Brimfield Township

Brimfield Township

The town of Charleston, now Brimtield, Peoria county, Illinois, was surveyed and laid out in the year 1835, on the N. W. quarter of section 24, in township 10, north of range 5, E. 4th, p. m. The proprietors were Jacob Showalter and Almon Clark_

Previous to the lavins; out of tlie town a number of pioneers had located in the vicinit3^ Among them Philip Atlvinson, supposed to have been the first settler in the township. On section 10 N. of range 6, were Asahel and Roswell Walker, James Adams, and Daniel and A. W. Harkness. The first house in Charleston was built of logs, on the northwest corner of Knoxville and Galena Avenues, by A. Woniger, in 1836, who opened a grocery store in tlie room below, and made his residence in the room above. The same year Jacob Vanhouton, who was the first postmaster, built a log house on the northwest corner of Knoxville Avenue and Washington Street, better known as the old Wolcott house. In the township and vicinitj' many new settlers arrived in that year, among them were John F. and N. H. Wiley, Levi Jennings, L. L. Booth, John Tucker, Isaac Cutter, T. N. Wells, Daniel Simmons, Isaac Harrison, and L. L. Guyor, who succeeded Jacob Vanhouton as postmaster, and in the following year built a log house on lot 7 in block 17, in which lie opened a general store for supplying tlie inhabitants of the surrounding country with dry goods, groceries, etc., keeping bachelor's hall in the upper room, which was freely thrown open for preaching the gospel to any pioneer minister who might travel on the circuit. Those who settled in the west half of township 10, north of range 6, east (now Jubilee) in 1836, were the Powells, the Sniders, Shanes, James Berrian, the Martins, the Johnsons, and William Camphor, who was subsequently elected to represent Peoria county in the legislature, Daniel Stansburry, now living in Brimfield, at the age of 88 years; also Jacob Wells, who started the first blacksmith shop and opened the first coal bank in the vicinity, being on the northwest quarter of section 18.

The first settlers had to obtain their mail from Peoria. The first mail to Charleston was carried on horseback. The first line of mail coaches was started from Peoria to Oquawka, early in the year of 1838.

The first election in the precinct was held at the house of Isaac Cutter, when Clark D. Powellwas elected justice of the peace, and Samuel Johnson, constable.

The first preaching in the township was at the house of Isaac Cutter, by Rev. Zaccheus Hall, a Methodist minister. Rev. Geo. G. Sill, was the first Presbyterian minister, and preached occasionally at L. L. Guyer's store, in 1838. The late Bishop Chase, of Jubilee College, also preached there a few times.

The year 1838 marked quite an era to the new town in respects to improvements and increase of population. James Wollcott and family, comprising eight in number, came from the East purchased and occupied the Vanhouten House ; Daniel Belcher built the two story frame house for a tavern, on the northwest corner of Knoxville Ave. and Washington Street ; A. S. W. Goodwin and Daniel Caldwell, who built a log-house on lot 8 in block 16 ; Wm. Tobey, who was subsequently the manufacturer of the celebrated Tobey & Anderson plow, at Peoria ; also came Dr. Prouty, John Towell, John Shores and E. Haywood, making an additional population for that year, of thirty-three persons in the town. Those who settled in the vicinity were Alpheus Willard, David Sanborn, James M. Wiley, Bradford Hall, George H. and Samuel W. Pulsifer, Luther and Gilbert Hathaway, Washington Cockle, Noah Alden, Sr., Noah Alden, Jr., and Hiram Alden ; Noah Alden, Sr., died a few years since at the advanced age of ninetyeight.

The first fourth of July celebration in the new town was in the same year, and participated in by most of the inliabitants of the town neighborhood. The Declaration of Independence was read by A. S. W. Goodwin, and an ode composed by Miss Lucretia Wolcott, for the Sixty-Second Anniversary of American Independence, and was sung by herself and others.

In 1830, the Hon. Wm. Thompson witli his wife and two (laup;hters removed from Northampton, Mass.. to Peoria county. He was born in Brimfield Mass., on the 23d day of Fel)ruary, 1786. Throu;.;li a long life Mr. Thompson enjoyed the esteem and confidence of all classes of the community. For four yeai-s he was a member of the Senate of Illinois, also a member of the convention to alter the constitution of the State in 1^47. He died at Brimfield on the 24th d.ay of February, 18o0, aged 64. He married Miss Eliza S. White of Chesterfield, Mass., who survived her husband twenty-seven years.

The first school-house wiis built in 1839. The first teacher was Miss Ellen Bartlett, of Peoria. Among the arrivals this year was Chas. H. Freeman and Capt. Fisher.

In 1842, Wm. W. Thompson was elected to the Legislature of Illinois for the session of 1S42 - 3, and succeeded in getting the name of Charleston changed to that of Brimfield, a change had become necessary on account of two other towns in the State having the same name, one being the countjseat of Coles county, which claimed precedence. There was some dissatisfaction with the change, some wanted it called Wolcottsville and others Guyersburg ; but the town was to be known as Brimfield, not such a bad or disagreeable name after all for a town with a territory so famous for its fertility of soil and salubrity of climate, the brimfulness of its barns and corn cribs with each retiring j'ear, gathered from its extensive and teaming fields.

In the year 1849, township organization was adopted Ijy Peoria county, so that each congressional townsliip had jurisdiction only within its own boundary lines, and the west half of 10, north range 6 east (now Jubilee) ceased to be a part of Brimfield election precints, and tiiis township was named Brimfield after the chief town. From the year 18.")0 to 1860 the town and neighborhood had a very considerable accession to its inhabitants.

A branch of the C, B. & Q. railroad passes through the east side of Brimfield township and the town of Brimfield. It is a place of about eight hundrt'd inhabitants, and contains a number of prosperous business houses in different lines of tiadc, ](romincnt among which are C. B. it E. K. Hayes, in dry goods ; Wesley Stain and W. Cowls, in groceries; J. P. & B. B. Bowman, in hardware ; Wm. Robinson, in drugs; F. P. Wiley, in jewelry, wall-paper, etc.; F. H. Camp, in furniture. Daniel Belcher is proprietor of the Brimfu'ld House, one of the l)est managed and popular country hotels in the county.

liiiptint Church of lirimfieJd. - Was organized on Saturday, IMay 4,18.")0, pursuant to the recommendation of a council of ministers and members of the neighboring BajUist Churches, which convened here on the same day. The constituent membci-s were nine in number, named as follows : Eli Bailey an<l Elizabeth Bailey, Dorothy Getty, Deborah Alden, Elizalxth J. Aiken, Eiizalietli Layman, by letter; and k. E. Martin, A. Taylor anil Matilda Taylor by profession. On Sunday, the day following, five persons were received by iiaptism, i)('ing baptized by Elder Simt'on («. ^liner, of Canton. 'I'hey were : Lewis Atkinson, Eddy Baker, Eliza Baker, Mrs. Margaret Martin and Miss Jane Layman. The above fourteen composed the whole number of the church when it was received into the Illinois River Association, which met in Peoria, June, ISfiO. Lewis Atkinson, who had formerly been a Methodist preacher, was the first pastor of the church ; F.ldcr Bailey, its first deacon, and Adnnijali Taylor, its first clerk, all of whom were elected at the organization of the church. L. .\tkinson served as the first licentiati-, ami was regularly ordained in July, lyfjO. The number of members in ISol, as reported, was eighteen.

Early in the year 18.')2, the church resolved to erect a house of worship. Five trustees were (dected, a building committee was chosen, and most of the timber delivered on the ground that Spring. During that conference year ten members were added to the society. The frame of the building wius raised in August, 38xti0 feet in size, and wius finished in 1854, at a cost of fo,000. The church increased in 1853 to thirty-five members. In February, 1854, Rev. E. N. Jencks was called, and entered upon pastora duties April 1, following. The church now numbers eighty-five members. G. Hathaway, J. B. Slocum and W. A. Arnold are deacons, and Geo. M. Day, clerk. Rev. H. G. James is serving it as pastor. The society sustains a flourishing Sunday school of sixty scholars, superintended by George M. Dny.

Catholic Church, Brimfield. - Previous to 1840, but few Catholics lived in the vicinity of Brimfield, and those few lived in sod houses. Others soon followed the pioneers, bringing some means with them, and erected better dwellings. They were first visited bj' Rev. Rauh and Rev. Ros(5ti, in succession, from Peru, 111.; then by Father Brody, Father Doyle, and Father Drew, stationed at Peoria. Until 1852, divine services were held in several private houses. In 1852 the Catholics had increased to about thirty-five. They concluded to erect an edifice for divine worship at Alec McDonald's place in Scotland Prairie, but by tlie advice of Rev. Father Brady, changed their purpose and built a little church at Brimfield, 22xo6 feet. Rev. Father Bi-ady being the first priest who offered up in it the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. In 1864, Rev. Theodore Vanderpoel attending, an addition 22x36 feet was built. January 13, 1867, he was succeeded by Rev. M. Lyon. April 15, 1877, Rev. Jeremiah Murphy took charge of the mission, and at this time the Catholics bought a parsonage for $1,600, Rev. J. Murphy being the first residing pastor. April 22, 1868, Rev. Max Albrecht became pastor. He vacated the mission for Father Charles Wensserski, June 29, 1873. Rev. William Kuchenbuch was appointed his successor by the Rt. Rev. J. L. Spaulding, of Peoria, Sept. 15, 1877. The Catholics of Brimfield and vicinity number at present about eighty families.

Congregational Church. - The first Congregational Church of Chi'ist in Brimfield was organized on the 29th day of March, 1847, Revs. J. Blanchard, then president of Knox College, and Milo N. Miles, then of Newburg, officiating. On that day the following six named persons entered into church covenant : Bradford Hall, Catherine Hall, Margaret Cummings, Julia Ann .Jones, James Delano and Elizabeth Delano. At their next meeting, April 10, 1847, they adopted the faith. On that day there united with the infant church, by letter : Freeman Miles, Maria P. Miles, Adeline Stone, Margaret S. Wiley, and Pennal Richtdmeyer ; soon after, on profession of faith, J. M. Wiley and Lavina Richtdmeyer. Of the thirteen who constituted the church thirty-three years ago, nine are still living. The infant church had no where to lay its head, and took refuge foi two years in the old school-house which stood on the spot now occupied by the homestead of Mr. Kellogg. Then for a couple of years its occasional gatherings were held in the building owned by our Methodist friends From 1847 to 1850 the church was served at in-egular intervals by President Blanchard, Milo N. Miles, Geo. Sill, and others. With joy and alacrity the people gathered by the wagon loads in the old school-house to a meeting by candle light or a Sabbath service. From 1850 to 1852, Revs. John Somers and L. H. Parker, of Galesburg, supplied the pulpit, and held a series of meetings, which resulted in great good to many.

In July, 1853, J. E. Roy was invited to the pastorate, and was ordained by council - the only council ever called by this church - on the 25th day of October, 1853. Up to this time the young church had been homeless. In June, 1851, Bradford Hall and M. D. Billings were chosen to go to Fremont and procure plans for a building. In this year the stone for the foundation was furnished by Edward Hay ward. In 1853 the frame was put up by D. B. Jones and A. G. Stone. The building was finished and dedicated some time in 1854 ; the dedication being preached by Rev. J. E. Roy. The cost of the building was about i}!2,400, and nearly all was raised in Brimfield, by economy and selfdenial.

In March, 1855, a parsonage was provided, at a cost of $800, which has been used by the successive ministers of this church for nearly twenty-four years. Since 1855, the pulpit has been supplied by several different preachers. Tlie Rev. W. H. Cobb was called in 1><.".7: Rev. M. \V. Fairfield in ISr.S ; Rev. James Vincent in 18r)9 ; Rev. L. Benedict until lst!4. In iMG;",, Rev. I. W. Athertou had charge ; in 186(3, C. E. Leach; in 1869, A. J. Drake, and remained for three years. Rev. Mr. Wakefield supplied the church the first half of 1878. In December, 1873, A. J. Marshall was called. He closed very acceptable labors in 1874. October 10, 1875, Rev. H. P. Chase was called. The church prospered, and in two and a half years thirty-ei^'ht were welcomed into the church. Despite this very l)roken pastoral care, this church has prospered. Organized with thirteen members, it increased slowly to thirty members at the end of three years. The next ten years, from 1850 to 18G0, was a period of decided growth, gaining 178 members during that time. From '60 to '70 it received but forty-three. The sum total received into the church for thirty-one years was 819.

The first trustees on record are : Bradford Hall, J. M. WiKy, and Freeman Miles ; clerk, J. M. Wiley ; deacons, Bradford Hall and J. P. Bowman. The present membership is 100.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - The Rev. Zaccheus Hall organized the first class in this village Nov. 1, 1836. He was the first Methodist preacher that held meetings in the place. The class was formed at the house of Jacob Snider, and consisted of the following members: Jacob Snider, Catherine Snider, Samuel Snider, L. L. Guyer. Martha Johnston, Margaret Johnston, Calharine Johnston, David Stansbeny, Susannah Stansberry, Susan Stansberr\% Ephraim Hoyt, Francis J. Hoyt, Isaac Harrison, Sarah Harrison, Eliza Martin, Susannah Wills, Benj. F. Berry and Polly W. Berry. Samuel Snider was chosen leader of the class. Brother Hall preached every four weeks ; had twenty-eight appointments on his circuit, traveling about 300 miles. This was called the Kickapoo Mission, the district embracing the entire nortii part of the State.

In the Fall of 1837 the Illinois Conference held its annual session, and John St. Clair was returned as presiding elder of this district. The name of this mission was changed from Kickapoo to Wyoming; and John Johnston was sent as "circuit rider." The pulpit was supplied by local preachers a part of the time. In the Fall of 1838 the conference sent S. W. D. Chase as presiding elder to this district, and this work was changed from Wyoming Mission to Peoria Circuit. The Rev. Jolui Brown sup])lied the pulpit with the aid of the local preachers. The preachers had to travel over more territory then than the presiding elders do now, and their pay was from $60 to $100 per year.

The Spring of the same year Mr. Guyer organized the first Sunday school that was established here, and probably the only one between Peoria and Burlington, Iowa. The same year the Rev. Bisliop Chase of the Episcopal Ciiureli, and founder of Kenyon College in Ohio ; also the founder of Jubilee College of Kickapoo township, commenced preaching in tliis place and continued until 1845, when they built a church here.

In the Fall of 1839 the name of the district was again changed to Knoxville di.strict, and two prea(;hers were sent to the Petuia circuit. According to the custom of the M. E. (^hurch, each year, or every two years witnessed a change in the ministers. In the Winter of 1846-7 a religious revival was exjierienced, resulting in a large addition to the church. The corner stone of a new church edifice was laid by Rev. A. E. Phelps in August, 1848, and the following year the structure was finished and paid for. It was of brick, 28x44 feet, ami well finished and seated, forming a pleiusant contrast with the log houses and barns in which the society had previously worshiped. The same year the name of the circuit was changed from Peoria to Brimfield.

I'resbytirian Church of lirimfuUl. - The committee appointed by the Presbytery of Peoria, to organize a Presbyterian Church at Brimfield, met in the Town Hall on the 17th day of May, 1870. After a .sermon by Rev. J. II. Smith, of Yates City, an election was held to elect ruliny ciders. William Johnson and George PurscU were chosen. Mr.

Piirsell declining to accept the office at that time, the committee proceeded to install Mr. Johnson, who had formerl_y been ordained a ruling elder. The original members were Mrs. Jane Darr, Sarah J. Pursell, Martha J. Rusk, Belle Moore, Laura Frazier, Elizabeth Martin, Elizabeth Johnson, George S. Pursell, Samuel Mooi-e, William Johnson, James Frazier, Isabell Martin, Mary Walters and Matilda Fisher. The committee was composed of tiie following named gentlemen: Rev. J. H. Smith, J. R. Reasoner, John Cameron and Henry Hervey.

At the session, June 18, 1870, Rev. J. H. Smith, moderator and Wm. Johnson, elder, seven persons were received into the church by letter, and at the session of 1871 eight persons united with the church.

The church erected a place of worship in the year 1871, 36x50 feet, with an addition of ten feet, costing $4,000. The ciiurch is in a prosperous condition with a membership of ninety ; and a Sabbath school in connection with an attendance of sevent}', J. A. Pyle, superintendent. Rev. J. E. Carson is pastor. The ruling elders are G. S. Pursell, William Johnson, A. Whetzell and J. H. Pyle. Clerk of session, J. H. Pyle.

Brimfield School. - The present school building was erected in the Stimmer of 1877. The plans and specifications were drawn in Peoria by a man by the name of Quail, and was contracted and built by Bryson & Silloway. It is a brick structure, two stories high ; has six apartments, five occupied. The cost of building and furnishing was $11,000. The j)resent directors are Milton Duncan, Dr. Lowe and James Farnum. The principal is R. Stone Hill; assistants, Frank E. Pummer, Ella Hall, Ellen G. Slattery and Ada Hall. The school is divided into five departments and about fifty in a department, making an attendance of 250, with good and efficient teachers, and is in a prosperous condition.

This township is triangular in shape, situated in the northeast corner of Peoria County, and is composed of the fractional towns 11 north, 9 east, and 10 north, 9 east. It contains thirteen whole sections, and seven or eight fractional j^arts of sections. Marshall county bounds it on the north, the Illinois river on the east and south, and Medina and Hallock townships on the west. The south end of the township, comprising a part of LaSalle prairie, is but slightly undulating, lies beautifully, has a soil composed of sand and vegetable loam, and is well adapted to the growth of the cereals. The north part, which was originally timbered land, is considerably broken in some portions by the Senachwine creek and its branches, though there are fine agricultural lands interspersed.

The first white settler in the township was Mahlon Lupton, who located on section nine, in the Fall of 1829. John Hammett and family, who came June 10, 1830, and settled in the same section, were the next, followed soon after by others. This township contains the towns of Chillicothe and Rome.

ARNOLD WM. A. farmer, Sec. 16, P. O. Brimfield, born in Windham county, Vt., Oct. 8, 1826, where he received his early education. Emigrated to this county with his parents when he was seventeen years of age, and settled north of Brimfield, where his father was soon after killed by lightning. On the 6th day of June, 1850, married Miss Louisa Fisher, who was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1834, and soon after settled where they now reside. Own no acres of land, valued at $100 per acre. They are blessed with three children, one son and two daughters. Members of the Baptist Church in which he is a deacon. Politics Republican.

BOOTH L. L. armer. Sec. 32, P. O. Elmwood. Among the first settlers of this part of Peoria county, was the subject of this sketch, who was born in Roxbury, Litchfield county. Conn., on the second day of November, 1812. When very young he was apprenticed to a tailor, at Plymouth, Conn., with whom he served four years. After working at journeyman's work at Plymouth for a few months, thence to Sackett's Harbor, N.Y.; thence to Bridgewaler, Conn., where he took charge of an extensive merchant tailoring establishment. On the 2gth of March, 1835, he married Harriet C. Coggswell, born in Roxbury, Conn., December 4, 1807. In the Spring of 1838, in company with a brother, came to this county, purchased 480 acres of land, of which 160 acres he retains, valued at $80 per acre. The fruit of this marriage was four children. Are members of the Congregational Church at Brimfield. Republican in politics. Bower.s chas. L. farmer P. O. Elmwood.

BOWMAN J. P. dealer in hardware, residence Brimfield, was born in Windsor, Vt., on May 16, l8l8, and when fourteen years of age entered a woolen mill at PerkinsviUe in his native county, and remained until the failure of the company ; in 1S40 went to Chester, Vt., was employed in same occupation until 1S45, when he became a partner, and continued until coming to Illinois in 1854. In July, 1S43 he married Martha A. Clark, who was born in Weathersfield, Vt., in 1S20. Purchased a farm in Brimfield township, and for several years engaged in farming. In July, 1854, his wife died leaving one son. The following Fall he sold the farm and reinoved to Brimfield, and in company with Wm. H. Day purchased the business and stock of J. E. Wiley & Co. On the iSth day of July, 1857. married Helen N. Day. She was born in Rockingham, Vt., in 1839. The fruit of this marriage was five sons .md three daughters. In the Spring of 1859 Mr. B. sold out his hardware business and removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where he embarked in the agricultural implement trade until the Fall of 1862, then returned to Brimfield and engaged in the dry goods trade for six months, then sold out to J. B. Day, now of Gloa. The brothers then purchased the Wily farm of six hundred and fifty acres at the same time owning half interest with H. O. Burt in the hardware business. In 1869 sold their farm, and from that tiine until 1871 engaged in brick-making, a part of which were used by himself in erecting the store in which he is now doing business. In March, 1S72, his present partner purchased the interest of Mr. Burt, since which time the business has continued unchanged. Are members of the Congregational Church, of which he has been deacon for thirty years. Republican in politics.

BROOKS CYRUS, farmer. Sec. 14, P. O. Brimfield. Prominent among the enterprising and successful farmers of this section of Peoria county, was the subject of this sketch ; was born in Chester, Vt., on the 24th day of May, 1807. His father granting him his liberty on reaching his 2olh year, he worked as a farm laborer until Jan., 1831, at which time he married Miss Emily C. Bennett, who was born in Rockingliam, Vt.. in 1803. In June, 1S43, 'hey left their native State with team and wagon, and emigrated to Brimfield, III., being seven weeks and three days malcing the journey. They settled where he now resides, and owns ,{69 acres of land, valued at $85 per acre. In February, 1868, his wife died, leaving four children. In December, i86g, he married Mrs. Ellen Carron, widow of John Carron. of Henry county. III. She was bom on the Isle of M.nn, but raised in Ireland. Married in Liverpool, and with her husband emigrated to the United States in 1851. She died on the first day of May, 1878. Mr. Brooks is a member of the M. E. Church. Republican in politics.

BUKT E. E. farmer. Sec. ig, P. O. Elmwood. Was born in Rockingham, Vt., on the l6th day of October, 1S39. II'* parents, with their family, came to this county in 1853, and located on Sec. 19. He owns 120 acres of land, valued at $75 per acre. In 1862 he enlisted in the 77th Regiment, Illinois I nfantr}-, and served seven months, and was discharged from disability. On the 14th day of April, 1S63, married .Miss Annie E , daughter of Truman and Betsy Barber, who were early settlers in Knox county, where she was born in 1839. They are blessed with a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters. Mrs. Burt is a member of the M. E. Church. Republican in politics. Has held several local oflices of trust. Is a member of the I. O. O. v., of Lodge 102 of Elmwood ; also of the Gate City Encampment, No. 167.

BUKT H. O. dealer in grain, res;. Brimfield, was bom in Rockingham, Vt., on the third day of May, 1823; having a' tained his seventeenth year worked as farm laborer until twenty-one years of age, arriving at Peoria on that day, but soon after came to Brimfield. For the first two years worked for Washington Cockle, and continued as laborer until 1S56. Married Harriet M. Bowman, born in Wind.sor county, Vt., on the 2lst day of .May, 1823. In 1857, in company with B. B. Bowman and II. C. Gilson, embarked in the dry goods trade, and continued (or three years, then engaged in buying grain at Oak Hill for two years; then went into the hardware business, first with E. E. Burt, then with J. P. Bowman, continuing until 1872 ; since which time he has been engaged at his present business, having erected an elevator with a capacity of 12.000 bushels ; -old it the past spring to J. M. Lcel, of Chicago. lla.s held various local oiTices of trust. Mrs. B. is a member of the Congregational Church.

Brimfield House, Brimfield, is a descendant of one o( three brothers who came from England at an early period in the history of New England, and founded Belchertown in the State of Massachusetts. His grandfather, John Belcher, was bom in Wrentham, Mau., on the 20lh day of July, 1744, and his father. Daniel Belcher, was born in the same village on the 6th day of July. 1797. The Belcher homestead at Wrentham is still in the possession of one of the family, and it is their pride and determination that it shall never know a change of name or ownership. In 1819, when twenty-two years of age, Daniel Belcher, the father of ihe subject of this sketch, left the old homestead and went to Boston. In 1825 removed to the city of New York and engaged in the hotel business. On the 6th of November, 1S29, he united in marriage with Mrs. Rachel Hopkins, daughter of .Moses and Elizabeth Drake, of Orange county, N. Y.. where she was born on the iSth day of March, 1807. In 1837 he came to Brimfield, then called Charleston, on a tour of observation. He liked the country, and selected a site and erected a house for hotel purposes, the first frame house built in the township, wheie, in May, 183S, he was joined by his wife and children. The earliest religious services in that part of Peoria county were held at the Brimfield House. The late Bishop Chase, of the Episcopal Church, often conducted services there. Besides being opened for religious purposes, the Brimfield House was also opened for singing schools, lyceums and other public gatherings. No one ever applied at their door for food and shelter and was turned cold and hungry away. After an active and well-spent life of seventy-five years, thirty-five of which without intermission were spent in the management of the Brimfield House. Daniel Belcher died on the 20lh day of .March, 1872. On the 141I1 day of May. 1871., the wife, Rachel Belcher, died. Three children, two sons and one daughter, are living. Daniel, the eldest son, who succeeded to the management of the hotel, was born in the city of New York, October 3, 1836. Mary S. was born December 3, 1830. and married Rev. S. R. Child, of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Child died November 14. 1855, and .Mrs. ChiKI finds a honie with her brother Daniel, and presides in the Brimfield House. Albert W,, the third child and youngest son, w,is born February 22. 1840. When the war came on he enlisted in Co. H, of the 86lh Regl. III. Vol., and wjs with Sherman in his " march from Georgia to the .sea." Served three years, received honorable discharge, and returned home to Brimfield. where he still resides. He united in marriage with Miss Sarah Slocum. daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Slocum. of Brimfield, December 26, 1868. The fruit of this marri.ige is three chililrcn,

When but five years of age became an orphan, and was placed in the care of an uncle and taken to Otsego, New York, where he was raised until he was sixteen years of age, then went to Richfield and served four years at the cabinet trade, and after working at joiner work several years, started business for himself at Madison, New York, where on the 2Sth day of January, 1830, married Eliza Furniss. She was born in Madison, New York, in 1S13. In 1834 they came West, stopping at Cleveland, Ohio, until the Spring of 1S35. Thence to Trivoli township, Peoria county, where he engaged in improving a farm, and remained until 1S39, then moved to Brimfield township, two miles west of Brimfield. In 1S47 his wife died, leaving five children, two sons and three daughters. In March following Mr. C. married Maria P. Miles, who died in December of the same year, On the 14th day of February, 1850. married his present wife, Abigail Robinson. She was born in New York in 1827. In 1S49 settled on the place now owned by Mrs. Trusin. In 1S54, having received the appointment of postmaster, he sold and came to the village and built his present residence, retaining the postoffice. In the Fall of 185S he purchased an interest in the flouring mill withChas. Fox & Co. This required the most of his attention until it was burned, in 1874, since which he has devoted most of his time with improvement and cultivation of his farm. Five sons have been born to him by his present wife. Democratic in politics.

CHAP»IAN DAVir>, farmer, Sec. 28, P. O. Elmwood, was born in \Yashington county. New York, on the i6th day of December, 1S19, and when a small boy his parents immigrated to Oswego county. New York. Receiving a limited education, remained upon his father's farm, making a home for the old people, until thirty-six years of age. In June, 1845, married Miss Eliza A. Bennett, who was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1824, In the Fall of T855 came to Illinois, rented a farm for three years, then purchased his present farm, consisting of eighty acres, valued at $70 per acre. They are blessed with one child. Demcratic in politics.

CHICHESTER HARRIET E. residence Brimfield, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Shepard nee Armstrong, the former of Irisli parentage, but born in Pennsylvania, the latter born in Ireland. In early life, with her parents, immigrated to Ohio, near Steubenville, where they were married on the 4th day of November, 1813. The parents of both were, early settlers of Ohio. In the Spring of 1837 Mr. and Mrs. S., with their family, consisting of six children, one son and five daughters , again removed westward, finding a home at Harkness Grove, this county, where he purchased 400 acres o( land, and remained until one year previous to his death, which occurred on the 2c;th day of August, i860. The mother survived him six years, and died October 7, 1866, at the age of 76. Wm. A. an only brother of Mrs. C, served in the Mexican war, and also participated in our late war, and served faithfully until its end, and was murdered at Springfield, Illinois, while on his way home. Mrs. C. was born in Ohio, February 8, 1S28, and came to Illinois when she was nine years old. On the 17th day of May, 1854, she married Elias W. Chichester, a native of Indiana, born November, 1S25, and when a small boy came to Peoria with his father. Kept the first ferry, and his mother in the meantime kept a boarding house until his father's death, which occurred when E. W. was three years old, after which she resumed her trade of tailoress, by which she supported her two children. After marrying Mr. C. settled in Jubilee township until the following Fall, when she returned to her father's, and he went to Texas for seed, intending to embark in raising hedge plants, a business he has since followed, visiting Texas each Fall for seed. In the Spring they removed to Brimfield. Own 160 acres of land adjoining the village, valued at $16,000, also a half section near Oak Hill, valued at $60 per acre, and 150 acres in Jubilee township, valued at $7,000. They were blessed with seven children, six sons and one daughter. Clarlc Stephen, farmer, P. O. Brimfield.

COE JOHN C. farmer. Sec. 5, P. O. French Grove, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, August, 1828. Was raised on a farm, but at an early age engaged in clerking. In the Fall of 1859 came to Peoria county. Married Miss Eliza J. Reed March 4, 1S61. She was born near Wheeling, West Virginia, December, 1841. Lived in Elmwood and Fulton county, for two years. Came wdiere he now resides. Owns 80 acres of land, valued at $75 per acre. The fruit of this marriage was three children, a son and two daughters. Members of the Presbyterian Church at French Grove, in which Mr. Coe is elder and superintendent of Sabbath school. Republican in politics. Held several local offices of trust.

COOLIDGE EDWARD L. farmer. Sec. 18, P. O. Brimfield, son of Lewis and Amanda C. Coolidge, was born in Addison county, Vt., 1825, emigrated with them to Illinois in the .Spring of 1834, and settled in what svas known by the early settlers as 9-6, now Rosefield township, where his mother died on the 3d day of Sept., 1S56. His father found a home with Mr. C. until his death, which occurred in 1869. Married Miss Mary E. Palmer, who was born in Galesburg, Knox county. III., Dec. 31, 1838, being the first white child born in that city. They soon afterwards settled where they now reside. Owns 252 acres of land, valued at $60 per acre. The fruit of this marriage is eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Mr. C. was one of the first roid commissioners of Rosefield township. .Members of the Episcopal Church.

COKCOKAX GEOKGE L. was bom in the county of Langford. in Ireland, in 1826. At the early age of sixteen he matriculated in Latin, Greek, French, Geometry and .A.lgcbra, and after a brain rest of six months, commenced the study of medicine with his father, who was the leading physician in the county, having two dispensaries and the county in6rmary under his charge. By these means the subject of our present biography got a thorough elementary education in clinical medicine, materia mtJica and chemistry. He afterwards studied in Dublin, and finally graduated in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1849. The doctor came to Brinifield on the 27lh of May, 1851, and immediately commenced the practice of his profession, although with a sad heart and a strange desire to return home, for the condition of affairs was not what he expected. A va.st prairie like an open sea stretched out to his view, without roads or bridges such as we have now. His average day's work was forty miles in the saddle, on horseback, for buggies were impracticable over the sloughs and swollen streams, and although often exhausted by the heat of the sun in Summer and the snow storms and cold of Winter, he never forsook his duly day or night, and h.-is continued to practice in the county ever since, three years of which was in ihe city of I'eoria ; and not alone in this county, for he is frequently called to the surrounding counties for advice and consultation. He was the first president elect of the Peoria County Medical Society, which he held for several years by re-election. He is a member of the American Medical Association, and also of the State Medical Society, and was commissioned by Governor CuIIom as a representative to the medical department of the celebrated I'aris Exposition of 1873. He has also been justice of the peace in Rrimfield for nearly twelve years, getting the vole of all political parlies, and although it is not a lucrative office, he has fulfilled it without fear or partiality, to Ihe best of his ability and judgment of the law. He is a man of almost universal genius, passionately fond of the arts, science, poetry and music, and in the latter he excels; of a sanguine, nervous temperament, generous and big-hearled to a fault, no person, either friend or stranger, enters his door and leaves it hungry or thirsty ; but he is quick to delect deceit, fraud, ingratitude, lying and low, cunning tricks, which make him irritable, but he has an abundance of charity and soon forgives. He is still nearly in the prime of life, healthy, and liable to live many years wilh profit to himself and his patrons. COW Lies WM. W. |>ostma»ler at Brimficid and dealer in groceries, was bom in Hunpshire county, Mass., on the 7th day of Dec, 1830. By trade he is a blacksmith and wagon ironer. In Nov., 1 854, married Miss Delia \\\x)ds, who was born in Belchertown, Mass., on the 28th day of Nov., 1834. Continued his trade in his native village until 1857. when they came to Brimfield, where he engaged in farming for two years. Thence to Oak Hill, where he bought grain for four years ; then embarked in the dry goods trade until July, 1862. He enlisted in the 14th Cavalry and participated in the .-Vtlanlic campaign, Knoxville. Tenn., the regiment being the first Union troops to cross the Cumberland Mountains to eastern Tennessee, and twentyfour days on four days' rations. They also participated at Bear Station, Bentonville, and in the following of John Morgan. Mustered out as second lieutenant at Pulaski, Tenn., Aug., 1S65. On enlisting, removed his family to Brimficid. He returned to this city and recommenced his trade, which on account of failing health he soon abandoned and worked for the R. K. Co. until January, 1S71, after which he engaged with the Hayes Urothcrs, in their store, until 1875. Was appointed, Jan., 1S7S, postmaster, and soon afterwards added a slock of groceries, and has since done a prosperous business in that line. They have three daughters and are members of the Congregational Church. Politics, Republican.

CROWLEY WM. farmer. Sec. 16, P. O. Brimficid, was horn on the Isle of Man on the third day of March. iSll. Having attained his thirteenth year he learned the cati>enter's trade, and, at twenty-two. emigrated to the United Stales, locating in the city of New York. On Ihe ninth day of November, 1842, he married .Martha Price, who was born in Klintshire, Wales, in 1820. They afterwards moved to Memphis, Tenn., where they resided until 1852. In 1846. came to this county, and purchased Ihe farm which he now occupies, containing 210 acres, valued at $75 per acre. In 1852, they settled permanently on their farm, which now compares favorably with the best in this part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Crowley arc members of the M. E. Church. Democratic io politics.

l>AltltY H. II. farmer. Sec. 28, P. O. Elmwood. Son of Wm. and Mary Darby, net Mann, natives of New England, but settled in Genessee counly, N. Y., about the year 1826, where the subject of this sketch was born .\ugust 2, 1 840. At Ihe age of eleven, with his parents, came to Peoria county and located on section 28, where he now resides. Owns fifty-five and a half acres of land, valued at $80 per acre. On May %b. 1865, enlisted in the hundred days service; mustered out at Chicago, Novemlwr, 1S65. On September 6, 1866, he married Ellen, daughter of

Joseph Clute Brimfield Directory

Edson Smith, of Elmwood township. She was born in Elmwood township, May 30, 1S4S. They have two children, a son and daughter. Members of the Congregational Church, at Elmwood. Republican.

DAY WM. H. dealer in dry goods and general merchandise, Knoxville avenue ; residence, Brimfield. W.is born in Chesterfield, N. Y., on the seventh day of March, 1818 ; was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. At seventeen, engaged as an employ^ in a woolen mill in his native town, where he remained six years. Thence to Grafton, Vt., where he engaged in business for himself, and remained until 1S54. Thence to Illinois, and soon after embarked in his present business in Brimfield. In 1843, he married Miss Abbie S. Wooley, of Grafton, Vt., who was born in that city on the seventh day of April, 1S21. She died in this village on the 1st day of June, 187S, leaving two sons. Wm. H., Jr., born on the third day of March, 1845 ; married Josephine, daughter of Ezekiel Day, of Teoria. Second son, George M., born on the 27th day of February, 1S50; married Louisa J., daughter of Geo. F. Guy, of Peoria. The family are members of the Baptist Church. Politics, Republican. Derby L. M. constaMe. V. O. lirlmfteld.

DOVE J. J. butcher, residence, Brimfield, son of Isaac and Sarah Dove ; father, native of Pennsylvania ; mother, of Virginia. The subject of this sketch was born in Custer county. Pa., September 10, 1S36. Immigrated with his parents to Ohio, where he remained until 1862, when he came to Peoria county, where he engaged in farming, coal digging, and tile laying. Married for his first wife Miss Nancy Ault. She was born in Ohio, in 1840; died in 1869. The fruit of this marriage was five children - two boys and three girls; three living, viz: Susan, Sarah M., John Edward. Second wife, married Frances Iladlock ; she was born in Ohio, September 30, 1847.

F.\RNUM JAS. F, Sr. buggy dealer, res. Brimfield, son of Asa and Arrathu^a (Lovejoy) Farnum, natives of Amherst, N. H. Immigrated to Bennington county. Vermont, where they raised a family of six children, five of which are now living. The subject of this sketch was born in Bennington county, Vermont, February 6, 1811, where he received a common school education. When he was sixteen years old went to Windsor county, Vermont, where he worked on a farm for five years for Mr. Ezekiel Davis. Afterwards married his daughter Laura, who was born in the same county September g, 1S09. The fruit of this marriage was four children, of which three are now living, viJ:

James, Jr., George and Giles. In the year 1854 came to Peoria county and located on section 22, Brimfield township, where he remained two years. Then traded his farm for Idock 4 in town. In 1857 commenced the mercantile business in company with B. K. Harrington, and continued until i860, when he bought the interest of Mr. Harrington and continued until the close of the war, when he sold out and has since been in his present business. Members of the M. E. Church. His father was in the war of 1812, was at Bennington, Vermont, and Plattsburgh, N. V. Fisher Simon L. fanner, P. O. Brimfield.

FORD Ij. D. farmer. Sec. 2i, P. O. Brimfield, was born in Licking county, O., on the 5th day of May, 1S35. When twelve years of age with his parents moved to Adams county. Ills., and the following year to this county, settling near French Grove. In 1850 his parents removed to Knox county, where they now reside. In 1866 the subject of this sketch married Miss H. F. Burt. She was born in Rotkingham, Vt., September 3, 1844. Settled near Fairbury, Livingston county, and in August, 1874, came to their present place of residence. Owns 157 acres of land valued at $75 per acre. The fruit of this marriage is four children - one son and three daughters. Members of the M. E. Church, of which he is trustee. Politics, Republican.

0. Elmwood. Son of C. H. Freeman, Sr., and Permilia Davis, natives of Massachusetts. In 1836 his father came to Peoria, where he was employed as land agent. In 1839 moved his family, consisting of his wife and five children, to Brimfield. where Mr. Freeman opened the second store of the village, but afterwards settled on a farm west of the village, since known as Walnut Grove farm, where he died, October, 1859. Mr- Freeman, Jr., was born in Brimfield, January 2, 1842. Received a liberal education in the common schools and two years at Redding Seminary, Abingdon, Ills. In August, 1861, enlisted in the 47th Illinois Infantry, Company C, Captain J. D. McClure ; was discharged from ill health June, 1S62. Married Miss Emma C, daughter of John L. Marion, an c-.irly settler of Southport, this county. She was born in Southport, September

1, 1843. In the Spring of 1S77 purchased his farm consisting of 120 acres, valued at $80 per acre. For the past three years Mr. I'"reeman has devoted much time and attention to the improvement in his stock ot horses, having purchased his brood mares of Dillon, a noted importer of horses. His colts took first premiums at the county fair. Is a member of the G. A. R. of Elmwood. Republican in politics.

GILUKUT JAS. A. farmer. Sec. 15. P. O. Brimfield. Was born in Orange county, Vt., on the 25th day of July, 1812. Ilis parents removed to Cincinnati. Ohio, when he was seven years of age, where they soon afterwards died. Was bonnd out, and with his To-iter father came to .Aurora. Ind.. and remained until he was fifteen ; ran away and engaged as cabin boy on the river between Louisville and New Orleans, and remained for seven years with one captain, who promoted him to steward. Afterwards went to Lawrenceburg. Ind., where he learned the carpenter trade. On the second day of October, 1S34, married Lucy Jafjuith. who was born in Manchester, Ind.. on the 17th day of May, 1S18. In 1S42 came to I'eoria county, and two years later to the farm where he now resides. Owns 330 acres of land under good cultivation, valued at $100 per acre. January 12, 1858, his wife died, leaving ten children, six sons and tour daughters. On the 15th day of March, 1S59, married Miss Jane McCurdy, who was born in Brown county, 111. She died, leaving two children, a son and daughter. On the 2lst day of August, 1S6S, married Miss Julia Rogers, who was born in Boston, Mass., December 7, 1811. His first wife was a member of the M. E. Church. His second, and present, members of the Presbyterian. Democratic in politics.

OUYEK L. Ij. residence Urimfield. Was born in Mifland county, I'a., on the 4th day July, 1817. At the age of seven his parents removed to Harrisburg, Pa., where he received his education. At the age of nineteen he emigrated to Charleston, now Brimfield, and eng,iged in the mercantile business. May 5, 1S40, married .Miss Klviia Wiley, sister of James M., Nelson and Iliram Wiley, they being among the first settlers of Jubilee township. Continued in business until 1S51, when he turned his attention to farming, which he h,is since followed. The fruit of this marriage was five children, one son and four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. G. and their daughters are members of the M. E. Church. Has held several local offices of trust, viz: Supervisor, justice of the peace, assessor and collector. Is Kepublican in politics.

HAYWOOD KDWAUD, farmer. P.O. Brimfield. Was born in Sussex county. England, on the Ijth day of May, 1811. where he received a liberal education. When nineteen years of age was apprenticed to a grocer, and served two years as clcik. On the iSth day of .\ugust, 1835, emigrated to the United Slates and located in Rochester, N. V., and engaged as clerk until .May, 1838. Thence emigrated West, ami after visiting several important cities, in July of that year landed at what is now Brimfield, following various avocations until the Spring of 1840; having purchased eighty acres of land he began improring iL On the 2Sth day of March, 1S43, married Harriet E., daughter of Thomas and Margaret Cummings. She was bom in Sussex county, N. J., on the 27th day of February, 1S19, and with her parents came to Stark county. III., in 1839. In 1S45 exchanged his farm for a store in Brimfield, and continued in the mercantile business for seven years. Has twenty-eight acres of land adjoining the village, valued at $75 per acre, and a fine residence valued at $4,000. They have five sons and one daughter, all grown to man and womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Haywood are members of the Congregational Church. Republican in politics.

HKKKIXGTOX B. K. dealer in dry goods, res. Brimfield, bom in Green Co., Pa., on the 24th day of Feb. 1822, worked at his trade of boot ind shoemaking in his native town until he was twenty-one years of age. Married Miss Mary Barnes in 1843 who was born in Green Co., Pa., 1S25. In the Spring of 1845, came to Illinois and settled in Brimfield and continued his trade until 1856. Embarked in his present business in company with Nelson Barnes, which they continued until 1S60. when the present partnership was formed, which has since continued. They have five children, two sons and three daughters. Members of the M. E. Church. Politically, Republican.

HIXKLEY I'OEIIK I . ."Mrs, larmer. Sec. 28, P. O. Elmwood. daujjhter of Otis and Clarinda A. Bennett n« Savoy, natives of Lancaster. Mass., where Mrs. H. was born on the i Ilh day of Sept. 1831. When one year of age her parents emigrated to Cayuga Co., N. Y. In Sept. 1851, married Wm. Darby, a son of Wm. Darby, Sen., of this township. He was bom in Vermont 1S21. In the Fall of 1852 they came to this county and h cated on Sec. 28. Owns one hundred and four acres of land valued at $80 per acre. On the 2nd day of .April, i8;6, Mr. Darby died, having been a member of the Baptist Church from boyhooil. She was again joined in wedlock with Mr. Rockwell Hinkley April 13, i860, lie was born in Windsor, Vermont. May 10, 1832. Died July 14, 1875. Mrs. H. is a member of the Baptist Church.

Brimfield Directory

who was born in the same county on the 6th day of April 1847, and the following Spring they settled where t'ley now reside. Own one hundred and sixty acres of land valued at $100, $i6,ooo. Two children bless this union. Members of the U. B. Church. Mr. K. being steward and Sabbath-school superintendent. Politics, Democratic.

KE3IP S. S. farmer, Sec. 31, V. O. Elmwood, was born in Butler Co., O., Dec. 31, 1S44, when nine years of age removed to Peoria Co., settled on Sec. 29 in this township, where he received a liberal education at tlie district school and Lombard College, Knox Co. On the 2lst day of May 1S67, married to Miss Nellie Barcalow, who was born in Butler Co., O., Dec. 21, 1846. They soon after settled on his present place. Owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, valued at $So per acre. The fruit of this marriage is two children. Members of the U. B. Church, Mr. K. being trustee and secretary of the same. Democratic in politics.

LAUB RICHAKD, miller, res. Brimfield. of the firm of Cady, Laub & Belcher. Was born in Reading, Berks Co., Pa., Aug. 7, 1836. Came to this county in the Winter of 1857. Married Miss Annie E. While for his first wife. She was born in Buck Co., Pa., June 1836. She died in Brimfield Dec. 24, 1863. The fruit of this marriage was six children, two boys and four girls, two living, viz., Elmer E., Sarah J. For his second wife, married Fannie M. Robinson. She was born Aug. 2i), 1S36. Mother of two Children, Llewellyn R., Charles Alfred. Member of the L O. O. F. In the winter of 1S5S, rented a mill at Edward's Station. where he remained one year. Thence to Peoria where he had charge of the Fayette and Star mills for three years. Thence to Brimfield where he followed farming for three years. Then engaged in the Osage seed and plant business for five years. In the Spring of 1870 went into the produce business in company with A. W, Belcher, and in 1874 built the Brimfield mill where he has been engaged since. Capacity of mill 100 barrels per day.

LiOWE J. H. physician and surgeon, res. Hrimfield. Son of G. F. and Martha (Phillips) Lowe ; father native of Tennessee, and mother of Illinois ; family consisted of ten children, five boys and five girls. The subject of this sketch was born in St. Clair county. Ills., November 30, 1841, was educated at Lebanon, McKendtee College and graduated in 1S62. Studied medicine with Dr. Ferryman, Belleville, Ills., for nearly two years, attended lectures at St. Louis and Chicago medical colleges, where he graduated in 1871-2. His first practice was in St. Clair county, Ills. In 1872, came to this town of Brimfield, where he has practiced medicine since. Married Julia A. Sutton, daughter of Asa Sutton ; she was born in Peoria county, March 25, 1848. The fruit of this marriage is three children, viz : Leo, born March 7, 1874 ; Lester, born May 27, 1877 ; Carrie, born August 6. 1878. Members of the M. E. Church. His father held a commission as captain in 117th Regt. I. V. I. Co. C. Dr. Lowe has a fine practice, good home, and is one of the leading men of the town.

LUCAS DANIEL, retired farmer, res. Brimfield. Grandson of Isaac Lucas, who was born near Boston, Mass., and at the age of seventeen enlisted in Revolutionary war, participating at the battle of Bunker Hill, Cowpens and Stony Point, at the last named battle was one among the number to volunteer to charge the British in a hand to hand fight, when Gen. Wayne told them, " If any man feared to go to hell let him retire from the ranks." Married a Miss Smith with whom he attempted to settle in Ohio, near where Mar.etta now stands, where the father of this sketch was born in 1788, being the second white child born in the State, found the Indians so troublesome that they returned to Washington county. Pa., where his father married Isabella McKenzie, a native of that county. In iSii, they returned to Ross county, Ohio, near Chillicothe, where his father was soon after drafted and served under Gen. Harrison. On the 12th day of August, 1S15, Mr. L. was born near Chillicothe, and received his education in a log school-house with puncheon floor and desks, with paper windows, remained at home assisting in improving and cultivating a farm until the Spring of 183S, came to Indiana, married Miss Elizabeth Simison on the 8th of May, of that year. She was born in Pennsylvania in iSig. In 1854, emigrated to Brimfield, 111., and located on Sec. 15. In 1S73, removed to the village still retaining their farm. The fruit of this marriage was five children, three sons and two daughters. The sons participated in the late war, one of which was killed at Vicksburg. Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the Presbyterian Church. Republican. Lucas Oan, farmer. P. O. Brimfield.

LYTLE CHAKLES A. druggist, res. Brimfield. Son of .Samuel S. P. and Anna Bell Lytle, natives of Pennsylvania, family consisted of seven children, four of which are now living. The subject of this sketch was born in Mt. Joy, Lancaster county, Pa., March 24, 1845, where he received his early education. Studied medicine with Dr. J. L. Ziegler of Mt. Joy, Pa., and attended lectures at Jefferson College, Philadelphia, and graduated in the year 1S61, and practiced two years at his old home. Was in the Navy, South Carolina and Georgia Blockading Squadron and was assistant surgeon and had charge of 160 men. In 1865, went to

Monroe, Wis., where he engaged in the drug business u clerk Tor J. K. Eilert, where he remained until 1S77, when he came to Brimfield and engaged in the drug business on his own hook. Married Alice S. Banks, daughter of James A. Banks. She was bom in llaverill, Mass., 1S48. The fruit of this marriage is two children, Grace and Samuel. Member of the I.O.O.F. Carries a stock of $3,000.

MAK.SHALL >IARIOX, retired farmer, is the son of Elijah Marshall, of Scotch descent, who was born on the 6ih day uf Novemlwr, 1766. In the latter part of the war of the revolution he was a prisoner for nine months on board the ship Old Jersey. On the 25th day of May, 1788, he married Mary Pierce and located at Chester, Vt., where the subject of this sketch was born March 12, 181 1, and received a very common school education. At seventeen years of age he went to Green county, N. V'., where he was employed at brick making until 1S33, and afterward embarked in the same business with a partner, through whose financial irregularities in 1850 lost his all, about $9,000. Soon after came to Jubilee township, and secured eighty acres of land, having since owned large tracts in the same township. On February 7, 1833, he married Lois, daughter of Kcv. Kufus liruce, an old time pastor of the liaptist Church ; she was born near Chester, \'t., August 9. 1812. This marriage was blessed with a family of ten children, four of whom died in infancy. One son was in the Union army and killed at Kenesaw mountains, and four sons and one daughter are still living. Mr. M. has held sever-il local offices of trust. Is a member of the I. O. O. F., Kempton Lodge of Green county, N. Y. ; members of the Baptist Church. Republican in politics.

MAU.SII.VLL S. farmer. Sec, 30, V. O. Klmwood, W.1S born in I'reble county, Ohio, on the 8lh day of February, 1825, having been reared on a larni, and received a comniuii school education. Having lost his father at the age of fifteen, he remained at home until the I2tli day of .March 1848, when he married Miss E. A. Austin, who waa born in the same county, October IS. 1838. On the 16th of the same month they located where he now resides, and owns 640 acres of land, valued at $65 per acre, and also has a residence of which the original cost was $14,000. They have four children - three sons and one daughter. Republican in |Militict.

Mrltnnnuch p. farmpr. P O. Brlmflpld. MrI.auKhllii John, faniirr. P. 0 Krlmaeld. Mrhaii retrr. farinrr. P. o HrliiillrM. Mfhaii Palrlck, rrllrt«1. P. <>. Hrlmflcld. Meyer* .1. P. laborer. P. o. llrlmllrld. Moore IllTlil. fanner. P. O. Kreticb Orove. Moore <!. farmer. P. o. Kreiicli Urote. Moore Janu't H. fariiicr, P. o. Itrlnineld. Mu4jre Saiuuel, farmer. P. O. lirlmneld.

MOltEY C. II. farmer. Sec 33, P. O. Elmwood. Was born in Butler county, O., January, 1S29, and in 1839 moved to Washington county. Mo. In those days the schools were supported by subscription, and there being ten children in the family, his opportunities for education were limited. June 12, 1852, married Miss Mary A. Dickson, who was bom in the same county, October 8, 1S25. They soon after settled on Sec. 33 of this township, where they own 200 acres of land, valued $60 per acre. Liberal in religion. Politically a Republican.

O'HAK.V WILLI.VM, pilot, P. O. Brimfield. Son of John and .Sarah O'llara, natives of Belfast, Ireland. Father came to United States in 1819, mother in 1820, and located in Boonville, N. V., where the subject of this sketch was born, March 4, 1831, being one of a family of eleven children, four boys and seven girls. In the year 1846 left his home, and in 1848 arrived in Chicago. Thentc down the Illinois river, for the purpose of learning the river and becoming a pilot, and has run on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers since, as pilot and captain, running down as far as Memphis. the time of the war was on a transport. Mr. 0"Hara has always been a stirring man, and has seen a great deal of the world.

HKKI> .lO.SKPIl, farmer. Sec. 5, P. O. 1 rench Grove. Born in Marshall county, Va., on the l6lh day of April, 1825. Married Miss K. R. Henderson, February, 1S52. She was born in Washington county. Pa., March 16, 1S29. In 1855 came to this county, where he rented a (arm for two years, then purchased the farm where he now resides. Owns 264 acres of land, under a high state of cultivation, valued at $7; ]>er acre. They are blessed with a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Heed are ineml>ers o( the Picsbylrrian Church at French Grove, he holding theofliceof trustee since 1859. Republican in politics.

of Pennsylvania. Located in Peoria about 1835, where his father engaged at the carpenter's, trade. Mr. Reed was born on the 19th day of June, 1840, and at nine years of age his father died, and at thirteen he determined to do for himself, came to this neighborhood, worked for J. McCoy continuously for seven years, then went to southwest Missouri. On the nth day of February, 1865, enlisted in Company F, i4Sth Illinois Infantry. Discharged at Nashville, September 22, 1865 ; returned to this county. Married Jane A., daughter of J. C. Whittaker, February 22, 1866. She was born in Queens county, Ireland, July, 1843, and emigr.ited to this county with her parents in 1845. Has 210 acres of land under good cultivation, valued at $80 per acre. They have seven children, two sons and five daughters. Mrs. Reed is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Reed is a Republican in politics. lieed Samuel, farmer, P. O. French Grove.

0. Brimfield. Was born in county Mayo, Ireland, October ig, 1S21, reared on a farm until 1S45, when he declared his independence by emigrating to the United States, via Quebec to Plattsburg, N. Y. Worked as a laborer at quarrying rock, thence to Montpelier, Vt., where he engaged in lumbering for three years. In the Fall of 183S came to Peoria county, and worked for Joel Blakesly five years, and two years for E. F. Smith. Married Miss Agnes Farwell, August 28, 1857, who was born in Ireland in 1841, and emigrated to the United States, and to this county alone when fourteen years of age, finding a home with an aunt, Mrs. Catherine Kchoe. After his marriage Mr. Richford purchased his first eighty acres of land, and in 1S64 bought another eighty, making 160 acres, valued at $75 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Richford have been blessed with a family of four sons and four daughters. All members of the Catholic Church. Democrat.

1, 1827, and with his parents immijn'ated to the United States, and located near Kickapoo, where his parents still reside. Married Miss Catherine Shuts, May, 1S49. She was born in Baden, Germany, in 1S29, and came to America in 1S47, ^nd landed at St. Louis, remained there two years; came to this county. In 1S65 they came to Brimfield township and purchased the farm he now owns, consisting of 240 acres, valued at $80 per acre. The fruit of this marriage is seven children, three sons and four daughters. Members of the Catholic Church. Democrat.

SNYDER J. W. farmer. Sec. 29, P. O. Elmwood. The parents of Mr. Snyder were natives of Pennsylvania, but became pioneers of Butler county, Ohio, as early as 1S07, where Mr. S. was born, August II, 1815. Remained with his parents, assisting in the improvement and cultivation of a farm, until twentyfour years of age. On Christmas day, 1839, married Miss Maria Hursh, who was born in Northumberl.and county. Pa. Located in Middletown, of the same county, and embarked in hotel and livery business until 1S54. Was elected county treasurer and served four years. In 1858, emigrated to Peoria county and to his present place of residence. Owns 300 acres of land, valued at .fgo per acre. On the igth day of March, 1S61, his wife died, leaving five children - four sons and one daughter. Feb. 26, 1S63, married Elizabeth AUewalt. She was born in Adams county, Penn., on the 29th day of August, 1833, which union was blessed with two sons. Himself and first wife were members of the U. B. Church ; his present wife, of the Lutheran. Democratic in politics. Held several local offices of trust.

SNYDER M. H. farmer, Sec. 29, P. O. Elmwood. Son of J. W. Snyder, and born in Butler county, Ohio, Jan. 15, 1845. Having received a liberal education at the best schools in Hamilton, his native county, at the age of thirteen, in company with a brother and cousin, with teams, came to Illinois, arriving at Brimfield on the second day of March, 1S5S, and began breaking prairie on the land purchased by his father in 1S54. In Sept., 1S64, entered Lombard University, at Galesburg, from which he soon after enlisted in the i4Sth 111. Vol. Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and retained on the defence of the Nashville & Chattanooga R. R. Mustered out at Nashville, Sept., 1865. Married Miss Kate, daughter of Philip Snyder and Mary A. Schenck, of this township. She was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 14, 1S45, and came to Peoria county with her parents when ten years of age. He owns 200 acres of land, valued at !?75 per acre. Democratic in politics. Held the office of supervisor and collector, and was a candidate for county clerk in 1873.

SNY^DBR SAMUEL, wagon maker, res. Brimfield. The subject of this sketch, whose parents and family were among the first settlers of this part of the county, was born in Bedford county, Penn., on the 27th day of May, 18 1 3, and was raised to the trade he now follows, until twenty-three years of age, when he accompanied his parents and family, consisting of two sons and two daughtcis, to this county, settling in Jubilee township, one and a half miles from this village. On the 14th day of March, 1839. married Miss Mary, daughter of Daniel Strausburg. who settled in Jubilee township. She was bom in Baltimore, April, 1818. In the Fall of 1S39, the family removed to Cooper county, .Mo. In 1850 the subject of this sketch went the overland route to California, and remained two years and a half. In 1S53, returned to Hrimfield, where he has since resided. They have four sons and four daughters, all of whom except one are settled in I'coria county. The entire family are members of the M. E. Church, Mr. S. being one of the original members, and notifying the settlers of the first services in this part of the county, held at his father's cabin in 1S3C. Mr. S. is Democratic in politics.

TUCKKK EZUA, Jr. farmer. Sec. 15, P. O. Brimfield, son of Ezra Tucker, Sen. (who emigrated from Madison county, N. Y., in 1843), born in Madison county, N. Y., being nine years of age when he came to I'eoria county. On the 23d day of December, 1S74, married Miss Fanny Moody, who was born in rrinceville, this county, September, 1850. He settled on the old homestead (where his father died in 1853), containing 160 acres of land, valued at $So per acre. They arc blessed by three children, two sons and one daughter. Members of the Congregational Church. Independent in politics. Has held several local ofhccs of trust.

TUCKICK II. C. farmer and grain dealer, I*. O. Brimfield (Sec. 22), son of Ezra and Sarah (Furncss) Tucker, was born in Madison county. N. Y.. March 16, 1833. When nine years old emigrated to this county with his parents, where he ha* followed farming most of the lime since. Married Miss Emily M. Ellis. She was born November ir, 1845. The fruit of this marriage is four cliiMren, Cleniie M., Carrie M.. Allieand Duane II. Mrs. T. and Clemie are members of the Congregational Church. lias l6» acres of land valued at $13,000.

TUCKER JOHN 8. farmer and tile manufac turer. Sec. 6, I'. O. French Grove, son of John and Ellen Tucker, who were natives of Ashland county, O., and pioneen of I'eoria county, having settled on Sec. 6 in 1834, and erected a two story brick residence in 1840, and with the aid of thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters, improved a farm of 600 acres. Father died in 1850. Mother died in 187a. Mr. Tucker was the youngest son and born where he now resides, retaining 3$; acres ol land of the original farm, which he values at $100 per acre. .Soon after (he breaking out of the late war he enlisted in the Sth III. Inf., Co. L. Capl.. Green ; participated at Ft. Henry, Donaldson, Missionary Kidge, Russell House, where he was wounded, after which he was appointed forage master, and while acting as such was taken prisoner ; held at different prisons, seven months of the time at Andersonville, making his escape and recaptured seven different limes; mustered out at St. Louis, June. 1865. In .\ugust of the same year married Miss Mary, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Nilson, who came to Knux county in 1836, where she was l>om on the 1st day of December. 1843. In the Fall of 1877 Mr. T. began the manufacture of brick and tile, having discovered on his farm a blue joint clay, which was pronounced by a man of forty-one years' experience the best in this part of the county. Seven children blessed this union, two sons and five daughters. Republican in politics.

WATSON WM. farmer, res. Brimfield, was born in Lincolnshire, England, on the 38th day of December, 1824. When less than one year old his f.ilher died, after which he found a home with his grandparents until about fifteen years of age, and worked as a farm laborer in his native county until the Spring of 1850, when he emigrated to the United States and resumed his usual occupation near Buffalo, N. Y., and thence to Blue Bell, To. In April. 1855, he married Catherine Muny, who was bom in Cork, Ireland, in 1S29, and came to America in 1846. Immediately after their marri.-ige they came to Brimfield, where they have resided since, and by industry and economy have .nccumulated a fine property. Own fifty .icrcs of land near the village, valued at $5,000, and two houses and lots, valued at $4,000. They have six children - two sons and four daughters. Mrs. W. and three of her daughters arc members of the Baptist Church. Republican in politics.

WILKY K. W. farmer. Sec. 35, I'. O. Brimfield, was born in Rockingham, Vt., December 12. 1S25. Although raised a tiller of the soil, at the age of twenty he determined to change his occupation and went to Greenfield, Mass., where he learned the trimmers' trade. On the 37th of June, 1S46, he married Miss Eliznlwth Pulsifer, born in Rockingham county, Yl., June 3, 1836. Soon afier engaged in heavy hardware business at Greenfield, and continued in the same for two yean ; thence to Bellows Fall, and continued in the same business until iSji ; ihcncc to Illinois, Brim- field township, and settled on the farm he now occupies, containing 200 acres, valued at IfJSo per acre. His wife died November 19. 1S73, leaving two children. - a son and a daughter. He married for his second wife Miss Sarah A. lirewer, of Chester, Vt., February 14, 1S77. Mr. W. and his first wife were members of the Coni;regational Church. Independent in politics. Williamson L. S. attorney at law, P. O. Brimfleld.

WYLKY J. E. (deceased), is the son of John and Randella (Weaver) Wyley, Mr. W. being the third son of a family of nine children - eight sons and one daughter. Was born in Wyndam county, Vt., October 19, 1S20, where he received his early education ; was also at Dartmouth College. He married Miss Elizabeth W'ilson, daughter of Solomon W'ilson, who was born in Chester, Windsor county, Vt., JIarch ig, 1S27. The fruit of this marriage was four children - Solon W., Clinton M., May E. and Walter L. Solon W. died April 21, 1877, and May died February 8, 1864. Mr. W. came to this county in 1844, and engaged in farming and sheep raising. Held several local offices of trust, and was a justice of the peace for twenty years. Mr. W. was a man who was highly esteemed by his neighbors, and a leading man of the township. Residence and post-office, Brimfield.

WOOD T. J. pastor of M. E. Church, res. Brimfield, was born in Rod; Island county, III., in 1848, and after receiving a preparatory education at Edington, that county, in 1865, entered Hedding College, Abingdon, from which he graduated in 1870, on the 27th day of February of the same year, married Miss A. 1'". King, who was born at Walnut Grove, Warren county. 111., on the gth day of September, 1851, and soon after entered the University at Fairview, Fulton county, and remained there one year ; thence to Summit, Kno.K county, at which place a part of his work was in this county; thence to Cuba, Fulton county, where he remained two years; thence to Kickapoo, remaining there two years, and at Smithville, one year; thence to Brimfield in 1870. Is a member of the A. F. & A. M., at Yates City, having joined in 1872, and served as chaplain, and has taken an active part since.