Catlin Township (part 1 of 2)

Catlin Township

Catlin occupies the center of the southern half of the county, and is bounded on the north by Oakwood and Danville, on the east by Danville and Georgetown, on the south by Georgetown and Carroll, and on the west by Vance townships, and received its name from the station on the railroad, which was named from one of the officers of the road. It embraces all of the nortli half of town 18, range 12; six sections off the east side of the north half of town 18, range 13 ; all but section 19 of the south half of town 19, range 12; four sections out of the southeast corner of town 19, range 13, and a section and a half lying out by itself north of the salt works, which ought to be anchored somewhere, or it is liable to get lost one of these days ; making in all somewhat more than a full congressional towmship and a quarter. The Salt Fork runs along its northern border, having along its banks a belt of excellent timber, varying from a mile to a mile and a half in width. The " points " made by these elbows of timber extending out into the prairie, chief among which was Butler's Point, were a principal attraction to the early settlers. The old salt works, (which is fully written up in its proper place) drew in the first settlers, which, though not really lying in its present territory, was so close by, that that portion of Catlin township was known first of any locality in the county, and long before Danville was dreamed of. Its first selection by the authorized commission as the proper place for the county seat was not due so much as some suppose to its being the geographical center of the county, for it was not. The county at that time extended to the lake, and its geographical center was not far from the thriving city of Kankakee. While the geographical center of the county, by its present limits, is exactly six miles north of the locality indicated (being on section 21, a little north of the original settlement of Mr. Blount, whose name was given to that township), its selection was made on account of its being central to the population then here, and those whom it was then believed would in future occupy the county. The state road, from Crawfordsville, Indiana, to Decatur, runs through the town, keeping along where the prairie line broke away from the timber, midway between the railroad and the stream. Along this road on either side are situated some of the finest farms in the town, and which have few superiors in the county. These were of course the first to be brought into cultivation, and it was many years after that those on the prairie south of the railroad were settled. The township was laid off from Danville, Vance, Carroll and Georgetown in 1858. This was after the railroad was built, and after the station had been sometime known as Catlin.

The railroad was one of the first chartered in the state. At the time the legislature thought,- - an opinion which the people at large shared, - that all that was necessary to develop the state was to make a liberal shower of railroad charters, and a system of state improvements was inaugurated which, for extent, has never been equaled by any state in America. Of the lines which were chartered, this one, known as the "Northern Cross-road," was commenced and considerable work done on it before the crash of 1837 stopped all undertakings and burst every financial bnbble in the country. This road was actually graded from Danville nearl}' or quite through this town; the abutments were built and the timbers hewn to build the bridges before the compan}T failed and left their contractors unpaid and laborers without a dollar. It was a serious time for the men who had undertaken to do this job. From the height of financial hopes in 1836, when it looked as though every one was going to get rich, and the country develop at once into a great agricultural and commercial empire, to the deep despondency of 1837, when all business stopped and no one could get pay for what he had done, or a hope for anything in the future, with what money there was next to worthless and the state itself bankrupt, was a step from the brightest day to the darkest night. Men who were supposed to be, and who really were, rich yesterday ? were bankrupt to-day. The state of Illinois, while it never in fact repudiated its debt, could not provide the interest, and for nineteen years was in default; yet the entire debt was less than the annual taxes now raised in the state. The Northern Cross railroad got no farther at this end of the route than the grading of a few miles of its road, but from Springfield to the Illinois River was finished, as railroad builders understood the matter in those days, and a kind of a locomotive was purchased that actually run on the old strap-rail track, drawing a few cars nearly as fast as a hen could run. It fell off into the ditch one day, and the officials seemed to lack the knowledge, or the wish, to put it on the track again and put on a pair of fleet-footed mules to do the locomotive work. The timbers which were hewn for bridges were carried off by men to build log houses, and nothing remained bnt a bank of earth and a load of debt. Later, when railroadbuilding was again revived, a company was formed which built the Great Western road on the same line, using this grade as far as it was made.

Along the southern line of the township is a high elevation of land, which forms the "divide" between the Salt Fork and the Little Vermilion. All the land of the town sheds toward the Salt Fork, except a small portion on the extreme southern edge. As early as 1850 all the portion north of the railroad had been brought into cultivation ; the Sandusky farm had been improved, and the large brick house at the mound south of the village of Catlin had been built. Following the building of the road, all the land along its line was taken up by eastern speculators, and settlers found it to their advantage to go farther south to get cheaper lands. Ity 1858 all this land southwest of the station was taken and made into farms.

The point of timber running out into the prairie west of the present village of Catlin was the place of the first settlement, and is historic. It was called Butler's, from James Butler, who was the first settler, and in the course of time the whole settlement came to be known by that name, and continued to be so called until the railroad officials called the name of their station here Catlin.

James Butler came from Vermont in 1820. Before the county was organized it was a part of Edgar county, and the people here at an early day found Paris the most convenient place for trade, and had to go there for their official business. Butler, Elliot, Whitcomb and Woodin were the first to live here, and all performed important parts in the early matters which transpired here. Mrs. Stansbury, who is now the oldest inhabitant of the township, and whose memory is good in regard to affairs here, has placed the writer under many obligations for valuable information. She says that in publications in regard to early matters, the names of prominent actors have been mixed up. The first county commissioners' courts were held at the house of James Butler, he being one of the commissioners. It was here that the commission which had been appointed by the legislature to locate the county seat made its report to the county commissioners, wherein they reported in favor of locating it on the high bluff south of the salt works. Some persons, who thought the commissioners did not know their business, reported around that folks could never get water up there, and a new commission was appointed, which decided on Danville.

which differs considerably from the published account, but which she knows to be correct. Cyrus Douglas had made up his mind to marry Ruby Bloss, and she was willing, but a troublesome brother-in-law, Mr. Denio, objected. After the plan was well matured, Douglas went to Paris and got the license, and bought a pair of shoes for Ruby, for he objected to marrying her bare-footed, - not that he cared so much about shoes, but he thought a decent regard for public sentiment ought to be maintained, and he hated to have it said that the first girl married in this community had to go to her own wedding barefooted. He hid the shoes at Mr. Woodin's house, and she got away from her unsuspicious brother-in-law, came to Woodin's, put on her new shoes (her other necessary dry goods were on before coming there), which she declared were " a mile too big," and walked to 'Squire Treat's, where the ceremony was performed. They then went to Mr. Butler's house. Marcus Snow was married the same day to Annis Butler, and the two newly married couples met at Mr. Butler's that evening. Douglas was a hatter by trade, and went to Yankee Point and commenced business. He and Mr. Snow both bought farms there, and each raised quite a family of children. Mr. Snow and Mrs. Douglas dying a few years since, the relicts of each intermarried, and now live happily at Fairmount. Asa Elliott, who was the first justice of the peace in the county, came here to live at Butler's Point in 1822. He was a man of good business capacity, and a successful man. It was at his house that the first circuit court was held. The house was situated about one fourth of a mile from the west line of Catliu village. He had a log house, which is now used by Hon. J. H. Oakwood for a stable, and was building a larger one when the court came in on him rather unexpectedly, before it was completed. It stood near where Betty Sandusky now lives. The floor had not yet been placed in, and the attendants on court sat on the floor timbers for seats; there being no cellar under the house, they made very comfortable seats. A story is told, which, it is well to say, lacks confirmation, that Abraham Lincoln, who a few years later than this date was in the habit of practicing in this court, came along to see how matters were going on, and found the court sitting on one of the sleepers, paring his toe-nails; while standing around (for his legs were too long for him to sit with any comfort on the floor timbers), the bailiff came in and reported to the court that he had got six of the grand jury securely chained, and the hounds were chasing the others through the adjoining timber. Mr. Lincoln, who had not yet got used to that way of serving processes, climbed up a tree near by, and sat a-straddle of a safe limb until they called off the dogs. James Butler died here, and his son afterward sold the farm to Mr.

Sandusky and moved to Kansas. Mrs. Stansbury, who at that time was plain Jane Woodin, came here to the salt works in 1824. Francis Whitcomb and John Vance were then carrying on the salt business. Mr. Woodin was a cooper, and was at work at his trade there. He worked there three years and then entered four hundred acres of land near Catlin, which is now owned by Charles Gones. At that time Paris was the place of trade and milling, but afterward they used to go to Eugene. They took their produce to Hubbard and other traders, and took their furs to Lafayette, where they could always get cash for them. Mr. Woodin kept boarders for $1.50 per week. At that time salt sold for $1.50 per bushel. Mrs. Stansbury went to Danville once to a party. There was only one house on the road, at the head of the Froman hollow. Dan Beckwith was keeping bachelor's hall at D., and was very attentive to the party which had done his new town the honor of a visit.

The first school that was kept here was taught by Hiram Ticknor, just south of where Thomas Keeney now lives. The children from the salt works had to go three miles to this school. Pie was a good teacher, and put his fifteen scholars through readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic in a satisfactory way.

The first meetings were held at the house of Asa Elliott. Father Kingsbury, who came here to preach to the Indians, occasionally preached for the people at the salt works. The first Sabbath-school in the county was established by the Methodists at Mr. Elliott's, probably about 1836. Mr. Woodin died here in 1837. Of ten children, only four are living. Mrs. Stansbury and Mrs. Price live in this county. When the first court was held at Elliott's, Mrs. Stanbury went over to help Mrs. Elliott to do the house-work.

Francis Whitcomb was for several years engaged in the salt works. He came there in 1821. He afterward took up the farm which Richard Jones lived on. He worked this farm for several years, and sold it to Henry Jones, and went to McLean county, and lived on the Kickapoo, seven miles this side of Bloomington, where some of his family still reside.

Amos Williams, from Pennsylvania, lived here at Butler's Point a short time. He was the first county clerk after the county was organized, and had been a teacher and surveyor, and county clerk of Edgar county before. He was a man of most accurate habits. The records show more in his favor than any other pen can tell. He was circuit clerk, probate justice of the peace, poundmaster, postmaster at Danville, and may have held all the other offices too. He helped to survey out the town, and was almost the first to become interested in having good schools. He was a competent surveyor, a thorough teacher, a natural clerk. If he could not do everything, it is evident that he did everything well which he undertook to do at all, which is better. He died in 1857, and his children still reside in Danville.

John Payne, the father of a family that has since the very first history of the county been an important factor in its affairs, came from Orange county, New York, to Indiana, and from there here, in 1827, and took up land where the Poor Farm now is, in section 21. His family all came with him, and for some time lived around him here. He was a man of great force of character, with strong will and energy, and he soon made himself felt in the affairs of the new county. Late in life he sold out here and went to Livingston county, where two of his sons resided, and died there about 1864. He left a family of nine children, who have long been known as among the most enterprising and public-spirited citizens. His son Peter went to California. William Milton was at one time sheriff of Yermilion county, and now resides in Danville. Captain Morgan L. Payne, another son, who has recently died in Livingston county, has left a record of which any man or family might well feel proud. He raised a company here for the Blackhawk war, and marched at its head to the relief of the beleaguered citizens on Fox River. He owned a farm here, and during the era of railroad building, in 1836, took a large contract of grading the Northern Cross road through this township. By the failure of the company he was ruined and went to Texas, hoping to recover his fortunes. At the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he commanded a company, doing good service until the expiration of his term of enlistment, when he returned to his former home in Indiana to raise another company. The close of hostilities occurring before he could accomplish his desire, he again engaged in farming and removed to Livingston county, in this state. At the breaking out of the rebellion he raised a company which did gallant service in defending the old Hag. He again engaged in farming, and later, while keeping hotel in Pontiac, lost all by a fire, and when seventy years old served as constable and deputy sheriff to earn an honest living, until stricken with disease, which proved fatal. He was a man of most intense patriotism, and showed it by gallant heroism in three wars, and never lagged when duty called. An incident which occurred is so characteristic of the two principal actors that it is recorded here: While engaged in grading the railroad in Catlin, a dispute arose with a Mr. Frazier in regard to his right to cross the latter's land, Mr. Frazier claiming that he was a trespasser in going on his land to grade the road. The result was a fight, in which the pluck and fighting qualities of both participants were pretty fully tested. After a most fearful contest, in which the captain seemed to be the victor, a contest in the court followed, which created a good deal of interest. Mr. Lincoln was at Danville, attending court, and became much interested in the matter, and could not but admire the pluck of the captain, who contested his case as stoutly in court as he had on the field. While he was serving in the rebellion he was home on furlough, and not getting back on time was mustered out of service. This was not what he had gone to war for, and he set about getting the order mustering him out set aside. Procuring the names of all the officers to his petition, he sent it on to Washington, to his old friend Ward Hill Lamon, whom he rightfully supposed could get the ear of the President on all occasions. When the matter was brought to the attention of the President he looked it over, noticing the name. The old affair with Frazier at once came back to him. " See here, Hill," said he, " is this the Captain Payne who had the fight with Frazier about that railroad grading down in Danville?" Being told it was, he said : " Well, it's my opinion that he's just the kind of fighters we want down there," and at once wrote the order to reinstate him in his position. Squire L. Payne, another son, is an extensive farmer near Chenoa. John, Jr., was killed in a riot in Danville, in the summer of 1863. The affair was unfortunate in all its bearings. He left seven children, four of whom live in this county. Martin, another son, went to Oregon. Mrs. Miles lived near here. Mrs. Thomas Douglas, who lived near here, had a large family of children, several of whom still live here. Mrs. Thompson lived here on the farm until her husband died, and now resides in Danville.

John Thompson came from Canada. He came here with his fatherin-law, John Payne, and took up a farm in 1827 about one mile northeast of Catlin. He died there in 1864. One son is now a prominent citizen of Rossville. He was a good citizen, and a very worthy and successful farmer. Some of his children live here yet, and are among the well known citizens of Vermilion county.

Charles Caraway entered land here in 1824. He lived in Virginia, and had an interest in the Sulphur Springs in Green Briar county. He entered about a section of land in all, and came here to live in 1829, and made his home on section 33, where Hon. J. H. Oakwood now resides. He was a man of education and enterprise, and at once became thoroughly interested in the affairs of the new county. He died early in 1836, before his plans had become fully developed. He left one son and four daughters. His son Charles still lives in the township. One daughter, Mrs. Oakwood, lives on the farm her father made here. Mrs. Arrowsmith removed to Iowa, where she still re- sides; Mrs. Buoy went to Oregon, and died in California, and Mrs. G. W. Wolfe still lives here. The three brothers McCorkle, who were brothers of Mrs. Charles Caraway, came here from Virginia with the latter in 1829. J. S. McCorkle took up a farm northeast of Catlin in section 23, and was a very prosperous and successful farmer. He engaged in stock-raising and feeding, and acquired considerable property. He died in 1858, and his family are scattered, a portion of them still residing here. The other brothers engaged in teaching and other vocations for a time. Thomas H. McKeeney came here at the same time, and took up land in section 28, where he still resides, though bed-ridden for some years. He has four children residing here.

Noah Guymon came from Ohio in 1830. He came on foot, bringing his wife - known all over this country as "Grandma" Guymon - on horseback, which conveyance also served to pack what earthly possession the two jointly and severally owned. He took a claim on section 29, and got up a little cabin, which served the double purpose of residence and a place of shelter for the faithful old mare, which had transported his plunder from Ohio. They proved an industrious and economical couple, and soon prospered in their worldly affairs. Mrs. Givymon was a Connecticut Yankee, and, in the crowd of folks with whom she found herself here, whose ideas of a live Yankee were purely traditional - which traditions were strained through several generations of stories and theories, - she was fond of boasting of her pure New England nativity. It is needless to say that she was never called on to prove her identity, for, with the native shrewdness of a born Yankee of the typical kind, she made the most of the situation and surroundings. She almost at once commenced the practice of a profession, then, and since, in universal demand. Doctors were not numerous here in the early days, and for miles around, this patron saint of the " rising generation," went the darkest nights and in all sorts of weather to aid the cause of progressive humanity. The walls of her sitting-room are hung with the portraits of the great men, living and dead, of republican views.

"Yes," she replied, "a real abolitionist! and when the war was going on it seemed as if I must read everything about it. I could count almost a regiment of my boys there, - that is, of those whom I had dressed the rirst time; and I read so much that I almost destroyed my eyes. Oh ! it was awful to think of those brave men starving in rebel prison pens ! " her mind is as free, her voice as clear, and her laugh as hearty as it was fifty years ago, when she first set foot on the soil of Vermilion county. Her life has been an active one ; both she and her husband worked hard and managed frugally, have accumulated and saved. In the place of the old log-cabin of which they were joint occupants the first year of their life here, a tidy brick house was built. Few people who have lived in Catlin during the past fifty years will ever forget "Widow Guymon."

Alexander Church came from Virginia in 1830, and farmed a part of Mr. Caraway's land for ten years, when he bought the land where he now is, in section 28. This was the school section which had been given in lieu of the Saline section 16. The law of congress gave all sections 16 to the state for school purposes, but another law reserved to the state all Saline lands. The Saline section had been taken possession of by the men who were making salt and living there ; hence this section was given in lieu of that.

John Boggess took up land in sections 29 and 30, in 1830. He made a considerable farm, and continued to live there until 1875, when he died. His son resides on the farm. The old log house still stands there, which his father built nearty fifty years ago. Joseph Davis settled here on section 36 (19-13), in 1830. He was an energetic man, and acquired ownership of considerable land. He engaged in raising and feeding stock, and used to drive to Ohio frequently. He was a very successful farmer. His son Jesse still lives here. Frank Foley settled on section 36 in 1831. He was here when the soldiers were going to the Black Hawk war. He sold to J. Allen in 1835, and went to Stephenson county, where he entered land which has since become a portion of the city of Freeport. Jacob Hickman came in 1831 and took up land in section 35 (19-13). He died there in 1842. He had ten children. His son R. C. Hickman still lives on the farm. One son, Hiram, kept hotel a long time in Georgetown, and was sheriff of the county about 1845. He had been very successful in business, but complications growing out of his office embarrassed him. William Youst came on a farm in the western part of the county in 1830. He lived there the winter of the deep snow, and then settled on section 36, where he died soon after. His wife died in 1872. His son, James T. Youst, lives on the farm still, and his daughter is the wife of Joel Acree. Ephraim Acree, and his son Joel, came here in 1830, and took up land where the latter lives now. There had been a short corn crop that year, and when the deep snow followed they were just able to hive up for the winter like the bees. At this time game of all kinds was plenty, but that winter made it very scarce. The snow was so deep that there was nothing for the game to live on. The wolves seemed to prosper. Joel Acree still lives on the farm which his father took up fifty years ago. W. II. Butler was an old settler near Danville; he settled on section 35 (19-13) in 1834. G. W. Pate, whose name and whose life is so identified with the growth and progress of the Methodist church in this portion of the county, was born in Indiana in 1815, and came here to Butler's Point with his father, Adam Pate, about 1830. He was converted under the preaching of Father Anderson, and at once commenced his labors in the cause of religion. He was selected as class-leader, and soon commenced preaching. He lived in the house which stands opposite the fair grounds, where his widow still resides, and kept a country tavern there for many years. Very early preaching service was held at Elliott's house, at Adam Pate's, and later at the school-house. Rev. James McKain, Mr. Hall and Mr. French were among the first preachers. The circuit was a four weeks' one, and the intervening Sabbaths called for the services of Mr. Pate and other local preachers. He was ordained a deacon by Bishop Scott, in 1857. Most of his time was spent on the farm, of course, but he was often called away on various matters in which he took a deep interest. He was long a member of the Masonic order, and was held in high estimation by members of the craft for his faithful devotion to the principles of the order. He was a man of kind, conciliating disposition, and loved the peace and good of the church and the neighborhood. He died a few years since. His widow is still living, and his only daughter, whose husband, Thomas Keeney, was killed in the army. Two sons of the latter are left to honor the memory of their father and grandfather.

John Reynolds, a In-other of Mrs. Pate, was a prominent promoter of the cause of religion. He was a man of no especial culture for the work, but was zealous and earnest. He preached all over this country, from Georgetown to Homer, for twenty years. It was never too stormy nor cold for him to go forth to fill an appointment, or to perform an act of kindness to the sick or suffering. In 1850 he went to Iowa.

Mrs. Ray came here with her seven children, from Indiana, in 1842. Though not among the earliest settlers, she and her family took an important part in strengthening the religious interests of the town. She was a sincere christian mother, whose every thought, wish and desire was for the cause of religion and for her children's best interests. She died at the age of eighty-seven, in 1877, sincerely loved by the entire community. Her sons William and S. S. still reside here.

spirited man. His son, Hon. J. H. Oakwood, came to reside in Catlin, where be now lives, in 1851, on section 33. He has always been a leader in public matters; was one of the earliest and stannchest friends of the County Agricultural Society, and of every matter of permanent interest. He has been in past years largely engaged in farming and cattle-raising. Mr. Oakwood was elected to the legislature in 1872, and served during the protracted sessions of 1873 and 1874, at the time when the revision of the statutes was being passed upon. As the personal representative of a farming community, while he did not forget his duties as a representative of other interests, he became strongly identified with every matter which had a bearing on the farm. Mr. Oakwood was again elected in 1876, and proved a very valuable and useful member. During this last term he was the colleague of Hon. Alvan Gilbert, one of Vermilion county's most honored and valuable citizens.

Henry Jones came here from England in 1849. He had amassed a considerable fortune in the energetic prosecution of his trade, and, having a large family of boys, came here to make his home. He bought the Whitcomb farm, and entered and bought land all around it, until he had about three thousand acres. He provided himself with fourteen yoke of cattle to break prairie with, and stocked up pretty heavily with cattle. He was a very large man, weighing over three hundred pounds, and had all the traits of a hospitable, well educated "'English gentleman ; one of the real old stock." He engaged in partnership with William Bently and William Hinds, in the tanning business, and did a pretty fair business; but they were never able to get enough bark, the people all being too busy with their farm work when bark -peeling was in its prime. Nothing is left of the old tan-yard but a fine spring of water. The eldest son, Richard, was the first station agent and first business man of Catlin ; was in trade a long time; was frequently elected supervisor, and was president of the town board. His tragic death - tragic in its surroundings - will never be forgotten by the citizens of Catlin. His sister, Mrs. Church, was entertaining her family and friends in honor of her fiftieth birthday. Dinner was served at six o'clock, and at the moment when joy and music were filling the mansion of the hospitable lady, and everyone present was given over to gladness, three young ladies were invited to sing. They commenced to sing a sad, though favorite song, "Mother, I've come home to die," when Mr. Jones straightened back in his chair and expired in an instant. The sadness which shrouded that gay company when it was known that death had taken from their very midst the good man who, since the death of his father, had been looked up to by every member of the family as their head, was terrible to endure. The descent from unmixed joy and hilarity into the grief which surrounds death, was shocking, if not tragic.

Soon after the railroad was in operation, and Catlin had begun to grow into a place of note, the people concluded to have an "oldfashioned Fourth of July celebration." It was one of Henry Jones' favorite desires to show these Yankees how they would celebrate such an occasion in England, if they had ever been so fortunate as to have such an affair there. He had been brought up under the " lion and the unicorn," and had never been accustomed to see a " Fourth of July," and had held to the traditions of his fathers, that " St. George was a bigger man than ever fourth of July was." But, on coming to America, he changed his mind, and became a thorough Yankee. To have the biggest celebration ever seen in the Wabash Valley was what the people of Catlin proposed, and preparations were made accordingly. Mr. Jones told them to go into his herd and slaughter all the fat steers they wanted. " If a dozen won't do 'em, take a hun'erd," said the earnest Jonathan; "give 'em enough to eat, or they can't be 'appy." He was unanimously chosen president of the day. The preparations went forward on the grandest scale. Twenty stalwart men were sent out, who spent a week soliciting provisions. Wagon trains were pressed into service to bring in of the abundance of the land. No such sight was ever seen until the commissary trains of the grand army of the Union took up the line of march into the sacred soil of Virginia. The best band in Indiana was engaged, and Daniel Voorhees was sent for, but previous engagements prevented his attendance, and Dan Beckwith came in his stead. The preparations which had been going on for weeks finall}7 ushered in the glorious day. A whole flock of eagles could not have added to the patriotic enthusiasm of the occasion. Crowds of people came in from all the surrounding country, and father Jones was '"appy." Catlin had not as yet been captured by the Good Templars, and the boys did not forget to drink bumpers to the old Englishman who had been converted into a live Yankee. The fund of provisions was ample, and the baskets full of fragments which they took up were never counted, but there was enough to keep Jones' hogs for weeks, after having given away to all the poor they could find. Catlin can be depended on when her citizens get aroused.

Religious Organization

It is believed that Eev. James McKain, who was, as early as 1828 or 1829, minister in charge of the Eugene circuit, was the first Methodist minister to preach in this part of the county. Mrs. Pate speaks of him and of Messrs. Hall, Anderson and French, as among the first preachers here, and says the earlier preaching services were held at Father Pate's, and at the house of Mr. Elliott. Her husband and her brother, Mr. Reynolds, are deserving of mention as among the early local preachers who in those times had much of the pastoral labors put on them. Father Kingsbury is the only minister of the Presbyterian denomination found mentioned at that early day, and the names of none of other denominations are found in any account, or in the memory of any of the oldest inhabitants. About ten years later, Rev. James Ashmore, of the Cumberland Presbyterians, commenced preaching in the western part of this town.

The first edifice erected by the Methodists was the small building now occupied by Mr. Tarrant at Catlin village. It was built a half mile north of its present location. Francis Whitcomb, David Finley, Adam Pate, Thomas Keeney and wife, John Finley and wife, Mrs. Ray and her children, were the Jeaders in getting up this house of worship. Rev. Mr. York was then pastor, and the charge belonged to the Danville circuit. The building was 20 x 30, and was built by Mr. Mills, probably in 1842. The charge was soon after this made a part of the Homer circuit. The present house was built in 1857, under the preaching of Rev. Peter Wallace. G. W. Pate, Thomas Williams, Thomas Keeney, the Ra}7s, Isaac Wolf, Truman Williams and several others were active in the work of building this. It is 36x46, with a steeple, and is a comfortable house. It cost about $1,500. The number of members is about forty. It afterward was changed to Fairmont circuit, and is now Catlin circuit. The Shiloh Methodist Society was organized in 1854. Hamilton Boggess was the first class-leader, and continued his faithful service in that position until he went to the army, where he remained faithful to every trust, as indeed he did everywhere, until, stricken down by disease, he was called up higher. He died in the hospital at Nashville, a sacrifice, like thousands of others, to the unity of this nation. Mr. and Mrs. H. Boggess, Miss Pritchard, John Aldrige, Martin Roof and wife, John Busby and wife, Peter Conrad and wife, M. B. Boggess and wife, Edwin Busby and wife, and William Busby and wife, were the members of this class which became the Shiloh charge. William Busby was another of this little band who gave his life to his country. Rev. George Fairbanks, who resided in Homer, first preached here once in four weeks. Rev. George Bates is the present preacher in charge. Services are held in the school-house. The charge has usually numbered about thirty-five. A union Sabbath-school is maintained in connection with the Cumberland Presbyterian. W. Douglass is superintendent.

The Fairview M. E. Church is on the line between Catlin and Georgetown. The Bethel M. E. Church was organized as a class in 1869, with fifteen members. Under the preaching of Rev. John Helmic, who held a protracted meeting in the school-house here, a church of thirt}7-five members was organized. Preaching was held in the school-house until 1876, when the church was built. The building is 28x40, a neat and tasty edifice, with a steeple, well painted and comfortably seated. It cost $1,400. The Rays, Thomas Williams, E. P. Boggess and Clark Fetterplace were leading men in getting this work forwarded. The membership is about forty. A Sabbath-school, under the superintendency of William M. Ray, numbers about thirtyfive.

A Sabbath-school was first taught by G. W. Pate in the little cabin which was used for a school-house as early as 1838. Coffeen's Handbook of Vermilion County says, p. 24: "The first Sunday-school in the county, as also probably the first M. E. Church, was organized at Asa Elliott's cabin." No dates are given, and no names; but it is probable that those pioneers of religious effort, the Pates (father and son), and Reynolds and Elliott, were the promoters of this school, and that the date was possibly anterior to the one given above on the authority of Mr. Kay. Jacob Wright, an elder of the Christian church, preached here irregularly for two years, commencing in 1865, and organized a church. The building was erected in 1873. It is 32 x 50, with steeple, and cost $1,800. Joel Acrec, Henry Foster and D. Runyon were the leading men in erecting the house. Elder John Myers is the present preacher. Preaching service is held every two weeks, and disciple school each alternate Sabbath.

The Cumberland Presbyterian church, known as Mt. Vernon, was organized by Rev. James Ashmore, of Foster Presbytery, in 1840. Mr. Ashmore has been the pioneer preacher of that denomination for all this portion of the county, having labored here for nearly fifty years, and organized churches, preached the gospel, and labored faithfully here during nearly all of his life. He now resides in Fairmount, under which heading the reader will find a more extended notice of this excellent man. Mr. Ashmore came here to preach in the Jordan school-house in June, 1840, and Mount Vernon church was organized in the fall of that year, with about twenty members. Mr. and Mrs. Oakwood, Mr. and Mrs. Buoy, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Mr. Hardin and family, Mr. Davis and family, Mrs. McKinney and family, Mr. Martin and family, were the first members. The first elders were: John Allen, Laban Buoy, Jesse Burroughs and T, H. Morgan. For two years this church was in a constant state of revival, and Mr. Ashmore carried on the work with the assistance of Rev. Mr. Hill. At one time it numbered two hundred and fifty members. Its numbers were greatly reduced by death and removal. More than forty members went to Oregon, and not less than one hundred of them sleep in the little church-yard. The pastors of the Mount Vernon church who followed Father Ashmore were: Rev. Henry Woodward, who died in Kansas; Rev. David Vandeventer, who lives near Delevan ; Rev. Allen Whitlock, now dead ; Rev. Jesse Beals, at Mattoon ; then Father Ashmore again. At present, Rev. W. R. Hendrick is pastor. A Sabbath-school numbering eighty, with Mr. Albert Voores superintendent, is kept up.

Coal

They have abundance of good coal at Catlin, but the depression in the coal trade has been so great that the enterprises have proved financial failures. The Hinds shaft was sunk in 1862 by William Hinds. It passed successively through the hands of Mr. Henderson, Isaac Wolf and Mr. Jenkins, since which it has been closed. John Faulds put down a shaft near the railroad, west of town, in 1863. He reached a six-foot vein one hundred and forty-seven feet below the surface. It was thought to be a great strike at that time, and men of figures showed by slate and pencil that the coal under each section of land would be worth about $12,000,000. The event was celebrated by a grand banquet in June, 1864, at which Capt. W. R. Timmons was called on to preside, and, amid feasting and good cheer, G. W. Tilton, the poet laureate of Catlin, sang an original song, displaying in stately numbers the beauties and utilities of this grand "Hole in the Ground." The occasion was one of delight, such as the wideawake citizens of Catlin are pleased to engage in. Mr. Faulds supplied it with all the necessary machinery, and run it until 1870. Messrs. McXair and Sweany then worked it for a while, when it went into disuse.

The Ohio shaft, one and one-half miles east of Catlin, was sunk by a company of men from Youngstown, Ohio, in 1865. They found coal at a depth of one hundred and twenty feet. This has changed hands often, and has proved a financial loss. Charles Gones, who purchased the old Woodin farm, put down a shaft one mile northwest of Catlin, near the stream. He struck a six-foot vein at the depth of seventy feet, and at an expense of about $1,500. It is now leased by James Payne, who is carrying it on successfully.

Catlin Village

When the Great Western railroad was built, a station was established on section 34, and in 1856, Guy Merrill and Josiah Hunt laid out the village of Catlin on that section. It consisted of twelve blocks north and south of the depot grounds. At the same time Harvey Sandusky laid out and platted an addition lying south of and running from the railroad west of the original town as far east as that plat did. On the 18th of March Josiah Sandusky platted an addition between this last and the railroad. April, 1858, Josiah platted and laid out his second addition west of the original town. In 1863 J. H. Oakwood laid out an addition of two blocks north of the original town, and in October, 1867, McNair & Co. laid out and platted the Coal Shaft addition along the railroad west, and west of Sandusky's second addition. The place had been known so long as Butler's Point, that it at once became a place of considerable importance. Some of the most enterprising citizens of the county have done business here.

Richard Jones was the first to begin business here after the railroad was built. He was station agent, bought grain and sold goods, and continued in active business here for several years. Capt. W. R. Timmons came here from Indiana in 1855, before the railroad was built, and commenced selling goods in a room which he rented of G. W. Pate, just west of town. The place was known then as Butler's Point.

It was on the old stage road between Crawford svi lie, Indiana, and Springfield. Mr. Pate was postmaster. Timmons had one room of the house, which at that time served for residence, store, post-office and country tavern. When the village was laid out he built the store now standing in the northern part of the village, and moved his store there, still keeping on the state road, and was appointed the first postmaster of Catlin. He continued in trade here for more than fifteen years. Harvey Sandusky was a partner while he remained in the store on the state road, and Mr. Wolf for ten years after.

Capt. Timmons raised Co. A of the 25th Reg. 111. Vol., but was prevented by sickness from going with them. He raised Co. D of the 35th Keg., and rendezvoused on the fair-ground. He marched with them and led them to victory for two years, when his health again giving out, he was obliged to return home. Fred Tarrant and John Swanell had a nice drug store, which was continued for some years. Henry Church commenced the grocery trade, and in 1857 S. Calvert commenced selling goods, and J. H. Oakwood and G. W. Pate opened a general retail store. Goss & Sandusky commenced trade about the same time, or soon after, and were succeeded by Goss & Lee.

About the close of the war, G. W. and S. R. Tilton came here. They were enterprising and thoroughly educated young men, have continued in business till the present time, and have done their full share toward the advancement of Catlin. J. C. Clayton was the first blacksmith. He had a large establishment, and engaged in making mole-ditchers for B. Stockton, who had the right for several counties. Addison Neff also had a blacksmith shop. Crosby, Cook & Co. commenced, in 1858, the manufacture of chairs, furniture, etc., a business which they continued for some years. They employed six or eight hands, and did a large, and for a time a very successful, business, but the changed condition of manufacture and the demands of the times have driven this line of business entirely out of the small villages, and now everybody has to go to the large cities for his chairs or a bedstead. Albert Heath came here in 1857, and erected the huge pile just south of the railroad known as " Heath's Folly." The building is 40 x 75, three stories high, with a large addition on the south side. It wa6 built to contain three stores on the ground floor, a hotel in the second, and a ball-room in the third. It was the largest building of any kind in this part of the county, and far too large for Heath's purse or for the demands of the times. AVhen he got it inclosed he failed and ran away. Six years later the citizens bought it and presented it to Mr. Jenkins, who put a steam grist-mill into it. Mr. Jenkins had had a considerable experience in milling, and did a good business. It had two run of burrs, and was successful until Mr. Jenkins' death. The building was never occupied either as a store or hotel. Capt. Timmons was the first postmaster, and was followed by the following officials in turn: J. K. Turner, Thomas Church, Albert Church, Sam. R. Tilton, L. C. Kyger and Arthur Jones.

The Catlin graded school is under the efficient management of the School Board, of which G. Wilse Tilton is president, and A. G. Payne, secretary. The school is under Principal W. J. Brinckley. The house is a large and roomy three-stoiy brick building, about 45 x 60, the upper story of which, however, belongs to the Masonic order, under a contract which was entered into at the time of building. The school has always been well conducted, and is evidently in good hands. Pupils are carried through all the higher branches: rhetoric, botany, geometry, zoolog}', higher arithmetic, physical geography and natural philosophy, preparing graduates for first grade certificates under the laws of this state. The school year is eight months with three vacations.

The Vermilion County Agricultural and Mechanical Association was organized in 1850. The first fair was held at Danville where the Presbyterian church now stands. They elected officers, held the fair, declared premiums, all in one day. There was no gate fee charged, and only about forty dollars paid in premiums. It does not appear where the money to pay this princely sum came from, but probably from license fees charged to those who kept stands on the ground. The second fair was held down on the bottom near the Red Bridge. This was such a decided improvement on the first one, that the farmers began to take heart. No fee was charged. People thought it was about all it was worth to come the distance they must to see a fair. Harvey Sodasky, Samuel Baum, Martin Moudy and P. S. Spencer showed fine cattle, and Ward H. Lamon, afterward President Lincoln's marshal and biographer, showed a fast horse and a monkey. Mr. J. H. Oakwood, Mr. Milligan and Mr. Catlett were appointed a committee to fix up a plan of organization. Nearly all the fine stock was then owned by the men living in this part of the county, and it was thought more convenient to locate it at Butler's Point, where suitable grounds could be got at very reasonable rental. Fortv acres of ground was rented and fenced, a good track laid out, an amphitheatre, floral and mechanical halls erected, and good fairs have been held each year. Last year it was thought best to hold it at Danville. The present officers are G. W.

Tilton, president; W. T. Sandusky, vice-president; W. S. McClennathan, secretary ; D. Douglas, treasurer. The fairs have increased in general interest each year, and have generally proved financially successful.

The Oakridge Cemetery was organized under the laws of the state in August, 1868. Two burying-grounds had been previously occupied for resting-places for the dead. The old ground is near the railroad, three-fourths of a mile from the village. It was the first place for burial of the dead in this part of the county, and was never properly platted and mapped ; very many of the graves are not marked, and the surface indications have become obliterated, so that it was difficult to tell where new graves might be dug without breaking into old ones. Henry Jones laid out a family burying-ground on his own lands which has been used by some.

The necessity was, therefore, apparent for a regular place to lay away the dead in their last resting-place in an orderly way. A beautiful spot was selected, two acres of ground purchased and properly platted. Hon. J. H. Oakwood is president; G. W. Tilton, secretary; G. W. Wolf, E. P. Boggess and W. M. Kay, directors.

Catlin Lodge, No. 285, Free and Accepted Masons, was instituted October 7, 1858. The charter members were: Dr. Allen Lathram, W.M., J. H. Goss, Albert Heath, David M. Woolin, Henry Oarigan, William Kyle and W. R. Timmons. The latter is the only one left of the original charter members. This has been the parent lodge of Masonry in this portion of the county. One hundred and forty intermediate, Passed and Accepted Masons have been put through the course of instruction which entitles them to position in the order. Twelve were sent out from here to start the Fairmount lodge, and fifteen to Newtown, and some to others. No. 285 is everywhere recognized as one of the best lodges in this part of the state. It now numbers sixty-five. Its successive masters in turn have been : Dr. Lathram, J. H. Oakwood, W. R. Timmons, J. H. Goss, A. G. Olmstead, J. A. Frazier, G. W. Tilton, J. C. Vance, Peter Wolf, J. H. Crosby and A. G. Payne. It practically owns the room which is the third story of the seminary building, having paid for it when it was built, and have a ninety-nine years lease. The present officers are: A. G. Payne, W.M.; D. Douglas, S.W. ; J. W. Newlon, J.W. ; Albert Church, secretary ; J. W. Crutchley, treasurer; S. McGregor, S.D. ; J. D. Culp, J.D. ; M. Lenon, T. Lodge meets second and fourth Saturdays in each month.

Silas Clark, treasurer, and William Jameson, were charter members. Seven were initiated the first night, making twelve original members. The lodge has always been a prosperous one. The Noble Grands have each hung their portraits in the lodge-room. The present officers are: Silas Clark, N.G. ; F. F. Torpenning, Y.G. ; Thomas Dale, secretary; G. W. Tilton, treasurer. The lodge numbers thirty-three.

The Catlin Grange, No. 4, Patrons of Husbandry, was, as its number indicates, one of the first organized in the state. The charter members were Jesse Davis, H. M. Payne, Joseph Culp, J. C. Sandusky, J. H. Hartley, A. G. Payne and J. C. Yance. It was strong in men and firm in the faith, and probably did its share in increasing the crops, killing off the middle-men, and making the politicians dread the tillers of the soil. It maintained an efficient organization for five years.

The Sons of Temperance organized in 1871 and the Good Templars in 1864. At the time of their organization there were four licensed saloons in Catlin. They lived and did good work in their respective orders until the last saloon was closed, and then disbanded. Catlin has been a temperance village since then.

Village Organization

March 24, 1863, an election was held to vote for or against incorporation, Sanford Calvert presiding. Twelve votes were cast for, and none against incorporation. April 3 an election was held for five trustees. The result was: for S. Hodges, 11 ; S. Calvert, 9 ; J. C. Clayton, 10 ; G. W. F. Church, 8 ; Thos. Church, 8 ; A. C. Cord, R. Wilson, U. Winters, each 6. S. Calvert was chosen president ; G. W. F. Church, clerk, and Dr. Richardson was chosen trustee in place of J. C. Clayton, who declined to serve. Clayton is supposed to have been the first citizen of the town who declined official preferment, and some suppose him the last. The corporate limits were fixed as the west half of section 35 and east half of section 34. At an election for police magistrate, July 25, twenty-eight votes were cast, and S.. Calvert was elected. The new board established a set of ordinances to govern the town. The present officers are : S. Hodges, president; J. F. Crosby, C. Gones, L. C. Kyger, A. G. Payne and S. W. Jones, trustees; D. H. Hazelrigg, police magistrate; Albert Church, clerk; D. H. Torpenning, street commissioner.

Biographical

D. B. Douglass, Catlin, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 11th of October, 1827, and is the son of Cyrus and Ruby Douglass, who were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and came to the county in an early day, and were the first

married in the county. Mr. D. B. Douglass made a trip to California in 1853, and in 1864 went to the western territories, returning in 1866. He was married on the 5th of September, 1855, to Miss Ann Downing, a native of Kentucky, born on the 25th of December, 1825. They have three sons and two daughters: Samuel, Eliza, Allen, Bell and George. Mr. Douglass has three hundred and twenty-six acres of land with good improvements, which are the fruits of his own management and attendance strictly to his own affairs. He has thus gained the good will of all his neighbors, and is respected by all who know him.

Lura Guyman, Catlin, farmer, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on the 20th of August, 1793, and was married to Noah Guyman, May, 1812, who was a native of North Carolina and came to Yermilion county in 1829, and resided where Mrs. Guyman now lives until his death in 1861. He served in the Blackhawk war in 1832, under Col. Moore. She is the mother of one son and one daughter now living : Franklin N. and Mary H. Payne, who is the mother of three children : Milton N., Lura E., wife of George Trimmell, and Jessie L., wife of J. G. Redmon. Mrs. Guyman has been a practicing physician in the county for sixty years, and has been at the births of over one thousand children, always making her visits on horseback; consequently she has ridden more miles on horseback than any other woman in the state. She is now eighty-six years of age, and attends a garden of one-fourth of an acre, that would do credit to any man in the county.

James T. Yount, Fairmount, farmer, was born in Gallion county, Kentucky, on the 30th of March, 1813, and came to Vermilion county with his parents in 1829, and first located eight miles west of where M. Yount now resides. One of Mr. Yount's brothers was in the Blackhawk war. Mr. Yount has been twice married. His former wife was- Emaline Halden. They were married in 1857. She was born in Monroe county, Virginia, on the 23d of March, 1811, and died in 1864. His second marriage was to Eliza E. Worl, on the 22d of June, 1877. She was born in 1819. Mr. Yount has two children by his former wife: Mary E. and William G., and one by his present wife: Charles.

Joel Acree, Catlin, farmer, with his father and family, arrived in this county in 1829, and located in Catlin township, coming from Alabama. His father bought one hundred and thirty acres of raw land and built a cabin, and the second year put in cultivation thirty acres and became one of the prominent farmers of the county. Milling was difficult on account of the long distances and unbridged streams. When a bov, Mr. Acree has often taken a single sack of corn on horseback as tar as ten, and sometimes fifteen, miles in order to obtain a little meal for immediate family use. For a number of vears after the death of his father (who died in 1835) Mr. Acree continued to reside with his mother and family, filling, to the best of his ability, the position naturally devolving upon him as the eldest son. In 1848 he took to himself a wife, the object of his choice being Miss Eloessa Yount, daughter of William and Cathrine (Sacra) Yount, old settlers of the county. Mr. Acree remained on the old homestead and bought out the other heirs, and became sole proprietor. He has added to it until the farm now embraces four hundred and eighty-five acres of wellimproved land. Mr. Acree is to be congratulated on his past success, and it is but just to add that in a large measure he has been assisted by a noble, self-denying wife wTho has not only saved her husband's hard earnings, but has materially added from time to time thereto. Two children only are spared to them as the fruits of their marriage : Mrs. Mary C. (Tho. A. Taylor) and Mattie, wife of L. McDonald.

J. W. Acree, Fairmount, farmer, was born in Alabama on the 15th of October, 1825, and came with his parents to Vermilion county in 1829. On the 4th of March, 1852, Mr. Acree took himself a lifepartner, his choice being Miss Lydia Brady, daughter of John and Rosanna Brady, who were early settlers of this county. She was born in Brown county, Ohio, on the 6th of November, 1832. They have been blessed with a family of two sons and one daughter: Jerod Rosanna (now wife of E. C Lee), and Wallace. Mr. and Mrs. Acree are both united with the C. P. Church. Mr. Acree owns a fine farm of two hundred and thirty-five acres, which is the fruit of his own industry.

John A. Church, Catlin, was born in Greenbrier county, in what is now West Virginia, on the 20th of August, 1827. In the fall of 1830 his family moved to Vermilion county, Illinois, and settled at Butler's Point. Mr. Church's father still resides on the place originally settled, and is now in the seventy-third year of his life. Mr. Church's mother, formerly Miss Ruth Caraway, died on the 14th of February, 1850, and was buried at Butler's Point. She was the mother of ten children, seven of whom were raised, and five are now living: John A., William, Sarah, Joseph and Charles, all of Catlin township. Mary, the wife of Frank Gnyman, and Ruth, both died in the same township, the former in 1862, and the latter about 1854. Mr. Church was about three years of age on his arrival in this county, and has lived all his life within a mile of the place first settled. He was married to Miss Mary Lore on the 27th of September, 1849, at the house of the bride's parents in Catlin township. He settled down immediately to farm-life, and taught school in the winter for some three years. By strict economy, and the simplest mode of living, enough money was saved up the first six years to make a payment of $500 on an improved forty acres of land, on which he immediately moved, and which was paid for in due time, and now forms a part of the present fine farm of one hundred and seventy acres, lying two miles northwest of Catlin, and on which the proprietor lived till the fall of 1874, when he settled in Catlin, where he has bought a handsome little property. As the fruits of their marriage. Mr. Church and lady have been blessed with two bright, interesting daughters: Miss Edwina and Miss Clara. Alexander, Mr. Church's father, was also raised and married in Virginia, in the county already mentioned, and is now one of the old and honored pioneers of Vermilion county. Mrs. Church's ancestry, the Loves, are also of an old and well-known Virginia family, and were also settlers in that state when it was a British colony. Her father, William, was born in the same state in 1803. He married a Miss Elizabeth Gish, and immediately moved to Highland county, Ohio, where they landed about 1826. They arrived in Danville, Illinois, in 1830, where they resided till 1839. when they moved to Catlin township, where they both died, he in the spring of 1868, and she in the spring of 1871.

Thomas H. Keeney, Catlin, section 32, farmer, was born in what was then known as Greenbrier county, Virginia, on the 12th of March, 1803, and came to Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1831. He is now living close to where he settled when he first came to the county. Mrs. Elizabeth Keeney, wife of Thomas H. Keeney, was a native of Greenbrier county, Virginia. She was born on the 31st of March, 1810, and died on the 8th of August, 1868. Mr. Keeney is the father of six sons and three daughters by his first wife, of whom four are living : Hamilton F. ; Lucretia ; William F. ; and Amanda. The names of the deceased are : John A. ; David ; Mary E. ; James T. ; and Joseph S. Mr. Keeney has been a constant member of the M. E. church for thirty-five years.

John Thompson, deceased, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of May, 1797. He was a youth of spirit and adventure, and though only sixteen years of age, served as a courier in the war of 1812. When the Americans crossed into Canada at Niagara, on the night of the 12th of October, 1812, and seized the heights of Queens, town, he volunteered to go with the assaulting column, and as the fruit of his daring, ever after bore on his left arm an ugly saber scar. He taught school, and traveled extensively in the United States, passing over thirteen of them and the upper British provinces before he Avas twenty-seven years old. About this time (1824) he was married to Ester Payne, in Dearborn county, Indiana, where he had located the year before. In the fall of 1831 he removed to Vermilion county, Illinois, and settled two miles north of Catlin, where he died, on the 13th September, 1861. He was an early assessor and county commissioner; farmed, taught school, and always in business, - a man of sound judgment, large experience and practical talents. His sons were Louis M., Sylvester D., Philander (dead), John P. (dead). Daughters: Melissa, wife of Sale S. Ray ; Martha J., wife of Maj. Wilson Burroughs ; Mary H., wife of Rev. Isaiah Villars ; and Harriet, wife of Dr. John J. Mc- Elroy.

Dennis Rouse, Catlin, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Scioto county, Ohio, on the 14th of February, 1828, and came to Yermilion county in 1832 with his parents, and first settled two and one-half miles east of Danville, his parents dying when he was quite young. He started without anything, and at the present is the owner of a fine farm of seven hundred and twenty acres, within eight miles of Danville, which is the result of his own labor. On the 29th of October, 1850, Mr. Rouse was married to Miss Louisa Olehy, a native of Scioto county, Ohio, born on the 20th of December, 1834. By their marriage they have three children : Reazon, Lillie J. and Dennis A. One child died - Emma.

Thomas Brady, farmer and stock-raiser, section 2, Catlin township, is the son of John and Rosanna Brady. He was born in what is now Catlin township, on the 8th of October, 1832. His father was a native of Virginia, but removed to Brown county, Ohio, as early as the year 1825. In 1832 he again moved, this time locating in Vermilion county, Illinois. Being one of the early pioneers, he had the choice of location, and being from a timbered country, he located in the timber near where the county farm now is. Here he improved a large farm, and raised a family of fourteen children, five sons and nine daughters, of whom there are now only seven daughters and three sons living: Hannah A., who has been an invalid since four years old. She resided in this county until 1876, and then moved to Kansas and began farming on her own account on quite an extensive scale. Sarah, wife of the deceased M. Oakwood ; Ailcy, wife of the deceased J. Burroughs, and now wife of J. Wherry ; Johnathan T. ; Lidy, wife of J. W. Acree ; Thomas, the subject of our sketch ; Marsala, formerly wife of Wm. McCoy, deceased, and now wife of H. Leonard ; Rosanah, wife of Wm. Finley during his life, and now wife of Wm. Gerling, who is extensively engaged in gold mining in California ; John, now on the old home farm ; Jane, wife of L. Burroughs till his death, and now wife of N". R. Mills. The names of the deceased are: Nancy, Joseph, Mary and Ennis. Thomas Brady, the subject of our sketch, was united in marriage to Miss America Finley, daughter of Maholon and Margaret Finley, on the 1st of March, 1855. She also is a native of Vermilion county, Illinois. She was born on the 4th of May, 1833, and is a woman seldom equaled in her taste of decorating and making a home pleasant. Until 1874 he had resided three miles west of Danville. He then removed to his present home in Catlin township, where he owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres, beautifully located, within one mile of the village of Catlin, this being his home farm. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres where he formerly resided, west of Danville. This tine property has been the result of his own energy, industry and economy.

B. C. Pate, Catlin, section 21, son of Adam and Elizabeth Pate, was born in Catlin, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 12th of July, 1832. His father was one of the early settlers of the county, coming in 1829, and settling where B. C. Pate now resides. He was a native of Montgomery county, Virginia, born on the 19th of December, 1791, and died on the 8th of February, 1867. His wife, Elizabeth, was a native of Virginia, born on the 12th of December, 1794, and died on the 8th of October, 1874. They both remained at the old homestead until their death. B. C. Pate was united in marriage on the 22d of December, 1857, to Miss Rebecca Tanner. She was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1839. They have been blessed with five children : Lafayette P., Horace M., Asa Clay, Oiver C. and George W. Mrs. P. is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. P. is a member of the A.F. & A.M., Catlin Lodge, No. 285.

Reece Cook, Catlin, farmer and stock-raiser, was bom in Ripley county, Indiana, on the 25th of April, 1817, and came to Vermilion county in 1831. He first settled at Grape Creek, and in 1834 removed five miles southwest of Danville, where his mother now resides. His father died in 1846. On the 30th of January, 1845, Mr. Cook married Miss A. J. Hartley. She is a native of what was then Monongalia county, Virginia, and was born on the 19th of June, 1821. She came to Vermilion county in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are pioneers of this county, and are respected by the citizens of the county. They are members of the C. P. church.

W. A. Church, Catlin, farmer, was born in Catlin township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 13th of July, 1833, and has never been out of the county over a month at a time. He was married in 1853 to Miss Hester A. Douglass, who was born on the 7th of October, 1834, in Vermilion county. They have three sons and two daughters : Sarah D., wife of J. Acree; William J., Laura A., wife of L. Busby; Thos. W. and Charles S. Mr. Church owns a fine farm of three hundred

Hon. Jacob H. Oakwood, Catlin, was born in Brown county, Ohio, on the 18th of November, 1828. In 1833 his parents and family arrived in Vermilion county, Illinois, and made a settlement in what is now Oakwood township, near the present little town of Oakwood, both named in memory of this family. Here Mr. Oakwood's father continued to reside till removed by death in 1855, and his remains now repose in the Mount Yernon Church cemetery, of Catlin township, a congregation that he was largely instrumental in building up, and of which he became a member about the time of its organization, and where he continued to worship up to the time of his decease. His wife, still living, now in the eighty-sixth year of her life, has also been for many years a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and is now one of the venerable pioneer ladies of the county. They raised a family of nine children, four of whom are yet living : Henry, Michael, a Methodist clergyman, and Mrs. Margaret (George A.) Fox, residents of Oakwood township, and Jacob, of Catlin. The others, Mrs. Amanda (Rev. Eli) Helmick, Samuel, Mrs. Matilda (Henry) Sallie, Martin K. and Morgan H., all died in this county, and near the old homestead. Those living are well-to-do in life, respected and well known throughout the county. Their opportunities of a literary character were rather limited, as was commonly the case in the first settlement of the country ; nevertheless, bv a diligent use of the means afforded, they each became very fair scholars for the times, and five of the brothers became teachers, including the subject of this sketch, who commenced the business when only about twenty years old, and continued it some four years, during the winter seasons. On the 14th of February, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary I. Caraway, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (McCorkle) Caraway, old settlers of this county and of Catlin township. This marriage has been productive of eight children, four living: Charles H., George "W., Miss Emma J. and Annie. Three died in infancy, and Mary E., the eldest, a bright, promising daughter. A^ker his marriage Mr. Oakwood settled down upon a farm, and turned his attention to agriculture, and has given it that scientific consideration now regarded as essential to this all-important industry. In a short time his knowledge and proficiency became such that he was elected to the presidency of the Yermilion County Agricultural Society, which he has served, either in the capacity of president or secretary, excepting a few intervals, for the last twenty years. With other leading agricultural gentlemen of his county, he has used his best influences to secure the introduction of suitable and improved farming implements and thorough-bred stock, and has had the satisfaction of seeing a vast improvement in the mechanical tillage of the soil, and in the quality of the different breeds of live-stock. He has not only been actively engaged in furthering the material developments of the country, but has given a large share of his attention to political questions and public measures. His first presidential vote was given for Gen. Winfield Scott, the last but unsuccessful whig nominee. Upon the dissolution of this organization, he went, with the great majority of the whigs of the north, into the republican party, the organization of which was completed in 1856, and he has acted in conjunction with this party ever since. In 1872 he was elected to the state legislature, as one of the representatives on the republican ticket, for the thirty-first senatorial district, including Vermilion and Edgar counties. While in the legislature he proved himself active, capable and efficient, and secured the passage of several important bills, among which are the present road law, the modification of the school law in such a manner as to grant certificates of second grade to teachers qualified in what is commonly known as the seven branches, the original criterion of qualification ; and the cutting down of the homestead and exemption law to a definite sum, not exceeding fifteen hundred dollars - a thousand dollars of real estate, and five hundred, personal property. He served on the committees of public charities, civil service and retrenchment, and while engaged in these duties, visited the public charitable institutions of the state, in order to perfectly acquaint himself with their actual condition and wants, and to render himself better qualified to assist in necessary appropriations, without voting away the people's money in response to unnecessary demands, which are more or less made upon every legislature. During his entire incumbency his official action compares well with that of other capable gentlemen who have heretofore represented the people of his district, and as he is yet young, we confidently expect that his name will again appear in connection with some of the honorable positions within the gift of the people. Mr. Oakwood's family are ofGerman descent through both lines. His father, Henry, was born in East Tennessee; moved early to Kentucky, where he married Miss Margaret Remley, a native of Pennsylvania, whose parents were also early settlers of Kentucky, coming down the Ohio River in a fiat-boat hostile bands of savages menaced the emigrant from either shore. A short time after their marriage they moved to Brown county, Ohio, the native county of General Grant, with whose parents they were well acquainted and upon intimate terms of friendship. Mrs. Sarah Hickman, deceased, of Vermilion county, is the only sister of his father that Mi-. Oak-wood recollects, and the presumption is the family was composed of only the brother and sister. Owing to the loss of early records, the origin of the family cannot be definitely traced in its more early settlement in this country farther than is already given in the preceding sketch.

Jesse Davis, Catlin, farmer, section 36, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, on the 24th of October, 1832. He came with his parents to Vermilion county in 1833, and settled where Mr. Davis now resides. His parents were natives of Virginia, and removed to Ohio in an early day; thence to this county, where they remained until their death. Mr. Davis died in 1834. and Mrs. Davis in 1870. Jesse Davis was united in marriage to Miss M. E. Hyett, a native of Davis county, Kentucky, born on the 24th of Xovember, 1838. They have two sons and two daughters: Clara J., Yan C, Scott G. and Minnie L. Mr. Davis is member of A.F. & A.M., Catlin Lodge, No. 285.

Samuel Cook, "Westville, farmer, Catlin, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, on the 4th of October, 1825. He came west and settled in Vermilion county, on the 4th of October, 1834. He remained with his parents in Georgetown township for some time. He has been twice married : first, to Amanda M. Graves. She was born in this county on the 18th of August, 1833, and departed this life on the 19th of August, 1866. The second time he married to Martha E. Citizen, on the 14th of April, 1870, a native of Warren county, Indiana, born on the 25th of July, 1839. He had six children by his former wifei Georg W., James P., Mary E. (now wife of J. A. Wherry), Charles, and two deceased: Margaret, Ellen. By his present wife he is the father of three children : Freddie, Bertie J. and John F. Mr. Cook owns a fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres, with good improvements. He has been an industrious and public-spirited man, and is respected by all who know him.

G. W. Wolfe, Catlin, farmer and stock-raiser, section 33, is a son of Henry an Aim Wolfe, and was born in Sullivan county, Tennessee, on the 22d of February, 1832. At two and a half years of age he came, with his parents, to Illinois, and settled writhin four miles of where Mr. Wolfe now resides. They first located on what is now known as the J. H. Oakwood farm, where they remained until their death. G. W. Wolfe, who is the subject of our sketch, was united in marriage on the 22d of October, 1854, to Miss Ann Caraway, a daughter of Charles and Elisabeth Caraway, who were among the early settlers of the county. They are blessed with a family of five children, three sons and two daughters: Charles H., John M., Abraham L., Martha B., Bertha. One child died in infancy. Mr. Wolfe has held the office of supervisor for seven years, and other local offices of the township. He is a member of the A.F. & A.M., of Catlin Lodge, No. 285, and politically is a staunch republican. He and his wife are regular members of the C. P. church. Mr. Wolfe owns a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres, on which he has made most of the improvements.

John W. New Ion, Catlin, section 12, is a son of Thomas B. and Angeline Newlon. She was the daughter of S. Griffith, who was one of the pioneers of the county, coming in 1822. Thomas B. Newlon, John W. Newlon's father, was a native of Virginia, and removed to Champaign county, Ohio, at an early day; thence to Vermilion county in the fall of 1835. J. W. Newlon, the subject of our sketch, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 13th of June, 1840. He took an active part in the late rebellion. He enlisted in Co. I, 35th Keg. 111. Vol. Inf., on the 3d of July, 1861, and was at the battles of Pea Ridge, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and all the battles attending Sherman's campaign to Atlanta. He was at the siege of Atlanta, and was mustered out on the 19th of September, 1864. He returned to Vermilion county, and was united in marriage on the 19th of September, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Taylor, who is the daughter of Thomas B. and Ivea Taylor. She was born in Tippecanoe count}', Indiana, on the 2d of February, 1845. They have five children - one son and four daughters: Tempie I., Norah, Mildred A., Evaline and Lowell T. Mr. Newlon is now township supervisor. He has served as assessor and township collector. He also is a member of the A.F. & A.M., Catlin Lodge, No. 285.

Charles T. Caraway, Catlin, section 29, was born in Catlin township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 22d of October, 1838. His parents came to the county in 1829-30. His father was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, in 1787, and died in 1838. His mother was also a native of Virginia, and died in 1S48. Mr. Caraway was united in marriage, in 1865, to Miss Jennie Dougherty, a native of Ohio county, Indiana. She was born on the 20th of October, 1844. They have three children : Warren E., Charles H., Nellie B. Mr. Caraway is a member of the A.F. & A.M., Catlin Lodge, 285. He served in the late rebellion, in Co. I, 35th Reg. 111. Vol. Inf., and was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Stone River, Perryville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, where he was wounded, and was at the siege of Corinth.

A. G. Payne, Catlin, son of John and Verlitta Pajme, was born in Danville township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 20th of May, 1838. On the 2d of January, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda Green, a native of Jefferson county, Indiana, born on the 13th of January, 1840. By this union they have been blessed with five children, of whom three are living: Charles W., John H. and Udocia

V. The names of the deceased are Margaret M. and Hettie H. Mr. Payne is a chapter member of the Masonic lodge, No. 82, Danville, and also a member of Catlin lodge, No. 285. Mr. Payne took an active part in the rebellion. He enlisted on the 14th of September, 1861, as private in Co. C, 5th 111. Cav. On the 21st of August, 1862, he was appointed corporal, and, on the 13th of March, 1863, sergeant. He reenlisted on the 1st of January, 1861, in the same regiment and in the same company, and was appointed quartermaster-sergeant on the 1st of September, 1864. On the 17th of February of that year he was made first sergeant, and first lieutenant on the 19th of May, 1865. He was promoted to brigade provost-marshal on the 25th of August, 1865 and to captain of Co. D on the 4th of October, 1865. Mr. Pa}-ne was at the siege of Yicksburg and Champion Hill, Yazoo City, Jackson, Mississippi, Grand Gulf, and others. He was mustered out on the 27th of October, 1865, and returned to Vermilion count}-, where he engaged in farming until 1871, and since then he has been in the mercantile business, the firm being now known as Payne & Crutchley.

S. T. Ellsworth, Westville, farmer, was born in Shelby county, Ohio, on the 11th of October, 1817, and came to Vermilion county in 1838. He then went to Springfield, Illinois, and there remained for a while, and then returned to Ohio in 1839. He came back to this county in 1840, and purchased his present farm in 1853, where he has been a prominent resident ever since. On the 17th of August, 1841, he was married to Miss A. Graves, a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky. She was born on the 15th of October, 1822, and came to this county in about 1828. They have had a family of seven children : Mary E., wife of I. Burroughs ; Margaret M., wife of W. W. Current during her life ; Jacob P. ; Sarah M., wife of W. D. Parker; Evaline M., wife of G. H. Watson; Levi L. and Catharine. Mr. Ellsworth owns one hundred and sixty-live acres of land, on which he has made the improvements. His political views are republican.

C. F. Pillars, Oak wood, farmer, section 25, son of Samuel and Icy Pillars, was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, on the 16th of December, 1836. He came to Vermilion county with his parents in 1842, and settled near Danville. Here he remained two years, and then went to Oakwood township, and from there to where he now resides. He served in the rebellion, in the 35th 111. Vol. Inf. He was married to Miss Ann E. Seymore, on the 14th of May, 1862. She is a native of Montgomery county, Indiana, and was born on the. 23d of December, 1S37. They are the parents of five children : Eva M., Alvina, Martha, Cornelia, and Emma, deceased. Mr. Pillars is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge. He owns one hundred and ninety-six acres of land.

John Parker, Catlin, fanner, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on the 19th of March, 1819, and. removed to Marion county, Indiana, in 1836, where his parents were among the early settlers. His father died in 1812. Mr. Parker came to Vermilion county in JS44, and settled at Brooks Point, where he remained eight years. He then removed to where he now resides. He was married on the 23d of November, 1821, to Hannah Clark, and they have eleven children : Drusilla, Sarah, Mary E., William D., John M., Ann E., James W., Oscar F., George W., Henry P., and Clinton W.

J. Col. Vance, Oakwood, section 20, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 2d of June, 1844. His father, John W., came to Vermilion county in about 1823 or 1824, where he was one of the first settlers of the county. He was born in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 18th of March, 1782, and died where his son now resides, on the 6th of May, 1857. He was elected representative two terms in an early day. His wife, Deziah Rathburn, was born in Meigs county, Ohio, on the 2d of September, 1813, and died on the 23d of November, 1865. Their family consisted of two sons and four daughters: Horace W. ; Helen, wife of J. Wilson, and Bridget A. ; J. Col., the subject of our sketch; Lura G., wife of S. R. Tilton, and Josephine L., wife of L. Steele, and three deceased : Marion W., Mariah C. and Joseph C. J. Col. Vance took an active part in the rebellion. He enlisted in 1862, in Co. A, 71st 111. Vol. Inf., and served his time out, and enlisted in 1864 in Co. F, 26th Peg. 111. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war. He was engaged in the battles of Resaca, Atlanta and others. He was with Sherman on the march to the sea ; at the battle of Savannah city, Columbia, South Carolina, Fayetteville, Goldsborough, and was at the general review at Washington, District of Columbia. He returned home in July, 1865, and was united in marriage on the 19th of November, 1868, to Miss Lydia E. Mathewman, born in Jefferson county, Iowa, on the 18th of July, 1851. By their union they have been blessed with four children : Alta D., John F., Alice A., Clara J., and one deceased, - Frank. Mr. Vance is a member of the A.F. & A. M., Catlin Lodge, No. 285.

A. A. Taylor, Catlin, farmer, was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, on the 9th of December, 1832, and came to Vermilion county with his parents in 1845. Mr. Taylor served in the army, enlisting in Co. I, 35th 111. Vol. Inf., in 1861, and served three years. He was in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga, - in which he was severely wounded, - Mission Ridge and Atlanta. Soon after the war he came home, and was married to Miss Anna Mevill. They have one son and one daughter: Jennie M. and George A.

H. H. Catlett, Fairmount, farmer, was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, on the 21st of October, 1823, and in 1828 went with his parents to Alabama. He went to Tennessee in 1830, arid to Fayette county, Ohio, in 1835. In 1846 he came to Vermilion county, and soon after purchased the farm where his brother now resides. Mr. Catlett was united in marriage in 1858 to Miss Lucinda Koudebnsh, a native of Clermont county, Ohio, born in 1838. By this union they have four children : Nellie T., George B,., Percy L., Corinne C. ' Mr. and Mrs. Catlett are members of the Baptist church, and Mr. C. is a member of A.F. & A.M.

W. T. Sandusky, Fairmount, farmer and stock-raiser, is the son of William and Julia Sandusky, who were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, and resided in Bourbon county, Kentucky, at the time of the birth of W. T. Sandusky, on the 11th of March, 1829, but removed, however, to Shelby county, Illinois, the same year, where his father died, 1830, and his mother in 1839, leaving Mr. Sandusky to act for himself. Mr. Sandusky came to Vermilion county having only a horse and sixteen dollars in money. He followed herding cattle and driving them to the eastern market, working iive years for ten and thirteen dollars per month. In 1853 he went to California where he followed mining and superintending a farm. He then returned to this county in 1856, and hence to Putnam county, Indiana, where he engaged in the hotel business until 1866. He then again returned to Vermilion county and purchased his present farm of five hundred acres, which is adapted to his business of stock-raising. On the 1st of December, 1859, he was married to Miss Emily Clements, a native of Ohio, born in 1839. They have two daughters: Maggie and Katie.

Frederick Jones, Catlin, dry -goods, was born in London, England, on the 28th of May, 1844, and came with a colony of twenty-four persons to this county in 1849, and settled at Butler's Point. The family consisted of seven children : Arthur, Kichard (now deceased), Sarah E., Eliza, Emily, Louisa and our subject. Mr. Jones was united in marriage on the 5th of December, 1866, to Miss Harriet A. Dickinson, who was born in England on the 28th of December, 1847. By this union they have seven children : James, Emma, Kichard, Harriet A., Sarah, Frederick and Elizabeth.

Arthur Jones, Catlin, merchant, was born in London, England, on the 14th of July, 1848, and came to this county in 1849, and located at Brooke's Point (now Catlin), where he has resided ever since. On the 22d of January, 1871, he married Miss Emma Dickinson, who was born in England on the 25th of December, 1852. They are the parents of four children, of whom only two are living : Edward A.,

William H. The names of the deceased are Cora M. and Nettie B. Jones Bros, are honest, energetic, and courteous to their many customers, and have gained a wide circle of friends.

Thomas Church, Catlin, section 35, son of Henry and Sophia Church, was born in London, England, on the 7th of September, 1838. He came to America -with his mother and two sisters: Jane, wife of F. Champion, and Sarah, wife of Henry Lloyde, in 1850. His lather came in 1849, and settled three miles south of Catlin, where they resided until 1855, and then removed to Catlin, where they remained. His father died in 1859, and his mother in 1874. Thomas Church was united in marriage on the 6th of May, 1861, to Miss Louisa Jones, daughter of Henry and Sarah Jones, who were among the early settlers of the county. By this union they have four daughters and two sons: Sophia L., Herbert A., Ellen E., Ada E., Frederic H. and Sarah A. Mr. Church is a member of the A.F. & A.M., Catlin Lodge, No. 285, and he and his wife are members of the M. E. church.

Thomas Williams, Catlin, farmer, section 28, was born in the county of Cornwall, England, on the 8th of February, 1804, and came with his parents, William and Loveday Williams, to Federal City, D.C., in 1820, where his mother died in September of 1821. His father and the family, consisting of nine children, came to Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1822, where they were among the early settlers. His father remained there until his death, 1849. Mr. Williams has been thrice married: his first wife was Miss Paulina Pate, married on the 19th of March, 1826 ; born in Dearborn county, Indiana, on the 17th of July, 1808, and died on the 7th of November, 1850. His second wife was Mrs. Katharine Pate. They were married on the 14th of February, 1851. She was born in North Carolina, on the 6th of April, 1799, and died on the 17th of June, 1862. His third marriage was to Mrs. Margaret Patterson (formerly Miss Fruits), on the 27th of October, 1862. She is a native of Indiana, born on the 8th of January, 1817. Mr. Williams has six daughters by his first wife: Jane, wife of S. Lewis; Loveday, wife of W. S. Pate; Paulina, wife of J. Thomas; Catharine W., wife of deceased H. Ludington ; Mary E., wife of F. Burroughs; Grace, wife of William Cole. There are six deceased : Rachel, William, Elizabeth, Phoebe A., George A., Emily. Mr. Williams came to Vermilion county in 1S51, and settled where he now resides. He owns three hundred and fifty-one acres of land, of which he has improved two hundred acres.

Frederic Tarrant, Catlin, groceries and provisions, was born in Berkshire, England, on the 15th of May, 1824. He came to Catlin, Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1853, and here has made his home ever since.

Fie was united in marriage to Mrs. Eliza Brown, formerly Miss Jones. By this union they have had nine children, six of whom are living: Sarah L., now Mrs. C. P. Williams; Miriam W., Arthur H., Jessie B., Thomas A., Alice B. The names of the deceased are Frederic R., Helen E. and Elsie K. Mrs. Tarrant has one child by her former husband : Emily E., now Mrs. James E. White. Mr. T. is a member of the A.F. & A.M., of Catlin, No. 285, and he and his wife are members of the M. E. church. Came to Catlin as one of the first settlers.