Cincinnati Township

Cincinnati Township

This township comprises a fine body of land. During the growing season of the year, when the various cereals of this latitude are waving in summer's breezes, it is said that more grain can be seen growing here than in any section of similar size in Illinois. There are no swamps, no marshes, or anything to obstruct a free and easy cultivation of the soil. The vast tract of prairie land in Spring Lake, Sand Prairie and Cincinnati townships, were known in the early day as the sand prairie. It includes all the territory from the bluffs to the river bank. The soil is very sandy, hence the name, sand prairie. About the year 1834, Commodore Morris, of the U. S. Navy, came from the East and entered, on behalf of himself and the officers of the Navy, a large portion of this prairie for speculating purposes. They expected a large influx of settlers and a sudden rise in the price of the land of this section. That their bright hopes were not fully realized the history of the following dozen years clearly proves. There were at that time a few settlers here and there over the township, but they wore scarce and far between. As the officers of the navy owned a large portion of the remainder and held it at such high figures, it could not be, and was not, purchased by actual settlers. These gentlemen held this land and paid taxes upon it until about 1845, when, seeing no marked increase in value and no immediate prospect of any, they commenced selling, and by 1848 had disposed of about all of it. They paid the regular price, $1.25 per acre, for it, held it for over ten years, and commenced its sale at $2 per acre. ,It soon advanced to $2.50, $2.75 and $3 per acre, and ere they had disposed of it all it went up to $10 to $15 per acre. During the following decade it advanced rapidly, and when the railroad found its way through its sandy prairie it tilled up rapidly with a good and thrifty class of agriculturists, and to-day it will compare favorably in kind of improvements and value with any section of our great State.

There are two streams in the township, one of which is of considerable size, and both of them have cut some queer freaks. The -larger is the Mackinaw river. It enters the township near the center of section 19 and flows in a northeasterly course to the Illinois. Near the southwestern corner of section 8 it divides and what is known as the main stream courses northward and has its outlet on section 5, and the " cut-off" strikes the river from section 9. What was formerly the main river, after leaving the place of forking, on section 8, is now scarcely a brook, and, indeed, is dry much of the time. The cut-off, which a few years ago was the smaller, now carries the main current. Another of its freaks is noticed of late years. A short distance from the place where it enters the township, a branch has started from it and flows over the prairie through Spring Lake township, to the Illinois, Several years ago there was noticed a low flat place through this portion of the prairie, but no indication of a running stream. The strong current of the Mackinaw, however, is enabled to force its way through the sandy soil of this region and make a stream where it will.

The other principal stream is known as Lost creek. It derives its name from the fact of it losing itself in the sandy soil. It will course along, a clear, flowing stream, and soon disappear. In some places not a drop of water can be seen on the surface during the entire summer season. It again comes to the surface and forms a current.

In the northern part of the township, on section 12, and section 1 of the old part of the township, is a beautiful lake. It is known as Bailey's lake. It is situated about one-hundred feet above the surface of the ground upon which the business portion of Pekin is built. It has no visable outlet, but it is supposed that there is a bed of clay leading from it to the Illinois, through which the water finds its way to that river. This theory is partly substantiated by the flow of water in wells that are sunk in what is supposed to be this channel. For instance, there is a well near the freight depot of the Pekin Lincoln and Decatur Railway, which has afforded water for twenty years, and is only ten feet in depth. Mr. W. S. Rankin has a well higher up and about one-hundred yards from the above, which is thirty-nine feet deep. About midway between these two wells is another, which affords water at the depth of twenty feet. It is supposed these wells are on the line of the channel, the shallowest being better located and not as high up as the others. In other places water is not found short of one-hundred feet.

The timber along the bluffs in this township is of young growth. We are told by old settlers, who were acquainted with this section, that where the timber is now thick and trees as high as forty feet, they have seen the deer grazing, nothing to obstruct the view for miles save a cluster of bushes here and there.

afford a good article of fuel. Norman C. Hawley has an extensive mine in operation here. The P. L. & D. Railway have constructed a track from the main line to his mines, a distance of about half a mile.

In 1850, on the eve of adapting the township mode of conducting affairs, the commission appointed to divide the county into townships, laid off Cincinnati a full congressional township, which included 36 sections. Subsequently the northern tier of sections was cut off and added to Pekin township. In this portion of the township, near where the P. L. & D. Railway shops are now located, Jonathan Tharp settled in 1824. He was the first settler both in the city of Pekin and in this township, in that that section he located upon, was afterwards included in Pekin. Jacob Tharp Sr., came in 1826 and erected the second house, south of the corner of Broadway and Court streets. Jonathan Tharp laid his farm off into town lots, and named his prospective village Cincinnati, whence the present name of the 'township. Pekin was laid off and the two places so close together, were known as Pekin and Cincinnati. Finally they were united under the name of Pekin. Willian Woodrow then came, about 1824, and settled on the southeast quarter of section 36. It is said, he had the pick and choice of any of the land on the sand prairie, as he made the first selection, and decided upon that quarter. Robert T. Copes came and located on section 26. Aaron Hackett, his son, Dr. Hackett, and son-inlaw, by the name of Conover and a man by the name of Hinges, settled on section 14. Joseph Haines, who came in 1827, located on section 13. Alfred Haines, son of Joseph, erected his cabin on section 14. This was among the most thickly settled portions of the county at that time. Samuel and Hugh Woodrow came in 1835, and settled upon section 35. These were about all the settlers for many years in this township. It was settled up slowly until 1848, Avhen a new start was given to settling the township, by the sale of the land held by the naval officers, and the opening of the Illinois and Michigan canal.

William Woodrow was a native of Pennsylvania; removed in early life to Ohio, and came to Tazewell county in 1824, locating in Cincinnati township, where he remained until 1863, when he went to Knox county, where, Wednesday, Aug. 15th, 1866, in the 74th year of his age, he died.

John Bequeaith

uralists. Among those which are especially identified with its history, and who take a deep interest in all matters for the public weal, we will mention the following :

Gerd AJfi, of Germany, came to this county in 1865. He was born in Hanover in 18'25. His parents, Joiin and Gretchel Alfs, were Germans. He was educated in his native country. He was married to Mary Hendricks. They have eight children. Mr. Alfs is engaged in firming very extensively in this township. He resides on section 10; post-office address, Pekin. In politics Mr. A. is liberal in his views.

Bennett Bailey, a native of Coshocton Co., Ohio, came to this county in 1843 and resides on section 16 of this township. His parents were Thomas Baily of Ohio and Rachel (Smith) Bailey a native of Green county, Penn. He was educated in the common and select schools. He has held the offices of School Director, Commissioner, Assessor, etc. On 23rd of February, 1863, he was united in the bond of wedlock with Mary A. Seiwell. They are the parents of seven children. Their names and dates of birth are

Aug. 29, 1874; Talitha C, born Aug.27, 1876 and Ella,' born Dec. 22, 1878. Politically, Mr. Bailey is identified with the Democratic party. Post-office, Pekin.

Sarah Jane Bailey was born in Union county, Penn. She is the daughter of Henry and Sarah (Haas) Blooni, of Pennsylvainia, and came to this county Jan. 1, 1849 and in January 1850, married Jonathan Bailey, of Ohio. This union was blessed with three children. William was born Nov. 18, 1850, Theodore, born Oct. 16, 1852, and Mary born Sept. 25, 1855. She is the wife of John Worth and resides at Peoria, 111. William, married Mollie Dalby and at present resides in Pekin. Theodore married Miss Ella Copeland and resides near the old homestead. Mrs. Bailey formerly belonged to the Lutheran Church but at present attends the Methodist. She resides on section 31. Her post-office address is Pekin.

Leonard A Beck, Justice of the Peace, was born in Franklin Co., Pa., in 1840. His parents were John and Margaret (Sweavel), natives of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. Mr. Beck came to Tazewell county in 1846, and is self-educated. He resides on section 27, where he is engaged in farming. Nov. 16, 1865, he was joined in matrimony with Mary Sherrer. Their children are Annie E., born Feb. 28, 1869; Mary, born Sept. 2, 1873; Philip S., born May 13, 1876, and John, born March 21, 1878. In politics Mr. B. is identified with the Democratic party. Post-office address, Pekin.

tural pursuits. Dec. 24, 1873, he was married to Clara Jane Iliff, of Marshall county, Iowa. John M., their first child, was born March 9, 1875, and March 26, 187G, AVilliam Wesley was b()rn. The former is not living. Mr. Bcqucaith is a Republican in political views. Post-office address, Pekin.

John Bequenith, farmer, residence, section 18; was born in Knox Co., O., in 1820. At the age of twelve he was brought from Indiana, whether his parents had moved five years previous. His father, Joseph Bequeaith, was a native of Scotland, his mother, Elizabeth Conkle, was born in Pennsylvania, July 29, 1846. Mr. B. was married to Elizabeth King.' Their children are - Anna, born in 1848, since deceased; Emma L., born March 11, 1851, James C, June 6, 1853; Alice A., April 29, 1855; Laura J., April 9, 1858; Louis C, Feb. 2, 1866. Mrs. Bequeaith is the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Beninger) King. Her fiither was a native of Maryland, and died in 1861, at the age of 70, and her mother was born in Westmoreland county. Pa., and died in 1864. Mrs. B. was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Her parents came to this county in 1844, and it has been her home since. She is a member of the American Reformed Church, and made a profession of religion at the age of 17. Their children - James and Laura Jane Loid, are married and live near the parental roof; Emma L., Owen and Alice A. Iliff, live in Marshall county, 111 ; the youngest, Louis, lives with his parents. Mr. B. owns 800 acres of land, and is a successful farmer. Post-office, Pekin.

WilUam Fletcher Copes, farmer, sec. 35; post-office address, Pekin; born in McLean county, 111., in 1828. He is the son of Robert T. Copes and Mary D. Tharp, of Ohio. Was brought to this county when a child of two summers, where, in the common schools, he received his education. He has held the offices of Deputy-Sheriff, Constable and Town Clerk for about twenty years. Mary Woodrow, his wife, and to whom he was married in 1851, has born him six children - Laura A., born in 1853, Clara E., born in 1855 ; Ira O., born in 1857 ; Mary A., born in 1859, since deceased; Adaline A., also deceased, was born in 1861 ; Ella A., born in 1863. Mr. C. united with the Methodist Church in 1844. He votes with the Republicans.

Charles W. Corey, farmer and dairyman, sec. 9; was born in Ithica, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1827. His parents, David and Elizabeth (Williams) Corey, were from Orange Co., N. Y.. Mr. C. came from New York to Mason county, 111., and from there to this county in 1864. He received his education in Ithica and Newfield, N. Y. He was married to Eliza Sutton, in 1855. Her father's name was Benjamin Sutton, her mother's Elizabeth Roub, natives of New Jersey. They moved to Michigan, where Mrs. C. was born, thence moved to Cass county, 111., in 1834, where her father was almost the first settler. ^Ir. and Mrs. Corey are the parents of five children - C. Wilbur, born Nov. 7, 1856, died Jan.

6,1873; Victoria D., born Aug. 5, 1859; Charles L., born Jan. 7, 1864; Rupert D., born Nov. 16, 1866; and Catharine S., born Nov. 1, 1868. Mr. C. joined the M. E. Church in 1852. His wife has been a member since 1862. The entire family, from oldest down to youngest, are strictly temperance in principle and practice. Republican. Post-office, Pekin.

Andreio Crooks, farmer, son of AVilliam and Elizabeth Crooks, of Maryland, was born in Washington county. Pa., in 1809. All the advantages for an education he enjoyed was attending subscription schools three months in the year. Mr. C. came to this county Oct. 17, 1864, and resides upon section 36. His son, Alexander, served four years and ten months in the late war, in the 90th Ohio. Mr. C. was united in marriage with Elizabeth Anderson, of Pennsylvania, in 1832. They are the parents of fourteen children, ten of whom are living. Their names are Mary J., Matilda, Terrisa H., (deceased), Henry H., William, Thomas A., Alexander, Robert H., Franklin P., D. H., I^ouis A., James B., Andrew and Samuel. Mr. C. united with the Old School Presbyterian Church, in 1832, and belongs to that religious denomination at the present time. Post-office address, Pekin.

John Eidmann, who is rather extensively engaged in farming in this townshij), and who lives on section 32, is a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. He came to Tazewell county Feb. 6, 1848. His parents were Frederick and Catherina Elizabeth (Weyruch) Eidmann. Mr. Eidmann has held the offices of Supervisor, School Director, etc. In 1858 he was married to Margaret Sherrer, of Hesse Darmstadt. By her he had three children - John, born in '1863; Margaret, born in 1865, and George, born in 1868. In 1871 he was united in marriage to his present wife, Christina Edenmiller, who has borne him three children - Mary Ellen, born in 1874; Emma M., born in 1876, and Frances, born in 1878. In politics Mr. E. is a Republican. P, O. address, Pekin.

John Gainer, farmer, post-office address, Pekin, was born in Wittenburg, Ger., April 13, 1830, and came to this country in May, 1834. His parents were George and Mary Maria Gainer, of Germany. He was educated in common schools and embarked in the agricultural pursuit, and resides on section 25. He does not belong to any church, but inclines to Presbyterian belief. In 1867 he chose for his wife Anna Fredcrika Reiling. Emma Elizabeth, John Martin and Mary Alice Magdalcua arc their children.

Gainalid W. Hatch, farmer, and who resides upon section 5; was born in Medina county, Ohio, in 1839. His parents were Hiram and Amanda Hatch, of Ontario county. When a young man of fourteen years of age he came to Tazewell county, and four years later, 1857, was married. He is the parent of three sons - William M., George H. and Albert Eugene. Mr. H. is identified with the Democratic party. Post-office, Pekin.

John Christopher Hawkins was born in Hampshire county, Va., in 1831. His parents were William and Mary (Orr) Hawkins. He came to this county in 1831 and was educated in the free and subscription schools of the county. P. O., Pekin.

N. C. Hawley. In 1837, June 6, Gideon and Elizabeth Hawley, while residing in this township, had born unto them a son, Norman C, the subject of this sketch. His father was a native of Vermont, and his mother, Elizabeth (Caldwell) Hawley, was born in Kentucky. This couple came to the State in 1819, and were among the earliest settlers in Tazewell county. Mr. H. received his education in the common schools. Jubilee -College, Peoria, and Wesleyan University, Bloomington. He has been quite successful in life, and now owns one thousand acres of land, much of which is underlaid with a fine vein of coal, which he is working. April 1, 1867, he married Miss Mary E. Martin, of Logan county. Their children number four - James M., Gideon L., Prairie Ellen and Freddie S. Politically Mr. H. may be found with the Republican party. Post-office, Pekin.

Adam Heilmann, farmer, is a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. His parents were Adam and Margaret (Weidman) Heilmann. He came to this county in December, 1852; was educated in the' select schools of Germany. He has a fine farm. He was married to Elizabeth Repper in 1854. They have three sons - Charles, born May 23, 1855; Philip, born Feb. 14, 1857, and Leonard, born Oct, 9, 1859. Mrs. Heilmann's parents were Adam and Eve (Fornof) Repper, who came to this county from Germany the year after Mr, H, did, and engaged in farming. Mrs. Repper has been deceased for fifteen years, and her husband for two years. Post-office, Pekin.

Michael Hollywood, miller and fiirmer, came direct from Ireland, (where, in Armagh county, in 1842 he was born), to this county in 1852. His parents were Daniel and Margaret (McShaul) Hollywood. He was educated in the common schools of this county.. He is a widower. Mr. H. owns and runs a saw-mill in this township, which does mostly custom work. He saws at this mill an average of 150,000 feet of lumber per year. It has been run by him for fourteen years, and is a great convenience to this section of the county. Black walnut and oak are the kinds of wood that are mostly sawed here. P. O., Pekin.

August Kastens, a native of Brunswick, Gr., born in 1839 ; came to Tazewell County in 1832. He lives on section 13, where he is engaged in farming ; post-office address, Pekin. He is the son of

History Of Tazeavell, County

James P. Martin, retired farmer, is worthy a notice in this volume. His generosity and public spirit in all worthy matters are unquestioned. He was born in the county of Donegal, Ireland, Sept. 15, 1804. His father was Alexander Martin and Avas born in the same county in 1782 ; but little is known of his early life. He was raised a farmer-boy and on attaining his majority he was united in marriage with Miss Mary McCorkle. She was born in the same county, and was a daughter of James McCorkle. There were born of this marriage nine children, four of whom grew to mature years : AVilliam, deceased ; Alexander K., married Miss Hoblett, of Logan county; Mary A. married David Gibbs, and now a resident of Iowa. Alexander Martin, who is deceased, was a man of unusual force of character and energy ; he crossed the Atlantic and landed in Philadelphia, from where, with his family, he proceedad to Bedford county and there passed the remainder of his life, as also did his wife. Our subject, James P., received a good common school education, and at the age of 25 was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Skeen, of Westmoreland county. Pa. Previous to his marriage, he learned the trade of weaver, and for a while worked at this vocation in Pa. and Ohio. He then turned his attention to farming, and in 1845 settled in Logan Co., 111., where he purchased a farm. He resided there till 1850, when he located upon the Delavan Prairie in this county, where he purchased land at from 90 cts. to $30 per acre, amounting in all to 1100 acres. This, by the exercise of unusual energy, he brought to a high state of cultivation, and planted 25 miles of hedge fence, which is still in a thriving condition. For many years he was the largest hedge-grower in the State, and took a just and an especial pride in advancing and improving the agricultural districts of Tazewell county. He bent his powerful energies to the accomplishment of this one laudable object and well did he succeed. His life-work speaks in language both stronger and more fitting than we can express in words. Eight children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Martin, five of of whom grew to maturity ; William H., married Miss Jane Quinsenberry ; Thomas A., married Miss Alice Mountjoy, and is now a resident of Kansas ; James A., married Caroline Hoblett ; George B., married Matilda Merrill, and now lives in Missouri; Mary E., married Mr. Hawley, a prominent farmer of this township. In 1862 Mr. M. made an equal division of his pr()})erty among his children, and after a life of great activity and unusual success, determined to rest from labor, as consistent with his wealth and time of life and spend the remainder of his days in quietude. At present he is living with his son-in-law% Norman C. Hawley, a man who is prominently identified with the interests and wellfare of Tazewell county and of whom we speak elsewhere in this volume. In drawing this sketch to a close we cannot refrain from referring to Mrs. M. as a pioneer wife aud mother. She was born in Penn. in 1811, and is a fine type of the pioneer woman. She has been an ernest worker in the Christian Church for nearly 40 years. She was formerly a member of the Presbyterian Chnrch. Mr. Martin is also a consistant member of that Church and is respected and esteemed by all who know him. There are but few men living in the county who have done more to advance its interests than Mr. James P. Martin. The very fact of his accumulating in a short life time such a vast property as he has is the best evidence in the world of a well spent life. It is a source of pleasure for the biographer to meditate upon a life thus useful and passed, that while he did much good in his strong and vigorous manhood and while in the decline of life he still, by example and precept, is found battling for the right his works will live long after the last sad rites have been paid him by those who loved and esteemed him life, and will not forget to honor his memory when he is no longer in their midst. Now, in the evening of life, as both Mr. M. and his good wife are beckoned to that brighter and better land, we realize that the hand of the diligent maketh rich, and the happiness of the Christian is worthy emulation. AVe give their portraits in this work.

William Coddingfan, farmer, sec. 16, Boynton township; P, O., Boynton. He is a native of Warren Co., O. and was born Nov. 1, 1838. His father, Wm. Coddington, was a native of Essex Co., N. J., and was born in 1784. He was a farmer by occupation. At the age of two his parents moved to Maryland, where he grew to manhood. He married his first wife in Pennsylvania. Her name is not now remembered by William, His father, William Coddington, Sen., was married twice after: his last wife and mother of the subject of this sketch was Miss Nancy Price. In 1808 his father moved to Chid where Wm, was born and grew to manhood. He moved to Shelby Co., Ind., and married Miss Miner-' va E, Kellogg, in Oct,, 1865, He came to :^iis township from Ind. His chrfdren are Clara M., Lilly, Wm. W. and Charlie E.

Daniel 3f, Rankin, deceased, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Oct. 31, 1903. Mr, R. attended the schools of his native State, where he received a good common school education. He was raised on a farm until he was seventeen years old, when he began to learn the trade of blacksmith ing. He was united in marriage, July 7, 1825, to Miss Esther Lefevre, a native of" Peiln, Mrs. R, died Aug;. 6. 1855. Thev had fourteen children. Mr. Rankin has followed his wife to that world from whence no traveler returns. A portrait of Mr. R., and also one of his son, John S., may be found in this work.

August Kastens, a native of Brunswick, Gr., born in 1839 ; came to Tazewell county in 1832. He lives on section 13, where he is engaged in farming; post-office address, Pekin. He is the son of

Henry and Adelhelt Kastens. In 1869, he was married to Margaret Baker. Louis Henry and Rhoda, are their children. They were born in 1870 and 1878 respectively. He united with the Evangelical Lutheran Chureii in 1870.

Timothy Larimore, a prominent farmer in this township, resides on section 26; was born in Hampshire county, Va., in 1826. His parents were William and Nancy Larimore. Mr. Larimore is one of the oldest residents of Tazewell Co., having come to the county in 1831, where, in the common schools he received his education. For the last fifteen years Mr. L. has held some township office, either Collector, Supervisor, or some other position. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1857 he married Mary Dillon. They have had six children born to them, all of whom are living. They are William Edgar, Arnold J., Effie A., Lillie I., Alpha E., Udie E. Post-office address, Pekin.

Frank Loyd, a native of Yorkshire, England, having been born there in 1827. He came to Tazewell county in 1865. He attended only the common schools of England. His ]iarents were Frank and Jane (Ward) Loyd. He was married to Sophia Porter, also a native of England. They are the parents of three children - Frank, who was born in 1854; Carrie, born in 1856; and Jennie, born in 1861. Mr. Loyd's present wife he married in April, 1871. Her name was Elizabeth Rankin. Post-office, Pekin.

Frank HarJand Loyd, farmer, and resides on section 19 ; was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1854. His parents, Frank and Sophia (Porter) Loyd, were also of English birth and parentage. Frank came to this country, with his parents, in 1865. He was married Feb. 5, 1879. In politics he is Republican. Pekin is his postoffice address.

Alonzo McCain was born in Peoria, 111., in 1839. His parents, N, H. and Harriet McCain, were from Ohio. He received his education in the common schools of Peoria. In 1862, when treason was gaining victories at the South over our Government, he enlisted in the 85th 111. Infantry, to help defend his country. He served three years and three months, and during this time laid in i\\e worst prison pen of the world's history for nine months and ten days. Yes, for almost a vear he was tortured with all the fiendishness the ingenuity of those in charge of Andersonville prison could invent. Language can not convey an idea of the enormity of his suffi^ring. Perhaps the strongest way we could put it would be to sim])ly say, he was confined in Andersonville prison. He was married Nov. 24, 1868, to Phebe Davis. They have two children, John, born Sept. 5, 1869, and A. E., born January 6, 1871. Politically he is a " Black Abolitionist." Post-office, Pekin.

a home in the New World. He crossed the Atlantic and came direct to this county, and purchased the farm upon which he now lives of James Haines. After farming for four years he moved into Pekin and engaged in the butcher business, returned to his farm and again to Pekin. He also engaged in the brewing business at Pekin. In 1856, after remaining from the fatherland for fifteen years, he sailed with his family for Germany. He passed sixteen months there, amid the pleasant associations of his earlier life. In 1858 he was married to Catharina Sherman. The names of his children in order of their births, are - Catharina, (deceased), Lena, Louisa, Emma and Louis. Lena is the wife of Andrew Soechtit, and resides in Pekin ; Louisa is the wife of Wm. Horn, of Chicago.

Philip OR, Jr., son of John and Margaret Olt, and w^as born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1834. He was educated in the common schools of Germany, and came to this county in 1852, and engaged in farming, which pursuit he now follows on section 22, and has been quite successful. In 1856 he was married to Margaret Pepper. They have four children - Catharena, born in 1861; Margaret, born in 1863 ; Leonard, born in 1865 ; and Philip, born in 1868. Post-office, Pekin.

Robert Portufield McClintock is a native of this county, having been born here in 1841. His parents, Robert and Mary Mc Clintock, were from Augusta county, Va. All his opportunities for an education were in the common schools of this county. He resides upon section 24, where he is engaged in forming. In 1872, Dec. 9, Charlotte Hafliger and he were married. They have three children. Cyrus Eugene was born in 1873, Letitia Ann, born in 1875 and Clara Mable, born in 1878.

John S. Ranki7i is a native of Tazewell county and a son of Daniel M. and Esther Rankin. He received his education in such schools as was offered him at home. He is engaged in farming on section 14 of this township. He is a Republican in political views. Post-office address, Pekin.

John N. ReiUng was born in the village of Hergeshousen, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Nov. 17, 1834. He came to the L^nited States in 1846 and settled at Gettysburg, Penn., and came to this county in 1867. The famous and bloody battle of Gettysburg was fought on his farm. His parents were Wendel and Magdalena (Seltzer) Reiling, natives of Germany. On the 14th of June, 1870, Mr. R. was united in marriage with Catherine M. Starck. Their children are, John Edward, born May 7th, 1871, and Philip Martin, born March 16th, 1873. The parents of Mrs. Reiling, George and Magdalena (Morehead) Starck, were natives of Hess Darmstadt. She came to this county June 14, 1870. She and her husband are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Mr. R's postoffice address is Pekin.

Schreck. Mr. S. received his education in the common schools of Germany and came to this county July 6, 1855, and resides on section 12. His wife, Susanah Eichlieber, became such in 1849. Their children are - Adam Jacob, born in 1853, Jan. 31, and Elizabeth, born ]March 22, 1855. He has been connected with the Evangelical Luthern Church since 1858.

Jacob Stockcrt was born May 13, 1817, in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. He thought to better his condition in life by coming to America, which move he made in 1854, arriving in Missouri in June of that year. He remained there but a little time, ho\\Tver, when he came to Illinois and located in Tazewell county. Mr. S. is a well informed man on the general topics of the day. He received a liberal education in Germany, and, although devoting his attention to farming, he takes a deep interest in geology, astronomy and other kindred sciences. He is also a practical mechanic, making articles of use and convenience for family and farm use. Mr. S. is considerable of a philosopher and enjoys tracing eifects to their causes. On his farm, section 12, are three veins of coal which are not over fortv feet from the surface. He has found relics of Indian and savage warfare on his place, which goes to show that the Indians once had a destructive battle there. In 1845 he was wedded to Mary Catharina Schwim, who died Aug. 5, 1867. She bore him five children onlv one of whom, Jacob Stockcrt, jr. is now living. Mr. S. is a member of the Evangelical Luthern Church. Post-office, Pekin.

George Skvhr, farmer, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1825. His parents were George Nicholas and Elizabeth (Hilbert) Stoehr. He came to this county May 25, 1847, and resides on section 20, Cincinnati township. He was educated in the common schools of his native country and followed the tailoring business there. Mr. S. held the office of Supervisor of his township for six consecutive terms. He has been twice married. In 1852 he was joined in marriage with Elizabeth Eidman. His second marriage was to Mary M. Weiroch. His children are Mary Ellen, born in 1861; Alice L., born in 1863; Louisa W., born in 1865; George Henrv, born in 1869; Laura, born in 1872, and Charles, born in 1875.' Elizabeth, the child of his former marriage, is the wife of Peter Meisinger. Post-office address, Pekin.

Enoch P. Walker. In 1832, while Jesse and Sarah Walker were living in Shelby county. 111., they had born unto them a son, whom they christened Enoch. Twenty-four years thereafter we find he was married to Clarissa Davis, also a native lUinoisan. Their children number seven - five of them living, two dead. Their names are Thomas F., Sarah, Annie J., Emma, Ella, Harvey and Enoch. Ella and Enoch sleep in their graves. ]\Ir. Walker is engaged in farming upon section 26. Post-office, Pekin.

and Elizabeth (Stoehr) Weyhrich. He was educated in German schools, and since his coming here has held the office of School Director. The same year Mr. W. came to Tazewell county he took unto himself a wife in the person of Mary Kulper. They are the parents of nine children, three of whom sleep with the dead. These .are, Louis, who died at the age of four years, John, a baby of four months, and Catherine was taken from them, a girl of eight summers. The children living are Philip, born Oct. 11, 1858; Elizabeth, born May 20, 1860; George, born April 2, 1864; Peter, born Sept. 20, 1868"; Eve, born Feb. 18, 1870, and Jacob, born Nov. 15, 1874. Mr. W. is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran. Church. Post-office, Pekin.