Field Township

Field Township

has been spent in this county. He was educated in the common schools and has always been engaged in farming, except for two years he was in the mercantile business in Walnut Hill, 111. November 28, 1860, he was married to Mary D. Fouts. She was born in Clark County, Ind., but came to this couaty when small. Her father. Lemon Fouts, is now a resident of Irvingtou. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have three children living and one dead, viz., Sherman S., James E., Walter P., and Sarah E. (deceased). Mr. Porter has been on his present farm of 300 acres since marriage, and has always had to depend upon his own energy to make a success. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Republican.

THOMAS L. RATTS, farmer, P. O. Jrvington. was born in Clark County, Ind., November 27, 1830, to Jacob and Cynthia (Fouts) Ratts. He was born in North Carolina in 1806; she in Indiana in 1810, Jacob being only fifteen years of age when his father went to Indiana. Jacob and wife were married December 25, 1828, and are the parents of seven children, sis of whom still survive, viz., Thomas L., David F., Malinda E. (deceased), Mary E., Sarah J., Henry H., Margaret and Evalino. Since going to Indiana, his occupation has been that of farming, but in early life he learned the hatter's trade. In politics, ho is a strong Republican. For many years he was a Deacon in the Christian Church, but when about sixty-five years of age changed to the belief of the Universalist Church. Our subject was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools of the county. He remained at home till his marriage, March 30, 1854, to Miss Sarah E. Grisamore. She was born November 27, 1832, in Clark ('ounty, Ind., to John and Rebecca (Henley; Grisamore. He was a native of Pennsylvania, she of North Carolina. Both were born in 1806, and were early settlers in Clark County, Ind., and for some years have been residents of Irvington, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Ratts are the parents of eight children, seven of whom still survive- -Mary E. (deceased), Ida E. (wife of William F. Copple), John H., J. Oscar, David G., Rebecca J., Cynthia E. and Thomas L. In 1851, Mr. Ratts came to this county and settled on his present farm, which now contains 482 acres, 400 of which are in good state of ,cultivation. He is engaged in farming, stock-dealing and fruit-growing. He is a member of A., F. & A. M., Irvington Lodge, No. 650. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episco pal Church, and have been since before marriage. In politics, he votes with the Republican party. He has held the various township offices. Supervisor, etc.

HARDIN BARKER, fai-mer, P. O. Divide, is a native of St. Clair County, 111., and was born August 15. 1847. His father. Nelson Barker, was a native of Maine, and came to Illinois with his parents in 1820, when but a child. Our subject attended the common schools of his native county, and has always been a farmer. He has also run a thresher nearly every season since he became grown. He now owns the Belleville Separator and engine, made by Harrison &Co. , of Belleville, 111. This machine does excellent and very rapid work. In one day he threshed 1,003 bushels of whecat with it, and set three times. Mr. Barker was married, first, in 1873, to Emily Sargent, by whom he had three children - Lucy, George and Frank. Mrs. Barker died in 1880, and he a ain married in December, 1882, this time to Ellen Sledge. Mr. Barker came to this county in 1875, where he has since resided.

WILLIAM CLAYBOURN, farmer, P. O. Dix, was born in Knox County, Tenn., August 27, 1819, and is the son of Ephraim Claybourn, of Knox County, Tenn., afterward of Allen County, Ky., where he died in the summer of 1850. Our subject got his education in DeKalb County. Tenn., and came to this county in the fall of 1840, where he still resides. He was married, September 4. 1838, to Miss Frankie. daughter of Reuben Hawker, of Virginia. Mi-s. Claybourn died July 23, 1863, leaving ten children, viz., Catharine, Sarah J., James T., William P., John B., Harriet N., Ephraim S , Reuben C, Joseph M. and Cassius C. February 14, 1865, Mr. Claybourn married Mrs. Elizabeth J. Maxey, daughter of Francis Sterns, of Virginia; by her he had two children - Charles F. and Lucy B. Mrs. Elizabeth Claybourn had five children by her former husband, viz., Melissa V., George W., Laura S., Mary L. andW'illiam H, Subject is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church He served one year in the army, in Company H, First Illinois Cavalry. James H. and William P., his sons, each served four years in Company H, Eightieth Illinois Cavalry. They were in the battles of Perryville, Lookout Mountain and several others. James was wounded at Atlanta, Ga. John enlisted when seventeen years of age, and William when eighteen years of age. Mr. Claybourn is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is a Republican in politics.

RDFUS FIELDS, farmer, P. O Mount Vernon, was born October 1, 1844, in Jefferson County, 111., and is the son of James Fields, of North Carolina, since then of Jefferson County, 111. James Fields came here when eighteen years of age. and was married to Elizabeth Hays, daughter of Samuel Hays, of Alabama, afterward of Jefferson County, 111. Subject had eleven children, seven living, viz., Ruth S.. Malinda, Heni-y P., Rufus, James M., Noah and Priscilla. Rufus was educated in Jefferson County, Hi., and owns 11J5 acres of land, and is engaged in farm ing and stock-raising. Politics, Democrat.

WILLIAM J. GARRISON, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Divide (commonly known as Dick Garrison), was born in Field Township, this county, June 4, 1837. He was brought up on the farm and received a common school education. He went to California in 1857, remaining in that State and in Oregon until 1869. when he i-eturned to this county. In 1865, on the 2d day of March, while in Oregon, he married Phoebe A. Sweetin, by whom he had five children; biit two of these are living - Joel J. and Charles Quinc}-. Mrs. Garrison died March 5, 1874. and the 20th day of August of the same year he married Rachel Payne, by whom he has six children, viz., Nora, Lucy J., Myrtie E., James H., Millie A. and Myra A. Mr. Garrison owns 320 acres of land, and is a successful stock-raiser. He is a member of the Chapter in the Masonic fraternity. Our subject held the office of Highway Commissioner for three vears, has held the office of Supervisor for six years and is the present incumbent. His father, Jam&s N. Garrison (deceased), was born near Nashville. Tenn., and died October 14, 1851, aged thirty-nine years eight months and eighteen days, and is a pioneer of this county, who married Milly Wimberly, and by her had nine chil- di'en, six of whom are living, viz.. Joel V.' Martha A., the subject of this sketch, Thomas W., Caroline and James K. The elder Mr. Garrison died.

JOSEPH HA.WKINS, farmer. P. O. Dis, was born January 19. 1824, in Fayette County, Ind. , a son of John Hawkins, Sr. , of Georgia, who came to this county in the fall of 1840, where he died October 22,1879. Our subject was educated in Fayette County, Ind., and was Justice of the Peace in Jeferson County eleven years, and is a member of the Christian Church. He was man-ied, September 17, 1843. to flliss Millie, daughter of William Whitlow, of Virginia, later of Jefferson County, III. William Whitlow died August 7, 1866. Mr. Hawkins has ten children, viz., Malinda J., William J., Nancy S., Rebecca, Moses D., Tiltha. Susan, Pleasant E., Lucy and Joseph A. Our subject owns 160 acres of valuable land and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has been Township Treasurer for twenty-one years, and is a Republican.

JOHN HAWKINS, Jr.. farmer, P. O. Dix, was born September 8, 1827, in Kentucky. He is a son of Benjamin Hawkins, of South Carolina, who had moved to Kentucky. Indiana, Missouri, and at last settled in Jefferson County, 111., where he died September, 1880, leaving three children, viz., John, Eliza and Rachel. Our subject came to Jefferson County, 111. , when young, and still resides there. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was educated in Jnfferson County. He was in the war with Mexico iu 1846, in Company H. Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was married, April 2, 1848, to Miss Julia A., daughter of Elisha Wimberly, of Tennessee, since of Jefferson County, III. Our subject is the father of thirteen children, twelve living, viz., Elisha. Benjamin J., Charle?, John,

Burl, Laura, Maria. Belle, Emma. Ella. Lena and Eva. Mr. Hawkins has been Supervisor one year, Road Commissioner six years, of Field Township. He owns 520 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Politics, Democratic.

ELISHA HAWKINS, farming. P. O. Dix, was born August 22, 1836, in Fayette County, Ind. , son of John Hawkins, of same county. He served three years in the late war in Company H, Eightieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was in the Ijattles of Perryville and Milton Heights, Tenn., and several other skirmishes. He was educated in Jefferson County, 111., and was married, February 16, 1859, to Miss Susan, daughter of Henry Fields, of Jefferson County, 111. He has nine children, viz., Richard W. , James E.,Mary D., Sarah, Lucinda, Emeline, John, Henry and Laura Our subject owns 110 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Politics, Republican. Is a member of the Christian Chui-ch.

S. L. HAWKINS, farming, P. O. Dix. was born December 5, 1859, in Jefferson County, 111., son of Jacob Hawkins, of Jefferson County, 111., and was educated in Jefferson County, where he was married, January 11, 1879. to Rosa, daughter of S. Murphy, of Jefferson County, 111. Our subject had one child, but it died in 1882. He owns thirty-three acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Politics, Republican.

M. M. HOWARD, farmer, P. O. Dix, was born December 5, 1821, in Kentucky, son of Ignatius Howai'd, of Tennessee, afterward of Jefferson County, 111. Om- subject wont to White County, Tenn., and remained there until 1837, and he afterward moved to Jefferson Counly, 111., where he still resides. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was ;narried, August 12, 1841, to Miss Censsey J., daughter of Lewis Carpenter, of Marion County, III., and has had six children, viz., Hiram, Sarah, Hezekiah F., John W., Nancy A. and Censsey J. Hiram, son of M. M. Howard, served three years in the array. He enlisted in Company C, Twenty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was in the battles of Mission Ridge, Peach Tree Creek and several other battles. Subject is engaged in farming and stockraising. Politics, Democratic.

JOBN C. McCONNELL, farming, P. O. Dix, was born January 6, 1825, in Jefferson County. 111., son of Burl McConnell, from Sumner County. Tenn.. late of Jefferson County, 111., deceased. MJr. McConnell is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was in the Mexican war in 1846 and 1847, and was married, August 25, 1847, to Miss Sarah J., daughter of Samuel Cummins, of Jefferson County, 111., and has had seven children, five living, viz., Samuel F., William H., Harriet, John D. and James W. Mrs. McConnell died April 18, 1879, and he was again married, to Amering Howard, of Saline County, 111. He was educated in Jefferson County, and owns 480 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising, . DR. WILLIAM K. PARKER, physician. Divide, was born in this county March 3, 1851. He was brought up on the farm, and attended the common schools. He farmed until twenty-one years of age, when he began to read medicine and also worked for railroad companies for about four years. He graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, in the spring of 1883. He at once began the prai^tice of medicine at his home in Field Township, and is building up a good practice. His father, James T. Parker (deceased), was born in Kentucky in 1824; came to this county with his parents when a child; was married to, Mickey A. Hutcherson, by whom he had six children, viz., Mary C, our subject, Elsah E., Nettie V. (deceased), Charles F. and Wincey A. The father died December 14, 1864. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in good standing, a consistent Christian and a temperance worker.

BE.^JAJHN F. PRIMM, farmer, P. O. Mount Vernon, was born in Menard County, 111., November 19, 1841 . Subject is the son of Enoch Primm, of St. Clair County, 111., who was a carpenter by trade, from whom subject learned the use of tools when young, and uses them at leisure. Subject was married, November 14, 1866, to Martha J., daughter of Peter Conover, of Elk County, Kan., by whom our subject had six children, viz., Minnie A., Thomas S. , Charlon M. , Arthur C, John S. and Benjamin F. . Our subject is a member of the Masonic lodge, also a member of the Christian Chiu'cb. He served three years in the army, in Company K, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and yras in the siege of Vicksburg and many other engagements. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, aad owns 240 ftcres of land.

SILA.S J. SIMMONS, farmer, P. O. Divide, was born in Sumner (now Macon) County, Tenn., May 28, 1835. and is a son of Joel Simmons, of Marion County, 111., who was barn in Franklin County, Va. , January 17, 1804, and who came to Marion County in 1840, and to this county in 1844, where our subject has since resided. Silas J. was mar ried, November 1, 1855, to Prudence E,, daughter of Ellis Branson, of Marion County, 111. They had twelve children, but three of whom are living - Mary J. (Mrs. John Barnett), William F. (see his biography) and Carroll J. The latter is a promising young school teacher, with a bright future prospect.

One daughter - Martha A. - died in her sixteenth year. Mr. Simmons was Postmaster at Divide Post Ofi&ce from December, 1879, until March, 1883. He owns eighty acres of land. In religion is a Baptist.

WILLIAM F. SIMMONS, teacher and farmer, P. O. Divide, was born in this township, where he still lives, on Section 11, November 19, 1857, and is a son of Silas J. Simmons, whose biography also appears in this work. He was brought up on the old homestead, and is what we would term. a selfeducated man; often " burned midnight oil " in pursuing his studies, and worked hard during the day to assist in supporting the family. He now teaches of winters and farms during the summer seasons, aud owns 120 acres of land. He held the office of Clerk of Field Township for two terms, and is Assistant - and at present acting-Postmaster of Divide Post Office, which is kept at his father's house.

CLABORN M. WHITSON, farmer, P. O. Dix, was born in Parke County, Ind., September 13, 1832, and is a son of Stephen Whitson (deceased), a native of Tennessee, born in 1811, and brought his family to Marion County, 111., in September, 1853. Our subject attended a subscription school in his native county. He came to this county in 1857, where he has' since resided. He was married, February 1, 1855, to Mrs. Agnes White, daughter of Michael Collins.

They have had sis ehildi'en, four living - Susan F.. John, Mary E. and Nancy I. Mrs. Whitson had five children by iher first husband, two living - George W. and Samuel White. The last two are in Marion County, 111. Mr. Whitson has held the office of Justice of the Peace for seven years, and has been School Director for fifteen years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He owns eighty acres of valuable land, and resides on Section 21. Mr. Whitson is also a minister uf the Gospel.

JAMES J. WILLIAMS, farming, P. O. Dix, was born April 29, 1822, in Bedford County, Tenn., a son of Moses Williams, of Bedford Country, Tenn., who moved to Marion County. 111., in the fall of 1849. Our subjec came to Jefferi^onl County in the spring of 1852. He is a;member of the L O .0. F., nlso of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been a local preacher for fifteen years. He was married, January 17, 1852,' to Miss Sophronia, daughter of Nathaniel Bryon, of Jefferson County, 111., and has had eleven children, nine living, viz., W. C, Mary A., Moses N., Sarah E., Sophronia L., Rosa C, Lavada J., Charles H. and James E. Mr. Williams has 140 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He went to school six weeks only, in Bedford County, Tenn., but he studied of nights at home to obtain an education. Politics, Democratic.

IGNATIUS ATCHISSON, farmer, P. O. Opdyke, was born in Georgia Jul}- 7, 1802, and was a son of Barton and Prudence (Nill) Atchisson, both natives of ^laryland. Our subject was the second of three children who left Georgia with the father when the former was only eight years oiti. The father settled in Smith County, Tenn., and there subject received his first education. When he was fifteen, the lather moved to Jetfer.son County, and settled near where subject now lives. Again the latter was permitted to attend school, but it was mainly the subscription school. On the home farm, subject remained until about twenty -two, and then started out in life on a Government improvement. There he remained two years, and then came to his present farm. He now owns 167 acres in Section 6. Town 4, Range -1 east, and of that all except about thirty acres is in process of cultivation. Mr. Atchisson was married in 1824 to Philadelphia Hopper, a daughter of Thomas Hopper, a native of Tennessee. This lady is the mother of ten children, six of whom are now living - Samuel (in Oregon), Thomas. Barton and Ignatius. Jr. (all farmers in this township), Winnie (wife of John Allan, of Spring Garden Township), Harriet (wife of James Marlow) ; this ladjdied in 1860. and he was married the second time, in August, 1863, to Mrs. Keziah Williams. Our subject has served his township as Justice of the Peace one or two terms. Was out three months in the Sp3" Battalion, one of the companies that was in the Black Hawk war. Is a Democrat in politics.

JOHN BURCHELL. farmer, P. 0. Opdyke. This gentleman was born in Rockingham County, N. C., May 5, 1823, and was a son of John and Ruthie (Grogin) Burchell, both natives of North Carolina. When subject was five months old, his parents moved to Hawkins County, Tenu., and there the former received his education. Subject assisted at home until twentyone, and then came to Jefferson Count}'. He arrived in Moore's Prairie Township November 7. 1840. and settled down about two miles from where he now lives. After nine jears' residence there, he came to his present farm, and now owns 280 acres, most of which is in Section 17, Town 4, Range 4 east. Mr. Burchell was married. November 10, 1852, to Mary Davis, a daughter of Lewis and Sarah Davis, both natives of Tennessee. This lady died June 10, 1855, and he was married the second time, January 25. 1857, to Minerva Jane Bingham, a daughter of David and Melinda Bingham, also of Tennessee. This lady is the mother of ten children - Harriet Alice (wife of Daniel W. Hughey). James P., Artemesia, Isabella (wife of James Adams), Lill}' E., George W., John A., Martin L., Dellie J. and Maude. Subject is a member of the Missionar}- Baptist Church, and a Republican in politics.

G. W. CLARK, farmer. P. 0. Belle Rive, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., October 6, 1841, and is a son of J. A. and Margaret (Beard) Clark, both natives of that State. Subject is the oldest of six living children, and obtained his education in the subscription schools of that county. He remained at home with his father until 1862, and then came to this county, and worked for a number of different farmers, among them James Waters. In 1868, he purchased his present property, and now owns 200 acres in Section 15, Town 4, Range 4 east. He has about 160 acres in cultivation, and two acres in orchard. Mr. Clark was married, January 19, 1873, to Jennie Mc- Carver, a daughter of ]Mrs. Margaret McCarver, and a native of Northern Arkansas. She is the mother of one child now dead. He is a member of^the Missionary Baptist Church. He has served as Township Supervisor. In politics, he is an Independent.

WILLIAM COFIELD, farmer, P. 0. Moore's Prairie, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., February 12, 1826. and is a son of Willis and Maria (Thomas) Cofleld. The father was a native of Virginia, and the mother was born in Kentucky. Subject was the second of R^-e children, and was brought, when a child of six years, to this county, where the father settled in Pendleton Precinct, about a mile east of Belle Rive. In the schools of that township, the son received his education. It was but limited, and our subject is truly what might be called a selfmade man. The father having died when subject was about sixteen years old, the latter, together with his two brothers, took charge of the home place. There he remained until twenty, and then started out in life on a pur chased farm, about two miles from his present place, and where Thomas Shipley now lives- There he remained twelve months, and then returned to Pendleton Township, and settled on the home farm. After living on that farm eighteen years, he again moved, and then settled on part of the tract of land that Belle Rive now occupies. In 1875, he left that farm and came to his present location, where he now owns a farm of 200 acres, situated in Sections 22, 23 and 27. He has about 190 acres in cultivation, and two acres in orchard. Mr. Cofield was married, on June 22, 1848, to Bruuetta Wiiky, a daughter of Maxy and Jennie Wilky, one of the oldest families in this county. She was the mother of three children, one of whom is now living - ^Thomas, now in Clinton County, 111. This lady died in January, 1854, and our subject was married the second time, to Nancy J. Laird, a native of Pendleton Township, and the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Tumbleson) Laird. Tiiis marriage resulted in ten children, six of whom are now living - W. H. (in Ottawa, Kan.), Leaton, Ransom. Charles Hannibal. Isabelle and Charity. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a Republican in politics.

C. H. JUDD, farmer, P. 0. Moore's Prairie. This gentleman was born in Gnyandotte, Cabell County, W. Va., December 7, 1835; he was a son of John T. and Doratha M. (Prosser) Judd. The father, who was a mechanic, was a native of New York, the mother, of Prince William County, Va. At the age of eight years, the father moved to Lawrence County, Ohio, where subject attended the free schools until about eighteen, and then attended the Marietta High School; he remained there two years. Then subject came to Jefferson County with his father, and settled in Moore's Prairie Township, where the father erected a saw and flouring mill, the first in this section of tiie country. When subject became of age, he became a partner in his father's mill, and soon after he assumed the entire charge of the concern. When the father died, in 1858, the estate was divided and the mill fell into the hands of the younger brother, Lewis Judd. Our subject then turned his attention to farming, and first settled on a farm of 120 acres, about two miles from his present location. There he remained about fourteen years. In 1873, he came to his present location. He now owns 300 acres in Section 21, Town 14, Range 14 east. In 1881, he erected what is considered to be the finest house in the county, at a cost of about $4,000, Subject was married, March 4, 1858, to Elizabeth Riddle, a daughter of Charles H. and Harriet (Irvin) Riddle. The mother was one of the daughters of Abraham Irvin, one of the earliest settlers in the southern part of the State. The result of this marriage was ten children, Leota V. (wife of T. N. Woodruff), John T., Nattie L., Dollie L., Lewis C. William T., Samuel CQuincy A.. Grade E. and Anna P. Mr. Judd has been Justice of the Peace four times. Township Supervisor several times, also Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. He is a Greenbacker in politics.

A. KNOWLES, farmer, P. O. Belle Rive, was born in Posey County, Ind., September 7, 1844, and is a son of Wiley and Minerva (Scott) Knowles. The father was born in Georgia, and the mother in Ohio. Subject was tiie seventh of ele\en children, and, when two years of age, his father came to this couutj* and settled about one mile from Spring Garden, in that township, where he now resides. Subject received a common school education, within the confines of that township, and afterward remained at home with his father until his twentieth year, when lu! started out on a trip of pleasure and observation. He was absent two years, and during tiie interval he visited fowa, Colorado. Utah, Wyoming Territory, Oregon and California. He was engaged a part of the time as a stockdriver. At San Francisco, he took a steamer, and from there sailed to the Isthmus, and, crossing it again, took a steamer to New York, and from there home again by way of Chicago. Soon after his arrival home, he commenced life for himself on a farm about one and a half miles from Spring Garden. On that farm he remained two years, and then came to his present farm, where he now owns 295 acres, situated in Sections 8 and 9, of Town 4, Range 4 east. 'Of this there are about 290 in cultivation and 3 acres in orchard. Mr. Knowles was married, February 26, 1867, to Harriet Smith, a native of this township, and a daughter of Jesse H. (whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work) and Jane (Bliss) Smith. The result of this marriage was five children, one only of whom is now living, Gertrude, born in September, 1879. Mr. Knowles is a Greenbacker in politics.

JOHN LOWRY, Sr., farmer, P. O. Dahlgren, Hamilton County. One of the oldest residents in this county is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, born in Warren County, Ky., May 3, 1803, a son of John and Elizabeth (Reese) Lowry. When three years old, his father brought him to what is now Coffee County, Tenn., then Franklin County. There our subject attended the subscription schools but slightly, but in after years he taught himself, and is trulj' a self-made man. Until he reached manhood's estate, he remained at home assisting some on the home farm and also in his father's cooper shop. January 25, 1824, he came to Hamilton County, this State, where he settled about three miles from his present location, and there he remained about one year. From there he came to his present farm, where he now owns 280 acres in Sections 7, 13 and 18, of Town 4, Range 4 east. Besides this, he also owns 86 acres in Town 4, of Range 5, Hamilton County, 52 acres within the present limits of the town of Dahlgren, Hamilton County, and 15 town lots in that town Of the whole, he now has about 160 acres in cultivation, and 2^ acres in orchard.

Mr. Lowry was married in Franklin County, Tenn., July 3, 1823, to Nancy Martin, a daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Dabney) Martin, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. This lady was the mother of fourteen children, the following of whom are now living, viz.: David, in Washington Territory ; John, in this township ; Thomas, in Hamilton County ; Elisha, in Stoddard Count}', Mo.; Jefferson, in business in the town of Dahlgren ; Sarah, wife of Zachariah Sinks, now in Texas ; Elizabeth, wife of Alfred Dees, of Bald Township; and Mary, wife of Gabriel Joins, of Hamilton County. She died November 16, 1880. and he -was married the second time, June 9, 1881, to Nanc}- Willis, a daughter of James and Nancy Willis, both natives of Virginia. One child is the result of this union, Susie, born May 20, 1882. Subject is a member of the Sugar Camp Baplist Church. Has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Constable, Township Trustee and School Trustee and Director. In the time of the old State Militia, dating from 1832, he was elected to the office of Lieutenant of a company, and held it for about five years. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk war under Beckerstoff In politics, he is a Democrat.

B. B. PETTYPOOL, farmer, P. 0. Opdyke, was born in Rutherford County ,Tenn., April 23, 1821, and was a son of Thomas and Mary ( Nixon) Pettypool. Subject was the second of six children, and is the only one now living of that number. When he was six years old, his father came to White Count}', 111., and settled in Hervel's Prairie Township. There subject was permitted to attend school but slightly, and is what might be trulj' called a self-made man. Helped on the home farm until eighteen, and then settled near his father's farm, but in the course of a year or two, his father having become old and infirm, he returned to the home place. In 1868, he came to Jefferson County, and settled on his present farm ; he now owns about 280 acres, 80 of which are situated in Sec- tion 21, 160 in Section 20, and 40 in Section 19. Of the whole piece, 240 acres are in cultivation. He has about six acres in orchard. Mr. Pett}-- pool was married, August 2, 1839, to Celia Mc- Geahej-, a daughter of Parent and Jeminiina (Pierce) McGeahej-, both natives of Tennessee. His lad}- was the mother of eight children, and of that number six are now living - Thomas, in ilffinghara County ; Frances, in White County ; Daniel, in White County ; Huldah ; Telitha, wife of John Hanle}- ; Sarah Ellen, wife of William Jones. The lady died January 15, 1856, and he was married, February 28, 1857. to Mrs. Mary Teachenor, a native of New York. She was the daughter of Reuben Catline, of that State, and the mother of five children, three of whom are now living - Joel, in Spring Garden Township ; Ezekiel, in Franklin County, Kan.; and Marshall, in Spring Garden Township. His second wife died October 2, 1876, and on July 4, 1877, he was united in marriage to Mary Jones, a native of this county, and a daughter of John and Mahala Jonss. She is the mother of three children, Leah, Dora and Hardin. Subject is a Democrat in politics. DAVID ROTRAMEL, farmer, P. 0. Moore's Prairie, was born in Logan Count}-, Ky.. April 8, 1814, and was a son of Henr}- and Keziah (Simpson) Rotramel. When our subject was five years old, his father moved to Wilson County, Tenn., and there the former attended the schools of that county. He remained on the home farm until 1837, and then came to Frankfort, Franklin Co., 111. He remained in that town until the next spring, and then commenced farming in that township. In 1846, he left Frankfort Township and went to Benton Township, same county, where he remained two years. In 1848, he came to Jefferson County, and first settled about two miles from where he now resides. In the year 1850, he entered a portion of his present farm, but did not move on the place for about seven years afterward. He now owns 200 acres. 120 of which are in Section 21, and eighty in Section 20, Town 4, Range 4 east. Of this all is in cultivation. Mr. Rotramel was married, January 25, 1847, to Mar}- M^-ers, a daughter of Christopher and Agnes (Bright) M^-ers, both natives of Tennessee. This lady was the mother of eight children, and of this number seven are now living - George Alice, wife of Richard Nooner ;. Florida, wife of Edward Burkhead ; Henry Olive, wife of William Hunter ; David Washington ; Arilla, wife of Oscar McClure ; William Lincoln and Richard Yates. Our subject is a Republican in politics. Has served as Township Commissioner.

JESSE H. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Opdyke. was born in Hickman Count}-, Tenn., September 14, 1823, and was a son of Isaac and Millie (Hassell) Smith, both of whom were natives of Tyrrel County, N. C. He was the youngest of nine children, and of that number but two are living - Joan, wife of a Mr. Ilarrell. of Spring Garden Township, and Jesse H., our subject. When he reached the age of six years, his parents moved to Jefferson County, 111., and settled in Spring Garden Township. In the schools of that county our subject received his education. In 1 843-44. at the request of his father, he attended the St. Louis Medical Institute, but never followed the practice of his profession. He came back home and worked on his father's farm until twenty-four, and then settled on a Government improvement in Spring Garden Township, and finally had about forty acres in improvement. After ten years' residence there, he came to his present farm, where he now owns 400 acres lying in Sections 8 and 18, Town 4, range 4 east, and of that 360 acres, are now in cultivation. Mr. Smith was married, March 30, 1847, to Eliza Jane Bliss, a daughter of Noah and Elizabeth (Martin) Bliss, of Vermont. This lady is the mother of ten children, seven of whom are still living - Harriet, wife of Ananias Knowles, of this township ; Florence, wife of Francis Knowles, of Spring

Garden Township ; Hubbard S., Cora, Kirby, Elnora and A. C. A son, L. D., died October 14, 1880. Mr. Smith has held numerous offices, among wliich are those of County Surveyor, County Coroner, Deputy Sheriff, Township Trustee, Supervisor and Assessor, also the different school offices. He is a member of Ham's Grove Grange, No. 1,604. He is connected with the Baptist organization. In politics, he is a Greenbacker.

JAMES WATERS, farmer, P. 0. Moore's Prairie, was born twelve miles east of Lebanon, the county seat of Wilson County, Tenn., March 7, 1815, and was a son of Shelleah and Nancy (Turner) Waters, both natives of Maryland. He was next to the youngest of thirteen children, and of that number our subject is the only one now living. After receiving a fair education, he assisted on the home farm until the age of twenty-four, and then came to Jefferson County, 111. On July 15, 1839, he settled on his present farm, and there remained eight years, and then went back to Wilson County, Tenn. There he remained until August 27, 1860, and then returned to Illinois, and again settled on the farm in this county September 5 of the same year. He now owns 280 acres ; 160 are in Section 28, 80 in Section 29, and 40 in Section 33. Of this all is in cultivation except about sixty acres ; there are also four acres in orchard. Mr. Waters was married, July 7, 1842, to Sarah Ann Estes, a daughter of John and Dicia M. (Jordan) Estes ; the father was one of the oldest settlers in Pendleton Township. To this lady were born three children, one of whom is now living - John Thomas. Mr. VVaters is a member of the United Baptist Church ; he is a Republican in politics.

JACOB P. WELLS, farmer, P. 0. Moore's Prairie, was born in Indiana County, Penn., January 26, 1840, and was a son of James and Elizabeth (Pierce) Wells, both natives of that State. Our subject received his education in the schools of that county, and at the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker in the town of Plumville, Penn., and remained with him three years, and then followed that trade for himself In 1861, he came to Rock Island County, 111., where he still follows his trade. In the spring of 1866, after the war was ended, he came to Franklin County, and settled there on a farm about six miles from his present location. There he farmed in the summer, and worked at the carpenter's trade in the winter. In the winter of 1871, he came to the place where he now resides, and soon after his arrival there purchased the saw and grist mill of Edward Choicer. This mill was continued in operation until it was destroyed by fire in 1877. Since then Mr. Wells has given his principal attention to farming. He now owns 240 acres, 180 of which are in Sections 26 and 35 of Town 4, Range 4 east, and 60 acres in Franklin County ; of the whole, there are about 200 acres in cultivation. Mr. Wells was married, March 1, 1861, to Emily A. Pilson, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William and Eliza (McCardle) Pilson. This lady is the mother of ten children - Clara (wife of Henry Pickel), Louis C. Elizabeth, James A., Hiley A., Charles T., Lydia A., Jessie W., Nellie R. and Ettie M.; nine of these are now living. At the breaking-out of the war, our subject, who was then at Rock Island, returned to his old home at Plumville, Penn., and enlisted in Company A of the Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, going out June 7, 1862, and remained in the service until July 13, 1865, when he again returned to Illinois. In politics, Mr. Wells is a Republican.

DR. JAMES HENRY WILKEY, physician and farmer, P. O. Moore's Prairie, one of the oldest native born citizens of this county, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, who was born here April 19, 1825, and was a son of Carter and Brunetta (Casey) Wilkey. The father was born in Walker County, Ga., in

1797. His father was a native of Scotland, and Carter in 1818 came to Mt. Vernon. He was a house carpenter by trade, also followed that of the cabinet-maker. In the early history of Mt. Vernou, he assisted in many public enterprises, among which was the erection of the first count}' court house in Jefferson Count}'. In 1840, he commenced studying for the practice of medicine, and as soon as his course was completed he located where our subject now lives. In that neighborhood he continued in active practice until his death, which occurred April 3, 1876. The mother was the daughter of Isaac Casey, one of the oldest pioneers of this county. Our subject received his education in the schools of Mt. Vernon Township, and at the age of seventeen he commenced reading medicine with his father. He continued his studies until he reached manhood's estate, and then after a year or so's practice with his father, he made his stand in Wayne County. He has since then practiced in Shadville, White County, Benton, Franklin County, Norris City, in White County, and then at Macedonia, in Hamilton County. While practicing, the death of his father occurred, and soon after that he returned to Jefferson County, and took up the mantle that had fallen from the shoulders of his father. He is now the only physician in that section. He practices over the counties of Jefferson, Hamilton and Franklin, and but tew fall under the magic touch of his skillful hand, and the care of his watchful brain, but to be improved and to bless the existence of our subject. Besides his practice, the Doctor owns quite a nice farm of about ninety acres, situated in Section 36, Township 4, Range 4 east. He now has about sixty acres in cultivation. The charge of this devolves mainly on the son - Thomas M. Dr. Wilkcy was married, February 25, 1847, in Hamilton County, to Lucy Goodwin, a daughter of John Goodwin, a native of Kentucky, This lady was the mother of two children, one of whom is now living - Thomas M., born March ], 1848, Her death occurred May 6, 1850, and subject was married the second time, in September, 1856, to Mary Ann Houseworth, a daughter of Jonathan and Rebecca Houseworth, both natives of Ohio, She was the mother of four children, and of this number there is also only one living - Peoria, wife of Louis Sheltoh, of Hamilton County. This lady died in 1863, and he was married the third time, December 2, 1865, to Emily Darnall, a daughter of James H. and Mary (Robenson) Darnall ; the father was a native of Tennessee, and tlie mother of Franklin County, this State, The result of this union was three children, two of whom are now living - James H,, born August 23, 1866, and Carter Wilkey, born March 10, 187G, In politics, subject is a Republican,

ELI R, YATES, farmer, P. O, Dahlgren, was born in Ilarailton County, 111., May 26, 1834, and is a son of Joseph and Nancy Campbell Yates, The father was a native of Kentucky, and the mother of Tennessee, Subject was the oldest of five children, four of whom are now living. He received his education, such as it was, in the subscription schools of that county. When sixteen years old, his fatiier died, and subject roved about for a number of years working for farmers in Wayne, Hamilton and Jefferson Counties, also in several counties in the northern part of the State, In 1859, he settled down on a farm in Wayne County, but only remained there about one year, and then came to this ooiuity, where he settled on his present farm. He now owns 110 acres situated in Section 1, Township 4, Range 4 east. Of this, about ninety acres are in cultivation, and about 4 acres in orchard. .Mr. Vales was married, January 13, 1859, to Martha Slielton, a native of this county, and a daughter of John W. and Margaret R. (Smith) Shclton. The father was a native of Kentucky, This lady was the mother of seven children, four of whom are now living - Isara Riley, Oley, Edward anil Lillie, Our subject is a member of the 31. E. Church of Dahlgren, Hamilton County, and a member of Dahlgren Lodije, No, 486, 1. O. 0, F, He is a Democrat in |)oliti(s.

Source changes here: from Wall's History of Jefferson County, Illinois, by Wall, John A, published 1909; 383 words in this source stream.

Field Township

is bordered on the north by Marion county, west by Rome township^ - both timber and prairie, good soil and a fair class of farmers. Casey's Fork and East creek are the principal streams, with others amply sufficient for drainage. It has no railroads nor public works, is simply agricultural. Among its first settlers were the Fields, for whom the township was named. There were Nathan, James and Henry. Thomas Jordan came early and kept tavern on the old Goshen road which ran through the township. James Foster, Maxwell and Dave Garrison were soon here and Alfred Finn, John and Ben Hawkins, D. Easley, were of the first settlers. John McConnell, a Mexican soldier, was a great stock raiser and noted farmer of this township. The township is well supplied with school-houses and churches and the citizenship of the township is a good average of any other in the county. John McConnell was its first Supervisor. Its present prominent people are the Garrisons, the Rollisons, the Hawkins, the Simmons, the Browns, the Howards, the Wimberlys, the Raynors, the Padgets, the Fraziers and others too numerous to mention. Oak Grove, Baptists, Mount Zion, Methodist, Panther Fork churches and another now building, show that the people of Field are keeping up with the procession, religiously, with schoolhouses plentiful. Texico, a nice little business place, is the capital, located on the Chicago & Eastern Railroad, near the county line.

from which we have already drawn much information given in other chapters, contains the county seat of the same name, and it will not be necessary to say much here. Only that the present city of Mount Vernon, which was not even laid out or platted when we began this history, lies in the southwest corner of the township with a disposition to "slop-over" into both Shiloh and Dodds townships, having reached the line of both by new additions. We have already given account of the doings of its first inhabitants and as the election just held shows that it contains about one-third of the vote cast in the county and no doubt one-third of the wealth, we will make no attempt in this place to "show " what it is doing, but will pass on. Mount Vernon township has three Assistant Supervisors, Will Reid IS Supervisor.