Elm Grove Township

Elm Grove Township

The brave, true-hearted pioneer settled in the beautiful groves of this township about as early as in any other place in this portion of Illinois. The native groves were beautiful in the extreme ; and a place of historic fame, in a local way, during the early history of the county, was Pleasant Grove, which was located in this township. Absalom Dillon erected the first cabin, in 1824. This was built on section 34. The first mill in the county was built here, in 1825, by William . Eads. The first woolen factory of the county was also erected here. It stood on section 34, and was built in 1832, by Theodorus Fisher. The first marriage in the county was celebrated in this township in the spring of 1826. Daniel Dillon and Martha Alexander were the happy couple. The first school-house was built in 1827, on section 27. Samuel Bentley was the first teacher.

The first meeting held in the county was held in a grove on Dillon creek, in Elm Grove, in September, 1827. This was a Methodist meeting, and was conducted by the celebrated Peter Cartwright. He invited all present to partake of the Lord's Supper, but exclaimed, " If there are any old button-hole rams present, stand back." He had reference to the Regular or Hard-shelled Baptist people. An old lady indignantly jumped up and said that " she was an old button-hole ewe, and would take a back seat." The person who tells us this incident was present on the occasion, and recollects the circumstances well. She is now a resident of the township. The first church building erected in the township was in 1830, by the Quakers, or Friends. The building was located on section 34. The first cemetery of the county was located on the same section, in 1826. The first death to occur was that of Hannah Dillon, the wife of William Dillon, in the year 1826. In the year 1834 the cholera raged through the settlement and carried oif many of the settlers. One of the oldest deeds in the county is in possession of Mrs. Fisher, who resides in this township. It was given in 1830. It is signed by Elijah Hayword, Commissioner of the Land Office, and Andrew Jackson, President. She also has one in her possession which was given to her uncle, Walter Dillon, in 1826. This is signed by John Quincy Adams, and is recorded in Vol. 2, page 300. The County Farm is located on sections 11 i\nd 14 of this township.

Among the earliest settlers were William Davis, John Dillon, Hugh Montgomery, Alexander McKnight, Benjamin Briggs, James Scott, Thorton Wilson, James Wright, Levi and Thomas Moulton, Thomas Bennett, John Lord, John and Eli Redman, Rufus North and Alexander Barnes. We find living there at the present time none of these sturdy pioneers, but there is a good thrifty class of agriculturists. Among the number we would mention, as fairly representing the better portion of the community, the following persons :

Jesse B. Cooper, Superintendent of County Farm, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, Sept. 25, 1831. His father, William Cooper, was a native of Ohio, while his mother, Mary (Beal) Cooper, was born in New York. He arrived in Tazewell county April 5, 1855. In 1851, Nov. 11, he married Malinda Burns. They arc the parents of six children, all of whom are living. They are Addie, William, Kate, Chara, Charles and John. Mr. C. affiliates with the Democracy. He resides on section 11 ; post-office, Tremont.

township, Jan. 4, 1889. His birtli occurred in the first house built in that towhship. His parents, William and Jane (Eads) Davis, were among the very earliest settlers of Tazewell county. Mr. Davis received only a common school education, attending the schools of his native township. On the 29th of March, 1863, he was married to Mary J. Fisher, who has borne him five children - Alvin T., Amos A., Alphis W., Laura M. and Thomas J. Mr. D. resides on section 22. In politics he is a Republican. Post-office,

Jesse H. Fisher. Mr. Fisher is engaged in farming, and resides on section 36. He is one of the oldest residents of Tazewell county, having come here Sept. 23, 1829. He is a native of Ohio, having been born in Clinton county, of that State, Aug. 26, 1814. His parents were Theodorus Fisher, a very prominent man in his day, and Martha (Dillon) Fisher, both of whom were North Carolinians. Mr. F. enlisted in Co. K., 26th 111. Infantry, in 1861, and served till 1868. April 9, 1835, he was married to Anna Dillon, daughter of Nathan Dillon, the first settler of the county. Their children number seven, and bear the following names : Sarah J. ; Nathan ; Mary ; Frances E. ; Albert ; Martha A. ; Franklin A. In politics he is a Republican. Post-office, Tremont.

Charles H. Fuller, son of James and Julia (Carpenter) Fuller, was born in Elm Grove township, in 1823. He attended the schools at Tremont and finished his education at Bloomington. He lives on section 26, and is engaged in farming and raising Norman horses. Charles has been Assessor of his township, and enters politics as a Republican. Post-office, Tremont.

George W. Greeley, farmer, residing on section 2, was born in the State of New Hampshire, Jan. 31, 1824. His parents, Benjamin and Rebecca (Whittier) Greeley, were also natives of New Hampshire. Mr. G. came to this county in 1836. He received most of his education in Tremont High School. Mr. G. has held the office of Treasurer of his township for the last nineteen years, and Assessor for six consecutive terms. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1850 he was joined in marriage with Sarah Becker. Their children number four - James, Edward, George and Benjamin. Post-office address, Tremont.

Philip Ileisel. Mr. Heisel was born in Sand Prairie township, Tazewell county, Dec. 3, 1844. His parents, Philip and Mary (Swain) Heisel, 'are natives of Germany. He was educated in the schools at Pekin. He is a member of St. Paul's Church, Pekin. In politics, he stands on the Democratic platform. He^ resides on section 6, where he is engaged in farming. February 17, 1877, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Mary Hoby. Post-office, Pekin.

Christian Hochstetfler was born in Germany, June 16, 1841. His parents were Joseph and Josephine (Zingorich) Hochstetfler. Mr. H. came to this county in 1849, and received his education in the common schools here. He is engaged in farming, on section 18. He is a member of the Mennonite Church, Washington. In February, 1868, Mr, H. was married to Mary Unzicker, who has borne him four children, two girls and two boys : Louisa M., Robert H., Arnold H. and Annie L. Post-office address, Pekin.

Freeman Kingman was born in Bridge water, Mass., March 26, 1799. His parents were Henry and Anna (Bryant) Kingman. Mr. K. is an old settler of the county. He came to section 12, this township, in 1834, and has resided here since. He has transferred passengers on the line of the famous Under-ground Railroad, through Tremont township. He rode on the boat from Norfolk to Baltimore, in 1833, in company with Black Hawk and his suit. Gen. Jackson was also on the boat. In 1830, Mr. K. was married to Mary White, who died in 1839. He was married again in 1840, to Narcisa Greeley. By his first wife he had three sons : Lysander P., John H., and Freeman. The union with his present wife has been blessed with seven children : Mary, Annie, Emily, Augustus, Amelia, Almeda and Nellie M. Mr. K. is quite stout for a man of four score years, and has the a]ipearance of a man of sixty, rather than eighty years old. He has followed stone cutting, but his time principally has been devoted to farming. He is a member of the Congregational Church. Post-office, Tremont.

Al/en Leonard came to this county at a very early age. He was born in Clinton county, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1827. and arrived in Tazewell county, Sept. 24, 1830. Thus it will be seen he is what we term an " old settler." His parents, Thomas and Hannah (Starbuck) Leonard, were natives of North Carolina. In September, 1849, he was joined in marriage with Louisa Fisher. They have two children, Elmira and Raphael. Mr. L. is extensively engaged in farming, on section 26. In politics he is a Republican. Post-office, Tremont.

Nathan Leonard was brought to Tazewell county, when a lad of a dozen summers. He resides on section 36, which has been his home for thirty-two years. He has a farm of 350 acres, which he cultivates. He was born in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1820, and arrived in this county, Sept. 24, 1830, and gained his education in such schools as the home of his early a(lo})tion affi)rded. His parents were Thomas and Hannah Leonard. On the 2")th of May, 1848, he was married to Ann Robinson, and two children, Leslie and Eugene, have been born to them. Mr. L. adheres to the doctrine promulgated by the Republican party. Post-office, Tremont.

Thomas J. Jjeonard, a native of this township, having been born here on the 16th of April, 1838, is engaged in farming rather extensively in Elm Grove. He resides upon section 35. The common schools of the county affin'ded all the advantages for an education he ever had. His parents were Thomas and Hannah (Starbuck) Leonard, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of Ohio. May 25, 1865, he turned from his bachelor habits, and took to him- self a wife. This lady, Mary E. Loy, has borne him five children : Emer A., Elmon, Ednie T., Mertie M. and Maiy C. Politically, Mr. L. is identified with the Democracy. Post-office, Tremont.

Wilson S. Mauker, farmer, section 23, Elm Grove township, was born in Ohio, Jan, 30, 1843, and came to Tazewell county in 1867. He had only the common schools of Ohio at which to secure his education. In 1877, Sept. 13, he was married to Elmina Hodgson. Anna A. was born to them Sept. 21, 1878. Mr. M. is found in the Democratic ranks. Post-office address, Tremont.

David B. McLean. The subject of this sketch was born in Ireland, Feb. 14, 1834, but was brought to this country during the first year of his life. He lived three years in New York, when he came to this county, arriving July 25, 1837, where he has since resided. He is engaged in farming on section 15. He attended the common school, and finished his education at Tremont. His parents are Hugh S. and Janet (Breckenridge) McLean. Mr. Mc- Lean has held the office of Town Clerk for ten years. Justice of the Peace four years, and School Director twenty-one years. In 1859, March 31, he was married to Lydia Williams. They are the parents of six children : Mary J., Alice, Hugh S., William L., Charles and John. Politically, Mr. McLean adheres to the principles of the Republican party. Post-office address, Tremont.

Isaac Miars is a son of Martin jVIiars, one of the earliest settlers in Tazewell county. Mr. Miars arrived here in 1825, and on Sept. 30, entered the land upon which he now resides. His land . was located on sections 27 and 28, Elm Grove township. He got the " sheep skin " from the Government on the first day the land office was opened at Springfield. Mr. Miars, sen., was born in 1801. When he first came to the county he went out hunting in company with an Indian. It was customary for him to carry a biscuit and an onion. The Indian became very hungry, and Mr. M. gave him the biscuit, and he swallowed it down ravenouslv. He then passed him the onion, and it, too, as quickly went to his mouth, but the strong effects caused the tears to flow freely. Mr. M. enjoyed this hugely, and laughed at the horrid faces the Indian made. This made the red man mad, and he walked behind sullen and silent, and would not shoot his gun off. Isaac was born in Tazewell county, in 1838. His mother's maiden name was Ann Hodgson. He was educated in the common schools ; and is engaged in farming on section 22. Was married, Sept. 1, 1857, to Finetta Carpenter. They have six children : Louisa', Isaac E., Charles, Annie, Ellen and Alberta. Politically, Mr. M. is a Republican. Post-office, Tremont.

Fannie J. Miller, daughter of Phineas J. and Caroline (Drey) Miller, was born in Fulton county, Jan. 27, 1857, and came to Tazewell county in 1864. She attended the common schools, and finished her education at Heading College, Abingdon, 111. Miss Miller is engaged in school teaching. She resides on section 17, and her post-office address is Pekin.

Enoch G. 3£orse, farmer, sec. 21, was born in Concord, N. H., Jan. 10, 1827, and came to this county Oct. 7, 1835. His j)aronts, Moses and Hannah (Smith) Morse, were also natives of New Hampshire. Mr. M. has resided on his present farm for forty-two years. October 22, 1856, he was married to Elizabeth Eades. They are the parents of seven children - Robert C, born in September, 1859 ; Annie M., born Feb. 16, 1862; Lucy S., born Dec. 21, 1865; Mariette, born Xov. 12, 1868; Albert, born May 25,1875. In politics Mr. Morse affiliates with the Republican party. Post-office, Tremont.

Thomas J. Prunty, farmer and carpenter, was born in Franklin county, Va., Dec. 12, 1824, and is a son of John and Cassandra (Chunnery) Prunty. He came to this county in 1843, and got his education in the common schools of McLean county. On the 31st of August, 1855, he entered into the marital state with Sarah Dillon. They are the parents of four children, all of whom are living. They are Matilda, Clara, Ann and Elmer L. Mr, P. resides on section 23. He adheres to the doctrines of the Democratic party. Post-office, Tremont.

John Ringwald was born in Germany, Feb. 3, 1846, and came to this county June 15, 1866, His parents, John and Catharine Ringwald, were Germans. He had only such opportunities to gain an education as the conmion schools of his native country offi^red. He learned the carpenter trade and followed it for eight years. He is now engaged in agricultural pursuits, residing on section 7, this township. On the 6th of March, 1868, he was married to Margarethe Daum, who has borne him six children - John, Christ, Adam, Margareth, George and Mary. Mr. R.'s post-office address is Pekin.

James Jxobison. Mr. Robison is a native of Scotland, having been born in that country May #15, 1801. He received his education in the commt)n schools of Scotland. His parents were James and Gean (Hunter) Robison. Mr. R. was united in marriage with Isabella Leslie, of Scotland, six years ago. They had born to them eleven children : William, Barbara, (deceased), Frank, Annie, James, Archie, (deceased), Susan, George, (deceased), Mary, Ijcslie and Belle. He is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is counted with the Republicans. He resides on section 10, and his post-office is Tremont.

Mr. R. emigrated to the United States in 1832, and engaged in a contract to construct the iirst railroad across the Alleghany ^ Mountains, in company with Jonathan Leslie. They operated there successfully for two years, when they moved to Micliigan into a heavily timbered and wild region, and there cleared about sixty acres of land and built a house. He remained there al)out three years when, in 1837, he sold out and came to Tazewell county. He took contracts on construction of the Pekin & Tremont railroad. The road-bed of this road, the present I. B. & W., was finished through Elm Grove in 1830. It was contemplated to lay the track of this road with strap-iron on wooden rails. It was all completed except the iron work, which was never done. Mr. R. next engaged in contracts on the Illinois & Michigan canal.

James W. Robison. Although a native of Scotland, Mr. Robison has been reared in this country. He was born in 1831, and with his parents, James and Isebella (Leslie) Robison, came to the United States, and in 1837 found himself under the parental roof in Elm Grove township. Mr. R. was educated in the common schools of this county, and attended school at Jacksonville, 111. He is engaged very extensively in farming, and takes great interest in fruit growing, and has been president of the State Horticultural Society. He has also represented his district in the State Senate, being elected on the Republican ticket, which party he is identified with. Postoffice, Tremont.

Jacob S. Ropp was born in Elm Grove township, April 29, 1846. His parents, Peter and Mary (Gehrig) Ropp, were natives of Germany. Jacob got such an education as the common schools of his native township aiforded. He resides on section 9, where he is engaged in forming. In 1869, Jan. 10, he was married to Mary Ann King. Thev are parents of four children : Walter, born Aug. 12, 1872; Albert,' born March 28, 1875; Ezra, born Sept. 16, 1877; and Amelia, born Dec. 19, 1870. For a short season, from 1870 to '7b, Mr. R. lived in Missouri. With this exception his entire life has been passed in Tazewell county. He is connected with the Mennonite Church. Post-office, Pekin.

Joseph. P. Ropp. It will be noticed that quite a number of the prominent men of Elm Grove were born in the township. They were reared from earliest childhood in their pleasant country homes, and wisely have embarked on the busy career of life on their own native prairies and woodland. The ^subject of this sketch, Joseph P. Ropp, first saw the light of day here. He was born March 19, 1844. His parents were Peter and Mary Ropp. On the 4th of March, 1869, he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Josephine Ropp. Levi, Mary B., and Ephriam are their children. Mr. R. is extensively engaged in farming. He resides on section 23. His political views accord with those of the Democratic party. Post-office address, Tremont.

Joseph W. Ropp, son of Andrew and Jacobina (Wurkler) Ropp, was born in Tazewell county 111., Jan. 30, 1840. He received his education in the common schools of this county. In 1865 he went 'to Germany and spent seven months. He is an agriculturist and resides on section 1. Mr. R. made a profession of religion in 1857, and is connected with the Mennonite Church. In 1866, March 13, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Catherine Garber, who has borne him five sons : Samuel, William, Asa, Ithel and Alvin. Mr. R. views politics from a Democratic standpoint. Post-office, Tremont.

county. He has been foremost in the various enterprises of the county during the past thirty years. He was a member of the first Board of Supervisors of the county, and remained an active member of that body during; the five following terms, and since has served occasionally. He was Secretary of the County Agricultural Society for twelye years. He had charge of the first mail that was ever carried from Tremont to Pekin by rail. He was engaged in the mercantile business at Tremont for three years, after which he went to farming, living on section 13. He has been engaged in the shipping business between United States and the West Indies. He was born in Providence, R. I., June 3, 1820, and came to this county April 28, 1838. He was educated in the common schools of Bristol county, Mass. His parents were Seth and ]\Iary (Ware) Talbot. He has two children: Mary E., born in 1842, is the wife of John H. Trout, and William E. Talbot, born in 1852, is a farmer in Elm Grove. Politically Mr. T. is a Republican.

John H. Trout was born in Tremont township, this county, Feb. 26, 1838. He is engaged in farming and stock raising on section 24 of this township. He received his education in the common schools of this county. In his business he has been quite successful. In 1863, the 29th of January, he was married to Mary E. Talbot. This union has been blessed with three children : Mary E., Clara W., and Seth Talbot. Politically Mr. T., is a Republican. Post-office, Tremont.

Joseph T «u Dorn is the son of William H. and Sarah E. (Dirling) Van Dorn and was born in Lansing, X. Y., June 9, 1836. He was educated in the common schools of DeKalb county. 111. and came to this county March 14, 1877. He learned the carpenter trade, and and at present follows the occupation of farming. He entered the army Sept. 23, 1861, in 11th 111. Cavalry, under Col. R. G. Ingersoll and remained until October, 1865. In 1878, Dec. 14th, he w^as united with Rosanna Kunncr in marriage. Politically he is a Democrat. Post-office, Pekin.

John Voupel was born in Heussian Castle, Germany, March 4, 1820 and came to this county in 1855. He attended the common schools for five years and for the same length of time was in the military school. He served a term of six years in the flying artillery of Germany. He was married to ^largaret Sahmeihart Oct. 19, 1851. They have five children: Christoj)her, born June 8, 1852; John, born Sept. 12, 1858; George, born Dec. 26, 1860; Annie, born Nov. 6, 1863; and Charlie born Nov. 3, 1865. Mr. Vaupel is engaged in farming on section 2. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, Pekin. In politics he is a Republican. Post-office address Groveland.

Town-Clerks

In the first chapter of this work we give to Nathan Dillon the honor of being the first settler in the county. We mean, of course, aside from the French traders who located here long before any settlers came. But if we take the statements of William Blanchard, who now resides in Woodford county, and we have no reason for discrediting them, to him the credit of being the first settler of Tazewell county belongs. We have no disposition to be partial, or record facts differently from what they really are, indeed we could possibly have no object in so doing. It is our desire to record the facts just as they have occurred and precisely as they are, uncolored and unchano;ed, and if we had known before this late date of Mr. Blanchard's claims, we would have given his statements in the first chapter. "We visited him at his home in Woodford county, Illinois, and found a very genial old gentleman. We obtained the following items from him :

Wm. Blanchard, Jr., is a native of Vermont, where he was born in 1797; left that State when seven years of age, and with his parents went to Washington Co., N. Y., where his father, William, died. When seventeen years of age he enlisted in the regular army, and took an active part in the war of 1812, serving five years, when he, with Charles Sargeant, Theodore Sargcant and David Barnes, veterans of the war, started West, coming to Detroit, Mich., thence to Ft. Wayne, whence they journeyed in a canoe to Vincennes, thence to St. Louis. From there they came up the Illinois in a keel boat manned by a fishing crew, and commanded by a man named Warner, and landed at Ft. Clark, now Peoria, in the spring of 1819. Crossing the river to what is known as the bottom lands they found a cleared spot, and with such tools as they could arrange from wood put in a patch of corn and potatoes. This land is now embodied in Fond du Lac township. Looking farther down the stream they found, in 1822, an old French field of about ten acres, on which they erected a rude habitation, and soon this soil was filled with a growth of blooming corn and potatoes. This was the first settlement between Ft. Clark and Chicago, and was the first dwelling erected. The site is now covered by the fine farm of Jacob Ames. In 1825 he was married to Miss Eliza Donohue, a native of Delaware. The ceremony took place in his cabin, and was performed by Jacob Wilson, first Justice of the Peace between Peoria and Chicago. This was the first license taken out between those cities. She died Dec. 18, 1867, leaving five children. His present wife, Sarah E. Gale, was a native of Virginia. They were married in 1869, He entered the land of his present home, in Woodford county, and settled on the same, in 1830, where he has since made his home. He is now living in quietness, surrounded by his relatives and friends. His experiences of pioneer life, and the dangers that often visited his abode, are interesting in the extreme. At one time he was visited by a stalwart chief of the red skins, who demanded whisky, and upon refusal raised his tomahawk and would have plunged it in his skull, but the keen eye of the settler was upon him, and he wrested the weapon from hira, and with the aid of friends the assailant was secured. But he never forgot it, and always threatened his life.

The second oldest living settler of Fond du Lac township is Jacob L. Wilson, a resident of Washington, Illinois, who, with his father, Jacob, and family, in company with Jakey Phillips, Joshua Walker, Thomas Banks and Elisha Green, started from Wayne Co., Ind., in the fall of 1823. They stopped at the farm of Isaac Wilson, grandfather of Jacob L., through the holidays. His large area of acres are now covered by the costly stores and palatial residences of Indianapolis, Ind. In the midst of winter, with two sleighs drawn by ox teams, this little colony ploughed their way through deep snows and high waters. When they arrived at the Vermillion river, it was deemed unsafe to cross on the ice, and after consultation it was decided to break the ice, and, if prossible, ford the stream. Accordingly, heavy clubs were cut from the timber skirting the stream, and the band of heroic explorers began the task. Ere the day dawned the ice was broken, and the Egyptian pilgrims passed through with water nearly over the wagon box, and encamped on the opposite shore. A blinding snow storm set in, which made further progress impossible. AVhile hunting in the woods for game the party were surprised to find six large fat hogs, feeding leisurely upon acorns and other growth that the woods afforded. It is supposed that this stock strayed from a drover, or was the stock of an unknown pioneer. However, the swineships were slaughtered, skinned, and divided equally among the party, whose provisions had began to show a famished condition. With this fortune came bright sunny weather, and the little party journeyed on until they reached the banks of the Illinois river, where they landed in February, 1824. Of this number but few remain to tell the story of their trials and difficulties. Uncle Jacob, by which name he is familliarly known, is the only one who has clung to the home of his boyhood. Among those who came in afterward were Cyrus J. Gibson, who came in 1830, and settled on section 11 and 12. His son, who accompanied him, is now a prosperous merchant of Washington, 111. Austin and Horace Croker, Elza Bethard, Thomas Camlin and Jacob Funk, who was shot by the Sheriff; Major Donohue and David Mathews, whose families all grew up in this township ; Jos. Schertz, who came in 1830, is still a living resident near Farmdale; also, William and Samuel Moberry, brothers, who settled in Groveland, in 1832, and have experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. There are many others equally worthy of notice, but want of space will prevent the mention of an extended number of names.

William Blanchard hauled the mother of Jacob Minch to her grave over the bare ground on a sled, it being the only conveyance among the settlers at that time. Samuel Beck came in early and made his living by hunting deer.

The first mill built in Fond du Lac was in 1832, on Ten Mile creek, by Samuel Parks. This mill was aftewards sold to Abraham Lewis. It was burned and after\vards re-built. The first saw-mill was built on the same creek, in 1828, by Hugh Woodruff and David Baily, of Pekin. It has passed away in the debris of time. The first religious meetings were held in this mill by the pioneers. Samuel Brown, a Methodist minister, preached the first sermon. He was soon followed by Zadock Hall, an early pilgrim who settled in this township. Buckeye school-house, on section 11, was built in 1835. It was used as the first church. It has been torn down, and the erection of a substantial structure is being considered. On the same section it was our pleasure to visit a mound, which had, until 1877, been covered by a heavy growth of timber. On this mound has been found the remains of human skeletons of large proportions. These were, no doubt, the remains of the Mound- Builders. Near this mound stood the relics of a mighty oak, which had spread afar out its garland of geeen sweeping branches for scores of years, and beneath which both the Indian and pioneer children sported in childish glee. In the hollow of this mighty monarch of the forest was imbedded in the debris and bark, a human skull. This was a common curiosity for some years. It was taken out at a later day, and secured by Dr. Hazard, now deceased. Since the Doctor's demise all traces of it has been lost.

Jacob Amen, farmer, sec. 11 and 12 ; P. O., Fond du Lac; born in Alsace, Germany, April 5, 1820, and emigrated to America, in 1837, with his parents, David and Barbara (Bard) Ames, who settled in Richland, Woodford Co. ; lived with his parents until he was united in matrimony to Miss Henrietta Pfeffer, at Metamora, Feb. 28, 1850. She was born in Germany, Nov. 26, 1827, and emigrated to America in 1848. He purchased 52 acres of land in Partridge township, where he lived until 1863, when he moved to this Co. and settled on his present farm of 160 acres. Of their several children there are living - Henry, born Dec. 3, 1850, married Miss Hannah Haedicke Aug. 8, 1876, and resides in Kansas; Charles, born April 25,1857; and Mary Magdalen, born Sept. 19, 1860. They lost three twins, Sophia, born Oct. 20, 1853, married John

Thomas Andrews, miller, sec. 2 ; P. O., Fond du Lac ; born in Mercer Co., Pa., in 1834, came to this Co. in 1852, and engaged on the premises of his present estate, where he remained five years, when he went to California prospecting ten years, at the end of which time he returned and purchased the farm of 109 acres. He afterward formed partnership with Abraham Lewis and erected the mill he now occupies. In 1808 he was married to Miss Sharlotta Lewis, a native of this county, where she was born Nov. 16, 1845. Mr. Lewis died in 1871, and was succeeded by Mr. A. in the business, where he has conducted a prosperous trade. Charles A., Mary M., Martha E., Amanda and Susan are their living children.

J. J. Arnold, farmer, sec. 26, P. O., Hilton; born in Licking Co., O., in 1847. His parents were Umphrey M. P. and Patsy Maddox Arnold, natives of Va., who emigrated to O. at an early day, and to this State in 1854, settling in McLean Co., where he lived three years, when he came to this Co. and settled on the present estate. He subsequently moved to Woodford Co., where he died in 1873. His wife still survives him at the age 70 years and resides on the homestead. In Feb., 1865, Mr. A. enlisted in the 150th I. V. L, Co. A. and served one year. Was married in 1869, to Miss Mary A. Allen who was born in England, in 1850. Samuel P., Charles A. and Daisy P. are the living children. His mother still owns the farm of 185 acres.

/. TF. Cunningham, postmaster, Farmdale, sec. 36 ; born in Fond du Lac township, in 1852. His parents were John and Mary Goodman (Cunningham), natives of O., who emigrated and settled in this township in 1838, where he lived until his death, in 1867. His mother survived him until May 12, 1879. The subject of this sketch still resides on the homestead, and was appointed P. M. in 1876, since which time he has filled that office. The same year he opened store, keeping a general stock of goods, and conducts a small yet prosperous trade. Is also School Director and is well known throughout the county. His parents numbering among those of the early settlers. Jane L., a sister, remains at home, and conducts the affi\irs of the household.

Avery F. Dehor if ij, farmer, sec. 26 ; P. O. Hilton. Born in Licking Co., O., Dec. 9, 1833. His parents were George W. and Mary Draper (Dehority) natives of Del., who emigrated to O. in 1821, and to this county in 1838, settling on the present estate of 160 acres, where they resided until 1854, when his father moved to Woodford Co., thence to El Paso, where his father died Dec. 9, 1874; mother died in Palestine township in 1855. Mr. D. has always lived on the homestead and was married to Miss Matilda Cross, at Columbus, O., in 1860. She was born in Franklin Co., O., Nov. 19, 1833, and left parentless when young. She was adopted in the family of Alexander Moberry, and at eighteen years of age commenced teaching school, and engaged in that capacity until marriage. Mr. D. has filled the office of town Treasurer three years ; town Clerk six years and Constable two years, and always been identified with the interests of the town and county.

Scoaud li. Jlooberry, farmer, sec. 30 ; P. O., Farmdalc. Born in Franklin Co., O., Jan. 1<S, 1824, and is eldest son of David and Margaret (Stumbaugh) ]\Iooberry, who emigrated to this county in 1832, and settled in Groveland townsliip, where he entered a large tract of land, raised his family, and died in 1850. His aged wife still survives him, and resides on the homestead with her youngest son, Alexander. Mr. M. was married at Morton Oct. 26, 1845, to Miss Louisa C. Hughes, who was born in Franklin Co., O., in 1821. After marriage he moved and settled on his present estate of 240 acres, where he has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. Also owning valuable lands in Nebraska and elsewhere. Has filled the office of Collector and Assessor a number of years, Justice of the peace, Supervisor, School Trustee, Constable, and in fact he has been father to all the town offices, and served with satisfaction to all. He numbers among those of the early pilgrims who stood the trials and sufferings of pioneer life. The writer was shown from his collection of curiosities found in the woods: Fort Crevecoeur shoe bottoms, or soles cut from stone ; flint arrow heads, stone ax and mortars, which he has gathered and are valuable curiosities. Mr. M. has a family of seven children living - David R., born Aug. 30,1840; George E., born Nov. 20, 1847; Evaline, born March 9, 1853; Alvira, born June 21, 1856; Milton, born April 28, 1858; Dorcas J., born March 7, i860 and Nettie, born Feb. 6, 1862. Lost 4 - Floyd, born June 6, 1851, and died Oct.

William Moobcrry, farmer, sec. 36 ; P. O. Farmdale. Born in Franklin Co., O., May 26, 1825. His parents were David and Mary Stumbaugh, natives of Pa., who emigrated to O. in 1806, and to this Co. in 1832, settling in Groveland townshi]), where he entered a large tract of land. Here he engaged in farming and in a saw-mill, conducting a successful trade in both branches of business. His death occurred in 1849, by cholera. His wife is still living on the homestead with the youngest son, Alexander, at the age of 76 years. The subject of this sketch was married in 1848, to Miss Matilda Marion, who was born in Franklin Co., O., Dec. 29, 1830. After marriage settled on his parents estate of 375 acres, where he has since made it his home, and is one of the early pioneers of the county. His farm was a dense woodland, which he has cleared by his own hands. Here he erected a rude cabin without a floor, and has experienced all the hardships which attended the early settling of this deeply wooded country. Has been Justice of the Peace two years, and at different times held nearly all the offices in the town- ship. Is a strong supporter of Churches and Schools and always identified with the interests of the town and county, William C., Laura M., Lizzie L. and Maggie E., are their living children ; Lost one - Francis M.

Thomas V. Pinkham, ftirmer, sec. 26 ; P. O., Hilton. Born in Grafton Co., N. H., in 1841 ; his parents were Thos. and Margaret (Vincent) Pinkham, natives of New Hampshire, where they died. Came to this county in 1838, and settled in this township, and on his present estate of 80 acres, in 1840. Was married in 1843, to Miss Mariah Camlin, daughter of Thomas Camlin, who settled in this township in 1823, where he died. Mr. P. is one of the county pioneers, and has been prominently identified in the interest of the town and county during his eventful life, having been Justice of the Peace for seventeen years, and served in about all the offices of this township. He is a citizen esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, honorable in all things, and having a just pride in all his business operations. Emeline, George, Lizzie, Susan, Albert, Luella and A. J. are their living children.

Joseph Schertz, merchant, Hilton; P. O., Hilton. Born in Alsace, Germany, in 1827. His parents were David and Annie (Rosche) Schertz, who emigrated to America in 1830, and landed at Ft. Clark, now Peoria, in August of that year, where he built a hut and settled, purchasing a claim for $800., where the family settled and experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. His father died in 1859. Mr. S. built the mill near his residence in 1852. After his father's settlement on the present place, coal was discovered in the hills, and a mine opened, which is still in operation. In 1849 the subject of this sketch went to California prospecting, and returned in 1851 ; became extensively engaged in milling, and in 1861 he sold out and retired from the active pursuits of life. His active nature, however, rebelled against a life of rest, and wishing to advance a son in a successful start in life, he opened a store at Hilton in 1877, keeping a general stock of groceries where he is still actively engaged. Is President of the Bridge Association; has been Town Clerk, and otherwise identified in the offices of the township. He is well and favorably known for his liberality in the advancement of the cause of education, and his father spent large sums of money in the cause of emigration. Was married in Sept., 1851, to Miss Catherine Belsley, who was born in Germany in 1826. Benjamin F., Mary A., Sarah C, are their living children. Lost two children - David H., and one that died in infancy.

Charles E. Sheets, postmaster, Fond du Lac. Born in Salem Co., N. J., July 12, 1827, and came to this county in the spring of 1859, settling near his present place, where he engaged at his trade, milling, and where he has since made his home. Married Miss Ellen Genoways, a native of this State, who died in 1871, leaving three children, Anna C, John G., and Roland. Was appointed postmaster in the Spring gf 1876, and has since filled that office.