Danville Township (part 2 of 5)

A. S. Williams, Danville, dealer in queensware. A. S. Williams, of the firm of Hawes & Williams, was born in Danville on the 22d of August, 1831. His father, Amos Williams, whose name is found so often in the general history of this county, was, as will be found in that history, one of the early and prominent pioneers of the county. A. S. had been engaged in several kinds of business until February of 1877, when he and V. L. Hawes became proprietors of the establishment they are now running; Hawes having been in the business for several years previous to the organization of the present firm. Theirs is the only large and exclusively queensware house in the city, their store-room being 22-J feet front by 125 feet in depth, with a basement and part of the second story; in addition to this the}' have a ware-room 22^x30. All of this extensive establishment is well stocked with everything pertaining to the queensware trade. Mr. Williams has never sought any favors of the public, but has always given liberally to any enterprise pertaining to the public good; though, we may add, from 1875 until 1878 he held the office of Commissioner of Highways. He is so old a resident of the city and so well known that any compliments of the press are wholly unnecessary.

William C. Wait, Danville, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 12th of July, 1831, and is the son of George and Nancy (Ray) Wait. His mother was a native of Indiana; his father, who was from New York, with parents, moved to Ohio and located near Columbus; he then moved to Vigo county, Indiana, and there married. He and his wife then came to Vermilion county, Illinois, and located at Marysville in about 1826, where he was engaged in farming, and then moved on the farm now owned by Mr. Wait. His wife died in Marysville. and he, after going west and remaining two years in Missouri, one year in Texas and one in Arkansas, returned to Vermilion county, Illinois, and died in 1857, at the age of sixty-six; he had married the second wife, Enlia Cox, who died in Woodford county, Illinois. There are four children living - Stephen, James, Catharine, and William C, the subject of this sketch, who has since followed farming and stock-raising, owning a fine iniproved farm of three hundred and twenty acres of land. Mr. Wait has been married three times. His first wife was Catharine Foley, now deceased ; his second wife was Margaret M. Moudy, and his third wife Sallie M. Farris. She was born in Monroe county, Indiana. He is the father of six children living - four by his second and two by his present wife.

George M. Villars, Danville, farmer, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on his present farm, on the 10th of October, 1832. and is the son of John and Elizabeth Vi liars, who were among the early settlers of Vermilion county. Mr. Villars was raised on the farm, and has been engaged in farming on the old homestead since he was able to hold the plow up to the present time. He owns a fine improved farm of two hundred and six acres of land, and also eighty acres in Sidell township and eighty acres in Warren county, Indiana. Mr. Villars has held several offices of public trust, - school director and school trustee. The latter office he now holds. He was married in 1854 to Miss Amanda Srouf, of Indiana. They have ten children, all born on the old homestead. Mr. Villars is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which church he has been a member for the last twenty years.

William Emley, Danville, farmer, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 11th of December, 1832, and is the son of Isaac and Rebecca (Hathaway) Emley. Isaac Emley was born in Virginia on the 21st of April, 1806. He moved to Ohio with his parents when he was about two years old, and here remained for a number of years, engaged in farming. From Ohio he went to Perrysville, Indiana, where he was married in about 1829 to Rebecca Hathaway, wdio was born on the 4th of May, 1810, and died about 1874. From Perrysville they moved to Vermilion county, and located about four miles east of Danville; here he set out in farming. He was for a number of years a preacher in the Christian Church, of which he was one of the founders in that neighborhood. He died on the 14th of June, 1877, on the farm adjoining that of Mr. E. P. Jones. Thus passed away another of the old settlers, honored and respected. Mr. William Emley, the subject of this sketch, has all his life been engaged in farming here in Vermilion county, with the exception of about two years, when he was herding and driving cattle. He was married in Vermilion county to Catharine Lynn, of Vermilion county, Indiana. They have four children living. Mr. Emley owns one hundred and ninety-six acres of land.

Daniel Kyger, Danville, proprietor of Kyger' s Mill. This gentleman was born in Monroe county, Ohio, on the 22d of January, 1829, and is the son of John and Mary (Sheets) Kyger. He started from Grand view, Ohio, on the Ohio River, in a flatboat. for Illinois. They floated down the Ohio River to the mouth of the Wabash, and with ropes pulled the boat up stream to the Vermilion River, and camped a short distance up that stream. They landed and located in Vermilion county, Illinois, on a farm near Georgetown. Here Mr. Kyger was raised on the farm until he was about eighteen years old. He then commenced to work at the millwright business. In 1849 he, in company with Wm, Sheets, Thomas Morgan and H. T. Kyger, commenced the erection of a steam flour-mill in Georgetown, which was the first steam flour-mill built in Vermilion county. In 1850 it was finished by Daniel Kvger, Thomas Morgan, X. Henderson and Son at a cost of about $6,000. This mill had three run of stone. Here Mr. Kyger remained in the mill until 1854. This year, in company with Nathaniel Henderson and Sons, he went to Danville and commenced the erection of what is now known as the Danville Flour Mills. This was also the first steam flour-mill erected in Danville. It had three run of stone and commenced grinding in 1856. Here Mr. Kyger remained about eight years. In 1865 he came to the present mill. This mill was first built by William Sheets and Thomas Morgan in about 1833, and commenced grinding in 1834. It was known for a number of years as the Morgan & Sheets Mill. In connection with their grist-mill they erected a saw-mill. This was one of the first water mills in this neighborhood, and drew custom for forty miles around. They first commenced with one run of stone, but soon after had two run of stone. Morgan & Sheets continued until about 1842. In 1850 Henry Kyger became owner of the mill. In 1865 the firm of Kyger Brothers was formed, and continued until 1873, when Mr. D. Kyger took full charge. In 1865 the Kyger Brothers made improvements to the mill at a cost of about s8,000.

Henry Martin, Danville, farmer, was born in Elwood township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 22d of February, 1S32, and is the son of Henry and Mary (Morgan) Martin, natives of Virginia, who made their home there at an early day. Mr. Martin, the subject of this sketch, was brought up on the farm and was engaged in farming until the breaking out of the late war. when he enlisted, on the 27th of August, 1861, for three years, in the 4th 111. Caw. Co. F, as private. He partici- pated in some of the most severe battles during the war, such as Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh. After serving his three years he reenlisted in the same regiment and served until the 29th of May, 1866, having served four years, nine months and two days. He entered as private, but was promoted, first to sergeant, then to orderly sergeant and from that to first lieutenant. This office he filled for over one year. Mr. Martin had one horse shot from under him during one of the engagements. He was sick about four months, and with this exception he served full time. At the close of the war he returned to Yermilion county, and has been a resident there ever since. Mr. Martin was married in 1854 to Miss Miranda H. Gebhart, daughter of Anthony and Ellen Gebhart, who made their home here in Vermilion county at an early day. By this marriage they have seven children. Mr. Martin has held several offices of public trust, - that of justice of the peace, constable and town collector of Georgetown township. In these offices he has given entire satisfaction.

Martha McMillen, Danville, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on the 13th of October, 1821, and is the wife of the late R. H. McMillen, who was born in Ohio, near Columbus, on the 17th of June, 1816. His father was a farmer and a miller by trade, having in operation a flour and saw-mill on his farm. Here Mr. McMillen was eno-aged in working in the mill and on the farm. In 1832 he, with his parents, came to Illinois, and located in Vermilion county. His father built about the first saw and flour-mill in Denmark, and here Mr. McMillen helped his father. He was married near Denmark, in this county, to Martha Oder, the subject of this sketch. She moved with her parents from Kentucky to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there to Vermilion county, Illinois, at an early day. Some twenty-two years ago they moved from Blount township to Danville township, on the farm opposite the present homestead, and from there they moved to where Mrs. McMillen still resides. Here Mr. R. II. McMillen died, on the 1th of May, 1876, with ulcer' of the stomach, after being sick some three months. Thus passed away one of the good old settlers of Vermilion county, and a man that was loved and respected by all. He and Mrs. McMillen had been members of the Christian Church for the last thirty years. The}' had two sons in the late war, - J. G. and Wm. M. Both enlisted in the 125th 111. Vol. Inf., and did good service, being honorably mustered out. William is now farming on the old homestead, and J. G. is farming in the county. By the marriage of R. H. McMillen to Martha Oder they had nine children, seven of whom are living.

and whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, on the 19th of May, 1819. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Virginia. They were of English and German descent. But little of the surroundings of his early life is known. In 1833 he came to Vermilion county, Illinois. For several years he was engaged in almost any honorable employment that would furnish means for him to complete his education. After completing his literary studies he began the study of law under Mr. J. J. Brown, of Danville. In 1840 he went to the city of Springfield to be examined, with a view to being admitted to the bar. Here he was directed to the residence of Mr. Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln had been married but a short time, and when called upon by Mr. Peters was found sitting in the shade of a tree, reading to Mrs. Lincoln. He often remarked many years afterward, when hearing people speak lightly of her, that he could only think of Mrs. Lincoln as he saw her when making that call - pleasant, social, and in every word and jesture a lady. After being examined by Mr. Lincoln, at the proper time and place he was admitted to the bar. From Springfield he went to Marion county, where he practiced law until 1845, when he returned to Danville. Here he followed the practice of his profession as a principal business. For a time he filled the office of police magistrate, and in 1858 was elected county judge. He also represented the county in the lower house, and at the time of his death, which occurred on the 4th of July, 1866, he was a member of the state senate. During the rebellion of 1861-65 Mr. Peters served his country as quartermaster of the 135th 111. Vol. Inf., a history of which regiment is found in this work. He was a member of the order of A. F. and A. M., and also of the M. E. Church. On the 20th of October, 1842, he was married to Miss Henrietta Blakeley, who is a native of Christian county, Kentucky. Their family consists of four children, as follows: Anna B., Mary E., Prier G. and Willie. W. W. R. "Woodbuiw, Danville, druggist and bookseller. One among the oldest residents of the city of Danville or of Vermilion countv is Dr. W. W. R. Woodburv. He was born on the 19th of November, 1824, in Ripley county, Indiana. In 1833 he came with his father's people to Vermilion county, Illinois. During his early life the Doctor had but few chances of getting an education. His father being permanently crippled, there were but few advantages to be had either by going to school, which was the old subscription system, or by studying at home. All due honor, however, must be given his father, who, to raise money to pay for the Doctor's last term of school, sold the old family clock. Not being able to give him the advantages he would like, his father allowed him to become a member of old Dr. Fithian's state. In 1835 he came west to Illinois, and in July of the same reallocated in Danville, which he has made his home principally ever since. He first commenced to clerk for Dr. Fithian, having arrived here a poor boy, and with only twenty-five dollars. He clerked one year for Dr. Fithian, and then went to Milwaukee, where he remained for several years, when he returned to Danville and entered the drygoods and general store business in company with Richard T. Leverich, whose biography and portrait appears in this work. These gentlemen continued in business about fourteen years. From the mercantile business Mr. Palmer entered the loan and real-estate business with Thos. C. Forbes. This firm was dissolved, and Mr. Palmer then, in 1872, entered into partnership with his son, Charles J. Palmer, which firm to-day is L. T. and C. J. Palmer, real estate and loan agents. Mr. Palmer was married on the 17th of August, 1842, to Miss Esther Gilbert, who was born in Ontario county, New York, on the 29th of November, 1824, and is the daughter of Solomon Gilbert, who was born in Massachusetts on the 19th of June, 1787, and died on the 5th of February, 1857. He married Esther Green on the 6th of April, 1809; she was born in Massachusetts on the 13th of December, 1789; she died in Danville on the 31st of January, 1839. Solomon Gilbert, when very young, moved with his parents to Ontario county, New York, where he married Esther Green, a daughter of Captain Henry Green, who was a soldier of the war of 1812; Mr. Gilbert also was a soldier of the war of 1812. In 1828 they started for the far west, and arrived in Danville in July, after being out since April. They came via Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by fiatboat to Cincinnati, then by wagon to Iroquois county. Mr. Gilbert built the first grist-mill in Danville.

M. A. McDonald, Danville, hardware merchant. The subject of our sketch was born on the 11th of November, 1836, in Vermilion county, Illinois, and is the son of Alexander McDonald, who was born in Elbert county, Georgia, on the 14th of February, 1796. Mr. Alexander McDonald was engaged in farming, and moved from Georgia to Tennessee. He was married on the 24th of November, 1818, in Lincoln county, to Katherine, daughter of John B. Alexander. She was born on the 20th of April, 1800. From Tennessee they moved to Illinois, and located in Vermilion county about 1821. The land not being surveyed they moved to Edgar county, where they raised one crop, when they returned to Vermilion county and located on the Little Vermilion river, near Indianola, on a farm, where he remained for a number of years. He then moved to Georgetown to school his children. He had held several offices of public trust; he was assessor and collector for several years. He died in Georgetown about 1861. Thus passed away one of the pioneers of Vermilion and Edgar counties, - a man that was loved and respected b}r all. M. A. McDonald, our subject, remained on the farm until he was about eighteen years old, when he entered school, where he received a common-school education. He then commenced clerking in his father's drug-store in Georgetown, and from there he went to Pontiac. He was married in Terre Haute to Anna W. Jackson ; she was born on the 17th of July, 1840, and is the daughter of Charles D. Jackson, of New York, who moved west and settled in Vincennes, Indiana, in 1817, and from there he went to Terre Haute. By this marriage they have had eleven children. In 1 s*»l Mr. McDonald came to Danville and commenced clerking in a drv-goods store. He then went into the hardware business, and has continued in this since.

J. G. Davidson, Danville, farmer, was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, on the 24th of June, 1817, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Goodbar) Davidson, of Virginia. Plis father was a carpenter by trade, and followed farming; he was also a soldier of the war of 1812. Thev both died in Virginia. Mr. Davidson first went to Ohio in 1835. and remained there until 1837, when he came to Vermilion county, Illinois. Here he was first engaged in school-teaching, and was the first regular school-teacher. He organized the first singing-class in that neighborhood which is now Catlin township. lie taught school until 1840. He married Harriet J. Rodgers, of Butler county, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel and Annie Rodgers. They have eleven children. Mr. Davidson has held the office of school-director for a number of years. He had one son in the late war, John G., who enlisted in the 125th 111. Vol. Inf. (a history of which regiment appears in this work) ; he, after serving about eight months, took sick, and was honorably discharged.

George Dillon, Danville, clerk of the circuit court. This gentleman was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, near Georgetown, on the 16th of January, 1837, and is the son of Luke and Charity (Wright) Dillon. His father was born in North Carolina in 1790, and moved at an early day to Ohio, where he married Miss Charity Wright, who died in Vermilion county. Illinois, in 1838. She was the mother of ten children. From Ohio Mr. Luke Dillon moved and located in Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1830, on a farm near Georgetown, where he was engaged in farming. He married the second wife, Miss Sarah Haworth. He died in 1852, and was interred in the cemetery of the Friends, near Georgetown, where rest the remains of his first wife, thev both having been connected during life with this religious order. Mr. Dillon, the subject of this sketch, was engaged in farming until the breaking out of the late war. Ue enlisted a> private in Oo. I). 125th 111. Vol. Tni'., tor throe years; he did good service, and participated in some of the most prominent battles. He was wounded June, 1804, in a skirmish after night near Dallas, Georgia, and from the effects of this he lost his right arm ; he was first sent to the hospital at Chattanooga, then to Nashville, Tennessee, and finally to Mound City, Illinois, where he received his final discharge in 1865. He returned to Vermilion county, and in 1866 he moved to Georgetown. Mr. Dillon has held several offices of public trust. In 1866 he was elected town clerk of Georgetown township; in 1867 he was elected assessor and collector of the same township, and in 1868 reelected to the same office; in the fall of 1868 he was elected to the office he now fills, and in which he has served since he was first elected. lie has ably and punctually discharged the duties of these 'offices, and shares, as a result, a gratifying degree of popularity. The officers of Vermilion county, more than any other gathering of county officers in the state, are soldiers, and to their honor be it said they are. without exception, soldiers who earned their spurs by the faithful performance of duty, their courage in action and their meritorious conduct. No higher tribute could be paid to the people of Vermilion county than to take a stranger into the court-house, and point out the maimed heroes of the war busily filling the positions that the people of Vermilion county have bestowed upon them. Mr. Dillon married in Vermilion county, on the 7th of March, 1861. Miss Desdamona Martin, the daughter of Henry and Mary I Morgan) Martin, who made their homes in Vermilion county in about 1818. By this marriage they have had seven children, live living.

William Handy, Danville, money-broker. This subject is one of the old pioneers of Vermilion county, lie was born in Bedford county, Virginia, on the 22d of July, 1812, and is the son of James and Nancy i Brown) Bandy, both natives of Virginia. His father was a farmer, and about L820 he moved to Tennessee, near Nashville. Mr. Bandy remained in Virginia, working on the farm, until 1828, and then, with his brother, Washington Bandy, who died in about 1837, and Samuel Howell and wife, he came by wagon and team to Illinois, and located in Vermilion county, taking about forty days to make the journey. Mr. Bandy came here very poor. He first was engaged in clerking in an Indian store, which was a trading-point for Gurdon S. Hubbard. When he came here he located on one hundred and sixty acres of land, but his brother married, and moved on the place and improved it. Mr. Bandy was also clerking for Dr. W. Fithian in a general store. About this time the Blackhawk war broke out, and he enlisted as a volun- teer under Colonel Moore; with a command of about four hundred men went to Joliet and built the fort at that place. Here was where the first man was killed by the Indians out of this regiment. From Joliet the regiment reported at Ottawa, and from there they returned home. He enlisted the second time, after making two applications, and did service in Illinois and "Wisconsin. During this time the soldiers suffered very much from cholera in Wisconsin. All returned home except sixteen men who remained there until the time expired. Mr. Bandy was one of the sixteen men. He returned to Danville, and was made marshal of this district. He read medicine for a short time. On the 16th of October, 1833, he married Harriet J. Murphy, daughter of William Murphy, who was one of the first settlers of Edgar county, Illinois, having moved there about 1818. Mrs. Bandy was born in Virginia on the 27th of July, 1812; came to Edgar county, Illinois, with her parents. By this union they have had seven children, five boys and two girls. They had two sons in the late war, William M. and Samuel J., and both did good service. Mr. Bandy, at the breaking out of the late war, took an active part in raising a company of cavalry, but on account of the quota being tilled he was rejected. Many are the interesting stories of the good old times in Vermilion county that Mr. Bandy can relate.

The Giddings family. There is probably not an old settler in the city of Danville or Vermilion county but who, if he were asked who the Giddings family are, would answer without any hesitation, " One among the first and most honorable families of the county/' Mr. William Giddings, the father of the family, and whose portrait appears in this history, was born in Silso, Bedfordshire, England, on the 8th of January, 1813; his death occurred on the 20th of September, 1875, the superscription upon the silver tablet of his metallic burial-case being as follows: "William Giddings. Died September 20, 1875. Aged 62 years, 8 months and 12 days." His wife, who died on the 25th of May, 1874, was also a native of England. She was born on the 29th of July, 1811. They were married on the 3d of December, 183-1. They came to the United States in 1837, coming direct to Danville, where they arrived on the 21st day of April of the year above mentioned. At the date of their deaths they were both consistent members of the North Street Methodist Episcopal Church. They came to Danville during the pioneer days of the county, and were obliged to put up with many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. Mr. Giddings was a manufacturer of wagons, carriages and plows, and began business in Danville when it was necessary to go to the timber to find a tree whose crooked growth was of the proper shape for the manufacture of mold-boards, which he used in the construction of plows of that date. Beginning business in this manner, he, by a life of energy, honest industry and a close attention to his business, accumulated a property of one hundred and seventyfive thousand dollars. Danville, at his death, mourned the loss of one of her best citizens. The citizens, in respect for him, closed their business houses during the funeral services. His four sons, to whom the following .sketch relates, are among the honorable business men of the city, and have not thus far disgraced the teachings of their father in a single instance. J. W. Giddings, the eldest of the four sons, was born in Danville on the 21st of April, 1842. His early life was spent with his father, with whom he learned the trade of manufacturing wagons and carriages. In 1863 he entered the Union army in the war of 1861-65, enlisting first in Co. A, 71st Regiment, three-months service. Upon the completion of this term of service he again enlisted, this time in the 135th 111. Yol. Inf.. Co. K. On returning from the army he again became a resident of Danville, and in 1879 began business in his present line (that of heav}' hardware), his partner being Mr. J. A. Patterson, and the firm name being Giddings & Patterson. They are located on the corner of Main and Franklin streets. They are the only dealers in this line of goods in the city. Though they have been engaged in the business but a short time they have every prospect of success. Charles H. Giddings, the second eldest of the brothers, is also a native of Danville. He was born on the 11th of March, 1844. He also learned the trade of his father, and for some time after his father retired from the business in 1865, was, in company with his brother, John W., and O. S. Stewart, engaged in the same line of manufacture under the firm name of Giddino-s, Stewart & Co. They were together about nine years, when the brothers bought the interest of Mr. Stewart, and continued the business together for about one and one-half years. He then sold out to his brother, John W. He, Mr. I. IT. Philips, and his brother, John W., were the executors of his father's large estate. This business they settled to the satisfaction of all parties interested, and without any of the wrangling which so often occurs in the division of a large property. One request in the will of Wm. Giddings was that all his children might be pleased and satisfied with his apportionment of the property. Charles H. was appointed receiver of the Vermilion County Grange, when that institution collapsed. This business he also settled up satisfactorily. He has recently engaged, in company with Mr. Ganor, in the ice trade; they have begun only on a small scale, but they have commenced with a view of increasing the business as they become familiar with it.

Thev began business in 1879. lie. like the rest of the brothers, is a good financier, and there is but little doubt of bis success in this undertaking. George E. G-iddings, the third son, is now junior member of the firm of Smith & Giddings, proprietors of the Lustro Mills. He was born in Danville on the 20th of July. 1848. His early life having been spent at home, he very naturally learned the business of his father. For rive years previous to his engaging in the milling business, he had been engaged in the hardware trade. Closing out business in this line, he, in March. 1875. became a partner of Mr. Smith in the Lustro Mills. Though not a practical miller by trade, he has already become quite familiar with the business. He. like the others, seems to have chosen a business that, with proper energy and industry, can only bring him success. Albert Giddings, the youngest of the four sons, was born in Danville on the 3d of December, 1850. He. like his brothers, has received a good education, and like them also the early part of his life was spent at the business in which his father was engaged. He is now junior member of the firm of Johns & Giddings. dealers in groceries, the partnership having been formed in September of 1870. The building thev occupy belongs to him, and is located on the corner of Main and Hazel streets. It is a fine brick structure, built by his father in 1866. In size it is 21 feet front by 85 feet deep, two stories and basement, and is known as the Giddings block. Here he may be found during business hours engaged in a business that, if one may judge by his pleasant and courteous treatment of friends and customers, is both pleasant and profitable. In conclusion, we may say it has seldom been our good fortune to meet a family of brothers situated similar to these four, who seem each to have the friendship for the other that existed in the times gone by when thev were four bovs under the care and guidance of their parents. TVe can only add that there are three sisters, whom we hope will be pleased with our sketch of the Giddings family, and our only apology for its being less complete than they might wish, is an ignorance of the necessary facts relative to themselves. E. W. Eakin, Danville, county treasurer, was born in what was then known as Wythe county, Virginia, on the 12th of August, 1S28, and is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Lockett) Eakin. His mother was a native of Virginia, and his father of Georgia. He was a tanner. In L838 Mr. Eakin. with his parents, moved to Vermilion county. Illinois, and located on a farm in Georgetown township. Here Mr. Eakin was brought up. engaged in farming in the summer and in the winter months attending school. He received his principal education in the Georgetown Seminary, then one of the leading institutions of learning in eastern Illinois. He, when twenty years old. was engaged in teach- ing school. The first school which he taught was in Coles county, and of that county he was afterward appointed assistant county surveyor. From there he was engaged in stock-trading and fanning. In 1859 he was married in Vermilion county, Illinois, to Miss Ellen M. Fairbank, of Vermont. He then moved to a farm in Carroll township, this countv, where he was engaged until 18ti2. when he enlisted for three years in the 125th 111. Vol. Inf., Co. D., as fourth sergeant. He did good service, and participated in some of the most prominent battles during the war. He was in the battle of Perrysville, Chickasaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta and Jonesborough. Georgia. Here Mr. Eakin received a very painful wound in the face while his company was making an assault on the enemy's works. He was honorably mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1865, when he returned home to Vermilion county, where he was engaged in farming. In 1877 he was nominated and elected by the republican party treasurer of Vermilion county, which office he now holds. Mr. Eakin is a strong republican in politics, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the last forty years.

Joseph Smith, Danville, miller. The Lustro Mills, which are now so well known to the people of Vermilion county, were built in 1870 bv Knight & Fairchild, the firm making several changes before the present pi^prietors, Smith & Giddings, took it. This firm was established in 1875, though Mr. Smith, the senior member of the firm, was connected with the mills as early as 1874. The mills have three run of stone and a capacity of flouring about forty barrels per day. Their trade is both merchant and custom milling.

Mr. Joseph Smith was born on the 1st of August, 1819, in Oxfordshire, England. In 1834 he came to the United States with his people, they locating in Herkimer county, New York. He came to Vermilion county as early as 1838, though he only remained about one year. In 1840 he began learning the trade of a miller in Elmira, New York. He remained milling in that state about ten years, then came to Indiana and began in the same business at La Fayette. From there he went to Lebanon, Boone county, Indiana, where he purchased an interest in a mill and continued the business until about 1855, when he came to Vermilion countv and located at Myersville, still in the same line. From there he came to Danville, and was for one year connected with M. M. Wright. About this time he was unfortunate enough to have a team run away with him, and by this accident was crippled for five years. There seemed sometimes to him to be but little chance of recovery, but he did recover, and at present may be found almost any time at the Lustro Mills or on his farm, which is

E. J. Draper, Danville, grocer, was born in Vermilion county in 1S38, and is the son of Jonathan and Filena (Galnsha) Draper, his mother being the daughter of Governor Galnsha. When he was five years old his people moved to the State of Vermont, and there E. J. remained until the age of nineteen years, receiving his education at North Bennington. In 1857 he came west, stopping at Sidney, where he engaged in business, and from that time until thirteen years ago, when he began business in Danville, in the grocery trade, was engaged in different kinds- of business and in different localities. In September of 1862 he entered the Union army in the war of the rebellion, enlisting in Co. C, 125th 111. Vol. Inf., three-years service, Captain Wm. W. Fellows. He participated in many of the heavy battles, among which may be mentioned the battle of Perrysville, siege of Chattanooga, and the Atlanta campaign. During this campaign, for about three months, there was fighting nearly all the time. During his service he was a part of the time engaged as adjutant's clerk and some of the time as hospital steward. When he returned from the war, in 1865, he was for a time employed in the office of J. C. Short, county clerk. After engaging in the grocery trade, he was for eight years located on Main street, but is now at No. 62 Vermilion, where he has an establishment 20 x 110, well stocked with everything pertaining to the grocery business.

Samuel G. Craig, Danville (deceased), was one of the old pioneers of Danville. He was born in the state of Kentucky in 1812. From that state he moved to Indiana, and from there to Danville in 1838. For twelve years he filled the office of circuit clerk. He then engaged in the dry-goods trade, which he followed for many years. For a time he represented Vermilion county in the state legislature. His death occurred in 1871. In 1856 Mr. Craig was married to Mrs. Gilbert. She is the daughter of Henry Klien, and a native of the state of Pennsylvania. Her home is still in Danville.

Frank M. Riley, farmer, lives in Indiana, was born in Vermilion county, Indiana, on the 14th of April, 1844, and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Nichols) Riley. Mr. Riley's father, Jacob Riley, was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, on the 10th of February, 1803. In 1S27 he came to Perrysville, Vermilion county, Indiana, and was engaged in the saddle and harness business for about twelve years. He was married in Perrysville, in 1831, to Elizabeth Nichols, of Virginia. From Perrysville they moved to Vermilion county, Illinois, some forty vears agro. Here Mr. Rilev has been a resident ever since. His first wife died on the old homestead. He then married the second time to Catharine Blunk, of Kentucky. He is the father of five children, living, all by his first wife. Mr. Frank M. Riley was brought up on the farm, engaged in farming. He, in 1861, at the first call, enlisted in the hundred-day service in the 71st 111. Vol. Inf., Co. H, and did good service. He was honorably mustered out. Mr. Riley is a member of the Perrysville, No. 344, Masonic society. He is a republican in politics. He was married in 1877, to Miss Martha W. Rodgers, of Warren county, Indiana, daughter of Elisha and Mary Ann Rodgers. Mr. Riley is flagman for the Evansville, Terre Haute & Chicago Railroad, which makes it convenient for any one to get on the cars at his farm, as it is a flag station. He also took an active part in helping to get the right of way for this railroad in this vicinity. Mr. Riley was in Wayne county, Illinois, one and one-half years, in the stock business.

R. M. Price & Bro., Danville, livery stable. These gentlemen were both born in Vermilion county, Illinois. R. M. Price was born on the 9th of April, 1840, on his father's farm, where he remained until he became of age. He then commenced school-teaching, and from that he commenced the practice of law in Danville. In 1863 he enlisted in the late war, in Jacksonville, Illinois, in the 61st 111. Vol. Inf., Co. A. He was detailed as clerk in the quartermaster's department, and then in the United States arsenal at Little Rock, Arkansas, and from there he went to Franklin, Tennessee. He then went to Nashville, where he acted as clerk for the government. He remained in service until the close of the war. His brother, Thomas J. Price, was born in 1842, and was raised on a farm. In 1861 he enlisted in the late war, in the 125th 111. Vol. Inf., Co. B, for three years, but after serving about nine months, he took sick and was discharged, returning to Vermilion county. These gentlemen to-day own one of the leading livery stables of Danville. They keep on hand twelve horses, with a good stock of carriages and buggies. Their father, Lloyd H. Price, was born in Pike county, Ohio, in 1812, and is the son of Robert G. Price, who, with a family, came to Illinois and located in Vermilion county, near Denmark, in 1835. Here Robert G. Price died in 1850, and he and his wife were buried on the farm near Denmark. Lloyd H. Price remained on his father's farm until he was about twenty-three years of age, when he married Minerva Howard, who was born in Pike county, Ohio, in 1817. Bv this union they had nine children, four of whom are living. Lloyd H. Price commenced farming, a poor boy, but with hard work and good management had accumulated considerable property, and was recognized as one of the most successful farmers of Vermilion county. He owned sixteen hundred acres of fine land, and other valuable prop- erty. He died a christian, being a member of the Christian Church. He departed this life in 1876, respected and honored, and was buried at Newell Grove, in Newell township, in the graveyard where his wife buried in 1864.

Oliver L. Davis, Danville, judge of the circuit court, was born in New York city on the 20th of December, 1819, and is the son of Wm. and Olivia (Thompson) Davis. His father was a native of New York, and was born near Saratoga Springs. He was a commission merchant in New York city. Judge Davis received his principal education at an academy in New York state. He was in the employ of the American Fur Company as clerk for seven years. In 1841, in company with J. G. Leverich, Esq., he came west and located in Danville, Illinois, where he has made his home ever since. Here he commenced the study of law with Isaac P. Walker in December, 1842, and was admitted to practice law at the Illinois state bar. While at his profession he associated himself as law partner with Colonel O. F. Harmon and J. B. Mann, Esq. In 1S51 Judge Davis was elected by the democratic .party a member of the legislature. In 1857 he was elected to the same office by the republican party. In 1861 he was made judge of the twenty -seventh circuit. In 1861, when the new circuit was formed, he was reelected. This office he filled until 1866, when he resigned. In 1873 he was elected judge of the fifteenth circuit. In 1877 he was made a member of the appellate court, third district. By the consolidation of the fifteenth and sixteenth circuits the fourth judicial circuit was formed, and Mr. Davis has been judge of this circuit ever since it was organized. Jud^e Davis was married on the 5th of December, 1844. in Danville, Illinois, to Miss Sarah M. Cunningham, who was born in Illinois on the 3d of September, 1827. She is the daughter of Hezekiah Cunningham, one of the pioneers of Vermilion county, Illinois. By this union they have six children.

John G. Leverich, Danville, master in chancery, whose portrait appears in this work, is a fair example of what may be attained by perseverance, industry and energy. He was born on the 10th of October, 1819, in Newtown, Queens county, New York, a suburb of New York city, and is the son of John and Alletta (Berrien) Leverich, both natives of New York. John Leverich, the father of Mr. Leverich, was a blacksmith by trade, and followed farming. He was a sergeant in a company of New York militia in the war of 1S12. ' Both parents died on Long Island, New York. At fourteen years of age Mr. Leverich accepted a clerkship in New York city, where he remained until 1841. This year, in company with Judge O. L. Davis, he set out for the far west, arriving and locating the same year in Danville, which has been his home ever since. Here he commenced clerking in a store, and from that he entered the mercantile business in company with his brother, R. T. Leverich, keeping a general stock of merchandise. He continued in business with his brother about five years. In 1860 he was appointed master in chancery, which office he has held ever since, and to-day is perhaps the oldest master in chancery in the state of Illinois. He has ably and punctually discharged his official duties, and shares as a result a gratifying degree of popularity. In 1847 Mr. Leverich married Miss Sarah Tilton, by whom they have had five children, two deceased. In politics he is a republican, of which party he has been a member ever since its organization.

Francis M. Allhands, Danville, ex-county treasurer, was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on the 17th of January, 1832, and is the son of Andrew and Margaret (Swank) Allhands. His father, a native of Ohio, was engaged in farming. He moved, with his wife, from Ohio to Indiana, where she died. He then married Mrs. Martha Campbell, formerly Miss Willhite. By these two companions he raised a family of nine children, - five by the first and four by the second. Mr. Allhands can trace his family through the paternal line back to Germany, when his great-grandfather came over from that country to America. In 1842 Mr. Allhands, with his parents, moved to Vermilion county, Illinois, and located in what is now Catlin township. Here they set out in farming, and here, also, his father, born in 1806, died in 1851. Mr. Allhands learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which business he engaged in until the breaking out of the war. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted as a recruit in Co. E, 35th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in some of the most severe battles. In the engagement at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, he was struck three times with grape and musket balls. One very painful wound was in the big toe, by which he was temporarily disabled, and fell a prisoner into the enemy's hands. He was taken to the hospital with the rest of the wounded, and there bound up his own wound, which bled quite freely, thus making it look more severe than it really was. The next day they received orders that all who could walk would be obliged to move forward; but seeing Mr. Allhands' foot bandaged and bloody, they allowed him to remain with a rear guard, who left him in a farm-house by the roadside. He managed to get hold of an old broken-down mule, which he rode back to the Union lines, and rejoined his regiment. He was afterward engaged in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and other battles. He was again wounded at Tunnel Hill, or Rocky Face, Georgia, from the effects of which Jt became necessary to amputate his right foot, which was done at Nashville, Tennessee, on the 18th of July, 1864. Mr. Allhands entered the army as a private, but on his soldierly qualities he was promoted to second, and afterward to first, lieutenant. He was honorably mustered out of the service at Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Allhands has held several offices of public trust, and has proven himself a man of acknowledged ability. In 1865 he was elected assessor and collector of Catlin township. In 1867 he was elected treasurer of Vermilion county, Illinois, and held the office for ten years. On the 1th of March, 1858, he married Mary J. Hilliary, daughter of George and Sarah Hilliary, who were among the early settlers of Vermilion county. Mr. Allhands is the father of seven children ; three died with scarlet fever.

William H. Newlin, Danville, deputy circuit clerk, was born in Georgetown, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 4th of September, 1842, and is the son of John and A. (Henderson) Newlin. His father was born in North Carolina. He was a saddler by trade, and coming west located in Indiana about 1830. In 1832 he came to Illinois, and was for a number of years a justice of the peace. Mr. William H. Newlin received his principal education at Georgetown. He was a soldier in the late civil war. He enlisted July, 1862, as a private in Co. C, 73d 111. Vol. Inf. (a history of which regiment appears in this work). He participated in some severe battles, and was taken prisoner by the enemy in the battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, on the 20th of September, 1863. He was taken to Richmond, Virginia, where he remained until the 14th of November, 1863, when the prisoners were moved to Danville, Virginia. Here the small-pox had made its appearance among the prisoners, and on the 14th of December Mr. Newlin was taken sick with that disease, and was sent to the hospital, where, after receiving sufficient strength, on the night of the 19th of February, 1864, with five other Union soldiers, he made his escape and set out for the Union lines. Mr. Newlin has written and published a very interesting work of one hundred and twelve pages, relating their escape to the Federal camp. Of the six that made their escape only four are known to have ever reached the Union lines, and they arrived there on the 20th of March, 1864, and on the 29th of March they reported at post-headcpiarters at Cincinnati, Ohio, where they received a furlough. Mr. Newlin arrived home on the 3d of April. His visit was unexpected, and the first intimation his parents had received for many weeks that he was yet alive was when he entered the old home. Mr. Newlin rejoined his regiment, and served until the close of the war, being made first lieutenant of his company. At the close of the war he returned to Georgetown, where he was engaged in the mercantile business about three vears. Mr. Newlin has held several offices of public trust. He was collector and assessor, township clerk and schooldirector ; he rilled each of these offices for several years with marked ability, giving entire satisfaction. In 1876 he was made deputy circuit clerk, which office he has filled ever since. Mr. Newlin was married in 1S68 to Miss Amanda Ann Hawes, of Georgetown, daughter of Dr. A. Hawes, one of the pioneers of Vermilion county. By this marriage they have three children.

G. W. Hooton, Danville, lumber dealer, is a native of Clermont county, Ohio, though he came to Vermilion county with his people when he was but seven years old. This was in 1842, and he has since remained a resident of the county. During his early life he had not the advantages of getting an education that are enjoyed by the present generation, though he improved all opportunities and became a fair scholar. lie did some farming ; learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, at which he did some work, and taught several terms of school, as well as spending about three years on the road, though this was in later years. The firm of Hankey & Hooton has been familiar to the people since 1876, the Mr. Hankey being a brother of his present partner, Mr. C. F. Hankey, who became a member of the firm on the 1st of January, 1879. Mr. Hooton has dabbled a little in political affairs, having been a member of the city council during the years 1873, 1871- and 1875. He is also W. M. of the Olive Branch Lodge of A. F. and A. M. In business affairs they have established a good trade and reputation, their trade now amounting to about twenty-five thousand dollars per year.

William Cast, Danville, farmer, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, on the 17th of April, 1821, and is the son of A. and Mary (Villars) Cast. His father was a farmer, and a native of Kentucky, having moved to Ohio at an early day, and died there in about 1831. Mr. Cast was brought up on his father's farm. He was married in 1843 to Miss Rachael Villars, of Ohio, and the same year they came to Illinois and located in Vermilion county. Flere they have remained ever since on the present farm. Mr. Cast came to Vermilion county worth about five hundred dollars; he invested in one hundred and forty acres of land, and commenced farming ; to-day he owns three hundred and twenty acres of fine improved land, which he has accumulated by his own industry. They have had four children, three living.

George F. Coburn, Danville, attorney at law, is one of the successful attorneys of Vermilion county. He was born in Brown county, Ohio, on the 29th of December, 1841, and is the son of Francis D. Coburn, a native of New Hampshire, who, with a wife and three children, moved to Illinois and located on a farm in Danville township, Vermil- ion county, in 1843. Here he was engaged in farming until 1871, when he departed this life, an honored and respected man. Here, on the farm, Mr. Coburn grew into manhood ; engaged in farming from the time he was able to hold the hoe or handle the plow, and in the winter months attending the district schools of the period. When nineteen years old he commenced teaching school, and taught five winters and one summer. He was also engaged in the study of law. He came to Danville and commenced reading law under Judge O. L. Davis, where he remained about one year. In 1867 he was admitted to practice law at the Illinois bar. Here he has been engaged in Danville in the practice of law ever since, with the exception of one year. Mr. Coburn has formed a partnership with Joseph W. Jones and Daniel W. Limder, now law partner of "W. H. Mallory, which was formed in the fall of 1878. Mr. Mallory was born in Cortland county, New York, on the 14th of December, 1812. and was admitted to the bar in 1837. He came west in 1841, first locating in Fountain county, Indiana, thence (1867) to Du Page county, Illinois, and in 1870 came to Danville. Mr. Mallory is one of the oldest practicing attorneys of the Vermilion county bar.

Hiram W. Ross, Danville, farmer, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 8th of November, 1843, and is the son of Joseph T. Ross, whose biography appears in this work. Mr. Ross was raised on the farm. In 1862 he enlisted in the 125th 111. Vol. Inf., Co. B. He participated in the battle of Perrysville. He was taken sick and moved to the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, where he remained until 1863, and on account of sickness he was honorably discharged. He returned home, and in 1872 he married Tilda Ann Smith, daughter of Abraham Smith, who was an early settler of this county. They have one child. The following appropriate tribute to the memory of Hon. John L. Tincher has been prepared and kindly furnished us by A. G. Smith : John L. Tincher was born in Kentucky in 1821. Eight years later his parents removed to Vermilion comity, Indiana. When the subject of this sketch had arrived at the age of seventeen years his parents had died, and then he addressed himself to acquiring an education. He attended school for about three vears in Coles countv, Illinois, and then took service in the store of Jones & Culbertson, at Newport, Indiana. In 1843 he came with J. M. Culbertson to Danville, and was a clerk in his store until 1853, when the notable firm of Tincher & English was organized - first as merchants and afterward as bankers. The First National Bank of Danville stands as a monument of their united energy, labor and prudence. Mr. Tincher acquired a handsome property, to which his wife and children became heirs without the interfer- ence of a will. In 1804 Mr. Tincher was elected a member of the lower house of the general assembly of the state. In 1867 he was transferred to the senate, to membership in which he was re-elected in 1870. He was also, in 1870, a member of the convention that revised the fundamental law of the state. For many years Mr. Tincher's business affairs were very exacting, and in the later years of his life official trusts increased the demands upon his energies, and added -to these were clmrchly and social obligations, in all, making the demands upon him exceedingly onerous; the unceasing strain upon his mind and body may be supposed to have shortened his life. In 1845 Mr. Tincher united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and soon afterward was chosen to occupy a subordinate clerical relation to the church, which relation he maintained until his death. He was frequently called upon to preach. Though without classical education or technical theological training, he was a forcible, logical and acceptable preacher. It would be impossible for one not endowed with superior powers of mind to meet the degree of success in business, in politics and in social life that attended Mr. Tincher. It is not an extravagance of language to say that he was a gifted man. The Hon. John L. Tincher died at the Revere House, Springfield, Illinois, at half-past six o'clock, on Sunday evening, the 17th of December, 1871. His disease was pleuro-pneumonia. During the greater part of his life he had been in delicate health, and as far back as 1855 it was thought that his career would be terminated by consumption. In the summer of 1869 he was attacked by apoplexy, and thenceforward he complained of cerebral irregularities, and was never without apprehensions of a return of apoplexy. His attack came upon him while sitting in the office of his bank. The Rev. James P. Dimmitt observed his drooping head and pallid countenance. Upon being spoken to, Mr. Tincher said he was sick and thought he would die; and then starting witli a couple of friends to walk home, no carriage being convenient, he sank down after walking about a square, named Eben H. Palmer to settle his estate, and passed into unconsciousness. He recovered, however, and was restored to the degree of health above spoken of. At the time of his death Mr. Tincher was in Springfield attending to his duties as senator. He was surrounded in his dying hour by bis wife and children ; Mr. C. L. English, Mr. C. B. Holloway, Mrs. J. G. English, the Rev. James Coe and the writer of these lines were also with him. On the morning following, Mr. Tincher's remains were brought to Danville for burial. An immense throng of two or three thousand people were at the depot, shivering in the bitter winter air, waiting to catch a glimpse of the casket that contained the mortal parts of their old friend and neighbor.

Funeral services were conducted in Kimber Church, of which Mr. Tincher was a member, on the Thursday following his death. A memorial address was read by the Hon. O. L. Davis, and a discourse was preached by the Rev. George Stevens. Rev. A. L. Brooks, Rev. W. 1ST. McElroy and Rev. P. Woods assisted in conducting the service. Pall-bearers were chosen from a list of Mr. Tincher's oldest acquaintances, namely: Dr. W. H. H. Scott, Hon. Alvan Gilbert, John W. Mires, Samuel Frazier and Victor Leseure. By common consent, Mr. Tincher was recognized as the controlling spirit of this community. He made the poor man's cause his cause; he left no one to charge him with circumvention ; he left no taint upon his name and memory.

" How populous, how vital is the grave ! This is creation's melancholy vault. The veil funereal, the sad cypress gloom ; The land of apparitions, empty shades ; All, all on earth, is shadow ; all beyond Is substance ; the reverse is Folly's creed : How solid all, where change shall be no more ! "

W. H. Johns. Danville, grocer, is a native of Vermilion county, Blount, being his native township. He had the advantage of free schools, and received a good education. In 1S62 he entered the army in the rebellion of 1861-5, enlisting first in Co. A, "1st 111. Vol. Inf., three-months service, under Colonel Gilbert, who was elected captain at Springfield and made colonel at Chicago. After this term of service he reonlisted, in 1864, this time in Co. K, 135th 111. Vol. Inf.. hundred-day service, under Colonel Wolf. The first time he was mustered in at Camp Butler, Springfield, and the last time at Mattoon, Illinois, the 135th being mustered in at that place. Previous to his engaging in his present business he had been in the mercantile business, three years in the dry -goods and grocery trade, and five years in the lumber business. He is one of the natives of the county, who, by an honorable treatment of his friends and customers, has won for himself a good name and reputation.

father, John Black, of Pennsylvania, was born on the 19th of July, 1809, and was married to Josephine L. Cnlbertson, of the old Pennsylvania family of that name, on the 9th of September, 1834. From this marriage four children grew up, three of whom still survive. The father entered the Presbyterian ministry, and went south when twentythree years of age, remaining there until about a year prior to his death, which occurred on the 13th of February, 1847. The mother still survives, and is now the wife of Dr. Wra. Fithian, of Danville, to which place Mrs. Black removed in the spring of 1847, after the death of her husband, above referred to, taking with her her four children. Before his death the father obtained a wide repute as a preacher of unusual power, eloquence and fervor, and was made a Doctor of Divinity when thirtysix years of age. At the time of his death he was the pastor of the Fifth Presbyterian Church of Alleghany City, Pennsylvania. Since her removal to Danville, in 1847, General Black's mother has been continuously a resident of that place, and there, too, General Black has resided during the greater part of this interval, so that they class among the old residents of Yermilion county. In 1858 J. C. Black entered Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Indiana, remaining there until he abandoned "the groves of the academy" for the tented field, in April, 1861. On the very day on which Fort Sumter was attacked he enlisted as a private soldier in the " Montgomery Guards," of Crawfordsville, which company was, a few days later, mustered into the three-months service as Co. I, 11th Ind. Inf. Zouaves, Colonel (afterward Major-General ) Lew Wallace commanding. Upon the organization of this regiment J. 0. Black was made its sergeant-major, which position he occupied until the muster out of the regiment, some four months afterward. Immediately thereafter he returned to Danville, and engaged in Recruiting a company for the three-years service, which was mustered in as Co. K, 37th 111. Inf., Colonel (afterward Major-General) Julius White commanding. In the organization of this regiment General Black was chosen and commissioned its major. From this position he fought his way up, being commissioned lieutenant-colonel and colonel, and finally brigadier-general, by brevet, for gallant services on the field of battle. Each commission issued to him by the state and national authorities was by them marked as for gallantry in some special engagement, or for meritorious conduct. General Black remained in the military service until after the last battle was fought, commanding a brigade, of which the 37th Illinois, which "veteranized" in 1864, formed a part, and participated in the storming of " The Blakeleys " and the capture of Mobile, as well as in the subsequent military events in Alabama and Texas which formed the closing scenes of the rebellion. Then, in the summer of 1865, he returned to civil life, in which lie has since been engaged, taking a very active and prominent part in the political affairs of his district and state. On coming out of the army he studied law in Chicago with the firm of Gookins and Roberts, and commenced the practice of his profession in the early part of 1867 in Danville, but he shortly thereafter removed to Champaign, where he resided until about June, 1874, since which time he has resumed residence in Danville, which is now his home. As souvenirs of his service General Black bears two wounds. The first was received in the battle of Pea Ridge, "Arkansas, on the 7th of March, 1862, being a gun-shot through the right arm. The second wound was received in the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, on the 7th of December, 1862. He has suffered intensely, and for years, from these wounds and the surgical operations necessitated thereby, his life being several times despaired of and his death currently reported. But a strong constitution has enabled him to maintain the struggle for life, and he survives, in the full vigor of intellect and with fair general health, although crippled in both arms. Upon returning to civil life General Black became identified with the democratic party, in a state and congressional district which were alike strongly republican. Twice since then has he been selected by his party as its candidate for congress, and once by the democracy of the state as candidate for lieutenant-governor. While unsuccessful in these contests, yet in them all General Black has run largely ahead of his ticket, reducing the majority in his district when a candidate for congress, and running many thousands ahead of his ticket when a candidate for lieutenant-governor. Finally, General Black received the entire democratic vote for the office of United States senator in 1878, when General Logan was elected to that office. He is the senior partner in the prosperous and successful law firm of Black & Blackburn. He is enjoying a large practice in the state and federal courts, and is paying earnest attention to his business affairs.

R. B. Leverich, Danville, farmer, was born in Danville, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 17th of October, 1847, and is the son of Richard T. and Lydia F. (Gilbert) Leverich. Mr. Leverich was raised in Danville; he clerked in his father's store; in April, 1865, he came on the farm, where he has remained ever since engaged in farming. He married on the 24th of December, 1868, to Miss Hannah M. Silliven, who was born on the 1st of August, 1848. She is the daughter of Andrew and Frances Silliven. By this marriage they have had six children, four of whom are living (Conrad R., born on the 19th of May, 1S70; Richard A., born on the 10th of January, 1873; Othniel G., born on the 17th of September, 1874; Charles E., born on the 4th of September, 1S76).

Two are deceased ; Lydia, born on the 15th of September, 1869, died on the 19th of September, 1870, and Lulu, born on the 7th of March) 1878, and died on the 7th of May, 1878.

R. L. Porter, Danville, physician, is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a physician of about forty years' practice. He is one of the early settlers of Danville, having been a resident of the place since 1848. His wife is also a graduate of medicine, and while a resident of Danville has sometimes done a practice of several thousand dollars per year. In 1871 the Doctor and his wife went to England, his object being to have a very difficult surgical operation performed upon himself by the celebrated Sir Henry Thompson, of London, one of the finest physicians and surgeons of Europe. The operation was performed successfully, Sir Henry refusing any remuneration, though his usual price was $500 for similar service. Dr. Porter has not only proven himself a success professionally, but also as a financier. Besides his property in Danville he has a splendid farm of eight hundred acres, located on sections 28, 29 and 32 of Sidell township, this county. He can very truthfully be called one of the successful men of the county.

C. V. Baldwin, Danville, dentist, is a native of Henry county, Indiana, his people being among the early and prominent pioneers of that county. His father was the representative of Henry county in 1817. In 1819 Dr. Baldwin came to Vermilion county, Illinois, with his people, he being at that time fifteen years old. He has since remained a resident of the county. In 1866 he began the study of dentistry. On account of ill-health for the past ten years the Doctor has spent the winters in Franklin, Louisiana. There he has established a fine business in his line, the people waiting patiently his return for the execution of dental work at hisjiands.

M. Ganor, Danville, dealer in lime, cement, etc. There is probably not a resident of Danville who has been more observing of the changes that have been made during his time than Mr. Ganor. He is a native of Ireland, coming to the United States in 1844 with his parents. They located on Long Island, he being at that time about four years old. Here they remained about five years, and then came west, and on the 20th of September, 1849, arrived at the then village of Danville. They made the journey from Chicago in wagons, hiring a man to bring them and their goods from that point to Danville for $15. Mr. Ganor's father, who died on the 14th of October, 1S61, aged sixty-one years and four months, probably did more toward clearing up the land where Danville now stands than any of the old pioneers. For years he carried on farming on the land now known as Tinchertown. Mr. Ganor tells us that he and his dogs have spent many hours of lively sport chasing rabbits over what is now the eastern part of the city, and is yet known as Rabbittown. He began business' for himself in 1859, and is now located corner of Main and Hazel streets, where he is carrying on quite an extensive business in lime, cement, hay, oats, corn, etc., and is also interested with Mr. C. H. Giddings in the ice trade. He is a lively, energetic business man ; in the habit of looking out for ~No. 1, and managing: his own business affairs.

Victor Leseure, Danville, merchant, was born in France, on the 25th December, 1816, and is the son of Peter and Ann Leseure, both natives of France. In 1832 Mr. Leseure immigrated to America, and located in Covington, Kentucky, where he was engaged in farming; from thence he went to Clarke county, Indiana, and from thence he came to Illinois. He first embarked in the mercantile business in Georgetown, Vermilion county. In 1849 he came to Danville, Illinois, where he remained for several years, when he returned to Georgetown. In 1851 he returned to Danville, which he has made his home ever since he entered the mercantile business, which he has followed principally from that time. In 1876 he entered the hardware business. Mr. Leseure has held several offices of public trust. He was mayor of the city of Danville one term, and was commissioner of highways three terms. He is a republican in politics. He married, in 1849, Caroline B. McDonald, daughter of Alexander McDonald, one of the old pioneers of Vermilion county. She died; he then married Mrs. Mary J. McDonald, nee Smith. Mr. Leseure is treasurer, secretary and superintendent of the Danville Gas-Light Company.

W. R. Lawrence, Danville, attorney-at-law, was born in Bloomington, Monroe county, Indiana, on the 14th of January, 1840, and is the son of John Lawrence, a native of New York, who was a mechanic and farmer. He moved to Indiana, and located in Bloomington, Monroe county, about 1836, being among the early settlers. In 1849 Mr. W. R. Lawrence, with his parents, moved to Vermilion county, Illinois, and located in Georgetown, where he received his principal education at the Georgetown Seminary. In 1862 he enlisted, for three years, as private, in Co. C, "73d 111. Vol. Inf. (of which a history appears in this work). He participated in a number of engagements: Perrysville, Stone River and Chickamauga, at which battle he received a wound in the face. At Stone River he was captured, and taken as a prisoner of war to Libby prison, but was exchanged, and rejoined his regiment. Mr. Lawrence, from private, was first made sergeant, and then second lieutenant, and afterward first lieutenant. In 1864 he resigned, and came home to Vermilion county. He went to Bloomington, McLean county, Illinois, where he commenced the study of law with Tipton & Benjamin, and, in 1865, he was admitted to the bar. He commenced the practice of law at Boonesborongh, Iowa, where he remained until 1873, when he came to Danville, and has here been engaged at his chosen profession ever since, ranking among the leadinglawyers of the Vermilion county bar. Mr. Lawrence's political opinions are republican. He married, in 1867, Miss Josephine Frazier, daughter of John Frazier, one of the old settlers of Vermilion county; by this marriage they have two children.

O. Leseure, Danville, physician and surgeon, is a native of Danville, Vermilion county, where, in 1869, he began reading medicine under Dr. Morse. He later studied with Dr. Lemon, and became a graduate of medicine at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in 1873. For a time succeeding this he was in the United States Hospital at Detroit, Michigan, where he remained but a short time, and then went to New York, and in 1874 became a graduate of the Bellevue Medical Hospital, and the same year began his practice in Danville, where he has since resided, giving his time fully and exclusively to the practice of his profession. He is a member of the Homoeopathic Physicians and Surgeons of the Wabash, and though he has practiced in Danville but since 1874, he has already established a name and reputation professionally of which he need not be ashamed.

Charles Moran, Danville, groceries and provisions, is a native of County Antrim, Ireland. Before leaving his native country he had learned the trade of a brick and stone mason, the latter being worked by him the most. In September of 1850 he landed in the city of New York, where he remained a resident for nearly two years ; then, in 1S52, he came to Danville, where he has since resided. On the 18th of March, 1855, he married Miss Catharine O'Conner, who is also a native of Ireland. Until five and a half years ago, when he engaged in the grocery trade, Mr. Moran had been following his trade. There is probably not a single resident of the city of Danville who has made as many changes in the mechanical work of the city as himself. Lie used to employ a large number of men, and hardly a building of any importance in the city but of what he did the stone-work. Among them may be mentioned the residence of Mr. L. T. Palmer, the Danville Mills, the Danville high-school building, H. W. Beekwith's residence, and many others. His last job of stone-work was for the city, being a curbing contract of four thousand dollars, which he executed satisfactorily. His present place of business is No. 151 East Main street. His store is 22x80, and stocked with a nice fresh line of everything pertaining to the grocery trade.

of Danville. lie was born in Jefferson comity, Virginia, on the 20th of December, 1S23. Plis mother died when he was four years old ; he then resided with his grandmother until he was ten years of age, and since then has been dependent upon his own resources. In the early part of his life he had hut little opportunity of securing an education, but by his own efforts he became a fair scholar. In 1846 he went from Virginia to Pickaway county, Ohio, and there remained about six years. In 1852 he came to Danville, where he has since resided. He has built two residences and one business-house. He, by energy and good financiering, has accumulated a good property. For the last twenty years he has held the office of tax-collector, except during the year 1874, when Mr. Thos. Parks held the office one term; he is also assessor of Danville township, the entire revenue derived from taxation passing through his hands. Any man who, being left an orphan, as he was, and beginning work for himself as he did, at a salary of seventyfive cents per week, and paying his own expenses out of this, and who, by an honest and legitimate business, has accumulated a good property, is certainly worth}^ the respect of the better class of citizens of any community. He has not only won, but enjoys, and he is surely entitled to, the confidence of the citizens of Danville.

Colonel O. F. Harmon (deceased), the subject of this sketch, and whose portrait appears in this history, was born in the year 1827, in Monroe county, New York. But little of the surroundings of his early life are known. In 1853 lie came west, and shortly after began the practice of law, this being his profession, subsequently becoming the partner of Judge O. L. Davis, with whom he practiced for many years, being well known as one of the leading attorneys of the county. In 1857 he served the people of Vermilion county as their representative in the state legislature. During the war of the rebellion of 1861-5 he, in August of 1862, entered the Union army as colonel of the 125th 111. Vol. Inf. This regiment was made up almost entirely of Vermilion county men, a complete history of which is given in this work, written by William Mann, adjutant of the regiment. Colonel Harmon was much above the average height, being six feet three inches, and well proportioned mentally, morally and physically. No better man of the regiment could be found to be their commander. This regiment, with Colonel Harmon at its head, participated in many of the hard battles, among which may be mentioned the battles of Perrysville, Chickaniauga, Mission Ridge and the Atlanta campaign, during which, while making a charge at the head of his regiment at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia, on the 27th of June, 1864, he was shot and almost instantly killed. In his death the 125th mourned the loss of a brave and honest commander, a family in the far north the loss of a father and husband's kind care and protection, and old neighbors and associates the loss of a true and honest friend. Colonel Harmon was married in 1854 to Mrs. E. C. Hill, her maiden name being McDonald. Her father was one of the early settlers of Vermilion county, and this is Mrs. Harmon's native county. She still resides in Danville, one of the honored and respected ladies of the city.

J. M. Sirpless, Danville, as a grocer of Danville, requires more than a passing notice. He is a native of this county. His parents, James and Catharine (Wright) Sirpless came to the county as early as 1852, entering government land at that date. The name is of Irish origin. J. M. is a printer by trade. He first began learning the trade in Homer, Illinois. Previous to his engaging in the grocery trade, in March of 1878, he had for five years been at work in the office of the Danville " Times." He has been dependent upon his own resources in the accumulation of property. The grocery business, when he began it in 1878, was entirely new to him, though he soon made himself thoroughly familiar with the business, and has already built up a good trade, running a free delivery wagon in connection with his business. He is still a young man, but by his own efforts has acquired a fair property. Should he succeed financially in the future as well as he has in the past he will soon have established a business of which he may well be proud.

A. G. "Webster, Danville, grocer, was born in St. Albans, Franklin count}*, Vermont, in 1822. Leaving there with his people in 1S36 he went to Saline, Michigan, remaining there eight years, and then removed to Lafayette, Indiana, where he remained also eight years, during which time he was employed in the capacity of clerk. From there he came to Danville in 1853, bringing with him a small stock of dry goods. Here he was engaged in the diw-goods trade for about two years, and in 1856, after having closed out his stock of dry goods, he began in the grocery business, which he has principally been engaged in since, having for the past ten years been doing business in the building he now occupies. He is now the oldest groceryman in the city, there being none other now engaged in the business who began as early as 1856. He is a man who has always been interested in any matters pertaining to the public good, and has done his share toward the development and improvement of Danville and Vermilion county, of which he has now been a resident twenty-six years.

C. D. Henton, Danville, physician and surgeon, has been a resident of Vermilion county since 1853. He was located at Marysville until May of 1872, when he removed to Danville, where he has since resided.

He is a native of Fountain county, Indiana. At the age of six hie people took him to Hillsborough, Ohio, where the early part of hi> life was spent. In 1861 he became a graduate of the Rush Medical College, of Chicago. After graduating he located at Marysville, and began the practice of his profession, which he has since followed. The doctor is a man who has been wholly dependent upon his own resources both for his literary and medical education, having when only sixteen years old taught his first term of dav-school. He is now a member of the Vermilion County Association of Physicians and Surgeons, and a man whose standing is high in the community, both in professional and private life.

Charles V. Guy, Danville, superintendent of public schools, was born in South Charleston, Clark county, Ohio, on the 28th of June, 1850, and is the son of Asa H. and Ruth (lams) Guy, natives of Ohio. A. H. Guy was born in Ross county, Ohio, on the 16th of March, 1823, and is the son of Willis and Jane (Hawkins) Guy, of Virginia, they having moved to Ohio about 1808 or 1810. When Mr. Guv was young, his parents moved to Madison county, Ohio, where Mr. Guy was brought up on a farm. He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, of Delaware, Ohio, and graduated in 1849. He then was engaged in teaching school in Ohio, where he remained until 1853. when he came to Yermilion county, Illinois, where he taught school in Georgetown, and other parts of Vermilion county. In 1855 Mr. Guy was elected by the republican party surveyor of Vermilion county. This office he has held off and on for the last twenty-four years. Mr. Guy. in his official duties, has given entire satisfaction. He lias laid out and surveyed the villages of Fairmount, Catlin, Paxton (Ford county), part of Hoopeston, and other towns. In 1862 Mr. Guy was appointed assistant revenue assessor, which office he filled until 1865. Mr. Guy married Miss Ruth lams, of Licking county, Ohio, daughter of William and Lydia (Foster) lams, of Pennsylvania. By this marriage they have had seven children, five living. Mr. Guy is a republican in politics, and has been a member of the M. E. Church for the last thirty-eight years. Charles V. Guy, the subject of this sketch, with his parents, came to Vermilion count}7 when he was three years old. He received his principal education at Georgetown. When sixteen years old he commenced teaching school, his first school being near Fairmount. Mr. Guv remained teaching school until he was nineteen years old. He then entered the State Normal School, at Normal, Illinois, where he received a good normal education. He returned to Vermilion countv and was appointed deputy clerk, which office he filled for one and a-half years. In November, 1873, he was elected superintendent of the county schools, to which office he was reelected in 1877, and still holds. In this office Mr. Guy has given entire satisfaction, having proved himself a gentleman of acknowledged ability. Mr. Guy was also principal of the high school of Hoopeston, with his wife as assistant. He married Miss Ellen Bales, of Georgetown, Illinois, daughter of Elwood Bales, who was one of the early settlers. They have two children. Mr. Gny is engaged in conducting a Normal Summer Institute, which is meeting with good success.

Joseph G. English, Danville, president First National Bank of Danville, began his career a poor boy, and has by his own effort risen to an honorable position both in business and social life. He was born in Ohio county, Indiana, on the 17th of December, 1820, and is the son of Charles and Nancy (Wright) English. His mother was a native of England and his father of Connecticut. Mr. Charles English was a blacksmith by trade, and followed it for a time at the Washington navy yard, but in his latter days lie was engaged in keeping tavern. In 1829 Mr. J. G. English, with his parents, moved from Ohio county, Indiana, to the Wabash valley, and located at Perrysville, Vermilion county, Indiana. Here his father was engaged in keeping tavern (the first tavern in Perrysville), which he did until his death, which occurred in 1856. Mr. English is a lineal descendant of the old Mayflower stock. The subject of this sketch at nine years of age entered the "district school of the period" here in Perrysville. He remained until 1834. finishing and receiving a common education in a log cabin with a puncheon floor. In 1834 he first embarked for himself by engaging himself as a clerk in a prominent dry-goods store in Lafayette, Indiana, where he remained until 1839, working for his board and clothes. He returned to Perrysville and again filled the capacity of clerk until 1843, In the fall of that year he married Miss Mary Hicks, who was born in Perrysville on the 13th of June, 1824, and is the daughter of George and Mary (Curtis) Hicks, who had located in Perrysville in about 1820. In 1844, in connection with his father-in-law (George Hicks), Mr. English opened an extensive general store in Perrysville, which occupied his attention until 1852. During this time they traded very extensively in produce, which they sold at the New Orleans market. They would build a fiat-bottom boat on the shores of the Wabash, load it with their produce, etc., 'and with assistance, and Mr. Joseph G. English acting as bow-hand, would float down to New Orleans; the voyage being long and tedious, taking them sometimes twenty-five days in making the trip. There they would sell their stock and return by steamboat to Evansville, Indiana, and travel from there to Perrysville by wagon. In this business Mr. English made some four or five trips, all being- very profitable. In 1853, with his wife and four children, he came to Danville, where he entered the dry-goods business with John L. Tincher (whose biography and portrait appear in this work). They continued in the dry-goods business in a frame house on the corner of the alley on Main street, above the present bank, until 1856. In 1856 they became assignee of the Stock Security Bank, which had failed. This bank was owned and operated by Daniel Olapp. They then commenced a general brokerage and banking business, doing business as private bankers until 1864. During this year the " National Banking Act" was passed and they were among the first to organize a national bank in the state. The "First National Bank" of Danville being established, Mr. English, at its first meeting, was duly elected as president, which position he holds to-day. This bank was owned by Messrs. English and Tincher, with the exception of three thousand dollars, which was owned by William I. Moore, Benjamin Orane and E. H. Palmer. Under Mr. English's management and control the " First National Bank " has increased steadily from year to year, until now its business exceeds that of any national bank in the state outside of Chicago. Mr. English, in 1870 and 1871, was elected mayor of the city of Danville. He also was alderman of his ward. To these respective offices he was elected by the temperance people of Danville. In 1865 Mr. English was one of six who laid out the Spring Hill cemetery. In 1863 he had charge of the subscription list for tilling the quota of men for the late war from Danville township. This money was raised without tax. He is one of the original stock-owners of the Danville Gas Works, of which he has been president almost ever since its organization. Mr. English's political opinions are republican. He is a member of the M. E. Church, of which church he has been a member since 1856, being superintendent of the Sabbath-school for a number of years. He, in 1871, was selected by the lay delegates of the Illinois Conference of the M. E. Church to represent them in their general conference in Brooklyn, held in 1872. Messrs. English and Tincher were perhaps the largest real estate dealers in town lots and plats in Danville. They bought land cheap. Where the lair grounds are they paid $16 per acre. Where the junction now is they obtained for $10 per acre. In 1864 the wife of Mr. English died. By this marriage they had eight children ; six living. In the spring of 1865 he married his second wife, Mrs. Maria L. Partlow, nee Casseday, who was born in Paris, Illinois, on the 10th of November, 1S28, and is the daughter of George W. and Delilah ( Murphy) Casseday, who were married in 1824. George W. Casseday was born in Bedford county, Virginia, on the 1st of December, 1803. In 1825, with his wife, he moved to Vermilion county,

Illinois, where lie engaged in farming. In 1827 he went to Edgar county, Illinois, and from there he moved to Paris, of the same county. In 1834 he returned to Vermilion county, and in 1S51 went to Joliet, where he died on the 23d of July, 1803. Thus passed away one of the old and prominent settlers of Illinois, and so, one by one, they are passing beyond the shores of the unknown river, and in a few years not one will be left of the noble band of pioneers who made their homes in what was then a wilderness, inhabited by red men. However, their descendants, and those who come after them, will live to enjoy the full measure of happiness and prosperity built upon the solid foundations laid by the old settlers.

F. C. Hacker & Bro., Danville, dry goods and groceries. In 1873 the above named gentlemen opened their present business, and since then no men have been more uniformly successful than they. In the first place they rank among the shrewdest and hardest working citizens of Danville, while their complete knowledge of the business in which they are engaged, and their geniality to customers and all with whom the}7 come in contact, give them many advantages of which all business men have not possession. These gentlemen were both born in Prussia. They emigrated to America with their parents, John and Dorthy (Leverence) Hacker, and came west to Illinois, locating in Chicago in 1852. In 1853 they came to Vermilion county, in which place they have made their home ever since. F. C. Hacker was for a short time engaged in farming, and from that was engaged in the woolen mills of Danville. He was also for a number of years clerking in Charles Palmer's store. In this way he saved enough money to embark in the mercantile business in 1872. Then, in 1873, he took in as a partner his brother, C. F. W. Hacker, which forms the well known firm of F. C. Hacker & Bro. Mr. C. F. W. Hacker was engaged for a number of years working for Peter Beyer, in the boot and shoe business. These gentlemen own one of the leading dry goods and grocery houses of Danville; the size of grocery store is 20x75 and the dry goods 22x85. They have eight or nine clerks, and are doing a good business.

Peter Beyer, Danville, boot and shoe dealer, is one of the old settlers of this county. He is a native of Germany, and at the age of eighteen years came to the United States, and located first at Rochester, New York, where he learned the trade of manufacturing boots and shoes. In 1854 he came west and expected to buy land or engage in the mercantile business, but unfortunately for him the bank where he had his money on deposit, like the majority of other banks of that time, failed, and he was obliged to begin at the beginning once more, which he did by going back to the cobbler's bench. From this humble beginning, in

1854. Mr. Beyer has accumulated his fine property. His store is located at No. 73 West Main street, and is thirty feet front by one hundred deep, stocked with everything pertaining to a full and well selected stock of boots and shoes. The basement, which is the same size, has been remodeled and stocked with a fine line of fresh groceries. In this later enterprise he engaged in the spring of 1879. Thus far it has proved a success, and is only in keeping with his other movements, which are those of a first-class financier.

John McMahan, Danville, police-justice, was born in Harrison county, Indiana, on the 18th of November, 1822. In 1833 he went to Clermont county, where he remained until 1840. He has been dependent upon his own resources since the age of fourteen. He began learning the trade of a blacksmith in Clermont county, and in 1840 went to Cincinnati, where he completed his trade and followed it many years as a business. In 1854 he came to Danville, and began business for himself by opening a blacksmith-shop and following his trade until about 1870. In 1&69 he was elected mayor of the city, and in 1872 he was elected justice of the peace and police-magistrate, both of which offices he has held since. He is one of the honorable and well-respected citizens of the city. Whatever he may have accomplished during life has been the result of his own enterprise, as during his early life he had no opportunities for schooling, there being nothing but the old subscription system, and the old log school-houses with puncheon floors and seats and greased paper for windows. With these few remarks we close our sketch in regard to the man known so well to the citizens as 'Squire McMahan.