Elmira Township (part 1 of 3)

Elmira Township

PERIOD of time, little- oyer half a century, has passed away since the American pioneers of this division of the county made their lirst settlements here. Those years have been replete with clianges, social, political, religions, '^ even physical change. The visitor of toda3% ignorant of il the past history of Elmira, could scarcely realize tlie fact that within five decades a large jiopulation grew up, where, in the second quarter of the Xineteenth Century, Indian tepees stood, and the savages themselves had worn the warpaint and retained their scal])-belts. The ])eople have not only increased in number, but also in wealth, refinement and all those characteristics of advancement which mark the older settlements of the North Atlantic states. Cultivated fields now occupy the hunting grounds of the aboriginal races; while a peojile endowed with the highest faculties have taken the place of the Illinois and Pi)ttawatomies themselves. There are but few left of the old landmarks - still a smaller number of old settlers. Civilization and its demands have conspired to raze every monument of the red man - to obliterate almost ever}" trace of liis occupancy. Old time, too, has not looked calmly on ; Ijut, by way of reprisal, has driven many a pioneer to the ^^romised land beyond the grave, or led others from the old homestead westward in the track of the Indians, to reenact beyond the Mississippi the drama of early settlement. As a general rule, the men and women who fii'st settled in this township were fearless, self-reliant and industrious. Xo matter from what state or what country they came, there was a similarity of character. In birth, education, language and religion, there were differences ; but such differences did not interfere with harmony : on the contrary, they were lost in association ; forgotten in that common interest which united all. In such a community there was a hospitality, a kindness, a benevolence, and high above all, a charity, unknown and unnracticed among the older, richer and more densely populated settlements of trans-Alleghany counties, just in the same manner, perhaps, as there was a higher faith animating the early Christians than that wdiich marks our latter day Christianity. The very nature of the surroundings of those pioneers taught them to feel each other's woe, to share each other's joy, and live in communal integritv. Therefore it is not strange that, among the old settlers of this township, a deepseated friendship existed and grew and strengthened with their advancing years. The incidents peculiar to life in a new country - the privations and trials of early settlement in the wilderness, Avere well calculated to test, not only the physical })owei's of eiulurance, but also the moral, kind, generous attributes of true wouianliood and manhood ; and bring to the surface all that was in them of good or evil. In this chapter, taken in connection with others, a full effort is made to deal in a thorough manner with the pioneers and old settlers. Almost the whole story is based upon the authority of records, and thus, at least, claims authenticity - a fact which must go far to compensate for the absence of legendary or nnauthenticated relations.

This division of the county is certainly one of the fairest parts of Illinois. Prior to 1834, it was a common hunting-ground for the Indians, and even that year the population of the settlement therein was made up of two families. In 1835 the Peoria colony arrived, settlements extended, and within forty -five years the number of residents increased to 978, including the population of Osceola, sixty-nine, and of Elmira, eighty-four. With the exception of the wild land, along Spoon river, the township presents a rare scene of pastoral beauty. With very few exceptions, the homes of the people may be classed as residences, for they are generally large houses, surrounded by wellkept lawns or gardens - in every house a library, and in every garden, flowers. The fields, too, are laid out regularly, enclosed by Osage orange hedges, and in each miniature swail, a line or grove of willows, sometimes trimmed to corres])ond with the hedge, but oftener allowed to attain full growth for shade or shelter. On the Avest and north the township is bounded by Henry and Bureau counties, on the east by Osceola Township, and on the south by Toulon Townshi]).

The coal fields of the townshi]) are extensive, but the industry has not claimed much attention. One mile north of Elmira post otfice, is Thomas Oliver's coal shaft, opened in the winter of 1885-86. The coal pi'oduced is large block, equal to anj^ hitherto mined in the county. There ai-e small outcro]is in tlie river region of the township, which have been worked for years. Native and cultivated groves are scattered throughout the township, while in the river valley plenty of native timber is still to be found. In a few instances, as at Dr. Boardman's, groves of thrifty pine are found, and on the lawns several species of ornamental pine, juniper and cedar find a home. The progress of the district within a half centur}^ was entirely unexpected by the great majority of the pioneers. Bobert Hall in his reminiscences of 1837, relates that while aiding in building a barn for Major Eobert Moore, the son of the latter, now of Toulon, remarked that the time would come when a railroad would stretch across the prairies from Chicago to Burlington through this county. Mr. Hall thought over the matter, conversed with other pioneers, and ultimately appealed to David Currier for an opinion. The latter declared emphatically, that the " prophet was crazy."" The prophets in other branches were also set down as a species of madmen.

Thomas Lvle, e. hf. s. w. qr., sec. 10; June 21, 1843. J. T. Currier, Sam. Macock, Asa Bunton, Adam Jackson, John McBeath, D. Fulk, Franklin I.yle, Charles Stuart, W. G. Perkins, lot owners on s. w. qr.

Thomas Madden, n. e. qr., sec. 11; June 8, 1818. Isaac Spencer, 153i^ acres of n. e. qr. On the 6^ acres are the Bapti.st Church, Milo Boardman, E. (). Boardman, Samuel Mi.v, J. C. Meigs, W. V. Wolff and George Currier.

Jerome Porter, s. w. qr. n. av. qr., sec. 15; Feb. 17, 1853. John Turnbull, 70 acres; James Turnbull, 10 acres; and Adam Oliver, 40 acres. Carlos B. Lyle, INIary L. Bunton, John Lyle, W. and D. Jackson, 20 acres each on sec. 15.

Ambrose Fuller, s. e. qr. sec. 20; Jan. 12, 1843. W. Henninger, A. Dore, D. J. 3I()oii, Laton Fuller, John Stires, W. Stevenson, Lsabella McDonald, trustees of Knox Church, trustees of U. P. Church, C. Fuller, W. W. Fuller, all lots on sec. 20, W. W, Fidlcr owning 105?<£ acres here.

Richard Lloyd, e, hf. n. e. (jr. sec. 21; June 30, 1852. Israel T. Hallock, 80 acres; E. R. Boardman, 791.3 acres ; John Turnbull, 160 acres, Robert Armstrong, 163i;S acres, Horace E. Lvle, '72 acus, Geo. O. Broadn;an, 78 acres; Andrew Cieighton, trustees of

First Settlement. - I'lie settlement of the township is graphically and correctl}' given by Mrs. Shallenl)erger, as follows : " In December, 1835, a nnmber of resolute men had i3nshed their way from Peoria to what has since been called Osceola Grove. Among them were James Buswell, Isaac Spencer, Thomas Watts, Giles C. Dana, Peter Pratt and Dr. Pratt. They came out under the ans})ices of Major Pobert Moore, who had obtained a map of the lands in township fourteen north, range six east, designating the patent and unentered lands; and he now encouraged emigration hither, with a view to building up a town, which he had surveyed and called Osceola. Major Moore was an intelligent, active business man, ever ready to take advantage of circnmstances and fond of adventure. He subsequently went to Oregon, with one of the first ])arties that ever crossed the mountains whither his family followed him some years after, with the exce])tion of his youngest son, liobert Moore, Esq., who is at this date a resident of Toulon. But, at the time of wliich this narrative treats, Major Moore owned a ferry that crossed the river at Peoria, and to this he gave his pei'sonal supervision; and, as emigrants crossed, wdiich they did frequentl3% he would take the opportunity to recommend the Osceola country to tliem. In this way probabh' originated the com- \y>iny he led there in 1835. Quoting Clifford's history in regard to this enterprise. 'The parties above named were all from Vermont - which Saxe says is a good state to come from., but a poor one to go to - excejit Moore, who was from one of the southern states, and Day who was from Massachusetts. AVhen these persons readied the Grove there was no one living there except Henry Seeley, who then had a cabin near where he lives now, and Lewis Sturms. A portion of the party stop})ed the first night at Sturms', and were hospitably entertained. It was a dark, dreary, rainy night ; they all slept on the floor in the small cabin, and from the day's fatigue, having come on foot from Prince's Grove, they soon fell asleep, to be disturbed soon after by a loud hallooing outside, occasioned b\' the arrival of tlie Sturms family proper, the number of whom our informant was unable to state, further than they filled the little cabin 'chuck full.' They Avere made u]> of men, women and children, wet. worn, fatigued and hungry. Our informant says one of the women came on horseback with twins in her arras, and in a sorry plight from having been ' pitched off ' her horse in sloughs and gullies concealed by the darkness of the night. Some of the party were taken over to Seele^^'s while the remainder filled the floor. The next day the balance of the Peoria party came in from Boyd's Grove, having lost their reckonings and strayed out of their direction. The whole par-ty then moved west for the purpose of surveying and making their claims. For one week they camped out. in the severest weatlier of tlie month of December, that week being the coldest of any dm'ing the whole season. The provisions which they had brought with them from Peoria were exhausted, and nothing was now left them to sustain life, except corn they had l:)rought to feed tlieir horses during the excursion. For the last clay or two they subsisted entirely upon nubbins of corn bnrned by the hre, which culinar}^ operation was performed in the morning, eacii one taking a few burnt nul:)bins of corn in their pockets for dinner. At night they varied this luxury by l:)urning the corn, pounding it up and making coffee of it. Clifford further states that the ])arties named moved upon their claims in May, 183(i. This is certainly a slight mistake as regards some of them. They proba1)ly l^uilt cabins as soon as that, or sooner, but some of the families referred to did not arrive in the settlement till later in the summer, or in the fall. There is no doubt, however, that during some portion of that jesbY many new names must be added to onr list of pioneers. In June came William Hail and wife, Roljert Hall and their sister Mary, now Mrs. Hasard of Neponset, and occupied for a short time the cabin owned l^y Mr. Buswell, who w^as still with his family in Peoria. With the Halls came the Vandyke brothers, Archie and Charles, the former bringing his wife with him, and Mr. Brad}" Fowler, who had been their companion up the river, soon followed them to the Grove. Myrtle G. Brace, Esq. (father of our present county treasurer), E. S. Brodhead, and a large family by the name of Davis, the latter from the then frontier land of Tennessee, all located in this neighborhood about the same time. The Sturms family had some of them reached Seeley's Point in 1834, and detachments continued to arrive from time to time, making claims near the South part of Osceola Grove, till they had a settlement of tlieir own. They were regular frontier's men. ever}^ one ' mighty hunters ; ' of tall stature, combining strength and activitv in an unusual degree. "Wearing an Indian garb of fringed buckskins, their feet encased in moccasins, with boAvie-knife at the belt and rifle on the shoulder. Xo wonder ]nany a new-comer started from them in affright, supposing tliey had encountered genuine " scalpers.' But these men were bv no means as savao^e as thev seemed, but had hearts to which friendor stranger never appealed in vain.''

The V)eginning of the Scotch "plantation'' or settlement of the township may be said to be made in February", 1838. The Turnbulls and Olivers set sail for America, June 17, 1837, were six weeks on the ocean and almost as many more e7i route from Quebec to Chicago, where they remained a short time before moving to Joliet. At Joliet the}' found two vacant cabins into which they were ordered to move, and while there met with many kind attentions from the settlers, and each family purchased a cow from a passing herder.

The subsequent events in the history of settlement here are well told by Mrs. Shallenberger as follows : " Of course, these people were looking for land to enter (everybod}" was in those days), and they fell in with a Kentuckian named Parker, who had a patent on the quarter afterward owned bv Mvrtle G. Brace, on the state road : but the man supposed his land lay near "Wyoming, and so agreed with Mr. Turn- bull to meet him there ; ' thought they could probably strike a trade.' Parker left Joliet on horseback, Mr. Turnbull on foot, to make their way over a trackless expanse of snow, and with but a very indefinite idea of where they were to meet, but it was to be somewhere in the neighborhood of Wyoming. This journey was undertalcen January 1, 1838. Occasionally, Mr. Turnbull could catch glimpses of the horseman as he rode over some high ridge in the distance ; and this was all he had to guide his steps, save a general idea of the points of the compass. After this lonely, tiresome tramp of sixty or seventy weary miles, he found himself at the house of General Thomas, but only to learn that the land he was in quest of lay some ten or twelve miles to the northwest, the Kentuckian being mistaken as to its locality. He must then retrace his steps. Upon reaching Mr. llolgate's, hunger and fatigue compelled him to seek rest and food, and such comforts -were never denied a stranger there; and, beside, Mr. Holgate had learned by some means that Parker liad gone to the Osceola settlement, so Mr. Turnbull was again upon his trail, and found him ere nightfall at the cabin of Mr. "VVilliam Parks, then in Osceola Grove, as old settlers will remember, not far from where the first school-house in the township was built, on the road to Spoon river l)ridge. While resting by the wide fire-place built of rough stones, in the jambs of which a recess had been constructed, ca])abre of holding a few common books, curiosity prompted the traveler to withdraAv one from its place, that he might see what kind of books the people read in this strange country, still he was wondering all tlie time if it was not a piece of impei'tinence to do so without permission. But what was his surprise, his delight even, upon finding he held in his hands a well-worn copy of Burns! Sti'ong tliongh he was, and capable of bearing all things without murmuring, still li<^ could not refrain from tears as his eye traced the familiar ScottisJj lines, and he thought how far, fai- away he was from his native hills. Mr. Turnbull did not buy the title of the Kentuckian, after all his trouble, having a dread of patents and complications, of which he heard many sad rejiorts; but sliortly after purchased from the Lyle brothers, John and Thomas, forty acres in Osceola Grove, with a cabin thereon, with the understanding that if the Oliver family saw fit to come on, the Lyles should sell them forty acres more. He then trudged leisurely back to Joliet, got his wife and Andrew Oliver, rigged out an ox sled, to which they yoked a couple of halfbroken steers, and about the middle of February started for Dorr's, whose house stood near where tiie town of Providence now is. The weather continued to grow colder, the Avind to blow more and more fiercely, and glad were the wanderers to find shelter for the night, with the hospitable family referred to. In the morning the sun came up fianked by 'dogs' on either side, the snow crunched and squeaked untler the feet with the ])eculiar sound every backwoodsnnui knows as indicative of extreme cold; the thermometer iiulicated some twenty degrees below zero. Mrs. Dorr, cleai'ly comprehending the suffering and danger that must attend a journey that day, kindly urged them to remain until the storm abated, saying "she would board them very cheaply.' But the}^ had no money to pay board bills, be they ever so small, and the inl)oi-n pride of their race forl)ade their 'beino- beholden' to any one, so there was but the other alternative to push ahead. Mrs. Dorr was standing in her cabin door silently watching the preparations for departure going forward; but. when all was ready, plaids folded tightly, Scotch caps tied tirmh\ sled drawn round to tlie door, steers awaiting the word of command to start, she exclaimed with tears in her eyes: "Men, go if you will, but for God's sake leave this woman with me 1 she will surely perish in the cold today. It shall cost you nothing, and when the weather moderates you can return for her.' But Mrs. TurnbuU preferred at all hazards to share the fate of her husband and brother. We fancy sucli pluck would be iiard to freeze; at any rate, despite all obstacles they arrived intact at Seeley's point before bed-time, stiff and hungry doubtless, but such ills Avere curable by a good lire and su])[)er, which were quickly at their disposal, and they retired to rest with grateful hearts. The next morning was still very cold, but they had a sheltered route through the woods by the old road that formerly led by the house of Calvin Winslow in the tiinl)er. south of "Wilham Hall's ])lace. which they passed about noon. Februai-y 14. 183S. Soon after they reached home, as they called the cabin of tlie Lyle l)rothers a little farther on. They promptly paid for the first fVjrt}^ acres, which contained the cabin, but as by arrangement the Lyles were to remain with them until they could obtain possession of the Dukes farm, which they had l)ought, and the rest of the Oliver family coming from Joliet. the four families, consisting of eight Lyles and thirteen Turn bulls and Olivers, contrived to live, till spring opened, in one room, and that one sixteen by eighteen feet. That thev succeeded in doiu"- this harmoniouslv, so that the survivors can now look l)ack through the mists of nearly forty years, and malve merry over the experiences of that first winter in Osceola, is creditable to all concerned."

Elinira Cemetary. Prior to going farther into the history of this townshiji. a reference to the present resting-place of many old residents is made, and a brief sketch of the cemeteries given.

Elmira Cemetary, on sections 20, 21. Elmira village, dates back to May 30, 1845. when Ambrose Fuller was interred on lands of Clinton Fuller. It was incorporated October 3, 1SS2. with H. H. Oliver, president ; Eobert Grieve, secretary, and AV. M. FuUer. treasurer, the latter two being reelected to date. AVinfield Fuller, superintendent, and D. Moon, sexton, with John Turnbull, A. Oliver and AVilliam Jackson, trustees. The names of the old people buried here, with the year of death, are given as follows : Tabitha Abbey, lS<i7 : James Armstrong. '76 ; John Adams, '79 ; Anna Brace, '55 ; Myrtle G. Brace, "HO ; Phoebe Brace. '73 ; John Buchanan, '60 ; Alex. Buchannan, '73 ; W. D. Blanchard, SI : John Buchanan. *60: Allen Boughman. '82; Marv Bartell, '85; William Brace. '50; AValte]' Brace. 51; Webster Brace. '50; John Clark, "65; Eliza Clark, '60; Hannah Creighton, '78; James Craig, '54; Margaret Craig\ ^^^'i ; Davis ^IcPherson, '69 ; Margaret McPherson, '76 ; Mary McPherson, '67: Charlotte Darbv, " 74 ^ James Darbv, '83: Alison Davis. '80 ; Eebecca Fleming. '67 ; Eliza H. Fuller. 'S3 ; Mrs. Hannah Fuller, '84 ; Ambrose FuUer, '45 ; Hannah FuUer, '46 ; Jehiel Fuli;i.MIKA TOWNSIIir. 4.''."'

Andrew Oliver was president in 1885 and is still serving. James Hasv^^ell, William Jackson, and George Murray are the present trustees, with Robert Grieve, secretary.

Osceola Cemeterij is the successor of the old burial ground which was located between Spoon river bridge and the village. Within it are the remains of the following old residents : A\"ealthy Stuart died in 1864 ; Mark E. Lockwood, '75 ; John Hamilton, '73; Cassandra B. Hamilton, '83; Mary J. Wever, '67; Samuel Case, '62 ; Virginia Wever, '»'>1 ; (Vithleen Wever, '60; Otis Garder, '80; George Garder, '63; Eliza P. Blake, '64; Mary J. Blake, '56; Daniel Tower, '65; Edmund AYinslow, '46; Ehza P. Miller, '55; Calvin Winslow, '57; Betsy AVinslow, '58; Lewis Pratt, '69 ; Henr}^ Carpenter, '71; Marvin Terpenning, '61; David Dana, '48; Rachel Dana, '61; Mary E. Dana, '59; Mary Gilfillan Yarnum, '62; Phoebe A. Currier, '61; James Buswell, '52; Albert G. Buswell, '46; John Bates, '75; He/ekiah Balcomb, '79; John Sloan, '68 : George W. Willey, '65 ; Hannah J. Blanchard, '79; Catherine Pattridge, '65 ; Joseph Pattridge, '73 ; Samuel Maycock, '80 ; Augusta Maycock, '83 ; W. H. Barstow, '76 ; Mary Fowler, '58 ; Elias Fowler, '59 ;'^ Julia Stone, '53; Mary J. Duldin, '54; Robert Conley, 'Q^\ Jonathan Iluckins, '62 ; Abigail Rollins, '80; Sally Currier, '73 ; Asa Currier, '68 ; AVm. Douglas, '68 ; Margaret (Running, '80 ; Ansel Gardner, '80 ; Morgan Wever, '62 ; Susanna Ballard, '65 ; Eleanor Bishop, '53, and Amasa Drury, '52.

Pioneer Neighhors. - Tlie northern neighbors of the pioneers of Elmira were the first settlers of Ileuiy county. Dr. Baker came from East St.. Louis to section 16 in Colona township in 1835. A few days later came James and Thomas (Tlenn and Anthony Hunt, who settled near Dr. Baker. In 1836 John Kilvington settled near Kewanee, and shortly after, John F. Willard and Henry G. Little settled near Wethersfieid. In 1837 Jacob Keinerling settled at Burns, William Stackhouse and James Mascall at Sugar Tree Grove, near Cambrido-e. Durino- those years the Geneseo colonv from New York arrived, then the Andover colony from New York City, next the Wethersfieid colony from Connecticut followed by the Morristown, N. Y. colony and the La Grange (Pittsfield, Mass.) colony. The town of

Oxfoi'd. ill Henry county, \vas the financial centre of the coiintv up to I860, in tiiat 3'ear the wild cat bank, called '' Bank of the Mississippi Valley/' existed here. After the Scotch settlement of Elraira, other immicifrants of that nationality settled across the line, makino- the district almost distinctly Scotch - either Ilio-hland or Lo^vland. The Iliohlands, which comprise Sutherland, Ross, Inverness and Argyle shires are inhabited by a race of Celts who passed oyer from Ireland in the third century. In their first inyasion they were re})ulsed In' the Picts, but later assisted them against the Anglo Saxons. In 503, under King Fergus they erected a kingdom in a part of Scotland, and about the year 900 were masters of the countr}'^ which was called Scotia. The crowns of England and Scotland were united in 1003, when James VI. of Scotland ascended the English throne. In 431 Pope Celestine sent St. Palladius, a Roman, to preach to the Scots, who eagerly received the faith. Calyinism was introduced under the Presbyterian form of church goyernment, and this moyement was much opposed by James VI. and his successors. In 1688 the Scots established Presbyterianism as the national religion ; but all other forms of Christianity were tolerated. Pope Pius IX. reestablished the Roman Catholic chui'ch there, which, in 1861 embraced one-fourth of the population ; while dissentino- chui-ches embraced fully another one-fourth. The royal tragedies ending with the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, the massacre of Glencoe, the Battle of the Clans and the reign of patriotism under William AVallace and Robert Bruce tinge her history with romance. The condition, however, of the '" crofters,'" laborers in town and country, and of the entire third and fourth orders of the people abolishes romance in the heart of the intpiirer, and fosters the wish that some day the toilers there may reap the rewards of honest labor. The Bjshop_JjjiLj£olony, composed exclusively of Swedish dissenters from the Lutheran, or Royal church, dates back to 1845-46. At that time Olaf Olson settled at what is known as Red Oak Grove: and was soon joined by Jonas Olson and Eric Jansen. Like almost all foreign pioneers of our prairies the}' were poor, and, being so, excavated large caves and in those subterranean huts lived during the first year or two of settlement. The colony subsequently erected a communial residence in which each one sle[)t and boarded at a common expense to all. In 1853 the colon)' was chartered, and its affairs ])laced under the control of seven trustees. This was three years after the murder of Eric Jansen Iw John Root. - the first evidence of disintegration within the colony. In 1860 the governmenL, by trustees, fell into disrepute, and in 1871 a suit in chancery was commenced to close up the affairs of this colony as an incor])orated body. Prior to this, however the Swedes became independent in thought and cast off the communal S3'stem, under which they came here and lived for some years. The grading of the American Central railroad thi'ough Stark county was in greater part, the labor of the men and women of this colony.

Schools. - The question of organizing the township for school purposes was decided January 10, 1838, when ten voters, then all in the township, assembled at Robert Moore's house and voted in favor of organization. At this time Robert Moore. Mathias Sturms, Robert Hall, Thomas Watts, M. G. Brace and James Buswell were elected trnstees. Three years after organization there were no less than 148 pupils under twenty-one years old. In 1845 forty-nine legal voters petitioned for the sale of school lauds, and a few lots were sold that year, but the section was not entirely sold until 1852. In 1856 there were 83 pupils in District ISTo. 1, 54 in District ISTo. 2, 160 in District No. 3, 84 in District Xo. 4 and 51 in District IS'o. 5, or a total of 432 ])upils. In 1858 David Currier was ])resident and W. M. Fuller was reelected treasurer of the school board. In October, 1858, the question of dividing the tow^nship into two school districts was voted on, when 62 votes opposed the division and 10 were content, thus leaving the five old districts in existence. In 1858 Miss Emma Hall, George Currier and others taught in District ISTo. 1, Clara Pike in 'No. 2 and Wm. Spencer in No. 3. In No. 4 JNIiss Harriet Rhodes taught in 1860, Henry B. Upton in District No. 3 in 1861. In March, 1862, J. W. Watts taught in District No. 1 at $20 per month. The average attendance out of 52 enrolled pupils was 38. In District No. 2 S. Fast presided over a school of 21 at $22, and Miss E. S. Lyman taught in District No. 3 at $25 - pupils enrolled, 47. E.J Griffin received $25 per month in District No. 4. where 52 pupils were enrolled. District No. 5 was not opened. A. G. Crawford in No. 6 taught 36 pupils for $28 per month. The first regular record of the Elmira township schools is dated April 7, 1862. Andrew Oliver, John Tui-nbull and Charles Rood were trustees. In 1865 Baton Fuller, iVlex. Murchison, Jr., and Matthew^ B. Parks were trustees, Andrew Oliver in 1867 and Charles Stuart in 1868. In 1870 David Currier, Thomas Oliver and Andrew Oliver were chosen. In 1871 M. B. Parks was elected trustee; in 1872 Thomas Oliver: in 1873, John T. Thornton; in 1874, Joseph Parks; in 1875, Thomas Oliver; in 1876, Baton Fuller; in 1877, Joseph Parks; in 1878, Andrew Oliver; in 1879, Baton Fuller; in 1880, Joseph Parks; m 1881, Andrew Oliver; in 1882, Baton Fuller; in 1883, Robert Hall; in 1884, Andrew Oliver; in 1885, Baton Fuller; in 1886, George Murry. In 1886 tliere were 201 males and 200 females under tweritv'-one years ; seven ungraded schools, attended by 126 male and 117 female pupils, and presided over by five male and eight female teachers ; the former earning $1,288 and the latter $1,025. The district tax was $3,000 ; value of property, $8,900; total receipts, $6,032.74; total expenditurre, $3,936.90. W. M. Fuller served as treasurer and clerk.

F. M. F. ct" L. I. Co. - T\\Q Farmers' Mutual Fire and Liohtnintr Insurance Company of Elmira, was incorporated September lO, 1876. The following named were the policy holders : Clinton Fuller, Wm. Murra}', Horace Lyle, E. R. Boardman, $3,000 each ; Martin Rist, $2,500 ; John Turnbull, W. P. Caverlev, S. Loiigmate, Sarah Bates, $2,000 each ; Robert Hall, Donald McDonald, C. Stuart, M. B. Parks, John McKenzie, S. C. Fleming, and David Murray, $1,500 each ; Adam Jackson, Gideon Murrav. John Weir, J. W. Fowler, Wm. Jackson, A¥m. TurnbuU, and James H. Xewton, $1,200 ; J. II. Turnbull, Guj; Goodale, Joseph Newcomer, Carlos Ljde, and Wm. Sourky, $1,000 each; Robert Grieve, Z. :Newton, $700 each; Eli Mix, $600; Geo. Hall, James Had well, $500; W. B. Turnbull, Thomas Hogg, $400; Thomas Wales, $300; Wm. Stevenson, $250; AVm. Stevenson, David Jackson, $200 ; Harrison Miner, $100. In September, 1876, Robert Grieve was elected president, John Turnbull, treasurer and James Has well, secretary. The first directors were James Haswell, Martin Rist, Wm. Jackson, E. R. Boardman, John Turnbull, Robert Gi'ieve, Harrison Miner, M. B. Parks, Clinton Fuller, and Wm. Stevenson. In October the following named ^vere appointed auditors; M. B, Parks, Osceola; Harrison Miner, Goshen, and E. R. Boardman, Elmira. The president, treasurer and secretar}^ named above have held office continuously down to the present time. On Januar\' 8, 1878, there were 97 members holding policies valued at $108,532. The directors included the president, treasurer, John Weir, W. P. Caverley, J. M. Hatch, M. B. Parks. John H. Turnlmll, and Wm. Jackson. In 1879 the name was changed to " Farmers' Mutual County Insurance company." David Currier, Elmira ; B. R. Brown, W. Jersey, took the places of J. M. Hatch and Wm. Jackson. In 1880, Mort. A. Packer, of Toulon ; Robert McBocock, of Penn ; Jolm Lackie, of Osceola ; E. R. Boardman, Wm. Jackson and John Turnbull, of Elmira ; Martin Rist ami Robert Grieve, of Toulon, and John Weir of Goshen, were chosen directors. On January 1, 1880, there were 207 policies repi'esenting $217,836. The first claim against the company was that of M. B. Parks for $1,315, destroyed by fire March 12, 1880. The second fire was that of J. J. Spencer's, West Jersey, December 16, 1881, costing the company $872.15, and the third and last fire was in June, 1884, when J. G. Turnbull's house was destroved. This cost the company $2,300. In 1881 Andrew Oliver, E. R. Boardman, R. Grieve, J. M. Hatch, M. A. Packer, James Snare, John Lackie, John Weir, John Turnbull were elected directors. In 1882 Francis J. Leggett and Harrison Miner took the places of Messrs. Snare and Lackie. In 1883 D. Murray, E. R. Boardman, John Turnbull, John Weir, Harrison

Elmira Grange., No. 1062, was organized February 7,1874. with the following named members: John, William, David, Jame's M. and Cyrus Jackson; Mrs. David Jackson, Mrs. William Jackson, Mrs. James M. Jackson, Mrs. John Jackson, Mrs. James Cinnamon, Miss Emma Fleming, Mrs. Jesse Funk, Mrs. R. E. George, James and William Cinnamon, Jesse Funk, S. C. and Benjamin Fleming, Eli Mix, I). B. Pittsfoi'd, Charles, Theodore and Charles H. A^andike, Jose])h Sharer, Wilmot and Zera Newton, James Turnbuli, Laughlin Buchanan, James Bullard. Later the names of James Boulier, Mrs. Liza Jackson, Mrs. Y. Cinnamon, Wm. Sturms, II. H. Jackson, C. S. Thom])son, (died in 1877), Thomas and Mrs. AVinters appear upon the records. Of the 37 persons admitted to membership, there were only 17 belonging January 1, 1880. The last entry in the record book or documents is a receipt from the State Grange secretary to Wm. Jackson, dated March 20, 1880. In 1874 Wm. Jackson was elected Master and A. M. Fleming, secretarv, wdio was succeeded by James Cinnamon. In 1876-77 David Jackson was elected master, and Wm. Jackson, secretary; in 1878 Wilmot Newton, master; in 1879, C. II. Vandike, master. During the year 1879 membership decreased.

G. A. R. Post, No. 244, of Elmira, was chartered Mai'ch 11, 1867, with the following members : Orlando Brace, Robert Turnbuli, John Styres, William Jackson, Frank Hudson (in Iowa). David Jackson, James Cinnamon, Asa Clark (in the East), Marshall Lecox (in Iowa), and -I (Jin McLean (gone West and supposed to have died there). William Jackson was first commander, followed by Thomas Rule. Among the other members were A. M. Palmer, now of West Jersey, and Daniel J. Moon.

James Jackson Post, G. A. R., No. 37, was chartered Mai'ch 6, 1876, with the following named members : William Jackson, Archibald Campbell, David Jackson, Samuel Montooth, F. L. McLennan, James CUnnamon, Theo. Vandike, Joseph Sharer, Asa Adams, John T. Thornton, Gustave Aiulei'son, and Thomas Murray. The past commanders of this post are, Wm. Jackson, 1876-83 ; James Cinnamon, Samuel Montooth and David Jackson, witli James Montooth present commander. The record and roster of Elmira soldiers are given very fully iu the military chapter. Here, however, the record and roster of this ]uoneer post a|)pear, with date of enlistment and term ol" sei'vice.

Eliiivra Lih/'ary As-weJatirni was organized January 18, 1856, at the Elmira school house. William Moffitt was secretary with Adam Oliver, president. The original members were William McBride, Andrew Oliver, William Moffitt, Adam Ohver, Thomas Oliver, Jr., M.

G. Brace, Alexander Cameron, Walter M. Fuller, Henr}^ Scott, James Nicholl, George Rutherford, Joseph Fell, John H. TurnbuU, Angus McLennan, Gideon Murray, W. II. Turnbull, Jonathan Goodwell, William Oliver, Peter Ingalls, A. S. Murchison, E. E. I>oar(hnan, Matthew Bell, John Murchison, E. PI. Turnbull J. J. Turnbull, Abner J. Stearms, Laton Fuller, Eobert Grieve, John Eule, Gideon Purdom, D. Murray, Gideon Murray, and Joseph Blanchard. On January 25, W. M. Fuller, Andrew Oliver, and William Moffitt were appointed a committee on constitution and by-laws, and Dr. Boardman, W. 11. Turnbull, and Adam Oliver a commmittee on book lists. On February 8 the committees reported. At this time Alexander Eule, Adam Jackson, William Smith, and William Jackson joined the Association. Adam Oliver was elected president, William Mcl^ride, vice-president ; William Moffitt, secretary ; Walter M. Fuller, treasurer and librarian. Lewis Austin, William Porter, Benjamin B. Adams, and Clinton Fuller joined the society at this time. In April 1856 W. B. Turnbull was elected assistant librarian. In .April 1857 Chnton Fuller was elected treasurer and librarian. In January 1858 William McBride was chosen president, Andrew Oliver, vice-president ; John Oliver, secretary, and Clinton Fuller treasurer and librarian. In 1800 Laton Fuller was elected president and secretary and librarian continued. In 1801 Laton Fuller, Gideon Murray and Clinton Fuller, president, secretary and librarian, respectively. The president and librarian were re-elected in 1863 and in 1864-7L In 1871 William Stevenson was elected secretary, vice Thomas Oliver. In 1872 the officers were re-elected, also in 1873-9. In January 1880 James Ilaswell was elected secretary. In 1886 Winfield Fuller was elected secretary, the other officers holding over. In 1S85 the old board was re-elected and in 1886 James Ilaswell was cliosen secretary, the other members being re-elected. The present members of the Library Association are William Murray, W. M. Fuller, Samuel C. Fleming, David Jackson, W. M. Fuller, Eobert Grieve, David Murray, H. II. Oliver, James Ilaswell, Eobert Armstrong, William Jackson, Adam Jackson, John Turnl^ull (Uncle Johnny), William Stevenson, Abel Armstrong, John LI. Turnbull, Clinton Fuller, Alexander Murchison, Laton Fuller, George Murray, Dr. E. E. ]3oardman, Thomas Oliver, George Eutherford, Andrew Oliver, Orestes A. Blanchard. There are many others whose names are on the roll, but owing to dues not being ])aid are not counted as members. The library consists of about 500 or 600 volumes - said to be one of the best selections in the district.

I^kmra Village. - The pretty hamlet, called Elmira Village, dates back to 1843, when Ambrose Fuller entered the southeast quarter of section twenty. Here the Fuller store was established, and shortly after it became the Mecca of the Presbyterian and Methodist Christians of this district. A cemetery was o))ened here, churches erected, a school established, a few settlers gathered around and the nucleus of the ])resent village formed. In the following church and school history of this portion of the township, but more particularly in the personal history of the men and women who settled or grew up to manhood and womanhood here, the minutiae of its history is well related.

Znited Presbyterian Church. - Associate Refoi'med Pi'esb\'teriaii Church of Elraira inav be said to date hack to tlie fall of 1840. Avhen Eev. X. C. Weede came here from Marshall county and preached to the people. A permanent organization was effected Xovember 30. 1852, at the house of John Turnbull. with Eobert Eule presiding and John Turnljull, secretary. It was resolved that Finley Murchison. now (in Iowa). William B. Turnbull (in loAva), Eobert Eule and Ileni'v H. Oliver (residing hei'e) be a committee on building, and E. Turnbull. Eobert Eule and William McBride, a committee to locate a site. On December 24 John Turnlnill, Robert Turnbull and Gideon Purdom were elected first trustees. A sul3scri])tion paper was drawn up. to which sixty-six names were written, representing §S92. The iirst members were X. C. Weede, preacher ; William McBride, Eobert 11. and John Turnbull. Eobert Turnbull^, Gideon Purdom, W. B. Turnbull. Eobert Eule-. James Turnbull. T. W. Eml)leton, (now of Monmouth, 111.). Walter Louzle, (in Xebraska). Finley Murchison, H. H. Oliver, Eobert Scott-, Adam Lyons (in Iowa). Eobert Ingles liu Xebraska), James Bayless*, Thomas Oliver, Sr.^, Thomas Jackson-, John Mercer*, William Turnbull, Sr."^, Thomas Turnbull*, John McLennan, Jr.*. Adam Oliver*. Alexander Murchison. Jr.*. Andrew Oliver. John Mc- Lennan, Sr., Adam Jackson, Alexander Eule, James X^icholl, (in X'ebraska), Samuel and William Carson (moved), Henry Scott, George Eutherford, John H. Turn hull. David Murrav. Eol^ert Gineve, John Eule. William Oliver, W. H. Turnlndl*, John Holmes*, Samuel Mc- Caughen (in Iowa). In January, 1853, the name A. E. P. Congregagation of Ebnira took the place of A. E. P. Congregation of Osceola. At this time s20 were paid Clinton Fuller for one acre of land, and a contract made with Isaac W. Searl to build the church 30x40 feet for $1,275. The foundation was built by Eobert X'icholson. In December, 1854, Thomas Turnbull, William Turnbull and Wilham Ohver were elected trustees. On Januarv, 1855, the seats were numbered and a price for renting adopted. At this time some money was borrowed, s20U of which Ijrought twenty ])er cent. The pew rent brought s225. In January, 1S57, John Eule and William B. Turnbull were elected trustees. Eobert Grieve was subsequenth* elected. On March 30, 1857, the Associate Presbyterian and Associate Eeformed Church united as the United Presbyterian Church of Elmira. I)V which title it has since been known. In January. 1857. Eev. Mr. Dixon supplied, vice Eev. Mr. Weede. In October, 1858, the name of Eev. J. M. Graham appears as pastor. In January, 1859, Andrew Oliver, James Turnlndl and John McLennan were elected tinistees. In I860 the church was reseated and painted undei' the su])ervision of Messrs. Graham, Oliver and. Grieve, and the following year rents were abolished, and the church remodled. In 1861 James Bayless. W. H. TurnljuU and Andrew Oliver were elected trustees. About this time a church tax was raised by regular assessment, something like county taxes. This continued a few years until it gave place to voluntar}^ contributions. In 1863 William Oliver, John and William Turnbull were elected trustees and re-elected in 18(35. Subsequently Mr. Graham purchased a farm, resigned his charge, and in 18fi7 the name of Rev. N. C. Weede reappears on the record, l)ut not as pastor. AVilliam D. Thomas and 11. II. Oliver were elected trustees. Eev. Mr. Montgomery succeeded Mr. Graham. William and Thomas Oliver and David Murray were elected trustees in 1871 and re-elected in 1873. In 1875 the name of Rev. John M. Henderson appears, although he came here in 1873 and still remained as pastor until 1884. Since 1884 the church has been supplied by various ministers. In the fall of 1886 the Rev. Ross was called, and took charge, Mr. Henderson moving to Traer, Iowa. In 1875 William Oliver, James Turnbull and John Holmes were elected trustees, succeeded in 1877 by Robert Grieve, Andrew Oliver and John Turnbull, as trustees, Mr. Grieve acting as clerk since that time. In January, 1879 a motion providing that the trustees procure substitutes for hats to take up the weekly collections was adopted. The trustees were re-elected in 1881. In December, 1881, the question of admitting organ music was decided negatively by eleven for, to sixteen against. In January, 1883, Robert Grieve, Wm. Murray and William Oliver were elected trustees ; Robert Grieve, Maggie Rule and Janet Jackson, chosen a committee to select books for the library. In Februaiy the library committee just named, with Mary Oliver, Janet Grieve, George T. Ohver and Adam Jackson were appointed a committee to collect the Quarter Centennial Fund. This committee collected $277.45, which was applied toward church work. In January, 1885, the trustees were re-elected. In 1885 elections were held in the matter of calling a pastor, but none being unanimous the question was held over until June 1, 1886, when Rev. Mr. Ross was called. The number of communicants is 87. In the Sunday-school library are 4o0 volumes, scholars in Sunday school 101. It is notable that the three Presbyterian churches of this township pay $3,000 as salaries annually, and about the same amount for other church purposes.

Metluxlht Episcopal Chareh of Elmira dates back to the beginning of the Osceola society. Prior to 185!) the Fullers, Clarks, Ferris, Hudsons families may be named as the only Methodists here, and members of the Osceola church. In 1859 Rev. W. J. Smith hejd revival meetings here, when all the others named l)elow became niembei"s of the church. A meeting was held here March 7, 1859, to consider the question of building a church. Rev. Wm. Smith presided, with W. M. Fuller, secretary. The trustees elected were : John M. Clark,* W. M. Fuller, Elijah Fei-ris, Matthew Bell, William Cade,-^' Elisha Clark and Daniel Hudson." John M. Clark and W.,M. Fuller were appointed a committee on land, and W. M. Fuller, Elisha Clark and Matthew Bell, building committee. Those men went to work with a will, and the present M. E. church was completed and dedicated that fall, on a half acre of land donated by M. G. Brace. Among the earl}^ members were the above named officers : Ann Clark, Chloe M. Fuller, Jane Bell, Phoebe Brace,* Caroline Brace, Mary Brace,* Charles Brace, C. H. Brace, William G. Craig, Nancy Craig, Lucy C. Lyle, Joseph Likes, Deborah Likes, Peoria Likes, Sarah J. Likes, Mary E. Likes, Maria J. Clark, Thomas

Eliiiira BihJe Society was organized June 24, 1S57. with John Turnbull, president ; W. M. Fuller and Joseph Blanchard, vice-president ; Dr. E. R. Boardman, treasurer, and M. G. Brace, secretary ; William McBride and Joseph Blanchard, local agents. In 1858 Rev. J. M. Graham wjis chosen president, and Rev. McHale, agent. In 1860 William McBride was chosen president. In 1861 Joseph Blanchard was president, with W. M. Fuller elected treasurer in 1860, re-elected. The lat ter has served tlie society as treasurer and depositor down to the present time, and was elected president in 1862, with H. II. Oliver secretary. In 1863 J. M. Clark was elected president, succeeded by W. ]\I. Fuller in 1864, and he by H. H. Oliver in 1865, who has acted as president down to the present time, with ^[r. Fuller secretary and treasurer. The society now is in existence so far as contributions are concei-ned. but for a number of years no meetings liave been lield.

Presbyterian Church of Elmira was organized May 8, 1881, by Rev. Joliu Weston and Rev. T. G. Scott. The original members were Al)el. Anne, John. Robert. ]Mrs. Jane and George Armstrong. George Rutherford, William Beattie, Mrs. Catherine Scott, Mrs. Elizabeth Oliver, Miss Mary Oliver, Mrs. C. Stevenson. Miss Addie Stevenson, Miss Carrie Stevenson, Daniel Dodd, Mrs. Irene Dodd. Mrs. Mary Buchanan. Murdock Buchanan, Miss Mary and Miss Rebecca j\Ic- Ka}", Miss Marj' Adams. Miss O. Yanda Beaver. At this time Abel Armsti-ong and George Rutherford were elected ruling elders, and the latter clerk of church. In June, 1881, there were added to the congregation : Elizabeth Hindmai'sh. Charlotte Adams, Esther Oliver, Jennie Armstrong, Maggie Rutherford. Jennie Rutherford. Sibella E. Rutlierford. Ellen Scott, Isabella Hunter, Ellen Turnlndl, Mary Beattie and John Hindmarsh. In August there were admitted to membership : Tena Miller, Emora Fleming. M. Sibelle Oliver. Thomas and Jc»seph Chapman : and in January, 1882, Mrs. Mary McLennan. In June, 1862, there were admitted John and Bessie Glendenning. Elizaljeth Anderson, Jennie Loch, Sibella F. Armstrong. In November, 1882, Miss D. Mclvinzie ; in April, 1883, Duncan l^uchanan ; in June, Josephine E. Hand. Elizabeth E. Haswell, AVilliam E. and Ella M. Scott and Mrs. C. B. Rutherford*; in November. John and Sarah Fowler, Marion F. Tuttle, Florence Gerard, Alvero McCurdy, and Jane Anderson: in 1884, George E. and Mao^o-ie Holmes, Abner and Marv E. Hul sizer, John Redshaw and Maggie L. Haswell, James II. Carpenter and wife, Cynthia Horalian. Belle Semple, Robert Dodd, Mary Ai-mstrong, iSils Swanson and William E. Grieve. In June, 1885, there were adtled to the church the following named members : AVilliam Anderson, Thomas R. Turnbull, AVilliam A. Martin. W. H. Holmes, James LI. Haswell, James Armstrong, Misses Katie Mc Williams, Letitia Hunter,

Lizzie Beattie, Christiana E. Armstrong and Mary Haswell. In November, 1885, Andrew Oliver, Oliver Tnrnbull, and Martha J. Anderson became members. In Jnne, 1881, Rev. T. G. Scott presided as moderator; in June, 1882, Eev. John Weston; in November, 1882, Rev. William Keery ; in March, 1883, Rev. J. M. AVaddle ; in April, 1883, Rev. C. M. Fisher (in June, 1833, Rev. J. 0. Brace was here) ; in November, 1883, Rev. A. F. Irvin ; in February, 1884, Rev. T. G. Scott; in March, 1884, Rev. Silas Cooke; in June, 1884, Rev. J. C. Brace ; in December, 1884, Rev. William Iveery ; in March, 1885, Benjamin Y. George ; in June, 1885, Rev. A. R. Mathers ; in November, 1885, Rev. John Weston, in June, 1886, Rev. A. F. Irwin, and July 1, 1886, Rev. John Weston, who came here on a call extended June 7, 1886 ; George Rutherford serving as clerk since 1881. Rev. John Weston came here July 1, 1886, as pastor of the church, and was installed October 6, 1886. Abel Armstrong has l)een superintendent of Sundav school since organization.

At a meeting held December 2(». 1881, presided over by John Armstrong, the question of erecting a church was carried. John Roberts, George Armstrong, Joseph Cha])man, William I'eattie, George E. Holmes, Alex Buchanan, John Ilindmarsh, Henry Scott, William Stevenson, James Cinnamon, John G. Turnbull, Daniel Dodd and John Fowler, executive committee. On December 28, the presentation of a buikling lot by Clinton Fuller was reported and accepted. In the fall of 1882 the building was co;npleted, at a cost of |5,000, and meeting held therein December 15, 1882, George H. Holmes serving as secrteary of the executive committee. The parsonage was built in 1885, at a cost of $2,500, but not completed until 1886. This residence stands on the Toulon road, southwest of the village.

Knox Church has passed its thirtieth year of existence. In the year 1856, a number of Scotch families united to apply to the synod of the Presbyterian church, Canada, for a minister that could preach in Gaelic and English. Rev. Duncan McDermid was sent to them for two Sabbaths, after which they were without supply for several years. In 1862, Rev. Adam McKav visited them for two Sabbaths. In 1864, Rev. Lochlin Cameron, of Acton, Ont., visited them, and remained for six weeks. After him Mr. Forbes, a divinity student, supplied them for the summer of 1864. During this year (1864), the congregation apjJied to be received into the Presbyterian church in Canada, which was granted, and at London the presbj^tery appointed on the 27tli day of September, 1864, Rev. Archibald McDermid, to organize the congregation, and to have elders electeil. The elders were James Armstrong, John McLennan, and Donald McDonald. At a congregational meeting held in Knox church, Elmira, Rev. Dr. Burns, of Chicago, presiding, it was unanimousl}' agreed to extend a call to the Rev. Alexander McKay, of Canada, to be their pastor, dated at Elmira, January 30, 1868. This Mr. McKay was their first settled pastor. On October 17, 1873, Rev. Alexander McKay left this congregation, having accepted a call back to Canada, after serving the said congregation during five years. The congregation was supplied by ministers from Canada from the time Mr. McKay left, until April 21, 1880, when Rev. Neil

McDerinid, from the Presbyterian church in Canada, was settled over them, who is their present pastor. In October, 1868, Rev. Miller, of the old school Presb^'terian, of Toulon, and Pev. P. Baker, of the Cumberland Presbvterian church, here are named as assistino- in services. The elders now are Henr}^ H. Oliver and Duncan ]\[c- Donald.

The present membership comprises the names in above list marked thus *, and Mrs. Xeil McDermid. Mrs. John McRae, Kate Oliver, David Lyle, Grace Lyle. Mrs. Kate McRae, Lottie Oliver, Mary McLennan. John Turnbull. Mrs. Hutchinson, Duncan McKenzie, Mrs. John McKenzie, John L^de and wife. David W. Oliver, James Wright and wife, Maggie Oliver. David Oliver, Olaf Johnson and wife.

Meetings were held in the homes of the members or in the Methodist Episcopal church, until 1866, when the record of the first meeting in the " Gselic and English meeting house" is made, and in August, 1867. the first mention is made of a meeting held in the Canada Presb3'terian church building. In July. 1868. mention is made of Knox church for the fh'st time.

Ouiiiberland Presbyterian Church, reference to which is made in the history of the old school Bajitist church of Modena, is not now existing. Their house of worship. " The Mound Church," is now occupied at intervals by the Bai)tists. Every reasonable effort was made to obtain the records of this chmx-h. and here, it must be said, the only failure to hunt down a church record in this county was made. Fortunately its members find mention in tlie sketches of the other churches with which they were connected prior to the estabiisliment of the Cumberland church, and have been since its dissolution.

Schools. - In the history of the township, all the authentic history of the Elmira village and other schools that could be colk^cted is given. The first record of District Xo. 3, in.Colonel Jackson's possession is dated August 2»i, ISOl. The directors were Clinton Fuller, Matthew Bell and Myrtle G. Brace. In 1863, James Turn bull, Daniel Hudson Charles H. Brace, the latter also was ai)pointe(l clerk. Miss Jennie Sargent (Mrs. Clark, of Iowa) was teacher in ISOi!. In May, 1867, the contract for building the present school house, was sold to Daniel Clark -for $1,428. At this time W. Gr. Craig was elected a director vice Daniel Hudson. Edwin Butler was engaged as teacher, and the same year Mrs. E. J. (Sargent) Clark, taught here. In August, 1868, Bev. J. II. Montgomery and E. S. Tallad}^ (now of Neponsett) weve elected directors. In November, 1869, Miss S. A. Faver was engaged to teach the winter school, and Miss II. J. Hall, the summer school. J. W. Tuttle and Isaiah Coon, were elected directors vice Falladay and Ci'aig, resigned. In A})ril, 1870, William Jackson was elected director for three years vice Isaiah Coon. Mrs. Clark and Andrew Tui'nbull were the teachers. In 1871 Rev. J. H. Monto-omery was reelected ; Miss Marv J. Lecox, (now of Iowa), and Miss Anna Rule, were engaged as teachers. In April, 1872, J. W. Tuttle was reelected director. In 1873 Orlando Brace, J. H. Turnbull and William Stevenson, vice Messrs. Montgomery, Jackson and Tuttle. Winfield Fuller and James Smith were employed as teachers. In 1874 J. H. Turnbull took the place of Mr. Brace, who moved to Toulon. Matthew Bell took Mr. Brace's place on the board on December 20, 1874. Andrew Turnbull took J. W. Smith's place as teacher, the latter having moved to Bradford, as teacher of the graded school. MissTena Stevenson was engaged to teach the spring term of 1875. In 1875 "William Stevenson and M. M Brace, were elected directors, the latter vice Matthew Bell, moved to West Jersey. In December, George Mattheson was appointed teacher. John II. Turnbull was elected in April, 1876, and F. N. Treat, teacher. (This is the same Treat who Avas in the charge of militia on duty there, Oct. 9, 1871, when he shot a physician.) F. W. Ward was also employed as teacher. In April, 1877, Miss Eliza Gurney was appointed teacher, and in December, B. G. Hall. In July, 1878, Miss Nellie E. Weed, was appointed teacher, and W. W. Fuller, director. In 1879 John II. Tui'nl)ull was reelected. In 1880, J. T. Clark was elected director; Thomas Olivei- in 1 882, William Jackson in 1882; J. T. Clark, reelected in 1883, resigned in 1884; Thomas Oliver and Donald McDonald in in 1884, William Jackson reelected in 1885, and Clinton Fuller, 1886. In April, 1883 J. F. Reed was employed as teacher, and has since filled that position most satisfactorily.

Business Circle. - The business and professional circle of Elmira village is made up as follows: Dr. E. R. Boardman, Clinton Fuller, general store; J. F. Reed, school principal; Wm. McBride, blacksmith; Wm. Heuninger and Alex. Dose, carpenters ; Rev. Neil McDairmid, Knox church ; Rev. John Weston, Pi'esbyterian church ; John Turnbull, justice ; W. M. Fuller, township clerk ; W. II. Stires, painter ; H. H. Oliver, Wm. Jackson, grain and cattle: Wm. Stevenson, plasterer and bricklayer, and George Meisner, shoemaker. In the neighborhood are the Oliver coal mines, while throughout the district some of the most practical farmers and stock-growers in the State may be found.

Osceola Grove and Village - A reference to the c»riginal entries will ])oint out tlie names of the first actual owners and residents of lands in the neighborhood of this village. In 1837 there did not exist an idea of lading out a town here, and when the postoiRce was established the location was called Elmira, as related in the personal history and reminiscences of Oliver AVhitaker. In 1836 Robert Hall and sister and William Hall and wife, Anne Hall, Archil)ald and Charles Vandvke and Bradv Fowler, came bv wav of Pittsburo-, down the Ohio, and up the Illinois to Peoria, where they arrived in June. There they learned that Major Moore, Watts, and Spencer had completed the survey of Elmira township, and that Buswell and Winslow had visited the grove, set their stakes, and built cabins. In June the Halls and Yandvke brothers set out to visit the orove. Traveling rm Wvominotliey found William Parks and others already established there. Without delav, the Halls determined to make a claim at the o-rove, and hired William Parks to return with them to Peoria to Ijring up to the new settlement their wives and personal property in his huge boatshaped wagon and unique carry-all. Parks well filled his contract, but not until June 26, 1836, did the party arrive at Buswell's untenauted cabin, a mile from Parks' original home in this county. In 1837 and 1838 members of the family and others named in this chapter as well as in the general history, settled here, and in 1839 the pioneer circle was formed.

Presbyterian Church of Osceola may be said to have been called together May 25, 1839, when Eev. Wm. F. Yaill convened a meeting of evangelical church people to consider such an organization under the new or old school rules. On that day there were united under the old school Presbyterian constitution the following membei's : John and Polly Davis, Margaret, Fi'ances, and Rosana Davis. Helen Brydon, widow of Robert Turnbull, deceased ; Thomas and Margaret Oliver, Adam Oliver, John and ]\Iargaret Turnbull, Robert and Margaret Turnbull, ]\[argaret, wife of Robert Moore ; Calvin and Betsy Winslow, Mary Wisernder, William and Agnes Parks. Of the nineteen members, fifteen voted for the adoption of the old school form and four for the new school. On June 8, 1839, the society was permanently organized. Liberty and Julia M. Stone were added ; John Davis and William Parks elected ruling elders, and tlie latter clei'k. In 1841 Elizabeth and Charlotte Oliver, Eliza Parks, and Rebecca J. Currier, Robert Rule. David Currier, and Sarah McLaughlm, Polly A. Parks joined; in 1844 Peter Inglis, in 1845 Joseph and Ann Blanchard, in 1846 Phoebe Brace. In 1844 Rev. R. B. Dobbins preached here; in 1845 Rev. W. J. Eraser, in 1848 Rev. R. Freese, in 1849 Rev. Samuel McCune, and the pastor. Rev. E. Scudder High, who Avas connected with the church since 1839. The first baptism was that of Robert. Alex. Turnbull, born August 2, 1840. baptised September 26. 1840, died January 10, 1841. There were fortv-three meml^ers belonoino- between 1839 and Auo-ust, 1855, when the record ceased.

Methodist Episcopal Chtirch^ of Osceola is almost contemporary with the Hall settlement of the grove. Beyond the references to it contained in the records of this church at Wyoming, and of the Lafay- ette Circuit, nothing positive could be learned at Osceola village. Osceola Class, which met at the Osceola school-house in 1851-2, was presided over by Caleb C. Flint. Among the members were the leaders. Dianna A. Flint, Asa, Sally and Mary Currier. AYilliam and Ann Hall, Jacob and Eliza Stidham, William 11. and Hannah Jones. This Jones was local preacher. In 1865 Rev. Mr. Smith was preacher, then Rev. Geo. Guy, and so on to the present time. William Hall was first leader of the old class at Walls, seven miles distant, and never missed an appointment from 1830 to 1840. Subsequently his wife and himself devoted their attention to the Osceola class, of which they were central figures until their decease. Sturm's Class met at tlie Sturm's school-house in 1851-2, with Peter Stui'ms, local preacher and leader, Jane Sturms, Jacob P. and Wealthy Jones, Jacob and Elizabeth Stidham, Ariel Jones, Ann Oi'sman, x\imes Kirkpatrick and John E. and Nancy Dalrymple. In 1853 this class was transferred to Seeley's Point, where John Drawyer was leader.

Baptist C/iufch^ of Osceola, was organized February 10, ISOO, ;it the school-house. Dr. E. R. Boardnuvn presided with J. G. Boardman. clerk. The original members were William Weaver,* Isaac Spencer,* E. R. Boardman, Granville Parks, James G. Boardman, Eunice C. Spencer," Miranda House, Martha G. James, Mary A^anwey, liachel Vanwey* and Hannah Boardman, of those members. Names mai-Red * are deceased. Rev. C. A. Hewitt was first ])astor. Shortly after Mrs. Susannah Weaver,* Lucinda Case, moved away ; Mattison Weaver, Mary Gardner,* Matilda Case, moved a^vay ; Mor'gan Weaver,* Dr. John S. Pashley,* Otis Gardner,* Joseph Parks, Nathan Sweet, removed; Lorinda Weaver,* Almeda Pashley, in AV i scon sin ; A. Murcliison Jr., Nancy Parks,* Eliza Wood, removed ; Russell Briggs, Persis Briggs, Sarah Parks (Mrs. Tomlinson), Deborah Hill, Jane (Roe) Parks, Jennet Graham. In October, 1800, Dr. Pasliley took J. G. Boardman's place as clerk, serving temporary until February 9, 1801, when J. G. Boardman resumed, and served until his enlistment. In December, 1801, Dr. E. R. Boardman was appointed clerk, who served until May, 1803, when Dr. Pashley was reappointed. On January 12, 1801, E. R. Boardman, Isaac S])encer. Otis Gardner, M. H. Weaver, M. J. AVeaver were chosen as a building committee. In 1863 the work of church building was commenced. In Alarch, 1804, AI. II. AVeaver was appointed chui'ch clerk. In 1805 the society contributed fifty (lobars toward the Lincoln Alonument. In September, 1800 Rev. Mr. Hewitt's term may l)e said to cease. In the fall of 1800. Rev. Air. Estee was here as an Evangelist, and in January, 1807 Elder Alooi'e ])reached here, and continued to July. 1870. In Fel)ruary, 1871, Elder L. I). Gowen came. In Alay Dr. E. R. Boardman was chosen clerk. In Alarch, 1875, Rev. Valentine Ingram was called. D. M. Stuart was ap[)ointed clerk in June 1, 1878, and in July E. O. Boardman filled that position pro tern, also J. M. Robinson in 1879, Air. Stuart still being clerk. In October, 1880, Dr. E. O. Boardman was appointed vice, D. AI. Stuart (now of Nebraska). In March, 1883, Rev. V. Ingram resigned. During his pastorate of ten years the membership increased three-fold, and at his departure genuine expres- sions of approbation were heard on all sides. In May, 1885, Rev. M. Parsons, from Morgan Park Baptist Seminary, came and remained four months. Rev. Chas. Ege took cliarge January 1, 1886, as reguhir pastor ; Dr. E. O. Boardman, clerk; Joseph Parks, Dr. E. R. Boardman and Mr. II. Weaver, trustees. The two first named trustees, with R. C. Briggs and Samuel Weaver are deacons ; R. L. Scott is superintendant of the Sunday school, the membership of which is about, u[) to June 26, 1884, there were 167 persons received into the church, of whom 94 removed or were expelled, and 23 died. The membership at present is 107. Total received being 173. The Baptist Church was erected in 1863 by Otis and Ansel Gardner, carpenters. The frame is of native oak, hewn out here, and the suling purchased at Kewanee. During tlie progress of building the frame was blown down, but occasioned only the delay of replacing. The Iniilding is a large gabled one, with spire and shows very little signs of its twenty-four years of use.

Free Will Baptist Societij of Elmira, used to meet at the Osceola drove school house years ago. Adaline Condell, who was a member over forty-one years ago, remembers the names of Deacon John Leason and every inember of his large family ; the Griswold's of Boyd's Grove ; the Berry's, the Lanes, Charles Bolt, Mrs. Elizabeth and Mrs. James Winslow,'the Blood's and Fairbank's. Throughout the pages devoted to tlie eastern and northern townships of Stark, very many references are made to this pioneer society.

Other' Societies. - The neighboring religious societies were : The Congregational church of Neponsett, organized April 21, 1855 (at Kentville, near the Stark county line), by Rev. S. G. Wright, with Eben Kent, Charles Kent and llall G. Wright, trustees. Of the original members, Hall Wright and Margaret Wright reside at Lombard. The Baptist church of Neponsett, was organized March 26, 1864, by Rev. C. A. Hewitt. The Methodist church of Keponsett, originated in the John Norton class, north of the village, in 1841. At this time William Studley's and William Xoiton's log cabins were the only residences in the township. The Second Advent church, of Neponsett, was organized in 1868, with thirtv members.

The Osceola Cemetery, the tenants of which are noticed in a former page, is regularly laid out north of the village. There are some very tine monuments'here. Of all who went forth from this township in defense of the principles and integrity of the Republic, only a few rest here. The greater number of fallen comrades found graves on the ensanguined fields of Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia. The tell-tale headstones, which form a guiding lamp to mothers, fathers, sistei's or brothers who would seek their soldiers' graves, to cover them with garlands, or, perchance, remove the ashes of those they love to this north- ern soil which nourished them in early years, are few. The cemetery beyond the village is wanting- in that one respect, and only in that, to tinge it with a deeper romance.

Osceola school honse, a brick structure, was presided over by Miss Harriet J. Rhodes, in June, 1856. She received $3 per week and board, and taught thirty-five pujiils. The inspector failed not to notice "the vicious habit of chewing gum." Miss C. K. Pattridge was also em]>loyed there at a similar salary to teach t\\'enty pupils. She had ten classes in reading. This was due to her pupils having so many different reading books. The school, like the times, has ciianged. Now a large school building, standard books, regular classes, and a corps of skilled teachers have taken the place of the little school of thirty vears ago.

In July, 18()(), C. lioods store, at Osceola, was burglarized. The burglars were pursued and captured - Newton Brown and Jerry Bailey, of Wyoming, and li. Shockley, of Toulon, "an accessory after the fact." " '

The Osceola mills, owned by Joim Farmer & Brother, were destroyed by lire October 9, ISoO. They carried no insurance. A new firm. Stone, Farmer & Co., Avas organized, and in 1859-60 new buildings

Elmira ill tlie AYar. - Inclosing this first part of the chapter, it seems but just to sa}'' something of the action of Elmij'a people during the troublous days of 1861, and indeed until the close of the war. In the general history and foregoing pages of this cluipter, every name and item olficially recorded, is given ; but from unofficial sources something additional may be learned, and for this reason the followingpages are reprinted from Mrs. Shallenberger's work, as she had them reprinted from the Chicago Tribune or local journals of the time. The first extract relative to the "Elmira Rities,'' organized in the spring of 1861, serves to show not only how this compan\' was called into existence, but illustrates the spirit that prevailed throughout the county and led to the rapid formation of the " Lafayette Rifles," and other com]mnies and "squads" from time to time.

"Captain Charles Stuart, not Stewart, as generally spelled, is from the Green mountains of Yei'mont, a pre-eminently fit place for l)reeding military commanders. The climate healthy, bracing and vigorous; the landscape bold, rough, mountainous and sublime, make the best cradle for incipient heroes; beside, the moral tone of the people gives them strength and force of character quite as necessary as hardy constitutions in the field. Men got in sickly swamps of ague-shaking parents, nursed on malarious effluvia, and reared in moral and mental ignorance, may mope through the world half asleeji, and may have bile enough to be venomous enemies, but never to be great military comnnyiders. Nature always imparts to animal beings and vegetable life its local character. Bold, rugged, dashing, sublime scenery favors the growth of bold, dashing, sublime men, and ince versa. Men, whose boyhood and outh have been passed in mountain scenery, come upon the field of life with strono- hardv constitutions and invigorated intellects - sound minds in sound bodies. Vermont is famous for good horses and stalwart men. Though Stuart is not one of the Vermont "six-footers," yet the material for such a man is compressed and refined into his organization of five feet six.

"Captain Stuart is not the birth of the present war excitement; he long ago showed a talent for military command, a strong penchant for a soldier's life, even in the most piping times of peace. Ever3'thing pertaining to the camj) or field in history, or in the commotions of the old world was always seized upon by him as the choicest reading or news. Over a year ao-o he had so infused his militarv ardor into the quiet, orderl3% and unexcitable Scotch settlement of Elmira as to set on foot the organization of a ritle company, and in May, I860, the company was oi'ganized under the old militia law. Stuart was elected captain b}^ unanimous vote of the company. Stephen W Hill at the same time was elected first lieutenant, and Alexander Murchison, Jr., second lieutenant. He found in the settlement just the material for his company ; the Scotch in their characters are not dissimilar to the Vermont mountaineers. The company advanced as far as they could,

"So matters remained until the bombardment of Sumpter. No sooner had tlie news readied Elmira, tlian Stuart set about tilling up his company to tender them as volunteers. With his officers and part of tlie old company as a nucleus, he drummed for recruits in different parts of the county; he found no difficulty, only that most wanted to enlist as officers, if he and liis fellows would throw up their old commissions. His company was filled and tendered to the government, but was not accepted, though he spared no effort to get them in, and the com]iany was disbanded, and the brave volunteers reluctantly gave up all hope of getting into service.

Afterward a special town meeting was called which was attended by the people. The tax-payers of Elmira township turned out generally; unlike the board of supervisors, they didn't stop to find out impediments in the wa}^ of being patriotic, but with unanimity and hearty zeal they voted a tax upon themselves of $700, for the purpose of uniforming vT)lunteers ; and responsible individuals on the spot subscribed over $1980 for the support of families of volunteers in service - near twice the amount ap]n*o])riated by the whole of Stark county for the same purpose. Individuals, sound and prompt, subscribed as high as $200 each. A new com])any was reorganized under the amended militia laws. Captain Stuart and the commissioned officers of the old Rifles joined it, and, unsolicited, threw up their commissions, but upon a new' election the}" were all reelected to their former rank, and the company reported to headquarters. The members were scattered over considerable territor}^ and could not well be got together for drill oftener than once a week. Seeing no immediate prospect of beingcalled into service, they went about their ordinary pursuits, putting in crops, making brick, or whatever else they would have done if the country was at peace. What followed is best related by a correspondent of "the Chicago Tribune of the 18th, which we cop}^:

" The Chicago Trihune of the 8th inst. announced the fact that the Elmira Rifles, Captain Stuart's compan^^ had been accepted, and were required to be in Springfield on Thursday, the 13th inst. Of course such intelligence created no small stir in our midst, and not only the conqiany, but the whole community were thrown into some degree of consternation. And what seemed to add to the difficulties in the way of being snatched off so suddenh\ \vas the fact that Captain Stuart, who is a minute man, always so active, energetic and indomitable, was at the time in the east, and no one here knew ver}^ well whei'e. In removing this difficulty, the other officers deserve much praise for the promptitude with which they acted. Lieutenant Hill took the lead, as was fitting he should, and Lieutenant Murchison worked up t<. all just expectations; and all seemed determined to let no obstructions ])revent them from coming up and responding to the demand. On Monday, the 10th, a verv larg-e meetino-, consisting of the volunteers and citizens of the townships of Elmira and Osceola, was held to make some arrangements for the dej^arture of the volunteers. At tiiis meetingdifficulties seemed to increase by a dispatch arriving from the Adjutant-

General from Springfield, stating that none would be received enlisting for a shorter term than three years. At that time the com]5anv's roll contained fifty-nine names, and in two days after this, between eighty and ninety started en route for the service of their country. At the meeting on Monday, a committee was a])])ointed to canvass the adjoining county, which committee reported at an adjourned meeting held on Tuesday evening, that between 100 and 200 men had pledged their sacred honor and their every means for the su]i]iort of the families of volunteers during their absence. At this meeting, also, arrangements were made for the departure of the soldiers on Wednesday', at 12 m. The ladies, who are always so ready to work, were busily employed, and ])re]'ared and set a most excellent and sumptuous dinner before the volunteers and some 1,200 citizens. In the village of Osceola, the volunteers were met by two military companies - a horse company, commanded l^y Captain Palmer Blancliard, and a foot company by Captain Merrill. Three martial bands were in attendance - Dalrymple's band with our volunteers, and the other companies each had a band. The whole multitude assembled on the west side of the church, and after prayer, we had a spirited, patriotic, stirring farewell address from George Cliffoi'd, Esq., of Toulon. The departing volunteers and other militarv companies ])resent were then marched into the church, where four tables, the whole length of the building, were groaning under the burden of good things which they supported; but though these were so temptingly displayed, pre]iared with so much care by the willinghands of the kind-hearted ladies, yet the soldiers seemed to have little desire to ])artake of the food; their liearts seemed to be so enlarged that the stomach had no room left in which to perform its functions. It is a good thing to know that soldiers have hearts. After partaking of the dinner inside of the church, and the great multitude outside, the order was issued to fall into })j"ocession and march to Kewanee, the ]7lace of eml)arking on the cars for Chicago. The whole was under the direction of the marshal of the day, Captain Mark Blanchard, of Osceola, assisted by George Gray, Esq. The procession consisted of between one and two hundred conveyances of various kinds. A number of four-horse vehicles wei-e loaded to their utmost capacit3\ Arrivino- at Kewanee, and being: kindlv received bv the citizens of that place, the volunteers were marched up in front of the Kewanee House, where a few parting Avords were addressed to them bv Rev. J. M. Graham, of Elmira, and Rev. Mr. R. C. Dunn, of Toulon. Captain P. Blanchard, of Bureau county, ])roposed that a collection be taken up for a little pocket money to bestow upon the volunteers. This being done, it amounted to sometliin short of §;100. It is proper here to say that every mark of kindness, nd respect was shown by the citizens of Kewanee to the company about to leave, and to their many friends who attended them to this point. Supper was furnished to the company, and all others, so far as Avas known by the writer, were pressed l)y various pei'sons to take tea at diti'erent places. The jnultitude which assembled in front of the Kewanee House at the time the words of farewell were being addressed to the soldiers has been variously estimated at from 2,000 to 4,000. All we know about it is, that it was an immense crowd, and all seemed to enter into the spirit of the occasion, and feel that it was an occasion of importance, such as never before was witnessed by most of those present.

"We read here with a degree of mortification that the Ehnira Rifles, citizens of our county, bound to us by every tie of citizenship, going forth from ' Molly Stark ' to fight our battles, tearing themselves from home and friends, many probably never to return to us, were compelled to accept an escort from strangers from a foreign county. As much jiainfiil feeling exists upon the j)art of our Elmira and Osceola friends because the Home Guards from Toulon did not do this duty, we have tliis apology to offer for them : First, that the sudden departure of the Ehnira Rifles was not generally known to them, as it was expected they were not to leave before Friday, the Chicago Trihune announcing they were to report themselves at Springheld on the 15th, and not the 13th as stated in the above correspondence. Second, and principally, because the treatment received by them at the hands of the board of supervisors was such as to dishearten and discourage the Guards to such a degree that it was impossible to rally them for any purpose. The just blame should rest on those who produced that state of feeling, and not upon the community here, except that portion of them who would gladly break up all volunteer companies and freeze out the life-blood of patriotism in our county ; men who discoui'age the formation of volunteer companies. We can assure our Ehnira and Osceola friends that in spite of officials we shall do our duty hereafter. Right here we have an anecdote which ought to be saved to history. On the second day of the meeting of the board of supervisors wlien 'our member' of the board had moved a reconsideration of the vote appropriating six dollars to each volunteer for uniforming purposes, and the matter was engaging discussion before the board, one said he thought the volunteers could drill without uniforms, and was opposed to giving them the flrst cent before called into service, and another had drilled many years in Ohio at his own cost. A pious, devout member of the Elmira Rifles was in town bidding adieu to his friends. He is a prominent member of Mr. Dunn's church, and a very quiet unexcitable man - J. B. are his initials. He was at dinner with the family of the orderly of the Home Guards. JSTow said sergeant can, good-naturedly, and we think not very wickedly, do a, good business at swearing; in fact he is rather voluble in the emission of some naughty words which church-goers call swearing. -I. B. saying to him that the board of supervisors had reconsidered their vote and he Avas afraid they were going to defeat the volunteers, he clinched his indignation against the board as follows : ' Mr. W., you know I can't swear, I wish you would go down and attend to those supervisors.' W. replied, ' I don't believe I can do the subject justice. but I'll go down town and see if I can't get T - , who can swear them to h - 1 and gone.'

"To return to the Rifles. Captain Stuart has a wife and two children. He is a farmer and well respected in the community where he lives. He is in stature of medium size and put together for action rather than bulk. He is quick of perception, being of quick temper- ament, and will at a glance decide the best position for his command, and will as quick execute his movements. A man of quick perceptions is as necessary upon the battle field as a man of courage, providinof he does not lose self-control bv too o-reat an excital:)ilitv. He is a man of warm heart, and will endear his compam^ to him. We predict a brilliant career for Captain Stuart. The responsibility of a commander is great ; the wives, families, friends and people of Stark county have committed to Captain Stuart the gravest responsibility, the lives, the honor of their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons, and the good fame of the county itself, and we shall hold him to a faithful account of his Stuart (Steward) ship.

" First Lieutenant Stephen M. Hill is not unlike Stuart in his make and 'git up.' He leaves at home a family - a wife, and we believe eifjfht children. He is highly esteemed atliome, and we have no doubt he will fill his post with honor and credit to himself, his company and county. He is a native of the State of Xew York as we are informed. Second Lieutenant Alexander Murchison, jr., is a young, unmarried man ; by birth a Scotchman, but in America one of the warmest friends of the constitution, the union, and the free institutions of our country. First Orderh" Sergeant John S. Pashley, evidently put up for the very ])ur])ose of being an orderly sergeant of just such a company as the Elmira liifles. He is a young man, married however, of the highest order of natural qualifications for an official position in the army. He will coine out raised in rank. His manners are agreeable and he is bound to have warm friends. Second Orderly Sergeant AVdliam Jackson is a young, unmarried man, eminently qualified for his post. He is a Scotchman, too. Third Orderly Sergeant J. H. Hunter is a married man, and leaves a wife and several childi'en. Lie is very highly sjwken of. Fourth Orderly Sergeant Jas. Gr. Boardman is a young man, brother to Dr. Boardnum. so well and favorably known in Stark county. > He has been a medical student and just come home from his second course of lectures. He is said to be every way Avorthy, and will make an excellent officer. First Corporal James Jackson is a young Scotchman, brother of William Jackson. Every way worthy. Second Corporal James Montooth is every inch a man. We would caution the enemy not to g^et in strikino- distance of 'Jim.' He's pluck to the backbone ; he's game to the last. If you don't believe it, ask that volunteer who stayed in Chicago drunk and didn't go down to the camp to be sworn in. Jim met him in the street and just took him out of his shirt and brought the shirt back to camji. Third Corporal, Charles H. Brace, is a young man. son of Mvrtle G. Brace, Esq., of Elmira. ' Charlie' will give a good account of himself. Fourth Corporal, Robert A. Turnljull is a young man, a nephew of ' Uncle John,' which is a sufficient guaranty that he is all right. Plad we s])ace and time it would afford us pleasure to speak more at length of aU the officers and privates. We do say that the officers seem to be exactly quali tied for their respective posts, and that they have been placed in their positions with a single view to their qualifications. The privates include some of the best men of our county, and we are not surprised to notice that the compan}^ ranks the best in the service of the state, best in orderly, sober materials for a company. Chicago papers and people so regard them, and justly, too." * * * * This organization, which became, after they were mustered into service, Company B, Nineteenth regiment, Unitect States volunteers, was the first to leave our county for the defense of the Union ; and the next we think was the "Lafayette Kifles," known after enlistment as Company B, Thirty-seventh regiment United States volunteers.

"The Lafayette Rifles'' were commanded by Ca])tain Charles Dickinson, a man who would perhaps bear "lionizing" as well as Captain Stuart, of the Elmira company, but penned in the cooler atmos})here of 1870 such gushing tributes would appear over-wrought. So we leave Captain Dickinson to be praised by his honorable record, and that of his company. They rendezvoused near Chicago, at a place named Camp Wel)b, in honor of their colonel. They were at Yicksburg from the 11th of June, 1802, till the surrender, July -t, 1803. Then went to Yazoo City, had a skirmish there, then to New Orleans, and Brownville, in at the ca})ture of the latter. This about concluded their first term of service, and they were permitted to come home on " veteran furlough'' and to vote for President Lincoln, but with ranks sadly thinned by the risks of battle and the diseases incident to camp life. During the summer of 1805 they were on garrison duty nearly all the time, along the Mississipj)i river, Avere present at the surrender of Mobile, and helped storm the Avorks at Fort Blakely. Yet Captain Dickinson says their regiment Avas more famous for marching than fighting.

Biography And Reminiscences

The general history and foregoing pages of this chapter may be said to contain every name and event connected Avith the settlement and progress of this division of the county. Here many of the leading actors in those stirring scenes, which mark the history of Elmira for over half a century, are portrayed, so that these pages, taken with the former ones, constitute at once a most complete histoiy of this division of Stark county.

Jolm Adams, born in Cumberland count}^, Me., in 1Y94, served in Captain Knight's company in 1812, as drafted for the defense of Portland, came to Illinois in 1853, died in Elmira toAA^nship Jan. 21, 1879. Israel Adams, his father, died at Freeport, 111., served under Arnold in the Quebec expedition, and his grandfather, Moses Adams, Avas a son of one of the tAvo Adams Avho came after the Plymouth settlement Avas made.

Mrs. Abhy M. Blanchard, widow of W. D. BLinchard. died August 18, 1885. She was born in Maine in 1811, married in 1853, and came iiere that year. Eugene, the youngest son of Mark Blancliard, of Eh]iira, died at Stuart, la., in September, 1883. On November 12, 1886, Mrs. Ann Blanchard, wife of J. Blanchard, aged sixty -five years, died. She was the daughter of Hugh and Anna White, pioneers of the county, and more recently of Harvey count3\ Kan.

Dr. Edwin Bowland. Boardman, was born in Luzerne county. Pa., March 3, 1829. His father, Orlando, was a native of Massachusetts; grandfather, a native of Connecticut, and gi'eat-grandfather a native of Great Britain. His mother, IVfary Brace, was born in jSTew York state, to which her father's people moved from Connecticut prior to the Kevolution. Orlando Boardman Vv^as born in 1789; moved to Pennsylvania in 1828; having previously been engaged in the drug trade in Saratoga county, N. Y., where lie was married, and where three of his children were born, namely: William IL, Jane E. and Persis P. Their son, Edwin, was born in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mary (Brace) Boardman died in 1832. Five years later he married Miss Ann Goble, to whom were born James G,, Mary and Margaret E. In 1840 the family moved to Illinois, and settled on a farm in Paw Paw Grove, Lee county. There his wife died in 1866 and himself in June, 1873. Dr. E. R. Boardman was educated in the schools of Paw Paw, studied medicine there under Dr. G. W. Hunt, subsequently attended the Indiana Medical School at La Porte, from which he graduated in 1849, and commenced practice in this township. His marriage with Miss Hannah, daughter of Ambrose and Hannah (Munson) Fuller was solemnized September 12, 1850. To them ten children were born, namely: Charles O., deceased; Mary H., married at Creston, Iowa; Edwin O., a physician of Osceola, this county ; Xancy J., married, of Kuya Paha county, Neb.; Sarah C, deceased ; James A. deceased ; Adella S., deceased ; George D., William H. and Anna L., residing at home. In 1852 the doctor purchased a farm, which he carried on in connection with his i)rofessional duties. In 1881 he was appointed public administrator for this county. For fort}" -three years he has been a member of the Baptist church, his wife being also a member. He has been a Ive])ublican since the organization of the party; but his busy professional life and farm work left him little time to be active in politics. (Jlde c/i. on PliyKic'uuis.)

I)r Edioin 0. Board'nuin., son of Dr. E. R. and Hannah (Fuller) Boardman, pioneers of this township, was born here. May 18, 1855. The summers of bis early years were passed on his father's farm and the winters in attendance on school. In 1871-3 he was at the East Paw" Paw schools; then read medicine under the direction of his father; subsequently w^as a student of Push Medical College, Chicago, and graduated in the spring of 1878. In July of that year he married Miss Mila J., daughter of Miles and Mary L. (Ames) Huestis, natives of New" York. Her grandfather Iluestis was a native of France, a shoemaker by trade, and her grandmother Iluestis an Alsatian or Lorrainer. Her grandfather and grandmother Ames were natives of New York and were farmers of that state. Miss

Huestis was born at Yictor, De Kalb county, III, May 20, 1858, and resided in De Kalb county until her marriage. She attended the Teachers' Institute and Classical Seminary at East Paw Paw from 1871 until 1874; from 1874 until 1877 attended the graded schools of Sandwich, 111. Her parents died while she was quite young, leaving her to fight the battles of life alone. Dr. Boardman commenced practice here with his father in 1878; but soon after moved to Osceola village, where he established an office and still shares the full confidence of the people. In religious matters he belongs to the Baptist church, is tolerant as all intelligent men must be, and fully recognizes what is good in all other denominations The children of Dr. and Mrs. Boardman are Miles E. and Mary Alice. [Vide History of JBowrdman J^amily.)

Charles Bolt, deceased, son of James and Catherine (Aron) Bolt, natives of Scotland and Ihicks county, Pa., respectively, was born in Philadelphia, June 19, 1814. James Bolt was a seafaring man. The son, diaries, on coining of age, learned the blacksmith's trade, and worked at this trade until he left his native city, in 1841, for Osceola Grove with his children by his first wife, Samuel and Catherine Bolt. Here on January 19, 1842, he married Catherine Slifer, a sister-in-law of the Vandykes. Samuel Bolu married Miss Mary Snell, now Mrs. Mary Gleeson, before the war. Catherine was also the head of a family of three children when she died. March 10, 1879. To the second marriage there were no cliildren, l)ut tlie family adopted three, namely : Rebecca Brown, married, residing in Osceola township ; Lamont Palmer, married, a resident of Penn township, and Josephine Hoadley, married, residing at Salem, O. Charles Bolt followed blacksmithing and farming for a number of yeai'S after moving to Illinois, his first farm being in Elmira township, but afterward he purchased a land warrant of eighty acres in Penn township, where he erected his residence. A few years after his removal here, he engaged in store-keeping, and carried on this in connection with his farm until his death, February 23, 1884. In ])olitics he was a meml^er of the Greenback party, in religion a Free Will Baptist, and in business and social mattei's a man who claimed the i-espect of every one. He served as school director and collector for several "terms, and always took a lively interest in anything which promised Ijenefits to his district. His widow, Mrs. Catherine Slifer Bolt, resides in Elmira township, just northwest of Modena. Like the Vandykes and Slifers, she is a member of the Old School Baptist church.

Myrtle G. Brace, born in Washington county, ]S". Y., in 1808, settled in Stark county in 1835 or 1836, preempting a one-quarter section in Elmira township, subsequently purchased 170 acres, and set out the groves and orchards, and in 1850 built a large farm-house. His sons Orlando and Charles, served in the One-hundred-and-twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry and Xineteenth Illinois Infantry, respectively, the former being w^ounded at Spanish Fort. A reference to the general history points out his service as justice of the peace and representative. While returning from Chicago, where he w^as a juror in the United States court, he died on the cars. ( Vide History of Orlando Bi'ace.)

Loclilin Buchanan^ son of John and Margaret (McLennan) Buchanan, was born in Rosshire, Scotland. September 16, 1834. His parents were married tliere in 1810. Tliey came to the United States in 1852, bringing with them their four chikh-en, Alexander, deceased ;, Catherine, who married Duncan Matheson. noAV living in Wisconsin ; Lochlin. the subject of this sketch, and John, a resident of Colorado. One of the family, Betsv, who married Duncan Murchison. came with him to America in 1841) and both died here, while another daughter resides still in Scotland. John, the father of this family died on his farm here. Septem])er 14. 1800. Lochlin Buchanan married Miss Christina McLennan. January 1. 1857. Her parents, John and Barbara (McKenzie) McLennan, came to Xew Hampshire in 1832, and after several removals settled in Elmira. where her father died in 1872. Ller mother now resides at Kewanee, 111. Lochlin removed to his farm shortly after his marriage. In 1861 he visited California, was a gold miner in ( )regon. Llaho, Montana, at Helena, and Fort Benton, and other places, but after six 3-ears returned to his family, and resumed the development of his original purchase. He purchased 280 acres additional on section 28, where he now makes his home. Of their seven children, six are living, John D. resides in Henry county; Lochlin. Jr., is a resident of Elmira; Barbara A., Christina L., Margaret A. and George E. reside with parents. His wife is a member of Knox church, and he is a supporter of that church. In politics he is decidedly Tie|)ublican, earnest in school matters, prominent in Masonic circles and altogether a citizen of excellent parts.

Lochlin J/. Buchanan was born in Elmira March 12, 1860. He is the son of Lochlin and Christina (McLennan) Buchanan. His younger years were ])assed on the farm and in attending the district schools, until he grew to manhood, when he engaged in farming. In 1881 he was married to ]\Iiss Clara E. Jackson, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Sturm) Jackson, the former being a native of Pennsylvania, the latter a native of Ohio. After his marriage the subject of our sketch engaged in farming and stock-growing, and in connection with his farm interest, added a steam thresher and other machinerv of advantage to his ijnmediaste locality. He has also of late years been bu3ang and ship})ing stock, bujing tiie greater amount of stock that he fed on his farm. In politics he has ever voted the Republican ticket. He is not a member of any church but lends his support to the American Presbyterian church of Elmira. His famih" consists of three children, namely: Harry Ross, Georgia Monroe and Maud Gertrude. Mr. Buchanan is a young man who has lived in Elmira township all his life, built around him a fine home and won the respect and C(jnfidence of all with whom he has had any dealing-. His farm embraces 240 acres well improved.