Coral Township (part 2 of 3)

Woodstock was not always the quiet, orderly, well-behaved town that it is to-day. Here is an ordinance passed July 14, 1854, which gives us a glance at a different state of things :

"Whereas, Confusion and turmoil seems to be the order of the day, and drinking and dissipation and street fights are practiced by many transient persons in this town and surrounding country, endangering the lives of peaceable citizens, and bringing disgrace upon our otherwise peaceable village,

"Therefore, be it ordained by the President and Board of Trustees of the town of Woodstock, That a police force be and is hereby established, of one chief and six assistants, to be appointed by the Board of Trustees, whose duty it shall be to suppress all intoxication and rioting in the streets or other places, by arresting the parties making loud and unusual noises, if in their opinion said noise is made by means of intoxicating liquor ( !), or when the parties may be in the act of quarreling or fighting, whether from said cause or otherwise, and commit sucli parties to the jail located in said corporation, and deliver him or her or them to the keeper of said jail, to be safely kept by him until him or her or them [sic] be peaceable or sober as the case may be, when they shall be conveyed before the police magistrate," etc.

For a number of years "Woodstock maintained a literary society known as the Young Men's Association, which was a source of much benefit to those who took part in its exercises and debates. Among those who were foremost in the society in 1856 were L. S. Church, J. F. Hamilton, E. G. Schryver, E. E. Richards, M. F. Irwin, J. A. Parrish, W. B. Mendell and M. C. Johnson.

Musical Conservatory. - The Northwestern Musical Conservatory was organized in July, 1873, by Mrs. Sherwood. The faculty consisted of Mrs. Florence Sherwood, teacher of the piano, organ, harp, etc., and Signor E. J. Meli, Italian pianist, violinist and professor of language. Mrs. Sherwood sold the conservatory y which started under very flattering prospects, to Signor Meli, Jan. 1, 1874. It is no longer active.

The winter of 1880 '81 was remarkable in all parts of the country for severe cold weather and violent snow storms. The week preceding inauguration day (March 4, 1881) the railroad between Woodstock and Chicago was worse blocked by snow than at any other time since the road was built. On the 4th of March "Woodstock was shut off completely from communication with the rest of the world except by telegraph. No train reached Woodstock from Chicago from Wednesday until late on Sunday night.

Woodstock Public Schools

The first school was taught in the year 1846, the court-house serving as the school-room. The teacher paid $2 per month for the rent of the house. His name was David Richardson, and he formerly served as Professor of Mathematics in Norwich University, Vt. He is now a resident of Clinton, 111.

The first school-house in Woodstock was built on the present school lot in 1847. It was soon found too small to accommodate all the pupils, and was accordingly enlarged. In 1866 the building was sold and a part of it converted into a blacksmith shop, in the rear of J. Donnelly's store. In 1867 the present fine public school building was erected, at a cost of $40,000. It is of brick, built in the best style of school architecture, and makes an ornament to the city, highly creditable as a monument to the enterprise and thrift of the citizens, who are fully alive to the importance of forwarding educational interests by every means at their command. The building is of brick, three stories, 60 x 90 feet on the ground. It contains ten school-rooms, each 28 x 35, and an assembly-room on the third floor, 45 x 60 feet.

Under the village government, the public schools were generally well sustained and profitable. After Woodstock became a city the first Board of Education was elected April 5, 1873, and consisted of the following gentlemen : John S. Wheat, John J. Murphy, M. D. Hoy, E. Diesel, George K. Bunker and D. E. Thomas. Asa W. Young, now of Harvard, was the first Principal under the new order of things. He remained one year, and was succeeded by Lyman S. Knight for a like period. The board of 1874 was composed of J. S. Wheat, President ; M. D. Hoy, Clerk ; G. K. Bunker, R. Diesel, E. E. Thomas and A. S. Stewart. W. C. Kline was the third Principal, and served two years. He is now editor of an educational publication in St. Paul, Minn. In 1875 J. S. "Wheat, President ; M. D. Hoy, Clerk ; B. N. Smith, R. Diesel and A. R. Murphy constituted the board. In 1876 and 1877 M. D. Hoy was President ; J. 0. Choate, Clerk ; D. C. Green, J. J. Murphy, B. 1ST. Smith and R. Diesel, members. Silas Wood became Principal in 1877, and remained two years. In 1878 the board remained the same, its members having been re-elected. In 1879 two new members of the board were chosen, J. A. Parrish and E. E. Richards. M. D. Hoy was elected President, and J. C. Choate, Secretary. Warren Wilkie, now a teacker in Austin, was called to the principalship, and served one year in a most satisfactory manner. In 1880 M. D. Hoy was President of the board, and J. A. Parrish, Clerk.! The new members were Alex. L. Salisbury and Gardner S. Southworth. A. E. Bourne was elected Principal. The following year E. E. Richards was President and J. A. Parrish, Clerk; J. S. Wheat and Henry Herman were elected new members ; J. B. Ester was Principal. In 1882 A. L. Salisbury was elected Clerk, vice J. A. Parrish, deceased. E. A. Murphy was elected a member of the board ; C. R. Buchanan, Principal. In 1883 Messrs. Southworth and Salisbury were re-elected ; the officers of the board remained the same. A. C. Harris, of New Jersey, was chosen Principal. In 1884 Messrs. Wheat and Herman were re-elected, the officers remaining the same. S. B. Hursh is the Principal-elect.

The schools are well graded and in admirable condition. The High-School course is arranged with a view toward securing useful rather than ornamental scholarship. It embraces the natural sciences, history, bookkeeping, the higher mathematics, the English language and literature, etc.

Private Schools

Todd Seminary. - The history of this justly popular school for boys is given in the following sketch of R. K. Todd, prepared for this work by his talented son, Henry A-lfred Todd :

Rev. R. K. Todd, A. M. - The family name of Todd is a word of ADglo-Saxon origin, meaning fox. It was doubtless adopted as a surname at a stage of civilization so primitive that the attribute of " cunning," which tradition affirms to have been a prominent early characteristic of the Todds, was regarded as one of the most creditable and praiseworthy of distinctions. The motto, "By

Canning, not by Craft," is appropriately symbolized by the coat of arms brought with him to this country by the first American ancestor of the subject of the present sketch, the shield, which bears a fox rampant, being surmounted by a crest in the form ot'a white dove, the emblem of innocence. The Todd family, which is believed to have originated in the Highlands of Scotland, has been known in England from at least as far back as the eleventh century. A vague tradition existing in the family even seeks the interesting, though of course unauthenticated, honor of associating with its name the venerated St. Cuthbert, native missionary to the Northumbrians in the seventh century. The history of the family in America dates from a period proportionally as remote as its earlier history in England. Before the middle of the seventeenth century John Todd and his wife Susannah, weary of the civil and religious strife of their times at home, had crossed to the New World, and taken up their permanent lot with the struggling band of Puritans who founded, in 1639, the little town of Eowley, Essex Co., Mass. There, in accordance with the good traditions of old colonial days, they became the parents of a numerous family of children, the eldest of whom, as the antiquated parish register still attests, was born to them at Rowley, in the year 1649. That the first "John Todd of Rowley" was regarded as a man of weight in the infant colony is indicated by the fact that he was twice sent as a delegate(in 1664 and 1686) to the General Court of Massachusetts, and that his eldest son, John, a soldier lad in King Philip's war in 1675, married the daughter of his commanding officer, Captain Samuel Brocklebank, of the same town, a leader who won honorable distinction by his exploits in that hard-fought campaign. One of the great-great-grandsons of this fortunate soldier boy was Richard Kimball Todd, born in his ancestral* town of Rowley, Oct. 14, 1814, and named for the revered schoolmaster of bis native hamlet, Richard Kimball, an intimate friend of the family. The father of Richard Kimball Todd was Wallingford Todd(named for the Wallingford family of Rowley), who, being fascinated with the sailor's life, went early to sea, visiting England and many remote parts of the world, among them the Island of St. Helena, during the confinement there of the illustrious prisoner. Later, having devoted himself assiduously to the study of navigation, he was for a number of years officer on board an ocean vessel. Specimens of his neatly executed studies of nautical problems, as well as of his own transcriptions of favorite music - an art in which he appears to have possessed a cultivated talent - are still preserved as family heirlooms. Meanwhile Wallingford Todd had married, in Rowlev, his cousin, Hannah Todd, and a family of two sons (Paul Wallingford and Richard Kimball) and five daughters were growing up about the gifted, devoted, and godly mother. No wonder that the pleasure of home should now, have proved to the husband and father more attractive than a life of absence and adventure. At a comparatively early age he permanently retired from the sea, and in 1821 removed with his wife and children to the town of Poultney, Vt.

This long and delightful journey by private conveyance was the first noteworthy event in the experience of the little fellow of six years, who in early manhood, after a careful training at academy, college, and theological seminary, interspersed with many vicissitudes tending to develop sound character and self reliance, was to become the whole-souled missionary pioneer to the far West. The deep impression of so tender an age, and the pleasant reminiscences of this early migration of his father's family, had doubtless not a little to do with the young man's subsequent readiness to push out vigorously for himself into the wide world.

Having developed a fondness for study and given promise for the future at the Poultney school, Richard was in due time sent, in company with a young friend named Wheeler, to the then newly founded Burr Seminary at Manchester, Vt., of which the Rev. Dr. Coleman, later a Professor in Princeton and Lafayette colleges, was the first Principal. There the two finished together a three years' course preparatory to college; but both, at the same time, found themselves alike thrown upon their own resources for the further prosecution of their studies. Nothing daunted, the two young men entered into an alliance, offensive and defensive, and determined to battle their own way together to the full conquest of a liberal education. New York City was large enough, and distant enough, to lend a special enchantment to their view, and it was decided to make the metropolis their first objective point in the quest of an educational fortune. Taking with them a sufficient sum of money to meet early contingencies, and a letter of introduction to a New York clergyman, the youthful adventurers made their way by stage-coach to Albany, and thence by boat down the Hudson, arriving full of energy and hope in the great city. Here they were received with the utmost kindness by the clergyman referred to, by whom they were recommended, through a second friend, to Mr. Samuel E. Woodbridge, Principal of a flourishing boys' seminary at Perth Amboy, N. J. Mr. Woodbridge was at the time desirous of being relieved of his day pupils, as was also the Principal of the Raritan Female Seminary, situated in the same city. This opening was kindly turned to the advantage of the young strangers, and a day-school was promptly opened by them at Perth Amboy, beginning with only eight pupils, but rapidly growing in numbers and reputation until, before the close of the first session, the school enterprise of " Todd and Wheeler," was a recognized success, and the young men found themselves surrounded by warm and influential friends.

During the three following years the school was continued by Mr. Wheeler, while Mr. Todd went over to the chair of Latin and Greek in the Woodbridge Seminary, which he occupied for the same length of time.

The two teachers were now in a position to undertake their college course. But at this point the first separation since the beginning of their long friendship seemed imminent, Wheeler, who was of Baptist antecedents, preferring Brown University, while Todd, with his Puritan traditions, had his heart set upon the Mecca of Presbyterianism, at Princeton. The former started first for Brown, which opened earlier than Princeton, but after a few days of loneliness among strangers, returned to fall upon his companion's neck and accompany him to Princeton. There they entered the sophomore class together and passed another year and a half of the closest intimacy, when Wheeler's health requiring a change of climate, he accepted a position as teacher in the State of Louisiana. His fine record for scholarship, however, was so successfully pleaded before the college authorities by his former chum at Princeton that the regular degree of A. B. was conferred upon him, along with the rest of the class, in 1842. The two friends were destined never to meet again.

After teaching privately for two years at Springfield, N. J., where he formed some of his most enduring friendships, Mr. Todd returned to Princeton, and took the three years' course in theology at the seminary. While in Princeton he was a college-mate of Frank P. Blair, of Missouri; Richard Stockton, of New Jersey; George H. Boker, of Philadelphia; Charles Scribner, of New York, and many others who have since attained distinction. At the same time with him in the theological seminary were - to mention only a few prominent names - the Hodges, Alexanders and Millers, Drs. Duffield and Shields, of Princeton; Dr. T. L. Cuyler, of Brooklyn; Dr. Charles Elliott, of the Northwestern Theological Seminary, Chicago, and Bishop Littlejohn, of Long Island. The latter was at the time a Presbyterian, and it was in a confidential conversation with his fellow-student, Todd, that he for the first time avowed his intention of going over to the Episcopal church.

While still a college student, Mr. Todd had made fhe acquaintance of Miss Martha Clover, of New York City, who was at the time a youthful member of the Misses Udell's Seminary at Princeton. At the close of his theological studies, he was married to Miss Clover in New York, by the Rev. Dr. Joseph P. Thompson, of the Broadway Tabernacle. Mr. Todd's seminary friend, the Rev. Charles Elliott, above mentioned, had previously married Miss Henrietta Udell, and the intimate friendship of the two couples, thus early inaugurated, has been happily continued throughout life.

Having been long imbued with the missionary spirit, the now fully equipped divinity student started soon afterward, with his bride, upon the long journey to the "West. This was in the year 1847. The day of railroads had not yet come; from Albany to Buffalo the distance was traversed by the Erie Canal, and there a steam propeller was taken to Milwaukee, by the lakes. The presence of an advance guard of two or three friends in Northern Illinois led the young; clergyman to Woodstock, in Mc- Henry County, where had just been organized a Presbyterian church of thirteen members, of which he was invited to become the first pastor. From that day to the present the home of Mr. Toddhas been in Woodstock, and his name and influence have been unbrokenly identified with the religious, moral and intellectual development, not only of McHenry County, but of the State of Illinois and the Northwest.

The primitive conditions of life and society, something like forty years ago, in the then recently occupied region lying in the vicinity of the Illinois and Wisconsin State-line, were such as the favored children and grandchildren of the early settlers can now only faintly realize. During the first year of their stay in Woodstock the young minister and his tenderly nurtured wife, so lately from homes of city refinement, were kindly but almost indescribably entertained in true frontier fashions at the little curtain-partitioned log cabin of Musto Given, at once a pillar of the early church, and a mighty hunter before the Lord.

his well-filled board no minor portion of that acceptable provision for the body in return for which the youthful minister of the "Word furnished the milk and meat of spiritual sustenance to his little flock. And so, too, on rainy nights, Nimrod's hospitable helpmeet was ever generous in her supply of the necessary tin pans, under whose friendly shelter, as a breastplate, her estimable guests might' tranquilly court the sleep of the just, lulled rather than dismayed by the music of the patter from the leaky thatch.

In this hunter's cabin saw the light of day their first-born child. But soon afterward the young mother was sent back to her New York home until a comfortable house could be erected. This was built of lumber brought by wagon from Waukegan, a distance of some thirty-five miles, and to it was forwarded from New Y.ork one of the first pianofortes - perhaps the very first - ever seen in Mc- Henry County.

Early in his career as a clergyman Mr. Todd added to his ministerial duties the Superintendency of Public Schools for McHenry County, a position which he continued to hold for several years. Later a school of his own was established in Woodstock, and this work grew constantly in importance to the close of his long pastorate, which covered in all a period of eighteen years. Finding it necessary at the end of that time, on account of a serious affection of the throat, to relinquish in large part the practice of public speaking, Mr. Todd threw his whole energies into building up an institution of advanced education adapted to stimulate as well as satisfy the rapidly growing needs of the West. He had already been one of the prime movers in the establishment, on what would have proved a permanent foundation, of the Marengo Collegiate Institute, but that institution was entirely consumed by fire soon after its first occupancy, a blow from which it never recovered. A similar calamity of fire also befell a large and well-equipped school building erected by Mr. Todd in Woodstock, but in spite of this discouragement, and in response to a growing demand for higher education, he gathered about himself, as Presideut, a large and efficient corps of instructors, obtained from the Illinois Legislature a generous charter, and inaugurated a long and highly prosperous period of college work, the annual numbers ranging from 150 to 200 students, from whom the ranks of teachers in Northern Illinois were for many years largely recruited.

Todd concluded to limit his efforts to the care of a classical home school for boys. The spacious grounds and buildings, situated at a little distance from the town, and beautified by the cultivation and care of many years, afford a charming country retreat for a family of about twenty boys, nearly all of whom come from city homes, and some of them from distant States. Thus, at an advanced yet vigorous age, the venerated clergyman and instructor is still quietly carrying on, and apparently with a more marked success than ever, the work of training the youth who, from their superior opportunities and the circles of influence in which they move, are destined to become the leaders of thought and enterprise of a later day.

Throughout his long career of public life Mr. Todd has been most happily and efficiently seconded by his accomplished wife. Mrs. Todd is a daughter of the late Lewis P. Clover, Esq., of New York City, and sister of the Rev. L. P. Clover, D. D. , of New Hamburg, N. Y., and of Judge Henry A. Clover, LL. D., of St. Louis.

Mr. and Mrs. Todd have one surviving son - Henry Alfred Todd, born March 13, 1854. He was graduated at Princeton College in 1876, with honors and a fellowship, to which was added in the same year, by appointment of the trustees, a college tutorship. Having held this position for four years, in the course of which time he twice traveled extensively in Eur6*pe, young Mr. Todd offered his resignation at Princeton for the purpose of visiting Europe a third time and pursuing there an extended course of foreign study. This plan was successfully carried out, and more than three years were spent by him at the Universities of Berlin, Rome, Madrid and Paris. "While still abroad, Mr. Todd received an appointment in Romance Languages at the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., returning in September, 1883, to accept this eligible position, which he now occupies. Mr. Todd is the author of a French textbook, prepared during his connection with Princeton College, and the first editor of a French poetical work of the Middle Ages entitled -Le Roman de la Panthere" brought out by him in book form at the request and under the auspices of the Early French Text Society of Paris.

Kinderwald, a family boarding school for girls, was opened Oct. 1, 1883, by Rev. and Mrs. S. C. Hay. The school is located in a quiet part of the town, with extensive grounds, well shaded by ancient forest trees. It offers the pleasant retirement of a country home, within ten minutes walk of the depot and the postofiice.

The aim of the principal is to secure thorough discipline in primary and academic studies, while offering ample facilities for acquiring the languages, music, drawing and painting. Free tuition is guaranteed to one pupil annually who is preparing to teach in connection with eitherhome or foreign missionary work. Although the school is but recently established, it has become noted among its friends for thoroughness and excellence of work, aud its present standing indicates a prosperous future.

Baptist. - Feb. 13, 1847, a conference was organized with a view of forming a church. May 12, 1847, at a meeting held in the old court-house, a church was organized under Elder Adams. The following is a list of the first members: Asa Churchill, Louisa Churchill, Submit Enos, Nancy Enos, L. P. Allen, Lindsay Joslyn and wife, C. B. Durfee and wife, Turner Churchill, Eleanor Allen, Dela D. Churchill, Thomas Swartwout, Norman Butts, Sarah L. Allen, Jane Cranston, Polly Butts, Laura Cranston. C. B. Durfee was the first Clerk. The first religious services were held in a hall over what is now known is the red front drug store. Written in the order they come is a list of the ministers who preached for this church: Elder Adams, Elder Joel Wheeler, Rev. S. M. Brown, E. F. Gurney, G. W. Gates, S. Washington, Nathaniel Colver, D. D. (who immediately after the war raised funds and secured the building known as the Lankin's jail, formerly used as a slave pen; here he founded a school for the freedmen, which was afterward changed to a Freedman's Theological Seminary. It is now a beautiful place, provided with fine new buildings etc.), A. C. Hubbard, W. H. Haigh (now Superintendent of Home Missions), J. N. Carman, Horace Burchard, H. L. Stilson, James Cox, G. S. Mac- Ewen, William Ostler; the church at present is supplied by Rev. Levi Parmely. Though long is the list of ministers who have preached to these people, they have much of the time been without a pastor. Marked growth, both spiritually and temporally, attended the ministry of Reverends Haigh and Buichards, but while the pulpit was filled with supplies the interest in the church seemed to die out among its members, aud no spiritual advance was made. The present number of members will not exceed forty-nine. Their first house of worship was erected in the year 1858 ; the expense of building was greater than the congregation was able to stand, and in a few years they sold the property to the Methodist society, who afterward sold it to the Universalists. At present it is used as an armory. In 1866 they built their present house of worship and dedicated it on the 9th of December. It is situated west of the court-house, is a frame building, and will seat 250. It cost about $7,000. The present officers of the churoh are as follows: L. S. -Page and Frank Barnes, Deacons; L. S.' Page, Clerk; Mrs. J. H. Durfee, Treasurer. The Sabbath-school was organized in 1851, by Father Joslyn. C. B. Durfee was the first Superintendent. Present number of members, 104. Its present officers are: Mrs. Geo. Baker, Superintendent; Frank Barnes, Assistant Superintendent; Jennie M. Calif, Treasurer; Frank Barnes, Secretary; Carl Hughs, Librarian; average attendance, sixty.

Presbyterian. - This church was organized Feb. 23, 1846, by Rev. J. B. Plumstead. It grew out of the Ridgefield church, then called the Yirginia Settlement. The following is a list of the first members uniting by letter: M. B. Given, Elizabeth Given, Allen Dufield, Jesse Sloan, Anna Slavin, Margaret J. Slavin, Naomi C. Slavin, Charles Dufield, Andrew Scott, James Scott, Sarah Scott, Caleb Williams, Cordelia Williams, John Given, J. S. Given, Thomas Lindsay, Mary A. Lindsay, William Gilbert, Catharine Gilbert, Wm. D. Given, Rachel B. Given. The first Elders elected were: B. Given, Allen Dufield and Jesse Sloan. Rev. R. K. Todd, the first minister in charge, commenced preaching in 1847, and continued till 1865, when he found his labors too great for his declining health. He is now known to the people of this county as Elder Todd, D. D., Principal of Todd's Seminary for Boys, of Woodstock. He was succeeded by Rev. Blood, who preached about three years; he was followed by Rev. John Thomas, who remained about two years; he was succeeded by Rev. Kirk wood, D. D., who was in charge about two years. Then came Rev. E. J. Fisher, who remained two years; then John D. McCain became the pastor and remained about six years; Rev. S. C. Hay preached as a supply at two different periods, prior to accepting the full charge of the church, in the year 1883, and at this date is the pastor of the church. Divine services were held in the old court-house for one year previous to the building of their house of worship, which was in the year 1848. This was a small frame structure capable of seating about 200. It was built at a very small expense as most of the work and material was donated by the members.

The full present membership is 102. The total number who have joined since its organization is 298. The church is out of debt and in a prosperous condition. The Sabbath-school was organized at the time of the organization of the church, and has since then been kept in a growing condition. Rev. Todd was the first Superintendent; Rev. S. C. Hay is the present Superintendent; George Griffin, Assistant Superintendent. The enrollment is 150, and average attendance is 120.

Methodist Episcopal was organized in 1850 by Rev. Morehouse. The following is the list of the first members: Mr. Cotting and wife, Mrs. C. Ramsey, Mrs. Dr. Rose, Miss Mary Sherwood, George Starr and wife, Silas "Wilson and wife, William Montgomery and wife. The first officers were as follows : George Starr, Class-Leader; S. O. Gregory, William H. Murphy, Silas Wilson, James Murphy, John Reider, Andrew Murphy, Owen Murphy were appointed Stewards; Charles Mc- Clure and I. H. Fairchilds, local preachers. The first religious services were held in the school-house, then in Excelsior Hall, then two years in Phoenix Hall ; they were organized about twelve years before they owned a house of worship. In 1862 they purchased of theJBaptists their house of worship, paying for it the sum of $1,500. This house served their purpose for many years, when, the congregation becoming larger and more wealthy, a new and more commodious house was built at an expense of $8,000. It is a frame building handsomely furnished and will seat between 300 and 400. The following is a list of the preachers who have ministered to this church since its organization: Rev. Morehouse, Rev. Guyer, Rev. E. Brown, Rev. Joseph Hartwell, Rev. Burlingame, Rev. D. W. Lynn, Rev. Lyon, Rev. W. - A. Smith, Rev. "W. A. Cross, G. S. Huff, Rev. M. B. Cleveland, Rev. C. Brookins, Rev. S. T. Show, Rev. M. H. Triggs, Rev. N. D. Fanning, Rev. E. M. Boring, Rev- I. Hartman, A. Newton, Rev. S. Earngey, John Adams, Geo. K. Hoover. Since the organization of the church it has had a rapid and substantial growth, but under the administration of Rev. C. Brookins the church was greatly revived spiritually and a larg number of members were added. An evangelist by the name of

Mrs. Caldwell held a series of meetings which resulted in a great spiritual awakening among the worldly inhabitants of the place as well as among the members. The revival held by Eev. Geo. K. Hoover during the winter of 1883 and 1884 is one long to be remembered, as a special occasion when the spirit of the Lord made its power felt in the hearts of his children as well as the unbeliever. The present officers are: George K. Hoover, Pastor; George K. .Bunker, A. B. McConnell, L. T. Hoy, I. 0. St. Clair, D. C. Doolittle, Geo. Fish, B. N. Smith, Trustees; Peter Whitney, B. N". Smith, I. C. St. Clair, O. J. Murphy, B. Kyder, Geo. Irish, Geo. Hoy, D. C. Doolittle, Briggs Steel, Stewards; Dan Escanbach,Wm. Steel, I. C. St. Clair, E.J. Sanford, Geo. Kyder, J. S. Soper, Fannie Cooper, Class-Leaders. The present number of members is 150. The Sabbath-school is quite as flourishing as the church. Its enrollment is 100, and average attendance from seventy to eighty. Its Superintendent is Peter Whitney; Assistant Superintendent, B. N. Smith; Librarian, J. W. Fellers; Secretary, Briggs Steel; Treasurer, C. P. Barnes.

German Presbyterian, of Woodstock, was organized in Greenwood Township, on Queen Ann Prairie, May 1, 1853, by Rev. Weitzel. The first members were: Peter Weidrich, George Herdklotz, Peter Sonnedruecker, Micheal Herdklotz, Henry Harmann, Henry Sonnedruecker, Jacob Senger, Peter Frey, Sr., Henry Sonnedruceker, George Sonnedruecker, Peter Frey, Jr., Peter Herdklotz, Henry Dietrich, Christian Mueller, Henry Schnider, Henry Schmidt, Jr., George Weidrich, Micheal Schmidt, Henry Herdklotz, Mike Frey, Peter Senger, Henry Harmann, Jr., Fred Bertchey, Jacob Werner, Fred Stoffell, Louisa Mueller, Margaretta Weidrich, Saloma Herdklotz, Eva Harmann, Catharine Herdklotz, Magdelena Schmidt, Barbara Frey, Margaretta Senger, Charlotta Sonnedruecker, Eve Eckerd, Charlotta Sonnedruecker, Barbara Herdklotz, Magdelana Schaaf, Margaretta Harmann, Henrietta Bugler, Louisa Mueller, Magdelena Schmidt, Magdelena Dietrich, Barbara Weidrich, Magdelena Bertchey, Barbara Dellenbach, Margaretta Dietrich, Eve Kuhn. The first session members were John Weitzel, Pastor; Michael Herdklotz, Henry Sonnedruecker, Henry Hammond, Henry Schmidt, Peter Frey, Christian Mueller. Religious services were held in private houses in the neighborhood of Queen Ann Prairie previous to procuring their house of worship, which was in the year 1856. The building which they used for many years to worship in, and which still serves an occasional good purpose as a meeting-house, was purchased by the American Presbyterians, of Woodstock; it was taken apart and hauled to Queen Ann Prairie, where it was built into a cburch the second time. In 1878 their present pastor, Jacob Kalb, moved to Woodstock, where he still resides. At this date the church was changed in name only to the Queen Ann Church of Woodstock. Services were held in the church on Queen Ann Prairie till 1881, when they built a house of worship on Chemung street, Woodstock. It is a frame building and will seat from 250 to 300. The property including the grounds is valued at $3,000. The names of the pastors who have ministered to these people are as follows: Rev. Weitzel, Eev. Schnell, Phillip Poser, and Jacob Kalb, the present pastor, who has had charge of the church since August, 1878. Present officers: Elders, George Herdklotz and Henry Harmann; Deacons, Fred Schmidt and Henry Schnider; Trustees, Jacob Zemmer, Fred Schmidt, Henry Schnider. The present number of members is sixty-six. The church is in quite a prosperous condition. The Sabbath-school was organized in 1878. Fred Kench was the first Superintendent. Its present officers are: Pastor, Superintendent; Fred Rench, Assistant Superintendent; Tilla Cappler, Treasurer; Fred Rench, Secretary and Librarian. The enrollment is fortyfive and average attendance forty.

St. Mary's Catholic, of Woodstock, was organized in 1854 by Father McMahen, who died of yellow fever in the South about five years afterward. Not being able to furnish a complete list of the first members, we give the names of only a few of the more prominent ones : Neill Donnellj', who for many years was a merchant of Woodstock, filled the office of Mayor two terms and was elected Sheriff of th e county one term; he died Feb. 19, 1883; John Donnelly, one of Woodstock's business men many years, died April 12, 1884; Francis Short, a farmer, died March 13, 1882; John J. Murphy, the banker; E. A. Murphy, the merchant; Cornelius Quinlan; James Slavin, an attorney, died in 1875. Previous to the erection of a house of worship in Woodstock, these people attended services in Hartland. The following is a list of pastors who at stated periods have had charge of this church since its organization : Rev. Hugh T. Brady came in 1852 and left in 1855, Rev. Bernard O'Hara came in 1855 and remained till 1858. Rev. James Meagher came in 1859 and remained till 1860; with him was associated Rev. Hempstead. In 1860 came Rev. Terrence Fitzsimmons, who continued till 1867, when he was followed by Rev.

Lyons, who remainedjabout one year. Strange as it may seem, all the pastors whose names we have just recorded are now dead. Eev. J. M. Evan, who is now in Australia, came to this charge in the early part of the year 1868 and remained till December, when his place was filled by Eev. P. M. Reardon, now Assistant Archbishop of San Francisco, Cal.; he was assisted by Rev. Peter Sheedy and Rev. Eagen. In 1869 Rev. T. Quigley became the pastor and remained till the latter part of the year. In December, 1869, Rev. L. Lightner, D. D., came and remained till 1870; he was succeeded by Rev. Lawrence Dunne, who remained till 1871, when Rev. John Carroll came and remained till Nov. 10, 1877, when the present pastor, Rev. Thomas F. Leydon, took charge. Their first house of worship was a brick building with a capacity for seating about 250. It was erected in 1856 at a cost of about $4,000. In 1881 this church was remodeled and enlarged and is one of the finest buildings of Woodstock. It will seat over 400 persons. The property is estimated to be worth $12,000. The membership of the church numbers 100 families. The Sabbathschool began with the church. Mrs. Mary Quinlan was the first Superintendent. The present Superintendent is Miss Mary Kennedy, assisted by Miss Mary McManus. The school numbers ninety in attendance. Both the school and church are in a flourishing condition.

Universalist was organized in September, 1855, by Rev. Livermore, who for many years edited the New Covenant in Chicago. Their first regular pastor was Rev. Hamilton. He was succeeded by Rev. Call, and he by Rev. Fishback, who afterward became a believer in Spiritualism. The decline of the church and its disorganization is said to be mainly due to the mismanagement and vacillating views of this minister. Fishback left in 1865, and since then they have had no regular minister, but have an occasional supply- The merdbership at time of organization was about twenty-five; the following is a partial list: A. W. Fuller and wife, Lawrence S. Church and wife, J. H. Johnson and wife, Edwin E. Thpmas, M. C. Johnson and wife, Nelson Blakesly and wife. The membership grew to the number of fifty. The congregations and attendance were always quite large and much interest was manifested both on the part of members and outsiders. July 26, 1870, they purchased of the Methodists the church they had purchased of the Baptisfs. For this they paid $1,000, and have since added repairs to the amount of $1,000 and over. The property is valued at $2,500 in- eluding the grounds. Previous to the purchase of this building they held their services in the hall over Blossom's jewelry store. A Sabbath-school was organized under Rev. Hamilton, who was its first Superintendent. Mr. M. 0. Johnson was the last Superintendent. The enrollment was about thirty. "We are unable to give a fuller history of this church on account of the records being destroyed by fire in the burning of Mr. Church's store a few years ago.

The First Congregational of Woodstock was organized Oct. 24, 1865, by a regularly called and organized ecclesiastical council. The following seventeen members were the first who united with the church: Timothy B. Bidwell, Abner B. Bid well, Irwin EBaldwin, Helen Baldwin, G. H. Bronson, L. U.S. Barrows, Emily S. Barrows, Nelson Diggins, K. M. Diggins, Mary Finch, Margaret J. Kelley, Orvis Page, Fannie Page, Caleb "Williams, Cordelia B. Williams, Abner R. "Williams, John C Williams. Since its organization the church has had the following pastors: Rev. J. J. A. T. Dixon from Oct. 24, 186.5, to Oct. 31, 1867; Rev. J. R. Danforth from Jan. 1, 1868, to Sept. 15, 1868; Rev. A. L. Riggs from Jan. 1, 1869, to April 1, 1870; Rev. A. P. Johnson from April 1, 1870, to Nov. 10, 1872; Rev. L. V. Price from Jan. 1, 1873, to JS'ov. 7, 1874; Rev. T. C. Northcott from May 1, 1875, to Jan. 1, 1878; Rev. J. H. Stevens from January, 1878, to January, 1879; Rev. Alden from the spring of 1879 to January, 1881; Rev. Wells from May, 1881, *to May, 1883; Rev. W. A. Evans became the pastor June 1, 1883. The present officers of the church are: Deacons, L. H. Barrows and Orin Hobart; Clerk, Charles Fosdick; Treasurer, W. BE. Buck, M. D.; Trustees, J. C. Choate, W. B. Austin, James Parker. The membership numbers 100. The first year after the organization of the church they held divine services in Phcenix Hall. The following year they erected their present house of worship, and dedicated it December, 1866. It -is a frame building capable of seating 450, and is located on the corner of Dean and South streets. It is valued at $3,000. Mr. G. T. Barrows, who died April 20, 1884, at the age of sixty-three, had for the past fourteen years been a strong and reliable pillar of this church. For many years he had held the office of Deacon, and was always found at his post leuding a helping aud willing hand to the church in whose interests his heart and soul were enlisted. The Sunday-school was organized in the spring following the organization of the church. Lathrop S. Barrows was the first Superintend- ent. Its present Superintendent is G. S. Southworth, assisted by ~W. B. Austin; "William Southworth is Librarian and Secretary. The enrollment is 100, and average attendance about seventy-five. The Lutheran Congregation of Woodstock was organized by Kev. Carl Schmidt in April, 1874. There were nineteen, organizing members, among whom were C. Priedel, F. Wienke, J. Rei" ger and J. Albrecht. Services have been held in "the lecture-room of the M. E. church since 1876, chiefly conducted by Kev. H. G. Schmidt. The congregation now numbers twenty-five families. It has no house of worship.

Oakland Oemeteby

This beautiful cemetery, situated at the western limits of the city, was purchased by the corporation, Dec. 20, 1859. The land consists often acres and was purchased from M. T. Bryan. Subsequently two acres were set apart as a potter's field. The grounds are tastefully laid out and well cared for. The cemetery is a credit to the city.

St. Mark's Lodge, No. 63, F. & A. M., was chartered Oct. 4, 1848. The charter members were: John F. Gray, A. Reynolds, Jonathan Kimball, Benjamin B. Brown, Sidney Condit, D. "W. P. Tower and Joseph S. Blivins. The first officers were: John Gray, W. M.; Luke Coon, S. W.; Calvin Serl, J. W. ; E. I. Smith, Treasurer; D. C. Bush, Secretary; Jonathan Bliss, S. D. ; George W. Dana, J. D.; E. S. Peckham, Tyler. The lodge is prosperous and now has over 100 members. The present officers are: C. N. Kendall, W. M. ; W. E. Hughes, S. W.; E. Whitson, J. W.; E. C. Jewett, Treas.; Emil Arnold, Sec; A. F. McGhee, S. D. ; Jud. Kimberly, J. D.; Daniel Tripp, Tyler.

Calvary Commandery, No. 25, K. T. - This commandery was organized July 18, 1867, and adopted November, 1867. The charter members were: Enos Smith, John J. Murphy, Holbert

Nickerson, John S. Wheat, Benjamin F. Church, Edwin E. Thomas, James Northrup, J. S. Medlar, Alex. L. Salisbury, Leander Church. The first officers were: Enos W. Smith, E. C; John S. "Wheat, G.; H. Nickerson, C. G.; Rev. Geo. L. Stnff, Prelate; E. E. Thomas, S. W.; Geo. H. Stevens, J. W.; A. L. Salisbury, Treasurer; E. E. Eichards, Recorder; Frank D. Patterson, Warden; Leander Church, C. Guards. The present membership is 110. The Masonic Hall, occupied by the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, is elaborately furnished at a cost of more than $1,000. The present officers of the commandery are: Wm. H. Sanford, E. C; A. F. McGee, G.; C. N. Kendall, C. G.; B. N. Smith, P.; E. Arnold, S. W.; E. V. Anderson, J. W. ; W. H. Stewart, Treasurer; A. L. Sailsbury, Rec; A. Mc- Naughton, St.B.; Wm. Avery, Sw. B. ; E. Whitson, Warden; M. McChill, C. Guards.

Odd Fellmos. - Guardian Lodge, No. 60. I. O. O. F., was instituted in 1849, in December, by D. D. G. M. Isaac J. Wilson, now Judge of the Appelate Court of Chicago. The charter members were: J. H. Johnson, Alonzo Piatt, John B. Piatt, Phineas W. Piatt and Hiram Hathaway. J. H. Johnson was the first N. G; P. W. Piatt, V. G.; Alonzo Piatt, Sec, J. B. Piatt, Treasurer. The first meetings were held in a hall over Donnelly's store. About 1851 to 1852 the lodge was the most flourishing it ever has been, having over 100 active members. But an unaccountable lack of interest crept in gradually and in 1857 the lodge gave up its charter, which was renewed by the present lodge in 1872. The reorganization of the lodge was due to the energetic efforts of J. C. Choate, who was appointed Noble Grand. The lodge was resuscitated with but five members. Richard Rosseler was appointed Y. G. and R, J. Osmann, Sec. The lodge-room, records, regalia and other property were destroyed by fire Feb. 22, 1884, involving a heavy loss both to the lodge and to the Sherman Encampment. There are about thirty members in the lodge at present, and it seems to be prosperous.

Sherman Encampment No. 56, 1. O. O. ]?., was established in Woodstock, in April, 1883, coming here from Pittsfield, Pike County, where it had been established several years before. The records of the encampment were destroyed by the fire above mentioned. The list of first officers, given from memory, is as follows: J. C. Choate, C. P.; P. A. Boynton, H. P.; H. C. Dickerson, S. W.;R. J. Osmann, Scribe; H. A. Stone, Treasurer. The encamp- ment now has about thirty-five members. After the fire the I. 0. O. F. hall was fitted up and refurnished by Mr. Choate, who rents it to the brethren at a moderate rate.

United' Workmen. - Spring City Lodge, No. 156, A. O. U. W., was organized under a charter granted Nov. 20, 1878. The charter members were: Lawrence Jones, A. E. Stedman, Henry D. McLaughlin, Leonard Leidig, Fred J. Kimberly, Leonard J . Young, Barton Austin and A. F. Field.

Woodstock Legion. - June 27, 1884, the members of the A. O. U. W. of Woodstock held a meeting for the purpose of forming a legion in connection with the lodge. The officers elected in the new branch were as follows: Geo. Eckert, Select Commander; O. F. Fields, Vice Commander; Fred Kimberly, Lieutenant Commander; A. Wheeler, Chaplain; Jerome Thompson, Standard Bearer; M. M. Morley, Senior Workman; Fred Thompson, Junior Workman; Frank Colburn, Eecorder; J. H. Early, Recording Treasurer; D. Crumb, Treasurer; M. Merriman, Guard. The legion is to the A. O. U. W. what the Knights Templar are to Masonry. Life insurance is a feature of the organization.

Geo. Eckert, Officer of the Guard. Present number of members, sixty-five. In 1882 the membership exceeded 100. The G. A. R. Post, in conjunction with A. O. U. W., rent and furnish the hall owned by Richards & Wheat, over Blossom & Murphy's store, where they hold their meetings. The present officers are: G.

5. South worth, C. ; Jas. Bayrd, S. V. C. ; Barney Terwilliger, J. V. C; A. S. Wright, Adjutant; E. W. Blossom, Q. M.; Rev. Geo. H. Hoover, Chaplain ; John Darrell, Surgeon ; Henry Foot, Officer of the Day ; Asad Udell, Officer of the Guard ; L. H. Jones, Q. M. S. ; Rufus Thompson, S. M.

6, 1871, by the Germans of Woodstock for the purpose of cultivating their social qualities and improving their voices as singers. The society was formed with the following twenty- four members. J.Zimmer, R. Diesel, G. Naef, C. Faukhauser, G. Walter, A. Moelzer, G. BachmanD, L. Reith, R. Goerlt, R. Roesler, Fred Arnold, L. Kappler, D. Blocker, M. Cohn, Jacob Kuhn, C. Retterer, M. S. Eckert, M. G. Eckert, F. Murer, C. Roth, M. Crabb, Fred Marcus, Fred Birdsher, Henry Schneider. The following were the first officers : President, J.Zimmer; Vice-President, G. Naef; Secretary, C. L. Kramer; Treasurer, R. Diesel; Janitor, C. Faukhauser; Teacher, F. J. Woicevsky. For several 3rears after their organization they held their meetings weekly with a full attendance of members and occasionally gave public concerts, but of late years the membership has become so low that it is difficult to fill all the parts and the society has lost considerable of its former interest. At present there are only twelve active and thirteen passive members. Their present teacher, M. A. Dreyer, is quite a competent gentleman and it is hoped with his energy and the co-operation of the other members that the Mmnnerchor may continue in the future, as it has in the past, to not only be a source of pleasure to many participants, but a great benefit as well.

The Red Ribbon Club. - A temperance society was organized May 18, 1877, with a membership of over 300. Its first officers were: L. H. S. Barrows, President; G. S. Southworth, L. S. Page, and H. T. Eettleton, Vice-Presidents; L. A. Brown, Secretary; H. L. Pratt, Treasurer; Thomas Wier and E. L. Sooy, Marshals. This club is one of the few temperance organizations that have maintained an existence of more than a year or two. Though its members are few and the interest of former days now scarcely a shadow of itself, let it be a standing credit to the club that it is now almost seven years old and is quite likely to live to become of age. The present officers are: P. Whitney, President; Messrs. Sanford, Kelley andLemmers, Vice-Presidents; Miss Mildred Young, Secretary; Miss Ella Burbank, Financial Secretary; Miss Frank Kimberly, Treasurer; Fred Kimberly and John Fosdick, Marshals.

The Citizens League, designed to establish a perfect reign of law and order in the city of Woodstock, was organized in July, 1883. The membership was then less than twenty, but it soon reached 100 persons, and now numbers 150. The first officers of the league were: Peter Whitney, President; Eev. W. A. Evans, Vice-President; Dr. W. H. Buck, Treasurer; Wm. D. Austin, Secretary; C. P. Barnes, Prosecuting Attorney. Eev. G. K. Hoover is now President, and L. D. Kelly, Vice-President. The other officers remain the same. The league has brought twentyfour suits for violation of the liquor laws, and has been victorious in twenty of them. Some of the suits were on indictments and some were settled before a justice. The legal costs in these cases have been nearly $1,000.

The Woodstock Dramatic Club which has become distinguished in this section of the country for its ability in performing on the stage, was organized Nov. 27, 1874, Woodstock's most prominent young people constituting the membership, which was full. Since the organization many changes have been made, by some dropping out and their places being taken by others. But those who have seen them play from time to time during the past ten years can testify that the club has constantly been growing stronger and more capable. To give each and every member the proper credit due themin the remarkable success of their club would require more space then we have allotted to us. But we think all will agree that two much credit cannot be ascribed to Mr. J. H. Earley for his untiring energies and ability to manage and drill the performers in a play.

Those honored with holding the first offices of this club were as follows: E. W. Blossom, President; E. C. Jewett, Vice-President; E. E. Eichards, Musical Director; F. M. Bunker, Treasurer; C. E. Slocum, Secretary. Their first play, entitled " The Drunkard," was received by a crowded house with wild enthusiasm and hearty cheers. The play entitled "The Hidden Hand" will long be remembered by the people of Woodstock, being rendered in such a manner that older dramatic clubs could well be proud of the laurels won. So highly was it appreciated by the audience that it was rendered the following evening with equal success.

Woodstock has had the benefit of most all their plays, though Harvard was treated to the plays of" Lady of Lyons" and " Caste." One of the strongest characters this club possesses is its liberality and generosity. Their plays have chiefly been rendered in the interests of some worthy object. By rendering the drama entitled "Uncle Jack," followed by the farce " On hie Last Legs," they materially assisted the A. O. U. W. and Gr. A. R. Post whose furniture in their halL had been destroyed by fire. The militia company of Woodstock is under obligations to this club for filling their coffers from the proceeds of the military drama entitled "Foiled." The play entitled "Among the Breakers," with the farce "Terrible Tinker," was rendered with much credit to the clnb as well as many other plays among which was the noted play entitled "Out in the Streets," followed by the farce " On Bread and Water."

Under the management of Mr. Earley the club has arrived to its present status. For the past two years he has been the recognized leader without a dissenting voice. The club has not recently been before the public but is a thoroughly organized club ready for duty or action at any time. We dare say that the citizens are invariably entertained as pleasantly by this club as any traveling troupe is capable of entertaining them.

The Woodstock Guards, Company G, Third Infantry, Illinois ^National Guard, was organized in the early part of the year 1880, at Woodstock, the county seat of McHenry County, 111. Fiftythree original members thereof were mustered into the service of the State in the court-house, on Feb. 24, 1880, by Lieutenant- Colonel Frank Noble, who had been detailed for the purpose. The company commenced drilling at old Phoenix Hall and used the same for an armory for nearly a year. March 1, 1881, they moved into the Universalist church which they have since used as an armory and drill-room. They were first supplied with old muzzle-loading Springfield muskets, caliber fifty, which they used until the summer of 1882, when they were furnished with new breech-loading Springfield rifles, caliber forty-five, direct from the United States Arsenal at Rock Island, 111., at the expense of the State with new accoutrements to correspond. A supply of metallic cartridges is furnished by the State and kept constantly on hand. Fatigue uniforms have been purchased at the expense of the State for the non-commissioned officers and privates. Commissioned officers furnish their own arms and uniforms. The State furnishes funds to pay for armory rent, fuel, lights, insurance and like necessary expenses.

The members of the company are each provided with a full dress uniform at their own expense. The citizens of "Woodstock presented the company with a fine silk flag in 1882.

The company attended encampment at Eockford in 1880; at Aurora in 1882; at Lake Geneva, Wis., in 1883; and at Eockford in 1884. They entered a prize drill at the Fair of the McHenry County Agricultural Board in the fall of 1883, taking third money,

Thomas Andison was born in Parish of Fallah, Scotland, Aug. 3, 1805. He came to the United States in 1839 and lived in New York till 1845, when he moved to McHenry County, and settled in Dorr Township. In 1853 he moved to the farm, where he now lives, two miles south of Woodstock. He owns 120 acres of choice land, pleasantly located. He has made a specialty of dairying, shipping bis butter to Chicago. When Mr. Andison came to the United States he had but eight English sovereigns, but he was ambitious and industrious and made for himself and wife a good home. He was married in 1834 to Elizabeth Young. They have no children but have two adopted children - George and Maggie Mitchell. George has charge of the farm and Maggie of the house. Mrs. Andison fell down the cellar stairs in 1880 and broke her hip bone, and has never recovered the use of her limb. Mr. and Mrs. Andison are members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Andison's brother, Oliver Young, makes his home with them. He was born in Scotland in January, 1812. He has lived with Mr. Andison since 1845, having never married. Mr. Andison visited Scotland and England in 1878. He has received the New Castle, Scotland, weekly Chronicle for sixteen years.

Oustave H. Arps, agent for the Northwestern Eailroad Company at Eidgefield, was born in Holstein, Germany, July 26, 1863, a son of August and Ida (Hansen) Arps. His parents came to the United States in 1866, and from New York came direct to Illinois and settled in DesPlaines. In 1869 they moved to Cary, McHenry County, and there Gustave was reared and received his early education. He attended Concordia College, Fort Wayne, Ind., fifteen months, arid then returned to Cary, and subsequently began the study of telegraphy at Barrington; remained there about fifteen months and then returned to Cary and completed his study. He was night operator at Palatine two months, and at Cary eighteen months. In April, 1884, he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Arps was married Sept. 12, 1883, to Alma E. Hunt, daughter of E. II. Hunt, one of the old settlers of McHenry County.

Isaiah A. Austin, proprietor of the Jefferson Street Livery Stable, Woodstock, 111., was born in Otsego County, N. Y, May 5, 1828, a eon of Pasqua and Polly (Collins) Austin. His father died in Otsego County in 1833, and his mother in Lake County, 111., in 1840. In the latter year our subject came to McHenry County, and here grew to manhood. His early life was spent on a farm, and after attaining his majority he followed agricultural pursuits till 1850, when he went to California. In 1853 he went to Portland, Ore., and opened the first livery stable in the place, remaining there till 1865. In the fall of 1865 he returned to Woodstock and opened a livery stable, which was totally destroyed by fire with all his horses, buggies, harness, etc., in June, 1865. It was uninsured, but by the assistance of his friends he rebuilt the stable and was soon in business again. Mr. Austin has taken a regular course of study in veterinary medicine and surgery, and is one of the best doctors in the State. He was married to Mary E. Judd, and to them were born seven children - Alvin, Jesse, Estella, Aubert, Emery, Eda and Ethel (twins). In 1864 he married Sarah Eurk, and to them were born three children - William H., James H., and Edward L. The eldest two reside in Oregon.

Colonel William Avery, Clerk of McHenry County, was born in Erie County, Pa., July 10, 1825, a son of Ira and Mary (Belknap) Avery, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Connecticut. Ira Avery was by profession a civil engineer, and filled a large contract on the Erie and Beaver Canal, and also on the Erie Canal in New York State. He was prominently identified with all public improvements in Pennsylvania and wielded a strong political influence in the State. He was popular, and succeeded in all his business operations. After the death of his wife he went to Afton, Wis., where he died at the age of sixty-seven years. William is the only surviving member of his father's family. He was educated in Crawford County, Pa., and at Allegheny College, graduating from the latter in 1843. In 1858 he came West and located at Marengo, where he was in the employ of the Northwestern Bailroad till June, 1862, when he raised Company A of the Ninety-

Fifth Illinois Infantry, and was appointed its Captain. He participated in the battles of Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Nashville, and the Red Eiver Campaign. He was wounded at Vicksburg and after being in the hospital three months was sent home. After his recovery he again joined his regiment at Natchez, Miss. In 1863 he was promoted to Major, and in 1864 to Lieutenant-Colonel. He served till after the close of the war, and was mustered out in August, 1865. He returned home and again engaged in the railroad employ till 1882, when he was elected Clerk of the county and removed to Woodstock. Colonel Avery was married in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1856, to Mary P. Camp, a native of that city. They have had two children, but one of whom is living - Mary Ella.

Prof. Joseph A. Badger was born in Madison County, N. Y. , July 18, 1819. He pursued his academic studies at Cazenovia Seminary, and subsequently received the degree of A. M. from the Illinois "Wesleyan University. He taught in his native county three years; then went to Allegany County, N. Y., and was Principal of Richburg Academy three years; from there, in 1856, he went to Wisconsin and taught one year in Albion Academy and three years in Big Foot Academy. In 1860 he became Principal of the Whitewater public schools. In 1867 he moved to Woodstock and was Principal of the public schools two years, when he went to Knox County, 111., and was appointed Professor of Mathematics in Hedding College. This position he resigned to take charge of the Abingdon Public Schools. From there he went to Geneva Lake and in 1882 returned to Woodstock. Professor Badger was mar. ried in 1848 to Almira E. Coon, of Madison County, N. Y. They have two sons - Joseph S., manager of the telephone system in Eau Claire, Wis., and Charles E., Superintendent of the printing department of the Deaf and Dumb Institute, Delaware, Wis. Prof, and Mrs. Badger are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

G. Blakeslee, grocer, Woodstock, was born in Harpersville, Broome Co., N. Y., in 1825. He is a son of G-. and Polly (Guernsey) Blakeslee, both deceased. He came West in 1852 and stopped in Woodstock a year; then went to Lawrence, Kas., and opened a general stock of goods. In 1866 he abandoned the mercantile business and followed farming till he opened his present place of business. He carries a stock of about $3,000 and has a good trade. He was married in Bradford County, Pa., in 1856 to Halina R. Root, a native of that county. They have had five children; four

John F. Buchanan, deceased, was one of the most enterprising farmers of Dorr Township. He was born in Herkimer County,. N. Y., Dec. 30, 1814, a son of James E. and Sally Buchanan. In 1816 his parents moved to Portland, N. Y., and there he grew to manhood and was educated. He was married in 1840 to Cynthia JSTorthrup, a native of Homer, IS". Y. In 1846 they moved to Mc- Henry County, 111., and settled in Dorr Township, where he died in 1876. His farm contained 200 acres of valuable land, well improved, and adapted to general farming and dairying. Mr. Buchanan was a man well and favorably known for his upright character and business integrity. Mrs. Buchanan resides on the old homestead. They had a family of three children, all deceased. They reared a niece of Mrs. Buchanan's, a daughter of her brother, Isaac Northrup, who is married, but since the death of Mr. Buchanan has made her home with her aunt, her husband having charge of the farm.

John F. Bunker. - The Bunker family is of French origin, the first of the name in this country being George Bunker. Wymau's "Oharlestown, Mass., Genealogies and Estates" says of him: "George Bunker, the most distinguished name for local reminiscence ever extant in the town of Oharlestown, arrived here in 1634, and died at Maiden in 1664. He had various lots of land and was the largest proprietor of land in the town. His son, Jonathan Bunker, who' died in 1678, owned a large tract of land, including the famous Bunker Hill, which remained in possession of the family upward of a century. Benjamin Chamberlin Bunker, [grandfather of John F. Bunker, of Woodstock] was born in 1731, and married a widow named Hannah (Breed) Frothingham. Her father was the owner of Breed's Hill, near Bunker Hill, also of Revolutionary memory. He was an extensive land-owner of Oharlestown. At the time of the attack of the British on that town the elder Bunker was very ill and arose from his bed, saw the town in flames, and returning to his bed died soon after. Benjamin Bunker, son of Benjamin Chamberlin Bunker, was born in Oharlestown, Mass., March 20, 1771. His wife, Ruth Kelley, was born in Barnstable County, Mass., April 13, 1778. They were married Dec. 2, 1793." Benjamin Bunker died April 10, 1831, aged sixty years. Ruth, his wife, died Feb. 22, 1865, aged eighty-six years. Of a family of eleven children all lived to a good old age, the most of them reaching upward of seventy years. Those now living are - Mrs. Ruth Northup, of Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., aged eightynine years; John F. Bunker, of Woodstock; Mrs. Mary Morrey, of Smyrna, Chenango Co., N. Y., aged seventy-nine years; and Mrs. Harriet Gregory, of Tama County, Iowa, aged sixty-three years. JohnF. Bunker, of Woodstock, was born Nov. 1, 1803, in Ponghkeepsie, N. Y. He was married Sept. 18, 1825, to Urania Tuttle, a native of Connecticut, born Nov. 20, 1806. She was the granddaughter of Elizabeth (Beecher) Olcutt, sister of Rev. Lyman Beecher's father. They have had thirteen children, eleven of whom are living - George K. , born Nov. 1, 1826, residing in Woodstock ; Lucia L. and Lucy A. (twins), born Jan. 10, 1829, reside in Dorr Township; Ezekiel H., born March 10, 1831, resides in Sierra City, Cal.; Dwight, born Oct. 15,1832, resides in Chicago; Jane, born Dec. 25, 1834. died Dec. 8, 1848;Melvin, born March 17, 1837, resides in Tama County, Iowa; Clarissa, born July 5, 1839, resides in Milwaukee, Wis.; Alvin S., born Feb. 22, 1842, fell at the battle ot Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862, aged twenty years; Harriet N., born Dec. 29, 1843, and Amos K., born March 1, 1846, live in Woodstock; Susannah, born April 30, 1848, lives in Rockford, 111.; Mary, born Feb. 29, 1852, lives in Woodstock. Mr. Bunker came to Illinois, arriving in Dorr Township, McHenry County, April 5, 1844. In 1852 he moved to Woodstock and pursued the mercantile business till his buildings were destroyed by fire in 1871, when he retired from that branch of business. He has been Treasurer of the township several years, and although over eighty years of age still serves acceptably.

George K. Bunker, senior member of the firm Bunker Brothers, was born in Chenango County, N. Y., Nov. 1, 1826, the eldest ot thirteen children of John F. and Urania (Tuttle) Bunker. He was married in McHenry County to Martha Cottle, daughter of Uriah Cottle, who was the first man to make a clearing and erect a cabin in the present town of Dorr. Mr. Bunker was the first to establish business at Ridgefield. He was also agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, Postmaster and Justice of the Peace several years. He came to Woodstock and became established in business in 1869, and is the present Mayor of the city. He has always been identified with the interests of the county, being one of its largest land-owners. He owns three large dairy farms, and is largely engaged in the promotion of that industry.

1805, a son of Henry and Polly (Johnson) Burbank. His grand father, Charles Johnson, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary war. When lie was quite young his parents moved to Haverhill, N. H., and there he was reared and educated. His parents both died in 1839. In 1844 he came to Illinois and settled in Perry County, but not liking that part of the country four years later moved to McHenry County. He bought 100 acres of partially improved laud for $250, on which he settled, and a few years later sold it for $2,500, and moved to Woodstock where he built a good residence and has since resided. He subsequently bought a farm in Champaign County, 111., which he has since sold. He now owns a fine farm of 100 acres a mile south of Woodstock, which is carried on by his son. He has been an industrious, enterprising citizen, and has lived to reap the benefit of his industry. He was married in 1833 to Sarah Hutchins, a native of Vermont. They have had a family of six children, five of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Burbank have been members of the Presbyterian church for many years.

George A. Burbank, photographer, Woodstock, 111., was born in Perry County, 111., May 26, 1844, the youngest son of Elisha and Sarah Burbank. In 1848 his parents moved to McHenry County, and here he was reared and educated, passing his youth on the farm. When twenty-two years of age he went to DuQuoin, 111., and clerked in a lumber-yard two years. He then returned to Woodstock and learned the art of photography. In J une, 1869, he went to Harvard and from there to Janesville, Wis., in .Nov. 1871, where he remained a year, then returned to Harvard. In the winter of 1878 and 1879 was engaged in lumbering in the pineries of Michigan, and in May, 1879, bought his present location in Woodstock. He has pleasant, convenient rooms on the corner of Main street and the public square, which are fitted up in a neat and elegant style; is doing a tirst-class business. Mr. Burbank was married Oct. 11, 1871, to Matie M. Lake, daughter of Levi and Lydia M. Lake, of Harvard. Mr. Burbank is a member of Harvard Lodge, No. 147, A. O. U. W.

Gardner E. Burbank, a son of Elisha and Sarah (Hutchins) Burbank, is a native of Vermont, born Aug. 19, 1842. In 1843 his parents moved to Perry County, 111., and in June, 1848, to McHenry County, and settled near Woodstock, where the father still lives. Gardner E. Burbank was educated in the district schools of McHenry County, and during the summer assisted his father on the farm. He was married in 1872 to Mary McLaren, daughter of James A. and Susanah McLaren. After his marriage he settled in Woodstock and carried on the farm of 160 acres where he now resides, which he had bought with his father in 1868. In 1883 he built a pleasant residence and moved his family to the farm. Mrs. Burbank is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Joseph 0. Button. - Who is there among us who does not puint with pride to the name of one who by his own exertions secures to himself an education and then by exemplary conduct and honorable dealing places himself second to none in his county? Such has been the experience of our subject who was; born in Livingston_Co. , N. Y., June 14, 1820, the son of David and Permelia (Lumbard) Button, and grandson of Gideon and Polly (Stone) Button, the former one of four brothers who located in Washington County, N. Y., at a very early period. David and Permelia Button's family consisted of Joseph C.j our subject; Luceba, wife of W. H. Murphy, a wellknown citizen of this county; Lucretia, a lady well known in this community, lately married Geo. Green, an esteemed citizen of Mt. Morris, N. Y. ; Louisa (deceased), wife of Jas. Watson, of this county; Permelia, married Frederick Hodgkinson, of Polk County, Neb.; Belra N., married to M. L. Lockwood, of this county; Fannie died before the family left New York. In 1833 our subject's father died, leaving him at thirteen years of age the main support of a mother and five sisters. Together brother and sisters, with true devotion, mutually contributed their best efforts to the maintenance of their home for nearly four years, when their mother again married. Then it was he could see the opportunity of ratifying the desire he had long had, of gaining an education, but dutifully he complied with the request of his mother "to remain at home." For four years more he faithfully toiled early and late, with no recompense but the consciousness of adding to the happiness of those who looked to him as their guardian. In the intervening years we find him in his moments of leisure in the field,. aDd by the firelight, with his book, securing to himself at the age of twenty -one an education sufficient to pass examination as a teacher. Still realizing the importance of a more thorough educ ition, he applied a portion of the wages earned during the winter by teaching to buying of books and a short term at school in the spring, working for his board. Thus we find him toiling on in like manner until the year 1844 when he was united in marriage to Miss Roxana Thompson, daughter of Robert W. and Fannie

(Brufie) Thompson, of Livingston County, N". Y., formerly o Colerain, Mass. Their family consisted of Nancy, now Mrs. P Hewitt, of Livingston County, 1ST. Y. ; Eobert, married Miss Sarah Van Slyke, of Livingston County, N. Y. ; William, married Sophia Wakeman, of Livingston County, N". Y.; Edwin, married Miss Y. Olmsted; their home is Lake City, Iowa; Melissa, now Mrs. Sanford Hewitt, of Livingston County, N. Y. The same year that Mr. and Mrs. Button were married they came West, locating upon the land he had entered from the Government and that bought of Mr. Walkup the spring before. With the energy that had characterized his early life he set about to convert the crude prairies into a condition to produce returns to the husbandman for his labor. To what success lie has attained is explained by repeating "that it is now one of the most perfect farms in all of its appointments in the county." Their commodious home has ever been the home of his sisters until settled in life. A devoted mother's wise judgment is shown in the manner which she has surrounded her children with every featnre to make home attractive. Every evidence of taste and culture is discerned throughout the household, and the air of contentment that pervades tells clearly the influence of one of mature judgment, kind motives, and generous impulses. Such a woman is Mrs. Button. Mr. and Mrs. Button's family comprised four daughters and one son. In the year 1862 their first real sorrow came to them in the death of their three youngest children, Augusta, aged thirteen years; Chas. Jason, aged nine years; Ida E., aged five years. Of the two surviving, Emily L. married Alvin F. Davis, son of one of McHenry County's oldest and most estimable citizens. Ruby F., a young lad}7 of intelligence and refinement is now completing a former course of three years' study at Ferry Hall, Lake Forrest University, at Park Institute, Chicago. Of J. G. Button it may be said he is strictly a "self made man" struggling against adversity. With others dependent upon him, he has succeeded in accumulating a competency far beyond his most sanguine expectations. To such lives we grant the mead of encomiums as freely as to them who have plucked the prize in the political or military arena. Some may call him fortunate, but fortune is a goddess that ever favors those who are alike sagacious, prudent and patient. It was his character that created his success. A man whose "word was his bond," of undoubted integrity, combined with good judgment, and a quick discernment of character, makes him one whose advice when acted upon is sure of good results. As

4, 1844, a son of Martin and Mary (McKenna) Cooney. In 1841 Martin Cooney came to McHenry County and bought 200 acres of land in Hartland Township, and in June, 1845, moved his family to it. He was one of the most successful stock-raisers of the township, making a specialty of sheep. He died in December, 1868. His widow is still a resident of McHenry County. They had a family of eleven children - Roderick D., Patrick, John H, Thomas, James, Mary, Anna M., Martin and Michael E. (twins), Francis P. and William. Roderick D. Cooney received a common-school education and after reaching his majority began farming and trading in stock. He has a cheese factory on his farm and manufactures a good grade of cheese which finds a ready market in the larger cities. He has been a prominent and influential citizen and has held many local offices of trust. He served as Collector and Justice of the Peace of Hartland Township several years and Supervisor nine years, and several years as School Trustee. Mr. Cooney was married in January, 1877, to Anna M., daughter of John and Mary Holjisey, early settlers of Hartland Township. They have had three children - Martin F. (deceased), John and Roderick.

Alvin F. Davis, Postmaster and merchant, Ridgefield, III., was born in Stockbridge, Mass., Dec. 10, 1833, a son of William S. and Clarissa Y. (Baldwin) Davis. His parents moved to McHenry County., 111., in 1855 and settled in Ridgefield. They had two children - Sarah C, wife of Isaac Hartman, and Alvin F. The mother died in 1879 and the father in 1881. The father, William

5. Davis, was a successful merchant of Hinsdale, Mass., and also of Ridgefield for many years. In 1861 he sold his stock to Davis & Hartman and retired from active business life. Alvin F. Davis was reared and educated in his native State. He began his mer-

'cantile career in his father's store. He formed a partnership with Mr. Baldwin which continued till 1861, when he came West and in company with Isaac Hartman bought his father's stock. In 1877 he bought Mr. Hartman's interest and has since conducted the business alone. He has been Postmaster of Ridgefield since 1877, succeeding Isaac Hartman. Mr. Davis owns a fine farm of 150 acres, well improved, with good residence and farm buildings. He was married in 1864 to Emma L. Button, daughter of J. C. and R. Button. They have two daughters - Edith A. and Lura E. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Presbyterian church.

Rudolph Diesel was born in FrankenhauseD, Germany, April? 11, 1823. His father was a cabinet-maker, and in his boyhood Rudolph made little chairs, cradles, etc., which he sold during theholidays. As he grew older he learned the trade of his father and worked as a journeyman in Berlin, Hamburg and other cities eight years, and in the meantime.studied architecture. In the fall of 1848 he left his native country and after a voyage of sixty-four days landed in New York, where he remained eight months. In 1849' he paid $85 for a ticket to California, but hearing unfavorable reports of the country gave up the idea and instead went to Watertown, Wis., where he remained nearly eleven years. In the fall of 1859 he went to Paducah, Ky., and carried on >a furniture store till 1861. After the outbreak of the Rebellion he came North,, and in May, 1861, located in Woodstock, where he has built up a good trade in undertaking and cabinet-making. He was married in 1850, in Watertown, Wis., to Rosalia Wiggenhorn, a native of Germany. They have two children - Charles, a watch-maker of Chicago, and Matilda, wife of Henry De Clerque, also of Chicago- Mr. Diesel has been a Trustee of Woodstock sixteen years, and a member of [the School Board ten years. He is a member of the? Masonic fraternity, lodge, chapter and commandery. He was one of the organizers of the Woodstock Msennerchor, in 1872, and hasbeen its President ten years.

James A. Dufield was born in Braxton County, W. Va., June- 1, 1830, the seventh of ten children of John L. and Ann (Bale)'' Dufield. In 1837 his parents moved to McHenry County, 111.,, and settled a mile and a half southeast of the present townof Woodstock, where his father staked out a claim, and in 1837, when the land came into market, bought 240 acres. In 1841 he sold this tract and bought a farm on what' is known as Queen Ann Prairie, in Greenwood Township, where he died in 1845, aged forty-nine years. His wife died Dec. 31, 1870, aged seventy-two years. Their children were ten in number - Elizabeth (deceased), was the wife of N. G. Dufield; Eveline, married James G. Dufield, a third cousin; Mary, married Charles Frame; John Allen; Thomas J., of Oregon; Christopher M., of California; James A.; Benjamin F., of Millette, Dak.; Robert L., of McHenry County; Charles L., of whom they have had no tidings since his enlistment in the war of the Rebellion. James A. Dufield remained with his parents till seventeen years of age and then began to learn the boot and sho© trade in Woodstock. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company

H, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and served till May, 1862, when he was thrown from his horse and received injuries which disabled him from farther military duty. Mr. Dufield was married in 1850 to Charlotte H. Bonner, a native of New York, daughter of Aaron and Cena Bonner. They have three children - John A., editor of the McHenry County Democrat; Marion C, editor of the Nunda Advocate, and Inez, wife of D. D. Manny, of Woodstock. Mr. Dufield served as Constable of Chemung Township six years, and has been an efficient and reliable officer.

Henry Duffield. - The rocky hills and heavily wooded dells of West Virginia have produced some of the most enterprising men of modern times. "With bodies inured to toil, they have developed not only a perfect physical organization but a well balanced brain as well. Men who have been reared in the lap of luxury rarely prove so energetic as those who by reason of being less fortunate financially are obliged to toil for their daily bread. In introducing Henry Duffield to the readers of this history, no words of flattery are used to color the character, or add additional luster to his good name, for none are needed. He was born in Randolph County, W.Va., Jan. 14, 1803, a son of Isaac and Isabella (Given) Duffield. They were the parents of seven children, the others being - Abraham, Robert, John, Thomas, Benjamin, and Isabella who married Benjamin Green, a planter of that vicinity, owning a large number of slaves - all residing in West Virginia. In 1823 our subject was married to Miss Anna Given, of Bath County, Va., a daughter of Robert Given and Margaret Elliott Bott, of Bath County, W. Va., whose family consisted of three sons and six daughters as follows: Samuel, married May Gibson, of Bath County, Va. ; William, married to Elizabeth Sands, of Nicholas County, W. Va. ; Adam, married Diana Prian, of Nicholas County; Nancy, now Mrs. James McEvoy; Sallie, wife of Samuel Gibson; Jane, wife of David Duffield; Margaret, married James Ivens; Polly, married George Duffield, brother of our subject. Henry Duffield's grandfather was of English origin, his grandmother Scotch. Mr. and Mrs. Duffield's family consists of seven children - Isaac B., who died in California; Thaddeus C, died in Wisconsin; Oscar F., upon the old homestead, was married Jan. 1, 1863, to Miss Francina Frame, daughter of John and Rachel (Knight) Frame, one of the old and leading citizens of Dorr Township; Margaret, married H. C. Murphy, of Knox County, 111. ; Isabella, wife of Fredric Buckly, of Rock Island County, this State; Sarah J., married E. Duffield (deceased), of

Rock Island County, II].; Adelaide, married John M. Elliott. Our subject's boyhood days were not passed in sunshine of wealth; on the contrary it was expected of the lad to assist in the maintenance of the family, gathering what education he could during the winter months when his services were not so much needed; thus struggling along with fortune .until the year 1846, when we find him in McHenry County, 111., located upon 160 acres one mile east of Woodstock Village, which he entered from the Government. Building his cabin he set forth to make himself a home and a competency for life. How nobly and honorably he has succeeded can be seen by contrasting his surroundings of to-day and those of twoscore years and more ago. His family, reared to man and womanhood, attest the principles which were taught them by that kind father and mother, by the esteem in which they are held and the lives of usefulness they are now filling. Feb. 3, 1846, the family experienced their first real sorrow in the death of a kind, devoted mother who now rests from life's arduous labors beneath the boughs of oak in Oakland Cemetery, Woodstock. Too much honor cannot be ascribed to the pioneers of this county. In providing for the future the benefits with which they are now surrounded they had clear heads and warm hearts; they believed in the earnestness of life and the power of human sympathies. All who are acquainted with our subject appreciate him by reason of his practical education and good judgment. He has filled many positions of truBt and aided largely in promoting the best interests of the community in which he resides, and now looks back with pride over fourscore years and more of an honorable and well-spent life.

James Duffield was born in Nicholas County, W. Va., July 31, 1801, a son of John and Elizabeth (Frame) Duffield. In 1835 he moved to McHenry County, 111., and located on the land where he now lives, and in 1839, when the land came into market, bought it of the Government. He built a small log house of two rooms, and in this the family lived till he was able to build his present residence. The first school in McHenry County was taught in this log house. Mr. Duffield lost his first wife in 1857. She left two children - Cyrus (deceased), and Belle, wife of Joseph Black, of Nebraska. In 1860 Mr. Duffield married Mrs. Sarah W. (Benson) Black. They have had two children - Sarah B. and Edson B. The latter died in 1883. Mrs. Duffield has one son by her former marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Duffield and their daughter are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Duffield cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson; subsequently was a Whig, and since its organization has voted with the Republican party. He has never aspired for official honors, although he has filled several offices of trust.

W. IT. Dwight, dealer in boots and shoes, "Woodstock, 111., was born in Greenwood, McHenry County, in 1845, a son of Josiah and Amanda L. (Griffing) Dwight. Josiah Dwight was a native of Northampton, Mass., and was among the earliest pioneers to settle in Greenwood Township, coming here in 1838. He edited the first paper published in McHenry County, in 1846 or 1847, and subse quently edited the Republican Free Press. He carried on the mercantile business a number of years, and in 1849 was appointed Postmaster by President Taylor. He served as Circuit Clerk four years and as Deputy twelve years. He subsequently moved to Wyoming, Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his life. W. H. Dwight conducts one of the best and oldest established business houses in Woodstock. He was married April 10, 1872, at Crystal Lake, to Margaret H. Burton, a native of Albany, N. Y. They have had four children; but three are living - Edward B., Charles S. and Harry M.

Isaac H. Fairchild was born in Liberty, Sullivan Co., N. T., March 6, 1816, a son of Hezekiah and Louise (Bennett) Fairchild. When he was two years of age his parents moved to Tioga County, N. Y., and there he grew to manhood, and received a commonschool education. In the spring of 1837 he left his native State and Aug. 21 arrived in McHenry County and settled on a farm four and a half miles southwest of Woodstock. In 1855 he moved to Woodstock, and for fifteen years he labored in the cause of the American Bible Society through Illinois and Kentucky. In 1879 he moved to the farm where he now lives, on section 2, Dorr Township, which contains 162 acres of valuable land. In 1834 Mr. Fairchild united with the Methodist Episcopal church and after his arrival in McHenry County helped organize the first Methodist church in the county. In 1838 he was licensed anexhorter, and in 1844 received a license to preach. In 1847 he was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Waugh at Chicago. In 1876 he changed his membership from the Methodist Episcopal to the Free Methodist church, and has preached in nearly every church of that denomination in the county. He has always been an earnest supporter of the temperance cause, considering it the most important cause in the country. Mr. Fairchild was married in 1837 to Ann A. Dietz, a native of Otsego County, N. Y. She died, and in 1873 he married Mrs. Emma E. Wilcox, a native of Kendall County, III. Mrs. Fairchild is also a member of the Free Methodist church. A man of unblemished reputation, honor and truthfulness being the beacon light of his life, his acts of the most unselfish character. He has labored in the cause of the Lord for the benefit of mankind during the better part of his life. In the language of his neighbors: " If any man by his noble acts and his untiring labor in the cause of right is worthy of remembrance on the page of history, Isaac H. Fairchild is the one."

Robert W. Foster, son of Chapin and Eachel (Wiley) Foster, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., April 22, 1813. In 1829 his parents moved to Erie, Pa., where he grew to manhood. He learned the ship-carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of seven years. In the summer of 1844 he came to McHenry County, and settled on section 33, Dorr Township, where he owned 252 acres of choice land before dividing it with his children. He went to Barton County, Mo., bought a half section of land and lived there four years; then gave it to his children and returned to McHenry County. Mr. Foster was married in 1846 to Julia Smith, daughter of Charles Smith. They have nine children - Paulina, wife of John E. White; Arcenus; Marietta, deceased, married S. Bird; Leonard; Julia, wife of Charles Blakesley; William, died in infancy; Ella, wife of S. Bird; Fred and Robert W. Mrs. Foster died Oct. 28, 1883. Mr. Foster has served his township as Trustee and Road Commissioner.

Norman Frame, President of the Woodstock Canning and Pickle Company, is one of the most enterprising and influential business men of Woodstock. He came to McHenry County in 1844 and bought a farm in Greenwood Township0 a mile north of Woodstock, which he improved and which is now one of the finest farms in the county. In 1875 he became associated with a stock company for the purpose of manufacturing pickles, and now has a controlling interest. The success of this enterprise has been due to Mr. Frame's energy and good management, and their factory is one of the largest and best conducted in the county. In addition to his property in McHenry County Mr. Frame owns a fine farm of 1,000 acres in the Red River Valley, Minn., which is' especially adapted to the raising of wheat. In 1880 Mr. Frame moved to Woodstock but still has the supervision of his farm. He is purely a self-made man, having when he landed in McHenry County only $10 in money. He has been one of the most public-spirited and enterprising citizens, and has been instrumental in advancing many projects of public benefit. He is a native of Braxton County, W Va., born May 22, 1822, a son of James and Nancy (Keener) Frame. He was married in his native State to Susanna Sandol, also a native of West Virginia. They have three children.

Marshall D. Friend was born in West Virginia, April 5, 1836, a eon of Thomas and Emily Friend. In 1842 his parents moved to McHenry County, 111., and his father died here the same year. Hia mother is living in Kansas. In his early life Mr. Friend learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked till 188 1, when iie received injuries from a falling building, from which he has never recovered. In September, 1882, he was appointed Watchman of the Interior Department at Washington, and in January, 1884, was appointed Messenger for the United States Senate postoffice. Mr. Friend was married in 1864, to Eliza, daughter of Harvey and Amanda Chappell. They have one son, Edwin. Mr. Friend is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

David L. Gibson, second son of John and Martha (Post) Gibeon, was born in Dorr Township, McHenry Co., 111., Aug. 25,1850- John Gibson was born in Augusta Co., Va., in 1802, and in 1835 came to McHenry County, in company with William Hartman and others. He made his home with Mr. Hartman till after his marriage in 18 - , when he settled on the farm now owned by his son David ^entering the land from the Government. He was a successful business man. His wife died in the spring of 1864. He then lived with his children till his death in 1875. But two of his five children are living - David L. and Martha. David L. received a good education, and on reaching manhood turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He owns 155 acres of «hoice land adjoining the village of Eidgefield. He is an energetic industrious man, and one of the most promising young farmers of -the county. He was married in 1877 to Manella, daughter of Israel Cline. They have two children - Flora and Lewis.

William W. Goff, the second white child born in McHenry County, was born in Nunda Township, Dec. 24, 1838, a son of Cameron and Lydia (Morse) Goft, natives of New York, who settled in Nuuda in 1837. His mother died in 1878, aged seventy. three years. His father is living on the old homestead. But iwo of their five children are living - William W., and Henrietta, wife of C. C. Howe, of Mitchell County, Iowa. William W. Goff has a fine farm of 202 acres, with a good residence and commodious farm buildings. He is one of the most successful farmers of the township, and an enterprising, public-spirited citizen. He was married in 1860 to Laura Payne, daughter of Jason L. and Harriet Payne. They have a family of four children, three sons and one daughter.

Stephen 0. Gregory is a native of Danbury, Fairfield Co., Conn., born Feb. 9, 1811, a son of Miles and Annis (Bronson} Gregory. After leaving school he worked at the shoemaker's trade several years, and then opened a meat market, which he carried on ten years. He then went to Luzerne County, Pa., and in the fall of 1853 cams to Illinois and settled on a farm in Don- Township, McHenry County. In 1870 he moved to the farm where he now lives, which contains 335 acres of choice land. His residence is a fine two story frame, commanding a fine view of thesurrounding country. He had but small capital when he came West, but has been successful and ha3 accumulated a large property. Mr. Gregory was married in 1836 to Kuth Ann Olmsted, a native of New York. They have three children - Mary E., wife of Dayton B. Truax ; Cordelia J., wife of B. H. Stevens ; and William H. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Although well advanced in years Mr. Gregory is active, and superintends the work of his farm with the energy of many younger men.