Button Township (part 1 of 2)

Button Township

Mt. Olivet Christian Church.* - From the earliest settlement of the locality now included in Button Township, the Christian denomination had its ministers early on the ground. In fact, some of these ministers were among the pioneer settlers. A brief sketch is given by Harmon Strayer in the chapter of remi¬ niscences. The several organizations or societies of this denomi¬ nation were in 1871 re-organized and united under the name given at the head of this article.

The church building was dedicated December 10, 1871, the dedication sermon being delivered by Elder R. M. Martin, of Danville, Ill. The membership at the organization numbered about forty. We are able to give noarly all of their names, which are as follows: Mareton Dudley, Milton Strayer, John M. Strayer, T. B. Strayer, William Walker, David Morehouse, W. H. II. Wood, J. A. Dudley, Ilcnry Correll, John Corrcll, Joseph Harris, John B. Harris, Daniel Allhands and their wives, also Sarah Button, Elizabeth Strayer, N. B. Spiceard, II. S. Strayer, Elizabeth Strayer, Mary E. Spiceard, F. L. Holloway, M. E. Dudley, S. J. Strayer, Dora Strayer, Mary Strayer, Sarah O. Walker, Oswell H. Walker, Mrs. Glotfelter.

Just north of the church and in the same inclosure is a cem¬ etery. Here are interred several of those whose names are given as the first members.

Nils Poison and Gust Fager were the first Deacons elected. Swen Anderson and C. L. Seaholm were the first Trustees, and Swen Anderson was the first Secretary, which position he still holds.

The congregation was organised under the leadership of Pas¬ tor 0. Tjamsland, and is under and within the Swedish Evangel¬ ical Lutheran Synod of United States of America.

We have no church building, owing to the members going from here to the Western States every year. We are using the old sohoolhouse building, in connection with the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church, as our place of worship.

We have no pastor at present, Mr. A. Lindahl, a Deacon, from Farmersville, near Elliott, has been preaching the Gospel here from the beginning of 1880 and up to the present time.

Church of God. f - This church was organized September 26, 1869. The names of the original members are D. F. Breneisa, Peter Minich, Samuel Leopold, Joseph Leopold, R. C. Breneisa, Henry Kaufman, Joseph Imhoff, John Geen, Mrs. Susan Min¬ ich, Miss Emma Minich, Mrs. Sarah A. Leopold, Mrs. Anna Breneisa, Mrs. Catharine Leopold, Mrs. Mary Imhoff, Miss Kate Breneisa, Miss Fannie Breneisa, Mrs. Fred Falter.

Elder William A. Smith preached from October, 1869, to October, 1872; Elder J. M. Cassel, preached from October, 1872, to October, 1874; Elder W. B. Allen, preached from Oc¬ tober, 1874, to October, 1876 ; Elder George Cutler, preached from October, 1876, to October, 1877 ; Elder W. A. Smith, preached from Optober, 1877, to October, 1878; Elder A. J. Fenton, preached from October, 1878, to October, 1880; Elders John Burnard and Oscar Huston, preached from October, 1880, to October, 1881 ; Elder W. A. Smith, preached from October, 1881, to October, 1884. D. F. Breneisa, Peter Minich and Samuel Leopold are the Trustees.

This society reject infant baptism, and practice immersion, and the literal washing of the saints' feet as appointed ordinances, and believe in the personal reign of Christ. They reject all creeds and take the New Testament for their discipline.

The Church of God has at present over 1,000 ordained min¬ isters, and a membership of 65,000, and is at the present time building a college at Findlay, Ohio, at a cost of over $100,000.

The organization known as the Sugar Loaf appointment of the Methodist Episcopal Church was first effected in the fall of 1872, in what was called the Bute Sohoolhouse, in District No. 8, Mona Township. Previous to this time, there had been occasional preaching in that neighborhood by Rev. Michael Lewis, better Known as Father Lewis.

There were but few members at first, but these took hold in earnest, and soon others came in, forming a larger and more firm¬ ly established organization. The origins! members of this church were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kelley, Mr. and Mrs. George Sherman, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. James Wade, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Heavisides, Mrs. Jackson Bute, Mrs. David Keighin, Mr. and Mrs. George Evans, Father Lewis and wife.

Until the town hall was built, the society worshiped in the Bute Schoolhouse, but after the completion of the hall in 1877 the meetings were held there. When the yiliage of Kempton sprang up in 1877, the place of worship was transferred to a hall in the yiliage. In the fall of 1881, steps were taken to build a house of worship in Kempton; the following spring the work was commenced, resulting in the erection of a neat ana commodious church edifice, costing about $2,000.

The first Pastor of the church was Rev. J. D. Calhoun, who preached one year; this was his first appointment He was fol¬ lowed by Rev. Rutledge, who was in charge a year. The next pastor was Rev. Woodward, who remained one year; his successor was Rev. J. A. Flowers, whose term lasted two years. Follow¬ ing him came Rev. Wilson, who preached two years. Rev. Joe Bell succeeded him, and was in charge three years. The present pastor is Rev. Charles David.

Robert Lewin, Thomas Heavisides, Andrew Stuart and Thomas Shaw have acted as stewards at various times, the latter being in office at the present time.

This appointment is in the Onarga Conference, of which Rev. G. W. Gne is Presiding Elder. The church at Kempton is now in a flourishing condition.

Methodist Episcopal Church , Melvin .f - This church was first organized in 1871, November 26. It sprung from what was known as Pierce's Mission. Father Pierce, an old Scotch local preacher living at "Olive Grove," came into Peach Orchard Township and established a regular preaching place at Grand Prairie Schoolhouse in 1869, which, with other similar preaching places in neighboring townships was called Pierce's Mission. When the village of Melvin was started, the Grand Prairie ap¬ pointment was moved to Melvin. Its name was changed to the Methodist Episcopal Church, with Rev. T. P. Henry as first pastor on a circuit of three appointments, namely, Melvin, Rob¬ erts and Bell Schoolhouse, Ole Johnson, James Dixon, Charles Phillips and T. D. Thompson being the first board of stewards, Charles Phillips, Mary Phillips, William Thompson, T. D. Thompson, Mrs. T. D. Thompson, Alexander Stevens, Mariah Stevens and Jane Ogden forming the firet class at Melvin, with Charles Phillips as Leader. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse and hall until the fall of 1879, when the society began the erection of a church, which was completed in the spring of 1880, at a cost of $2,400, and dedicated June 20, 1880, by W. H. H. Adams, President Wesleyan University of Bloomington, Ill. Thomas Fletcher, Alex Yarbrough, L. S. Heath, Henry Halver¬ son, J. H. Higgason, W. J. Hunt, J. M. Thompson and T. D. Thompson being the first board of trustees.

The German Methodiet Episcopal Society of Mehin.% - Th is society was organised in Peach Orchard Township in 1870 with ten members by Rev. E. J. Funk, of Chicago German Con¬ ference.

The first data was composed of the following members: H. Duringer and wife, Ties Arends and wife, George O. Arends and wife, A. Heilman and wife, and Gerhard Denies and wife. Meetings were first held at farmhouses, then in schoolhouses. After tne village of Melvin was started, they moved into town. In 1875, they bought the old schoolhouse which stood a half mile south of town, moved it up into town, fitted it up, and used it for church until 1881, when they built a new church at a cost of $1,850. It was dedicated November 20 by Peter Hinners, of Chicago.

From the time of organization till July 5, 1875, Rev. Simon Suij was minister of the congregation. From the latter date until April 7, 1878, Rev. H. Ilebler was the minister, and since that time Rev. H. Stachling has been the minister.

In the first years after this congregation was organized, some of our old members moved to other States, and it was a burden for the few members to uphold the duties of tlfo church, but in the last six or seven years more and more people have joined us.

At this time our congregation has thirty members or families. Our building is not near large enough, and we hope to erect a new building very soon.

Elliott

United Brethren Church, Elliott. - This church was organ¬ ized two and a half miles north from Elliott, at Samuel Todd's house, in the winter of 1*62. The original members were Sam¬ uel and Nancy Todd, Jackson and America Pitser, Peter Beatty and wife, John Wallace's family, John and Jemima Cooder, Jesse and Rosanna Todd, Messrs. Darg, Hawthorne, Trickel and their wives, John Keesey and wife, John McBride and wife and others to the number of forty.

The ministers who have served this charge are as follows: Revs. Orrin, " The Apostle of the Wabash," George W. Winer, J. W. Fisher, Samuel Zook, George Hall, S. Mitchell, John Mor¬ rison. J. I. Robinson, Mr. Blake, Mr. Corley, L. L. Rinehart, Mr. Scott and John Morrison. Rev. Orrin came in 1859, preaching in this vicinity and* at other points as the title given to him would indicate.

Thepresent trustees are John Keesey, William J. Wants and S. W. Wade. This organisation is one of the oldest in the coun¬ ty, and numbers among its membership some of the most promi¬ nent citizens of Elliott and Dix Township. Its Sunday school officers and teachers have been very active workers in that cause.

The Catholic Church of Gihson\. - This church was organ¬ ised at Gibson in 1875. The original members were John Dela¬ ney, John Sutton, Thomas Tierney, Patrick Harty, Michael Harty, Con Hardigan, James Molloy, John Donnelya, Michael Donovan, Michael Ryan, John and Jeff New, John Graden and others to the number of twenty-five.

In 1876, the present church building was erected at a cost of $1,100. The priests who have had charge of this church are as follows: Fathers Fanning, Cahel, Kelley, Lewis and Flynn. The church is clear of dent, with money in the treasury. The membership now numbers about 100 and the number is steadily increasing. The church is in a very prosperous condition. It has a flourishing Sunday school, superintended by the pastor.

The city of Paxton is laid out in Sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, in Range 10 east, in the township of Patton. Most of it lies in Sections 7 and 8. Nearly all the blocks, lots and streets are laid oat parallel with the Illinois Central Railroad, or on an angle of about fifteen degrees. The original town consisting of thirtyfive blocks, lying on both sides of tho railroad, was laid off in the spring of 1857, by A. D. South worth, Deputy County Surveyor of Vermilion County. The land was owned by W. II. Pells, R.

R. Murdock, Loander Britt, Benjamin Stites and D. Donally. The next addition to the town was the Railroad Addition, laid out north of the original town, in the spring of 1858, for Joseph E. Austin, A. II. Reynolds, Hiram C. Todd, L. Britt, R. R. Mur¬ dock and W. II. Pells. This addition consisted of fourteen whole blocks and twenty-one fractional blocks.

In 1867, W. II. Pells laid out Pells Addition west of the Illinois Central Railroad, consisting of twelve fractional blocks, adjoining the original town on tho west, and the same year James Mix laid out forty-three blocks lying north and west of the Railroad Addition.

The next addition to Paxton was Polls Addition, east of the Illinois Central Railroad, laid out in 1870, for William H. Polls, by H. J. Howe, County Surveyor. This addition joins the original town on the east, and contains nineteen blocks. A small addition was laid off by Surveyor Howe, in the fall ofl870 for J. E. Hall and George Schlosser, consisting of ono block, of fourteen lots, known as Hall's Addition.

In 1875, R. R. Murdock laid off twenty-nine lots, in the northeast part of town known as Murdocks Audition. In March, 1877, S. J. Toy and A. C. Thompson, owners of Lots 5 and 6 in Goodrich's Subdivision caused a rc-survey to be made, laying them off into four blocks or thirty-five lots, known as Toy k Thompson's Addition.

The Name

Paxton has not always boon the name of this town. When originally laid out, it was called Prospect City, and before that time it was known as Prairie City, which was also the name of the township before being changed to Patton. It continued to he called Proqpect City until September, 1859, when a petition was presented to the County Court, asking them to change the name of Prospect City to Paxton. The petition was granted, " and the place heretofore known as Prospect City shall here¬ after be known by the name of Paxton."

It is authoritatively reported that Sir Richard Paxton, of England was organizing a colony in that country to settle in Illinois, and it was thought that by naming this town Paxton, in honor of him, it might have some influence in inducing him to settle here.

The change of name did not have the desired effect, but as the authorities saw no good reason for changing the name in consequence of this failure, the name is still Paxton, and down in history.

Early Comers To The City Prior To 1859 Paxton In The Past

The first house in Paxton was the house owned by William Goodrich, which was originally built on the west side of the rail¬ road, about one hundred yards south of Ottawa street, and occu¬ pied as a boarding house for men who were constructing the rail¬ road.

In the spring of 1854 this house was moved up to Ottawa street and occupied by Mr. Goodrich as a dwelling. He after¬ ward kept a store iu the same building. This house was burnt about 1877. Previous to this, however, a building had been erected by B. F. k J. N. Stites, on the present site of the Glen

Cemetery, but this, properly speaking, was not in the limits of Prospect City as afterward laid out. In the fall of 1854, John Murphy built the present Stites residence, and about the same time Stites Brothers put up a store building right opposite. Prospect City could not really be said to havo had any boom un¬ til about 1857, the buildings erected previous to this date being those already mentioned, and 1. W. Shilling's boarding house adjacent to the Stites residence on the east, afterward removed; the residence of Thomas Daniels within the same inclosure as the boarding house, now used by Stites Brothers for a wagon house. Directly opposite the Daniels house stood tho small octagon building which now stands just across the road from the old cem¬ etery. This building was occupied as a meeting place for tho Spiritual Circle, their moving spirit being a certain Dr. Spencer. In 1856, the Stites Brothers sold out their store to Dryden Don¬ ally, who erected a residence between the store building and the one already mentioned as occupied by the Spiritualists. About this time, Stacey Daniels built a house on the site now occupied by Captain Shepardson's handsome residence.

In 1*57, a small hotel was built on the southwest corner of Block 18, original town, cast of the railroad, and called the City Hotel. This building was afterward moved up near the depot, on the northwest corner Block 4, enlarged and christened the Ben¬ nett House. This hotel was destroyed by fire. Closely follow¬ ing thoso already mentioned came the store of Henry Barnhouse, Patton's Block, and Abe Martin's store building, on the east side of the railroad; and on the west side was Cloyes Brothers' store, on Lot 1, Block 12, now Cooper's drugstore; R. Clark's house, on Block 4, and the nucleus of the present Occidental Hotel. Our space will not warrant us to enter into a more general detail. Suffice to say, that stores, residences and offices rapidly multiplied from that time forward.

First term of Circuit Court was held at the City Hotel, after¬ ward at Hanley's Hall, in a building adjoining the present Pat¬ ton Block on the west.

At an early date, the post office was kept by Henry Bam¬ house, at his store, nearly opposite the present residence of B. Q. Cherry, just west of Paxton on the Ottawa road, and our best in¬ formation is that upon his removal to Paxton. Mr. Bamhouse brought the poet office with him. The name of the post offioe was Ten Mile Grove, and when ho oponed the office here it was changed to Prospect City. It is thought by some that before tho latter name was adopted it was called Prairie City. The office was next kept in the store of Cloyes Brothers.

The first marriage license issued in Ford County was by Nathan Simons, the Clerk, to Charles W. Searing and Miss Sarah Bowles. They were married July 8, 1859, by Rev. A. C. Edwards.

J. D. Wilson started a harness shop in 1865, in the building he now occupies just north of the Occidental Hotel. A Mr. Seeley opened the first shop here.

In 1858, forty-two houses were standing in Prospect City, and during a heavy wind storm, twenty-two of them were blown off their foundation and had to be repaired.

Business Interests

Paxton was never in a more solid and flourishing condition than at present. Its citizens are prosperous and manifest a great interest in the prosperity of this town. During the past three years, a number of wealthy and substantial farmers have moved here from the adjacent country for the purpose of obtain¬ ing for their children tho benefits derived from the Collegiate and Normal Institute and High School. Paxton is conceded to have no superior as a town for the social and neighborly qualities of its citizens. The greatest harmony prevails and the interests of all converge to the welfare of this little city.

The banking business is conducted by the Ford County and First National Banks. The Ford County Bank is the first and ionecr bank of tho county, and was opened for business in a ouse owned by A. McElroy on Market street, on the 1st day of January, 1866, by S. J. Toy, who came from Champaign County. In the spring of 1867, he moved into Pell's block. On the 1st day of August, 1868. A. C. Thompson, but recently from Pennsylvania, joined Mr. Toy in the banking business, putting in an equal amount of capital. In the spring of 1869, they broke ground for their new bank building, and in the autumn of that year moved into their new quarters, where they continued business together for about three years under the firm name of Toy k Thompson. November 1, 1871, S. J. Toy, A. C. Thompson, Robert Blackstock, Edwin Rice, and 0. E. Hen¬ derson organized the First National Bank of Paxton, III., with a capital of $50,000. A. C. Thompson was made President, and S. J. Toy, Cashier. Mr. Toy held that position until the spring of 1874, when he sold out his interest to J. M. Clevenger, and Robert Blackstock was made cashier. The bank continued business until the 10th of February, 187 », when they closed out by voluntary liquidation. After which, A. C. Thompson, Robert Blackstock and W. M. Blackstock organized the present Ford County Bank of Thompson, Blackstock k Co., successors to the First National Bank, which continued under their management until the loth of April, 1883, at which time W. M. Blackstock withdrow from the firm, and on tho 3d of May following Edwin Rice, a .prominent and well-known business man of Puxton took a third interest in the bank, which is now running under the same firm name. These gentleman are well known fur their obliging manners and financial responsibility. The First National Bank was organized in 1883, with S. r. Bushnell, President; J. S. Wilson, Vice President, and J. B. Shaw, Cashier, and A. S. Bushnell, Assistant Cashier. They commenced business, May 7, 1883, with a capital stock of $50,000, and have already estab¬ lished a good reputation. In the fall of 1883, Mr. Wilson with¬ drew from the bank, and John P. Day was elected in his place as Vice President. This bank is a successor of George Wright, who kept a private bank here for many years. This bank is doing a successful business, and enjoys the entire confidence of the people.

There are three dry goods stores, that of Harper k Son (James^and William Harper) being the largest and carrying os fine a line of goods as is found in any city of this size. They enjoy a large trade and may be classed among the prominent and successful business men of Paxton. A. J. Laurence is a gentle¬ man of enterprise, and from the very first of his engaging in the dry goods business here, he has prospered. Ilis line of goods is fully up to the demands of .this locality. Rawlings k Mercer, successors to F. Telander k Co., are young men of ability and push, and justly entitled to their share of the patronage of the people.

There are two clothing houses, P. Larson k Co., carrying an extensive line of ready made clothing and gents' furnishing goods. In connection with this is a tailoring establishment, and suits made by " Larson k Co." have a wide reputation for excel¬ lence, auality and durability. John Nelson is an old and wellestablished dealer in the clothing line, and has an extensive trade.

The leading hardware merchants are R. Cruzcn, in Clark's block, who handles all goods usually kept by every well-regulat¬ ed hardware store. In stoves and ranges, lie has the latest im¬ proved styles, and constantly keeps a largo stock of shelf hard¬ ware. J. M. Hanley k Co., are active men engaged in business here, besides carrying a large stock of hardware, tinware and mechan¬ ics' tools; they are agents for the celebrated McCormick machines.

In the drug business we find four stores. - P. Hanson k Co., on the corner of Market and Pells streets, are doing a successful and satisfactory business, carrying a large stock of drugs and drug¬ gist sundries. The firm is composed of P. Ilanson and Oicar A. Swanson. Right opposite is S. D. Cooper's drug store. Be¬ sides a large stock of pure drugs, he has u large assortment of books, stationery, etc. The firm of MoTaggart k Co., also do a large business and command their share of patronage.

The grocery trade is well represented here. The largest grocery house in the city is that of William M. Wilson, on the corner of Market and Polls streets. His largo store is complete¬ ly stocked with first-class goods in the grocery line; lias also a large assortment of crockery and glassware. In connection with this, he has a fine line of boots and shoes. Mr. Wilson commands the confidence and support of an appreciative public. On the opposite side of the street and little farther south is the store of N. Younggreen, who is prepared at all times to supply customers, with any article usually kept in a well regulated grocery house, and at the lowest prices consistent with a safe business. George Schlosser deals in groceries and choice family provisions. His store is situated at the lower end of Market street, and by court¬ eous attention and an accommodating spirit,he receives an extensive patronage. On the east side of the railroad is found the grocery store of A. Anderson, which is replete with fresh groceries and provisions. He has a large trade.

I* H. Rodeen, on Market street, has a large general store, and does a flourishing business. He is a joung man of energy, and takes pride in the success of his business.

Cook & White and Charles H. Langford have complete sets of abstract books. Both firms are reliable, and can furnish ab¬ stracts of title to all lands in Ford County.

Other well-known business men of this place are White Brothers, general dealero in lumber, coal, lime, stone and paints. The firm consists of W. White, Circuit Clerk, and John White, Alderman from First Ward. George Grove, one of the most en¬ ergetic and enteiprising young business men. of Paxton, is gen¬ eral manager of P. Whitmer's lumber yard. They keep a large assortment of all kinds of building material, doors, sash, blinds, stone, coal, etc., and do a flourishing business. Henry Pearsons is a contractor and builder, and has a thorough knowledge of his business, and has earned a reputation as a speedy workman.

Charles C. Putt k Co., importers and breeders of Clydes¬ dale horses have on hand fourteen head of these celebrated stallions, purchased from the best breeders in Scotland. Fred¬ erick T. Putt, a member of this firm, i» one of the old settlers of this county, and at one time carried on an extensive farm a few miles southwest of Paxton. They also have a livery stable, and can supply teams and stylish turnouts at any time. They are a reliable and trustworthy firm.

A. S. Hopkins k Co.'s large agricultural warehouse on the corner of State and Market streets is filled with a large assort¬ ment of agricultural implements, wagons, buggies, paints, oils, steam engines, thrashers, etc. They handle only first-class goods, ana do a successful business.

Gust Sandburg, manufactures carriages, wagons, and does general blacksmithing, is a representative of the sturdy Swede element of this plaoe, and is well known for his mechanical abilities. Papineau's carriage and wagon factory represents an important manufacturing industry of Paxton.

B. F. Hill is the proprietor of the Paxton Flouring Mill, and also deals in coal and grain. He manufactures a fine brand of flour, and does a good business.

Edwin Rice is a grain dealer, owning the large elevator which stands at the junction of the railroads. He is also associated with the Ford County Bank.

The railroads centering here are the Dlinois .Central and Lake Erie k Western, and they have a union depot which is presided over by R. S. Hall and G. E. Abbott. Robert S. Hall, the Central agent, is a gentleman of winning manners and social dis¬ position, and one who has made many friends by strict attention to all business affaire, and the most polite service to the traveling public. ' He has been agent for many years.

George E. Abbott, tne Lake Ene k Western agent, has for several years faithfully and acceptably performed the arduous duties of this responsible position, and earned the well-deserved record of being one of the most popular agents on the line of the road.

Probably the most extensive hay pressere in the county are Crusen Bros. (George and Joseph). Their barns are located, in Paxton. They annually press and ship to the South and East about 8,000 tons of the beet tame hay.

Thk Paxton Building, Loan And 8Aving8 Association

The Paxton Building, Loan and Savings Association was or¬ ganised January 29, 1883, with a capital stock of 9600,000, divided into shares of $100 each. The object of the association is to afford its members a safe and profitable investment for their weekly savings ; to facilitate their acquiring homesteads and to secure to them the advantages usually expected from savings and co-operative institutions. The duration of the corporation is twenty-five years. The corporate powers are exercised by a Board of Directors. Its officers consist of President, Vice Presi¬ dent, Secretary and Treasurer. Each stockholder for each and every share of stock held by him, pays to the Secretary every Saturday, the weekly contribution of 12| cents on each snare he holds, until each share reaches a value of $100, when such stockholder is entitled to $100 for each share owned by him. No member is entitled to more than fifty shares. Any member can withdraw at any time by giving due notice and be entitled to re¬ ceive the amount paid in by him, and such interest thereon or proportion of profits thereon as the Board of Directors shall pre¬ scribe, and not less than an amount equal to four per cent inter¬ est on the amount of dues paid in for the average time. The Directors of this association are Weaver White, Henry C. Hall, France L. Cook, Charles Bogardus, George Grove, Robert S. Hall, Charles M. Taylor, Henry Pearson, John M. Hanley. Officers \ C. Bogardus, President; C. M. Taylor, Vice President; O. B. Talley, Secretary; R. Blackstock, Treasurer ; F. L. Cook, Attorney.

The Paxton Brick k Tile Company was organized and in¬ corporated April 1, 1882, with the following stockholders: Col. Charles Bogardus, A. M. Daggett, F. L. Cook, J. P. Middlecoff, of Paxton, and P. Whitmer, of Bloomington. J. P. Middlecoff is President; F. L. Cook, Secretary, and George Grove, Treasurer. These works are in a flourishing condition, doing a very extensive business. In the past two years, they have kept their machines running twenty-two hours out of the twenty-four during working months. They employ about thirty-two men, with a pay-roll of $300 a week. The factory is located on College Hill, within the corporate limits of Paxton, and on the highest point of land be¬ tween Chicago and Cairo. They have a deposit of fine clay reaching to a depth of sixteen feet below the surface. The qual¬ ity of this clay is not excelled for the purpose of the manufacture of brick. ,

The Paxton Flax Mill is owned and operated by the Cham¬ paign Twine and Bagging Factory of Champaign, Ill., which is an incorporated company with a capital stock of $100,000. The Directors are L. C. Garwood, Moses Jerome, I. S. Mahan, F. T. Walker, B. D. Harrison, P. W. Plank, H. C. Howard. H. C. Howard is President; John R. Trevett, Treasurer ; P. W. Plank, Secretary, and M. Jerome, General Manager and the founder of the business. The Paxton Mill is under the management of A. W. Jerome, and employs about fifteen bands the year round, with a pay-roll averaging $450 a month. They manufacture binder twine which finds a ready sale in this and adjoining States, and bagging, which is principally sold in the South, usea for covering cotton bales. Congress has been favorable to the importation of jute butts which seriously affects the business, and is detrimental to the interest of flax growers. This company has five different flax mills under operation - one at Rantoul, one at Hoopeston, one at Buckley, one at Cherokee, Iowa, and this one in Paxton. The amount of flax straw worked up varies from five to twelve hun¬ dred tons annually, which is bought from the farmers.

Collbgiatb And Normal In8Titutb

The Collegiate Institute is Paxton's special pride. It owes its origin, gradual growth and high standing to the liberality and intelligence of the citizens of. Paxton and vicinity. The first move made toward its establishment was to discard the public high school, and hold out inducements for the establishment of an academy.

In the autumn of 1878, Rev. C. Thompson Kellogg opened a school in the buildings formally used by the Augustina College. At the beginning of the next year, the school was started by Charles M. Taylor, - the present Principal, and continued that year in the same buildings. Daring the summer of 1880, the corner-stone of the magnificent brick structure now occupied by the school was laid. This was due to the enterprise of the Principal and liberality of the community who contributed sev¬ eral hundred dollars toward taking out scholarships aiid tuition certificates to the amount of some $4,000. With this aid, improvements were made, and now the college is one of the finest buildings in Eastern Illinois. The school has incorpo¬ rated in its foundation, principles of economy and thoroughness, and has systematically worked toward the accomplishment of both. There is not perhaps a school in the country where ex¬ penses are as low, and the standard of scholarship is rivaled at very few places. The moral atmosphere is exceptionally good. No person is allowed to remain in the institution who does not devote himself to school work. While the discipline is in a sense most rigid, it is purely democratic. The Principal is not re¬ garded as a tyrant nor the Faculty a set of despots; neither do the pupils take delight in tormenting, or in getting ahead of their teachers. Pupils are received as ladies and gentlemen and when they show themselves not so, they are dismissed. Parents con¬ cerned in the harmonious development of their children's physical, mental and moral condition cannot find a better plaoe.

Municipal Afp Airs

In connection with this sketch of Paxton, we add some items of interest taken from data furnished by George A. Hall, City Clerk, in regard to the municipal affaire. It would give us pleasure to present a complete list of city records, but as that would be too voluminous we are obliged to confine ourselves to a very brief abstract.

The census of Ford County for the year 1860 reveals the fact that Paxton at that time had only 275 inhabitants. As yet the little village had no corporate existence, but in the spring of 1861, as the records show, " the citizens of Paxton convened, pursuant to notioe, in Patton's Hall, for the purpose of electing five Trustees for said town." At this election, which was held April 15, 1861, John P. Day, James G. Cloyes, L. H. Tabor, L. B. Farrar and Henry Barnhouse were elected Trustees of the village.

At the first meeting of this board, John P. Day was elected President; R. S. Buckland, Clerk; and Frederick Cloyes, Treas¬ urer. At a meeting held May 1, Samuel L. Blain was appointed

May 8 was enacted the first ordinance ever adopted by the board, and it was in relation to " Nuisances." This was followed at the same meeting by one on " Misdemeanors."

November 21, a resolution was passed authorizing the Tax Collector " to take all money that is at par." This was before the days of greenbacks and National bank bills, and the various kinds of paper money then in circulation were not all worth their face.

April 24, 1868, the first license for a liquor saloon was granted, under regulations and restrictions already prescribed by ordinance, the license fee being fixed at $100 per year, payable in advanoe.

April 12, 1865, the sum of $125 was voted to Francis Price, a civil engineer of Vermilion County, " to aid him in publishing a map of the town of Paxton," he to furnish the boaid, twentyfive sheet maps and two mounted maps.

August 4, 1866, the first prohibitory liquor ordinance was passed. At this time there were saloons in the town operating under licenses previously obtained, and the board ordered that these be permitted to run until the expiration of the time for which their licenses were granted. From the time when this action was taken until the succeeding election, the saloon question at¬ tracted much attention and discussion, and became so prominent as an issue that the voters, at the next election were given an op¬ portunity to decide, by ballot, for or against granting saloon li¬ censes.

At the first city election, held September 5,1872, John Bodley was elected Mayor ; James S. Wilson, Clerk ; L. B. Farrar, Attorney; W. Hoag, Treasurer; and William Harper, George Wright, Samuel L. Day, N. Dahlgroon, G. J. Shepardson and B. F. Mason, Aldermen.

At a meeting held December lo was laid the foundation for the expenditure of several thousand dollars, that unfortunately proved a worthless investment. Mayor Bodley informed the Council that he was in receipt of a letter from a party in Chicago proposing to bore an artesian well in the city of Paxton if tne people so desired. This announcement brought out an enthusi¬ astic discussion, that was indulged in by spectators as well as Al¬ dermen. The minutes of this meeting record the fact that " Mr. Dunlap, of Champaign, was present, and made some interesting remarks." The gentleman referred to was Hon. M. L. Dunlap, father of our present County Clerk. His remarks were adverse to the project, advising the board that it was a hazardous vent¬ ure, basing his opinion upon the fact that Paxton was located on ground so high that flowing artesian water oould not be ob¬ tained, and cited numerous instances of failure in neighboring counties where the ground was much lower. At the meeting January 6, 1873, a petition was read praying the .Council to ap¬ propriate $8,500 " for the purpose of boring or sinking an arte¬ sian well." This petition was signed by 210 legal voters, which was a large majority of the voting population, there being at that time less than 300 voters in the city. The prayer of this petition was granted, and an ordinance passed providing for the issue of bonds for that amount and for that purpose.

January 20, 1873, the artesian well question again came up, the finance oommittee reporting several proposals for sinking such a well, the highest bid being $8,000 in cash, and the lowest $7,000 in cash, or $7,400 in bonds, at 95 cents on the dollar, all being for boring to the depth of 1,600 feet. The bid of $7,400 in bonds at 95 cents was acoepted, and a contract ordered to be drawn up ready for signatures at the next meeting.

February 4 was passed an ordinance providing for the issue of bonds known as funded debt bonds, to the amount of $1,500. These bonds were in sums of $500 each, bearing interest at ten per cent from March 1, 1873, two of them ($1,000) maturing March 1, 1874, and the remainder ($500) fhlling due March 1, 1875. These bonds were sold by the finanoe oommittee at a discount of five per cent., and the proceeds ap¬ plied to the redemption of the greater portion of the outstanding city orders. Of the bonds thus issued the first two ($1,000) were paid June 1,1874, ninety days after maturity, and the remaining bond for $500 was paid April 12, 1875, forty-two days after maturity.

October 20, a petition, signed by 200 legal votere, was sub¬ mitted, praying the Council to appropriate an additional sum of $7,000 in bonds for the purpose of continuing the work on the artesian well beyond the depth of 1,600 feet. This was granted by a unanimous vote, and an ordinance was passed embodying the action prayed for in the petition, and on the 19th of November the contract was let to Spangler, Mare k Co., and ratified Janu¬ ary 5, the contractors to accept city bonds at 95 cents on the dollar.

June 21, $2,500 of bonds were issued to continue the work on the well. When the previous appropriation of $7,000 was made, it was estimated that this amount would carry the well to a depth of 2,500 feet, but now it was found to have been insufficient

July 6, the board adopted a resolution suspending the work on the well " until such time as the boring may be resumed,** and a settlement was then made with the contractors. The well was down to the depth of 2,473£ feet. In just two days after the passage of this resolution, a petition signed by 160 legal voters was submitted to the council praying that work on the well be re¬ sumed on conditions therein named, one of which was that a part of the expense be paid by private subscriptions. This proposi¬ tion was laid over until an adjourned meeting held the next night, when it was voted to sink the well 200 feet deeper, for which the remaining $1,000 of bonds not yet expended was pledged (being a part of the previous $2,500 appropriated), provided the citizens should raise whatever balance was necessary to satisfy the con¬ tractors. This was done, and the additional 200 feet Completed, making a total depth of 2,673.] feet, and still no flowing water obtained. The project was then abandoned and has never been resumed.

At the annual election held April 17, 1883, George J. Shepardson was elected Mayor; George A. Ilall, Clerk; J. R. Pat¬ rick, Attorney; Charles H. Langford, Treasurer; John M. Hall, Police Magistrate; John White, Alderman for the First Ward; A. S. Hopkins for the Second, and George Grove for the Third. At a meeting of the Council, April 24, an ordinance was passed consolidating the offices of City Marshal and Street Superintend¬ ent, und on the 30th of this month George N. Miller was ap¬ pointed under this ordinance to fulfill the duties of both offices. At the same meeting, an ordinance was passed providing for the appointment of a City Physician to advise and consult with the Hoard of Health, and on May 8 Dr. Elmer L. Kelso was ap¬ pointed to that office.

The work on the artesian well was begun in March, 1878. The first 1,000 feet was completed in November, 1874, and the final depth of 2,073] feet was reached in August, 1875, nearly two years and a half from the time of commencement. The work however, was not actively progressing during all this time, as there wero numerous intervals of rest resulting from various causes. In payment of this work, city bonds to the amount of $18,000 were issued, in sums of $500 each, all bearing 10 per cent interest. On these bonds the city has already paid $14,- 000.14 of interest, and there remains to bo paid, in yoarly in¬ stallments, up to 1890 inclusive, interest to the amount of $9,- 100, making the sum of $23,220.14 of interest from 1873 to 1890. To this amount odd $18,000 of principal, and $945.22 of sundry incidental expenses, and the result is a grand total of $42 ,171.30, representing what the experiment will have cost when the last item of the debt is paid thirteen years hence. At the date of the final abandonment of the well, there were out¬ standing bonds to the full amouut of the appropriations, $18,000, of which $8,500 wero known as March bonds, and the remain¬ ing $9,500 as July bonds, indicating the months in which the principal and interest fell due. The principal of the March bonds began to mature March 1, 1879, and a portion of them each year thereafter up to 1883. In July, 1878, as already stated, the Council provided for refunding the March bonds into July bonds, at a lower rate of interest ana to run longer. The whole amount, however, was not refunded at that time, but only the amount falling due March 1, 1879, which was $1,500. The $1,500 due March 1, 1880, and the $1,500 due March 1, 1881, were not refunded, but were paid by general taxation. The re¬ maining March bonds, $4,000, were afterward refunded as they became due. The first three bonds, $1,500, were exchanged for bonds drawing 8 per cent interest, and the remaining $4,000 for 0 per cent bonds. The first of the refunding bonds begin to fall due July 1, 1893, which is one year beyond the date when the lost of the original July bonds fall due. All the March bonds having been refunded, all the obligations now outstand¬ ing are July bonds, the first of which matures July 1, 1884, at which timo $1,000 of them will be due and payable, and a tax has been levied to meet it. After that date, bonds to the amount -of $1,000 mature each year until 1892, when $1,500 become due, being the lost of the 10 per cent bonds. In July, 1893, the 8 per cent bonds will begin to mature in similar amounts, and lastly the 6 per cent bonds, a portion paya¬ ble each year, until the last one matures, July 1, 189G. Of the March bonds, a portion ($3,000) has been paid as already noted, which leaves $15,000 now outstanding, of which amount the original July bonds ($9,500) bear 10 per cent interest, while of the refunding bonds ($1,500 )are at 8 per cent and $4,000 at 6 per cent, and hence the interest to be paid this year (1884) will be $1,310, but the annual interest thereafter, for several years, will decrease $100 each succeeding year; if the bonds be paid, $1,000 yearly, as they become due, from 1884 to 1896.

The following is a list of the several townships composing the county of Ford, with the date of their organization, as a part of Ford County.

When the county was organised in June, 1859, it was di¬ vided into three townships - Patton, Stockton and Drummer Grove - and out of theso three have been created the following,vis.:

County, and on the west by Patton Township, is situated in the extreme southeast corner of the county, lying in three different ranges and two different meridians, ft is six miles north to south, and varying from five to six miles east and west. This township is favorably located; settled with thrifty, industrious people, they are mostly well-to-do fanners, with im¬ provements and buildings suitable and adapted to the day and age. This township was set off from Patton and organised in December, 1864, and derived its name from James Porter But¬ ton, its first Supervisor.

Among the early settlers of Button Township were Edward Pyles, John Rails (two squatters, Cook and White), Joshua Trickel, Robert Trickel, W. J. and W. R. Trickel, William and Samuel Swinford, 0. H. Campbell, Story Button, Davfd Patton, Matthew Elliott, Bennett Lucas, Jacob Tanner, John Dopps, Milton Strayer, Harmon Strayer, J. B. Strayer, Joseph Harris, William Walker, J. H. Flagg, A. F. Flagg, E. Wait, Eli Dopps, Spencer Cushing, Daniel Stamps, William McClintock, David Saunders, William Phebus, Daniel Moudy, William Montgomery, A. Lance.

44 Trickel's Grove," now owned by 0. H. Campbell, is beyond doubt the first settled locality in Button Township and in Ford County. A few squatters, who never became permanent settlers, built log houses and lived in or near the 44 grove" prior to 1885. In 1886, two brothers, Joshua and Robert Trickel, located at the 44 grove," which was then a part of Vermilion County, and bought out these squatters' claims, and we have every reason to believe the Trickels were the first permanent Bottlers of what is now Ford County, except it might have been Andrew Sproules, who occu¬ pied for a short time what was afterward the W. Walker farm.

The first schoolhouse built in Button was of logs, and located on the farm owned by John Rails near Trickel's Grove. This farm was entered by Edward Pyles; afterward owned by William Swinford, and at present by A. L. Clark.

The first schoolhouse built north of tho timber on the prairie was located on Section 16, near the Vermilion County line, on the farm now owned by A. H. Morrison. There are six district school buildings in the township. In Section 86 are two churches, the Methodist and Christian (Mt. Olive). These are the only church buildings in the township.

Clarence P. 0. (Kirk's Station, Lake Erie & Western Rail¬ road) is a thriving village and grain center, located on Sections 7 and 8, on the farms of W. T. Morrison and S. I. Hutchison. It was surveyed and laid out by Robert F. Whitham in August, 1878. It contains six stores, one blacksmith shop, public school building, and grain elevator, owned by D. A. Frederick. This elevator, with a capacity for 25,000 bushels, is one of the best built, commodious and convenient grain warehouses on the line of the Lake Erie k Western Railroad. The village is surrounded by a fine farming country and is destined to become a trading point and pleasant residence town of considerable importance.

James Porter Button (deceased) was bom in Jefferson County, Ky., January 29, 1822. He came to Ford County in 1852. Mr. Button was married to Miss Sarah R. Hock, in Fountain County, Ind., February 8, 1845. They have had a family of eight children, seven of whom are now living. Mr. Button en¬ tered land in Section 25, Town 28, Range 10, in the township which now bears his name. The present home farm was pur¬ chased of Joseph Coonts, who was an early settler of this county. Mr.Button filled many positions of trust with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was the Treasurer of Ford County at the time of his death, which occurred at Paxton March 22, 1866. Sarah R., his widow, is a daughter of Jaoob Hock, an early pioneer of Fountain County, Ind. W. J. Button, the second son, has bought out the heirs of the old homestead, comprising 820 acres, where his mother still resides.

David Patton (deceased) was born in Ross County, Ohio, De¬ comber 20, 1815. Thomas Patton, the father of David, emi¬ grated to Vigo or Parke Counties, Ind., when David was about three years <3d. They remained there only a few years. In 1828, the family moved to Fountain County, Ind., where Thomas Patton died. December 10, 1844, David was married to Miss Jane Cade, daughter of William Cade, who settled in Fountain County in 1828. November 2, 1854, David Patton came to Illi¬ nois and settled in Button Township, then in Vermilion County. Here he resided until his death, February 29, 1880. He en¬ tered 480 acres of choice land in Section 88, Town 28, Range 14 west, in Button Township. There are eight children, all living near the old homestead, where the Widow Patton still resides.

Matthew Elliott (deceased) was born March 4, 1799, in the District of Columbia. When about twenty-one years old, he came West to Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1850; then came to Ford County, Ill. (then Vermilion), and en¬ tered land in the southeast quarter of Section 25, and moved his family here from Ohio in the spring of 1852. He purchased the home place of Benjamin Stitee, who entered the land and made the first improvements where Franklin Holloway now lives, in Button Township. Mr. Elliott died August 28, 1881. They have a family of five children. W. H. H. Elliott owns and re¬ sides on the old home place. Mrs. Annie Elliott, widow of Mat¬ thew Elliott, and mother of W. H. H., is still living at the ripe old age of seventy-four, and makes her home in Champaign City, ginia. Maiy Trickel, his wife, was born February 8, 1800. William Trickel, son of Joshua Trickel was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 17, 1820, and came to Illinois with his par¬ ents when only seven years old. His father settled at Butler's Point, in Vermilion County, until they took up their residence in Ford County. Elizabeth, wife of William Trickel, was born in Lawrence County, Ind., July 29, 1888. (Her father, Alex¬ ander Henry, was an old settler of Iroquois County, Ill.). Mr. and Mrs. Trickel were married January 7, 1857.

Obadiah Leneve was born in Halifax County, Va., December 80, 1801. Samuel Leneve, father of the subject of our sketch, was a native of France, and emigrated to America with his brother John. They came to this country at the time La Fayette and his troops came over to assist the Americans in their strife with En¬ gland for the independence of the colonies. John Leneve, grandfather of Obadiah, was one of the* soldiers who came over with Gen. La Fayette; he died in Virginia. Samuel, the father of Obadiah, was about three years old when he landed on American soil. They settled in Virginia near the old Halifax Court House; here he grew to manhood and married Katie Arrington, a native of that place. About 1806, he emigrated to Tennessee, where he remained about one year; then journeyed on to Kentucky and settled in Mercer County; there he remained eight years; then moved to Nelson County; then about two years he went to Bullitt County; then again moved to Sullivan County, Ind., and settled at 44 Shakers Prairie." Here he remained only a year, when he made his last move to Lawrence County, Ill., and resided until his death in the spring of 1881. Obadiah was married in Lawrence County, Ill., to PoHy Lemons, a native of Tennessee. She died in May, 1878. They located in Vermil¬ ion County in 1824, in the 44 Newell settlement," in northeastern part of the oounty. They had a family of eight children ; only three are now living, viz.: Samuel, who lives in Oregon, where he went in 1851; John, in the mercantile business at Danville, III.; and Rebecca Jane, wife of Joseph Phillips, living on the old home place in Vermilion County. Mr. Leneve has been one of the hard-working and successful pioneers of Vermilion and Ford Counties, hue. Moudy (deceased), first wife of Daniel Moudy, one of the prominent farmers of this county, was a daugh¬ ter of this old pioneer. Mr. Leneve died in Paxton February 4, 1884, at the nome of one of his nephews.

Peter Moudy was a native of Virginia, where he was born August 1, 1804, but was raised in Butler County, Ohio, where his father moved when he was an infant. Here he remained until 1885. He was married to Miss Elisabeth Herring, daughter of George Herring, December 25, 1825. She was a native of Pennsylvania, but left there when about five years old and was raised in Butler County, Ohio. They remained in But¬ ler County, Ohio, until 1835 when they emigrated to Western Indiana and located in the Wabash Valley. In Vermilion County, Ind., Daniel Moudy, son of our subject, was born February 4, 1836. Peter Moudy had a family of twelve chil¬ dren, six now living, viz.: Hannah Jane McGinnis, living in Warren County, Ind.; Mary Ann, wife of Elisha Rogers, in Warren County, Ind.; Rosa, wife of William Martin, living in Vermilion County, Ind.; Daniel, residing in Button Townsnip, this oounty; Jacob, in Phelps County, Mo.; Emily, wife of Rob¬ ert N. Atherton, living near Danville, Ill.. Peter Moudy located in Vermilion County, Ill., in the spring of 1855, where he resided until his death, May 7, 1875. Mrs. Moudy, mother of Daniel Moudy, is still living on the old home place, enjoying good health, and is in her seventy-eighth year. Daniel Moudy is one among the early settlers of Button Township, coming to his present home lace in 1859, where he commenced making improvements by reaking prairie with oxen and making a farm. Very few set¬ tlers had located north of the timber at that time. Mr. Moudy has owned several fine farms in this township, comprising 780 acres in all, but has recently given his children 820 acres of excellent farming land. He has at all times been one of the lead¬ ing and progressive farmers and stock-raisers of Ford County, and to-day in enjoying the fruits of his early efforts, living where he made nis first improvements, in a beautiful home surrounded with all the comforts of life. The first wife of Mr. Moudy was a daughter of Obadiah Leneve, an old pioneer of Vermilion County, Ill. She died January 81, 1879. Henrietta, his second wife, is a daughter of O. H. Campbell, an early settler of Ford County.

Obadiah H. Campbell was born in Northumberland Coun¬ ty, Penn*, December 17, 1811. He left that State end came to Indiana in 1855 ; remained there till the spring of 1856, w hen he located at Trickel's Grove, buying out the heirs of Joshua Trickel. Mr. Campbell is one of the oldest living settlers of But¬ ton Township, and owns one of the very first settled places in Ford County, owning altogether 878 acres. His father, James Campbell, was born in New Jersey, and emigrated to Pennsyl¬ vania when fifteen years old. He died there at an advanced age. Mrs. O. H. Campbell (deceased) was a native of Pennsylvania. She was bom in 1817 and died on the 2d of February, 1867. They had a family of nine children, eight of whom are still living.

Jacob Strayer, father of Milton and Harmon Strayer, was born in Berkeley County, Va., in 1796; he oame to Ford County in 1854, and lived here until he died January 3, 1879. Elisa¬ beth, his wife, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 1, 1803. She died June 21, 1888.

Milton Strayer was born in Fountain County, Ind. In Sep¬ tember, 1851, he moved to Ford County on the line of Cham¬ paign County, and entered the land where La Fayette Patton now lives. In 1854, Mr. Strayer moved on to his present home farm, on Section 25, in the narrow range of sections in this town¬ ship, which land he entered in 1853. He was married, August 81, 1851, to Mins Sarah Jane Middlebrook, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of William Middlebrook, who located in Fountain County, Ind., about 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Strayer have had ten children, seven now living. He has one of the choice farms of Ford County.

Harmon Strayer, son of Jaoob and Elizabeth Strayer, was bom in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 20, 1820. He came with his parents to Fountain County, Ind., in 1824. He came here in the fall of 1851. In 1858, he assessed all the lands in Ford County, then Patton Township, Vermilion County. In 1858, he married Mias Martha McClure, daughter of Samuel McClure, an early settler of Cass County, Ind. She was bom in Ohio. They had a family of four children, two now living.

Joseph Harris'was born in Germany March 25,1838. When nineteen years old, he came to America, and in 1857 located in Ford County. In 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Strayer, daughter of Jacob and Elisabeth Stayer. She was bom in Fountain County, Ind. They had nine chil¬ dren, eight are now living. Mr. Harris, for five years, worked by the month. In 1865, he bought land of the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He has now 239 acres of excellent land, and is one of the successful farmers of Ford County.

J. C. Kirkpatrick was bora in Adams County, Ohio. He came to Button Township in 1861, settling on Section 17. Mr. Kirkpatrick was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. White, of Oak Grove, McLean County. They had eight children, seven of whom are now living. Several years ago he engaged in the hardware business in Clarenoe; he also deals in grain, coal, lum¬ ber and agricultural implements. He owns a fine farm of 480 acres of land in this township, and is one of the leading business men of this part of the oounty.

William A. Hutchison was bora in Wayne County, Ohio. He came to Ford County in 1868. He was married to Miss Margaret Ghormley, of Ohio. His father, Samuel Hutchison, helped lay out the village of Clarence. Tho subject of our sketch is Postmaster of Clarence and also runs a grocery store.

David A. Frederick' was bora in Middlesex County, Mass., and came to Ford County in 1857. Mr. Frederick is in the grain business in Clarence, owning a large and most convenient elevator on the L. E. & W. R. R. In oonnection with this he keeps a general store, doing an extensive business.

Hugh McCormick was horn in Allegheny County, Penn. He came to Ford County in April, 1866, settling on Section 9. He owns the east half of this section, whioh is a fine body of land. In 1880, Mr. McCormick was elected Supervisor of Button Town¬ ship, which office he has filled with entire satisfaction, as is shown by his continued election to this office.

William Phebus is a prominent farmer of Button Township. He was bora in Fountain County, Ind., and settled in Ford County in 1865. His farm of 200 acres is one of the best in the township.

William T. Patton is the son of David Patton, and resides on Section 83. He was bora in Fountain County, Ind., and came to Button Township in 1854. William owns 480 acres and is one of the leading farmers in this part of the county.

James H. ana Arthur F. Flagg, brothers, are natives of the State of Maine. James H. came West and settled in Button Township in 1859. He lives on the southeast quarter of Section 80, and has erected pleasant, commodious buildings, equal to any in the township. Mr. Flagg was Supervisor of Button Township for four years. Arthur F. came to this township in 1861. He now owns a splendid farm of 280 acres, with good improvements.

Mitohel A. Karr, son of John Karr, lives on the southeast quarter of Seotion 14. He was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, and came West to Illinois and settled in Button with his father in 1864. He is one of the active farmers of the township.

William T. Morrison lives close to the village of Clarenoe in one of the finest houses in Button Township. He is a native of Adams County, Ohio, and settled in this township in 1868.

Albert J. Pool is one of the leading younjg fanners of the county. He is a native of La Salle County, HI., and settled in Button Township in 1878. He haa erected on Section 6 one of the neatest and most attractive houses to be found in the town¬ ship.

William Montgomery resides on a splendid farm of 820 acres on Section 29. He is a native of Shelby County, Ind., and settled in Ford County in 1857. He has a pleasant home and is well situated to eqjoy lif*

William Walker, farmer, lives on Seotion 85, Range 10, But¬ ton Township. He is a native ef Wayne County, Ind., and settled in this county in 1859. He owns a fine body of farming land and is one of the active pioneer settlers of this township.

J. E. Walker, or Elmer Walker, as he is more generally known, is a son of William Walker, an old settler of this township. El¬ mer was born in Fountain County, Ind., in 1858, and that year came with his parents to this township. His residence is on Section 86.

All that part of Ford County lying in Range 7 and 8 east, was originally called Drummer Grove. In 1864, steps were taken by the citisens to have the name changed to Dix, in honor of Gen. Dix, of New York. The petition was granted bj the Board of Supervisors. Afterward toe following townships were ereated or set off from Dix, viz.: Drummer, Sullivant and Peach Orchard, leaving the present township of Dix, as shown by the maps in this work.

Among the early settlers of this township were John Wag¬ goner, John D. Bell, David Metcalf, Ephraim and James A. Black¬ ford, Samuel Todd, George Waggoner, Asa Trickel, John Wal¬ lace, Jackson Pitser, R. Stephen Chamberlin, Joseph .Kendall, John Brown, James Reed, Levi Foutz, Leonard Pierpont, David Pollock, John Schoonmacher, Jonathan Bedell, Charles Wilcox, and Peter Beatty.

The first schoolhouse built in this township was in District No. 2, built in the spring of 1859. Miss Cynthia Newlin, daughter of William Newlin, of Patton Township, taught the first school in this district and in the township.

The first religious service held in Dix Township was at the house of John 8. Waggoner, by Rev. Mr. Wenner, who was a United Brethren minister.

The land where Elliott stands was donated by S. P. Bushnell, Samuel Elliott and Gustave Punke. It was the undivided half of forty acres. Mr. Elliott contributed twenty acres, Mr. Bushnell ten acres and Mr. Punke ten acres. It was surveyed and laid out by County Surveyor H. J. Howe. The village contains four general stores, one hardware store, one hotel, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, two drug stores, one meat market, two elevators, one flax mill and two agricultural warehouses. John Richardson built the first elevator in Elliott. J. J. Crawford was the first Postmaster, and JIugh Lambert was the first station agent. The village was named after Samuel Elliott. The vil¬ lage is surrounded by a fine farming country and is a good trading point.

The first town meeting was held at the Oregon Schoolhouse, on the 4th day of April, 1865. The meeting was called to order by A. M. Smith, the Town Clerk. J. S. Brown was appointed Moderator. At this meeting, the following township officers were elected: Supervisor, Ephraim M. Blackford; Town Clerk, A. M. Smith; Assessor, William B. Holmes ; Collector of Taxes, Benjamin Smith; Justices of the Peace, Leonard Pierpont and John S. Waggoner; Highway Commissioners, John Bell, Joseph Kendall andDavid Pollock.

John S. Waggoner ranks as one of the representative old set¬ tlers and business men of Dix Township. Born in Lewis Coun¬ ty, Va., June 28, 1822, where he lived several years; then moved to Boone County, Ind.; he made his home there for about twenty years. He came to Ford County in the fall of 1855, and settled on Section 88, where he still resides. Mr. Waggoner was the first Justice of the Peace of the township; he has held the same office many years. Was also Postmaster at East Bend several years. 1

Job* D. Bell was born in England November 22, 1819, where he remained until twenty-two years of age. He came to America and settled in Providence* R. L, where he worked at his trade in the print works for five years. He came to the place where he at present resides in 1857. In 1868, he enlisted in the Chicago Mercantile Battery, and served with it for three years. Mr. Bell was the first Town Clerk of this township, and has also held the office of Assessor and Collector. He takes a deep inter¬ est in the public schools; was the first Trustee of the schools in Dix, and still holds the office.

David Metcalf is a native of England, county of Westmore¬ land. Here he was born November 26,1828, and*4ived at his home, working at the cooperage trade, for twenty-eight years. Emigrating to America, he settled in Ford County. In May, 1851, he was married to Miss Sarah Bell. Four children have been born to them, three now living.' He is interested in the ad¬ vancement of all works tending, toward the good of his fellow-men.

John Richardson is a native of Liverpool, England. He emi¬ grated to Ain«rica in 1849, and landed in Canada; he moved to BuflUo, N. Y., learned the mason's trade,!and worked at it in Detroit, Mich. In 1856, he moved to Iowa, and prospected around until his funds ran short. He came to Paxton, and worked at his trade several years. He then rented a farm, and in time, by his frugality and industry, he was able to purchase eighty acres of land; to this he added year by year until he had accumulated 500 acres. This farm he exchanged with Judge Patton, of this county, for 1,000 acres lying in ration and Dix To^Hships. In 1878, he oame to Elliott, where he has sinoe re¬ sided, engaged in the grain business. In 1855, he married Miss 8arah Simons, of Michigan. Seven children have been given them, five now living.

Cyrus JR. Marshall was born in Windsor County, Vt., in 1887, where he lived until 1850, working on a farm. He then moved to Woodford County, Ill. In 18 1 8, he came to Dix Township and bought 160 acres in Section 3, where he still resides. In October, 1857, he was united in matrimony to Elvira Johnson, of Peoria County, HI. They have five children living.

Abel Hanson was the first Norwegian who moved into Dix Township. He came here thirteen years ago, and rented a farm for three years. He then purchased eighty acres in Section 14 t where he now resides. He also has eighty acres in Section 22 .

Robert Jardine came from Logan County, Ill. He was born in Scotland, and has been in this State twenty-seven years. He came to Dix Township* in 1867, and owns a neat farm in Sec¬ tion 4.

Andrew Hamilton *as born in Fairview Township, York Co., Penn., November 6, 1886. He lived there, working on a farm aod at the oarpenter's trade, over twenty-eight years. . He came to Hlinois, first settling in Livingston County, where he remained nine years, then moved to Dix Township, where he has sinoe resided. He was married, September 14, 1862, to Mrs. Martha E. Carothers. They have three children. Mr. Hamil¬ ton has a fine farm of 240 acres.

A. A. Barrow was born in Virginia July 8, 1848, where he remained until 1867, when he removed to Bloomington, Ill., with his father, who came to Ford County and bought several hundred acres of land. Mr. Barrow was married, December 25, 1872, to Miss Martha E. Barrow. They have two children.

George Henry Trailor was born in Illinois October 20, 1886. He lived in Bureau County for thirty years, engaged in farming. He then sold out and came to Livingston County, where he bought a farm and lived for six years. In 1859, he crossed the plains, and went into the gold mines of the far West, meeting with good success. He was united in marriage with Miss Elisa J. Swisher in 1861, who died in three years, by whom he had twin daughters. For his second wife he married Miss Mary Butts. He has a good farm and is well fixed to enjoy life.

Jesse Todd was born in Indiana in 1834, where he lived sev¬ enteen years. He then moved to Vermilion County, HI. Sooft after, he came with his father to Dix Township, where he has since resided. He married Miss Rosanna Hagin March 18, 1858, in Urbana, Champaign County, HI. The fruit of this union is eight children. In the many years he has lived in this State, he has never been further from home than Chicago. He has been Road Commissioner and School Director for nine years.

John M. Miner came to Hlinois in 1858, and settled in Homer Township, Champaign* County. He moved into Ford County* in 1868 and was superintendent of the greet Sullivant farm for several years. He has been Town Collector, Town Treasurer and School Director for many years. Mr. Miner is a very popular man in this part of the county, having the confi¬ dence of all, by his strict attention to business. He has an ex¬ cellent farm and beautiful home in Section 19.

Andrew M. Speedie, farmer, P. O. Gibson City, resides on the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 17. He is a son of Matthew Speedie, who lives on Section 8.

Samuel W. Wade has a well-improved farm of eighty acres, and comfortable and commodious buildings on Section 4, Dix Township. He rqpides in Elliott.

G. W. Preston'owna the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 8, in this township. He- is a thrifty, industrious farmer, and a good citizen.

J. C. Thornton-was born in Virginia, in 1885. He was mar¬ ried to Miss Ann* M. Johnson in 1868. They have five children. He moved to Fet'd. County in 1864. Here he has held various town officers, being at present Treasurer of the schools and Presi¬ dent of the Towns/dp Sunday School Association.

Matthew Speed a farmer, came from Scotland in 1856, set¬ tled first in Fill Aver, Mass., where he pursued his trade of millwright for sixteen years. He came to Dix in 1866. He was married, June, 184 y, to Isabella Colston, of Scotland. They have five children. Mr. Speedie has a nice farm and a pleasant home.

Hemw Harrison Atwood was mart .«u, February 28, 1862, to Miss L. M. Daniels, of Woodbury, Vt. They have five children. He was born in Lamoille County, Vt, in 1886, and came West in 1850, locating in Ohio. He came to Dix Township in 1866, and now owns a farm of 480 acres. He makes a specialty of raising fine stock.

Samuel Elliott was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1887 ; lived there thirty-five years, then came to Dix Township. In 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Crawford of Co¬ shocton County, Ohio, and the fruit of this union has been five children; four of whom are now living. Mr. Elliott was instru¬ mental in laying out the village in this township that bears his name.

John W. Edwards, hardware merchant of Elliott, was born in Morganfield, Ky., in ,1842. In 1868, he moved to La Salle County, HI. j from there he went to Marshall County. He came to Dix Township in 1877. He married Miss Chrises L. Long, of Marshall County, in 186$. He has three children..

Aaron Q. Bullington, thepreeent Supervisor of Dix Township, was born in Quincy, HI., in 1844. His parents moved to* Jfeffereon County, Mo., soon after he was born, living there several years; they oame to Woodford County, HI. In 1862, the subject of this sketch enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Hlinois Infantry, and served in the war for three years. Mr. Bullington has been twice married, first in 1869 to Miss Mary C. Leonard, by whom he had two children. For his second wife he married Atlanta V. Blake of this township, this union has been blessed by three chil¬ dren. Mr. Bullington settled in this township in lo76, and has taken a prominent part in all public enterprises. In 1882, was elected Sup**risor. Mr. Bullington is a carpenter by trade, and is at present dealing in agricultural implements.

J. E. Hagin, farmer, P. O. Elliott, came to Ford Count? in an airly day. He was born in Cape May Codnty, N. J., in lo86: In 1859, he married Miss Barbara R. Crothera. She died several

John Hollen, importer and breeder of fine horses, lives on Section 8. One of the principal business interests of this State, and one in which persistent efforts, sound judgment and ability of a high order are requisite to ultimate success, is that of fine stock-raising. His favorite horse, " Scotland's Glory," is a bright bay, imported by himself in the winter of 1879, at a cost of $1,800. He owns " Capt. Connaught," whioh name was given him by the reoords on the French books of the pedigree of blooded horses. Mr. Hollen devotes much of his time to the improve¬ ment of his stock.

C. Riarson was born in Norway in 1832, emigrating to America in 1857. He settled first in La Salle County, then camo to Ford County, locating on Section 28, where he now lives. In 1861, he was married to v Miss Knutson, a native of Norway. They have eight children living.

Henry Shields was born in Ireland in 1885. He came to America and settled in New York State in 1841. He came to Ford County about sixteen years ago. He was married to Miss Almira Sharp in January, 1865. He was again married, to Ann Elisa Spencer, in 1675. He had four children by his first wife, and one by his present wife.

Joseph Richmond is the leading druggist of Elliott. He has a good trade, and lives in a pleasant home place, surrounded by a family of three children, all girls.

A. T. Blake was bom in Virginia March 28, 1824. His parents moved to Ohio, where he lived until twenty-two years old, helping his father in cultivating hems. In 1847, he left Ohio and moved to Wayne County, Ill., where he lived on a farm for seven years; then went to Logan County and fanned for sixteen years; then settled in Ford County, where he has since resided. He was Postmaster at East Bend for eleven years; keeper of th'e poor house for six years; Road Commissioner for nine years, and held various other trusts in the gift of the people. In 1847, he married Cyntha Statts. They have had six children.

John Keesey was bora in Maryland in 1814, where he lived for seven years; then emigrated to Ohio, where he lived about thirty years. He then came to Ford County, first settling in Patton Township, where he lived on a farm for eighteen years; then moved to Elliott and opened a meat market. He has been twice married - first in Ohio in April, 1837, to Saloma Crise. They had ten children. Inr 1880, Mr. Keesey was married to Mrs. Jane Culbertson.

John Shilts, P. O. Melvin, is a native of Wertemberg, Ger¬ many, came to the United States in 1858, and to this county in 1868. Residence on Section 24.

Wall Township was otwanized out of the original town¬ ship of Patton in 1867. It is bounded on the north by Lyman Township; east by Iroauois County; south by Patton Township, and west by the townships of Dix and Peach Orchard. It was named after Abraham Wall, the first settler who came to this'township from Marshall County, Ill., in 1854. Among other early settlers were Fred Dienelt, James Simpson, Christian Sny¬ der, Samuel Bell, William Noel, William Ken ward, J. Bonsel, Paul Cooley, John Travis, Levi Miller, Agrippa Wells, Seth Lytle,William Liggett, James Barnes, John Morris, John Richard¬ son, John BayneTKdgar Sharp.

The first town meeting was held at the Stringtown Schoolhouse District No. 2, when the following were elected the first township officers: William Liggett, Supervisor; Steven Fry, Town Clerk; John Morris, Assessor; John Richardson and John Morris, Justices of the Peaoe.

The first, schoolhouse erected in Wall wss the Noel Schoolhouse, and William Noel's wife was the first teacher. The Stringtown Schoolhouse was the next one built, and Miss Emma Si¬ mons, daughter of the first County Clerk, taught the school for two yean. James Barnes' son Walter was the first child born in the township. There is no churoh in this township. Religious servioes are held every two weeks in the Centre Schoolhouse, by a Methodist minister from Loda. There is no village or poqt office in the township. It oontains only a small per cent of un¬ improved land, and its inhabitants are mostly well-to-do farmers.

John F. Kenney was born in Washington County, Penn., in 1885. He came to this township from Putnam County in 1872, settling on Section 14. He married Miss Mary E. Phelps, of Putnam County, in 1860. Mr. Kenney is one of the many men who came to this oountry from the East without capital. That Mr. Kenney has been successful is evinced by his fine fhrm of $60 acres. Mr. Kenney may be classed among the progressive farm¬ ers of this county.

William Kenward is a native of Sussex County, Eng., and came to Hlinois in 1851. He has been twice married, first to Elisabeth McConaty, a native of Lake County, HI., who died in 1871. In 1878, he married Rhoda Snelling, a native of Harri¬ son County, Ohio. Mr. Kenward came here poor, but by hard work, economy and strict integrity has to-day a fine farm of 282

Frod Dienelt, born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1828. In 1848, he went to sea, sailing around the world before he was seventeen years old, and there are few places in either hemisphere he has not visited. He came to Ford County in 1858, being the second settler in this township. He has been twice married, first to Mary Kaminsky, of Germany, she died in 1872, and the fol¬ lowing year he married Mattie Wells. Mr. Dienelt .has the largest and most valuable library of any person - excepting pro¬ fessional men - in the county, and passes much of his time in reading scientific works and studying astronomy. He has a fine farm of 130 acres.

Levi Miller was born in Berks County, Penn., in 1881. He moved to Illinois from Ohio in 1854, and to Wall Township from La Salle County in 1864. In 1852, he was united in marriage to Maria Werts, of Preble County, Ohio, and the result of the union has been ten children. Mr. Miller is a carpenter by trade, but has pursued farming mostly while in this State. He laid out the road districts in Wall Township, and has always been honored by the voters of the town to some position of trust.

William Kenney, the present Supervisor of the township, was born in Washington County, Penn. He came to this township in 1875. He was married in 1850 to Mary McVane, of his native place, and six children have been born to them. Mr. Kenney is a whole souled man, ready to help with his influence any enterprise likely to further the interests of his county.

Richard Trigger was born in Devonshire, England, in 1832. lie came to America in 1859, settling in Peoria County. He came to Ford County in 1869, purchasing the north half of Sec¬ tion 11. He was married to Elisabeth A. Stoves, of England, in 1855. They have, nine children. Mr. Trigger has been Highway Commissioner for a number of years.

Saonders McCormick was born in La Salle County, Ill., 1886. He taught in the public schools of his native county for several years. He spent two years in the gold mines of the Western Territories, and also was book-keeper for a cotton merchant in Texas. He came to Ford County in 1868, settling on the northwest quarter pf Section 9, where he still lives. He has been Justice of the Peace for many-years.

William A. Campbell was born in Northumberland County, Penn., in 1848. He moved to Fountain County, Ind., where he resided a short time; then came to Ford County, settling in Trinket's Grove, Button Township. He was married to Elisa¬ beth C. Irwin in 18d8, and four children have been the fruit of that union. Mr. Campbell now lives on the southwest quarter of Section 35, Wall Township. His father, 0. H. Campbell, was one of the early settlers of Ford County.

Robert M. Karr was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1834. In 1869, he came to Ford County. He has a fine farm of 320 acres and a pleasant home on Section 84. He was married in 1858, and has a family of five children. He enlisted in the One Hun¬ dred and Forty-third hundred-day service and served one year.

Worth McCormick was born in La Salle County, Ill., in 1858, living there till nine years of age, then came to Drummer Township, where he lived until he moved to Wall Township. In 1877, he married Miss Samantha English, of Pickaway County, Ohio. They live in a nice home on Section 5.

John Hamlon is a native of Albany, N. Y. He came to Chicago in 1848, and was bound out to a farmer in Kendall County for eleven years. He was united in marriage to Mary Baxter in 1861. He owns 280 acres of fine farming land and a pleasant home. He has been Road Commissioner and School Director for several years.

Charles Spellmeyer was born in Prussia, in 1831. He emi¬ grated to the United States in 1853, settling in Putnam County. He moved to this township in 1875, settling on Section 16, where he has 820 acres of land under fine cultivation. He was married in 1857 to Louisa Kottkamp, by whom he has seven children - George, Mary, Henry, Frank;, Charlie, Millie and Lillie. His residence and buildings are among the best in the township.

George Minch, former, P* 0. Roberts, was born in Taxwell County, Ill., 1847, where he lived until 1881, when he moved to this township. He owns the northeast quarter of Sec¬ tion 8, and 240 acres in Section 22, Lyman Township, where he now resides. He was married in 1869 and has five children.

Charles Phillips is of English extraction, being born in Lan¬ cashire, England, in 1814. He came to Philadelphia when quite young, where he remained a short time, then moved to the State of Delaware. In 1854, he came to Putnam County, HI., where he lived for etehteenyeare, then came to Ford County, where he has since resided. He was married in 1848, and is the father of four children.

Edgar G. Sharp was horn in New York in 1838. In 1855, he went to Wisconsin, living there three years, then came to Wall Township, settling on Section 30. He was married in 1853 and has a family of eight children. He owns a good form of 160

James H. Snelling is a native of Illinois. He came to Ford County in 1877, and settled on Section 11. Mr. Snelling was teacher of penmanship for many years, he being one of the finest penman in this part of the State. He has filled the office of Supervisor one year, and has been elected to many other offioes.

Part of Uown&hip 23 Dlorth, Range 14 West of the 2nd 5*. PH. fractional 3own ship 23 Plorth. Range 11 Sant and Part of Uownship 23 Plorth, Range 10 Sant of the 3rd P. PH.

Source changes here: from History of Ford County, Illinois : from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Gardner, Ernest Arthur, published 1908; 16,014 words in this source stream.

Button Township

Button township is bounded on the north by Iroquois county; on the east by Vermilion county ; on the south by Champaign county, and on the west by Patton township. It is situated in the extreme southeast corner of the county, lying in three different ranges and two different meridians. It is six miles north to south, and varying from five to six miles east and west. This township is favorably located; settled with thrifty, industrious people, who are mostly well-to-do farmers, with improvements and buildings suitable and adapted to the day and age. This township was set off from Patton and organized in December, 1864, and derived its name from James Porter Button, its first supervisor.

Among the early settlers of Button township were Edward Pyles, John Rails (two squatters. Cook and White), Joshua Trickel, Robert Trickel, AV. J. and W. R. Trickel, William and Samuel Swinford, 0. H. Campbell, Story Button, David Patton, Matthew Elliott, Bennett Lucas, Jacob Tanner, John Dopps, IMilton Strayer, Harmon Strayer, J. B. Strayer, Joseph Harris, William Walker. J. II. Flagg, A. F. Flagg, E. Wait, Eli Dopps, Spencer Cushing, Daniel Stamps, William IMcClintock, David Saunders, William Phebus, Daniel Moudy, William Montgomery, A. Lance.

" Trickel 's Grove" is beyond a doubt the first settled locality in Button township and in Ford county. A few squatters, who never became permanent settlers, built log houses and lived in or near the grove prior to 1835. In 1836, two brothers, Joshua and Robert Trickel, located at the grove which was then a part of Vermilion county, and bought out these squatters' claims, and we have every reason to believe the Trickels were the first permanent settlers of what is now Ford county, except it might have been Andrew Sprouls, who occupied for a short time what was afterward the W. Walker farm.

The first schoolhouse built in Button township was of logs, and located on the farm owned by John Rails near Trickel's Grove. This farm was entered by Edward Pyles ; afterward owned by William Swinford, and later by A. L. Clark.

The first schoolhouse built north of the tim])or on the prairie was located on section 16, near the Vermilion county line, on the farm which was later owned by A. H. Morrison.

Clarence

Clarence postoffice (Kirk's Station, Lake Erie & Western Railroad) is a thriving village and grain center, located on sections 7 and 8, on the farms of W. T. IMorrison and S. I. Hntchison. It was surveyed and laid out by Robert F. Whitham in August, 1878. The village is surrounded by a fine farming country.

James Porter Button (deceased) was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, January 29, 1822. He came to Ford county in 1852. Mr. Button was married to i\Iiss Sarah R. Hock, in Fountain county, Indiana, February 8. 1845. They have had a family of eight children. Mr. Button entered land in section 25, town 23, range 10, in the township which now bears his name. Mr. Button filled many positions of trust with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was the treasurer of Ford county at the time of his death, which occurred at Paxton March 22, 1866.

David Patton (deceased) was born in Ross county, Ohio, December 20, 1815. Thomas Patton, the father of David, emigrated to Vigo or Parke counties, Indiana, when David was about three years old. He remained there only a few years. In 1823 the family moved to Fountain county, Indiana, where Thomas Patton died. December 10, 1844, David was married to Miss Jane Cade, daughter of William Cade, who settled in Fountain county in 1823. November 2, 1854, David Patton came to Illinois and settled in Button township, then in Vermilion county. Here he resided until his death, February 29, 1880. He entered four hundred and eighty acres of clioice land in section 23, range 14 west, in Button township. There were eight children. The widow is still living on the old homestead.

Matthew Elliott (deceased) was born ^March 4, 1799, in the District of Columbia. When about twenty-one years old, he came west to Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1850; then came to Ford county, Illinois (then Vermilion) and entered land in the southeast quarter of section 25, and moved his family here from Ohio in the spring of 1852. He purchased the liome place of Benjamin Stites, who entered the hmd and made the first improvements in Button township. Mr. Elliott died August 23, 1881. They had a family of five children.

Joshua Trickkl (deceased) was born August 5, 1788, in Virginia. IMary Triekel, his wife, was born February 8, 1800. William Trickel, son of Joshua

Presbyterian Church. Clarence, K.L.

Triekel, was born in F'u[ua. county, Ohio, October 17, 1820, juul came to Illinois with his parents when only seven years old. His father settled at Butler's Point, in Vermilion county, until they took up their residence in Ford county. Elizabeth, Avife of William Triekel, was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, July 29, 1838. Her father, Alexander Henry, was an old settler of Iroquois county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Triekel were married January 7. 1857.

Obadiah Leneve was born in Halifax county, Virtjinia, December 30, 1801. Samuel Leneve, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of France, and emigrated to America with his brother John. The^' came to this country at the time La Fayette and his troops came over to assist the Americans in their strife with England for the independence of the colonies. John Leneve, grandfather of Obadiah, was one of the soldiers who came over with General La Fayette; he died in Virginia. Samuel, the father of 01)adiah, was about three years old when he landecj on American soil. They settled in Virginia near the old Halifax courthouse ; here he grew to manhood and married Katie Arrington, a native of that place. About 1806 he emigrated to Tennessee, where he remained about one year; then journeyed on to Kentucky and settled in Mercer county ; there he remained eight years ; then moved to Nelson county ; then again moved to Sullivan county, Indiana, and settled at Shakers Prairie. Here he remained only a year, when he made his last move to Lawrence county, Illinois, and resided until his death in the spring of 1831. Obadiah was married in Lawrence county, Illinois, to Polly Lemons, a native of Tennessee. She died in May, 1878. They located in Vermilion county in 1821, in the Newell settlement, in the northeastern part of the county. They had a family of eight children. Mr. Leneve was one of the hard working and successful pioneers of Vermilion and Ford counties. Mrs. Moudy (deceased) first wife of Daniel Moudy, one of the prominent farmers of this county, was a daughter of this old pioneer. Mr. Leneve died in Paxton, February 4, 1881, at the home of one of his nephews.

Peter Moudy was a native of Virginia, where he was born August 1, 1801, but was raised in Butler county, Ohio, where his father moved when he was an infant. Here he remained until 1835. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Herring, daughter of George Herring, December 25, 1825. She was a native of Pennsylvania, but left there when about five .years old and was raised in Butler county, Ohio, until 1835, when they emigrated to Western Indiana and located in the Wabash valley. In Vermilion county, Indiana, Daniel

IMoiidy. son of our subject, was born February 4. 1836. Peter INIondy had a family of twelve children. He located in Vermilion county. Illinois, in the spring of 1855, where he resided until his death. ]\lay 7. 1875. Daniel INIoudy is among" the early settlers of Button township, coming to his farm place in 1859, where he commenced making improvements by breaking prairie with oxen. Very few settlers had located north of the timber at that time. ]\Ir. ^Nloudy has owned several fine farms in this townsliip, comprising seven hundred and eighty acres in all. He has at all times been one of the leading and progressive farmers and stock-raisers of Ford county. The first wife of i\Ir. INIoudy was a daughter of Obadiah Leneve, an old pioneer of Vermilion county, Illinois. She died January 31, 1879. Henrietta, his second wife, is a daughter of 0. H. Campbell, an early settler of Ford county.

Obadiah H. Campbell was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1811. He left that state and came to Indiana in 1855; remained there till the spring of 1856, when he located at Trickel's Grove, buying out the heirs of Joshua Trickel. Mr. Campbell was one of the oldest living settlers of Button township, and owned one of the very first settled places in Ford county, owning altogether three hundred and seventy-three acres. His father, James Campbell, was born in New Jersey, and emigrated to Pennsylvania when fifteen years old. He died there at an advanced age. IMrs 0. II. Campbell (deceased) was a native of Pennsylvania. She was liorn in 1817 and died on the 2d of February, 1867. They had a family of nine children.

Jacob Strayer, father of ]\Iilton and Harmon Strayer, was Ijorn in Berkeley county, Virginia, in 1796 ; he came to Ford county in 1854, and lived here until he died January 3, 1879. Elizabeth, his wife, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, August 1, 1803. She died June 21, 1883.

Milton StRxVYEr was born in Fountain county, Indiana. In September, 1851, he moved to Ford county on the line of Champaign county, and entered the land where La Fayette Patton lived. In 1854, ]\Ir. Strayer moved onto his farm on section 25, in the narrow range of sections in this townshi}), which land he entered in 1853. He was married, August 31, 1851, to ]\Iiss Sarah Jane Midcllebrook, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of "William IMiddlebrook, who located in Fountain county, Indiana, about 1841. ]\Ir. and i\Irs. Strayer have had ten children.

Harmon Strayer, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Strayer, was l)orn in Fairfield county, Ohio, September 20, 1820. He came with his parents to Fountain county, Indiana, in 1824. He came here in the fall of 1851. In 1858 ho assessed all the lands in Ford eounty, then Patton township, Vermilion county. In 1858, he married ]\Iiss Martha IMcClure, daughter of Samuel McClure, an early settler of Cass county, Indiana. She was born in Ohio. They had a family of four children.