Elk Prairie Township

Elk Prairie Township

J. H. CROSNO, farmer. P. O. Elk Prairie, was born in McClellan Township, Jefferson County, November 16, 1832, a son of R. S. and Mary (Wells') Crosno. The father was a native of Smith County, Tenn. , and came to this county in an early day, first settling in McClellan Township, where he resided imtil 1836, when he moved to BIk Prairie Township. Here he remained until 1865, and then moved to Washington Territory, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1867. The mother was a native of Giles County, Tenn. Subject was the oldest of eight children, of whom four are now living. His education was received from the subscription schools, but he afterward taught one of the first free schools of the county. He remained at home with his father until about twenty- two, and^then purchased a farm in the south part of Elk Prairie Township. On that place he resided until after his father's death, when, buying the interests of the remaining heirs, he returned to the old homestead, on which he now resides. He has at present 300 acres in Sections 1, 2 and 14, of which about two hundred and fifteen acres are under cultivation. Mr. Crosno was married, June 29, 1854, to Larinda Howard, a daughter of Charles and Jane Howard, early settlers of McCleHaa Township, coming from Tennessee to this couuty. This union resulted in the following children, all of whom are living: Pueblo K (on a farm in MeClellan Township), Peoria K. (wife of O. P. Duncan, of McClellan Township), Florida (wife of Lucius Johnson, of Spring Garden Township), Rosa, Willie, Charles E., R. H., S. J., A. O. and Hardin W. Our subject has served as Township Assessor, Justice of the Peace and member of the County Board of Supervisors. In politics, is a Greenbacker.

WILLIAM S. DODDS, farmer, P. O. Laur, born on the farm where he now resides, in Elk Prairie Township, Jeflerson County, on December 21, 1849; was a son of John and Lucy (Kel'er) Dodds. The father was also a native of this county, being born near Mount Vernon, and died in Elk Prairie Township October 8, 1879. The grandfather, Joseph Dodds, however, came from South Carolina to this county in a ver^- early day. Subject was the second of seven children, of whom live are now living - Maggie (wife of T. H. Mannen), William S., Susan (wife of Sydney T. Hirons), David and Neal. Subject attended the free schools of this county. He remained on the home farm until his father's death, and after the division of the estate, subject acquired 140 acres. Mr. Dodds was married, September 8. 1880, to Mary MeConnel, a native of Rome Township, this county, and a daughter of John C. and Sarah Jane (Cummings) MeConnel. The result of the union was one child - Beitha, born June 11, 1882. This lady died February 15, 1883, and was buried in the MeConnel Cemetery, in Rome Township. Mr. Dodds has served as Township Assessor three terms. In politics, Mr. Dodds is a Democrat.

J. J. FITZGERRELL, P. O. Fitzgerell, probably one of the foremost and most extensive farmers in Jefferson County, the gentleman whoso name heads this sketch, was born about three miles from Owensville, Gibson Co., Ind., January 25, 1815. He was a son of James and Elizabeth (Roy) Fitzgerrell, who were among the early pioneers of that rpgion. The father was born near Fredericksburg, Va., and the mother near Lancaster, Garrett Co., Ky. Subject was the third of fourteen children, of whom seven are now living. His education was received in the subscription schools of his county. When eighteen, his father moved to Posey County, Ind., to which place the son accompanied him, and with whon;, the latter made his home until twenty-two, and then commenced life for himsesf on a farm in that county. There our subject remained until 1839, and then came to Jefferson County. Here he remained only ten weeks, but in that time he fenced eighty acres and entered about two hundred acres more of his present farm. He then returned to Posey County, Ind., and there remained until the spring of 1840, and then came again to this county, where he has since resided and where he stands to-day as one of the largest land owners of the county. In connection with his farming, Mr. Fitzgerrell was also, until about four years ago, one of the most extensive stock-raisers of the county. In the last few years, owing to sickness, he has decreased somewhat in that line. Our subject was married in Posey Co., Ind., March 24, 1837, to Patsey Ann Martin, a native of Gibson County, Ind., and a daughter of j James and Sarah (Williams) Martin, who ! wore, probably, originally from Kentucky, and among the earliest settlers of Gibson i County. Twelve children blessed this [marriat'o, of whom six are now living - William

Biographical

L., born August 18, 1889; Evans, born November 10, 1844; Sylvester, bom February 6, 1850; Elzina J.. April 9, 1852, wife of Dr. I. G. Gee, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Sarah E., born December 9, 1851, and now the wife of Dr. J. H. Mitehel, of Mount Vernon: and Eliza B. , born November 3, 1859, wife of A. Q. Mitehel, of Franklin County. Of the deceased ones, Bailey was bora January 13, 1838, died May 20, 1840; John S.," born March 1, 1841, died August 11, 1862; Andrew, born November 10, 1842, died November 15, 1847; Easter M., born October 26, 1854, died April 1, 1864; J. J., born April 8, 1857, died August 11, 1864; Patsey, born March 4, 1862, died July 4, 1862." Mrs. Fitzgerrell passed away March 31, 1862. and our subject was joined in wedlock, in Franklin County, on July 19, 1862, to Sarah M. Whitlow. This lady was born in Franklin Coimty July 22, 1840, and was a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Tompkins) Whitlow, natives of Hardin County, Ky. The parents came to Jefferson County about 1827, and settled in Moore's Prairie Township, and there lived until 1839, \\hen they moved to Franklin County, where the father died April 12, 1846, and the mother August 17, 1854. The result of this union has been seven children, all of whom are now living - Eobert C, born May 3, 1863; Mary C, born August 23, 1865; Daniel G., February 10, 1868; Edgar Lee, born February 6, 1872; Euterpe W., born May 11, 1874; Elnora R., born November 27, 1877; Catharine M., April 14, 1880. Mrs. Fitzgerrell is aiuember of the Union Baptist Church of Elk Prairie Township. In his lifetime, our subject has kept free from office-seeking and political strifes, and has devoted himself mainly to his business. In politics, he has been a lifelong Democrat.

DR. I. G. GEE, physician and farmer, P. O. Fitzgerell. The gentleman of whose life this is a brief sketch is at present one of the leading physicians of Jefferson County, and wa.s born in Simpson County, Ky., September 19, 1841. He is a son of William and Melinda (Billingsly) Gee. The father was born about 1810, in Barren County, Ky. , his father having come from Virginia, and the mother was born Februray 24, 1816, in Wai-ren County, Ky. In October, 1852, the parents came to Illinois and settled in Perry County, near Tamaroa, and here subject received his education. In the spring of 1863, he commenced reading medicine with Dr. W. Sims, of Tamaroa. After reading with that gentleman six months, he went to the Eclectic Medical Institute, where, except fiJr a short time, he attended lectures until February, 1865, when he graduated from that institution and returned to Illinois, where he settled in Elk Prairie Township, Jefferson County. Here he has since remained in the practice of his chosen profession, which now extends over parts of Jefferson, Perry and Franklin Counties. The Doctor also finds time to give considerable attention to farming, and at present owns 80 acres in Section 26, 80 in Section 29, 515 in Section 30, 65 in Section 35, of Township 4, Range 2, 160 acres in Perry County and 240 acres in Franklin County. Our subject was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony to Elzina J. Fitzgerrell on December 26. 1867. This lady is a native of this county, and is a daughter of J. J. Fitzgerrell. whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. The result of this union has been live children, of whom three are now living - Harl, Earl and Knox. Subject has served as Township Clerk, Highway Commissioner and School Treasiu-er; is a member of Goode Lodge, No. 744, A. , F. & A. M., of Franklin County, and of fl. W.

JAMES LOMAN, farmer, P. O. Elk Prairie, was born in Madison Qounty, Ky., May 28, 1831, a son of Isaac and Phoebe (Davenport) Loman. who were natives of North Carolina. Subject was the oldest of seven children, and when eleven years old his father died. The former, however, remained at home with his mother and assisted on the farm. In the winter time, however, he found time to attend the subscription schools of his county some. When subject was eighteen, his mother man'ied a Mr. Coffman, but Mr. Loman, however, made his home with his step-father until he became of age, and then, in the fall of 1852, he removed to Rliuois and settled in Gallatin County, where he remained six years. From there he came to Jefferson County, and settled on his present farm in Elk Prairie Township. Here he now owns about one hfindred and seventy acres, located in Sections 23, 24 and 26. of Township 4, Range 2 east. Of this, there are about one hundred and forty - two acres in cultivation and two acres in orchard. Mr. Loman was married, July 1, 1850, to Miss Sarah J. McClaine, a native of Hopkins County, Ky., and a daughter of Mrs. Lurenna McClaine. This marriage has resulted in seven children, of whom iive are now living - Mary (wife of William Hester), AVilliam, Vienna (wife of Newton Wells), I. B. and Leota. Subject enlisted in the Thirty - tirst Illinois Volunteer Infantry in October,

1865. Among the campaigns in which his regiment participated was that of Sherman's famous march to the sea. Mr. Loman has served in many places of trust in his township, having been Justice of the Peace six teen years. He is at present tilling the otfice of School Trustee. He is a member of the

Elk Prairie Christian Church, and in politics is at present connected with the Greenback party; formerly, however, he affiliated with the Democratic party.

JOHN MARTIN, deceased, was born in Gibson County, Ind. , August 14, 1813. He was a son of James and Sarah (Williams) Martin, and was the third of six children, of whom two are living. His education was received in the schools of that day, and was somewhat meager, his father having died when subject was a mere boy. The latter rendered what service he could to his mother, and remained at the home farm until he was twenty-seven. Then, starting out in life, he married and settled down on a farm in that county, where he remained until 1847, and then came to Jeiferson County, where he settieci in Elk Prairie Township, on the farm now occupied by his widow. His first purchase of 200 acres had been partially cleared. By careful saving and frugality he added to that until at the time of his death he owned about nine hundred acres, which have since been divided amoiig his heirs. In Gibson County, Ind., February 11, 1841, Mr. Mai-- tin was wedded to Julia Ann Ai-mstrong, who was born in Wayne County, 111., April 2, 1822, and is a daughter of Elsberry and Elizabeth (Landers) Armstrong, who were jirobably originally natives of Indiana. Nine children have come to bless this union, of whom seven are now living, viz., Elsberry, born November 11, 1841; Melissa, born January 1, 1845, wife of Harry H. Hartley; Sarah E., born November 29, 1847, wife of J. J. Pierce, of Frauklin County; Mary J., born November 25, 1849, wife of J. A. Allen; Nancy E., born February 24, 1852, wife of M. M. Fitzgerrell; Martha A., wife of Elijah Webb; John B., born June 23, 1862. Two infants were born Ajiril 23, 1855, and died the same day. It was the nature of our subject to remain aloof from political struggles and strifes, and was in no "way an ofljce seeker and holder, but bent all of his energies to the amassing of a considerable competence, which his heirs now enjoy. As far as his political opinions and principles went, however, he gave his support to the Democratic party. Mr. Martin, in his lifetime, was a true and faithful member of the Baptist Church, and at his death, August 17, 1875, he was buried in the cemetery of that church in Elk Prairie Township. His widow and the unmarried children now remain on the farm.

WILLIAM WELLS, farmer, P. O. Elk Prairie, was born in Giles County, Tenn., September 16, 1813, a son of William and Elizabeth (Livingston) Wells. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Tennessee in a very early day; the mother was a native of Kentucky. Subject was the third of nine children. In 1819, his father went, with his family, to Lauderdale County, Ala., and there William attended subscription school some. In 1825, the father again moved, this time to Jefferson County, and settled in Mount Vernon Township. He was one of the first settlers in that neighborhood, where he, however, remained only about three years, and then moved to Wolf's Prairie, McClellau Township, where he resided until his death, which occurred in June, 1865. The father, in his day, was one of the foremost men of the township in which he resided, and served in numerous township offices. After subject came to this county, he also attended the subscription schools of his township. His first teacher was old Ned Maxey. Another teacher was a young man of the name of Bee, who afterward was County Judge. Oiu- subject remained at home most of the time until he was twenty-five, and then, starting out in life for himself, immediately settled on his present farm. The place was at first a piece of Government land, entirely unimproved. He owns at present 180 acres in Sections 1 and 12, 40 in Section 14, 120 in Sections 22 and 23 of Township 4, Range 2 east; also 160 in Section 25 and 73 in Sections 14 and 23 of McClelland Township. Of the whole, there are about 350 acres in cultivation, about fom- acres in orchard. Mr. Wells was married, m Jefferson County, February 14, 1838, to Lucy Farthiae, a native of Madison County, Ky. , and a daughter of William and Sarah Farthine. The father was one of the earliest settlers in McClellan Township. This union has resulted in ten childi-en, of whom eight are living - Elizabeth (wife of Joseph Dial, of Spring Garden Township), Thomas (in McClellan ToXvnship), John (in Elk Prairie Township), Harvey, Mary (wife of Thos. Puckett.of Blissville Township), Newton Edward and Jonathac, all at home with their father, and Joseph, in Spring Garden Township. Mrs. Wells is a member of the Elk Prairie Campbellite Church. Mr. Wells has served as Justice of the Peace eight years. Road Supervisor, School Director, etc. In politics, he is Democratic.

JOHN WILB4.NKS, farmer and banker, P. O. Mount Vernon, is a descendant of an old and prominent family of Jefferson County - a family who came here when the country was an almost unbroken wilderness, with danger lurking everywhere. In its subjection to civilized life, they bore an active and important part, and the education, wealth and refinement by which we are to-day surrounded attest the labors of these and other pioneers of the county. The grandfather of our subject was a native of the Spartansburg District, S. C, where he was born June 15, 1770. He grew up to manhood there, and married Miss Jane Thomas, a native of the same flistrict, a union which resulted in tlie birth of nine chikiren - Joseph (father of subject, bom July 2, 1795), John (born October 22, 1796; he was a carpenter in South Carolina, and never came West), Thomas (was born December 11, 1798, and was a saddler by trade: he came to St. Louis when a young man, where he lived for some years, and was afterward drowned), James (was born march 19, 1801; he came West, and after living in this county a few years removed to Benton, Franklin County, where he lived until his death; his daughter. Rozella, is the wife of William Jones, the present Sheriff of that county), William (born March 19, 1803, was the first one of the family to come to this county and settled in Moore's Prairie Township first, where he remained some years and then moved to a f;u-m in Spring Gai'den Township, whore he died in an early day), Robert A. D. (born in 1 1 805, the father of the present Clerk of the Appellate Court)-Robert Wilbanks (who is appropriately mentioned in another part of the work), "Peggy" (as she was called, was born in South Cai'olina, came West in 1823 with her parents and August 10, 1824, was married to James Black, a native of Washington, D. C, the twain settling down in the south part of Moore's Prairie Township; at the breaking out of the Black Hawk war. he enlisted in it, and was killed at the battle of Kellogg's Grove in 1832, and iu 1837 his widow was man'ied to Uriah Campbell), Judith (was born .-'Lugust 13, 1813, and was married. November 19, 1839, to John Robertson), Daniel P. (was born May 13, 1817, came West and settled in Gallatin County, 111., where he married Margaret Campbell March 7, 1841; Mr. Wilbanks lived in that county for a number of years, was Circuit and County Clerk and finally moved to Arkansas; in 1854, while retm-ning East on a visit, he died from fever on a steamboat at Memphis. The grandfather came West about 1823, and settled on the old Wilbanks farm in' Moore's Prairie Township. There he lived until his death. In 1827, the great-grandmother, Judith Wilbanks, came out from South Carolina to pay her son and her grandchildren a visit, and died at the old homestead January 11, 1829, aged eighty years. Joseph, the father of our subject, came West soon after the close of the war of 1812, and first settled in Madison County, 111 . , where he married Candace Pickering October 14, 1819. The mother was a native of Broome County, N. Y., and came West about 1815. They resided in Madison County until about 1826, and then came to Jefferson County, where the father settled in Mount Vernon and commenced merchandising. He was afterward elected to the position of Sheriff. At that time the county was not very thickly settled, his vote being thirtyfive and his two opponents receiving thirtyfour and thirty-three respectively. Also served as Postmaster. To them were born four children, three boys and one girl - John (our subject), Luke (deceased , was a soldier in the late rebellion, serving as Captain in the Sixtieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and while in the service contracted disease from which he afterward died), Q. A. (lives at present in Belle Rive, Pendleton Township), Margaret (married Alexander Moore and died in Mount Vernon about 1853). The father, who was consumptive, thinking a change of climate would help him, went to South Carolina about 1828, and there died from .the effects of the disease January 7, 1829. The mother afterward married Stiuson H. Anderson, who, in 1838, was elected Lieutenant Governor aud served one term; his death occuiTed in 1853. When subject was about six years old, his step-father moved to Elk Prai- rie Township. Here subject attended the subscription schools of his day and helped on the home farm until he reached manhood. In 1843, he commenced farming on a piece of unimproved Congress land. In 1849, he entered eighty acres, and soon afterward forty acres more, which he had cultivated. He at present owns 422 acres in Sections 10 and 11; about live acres in orchard. He has given, in past years, a good deal of attention to stock-raising, but in the last few years he has turned his attention more to agriculture. In June, 1873, he embarked in the general banking business, with G. W. Evans, in Mount Vernon, 111., under the firm name of Evans & Wilbanks. Mr. Wilbanks was married, December 9, 1849, to Elizabeth Evaline Newby, a daughter of Capt. H. B. and Nancy (Brown) Newby, who were among the earliest settlers in Mount Vernon Township. This union has resulted in eight children, five of whom are now living - Vanwert, born October 27, 1852, Cashier of Evans & Wilbanks' Bank; Florence, born December 11, 1854; Nannie C. born July 26, 1859; Frank A., born August 18, 1863; Robert

Lee, born June 25, 1866. Of the deceased ones. Euterpe was born August ' 16, 1850, died May 28, 1874; Joliet, born February 13, 1857, died March 19, 1875; Newby, born February 24, 1861, died April 18, 1862. Mr. Wilbanks served in the Mexican war. He enlisted in June, 1846, in the Third Regiment, and remained in the service for twelve months - the time for which he enlisted. He participated in the battle of Cerro Gordo, and experienced during his term all the hardships of a solider's life, and the dangers and exposures incident to being in an enemy's country. In 1848, he was elected Circuit Clerk of Jeiferson County, served one term, and was then (in 1852; elected to represent his county in the State Legislatm-e. In both of these important positions he discharged his duties faithfully, and to the full satisfaction of his constituency. He is at present Commissioner of Highways. Politically, he is a Greenbacker, but has formerly been identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of Marion Lodge, No. 13, I. O. O. F, at Mount Vernon.

JOSEPH BRADLEY, farmer, P. O. Mount Vernon, was born May 9, 1809, in Maryland. His lather, Purnell Bradley, was also a native of Maryland, and a large farmer; he died there. The mother of our subject, Sinah TuU, was a native of Delaware; she came to this county, where she died. Her father, James Tuli, was also a farmer, and a highl3' respected member of society; he died in Hancock County, 111. Our subject was educated in Delaware. He has farmed all his life, and now owns a farm of 199 acres of good laiul in Wolf's Prairie. He was married twice. His first wife, Mary Van

Cleave, was the mother of eight children, of whom four are now living, viz.: Sarah P. Downer, Mary A. Langley, Parthenia 31. Williams and Eliza B. Gilbert. His present wife, Mrs. Ellen L. Rahm, born August 30, 1820, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the daughter of James and Sarah (Decourcey) Kirbj'. She is the mother of Anna C. Lawrence. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are members of the United Brethren in Christ Church. His son-in-law, Louis Lawrence, is a minister in that church. In politics, he has been identified with the Democratic party till Greeley was run; of late j'ear.s he has been independent in politics. Mrs. Ellen L. Bradley's children by iier lirst Imsband, John Rahm, of Pittsburgh, Penn., were - George A. Rahm, James K. Kahni, Alice L. Raliin. wife of Mr. Joseph Meritt, of Salem, 111.

ELIJAH COLLINS, fanner, P. 0. Mount Vernon, was born April 18, 1846, in Rush County, Ind. His father, Charles Collins, was a native of Pennsylvania, liorn Octolier 5, 1802; he was a farmer by occupation, and came to this county in the fall of 18G5; he was well known and highl}- respected in this count}-, where lie died April i;{, 1S72. His father, Ephraim Collins, was a native of Pennsylvania. The motherof our subject, Agnes Johnson, was born July 22, 1815, in Bullitt County, Ky., daughter of Moses and Rebecca (Irons) Johnson; her father, Jonathan Irons, was the discoverer and owner of what is now called the Sheperdsville Salt Works, and was scalded to death in one of the kettles. Mrs. Agnes Collins is the mother of seven children now living, viz.: Charles, Isaac, Elijah, Anna .Morgan, Susan Keaton, John W. and Isabella Gray. Our subject was educated mostly in Brown Count}', Ind. He has made farmini; his vocation, having a farm of sixty acres. He has tilled the otfices of Constable and Highway Commissioner, and now holds the office of Township Supervisor. In politics, he Is a Democrat. lie was married, July 25, 1867, to Sarah M. Downer, born December 29, 1846, in Jefferson County, 111. She is a daughter of John and Sarah M. (Neil), verj- old settlers. She is the mother of six children, viz.: Jennie, Agnes, Walter, Mary C. (deceased), Ethel M. and Louie. Mr. and Mrs. Collins are members of the'Christian Churclii of which he is an Elder.

WILLIAM A. DAVIS, farmer, P. 0. Mount Vernon, was Ijorn January 16, 184f'), in Mc- Clellan Township, Jetferson County, III. His father, Clinton S. Davis, was a native of Tennessee, and a farmer, who came to this county in or about 1838; he is yet living, aged sixtythi-ee years. His father, Alfred Davis, was a native of North Carolina. The motherof our subject, Susan (Wells) Davis, was born June 11, 1811, is yet living, and the motiier of seven children; her parents were William and Elizabeth (Levingston) Wells. Our subject was educated in this county, and here he was joined in matrimony, November 29, 1870, to Nancy G. Davis, born May 29, 1852, in Smith County, Tenn. She is a daughter of Joseph M. and Rebecca (Roister) Davis. Mrs. Nancy G. Davis is the mother of four children, viz.: Susan R., born October 20, 1870; C. Clinton, born November 8, 1873; N. Norman, born January 8, 1879; W. Willis, born August 16, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are connected with the Christian Church. Hei is a member of the A. P. & A. M., Mount Vernon Lodge. He has served the people in the capacity of Township Clerk for one year, as Township Supervisor five years, and for the last seven j'ears he has been Justice of the Peace, filling the office with tact and ability. He has a farm of 260 acres, and in politics has been identified with the Democratic party.

J. G. HOWE, farmer, P. 0. Woodlawn, was born February 17, 1827, in Davis County, Tenn. His father, Samuel Howe, was a native of Maryland, and died here, he being the sou of William Howe, a native of Scotland. The mother of our subject, Anna Berry, was a native of Tennessee. She was the mother often children, of whom only Eliza Rightnowar and James G., our subject, are now living. He went to school but little in this count>'. He has farmed all pf his life, and now owns a farm of 180 acres, which he made all himself. He supported his mother from 1838 till 1863, when she died. He married Margaret Cameron, born September, 1828, in this county. She is a daughter of Stephen and Klizabeth Cameron, old settlers, and she is the mother of live children, viz.; Mary ¥.. William W. (deceased). Samuel S., Sarah A. (deceased), anil Margaret H. Mr. and

Mrs. Howe are members of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity-, Woodlawn Lodge, No. 522. In politics, he has been identified with the Democratic party. His grandmother, whose maiden name was Sela Gorden, was married three times, and all three husbands were killed by the Indians in Tennessee.

D. C. JONES, farmer, P. O. Mount Vernon, was born August 1, 1812, in Virginia, son of George Jones, also a good farmer. The mother of our subject. Prudence Keith, was the mother of eight children. Our subject, D. C. Jones, was reared in Jackson County, Ind., but was married in Jennings County, where also all of his children were born. His wife, Susan M. Prather, was born August 8. 1811, in Clark County, Ind. She is a daughter of William and Lettice (McCarroll) Prather, highly respected people, who reared a large family, and who became useful members of society, and were all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Susan M. Jones reared seven children, viz.: Maria J., Marinda A. Meredith, Cyrena P. Montgomery, Lettia A. Titsworth, Calvin L.. Margaret R. Mills and Irena Bell Klein, deceased. Mr. Jones farmed man}' years in Indiana, and finally, in 1803, he came to Jefferson County, where he has farmed ever since, owning now almost 300 acres of land, and is a good farmer and inan.ager. His past life is worthy of imitation and ouglit to be recorded in these pages. which will serve as a guide post to the coming generations. In politics, Mr. Jones has been a Democrat.

SAMUEL LACEY, farmer, P. O. Woodlawn, was born April 13, 1825, in St. Clair County, 111. His father, Thomas Lacey. the old United States Mail carrier, was a native of Kentucky, born February 9, 1800 ; he died here in 1879. He came to Illinois Territory in 1806, with his father. Liner Lacey, a native of Virginia. Tiiey settled in what is now called St. Clair County. He was a pioneer in Kentucky, as well as Illinois. The mother of our subject. Lucinda (Greathouse) Lacey, was the mother of three children, of whom our snbject is the only one living. He was educated in Belleville, 111., and early turned his attention to farming. He now owns lliO acres of land. His wife, Jane A. (Caulk) Lace}', was born March 27. 1832. in Carlinville, 111. She is the mother of eight children, viz.: Thomas M., deceased; Mary M., Emma B., James H., Edward S., Charles G. Jenette D. and Anna M. Mr. and Mrs. Lacey are connected with the Jletbodist E|)iscopal Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 31. He has been Highway Commissioner, and in politics is identified with the Republican party. His son, James H.,born February 2, 1857, is a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College. His preceptor was Dr. H. S. Plununer, of Mount Vernon.

ADAM RIGHTNOWAR. farmer. P. 0. Woodlawn. was born March 29, 1824. near Elizabethtown. in Hardin Count}', 111., son of George Rightnowar, a native of Penn.sylvania ; he was a farmer, and came here in an early day. The mother of our subject, Jerusha (Ruse) Rightnowar, raised ten children. Our subject never went to school three months, all told, in his life. He has followed farming all his life, and owns 280 acres of land, having given about 200 acres to his five children, now married. He was married, Blareh 8, 1849, to Eliza Howe, born August 26, 1829, in this county, (laughter of Samuel and Anna E. Howe. She is the mother of eight children, viz., Francis (who married Harriett Giles), Elizabeth Rutherford, Anna Mandrel, Levina Wells, George (who married Sarah Mayberry), Eliza E. (born August 28. 1861), Mary D. (born December 30, 1863), and Adam D. (born October 18, 1866). Mrs. Rightnowar is connected with the Christian Church. .Mr. Rightnowar is identified with the Democratic party. He is a man who started out in the world with nothing, but has

Source changes here: from Wall's History of Jefferson County, Illinois, by Wall, John A, published 1909; 228 words in this source stream.

Elk Prairie Township

lies next south of McClellan, borders on Franklin county, and has good farming lands. Big Muddy creek and other streams make part of it quite broken. A great many elk horns were found in this territory and hence the name. Elk Prairie. Among the first settlers were the Stephensons, the Whitmans, the Laniers, Kings, the Teeters, the Martins, Cochrans, the Holders, the Wilbanks, the Pickets and the Andersons, Robinsons, Bodines, Petersons and Masons, Like others. Elk Prairie suffered for mill facilities and roads. Religious and educational interests were allowed to sleep for a while but when they did come to the front, they both made good headway and today they make a favorable showing with other parts of the county. We notice a neat Methodist and good Chistian church near Dareville. The town of Winfield was in Horse Prairie which extended into this township, laid out by Doctor Gee and a Mr. Graham. Isaac Boswell, Isaac Clampet and John Knowles did business there. Doctor Gee married J. J. Fitzgerrell's daughter and began practice there, but soon moved to his farm. A good church and school-house was built and Elk Prairie began to "show up." Col. G. W. Evans, of the Sixtieth Regiment, was its first Supervisor. It is another splendid township, both in land and people. Mr. Robinson still lives on the farm he settled sixty years ago.