Elwood Township (part 2 of 2)

Thomas C. Pees, Ridge Farm, cabinet-maker, was born in this county on the 27th of July, 1833, and was raised on a farm until twenty }7ears of age. He learned the wagon-maker's trade, which occupation he followed until 1878, since which time he has been working at the cabinet trade. Mr. Rees has been three times married : first, on the 21st of April, 1856, to Sarah A. Bales, who was born on the 3d of March, 1833, and died on the 14th of September, 1857. They had by this union one child, who is now deceased. He was then married on the 20th of March, 1860. This wife was born in this county on the 2d of September, 1834, and died on the 15th of March, 1867. They had by this union three children : Mary, born on the 10th of November, 1861; Ella, born on the 10th of May, 1864; Charles, born on the 10th of November, 1866. Mr. Rees was then united to Charity Mendenhall on the 10th of November, 1871. She, too, was born in this county on the 4th of November, 1835. They are the parents of four children by this union : Marcus J., Marion A., Frances M., one infant deceased. Mr. Rees is a republican, and a member of the Friends church.

Enoch Brady, Ridge Farm, miller, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 16th of December, 1834. He was brought up a farmer. He ran a threshing-machine for thirty years in succession, and at one time sheared one hundred head of sheep in twelve hours. Mr. Brady enlisted in the late war, and went forward to battle for the Union. He enlisted in 1862 as private in Co. A, 79th 111. Vol. Inf., and served one year; was discharged in consequence of disability in 1863. He reenlisted in 1865 in Co. E, 150th 111. Vol. Inf., and served one year. He was promoted to corporal. Mr. Brady has held the office of constable twelve vears. He was married on the 22d of March,

1864, to Martha Dicken, who was born in this county on the 14th of December, 1848. They had by this union four children, one living: Charles ; and the names of the deceased are Richard, Marion H, and Mary H. Mr. Brady's father was a native of South Carolina, and his mother, of Indiana. His political views are republican, and in his religious views he is liberal.

Uriah Folger, Eidge Farm, farmer and minister, section 30, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 23d of April, 1834, and spent his early days on a farm. His father was a tanner by trade, and one of the pioneers of this county, having come here in 1829. Hence, he helped to change it from a wilderness to its present prosperous condition. The subject of this sketch was married on the 10th of December, 1858, to Edith C. Dillen, who, too, was born in this county. He is a man well respected by all who know him. They are both members of the Friends church. His political views are republican.

Johnathan Larrance, Ridge Farm, farmer, section 35, was born in this county on the 7th of June, 1834. His father died when he was but three years of age, and he was left to the care of his mother. Mr. Larrance was married on the 5th of December, 1862, to Hannah A. McGee, who was born in Ohio in 1837. They had seven children by this union, six living: Perry M., John C, Alice, Laura, Mark and Martha. The name of the deceased is Marion. Mr. Larrance had no property when he first married ; but, by good management and hard labor, he now owns two hundred and ninety-five acres of good land. He belongs to the Freemasons; is a republican, and a member of the Friends church.

Adam M. Mills, Ridge Farm, lumber dealer, was born in this county, on the 7th of December, 1834, and was raised on a farm until twentythree years of age, at which time he commenced clerking in a store one year; then commenced buying and shipping cattle, which he continued at intervals until 1868, at which time he went into the mill business. This he continued until he went into the lumber trade, in 1873. His father was one of the pioneers of the county, coming here in an early day. Mr. Mills was married on the 22d of March, 1876, to Cynthelia Wall, who was born in this county in 1840. They have by this union one child: Frank, born on the 10th of August, 1877. Mr. Mills has held the office of village trustee. He is a republican, and a member of the Friends church.

William F. Dubre, Ridge Farm, farmer, section 26, was born in Clark county, Illinois, on the 3d of March, 1836, and raised on a farm. He has followed that occupation through life. Mr. Dubre came to this county in 1854, and settled in Pilot Grove, where he has since resided.

He was married in this state, on the 12th of September, 1861, to Sarah Folger, who was born in this county on the 19th of January, 1836. They are the parents of eight children, four of whom are living: Rosetta, Oscar, Allen and Hattie; deceased: Nelson R., Harry, Elisabeth, and one infant. The parents of Mr. Dubre were natives of Ohio and Illinois, and those of his wife, of North Carolina and the island of Nantucket. He is a republican, and belongs to the Friends church.

John Fletcher, Ridge Farm, farmer and stock-dealer, section 33, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, on the 20th of May, 1815, and was raised to the occupation of a farmer, which he has followed successfully through life. He moved with his father to this state in 1836, and settled near Vermilion Grove, where he remained until 1839, and then moved to Pilot Grove. Mr. Fletcher was one of the pioneers of this county, hence he knows something of the hardships of a pioneer life. He is considered one of the better citizens of Vermilion, is straight in all his dealings, and well respected by all. Mr. Fletcher has been twice married : first to Rachel Ruth, on the 19th of October, 1835, who was born in Ohio in 1815, and died on the 15th of September, 1862. They had by this union seven children, six of whom are living: Sarah, Henry, Mary A., J. W. F., Armanda, and James P. The deceased was William. He was then married, in 1864, to Lydia Haworth, who was born in Tennessee. Mr. Fletcher's father came to America in 1793, from Ireland. He had no property when he first moved, but by industry, hard labor and economy has acquired a good property of two hundred and thirty acres of fine land. He has given considerable property to his children. Fie held at one time five hundred and forty acres of land. He is a republican, and belongs to the Friends church.

Levi F. Long, Long, farmer, section 31, was born in this county, on the 6th of August, 1838. His father was one of the pioneers of this county, having come here in 1833. He cast his first vote for General Jackson, and his last for George B. McClellan. The subject of this sketch had but little with which to commence life, but, by industry, economy and hard labor, he has acquired a good property of three hundred and sixty-seven acres of land. He carries on farming quite extensively, and raises some horses, cattle and hogs. Mr. Long was married on the 7th of May, 1864, to Martha Keen, who was born in Parke county, Indiana, on the 28th of August, 1840. They are the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living: James B., Sallie B., William F., John L., Mattie L., Eva M. and Josephns. The deceased were Flora E. and Gracy. Mr. Long has held the office of school director ten years, and overseer of roads five years. In politics he is a democrat, and a Presbyterian in religion. His parents were natives of Kentucky.

Robert Mills, Ridge Farm, butcher and grocer, was born in England, in April, 1824. He left there when twelve years of age, and followed the sea thirteen years. He sailed on the Mediterranean sea six years, then went to China, and after a time returned to England. Afterward he took a trip to the Rio Grande, and then went to Constantinople, the capital of Turkey ; from there to Rasida, then to Liverpool, and then to Greenland, whale-fishing, for seven years. After this he went back to England, thence to the Spanish Main, thence to Scotland, and afterward to Canada, where he stayed three years, working on a farm. He came to this county in 1838, and settled in Ridge Farm, where he has resided since, being one of its first settlers. He is the oldest settler now living in Rido-e Farm. He was married in 1858 to Rachel Nuckles, who was born in Indiana in 1833. They have had six children by this union, three of whom are living: Anna, now wife of J. Harrold, Mary and Linnie. The deceased were John and two infants. He enlisted in the late war, in 1865, in the 150th 111. Yol. Inf., Co. E, and served one year as private, and was mustered out at the close of the war.

Henry F. Canaday, Ridge Farm, farmer, was born in this county on the 12th of December, 1839, and is a son of Frederick Canaday, one of the first settlers, and a man closely identified with the early history of this county, and one who has done much to promote the interest and welfare of the same. The subject of this sketch enlisted in the late war in Co. A, 25th 111. Vol. Inf., and was in the battles of Murfreesboro, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, and several other engagements. He served three years. On the 26th of September, 1875, he was married to Maggie S. Canaday. Mr. Canaday is an industrious business man, well respected by all who know him. In politics he is republican. He owns 120 acres of land worth $50 per acre.

Jacob Kendall, Long, farmer and stock-dealer, section 35, was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the 17th of May, 1825, and was raised to the occupation of a farmer. He came to this state in 1839, settling in this township. He had but little property with which to commence life, but by industry, economy and fair dealing he has acquired a good property. Mr. Kendall has been twice married : first, on the 23d of January, 1848, to Elisabeth Hall, who was born in Pennsylvania, and died in 1852. They became by this marriage the parents of two children, now deceased. Mr. Kendall was then married, on the 21st of June, 1853, to Catharine Patterson, who was born in Tennessee in 1829.' They have six children by this union, four of whom are living. The names of the living are Enos, John, Joseph and Jacob; of the deceased, Ivy and Jennie. Mr. Kendall has held the office of road commissioner one term, and he is considered one of the solid men of Yermilion. His political views are democratic. He is a Freemason and a Presbyterian.

Adam Nier, Ridge Farm, inn-keeper, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, on the 23d of November, 1826, and was raised on a farm. He was one of the early settlers of this county, coming here in 1840, and settling near Georgetown. He came one half mile north of Ridge Farm, and then to the Ridge in 1876, and engaged in his present business. Mr. Nier was married in 1852 to Mary Padget, who was born in Kentucky in 1830, and died in 1864. They had by this union six children, four of whom are living: Alfred, Lillie, William and Addie. He was then married to Nancy Morton in lb67. She was born in Kentucky in 1831.

Richard Mills, Vermilion Grove, farmer and stock-dealer, is a native of this county, and was born on the 21st of November, 1841. His father was one of the early settlers of this county, having settled here in 1822 ; hence he learned some of the realities of pioneer life. He remained here until his death in 1852. The subject of this sketch being the oldest son, the responsibility rested upon him. He has engineered the farm well in partnership with his brother, W. H. They handle about one hundred head of cattle a year. They are young men of good business tact, well respected in the neighborhood in which they reside. Mr. Mills is a republican in politics and a member of the Friends church.

A. H. Thompson, Ridge Farm, farmer, section 22, was born in this county on the 9th of May, 1842. He has been married four times: first, in 1860, to Sarah M. French, who was born in Indiana on the 23d of July, 1841, and died in 1860. He was then married, in 1861, to Emily Wright, who was born on the 9th of October, 1839, and died on the 3d of August, 1867. They had by this marriage three children, two of whom are living: James A. and Sarah M. ; deceased, Charley. He was then married to Miss B. C. Underwood, in 1868. She was born in Vermilion county, this state, in 1843, and died in 1870. They had by this union one child : John A. Mr. Thompson was then, in 1871, united to Emma McMasters, who was born in Vermilion county, Indiana, in 1847. They have by this union two children, Nellie C. and Mary O. He is a republican, a member of the Presbyterian church, and also of the l.O. O.F.

Samuel V. Long, Long, farmer, section 25, was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, on the 11th of September, 1819, and was raised a farmer, and this occupation he has followed through life. Soon after becoming of age he drove a four-horse team to Missouri, and came to this state in 1843, settling where lie now lives. Mr. Long had but forty acres of land when he first married, but by industry, economy and perseverance he has acquired a good property of one hundred and forty-nine acres. He has been twice married : first, on the 14th of October, 1845, to Margaret Kendall, who was born in Ohio. They had by this union eight children, four living: Jemima, James W., Charley and Jacob. The deceased were: Lacon, Mary J., Lena, and one infant. Mr. Long was then married, in May, 1869, to Barbara Prine, who was born in 1841. They have one child by this union : John C. Mr. Long's parents were natives of Maryland, and those of his wife, of Ohio. He is a republican and a Methodist.

Milo H. Waterman, Georgetown, farmer and stock-dealer, section 16, was born in Vermilion county, Indiana, on the 4th of March, 1844, and lived in Eugene, Indiana, until thirteen years of age, going to school most of the time. He enlisted in the late war, first in Co. E, 115th Ind. Vol. Inf., and went forward to defend his country. He served six months, and reenlisted in 1865 in Co. E, 140th Ind. Inf., and served seven months as first surgeon. He was married in 1874 to Mary E. Case, who was born in Vermilion county, Indiana, on the 22d of June, 1848. They have one child by this union, Jane C, born on the 7th of September, 1875. In politics he is a republican. He owns three hundred and thirty-seven acres, worth fifty dollars per acre.

Jonah M. Davis, Ridge Farm, dealer in general merchandise, was born in North Carolina on the 2d of March, 1824. He attended boarding-school at Gilford one year, and then went to the Bloomingdale Academy one year. He has taught about twenty-three schools. He came to this state in 1851, and settled near Vermilion Grove, taking charge of the new seminary of that place. He had charge of this for five years, and came to the Ridge, where he commenced the mercantile business in 1856, and now carries about six thousand dollars' worth of stock, and is doing a good business. Mr. Davis is one of the best citizens of Vermilion. He was married in 1875 to Ella Jenkins, who was born in Indiana on the 26th of March, 1848. Politically, Mr. Davis is a republican. His parents were natives of North Carolina. He belongs to the Friends church.

Alexander B. Whinrey, Ridge Farm, grain dealer and general merchandise, was born in Tennessee on the 13th of September, 1829, and was raised to the occupation of a farmer until eighteen years of age, at which time he learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed for several years. He came to this state in 1852, and settled in Georgetown, where he remained one year, and then came to Ridge Farm in 1853, where he has resided since. Mr. Whinrey commenced general merchandising in 1863, and now carries a $5,000 stock of goods. He does a good business, and has been actively engaged in buying grain since 1873. Mr. Whinrey has been twice married in this county: first, in 1855, to Elisabeth "Rice, who was born in this state, and died in 1861. They had one child, now deceased. II~e was then married, in 1863, to Emily P. Weeks, avIio, too, was born in this state. They had by this union six children, three living: James M., Ada A. and Henry J. Mr. Whinrev has held the office of road commissioner one term. He is a republican in politics, and a member of the Friends church.

Henry J. Cole, Ridge Farm, farmer and stock-dealer, is a native of this county, and was born on the 3d of January, 1853, and is a son of John and Nancy Cole. His chances for an early education were good, having attended Hungerford College, New York, for six years, and was for a time a surveyor. His father was one of the pioneers of this county, having come to this state in 1833, settling on what is now known as the Draper farm, three miles south of Danville. He remained there till 1852, at which time he moved one mile west of Ridge Farm, where the subject of this sketch now lives. John Cole had but little property with which to begin life; but he accumulated until, at one time, he had $100,000 worth of property. The subject of this sketch learned the art of painting. He has given a good manifestation of his skill in that line by painting four fine large pictures, which adorn his parlor, a very beautiful one representing autumn in the Catskill mountains. Mr. Cole was married on the 7th of October, 1875, to Anna A. Healy, who was born in New York on the 1st of October, 1853. They have one child, Florence, born on the 1st of August, 1877. Mr. Cole owns six hundred and fifty-eight acres of land in this county, and a dwelling which cost over $10,000.

John P. Stokes, Long, farmer, section 24, was born in Ohio on the 25th of January, 1823, and commenced in his younger days to learn the blacksmith trade, at which he worked three years, but quit on account of sore eyes. He then learned the trade of a carpenter, and afterward clerked in store for three years. He came to state in 1855, settling four miles east of Ridge Farm. Of late years he has followed farming. He owns one hundred and twentv-four acres of land worth forty dollars per acre. Mr. Stokes was married to Nancy Long on the 1st of August, 1857. She was born in this county on the 8th of July, 1836. They are the parents of ten children, seven living: Sallie A., Jodie C, Charley B., Lewis H., Mary E., Mattie B. and Eddy. The deceased were James W., Samuel V. and Anna D. Mr. Stokes had but little property when he was married, but has, by hard labor, industrv, economy and good management, got a good home. He is a man

William Brown, Kidge Farm, farmer and stock-dealer, was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the 4th of January, 1813, and was raised to the occupation of farmer and handling stock. He moved with his father to Indiana when he was but twelve years of age, and came to this state in 1856, settling where he now resides, in Pilot Grove. He claims that he has made the most of his money by handling sheep, in which he has engaged quite extensively - he having at times as many as two thousand. Mr. Brown is regarded as one of the solid men of Yermilion county. He was married on the 20th of August, 1848, to Elyddia Lusk, who was born in Parke county, Indiana. They are the parents of eight children, six living: Solomon L., Commodore, John, William, Dick, Benjamin. The names of the deceased are Samuel and Adam. Commodore is practicing medicine in Walnut Grove, Edgar county. Mr. Brown's parents were natives of Pennsylvania. He is liberal, both in his political and religious views. He owns two thousand acres of land, - one thousand acres in the home place in Pilot Grove, three miles southeast of Ridge Farm.

I. C. Mendenhall, Ridge Farm, farmer and minister of the gospel, section 35, was born in Green county, Ohio, on the 25th of April, 1834. He was raised a farmer, and this occupation has followed through life. He came to this state with father in 1857. The subject of this sketch was married in 1855 to Margaret Bond. She was born in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1831. They are the parents of eight children, seven living: Mary, Ward, Alineda, J., Charles, James, Maggie. The name of the deceased was Albert. Mr. Mendenhall is an ordained minister of the Christian or Newlight Church. He is well respected in his community - practicing what he preaches. He has charge of the church at Georgetown, and also Church No. 11. He is Republican in politics. Mr. Mendenhall owns eighty acres worth $45 per acre.

Jesse Gibson, Vermilion Grove, general merchandise and tile factory, was born in Washington county, Tennessee, on the 9th of December, 1835, and was brought up a farmer, which occupation he has followed through life until the last three years, since which time he has been engaged in general merchandising in Vermilion Grove. He carries three thousand dollars' worth of goods and does a good business. He owns five acres of ground with store-house and dwelling-house; also one and a half acres with tile factory. He carries on tile-making extensively, keeping a good stock of tiling constantly on hand. He has held the office of post-master at Vermilion Grove, three years; commissioner of highways, two terms. Mr. Gibson was married in this state on the 12th of September, 1859, to Mary Brown, who was born in this county on the 27th of April, 1839. They are the parents of six children, five living: Clarenda, Allen, Sylvanns, Miles and Ada; deceased, Juletta. He is a republican, and a member of the Friends church.

M. A. Harrold, Ridge Farm, dealer in general merchandise, was born in Green county, Tennessee, on the 26th of April, 1836, and learned the blacksmith trade when 3'oung, under his father, who followed that trade. He followed smithing until four vears ago. when he came to this place and commenced mercantile business, and now carries three thousand dollars' worth of stock and is doing a good business. He came to this state in 1861, and settled in Ridge Farm, where he carried on blacksmithing. Mr. Harrold is dealing in grain to some extent. He was married on the 15th of November, 1865, to Mary L. McFarlane, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio. They are the parents of five children, two living: Charley and Franklin. The deceased were Mary, Harrison and James. His parents were natives of Tennessee.

Rufus H. Davis, Ridge Farm, farmer and stock-dealer, was born in Carteret county, North Carolina, and moved with his parents to Indiana when five years of age, settling near Knightstown. He followed the occupation of a farmer at intervals through life. His chances for an education were good. He attended Earlham College two years, and at Greencastle, Indiana, for the same length of time. He attended the Quaker boarding-school at Richmond, Indiana, one year, and has taught school about ten years. Mr. Davis taught different languages and all the different branches. He has held the office of justice of the peace four years ; school trustee four years ; school director several years, and supervisor of township six years. He is not only a classical scholar, but is well known as one of the leading and prominent men of Elwood township. Mr. Davis was married in April, 1866, to Lydia Hornaday, who was born in Clinton, Ohio, on the 25th of December, 1835. They are the parents of seven children, four living: Sherman, John, Alice and Ella; the deceased were infants. Mr. Davis is a republican and belongs to the Friends church. He owns four hundred and thirty-five acres of good land adjoining Ridge Farm, one lot with store-house, and ten other lots in Ridge Farm.

A. J. Darnall, Ridge Farm, dealer in general merchandise, a son of Aaron Darnall, of Edgar county, a Baptist minister of considerable note, was born in Edgar county, this state, on the 8th of November, 1833. and was raised on a farm. He followed the occupation of a farmer until twenty-three years of age, at which time he commenced clerking in a store in Bloomfield, Edgar county. He followed this four years and bought his employer out, and continued there two years. He came to Ridge Farm in 1863 and opened a general merchandise store, which he still continues. He carries a stock of about ten thousand dollars' worth of goods, and by honesty and fair dealing he has established a reputation that has given him a large trade. He also owns two hundred acres of good land, a half interest in the flouring mill in Ridge Farm, one lot with a dwelling house, and a lot on which is a store. Mr. Darnall was married on the 4th of August, 1864, to Mary E. Fair. They are the parents of five children, three living: Minnie B., Harley and Manford. The deceased were Frank and one infant. Mr. Darnall is a democrat and his religious views are liberal. He belongs to the A.F. & A.M.

J. C. Pierce, Ridge Farm, dealer in groceries and agricultural implements, was born in Vermilion county, Indiana, on the 1st of January, 1840, and was raised on a farm. He enlisted in the late war in 1861, in Co. A, 25th 111. Vol. Inf., as private, and was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Chickamauga, Atlanta and Peachtree Creek. He reenlisted on the 3d of February, 1865, in Co. E, 150th 111. Vol. Inf., as quartermaster. He served until the 1st of February, 1866, and then came to Ridge Farm and commenced the grocery business. He started with about eight hundred dollars' worth of groceries. He commenced selling agricultural implements in 1869. Mr. Pierce has held the office of supervisor of township four years, and justice of the peace, which office he still holds. He was married on the 1st of November, 1864, to Lydia B. Smith, who was born in this county. They are the parents of five children : Frank, Mark, Mary, Charley and Terrence. Mr. Pierce is a mason and a republican. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania.

John Guffin, Ridge Farm, practicing physician, was born in Indiana on the 5th of June, 1833, and was raised on a farm. When eighteen years of age he attended college at Antioch one year, the Northwestern University at Indianapolis two years, and the Rush Medical College one term, also the Medical College in Chicago one term, at the expiration of which he received a diploma for the practice of medicine. Mr. Guffin first commenced practice in Cla37sville, Indiana, and there continued two years. He was assistant surgeon in the army of the late war. He came to Ridge Farm and commenced the practice of medicine in 1867, where he has been following his profession ever since, gaining quite an extensive practice. Mr. Guffin was married on the 26th of April, 1867, to Addie Ward, who was born in Fayette county, Indiana. They have no children. The doctor is a Mason.

William Hilyard, Ridge Farm, farmer, section 21, was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the 24th of October, 1842. He was raised to the occupation of a farmer, which he has followed through life. Mr. Hilyard enlisted in the late war and went forward to battle for the Union. He enlisted first, in 1861, in Co. A, 25th 111. Vol. Inf., and was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Corinth, and many others. He served three years and four months. He enlisted, in 1865, in Co. E,-150th 111. Vol. Inf., as sergeant, and was soon after promoted to first-lieutenant. Mr. Hilyard was married on the 8th of December, 1868, to Mary E. Wall. She was born in this county in 1846. They are the parents ot four children : Joseph T. and Sam. The deceased are Rufus W. and one infant. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother, of Ohio. He is a republican. He and his wife both belong to the Cumberland church. He owns one hundred and sixty acres, worth sixty dollars per acre, fifty acres of which is timber.

William P. Reynolds, Georgetown, farmer, section 3, was raised to the occupation of a farmer, and also learned the trade of a mechanic, at wmich he has worked at intervals through life. He was married on the 9th of April, 1868, to Angeline Holladay. They are the parents of two children: Addison, born on the 27th of February, 1870, and Manervie, born on the 28th of August, 1877. His parents were natives of North Carolina. Mrs. Reynolds' parents were natives of North Carolina and Tennessee. He owns one hundred and twenty-two acres of land, worth $50 per acre.

Rev. S. H. Whitlock, Ridge Farm, minister of the gospel, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, on the 27th of April, 1836, and at the age of eighteen learned the carpenter trade, at which he continued until 1863. He commenced preparing for the ministry, and became a member of the Illinois conference in 1868, since which time he has been constantly engaged in the ministry, having charge of a circuit. Mr. Whitlock is a minister of no small degree of ability. He makes a good impression wherever he preaches. He has charge, at present, of the Ridge Farm circuit. Mr. Whitlock was married on the 20th of January, 1860, to Mariah J. Horton, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, on the 25th of April, 1842. They have by this union three children : Minnie, born on the 29th of October, 1860; Ward B., born on the 18th of June, 1862, and Mabel, born on the 24th of August, 1869. Mr. Whitlock has two brothers who are ministers. His political views are republican.

A. A. Sulcer, Ridge Farm, pl^sician, was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the 28th of February, 1839, and remained on the farm until eighteen years of age, at which time he commenced the study of medi- cine. He attended Rush Medical College two terms, at the expiration of which time lie received a diploma for the practice of medicine. He was assistant surgeon in the 113th 111. Vol. Inf. three years, where he had occasion frequently to perform amputations both of the upper and lower extremities. He came back from the army and practiced in Catlin a few months; then went to Danville and there practiced three years. He came to the Ridge in 1869, where he has been practicing since. Mr. Solcer has had an extensive practice, attended with remarkable good success. He was married on the 12th of January, 1870, to Mary J. Duncan, who was born in this county. The Doctor is a republican, and in his religious views he is a liberal. Mrs. S ulcer is a member of the Friends church.

J. H. Banta, Ridge Farm, grain merchant, owns ten lots in Ridge Farm, four of which have good dwellings on ; also owns a half interest in the mill in Ridge Farm. He was born in Boone county, Kentucky, on the 14th of August, 1831, and spent his early days on a farm. He came to this state in 1852, and settled in this county. He tanned until 1869, at which time he came to Ridge Farm and opened a dry-goods store in connection with J. Darnall, for eighteen months. He continued merchandising until the fall of 1872, when he commenced buying grain, in which business he has been actively engaged since. In 1872 he built the elevator. He is at present in partnership with A. B. Whinrey ; is a thorough business man. Mr. Banta has in his possession a very ancient relic, in shape of a shot-pouch, an article which his grandfather, who came from Prussia, carried. Mr. Banta was married in Kentucky, in 1851, to Mary J. Russell, who was born in this state in 1831. They have had eight children, seven living: James A., Nancy E., William F., Margaret E., Anna, Andrew J., and John H. The deceased was Sally. He is a charter member of the Masons. His political views are democratic, and in religion he is liberal.

John Bolden, Ridge Farm, blacksmith, was born in Kentucky, on the 3d of March, 1836, and learned the blacksmith trade when young. He was married on the 6th of February, 1865. His wife was born in Montgomery county, Virginia, in 1846. They are the parents of seven children, four living: Laura A., Girdner C Gr., Vinna A. and John H. W. The deceased were Manena J., Charley E. and Dealy. He came to this state in 1870, and settled in Ridge Farm. He has here established a good reputation as an honest workman and good citizen, and is well respected by all. He owns two town lots in Ridge Farm, on one of which is a dwelling, and also a half interest in a blacksmith shop and lot. This property he has earned lyy his hard labor, having

Abraham Holaday, Ridge Farm, physician, was born in Parke county, Indiana, on the 2d of March, 1833, and followed the occupation of a farmer until twenty-six years of age. He attended the Academy at Bloomingdale under Professor Hobbs for four years, the Rush Medical College two sessions, and the Long Island College during regular course, when he received a diploma for the practice of medicine. He commenced the practice in 1862, and has followed his profession constantly ever since. He came to Ridge Farm, his present location, in 1870. The Doctor has had a good practice, and it has been attended with excellent success. He has been twice married : first on the 21st of October, 1857, to Agatha Outland, who was born in 1839, and is now deceased. Mr. Holaday was then married, in 1862, to Martha Henderson, who was born in Vermilion count}', this state, February, 1839. They had by this union nine children, seven living: Effie E., Mary A. Sarkie, Myrtilla M., Samuel A., Anna B., William and Thomas. The name of the deceased is Adaline. The Doctor is an Odd Fellow and a Freemason. He is a republican, and his religious views are liberal.

G. R. Steele, Ridge Farm, practicing physician, was born in Putnam county, Ohio, on the 1st of October, 1848, and came to this state in 1861. He settled in Edgar county, and for three years studied medicine under Dr. Miller, of Paris, Edgar county. He attended two courses of lectures at the Miami College, at the expiration of which time he received a diploma for the practice of medicine. Mr. Steele commenced the practice of medicine in Paris in the spring of 1875, and continued one year. He then practiced one year in Fairmount, after which lie came to Ridge Farm. The Doctor has had quite an extensive practice attended with good success. He was married on the 21st of October, 1872. His wife was born in Edgar county, this state, on the 17th of October, 1853. Mr. Steele is a member of the A.F. & A.M., and his political views are republican.

John Q. Hoskins, Vermilion Grove, minister of the Friends church, was born in North Carolina in 1829, where he remained until fifteen years of age. He moved, with his parents, to the state of Indiana in 1844, where he resided until 1872. He spent his early days farming, and was ordained a minister of the Friends church in 1868. He has been constantly engaged in the ministry since, and is quite an active laborer in the cause. He is a man of considerable ability as a minister. Mr. Hoskins has been twice married : first in October, 1852, to Serem Siler, now deceased. She was born in Parke county, Indiana, in 1834.

They had by this union four children, three living: Julia S., Ella, George. The name of the deceased is Laura. Mr. Iloskins was then married, in 1865, to Elizabeth Mendenhall, who was born in Henry county, Indiana, in 1839. They have three children by this union: Charley, Emma and Alice. Mr. Iloskins' parents were natives of North Carolina. lie is a republican in politics.

W. N. Barkley, Ridge Farm, telegraph operator and express and freight agent, was born in Edgar county, Illinois, on the 13th of September, 1S48. His father died when he was but twelve years of age, and he was then left to the care of his mother. He acquired a pretty good education by working on the farm in summer and attending school in the winter. He attended the high school at Westfield, Clark county, this state, for two years, and then the school at Bloomfield, Edgar county. He clerked in a store a short time, and afterward went in partnership with Mr. Boles in a drug store, where he remained two years. After this he went into the dry-goods business, and in eighteen months came to Ridge Farm. In 1872 he went in the lumber trade, starting the first lumber yard in the place. He continued this one year. While in the lumber trade Mr. Barkley learned telegraphy, and was soon after employed as operator at this place, which position he still holds. He is also employed as express and freight agent. He has been twice married : first, in 1870, to Sarah Porter, who was born in Edgar county in 1852. They had one child, deceased. Mr. Barkley was then married to Naomi E. Banta in 1874. She was born in this county in 1854. They have by this union two children: Harry C. and Ethel N. He has held the office of collector, town clerk, and is a Freemason, a democrat and a Methodist.

A. P. Saunders, Ridge Farm, general merchandise and grain-dealer, was born in what was then Wirt county, Virginia, on the 7th of April, 1850, and, his father being a farmer, was raised to that occupation until the age of sixteen, at which time he commenced clerking in a store. Although he did not have a good chance to get an education, by occupying leisure hours in home study he managed to acquire sufficient to enable him to carry on business. He came to this state in 1874, and opened out his present general merchandise store in Ridge Farm, where he carries about fifteen hundred dollars' worth of stock. He is doing good business, and is also engaged in the grain trade. Mr. Saunders was married on the 25th of April, 1877, to Ada Lewis, who was born in this state in 1856. He belongs to the A.F. & A.M.. and his political views are democratic.

settling in Ridge Farm. He received, while young, a good education, which he has applied in the way of school-teaching, commencing at the age of nineteen years. He has taught about fifteen terms of six months each. Mr. Mendeuhall learned the trade of dentistry in 1868, which occupation he has successfully followed since. He is a good workman, as well as a straightforward, upright business man, well respected by all who know him. He has been twice married: first, [on the 22d of September, 1858, to Sarah Jay. She was born in 1834, and died in 1873. They had by this union five children, one living: Eva L. The names of the deceased are : Mary, Emma, Alice E. and Anna C. He was then married on the 6th of July, 1876. His wife was born in Indiana on the 23d [of February, 1841. They have by this union one child : William, born on the 10th of May, 1879. Mr. Mendeuhall is a republican, and hejand his wife both belong to the Friends church.

W. R. Nash, Ridge Farm, physician, was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, on the 12th of May, 1841. His father died when he was but five years old, and his mother, when he was twelve years of age. He followed the occupation of a farmer until the war broke out, when he enlisted, [on the 1st of June, 1861, in Co. D, 25th 111. Vol. Inf., as private, and served three years. He was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Nashville, and then the one steady fight from Chattanooga to Atlanta, he receiving in all these but a flesh-wound. Soon after the close of the war he commenced the study of medicine : first, under P. T. Cellers, for two years, and then he attended the Surgical Institute at Indianapolis for two years, and afterward, several different courses of lectures at different colleges. He graduated on the 27th of February. 1877, received a diploma for practicing medicine, and came to the " Ridge " on the 1st of April, 1877, where he has been practicing since. Mr. Nash has been practicing at intervals for several years, meeting with quite an extensive practice. He was married on the 14th of May, 1865, to Ruth J. Coy, who, too, was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, They have by this union one child : Effie E., born on the 8th of August, 1866. Both of their parents were natives of Kentucky. He is a republican ; in his religion he is liberal.

Isaac T. Hunt, Long, general merchandise, was born in Parke county, Indiana, on the 30th of March, 1856, and was raised a farmer until the age of seventeen, at which time he commenced clerking in a store. He attended Waverly College for one term, and also the Bloomingdale Academy for a time. He is a young man of good habits and good business tact, and we may safely predict for him success in business. He came to this state in April, 1879, opening out a general merchandise store at Bethel, on the state line, in the southeast corner of Vermilion county. He has a good stock of goods, and is doing a good business. Mr. Hunt was married in Indiana on the ]st of June, 1879, to Dora Towell. She was born in Illinois on the 10th of October, 1861. Mr. Hunt is a republican, and is deputy postmaster at Long.

Source changes here: from History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a Tale of Its Evolution, Settlement, and Progress for Nearly a Century, by Jones, Lottie E, published 1911; 3,953 words in this source stream.

Elwood Township

As to extent, Elwood township is only a shadow of what it was once, but without its history, the history of the county or state w.ould not be complete, for it still contains some very noted places, noted men and some of the best and most productive farms in the county. Before the division, Elwood comprised all of town 17, range n, west of the second P. M., a fraction of range 10 and two tiers of sections off the east side of range 12, making almost \l/2 congressional townships. The voters of the north end of the township made complaint because of having so far to go to vote so that a strip i mile wide was set off of the north side and given to Georgetown township.

Later, by petition of the residents, the eastern half of the township (except sections 26 and 34) was set off as a separate township and named Love township in honor of Judge I. A. Love of Danville, who was the legal adviser in making the change. That portion of the Harrison purchase which before had been a part of Elwood was retained, although from the way it lays it should more properly come in Love township.

Three-fourths of the land now comprising Elwood township is deep rich black loam soil and sufficiently rolling to make the best farms. The Little Vermilion river runs across the northwest corner cutting off about il/2 sections and it is along this stream that the only waste land in the township is found. About the only timber in the township is found in this region. It was in this region that the first settlers made their homes, it being thought foolish at that time to get away from the streams and timber to make settlements, as the streams furnished water and the timber furnished fuel.

The mineral value of the township so far as developed is very limited. It is known that most of the township is underlaid with a good quality of bituminous coal but as yet there are no workings within its limits. Several attempts have been made to locate oil, but as far as can be learned no oil or gas in paying quantities have been found. Some claim there is a ledge of limestone in the northwest corner, but nothing has developed along that line. It is safe to say that the soil is the chief asset of the township to date.

The history of the settlement of Elwood township is closely connected with the history of this entire section of the country. A great number of places in the south part of the county were settled about the same time. The first settlements within the township were Vermilion Grove, Pilot Grove and Ridgefarm. The names given these places were given them on account of some natural characteristic of the country. The name Vermilion came from the Vermilion river which runs nearby and on account of a post office farther south, being named Vermilion. When the post office here was established, it was called Vermilion Grove, being located in a natural grove.

Pilot Grove was so named on account of a grove located on higher ground than the surrounding country and served as a pilot for travelers through that section in early days.

Ridgefarm was the name given by Abram Smith to his farm located where the town now stands and was so named because of the rise in the ground that forms a ridge extending across the township from east to west.

Vermilion Grove is the oldest settlement in the township and its history dates back to 1820 when John Malsby came from Indiana and built a cabin just northeast of where the public school building now stands, but finding the country so new and wild went back to Indiana.

George Bocke came about the same time and took a claim but on account of the ponds and swamps and malaria which were abundant, he with his family moved on to Brooks Point, after having sold his claim to John Haworth who became the first permanent settler in the locality. Mr. Haworth was a Quaker or Friend, as they are now called, and thus was begun, amongst the hardships and privations of pioneer life, the foundation for the broad and substantial influence of the Friends in Illinois.

Mr. Haworth left Tennessee in 1818, to get away from the institution of slavery and out from under its effects. He went to Union County, Indiana, and came here in 1821 and wintered in the house built by Mr. Malsby. He was a cousin of James Haworth who settled soon after near Georgetown. He did not undertake farming his land by raising grain, but raising stock seemed more profitable. Mr. Haworth entered many hundred acres of land but did not hold it to speculate on, but sold it to his friends as they came into the new country.

George Harworth, an uncle of John, came soon after and was instrumental in establishing the first meeting in the township. Thus the Friends church which has had so much influence on the history of the township and surrounding country, had its small beginning. A log church was soon built near where the present brick structure stands.

Elvin Haworth, a son of John Haworth, lived all his life on the well known Haworth farm and during his life contributed much to the church and school, leaving the bulk of his land to Vermilion academy by will at his death.

Henry Canaday came from Tennessee in 1821 and built a cabin one-half mile west of the station, but his boys could not stand the wildness and all moved back to Tennessee. They soon regretted the move and tried it again in the fall.

determined to settle down and make the new country their home. During the first trip, so the account goes, they brought some hogs, which, when they went back, were turned loose in the woods and became wild. These, together with other wild game, furnished good sport for any inclined to be a Nimrod for years afterward. John Mills was another early settler here, but went farther west entering the land where the Mills descendants now occupy.

Thus many settlers came and began the foundation for a strong church, a splendid school and a prosperous and substantial farming community. The hardships and privations were great, but out from this toil and suffering, sprung the institutions which the people of this community now enjoy, and many do not fail to ascribe the honor and tribute to those who wrought and fought for the splendid heritage.

The first school in Vermilion County was taught by Reuben Black who came from Ohio, in the winter of 1824-5. It was in a log house one mile west of Vermilion Grove. John Mills sent three sons and one daughter, Joseph Jackson sent two children, Ezekiel Hollingsworth sent four children, Henry Canaday sent his son William, John Haworth sent his sons Thomas, David and Elvin. This made 14 scholars in all. The branches taught were spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic. The second school was taught by Elijah Yeager, a Methodist minister from east Tennessee, two years later, in a cabin one mile northeast of Vermilion station. The house was built of logs, 16 feet square. It was certainly one of the old timers of which some of us have heard our fathers tell. But the old house soon became inadequate and the needs of the fast growing community demanded a better building. In 1850 a frame structure was built, 30x52, with two recitation rooms properly furnished. This was called Vermilion seminary. Jonah M. Davis was employed as principal and school opened with no students. The following branches were taught: Geography, algebra, chemistry, geometry, surveying, history, mineralogy, philosophy, reading, writing, spelling, elocution and Latin. Mr. Davis continued here for five years, and was certainly one of the best educators of his day. Many of the (now) old men who reside in this and surrounding communities date their education back to this old seminary.

Vermilion academy of today is really the continuation of the old seminary. It was established in 1874, by the Society of Friends and has continued under their management to the present time. The first board of trustees chosen consisted of William Rees, John Henderson, Richard Mendenhall, John Elliott, Jonah M. Davis and Elvin Haworth. A two story brick building, 46x60, was erected at a cost of $8,000. The brick for the building were burned on the ground, thus reducing the cost to the minimum. For the maintenance of the school $10,000, consisting of 50 scholarships of $200 each were subscribed. The owner could pay the interest at 7% on this scholarship each year which would constitute the tuition for one scholar for one year. If he had no children of school age, he could sell the scholarship to some one who wished to attend school.

It was the aim then, and still is, to offer a better opportunity for a liberal academic education, under purer and more Christian influences than is commonly afforded by the public high schools. While it is under the supervision of

Friends church, yet it is not sectarian. The fact that Vermilion academy has stood and still stands for noble manhood and womanhood, is strongly attested by the large number of men and women scattered far and wide, who have graduated and gone from its influence.

Out of 166 graduates who have gone out from the institution, 96 have at sometime since graduation taught in the public schools, 33 of them have graduated at higher institutions, eight have gone to their long home and all the others have and are meeting the problems of life in a way that reflects credit on their teachers and alma mater.

The original town of Ridgefarm was platted for record November 10, 1853, by Abraham Smith, and consisted of thirteen lots beginning ten feet west of the west side of the state road and eight feet south of the county road. The same year Thomas Haworth laid out and recorded an addition west of the state road and north of the county road. On the 2/th of February, 1856, Thomas Haworth laid out his second addition of seventeen lots. On the ist of December, 1854, J. W. Thompson laid out his first addition, east of the state road and south of the county road, eight lots ; and in August, 1856, his second addition of thirty-two lots. On April u, 1856, Abraham Smith made his third addition of six lots. On the 25th of March, 1857, Thomas Haworth laid out his third and fourth addition. In November, 1872, A. B. Whinnery laid out an addition of two blocks near the Big Four Railroad, and soon afterwards established a flourishing business and for a number of years, that part of town was the main business center. On the 5th of April, 1873, R. H. Davis platted his sub-division of section 30. In April, 1872, J. H. Banta platted his addition of four blocks east of the Big Four Railroad and April 15, H. C. Smith platted an addition east of the state road. Soon after the town was laid out by Abraham Smith he built a frame store room near where the armory now stands and conducted a general store. Nearby Samuel Weeks built a blacksmith shop. Thomas Haworth built a store room near where the post office now is, and rented it to another man who put in a stock of hardware. John Dickens built a tavern on the southwest corner of the square. About 1857, Weeks and Price put up a building on the northwest corner of the square and used it for a drug store. It is hardly worth while to say that these old buildings have long since been removed and imposing brick structures occupy the most prominent places, while the last resting places of the men who built the old buildings are marked by simple stone slabs in Pilot Grove, Vermilion Grove and Ridgefarm cemeteries.

With the building of the railroad in 1873-74 business increased and several business ventures found location near the railroad. A large flouring mill was built there at that time by Davis Brothers, which was considered one of the best mills in the country and did the mill work for a large scope of country. The mill was purchased by Banta & Coppock and afterward Mr. Coppock sold to A. J. Darnell and he to A. B. Whinnery. An extensive grain business was built up and when it fell to younger men, W. F. Banta became the proprietor, and he, being very successful, retired from business in 1907, the National Elevator Co., of Indianapolis, having purchased the entire business of Mr. Banta. This included a large number of elevators at other places. There were a great num- ber of other business ventures which were successful and which have been transferred to younger men who now conduct them in a profitable and courteous manner. We might mention the lumber yard which for many years was conducted by Adam Mills, who afterward became president of the First National Bank and served in that capacity until his death. The mercantile business conducted by A. B. Whinnery was for many years the leading business of the kind in south Vermilion County, but as trade is transient and buyers are always seeking new things to satisfy their fancy, and as Mr. Whinnery grew older, Tiis trade was largely changed to his competitors who employed new and up-todate business methods. A. J. Darnell became the leading merchant but at this time no one could long hold a monopoly of the trade. Mr. Darnell did well however, and left a large estate.

The hardware business was chiefly left to J. P. Tuttle who with his son still conducts a very extensive trade in that line. Others have come and gone but Tuttle stays. Many others might be mentioned but space and time forbids.

A petition for the incorporation of the village of Ridgefarm under the general incorporation act, signed by Uriah Hadley and others, was filed in the county court on the 3d of March, 1874. The petition proposed the following limits to the village: The S. W. l/4 of sec. 30 and the N. W. l/4 of sec. 31, town 17, range n, and the S. E. % of 25 and the N. E. ^ of sec. 36, town 17, range 12, embracing i mile square of territory ; and it set forth that there were within said limits 350 inhabitants. The court ordered an election to be held at the store of J. C. Pierce on the 2ist of March, 1874, to vote on the question of incorporation. George H. Dice, R. H. Davis and J. H. Banta were appointed judges of the election. At that election fifty-one votes were cast, forty-nine for incorporation and two against. The proposition to incorporate having- thus carried, the court ordered another election to be held on the 22d of April, to vote for six trustees to serve until the regular election in course of the law. At this election J. H. Banta, M. A. Harrold, T. C. Rees, A. J. Darnell, A. B. Whinnery and Moses Lewis were duly chosen trustees. The trustees on May i, organized by electing A. J. Darnell, president, and T. C Rees, clerk They adopted a set of. ordinances and fixed the compensation of officers; trustees to have $1.00 per meeting ; treasurer, one per centum ; collector, two per centum, and assessor $1.50 per day. The offices of collector and assessor were afterwards dispensed with. At the regular election in 1875 the following were elected : President, M. A. Harrold ; A. B. Whinnery, A. M. Mills, C. Lewis, S. Haworth and H. R. Craven, trustees; T. C. Rees, police magistrate; James Quinn, clerk; E. Goodwin, constable. The village has enjoyed a constant, steady growth since its incorporation. It has never had what is generally known as a "boom" but has quietly plodded along until now, residents claim a population of about 1,400 people. Among the many large and commodious residences of the village at the present might be mentioned those of William F. Banta, S. H. Brown, John Brown, Isaac Woodyard, Mrs. Addle Guffin and many more almost imposing and beautiful Ridgefarm is noted for its fine homes.

In church, professional and business lines, Ridgefarm has the following list : i elevator, i lumber yard, i implement firm, i light and ice plant, i creamery, i furniture store, 4 grocery stores, 2 general stores, i dry goods and clothing store, 2 hardware stores, 2 restaurants, i drug store, i millinery store, i jewelry store, i printing office, i paper, I garage, 2 banks, 2 blacksmith shops, 2 butcher shops, i candy kitchen, i harness shop, i livery barn, 2 railroads, i interurban, i grist mill, i building and loan association, 3 barber shops, i tile mill, I high school, 4 churches, 5 doctors, i dentist, 2 veterinary doctors, i lawyer and 2 telephone exchanges and no saloons. A fine Carnegie library has just been completed and is ready for occupancy. This building stands where the old Methodist church stood years ago. A new school building is under course of construction. This when completed will be the largest and best high school building in eastern Illinois outside the large cities. It will cost over $30,000. Mr. Frank Pribble the contractor is a Ridgefarm boy and has been very successful in contract work.

Pilot is only a settlement, but is the most historical place in Elwood township because it is in this neighborhood that the famous Harrison purchase begins. The northern point of this triangular piece of land lies just north of what is known as Locust Corner school house. Harrison negotiated with the Indians for a large tract, beginning at this point, the east side of which is a line running from this rock, on a certain day of the year, toward the 10 o'clock sun, the western line running toward the i o'clock sun and terminating in the northern part of Crawford County, thence east to the Wabash. The east line terminates at the Wabash river a few miles north of where it becomes the boundary of the state. The part that belongs to Elwood township extends one-half mile below the southern boundary of the township, running parallel with the southern boundary. Just why this extention into Edgar County, has not been explained.

And at one time there was a small grove near the center of the township known as Pilot Grove which in later years has been cleared and the ground is now farmed, there being only a few acres remaining. It is now known as the Fowler farm.

There is only one village within the borders of Pilot. It has a two-room school building, a church, a bank, a grain elevator, two or three stores and a dozen dwelling houses.

There have been several postoffices in the township on what was known as "Star" routes. These were known as Oak, Charity and Bixby. Since the advent of the free rural deliveries these postoffices have been abandoned and the east end of the township is served by a rural carrier out of Collison, the north side from carriers out of Potomac and Armstrong, the south from carriers out of Ogden, Fithian, Muncie and Oakwood, thus the township, practically being inland, has a good rural route system.

The Sidell branch of the C. & E. I., cuts across the eastern part of the township and near the place known as Collison point. A village is located on the Thos. A. Collison place and is known as Collison. The Villa Grove branch of the same system touches the northwest corner of the township where is located a small store, a school house and an elevator which is known as Gerald. It has no postoffice and is practically only a cross-roads place.

The whole township is practically inlaid with drainage tile. The principal crops now are corn, oats, clover and grass. Grass is not as profitable as it was several years ago when large herds of cattle were seen grazing on the pastures. The land is now given up to agricultural purposes and is not used for grazing. Cattle grazing has become obsolete. The cattle that are now fed are purchased at the Chicago or other markets, shipped in, fattened and re-shipped to Chicago to the packing houses.

Pilot township is known as the largest feeders of sheep in the county. Frequently there are 25,000 head of sheep in this township. These are fed and reshipped to Chicago markets.

Most of the corn and oats of the township are shipped to other markets. At one time this was all fed to cattle as Pilot township used to be one of the best feeding places in the country.

Pilot has only one village, Collison, located on the C. & E. I. railroad in the eastern part of the township near what was known in early day as Collison point.

The father of John Fletcher moved into this locality in 1828 and the Folgers soon followed, and much of the land in the locality still belongs to the direct descendants of those early settlers. A friends church was early established in this locality and is still kept up. Although the membership is small, yet the earnestness and zeal with which the members carry on the work, is a subject for comment by outside people.

Olivet is the name of a new religious and educational community in the northern part of the township. This is in the vicinity of the Old Sharon neighborhood, on the farm at one time owned by that pioneer Henry Canaday. Here within the past three years has sprung into existence a new school which promises to be of immense proportions. As stated in the catalogue : "Out of the conviction of a common need came the desire and prayer of a few of God's people in this state for a school which would stand definitely and always for holiness of heart and life. The answer of that prayer and effort is Illinois Holiness University."

The conviction was that the religious element is necessary to education ; that religious experience and ethical culture must come in the formative stages of one's life; that God can have His way with His creature man only when his spiritual is in advance of his intellectual ; and that the beginning and developing of the spiritual part must be undertaken in early life and conducted from the first in a sane and safe manner, with the Bible as a text book. To this end a small school was started in 1907. Later, the present site of the university grounds was secured and a grammar school and academic departments were added in 1908. A college department was added in 1909 and a large dormatory for girls was erected at a cost of $30,000. Another large administration building is now being erected at a total cost of $50,000. Other buildings are contemplated. A corps of 12 teachers are in charge of the school. Ezra T. Franklin is president. Growing up around the university is the town of Olivet. About 16 houses with modern equipment are completed. Many others are soon to be finished for people coming here for school purposes. Over 400 lots are platted, and 50 have been sold within the past 12 months. The location is ideal and the place is fast taking on the appearance of a modern university community.