Embarrass Township

Embarrass Township

This township is situated in the middle of the extreme western part of Ed¬ gar County, and is, at its nearest part, nine miles from Paris, the county seat. It contains forty-four sections of Congressional Towns 14 and 15 north, and 13 and 14 west. It is bounded on the west by Coles and Douglas Counties, and on the north, east and south by Shiloh, Buck and Kansas Townships. It is crossed from southeast to northwest and west by Catfish Creek, a branch of the Embarrass River, into which it empties after leaving the township, forming a junction with that river in Coles County, eight or ten miles west of the town¬ ship line. The creek, it is said, derives its euphonious name from the catching of a monster catfish by Thomas Dohhette, one of the earliest settlers of this region.

The Embarrass River, from which the name of the township is taken, is the largest river in Southeastern Illinois. It rises near the center of Champaign County, and, pursuing a general southerly direction, passes through Douglas, Coles, Cumberland, Jasper, Crawford and Lawrence Counties, and empties into the Wabash a few miles south of Vincennes. Embarrass Township is the only one in the county entirely drained by this river ; therefore the propriety of calling the township by that name. In former years, the name was pronounced almost universally "Ambro," or "Ambrah," accenting on the first syllable, but the more modern pronunciation is in accordance with the English method.

The Paris & Decatur Railroad, mentioned more at length on another page, was built in 1871, and affords communication with the county seat and other points along its line, and also an outlet for the products of this portion of the county. It crosses the township from east to west, in almost a direct line.

About one-third of the township was formerly covered with timber, but the early pioneers considerably reduced that proportion. All of the earliest set¬ tlers located primarily along the stream of water, and a number of them actually cleared the land covered by the timber to make themselves farms. The best of the land is outside of the timber belt, though there is but little of it which can be termed poor. The prairie produces the best corn, while it is claimed the timber farms are the best for wheat. Large crops of both these standard grains are raised.

Like other early-settled portions of the county, the vicinity of Catfish Creek was occupied mainly by southern people, from the State of Kentucky ; but later Ohio and the Eastern States sent a large proportion.

John Crist is said to have been the first settler in the township. But few now living remember him, as he removed to Texas a couple of years after locat¬ ing here. He built a little cabin, but made no improvement of any consequence besides, as he supported himself and family by hunting. This was, to a man with but little means with which to improve land, an easy method of providing for the household. Deer, turkeys, prairie-hens and other game were as plenty as* domestic animals and fowls are now. It would be a poor marksman that could not bring in enough game in a day to last a family a week. Crist had it all his own way for a year or two. His nearest neighbors were eight or ten miles away, over on the Embarrass, in Coles County. South of him, at the head of the North Fork of the Embarrass, lived a few families - the Boyers, Pinnells and Wait - and these were distant a dozen miles, at least. Not a soul lived in all the territory now known as Buck, and as for the country north, you could have traveled forty miles without coming upon the track of a human being, either white or red ; for the Indians, like the whites, stuck close to the timber, which afforded them the most of their living.

But Mr. Crist did not long remain in undisputed possession of all this vast hunting-ground, as he had evidently hoped to do, for, in a year or two after locating here, several other families unloaded their wagons near him, built cab¬ ins and began farming, hunting and catching big catfish, to the no small dis¬ gust of Mr. Crist. He soon began to feel himself somewhat cramped for room, and, when about five families had permanently settled, he sold out his little improvement and went where he imagined he might spend his years in peace, unmolested by the report of any other hunter's rifle. In 1828, Benjamin Wayne, Nathaniel Wayne, Thomas Darnall and Isaac, Joel and Thomas Dohhette made their appearance at Catfish.

The first-named of these was also a noted hunter. He it was who bought out the claim of Crist. He, with all others named, was from Kentucky, though all were not from the same part of that State. Wayne had a faculty, ora weak¬ ness it may have been, for telling marvelous stories about his hunting expedi¬ tions. It was nothing for him (in his words) to bring down two or three deer at one shot, and to send a rifle-ball through the heads of a dozen wild turkeys that happened to be roosting on a limb in range with his eye was a feat which he boasted but few could perform beside himself. He was as great on pulling teeth as on killing turkeys. He claimed to have extracted with an old pair of pullicans, in his time, no less than three bushels of molars. He died a year or so after his settlement here.

Nathaniel Wayne was not a relative of Benjamin. This Wayne was a hotel-keeper, or, rather, a "tavern-keeper,' as they were then called. The W avne Tavern was a small double log house, which, most of the residents of the town will remember, stood, until four or five years ago, near the timber, at the crossing of the Springfield road. Doubtless, it will strike some of our readers as a singular place, as well as an unpropitious time, for the erection of a hotel. W ithin an area of a hundred square miles there were not more than three families, including his own ; but this road was the highway over which numerous emigrant-wagons passed daily, and to accommodate this class of travel, Mr. Wayne erected such an extensive house, and called it a tavern. Mr. Wayne removed to Wisconsin thirty or more years ago, where he has since died. The Dohhettes were three brothers, who fell in love with the Wayne family (that is, the Benjamin Wayne family), and married the most of them. Wayne had three daughters, and marriageable maidens were scarce in this country then - so were young men. So it is not to be wondered at that the affinity mentioned should culminate in the espousal of the three couples. We do not know whether the preliminary arrangements were in process at the same time, or not, but presume they were. If so, the reader is left to imagine the amount of billing and cooing there was going on at one time in Old Man Wayne's little cabin ; how the three boys all rode the same old gray mare back and forth from the Dohhette house to that of Wayne; how the bridal outfits of the three pro¬ spective ribs were gotten up with so much care from the homespun linsey-w^oolsey, and the future benedicts were in a quandary how to procure the extra blue jeans for so important an occasion ; and the many other details which must have been in those early times intensely interesting. Weddings were not such exclusive affairs as we now find them. No one would think of getting married without inviting all of the neighbors, and no greater affront could be put upon one than to omit him from the list of invitations.

In 1832, one of the Dohhette boys - Thomas, we believe - accompanied the regiment raised in this part of the State to rid the country of the presence of Black Hawk and his allies. None of any of these families now live in the county, all having removed to other parts.

Thomas Darnall will be recognized as one of the pioneers of Grand View. After residing there for about six years, he removed to this part of the county, and lived here until his death, which occurred nearly forty years ago. Aaron Darnall was a son of the above, and settled in this township at the same time. He was a preacher of the Gospel, and followed that profession here and at other places until three years since, when he died in Edgar Township.

Joseph Smart settled in the southeastern part of the township, at the head of Catfish Creek. He had also formerly lived in Grand View for a short time, but doubtless finding himself crowded (there being then fifteen or twenty families in that township), concluded to find a place where he would have room commensurate with his strength. Nor did he long experience that freedom which he desired, but moved again in about 1855, this time to Wisconsin. Mr. Smart was a native of Kentucky. He came to Embarrass Township in 1829.

In 1830, James Scott settled at the head of Catfish Creek. He was also from Kentucky. Mr. Scott is said to have been one of the best informed men in the country in his time. He was not a great orator, but from an extensive reading had become well posted in history, literature and the sciences. He took especial pleasure in the higher mathematics, and algebra, geometry and astronomy were his favorite studies. As he increased in years his passion for these studies grew more and more intense, and when he was unable to move about, he was seldom seen without one of these favorite works in his hand. For a number of years before his death, he was the only man in this part of the State who believed in the feasibility of crossing this country with railroads, and who predicted that they would be built through this section. He died thirty years ago. A son of his still resides here, and a daughter lives in the village of Redmon. Another Kentuckian, James Flack, now living near the village of Dudley, came in about 1830. Mr. Flack has always been counted one of the most reliable men of this part of the county, both financially and morally. The first Methodist Church in the western part of the county was organized at his house, and the meetings of the same were held there until a building was erected, Mr. Flack being the Class- Leader. His ideas of the religion of peace, however, did not prevent his taking his gun on his shoulder to pursue the fleeing Sacs under Black Hawk, in 1832. Mr. Flack believed with Jackson, then Presi¬ dent of the United States, in peace, even if he had to fight for it. Another soldier in. the Black Hawk war was Henry Ousley. He and his son William came from Kentucky and settled here a year or two before the Indian trouble. He died here near thirty years since. William Ousley was one of the most highly respected citizens in this part of the county, and the manner and causes leading to his death are of most mournful character. He had suffered for a great many years from asthma, during nearly all of which time he had not been able to lie down to sleep an hour. Life was, therefore, a great burden, which he seemed unable longer to bear. A year before his death he began 4' setting his house in order " by paying all of his debts, making repairs about his farm and house, and then, when all was arranged to his satisfaction, caused his own death by swallowing poison. A two-ounce vial of laudanum found by his side after his death, told the story of his years of constant suffering. In his pocket was found a written paper in which he recounted his sufferings, and in which he stated that he had contemplated this act just a year before, and that he had only just completed his arrangements for his demise.

George Roberts and L. R. Noel were also soldiers in the war of 1832. They were brothers-in-law, both having married daughters of James Scott. Roberts died three years ago in Paris, to which place he had removed. The other members of the family still reside there. Roberts was from Kentucky.

Col. Noel was a good business man and filled several important positions of honor and trust, among which was that of Receiver of the Land Office at Dan¬ ville. I his office he filled for eight years. He was also a member of the State Legislature, being elected to the Lpper House. He died some years since at Perryville, Ind. He was a native of Kentucky.

James A\ ilkinson, mentioned in Grand View as being the first bridegroom in that section in 1823, came with his family to this settlement in 1831, and resided here four years. At the end of that period he removed to Texas. The Lone Star country the next year (1836) rebelled against Mexico, and for some time a kind of guerrilla warfare was kept up between Texas and the govern- ment of Mexico. Mr. Wilkinson enlisted in the Texan army to fight the " Greasers." While engaged in this, he contracted a disease from which he never recovered. After a residence in Texas of eight years, which saw the annexation of that country to the United States as one of the members of this country, Mr. Wilkinson returned to this county, and both he and his wife died.

William Blood, Joseph Bradbury, Jacob Housel, Isaac Keller, and the Hollis brothers were all old settlers, coming to this township during the years 1832-36.

Bradbury, a brother-in-law of Blood, now resides in Paris, where he has lived twelve or fifteen years. We believe he is also a native of England.

Jacob Housel died about fifteen years ago. His two sons, Eli and Frank, are well known in this part of the county. Eli lives on the old homestead. They were natives of New Jersey.

Isaac Keller was from Kentucky, formerly, but had lived a couple of years in the vicinity of Big Creek where he had located, about 1830. Mr. Keller died many years since - probably thirty-five. John Keller, a son of the above, is a minister in the Christian Church.

About 1838, quite a delegation arrived from Ohio. Samuel and Milton Burt (father and son), Levi D. Gillis and Richard Turley were relatives, and came out to this place together. We believe Turley and Gillis were both sonsin-law of the elder Burt. Samuel Burt has been dead about thirty years. Milton resides in Paris, and is the proprietor of the Exchange Mill, in that city. Turley continues to reside in the township. Gillis died some twenty years since, but his widow and sons are still here. Henry Jarvis was one of the earliest settlers of this section. He died many years ago and left a large family, who have since all moved to other parts.

This is surely one of the most prolific regions in the State. We had learned of one family of twenty-three, and another of twenty-four, but now cometh Thornton Lansdown, who saith he "can see that last and two better." Doubtless Lansdown, had he lived until the present, would have been a "granger" ignoring the small merchants and middle-men. They could do so much better buying directly from the manufacturers, hats, shoes, calico and all kinds of eatables not produced on the farm. School-books could be bought by the dozen, at a good discount ; and when the circus came along it would be so much cheaper to buy a family ticket. It was somewhat amusing to hear the teacher call the roll in the evening - three Lansdowns to one of every other name. It took four baskets to carry the dinner.

But time and space will not allow us to introduce more of these old pioneers. It would be pleasant to do so, but most of those coming after the last date named are mentioned in the biographical part of this work. The township

At the organization of the county, this part of the county was named Fairfield Precinct, with its voting-place at Paris ; but about the date of our last arrival, which was some ten years after the location of the pioneer, Crist, and fourteen after the organization of the county, a voting-place was established in the midst of the Catfish settlement. This order of things was kept up with little variation until 1856, when the township of Embarrass was formed, with bounds co-extensive with what we now find them. By that time, the popula¬ tion of the township had increased to nearly four hundred, and the number of voters to about one hundred.

The first township meeting for the election of officers and other business was held April 7, 1857, at which the following persons were elected to the respective offices : Charles Brown, Supervisor ; James B. Downs, Assessor ; Jabel Bandy, Collector; William Hollis, Clerk; William Ousley and William McCord. Justices of the Peace; Joseph and Robert E. Smith, Constables; David Smith, Moses Burnett and Henson Hollis, Road Commissioners, and Alexander Wilson, Overseer of the Poor. The township, at the last date given, was all occupied either by actual settlers or by speculators, but many of the large farms have been divided to accommodate additional settlers ; also two thriving little towns have sprung up within its borders, so that now we find the population of the township more than trebled. The population, as given in the census of 1870, was 1,250; but from the number of votes cast at some of the recent elections, it is safe to put the estimate at not less than 1,600. The highest number of votes cast has been 320. The present township officers are : 1\ . M. Casteel, Supervisor ; Peter Chesrown, Assessor ; T. A. Buckler, Col¬ lector ; George W. Brown, Clerk ; Charles Merkle, Eli Honsel and Thomas Ferguson, Commissioners of Highways ; Charles Merkle and Jesse Borton, Justices of the Peace, and George Kees and Andrew Hambleton, Constables.

Educational

The first attempt at a system of instruction for the youth of this neighbor¬ hood was made in 1834. There were then about fifteen families scattered up and down the creek, and though some of them were illy situated as to circum¬ stances and location, to avail themselves of the advantages of a school, they nevertheless organized it, and the school was voted a great success. We very much doubt if the children in these days had the poor advantages of the pioneer children, that they would do as well, educationally, as did they of the olden time. The honor of being the pioneer educator of this section is said to belong to Edward Brown. The school was taught in an unoccupied cabin, and was attended by fifteen or twenty scholars. It may be guessed that the character of the instruction was of the most rudimentary kind, being simply a little spelling, reading and writing. A year or two later, a tempo- rary log cabin was erected for the purposes of education and religious meet¬ ings. This building was erected on the mutual-assistance plan, the neighbors meeting together on an appointed day bringing with them such tools, axes, saws and hammers as they happened to possess, and putting it up without the help of architect, plans or details. In this hnmble temple of learning, we are credibly informed, Samuel Wood first essayed to "wield the birch and ferule' and "teach the young ideas how to shoot." This school was located near the timber, near what is still known as the " Smart Place," and near where the United Brethren Church now stands. The schools, prior to 1855, were, in the main, taught by subscription. A dollar to a dollar and a half was the usual amount paid as tuition for a term of three months for one pupil, and if several children were sent from one family - like the Lansdowns - the price was discounted a little. Included in the price of tuition was board, which the teacher obtained at the different cabin residences in the neighborhood, squatting on each family for a week at a time. When teachers began to receive wages sufficient to enable them to contract board at a single house for the term, some of the old pioneers took offense at the plan, construing this into an insinuation that their establishments were not of the high-toned character to suit the fastidious teacher.

Edward Eggleston, in one of his works, entitled the " Hoosier Schoolmaster," describes the methods and customs pertaining to an imaginary locality in an adjoining State, which, with the change of a few names and an increase in respectability of the characters, might well fit the old-time schools of this region.

A wonderful change for the better has come to this part of the county in methods of instruction, in schoolhouses and in the interest manifested in the education of the children. The old idea, as Eggleston expresses it, "Lickin' and Lamin', Lickin' and Lamin'," has given place to the improved methods as taught in institutes and normal schools ; and the true meaning of the word educate - to lead out - is made the object of the school. The little old log cabins, with puncheon seats and oiled-paper windows, have long since been transformed into hog-pens or grain-bins, and are scarcely considered good enough for the modern pig and his feed ; and, in their places, wre find the neat, white modern schoolhouses, dotting the prairie all over, with comfortable seats and desks, blackboards, and all the comforts and conveniences adapted to the wants of the school.

Religious

As early as 1882, a class of the Methodist Episcopal denomination was organized here, with James Flack, William Ousley and James Jarvis, their wives, and Mildred Keller and Sarah Keller as members. Preaching was had occasionally, sometimes in the grove, and at other times in the schoolhouse. Class-meetings were held in the dwellings of the members. Rev. Mr. Lane is remembered as the first preacher to minister to the congregation.

Five or six years after the organization of the class, through the influence of John McReynolds, the building since used by the society was erected. The society honored Mr. McReynolds by naming the building " The McReynolds Chapel." This Church has prospered well and done a great deal of good in this community. Rev. A. P. Forsyth, Member-elect to Congress from this district, has preached for the Church occasionally for the last few years. Rev. W. C. Lacey is present Pastor.

The Baptist Church, at Monca's Point, though on the line between this and Coles County, draws much of its support from Embarrass Township. The Church was founded about forty years ago by Rev. John Shields, an eccehtric though earnest and successful preacher of that denomination. A story is related of a brother of the divine that will bear mentioning. The brother, Robert by name, w^as far from being pious, and, though often pleaded with and prayed for by his reverend brother, continued his crooked ways, to the no small regret and mortification of his pious relatives. On one occasion, some strange preacher, coming to the neighborhood, happened to be introduced to this "black sheep, ' as he was called. They had heard of the Rev. John Shields, as his reputation for piety and sound doctrine were not confined to Edgar County ; and one of the clergymen remarked that he had heard of him before. Robert replied that " probably it was his brother of whom they had heard the good report." The minister then said, " There are two of you, then ; and are you both preachers ? " Robert, determined to support the good impression already made, replied in the affirmative. " Of what denomination are you ? " further queried the divine. Bob, seeing himself now cornered, and his con¬ science not allowing him to further impose on his pious friends, replied, laugh¬ ing : u Oh, John he preaches Souls Salvation, and I preach H - 1 and D - na¬ tion ! This society, many years ago, built for its use a small frame house of worship, in which the meetings were held until about two years ago, when their present substantial edifice was erected. Rev. Andrew Patton is the present Pastor.

The United Brethren organized a Church of that denomination, in the eastern part of the township, about fifteen years ago, and built a church edifice five or six years after. This has been an important organization here, and is the mother of the church at Redmon.

This denomination also have a church in the western part of the township, about a mile west of the village of Isabel, of which Rev. Samuel Ross is Pastor.

Ihe history of any locality is said to be incomplete without a tragedy; and in this particular Embarrass Township answers the demand, one of a very disgusting and aggravated character having taken place here a few years ago. A respectable citizen, by the name of B. Wood, was murdered under circum¬ stances which naturally caused the greatest excitement and indignation. Mr. ^ ood had employed a young man to assist him in his farm labors, and between them there seemed to be nothing but the most cordial feeling ; though subse¬ quent events prove that there must have been some powerful incentive to the commission of so heinous a crime as that of the one taking the other's life. The season was well advanced, when it was noticed^that Mr. Wood was absent from home. Upon inquiry, the balance of the Wood family, including the laborer, professed ignorance of his whereabouts. Strict search and due inquiry were made for him far and near, in which the man who was subsequently con¬ victed of his death joined, but he could nowhere be found. Some time after Mr. Wood's disappearance, some one, in passing along the road, noticed a dog in the adjacent field scratching at something, as though he was in search of some animal burrowed there. Upon coming nearer, what was his horror in finding that the object of the dog's search was the body of Mr. Wood ! It was after¬ ward proven that the laborer had shot him, buried him here, and, to conceal the spot, had plowed over the grave. The man was arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced to the Penitentiary for life. Mrs. Wood was also arrested as an accomplice, but the evidence adduced failed to convict her, and she was set at

Village Of Isabel

The location of the Paris & Decatur Railroad was the signal for a system of town-building ; and, indeed, in the case of those located in this township, it seemed to be a part of the scheme, as the incorporators of the railroad were largely interested in the real estate constituting the town plats.

The land on which the town of Isabel now stands was formerly owned by John Stokes, who subsequently sold to James M. Sherman. In 1868, John Corzine came from Ohio, bought the land and moved to the farm the next year. The railroad was not then thought of, and the only public attraction peculiar to this locality was the little village of New Athens adjacent.

In 1871, the road was built, and the next year Messrs. Corzine, Timmons & Housel laid out the town. The platting and surveying were done by George W. Foreman, then County Surveyor, April 8, 1872.

But few ladies are honored in the manner that Mrs. Corzine has been. Queen Victoria, and a few other notables, have namesakes in the shape of towns and cities, but at this moment we cannot recollect, out of the fifteen hundred towns and cities in the State of Illinois, more than five or six named after women. Isabel Corzine's name, therefore, is bound to go down through the ages to come as worthy of having a town named in her honor.

The house now occupied by John Corzine, at the time of the laying out of the town, had already been built nearly twenty years ; but the first improve¬ ment really made after the town was laid out was by J. W. & C. D. Pearce. This was the store-building now used by L. Bolen. The Pearces had been keep¬ ing a store and the post office at Catfish Point, which institutions they moved to the place, and began business in 1872. These gentlemen have continued in business here most of the time since. John Stokes soon after built a storehouse, and put in a stock of groceries. This house is now vacant. Lewis Kees followed, with a store-building and dwelling-house, and also a grainhouse. This last has since been transformed into a dwelling. Mr. Kees has since removed to Oakland. Then Corzine & Walls built a grain-elevator, and began buying grain. Mr. Corzine had previously bought a little grain on the track.

Dr. J. G. Mulvane came from Ohio and settled here in 1872, and began the practice of medicine. He also built a dwelling and storehouse and put in a stock of drugs. There were, at the time of the founding of the town, twTo stores, a blacksmith-shop and a dozen other houses in New Athens ; most of these have since been moved to Isabel. Prior to 1877, school was kept in a part of a dwelling-house ; but during the year mentioned, a neat frame build¬ ing for school purposes was erected at a cost of about $500. James Browning is in charge of the school at present. The population of the village has increased to about one hundred, at this writing., Isabel is nicely located in the western part of the township.

Village Of Redmon

Bedmon, situated in the eastern part of the township, was laid out for J. B. Warnick and Joseph Redmon, after the latter of whom it was named, by George W. Foreman, County Surveyor, January 9, 1872. The first buildings were erected, as nearly as can now be remembered, in the order in which they are mentioned. J. S. Gordon erected the store-building now occupied by him, and opened the first stock of goods, though, in reality, one house now occupied by D. B. Fitts, had been built a number of years before the town was thought of.

A ery soon after the improvement was made by Gordon, E. B. Thompson and David McCall came and put up a blacksmith-shop, the latter also erecting a dwelling-house.

\\ illiam Roth, now of Chrisman, Philip Ray, John Steele, James Crafton, now of Paris, and William Deem, were amongst the first to erect dwellings. John Mason, also, about the same time built his storehouse. The store now occupied by Stanley Casteel was erected in 1876 by Thomas B. Roth.*

James S. Gordon was appointed first Postmaster ; and, notwithstanding liis political views, they being somewhat in opposition to the party in power, has continued to hold the same under two administrations. The only explanation that any one could give us of this unusual state of affairs was that Mr. Gordon not only gave the Government good satisfaction, but that the inhab- Kmts of the vicinity were also pleased with his administration of postal matters.

WILLIAM M. ASHMORE, firmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Isabel ; one of the natives of Illinois; was born in Coles Co., Sept. 10, 1846. He is the son of Mr. Samuel Ashmore, who is one of the first settlers of that county. Mr. A. was mar¬ ried Feb. 23, 1868, to Miss Martha J. Ilousel, who was born in Illinois Nov. 4, 1849 ; they have five children, viz., Will- iam E., Rosa M. J., Pincard E., Anna M. and an infant. The farm of Mr. A. con¬ sists of 120 acres, valued at $5,000. Since his residence in the township, he has held office of Clerk and Collector, and is, at present, School Trustee of the township.

State and settled in Edgar Co. in 1864. His farm consists of 160 acres, valued at $7,000. He was married to Miss Castara Shively, who was born in Ohio Oct. 23, 1843 ; they have two children, viz., Lillian and Mary A. Since Mr. Andrew's resi¬ dence in the township, he has held office of Roadmaster three; years, and School Direct¬ or four years.

S. R. ARBUCKLE, farmer and stockraiser; P. O. Isabel ; one of the early and prominent settlers, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Oct. 11, 1820 ; came to this State and settled about five miles south of Paris, Edgar Co., in 1851; from that date until his removal to Embarrass, his pursuits were that of a miller and contractor; he is the constructor on the I. M. R. R. of all wood-works from Paris to Isabel, and on the Paris & Danville he was con¬ structor of all wood and trestle works ; his farm consists of 450 acres, valued at $18,000. He was married to Miss Lamanda Yandervort, who was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Sept. 3, 1828; they have had seven children, five of whom are living, viz., Medora, Alphonso T., Bion E., James L. and Walter V. ; de¬ ceased - Florence and Albion.

JAMES B. BUCKLER, farming; P. O. Isabel; was born in Kentucky, Sept. 16, 1845 ; came to this State with his father's family when he was but a boy. He was married to Miss Nancy J. Ash¬ more Dec. 20, 1869; she was born in Coles Co., Ill., July 7, 1849, and is the daughter of Mr. Samuel H. Ashmore, who is one of the early settlers of Coles Co.; they .have two children, viz., Iva L. and Leona D. The farm of Mr. Buckler con¬ sists of eighty acres, valued at $3,000.

JESSE BORTON, farmer and stockraiser, and distiller of essential oils ; P. O. Isabel ; one of the prominent settlers ; was born in Ohio, Jan. 4, 1832; came to this State and settled in Edgar Co. in 1870 ; he is the son of the late William Borton, de¬ ceased, who was one of the first settlers of Ohio, andwas the first proprietor of a distil¬ lery in that State, and his father the first manufacturer in the United States. The farm of Mr. B. consists of 350 acres, valued at $12,250. He was married to Miss M. Brown, who was born in Ohio, A. D. 1834 ; they have eight children, viz., John W., William B., Rhoda J., Mary

M., Edson S., Eppa L., M. R. and Em¬ met S. Mr. B. is now holding office of Justice of the Peace, which is his second term, being elected by a majority of ten to one ; he was elected first term by a majority of thirty to one.

DAVID BRADFORD, farmer ; P. O. Kansas; was born in Ohio July 22, 1826; came to this State in 1863, and settled in Edgar Co. in the same year; his farm consists of twenty acres, valued at $1,000. He was married to Miss Melissa J. Boal, who was born in Ohio Sept. 12, 1824, they have had seven children, five of whom are living, viz., John O., Maria E., Cyrus D. Mary M. and Chancery G. ; deceased - Hannah N. and Newton R.

L. W. BOLEN, Postmaster and gen¬ eral merchant, Isabel ; was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, June 15, 1832 ; came to Illinois and settled in Edgar Co. in 1869. He was married to Miss Eliza A. Payne, who was born in Harrison Co., Ohio; they have had seven children, four of whom are living, viz., George W., Daniel W., James I. and Adella E. ; deceased - two infants and Dennis. Mr. B. has held office of Postmaster in the village of Isabel since 1874.

G. W. CARRICO, farmer; P. O. Isa¬ bel ; one of the early settlers ; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., April 22, 1817; came to this State with his father's family and settled in Vermilion Co. in 1839 ; he re¬ moved from there to Edgar in 1851 ; his farm consists of twenty-five acres, valued at $1,800. He was married to Miss Amanda Henthorn, who was born in Ohio; they have had fifteen children, fourteen of whom are living - Adeline, Elizabeth,- James, William W., George W., Marinda, John H., Maranda Ann, Edwin R., Pres¬ ton R., Amanda B., Frederick, Matilda and Lillie F.; deceased - Sarah E. Mr. C. was the first Postmaster in the town¬ ship of Embarrass.

EDWARD CARROLL, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Isabel; was born in Kings Co., Ireland, A. D. 1837 ; came to the United States in 1858, and to this State, and settled in Edgar Co. in the same year; his farm consists of 140 acres, valued at $5,000. He was married to Miss Catherine Marra, who was born in Kings Co., Ireland; they have had nine children, seven of whom are living -

Biographical Sketches

Caleb, Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Bridget, Thomas, John, Michael, William and Ed¬ ward P.; deceased - Edward and Cathe¬ rine. Since Mr. Carroll's residence in the township, he has held office of School Di¬ rector five years.

JAMES B. DOWNS, farmer and stockraiser; P. 0. Isabel; one of the early and prominent settlers ; was born in Virginia Aug. 24, 1813; came to this State with his mother's family in 1835, and settled in Edgar, where hejias since resided; his farm consists of 580 acres, valued at $30,- 000. He was married to Miss B. A. Metcalfe, who was born in Kentucky; they have had three children, all of whom are living, viz., William H., James N. and Anna Mima. Since Mr. Downs' residence in the township, he has held offices of Treasurer, Constable, Assessor and Super¬ visor.

BRANSON DAVIS, farmer and stockraiser; P. O. Redmon ; one of the natives of Illinois, was born in Edgar Co. Dec. 2 1, 1836 ; he is the son of Mr. Solomon Davis, who was one of our first settlers and pio¬ neers ; the farm of Mr. Davis consists of 120 acres, valued at $4,200. He was married Nov. 5, 1857, to Miss Eunice Cummins, who was born in Edgar Co., Ill., April 8, 1841 ; they have had eight chil¬ dren, five of whom are living - John S., AVilliam R., James B., Charles C. and Edith E. ; deceased - Florence J., Nancy I. and Mary E. Since Mr. Davis' resi¬ dence in the township, he has held office of Justice of the Peace four years, School Trustee three years, School Director three years, and Constable four years.

HON. A. P. FORSYTH, Isabel, Con¬ gressman-elect from the Fifteenth District, Illinois; was born in Ohio, May 24, 1830 ; came to this State in 1 865 ; his farm con¬ sists of eighty acres, valued at $40 per acre. He was a participant in the late war, having enlisted in the 97th Ind. V. I. ; served two years, and was dis¬ charged with honor, on account of disabil¬ ities.

JOHN R. GREEN, farmer and stockraiser ; P. O. Isabel ; one of the early and prominent settlers, was born in Ohio June 7, 1815, came to this State in 1855 and settled in Edgar Co. in the same year ; his farm consists of 520 acres, valued at $16,- 000. He was married to Miss Jane Clark, who was born in Ohio July 19, 1820 » they have had eight children, three of whom are living, viz., Milton C., John T. and James A. ; deceased, Henry, Salome C., Mary J., Flora, Anne and David. Mr. Green, since his residence in the township, has held office of Supervisor two years.

E. B. HICKEY, farmer and stockraiser; P. O. Isabel ; one of our early set¬ tlers ; was born in Ohio Oct. 17, 1827 ; came to this State and settled in Edgar Co. in 1851 ; his farm consists of 180 acres, valued $7,000. Since his residence in the township, he has held office of Con¬ stable three years.

THOMAS HERMAN, fireman on Ill. M. R. R. ; P. O. Isabel ; was born in Australia ; cam6 to the United States in 1863. He was married Oct. 20, 1878, to Miss Mollie Warmer, who was born in Mis¬ souri ; Mr. Herman has been in the em¬ ploy of the I. M. R. R. for the past three years.

M. HAWKINS, farmer and stockraiser; P. O. Isabel; was born in Green Co., Ohio, April 21, 1819, came to this State in 1858, and settled in Edgar Co. in the same year ; his farm consists of eighty acres, valued at $4,000. He was married to Miss Mary J. Peck, who was born in Virginia June 11, 1826 ; they have had seven children, viz., Allen W., James W., John R., Charles F., Nathan E., Flora E. and Joseph M. Since Mr. H.'s residence in the township he has held office of School Director several years.

ALLEN W. HAWKINS, farmer; P. O. Isabel; was born in Greene Co. Aug. 21, 1845 ; came to this State with his father's family, and settled in Edgar Co. in 1858. He was married to Miss Jennie Z. Lyon, who was born in Kentucky Dec. 8, 1850 ; they have one child. Alpheus E., born May 29, 1873 ; their property, which is located in the city of Paris, Ill., is valued at $2,000.

A. T. JENKINS, dealer in grain, flour and coal, Isabel ; was born in Ohio - Aug. 14, 1839; came to this State with his father's family and settled in Edgar Co. in 1871. He was married to Miss Mertie Burt Nov. 12, 1874; they have two chil¬ dren, viz., Nettie and Claudie B. Mr. Jenkins was a participant in the late war. having enlisted in the 53d Ohio V. I., served nearly four years, during

MARTIN JENKINS, farmer and stockraiser ; P. 0. Isabel ; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., June 18, 1808; came to this State and settled in Edgar Co. in 1871 ; his farm consists of 110 acres, valued at $4,000. He was married to Miss Amanda W. Silcott, who was born in Loudoun Co. Va., Sept. 28, 1814 ; they have five chil¬ dren, viz., Marietta, Adolphus T., Alvernum H., Ella B. and Emma F.

NELSON McCOLLUM, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Redmon ; was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 18, 1821 ; came to this State in 1864, and to this county in the same year ; his farm consists of 487 acres, valued at $23,000. He was married to Miss Jane Hathaway, who was Dorn in Penn¬ sylvania Dec. 18, 1827 , they have had thirteen children, ten of whom are living, viz., Florinda, Lena, Deba, Emma, Hiram, Simeon, Nelson, Robert, Jennie and Clara Belle ; deceased, Melissa, Alice and Isa.

MRS. M. MORRIS, farmer ; P. O. Redmon ; was born in the State of Dela¬ ware A. D. 1814 ; she is the widow of the late Elias Morris (deceased); they have have had twelve children, nine of whom are living - John W., Mary E., Prudence Anne, William James, Bennett, Margaret, George. Wesley and John Henry; de¬ ceased, Prudence Anne, George and Charles. The farm of Mrs. Morris con¬ sists of eighty acres, valued at $3,000.

CHARLES MERKLE, J. P., farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Redmon ; one of the early settlers and prominent men; was born in Germany Oct. 26, 1825 ; came to the United States in 1846, and to this State and settled in Edgar Co. in 1852 ; his farm consists of 1,100 acres, valued at $33,000. He was married in Chillicothe, Ohio, to Miss Eve Schlager, who was born in Germany; they have had seven chil¬ dren, five of whom are living, viz., Andrew, Charles, Henry, Mary E. and Douglas; deceased, Louisa and Jacob. Since Mr. Merkle's residence in the township, he has held the offices of School Trustee and Road Commissioner thirteen years ; he is now present Justice of the Peace, and is serv¬ ing in that office his fourth term.

J prominent farmers ; was born in Pennsyl¬ vania July 28, 1823; came to this State and settled in Edgar Co. in 1854. He was married to Miss Mary Hollis, who was born in Ohio Jan. 1, 1832; they have had six children - Jerome, Lincoln, Wiley, Oscar, Jennie L. and Herman. The farm of Mr. M. consists of 630 acres, valued at $25,000.

JOHN NOBLE, farmer ; P. O. Isabel ; one of the early settlers on the prairie; was born in Ireland Oct. 15, 1828; came to the United States in 1852, and to this State in 1855 ; his farm con¬ sists of 160 acres, valued at $5,000. He was married to Miss Fannie Baxter, who was born in Ireland June, 1828 ; they have had seven children, five of whom are living, viz., William B., David S., Cather- I ine J., Henry G. and Matilda Fannie ; de¬ ceased, John T. and an infant. Since Mr. Noble's residence in the township, he has , held office of Supsrvisor one term, and Commissioner of Highways three years.

MRS. ELIZABETH OUSLEY, re¬ tired ; P. O. Isabel ; one of the early set¬ tlers; was born in Ohio Dec. 3, 1831; came to this State with her parents and ; settled in Edgar Co., in 1840 ; she is the widow of the late William Ousley, who was born Oct. 24, 1823, and who died Sept. 12, 1875 ; they have had eight children, six of whom are living, viz., James, Mary E., Clarinda, Charles, Ida F. and Ulysses G. ; deceased, Sarah J. and Robert R. The farm of Mrs. Ousley con¬ sists of eighty-five and two-thirds acres, valued at $2,600.

D. D. ROBERTS, M. D. and surgeon, Redmon ; was born in Boone Co., Ky., Sept. 17, 1847 ; came to this State and t settled in Edgar Co. in 1871. Thra- Doc¬ tor is a graduate of the medical depart¬ ment of the Institute of Louisville, Ky. He was married to Miss Mary F. Brown, who was born in Nelson Co., Ky., Nov. 18, 1850 ; they have two children, viz., William Edward and Irene C.

HORACE SHERMAN, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Isabel ; was born in Rhode Island Jan. 22,1812; came to this State in 1864, and settled in Edgar in the same year; his farm consists of 180 acres, valued at $7,500. He was mar¬ ried to Miss Rachel Logee, who was born in Massachusetts May 30, 1814 ; they have eight children, viz., Nancy, Mary, Roena, Duty, Daniel, Mowrey, Phebe and Manson. Mr. Sherman, since his residence in the township, has held office of Road Commissioner six years.

CHARLES SMITH, farmer and stockraiser ; P. 0. Redmon ; one of the natives of Illinois; was born in Edgar Co., Nov. 13, 1857 ; he is the son of the late David Smith, deceased, who was one of the early settlers of Edgar Co ; the estate of Mr. Smith consists of 172 acres, valued at §6,000 ; it being as yet unsettled, is con¬ trolled principally by Charles; he has nine brothers and sisters who are also heirs to said property; their names are Harriet A., Jane M., 5lary D., Robert E., Daniel T., William J., Cynthia M., Rachel L. and Louisa F.

HARRISON B. THOMPSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Isabel; was born in Ohio March 4, 1850 ; came to this State with his father's family and settled in Edgar Co. in 1864; his farm consists of seventy- six acres, valued at $2,500. He was married to Miss Mary C. McDavett, who was born in Illinois Oct. 29, 1855; they have one child, viz., Thomas Ora.

HARRISON THOMPSON, farmer and stock -raiser ; P. O. Isabel; one of the early settlers; was born in Kentucky Jan. 1, 1823 ; came to this State in 1849, and settled in Edgar Co. in 1851 ; his farm consists of eighty acres, valued $3,000. He was married to Miss Savilla Milburn, who was born in Indiana Jan. 1, 1820 ; they have one child, viz., Sarah M.