place. Their genealogical record extends back to John Appleton, of Waldingfleld, England, who was living in the year 1396 ; and from the same source we learn that "Samuel Appleton, the common ancestor, so far as known, of all the name in New England, emigrated from Waldingtield, in the county of Suffolk, England, in the year 1635." From him have sprung many distinguished names in the business, professional and literary walks of life. The subject of this notice was born in Dublin, New Hampshire, March 10, 1819, and was put to the mercantile business, in which his father was engaged. His health gave way under confinement, and he was advised to turn his attention to farming. The Great West then offered inviting fields, and about 18-12 he came to Illinois, stopping on his way at Batavia, New York, and teaching school awhile. His cousin, Cyrus Davis, was living at Dixon then, as he is at the present time. Mr. Appleton bought the E. -| of N.W. i of Sec. 22, Amboy township, from the Sawyers, who had squatted on it, and this is now a part of Gilson's addition to the city of Amboy. He tarried here thirteen months, and then returned east; in his absence the land in this township came into market, and to save it for Mr. Appleton, Cyrus Davis bought it from the government and conveyed it to him on his arrival in 1811. He afterward became the owner of five other "forties." When Amboy was started he entered into an arrangement with Gilson & Ransom, of La Salle, by which they were to lay out the tract above described into lots, and sell them, reserving only block eleven, where Mr. Sleeper lives, and which is known as " the Appleton place." Mr. Appleton was married on September 17, 1844, to Miss Abbie H. Hunt, of New Ipswich, New Hampshire. She was born in Dublin, in that state, December 11, 1820. Her father was clothier and did business in Dublin, and afterward in Jefl-'rey, where he died in 1866. Four children were the fruits of this union: Samuel E., Abbie E., Maria N., Isaac J. and Julia A. The latter died August 17, 1855, and Mr. Appleton on September 28 following. Mr. Appleton was one of the foremost citizens of the township, and held office at different times. His widow was married to Dr. True P. Sleeper, February 5, 1856, and by this marriage twins have been born : Anna A. and Emma A. Dr. Sleeper is a native of St. Albans, Maine, where he was born March 31, 1821. He prepared for the practice of medicine in Harvard University, and followed his profession six years in Maine. He was married in 1852, to Miss Emma Mitchell, who died of cholera in Bureau county, Illinois, only ten days after his arrival in the state. He has practiced medicine and dentistry most of the time since he has lived here.

Samuel E. Appleton, dry-goods salesman, Amboy, was born on the site of Amboy September 7, 1845, and was the son of Joseph B. and Abbie H. Appleton. In May, 1864, he volunteered for one year in as commissioner of highways, town clerk, etc. In the fall of 1861 he entered the United States service, being commissioned captain September 13, 1861, and mustered in as captain of Co. C, of the 34th reg. 111. Vols. After the battle of Shiloh, he was promoted major and received his commission April 18, 1862. On November 29 of the same year he was commissioned colonel, and took command of the 34tli reg. At the expiration of the regiment's service he returned to Springfield, and was tendered the command of a new regiment by Gov. Bates, but which he declined, and returned home. In 1878 he was elected representative to the Illinois state legislature, and reelected in 1880. He is of decided republican principles in politics. The colonel suffered the bereavement of his wife, who died December 11, 1878, leaving seven children, four sons and three daughters. The eldest son, James W. Dysart, M.D., is living in Laramie City, Wyoming; two sons, James H. and Alison A., and one daughter, Mrs. Miller, reside in Chicago ; one daughter, Mrs. Jessee R. Whitney, resides south of Franklin Grove.

William C. Dysart, merchant, Nachusa, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsj^lvania, July 9, 1837. His early life was spent at farming on the old homestead. During this time, however, he received a liberal education at Mountain Seminary, Birmingham, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1866 he moved to Lee county, and engaged in the grain business at JSTachusa, in company with his brother, Capt. John Dysart, and erected the first grain elevator at that place. After engaging one year in this pursuit he returned to his native state and engaged in the wholesale grocery trade at Altoona, at which business he continued until in 1879, vv^hen he again came to JSTachusa, and established himself in the general merchandise and lumber business, which he still pursues. For this business he first occupied a small frame building, which now forms a wing to his present commodious store, erected in 1878. On January 1, 1872, he was married to Sophia Barlow, daughter of Augustus Barlow, Esq., a prominent citizen of Lee county. They have had b}^ this union one child, a daughter, Anna May, born in 1875. In 1869 Mr. Dysart was appointed postmaster at E'achusa, and has held the office continuously ever since, and is the present incumbent. Mr. Dysart, together with his estimable wife, enjoy the confidence and esteem of the entire community in which they live.

Wilson Dysart, farmer and stock raiser, ISTachusa, was born 'November 27, 1829, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Joseph and Mary A. (Davison) Dysart. He was reared on a farm, receiving a fair education, also a good practical education in the art of intelligent farming. January 18, 1853, he married Miss Frances M., daughter of Mr. Sanmel P. and Susan (Rathbon) Wallace, who was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, August 31, 1833. After his marriage Mr. Dysart engaged in farming on the old home with liis father, till 1857. In the spring of that year he came to Lee county, Illinois, and commenced improving land previously entered by his father, and in the fall of the same year his family joined him here, and he at once settled permanently on Sec. 17, T. 21, R. 10, which he has since by industry and good taste transformed from a state of nature into one of the beautiful prairie homes of the south part of this town. Mr. Dysart is now (1881) actively engaged in stock raising as well as farming. This farm contains 440 acres of excellent land, highly improved. His family consists of nine children : Warren P., Joseph W., Anna M., Clarinda, Ernest S., Edith, Marian L., Edward E. and Frances E.

John Leake was born in Leicestershire, England, November 27, 1807. He was the elder son of John and Miss (Snow) Leake. Educational advantages were meager, but he acquired learning sufficient to enable him to do business, and when about fifteen years of age was apprenticed to a butcher. After acquiring the trade lie and his father bought a small farm and carried it on, together with the butchering business. After a time this business was disposed of and other enterprises undertaken, but business did not prove successful, and Mr. Leake determined to seek his fortune in America. In December, 1832, he was married to Mary A. Jarvis. To them, while they remained in England, were born three sons and one daughter, the latter djnng when a child. In 1840 Mr. Leake bade adieu to his family and, without a tear, set sail for New York, where he arrived in the latter part of May. Immediately he pushed on to the frontier, up the Hudson to Albany via the Erie canal to Buffalo, via lakes to Chicago, thence by stage to Dixon's Ferr}'-, Lee county, Illinois. He reached this place June 10, in company with William Moodey and Isaac Means, whose acquaintance he had formed en route from New York. Mr. Means proposed going farther, at least to Galena, but Mr. Leake said " Stay here and look about." He shortly bought a claim, for which he said he would not take a thousand dollars, the other men found employment, and so farther explorations ceased. And now commenced the struggle for a home and competency. Having little or no money, Mr. Leake worked at any employment within his reach, often for 25 cents or less per day, and taking for payment anything that could be made available toward securing the home or sustenance for the family. In 1841 a business trip took him to New Orleans. Here he lived "three days on three 10-cent pieces;" then came emplojanent and success. Returning to Dixon, he was there in time to meet his family, who arrived in August of that year. Mr. Leake sold his coat to buy a cow ; built a shanty, which was only partly covered with floor, and here, without table or chairs.

the family settled down in their own home. In the course of time there were born into the faniil}' two daughters, one of whom is still living. In 1843 the winter set in with such severity in the second week in JSTovember that the family were driven out of their shanty to a neighboring log bouse. But noble enterprises are sure to win. This family did not struggle in vain. In spite of frequent losses of hard earned personal property, in spite of many dangers and much malarial disease, they gained ground and soon began to add to the original claim till a farm of 287 acres they could call their own. Other farms were added, till at the time of Mr. Leake's death, he could number his acres at 670. In 1867 the desire of several years was put in practice. In May he crossed the Atlantic to visit his native land. Not long after arriving in England he was prostrated by sickness so severe that his friends had little hope that he would see home again, but his strong will prevailed. He arrived at home I^ovember 1, but remained an invalid till September 11, 1869, when he died. He was buried in Temperance Hill graveyard, beside his daughter, who had died in 1862. Thus he saw his three sons and one daughter grown and able to take up the work which he had laid down. To Mrs. Leake belongs a large share of credit for the success of the family. After her husband's death she lived with her children till January 19, 1868, when she too was numbered with the dead and laid beside her husband.

Thomas Leake, farmer and stock raiser, Araboy, is the son of John and Mary (Jarvis) Leake, of Leicestershire, England, and was born at that place January 12, 1839, and came to this country with the rest of the family in the summer of 1841. Though he is not a native, he is yet one of the pioneers of Lee county. He was reared on the farm and in his youth was engaged in rural pursuits and attending the pioneer schools of the period. In 1858, having mastered all of the branches of learning available in the schools of the county, he entered Rock River Seminary, at Mount Morris, for the purpose of completing his education. In 1862 he began a theological course of training in the Garrett Biblical Institute, at Evanston, Illinois, which he completed in 1864. In the meantime he was engaged during vacations in teaching. On the completion of his course he joined the Rock River Conference and began his ministerial labors in the Big Rock Circuit. This station he filled for two years, at the end of which time, finding his health so impaired as to make him unable to continue the work, he returned home, and after of recuperation took charge of his farm. On February 20, 1872, he was married to Miss Martha S., daughter of Stephen T. Scoville, who was born in Oneida county, 'New York, March 29, 1838. Mr. Leake has a beautiful farm and nice home, much taste and refinement being displayed in their cultivation and care.

JopiN C. Leake, farmer and stock raiser, Amboy, son of John and Mary A. (Jarvis) Leake, was born in Leicestershire, England, December 7, 1836, and came to America with his mother and others of their family in 1841. His father preceded them here to prepare a home for them on their arrival. This he did by entering government land in the south part of Nachusa township. Thus John C. became one of the pioneer children of this county and is well acquainted with all the disadvantages of pioneer life, having hauled grain to Chicago with a team, railroads then being a convenience almost unheard of in this part of the countr3^ September 21, 1863, he was married to Miss Mariette, daughter of Leonard W. and Sarah A. (Crawford) Hale. She was born in Ohio, January 6, 1838. They have one child living, Thomas W., and three deceased : Charles W. died July 2, 1877, aged twelve 3'ears ; Jennie F., February 6, 1879, aged six years, and Grace M., March 3, 1879, aged nearly three years. Mr. Leake owns the old homestead, consisting of 380 acres, and is actively engaged in stock raising and farming.

Heney Wingert, retired farmer, Nachusa, is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Binkley) Wingert, and was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1804. His father was born in the same state, and his grandfather was born in Germany. Mr. Wingert was reared and educated a farmer. August 10, 1826, he married Miss Anna M. Bentz, a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. In 1833 he removed to Preble county, Ohio, and there engaged in farming till 1852, when he came to Illinois, and settled in Lee county, on Sec. 4, T, 21, P. 10. This was his last and permanent settlement, as he is now (1881) contentedly enjoying the comfortable home his industry and honest toil have provided. Mrs. Wingert died December 25, 1877, leaving her husband nine children living (six being deceased), viz : Elizabeth M., Louisa C, John W., Hannah, Walter J., Miriam, David, Harriett A., Leona V. Mr. Wingert began life for himself without means, but by good management he now owns, besides his home farm of 160 acres, 80 acres of good land in Iowa. He is one of those wholesouled men whose influence is always felt for good in the community where they live.

John W. Wingert, f^u-mer and stock raiser, Nachusa, is a son of Henry and Anna M. (Bentz) Wingert, and was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1831, and with his parents removed to Preble county, Ohio, when a small boy. Here he grew to manhood, engaged in farming, and to a limited extent attending school. In 1852 he came with his parents to Lee county, Illinois, and settled in the prosperous town of Nachusa, and followed the business of farming. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 75th 111. Yol. Inf., followed the for- tunes of war through the battles of Perrjsville and Stone Kiver, after which, on account of his health breaking down, he was transferred to the 12th Yeteran Keserve Corps, and was finally discharged with that regiment in June 1865, broken down in health, from which he yet experiences much suifering. January 28, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah M., daughter of Jacob and Nancy Hittle. She was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1837, and came to this county with her parents far back in its early history. They have five children : Willie B., Frederick A,, Adelbert, and Bertha and Berton (twins). In November, 1877, he bought his present farm of 160 acres in Sec. 29, T. 22, R. 10, where he now lives engaged in farming.

Joshua Wingert, farmer and stock raiser, Franklin Grove, is a son of John and Mar}' (Newcommer) Wingert, and was born in the State of Maryland, July 4, 1829. In 1832 his parents removed to Ohio. Here young Joshua remained with his parents, engaged in farming and attending school, till about the age of seventeen. At that time (1846), in company with an elder brother, he emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Lee county, and engaged in farming in connection with his brother. December 20, 1855, he married Miss Susan, daughter of Mr. Jacob and Mary Emmert. She is a native of Maryland, and was born May 4, 1836, and came to Lee county, Illinois, with her parents in an early day. After his marriage Mr. Wingert actively engaged in farming and stock raising for himself, which business he has ever since successfully followed, and by careful management and industry has accumulated a fine property. He has three sons living: Ralph W., a fine scholar, who is now giving much attention to the fine arts; Ira W. and Lee E., who are also giving much attention to education.

Joseph Heckman (deceased) was the son of Jacob and Sarah (Bushkirk) Heckman. He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1813, and died June 19, 1881, after a life of patient labor and industry. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Mock) Rawlings, December 25, 1838. She was born July 5, 1814, and died May 23, 1879. They left a family of six children : James M., Mary E. (who is now faithfully discharging the duties of housekeeper for her brothers), Josiah S., Jacob C, John. R. and Adison L. Mr. Heckman with his family came to Lee county, Illinois, in December 1863, and bought a farm of J. S. McNeel in Sec. 36, T, 22, R. 10, one of the most pleasant homes in this township.

David N. Steatton, farmer and stock raiser, Dixon, was born in Massachusetts, August 1, 1844. He is a son of Milo and Calista P. (Rice) Stratton. His early youth was spent on a farm, where he had and improved the advantages of the common schools. At the age of seventeen years he entered the mercantile business in Lee, Massachusetts. This he followed till the age of twenty-two, when he came to Macoupin county, Illinois, where he remained two years as clerk in a store. He then came to Whitesides county, Illinois, where he remained till the fall of 1868, when he removed to his present home farm in Lee county, Illinois. He is permanently engaged in farming and stock raising, of which business he is now making a decided success. August 15, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Hester, daughter of Nathan and Judah Hill. She was born in Pennsylvania. They are the parents of two children : Jennie P. and Milo. Mr. Stratton's parents are still living in Massachusetts, his father at the advanced age of eighty-two years.

Samuel Miller, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, March 2, 1810. His father was killed when he (Samuel) was three years old. His early youth was spent farming and attending school till seventeen years of age, when he began teaching. He became a successful instructor both in the English and the German languages. In 1832 he was married to Miss Mary La3anon, a native Pennsylvania. By this union he had three children : Mary G., Jacob L., John W. About 1840 Mrs. Miller died. Mr. Miller was next married to Mar}^ Maune, and by this marriage had seven children : Benjamin F., Abram C, Samuel W., Martha W., Lusetta, Charlotte A., Laura F. In June, 1865, Mr. Miller bought and occupied the old George Baugh farm of 300 acres. He has always exhibited a marked degree of industry and perseverance, the result of which is a fine farm with all the improvements that add value to any farm property.

Jonas B. Eicholtz, farmer and stock raiser, Nachusa, is a son of John F, and Anna (Boyer) Eicholtz, both natives of Pennsylvania and now residents of Nachusa. Jonas B. was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1840, and like his father received a limited education and was raised to hard work on the farm. In the spring of 1861, with his parents, he settled in Lee county, Illinois, near Kachusa, where he engaged in tilling the soil. ISTovember 19, 1863, Mr. Eicholtz was married to Miss Elnora E., daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Dettro) Peters. She was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1840. The issue of this marriage is one child, Oscar P., born in Pennsylvania, March 26, 1866, while Mr. and Mrs E. were visiting in that state. In 1875 Mr. Eicholtz purchased his present fiirm of 145 acres in Sec. 18, T. 21, R. 10, which he has improved but did not occupy as a home till March 1880. He is one of Lee's industrious and prosperous farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Eicholtz are connected with the Lutheran church, holding their membership in the St. James' church, South Dixon.

Samuel A. Bender, farmer and stock raiser, Dixon, is a son of John and Margaret (Miller) Bender, and was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, June 5, 18i3. He remained at home with his parents, where he gained a fair common school education, till the summer of 1860, when he started west, intending to make a home for himself on the celebrated prairie of Illinois. He stopped in Lee county and began working out by the month on a farm, but at the outbreak of the rebellion he shouldered the musket in defense of his country, and on August 12, 1862, as an enlisted member of Co. G, 75th 111. Vol. Inf., started for the field of action. He met the enemy at Penyville and Stone River, and was with his regiment throughout the war, and was honorably discharged June 12, 1865, having been appointed sergeant (for meritorious conduct) in August 1861:. After his return home Mr. Bender engaged in farming in Lee county. November 18, 1869, he married Miss Millie, daughter of Erastus and Ruth (Wilcox) Hart. She was born in Pennsylvania, July 18, 1851. They are the parents of three children living: John F., Bessie A. and Dora Mabel, and two deceased. In the spring of 1870 Mr. Bender bought his present home farm in Nachusa township, where he permanently located and engaged in farming. His father was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where he made his home through life. He died August 25, 1881. The father, the grandfather of our sketch, w^as a native of Germany, and followed the occupation of farmer. He came to America early in life and settled in Pennsylvania.

John Atkinson, farming, Nachusa, is a son of John and Margaret (Todhunter) Atkinson, and was born in Cumberland county, England, August 30, 1847. In June, 1869, he left the land of his birth, parents and friends, and set sail for America in the steamship England, of the National line, in search of home for himself on the fertile prairies of Illinois, and landed in ISTew York July 4, 1869. He at once came on to Dixon, Lee county, Illinois, and hired out by the month on a farm. This he followed two years, when he rented land and engaged in farming for himself. March 1, 1879, he married Miss Susanah, daughter of Mr. John and Hannah (Skermer) Leake. She w^as born in Lee county, Illinois, November 28, 1817. Mr. Atkinson is now successfully engaged in farming.

Samuel Botee, farmer, Dixon, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Bowman) Boyer, was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1840. He remained at home with his parents, engaged in farming and attending school, till about the age of fifteen years, when he came to Illinois and engaged at farm labor till the outbreak of the war of the rebellion, when he enlisted in Co. A, 13th 111. Vol. Inf. He at once started for the front and came in contact with the enemy for the first time near Lynn Creek, Missouri. He served at the siege of Vicksbiirg and many other hard-fonght battles, and was finally discharged with his regiment at Springfield, Illinois, and returned to Lee county so completely broken down in health that he has been unable to perform a day's work since. As a recompense for injuries received in the service " Uncle Sam " is now paying him a liberal pension. March 15, 1866, he married Miss Rebecca Emerick. She was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1848. They are the parents of six children : James H., Barbara E., Alonzo, Maud, Goldie, and William L. In 1877 he moved on his present home, in Sec. 14, T. 22, R. 9, where he is now engaged in farming.

Calvin Bukkett (deceased) was born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, December 8, 1829. His parents were Jacob and Xancy (Wilcox) Burkett. During early youth he was engaged in attending school and working on the farm. At about the age of twenty-one he came to Lee county, Illinois, by the rivers Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois. Having gained some knowledge of the business of stone and brick masonry, he engaged in and followed it for a number of years, teaching school winters. In December, 1858, he bought a farm of 160 acres from Jerdon Crawford, in Sec. 8, T. 21, R. 10, jSTachusa township, and engaged in farming and stock raising. This, however, he only followed a short time, for at the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Cheney's Battery. While in the army his health failed, and after lying in hospital three or four months he was discharged on account of disability. January 2, 1868, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of James K. and Eliza (Bruce) Henry. She was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1840, and came to Lee county, Illinois, in 1865. Mr. Burkett, by industry, hard work and good mamigement, made for himself and family a good home. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, as is also his surviving wife. They had no children of their own, but have one adopted child, Charles M. Burkett. Mr. Burkett died February 27, 1881, and was buried in the Dixon cemetery.

Erastus Hart (deceased) was born near Albany, New York, December 14, 1809. He was reared a farmer, and followed that business through life. At Rochester, New York, March 15, 1831, he was united in marriage with Miss Ruth, daughter of Mr, Daniel and Hulda (Webb) Wilcox. She was born in Black River county, New York, December 15, 1812. Soon after his marriage Mr. Hart removed to the State of Pennsylvania, and there engaged in farming. In the summer of 1865 he left the state where he so long lived, and came to Lee county, Illinois, and settled in Dixon. He only remained there one year, when he moved out on his farm he had previously bought in Sees. 25 and 26, T. 22, R. 9. Here he activel}^ engaged in stock raising as well as farm- ing. He died October 4, 1868, leaving, besides his life-long companion, six children, as follows: Alvisa, wife of S. Liipher ; Mariett, wife of T. L. Slocum ; Lury, wife of J. Williams; Levi E., Diantha, wife of S. Smith, and Millie, wife of Samuel A. Bender. Levi E. Hart, son of E, and R. Hart, farmer and stock raiser, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, August 30, 1846, and came with his parents to Lee county, Illinois. December 18, 1868, he married Miss Emeline B., daughter of Abanoan and Caroline (Fowler) Hinds. She was born m Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1846. They are the parents of two children : Sybil L. and Leon. Mr. Hart is proprietor of the old home of his father, and with him his venerable old mother is spending her declining years in peace and comfort.

Francis Millek, farmer, Nachusa. The yeoman who leaves his native land, dares the ocean's turbulent billows, makes his way to Illinois and here, by incessant toil and constant saving, secures to himself and family an ample and pleasant home of 182 acres of land, second to none in the state, and improves it well, is certainly a success. Such a man is Francis Miller, the subject of these notes. Mr. Miller was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1833, and like hi^ father was reared to hard work on the farm and had but few educational advantages. In March, 1852, he was married to Miss Jane Burnside, daughter of Josiah Burnside. She was also born in County Derry, Ireland. Immediately after their marriage the twain set sail in the sailing vessel Isaac Wright for America, and after nine weeks' sailing reached New York. He remained at labor in New York a few months, then came to Lee county via Chicago and Rockford. Arriving, he engaged at farm labor by the month or day. He soon purchased a small farm, but in 1872, in partnership with his brother-in-law, James Burnside, bought the farm which he in 1880 secured to himself and now owns, situate in Sec. 19, T. 21, R. 10. He deals somewhat in stock, etc. Mr. Miller's family (numbers seven children: Margaret (now Mrs. R. A. Hewet), James, ^amuel F., Eliza, William I., Mary, and Josiah.

\ John M. Allwood, farmer and stock raiser, Nachusa, was born in Uncolnshire, England, March 26, 1830. His parents were John and Vnn (Madison) Allwood. He was reared on a farm. His parents being \)or, his education was very much neglected. After growing up he Jpored as a day hand six and a half years. October 18, 1853, he left 1^ native country and friends and set sail for America in the sailing vtsel North American, and after a voyage of six weeks and two days laled in New York. He at once left there for Wisconsin and from th*e started on foot to a point, 200 miles distant, in Iowa, from where he^on after returned to Wisconsin, where he hired out to work on a fari^at |18 per month. Here he continued a little over six years, when he came to Lee county, Illinois, and hired out to work for Mr. Abijah Powers in Palmyra. Here he remained two years and then went back to Wisconsin, sold a ftirm he had previously bought, and then went to Iowa, where he bought a farm of 240 acres, on which he lived about three j^ears. Mr. Allwood at this time having a longing desire for Illinois, sold his farm and again returned to Lee county and bought a farm in the south end of Nachusa township, where he is now engaged in farming and stock raising. October 18, 1863, he married Miss Isabella Mostoller, a native of Pennsylvania, born there in 1835 and came to Lee county, Illinois, in 1851. They are the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living: William, Austin, Edgar, George W., Mary E.; John, born August 20, 1864, was drowned in Coon River, at Booneville, Iowa, July 3, 1881 ; Charles died in infancy.

John M. Crawford (deceased) was born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1825. Early in life he learned the trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker; this he followed until several years after coming to Illinois, having worked on some of the first mills and bridges built in Lee county. April 12, 1849, he married Miss Mary A. Dysart. She M^as born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, March 8, 1824. They at once came to Illinois, and settled in Lee county on land he had bought previousl}^ having been to Lee county about three years before. He died May 21, 1881, having at the time of his death become one of the largest land owners in Lee county. He was well and favorably known throughout the county, having filled the oflices of supervisor and assessor for several terms. He left at his death a wife and six children : the eldest of the children, James A., died June 9, 1881 ; Milton A., Albert W., Joseph D., Frances J. and Ettie O.

John H. Abbott, farmer and stock raiser, Nachusa. In the early part of the seventeenth century the Abbots came from Somersetshire, England, and settled on Staten Island, ISTew Jersey; from them sprang a numerous family, now scattered throughout the United States. They were prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal church ii its early history in America, and are among the first mentioned b Bishop Simpson in his " Cyclopedia of Methodism." John H. Abbot now of Lee county, Illinois, is one of the descendants of this histoc family. He was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, Novemlr 12, 1818. He was reared on a farm by his parents till the age of fcrteen. When at that age his mother died, and little John was throwrJn his resources and obliged to take care of himself. After a short <iie he engaged his services to a Mr. L. B. Rupert, then engaged in bofHig" and transportation, with whom he afterward became a partner an followed the business a number of ^^ears. December 14, 1848, hfnarried Miss Ellen Shoemaker, who was born in Columbia county, enn- sylvania, November 17, 1827. They are the parents of seven children : Elizabeth J., Amzi S., Robert M., William, Charles B., Martha A, and Mary E. In the spring of 1864 Mr. Abbott carae to Lee county, Illinois, bought land in Sec. 29, T. 22, E,. 10, where he permanently located and engaged in farming. For the last eleven years he has been commissioner of highvi^ays. He is prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Isaiah Brink, farmer and stock raiser, Nachusa, came to Lee county, Illinois, October 10, 1851. He is the son of Joshua and Rebecca (Cole) Brink, and was born October 17, 1817, in the old State of Pennsylvania. Like his father he was reared a farmer and to a limited extent attended the old subscription schools of his native state. In June, 1842, he was married to Miss Eliza Stiles, and has become the father of six children, three of whom are living : Sarah C. (wife of Perry Cromley), John L. and Charles S. In March, 1852, Mr. Brink rented a cabin near Dixon, into which he moved his family, bade them good-by, and started for California, in company with some other parties who were going to the Golden State with ox teams. He arrived there in September of the same year, and at once engaged in mining, but soon after turned his attention to the carpenter business, which he followed in connection with trading and speculating for about four years. In September, 1856, he returned home, and found his wife engaged in farming on land she had bought with money sent home by her husband during his absence, Mr. Brink made his trip to California a success, inasmuch as he there made the mofley which gave him a good start in life. His home farm comprises 278 acres of good land. He is also the owner of considerable other property.

John R. Mekkill (deceased), JSTachusa, was born in Londonderry, New Hampshire, in 1804, and was reared on a farm. In April, 1829, he married' Miss Lydia C, daughter of Benjamin March. She was born in Londonderry in 1805. In 1839 they emigrated to Illinois, where from its cheap lands he might secure for himself and family a home and enjoy the advantages of a growing country. He first settled in Ogle county, near the line of Lee. Here he entered land, to which he kept adding until he became the owner of a large amount of land in Lee and Ogle counties. He experienced much of the hardships and privations of pioneer life, making many trips to Chicago with a team, hauling produce there and merchandise back, sleeping on the ground and in his wagon nights, getting stalled in sloughs and carrying out his loads on his back to land. He died March 4, 1861. Mrs. Merrill (a former school-mate of the venerable Horace Greeley) is still living, at the advanced age of seventy-six years, and is now (1881) enjoying excellent health and a remarkable memory. They became the parents of two children (twins). One of them died, aged twenty years and two montlis. This was a sad bereavement to Mr. Merrill, as he was a kind and indulgent parent as well as a devoted husband. The surviving daughter, Mary A., was born in New HannDshire, February T, 1831, and is the mother of five children, three of whom are living: Charles W., Walter A. and Mollie L. She has for the past two years been living in Chicago, where her daughter Mollie is attending school. Her son, Charles W. Dutcher, was married November 27, 1879, to Miss Susan A. Kennedy, a native of Ogle count}', Illinois.

William Garrison, farmer and stock raiser, Nachusa, is one of the early settlers of Lee county, coming here in the spring of 1845. Mr. Garrison was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1813, and is a son of Mathias and Susannah (Sealey) Garrison. He was reared a farmer and educated to a limited extent in the subscription schools of his native state. At the age of about twenty he started in the business of farming for himself. December 26, 1833, he married Miss Amelia Oman, a native of Columbia county, Pennsylvania. She was born January 31, 1811. In the spring of 1845 he came to Lee county, Illinois, and settled near Dixon, where he entered land and engaged in farming. This he followed four years, when he sold out and bought a saw-mill just over the line in Ogle county, and actively engaged in preparing the material then so necessary for improving the wild prairie with buildings and fences. This he followed about eight years, and then turned his attention to making a permanent home for himself. He bought the KW. I Sec. 30, T. 22, R. 10 E., which he has made one of the ver^^ pleasant homes of jSTachusa township. Mrs. Garrison died December 27, 1870, on the home where she so long lived, after living to see her family all grown and the country that was so wild and desolate all made into beautiful farms and dotted here and there with schools and cliurciies. Mr. Garrison's second marriage was with Mrs. Lucinda Shute, October 15, 1872. She has by a former husband one son, Abram L. Shute. Mr. Garrison is the father of fifteen children by his first wife, nine of whom are living: John, Peter, George L., Hester A., Hannah, Elizabeth E., William H., Harriett E. and Martha J. Mr. Garrison has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal church for many years. When a boy he was converted to Christ, and since that time has been a consistent member of the church. Two of his sons, Peter and William H., served their country in the late rebellion, Peter in the 75th 111. Yol. Inf., and is now carrying a rebel bullet ; William in Cheney's Battery.

According to tradition the founder of the Hausen family in the State of Maine was a Saxon-German, and accompanied Burgoyne's army from Europe to America in the same ship which brought that celebrated general to the shores of this continent in the time of the revolutionary war. Soon after his arrival in America Mr. Hansen declared his intentions to aid the colonists in their struggle for liberty, and at once became forage master for Gen. Washington, and rendered good service thronghout the war, which gave birth to one of the grandest nations that ever existed. He finally married and settled in the State of Maine, where he reared a family, one of whom was Charles, who married Mary J. Hilton, and came to Lee county in 1840, bringing with him a family of ten children, the youngest of whom was ISTorman, the subject of this sketch, then a lad of nine years. His advantages of education were very limited, being only such as the old subscription schools of those days afforded, but the school of experience, from which may be learned lessons of industry and thrift, was sufficient, and our subject an apt scholar, as is proved by the success which has attended his business affairs so far through life. He began life for himself by working out by the month, and is now the owner of a good farm of 160 acres in Sec. 9, T. 21, R. 10, well improved and well stocked, besides a farm of 160 acres in Meriden, La Salle county, Illinois. He was born October 2, 1831, and married Lucy L. Herrick, July 8, 1866. She is a daughter of Hiram Herrick, was born in Yermont, and came to Lee county when a small child. They have one child, Jennie, born August 20, 1870.

George Palmer, farmer and stock raiser, ISTachusa, is a son of Daniel and Christenia (Shuge) Palmer, and was born in Northampton, Pennsylvania, September 11, 1808. His early youth was spent on a farm. At about the age of twenty he began learning the trade of a miller with his father. This business he followed a number of years in connection with farming. In 1843 he married Miss Catherine Stettler, of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and in the summer of 1846 they came to Illinois and settled in Lee county in what is now ISTachusa township. In 1849 he bought a little home of forty acres in Sec. 32, T. 22, P. 10. To this he kept adding till his farm now contains 160 acres. This he has well improved and he is able to say that he has earned it by his own hard labor and industry. This is now one of the model farms of Nachusa township. Mr. Palmer is the father of two children, one of whom is now living. Dr. Thomas D. Palmer, born August 15, 1846, is now engaged in the practice of medicine at Paw Paw, Lee county, Illinois. He is a graduate of Davis Medical College, of Chicago.

John H. Burkett, farmer, Dixon, is a son of John M. and Mary (Fleck) Burkett, and was born in Lee county, Illinois, March 28, 1854. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools and at the city school of Dixon. December 9, 1874, he married Miss Ann

Ophelia, daughter of Erastus and Mary Cortright. She was born in Lee county, Illinois. They have three children : Mary O., Annie N. and one infant. Mr. Burkett is engaged in farming. He is a clever, energetic young man.

Jacob Weetman, farmer and stock raiser, Nachnsa, was born in county, Pennsylvania, ISTovember 11, 1811. His parents were Henry and Anna M. (Krymmin) Wertman. Thej were also natives of Pennsylvania; and his grandfather, Michael Wertman, was a native of Germany and came to America about the middle of the last century. Our subject, Jacob, was reared on a farm and early educated in the art of being a hardy tiller of the soil. These practical lessons were like seeds sown on good ground, for the}^ brought forth that in after life which is the fruit of industi-y and a sound judgment. In the spring of 1838 Mr. Wertman left the old associations of home to seek his fortune in the then far west. After many weeks of weary travel by water and on foot he arrived in Dixon, Lee county, Illinois. Having early in life gained some knowledge of the trade of carpenter, this he now followed, in connection with other work, till he earned the means with which to enter some government land. Thus he secured for himself the foundation for his future home in Sec. 4, T. 21, R. 10. February 20, 1851, he married Miss Mary E., daughter Solomon and Jane (Buckalu) Shellhammer. She was born in Columbia count}^, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1830, and came with her parents to Lee county, Illinois, in 1837. Though i)ut a child at the time, she well remembers the trip, which occupied eight weeks and was made with horses and wagon. Mr. and Mrs. Wertman are now spending their declining years surrounded with all the blessings that a life of industry and honest toil will produce. They are the parents of an interesting family of four children : Charles H., Thomas J., Alice M. and Willard L. Three of whom yet remain at the old home. Charles H. is married and has two children : Harry J. and Herbert T.

Thomas J. Wertman, farmer, Franklin Grove, is the son of Jacob and Mary E. (Shelhamer) Wertman, and was born in Lee county. May 50, 1854, and like his father was reared a farmer, educated in the common schools, but was more especially trained to the realities of hard toil and industry. December 24, 1879, he married Miss Lucetta A., daughter of Harrison and Lydia Hansen. She was born in Lee county, Illinois, July 29, 1854.

In the early part of the present century Mr. William Brandon emigrated from the north of Ireland to America, and settled in Pennsylvania. Soon after coming to America he married Triphenia, a daughter of Benjamin Fuller, Esq., a native of Massachusetts. Of this union were fourteen children, one of whom was Benjamin F., the subject of this sketch. He was born January 11, 1814, in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. His early youth was spent with his parents on a farm and attending the old subscription schools of his boyhood days, the latter only to a limited extent. In the fall of 1837 Mr. Brandon left his native state, as well as his old associates, and started for the proverbial green fields, and after a thirty-four day's trip by land and water arrived on the enchanting prairie lands of Lee county, Illinois. His first location was made near Dixon, where he bought a claim, but a few years later bought the farm where he now lives. Although it 'Was then but a wild prairie, it now has an air of home comfort, and contentment. Its thrifty fruit-trees and beautiful large black-walnut groves indicate the proprietor to be a man of good taste and industry. October 8, 1841, Mr. Brandon was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Elisha Courtright, Esq. ; she was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1825, and came to Lee county with her parents in an early day. They have six children: Charles D., Milton R., George W., William, Sarah T. and Anna O. Mr. and Mrs. Brandon are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Jacob Emmert, retired farmer, Nachusa, is the son of Joseph and Catherine (Avey) Emmert, and was born in Washington county, Maryland, July 23, 1807. He was reared a farmer, which business he followed through life. December 16, 1830, he married Miss Mary Newcomer, also a native of Washington county, Maryland. She was born February 15, 1811. In 1844 they came to Illinois and settled in Ogle county, but one year later removed to near where he now lives in Lee county. He is the father of eight children, five of whom are living: Zachariah, William H., Jacob M., Susan, and Catherine. Jacob M. enlisted in Co. C, 34th 111. Yol. Inf., in September 1861, and followed the fortunes of war nearly four years. In the fall of 1864 he was detached as sergeant of Gen. Jeffferson C. Davis' escort, but again joined his regiment. He was at the grand review at Washington, and was finally discharged with the glorious old 34th in 1865. December 12, 1870, he married Miss Mary E. Ohmert, of Lee county ; they have two children : Gracie L, and Kittie C.

Marshall McNeel, farmer and stock raiser, ISTachusa, was born in Pennsylvania, May 29, 1836, and came to Lee county, in company with his parents, in April 1847, when a lad of eleven years. Here he grew to manhood, with but a limited means of gaining an education. His few spare moments, however, were devoted to his books, but the greater portion of his time was employed in the hardy pursuit of the labors of improving a farm on the wild prairie. At the time he settled here the country was without the, advantages of a market nearer than Chicago, where he has hauled wheat with an ox team, the average time of mak- ing a trip being about thirteen days, sleeping on the ground or in the wagon as he could catch it. Hauling wheat over 100 miles, fording streams and wading mud, would not pay hotel fare. When Mr. Mc- JSTeel's parents, Thomas C. and JSTancy (Russell) McNeel, started in Lee county, they were $80 behind an even start with the world, but by hard work and good management they succeeded in making a good home for themselves and family. Mr. McNeel died in April 1876 ; his ancestors were from the north of Ireland. Mrs. McNeel died August 2, 1881. Marshall, the subject of our sketch, was Urst married October 23, 1862, to Miss Anna E. Sharrar ; she died August 1, 1877. His present wife was Charlotte E. Miller, to whom he was married August 8, 1878 ; she was born in Pennsylvania, December 25, 1815. It is but just to say of Mr. McNeel that his home is one of the neatest in the township.

JoHx S. EiciioLTZ, wagon and carriage maker, Kachusa, is a son of William and Lydia (Hanes) Eicholtz. He was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, September 24, 1812. His early youth was spent on the farm. He received a good business education. After he grew to manhood he engaged in farm labor till the spring of 1868, when he came to Lee county. A few months later he became an apprentice in the wood-work department of the wagon and carriage shops then in operation at Nachusa, and of which a few years later he became the proprietor, and where he is now, in 1881, actively engaged in the manufacture of a superior class of wagons and carriages. In connection with this business he has a blacksmith and general repair shop. Thus, while many have continued as day laborers, Mr. Eicholtz has by industry, fair dealing and good management built up for himself a trade and reputation of which any young man should have a just reason to be proud. December 2, 1869, he married Miss Charlotte Stover, a native of Pennsylvania. By this union he has four children : William B., Harry M., Edith M. and Maud May.

Jacob Hittle (deceased) was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1807. The business of his life was farming. August 9, 1835, he was united in marriage with Miss l^ancy Kulp. She was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, September 11, 1811, and is still living on their old home in Lee county, Illinois, where they settled as early as 1841. Mr. Hittle died February 6, 1877, after a life of hard labor and industry, leaving to his family a comfortable home of 200 acres of excellent land. Mr. and Mrs. Hittle were among the sturdy pioneers of Lee county, whose word was considered as good as their bond. In his will Mr. Hittle wisely set off to his daughter Mary E.,40 acres of his farm, on account of her being in delicate health. The members of his family now living are, besides his wife, Fannie, wife of position. He was married January 12, 1842, to Miss Sylvia M. Crampton, of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Her birth was on the 12th of January 1822. They have had five children, as follows : Marian P., born June 3, 1843, married to John E. Pettibone, of Chicago, January 1, 1863; Mary E., born April 12, 184-5, married to John Trainer June 4, 1867; Myron H., born March 21, 1847; Charles L., born May 28, 1849, died October 29, 1879 ; John Wallace, born December 15, 1859, died in infancy. In Massachusetts Mr. Ford was selectman six terms; in Amboy he has been a member of the board of education two years, and is a trustee of Prairie Repose Cemetery. Politically he is a republican. Both he and Mrs. Ford are members of the Congregational church, and he is a trustee.

Charles Tait, machinist, and foreman of engine house, Amboy, was born July 7, 1830, in the county of Northumberland, England. He was a son of John and Mary (Gibson) Tait. About 1850 he commenced to learn the machinist's trade, and the next year came to America and went to work at Paterson, New Jersey. In 1852 he came to Cleveland and finished his trade, remaining till 1857. On the application of the Central company he came to Amboy in the fall of that year. In 1866 he was promoted to foreman of the engine house. He was married May 5, 1858, to Mrs. Mary (Hatton), widow of Joseph Garner. The following are their six children : Hannah, now Mrs. William McKinzie ; Charles W., James H., Alice M., Joseph W. and Ida G. Mrs. Tait belongs to the Congregational church, and he is a republican, a Mason, and a workman. He owns 120 acres of land at Clear Lake, Iowa.

Charles H. Marston, locomotive engineer, Amboy, was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, June 27, 1820. In 1825 his mother, Lydia (Staples), died, and his father married again, and in 1830 himself died. Four years later young Marston went to sea : during two seasons he was steamboating on the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and at other times making voyages to the West Indies, to Europe and to the Mediterranean. His seafaring life lasted five years, and at the age of nineteen he set himself to learn the machinist's trade. Beginning at Portsmouth he worked two years with Jefferson Mclntyre, who gave up business at the end of that time. In 1844 he went to Boston and finished with Hinckly & Drury, engine builders, for whom he worked a year and a half. Next he was employed by Jabez Coney, of south Boston, and helped build two engines. He left there in the early summer of 1847 and went to Springfield, remaining till the latter part of 1848 as gang-boss in the engine works at that place, where he superintended the putting up of seven or eight more locomotives. He now went to Cleveland, Ohio, with an engine and six car- loads of machinery for tlie same parties, from the Springfield Car and Engine AVorks, to start car shops there, and took employment from Harback, Stone & Witt. In April, 1854, he changed his location to Chicago, and began work for the Central Railroad Company, and continned with them nntil 1857, first on the branch as engineer and then on the main line, making Amboy his home after November 1854. He snbseqnentl}^ ran on the Racine & Mississippi railroad, the Mississippi Central, the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis, and the Great "Western. On Ma}' 17, 1864, he started overland to California, but reaching Salt Lake sold his outfit, and after remaining three months departed January 7, 1865, for Arizona, where he arrived in March after a hard journey of fifty-four days on horseback, in the dead of winter, not having taken a meal nor slept but once in a human habitation. In a few months he started home, and at Jacob's well was plundered by the Indians, and lost both his horses. He arrived in the fall, and from then until 1869 was again working for the Central company in- the machine shop. He then went to Bryant, on the Union Pacific, as division master mechanic, and early in 1871 came home and ran the first construction train on the Chicago & Rock River road, and after that a passenger. He was on this road little more than a year. In 1876 he removed a grist-mill which he had bought at Compton and set it up in Amboy, and ran it till 1879. In the fall of that year he returned to the Union Pacific and worked another year. About 1858 he erected two business houses in the city, and at other times two residences. He was married February 2, 1852, to Miss Jane Yan Noate, of Bricksville, Ohio. They have three sons : Lannes, Frank, and Alpha. Mr. Marston is a Royal Arch Mason.

Henry S. Wyman, locomotive engineer, Amboy, third son of Col. John B. Wyman, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, June 12, 1852. Soon after his birth his parents removed to Chicago, where they resided about a year before settling in Amboy, in which place Mr. Wyman lived until he was eleven years old. From that time until he was sixteen he was at Shewsbury and Worcester, Massachusetts, attending school. He returned to Illinois and was in Bloomington three years learning the miller's trade; but as this business did not agree with his health, in 1871 he obtained employment from the Central Railroad Company, and has been in their service since as brakeman, fireman, baggageman, and engineer. He was married February 3, 1876, to Miss Lilian Daniels. They have one child, Henry Westcott. Mrs. Wyman was born at Shippingsport, La Salle county, July 26, 1854. She is a member of the Episcopal church, and Mr. Wyman is a vestryman. He is also a republican and a workman.

works at Ainbo}^ was born in Medina county, Oliio, June 19, 1843. His parents were Levi H. and Laiirana E. (Parsons) Stone. He was bereft of his father when he was seven years old, and he suffered from feeble health during his early life. In 1854 his widowed mother removed with her family to Findlay, Ohio, and here Mr. Stone obtained his education in the graded schools. In the winter of 1861-2 he began the study of telegraphy, but made no use of it after acquiring it; the next autumn he went to clerking for his uncle in a retail dry-goods store ; and in the fall of 1864 he started as commercial traveler for a New York wholesale dry-goods house, and was in this business four years. In November, 1868, he settled in Clinton, Illinois, in the printing business, in company with his brother-in-law, W. L. Glessner. They purchased the " Clinton Register" and published it together five years. In 1873 Mr. Stone sold to his partner and accepted the position of station agent at Clinton, on the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad. He held this till March 1, 1881, and then resigned to give his personal attention to the manufacture of tile and brick at Amboy, and the erection of the necessary works preparatory to undertaking the business. The year before he had formed a partnership with Mr. John Wightwick, of Clinton, who is the senior member of the firm. Mr. Stone was married February 8, 1876, to Miss Emily J. Smith, who was born in London, England, December 6, 1853. They have two children, Winnie and Nellie. Mrs. Stone belongs to the Methodist church.

William B. Andruss, merchant, Amboy, was born in the township of Jerusalem, county of Yates and State of New York, February 23, 1824, and is a son of Henry G. and Pamela (Weed) Andruss. As the genealogical history of the family shows, he is the eighth generation from John Andrews (termed the settler) who with a brother settled in Farmington, Connecticut, in 1640, from England. Mr. Andruss, the subject of this sketch, was raised a farmer, received an academic education at Franklin Academy, Prattsburgh, Steuben county. New York, taught school a number of terms while a young man. He married Miss Dolly Bell, of Gorham, Ontario county, New York, daughter of Thomas and Sophia Bell, October 6, 1846, and resided for one year in Pittsford, Monroe county. New York, where their only child, Yirgil B. Andruss, was born, July 21, 1847. He then returned to his native town, where he remained until 1855, when he came west, finall}' settling in Amboy, Illinois, in February 1856, where he has since resided. He found a somewhat divided village, considerable strife existing as to whether the main town should be on the east or west side of the railroad. His first location was in what was called Exchange block on the west side. His health had failed him, and Mrs. Andruss opened daguerreotype and photographic rooms. They remained in that locality about two years, when they came to the east side, and occupied rooms near the corner of Main street and Adams avenue. Mr. Andruss' health gradually improved, and he was elected township collector for four successive years, and town clerk for two years. In 1862 he was elected justice of the peace, and with the exception of about tw^o years has held the office since to May 1, 1881. He was alderman for the second ward eight years. He was county surveyor for the years 1863-4. He was appointed notary public by Gov. Bissell in 1858 or 1859, and has been continued such since, his last commission received in 1880. In 1866 he engaged in the hardware and farmitig implement trade as partner with C. J. Blackstone. This continued to 1868, when he purchased his partner's interest, and he, in connection with his son Yirgil B. Andruss, has continued the business to the present time, for some years in the firm name of W. B. Andruss & Son. Virgil B. Andruss enlisted in Co. D, ISith 111. Vols., at its organization in Chicago, and remained with the compan}^ until the regiment was mustered of the service. Mr. Andruss has been a member of the Presbyterian or Congregational church since 1842; he and Mrs. Andruss have been members of the Congregational church of Amboy since January 1857, and he a deacon thereof since February 1857 ; their son, a member since May 1863. Mr. Andruss has always advocated the temperance reform, having been identitied with almost all societies organized to carry forward the work, but more prominently with the Sons of Temperance, having first united with that order in 1845, and now being a representative in the ISTational Division of North America. In politics he has been a republican since the organization of that party. Simon Badger, deceased, brother to H. E. and Chester Badger, was born in Broome county. New York, June 11, 1820. In 1838 he came west with his father, who was a millwright, and worked with him at that trade until 1841. He then turned his attention to farming, and in 1848, in company with his brother Warren, erected the Badger gristmill at Binghamton, the first of consequence in the county. His interest in this property continued until 1860. In 1850 he went overland to California, accompanied by his brother Chester, and remained there nearly a year. His wife, whose maiden name was Emily McKune, and to whom he had been married about two years, died in his absence, on July 5, 1850. Tidings of his loss decided him to return at once, and he arrived home late in the autumn. By this marriage was one child, now Mrs. Joanna Morgan. Mr. Badger married again, taking for his second wife Miss Boxy M, Wasson, daughter of Lorenzo Wasson, sr., with whom he lived in great happiness nntil her death, May 26, 1863. Mr. Badger was a man actively engaged in business during his life, and enjoyed a high degree of confidence and respect from a large circle of friends. He filled various township offices, and for sixteen years was justice of the peace, and was discharging the functions of that office at the date of his death. He was a sufferer several years from diabetes, from which disease he died July 28, 1876. In his death the community sustained the loss of an upright, public-spirited citizen. By his last marriage three children were born : Rush, September 7, 1855 ; Stella, September 4, 1857 ; and Claribel, April 25, 1859. Rush received a common school education, and supplemented it with a commercial course at Bryant & Stratton's college at Davenport, Iowa, in the winter of 1875-6. In the summer of 1879 he traveled four months in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany and Switzerland.

Oscar A. Comstock, locomotive engineer, Amboy, eldest son of Alfred and Harriet (Westbrook) Comstock, was born August 15, 1837, in St. Clair county, Michigan, to which his parents had removed from Oneida county, New York, at its first settlement about 1830. Here his father farmed on a small scale, but owning a saw-mill and timbei', he made lumber manufacturing his principal business. In 1849 Mr. Comstock went on the lakes as a cook on board a vessel, and after that as a common sailor, returning home winters to work in the pineries. He kept this up till the fall of 1860, and then located in Amboy in the employ of the Central company as locomotive fireman. In August, 1862, he volunteered in Co. I, 89th 111. Inf. (railroad regiment), Capt. Samuel Comstock, a cousin, being his commanding officer. He fought at Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Strawberry Plains, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, and Peach Tree Creek, and followed Hood back to Tennessee and fought at Franklin and Kashville. He was promoted to sergeant, and at Mission Ridge was wounded by a bullet which broke his arm. In May, 1865, he was mustered out at Chicago, and immediatelj^ returned to Amboy and went to work again for the railroad company. In 1867 he was promoted to locomotive engineer. His marriage with Miss Anna Hill was on March 31, 1866. Her parents were English, and emigrated to New Orleans, where she was born March 17, 1848. The next year they came north, her mother dying on the passage, and her father settled at Galena, and followed lead mining. She is a member of the Baptist church, and Mr. Comstock is a republican, and belongs to division No. 72, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

Andrew J. Poland, train master Illinois Central railroad, Amboy, son of Benjamin F. and Lucy S. (Sanborn) Poland, was born August 12, 1832, in Standish, Maine, and was reared at Gloucester. His father was a captain in the last war with Great Britain. Mr. Poland went to Boston in 1850, and to Chicago in 1854. He ran on the Central branch from May till September, and from this date till January,

1855, was running between Chicago and Galena, still in the employ of the Central company. He then was located at Amboy until 1859, when he removed to Chicago and ran between that city and St. Lonis over the Chicago & Alton railroad sixteen months. In 1861 he returned to Amboy and remained here till January 1866, being train master at this time, and his family residing at Centralia. He was next stationed at Decatur until 1873, when he came back to Amboy, where he now resides. He was married in 1857, to Miss Caroline Potter, of Chicago, who died February 8, 1879, and by whom he had five children, as follows: Edward W., Lucy (dead), Lizzie J., Carrie S., and Helen.

Philip Flack, barber, Amboy, is a native of Oberhoechstadt, near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, where he was born May 14, 1837. He emigrated to America, arriving at Castle Garden, New York, October 1, 1853. After eight months he went to Virginia, in September, 1855, he came to Meiidota, and in January, 1856, permanently located in Amboy, and was the first white barber who followed his vocation in the town. Pie lost his business property, in which his family was living at the time, by fire, on December 10, 1863. This conflagration destroyed all of East avenue except Edwards' livery stable, at the north end of the row, and Carson & Pirie's brick building, where Bourne's now stands. He was man-icd February 15, 1858, to Miss Margaret Hauck, by whom he has had the following children : Francis Albert, Marion, Philip Andrew (deceased), Josephine Barbara, and Clara Amelia. Mr. Flack and his family are Catholics.

George H. McFatrich, car-builder and assistant foreman of the car-shop, Amboy, is a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, where he was born March 31, 1819. He was the second son and fourth child of Hugh and Margaret (Bennett) McFatrich. He spent his early boyhood on a farm, received a good English education, and learned the cabinet trade. In 1842 he settled at Hazel Green, Grant county, Wisconsin, where he lived by his trade, and was married to Miss Fannie Lindsay. In 1854 he moved to Rockford, Illinois, and sold drugs with his brother James a year, and in April, 1855, came to Amboy and has since had his home in this place. He built on the site of Wheat & Gridley's store one of the first business houses in Amboy. In the fall he began work for the Central Railroad Company, in the car-shop, and lias continued ever since in their employ, a period of twenty-six years. During the last sixteen years he has been assistant foreman. The only ofiice he ever held was that of collector, the last year he lived in Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. McFatrich were formerly Presbyterians, but on coming here they found no church of their denomination, and so joined the Methodist, of which they had been members until two years ago. The latter is now a Congregational ist. Mr. McFatrich was an elder in tlic Presbyterian church. In politics he was originally a whig, but became a republican on the formation of that party. They have had five children: Sarah Melissa, wife of David I. Finch, of Peoria; Fannie, now Mrs. Louis Santee, of Des Moines, Iowa, but formerly of Brooklyn, Kew York; Hadessa (deceased), and Ella and Emma, twins (deceased).

Charles W. Bell, constable, Amboy, was born in New York in 1826. In 1840 he emigrated with his parents. Royal and Amanda (Judd) Bell, from Chautauqua county to Kendall county, Illinois. In 1852 he came here with his brother-in-law, Levi Chapman, of the firm of Chapman & Roberts, contractors, and worked for them at grading on the railroad till August 1853. He then brought his family to the present site of the city, and engaged in boarding railroad men, and at the same time doing a teaming business for the company in hauling stone from Grand Detour, and other building material from Mendota, For several years after he did contract work about the town. In 1858 or 1859 he was elected city marshal, and held the ofiice seventeen or eighteen years, and was also most of the same time constable and deputy sheriff'. In 1850 he was married to Miss Adeline Butler. They have had four children, as follows: Clara, now Mrs. John Shear; Medora, died February 5, 1869, aged fourteen years, six months and nine days ; Jessie, died February 15, 1869, aged ten years, ten months and seven days ; and Lillie, died February 3, 1869, aged seven years, eleven mouths and twenty-four days. These were carried off" by scarlet fever. Mr. Bell is an Odd-Fellow. Mrs. Bell is a member of the Baptist church, and both belong to the Sons of Temperance.