Elmira Township (part 2 of 3)

AsOj Abbott B union, deceased, born in Charlestown, Mass., June 14, 1834, came to this township in 1854, and here engaged in farming for a short time. Being' a machinist bv^ trade, he moved to Chicago and there took a position in the shops, subsequently worked in the shops at Rock Island, and in 1858 returned to this county, where he married Miss Mary L., daughter of Thomas and Mary Jane (Craig) Lyle. Her father was born in Scotland, in March, 1S09, came to the United States in his youth, learned the stone-cutter's trade in Yermont, and there married Miss Mary J., daughter of James and Margaret Craig - natives of Vermont - in Februarj', 1837. They came to Osceola Grove that year, and were engaged in agriculture on the old homestead until their removal to Kewanee, in 1877. Of their ten children, Helen L. is married, residing in Page county, la. ; Mary L. married Mr. Bunton ; Lucy C. married, residing at Ivewanee, Ills. ; Carlos B. married a resident of this township; James B. and an infant, deceased; Emily, unmarried, residing with her father at Kewanee; Horace E., married, residing on old homestead, and two younger children deceased. Thomas Lyle, while a supporter of all churches, is not a member of any religious society. In politics he is decidedh' Ilepublican.

Asa Bunton continued farming, after his marriage, until August 9, 1862, when he enlisted in Compan}^ A, One-hundred-and-twenty-foui-th Illinois A'olunteer Infantry, with which command he served honorably until August, 1865. Of his three children, Geoi'ge Bartlett, married, resides in this township; Mabel J. died June 7, 1886, and Fred. L. resides at home. In politics he was Repul)lican, l)ut not aggressive ; in religion a member of the Congregational church of Kewanee, and in social matters a sound, honest citizen. He held the office of school director for years.

James Buswell, born at Peacham, Yt., in 1793, came to Illinois in 1833, brought his family in 1831, and in 1835 came to Elmira township, with ten friends, known as the " Peoria Party," Avhere each entered a quarter section. Early in 1837 he came here with his family, bought a second quarter section from Governor Duncan, where he built a house in 181:5, drawing the lumber himself from Chicago. He served as Justice of the Peace for many years, as related in other pages, had seen the ])rairie turned into cultivated fields, and the untenanted wigwams of the Indians give place to pleasant, well ordered villages. One of his sons, Nicholas C. Buswell, of Princeton, was Lieutenant Colonel of the Ninety-third Illinois Infantry.

Janiea Chw anion, son of John and Sarah (McGinnis) Cinnamon, was born in Down county, Ireland, in March, 1826. His ancestors are said to hav^e settled there during the invasion of England by " William the Conqueror," and today several representatives of the family may be found there. James left Ireland in 1817, and coming to Canada, settled at Kingston. Eighteen months later we find him at Chicago, and January 1, 1849, at Lacon, 111., engaged as house carpenter. On May 8, 1851, he married Miss Flora A., daughter of Robert and Phoebe (Newton) Sharer, the father a native of New York and the mother of Luzerne county, Pa. Robert Sharer, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Taylor) Sharer, was born A]iril 13, 1803, Samuel was a native of Ireland and his wife of England. Of their children, Robert, William and James were born in York state, and Joseph, L^avid, Samuel, Thomas, Elias and Sarah A. after their removal into Luzerne county. Pa. Robert Sharer married Phoebe Newton July 5, 1830, to wiiom five children, Mrs. Flora A. Cinnamon being the only one now living. He and family moved to Wyoming, this county, in 1835; es- tablished a shoemaker's shop here, but after a short time took up a claim of V>0 acres in Ehuira township, on Section 35 ; remained there for eleven years, 'when he purchased 80 acres on Section 34, where he resided until his death, February 3, 1873. His wife died August 4, I^IS. Her father was a soldier of 1812. James Cinnamon, after his marriage, remained at Lacon a few years, moved in April, 1857, to Elmira township, purchased 80 acres on Section 33, and farmed up to 1861, when he, being a member of the '* Elmira Rilies," was mustered into the United States service on June 17, with Couijianv B, Xineteenth Illinois Yolunteer Infantry, and served until mustered out July 9, 1804. He resumed farming here that year, and now owns 463 acres of land in this township. Mr. C. is a Royal Arch Mason, supports the Presbyterian church, although not a member, has served several terms as school director, was Commander of James Jackson Post Xo. 37, G. A. P.. for one year. He is Pepuljlican in ptJitics. Mr. and Mrs. Cinnamon are tlie parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living, namely : George, married, and now living in Clay county. Xebraska ; William James, residing at home ; Mar}- B., married, and is living in this county ; Hugh, Flora E., Edwin and Thomas A., all residing at home. Mr. Cinnamon was one of eight children, namelv : William, nuirried, and lives in Canada, East : John, deceased ; George and Joseph, deceased ; James, herein named ; Robert, married, and lives in Marshall countv. this state; Elizabeth and Jane, married, and

David Currier was born in Caledonia County, Vt., January 3, 1816. His father, Asa Currier, (son of David and Elizabeth (Pea body) Currier, natives of Massachusetts) Avas born in the same county April 1, 1700. Asa married Miss Sally Willy in Yeriuont, and resided there until 1838, when they came to Elmira Township, ]iurchased a clann of 160 acres of land here, on which he resided a few years. Moving to Osceola Townshij), he purchased a second tract, and was engaged in farming there until his death, ]\Iarcli IS, 1868. His wife died March 1, 1873. Asa was the second son of Davitl Currier, and one of a famih^ of eight children, narael}^ : Jonathan, Asa, David, Joseph, Betsy, Sarah, Abigail and Victoria. Prior to his migration to Illinois he supported his family, learned shoemaking. but during his life here he devoted all his attention to farming. David, tlie subject of this sketch. received a common school education in his native state, andAvorked on the farm for a number of years. He migrated westward in 1836, and arrived at Peoria, October 14. that year. On January 20, 1837, he came to this toAvnship (township 14, range 6. Putnam County) and took up a claim of 16o acres, the same on Avhich he now resides. In 1839 lie married Miss Rebecca J., daushter of William and Asnes Parks, natives of Virginia, Washington County, who settled here before this time. To this union seven children were born, of aa'Iioiii three are living - William P. and Martha B.. residing here, and Oliver B. (Currier) married Rebecca Olive BarloAv, Avho lives at Blandville, McDonough Countv. The mother of these children died Januarv 5, 1855, and in ^lay, 1857, Mr. Currier married Miss Caroline Iv. Pattridge, daughter of Joseph aud Catherine (Willard; Pattridge, na- tives of and married in New Hampshire, moved to Caledonia County, Yt., and thence to Osceohi Township, in 1864, where Mrs. Pattridge died in Februar\", 1865, and her Imsband in September, 1873. Mr. Currier served on the first grand jury ever called in this county, has filled several township offices, is a mend^er of the American Presbyterian church, and in politics a Douglas Democrat. He is the owner of 385 acres of fertile land in this township, and for lialf a century one of the foremost farmers of the county.

Brady Fowler, son of Maurice and Sarah (Bell) Fowler, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., of wdiich city his parents were natives, September 24, 1808. With his wife, Pebecca Wiseman, and three children, he settled in Elmira Township, on Section 4, in 1836, and resided there for fort\'-two j^ears, when he moved to Toulon village. Of his children, Jane (married), John, Mai'tin, Goshen ; John resides in Toulon Towmship; Kirk H. is in Colorado; Jonathan AV. in Iowa; Tillie is wife of J. Mosher, of Fairmont, Neb.; Sarah married Alex. McKenzie, of Toulon Township, and Mary is unmanned. Mrs. Fowler died in 1882, and was interred in Elmira cemetery. Mr. Fowler's name occurs in the general history, and is often mentioned in the township sketches. Mrs. Pebecca N. (Wiseman) Fowler died at Elmira, October 14, 1882, aged seventj^-seven years. She was born in Cumberland Countj^, Pa., in 1806; married 13rady Fowler in 1831, and in 1836 came with her husband to Osceola Grove.

Laton Fuller, son of Ambrose and Hannah (Munson) Fuller, was born in Luzerne county. Pa., August 9, 1818. His father was born in Connecticut, September 7, 1790 and his mother was born, March 15, 1797, the date of marriage being March 19, 1816. Of their eleven children, nine are living, namely : Ansell, born February 19, 1817, died April 30, 1863 ; Laton, referred to above ; Clinton, born October 3, 1820, residing here ; AYalter, born April 20, 1822, residing here; Lucy M. born September 25, 1824, married, residing in Osceola township, lantha, born June 10, 1827, mari'ied, residing at Marshalltown, la., Ambrose, jr.. born November 19, 1829, a widower, also residing in Iowa; Hannah, born January 28, 1832, married, residing here; Melinda, born August 30, 1834, unmarried ; Emilene, born April 18, 1838, died October 8, 1847; and Nancy, born March 30, 1842, married, residing in Iowa. The parents of this large family came to this state and county in 1839 and to this township in 1810. When the lands came into market he purchased the claim on which he built his cabin, and resided here until his death, May 30, 1845, his wife surviving until December 16, 1884. Laton Fuller passed his earlier years on a farm or Avorking in a saw and grist mill. Some time after the family came here, he })urcliased eighty acres in Henry county, which he improved, sold and moved to this township, where he purchased a quarter section. Another few years, and he sold his second farm, moved into the village, and has led a retired life down to the present time. His first vote was for Harrison, and every vote since has been for whig or republican. During the war he was a member of the L^nion League, has been school trustee of the township for several terms. He is not a member of any religious society.

Clinton Fidler, son of Ambrose and Hannah C^runson) Fuller, was born in Luzerne county, Pa., October 3, 1820. His earlier years were those common to boys in the W^'oming Valley during the first ]:»art of the century. In 1839 he came here with his parents and assisted them in building up their home. In 1853 he purchased 160 acres on section 29, stocked and improved it and in 1855 added eighty acres to the original purcliase. Here lie was engaged up to 1865, when he established the Fuller store at Elmira. and this large business he has carried on in connection with his farm down to this time. In 1858 he married jNIiss Eliza, daughter of Isaac and Ann (Wicks) Harris, natives of Duchess county, X. Y. To them one child was born, Avho died in infancv. The mother died Januarv 25, l.s82. Mr. Fuller cast his first vote for Henry Clay, and when the Eepublican part\^ was formed he was among its first adherents, and is today one of the great partv's most faithful meml>ers. In 1S52 he was elected sheriff of Stark count}'. In 1865 he Avas a])pointed postmaster at Elmira. holding the office down to the present time. In township and school matters he has been trusted with several official positions. During the troublous days of 1861-5 he Avas a memlier of the Union League, and other organizations, but today only claims membership with the Odd Fellows. A reference to tlie history of the township points out the several parts he has taken here; so also does the general history contain references to his dealings with the countA'.

Walter Munson Fuller, son of Ambrose and Hannah (Munson) Fuller, Avas born in Pennsylvania, Se})tember 20, 1822. His father moved to Pennsylvania with parents in his youth, worked on the homestead farm, there learned the millAAa-ight's trade, married Miss ]\Iunson, and in 1839 came to this county, settling on lands Avhich he purchased on section 20, Elmira township. Walter M. receiA^ed a liberal and practical education. On January 1, 1849, he married Miss Chloe M., a daughter of James and Diana Rowe, natives of Maine. Her father died in 1827; her mother married agrfin, and Avith her Mrs. Fuller came here in i839. (In 1854 her mother and stepfatlier moved to Iowa. Avhere she died in 1859.) They are the parents of four children : James A., deceased ; William W., head of a family in this tOAvnship ; Augusta, unmarried, and Luella May, married and I'esiding here. After Mr. Fuller's marriage he purchased the interests of his fathers heirs in the homestead farm of 110 acres, to which he has since added 190 acres of fann land and 50 acres of timber lands, all in this toAvnship. Mr. Fuller has been a member of the Methodist Episco])al church for over thirty years, his Avife and daughters being also members. He has been toAvnship school treasurer for thirty-four years, justice of the peace for ten A'ears, and toAvn clerk thirty years. To learn of the part he has taken in building up the social and industrial interests of Elmira, the reader is referred to the chapter on the history of that toAvnship.

Milliam Wirijield FulUr, son of Walter and Chloe (Roaa^c) Fuller, was born in Elmira township. Stark county. 111., July 16, 1852. His father AAas a Pennsylvanian. and mother a native of Maine, as related in other pages. William W. passed his earlier years on the farm or attending the district schools. At the age of sixteen he entered Hedding College, at Abingdon, III., and at the age of nineteen years took charge of a school in this township, over which he presided fonr terms. On Febrnarv 9, 1874, he married Miss Sarah Frances, daughter of Elliott and Eleanor (McCoy) I>oggs, and grand-daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Bowen) Boggs, natives of Virginia, who were married there in 1800; moved to Gallia county, O., where he died in 1840 and she in 1846. Elliott J>oggs was born in Ohio, April 27, 1813, was married in 1839 to Eleanor McCoy, to whom were born three sons and four daughters. Of these, Lavinia J., married, resides at Yates City; Elizabeth, married, resides in Kansas; William, married, is a citizen of Xebraska ; Addison, married, of Iowa, and Sarah F., wife of W. W. Fuller. The mother of those children is the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Gillan) McCoy, natives of Virginia, Mrs. McCoy being a daughter of James and Lydia (Armstrong) Gillan, an old Virginia family. Elliott Boggs was a carpenter, who. in 1840, after his marriage,' moved to Virginia and engaged in fai'ming, in connection with his trade. In 1862 he returned to Ohio, and in 1864 came to Knox county, 111., where he resided until 1875, when he moved to Iowa, where he died, Sei)tember 28, 1883.

W. W. Fuller, after ids marriage, engaged in farming, in partnershi]) with his father, here; and is still interested in agriculture. In 1883 he accepted a position as clei-k in a mercantile house at EIniira. In politics he is republican, in church membership independent, Init a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal society here. As related in the history of Toulon, he is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge there. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller are the parents of two children, Frank R. and Laura L. Fullei'.

(Jharhis L. Gerard, son of Nicholas and Frances (Lignon) Gerard, both natives of France, was born in Lewis county, N. Y., January 24, 1831:. The grandfather's family came to the United States in 1829, and settled in Lewis county, N. 1^. In 1854 they removed to Calumet county. Wis., and there grandfather was engaged in farming until his death in 1862, aged 110 years. In 1856 he walked three miles to cast his vote for Buchanan. In religion he belonged to the Catholic church, with his wife and eight children. One of his sons - Nicholas, father of Charles L., was manned in France, settled in Lewis county, N. Y., in 1826, resided some time at Albany and Cleveland, dying in the last nauunl city in 1844. His widow remarried and resides in Kansas. Like his father, he was the jjarent of eight children. Two died in infancy. Eugene and Joseph are among the dead. John resides in Minnesota, Charles L. in Elmira, Frank in Wisconsin, and George in Elmira. He served undei' Napoleon at Waterloo. Charles L. Gerard passed his early years in Ohio. Moving from Cuyahoga to Huron county, Ohio, at the age of fifteen years, and to Fond du lac, AYis., two years later, where he learned the cat-penter's trade. On August 23, 18^)5, he married Miss Henrietta M.. daughter of William and Hannah (Blood) Leason. Her father was born in Lincoln county, Maine, October 9, 1803, and her mother in Merrimac county, N. H., August 20, 1804. They settled in Stark county in 1844, moved to AVisconsin in 1857 and after a few years returned to Stark. Mrs. William Leason died in 1S80. To Mr Gerard and wife nine children were born - Hannah E., of Osceola ; Mary M., deceased ; Martha F., of Elmira ; Caroline A., Sylvia E., Anna L., Charles X., James L. and Edith M. In 1857 he and family came to Stark county. In 1801 he purchased a small tract on section thirty -six, Ehnira, and now OAvns 200 acres mostly improved. In 1861 he became a republican. At one time he was a member of the United Brethren Clnirch, but now supports all Christian churches. He is an Odd Fellow, has served as school director, and since 1860, when he made the overland trip to Pike's Peak, has been steadily engaged in l^uilding up the agricultural and social interests of liis township.

T/te Hall Fojimlij. - The immigration and settlement of this family in Elmira have been so ably dealt with by Mrs. Shallenberger, a daughter of one of the pioneers, the writer finds it only necessary to add to the original, a sketch of the late Mrs. Ann Hall, and one rewritten from Mr. Moffit's notes, of Robert Hall. Mrs. Shallenberger says: '"The Flails, of whom I write, are directly descended from Thomas Hall and Sarah, his wife, nee Coka^me, of Ilulland, Derbyshire, England. Tliere they once formed a large and vigorous family, brothers and sisters a dozen in number, living to pass the meridian of life an unbroken band. 'Mansel Park,' the old English homestead, is still enshrined in the memory of the farthest wanderer of them all. At different times during the years 1836, 1837, and 1838, nine of these brothers and sisters crossed the sea, and settled in what is now Stark county, Illinois. The fii'st installment was llobert and his sister Mary, AVilliam and his wife Anne. Next came Langley, by the way of New Orleans, that hemi^-ht at less expense bring with him a few fine sheep and dogs with which to begin life in the new world. He suffered shipwreck off the Florida coast, but after being reduced to great straits of hunger and fatigue was in common with his shipmates rescued, and he finally arrived at the Osceola settlement. Then in 1837, came Thomas, with his wife and four children, lu'inging also with liim his aged father, Elizabeth (Mrs. Harvey), her husljand and five children. Some months later. John, George and Fanny, accompanied by Miss Sarah Ligo, who shortly afterwards married Langley Hall. After about twenty years' residence here, John Langley and George, lured by promises of a more desii-able climate, again took up the line of march westward, and settled upon the farther slope of the Eocky mountains, where they still reside. Mary became the wife of Mr. Orrin Hasard of Neponset, Bureau county, 111.; and Fanny, the 3'oungest of the family, married Hon. Joseph Harris, of Boyd's Grove, in the same county. Mrs. Harvey and William rest beside their father in the familv Inirial ground at Osceola, while tlieir mother sleeps beneath the sea. At this writing, in 1876, Thomas and Robert and the widow of William, alone remain to Stark county of those who were adult at the date of the hrst emigration. Their father was a plain, sturdy Englishman, of tall stature and rugged features; in faith, a Metnoclist, and contemporary with John Wesley and Adam Clark ; in politics a radical ; making no pretension to aristocratic tastes or descent, he was vet a man of strong common sense and strict integrity. But in their mother's veins ran gentler blood. Her progenitors had come from Normand}^ with the 'conqueror;' some old writers sa}^ were allied to him, but however that may be, they carried his banners on the bloody field of Hastings, and were rewarded for tlieir valor by ])rincely gifts of land and honors. Tlie}^ seem to have ])een ever an eminently loyal race, always fighting for or with theii' king. A great grandson of the Cokayne knighted at the 'taking' of Edinburg Avas Sir Ashton Cokayne. * "" * * But in 1 780, or thereal )oiit, the male line of tliis old family became extinct, two sisters onl_y being heirs to the traditions of the (/okaynes of Derl)yshire.'"' These sisters became in course of time, Mrs. Earp and Mrs. Hall. Thus the old name was extinct, or preserved only as a prefix among their descendants, and it is curious to observe that few of tliem iiave failed to ])ay this sly tribute to pride of blood, even in the midst of a republicanism thaf professes to sneer at such distinctions. The marriage l)etween Thomas Hall and Sarah Cokayne, occurred ])robal)l\^ in 1707. Tn 1837 tliis aged cou])le set sail for Amei'ica-, in com]>any with the family of Dr. Thomas Hall, and their eldest daughter, Mrs. Harvey ; but the weary sea vo^^age of over six weeks' duration was too much for the already failing health of Mrs. Hall, who sunk from exhaustion induced by excessive sea sickness, a few days before the vessel reached the ha,rbor of JSTew York. The recollections of that sad funeral can never fade from the memories of those who witnessed it, even in their early childhood, or the aged husband's last tribute to the virtues of his wife, wrung from his breaking heart as she was carried past him on the ship-deck, all shrouded in sail-cloth and weighted, preparatory to her burial beneath the sea. These were his words: ' Earew^ell, thou best of women.' The solemn rites of the English church were performed over one who had always loved them well. The body was then reverently lowered to the surface of the waves which silently closed over it and told no tales of sorrow. The remainder of this group of emigrants with smitten hearts pursued their journey toward a land of strangers. Passing up the lovely Hudson, its hanks clothed in all the freshness of early summer, they came to Albany, thence to Buffalo by the Erie canal, then b}" steam to Cleveland, from Cleveland to Portsmouth by Ohio canal, again to Cairo and St. Louis by so-called steamboats, but which were hardly more than a caricature of the boats that have since plied our western waters. Our

*John Savage makes the only iiiodcni reference 1o the C'okayne family. On ])age 51, he says : " At length, in 1794, the arrest and trial of Rev. William .Jackson (a Protestant clergyman) drew the suspicions of the English government upon Tone. .Jackson, on the r, presentations of an old Irishman named Madget, engaged in the department of foreign affairs at I^aris, was sent l)y Ihe French government lo sound Ihe peojile of Ireland respecting their inclinalion for French aid. He was afcompanied from England by one Cokayne, an English attorney, to whom he indiscreetly opened his mind, beingseduced i)y the lawyer's apparent truth. "With Wolfe Tone, as the chief mind of the revolutionary parties, .lackson had many conferences ; but Tone, disgtisted with the rash confidence placed in Cokayne. never spoke in the presence of that person. ' This business,'said he to Jackson, 'is one thing for us Irishmen, but the Englishman who eng.ages in it must be a traitor or a connnon informer.' As Tone foresaw, the Englislinian was as bethought he was. Jackson was arrested on his information, and by his death proved his trutii to that cause which he so foolishly jeopardized." - Ed.

travelers left St. Louis on the ' Swift Sure (?)' on Friday morning, and did not reach Peoria until Tuesday night. They passed Alton on Sunday morning as people were going to church, and on Monday morning were still just above the city tied to a tree I as through sonie defect m her engine the Swift Sure could not stem the current and there was danger of her being drifted back during the night. So much for the pleasures of traveling in 1887. But Peoria was linalh^ reached on the niglit of July 4, and the emigrants learned sometliing, new to them, of the confusion and disorder following a celebration of Independence day. Several days passed ere teams could be secured and drivers sober enough to manage them, to convey the two families and their effects to Wyoming, their ultimate goal being Osceola Grove. Peoria Avas then but a hamlet on the lake. A half-built hotel on the corner of Main and Water streets, kept by Garrett, afforded shelter to strangers. On the evening of July the 8tli, the two famibes, and Thomas Hall, sr., arrived at the house of General Thomas, at Wyoming, and had seen but one log hut since leaving Peoria. Early on the morning of the 9th, the doctor hired a horse of General Thomas, and made his way to 'Vandyke's ford,' there received fresh directions by means of which he found his brother William's cabin in due time. Soon an ox team and big wagon were on their way to Wyoming, and after sundrv experiences, novel as trying to the occu])ants of tlie big wagon, home was at last reached, and brothers and sisters, parted weary months before in England, were now re-united in Illinois. But the congratulations of what would otherwise have been such a happ}^ meeting, were drowned in tears at mention of their honored mother whom they could no longer- even hope to see again on earth.

" We must now go back in the order of time some eighteen months, or to February, 1830, when the first installment of this family sailed for the new world, and, as might be expected, met even greater obstacles and privations in the course of their journey than were encountered by the second group, to which we have briefly alluded, as at this period of histor\' every subsequent year rendered emigration easier and pleasanter; some one has said 'a winter passage of the Atlantic is but a short cut to a water\^ grave,' and too often it proves so, even in these days of improved navigation. Let those who can, imagine its horrors in lSo6, before the invention of ocean steamers, and when the financial ruin that had overtaken tjiis famih' compelled them to content themselves with cheap accommodations on a sailing vessel. Head winds and rough seas made their voyage unusuallv tedious, and when in mid ocean, thev encountered icel)ergs chat threatened certain destruction. But after over seven weeks buffeting with the waves, they anchored in the harl)or of New York. Mrs. William Hall had an uncle in Pennsylvania who made a quiet resting })lace for them, but after recruiting for a little while, they resumed their journey westward, crossing the mountains by a ' horse railway,' .a means of transit that had new terrors for the women, at least. At Pittsburg they took a l)oat down the Ohio. They had reason to fear they had been exposed to small-pox, and soon discovered that two of their part}^ (Eobert and Mary) had fallen victims to this terrible nial- adv. This was a sad trial to these strangers in a strano-e land ; they feared to have their condition known lest the}^ should be summarily set ashore and abandoned to their fate. So they nursed their sick as quietly as possible, asking- aid from no one, until the boat ex])loded one*^ of her cylinders, scalding two engineers to death, and filling every nook and corner with hot steam ; then the sick Avere snatched from their berths and hurried on deck, not knowing what sliape death would meet them. But so great was the excitement on board, tiiat altliough the faces of the sufferers were then a mass of eruption, no one seemed to notice them, and they crept back to their beds without experiencing any serious results from their fright and exposure. By the time they reached St. Louis they Avere able to pass muster without attracting attention, and arrived in Peoria early in the month of June, 1836, all in passable health. On the boats they had made the acquaintance of Archibald and Charlie Vandyke and Brady Fowler. These men were all in search of homes in the west ; so a common interest made them friends. When the Halls left England they all looked toward Jacksonville as a place of residence, but for some reason changed their minds. While at Peoria they met with those who recommended the Osceola region highly. Major Moore, Watts and Spencer had just completed the original survey. Messrs. Buswell and Winslow had been to the grove, made claims, built cabins, and then returned for a time to Peoria. Under directions from Moore, the Hall and Vandyke brothers started early in June to walk across the pathless prairies that then stretched from Mount Hawley to Wyoming. After resting at Wyoming for a short time, as did nearly all who journeyed this way m those days, and being refreshed by a good meal, they proceeded toward the grove. Here they found several families encamped, some sheltering in cabins half built. Among these were Mr. William Parks ; he had moved from Virginia with his teams, had a. huge boat-shaped wagon, drawn by four stout horses, one of which he rode, postillion fashion, when on the road. He also owned a 'cany-all' that cut quite a figure in the social life of that neighborhood for man}^ years. The Hall brothers hired this man, his big wagon and team to return with them to Peoria after the women and goods, the latter only amounting to fourteen large boxes.

" Since the men had left Peoria a drove of cattle had passed through, and Anne and Mary each bought a cow. So now they loaded up - women and goods in the wagon, Mr. Parks on his horse, and the men on foot to drive the stock. They provided themselves with bread and cheese for refreshment at noon, fully exj^ecting to enjoy supper and bed at the house of General Thonias,'^ at Wyoming. The wagon was covered, and so fully loaded that the women had to sit in a constrained and uncomfortable position, and would often have preferred to have walked for a time, l)ut as the grass was nearly to their waists and they had an English horror of snakes, this was a poor relief. The day wore slowly away ; they were all very weary, the horses often floundering in treacherous sloughs, the wagon rocking like a ship at sea, while the driver hallooed to his team in a manner that startled, almost frightened those unaccustomed to such sights and sounds, but still no Wyoming dawned upon their anxious e^^es. At length night came on, the team was exhausted, the driver confessed himself lost, and there was no alternative but to wait the dawning of another day upon the open prairie. The horses ate eagerly of the grass around them, tlie women crept faint and hungry under the shelter of the wagon cover, and the men threw themselves upon the ground beneath. Thev were all too excited to sleep much ; the women's minds were busy thinking of the homes and friends they had left, contrasting the comfort of that life with the hardships of this, for although tlie}" had braced their minds to meet bravely whatever befell, yet this was a ])erformance not thought of when the programme was made out. When Mrs. William Hall had in her English home revealed to lier mother her plan, to be married shortly, and two weeks thereafter to set out for America, the good woman exclaimed : ' Oh, Anne, 3^ou are going to suck down sorrow by the spoonful.' That night on the prairie, and many a night afterwards her daughter remembered those words, and ])erchance thought them prophetic. When they suspended their journe}" the lightning was playing about the horizon, and by midnight a storm broke upon them such as thev had never conceived of, and such as is rareh^ witnessed here, of late 3^ears. But morning came at last, the ram had ceased, and thev started again for Wvoming, or an}" other ]ioint where food and shelter could be obtained, and about ten o'clock a. m.. the cabin of General Thomas was reached. Eefreshed by a good breakfast and a brief rest, the emigrants again started forward, only to renew the experiences of the previous day with new complications. They first made for Mr. James Holgate's place, and there got directions for Seeley's Point, pretty well to the east of the grove. By this route they lioped to reach the unoccu])ied cabin of Mr. Buswell. of which they were to take possession until they could build one. But Spoon river must be crossed by a deep and dangerous ford, where the chances were ver^^ good that the whole load would ca|>size down the steep bank into the water, and by the time this difficulty was disposed of. the shades of evening were again closing around them.

"William Hall, who it will be remembered had been over this route but lately, to make his claim, now proposed to leave the partv and make his way on foot directlv to the cabin, kindle a fire to guide the rest, and have some food m readiness when they arrived. He was spurred on to this course, more especially as his young wife was already ailing under the combined strain of fatigue and excitement, and he feared if rest and refreshment could not soon be procured she would be seriously ill. He succeeded in carrying out his part of the contract without much ditficulty, and by nightfall a bright fire was blazing on the rude hearth of the cal)in. But no wagon put in an appearance, and the solitary watcher looked and listened in vain for anv sifjlit or sound of the wanderers. In fact thev were far to the northeast of the grove, near where 'the town of Osceola was afterwards laid out - the team floundered hopelesslv among the big sloughs, and the driver again pretty well confused as to the points of the compass. For miles the women had been driving the cows ; Robert aiding the driver and keeping a sharp lookont for signals from William, or for game that would add to the repast if they reached the cabin fire. Mrs. Hall had been slowly growing worse, and finally crawled back into the crowded wagon in blank despair. Robert had been discharging his gun and blowing his bngle, in the vain hope of makingsomebody hear; but the dnll and distant echoes were their only response. At last MarN^'s quiet courage began to give \vay, and she turned to the bewildered Mr. Parks, and said : ' For goodness' sake, take us somewhere ; another night out now will kill Anne.' ' If there is nowhere to go to, how can I take you?' curiously enough inquired the poor man. Soon after things had reached this crisis, somebody noted a glimmer near the western horizon ; at first they feared it was but a star, but as they gradually drew nearer, concluded, not that it was 'a light in the window for thee,' for well they knew the home they sought had no windows, but a light issuing from the open door of a cabin. Robert again blew a blast upon his bugle horn, which was answered by a shot from the cabin. So they made their way through the dense wood, over hills and through hollows, over fallen logs and swampy sloughs, and finally, about eleven o'clock p. m., drew up at the cabin door. A bed was soon made for the sick w^oman, and they carried her in, gave her tea and wine, composed themselves to rest with thankful hearts after their long and perilous journey of nearly five months' duration. And this was the strange coming home, the first ' housewarming 'of the Halls in Illmois, and occurred on Friday, June 26, 1836. Mr. Parks went a mile or more to reach his own home. Mrs. Hall slept but little if any that night, and as she was restless and anxious to see what the surroundings were, as soon as day dawned she arose, partially dressed, and (piietly slipped out. As may be imagined, all that met her eye was a wild unbroken solitude, nothing save the rude hut that bore the impress of human hands, or that showed a human foot had ever approached the s]iot. The grass and weeds were tall as herself, and a heavy dew hung on them, glittering in the dawning light like frost-work. Whether overcome by conflicting emotions or by increasing weakness, she knows not, but she swooned and fell. When the men arose they were distressed to find her lying in an unconscious state beside the cabin wall. Again they carried her to her resting place in the corner, administered the best restoratives their circumstances permitted, and hung over her with anxious hearts. She soon rallied and l)egged them not to be alarmed ; she said, ' It was onl\^ weakness induced by fatigue.' It was Saturday now, and knowing that the Sturms at Seeley's Point had horses to sell, Robert went to buy a team, which he did, getting Dick and Queen, two horses deservedly famous in the annals of the family for twenty years thereafter. But Mrs. Hall grew worse instead of better, and during the second (Saturday) night, was quite delirious, raving so piteously of past scenes that the courage of all faltered, and on Sunday morning her husband was about starting back to Peoria, only fifty miles away, for a physician. Just then Mr. Parks rode up to inquire after the welfare of the new-comers, especially after the one he had left so sick. They told him their fears; he said what he could to allay them, and advised them not to go to Peoria yet. ' He would fetch Nauc\' (his wife) who had a good deal of experience among sick folks.' And soon the good woman came, and then and there began a series of ministrations to the sick and suffering for which she has long been held in gi'ateful remembrance. Her knowledge of simple remedies, her words of encouragement and kind attentions in times of affliction were a real boon to the infant settlement. This kind old lady yet hves, having entered her ninety-third year, and an honored old age is hers. ' Her children have risen up to call her blessed,' and though her flesh is subject to many infirmities, yet is her spirit tranquil, and her faith looks stedfastly towards that brighter country, 'where the inhabitants never say, I am sick.' But to resume our story. Mrs. Hall soon recovered under good and careful nursing, and preparations for building themselves a house went rapidly forward. First, of course, trees must be felled for the logs, and this was awkward work for the Halls, as probably neither of them had ever swung an axe before, at least not such an axe as is used by the American backwoodsman to such advantage. But they worked with a will and whacked away at the trees all round, until by the time they were ready to fall they were literally whittled off to a point. This style of work could be seen as long as the first cabin stood and was the butt of numberless jokes among the neighbors touching the capabilities of Enghshmen as woodchoppers I But the logs answered a good purpose, nevertheless ; a story-and-half house was raised, a sawpit was dug in which a large two handled saw could be worked, and thus they made their own boards; the tools were unpacked and as William had some practical knowledge of their use, they soon had floors and battened doors, and windows with glass in them, which advantao^es were almost enoug'h to make them ' take airs' over their neighbors, in those times. This house became a sort of headquarters for all incoming detachments, and if its half floored loft was sometimes so crowded with beds and their occupants, that some luckless wight occasionally made a sudden descent to the next floor, he was pretty sure to And a bed ready to catch him there, so no serious results followed, only some slight re-adjustment to secure safety the balance of the night. Here the weary ' itinerant ' always found a home, and the pious of every name a welcome. Within its walls w^ere assembled some of the first cong-reo-ations that ever met for religious worship in the settlement. Often and again, have roof and rafters rang with the grand old hymns learned across the sea. ' Denmark' and 'Coronation,' 'Old Hundred' and 'Silver Street,' were 'the familiar paths their souls oft trod towards God.' The clear, full treble of the sisters chorded well with the deep bass of AVilliam's voice and the tones of his great viol, making harmony tliat would have befitted better surroundings. In recalling this group, Mr. Cummings, the first missionary but lately said, ' They were right loyal Methodists of the true Wesleyan type.' And it was William Hall wlio led the first class, formed at Wall's by this missionary (to which reference is made in another place) seven miles from his home, with an unbridged river intervening, and never missed an appointment in ten years!

But the cabin long since gave place to a more modern and commodious structure, and the once familiar name of William Hall lives there no more save in memory, or on sculptured marble. A son who bore it, o-ave his life for his country in 18H2, expiring in a Memphis hospital, i * * * * Edgardiedat Whites Station near Memphis in 1803."

Mrs. Ann Hall (deceased), who settled at Osceola Grove, June 2(>, 1830, died there October 2-1, 1880, aged eighty-two years. As noted in other ])ages, she came with her liusband from England, and for fifty years resided on the same spot, where over fifty years ago she saw their first humble home in America raised. Her husband, one son and two daughters preceded her to the grave. Four sons and eleven grandchildren now re})resent this branch of the pioneer Halls of Osceola Grove. She was one of the first persons in this district to join a Methodist class, and for a number of years her deceased husband was class leader. Even u]) to the period of her death she was looked u^xm as the only one who could speak authentically on the early history of that church in her neighborhood.

Tiohert Ilcdl, son of Thomas and Sarah (Cokayne) Hall, came to the United States in 1830, and settled on the northeast quarter, section two. Elmira, on which he has since resided. He at once engaged in cultivating this claim, and as soon as the land came into market he purchased lOU acres. He was married January 9, 1840, to Miss Harriet Marsh, to whom nine children were born, six of whom are living, namely : Jane, James (married, living in Iowa), Esther (married, living in' Iowa), Matilda, Charles (married, living on the old homestead), and Ellen (married, living in Osceola township). Mrs. Robert Hall was the daughter of Daniel C. and Esther (Pettibone) Marsh, the former being a native of Connecticut, who moved to Pennsylvania while in his youth, and the latter, Esther, was a native of Pennsylvania. Her grandfather, Oliver Pettibone, at the time of the Wyoming massacre was eighteen vears old, and his father at that time removed to Massachusetts, and remained there until Oliver Pettibone married Martha Payne. After this marriage he returned to Wyoming, Pa,, his father returning with him. The Pettibones are, as far as knoAvn, in Pennsylvania yet. Daniel Marsh, father of Mrs. Hall, remained in that state until his death in 1805. Her mother, Esther Marsh, came to Illinois in 1834, to see a daughter, Mrs. Judge Holgate, and she was taken sick and died w^iile there, and is buried on the Holgate farm. Robert Hall has always been engaged in farming and stock-growing. He has added considerable land to his original ])urchase, but has given it to his children, retaining only the old homestead of 100 acres, on which he now resides. He is a repul)lican in politics, but has always been opposed to office, yet the people have elected him to several township positions. He is not a member of any church, but gives with a liberal hand to all denominations that are in need.

James Monroe Jackson., son of Cyrus and Zaravia (Winters) Jackson, w^as born June 4, 1825, in Luzerne county. Pa. His father and mother were born in Connecticut. It appears both families moved to Pennsylvania, where Cyrus Jackson married. In 1831 the family moved to ISTew York state, and in 1837 to what is now Penn township of Stark county. Their chikh'en are named as follows : Melinda, married, a resident of Henry connty ; James M., a resident of this township ; Sylvia, who died in 1845; Sylvester, married, a citizen of Iowa; Andrew, married, also in Iowa, and Clarissa, married, a resident of this countv. The father resided in Penn township until his death in March, 1844, and the mother died in later years as related in pioneer history. James M. came with his parents to this State and shared their pioneer labors until after his father s death. On August 11, 1844. he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Dall) Sturms, also pioneers of this county. They are the parents of ten children, namely : Henry, of this township, married ; Cyrus, of Pingold county, Iowa, single ; John, of the same county, married ; Brad}^ F. and Waltei', of the same county, married ; Rebecca, married in Toulon township ; Washington, of Hayes countv, Xeb., married; Tilly, married, a resident of Toulon township; Ella, married, residing in this township and Ernest, single, residing with parents. Mr. Jackson at one time was a member of the United Brethren Cliurch, Imt of late vears has attended the American Presbyterian Church. For over 1.5 years he has served as school director and in political life is a Douglas Democrat. His agricultural and stock-growing interests claim his sole attention.

Col. WdJlam Jacl's(m, born in Rosshire, Scotland, May 11, 1834, is the son of Thomas and Isabella (^Hyslop) Jackson, the former born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1800, was the son of Adam and Ellen Jackson, descended from a family (in Scotland) of sheplierds. Adam Jackson was in his day a famous hunter, earning the title of "King of the Hunters."" Adam and Ellen had a familj' of seven children, Thomas being the third son. He married Miss Isabella Ilyslop in 1827 in Roxburghshire, and removed to the Highlands of Scotland in 1833, still following the vocation of shepherd. They had. when they emigrated to the Highlands, two children, namely, Eliza Ijeth and Adam. Isabella, the wife of Thomas Jackson, was the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Balentine) Hyslo]), both natives of Scotland, Adam Ilyslop being a laborer, and the Balentines, like the Jacksons, ])eing shepherds. Thomas Jackson remained in the Highlands for eighteen j'ears, where six more children were born to them, namely, William, now colonel of the Fourth Illinois National Guards; John. James, Walter, David and Ellen. Thomas emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in Elmira township, where he purchased 107 acres from Thomas Turnbull on northwest quarter-section 27. There he engaged in farming, and remained on his first purchase until his death, which occurred August C, 1855. His wife still survives hira, living at the advanced ao-e of eio-htv-three in Elmira with her son William.

William Jackson remained with his father during his boyhood as a sheep-herder, receiving a part of his education in Scotland. He came with his jmrents to America in 1850, and engaged in farming up to the beginning of the rebellion of 1861. On the 12th of June, 18(31, he enlisted in what was known as the Elmira Rifles, commanded by Capt. Charles Stuart, and went into Camp Douglas, Chicago, June ] 2th, where the command was mustered into the service by Capt. Pitcher on the lYth of June of the same year, and assigned to the Nineteenth lUinois Vokmteer Infantry as Company B. lie enhsted as first sergeant ; promoted to orderly sergeant ; })romoted to second lieutenant October 13, 1801; promoted to first lieutenant July 15, 1862; served his term of enlistment, and was mustered out at the expiration of service on the 9th of July, 1864, at Chicago. Returning to this county, he engaged in farming and stock-growing, purchasing a farm in Elmira township. He was married to Miss Louisa A. Stone, February 3, 1869, daughter of Liberty and Julia (Winslow) Stone, both of whom are noticed in the history of Osceola. Thev are the ])arents of seven children, named as follows : Eollo S., Walter T., William H., Nellie M., Julia W., Chester R., and James E. Colonel Jackson has been for years connected with the militia of the state. On July 7, 1874, he organized a militia company known as the Elmira Zouaves, and was elected ca])- tain. When this command was attached to the Fourth regiment, Illinois National Guards, second brigade, he Avas elected major; he was jn'omoted to lieutenant-colonel; commissioned colonel of the Fourth Illinois National Guards, April 7, 1880, as related in the military chapter. This regiment was in active service during the strike of 1877 at East St. Louis for ten days, and assisted in restoring order in that town. While they were in service, they also assisted in restoring order on the several lines running out of East St. Louis through Iowa, and along the Chicago, I>urlington and Quincy lines at Galesburg and other })oincs. The colonel is a member of the Masonic loilge, joining the order in 1877; also being a Royal Arch Mason; he is also a charter member of James Jackson Post No. 37, Grand Army of the Republic, and juuior vice-commander of the department of Illinois. He has been commander of his home post for eight years. He is not a member of any church, but lends his support to the Presbyterian society. In politics he is a staunch re])ublican, and boasts of the fact that he lias never scratched a ticket. He has held the supervisor's office for one term, and has been commissioner of highwavs for nine vears. In school matters he has alwavs been interested, and has assisted largely in bringing the school system of his township q\) to its present hio-li standard, being director for a number of vears. His home near Elmira is one of those referred to at the beginning of the cha])ter.

David Jacl'sori, born in Rosshire, Scotland, March 15, 1844, is the son of Thomas and Isabella Jackson, old settlers of this county, whose history is given in this chapter. For eighteen years he shared their pioneer labors, and in September, 1862, enlisted in Company B, Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, completing his term of service in 1865. In 1866, with his brother William, he purchased two hundred and thirty acres on Section 28, and has since devoted his attention to agriculture. He married Miss Elizabetli J., daugliter of Robert and Mary Ann (Macgraell) Rainey. Her parents came to America in their youth from Ireland, settled at Philadelphia, and there were married in 1851. After his marriage, and up to the period of his death, he was engaged in weaving ingrain carpets. His widow remarried, and now resides at Modena, while the survivor of his two children is the happy wife of Captain Jackson. A reference to the history of the United Presbyte- rian churcli, to the G. Army Post, Odd Fellows, history of schools, political and military chapters, and other sections of this work will point out minutely the place which this family has held here. For eight years he was a member and Lieutenjint of the Elniira Zouaves, and when that company was mustered into the Fourth Illinois National Guards elected Captain, July 25, 1877, and again promoted to Major of the Fourth Illinois National Guards, April 7, 1880. During the unfortunate "strike"' of 1877 he was on active service with his command. His farm adjoins that of his brother William, and the two homes are connected by private road. In addition to his large acreage of rich Elmira land, he holds eighty acres of timber land, is interested in stock-growing, and from a })eriod i)rior to coming of age, has held an important place in the esteem of his acquaintances and the history of the township.

Jo/t7i Jackson^ born in Rosshire, Scotland, August 15, 1836, is the son of Thomas and Isabella (Ilysiop) Jackson. He passed his younger years as a shepherd in Scotland, received a common school education there, and emigrated to America with his father in 1850, and settled in this township. He Avas married September 10, 1860, to Miss Eliza Ann Montooth, daughter of Samuel and Jennie Montooth, both natives of Ireland. His wife lived but four years after their marriage, her death taking place in October, 1864. He married July 3, 1879, Miss Abby Stuart, daughter of Seth and Sally (Harvey) Stuart, both natives of Vermont, noticed in the history of Osceola townslii}). His lirst purchase of land was in Osceola township, in 1863, being 160 acres. This he sold in 1864, and in 1868 he purchased 160 acres in Elmii'a, his present place of residence. To his second marriage four cliikh'en Avere born, namely : Myrtle J., Isabella F., Ida S., and Charles M., all residing at home. In politics he is a Eepublican, but takes no active part in campaigns. Like his brothers, he takes a deep interest in school matters, having been director for years, and at present clerk of the board of directors. He ^vas a member of the Union League while that was in existence. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are members of the American Presbyterian church, of Elmira and are considered among the hrst su])]:)orters of everything bearing on tlie social and agricultural progress of this division of the count}^

Adam Jaclxwn, son of Thomas and Isabella (Ilyslop) Jackson, and grandson of Adam and Ellen Jackson, was born in Poxburghshire, Scotland, August 9, 1831, of which county his people were natives. One of his uncles served under AVellington at Waterloo. His father was married in 1827. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Bett3\ married here ; A(ham, above named, William and John, married, citizens of this township ; James, killed during the Pebellion ; Walter, deceased ; David residing here, and Ellen, married in Toulon Township. Thonuis Jackson came to America with his family in 1850, purchased 106 acres of land here, and was engaged in farming and stockgrowing until his death, August 6, 1855. His wife still lives here with one of her sons, at an advanced age. Adam Jackson's boyhood was passed as a Scottish shepherd. On coming here he assisted his father in making the family home. On March 20, 1862, he married

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Miss Agnes, (laughter of Thomas and Janet (Scott) Murray, natives of Scotland, wlio immigrated hither. The same year he purchased 160 acres of land, erected a house thereon, and here has resided down to the ])resent time. Of their fifteen children, ten are living, the eklest, Janet, being married and a resident of this townshp. Mr. Jackson, in business matters, has devoted his attention solely to farming. He has never been a member of a secret society, but for twentyfour years has been a consistent member of the United Presljyterian church. He has served as director of his school district for several years. In pohtical affairs he votes with the Republican party.

Jolm Z<:y/.w^?., better known as Deacon John Leason, finds mention in sevei'al i)ages of this work. In the marriage record many members of his family find a notice. On June 27, 1861, the venerable Deacon was taken from his home at dead of night by a number of men who entered his house. An alarm was given and the people turning out, promptl}' hunted the assaulting parties to their den. Horror stricken, one confessed, and as a result, Cliarles Wilson, Enos Mix, George Bodle, liobert Alexander, Miles Aver^- and George Whitehead were arrested. Tliey were tried before Justices Buswell and AVinslow and a jury of twelve men, and finetl $25, which the juiy considered then equal to $100 in ordinary times.

Carlos B. Lyle, son of Thomas and Mary J. ^Craig) Lyle, was born in this township,- JSTovember 1, 1842. Thomas Lyle came to the United States with his father, when seven years of age, and with liim resided in Vermont. Carlos B. was with him dui'ing all his earlier 3^ears until sent to Abingdon to attend Iledding college. Even after spending two terms there he enlisted as soon as he got home in 1864, in Company H, One-hundred-and-thirty -fourth Illinois Infantry, with which command he served until mustered out, as shown in the military chapter. On March 21, 1865, he married Miss Mary S., daughter of Levi and Tirza (Powell) Ingles, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. To this union seven children were born, namely : Noble A., Charles M., Daisy E., Nellie E., Thomas E., Emma M., and one wdio is numbered among the dead. Ills farm on section 17 is a model one. Subjected to systematic cultivation since the war by him, it shows the effect of his care. Here, too, he is engaged in stock-growing. In religious matters Mr. Lyle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mrs. Lvle, of the American Presbyterian church. In politics he is a characteristic Ke})ubliciin, was a member of the Union League in war times, and is today senior vice-commander of James Jackson Post, No. 37, G. A. 11. A reference to the pioneer chapter of the general history and to the sketch of Elmira townshi]) will point out more detinitely the part taken by the family, of which Mr. Lyle is a member, in the settlement and progress of this county.

all the labors of his pioneer father until 1876. On March 23 of that year he married Miss Ida M., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Lyle) Perkins. In this year also he engaged in agricultural work for himself, and continued solely on the farm until 1880, when he purchased Fell ct Starrett's meat market at Toulon, which he carried on tliere for two years, meantime attending to his farm. On disposing of this market, he engaged in buying and shipping stock, and this business he now carries on in connection with the farm of 352 acres. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyle four children were born : Mabel, in 1877, died September 7, 1880; Gertrude, born December 28, 1878; Horace B., July 1, 1881, and James Bartlette, June 29, 1883. Mr. Lyle has always been a Re- ])ublican. In religious matters he supports every church needing or asking help; in business he is energetic and enterprising, and in social and township affairs, like his parents, always prominent and reliable.

Geo7'ge S. 3£aynard, son of Epliraim and Betsy (Hubbard) Maynard, was ])orn in Franklin county, Yt., April 7, 1827. Ephraim was the son of an English emigrant, who settled at Oakham, Mass., who on account of lameness did not serve in the Revolution. In 1801 this Ephraim removed to Vermont (two 3'ears after his marriage with Miss Hubbard in Massachusetts), and was a farmer there until his death, in August, 1856. Of his fifteen children, three are living: Mrs. Yashti Field, of Fairfax, Vt. ; Charles T., of Bakersfield, A't., and George S., named above. George S., on coming of age, entered a boot and shoe factory at Westboro, remained there six years, and then moved to Osceola township in 1853 or 1854. In the fall of 1856 he settled in Minnesota, and farmed there until the s})ring of 1868, when he settled in Elmira, where he purchased eighty acres, on section 26. In August, 1856, he married Miss Esther A. Dugan, a native of Massachusetts, of Avhicli State her })arents were also natives. Their children are: Helen M., now Mrs. F. J. Fuller, of Wyoming; Clara, also nmrried, residing at home, and Charles E., of this township. On February 26, 1868, Mr. Maynard married Miss Rose, daughter of James and Jane (Woods) Hamilton, natives of Yermont, and granddaughter of Petiah and Hannah (Hallanan) Hamilton, of Maine and Massachusetts, respectively, and of Ebenezer Woods, a soldier of the Revolution and subsequently of the secret police or revenue force. To this union three children were born, of whom Pearl H. and Cora A, are living. He has been a Republican since 1856; he leans toward Methodism, but is not a member of an 3^ church: for over twelve years he has served on the district school board, and for years has been connected with Bradford Lodge, 579, I. O. O. F. Mrs. Maynard is a member of the Gaelic church of Elmira. In business affairs his excellent farm and stock farm have claimed all his attention since his second settlement in this county. Outside business, an3'thing which seems to affect the county, claims his close study, and on its merits his su])port or opposition.

aid, and grandson of Finlay and Mary (Frazer) McDonald, descendants of the few brave men of that clan who escaped English treacliery at the massacre of Glencoe. John was married in 1808, and to this union eight children were born, four of wliom are living, Finlay, in Marshall county, Kan., Donald, of Ehnira, John of Union county, Ore., and Anna' Belle, Marshall county, Kan. The father died in 1857 just on the eve (^f his departure for America. Four weeks later liis widow left Scotland forever, and died in Kansas in 186(5. Donald in early years was a fisherman and at one time a postman (letter carrier). He well remembers when the })ostage on a letter from Carolina to Rosshire was $1.25, and from Nova Scotia, 62^ cents ; from (Tasgaw, 2(5 cents, and from Inverness to Sheldag, 60 miles, 16 cents. In 1810 he api)renticed himself to a gardener, subsequently worked in Tester gardens, next at Edinburg, and also in sevei'al gardens and nurseries in England. In 1819 he married Miss Ann, daughter of Finlay and Catlierine (McLean) Murchison, relatives of Sir Koderick JMurchison, secretary of the foreign missionary society of London, England, who died there some time ago. In 1850 a short time before Mr. Mc- Donald went on the Glasgow police force, one child was born, to them, William, who died December 31, 1851, here as the family left Glasgow for Canada in Jul}^ 1851, arrived at Quebec in August, and ultimatel}^ settled in Elmira. On the voyage Charley E., who died March 28, 1860, was born July 26, 1851.' On arriving here he husked corn at fifty cents per day, Avorked a second montli for $10, then started out in search of work, found employment on a railroad at Utica on the R. I. li., at one dollar per day, but not relishing this work mov^ed to Peoria, where he secured a position in a nursery. There he lal)ored over two years, when he purchased a tax title to a quarter section on 1V> Elmira, settled there in 1855, and has since been engaged in agriculture and stock-growing. He has raised and educate(l two nepiiews, a)id now has two adopted children, Charley and Tilly. i\fr. McDonald and wife are members of Knox church; he is a scliot)! director. Republican in politics, and, as a citizen, is all that one with such experiences should be, useful and intelligent.

Harriet J. {Woods) McKenzie was born in Indiana April 24, 1845, and came to her sister's, Mrs. Mauck, in Elmira, about the year 1864. On January 17, 1865, she was united in marriage to John C. McKenzie, died January 6, 1887, in her forty-second j^ear.

WilUain MoJfitU son of David and Elizabeth (Nicholl) Moffltt, natives of Antrim county, Ii-eland, was born in that county and died here in April, 1879, aged' fifty-five years. William Moffitt received a liljeral education in his native country, and coming to the United States in 1845, worked at the weaver's trade in Philadelphia until 1854 when he moved west to Elmira, where his brother-in-law, William McBi'ide, had hitherto settled and carried on a blacksmith shop. Here he learned the trade, worked a few years for McBride, and estaljlished his own shop in tlie " Oliver settlement." In a short time after he established a carpet-weaving factory, bringing a loom fi'om Philadelphia. Both industries he carried on up to the time of his death. Before leaving Ireland he promised to marrj Ann Jane Leech, and from his first earninos in Phila(Iel])liia lie sent her money to come over. Like a true girl she res])()nde(l and on the day of her arrival in Philadelphia then' w(M'e married in 1S4S. The lady died in 18()(), and is hiiried in the Khnira cemetery, l^oth of them were rare lovers of liliM'aturc, the old gentleman being thoronghly conversant with all tiie leading wi-iters, and a supi)orter of fifty-two weekly newspapers. William Aloffitt's pariMits came to P]iiladel])hia in 1S4S with a young family. Sonu' time later they moved to Henry county. III., ])urchased a farm near AVeathersfield where the father died in 1854. The mother is still a resident of Kewanee, residing with her daughter, ]\[rs. Elizabeth, wife (tf John iMottitt. Of AVilliam ]\r()tt1tt's children, six are living, namely, John T., a minister of the ]\Iethotlist E])iscopai church in Colorado ; George AV., a resident of Stark county, referred to in local history: ^Margaret 1^., wife of Fred Fleming, of Toulon township; Eleanor I... wife of George Critzman. of Kewanee, and Anne J., wife of Jesse Fleming, a farmer of Elmira. The great-great-grandfather was James ]\Iotfitt, who was the father of five children, James, born in 1789, David, Jane, William and Jolm. William came to Philadelphia in 1881, James in 1S40, and David in 1845. Jane and her family settled in Australia early in the forties. David and his family moved from IMiiladelphia to Illinois; John Avent first to Scotland, but ultimately came to the United States, liobert IS^ichol, David Mofiitt's father-in-law, was a soldier in the British army, was in Jamaica fifty years ago. and it is su])posed that some of his children are still there. j\[any of the grandcliililren of those Motfitt's are today scattered throughout the country, but the greater number of their children have ci'ossed the unknown ocean.

-Saf/tue/ Jlontooth, born in Tyrone county, Ireland, in 1799, and his Avife. born there in ISIO, came to the United States in 1880 and to Elmira township in 1858. Lieutenant Hunter, who married their dauiihtei-, was killed at jNIurfreesboro.

liohcrt Moore, named in the history of Elmira township, Avho married Margaret Clark, moved from Lancaster county, Pa., to St. Genevieve county. Mo., in the spring of 1822, and operated a mill there until 18.")5. when, as one of the Peoria colony, he purchased some claims in what is now Elmira township, this county, and took a full share in its first improvement. His family consisted of four sons and six daughters, all deceased with the exception of Robert M. Moore, of Toulon. The latter carried on his Elmira farm for thirty years. In 1844 he married Miss Maria, dauiihter of Hewes White; in 1874 this lady died, and the same year the family moved to Toulon. Samuel, Orlando and Coiydon, her sons, are favorably known here. The two first-named are residents of Barton county, Mo., and the last of Toulon township. His second marriage was with Mrs. Lucina Petteys Van Dewater, a native of Oneida county, X. Y. This lady's two daughters are members of the Methotlist Episcopal church. Mrs. Moore died January 3, 1887, in her fifty-fourth year.

G ear (je Ml f?rai/, son of Thomas and Janet (Scott) Murray, whose history is given in this cha})ter, was born in Poxbnrghshire, Scotland, May 12, 1840. He came to the United States with his parents in 1853, and here completed a liberal education. On gi'owing- to manhood he purchased eighty acres and at once engaged in agriculture and stockraising. In 1867 he added eighty acres, sohl the 160 acres in 1874, and the same year purchased 240 acres on sec. 27 ; 80 acres on sec. 26, and eighty acres on sec. 24, to which he has since added 160 acres. With this well-improved farm of 560 acres he has one of the linest farm residences in the whole county, which was completed last year, lawn and grounds well laid out and planted with ornamental trees and shrubbery, one of the best equip[)e(l farm yards in tiie county - all the result of a quarter century's attention to his business and an intelligent a])preciation of the true position which a farmer should occupy. He was married in 1866 to Miss Lusetta, daughter of Smith and Sarah (Jordan) Woodward, natives of Peimsylvania. Of eight cJiildren born to them, seven are living, namel}' : - Orville, JMai'garet J., Nina J., Smith A., Lusetta, John T., and Evalina, all residing at home or attending school. In politics he is a Hepublican, but farther than inquiring closely into a candidate's principles he does not meddle much in them. School interests always claim his attention and he is now school ti'ustee. In religious matters he is not a church member but supports the United Presbyterian Society. He commenced his battle with the world " l)arehanded " and conquered it.

Will lam 3£(irra(/, son of Thomas and Janet (Scott) Murray, natives of Scotland, was born in Iloxbui-gh shire, May 22, 1835. Mr. Murray's father was born September 10, 1807 and his mother 1806. Both were descended from along line of farmers, and when coming to America, in 1853, with their six children, their intention was to adhere to this in(le})endent life. The father died here August 8, 1854, his wife survived to see her highest hopes for the family realized, and died here May 27, 1873. William Murray is the third son of this family. David and Gideon, his elder brothers, reside in Elmira and Toulon, respectively: Agnes and George also reside hei'e, while Thomas, the youngest, lives at Des Moines, Iowa. In February, 1863, William married Miss Isabelle, daughter of Robert A. and Hannah Faerbairn, Scottish farmers, who came to the United States in July, 1859. Mr, Murray purchased eighty acres in Elmira, which he sold in a- few years and settled on a farm of 16(» acres in Toulon township. After a residence of nine years there, he sold that farm and pui'chased 240 acres in Elmira, where he has uiade his home since and erected one of those comfortable farm residences common in this townshi]>. To Mr. and Mrs. Murray seven children were born, the oldest dying in infancy, six now living, namely: Hannah, Thomas S., James, Janet E., Agnes .1. and Eliza, all residing with parents. The family belong to the United Presbyterian Church, and like their father are liepublican in sentiment and practice. To follow Mr. Murray's connection with the social, official and industrial life of the township and county ra,ther belongs to history than to biography, and therefore, in the pages devoted to history, many references to him are made.

TJiomas NlaJiolas died at the house of James Cinnamon July, 1883, aged seventy-two years. He came from Pennsylvania in 1843, settling at Lacon, Ills.

Adam Oliver (deceased) was born December 14, 1S14, in Roxburghshire, Scotland. His parents, Thomas and Margaret (Fife) Oliver, were also natives of that country ; were married there in 1814; moved to the Highlands some years later, and in 1837 came with their ten children to the United States. The names of this large family are given as follows: Adam (deceased). Margaret (married), of this township ; Betsey (married) a resident of Henry county ; Andrew (married), of this township; Charlotte (deceased); Ann (unmarried), residmg here; William (married), residing in Ilenry county; Thomas (married), a resident of this township ; Henry ll. (married), also residing here, and Jolm (married), of Audubon county, Iowa. The head of this family in the United States pushed westward without dehw, settled at Osceola Grove, l)ut moved in 1840 to the west side of the township, where he resided until his death. May 8, 1885. There also his wife died. Adam passed his earlier years on the lowland farm, and later assisted his father in the duties of shepherd In the Highlands. His father instructed him in writing, reading and Hgures so well that when of ao-e lie eno-au-ed in teachino- school. (J)n coming here he took charge of much of his father's business and remained with him until 1846, when he married Miss Polly Ann Parks. This lady died at the birth of her only child who bear's the same name. In 1849 he married Miss Agnes Davidson, a grand niece of James Davidson, the ''Dandy Dinmonf' of Scott's "Guy Mannering." and daughter of George and Jessie (Robertson) Davidson (married in 1S24), who came from Roxburghshire. Scotland, to Marshall county. 111., with their five children in 1841. Ilei' father died there in October, 18(55. Adam and Mrs. Oliver were the parents of six children, of whom four are living - Margaret F., of this township (married) ; Jessie (married), residing at Harvard, Neb.; George T. (married), residing on tlie homestead, and Ella M., residing liere with her mother. It is said that he never had an enemy. In political life he was a Republican ; in religion, a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in all relations strictly upright. His death took place May 8, 1885. ( Vide History of Elmira.)

Andreio Oliver, son of Thomas and Margaret (Fife) Oliver, was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, March 20. 1820. He is a brother of the late Adam Oliver referred to above, and like him a pioneer of this county, coming here with the family in 1837 and sharing all their fortunes until 1849, when he married Miss Ellen, daughter of William and Mary Turn])ull. a native of Scotland, and like liimself a pioneer ofthis section. Of their six children Mary, the eldest, is the only survivor. In 1846 Andrew Oliver traveled to '^Dixon, 111., and then entered and purchased his first farm on section 31, Elmira township. To this original tract he has added 700 acres here, too-ether with owning 2,000 acres in Pawnee county, Xeb. In 1860 his first wife died, and in Xovember, 1861, lie married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of James Armstrong, a notice of whom appears in tiiis chapter. They are the parents of four children - Esther (married), residing at Toulon; Belle M., Agnes J., and an infant who is deceased. Mr. Oliver has filled the position of supervisor of the township for three terms, assessor for several terms, and almost all the minor offices. He is a stockholder in the first National Bank of Kewanee and in the Ilaxtun steam heater company. He has been ever identitied with religious matters, and is named among the founders of the American Presbyterian Church of Elmira. The several parts taken by members of this family in the settlement and progress of this county are told in detail in tliese ))ag\s.

Henry ILall Oliver^ born in Kosshire, Scotland, in January, 18;^j2, is the son of Thoma.s and Margaret (Fife) Oliver, whose family history is given above and wdiose settlement here is noted in the general as well as in the townshi}) histor}^ In 1837 he came to this county with them, but afterwai'ds resided with his brother-in-law, John Turnbull for fifteen years. During this time he studied in the district schools and labored on the farm. In 1851 he entered the Presbyterian College of Macomb, studied engineering, and for two years followed this profession in the employ of a railroad company. In 1856 he entei-ed the Monmouth College and took a scientilic course. Also filled the ])osition of tutor there, as he had previously done while attending the college at Macomb. Ilis health failing, ho was forced to forego the pleasures of college life, and the wide field of success in his profession, which appeared open to him, and so returnetl to Elmira and I'esumed farming or rather entered u))on the agriculturalist's life in earnest. In 1857 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Finley and Catherine (McLean) Mui'chison, whose history is given in that of Donald Mc- Donald's family. Of nine children born to this marriage, six are living, namely : David W., engaged in farming on the homestead ; Margaret E., a teacher in the Toulon Academy ; Katie E., attending the Northwestern University ; William 11. and Charlotte J., students of the Toulon Acadeiny, aiul Agnes B., residing at home. Mrs. Oliver is a member of the Highland or Canadian Presbyterian Church, and of this also her husband is a member and official. Since 1862 Mr. Oliver has been extensively engaged in buying and shi])ping stock as well as in stock-growing and farming. The home farm, which he inherited from his father, he has increased to four hundred acres, on whicli stands his fine residence. This farm is among the richest in this district of fertile lands, is fully improved and equipped in buildings, machinery and implements. In politics he is decidedly republican ; zealous, yet tolerant in religion, unostentatious and refined in manner. His home is a synonym for genuine hospitality. In official life, the testimony to his character is indeed substantial, as he has for twenty years been a school director ; supervisor of Elmira for several terms, and also surveyor of the county.

Thomas Oliver's residence was destroyed by fire on the moi'uing of Se))teml:)er 15, 1886. His father-in-law, W. H. Turnbull, was l)urned so badly that he died the afternoon of that day. Building, furniture, records, etc., were a total loss. The origin of the fire is a mystery. The flames were first discovered by Mi'. Oliver's daughter. Mr. Turnbull, who was about seventy-five years old, was slee])ing in an upstairs chamber, and succeeded in getting down stairs to tlie kitchen, where he became overpowered by "the heat, and was dragged (jut badly burned. This prominent old settler has resolved to re-enact the pioneer drama in the west.

Mattheio Biichancm Parks, ^o\\ of William and Agnes (Buchanan) Parks, was born in Washington county, Va., August 15, 1818. His father was born in Cumberland count3% Pa., March 7, 1777, where Jose]ili Parks (a native of Ireland and a tailor by trade), grandfatlier of Matthew, had settled prior to the Kevolution. Joseph's wife, Rebecca Clark, was a native of England who came to America with her peo]ile before the Revolution, and met aud married Mr. Parks in Cumberland county. Pa., and moved to Augusta county, Va. The founder of this famil}^ in the United States now lies in the cemetery near his Virginia home. In 1810 William Parks, a millwright, married Miss Agnes Buchanan. This lady was a daughter of Matthew Buchanan, who served in the Revolution under General Campbell at Kings Mountain, and with two companies sent against the Indians in Kentucky. His wife was Elizabeth Edmondson. To them seven children were born, namely: Granville C, a widower of Bureau county; Eliza, unmarried, residing here; Rebecca who died in 1855; Matthew B., of Elmira, Polly Ann died March 29, 1847; Joseph, unmarried, and Nancy H., unmarried, residing here. The family moved from Virginia "to Macon county. 111., in 1835 ; Imt after a very brief stay there, William located 160 acres of land in what is now Elmira township, erected the first house ever built in Elmira on this land, and resided therein until 1842, when he moved out of the timber "onto the ])raii'ie," and there, so soon as the lands were offered for sale, entered 280 acres. He was engaged in farming and stock-raising until his death. His wife was born in Washington county, Virginia, October 13, 1785, of which state her parents were natives, of the descendants from Scotch-Ii'ish Buchanans of Lancaster county. Pa. She died in 1877. Matthew B has always been a bachelor citizen, represented his townshi}) on the supervisors' board for a number of terms, and filled nearly all the townshi}) offices. He resides on the old Park Homestead^ with his sisters, Eliza and Nancy H., and his brother Joseph. The latter is a member of the Baptist church, while Matthew^ B. is not a member of any society, though a su])porter of the Presl)yterian Church. In the family circle all questi(ms affecting their interests are thoroughly discussed, and dissenting opinions so expressed as to leave no room whatsoever for discord.

Wifltaiii (t. Perl'ins, born in Orange county, Vermont, January 19, 1819, is the son of Lemuel and Lucretia (Gentleman) Perkins. Lemuel Perkins was a native of New Hampshire. He was the son of Timothy Perkins and Betsy Gentleman. Timothy Perkins, a native of England, was a, soldier in the revolutionary war, and after the Avar he engaged in farming in the state of New Hampshire, remaining there until his death. I'etsy Gentleman was a native of Connecticut, her parents coming from France. Lemuel Perkins enlisted for the war of 1S12 at the a^'e of fourteen, served seven vears in the arniv, antl after the war he engaged in the cooper trade. He was married m 1817 to Lucretia Gentleman, and had by her two children, the subject of our sketch being the oldest. Daniel died wJien two years old, in the town of Tapsham, Orange county. Vt. His wife died in 1823, and in 1833 he married Miss Hetty Pomeroy, a native of Vermont, by whom he had one child, Jane, who married and is living at Tapsham, Vt. He remained in Vermont the greater part of his life, and died there about the year 1838. The subject of our sketch passed his boyhood on a farm. When he was old enough to take part in heavy labor he helped to cut the timber and then assisted in building the second steamboat that ever ran on Lake Chainplain, called the BuH'mgton, commanded bv Capt. Sherman. He became a boatsman on the boat, followed the lake marine for a short time, and in October, 1840, he left Buffalo, N. Y., for Chicago, 111., l)eing nine days making the trip. After landing in Chicago he removed to Ottawa, of this state, and engaged in teaming and breaking prairie. He was married in November, 1846, to Miss Elizabeth Lyle, daughter of William and Atlanta (Darling) Lyle. After his marriage he was employed on the Chicago & LaSalle or Illinois canal, and worked at this until the canal was finished, being the man who drew the last stone, and also helped to place the last stone on this great public work. After he finished his canal job he engaged in farming, and remained so engaged until 1856, when he removed to Kansas, where he made a stay of a few months. For a short time afterwards he traveled around, first from one state to another, but in 1857 he settled in Elmira townsiiip, jun-chased 160 acres on section 8, and engaged in farming and stock-raising. Remaining on his first purchase until 1866, he ])urchased 160 acres on section 9, and removed to it, and has remained on this ])urchase up to the present, having added forty acres more to his last purchase in Elmira, and 330 acres in Osceola township. He has, since coming to Stark county, been engaged in farming and stock-growing. In politics he is democratic ; is not a member of any church, but supports all denominations alike. He has a famil}^ of ten children, namely: Hazen H., married and living at Kewanee; Charlotte, married, living at Chicago; Charles E., married, living in Penn township; Mary, married, living in Ebnira township; William L., unmarried, living in Osceola township; James, unmarried, living in Osceola township , Ida M., married, living in Elmira township ; Phoebe, married, living in Osceola township ; John, at home ; George, married, living at home. The sul)ject of our sketch in an early day was looked upon as being king of the hunters in this county, having, in company with his old hunting friend, David Fulk, of Osceola, killed the last deer that there is any record of in this township.

Gideon Potter, son of Thomas and Olive (Northrup) Potter, natives of Yorkshire, England, and Michigan, respectively, was born at Hamilton, Canada, August 21, 1847. His father was a sash and door maker, who enlisted in the English army, and came with a division of that army to C'anada, in 1837-8, t(j beat' back the ]->ati'iots who sought liberty for their country. On Ijeing discharged, after his term of service, he moved to Michigan, married there, returned to Canada where he resided until 1853, when he left en route to Missouri. At Chicago he was taken sick and died there. His family scattered, Thomas and Ann are known to be deceased, while Gideon resides here. The latter, at the age of seven years, was " bound out " to a Missouri farmer named W. H. Elliott, "with whom he remained until 1859, when, owing to the hardship of his work, he eloped, found his way to ISTauvoo, 111., and worked for a man named Bartlett there until 1864, when he mo\^d to the Bartlett, Sr., farm near town. In 1865 he left him and was variously engaged until May, 1867, when he enlisted in Company F, 13th United States infantry, and served three vears at Ft. Ellis and" Ft. Shaw, M. T. Subsequently he engaged in herding and farming in that territory for Chip Travis, returned to Illinois and for thirt}^ months engaged in fruit-growing in Hancock county. He next was a farmer near Denver, Col., returned to Sonora, 111., and on Xovember 30, 1874, married Miss Emil}^ Thompson, daughter of Harvey and Lois (Crosby) Thompson, of Osceola, 111., who was Ijorn there, her parents being natives of Vermont and Massachusetts respectively, but both of old families in the latter State. For five years after this he engaged in fruit-growing, and then came to Osceola village, where he purchased the mercantile interests of A. F, Spencer and established his present business. His children are : David, born October 13, 1875, and Rollin, September 25, 1880. In politics he is a Repu])]ican. Religiously lie inclines toward the Baptists, but is not a member of anv church. Officially he has served as school director and on the board of cemetery trustees. Though not a pioneer of this celebrated pioneer neighborhood, he claims many warm friends, and stands as high in the communal circle as he does in the commercial.

John F. Reed^ born at Heed's Grove, Will county, 111., September 7, 1851, is the son of George W. and Mary (Straeder) Reed, both natives of Indiana, as related in the chapter on Osceola township. Mr. Reed passed his boyhood days in assisting his father in farm work, or attending the school of the district. At the age of nineteen years he attended the graded schools at Toulon and subsequently studied in the Bradford schools. Adopting the profession of teacher, he would ]ireside over a school for one term, and the next attend school at the AVesleyan University, Bloomington. He also studied in the Illinois Industrial University, at Champaign. Since completing his education he has been engaged in teaching school, and is now in the thirteentii year of his ])rofessional work. On June 19, 1878, he married Miss Frances I. Searl, daughter of I. AY. and Chai'lotte (Furness) Searl, natives of Pennsylvania. To them three children were born, namely : Mary E., Ralph L. and George H. Reed. Mr. Reed has always been Republican in politics, and, it is said, wields the pen for the good of his party, whenever the thouoht of doino" so occurs to him. He is an excellent teacher and is now lillino^ his fourth enffag-ement in the schools of District No. 3 or Elmira village. While Mr. Reed is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, his wife is a member of the Baptist Church, and in these societies they exert their influence for good. ( Yide^ also, hidory of Osceola townshij).)

Simon B. Spencer, born at Peacham, Yt., December 27, 1821, is the son of Samuel, l)orn Octoljer 26, 1777, and Betsy (Currier) Spencer, natives of Windham county, N. H., and Boxford, Mass., respectively; and grandson of Ebenezer and Mar}' (Robinson) Spencer, descended from one of the three Spencer brothers who came from England, and from the Robinsons, who settled in New Hampshire among its pioneers. Betsy Currier is the daughter of David and Elizabeth

(Peabody) Currier (the latter raised by Gen. Putnam's sister), natives of Massachusetts. She married Samuel Spencer about 1803, Kev. Leonard Wooston officiating. To them six children were born, viz., Sarah, born in 1804, residing in Kock Island county; Isaac, born March 26, 1812, died in Elmira, December 27, 1884; Betsy, born January 1, 1817, married Dan IST. Beall in 1830, i-esides in Kock Island county, and celebrated their golden wedding in 188P) ; Simon B. resides here, and two died in infancy. In 1842, Simon B. Spencer set out for the west, arrived in Ehnira, 'May 19th, and worked for his brother Isaac at eleven dollars per month. Early in 1843, he revisited Vermont, returned in the fall with his father, mother and elder sister, and completed the Spencer settlement here. From 1844 to 1848, his health did not permit liim to engage in any kind of work. In the spring of 1852, he purchased the southeast quarter of section 2, and here has since been an agriculturalist and stock-grower. The forty acres which he entered in 1843, on section 14, he still holds, together with seven acres of coal land on section 16, eighty acres on the west half of section 2, and his residence in the village of Osceola. He belonged to the Union League (1861-6.5), has always been republican, but is content with going to the polls. In religion he is a Bai)tist.

Isaac Spencer^ born in Vermont in 1812, came to Peoria in 1835, and to the northeast quarter, section 10, Elmira townsliip, in 1838, and subsequently purchased more lands, all of which he improved, his steam flouring mill being one of the early industries of the county.

Sturrm Family. - Much has been written of this family in the sketches of Osceola and Toulon townships, as well as in that of this township. Again in the general history many references are made to them. For the purposes of this part of the chapter, the following notice of the family is given: Louis Sturms, who came to LaSalle Prairie, 111., about the period the first settlement was made in Essex township, came to Spoon river about 1834; in 1835, visited what is now Elmira township, remained some time, but returned to Ohio. Matthias Sturms, who came in September, 1834, brought with him his wife and ten children, thus giving a population at once to this ])art of the wilderness. In the history of 'the Methodist Episcopal cliurch throughout the county, many references are made to this pioneer, for in his cabin were held the first Methodist services north of what is now Wyoming, in this county. Among his sons were Henry S. (not Llenry Sturms, who settled here in 1838), Nicholas, who was a juror in 1839,' Samuel, Matthias and Simon. Of this number, there were assessed in 1839, Matthias, junior, Henry S., Samuel and Nicholas. Henry S. was married to Miss Osborne in Ohio, and brought his wife with 'him, as his sister, who married John Kirkpatrick, brought her husband with her in 1834. Another sister married the pioneer - Peter Pratt. Matthias Sturms died in February, 1862, aged seventy-six years ; but prior to this time the old people had passed away. The records of the cemeteries all around Elmira and in the township contain the names of this family, even as the marriage record tells of the beginnings of other families of the same name,