Farmington Township

Farmington Township

This beautiful township will compare favorably with any tract of land six miles square in the Northwest. Sunshine and dew never fell u]K)n a fairer land. It is under the best of cultivation, and the farms are unsurpassed in point of modern improvements and an advanced and perfect state of cultivation. Jonah Marchant, with his wife and four children, was the first that lived tln'ough a winter in this township. Mr. Marchant came in October, 1827, and passed the followinsj: winter in a small cabin 12x14 feet in size. He knew, this was a fair land and concluded to remain here. Accordingly he set about in the spring to build a more pretentious dwelling. He erected a hewn-log cabin. In this he lived for seven years.

Seth Littler, a brother-in-law of the Marchants, lived in the township a few months in the spring and summer of the year 1827. He then left in company with some of his relatives for the Galena lead mines, which just at that time were causing such excitement. Mr. Littler, however, returned the same year and located near Canton, which at that time was a very small beginning for a town. He died that fall about the time Jonah Marchant settled in Farmington. The creek that heads south of Farmington was named in honor of Mr. Littler.

In the spring of 1828 Charles and Theodore Sargeant, the gentlemen so often spoken about in the first chapter of this book, located in this township. The former settled upon the southeast quarter of sec. 12. He remained here a few years, when he moved upon the land he received as bounty land for his services in the war of 1812. He is living yet, so far as we can learn. Theodore Sargeant settled the place where Kidder brothers now live, on the southeast quarter of sec. 2. Some years later he settled what was known as the Mound Quarter, being the southeast quarter of sec. 1, where he lived until he died, which 0(!curred suddenly July lo, 1871. He was 76 years of age at the time; was a member of the M. E. Church and a man highly respected.

Abraham Marchant was the next pioneer to venture so far from civilization. He arrived June 27, 1828, and had to build a small house, one suitable for a smoke-house, before he could have a place to unload his goods from the wagon. He built a better cabin in the fall of the same year, in which he lived until 1835, when he and his brother Jonah each erected a one-story brick dwelling upon the northwest quarter of sec. 13. This property, with several other pieces of land they owned, has passed into other hands. This was called the Marchant settlement for many years, until it was superceded bv the village of Farmington, which Avas started in the year 1830 or*1837.

Among other prominent first settlers were Ahira Jones, who settled upon the first section of the township - on the N. E. i of sec. 1 - in 1829. Mr. Abraham ISIarehant tells us that he helped him to raise his cabin on Saturday, and upon Sunday they i)ut the clapboard roof on. He lived in this rude cabin for several years and then built a good hewed-log house, and during the decade between 1850 and 1860 he erected a brick dwelling, in which he lived until his death. That occurred in 1874.

Of those early pilgrims who came into the township prior to to 1840 many are dead, some have moved to other parts of the country and a few still reside here. Among these now called to mind are A. G. Gridley, Spencer Cone, J. N. Harkin, Israel Scales, Furman Brown, now 88 years old, M. B. Chapin, who died in 1872, James Armstrong, died in l.S71>, John T. Dunn, Henry Cone, Luther Birge, 83 years old, Daniel Tanner, Russell Stone, died in 1872, Joel Brown, who came to this county with his father in 1824, Seth Bristol, died in 1877, Daniel Brohard, died in 1879, Abines AVhite, died in 1879, A. G. Pinegar, and a few others of the old settlers who are yet upon the stage of action.

Abraliam Marchant, son of Jonah Marchant, was the first white child born in the township. He is at present fifty years old. The first sermon was delivered by Rev. Asa D. West, a local M. E. preacher, in Jonah Marchant's cabin in 1828. In 1832 or 1833 the first school-house was built in the center of what is now the city of Farmington. The first school was taught by Isaac Cutter in one of Ahiras Jones's cabins.

This is one of the most beautifully situated towns throughout this part of the State. It is built upon an eminence which overlooks one of the most fertile sections of the Northwest. A better site could not have been selected, even in this fair country. Farmington was laid out by Joseph Cone, George W. Little and Hiram Palmer, Oct. 9, 1834, u])on section 1. Mr. Cone came to the township in 1833 and settled ui)on the southwest quarter of section 1. He first lived in a log cabin which had l)een erected upon this place some time before. In 1836 he erected a house upon the same site, which has withstood the storms of many winters. Mr. Cone was a liberal, enterprising and highly esteemed citizen. He and his wife were members of the first Church organized in Farmington, which was the Congregational Churcii. When they first settled here Indians often visited them at their cabin home and wild animals were numerous. Mr. Little still lives where he erected his first residence in the infant village. He was a merchant and opened the first dry- goods store in the town, and was also the first Postmaster, Mr. Heaton was the next one to come in with a stock of goods. He is still living here, and has as great love for a good gun as when wild animals and game were abundant, although he does not hunt so much as in former vears.

The town grew rapidly for a time, when it suffered like most places, on account of not being on the first railroad in this section, and for some years was at a stand-still. The class of residents indicate a wealthy and cultured people. The fine church edifices, than which no town of its si;ce can boast of better, shows the community to be religious, devotional and liberal in sentiment. The may;nificent school buildiu"- which stands in the citv is a sure index to the interest the people take in educational matters. This is a large three-story brick structure, surmounted by a well-i)r()]H)rtioned belfry, and was erected in 186G. It is suppled with all of the modern school conveniences and helps, and an efficient corps of instructors are training the young.

Many additions have been made to the town since its was first platted. East of the original town are Cone's addition and Henry Cone's addition. In the former is located a beautiful common, which is an attractive feature of the town. Upon the north is the Palmer & Cone addition. Upon the west are Cone's, Little's, Smith's land Gregory's additions, Palmer's first, second, third additions. South of the south line of the original town are Collins' addition, Ciiapman & Reed's addition. Nelson's addition, Fawcett's addition and Brown's sub-division. In Chapman & Reed's addition is located the school-house square.

One of the most exciting periods of the history of the town was the time when the women of the place made war upon the saloons. The whisky war, as we will term it, was an event which at the time caused so great excitement (and is one of the important items in the history of the i)lace) that we will recount it :

For somctiuie previous the town had been infested with a number of drinking saloons. A number of the wives of the unfortunate men who spent their hard-earned cash and were made crazy at the places, had from time to time waited upon all the grocery-keepers and re- (juested them to desist from selling their husbands licpior. Their re<|uests were unheeded, and in some instances they were treated with ouli-ageous contempt. This state of aftairs aroused the ladies of the town to concerted action to free the community of these resorts. They held several meetings, and vSaturday, March 15, 1856, about 19 of the respectable ladies of the town marched into the streets armed with axes, hoes, clubs, etc. They were amply protected by about a hundred men and boys. It is said to have been a grand sight to see this determined band filing down the street. The first saloon attacked suttercd the worst. The window was demolished ; the decanters swept from the shelves; all the barrels containing liquor were burst open and their contents spilled upon the floor. A num-

One of the grocerv-kee])ers, after witnessing in silence the destruction i)f his pro])erty, as soon as the work was completed jumped u]ion the counter and proposed three cheers to the ladies, to which the crowd heartily responded. After this he made a speech in which he frankly acquitted the ladies of all blame and pledged his honor as a man never to deal in the destructive fluid again. Another of the saloonkeepers asked the brave lady Captain during the excitement if she was not afraid. She replied, " No, sir ; I am not afraid of any man who ever walked God's earth, - much less a contemptible doggerykeeper." This short, pointed speech, coming from a resolute woman, quieted the gentleman. After having accomplished their object the ladies retired to their respective homes and soon quiet was restored in the town. One or two of the saloon-keepers counseled a lawyer for the purpose of prosecuting these daring females. He was advised to ''let the women alone."

As biographical sketches of old residents and leading citizens will best constitute the rest of the history of the township, we proceed now to give them.

John Abbott, farmer, sec. 8; P.O., Farmington. The subject of this sketch was born in Indiana, Jan. 10, 1835; is the son of Alex, and Nancy (Doty) of Ohio. John Abbott came to this county in 1845. He had but a limited advantage to obtain an education, never having attended school here. He owns 320 acres of land, all of which he has made by his own efforts during the last 23 years. He was married to IMargaret Barklcy in 1854, who bore him 7 children, - 3 boys and 4 girls, all of whom are living.

John Berdine, farmer, was born in New Jersey, March 7, 1831, where also his father was born, but his mother was a native of Pennsylvania. H(> sold his farm of 160 acres and bought the Farmers' Mills and Elevator in Farmington, and at present deals largely in grain. He has been School Director and Assessor, in Peoria county. Democrat. In 1854 he married Mary J. Wilson, and they have two boys and two girls. The boys are working in the mill.

Luther Birge was born in l^itchficld Co., Ct., Oct. 28, 1797, the son of Simeon and Elizabeth (Hamblin) Birge ; Nov. 5, at midnight, 1836, he landed at Copperas Creek; has lived here in Farmington 42 years ; has kept an undcrgronnd railroad depot, sonu^times painting the darkies to disguise them ; three different times his name was given to the grand jury for indictment, but they never found a bill. He owns valuable land within the city limits.

Selden Bond, farmer, was born Nov. 9, 1813, in Ohio; came to this county in 1835; has worked 25 years at blacksmithing; financially he has been successful. In 1834 he married Maria Kady, and they have had five children, 4 of whom are living. Democrat.

Daniel and Catherine Brown ; in 1825 he married Catherine Loomis ; was meniher ot'tlie State Militia, belonging to Artillery Company at Malta, Washington Co., X. Y, ; in 1847, emigrated to Farmington ; has had 4 boys and 3 girls; only two are Hying now; wife died in Sept., 1872. Presbyterian. Republican. Mr. B. owns 160 acres of land in Henry Co.

T. J. Bi(i'bridf/c was born in Ohio, Feb. 27, 1836, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Pollon) ; his fother was a salt-manufacturer, a natiye of Kentucky, and his mother of Virginia; family emigrated to Fulton Co. in 1847 ; T. J. has spent most of his life in the coal business, commencing in Ohio when but 9 years old ; has mined at Yates City, Cuba, Ciyer, etc. ; farmed a little while ; had poor luck at Peoria; ran a saloon awhile in Farmington, but is now a zealous temperance man and is entertaining as a temperance speaker. He attributes his reform to the efforts of his wife, of Mrs. Russell and of others in Farmington. He is now in the coal business.

William Caldwell was born in Mercer Co., Penn., Oct. 8, 1806, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Donaldson) Caldwell, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania; in 1855 the subject of this sketch emigrated to Farmington; has been farmer, cabinet-maker and merchant ; in tliQjatter capacity he suffered great loss in the financial panic of 1857 ; for 18 years he has also been in the insurance business, and for the last 15 years has been Postmaster ; has also been School Trustee, Collector, Justice of the Peace and Police Magistrate. Republican,

Emer.'ton Clark was born in Massachusetts June 8, 1847, son of Elisha V. and Mehetabel (Thayers), natives of the same State; educated in high schools; came to Farmington in 1866; has followed the butcher business most of his life ; his father has followed this trade since 1840, and they together have conducted a shop here since 1866, and in this time 13 other shops have been started here; but Mr. Clark has the most custom and the others generally quit after awhile. March 10, 1872, Mr. Emerson C'lark married Emma F. Wait, and Bessie W. is their only child. Mr. C. is a Freemason and a Democrat.

Henry Cone is an early settler here. He has sown wheat and raised 40 bushels to the acre where the best part of Farmington now stands. He was born Sept. 17, 1809, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Candee), natives of Connecticut ; he came to Fulton county in 1833 and settled here in 1834. He now owns 800 acres, 300 iii Fulton county ; is a successful farmer. Has helped Farmington very perceptibly. He gave §2,000 for the first railroad to the place, and something toward the jiroposed narrow-gauge railroad. He has been married twice, and has 6 children living. Congregatioualist. Republican. Never had a lawsuit.

Spencer Cone was born in Litchfield, Ct., Sept. 21, 1814, the son of Joseph and Elizal)eth (Candee) Cone; educated in the high schools of Connecticut ; by occupation a farmer; studied law and was admitted to the Bar of the State and also to that of the United States; practiced five years in Wisconsin; came to this county in the spring of 1834; has been School Trustee, Director, Justice of the Peace, etc. ; is Surveyor now. In March, 183{), he was married, and his children are Joseph, Spencer, Elizabeth and Wm. B. Mr. Cone has been a member of the Congregational Church for 50 years ; has been Deacon, Elder, etc. In politics he is a Republican.

J. E. Deuel, farmer, was born Nov. 10, 1816, in New York State, son of Philip and Sarah (Babcock), natives of Connecticut; came to Farmington in 1837; learned the cooper's trade, but is now a farmer, owning 180 acres of land. Democrat. Has been School Director, Road Commissioner, Town Clerk and Mayor of Farming:- ton two terms. Nov, 8, 1840, he married Clara A. Porter, daughter of Col. Porter, and they have 2 boys and 2 girls.

/, T. Dickey, carpenter and joiner, was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 17, 1833, son of George and Margaret L. Dickey; he came to Farmington June 17, 1864; was drafted in 1863, and paid the $300 commutation ; in 1859 he married Lydia E. McLaughlin, and they have 2 boys and 2 girls. Mr. D. has followed his trade most of the time since he was 19 years old. Democrat. Presbyterians. P. O., Farmington.

John T. Dunn, farmer, was born Oct. 12, 1816, son to David and Rebecca (Marchant) Dunn, all of Virginia, and the father brought up a Quaker, but afterward joined the M. E. Church. John T. was educated in Ohio; in 1836 he settled where he still resides, worth then but $75, but now has 168 acres of land, besides helping his children. Has been School Director 15 years, Town Trustee and Commissioner of Highways. In 1836 he married Elizabeth Bevers, and their 9 children are all living. Mr. Dunn is a Republican ; his wife belongs to the M. E. Church. P. O., Farmington.

Georc/e Fawccff, dairyman, was born in Schuyler Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1820 ; his father Richard was a native of Ireland, and his mother Margaret Fawcett, nee Roberts, was born in Penn. Mr. F. began to work at the carpenter trade when 18 years old and worked at it for 20 years, when he with others started the Farmington Agricultural Works, which ran successfully until destroyed by fire in 1870. It was rebuilt the same year. Mr. F. came to thi.s county March 18, 1846, and Sept. 5, 1846, he was married to Lydia A. Sergeant, who was born Dec. 6, 1828. They have 2 children : Rachel and Theoore. In March, 1874, Mr. F. started a dairy and has continued in that business since, and at present milks 35 cows.

./. T. Fink, farmer, was born in Maryland, Sept. 24, 1830, son of Solomon and Sarah (Bicxler?), natives of the same State; educated in Ohio ; arrived in this county Nov. 2, 1846, and settled on sec. 14, this tp., where he has resided ever since, owning 107 acres of land. Jan. 27, 1853, he was married, has had 5 children, 4 of whom are living. M. E. Church. Democrat. P. O., Famington.

Dv. M. T. Gamble was born in Beaver Co., Pa., Fob. 2, 1850, and is the son of Andrew and Mary (Thompson) Gamble, farmers. The Doctor attended an academy in Pa. and Winchester College in that State for liis literary edncation. He attended the Missouri jSIedical College and won a prize as a scholar. He catne to this county in 1871 and to Canton in 1875, and practiced his profession here, enjoying a large and successful practice. In 1864 he enlisted in the 17th Pa. Cav. and served until the close of the war.

T. S. Gcnfle, farmer, sec. 26, Farmington tj). ; born in Hamilton Co., O., June 26, 1845, son to John and Louisa (Higdon), father from Maryland and mother from Ohio; emigrated to Fulton Co. in 1855; attended Lombard University at Galesburg ; owns 130 acres of farm land ; is a Democrat ; has been School Director 4 years ; is also a Freemason, and has been Master 3 years ; never used tobacco or whisky. Sept. 6, 1876, he married Sallie Kessler: Annie May is their only child.

John S. Green, farmer, was born June 19, 1821, in New York, son of Joiin and Sally (Maxson), natives of the same State ; came to this county in 1855, settling within 30 rods of where he now lives; he owns 620 acres of land, well stocked, but he has seen hard times ; a few years ago he was working for $10 and $12 a month. He is a Repul)lican, and has been School Director and Road Overseer, but he seeks to avoid office. In 1843 he marrit'(l Caroline Sanders, and their children are 4 boys and 2 girls, all living. Seventh-Day Baptists. P. O., Farmington.

Oiarles Greenlaif, dentist, was born Sept. 1, 1809, in Hartford, Ct., the son of Charles and Electa (Taylor) G., natives of the same State and town; in 1848 he emigrated to Farmington, in 1850 to Peoria and in 1873 back to Farmington; has worked at dentistry 40 years; was employed by the Government 8 years; both his father and grandfather were dentists ; his son is also a dentist, now j)racticing in JVM)ria. July 4, 1833, Mr. (x. married Caroline B. Wilson ; their four children are all boys; Mr. Greenleaf is a Republican, and he and his wife are Congregationalists. He has traveled consideral)ly in his life-time; has been to Mexico.

John Harper, farmer, was born in Franklin Co., Penn., in 1817, son of Michael and Nancy (Campbell), his lather a native of Ireland and his mother of Pennsylvania ; emigrated to this county in 1847, settling in Canton ; he now owns 540 acres of land. In 1840 he married Fk-anoi- Roberson, and th(>y liave 3 sons and 4 daughters. Robert H., the eldest son, resides in Knox Co. He served 2 years in the 11th 111. Cav. Four of the children are married. Episcopal Methodists. Democrat.

Charles IF. lleafon, druggist, was born in Farmington, Nov.. 30, 1841, son of Morgan and Sarah A. (Fountain); his father was born in Pennsylvania and his mother in New York; they emigrated to this county in May, 1837; fiither is a gunsmith; Charles W. at present is keeping store in Farmington; is a good actor in stage plavs ; is now the hii;hcst officer of the I. O. O. F. in Illinois. In 18(32 he married Anna Bishop, and they have two boys. Mr. H. is a Democrat.

a M. Hill. At Albany, N. Y., March 1, 1831, the snbject of this sketch was born. His parents, William and Sarah (C'otton) Hill, were from North Carolina. He is engaged in farming npon sec. 27. He was united in marriage with Mary Ann Hulick in 1856. To them have been born a family of 12 children, - 6 boys and 6 girls, all of whom are living. Mr. H. belongs to the Reformed Church at Xorris.

E. M. Hill, farmer, was born in White Co., Tenn., July 20, 1814, son of Wm. and Sarah (Cotton), "natives of the sunny South ; the subject of this sketch was educated in Alabama ; came to Fulton Co. in 1834; now owns 300 acres of land; July 26, 1831, he married Eliz'ibeth McCarty, and they have had 6 sons and 4 daughters ; 9 of these children are living. Mr. Hill has witnessed all the changes this county has undergone from its native wildness to its present high state of development. He was originally a Jackson D.'mocrat, then a Froe-Soiler and now a R -publican, - all this, however, without any change of princi[)les.

George Hunfer, farmer, was born in 18)6 in Ireland, son of H.Miry and Miry (Gordon) ; emigrated to this country in 182(), and to Fulton county in 183S; his followed weaving 10 years; and l)een a railroad employe. He is now a succssful farmer. Is a pr;)minent Freemason and a Djmocrat. His wife is a Presbyterian. P. O., Farmington.

./. MarxhuH Jack, grocer, etc., Farmington; born Sept. 27, 1855, in Westmoreland Co., Penn., to Matthew and Mary (Marshall) Jack; worked on his father's farm until 1877, when he commenced business in Farmington. In 1878 he married AnnaPetrie; they are Presbyterians, and he is a Republican. He was educated in the common schools and at the Calesburg Business College. He is in company with Mr. Petrie, and they deal in groceries, boots and shoes, (jueensware, glass, etc.

Atharin Keeling was born in Hardin Co., Ky., May 12, 1823, the son of Lewis and Lydia (Honey), natives of Kentucky ; in 1827 the family came to Illinois and in 1841 to Fulton Co.; the subject of this sketch obtained his education in S[)ringlield, 111. ; he followed brick and tile-making a number of years; from 1857 to 1860 he had a dry-goods and grocery store in Canton ; has been Alderman several terms in Canton, Commissioner of Highways and School Director; is a Republican. He married Marv C. \\'ilion April 23, 1846, and now has 2 boys and 4 girls. H; resides in Farmington and owns a 100-acre farm on sec. 2 near the city.

Alvan Kidder was born in Norfolk Co., Mass., Nov. 25, 1824, the son of Alvan and Betsy (Mann) Kidder, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Massachusetts ; settled in Farmington, 111., in 1847, where he had a shoe-store until 1851 ; Oct. 24, 1852, he married Lucy J- Ewalt, and they have 3 children, all living. Mr. K. is a radical Democrat, and when he lectures on temperance the house is alwavs crowded. Althouy-h his name' is Kid-der he handles his subject without kid gloves.

JoJm A. Leeper, farmer, sec. 17, this t]) ; was born near Cincinnati, ()., Dec. 3, 1831, sou of Wm. and Eleanor (Lake) Leeper, natives of Ohio; emigrated to Fulton county in 1840; educated in the common schools and at Mount Morris Seminary, Ogle Co., 111. ; has been School Director, School Trustee, Road Commissioner, and for a number of years a Director of the Agricultural Society ; in 1877 he was elected State Senator from the 2oth District; was a delegate to the first farmers' convention at Kewanec, and to the Bloomington convention which was the start of the grange movement in the United States. In 1857 he married Linnie F. CuUom, sister of the present State Governor. They have had 4 children ; 2 are dead. Mr. Leeper owns 180 acres of land, is a Republican, and his wife is a member of the M. E. Church.

Rev. G. J. Luckey was born in Buckheart tp., this county, Oct. 28, 1841, a son of John and Elizabeth A. (McCreary), natives of Maryland ; educated at Hedding College, Abingdon, and at the Northwestern University at Evanston, III. ; licensed to preach in 1864; in 1868 entered the Conference, and has continued in that relation ever since ; has preached at Hamilton, 111., Colchester, 111., Terre Haute, Ind., etc., and is at present preaching at Farmington. Nov. 23, 1865, he married Frances N. Ward, a native of Illinois. They have 3 children, - John E., Maud, and George M. Mr. L. enlisted in Co. A, 55th 111. Inf., Aug. 14, 1861 ; was in the battle of Shiloh, but was soon afterward discharged on account of disability, when he was Second Sergeant. In politics, Rejmblican.

Clark Manning, carriage and wagon-maker, was born in England Sept. 17, 1842, son of John and Jane (Hardy) ; came to this country in 1865; runs a carriage and wagon shop; learned his trade in Toronto, Canada ; has also learned to read and write without going to school. During the recent war he enlisted in Co. A, 9th Mich. Inf., was in the i)uttle of Stone River, Lookout Mountain, etc., and was a prisoner at Andersonville awhile. In 1872 he married Caroline Pulver, a native of New York. He votes for the best man.

Abraham Marchant was born in Berkeley Co., Va., Nov. 4, 1798 ; ]>arents emigrated to Ohio in 1813; in the family were 6 sons and 4 daughters, Abraham l)eing tiie 3d son ; in 1817 lie married Elizabeth Brown, and until 1828 lived in Highland Co.; June 27 of this year they settled in Farmington tp., when their nearest neighbor was ten miles distant. They have 4 sons and 4 daughters, who at present reside near Farmington. Mr. M. lives with his youngest daughter, Mrs. E. D. Spencer, Mrs. M. having died. Mr. Marchant, a Jackson Democrat, was a member of the lialtimore Convention in 1860 which nominated Douglas for President. AVhen he was 17 years old his father died, in Ohio, aged 53; his mother died in April,

1845, ao-ed 78 years. Mr. M.'s brothers and sisters are alld^ad but the youngest brother and sister, who are in Highhind Co., Ohio. His "eldest sister lived to be 92: she died in August, 1878, in same county.

Jonah Marchant the iirst permanent settler of Farmington tp., was born in Berkeley Co., Va., Sept. 23, 1794. He moved to Ohio in 1813 and there married Sarah Brown, Dec. 3, 1814. He left Ohio in 1827 and came to what is now Farmington and settled u])on the northeast quarter of sec. 13. He moved into a cabin built by David Harkness. Mr. M. erected the first log cabin ever built in Farmington. He was a farmer and died Feb. 25, 1872. He took an active part in the early Indian trt)ubles here, and we find in the possession of J. D. Hurd, editor of the Farmington News, some commissions made to Mr. M. during these primitive times. There is one dated July 8, 1831, and signed by Gov. John Reynolds, which commissions him First Lieut, of 32d 111. Regt. ; April 1, 1832, a Cajitain's commission. July 26, 1830, he was a})])ointed Justice .of the Peace by Gov. Ninian Edwards ; by Gov. Reynolds Sept. 15, 1831 ; by Gov. Duncan Sept. 5, 1835, and by Wm. H. Davidson, acting Governor, Sept. 11, 1837.

B. K. Marshall, carpenter, was born Sept. 15, 1825, a son of Wm. and Mary (Kirkpatrick), natives of Pennsylvania ; emigrated to this county in March, 1866; has clerked in a store 4 years; in 1852 he married Maria Buckhannon ; she died in 1877, since which time Mr. Marshall's daughter has kept house for him. Mr. M. is a Democrat, and has been Justice of the Peace (in Peoria Co.). Presbyterian. He and his i)artncr did most of the wood-work on the town hall in Farmington.

James Mason was born in Fayette Co., Pa., Jan. 21,1810, the son of Jacob and Catharine INIason, the former of Pennsylvania, the latter of Virginia ; James was brought uj) a farmer in Ohio, educated in the common schools, and emigrated to Fulton county in 1837 ; at present he is landlord of a hotel in Farmington and owns 220 acres of good land in Knox Co. He is a Spiritualist, but is very reticent concerning his religious and political views. In 1840 he married Jane Jackson, and in 1849 Sarah Taylor. He has had 4 children, 2 of whom are married.

Alexander Maxwell, farmer, came to Fulton county in 1825 (notice the time). This early pioneer was born in Pennsylvania May 30, 1805, son of Wm. and Ann (Judy) M. ; his grandfather was from Scotland and a Captain under Gen. George Wasliington ; his father was born in Virginia and his mother in Kentucky; they emigrated to Illinois Territory in 1807; went in 1827 to Missouri and finally died there. Alex. Maxwell now owns 636 acres of land in Fulton Co., besides town property. He served 4 months in the Black Hawdv war, and was with Stillman at his defeat in 1831. He married Mary Ellis, and they had 11 children, 3 of whom are dead; 1 was killed in the army. Episcopal Methodist. Republican.

John L. McCoy, flirmer, was born Sept. 4, 1807, in Waishington county, N. Y., the son of J<)sej)h and Eleanor (Taylor), natives of the same State; in]Mav, 1^41, he married -fane Shaw; in 1845, eniif^rateil to this eounty, loUowed farming, and now owns 120 acres of land; has had 3 boys and 3 girls; one boy (Joseph) has died. Mr. McCoy is a Democrat and his wife is a member of the Baptist Chureli.

XathanUl }[<'i'h'i', farmer, was born Jan. 17, 1817, in Hamilton county, O., the son of David and Nancy (Miller) M., the former of Dutch ancestry and a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Scotch descent and born'°"in Pennsylvania; in 1838 Mr. Nathaniel Meeker emigrated to I'^ilton Co., settling near Fairview, where he burned the iirst l)rick that was burned in that township, in 1842; followed brick-making 17 years, and the rest of the time farming; he owns 240 acres of land in Peeria county. Jan. 22, 1844, he married Rachel D. Hunt, a native of Ohio, and they have had 5 boys and 3 girls, 3 children married; the eldest daughter married Jackson Mason and lives in Knox county ; the third son is a grain merchant in Nebraska ; the fourth son is a teacher. Mr. Meeker has been Justice of the Peace 12 years, Police Magistrate, School Director, etc., but never had a lawsuit of his own. In politics he is a " Greenbacker."

Henry D. Morton, farmer, sec. 20. Mr. M. was born in Ohio Jan. 27, 1831 ; his parents are Eliphalet and Mary Alexander, his wife. When 4 years old Henry D. was brought to this county, and was educated here in the common schools. He owns 320 acres of land and in life has been generally successful. In 1854 he was married to Maria Wilson, who has borne him 5 children, - 2 boys and 3 girls, - 4 of whom are living. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

Henry Myers, farmer, see. 28, is the son of Valentine and Catharine (Crill) Myers, father of German descent and mother a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in the Keystone State, Nov. 22, 1813, and came to this county in the sj)ring of 1848 and has resided here since. He is extensively enoiio-ed in farmino- and owns 890 acres of land, 730 of them being in Fulton Co. He was united in marriage in 1835 to Maria Fshleman, who has borne him 9 children, - 5 boys and 4 girls, - all of whom are living. His wife is a member of the Dunkard Church.

WiUUua Norton, teacher and farmer, sec. 16; P. O., Farmington ; was born at South Bend, St. Joseph Co., Ind., Aug. 24, 1844. His father, George C. Norton, was a native of N. Y. His mother, Tamar (Stockdale) Norton, was a native of England. William came to this eounty in 18()4. He attended the'common sehoolsand the high school at Canton. He was engaged as a clerk in a boot and shoe store at Canton for a year and a half. Jan. 16, 1873, he was_married. Archilli C, born Nov. 20, '73, George H., Nov. 16, '75, and the youngest, born June" 30, 1878, are his children. As both a teacher and farmer Mr. N. has been successful.

A. G. Pinegar, farmer, was born April 2, 1822, in Pennsylvania, to James and Sarah (Nelson) P., natives of North Carolina; the former of Dutch and the latter of English descent ; has resided in Farmington since 1836; owns 220 acres of land ; his father died June 9, 1867, and his mother is still in this world; Sept, 25, 1845, he married Matilda Marchant, and their children are 4 boys and 4 girls, all living. Mr. P. is a Democrat and has been School Director; his wife belongs to the M. E. Church.

Nelson Plummer, M. D., Farmington, was born Nov. 30, 1813, in Massachusetts, son of Asa and Deborah (Mcltha), the former a native of the same State and the latter of Vermont; in 1836 Dr. Plummer emigrated to Illinois, and in 1847 to Farmington, and has continued ever since to reside on the same lot he then first selected; he was educated in the common schools of Franklin Co., O. ; he first commenced practice at Knoxville, 111., then 7 years in Iowa, then in this city for 16 years; but he is a dentist at present. He graduated in medicine at the St. Louis University in 1855. Nov. 28, 1839, he was married, and he has had two sons; but one of these, Charles Henry, died from the eifects of a fall at the Farmington depot, and the other, Everett N. was killed by a fall in his barn in Mason Co., 111. Republican.

Thomas Putnam, 31. D., is the son of Y. C. and Deborah (Burns) Putnam, and was born in New York State Dec. 8, 1836. The Dr. came to this county in 1859. Ten years later upon his birthday anniversary he was married. David Henderson is the name of a child he has adopted. His wife is a member of the Congregational Church.

James Ralston was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., Jan. 3, 1817, son of Wm. and Anna (Sloan), father from Ireland and mother a native of Pennsylvania; he has been a successful farmer, but is now retired from active business; resides on 5 acres of ground in the limits of Farmington; has lived near this city since 1854. In 1866 he married Martha Irwin. Presbyterians. Republican.

Hurjh Ritson was born Feb. 28, 1833, in England, son of John and Elizabeth Ritson; came to Ohio in 1854 and to Farmington in 1855, since which time he has mostly worked at the coal business ; is now overseer of mining for P. P. Chapman. Mr. R. is a Democrat and has been Street Commissioner. Has 4 children. His wife is a Baptist. P. O., Farmington.

Andreio Robb was born Jan. 28, 1827, in Ohio, to James and Jane (Roberson) Robb; his fother was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Yirginia; settled near Fairview in 1846; he is now a farmer on sec. 24, owning 390 acres of land, besides property in Farmington. In 1849 he married Susan Swigert, and they have 5 children, 4 of whom are living. James Robb died in 1872 in Mc- Donough Co., and Jane 33 years previously. Mr. Robb has improved nearly all his land himself, the first quarter-section being called the "lost quarter," because no record of it could be found. Is

James Robcrxon was born in Irehind Sept. 18, 1818, son of John and Mary (Marens) ; came to Farmington in 1854; clerked most of the time, - with A. K. Montgomery 10 years. In 18.36 he married Rachel Cunningham, and they have had 6 children, all now living. Mr, R. and wife are Presbyterians; he is a Democrat.

T. W. Ronan was born in England Dee. 21, 1841 ; wrought 5 years at the tailor's trade; came to Fulton county March 4, 1871 ; was cutter for Geo. Stetson 6 years; then ''Tommy, the Tailor," set up for himself, and he is indeed a first-class workman. In 1873 he married Hester Alder, and they have had two children. He is a Greenbacker and his wife a Presbyterian.

Joseph Ross, farmer, was born in the State of Vermont March 14, 1821, son of James and Martha, ?icf Hawkins; his father was born in Massachusetts, of Scotch ancestry, and his mother in Vermont, of English ancestry; emigrated to Ohio in 1833, and died in that commonwealth ; Joseph came to Illinois in 1849, settling in Salem tp., Knox Co.; removed to Fulton Co. in 1865; married Caroline Culver in March, 1844, and their children are two boys living and one, Francis, who died in 1857, aged two and a half years. One is married and owns a farm in this countv. Charles, the eldest, was born in 1847, and George was born in 1855. Parents are Congregationalists, and Mr. Ross is also a Republican.

A. P. Sanders was born Nov. 1, 1815, in Berlin tp., Rensellaer Co., N. Y., son of Peleg and Hannah (Peckham), natives of Rhode Island; came to this county in 1850; is a farmer on sec. 16; owns 377 acres of land; has been School Director; is a Republican and a Seventh-Day Baptist; in 1843 he married Annis Hull. P. O., Farmington.

I^ewis Scales was born in 1836, in Fulton Co., 111., son of Israel and Phoebe (Franklin), father a native of Massachusetts and mother of Vermont; emigrated to this county in 1833; Lewis is a farmer on sec. 10, this township, owning 214 acres in this county ; he first married Elizabeth Hurt, in 1860, and she died in 1872 ; in 1877 he married Susan Mosher. He has had two children, one living. Mr. Scales is a Republican and a very social man.

John T. Simpson, farmer, was born June 9, 1842, in this county, on the farm he still lives on and which he has managed ever since he was 16 years old. His parents, John and Margaret Simpson, are natives of Ireland; they came to this county in 1834 and to this township the next year; in visiting friends northwest of Yates City Mr. S. drove stakes across the prairie for a guide on his return. John T. is industrious and has increased the farm to 190 acres; in 1871 he married Martha Dickey, and they have 3 sons and 2 daughters. l*resbyterians. Republican.

the county in 1(S49. His parents were John and Anna Slack, Since Mr. S. has come to 111. he has been engaged in farming ; prior to that time he worked in a cotton mill. He married Miss Esther Cross Feb. 14, 1844. Two children have been born to them : John, who died in England, and Wm. Henry, who is married. P. O., Norris.

Charles A. Smith, jeweler, was born in Philadelphia, Aug. 12, 1851, where his parents were also born; father's name was Andrew E. ; emigrated to Fulton Co. in 1856; started in business for himself in 1875, at Altona, 111., and returned to Farmington in 1879. In 1876 he married Hattie Rider, who died Jan. 2, 1878. Mr. Smith, while in Altona, was Captain of Militia, Co. C, enlisting in 1876; during the great strike of 1877, July 23, Capt. Smith received orders to hold his company ready for marching, and in 20 minutes he had 20 of his men uniformed at the armory. The company went to East St. Louis and back to Galesburg, and took an active part in quelling the riot. Capt. Smith is a Republican.

Rev. Q'cighton Springer was born May 2, 1829, in Muskingum Coi, O. ; his parents were Isaac and Charlotte, the former a native of Delaware, the latter of Ohio; in 1834 the family emigrated to Illinois, and in 1855 Creighton came to Fulton Co. He attended the Methodist Seminary at Peoria, and Judson College (a Baptist institution at the time). Has belonged to the Conference since 1854; in 1869 was appointed financial agent of Hedding College, Abingdon, but subsequently resigned. His first marriage was to Elizabeth A. Barber Oct. 15, 1857, and their only child was Mary C. ; his second marriage was to Sarah Haskins, Oct. 20, 1863, Republican.

31. Tarr, physician, was born in Jackson Co., ()., Aug. 14, 1831 ; came to this county in 1846 ; studied medicine with an Indian doctor; in 1857 he married Caroline Wheeler and has had two children^ - Sophronia and Joseph. P. O., Farmington.

A. B. Thomas was born on Mt. Desert Island, Me., March 12, 1812, the son of Abraham and Jane (Berry), natives of Massachusetts; emigrated to this county in 1837, arriving in June; he was a house and ship-joiner, but for the last 20 years has been a farmer, and very successful, owning at present 956 acres of land, 636 acres of it in this county. In the fall of 1838 he married Mary Hart, and they have had 3 children. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Thomas has accomplished a great deal as conductor on the U. G. R. R., having in charge at one time as many as 14 colored persons. In all he has helped about 200 out of slavery, and wishes the number was 200 times that. He was an Abolitionist when it cost something to be one. As early as 1844 he voted the Abolitionist ticket, voting that year for James G. Birney for President of the United States, the only vote for Birney in Fulton county. Mr. Thomas was in the Seminole war. During his life he has been School Director^ Assessor, Road Commissioner,

Jdiius Torrcnx, farmer, was b(u-n fluly o, 1822, in Ireland, son of Robert and Nancy (Watt) ; came to this county in 1849 and settled in sec. 16, Farmington tp. ; he now owns 200 acres in this countv, and is a successful farmer. In 18r)2 he married Lucy Ann Pierce, and they have two daughters, - Sarah Jane and Mary Ann. Congregationalists. Republican. P. O., Farmington.

Eli'ven Tucker was a farmer and stock-raiser. jNIr. Tucker's ]xirents were Roswell and Ann (Thomas) Tucker, and he was born in Hamilton county, ()., March 4, 1814. He came to this countv in 1841, and was closely identified with the history of the county since. He was one of the largest property holders in the county, having over 600 acres of land. Politically he was a Republican.

J. 3L Tucker was born in this county May 4, 1846, son of Eleven and Catherine (Lake) Tucker, who came to this county in 1841; they are of German descent and natives of Ohio. J. M. learned the carpenter's trade ; at present he owns 94 acres of laud. His father owned 600 acres when he died June 16, 1874. In his father's family were 4 boys and 1 girl. Republican. P.O., Farmington.

W. H. Tucker, farmer, sec. 82. This gentleman was born in Fulton county in 1842; received his education in common schools and the Canton high school. His parents, Eleven and Catharine (Lake) Tucker, are natives of Ohio. He was married to Sarah A. Vausrhn Dec. 4, 1867. John L,, Hattic and (xrace are the names of their children.

i\\ Tnffle, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Farmington. ^[r. T. was born in this county in 1849, and was educated in the common schools. His parents were Hazael and Elizabeth (Greenwell) Tuttle. In 18(59 he was married to Martha ]\Iills. Two children, both girls, and living, have been born to them.

Jo/ni W. Wdfson was born July 6, 1819, in Virginia, son of David and Mary (Sanders) AV., both of Frederick county, Va. ; educated in Hillslx^ro, O., high school; came to Illinois in 1841, and settled 4 miles southeast of Farmington, on sec. 19 ; lived in Peoria c(»unty 18 years; was Justice of the Peace at Trivoli, and School Trustee five or six terms; he married the first time in 1844, Miss Velira Homey, and they had 2 sons and 3 daugiiters; she died March 26, 1872. Mr. A\'. has dealt in live stock in Farmington for 20 years, - 8 years in company with Samuel Jack ; but at present is in the grain business; feeds 120 head of cattle now, however. Owns .'] or 4 houses in town and land in Iowa. Republican.

J. H. Whifdker, formerly a teacher, now a farmer, was born Feb. 17, 1853, in Fulton Co., 111., son of J. N. and Anna (Keller), his father a native of Massachusetts and his mother of Pennsylvania; the family landed in Fulton Co. in 1847, settling on sec. 8, this tp. ;

J. H. was efliioated at the Farniington high school and in a bnsiness course at Ann Arbor, Mich. ; taujrlit district school 8 terms; taught music, bdth vocal and instrumental, several years; Feb. 8, 1877, he married Kffie Moltlirop, and they have a son, - Arthur. Mr. W. is a Grccnbackcr, and made '10 speeches for his principles when A. J. Strater ran for Congress. P. O., Farmington.

W. H. n7r^'/(rr, merchant, was born Sept. 2, 1842, in Ohio, son of Wm. and Elizabeth (Clover), natives of the same State; came to this county in 18(ii), when he quit farming and set up a groceiy and hardware store, followed this business 6 years, and then the dry-goods business 4 years; is in the latter business now, in Farmington. In 18(51 he enlisted in the 44th regt. Ind. Vol., in Co. B, and honorably discharged May 20, 18G4; was in several hardfought battles; was under Rosencrans in his attack on Gen. Bragg, forcing the latter back for .30 miles; Mr. W.'s regiment was under fire the whole distance, and his brother was killed in this battle while fighting near him; was also at the battle of Chickamauga, where he was wounded, and was on the battle-field 15 days before his wound \\-A§ dressed or he received any medical aid ; was taken prisoner SeptT 21, 1865, but was soon exchanged. Nov. 29, 1872, he married Elizabeth C. Cone, and they have 2 children, - William and Julia May. Congregationalists. Republican.

J. J. WorrcL Among the prominent farmers of the county is Mr. W., who is a native of Baltimore Co., Md., and was born Aug. 29, 182(5. ITis flither, Henry Worrell, was of Scottish descent, and his mother, Harriet Worrell, of German. Mr. W.came to Fulton county when at the age of 10 years. He was educated in the common schools and adopted agricultural life. He now resides on sec. 33 and owns 400 acres of land. He was married in 1854 to Charlotte Ann Wallace. AVe give his jmrtrait elsewhere.

Hczekiah Zoo/:, farmer; born Jan. 11, 1844, in Pennsylvania, of Dutch ancestry ; educated in Fulton Co. ; runs the old homestead farm, where he and his mother reside; in 1869 he married Hannah Stokie, and their children are Olive May, Charles Elden and Harry. Republican.

The following gentlemen have served the township in the various official capacities named. The years of serving are given, and where more than one date is opposite a name, covering a period of years, it indicates that the official served during the intervening years :