Chili Township

Chili Township

Township 3-6 received its much-mispronoiinced name from the little viIlao;e of Chili, near its southwest corner. This village was laid out bj Elisha Worrell, Esq., one of its early and much respected pioneers, in the year 1S36. The township is composed mainly of prairie land, though the head waters of Bear and Panther creeks supply it with some small bodies of wood land. Considerable of it is rather flat prairie, while other portions are rolling and well drained. It contains much valuable farm land, and a large proportion of well-improved and productive farms. This township is settled by an intelligent and enterprising class of emigrants from many of the States of the Union.

Its only villages are Chili, before mentioned, and Bowen, of later origin, built on the line of the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad. These towns are both in tlie midst of thriving communities. The former has grown but little and begins to show age, and probably contains no greater population than it did twenty years ago. Bowen was laid out in 1863 by Mr. Peter C. Bowen, from whom it derives its name. It is six miles due west from Augusta, and about fourteen southeast from the county seat.

The postoffice was established in Chili when Amos Kendall was Postmaster-General, Moses Stevens, postmabter, and Elisha Worrell assistant, and performing the duties. After him came George N. Crowley, then Alfred T. Dickinson for a year or so, then Mr. Crowley again for several years, then J. Clarkson Caine for a year or two, then Mr. Crowley again, who still holds the office, having held it for from thirty to thirty-five years - one of the oldest postmasters in the county.

Among the earlier settlers in this township we may mention Stephen Owen, Sr., and his sons Ainsley, John L., B. C, Archibald C, Isaac and William, who were immigrants of 1831 ; William Pike and his sons John, Thomas, William and James, who were settlers of 1832; Joseph Stevens and his sons John, George, Joseph and Frank, 1833; S. Garner and Evan Bettisworth and his sons David, Charles and Evan, Jr., in 1833. Then we have among those whose date' of settlement we cannot exactlj- fix, the names of Rev. Joseph Worrell, David F. Parker, and his son Samuel C. Parker; Wm. Sullivan, Stephen Tripp, John Wilhite, Joseph Harter, David Todd, Alpha Forsythe, John and James Prutzman, Zachariah, Henry, David and Woods, and Geo. N. Crowley. There may be others whose settlement in the township was as earl}' as some of these, but whose names we cannot now recall. Many of these pioneers are since deceased; others have removed (530)

Chili Religious Progress

Of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Revs. Oliver, Elliott and Griggs are remembered as being among the earliest. The date of their ministry is not iixed. Meetings were held in houses of members, or in such school-hou.ses as were in existence. Rev. Peter Cartwright, so well known everywhere, is remembered as having held services there in early days. The history of the M. E. Church in Chili, other than as above, we have failed to obtain. Concerning the Presbyterian we have been more successful. To Mr. J. Clarkson Caine, deacon in said hurch, Cwe are indebted for the following sketch of its history:

" In IS-il Rev. Joseph Buffington came and preached here and at Woodville, in Adams county, where there was a Congregational Church organized (he was liew School Presbyterian). During his stay here there was a brick house of worship built of 20 I)}- 30 feet, then supposed to be lai-ge enough to accommodate the place for some time; this was in 1843.

" In January, 1847, Rev. Edward Hollister, assisted by Rev. Warren Nichols, organized a Church here, called the First Presbyterian Church of Chili, consisting of the following named persons: Levi Weldin, John Slater, David F. Parker, Samuel C. Parker, Stephen A. Eckley, George J. Weldin, Jonathan W. Todd, David G. Todd, Joseph C. Caine, Eliza Weldin, Jemima Todd, Mary T. Hollister, Tryphena Holden, Elizabeth Eckley, Sarah E. Todd, Mary A. Caine, Mary T. Hollister, 2d, Emily G. Hollister, Eliza J. Dee, Eleanor Howell, and Sarah Ann Worrell, and soon after, Elisha Worrell.

" In May, 1847, Daniel F. Parker was chosen an Elder. Rev. E. Hollister continued to preach here until Dec, 1850. The Church was then supplied with occasional preaching by Rev. Henry Abernethy till 1857. Rev. Joseph Worrell took charge of it at that date, and continued till April, 1868, when Rev. James T. Bliss took charge, and continued with it till 1870. In 1S72 Rev. John C. Wagaraan came and preached for the people till Sept., 1877.

In Bowen there is a Congregational and also a Methodist Episcopal Church; both been built since the town was begitn in 1863. We have no data concerning them.

Up in the northwest corner of the township is a Church belonging to the Second Adventist denomination, and in which they worship. No statistics of this congregation obtained.

Personal Sketches

We refrain from dwelling longer on the general history of the township, or any of its villages, choosing rather to devote the space to giving personal sketches of tlie more prominent citizens, helieving such sketches are of equal importance and afford greater interest.

E. 'W. Bennett, farmer, was born in Vermont in 1S19, the son of Oliver and Mary (Rice) Bennett, natives of Vermont, and of English descent. He was educated at the academy at "Waterford, Penn.; spent his early life in teacliing; in 1S43 he married Mary Pratt, and of their 3 children 2 are living: E. J. and Mary L. Mrs. B. is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Chili. Mr. W's father moved from Vermont to Pennsylvania, and in 1856 E. W. came West and settled near Lawrence, Kan.; in about six years he came to Fulton county, 111., and in 1863 to Hancock county, settling at Chili; while in Kansas he was robbed by the border ruffians. He is a Republican, has been Commissioner of Highways, Justice of tlie Peace in Chili tp. 10 or 12 years. He owns 80 acres of land joining Chili and 40 near Bowensburg, and has been successful as a farmer; he has a nice herd of short-horn and otlier cattle and raises large-size Berkshire swine.

Franhlin Carlin, farmer, sec. 18; P.O., West Point; was born in Maryland Oct. 27, 1811, son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Hughes) Cariin, natives of Maryland, and of French descent; received his education in the common schools; Jan. 5, 1868, he married Hannah Brian, and they have one son and two daughters. She is a member of the M. E. Church in Chili; he is a Republican. He came from Maryland to Illinois in 1865, settling near Columbus, Adains county, where he worked on a farm by the month till he was married; after that he rented a farm; he came to Hancock county in 1876, locating on sec. 18, this tp., where he owns a farm,and has been moderatelj' successful. He is now serving his second term as School Trustee, and is a Justice of the Peace. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. H, 8th Md. Inft., and was discharged August 27, 1863.

Elijah C'rossland, farmer and butcher, sec. 11; P.O., Bowen; was born in Fayette count}'. Pa., in 1821, the son of Elijah and Catharine (Smith) Crossland, natives of Marj'land, father of English descent and mother of German. In 1850 he married Margaret Strickler, and they have had 6 sons and 2 daughters, all of whom are living. Mrs. C. died Dec. 10, 1871, a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. C. came to Illinois in 1862, settling in Adams county, where he followed farming, and in 1869 he came to this county, settling in Chili, where he owns two farms. He is really one of the neatest farmers in the county. In politics he is a Republican.

natives of Connecticut, and of English ancestry. Dec. 11, 1860, he married Susan Gabriel, and the}' have 5 cliildren living. She is a member of the M. E. Church, and he is a Kepublican, and has been School Director and Trustee and Road Commissioner. He came to this county in 1862, and now has 2Si acres of farming land. He has made all that he now owns since 1S63, except a team ; he buys and ships hogs; has run a threshing-machine IS 3'ears, and at present owns and runs a steam thresher; he ran the first steam thresher ever operated in this part of the county; he has also been selling agricultural implements in Bowen.

S. E. Elliott, farmer, was born in Union tp., Butler county, O., in 1816, the son of C. and Elizabeth (Enyart) Elliott,natives of the Empire State; Mr. E's grandfather settled in Butler county, O., in 1801. The subject of this sketch has been successful as a farmer, but at present has sold all of his farming land, retaining a neat and substantial residence in Chili. In 1867 lie married Catharine Newland, and they have a son and a daughter. Mrs. E. is a Presbyterian, and Mr. E. is a Republican.

Shivered Garner, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Denver; was born in Morgan county. 111, Feb. 1, 1832, son of "William and Sarah (Robertson) Garner; father was born in 1791:, in the South, has lived in Illinois nearly half a century; can see to read without spectacles, walks almost erect, retaining tlie soldier step which he learned in the war of 1S12; in that war he served a year with the Rangers; he has spent the most of his useful life as a farmer, and is now'the oldest man living in Chili tp. His son Shiveral has also been a successful farmer, owning at present 285 acres of land, 45 ot which is timber. At the age of 24 he married Miss Cynthia A. Jackson, and they have had 9 children, 7 of whom are living. He and his wife are both members of the M. E. Church, and in politics he is a Republican. He has been School Director several terms in the district where he now lives.

T. N. Gillis, farmer; residence, Bowen; was born in East Tennessee in 1835, the son of John and Mary (Register) Gillis, the former a native of Virginia, and of English descent, and the latter of Delaware, of Irish descent; received his education in the common schools of Iowa; in 1859 he married Miss R. E. Haworth, and their children are William T. and Ella May. He emigrated to Adams county, 111., in 1858, and into this county in 1864, settling northwest of Bowen; for four years he kept a general store at Denver, and in 1870 he moved it to Bowen. He and his brother bought the mill in Bowen, ran it two years, sold out, and went to traveling. At the present time he is dealing in grain, and enjoying fair success. He has 55 acres of good land. He is a Republican, and while at Denver he was Postmaster; is also a member of the M. E. Church.

John M. Graham, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Bowen; was born in Ohio March 16. 1S33, the son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Meekens) Graham, the former of Irish descent, and the latter of

Scottish, and born in Ohio. In 185S he married Sarilda E. Stewart, and. of their 2 children Emma is living, who was born Dec. 27, 1860, and was married in 1877, to Alvin Sfott, a farmer in this county. Mrs. G-. is a member of the Adventist Church. Mr. G. is a Democrat, has been a School Director nine years, and School Trustee three years. He came to Illinois in 1851. settling in Adams county; in 1853 he came to this county, settling on sec. 19, Augusta tp. ; thence in 1863 he moved to section 17, Chili tp. He has 160 acres of good land and is entirely out of debt. He is a public-spirited man, believes in modern enterprises and scientific farming, employing intelligent help.

John OTijfitts, grain and stock-raiser, sec. 14; P. O., Bowen; was born March 4, 1830, son of William and Mary (Cain) Griflitts, natives of Tennessee, father of Prussian descent, and mother of German; he received no education; was brought by his parents to this county when only one year old. Oct. 15, 1865, he married Amanda Hopson, and of their 3 children '2 are living. Mr. G. was present in 1843 when the first threshing-macliine was started in Hancock county by Mr. Robison; it was a '' chafl'-piler. " Mr. G. also owned and ran the first thresher in Chili tp., in 1850, and he continued business with it for 11 years. In 1844 he helped to run the first reaper he ever saw. He has made all he owns by his own exertions, having had to run in debt for his first machine. He has split more rails than Mr. Lincoln ever did. Mr. G. is a Democrat, and is now School Director. He owns 250 acres of land, which he fenced and improved when there was no improved land joining him.

J. V. Harter, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Denver; was born in Virginia in 1829, the son of Christian and Orpah (Wilson) Harter, natives of Virginia, father of German and mother of Irish ancestry; was educated in the common schools of this county; in May, 1852, lie married Barbara Ann Summers, and of their 9 children 7 are boys. Mr. Harter's emigration to this county was in 1835, and he has lived here ever since, except that he ran a saw-mill in Wisconsin a short time, and a grist-mill in Iowa; and he also kept store three years. When he first came to St. Mary's Prairie there was nothing to ripple that tall grass besides the wind, and now and then a deer's tail could be seen above the grass sailing along. Mr. Harter started with 100 acres of land, but he has now 480 acres. He has the best stock-farm in tlie county. Near tlie center of his farm is a natural curiosity in the shape of an ever-living spring, which occasionally sends up bubljles of sulphureted hydrogen gas, that can be lighted with a match. In politics Mr. H. is a Democrat.

Joi^eph Harter, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Denver; was biirn in Franklin county, Va., May 9, 1809, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Young) Harter, natives of the same county, and of German descent. Tiae Harters first settled in Maryland, and the Youngs were early settlers in Virginia; one of tlie latter was a Captain under Gener^. Washington in the war of the Revolution. Joseph's father came ^ this county about 183i or 1835, settling in St. Mary's tp., where he followed I'arrainu;; he died in 1S56, aged about 80 years, a member of the old Baptist Church. His wife died in 1865, a member of the same Church; they are both buried on the old farm. In 1833 Mr. Joseph Harter married Susannah Dodd, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Dodd, probably of English descent. Sixteen years after his marriage he sold out everything except two span of horses and some houseiiold goods, and, with them and his family of a wife and S children, emigrated to this county, arrivins' late in the fall of 1849, and he rented a quarter of land east of Warsaw, which he worked the following season; in 1850 he bought the northeast quarter of sec. 6, this tp.; on the south part of this quarter there was a log house about 18 feet square and nearl3-two stories high; into this building he moved his family in 1851, and here they lived eight or ten 3-ears, making some additions to the building; in 1857 Mr. H. builthis present-residence, of brick, 20 by 40, two stories high, and the L 14 by 24 feet, with good barns and outbuildings. The old homestead now consists of 720 acres of fine land, and Mr. H. has about 150 acres in other places. He came to this county with a property of only ,§1,500; he is now one of the most prosperous and extensive farmers in the county. In politics he is a Jacksonian Democrat; and although taking considerable interest in political matters, he has never allowed iiimself to run for ofBce. Himself and wife are members of the old Baptist Church, and have been for many years. Mr. H. has always been liberal in his contributions to the support of religion and education, probably more than his proportion. Children - - George; Mary, dec; Caleb, who died in California at theage of 27; Henry. Sarah, Josepli, Harve}', Alverda. Isaac Foster, who is practicing medicine in Illinois near Burlington, Iowa; Ballard; William, who died in infancy; and Leander Douglass. The first 8 were born in Virginia, and were brought b\' their parents in emigration to this count}'; and the last 4 were born in this county. We give Mr. Harter's portrait in this volume.

William Herring, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Denver; was born in Brown county. 111., Dec. 7, 1835, the son of John C. and Lucinda (Rush) Herring, father a native of Alabama and of Irish ancestry, and mother a native of Kentucky and of German and English descent; received his education in the common schools of Brown county and Perry, Pike Co.; April 22, 1860, he married Rachel Ingram; their 3 children, Nelson, Mary F. and Harvey, are all living. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Adventist Church, which meets at the Antioch house of worship, in Chili; and Mr. H. is a Democrat. He came to Hancock count}' in February, 1865, and now owns 130 acres ol Ipnd, besides seven shares of the home place, amounting to 184^ acres

Joseph Ivins, nurseryman in Bowen, was born in Butler county O., in 1828. and is the son of Daniel and Theodocia (Cuberla) Ivins, natives of New Jersey; he received his education principally in

Franklin College, Indiana; in 1S59 he married Hetty Fordyce, and of their 7 children 6 are living, 3 of each sex. He and wife are members of the JI. E. Chnrch, and he is a Democrat. He came to this county in 1S5.5, stopping in La Harpe a short time, and then went to Basco, and in ls62 to Bowen and engaged in raising Osage orange hedge plants, but has extended his business to that of a general nursery, in which lie is successful; he has more orders this year than he can supply. He seldom employs an agent.

Samuel H. Kelley, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., West Point; was born in Adams county, HI., in 1S47. The eldest son of Joseph and Jane (Seaton) Kelley, natives of Kentucky, father of Irish and German ancestry, and mother of English; father was a farmer all his life. The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools, and at the graded schools at Cam]) Point, 111. Dec. 4, 1873, he married Clara E. Truitt, a native of Kentucky, and a good cook. Of their 3 children these 2 are living, Eden Irene, born Jan. 8, 1S75, and Warren Ebert, May S", 1879. Mr. Kelley is a member of the Christian Church, and his wife ot the M. E. Church; in politics he is a Republican. He came to Hancock countv in 1S76, and he now owns 80 acres of land on sec. 18, Chili tp.

A. T. King, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Bowen; was born in Ohio in 1836, and is the son of William and Mary (Bonde) King, the former a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. King was in the dry-goods business four years in Ohio. In 1850 he married Miss T. W. Pomeroy, who is a member of the Congregational Church. He is a Republican. He came to this county in 1851, settled in St. A.lbans tp., and in 1853 in Chili tp. Oct. 10, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 10th Mo. Inf., and was transferred to Co. C, where he served nearly two years, when he was commissioned Captain in the 50th U. S.C. T., and was mustered out March 25, 1865, at Yicksbnrg. In 1877-'8 he kept hotel in Keokuk. He Jiow has a farm of 65 acres.

William S . Liini, physician, sec. 21; P.O., Bowen; was born in Ohio in 1829, and is the son of John and Nancy (Gant) Linn, father a native of Pennsylvania, and mother of North Carolina. He received his education in the common school in Adams county, 111., and his medical education at Iowa University, where he graduated in 1852; after practicing one year in Adams county he came to Chili, but since 1868 he has been on sec. 21, where he owns 230 acres of land. In 1855 ho married Mary Ann Smith, and they have 1: children living. Mrs. L. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The Doctor is a Republican, and as a physician has an extensive practice.

Wilfo7'd W. Manlove, was born in Knox count}', 111., April 4, 1841, and is the son of J. H. and Susan (Cecil) Manlove; father a uative of North Carolina, and mother of Kentucky, and both of French ancestry; attended school but three months in iiis life, and is a self-made man. Nov. 10, 1871, he married Sarah Waggoner, and they have 2 boys, Lawrence L. and George S.,- about eight and seven years of age respectively. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the M. E. Church, and he is a Republican. Mr. M. came to Hancock county in 1867, settlint; on sec. 29. Aug. 14, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, TSth 111, Vol. Inf., under Captain Black, of Carthage, and was discharged May 18, 1865. He was teamster the first year, and after that was in all the battles. A brother of his was killed at Kenesaw Mountain. He was in the same Co.

William B. Marvel, farmer, sec. 21; P. 0., Bowen; was born in Delaware in 1836; the son of Thomas J. and Sally Ann (Broadway) Marvel; attended Middletown Seminary in Delaware. In 1S61 he married Mary Powell, and of their 7 children 6 are living. He came to this county in 1865, and now owns 280 acres. He is a Democrat, and both himself and wifeai'e Presbyterians.

Dr. Arch. E. McNeil was born near Goshen, Clermont county, Ohio, in October, 1827, son of Arthur McJS^eil, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., who was a descendant of a Scotch Highlander of the same name and a leader in the Rebellion of 1745, of tlie house of Stuart against the British Crown. The Doctor's mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Boyer, was a native of Washington count}', Md., and of German parents. They emigrated in 1811 to Ohio and settled in the then small town of Cincinnati, later, in 1828, locating in the town of Goshen, Clermont Co., Ohio, where they engaged in mercantile pursuits till accumulated years obliged them to retire from active life. They were ardent followers of John Wesley in their religions beliefs and forms of worship, as are all their children save the subject of this sketch. Their family consisted of 9 children, 4 boys and 5 girls, 7 of whom are now living, viz: Dr. A. B. McNeil, Columbus, Adams Co., 111., aged 70; Rev. M. M. McNeil, Bowensburg, 111., aged Qi: Mrs. Elizabeth Brunson, Bowensburg, 111., aged 65; Mrs. Matilda Myers, New Hartford, Pike Co., 111., aged 59 years; Mrs. Permelia Hall, Barry, Pike Co., 111., aged 57; Dr. Arch. E. McNeil, aged 52 years; and David F. McNeil, Esq., Bowensburg, 111., aged 47 years; Mrs. Susan Bell dying Dec. 1844, aged 27, mother of 4 children, all living, the other and 9th child dying in infancy. In later j'ears the parents abandoned all domestic pursuits and came to Illinois, spending their last days visiting and enjoying the society and loving attentions of their children. The mother died July 3, 1865, and the father the following April at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Matilda Myers, in the ripeness and fruition of a well-spent life, and with an abiding assurance, through faith in the written promises of their God, of eternal life and happiness.

Dr. McNeil was educated in the common schools of Ohio and at a private select school under the management of one Prof. Gains, near Goshen, Ohio. Began the study of medicine in 1846 with one Dr. Isaac N. Thacker, and completed a collegiate medical course of lectures spring of 1850, at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. Was the recipient also of the honorary degree of medicine from the faculty of the Iowa Medical College, at Keokuk, Iowa,

February, A. D. 1868. Has been twice married: First at Dayton, Ohio, September 22, 1849. to Miss Martha A. Deal, a native of West Charleston, Miami count}', Ohio, and who died October 20 1867. Of this marriage there were born 3 children, 2 boys and one girl, only one of which, viz., George E. McNeil, born July 20, 1856, at New Hartford, Pike county. 111., is now living. Was married the second time Nov. 11, 1868, at Keokuk, Iowa, to Miss Mary E. Hutchinson of that city, and a native of Washington, Washington county, Fenn. Of this marriage there are 4 children, one girl and 3 boys, all living. The Doctor began the practice of his profession the spring of 1850 in the place of his nativity, and October, 1858. moved to Adams county. 111. The following year, July 22, settled at New Hartford, in Pike county, this State, where he practiced medicine successfully up to September, 1862, when he enlisted in the 99th Regt. Inf'try Vols., and at the organization of the regiment was chosen by the unanimous voice of both men and officers, and subsequently commissioned by Gov. Richard Yates, a Surgeon of the regiment, in which capacity he labored zealously and acquitted himself with credit, as the subjoined higiily complimentary expressions of his associates plainly indicate, until from physical disability he was forced to leave the service:

Copy- Of Expressions Of Comrades

Arch E. McNeil, M. B., Senior Axsistd/it Siirgeo/i, 99th Segt., Ill Vol. Infantry. Dear Sir : - It is wilh pleasure I hand you the enclosed resolution. It was the promptings of friends and Surgeons who appreciate your worth. You leave us with the respect and confidence of every Surgeon belonging to the Division, as well as their regrets. Hoping to hear of "your restoration to health, I am your sincere friend, ' WM. H. WHITE,

HospiT.Ui 14Tn Division, 13th Army Corps, rear Vicksburg, June 4, 1863. Having; learned that our associate, Arch. E. McNeil, Senior Assistant Surgeon of the 99th Regt. Infantry Vols., owing to cause j3e3-ond his control, finds it necessary to leave the arm\', therefore, Resolved, That wo consider him a gentleman of fine feelings, of noble sympathies, a true friend and one of the most accomplished surgeons and physicians in the army. That we deeply regret his departure, and his loss to the department.

After the Doctor's return to civil life in 1865, he moved to Hancock county and purchased the farm originally settled by Peter C Bowen and a part of the original town of Bowensbnrg, where he now resides, and is engaged in the mixed pursuits of agriculture, medicine and milling with a fair average of success. For the benefit of his health in 1S71 he moved to Greenwood county, Kansas. There he engaged in agriculture and stock cnltui'e,but after four years' experience, with unsatisfactory results, returned to his former home in this county. In 1848 became a member of the order of Masons. In 1S75 a member of Odd Fellows. Of his own choice is not now affiliated with either order. Is not a member of any religious orgjanization. Thinks for himself on all subjects. In politics is now and ever has been intensely Republican. Prides iiimself on his early abolition proclivities. Began voting in the interest of humanity as against organized oppression under color of law, and is still voting that way. Was a candidate in 1864 on the Republican ticket for the Legislature from the Legislative district composed of the counties of Pike and Green of this State, and though not elected was beaten by a smaller majority than any one on the ticket. In 1874 was again made a candidate for the Republican party ot Greenwood count}-, Kansas, for the Legislature, but withdrew his name, and refused to suffer himself voted for by the people, because the nominating convention passed a resolution instructing him how to vote on certain local issues. In all matters of general interest for the public good, he is ever full of ardent zeal. To this peculiarity of character, the'present very elegant and commodious school building of the town of Bowensbnrg, in which is now taught one of the best of graded district schools, may very justly be charged, as the volumes of abuse and hard words of the tax-payers toward him at the annual period for collecting taxes would testify, while the debt incurred ibr the building and its beautiful decorative surroundings were being liquidated. Chief among the business institutions of the town of B. is the Excelsior Flouring Mills, which, though erected a dozen years ago, ever fell short of its intended mission in the interest of the public or benefit of proprietors, till since recently it was pitrchased by the Doctor, and by dint of his energy and native ingenuousness , has been improved and modernized till it is now the pride of the owner and is rapidly becoming the subject of praise and patronage from the people of a large region of surrounding country. The Doctor is the owner of one of the best improved farms in this neighborhood, and in the highest state of cultivation. Is also owner of considerable town property of value; also quite a bod}- of wild land in Greenwood county, Kansas. His untiring industry and perseverance, progressive and aggressive spirit in anything he undertakes, makes him a most valuable factor in the realm of a citizen.

M. McNeall, carpenter, merchant, etc.. Chili, was born in Ohio in 1S12, the son of A. and Elizabeth (Boyer) McNeall, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and the latter of

Maryland, of German ancestry. Mr. McNeall has followed several vocations successfully, but has had the misfortune to break up, paying, however, every cent of his indebtedness. In 1S33 he married Elizabeth Brown, and of their 8 children 5 are living and are married, the daughter living near Blandinsville. Mr. M. has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1824:; has been an exhorter and preacher 45 years. His wife is also a member of the same Church. He came to this county in 1864, and was agent at the 2'ailroad depot 13 years; was known as the "railroad preacher." In 1866 he started a furniture store in Bowen. Besides the store he owns 25S acres of land, a substantial residence, and other town property. His son, however, is part owner of the land. Mr. McN . is a Democrat, and has acted as Justice of the Peace, Police Magistrate, School Director and Supervisor.

James W. Norris, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Chili; was born in Baltimore county, Md., Feb. 17, 1840, the son of Walter W. and Catherine (Stabler) Xorris, fatlier a native of Maryland, and motlier ot Penns3ivania, and of German descent. Dec. 2, 1875, he married Elizabeth Sterrett, daughter of R. C. Sterrett, a native of Maryland, who is now living in this tyj., the owner of 200 acres of good land. J. Harvey is their only child, born June 27, 1S77. Mrs. N. is a member of the M. E. Church and Mr. N. i? a Republican. His father came to Adams county. 111., fi-om Maryland, in 1S54, and lived there until 1876, when he came to this county and settled on sec. 29. The subject of this sketch and his brother have 200 acres of land in good cultivation.

David F. Parker, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Chili; was born.in York county. Pa., in 1806, son of Samuel and Ann (Cunningham) Parker, natives of the same State, father of English and mother of Irish descent, education in the subscription schools ot' his native State. In 184S, in this county, he married Sarah E. Todd, a native of Vermont, and of their 4 children 2 are living - Alice, wife ot C. W. Clinefelter, and Benjamin Francis. Mrs. P. was, and Mr. P. is yet a Presbyterian. In 1837 he came West and settled in this tp. Mrs. P. died in 1868. In politics Mr. P. is a Republican. He owns a total of 167 acres of land, and is a good, honest farmer and successful; is well posted in the history of the county.

Henry K. Ramsey, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Bowen; was born in Indiana in 1826, the son of Samuel and Eleanor (Klme) Ramsey, father a native of Kentucky and of English descent, and mother of German ancestry'. In 1845 he married Marj' A. Garner, daughter of Wm. Garner, who came to Illinois in 1831, settling in Adams county. She is also a native of Indiana. Their 4 children are - Mai-y Susan, Samuel Henry, Hattie E. and Eva K. Mr. R. was a farmer all his life. He was a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics is a Republican; was Supervisor and School Director, and was the owner of 2,000 acres of laud. He died Oct. 31, 1875. Mrs. R. is also a member of the M. E. Church. Her father is living

D. P. Rohinson, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Bowen; was born in North Carolina in 1819, son of John and Cynthia (Bell) Robinson, natives of that State, father of Irish and mother of English descent. His father came to Illinois in 1838. May 10, 1849, he married Theresa Hani, a native of Missonri, and a daughter of John C. Ham. Of their 4 children 2 are living, John W., born Sept. 8, 1852, and Thomas Jefferson, born April 16, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. E. are members of the Congregational Clinrch. He came to this county in 1851, settling on sec. IS, Chili tp., and now lives on sec. 28. He has been School Director three years and Road Commissioner one year. He owns 160 acres of good prairie land in good cultivation.

John P. Rowland. I'armer, Chili, was born in Ohio in 1816, the son of Philip and Rebecca (Perlee) Rowland, of French descent, father a native of New Jersey and mother of Ohio. In 1839 he married Sarah R. McComas, and of their 10 childi'en 9 are living. Two sons and one son-in-law were in the late war. He came to this county in 1S64, settling in Augusta tp., and removed to this tp. in 1869. Has been a successful farmer, now owning 103 acres of good land. Has been Road Commissioner; is a Republican. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he has been Deacon in the Church.

Daniel T. Scoft. farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Bowen; was born in Cass county. 111., in 1835, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Martin) Scott, father of Scotch descent. In 1861 he married Miss Nanc}" S. Woods, and they have 5 children, 4 of whom are girls. Mrs. S. is a member ot the M. E. Church. He was reared in Beardstown, 111. He did not have a cent of mone^y when he commenced for himself, but he now owns 200 acres of good land. He is a Democrat.

O. K. Seaton, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., West Point; was born in Kentucky Aug. 16, 1829; son of C. D. and Elizabeth (Payne) Seaton, of English descent, father a native of Kentucky, and mother of Virginia. In 1855 he married Elizabeth Harding, who died in May, 1865. In 1866 he married Adeline Bartholomew, and 4 of their 6 children are living, 3 of whom are boys. He and wife are members of the Christian Church at AVest Point, but attend Chiirch at Denver. He came to this county in March, 1853, settling in St. Alban's tp., and came to Chili in 1857, settling on sec. 7, where he now resides. He is a Republican, and has been School Director eight years and Road Commissioner three years. He owns 270 acres of land. Has made most of his property by his own hard earnings, and is a very neat farmer. He had one brother, 5 brothers-in-law and one nephew in the late war. He is the owner of one ot the best dwellings in the tp. His father came to Adams county in 1844.

Vermont in 1834, and is the son of John and Ruth E. (Nutting) Slater, of English descent, father a native of Vermont, and mother of Connecticut. In 1855 he married Sarepta S. Stone, and they have 4 daughters and one son. Two of the daughters were educated in Cartilage College, and are teachers. Mr. S. was ordained as a minister in the Free-Will Baptist Church in 1858, and followed the ministry until 1869, since which time he has been farming. He is a Republican, and is School Director and Trustee; was Clerk ot the Central Division of this Church several years. His father came to this county in 1834.

Joseph C. Stevens, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Chili; was born in this county in 1837, and has spent his life here. He is a son ot Joseph and Almira (Dee) Stevens, father a native of New York, and mother of Vermont. In 1860 he married Miss Thamzin McLean, a member of the M. E. Church. He is a Democrat and has been Collector and School Director. His father came to this county in 1833, and died here in 1846. Mr. S. well remembers the experience of pioneer life in the prairie West, the great fires, etc., one of which burned up all his fences, and he let the farm for a term of three years to a party who should repl^ice them.

William T. Siratton, farmer, sec. 10; P. 0., Bo". en; was born in Connecticut in 1833, and is the son of G. W. and I'atience (Aikins) Stratton, father a native of Massachusetts and of English descent, mother of New York State and of Scottish descent. In 1853 he married Harriet Stevens, and they have 6 children. He came to Illinois in 1855, settling in Knox county, and the same fall moved to Hancock county, settling on the northeast of sec. 10. When he first came to this State he had oidy §20, but he now owns 200 acres of land. He is a Democrat.

George Thrasher^ farmer, sec. 21; P. 0., Bowen; was born in Ohio in 1827, son of Charles and Malinda (Hicks) Thrasher, both natives of Connecticut and of English descent; he was married in Hamilton county April 11, 1852, to Hester Ann Hubbard, and 4 of their 6 children are now living. Both are members- of the Congregational Church in Bowen. He came to this county in 1854, and now owns 260 acres of good land. He is a Republican.

Gilbert Tillapaugh, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Denver; was born in New York State in 1830, and is the son of John and Hannah (Ivniskern) T., natives of New York, and of German descent; educated in the common school and at Schoharie Academy; in early life was a school-teacher. April 4, 1855, he married Elizabeth Machene, and they have 2 daughters living, Hattie L., graduate of Carthage College in 1879, and Helen E., also an attendant at the same college. Mr. T. and wife and eldest daughter are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church at St. Alban's. He came to this county from New York in 1854, settling on sec. 15, and moved here in 1869, locating on sec. 5. He owns 160 acres of well improved land. He is a Republican, and has been

David G. Todd, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Chili; was born in 1S35, son of Jonathan and Jemima (Warner) Todd, father a native of Vermont, and mother of Connecticut, and both of Etifflish descent. Attended common school and Knox College a short time; has taught school some, but has followed farming principally; came to this county in 1S37, where he has lived ever since. He has been moderately successful as a farmer. He is a Iiep\iblican, and ^ave Lincoln his first vote. His father was born Sept. 6, 1796, and died in this county in 1S43; ins mother was born May S, 179S, and is still living with her son David and her daughter Charlotte on their farm, which consists of 100 acres of good land.

David N. Yan Brunt, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Augusta; was born in the State of Isew York in 1831, son of Isaac and Hannah (Lnckey) Van Brunt, natives of the Empire State, the father of Dutch, and the mother of Irisli, descent. InlS5S he married Irene Campbell, and their 3 children are all living. Mrs. Van B. is a member of the United Brethren Church. In 1862 Mr. Van B. enlisted in Co. K, 119th 111. Vol. Inft., nnder Capt. Johnson, and was in all the battles except two in which the regiment was engaged; he was captured at Batford Station in Tennessee; at the close of the war he was discharged at Mobile, and was mustered ont at Camp Butler. He came to this county June 2, 1852, settling on sec. 25, where he owns 80 acres of land and made nearly all the improvements.

Alexander Waggoner, farmer, sec. 20, was horn in Fayette county, Pa., in 1840, and is the son of Lewis M. and Mary (McLain) Waggoner, natives of Pennsjdvania, father of German and mother of English descent. In 1868 he married Sarah A. Overman, a native of Adams county. 111., where she was born Oct. 31, 1814. They have 2 daughters, - Aines Ethel, born Ang. 8, 1872, and Alma Berenice, Aug. 10, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the M. E. Chnrch, and he is a Democrat. He came to this county with his father from Penns3'lvania in 1844, settling near Chili, on sec. 20, where he now resides. His father improved the first farm between Chili and Augusta. In lS63-'4 he was in Nevada and Colorado Territories. As a farmer he has been successful.

John William Wlllhite, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Denver; was born in Virginia March 4, 1824, and is a son of William and Sarah (Weaver) Willhite, natives of the old Dominion, and of German descent ; he never went to school more than three mouths. Dec. 14, 1843, he mai'ried Eliza Miller, and of their 12 children 11 are living, 3 of whom are boys. Five of the children are married. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Adventist Church at Antioch. He is a Jackson Democrat. He came to this county in 1839, settling on sec. 36 in Harmony tp. As a farmer he has been moderately successful, owning 223 acres of land; located on his present place about 1866; when he married he was not worth $50. His daughter Arinina has attended Carthage College and is teaching school. Mr. W. was in the Mormon war, and was in Carthage the day tlie Smiths were killed. Re says the Mormons ran one way and the citizens the otlier.

L. S. Worman, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Augusta; was born in Pennsylvania in 1850, son of D. D. and Catharine (Myers) Worman, natives of the Keystone State, and of German descent; he attended the University at Otterbein. Feb. 22, 1877, he married Rebecca S. Smith, and both are members of the United Brethren Church, at Washington Chapel. He came to this countv in 1873. Has been a farmer all his life, now owning 80 acres of land.

John H. W/'isten, farmer, sec. 10; P. 0., Bowen; was born in Christian county, Ky,, in 1822. His father, Thomas Wristen, was a native of Kentucky, and liis mother, Hannah Boggess, was a native of Virginia. He came to this county in 1851, settling^witliin three miles of where he now lives. In 1874 lie married Rachel Griffitts, his last wife. Both are members of the Baptist denomination at the Providence Church. He is a Democrat, and has been School Director several times, in this district live years. He commenced life with a pair of ponies only, and he now owns 150 acres of good land. He has 9 children living, 7 at home. Thomas C. and William Lee are school-teachers.

Joseph N. Yarnell, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Bowen; was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1841, son of David and Margaret (Nell) Yarnell, natives also of the Keystone State; father was raised a Quaker, mother of remote L'ish ancestry. In 1872 he married Mary E. Boshen, and they have two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Y. is a native of Illinois, and is a member of the M. E. Church at Chili. In 1862 Mr. Yarnell enlisted in Co. D, 78th Reg., under Capt. R. M. Black; was discharged in 1865; was on detached service for some time afterward. His politics is Republican. He owns nearly 100 acres of land, all under cultivation, and bids fair to rank as one of the neatest farmers of the township.

Town Officers

Those who served the township in the four leading official capacities are as follows, as completely as the list could be made out from the returns: