Auburn Township (part 1 of 2)

Auburn Township

On the 24th day of February, 1853, Philip Wineman had platted and recorded a new village, comprising the north part of the east half of the northeast quarter of section ten, township thirteen, range six, west, under the name of Wineman. This village was located about one mile south of the old village of Auburn, and on the line of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. Mr. Wineman subsequently made two additions to the original plat, one on the north end the other on the south. In 1854, John Buck laid out some lots adjoining on the west, and m 1858, made an addition on the north and west of the lattei'. These, with "Wineman," and additions, were incorporated by the legislature at its session of 1864-5, under the name of Auburn, the old village bearing this name having ceased to exist. The first election under this charter was held in the spring of 1865. The records of the village being lost or misplaced, only the officers of the present year are given, as follows: D. Mason, S. F. Goodwin, J. A. Able, Fred Faust, B. F. Hutton and J. K. Harris; William Harris, Village Constable; A. S. Davenport, Police Magistrate; W. H. Gibbins, Clerk.

Religious Methodist Episcopal

A class of this denomination was organized at Harlan's Grove, in Chatham township, previous to 1830, which met for some years at the house of John French. Services were held here with more or less frequency until l84l, when they began to be held in old Auburn, where they were continued until the congregation began to worship in the present village. In 1855, the congregation erected a house of worship, which they continued lo occupy until 1863. They subsequently disposed of it to the Baptist and then to the Catholic brethren, and built a second house, at a cost of about $2,000. At present, the church holds services every other Sunday. For a time Auburn was in the Sangamon circuit, and then in Virden circuit. In 1876, it was placed in Auburn circuit, with Rev. W. S. Matthews as pastor. Mr. Matthews was followed by the following named, in order given : Revs. Johnson, Slater, Beckhart, and Sloan, the present pastor. Abraham Gist, R. McCoy R. W. Savage, and Daniel Wadsworth, are the present trustees. The present membership of the church is quite large. A Sunday School was organized in 1855, which has had regular meetings ever since. R. McCoy is the present Superintendent.

Cumberland Presbyterian

The Auburn congregation of the Presbyterian Church organized June 3, 1854, in the Baptist Church building, on Sugar creek, by Rev. W. C. Bell, with the following named members : John Wallace, A. S. Orr, James H.Keysler, Benjamin Kessler, Sr., Mary A. Kessler, Elizabeth Organ, Catharine Kessler, Sarah Gates, H. C. A. Yiney, C. Viney, Thomas Black, David F. Kessler, Rebecca A. Kenney, James M. Hart, Evaline Wallace, George W. Wallace, John Hart, Phebe Hart, Joseph Johnson, Wealth Johnson, Martha A. Storia, Rebecca Drennan, Henderson Seals, Levi .lohnson, Harriet Kessler, James T. Kenney, Francis Cassity, Maria Johnson.

John Wallace, James H. Keysler, and John Hart were chosen elders, and A. S. Orr, Deacon. For some years the congregation worshipped in the meeting house of other denominations and in school houses. The first house of worship erected by the congregation was in 1863; and was situated about three fourths of a mile south of the village of Auburn. In 1874, this house was removed to a point three miles south of the village, and is now known as the Walnut Grove Church, and is occupied by a part of the congregation. In the winter of 1874, a new house of worship was erected in the village at a cost of $3,000, with a sitting capacity of five hundred.

Since 1863, there have been three hundred conversions in the church, but on account of removals and deaths the active membership has been reduced to about fifty.

The following named ministers have had charge of the congregation: W. C. Bell, W. C. Roach, G. W. Reynolds and W. Knowles. W. Knowles had charge from March, 1864, to

March, 1867. From 1867 to 1873, the pulpit was occupied by the following: Revs. F. Bridgman, W. M. Schenck, W. C. Bell and S. R. Shull. W. Knowles, the present incumbent has occupied the pu.pit since September, 1873.

Baptist Church

The Methodist Episcopal Church building in Auburn was sold for debt in 1867, and purchased by the Baptists, who occupied it until 1871, when they sold it to the Catholics, and erected the present building at a cost of $5,000.

The church was organized on Sugar creek, March 23, 1843, and known as the Sugar Creek Baptist Church, with the following named members: C. Wrightsman and wife, George Winnier and wife, John Dill and Joshua Mackey. Elder Thomas Taylor was the minister who officiated at its organization. Elder Alfred Brown was the first pastor, about 1844. Elders - Morris Bailey, Thomas Taylor, L. B. Richardson, William Meigs, Joseph Wightsman, Uarver, Debo and Kitzmiller. The first house of worship was erected in 1851, the congregation furnishing the heavy timber and shingles, C. Ewing furnishing the balance of the material and building the house for $300. This house was sold in 1871 for $50.00, the congregation having been transferred to Auburn. Since the church was transferred, the pastors serving have been: Revs. M. V. Kitzmiller, A. Gross, A. H. Scott, M. C. Clark, Mr. Chapin and Calvin Allen, the latter being the present pastor. The Sunday school was organised in 1868.

This church was purchased by the Catholic people of Auburn and vicinity, of the Baptist denomination, in the year 1871. It is the oldest church building in the town, having been erected by the Methodists in the year of 1856. Previous to its purchase, the Catholics were obliged to attend services at Yirden and Sugar Creek, and consequently looked forward anxiously to the time when they would have a little church of their own, and in their midst, in which to worship God according to the behests of their faith. This opportunity came when the Baptists I'esolved to erect a larger and more imposing edifice for Divine service. The sura paid by the Catholics for the old church building was $750, It was immediately fitted up for Catholic service and was dedicated by Rt. Rev. P. J. Baltes, on April 12, 1872. Since that time, the congregations, though small and not possessed of a very large amount of worldly wealth, has shown remarkable spirit in the support of their church.

Besides the amount originally paid for the church, over $1,000 has been expended in improving and beautifying it. The membership numbers about two hundred souls altogether, and a Sunday school class of seventy children, none of whom was over fifteen years of age, received the sacrament of confirmation at the hands of the Rt. Rev. Bishop of this diocese, less than a year ago. This church was formerly under the spiritual charge of the Catholic priest, of Virden, but since December, 1878, a regular pastor has resided in Auburn, with the two parishes of Auburn and Sugar Creek, under his charge. Those two congregations have since purchased a nice pastoral residence, situated one block from the church, on North Waverly street, and furnished it for occupancy at a cost of $2,000. At present the parishes are under the Pastorate of Rev. D. J. Ryan.

The Christian Church in Auburn was organized in 1868, with A. G. Harney and A.M. Black as elders, and John Piper and M. S. Wadsworth as deacons. There had previously for years been occasional preaching, bnt no regular organization. A house of worship Avas commenced in the spring of 1869, thirty-two by fifty feet. The membership was small and financially weak. With only $600 on the subscription list, a part of which was to be paid in work, and a part in materials, and a good part of it contributed by persons outside of the church, the M^ork was commenced by two of the members, who were carpenters. The money was used up, and the two brethren started out on foot, visiting congregations in this and other counties to solicit money to carry on the work. As fast as means could be procured, it was worked up. No debts were incurred, and the house was not completed until 1876, although it was used for a long time in an unfinished state.

The congregation has never added much to its membership, and has not been able to keep up regular services but a part of the lime. The following have been employed as pastors at different times: Elder John L.Wilson, P. D.Vermilion, A. P. Sears, Jos. B. Allen, and Dr. J. U. Smith, though many others have held protracted meetings.

The Advent Christian Church, of Auburn, was organized in the fall of 1868, by Elder A. S. Calkins, who at this time was Pastor of a church of the same faith and order at Carlinville, Macoupin county, Illinois. The organization of the church grew out of a revival meeting held in the old Baptist House, on the east side of the railroad. During the progress of this meeting, upwards of forty professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and publicly put on Christ by baptism. After the close of the meeting a request was made on the part of several of the leading men of the town, to be organized into a church of Gospel order. Accordingly a meeting was called to consider the matter, and after some exchange of thoughts, a short church covenant was read, as follows: "We, the undersigned, believing the Bible to be a sufficient rule of faith and practice, do agree to take the Bible as our only creed, making Christian character the only test of Christian fellowship, and that we will meet together to worship God, and to exhort one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching."

After the reading of the article some forty persons subscribed their names thereunto, after which they chose two Deacons, and one ruling Elder, with one Clerk and Treasurer. The church thus organized, hired the lower hall of the Masonic building, in which they worshipped the most of the time until they built the present house in which they now worship. The house was built in 1871, costing about |5,000, Mr. David Martin taking the contract, since which time there has been some changes in the membership of the church. Death having removed several from our original membei's, and quite a number moved to other states, has reduced the numbers of the original members. But others having been added, the membership remains about the same as at first. Some improvement has been made the present year on the house, both inside and out. The society is clear of debt, sustaining a Sabbath school every Sunday morning, prayer meeting every Thursday night, with preaching every two weeks, by Elder D. R. Mansfield, the present pastor of the church, assisted by his wife. Elder Calkins having had Pastorial charge some eight years after its organization.

Benevolent And Other Societies

The village is represented by one lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and one Chapter, sketches of which accompany this chapter; also, one lodge of Odd Fellows, and one of United Workmen. For many years the Good Templars had an efficient organization in the village, and much good was the result of their efforts.

Masonic

1860, and a charter granted October 3, of the same year. Its first officers were, Daniel Wadsworth, W. M. ; Matthew Patton, Sr., S. W.; Francis H. Clark, J. W. Its charter members were Daniel Wadsworth, Matthew Patton, Sr., Francis H. Clark, William R. Head, Thomas J, Nuckolls, John N, Kenney, Thomas J. Inglish, David Clark, Isaac Colean. Its principal elective officers since organization have been as follows:

The remaining officers for 1881, are as follows: W. Knowles, Chaplain; William D. Patton, Treasurer; O. M. Cheney, S. D.; James Able, J. D.; George Sinniger, Sr. Steward; D. D. Martin, Jr. Steward, A. Davenport, Tyler.

Odd Fellows

hundred persons and now has a membership of sixty-six. This lodge has paid about |300 for sick and funeral benefits, and has nearly -|500 in its treasury. In 1878, two members of this lodge, J. W. Lowdermilk and A. D. Sanders, established at Springfield, Illinois, the Odd Fellows Herald, one of the most influential society papers in the United States. The present officers of Auburn Lodge are: Henry Dawson, Jr., N. G.; J. A. Garber, V. G.; H. H. White, Secretary; Philip Faust, Treasurer, and J. W. Lowdermilk, Representative to the Grand Lodge.

United Workmen

Auburn Lodge No. 49, A. O. U. W., was instituted March 14, 1877, by Deputy G. M. W. T. L. Matthews, of Virginia, Illinois, with thirtythree charter members. The first officers were as follows: W. W. Lowdermilk, P. M. W.; G. W. Murray, M. W.; A. D. Sanders, F.; H. M. Hart, O.; G. W. Hutton, Rdr.; A. A. Harney, Fin., and W. H. Harris. Rec. Life insurance being one of the prominent features of this order, and the Grand Lodge, reports not being satisfactory to some, during the sunomer of '77, a large number of members withdrew, until at one time the roll showed but thirteen members in good standing. By the united efi'orts of these, the membership was increased to twenty, the number now on the roll. The present officers are: C. M. Caldwell, P. M. W.; J. W. Lowdermilk, M. W; C. J. Sanders, F. ; W. Knowles, O. and Deputy G. M. W.; W. A. Wallace, Rdr.; H. M. Hart, Fin. and W. H. Hummel, Rec. But one death has occurred among the members of this lodge, that of Bro. John McKay who died August 21, 1879. Being composed of good men, this lodge is in an excellent financial condition, a good feeling prevails, its meetings are well attended and splendid i)ro8- pects are before it.

Auburn Bank

This bank was organized in April, 1872, by H. Stevens and Samuel Lewis as the Exchange Bank of Auburn, with the former as President, and the latter as Cashier. It was conducted by them until May, 1874, when G. W. Hutton, I. J. and B. F. Poley, and J. M. and Samuel Lewis became the proprietors, I. J. Poley succeed! rg H. Stevens as President. In 1875, I. J. Poley and G. W. Hutton purchased the interest of J. M. and S. Lewis, Mr. Hutton becoming Cashier.

In January, 1877, T. S. Parks, Esq., purchased I. J. Poley's interest, and in the succeeding April that of G. W. Hutton becoming sole proprietor.

As President and proprietor, Mr. Parks has managed the business since that time. The present officers are: T. S. Parks, President, and J. W. Lowderrailk, Cashier. When Mr. Parks first took charge of the bank it was doing a limited business, but by close attention to its affairs and indefatigable energy, he has succeeded in placing it on a solid basis, and the bank is at this time in an excellent financial condition with a constantly increasing deposit.

Auburn may not be able to boast of extensive manufactories, but it has a wagon and carriage factory that turns out more work than any like ins itution in the county.

Morse's Wagon, Carriage, and Agricultural Implement Manufactory was established in 1856, as a wagon and repair shop, by Mr. Babcock. In 1857, Robert E. Morse bought out the concern; and has since been the sole proprietor. It was then a small institution, in which a few wagons were made, and general repair work was done. Immediately after purchasing, Mr. Morse began to enlarge the business and capacity of the factory, and from time to time increased its size, until in 1880 the shop had attained quite large dimensions, and employed about twenty men.

On the night of the 15th of May, 1868, the factory proper was totally destroyed by fire, with a loss in building and machinery of 'tlO,000. The warehouse was saved, in which was a considerable quantity of partially and wholly completed work. Mr. Morse began to re-build in the fall, and the brick portion of the structure, one hundred and eight by sixty feet, was ready for the workmen in the spring of 1881. The capital invested is over $30,000, and employment is given to from fifteen to twenty hands, with a capacity for completing a lumber or spring wagon or buggy per day, besides carrying forward the large amount of job and repair work done. A set of hands is employed for carriage and spring wagon work, and a set for farm wagons. A feature is also made of manufacturing plows, harrows, and cultivators for the general trade. Two traveling men are kept on the road, who find market for the work chiefly through the central counties of Illinois.

Auburn is not a village of mushroom growth, but has had a steady increase in its population and business from the beginning. It now numbers more inhabitants than at any previous time in its history. It is the largest town in the

The Auburn Citizen

As a history of this paper is given in the chapter on the Press, it is unnecessary now to repeat in this connection; but it is but due the Citizen to say that as a local paper it is sui)erior to three-fourths of the papers in the State, printed in villages of twice the size of Auburn. The columns of a local paper are usually an index of the enterprise of a town. If filled with live advertisements of the business men of the place, the town is judged by the outsider to be a live town. The judgment of the people in this case is correct ninety-nine times out of a hundred.

Business Of Auburn

The first merchandise sold in Auburn was in 1853, by Ham & Poley. In the quarter of a century that has passed, many others have engaged in business here, some of whom have met with success; others have had reverses.

To give the reader of this volume in the future, an idea of the business of the place in 1881, the following directory is appended, as compiled in October of that year:

Post Office

The Auburn post office was established in the early part of 1839, in the old town, David Eastman, postmaster. Previous to this date there has been no office nearer than the Sugar Creek postoffice, kept at John L. Drennan's stage stand, five miles northeast. Mr. Eastman was postmaster until 1842, when Daniel Wadsworth was appointed under Tyler. He retained the office until 1852, when the railroad (now C. & A.) drew the business to the new towji. From that time until the present, the office has been filled by the following, in their regular rotation: H. Tibbatt, Benjamin Kessler, John Bond, N. P. Brooks, R. N. Han, A. M. Black, A. S. Davenport, J. W. j^yers, W. W. Lowdermilk, and George W. Hutton, the present appointee. Up to Mr. Lowdermilk's incumbency, the office has been kept in the east part of the town. Mr. Lowdermilk removed it to the public square, where it has since remained.

This is now a third-class office, with a salary of $1,000. Fifteen years ago, the delivering capacity amounted to fifty boxes, all told. Now the office has upwards of three hundred and fifty. The revenue for the year ending September 30, 1881, .was $2,332.99. The number of pieces of mail matter during the first week of December, 1880 (the only time during the year that any record was kept,) was one thousand six hundred and twenty-one pieces. The following letter explains itself:

Publisher Sangamon County History. - Dear Sir: In compliance with your request, to furnish you a statement of the amount of business at this office, in the money order department, during the first fiscal year and the last, I submit to you the following:

The first order was applied for July 22, 1872, by William W. Lowdermilk, then postmaster, payable to Herman Redlick, Springfield, Illinois, for $14.

There were is^^ued during the fiscal year's business, four hundred and one orders, amounting to $5,377.55; and for the last fiscal year, ending July 22, 1881, there were issued one thousand one hundred and ninety-one orders, amounting to $12,122.45.

I will add that at the time the money order office was established, in July 22, 1872, there was no bank here, and the greater part of the business of the village of Auburn and vicinity, was done through the money order office, while at the present time the heavier part of the business is done through the Auburn bank.

The history of Auburn township is continued by giving short biographical sketches of a large number of the most prominent citizens of the township, many of whom came here in an early day, and were foremost in developing the wild prairies into one of the finest townships of agricultural lands in this great State.

Jacob Anthony, post office, Virden, Macoupin county; son of Jacob and Eva Anthony; father born in New York, about 1788; mother born in Raenselear county, New York, in 1790; father of English extraction; mother of German extraction. They were married in the State of New York, and had twelve children - six sons and six daughters. The subject of this sketch was born October 26, 1801, in Sharon, Skoharie county. New York, and served a regular apprenticeship to the carpenter trade, following it most of his life. In the fall of 1843, was married to Miss Margaret Lacy, daughter of Elliott and Sarah Lacy; father born in North Carolina; mother born in Tennessee. They have five children living: William, James, Mary, Martha and Agnes. Mr. Anthony owns two hundred acres of valuable land, well improved. His advantages of early education was such as the county schools afforded in his day. His son John was a member of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and died from disease contracted in the army.

John Beechly, farmer and real estate dealer. Auburn, Illinois, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, on the 20th day of September, 1820, son of Michael and Susannah Beechly; father of German descent and a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he bought a farm and remained there until his death, which occurred about 1859. There was a family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters.

branches of business, prominent among them is dealing in real estate, having charge of many farms and loaning money, etc. Mr. Beechly married Miss Susan Garber, daughter of John Garber, of Virginia, where she was born in 1826. By this union there was a family of ten children, SIX of whom are living: Nancy, now Mrs. J. J. Meyers, of Kansas; Hettie, now Mrs. John W. Hart, ot Auburn ; Allen, Susan, Milton and Laura. Mr. B. has a farm of two hundred acres of land, valued at $100 per acre. The entii'e farm is worth '^20,000; is a large farmer; handles considerable stock, and raising in one year three thousand five hundred bushels of wheat; is a member of the German Baptist Church.

Thomas Black., Sr., Auburn, Illinois, son of Thomas and Edith Black father born in South Carolina, October 25, 1768, mother born in Kentucky. They were married in Christian county, Kentucky, moved to Sangamon county, April 0, 1819. They came with horse teams, camped out at nights, carried their household goods in the wagon with them, located in what is now Auburn township, the land grant settled upon being about a hundred and twenty acres.

Their family consisted of four sons and three daughters, all born in Kentucky: Sarah, born July 3, 1796; David, September 17, 1798; Elizabeth, March 6, 1803; Nancy, August 4, 1806; John, August 8, 1809; Thomas, September 3, 1813; Carter T., January 24, 1818.

The subject of this sketch was the sixth child. He was married March 7, 1855, to Miss Mary Jane Wallace, daughter of John and Eveline Wallace, her father was born in Nova Scotia, June 17, 1808; her mother was born November 20, 1813; Mr. Black was born November 1, 1835; they have three children, all daughters: Malah Edith, born November 8, 1861; Mary Francis, January 7, 1868; Marchie Ellia, March 12, 1871; father died, November 20, 1854; mother died, August 20, 1876. Carter T. Black is living in Bates county, Missouri, is a contractor for buildings; he is the youngest of the family, and the only remaining brother of Thomas Black, Sr. ; owns quite a large farm, valued at $6u per acre. Mr. Black is of German extraction, Mrs. Black of Scotch and German. The early education of both were such as the country schools of their day would afford.

Charles JV. JBroicn, farmer. Auburn, Illinois, was born in Kennebec, Maine, on the 14th day of November, 1840; son of William and Sarah ( Smily,) Brown; father a native of New Hampshire, and mother of Maine. His father was twice married; his first wife was Maria Howard, by whom he had five children, one of M'hom has lived to manhood, Ambrose U., who was a soldier in the Third Maine Infantry, and was captured in the first battle of Bull Run, and was taken prisoner and incarcerated iii L bby Prison, where he starved to death. The second fan?ily consisted of seven children, five of whom are living, Mary, Charles, Henry W., Mariah S., and Warren F. Henry was a soldier in the late war and was taken prisoner at Spotsylvania Court House, taken to Andersonville Prison, where he was kept for eight months. Charles N. came to Sangamon county in 1860, where he became acquainted with Miss Matilda E. Foster and was married in December 1864. Mr. Brown enlisted in 1861 in the Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, three months' service, being one of the first to enlist in the regiment, and remained until the expiration of his term, when he re-enlisted in the Ninth Volunteer Infantry, Company K. He participated in several hot engagements, among them were Fort Donalson, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and others; was wounded at the battle of Fort Donalson in the arm and leg, where he carries the ball at the present time. In politics he is a Republican.

William Brownell, druggist, Aubui-n, Illinois, was born in Ball township, Sangamon county, on the tenth day of December, 1822; son of John and Nancy (Pulliam) Brownell, a daughter of Robert Pulliam, the first settler in Sangamon county, coming as early as 1817, and built the first log cabin in Ball township. Mr. John Brownell came to the State in 1818, and located on Sugar creek, where he embarked in farming and in various other branches of business. He is still living in Auburn township, at the advanced age of eighty-one, and is probably the oldest living resident of the county. There was a family of eleven children. Mr. William Brownell, the oldest son, remained at home, and on account of his father's health, took charge of the business uniil 1863. In 1848, married Miss Elizabeth Bridges, daughter of George Bridges, of Harrison county, Kentucky; she was born in Harrison county, Kentucky. By this union there Avas a family of six children; four of whom are living, Jane, Isabel, and Columbus V.; John W. died October 25, 1881, of consumption. She died February 14, 1869. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and was loved and respected by all who knew her. In December, 1869, married Miss Elizabeth Vaughn; she was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, March 3, 1840. There were two children, one of whom is still living, Ora Viola. In 1863, he came to Auburn, where he embarked in the drug business, and bought and repaired the hotel, which he run for twelve years. Auburn, at that time, was a small place, there being but two buildings on the west side of the railroad. Mr. B. has been identified with Auburn and vicinity all his life; has seen it from its wild, uncultivated prairies, to one of the finest agricultural sections in the State. Has held several local ofiices of trust in the gift of the people, as police magistrate, school director, etc. Is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Ark and Anchor Lodge, No. 354, of Auburn. The family are members of the Baptist Church.

Sudden Change. - Reminiscences by Mr William Brownell. - He says a man by the name of Welch was relating how, at the time of the sudden change, that he had chickens which were on a fence at the time the cold wave struck them were blown off into the slush, and as soon as they struck the ground would freeze in their tracks; when a Dutchman who heard him tell it; said that at the time, his wife was making a kettle of hominy over the fire-place, and the top of it was frozen over about two inches; he took a hatchet, chopped into it, and found it boiling furiously in the center. Mr. Brownell had a cousin driving stage from Springfield to Mechanicsburg, and at the time of the sudden change, was prssing Clear Lake, and had driven into the lake when the blast struck him, and before he could get his team out, the wagon had frozen in, and in order to extract his team, had to cut his harness and leave the wagon, and jump on his team with his mail bag and make for Mechanicsburg, which he reached in a frozen condition. On tiie following day he returned to the lake, cut out the wagon and took it to town.

John Buck (deceased), Aubui'n, Illinois, was born in Lanesborough, Massachusetts, January 3, 1797, son of Ebenezer and Ann Talcott, natives of Connecticut, where they were married and raised a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of which lived to be adults

Mr. .John Buck was married in Lanesborough, Massachusetts, to Miss Cynthia Brown, by whom there were three children, viz., Edwin, Franklin, and Mary N. Mrs. Buck died in Lewis county. New York, November 27, 1836, when he became acquainted with Miss Avis Rich, whom he married. She was born in Lewis county. New Y'ork, June 15, 1819. By this union there was one child, Mary L.,born in Lewis county, New Y^ork, January 3, 1843.

a large tract of land near Auburn. In 1854-55, laid out what is known as Buck's Addition to the Village of Auburn. Being a liberal man, donated several lots, besides donating the ground for a public square. Masonic Hall, and Methodist Church. Through his influence, has succeeded in building up a flourishing little village.

Mr. Buck died August 23, 1880, leaving a large number of friends to mourn his loss. Mr. Buck, in politics, was a Republican; held several local ofiices of trust, representing his township as Supervisor.

William Hurtle, Esq., Auburn, Illinois, was born in Grayson county, Kentucky, on the 9th day of August, 1822; son of Wm. Burtle and Sarah Ogden, who emigrated to Sangamon county in 1826, coming with a team and located in Ball township. After renting one year, purchased land and made a farm, where he remained until his death, which occurred July 24, 1860. Mother died February 11, 1868. The subject of this sketch was four years old when he came to the county, and has been identified with the county since. September 4, 1856, married Miss Elizabeth White, who was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, December 28, 1829. The fruits of this marriage were five children, one of which is living, he was born in Auburn, May 9, 1864. Mr. B. came to Ball township when there was but ten to twelve families in the township, and the prairies were unbroken, the deer and wolves roving over them, and has lived to see it one of the most thickly populated townships which now compose the county of Sangamon. Mr. B. has held several local ofiices of trust in the county and representing them in the Board of Supervisors, and is at present a justice of the peace. Is a member of the Catholic Church, being brought up as one. In an early day has hauled wheat to Macoupin Point and sold it for six and one-half cents, and has raised pork for one dollar and twenty-five per hundred.

Elder Alcmson S. Calkins, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Delaware county. New York, on the 27th day of October, 1823, son of Smith and Cornelia (Foster) Calkins; father and mother were of English descent whose ancestors came over in the Mayflower and located in Connecticut, where his father was born. When a young man, he moved to Delaware county. New York, where he remained several years and then returned to Connecticut, where he died in 183P, and his mother died the previous year. Mr.

Calkins was very young when his father died and was thrown onto his own resources to battle against a cold world. December 29, 1849, married Miss Dina C. Bennett, daughter of William and Sarah (Bronson) Bennett, natives of Connecticut, where she was born October 10, 1832. By this marriage there was one child, Sarah B., who was born in Connecticut, June 5, 1849. They remained in Connecticut a few years, came to LaSalle county, Illinois, where they remained a short time, when they went to Hancock county, where he had charge of the church near Carthage. They remained there one year. They then returned to LaSalle county, when he organized several churches and supplied their pulpits. From there he came to Springfield, Illinois, where he held several meetings. From there he had a call at Collinsville, where he held several protracted meetings and supj^lied the pulpit one year. He then came to Auburn where he established a church and has remained since. His first meetings were well attended and a good number connected themselves with the church. In 1870, they erected a church edifice, the dimensions being forty by fifty, a frame building large enough to accommodate the congregation . There is a Sabbath school in connection with the church which is in a prosperous condition. The present oificers: Superintendent, Thomas Parks; Bible class teacher, Allen Gordon ; teachers. Miss Parks, Alice Welch, Caroline Spencer, Sarah Conklin. The average attendance now is about twentyfive.

L. B. McCarton, grocer. Auburn, Illinois, was born in Shelby county, Ohio, January 16, 1835; son of Colin B. and Mary (Black) McCarton; there was a family of three children, two sons and one daughter, L. B., Julia, and Colin B. His father was a millwright by trade, which he followed until his death, which occurred in Cass county, Indiana, in 1837. His mother is still living with Mr. McCarton. L. B. was reared on a farm and received a liberal education; married Miss Sarah A. Fortney, a daughter of Jacob and Ann Fortney of Pennsylvania, who were early settlers of Ohio; she was born September 1837. The fruits of this union are six children, five of whom are living, Oscar, Charles L., Mary, Frank and Viola. Mr. McC. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a member of A. O. U. W., of Auburn. ' Mr. and Mrs. McC. are members of the Presbyterian Church, Coming to this county in 1866 he embarked in farming, which he followed until 1868, when he engaged in his present business, groceries and provisions. In politics he is a Republican, has held several

Hoy ce McCoy, carpenter and joiner, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Washington county, Indiana, December 4, 1826; son of lioyce, Sr., and Malinda (Pound) McCoy; his father was a pioneer preacher, preaching Sunday and working on a farm through the week; he died in Indiana in 1836; his mother living some years later, died in 1866; they died as they had lived, sincere Christians. Royce, Jr., was reared on a farm, and received what schooling the country afi:'orded at the time. When seventeen years of age, he was apprenticed as a wagon-maker, where he remained about two years; he then went to Fulton county, where he was employed at his trade for a couple of years. In 1847, came to Morgan county; previous to coming, and when twenty years of age, married Mary Hattabough, who died July 1 1, 1849. Two years later he married Mrs. Mary Barton, widow of Henry Barton, a native of North Carolina, and born in 1827. In 1856, came to Auburn; there were two houses on the west side of the railroad, where Auburn now stands, and at that time the town was called Wineman, after a man by the name of Philip Wineman, who first laid out the town. Mr. McCoy has been identified with Auburn from its infancy, and has always worked for its best interest. Is a member of the M. E. church, and has been identified with it for thirty years.

Henry Datoson, Jr., Superintendent of Tile, Brick and Auburn Coal Shaft, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Richland county, Ohio, on the 1 6th day of December, 1855; S3n of Henry, Sr., and Rebecca (Carvan) Dawson; father a native of England; mother of Ohio. His mother died in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1875. In 1878, came to Auburn, where he was cashier of the Auburn Bank over two years; he gave up that position and engaged in his present occupation. Married Miss Minnie Van Zile, daughter of Abram Van Zile, of Hancock county, Illinois. She was boin in Rutland county, Vermont, in 1857. The fruits of this marriage are two children - Minnie Inez and Henry, Jr. Mr, Dawson is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Auburn, and the A. O. U. W. In politics is a Republican. Mrs. D. is a member of the Baptist Church.

Andreio Eagan, brickmaker. Auburn township, section twenty-eight, was born in Kilkenney county, Ireland, in 1842. When a child his parents emigrated to the United States, and landed in New Orleans, thence by river to Jersey county, Illinois, where he followed farming, and where his parents died soon after coming to the State, which left the subject ot this sketch an orphan, and he was forced to tight the battles of life alone. In 1870, he married Miss Mary Vancil, a daughter of Simeon Yancil, an early settler of the county, whereshe was born in 1844. There are three children - Annie Ella, Katie May, and Fannie Emma. In 1861, enlisted in the Eleventh Missouri Infantiy, Company C, Captain M. M. Warren ; participated in all the engagements of the regiment, some of the principal being : New Madrid or Island No. 10, siege of Corinth, luka, battle of Corinth, when he was wounded near the ear by a buckshot ; also siege of Yicksburg, when he was again wounded, by a ball, on the top of his head, being in the service nearly four years ; mustered out at St. Louis, January 19, 1866. Is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Baptist Church.

William A. McElvain, farmer, section sixteen, Auburn township, was boi*n in Adair county, Kentucky, December 1, 1822; son of Samuel and Penelope (Abell) McElvain, natives of Virginia, and of Irish descent. They were married January 4, 1816, in Adair county, Kentucky. The fruits of this marriage were six children, three sons and three daughters, five of whom lived to be men and women, viz: Harriet N., Margaret J., William A., James E,, Theresa M.; Jeremiah A, died in infancy. In 1828, they emigrated to Sangamon county, and located in Auburn township, where he took up government land and made a farm from the wild prairie. He left Kentucky with a four horse team, coming overland, camping out. They moved into a log cabin, sixteen by sixteen feet, with a dirt chiainey, and their furniture was of the plainest kind. They were a little crowded, there being a family of nine who remained there through the winter. At that time, Springfield was their nearest trading post, and for their milling, they went to Mr, Thomas Black's, who had a mill which was run by a horse, where they ground corn. Mr. Mc- Elvain says he has pounded and grated corn all day long for the use of the family; has hauled corn to Springfield and sold it for six and onefourth cents per bushel, and also has hauled wheat with ox-teams to St. Louis, taking from seven to nine days to make the trip, and sell his load for thirty-five cents per bushel, pork selling then at $1.25, net. At the time they came here there were but few schools and churches, Mr. McElvain being a member of the Presbyterian Church. In connection with Jeremiah Abell, a Presbyterian minister, organized the first Sab- bath school in the township. His house wa? a home for all preachers who traveled through this vicinity, and many a time Elder Cartwright has stayed at his father's house. His father participated in the war of 181 2, and was at the battle of New Orleans, and at the close of the war walked from New Orleans to Kentucky, and was so thin and spare when he arrived there that he could span himself with his hands. He died April 1, 1848. Mother died September 29, 1855. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and died in the faith. The subject of this sketch came to the county when he was six years of age and remained at home until his father's death, when he took charge of his father's aifairs. After his father's death, his own and mother's health failed, and they traveled extensively through the northern part of Maine and the Red River country, being for days and weeks among the Indians. Mr. McElvain has traveled through fourteen different States and Territories. After spending one summer they returned, wath their health greatly improved.

November 1, 1853, married Miss Angeline Lowell; born in Sangamon county, August 29, 1832. There was a family of eight children, six of whom are living. Howard A , Samuel S., James W., Nellie J., Margaret A., Elizabeth G. Mr. McElvain has a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, all of which is under good cultivation, and valued at $75 an acre.

Mr. McElvain has been identified with the county nearly all his life, and has seen it developed from the broad, wide prairies, to a beautiful cultivated country.

-Philip Faust, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Rhine, Prussia, on the 5th day of February, 1850. When twenty-two years of age, came to the United States, landing in Philadelphia, where he remained a short time, then to Chicago, where he was employed as a butcher, and remained a few months, when he went to Bloomington for a short time, thence to Lincoln, from there to Auburn, where he commenced his present business. In 1880, Mr. Faust drew in a lottery the Patty House, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, valued at $95,000. The Patty Brothers, who got up the scheme, being rascals, he was swindled out of nearly the whole, which by rights belonged to him. Mr. Faust married Miss Katie Naland. She was born in Auburn. The fruits of this marriage are two children, Julia and Berdie. Mr. Faust is a member of Ark and Anchor Lodge, No. 54 3, I. O. O. F., and a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 354, Auburn. In politics, is a Democrat.

John. R. Fletcher^ deceased, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Kentucky, September 15, 182*7; son of James and Jane Fletcher. There was a family of sixteen children, eleven of which lived to be men and women. James Fletcher emigrated with his family to Sangamon county in 1828, and located on Sugar creek. Auburn township, where he died the following year. His mother died October, 1853. They were members of the old school, Presbyterian, and died as they had lived sincere Christians, and loved and respected by all who knew them. John R. was a mere boy when he came to the county, he was reared on a farm and received a liberal education. January 16, 1851, married Miss Margaret J. Kessler, a daughter of Benj. Kessler, of Auburn, where she was born September 26, 1831. By this union there was a family of seven children, two of whom are living, Anna S., now Mrs. Wm. H. Hunterand Jennie V. Mr. Fletcher died August 16, 1870; was a member of the Presbyterian church. He was a kind husband and an indulgent father, and was mourned by a large body of friends.

Nathan Fletcher, retired farmer, section sixteen, post office, Auburn, was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, on the 8th day of March, 1810; son of James and Jane (McElvain) Fletcher; father of English descent and mother of Scotch and Irish. They were married in Virginia, where one child was born, when they emigrated to Kentucky in 1801, and located in Simpson county, where he carried on a farm in connection with the wheel-wright business. Their family consisted of sixteen children, ten of whom lived to be men and women, viz: Job L., Margaret, James W., Mary, Nathan, Elizabeth, Rebecca, John, Martha and Nancy, who were born in Sangamon county, three of whom are living at the present writing. In 1828, his father left his home in Kentucky with an oxteam and wagon, with one horse in front, with his large family for the far West, or the wilds of Illinois; traveling slow, camping out and cooking their own meals, taking some three weeks to make the journey, and locating where Mr. Organ now resides, moving into a log cabin sixteen by sixteen feet, with puncheon floors, and a hole between the logs for light, without glass. Their bedsteads were of the Jackson style. They remained in the cabin about eighteen months, when they moved to a larger and more commodious house of hewn logs, where his father died in 1830. Nathan remained at home until he was twenty-eight years old, when he married Margaret Baxter, she was born in Adair county, Kentucky, November 27, 1827. By this union there were six children, all of whom are living, James B., born December 5, 1849, Thomas A., born October 23, 1851, Martha, born February 11, 1853, Henry M., and Lucretia, born April 22, 1856, Mr. Fletcher commenced on a forty acre tract thirty-six years ago, without means, and by hard work and good judgment has accumulated a fine property, and is the owner of four hundred and thirty-six acres of land, which he has divided up among his children. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. F, is a Republican in politics, and has held several local offices of trust. In an early day their trading post was at Springfield, twenty miles away, and he has known his mother to take a pail of butter on horseback, go to Springfield, do her trading and return the same day. He also remembers after his father died that they had a field of five or six acres of wheat, which his mother and himself put up, cutting it with a reap-hook or what is called a sickle; his mother being about fifty years old at the time.

Leonard Foster (deceased), Auburn, Illinois, was born about 1830 ; son of George and Sarah Foster, who came to the county in an early day, where they raised a family of eight children, all of which lived to be men and women. In December, 1857, he married Miss Elvira Gates, a daughter of John and Lucinda Gates, of Kentucky, where she was born March 25, 1885. By this union there were eight children, seven of whom are living, viz : Alice, born June 9, 1859; Flora, born September 6, 1860; George E., born November 4, 1861 ; Mary, born February 3, 1865 ; William E , born May 30, 1867 ; Minnie, born January 12, 1870 ; Etta, born August 5, 1873. Mrs. Foster is living on the old homestead, where they first commenced keeping house, where she has spent many happy hours, and some very sad ones. Mr. Foster died May 8, 1880. He was a kind and good husband and father, and was respected by all who knew him. He died leaving the family in comfortable circumstances, with a farm of two hundred and ten acres of land, valued at $60 an acre.

JBenjamin, 0. Foster^ farmer and stock raiser, post office Auburn, section 27; was born in Kennebec, Maine, on the nineteenth day of October, 1833, son of Otis and Phoebe (Goodwin) Foster. In 1843, his parents emigrated to Sangamon county, Illinois, where they rented a farm in Auburn township, for three years, when they bought a farm one and a-halF miles northwest of where Auburn now stands, there being no Anburn at that time, and made a farm out of the wild prairie. Mr. Foster left his old home in Maine in limied circumstances, went by water to New Orleans in a sailing vessel, and thence by steamer up the river. Arriving in Auburn, his means were nearly exhausted, the first few years they lived in a log cabin, sixteen by twenty, with split clapboards for a roof, through which the snow would sift and cover their beds in winter.

The subject of this sketch was a boy when he came to the county, received what schooling the county afforded at the time. In 1864, he married Miss Caroline Foley, daughter of Joseph and Francis Foley. She was born in Auburn township, December 16, 1839.

There are three children, Florence P., born October 7, 1865; Amina C, born February 28, 1870; Frank L., born October 28, 1872. They commenced their married life on a farm near Brush Creek, where they remained four years. Mrs. Foster's health failing, in the fall of 1868, they went to California, where he bought a farm, where he remained until the Spring of 1874, returned to Illinois, with the intention of selling out his interest here and returning. Being unable to sell here at anything near a reasonable figure, he returned to California, where he had left his home just as they had been keeping house, sold out, and returned to Auburn, where he bought a home for the better chance of educating his children, and embarked in the milling business, in company with the Foley family. Not liking it, he sold his interest and bought the land where he now resides. Mr. Foster is a large and wealthy farmer of the township, owning six hundred acres of land under good cultivation, valued at $'iO per acre; raises two hundred acres of corn; one hundred and fifty acres of wheat; forty acres of oats; turns out fifty head of hogs; fifty head of cattle; fifteen head of horses, and five hundred sheep.

Andrew Gates, farmer, P. O. Virden, Sec. 32. Was born in Muhlenburg county, Kentucky, on the l7th day of January, 1807, son of Michael and Catherine (Groves) Gates. Father of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, and mother a native of North Carolina, where they were married, and soon after came to Kentucky, where he embarked in farming. The family consisted of ten children, seven of whom lived to be men and women, of which at the present writing there are but two living, Mrs. Fanny Foley and the subject of this sketch. In the spring of 1880, his father and a portion of the family started for the far West, (leaving the older sister and Mrs. Gates in Kentucky until the following spring,) and located on the place where Mr. John Ten Brook now resides. The family coming through with an ox team and cart, and doing their own cooking. On February 13, 1833, Andrew married Miss Lucinda Wood, daughter of William and Polly Wood, who came to Madison county, Illinois, in 1812, where they were married in 1814. In October, 1818, came to Sangamon county. She was born in Madison county, December 31st, 1816. The fruits of this marriage was twelve children, four of whom are living.

Mr. and Mrs. Gates' early mai-ried life was spent in a log cabin sixteen by sixteen. Puncheon floors, and a clay and stick chimney, and for a window, cut out a log. Many a time Mr. Gates was called to St. Louis on business, leaving his young wife home night after night to hear the wolves howl at the door. Their trading post was at Springfield, generally patronizing Colonel John Williams, and for their milling would take a grist on horse-back and go to Thomas Black's old mill, run by horse power. Mr. Gates is a member of the German Baptist Church, and Mrs. Gates and children members of the Baptist. Mr. Gates has resided in the county for more than a half century. Has seen the rough and smooth side of a new country. Coming in limited circumstances, but by hard work and good management has accumulated a fine property, owning at one time seven hundred acres of land, valued at 135,000, leaving his family comfortably located, giving each a farm.

(T. A. Garber, builder and contractor, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, March 1, 1853, son of John and Susan (IJeechley) Garber, father a native of Virginia, and mother of Ohio, and were married in Ohio, where he embarked in farming and remained until 1851, when he moved to Miami county, Indiana, where they remained ten years, when they came to Sangamon county, where he still remains. There was a family of nine children, five boys and four girls, all of which lived to be men and women. J. II. worked on a farm until 1873, when he commenced the trade of carpentering, under the teaching of his present partner, Mr. Nicols. He married Miss Mary Josephine Bridges, a daughter of C. L. Bridges, of Auburn. She was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, July 28, 1860. By this union, there were two children, one of whom is living, Arthur B. Mr. G. is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge of Auburn.

the 24th day of February, 1837. Son of William and Mary (Kennedy) McGlothlin, natives of Kentucky. In 1836, his parents emigrated to Alton, when he embarked in the cabinet business, where he remained a short time, when he went to Carrolton, where he bought a farm and remained some years; then went to Kansas, where he remained until 1859, when he came to Auburn township and located on the place where Mr. Ten Broek now resides. He is at present living in Shelby county, Missouri, at the age of eighty years. The subject of this sketch, in 1863, took a trip to California, in company with the Rauch brothers, of Auburn township, where he was employed by the month, receiving 860 per month, running a mowing machine. He was afterwards employed on a vegetable ranch, where he remained a short time, bought it and peddled vegetables through the mines, accumulating about $3,000. In 1866, returned to Sangamon county, rented land, and in 1869, married Miss Rebecca Rauch, who was born in Auburn township November 6, 1839. There are four children - Luella B., Horace G., Charles A. and Lena R. Has been identified with the Democrat'c party ; has held the office of Road Commissioner. Has two hundred and sixty acres of land, valued at ^20,000. Raises one hundred acres of corn, one hundred of wheat. In 1880, raised two hundred acres, which averaged twenty-eight bushels per acre, and fourteen acres that averaged forty-six bushels per acre.

Samuel F. Goodvnn, retired. Auburn, Illinois, was born in Kennebec county, Maine, July 23, 18(19, son of Daniel and Sarah (Haskell) Goodwin. His father's family consisted of seven children, five sons and two daughters, all of whom lived to be men and women. His father was a natural mechanic and his boys took to the trade and became thorough workmen. Mr. Goodwin learned the trade of carpenter and joiner of Daniel Wadsworth and remained with him until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1832, went to Boston where he followed his trade until 1839, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, when he became acquainted with Miss Caroline E. Welch, his present wife, remaining there three years. In 1842, returned to Boston and remained there until the summer of 1843, when he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, and while on the way to Boston was married in Providence, Rhode Island. Arriving in Boston, they started out in their new life, he prosecuting his trade until 1852, when he was employed by E. & G. G. Hook, organ factory, where his time was occupied for five years. Hearing much of the west, he concluded to come to Illinois, where he located in Auburn, boarding for a few months, until he had time to erect a dwelling, being the first of any size, on the west side of the railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin have met with sad bereavements, having a family of three sons and three daughters, all of which have passed away. Mr. G. has property in Auburn valued at $10,000.

A. M. Gordon, grocer. Auburn, Illinois, was born in Rushville, Schuyler county, Illinois, on the ninteenth day of November, 1834. Son of William and Mary Gordon, nee Taylor, who emigrated from Kentucky to Illinois in 1825, and located in Schuyler county, where he took up land and made a farm, where he remained until 1840, when he moved to Rushville, where he held the office of deputy sherifi^; remaining until his term of office expired, when he returned to his farm, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1844; mother died in 1853. A. M. remained on the farm until he was seventeen years of age, when he, in company with three other brothers, embarked in the dry goods trade, in which he continued about three years, when his health failed and he went to Texas, where he remained a short time, when he purchased a couple of ponies, and in company with a brother came through on horseback to Illinois. The following spring, in company with an elder brother who was troubled with a lung disease, went to Texas, where they remained one year. He then came back to Illinois, where he remained one year, and at the Pike's Peak excitement, in company with George Gates, started out with an ox-team for the gold-fields, making the trip in two months, and stayed in the mines two years. Returned to Illinois in 1861; enlisted in the Sixteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company D; was engaged in the battles of New Madrid, Shiloh, Stone River, with Sherman on the march to the sea, as far as Jonesboro, when he was taken sick and sent back to Nashville, where he participated in the battle of Nashville, under General Thomas; was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, after which he returned to Hamilton and embarked in farming. After coming to Auburn, put up a hay-press, which he run two years, when he embarked in his present business. Married in 1863, to Miss Mintie Welch. She was born in McDonough county, in 1848. Four children blessed this union, three of whom are living: Viola F., Blanche L. and Eva - Grace died October 7, 1881. Member of the Second Advent Church.

Pennsylvania, on the 15th day of March, 1828, son of Jacob and Barbara (Herschey) Harnly, natives of Switzerland. There were nine children by this union, six of which lived to be adults. His father is still living, at the advanced age of eighty years. His mother died at the age of fifty-six. Mr. H., the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. August 15, 1854, married Miss Elizabeth Horner. She was born in the same county, May 14, 1837. The fruits of this marriage were twelve children, nine of whom are living, viz., Mary, born July 16, 1857; Elizabeth, born July 23, 1859; Henry J., born February 23, 1862; Andrew, born February 13, 1864; John, born June 21, 1866; David, born August 15, 1868; Joseph and Benjamin (twins), born September 9, 1870; Fanny, born December 16, 1872, and died October 5, 1876; Susanna, born in Illinois, March 29, 1876; and two died in infancy.

February 25, 1875, came to Sangamon county, Illinois, and located in Auburn township, where he purchased a farm of two hundred and twentytwo acres of land, valued at |75 an acre - $16,650.

John R. Harris, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Carrick, Tipperary county, Ireland, near the river Suir, May 17, 1852; son of Thomas L. and Mary A. Doran, who were mariied June 15, 1840. Father born September 22, 1814; mother, March 4, 1821. Previous to coming to the United States, his father was employed in boating for a Quaker firm, which he followed until he came to the States, being in 1849 or 1850; leaving his family in Ireland. He landed in New Yoi*k, where he remained about six months. Having some friends in Newark, New Jersey, he went there, where he remained a couple of years. From there, went to New Oreans, where he was employed at various work, and remained one year, when he came to Chatham, this county, in the summer of 1855; the same year that his family came. After arriving in the county, went to work for William Lockard, Sr. He was afterwards employed by the railroad company, and had charge of the pumps at Sugar creek and Virden, for which he received 152 per month, at that time considered good wages; he remained in that business until the wind-mills took the place of horse power, and then was engaged as switchman, etc., which he followed until his death, which occurred November 25, 1870; mother died July 1, 1880. John R. married Miss Katie Young, daughter of Garrard Young, an early settler of the county; she was born in 1861. The fruits of this marriage is one son, Garrard Thomas, born July 3, 1881. Members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Harris has a beautiful residence in the village, valued at $2,500.

William Harris, livery and feed stable Auburn, Illinois; was born in Tipperary, Ireland, December 19, 1842; son of Thomas and Mary Doran, natives of Ireland. The subject of this sketch was reared in Auburn township, where he has followed various occupations. In 1870, married Miss Mary Ahern; she was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, May 20, 1852. The fruits of this marriage is six children, Thomas B., born January 22, 1872; William V,, born March 25, 1873; George O., October 21, 1876; Leo Edward, February 8, 1877; Francis D., September 27, 1879, and Charles J., April 6, 1881. Mr. Harris enlisted in the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, Company B, in 1862, and served four years and six days, and participated in all the engagements of the regiment. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church of Auburn.

George P. Harris, Aubui*n, Illinois, was born in Ireland on the 10th diy of March, 1847. His parents emigrated to the States when he was quite young, and first located in New Jersey. Shortly afterward they removed to Auburn, Sangamon county, where George P. received a practical education. In March, 1866, was employed on the Chicago & Alton Railroad as carpenter, and remained with them up to 1874. He was afterwards employed by the Wabash Railroad as time keeper at Litchfield; was afterwards employed as conductor of a construction train, having charge of a gang of men on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, between Jacksonville and Louisiana, Missouri. In the spring of 1879, bought the Auburn Flouring Mill and the firm is know as Morris, Harris & Co. He married Miss Mary E. Cook June 25, 1873, daughter of Francis M. and Sarah E. (Harland) Cook. She was born in Chatham township February 23, 1852. They were blessed by two children, Agnes, born March 20, 1874, she died July 23, 1875, Sarah Scott, born November 2, 1875. Mr. Harris is one of the enterprising men of the township, and has been identified with its interest all his life.

Joh7i W. Hart, stock dealer. Auburn, Illinois, was born in Morgan county, Illinois, on the 21st day of October, 1843, Son of Millington Hart and Mary A. Majors, natives of Kentucky, whose parents emigrated to the country when mere children, and located in Morgan county, where his father followed farming, and remained there until his death, which occurred in 1846. Mother died December 25, ISYO. The family consisted of four children - three boys and one girl - mother keeping her family together after his father's death. His mother married Mr. George W. Wimmer, one of the early pioneers of the county. The sons remained with their mother a few years, when they started out for themselves, when nineteen years of age. The subject of this sketch embarked in school teaching, which he followed for six years, when he was employed by the Chicago & Alton Railroad as agent, for a couple of years, and afterward for one year clerked in a store, for Wineman & Williams. Here he met and afterward married Miss Hattie Eeechley, whose parents came from Dayton, Ohio. She was born near Dayton, Ohio, in 1853. The fruits of this marriage were three children, two of whom are living. Louisa Earl died when thirteen months old, Arthur Albert and Sterling Perry still living. In 1870, embarked in the lumber trade, which he made a success, and sold out March 9, 1881, since which time has been dealing in stock ; member of the Masonic fraternity, Lodge 354, of Auburn. Mr. H. is a native of this State ; his father died when he was three years old, leaving him a poor boy, but by close attention to business has accumulated a fine property and home.

Henry M. Hart, furniture dealer, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, on the 13th day of February, 1850. Son of John M. and Phoebe (Frost) Hart. John M. was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, March 8, 1816. His parents emigrated from South Carolina in an early day to Kentucky, where he embarked in farming. There were a family of thirteen children, ten of which lived to be adults - five sons and five daughters. He emigrated to Sangamon county in the winter of 1829, and located on Spring creek, coming through with teams, camping out and doing their own cooking. He remained on Spring creek but a short time, when he went to Morgan county, where he bought land and made a farm. John M. remained on the farm when his father died. At twenty-two years of age he married Miss Phoebe Frost, daughter of Jedadiah Frost, who were pioneers of Sangamon county, but afterwards of Montgomery county. Nine children blessed this union, four of whom are living, viz: James M., Nancy J., Henry M., Emma C. Mr. Hart's people came to this county in limited circumstances, occupying the first winter a log cabin, fourteen by sixteen, one room, puncheon floor, no window. Mr. Hart is one of the old and honored pioneers of the county, and has lived to see it from its infancy to one of the most flourishing and populous counties in the State. Mr. Hart is a. member of the Baptist Church. The subject of this sketch, when fifteen years old, was apprenticed with D. D. Martin to the carpenter trade, where he remained one year. He was afterwards employed by McCoy & Stearns for five years. He then embarked in business on his own hook, contracting and building, which he followed about two years, when he formed a partnership with a man by the name of Nichols, and prosecuted the same business about a year and a half, when he purchased his present business, which he has followed since. In 1872, married Miss Mary A. Wrightsman. She was born in Sangamon county, September Vth, 1854. There are three children, Grace T., Bertha A. and Paul W. Mr. Hart is a member of the A. O. U. W., Auburn, Lodge No. 49. Also a member of the Sugar Cieek Baptist Church. -

William Humphry, Virden, Illinois, son of Squire and Sarah Humphry; father born in Rhode Island, September 20, 1789, mother in Cherry Valley, New York, 1799. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Sweet, daughter of Erastus Sweet. The grandfather and grandmother of William Humphry were born in Rhode Island, and both were of English extraction. His great-grandfather was born in 1737, and served in the English army against the French and Indians, and afterwards in the Revolutionary war as Colonel in the Colonial army; was a prisoner in Quebec nine months.

Father and mother married in 1815, in Ohio. Father died in Ohio, April 4, 1843. Mother died in Ohio, February, 1847. They had eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, all growing to maturity: Lydia, Susan, Sarah, Hannah, Cyrus, William, Elizabeth, ^'alhan, Emma, Walter, Amelia. Hannah died in 1850. Lydia died in 1873.

The subject of this sketch was the sixth child, and was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, April 16, 1824, and was married to Miss Sarah Stocker, daughter of Adam and Sarah Stocker, in 1844; remained there until 1850, when he came to Morgan county, this State, and in 1855 came to Sangamon county, and improved the farm where he now resides. The fruits of their marriage were ten children, three sons and seven daughters: Caroline E., born January 13, 1846; Squire H., born December 13, 1846; Sarah M., born August 31, 1848; Otis, born December 30, 1850;

Wni H, Husband, Auburn, Illinois, son of Harmon and Sarah Husband. His father was born in North Carolina, April 10, 1791, and mother in South Carolina, November 12, 1790. They were married in Christian county, Kentucky, in 1811; were the parents of twelve children: Evelina, born April 1, 1813; Elizabeth, October 1, 1814; Polly, November 18, 1816; Jane, July 18, 1818; Martha, January 22, 1820; Susan, October 29, 1821, born in Kentucky; James E. D., January 2, 1824; Martha, February 24, 1826; John Q. A., February 14, 1828; Sarah R. and Wm. H., July 5, 1831; Emily, July 17, 1834, born in Illinois; Harmon, died February 14, 1848; Susan, July 31, 1850; Elizabeth M., December

23, 1851; Martha, March 8, 1850; Sarah, April 20, 1881, Father and mother with their family, came to Sangamon county in 1820, with cearas across the country, in company with Flower Husbands and family, James Patton and family, and grand father and grandmother Husbands, who made their home with James Patton, until tlie death of Mrs. Patton. Grandfather Husbands died December 20, 1842, about eightyone years of age, and was buried in the family burying ground, on the farm of Flower Husbands. After his death the grandmother came to live with her son Harmon, and remained there until his death, and then lived with her grand-daughter, Mrs. Elihu Stout, and died there. They settled on Sugar creek, and commenced farming, when government land came into market in 1823, when they entered several hundred acres, and improved a farm of three hundred and thirty-six acres, where his children now reside. He made a specialty of raising wheat and flax for the manufacture of cloth to be made into clothing About 1839 or 1840, he bought the first threshing machine that was used in the county. It was a tread power machine. The school advantages of the children were such as subscription schools of the day afforded.

Benjamin F. HuUon, deceased. Auburn, Illinois, was born near Nashville, Tennessee, on the 11th day of October, 1815, son of Samuel and Mary (Levi) Hutton, native of South Carolina.

They were married in 1835. In 1S23, Mr. Benjamin F. Hutton emigrated to Sangamon county, and located on Sugar creek, in Auburn township, where he became acquainted with Miss Lucinda Mason, a daughter of Noah and Lucinda (Stilson) Mason, who emigrated to the county in 1824. Soon after marrying, they left for Henry county, Iowa. At that time the Indians were very troublesome. But with a strong heart he made a claim on which he built a log cabin sixteen by sixteen, living on a dirt floor, their chimney being made out of clay and sticks, and their furniture was of the rudest kind. Thus Mrs. Hutton, who is still living, says she started out from Sangamon county with an ox-team, that being her wedding trip. Few at the present time would hardly think of taking their wedding trip with an ox-team and lumber wagon. They remained in Iowa until 1845, when he sold out and returned to Sangamon county, Spring creek, where he lived until 1850, when he came to Chatham township, where he purchased a large tract of land, some five hundred acres, and remained there until his death, which occurred on July 10, 1877, leaving a widow and seven children, one of whom has died since. The children are as follows: Noah M., Mary A., Benjamin F., George W., and John. In 1861, he enlisted in the Tenth Illinois Cavalry^ Company B. and his son Noah, enlisting in the same regiment; was a member of the Advent Church, and one of the principal movers in building the church. Mr. H. came to the county in limited circumstances, and by good judgment accumulated a fine property. Mrs. Hutton is at present making her home with her son, George W., who was born on Spring creek, Illinois, August §, 1847; was reared ou a farm, and received a business education. In 1874, embarked in the grain business as Poley, Hutton & Co. Two years later he was made Cashier of the Auburn Bank. He was afterwards appointed postmaster of Auburn by President Hayes, and is at present engaged in the mercantile business as the firm of Hutton & Wallace; February 4, 1879, married Miss Maggie Harris. She was born in Auburn, Augu-st 27, 1858. There is one child, Ursula H. She was born July 31, 1881.

Moses A. Jones, retired farmer, was born in Hart county, Kentucky, July 21, 1820. Son of Alexander and Susan (Woosley) Jones, who were natives of Kentucky, and farmers by occupation. In 1821, moved to Fairfield, Wayne county, Illinois, where they resided six years, after which he moved to Sangamon county, in 1827, and located on Sugar creek, Ball township, where he engaged in farming. His mother died January 20, 1844; and his father on October 22, of the same year. The subject of this sketch was raised on the farm, and brought up with a thorough knowledge of the farm, receiving only a common school education in the common schools of this county, and January 18, 1846, he married Nancy Armstrong, who was born February 16, 1824; immediately after their marriage they began farming in moderate circumstances; their family consisted of eleven children, of which ten are still living, viz: Caroline, now Mrs. Patton; Elizabeth A., now Mrs. H. A. Peabody; Lafayette, Thomas A., James B., Robert W., John M., Andrew J., Eliza B. and Charlotte F. In the meantime, Mr. Jones moved to Christian county, Illinois, where he resided four years, and returned again to this county, since which time he has continued to reside in the county. He is the owner of five hundred and thirty-three acres of land in Sangamon county. In November, 1881, he gave up to his sons the charge of the farm, and moved to the quiet little town of Auburn, where he now is comfortably situated. In politics he has always been a supporter of the Democratic partj^.

JBepjamin Kessler, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Beloit county, Virginia, December 28, 1803, son of Benjamin and Margaret (Clare) Kessler; father of German descent, and born in Maryland, and mother of Virginia; were married in Virginia where they reside; family of twelve children, eleven of whom lived to be men and women; father was a farmer, lived and died in Virginia, and mother died in Virginia. In 1827, left his native State for the Sangamon country, having heard much of its broad prairies; also, having an uncle who was living here by the name of David Kessler, who died while they were on the road to the State. After arriving, he hired out by the month for #10, and worked one year for that wages. In September, 1830, married Miss Mary Ann Wallace, daughter of James and Annie Wallace, nee Duill, who came from South Carolina in 1822, and located in Auburn township, one mile south of where Auburn now stands. She was born in Nova Scotia, October 18, 1812. In September, 1880, they had their golden wedding, having lived together half a century. There was a large concourse of people and they were recipients of some valuable presents, among which were a gold-headed cane, and an easy chair-. Their family consisted of seven children, all of which are living. Margaret J., James H., Harriet E., David F., Mary A. and Benjamin L. Soon after coming to the

State, purchased sixty acres of land, where Mr, Charles Ranch now lives. He afterwards sold and purchased other lands, and at one time had between seven hundred and eight hundred acres. Mr. K. is one of the pioneers of the county, and has lived to see it pass from a wild, uncultivated wilderness to a thickly and densely populated county.

Jacob Kessler, farmer, section twenty-two, Auburn, was born in Virginia, February 5, 1820; son of Benjamin and Margaret (Clair) Kessler, who was a native of Virginia. The fruits of this marriage were twelve children, eleven of whom lived to be adults. The subject of this sketch, the youngest, was reared on a farm and received a common school education; when twenty years of age, his father died. On Mai'ch 3, 1842, married Miss Menerva A. Oliver; she was the daughter of James K. Oliver; she was born May 7, 1826. There was a family of eleven, eight of whom are living, viz: Leanah, William W., Barnett, Benjamin C, Madorah C, Mollie A., Charles S., Georgia V. On the 22d day of May, 1857, came to Sangamon county, Illinois, and located in Auburn township, where he has followed farming since, with the exception of two years. Has fifty-five and two-thirds acres of land, valued at $60 per acre. In politics, is a Democrat.

Mev. Wiley Knowles, J3. S., Auburn, Illinois, was born in Gibson county, Indiana, August 17, 1835. The sixth year of his life found him in a little log school house, puncheon floor and slab seats. In the fall of '48 his parents moved to Menard county, Illinois; from this time forwarc^ his opportunities for school were limited. He professed religion in 1850, and being impressed with the duty of preaching, presented himself to Sangamon Presbytery. Being licensed by said Presbytery, was assigned the Apple Creek Circuit, and proved himself an efiicient worker in his Master's cause. Many amusing incidents attended these labors. On his first visit to the several congregations, many would keep looking for the preacher, not expecting the strange, awkward-looking boy, to be the man. In the autumn of 1860, entered the High School at Owensville. November 12, 1861, was mustered into the United States Army - Fifty-eighth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Was at the battles of Shiloh, Perryvil.le, Stone River and others. At the terrible battle of Stone River, he was wounded in both hands, while nobly defending the cause of freedom. April 22, 1863, was honorably discharged, and entered again upon ministerial labor. December 1, 1864, was joined in marriage to Miss Anna Ripson. Was ordained and continued three years, when he found his health failing. Retiring for a time, concluded to ent r Lincoln University, the winter term of 1868. He continued an earnest and successful student, graduating with the class of 1872. He grasped readily the truths of science, and made, practically, a fund o*" knowledge. He was a leader in the Athenian Society, and was often assigned parts of honor and trust. Since graduation, he has been actively engaged in the interest of souls. Mr. Knowles is a pleasant and logical speaker, and truly zealous in his Master's cause, and great good will attend his labors.

Horace Landon, farmer and stock raiser, post office. Auburn, was born in Jersey county, Illinois, January 16,1842; son of William D. and Alvira (Cowan) Landon. In 1830, his father left Vermont with team, for the ^wild prairies of Illinois, at that time there being but few settlements in the State; arriving after a journey of about two months, in Greene county, where he located, at that time a part of Jersey county; where he worked by the month. In 1837 he married Mrs. Alvira Cowan, wife of William Cowan, (deceased), her former husband, by whom he had ten children, eight of whom are living, viz: Oscar and Austin, twins, Horace, Alice, now Mrs. B. F. Workman; Mary, now Mrs. Merrian; Emma, now Mrs. Andrew Everts; William, Sarah, now Mrs. T. S .Chapman; an attorney at Jerseyville. Mr. Landon commenced in Illinois a poor boy, and by good judgment and hard work has made a large property and at his death had one thousand acres of valuable land to divide among his children. He died in 1873 at the age of sixty; mother is still living. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. In 1866, married Miss Flora A. Converse, daughter of Uriah C, formerly of Bridgeport, Vermont. She was born in Greene county, December 29, 1849. There was a family of seven children, five of whom are living, Ella M., born August 9,1867; Eugene, born May 22, 1869; Charles, born April 8, 1871; Mabel, born June 9, 1877; Frank, born May 29, 1881. Mr. Landon has a fine farm of five hundred acres, all of which he has under a high state of cultivation, and valued at $65 per acre. His yearly crops are as follows: corn, eighty acres; wheat, eighty acres; oats, thirty acres; some sixty head of hogs, and feeds four carloads of cattle.

ty, Kentucky, on the 23d day of Septem^^er, 1837. Son of Edward and Elizabeth (Bland) Lanham, The family consisted of twelve children, six of which are living. Mary, Nancy, Annie, Manda, Thomas, James, Joseph. March 4, 1850, his parents left their Kentucky home and started for Illinois, coming by water to St. Louis, from there to Greene county, where he located, and where he remained until his death, which occurred January 4, 1867. Mother died July, 1869. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received a limited school education. In 1871, married Mrs. Mary Stout, widow of William Stout. She was born in Jersey county, Illinois, February 3, 1841. There are three children: Ida M., born July 15, 1872; OUie E., born July 15, 1872; Charles H., born December 29, 1877. Has three hundred and twenty acres of land, all of which is beautifully located, under a high state of cultivation, and valued at $65 per acre. Mr. L. commenced a poor boy, and by his own exertions has accumulated a fine property and home, and is one of the large and well-to-do farmers of the county.

H. W. 1/arrabee, farmer and stock raiser, section 30, post office, Virden, was born in Somerset county, Maine, on the 2d day of August, 1830. Son of William and Sarah (Pluramer) Larrabee. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, when he received a common school education. When twenty-two years of age tried his fortune among the gold fields of California. He shipped from New York via the Isthmus, and from there in a sailing vessel, with three hundred passengers on board, which was a poor and rickety old bark. There were thirty-five days' rations placed on the boat, this being the time in which the trip should be made. It was some time longer, and the rations and water running short, the passengers were only allowed one biscuit and a half a pint of water a day. They were at the point of mutiny, but finally landed in California, after many of the passengers dying from the heat and for the want of proper food and water. He engaged in mining, where he remained one 5^ear and a half. Making a "stake," he returned to Maine, where he married Miss Julia A. Leighton, daughter of Abigal Leighton, of Maine, in 1855. The fruits of this marriage was five children, four of whom are living - Sadie J., Ella, Minnie and Charles, Mr. Larrabee has a beautiful farm of eighty acres, which is under a high state of cultivation, valued at $75 per acre. Mr. L. has been identified with the county, socially, for twentyone years, and is one of its well-t' -do farmers.

John M. ZiOckridge, farmer and stock raiser, post office Auburn, Illinois, was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, on the 18tb day of January, 1814; son of John and Margie (Killough) Lockridge, who were natives of Kentucky, of Scotch and Irish descent. They were married in Montgomery county. There was a family of nine children, five eons and four daughters, eight of whom lived to manhood and womanhood. In 1826, his parents emigrated to Owen county, Indiana, where he purchased a farm and remained until 1838, when he came to Sangamon county. Previous to bringing his family, he and the subject of this sketch came out, purchased three hundred acres of land, and built a log cabin on Lick creek, where he remained until the year 1850. Meeting with some financial embarrassments, he concluded to go to California to retrieve his losses, but while on the way, died, and never arrived at his destination. His mother died in 1866, a sincere Christian, and was loved and [respected by all who knew her. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. In 1840, he married Miss Jane Nuckolls, a daughter of James and Jane Nuckolls, who were early settlers of the county; she was born in Madison county, Illinois, in October, 1819. By this marriage there were seven children, five of whom are living, John W., James M., Andrew H., Robert H., and Charles; two daughters, Martha J. and Margaret, died in childhood. In 1854, he commenced on his present home, with no capital but good strong arms and a strong will, and by good management and hard work, has accumulated a fine property and home, and is one of the large and well-to-do farmers of the county. He owns four hundred and forty-five acres of land, valued at $85 per acre, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, and the j^remium farm of the township. He raised one hundred and fifty acres of corn, which will average forty bushels per acre; ninety acres of wheat, fifteen bushels per acre; owns seventy-five head of hogs and one hundred head of steers. Mr. L. has held the office of supervisor of the township for several years, and also held other local offices of trust. In politics, he was an old line Whig until the time of the organization of the Republican party, joining that, and has officiated with it since. Mr. Lockridge has been identified with the county over forty years, and has lived to see the wild prairies of Illinois, from their virgin soil to one of the best cultivated and richest counties in the United States. Mr.andMrs Lockridge are members of the Presbvterian Church.

W. JV. LoiodermWi, Auburn, Illinois, was born in North Carolina on the 10th day of August, 1843, is the sen of William and Lorinda (Laws) Lowdermilk, father of (Tcrman descent and mother of Scotch. They emigrated from Norpi Carolina to East Tennessee, when the subject of this sketch was a child and remained there on a farm until he was thirteen years old, when they moved to Macouj^in county, in 1858. He remained on a farm with his parents until he was sixteen, wlien he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Co. B., under Captain Furguson, mustered in at Springfield, August 6th, 1862. He participated in several engagements, the first being at Holly Springs, also Port Gibson, Cuampion Hills, Siege and capture of Vicksburg, and battles of Jackson, Miss. In June following, went on expedition against General Forrest and at an engagement at Guntown was wounded in the left arm, which caused the loss of that member. He was a prisoner in Macon and Andersonville for about ten months, where he suffered all the privations of those horrid pens. After being exchanged at Vicksburg came home and attended school, and in the Fall of 1865, mariied Miss Elizabeth Roberts, by this marriage there are two children, Hattie and Arthur. In 1866 was appointed deputy post master, and in March, 1867, received the appointment under Johnson's administration, and held that office continually up to and including six months of Hayes' administration. During this time he established the Auburn Herald, the first newspaper published in Auburn, which he edited and published for about six months, at which time the paper passed into the hands of Mr. Wadsworth, the present owner and editor. Retiring from the post office, Mr. LoAvdermilk concluded to go West and settle, but not liking the out-look returned to Springfield, In 1881, Mr. L. received the appointment of Assistant Private Secretary to Governor CuUom, which office he now fills.

William Luth, farmer and stock raiser, section thirty-five, post office Virden; was born in Michaelsburg, Germany, September 8, 1826. Came to the United Siates in 1857 in a sailing vessel, and was eight weeks in making the trip, landed in New York City; where he remained a short time, when he went to Chicago, where he worked at his trade of blacksmithing From there he went to Bloomington, Illinois, where he engaged to work on a farm, but remained only a couple of months; from there went to St. Louis, where he worked at his trade three months, then to Sangamon county, where he married Mrs. Martha Owens, a daughter of Jacob Shutt. She was born in Muhlensburg, Kentucky, April 30, 1825. By this marriage there was three children, one of which is living, William Luth, Jr., born July 28, 1806. Mrs. Luth was previously married to Elias O wens, by whom she had ten children, six are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Luth have a beautiful farm of two hundred acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, valued at 1^75 per acre.

David D. Martin, manufacturer and dealer in agricultural implements. Auburn, Illinois, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, February 28, 1831, son of David and Caroline (Wilcox) Martin, who emigrated to Alton, Illinois, in an early day, where he organized the first I. O. O. F. Lodge in Alton, where he died the same year. He was buried by the order, the funeral being one of the largest ever seen, many lodges coming from St. Louis. His mother was again married to a man by the name of Samuel Avis. She died in St. Louis in 1842, Of the original family there was two sons and two daughters, viz: Henry F., of Macoupin county, who has figured extensively against the court house folly, and was elected to the State Legislature of that district; Sarah, who died from the bite of a rattlesnake, when twelve years of age; David D. and Caroline.

The subject of this sketch remained with his mother until her death, when the family was scattered, being cast onto the cold world without a cent. For some years he worked around making enough to keep soul and body together, working two years for five dollars per month, and paying for his washing out of that. Afterwards commenced selling books, which he followed until he was twenty years of age, when he formed the acquaintance of Maranda Buck who was born June, 1833. By this union there were nine children, five of whom are living, viz: Henry J., David I., Willie L., Lillie and Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Martin commenced life in very limited circumstances. After buying his license and paying the minister for marrying them, had sixty cents, and a horse valued at twenty-five dollars, and his wife got a cow as a dowr}-- from her mother, and that they sold for ton dollars to buy their set-out which consisted of two knives and two forks, a set of plates and tea cups and saucers, a set ot chairs made by hand, and for their table, used a dry goods box. Their domicile was a log cabin eighteen by eighteen, with puncheon floor, an old-fashioned fire place with stone jambs and clay and btick chimney, etc.

Thus they started out, and as Mr. Martin says, it was some of their happiest moments, owing no one, enough to eat, with good strong hearts, they pulled through, and by hard work and good management, have accumulated a fine property and liome. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

John O. Moore, Virden, Macoupin count}^, son of Henry and Mary Moore. Father born in Sommerset County, N. J., in 1801, and his mother was a native of the same State. Both were descended from German ancestry. Father's occupation, a farmer. They were married in New Jersey, and had five children, to-wit: John, Eliza, Sarah, Catharine, William. Catharine and Matilda both died in New York State. Father again married to Miss Sarah Allen. She was thedaughterof Gideon and Mrs. Allen. The subject of this sketch was the first child of this union, born March 25, 1825, in New Jersey. In October 9, 1847, he married Miss Catharine Compton, daughter of Moore and Mary Compton. They have one child, Howard Malcom Moore, born Nov. 28, 1848, in New Jersey. Came to Jersey County, III., in 1856, and remained there about a year, then came to Sangamon County, where he owns 200 acres of valuable land. Mr. M. attended the county schools until sixteen years of age and then entered the Suffield Literary Institute of Connecticut. After leaving there taught school in New Jersey for ten years.

Robert E. Morse, manufacturer and dealer in wagons, buggies and agricultural implements, Auburn, Illinois, was born in Sidney, Maine, August 23d, 1833. Son of Samuel and Sarah (Taylor) Morse.' Father now living in Maine at the advanced age of 90. There were a family of ten children, four sons and six daughters. The subject of this sketch was the ninth child. Left home when a mere boy. At the age of ten years went to work for a Quaker by the name of Captain Sherman, on a farm, summers, and receiving three to four weeks of schooling winters. There being a shop on the place he soon became acquainted with their use. After leaving Captain Shei-man he engaged with a man by the name of Alonzo Davis, where he remained two years, getting for his first year's work §15, as an apprentice, but most of his time was spent on the farm. He then went tb Bangor with the idea of finishing his trade, where he became acquainted with B. H. Thorns, who manufactured and repaired Concord coaches, and remained one year. Thence to Boston by steamer, and a greener bov, as he savs, never struck the