Butler Township

Butler Township

Butler township embraces all the northwest corner of the county which is in town 23 north, range 13 west, of the 2d principal meridian, all the east half of town 23, range 14, two tiers of sections off" the north end of town 22 north, range 13, and six sections in the northeast corner of town 22, range 14, making in all seven t}M;wo sections, or equal to two full congressional townships. The land was originally entirely prairie, and, although embracing some of the finest land in the county, did not come into cultivation till 1855, and as late as 1872 broad strips of its rich prairie had not been vexed with the plow; indeed, as late as this present writing some of the beautiful high rolling prairie along the line separating towns 23 and 22 is yet in prairie-grass, and scores of the farms south and southeast of Rankin are guiltless of either fence or hedge to mark their boundary lines. No considerable stream crosses the town. From its southern side the little streams and rivulets stretch away toward the middle fork of the Vermilion, from its eastern border they run into the North Fork, while from its northern half the water sheds to the head-waters of the Illinois River. High, rolling, rich and healthy, it can but seem wonderful, and must ever remain in a great measure mysterious, how the land of such eligible portions of the county were left uninhabited until long after the western half of the state, and Missouri, Iowa, and portions of Kansas and Nebraska, were largely filling up with settlers. People living along the Middle Fork, not twenty miles away, pulled up and moved to Missouri, on poorer land than could be found within half a day's ride of their homes, and this, after it had been demonstrated that people could live on the open prairie with less labor, just as much comfort, more health, and surer returns for their labor, than on timber farms. It cannot be pleaded in this case that these prairies were unknown. The Chicago road, the great highway of travel before railroads were built, passed directly over this beautiful tract, and the road leading from Danville to Ottawa, along- which thousands of men went from the Illinois River country to Danville to enter land, and the road from Attica to Bloomington, along which hundreds of people passed each year, visiting their old homes in Indiana and Ohio, both crossed this arm of the Grand Prairie. The old scholars had an adage which, being liberally translated, runs, "In matters of taste there is no use in disputing." Just so; there is no law against a man's going through the woods and picking up a crooked stick beyond.

The Lafayette, Bloomington & Muncie railroad runs directly through the township from east to west, on a line nearly one and one half miles from its northern line, having on it the three little villages of East Lynne, named from the charming novel of Mrs. Anna S. Stephens, Rankin, named from Hon. David Rankin, the proprietor of a portion of the town and of a large amount of land in the neighborhood, and Pellsville, named from W. H. Pells, who was co-proprietor of it.

The township itself was named, at the suggestion of the first supervisor, in 1864, from the cock-eyed hero who had solved the difficult questions of the war, each as it arose, with as much ease as he would have settled a quiet dinner in his own house. He had equipped and marched the first brigade of volunteers to beleaguered Washington (or had commanded the march), in less than three days after notice had reached him, and in less than two days from the date of his* selection by Governor Andrew for the position. He had captured Baltimore one night, while the war department was making a plan of attack, which it was expected he would join in carrying out the next week. He had solved the most difficult question of what was to be done with the negroes who continually came into our lines, under the constitutional provision requiring the return of fugitives owing service or labor, by calling them "contraband of war." He had hung the only rebel that ever was hung in America (except old John Brown and his party), and had made the women stop making faces at the " boys in blue," and had just secured a peaceful election in New York city. Next to Grant, whose name had been applied to the adjoining township, he was the hero of the day; so Win. M. Tennery thought, and so his loyal neighbors thought when they gave his name to their home.

In the year 1854 Mr. J. H. Schwartz and several neighbors came from Ohio to Danville, and there found Parker Dresser doing a "land office business." It was busy times just then. He entered for the party the following tracts of land : Lot 1 of northwest quarter of section 30, for Mr. Schwartz; the south half of 19 (311 acres), for Mr. Yates (whose son came here and lived on it till his wife died, and then went back to Ohio) ; the east half and lot 1 of the southwest quarter of section 30, for Phoebe Bennett ; the west half of the southwest quarter of section 29, for Mr. Bennett, and lot 2 of the northwest quarter of 30 for another party. Mr. Bennett did not come here to live, and never saw the land but once. Mr. Schwartz moved on his purchase and lives on it still. He was a man of fair education, of moderate financial resources, but large heart and strong and abiding faith. He found a new country, destitute not only of crops and stock, but destitute of the institutions of religion and education. His son-inlaw, Lewis John, settled near him on section 20, in 1859, and remains there yet. The year he came here to live followed close on the years in which the large wheat crops were so general through the state. Cases were numerous where a single crop of wheat had paid the cost of purchasing the land, tilling, fencing, harvesting and marketing the crop, leaving a balance to the credit side of the account. The crop, of course, was an exceptional one; but that such did really grow is beyond dispute. This was sent to Ohio and other eastern states, and many came here in 1855 expecting to get rich on wheat raising alone. Cases were plenty where farmers who were well-to-do ran in debt for additional land, intending to pay for it out of the next wheat crop. Men, in the height of their excitement over wheat, sowed it on the last vear's stubble, and harrowed it in without even plowing the ground. Of course the subsequent successive failures of the crop ruined many farmers, crippled others, sent some to the asylum, and convinced all that this was not in the " wheat belt."

The hard times which followed the financial crash of 1857 was fully as severe on the new settlers of Butler as had been the previous one of 1837 on those who were then in the timber belt along the Middle Fork. Corn became the principal article of food. Money there was none. The entire paper currency of the west was based upon the faith which the people had in bankers, many of which were either foreign to

*The writer would like to give credit to Mr. Schwartz and Mr. McCune for their assistance in furnishing - the former, the interesting statistics of the churches, and the latter, of the early settlers.

the state, or mere myths. Michigan " red-dog," Georgia " wild-cat," Missouri " stump-tail," were the nicknames which were applied to the various kinds of bank-bills, which were taken at par one day, and refused at a heavy discount the next. Never was a people so swindled with imaginary money. Bank-note detectors were consulted by every business man whenever he received money, to try to discover whether it was safe to take. The men of the present generation who complain of " hard times " may have suffered, but they know next to nothing of the suffering which their fathers passed through then. Taxes were all payable in specie, and light as they were then, it was more difficult to obtain the hard money with which to pay them then than now, notwithstanding they are ten times as great.

Daniel Stamp came from New York and bought land in section 14 (23-14), in 1855. He sold to A. B. Lucas, and he to Samuel Johnson. Lucas lives in Pellsville. Johnson sold to Williams, and went to Kansas. Fred Stamp settled about the same time, and made a farm on section 15. He lives now in Paxton. James Dixon settled on section 11, where Mrs. Johnson now resides. John Jones the same time made a farm on section 19, just north of Schwartz. Caleb T. Beals came in 1856, and took land in section 3 (22-13). He still lives near there, in section 9. John Dopps commenced farming in section 15 (23-14) in 1855. He afterward sold out and went to Kansas. David Dopps commenced a farm in the same section. These men were pioneers of the Methodist church, and the first class was formed at the house of their brother Eli, across the line in Ford county.

J. W. Shannon came in 1855, and took up land in section 35 (23- 14). He lived there twenty years, and now resides in Perrysville, Indiana. Mr. Clark about the same time settled on the south side of section 14. In 1857 C. McCune came from Ohio, and took up land in section 7, one mile east of where Rankin now is, where he resided till five years ago, when he made Rankin his home. Wm, I. Allen, who had been a pioneer in Grant township, purchased land in 1855, north of East Lynne, and had two men there improving the farm. Ruffin Clark came from Indiana in 1856, and settled on section 28. He was a man of intelligence, and made his mark on the community. He took a lively interest in schools. He died in 1869, and his family went back to Indiana after a few years. Geo. Mains came to live on section 21 in 1856. He still resides there. Daniel S. French came to the same section in 1857. He now lives in Indiana, and is editing a paper in Tippecanoe county. He still owns the farm. Jacob Swisher came to section 12 (22-13) in 1855. He was a public-spirited man, and well known throughout this part of the county. Jesse Piles, who also came here early, settled in section 10 (22-14), in the extreme southwestern part of the township. Jonathan Done in 1856 settled in section 15 (23-14). He afterward removed to Paxton. John Pursley, in 1857, purchased half a section in 11, near Rankin, and continued farming there until he enlisted in the army, in Allen's company. He had been in the engagement which resulted in the surrender of Fort Henry, and while at Donaldson was sent back to Fort Henry for ammunition. The fatigue of the trip was too much for him, and he gave out and died. He left two sons, who are worthy and respected young men.

Thomas Towe commenced about 1856 to improve a farm on section 7 (23-13). Along1* in the fall sometime, Towe and McCune had gone to Middle Fork, - McCune to get wood and Towe for a load of sand. This timber, twelve miles away, was the nearest fuel they could obtain. Thev knew nothing of coal at that dav. McCune had a ffood team of horses and his partner was driving three yoke of cattle - of course he had to go on foot. Night overtaking them they became completely lost. To be lost on the prairie at night is the nearest thing to being "finally lost" that one experiences in this life. There is absolutely no clue by which the. most skillful detective could work out. Especially is this so when the wind does not blow. Teams are liable to walk around in a circle, and in the absence of any light, which can be seen on such occasions many miles, the wanderers not unfrequentl}- find it necessary to spend the night on the prairie. In this case the benighted travelers set to hallooing with all their might, and after an hour of such exercise they were heard by Mr. Stamp, who fired a gun to attract their attention. As soon as they could ascertain the direction of this first "gun at daybreak" they started for it at double-quick; Towe ahead leading the van with his steers, and McCune following like a general officer on dress parade, glad to ride where Towe should lead. They came to one of those ponds which at that time were numerous on these prairies, and the leader, fearing to turn to the right or the left lest he should lose his direction, plunged in knee deep, yelling at the top of his voice to keep his courage up, and to keep their gunner acquainted with their whereabouts. McCune rode out the storm like a major, and never looked on that pond after that without almost fancying he could see Towe knee-deep in the flood. Mr. Towe returned to New York, and John, who remained to carry on the farm, went to the army and was killed. 'Squire Bowers, in returning from Loda one night, got lost and became mired in a pond. He took off the horses and walked around all night to keep from being numbed with the cold. It was customary when the father of the family was belated, to place a candle in the window which looked in the direction he was to come,

The nearest mill for a time was at Myersville, until Persons purchased and refitted the Ross Mill. The nearest trading point was at Loda, twelve miles north, which was a famous point for trade for all this country until the distillery burned and the building of the railroad drew merchants away from there, until now there is nothing left of its former business importance.

In the early days the people here did not raise many cattle for some reason. As previously stated, all tried wheat for a time, until continued failures used up all they had kept for seed, without any return. Still they bought seed and sowed again. Corn and hogs were the staple. Hogs almost always brought a paying price, and it was before cholera had been invented. Stock and corn are the principal staples of the farmer yet. Flax has been raised some, and is considered a fair crop. To the renter it is considered an available crop, for it " turns " so much earlier than corn that it enables him to get something to live on several months before he can for corn.

Land was worth from $2.50 to $5 per acre. Some sold as high as $9 before the railroad was built, and some sold in anticipation of that building as high as $12. Eight dollars was probably a fair average for land two years before the railroad was built. Twenty can hardly be called an exorbitant price now.

McCune says that as late as 1857 he has seen here on this prairie as many as twenty deer at a time, and at one time he saw on section 7 fifty-four in one lot going in a northwesterly direction, and wolves were as thick as rabbits. As late as 1858, of a flock of sheep, which had got away from a man living north of here, eighty were killed in a single night. Badgers were also plenty. They were as large as a dog and stronger, with a thick neck, and too strong for any dog to master. Rattlesnakes were so plent}^ that on a single farm a hundred were killed in a single season. It is a wonder that more people were not killed by them. Dogs that were bitten by them seemed to know how to cure themselves. Prairie mud was a very certain cure. They were really a dangerous neighbor, yet the children went barefooted to school or hunting strawberries as now. They seem as adverse to civilization as any of their wild neighbors, and as the prairie-grass was killed out by being plowed and cultivated they disappeared. The last seen of them here was about 1870. It is doubted whether any survived the shriek of the locomotive or the high taxes of modern civilization. We used to have squirrels here, red and gray, not unlike those in the timber but smaller, and with shorter tails. Prairie chickens were of course very plenty, and the reverberating " boom " of their matins, ushering in an October morning, will never be forgotten by the old settlers, and probably never heard in its fullness by the new. Sand-hill cranes were very numerous, as they nested here in the ponds on this divide, and, if undisturbed, would make havoc of the corn in the spring, taking two rows at a time, as clean as any man could root it up, and in the fall would congregate in great numbers if not driven away.

The first Methodist class formed here was, according to Mr. Schwartz' recollection, about 1855. It was formed before he came here to live, at the house of Eli Dopps. It was an interesting class, and grew into three separate churches: that at Schwartz, at Rankin and at Pellsville. At the time of its formation it consisted of sixteen members. C. Atkinson was preacher in charge, and John Vincent assistant. It belonged to the Danville circuit, and there was no church in all this country but the " Wallace Chapel " at Blue Glass, and the old loghouse called Partlow's Church. The preaching appointment was each alternate week ; and it was a terrible winter, as all remember, so that Atkinson did not reach his appointment all winter, - but Vincent was very regular. Green bury Garner, Milo Butler and W. H. McVey were on the Danville circuit before 1861. Mr. Elliott was presiding elder, and, after him, L. Pilnor. After this W. H. H. Moore was elder. Sampson Shinn and Enoch Jones, preachers, John Helmick, assistant, J. S. Barger and John Long, preachers in charge. In 1865 the Blue Glass circuit was formed, and Schwartz school-house was built. S. Shinnn was presiding elder. The class was divided, and those living near here were served with regular preaching at this school-house, which appointment belonged to the Blue Grass circuit, and those over by Dopp's were in the Paxton circuit. The society at East Lynne was formed in 1869. This church was built in 1875. It is 28x46, and cost, painted and seated, $2,000. Some help, to build this beautiful chapel, came from Danville, but most of it was raised within themselves. The present }7ear Mr. Davis is pastor. A Sabbath-school is maintained in summer.

Prairie Chapel, Christian church, was built near Swisher's, at the extreme southeastern corner of the township, about 1861. Elder Rawley Martin used to preach there, as he did for }'ears all over this country. He was for many j^ears the pioneer preacher in this denomination. It is a pleasant church, and the membership is about forty-five. Elders Stipp and Charles Cosat preach there alternately. The organization of this church was effected at Blue Grass, in 1859, by Elder Martin. Preaching was continued for some time at the Blue Grass school-house. Jacob Swisher was one of the most influential members of the church,

A United Brethren church has been recently formed by Mr. Ziegler when he was in charge of the Vermilion circuit. Mr. Scott is the present preacher. Mrs. Duncan is class-leader. They propose to build soon on land that has been donated by Mr. Biddel, of Indianapolis.

Before the building of the railroad through this town its open prairie attracted the attention of a gentleman whose large experience, business capacity and ready means well qualified him to make a large venture in fanning operations here, which has proved of the utmost importance to the interests of this prairie town. Mr. David Rankin had been largely engaged in cattle-farming and feeding in Henderson county, in this state, and had amassed a comfortable fortune before he commenced his operations here. He was a gentleman of broad views, wide acquaintance, and the strictest business habits. Associating with him his relative, W. A. Rankin, he purchased eight sections of land lying near together here, and commenced improving it, in 1867. They built a fine residence on section 2, which has been beautifully surrounded by trees, changing the bleak prairie of only a few years ago into one of the most delightful shady resorts to be found in this part of the country, which has been the home of the junior partner since then. They put the land into cultivation as fast as possible, and secured the location of a depot at Rankin.

There were before the railroad was built two post-offices, which were more or less in Butler, i. e., they were hanging on the border of the township. Jesse Piles was postmaster of Circle for a while, and Dr. O. F. Taylor at Sugar Creek, which before the railroad was built was moved to what is now Pellsville. Butler was set off as a township in 1864, at which time Wm. M. Tennery was supervisor of the united townships. At the first town meeting held, Ambrose Armantrout was moderator. The following is a list of the township officers elected since its erection. The town has never had but three supervisors and three clerks.

At the town meeting in 1866, the ordinance forbidding stock to run at large was passed, and has been strictly enforced, to the great saving of those who were trying to make new farms on the prairie. On the 11th of May, 1867, at a special meeting, held after due notice, the town voted, by 46 to 5, in favor of giving fourteen hundred dollars to the Chicago, Danville & Yincennes railroad. Later a meeting was held on the subject of subscribing twenty-five thousand dollars to the Lafayette, Bloomington & Muncie railroad, which resulted in favor of such subscription.

In 1877 two voting precincts were established, dividing the town, as near as possible, in the center, the eastern precinct voting at East Lynne, and the western at Rankin. This makes it very convenient for the voters, as it was fully thirteen miles from Jesse Piles' residence to the voting-place at East Lynne, when the election happened to be there.

East Lynne

East Lynne was laid out in 1872, upon land belonging to W. P. Moore, in the southeast quarter of section 10 ; T. J. Yan Brunt, in the northeast quarter of 10 ; John P. Dopps, in northwest quarter of 11 ; and Aiken and "White, in the southwest quarter of 11 (23-13). Dopps and Moore sold out about this time and moved away. The plat covered about forty acres. Henry Ludden was appointed first station agent and first postmaster, and was the first to commence selling goods there. He is still postmaster.

The first business house was built by Win. McReynolds, the same now occupied as a hotel. Palmer Brothers were for a time engaged in mercantile business. N. R. Hall opened up in lumber, hardware and implements. O. E. Wilson commenced the grocery trade, and continued it for three or four years. Messrs. Aiken, Hall, French, Morey and Gardner have been engaged in purchasing grain, which is the principal business. A good two-story frame school-house was erected, and a good school has been maintained, with an average attendance of about

Mairhead, in 1875. It belonged, as now, to the Hoopeston circuit, and preaching is regularly maintained by the preacher on that circuit, once in two weeks. Rev. Mr. Haff is the present preacher in charge.

The Christian church occupies the building on the alternate Sabbath, by a kind of christian comity which is fast becoming the rule in this western country, Elder Houghton preaching, and the entire community join in a union Sabbath-school, which is well maintained. Mr. J. S. Hall was first superintendent. The church edifice is 36 x46, and is a very neat and pleasant building.

The grain trade has been, and continues to be, one of -considerable importance here. It is the center of one of the finest corn-raising districts in the county, and as there are few cattle-feeders among the new farmers in this vicinity, most of the corn must go to market. A large steam elevator is about being erected to supply a long-felt need, and will be in readiness for the fall trade.

The pleasant little village of Rankin, which to-day is as quiet as a May morning, was brought into being amid a war of location, which must be remembered by those who were participators in it as long as they remember anything. The "war" was long, exhaustive of patience, and expensive, finally making it cost each party all its results were worth, and resulted in a drawn battle. The captains-general who marshaled the hosts were W. A. Rankin and W. H. Pells, the former proprietor of a large landed interest, amounting to five thousand acres, the latter with a local interest of only about eighty acres, but a seat in the board of directors of the railroad which was being built. The construction company, of which Col. Snell was the head, had the right under their contract to designate the depot, but were also authorized to receive payment for the same sufficient to cover the expenses of sidetrack, depot, switches, etc. When Mr. Rankin went to negotiate for the location he presented the arguments that as the whole township was taxed for the road, a location should be selected that was as nearly equidistant as possible, and that the location he proposed was the same distance from the western boundary of the township as East Lynne was from the eastern ; that more of the people of this township would be accommodated by this location than any other ; that he was ready at any time to pay the $2,500 required for putting in the job, and any other little matters required could be easily arranged. On the other hand, Mr. Pells plead the custom of the road, which had been to permit each director to name a depot ; that every other director had been accorded that privilege, and that the farmers around the proposed location would give as much or more for the location. The citizens in the vicinity of Pellsville raised $3,500 by subscription, and got their depot ; the Rankins paid their subscription, and got theirs. It then became a question for the railroad company to decide which one should be retained, and Mr. Boody was appealed to by both parties. At one stage of the contest a proposition was made to locate the depot midway between the two present sites. This was accepted by one partj7, but declined by the other. After the matter had come into the jurisdiction of Mr. Boody, he proposed a plan which was very likely' to decide matters, but just then the road was put into the hands of a receiver, who decided that he had no authority in such matters, and would not decide. It is now just passing into the hands of the new company, and the old question is likely to come up like a chancery case for final hearing nearly ten years after its inception. The village of Rankin was laid out in June, 1872, by A. Bowman, county surveyor, and J. R. Bowers, making twenty-four blocks, each of which were 240 x 250 feet. The streets are eighty-five feet wide. It was laid out one-half on the land of D. and W. A. Rankin, in section 12, and one-quarter on each of the lands of George Guthrie and Mrs. Johnson. The Guthrie portion was sold to Prof. Joseph Carter, of Peru, Illinois, who still owns it. The two open strips between the blocks and the track were left for public use.

The first building was commenced by Mr. E. "Wait, who lived in Loda, intending to go into the grain and coal trade. Before it was completed he was killed on the construction train between Paxton and this station. Mr. F. A. Finney took Wait's interest and completed the building, which was afterward sold to Mr. Chapman. Rankin & Thompson put up the next building - a grain office. C. H. "Wy man put up a store and put in a stock of drugs. Milton Holmes, from Bloomington, built most of the buildings that were put up the first year. He and his hands had to camp out, sleep under work-benches or wherever they could find a chance, for there was no boarding place here. Cowell & Weaver built several. There was no lumber yard here, and the freight from Paxton was fifteen dollars per car. All the stone brought here for building purposes came from Kankakee. While the construction company retained the control of the road no less freight could be obtained, and thus it was necessary to pay at Paxton as there was no office here. Holmes built the drug store and grain office, and six dwelling-houses for Mr. Rankin, a store and the hotel the first season. His family were the first persons who came here to

The Campbell house, which was put up among the very first buildings, is the only hotel Rankin has ever known. It was built for, and has been continuously occupied by, Mr. J. F. Campbell, and is without doubt the finest hotel-building in the county outside of Danville. His house, barn, ice-house, etc., cost $5,500.

J. R. Bowers, who, since the first opening of business here, has been one of the solid men of Rankin, came to make a farm on section 7, two miles southeast of Rankin, in 1865. He remained there until the village was commenced, and then brought the old flax warehouse from Blue Grass and went into business. Flax had been for some years a leading crop here, and to accommodate the business the Lafayette firm, which was interested in the business, had erected a warehouse at Blue Grass, which was then the great central point of trade and traffic. The farmers had no conveniences for saving the seed from one year to another, as it required careful cleaning and safe preservation to make it fit for seed. The plan adopted by the firm was to loan seed on contract to buy the crop. This required a warehouse, and as soon as the railroad was built it was moved to Rankin, and has since been in charge of Mr. Bowers.

Rankin & Thompson were first to open in the grain trade. D. & W. A. Rankin built the main part of the elevator, 30 x 52, 40 feet high. They sold it to Birch & Hall, a firm residing and doing business in Oxford, Indiana, who have increased its capacity, and now run it.

The war between Rankin and Pellsville occasionally broke out from its smothered condition. The first store building put up in the latter place, known as Scott's store, was purchased by Mr. Rankin and moved to this place in the face of some pretty loud prairie breezes, which were kept in check by the timely aid of the sheriff, backed by^the broad warrant of the "People of the State of Illinois." Henry Jones had kept a blacksmith-shop a few miles south of the town, and got out the timbers for a shop and brought them to Rankin. He afterward received a "communication" which led him to change his mind, and he hauled it away to Pellsville amid a storm of anything but applause from this end, and the booming of triumph at tl^e other. To one party Jones was several degrees below an ordinary "nincompoop," to the other, the hero of the hour.

The United Presbyterian church was organized in 1866. Rev. J. D. Whitham, of the Bloomington Presbytery, began preaching to|a few scattered families a few miles southwest of Rankin, in the spring of that year. In September following he organized the church by com- mission of presbytery, in Ford county, consisting of nineteen persons. James Campbell and family, William McClintock and family, J. T. "Wilson and family, were of the number. When Rankin was laid out, they having no house of worship in the county, and finding in the Messrs. Rankin, who were of that faith, strong friends, decided to build here. The church edifice is 36x50, and cost about §3,500. Rev. Mr. Whitham continued to preach for them nine years. Rev. J. T. Torrance, his successor, is still ministering to the church here. An interesting Sabbath-school is maintained.

The Methodist church was built in 1874, at a cost of 83,000. It is 36x55, and nicely seated. .Rev. W. H. Musgrove was the first preacher. A large Sabbath-school is maintained ; Mr. C. Bowers, superintendent. This church was really the successor of the first class organized in this town, at Dopp's house, which appointment was long in the Paxton circuit.

The S weeds, who are quite numerous in the country around Rankin, have organized a Lutheran church, and have purchased the schoolhouse for a church building. They have regular service in their own language, bringing their pastor from Paxton on a hand-car after he has finished his service there.

The Rankin Lodge, No. 725, Freemasons, was instituted June, 1874. The first officers were: John S. Hewins, W.M. ; B. R. Cole, S.W. ; W. H. Schwartz, J.W. ; R. W. English, Sec; A. D. Beckley, Treas., who, with Thomas McGill, James Wardlow and George Stamp constituted the charter members. The present officers are: J. S. Hewins, W.M. ; B. R. Cole, S.W. ; J. R. Bowers, J.W. ; C. W. Babcock, Sec. ; M. D. Sprague, Treas. ; M. J. Chapman, Senior Deacon.

The people of Rankin have been very fortunate in not being much troubled with places where the "ardent" is dealt out for drink. They will not tolerate anv such in their neighborhood. The Messrs. Rankin are decided temperance men, and in this view they are in hearty sympathy with the unanimous sentiment of their little village. One man, who is now carrying on a bakery in Leadville, tried the temper of the citizens by engaging in the traffic for a short time, but he soon found that public sentiment would not permit it, and left.

Pellsville was laid out and platted on the 20th jof July, 1872, by W. H. Pells, of Orleans county, Xew York, and A. F. Wardlow. It consisted of twenty-seven blocks in the north half of southeast quarter and the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 10 (23-14). Mr. Pells had been for some years engaged in trade at Paxton, and was a director in the road then being built. There was a post-office at Sugar Creek, which for some years had been kept at the store at the cross-roads, south of Pellsville. J. W. Shilling commenced the store about 1869. He sold to Mr. Jones, who died, and Mrs. Phillips kept it awhile after his death, when Mr. J. B. Lucas bought it, and continued in business about six months, and then moved it to Pellsville, and built the first business house in the new town. The building was afterward sold to Rankin, who moved it to Rankin, as a kind of trophy of the chase. Lucas moved the post-office here at the same time, and its name was changed to suit the changed locality. Mr. Pells put up a good two-story building, and leased it to Travis Brothers, who are still in business here.

The Methodist church was built in 1873 and 1874. It is about 28 X 36, plain, and cost $1,500. This church belongs to the Rankin circuit, and is served by the same preachers that preach at Rankin.

The citizens in the vicinity of Pellsville subscribed $3,500 to secure the station there, and had a long and exciting contest to secure it. Her business men are energetic and wide awake, and their business is prosperous.

Biographical

F. M. Smith, East Lynne, farmer, section 4, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 7th of March, 1833. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. K, 33d Ind. Vol. Inf., and was in the battle of Springhill and several skirmishes. He served three years, being on detached duty most of the time, and was mustered out at Atlanta, Georgia. He was married on the 18th of February, 1874, to Mary C. Swisher. They have two children by this marriage: William T. and Eliza A. Mr. Smith has held the offices of school director and commissioner of highways. He is a very industrious man, and well respected by the people in the neighborhood in which he resides. He is a republican in politics. Mr. Smith owns one hundred and twenty acres of land, worth $30 per acre.

William A. Laflen, East Lynne, physician, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 14th of January, 1838. He spent his boyhood days on the farm. At the age of eighteen he commenced teaching school. He taught ten winters. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. F, 4th Iowa Inf., and served three years. He was in the battle of Pea Ridge. Mr. Lafien attended Rush Medical College two years, at the expiration of which time he received a diploma for the practice of medicine. He commenced practice in Pilot township, and his labors have been attended with much success ever since. He was married on the 29th of March, 1868, to Sarah J. Legg. She was born in Will county, Illinois, on the 13th of Jul}7, 1844. The Doctor is a very enterprising man, and bids fair to rank high in his profession. He owns three hundred and sixty-one and a half acres of land, worth 830 per acre.

T. M. Layne, Rankin, farmer, section 11, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, on the 26th of March, 1827. He was married in Indiana, to Eliza Bittle, on the 27th of December, 1859. She was born in Seneca county, Indiana, on the 11th of November, 1843. They are the parents of seven children, three of whom are living: Elmer T., Henry and Frank. The names of the deceased are Jasper, Melville, Laura and Willie. Mr. Layne has held the office of school director six years, and trustee in the church. He owns eighty acres of land, worth $30 per acre. His parents are natives of Kentucky; Mrs. Layne's parents, of Virginia.

C. T. Daniel, Pellsville, grocer and confectioner, was born in Logan county, Ohio, on the 1st of April, 1836, and spent his early days on a farm. He moved with his father from Ohio to this state in 1844, and settled in Champaign county. He came to this county in 1874, settling in Pellsville, where he still resides. Mr. Daniel enlisted in the late war, in 1861, in Co. D, 3d Mo. Cav., and was in the pursuit of Price and in the battles of Hartswell (Missouri), Springfield and Pilot Knob. He was married on the 7th of December, 1864. His wife was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 30th of Xovember, 1845. They are the parents of three children : Thomas W., Priscilla W., and Mary. Mr. Daniel has held the office of school director five years. He is a republican and a Methodist.

Elam H. Beals, Rankin, farmer, was born in Randolph county, Indiana, on the 3d of May, 1835. His early life was spent on a farm, obtaining the education that could be had from a common district school. He came to this state in 1846 and settled in Vermilion county, remaining but two years, when he returned to Indiana and stayed until the year 1856, at which time he came back to this county, and has since remained. He was married to Amelia Parker, on the 2d of January, 1856. She was born in Highland county, Ohio, on the 6th of December, 1S37. They have had by this union seven children, four of whom are living: Demetrius, Jennie, Sherman and Cora. The deceased are Grant, Ellsworth and George. Mr. Beals has held the office of constable seven years, of deputy sheriff seven years, and has been assessor since 1872.

Frank W. Hall, Rankin, farmer, section 25, was born in Maine on the 6th of March, 1844. His father moved to this state when he was but three years old. He enlisted in 1862 with Co. C, 1st 111. Light Artillery, and served two years and eleven months. He was in the battles of Chickamauga, Corinth, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Atlanta, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Dallas (Texas), Peachtree Creek and Jonesboro, and was mustered out at Springfield. He was married in the spring of 1872 to Elisabeth Johnston, who was born in Ohio in 1852. They are the parents of two children: Carrie B., born May 10, 1876, and Augusta M., born February 26, 1879. Mr. Hall has held the office of school-director and road commissioner five years, and this position he still fills.

John F. Campbell, Rankin, inn-keeper and real-estate agent, was born in Monongalia county, Virginia, on the 11th of December, 1821. His early life was spent on a farm engaged in the ordinary duties that attend an agriculturist's occupation. He came to Edgar county, this state, in 1846, and settled near Paris, and in 1848 removed to Danville. He has been twice married : first to Elisabeth David, on the 14th of October, 1847. She was born in Yermilion county in 1827, and died in 1849. Jennie was born to them. Mr. Campbell was united, in 1860, to Margaret Baxter, who was born in Shelby county, Indiana. Mr. Campbell came to Rankin in 1872, and built the first hotel, which he has been running since ; also, in addition to this, he has been doing a good real-estate business. He is a republican and a Methodist.

Jesse S. Piles, Pellsville, farmer, section 11, was born in Preble county, Ohio, on the 14th of August, 1824. His father died when he was but thirteen years of age, and, until he reached the age of twentytwo, he helped his brothers to manage the farm. In 1854 he came to this state, and settled on the farm which he still holds, being the first settler in Butler township. He was married in Indiana, in 1857, to Phoebe Bales. They have had five children : John H., Margaret, Emily, Nancy and Anna. Mr. Piles has held the office of postmaster three years. His political views are republican, and in religion he is a Methodist.

H. M. Ludden (of the firm of H. M. Ludden & Co.), East Lynne, dry-goods and grocery merchant, was born in Franklin county, Massachusetts, on the 3d of August, 1843. He built the first store-house in East Lynne, and started the first store. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. K, 76th 111. Inf., and served three years. He was in several skirmishes. Mr. Ludden came to this state in 1855, and remained until 1865, when he returned to Massachusetts and there stayed till 1872. He was married in August, 1872, to Evaline Barr. She was born in Vermont in

1850. They have one child : Eva L. Mr. Ludden is at present justice of the peace, deputy postmaster and U. S. express agent. East Lynne owes much of its success as a business place to the energy of Mr. Ludden, who is regarded as one of the best citizens of Vermilion county. He owns forty acres of land, worth 810 per acre.

F. D. Travis, Pellsville, dry-goods and grocery merchant, was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of April, 1836. He commenced teaching school at the age of twenty, and taught six years in succession. He came to this state in 1856 and commenced the mercantile business. He was married in Indiana to Mary L. Jones, on the 21st of April, 1859. She was born in Illinois on the 25th of 'March, 1841. They had two children by this union, both deceased : William A., born on the 4th of January, 1860, and died on the 19th of September, 1867, and Walter, born on the 26th of October, 1868, and died on the 25th of September, 1869. Mr. Travis has been on the school board since the district was organized. He feeds and ships some hogs. Mr. Travis is regarded as one of the best business men in Vermilion county, and is respected by all. He is a democrat and a Presbyterian.

J. H. Schwartz, Rankin, farmer, section 30, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in July, 1809, and early learned the hatter's trade. He came to this state in 1856 and commenced farming. He was one of the first settlers in Butler township, and was its first supervisor, and held the office of road commissioner two years. He was married in 1831 to Catharine Wyand. She was born in Pennsylvania in October, 1806. They had by this union nine children, three of whom are living: Elisabeth E., now wife of Lewis John, of this township ; Daniel A. and William H. Mr. Schwartz lost one son in the late war. He is one of the most useful men in this countv, taking an active part in every enterprise that comes up. He stands well in the church to which he belongs, and in the community at large. He owns two hundred acres, valued at $30 per acre. He is a republican and Methodist.

Elbridge G. Hancock, Rankin, farmer, section 11, was born in Merrimack county, New Hampshire, on the 4th of December, 1840. His father died when he was but three vears old. He lived three vears with his uncle and three with his guardian, working on the farm during the summer and attending school during the winter. He came to this state in 1858 and settled in Tazewell county. He was married on the 17th of November, 1863, to Jemima Griffith. She was born in this state on the 26th of May, 1846. They had by this marriage two children, one living: Nettie B.; deceased, Frank. Mr. Hancock has held the office of school director ten years, assessor one term, collector one term, and road commissioner one term. He owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, valued at $30 per acre, and ships a few hogs for the Chicago market. He is a democrat and Methodist.

Henry Jones, Pellsville, blacksmith, was born in England, on the 5th of March, 1838. He learned his trade when quite young, and in 1856 came to America, and to this state in 1858, settling at Blue Grass, where he remained several years, and in 1873 came to Pellsville. He was married on the 10th of September, 1861, to Susan B. Lionberger, born in Virginia, on the 21st of December, 1844. They are the parents of three children : Emma T., born on the 7th of August, 1862, who, though not yet seventeen years old, is a graduate of the high school at Hoopeston, having attended four years ; John T., born on the 16th of March, 1865; Grace T., born on the 29th of November, 1869. Mr. Jones is an enterprising citizen. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of well-improved farm land in Middle Fork township, worth $25 per acre ; two town lots, blacksmith shop and a dwelling. He is a republican and Methodist.

T. T. Daniels, Pellsville, hardware and agricultural implements, was born in Logan county, Ohio, on the 2d of February, 1839. He remained on the farm until nineteen years of age, at which time his father died. He came to this state in 1844, and settled in Champaign county, where he remained until 1858. On the 29th of July, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 2d 111. Cal. Yol., and was in the battles of Holly Springs, Franklin, Clinton (Louisiana), Greenville (Alabama), and at the sieges of Vicksburg and Ft. Blakely, also in several skirmishes. He has been twice married : first, to Elisabeth J. Lucas in 1870. She was born in Indiana in 1845, and died in 1873. They had one infant, now deceased. He was then married to Emma J. Hankins, on the 2d of February, 1876. She was born in Indiana in 1849. They have by this marriage one child, Marse, born on the 4th of March, 1878. Mr. D. is a good business man, and well respected in this community.

J. L. McCauley, Rankin, dry goods and groceries, section 10, was born in Ohio on the 1st of August, 1845. His father died when he was quite young, leaving him to the care of his mother. He came to this state in 1860, and commenced business in Rankin when the village first started. He bought the first load of corn sold in the place. He has been in the dry goods and grocery business in Rankin for three years, and is getting a first-class trade. He owns 80 acres of land, worth $40 per acre, two lots, a storehouse that cost $1,400, one dwelling-house, and a half interest in one hundred acres of land in section 19.

Montgomery county, Indiana, on the 16th of May, 1838. He was married to Mary A. Armantrout on the 24th of December, 1858. She was born in Indiana on the 7th of April, 1836. T-hey are the parents of four children : Henry E., Edwin A., Simon L. and Ezra H. Mr. Applegate came to Illinois in 1860, and now owns a farm of two hundred acres, valued at s30 per acre. He is a deacon in the Christian church, and is regarded as one of the best of citizens. Mrs. Applegate's parents are natives of Virginia.

C. D. Dewey, Pellsville, farmer, section 3, was born in La Salle county, Illinois, on the 28th of May, 1841. He spent his boyhood days on a farm, where, by his habits of industry and economy, he learned not only how to save property but to accumulate it. He was married on the 22d of April, 1S63, to E. F. Blodgett. She was born in Seneca county, Ohio, on the 7th of July, 1840. They have two children : Walter H., born on the 10th of August, 1864; Frank E., born on the 31st of May, 1868. Mr. Dewey makes a specialty of handling fine stock, having at present some of the best in the country. He had, when married, no property, and now owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, worth $40 per acre. He is a republican, and in religion a Methodist.

John R. Bowers, Rankin, grain merchant, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, on the 11th of August, 1823. He moved with his father to Indiana when fourteen years old, and in 1858 came to this state and remained one year. He then returned to Indiana, where he remained until 1864, at which time he returned to this state, where he has remained since. He commenced the grain trade in 1872, and handled in one year $25,000 worth of grain. He has been twice married : first, to Phcebe Hains, in 1848. She was born in Ohio in 1826, and died in 1863. They had five children, four now living: John H., Charles L., Warren C. and William. The deceased, Lizzie. He was then married to Laura Pine in 1864. She was born in Indiana in 1S43. They have had seven children, four living: Henry C, Mary E., Lina, Edward, and three infants deceased.

O. F. Taylor, Pellsville, physician, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 21st of March, 1841, and remained home with his parents until twelve Years of age. He came to this state in 1849, and commenced the study of medicine in 1864. He attended the Bennett Medical College one term, and the Rush Medical College two terms, at the expiration of which he received a diploma for the practice of medicine. He first practiced in Peoria for six months, and then came to this township, where he has been since, and has had quite an extensive practice, which has been attended with good success. He was married on the 31st of December, 1867, to Nellie Clark, who was born in Vermont, on the 10th of May, 1845. They have had two children by this union, one living : Freddie, born on the 16th of September, 1873. The Doctor is a republican and a Methodist.

Charles Stamp, Pellsville, farmer, section 14, was born in Steuben county, New York, on the 14th of October, 1842. In 1865 he enlisted in the late war, in Co. E, 149th 111. Inf. Vol. He served one year, doing picket duty. "Was married to Lizzie Jones in 1867. They are the parents of three children : Rosa, Frank and John. Mr. Stamp has held the office of constable one term. He had but little property with which to start out in life, but by economy, industry and. good management, now owns one hundred and sixty acres of well-cultivated land, worth $35 per acre. He is a republican, and as regards religion, entertains liberal views. His parents were natives of New York.

John L. Anderson, Pellsville, farmer, section 3, was born in Sweden, on the 4th of April, 1841. He came with his father to America in 1852, settling in Indiana, where he remained until 1866. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. H, 72d Mounted Inf., and served three years, being in the battles of Chickamauga and Atlanta; was in a skirmish with the guerillas, and was with Wilson on one of his raids. He belonged to the division that captured Jeff Davis, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee. He was married on the 6th of June, 1868, to Ida Bergren, born in Sweden, on the 29th of June, 1859. They are the parents of six children, four of whom are living: Charles A., John E., Oscar V. and Augustus T. ; the deceased are Joseph and one infant. Mr. Anderson is a republican, and in religion a Lutheran. He owns eighty acres of land, worth $30 per acre.

B. L. Adamson, Pellsville, farmer, was born in Marion county, Ohio, on the 18th of June, 1849. For some years he assisted his father in farming and running a saw-mill, and then moved to Indiana, where he remained some time, and then went back to Ohio, and after staying awhile, in 1869 came to this state, and settled in Champaign county, where he stayed three years. He carried the United States mail one year from Paxton to Rossville, and then went into mercantile business in Rankin, but after being in this business three years was burned out. However, he rebuilt, and continued his business for one year, and thenwent to farming. He was married on the 10th of August, 1871, to Mary Wilson. She was born in Indiana in 1848. They are the parents of four children : Anna M., Maude, Emma G. and Alice J. Mr. Adamson is a republican ; is an industrious young man, and highly respected by the community.

on the 7th of August, 1828. He came to this state with his father in 1854, and settled near Chrisman, Edgar county, where he remained fifteen years. He then, in 1869, came to this township, where he has since remained. He was married to Sarah Bacon in December, 1855. She was born in New York state. They have had six children^ five of whom are living : Charles A., Edward B., Riley, Ira and Arthur B. Mr. Stamp has held the offices of school director and road commissioner. In 1863 he enlisted in the 79th 111. Inf. Vol., and was in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Jonesborough. He was captured by "Wheeler's men, and paroled. He served three years, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee. He owns eighty acres of land, worth $30 per acre. He is a republican and Baptist.

Andrew F. Wardlaw, Pellsville, farmer, was born in Warren county, Kentucky, on the 5th of June, 1827. He came to this state in 1841, and settled in Putnam county, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to Vermilion county. He was married on the 5th of September, 1850, to Nancy J. Moon, who was born in Menard county, Illinois, on the 26th of March, 1831. They are the parents of three children: Sarah J., born on the 16th of June, 1851, now wife of W. H. Lyon, of Butler township ; Artiemissa, born on the 23d of January, 1854; Charley T., born on the 29th of June, 1858. Mr. Wardlaw has held the office of school director five, and pathmaster four years. In 1862 he enlisted in the war, in Co. E, 4th 111. Cav., and was wounded in the shoulder in the battle of Coffeeville. He was in several skirmishes, and served two years and nine months. Mr. Wardlaw is a republican and a Presbyterian.

Owen S. Rollins, Pellsville, mechanic and carpenter, was born in New Hampshire, on the 25th of May, 1836. He worked in his father's mill until tyenty-one years of age. He then learned the cabinetmaker's trade, and then that of the carpenter. He came to this state in 1866, settling in Bureau county, where he remained till 1868, when he removed to Champaign county, and there stayed two years. He then moved to Blue Grass, and then to Pellsville. Mr. Rollins has been twice married : first to Louisa A. Tilton, on the 14th of December, 1855. She was born in New Hampshire, on the 26th of September, 1835, and died in 1865. They had one child, which died in June, 1856. Mr. Rollins was then married to Izalinda Moore, in September, 1869. She was born in 1847. They have by this marriage five children: Harry, Berton, Eddy, Helen B., Halycon. Mr. Rollins is a republican and a Methodist.

born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on the 10th of October, 1833. He came to this state in 1870. He was married on the 21st of December, 1869, to Sarah M. McA lister. She was born in Indiana in 1842. They have two children : Laura E. and Charley E. Mr. Small has held the offices of school trustee and school director ; has also been deacon in the Christian church. He fattens and ships from fifty to one hundred head of hogs a year, and handles some cattle. He is a republican in politics.

George Ensminger, Pellsville, wagon-maker, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of November, 1836, and came to this state in 1872, settling in Pellsville. He has been twice married : first to Angeline C. Snyder, in 1862. She was also born in Perry county, Pennsylvania. She died in 1870. They had two children by this marriage: Mary S., born in 1863, and Aaron B. S., born in 1864. He was then married to Matilda J. Casise, in 1873. She was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Ensminger is doing a good business, being the only wagon-maker in the village. He owns seven lots, a dwelling and wagon-shop in Pellsville. He is a democrat, and in religion entertains liberal views.

Benjamin R. Cole, Rankin, dry goods and groceries, was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana, on the 9th of February, 1841. His father died when he was fifteen years old. In the late war he enlisted in Co. C, 73d Ind. Inf., as private, but was soon after promoted to orderly sergeant. He served thirty-five months, and was in the battles of Perrysville, Kentucky, Stone River, and several other battles. He was taken prisoner near Richmond, and was taken to Indianapolis and exchanged. Mr. Cole was married to Elisabeth Hays on the 27th of May, 1866. She was born near Crawfordsville, Indiana, on the 24th of June, 1846. Mr. Cole has held the office of town clerk one term, and has been postmaster for the past four years. He commenced the mercantile business in Rankin in 1874. A few years ago he had but little property, but by his honesty, perseverance and economy, now owns eighty acres of land, worth $2,000, and has about $7,000 invested in his store. He is a republican and Methodist.

F. M. Hall, East Lynne, grain merchant, was born in Maine, and was raised on a farm. He came to this state in 1848, and first settled in La Salle county. He remained there twenty-seven years, and then came to this county, and, in 1878, went into the grain business in East Lynne. He enlisted in the late war in August, 1862, in Co. D, 104th 111. Inf. Vol., and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Hartsville, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Resaca. Mr. Hall has been twice married: first, to Addie L. Kel- ley, in October, 1865. She was born in Ohio in 1843. They had three children : Arthur, Eva R. and Claudie B. He was then married to Ella F. "Wilson on the 26th of April, 1877. She was born in Illinois in 1856. Mr. Hall has held the office of constable one term, and township collector one term. He owns two hundred acres of land half a mile from East Lynne, valued at $35 per acre. He is a republican and a Baptist.

Bradley Butterfield, Rankin, farmer and carpenter, was born in Bennington county, Vermont, on the 24th of December, 1829. He came to this state in 1854, and settled in Putnam county, where he remained for sixteen years, working at the carpenter's trade. He came to this county in 1870. He was married on the 14th of February, 1861, to Priscilla Gurned, born in 1829. They are the parents of two children, one living, Edwin S. ; deceased, James W. Mr. Butterfield has held the office of township collector and constable. He is at present supervisor. He owns one hundred and forty-five acres of land, worth $35 per acre. His father was a native of New Hampshire ; his mother, of Massachusetts. He is a republican.

Justin S. Hall, East Lynne, farmer, section 15, was born in Maine, on the 24th of April, 1840. When he was eight years old he came with his father to this state, settling in La Salle county, where he remained twenty years, farming and teaching. He then moved to Livingston county, where he stayed six years, and came to this county in 1874. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. B, 104th 111. Inf. Vol., and was in the battle of Hartsville. He served three months, and was discharged on account of sickness. Mr. Hall was married on the 28th of January, 1869, to Sarah M. Stanford. She was born in La Salle county, on the 7th of May, 1845. They are the parents of three children, two living: Emery S. and Ralph E. ; deceased, Elber J. Mr. Hall owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, worth $25 per acre. He has held the offices of town clerk, supervisor of township, and road commissioner. He is a republican and Baptist. Mrs. Hall is a Congregationalism

E. H. Whitham, Rankin, banker and grain merchant, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the 8th of November, 1847. He spent his early life on a farm, and his educational advantages were onlj7 those of common district school. He came with his father to this state in 1866, and in 1875 settled in Rankin, commencing his banking business and grain buying. He was married to Elisabeth George in January, 1879. She wa6 born in Ohio. Mr. Whitham is a republican and a Presbyterian. His father, a native of Virginia, was a very noted minister of Presbyterian church. He owns sixteen lots and a house and bank in Rankin. Mrs. Whitham's parents were natives of Ohio.

N. R. Hall, East Lynne, farmer, was born in the state of Maine on the 13th of December, 1844, where he remained until 1848, when the family of which he was a member removed to this state, settling in La Salle county. Here Mr. Hall was married to S. Augusta Knapp, a native of the count}' named. They are the parents of three children : George W., Lucia K. and S. Lloyd N7 In 1875 the family removed to East Lynne, since which time Mr. Hall has been engaged in handling hardware, lumber and agricultural implements, in addition to his original business - that of farming. By industry and economy he has acquired quite a competency, being possessed of considerable property in and about the village.

C. B. Eells, Rankin, farmer, section 25, was born in La Salle county, Illinois. His father was one of the pioneers of this county. He was with the Indians, and for two years did not see the face of a white man. Mr. Eells assisted his father on the farm in La Salle county until the year 1875, having been previously married to Francis E. Maines. She was born in New York on the 24th of July, 1847. They are the parents of three children : Nellie, Manford and Milton C. Mr. Eells has held the office of school director. His grandfather was in the Black Hawk war.

James Sloan, Rankin, farmer, section 5, was born in Ireland on the 15th of Jime, 1846. He came to America in 1854, and settled in Ohio, where he remained for a period of twelve years, engaging in farming pursuits. He then moved to Cass county, Illinois, where he remained ten years, and then, in 1876, came to this county, where he has since resided. He was married to Matilda Simpson in 1875. She was born in Ireland. They have two children : John C. and Lillie J. Mr. Sloan is a republican, and in religion a Presbyterian. He owns eighty acres of land.

Aaron D. Darnall, East Lynne, attorn ey-at-law, was born in Edgar county, Illinois, on the 20th of February, 1847, being a son of the Rev. Aaron Darnall, of that county, who was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1809, and was one of the pioneers of Edgar county ; also was a Baptist minister of considerable note. The subject of this sketch, in 1875, commenced reading law with R. N. Bishop, of Paris, Illinois. After attending Ann Arbor law school one year, he was admitted to the bar in 1877, and has been practicing since, bidding fair to rank high in his chosen profession. He was married on the 29th of August, 1878, to Catharine A. Rice. She was born in Putnam county, Illinois, on the 15th of January, 1855. They have one child, Oliver Leslie, born on the 15th of March, 1879. Mr. Darnall is a democrat, and in religion a Baptist.

John B. Hazel, Rankin, practicing- physician, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, in 1843. He remained on the farm until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he commenced attending medical lectures, first at the Rush Medical College, at Chicago, during one course. In 1862 he enlisted in the late war, in Co. I, Zuaves, and served until the close of the war. He then resumed his studies, and at the expiration of two years received a diploma for the practice of medicine from the college before mentioned. He commenced business in Farmer City, Illinois, and then went to Penfield, where he met with eminent success for seven years. He came to Rankin in 1878, and is here meeting much encouragement. In 1868 he was married to Miss D. Rollins, a native of Champaign county. They have one child : Hallie.

N. F. Ketcham, Pellsville, lumber merchant, was born in Rochester, New York, on the 24th of April, 1829. His chances for an early education were good, having attended the Baptist Seminary, of New York, and the Methodist Seminary, of Ohio. He was married in 1854, to Helen A. Wilkinson, born in Waterloo, New York. They have had five children, four of whom are living: D. Ernest, born on the 6th of August, 1855; Clara A., born on the 4th of June, 1857; Lottie, born on the 21st of July, 1860 ; M. Cassius, born on the 15th of April, 1863 ; Charley, born on the 27th of November, 1867, and died in 1868. When he came to this state, in 1864, he settled in Kankakee, where he was deputy circuit clerk three years. He has in Vermilion county held the offices of town clerk and of deputy circuit clerk one term. He is steward and class leader in the Methodist church, and has taught school twenty different terms. He commenced the lumber business in Pellsville in 1878.